Ginny looked around the atrium to the Ministry of Magic. She had come here with her mom who brought some things that her Dad had needed from home. He wasn’t home much these days. The Ministry was on high alert since the war with Voldmort had gotten worse. Ginny was due to leave for Hogwarts in a few more days. She had been lonely since Hermione, Ron and Harry had left to go on their mission. Wishing she could have gone with them, Ginny let out a big SIGH.
Molly was arguing with the wizard behind the security desk. He was under orders not to let anyone who didn’t have official business with the ministry in past the security desk. It was part of the new security measured in place to keep the Ministry safe. Molly considered delivering a hot meal and clean clothes to her husband official business.
Ginny took a seat on a bench across from the desk. She could tell that they would be there for a while.
What dangers were Harry, Hermione, and Ron facing right now? She knew that they were highly involved in the war against Voldemort, whether the Ministry knew it or not. Harry had promised to stay safe, but she knew that was just to appease her. There was no where that was safe these days, and she knew he was in more danger then almost anyone else. Voldemort wanted to get his hands on Harry more then any other person alive.
Ginny felt it was unfair that Ron and Hermione were able to accompany him. She knew she was younger than and not as experienced as they were, but still wanted to help. Watching them leave with a heavy heart, she had almost felt her heart break. Hermione and Ron were hand in hand as they followed Harry down the path away from the Burrow.
As she sat, lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice a kindly looking wizard with salt a pepper hair sit down next to her. She jumped when she heard his voice next to her ear.
“You look like you are having very deep thoughts, for one so young,” he said with a grin.
Ginny looked up into kindly green eyes. His face was very jolly, and though a bit worn, she could tell it was with love and happiness.
“Kids my age have to grow up quickly these days. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t lost some friend or loved one to the Death Eaters and Voldemort.” Her eyes filled up with tears knowing Harry could be one of those lost.
Ginny was surprised when he didn’t jump or flinch at Voldemort’s name.
“I have a feeling that it isn’t someone you have lost that worries you. You have some young man out there fighting in this war don’t you?” There was look of gentleness and understanding in his eyes.
Ginny couldn’t understand how he could be so insightful, but knew his words were true. She was worried about her Dad and brothers. She had a feeling that they all wouldn’t live to see the end of this war. Her family was too much in the center of it, but her mind kept going back to Harry.
“How could you tell?” She had a look of wonder on her face.
“That I can’t totally explain. Let’s just say, it is because of the work that I do. I work in the Department of Mysteries, in the most sacred of rooms. Love is at the center of what I do. My name is Declan Hurst. I should have introduced myself from the start.” He had a great big grin that was infectious on his face.
Ginny gave a small grin back. “I’m Ginny Weasley. My Dad works here and Mom is trying to wage a war with that wizard over there!”
“Ah, one of Arthur’s children. I know who you are worried about. Harry has the love of most the wizarding world behind him. Love saved him once. Love will save him again. Until you meet up with him again, know that he is right here.” Declan pointed to her heart.
“When you miss him, or those with him, picture the happy times. Don’t focus on the bad. If we let the madness of this war get in the way of happiness and love, then those we fight will truly have won,” Declan said with a serious look.
Ginny contemplated on his words for a few moments. Then she looked him in the eye again. She drew in a sharp breath. His green eyes reminded her so much of Harry’s.
Declan looked deep into her troubled eyes and started chanting:
“The gleam of love is in your eyes,
Keep it there through troubled skies.
It will be there in your heart,
Don’t let locks keep it apart.
When love is not allowed to flourish,
Happiness will surely perish.
Gloom and hate will nourished be,
The dark is all your heart will see.
If a beam of light shines through,
It changes what you thought you knew.
If the fire is well tended,
The hate and gloom shall soon be ended.”
Ginny was once more speechless. This stranger had given her lots to think about. She had to dwell on the good times, even though there were so many dark times. The dark times made the good times even more cherished. She hoped that she would be able to live a long loving life with Harry. If she could keep her spirits up and those around her as well, they stood a better chance of getting out of this war happy and loving people. Times like this truly tested them; they could let the bad times ruin them or make them stronger. She vowed she would be stronger, and still the happy girl she had always been at the end of it all.
Declan nodded as if he knew what she was thinking. “I better get off to my work. It was nice meeting you Ginny.” He looked over to where Molly was and added, “It looks like your mom is ready to be about her business also.”
Ginny jumped up off the bench when she saw her mother beckoning for her to follow her up to her dad’s office. Before she left, she threw her arms around Declan in a big bear hug. He returned it a lot more gently. The infectious grin was back on his face.
“Thank you! You have made me feel much better about not being able to help Harry at this time. Maybe by just loving him, I am helping! Bye!” Ginny almost skipped behind her mom as they headed towards the lift.
Ginny felt like a huge weight had been taken off her shoulders. Just because things were not as she wished them to be, didn’t mean she had to be upset. She would still be sad at times, and feel the effects of the war, but she would face it with whatever joy and happiness she could muster. That way Voldemort will never be able to win!
