It was silent in the Common Room after Dumbledore's funeral. All was still. A group of normally giggling girls sat in the back, murmuring amongst themselves with unenthusiastic voices.

Hermione and Ron sat sprawled out across the couch, her head against his chest. "This doesn't mean we're together Ron," Harry heard Hermione whisper from his spot on the chair opposite.

"Alright, Hermione," Ron replied drowsily, eyes fluttering closed.

"I mean it Ron," Hermione whispered.

"Alright 'Mione." Ron repeated, stretching his arms over his head before settling them at her slim waist. She struggled for a few minutes before giving up.

Harry's eyes were bloodshot from a mixture of sleep deprivation and tears. He had a hand through his mop of coal black hair, looking thoughtful as he discreetly gazed over at his ex-girlfriend.

Ginny was trying her best not to show she was sobbing; the break up had been rough, neither of them wanted it. But Harry hadn't had a choice. Ginny's fiery red hair cascaded down her back, large brown eyes focused on the fire, and the youth peering at her couldn't help but find himself falling in love all over again.

Feeling eyes on her she glanced over her shoulder. He smiled weakly, inclined his head and forced himself to look away. Ginny blushed, turning to the fire. This continued for an hour, Harry watching her and Ginny pretending she didn't notice, then Ginny looking over her shoulder and both looking away.

Soon Harry found the common room deserted, and felt his heartbeat quicken with the knowledge that they were alone. He mustered up his courage, and crossed the room so he was towering over her. "Hey," he said quietly.

Ginny glanced up, "Hey," she replied carefully.

Harry gestured to the spot beside her, "Can I sit there?"

She looked at him, puzzled. "Harry you broke up with me." She said simply.

"I know Ginny." Harry replied in the same manner. "And I'm sorry,"

"You're taking it back?" Ginny questioned, hopefulness entering her voice as she peered at him through her black lashes.

Harry shook his head regretfully, "You know I can't Gin, I have to do what Dumbledore assigned me."

"Oh,"

"Look, can I sit down?" he asked gently.

"Sure," she replied quietly, avoiding his eye.

His hip carefully nudged hers over, making room for him. "I just wanted to let you know…that if it was my choice…"

"Look!" Ginny exclaimed angrily. "I don't want to here it okay Harry! I really don't!"

"What are you talking about Gin?"

"You're about to tell me that you like me, but you can't be with me. I can't stand it anymore Harry! I can't deal with all this!" Ginny said tearfully.

"I'm sorry, Gin." Harry apologized. "But I want you to know that I love you. If it was my choice we would have never broken up."

Ginny fixed her eyes on his, bottom lip trembling. "But it was your choice, Harry! You didn't have to end it! I can take care of myself."

"Gin, you don't understand." Harry interrupted her tirade. "He'll use you to get to me. He'll use you, he'll hurt you."

"I won't let him Harry." Ginny whispered, abruptly stopping. "Before…did you…did you say you loved me?" her eyes were wide with excitement.

"I did." Harry blushed. "And if that rotten git wasn't in my way I would stay here with you as long as I could. I love you Gin."

She smiled, "I love you too Harry." She murmured, gazing into his eyes with admiration and love.

He smiled, "Well that's good, you wouldn't want a bloke like me going away without hearing you say that, he might think you forgot him."

"I could never forget you Harry." Ginny replied. "You're going away?" she added, voice quavering.

"Let's not talk about that now," he whispered. "Let's talk about us."

"Us?" Ginny asked, mind ripping away from her other question. "Is there an us, Harry?"

"Do you want there to be?" Harry replied.

Wordlessly Ginny pressed her lips to his, keeping them there. Harry felt his brain shut down as her soft lips touched his, tongue probing. Harry pulled away hastily, afraid of what was happening. "Can I take that as a yes?" he asked.

Ginny rapped her arms around his waist, pulling him closely against her. "You can take that as a definitely." She informed him, smiling up at his blushing face. "What about your mission?"

"I think I love you too much to break up with you Ginny, even for something like that. I was being stupid and heroic and I'm sorry." Harry whispered in her ear huskily.

"I agree," she replied. "Don't ever be stupid and heroic again."

"I can't guarantee the stupid part." Harry muttered.

Ginny laughed, "One out of two? That's not too bad."

"Will you take me back Ginny?" Harry asked her hopefully.

"Of course I will!" she exclaimed. "Do you want me back, Harry Potter?" she added.

"Mmm…yeah I'm pretty sure." Harry whispered, inhaling her scent deeply. There was a long silence. "Gin?"

"Yeah, Harry?" Ginny sighed.

"My legs are numb, I think I need some sleep."

Ginny laughed, "Then fall asleep Mr. Potter."

"Gin," Harry replied warningly. "If your brothers catch us down here in the morning I'm dead."

Ginny rested her head against him chest, "Just go to sleep, stupid."

"Yes ma'am."