Disclaimer: Jo owns everything.

Summary: The key to destroying Tom Riddle was love, even if Harry was too thick to see it. The strength to fight would come from love, and once the key was turned in the lock, they would have their answer to the riddle.

Notes: One of the things I appreciate about Ginny is that she truly is very brave- she is perfect for Harry because she understands that this is something he needs to do; she will be brave for him. Another very short one-shot. I would try reading this aloud with Leaving Hogwarts; it fits perfectly.

marauder13


Riddle

They were leaving today. She could feel it in the very way Harry looked at her, the way his normally bright green eyes were dispirited- and didn't quite reach hers. Even Fred and George's jokes couldn't completely remove the grim expression from his face.

Oh, she had known this day would come; a sneaking suspicion at the back of her mind, whispering to her, telling her that good things always come to an end. But she had been unable to acknowledge it, far too preoccupied with the fact that Harry Potter, whom she fallen flat for the minute she had laid eyes on him, had admitted feelings for her. It brought a smile to her face as she thought of the last few days before he decided to run off with Dumbledore. Granted, they were the days that had led up to her O.W.L. Examination, but all the same…Giving a deep sigh, she straightened up. She would not cry; because therein laid her attraction to him. Hadn't it been her admiration of his nobleness and bravery that had led to everything? She would not have expected anything less of him, because it was these very qualities that endeared him to her. She would be brave, for him. Hadn't he been brave on countless occasions? Couldn't she repay the favor?

The answer was yes, she could, and she would. If for no other reason, she would do it for him. All her brothers would fight- she knew that much, and she also knew that her mum would be in dismay. If not Ginny, who would keep Molly Weasley comfort as she wept? She would not only be strong for Harry, but for all her family, all her friends, and all those who had lost their lives in this damned war. And when the time came when she could not sit at home while her loved ones fought, she would join them- the key to destroying Tom Riddle was love, even if Harry was too thick to see it. The strength to fight would come from love, and once the key was turned in the lock, they would have their answer to the riddle.