Love Behind The Shadows

Prologue: Summer's Final Day

Ginny sat perched among the long, billowing branches of the large tree in her backyard. The sun's rays were beginning to dim, leaving a warm glow to cast upon the earth. A small breeze wafted through the lush, green leaves. Ginny's eyes were closed, her nose taking in the intoxicating aroma of fragrant flowers, when a familiar voice from below her, brought her to.

"Ginny …?" Harry questioned, curiously.

Ginny's gaze flickered down, past the willowy branches, and lush leaves, until she met emerald green eyes. A smile crossed her lips, and she began descending down the tree, being careful on the less tolerable branches, until she finally was able to reach the earth with a simple jump.

"Hello Harry" she greeted, landing directly in front of him, a bright smile adorning her features.

"What were you doing up there?" He asked, his eyes flickering up towards the spot Ginny had recently occupied.

Ginny thought for a moment before, responding. "Well, I'm … enjoying summer's final day" she stated cheerily, beginning to weave her way through the sea of flowers, and toward her sweet abode.

Harry sighed, "You just had to remind me …" he said, laughing

Ginny grinned, as she gently picked a flower from its long, green stem, and eased it behind her ear. "Considering we have to go back to school, I thought I might as well soak up the suns last rays"

Harry frowned, "Last rays? But Gin-"

She rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean, Harry. Since today is the last day of summer, it's truly the last time I'll actually get to sit beneath the sun's rays and enjoy them without a care in the world … well that is until next summer" a giggle passed through her lips

Harry smiled, "I'm certainly going to miss the freedom … that's for sure …" his eyes roamed over the lush field, the couple stood in, taking in each blossom, and blade of grass.

"Well, think of it this way," Ginny was now turned around completely, facing him. "After this year, you'll be free. As your going to turn eighteen next year, which means-"

"No more Dursley's …" Harry answered immediately, excitement and joy dancing in his eyes

"No more school" Ginny added

"No more ruddy text books" Harry continued to list

"No more confinement" Ginny replied, the possibilities piling up in her head.

Harry laughed, grinning from ear to ear. "Yeah … no more-"

"Enough" Ginny raised a dismissive hand. "You're making me jealous …" she pouted

Harry laughed some more, still smiling brightly. "Alright, alright … but, just think Gin this year's not all it's cut out to be …" his voice became suddenly quiet, and his smile grew less and less.

Ginny frowned, "Why-" but she stopped herself because, she knew all to well why. With Harry's last year at Hogwarts, approaching fast it also meant that the final battle was approaching as well. A deadly silence dropped like a bomb on the couple, and gut wrenching feeling pulled at Ginny's stomach. This could possibly be the last summer day, the two spent together. Tears pricked at Ginny's eyes, and she hurriedly turned her back to Harry, not wanting him to see her in such a fragile state.

"Oh Gin," Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry … I didn't mean to"

Ginny stood still, trying with all her might not to let a single drop slip from her watery eyes. Suddenly she felt Harry's strong hands slip around her waist, pulling her to him gently.

"Ginny …" he whispered, his breath beating against her neck. "I'm so sorry … I didn't mean to bring up-"

"Don't be sorry … it's my own ruddy fault I can't control my bloody emotions" Ginny replied, wiping her eyes as she shifted in Harry's arms, so she was facing him. Gathering up as much strength she had left, Ginny smiled weakly, just for Harry's benefit.

A smile pulled at the corner of Harry's lips, "Ginny-"

"Shhh, that's enough … no more, alright?" she looked at him hopefully

"Fine …" he muttered, looking defeated

Ginny grinned with satisfaction, and leaning up, she pressed a tender kiss to his lips. Harry's eyes flew wide, surprised and happy all at the same time. Then in the distance, Ginny's mother's voice rang out, breaking the sweet silence embracing the couple. Harry smiled against Ginny's lips, as the couple's only link to one another was broken.

"Coming, mum!" Ginny called out over the lush field.

Harry caressed Ginny's cheek gently, loving the smooth feeling beneath his finger tips, before kissing her one last time. Ginny smiled, and enlacing her fingers with Harry's she began leading him back towards the house.