I do not own Harry Potter, the characters or the ideas behind them. They are the soul property of R.K. Rowling. I am just borrowing them for a while and will try not to do too much harm with them. This story is my concept and any small similarities to another are purely coincidental. I will always reference any ideas I borrow from other wonderful authors.

The Letter

Heather stood with her hand on the door handle hesitant on what she should do. She vaguely remembered her mother crying out in the night when she was little and how she would go to her mother after those times. Her mother would always hold her rocking gently until she fell asleep. It had been frightening at first but her mother had had a way of making the world warm and safe.

Heather gave a sigh and let her hand fall from the door handle. She paused a moment still undecided, willing the closed door to give her an answer. Her shoulders slumped a bit and then she quietly backed away from the door. It was not really that dark in their flat and she could see the vague outlines of obstacles in her path. She returned to her room and found it cold and uninviting so wandered to the kitchen and then into the small living room finally ending up in the old worn out armchair in a corner.

She sat curled up with her arms wrapped around her legs in much the same way as her mother earlier. Her eyes stared into the grayness focused on something she only saw. With the event during the summer and now this latest one Heather was feeling like she was adrift, the world she knew slipping through her fingers. Her sense of displacement had been gnawing at her slowly, growing as the summer progressed becoming a breathing entity slowly enfolding her in a sense of unreality. It was not just the turmoil surrounding her mother and the distance growing between them, that would have been manageable, but it was also her world away from home. She no longer seemed connected to it.

At first she didn't realize anything was different and missed many of the signs that only her subconscious noticed. As the days passed her mind was finally able to push it to her attention. Even then she wanted to dismiss the feeling. But the little things started adding up. All the times her friends stopped talking when she showed up. The sideways glances that kept being directed at her. The way her friends kept egging her on to get mad at people, by repeating nasty words they supposedly overheard directed at Heather. These little quirks, as Heather got to calling them, didn't bother her as much as being nothing more than annoyances. Adding these to the way her friends started behaving did begin bothering her though.

Heather and her friend had always played pranks on people, especially those they felt needed to be brought down a notch or two. Most of the pranks were benign, for laughs or the embarrassment factor with nothing harmful or potentially dangerous, until this summer.

This summer the pranks turned darker and with them a sense of unease for Heather. She went along with the many pranks, but found herself becoming more a spectator than a participant; often not even wanting to be a spectator. She just did not see the humor in pranks whose sole purpose hedged on pain or destruction. She laughed along with her friends without feeling any of the so called entertainment these pranks were suppose to have.

The breaking point came when her friends threw ink over a sweater Sarah Westerly was wearing. It was obviously new and cashmere by the look of it and they had ruined it. Sarah and Heather had never liked each other and were always going out of their way to direct snide comments against the other. This was beyond acceptable limits.

The look of desolation and heartbreak on Sarah's face leeched all the fun out of it for Heather. It made her feel terrible and a little sick to her stomach. Her dislike for the other girl could not excuse what she and her friends had done. She tried to get her friends to realize that the prank was not funny but they just laughed. When she didn't let up about her feelings on the matter her friends started giving her dark looks telling her she was a one to talk.

This response totally confused Heather. She could not think what they were on about. She confronted her friends demanding what they meant and their answer unsettled her. She could still hear their response echoing in her thoughts.

"Yeah, right Miss High and Mighty," snarled Karen. " I suppose you are not responsible for what happens to people you are mad at, huh?"

"I don't know what you are talking about," answered Heather with a still confused look.

"Oi, listen to 'er, little 'I ne'er do anything wrong'," came Dean's snide remark.

Heather could only stare, she did not understand what he meant. She began to feel uncomfortable under her friends hard stares.

"Don't play dumb with us," added Tina joining in the argument. "We all know how you bewitch people, put a jinx on them you are mad at," she continued on.

"That's not true, you know it isn't," shouted Heather.

"Oh, isn't it?" came Karen's ugly voice. "How is it something seems to always happen to people you don't like? Can you tell me that, huh?"

Heather just stared at them a sinking feeling slowly enveloping her. Could they be right? Could all those instances of unexplained occurrences really come back to her? Could she be responsible like they were saying? It was as if they were implying she was some kind of evil person who caused bad things to happen to people? A coldness descend around her shoulders making the muggy day turn chilly.

Breaking into her thoughts came Tina's nasty reply. "What's the matter, don't like the competition? Rather be the only one going after people?"

Heather could only stare as everything finally slipped into focus. All her friends little 'quirks' suddenly had meaning. All the peculiar glances, whispers, or interrupted talks when she walked up or why they were always trying to get her mad at people. It all started to paint a picture Heather did not like. A sinking feeling made her question herself and her friends relationship.

She looked at Dean, Karen and lastly Tina, who she thought was her closest friend. There were nothing but snide smiles on their faces. She could not believe what she was seeing, and started to slowly back up before turning and fleeing. Harsh laughter followed her down the street and around the corner. She finally understood what she should have seen weeks ago. Her friends were using her for their own ends.

All the things her friend said bothered her and she did not want them to be true, but could not stop thinking about them. The thought kept running around in her head and she was worried that maybe she was jinxing people. She wanted to talk to her mother and several times was on the verge of saying something, but always backed away. It always came down to her worrying her mother might look at things the same way her friends did. That was something Heather really was not willing to have happen. So she kept it to herself.

She still went out everyday like always, pretending to meet up with her friends. Instead she would wander around London. She spent a lot of time at St. James' and Hyde Parks knowing she would not likely run into her friends there. Occasionally she would hit Piccadilly to window shop wishing she had the money to buy something. She always stayed away from Earls Court knowing that was where her friends were most likely to be and she definitely did not want to see them. There were times when she came close to looking for her old friends, but, since they never looked for her in all this time she came to realize they were not really friends after all.

Her mother would occasionally ask how Heather's day was and what she and her friends had done. She would always answer with just hanging around or visiting this place or that. Each time she felt bad lying to her mother. This only made the truth get farther and farther away making Heather more hesitant in speaking up. The lies seemed to grow in her mind until she felt it was a monster she could never let out, especially not to her mother. What would her mother think of her then?

Now she found herself sitting on the old chair while both her worlds seemed to be crumbling around her. Any anchor to her reality paper thin. She did not know what to do or where to turn. All her thoughts endlessly tumbling around in her head. Time slipped away with Heather chasing these thoughts as the night slowly faded.

The next morning Ginny found Heather asleep in the old chair in the corner.

/

Several days later Ginny was still thinking about where she had found her daughter. Heather had not given Ginny a plausible excuse, well not really one that she believed. Ginny knew Heather was troubled about something but did not know how to draw it out of her. Even when she asked point blank Heather had just shrugged her shoulders saying nothing. Ginny felt this was just typical of the entire summer. It had started so well only to fall like so much rubble around her feet.

As Ginny was pulling out the hoover to start cleaning the floors she thought back to another time and place. Everything was going well with Harry just before the Christmas break her fifth year and she was looking forward to spending time with him over the holiday break. It never came to pass because her parents got tickets to visit her brother Charlie in Romania and then a week in Greece for the family. Her family had a good time although she wished Harry could have gone along.

She had been excited to get back to school and Harry and was surprised by the cool reception when she returned. She wasn't really expecting him to sweep her off her feet, but he just seemed there but not there at the same time. A week passed before Harry came up to her and said they needed to talk. Just the way he said it and the look on his face told her it would not be something good.

They had gone into an old classroom where Harry put up locking and silencing charms. He then proceeded to pace around the room in an agitated manner without saying anything, He finally sat down but still did not look at Ginny.

"Well?" she finally asked.

"I have been thinking over the holiday..," began Harry

"I knew I couldn't leave you alone for a second," said Ginny with a big smile at an attempt to lighten the mood.

Harry just gave a tight smile "We are going to have to brake it off Ginny. It just isn't going to work right now," Harry stated with no preamble or warning.

Ginny was shocked speechless for a moment and just stared at Harry. She could not believe what he just said. Not at first anyway and was watching him start to walk away before she came to her senses.

"But why Harry?" she hated herself for letting a plaintive whine creep into her voice at the question.

Harry turned around and seemed like he would not say anything. "Look, I don't want to start a row over this. It just has to be," he finally said.

"Don't want to start a row?" Ginny all but shouted, her temper starting to uncoil. "You bloody well will explain yourself after a statement like that, Harry," Ginny said in a tight voice putting extra emphasis on his name.

The two remained silent just looking at each other. Harry had totally closed down letting nothing show, like a blank wall, a defensive protection many people were all to familiar with. Ginny's face was flushed and her eyes blazed but remained in tight control of her rising temper.

With a sigh of exasperation Harry finally gave in. "I think this will be for the best and the safest for you. I don't…"

"The safest for me?" Ginny exploded. "The safest for me, are you that dense Harry? Nobody is safe right now if you haven't notice," shouted Ginny. She wanted to say more to dig a little at Harry for his absurd notion, but stopped at the look crossing his face.

Harry's eyes blazed under a furious brow pulled down in an angry frown. In a cold harsh voice he answered, "Yes, of course how bloody stupid of me not to realize that Voldemort is out there killing people. Seems I have also forgotten that I am his number one target and all those around me are major targets by default.

Ginny almost took a step back. She had never seen Harry this enraged before nor had he ever focused it toward her. She knew her anger had put words into her mouth before she had thought them out, but she was not going to back down or let Harry intimidate her. Besides it seemed to her he was playing with her emotions again and she was not going to just stand by and accept it this time.

"Oh, here we go again," stated Ginny in a scornful voice. "Poor Harry, feel sorry for me because I had a bad childhood, I am the cause for everyone's pain and suffering. Nobody understands me and I have to mope around looking for sympathy."

"You know Harry, people are getting pretty tired of this pathetic martyr attitude you drag around with you like some badge of honor," threw out Ginny as one final dig at Harry. She was not going to let him play with her emotions again. If it meant using childish hurtful words to back this up, well so be it.

The look of pure fury on Harry's face was intimidating and the way he was tightly gripping his wand gave the impression he was about to use it. Ginny saw all this and by sheer force of will she held her ground, ready for anything. She had no illusions; she knew there would be no contest between the two. If a duel were to come, she would defend and fight with everything she was worth.

The two faced off for several moments and Ginny thought he was getting ready to cast a spell. Instead Harry took a deep breath, let it out slowly and pocketed his wand. A few deep breaths later he walked back to where she was and sat down. He spent a little longer studying hands, cleared his throat and spoke.

"I guess I handled this badly and I am sorry about that," he began. "But the fact of the matter still remains, we must break it off for now."

Ginny was going to reply, but Harry's raised a hand to forestalled her.

"I know everyone is in danger in our world and I know that I am probably in more danger than most. I also know everyone who is around me will be targeted by Voldemort."

"Let me finish," said Harry when Ginny was about to interrupt again.

"People who are around me become more important targets for Voldemort for the mere fact he see them as my servants. If he can have them removed he feels that will weaken me. I know I will need help just to get the chance to face Voldemort and I wish I didn't, I don't like putting people in danger."

"But I can help Harry," said Ginny with a slight whine to her voice. She hated herself for letting it creep into her voice.

Harry sadly shook his head before saying, "I know you have the power and the desire to help but the plain fact is, I don't want Voldemort focusing on you. Which he surely will if we keep going as boyfriend and girlfriend. He may not understand love, but certainly knows how to use it to cause the maximum amount of suffering. Even if he didn't one of his circle would be sure to point it out."

"But Harry…," started Ginny.

"NO," stated Harry forcefully. "If we break it off now it will just look like another failed relationship by me and you remain in about equal danger as everyone else."

"What if I don't want to do this?" Ginny said quietly looking down.

"I'm sorry Ginny, but it has to be like this," Harry said equally as quiet. "All Christmas I kept dreaming of you lying on the floor in the Chamber of Secrets. I just can't put you in a situation where this possibility could increase. I just can't," Harry trailed off in a barely audible whisper.

Ginny gave a shudder at her own memory of the Chamber and mentally shook herself to push it away. A soft rustle made her look up and see Harry looking down at her, sadness on his face.

"I am sorry Ginny," he stated once more softly then turned and walked away.

Ginny opened her mouth but nothing came out, what could she say, it would not change anything. She sat in the room long after Harry had taken down the wards and left.

The next couple of weeks the two did not say anything to each other, sit by each other or even remain in the same room for long. Ginny was furious; at herself for not fighting harder; at Harry for walking away. Others noticed what was going on, but Ginny ignored every question put to her. Then the day came when the fury turned into an icy hand clutching at her heart when she realized she was pregnant; Harry's words sunk in and terrified her. What lengths would Vodemort go to get at her and Harry's child.

She had thrown herself into her studies after that, a way of not thinking about anything. Any time she thought about her child she broke down in cold sweats and started shaking so badly she could barely stand. This in turn made her redouble her efforts of temporary oblivion in her studies. Her world became books, classes and studying to such an extent people started commenting that she made Hermione look lazy. Most just said it was a classic case of 'OWL' fever. Ginny let everyone believe this.

By the time her OWL's were over she had formulated a plan to disappear. Using the chaos at Victoria Station and platform 9 ¾, she put her plan in motion and disappeared.

So lost in thought, Ginny did not realize she had stopped hoovering and was just standing in the middle of the room. When a hand gently touched her shoulder she let out a shriek and whirled around only to see John standing there with a sad smile on his face. All the pent up emotions over the summer welled up at that point and she lost control. Running to him burying her face in his shoulder and wept uncontrollably.

For several moment the two stood there while Ginny cried with John holding her, slowly rubbing her back. When she had cried herself out, she realized where she was and pulled away, a little embarrassed. "Sorry," she mumbled,

John just pointed to his ears and then down at the hoover that was still running. Ginny flushed even more and reached down to turn it off and wind up the cord, trying not to look at John.

"When you get that put away would you please come to my office," said John.

Ginny walked into John's office with a little trepidation and no small amount of embarrassment. Crying was one thing, but crying on John's shoulder was an entirely different situation. What would he think and say now. She waited nervously while he seemed to be rummaging around in his desk.

John looked up, "Aw good you are here. You will need to hurry and get packed," he added.

Ginny's heart caught in her throat and for a moment an thought she was going to faint. He was asking her to leave.

Seeing the look on her face, John kindly said, "Ach no lass, you're going on holiday. As a matter of fact it is an early birthday present you are giving Heather." A grin spread across his face.

It took a second for Ginny's pulse rate to return to normal and then another to realize what John just said.

"No I can't accept this, I just couldn't."

"You can and you will," he stated. "Besides, I have already told Heather to get packing because you are taking her somewhere for her birthday. Also all the arrangements have been made and they can't be canceled at this late date." Ginny tried to protest further but John would not hear of it.

"Look, I don't pretend to know what's going on, but you and Heather are quietly avoiding each other. When you are together you both seem to be walking on eggshells." Ginny looked a little unsettled at that. She had thought it was not so obvious, but then this was John. A person meeting him for the first time would think him aloof with his military bearing. Like he was in a position of command outside of the regular soldier. This was far from the truth. He was aware of everything around him, and a kind and helpful person. He seldom raised his voice or had a harsh words for anyone. He could also be firm without giving offense when needed. Unfortunately like now.

"Ginny, you have never gone on holiday in all the time you've been here. You use to take Heather out afternoons to many of the local parks, but haven't done that in a long time either."

It was a truth Ginny wished she could deny. Having it brought to her attention made it so evident that there was not much she could say in her defense. She was about to try anyway but John raised a hand to stop her.

"You to need a break," he stated. "I will take the tube with you to Euston Station to help with your baggage, and to make sure you get on the train," he added with a grin.

John handed Ginny the tickets. "You are going to the Lake District and need to change at Oxenholme and take the local to Windermere. A friend will pick you up at the station. He will take you to a youth hostel he is running, where you will be staying. Any questions?"

Ginny looked at John a moment and opened her mouth to protest once again, but just sighed in resignation when she saw his frown. She looked down at the tickets in her hand and sighed once more in defeat, "What is the name of your friend picking us up?"

"Oh yes, forgot about that. Everybody just calls him Murphy, and I suspect he will have you do the same. Also, before I forget, you will be there a week. Now hurry along, we need to leave in the next half hour."

Ginny went up to her small flat a little uncomfortable with the situation. How was she going to pay John back for this. She pushed open the door and saw Heather's face all lit up in a huge smile and knew then and there she would find a way for her daughter.

"Come on Mum, we need to hurry," said Heather almost bouncing on her toes. "Where are we going? How are we getting there? How long will we be there? Where are we staying?"

Ginny just smiled at Heather's enthusiasm and found herself getting excited. She could not help getting caught up as well and hurried putting a few clothes and personal items in a small beat up satchel as Heather peppered he with questions.

"Slow down Heather, one question at a time," Ginny laughed. "As to were we are going, well, that is a surprise."

"Ah Mum!" Heather pretended to pout.

Ginny just snickered, "Sorry, not going to work. We will be taking a train to get there."

"Really. Cool, I have never been on a train. This will be so great." Heather seemed to be even more excited if that was possible.

"Got a light jacket? Good, let's get going then." The two reached the door when Ginny motioned to Heather to go ahead. She went back and got her wand and tucked it in the satchel. She had unconsciously decided to start carrying it again.

When Ginny got down to the lobby she found them both waiting for her. John handed her an envelope, "Here is your August wages you wanted. Try not to spend it all on Heather and treat yourself to some small pleasure," he admonished in a laughing way. With that they walked out the door and their first holiday ever.

/

Heather and Ginny were sprawled on a blanket they had spread at the crest of a small hill. The hot August sun was beating down on them and would have gotten unbearable if not for the slight breeze caressing them . The tension over the summer seemed to have melted away with the heat that surrounded them. Both were idly watching the few lacy clouds float across the deep blue sky.

After a bit Heather rolled onto her stomach looking at Ginny. "Mum?"

"Huumm.." came Ginny's lazy reply.

"Well," hesitated Heater. "Promise you wont get mad.." at this she trailed off.

Ginny rolled onto her side looking at Heather. "I am not sure I can give a blanket yes to that kind of statement," she gently said.

Heather looked at her hands twisting them occasionally opened her mouth and closed it. A few moments later she tried again. "During the summer you had several bad dreams, not that I was spying," rushed in Heather. "Well it's just… well I mean… I was kind of wondering… are these the same ones you had when I was younger? I sort of remember you crying out at night when I was little."

Heather watched her mother roll to her back looking up at the sky again. She remained quiet and Heather was a bit anxious she had indeed upset her mother. Just when she thought there would be no answer Ginny gave a sigh and began to speak.

"Before you were born I got in a situation where I could have died and truthfully I thought I was going to. But instead of me someone else did. It bothers me still."

When Heather looked like she was going to ask another question Ginny forestalled her, "Enough of morbid thoughts for such a beautiful day. We don't want to darken our last day do we?" asked Ginny giving a comical face raising one eyebrow. "Besides we should get back to Bowness and catch the ferry to Waterhead." Heather just laughed, a little relived her mother was not mad, and helped to gather up their things.

"Tell you what," began Ginny, "we will get a nice meal in Waterhead and walk along the lake back to Windermere. How does that sound?"

"Oh my aching legs," said Heather exaggerating the slumped poster of someone really tired.

"Well in that case," began Ginny with a snide little smile, "You can carry all our things then. It will help you build up your woefully poor stamina."

"Oh Mum." They were both laughing by then as they walked down the hill arm in arm.

It was late afternoon when Ginny and Heather got back to the hotel. They chatted with John for a bit telling him all about the great time they had, filling him in on what they had done and where they had gone. On their way out the door John called out to them.

"Got a letter here for you Heather."

"Really? Great." She went back to get the letter calling over her should to Ginny, "I will be up directly mum."

Ginny was in the middle of unpacking when Heather walked in.

"Mum, what is Hogwarts?"