Drabbles from the Castle Halls

by Element's Sole Protector

Still not completely set on the title. Basically: I challenge myself to write thirty different HP pairings. I'll do something like this for Final Fantasy 12 and Star Ocean 3 as well.

13. Bad Dream: Harry and Ginny

Harry's own scream tore him from sleep and led him into Ginny's arms. She had already been awake.

"Harry!" she cried. "Harry, dear...wake up properly...it's all okay...I'm here with you. You're not alone."

He stirred to more awareness and buried his head in her mane of red hair. She pulled his face around to hers and kissed him; but it didn't take long to notice that he was shuddering while he kissed her. She pulled reluctantly away, though, only for him to whimper in protest.

"Just a dream," she soothed. "Nothing more. Was it one of him again?"

Harry nodded mutely. He sensed that it would hurt to talk just now.

Ginny frowned. Gradually, she kissed his cheek and pulled on his arms, whispering: "Lie back down. Go back to sleep. I'm here with you, next to you, just like always. No one will hurt you-- I'll protect you."

"I don't need that," he said softly at last. His face and messy hair (now messier from tossing and turning) were sweating. "I'm just battling phantoms now...I'm all right." Then he smiled. "But...can I still take you up on the 'cuddling' part of the deal?"