A/N – I've got so many things to say but I don't know how to say them. It seems like a year since I've touched this computer owing to a wonderful long holiday but mainly to a boy I met and (this sounds corny) and fell in love with. It was by complete chance I met him and I thank goodness every day that I did. But not only that, now, after this holiday, I feel like a new person. I feel so refreshed and like I can make anything happen. But now I'll cut the crap or I'll do something embarrassing like burst into song. I just want to say your support with this fic has been breathtaking and I've always wanted to be an actress all my life but some of the reviews I get really get me thinking that I could write instead. Like, I always had this plan where I would be famous and go on Broadway etc but somehow you guys have changed my mind a bit. And that's not such a bad thing. And so I'm thanking you now, because the sheer power of your reviews has changed that life plan.
Anyway, enough of this deep and meaningful business, some of you probably are thinking… what the hell is she on? But this is the romantic chapter, somewhat unbelievable, somewhat like a fairytale but I hope you will love it just because you love fanfiction and you love Harry and Ginny. And maybe you will love it just because…
Thanks to Emma and Nessa for all their work with this fic.
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Ch 21 – Cowboy Take Me Away
Dedication: pink-helga for also liking Family Guy (my absolute favourite TV show)
- - - - - - - - - -
Last chapter:
""I'm taking you away from all this," said Harry. "You need to get away."
And with that, she felt the unfamiliar tug at her navel, and she was being taken to goodness knows where.
- - - - - - -
I wanna sleep on the hard ground, in the comfort of your arms
on a pillow of blue bonnets, in a blanket made of stars
Cowboy take me away, fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue
set me free, oh, I pray, closer to heaven above, and closer to you
Closer to you
Cowboy Take Me Away – Dixie Chicks
- - - - - - -
"Where are we?"
Those were the first words out of Ginny's mouth as she raised her hand to shield her eyes from the harsh sun above her. Her bare feet burned from the hot sand beneath her toes and a sweat was already breaking out on her forehead. She was still in her dressing gown and Harry was still in his boxers.
Harry actually looked a bit confused. "Er, I'm not really sure…"
Ginny dropped her hand and turned to stare at him. "You're not sure?" she asked in disbelief. "How can't you be sure? You brought us here!"
"The Portkey took us to the wrong spot, we should be…" Harry trailed off and looked around. He grinned and pointed. "… right over there!"
Ginny raised her eyebrows and looked where he was pointing. About two hundred yards away was a small town, looking very dusty and worn and small in the big desert.
"You took me to a desert?"
"No, no, an old country town. I thought – I thought you'd enjoy it." Harry looked quite embarrassed. His rash actions only minutes beforehand didn't seem so heroic now. True, he had saved Ginny from making a big mistake but he had just made another.
Ginny's face softened. "Thank-you," she whispered. It was the thought that counts, right?
"Right, well, we need a change of clothes, don't we?" asked Harry.
"Um," began Ginny. Harry took out his wand before she could say anything more and waved it at her body. Instantly she felt her cotton dressing gown leave her skin and be replaced by goodness knows what. When she looked down, she appeared to be wearing a long, slightly old-fashioned dress. It was a beautiful green colour and a fancy black shawl was draped over her shoulders.
Ginny began breathing heavily. "Am I – am I wearing a – a corset?"
Harry grimaced and waved his wand again and she could breathe easy again. "Sorry, got a bit carried away. But we need to fit in," he apologised. He pointed his wand at himself and he was instantly wearing a white shirt opened at the collar and black pants, the rugged cowboy image suited him. So did the huge brown boots with burrs on the ends of them.
"No offence, Harry, but wouldn't we 'fit out' more in these?" asked Ginny, gesturing at their outfits.
"Trust me; these places are stuck in the past. No one will suspect a thing," said Harry confidently.
Ginny stared doubtfully at her chest, which seemed a lot bigger in the low-cut, tight dress. "I feel like I'm being very revealing," she said timidly.
Harry's eyes rested for second longer then they should have at the part of her body she was speaking of and then shook his head and blushed. "Come on, let's get rid of these." Ginny looked and saw that he was holding her dressing gown and nightgown with his boxer shorts.
Harry walked over to a rock and placed the clothes beneath it, he hesitated for a second and then placed his wand with the clothes, too. Ginny frowned but didn't say anything.
"Won't my family worry?" she asked. She looked up at the sky, it appeared to be in the late afternoon here. Wherever 'here' was.
"I think they have enough on their hands right now. Besides, Ron saw me Apparate to your house. He'll tell everyone you're safe with me."
"Okay." Ginny was mollified.
"Now, Gin, you're to forget about everything, okay? We're not even going to mention what happened this morning. I want you to not even think about all the worries at home and just to have fun. That's why I brought you here, to let go and relax," said Harry in earnest.
"In a desert?" Ginny was teasing him.
Harry grinned at her, relieved she wasn't angry at him for whisking her off to the desert with no warning. He was also pleased she seemed already changed from the person who had cried as she held a knife to her throat that very morning.
"Milady?" he held his arm out for her.
"Good sir," said Ginny, giggling. She rested her arm on his and let him escort her to the town.
- - - - - -
"Are you positive?" asked Cath, looking scandalised.
"What else am I supposed to think, Cath?" Jason said wearily. He paced the room in frustration.
"I can't believe it of her, she wouldn't be so cruel," said Cath obstinately.
"Then where is she? Hmm? Is she at home, sleeping in her bed? Or maybe she's at the Weasley's, tending to her mother. Perhaps she's gone to the Ministry, begging them to let her have her job back. No Cath, she's gone and eloped with Harry." Jason hit his fist against the wall in anger.
"I'm sure something came up, Jason! Didn't Ron himself say that Harry saw the clock in the morning and Apparated over to her cottage in the blink of an eye – in his boxers too!" exclaimed Cath.
Jason shook his head. "No, I always suspected something was going on between those two, a gut feeling."
Cath opened her mouth to deny it but, of course, she couldn't. She knew herself that there was something between Ginny and Harry, it was obvious even in the way they looked at each other. The way one would react when the other was near.
"You love her – don't you?" asked Cath hesitantly.
"Of course I love her! I love her more than anything in the world and more than I should, obviously." Jason hung his head. "I see now that she didn't return that love."
"Stop being so negative, Jason!" Cath berated her brother.
"I'm not being negative, I'm stating the truth. She's left me, Cath, and there's nothing I can do. I have the right to be negative and bitter," said Jason.
Cath looked upset. "I just don't think Ginny capable of such a thing, I'm sure there's some reason or another for their disappearance. Ron said that the look on Harry's face just before he Disapparated to Ginny was scary, like the worst thing on earth was about to happen and he couldn't stop it. Ron said that the way Harry looked had made him freeze on the spot, Hermione too. That's not the look of a man about to elope now, is it?"
"It could be the look of a man who thinks the person who he's going to elope with has suddenly backed out," argued Jason.
"Now you're just being argumentative. I think there was a more serious issue at hand, and that we will find out when they return," said Cath with total confidence. She reached out and patted her brother's shoulder. "Don't worry Jason, I'm sure it's nothing terrible like you think."
Jason looked like he would argue further but in the end he just gave a sigh and nodded his head. "I hope so, Cath, I hope so."
- - - - - -
"Are you sure we should tell them? What if it's all a big mistake and we're going to get their hopes up for nothing?" Colin was very edgy.
"Colin, stop it. We both know Tommy Peterson is a fraud and this is going to prove it and put the Peterson's in disgrace. Merlin, Olivia Peterson just put in another complaint at the Ministry saying her son was still very ill! This is our chance!" said Cath sternly.
They were just about to Floo over to the Burrow to tell the good news to the Weasley's, since they had been out when Colin and Cath had dropped by last night. Colin had been hit with a bout of nerves, saying they were making a mistake.
"And anyway, isn't illegal to take a photo of people in hospital without permission? Fraud or not?" asked Colin.
Cath's eyes glimmered mischievously. "Normally, yes, but since you are being paid to take photos for the St Mungo's calendar… you have absolute permission."
Colin pulled a wry face. Couldn't argue that. "Okay, let's do it then."
When they stumbled into the kitchen of the Burrow, wiping ash off their clothes, only Mr Weasley was standing in the kitchen – his head in his hands. He looked up in surprise as Colin and Cath appeared, smiling.
Ron walked in and then stopped, smiling at Cath and giving a brief formal nod at Colin. All of the Weasley's were a bit stiff towards Colin because of what he had said – or rather lied – in the paper about Ginny.
Cath had an infectious smile on her face as she said, "Gather everybody up, we have good news!"
"Only Hermione, Dad and me are here," said Ron, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, get everyone then. Trust me, it'll be worth it," said Cath a bit impatiently.
"Oh, all right then, don't get your knickers in a twist," said Ron, making a face.
It took only about ten minutes for the whole Weasley family – minus Ginny and Mrs Weasley – to assemble in the kitchen. Cath had insisted Fred bring Angelina over, because this news would effect her too. Nobody was particularly impressed by this unplanned and out of the blue meeting, particularly because Colin was so out of favour with everyone.
"Well?" asked Charlie, bouncing a giggly Sabine on his shoulders.
"Okay, well we don't want you to get too excited, because it's not huge news but I'm pretty sure -" Colin began.
"You dragged all of us here for news that isn't 'huge?'"? George looked less than impressed with this.
"It is big news, Colin." Cath gave Colin a glare. She turned back to everyone else, and then pulled the photo out of her pocket and placed it on the table. There were a few raised eyebrows.
"A photo?" said Ron dubiously, guffawing.
Cath nodded at the photo. "Just look."
Fred shrugged and reached over and plucked the photo off the counter. He yelled and dropped it like it had burnt him. Everyone jumped, startled. Fred grinned. "Just joking." He picked it up again, still chuckling. When his eyes focused on the picture finally, all traces of mirth vanished from his face.
"Stop fooling around, Fred, what is it?" asked Bill. Fred didn't answer; he didn't seem to be able to speak.
"Is it – is it real?" he finally stammered, hardly believing it.
Colin nodded, and Cath gave a huge smile.
Fred dropped the photo.
Bill, rolling his eyes, picked up the fallen photo and stared at it. He too, looked stunned. "When – when was this taken? Did you take this?" his voice was urgent, hardly daring to believe what he was seeing.
Colin nodded again. "It's completely real, I took it yesterday."
Without a word, everyone gathered around the photo, looking sceptical and curious.
"I don't believe it. . ." said Charlie in awe.
Ron whooped. "I knew that brat was a fake!" he punched the air and then punched Colin in the shoulder with a huge grin on his freckled face. Colin rubbed his shoulder in pain but managed a grin back for Ron.
"Can I see the photo?" Angelina was still sitting down, looking a bit pale and tired.
Wordlessly, still, Fred handed her the photo. Her eyes widened when she realised what it was.
"Oh Merlin, oh goodness." She was crying. "It's too much, it is too much." She was laughing too now, through her tears. Fred hugged her and gave a whoop of his own.
"We can open up our shop again!" George was literally dancing. He grabbed Nate's and Sabine's hands and danced around with them, they were giggling, not understanding a word of what was going on.
"We aren't going to be sued!" yelled Fred ecstatically. Everyone was laughing and smiling, even Percy looked uncharacteristically pleased.
Mr Weasley went over to Colin and put his hand on Colin's shoulder. "Thank you, my boy," he said with difficulty. He was too happy to express himself properly. His eyes were moist and he had a silly fatherly grin on his face.
Needless to say, Colin was the man of the hour. Hermione's celebration for her news was nothing in comparison to the celebration for this. The photo was held and admired as a trophy, and Colin was begged to tell time and time again how he had taken the photo and how he had hid in the broom closet from Olivia Peterson.
What he had said about Ginny in the paper was forgotten, in fact, even Ginny was forgotten. Everyone knew that Ginny and Harry had gone off together, and no one brought the uncomfortable subject up. It was too happy a time to ruin it with worrying.
Colin felt on top of the world, he loved the Weasley family and was glad they were no longer cool towards him. But what topped it off was the smile Cath gave him, the smile that melted him completely. It was completely out of the blue, she was bending over, playing with Sabine and he had been watching her when she looked up and met his eye. That was when she had smiled at him, and he had forgotten everything else.
So they all celebrated, they even got the news across to Mrs Weasley, who managed a shaky smile.
Maybe things were finally looking up.
- - - - -
"It looks like something out of the past," commented Ginny as they approached the small town.
"It probably is," Harry joked. "These people still live in the past."
"Really?" Ginny looked slightly shocked.
Harry shrugged, grinning. "Well, they don't use computers or anything like that. Or have pools, or shopping centres. There's obviously a few markets or shops around but most of their needs are delivered on wheels."
"Wheels?" Ginny had the strange mental picture of a lady's bra and a roast chicken going around on a wheel.
Harry laughed, seeing her face. "No, no, like, in trucks or something."
"Oh," said Ginny, feeling like an idiot.
"To put it simply," Harry went on, "they know they're in the nineteenth century but their way of life is pretty far from it."
"Hmm." Ginny looked very doubtful. Her face changed to that of annoyed and she tugged at the dress. "This is so tight and hot!" she complained.
"Don't worry, it'll be cool inside," said Harry as he pointed at the steadily approaching town.
"Oh, they have air-conditioning?" she said in a brightly sarcastic voice. Being in the desert hadn't put her in the best of moods, even if Harry had meant well.
"Um."
When they finally reached the town, they were eyed with suspicion from the people out and about. Ginny gulped and held tighter onto Harry's arm. He squeezed it and kept walking.
They saw a man shovelling hay onto a wagon and Harry led Ginny over to him. She looked around her, seeing all the shops and small streets. It really didn't look that bad.
"Excuse me sir, could you tell me where the nearest restaurant is?" Harry asked the man. The man looked up at them, tipping his worn hat so he could see the two better in the harsh sunlight. He dug his pitchfork into the ground and whistled.
"Well, I'll be. Where did a young couple like you spring from then?" he asked with a toothy grin.
"Neighbouring town," said Harry dismissively. The farmer gave an amused glance at the empty horizon.
"Good afternoon, missy." The man winked at Ginny and grinned at her kindly. She blushed and nodded back at him. He turned back to Harry.
"There's only one restaurant in this town, and it only opens at seven in the eve'nin. But there's a few bars you could try," he offered.
"Er -" Harry looked at Ginny uncertainly. She shrugged and nodded.
"Are – are they good bars?" asked Harry.
"Well of course they are!" the man looked offended. He pulled a face then. "Well, 'cept for Selene's Place. But it's not that the bar ain't good there, it's the customers that go there you have to watch out for."
"Right, so Selene's Place we shouldn't go to?"
"Yup, try Al's or something. He's always good. His wife runs it mostly though; poor old Al has got some kind of cancer in his liver. I always tell him, you know, always tell him that he shouldn't drink so much. Now there's nothing he can do. You see, when he was young-"
"Okay, thanks," said Harry, cutting him off before he went into a long life story about the man called Al with lung cancer.
"Why, you're more than welcome."
"So, where is this Al's bar?" asked Harry.
"Oh, just up the road and to the left. You can't miss Al's," he said, "or Selene's," he added, darkening.
"Well, thanks again," said Harry.
"Yeah, thanks," Ginny echoed, smiling.
"Don't be a stranger now!" he called after them as they walked away waving.
"He was friendly," said Ginny, giving a small giggle after they were out of hearing distance.
"Yeah, I think people sometimes get sick of seeing the same people day in day out at towns like this," said Harry.
"I'm not surprised," said Ginny wryly, looking around at the dusty town.
It wasn't a long walk before they reached the bar, or rather, bars. The street here was lined with them and already there seemed to be many people inside drinking and eating. Harry was looking at each sign, muttering to himself.
"Can't we just go into any?" asked Ginny.
"The man said that Al's was good so we should go there," replied Harry.
"The man also looked longer at my chest than he had to," argued Ginny, but she looked quite amused. Harry blushed and didn't meet her gaze, the dress was slightly revealing. In a good way though, Ginny had a nice figure.
"Aw, he was nice, Gin," said Harry.
Ginny pursed her lips, trying not to smile. Her eyes were dancing. Harry grinned at her. Ginny's heart thumped. Merlin, when he looked at her like that.
Harry was staring at her. The sun was setting now and beautiful purples, oranges pinks were etched across the sky. The colours fell nicely on Ginny's face, a slight wind ruffling her dress. She looked like some sort of Divine being, like if he touched her she's vanish completely and forever, only there to tempt him. He shook his head, clearing it. Ginny looked away, embarrassed from the moment.
Harry caught sight of a pub.
"Look, Al's place!" he pointed up ahead and began walking. Glad the awkward moment was over; Ginny followed him, drawing the scarf around her shoulders. It was getting chillier as the sun left them. They reached the shutter type doors and opened them. There were many people inside, mainly men, drinking and playing pool. It made quite a nice picture, actually, the fire with the busy chatter.
Harry and Ginny went and sat down at a table, looking around with interest. Ginny had a wide-eyed expression of wonder on her face, she had never been anywhere like this before. A tired looking, buxom, large woman with a huge smile walked over to them, wiping her hands on her apron. She looked very strong, and was bigger than most of the men in the room. Aside from that, she was rather comely with thick, shining hair tied back and rosy cheeks. She looked in her forties or fifties.
"Hey there, folks. What can I do you for?" she asked pleasantly.
"Um, do you have sandwiches?" asked Ginny nervously.
The woman gave out a loud laugh. "I take it you're new here, youngling. And you," she said, nodding at Harry.
"Why do you say that?" Ginny asked.
"'Cause everyone from around here knows I make the best sandwiches around! For breakfast, lunch and dinner," she said.
"Oh." Ginny went silent for a second. "Even for breakfast?" she couldn't resist asking.
The woman gave out another loud friendly laugh. "I'm Marion," she said, extending a large tanned hand. Ginny gripped it, her small, pale hand looking very lost in Marion's. Harry shook Marion's hand too, and they both ordered some sandwiches. Marion took their order, poured them a drink and went off to help some other customers.
A loud shout was heard and Ginny turned in her seat to see to men staring at each other angrily. She gave Harry a nervous look. Marion, it seemed though, wasn't managing the bar for nothing. She ordered both of the men outside and in seconds peace was regained.
Marion came back with their sandwiches soon, still smiling. It was quite loud now; Ginny had to raise her voice to speak.
"Thanks!"
Marion nodded, filling their glasses.
"Is it usually this busy?" Ginny asked.
"Pardon, dear?"
"Is it usually this busy?" Ginny asked, shouting this time.
Marion's face darkened. "Oh, no, it isn't." She nodded her head, indicating the place across the road. "Selene's Place is closed tonight, they had a leak or something so all of her customers have decided my place is the next best thing." Marion looked less than pleased about this.
"So her customers are here then?" asked Harry.
"Yup, the ones arguing and drinking more than the rest are Selene's crowd. She's just as bad too. Letting those types linger in her bar." Marion shook her head, tisk tisking in disapproval.
She was called away, a friend had just entered. Harry and Ginny found themselves eating in silence, an awkward one. Ginny had also pulled the scarf over her chest; a few too many wandering men's eyes had fallen over her chest. Harry hadn't looked at her the whole evening.
Suddenly, it all went quiet. A man had just walked into the bar, stomping over to the barstools and sitting down, ordering a drink off Marion. He looked very rugged, like he had been sleeping in the same clothes for days. His mop of shock red hair was resting untidily on his head and he was casting glowers at everybody who looked in his direction. Slowly chatter built up again, but not so loud as before. People were obviously intimidated or scared of this huge man.
"That's Big Red," said a voice behind Ginny. She turned to see a middle-aged man staring at Big Red and then back at her.
"Thanks," she said, raising an eyebrow. Harry looked on.
"Just though you oughta know, being new here and all. Just in case you were thinking of approachin him. He's trouble, not violent or anything, but does tend to yell if you bother him."
Ginny gave a nervous laugh. "Oh, we weren't going to approach him."
"He looked dodgy, anyway," added Harry.
The guy grinned and shook hands with them "Say, me and my friends are playing some pool. Care to join in?"
"Ooh, yes please!" exclaimed Ginny. She looked at Harry then, seeing if he was okay with that.
"Sure," said Harry, smiling at Ginny.
"Great. I'm Hank, by the way."
"I'm Harry and this is-"
"Ginny," she said.
"Well, pleased to meet you," said Hank.
"Do you even know how to play pool?" Harry whispered to Ginny as they followed Hank.
"I'll have you know, I'm fantastic at pool," said Ginny with mock indignation.
"Well, you'll have to prove that to me," Harry teased back.
Hank introduced them to his friends, who all looked at Ginny with such wide-eyed appreciation that she shyly held onto Harry's arm. They quickly saw she belonged to this dark-haired stranger and there were no more looks. They got lost in a deep game of pool, Harry and Ginny versus Hank and a man named Gus. There was much shouting and laughing, with drinks all around.
"Come on, Gin," Harry shouted, taking another drink. They were winning, and would win if she sunk this ball. Most of the room was involved now, basically everyone knew Harry and Ginny too thanks to the now-famous pool game. People were whistling and Ginny was locked in concentration. She prepared to hit and wham! Her elbow slipped on the slippery would as she hit and the ball went flying in the air…
… right into the back of Big Red's head.
Ginny dropped the stick and went still, as did everyone else. There was a deadly silence. Big Red gave a furious roar and stood up, whirling to face the crowd.
"Who threw that?" he shouted, glaring madly at everyone. Nobody answered. Big Red growled again and picked up a stool and smashed it on the ground. Even Marion looked anxious.
"I thought you said he never got violent," Harry whispered to Hank.
"He's never had a pool ball thrown at his head!" Hank protested.
"Who threw it?" Big Red yelled again.
Ginny stammered and stepped forward. Harry cursed under his breath. Damn Ginny and her bravery!
Big Red narrowed his eyes and his expression changed. Ginny looked quite a picture, her hair all mussed up and her rosy cheeks. Her low-cut dress caused Big Red to look down and ogle her. Harry tensed. This couldn't be good. Ginny looked like she was regretting her bravery now. Big Red was next to her in a second and Ginny whimpered, too scared to move away.
His hot, heavy breath smelled of alcohol and he leered down at her, staring openly at her chest with lust. He took hold of her waist and felt her chest area, squeezing hard. Ginny screamed and fought and he guffawed. Why wasn't anyone helping!
"You have to apologise for hurtin ole Red, lil missy," he said, grinning evilly. Harry was staring daggers at him. Hank was trying to hold him back. Ginny screamed again as Big Red grabbed her again and Harry tore lose of Hank and stormed over to the huge man.
"Hey, hands off!" Harry shouted. Big Red turned around, took one look at him and punched him in the eye. Harry gasped and stumbled for a second, then launched himself at the man, almost barrelling him over. Ginny tore herself free and stepped back, hands over her mouth. Harry and Big Red were on the ground, kicking and punching and choking all at the same time. Now people were cheering Harry on, he was the hero.
Big Red had his hands around Harry's neck, and Harry was struggling with a glass bottle in his hand. Gasping for breath, he used the last ounce of his strength to break the bottle over Big Red's head. The huge man went out like a light. Harry pushed him off himself, and stood up, nursing his black eye and limping.
"Merlin, Harry!" exclaimed Ginny, running over and hugging him. She didn't know whether to scold or praise him. The crowd decided for her. They all began clapping and whistling, clapping Harry on the back. He just nodded, barely able to breathe, but grinning shamefacedly. A handful of men came and dragged (he was too heavy to carry) Big Red's body outside and dumped it in the dirt.
"I think we should go," he whispered in Ginny's ear. She nodded in agreement, putting one of his hands over her shoulder.
Marion came over and hugged them both, shaking her head.
"How much do we owe you for food and drinks?" asked Ginny.
Marion looked at her like she was touched in the head. "Are you serious girlie? That was free entertainment - and good too. Nobody's ever been brave enough to take on Big Red. You owe me diddly-squat, honey." She gave Ginny another hug and Ginny thanked her countless times. They walked out, still being clapped and patted on the back. Ginny, try as she may, couldn't wipe the silly grin off her face.
"Y'all come back now!" Marion shouted after them, waving madly.
Ginny half-dragged half-carried Harry back to where they had left their wands and clothes earlier in the day. Harry was still grinning too, he probably wasn't in too much pain because he had been drinking. She laid him down in the soft sand by the rock, looking back at the distant lights of the town glowing in the darkness. She laid down next to him and used to her wand to conjure up an icepack for Harry's eye.
"Silly man," she said, staring down at him fondly.
Harry opened his eyes. "Well, I had to protect your virtue, didn't I?"
"And who gave you that job?" asked Ginny, still holding the icepack over his eye.
He reached for her hand and held it. "I think I earned it."
"I think you did too," she admitted softly. She lay back down on the cool, soft sand, staring up at the dark blanket of sky above her. Millions of stars twinkled, little balls of fire glowing like cat's eyes.
"Ginny?"
"Yes?" Ginny whispered, still staring up at the starry sky. The ground was hard beneath her back, yet oddly comfortable at the same time.
Harry went silent for a second. When he spoke, his voice was hesitant – nervous. "When did you stop loving me?"
Ginny turned her head to face him, he had already done so. Her soul was tearing in two, how could such an amazing feeling ruin so many things? But she couldn't lie.
"I didn't," she confessed softly.
And he kissed her.
- - -
When Ginny woke, the sun was up and shining and its heat was making her very hot. She reached over for Harry - they had fallen asleep in each other's arms - but he wasn't there. She opened her eyes and recoiled at the pain in her eyes. She scrambled underneath the shade of the rock and sat back. A sound from the other side caught her ear and she looked around to see Harry laying out a huge breakfast. She smiled and gave a contented sigh.
Harry heard the sigh and looked up. His face softened and his gaze lingered on her and Ginny remembered how last night he had told her, quite haltingly, she was the loveliest thing he had ever seen and had kissed her again and she turned liquid gold under his touch.
"Good morning," she said, coming to sit by him.
He kissed her cheek. "Good morning, I went to the town and got some breakfast earlier."
"While I was sleeping?"
"While you were sleeping," he confirmed.
"What if I woke and you were gone?"
"Then you would have seen the note," he answered, grinning. Ginny raised an eyebrow and looked around. A little slip of paper was lying near where they had slept, and a beautiful flower rested on top of it. Ginny reached for it and the flower.
Dear Ginny,
Went to get you some breakfast, don't wander away.
Love, Harry.
The flower was a black and red colour. A fire lily.
"A fire lily?" she asked, holding it up.
"It reminds me of you," said Harry. Ginny leant over and kissed him, overcome with love.
They ate breakfast slowly, knowing soon they would be going back to real life. They just wanted to stay together, without being bothered, without sadness and heartbreak. Real life always calls back; however, romantic worlds never live for long except for in fairytales.
They changed into regular clothes and Harry activated the Portkey to the Burrow. He kissed her quickly and swiftly and pulled away just a second before her stomach plummeted and they were whirring away, back to real life.
When they arrived, all was silent. It was night-time, quite late. Usually at least someone was around.
"Dad?"
"No answer.
"George?"
Nothing.
"Charlie?"
Ginny gave a confused look to Harry, who shrugged. Ginny walked into the living room, and then up the stairs, checking all the rooms. She opened her parent's door quietly, not wanting to wake her mother.
But she didn't have to worry. Mrs Weasley's bed was empty.
Ginny opened her mouth, about to comment, or say something when she heard hurried footsteps. Someone was running towards them. She looked in the direction of the stairs and Mr Weasley was at the top of them, looking tired and worn. His eyes were red-rimmed.
"Dad! Where were you? Where's everyone else?"
"Oh Gin, we were so worried!" Mr Weasley looked terrible.
Ginny looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Dad, I should have told you I was going away." She looked at her mother's empty bed.
"Where's Mum?" she asked.
Mr Weasley gazed at his daughter, eyes going redder with kept back tears. "Oh, Gin," he whispered.
Ginny felt her heart plummet. No! No!
"Dad. . ." she felt tears coming and she did nothing to stop them. "No," she whispered. "No, please no."
With every great love comes great sadness, and the case is no different here. I hope you liked this chapter and didn't think it was silly or unbelievable. This whole story stemmed from this one chapter, I heard this song and thought up Harry and Ginny in a desert somewhere in love. So then I thought, well let's make a whole story out of it. And that's where Heartbreak Home came in. So review and let me know what you think. Thankyou!
Thanks to: sakura1221, hye em yes, Aquarius Angel, Lily Jane, kpxiceboi, Calamahta, Shadyday9, dracoisahottie13, babykat89, Bruinen, pink-helga, VoicezWithin, LissyLovegood, pinklady24, larksong, artpixie37, glittericous, xiaoxiao, meglisy, sdsdf, cggeek241, Chloe, Alexandra, HarryPotters-angel, ZzSheilahzZ, carabeara, gatoriris, harrys lover, twrlgrl790, michaelrccurtis, Dk Lili, Painkillers, silver-phinix, HobWizElf, books4me, MeryKey-7, azkaban712
GiGiFanfic – I had a wonderful holiday thankyou, as you can tell by the A/N. Hopefully you'll see now why they don't need Harry's money.
Harrysmom – Hope the Weasley's reaction to the photo exceeded expectations ;)
Hpflowergirl21 – You know what? I'm extremely glad you caught on to that. Yes, there is something more about Hermione but you will just have to wait and see.
Leonidas – Thanks for the tip, I could tell he didn't know what he was talking about but I didn't realise there actually was a fic because I searched for ages n ages for it but couldn't see it. So thanks.
A Lack of Colour – loving the sequel girl, and the number of reviews you have so far is amazing. Well, I'd be happy! You still going out with that guy? Because I can definitely relate now, although I've gone and fallen in love with him. I last saw him about a day and a half ago but it feels like a week. I miss him so much. Never felt like this before in my life and it only took three weeks. Goodness, I could gush for hours too!
Sarcastic22 – Louise will turn up soon, don't you worry. Quite soon now. And I can't answer the other question.
CrazedChipmunk – You have no idea how pleased I was when you said I handled the end of the last chapter with Ginny very well without being melodramatic. My worst fear when I wrote that was that people would read that and think as if. So thankyou! And so you tell me that you're still debating whether I'll kill anyone? Well, I already have killed someone. Angelina's baby. And I said there would be 2 deaths so there is one more to come…
Notdapunkprincess – I went to Perth, and it was marvellous. I fell in love!
Smile88 – I didn't really update every single day but that's hardly my fault when I'm on hols right? Lol, I hope you still review every chapter anyway.
Sarah Noisette – Glad you love the song. I love Coldplay too. OMG I love Twister! MY absolute favourite boardgame in the world. Except I rarely classify it as a boardgame. Oooh, I really want to see Armageddon? Is it any good? It's got that Aerosmith song 'I don't Wanna Miss A thing' which is one of my favourites. Yes this is my long summerholiday but it unfortunately ends in 5 days.
IndiaInk – my holiday was spectacular thankyou. And I'm glad you like this story for its boldness, I try to write stuff that's new and not in every fic.
HpC0ldplay – I love Coldplay too, 'Green Eyes' especially. I'm going back to school in 5 days and I really don't want to either. It's the last two years and it's going to be so stressful. Eep! I'm in my junior year (going into) so yeah.
Lizzie Weasley – Oh yes when I get a flame I always feel my stomach drop and get feelings of self doubt. It's horrible, I can get over it but when I first read it it really upsets me. Glad you love the fic. Your reviews always seem to more than make up for flames. I'll send you an email soon with some proper detail on the holiday romance. How are things with Scott?
Deer boy – hope your cut is better now. And that you're feeling better. I go back to school in a few days and there is nothing I'd rather do less. I just want to go back to Perth and see the guy I met. I keep listening to Sand in My Shoes by Dido. sigh Oh well.
naz1 – have fun away and I'll take a look at GV
Shmily – Lol yes she is black, don't feel bad about saying that. I don't know, I just write Angelina as I see her. It's only a fanfic I guess so it doesn't really matter. But yes, I am writing about the black Angelina from canon. Glad you like the fic!
Fizzie-lizzie – That's exactly right, people don't just go from being barren to being pregnant. So obviously, something has happened. But the answer, unfortunately is part of the plot so you won't find out for a bit. Good question though.
Kareema – you're welcome for the dedication. More than welcome ;)
Fantasywriter – Don't worry, I know that about the don't and the not. I think it was a typo because one of my beta's is on hiatus.
G – Singapore hey? That's kinda cool. I actually don't know much about the place. What's it like?
I don't know if any other of you guys who write fanfic as well as review get this but every time I post a new chapter and the next day I check reviews I get such a nervous feeling in my stomach and I start getting so shaky I have to calm myself down. That's how much your reviews mean to me. Thank goodness you guys are all so wonderful because that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach gets easier every time I post a new chapter. I couldn't ask for better readers. Never ever.