"Hey, Ron." Harry looked at his best friend. His best friend from Hogwarts. His best friend that betrayed him.
There were no movements and no sounds. Only the pitter-patter of the rain on the window could be heard in the room. The woman next to Ron behind him held a small bundle cuddled in her arms. Harry nodded curtly at her.
"Hermione." He nodded. She nodded back.
"Harry." Ginny whispered. "They need our help."
Harry sat and stared crossly at the three in front of him. Ginny was carrying on a conversation with Hermione just like it was old times. Ron stared into the fire. Harry stared at Ron. How long had it been since the two friends had exchanged words? It seemed like forever to Harry. Ginny looked at Harry.
"Harry. Hermione and Ron need us."
"What for?" Harry snorted.
"Harry," Ginny said patiently. She eyed the bottle of liquor on the coffee table. "They need us to watch after Elizabeth."
"Who?"
"Their daughter." Ginny carefully took the bundle from Hermione's arms. Hermione bit her lip. "Voldemort is after them, and Dumbledore wants them to go into hiding. They don't want Elizabeth to live that way. Always running, never feeling safe. They want her to grow up happily, and-"
"They think she'll be safe here?" Harry's voice was rough and unusual. His eyes were choked with unshed tears. "They think that we're normal wizards!" His voice was starting to rise, as it usually did when he drank. "Voldemort is practically breathing down our necks! Sirius is our secret-keeper, and I'm not even sure if he's alive!"
"Harry-"
"I mean, it'd be one thing if they asked us to give them money or something, but this is a whole 'nother damn life we have to worry about!"
"Harry!" Ginny had given back Elizabeth to Hermione. "Come here!" she ordered and led him into the kitchen. She closed the door gently. She turned on Harry. "Whether you like it or not, we will take care of that little girl! These people are your friends! Your companions! I didn't expect for you to act like this! What happened to the great Harry Potter that saved the world? What happened to the kind, caring, loving boy that I married? He's certainly not standing here, right in front of me! I can't believe you, Harry! If I even knew for one second that you would act like this when we were getting married, I would have walked straight out the door! You know who you're acting like? Draco Malfoy!" she hissed. She stalked out of the room, leaving Harry all alone to himself. He stood, stunned by Ginny's words, staring off into space. He was acting like his worst enemy. After recollecting his thoughts, he walked back out into the living room. Everyone turned to him.
Harry sighed. "We'll do it."
