Ginny could feel the cold of the stone behind her flowing from her back to the rest of her body. But the only thing she cared about was the person sitting next to her. Her hand fit nicely in Harry Potter's, and yet, she didn't care. She just wanted to be alone with him, even if they weren't talking.

However, Harry was venting his anger at Professor Snape, and Ginny listened intently. She felt sorry for him that he couldn't have played Seeker for his final Quidditch game. She didn't really like Snape all that much, but her hatred was nothing compared to Harry's.

"I love you," Harry said, out of the blue.

Ginny turned her head to face Harry, and she saw in his green eyes that he meant it. "I love you, too, Harry." Ginny sat back against the wall, the sudden coldness sending a shiver down her spine. She hoped that Harry didn't notice.

He did, however, and he sat forward and asked her what was wrong.

"Nothing," Ginny lied, but Harry saw right through it.

"Are you cold?"

"No," Ginny lied again, but then thought better of it. "The stone is making me cold, but I don't care."

Harry stood up and held out his hand to help her up. Ginny thought, Why does have to be so noble?, but took his hand just the same. They found their way back to the Common Room, to find it empty. Ginny didn't want to be outside in the heat, and Harry obliged, often looking out the window at Ron and Hermione, both of which were talking out on the grounds.

"Harry, what's wrong?" inquired Ginny, wrapping her arms around his waist, to which he responded absentmindedly by putting his arm across her shoulders.

"It's not fair," Harry answered, not thinking of what he said, but still telling the truth.

"It's not fair that you are stuck in here while they're outside?" Ginny asked, stepping away from Harry. "You're welcome to join them, Harry. I'm not stopping you."

Harry snapped away from the window, facing Ginny's reddening face. "I don't mean it like that. It's not fair that they don't have a care in the world about what dangers lay ahead. They have the option of quitting whenever they want, but I don't."

"Oh, I get it. You want to do this alone, and you don't want anyone else to go along for the ride?" Ginny took another step away from him.

"It's their choice, not mine. They wanted to come with me; to help me. You also have a choice."

"So, do I have a choice to just leave you alone?"

"Yes," Harry answered slowly, picking his next words carefully. "However, you know the risks of being close to me, and you chose to act upon that. If you step away now, you won't have any risks."

Ginny's tone got softer as she knew he was right. "I guess you're right. I know the risks, but I want to take them. Please give me another chance."

"How about this for an answer?" Harry asked, pulling her close and giving her a kiss, until they heard someone clearing their throat. They broke apart and found Hermione and Ron red and trying to look away.

"Are you coming to dinner?" Hermione asked, giving Ginny a meaningful look.

"Yeah," Harry and Ginny chorused, grabbing hands and walking with Ron and Hermione to dinner.