Disclaimer: I don't own any characters. I don't own the song. I do own a new dusty blue glittery spagetti strap dress, a diamond ring, three pairs of hoop earrings, Jamelia's album, and the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack.

Catch A Falling Star

Sounds of laughter escaped to outside. Sirius was obviously fitting in with the Weasleys quite well. After the initial shock, they had all come to accept him, and while waiting for news of Voldemort, Molly had invited him to stay at the Burrow. Harry and Hermione were staying for the holidays too.

It was his fourth night at the Weasleys, and Harry had escaped to sit outside on the bench, on the pretence that he was hot. Although he loved the Burrow and all it's occupants, Harry wished he were somewhere else. He just wanted to be alone. But that was almost impossible at the Weasleys. Privacy was an alien concept there.

He wished he could just be left with all his sorrows, instead of everybody trying to help. When people tried to help, they usually got themselves killed. Like Cedric. No! Harry pushed the thought of Cedric to the back of his mind.

It was ironic really. Harry had spent most of his life alone, with no-one to share things with, or talk with. But now, the one time when he really wanted to be alone, and he was surrounded by people. Just my luck he thought. Glumly he lifted his head and started looking at the stars.

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Never let it fade away

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Save it for a rainy day

That song. Was someone singing, or was it coming from memories? It seemed so familiar. It was as if he had heard it, many times before, long ago. He looked up at the stars, looking for one that was falling, doing as the song instructed. Memories came rushing back.

********

He was small, a baby. It was night time, and his mother was just putting him to bed.

"Mama." He burbled, as Lily lifted him high above her head, before bringing him down again to kiss him on the forehead. Lily looked shocked, but pleased at the same time.

"James? James, come here. Harry just said his first word." She called. Within seconds, Harry's dad had joined them and was looking proudly at his son.

"What did he say?" James asked, excitedly.

"He said mama." Lily replied, just as proudly.

"What? No mention of me?" he poked his son, jokingly. "I'm upset now." And James started pretending to cry. Harry's eyes widened in surprise.

"Dada." He burbled. "Mama, Dada."

James stopped and looked at his son, amazed.

"Mama, Dada, Harry." Harry continued. Lily and her husband looked at each other.

"It's as if he understands what we're saying." Lily whispered. "And he even knows how to say his name." James picked up his son and cradled him in his arms.

"I guess Dumbledore was right when he said we should expect great things from Harry." Lily nodded in reply, as Harry focused his gaze on the window. Harry reached towards it, and made it quite clear to both his parents that he wanted to look outside.

James carried his son over to the window, and Harry looked out at the starry sky. A shooting star flew across the sky, and Harry reached out to grab it. When he failed, he started to whimper. James looked at his wife, unsure how to quieten his son. Lily took Harry in her arms and began to rock him gently. She looked out at the sky and started to sing softly.

"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket,

Never let it fade away,

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket,

Save it for a rainy day."

Harry sighed and closed his eyes, snuggling up to his mother's warm breast. She continued rocking him, until he eventually fell asleep.

************

Harry awoke from his memories to find Ginny sitting next to him. Harry knew that Ginny used to have a crush on him when she was younger. Although he would never tell Ron, he had started to notice that she was becoming very attractive. But unfortunately for Harry, as soon as he started to gain interest, she stopped seeing him as a crush.

Looking at her, he noticed Ginny was singing, and it was the same song his mother had sung to him as a lullaby, many years ago.

"For love may come and tap you on the shoulder

Some starless night

And just in case you feel you want to hold her

You'll have a pocket of starlight"

"Hey Gin," he grinned a feeble smile, although he was rewarded by a soft gentle smile back. "What are you doing out here?"

"Well, I noticed you sitting out here, by yourself, so I thought I would join you. You looked lonely." She smiled at him gently. "Is there anything you want to talk about? I'll listen."

"Thanks, but I'm alright, honest. You should go back inside before you catch cold." Harry smiled another weak smile.

"I'm fine, Mum!" teased Ginny. "Actually I'd prefer just to sit outside and sing, if you don't mind?" Harry shook his head.

"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Never let it fade away

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Save it for a rainy day"

Harry returned his gaze to the stars again. And, just like that night, many years ago, he saw a shooting star. "Make a wish." Whispered Ginny. Harry closed his eyes, and made a wish.

"For when your troubles start in multiplying

And they just might.

It's easy to forget them without trying

With a pocket of starlight"

Ginny continued singing, and without realising it at first, Harry started to feel better. He didn't feel quite so lonely, and felt as if all his troubles had been taken off his shoulders.

"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Never let it fade away

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Save it for a rainy day"

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Ginny shivering, and he instinctively put his arm around her. They sat there for a while, neither wanting to move. Ginny had been longing for that moment for as long as she had known him, and he felt so relaxed and calm there, he didn't want to move. It just seemed so natural, and right.

"Ginny?" Harry asked nervously, "Did you mean what you said earlier?"

"When?"

"Will you really listen? And not interrupt or tell me I'm being stupid or anything?"

"Of course. I'll always be here, whenever you want to talk." Ginny smiled an encouraging smile. "Always."

Harry smiled back, and Ginny noticed that it was a full smile this time, and not a weak attempt at a half smile. He took a deep breath and began telling her everything.

He told her how he felt responsible for Cedric's death, how he thought that if he let people get too close to him, they might get hurt by Voldemort. He told her how he worried about Ron and Hermione, and Sirius. And he told her how he was afraid that he might not live up to everyone's expectations, and how he thought he might disappoint them.

When he had finally finished, Ginny, who had sunk further and further into his arms, looked up at him. "Harry, you will never ever disappoint me."

Harry smiled, and then realised that he had never spoken of his feelings quite as freely as he had that night. He wasn't sure, but there was just something about Ginny that made him want to open up his heart. He knew then, that no matter what, he would always be able to confide in her.

"I wish I had known my parents." He announced suddenly. Ginny looked up in surprise. "I just want to know what they think of me. To know if they like me."

"Harry, I think I can honestly say, they would be extremely proud of you."

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so. Look at you. You've defeated Voldemort more than once, which is more than most wizards. You've always been one of the top in your classes. You've got brilliant friends who love you and will always look out for you. And do you know what Sirius said to me the other day. He said 'You know what? Harry is turning into James more and more each day.' "

"Did he really?" Harry asked. Ginny nodded her head.

Harry looked back at the stars, unsure of his feelings. For some reason, one part of him had a weird urge to kiss Ginny. But another part didn't. This was the part that was afraid of her older brothers. Also he didn't want to ruin the moment. But he had to do something.

Ginny rested her head on his shoulder and began to hum the song quietly. Harry gently kissed the top of her head. It wasn't the most romantic thing to do, but it was a start. He rested his head on hers, as she continued humming.

All of a sudden, a flash of light shot towards them. Instinctively, they ducked. When they realised that it wasn't going to hit them, they looked up at it. A ball of white light hung in the air, sparkling. It slightly resembled the golden snitch, except for the fact that it seemed to be glowing. Little bits of the light seemed to be falling onto the ground, so it seemed as if there was a gold dust covering the garden.

"Catch a falling star." Whispered Ginny, smiling. Harry looked at her, amazed. She nodded her head towards the star. "Go on."

"No, you." said Harry, selflessly. "You catch a falling star."

Ginny smiled at him sweetly. "I already have." She said as she squeezed his hand. Harry smiled and gingerly, took a step forward. He reached out his hand, and the star fell into it. He slipped it into his pocket.

"I don't think I'll need this anymore, but just in case." He pulled Ginny towards him and this time, didn't hesitate to kiss her properly on the lips.

"Save it for a rainy day." Ginny said, just before he kissed her again.