Disclaimer: Really, do you need me to tell you that I do not own HP? *sigh* This is for my own enjoyment (and hopefully yours), but unfortunately I don't own anything you'll recognize.

A/N: This is a story I wrote a little while back (it was a plot bunny attack if anyone's interested). I wrote it before OOTP, so it might not jive exactly with Book5, but it shouldn't be too AU. My Ginny is a bit different than Rowling's OOTP Ginny, though.

Prologue

"Love, while you are able to love."

—A. Frieligrath


"You're here. I knew you'd be here. You . . . So, you are leaving, then."

"In a few minutes."

"I didn't quite believe it until now. You told me, I know, but I couldn't imagine you gone. Please, promise me that you'll keep yourself safe—alive."

"You should know better than anyone else that I can take care of myself. You're the one who has been working with me on my . . . unique skills."

"Promise!"

"I can't promise anything except to try—so that I can return to you."

"I figured that was the best I was going to get from you."

"Do you ever regret us?"

"Never. Don't even think it. I love you, and nothing, nothing, could make me regret being with you . . . Do you?"

"Only this. Never us."

"I know. God, I wish things were different, too. I want more of us. I don't want to let you go, but I know I have to, and it hurts. I'm sorry, this was not how I wanted to say goodbye, it's just . . ."

"Please don't cry."

"Just hold me tighter."

"I love you."

"I've got your robes wet. Sorry about that . . . Will you write?"

"Not often, but I'll try."

"Sent to my mother, message for me invisible until I speak the password?"

"You're incredible."

"It's a small price to be with you. After all, we'll tell them everything once he's gone and you're back."

"There's a spell I'd like to do. To protect you while I'm gone."

"You're in more danger than I am."

"Please. If . . . I want to keep you as safe as possible."

"Okay. But . . . don't leave yet. Please. Stay . . . for tonight . . . with me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Absolutely. I need to be with you. I don't think I can keep breathing without you."

"That's funny. I lose my breath when I'm with you."

"I love you."

"Forever."

"Forever."