She didn't know what to think. She didn't know what to do. What could she do? She was helpless.

To think about him was painful. Not to worry for his safety was unnatural. She could only imagine what Hermione and Ron were going through. But they were used to going through this kind of stuff. They were always with him, his partners in crime, his best friends. She knew Harry cared for her just as much as them, if not exactly in the same way, but sometimes she couldn't keep the thought out of her head, couldn't resist arriving to the conclusion and asking herself questions. Was she good enough? What makes them better, more qualified than her, to accompany him on his mission? She stayed by him at the Department of Mysteries, defended herself, proving she was capable of handling everything, anything.

But Ginny was not stupid. Luna and Neville were with them, against Harry's initial decision, and they were not going with him this time. Only Ron and Hermione, his trusted friends and advisers.

Ginny, being a better than average but often overlooked witch, knew Harry better than that. He did not see people in the same way as others. The way he saw it, everyone was either in two categories, those to protect and those to fight against. Anyone he cared about fell under "protect." Ginny fell into this category, and so did Ron and Hermione. Anyone without a good reason to be doing whatever they were doing fell under "fight against," like, for example, Rita Skeeter. However, as terrible as Rita was, some were worse.

Voldemort was the sole reason for all this terror, all the insecurity and distrust, all the violence, and most importantly, the deaths of innocent people, people who died too soon. He did so much, like tearing people apart, like keeping Harry away…

But she should move on. If he lives… well, he didn't really dump her, did he? Not really… Not for any other reason but to protect her. If he doesn't… but she wouldn't think on it. She couldn't allow herself to think on it. She swore that last night was the last time she would soak her pillow in a flood of tears. She forbade it. She had to be strong for everyone and herself. And Ron… her brother. What if she lost her brother? Well, her whole family was already in danger. He's not in that much more danger than anyone else… Yet he does it willingly, knowingly. Ron, the youngest… He's so loyal. My dumb, loyal, loving brother. I hope they bring enough food. And Hermione would be with him. A smile escaped from her. Those two… They'll be stuck in a tent together… with no adult supervision. But Hermione will take care of the boys, just like she would take care of me… When Ginny met Hermione for the first time, she was a bit shocked at how confident she appeared. Her intelligence went unquestioned. Now that Ginny knew her, it wasn't so much about confidence; Hermione could be quite insecure at the best of times. One day, when they were alone, Hermione admitted to her that she would be extremely different if it weren't for Harry and Ron. She only seemed confident because she knew her friends were behind her. Ginny always looked to her for guidance, saw her as a sister since she didn't have any of her own. Hermione will take care of them.

His birthday. It was coming up soon. Ginny had no idea what to get him. Something small, so he can take it with him, she thought. But she rethought that. I don't want to add to his load. Even if it was small, I wouldn't want him to take something that wasn't necessary. But what to give him? Something special. I love him so much… After more thinking, she decided she would kiss him. She didn't care if he "broke up" with her. Her feelings hadn't changed and she knew his hadn't. He can at least allow her that…

And the wedding! She grimaced. Out of all people… Bill proposed to Fleur. Phlegm rather. She was nice enough… just ended up soaking all the attention. And it wasn't her fault, Ginny knew, but her airy manner was. She just didn't like her, as of now anyway. If Bill really loved her, then she could deal with it. She could deal with her oldest brother's airy-fairy wife.

This year I'll be in sixth year. The thought astounded her. I wonder when O.W.L. results come back… Finally, Ginny lifted her head. Looking out the window she did spot, in the distance, a tawny owl carrying an envelope. It could only be hers. She checked the clock. Almost lunch time. Sooner or later her mother would call her down, she would have to see Fleur again, she would have to help out with the cleaning for the wedding. But we're all still fighting, she thought. Still fighting.