A/N – Hey everyone. This was a hard chapter to write, but hopefully you'll like it. It is a bit short, but… meh. The chapters are slowly getting longer… although they tend to differ a bit. The reviews have been amazing, please don't stop! Please! But the main thing is that you're enjoying it... so what are you waiting for? Read on!
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Ch 12 – You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
Dedication: clau-hogwarts-writer for the longest review!
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"Why couldn't we Apparate again?" Harry asked as they walked down a small empty street in London.
Ginny blushed and muttered something.
"What?" Harry asked, slowing down.
Ginny muttered a bit louder this time and kept walking furiously.
"I didn't hear you." Harry said quirking an eyebrow.
"I said that I . . . I don't know how to." Ginny said heatedly.
Harry stopped walking completely.
"What? How can you not. . . not know how? You passed your test didn't you?" Harry questioned her, in disbelief.
"Where are you taking me Harry?" Ginny asked, not answering the question.
"It's more a question of where you're taking me." Harry replied, trying to keep up with Ginny's fast pace. Ginny kept walking, what her father had said repeating in her head again and again. If it keeps up, we'll lose the Burrow. Tears of frustration clouded Ginny's vision, which was the reason she didn't see the bump in the path.
THUMP.
She tumbled over none to gracefully, hitting her knee and landing on her back. She lay there, staring up at the black night and clutching her leg. Tears flowed freely now, running down the side of her face. Tears not only from the physical pain, but from the emotional pain of the past few days; Hermione's terrible discovery, what the papers were saying about her, the fight with Jason, the danger of losing the Burrow. That was the whole reason for tonight; she wanted Harry to take her somewhere where she would forget about everything. Nothing seemed to be going right though.
"Shh." Harry said, kneeling down in front of her. "I don't think you're up to this." he stated, pulling her up so she was upright and leaning against him. He sat down completely, sitting beside her and leaning against the steps of an apartment building.
They sat there for a while in silence on the footpath of that empty street, Ginny sobbing silently and Harry with his arm around her, unsure of what to do. A few people passed, giving them strange looks, but Harry ignored them and Ginny didn't even register they were there.
"I don't want to go back to my place." Ginny said presently, wiping away some tears.
Harry looked troubled. "You sure? I think you need some sleep."
"I've slept all day." Ginny retorted. "I want to do something, something I haven't done before. Something that will make me forget at least for a while."
"That's a bit unlike you."
"How do you know what I'm like?" Ginny said tersely.
"Well, you're too tense, anyone can see that. Being a teacher does that to you. You have to learn to relax; life is too serious for you." Harry said thoughtfully, trying to brighten the conversation. All this seriousness was weird for him.
"As opposed to you sailing by life not thinking about consequences?" Ginny replied, offended.
"I do think about consequences, I just don't get worked up about them. So what if they print something about me that's not true – I know, and my real friend know that it isn't true." Harry said gently.
"You don't have a reputation to maintain." Ginny accused, tears finally stopping. The step was cold, mixing with her heated face. The feeling made her kind of. . . courageous.
"All most everyone knows my name, here and anywhere else. Of course I have a reputation to maintain. I'm just not as worried about it as you are." Harry said simply, leaning back against the step.
Ginny shrugged. "I'm getting sick of worrying." She admitted softly.
"So don't. We both take a different outlook on it. Yet here I am, content and here you are; crying. Maybe you should try seeing things my way, the way you used to be."
"I'm not crying." Ginny lied, wiping her eyes. "And what do you mean, how I used to be?"
"The way you were at Hogwarts. The I-don't-care-what-people-think Ginny. The one I. . ." Harry stopped suddenly.
"The one you what?" Ginny asked.
"Nothing. Let's get you back to your house, okay?"
But Harry's truthful words had awoken something in Ginny, a feeling she hadn't felt in a while. Why shouldn't she have fun every once and a while? The feeling steadily got stronger, practically warming her up. The Gryffindor feeling, she thought as a smile graced her lips. She could prove to Harry that she could have fun now and then. She could forget, at least for tonight, all her troubles.
"No," she answered obstinately, springing up off the hard ground. "Let's go dancing."
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"What's wrong, Mione?" Ron asked his wife, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. It was about half an hour after Ginny had run out of the room after Mr Weasley had talked about the money problems they were facing. Hermione had gone after her a few minutes later, wanting to comfort her friend. But the redhead had vanished, along with Harry. The rest of the family was quite worried, unable to locate Ginny.
Now Ron and Hermione were both outside by themselves, Ron worried about his wife.
"Nothing." Hermione whispered, stiffening. They both knew it was a lie.
"How can I help if I don't know what's going on?" Ron asked, perplexed. He ran a hand through his choppy red hair, making it stand up slightly.
"It's something I have to handle on my own." Hermione said dully, shivering in the cool wind.
"Look at me, Mione." Ron ordered, turning her around and holding her shoulders. He knew she had been hiding something, ever since she had come back from being out yesterday, and he planned on finding it out.
"Ron. . ." Hermione said weakly, knowing she couldn't stay silent if she looked at him.
"Tell me what is wrong." Ron said gruffly, holding her gaze and staring at her troubled brown eyes.
"I. . . can't." Hermione said in a pained voice, still not looking away.
"Why not?" Ron asked, worried.
"Because. . . because it concerns you too!" Hermione blurted out.
"Well all the more reason to tell me." Ron answered, eyebrows furrowed.
"You'll hate me, you'll want to leave me." Hermione argued, looking tearful.
"Mione, tell me what's wrong!" Ron demanded.
"I'm bloody barren, okay?" She yelled, covering her face with her hands.
Ron took a step back, face clearing.
Then he laughed.
Not just some tiny, nervous laugh that you give when you're in an embarrassing situation, no, this was outright laughter. Knee-slapping laughter.
"Really Mione, I thought it was something serious." He guffawed, looking at her with a traditional Weasley grin.
Hermione looked really hurt. "I. . . I cannot believe you. This is serious." She whispered, pain showing in her eyes. Ron kept laughing.
"Why. . . why would I want to leave you. . ." Ron managed in between bursts of laughter. ". . . because you're the Bloody Baron?" he asked, referring to the Hogwarts ghost. He went off into peals of laughter again. "Honestly Mione, where did this come from? I was really. . . really worried."
Understanding fell over Hermione's face instantly, wishing what Ron was saying could only be true.
"No Ron," she said quietly, "I'm barren. I can't have children. Never. None."
Ron stopped laughing instantly. His face, easy and happy only seconds before, was now a mask of shock and pain.
"W-what?" he whispered, taking another step back.
Hermione sighed, leaning against the railing. "I found out yesterday." She said wearily, closing her eyes and wanting him to hold her.
But he didn't.
"Y-you lied to me, you kept something that big from me." Ron said in disbelief, a tear coursing down his cheek. He could never have small Ron Weasley's running around the backyard, comparing brooms, going to Hogwarts. Never.
"I couldn't tell you Ron!" Hermione cried. "I knew how much it would hurt you!"
"Yeah well, it hurts me even more that you didn't tell me." Ron said flatly, eyes watery. He whipped around and strode inside, leaving Hermione to cry outside alone.
She never thought she could cry for children she didn't have.
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"Have you been here before?" Ginny asked with a touch of nervousness. They were in front of a huge building, almost in the heart of the city, about to go in for dancing. It was for wizards only, hidden from Muggle eyes with spells and charms. They had stopped in at her house so Ginny could change and freshen up, something she was in dire need of.
"Yes, I came here with Catherine." Harry said absently. He was a bit uncomfortable, but he didn't want it to show. He wanted Ginny to be happy. Ginny raised an eyebrow, feeling strange. Catherine had left earlier today to go visit some friends about a day away. She had come to the Burrow before leaving; wanting to speak to Ginny, but Ginny had been sleeping. She remembered the last conversation with Cath.
"So what do you think of Harry?" Cath asked, another question being asked at the same time.
"Harry? Oh uh. . . he's nice." Ginny said carelessly, wondering why Cath wanted to know.
"You think so? I really like him."
"Really?" Ginny asked, pausing with what she was doing.
"Maybe even love him." Cath shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee.
Love him?" Ginny said quizzically. "You just met him."
"But it feels like I've known him for years." Cath said dreamily.
"But. . . you said you would never fall in love again after. . . you know."
"I thought so too. But this is one of those things, you know? You can't help love."
"You can't rush love either." Ginny said cautiously.
"I suppose." Cath agreed, though not seeming to know what Ginny was saying. "Why do you care so much anyway, if I love?" she asked with a smile.
It's more who you love, Ginny thought. And the answer to that question is; I don't know.
"Oh." Was the only reply she gave.
Harry paid then looked back. "Ready?"
Ginny searched inside her for that feeling, the one that helped her be strong and stop crying. The one she would have tonight.
"Ready." She said steadily, walking inside with him.
The room was a life of colours, haunted music played from a band onstage. People were everyone, drinking and dancing. Watchers stood by, swaying involuntarily to the music. It was quite dim actually, even with all the flashing lights across the dance floor. A smile played on Ginny's lips, a feeling almost like bliss coming over her.
"Ginny?" a false cheery voice asked.
Blissful feeling is gone.
"Hello Bree." Ginny said, her smile vanishing from her face.
"Duh-ling! What are you doing here. . . with Harry Potter!" Bree exclaimed, forcing both of them into a hug.
"Harry duh-ling, how are you? I've been absolutely devastated! I haven't seen you once since you've been back!" Bree exclaimed joyfully.
"Er, good. . . thanks." Harry said uncertainly, unsure how to address the stranger and forcing a smile on his face.
"It's me! Bree Warren!" Bree laughed, fingering her gold necklace. For some reason she kept staring to the far side of the room, like she was looking for –or at-- someone.
"Ah. . . you." Harry replied, not sounding particularly overjoyed at this revelation.
"Yes yes, me." Bree gave a throaty giggle, pawing at Harry with jewel en-crusted fingers. "So what are you two doing here. . . together?" Bree asked, the last word held a note of warning that Ginny didn't miss. Bree = reporter.
"Meeting Jason and his sister." Ginny cut in easily. "They don't seem to have arrived yet." She smiled. Harry started but didn't say anything.
"Oh." Bree looked quite disappointed. "Double-dating are you?" she added, looking interested again.
"Yes." Harry said firmly and finally, trying to escape. Ginny shot him a look of thanks.
Bree's face had gone back to being disappointed. "Well then. . . see you around hopefully!" she chuckled, waving merrily. "Oh and Ginny darling, you must tell me about this scandalous affair with the Peterson's child. I'd love an interview with you personally, one-on-one." She hurried off, heading towards the part of the room she kept looking at.
"What a nightmare." Harry commented.
Ginny looked surprised, but laughed. "Yes. . . she is isn't she?"
They headed over towards where the drinks were being served, Ginny looking with interest about her. She had never been somewhere like this, it was something George did, Fred had too before he married Angelina. Ginny smiled as Angelina came to mind, the woman was overjoyed to be having a baby. When you were with her, you never heard the end of it.
"What do you want?" Harry asked her, noticing how pretty she looked.
"Oh, just something light. A Butterbeer, please." She said earnestly.
"Two Butterbeers thanks." Harry told the waiter, handing over some coins. Harry handed one of the Butterbeers to Ginny and they walked off towards the railing overlooking the dance floor. They leant against it, the conversation gone dry.
Ginny stared wistfully at the dancers, now moving to a livelier tune. Harry, noticing the look, smiled.
"Let's go." He said.
"Down there?" Ginny asked hopefully, surprised.
"That's why I brought you here, isn't it?" Harry said with a chuckle. Ginny's face lit up and she hurried over to the steps, rushing down them. Harry walked after her, slowly. I wish she was always this happy.
Once on the dance floor, the rest of Ginny's worries dripped away and became nothing. She forgot about Jason, she forgot about the papers, she forgot about Bree, she forgot about Hermione, she forgot about their money troubles. She smiled at Harry as she danced, watching all the happy, carefree people dance around her. I wish I was always this happy she thought longingly.
A slow tune filled the room as the band switched to a different song. For a heartbeat, Ginny didn't want to dance with Harry, but Harry didn't really give her a choice in the matter. Now she was actually content, revolving around on the spot.
It was odd really, Ginny thought as they danced, how she felt so at ease in the arms of the person she had hated a little while ago. She felt a bit like a bird actually, soaring in the sky. Relaxed. She looked up at Harry who was staring in the distance, steering her back and forth. Somehow, she couldn't imagine Jason's face instead of Harry's there. This wasn't Jason's thing. She missed him though, she loved him so much. Why was it so hard for him to believe her though? Why?
I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now, Ginny thought offhandedly.
"Really?" Harry asked, looking at her now and making her realise she had actually said rather than thought that statement. She wasn't embarrassed though.
"Really." She admitted softly.
Harry didn't answer, just kept dancing. A thought plagued Ginny suddenly.
"Why are you doing this for me?" she asked him.
"You needed some fun." He said after a few seconds of thinking, chuckling. "People usually don't run outside swearing and beating the walls."
"Oh." Ginny struggled with herself. "Well. . . thanks." she whispered. Harry gave his trademark grin, with a slight touch of embarrassment.
As they turned, she caught sight of Bree talking with someone, or more like cajoling someone. Ginny craned her head, extremely curious. What was Bree up too? She almost jumped when she realised that the person Bree was talking to was none other than Colin Creevey. Hello, what are they doing together? Then Ginny remembered something Colin had said at the welcoming party when she had seen him.
"No. . . But there is someone I like."
Bree? He couldn't like Bree, she thought, disgusted. But that appeared to be exactly so as Bree leaned closer and stroked his chin, looking like she was trying to convince him for something he didn't want to do. He couldn't seem to stay strong though, and nodded slowly, holding his camera tightly.
How strange, I wonder what they're up too, Ginny pondered, losing sight of them as Harry turned her around. She soon forgot about them too, twirling and dipping with Harry. She didn't seem to need conversation with him, then again, she never had with Harry, even at Hogwarts.
As the song went smoothly into a faster tempo, all thoughts left Ginny's head as she and Harry spun them around the room, laughing and smiling, forgetting to be serious. Not knowing the smiles they were getting from people, not knowing that there was a reality.
Not knowing they were being watched.
- - - - - - -
"Thanks for tonight." Ginny said gratefully, before stumbling on her front step. It was very late, and she had had one too many Butterbeers. She wasn't drunk, just a bit light-headed. Her good mood had been ruined because people kept coming up and questioning her about what the papers were saying about her and Tommy, some going as far as yelling at her for abusing her students. She had asked Harry to take her home, unable to bear the angry glances people were giving her.
"Careful." Harry warned, helping her up the last few steps. Ginny walked unsteadily over to the bench near the door, collapsing on top of it in a heap, Harry following suit. They sat there for a few minutes, contently feeling the crisp breeze after the stuffiness of the dance club.
"You believe I didn't do those things the paper said I did don't you?" Ginny said quietly, sounding defeated.
"Why wouldn't I?" Harry replied, swinging on the bench slightly.
"Well, no one else is." Ginny said miserably.
"What about your family? You know they all believe you. Your friends? I know Luna and Neville know you didn't, I've spoken to them." Harry said fiercely. It was weird, being serious all the time. Apart from the first couple of days, being back in London had been very serious. Harry wasn't used to it; he was used to a worry-free life. He had come back expecting a worry-free life.
"Jason didn't." Ginny answered unhappily, closing her eyes.
"He just. . . he's just surrounded by the Ministry." Harry said with difficulty. "You just need to get through to him. Besides, he should have to believe shouldn't he? You can't get married with a problem like this in the way."
I know, Ginny thought tiredly. She brightened a bit though; soon she would be marrying the guy of her dreams. It was a cheering thought . . . yet oddly scary. Her? Married?
Harry didn't expect an answer to that, he guessed she probably didn't even hear him she was that tired. He nudged her a few minutes later, thinking she needed to go to sleep.
"Ginny?"
No answer.
Harry looked down to where she had leant against him, eyes closed and face peaceful. He smiled and picked her up, walking over to her door and unlocking it with a quick spell. He carried her into her bedroom, laying her on the bed and taking off her shoes. She didn't even flutter her eyelids. Harry slid a blanket over her, feeling something that felt oddly like protectiveness come over him.
She had a really relaxed look on her face, a half-smile that would have made her eyes shine had they been open. She should always be that happy, Harry mused. A daring feeling took over; making him do something he never would have done if Ginny was awake.
He leant down and kissed her forehead, drawing the blanket up higher around her chin.
"Goodnight Gin." He whispered, before Disapparating.
Thanks to: kneh13, Fizzie-lizzie, magic sparkle 1, michaelrccurtis, IndiaInk, SpiffyChan, Emerald Desire, Crazed Chipmunk, OExpecto PatronumO, suze, lostangel92, Harry kid, Bob33, meli, Dk Lili – yes she will be back, HannahLulu22, the-insufferable-know-it-all, twrlgrl790, daydreamer04, Yvette Sorrow, LilliannaRose, Wind Whisperer, cggeek241, ginnyNharrysecretlove
Kwndnl – nup, no long standing grudge from Hogwarts ;)
Dracoisahottie13 – I suppose it was just Ginny's way of forgetting all her troubles. Glad Lake Tahoe was so excellent =D
Naz1 – she wanted to go dancing to try and forget about all the shit happening in her life. Ginny's way of dealing with stuff. Nup, that's not it with Hermione. I guarantee you'll like it though, because this has to be a happy ending. Good luck with all those papers!
Granger's Twin – Woah! Orlando… anywhere near Disney World? Hurricane Charley, wasn't that a big one?
Secondatbat9 – don't be jealous of the tan, trust me. At least you have lovely summer weather to go outside in, I was shrieking for joy on the weekend because I didn't have to where a sweater!
Musicsage92 – That is exactly how it is. Glad you can see it, not too many others can. I'm glad you read my AN's, some people just completely ignore them and then ask me questions that were in the AN's – which is a pet peeve. You won't believe how embarrassing this is: I finished the second ch of TMtD and sent it TO THE WRONG PERSON. So incredibly embarrassed. So what's your email again?
Deer boy – ohh, I understand now. I was very worried when you said something about 'finally being able to stand up'. Lol. So how was the trip altogether?
Marauder23 – Yay! I'm glad you finally found my fic again too! No Cath won't end up with George, there is someone else. And no, Hermione and Ron won't have to adopt in the end. Something better happens. And about Ginny's job… you'll see. ;) Oh, and never apologise for a long review. I adore long reviews.
Lizzie Weasley – Nope, don't think you're a copy "cat-ter-er" at all lol. Glad you have one, easier to talk to you. ;) Can't wait for more Bottled-Up Emotions.
Cherryblossom08 – I love betta fish. Mine only lived for a year and a half though. =( Your dog sounds gorgeous, especially cause she has my name. Cept mine is spelt differently lol. Haha, I got my friend to tell the guy I liked that I liked him too. Big mistake. She totally stuffed it up. Good luck with your guy though!
Clau-hogwarts-writer – Woah, thanks for the lovely long review. That's terrible about your friend, you hear about stuff like that and think how terrible it is and then it happens to you and how much it truly hurts is mind-shattering. Lol, I hate there papers too. I probably shouldn't, because both my parents are reporters/journalists but hey. Hehe. Tuesday the 13th?! I thought it was Friday that was the unlucky one… is suspicious
Jag glittrar – I've totally forgotten where our Swedish nanny came from, it was so long ago. All I remember was that she was very pretty with blonde hair and blue eyes and she spoke in Swedish when we were naughty and she couldn't control us. Lol.
Empty Light – I tried to leave a review for your one-shot but it wouldn't let me! Anyway, I loved it although it was so very sad. Good detail too, from what I can remember. Diary writing like in ISP kind of took detail away so I was pleasantly surprised at how well you wrote that. Question: you seem to like the rain a lot. Hold on… maybe I'm thinking of someone else. Eep.
Icegirl-kat – lol, definitely "nice" dancing. Yup, this is a very dramatic fic. I'm betting some people will complain that it's basically a script for a soap opera.
Luvhp224 – Too bad we missed out on meeting, but at least we got a phone conversation in, right? Ah well, there's always next year, and when I visit America.
Swishy Willow Wand – oh no, we're not "rid of the sorry little asswipe" as you put it lol, he's here to stay for basically the entire thing. Sorry to disappoint. ;)
VoicezWithin – Really? I've never read a fic with a barren Hermione, it's always Ginny for me. But hopefully what happens in the end for Hermione will be completely different.
Lilcykomonkey – Well, if I think of any ideas I will let you know. – keep reminding me though
WhiteRabbit5 – your review really intrigued me, so I had to go have a look at your bio. You give some pretty good points, and I would like to repeat one for you. "…writing more really DOES help you." This [if you're counting by finished fics and going-to-be-finished fics] is only my second real fic. I've still got thousands of miles of improvement to go. So yes, sometimes my characters will be ooc. In this case, Jason. Personally, I don't think he was, but I respect your opinion. Someone else summed it up nicely; "…he's so used to the perfect girl, the quiet schoolteacher that never complains about how crappy her life can get, that when she speaks up, happens to screw up and be normal for once, he can't handle it." And yes, Catherine has disappeared. But she will be back, she's important later on. I have a lot planned for her and a certain someone. Thanks for reviewing, hope you do so again.
Sarah Noisette – omg you went to France?! I just got jealous. How was it? Yes, don't worry, you have my sympathy.
And please remember to drop by my LJ! It's on my homepage in my bio. And don't forget to review either…