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.
