There's Something About Ginny

"When elephants fight it is the grass that suffers."

African Proverb

A few hours later, as the sun turned from a luminous fire into a flame smoldering in the horizon, Ginny was summoned to see Snape in the Order meeting room. She did not loathe the former potions teacher as did her closest brother, yet she could not help yet feel trepidation at the thought of meeting Dumbledore's killer for the first time since the attack. Yet of his courage, strength and loyalty she doubted not, nor of his knowledge, and with this thought did she comfort herself as she closed the door behind her.

Taking a seat across the black haired professor, Ginny could barely keep herself from flinching in surprise as she glanced upon his face, avoiding his eyes - he seemed to have aged years in solely a few weeks. He appeared weary, and troubled. She could not even bring herself to imagine what it must have taken to do as Dumbledore requested, and she doubted whether she would have been able to. Snape appeared to sense her feelings, and hence abruptly began to speak, getting straight to the point. "You are a clever witch, Miss Weasley," Snape said in a cold, clear voice. "Surely you understand what Voldemort would wish to attain an Alucinor for."

Ginny further lowered her eyes as she replied. "Actually sir," she began, "there is something that I do not understand." She sighed before she resumed her speech, presuming that her next question was a sure sign of ignorance. "What is the difference between Occlumency and Alucinor?"

She raised her eyes, expecting to see a smile of mockery upon his face. Yet the smile carved upon his features was full of bitterness and grim, and in the same tone he answered. "Occlumency can be barred bilaterally, yet Alucinor has no barrier but one. Even the best Occlumens can not stop Alucinor once he makes eye contact with one who possesses the ability. When one masters it, any information can thus be attained at will, even the feelings of the holder towards the knowledge." A moment of silence passed between them, and then Ginny whispered in a hushed tone "I can understand how that would affect your position, sir." A cynic smile was exchanged between the two. Severus had always been fond of the Weasley daughter, and not just because of the prophecy about her. At first he had harbored doubts as to whether she would be the one mentioned, yet Alucinor proved the first two lines flawlessly.

'Seven generations shall pass and the seventh born

shall reflect the darkness and mirror the soul'

The other two lines were indecipherable, and too dark to consider the possible interpretation. Snape had told none of the prophecy that solely he had heard Trelawney utter. Yet recent revelations made the second line clear, and all he could do was watch the powerful young witch struggle with her destiny - along with one other thing, which the bright redhead immediately picked up. "What do you mean by no barrier but one, sir?" she asked, as she attempted to conceal her hope, yet failed to hide her trembling hands from his sight.

Snape did not utter a reply. Instead, he reached into his black cloak, noticing Ginny jump at the threatening motion. He withdrew a small box made of black marble, handing it to the young witch.

Without waiting for her question, he replied. "It is known by very few that a certain rare stone can be bewitched to shield and prevent all forms of Occlumency. A certain... friend of mine was... kind enough to willingly hand one over to me..."

Ginny understood his tone, yet knew better than to ask. A sudden feeling of relief overcame her, and she thanked Severus greatly, unable to cease a tear from rolling down her cheek as she was overcome by her emotion. She had been certain that she was doomed to a life of caution and fear, yet Snape had saved her from that. She was simply speechless. Snape spoke instead as she tried to keep calm.

"I have attached the stone, Consisto, to a chain. All those who need to know are aware of it; there is no need to further share this information... Merlin forbid the Golden Trio finds out..."

"I understand sir," Ginny said.

"I have something to attend to. With luck, I shall return next week. I trust you to take care of yourself and keep discretion." Ginny nodded. "Be strong," he cautioned mysteriously, and then apparated from her sight.

His last two words to her rang within her mind as Ginny arrived at King's Cross, solely her mother at her side. The station was surprisingly full of men and women in odd clothing with their luggage-laden children at their sides, all obviously Hogwarts students. Ginny smoothed down her emerald summer dress, suddenly feeling a strange premonition that she was being watched by malevolent eyes. She dismissed it as stress, worry of starting a new year without a Weasley at her side. She glanced across the crowd again, and then time seemed to stop. Harry, with his black hair and green eyes, was running towards her, Harry was shouting something at her... a look of horror then crossed his features, and before he could reach her several friendly looking wizards in a corner immediately lavished black cloaks, and a sudden blast shook the building.

There was blood everywhere... screams... a shout... moans of pain... It was almost surreal. This can't be happening... Ginny thought frantically. This cannot be happening! Recalling Diagon Alley, Ginny looked up and saw the very thing which she dreaded: the colossal skull of smoke, hovering above the death and destruction. It was made of emerald stars with a serpentine tongue coming out of its mouth, and Ginny knew exactly what it meant.

Her neck was aching, her head pounding... Ginny looked down and immediately felt a wave of sickness overcome her. There were body organs all over the ground, and in the distance she could see Harry dueling with two Death Eaters. Near them was a small body lying face down in a pool of blood. It all became too much for Ginny, and she felt herself gradually losing consciousness.

As she fell, a man under an invisibility cloak grabbed her, apparating into the darkness.