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Wife Wanted

Chapter 3: Staying

Colin growled at his short-term memory. Harry had something to do with Ginny's promise to never return. But what role did he have in this? Why can't I remember? He glanced nervously at the bathroom, but it looked like Ginny wasn't coming back anytime soon. He continued to sort through his memories.

*~* FLaShBacK *~*

Hermione and Neville sat next to each other at the Gryffindor table in the Grand Hall. "Where's Harry?" Hermione asked curiously. "He's never missed breakfast before."

"Don't know," Neville said with his mouth full, spraying food everywhere.

"Neville Longbottom! For Merlin's sake, don't speak when you're eating! Honestly, didn't your mother teach you any manners?" Hermione screeched while she brushed the bread crumbs and some unidentifiable food objects off her jumper.

The hall grew quiet, waiting for Neville's reaction. Hermione's eyes widened at her mistake. "Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry Neville. I-I didn't mean to say that, really I didn't!"

Neville said nothing; he silently chewed on his breakfast, eyes downcast.

An awkward silence took over the table, and the once rowdy Gryffindors were as silent as the grave. Hermione ate miserably, as did Ron, but for a different reason.

At the table where all the teachers sat, Dumbledore cleared his throat and stood up. His calm voice cut through the tense air like a butter knife. "I'm afraid I have some bad news," he began. "Last night, Harry Potter was found in a life-threatening state. We sent him to St. Mungos where he was examined thoroughly. Not five minutes ago we received the results of their tests," he took a deep breath. "Harry Potter is, though not technically, dead. We were given the choice of letting him reside in St. Mungos as a virtually living corpse or injecting a serum which would allow his soul to pass."

*~* EnD FLaShBacK *~*

Colin remembered now. It was Dumbledore who drove Ginny away. Not long after Harry's 'death,' a war between the light and dark broke out, two weeks before graduation for the 7th years. Both sides fought faithfully for whomever they supported, and it was a long six years before the battle was resolved. The light had won, but at a terrible price. Harry Potter was gone. Seamus Finnegan. Blaise Zabini. Hermione Granger. Dean Thomas. Ron Weasley. Millicent Bulstrode. The entire classes of 6th and 7th year had perished into dust, just like Hogwarts had. Teachers and family were lost. Severus Snape. Minerva McGonagall. Filius Flitwick. Molly Weasley. Arthur Weasley. Remus Lupin. Even those who had graduated years before joined them in their graves. Oliver Wood. Katie Bell. Angelina Johnson. Malcom Baddock. Marcus Flint. There were too many to count. Everyone in their years had died except for Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Colin Creevy, and Neville Longbottom. Ginny had lost her entire family except for Percy, Charlie, and George, who had gone mad without Fred. Colin had lost Dennis. Draco had lost everything he believed in, and Neville had lost his mind. Yes, the light won, but it was not a victory. He remembered his conversation with Ginny the day after the war had finally ended.

*~* FLaShBacK *~*

"It's all Dumbledore's fault," Ginny had stated harshly. "He killed Harry. He killed my family. He killed your brother. He killed everyone. He led everyone to their deaths. Look at him, scorning Voldemort for murdering people. He's a damn hypocrite. Just as bad as Voldemort, if not worse-- at least Voldemort admitted he was killing people."

"Ginny!" Colin had exclaimed in shock.

"It was," Ginny snapped at him. "I was there when they brought Harry into the Infirmary. I overheard Dumbledore's conversation with Madame Pomfrey. He admitted to harming Harry."

Colin gaped at her.

"It's true," she hissed, "and he knows it. We didn't win this war. The bloody Ministry of Magic is gone. The bloody magic schools have all been destroyed. This bloody world is all spiraling downhill. And it's all bloody Dumbledore's fault."

"Ginny…"

"No Col, let me talk. Dumbledore is a bloody bastard. I shan't return here ever. I'm leaving now, and I won't be coming back. Please don't try to find me. I just wanted to let you know, Colin. You're the best friend I've ever had, and I'll miss you lots." She gazed at him, taking in his every feature. "Bye," she whispered as she apparated out of England. 

*~* EnD FLaShBacK *~*

He was jolted suddenly out of his thoughts as Ginny reappeared. "Feeling better?"

"Yeah, much better," she grinned shyly at him. He grinned back at her.

"So Gin, are you going to stay here for a while?"

"No, I couldn't possibly intrude."

"Aww, come on," he pleaded. "Stay for a little bit. For old time's sake…"

"But I don't have any of my stuff with me…"

"You can borrow some of my stuff. Please Gin Gin?" His warm brown eyes begged hers.


"Fine," she sighed. "I was never able to refuse you, not with those big eyes. I'll stay."

He almost giggled with excitement, but he quickly refrained from it. He jumped up and hugged Ginny. "I'm glad you're staying, love. Let's go have a spot of butterbeer to celebrate. Just like old time's…" The pair raced each other to his kitchen and drowned themselves in beer and friendship.

  

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A/N: I know, I know! It was really short, and there was no Draco in this chapter…but the next chapter will be a very Draco chapter, and it will be longer, I promise! You'll find out more about what happened in Draco and Ginny's relationship. But for now, everything is a little bit clearer, right? You know why Ginny left and what happened in the war.

I will try to update once or twice a week, but I cannot guarantee it. This story has not been written out yet…I am writing this as I go along. Please be patient with me J

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