Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.

HOLD YOU UNTIL I DIE

Epilogue

Ginny glanced about the Hogwarts grounds she had known so well in her life passed. It had been a year since she had seen her school, though it felt like only minutes had passed. She saw time's toll on the school and grounds. The weeds around Hadgrid's hut sprung higher. The Forbidden Forest's dark branches seemed more dank and they reached out farther than the year before. Even the young man laying beside the pond was older, paler, yet more handsome.

Ginny stepped lightly to where her beloved Harry slept. She knelt down and brushed his hair away from his lightening scar. Slowly, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. Harry shivered, then glanced up at her.

"Am I dreaming?" Harry asked.

Ginny shook her head slowly, smiling down on him.

"But, you can't be here," Harry said, sitting up and looking Ginny over in disbelief. "You're dead."

"Nothing could keep me from you," Ginny whispered.

Harry lifted his hand and touched her cheek.

"You're real," he choked out.

Ginny smiled.

"Oh, Gin, I missed you!" Harry cried, hugging her around the waist.

Ginny ran her fingers through Harry's hair, feeling his tears soak through her cotton dress.

"Don't shed tears for me, My Lord," Ginny said softly.

"I'm so sorry, Gin," Harry sniffled, pulling away and looking at her. "I stupid. I was blind. I knew it was you. I did. I just didn't think. I just...I-"

"It wasn't your fault," Ginny whispered, looking deeply into his green eyes. "I would have died a thousand times for you."

"If only it was me who died," Harry said. "Dearest Ginny, I can't live without you."

"Don't sorrow," Ginny pleaded. "I can't stand to see you cry."

"Then don't leave me," Harry begged. "I'd die too if you left me again. I need you. I love you."

It was the first time he had said it and meant it in the way she had always wanted him to.

"Oh, Harry," Ginny said, feeling tears escape her eyes. "I will never leave you again."

She leaned forward and kissed his lips tenderly.

"I'll be in your dreams," she promised.

The End