Linger | C.D.

1. {News}

It's been almost 3 years.

I flipped the page of my book and dipped my quill in the ink at the left corner of my desk to underline a passage.
"This is brilliant." I said under my breath. I'd always had a love for books. I'd have to show Ginny this book I'd found later. Light poured in from the window near me, heat radiating from the weathered glass. The Burrows had been rebuilt since the attack last year and although it was strikingly similar, it wasn't the same. Mrs. Weasley knew it too. Ginny walked in and pushed a strand of hair sticking to her forehead to the side.
"I'm going to need your help this year. Are you up for dealing with my stupid questions?" I chuckled, setting my quill down and noticing ink staining my index finger. Damn.
"They're not stupid questions, Ginny. You're trying to catch up and I'm sure they'll be pleased to see you've finished all your work early."
"I wish I was as good as you in potions. My marks are subpar." I rolled my eyes and lifted a brow at her. Ginny had been given extra time to catch up after the Burrows had burnt down last year. Her marks across the board were barely passing but once I volunteered to help her after hearing Snape berate her, it seemed to be alright. I was one of the few that Snape actually tolerated. I liked potions class.
"Don't worry about it. I'll help you and don't be afraid to come and find me for help. Tilly won't mind." Tilly and I became friends last year after talking about our mutual frustration with transfiguration. For some reason she intimidated Ginny even though she wouldn't outright admit it.
"Alright. Well the wedding is going to start in a few hours so would you mind helping me pick something?" I got up and followed her to the closet across the room, catching sight of a head of dark hair ascending the stairs.
"You clean up well there, Potter." I teased, his eyebrows furrowing.
"I bet I'll be a right sight better than you, Samuels."
"You're barking." I scoffed, pushing my hair over my shoulder. His footsteps sounded as he descended the staircase, probably going to search for food. Harry and I weren't as close as Tilly and I but I definitely considered him a good friend. Sometimes he'd come to me if he was having a rough time and I'd listen not only because I cared but because I felt like I owed it to him. I'd never tell him that.
"Jo, will you please focus? I need to find something decent." I shook my head, Ginny's voice bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Sorry, what are the options?"

~

Bill & Fleur's wedding was sweet, and the food was amazing. I could eat if you know what I mean. I groaned and placed my hand over my bloated stomach, turning to Hermione.
"I think you're going to have to clean up tonight when I explode to bits all over this place." She chuckled, taking a sip from her class.
"I told you not to eat that last piece of meat, Joanna." I cringed at her use of my dreaded full name and scrunched my nose.
"Now I'm really going to vomit, Hermione Jean."
"Oh hush."
"That dessert looks amazing though doesn't it?" Hermione lifted a brow and shook her head, throwing her hands up.
"I don't know how you do it. Let me go get you some water so you can wash that down to make room for cake." She got up and I smiled, patting my stomach.
"You're a dream, Hermione. D'you know that?" Her red dress swished as she made her way through the crowd of guests clapping as Bill and Fleur danced. I spotted Harry talking to a grey haired man and smoothed out my dress. Seemingly out of nowhere, a blue orb of light came through the tent, a voice booming.
"The Ministry of Magic has fallen. The Minister of Magic is dead. They are coming. They are coming." I stood up, scanning the room for my friends. Shouts and exclamations exploded as chaos broke out in the tent, Bill and Fleur holding each other close. Bill held Fleur's delicate white face in his large hands, saying something to her too far away to hear. She nodded, pressing her forehead to his and I looked away.

Black shadows shot into the venue, curses flying every which way. I spotted Ginny and felt the side of my ribcage, lugging my wand out from the band of my bra. Flashes of red and blue and even green zipped near me, the Aurors trying their very best to fight the Death Eaters.
"Ginny!" Harry shouted, rushing towards her as she fought off some unknown Death Eater but Lupin pushed him back.
"GO!" Harry looked at him, indecision clear on his face as Hermione joined her hands with him and Ron. They apparated with a crack, going somewhere far from here. I was relieved.

~

"Come on!" Tilly tugged me through the crowd, Ginny not far behind. Tilly's pin straight mousy hair obstructed my view and I huffed.
"I hope you know where to get that Potions book, Tilly. It's our last year and I need to have my things in order on time." Diagon Alley was slightly congested with Hogwarts students even with several Death Eaters present. Ever since we learned Snape was headmaster, we didn't expect anything less than increased Death Eater presence. We only had a few days left before we had to go back this term.
"Don't worry, J." She led us into a small shop, walking straight to the back and grabbing two copies of our textbook.
"Thanks. Ginny have you got everything? I am sure your mother will be expecting us back soon." Ginny nodded and I handed Tilly money to pay for my copy.

She was just handing me my book when I heard a commotion from the front of the store. People moved to avoid a man I knew well who tumbled through. Amos. He adjusted his glasses on his crooked nose, eyes frantic as he grabbed my arm.
"Thank god I found you. It's happened, Joanna." I furrowed my brows, confused by what he'd just said.
"He's awake, Joanna. Cedric's awake."