A/N: Woo hoo! You people aren't mad at me! I love you all!

Thank you for all the reviews. It's great to hear from you guys again. One or two of you mentioned the terrible spelling throughout the fic, and I'll admit it: I can't spell to save my life. I'll try to sort that out though. Also, I've got less then a month to complete this before the next book comes out, eek. I will do it though, with all your support! I'll be putting up the last chapter on the 15th, the day before HBP.

I hope you guys like this chapter- it took me forever to write. I think it rocks though!

This chapter: Harry finds himself unstable in the subject of love, comes across unsettling differences in the world, and is forced to face up to reality. Mwa ha ha! Lots of H/G and the beginning of major action! Just what the doctor ordered!

Oh, and I forgot to name last chapter. It's Chapter 39: Trinket words.

Hugs and sun kisses, Angel x

Chapter 40: With or without you

(named after the U2 song, so if you've got it, put it on now!)

Harry wandered out into the shrubbery, as lonely as a cloud.

The night was tame and still, but the shadows were ready to pounce. The breeze was soft and tickly, making the hairs stand up on his back; the growth was whiskery at his shins. The inky sky wore a face of sadness, the stars a handful of sprinkled freckles. Freckles…

Harry stepped over the fringe, and flopped down onto a cold hard bench. Not even the stars were as bright and appealing as the sprinkled adornment Ginny wore. Sun kisses. He wondered if he'd ever have the chance to count them, place his finger on each sprinkle one by one…

A bustle in the bushes made the solemn boy haul his attention, as a damsel in midnight blue robes climbed out of the plants and over the picket.

'Harry.'

It was Hermione. She tiptoed, bright eyed, to the bench and took a seat.

'It's ok, you can come in now. She's not dancing anymore.'

Harry dropped his reverie.

'It's not ok, not at all…' Harry hushed. 'I don't even know what I'm doing out here. It wont make any difference. It's not like she's going to run round the corner and tell me that she loves me.'

'She wont unless you ask her.' Hermione whispered, looking weary for her friend.

Harry knotted his hands together tightly, making his knuckles grow white, and let out an exasperated groan. Hermione unpicked his hands, and took one of them with hers.

'Talk to her, Harry.' Hermione chimed, squeezing his tension away. 'Tell her how you feel.'

'I don't know how I feel.' Harry stressed, looking out beyond the garden. 'All I know is how I felt when she was dancing with that boy… Who is he?'

'One of the Ministry official's son.' Hermione lulled. 'He's nobody.'

'Nobody…' Harry repeated, his eyes bright with passion. 'Then what does that make me?'

'Stupid.' Hermione replied bluntly, and Harry pulled his hand away. 'Oh, don't be like that, Harry. Things wont change unless you change them.'

'What am I supposed to do?' Harry asked, jumping up from the bench and beginning to pace. 'She said before that when we kissed it…it didn't mean anything...'

'Did it mean anything?'

'It did to me.' Harry breathed, a sliver of icy smoke escaping his lips.

He bent down to the harsh earth, his back turned far from his company, and scooped a pebble up off the debris. With a swung arm and a strong swish the stone flew over the bars, gradually jumping repeatedly off the ground, fighting the powers of gravity.

'Harry,' Hermione hummed, a porcelain hand reaching his shoulder. 'Ginny may not have realised how you were feeling. She's very carefree, especially here. She wont know if you don't tell her.'

Silence fled the green again.

'What if she…she doesn't…' Harry mumbled, his eyes bright and frosted.

'If you don't go back inside, you'll never know.' Hermione whispered. 'Tell her how you're feeling, and she'll give you the answer that's best for her.'

Harry raised his arms and crossed them above his head.

'Ok.'

As the pair wandered back into the bustle, Harry skimmed the crowd for her features. She wasn't there. People were indistinguishable as they rotated in the riot, but he would have spotted her smile a mile off.

'I'm going to dance with Ron.' Hermione whispered motherly to Harry, with an ironically naïve smile. 'I'll be right here if you need me…Good luck!'

Harry took this opportunity to shoo Hermione away, her gown glittering silver and rain as she humbled sweetly off. For a moment he considered searching Ginny out, but the thought of finding her in the arms of her dance partner was too much to bear.

The raven haired boy rushed quickly into an escape. He climbed hurriedly up the stairs, running faster and faster, his heart thumping deeply in his chest; each beat an emotional struggle. He tripped up step after step, each canter echoing her name, each gasp he heard her voice. He gripped the rail harshly, unsteadily rushing and plummeting. He only stopped when he'd reached the upper most balcony, and his heart froze. There she was:

A girl in a pure white robe. Long curls of golden hair fell effortlessly down her bare back; her dainty fingers rested lightly on the rail. As Harry stopped broken in the doorway, his hands holding his heaving body still against the coving, Ginny turned around and their eyes locked.

Her dress was secretive and untouchable, each twinkle unfocusing Harry's eyes. Her hair fell lightly around her face; strands wisped over her brow and swirled up into a braid. Her baby brown eyes were deep and unsure; like an inquisitive child's, as they waited for an answer. She tipped her head lightly to one side, her mouth awed. Then, as if by magic, her lips spread into a candy smile and Harry held his breath.

'I didn't think anyone else would come up here.' Ginny dewed, her eyes shifting shyly between her feet and his orbs. Harry let go of the wall, his body suddenly numb.

'Me either.'

The pair approached the view, Harry following the angel, his eyes never leaning hers. It was like he'd never seen her before. A whole knew feeling filled between his feet and his chest, spreading warmly to his head and shutting off his mind. She was perfect. What was he doing before? There she was. All the times he'd looped his arm around her waist, briefly brushed her hand; now things would never be the same. He loved her now.

Ginny loosened her dreaming gaze for a moment, and turned to Harry, upon noticing his expression.

'What's the matter?' She asked, pondering a frown.

Harry's throat went dry. He tried to move his lips: but nothing happened. He just stared distantly at the girl before him, eventually retiring into a sigh and shaking his head.

'Is it something to do with you-know-who?' Ginny asked, lowering her chin and looking through scared eyes. Harry stood still for a moment, grinning on the inside before letting it slowly out. He lifted his right hand and stroked a strand of soft cinnamon behind Ginny's ear, his gentle adoration resting on her worry.

'No.' He hushed.

'Oh.'

Harry reached absentmindedly for her hand, not even thinking of what he was doing, and held it carefully in his own. He'd never noticed how tiny it was before he found it sitting in his palm, his thumb searching her skin softly.

'Do you want to dance?' Harry asked, revelling at his nerve.

Ginny looked down at their perfectly joined hands, and back up at Harry again, before saying:

'Yes, I'd like that.'

The familiar pair climbed down the tower giddily, Harry leading the way, and appeared at the edge of the festivities. A waltz was in place.

'Should we wait for the next dance?' Ginny asked, looking wearily into the storm of adults.

'Of course not!' Harry exclaimed, with a rush of adrenalin, before pulling the redhead in.

Harry clasped Ginny's waist quickly, and began to spin her round. The couple stepped in time with the others, the music flowing through their veins, and Ginny laughed brightly as they went. Hand in hand they led the festivities, their bodies tossing and turning like a melodic roller coaster.

Harry watched Ginny's expression perfectly as they flew; her eyes were wide and excited, her mouth a photo of a smile. It made him feel oddly warm on the inside, and he knew it was the way things were meant to be.

As the music drew to a close, Harry glided Ginny in from arms length, clasping their hands affectionately to his chest. Ginny looked up to Harry with a child's eyes, and Harry smiled back, before spotting two pairs of familiar orbs.

'And who would this be?' An amused James Potter asked, his wife beside him on the dance floor. Harry turned the angel to face his parents.

'Mum, Dad.' He began, smiling handsomely. 'This is Ginny.'

The Potters faces were a picture. James broke into the proudest grin Harry had ever seen, and was chuckling under his breath. Lily sighed with a hand to her chest, and smiled as if she was looking at a particularly breathtaking sunset.

'Well, it's very nice to meet you.' Mrs Potter said formaly, but with mothering eyes.

'And you'd be a 6th year at Hogwarts, wouldn't you?' Mr Potter asked Ginny falsely, giving Harry an over acted wink.

The Potter son put a soft arm around the angel before him, who was pale beneath her freckles. Her eyes were wide, unsure hazelnuts, and her lips were held in a nervous half smile.

'Well I'm glad we finally meet.' Lily pronounced, linking arms with her husband.

'Yes, It's lovely to see you Ginny.' James grinned. 'It's nice to be able to put a face to the name.'

'Why don't we go and get some drinks?' Harry hinted, and as he steered his friend away, he could just hear the warm hum of his parents:

'Isn't she beautiful?'

'She's perfect.'

'Such strong eyes, I bet she's bright a bright girl. '

'She reminds me of a younger you.'

'Wouldn't she look lovely in my wedding dress?'

Harry beamed as he followed Ginny across the outskirts, around bobbing house elves, and over to the refreshments table. She stopped before Harry was within arms length of the drinks, eyes wide.

'Do you think they like me?' She asked apprehensively, tucking a cotton of hair behind her ear. Harry smiled, being reminded of how she always fiddled with her hair back in their world. He'd never realised it was a nervous thing; she seemed to do it all the time. Harry found it odd that it had only just occurred to him.

'Are you kidding? They love you!' Harry cheered, putting both hands on her waist naturally. 'Why does it matter anyway?'

'It's just, I probably wont ever get a chance to meet them again.' Ginny said, biting her lip.

Harry sighed, looking contently at the girl who would 'look lovely' in his mothers wedding dress. For a moment he wished that he could see Ginny in it, veil and all, but his image was quickly interrupted…

'Harry, Gin!' Ron cheered, as him and Hermione stepped out of the carnival, red faced. 'Why don't you come and dance?'

'Sorry Ron, but you're not my type.' Harry replied, picking up a pumpkin juice.

'Very funny.' Ron said, rolling his eyes. 'So witty.'

'Are you two having fun?' Hermione asked brightly.

'Yes, of course.' Ginny grinned at Harry, before:

'Ginevra!' A brassy woman's voice called. 'Would you come over here dear. I have someone for you to meet!'

'I'll be right back.' Ginny said politely, as an aside, before disappearing off.

'Who was that?' Harry asked, confused.

'My dear mother.' Ron frowned, looking edgily over to the crowd. 'She's a bit pushy in this world; did I forget to mention that?'

'You did.' Harry mused, having trouble imagining Mrs Weasley as anything but wonderful.

'She's alright, if she likes you.' Ron added, thoughtfully. 'She thinks Hermione's a doll, so we're ok.'

'A doll?' Harry chuckled.

'Her exact words were 'what a little puppet.'' Hermione quoted, scowling. 'I really don't think she likes me, Ron.'

'Of course she does.' Ron assured her, hugging his girlfriend tightly. 'She told me you'd make a lovely trophy wife.'

'Trophy wife!' Hermione exclaimed, knocking over a passing house elf. 'I'd be more then a trophy wife! And who said I'm going to marry you anyway!'

Hermione's face blew up bright red, and Harry knew this was going to be the beginning of a much needed row. Hermione and Ron hadn't had a good shout at each other in what seemed like an eternity.

'Calm down Hermione, it was a compliment!' Ron grouched.

'Compliment!' She shouted, fists balled. 'A compliment that I'm lucky enough to marry you? I think not! I could do better then you!'

'And who would you rather marry then, Vicky possibly?' Ron spat. 'Then you could have loads of little quidditch babies with bushy hair, and live happily ever after!'

'Oh Ronald, don't be ridiculous!' Hermione roared, clamping her hands on her hips. 'I'm not going to marry Viktor Krum!'

'Should I even dare to ask how a famous Quidditch player worked it's way into your argument?' Erin asked with a raised eyebrow, as she approached the old married couple.

'No.' Ron ordered, grabbing Hermione by the elbow. 'Now lets go and discuss this outside, puppet…'

Erin giggled as Ron dragged his girlfriend away, who was reluctant to follow and kept tripping over her large flowing gown. Harry would have been worried, but the smile Hermione produced as she knocked an elf head first into his chocolate box, told Harry everything was going to be ok.

'Have they been at it long?' Erin pondered, revealing a perfect set of teeth with her smile.

'No, only a few minutes.' Harry chuckled. Some things never change.

'Have you spoken to Ginny?' Erin asked carefully, pouring herself a glass of blue liquid.

Harry half smiled.

'I have.' He replied.

'And?' His sibling grinned, enthusiastically. 'Did you tell her?'

'No.' Harry sighed, looking dreamily out in the direction Ginny had left. 'And you know what? I don't think I have to. I was going to, but why complicate a good thing?'

'You really are all over the place, aren't you?' Erin mused, taking a mature sip from her wine glass. 'One minute you can never tell her, the next minute you have to tell her, then you want to.' Harry frowned. 'Yes, I've been talking to Hermione, the point is you really need to make up your mind. You'll just go mad if you don't.'

Harry put his hands defensively into his pockets, trying his best to ignore everything Erin had said. It didn't matter what she thought, as long as he was happy. He watched her replace her glass on the table with and air of elegance, and brush her strong red hair behind her back, as if the formality of the ball was a normal occurrence for her. She stood with the stance of a girl trying to be a woman, and Harry, for the first time, felt at a great distance from his sister.

'We really are from different worlds, Erin.' He said coldly, and her face halted in shock; jade oval eyes meeting identical hazel ones. 'We're more different then I thought.'

'You sound just like my old brother.' Erin said tonelessly, her brow furrowed. 'But at least he's able to do the mature thing when it comes to infatuation…You've never been in love before, have you?'

'I might have!' Harry charged, annoyed at Erin's arrogance. 'You don't know everything, you know. Just because you-you can see auras, and you know about this world and stuff, it doesn't mean you can tell me what to do! I still know how I feel, and the mature thing? What would you know about being mature?' Harry threw his arm out, and knocked Erin's glass off the table with a smash. 'I've had to be mature my whole life; you don't know how lucky you are…'

The raven haired boy trod over the grated pieces of silver, and stormed over to the outlet for the chance to cool. Lightning sparked at his finger tips as he stiffened his claws, and thunder growled at his temples as he dipped into the night. As if on cue a small spark exploded and burned on his forehead, and Harry calmed it with his palm, wondering how he could possibly gotten so out of control that his secret had began to throb.

'Harry,' the last voice he wanted to hear chimed behind him. 'Harry, just listen to me.' Harry ignored his sister and his scar, and kicked relentlessly at a nearby fence.

'Look, all I'm saying is that you're not very aware of what you're doing.' The redhead spoke to a wall. 'And you're impossibly stubborn! Goodness, you and Ginny really would make the perfect couple. You both have the Weasley temper!'

'Well the Weasley's are my family.' Harry raged constrictedly, before growling softly: 'I guess you pick things up from your family...'

Erin took a shifty step forwards, and poked Harry jokingly in the ribs.

'Come inside?' She smiled. 'I didn't mean to say what I did. You don't have to tell her if you don't want to. I just figured you would with a push. The old Harry would have.'

'Well I'm not him.' Harry sighed with serious eyes, drumming his fingers on his thigh.

Erin laughed.

'But you are.' She smiled widely. 'You tell Ginny and you'll feel worlds better, then next time you want to tell a girl you wont be afraid.'

'There wont be a next time.' Harry said, shaking his head. 'There wont. You asked me before if I've been in love; I was, and it wasn't even a fraction on what I'm feeling now.'

'Then you'll go?' Erin cheered, clapping her hands together in glee.

'Yes.' Harry glowed gallantly. 'I will.'

The knight in shining armour galloped into the valley of ballroom dancing, and winded through the forest of lovers. His mission: to save the princess, of course. From what? He wasn't quite sure yet…

As Harry two stepped around a bald man and his plump partner, he was sure he could just about see long tresses of golden hair. He slipped away from a group of gargoyles, and rocked around the toasts of those who had something to celebrate, knocking their wine afar. After chasing away from a crafty slip of mistletoe, Harry was close enough to see her profile; a pretty nose, tiny and as cute as an infants, soft smiling lips, petal cheeks downed with stars…

Harry pushed through a final barrier of prancers, and ran with an urgent tide, each muscle and fibre he had aching for her touch.

He stopped a footstep away from her and pulled back, eyes bearing longingly into her. A shaky hand lifted slowly from his side, rising strongly to the task, and slipped perfectly into the crook of her elbow. With a tug on her arm, and his heart strings, Harry resurrected his angel.

'Harry.'

She said his name so softly, he was barely sure she'd spoken. Her voice rippled like the waves along a brook. Her melody not even comparable to the tunes of the orchestra; it was mere noise compared to her words.

Her eyes were what transfixed him though; deep ice cream streams of chocolate and honey. He watched them deeply, before his sight floated to her lips. Harry wondered for a moment how the world had kept going when she smiled, how no one had stopped to stare. Her smile was so perfect, Harry had never seen one like it before. Why had people not noticed? He couldn't take his eyes away.

'Harry?'

He moved his meadow orbs back to hers. She wore a misty look of confusion.

'I wanted to talk to you.' Harry stated, his voice deep and pure.

'Right now?' She cringed slightly, and Harry stiffened. 'I'm kind of busy.'

'It's important.' Harry continued, feeling possessed. 'Really important.'

'I can't…' Ginny continued, averting her eyes, and signalling to her company.

Mr and Mrs Weasley were head of the group; arousing laughter and relaying hearty stories. Mrs Weasley wore sparkling robes of pink, feathers and fancies faulting her dress. Mr Weasley wore dead chamber gowns like that of a king. Each spoke royally, gargling falsely at their wonderment. Harry didn't know these people.

'Can't you get away?' Harry stressed, eying the assortment of professionals mocking gaily at Molly's whim.

'I can't.' Ginny hissed, through tight lips. 'I have to stay for a while.'

'Please.' Harry begged, blocking out the adults ignorance. 'Just for a moment.'

'Ginevra!' The rich honeyed voice of Mrs Weasley sounded. Harry flinched as the words left his surrogate mothers lips, thinking grudgingly of how she reminded him of Professor Umbridge.

'Yes mother.' Ginny spoke to a stranger.

'Why don't you dance with Mr Endwell's son again?' The plump woman suggested, completely overlooking Harry. 'I'm sure he'd rather enjoy your company then staying with us oldies!'

'That sounds like a wonderful idea, mother.' Ginny replied, her head inclined towards a certain young gentleman.

It was the prince from before. He wasn't a boy, but more of a man; his young face leading the gather into a false state of recognition. His hair was boyish, and robes stylish and serene, but his demeanour told Harry he must have been at least 3 years Ginny's senior.

The girl in question hadn't seemed to notice though. She was gazing into his eyes with a heart leaping expression; her lashes fluttering sweetly and her smile perfectly coined.

'So Ginevra, what do you say?' The guest asked, with a sparkle in his eyes.

Harry didn't even wait for her answer. He grabbed what remaining dignity he had and swept out of the lovers path, over to the bottom corner of the ceremony, and well out of harms way. Here he hid in the shadows.

Leaning on the hard wood of the front balcony, Harry crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He was so sure, and yet…

Harry let his palms graze the lids of his hot, bleating eyes. They stung as he rubbed the worries away, and opened them afresh. The sight was just as unpleasant as before. A holiday bash meant for the rich and indulging. Those too filled with fairytales to see what's right there before them.

An unbearable bug ate away at Harry's insides, squirming with defeat. The feeling was one Harry didn't know how to fix, and he suddenly understood how Hermione felt sometimes; he wished more then anything now that he had a book to dive into and extract all the answers from.

'Hey.' A comforter greeted, joining Harry on his space by the wall.

Harry didn't look round, he didn't need to; he'd know that voice anywhere.

'Hey Erin.' Harry replied, half sighing for some unknown reason.

'How is it that we're always the ones on our own?' Erin pondered, raising an eyebrow.

'How's that?' Harry asked.

'Ron's dancing with Hermione,' Erin began. 'Dean and Neville are with ministry girls, Seamus and Daisy are dancing… They used to go out, you know?'

'I know.' Harry lied tonelessly, his face pale and lifeless.

Erin looked miserably at her brother for a moment, her eyes sympathetic and dull, before kissing him on the cheek and leaving him silently to be by himself.

A new tune began to play from the invisible ensemble, as Harry retired his eyes again. He felt tired from all the worries, and wished somehow that it would all just go away. That he was at home in his cupboard again, his whole life ahead of him.

A flicker of Ginny drew into his mind like a silent movie, darkness clipped between every frame. A life from his cupboard meant a life without her; a life without life. It wouldn't be possible. He couldn't live with her, that was for sure, but he also knew he certainly couldn't live without her.

'You wanted to talk?'

The picture in his mind faded into the one before him, as Harry opened his eyes.

'I did…' He mumbled, standing up from the wall. 'I do.'

'Well, I'm here.' Ginny smiled lightly. 'I told my Mum of how Mr Ender-whatsits son was dieing to hear the story of her trip to Poland, then I slipped away. The poor idiots probably still over there listening to her now!'

'You mean you don't like him?' Harry jumped, his heart pounding unbearably.

'No!' Ginny almost snorted. 'He's just some ministry good boy who my parents introduced me to. I'm being forced to socialise with him to keep them happy.'

'And you're sure?' Harry asked again, feeling the pain in his chest loosen. 'When I saw the way you looked at him, I thought for a moment…'

'You were jealous?' Ginny chocked, her eyes wide.

'Maybe…' Harry smiled, shrugging his shoulders. 'So there's nothing between you?'

'Absolutely nothing.' Ginny beamed. 'I can honestly say I have no interest in him at all.

Harry sighed.

'That's good.'

'And why is that?' Ginny questioned, raising a friendly eyebrow.

Harry froze for a moment, thinking things through: he wanted to do this properly.

'You see.' He began, taking her smooth hands in each of his. 'There's something I've been meaning to tell you.'

'Oh really?' Ginny grinned, a spark of humour lighting up her eyes. 'Let me guess… You're secretly a woman, aren't you? Or are you dieing, with only a week to live?'

'Not quite.' Harry chuckled, leading Ginny out of the shadows.

'You're secretly having an affair with Crookshanks?'

Harry shook his head.

'You're hairs fake?' Ginny guessed, making him burst into peals of laughter. 'No? I was really banking on that one… You're considering plastic surgery?'

'Not even close.' Harry said.

'You're allergic to cheese?'

'Nope.'

'You're-' Harry raised a finger to her lips:

'In love with you.'

'What?'

Ginny pulled her hands away from his, and took a step back in shock.

'I'm in love with you.' Harry repeated, looking lost in her eyes. 'I love you, Ginny.'

The angelic girl before him stood frozen to the spot, her mouth opened in an O, and her eyes wide and disbelieving.

'You…but…'

She looked as if she'd seen a ghost; as if Harry was a mere figment of her imagination. He waited for her answer patiently, legs shaking and eyes unsure, hoping more then anything that her answer would be his statement.

'Oh, there you are! I've been looking for you everywhere, Ginevra!'

An unwanted prince galloped in, his royal gold robes flaring at his sides, his grin feeling odd to the dubious onlookers. Indignantly unaware of the situation, he knocked Ginny out of her reverie.

'Ginevra!' He harped again. 'I was looking for you.'

'Oh, right.' She replied vacantly, her face not relaying her words.

The prince grinned.

'So how about that dance you promised me?'

Ginny turned sharply to the boy before her, then to Harry, stones set in her eyes.

'I…'

'Brilliant.' The Endwell boy charmed, giving Harry a polite nod, as he took Ginny's hand and began to drag her away. Ginny moved her feet automatically, barely aware of what was happening, her eyes still bearing into Harry's.

'I'll be right back!' She called, finding her voice halfway across the dance floor, before she disappeared into the maze. Harry could only watch…Or so he thought.

With the spark of an idea, and the strength to not give up, Harry ran out of the festival and up the stairs. She didn't give me an answer, he said to himself as he took the steps two at a time. She might still, she could still…

At the top of the harsh helter-skelter Harry rushed over to the edge of the lowest balcony. It wasn't the best view, but Harry was determined to find her. He'd found her in the Chamber of secrets; he could find her here.

Meaningless couples slow danced in and out if each other; was it really that late in the evening? Mr and Mrs Weasley were sinking into dance; Neville had joined hands with Susan Bones. Erin and Daisy danced with Dean and Seamus; Ron and Hermione seemed inseparable.

Harry wondered if Ginny was dancing so closely with Mr Endwell's son, before an image of gold flustered beneath his unfocused eyes.

Down the front of the ball, where the whole world could see them, was the offending couple.

The prince was leaning forward to whisper misleading words into the angels ears; his arms we so tightly around her waist, Harry was afraid he's brake her. Ginny looked as perfect as ever, yet she didn't fit into the strangers arms; not the way she fit in his.

Harry moved swiftly round the shiny banisters, off of the balcony, and onto the connecting stage. He walked Cinderella's footsteps as he moved, his eyes never leaving the indefinite couple.

The prince was running his hands through her hair; his face barely inches from hers…

Harry moved faster, stepping into a run, and stopping in the spotlight of the stage.

Their heads were but a whisper apart. Harry's heart broke.

'Ginny…'

A golden head pulled away.

'Harry.' She said, her orbs bright and star speckled. 'Oh, Harry, I…'

The raven haired boy froze, his mind aching, their eyes locked.

Harry shook his head. I guess I'll have to live without you he thought alone, before turning away for an exit.

A few sad steps were taken, before a small hand gripped Harry's. He barely dared to turn around…but he did.

'Hey.' Ginny hushed, looking nervously at the fractured boy before her.

His eyes were clear and wet; his shoulders heavy under invisible weight. He shrugged them. She tried to stroke the palm of his hand with her thumb, but he pulled away.

'Oh.'

Harry turned his head, before two arms slid their way perfectly around his neck. He looked back at Ginny, surprised, as her eyes were filled with fire.

She leaned into him, their noses parting, a smile playing on her lips.

She kissed him.

Lips moved together, breathless and intense. Cheers exploded over their heads. It couldn't have been more perfect.

The pair grinned as they pulled apart, foreheads resting together, before they were drawn back to reality.

Smiles. There were smiles everywhere. The whole ensemble was applauding, and suddenly the world didn't seem so bad. Seamus and Dean were roaring; Erin wolf whistled. Hermione and Ron were tightly embraced, and laughing eye in eye with the couple.

Harry turned bright eyed back to Ginny, just as she turned back to him.

'I love you.' She sighed, and a large weight seemed to lift off her heart. It was like she was suddenly flying.

'I love you, too.' Harry whispered, putting a hand to her cheek, before something unexpected happened.

The lights went dead.

Darkness flooded in every nook and cranny, and the room turned hauntingly cold. Shouts and squeals illuminated the passage, before a hundred or so wands suddenly lit.

'What's going on?' A voice boomed.

'Is this some kind of joke?'

'Why did the candles go out?'

'What's the meaning of this?'

'They've made their move.' The serious voice of James Potter growled. 'The guests need to be sent home. It's no longer safe here.'

'Somebody fetch the children!' Lily panicked. 'They have to leave now!'

'What do you mean?' demanded Mr Weasley. 'Who's made their move?'

'The Death Eaters.'

Four heads flicked straight to James Potter.

'It's seems they've found a master.' He added. 'Everybody leave! Now!'

Commotion and mayhem filled the room; guests apparated and jumbled towards the exits. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand fiercely, pulled them down the icy steps, and rushed over to his parents.

'Is it true?' He stressed, swiping his wand out his belt. 'Are you sure they're coming?'

'Yes Harry, and you need to leave.' James ordered.

'Is Dumbledore on his way? Do the others know?'

His father stopped plainly.

'What do you mean?'

'The aurors.' Harry explained, angered my his fathers calmness. 'Are Sirius and Lupin, and Mad-eye and Tonks on their way?'

'Harry, stop!' Ginny stressed, her wand also held above her head.

'How do you know?'

'Are they coming, Dad?' Harry repeated. 'We can't do this alone.'

'Harry.' Lily said, a very shaken Erin in her arms. 'Take your sister home. Take her now.'

'But, Mum-'

'Leave now.' Lily begged. 'Floo home, and Ginny dear, go find your parents.'

The redhead in question lowered her wand, gave a polite determined nod, and trekked off into the war land.

'Where are they?' Sirius asked, appearing by James's side. 'Are we too late?'

More wizards appeared.

'You're just in time.' James insisted, on hearing a cackling voice from the distance.

Harry froze.

'Bellatrix.'

He grabbed his sisters hand, and pulled them away for an escape. He picked up an empty bottle of butterbeer from the floor, and placed a well learnt charm on it, before fixing it in his wand hand.

'3, 2, 1...' Harry hummed, before a jerk checked in his navel, and him and his sister were safely transported home…

Harry laid in bed for many hours once he'd tucked Erin in, and assured her everything would be ok. The night slowly turned from dark to darker, before the stars began to fade. Some time in the morning, the gentle and tired murmurs of his parents could be heard, and only then would Harry sleep.