Disclaimer: I don't own these characters

Morning lay not far ahead and Godric's Hollow seemed as quiet and deserted as a graveyard. A boy of about seventeen years, with dark, unruly hair which did not quite conceal the lightning bolt scar on his forehead sat on the dust covered floor with his back against one crumbling, worn wall. His head lolled to one side and his hands lay limp in his lap. He held a piece of parchment loosely in one hand. As the pale, weak light of dawn slowly crept through the cracks in the walls and boarded up windows, Harry began to stir. His eyes fluttered open and as his fingers twitched he dropped the parchment held there. As it fell to the floor, a lock of deep russet hair escaped from its folds.

Wearily, Harry rubbed his forehead and blinked his eyes trying to adjust to the dim light. He felt stiff all over. That wasn't really surprising though since he had been sitting in this position all night. He cursed silently as he picked himself up of the ground. He hadn't actually meant to stay the night here but evidently the past few days had caught up with him.

Rubbing his sore back to ease some of his joints, he walked over to a window where one of the boards had become loose and hanged precariously on one rusted nail. Harry peered out of the space left uncovered at the cold dawn which was rising and sighed. His head felt on fire and he didn't know if it was due to his scar or not. He didn't seem to know any of the answers anymore. He could hardly even remember the conversation he had had last night with Ron and Hermione, although he knew it must have been serious since he had stormed out and came here, but for some reason he just couldn't remember why. It was like someone was messing with his mind or his memories or something. And this wasn't the first time he had felt like this either. It was seriously disconcerting and he felt that this was one thing where he would definitely have to find out what was going on.

He gave another heavy sigh and turned back, staring without really seeing at the dark interior of the house wishing, not for the first time, that he could turn back time and everything would be different from how it had turned out. He would be living with his parents, Sirius would always be there with the answers, Ron and Hermione would never be far, Dumbledore would still be alive, Ginny would….Ginny would….

Something stirred at the back of Harry's mind but he couldn't quite place it. He shook his head, he shouldn't dwell on such thoughts for this was no time to get sentimental or emotional. He turned back to the window but something still nagged at him. It was to do with Ginny. He was sure of it but he just couldn't put his finger on it. He let out a howl of frustration. He had to fix this, someone was definitely messing with his mind.

He turned back and began to pace along the floor, the old dusty boards emitting feeble squeaks now and then. He was so close in completing his quest to find the remaining horcruxes and the last thing he needed was for someone to be manipulating his memories. As he walked back and forward fuming, he noticed something lying on the ground near where he had previously been sitting. Curious he walked over to examine and found it to be a piece of parchment. But what prickled his curiosity more, was what was peeking out from underneath it. Bending down, he picked up the parchment and looked more closely.

It was like an electric shock running all the way up his arms to his head, as with touching the parchment his memories of the previous night returned with a fierce intensity. He turned the parchment over and saw the message which had filled him with such chagrin last night and sadly but with gentle hands, he picked up the lock of hair which had come with it. It was long and silky and blazed like fire even in the weak morning light. Ginny's hair.

His hands shaking now, he began to read the letter again, knowing already what it implied and what it demanded, yet not being able to tear his eyes away from that almost archaic looking writing with it's swirls and loops and fancy flicks.

Harry,

I find myself longing for your company since it has been so long since or last meeting. I must say that I had been growing used to our little encounters nearly every year, so I thought we should do it again. I'm afraid I wont be able to take no for an answer, Harry, you see, I have an interesting offer for you which I'm sure you will be most unwilling to refuse.

It has come to my attention that you have found out about my horcruxes. No doubt I have that muggle-loving fool, Albus Dumbledore to thank for that but I'm afraid that I just can't let you and your little friends continue with this quest of yours. Due to personal interests of course. However I know you, Harry and have marked you well so that is why I feel it is time to reunite and play it out once and for all.

To vanish any doubts you may have, I have someone with me who is almost dying to see you again. And I mean that quite literally, Harry for if you do not come within a turning of the moon, this little red-haired friend of yours will never see another day. I will expect to see you in Little Hangleton- I'm sure you remember the place - by September the 23rd where you will receive your next instructions and another lock of your friend's beautiful hair just so you will know that the message is genuine. My vengeance is great and I swear to you that this will be our last meeting but not all have to suffer. You can still save your sweetheart, all I want is you.

Awaiting our next meeting

Lord Voldemort

Harry stared at the letter for long moments, grasping Ginny's hair tight in his hand. Suddenly, he stood up, crushing the letter slightly in his right hand as with a steely glint in his bright green eyes, he made up his mind. He knew what he had to do now. Storming out of the deserted house of his dead parents, he went to find Ron and Hermione.