A/N: Hey! Shimmer here, we are so sorry about the long wait! But don't
blame me, blame her *points to In the Name of Reading * We hope you've
liked this story! Thanks so much for the awesome reveiws! But remember
folks, this is like a prequel to our big story which were writing right
now! So there will be more. So sit back and enjoy the last chapter.
Revenge of the Bunnies ( In the Name of Reading)
Chapter 9 - It's never the end, just the beginning
~*~
Harry's P.O.V
Life is a funny thing, you know? I mean one minute it's going your way and the next… The next everything's against you.
For the first time in my life I was in love - yes I can admit that now. It was bliss' Ginny Weasley was a miracle I didn't deserve and I felt as if my very being was on fire. Fire, like her hair, like her spirit; uncontrollable and never tamed.
I couldn't understand the feelings that ran through me. Like a current. Not many guys my age can say they are in love - yes I'm still in love, I never stopped loving her. Not many boys can say they wanted a deep relationship. The most they wanted was a torrid love affaire; well, actually, that was more than they wanted. Some good snog sessions were all that was required really. It was that way at first; I saw her as the girl who would squeak at the sight of me, the girl that would come running. How wrong I was.
Ginny was so much more than that. She didn't come running - quite the opposite in fact; she turned me down. It was strange: one minute she was Ginny Weasley, just a little girl, the next she was well Ginny Weasley: a girl, a girl, with a fiery temper and well a great body.
I went after her; she was a challenge. I shouldn't have though. As time wore on my feelings changed. I can say it was fun, the danger or certain death if Ron or the Weasleys found out, the excitement, the distraction. One second she was the prey, the next the hunter. My stomach started to churn when she came around and well it was strange. She seemed to realize that Ron was not to know; it was all a secret: the game, the chase.
After we got together I was almost certain I wanted to tell Ron and get it over with but Ginny refused and the excitement of it all was irresistible. We were able to keep it a secret for a while but then as our feelings deepened it became harder. I was loosing my guise occasionally and it was making things harder for Ginny. I was no help then I don't know why I would think they would be different now.
The river that Ginny had told me about was in sight. I had past Ron a way back and he had promptly ignored me. It's not a surprised, I mean I did snog his sister and sneak around behind his back. I pushed the voice out of my head. It was my own fault that I was in this situation. I had told the Weasleys about Ginny's stint at the Dursleys but I couldn't bring up the topic of our past or maybe not so past relationship.
I think they figured it out though; my explanation left a lot out and they had Bill and Ron's stories to push the ease out of their eyes. It was impossible, my life is spinning out of control and I'm loosing my friends and practically adopted family because of Ginny.
I know it's not her fault but I can't help being angry. My life is changing and not for the better.
I'm at the river it's so clear - the exact opposite of my life, which is hazy. I wonder where Voldemort is. I wonder what would have happened if my parents hadn't died. I wonder…
~*~
While both Harry and Ron were contemplating their confusing lives Ginny was searching for Harry. She had just finished talking to her parents, and for the first time in her life they had treated her with respect and listened to her. She felt a bit dizzy because of the change.
After the main part of the discussion was over Mr. Weasley left, giving Ginny one last hug saying he had to go and speak to some people, that Ginny had thought had to be a part of the Order of the Phoenix.
Mrs. Weasley stood up and stretched, never taking her eyes from her daughter's face. Ginny became squeamish. She wondered if the temperature had increased because she was sweating, newly aware of her disheveled appearance in no more than Ron's Chudly Cannon's T-shirt.
The gaze between mother and daughter was intense. Suddenly Mrs. Weasley gave her daughter a hug and looked her straight in the eye. "Ginny, you do realize that we never meant to treat you like a baby, but it's just that, well, you're the youngest, and Ron and the others grew up so fast I couldn't stand the idea of you grown up too."
"Mum-"
"No, I want you to hear what I have to say without interruption." The tone of her voice was serious and final making Ginny quiet.
"Believe it or not, I was your age once. It seems impossible doesn't it? But I remember every bit of it. I knew your father since we were eleven and met at the Gryffindor table. I was young and had no feelings other than friendly ones for your father. We became friends but were never very close. I had my group of friends and he had his. Around the time I was fourteen I started feeling differently about your father and it was wonderful and scary at the same time." She seemed to have a dazed look on her face and Ginny could see through the dumpy appearance of her mother to the young exuberant person she was before.
"When he would talk to me in class, I would feel my knees grow weak and I'd have trouble answering. Being the dunce he is he didn't notice a thing for which I am still grateful. After thirty years of marriage I am still embarrassed about it. These feelings continued but it wasn't until fifth year that anything was acted upon. I would see your father and he seemed to be shying away from me. I thought he had found out and was embarrassed to see me. Oh how wrong I was. Anyway when the time for the winter dance came to be I was startled when he asked me for a private word. He asked me, me, to go to the winter dance with him. Oh I was so excited. I wrote to my mother and told her. It was something I would never had done if I hadn't been so excited. I got a letter back saying that was nice and then she rambled on about some guy she was seeing."
For the first time in her life Ginny heard about her grandmother. It was always a subject skirted around at home and she was interested.
"She didn't care, she never did. I went home that summer walking on clouds because your father had kissed me at the train station. I wanted to tell my mother. I hadn't cared about the past I wanted to start new. I was a new person and I wanted to get a new start with her. I told her about Arthur and was stupid enough to expect a reprimand but none came. She didn't care, she never warned me about boys, about the dangers of the world, she wasn't there for me when I needed her. She didn't even come to my graduation." Mrs. Weasley's face was streaked with tears and her voice became desperate and laced with grief at the memory of a life long gone.
"It was from then on I swore that when I became a parent I would be there for everyone of my kids and I thought I had been successful…"
"Mum you are successful. Yes you are overprotective and smothering at times but I have never doubted, not even for a minute, that you didn't love me or care-"
Mrs. Weasley held up her hand and continued. "It is because of this promise that I make this one request: don't date unless you tell me about it, I want to be there for you and just hold your hand if something goes wrong. I don't want you to shy away. I may have driven you to leave but I want to have another chance; I need another chance. Just please think about it."
With that she left the room leaving a very confused Ginny at the table. She knew right then that she had to see Harry.
~*~
Ginny ran across the lawn, for once not stopped for interrogation. She had no idea where Harry would be but she would find him.
Harry saw Ginny running towards him and his anger melted away instantly. He stood there as she ran toward him and could not understand the expression on her face.
"Harry," she panted. "I need to talk to you. It's important."
He followed her and they sat under a tree just looking at each other in silence. Harry broke it by saying, "So what did you and your parents talk about?"
"A lot. I think they know."
Harry put his head in his hands feeling and overwhelming sense of foreboding loom over him. "What's the verdict."
"A simple request."
"Which is?" Harry saw her peculiar expression shift again and felt strange being so close to her yet feeling so far apart.
"My mother said in not so many words that we can see each other just that we be careful and not rush things. She also wants us to be open, not shy away."
Harry's mind whirled and suddenly he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders but it returned again with a crash at the expression on Ginny's face. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be excited?"
"I am its just that I need to think. My life has changed so much lately that I don't know which way is which and I think I need to straighten it out before I add a relationship to the mix. I'm sorry."
~*~
Harry's P.O.V.
"I'm sorry."
My mind echoed. She didn't want me - doesn't want me.
She seemed to read my thoughts because through the fog I felt her soft hand take mine.
"Harry I love you. Don't doubt that for a minute. When we broke up I felt hollow. Pretending I didn't love you was torture and I couldn't help wanting you back. I know I'm selfish and I have no right to ask you this, but will you wait for me?"
This was the clincher, the million-dollar question. I stared at her eyes and was lost once again. How could I say no? There she was, after opening up my life and showing me what I could be, asking me a favor; not an easy one, of course. I mean how could I wait? I wanted her now but I wouldn't be selfish.
"Gin, do not think for a minute that you are being selfish for that is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard. I'll wait for you. What else would I do? Go to some other girl?"
It was meant to be a joke to lighten up the situation but it did the opposite: her face dimmed and she looked scared as if she thought I might.
"Gin! Don't look at me like that. I would never do that and you know it. I'll wait, you're worth every bit of waiting and more."
That was eloquent Potter, where did this come from?
Oh what is your problem?
God I think I'm going to abandon you because of this sap. Gag.
Really funny you know you and Jeff Foxworthy should go on tour. You're both frigging comedians.
Nice comeback.
You know what if I told you-
"Harry?" Ginny's voice shook me out of my thoughts. "Are you sure?"
"Positive."
She beamed and grabbed my collar and kissed me slow, long and hard. It was the most intense kiss we had ever shared with more meaning not just lust. We pulled away and just looked at each other and Ginny's petite body held onto mine making me wonder if I would be able to follow Ginny's request that she was seemingly not thinking about.
We pulled away and Ginny seemed to realize what she was wearing blushed profusely.
~*~
Ginny's P.O.V
Harry and I walked back to the house and operation burn stuffies came under way.
Mum finally convinced me not to burn them for I may want to use them later in life. I highly doubted it but considering my newly rebuilt relationship with my mother I gave in. We still had a bonfire though and it was wonderful. Harry and Ron weren't talking but everyone else was normal and mum was stuffing Harry with food muttering about starvation.
Fred and George brought over a stack of inventions and fireworks and it was quite a show. I saw Harry laughing and felt an ache. I was regretting my decision about waiting about our relationship but I wouldn't rush into anything.
~*~
Ron's P.O.V
It's hard to stay mad at your best friend for long but I refused to weaken my resolve. I don't think everything was told to my parents and it makes me mad but I won't worry about that right now. An owl just came and it's from Hermione I have no idea what's inside. I can't seem to open it.
The envelope was smooth and I carried it over out of the way to read it in peace.
Dear Ron,
She called me 'dear'!!! She always calls you 'dear' nitwit.
I'm going to be home soon and I can't wait to tell you and Harry about all I've learnt. I can say I'm homesick and I miss you both terribly. Have you done your homework? You had better because it's almost the end of summer and you need to study and be ready for this year I mean we ARE taking our O.W.L's and they are SO important. I would have made this letter longer but my parents and I are taking the early flight and I want to get some sleep.
See you soon!- Love From Hermione
She's coming home. I don't know how I'm going to act around her! What if she thinks I've grown too tall? What if she doesn't like me anymore?! Oh man, I don't think I can handle this.
~*~
Bill's P.O.V
It's strange seeing her now. Ginny alive and happy as I haven't seen her in some years. She is practically dancing in mirth at the sight of George tangoing with a stuffed bunny.
I saw her look at Harry. She keeps doing that. They both look sad when they look at the other and I wonder what happened last night when they talked.
I wish Alice were here. Another thing strange going on with me: never before have I wanted one of my girlfriends with me all the time, it's scaring me.
Oh why did life have to get so complicated? Why did we all have to grow up? I honestly don't know how I'm going to get used to Ginny being this old and so well - grown up.
I guess it's something I'll just have to get used to.
~*~
Mrs. Weasley's P.O.V
The boy was practically starved at those Dursley's. He's so thin.
Harry is practically my son and yet I can't seem to keep him safe. It's great to see my children happy for now, a minute of peace in a war torn world. They're laughing and squealing and I have never felt so at ease.
There is Arthur. Just the same. A little more aged, a little more wise and yet the same lively seventeen-year-old I fell in love with. Some day's I feel so old. Like yesterday when I told Ginny a bit of my past. I had to. I could see it in her face right now, and in his. Harry and Ginny loved each other. It couldn't be denied. They reminded me of Arthur and myself in early years. Confused and excited, yet unhappy as their world is being turned upside down. I want them to be happy; I really do.
I wonder sometimes whether or not I really know what's going on with my family. I thought Harry and Ginny would go out now but it seems as if they're skirting circles around each other. Ron is off in a daze both angry and confused yet anxiously happy. I really wish I knew what was going on with that boy.
Bill. He's keeping something hidden from me, from all of us. Like he is yearning for something and doesn't know why. I suppose a good mother would be able to tell but is it really my fault? I mean he's hardly ever home and he's always so evasive… I don't get it.
At least Charlie and the twins are acting the same. George is STILL tangoing with that rabbit and I'm starting to believe he has grown a little too attached to it. I'm going to have to do something about that in a minute. Fred is looking a little too innocent I'd better go get the hair- grow-back potion before someone has a fit.
I sometimes wonder if I'm a good mother. Isn't it said that we take on parenting traits from our own parents? I hope not but what if I have? My mother was horrible to me and I couldn't bear it if I was that way with my children.
There it goes -- I knew it would happen. Charlie's on fire. Great. What on earth? Are those ears? That's what they are: bunny ears. I wonder what I did wrong with those two. Honestly.
~*~
As Mrs. Wealsey went to de-ear Charlie, Ron was still contemplating his letter and George was still tangoing with the rabbit. Harry himself was staring off into space, completely lost in thought. The past days events were still fresh in his mind. Some things were clear: he still loved Ginny and she loved him, Ron was pissed at him and Hermione was in China. He didn't know how to act anymore, everything seemed sticky and at times suffocating. He wanted to get back to school but wasn't sure if he really did want to leave The Burrow.
All he could think about was how frustrating the whole situation was and that he wished that his life would, for once, make sense. But he supposed that was just the curse of Harry Potter.
I should have known we wouldn't have gotten back together, it was just false hope.
He sighed and turned around, still lost in thought. Ginny was off to the left of him and laughing her head off at Charlie's bunny ears. It was quite an amusing sight.
When was the last time I saw her this happy?
Quite awhile ago.
True, I hope it stays this way.
"Harry?" Somehow Ginny had made her way to his side and was looking tentatively at him. "Are you alright?"
"Yep, why do you ask?"
Instead of answering him Ginny just looked at him. "You know something? I think that we overlooked a very important thing."
"Which was?"
"Hope. When we were together it seemed as if it were just for a moment; two people coming together because they had no hope for the future. That was our problem: somehow we became depressed that we wouldn't have a future, we became depressed that we lost our hope for the future and then when we thought about the future we became afraid and it tore us, well me apart. We need to keep our hope alive for if we do have a relationship we don't want it biased on desperation; it should be about love."
Harry stared at her and suddenly looked as if a light had come on in his head; he understood the meaning of her words. The words seemed so wise and thoughtful that he himself was amazed by their depth.
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Strangely enough I do. You know I can honestly say I had lost hope of ever having a normal life or a life without Voldemort, and I guess I saw you and found I needed you, and I didn't know why but I-". He stumbled over his words as if wondering if they were appropriate, "I did fall in love with you."
"And I you."
~*~
Harry's P.O.V
She made sense. The whole damn idea made sense. I remember the thrill of loving her. I didn't see any hope for the future and wanted to enjoy life while I could. I didn't want her to be hurt by Voldemort so I guess I had lost hope that I could ever have a relationship in public because Voldemort would get them like he had, well as it seemed, he had gotten everything else.
Ginny and I didn't say anything more. She went back to the fire and I stayed where I was. Something clicked in my mind. I loved Ginny but I wouldn't let us live in fear of Voldemort. I'd get him and, if she'd still have me, get together with Ginny. I trusted her and loved her and it is my hope - no it is my soon-to-be reality that she lives in a Voldemort free world. Because of my love for her life will get better and Voldemort will be destroyed. I'll make sure of it.
I walked back to the fire with a new spring in my step. It was simple; the greatest things in the world could not be seen but could be felt by billions - love and hope conquer all.
The End.
Revenge of the Bunnies ( In the Name of Reading)
Chapter 9 - It's never the end, just the beginning
~*~
Harry's P.O.V
Life is a funny thing, you know? I mean one minute it's going your way and the next… The next everything's against you.
For the first time in my life I was in love - yes I can admit that now. It was bliss' Ginny Weasley was a miracle I didn't deserve and I felt as if my very being was on fire. Fire, like her hair, like her spirit; uncontrollable and never tamed.
I couldn't understand the feelings that ran through me. Like a current. Not many guys my age can say they are in love - yes I'm still in love, I never stopped loving her. Not many boys can say they wanted a deep relationship. The most they wanted was a torrid love affaire; well, actually, that was more than they wanted. Some good snog sessions were all that was required really. It was that way at first; I saw her as the girl who would squeak at the sight of me, the girl that would come running. How wrong I was.
Ginny was so much more than that. She didn't come running - quite the opposite in fact; she turned me down. It was strange: one minute she was Ginny Weasley, just a little girl, the next she was well Ginny Weasley: a girl, a girl, with a fiery temper and well a great body.
I went after her; she was a challenge. I shouldn't have though. As time wore on my feelings changed. I can say it was fun, the danger or certain death if Ron or the Weasleys found out, the excitement, the distraction. One second she was the prey, the next the hunter. My stomach started to churn when she came around and well it was strange. She seemed to realize that Ron was not to know; it was all a secret: the game, the chase.
After we got together I was almost certain I wanted to tell Ron and get it over with but Ginny refused and the excitement of it all was irresistible. We were able to keep it a secret for a while but then as our feelings deepened it became harder. I was loosing my guise occasionally and it was making things harder for Ginny. I was no help then I don't know why I would think they would be different now.
The river that Ginny had told me about was in sight. I had past Ron a way back and he had promptly ignored me. It's not a surprised, I mean I did snog his sister and sneak around behind his back. I pushed the voice out of my head. It was my own fault that I was in this situation. I had told the Weasleys about Ginny's stint at the Dursleys but I couldn't bring up the topic of our past or maybe not so past relationship.
I think they figured it out though; my explanation left a lot out and they had Bill and Ron's stories to push the ease out of their eyes. It was impossible, my life is spinning out of control and I'm loosing my friends and practically adopted family because of Ginny.
I know it's not her fault but I can't help being angry. My life is changing and not for the better.
I'm at the river it's so clear - the exact opposite of my life, which is hazy. I wonder where Voldemort is. I wonder what would have happened if my parents hadn't died. I wonder…
~*~
While both Harry and Ron were contemplating their confusing lives Ginny was searching for Harry. She had just finished talking to her parents, and for the first time in her life they had treated her with respect and listened to her. She felt a bit dizzy because of the change.
After the main part of the discussion was over Mr. Weasley left, giving Ginny one last hug saying he had to go and speak to some people, that Ginny had thought had to be a part of the Order of the Phoenix.
Mrs. Weasley stood up and stretched, never taking her eyes from her daughter's face. Ginny became squeamish. She wondered if the temperature had increased because she was sweating, newly aware of her disheveled appearance in no more than Ron's Chudly Cannon's T-shirt.
The gaze between mother and daughter was intense. Suddenly Mrs. Weasley gave her daughter a hug and looked her straight in the eye. "Ginny, you do realize that we never meant to treat you like a baby, but it's just that, well, you're the youngest, and Ron and the others grew up so fast I couldn't stand the idea of you grown up too."
"Mum-"
"No, I want you to hear what I have to say without interruption." The tone of her voice was serious and final making Ginny quiet.
"Believe it or not, I was your age once. It seems impossible doesn't it? But I remember every bit of it. I knew your father since we were eleven and met at the Gryffindor table. I was young and had no feelings other than friendly ones for your father. We became friends but were never very close. I had my group of friends and he had his. Around the time I was fourteen I started feeling differently about your father and it was wonderful and scary at the same time." She seemed to have a dazed look on her face and Ginny could see through the dumpy appearance of her mother to the young exuberant person she was before.
"When he would talk to me in class, I would feel my knees grow weak and I'd have trouble answering. Being the dunce he is he didn't notice a thing for which I am still grateful. After thirty years of marriage I am still embarrassed about it. These feelings continued but it wasn't until fifth year that anything was acted upon. I would see your father and he seemed to be shying away from me. I thought he had found out and was embarrassed to see me. Oh how wrong I was. Anyway when the time for the winter dance came to be I was startled when he asked me for a private word. He asked me, me, to go to the winter dance with him. Oh I was so excited. I wrote to my mother and told her. It was something I would never had done if I hadn't been so excited. I got a letter back saying that was nice and then she rambled on about some guy she was seeing."
For the first time in her life Ginny heard about her grandmother. It was always a subject skirted around at home and she was interested.
"She didn't care, she never did. I went home that summer walking on clouds because your father had kissed me at the train station. I wanted to tell my mother. I hadn't cared about the past I wanted to start new. I was a new person and I wanted to get a new start with her. I told her about Arthur and was stupid enough to expect a reprimand but none came. She didn't care, she never warned me about boys, about the dangers of the world, she wasn't there for me when I needed her. She didn't even come to my graduation." Mrs. Weasley's face was streaked with tears and her voice became desperate and laced with grief at the memory of a life long gone.
"It was from then on I swore that when I became a parent I would be there for everyone of my kids and I thought I had been successful…"
"Mum you are successful. Yes you are overprotective and smothering at times but I have never doubted, not even for a minute, that you didn't love me or care-"
Mrs. Weasley held up her hand and continued. "It is because of this promise that I make this one request: don't date unless you tell me about it, I want to be there for you and just hold your hand if something goes wrong. I don't want you to shy away. I may have driven you to leave but I want to have another chance; I need another chance. Just please think about it."
With that she left the room leaving a very confused Ginny at the table. She knew right then that she had to see Harry.
~*~
Ginny ran across the lawn, for once not stopped for interrogation. She had no idea where Harry would be but she would find him.
Harry saw Ginny running towards him and his anger melted away instantly. He stood there as she ran toward him and could not understand the expression on her face.
"Harry," she panted. "I need to talk to you. It's important."
He followed her and they sat under a tree just looking at each other in silence. Harry broke it by saying, "So what did you and your parents talk about?"
"A lot. I think they know."
Harry put his head in his hands feeling and overwhelming sense of foreboding loom over him. "What's the verdict."
"A simple request."
"Which is?" Harry saw her peculiar expression shift again and felt strange being so close to her yet feeling so far apart.
"My mother said in not so many words that we can see each other just that we be careful and not rush things. She also wants us to be open, not shy away."
Harry's mind whirled and suddenly he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders but it returned again with a crash at the expression on Ginny's face. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be excited?"
"I am its just that I need to think. My life has changed so much lately that I don't know which way is which and I think I need to straighten it out before I add a relationship to the mix. I'm sorry."
~*~
Harry's P.O.V.
"I'm sorry."
My mind echoed. She didn't want me - doesn't want me.
She seemed to read my thoughts because through the fog I felt her soft hand take mine.
"Harry I love you. Don't doubt that for a minute. When we broke up I felt hollow. Pretending I didn't love you was torture and I couldn't help wanting you back. I know I'm selfish and I have no right to ask you this, but will you wait for me?"
This was the clincher, the million-dollar question. I stared at her eyes and was lost once again. How could I say no? There she was, after opening up my life and showing me what I could be, asking me a favor; not an easy one, of course. I mean how could I wait? I wanted her now but I wouldn't be selfish.
"Gin, do not think for a minute that you are being selfish for that is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard. I'll wait for you. What else would I do? Go to some other girl?"
It was meant to be a joke to lighten up the situation but it did the opposite: her face dimmed and she looked scared as if she thought I might.
"Gin! Don't look at me like that. I would never do that and you know it. I'll wait, you're worth every bit of waiting and more."
That was eloquent Potter, where did this come from?
Oh what is your problem?
God I think I'm going to abandon you because of this sap. Gag.
Really funny you know you and Jeff Foxworthy should go on tour. You're both frigging comedians.
Nice comeback.
You know what if I told you-
"Harry?" Ginny's voice shook me out of my thoughts. "Are you sure?"
"Positive."
She beamed and grabbed my collar and kissed me slow, long and hard. It was the most intense kiss we had ever shared with more meaning not just lust. We pulled away and just looked at each other and Ginny's petite body held onto mine making me wonder if I would be able to follow Ginny's request that she was seemingly not thinking about.
We pulled away and Ginny seemed to realize what she was wearing blushed profusely.
~*~
Ginny's P.O.V
Harry and I walked back to the house and operation burn stuffies came under way.
Mum finally convinced me not to burn them for I may want to use them later in life. I highly doubted it but considering my newly rebuilt relationship with my mother I gave in. We still had a bonfire though and it was wonderful. Harry and Ron weren't talking but everyone else was normal and mum was stuffing Harry with food muttering about starvation.
Fred and George brought over a stack of inventions and fireworks and it was quite a show. I saw Harry laughing and felt an ache. I was regretting my decision about waiting about our relationship but I wouldn't rush into anything.
~*~
Ron's P.O.V
It's hard to stay mad at your best friend for long but I refused to weaken my resolve. I don't think everything was told to my parents and it makes me mad but I won't worry about that right now. An owl just came and it's from Hermione I have no idea what's inside. I can't seem to open it.
The envelope was smooth and I carried it over out of the way to read it in peace.
Dear Ron,
She called me 'dear'!!! She always calls you 'dear' nitwit.
I'm going to be home soon and I can't wait to tell you and Harry about all I've learnt. I can say I'm homesick and I miss you both terribly. Have you done your homework? You had better because it's almost the end of summer and you need to study and be ready for this year I mean we ARE taking our O.W.L's and they are SO important. I would have made this letter longer but my parents and I are taking the early flight and I want to get some sleep.
See you soon!- Love From Hermione
She's coming home. I don't know how I'm going to act around her! What if she thinks I've grown too tall? What if she doesn't like me anymore?! Oh man, I don't think I can handle this.
~*~
Bill's P.O.V
It's strange seeing her now. Ginny alive and happy as I haven't seen her in some years. She is practically dancing in mirth at the sight of George tangoing with a stuffed bunny.
I saw her look at Harry. She keeps doing that. They both look sad when they look at the other and I wonder what happened last night when they talked.
I wish Alice were here. Another thing strange going on with me: never before have I wanted one of my girlfriends with me all the time, it's scaring me.
Oh why did life have to get so complicated? Why did we all have to grow up? I honestly don't know how I'm going to get used to Ginny being this old and so well - grown up.
I guess it's something I'll just have to get used to.
~*~
Mrs. Weasley's P.O.V
The boy was practically starved at those Dursley's. He's so thin.
Harry is practically my son and yet I can't seem to keep him safe. It's great to see my children happy for now, a minute of peace in a war torn world. They're laughing and squealing and I have never felt so at ease.
There is Arthur. Just the same. A little more aged, a little more wise and yet the same lively seventeen-year-old I fell in love with. Some day's I feel so old. Like yesterday when I told Ginny a bit of my past. I had to. I could see it in her face right now, and in his. Harry and Ginny loved each other. It couldn't be denied. They reminded me of Arthur and myself in early years. Confused and excited, yet unhappy as their world is being turned upside down. I want them to be happy; I really do.
I wonder sometimes whether or not I really know what's going on with my family. I thought Harry and Ginny would go out now but it seems as if they're skirting circles around each other. Ron is off in a daze both angry and confused yet anxiously happy. I really wish I knew what was going on with that boy.
Bill. He's keeping something hidden from me, from all of us. Like he is yearning for something and doesn't know why. I suppose a good mother would be able to tell but is it really my fault? I mean he's hardly ever home and he's always so evasive… I don't get it.
At least Charlie and the twins are acting the same. George is STILL tangoing with that rabbit and I'm starting to believe he has grown a little too attached to it. I'm going to have to do something about that in a minute. Fred is looking a little too innocent I'd better go get the hair- grow-back potion before someone has a fit.
I sometimes wonder if I'm a good mother. Isn't it said that we take on parenting traits from our own parents? I hope not but what if I have? My mother was horrible to me and I couldn't bear it if I was that way with my children.
There it goes -- I knew it would happen. Charlie's on fire. Great. What on earth? Are those ears? That's what they are: bunny ears. I wonder what I did wrong with those two. Honestly.
~*~
As Mrs. Wealsey went to de-ear Charlie, Ron was still contemplating his letter and George was still tangoing with the rabbit. Harry himself was staring off into space, completely lost in thought. The past days events were still fresh in his mind. Some things were clear: he still loved Ginny and she loved him, Ron was pissed at him and Hermione was in China. He didn't know how to act anymore, everything seemed sticky and at times suffocating. He wanted to get back to school but wasn't sure if he really did want to leave The Burrow.
All he could think about was how frustrating the whole situation was and that he wished that his life would, for once, make sense. But he supposed that was just the curse of Harry Potter.
I should have known we wouldn't have gotten back together, it was just false hope.
He sighed and turned around, still lost in thought. Ginny was off to the left of him and laughing her head off at Charlie's bunny ears. It was quite an amusing sight.
When was the last time I saw her this happy?
Quite awhile ago.
True, I hope it stays this way.
"Harry?" Somehow Ginny had made her way to his side and was looking tentatively at him. "Are you alright?"
"Yep, why do you ask?"
Instead of answering him Ginny just looked at him. "You know something? I think that we overlooked a very important thing."
"Which was?"
"Hope. When we were together it seemed as if it were just for a moment; two people coming together because they had no hope for the future. That was our problem: somehow we became depressed that we wouldn't have a future, we became depressed that we lost our hope for the future and then when we thought about the future we became afraid and it tore us, well me apart. We need to keep our hope alive for if we do have a relationship we don't want it biased on desperation; it should be about love."
Harry stared at her and suddenly looked as if a light had come on in his head; he understood the meaning of her words. The words seemed so wise and thoughtful that he himself was amazed by their depth.
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Strangely enough I do. You know I can honestly say I had lost hope of ever having a normal life or a life without Voldemort, and I guess I saw you and found I needed you, and I didn't know why but I-". He stumbled over his words as if wondering if they were appropriate, "I did fall in love with you."
"And I you."
~*~
Harry's P.O.V
She made sense. The whole damn idea made sense. I remember the thrill of loving her. I didn't see any hope for the future and wanted to enjoy life while I could. I didn't want her to be hurt by Voldemort so I guess I had lost hope that I could ever have a relationship in public because Voldemort would get them like he had, well as it seemed, he had gotten everything else.
Ginny and I didn't say anything more. She went back to the fire and I stayed where I was. Something clicked in my mind. I loved Ginny but I wouldn't let us live in fear of Voldemort. I'd get him and, if she'd still have me, get together with Ginny. I trusted her and loved her and it is my hope - no it is my soon-to-be reality that she lives in a Voldemort free world. Because of my love for her life will get better and Voldemort will be destroyed. I'll make sure of it.
I walked back to the fire with a new spring in my step. It was simple; the greatest things in the world could not be seen but could be felt by billions - love and hope conquer all.
The End.