Bad [Harry Potter Fanfiction] (Bad Series: 1)

4 | A break with friends

A loud crash and a curse startled Ginny. A voice filtered through, and she fought a grin, hurrying to unlock her fireplace. It roared to life. Neville Longbottom's dirty blond hair appear in the green flames first then his face, a frown on his lips. His gaze landed on her.

"Ginny. You're late." His eyebrows furrowed. "You didn't forget did you?"

"No." She leaned back on the couch.

"Why'd you lock your fireplace? You knew I might be coming."

She grinned but didn't say anything.

"Never mind. I'll have Hannah bring your usual."

"Fantastic. I'll be there in ten minutes." She got to her feet and stretched. She needed this break. "And a Butterbeer. I've had a wretched day."

With a nod, his head disappeared from the flames.

She rolled her neck as she walked to her bedroom. After leaving the Ministry, she'd rushed home to her flat instead of the room at the Leaky Cauldron. She knew it was impossible that Harry would recognize her, but she couldn't help it. The fear of getting caught roared through her, but more than that, the excitement of wrongdoing drowned that out. And the more she thought about the Ministry and this job, the more that feeling grew in her.

What would the artifact be? she wondered as she turned the shower on. Would it be small enough for her to snatch it with her hands? A spell would work, but with her own two hands would cement the gratification of the act. 

If not, she would work around that. She had a handful of spells that could be used in that situation, a few potions as well. But the more magic she used, the messier the job could get. The truest way to go about it would be a mixture of steps between the muggle and magical way.

And she'd learned a little bit more with every job she'd pulled over the last few years. All of them making it easier for her, making her comfortable, and leading up to this job. 

The importance behind it was intoxicating. 

With it looming on the horizon, the question about what came after came to mind. She could retire and never steal another thing again.

But where was the fun in that?

Slipping under the warm water, she grinned. After, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a red jumper. She dried her hair and braided it. Walking into her living room, she stared at the mess of papers, blueprints, and newspaper clippings. With a flick of her wand, she gathered all the papers into hand then slipped them into her bag. 

After leaving her flat, she put up her protection wards and apparated to the Leaky Cauldron.

As always, the pub was crowed when she stepped through the door. For a moment, she stopped and took it in. The hustle and bustle of the place as reminded her of home and Hogwarts and warmth. She spotted Neville and Luna at a table by the bar, deep in conversation. Neville's hands danced between them while Luna's gaze shot around the pub. She noticed Ginny and smiled.

Ginny returned it then stepped right into Hannah Abbott, who stumbled but the floating tray of Butterbeers didn't even waver. Ginny winced. "Sorry."

"Welcome, Ginny! It's so great to see you!" she said, laying a hand on her shoulder and smiling. "Neville and Luna are already seated. Go on ahead, and I'll be with you all in a second." And then she was off without another word. 

Ginny walked over and slid into a chair. Luna reached over and squeezed her hand, her wand sticking out of her messy bun. Some things never changed.

"Hey," Neville said.

Ginny's heart swelled. She missed them so much. She hadn't seen them since Luna's wedding six months ago to Rolf, the famous Newt Scamander's grandson. They owled, of course, but she'd been so busy with her traveling and recon and projects, and each of them with theirs, that they hadn't been able to get together. But the truth was, she was a rubbish best friend.