Double Whammy

Harry was disturbed from his stupor by the resounding bangs that were coming from the outside of the Gryffindor portrait hole. He had dozed off in front of the dying fire over his potions homework. As the banging continued and with mounting curiosity, Harry searched for his wand before walking over to the entrance to the common room. In one quick movement he kicked the portrait open and heard a cry as someone stumbled backwards. He saw an expanse of red hair and immediately jumped down to help.

'Ginny? Is that you?' he picked up the sobbing girl and helped her into an armchair by the fire ignoring the protest from the Fat Lady.

'Students kicking me now, well that really is the limit. Just you wait until I-'

'What is the matter Gin?' Harry asked concerned. He put his arms around her and she melted into them. 'Has Malfoy hurt you? He has hasn't he? Just you wait till I get my hands on him he'll-'

'No' cried Ginny into Harry's chest. 'Leave him. It's all my fault. I thought that we were getting along better and I let my guard down. I'm so stupid!' she sat upright wiping her eyes as she did so. Her breathing was shallow and fast. Glancing down she realised she still had the corset on from the party. She had left in such a rush she hadn't bothered to change. Ginny began fiddling with the strings at the back, attempting to loosen the garment. They were tight and she struggled. Gently, Harry leaned across and unlaced the bodice. Ginny relaxed into the space that this action had created and waving her wand changed into her pyjamas. Harry put his arm round her again, rocking her gently backwards and forwards. Occasionally she elaborated more on what had caused her distress.

'-thought he could make me be his wife…tried to put me in a trance…I trusted him more than I ever have...were getting on well until this.' Finally, after several hours of bouts of crying and anger, Ginny went quiet.

'You better now?' enquired Harry tentatively.

'Yes thanks, much better. It's all out of my system.' She reached over and hugged Harry. 'Thank-you for just listening and being there. It's what I needed.'

'Hey I'm a good one for listening. I just don't do solutions, except knocking the lights out of someone. You know I'll always be there for you Gin. Anytime night or day, just holler and I'll be right by you.' They parted at the foot of the stairs to the dormitories. As Ginny made her way to her bed she thought about what Harry had said 'I'll always be there for you.' Did that mean that his feelings were the same as hers? She thought it did. Happier than she had been all holiday's Ginny snuggled down into her bed and fell fast asleep.

'So you've done absolutely no work this holiday.'

'Not a bit. I told you; every day there was a different event to prepare for. And not being able to use magic meant everything took that much longer to do. And the servants were no help 'cos they were all squibs.'

'Good job you've come back early.'

'Oh we were meant to arrive today anyway. I just preceded the scumbag by a few hours.'

'You sure you're alright with it now?'

'Really Harry its water under the bridge. I always knew he was lower than low and last night I merely got a first hand experience. I'm coping, trust me.'

Harry looked across at Ginny, hair up and out of the way, working through the mountain of homework she had to do before tomorrow. She looked fine now. Unlike last night when she had been pale and gaunt. She caught his eye and grinned. He really did love her, Harry thought. But it was like a brother loved a sister, not how he used to feel towards her. Those feelings had died down over the last few months and since he had kissed Katie for the first time he'd forgotten what a power they used to have over him. It was great to be so secure around a person like Ginny. He didn't feel the need to big himself up or put himself down. He wasn't ever bothered if he looked a mess around of her like he was with most other people. There was an understanding that ran very deep between them.

'You win again' cried Ginny infuriated. 'I'm so sure you are cheating but I can't work out how.'

'I think you'll find it's called, being the master' laughed Harry. He and Ginny were playing Wizard's Chess and Harry was delighting in the fact that he was beating someone. Ron was a natural and Hermione was so logical that it was pointless trying to out-wit her. He began setting the pieces out for a third time, making a mental note to ensure Ginny won this round.

'Can I ask you a question?' Ginny said.

'You just did but feel free to ask another.'

'Ha-ha you're so funny.'

'I know. I'm joining the comedian society next year.'

'Fine, but seriously now, how was your Christmas?'

'How was Christmas? What a strange question. I was preparing for something very personal. It was fine really. Katie's family were very welcoming and she and I had a laugh.'

'Did you enjoy yourself as much as you do when you come to the Burrow for Christmas?

'No. But that's not possible really. Christmas at your house is a unique experience that everyone should get to sample at some point.'

'So if you had been given a choice, you would have gone to the Burrow.'

'Yes of course I would silly. Your family are the best I know in the whole world.'

'I think so to but then I'm slightly biased. Do you know, there was one thing I really missed more than anything else this holiday?'

'Your mums cooking!'

'No! I missed giving you your present.'

'Oh don't worry it arrived. I really needed more broom cleaner'

'But there was one more part I couldn't give you.'

'Ooooh yes a late present. What is it?'

'Shut your eyes and you'll find out.' Obediently Harry shut his eyes. Slightly nervously but very determined, Ginny leaned across the chess table and planted a small kiss on Harry's lips. As she went to give him another one he drew back, eyes wide open. He raised his hand.

'Ginny? What are you doing?' He looked at her surprised. Ginny was taken aback. She hadn't expected this to happen.

'I was just giving you a kiss. I thought it's what you want. You've liked me for ages haven't you?'

'Oh Ginny I have yes for a long time. But I'm seeing Katie now.'

'Oh is it the marriages you're worried about. Well don't. We can be very discreet and Katie will understand.'

'No Ginny, I'm seeing Katie, as in I'm going out with her.'

'As in she's your girlfriend?'

'Well yes, in a way. I thought you knew. Most other people seem to have found out one way or the other. We were together at the Ball.'

'I was really occupied that night; I wouldn't have had time to notice. But-' Ginny stopped. She could hardly comprehend. Harry was with Katie, they were an item, not her and Harry. It was all going wrong.

'I'm so sorry Gin, I was so sure you knew or I would have told you.

'But, last night you said that you would always be there for me.'

'And I will Ginny forever. But as a brother. Oh Ginny you're not angry with me are you?'

'Me, no no. I'm just still getting used to the idea. One minute you're Harry, who has always liked me and I've always liked you. Now, you're Harry, the brother figure, who used to like me but is going out with someone else.' Ginny stood up, her knees were slightly shaking but she was determined not to show Harry. 'I'm off o bed now. Thank-you for a nice evening. I'm sorry I had to spoil it for you.'

Once Ginny was safely in her dormitory she broke down and wept.