A/N: Hey everyone! I'm so sorry that it took a while to update again. I was so busy with exams and Christmas stuff. Now I'm out of school and done with Christmas shopping. This chapter was extremely hard to write, so bear with me. It is the last chapter in this story. But don't fear, there is a sequel planned! I am so sorry that I cannot give personal thanks for this chapter, but I really want to get it posted. I appreciate all my reviewers so much. You guys have been amazing, and I don't know what I would do without you. Your reviews keep me going, and able to go on with writing. Once again, thank you.

And with that, Ginny Apperated to Hogwarts.

Chapter Twenty-One: Final Thoughts

Ginny reappeared in the village of Hogsmeade. She was exhausted and was not looking forward to the walk to Hogwarts. At that moment, all she wished was to be able to Apperate into Hogwarts. She trudged through the village until she reached the Hogwarts grounds.

Ginny stood on the outskirts of the enormous lake on the grounds. It was dark out, and the water looked dark and ominous. Clouds had gathered overhead, covering even the crescent moon in the night sky. The grass was wet with dew, sending little shivers through Ginny's body as it touched her bare legs. Suddenly, the clouds shifted and the moon appeared. Light shone down on the lake, and reflected off the grass. The grounds looked enchanted, like something from a fairytale. A breeze began to blow through, whipping Ginny's skirt up around her legs. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the wind calm her down. She loved the feeling of the air rushing against her face. It was a little painful, but Ginny liked it. Reluctantly, she began to walk towards the castle. Feelings of dread filled every part of her as she drew nearer. Her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it ringing in her ears.

Finally she came to the giant main doors that led into Hogwarts. Ginny closed her eyes again, remembering all the times she had entered Hogwarts all those years ago. Images played in her mind like a movie, memories long forgotten. Some made her smile, and some made sadness settle around her heart. A particular memory sprang to her mind, one that just weeks ago would have made her smile. Now it made fresh tears slip down her wind chapped cheeks.

It was in her sixth year. She and Harry had been sitting out on the grounds in the shade of one of the many enormous trees. It was a perfect day. The sunlight shone down through the leaves, making everything look dewy and dappled. Harry had been adorable and romantic all week, and now it was Saturday. He had planned a perfect picnic lunch for her, with some help from his friends down in the kitchen. Ginny had been stretched out on a blanket with Harry right beside her. He had leaned in and kissed her petite nose. His eyes had shone brilliantly that day. Harry told her to close her eyes, so she did. When she opened them a few mintues later, she let out a laugh. He had carved their initials in the giant tree they were sitting under. Ginny remembered throwing her arms around his neck, and kissing him on his soft lips.

The memory faded from Ginny's reach, and she was left right where she had been. Standing on the steps in front of Hogwarts, all alone. She felt completely hopeless. Somehow, in her heart, she knew there was no getting Harry back. Ginny pushed open the enormous main doors and stepped inside Hogwarts. Everything was hushed and quiet. Not a sound echoed throughout the entire castle. Ginny let her eyes scan the hall. Everything was exactly the same, a fact that was strangely comforting to Ginny. She stepped out of the corridor and into the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling was dotted with millions of tiny twinkling stars, while clouds floated lazily among them. The aging stone felt familiar beneath her feet, as she walked around the room. All the tables had been put away for the night, making the Hall look enormous. Feelings of intense nostalgia swept over Ginny as she stood.

Suddenly a beam of white light shone down on her. Ginny looked up to see a shimmering full moon, unlike the gash in the outside sky. For a moment, Ginny thought she saw a face smiling down upon her. But then it was gone, and Ginny shook herself. Yet, the light still shone on her, like her own spotlight. And like many times before, a melody began to play in Ginny's ears. But unlike the others, this one was sad, slow, and sweet. Ginny began to tentatively sway to her internal song. Before long, she lifted her arms above her head and pointed her toes. Ginny began to twirl gracefully, with all the elegance of a ballerina. The cold stone floor suddenly felt smooth beneath her now bare feet. Ginny's inhibitions were released from her body as she closed her eyes and imagined.

The room was full of soft, warm light. A gentle, pleasant breeze blew through the room and ruffled Ginny's hair. Her feet were covered in exquisite ballet slippers. They felt like a second skin as she stood on her toes and swayed. A stronger wind blew through, making Ginny spin in circles. Suddenly, her worn clothes had melted away from her body, replaced by smooth silk ballet skirt and shirt. The skirt brushed against her bare legs, feeling like air running over her. A serene look was etched on her face, as she continued to dance. She began to hum along to the melody, her lips moving slightly. Ginny ran her hands through her long red hair, feeling the softness on her fingertips. She began to leap through the air, amazed at how high she could go. She did arabesques, entrechats, pirouettes, and jetes. She glided across the floor, almost floating. And then suddenly, she was. Her feet hovered above the ground, barely skimming the ground. Then, she was going higher and higher, until she was dancing among the stars. A comet shot across the sky, and Ginny made a wish. She wished for Harry.

The melody that had been flowing through her so easily slowed and faded. Ginny slowly opened her eyes. She was on the cold stone floor again, and no glow enveloped her. The spotlight had vanished, leaving only darkness. A tear slipped down Ginny's cheek as she thought of all the beauty she had just had and lost in an instant. Her old clothes had returned, much to her dismay. Ginny began to trudge dejectedly out of the room, when she saw something. The beautiful ballet slippers still covered her feet. A faint smile played on Ginny's lips as she exited the Great Hall.

Ginny started to head towards the Transfiguration classroom. She had never before visited Hermione at school, seeing as how Ginny had just reentered Hermione's life recently. Part of her desperately needed to talk to Hermione, and the other part was dreading it. Ginny was terrified of what Hermione might say. What if she told her it was useless? To give up? Negative thoughts swam through Ginny's brain as she continued her journey to reach Hermione. Ginny could just picture Hermione shaking her head, her bushy hair swaying around. Her eyes would fill with sympathy, and she would utter hopeless words. Tears began to form in Ginny's eyes again, and she quickly brushed them away. She needed to be strong, to face whatever occurred. Finally she arrived at the door to the Transfiguration classroom. She opened it slowly, so as not to disturb Hermione right away. What she saw next definitely was not Hermione.

A teenage witch and wizard were sprawled out on the floor, kissing and grabbing lustily for each other. Ginny let out a squeal of surprise, and the two immediately jumped apart. Both were red in the face, lips swollen. Ginny couldn't help but laugh.

"You two might want to find a more secure location." Ginny said with a smile.

The two teens stared at her in shock.

"I found quite a few good ones in my time here. Do you need a suggestion?" Ginny asked with an over exaggerated wink.

"No, uh, no." The wizard managed to squeak out.

"Can either of you tell me where to find Professor Granger?"

"Yes. She's in her quarters near Gryffindor Tower." replied the petite witch.

"Thank you. Carry on." Ginny said with a laugh.

Ginny observed with a snort, that they did just that. She began to walk to Gryffindor tower. Every place she passed by held a precious memory. There was the first closet she and Harry had snuck into. There was the picture she used to talk to when she was lonely. There was the wall hanging she got tangled up in that one time. She was walking up the stairs she had fallen down so many times. There was the banister she had slid down with Harry's invisibility cloak on. Everything around her contained a memory. This was bittersweet in a way. Oh Jesus, there was the place she had punched Ron in the face. That was certainly memorable. Ginny let out a soft chuckle. She remembered how red his face had gotten. He had told her that she was lucky she was a girl, because if she wasn't, she'd have been punched right back.

Ginny was jolted out of her reveries by slamming into something hard. A wall to be precise. She had walked right into a wall. Just brilliant. On the opposite side of the corridor was Hermione's quarters. Ginny took a deep breath, and knocked on Hermione's door.

"Come in." said a voice from inside.

Ginny pulled open the door to Hermione sitting at a desk reading. Hermione looked up and gave Ginny a sad smile. Ginny had to look away. She had the look of pity. When Ginny brought her eyes back to Hermione, that look was gone. Now Hermione was looking at Ginny with kind eyes. This calmed Ginny's nerves.

"Hello Hermione." Ginny said quietly.

"Hello Ginny. How are you doing?"

"Not so great."

Hermione summoned a chair, and set it in front of her desk.

"Sit. Talk." Hermione commanded.

Ginny nodded meekly, and sat down.

"Harry left. I tried to stop him, but he just looked at me. Then he left." Ginny said with a choke.

"Oh Ginny. He didn't even say goodbye?"

"No. Just stared at me."

"Hermione, I've lost him forever." Ginny sobbed.

Hermione immediately walked around her desk, and wrapped Ginny in a tight hug. Ginny cried into her shoulder for what seemed like hours before the tears subsided. When they had, Hermione spoke.

"Why don't you stay here tonight Ginny? I can conjure a bed for you."

Ginny nodded weakly, and she and Hermione walked back to the bedroom. It was cozy and warm, and Ginny immediately felt at home. Hermione conjured her a bed, and gave her some pajamas to wear. Once she had changed, Ginny settled into her bed. It was soft and comfortable and she was sleepy. But Hermione wanted to talk.

"I think I should tell you the truth Ginny."

"Yes?"

"I don't think Harry's coming back."

"I know." Ginny said in a sad whisper.

"I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help."

"It's okay Hermione. This is no one's fault but my own. I pushed him to far. I toyed with him. He had every right to leave. I just wish he hadn't." Ginny said with tears running down her cheeks.

Hermione reached across her bed and gave Ginny's hand a squeeze. Ginny squeezed back and then let go. She rolled over on her side, hugging one of the squishy pillows to her chest. She remembered the feeling of Harry beside her. Ginny fought to hold back tears, but found she couldn't. She began to sob into her pillow, muffling the sound. Hermione had fallen asleep in a few minutes, leaving Ginny all alone with her thoughts. She hated the ones that were swirling in her head. Everything was bad, and it felt as if it would never get better again.

The next morning Ginny awoke to find Hermione gone. A message floated in front of Ginny's face. It read:

Ginny,

I went off to teach classes this morning. You can stay as long as you'd like. I won't be back until this evening. I'm so sorry about everything. I hope things get better for you. I'm always here.

Love, Hermione

Ginny wrote back, thanking Hermione and assuring her that she would visit again soon. With that, she threw her clothes back on and headed out. The sun was shining brilliantly outside, completely opposite of what she was feeling inside. Inside she was all storm clouds and rain showers. They seemed as if they would last forever. Ginny pushed open the main doors and stepped outside. The sunlight was deceiving. It was extremely cold outside. Ginny scolded herself for not bringing a heavier coat, and kept on walking. Suddenly, the sky clouded over. Massive clouds engulfed the sun. The air became even colder. And then it began to snow. Fragile white flakes floated down delicately, slowly covering the ground in a blanket. Snow stuck to Ginny's hair and clothes, chilling her even more. As much as she fought it, a smile widened on Ginny's face. The sight of snow always made her happy. It made her feel young and innocent again, as though no harm could come to her.

As she stepped out of the grounds and into Hogsmeade, thoughts of finality began to come to Ginny.

This is the beginning and the end. Things will never be as they were, no matter how hard I try to fix them. I've made so many mistakes, ones I wish I could take back. But I can't. What's done is done. And though it pains me to think this, I know it is true. Harry will never be mine. He never really was. I had these fantastical dreams, hopes, and wishes. None of them came true. I have little hope that they ever will. This is my reality. All the sorrow and the pain, all the smiles and the laughter. Nothing can change that. I will have to start over. To redefine my happiness. And maybe one day I will be truly happy. Life has a funny way of surprising you.

A/N: There it is. The last chapter. It's definitely a sad one. This is my first sad ending to a multiple chapter fic. And I hope you like it, even though it is a little depressing. Life is not always perfect and a happy ending, and I thought I should show that. But there is a sequel. Look for it definitely to be more mature, and hopefully more unique and boundary bending. At least that's what I'm hoping for. Lol. Well, Once again thank you so much everyone! Your support is amazing!