Again I Don't Own ANY of the characters in Harry Potter or the world of HP. All Credit belongs to JK Rowling and there is no intent of copyright infringement.
Chapter 2: Second Chances
The trio walked down the stairs and surveyed the damage as they went to the Great Hall. As they continued their descent, the portraits that remained stood and applauded the three. Harry, who was standing behind Ron and Hermione, saw Hermione squeeze Ron's hand and watched as she put her head on his shoulder. Harry was getting anxious about his reunion with Ginny. He knew it wasn't going to be easy, but hopefully in time she would forgive him.
Ron and Hermione walked hand in hand into the Great Hall with Harry a few steps behind. Everyone stood up and cheered for him. Ron and Hermione who stood with the Weasleys turned and clapped for him too. Hermione and Ron smiled at Harry proudly, and they glanced at one another. Harry felt himself getting redder and redder and he raised his hand encouraging everyone to settle down. This was the last thing that Harry wanted was everyone to be cheering for him. For once in his life he just wanted to be normal. Soon enough, the crowd in the Great Hall settled down and went back to their breakfast. Harry sat down next to Mr. Weasley and put some toast on his plate. He couldn't help but notice that George and Ginny were not at the table with the rest of the group. It was as if Mr. Weasley could read Harry's mind he whispered in his ear "She's out by the lake." Harry nodded and excused himself from the table.
Harry walked through the Entrance Hall and out the front doors of the castle. He made his way down to the lake, but he could not help himself but turn and really assess the damage that was done to his first and only home. Hogwarts was a mess and all Harry could feel was guilt. He didn't want any of this to happen. He didn't want anyone to sacrifice his or her life for what Harry needed to do. Harry felt like the people who died were used as pawns in a twisted game of chess. Harry's vision began to blur and the tears streamed down his face. He sat down on a rock and he took off his glasses. He let himself cry for a few minutes and he wiped his face on his sleeve. Harry composed himself and remembered the mission that he was on: Find Ginny.
He saw the redhead that he was looking for. Ginny was under their favorite tree; the one that they used to spend hours together under. Harry could tell she was crying. She sat hugging her legs and crying softly when he approached her. He sat down next to her and rubbed her back. Harry felt her relax at his gentle hand movements across her back. Ginny looked up at Harry and stared deep into his emerald eyes and she started to sob. Harry was startled by this sudden change of emotions. He didn't know what to do, so he pulled her closer to him. Like before, she calmed herself down and realized that it was Harry sitting with her. She glanced at him and Harry grinned at her. Ginny went to open her mouth but nothing came out. Harry wiped his hands on his jeans and cupped her face. "Ginny, I'm sorry. I know that sorry isn't enough for everything that's happened in the last year, but it's all that I can say. I know for a fact that everything is going to be all right. You and me, it's all I know. I want to be here for you- if you'll let me."
Harry kissed her on her head and didn't let go of her. Ginny shifted away from Harry so that she could face him. "Harry, do you know how long I've been waiting for you to say that?" Harry shook his head and Ginny laughed at his obliviousness. "For possibly my whole life. I've known that's always you and me I was just waiting for you to realize it."
With that being said, Ginny held out her right hand and took Harry's hand and they kissed. It was filled with passion. It was everything that Harry had been thinking of this whole last year while he was on the run. This kiss, this girl, this moment had been everything that he hoped for. Ginny let go of Harry and she said, "Now, if you ever leave me again I won't be able to take you back so easily."
Harry let out a laugh and grabbed her by the waist and pulled her in close to his chest and he whispered, "There's no way that I'm ever leaving you again".
