Chapter 2
A Diary and A Birthday Present
"Master, the boy is with the Weasleys. He's staying there for the rest of the vacation for his safety." A voice said. A dark figure could be seen beside the chair near the fireplace, his silver hand was gleaming in the firelight. He was talking to a man, who was sitting in the chair near the fireplace. The man was wearing a black cloak with its hood covering his head.
"Old Dumbledore, he didn't want the boy to stay with the Muggles unprotected. So he made the boy stay with a wizarding family, but—didn't he ever think that even a wizarding family cannot stop me—the most powerful wizard of all!" The other person spoke—a high voice. It was cold and without life, like death.
"The Death Eaters are waiting for further commands, Master." The voice said.
"Let them wait, Wormtail. The time has not come yet. Patience, we will act when the time comes, when the right time comes." The high voice said to his servant.
"Yes, Master. I understand." Wormtail answered.
"I have already thought of a plan. We just need to wait 'til the boy is in Hogwarts then we implement it. Let them enjoy their vacation—their last vacation." The high voice said. "Soon, that boy who must be dead fourteen years ago—will be mine!" The high voice said victoriously.
The room was cold although the fire was burning perpetually in the fireplace.
The person sitting near the fireplace stood up and looked at the window. A cemetery. He looked back at his servant and said, "Soon, I'll be able to kill that boy—Harry Potter!"
The room was filled with his laughter—a victorious but cold one.
That very moment he laughed, the hood of his cloak fell down and his face was revealed. His face was terrible. It was white as snow with glaring red eyes and slits for nostrils—like a snake. Even Wormtail shivered upon seeing his master's hideous face.
A snake's face—no other than Lord Voldemort.
* * M * *
Harry woke up, startled. "What time is it?" Harry asked himself, reaching for his glasses.
He stood up and looked around the room—all was still peaceful, Ron was still asleep. Harry looked at his watch; "It's only five o'clock…" He told himself.
He changed his clothes and grabbed his Firebolt.
"Maybe an early stroll to the river would do me good. Then I could practice Quidditch." Harry decided as he made his way down the stairs.
The river was just a walking distance from the Burrow. It was running between the inner village and the Burrow.
It was still cold outside and it was still dark because the sun was not yet rising. Harry grabbed his flashlight from his trunk and switched it on.
A flash of light immediately appeared, lighting Harry's surroundings. Harry walked silently to the river and saw a dim light near the riverbank.
"What's that?" Harry asked to himself. Harry walked closer and saw a figure sitting by the riverbank.
The dim light slowly began to become brighter as Harry came closer.
The figure was a girl; her hair was flaming red, tied in low pigtails by two green ribbons. She was holding a quill and a parchment. The light Harry saw came from a flashlight (just like Harry's) that was lying on the ground.
The girl took her flashlight and looked at her back to see who the approaching person was.
"Oh, Harry—it's you. You really frightened me," said Ginny, taken aback. She turned red immediately upon seeing Harry. She placed her flashlight back on the ground (Maybe she got it from Mr. Weasley's Muggle stuff at the shed, Harry thought, seeing the flashlight Ginny was using).
"Hi, Gin. Mind if I join you?" Harry asked, pretending he didn't see Ginny blush.
"Um—okay."
Harry sat beside Ginny on the grass and laid his Firebolt beside him.
The two remained silent for a while. They didn't dare say a word to each other to break the silence they had gained. It seemed like both of them lost their voices.
Harry held his Firebolt and touched its twigs awkwardly. He was glancing at Ginny sideways.
Ginny continued to write down on the parchment. She kept on blotting her parchment every time Harry would sigh—she was really getting nervous whenever Harry was around. Ginny didn't dare to look at Harry nor even glance at him.
Harry heaved another sigh and finally—he found his voice, "Ginny, I'm sorry—if I threw a pillow at you yesterday. We were just having a pillow fight and I didn't mean to hit you. It's just because—"
Harry paused and looked at Ginny to see her reaction. Ginny looked back at Harry, smiling.
Harry smiled back and said, "because Ron ducked and you opened the door, just in time."
Ginny giggled and said, "It's okay. I'm sorry if I glared at you during dinner. It's just because my face was aching, and I can'r help but get mad. Maybe I wasn't in the mood."
Harry grinned. "That explains the red color all over your face, thought you were—er—blushing," said Harry.
Ginny did blush that dinner, especially when she was putting ketchup on her pudding.
"I was not!" Ginny snapped at Harry.
Harry grinned at Ginny, his eyes twinkling.
Ginny blushed once more.
"See! You're blushing!" Harry accused, grinning broadly at her.
"I'm not!" Ginny snapped, blushing more. "But if that's the way you think about it, then let it be. I don't mind, Harry. To dream is free."
"Yeah, right." Harry said, feeling relieved. Harry was happy that Ginny already forgave them. At least, his conscience would stop bugging him already.
Then, silence came again.
"What are you doing here anyway? With your broom?" Ginny asked, breaking the deafening silence between them.
"I was just planning to have an early stroll to freshen myself up. And I brought my Firebolt so I can do a little practice." Harry explained. "And what about you? You're here earlier than me and that means you're already here before five o'clock!"
"I'm writing a letter for Hermione; I promised her that I would write to her as soon as I have my time." she said, holding the roll of parchment in her lap.
"She's going to visit us on August." Harry replied. He was listening at the water flowing in the river—it was flowing harmoniously making a soft streaming sound.
"Yes, I know. She told me that when I met her with Ron at the Great Hall." said Ginny.
"Are you always staying here—I mean, this time of the day? It's pretty cold, you might get colds." Harry said, wrapping his arms around himself as he shivered.
"Not always at this time, but I do love staying here when I need some time alone or when I just feel like doing so. This is my favorite place, the glistening river, the soft green grass with its flowerbeds and my favorite weeping willow. But right now, I just like to see the sun rise; it's a pretty sight. And besides I make sure I have my coat with me so I won't get cold. I enjoy the morning breeze as it touches my skin—it's so relieving." Ginny answered. She looked at Harry's Firebolt and asked, "Aren't you going to practice?"
"Oh, yeah. I'll practice. Thanks for reminding me." Harry said, standing up.
"I'm finished!" Ginny declared, rolling the parchment and putting the quill and ink back in her pouch.
Harry mounted his broom and rose high in the air. Ginny looked at him for a moment, following every turn and curve he made. Then she returned her gaze at the sky. Harry lowered his broom and it stopped right at Ginny's side.
"So, aren't you going back to the Burrow yet?" asked Harry.
"Harry, I told you I'm going to watch the sun rise." Ginny replied, standing up and looking at Harry. She couldn't believe it! She was now face to face with Harry.
And for that instance, Harry saw Ginny blushing again but he thought it was just the effect of the pillow that hit her on the face. But it was in fact true—Ginny was blushing.
"All right. Want to see the sun rise in a broomstick, then?" Harry asked.
"What?!"
"I said, if you—"
"No, I heard you but—are you serious?!" said Ginny.
"Of course, I'm serious! So do you want to?" Harry asked again.
"I'd love to!"
Harry helped Ginny sit in front of his broom and they flew up and up. The cold morning breeze rushed through them as they went higher and higher. Ginny's pigtails danced with the breeze, covering Harry's face. Ginny held the broom's handle tightly while Harry did the same.
Ginny was having the time of her life! A moment ago, Harry was talking to him saying sorry and now she was actually riding in Harry's Firebolt together with him. A good start for a romantic vacation…
"Gin,"
"Huh?" Ginny asked. She felt her heart stop beating. "What is it, Harry?"
"Would you mind if you take your hair off my face?" Harry said in a muffled voice.
"Oh, —sure." Ginny replied, taking her hair off Harry's face. "I'm sorry." Ginny felt herself blush again. She started to scold herself again for being so clumsy in front of Harry.
Harry stopped the broom in midair and pointed at the sky.
"Ginny, look!" Harry said.
"It's lovely!"
The view was truly breath taking. The sky was now painted with warm colors of red and orange. And to add more beauty, shades of yellow and purple were added. The glorious sun began to rise and spread its light in the whole land. The sun's beam touched the trees and the river below making them gleam.
It was so perfect. The beautiful sunrise, the trees surrounding the green grass fields and flowerbeds, the clear river and a big weeping willow standing just beside the river. The river glistened as the sun continued to shine. It lazily swerved left and right, following its flow approaching the opening of the tall thick trees, which circles the grass fields, continuing to flow, reappearing again at the end of the dense woods and flowing straight to the meadows and into an endless drift. The morning breeze blew softly making the flowers and grasses dance.
Harry and Ginny were enjoying the view very much. They stayed up in the air for a while with nothing to do but admire the whole view's beauty.
"It's really beautiful!" Harry exclaimed, adoring its beauty, after what seemed to be a long time of silence.
Ginny nodded, to show she agreed. "Let's go now, Harry. Mum and the others might wake up any minute," she said, looking down.
"Okay."
Harry slowly led his broom downwards. They landed the ground safely and Ginny jumped off Harry's broom.
She looked at Harry and said, "Thanks for the ride."
"Anytime, Gin."
Ginny smiled at Harry. A grateful smile.
"I really appreciate that ride, thanks again." Harry heard Ginny say.
Harry held his Firebolt over his shoulder. He just smiled and walked towards the Burrow.
Ginny ran to catch up with Harry.
The two reached the Burrow. Upon entering the house, the thick aroma of bacon and sausage filled the air. The two made their way into the kitchen to see Mrs. Weasley by the stove with her wand.
"Good morning, Mum!" Ginny greeted as she went to her mother to give her a morning kiss.
"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley!" Harry greeted next after Ginny.
"Good morning, sweeties! How's your sleep?" Mrs. Weasley asked, flipping the bacon with her wand.
"Fantastic!" The two replied in harmony.
"Good." Mrs. Weasley said, smiling. "The breakfast is nearly ready." She announced, gathering the dishes in the dishwasher.
The two scurried away from the kitchen and stopped at the foot of the staircase.
Harry, with his Firebolt held over his shoulder and his other hand place in his pocket, said, "I'm going to go upstairs to wake up Ron. What about you?"
Ginny looked upstairs and said, "Going upstairs too. I need to borrow Pigwidgeon from Ron to send my letter."
Ginny and Harry reached Ron's room and began to wake him up.
"Ron! Wake up!" Harry shouted as he sat on the corner Ron's bed.
"Try telling him that there are spiders on his bed. That would surely wake him up." suggested Ginny, who was standing next to Ron's bed.
"Okay then." Ginny heard Harry say. "Ron! There's a big pile of spiders on your bed! They're going to bite you if you don't wake up!" shouted Harry.
"What?!" Ron exclaimed, throwing his blanket on the floor to sit up.
Harry and Ginny looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"What's so funny?! You two were making fun of me, weren't you?!" said Ron, pouting.
The two continued laughing and didn't bother to answer.
"I thought the two of you were having a quarrel." Ron pointed out, still pouting.
The two stopped laughing to look at each other. Ginny and Harry shrugged at each other and Harry spoke, "Nah. We didn't have a quarrel. It was just some kind of misunderstanding." Then, Harry and Ginny grinned at Ron.
Ron shrugged at them and said, "Weird."
Then, Ron stood up, opened the door and made his way to the bathroom.
"Ron," called out Ginny. "May I borrow Pigwidgeon so I can send my letter to Hermione?" she asked.
"Sure."
Harry placed his Firebolt back in his cabinet and told Ron, "See you downstairs, Ron." Harry looked at Ginny and grinned. Ginny grinned back and so Harry called out to Ron, "Watch out for the spiders in the toilet seat, Ron!"
"HARRY!!!"
The Weasleys together with Harry had their breakfast and were now preparing for their businesses. Mr. Weasley and Percy (he turned up late in the evening) headed to their work at the Ministry. Fred and George locked themselves inside their room and continued making noises (probably, starting another of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes). Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes while Ron and Harry were sitting on the grass at the front yard, busy playing wizard chess.
"It's your turn, Harry." Ron said, looking really excited.
"Okay," said Harry. "Bishop to E5!"
"Yes!" Ron exclaimed. "Queen to D3!"
The queen moved forward, raised its sword, and hit the bishop blocking its way. Harry looked at Ron as if asking for his mercy.
Ron looked at him and smiled. "Your turn."
Harry knew what would happen next. So he made his turn and covered his eyes with his hands. Ron made his turn. Harry knew what he would say next, it was—'Checkmate'.
But this game was different. Ron didn't say 'Checkmate.' Instead he said, "Harry, open your eyes. It's still your turn."
Harry opened his eyes and looked at the chessboard. His king was still—whole. Ron looked at him, still smiling, and said, "Go on."
Harry thought for a moment and then made his move. Ron made his move quickly acting very sure with his moves. Ron looked at Harry and said, "Your turn."
Harry's eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing. He looked at Ron then back at the chessboard. Then he said to Ron, "Is that you move? I mean—are you sure?"
Ron looked at Harry, puzzled. He looked at the chessboard and said, "Of course that's my move! I'm sure!"
Harry smiled. "If you're so sure…then, —Checkmate!"
"What?!" Ron exclaimed, looking at the chessboard.
"You lost, Ron! At last! I have gained my first victory against you! Imagine, I played 43 games and I only won once!" Harry said, smiling contentedly at Ron.
"Oh, well," Ron said, shrugging.
Harry stood up and made his way to the door of the Burrow. "How 'bout a drink of cold water at the kitchen then a game of Quidditch at the paddock?" Harry asked as he turned towards Ron's direction.
"Sure." Ron answered.
Harry and Ron went straight to the kitchen and saw Mrs. Weasley sitting on one of the chairs, reading a magazine. It was an issue of Witch Weekly.
"Great! Witch Weekly, now it brings back bad memories…" Harry whispered to Ron gloomily upon remembering the shame Hermione and he had received last school year with Rita Skeeter.
Ron elbowed Harry and told him to keep it down. Mrs. Weasley was already eyeing them but she left the magazine open.
"Hi, Mum." greeted Ron, trying to ignore Harry, who was now holding his stomach where Ron had elbowed him.
"Hi, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said, trying to smile.
"Hello, sweeties!" Mrs. Weasley replied warmly, closing the magazine for a while and smiled at them. "So, where are you going now?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"We're planning to play Quidditch at the paddock, Mrs. Weasley." Harry replied, drinking his glass of water.
"Mum, where's Ginny?" Ron asked, putting his empty glass on the sink.
"She's in her room finishing her sketches." answered Mrs. Weasley. "And by the way, Ron, I placed your Nimbus near your closet." Mrs. Weasley said.
"Thanks, Mum." said Ron.
After that, the two headed to a narrow passageway and to the uneven staircase to get their brooms in their room.
Harry and Ron reached their room and got their brooms. Harry and Ron were already heading downstairs when on their way, a door burst open and a figure went out carrying sketchpads, pencils and coloring materials. The figure headed downstairs too.
"Hi, Gin!" Ron greeted his sister.
Ginny jumped in surprise, causing her pencils to fall down and scatter all over the staircase. She looked up to see who surprised her and she saw his brother, Ron, holding his broom with one of his hands. "Hi, Ron! So you're going to practice?" Ginny said, bending to pick up her pencils.
"Yeah," replied Ron, handing Ginny one of her fallen pencils. "Well, we better go now." Ron said, climbing down the stairs.
"We?" Ginny asked confused. She followed Ron with her eyes and went back to gather her pencils.
"Gin,"
"Huh?" Ginny looked up to see who it was.
"Your pencil." Harry said, handing her one of her pencils that had fallen a while ago.
"Oh, Harry, it's you." Ginny said, blushing. She got her pencil and stood up. "Thanks," she said, blushing more. "So, where are you practicing?" she asked.
"We're playing at the paddock," said Harry, "Want to come with us?"
"Can I?" Ginny asked, looking quite excited.
"Sure!"
Ginny smiled at Harry and climbed down the stairs. Harry followed her, his broom over his shoulder. The two arrived at the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was still there, reading her magazine. Harry opened the door for Ginny since she was carrying too many things. Harry and Ginny ran after Ron ("Ron, wait up!" said Harry).
They reached the paddock after going up the hill. It was surrounded by trees that blocked it from the view of the village below. Harry and Ron mounted their brooms and began to practice (using apples as balls.) Ginny, on the other hand, walked towards a tree and sat under its shade. She placed her stuff beside her and watched Harry and Ron play for some time.
She got her sketchpad and looked for a perfect subject to draw. Then, her eyes found the most interesting subject that she could draw—Harry. With her happy thought kept inside, she got her pencil and began to draw Harry.
Harry, on the other hand, was unaware of the things Ginny was doing. He was very busy playing with Ron aboard his Firebolt. Harry didn't notice that there was a pair of brown eyes watching him—catching every move he made…
* * M * *
One night after having their dinner, Ginny headed upstairs to her room. She locked her door and opened the drawer beside her bed. She took out a purple binder bordered with flowers and touched the chain around her neck. She took the chain from around her neck and held its pendant. It was a tiny golden key. She placed it inside the lock of her diary and opened it. Written in purple ink on the first page was her name.
Ginny Weasley's Diary
She sat down on her bed and began writing a new entry.
Dear Diary,
I'm sorry if I didn't write you on this past few weeks 'cause I've been very busy. I'm spending my time doing my sketches. I already have seven since May but I still need to do thirteen in order to fill my sketchpad. I'm in hurry because I need to meet with my deadline. We'll, I will give you some recap on what happened to me this past few weeks since vacation…
By the way, Harry and Ron are also busy doing things together. Harry already spent two weeks of his vacation here at the Burrow. Sometimes they would play wizard chess and exploding snaps at the front yard. Most of the time, they're up on their brooms (Ron's got a new Nimbus!!) practicing Quidditch.
Hermione and I have been writing each other since the vacation started. I think she likes Ron but when I ask her she would deny it and say, "No way, Ginny!" But I think I saw her, blushing. Ron, on the other hand, always enjoys having fights with Hermione. But I also think that Ron likes Hermione.
Well, so far for my brother's love life. I don't know why I can't get over Harry—especially this summer. I would always see him (since he's staying for the whole vacation here) and he even flew me on his Firebolt to see the sun rise (romantic, right?). That was on his second day here in the Burrow. But why do I always act clumsy when he's around? Like on his first dinner here, I've put ketchup on my pudding!!! He's having his 15th birthday (and first birthday at the Burrow) this July 31. I don't have money to buy him a present but I already thought of what I'll give him. I'm sure it will surprise him.
Well, Harry and I are talking to each other already (so far, so good). But I always blush when he talks or gets near me. He even gave me his hanky to tie my head because it was bleeding (that was when he bumped me during the last day of school). Oh, I forgot! I still have it with me. Maybe I'll return it on his birthday (that would be six days from now).
I'm tired. At least Harry has noticed me but as what? Ron's little sister? Maybe I'll let it stay that way… Or maybe not. I don't know, maybe I can tell this to Hermione when she gets here. Anyway, I know she'll understand me—she knows that I like Harry. She's a real friend.
Ginny
Ginny closed her diary, locked it and kept it in her drawer. She returned her chain around her neck, blew the light from the candle, pulled her blanket and closed her eyes. After having such a tiring day, she fell asleep and her mind began to drift away—dreaming about Harry Potter.
* * M * *
Harry opened his eyes and looked around. "Ron's still asleep…" Harry murmured. Harry felt his mouth getting dry, "Maybe, a glass of water will help." He didn't bother to change his pajamas; instead he headed straight for the kitchen.
It was still dark. The moon was the only thing shining brightly outside. He quenched his thirst by getting himself a glass of water. He, with his glass of water, sat on one of the kitchen chairs. And then he began to enjoy the silence surrounding him. Only the flames on the fireplace crackling gleefully oppose the silence around Harry.
Harry stayed in his seat for a long time, just looking at the flames burning—adoring its magnificent glow. Then, his look changed its direction towards the window. Seeing the moon outside the window, thoughts began to arise from his mind. After a while, Harry stood up and directed towards the stairs. "I'll get some parchments upstairs. I'm going to write a letter to Sirius—and maybe Hermione too." He murmured.
Harry arrived in his room and saw that Ron was still sleeping. Hedwig was already awake and gave Harry a soft hoot to say hello. Pig, on the contrary, was still sleeping quietly on his cage (I like Pig when he's asleep rather than him flying everywhere while hooting continuously, Harry thought, smiling.) He went to Hedwig's cage and gave her some Owl Treat. "You must eat. I have work for you later." Harry whispered, careful not to wake up Ron. Hedwig uttered a confident hoot and began to nibble her food. Harry gave out a smile at her and went to open his bag. He took out some rolls of parchment, a quill and a bottle of ink.
With his things, he rushed back downstairs to the kitchen.
When Harry arrived at the kitchen, he quickly perched on the same chair he sat on and began his work. He dipped his quill in the bottle of ink and began to write a letter for his godfather, Sirius.
Dear Sirius,
I hope you're doing fine wherever you are right now. Don't worry much about me, I'm staying here at the Burrow for the whole vacation (Dumbledore was the one who sent me here.) I just wrote for you to know my condition.
Good news, my scar hasn't hurt even once since Voldemort murdered Cedric. That means Voldemort hasn't killed anyone yet and that's a good sign for us.
Well, the Weasleys are very nice to me here. At least I won't be spending my vacation at the Dursleys. I think they're starting a new diet for Dudley. I'm having my birthday soon, could you come? You can come as a dog and you can change back as a human when you reach the Burrow. I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Weasley wouldn't mind.
I really enjoy it in here. Ron and I are having so much fun. We played Quidditch in their paddock. By the way, Ron's got a Nimbus (Two Thousand and One). He's also planning to audition for the position of the Keeper next year. Hermione isn't here right now; she's in France. She'll be coming here on late of August.
And—have I told you about Ginny? She's Ron's little sister. She's also studying at Hogwarts. She's already on fourth year next year. And I made friends with her just this vacation. It was because she was too shy back on my second year. It was a good thing she's not that shy anymore (although she's still shy.)
Please say hello to Buckbeak for me.
Harry
Harry looked at his letter for a moment and began rereading it to himself. "…'And—have I told you about Ginny?'" Harry paused for a moment, his hand still holding his quill. "Maybe I should erase this paragraph…." He said to himself. "But then again, maybe I shouldn't… I'm sure Sirius will be happy to know I have made new friends… Okay then, I won't erase this." He finally decided as he finished reading his letter.
Harry started to fold the parchment and then searched for an envelope so he can already send it later.
"I forgot the envelopes upstairs!" Harry blurted out. "Oh, well. Better start writing a letter for Hermione…" Harry said. He placed the letter for Sirius on the table.
Harry took out another parchment and thought of how to start his letter for Hermione.
Dear Hermione,
How's your vacation doing? I've already written a letter to Sirius. Ron and I are having a lot of fun her...
Harry's eyes started to grow heavier and heavier until he finally allowed them to close. And so Harry slowly leaned his arms and head on the table until he fell asleep.
* * M * *
"Where am I?" Ginny asked looking around.
It was hard to see. Silence and darkness wrapped the whole place. There was a feeling of coldness in the air; Ginny felt herself shiver. Ginny felt that she wasn't alone. Then the silence broke—
"Imperio." A high voice spoke out.
"Nooooo!" cried Ginny.
"Kill—kill the boy! Kill HARRY POTTER!"
"No! I won't do it!"
"What's the matter, Ginny? Too kind and gentle to kill?" The voice asked.
Ginny heard the voice ringing inside her head. The voice penetrated deep down her head—deep down her very soul.
"Stop it! Stop it, Voldemort!" cried Ginny. She placed her hands on her ears. "Stop it!"
"Brave but stupid." Voldemort said, his mouth curling into what seemed to be a smile. "Maybe you need a little—persuasion."
"Wormtail," Voldemort called out for his faithful servant. "Bring the boy to me!"
"Yes, master." A voice answered; it sounded afraid and cowardly.
After a few moments, Wormtail came back carrying a limp figure of a boy with him. The boy was, obviously, unconscious. His face was pale but Ginny could still make out his features; he had red hair and freckles—
"Ron!" Ginny gasped.
Voldemort took out his wand and said, "Place the boy over here, Wormtail."
Wormtail hastened and placed Ron's body in front of Voldemort's feet.
Ginny felt hot tears trickle all the way down her cheeks. "Please stop it…" she whispered.
"Stop it?" asked Voldemort. "Then you must kill Harry POTTER!" he shouted.
Ginny didn't know what to do. She just froze there and continued to cry.
"I see... You love the boy. You love Harry Potter." Voldemort said. "But then—Potter doesn't even give you any attention!" He laughed.
"You're wrong!" Ginny bellowed, anger rushing into her.
"Wrong, am I? Harry only treats you as—Ron's little sister." He laughed even harder.
"I still wouldn't kill Harry!" shouted Ginny.
"If that's what you like—then I have no other choice," said Voldemort.
Ginny saw Voldemort raise his hand and point his wand at Ron.
"Avada Kedavra."
A flash of blinding green light and a rushing sound was all that Ginny could sense that moment and then she saw Ron's body—completely lifeless.
"Noooo!" Ginny screamed.
Ginny opened her eyes. It was very quiet. Her room was dark but on the window she could still see the moon glowing. "It was just a dream…" Ginny told herself.
Ginny felt her heart pounding inside her chest. She felt a sweat drop from her forehead.
"It felt so real." Ginny murmured, wiping the sweat on her forehead. "I think I'll just go down and continue my sketches. I can't sleep anymore," she said, putting a robe on.
Ginny took her sketchpad and things and went downstairs.
Ginny reached the kitchen but discovered that it was neither empty nor was it dark.
"Harry?!" Ginny gasped, placing her hand to cover her mouth. "What is he doing in here?" Ginny hissed silently to herself, walking towards Harry.
Harry was unaware that Ginny was also in the kitchen. He continued to sleep—undisturbed.
"He's sleeping," Ginny said softly, careful not to wake him up.
Ginny sat on the chair in front of Harry and placed her things on the table. She looked at the burning flames in the fireplace then at the scattered parchments on the table and said to herself, "I guess he's doing his homeworks."
Harry stirred in his chair. Ginny looked at him and smiled. "I think I can continue with my sketch now," she said. Ginny smiled and opened her sketchpad. She took her pencil and began to sketch the sleeping Harry in front of her.
Ginny finished her sketch in no time and laid it on the table.
Just then, Harry started to stir again.
"Ginny?" Harry said, his bright green eyes staring at Ginny.
"Um—Hi, Harry." greeted Ginny, her cheeks immediately turning pink.
"What are you doing down here?" asked Harry, rubbing his eyes.
"I can't sleep," Ginny simply said. "How 'bout you?" Ginny asked.
"I was writing a letter to Sir—Hermione." Harry answered. "But then, I fell asleep." continued Harry, smiling.
"I see." Ginny said, smiling back.
Harry got his parchment and his quill. He began to continue his letter.
"Harry," Ginny started. "I think you need to start another letter for Hermione—I see that one's filled with—er—blots." Ginny said, flushing.
"Oh, yeah." Harry said, looking at the parchment he'd been writing on.
After that, the two remained silent for a while. Harry was too busy writing his letter while Ginny…
Well, on the other hand, Ginny didn't have anything important to do so he drew Harry while Harry was writing his letter.
Ginny finished drawing and closed her sketchpad. She looked at Harry and saw that Harry was already finished in writing his letter.
Harry folded his letter for Hermione and placed it together with his letter for Sirius.
"So tell me, Gin, why can't you sleep?" Harry asked. "It's quite peaceful in here, nothing can bother you," added Harry.
"Well, you see—I had a nightmare," replied Ginny.
"A nightmare?" Harry said uncertainly.
"Yeah," said Ginny. "It's really scary. It's about Voldemort."
Harry shivered for a moment upon hearing Voldemort's name. Ginny saw this and giggled, "Why did you shiver? I thought great Harry Potter isn't afraid of Voldemort?" Ginny teased.
"It's just that you're the third person I know—the first is Dumbledore and second is Lupin—that says Voldemort instead of You-Know-Who. " Harry replied smiling.
"Well, I learned to call him Voldemort ever since my encounter with him back on my first year." Ginny said, smiling back.
"So, will you tell me about your nightmare?" Harry asked.
"Okay," Ginny said. "Voldemort used the Imperius Curse on me—again. He ordered me to kill you. I felt my head swelling but I fought it and said no. Voldemort called his servant, Wormtail, then commanded for the boy. Wormtail came back and he was carrying Ron—"
"Ron?" repeated Harry.
Ginny nodded and continued, "Then he ordered me again to kill you but when I refused again…"
Ginny paused, hesitating to continue. He didn't want to tell Harry that part when Voldemort said that she loved Harry because she was afraid of what Harry would think about her.
"And what happened next?" asked Harry, looking at her—waiting.
"Oh!" Ginny gasped. She was too busy with her thoughts she didn't notice Harry asking her. She decided not to tell that part and so she continued, "He raised his wand and—he killed Ron. Then I screamed and woke up. I was so afraid to sleep again and so I went down here to continue my sketches."
Harry sighed and said, "That was a tough nightmare you had. I also have them, you know." Harry smiled at her.
"You do?" Ginny asked him, looking surprised and amazed.
"Yeah, most of the time it's about Cedric's death and Voldemort's resurrection." Harry answered. "But it's all right. I always survive those nightmares." Harry added, after seeing Ginny's worried look.
"I think we better return to our rooms and have a rest." Ginny suggested, gathering her things from the table.
"You're right," said Harry. "Let's go, then."
The two stood up and walked their way to the stairs.
When they reached the third landing, Ginny stopped and said to Harry, "So, see you at breakfast, Harry."
"See you later, Gin." Harry replied and went up to his room.
"Harry, wake up! It's already morning!" shouted Ron, tugging his best friend's pajamas.
"Ron, please let me sleep a little more. I'll go down later." Harry replied to Ron, his voice still very sleepy.
"Okay then," said Ron. He opened the door and left without another word.
"Ginny, come on, wake up! Breakfast is ready!" Ron exclaimed as he pulled his sister's arm.
"Ron, please let me sleep a little more. I'll go down later." Ginny pleaded, covering her head with her blanket.
"Wait a minute," said Ron. "That's what Harry told me ten minutes ago…"
"Just go, Ron. I'm still sleepy." Ginny replied without even looking at Ron.
"All right, I'll go, sleepyhead." Ron sighed.
It was already 11 o'clock when Harry and Ginny decided to go down.
Harry went down still sleepy and headed to the kitchen. He saw Ginny sitting on the table, eating her toast and milk.
"Good morning, Gin." Harry greeted in an idle manner.
"Hi, Harry." Ginny replied in the same manner.
Harry took a seat in front of her. Mrs. Weasley served Harry his toast and milk and said, "The two of you look pale—are you sick?"
"No, Mum, we're just exhausted." Ginny explained, taking a bite on her toast.
"You better eat then." Mrs. Weasley said. She took out her wand and pointed it on the table. Instantly, plates of eggs, bacon, ham and bread appeared. "There," she said. "I'll be in the front yard if you need me." And with that, Mrs. Weasley left the kitchen.
"Hello, guys!" Ron said, taking a seat beside Harry.
"Hi, Ron." The two replied drowsily.
"The two of you are acting strange," said Ron.
The two looked at him attentively as though he had said something really important.
"First, I woke up Harry but he said, 'Ron, please let me sleep a little more. I'll go down later.' And when I went to wake Ginny up, she also said the same!" said Ron.
Ginny blushed immediately. She just kept quiet for a moment not looking at Harry. So did Harry—he just kept quiet for a moment, thinking for something to say.
"I'm waiting," said Ron.
"We—we just slept late last night." Harry explained to Ron.
"Weird. The two of you—slept late—at the same time?" Ron said suspiciously.
"It's nothing, Ron." Ginny answered.
"Are you sure?" said Ron, elbowing Harry.
"We just had a chat late in the evening. That's all." Harry said.
"Yeah, just had a chat." Ginny agreed.
"Okay then," said Ron. "But no more than chats, all right?" Ron pursued.
"Ginny and I are just friends, Ron," said Harry. "No more than that."
"Yup." Ginny agreed, trying to sound untroubled by Harry's statement.
Ginny felt sad about Harry's statement but she didn't want to argue anymore about that—because of the sad truth that Harry and she were just friends.
"Well, I think I better go to my room and continue my work." Ginny said. She stood up and placed her plate in the sink.
Harry and Ron also stood up and went to play wizard chess on the front yard.
Ginny stayed in her room for the rest of the day and kept herself busy with her sketches.
Dear Diary,
I thought this day would be perfect for me but I was wrong. But at least my day started quite right. I woke up in the middle of the night because of a nightmare and I decided to go down and continue my sketches. Then, I saw Harry there—sleeping. I drew him when he was sleeping.
When he woke up, he continued making his letter for Hermione and then we had a chat. I had so much fun talking to him. And after, we went back to our rooms and had a nice rest.
In the morning, I found out that both Harry and I slept too long (that was because we slept late). I met him in the kitchen then Ron came in and asked why we were acting 'strange'. Then Harry and I explained and to convince Ron, Harry had to say that we were just friends and no more than that. I think being Harry's friend is not that bad. Well, at least we're friends—just friends.
I spent the rest of my day inside my room today. I finished six sketches that afternoon. I just need five more. I'll give it to Harry as a birthday present.
Although Harry only treats me as a friend I still can't stop thinking of him—I really love him.
Ginny
Ginny closed her diary and kept it. She went to her bed and immediately drifted into a deep slumber.
"I still have to send my letters to Sirius and Hermione. I forgot to send them 'cause I overslept." Harry remembered, therefore standing up quickly.
He opened his drawer and took some envelopes.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Ron asked, sitting on his bed.
"I'm sending some letters." Harry said, placing the letters on their respective envelopes.
"To whom are you sending those?" Ron asked. "The Dursleys?" he said doubtfully.
"Of course not! I wouldn't even think of owling them." Harry said, grinning. "I'm sure they'll be scared to death by simply seeing a single owl flying to their house. I'm sending one for Sirius and the other for Hermione."
"Harry, can you please owl this together with your letter for Hermione?" Ron said. "Pig isn't here yet since Ginny borrowed him."
"Sure," said Harry. "What did you say to her?" Harry asked curiously.
"Nothing," said Ron, "just making sure she's fine and everything." He answered, smiling. Ron suddenly turned slight pink when Harry asked the contents of his letter but he kept his feelings hidden.
"All right then." Harry said. What's with Ron? Harry asked in his mind but said nothing more.
Harry got Ron's letter and placed it in the envelope. He opened Hedwig's cage (Hedwig gave a short hoot and stepped out of her cage) and tied the letters on Hedwig's leg.
Hedwig gave her last hoot to say farewell and flew through the window into the dark sky.
A/N: Please submit a review and tell me what you think! ^o^