Chapter 2 – New Hope

I am so sorry that this has taken so long. I had a hard time writing it as I lost my note book containing all the plans. Also, I was almost finished writing this and my computer deleted it so I am so sorry for the hold up. I don't own any of Harry Potter and I am obviously making no money from this. I apologize for any mistakes. Please review, the more response- more chapters. Thanks for you co-operation. Enjoy…

Ginny had cried thousands of painful tears the night before until they had worn her into a rather restless sleep in the early hours of the morning. Her sleep had not lasted long as she awoke at the unholy hour of five o'clock in the morning with the early sun streaming through the gap in the curtains giving some light to the room. Ginny awoke to the sound of the tiny blue birds chirping their early morning melody outside the large, open window in the crisp, cool breeze and the soft snores of her sleeping dorm-mates. She pealed her eyelids open to face the top of her bed as her mind raced once again. She was still in deep thought about the words Hermione had sprung on her last night when she realised what day it was. Friday… Her Transfiguration homework for Professor McGonagall was due in this morning… It was still in the Library! Suddenly, a flash of images from last night's events crawled into her mind with masses of tears threatening to spring out of her tired eyes.

Without wasting any more time, Ginny threw off the soft linen and ran for her closet leaving the burgundy and gold sheets crinkled in a heap on her bed with the warm sun shimmering on the silk duvet. She threw open the doors of her closet and grabbed the first top, jeans and pair of shoes she could find before sprinting to the bathroom just off the side of the dormitory to get ready at an alarmingly fast pace.

Once again, she yanked the door open and then dumped her clothes inside as she shut the door as quietly as possible as to not wake the rest of her classmates. She went straight to the mirror to find a horrifying sight. Her hair was mattered, her cheeks pale, her eyes looking heavy and bloodshot. She had never looked so rough. She quickly waved her wand to perform a concealment charm on her eyes to remove the heavy, black and purple bags which lay beneath her eyelids. She put on her clothes and scrubbed her pearly teeth with her old tooth brush. She ran her hairbrush through her auburn hair, not bothering to tie it up so instead, leaving it in a long, flowing sheet of scarlet silk running down her back. With that, she looked into the mirror and when she finally decided she looked at least half decent, so she left the bathroom and headed for the common room just below.

The stone steps were freezing in the morning air making them sensitive to her feet as she stepped on each other them individually with her delicate bare feet. When Ginny finally reached the common room, she was extremely thankful that it was still completely empty although she was not surprised given that it was now half five in the morning. As Ginny looked over to the mantle to check what the time was, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. On the shining, varnished table in front of the fire place was a rather large sheet of faded parchment with a small envelope placed on top of it. It was addressed to Ginny…

As she drew closer, Ginny soon recognised the sheet of parchment and it was in fact her essay she had left in the library late last night when she had fled the scene. She picked up the letter and placed it in her awaiting hands as she started to unfold the envelope, first removing the red wax seal. Ginny then went on to pull the writing out and unfold the parchment. When she was finally ready to read the letter, she found that it was written in bright, scarlet ink and in a script she seemed to find familiar from somewhere although she could not quite place her finger on exactly where she had recognised it from. As Ginny began to read it, suddenly it became clear…

Gin,

You left this in the Library last night. I thought you may need it, it looked important and you had spent ages working on it. So I thought I would bring it up here for you so it will save you getting into trouble and then you don't have to write it all again. I saw you leave last night. Hoping you're okay. There's no need to thank me.

Harry.

Harry. Harry had sent her essay up to her? But why? Why had he sent it up for her when she could have gone and got it from the Library this morning? Normally someone would have just left it and Hermione would be the one to take the initiative to bring it to her. But why Harry? He had seemed so consumed in snogging with Cho to even notice the crash thunder outside the Library window? Wait, what about Cho? Did Cho know he'd brought it up for her? Cho was already extremely possessive of Harry and they knew she was already jealous of Harry and Ginny's closeness that had grown over the years. Surely she doesn't know… But Ginny felt brilliant. She was radiating happiness. It was as if a new ray of hope had washed over her whole entre body giving her a delightfully warm glow about herself. He had notice. All of Ginny's thoughts were pushed aside when she finally remembered about her essay which was still lying limply on the common room table. She picked it up, grabbed a quill and ink and then went to sit at one of the tables to finish off her work although it was much easier this time as Harry was not clouding her thoughts as Ginny had decided to take on Hermione's advice.

She finished her essay not to long after she had started. She had obviously done more than she had originally thought as it took her just under an hour to finish off what was left. It was now quarter to seven. Ginny had fifteen minutes with nothing to occupy them until breakfast was served at seven. The sun was becoming more and more vibrant as it crept through the ancient windows causing the room to become bright and lighted. There wasn't much point in her going back to bed, risking awakening her friends as she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep now anyways due to the morning light which seemed to be almost blinding. Ginny sat on the old, battered couch as she pondered what to do for the next fifteen minutes.

The clock ticked slowly as everyone else lay sleeping. It was drawing closer and closer to 7am as the sun was now clearly in view. Surely, Ginny thought, Hermione would be up soon. Hermione was always up at the exact time of seven o'clock every morning, even on weekends and in holidays. It was one of her many, strange but sometimes useful routines she had gotten herself into over the many years she had lived with her fairly strict, muggle parents.

5 minutes to 7…

Ginny was now staring aimlessly out of the far window of the common room, with her eyes on the clouds and her fingers rapped in her gleaming ginger hair as she twirled it in thought. She was still very confused as to why Harry had brought up her essay. She could have easily have gotten it herself. If Cho knew, then this wouldn't end pretty…

CRASH!

Ginny leaped up at the large, disturbing crashing that had echoed down the stairs. As she curiously rushed over to see what was happening, she heard the faint sound of someone muttering, "For Merlin's sake!" Ginny finally got to the bottom of the stairs where the noise had come from to see a number of heavy looking books scattered on several steps. She looked up to see a raven haired boy collecting them back up at the top of the stairs, holding them in a toppling pile in his arms; It was Harry.

"Harry?" Ginny said, picking up a book that had fallen inches away from where she stood.

Harry looked up and smiled at here. His emerald green eyes met her chocolate brown ones. They looked at each other for a couple of seconds before he answered.

"Hey Gin, you're up early?" Harry raised an eyebrow as Ginny continued to help him collect his many books, moving slowly up the steps.

"Couldn't get back to sleep," Ginny lied. "Whats with all the books?"

"Got a huge potions exam coming up. You know what Snape's like. Gotta get these back to the library," Harry muttered, finally collecting every book he could carry, Ginny picking up the rest and walking down stairs in the common room. Harry set the books down onto the glossy coffee table in front of the fire and sat back into the cushy arm chair while Ginny sat on the crooked sofa.

After what seemed like a long few minuets of pure silence, Ginny was snapped back into reality by the sound of Harry's voice.

"You wouldn't mind helping me take these down to the Library would you Gin? I don't think I can handle all these books on my own. I mean, you saw what just happened on the stairs and I bet anything the rest of the common room heard it. It would be a huge help," Harry pleaded as Ginny smiled back.

"Of course, I'd be glad to help." And with that they both picked up their set of books and headed towards the portrait hole, balancing carefully as not too cause any more commotion.


After about an hour of balancing and avoiding a mischievous Peeves, Harry and Ginny had made it down to the Library and given the books back. They were now walking back to the common room, laughing and joking about how the greasy from Snape's hair could be used in potions. They had just reached the Fat Lady Portrait when it swung open by its self. Glancing at each other quickly, Harry and Ginny walked through to see a very sleepy looking Ron and a very exasperated and flustered Hermione.

"Where have you to be?" She questioned with her hands on her hips in a very Mrs. Weasley like fashion.

"To return some books that's all," Harry shrugged and went to stand by Ron who's head drooped lazily. Hermione gave Ginny a hard, cold stare straight in the eyes before her cheeks when red with rage once more.

"Do you have any idea what time it is!" She exclaimed, pointing towards the clock, "It's almost 8! They serve breakfast from 7 - 9, we always meet here at 7:30 to walk down to breakfast. We were just about to leave when you showed up!"

"Oh save the lecture for later Hermione! Can we please just go eat!" Ron said irritably as he and Harry went to leave the common room, Ginny in toe and Hermione soon following.

Hermione was still giving Ginny dangers as she walked out of the portrait hole, arms folded in frustration. Ginny couldn't help but giggle at how silly Hermione was being but yet again, she was rather frighten of the hexes Hermione could throw at her, being the brightest witch of her age and all. Ginny was just about to step out into the corridor when she came to a sudden halt, slamming straight into Hermiones back. She was about to ask what the hold up was but then she saw it. Cho. She had obviously come to see where Harry was and was now, in fact, snogging him right in front of everyone. She seemed to be obsessively attached to him, as if he'd almost died or something.

"Oh Harry!" Ginny heard her exclaiming, "I was so worried when I didn't see you at breakfast like I usually do!"

"Sorry baby, got held up, had to take them books back," Harry said before they engaged in yet another passionate snog.

Ron seeming to be getting more and more irritated by the fact that everyone seemed to be blocking him from filling his tired and empty stomach, pushed roughly past the two love birds with a disgruntled look and an annoyed grunt. Ginny followed suit as did Hermione who tapped Harry gently on the shoulder as she slipped past. They both got the hint and walked down to breakfast holding hands. They walked nearer the back, having what looked like a very sweet and loving conversation. Hermione and Ron were a bit further ahead of them, seeming to be having a very heated discussion about house elves and slavery while Ginny, obviously feeling very put out, walked even further a head, racing at very fast walk toward the great hall. Soon she was far enough a head that she could hear either of their conversations and kept her fast pace until eventually she could not see them either. She finally reached the double doors of the hall, walked in and sat down next to Neville at the Gyffindore table, panting slightly. She notice Luna was also sitting with them, her crazy multi-coloured specticals on and one of her fathers magazines (THE QUIBBLER) in hand, not paying attention to anything or anyone else, Luna was off in one pf her little dream worlds as usual.

"Alright Ginny? You seem out of breath?" Neville greeted her with a raised eyebrow.

"Its nothing Neville. I'm fine honestly. Forget about it" Ginny had just about got her breath back and was grabbing a piece of toast when someone on the high table caught her eye. Professor McGonagall. She seemed to have a knowing glint in her eye as her eyes met Ginny's. The penny dropped and Ginny suddenly realised...transfiguration essay...

Without a second though, Ginny jumped to her feet, dropping her toast and ran back up the stairs she had just seep walked down.

Within minuets, after passing many of her house mates and classmates, Ginny had grabbed her essay and sprinted back down the stairs, bursting through the doors once more and running to the high table. She thrust her essay straight in front of Professor McGonagall's face, earning and wink and a chuckle from Professor DumbleDore, his deep blue eyes sparkling with joy behind his half-moon glasses and an understand yet pleased look from professor McGonagall. With that Ginny smiled in return and headed toward her sit. Ginny was not amused by the sight she saw before her.

Hermione was happily sitting inbetween Ron who was wolfing down bacon sandwiches as if they were becoming extinct and Luna who was still engrossed in her magazine. That didn't bother her at all. What bothered her was the fact her seat was now occupied by someone other than her. Next to a very awkward looking Neville was Cho. She seemed to be so busy wanting to get close to Harry that she hadn't even realised Ginny was standing right behind her. Before Ginny had the chance to say anything or hit Cho round the back of the head, Hermione quickly shot a glance at Ginny.

"Oh hey Ginny, we wondered where you'd got to! Here have a seat," Hermione offered her the seat next to her to Ginny while giving her the kind of look that said 'leave it. She's not worth it.'

Ginny sat down and took some toast, buttering it while trying not to catch a glimpse of Harry and Cho's tongues swirling together. Neville looks extremely awkward as he shifted in his seat not wanting to get in the way. Luna had now put down her magazine and was looking around the hall, still wearing her glasses, looking back at her magazine every few seconds. Ron seemed to be unaware of the rest of the world as he concentrated on the 4 sausages he had just added to his plate. Hermione was also trying to avoid the love birds passion as she sat as awkwardly as Neville was. Clearly everyone was just going to sit here and play gooseberry to Harry and Cho so Ginny decided to take the initiative to break them up by coughing rather loudly, leaving Harry looking rather pink in the face and Cho seemed to be rather annoyed. With that, Cho kissed Harry on the cheek and walked over to her friends o n the Ravenclaw table. Ginny was so glad she'd gone beck to her own table. She had nothing wrong with Luna sitting with them and she's a Ravenclaw, it's just that Cho...was...well...Cho.

Just as everyone had began to enjoy their breakfast, chatting over bits of toast, bacon sandwiches several sausages and mountains of eggs, things took a sudden turn for the worst when a very unwanted face turned up at the table, standing right behind Ginny. Draco Malfoy. He also had his two cronies with him, Crabbe and Goyle. This was really turning out not to be a good day for Ginny.

"Aha! Look who it is boys; Little Miss Weaslette!" Draco said with fake joy, sarcasm dripping like phenom from his mouth.

"What do you want Ferret boy?!" Ginny stabbed back, her face slowly going pink with anger. Everyone around her was astonished at the way she had stood up to Draco, no one had ever seen her do it although they all had been aware of a few duels that had taken place in the corridors many times before. Ron took the wise choice to move out of the way knowing what Ginny was like when she got angry and also her famous red-headed Weasley temper.

"That's a lot of food you've got there Weaselette? Stocking up for winter are we? Since your family only have one slice of bread between you, like the one room you all live in?" Crabbe and Goyle were bent double, cackling with laughter. This was clearly enough to push Ginny to edge as she leaped out of seat, brandishing her wand and pointing it straight at Draco's throat. The whole hall was watching in appicpaition at this point. It looked as though even the high table were interested even though none of them came to break it up. Out of the corner of her eye, Ginny could see Harry standing next to her, wand also pointing at Draco.

"Leave her alone Malfoy! Aint you go someone else to mess with, someone bigger?" Harry said, to Ginny's surprise, with a large amount of angry running through his words.

"Like you mean? Aha Potter, new girlfriend? You move on quick!" Malfoy spat. Just then, Harry and Ginny were about to cast spells at him when there was a sudden loud clap. Dumbledore had gotten there attention and broke up the fight before it had even begun. With that, they went their separate ways, Harry and Ginny back to the table and Malfoy with his cronies left the hall.

"Thanks," Ginny muttered shyly, her cheeks pink as the buzz of the hall returned.

"Don't mention it," Harry winked.

Ginny felt quite please with herself and couldn't stop smiling for the rest of breakfast. Over Harry's shoulder she could see a every angery and jealous looking Cho keeping her watch-full eye over Harry and Ginny. This gave Ginny some sick, deep satisfaction.