Disclaimer: I do not own any character, setting, or part of the world of Harry Potter. The plot is mine everything else is credited toward Ms J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 1
'That wands more trouble than its worth,' said Harry. 'And quite honestly,' he turned away from the painted portraits, thinking now of only the four-poster bed lying waiting for him in Gryffindor Tower, and wondering whether Kreacher might bring him a sandwich there, 'I've had enough trouble for a life time.' pg. 600. Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling. 2007.
Harry bid his goodnights and exited the headmasters' office with Hermione and Ron at his side. 'I don't know about you two, but I feel as if I haven't slept in days' Harry told them as he made his way toward the common room. 'I'm going to bed; I'll find the Weasleys in the morning.' But this thought brought a pang into his chest at the thought of Fred. If he'd only been a bit faster… Harry brushed it off and hoped that his two best friends had not noticed the look of guilt that had most certainly crossed his face.
'I'll be right up after you mate,' said Ron, 'I'll just go and check on Mum and them first, and I'll tell them where you are so they won't worry.' Ron shifted and looked at Hermione, 'Are you gonna come with me, 'Mione?'
'Sure, and Harry take a shower or something while you're there, you look absolutely dreadful,' said Hermione noticing the twinge of guilt in Harry's eyes, 'We'll be up in a bit, okay?'
'Yeah I will, thanks for noticing,' and saying that Harry turned and made his way up to the Gryffindor Tower. He walked up the stairs noticing the destruction that had occurred even in these high parts of the castle and again felt guilt start to creep over him. Turning the corner he faced the Fat Lady who gave him a look of gratitude and swung open to let him through. Harry climbed the stairs to the boys' dormitories and fell onto his bed and was instantly asleep.
Hermione and Ron made their way down to the Great Hall to find the Weasleys'. Along the way Ron would look sideways at Hermione and wondered if she remembered that moment in the Room of Requirement but decided not to ask. They turned the corner into the hall and found the Weasleys where they had left them and approached them. Mrs. Weasley got up from the table and gave Ron one of her signature bone-crushing hugs, but he held on this time as well.
'Hermione and I just came down to tell you guys that we are going up the Gryffindor Tower to catch some rest. Harry's already gone up,' said Ron to his family. At the mention of Harry's name Ginny perked up and listened intently.
'That's good dear, you guys need that, you all look bone tired,' said Mrs. Weasley, 'So should the rest off you.' She eyed each of her children one by one and not wanting to argue they all bowed their heads, secretly hoping for some sleep anyway.
Ginny worked her way through the rubble up to the common room. Her mind was working ten-fold trying to figure out what to say to Harry. She was so proud and so mad at him at the same time. The work by her brain was tiring so she decided to forgo a pre-made speech as she walked up the stairs to the boy's dormitory. Ron and Hermione had collapsed on the couch in the common room as soon as they had step foot in the tower.
'Harry?' she called out as she noiselessly opened the door for the 7th year dorms. Ginny saw Harry asleep on his four-poster, still adorned with glasses and torn robes. Ginny quietly moved toward him and picked off his glasses and set them on his bedside table. The movement around his face roused Harry from his sleep. Over the year he had become quite a light sleeper. Harry opened his eyes and looked over at Ginny; she was the last person he had expected to come to him.
Ginny's feelings came rushing back when she saw Harry awake and looking at her. Her body betrayed her mind and she punched him hard, in the chest.
'You bloody moron!' yelled Ginny 'How could you do that to me?'
Still dazed from Ginny's blow, Harry rubbed his chest. 'I'll take that as your thanks then,' he said, his voice still rough from his short sleep.
'I thought you were dead,' said Ginny not taken notice of Harry's comment, 'How could you just leave me and run off! Did you suddenly stop caring for me?'
'How could I leave you?' said Harry suddenly furious, 'I don't care for you? That's a bloody stupid thing to think.'
'Oh I'm stupid now am I?'
'Now hold it right there, don't go putting words into my mouth. I did not say that you were stupid, I said that the thought was stupid' said Harry his tone turning cold.
Ginny was shocked by the fury and coldness behind his voice and was put speechless and was forced to resort to glaring at Harry.
'How dare you say that I don't care for you, do you know what I did after I ran off?' Harry said deathly quiet, 'Every night I'd pull out the map and follow your dot, Ginny. When we went to Lovegoods' I knew you were right over the hill but I couldn't go over and see you and it hurt so damn bad. And the last thing I thought off before Tom use the killing curse on me again was of you, Ginny.'
All Ginny could do was stand and stare at Harry as he continued to glare at her furiously as if looking, waiting for a reply.
'I thought so,' Harry muttered, 'frankly Ginny, I think it's the other way around.' And with that Harry strode to the door slamming it behind him.
Authors Note: This is my first shot at FanFiction so please review, I'd really appreciate it. I plan on writing from the battle on to Lily's first day. I also hope to incorporate some Ron/Hermione in here as well. I want to stick as close to DH as possible.
Thanx
-fire-jinxed-