There For You
Chapter 14: Silly Jewelry
Author's Note: Ok, a few things. First, I'm so sorry this took so long to get up but I've been very busy! Same stuff, homework and dance. If I could, I'd give everyone cookies for forgiveness but I can't really e-mail them to you so that won't work! Second, I got almost 30 reviews for last chapter! Wow! I generally get about twenty or less per chapter so thank you all who reviewed. I know not everyone who reads this reviews and that's ok. I love reviews but it says I'm on about forty people's author alert list and that's quite a lot to respond to but I would if everyone did, of course. Don't let that discourage anyone from reviewing though because I welcome any! So you regular reviewers, please continue! Third, I got some mixed opinions on the R/H dorm room scene and the H/G fight. Most were positive but some weren't happy or didn't like one or both and I'm sorry for those who didn't. I wish I could please all of my readers but unfortunately everyone likes different things. I stand by what I've written but you can always tell me what you do and do not like for my future chapters and writing. Fourth, you are al so funny! So many of you called Lavender a bitch! I got a good laugh reading those reviews. So, yes Lavender didn't listen to Harry or give him a chance to explain but I do believe she had every reason to tell Ginny. Lavender thought Harry was cheating and felt Ginny should know. I purposely made her not listen because Ginny wouldn't get mad if he immediately explained it to her. I agree, Lavender was pretty bitchy about it but don't hate her, please. I didn't mean to make her the enemy! Lol. All right, this won't be the kind of chapter I think you're all expecting. There'll be a major plot change and things are getting kicked into gear. Be prepared for a cliffhanger! Don't tell me I'm mean (I already know) but sometimes it just works and sounds better to have a cliffy. I haven't done it in a long time except for the clow additions to chapter 12 so be glad I've restrained myself this long! Ok, I'll shut up now! Sorry this was so long but I wanted to say this stuff. Ok, on with the story!
"Harry, let me try something," Cho said softly. She leaned in and kissed him deeply. As if he had been scalded, Harry leapt away from her, running into Ron standing behind him. With anger burning in his eyes, Ron raised his fist, ready to strike. Harry ducked quickly and ran as fast as he could away from them. As he sped down the hallway, he could hear Ginny's voice calling to him. She was crying heavily, begging for help.
"Ginny!" he yelled. "Ginny, where are you? What's wrong? Ginny!" An ear-piercing scream split through the air, pain and anguish filling his ears. It sounded like she was dying and he desperately tried to find her. The sound became distant so he could barely hear her suffering voice. He called out to her again but it was useless. She was gone.
Harry snapped up. Breathing shallow, he looked anxiously around the room to find he was not in the hallway but his own bed. It was a dream, only a dream. Hell, it was a full on nightmare. But was Ginny all right? He snatched his wand off his bedside table and whispered, "Lumos." Light filled the area inside his drapes and he checked the watch Hermione had given him for Christmas. Ginny was safe in her dorm room, hopefully asleep. Sighing in relief, he ran a hand through his sweat dampened hair and relaxed back into his bed. Was Ginny screaming the pain she felt at him kissing Cho? If it was that horrible, he could never forgive himself. Try as he might, sleep would not return. He pushed his hangings open and quietly dressed, glancing at his real clock. Six-thirty. Not as early as he had thought. He crept downstairs to the common room and was startled to find Hermione already sitting in an armchair.
"Hi Harry," she said softly. He cleared his throat and murmured a hello. She motioned for him to leave the stairs and sit on a chair across from her. A feeling of dread washed over him as he shuffled over.
"So, you and Ron had a row." It was more a statement than a question. Unable to look her in the eye, he crossed his arms and gave a small nod.
"What happened? You aren't a cheater and I certainly don't think you would start with Ginny." His head snapped up.
"You don't believe I did it?"
"I didn't say that." His face fell. "If Lavender really saw you kiss her then something must have happened unless she's lying. Is she?" He felt very self-conscious as she waited for his answer.
"No, she's telling the truth. But not the whole truth!"
"Then what's the whole truth?" He leaned forward and set his chin in his hands.
"Ok, I left the lavatory and Cho was standing there. She told me about how much she liked me last year and how she still does this year and wished she had talked to me at the start of this year because she wants to be with me. Then I wanted to leave but she told me to wait because she wanted to try something and.she kissed me. We pulled away and I told her I loved Ginny and we could only be friends but she said we couldn't because she wants more than that with me so she left. Then I went back to Ginny and that's it." Hermione stared at him for a few moments.
"Wow, you're excellent at run-on sentences."
"Please Hermione, no school lessons."
"Sorry. Ok, so you say SHE (can't get it to italicize) kissed YOU. You didn't do anything to stop her, right? Why?" He sighed.
"Ok, I have been sort of attracted to Cho when she's talked to me and all but I still felt I loved Ginny. Then she leaned in to kiss me so I thought I'd let her go ahead and do it so I could be completely sure of my feelings for Ginny. See, I let her kiss me but I didn't kiss her back!"
"So, she kissed you and you felt."
"I felt absolutely nothing! It felt the same as it did last year under the mistletoe and I realized that kissing Ginny is totally different! I feel a spark or something. It's just this incredible happiness to be with her and it wasn't there at all with Cho. I knew then that I loved Ginny with all my heart and didn't want Cho in the least." Hermione smiled.
"That's a very good conclusion. That's exactly what you should say to her."
"How? She ran out on me last night before I could explain and Lavender kept cutting me off and Ron pushed me! No one would listen!"
"Well, if she comes down you can catch her then and explain. Same with Ron." He shrugged.
"I suppose. But what if she still won't listen?"
"Ginny isn't completely stubborn. She'll eventually stop and talk to you."
"I hope so. I never meant to hurt her by not telling her. I just thought that it wouldn't matter if she didn't know. Plus, I thought no one was there when it happened but apparently not."
"I wish Lavender had told me and I could talked to you about it. Ginny wouldn't be upset if you had sat her down to explain instead of Lavender spilling it all of a sudden."
"Yeah, well Lavender thought she was doing the right thing by telling Ginny."
"And she thought correctly." Harry's eyes darkened.
"She made Ginny mad at me! How is that the right thing?!"
"She was right in saying that Ginny needed to know. She was wrong in the way she did it." Harry shook his head.
"No. It would have been better if Ginny just didn't know all together."
"Harry, let's pretend.Michael Corner kissed Ginny at the ball."
"I'd beat the hell out of him." Hermione sighed.
"No, if he kissed her and you didn't know about it! Like what happened to you! They kissed and you didn't see them."
"Oh, well, I don't know."
"Ok, what if Seamus saw them and told Ginny to tell you and she didn't. How would you feel if she kept it a secret?"
"Angry I suppose."
"Well?"
"Alright, I see what you mean." Hermione nodded, feeling satisfied. Ron came down the stairs then and stopped at the sight of Harry.
"Morning, Ron," Hermione said. He walked over to her and sat on the arm of the chair.
"Morning, Hermione," he replied. Harry groaned, realizing Ron wasn't even going to look at him.
"Ron, don't be childish," Hermione said.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You know Harry is right there and you won't even acknowledge his presence."
"I don't believe cheaters deserve acknowledgement."
"I-" Harry started but Hermione interrupted him.
"Ron, Harry is going to tell you what really happened and you are going to listen or I'm never helping you with your schoolwork again." He shrugged.
"I can handle it without you."
"Fine, I'll never kiss you again." Ron pursed his lips.
"You win. Go." Ron still refused to look at Harry as he listened to the story. But when Harry finished, Ron couldn't help himself.
"Then, you aren't secretly seeing Cho or anything?"
"Of course not!" Harry said, rolling his eyes.
"Then where's Ginny? You have to tell her!"
"Well I can't exactly go up and see her, now can I?"
"Hermione, go get her!" Ron commanded. By now, the common room had been partially filled with students and Hermione spotted one of Ginny's roommates. She walked over to talk to her. Ron looked t the ground for a moment.
"Sorry I pushed you, Harry but I didn't realize."
"It's ok. Don't worry about it." Ron smiled and patted Harry's back.
"So I guess we don't have to break your legs." They laughed.
"Nope, don't need to bother with that," Harry replied.
"Ginny isn't in her room," Hermione told them as she took her seat. Harry furrowed his eyebrows.
"Then where is she? I don't remember seeing her come down," he said worriedly.
"I don't know but maybe she went to breakfast already," Hermione said.
"Let's go see," Ron said, standing up. The trio left the common room and made their way to the Great Hall.
"By the way, Happy Valentine's Day," Ron said to Hermione. She slid her fingers into his and smiled up at him.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Ron. And you too, Harry."
"Hopefully it will be happy," he replied.
"Did you get Ginny anything?" she asked. He nodded but didn't elaborate.
The halls were filled with couples kissing and exchanging Valentine's gifts. Harry felt worse and worse as he went along. He wanted to be with his girlfriend for this holiday. They reached the Great Hall, which was still decorated the way it had for the ball. Seamus ran up to them excitedly.
"You'll never guess what happened!" he exclaimed.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Ginny was in here about half an hour ago and walked straight up to Cho, wand out, looking ready to kill. She just started yelling at her, at the top of her lungs, about what a horrible person Cho was and how much she hated her." The trio's eyes were growing wider every second. "Then she said if Cho ever dared come near you again," he said, indicating Harry, "she'd jinx her into next week and guaranteed no one would ever be able to kiss her the rest of her life! Then she did the Bat-Bogey Hex and Locomotor-Mortis (leg locking curse) to Cho and left her stuck there being attacked by her bogies! It was the funniest thing I think I've ever seen!" he finished gleefully. Ron laughed and Hermione jabbed his stomach. Harry couldn't help but smile slightly. He couldn't believe Ginny had done that for him.
"Where is she now?" Harry asked.
"She walked out and Lupin followed her. She probably got detention." Harry turned around, heading for Lupin's office.
"I'll see you in class," he called back to the other three. Students called out hello's to him in the hallway but he ignored them, now running to find Lupin and Ginny. Skidding to a halt in front of the office door, he wrapped loudly on it. Footsteps came toward him and the door opened.
"Hello, Mr. Potter, uh, Harry," Lupin said, seeming confused momentarily. "What can I do for you?"
"Is Ginny here?" he asked, anxiously.
"I'm afraid I sent her away a few minutes ago. You just missed her."
"Oh," he replied, disappointedly. "Do you know if she went to her dorm?"
"I don't know," Lupin said, smiling slightly. Harry groaned.
"Thank you. I'll see you in class later I suppose." Lupin nodded and closed the door.
Harry ran up to Gryffindor Tower as fast as he could, dodging around everyone in the halls, nearly knocking over two first year girls as they stepped in front of him. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs to the girl dorms and took a breath.
"Ginny!" he yelled. "Ginny, are you up there? Ginny, I need to talk to you!" A couple of snobby looking girls opened the door and glared at him.
"No one else is in there," one of them told him.
"So you can quit screaming and go to class," the other snapped. He sighed. Hopefully Ginny was in her first class already. He grabbed his bag from his bed and headed to class.
Harry went to lunch later hoping to Ginny there. She wasn't. He took a seat across from Ron and Hermione. Ron had the biggest basket Harry had ever seen, completely filled with Chocolate Frogs. Harry raised his eyebrow questioningly at it and Ron grinned.
"Hermione knows just what to get a guy for Valentine's Day," he said. Harry snorted.
"So does Ron," Hermione said smelling a light pink flower. Harry wasn't sure what kind it was. She had a whole bouquet of beautiful and exotic looking flowers, every one different.
"How did you get those?" Harry asked.
"George is 'friends' with the assistant florist at Felicia's Flower Garden near the twins' store and she agreed to give him a good deal for a dozen flowers. He sent me a catalogue and I picked out twelve and got them for half price." Harry nodded.
"So have either of you seen Ginny?" he asked. They shook their heads.
"Well where the hell is she?" he exclaimed exasperatedly. Colin Creevey walked over to them.
"Is Ginny sick?" he asked.
"No, why?" Harry replied.
"Just wondering since she hasn't been in class." Harry felt his stomach drop.
"If she hasn't gone to her classes, wasn't in her dorm room, and isn't eating, then where is she? I'm going to find her," Harry said, standing up. Hermione stopped him.
"We only have ten minutes until class starts again, Harry. As soon as the day's over if we haven't seen her, we'll go look around." Harry thought for a few moments and finally conceded.
"The minute class is finished, meet me and Ron in the Entrance Hall," he told her. She nodded.
* * * *
"Let's check the library," Hermione suggested when they met later that afternoon.
"Here, let's split up," Harry said. "Hermione, you check the library and all of Gryffindor Tower. Ron, you check outside and Hagrid's hut. I'll check the kitchen's, the Room of Requirement, the.Astronomy Tower, and wherever else I can think of. Ask any of her friends you see too. Meet back here ten minutes before class, ok?" They nodded and headed to their destinations. Forty-five minutes later, the trio met back up again. No one had Ginny with them.
"Harry, she isn't anywhere!" Hermione said, worriedly.
"Where else can we look?" he asked, frantically. "She can't have disappeared!" Harry looked around the hallway, trying to think, when he spotted Malfoy watching him, a smirk on his face. Harry clenched his jaw and walked up to him, Ron and Hermione following behind.
"Afternoon Potter," Malfoy said, coldly. Harry looked into his eyes and saw it.
"You know where she is!" he snarled. Malfoy chuckled.
"Perhaps." Harry grabbed his shirt collar and rammed him up against the wall.
"Don't play with me! Where is she?" Malfoy pushed him away and straightened out his robes.
"Nowhere you know about."
"Where?!" Malfoy simply shrugged.
"Tell us now!" Ron exclaimed, balling up his fists. Hermione grabbed his arm.
"You really want to know?" Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it menacingly at him.
"You've got five seconds."
"I'm terrified, Potter, really I am. Fine. She's at the Riddle House." Harry stared at him.
"What the hell is that?" Malfoy rolled his eyes.
"You're dumber than even I thought. Think about it. The RIDDLE House."
"As in Tom Riddle?" Malfoy nodded slightly, the smirk returning to his lips. Harry's breathing became quicker.
"Why? Why is she there? Where is it? Is she hurt? Who has her there?"
"Please, Potter, don't wet yourself. I think you know who has her there. Why is she there? Isn't it obvious? And where is it? You really want to know?"
"Yes, where and how do I get there? He has her? No, he can't!" He felt his scar begin to twinge.
"He can and he does," Malfoy laughed. "All I know is that the way to go there is to find some silly jewelry."
"Silly jewelry?" Malfoy shrugged.
"Some silly jewelry will take you there."
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know, Potter. Did you give her some sort of jewelry?"
"The bracelet!"
"How touching. Well, have fun," Malfoy said mockingly and turned to walk down the corridor.
"Hey!" Harry called. "Why, why her?" Malfoy shook his head.
"Come on, Potter. Who would you miss the most?" Harry's stomach sank even lower. Suddenly, his head erupted in pain. Clutching his scar, he fell to his knees. Ron and Hermione dropped beside him.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
"He's.he's happy," Harry panted. As quickly as it began, the pain stopped. He lifted his head in confusion.
"That was odd. It just quit." He shook his head and stood back up. "Ok, well we have to find the bracelet!"
"But wouldn't she be wearing it? And how did she leave here anyway?" Ron asked.
"If she isn't wearing it then maybe it's in her room! I don't know how she left but she's not here!" Harry said and ran to the stairs.
"Harry, what does your watch say?" Hermione asked, running behind him. "What if Malfoy's lying?" Of course! In all his worrying, he had forgotten about his watch even though he'd used it that morning. He stopped and looked at it, hoping it didn't say danger.
"Damn," he sighed. Hermione grabbed his wrist to see for herself.
"Then it's true. He really has her." She looked close to tears.
"Then I have to hurry!" Harry said and returned to running for Gryffindor Tower.
"You! I'm coming too!" Ron said, passing him.
"So am I!" Hermione added. Harry told the Fat Lady the password and entered through the portrait hole.
"No," he said when they were all inside. "I can't have you two risking your lives. It'll be easier if I go alone."
"Oh, so you're going to fight off Voldemort, Death Eaters, and bring Ginny back? I don't think so," Ron argued. They made it to the bottom of the girl's stairs and Hermione left them to find the bracelet. Harry rubbed his face impatiently while they waited.
"I just don't want anything to happen to you too. Remember last year? The brain? Hermione getting slashed? I don't want you to jeopardize your life!"
"Harry, she's my sister and I'm coming to get her too! You aren't the only one who loves her. I know what the risks are, ok?" Harry groaned in frustration.
"Ron-" but Hermione returned at that moment.
"It's on her bed but I don't want to touch it because I'm sure it's a portkey."
"Why do you think that?" Ron asked.
"How else would it help us get to her? You two need to come up here so we can touch it together."
"That's sort of a problem since there's a trick slide for males!" Ron said.
"Well, then climb up! Use your Quidditch arms for something useful!" Harry stepped back a few paces and readied himself. The moment his foot touched the stairs, they disappeared and he nearly slid down. Ron ran up and pushed him as far as he could until Hermione could take hold of his hands. Harry used his feet as much as he could while Hermione pulled with all her might. Finally, Harry was at the top and Ron moved back. Hermione held Harry's feet as Ron jumped forward and grabbed Harry's arms. They heaved Ron up with difficulty since he was the biggest of the three. When all of them were there, Hermione released Harry and flopped on her back to rest her arms.
"Bloody stairs," Ron muttered. Harry let her rest for all of two seconds before going to Ginny's bed. Ron helped Hermione up and followed Harry. He grabbed Harry's arm.
"Ow Ron, loosen up!"
"No, you might try to leave without us. We're all going so we have to hold on to each other." Harry longed to argue but his scar had begun to burn and he knew he needed to leave even if it meant taking them too.
"Fine! Ready?"
"Harry, wait. Shouldn't we go tell Dumbledore or someone?" Hermione said.
"There isn't time! We don't know how long Ginny's been there! She
could be dying and you want to take longer by finding a teacher!? No,
it's now or I'm going alone!" he yelled at her. Hermione recoiled and
closed her mouth.
"Now, are we ready?" They nodded. Taking a deep breath, Harry
reached out and closed his hand around Ginny's bracelet.
Author's Note: Cliffhanger, I told you! But seriously, where else would I end it? So, surprised? What does everyone think? I'm really not sure what to expect in the reviews, lol. Next couple of chapters will be pretty angsty since we're going to Voldemort's place. More explanations and stuff soon. All right, 'til next time!
Individuals:
missprongs: Lol, you're funny!
bballgirl02: Thank you! She had reasons.
duckymander: Thanks! Yes, very Hermioneish. Lol, I thought it'd be hilarious to have percy like that. I didn't have anything particularly in mind though. Yes, she was a poopy head.
loli-chick336: I know, it's sad!
hp/charmed obsesed: Well, now you know why he did. It wasn't exactly the way you may have thought about it.
HermioneClone: Sorry you didn't like it very much. Boys are dumb sometimes though.
MilesFromNormal: Sorry it took awhile to update. I know, lot's of problems!
Tom-Feltons-Hot: Well, chapter 12 and 13 are both complete now and up! Thanks for reading!
shortywithbrains: Very intense, I know. I felt that way too: agree and disagree.
Harry-potter-luvs-me: Thank you! I feel bad for Cho too but she was a bit pushy. But mostly Harry. I agree, they wouldn't have sex now, I just wanted them to have a little run in. I've wanted to do that for a while so I did.
Magnolia Lane: I lose track of other story's chapters too. Thank you for reading! Yeah, I've had so much fluff and comedy, it was time for some more angst. I love defensive Ron. He's so great! Those were my fave chapters too. Well, I've seen oy both ways too but I read a part from the HP books and it was spelled 'oy' so that's how I'll spell it from now on. Thanks though. You're welcome about your fic. I loved it and can't wait for the sequel! I promise I don't think bad of you at all!
AnonymousPHancock: I could have made it Draco but I think Lavender was a better choice. I think she was right and wrong in her decision, which is what I wanted.
Ron's Best Mate: Hi Shay! Thank you very much for the compliment! I'm so glad you like my fics! And it doesn't matter to me if you're signed in or not! Either way's fine with me!
Sexy seeker: Thank you! Well, they didn't fight more but there are still problems. I really hope you haven't died yet since I took so long updating! Thanks, that's such a nice thing to say!
Kim: Thanks! Of course I'll write more!
Goldfish r yummy: Thank you! Sorry it took a while!
i-love-animals, bella, bellalovesron: Lol, you have so many names! Anyway, you aren't crazy. Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! Yep, they had to have a fight sometime but now it's more than a fight! Lol, I thought that'd be hilarious to have Percy be like that!
Mione Weasley: Thank you! Sorry it took me a while to update but I've been busy too! I understand, take your time!
Cheese Diva: Thanks! I'm glad I got you excited! That's how I felt, it was mean for her to do but she had a point, Ginny needed to know! Yep, I'm quite random. Thank you again! You always make me so happy when I read your reviews! Thanks for brightening my day!
David Ken: Lol, I love your reviews! Don't worry about not reviewing for a while. We're all busy so it's understandable. I just want you to update! Your'e right, it is like a soap opera! Lol, that's a really funny comment! Everyone else said Lavender was a bitch but not many mentioned Cho. I promise, I'll try to keep the R/H good and interesting though there's been a sudden plot change so there'll be less of that for a few chapters. Never fear though, it will come back! You gave a very accurate weather report. Well done. The winds, I'm afraid, have increased dramatically and a dangerous and deadly storm is brewing. Again, thank you so much!
Line-from Denmark: Thanks very much! Harry did realize that and I'm glad they're in character!
Maddie: Sorry you didn't like it and you feel that way.
N@ttyNight: I'm sorry I didn't hurry very fast! I'll always eventually explain things.
KrisKG: Thank you! Lol, you aren't the only one!
Potterweasly: I'm answering both of your reviews. How was Hawaii? Wow, you have a lot of reading to catch up on! Thank you, I'm really glad you liked it! I know, Telling Ron started out a bit shaky and slow but I think the writing had improved a lot. And of course Harry gets to explain. I know, I love Ron. He's such an awesome character. Thank you very much!
Lily106: Lol, I know. That's how everyone feels!
Laura: Thank you for reading! Yep, as much as I'd love for their relationships to be perfect and no arguments, that just isn't realistic!
Chapter 14: Silly Jewelry
Author's Note: Ok, a few things. First, I'm so sorry this took so long to get up but I've been very busy! Same stuff, homework and dance. If I could, I'd give everyone cookies for forgiveness but I can't really e-mail them to you so that won't work! Second, I got almost 30 reviews for last chapter! Wow! I generally get about twenty or less per chapter so thank you all who reviewed. I know not everyone who reads this reviews and that's ok. I love reviews but it says I'm on about forty people's author alert list and that's quite a lot to respond to but I would if everyone did, of course. Don't let that discourage anyone from reviewing though because I welcome any! So you regular reviewers, please continue! Third, I got some mixed opinions on the R/H dorm room scene and the H/G fight. Most were positive but some weren't happy or didn't like one or both and I'm sorry for those who didn't. I wish I could please all of my readers but unfortunately everyone likes different things. I stand by what I've written but you can always tell me what you do and do not like for my future chapters and writing. Fourth, you are al so funny! So many of you called Lavender a bitch! I got a good laugh reading those reviews. So, yes Lavender didn't listen to Harry or give him a chance to explain but I do believe she had every reason to tell Ginny. Lavender thought Harry was cheating and felt Ginny should know. I purposely made her not listen because Ginny wouldn't get mad if he immediately explained it to her. I agree, Lavender was pretty bitchy about it but don't hate her, please. I didn't mean to make her the enemy! Lol. All right, this won't be the kind of chapter I think you're all expecting. There'll be a major plot change and things are getting kicked into gear. Be prepared for a cliffhanger! Don't tell me I'm mean (I already know) but sometimes it just works and sounds better to have a cliffy. I haven't done it in a long time except for the clow additions to chapter 12 so be glad I've restrained myself this long! Ok, I'll shut up now! Sorry this was so long but I wanted to say this stuff. Ok, on with the story!
"Harry, let me try something," Cho said softly. She leaned in and kissed him deeply. As if he had been scalded, Harry leapt away from her, running into Ron standing behind him. With anger burning in his eyes, Ron raised his fist, ready to strike. Harry ducked quickly and ran as fast as he could away from them. As he sped down the hallway, he could hear Ginny's voice calling to him. She was crying heavily, begging for help.
"Ginny!" he yelled. "Ginny, where are you? What's wrong? Ginny!" An ear-piercing scream split through the air, pain and anguish filling his ears. It sounded like she was dying and he desperately tried to find her. The sound became distant so he could barely hear her suffering voice. He called out to her again but it was useless. She was gone.
Harry snapped up. Breathing shallow, he looked anxiously around the room to find he was not in the hallway but his own bed. It was a dream, only a dream. Hell, it was a full on nightmare. But was Ginny all right? He snatched his wand off his bedside table and whispered, "Lumos." Light filled the area inside his drapes and he checked the watch Hermione had given him for Christmas. Ginny was safe in her dorm room, hopefully asleep. Sighing in relief, he ran a hand through his sweat dampened hair and relaxed back into his bed. Was Ginny screaming the pain she felt at him kissing Cho? If it was that horrible, he could never forgive himself. Try as he might, sleep would not return. He pushed his hangings open and quietly dressed, glancing at his real clock. Six-thirty. Not as early as he had thought. He crept downstairs to the common room and was startled to find Hermione already sitting in an armchair.
"Hi Harry," she said softly. He cleared his throat and murmured a hello. She motioned for him to leave the stairs and sit on a chair across from her. A feeling of dread washed over him as he shuffled over.
"So, you and Ron had a row." It was more a statement than a question. Unable to look her in the eye, he crossed his arms and gave a small nod.
"What happened? You aren't a cheater and I certainly don't think you would start with Ginny." His head snapped up.
"You don't believe I did it?"
"I didn't say that." His face fell. "If Lavender really saw you kiss her then something must have happened unless she's lying. Is she?" He felt very self-conscious as she waited for his answer.
"No, she's telling the truth. But not the whole truth!"
"Then what's the whole truth?" He leaned forward and set his chin in his hands.
"Ok, I left the lavatory and Cho was standing there. She told me about how much she liked me last year and how she still does this year and wished she had talked to me at the start of this year because she wants to be with me. Then I wanted to leave but she told me to wait because she wanted to try something and.she kissed me. We pulled away and I told her I loved Ginny and we could only be friends but she said we couldn't because she wants more than that with me so she left. Then I went back to Ginny and that's it." Hermione stared at him for a few moments.
"Wow, you're excellent at run-on sentences."
"Please Hermione, no school lessons."
"Sorry. Ok, so you say SHE (can't get it to italicize) kissed YOU. You didn't do anything to stop her, right? Why?" He sighed.
"Ok, I have been sort of attracted to Cho when she's talked to me and all but I still felt I loved Ginny. Then she leaned in to kiss me so I thought I'd let her go ahead and do it so I could be completely sure of my feelings for Ginny. See, I let her kiss me but I didn't kiss her back!"
"So, she kissed you and you felt."
"I felt absolutely nothing! It felt the same as it did last year under the mistletoe and I realized that kissing Ginny is totally different! I feel a spark or something. It's just this incredible happiness to be with her and it wasn't there at all with Cho. I knew then that I loved Ginny with all my heart and didn't want Cho in the least." Hermione smiled.
"That's a very good conclusion. That's exactly what you should say to her."
"How? She ran out on me last night before I could explain and Lavender kept cutting me off and Ron pushed me! No one would listen!"
"Well, if she comes down you can catch her then and explain. Same with Ron." He shrugged.
"I suppose. But what if she still won't listen?"
"Ginny isn't completely stubborn. She'll eventually stop and talk to you."
"I hope so. I never meant to hurt her by not telling her. I just thought that it wouldn't matter if she didn't know. Plus, I thought no one was there when it happened but apparently not."
"I wish Lavender had told me and I could talked to you about it. Ginny wouldn't be upset if you had sat her down to explain instead of Lavender spilling it all of a sudden."
"Yeah, well Lavender thought she was doing the right thing by telling Ginny."
"And she thought correctly." Harry's eyes darkened.
"She made Ginny mad at me! How is that the right thing?!"
"She was right in saying that Ginny needed to know. She was wrong in the way she did it." Harry shook his head.
"No. It would have been better if Ginny just didn't know all together."
"Harry, let's pretend.Michael Corner kissed Ginny at the ball."
"I'd beat the hell out of him." Hermione sighed.
"No, if he kissed her and you didn't know about it! Like what happened to you! They kissed and you didn't see them."
"Oh, well, I don't know."
"Ok, what if Seamus saw them and told Ginny to tell you and she didn't. How would you feel if she kept it a secret?"
"Angry I suppose."
"Well?"
"Alright, I see what you mean." Hermione nodded, feeling satisfied. Ron came down the stairs then and stopped at the sight of Harry.
"Morning, Ron," Hermione said. He walked over to her and sat on the arm of the chair.
"Morning, Hermione," he replied. Harry groaned, realizing Ron wasn't even going to look at him.
"Ron, don't be childish," Hermione said.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You know Harry is right there and you won't even acknowledge his presence."
"I don't believe cheaters deserve acknowledgement."
"I-" Harry started but Hermione interrupted him.
"Ron, Harry is going to tell you what really happened and you are going to listen or I'm never helping you with your schoolwork again." He shrugged.
"I can handle it without you."
"Fine, I'll never kiss you again." Ron pursed his lips.
"You win. Go." Ron still refused to look at Harry as he listened to the story. But when Harry finished, Ron couldn't help himself.
"Then, you aren't secretly seeing Cho or anything?"
"Of course not!" Harry said, rolling his eyes.
"Then where's Ginny? You have to tell her!"
"Well I can't exactly go up and see her, now can I?"
"Hermione, go get her!" Ron commanded. By now, the common room had been partially filled with students and Hermione spotted one of Ginny's roommates. She walked over to talk to her. Ron looked t the ground for a moment.
"Sorry I pushed you, Harry but I didn't realize."
"It's ok. Don't worry about it." Ron smiled and patted Harry's back.
"So I guess we don't have to break your legs." They laughed.
"Nope, don't need to bother with that," Harry replied.
"Ginny isn't in her room," Hermione told them as she took her seat. Harry furrowed his eyebrows.
"Then where is she? I don't remember seeing her come down," he said worriedly.
"I don't know but maybe she went to breakfast already," Hermione said.
"Let's go see," Ron said, standing up. The trio left the common room and made their way to the Great Hall.
"By the way, Happy Valentine's Day," Ron said to Hermione. She slid her fingers into his and smiled up at him.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Ron. And you too, Harry."
"Hopefully it will be happy," he replied.
"Did you get Ginny anything?" she asked. He nodded but didn't elaborate.
The halls were filled with couples kissing and exchanging Valentine's gifts. Harry felt worse and worse as he went along. He wanted to be with his girlfriend for this holiday. They reached the Great Hall, which was still decorated the way it had for the ball. Seamus ran up to them excitedly.
"You'll never guess what happened!" he exclaimed.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Ginny was in here about half an hour ago and walked straight up to Cho, wand out, looking ready to kill. She just started yelling at her, at the top of her lungs, about what a horrible person Cho was and how much she hated her." The trio's eyes were growing wider every second. "Then she said if Cho ever dared come near you again," he said, indicating Harry, "she'd jinx her into next week and guaranteed no one would ever be able to kiss her the rest of her life! Then she did the Bat-Bogey Hex and Locomotor-Mortis (leg locking curse) to Cho and left her stuck there being attacked by her bogies! It was the funniest thing I think I've ever seen!" he finished gleefully. Ron laughed and Hermione jabbed his stomach. Harry couldn't help but smile slightly. He couldn't believe Ginny had done that for him.
"Where is she now?" Harry asked.
"She walked out and Lupin followed her. She probably got detention." Harry turned around, heading for Lupin's office.
"I'll see you in class," he called back to the other three. Students called out hello's to him in the hallway but he ignored them, now running to find Lupin and Ginny. Skidding to a halt in front of the office door, he wrapped loudly on it. Footsteps came toward him and the door opened.
"Hello, Mr. Potter, uh, Harry," Lupin said, seeming confused momentarily. "What can I do for you?"
"Is Ginny here?" he asked, anxiously.
"I'm afraid I sent her away a few minutes ago. You just missed her."
"Oh," he replied, disappointedly. "Do you know if she went to her dorm?"
"I don't know," Lupin said, smiling slightly. Harry groaned.
"Thank you. I'll see you in class later I suppose." Lupin nodded and closed the door.
Harry ran up to Gryffindor Tower as fast as he could, dodging around everyone in the halls, nearly knocking over two first year girls as they stepped in front of him. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs to the girl dorms and took a breath.
"Ginny!" he yelled. "Ginny, are you up there? Ginny, I need to talk to you!" A couple of snobby looking girls opened the door and glared at him.
"No one else is in there," one of them told him.
"So you can quit screaming and go to class," the other snapped. He sighed. Hopefully Ginny was in her first class already. He grabbed his bag from his bed and headed to class.
Harry went to lunch later hoping to Ginny there. She wasn't. He took a seat across from Ron and Hermione. Ron had the biggest basket Harry had ever seen, completely filled with Chocolate Frogs. Harry raised his eyebrow questioningly at it and Ron grinned.
"Hermione knows just what to get a guy for Valentine's Day," he said. Harry snorted.
"So does Ron," Hermione said smelling a light pink flower. Harry wasn't sure what kind it was. She had a whole bouquet of beautiful and exotic looking flowers, every one different.
"How did you get those?" Harry asked.
"George is 'friends' with the assistant florist at Felicia's Flower Garden near the twins' store and she agreed to give him a good deal for a dozen flowers. He sent me a catalogue and I picked out twelve and got them for half price." Harry nodded.
"So have either of you seen Ginny?" he asked. They shook their heads.
"Well where the hell is she?" he exclaimed exasperatedly. Colin Creevey walked over to them.
"Is Ginny sick?" he asked.
"No, why?" Harry replied.
"Just wondering since she hasn't been in class." Harry felt his stomach drop.
"If she hasn't gone to her classes, wasn't in her dorm room, and isn't eating, then where is she? I'm going to find her," Harry said, standing up. Hermione stopped him.
"We only have ten minutes until class starts again, Harry. As soon as the day's over if we haven't seen her, we'll go look around." Harry thought for a few moments and finally conceded.
"The minute class is finished, meet me and Ron in the Entrance Hall," he told her. She nodded.
* * * *
"Let's check the library," Hermione suggested when they met later that afternoon.
"Here, let's split up," Harry said. "Hermione, you check the library and all of Gryffindor Tower. Ron, you check outside and Hagrid's hut. I'll check the kitchen's, the Room of Requirement, the.Astronomy Tower, and wherever else I can think of. Ask any of her friends you see too. Meet back here ten minutes before class, ok?" They nodded and headed to their destinations. Forty-five minutes later, the trio met back up again. No one had Ginny with them.
"Harry, she isn't anywhere!" Hermione said, worriedly.
"Where else can we look?" he asked, frantically. "She can't have disappeared!" Harry looked around the hallway, trying to think, when he spotted Malfoy watching him, a smirk on his face. Harry clenched his jaw and walked up to him, Ron and Hermione following behind.
"Afternoon Potter," Malfoy said, coldly. Harry looked into his eyes and saw it.
"You know where she is!" he snarled. Malfoy chuckled.
"Perhaps." Harry grabbed his shirt collar and rammed him up against the wall.
"Don't play with me! Where is she?" Malfoy pushed him away and straightened out his robes.
"Nowhere you know about."
"Where?!" Malfoy simply shrugged.
"Tell us now!" Ron exclaimed, balling up his fists. Hermione grabbed his arm.
"You really want to know?" Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it menacingly at him.
"You've got five seconds."
"I'm terrified, Potter, really I am. Fine. She's at the Riddle House." Harry stared at him.
"What the hell is that?" Malfoy rolled his eyes.
"You're dumber than even I thought. Think about it. The RIDDLE House."
"As in Tom Riddle?" Malfoy nodded slightly, the smirk returning to his lips. Harry's breathing became quicker.
"Why? Why is she there? Where is it? Is she hurt? Who has her there?"
"Please, Potter, don't wet yourself. I think you know who has her there. Why is she there? Isn't it obvious? And where is it? You really want to know?"
"Yes, where and how do I get there? He has her? No, he can't!" He felt his scar begin to twinge.
"He can and he does," Malfoy laughed. "All I know is that the way to go there is to find some silly jewelry."
"Silly jewelry?" Malfoy shrugged.
"Some silly jewelry will take you there."
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know, Potter. Did you give her some sort of jewelry?"
"The bracelet!"
"How touching. Well, have fun," Malfoy said mockingly and turned to walk down the corridor.
"Hey!" Harry called. "Why, why her?" Malfoy shook his head.
"Come on, Potter. Who would you miss the most?" Harry's stomach sank even lower. Suddenly, his head erupted in pain. Clutching his scar, he fell to his knees. Ron and Hermione dropped beside him.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
"He's.he's happy," Harry panted. As quickly as it began, the pain stopped. He lifted his head in confusion.
"That was odd. It just quit." He shook his head and stood back up. "Ok, well we have to find the bracelet!"
"But wouldn't she be wearing it? And how did she leave here anyway?" Ron asked.
"If she isn't wearing it then maybe it's in her room! I don't know how she left but she's not here!" Harry said and ran to the stairs.
"Harry, what does your watch say?" Hermione asked, running behind him. "What if Malfoy's lying?" Of course! In all his worrying, he had forgotten about his watch even though he'd used it that morning. He stopped and looked at it, hoping it didn't say danger.
"Damn," he sighed. Hermione grabbed his wrist to see for herself.
"Then it's true. He really has her." She looked close to tears.
"Then I have to hurry!" Harry said and returned to running for Gryffindor Tower.
"You! I'm coming too!" Ron said, passing him.
"So am I!" Hermione added. Harry told the Fat Lady the password and entered through the portrait hole.
"No," he said when they were all inside. "I can't have you two risking your lives. It'll be easier if I go alone."
"Oh, so you're going to fight off Voldemort, Death Eaters, and bring Ginny back? I don't think so," Ron argued. They made it to the bottom of the girl's stairs and Hermione left them to find the bracelet. Harry rubbed his face impatiently while they waited.
"I just don't want anything to happen to you too. Remember last year? The brain? Hermione getting slashed? I don't want you to jeopardize your life!"
"Harry, she's my sister and I'm coming to get her too! You aren't the only one who loves her. I know what the risks are, ok?" Harry groaned in frustration.
"Ron-" but Hermione returned at that moment.
"It's on her bed but I don't want to touch it because I'm sure it's a portkey."
"Why do you think that?" Ron asked.
"How else would it help us get to her? You two need to come up here so we can touch it together."
"That's sort of a problem since there's a trick slide for males!" Ron said.
"Well, then climb up! Use your Quidditch arms for something useful!" Harry stepped back a few paces and readied himself. The moment his foot touched the stairs, they disappeared and he nearly slid down. Ron ran up and pushed him as far as he could until Hermione could take hold of his hands. Harry used his feet as much as he could while Hermione pulled with all her might. Finally, Harry was at the top and Ron moved back. Hermione held Harry's feet as Ron jumped forward and grabbed Harry's arms. They heaved Ron up with difficulty since he was the biggest of the three. When all of them were there, Hermione released Harry and flopped on her back to rest her arms.
"Bloody stairs," Ron muttered. Harry let her rest for all of two seconds before going to Ginny's bed. Ron helped Hermione up and followed Harry. He grabbed Harry's arm.
"Ow Ron, loosen up!"
"No, you might try to leave without us. We're all going so we have to hold on to each other." Harry longed to argue but his scar had begun to burn and he knew he needed to leave even if it meant taking them too.
"Fine! Ready?"
"Harry, wait. Shouldn't we go tell Dumbledore or someone?" Hermione said.
"There isn't time! We don't know how long Ginny's been there! She
could be dying and you want to take longer by finding a teacher!? No,
it's now or I'm going alone!" he yelled at her. Hermione recoiled and
closed her mouth.
"Now, are we ready?" They nodded. Taking a deep breath, Harry
reached out and closed his hand around Ginny's bracelet.
Author's Note: Cliffhanger, I told you! But seriously, where else would I end it? So, surprised? What does everyone think? I'm really not sure what to expect in the reviews, lol. Next couple of chapters will be pretty angsty since we're going to Voldemort's place. More explanations and stuff soon. All right, 'til next time!
Individuals:
missprongs: Lol, you're funny!
bballgirl02: Thank you! She had reasons.
duckymander: Thanks! Yes, very Hermioneish. Lol, I thought it'd be hilarious to have percy like that. I didn't have anything particularly in mind though. Yes, she was a poopy head.
loli-chick336: I know, it's sad!
hp/charmed obsesed: Well, now you know why he did. It wasn't exactly the way you may have thought about it.
HermioneClone: Sorry you didn't like it very much. Boys are dumb sometimes though.
MilesFromNormal: Sorry it took awhile to update. I know, lot's of problems!
Tom-Feltons-Hot: Well, chapter 12 and 13 are both complete now and up! Thanks for reading!
shortywithbrains: Very intense, I know. I felt that way too: agree and disagree.
Harry-potter-luvs-me: Thank you! I feel bad for Cho too but she was a bit pushy. But mostly Harry. I agree, they wouldn't have sex now, I just wanted them to have a little run in. I've wanted to do that for a while so I did.
Magnolia Lane: I lose track of other story's chapters too. Thank you for reading! Yeah, I've had so much fluff and comedy, it was time for some more angst. I love defensive Ron. He's so great! Those were my fave chapters too. Well, I've seen oy both ways too but I read a part from the HP books and it was spelled 'oy' so that's how I'll spell it from now on. Thanks though. You're welcome about your fic. I loved it and can't wait for the sequel! I promise I don't think bad of you at all!
AnonymousPHancock: I could have made it Draco but I think Lavender was a better choice. I think she was right and wrong in her decision, which is what I wanted.
Ron's Best Mate: Hi Shay! Thank you very much for the compliment! I'm so glad you like my fics! And it doesn't matter to me if you're signed in or not! Either way's fine with me!
Sexy seeker: Thank you! Well, they didn't fight more but there are still problems. I really hope you haven't died yet since I took so long updating! Thanks, that's such a nice thing to say!
Kim: Thanks! Of course I'll write more!
Goldfish r yummy: Thank you! Sorry it took a while!
i-love-animals, bella, bellalovesron: Lol, you have so many names! Anyway, you aren't crazy. Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! Yep, they had to have a fight sometime but now it's more than a fight! Lol, I thought that'd be hilarious to have Percy be like that!
Mione Weasley: Thank you! Sorry it took me a while to update but I've been busy too! I understand, take your time!
Cheese Diva: Thanks! I'm glad I got you excited! That's how I felt, it was mean for her to do but she had a point, Ginny needed to know! Yep, I'm quite random. Thank you again! You always make me so happy when I read your reviews! Thanks for brightening my day!
David Ken: Lol, I love your reviews! Don't worry about not reviewing for a while. We're all busy so it's understandable. I just want you to update! Your'e right, it is like a soap opera! Lol, that's a really funny comment! Everyone else said Lavender was a bitch but not many mentioned Cho. I promise, I'll try to keep the R/H good and interesting though there's been a sudden plot change so there'll be less of that for a few chapters. Never fear though, it will come back! You gave a very accurate weather report. Well done. The winds, I'm afraid, have increased dramatically and a dangerous and deadly storm is brewing. Again, thank you so much!
Line-from Denmark: Thanks very much! Harry did realize that and I'm glad they're in character!
Maddie: Sorry you didn't like it and you feel that way.
N@ttyNight: I'm sorry I didn't hurry very fast! I'll always eventually explain things.
KrisKG: Thank you! Lol, you aren't the only one!
Potterweasly: I'm answering both of your reviews. How was Hawaii? Wow, you have a lot of reading to catch up on! Thank you, I'm really glad you liked it! I know, Telling Ron started out a bit shaky and slow but I think the writing had improved a lot. And of course Harry gets to explain. I know, I love Ron. He's such an awesome character. Thank you very much!
Lily106: Lol, I know. That's how everyone feels!
Laura: Thank you for reading! Yep, as much as I'd love for their relationships to be perfect and no arguments, that just isn't realistic!