Becoming a ghost is a choice in my world, Will. [The defense is soft, but firm.] But very few people choose it. I wouldn't.
[Ginny follows his gaze out to the water, her chin resting in her hand and as the other traces a fingertip along the wall's edge to draw focus away from the urge to take her wand from her hair. It's a comfort thing. But thinking of the war brings a tightness to her throat; she accepted the idea that she may die in the battle long before her future was revealed to her here, by Harry. She knows she'll lose family and friends. She knows she'll wish they chose to stay tethered to the earth for the first few days of mourning, but that's not an afterlife she'd want for them.
When the City gave them Fred with icy skin and a silent heart, it broke hers, but she clung to the stolen time they had. Even in magic, death is death and it shouldn't be tampered with in the way the City does. But she won't lie and say she hates the rules in that regard, either. Maybe it's selfish. But she is also a sister who loves her brother.]
We'd all like to leave here, but speaking from personal experience? Getting caught up in mortal peril in the City isn't always avoidable. I've managed to stay alive and keep my heartbeat―and I've certainly come damn close to losing it, too―but I know people who haven't been as lucky. [Pause.] If you'd call what the City does luck at all.
[And then, riding on the heels of a sigh,]
I've seen the dead leave here, too, though. That's the odd thing.
action;
[Ginny follows his gaze out to the water, her chin resting in her hand and as the other traces a fingertip along the wall's edge to draw focus away from the urge to take her wand from her hair. It's a comfort thing. But thinking of the war brings a tightness to her throat; she accepted the idea that she may die in the battle long before her future was revealed to her here, by Harry. She knows she'll lose family and friends. She knows she'll wish they chose to stay tethered to the earth for the first few days of mourning, but that's not an afterlife she'd want for them.
When the City gave them Fred with icy skin and a silent heart, it broke hers, but she clung to the stolen time they had. Even in magic, death is death and it shouldn't be tampered with in the way the City does. But she won't lie and say she hates the rules in that regard, either. Maybe it's selfish. But she is also a sister who loves her brother.]
We'd all like to leave here, but speaking from personal experience? Getting caught up in mortal peril in the City isn't always avoidable. I've managed to stay alive and keep my heartbeat―and I've certainly come damn close to losing it, too―but I know people who haven't been as lucky. [Pause.] If you'd call what the City does luck at all.
[And then, riding on the heels of a sigh,]
I've seen the dead leave here, too, though. That's the odd thing.