NOOOOOOOOOO!
Harry shot straight up in bed - his scar gave a searing twist and he hissed in pain, grabbing his forehead. His face was drenched in sweat; his breath sounded loud and fast in the dark stillness. His dream... it had been worse - a nightmare…It had been Voldemort… Voldemort! What was it? He couldn't remember. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to recall --
Suddenly, his scar burned worse than it ever had since Ginny's charm - Ginny! GINNY! His dream - Voldemort…what was it? Voldemort was …speaking about her…about GINNY! Harry's hands shook slightly as he fumbled for his wand.
"Lumos"
Harry peered through the bed curtains at the others. Everyone was still snoring peacefully. A surge of panic hit him. Why had the Dark Lord been talking about Ginny? He leapt from his bed and lurched for the door. He had to find her - to know that she was safe NOW. He could hear it over and over again in his mind, in an evil, high pitched voice -- "A kiss..a kiss…" What did that mean?
Taking the steps in about three leaps; the momentum sent him sailing halfway across the common room before he could skid into a turn. He jumped for the stairs to the girls' dorm, so intent to find Ginny that it didn't occur to him that this could get him expelled.
"Harry?"
He grabbed the doorframe to check his flight. Peering around, he saw a small white figure curled on the rug in front of the softly burning fire. Her hair gleamed like polished copper in the dim light. She was holding her wrist.
He stopped dead. His dream! Voldemort …It tore though him like a blade - Voldemort KNEW THAT GINNY WAS ALIVE. He gasped as if punched in the stomach. Somehow, he managed to get to her side.
"Gin - Gin - are you OK?" He gathered her up into his lap, crushing the red head to him - needing to prove to himself that she was safe.
"Mmmff.." came a hoarse voice from the depths of his embrace.
"What?" he looked down and noticed that she was attempting to push him away. "What's wrong?" His heart froze.
"I can't breathe - that what." She half-smiled ruefully, then held up her wrist. It was a glaring, angry red. "It's been hurting for a while now." Her voice wavered a bit. "I couldn't sleep, so I came down here to wait it out - are you OK?" She didn't wait for an answer, but reached up to gently smooth his hair away from his forehead. She gasped.
Harry felt a lead weight fall on him. Hogsmeade. It made sense. She had been seen. Much as he wanted to believe that he had just had a garden-variety nightmare, this was proof that it was real. His scar - their scar -- only hurt when Voldemort was feeling particularly hate-filled or planning to kill. He closed his eyes to try and remember what he saw…he saw the Dark Lord telling someone …Suddenly the image of a hooded figure invaded his consciousness….horror engulfed him. Voldemort had sent for …for - a DEMENTOR…It all flooded back now…Voldemort laughing about giving it a lovely young woman to kiss - saying that there were worse things than death -
"Harry? What's going on?" Ginny whispered, touching his cheek.
Harry clasped his hand to his mouth to stifle the scream of rage that was threatening to escape. He saw Ginny being pulled from him by huge towering monsters in hooded robes. He saw one of them lower his hood to expose that horrible mouth, jerking her beautiful hair back to force her head up…The image almost made him retch. He jumped up, breathing heavily.
"I…I…don't know …Gin - " he turned away, unable to look into her loving brown eyes while he lied to her. "My scar hurt - I…I don't know why…" He stared into the fire, hanging on to the mantelpiece like a drowning man.
He heard a soft rustle and felt a slight figure press against his back. Arms encircled him and a cheek pressed against his shoulder blade.
"Harry." The voice was so soft, it was almost inaudible. Ginny knew that something was terribly wrong. It was obvious, but she would have known anyway. She always did.
He made a choking sound in answer; feeling a tremor at her touch. He'd failed. He'd let her go into Hogsmeade where some filthy Death Eater spotted her. He felt a sudden surge of desperation - she would be taken from him-the center of his universe-torn away, screaming his name…
Rage engulfed him, making him shake. This wasn't going to happen. He'd fought Voldemort many, many times now - and he - Harry - had won. Every time. Not only would Ginny never have to worry about the horrors he'd planned, she'd never have to know what he'd planned. He would see to it that she was kept safe even if it meant hunting down and killing Voldemort tomorrow, to hell with his promise to Sirius. He wouldn't lose her…again.
He turned suddenly and looked into her beloved face. Her huge brown eyes reflected a jumble of emotions - fear, confusion, and most of all, unwavering trust and love. She was so beautiful…He ran a finger gently over her cheekbone. She shivered as he did the same to her lower lip. She stood still, not speaking - just looking quizzically at him through her tumbled mass of flaming hair. He felt a sudden wave of protectiveness. If he could somehow pull her close enough, he could keep her safe. He needed her…he needed all of her, especially now when the world seemed determined to wrench her away. Feeling a desperate desire he'd never experienced before; he pulled her to him.
As if reading his thoughts, Ginny stepped into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and burying her head on his shoulder. Harry's breath became slightly ragged as he felt every inch of her against him. But it still wasn't enough. He felt an overwhelming urge to completely engulf every part of her -- to make her his.
"Harry," she looked up at him. "Please -"
"Shhhhhh!" his whispered gently. He pulled back just enough to kiss her. It wasn't a sweet soft kiss or a languorous sexy kiss - this one was driven, desperate to possess as much of her as possible. After a slight hesitation, no doubt a bit startled at his passion, Ginny wrapped her arms around him and met his opened lips with her own eagerly. A hoarse growl caught in his throat. This was wholly different from their previous experiences with intimacy. Before, it had been playful and exciting and fun, but with a certain innocence. He had never felt such desire, such an aggressive need to know every detail of her. Ginny pressed her whole length against him and the thin material of their respective nightwear seemed a sudden nuisance. He slid a slow hand up a slender leg and under her nightdress and a small corner of his mind watched in amazement at his own audacity. As his hand quested higher, Ginny suddenly gasped and stiffened.
"Oh Gin, I'm sorry…Are you OK?" He pulled his hand back quickly.
Ginny opened her eyes - they looked slightly glazed, but her giggle was still hers, only lower and more seductive. "I don't know if "OK" is the right word, but don't stop on my account." She raised an eyebrow, took his hand and slid it back under. Harry's jaw dropped slightly at her audacity, but then shut it quickly and obeyed. Her hands swept gently under his pyjama top, around to his back and downward. He shivered and kissed her still more deeply, if that were possible. She pulled him back slowly to the hearth rug - both thumping a bit harder than was completely romantic, but their shared grin made it seem all the more so. When he tugged softly at the ties at her neck, the two strings fell back like magic exposing a deep "v" for his kiss. She reared up to bury her fingers in his hair and return the kiss and the gown slid gently down, exposing her shoulder and then lower …His eyes widened and his breathing seemed to cease altogether. As his lips traveled lower still…His pyjama top…where did it go? He'd just had it …. He saw that he was actually very good at undoing buttons with one hand since the other was busy elsewhere, fingers gently exploring. When he raised up to kiss her again, she arched her back and met him with a ferocity that jarred him back to reality for a moment. He shook his head slightly as if he'd been in a trance.
"Gin…are you…. I mean…do you" he was actually short of breath.. Ginny blinked up at him, eyes dark black. She seemed to be breathless as well from the rise and fall of…
"Do I what...want this?" She whispered, giving one quick tug at the string on his pajama bottoms. She smiled seductively. "What do you think?" He stared down at her in shock and could hear his heart pounding in his ears, then …in her hand.
"Er, …OK…I just wanted….I mean…stop me if…."
Reality melted away once more as she drew him back down. Demanding kisses mixed sweetly with an awkward tangled moment and at least one thumped elbow. Suddenly, her bare flesh met his causing a searing jolt that seemed to drive them both over the edge. He searched out every warm curve and moist nook in her body with his lips, seeking to know every part completely. She struggled for the chance to do the same to him and they teased each other with ever more daring lips and fingers. Her sighs and gasps fueled his growing hunger, eliciting similar responses from him as their passion built. The glowing flames in the fireplace died down as they explored, casting the entwined limbs in a welcome shadow.
When Harry was finally poised over her, moving by shear instinct alone, he forced himself to pause, arms shaking slightly with desire.
"Are you sure?" it was barely a whisper.
Ginny didn't answer, she just smiled and Harry felt soft legs wrap around him, drawing him to her. He was surrounded by warmth and knew that he was close to what he had been seeking - to touch her very center and give his in return. She flinched slightly and he paused, terrified that he'd hurt her. Before he could speak, she looked into him with Ginny's smiling eyes and arched up to meet him. He was engulfed in a hot dark place where there was nothing but them both, straining together, searching for…what? He somehow knew that they weren't there yet, but was powerless to do anything accept reach again and again, each time feeling closer, yet still more driven. She clung to him, searching also with gliding movements that somehow matched his. She looked up at him with black eyes full of trust and passion, her flaming hair spread like a corona around her beloved face. He had no conscious thought, just a feeling of overwhelming love and awe. Then, in a convulsive moment that froze his tensed muscles and cascaded through him in pulsing waves, he found it. From the shudder and soft low cry that answered him, he thought that she might have as well. Their lips came together in complete surrender to it, clinging to each other as they spiraled limply back to the hearthrug on the common room floor.
Harry finally broke their kiss, smoothing the red locks from her damp face. He felt as drained as if he'd just played his most grueling Quidditch match - and won. He grinned. She returned it, looking up at him with eyes that were deceptively innocent and shy. She cuddled into his chest as he shifted gently to her side, wrapping her in his arms. Harry's brow furrowed briefly…What was he supposed to say now? Their souls had been joined magically for some time; now their bodies had as well and he felt suddenly tongue-tied. So this was what his classmates talked about in whispered speculation. No wonder…he grinned again into her hair…if everyone knew exactly what it was like - they would probably do little else.
"What are you smiling at, Harry Potter?" Ginny lifted her chin to look into his eyes.
"I'm thinking how easy it would be to conjure up a really great patronus right now."
She stared a moment, then giggled softly and kissed his chin. "Happy?"
"Ummm, let me think about that……hmmmm.." She poked him in the ribs. "OK, yes! Yes!" He grasped her even tighter and sat up, taking her with him. "How about you?" he felt suddenly slightly anxious.
She laughed.
"I think that as long as you can promise to deliver more of that," she raised a seductive eyebrow, "in the future, I think I can answer affirmatively." Harry laughed, feeling the whole world at his feet --
Then, like a candle snuffed out by a sharp breeze, he stopped. The future…His dream surged up maliciously, tearing through his consciousness with spiteful ragged edges. Voldemort - his scar gave a twinge, reminding him that reality was far more evil and dangerous than the dream they just shared on the rug. He saw in his dream the monstrous robes of the Dementor, felt it's sick glee as it was ordered to…
NO!
He grasped Ginny to him with a steel grip.
"OW! Hey, just because I'm a scarlet woman, doesn't mean you can…." Her teasing words trailed off. "Harry! What? What is it?" she attempted to push away so that she could face him, but he wouldn't let her. "Harry!"
He could see that she was frightened now and he couldn't think of a thing to say. His mouth felt like he'd just had one of Hagrid's teacakes. How could he have thought that he could keep anything from her? He had to tell, especially…well, especially now. He willed himself to loosen his grip. When he managed to open his mouth and speak, it came out like a croak.
"It's my dream, Gin…I..I..lied…I do remember…"
She slipped out of his slackened arms and turned to face him.
"Ginny… I saw Voldemort… He was...he knows…" Harry ran desperate fingers through his unruly hair, terrified that if he said it - if he uttered it out loud, it would bring the danger closer to them - to HER. He very gently put his arms round her neck and pulled her to rest her forehead against his. His voice shook -- he couldn't help it.
"He knows…that…you …didn't die - that day."
She didn't move or speak. Harry wondered if she'd even heard and ducked his head to look into her eyes. They were black, though no longer with passion, but with fear. She raised her head slowly. Her voice was steady, her face impassive.
"What else?"
He stared into the pale face that was his whole world. "H…he…Gin - he's sent a Dementor --" The full impact hit him at the sound of his own words. He suddenly seized her again, pulling her to him, not caring if he scared her more, or even if he hurt her. His eyes scalded with unshed tears - tears of rage at his helplessness. She still hadn't moved or uttered a word. She lay curled in his lap while he rocked her slowly, tears finally spilling into the red tangle. Finally, he felt her arms creep around his waist and cling. They stayed that way for a long, long time. The common room grew almost dark and cold - the fire had been reduced to faint embers. Still they clung, still rocking slightly. Finally, Ginny spoke.
"Harry?" her voice was startlingly clear.
"Yeah Gin?" he whispered, instinctively tightening his arms.
"Promise me?" she raised her head. Her face was still pale, but she seemed calm, if not … serene? Harry blinked dazedly at her.
"Promise…what, Ginny?"
"That if it comes to that…that…" her voice broke slightly, and she ducked her head. He felt her exhale a shaking breath. "If there's no hope…you won't let it…."
Harry broke in sharply, "Of course, I won't let a Dementor near you! I'd DIE before I'd let that happen!" he felt almost angry that she even had to ask.
She looked back up, calm once more.
"No, Harry…I'm asking that you make sure that I die …before you let that happen…"
Harry actually felt dizzy as the full impact of her request hit him like a curse. He shot out a hand to steady himself.
"Gin, it's NOT GOING TO BE THAT WAY! There's NO WAY one of those monsters will ever get within 100 kilometers of here! You'll be safe here and -" he struggled for words, his breathing fast and shallow.
"PROMISE ME."
Harry pushed her from him and grabbed his pyjamas. He jerked them on and attempted to re-tie the bottoms. He failed. He ground his teeth with frustration and broke out --
"This is stupid, Ginny. Why are you being like this? Do you really think I'd let - Argh!" He gave up on the pants and sat back on the rug, legs clutched to his chest, head buried in his arms. The memory of that…that thing …the Dementor -- as it slowly lifted the hood, exposing its horrific lips to administer the deadly kiss - to suck his soul out through his mouth and leave him worse than dead. Again, he saw red hair being flung back, her terrified face as it slowly bent to press its --
"Harry." A soft hand touched his hair. He jerked away. The tears were burning again.
"Harry…. I know Voldemort - I've been just about his favorite person next to you these past few years. I know what he's capable of…it's getting worse out there every day. People are dying, Harry --- People that thought that they were safe too - probably up until the very last moment..." her voice broke, more so than before. "I just want to know that if somehow, somewhere -if it gets to that, you'll make sure I don't end up…kissed." The tears began now. "I can't live thinking that I could end up still alive but not knowing… you, Harry - or having any memory of - this…of tonight…Please - please Harry!"
Harry's head jerked up at the sound of her sob, his protective instinct wiping out the helpless rage that had blinded him. She sat on her heels before him, making no attempt to hide her tears or her still unclothed self. He reached and she collapsed into him. He felt his face harden and muscles tighten as he steeled himself to agree to give her this one, last, horrible gift of love. It came out in a barely audible whisper --
"I PROMISE".
Harry shot straight up in bed - his scar gave a searing twist and he hissed in pain, grabbing his forehead. His face was drenched in sweat; his breath sounded loud and fast in the dark stillness. His dream... it had been worse - a nightmare…It had been Voldemort… Voldemort! What was it? He couldn't remember. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to recall --
Suddenly, his scar burned worse than it ever had since Ginny's charm - Ginny! GINNY! His dream - Voldemort…what was it? Voldemort was …speaking about her…about GINNY! Harry's hands shook slightly as he fumbled for his wand.
"Lumos"
Harry peered through the bed curtains at the others. Everyone was still snoring peacefully. A surge of panic hit him. Why had the Dark Lord been talking about Ginny? He leapt from his bed and lurched for the door. He had to find her - to know that she was safe NOW. He could hear it over and over again in his mind, in an evil, high pitched voice -- "A kiss..a kiss…" What did that mean?
Taking the steps in about three leaps; the momentum sent him sailing halfway across the common room before he could skid into a turn. He jumped for the stairs to the girls' dorm, so intent to find Ginny that it didn't occur to him that this could get him expelled.
"Harry?"
He grabbed the doorframe to check his flight. Peering around, he saw a small white figure curled on the rug in front of the softly burning fire. Her hair gleamed like polished copper in the dim light. She was holding her wrist.
He stopped dead. His dream! Voldemort …It tore though him like a blade - Voldemort KNEW THAT GINNY WAS ALIVE. He gasped as if punched in the stomach. Somehow, he managed to get to her side.
"Gin - Gin - are you OK?" He gathered her up into his lap, crushing the red head to him - needing to prove to himself that she was safe.
"Mmmff.." came a hoarse voice from the depths of his embrace.
"What?" he looked down and noticed that she was attempting to push him away. "What's wrong?" His heart froze.
"I can't breathe - that what." She half-smiled ruefully, then held up her wrist. It was a glaring, angry red. "It's been hurting for a while now." Her voice wavered a bit. "I couldn't sleep, so I came down here to wait it out - are you OK?" She didn't wait for an answer, but reached up to gently smooth his hair away from his forehead. She gasped.
Harry felt a lead weight fall on him. Hogsmeade. It made sense. She had been seen. Much as he wanted to believe that he had just had a garden-variety nightmare, this was proof that it was real. His scar - their scar -- only hurt when Voldemort was feeling particularly hate-filled or planning to kill. He closed his eyes to try and remember what he saw…he saw the Dark Lord telling someone …Suddenly the image of a hooded figure invaded his consciousness….horror engulfed him. Voldemort had sent for …for - a DEMENTOR…It all flooded back now…Voldemort laughing about giving it a lovely young woman to kiss - saying that there were worse things than death -
"Harry? What's going on?" Ginny whispered, touching his cheek.
Harry clasped his hand to his mouth to stifle the scream of rage that was threatening to escape. He saw Ginny being pulled from him by huge towering monsters in hooded robes. He saw one of them lower his hood to expose that horrible mouth, jerking her beautiful hair back to force her head up…The image almost made him retch. He jumped up, breathing heavily.
"I…I…don't know …Gin - " he turned away, unable to look into her loving brown eyes while he lied to her. "My scar hurt - I…I don't know why…" He stared into the fire, hanging on to the mantelpiece like a drowning man.
He heard a soft rustle and felt a slight figure press against his back. Arms encircled him and a cheek pressed against his shoulder blade.
"Harry." The voice was so soft, it was almost inaudible. Ginny knew that something was terribly wrong. It was obvious, but she would have known anyway. She always did.
He made a choking sound in answer; feeling a tremor at her touch. He'd failed. He'd let her go into Hogsmeade where some filthy Death Eater spotted her. He felt a sudden surge of desperation - she would be taken from him-the center of his universe-torn away, screaming his name…
Rage engulfed him, making him shake. This wasn't going to happen. He'd fought Voldemort many, many times now - and he - Harry - had won. Every time. Not only would Ginny never have to worry about the horrors he'd planned, she'd never have to know what he'd planned. He would see to it that she was kept safe even if it meant hunting down and killing Voldemort tomorrow, to hell with his promise to Sirius. He wouldn't lose her…again.
He turned suddenly and looked into her beloved face. Her huge brown eyes reflected a jumble of emotions - fear, confusion, and most of all, unwavering trust and love. She was so beautiful…He ran a finger gently over her cheekbone. She shivered as he did the same to her lower lip. She stood still, not speaking - just looking quizzically at him through her tumbled mass of flaming hair. He felt a sudden wave of protectiveness. If he could somehow pull her close enough, he could keep her safe. He needed her…he needed all of her, especially now when the world seemed determined to wrench her away. Feeling a desperate desire he'd never experienced before; he pulled her to him.
As if reading his thoughts, Ginny stepped into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and burying her head on his shoulder. Harry's breath became slightly ragged as he felt every inch of her against him. But it still wasn't enough. He felt an overwhelming urge to completely engulf every part of her -- to make her his.
"Harry," she looked up at him. "Please -"
"Shhhhhh!" his whispered gently. He pulled back just enough to kiss her. It wasn't a sweet soft kiss or a languorous sexy kiss - this one was driven, desperate to possess as much of her as possible. After a slight hesitation, no doubt a bit startled at his passion, Ginny wrapped her arms around him and met his opened lips with her own eagerly. A hoarse growl caught in his throat. This was wholly different from their previous experiences with intimacy. Before, it had been playful and exciting and fun, but with a certain innocence. He had never felt such desire, such an aggressive need to know every detail of her. Ginny pressed her whole length against him and the thin material of their respective nightwear seemed a sudden nuisance. He slid a slow hand up a slender leg and under her nightdress and a small corner of his mind watched in amazement at his own audacity. As his hand quested higher, Ginny suddenly gasped and stiffened.
"Oh Gin, I'm sorry…Are you OK?" He pulled his hand back quickly.
Ginny opened her eyes - they looked slightly glazed, but her giggle was still hers, only lower and more seductive. "I don't know if "OK" is the right word, but don't stop on my account." She raised an eyebrow, took his hand and slid it back under. Harry's jaw dropped slightly at her audacity, but then shut it quickly and obeyed. Her hands swept gently under his pyjama top, around to his back and downward. He shivered and kissed her still more deeply, if that were possible. She pulled him back slowly to the hearth rug - both thumping a bit harder than was completely romantic, but their shared grin made it seem all the more so. When he tugged softly at the ties at her neck, the two strings fell back like magic exposing a deep "v" for his kiss. She reared up to bury her fingers in his hair and return the kiss and the gown slid gently down, exposing her shoulder and then lower …His eyes widened and his breathing seemed to cease altogether. As his lips traveled lower still…His pyjama top…where did it go? He'd just had it …. He saw that he was actually very good at undoing buttons with one hand since the other was busy elsewhere, fingers gently exploring. When he raised up to kiss her again, she arched her back and met him with a ferocity that jarred him back to reality for a moment. He shook his head slightly as if he'd been in a trance.
"Gin…are you…. I mean…do you" he was actually short of breath.. Ginny blinked up at him, eyes dark black. She seemed to be breathless as well from the rise and fall of…
"Do I what...want this?" She whispered, giving one quick tug at the string on his pajama bottoms. She smiled seductively. "What do you think?" He stared down at her in shock and could hear his heart pounding in his ears, then …in her hand.
"Er, …OK…I just wanted….I mean…stop me if…."
Reality melted away once more as she drew him back down. Demanding kisses mixed sweetly with an awkward tangled moment and at least one thumped elbow. Suddenly, her bare flesh met his causing a searing jolt that seemed to drive them both over the edge. He searched out every warm curve and moist nook in her body with his lips, seeking to know every part completely. She struggled for the chance to do the same to him and they teased each other with ever more daring lips and fingers. Her sighs and gasps fueled his growing hunger, eliciting similar responses from him as their passion built. The glowing flames in the fireplace died down as they explored, casting the entwined limbs in a welcome shadow.
When Harry was finally poised over her, moving by shear instinct alone, he forced himself to pause, arms shaking slightly with desire.
"Are you sure?" it was barely a whisper.
Ginny didn't answer, she just smiled and Harry felt soft legs wrap around him, drawing him to her. He was surrounded by warmth and knew that he was close to what he had been seeking - to touch her very center and give his in return. She flinched slightly and he paused, terrified that he'd hurt her. Before he could speak, she looked into him with Ginny's smiling eyes and arched up to meet him. He was engulfed in a hot dark place where there was nothing but them both, straining together, searching for…what? He somehow knew that they weren't there yet, but was powerless to do anything accept reach again and again, each time feeling closer, yet still more driven. She clung to him, searching also with gliding movements that somehow matched his. She looked up at him with black eyes full of trust and passion, her flaming hair spread like a corona around her beloved face. He had no conscious thought, just a feeling of overwhelming love and awe. Then, in a convulsive moment that froze his tensed muscles and cascaded through him in pulsing waves, he found it. From the shudder and soft low cry that answered him, he thought that she might have as well. Their lips came together in complete surrender to it, clinging to each other as they spiraled limply back to the hearthrug on the common room floor.
Harry finally broke their kiss, smoothing the red locks from her damp face. He felt as drained as if he'd just played his most grueling Quidditch match - and won. He grinned. She returned it, looking up at him with eyes that were deceptively innocent and shy. She cuddled into his chest as he shifted gently to her side, wrapping her in his arms. Harry's brow furrowed briefly…What was he supposed to say now? Their souls had been joined magically for some time; now their bodies had as well and he felt suddenly tongue-tied. So this was what his classmates talked about in whispered speculation. No wonder…he grinned again into her hair…if everyone knew exactly what it was like - they would probably do little else.
"What are you smiling at, Harry Potter?" Ginny lifted her chin to look into his eyes.
"I'm thinking how easy it would be to conjure up a really great patronus right now."
She stared a moment, then giggled softly and kissed his chin. "Happy?"
"Ummm, let me think about that……hmmmm.." She poked him in the ribs. "OK, yes! Yes!" He grasped her even tighter and sat up, taking her with him. "How about you?" he felt suddenly slightly anxious.
She laughed.
"I think that as long as you can promise to deliver more of that," she raised a seductive eyebrow, "in the future, I think I can answer affirmatively." Harry laughed, feeling the whole world at his feet --
Then, like a candle snuffed out by a sharp breeze, he stopped. The future…His dream surged up maliciously, tearing through his consciousness with spiteful ragged edges. Voldemort - his scar gave a twinge, reminding him that reality was far more evil and dangerous than the dream they just shared on the rug. He saw in his dream the monstrous robes of the Dementor, felt it's sick glee as it was ordered to…
NO!
He grasped Ginny to him with a steel grip.
"OW! Hey, just because I'm a scarlet woman, doesn't mean you can…." Her teasing words trailed off. "Harry! What? What is it?" she attempted to push away so that she could face him, but he wouldn't let her. "Harry!"
He could see that she was frightened now and he couldn't think of a thing to say. His mouth felt like he'd just had one of Hagrid's teacakes. How could he have thought that he could keep anything from her? He had to tell, especially…well, especially now. He willed himself to loosen his grip. When he managed to open his mouth and speak, it came out like a croak.
"It's my dream, Gin…I..I..lied…I do remember…"
She slipped out of his slackened arms and turned to face him.
"Ginny… I saw Voldemort… He was...he knows…" Harry ran desperate fingers through his unruly hair, terrified that if he said it - if he uttered it out loud, it would bring the danger closer to them - to HER. He very gently put his arms round her neck and pulled her to rest her forehead against his. His voice shook -- he couldn't help it.
"He knows…that…you …didn't die - that day."
She didn't move or speak. Harry wondered if she'd even heard and ducked his head to look into her eyes. They were black, though no longer with passion, but with fear. She raised her head slowly. Her voice was steady, her face impassive.
"What else?"
He stared into the pale face that was his whole world. "H…he…Gin - he's sent a Dementor --" The full impact hit him at the sound of his own words. He suddenly seized her again, pulling her to him, not caring if he scared her more, or even if he hurt her. His eyes scalded with unshed tears - tears of rage at his helplessness. She still hadn't moved or uttered a word. She lay curled in his lap while he rocked her slowly, tears finally spilling into the red tangle. Finally, he felt her arms creep around his waist and cling. They stayed that way for a long, long time. The common room grew almost dark and cold - the fire had been reduced to faint embers. Still they clung, still rocking slightly. Finally, Ginny spoke.
"Harry?" her voice was startlingly clear.
"Yeah Gin?" he whispered, instinctively tightening his arms.
"Promise me?" she raised her head. Her face was still pale, but she seemed calm, if not … serene? Harry blinked dazedly at her.
"Promise…what, Ginny?"
"That if it comes to that…that…" her voice broke slightly, and she ducked her head. He felt her exhale a shaking breath. "If there's no hope…you won't let it…."
Harry broke in sharply, "Of course, I won't let a Dementor near you! I'd DIE before I'd let that happen!" he felt almost angry that she even had to ask.
She looked back up, calm once more.
"No, Harry…I'm asking that you make sure that I die …before you let that happen…"
Harry actually felt dizzy as the full impact of her request hit him like a curse. He shot out a hand to steady himself.
"Gin, it's NOT GOING TO BE THAT WAY! There's NO WAY one of those monsters will ever get within 100 kilometers of here! You'll be safe here and -" he struggled for words, his breathing fast and shallow.
"PROMISE ME."
Harry pushed her from him and grabbed his pyjamas. He jerked them on and attempted to re-tie the bottoms. He failed. He ground his teeth with frustration and broke out --
"This is stupid, Ginny. Why are you being like this? Do you really think I'd let - Argh!" He gave up on the pants and sat back on the rug, legs clutched to his chest, head buried in his arms. The memory of that…that thing …the Dementor -- as it slowly lifted the hood, exposing its horrific lips to administer the deadly kiss - to suck his soul out through his mouth and leave him worse than dead. Again, he saw red hair being flung back, her terrified face as it slowly bent to press its --
"Harry." A soft hand touched his hair. He jerked away. The tears were burning again.
"Harry…. I know Voldemort - I've been just about his favorite person next to you these past few years. I know what he's capable of…it's getting worse out there every day. People are dying, Harry --- People that thought that they were safe too - probably up until the very last moment..." her voice broke, more so than before. "I just want to know that if somehow, somewhere -if it gets to that, you'll make sure I don't end up…kissed." The tears began now. "I can't live thinking that I could end up still alive but not knowing… you, Harry - or having any memory of - this…of tonight…Please - please Harry!"
Harry's head jerked up at the sound of her sob, his protective instinct wiping out the helpless rage that had blinded him. She sat on her heels before him, making no attempt to hide her tears or her still unclothed self. He reached and she collapsed into him. He felt his face harden and muscles tighten as he steeled himself to agree to give her this one, last, horrible gift of love. It came out in a barely audible whisper --
"I PROMISE".