Hey guys, Lauren here! Chapter thirteen is up and running! Sorry it took me so long, but I got a bit busy with school starting and everything…anyway, this chapter's not too eventful, but it's a bit more cheery since I was a little sad about all the, well, sad stuff going on. So I made this one a little lighthearted. So sue me. Anyway, I hope the lack of events in this chapter doesn't upset anyone, particularly Heather…I didn't really know what other eventful things could happen right now, it was time for an emotional break. Haha, time to stop explaining myself and get straight the story! Enjoy!
Lauren
Disclaimer: Look, no one really owns Harry Potter, it's all just a myth! J.K. doesn't really exist! Ha! (imagine what life would be like if that were true…) just kidding! Haha, but I don't own Harry Potter, and if I don't, then NO ONE can! Mwahahahahaha…
Chapter thirteen
Fortunate Favor
Ginny never showed up for breakfast, which neither Ron or Hermione could say was completely unexpected. The rest of the Weasleys wondered if she was alright, but Ron assured them that he had checked on her and that she was just sleeping peacefully. To avoid feeling guilty for lying, he went upstairs promptly after breakfast with toast in hand and knocked on Ginny's door. She didn't get up to answer the door, but she did allow him to come in, which was more than the rest of her family could say. Ron sat down at the end of her bed and handed her his offerings, which she took graciously. She only ate one piece, and put the other three down next to her. She looked up at her brother and smiled weakly. But other than the subtle rising and falling of her chest, she didn't move.
"So, how do you feel?" asked Ron with a smile, hoping she would cheer up a little, but knowing she wouldn't.
"Mm, I feel—oh hell Ron, I feel awful," she admitted.
She sighed, upset that she had given herself away so easily, but once she started, she couldn't really stop.
"I don't want to feel like this. I know that it's over. But I don't want to admit it. At the same time, I can't just be stuck on him! It'll drive me mad! What am I going to do??" she asked exasperatedly, looking at Ron helplessly.
But Ron was the one who felt helpless. He had no clue what to say to her. He had never been in her situation. Well, sort of, but in the end he got the girl, so this didn't currently apply to him. He didn't want to give her any old advice and come off sounding like he knew what he was talking about when he really didn't. So he just said what seemed natural.
"Ginny, you're gonna do whatever it is you have to do to get your life back to normal."
She looked up at him. Even though it was simple, generic advice, it was perfect. He was so right. She had to get on with her life, she couldn't just sit there and mope for the rest of her life. For an instant, she smiled a real, big smile. It made Ron happy to see his sister okay.
He stood up, kissed her on the forehead, and left her to finish her toast. He went up the stairs to his bedroom to find Hermione sitting on the bed, smiling.
"What's gotten into you? Why are you so happy?" he asked as he sat down next to her. He obviously didn't think it could have been anything he had done.
She took one of his hands in hers and kissed it.
"Ron, I think that was one of the smartest, kindest things you've ever said," she whispered sweetly, looking into his eyes. He looked at her confusedly.
"What? What did I say?" he asked seriously. Hermione sighed.
"Ah, Ron…never mind. I just wanted you to know that I think it's sweet how kind and caring you are towards Ginny. It makes me feel very confident about how you'll be with our kids…"
Ron was at once caught off guard and excited. They had never discussed kids before, and he knew that if he were with Hermione, he'd have oodles and oodles of them…
"Speaking of kids, Ron…what are your thoughts?"
"Hermione, I would love to have oodles and oodles of children with you…" he said dreamily.
"Okay Ron, you try having them, and then tell me what you think," she said, laughing at the look on his face.
…or maybe he could just settle for a couple.
Ginny sat in her room for most of the day, wondering what Harry was doing. She decided that she would go downstairs, just to check. Not like she was interested. Of course not…
She slowly turned the door handle and peeked out, making sure no one saw her. She didn't want people to think she had left her room, it would ruin her current reputation.
She snuck down the hallway, peeked over the top of the staircase to see if anyone was down there that might fall witness, and she proceeded with caution. She got down there, but found that no one was there, not even Harry. His stuff wasn't there either. She forgot all about her cover and took off looking around the house. But nothing of his was to be found. Ginny began to panic. Harry wasn't there? At all?
She ran upstairs to Ron's room and barely knocked before entering. Ron started as she entered the room, breathing heavily.
"Harry's *pant* gone??" she asked, hoping it was all a misunderstanding.
"Er, yeah…I didn't tell you because I thought it might upset you even more…he left this morning, while you were sleeping…" he replied slowly.
Ginny sank into the chair that was (luckily) behind her and rested her chin in her hands. She sighed as she looked at the floor. Watching her, Hermione suddenly came up with an idea, though she proceeded hesitantly. If she suggested it, it could take her mind off of things, but at the same time, could make things worse…it was worth a shot.
"Ginny, I was going to bug Ron about helping me start planning the wedding, but you and I both know how that would turn out…" Ron scowled and rolled his eyes, muttering something about women. "…so I was wondering if you'd like to help me instead. It would probably be a lot easier with a girl's perspective, and besides, you are one of my best friends…" she trailed off with a hopeful grin. There was silence as Hermione awaited Ginny's answer. Finally, Ginny looked up at Hermione.
"I'd love to! I think that would be great! When do we start??"
Hermione grinned at Ron as he dropped himself onto his bed.
