Sorry for the short chapter, but I hope you like it! I'll try to get updating faster, bit of a busy week! Enjoy & let me know what you think! x

Chapter Thirteen

The next morning I awoke to the sound of crashing waves and the smell of salty air. It almost felt like a dream. It was the first time I slept in a real bed in weeks. Selina was sound asleep across the room. I didn't bother waking her as I got up and slid my shoes on. Once I was dressed I made my way downstairs. It smelt of banana bread and my stomach growled. It was nice to have real food. As I stepped towards the kitchen I spotted people standing out on the back deck. The back of their heads were too familiar and joyful tears filled my eyes.

Sharply turning from the kitchen I ran out the open doors. "Idella! Charlie!" I exclaimed in excitement tackling the two into a tight hug. They hugged me back just as excited. I looked up to see Kent smiling. It was so great to see their faces. They were safe.

"Don't ever disappear on me again!" Idella yelled while hugging me. I noticed she trimmed her wild red hair, but other than that she looked the exact same. Charlie was much paler than I remember but then again, he likely hasn't had as much time to tan.

"We were going to wake you but after we heard what happened, figured you needed to sleep in," Charlie said looking at me. "But you're okay now?" Typical Charlie, always worrying about everyone else. Despite the cool act he put on at school, he was overly kind on the inside.

"I'm even better now," I answered looking at the two. Since they already heard what happened I didn't need to repeat my story. Kent was in a deep conversation with Lupin once more so Idella, Charlie, and I went for a walk on the coast. At first I made them tell me everything. Idella went on a mission with Charlie Weasley, Eric Stanley, and Arthur Weasley to contact creatures. That sounded right up her alley, but she expressed it was difficult. I remember Eric Stanley was boy she danced with at the wedding. The way she spoke of him gave me the impression that she was really liking him. Maybe she was finally over Colin. Charlie then told me how his assignment was cancelled due to the fact he was wanted for arrest from being muggle born. Instead he was assigned to a boring intelligence job.

When we got back Selina came down to join us. "What is she doing here?" Idella asked quickly. They must have forgot to leave that part out that she came back with us.

"Staying safe," I responded as we got closer. "I'm pretty sure I'll be in debt to Cole for eternity now." I gave her a smile and shrugged. He wasn't asking much by having me keep my cousin safe. We walked near her.

"Hi," Idella greeted in a dull tone. The two were never friendly but I was impressed Idella even managed to say hi.

"Glad to see you're safe," Charlie said calmly. Idella and I turned to look at him in surprise. Last year he could barely speak a sentence to her without gawking at her. Now it was like he was talking to just anyone.

"You too," Selina replied as Fleur called her. "See you." I was even impressed with Selina's kind responses to my friend.

"Assuming you're finally over her?" I said turning to Charlie with a laugh. He shrugged with an amused grin. "Never thought this day would come."

"He's moved on," Idella said in a teasing tone.

"Oh really? And who is this girl?" I asked interested. Charlie blushed, well that was a first.

"Luna Lovegood. The blonde girl from the wedding."

"Really?" I asked in quick surprise. Charlie quickly looked at me. "Not that there is anything wrong with her!" I defended. "I just mean, she's different than your usual type, you know?" He nodded in agreement.

"Different is good," Charlie said with a grin. I truly was surprised by his new crush. Charlie's main love was always Selina. It wasn't really love, more like an infatuation with her. And the girls he actually got with only lasted up to a few weeks and all had Selina like personalities. With nothing against Selina, no wonder he wanted different considering his relationships never lasted. Maybe different would be better for him.

We had a large dinner that night. I sat in between Kent and Idella. Charlie was across from me. The only one missing was my father. Even Selina joined us. As normal we tried to avoid the subject of the war but it was difficult. Fred and George were back at the Burrow with Molly. So tonight only Arthur and Remus came by to speak with Bill. Lately the Prophet has been attacking Harry Potter and shedding a bad light on him. There was even an article on me. I was labeled as 'Dangerous'. At least I didn't have to worry about keeping anymore secrets, now everyone knew about me having control over flames. Kent told me it was nothing to worry about. Anyone with their head on straight knew the Prophet was practically Death Eater propaganda. "How's mum?" Bill asked looking at Arthur.

"Hanging in there," Arthur admitted truthfully. "She is worried about Ron. I keep telling her with Harry and Hermione he is alright." Everyone nodded in agreement. "Ginny gets back tomorrow," he told us all changing the subject. "It will be interesting to hear how Hogwarts was."

"Especially with Snape as Headmaster," Bill added.

"And the Carrows," Remus said. "I'm sure she will have much to tell us."

We were all eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ginny. Mr. Weasley assured us that right as she got back they would apparate to Shell Cottage. Ginny didn't write much as everyone assumed. It was freezing outside but the view was beautiful. Kent, Idella, Charlie, and I were all sitting on the back deck watching the waves.

Selina felt out of place so stayed up in her room which we now shared with Idella. "Someone's here," Fleur called to us with a knowing smile. All of us got up and made our way to the living room. Idella tackled Ginny into hug.

"So great to see you!" Idella said to her. "How was Hogwarts?" Ginny gave us all a kind smile but it was clear something was bothering her.

"Well...different," Ginny admitted. Fred and George came along Arthur and Ginny. Bill and Fleur entered into the room. "Horrible actually." She told us how different it really was. Of course I had nothing to compare it to since I never attended Hogwarts but it sounded terrible. Students were placed under the cruciatus curse as punishment...by other students. Snape was changing everything. Ginny said everyone was living in fear and never came out of their dorms unless they had class or a meal. She told us they continued to secretly practice, risking exposure. "And the attack on the train..." Mr. Weasley's face darkened as I figured she explained this to him already.

"What attack?" Idella asked.

"It was kept out of the paper of course," Ginny said rolling her eyes. "The Death Eaters intercepted our train on the way home. They were searching for anyone who knew anything on Harry."

"But no one was hurt?" Bill pressed.

"Not really," Ginny said uneasy and then looked around. Her eyes briefly landed on Charlie but she turned her head quickly. "I'm sure you'll hear soon, someone was taken."

"What?" Bill asked again. "Who?"

"Er," Ginny said. "Luna." Without realizing I turned to look at Charlie. Idella placed a hand on his shoulder. It looked as if someone punched him in the stomach. Horror appeared on his face.

"Taken her? Why would they take Luna?" Fleur asked confused.

"We think it has something to do with what her father has been writing in his paper. The Quibbler declared that they supported Harry Potter. We sense the Death Eaters weren't too happy about that," Mr. Weasley explained. No one knew what to say. Bill changed the subject. Charlie left the room without saying anything. We left him alone for a few moments before going to comfort him. He really did like Luna.

Christmas came quickly. It was a broken Christmas. Everyone put on a happy face, but everyone was missing something inside. I missed my father. Idella even missed her family. Charlie was upset about his parents being so far away. Kent of course lost his Grandfather. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were missing. Ginny, her parents, Fred, and George came to celebrate with us. Selina didn't participate much but she did help Fleur cook Christmas dinner. Everyone put on a happy face, but inside we were all missing something. Another month passed and no word on how anyone was doing. No one was safe.