My First Fanfiction

Chapter One:First Year

Ginny Weasley stood nervously in her bedroom, pulling her hand through her perfectly straight, trait Weasley-red locks in her miniature mirror. She was a small, pale girl with horrible freckles sprinkled across her plain face. She hated how ordinary she looked when her personality often said otherwise, but she knew when Harry Potter arrived, she would be too nervous to be even have much of a personality at all around him.

She had overheard Ron, Fred and George's plan to sneak her father's flying car to rescue him from his family so that Harry could stay with them over the summer. Harry hadn't responded to any of Ron's letters. Her friends Rebecca and Julia, had questioned her consistently about Harry ever since they had discovered that he was one of Ron's best friends. She had resorted with giving them as much information she knew about Harry, which was pretty much the same as everyone else in the wizarding world as she had not met him properly herself yet.

She worried that Harry would only think of her as Ron's little sister, as she, like Rebecca and Julia, had developed a massive crush on him. He was the boy every witch she knew of her age dreamed about and this year, she was going to Hogwarts with him! How nerve wracking was that?

Suddenly she heard her mother yelling and she knew they must have arrived. She had gone down earlier to eat breakfast so that she wouldn't have to be in Harry's presence for very long. Instead she had started packing her trunk for Hogwarts, all of her spell books, her cauldron, and her pots of ink were packed neatly already. They were all hand me downs from Bill, but she didn't mind. It was what was expected, being the youngest child in a big family. She just had to get a wand from Diagon Alley and a new quill.

When she thought breakfast had finished, and had heard someone going upstairs, she hurried to asked her mum, "Mummy, have you seen my jumper?" And her mother replied, but she didn't hear her as she noticed Harry sitting closer to her than anyone else. He had turned at her question to see who had come in the room, greeted her with an almost nervous, "Hello," and she scarpered back up three flights of stairs at a time to get away from him without replying.

When she reached her room, she closed her door and rested against it with a sigh of relief, in the comfort of her own room. If only she were prettier, like Rebecca or Julia, then she would have the confidence to speak to the boy who lived-who was in her house right now.

Her heart beat sped up at the thought and she heard Harry and Ron talking as they walked up the stairs. She held her door ajar to see if she could get another peak at Harry as he was saying, "Ron, why is Ginny so afraid of me?" They were talking about her! Her heart sank as Harry turned, as if sensing her presence there, and she snapped the door shut.

How on earth was she going to survive this summer?

A few days later, after they had been to Diagon Alley, and Ginny had embarrassingly defended Harry from Draco Malfoy (which later, she grew to be entirely mortified by), Rebecca and Julia came over for a visit. She felt stupid enough as it was defending him, realising later that he was perfectly capable of defending himself against Malfoy without her help. The scene played over and over in her head. Malfoy's cold, grey eyes glaring at Harry, and then she had told Malfoy to, "Leave him alone." As soon as the words had left her lips, she felt humiliated. Malfoy only made it worse by sneering, "Oh look Potter, you've got yourself a girlfriend." She had come home and cried on her bed for all the embarrassment she now faced.

Ginny was playing a game of Quidditch with her friends in the trees and was wholly regretting having told them about defending Harry. They would not shut up about it and their constant teasing was growing more and more humiliating! Ginny was on Bill's old Shooting Star and Julia and Rebecca had bought their own brooms and were flying much faster than her.

Suddenly, Harry entered the clearing in the forest with Ron, who asked the girls, "May we join you guys?" Ginny couldn't help the blush spreading in her cheeks at the mere sight of Harry as Julia replied, "As long as Harry joins us?" She glared at Julia who did a one eighty degree flip in the air to show off and Ginny wanted to throw a bludger at her.

Thankfully, she managed not to embarrass herself in front of Harry while on the broom and felt a sense of pride when she shot an apple past Rebecca's ear and into the imaginary goals which caused Harry to begin clapping and whooping. When they landed to go and get some lunch, Rebecca and Julia walked back with Harry, but Ginny stuck by Ron. As they stashed their broomsticks away in the shed, Harry joined them and commented, "You're really good Ginny!" She blushed furiously and mumbled, "Thanks," under her breath. He looked at her seriously and replied, "Really, you should try out for the team!" Ginny couldn't help but blush further and Ron laughed, making it worse as she asked, "Isn't the team full?" Harry shrugged, "They're still having try outs as far as I know. I reckon you should try out." Ginny nodded but didn't comment further as she rushed back inside to find her friends. She was quite proud of herself. She had just spoken more than a word to the famous Harry Potter. He had even complimented her Quidditch skills! For these two reasons alone, her heart was still soaring through the treetops in the field, as though she had left it there.

That evening, Ginny wrote in her diary that she had mysteriously discovered in her cauldron after returning from Diagon Alley:

Dear Diary

Harry complimented me today. He said that I should try out for the Quidditch team, because I'm good enough! Ron, Fred and George laughed at him of course. They would never believe that I'm good at a sport, because I'm their little sister. But here's Harry, who can see me in a different light! He's such a refreshing change...

As Ginny wrote, her words faded mysteriously into the paper and her eyes widened in disbelief! How on earth could her writing just...disappear like that?! She frowned as she continued to write:

I think Harry actually noticed me for the first time today. I mean, I know he's seen me before, but that's not the same as noticing, or am I over-thinking this?

She watched as this writing, too, faded and Ginny nearly fell off her chair from the shock when a response replied to her thoughts in a different handwriting to her own. The reply read:

Dear...what is your name please? You are most definitely not over-thinking this situation. I agree, the boy has clearly noticed you. And, who is this Harry you speak of?

Ginny stared at the text in front of her and she gasped as she quickly scribbled a response as the mysterious reply faded:

Diary...my name is Ginny Weasley. What is your name, or do diaries not have names? Well I'm talking about Harry Potter of course.

There was a heartbeat before another reply was aided to her:

You can call me Tom, Miss Weasley. Tell me, is he staying with you? And your brothers are imbeciles to see you as a mere, incapable little sister. They should know that you are old enough to fly on a broom.

A smile spread across Ginny's face. This diary seemed to know exactly how to make her feel better, more than any human could at any rate! How is it that she could relate better to a diary than people around her? She grinned at the part of her brothers being imbeciles, and she told the diary about Julia and Rebecca's merciless teasing of her defending Harry in the book shop. Her diary was quickly becoming her number one confidant.

When Ginny arrived at Hogwarts for the first time, it was just as magical as all of the countless tales her brothers had told her over the years: the portraits on the wall talked to you, the stairs moved when you weren't watching, Peeves would tackle you from behind and scare you witless, Nearly Headless Neck would pull his head off on occasion, the ceiling reflected the night's sky perfectly and Dumbledore was indeed the best principal the school could have asked for.

It was easier to get on with daily life as normal now that she could put more space between herself and Harry. However, she still found herself longing to cross paths with him on a regular basis. Somehow she could not completely banish the thought of him from her mind. She had just been having dinner in the Great Hall with Colin Creevey and was thinking about Harry as usual when she was walking back to the common room.

By mistake she bumped into someone and sent all of their books flying. She apologized profusely until she looked up and realised it was Draco Malfoy, who watched her studiously as she picked up his books for him. Ron had pointed him out on the first day of her arrival as someone she didn't want to mess with, and now she was getting starting to understand why. He got too close for comfort.

Ginny got up and he chuckled as she handed his books back to him, "That's exactly where you belong, Weasley, at my feet!" Ginny clenched her fists but prevented herself from retorting. It wouldn't do anyone any good. So she tried to walk on as if nothing had happened and then he bumped her shoulder and put a hand out to stop her from moving. Ginny glared at him and said coldly, "Out of my way Malfoy," she snarled. He laughed again and shook his head, "You don't understand do you Weaslette? I'm not letting you get away from this Scot free!" She frowned at him and replied irritably, "Honesly Malfoy, it was an accident! I didn't do anything on purpose!" He laughed darkly and replied, "Really? You expect me to believe that, coming from a girlfriend of Potter's?" She grimaced and shook her head, "I'm not Harry's girlfriend! So stop calling me that." She replied with as much indignation and dignity as she could muster. Draco grinned evilly and replied, as he lifted her chin up so that she was forced to look him in the eyes, "Oh, but you wish you were. The whole school knows it!"

Just then her heart crumbled as she heard an all too familiar voice behind her, "Oi! Malfoy! Get away from her!" Harry. How humiliating. She closed her eyes and maneuvered her chin out of Malfoy's grasp. She felt like she wanted to fall into oblivion and never reappear again. Draco laughed at Harry and said, "Hey scar-head, butt out! I think she was rather enjoying it, weren't you sweet cheeks? At least it's some attention from a boy, since you don't give her any Potter!" he retorted, winked at her and flounced off towards the Great Hall.

It was only then that Ginny realized that she had been holding her breath. She began to breathe properly and Harry looked at her awkwardly as he grabbed her arm to prevent her from running, "Ginny, are you ok? He didn't hurt you did he?" Ginny shook her head miserably and avoided Harry's green eyes. He sighed and asked quietly, "Ginny, why won't you ever look at me?" She removed her arm from his grasp and she flew up the stairs, two at a time. Really, was he so clueless?

Later in the common room that evening, Ginny worked up the courage to talk to Harry when he was sitting alone opposite the fire. She inhaled deeply to calm her nerves and then placed herself next to him and asked, "Harry?" he looked up from his thoughts and smiled. She could feel her heart racing in her chest and he grinned, "Finally! She speaks! What's up Ginny?" he asked curiously.

Ginny blushed furiously and nodded as she asked, "Harry, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't mention my run-in with Draco to any of my brothers please? It would only get them into trouble if they thought..." she trailed off and stared at the carpet floor in front of her.

Harry gasped and asked quickly, "Ginny...he isn't...harassing you is he?" he asked in alarm. That caused Ginny to look up and she shook her head fervently, "No Harry, well apart from throwing a few insults my way every now and again, and well those don't bother me so much. It's just...sometimes...he can be really, um, sort of touchy feely, and, um, well I know he's just doing it to get under my skin, but, um I really don't like it." She glanced up nervously and then found Harry's expression to be gobsmacked momentarily, but then suddenly it seemed to turn furious. He nearly growled under his breath, "Ginny, if that bastard ever touches you again, you tell me alright?" She was slightly taken aback from Harry's anger. She would have expected this from her brothers, but not from him, "It's ok Harry. He's just doing it because I'm Ron's younger sister, and he thinks I'm likely to tell Ron, which would make Ron lash out him and get him into trouble." She fiddled with her hair nervously as Harry still looked murderous. She wished now that she hadn't told him and she asked shyly, "Harry...you can't tell anyone ok? Please promise me you won't?" Harry sighed and nodded, "Fine, but if it happens again Ginny, you tell me straight away ok?" She nodded and smiled shyly, "Deal! Thanks Harry!" and she hurried off to her dormitory.

Once she was in her bedroom, Ginny turned to her diary to recall the evening's events and ask for some much needed advice. The diary told her that it wasn't a good idea to talk to Harry about such inconsequential details, and that Harry wouldn't care if Draco Malfoy was harassing her. According to the diary, being a second year, Harry had more important things on his mind than her trivial affairs. The diary had suggested that she rely solely on its help for everything. She didn't need Harry at all. She hadn't expected such a harsh response. The diary was usually kind and understanding and she had come to rely on it a lot for moral support. Such a harsh response didn't seem so characteristic of the diary at all.

Time moved on, but it felt like something was missing. There seemed to be gaps between periods where she couldn't remember what she had done! And she didn't want to tell anyone in case they thought she was mad, so instead she took to the diary more and more, hoping it wouldn't be so judgemental of her. It was its kind, usual self and said that it would always be here for Ginny, especially when she felt like no-one else was, which turned out to be quite often these days.

Ginny suddenly woke up, stared around in a panic stricken way and realised immediately where she was! In the chamber of secrets! Harry was holding a bleeding arm in front of her and she sat up and gasped at the sight, "Harry! Your arm!" Ginny exclaimed worriedly. He shook his head and replied, "It doesn't matter. Ginny, get yourself out. Follow the chamber, and you'll find Ron." She watched Fawks descend and Harry said sadly to the Phoenix, "You were brilliant Fawks, I just wasn't quick enough." Fawks dripped tears of healing power onto Harry's injured arm and Harry looked at her with a brilliant smile, "Of course! Phoenix tears have healing powers! Thanks!" he said to Fawks. Then he turned to her, "It's alright Ginny. It's over, it's just a memory."

Ginny stood awkwardly and helped him slowly to his feet. She stared at him morbidly and whispered mostly to herself, "I can't believe I did this." Harry turned sharply then as Ginny stared at the dead Basilisk which stretched for miles within the chamber. Harry shook his head and turned her to face him as she stared at the ground, "No Ginny, you didn't do this, Tom Riddle did." Ginny nodded but couldn't seem to accept anything he said. Then silent tears fell down her eyes and understanding hit her, "D...Harry...you didn't kill the Basilisk did you?" Harry smiled sheepishly as they began walking down the chamber and whispered, "Well if I hadn't, it would have killed you." Ginny shook her head in dismay and replied, "You probably should have let it kill me instead."

Then she swallowed and realized what she had said. Harry's eyes widened and he responded slowly, "Ginny...don't you ever say that. This isn't your fault." Ginny shrugged her shoulders and avoided his green gaze, "Believe what you want Harry." Harry pulled her to a stop with his stronger hand and forced her to look at him as he said loudly, "Ginny, you cannot think liked that. I don't know what that diary has told you, but you can't believe it Ginny. They were all lies!" Ginny bit her lip and retorted, "Except for the part about how pathetic I am for..." she stopped mid sentence and then realized who she was talking to. She had been about to say, 'For fawning over you when you show no interest,' and then scolded herself for thinking out loud. Harry was looking at her curiously, "For what? I'm sure whatever the diary told you was rubbish." Ginny shook her head, "No, Riddle got one thing right." Harry sighed, realizing that he wasn't going to win this argument with her.

When they reached Ron further along in the chamber, he flew his arms around her the minute she climbed through the rock mountain and he clung to her tightly. Eventually she murmured, "Ron, I can't breathe," and he let her go immediately. She saw small tears fall down his nose as he whispered, "Oh Ginny, I thought we had lost you. Really I had. I'm never letting you out of my sight again!" Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled, "That's virtually impossible Ronald, but if you say so." Then when he had made certain she was OK, he hugged Harry and whispered, "Thanks mate, for saving her life." Harry smiled bleakly and replied, "I would have done it for any of you." Wow, way to make a girl not feel so special, Ginny thought bitterly to herself. Then she scolded herself for even thinking such thoughts when the boy had just saved her life-her own personal knight in shining armor! She couldn't help but blush at the thought as they walked with Lockhart to Dumbledore's office and Harry and Ron filled her in on what had happened in her absence.

When Harry finished, Ginny shook her head in wonder. She even giggled and said, "I swear you're the Boy Who Has A Billion Lives." Harry chuckled halfheartedly, and then they had reached the stone Phoenix which lead to the office as Harry replied, "Believe me Ginny, I wish I wasn't."