Ch 17 - A Lyer
This chapter is dedicated to Crazy Red, for wishing me Happy Valentine's Day when I was in a crappy mood and made me feel better.
[a/n wow I never thought I would get so many positive reviews on what Ginny said at the end of the last chapter about Ron's freckles! Thanks, I wasn't even sure if I should have put it in because it was quite random and odd. But then again she did lose her memory so there you go. Oh and don't accuse me of lying about the major H/G I said was coming up, because it would be impossible to put in this chapter. Look forward to the next chapter for that. . .] Also thanks to everyone who reviewed my other fic! I really appreciated it and I'll hope you'll stay with me on it!
oh and I swear the H/G is now a definite soon. . . you might even say *cough*next chapter*cough*
~*~*~*~*~*
Harry sighed as he softly banged his head with his eyes closed on Ginny's bed in the hospital wing. As soon as she started talking you knew it was a completely different Ginny. There was none of her loyal fierceness, her bright personality. It was like an empty shell. Sure she would smile and laugh, but it wasn't the same. She had no more confidence and witty humour. She was more similar to the old Ginny, to put it simply.
But Harry wouldn't ignore the old Ginny this time, because he knew the real Ginny was just waiting to reshow itself.
Molly Weasley had been frantically owling the school every half an hour, with a few Howlers at Goyle. She had flooed herself to the school several times as well. She had visited Ginny after she awoke, but seeing as there was really nothing she could do for a daughter who didn't know her, she returned home and sent even more owls. Fred and George had sent many stocks of their products, though people weren't quite sure if it was safe giving them to Ginny if they were going to a "Muggle" school.
Harry opened his eyes when he heard the bed in front of him stirring.
Ginny opened her eyes and smiled up at him, stretching her arms in the air.
"Hello, its Harry isn't it?" she said conversationally.
"Uh, yer it is." Harry said, unsure of what to say to someone close to him who thought he was a stranger.
"Oh, that's right, you're the one with the funny scar on you head. I can see it now." Ginny laughed, "How did you get it again?"
"Er, a car accindent. . . a long time ago."
"It's odd looking isn't it? Wonder how it came to look like that. . ." Ginny pondered aloud.
Harry nodded distractedly, thinking about after she had woken up.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Sorry who ever you are, its just. . . did you. . . did you know that you. . . are. . . covered in freckles?" she had said, looking at Ron bemusedly.
"Ginny! You're awake!" Ron had yelled.
"Jenny? Is that my name?" she had asked.
"No, it's Ginny. I'm your brother, Ron!"
"My brother? Does that mean I have those awful freckles too? I hope not. . ."Ginny said, looking around for a mirror with no success.
"Oh Gin," Hermione had whispered, a slight wetness in her eyes. It was like they had found her and now lost her again.
"You've lost your memory," Ron said bluntly.
"I have? Well that would explain a lot. Well not a lot, because there's really not a lot to explain. It's hard to remember things you've forgotten."
They all looked at her blankly, losing what they were talking about. Ginny seemed to be taking this as highly amusing.
"So how did I lose my memory?"
"Er, a ball hit you on. . . on the head and you. . . fainted." Harry said.
"Oh!" Ginny exclaimed, looking at Harry. "I recognize you from somewhere!"
"You do?" Harry said, hope rising as he leaned forward in his seat.
"Well, just your face, and that odd scar on your forehead." Ginny said thoughtfully, her eyes skimming over his scar.
"Do you remember anything else?" Hermione said, looking at her carefully.
"Well noooo. . . oh wait! You!" Ginny said, pointing at Louise who was still sitting on the seat furthest away from all of them.
"Me?" Louise said softly, thinking Ginny was mistaken.
"Yes! You were in a white gown!" Ginny said excitedly. "But that's all I can remember," she said, frustrated.
"Ah! Miss Weasley, I see you are awake," Madam Pomphrey said as she walked in. Hermione thought she would have looked perfectly calm about this fact, apart from the look on her face.
Ginny didn't answer, just looked at her with a polite yet puzzled expression on her face. There was a pause then,
"Oh sorry, were you talking to me?" Ginny asked, smiling blankly.
"Yes dear. I take it you don't remember a thing?"
"Well no, but some of the people's faces here look familiar. Like him and her," Ginny said as she pointed in turn to Harry and Louise.
"I see. . ." Madam Pomphrey said, though not looking the least bit surprised.
"Is there anything to drink in uh, this. . . place?" Ginny asked, changing the subject.
"Hospital wing of the. . . school. Yes, I'll get you some water."
"Thank-you." Ginny said as Madam walked out. "Why are you all wearing those huge robes?"
"Er,"
"Uh,"
"Well. . ."
"A school play!" Hermione said brightly.
Ginny looked interested. "What play?"
"It was about. . . vampires. . . that's why the robes are black," Harry informed her.
"But why do you have all those red and gold colours on you?"
"Because. . . because it was a comedy? I mean yes, it was a comedy."
"Oh, I see. . . How strange." Ginny said as she lay back on her pillow.
"So who are you all anyway?"
~*~*~*~*~*
It had been like that ever since she had woken up.
Harry sighed, he couldn't take another second with her, it was killing him. He trudged towards the door, while he had been lost in thoughts again Ginny had drifted off. He looked back at her, a feeling rising up inside him.
A feeling of love mingled with defeat.
~*~*~*~*~*
Neville Longbottom took a frantic look around before hurrying out of the common room towards the hospital wing. Ginny was finally alone. He could finally put his plan to work.
He wouldn't get in trouble for being out because it wasn't after-hours yet. But he didn't want many people to know where he was going all the same. He reached the door to the hospital wing and slipped inside. Madam Pomphrey was probably in her rooms by now.
All the beds were deserted, except for one at the very end, surrounded by flowers and cards.
Ginny.
He walked softly over to the bed. The curtains were open and Ginny was staring at the ceiling with a frustrated look on her face.
"Hello." Neville said, taking a seat.
Ginny started but smiled when she looked at him.
"Hello. Who might you be?"
"Well. . . your boyfriend." Neville said, finally coming out with it. He had struggled with himself for days now. The truth was he had always had a bit of a crush on Ginny since 5th year. He would see her looking at Harry with longing and jealousy would rise up, wishing she would look at him like that. Now was his chance to finally be with her. He felt a bit bad using her like this, he would normally never do something like this. But when Ginny was concerned he lost all sense.
Being in love with someone did that to you.
"My boyfriend?! You can't be - I was told that I didn't have a boyfriend."
"Yes, but that's because we were going out in secret."
"In secret?" Ginny asked as she furrowed her eyebrows.
"Yes, in secret because. . . because we didn't want anyone else to know." Neville said.
"But why?"
"Because we are in love and people would question us."
"That's a silly reason."
"Well that's what love does to you; also your brother didn't want you to." Neville said slightly desperately.
Ginny wrinkled her nose, it was most likely true.
"Is my brother that boy called Ron?"
"Uh, yes him."
"So we were going out, but no one knew?" Ginny asked, finding this idea intriguing.
"Yes."
"Then why didn't you come and visit me sooner if you love me?"
"Because it would have looked suspicious." Neville said, taking her hand.
"Were we deeply in love?"
"Oh yes. We would see eachother whenever we could. But I think we should keep it a secret until you're allowed out."
"Okay, how come?"
"Because people would get confused. Just trust me."
"Well okay. Have we kissed yet?"
"Of course we have. We're in love remember?" Neville said as he looked at her adoringly.
"Oh yes," Ginny said, looking up at him in wonder. She couldn't imagine loving him, but he was telling the truth, she could tell when he looked at her. Being in love made her feel excited, even if she wasn't it it. . . yet. But she would remember soon, she had too.
"Well I have to go," Neville said as he looked down at her hopefully. He leant over and kissed her quickly on the lips before rushing out the door.
He felt bad. But she would understand, she would fall in love with him now. Harry was no longer a threat. Sure he liked Harry, but he adored Ginny. Of course he wasn't lying to her, Neville convinced himself. He loved her.
~*~*~*~*~*
"So how are you feeling Ginny?" Hermione asked the next morning. It was just her and Ginny at the moment. Ginny actually looked different from when she had last seen her. Which was yesterday afternoon. She was smiling, secretively, like she had a huge secret that she was bursting to tell but couldn't.
"I feel fine thanks Harriet," Ginny said brightly.
"Er, its Hermione, but don't worry."
"Oh yeah. . . Hermione." Ginny said vaguely, thinking about Neville. "Do you know Neville?"
Hermione raised her brows, "Neville Longbottom?"
"Yes, him."
"Yes I do," Hermione hesitated before saying, "He's a bit. . . silly."
"No he's not!" said Ginny proudly, thinking of how she loved him. Or how she would when she got her memory back.
Hermione's eyebrows went even higher as she looked at Ginny questioningly.
"He, uh, dropped by yesterday to say hi and if I was okay. He's very nice!" Ginny said defensively.
"Of- Of course he is Gin, I'm sorry." Hermione said, still looking a little bit confused.
Ginny smiled forgivingly, wondering what Neville was doing at that moment.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Have you seen Neville lately?" Ginny asked Ron suddenly.
It was his turn to sit with her and they had found nothing to talk about. Usually it was so easy to talk to Ginny, she was just so open and accepting of everyone. You were never bored when you talked to her. But now she had no personality, and she just lay there with a blank smile on her face.
"Er, nooo. . . why do you ask?"
"Oh no reason, just curious," Ginny said quickly.
"Did he come visit you?" Ron asked.
"Yesss. . ."
"What did he say?" Ron asked; curious.
"Oh nothing of importance," Ginny said as she sat up slightly and stared out the window. "Ron, did you think I was doing something you wouldn't have liked before I lost my memory?" She was thinking of Neville again, finding it odd they hadn't told anyone about their love for eachother.
"Well, no not really. You were never the sort of person who would do that. You found it hard to keep a secret about something dishonest. Well, just hard to keep a secret."
"Interesting. . ." Ginny said thoughtfully.
"Why? Do you remember something?" Ron said in an excited hopeful way, thinking her memory was starting to come back.
"Oh no, just something someone said to me."
"Neville?"
"How did you. . . I mean no, not Neville."
"Ginny what did he say to you?" Ron asked, looking at her seriously.
"Nothing Ron, nothing." Neville was right, Ron would have been angry. She could tell that Neville had been telling the truth.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Hermione, something's up with Ginny." Ron said worriedly to Hermione over dinner.
"I though there was something odd about her, she seemed different when I saw her today," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"I think it involves Neville," Ron stated.
"Neville? Did she mention him to you too?" Hermione asked, now puzzled.
"She asked you as well?"
"Yes, about how sweet he was or something. It's funny though, I never saw him go visit her." Hermione thought aloud.
"I don't like it. . ." Ron said, shooting a glare at an innocent looking Neville chomping on his meat.
"I'm sure it's nothing Ron, just forget about it." Hermione sighed.
"Hmmm. . ."
~*~*~*~*~*
Harry had made up his mind to do something today.
It was now his turn to stay and visit Ginny, and it was his chance to say what he had wanted to tell her for ages now. He didn't care if she had lost her memory, he needed to tell her. Maybe it would even trigger her memory, but he highly doubted that.
He nodded hello to Madam Pomphrey, who gave him a once-over before turning back to whatever she had been doing. Ginny was sitting up in her bed, looking longingly out the window. Neville had visited her last night and he told her about all the things they had done in secret, away from everyone. She found it hard to believe she had done all those things with him. Well, only kissing, but it so many different places. On the grounds, empty classrooms, even a broom closet.
It was funny how in all the flashbacks she had in her sleep, she had not once seen Neville. It was always of the people who were constantly visiting her. Ron, the one who said he was her brother, Harriet- no Hermione, that one with the scar, Harry and the mysterious blonde one who just looked at her sadly. And there was also another blonde girl who visited her and who she saw in her dreams. She always looked sad though.
"Good Morning," Harry said to her warmly as he sat down on one of the chairs Hermione had spelled for comfort.
"Oh hi uh. . . Harry?"
"Er, Gin, I have to tell you something."
"Sure, what is it?"
"Well. . . it's a bit hard to say, especially since you really don't remember me. But uh. . . I . . ."
"Yes?"
"I, uh, I liii. . . like. . . y-you."
"Sorry?"
"I like you!" Harry finally said as a proper sentence.
"Oh. . ." Ginny looked a little embarrassed, like she wasn't quite sure what to make of this statement.
"I know this seems weird and stuff but. . . I didn't really realise until a little while ago. I always just saw you as Ron's little sister, but now I like you for you. You're an amazing person, and I was wondering if you would want to go out sometime?"
There. He had gotten it all out. It didn't matter about her memory, it would come back soon.
"Harry. . . I'm so sorry. But. . ." Ginny hesitated before telling this boy her secret. But he needed to know. "But I'm in love with someone else."
Harry's head jerked up as his eyes widened. What?
"How on earth can you love someone Ginny? You've lost your memory for Merlin's sake! And you can't love someone you've "known" for only a few days.
"I've known him for a long time," Ginny said quietly.
"Yes, but you don't remember that long time. You've lost your memory and it's impossible." Harry said, not believing this was happening. Yes, he's thought she might say no, but not because she loved someone else!
"He helped me remember a bit; well he told me what we did." Ginny said defensively.
"Who? Who is it?"
Ginny said it so low he could barely hear it.
"Neville Longbottom."
"You're kidding aren't you?" Harry asked disbelievingly.
"No, why would I be?"
"You were not going out with Neville Longbottom. He's lying to you, even though I don't know why." Harry said.
"That's because we were going out in secret. He told me so, and we are in love. We just didn't want people to know because Ron would get angry and people would talk non-stop." Ginny said strongly.
"Do you feel in love Ginny?"
"Well nooo. . . but once I get back my memory I will." Ginny said with complete confidence.
"This is crazy. You are not going out with Neville." Harry said.
"You wouldn't know! It was a secret." Ginny said.
Harry closed his eyes, one of their conversations coming back to him.
"No the person I like is really sweet. His cheeks go red when he's embarrassed. He can be a bit stupid like Ron sometimes, but you can't help but love him anyway." Ginny said thoughtfully, staring off in the distance.
"He better be good enough for you," Harry said in a voice that he hoped sounded like he was joking, but he knew he wasn't joking.
"I don't know if I'm good enough for him, to tell the truth. But whenever I talk to him I always feel better and he can always make me laugh,"
"Sounds like me," Harry joked. He was racking his memory, trying to figure out who Ginny liked. What house? What year?
"Does a bit hey, but he's a lot cuter than you," Ginny laughed.
"Ouch" Harry said, grinning.
Was it true then? Had they really been going out secretly? Please no, Harry thought. All he thought about now was Ginny. The way her hair fell over her shoulders, the way her eyes sparkled with mischievousness, the way she could always make him laugh, the way she was. . . Ginny. He had finally gotten that feeling you read about in books and saw in movies and she was in love with someone else? Neville, to be exact.
Ron and Hermione walked in, chuckling at something. They stopped when they saw the expression on Harry and Ginny's faces.
"What's the matter?" Hermione asked, not sure she wanted an answer.
"Nothing, just that Neville and Ginny are deeply in love with eachother," Harry said bitterly, turning away and walking out the door, ignoring Ron and Hermione's stunned expressions.
~~ Yay! It was hard to write this chapter. I kept getting a block after every 4th or 5th line. I hope you guys enjoyed it, though it is not one of my favorite chapters. So what do you guys think of innocent lil Neville in this chapter? And Ginny is different too. . . Its making me depressed actually. But the long awaited thing that you have all been long-awaiting for is coming TRES SOON! (so just a little more long-awaiting) So review (that mad purple button) and tell me what you think of this chapter =D~~
Thanks to: SilverKnight7, pheonixgurl, solar, Jennifer, Swishy Willow Wand, dolphingirl79,
xxGinnyxx – of course Ginny is covered in freckles, she just doesn't know it. Not yet, at least. But when she does, it shall be tres amusing.
Nightsky13- thanks. I thought some people might want to know Luna's secret if they cant know Louise's.
Dracoisahottie13 – this ginny scares me too don't worry. She wont be like this for long however. . . thanks for the idea. I don't if I can though because I've planned something else
SilverCrystal77 – oh no she's not in a trance when she had the flashes. She's dreaming because that would be way too weird.
Icegirl-kat – I'm glad it turned out interesting =D was it boring before? Or too clichéd?
LunaMoon7 – sorry my Luna is very different. I have to admit she has a great character in OotP, and I hated changing it.
Deer boy – of course you're a faithful reviewer!! =D Tell me when your chappie is up, I'll have a looksie (if its not already) Ah. . . snow. I am deeply jealous and I want you to send me some because I need some time off school. Listen to me, 2nd week back and I'm already tired of it.
Naz1 – hello! I spoke to you on msn, thanks for the help, or the ideas you suggested. Glad you liked the chappie.
Missprongs – of course it makes sense.
Kat Davi – sometimes I don't mind G/D, if it's a good writer it can work. But H/G is always going to be for me. You poor thing – a nightmare? I feel your pain, I really do. My room is on the bottom floor of a 3 story house, and I'm all by myself. I get freaked out and paranoid after scary movies down there. I am so happy you like this story even though its not D/G! Thankyou!
Hannah – it is sad I agree. I promise to ignore flamers… well try to anyway cause they really piss me off.
VoicezWithin – did you really think it was long? Hooray! I'm glad you liked it though, even if it made you sad
Sarah Noisette – Don't cry! Next chapter shall be happier! I hope Neville didn't make you upset in this one!
Twinkey – I am so sorry I kept you waiting so long but I have so much work piled on top of me I barely have time to do anything sleep eat and work. I hope this chapter made you happy?
Lizzie Weasley – its so much easier to type your name now lol! Yay Hr/R! Yes, G/H is now a DEFINITE soon. I promise! I swear! I am writing it already! I'm just as excited about it as everyone else! I reviewed your friends and your fic, enjoyed them both too. Hmm so about this book "Scribbler of Dreams" – is it really good? What's it about? Who wrote it cause I'm interested already and I only know the title =D
Annskers – I hope your story is coming along, it gets frustrating sometimes no?
Jac – I REFUSE to watch "it"! people have told me so many times about it. We actually own it because my friend bought it for my birthday as a joke but I think she regrets it now because I threw it at her and she had a bruised nose for a week.
Zeldagrl436 – yay! A cliffy supporter! This chapter isn't a big cliffhanger but still. . . Hehe glad you liked the freckles comment.
Surfngirl – It good you're intrigued by Louise – its meant to be that way. I am so happy you love my fic! Do you usually dislike H/G?
Licky – don't you hate that nagging voice in the back of your head? The one that reminds you have homework, or you should be doing something else, or you should be asleep, or you should be. . . I think you get it. Argh! Don't even start on Yr 11 - 10 is bad enough!
Magic sparkle 1 – Thankyou so much for reviewing my other fic!
The all mighty and powerful*M – nice name by the way =D. They will be friends I suppose, probably not that close but actually you never know.
Dk Lili – well someone told Ginny they were her boyfriend – it just wasn't harry unfortunately.
ZagZig722 – I promise the major H/G is now on the next update! It just work with this chapter. . . forgive me?
HpRoXmYnOnExIsTiNtSoX13 – is it tiring logging in and writing all that? I'm glad you liked the horny monkeys, some people weren't that nice about it. Yay! You liked the freckle line! Just wait until Ginny finds out she had them too!
Eric2 – what were you surprised by? I'm glad you were surprised, that's my aim.
Luvhp224 – hello hello. You never "elaborated" so I guessed you either didn't have time or couldn't go on without getting caught? Am I right or am I right? I am so jealous of you going to the GBR. . . Wow that wasn't a long reply. . . you need to give me your traditional long "constructive criticism" review. I'm not being sarcastic don't worry, I love your reviews. . .
RebelRikki – I wasn't even planning on it either! I was just writing the match and though "hey, amnesia could work with this". . . as you can see I don't plan well.
Ronaholic – she should be getting her memory back soon. . . (next chappie but shhhh) Which is where the H/G comes in.
Phoebe-H – hehe happy you liked that lil freckle line.
Crazy Red – I must say I agree, patience is way to overrated. Especially when waiting for an update is involved, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. . . You poor thing! Wisdom teeth! Argh what am I saying, I'm getting mine out in 2 weeks! Hehe you made me laugh again. . . Cabbage Patch Kid. . . classic. Damn, that's what people will be telling me soon! Noooo! Ah, you liked the freckle bit too, I will say that Ginny shall be quite horrified when she gets her hands on a mirror. Thanks for wishing me Happy Valentines Day!
Happynutcase#1 - oh don't you worry, I will definitely finish this fic! Its all planned. . . well most of it. There's not to long to go. Originally this was only going to have 10-11 chapters and now its gonna be pretty much double that!
AND NOW REVIEW MY FRIENDS, REVIEW!