Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 10 Attempt One

The Firebolt whirred as Harry zoomed higher and higher above the towers of Hogwarts. He had found himself flying more and more frequently. It was the only thing that made him even remotely happy, even if the broom did carry memories of his beloved, deceased godfather. The first few days back at school had been pleasant enough, but as the days passed he found the old feelings resurfacing. Harry found the company of many of his classmates irritating and even more irksome was the eggshells they seemed to walk on around him. On top of that, he still had not been able to talk to Ginny. Every time he saw her, she was surrounded by a group of her friends, all giggling and whispering to each other. He swore, on more than one occasion, that he heard the name "Viktor Krum," come from their direction, causing him to cringe visibly.

At these times, Hermione increased her volume trying to distract Harry as she and Ron planned their engagement celebration and upcoming nuptials that would follow soon after. Harry knew she meant well, but was still annoyed.

And so his escaping into the open air increased. Here he could think clearly, without distraction. Here he could try to figure out how to win Ginny back. She was doing such a good job at keeping him at an arm's length. And really, who could blame her? He had broken her heart twice now.

But still, he had to try. He loved her. Each day, he moved closer and closer to approaching her, regardless of her friends constantly surrounding her. His desperation was beginning to trump his fear of losing face in front of his schoolmates.

On the Monday before Ron and Hermione's engagement celebration, Harry reached his breaking point. Summoning his Gryffindor courage, he marched with the determination of a soldier on a mission right up to the table where Ginny was sitting, lunching and laughing with her circle. She lifted her head and looked at him expectantly as he approached. His mouth opened to spill out his regret and love to her, but went dry. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure.

After what seemed a very long time words finally erupted. "Ginny, I really need to talk to you." Harry's voice cracked as he spoke.

Ginny smiled ever so slightly, but shook her head, "No." Her friends giggled to each other and this bit at his fragile confidence. Harry turned and walked swiftly from the room, his face flushed with embarrassment. The laughter of the girls rang after him, increasing the sting of humiliation.

As he crossed the threshold into the Gryffindor common room, Harry's emotions piqued. He fought back the tears threatening to erupt as he rushed quickly up into the boy's dormitory at the top of the tower. He grabbed his broom, threw open the window and with another swift movement he was soaring above Hogwarts once again. Harry's fury and despair mixed with the fear of having possibly lost Ginny forever, rose to the surface. Tears blurred his vision. A second later there was a sickening thud as Harry flew straight into one of the castle turrets.

Harry awoke in the school hospital wing that evening. Hermione was sitting next to the bed, reading a book. When she saw Harry was awake, she moved closer and took his hand.

"How are you feeling?"

"Not great." Harry replied, somewhat groggily.

"Do you remember what happened?"

"A little. I went to go clear my head." Harry closed his eyes. "I was really upset. I couldn't see clearly. I guess I lost control." Harry opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, avoiding eye contact with Hermione.

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione sighed. "What were you thinking, trying to fly in such a state! You're lucky you didn't hurt yourself worse."

Ron came in while Hermione was talking. "Oi! He's awake. How're you feeling, Harry? Nasty fall you had."

"Miserable." Harry answered quietly as he winced and then continued mumbling in which the words Ginny, Krum and unapproachable were distinguishable.

Hermione grasped the idea of Harry's mumbling. "I don't know what to tell you. I think Ginny still loves you or she wouldn't take such pains to avoid you. But I also think she is trying to move on, and maybe…" Hermione hesitated, looking thoughtfully at Harry. "Maybe you should consider doing the same."

Immediately Hermione wished she hadn't said it. The intense pain that filled her friend's green eyes was almost too much for her to bear. Ron tried to help by changing the subject.

"Madam Pomfrey said you should be well enough to leave the infirmary in the morning. The skele-grow will have set by then."

Harry didn't say anything and continued staring at the ceiling. Hermione sat awkwardly for a few moments and then excused herself saying she had a few last minute owls to post for her engagement celebration on Saturday. Ron followed dutifully behind, looking ruefully back at his forlorn friend, wishing he knew how to help.

a/n: Don't forget to let me know what you thought.