Author: RavenEcho
Summary: Ginny hurts. And no one knows. It's not easy being a number. Her number is zero, because that's how many people understand her…probably a Draco/Ginny waiting to happen. Some Ginny/Remus.
Disclaimer: If I owned this stuff, would I really be on this computer typing away right now? No… I would be eating some rich-people-food in my gigantic English manor…
Touch Me
Chapter 9: Her Secret, His Response
"Bye Fred, bye George," Ginny called back as she and Remus left the shop laughing about the twins' latest tale. This one was about a customer who had tried to steal some of their products without considering the consequences of getting caught shoplifting by either of the twins.
Once outside of the shop, Remus gazed around Hogsmeade, wondering what to do next. It was about noon, so he figured lunch would be a good idea. "You want to go get a bite to eat at the Three Broomsticks, Ginny?"
Ginny shrugged uncomfortably. "I don't care. If you want to, sure."
Remus raised an eyebrow at Ginny's odd behavior. No Weasleys were ever hesitant about eating. "Alright, let's go then," he decided. "If we nip in there fast, we'll miss the lunchtime rush."
Ginny just nodded and started walking towards the restaurant and popular hang-out place.
"What do you want, Ginny?" Remus asked once they were seated at a corner table in the Three Broomsticks.
"I'm not really that hungry," she said. "I'll just have a cup of potato soup."
Remus frowned, but let Ginny order what she wanted. It didn't click in his head what was bothering him until their food had been served and he saw Ginny just stirring her soup, not really eating any.
He eyed her rather small frame critically. "Ginny?" he asked, to get her attention.
"Yeah, Remus?" she looked up.
"Have you quit eating again?" he said very quietly.
She didn't answer, and he stood, leaving half his food on his plate. Her cup of soup was still full. "C'mon, let's go on a walk. I know you're not gonna eat anymore of that soup."
Ginny stood obediently and followed Remus from the restaurant. The older man didn't speak again for a while. He led Ginny towards the Shrieking Shack, and when he reached it, he stopped. He still didn't speak, seemingly wondering what to say.
"What's up, Ginny?" he finally said very softly.
Again, Ginny was silent.
Remus continued. "You quit eating this summer because of those nightmares about Tom." Ginny shuddered. "Is it that again?" Remus asked, gently cupping the girl's chin.
"No," she mumbled.
"Then what is it?" Remus said pleadingly. "I'm your friend; I want to help you however I can. Like you help me."
"You can't help me every time, Moony," Ginny said softly. "This one's between me and Draco."
Remus' head shot up, eyes full of concern. "At least tell me what happened?"
"It's a bet," Ginny began. "He bet he could always be there to help me, to heal me. Well, he can't. And he has to see that."
Remus sighed. He knew there was no convincing Ginny out of this one. She seemed to think it her due to feel the pain, and she made this her punishment. And no Weasley was ever one to surrender a bet. Instead of even attempting to change Ginny's mind, he pulled her to him.
She was the one that started the kiss. It was hungry, needy, sad. He responded immediately, trying to quench, to satisfy, to please. It wasn't enough. It was never enough anymore; she knew it, he did too. She ended the kiss, as starved as she was when she began it.
"How long is this bet going for?" Remus asked.
"A month," Ginny answered. "Only two more days."
"Good." Remus said into her red hair. "I love you."
"I love you too."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: And there we have the secret… Ginny's borderline anorexic! I bet no one guessed… I couldn't really decide, seeing as I got ONE review!
SO… thank you to my one lovely darling reviewer that I adore above all others (at least for the moment)… and the wonder person is….. moonlightwitch! Thank you!