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1 Time Changes Everything
A Fan fiction by Aelia (originally Pottergirl)
Disclaimer: Every thing belongs to J.K.Rowling EXCEPT the plot, which is MINE.
(Author's Note is at the bottom)
Chapter Twenty-two: Rejection
* * * *
'So this is how Harry Potter is celebrating the attack on Hogsmeade…'
Harry's mind snapped to the voice and he was on his feet in an instant, whirling around to face the speaker. His eyes narrowed at the gray-eyed, blonde Malfoy standing a few feet from him.
'Very creative…'
'Malfoy…' Harry muttered. Malfoy had an unusual expression on his face. He was staring at Harry, his eyes narrowed and his usual smirk was absent.
'Leave before -'
'Before what?' Malfoy cut Harry short, 'You'll do what you did on the train last term? You haven't lost your childishness, Potter. But you've certainly lost your memory…'
At this Malfoy smirked and Harry was inwardly bewildered by his statement, while anger burned through him. Malfoy ignored the fire in Harry's eyes and took a step sideways, looking around Harry at Ginny.
Harry drew his wand. Malfoy glanced back at him before turning away.
'Keep your tricks to yourself…' He said coldly. 'It's only a matter of time anyway…'
Harry watched Malfoy's retreating back as the Slytherin strolled back up the grounds to the castle. He put his wand back in his pocket. Malfoy had been acting strange, he thought. There had been a taunting tone in his voice.
Harry turned to Ginny who was now on her feet. Her eyes were wide and were looking into the distance. Harry followed her gaze and found she was watching Malfoy, in the distance. He stepped closer.
'Ginny?'
She looked at him, her eyes wide. Was it fear that he saw in them?
'Ginny, are you okay?' Harry asked, unsure, stepping closer.
'I'm alright,' she said and shivered slightly. Harry noticed this and looked at her with concern.
'Has Malfoy been creating trouble for you?' He suddenly asked. Malfoy's behavior was suspicious and Harry wondered if he had dared pick on Ginny again after the previous term.
She shook her head. 'No.'
But Harry couldn't help notice she was upset and very silent suddenly. There was an awkward silence and she looked away. A cold wind was beginning to blow and when Ginny shivered again, Harry said,
'Do you want to go in?'
Ginny's gaze snapped to him and her face was blank for a moment, as if she had been in deep thought.
'Okay…' she nodded after a moment.
They turned to walk up the castle. Harry glanced at her…it was awkward…especially after they had…he had…even thinking about it made his turn slightly red. After a moment, as they walked up the grounds, he covered her hand with his.
Ginny looked up at him and Harry was a little surprised by her expression of unsurity. He fell into doubt as to whether he had done the right thing or not. She looked away, her hand listless beneath his. Harry felt a feeling of dread rise within him. Something wasn't right.
He glanced at Ginny to find her looking at him, her eyes wide. The intensity of her gaze surprised him and he almost stopped in his tracks.
'Ginny?'
She looked away and Harry felt her hand slipping out of his. He stared at her, not knowing what else to do or say. She glanced at him and opened her mouth to say something but then closed it again. She looked away, not facing him and Harry heard her sigh tensely.
Unsure, he stepped closer.
'What?' He asked slowly, 'Ginny, I –'
But the remaining part of his speech caught in his throat as Ginny whirled around suddenly and clung to him in a hug. He was rendered speechless for a moment as she put her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
'Gin…' He whispered, amazed, surprised and worried at the same time. She laid her head on his shoulder and was silent. Harry looked at her, her vibrant red hair spread on her shoulders, framing her face and slowly, he closed his arms around her waist.
Suddenly, to him, everything was perfect. He didn't want to think about any troubles or worries when Ginny was there, so close to him. He sighed inaudibly, a sigh of relief and peacefulness.
She raised her head from his shoulder and their gazes locked. Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him and Harry felt himself grinning widely with happiness. Her eyes didn't leave his face for a second and slowly, she lifted a hand and traced the side of his face, a light smile on her lips. Harry was filled with a wonderful sensation at her gentle touch and was petrified. He held her closer and her gaze shifted directly to his own.
A strange feeling seemed to be raging inside his chest just then…deep inside him, as the gaze of the dark brown eyes captivated him. Ginny's mouth fell open slightly and Harry's emerald eyes grew wider. Everything else was disappearing from around them…
She raised herself on tiptoes, almost reaching his height and Harry made up for the rest by bending his head and meeting her lips.
The result was sensational. It was unlike the kiss they had shared earlier – soft and hesitant…it was deep and loving. Harry attempted to pull her closer as a dam of emotions burst inside him. The ancient, rushing feeling he had felt mildly when he had kissed her earlier was back and with such magnitude that it surprised him. He felt as if something warm and pure was rising from within him, moving upwards and outwards. Everything seemed pleasantly warm suddenly and the cold gale blowing around them was forgotten.
Harry did not want the sudden ancient, warm and pure feeling rousing within him to end. It was too magnificent to let go of and he didn't want to pull away for the slightest of moments. The wonder of being so close to her, to actually feel her in this way was far beyond anything he had ever imagined.
But then, she pulled away abruptly, slipping out of his tight embrace. A strange, warm haze surrounded his mind and he tried to think properly. His heart was beating madly and the warm feeling that had filled his chest had suddenly vanished, leaving a huge void there.
He stared at her, surprised and bewildered. Was it something he had done?
'Gin –'
'Harry,' she cut in sharply and coldly, 'What you want cannot happen.'
'What?' Harry said in disbelief. Ginny looked away, her expression stern and almost angry.
'You know,' she said simply but coldly.
'What? What are you saying?' Harry couldn't believe it. What was she doing? What was wrong?
'This isn't right…this can't happen between us…'
'Gin…' Harry was speechless. A multitude of thoughts raced within his mind and he was unable to think properly.
'Why…?' It was all he could manage.
There was a short silence.
'I meant to tell you before…but…I couldn't,' she stammered, a little softness in her tone.
Harry could not believe what she was saying.
'I don't think that…that there could ever be something…like this between us…'
She hesitated, then glanced at him but looked away quickly, not being able to meet his eyes. Harry heard her but did not comment. Her words stung him badly…
'Sorry…' She almost whispered and Harry looked up to see her glance his way one last time.
'Ginny…I…I…lo –' Harry stammered, his senses and thoughts almost involuntary now but he was cut short.
'Goodbye,' she said quickly and hurried away, towards the castle.
Harry stared at her, not able to say a single word much less call out to her to make her stop. When she disappeared from view, his gaze shifted to the calm, stagnant waters of the lake. Parts and broken phrases of what she had said came back to him, repeating themselves in his mind. He couldn't understand what had just happened. She had been smiling at him and then…it was all over.
The lake blurred before his eyes and he did not wipe away the tear that was silently coursing down the side of his face. Slowly, he sank to the ground, hugging his knees to himself. The wind suddenly felt cold again…he bent his head, reliving the painful rejection again and again in his mind.
* * * * *
'I don't believe it, he never told us about any of those dreams until today…'
Ron and Hermione were sitting in a corner of the Common Room, talking in low voices.
'I know,' Ron agreed, concerned. 'Even when he fainted due to his scar pain after Christmas.'
'He's always told us everything…' Hermione said wistfully.
'Do you think he told Ginny?' Ron asked after a moment. Hermione shook her head.
'I don't think so…Ginny would have talked to me about it…'
'Do you think he's telling her right now?' Ron asked at length. Hermione glanced towards the window.
'I don't know…Harry hasn't talked to her yet…about his feelings for her. And I haven't been able to ask Ginny anything. Since that breakfast incident, I have a feeling she's been avoiding us,' she said thoughtfully. Ron sighed inaudibly.
'I should have looked after her more after that morning. It was terrible for her with the whole school present…' He said sadly. Hermione placed her hand on his.
'Don't worry…I'll try to talk to her as soon as –'
The portrait hole opened abruptly and Ron and Hermione immediately looked up. Ginny clambered in, her face hidden in her hands as if she was crying. She hurried up the girls' staircase without a look at the Common Room. When Ginny disappeared from sight, Ron turned to Hermione quickly.
'What –'
'I'll talk to her,' she said hurriedly and got up to follow Ginny. Something was definitely not right.
* * * * *
... To be continued (soon!) ...
Author's Note:
Hello…here was another chapter…and 5 days late! I know Nimbuschik (Amy), you're right about losing people if I don't fulfill my promises but I had genuine reasons for this delay.
Firstly, I'm in another country for my summer holidays but to ensure updating, I stored my entire series so-far on a floppy disk and took it with me on holiday. When I reached my destination, the STUPID FILE WOULDN'T OPEN! I lost chapters 22 and 23. I tried everything but they wouldn't open. Thus, I had to resign to retype chapter 22…(don't worry, it turned out WAY better than the earlier one…)
interlude: AAHH…virus…I just re read this chapter…every single character's name has been changed to "Ginny"!! How did this happen?! DUMB COMPUTER! Now I'll have to start editing!
I am going to come down with major WRITER'S BLOCK very, very soon!
Ok, got that fixed…Phew!
Ok, let's move ahead. I'll be uploading in 2-3 days… I felt very sad writing this chapter. I still feel a little 'down' about it. But I'll try to send the next chapter up as soon as possible!
Let's see…I can afford to give you a bit of info on the next chapter:
- Things move fast.
- Harry has an unsettling dream.
- We get to meet the mysterious cloaked person again.
So there you have it…that's all for now…Meanwhile I'd like to thank ALL of my reviewers and give them loads and loads of hugs for keeping me going by their reviews as well as scaring me into finishing this chapter in a single night.
Munku - JGSPTV, Nimbuschik, Ax, Angel…you all mean a lot to me and I also mean to include everyone else who reviewed me at fanfiction.net.
I know you've all been waiting…and I'm very glad you've always been supportive…
In the latest reviewers, I'd love to thank –
Munku JGSPTV, Bec, Nimbuschick, Very Impatient, Jade, MoonBunni, HarryandGinny4eva, Julia 2Cj, Bob33, Julephenia, Mysteryperson, Madison, Sierra Sitruc, Vianne Rocher, Squeejum (aw, don't worry…I'm glad SOMEONE doesn't get the idea…because I thought I was doing a pretty bad job with the mystery…but don't worry, there are only a few chapters left till the end! Keep reading!)
So, until next time, which I hope is only 2-3 days away…
I'll start on chapter 23 as soon as possible…I promise…
Meanwhile, keep reading and reviewing faithfully!
Love,
1.1 Aelia
(Btw, I have changed my name but you must have found out anyway…Aelia sounds better doesn't it? It's pronounced Aay-lee-aa but I guess that's pretty obvious already…Okay, so I am going nutters!)
(Also, I'm about to start a Yahoo group for this story but I'm not sure…if you include your EMAIL ADDRESSES in your reviews, I'll be able to send out invitations…thanks!)
1 Time Changes Everything
A Fan fiction by Aelia (originally Pottergirl)
Disclaimer: Every thing belongs to J.K.Rowling EXCEPT the plot, which is MINE.
(Author's Note is at the bottom)
Chapter Twenty-two: Rejection
* * * *
'So this is how Harry Potter is celebrating the attack on Hogsmeade…'
Harry's mind snapped to the voice and he was on his feet in an instant, whirling around to face the speaker. His eyes narrowed at the gray-eyed, blonde Malfoy standing a few feet from him.
'Very creative…'
'Malfoy…' Harry muttered. Malfoy had an unusual expression on his face. He was staring at Harry, his eyes narrowed and his usual smirk was absent.
'Leave before -'
'Before what?' Malfoy cut Harry short, 'You'll do what you did on the train last term? You haven't lost your childishness, Potter. But you've certainly lost your memory…'
At this Malfoy smirked and Harry was inwardly bewildered by his statement, while anger burned through him. Malfoy ignored the fire in Harry's eyes and took a step sideways, looking around Harry at Ginny.
Harry drew his wand. Malfoy glanced back at him before turning away.
'Keep your tricks to yourself…' He said coldly. 'It's only a matter of time anyway…'
Harry watched Malfoy's retreating back as the Slytherin strolled back up the grounds to the castle. He put his wand back in his pocket. Malfoy had been acting strange, he thought. There had been a taunting tone in his voice.
Harry turned to Ginny who was now on her feet. Her eyes were wide and were looking into the distance. Harry followed her gaze and found she was watching Malfoy, in the distance. He stepped closer.
'Ginny?'
She looked at him, her eyes wide. Was it fear that he saw in them?
'Ginny, are you okay?' Harry asked, unsure, stepping closer.
'I'm alright,' she said and shivered slightly. Harry noticed this and looked at her with concern.
'Has Malfoy been creating trouble for you?' He suddenly asked. Malfoy's behavior was suspicious and Harry wondered if he had dared pick on Ginny again after the previous term.
She shook her head. 'No.'
But Harry couldn't help notice she was upset and very silent suddenly. There was an awkward silence and she looked away. A cold wind was beginning to blow and when Ginny shivered again, Harry said,
'Do you want to go in?'
Ginny's gaze snapped to him and her face was blank for a moment, as if she had been in deep thought.
'Okay…' she nodded after a moment.
They turned to walk up the castle. Harry glanced at her…it was awkward…especially after they had…he had…even thinking about it made his turn slightly red. After a moment, as they walked up the grounds, he covered her hand with his.
Ginny looked up at him and Harry was a little surprised by her expression of unsurity. He fell into doubt as to whether he had done the right thing or not. She looked away, her hand listless beneath his. Harry felt a feeling of dread rise within him. Something wasn't right.
He glanced at Ginny to find her looking at him, her eyes wide. The intensity of her gaze surprised him and he almost stopped in his tracks.
'Ginny?'
She looked away and Harry felt her hand slipping out of his. He stared at her, not knowing what else to do or say. She glanced at him and opened her mouth to say something but then closed it again. She looked away, not facing him and Harry heard her sigh tensely.
Unsure, he stepped closer.
'What?' He asked slowly, 'Ginny, I –'
But the remaining part of his speech caught in his throat as Ginny whirled around suddenly and clung to him in a hug. He was rendered speechless for a moment as she put her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
'Gin…' He whispered, amazed, surprised and worried at the same time. She laid her head on his shoulder and was silent. Harry looked at her, her vibrant red hair spread on her shoulders, framing her face and slowly, he closed his arms around her waist.
Suddenly, to him, everything was perfect. He didn't want to think about any troubles or worries when Ginny was there, so close to him. He sighed inaudibly, a sigh of relief and peacefulness.
She raised her head from his shoulder and their gazes locked. Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him and Harry felt himself grinning widely with happiness. Her eyes didn't leave his face for a second and slowly, she lifted a hand and traced the side of his face, a light smile on her lips. Harry was filled with a wonderful sensation at her gentle touch and was petrified. He held her closer and her gaze shifted directly to his own.
A strange feeling seemed to be raging inside his chest just then…deep inside him, as the gaze of the dark brown eyes captivated him. Ginny's mouth fell open slightly and Harry's emerald eyes grew wider. Everything else was disappearing from around them…
She raised herself on tiptoes, almost reaching his height and Harry made up for the rest by bending his head and meeting her lips.
The result was sensational. It was unlike the kiss they had shared earlier – soft and hesitant…it was deep and loving. Harry attempted to pull her closer as a dam of emotions burst inside him. The ancient, rushing feeling he had felt mildly when he had kissed her earlier was back and with such magnitude that it surprised him. He felt as if something warm and pure was rising from within him, moving upwards and outwards. Everything seemed pleasantly warm suddenly and the cold gale blowing around them was forgotten.
Harry did not want the sudden ancient, warm and pure feeling rousing within him to end. It was too magnificent to let go of and he didn't want to pull away for the slightest of moments. The wonder of being so close to her, to actually feel her in this way was far beyond anything he had ever imagined.
But then, she pulled away abruptly, slipping out of his tight embrace. A strange, warm haze surrounded his mind and he tried to think properly. His heart was beating madly and the warm feeling that had filled his chest had suddenly vanished, leaving a huge void there.
He stared at her, surprised and bewildered. Was it something he had done?
'Gin –'
'Harry,' she cut in sharply and coldly, 'What you want cannot happen.'
'What?' Harry said in disbelief. Ginny looked away, her expression stern and almost angry.
'You know,' she said simply but coldly.
'What? What are you saying?' Harry couldn't believe it. What was she doing? What was wrong?
'This isn't right…this can't happen between us…'
'Gin…' Harry was speechless. A multitude of thoughts raced within his mind and he was unable to think properly.
'Why…?' It was all he could manage.
There was a short silence.
'I meant to tell you before…but…I couldn't,' she stammered, a little softness in her tone.
Harry could not believe what she was saying.
'I don't think that…that there could ever be something…like this between us…'
She hesitated, then glanced at him but looked away quickly, not being able to meet his eyes. Harry heard her but did not comment. Her words stung him badly…
'Sorry…' She almost whispered and Harry looked up to see her glance his way one last time.
'Ginny…I…I…lo –' Harry stammered, his senses and thoughts almost involuntary now but he was cut short.
'Goodbye,' she said quickly and hurried away, towards the castle.
Harry stared at her, not able to say a single word much less call out to her to make her stop. When she disappeared from view, his gaze shifted to the calm, stagnant waters of the lake. Parts and broken phrases of what she had said came back to him, repeating themselves in his mind. He couldn't understand what had just happened. She had been smiling at him and then…it was all over.
The lake blurred before his eyes and he did not wipe away the tear that was silently coursing down the side of his face. Slowly, he sank to the ground, hugging his knees to himself. The wind suddenly felt cold again…he bent his head, reliving the painful rejection again and again in his mind.
* * * * *
'I don't believe it, he never told us about any of those dreams until today…'
Ron and Hermione were sitting in a corner of the Common Room, talking in low voices.
'I know,' Ron agreed, concerned. 'Even when he fainted due to his scar pain after Christmas.'
'He's always told us everything…' Hermione said wistfully.
'Do you think he told Ginny?' Ron asked after a moment. Hermione shook her head.
'I don't think so…Ginny would have talked to me about it…'
'Do you think he's telling her right now?' Ron asked at length. Hermione glanced towards the window.
'I don't know…Harry hasn't talked to her yet…about his feelings for her. And I haven't been able to ask Ginny anything. Since that breakfast incident, I have a feeling she's been avoiding us,' she said thoughtfully. Ron sighed inaudibly.
'I should have looked after her more after that morning. It was terrible for her with the whole school present…' He said sadly. Hermione placed her hand on his.
'Don't worry…I'll try to talk to her as soon as –'
The portrait hole opened abruptly and Ron and Hermione immediately looked up. Ginny clambered in, her face hidden in her hands as if she was crying. She hurried up the girls' staircase without a look at the Common Room. When Ginny disappeared from sight, Ron turned to Hermione quickly.
'What –'
'I'll talk to her,' she said hurriedly and got up to follow Ginny. Something was definitely not right.
* * * * *
... To be continued (soon!) ...
Author's Note:
Hello…here was another chapter…and 5 days late! I know Nimbuschik (Amy), you're right about losing people if I don't fulfill my promises but I had genuine reasons for this delay.
Firstly, I'm in another country for my summer holidays but to ensure updating, I stored my entire series so-far on a floppy disk and took it with me on holiday. When I reached my destination, the STUPID FILE WOULDN'T OPEN! I lost chapters 22 and 23. I tried everything but they wouldn't open. Thus, I had to resign to retype chapter 22…(don't worry, it turned out WAY better than the earlier one…)
interlude: AAHH…virus…I just re read this chapter…every single character's name has been changed to "Ginny"!! How did this happen?! DUMB COMPUTER! Now I'll have to start editing!
I am going to come down with major WRITER'S BLOCK very, very soon!
Ok, got that fixed…Phew!
Ok, let's move ahead. I'll be uploading in 2-3 days… I felt very sad writing this chapter. I still feel a little 'down' about it. But I'll try to send the next chapter up as soon as possible!
Let's see…I can afford to give you a bit of info on the next chapter:
- Things move fast.
- Harry has an unsettling dream.
- We get to meet the mysterious cloaked person again.
So there you have it…that's all for now…Meanwhile I'd like to thank ALL of my reviewers and give them loads and loads of hugs for keeping me going by their reviews as well as scaring me into finishing this chapter in a single night.
Munku - JGSPTV, Nimbuschik, Ax, Angel…you all mean a lot to me and I also mean to include everyone else who reviewed me at fanfiction.net.
I know you've all been waiting…and I'm very glad you've always been supportive…
In the latest reviewers, I'd love to thank –
Munku JGSPTV, Bec, Nimbuschick, Very Impatient, Jade, MoonBunni, HarryandGinny4eva, Julia 2Cj, Bob33, Julephenia, Mysteryperson, Madison, Sierra Sitruc, Vianne Rocher, Squeejum (aw, don't worry…I'm glad SOMEONE doesn't get the idea…because I thought I was doing a pretty bad job with the mystery…but don't worry, there are only a few chapters left till the end! Keep reading!)
So, until next time, which I hope is only 2-3 days away…
I'll start on chapter 23 as soon as possible…I promise…
Meanwhile, keep reading and reviewing faithfully!
Love,
1.1 Aelia
(Btw, I have changed my name but you must have found out anyway…Aelia sounds better doesn't it? It's pronounced Aay-lee-aa but I guess that's pretty obvious already…Okay, so I am going nutters!)
(Also, I'm about to start a Yahoo group for this story but I'm not sure…if you include your EMAIL ADDRESSES in your reviews, I'll be able to send out invitations…thanks!)