#immediately post war

[bluejaeflies-blog]

Ginny-centric Drabble

The pain was something that they all expected, but when the war ended, it was different. It reached deep into the bones of every witch and wizard. The loss left an empty ache and a silence in its wake. 

After months of rebuilding, healing, and mourning, Hogwarts was reopening. Ginny knew that she had to return. Even if not all of her friends would. Even if the halls would be haunted by the war’s victims and her own memories. Ginny had a dream, and she had a responsibility to the next generation. For that she would have to finish her education.  After her calmest, final trip to Diagon Alley as the last Weasley at Hogwarts, she returned. Sharing a room with Hermione was new, and most of the four-poster beds were empty. Instead of sitting in the awkward common room after the feast, Ginny pulled a map out of her robes. Harry had given her the old map, and she used it to escape from the castle. Her red hair was noticeable, so she covered it with her hood before entering Hogsmeade.  Ginny gasped when a hand grabbed her wrist. She whipped around, wand drawn and a curse already on her lips. 

“It’s me, just me!” A familiar voice exclaimed. She blinked as Harry’s head appeared before her. 

“Harry!” Ginny swatted at Harry, but leaned into his side. “You should know better.”

“Come on,” Harry laughed and grabbed her hand. He tugged her into the trees, then wrapped his arms around her. “How was it?”

“Quiet,” she rested her head against his shoulder. “We’re missing so many...”

“I know. But you have Hermione, and Luna.”

“How’s George?” Ginny asked suddenly. 

Harry sighed and breathed in, his nose pressed against her hair. “As expected. We cleaned out their flat for him. He’s moving in with Ron and me, we’ll all be nearby.”

Ginny nodded. It wasn’t as comforting as it should have been, but she wasn’t surprised. Each day started differently. Some felt normal, others she woke with a deep ache that made it hard to breathe. She knew that Hermione did the same. She’d heard the remnants of her nightmares. 

“Time, Gin, time,” he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Come for a pint of butterbeer with me for now.”

[yetanotherdrarrylist]

"I...you know me, Harry, I'm normally much more gentle than I was last night and than I'm going to be right now, but-" Harry shook his head, leaning it back against the door, his hands coming out to grip the front of Draco's shirt again. "No. I mean, I know, but I don't care. I don't...I just need to feel you, okay?" Draco stared at him for a beat before nodding.

[yetanotherdrarrylist]

After the war, Harry learns he can use his influence to save people, no matter if those people want to be saved or not. He never thought Draco Malfoy would be one of those people. He certainly didn't think of the consequences that could follow it. “Sometimes,” Malfoy began, in a low, honest whisper “I just want to know what it’s like to be you.”