4

Bits & Bobs

Revelations

Harry tiredly made his way down to the common room. It was the fifth time in six days that he had his sleep interrupted by a vision of Voldemort killing and torturing someone.

Rubbing his scar that was prickling painfully, he tossed a couple of logs on the dying fire. If he had to sit up the rest of the night, he at least wanted to be warm.

Slumping down on the couch, he stared morosely into the fire, wishing desperately that he could forget the images that seemed to be burnt into his mind.

It was shortly thereafter that he heard the portrait hole open. Glancing over he was surprised to see Ginny Weasley enter.

"Ginny!" he said in shock.

Ginny jumped slightly. "Godric, Harry. Why don't you scare a girl half to death!"

"Sorry," he said, conciliatorily. "I'm just surprised to see you. I mean it is two in the morning. What are you doing up?"

Ginny shrugged as she made her way over to where Harry was and sat down beside him. "I couldn't sleep so I snuck down to the kitchens to get some hot chocolate."

Harry then noticed she had two mugs in her hands. Arching a eyebrow at her, he pointed and said "Two?"

Ginny giggled, "I usually grab two, I mean the elves are so chuffed to help out, I feel bad just getting one mug, and besides, it's Hot chocolate, two is better than one."

Harry smiled, but Ginny could see it was a bit forced. "Would you like some?" she asked softly.

"I couldn't," Harry protested.

Ginny just shoved one of the mugs toward him. "No, it's okay. I insist. Half the time I don't drink all of both of them so better you drink one than have it go to waste."

"Thanks," Harry said, a bit reluctantly as he grabbed the mug. Taking a sip, he sighed as the warm chocolate slipped down his throat. Surprisingly, he felt the pain in his scar diminish.

Ginny smiled to herself. She had secretly hoped to find Harry in the common room. She had been aware that he had been having trouble sleeping and she wanted to be there for him and help if he would let her.

"So," she said pointedly. "You know why I'm here, but what about you? What are you doing up at this time?"

Harry blushed deeply and wouldn't meet her eyes. "I . . . ah . . . I just couldn't sleep," he said embarrassedly.

Ginny eyed him dubiously. "Please, Harry. Don't insult me. Tell me it's none of my business if you don't want to tell me, but don't lie to me."

Harry looked at her in shock, never expecting her to call him on his lie. Slumping down, he stared into the fire. Haltingly at first, he began to tell her about the visions that plagued his sleep.

Though he left out the details, by his forlorn look, Ginny figured out what he was leaving unsaid.

Fighting his emotions he wasn't aware of the tears that leaked down his cheeks. He was surprised when he felt Ginny's arms wrap around him, pulling his head into her chest.

Normally Harry would have been mortified by where his head rested, pillowed between Ginny's breasts, but all he could think of was how wonderful it felt to be held so tenderly by someone who he was coming to care about.

In the stillness of the common room, all Harry could hear was the beating of Ginny's heart and he felt a peace he had never known before settle over him.

Ginny shifted over, forcing Harry to lay down with his head in her lap. Tenderly she stroked one hand through his hair, offering what comfort she could.

Suddenly she felt Harry tense, "What about Dean?" he whispered with concern.

Unseen by Harry, Ginny rolled her eyes. "Don't worry about him," she said softly.

It took a moment but Harry nodded in reply. If Ginny wasn't concerned, he wasn't going to worry about it.

Ginny was gratified when Harry's breathing slowed down and evened out as he fell asleep. Only then did she let her tears fall. As Harry had told her about his visions, something had clicked in her mind.

Knowledge she had gleaned from when Tom had possessed her told her the truth about Harry's scar and what it really meant.

Looking down at the young man in her lap, she felt a change come over her. Her heart now belonged to Harry and somehow, some way she swore she would do whatever it took to change his fate, if it was the last thing she ever did.

Looking down at Harry's peaceful face, she continued to tenderly stroke her hand through his hair, whispering, "I love you, Harry."