Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the story.
It has been a whole full week of being in fifth year and Ginny felt that she has completely adjusted. It was a talent that she had. She could easily adjust and adapt to her new environment and to new circumstances. By now, she had memorized her schedule, something everyone thought only Hermione can do. Right now, they had Potions next. Potions was her worst subject. Not one meeting has passed that Snape didn't deduct points from her, even before. Even if she were just sitting still, because he used to say that she was always moving, he'd take some points off Gryffindor for not listening. Honestly. If you're sitting still, does that mean that you're not listening? Sometimes she thinks Snape just wanted to find an excuse to embarrass her in class.
She went in the classroom quietly and sat down on her seat. She got out her notebook, dated it on the top and waited for Snape to arrive, hoping that he would never come. Shortly after, Snape arrived, much to Ginny's disappointment. He stood in front and scanned the class. Ginny hoped that she wouldn't be the target again. "Ah. Weasley," Snape said oily.
Ginny looked up at him. "Yes, sir?"
"Don't answer me in that tone, Ms. Weasley," Snape bellowed. "And stand up when you're talking to a teacher."
Ginny immediately stood up, hoping that he wouldn't yell at her anymore. "Sorry, sir," Ginny muttered, turning very red and feeling very embarrassed as her classmates turned around to look at her.
"Enlighten me. What is the key ingredient of the Polyjuice potion?" Snape asked.
"Uh, powdered horn of bicorn and shredded skin of boomslang, sir," Ginny answered. She had learned of what Hermione, Ron and Harry did in their second year last year. Snape looked furious.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor! For being such a know it all." Ginny sat down on her seat, fighting back tears. Twenty points for answering his question? That's just not fair.
"Ginny, are you alright?" Megan whispered, leaning towards her. Ginny forced a smile and tried to keep the tears at bay. "I'm fine."
But she didn't feel fine. Even after class, during lunch, she couldn't comprehend that she just lost twenty points from her house just because she knew that answer to his question.
"Ginny, are you okay?" Hermione asked concernedly. Ron and Harry looked at Ginny. She looked up at Hermione and titled her head to a side as if studying her. Then she sighed and went back to eating her food. Ron and Harry looked at each other then looked at Hermione, who shrugged. Megan, who was sitting nearby, heard Hermione. She leaned towards them.
"Snape was really hard on her in Potions," Megan said.
"What did he do?" Ron asked. "He picked on her again the way he always does when we're having his class. I really think Snape has it in for her," Megan said. Harry looked at Ginny and saw that tears were pouring down her face. She tried to brush it away and looked around, hoping that no one would notice. But she saw Harry looking at her with a concerned expression. Harry opened his mouth to say something but Ginny shook her head and quickly stood up and left. Harry stood up also.
"Where're you going?" Ron asked.
"I forgot something," Harry replied and hurriedly left the great hall, hoping to catch Ginny. He looked for her near the great hall but found that she wasn't there. He looked outside and saw a flash of red hair near the lake. He followed her.
Ginny felt stupid because she was crying. She has never cried before. She always thought that whatever Snape said to her wasn't worth crying for because that's how he really is. He can't help being who he is. That's his nature. But this time she felt that it was too much. Every class she tried her best not to do anything so that he wouldn't notice her and take some points. But now, she thought everything was okay because she answered his question. She said the correct answer and he took twenty points and called her know it all. This is how Hermione must feel like. She burst into tears again. Then she felt strong arms wrap around her and because her tears clouded her eyes, she didn't see whom it was. She didn't care, anyway. So she cuddled against him and cried on his chest. And he comforted her. She felt so safe and so cared for. She decided to see who her comforter was.
"Harry!" Ginny said, moving away quickly and wiping the tears from her face. "Wh-what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to know if you were alright," Harry explained. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Ginny said, standing up. Harry also stood up.
"Please, Ginny. Let me help. I want to help you." "I don't know what you're talking about, Harry."
"Why were you crying then?" Harry asked. "I.I was just.It doesn't matter," Ginny said. "I have to go." Ginny hurriedly walked away. I can't believe I let Harry see that I'm crying. What's he going to think of me now? That I'm a crybaby and can't handle myself? Nice move, Ginny. That will really make Harry fall for you.
Ginny felt so embarrassed at what happened that she avoided Harry at all costs. She didn't want him to ask any more questions about what happened. He might just think that she was a crybaby. It was bad that she was just Ron's little sister but a crybaby would be too much. Besides, she also was mortified of the fact that she cried in front of him. Oh, wait. Not just in front of him but on him, on his chest. Ginny cringed at the thought. She just couldn't believe she did that.
"Hi Ginny!" Hermione said, sitting down across her in the table.
"Hey!" Ginny replied and continued writing something on her notebook. "Um, Ginny,"
Hermione began carefully, "Have you been okay or not so okay lately?"
"I'm fine," Ginny said, not looking up, afraid that Hermione might see it in her eyes that she's lying. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, because Harry said that you were crying--."
"Oh that!" Ginny said, interrupting her. "That was nothing. I wasn't crying, you know."
"But Harry said that you were really crying," Hermione reasoned.
"Harry's exaggerating, Hermione," Ginny said. "Don't believe what he told you."
"But-," Hermione began again.
"I'm telling you now I'm okay," Ginny said, managing a smile. "Nothing's wrong. I mean what could possibly go wrong?"
Hermione sighed a little and nodded. "You're right. But if you ever need my help in anything, just tell me. Okay?"
"Thanks," Ginny said then went back to her notebook. Ginny watched Hermione walk away. Why did Harry have to tell her? Why did he have to say anything to anyone?
"What did she say?" Harry asked quietly, taking a glance at Ginny.
"She almost bit my head off," Hermione said. "She told me that you were exaggerating. Were you?"
"What? You think I'd lie to you about things like that?" Harry said. "I'm telling you, Hermione, Snape really upset her. She was crying so hard."
"Why don't we just tell Ron about this?" Hermione said.
"We can't do that. We would never hear the end of it from Ginny. She'd just get upset."
"But why? He's her brother."
"Yeah and she's being overshadowed. She's just like Ron. She wants to prove herself to people," Harry said.
"Besides, I don't think Ron would do anything. He's too busy with Lavender." Hermione sighed.
"You're right. I just wish she'd let us help her."
"Ginny, how are you feeling?" Megan asked her on the way to Transfiguration.
"I'm fine, Megan. Why does everyone keep asking me that? I'm not dying, you know," Ginny said.
"Sorry. It's just Harry said--," Megan began.
"What did Harry say to you? That I was crying to him and that--."
"You cried to him?!" Megan said with a surprised smile.
"I.well." Ginny stammered then gave up. "I did."
"How did that happen?"
"I went to the lake after lunch because I couldn't take it anymore. I just had to get my anger out of my system and then I just felt someone wrap their arms around me and comfort me," Ginny said.
"Did you know it was him?" Megan asked excitedly.
"No. I didn't at first. But when I looked up and saw that it was him, I panicked and left," Ginny said.
"Why?"
"Are you kidding? I don't want Harry to think that I'm crying just because of that," Ginny said.
"Ginny, it's okay to cry. Besides, Snape has been torturing you. I really think he should be reported," Megan said huffily.
"Well, don't. Besides, I'm fine," Ginny said. "But you know I really appreciate that he was there."
"Who?"
"Where's your mind, Megan? We were just talking about him. Harry," Ginny said.
"Oh right! You liked it that he was there?"
"Yeah," Ginny said and smiled dreamily. "He made me feel so safe, Megan. Like everything was going to be all right. I know that sounds stupid but that's how I really felt."
"It doesn't sound stupid, Gin," Megan said. "I think it's romantic. The man of your dreams rescuing you and then you fall in love."
Ginny chuckled. "I think you're getting carried away. It was a one-time thing, Megan. Harry would never fall in love with me."
"Why not? Harry's got a nice taste in girls."
"That's just it. I'm not his type. I'm not like Cho Chang."
"Haven't you still gotten over that?" Megan said. "Cho Chang was just his small crush. And he got over her last year."
"I know. But still."
"Still nothing. I think you should get Harry to notice you. You're really pretty, Ginny, and it wouldn't be a mistake or whatsoever if he likes you."
"Whatever," Ginny said. "Let's just get to class."
They went in the Transfiguration classroom and sat on their seats. Ginny couldn't help but think about what Megan told her. Harry, her knight and shining armor, rescuing her and then he falls in love and they live happily ever after. She sighed. If only things happen that way. But they don't, so quit dreaming.
Ginny was sprawled on her bed, still awake. She couldn't sleep. Not when Harry's face kept swimming in her mind. She didn't know why she felt that way about him. She didn't understand why she couldn't get over him. The very first time she saw him, she already felt something. She was attracted to him. And I mean, who wouldn't be? He is the famous Harry Potter after all. And not just that. He's really cute and really nice. Ever since her second year, she had been hoping that Harry would talk to her or even just notice her. But obviously, they couldn't talk because every time Harry would, she'd turn red and hurry away, in which Ginny felt so stupid afterwards. She sighed. I won't be able to sleep with this. She stood up and quietly left the room. She went downstairs and decided to warm herself by the fire. She was surprised with whom she found there.
"Hi Ginny!"
"Harry!" Ginny replied. "What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't sleep," Harry replied. "I suppose that's the reason why you're also here?" Ginny nodded and sat at one of the plush armchairs. They were quiet for a moment.
"Ginny?" Harry said softly. "Why were you crying that day?"
"Oh," Ginny said, feeling her cheeks go hot. "Forget about that, Harry. That was nothing. And, um, sorry about, you know the thing by the lake."
"You can tell me, Ginny. I want you to know that you can talk to me. I know we don't really talk, but, I'm ready to listen," Harry said. Ginny nodded and was quiet for a while. Then she looked up at Harry, who seemed to read her mind. "So why were you crying?"
"I was just having a bad week, I think," Ginny began. "I guess it was the pressure. Mum got really upset with us that morning for waking up late and then Ron.Ron kept on talking about Lavender. And there's just so much Lavender I could take. I mean." She sighed.
"It's okay, Ginny. Just let it out."
"Then there was Snape.he.this is really shallow but he asked me this question and I gave him the correct answer. Then, instead of giving me points, he deducted twenty points from our house and told me that I was a know it all. In front of everyone." Ginny felt the tears trying to come out of her eyes, but she brushed them away. She wasn't going to cry in front of Harry again.
"Snape is really a git. You know that, right? He's like that to Ron, Hermione and me, especially," Harry said.
"Really?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "He just really.hates me for some reason."
"Sometimes I think that he has something against me because he always singles me out. I don't understand it. He's just so.mean."
"Yeah. He really is mean," Harry said.
"That was the first time I really got upset at him, you know," Ginny said. "I told myself that I would never get upset over what he will say to me because he just can't help being who he is and well.I guess I ate my words."
"You're a good person, you know that, Ginny. I've never heard of anyone who would defend Malfoy," Harry said with a smile that made Ginny's heart melt and her knees weak.
"I wasn't defending him," Ginny said defensively. "I was just saying that Ron shouldn't get into trouble because of that slime ball."
Harry laughed at this and Ginny laughed along. Ginny felt a bit surprised. She just poured her heart out to Harry, a nearly stranger to her. She never thought the day would come that she and Harry would be really friends, like this. Now she believes in what her mum keeps on telling her. Anything is possible.
Christmas came fast in Hogwarts. It was only the beginning of December and yet, there were decorations everywhere. Mr. Filch clearly had his work cut out for everyone. The armors guards along the halls were looking spick and span. There wasn't a spot that wasn't cleaned. And they were singing Christmas carols whenever someone passed their way. The classrooms were very much in the spirit, too. Mr. Flitwick put up some decorations by the ceiling that were made of small light fairies. And of course, it wouldn't be Christmas at Hogwarts without the spectacular garlands and streamers in the great hall. There were beautiful Christmas trees and it was snowing inside. Ginny thought that the snow was wonderful as she looked up the ceiling one dinnertime.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Hermione said, following Ginny's gaze.
"Yeah. It's so wonderful and happy and carefree," Ginny said.
Professor Mcgonagall tapped her water goblet with her fork and cleared her throat. "May I have your attention please," Mcgonagall said. Hermione and Ginny looked expectantly at Dumbledore as he stood up.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the story.
It has been a whole full week of being in fifth year and Ginny felt that she has completely adjusted. It was a talent that she had. She could easily adjust and adapt to her new environment and to new circumstances. By now, she had memorized her schedule, something everyone thought only Hermione can do. Right now, they had Potions next. Potions was her worst subject. Not one meeting has passed that Snape didn't deduct points from her, even before. Even if she were just sitting still, because he used to say that she was always moving, he'd take some points off Gryffindor for not listening. Honestly. If you're sitting still, does that mean that you're not listening? Sometimes she thinks Snape just wanted to find an excuse to embarrass her in class.
She went in the classroom quietly and sat down on her seat. She got out her notebook, dated it on the top and waited for Snape to arrive, hoping that he would never come. Shortly after, Snape arrived, much to Ginny's disappointment. He stood in front and scanned the class. Ginny hoped that she wouldn't be the target again. "Ah. Weasley," Snape said oily.
Ginny looked up at him. "Yes, sir?"
"Don't answer me in that tone, Ms. Weasley," Snape bellowed. "And stand up when you're talking to a teacher."
Ginny immediately stood up, hoping that he wouldn't yell at her anymore. "Sorry, sir," Ginny muttered, turning very red and feeling very embarrassed as her classmates turned around to look at her.
"Enlighten me. What is the key ingredient of the Polyjuice potion?" Snape asked.
"Uh, powdered horn of bicorn and shredded skin of boomslang, sir," Ginny answered. She had learned of what Hermione, Ron and Harry did in their second year last year. Snape looked furious.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor! For being such a know it all." Ginny sat down on her seat, fighting back tears. Twenty points for answering his question? That's just not fair.
"Ginny, are you alright?" Megan whispered, leaning towards her. Ginny forced a smile and tried to keep the tears at bay. "I'm fine."
But she didn't feel fine. Even after class, during lunch, she couldn't comprehend that she just lost twenty points from her house just because she knew that answer to his question.
"Ginny, are you okay?" Hermione asked concernedly. Ron and Harry looked at Ginny. She looked up at Hermione and titled her head to a side as if studying her. Then she sighed and went back to eating her food. Ron and Harry looked at each other then looked at Hermione, who shrugged. Megan, who was sitting nearby, heard Hermione. She leaned towards them.
"Snape was really hard on her in Potions," Megan said.
"What did he do?" Ron asked. "He picked on her again the way he always does when we're having his class. I really think Snape has it in for her," Megan said. Harry looked at Ginny and saw that tears were pouring down her face. She tried to brush it away and looked around, hoping that no one would notice. But she saw Harry looking at her with a concerned expression. Harry opened his mouth to say something but Ginny shook her head and quickly stood up and left. Harry stood up also.
"Where're you going?" Ron asked.
"I forgot something," Harry replied and hurriedly left the great hall, hoping to catch Ginny. He looked for her near the great hall but found that she wasn't there. He looked outside and saw a flash of red hair near the lake. He followed her.
Ginny felt stupid because she was crying. She has never cried before. She always thought that whatever Snape said to her wasn't worth crying for because that's how he really is. He can't help being who he is. That's his nature. But this time she felt that it was too much. Every class she tried her best not to do anything so that he wouldn't notice her and take some points. But now, she thought everything was okay because she answered his question. She said the correct answer and he took twenty points and called her know it all. This is how Hermione must feel like. She burst into tears again. Then she felt strong arms wrap around her and because her tears clouded her eyes, she didn't see whom it was. She didn't care, anyway. So she cuddled against him and cried on his chest. And he comforted her. She felt so safe and so cared for. She decided to see who her comforter was.
"Harry!" Ginny said, moving away quickly and wiping the tears from her face. "Wh-what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to know if you were alright," Harry explained. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Ginny said, standing up. Harry also stood up.
"Please, Ginny. Let me help. I want to help you." "I don't know what you're talking about, Harry."
"Why were you crying then?" Harry asked. "I.I was just.It doesn't matter," Ginny said. "I have to go." Ginny hurriedly walked away. I can't believe I let Harry see that I'm crying. What's he going to think of me now? That I'm a crybaby and can't handle myself? Nice move, Ginny. That will really make Harry fall for you.
Ginny felt so embarrassed at what happened that she avoided Harry at all costs. She didn't want him to ask any more questions about what happened. He might just think that she was a crybaby. It was bad that she was just Ron's little sister but a crybaby would be too much. Besides, she also was mortified of the fact that she cried in front of him. Oh, wait. Not just in front of him but on him, on his chest. Ginny cringed at the thought. She just couldn't believe she did that.
"Hi Ginny!" Hermione said, sitting down across her in the table.
"Hey!" Ginny replied and continued writing something on her notebook. "Um, Ginny,"
Hermione began carefully, "Have you been okay or not so okay lately?"
"I'm fine," Ginny said, not looking up, afraid that Hermione might see it in her eyes that she's lying. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, because Harry said that you were crying--."
"Oh that!" Ginny said, interrupting her. "That was nothing. I wasn't crying, you know."
"But Harry said that you were really crying," Hermione reasoned.
"Harry's exaggerating, Hermione," Ginny said. "Don't believe what he told you."
"But-," Hermione began again.
"I'm telling you now I'm okay," Ginny said, managing a smile. "Nothing's wrong. I mean what could possibly go wrong?"
Hermione sighed a little and nodded. "You're right. But if you ever need my help in anything, just tell me. Okay?"
"Thanks," Ginny said then went back to her notebook. Ginny watched Hermione walk away. Why did Harry have to tell her? Why did he have to say anything to anyone?
"What did she say?" Harry asked quietly, taking a glance at Ginny.
"She almost bit my head off," Hermione said. "She told me that you were exaggerating. Were you?"
"What? You think I'd lie to you about things like that?" Harry said. "I'm telling you, Hermione, Snape really upset her. She was crying so hard."
"Why don't we just tell Ron about this?" Hermione said.
"We can't do that. We would never hear the end of it from Ginny. She'd just get upset."
"But why? He's her brother."
"Yeah and she's being overshadowed. She's just like Ron. She wants to prove herself to people," Harry said.
"Besides, I don't think Ron would do anything. He's too busy with Lavender." Hermione sighed.
"You're right. I just wish she'd let us help her."
"Ginny, how are you feeling?" Megan asked her on the way to Transfiguration.
"I'm fine, Megan. Why does everyone keep asking me that? I'm not dying, you know," Ginny said.
"Sorry. It's just Harry said--," Megan began.
"What did Harry say to you? That I was crying to him and that--."
"You cried to him?!" Megan said with a surprised smile.
"I.well." Ginny stammered then gave up. "I did."
"How did that happen?"
"I went to the lake after lunch because I couldn't take it anymore. I just had to get my anger out of my system and then I just felt someone wrap their arms around me and comfort me," Ginny said.
"Did you know it was him?" Megan asked excitedly.
"No. I didn't at first. But when I looked up and saw that it was him, I panicked and left," Ginny said.
"Why?"
"Are you kidding? I don't want Harry to think that I'm crying just because of that," Ginny said.
"Ginny, it's okay to cry. Besides, Snape has been torturing you. I really think he should be reported," Megan said huffily.
"Well, don't. Besides, I'm fine," Ginny said. "But you know I really appreciate that he was there."
"Who?"
"Where's your mind, Megan? We were just talking about him. Harry," Ginny said.
"Oh right! You liked it that he was there?"
"Yeah," Ginny said and smiled dreamily. "He made me feel so safe, Megan. Like everything was going to be all right. I know that sounds stupid but that's how I really felt."
"It doesn't sound stupid, Gin," Megan said. "I think it's romantic. The man of your dreams rescuing you and then you fall in love."
Ginny chuckled. "I think you're getting carried away. It was a one-time thing, Megan. Harry would never fall in love with me."
"Why not? Harry's got a nice taste in girls."
"That's just it. I'm not his type. I'm not like Cho Chang."
"Haven't you still gotten over that?" Megan said. "Cho Chang was just his small crush. And he got over her last year."
"I know. But still."
"Still nothing. I think you should get Harry to notice you. You're really pretty, Ginny, and it wouldn't be a mistake or whatsoever if he likes you."
"Whatever," Ginny said. "Let's just get to class."
They went in the Transfiguration classroom and sat on their seats. Ginny couldn't help but think about what Megan told her. Harry, her knight and shining armor, rescuing her and then he falls in love and they live happily ever after. She sighed. If only things happen that way. But they don't, so quit dreaming.
Ginny was sprawled on her bed, still awake. She couldn't sleep. Not when Harry's face kept swimming in her mind. She didn't know why she felt that way about him. She didn't understand why she couldn't get over him. The very first time she saw him, she already felt something. She was attracted to him. And I mean, who wouldn't be? He is the famous Harry Potter after all. And not just that. He's really cute and really nice. Ever since her second year, she had been hoping that Harry would talk to her or even just notice her. But obviously, they couldn't talk because every time Harry would, she'd turn red and hurry away, in which Ginny felt so stupid afterwards. She sighed. I won't be able to sleep with this. She stood up and quietly left the room. She went downstairs and decided to warm herself by the fire. She was surprised with whom she found there.
"Hi Ginny!"
"Harry!" Ginny replied. "What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't sleep," Harry replied. "I suppose that's the reason why you're also here?" Ginny nodded and sat at one of the plush armchairs. They were quiet for a moment.
"Ginny?" Harry said softly. "Why were you crying that day?"
"Oh," Ginny said, feeling her cheeks go hot. "Forget about that, Harry. That was nothing. And, um, sorry about, you know the thing by the lake."
"You can tell me, Ginny. I want you to know that you can talk to me. I know we don't really talk, but, I'm ready to listen," Harry said. Ginny nodded and was quiet for a while. Then she looked up at Harry, who seemed to read her mind. "So why were you crying?"
"I was just having a bad week, I think," Ginny began. "I guess it was the pressure. Mum got really upset with us that morning for waking up late and then Ron.Ron kept on talking about Lavender. And there's just so much Lavender I could take. I mean." She sighed.
"It's okay, Ginny. Just let it out."
"Then there was Snape.he.this is really shallow but he asked me this question and I gave him the correct answer. Then, instead of giving me points, he deducted twenty points from our house and told me that I was a know it all. In front of everyone." Ginny felt the tears trying to come out of her eyes, but she brushed them away. She wasn't going to cry in front of Harry again.
"Snape is really a git. You know that, right? He's like that to Ron, Hermione and me, especially," Harry said.
"Really?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "He just really.hates me for some reason."
"Sometimes I think that he has something against me because he always singles me out. I don't understand it. He's just so.mean."
"Yeah. He really is mean," Harry said.
"That was the first time I really got upset at him, you know," Ginny said. "I told myself that I would never get upset over what he will say to me because he just can't help being who he is and well.I guess I ate my words."
"You're a good person, you know that, Ginny. I've never heard of anyone who would defend Malfoy," Harry said with a smile that made Ginny's heart melt and her knees weak.
"I wasn't defending him," Ginny said defensively. "I was just saying that Ron shouldn't get into trouble because of that slime ball."
Harry laughed at this and Ginny laughed along. Ginny felt a bit surprised. She just poured her heart out to Harry, a nearly stranger to her. She never thought the day would come that she and Harry would be really friends, like this. Now she believes in what her mum keeps on telling her. Anything is possible.
Christmas came fast in Hogwarts. It was only the beginning of December and yet, there were decorations everywhere. Mr. Filch clearly had his work cut out for everyone. The armors guards along the halls were looking spick and span. There wasn't a spot that wasn't cleaned. And they were singing Christmas carols whenever someone passed their way. The classrooms were very much in the spirit, too. Mr. Flitwick put up some decorations by the ceiling that were made of small light fairies. And of course, it wouldn't be Christmas at Hogwarts without the spectacular garlands and streamers in the great hall. There were beautiful Christmas trees and it was snowing inside. Ginny thought that the snow was wonderful as she looked up the ceiling one dinnertime.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Hermione said, following Ginny's gaze.
"Yeah. It's so wonderful and happy and carefree," Ginny said.
Professor Mcgonagall tapped her water goblet with her fork and cleared her throat. "May I have your attention please," Mcgonagall said. Hermione and Ginny looked expectantly at Dumbledore as he stood up.