Come Away With Me

Chapter 9: Seein' Red

Punkin/Buttamellow and Lilah

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by J.K Rowling, Warner Brothers, and its various publishers. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

~*~

I'm seein' red

Don't think you'll have to see my face again

Don't have much time for sympathy

Because it never happened to me

You're feelin' blue now

I think you bit off more than you can chew

And now it's time to make a choice

And all I wanna here is your…

So follow the leader now

And swallow

Your pride and drown

When there's no place left to go

Maybe that's when you will know

Follow

The leader now

And swallow

Your pride and drown

When there's no place left to go

Maybe that's when you will know

Them foolish lies

Why can't you see I've tried to compromise?

Cause what you say ain't always true

And I can see the tears in your eyes

And what you said now

Can't stop the words from running through my head

And what I do to get through to you

But you always do it again

So follow the leader now

And swallow

Your pride and drown

When there's no place left to go

Maybe that's when you will know

Follow

The leader now

And Swallow

Your pride and drown

When there's no place left to go

Maybe that's when you will know

I confess

I don't know what to think from all this mess

Don't have much time for sympathy

Cause it never happened to me

You're feelin' down now

I don't know where I'll be when you're comin' down

And now it's time to make a choice

And all I wanna here is your voice

Seein' Red~ by Unwritten Law

~*~

Ginny pushed open the doors to the library, pulling her robes closer to her.  The chill of winter had begun to evade the hallways, chilling her to the bone.  She stood at the doorway, looking around in search of either Draco or Jeanne.  She was rather surprised when she spotted the two of them seated at the back of the library each concentrating on reading the book of their choice. 

Shifting her book bag on her shoulder, Ginny walked over to where the duo was seated and set down her books with a 'thunk'.  Draco idly looked up from his book before smiling and returning to reading.  Jeanne, on the other hand, jerked her head up with a shocked expression on her face.  Her hand quickly covered her chest.  "Lord Ginny, what were you trying to do?  Scare me to death?"

Draco looked up from his book once more smirking at Jeanne.  He looked as though he were on the verge of making a smart comment when Jeanne turned towards him.  "Don't even say it."

Ginny pulled out a seat, chuckling to herself quietly.  She reached into her weathered bag and pulled out a copy of How to Pass Your Potions' OWL.  Opening the book, Ginny sighed heavily.  She knew that in order to move on to Advance Potions, she'd have to make at least an E on her Potions' OWL.  The problem was that she wasn't sure she wanted to put up with Snape's torment for another two years.

She heard a book close quietly and she looked up to see Draco staring intently out of the window.  She noticed that his expression seemed distant and pained.  Her eyes lingered for a moment before moving on to Jeanne.  Looking over, she saw that Jeanne was once again lost in her tattered copy of Pride and Prejudice.  After glancing over her book and trying to read the first few lines, she closed her book sighing. 

"Honestly, I don't see how I'm going to pass Potions, let alone make an E in it." 

She watched as Draco turned his gaze from the window to look back in her direction.  "Hmmm?"  He asked distractedly.  "What was that Ginny?"

Jeanne dog-eared the page she was on before closing her book and looking up at the two.  She smiled at Ginny widely before turning to Draco.  She was bating him.  "I believe she said, Draco Dear, that she was worried about Potions.  Weren't you listening?" 

Draco mock-glared at Jeanne as Ginny nodded.  The two then began a staring contest.  A battle of wills to see who was stronger.  Ginny rolled her eyes at the two and then looked out the window. 

After looking over the grounds for awhile, her eyes locked with something.  An expression of awe crossed her face as she watched a snowflake descend from the sky, beginning the first snowfall of the year. 

"Look you guys," she said quietly.

Jeanne broke the stare down that she had been having with Draco in order to look in Ginny's direction.  A look of triumph crossed Draco's face.  "Ah ha!  I won!" 

Jeanne turned back to Draco scowling.  "No you didn't," she grated out before turning back to Ginny.

"Yes I did!  You looked away!"  Draco chimed in.

Jeanne groaned, before turning back to look at him.  "No you didn't," she said exasperated. 

"You GUYS!"  Ginny cut in.  She pointed in the direction of the window.  "Look!"  She demanded. 

Draco and Jeanne followed Ginny's hand and looked out of the window.  A smile formed on all three faces. 

"Okay.  Who's up for getting dressed in our warm clothing and then going out?"  Draco questioned the other two. 

The two girls looked at one another excitedly before grabbing their bags and standing. 

"I think I can speak for both of us when I say we'll see you there!"  Jeanne responded. 

"Yeah, Draco.  See you outside."  Ginny added, taking one last glance out of the window. 

The two girls quickly ran off in the direction of the Gryffindor Commons.

~*~

          Draco quickly grabbed his belongings and made his way out of the Library and towards the Slytherin Commons.  Just as he was about to utter the password, the door opened revealing four figures.  Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and Millicent walked out into the hallway and quickly surrounded Draco. 

          Pansy was the first to speak.  "Oh look.  It's Drakey-Wakey," she said with a hint of amusement in her voice.  The other three laughed derisively.  "Hmm…" Pansy said, tapping her grotesque chin with her finger.  "I wonder what Drakey's been up to lately.  He hasn't been hanging around us," she put on a sad face and covered her heart dramatically.  "I'm hurt." 

          It was now Millicent's turn to comment.  "I've seen him around.  He's been with the Weasel girl and that Yankee," she said as though she were proud of herself.  Crabbe and Goyle dumbly nodded in agreement. 

          Pansy tutted.  "Drakey, what would your father say about that?  I just know he'd be furious if he found out.  You, fraternizing with the Muggle lovers.  Tut tut Drakey.  You've been a bad boy." 

          Draco groaned as he tried to push his way past the group.  "Screw my father," he was quickly pushed by Goyle back into the circle. 

          Pansy came to where she was face to face with Draco.  "I'd be careful what you say Drakey.  Word may get out that that you've become a turn coat." 

          Draco glared at Pansy.  "And?  So what?  Get out of my way," he spat out, seething with anger. 

          Pansy nodded to Goyle who grabbed Draco by the arms.  Crabbe balled up his fist and punched Draco in the stomach.  Goyle let go of Draco, letting him drop to the floor.  Pansy walked up and kicked him in the stomach.  "Consider this your warning Drakey," she sneered.  "Next time we won't be so generous." 

          The four turned and walked away leaving Draco on the floor. 

~*~

          Ginny and Jeanne made their way toward the commons laughing and joking between themselves.  The excitement was evident in the air as they quickly walked through the winding hallways and up the stairs leading towards their destination. 

          Ginny turned to Jeanne smirking and said, "So, who are you thinking about going to the Yule Ball with?" 

          Jeanne stopped mid-stride and looked at Ginny gaping.  "I had not…I had not intended…" she trailed off quietly. 

          "Had not intended to what?  To go?"  Ginny asked, rolling her eyes.  "I don't think so, my dear friend.  I'm afraid you have no choice.  You're going."  Jeanne huffed loudly and walked ahead.  Ginny bit her lip, trying to contain to her laughter.  "Oh, alright.  I just thought that you and…Draco might want to go together." 

          Jeanne's mouth opened and closed a few times before she adamantly denied it.  This only furthered Ginny's amusement but she held it inside as the two began to walk once more. 

          Upon reaching the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ginny turned to Jeanne grinning from ear to ear.  "First one who gets to the staircase wins."  She said, giggling conspiratorially.  Jeanne nodded her head and quickly stated the password 'Skyla'.  The Fat Lady tutted unhappily but finally relented and the portrait swung open.  The two girls entered the common room giggling between themselves, each trying to get to the staircase before the other. 

          Ginny quickly stopped mid-stride when her eyes landed on the trio situated at the table in the back corner.  Her breath hitched in her throat unconsciously as her eyes locked with his.  For a moment Ginny thought she saw a spark of recognition in Harry's eyes before they clouded over.  Harry quickly looked away, his jaw locked. 

          Ginny stood there, motionless, unsure of what to do.  If she ran, then she would be the loser in this war of emotions.  She was pretty sure that she was failing dreadfully as it was, but she wasn't about to let him know it.  She nodded her head stiffly toward the trio before turning on her heel and slowly making her way to the staircase.  

          Jeanne, who had been completely unaware of the whole incident, had continued to dodge the miscellaneous chairs and persons situated around the room in order to succeed in being the victor.  Just as she reached the staircase, she turned triumphantly, raising her hands in the air as though to root for herself.  Her arms quickly returned to her sides, however, when she noticed Ginny walking proudly over to the staircase. 

One would have thought that Ginny was unaffected by the incident due to her demeanor, but Jeanne could tell instantly that something was wrong.  Looking over at the trio, Hermione tried to motion toward Harry with her head without Ron and Harry noticing.  Jeanne nodded her head and quickly walked to Ginny's side.  Placing a reassuring hand on the girl's arm, Jeanne followed Ginny out of the common room, up the staircase and out of sight.

~*~

          Harry had been quietly conversing with Ron and Hermione when the portrait swung open, revealing Ginny laughing heartedly with Jeanne.  His eyes were drawn to her instantly and he watched as she fought her way to the staircase.  Obviously the two were excited about something.  He had expected to look away before she noticed him looking, but soon her eyes were connected with his. 

          He could see the emotions coursing through her eyes and they in turn pained him.  For a moment, he forgot his decision.  Everything was as it was the year before.  They were friends; he could talk to her about anything.  But, it was only for a moment.  He soon blocked his feelings, his eyes glazing over. 

          He felt her gaze linger even after he had turned his head.  He wasn't sure which was worse, the intensity of emotion during the stare or the burning sensation in his ears and the back of his neck that she was currently causing.  It was slowly becoming more and more unbearable.  Just as he was sure he couldn't take any more, he heard her, or rather felt her, turn on her heel and begin to walk away.  He gave in to the urge and risked a glance.  It was torturous to see her walking away from him once more, her shoulders squared; her chin high. 

          Sighing, he looked away and back down at his homework.  He could feel Hermione's eyes on him before she even began to speak.  He knew she wasn't happy about the situation.  He knew she was even unhappier about the way he was handling it.  She was right of course, she was always right.  But, that wasn't about to stop him.  She wasn't the one who made this decision.  He was. 

          "Harry…"

          "Hermione," Harry interrupted.  "If I wanted your opinion on this, I'd ask." 

          Hermione snorted angrily, crossing her arms over her chest.  "Don't you see what this is doing to the both of you?"  Harry opened his mouth to speak and Hermione motioned for him to stop.  "I'm not finished yet," she gritted out.  "You don't give her any credit," she stated just above a whisper.

          "Any credit?  About what?"

          Hermione proceeded to snort again, this time a little louder and more obnoxious than the first.  "You do realize she's faced Voldemort," at this Ron flinched and Hermione glared, "and escaped just as you have.  Twice, actually.  Only one other person can say that they've faced him and has been able to tell the tale afterwards.  And that's you, Harry.  Therefore, like I said, you don't give her any credit."

          Harry waited for a moment before talking, his voice extremely low.  "Hermione, I do realize that she's faced him.  That has nothing to do with it."  This time Hermione opened her mouth as to interrupt.  "I'm not finished yet either.  I realize that she's the only other person to have faced Tom and lived.  I know that.  I'm not an idiot."  At this he stopped for a moment to think.  "I just don't want her to have a reason to face him any more.  I want her to have a chance."

          "A chance for what, Harry?"  Hermione asked, her voice softer and less harsh.

          "To be happy."

~*~

Ginny was anxious to get outside and into the snow.  Draco and Jeanne were all but begging to get smashed with a trademark Weasley snowball.  She peeked out of the girl's dormitory.

Alas, no Jeanne. But she thought she heard her name being whispered below, so she slid a bit further out the door crouching by the railings.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were now the only occupants of the Common Room. Hermione was shaking her head.  Harry looked miserable but resolute, and Ron was. Well, Ron was Ron still focusing on the chess board in front of him, although obviously listening.

          Ginny craned her head in order to try and hear what they were so intent on.  Taking a few steps closer, she plastered herself to the wall and leaned her head in.  Still unable to hear the conversation, Ginny bolted up the stairs two at a time and quickly returned with her Extendable Ear.  She quietly tiptoed down the last few stairs as to not attract any attention.   Taking a few steps closer, she plastered herself to the wall and leaned her head in placing one end of the Extendable Ear in her ear as the other end rolled across the floor.  She'd have to thank Fred and George later.  After a few seconds, voices slowly came into focus.

          Ginny heard Hermione quietly question.  "A chance for what?"

          "To be happy," she heard Harry honestly respond, despondency in his voice.  Ginny was utterly confused.  Was Harry afraid that he'd never have the chance to have a happy life?  Her thoughts were quickly pushed aside as she heard Hermione speak once more. 

          "Harry, what if you're taking away her chance to be happy?  To have a happy life?  What if by doing this you're keeping her from what you think she needs most?  There's got to be some other way to keep her safe," Hermione questioned, her voice getting slightly frantic. 

"Come on 'Mione, you know there isn't another way for me to be sure that she is safe.  This is the best way.  No one can know how much she means to me.  If Tom got her I don't know what I'd do.  Knowing it was me that caused it."

"Harry, if she loves you half so much as you care for her she's not just going to let you go.  So what?  You're just going to pretend she isn't there all the time? What about at the Burrow? With Ron, she's always going to come up, she's family."

Ginny stood there in a daze.  The Extendable Ear fell from her ear and lay forgotten on the ground.  The words continued to course through her head.  Draco and Jeanne were right.  Harry was purposely pushing her away because he thought it was for her own good.  She mentally pictured herself walking over to the small group, telling Harry off and then kicking him in the shin before she exited the common room.

She shook her head.  "No, that won't work," she thought to herself.  She stood there for a moment longer with her eyes closed.  Taking a deep breath, she stepped over the threshold and looked Harry in the eyes. 

It looked as though Harry was about to say something but she raised her hand in the air.  "Don't," she gritted out.  "I don't want to hear it.  You didn't even give me a chance to decide, Harry."  Her eyes remained in contact with Harry's for a moment longer before she turned and walked out of the common room.

~*~

Jeanne walked quickly back to the Tower with her treasures.  It had taken awhile for Ginny to persuade Jeanne that she was alright.  The two had discussed the situation shortly before a stomach growled.  Neither was exactly sure whose stomach it was because both were extremely famished.  Although she had been reluctant at first, Jeanne had finally been persuaded to go to the kitchens to get some snacks since she was the first ready. 

She made her way quickly through the winding halls and staircases lost in her thoughts.  The situation between Harry and Ginny needed to be remedied soon.  She and Draco had been discussing options at length over the past few weeks.  As of yet, they hadn't come up with a viable solution.  They had spent many hours pouring over the facts they knew and the delicacy of the situation.  There were several ideas that had been quickly discarded due to the brash and sometimes insensitive ways to go about it.  Those of course had been Draco's.   Her thoughts quickly shifted as she pictured Draco with a snowball plastered to his pale face courtesy of Jeanne Davidson.  "That'll get that smug grin off of his face for sure!"  She muttered to herself as she stopped at the portrait.  Just as she was about to speak the password, the portrait was slammed open to reveal a very furious Ginny Weasley.

The portrait slowly swung back to its original position, the Fat Lady all the while muttering about 'rude Gryffindors' and how in her day children would've had more consideration for others.  'Even if they were only portraits.'  Ginny blushed slightly and smiled apologetically toward the Fat Lady. 

As Ginny turned her head back around, she finally realized that Jeanne was in front of her.  Jeanne was just about to open her mouth to question her about what had happened when Ginny shook her head as though to say, "Not now." 

Jeanne nodded her head and shifted her goods.  'Maybe we won't have to come up with an idea after all.'

"Alright.  Well, I've got some food for us to eat, although I doubt we'll need this much," she said smiling.  Jeanne had, of course, some idea what was said after she left, but she knew it was her job as best friend to take Ginny's brooding mind off the subject.  "I'm ready to kick some Malfoy butt!  How about you?" She asked, laughing.  Ginny nodded her head slightly and they began to walk down the hall towards the Entrance Hall.

~*~

"Where's Draco?" Ginny asked as soon as the two reached the outdoors.  Jeanne quickly put down her burden of food and instantly began building a snow fort and a large arsenal of snowballs. 

"Dunno," was her only reply, as she quickly became covered in snow. "Maybe he was too chicken to come out and take defeat like a man. Assuming Draco wants to be a man that is. Maybe he's more on the prissy side," she said, stopping to think for a moment.  Noticing the look on Ginny's face, she acquiesced, "I'm just kidding and you know it. He's annoying but not a bad guy. Don't you dare tell him I said anything Virginia Weasley or I'll..."

"Or you'll what? Might actually face up to the fact that you like him? I've seen you two. I've never seen him blush other than when he's talking to or about you."    After a tense, quiet moment, Ginny looked towards the entrance. "Where is that boy?"

As if on cue, at that moment Draco came outside. Ginny noticed how he was carefully trying to not move his torso. 'What could have happened?'  She thought to herself.  Although she was worried, she didn't voice her thoughts. It was obvious that he did not want to alarm them.

After a moment of silence as Draco made his way over to the girls, Jeanne stood up with a snowball in hand.  "Ready to get whooped?"  She asked, grinning evilly at Draco.  

Ginny smiled, glad that the tension had ceased.  "I don't know Jeanne, are you ready to get 'whooped'?"  She said, picking up a snowball.

Jeanne turned towards Ginny, her eyes twinkling.  "Never Red!" And the fight ensued. After a while of dodging balls and getting plastered with them, Jeanne launched a snowball directly at Draco, hitting his chest with vigorous speed. Ginny saw him wince at contact.

"You ok?"  Ginny asked, worriedly.

"Do you surrender?"  Draco retorted, picking up some snow and making a tight ball.  He took an intimidating step forward.

"No," Jeanne yelled grabbing some more ammo. 

Ginny shook her head in Jeanne's direction.   "Are you ok?"  Ginny questioned once more. 

"I'm fine."  Draco said, letting his ball fly. 

Ginny narrowed her eyes.  "We'll see about that." She froze his snowball mid-air and went closer to examine him. Bruises were forming around his eyes. He had probably broken a few ribs as well. "Come on; let's get you to Madame Pomfrey."

"I'm not going," Draco said, backing away from Ginny.  His eyes were shooting daggers at her.

"Yes you are," piped in Jeanne. "We're going to say that you fell out of a tree. The Whomping Willow that is." She said while giggling, though her face soon sobered as she noticed the painstakingly slow movements he made as they walked toward the Infirmary.  She didn't think she had hit him that hard.

~*~

Madame Pomfrey quickly healed Draco. Ginny then made him confess to the details of what he had been trying to hide from them. After a moment of silence, Ginny spoke up thoughtfully.  "We need to go to Dumbledore. He'll help you.  Although, he probably already knows considering he knows everything else that goes on around this school."

Draco once again tried to resist but it was to no avail.  The two girls quickly forced him out of the Infirmary and in the direction of Dumbledore's office.   

The two Gryffindors and a Slytherin defector slowly walked down the hall. "What's the password, do you think," Jeanne asked as they reached the entrance to Dumbledore's office.

"I don't know, but I bet its candy of some form. Acid pop, canary crèmes, screaming peppermint…"  Ginny replied, while grabbing Draco's arm to prevent him from leaving.

"Salt Water Taffy," Jeanne said and the door opened. She shrugged, "You said candy and it was the first thing that popped into my head.  It's famous where I'm from. Good stuff." Ginny nodded and proceeded to pull Draco on to the stairs.  The three, the new Hogwarts Trio, went up the winding staircase to the headmaster's office.

Dumbledore did not look surprised by their entrance. The old wizard did seem to know everything.  He motioned for the three to sit in the chairs opposite of his desk.  He looked at each one thoughtfully for a moment before speaking.  "Hello, Miss Weasley, Miss Davidson, Mr. Malfoy," he said nodding his head in the direction of each student.  "Salt Water Taffy?" he held out a bowl of the infamous American candy.  Draco and Ginny shook their heads but Jeanne quickly grabbed one.  Dumbledore smiled.  "Well, now down to business.  What can I do for the three of you today?"

Ginny and Jeanne promptly turned their heads, looking pointedly at Draco, who was slowly sinking lower and lower in his seat.  "Well," Ginny started.  "I believe Draco has something he needs to speak to you about, don't you Draco?" 

Draco remained silent and shook his head.  Jeanne sighed exasperatedly.  "Yes you do.  Come on Draco.  He needs to know." 

Ginny and Jeanne looked at each other both thinking the same thing.  "If you don't tell him…,"

"We will for you," Jeanne finished for Ginny.

Draco sat unhappily in a comfy chair by the fire telling every detail while the others sat quietly giving him silent support.  He told them of how he had come to the realization that his father's thoughts and feelings were wrong, although he did not give the details of why he had come to that realization.  He told them of how the four had cornered him and threatened him, although his voice was barely over a whisper.  Draco's pride was seriously being hampered as he exposed each detail.  He had always been one to take care of himself; the one to find a way out of hard spots.  Asking for help was never one of his finer points.  It was obviously a difficult task for him.

Dumbledore listened carefully, his expression grim. When he finally spoke, his voice was grave but his eyes still held their twinkle, "My dear boy, it seems that you are in quite a fix. You cannot return to Slytherin, but you cannot join another house. Perhaps it would be best to call Severus in." He walked to the fire and threw a pinch of floo powder in. "Severus Snape," he requested. Snape's greasy head appeared in the blaze. "Could you please join us, Severus?"

The black haired professor looked put out, but did as the Headmaster requested. "Ah, here we are, all together now. Would you like some tea Severus?" Snape looked like he wanted to refuse but gave in.

"Now, it has come to my attention that Draco has fallen out of favor with his house. They will not have him back. However, he cannot join Gryffindor for obvious reasons." At this Snape snorted derisively. "I would like you to convert your secondary lab into a bedroom and study for Draco with a connection to the hall near Gryffindor tower. Perhaps you have a loyal portrait that would like the job of guarding the entrance?"

Snape looked truly shocked and somewhat reluctant at first; he then nodded. He glanced at Jeanne and then to Ginny. "Why are the other two present?"

"They are to have access to his study so adjust the wards accordingly. That is all, Severus. You can go back to your experiments now." Snape nodded and then disappeared into the flames. Dumbledore did not miss Jeanne's lingering gaze into the fire, neither did Ginny.

"Well, now that that's been settled, are there any other matters than need to be discussed?"  The three shook their heads in response.  Dumbledore nodded.  "Well then, you may go now.  Thank you."

"Let's go." Jeanne said regaining herself.  She stood and walked to the door.  Ginny followed suit and walked toward the door as well. 

Draco however sat in the chair for a moment longer.  "Sir, I don't mean to be rude but won't this only cause more of a controversy within my house and family?  Couldn't the repercussions of this be worse than me just pushing it aside?" 

The two girls opened the door and quietly walked out.  They stood in the stairwell leading up to Dumbledore's office waiting for Draco. 

Dumbledore looked at Draco for a moment before speaking, "Mr. Malfoy, I know that the things with your family have been…unbearable.  I don't want your time here at Hogwarts to be viewed in the same light.  I also don't want you to be in any danger.  You will play a pivotal role in the final battle, I am sure.  I also need you to protect those two girls.  They both will also play important roles; Ginny I am positive will play one of the leading roles.  Do not be concerned.  Everything will be taken care of," he finished, smiling.  "Now, I think your friends are waiting for you." 

Draco nodded before slowly standing and walking towards the door.  He glanced back at the Headmaster and smiled.  "Thank you, sir." 

The two girls eagerly waited for Draco's arrival.  As the door opened they quickly grabbed Draco's arms and pulled him down the stairs.  Draco looked at each of the girls and smiled.  "Thanks you guys." 

"Aw, it was no problem," Jeanne replied as they reached the bottom of the stairwell.  Ginny nodded. 

He put an arm around each girl.  "To the kitchens for some food?"  He asked.

Ginny nodded but Jeanne's hand flew to her mouth.  "Oh no!  I left the food outside!" 

Ginny chuckled.  "Well, there's not much you can do about it now.  It's probably frozen."  Jeanne nodded her head. 

"Well, I guess that was a yes then," Draco said, steering the three in the direction of the kitchens.  

~*~

 On the return journey from the kitchens, Draco stopped for a moment, looking at each girl.  "Hmmm…yes, I believe so," he stated to himself.

"You believe what?"  Jeanne retorted.

Draco rolled his eyes.  "I believe…" he started once more, "that I'd be honored if both of you would accompany me to the Yule Ball."

Jeanne looked as though she had been about to come back with a nasty remark but had been dumbfounded by the question.  She stood there, gaping for a moment, before recovering gracefully.  "Are you sure?" she questioned him.  He nodded his head in affirmation.  "Well, I…I guess I'd love to join you then." 

Ginny stood there, looking between Draco and Jeanne pain slowly taking over.  The duo then turned toward her waiting for a response.  "I…well, I…" she started.  Harry's face flashed into her head.  The words rang in her ears.  She took a step back and looked at her two friends.  She couldn't take this right now.  Turning quickly, she darted off in the opposite direction. 

~*~

          Ginny soon found herself sitting in the snow below her favorite tree.   She looked out over the lake as the snowflakes descended from the sky and gently landed on its surface.  That giant squid had taken shelter deep under the water to keep away from the cool temperatures.  The lake was calm, calmer than usual. 

          Ginny continued to gaze out over the lake, the past months playing and replaying over and over again in her head. 

Why aren't you writing me Harry?  Did I do something wrong?  Why did I do to make you mad?  Please tell me. 

          But I promised?  Ginny, you and I both know that promises are for shit.

          Quit being such a…

Don't you see Ginny?  That's just it.  He's pushing you away and he's hurting you.  He's hurting you so he can save you.  He doesn't want you to get hurt anymore.

No one can know how much she means to me.  No one can know how much she means to me.  No one can know how much she means to me… 

          Ginny was so lost in her thoughts that she was unable to hear the approaching footsteps.  It wasn't until she felt a hand on her shoulder, that she was aware that anyone was even near her.  She quickly started, grabbing for her wand and directed it to the person.  Her eyes narrowed sharply as she placed her wand back into her pocket.

          "What are you doing here?"

~*~

A/N:  Alright, I know I know.  You all hate me.  Sorry it took iso/i long to update.  This semester was absolutely Hell.  With taking 18 hours, pledging a sorority and planning a conference I really didn't have any time to myself.  I also hit a major writer's block.  I've pretty much gotten over it now and I've already started the next chapter.  It won't take long to get it out.  No pledging or 18 hours this semester. Wahoo!  Thank you all for being so patient with me.  I can't believe I've gotten over 100 reviews.  I was jumping for joy when I saw it. 

Alright, I've got to give a little shameless plug now:

If you love to write and have fun making up your own characters then I think you'll enjoy this.

1. Salem Institute of Magical Crafts is a fabulous role playing site.  You make up your own characters and apply for them to go to a Magical Institute like Hogwarts that is set in America. 

2. Has anybody ever called you an absolute angel? Have you spent your days being compared to a demon of the worst degree? Are you a normal person just trying to get by in a crazy world?

Well, have I got the place for you!

Limbo, Inc. is a brand-spanking new RP with seven rooms, completely furnished and waiting your company. You can rent for awhile or keep it forever as your own! The attic is absolutely Heaven, dreams are made to come true, and we even come equipped with our own bartender. In the backyard is a glorious set of fountains just waiting to impress upon your their sage advice! And Hell isn't just a sauna anymore, folks--it's the entire basement!

Interested? Check it out at:

Alright, now that I'm done with that I'm moving on to the important part.  The reviews.  Thanks guys…thank you ever so much.

Legacyofemira:  Ha ha ha.  Nah, I don't think I'm that special.  Thanks so much though.  I loved your review.  Hope you like the new chapter.

Evo422: LOL.  No really don't worry about it.  I love getting your reviews.  They're great.  Don't feel bad at all.  I'm glad you're questioning things and thinking up ways that the story might go.  Keep it up!

D.Torres:  I'm so sorry about that last chapter thing and the alert going off.  I'm also sorry about this chapter taking so long.  I hope you liked this one. 

KrisKG: I always love new readers.  I'm so sorry that you started reading this as I got my writer's block.  I hope you like the new chapter. 

DoubleD: Ha ha ha.  Well, I won't say no then.  You're very perceptive.  I'm glad someone's starting to catch on.  But, I'm not making any promises.  Glad you like the story.

Sarahamanda: Well, if I told you then I'd ruin the surprise.  You'll see, you'll see.  That's all I can tell you for now.

Mep1: I'm soooooo sorry it took me so long to update.  Throw whatever you like at me.  I'll try to not duck.  I'm glad you love the story though.  It's been fun to write.

Not4u2no: I'm glad you loved it!!!!!

MilesFromNormal: I know…isn't she the greatest?  I just absolutely adore Norah Jones as well.  She has such a fabulous voice.  It's a lot different from the other popular voices of today.  Her lyrics are fantastic as well.  Thanks so much for reviewing and I'm so sorry this took so long.

Angelgirl11: Thanks!  Glad you liked it!

i-h8-sclub: Yeah, the sun doesn't really make one of my friends too happy either.  It gives her sun poisoning.  I'm glad you liked the chapter though!  Thanks for reviewing.

Jeanne: I'm glad you loved the editing for the last chapter.  Thanks so much for helping with this chapter as well.  You're fabulous.

Newbie: Thanks for reviewing the story.  I hope you liked the newest chapter.