I don't own Harry Potter, hence not magnificently written: ENJOY... and please review. I appreciate feedback.
Time heals all wounds
or at least this one
"I'm not scared of you." The question coming out of any other mouth would have been out of place, but coming out of hers it showed only curiosity and kindness. Kneeling beside Ginny Weasley was a girl with straggling blonde hair and paled, intense eyes. Eyes that somehow managed to understand. Startled at the quiet voice, Ginny lowered her eyes and muttered almost unintelligibly,
"You should be. My family can't even look at me the wrong way. They're afraid that I-ii'll –" She gulped, and rephrased, "You should be scared of me. I could have killed myself. I could have killed you." What Luna did next completely shocked Ginny Weasley. She grasped Ginny's trembling hands and held them tightly.
"You didn't." She declared unflinchingly. Ginny lifted her gaze. Luna continued, "It was all Tom Riddle. You didn't choose any of it. You are strong, Ginny. You are brave."
Ginny shook her head. Luna gazed deep into her eyes. There was so much fear. So much mistrust. Would she ever be okay? Would it ever be just a memory?
"You look like you could use a friend, Ginny." A faint snort could be heard, surprisingly lighthearted.
"You think. It should amaze me that I haven't made a single friend this year, but it doesn't. Sometimes, I wish I died in the Chamber. I would have deserved it" she muttered pitifully.
"I don't think that's true. I'll be your friend, if you let me. Most people don't. They think I am strange; 'looney' they call me. I need you here".
"Okay, I guess we need each other." For the first time since the chamber, a flicker of hope returned in her eyes. Her mouth moved as if to smile, but Ginny couldn't quite remember how. Professor Dumbledore looked onwards, with tears in his eyes. He knew now that everything would be alright in the end.
Another school year had passed and gone. Another year of immeasurable challenges, anxious late nights. But also another year revealing so much bravery and sacrifice. As Dumbledore looked back; he was grateful that once again Lord Voldemort had been delayed in his search of life. He knew he musn't dwell on what ifs but he couldn't help it. What if Harry and Ron hadn't figured out the missing puzzle piece? What if they got to the Chamber of Secrets to late. What if poor Ginny Weasley was dead, and in her place stood Tom Riddle. But that did not happen, Ginny was spared physical harm. It would take longer, but she would heal mentally as well.
It would become just a memory