Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters or places.

Author's Note: Fluff. Multi-chapter fluff. It began as a one-shot, but grew. The story's completely completed (squee!) and will be released as I have time. Please leave feedback.


Chapter 4 - Ice

"Say yes, Gin." His eyes were happy, pleading, looking at me as if I were all that mattered.

How often had I dreamed of this?

Why, after all this time, am I still so stupid?

"Of course she'll say yes, mate!" Ron was still as loud and obnoxious as ever. "She's only had a crush on you since our first year!"

At least I'm not alone in being stupid. It must run in the family.

Harry grinned and blushed.

Endearing.

I didn't care.

I smiled.

(They expect it.)

I cried.

(They can't see why. Are they blind? Was I?)

I don't say yes.

They don't notice.

Harry slips the engagement ring on my finger. I smile more. I cry more. I pretend to be happy.

It's starting to snow – the first real snow of the winter.

I'm so cold.

Mum laughs, cries. "Now you'll really be family," she says, crushing Harry in one of her suffocating hugs. I suppose I feel a little guilty about that.

But not enough.

Dad breaks out the firewhisky. It's the good stuff he saves for special occasions – promotions, impending grandchildren, the death of dark wizard terrorists. (*cough* Voldemort *cough*)

And, apparently, engagements.

I accept a glass, but don't really drink it.

Mum looks me over – wondering if I'm pregnant and just waiting for a ceremony to make the announcement.

I'm furious. Just because that's how she trapped Dad – how she would do things...

I smile.

I wait till they're all smashing pissed, drunk off their rocks, passed out or nearly so.

I don't even think to take my wand.

Or put on my coat.

Or my shoes.

I run out into the snow.