Disclaimer: Same as the first chapter, pretty much. Just some extra notes-- this entire chapter is a flashback, along with most of the chapters to follow, I believe, so don't be alarmed by the sudden change in time. XD Also, a little into this chapter where Ginny begins writing, her writing will be in italics, while Tom's will be underlined. Just to note, the formatting in this chapter's a little strange in some places, so try not to mind it too much. I think Quickedit hates me, but I haven't the slightest idea why. I've never done anything to it. -.-; Oh, well. Also, thanks to hpaddictedg for their mentioning that Ginny's fiull name was actualy Ginevra, not Virginia. I'd just read 'Virginia' so many times over in so many fics that I believed that was her name. But thanks again for the correction! Now, enjoy!
Chapter 2 : Shared Sunsets
She simply couldn't wait to get back to him.
Rushing into her dorm, Ginny deposited a large stack of books on top of her bed and collapsed upon it rather gleefully. She made sure that no one had stuck around instead of heading downstairs for dinner as she glanced around the room warily. Letting out a relieved sigh, she reached underneath her pillows and pulled out a diary.
With a soft smile, Ginny ran her fingers over the front cover, tracing the golden letters embroidered onto it-- T. M. Riddle. And with something of a dreamy sigh, she reached toward the nightstand beside her bed and retrieved a quill and a bottle of ink. She opened up the diary eagerly, only to find a greeting already waiting for her on the page.
Hello, Ginevra.
Oh, Tom! Hello! Wasn't expecting to see you there!
My apologies. If you minded, I could just
No, no! Don't worry! I'm still happy to see you!
That's nice to know, Ginevra.
Oh, guess what happened today, Tom!
What? I'm intrigued.
I think Harry might've actually noticed me today! I was just making my way down to Potions when I saw him. I don't know here the courage came from all of a sudden, but I smiled and waved to him- without blushing or stammering or stumbling or anything!
Well, it makes sense, doesn't it? After all, you were placed in Gryffindor.
Oh, Tom! You're right! Maybe I really was placed in the right House, after all!
Of course you were, darling. I was always told that the Sorting Hat was sincere.
Yes, true. I've just always felt like I wasn't living up to the standards of the other Gryffindors. I've always just been little Ginny. Nothing spectacular or brave and courageous about me.
How can you allow yourself to be more than that when you believe it, yourself?
You know what, Tom? You're right!
Of course, Ginevra.
I wish I could realize these things as quickly as you can.
Oh, you will. In time, just give it time.
You're so understanding, Tom. Oh, I'd hug you if I could.
Well, perhaps you can.
What?
Darling, you might be able to help me.
Help you? What do you mean?
Ginevra, would you like to see me?
You mean... actually see you?
Yes. I may be able to do this. Are you willing to help?
Of course, Tom!
All right, then. I'll need to perform a spell through you.
What? Oh, Tom, I'm not that great at any spells yet.
No need to worry, Ginevra. Just let me do the work.
If you say so, Tom.
Good, then. The first thing you'll need to do is put your quill down and sit upright.
This may sound strange, but clear your mind once you've finished reading this. You'll start to feel a little weary, but that's expected. Just close your eyes and think about nothing at all. Go ahead.
Ginny let out a small sigh and closed her eyes uneasily. As best as she could, Ginny envisioned nothing-- just a mental image of a black, empty space. After a few short moments, Ginny felt a sudden sensation. Her mind felt cloudy, hazy, and she felt like she was almost being controlled. As prepared as she was, Ginny was nervous for that instant. She could feel herself shaking.
"Open your eyes, Ginevra."
Somewhat fearfully, Ginny opened her bright brown eyes, expecting something horrible to be hovering in front of her. But instead, she was pleasantly surprised.
"Tom!"
A smirk crossed Tom's face as he stood there, staring at the wide- eyed, gaping Ginny before him.
"Tom, is that really you?"
"You've seen an image of me before," he replied rather plainly. "Do I not resemble--"
"Oh, Tom! It is you!"
With that quick greeting, Ginny lunged off of her bed and embraced Tom tightly. He was taken aback, placing a foot behind him to steady himself as the girl clung to him. But he let out a soft chuckle as he looked down at Ginny, observing her burying her face into his robes. He smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her.
"Tom, you don't know how good it is to actually see you," Ginny began quietly after a few moments, gazing up at him. "It's like... you're not just a boy stuck in a diary any longer. You're real."
"I was always real, darling," Tom replied, taking a step back once again as Ginny loosened her grip. "But I can't stay like this for long-- not now, anyway."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked suddenly, sounding alarmed, finally letting go of him.
"Well," Tom began, stepping over toward the window, gazing out of it observantly, "I believe I've got enough energy to stay until the sun finishes setting."
"Well, that's almost perfect," Ginny replied quickly, regaining a cheerful tone in her voice once again.
"Hmm?"
Tom turned back around to gaze at Ginny, quirking an eyebrow in a rather humorous manner.
"You sound like you want to see me go," he commented with a light, sarcastic humor.
"Oh, no! Of course not," Ginny assured Tom, taking a few strides toward him. "It's just that that's around the time when everyone will be getting back from dinner, so we won't need to worry about hiding you, or something."
Tom let out a quiet chuckle.
"You've skipped dinner-- for me?"
"I'm not very hungry, anyway," Ginny assured him, a bright, convincing smile crossing her lips.
"Well, all right then," Tom replied, casting a knowing gaze at Ginny, "I guess it has worked out well."
Tom let out a long sigh as he strolled further along in the room. He stopped before Ginny's bed and fell back upon it- landing right beside the diary- with another satisfied sigh escaping from his lips.
"Comfortable?" Ginny asked with a chuckle, gazing down at Tom.
"Oh, quite," he replied, closing his eyes. "You know, I'd almost forgotten how good it feels to fall right back into a bed."
After a few lingering moments in silence, Ginny spoke up again, tones of intrigue and curiosity rising in her voice.
"So, has it changed much?"
"Changed much? Oh! You mean Hogwarts. Well, I can't say I'd taken many trips up to the dormitories of Gryffindor girls, so--"
"Oh, right," Ginny replied rather sheepishly, diverting her gaze away from Tom.
"But from what I got to see of the grounds from your window, it seems like old Hogwarts hasn't changed one bit."
Ginny returned her gaze back to Tom, another smile forming on her face. Tom grinned as he saw her face and pushed himself a bit, so that he was sitting up somewhat.
"Dammit," he suddenly cursed, lifting his hand up to his eyes.
"Tom! What's happening? You're going all... transparent!"
"The energy's wearing off," he explained to her, a slight tone of annoyance present in his voice. "I'll need to return to the diary."
"All right," Ginny replied somewhat grudgingly.
"Oh," Tom spoke up suddenly, rising from the bed. "Before I forget."
With an alluring smile, Tom leaned over toward Ginny and delivered a quick, gentle kiss to her lips.
"Thanks for your help, darling."
With that, Tom stepped back and seemed to dissolve back into the diary right before her eyes.
And Ginny was blushing as brightly as her fiery red hair. She brought a hand to her cheek, something of a stunned expression resting upon her face.
She nearly jumped as she heard the door open behind her. Ginny spun around quickly only to see her roommates making their way back in.
"There you are, Gin," one of the girls called out cheerfully. "You weren't at dinner-- what were you doing up here?"
"Oh, nothing," Ginny chuckled lightly, casting a quick glance back at the diary on her bed, smiling happily.