A/N: Hello to everyone who's been patient to get the next upload of my story. I'm really grateful to everyone who still took time to review this simple fanfic of mine… I'm (again) so touched… To Danielle and D.G. Revlis, thanks a million for still being there even though I always update late and not to mention… I did a cliffhanger… Very bad, Miara! Bad, Miara! (slaps myself) Sorry for cutting the acknowledgements but—I have seen the movie of Harry Potter Book 2!!! Last week! Twice actually and I'm planning to buy a VCD too as soon as they have one. It's really great! Ron and Hermione didn't hug feeling awkward with each other… I wonder if that is a sign for a R/H pairing or (I wouldn't like this one!) HARRY/Hermione… Ginny was really cute and Harry touched her hand when they were in the chamber (although Harry also touched Hermione's hand when she got petrified)… Harry and Ginny together in the chamber was sweet. The only thing I want to react violently is the scene where Hermione hugged Harry!!! It better be just because they're friends or else… Anyway, let's continue. There was someone who reviewed but didn't put his/her name. I'm sorry I can't mention your name because of that. Whoever you are thank you very much and please put your name next time. Okay? To tsutsuji, hope you're not mad that it took me soooo long. I know you're the one who'll understand the most… 'cause of the tests, you know. To Casual Reader, thank you for the review. Sugie, cat, Marilyn and Ian, just want to say that I hope you're enjoying this fanfic! To A Confused Girl, thanks for the review. I just want to clear it for you (so you won't be confused anymore) that you're right. Ron isn't a Slytherin and I know that very well. I just put there that Hermione will keep taking off points from Slytherin to save Ron when he gets into trouble with Malfoy, that is the Slytherin I've mentioned. Hope you understand already. And last but definitely never the least, to my very new reviewer, Makoto! Yup, I'm a Filipino and I guess you are too. Anyway, thank you very, very, very much for reviewing ALL as in ALL my chapters!!!! That made me very, super duper happy and I hope that all my reviewers would do the same (smiles) (hint hint hint) And, Makoto, I'm sorry but I can't take Ron/Hermione scenes out of the story but okay, I'll lessen them. I'll add more H/G soon. Again, I'm sorry for the cliffhanger/s and not to mention the loads of technical errors. Hope you would still review this one. Another thing, Ginny knew the effect of the spell but she really loves Harry… that's why the title was "To Sacrifice for the One You Love." Let's begin then!

Disclaimer: Again, this is just to take up space but well here it goes. I know you already know this but in case you don't know. Guess what? I'm not the author and creator of Harry Potter so I don't own them. Clear? So you can't sue me for stealing J.K.'s characters. I just borrowed them and I admit that I'm not as great as J.K. Rowling but at least I (and, I hope, my reviewers too feel the same) am having a great time.

Chapter 18

An Alternative Charm

Ginny searched Harry's eyes and knew at once that Harry was worried about her condition. She smiled at that thought.

"Don't tell me you didn't know the effect of that charm that's why you didn't hesitate to use it?!" Harry said.

Ginny looked around to see if anyone was there. No one. She and Harry were completely alone, except for Madam Pomfrey who was currently in her office. "Of course I know the effect but that didn't matter much to me." Ginny said simply.

"Didn't matter much?!" Harry burst out. "But that charm might have killed you!"

Ginny smiled warmly. "Dying for a friend is better than dying uselessly. Just imagine if I died in the Chamber of Secrets, I could have brought Voldemort back again. At least it's not as horrible as when I was in that chamber."

"But I still can't understand you. Why did you use it?" Harry said.

Can't you see it, Harry. I care for you so much that I would sacrifice even my life just for you not to suffer, Ginny thought sadly. "Because I wanted to do something for you, Harry." She said. "Just by doing this, at least I could do something to help you. I'm just paying you for the favor you've done for me three years ago."

Harry knew how Ginny felt during the time she was controlled by Voldemort. "Ginny, you don't have to pay me for that. I did that because I wanted to do that. I did that because—"

"Because I was your best friend's little sister." Ginny finished for Harry.

Harry wasn't exactly going to say that but now that he thought about it. He realized that what Ginny had said was true. He only thought of Ginny as Ron's little sister back at his second year… But now what? What was Ginny to him right now? The answer was just in his reach but he didn't want to know. She's my best friend. That's all and that will be all, he kept reminding himself.

"How come you found this spell in the restricted section of the library?' Harry asked, changing the topic.

"I didn't find it there. I saw it in one of my father's books stored in the attic. And I thought it might come in handy for you sometime." Ginny explained to Harry.

"But you don't have to hurt yourself in order to help me Gin." Harry said. "I wouldn't want that."

"But if I wouldn't help you, you might die with those scar pains you're having," said Ginny.

"If you would help me, you might die and it wouldn't do much. I will die sooner or later when Voldemort comes so I don't want anyone to die just for me not to die." Harry reasoned out.

"If Voldemort does come, Harry, I know you can fight him. I trust in you so don't say that you're going to die. You're just making you're life miserable. As long as Voldemort doesn't come near you, you're safe. And if ever that day comes that he'll attack Hogwarts, you'll never be alone 'cause we're here. So just enjoy life for now, all right?" Ginny said with a smile.

"You always have the same advice, Hermione and you." Harry smiled back. He took the bottle on the table and handed it to Ginny. "Madam Pomfrey told me to let you drink that."

Ginny looked at the bottle for a while then obediently drank its content.

"Harry, did you tell Ron and the others why I'm here? I mean the real reason," said Ginny worriedly.

"No," said Harry. "I thought I'll let you be the one to tell them."

"Thanks." Ginny sighed in relief. "I think I wouldn't tell them anymore, they'd just worry about me and I don't want to cause trouble to my parents." She said.

"They love you so much, Gin. That's why I don't want you to perform that spell on me anymore." Harry said. "I don't want to see your family and Hermione crying. And Maya will really miss you a lot. A-and Kyle too. You're very lucky to have them as your friends and family."

"Yeah." Ginny agreed. "But I'm not as lucky as you. You got many people who loves you, Harry." Ginny said.

"They only love me because I'm Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. But if you'll take away my scar, I'm just going to be Harry Potter, a simple boy. They love me because they think they owe their lives to me. They never loved me for who I am," said Harry. "Can I ask you something Gin?"

"Okay."

"Are you doing all of this because you feel you're obliged to do so?" Harry asked.

"No, Harry." Ginny answered. "I'm not feeling obliged to do this. Not even a bit. But I admit that one of my reasons of doing this is because you saved me, I can't deny that fact. But my number one reason why I did this is because I wanted to help my best friend." She smiled.

"That's why I don't want you to do that spell again, Gin." Harry said.

"Huh?"

"Because you're one of those few people who loves me because I'm me. Not because I have this scar or because I defeated Voldemort," said Harry. "You're very important to me—I mean—u-us." Harry faltered.

Ginny smiled softly. "And you're important to us too, Harry, so I need to do that spell if ever you'll need it again." She said.

"Please Ginny, don't do that spell anymore. I've had these scar pains before and I did well without that charm so I think I can do without it this time." Harry tried to convince Ginny.

"But Voldemort is more powerful now that's why you're scar is hurting worse now. You can't take that alone so I need to help you." Ginny argued.

Harry's scar suddenly felt hot again. He clenched his fists and tried to stay calm even though the pain was piercing him already. He kept his hands down and stopped them from flying to his scar.

"Harry?" Ginny looked at him worriedly.

"What?" Harry tried to say the word with ease but his voice was shaking.

Ginny reached for her wand on the table near her bed.

Harry's hand was already holding his scar. He immediately reached for Ginny's hand to stop her.

"Ginny, please don't do it anymore." Harry held Ginny's hand.

Ginny still took her wand and looked at Harry. "I have to, Harry." She said.

"I won't let you!" Harry said. "If you'll do that curse one more time, you'll die!"

"Dying doesn't matter to me." She said boldly and pointed her wand at Harry's scar.

Madam Pomfrey immediately went to them and said, "What's happening here?! Miss Weasley, I think you need to rest already and keep that wand."

Harry sighed in relief.

"One more noise from the two of you and I'll let you return to the Gryffindor tower, Mr. Potter." Madam Pomfrey said, threatening the two.

"Sorry." Harry and Ginny murmured together.

Madam Pomfrey marched back to her office without further word.

After she was gone, Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. "It's okay Gin. My scar's not hurting anymore. You don't have to use your wand on me." He said.

"Are you sure?" said Ginny.

"The pain's gone."

"Okay then." Ginny returned her wand on the table.

"Ginny, please promise me that you'll never do that spell again, okay?" Harry said.

"Okay," Ginny said.

"Is that a yes?" Harry asked in disbelief.

"Yup," said Ginny, smiling.

"Is this a trick?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"No," said Ginny.

"So you won't use the spell anymore?"

"Yes," said Ginny.

Harry smiled at Ginny. "Thank you, Gin. I'm very happy to hear that. You're safe from danger now." He said.

"But there's a condition, Harry." Ginny smiled.

"Anything." Harry said.

"You'll let me do another spell on you." Ginny said.

"As long as it won't endanger you again, okay?" said Harry.

Ginny looked down. "Well, at least, it's better than Eximo dolor."

"And what if I don't agree?" said Harry.

"I'll still use the Eximo dolor then."

"Okay, okay." Harry said. "So what does this spell exactly do? I want the whole detail, okay? Including the effects on you."

"The spell was given to me by Professor Dumbledore a while ago. She left this note to me and told me to use this one instead of Eximo dolor if I really wanted to help you." Ginny said, showing the note to Harry. "It is also a Protection Charm, like your mother's love for you, that creates a barrier for you so you wouldn't have that scar pains again. It's a barrier that will protect you from very harmful magic. It can't protect you from simple hexes because they're not very harmful. So it can only protect you from Voldemort. Voldemort can't hurt you unless he is very powerful that he can destroy even the barrier protecting you." Ginny explained.

"He is very powerful, you know." Harry remarked.

"At least, he'll still lose some of his powers if he tries to destroy the barrier by magic." Ginny smiled. "The strength of the barrier will come from the one who cast the spell."

"So that means, the barrier will get its strength from you," said Harry. He looked hesitant to continue already.

"Don't worry Harry it won't drain my energy or anything. The barrier's strength only depends on how much I care for you and it can only be broken if I will break it willingly or if the thing that connects us will be destroyed." She said.

Harry looked at Ginny with a questioning look.

"You don't get it?" Ginny asked.

"What do you mean by 'if the thing that connects us will be destroyed'?" Harry said.

Ginny took out a silver bracelet from her pocket with a small red stone pendant shaped like a star. "Professor Dumbledore gave this to me. This is the thing I'm telling you. This bracelet will be the one that will serve as the object that controls the barrier. See the star-shaped pendant over there? That's the red stone. It is the only thing that can make this charm work. Dumbledore turned it into a pendant so it would be easier for me to wear it. If this gets destroyed or if I destroy it, the charm is broken. Of course, it can't be destroyed easily by stepping on it or pulling it apart. It's protected by magic but powerful spells can destroy it. Destroying this will be the easiest way for Voldemort to destroy the barrier. But don't worry 'cause he'll never know I'm keeping this thing." She told Harry, smiling. "So will we start the charm?"

"Wait," said Harry "and how do we do the charm exactly?"

"It's simple. First we'll write our names and create a bond between the two of us. Then I'll say the spell to create the barrier to protect you then tap the bracelet. As long as I wear the bracelet, you'll never have the scar pains again. As long as the bracelet is safe, you'll never have to worry. It's okay if I take the bracelet off for a while but it must be less than a day or else the barrier will weaken and the charm will be broken." She said to Harry.

"Can't we make a charm that is beneficial to both of us?" Harry asked.

"No, we can't because we'll need two red stones for that matter. And besides, I don't need it. You're the one who needs it very much." Ginny pointed out.

"And if the charm is broken, can we make another one?" asked Harry.

"Yes, but we have to wait for two years before another red stone can be made. It's very hard to produce a red stone and the red stone in this bracelet is the only one there is right now so we must take care of this one." Ginny said. "I'm really thankful to Professor Dumbledore because he gave me this stone."

"I think he knew that you'll still insist on using that dangerous charm so he gave you that." Harry said, grinning.

"So can we start?" Ginny asked excitedly.

"Is there no effect on you if we do this charm?" Harry asked to make sure.

Ginny shook her head side to side. "No. If only I knew this at once, then we wouldn't get in this mess." She said.

"Okay, then. You can start."

Ginny took her wand out again. She pointed her wand in the air and began spelling out her name. Harry stared on the writing floating in midair. It said, Ginny Weasley.

Ginny sighed. "There. You next, Harry." She said. "Just take out your wand and write your name like I did."

Harry did what he was told. He began writing his name in the air and looked amazed as the end of his wand sparkled, writing down the letters of his name, Harry Potter.

Harry looked at Ginny and Ginny nodded in return.

Ginny held out her hand where she was holding the bracelet. She pointed her wand in the two names floating in the air and said, "Connexio." The words sparkled for a moment then slowly floated towards the bracelet and into the red stone. The red stone glowed a shade of red then faded.

Ginny held out the bracelet in front of Harry and her. She pointed her wand at the bracelet. "Defendo murus." She said softly and gave a slight tap on the bracelet. The bracelet floated from her hand and began glittering brightly.

Harry could feel warmth surround him. Perhaps that was the barrier Ginny told him. It felt good.

The bracelet stopped glowing and fell down Ginny's hand again. Ginny took it and wore it around her right wrist. "See? I told you, it's simple." She smiled, looking at the bracelet around her wrist.

"Thank you, Gin." Harry smiled back. "I think Madam Pomfrey will let you return to your classes tomorrow if you get a good sleep." He looked at his watch. It was already 1 o'clock in the morning. "See you tomorrow, Ginny." Harry stood up and made his way to the exit.

"Bye, Harry. Thank you for visiting." She said, watching him leave.

Harry walked happily through the corridors. Then, a boy with silvery blonde hair and a smirk painted on his face caught his attention.

Harry stopped in his position and looked irritated with the boy's presence. "What are you doing down here, Malfoy? Want to get detention?" Harry said to Malfoy, who was standing a couple of meters in front of Harry.

"And what do you think are you doing here, Potter?" Malfoy said.

"It's none of your business and don't worry 'cause I got permission to stay out of bed late tonight." Harry said, looking annoyed at Malfoy.

"So, Dumbledore gave you a permission to stay late so you can come and visit your girlfriend." Malfoy said coldly. "So how is she? I bet she's very sick and she's dying. Poor Harry Potter." He smirked.

"Shut up, Malfoy! Just get lost, will you? And don't ever come near Ginny!" Harry said, his fists clenched on both sides.

"You're getting over protective with your girlfriend, Potter. That's not good." Malfoy said, walking towards Harry.

"How many times do I have to tell you that she's not my girlfriend?!" Harry snapped.

"Oh, really." Malfoy said, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe I'll just go to Ginny tonight to see how miserable she got." Malfoy looked at Harry's eyes, trying to annoy him even more.

"Don't go there. She's already sleeping!" Harry ordered, throwing sharp looks at Malfoy.

"And who are you to tell me that?" Malfoy said. "You're not her boyfriend, are you?"

"No." Harry said immediately. "But you still mustn't go because—"

"Then you have no right to tell me what to do. And even if you were her boyfriend, you can't stop me either, Potter." Malfoy said. "But then, why would I waste my time on your stupid girlfriend? I'll just see her around the school when she gets well—that is if she's not going to die yet."

"Whatever, Malfoy." Harry said. "Just go back to your dormitory before I tell the professors that you're in here."

"Look who's talking," said Malfoy, walking away from Harry. "See you tomorrow, weakling."

Harry sighed. At last, Malfoy got tired of pestering him. He walked quickly into the Gryffindor tower, relieved that Malfoy wouldn't disturb Ginny back in the hospital wing.

Or would Malfoy disturb Ginny?

Malfoy stopped and looked for any sign of Harry. The corridors were vacant. Draco walked back and made his way to the hospital wing.

Ginny wasn't sleeping yet. She was still looking at the ceiling, thinking about Harry, when a sudden sound by the door startled her. She looked at the door and saw the least expected person that would come to visit her—Draco Malfoy.

"You?!" Ginny said in a mixed tone of annoyance and disbelief.

A/N: Yup! It's Malfoy! Hahahahaha!!! This is a Harry and Ginny fanfic. Don't worry. I'm just playing with Malfoy and Kyle! Please review okay! Please do that for me.

Anyway, this is it!!! Next chapter (I promise this one) is the announcement of the Christmas ball!!!! But it will change if I can think of another chapter before that one… Bye-bye!!!