A/N: I do not own any of the characters of Harry Potter. Just thought I'd
make a quick mention of that. Also I should say thanks to all those who
reviewed. It's my first Harry fan fic and I'm extremely nervous about it.
I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Thanks a bunch to MissSugarQuill for being so
nice to me although I'm a complete stranger. Your email really meant a lot
to me and I'm glad not everybody is wrapped up in themselves. Enjoy the
next chapter!
- Erin (theunluckymagician)
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Harry could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders when he woke up the next morning. Time, it seemed, was not as good a healer as most people thought. All time made him think of was how long it would be until he dropped dead from one of Voldemort's new schemes, at the hands of a death eater.... or perhaps the Dark Lord himself. Hermione's hot cocoa was obviously a temporary fix to a long list of problems. Harry turned on his side on the floor and observed that Ron was no longer in his previous spot on the bed, but was now rummaging through his closet. The tall, lanky red- head smiled when he saw Harry had woken.
"Heya Harry! Finally up are ya? You know, I bet I could've gotten Fred and George to let off firecrackers by your head and you wouldn't have even jumped," Ron mentioned as he stretched his arms above his head and grinned. Harry let out a small sigh and nodded in response. He was in no mood to talk to anybody, but yet he was curious as to what Ron was doing.
"What are the plans for the day?" Harry asked as he stiffled a yawn.
"Same as usual, Harry. Breakfast and some quidditch in the backyard. You better get your broom and meet me out there if you know what's good for ya. I'm sure that you'll be back on the team now that her royal highness inquisitor has gotten out of our way," Ron said hopefully, with a smirk at his rememberance of Harry's return to the Gryffndor team. Harry's heart was filled with happiness again. Quidditch; the absoulte best thing there was at Hogwarts, aside from his friends of course. Which reminded Harry...
"What about Ginny? I thought she had filled my position as seeker?" Harry asked Ron questioningly. Ron shrugged and cocked his head to the side.
"You're better than her. Ginny can give the other teams a run for their money, but she's much better as a chaser. She's mentioned something about filling Angelina's spot on the team once or twice before. She'd love having you back on the team just as much as the rest of us I reckon," Ron stated and broke into a widespread smile again. Harry nodded and grinned at the good news. He could be on the quidditch team again, flying high above the stadium as he searched for any slight glimmer of gold around him. He pulled a new t-shirt on over his head and frowned at himself in the mirror that hung by Ron's door. His hair was as uncontrollable as ever, as good as it was gonna get. The two boys walked down the stairs slowly and headed into the kitchen. Harry could sense the distinct smell of cinnamon as he sat down at a vacant spot at the table. Mrs.Weasley was busy bustling about and whipping up meals, too distracted to wish them a good-morning. Hermione however, her hair stuckout and frizzy, yawned and waved to them from across the table. Ginny, looking a bit distant, also smiled in greeting.
Mrs.Weasley dropped a frying pan on the floor with a loud thud. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry were startled right out of their seats. She apologized quickly and motioned with her wand for a quick pick-up.
"I'm so sorry dears! It's just that, the morning owl is here and it looks as though it's brought quite a few letters. Perhaps your O.W.Ls have finally come in? I've noticed they've been a bit late this year, probably because the ministry is a bit distracted, but I couldn't help but be anxious for the news. Better have a look, eh?" she asked with a nervous smile and let the owl inside. Harry and Ron looked at each other nervously, but Hermione looked perfectly confident in her seat next to Ginny, a broad smile upon her face. Mrs. Weasley detached the 4 letters from the owl's leg and passed them around.
"Looks as though the Hogwarts letters have arrived as well," Ginny mentioned, noticing there was a message for her too. Ron gulped and silently grabbed for his letter. Harry watched him intently, instead of reading his own results. He couldn't do that yet! It was too much. Apparently it was too much for Ron as well. Harry noticed Ron look apprehensively at Hermione for a few moments before pushing his chair back and standing up.
"I'm going to look at mine in private if you don't mind Mum. I'll be in my room," he said and bolted up the stairs. Harry watched him go sadly and looked at the own paper in his hands. Hermione let out a squeal.
"I got all outstandings!! All of them! Except for potions, somehow I only got an exceeds expectations!" Hermione yelled happily, with just a hint of disappointment as well. Harry put his head in his hands. If Hermione got an exceeds expectations in potions, he must've failed miserably! Hermione was the best student in class! He twiddled his thumbs in anxiety, sweat forming on his forehead with each passing second. Ginny stared at him questioningly and spoke up.
"Don't be worried, Harry. You're really bright, you just underestimate your intelligence. Go ahead and read your results. You don't have to share them with everyone if you aren't up to it. We certainly can't force you into doing anything," she said reassuringly. She made sure to flash him a confident smile afterward, just for extra support. He nodded and read through his results.
Charms : Outstanding
History of Magic: Exceeds Expectations
Divination: Acceptable
Astronomy: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations
Potions: Exceeds Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures: Exceeds Expectations
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding
Harry couldn't believe his eyes as he read. He had received 2 outstandings! Not to mention a exceeds expectations in potions! He must have gotten extremely lucky on exams day! Of course his divination grade could have been much better, but Harry could care less. He was so happy he could burst!
"I passed!" was all he could say after taking in his letter. Hermione clapped and laughed and Ginny beamed at him proudly.
"Let me see Hermione, Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked. They handed over their letters to the red-haired woman happily and hugged each other close. Ginny stood up quietly and left the room unnoticed. Harry let go of Hermione finally, realizing Ginny was no longer in her seat. Before he could say anything, Mrs. Weasley hugged them both close to her and expressed her pride a thousand times over. Ron flew down the stairs in time to announce he had also passed. Mrs.Weasley was overwhelmed with tears at the news and announced a special treat was in order for the celebration. Harry gave a slight smile, too bothered by things to relish in his good grades. He retreated from the kitchen, hoping to get some alone time in before Ron would drag him outside for quidditch practice. To his surprise, Ginny was sitting at the top of the stairs, staring off into space. She jumped noticing he was there. Harry watched her as she surprisingly burst into little fits of laughter.
"Harry! You scared me! You can't just stand over top of me like that!" She managed to get out between giggles. Her laughter was too contagious for Harry. He broke into a full smile for the first time in ages and even let out a chuckle or two. Something about her smile easily spread a tingle throughout his body. Perhaps it was the one small dimple in the side of her cheek, or the way her face flushed a slight pink color at her cheekbones.
"Sorry." he mumbled eventually remembering to come back to earth. What was so funny anyway?
"No problem. It was entirely my fault. So, I haven't seen you in awhile..." Ginny started to say. She turned a darker shade of red at this comment. What in the world was she going on about? She had just seen him downstairs not even two minutes ago! Harry must have understood what she meant because he nodded in agreement.
"Since the Hogwarts train," he responded simply. Ginny remembered how she had informed Harry that Cho was now going out with her ex, Michael Corner. She had felt horrible afterward, but she knew it was the truth. Harry didn't seem to be too upset about it anyway! In fact, he didn't look very interested at all. They had all changed that year though. Ginny knew that it was no luck dating a ravenclaw who liked quidditch anyway. They were so wrapped up in themselves. Michael was always arguing with her, and Cho was always crying all over Harry. Crying is ok once in awhile, even all over guys, but constantly talking about your ex-boyfriend in front of him might not be the best of ideas. She coughed when she realized she had been thinking a moment too long and Harry was starting to move away from her.
"I know I'm younger than you and everything Harry, but would you like to talk for a little bit?" she asked him. What was she expecting? If he had barely said two words to Ron or Hermione, there was no way he would open up to her. He had said maybe 5 things to her the entire time they had known eachother. That included the time he had saved her life in the Chamber of Secrets. She remembered everything about that day. How he looked, the tone of his voice, his eyes on hers. It made her tremble just thinking about it. He had definately changed since then. He was older, more mature, and definately....more burnded. Ginny realized this last bit sadly. The last thing she wanted to see was Harry Potter without his Harry Potter genuine smile, and those gleaming green eyes that could make any girl met. They far surpassed her own boring brown eyes. Ginny shook her head to snap herself out of her daydream. Thank god she was not with Dean like she had told everyone on the Hogwarts Express, or else she would have felt extremely guilty right then. Harry looked at her in surprise. She wanted to just..talk? What in the world could she want to talk about with him? He didn't want to talk to her. Not because he disliked her, but because he disliked the thought of what might come up in conversation. He didn't want to discuss Sirius or Voldemort or anything close to it. He was already tired of those topics, they sawm around in his mind each day. Something about the youngest Weasley he found irresistble just then. She stared directly at him, waiting for an answer. He felt unusually compelled to say yes....he could feel the urge to talk for hours suddenly. What was she doing to him? He looked for a trace of her wand around her, but he stopped realizing how silly the idea was. She couldn't use magic outside of Hogwarts. He let out the breath he had held back in a long, soft sigh. It was the sound of his voice that reminded him that Ginny was patiently waiting for him to say something.
"I'd like that." Harry responded slightly above a whisper. Had he just said that he'd like that? Ginny's eyes widened in shock. He wanted to? She could feel her cheeks growing hot and quickly calmed herself down. No need to get so worked up. He probably won't say much of anything anyway.
"That's good. Um, where do you want to go? My room?" she asked. This time she couldn't surpress her feelings of embarassment. Her face flushed a scarlet color and he smiled. She was kind of cute when she got shy like that....but just in a friendly way!!!
"Right. Um, that sounds fine. I've never been in there before." he replied. Ginny sighed with relief. She motioned for him to follow her before continuing on. Harry found himself entering a small bedroom to his left. It had spring green walls. This comforted him for some odd reason. It reminded him perhaps of his mothers eyes...watching him with pride. He smiled at the warmth he felt with this thought. Ginny sat herself down on her bed and directed him toward a chair by her desk. He sat down in it hesitantly, unsure of where to start with a conversation. To his relief, Ginny began.
They talked about everything from quidditch to Christmas. They remembered receiving their Hogwarts letters for the first time, the experience of finding a wand, and being sorted into their Hogwarts house. Ginny was surprised to learn Harry had been considered for Slytherin and shuddered at the thought of him being stuck in a house with Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Ginny loathed Pansy Parkinson. Harry frowned when he learned that Pansy had always harassed Ginny, but he knew Ginny was stronger than most girls. Still... no one likes to be picked on. Harry eventually found himself even talking about how he had met Sirius, and all the happy memories he had shared with his godfather. Ginny listened intently, and never interrupted, nor did she say anything about his death. This was a great weight Harry felt was lifted off of him. He expected her to make mention of it sometime. It was not until after they were talking about Malfoy the bouncing ferret and the swamp Fred and George had conjured up for Umbridge that Ginny fianlly expressed to him about her worry.
"Harry, I know you'll probably hate me for saying this, but.... I'm worried about you. I know something's wrong," she said and stared at him waiting for him to get mad and storm off. That was certainly what he would do to Ron and Hermione last year when they mentioned their concern. She couldn't help but wonder why he was so distant. She had observed him so closely for so long that she felt she knew when he was bothered by something. he got this look in his eyes....
"I know Ginny. I know. I'm sorry, it's just... I've got a lot to be worried and upset about. Stuff I'm not sure I can explain to you. Everything about me is just a problem. Everything I do puts everyone I love in danger. I feel like I can't take a step without someone getting hurt for it. Every evil wizard out there is out to get me.... everyone I know wants to help me, but I know I can't let them! I can't force anyone into this nightmare like I did before. How am I supposed to handle it on my own? Why did my godfather, the only one left to raise me, have to die so soon after me knowing he even existed? Why did I have to live while my parents were lost? I shouldn't mean anything to anyone! I'm not brave! I'm just stupid, meaningless Harry Potter who lives in a stupid muggle house with his stupid muggle uncle and aunt and fat stuoid git of a cousin, who is worthless to the world and will end up nowhere in life anyhow! Why can't somebody else go become a hero? I'm not a hero, and I don't want to be famous. I just want everything to end!" Harry said all in one breath. His heart raced knowing what he had just confided in Ginny. he had burst out with everything he had been thinking of since...forever. Of course he had made no mention of the prophecy or Cho or any of that, but he had got the point across sure enough. Why had he taken it out on Ginny like that? He probably scared her, or at least made her pity him. That was all he got now, pity and sympathy.
"Yeah...well I broke a nail this morning and it really hurts." Ginny stated simply and smiled at him. harry looked at her curiously. What was she on about? How did that compare to what he just told her? Had she even been listening just then?
"Did you even hear me?" Harry asked. Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Of course I was listening. I just thought that if we were focusing on every little bad thing that has happened to us, that I would mention my problems too. One of my problems is that I broke a nail this morning, and it hurts. It may not be as horrible as the things that have happened to you Harry, but I feel like I was unlucky for such a thing to happen to me. That hurts me inside, and I don't know why. It's just a stupid nail. It'll grow back." Ginny replied, looking at her finger and back up at Harry with aunexplainable look in her eyes. When she put it that way, Harry felt stupid for bottling himself up like that. Had he forgotten all the things he had been blessed with in his life? Surely he would be happy again, just as he was before. It was amazing how Ginny had made him feel this way. Why didn't she sympathize with him like everyone else? She made him feel different. In fact, she made him feel like he didn't know as much as he thought he did.
"Oh. I guess you are right then. I guess everybody has their own problems." he said to her. She nodded.
"Yeah, but you are right Harry. Yours are a lot more complicated than everyone else's. I've seen you deal with them before and you can do it again. Don't worry so much about things and you'll be fine. You are brave and strong Harry Potter, maybe in ways you don't know of. Your heart amazes me. You have so much love and passion for things. I don't want to see you lose that because some people disagree with you. Voldemort wants to make this world dark...but those who resist will conquer. Especially with someone like you on our side. You lived Harry, more than once. That was because you willed it to be so. Nothing is impossible. I'm sure if Dumbledore were here now, he'd tell you to consider the things worth saving in your life. It;s easy to focus purely on the negative aspects of your life when living through such dark times. Rise above it, be better than it, and remember there are those who care about you Harry." Ginny recited as if it were a speech, never taking her eyes away from him. Harry couldn't help but feel content just sitting there in her room. It was as if something has suddenly changed for him. How did the youngest Weasley become so smart? She was always intelligent, but he never knew she could give such excellent advice. It calmed him to know someone wouldn't let him complain about things all the time. He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by Ron throwing the door open excitedly.
"Glad I found you Harry! Its quidditch time!" he yelled. Harry looked at Ginny who smiled and nodded toward her brother. Harry sighed and got up from the chair.
"Well Ginny, if you're gonna be a chaser, better come practice with us. You'll know what its like trying to get a quaffle through the ring when Ron here is keeper! And Ron, you'll see what it's like to have Ginny come flying at you with a quaffle in hand. Scary no doubt?" Harry said and laughed at Ginny. Ginny nodded in agreement and raised her eyebrows at Ron. He nodded and looked at the two of them curiously.
"Are you going to get your brooms or not?" he asked exasperated. Harry smiled, rolled his eyes, and shook his head at his impatient friend. Ginny got off her bed and headed for the downstairs, where her broom was kept. Ron followed closely behind her.
"What did you say to him Ginny?" he asked with concern in his eyes. Ginny gave him a smirk and answered happily.
"I told him I broke a nail this morning. Do you know how much that hurts, Ron?" she asked him. Ron shook his head and mumbled something about "girls". Ginny giggled and grabbed her broom. There was hardly anyone in the world she loved more than her brother.
- Erin (theunluckymagician)
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Harry could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders when he woke up the next morning. Time, it seemed, was not as good a healer as most people thought. All time made him think of was how long it would be until he dropped dead from one of Voldemort's new schemes, at the hands of a death eater.... or perhaps the Dark Lord himself. Hermione's hot cocoa was obviously a temporary fix to a long list of problems. Harry turned on his side on the floor and observed that Ron was no longer in his previous spot on the bed, but was now rummaging through his closet. The tall, lanky red- head smiled when he saw Harry had woken.
"Heya Harry! Finally up are ya? You know, I bet I could've gotten Fred and George to let off firecrackers by your head and you wouldn't have even jumped," Ron mentioned as he stretched his arms above his head and grinned. Harry let out a small sigh and nodded in response. He was in no mood to talk to anybody, but yet he was curious as to what Ron was doing.
"What are the plans for the day?" Harry asked as he stiffled a yawn.
"Same as usual, Harry. Breakfast and some quidditch in the backyard. You better get your broom and meet me out there if you know what's good for ya. I'm sure that you'll be back on the team now that her royal highness inquisitor has gotten out of our way," Ron said hopefully, with a smirk at his rememberance of Harry's return to the Gryffndor team. Harry's heart was filled with happiness again. Quidditch; the absoulte best thing there was at Hogwarts, aside from his friends of course. Which reminded Harry...
"What about Ginny? I thought she had filled my position as seeker?" Harry asked Ron questioningly. Ron shrugged and cocked his head to the side.
"You're better than her. Ginny can give the other teams a run for their money, but she's much better as a chaser. She's mentioned something about filling Angelina's spot on the team once or twice before. She'd love having you back on the team just as much as the rest of us I reckon," Ron stated and broke into a widespread smile again. Harry nodded and grinned at the good news. He could be on the quidditch team again, flying high above the stadium as he searched for any slight glimmer of gold around him. He pulled a new t-shirt on over his head and frowned at himself in the mirror that hung by Ron's door. His hair was as uncontrollable as ever, as good as it was gonna get. The two boys walked down the stairs slowly and headed into the kitchen. Harry could sense the distinct smell of cinnamon as he sat down at a vacant spot at the table. Mrs.Weasley was busy bustling about and whipping up meals, too distracted to wish them a good-morning. Hermione however, her hair stuckout and frizzy, yawned and waved to them from across the table. Ginny, looking a bit distant, also smiled in greeting.
Mrs.Weasley dropped a frying pan on the floor with a loud thud. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry were startled right out of their seats. She apologized quickly and motioned with her wand for a quick pick-up.
"I'm so sorry dears! It's just that, the morning owl is here and it looks as though it's brought quite a few letters. Perhaps your O.W.Ls have finally come in? I've noticed they've been a bit late this year, probably because the ministry is a bit distracted, but I couldn't help but be anxious for the news. Better have a look, eh?" she asked with a nervous smile and let the owl inside. Harry and Ron looked at each other nervously, but Hermione looked perfectly confident in her seat next to Ginny, a broad smile upon her face. Mrs. Weasley detached the 4 letters from the owl's leg and passed them around.
"Looks as though the Hogwarts letters have arrived as well," Ginny mentioned, noticing there was a message for her too. Ron gulped and silently grabbed for his letter. Harry watched him intently, instead of reading his own results. He couldn't do that yet! It was too much. Apparently it was too much for Ron as well. Harry noticed Ron look apprehensively at Hermione for a few moments before pushing his chair back and standing up.
"I'm going to look at mine in private if you don't mind Mum. I'll be in my room," he said and bolted up the stairs. Harry watched him go sadly and looked at the own paper in his hands. Hermione let out a squeal.
"I got all outstandings!! All of them! Except for potions, somehow I only got an exceeds expectations!" Hermione yelled happily, with just a hint of disappointment as well. Harry put his head in his hands. If Hermione got an exceeds expectations in potions, he must've failed miserably! Hermione was the best student in class! He twiddled his thumbs in anxiety, sweat forming on his forehead with each passing second. Ginny stared at him questioningly and spoke up.
"Don't be worried, Harry. You're really bright, you just underestimate your intelligence. Go ahead and read your results. You don't have to share them with everyone if you aren't up to it. We certainly can't force you into doing anything," she said reassuringly. She made sure to flash him a confident smile afterward, just for extra support. He nodded and read through his results.
Charms : Outstanding
History of Magic: Exceeds Expectations
Divination: Acceptable
Astronomy: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations
Potions: Exceeds Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures: Exceeds Expectations
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding
Harry couldn't believe his eyes as he read. He had received 2 outstandings! Not to mention a exceeds expectations in potions! He must have gotten extremely lucky on exams day! Of course his divination grade could have been much better, but Harry could care less. He was so happy he could burst!
"I passed!" was all he could say after taking in his letter. Hermione clapped and laughed and Ginny beamed at him proudly.
"Let me see Hermione, Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked. They handed over their letters to the red-haired woman happily and hugged each other close. Ginny stood up quietly and left the room unnoticed. Harry let go of Hermione finally, realizing Ginny was no longer in her seat. Before he could say anything, Mrs. Weasley hugged them both close to her and expressed her pride a thousand times over. Ron flew down the stairs in time to announce he had also passed. Mrs.Weasley was overwhelmed with tears at the news and announced a special treat was in order for the celebration. Harry gave a slight smile, too bothered by things to relish in his good grades. He retreated from the kitchen, hoping to get some alone time in before Ron would drag him outside for quidditch practice. To his surprise, Ginny was sitting at the top of the stairs, staring off into space. She jumped noticing he was there. Harry watched her as she surprisingly burst into little fits of laughter.
"Harry! You scared me! You can't just stand over top of me like that!" She managed to get out between giggles. Her laughter was too contagious for Harry. He broke into a full smile for the first time in ages and even let out a chuckle or two. Something about her smile easily spread a tingle throughout his body. Perhaps it was the one small dimple in the side of her cheek, or the way her face flushed a slight pink color at her cheekbones.
"Sorry." he mumbled eventually remembering to come back to earth. What was so funny anyway?
"No problem. It was entirely my fault. So, I haven't seen you in awhile..." Ginny started to say. She turned a darker shade of red at this comment. What in the world was she going on about? She had just seen him downstairs not even two minutes ago! Harry must have understood what she meant because he nodded in agreement.
"Since the Hogwarts train," he responded simply. Ginny remembered how she had informed Harry that Cho was now going out with her ex, Michael Corner. She had felt horrible afterward, but she knew it was the truth. Harry didn't seem to be too upset about it anyway! In fact, he didn't look very interested at all. They had all changed that year though. Ginny knew that it was no luck dating a ravenclaw who liked quidditch anyway. They were so wrapped up in themselves. Michael was always arguing with her, and Cho was always crying all over Harry. Crying is ok once in awhile, even all over guys, but constantly talking about your ex-boyfriend in front of him might not be the best of ideas. She coughed when she realized she had been thinking a moment too long and Harry was starting to move away from her.
"I know I'm younger than you and everything Harry, but would you like to talk for a little bit?" she asked him. What was she expecting? If he had barely said two words to Ron or Hermione, there was no way he would open up to her. He had said maybe 5 things to her the entire time they had known eachother. That included the time he had saved her life in the Chamber of Secrets. She remembered everything about that day. How he looked, the tone of his voice, his eyes on hers. It made her tremble just thinking about it. He had definately changed since then. He was older, more mature, and definately....more burnded. Ginny realized this last bit sadly. The last thing she wanted to see was Harry Potter without his Harry Potter genuine smile, and those gleaming green eyes that could make any girl met. They far surpassed her own boring brown eyes. Ginny shook her head to snap herself out of her daydream. Thank god she was not with Dean like she had told everyone on the Hogwarts Express, or else she would have felt extremely guilty right then. Harry looked at her in surprise. She wanted to just..talk? What in the world could she want to talk about with him? He didn't want to talk to her. Not because he disliked her, but because he disliked the thought of what might come up in conversation. He didn't want to discuss Sirius or Voldemort or anything close to it. He was already tired of those topics, they sawm around in his mind each day. Something about the youngest Weasley he found irresistble just then. She stared directly at him, waiting for an answer. He felt unusually compelled to say yes....he could feel the urge to talk for hours suddenly. What was she doing to him? He looked for a trace of her wand around her, but he stopped realizing how silly the idea was. She couldn't use magic outside of Hogwarts. He let out the breath he had held back in a long, soft sigh. It was the sound of his voice that reminded him that Ginny was patiently waiting for him to say something.
"I'd like that." Harry responded slightly above a whisper. Had he just said that he'd like that? Ginny's eyes widened in shock. He wanted to? She could feel her cheeks growing hot and quickly calmed herself down. No need to get so worked up. He probably won't say much of anything anyway.
"That's good. Um, where do you want to go? My room?" she asked. This time she couldn't surpress her feelings of embarassment. Her face flushed a scarlet color and he smiled. She was kind of cute when she got shy like that....but just in a friendly way!!!
"Right. Um, that sounds fine. I've never been in there before." he replied. Ginny sighed with relief. She motioned for him to follow her before continuing on. Harry found himself entering a small bedroom to his left. It had spring green walls. This comforted him for some odd reason. It reminded him perhaps of his mothers eyes...watching him with pride. He smiled at the warmth he felt with this thought. Ginny sat herself down on her bed and directed him toward a chair by her desk. He sat down in it hesitantly, unsure of where to start with a conversation. To his relief, Ginny began.
They talked about everything from quidditch to Christmas. They remembered receiving their Hogwarts letters for the first time, the experience of finding a wand, and being sorted into their Hogwarts house. Ginny was surprised to learn Harry had been considered for Slytherin and shuddered at the thought of him being stuck in a house with Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Ginny loathed Pansy Parkinson. Harry frowned when he learned that Pansy had always harassed Ginny, but he knew Ginny was stronger than most girls. Still... no one likes to be picked on. Harry eventually found himself even talking about how he had met Sirius, and all the happy memories he had shared with his godfather. Ginny listened intently, and never interrupted, nor did she say anything about his death. This was a great weight Harry felt was lifted off of him. He expected her to make mention of it sometime. It was not until after they were talking about Malfoy the bouncing ferret and the swamp Fred and George had conjured up for Umbridge that Ginny fianlly expressed to him about her worry.
"Harry, I know you'll probably hate me for saying this, but.... I'm worried about you. I know something's wrong," she said and stared at him waiting for him to get mad and storm off. That was certainly what he would do to Ron and Hermione last year when they mentioned their concern. She couldn't help but wonder why he was so distant. She had observed him so closely for so long that she felt she knew when he was bothered by something. he got this look in his eyes....
"I know Ginny. I know. I'm sorry, it's just... I've got a lot to be worried and upset about. Stuff I'm not sure I can explain to you. Everything about me is just a problem. Everything I do puts everyone I love in danger. I feel like I can't take a step without someone getting hurt for it. Every evil wizard out there is out to get me.... everyone I know wants to help me, but I know I can't let them! I can't force anyone into this nightmare like I did before. How am I supposed to handle it on my own? Why did my godfather, the only one left to raise me, have to die so soon after me knowing he even existed? Why did I have to live while my parents were lost? I shouldn't mean anything to anyone! I'm not brave! I'm just stupid, meaningless Harry Potter who lives in a stupid muggle house with his stupid muggle uncle and aunt and fat stuoid git of a cousin, who is worthless to the world and will end up nowhere in life anyhow! Why can't somebody else go become a hero? I'm not a hero, and I don't want to be famous. I just want everything to end!" Harry said all in one breath. His heart raced knowing what he had just confided in Ginny. he had burst out with everything he had been thinking of since...forever. Of course he had made no mention of the prophecy or Cho or any of that, but he had got the point across sure enough. Why had he taken it out on Ginny like that? He probably scared her, or at least made her pity him. That was all he got now, pity and sympathy.
"Yeah...well I broke a nail this morning and it really hurts." Ginny stated simply and smiled at him. harry looked at her curiously. What was she on about? How did that compare to what he just told her? Had she even been listening just then?
"Did you even hear me?" Harry asked. Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Of course I was listening. I just thought that if we were focusing on every little bad thing that has happened to us, that I would mention my problems too. One of my problems is that I broke a nail this morning, and it hurts. It may not be as horrible as the things that have happened to you Harry, but I feel like I was unlucky for such a thing to happen to me. That hurts me inside, and I don't know why. It's just a stupid nail. It'll grow back." Ginny replied, looking at her finger and back up at Harry with aunexplainable look in her eyes. When she put it that way, Harry felt stupid for bottling himself up like that. Had he forgotten all the things he had been blessed with in his life? Surely he would be happy again, just as he was before. It was amazing how Ginny had made him feel this way. Why didn't she sympathize with him like everyone else? She made him feel different. In fact, she made him feel like he didn't know as much as he thought he did.
"Oh. I guess you are right then. I guess everybody has their own problems." he said to her. She nodded.
"Yeah, but you are right Harry. Yours are a lot more complicated than everyone else's. I've seen you deal with them before and you can do it again. Don't worry so much about things and you'll be fine. You are brave and strong Harry Potter, maybe in ways you don't know of. Your heart amazes me. You have so much love and passion for things. I don't want to see you lose that because some people disagree with you. Voldemort wants to make this world dark...but those who resist will conquer. Especially with someone like you on our side. You lived Harry, more than once. That was because you willed it to be so. Nothing is impossible. I'm sure if Dumbledore were here now, he'd tell you to consider the things worth saving in your life. It;s easy to focus purely on the negative aspects of your life when living through such dark times. Rise above it, be better than it, and remember there are those who care about you Harry." Ginny recited as if it were a speech, never taking her eyes away from him. Harry couldn't help but feel content just sitting there in her room. It was as if something has suddenly changed for him. How did the youngest Weasley become so smart? She was always intelligent, but he never knew she could give such excellent advice. It calmed him to know someone wouldn't let him complain about things all the time. He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by Ron throwing the door open excitedly.
"Glad I found you Harry! Its quidditch time!" he yelled. Harry looked at Ginny who smiled and nodded toward her brother. Harry sighed and got up from the chair.
"Well Ginny, if you're gonna be a chaser, better come practice with us. You'll know what its like trying to get a quaffle through the ring when Ron here is keeper! And Ron, you'll see what it's like to have Ginny come flying at you with a quaffle in hand. Scary no doubt?" Harry said and laughed at Ginny. Ginny nodded in agreement and raised her eyebrows at Ron. He nodded and looked at the two of them curiously.
"Are you going to get your brooms or not?" he asked exasperated. Harry smiled, rolled his eyes, and shook his head at his impatient friend. Ginny got off her bed and headed for the downstairs, where her broom was kept. Ron followed closely behind her.
"What did you say to him Ginny?" he asked with concern in his eyes. Ginny gave him a smirk and answered happily.
"I told him I broke a nail this morning. Do you know how much that hurts, Ron?" she asked him. Ron shook his head and mumbled something about "girls". Ginny giggled and grabbed her broom. There was hardly anyone in the world she loved more than her brother.
