Ginny Weasley sneezed. She hated being sick around the Holidays, especially when she was one of only four Gryffindor's left in the tower. Hermione had said it was a good thing she wasn't missing any school- her O.W.L's were coming up and she couldn't miss any work. Ginny had wanted to scream at her in frustration. There was at least one consolation prize though, as Ginny had suspected Ron and Hermione were spending a great deal of time together, alone - leaving Harry and Ginny stuck together. The Portrait hole opened and Harry walked in, carrying a large mug of hot chocolate. "Hi Harry." Ginny said innocently making eyes at the warm drink in his hands.

"You don't have to stare at it like you're going to attack me for it." Harry said in a slightly sullen tone. "It's for you anyway."

"Thank you Harry." Ginny said with a smile taking the hot chocolate out of his hands in a flash. "I can only assume," she continued after taking a large drink "that you're following in the tradition of my brothers in pestering the house elf's for food?"

"I'm pestering no one. I just went down there to visit Dobby and I mentioned you were sick and he said I should take something back up for my Wheezy." Harry said with a laugh.

"You're Wheezy?" Ginny asked.

"You haven't met Dobby have you?"

"No, I can say I've had the pleasure."

"Well, I guess the best way to tell you about Dobby would be ." Harry said stopping abruptly, the smile fading from his face rapidly. "Maybe not." Ginny knew that reaction.

"I understand. Ginny's as fragile as glass, she can't handle anyone talking about her first year. Completely understandable." Ginny said stiffly looking anywhere but at Harry, placing her drink on a table. It seemed to have lost its appeal.

"I'm sorry." Harry said looking at her intently. "I didn't mean it that way Ginny, it's just- I didn't really know if you liked it being talked about."

"I don't mind." She said, still with a certain amount of stiffness.

"Gin." Harry had never called her that before.

"Thank you." Ginny said abruptly. She still wasn't looking at Harry so she didn't notice his confused look.

"For what?" Harry asked.

"You had to be thick didn't you?" She muttered turning to look at him. "For saving me in the chamber. I never really thanked you and you saved my life." Harry blushed.

"You'd do the same for me." He managed.

"Really Harry, you wouldn't let yourself get in that situation would you? I was a silly little girl."

"Don't say that Gin- you weren't a silly little girl. You were strong- you fought him." Ginny sighed heavily.

"I'm having second thoughts Harry. I do mind talking about this."

"No you don't Gin-"

"Since when have you started calling me Gin?" She asked with a forced laugh, trying to change the subject.

"Ginny let me talk." Harry pleaded, switching back to the more familiar name. Ginny nodded. "He called you that, in the chamber, He called you a silly little girl and even then you weren't one. You were strong. I don't think I know anyone else who could fight him that long."

"Really Harry. You can't be serious - "

"I am." He said interrupting her. "Ginny. You fought him. In my eyes you're a hero. He might have made you do those things, but you tried to get rid of him, you fought him and in the end we won that battle." Ginny was silent. After a few minutes, she stood up picked up her hot chocolate and whispered, "Let's hope we win the war as well." And walked towards the stairs which lead to her empty dorm. Harry let her go.