Faded From The Winter

By: Lady Lithe

Naru-chan: Oh wow! Update, eh? Long time... Sorry! Thanks to all of you who reviewed last time! I knew what I wanted to write...just had a huge trouble getting it out and having it sound nice as well... -.-; Anyway, what's done is done!

An important note: I'm pretty sure you all know that italics means memeory, but I must warn you that the events - even the memories - are not exactly in order in case there's any confusion. Also, I want to remind you that Ginny and Lain were finishing their 7th year and Harry had already graduated by the time of the Final Battle. So...yeah. Okay! Enjoy!

Chapter Ten: Just To Have You Near

I never expected you to love me
The way I loved you
To have you near
Was all
I wanted
Just to have you near
-Azure Ray, Tress Keep Growing

"You're perfect."

She turned to look down at him, her azure eyes glowing in the yellow and orange candlelight. His emerald eyes watched as she lifted a graceful hand to push a stray strand of silver blonde hair behind her ear. She smiled slightly. "No, Harry, I'm not."

"You are," he insisted, continuing to look up at her from her lap. He reached up to capture her hand in his. "You have no idea how perfect you are."

"There's no such thing as perfection, Harry. Everyone has his or her faults. I lied to you so long ago for my own selfish reasons."

"But you told me the truth afterwards," he protested. "And you told me your feelings outright. That was very brave of you…not many people can do that."

"It still doesn't make me perfect. But if anyone were close to being perfect…it would be Ginny." Her azure glazed over as she looked upward. Suddenly she seemed so far away, even though she was so close. "I truly don't understand sometimes. How can she be so strong? So fearless?

"She's my heroine. Nothing can harm her strong will. She lives her life by her principles unwaveringly. She stands up to the cruel and stands up for the weak. She will always be the heroine in my story.

"And watching her, I see how flawed I am in comparison."

Harry watched her for another moment, taking in the true words that she spoke, before he pressed her fingers against his lips.

"Then let's be flawed together."

"You can't do that, Harry," she said, the whisper of a smile on her pale pink lips. "The hero can't be flawed."

Ginny blinked drowsily as she felt warm and familiar arms embrace her. She giggled lightly against Harry's chest as he leaned over and pressed his lips against her forehead. She snuggled closer to him before looking up at him. His black hair fell over his pale face, but the feature she loved the best was hidden from her. His eyes remained shut, closing away his brilliant emerald eyes.

"Hello Sunshine," he smiled sleepily as he tenderly nuzzled his face against her scarlet hair. "What's for breakfast…?"

"It's your turn, Harry," she murmured to him as her hands leisurely fiddled with his hair.

He whimpered pitifully.

She yawned and held him closer. "Your turn…"

He suddenly smirked and flipped her over so that he was on top of her. Now his mischievous green eyes glinted at her. "What can I do to convince you otherwise?"

Her sweet laughter rang out in the air and he smiled before kissing her. She returned it. Their kiss deepened and his fingers sought her familiar crimson hair. Then she slowly broke away from him, and poked his chest, whispering, "Still your turn."

Finally accepting that she wasn't going to change her mind, he began to rise, but she moaned in protest and her arms wrapped around his body tighter. He looked down at the sleepy young woman with unveiled amusement and affection. Then he lowered himself back onto the white bed and closed his eyes, hugging her tightly and enjoying the comfort of her proximity. He always marveled at how perfectly she fit in his arms.

"Women. They ask for one thing and do another. Whatever will I do with you?"

"Just a little longer," she muttered.

"We're never going to eat at this rate," Harry mentioned, but made no protesting movement.

"Just a little longer…"

"Don't worry," he said, stroking her red hair. "I'm not going anywhere."

She smiled sleepily. "Good…just five more minutes…"

"Heh," he chuckled. "You're starting to sound like Ron."

There was a beat of peaceful resting before she suddenly gasped and flung the blankets away. Harry, terribly confused, tried to calm her down, but she twisted from his grasp. She scrambled off, leaving a bewildered Harry on the bed.

"We have to get ready for the game!" she cried behind her as she hurried to shower. She could have sworn that she heard him swear loudly as he remembered what she was talking about.

Quickly, she flicked her wand and water began to gush out as she flung off her clothes. She tested the water with her hand first and was satisfied by the heat and steam that arose from the water. Then she stepped into the water, feeling it rush over her body. Her long crimson hair darkened instantly into burgundy. The tension left her shoulders as she scrubbed herself clean. Her mouth curled into a smile when she thought of the Quidditch game she would soon be watching.

Fifteen minutes later, Ginny emerged from the bathroom. White steam floated after her. Hot showers were her specialty (something Harry always wrinkled his nose playfully at). The moment she stepped out of the warm mist, a wonderful smell accosted her nose and, gingerly sniffing the air, she let out a happy sigh.

"What are you cooking?" she called out as she walked down the hall.

"Chocolate pancakes," Harry answered loudly from the kitchen. She padded to the kitchen door and leaned against it for a moment, taking in the glorious scene in front of her. The back of Harry's tussled black hair faced her since he was concentrated on what he was doing at the stove. His green T-shirt and loose sweats fit him perfectly. Then he turned his head and his bright green eyes caught sight of her. His face broke out into a happy grin, as innocent as it had been when she first saw him on Platform 9 ¾. Her heart constricted for a moment as she was overwhelmed by how much she loved him.

"So let me get this straight. While I have been slaving away to cook something worthy of you, my Lady, you have been taking a luxurious shower?"

"What if I have?" she smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at him.

"Ah, the things I do for love," he sighed wistfully, waving his spatula in the air and turning to face her at the same time. "You know, if I don't get some payment, I might run away someday."

She let out a laugh as she ran toward him and jumped into his arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist and their foreheads pressed against each other. His laugh joined hers as he twirled her in a circle. Then she closed in the distance between their mouths. Their lips barely touched, and it was a gentle whisper of a kiss. She rubbed hers softly over his before she pulled away. He groaned at her departure.

"Was that enough?" she murmured.

"Not on you life," he said fiercely in a low, rumbling voice before capturing her lips once more, this time in a much more passionate kiss. She tilted her head to gain better access. Their kiss deepened as he pressed himself against the counter and she tangled her fingers in his raven locks. The passion whirled between them, and a familiar need stirred in both of them.

"You better stop," he whispered, "or we're really not going to be able to eat breakfast before the game."

"We can't have that, now can we?" she replied with a wry smile, slipping from his arms. He returned to the pancake he was creating before it burned while she rummaged through the cupboard for plates. "Ron would absolutely hate us if we missed his playoffs. Especially since the Cannons haven't been this close to the Championship since…well, since ever."

"Ah, that brother of yours," Harry smiled affectionately, pouring more chocolate into the batter as a pancake sizzled cheerfully. "Even though he's on the best team in the world he still gets jittery before games. Granted, I think I would be a wreck too. Then again, I'd remember having my favorite girl watching me in the stands and I'd be fine." Then he stopped, as if thinking about it. "On the other hand, you would probably be playing with me."

"And we'd be indestructible." She reached up to brush away a lock of jet-black hair from his cheek.

"That we would be. Now open," he ordered as he held up a piece of fluffy substance, which she accepted. "Good?"

Ginny smiled as warmth spread through her. "Amazing."

"Happy birthday to you; Happy birthday to you; Harry birthday dear Harry…Happy birthday to you!" Everyone applauded loudly and cheered as Harry leaned over the humungous cake that Mrs. Weasley had baked for him. On the very top were eighteen flaming candles.

"Make a wish," Ginny urged laughingly before other voices joined hers. He glanced up from his seat. She was leaning over the table, her red hair gleaming under the glowing light from the candles. Dean, by her side, grinned, and encouraged him as well.

Harry closed his eyes, hastily deciding on a wish. Then he took one huge breath and blew out all the candles at once. The cheering ascended. He looked up and grinned at the surrounding faces. Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ron, Fred, George, Hermione, Ginny, Dean…and Lain.

Home. This was his home.

"Cut the cake!" Lain clapped her hands eagerly, handing him the knife. He beamed at her. She looked so pretty in her blue dress. He couldn't keep the smile off of his face. Surely this was the happiest moment of his life.

Soon everyone abandoned the crammed kitchen, exiting through the backdoor into the yard. The bright sun was slowly setting and the sky around them was lit up into a beautiful splash of red, pink, and gold. They all sat and ate their cake, chatting animatedly. Harry, with the same contented smile on his face and his arm around Lain, took to observing everyone. There seemed to be a million things happening all at once, and Harry didn't want to miss a single moment of it all.

"Watch this," Fred and George said to Hermione and Ron, who were regarding the infamous twins suspiciously. In George's hand laid a single white sphere, which appeared harmless. Making sure that their audience was paying attention, Fred carefully tapped the ball with his wand. Ron and Hermione ducked, apparently expecting the sphere to combust. Instead, something different happened. The sphere lit up into various shades of light, illuminating the area around them.

"I can't believe it," Ron muttered, utterly absorbed with the orb. "They finally made something that didn't explode…"

Harry grinned to himself as his green eyes flickered a bit further down the table.

"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley cried out in frustration, batting her husband with exasperation.

"Wait, dear, look, look!" Mr. Weasley shouted, holding up a small contraption, fascination shining in his eyes. "Muggles call it 'white out'! Can you believe it? Since they can't use spells to correct their errors, they've invented this sort of film-like material that's easily destructible, but covers the written mistake! Can you believe it?"

"Dear," sighed Mrs. Weasley, rubbing her forehead and giving up on her husband.

Harry felt a warming sensation in his heart. The sight of the loving couple squabbling always managed to do that. His green eyes flickered once more to land on the next couple.

Ginny and Dean were snuggled close to one another. She was yawning tiredly, and he allowed her red head to rest against the crook of his arm. They were speaking quietly with one another.

"So what will you do now?" Ginny asked, half opening her eyes.

"I'm not entirely sure," Dean answered honestly. He tenderly brushed away a lock of red hair that had fallen over her face. "I suppose I'll find a job to sustain me and look for a place to live. I can't always live with my Mum. Then I'll dedicate my time to my art."

"But living in an apartment alone is very expensive," she pointed out logically, showing that her mind was as sharp as ever, even though her body was weary.

"I suppose so," he replied. He let the silence linger for a moment before he spoke again, slowly. "Then…will you move in with me?"

Her head started a little. "Dean…!"

"Not now, of course," he chuckled, patting her head reassuringly. "Once you graduate. Come live with me."

She said nothing for a moment before she closed her brown eyes and a small smile appeared on her face. "Okay."

"What are you doing?" Lain's voice called to him curiously by his side. He tore his attention away from Ginny and Dean, slightly ashamed and guilty for probably overhearing something he should not have. But these unsettling feelings washed away at the sight of Lain's clear azure eyes, and he smiled down at her.

Very soon now, he, Hermione, and Ron would be leaving here to find the horcruxes.

"Just thinking," he replied, holding her closer. She giggled as he brushed aside some of her silver-blonde hair. Part of him wondered how long it would be before he would hold her again.

His mind reeled back to the beginning of their relationship.

After that day where he had met Lain in Diagon Alley in the snow, the two of them returned to the Burrow. They had decided to share their news with Ron and Hermione, who had apparently bonded in more than just a friendly way after he had left. The two of them had been shocked, but had not questioned them on this strange new development. The rest of the day had seemed almost surreal. The warm glow from the fire, the happy faces of Lain, Ron, and Hermione… It seemed their happy mood was contagious. But underneath this veil of bliss, Harry had been far from happy. Ginny had not returned. She was still with Dean.

It had been Lain that had pulled him away from his melancholy thoughts. She had walked slowly up to him and he had automatically wrapped his arms around her, feeling her warmth in her proximity. And then, not knowing why he was doing it, he had leaned over and kissed her.

Ginny hadn't come home that night.

Time passed, as always. Before he knew it, six months had passed, bringing him here… During that time, he had learned to accept the new direction his life had taken. His green eyes flickered back to Ginny, who was now dozing in and out of sleep.

It would be a lie to say that it had been easy…and he certainly didn't like to talk or think about it. No one knew, of course, of his old feelings. And readjusting himself had been extremely hard. He never thought watching two people being happy could hurt so much. And, according to the conversation he had just heard, the two of them were very happy.

Lain shivered slightly and he rubbed his hand against her arm. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and gratitude before she looked away, delicately taking another bite out of her cake.

But Lain had been there for him when he didn't want to think or speak. She stood by him through it all. She was patient with him and simply waited for him to come to her. He didn't doubt his feelings anymore. He loved Lain. When he needed someone, she had been there for him even if she hadn't known the impact of her presence. Now he could look at Ginny and Dean and feel at peace because he could honestly say that he was happy as well.

Even if Harry was leaving Lain now – temporarily, he was only doing it because he wanted her safe. And he knew when he returned, she would still be here, waiting for him.

"Say…will you give me one more thing for my birthday?" he spoke up, directing his gaze toward the setting sun. It wouldn't be long now before darkness fell.

"What's that?"

"Sing for us." He smiled as she blushed prettily.

"Oh no, I couldn't." Sometimes she was too shy for her own good.

"Then sing for me."

"Lain's going to sing?" Ginny asked, blinking madly, trying to escape from her sleepiness. She smiled instantly. "Sing, sing!"

Soon everyone was cheering and demanding for Lain to sing. She gave him a look that said "You did this". He just grinned right back at her. He was proud of her. Why hide her talent, after all?

"Oh…all right," she finally consented, her face as red as the setting sun. She stood up in the middle of the porch as everyone clapped. Fred and George whistled. Lain cleared her throat shyly. Then she smiled. "I'll be singing Azure Ray's latest song Fever, then. I hope you enjoy it."

She bowed and everyone clapped and cheered again. The sun had disappeared beyond the cliffs, but a glowing gold light remained, despite the impeding night that surrounded it. She stared directly at Harry before opening her mouth. As she sang, their eyes remained locked.

Fever I know you've come to take my love
Go away, go away, go away
Fever I know your face just like a dove
Fly away, fly away, fly away

Fever turn the lights out
Take a different road
Let us be

Fever I know you've come to take my love
Go away, go away, go away
Fever I know in God I shouldn't trust
He's so far away, far away, far away…

Fever turn the lights out
Take a different road
Let us be…

Fever take a different route
Travel a different road
Let us be
Fever I know you've come to take my love
Go away, fly away, go away…

"Happy birthday to you; Happy birthday to you; Happy birthday dear Ginny… Happy birthday to you!" There was a roaring cheer as Ginny made a wish, took a deep breath, and blew out all eighteen candles. She looked up and grinned at the surrounding faces. Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ron, Fred, George, Charlie, Bill, Hermione…and Harry. He stood by her side, beaming.

"Cut the cake already!" Ron ordered. He was always eager for food. His girlfriend clucked her tongue disapprovingly. He, of course, ignored it as always. "C'mon Ginny."

"It's my cake, Ron," she reminded her older brother, fighting a grin, but she complied. She picked up the silver knife beside the cake and aimed it accurately so that there would be just enough for everyone when the sound of knocking caused her to fumble and accidentally slice into the cake crookedly. The noise sounded so out of place. The celebrating died down slightly as everyone exchanged small looks of confusion.

"I'll get it," Harry said.

"No, no, it's fine," Ginny smiled at him. "I can get the door."

"But the cake," he protested, his green eyes watching her carefully. A pout formed on his lips. "It's your birthday. You should cut it."

"It's fine, Harry. I'm a big girl." Her brown eyes gazed affectionately at him. She loved that he cared if she were upset or not, and she let this be known to him by gently squeezing his hand with hers. "I don't haveto cut it."

"She'll make a mess of it anyway! Look at that," Ron pointed out indignantly, gesturing in an appalled manner at the cake. Ginny rolled her eyes while the rest of the family laughed.

"I'll take care of the cake, you get the door," Hermione shooed Ginny, her wand in hand. Ginny giggled as she escaped from Harry's playful arms to walk to the door. She flung it open happily.

"Who is –!" The sentence died on her tongue.

He shifted uncomfortably. He looked just as he had a year ago. He was still tall and handsome, and surely just as kind. Her throat felt constricted as he slowly looked up into her eyes. He looked as if he were wondering whether or not he should actually be there.

"Dean…" she whispered.

And then he smiled the bright and kind smile that he always had. She felt the tears prickle at her eyes as she basked in the warmth of his smile.

"Happy birthday, Ginny," he said in his deep voice as he handed her a neatly wrapped gift. She smiled almost sadly. He had wrapped it with her favorite color: green.

"Ginny, who was at the –" Harry stopped, a few feet away from the two of them. She turned to look at him, but he wasn't looking at her. He was looking at Dean.

"Maybe I should go," Dean said uncomfortably. He glanced quickly over his shoulder.

"No, join us," Harry said firmly as he stepped forward. He looked downward before he looked up, his bright green eyes gleaming with sincerity. "Please."

Dean gazed at Harry, as if searching for something. They were speaking to each other silently. It was something Ginny couldn't understand. She wasn't meant to. So all she could do was hold her breath and pray that the two important men would come to an understanding. Apparently, they did, because Dean closed his eyes and smiled. "Alright."

Ginny felt so overwhelmed. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. So instead, she took the two of them by the arms and grinned before leading them back toward the laughter. "Come on, let's join the party."

When the three of them entered the kitchen, however, the festivities instantly died. Ever single pair of eyes was directed on the three of them, particularly on Dean and Harry. The silence hung heavily and Ginny could feel Dean tensing.

"Look who decided to join us," Harry said lightly with a small smile. "Someone finally decided to tear himself away from his art."

"I'm sorry I'm late," Dean replied, just as easily. "My art display is being worked on."

"You don't have any pictures of my girlfriend do you?" Harry asked lightly, almost teasingly. Ginny threw a sharp look at him, but Dean's chuckling calmed her down.

"She was mine first you know," Dean shot back.

"Ah, well," Harry said, walking over to the table, "at least you draw her much better than I ever will. My doodles look more like potatoes with arms rather than Ginny."

He turned and lifted up a slice of cake, a smile on his face. Dean, with a matching smile on his face, accepted the plate.

The partying continued smoothly from that point on. Harry's obvious repartee with Dean let the other Weasleys and Hermione know that everything was okay. Hermione was soon discussing art styles with Dean, and Ron reminisced old times with him. Fred and George even played a prank on him, irritating Mrs. Weasley and Ginny greatly, but Dean just laughed it off and complimented the twins.

It was much later, when Ginny entered the kitchen to refill her drink that she noticed Dean sitting on the porch alone. Quietly, she opened the backdoor. Night had covered them with its dark blanket, and she could smell in the air that it would rain tomorrow. She took a deep breath and settled herself down next to him. He looked startled by her presence, but didn't reject her.

"I didn't think you would come," she confessed, watching the white stars glint above them.

"I wasn't sure I was coming," Dean admitted as honest as ever. She smiled slightly and closed her eyes, enjoying the cool yet warm breeze.

"It's been a while."

"A long while," he agreed, lowering his gaze.

"But I'm glad I met you at the Leaky Cauldron, even though it was really brief. I've wanted to talk to you for a long time. I wanted to…explain myself. I don't think I really gave you enough closure at the time when…" she trailed off.

"You don't have to explain anything," he sighed so softly that she nearly didn't hear it. "You stuck with me long enough…you waited a whole six months before you left me. Watching him go through that and not doing anything…must have been very hard for you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you to go to him sooner…"

"No! Don't apologize," Ginny pleaded. Her hands balled into fists. She turned and looked him in the eye. "I really…I really did love you. I want you know that. What we had…it wasn't…I wasn't…I wasn't just using you. But I also couldn't continue hurting you anymore."

Dean smiled, but the lines of sorrow showed.

"This is the path you have chosen. I know you have no regrets…but…no matter who you end up with, you still won't be able to give up, will you?"

She stared at him.

"You will always…remain by his side."

Ginny's eyes widened and shook before she tore her gaze away. She couldn't refute what he had said. There was more truth in that statement than she was willing to admit. And part of her hated it. Harry Potter had always been her weakness. He would always be her weakness…

"I won't stop you from being happy," he continued calmly. "And I don't regret the time I had with you. I wish… Sometimes I wish things had turned out differently, but that is, I suppose, fate. The time I had with you…I will always carry it with me. But I'm okay. I'm okay. I just hope that you will always have this happiness when you're with him. Somehow, I know you wouldn't have had it with me."

Dean placed a warm and comforting hand on her shoulder before he rose and entered the house once again. She felt the prickle in her eyes and she blinked madly, staring upward.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"I wonder…does Harry really love me?"

Ginny felt her heart leap to her throat. Lain was staring out of the window, watching the rainfall. The dark midnight blue light that flooded the Hogwarts corridors surrounded her, but a small sliver of moonlight lit up her white skin. Her hair shimmered down her back and her eyes slid from the rain up to the sky, where the falling water obscured the moon.

"What are you talking about?" Ginny laughed tightly, trying to seal away the turmoil those simple words had stirred. "You've been together for three months now. You and Harry are the happiest couple in the whole school!"

"No, we're not," Lain replied. She remained strangely calm…almost like a goddess.

"Is there a problem?" Ginny asked, concerned. She took Lain's hand and squeezed it gently. Lain's eyes widened with emotion and Ginny could see the sheen of tears, but for once she did not cry.

"What do you do when someone you love loves someone else?"

Ginny's heart stopped. Her hand trembled over Lain's and her brown eyes shook. This was not a question she wanted to be asked.

And not by Lain.

"You're silly," she scolded lightly, an unsteady smile on her lips. "I'm sure Harry wouldn't be with you now if he didn't have feelings for you." Lain looked a little bit convinced, but not that much. "But when something like that happens…when that happens you just have to live with what you have."

Truer words Ginny never spoke. She had been with Dean for a month and a half now and their relationship was growing. It would be a definite lie if she said she didn't like him very much, but it would also be a lie if she said she loved him. Still, she felt the feeling grow in her chest, and wondered, as she stared at Harry and Lain walking down the corridors hand in hand, if she could just kill her old feelings so easily?

Lain swallowed and looked down at the ground. "How can I amend all the sins I've committed? I love him, you know. I love Harry so much…"

Numbly, Ginny wondered if she would ever be able to say those words.

"But I can't help but wonder if I have caused him unhappiness."

"You bring only happiness, Lain." But her words were deaf to Lain's ears.

"Sometimes I wonder if there is someone better for him out there. Someone who deserves him more. And I'm nothing more than a block – an obstacle in the way. So why haven't I let him go? Why haven't I set him free?"

"He only needs you, Lain…" Ginny dearly wished that Lain would stop speaking. Then maybe she wouldn't need to speak the words that broke her heart.

"But I…" Lain continued, her focus back on the falling rain, "I can't let him go. I won't let him. Even if I am only a burden to him…even if I become a horribly hideous person…I won't let go of him without a fight. He is my strength. I love him enough for the both of us. I love him so much that at times even I'm scared. I'm scared of myself as well as what I might do in order to stay by his side." Her voice quivered. "And what will I do if he doesn't want me anymore?"

"That will never happen," Ginny said fiercely.

"How can you be so sure?" Lain asked, her wide azure eyes watching Ginny earnestly.

"I know because he loves you. He loves you, Lain…"

Lain gazed at her best friend, smiled, and shook her head. Her beautiful figure was silhouetted against the darkness around her.

"I hope so."

"I'm sorry."

"No…don't, Harry," Ginny sighed, pushing away a stray lock of red hair that had escaped from her ponytail. Since it refused to obey her, she wrenched the ribbon that held her hair together away a bit more violently that she had intended. Her scarlet hair tumbled down her shoulders. "I'm fine, really."

Harry watched her carefully from his upright position beside her on the bed, the glowing orange light from the lamp on the bedside table illuminating him, and a tiny smile snuck onto his serious face. "I think I finally understand why you all hate hearing me say those words. Of course, I've always been terrible at lying…"

"Really, Harry, I don't mind," she said, shoving away her feelings. "It's selfish of me to want you here when you're needed."

The words sounded empty, even to her.

"That's the thing," he sighed, dragging both of his hands through his raven hair, causing it to stick up in various directions. "I feel like I'm not really needed and this whole thing is absolutely ridiculous!"

"I know you don't want to do it," she said sympathetically, really meaning it this time. She reached up and smoothed his brow. "But you know how insistent the Ministry of Magic has always been. They want you there when they accept the new Minister. Everyone will feel safer and like the Minister better if you go."

"Yes, but of all the days they chose to do the ceremony, it's on our second anniversary," he growled with frustration, taking her hand in his and pressing it against his cheek. His emerald eyes hesitantly looked up into her brown eyes. "I really am sorry, Ginny."

"I know," she smiled desolately, staring at the blanket that pooled around them. She could already see herself a week from now, lying alone in bed. The spot beside her would be empty, and there would only be the darkness. "I just wish…" She quickly shook her head and detached her hand from his. "No, you have to go. I'll be fine, I promise."

He regarded her closely. "All right…but I have something to show you."

"Me?" she blinked in bewilderment as he reached into the pocket of his robes, which lay on a chair next to he bed. She gasped at the sight of the small, blue, velvet box that he produced in his hand. He held it up to her, and her heart pounded so hard against her chest, it was a wonder that she hadn't fainted. Trembling slightly, she looked up into his eyes. They were watching her carefully and tenderly.

"Harry…" Ginny whispered.

Slowly, he opened the box. In the center was a thin and simple gold band with a red ruby in the center. She looked up at him, confused for a moment. That couldn't be right… She already had a ring just like this on her pinky.

And then it hit her.

Her eyes widened and she pressed her hands against her mouth, trying to hold back another gasp. She mustn't cry…she mustn't cry.

"I want you to show you how much you have done for me. How much you, and the two precious years you've spent by my side mean to me. Will always mean to me."

"Oh Harry…" she choked.

Quietly, he pulled the ring from its holder and put it into her hands. The metal felt so warm against her open palm, and her fingers closed over it momentarily. This was such a small object…but it meant so much. Her glistening eyes sought his once more. Surely…he felt it too. Slowly, she slipped the ring onto his pinky and it fit perfectly. They clasped hands, and their matching rings winked against one another in the light. Tears gleamed in her brown eyes. He smiled and pressed her head against his chest.

He remembered. After so long…he still remembered that small legend she had told him. He had been listening.

"Did you know?" Harry whispered gently to her. "That red string attached to my pinky…? It's connected to you, Ginny."

"Oh, Ginny, Harry, you two were amazing!" Lain cried as she threw her arms over the two Quidditch players' shoulders, not giving a single thought about how sweaty they were. The two of them, still dressed in their bright scarlet Quidditch robes, laughed as they wrapped their arms around the blonde girl and accepted her. Her friend, his love.

"It was only practice," Harry pointed out modestly, but he couldn't wipe the wide grin from his face.

"It doesn't matter!" she cried earnestly, her usually pale face flushed a rosy red. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and admiration. "You two flew so fantastically! You caught the Snitch at least a dozen times," she said to Harry before she turned to Ginny. "And you scored so many times, I completely lost count! No one will ever beat you two!"

"Really, it was nothing," laughed Ginny, patting Lain's cheek fondly. The smile on Lain's face was infectious.

"No, really, you two should seriously consider becoming professional players! I know I'm not very good at judging these things since I'm terrible at flying," she blushed embarrassingly, "but I know you two would be great at it! Anything you two want to do, you can achieve! I know it!"

"Thank you Lain," Ginny said, hugging her friend tightly once more as her heart swelled. She knew that Lain meant every word she said.

"Why don't you give flying a try?" Harry suggested eagerly. His green eyes lit up at the prospect of being able to fly with his girlfriend by his side. "I'm sure you're really not that bad. With a bit of practice…"

"Oh no!" Lain quickly rejected the idea, furiously shaking her head. "I'm no good at flying."

"You never know," Ginny said, wiggling her eyebrows at her.

"No," she insisted.

"Oh come on!" Harry and Ginny both protested together. Lain broke into a wide and beautiful smile.

"Harry, Ginny, you two will fly too high for me to ever reach."

Naru-chan: I hoped you liked it. I worked really hard on it, I swear! That was, by the way, flashes of memories over three years. I wasn't going to take too much time on all the events though. Too little time for that. But I added all the Lain memories because I wanted to show that she didn't just leave them.

I received a lot of complaints about how Harry seemed to get over Ginny way too quickly, but it's not true and wanted to show that. He was alone and needed someone, and Lain was there for him. Eventually he really did grow to love her. I hope that made a few things clearer. I always added more detail with Lain's character more developed. She knows that she might not be the most perfect person for Harry, but she loves him.

And...I'm sorry, but I must say that I love Dean! At least this Dean. Don't you?

Oh - one more thing. I'm having a bit of difficulty with Harry and Ginny's future jobs. I don't want them to be Aurors...or Quidditch players... I hate asking...but my beta and I are absolutely stuck... Suggestions please?

Okay...anyway, reviews are always nice...might stir my brain faster. :)