Time Changes Everything

A Fanfiction by Eimaan

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.KR. – except this plot, of course!

Chapter twenty-nine: I Can Be Your Hero

Author's Notes:

Hello there! I'm back again. I'm in time, aren't I? Very much in time. I did find settling in a bit tough but I guess…it's fine now. Someone asked me where I lived. I live in Pakistan and I'm a Pakistani. I'm not making any trips or anything. My home is in Karachi, Pakistan. That clears up doubts, doesn't it?

Anyways, here is the chapter on which the entire story was based. It took a long time to "think" this one out…several months actually and quite a few songs. I always find songs give me great ideas.

Thankyou for all the reviews! I hope you review really positively for this chapter because, for me, it was the soul of the story.

I can't answer reviewers, as I'll probably get a flame for that, I'm getting so bad at that. I can't stop blabbering! Sorry…

So, do go ahead with the chapter. About the next chapter…ohh…I'll try to get it out as soon as possible…a.s.a.p.! I'm positively in love with that chapter already and I have yet to type it out! See my enthusiasm? That chapter will be worth it, just like this one.

Do review! And if you want email notifications of new chapters, leave your email address in the review. It is easier for me that way than to search in your profiles. Thanks!

Love,

Ameera Khan a.k.a. Eimaan.

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For a moment, all Harry could do was stare at Ginny. She seemed so transparent, so light as if she would float away. She was lighter than he, himself and he was worried if it was too late for her.

Harry placed his hand on her shoulder and tried to shake her. Since they were both souls, he could barely feel her and wondered if she, in her state, could feel him.

'Ginny, please,' he said, worried by the sight of her and wondering if she could hear him. For a second, he thought he saw her shoulder twitch and it encouraged him.

'Ginny, it's me, Harry! Wake up, please!' He said urgently, scanning her face for any sort of recognition.

And then, her ghostly eyelids fluttered open. Harry found himself staring into two smoky pools that were her eyes, relief flowing through him instantly. She was still alive.

'Gin…' He whispered in relief. Her eyes focused on him slowly.

'H-Harry?'

To hear her voice again, even if it was like an echo, was so wonderful that Harry raised a shaky hand to her cheek.

'Ginny, are you okay?' He said urgently, happy because she was looking at him, studying his face, her eyes wide. Then a frown crossed her ghostly face.

'H-Harry, you have t-to leave! G…g-go! N-now…g-go!' She managed, as if saying so was taking up all the energy that was left in her. Harry's relief died away at the tone of her voice and her words.

'Gin – no! I'm not leaving,' he said, determined, gazing at her with the utmost concern, 'you'll be alright!'

Ginny looked back at him, a desperate look coming into her eyes.

'Ha-Harry…l-leave m-me! I-I c-can't…He…He'll k-kill you! I – I…g-go! P-please…go!'

Harry shook his head.

'I know what he's done, Gin,' he said hurriedly, holding her shoulders, anger flooding through him, 'I –'

But Ginny was now trembling and then, shaking so violently, her eyes fearsome, that Harry felt panic rising in him.

'Gin!' He said quickly, 'Gin, what –'

'G-go!' Ginny rasped and then, she went limp all of a sudden, her shaking stopping abruptly.

'Ginny!' Harry shouted, shaking her shoulder, wanting to see life in her eyes. But her eyes were closed and she was limp. 'Ginny, wake up!'

'Déjavu, Harry.'

Harry whipped around. He knew that voice. There was no use wondering – no need of wondering – whom it belonged to. It seemed to have come from everywhere, ringing all over the place where he and Ginny were, the leaden sky swirling

overhead.

'I do believe we are on first name terms, aren't we?' The cold mocking voice sounded again. Harry tightened his grip on Ginny's shoulders and turned his face skywards, the only possible place from where the voice was coming. His own anger and rage, magnified by the sight and state of Ginny, was fighting to burst out of him.

'Show yourself, Voldemort,' he shouted, no fear in his voice.

'Oh,' said the unrealistic, raspy voice again, 'I am afraid I cannot do that, for even in the Mortal world, I am too far away from you now. You cannot see me this time, Harry and I am afraid it is the last.'

Harry's eyes burned with rage.

'I don't care. Ginny's getting out of here and you can kill me, I don't mind!' He shouted fiercely, back up at the sky, from where he thought the voice was coming.

'Very heroic, I must say,' said Voldemort and Harry felt pain shoot through him for a short moment.

'But,' said Voldemort again, 'who is Ginny? Ginny Weasley no longer exists, Harry. It is I who has taken over her soul and only I have control over it now. You can't save a person who's already dead, now can you? Or should I say – worse than death – without even a soul?'

'You're lying!' Harry shouted, 'Ginny's okay!'

'Not anymore,' said Voldemort, sneeringly, 'and it is I, Lord Voldemort, or should I say, to bring back old memories – Tom Riddle who has overcome her. Certainly, there is a difference between that time and this one, isn't there? Ginny is now dead. And soon, you will be too.'

'You can't! You can't do anything to me – or Ginny! You're a coward! You didn't accomplish anything by doing this to her!' Harry shouted, pulling Ginny closer to him.

'I will lose, will I?' Voldemort interrupted Harry and then, there was a brief, cold silence. Voldemort chuckled.

'Voldemort never loses Harry, you should have known that by now. I do admit, of course, that earlier, I had thought that this plan of mine, too, would be foiled. Because you intervened at exactly the wrong moment!'

There was a sort of anger in Voldemort's voice at that moment. Harry chose to remain silent.

'Don't you wish to know, Harry, how you foiled my plans?' Harry remained silent. 'But of course, you have to know what you've done. I don't expect you to find out yourself…' The mocking tone was back in Voldemort's voice.

'Isn't it terrible, Harry,' said Voldemort slowly, 'that right when I had a good grip on Ginny, when I'd managed to control her partially, you stepped in? You developed – what should I say – stronger feelings for the girl, didn't you? And the little weakling, when she was in control of her mind, returned those feelings, didn't she?'

There was silence.

'You should have found out her feelings for you, you know…I knew them all…I read them off her soul…loved you dearly, she did. How sad,' said Voldemort, his voice toneless. 'It was fortunate that my young faithful followers at Hogwarts spotted the two of you and your brewing romances, behind my back, when I wasn't in control of her. And when I found out – why, Harry, you should have heard my anger just then. And you should have felt it. You deserved it. She would have told you everything about how she used to feel – the feeling as if she wasn't doing things of her own free will…a repeat of her encounter with Tom Riddle…and you would go to that fool, Dumbledore. He would have found out and then, they would have forced me out of Ginny before I had properly gained control over her! How terrible! It would have been most embarrassing!'

Harry strained to hear the words that Voldemort was now whispering.

'So, Harry,' said Voldemort, 'I hurried up. I could not waste any more time now that you were becoming closer to her! I tried to kill you but the energy required was hardly available. You do remember that strange fruit knife, don't you?'

It was followed by a cold laugh.

'I laugh at myself – at you – and the things that went wrong! You got out of the way unfortunately and that little weakling found out what was happening. She determinedly stayed far from you, knowing what was happening. Aah, I suppose, then, she wasn't much of a weakling. She had developed this lovely bit of determination – but Voldemort overpowered that too, as he always does. She was getting desperate and tired – tired of fighting against Voldemort. And the perfect time came.'

Voldemort paused as if reliving memories.

'I had almost killed you that night, in your bed, if you hadn't woken up and she hadn't suddenly taken control of her thoughts again. And I suppose, it was just too much for her then too realize she had, with her own hands, almost killed you, her love, and that no longer were you safe while she was alive.

She had such a simple thought. She could end the danger to you – and to herself – in a simple way…She ran, Harry! She ran to kill herself, to drown in the lake but Voldemort overpowered her.

She had failed. And you were now after her. Dumbledore would be called in, no doubt and so Lord Voldemort – I – took over her whole soul with every bit of energy I possessed. And this is what that has become of her. Déjavu, Harry! She's gone! And Lord Voldemort ruled! Even in defeat, he ruled!'

Harry was stunned by what he had just heard and was frozen, holding the limp form of Ginny. She had tried to kill herself because she had become a danger to him…everything added up…but he didn't want to believe any of it…even if it all fitted in perfectly…he didn't want to believe that Ginny no longer existed. He raised his head to look up at the sky defiantly.

'She's not gone!' he yelled up at the swirling sky. 'She's alive! And she'll live! You can kill me but she'll still live, Voldemort! You failed!'

'Failed?' Voldemort's voice rose an octave. 'Why, Harry…I believe you haven't realized what I am capable of. Even if I was not able to use Ginny to get you…I still have you.'

His voice rang out with laughter, cold laughter filled with the spirit of triumph.

'It came as surprise to me, Harry Potter, when you dropped in here – a wonderful surprise! I had never thought, myself, that you'd use the girl's stupid little gift to save her! You walked right into my hands! Even in defeat, I have you and when I kill you, only I shall rule. And do you have any idea of what shall happen afterwards?'

There was a moment of silence.

'Your powers! I will acquire your powers, too, Harry… I am afraid you won't be there to witness that auspicious day…when Lord Voldemort shall emerge – no Harry Potter shall exist that day – no Ginny Weasley – only Lord Voldemort, the greatest power that ever existed!!'

Voldemort was screaming now, his voice reverberating off every surface, pounding in Harry's ears. Voldemort had gone mad with delight. Harry looked down at Ginny, every bit of him wishing that she were okay. He'd do whatever he could to send her back before Voldemort killed the both of them. She had to get up.

Just then, Harry's rage and fear had crossed all bounds. He feared Ginny's life and what more Voldemort could do to her. He put his arms around her. He couldn't see Voldemort – what could he do? He was without a wand…he was in the World of Souls…what power did he have? He had no power at all…

And then…as if very slowly…from very far away…a memory came back to him…the dream he had seen at Christmas…

The time shall come soon…

In just a few moon…

Against this force that rises like a black tower

You have only one power…

The power, which grows slowly within

It's innocent…knows no sin

You will have only one chance so use it well

What happens though, only time can tell

Time changes everything, time changes everything…

He had to hold on…hold on to himself and his thoughts. He had to fight. Whatever power he had…he didn't need his wand…he'd have to be sure of himself. The black force was before him…Voldemort. He had only one chance. Either he could save Ginny or die with her. He knew what he would choose. He had traveled so far just for this. He wasn't going to step back and betray everyone – the Weasleys, Dumbledore, the entire Wizarding community…

Harry tilted Ginny's face upwards, his hand on her cheek.

'Gin…' he said, desperate. He had to get her out. 'Wake up…Gin…open your eyes…'

And as he spoke, he wished and wished she would live…open her eyes…she had to get back.

'Please…Gin…'

'It is of no use, Harry,' said Voldemort, calmly, 'and you don't have much time too…spend these last moments of your life recalling every good memory you ever had…you'll be joining your parents soon…your Mudblood mother…'

Harry forced himself to concentrate on Ginny. He was beginng to feel warm…the same strange warmth he had felt, rising in him, when he had kissed Ginny.

'Ginny…' He urged and pulled her closer, the strange feeling filling his chest rapidly…

'Say goodbye, Harry Potter.'

The next moment, searing pain shot trough Harry and he and Ginny broke apart as Harry was flung aside from the force of it. The pain was unbearable. It hurt every part of him, to the deepest parts of him and every inch of him seemed to have been set on fire. His mouth opened in a scream but he couldn't make a sound in the terrible pain. His whole self was twitching but he used every bit of the energy left within him to gather his thoughts. Only one thing repeated itself in his mind. I have to get Ginny out of here.

He forced himself to raise himself and saw her, lying where she had been. And then, in his state of immense agony, he saw her twitch. Pain shot through him again and again, he could hear Voldemort's cruel laughter but he blocked out everything else. He scrambled to his feet, shakily, his legs feeling more jelly-like than ever. His head was spinning and his scar was bursting with pain. His whole body ached and was ready to believe he would die any moment. But before that, he had to do what he had come to the World of Souls for.

He collapsed beside Ginny, more determined than ever before.

'Joining the dead, Harry?' Voldemort shouted, amused. 'Let me make that easier for you. Soon you'll be seeing your parents…and that little brat. Don't worry…you'll be joining her soon, too!'

'No!' Harry's brain shouted frantically. He couldn't let that happen. Ginny was alive, he told himself. She'll be okay. With that, he took her into his arms again, holding her against his chest. There was that warm feeling in his chest that encouraged him. He had to hold on, for her, it told him.

'Ginny!' Harry shouted, his gaze boring into her pale face, his hands trembling and then, he found himself staring into her opaque eyes again.

'Gin…' Harry whispered, relief flooding through him. Her eyelids opened only halfway and her eyes focused slowly. Harry forgot the pain raging through him, forgot that his head felt as if it would explode any moment.

'Ginny!' he urged her. She was alive. She was going to be okay. He had to do this.

'Ginny, you need to go…I'll stop him…go…your mother…go, now!' Harry spluttered, the words rushing to get out of him before it as too late. Ginny's eyelids drooped and Harry immediately pulled her closer, their noses touching.

'Don't! Ginny, you have to stay alive…for your parents…your brothers! You have to get out of here! Go!' Harry was frantic. Ginny raised her eyelids again.

'…c-can't…' Harry heard her whisper.

'Nothing a little dose of pain cannot heal,' came Voldemort's voice and Harry noticed surprise in it before he was hit by another bolt of pain. This time, he felt Ginny's body tremble in his arms. He was killing her, finishing her off. His own head spun. He waned to sink into the inviting slumber…forever finish off that pain but something stopped him. Ginny was still alive. They were battling against Voldemort. They had to do this together so that she could escape.

'Ginny,' he whispered to her, his voice shaky, 'fight him! Fight him, Ginny! Don't let him do this!'

Ginny's eyelids lifted for a second and she opened her mouth to say that she couldn't.

'No,' Harry said urgently, 'you can live! Don't let him do this. Fight him – like you've been doing all year! He did this to you once! You said you wouldn't ever let it happen again! Ginny! Don't let him – fight him!'

The warm feeling was in Harry's throat now and he could barely speak. He felt very warm apart from the hot pain searing through him. He could hear Voldemort's cold cackles but they were far away now. All that remained of importance was Ginny.

She was looking at him, her eyes focused and clear. Harry saw the sparkle of hope in them.

'Don't let him kill you, Ginny! It's Tom all over again – he's doing it!'

Ginny's fingers closed around Harry's arms, her eyebrows knitted in concentration. It was working, Harry thought, with rising hope and confidence. Voldemort had stopped laughing. But the pain increased. Harry and Ginny were trembling terrible now but Harry forgot everything else. He forced himself to rise…he was on his knees…he had to this for Ginny…and then, he was on his feet again, shaky but upright. The next moment, leaning against him but very upright, almost as if back from the dead, was Ginny.

The pain lay forgotten in Harry's joy. She was leaning on him heavily but she was alive and she was standing upright. That was what mattered. Her eyes locked with his. They were frightened and tired, just like his.

'Ginny, go back. They're waiting for you…your family. Go before he does something…you can go back easily…'

Harry knew they had very little time before Voldemort struck again.

'N-no…' said Ginny, 'I c-can't…you…I…'

'No one leaves,' said Voldemort, his voice hurried and then next moment, the pain was back. Harry gripped Ginny's arms immediately, forcing her to remain standing. He couldn't open his mouth to speak – the pain was much worse this time.

'You…can…do it…Gin…make him go! He…took over you…fight him off!!' Harry shouted. Ginny was gazing back at him, her eyes wide. Harry tried to keep his eyes open in the terrible pain and found Ginny staring at him. She was very warm, under his fingers, suddenly and the outline of her soul became clearer. But she was still leaning on Harry, gripped his arm as he did hers. Harry willed with all his power for her to leave, just then but her grip on his arm remained strong. Go, he urged her, through his gaze. He couldn't manage any words now.

'No!' Voldemort shouted, clearly shocked. The sky overhead was full of lightning and thunder boomed everywhere.

'No!' Voldemort shouted again. The pain intensified. He could hardly keep on his feet.

He looked at Ginny. She was fighting…using every last bit of energy but she was on the verge of collapsing too.

'Give up!' Voldemort shouted.

No, Harry thought, not just then…just when they were about to drive him away.

More pain followed and Voldemort laughed again.

'Give up, Harry!'

The warm feeling in Harry's chest seemed it would burst just then. Ginny's eyelids drooped and her trembling almost ceased. Her grip on his arm slackened. Harry's own knees almost buckled.

Harry knew the end had come, the way it shouldn't have. Ginny was dying before him. He was dying.

This one last heartbreaking thought rushed through his mind and the dam of warmth within him exploded. Something like electricity rushed through him and he saw Ginny's eyes vanishing under her eyelids.

He wrapped her arms around her and pulled her to himself…to feel her just once...one last time…one last embrace…

There was a loud boom, the sky tore apart. The brightest white light overtook everything. It was the last thing Harry remembered. The end was finally here. 

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Next chapter up in a few days – hopefully 3-4 days. Keep checking back. Goodbye.