Chapter 16

"Gin. Ginny! Wait up! What's wrong?" Harry was shouting at Ginny eversince practice had let out. Actually, he had been yelling at her during practice as well, but she seemed to be somewhere else. She'd miss the quaffle, let other mistakes happen, and she almost got nailed by a bludger! When practice was over, Gin had been in a hurry to get back to her room.

'I'm really not in the mood to talk. Go away Harry.' Ginny's mood had only escalated during practice. She had tried to do the plays in practice but she just couldn't concentrate. She had been thinking about her detention later that night as well as meeting up with Michael to work on their Arithmancy. 'Ya, what was up with that anyways? I don't like Michael like that anymore. He better not try anything. Lord, if Harry knew...' She was so enraptured in her thoughts she didn't notice Harry had caught up to her at the castle doors.

"Ginny. Why won't you tell me what's wrong?" Harry grabbed herarm while trying to talk to her. Ginny tried to pull herself out of Harry's grasp but his hand held steadfast. She looked up into his eyes and saw concern etched into his face. She let out a sigh.

"I just really don't want to talk about it. I've had a really bad day and it just keeps on getting worse," she said, failing to hide thehatred that had been building up. Harry flinched at her tone. 'I don't know what to do.' "Please, just leave me alone, ok?"

"If that's what you want, Ginny, then that's what I'll give you.For now." Harry sounded so pitiful saying it, but he'd give Ginny whatever she wanted. Ginny then walked off towards Gryffindor Tower. Ron and Hermione caught up with Harry after she had left. They kept on walking towards Gryffindor Tower. Both were concerned but didn't want to get caught up between the two.

"Are you ok Harry?" Harry nodded no to Hermione. "What'd she say to you?"

"She really didn't elaborate. I tried asking her what was wrong but she wouldn't tell me. She asked me to leave her alone. You don't...think it's anything to be worried about do you?" Harry just stared at Hermione, seeing if there was anything she was hiding or knew. "What do you know?" 'I wonder if this is my male's intuition kicking in...hmm.'

"I don't know anything. I'm just as much in the dark about this as you are. Honestly, I think she's just not her usual self today. Just let her be alone for a bit, then try talking to her later."

"What was your first clue that she wasn't herself hm?" Sarcasm was highly evident in Harry's posture.

"Don't get all snippy at me just cause you don't know what to do about Ginny," Hermione sniffed.

"I'm sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to snap. I just feel so helpless." Harry was looking ratherdejected."Ya, I guess you're right, I'll just go talk to her later." Harry looked over at Ron.

"You seem unusually quiet Ron. What's up?" Harry asked his best friend. Ron had a deer in the headlights look which he snapped out of when Harry spoke to him.

"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering what that smell was. They must have something delicious for dinner tonight, huh." 'That was smooth, real smooth.'Harry and Hermione both rolled their eyes at this and finished their ascent to their rooms. Hermione and Harry were unaware that Ron knew more than he let on. 'Honestly, I'm not always hungry guys! But it works as a good excuse...'

When they all met up in the Great Hall, Ginny was nowhere to be seen. Harry started to get mad but then calmed down when he figured she was just cooling off. The three ate in silence and eventually parted their own ways.

(After detention with Snape, In the Library)

Michael was sitting at a table, yet again towards the back. 'She's so dim. Although I'm lucky that she hasn't caught on.' Michael knew everything in Arithmancy. He had lied when he said he needed Ginny's help as well. He just wanted to be around her, thickening his plan to get what he wanted from her. She had seemed suspicious of him the few times they had been talking today but she must have thought nothing of it cause she didn't say anything to him. That is, until he touched her and then she told him she was taken. That had infuriated him but he kept his cool, playing the noble friend. 'I got her to go out with me once, I can do it again...' Michael was left to his thoughts and a few moments later was interrupted when hefelt someone sit down next to him. (a/n ahh! Watch out gin! lol The spawn of satan is prowling!)

"Hey Ginny! How was that detention with Snape?" Ginny had sat down with a bang of her books and a loud sigh. She looked the worse for wear.

"Oh, it was just peachy. Let me tell ya, having to scrub the whole classroom without magic was the best detention I've ever had. Personally, I like the hot blistering feeling I get from my enlightening task in that fucking room.God, I wish Snape would just have a seizure and fall off the damn stairs when they're changing!" Ginny's face had turned red throughout her spiel, making him crack up.He sobered instantly upon seeing the death threat in her eyes andcovered her hand with his yet. Too mad to pay attention to everything that was going on, Ginny didn't care about his hand on hers.

"Hey," he said softly, "it's ok. Snape's an ass like that. I've had to do worse. He once had me clean the Great Hall, even though it was already clean...frickin' stupid I tell you. But I got over it...after I dung bombed his classroom." Gin let out amuffled laugh while staring off into space.

"You just need to relax. We can work on this long ass assignment together and then afterwards, if we get it all done, you can tell me what's bothering you." Surprisingly, Ginny seemed to agree with him. She took a big breath and let it all out. For the next two hours, they worked on Arithmancy and when all seemed hopeless, they had finished the last question. With Michael's help, Ginny had actually understood some of what he told her and she coasted along quite nicely.

"Oh my god. I can't believe it. I'm actually done with Arithmancy! Ahead of schedule!" She was so excited that she got up and started to do a victory dance. After all of five seconds, Madam Pince gave her a mean look and Gin sat down, but with much happier spirits. Michael just laughed at her and she blushed a bit.

"You're great Gin, absolutely great. I don't know why we split up." 'Oh ya, that's a way to warm up to her. Real blunt...' Ginny gave him a weird look but he righted that by saying, "Sorry, I was reminiscing on the good times."

"Now, tell me what's bothering you." She thought for a bit and then gave him an answer.

"Well, now that I think about it, my life really isn't that complicated. I just feel that everythingwas against me today. Talking to you after class, I was late to potions where I got a detention. I had a disastrous meeting with Malfoy wherein more yelling ensued. Plus, I have no idea what my Potion essays are over cause my ink spilled all over my notes!" Ginny was breathing heavily after her exclamation but she seemed happy to get that all off her chest.

"Ah, I see. Well, I think you just needed a breather and to get away from people today. But look at the bright side. You got your Arithmancy done early. For your Potion essays, can't you ask a friend what it's over?" Ginny nodded her head yes, not realizing that she could have done that. "See, it's not all that bad. Do you have any other homework?" She nodded her head with a vehement yes.

Michael chuckled. "Well, then, let's get started." She looked at him in confusion

"You're going to help me on my Charms and Transfiguration? Michael! Thank you thank you thank you!" She leaped up to give him a hug while he silently cheered himself on. 'This may be easier than I thought.' The embrace ended and more work on her homework began. An hour and a half later, Ginnygave another shout of joy and thanked Michael profusely for his help.

"I don't know what I would have done without you. I surely would have gone mad. I appreciate it, really." Ginny looked at him with adoration in her eyes. But not love or anything. Just pure bliss. 'Maybe he's not so bad after all... Maybe he just wants to be friends.'

'I'll have her in my grasp in no time at all.'

And with that, the two left to go separate ways.

(Gryffindor Common Room; 11 pm)

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting by the fire, basking in it's light, warmth radiating from it. Hermione and Ron were quietly talking about their day, each having little jokes and laughing merrily. Harry was with his friends but he felt very alone. He hadn't seen Ginny since the time at the castle doors and he was worried. 'Why the hell are they laughing? Don't they know...calm down Harry. It's ok...' Harry was deep in thought when Ginny walked into the common room with a bounce to her steps. She looked over at the three, her smile slightly faltered but she mustered up a bright smile and headed over to them. The three didn't notice her, as Harry was staring intently into the fire and Ron and Hermione were whispering to each other. Gin set her bag down on the floor by the couch and sat by Harry. He jumped slightly and looked over at the intruder. Surprise registered on his face at seeing her here.

"I'm sorry for being difficult today." She picked up his hand, entwining their fingers together. "I've just been having an off day but then somethings happened and I got stuff sorted out." Harry just looked at her and when he didn't say anything Ginny pinched him.

"Ow! What'd ya do that for?" Ginny just gave him a look. "Sorry, I'm just surprised, that's all. We haven't really talked all day and then all of a sudden you just come in here, plunk yourself down and start talking. Excuse me for being shocked."

"I really am sorry. Forgive me Harry?" He looked at her, contemplating something, but then changing his mind, for he then smiled and gave her a kiss.

"I forgive you. Just remember, if you ever need to talk to me, I'm here. I love you, you know?"

"I know you do. I just...I don't know what was wrong with me today. I'll talk to you next time, I promise." Ginny finished talking and the two mentally sighed, glad to be in the good graces of each other. Ginny had wanted to talk to him but she didn't want to tell him about Michael. She was going to but then Michael had come onto her and she decided it would be better if he didn't know. 'Harry'd probably go beat him up and watch it be for no reason. Although I'm rather worried that Michael's up to something. Why is he being so helpful? I better be careful...'

Ron and Hermione looked over at Harry and Ginny. They didn't know when Ginny had come in, but they looked over when they heard talking. They couldn't really hear what was being said, but after a bit, Harry smiled at Ginny. Things must be ok between the two.

"I'm glad they're talking now. I was kind of worried earlier." Hermione nodded her agreement. 'I wonder what Snape made Ginny do for her detention. She was gone for almost...four hours,' Hermione thought. 'What is she up to?' While Herm contemplated this, she was brought out of her thoughts by Ron kissing her on the cheek. She giggled while he continued on up to her neck.

"Ron! Not in the common room!" He just grinned at her wickedly. "Honestly, if you must, let's go somewhere else. I don't want everyone else watching us." Ron then gave her another kiss and got up, pulling her hand and making her stand.

"We'll be back later," was said to Harry and Ginny, who weren't really paying attention. The two then left the common room, going who knows where.

Harry and Ginny sat in front of the fire, sitting on the couch, enjoying the heat pouring forth. Other than a few other fourth years, the two were alone. Harry gave Ginny a tight hug. Ginny wouldn't have given the hug another thought, but it felt like Harry was holding onto her for dear life, as if he might lose her. It seemed full of...anguish. Ginny gazed at Harry and he said, "It's nothing really. Sometimes, I'm afraid I'll lose you, just like I've lost Sirius and my parents. All the ones I have loved." Ginny's heart ached at his words.

"Oh, Harry, I didn't know you felt that way. I'm sorry. I promise I'll never let that happen. You'll always have me and most importantly, my heart." Even though they had said they loved each other, neither had ever said this much.Harry was a bit surprised but got a warm feeling inside that he had finally found someone to belong to, to be with, for forever.

"You'll always have my heart as well, Gin."Harry wrapped his arms around her once again and kissed the top of her hair. With that, the two sat, contentedly in front of the fire, basking in the ambiance of their love.

The night passed on uneventfully. Harry and Ginny eventually went to sleep in their respective dorms. Both noticed when Hermione and Ron got back in, but didn't say anything to their friend. Everything was right in the world and nothing could change that...at least during the night. All was calm and quiet throughout the castle, minus some sneaky Slytherins up to no good. The same would be said for other students, but there was one that was restless as well.

'She will be mine.'

a/n: ooooohhhhhh. Danger..danger...lol. jp. Anyways, there's this bluish lookin button in the bottom left corner...ya...right...there! It has some characters called letters possibly written in the order "r-e-v-i-e-w" I think it's a message...that you should...review!