Family Ties

The living room was cast in an soft orange glow as the fire flickered and spat quietly. Harry and Ginny sat quietly watching as the flames danced, forming patterns and the occasional scenes of war as Barty leisurely flicked his wand at the fire. Hermione sat on the rug leaning against his knee and watching his display.



Ginny let out a soft sigh and pushed her face further into Harry’s jumper, breathing deeply and slowly. So far their stay at the Crouch Manor had been quiet. No notes, or suspicious occurrences, it was as though the dark magic circles had lost track of them. If that was the case then it was good news for everyone.



Barty lowered his wand and placed it back in his jacket pocket, which lay over the back of the sofa. Reaching down he stroked a hand over Hermione’s hair and to her face, gently cupping her chin and drawing her gaze to him.



“That was a gorgeous dinner,” He said, running his thumb over her bottom lip, “shame Binky wouldn’t let you cook more than the sauce.”



“One day we’ll explain shared responsibility to her.” Hermione replied, pulling herself up and onto his lap, curling her body around him.



“How’re you feeling Ginny?” Barty asked, watching as her face seemed to change through several emotions in quick succession.



“Like I’m going to pop,” She took a deep breath and released it raggedly, “Hermione…”



Hermione heard something in that utterance of her name and pulled herself up and off Barty’s lap to move to where Ginny sat leaning against Harry, “What is it Gin?”



“I feel funny,” Harry carefully turned to support her in his arms as she took another ragged breath, “It’s like… I feel butterflies but… they’re angry.”



“Angry butterflies?” Hermione turned to Barty who was sitting forward now, his eyes trained on Ginny. “Ginny,” he continued, “Aren’t you due in another three weeks?”



“I see what you’re thinking.” Hermione turned to Ginny, “Are you feeling any pain?”



“No?” Ginny said uncertainly, “It’s a sensation like… I’m being pulled at by strings… in here.” She pointed to her torso in general not just her stomach.



“I’ve never heard of that,” Hermione looked uncertainly at Barty who had much the same confused expression on his face.



“I think we should call a Doctor, see if one will come to us rather than risk taking her to Saint Mungo’s. I don’t think we should move her.” Barty looked at Harry and understood that Harry wanted to stay, “I’ll go to Saint Mungo’s. Bring one back with me if I can, in the least a midwife.”



“Right, be quick.” Hermione said, taking Ginny’s wrist to feel her pulse. It was what she thought to be normal as she timed it with her wrist watch. “Harry,” She asked, “Can you get me the thermometer out of the drawer?”



“Sure,” Her replied, climbing to his feet and moving away.



Ginny suddenly gripped onto Hermione’s wrists with both hands, her grip painful, “Hermione!” She said beginning to jerk in a manner Hermione had never witnessed before.



“What is it?” Harry came rushing back.



But not in time.



They both disappeared. Ginny had appeared to slump into the couch further dragging Hermione with her and then… nothing. They just weren’t there anymore. Harry futilely pulled the cushions off, checked every where around it before running into the house shouting their names in hope they hadn’t gotten out of the wards. He didn’t know how long he’d run around in a panic before Barty had tackled him to the ground.



“Harry where are they?” Barty insisted, holding Harry still as he fought to get back onto his feet.



“I… they just… she’s gone!” Harry managed, still fighting, “Get off me! I have to find her!”



Barty sat back and allowed Harry to do as he pleased. Barty’s mind was already working on double time. How? It was impossible. There was no way. He’d done everything. Checked every possibility. He still had the memories of a dark wizard, knew the angles they’d try and yet…



He’d lost her.