a/n: this was the hardest chapter to write so far. I'm really not cut out for writing so I won't quit my day job lol...i hate editing and redoing chapters...but hopefully, you guys will like this one...how it's written anyways, maybe not how it turns out! ;) and...read on!

Chapter 17

Life is always full of the unexpected. For instance, surprisingly, Hufflepuff beat Slytherin in a quidditch match. Crazy, huh. Or how Seamus Finnigan asked Ginny's friend Luna Lovegood out. Wooh, let me tell ya, almost everybody was astounded about that one. And this all happened in one day: February 10th.

After those first few meetings between Ginny and Michael, Ginny had gotten a lot of help but felt uneasy around him. Like he knew something she didn't. Considering the fact that Arithmancy wasn't getting any easier, Ginny brushed off her moments of anxiety and in an instant of desperation again accepted Michael's help on the never ending torture known as Arithmancy.

Actually, speaking of those two, they happened to be in the library studying while Harry, Ron, and Hermione were taking a walk around the castle for some peace and quiet. At least that's what Harry thought...

"No, Ron, it's not a Hinkypunk. I can't believe you even thought it would be. It was obviously a Boggle Nosed Punk (a/n: whatever those are! H'm...). Get your creatures right, honestly..."

"Ya, whatever. I don't know what you are talking about. I swear on the Chudley Cannons winning the World cup" 'which isn't much' "that Hagrid said a Hinkypunk. But I guess since you know eeevvverything there is to know, never mind. I don't care what it is he said." Ron snapped that last bit at her. The three had been walking the grounds for almost a half an hour and they didn't tire of it.

Harry watched on in amusement, laughing at the stupid things his friends would fight over. Although, he and Ginny had yelled over inconsequential things as well...but this is about Ron and Herm. 'Best stuff I've heard in years.' Harry laughed to himself. He tried hard not to smile and it almost showed through when he thought about Ginny. 'Where is she? The past couple of weeks she's been busy late into the night doing who knows what. It's starting to piss me off honestly...'

"Hey, do you guys know what Ginny's up to?" Harry gave the bickering couple a look. His words broke them out of their battle of wits and to the question at hand. Ron seemed to take on a guilty air but reigned it in quickly, leaving Harry to wonder what that was about. 'What the fuck was that look?' Hermione looked just as clueless as Harry.

"No, Harry. I haven't seen or heard from Gin either...Maybe she's doing extra credit or something for one of her classes?" Hermione nodded her head, unsure of Ginny's whereabouts as well. Both were quiet for a moment, wondering where Ginny was, although someone of the group did know something.

"Well, I think I'm going to head off and start on some homework. Thanks Herm, you're rubbing off on me!" With laughs from all three, Harry departed for the castle, leaving the two alone. 'I'm going to find out what the bloody hell is going on if it's the last thing I do!' Hermione watched as Harry slowly disappeared off to the castle.

"Ok, Ronald. What was that about?" She gave him a speculative look. He seemed to make an audible gulp and then get tough and defensive.

"What are you on about? I know just as much on this as Harry does." She gave him a glare, trying to make him give in on whatever he was hiding. "Don't give me that look! Would I lie?" Hermione kept on staring, her silent answer a big fat 'Yes!' Ron glanced around while they kept on walking. He took her hand and lead her towards a secluded area.

"Hear me out ok. I'm no-"

"Ron! You do know something. Why didn't you say anything!"

"Hermione, let me finish, please." She grew silent at his words and listened intently for what he was about to pass on. He took a deep breath. "Let's just say my man's intuition is kicking in. I'm not sure what is going on, but I know it isn't good. Lately, Ginny's been getting help for one of her classes. I don't know why she just didn't ask you for help.., but anyways that's why she's always busy and we never see her."

"I wonder as well why she didn't say anything to me. Well, who's she getting help from?"

"I was kind of surprised on her pick of all people but it's Michael...Michael Corner."

"What! You must be joking. The Michael Corner? Ginny's ex? Seriously?" All this was sputtered in sheer indignation.

"Ya, that's the one. I saw them in the library the other day while I was checking out a book. It better have just been studying or... sigh Now, if we remain calm about this, like I've been, it may be nothing more than just that. I've got a bad feeling though. Michael acts so shady, I'm worried for Gin. I never got to know him when the two went out, lord knows what he'll do when she's going out with Harry!" Hermione gave Ron an understanding glance.

"I see. Well...I guess you're right. Let's leave this alone for awhile. Maybe nothing will come of it and we'll have worried for nothing. No need to scare Harry either, so let's hope he doesn't find anything out that may be wrong." With that, the two continued their trek across the grounds, discussing Harry and Ginny and other things.

The spot that they had just left was not altogether vacant. In an obscure place nearby where Hermione and Ron had been talking was a person in hiding. That person happened to be Draco Malfoy. He had been taking a walk upon the grounds as well when he saw the two approach so he took to hiding close by. He smirked to himself with the knowledge he had just gained. 'Ah, another way to make Potter's life a living hell. Oh goody...' (a/n: I'm sorry, had to put that oh goody in there, it sounded hilarious!) Waiting for the Weasley and Mudblood to be a good distance away, Draco departed from the concealed point and ambled along back to Hogwarts with a levity that was full of only devilry.

---Other parts of Hogwarts--

For those overachievers who flocked to the library every night to expand their immense knowledge of what there is to know, Harry was not among them this night. He scoffed to himself. 'Why would I do homework when I have better things to do. Like figure out what the hell is up with Ginny.' Not seeing her very much the past few weeks had put Harry in a sour mood. He understood the needed privacy for studying, but this was ridiculous. Harry and Ginny spent time together, but not as much time as it used to be. 'I think I see her more at practice than anywhere else. And she's usually late to practice as well!'

He roamed about the castle, fury evident in his every move escalating, looking for his "beloved." Or rather, the one he wanted to strangle right now. Feeling like he had walked around the perimeter of Hogwarts, twice, having a heated conversation with himself, he gave up his search of Ginny and actually went to do his homework.

The one place he totally missed was the library. Too mad to take in all his surroundings, he passed right by it without a thought of going in. Good thing for his anger to miss it as well, since Michael and Ginny were in residence.

"Are you sure that's the answer because I've been over this one at least 3 times and gotten the same answer each time." Ginny peeked a look over Michael's shoulder trying to see what his answer was. He suddenly fell on top of his papers as if he had been pushed.

"I'll help you figure it out, but I won't give you the answers! Tsk, tsk, cheating? You shock me." Trying to keep a straight face with Ginny glaring at him, he burst out laughing. He was given a warning from Madam Pince to watch it. Ginny gave a huff and sat back down beside him. Michael, after glancing at her paper for a moment showed her what she was doing wrong and she fixed her error. It was much the same like this that went on while they were "studying" 'I may be able to pull one over on her. If she hasn't picked up on tiny mistakes in her homework she definitely won't pick up on them in real life.'

Study sessions went on for another couple of weeks, Ginny needing more help than she thought. Ron and Hermione had agreed not to say anything to either Harry or Ginny. Things would unfold when need be. As for Harry, he had questioned Ginny only once that night after she had gotten back to the Gryffindor common room asking her what she had been doing. Ginny told him she had been studying and then went off for a fly. His top was about to blow with another one of her excuses, but he left before he said something he regretted. Ginny felt ill-at-ease with how he reacted. Sooner or later Harry wasn't going to take her excuses. He was going to be roaring mad when he found out, but she figured she had kept this a secret long enough, it could last awhile longer. Anxious about what would happen next in their relationship, or lack of one, Ginny went upstairs to take a shower and get ready for bed.

A week later after that intriguing day of new things, on March 6th, everyone's lives would be changed forever.

(a/n: sigh, I could be SO mean. :) h'm...decisions decisions...oh fine FINE. Read on...)

Just to put everyone in their place so no one gets confused, Ginny was in Arithmancy class with Michael, Harry was in the common room working on a Potion's essay before it was due in the next hour, and Ron and Hermione were up in the Room of Requirement.

Hermione was sitting on a couch in the room, watching Ron pace. It was rather distressing, wondering why he was so nervous, like it was his... wedding day or something. 'If he keeps that up, he's going to wear a hole in the floor. Bright one I've got, really...' Hermione was left to her thoughts awhile longer as Ron kept pacing back and forth across the floor. He had said there was something important he had to tell her and she couldn't figure out what it was. It had been driving her nuts all day trying to reason what was so important. His "declaration" required privacy so Ron brought Hermione to this room. Ever since they had gotten there, Ron was going to say something but he became red in the face, turned away and started pacing.

'How the hell am I going to do this? What if she doesn't want it? What if she doesn't want me? Oh bloody hell, I knew this wasn't a good idea.' Fighting with himself on what to do he had started fidgeting with the ring in his pocket. Going as far as he could in the room (near Hermione), he turned around to pace yet again when the rug on the floor took him down.

"Ron! Are you ok?" Hermione had jumped up when he had fallen and rushed to his aid. He seemed lifeless just laying there. When she started to panic when she saw he wasn't breathing, she touched his arm and he groaned. He started to get up and she hugged him, glad that he was alright.

"Ow! Please, not a hug right now...too much pain..." More grumbling ensued causing her to crack a smile in light of the events. A few minutes later Ron had regained his breath and now seemed to be concerned with his pocket.

"What's wrong? Did you lose something?" Ron's head came barreling up, almost hitting Hermione and his face seemed to pale. 'How odd..'

"No. It's ok, really. I just...dropped my wand. I'll find it in a minute if you'll jus-" he came up short. After she had asked him if he lost something he frantically searched the room for the ring that had somehow left his pocket in his descent. Upon saying he would find his "wand" she had turned around to look for it as well, but instead, found a small velvet box on the floor. She looked at it for a moment, mouth slightly opening. Hermione picked it up and looked up at him.

"Is this what you're looking for?" Ron just stared. 'Oh, piss it all.'

"You see, this wasn't how it was supposed to be. I was going to set the mood, the suspense roaring. Instead I make a fool of myself and totally ruin the surprise.

"What are you talking about?" Ron gently took the box out of her hand.

"It's not entirely what you think, but pretty close. I was scared as to what you'd say but if all turns out well, I think it'll be worth it." He opened the box and an exquisite ring shimmered from within the box. It was a small silver band and in the center were two stones, each birthstones for the two. "I'm not ready yet and I don't think you are considering we still have to finish school, but I figure, this will hold us through until next year. Will you wear this promise ring, Mione?"

Throughout his speech, she was silent. 'Oh my god. He just...No way...Wait until I tell GINNY! She's going to freak!' The last thing she heard was "Will you wear this promise ring, Mione?" Her senses came alive at last and she looked into his eyes. They were burning with a passion that told of love and desire. A tear slowly found its way down her cheek. Ron's hand came up and brushed it away gently.

A very quiet "yes" came from her mouth that Ron wasn't sure he heard her right. To follow suit, a louder "yes" came and she suddenly leaped into his arms crying tears of joy.

"I love you Ron. I love you." From hearing that, Ron started to get a little misty eyed too but wiped traces of it away before she could see them. Both still kneeling on the floor, Hermione brought her head up and her lips met his. A heat like no other came of it, desire ripping through them both. Breaking apart to breathe, Ron slowly laid her down on the floor with a tenderness only a man in love could give. To seal the "promise," they gave in to the ultimate gesture of love and became apart of each other.

---A few hours later---

After doing all his homework, amazingly Harry went to look for Ron and Hermione. He had something he wanted to ask them. The two had acted odd after he had left them outside after their walk around the castle. It was rather irritating, this feeling of ignorance. 'If this is about Ginny, oh boy, there is going to be hell to pay. Fifteen minutes of searching resulted in no Ron and Hermione and a thwarted Harry drudging around. Not noticing where he had been walking in his dismal mood he ended up in the lower parts of Hogwarts by the dungeons. Just as Harry was turning around to find his way out he heard some footsteps.

"Well, well, well. Just the person I'm looking for." To Harry's dread his favorite person was talking to him.

"Well, well, well, just the person I'd hoped had fallen off a cliff. Damn. What the hell do you want Malfoy? Don't you have some poor first year to be torturing?" Malfoy's smirk just widened and he regarded Harry with a certain glee dancing in his eyes. 'How...disgusting.' For someone who was usually evil, Malfoy seemed to be happy about something which disconcerted Harry. 'This can't be good. Where are his goons...they'll probably jump me or something.'

"Well, Potter, I came across some riveting information that you may just find...will make you laugh."

"Whatever you have to say I could care less. I don't have time to listen to your rantings." Harry moved past Malfoy, intending to leave when Malfoy's words stopped him cold.

"Haven't you been wondering why your little slut has been missing?"

"Don't you dare call Ginny a slut, you asshole." Harry went to punch Malfoy, but he dodged his aim. Before Harry could take another jab at him, Malfoy spoke.

"I know what she's been up to. Wouldn't you like to know?" Malfoy laughed at him, sizing him up. Harry wanted to ignore Malfoy and leave so he didn't have to listen to this crap anymore. And yet...something told him to listen to whatever this idiot had to say. 'Maybe Malfoy actually knows something. I must be under the Imperious curse or something.'

"Weasel, the little whore, has been cheating on you. And with none other that goody two shoes Michael whatshisname." Harry's heart clenched. 'What the fu-. Why would Malfoy tell me this shit...all Ginny told me was that she was studying. Or so she said... Oh, bugger bloody fucking arse head and hole. This isn't funny Voldemort. Seriously, get off the drugs...'

Looking Malfoy in the eye, Harry tried to see what Malfoy was up to, whether he was lying to him or not. His gaze was unwavering, which was not a good sign.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Tsk, tsk, if only, Potter. If you must, go to the Library. Ask your stupid Gryffindor what's really going on. You should thank me, really." With that, Malfoy started back towards the dungeons muttering to himself about being sick or something since he did something "good" for once.

Malfoy's revelation did not bode well with Harry. Ginny's excuses wore thin on Harry's conscience leaving him angry and always wondering what she was doing. 'Looks like someone had the balls to tell me whatever they think is going on. Jesus, it just had to be Malfoy...' Harry looked out a window he passed by just to make sure pigs weren't flying. 'Nope, cloudless. Crap.' With trepidation, Harry headed towards the library, dreading the events about to unfold.

---In the Library--

"Hey Ginny, this is a change...what'd you get for number 13?" Ginny, laughing, smacked him upside the head making him almost regret his words. These get togethers had lasted almost since they had gotten back from Christmas break. Ginny had almost come to enjoy their time spent together, but not as much as her time with Harry and yet that time had dwindled down. Michael was her friend but never more than that. Michael hadn't "put" any moves on her on which she was glad for and she hadn't had to be a jerk to him. Today was a bit different though. Michael had brought some delicious cookies he had sneaked away from the kitchen. They had an odd taste but after the first bite they were the best she'd ever eaten. She also felt intoxicated, temporarily having no control over what she did. That went away just as quick as it had come. Upon eating a good portion of them, she noticed Michael hadn't eaten any and questioned him about it. He said he had just stuffed himself full at dinner and would eat them later. The two went back to their homework, making a good dent in it.

Finishing up her homework, Ginny headed on out from the library. Upon leaving the entrance, she saw Harry jogging towards her. 'What's he doing?'

"Ginny." Harry gasped, short of air, stopping in front of her. "I found you. At last. What're you doing?" 'Great, step one. Finding your loved one just as your enemy said she would be.'

"I just got done studying. Why? Did I miss something?" She looked at him and started walking, Harry following her.

"No...What makes you think that? You didn't miss a thing. I was just coming to see if you were in the library, "studying." 'Shit, does he know?' 'Well, she just looks a bit guilty.' Harry's mood wasn't getting any better. Feeling a hunch, he dove right into the good stuff.

"But actually, I heard the funniest thingever.Actually, it was pretty crazy." His sarcasm was more than obvious. His face was serious as well. 'Dear God, please pray for the poor souls that this has happened to and to watch out for me as well, considering I may not make it to tomorrow...'

"Malfoy just walked up to me a bit ago telling me the strangest things ever. I didn't believe him, but you know what? For some reason I just had to listen to him. The git said that you were meeting with your ex, Michael. I just laughed in his face, saying what an idiot he was for telling me that. My Gin wouldn't do that to me. But maybe... I was wrong." He slanted his gaze at her, a hard look in his eyes. Ginny didn't look up at him, trying to avoid his brutal stare. If she just ignored him, maybe he'd go away. Make the accusations stop.

"Why so quiet, Ginevra? Aren't you going to deny it?" Now Harry's voice was burning with the firstrays of hate that had started growing from the knots in his stomach. As much as he wanted all this to be wrong and ignore whatever Malfoy had said, he wasn't going to be played like a fool.

"Harry," Ginny started, finally looking into his eyes, flinching from his gaze, "it's true. But it's nothing like what he said. We're just friends."

"Oh right, friends huh? It had to have been more than that for you not to tell me." Harry's rage was apparent in his face. He felt something at the corners of his eyes and he wasn't sure which made him angrier, to find a few tears trail down his face or that Ginny wasn't denying anything at all. 'Great, look vulnerable as well.' He wiped the tearsoff quickly.

Ginny, not noticing his tears, went on to defend herself, not imagining this predicament at all. "If you'd listen to what I have to say, you might understand somethings."

"Ya, keep on weaving your lies." That was a sucker punch to the gut. Ginny sucked in a breath, obviously hurt at his words. She knew he would be mad, but not this mad. Harry saw Ginny, seeing her gasp at his words. Seeing a tear trail down her cheek, he wanted to go to her and comfort her, but he was hurting as well.Heneeded to know why Ginny was doing this. Dammit, why was she betraying him?

"Harry," her voice wavered, not being able to keep her anguish out of her voice, "Michael and I have just been studying. Honestly, we're both in Arithmancy and we didn't understand what was going on. He offered to help me and I agreed. Although, he did do a few things that disturbed me, but I took care of it. " She stopped to take a deep breath, finding it hard to continue with Harry's piercing gaze. If she didn't get a grip on herself soon, she'd be sobbing her heart out. Nothing was going the way she wanted and things were getting worse and worse by the minute. His eyes flared more when he heard her talk about problems with Michael. 'If that bastard lays one finger on her, he's dead. Wait a minute...isn't that what she wants?'

Harry scoffed at her reply. "Why didn't you just ask Hermione for help? You know she would have." He watched her take another breath, trying to collect herself. 'Good, she's just as flustered as me.'

"Hello! You guys are Seventh Years. Everyone's going over their notes like crazy trying to get ready for the NEWTs. I wasn't going to add to her load of homework, knowing all the extra classes she's taking." Harry heard her, but didn't want to believe her. All these secrets couldn't be that easily fixed could it? No, never. There's more to it.

"Why don't I believe you?" Ginny's eyes flared at his words. 'Why the hell doesn't he see my logic. Seriously, all men are stupid.'

"I don't know, Harry. Maybe, being the guy you are, I can come to grips that you don't always know what's going on. But it's ok. Nothing to be too worried over, just a little thing you're suffering from called Stupidity!" The last part was yelled by Ginny, her frustration mounting with each word. She was really mad at Harry for being so dense. She'd started to cry harder, not caring how it must have looked. 'If this keeps up, Harry will lose me.' Knots were forming in her stomach, a most unpleasant feeling. 'I don't want that to happen!' she cried to herself.

'Don't cry Ginny...it's killing me.But not as much as your deception. "You have no right to yell at me," he yelled right back. "You're the one who's cheating. What, it's been, three months? Gods I've been a fool this entire time." Harry shook his head, almost in surrender. "Why, Ginny, why?"

Ginny went to touch Harry, but he pushed her hand away. Hurt by his actions and his words, her heart felt like it was slowly breaking. "Cheating? I'm not cheating on you Harry. Malfoy's full of crap, trying to one up you."

"Don't make this about Malfoy. Lord knows we've wasted enough breath on him."

"Then why do you believe him? I've given you good reasons as to why I've been with Michael and getting help."

"Well, maybe if you would have told me at the get go, I would have listened. You've betrayed my trust, Ginny." Harry gulped, not wanting to say these words, but felt he must or his heart would be too badly battered. "I can't live with this Ginny. You've hurt me too much. And my heart can't take it anymore. You're excuses are getting old. I guess I was right. I lose everyone I've ever had in my life."

Ginny was going to make a last ditch effort to give him a hug or something, anything, to get him to listen to her, but her blood ran cold at his words. 'No! Harry...don't do this to me. To us...I'll never survive without you...' He didn't say anything further, he just gazed into her eyes, seeing her tears continue down her face. Obviously he didn't want to save their relationship. 'Damn it what have you done to me, Harry? Love isn't supposed to hurt this much.' How wrong she was in what she thought. Feeling as if she herself had lost everything she'd ever had and couldn't get it back, Ginny wanted to hurt Harry so she wouldn't feel alone in the ocean of hurt she was drowning in.

"No, you're wrong Harry. You can't lose what you never had." Harry recoiled at her words, surprised that she would say something like that. At the moment, he had just said whatever came to mind, but hearingGin say those words brought him to clarity.'Ginny...what's going on. We were fine up until now and now we're falling apart.' Without a doubt, Harry had the feeling things had been damaged beyond repair and there was no way he could fix things. Throughout their exchange, his body had become numb, little by little. He felt nothing but an iciness take over.

"I see." His words were clipped and direct. "You're right. Forget we were ever together. I don't need you and you don't need me. Have a nice day, Virginia. It's been a pleasure, really." Harry put as much sarcasm in those words as he could and did the one thing he thought he'd never do in his life. He walked away from the love of his life.

Watching him walk away, Ginny sank to the floor, her tears flowing abundantly. 'Someone, please help me...Don't leave me alone! I don't know what to do!' Her sobs were uncontrollable. She was totally alone, deserted in the hallway, not far from the library. Surely someone would walk by soon.Harry heard her sobs, almost stopping, his will to comfort her automatic but stopped himself before he could do so.'No, we're not...together-anymore.'With resolve, he walked away with determination that things would get better.Little did he know how wrong he was.

No one ever did come for her. Ginny never did pick herself up after that horrendous parting and she was never the same cheerful person she used to be for a long while. It felt like hours when Ginny stumbled through the Common Room, trying to find the staircaseto get to her room to sleep away the pain. She didn't see Harry anywhere and didn't want to see him ever again. Ron saw Ginny's appearance and was instantly alarmed at it. He got up to go see what was wrong with her when Hermione stopped him.

"What are you doing? Can't you see something's wrong? Harry is dead..."

"I know that Ron, but I don't think she's going to want to talk to her brother. Let me talk to her. I'm just as worried as you are. She'll feel more comfortable around another female." 'At least, I hope so.' "And don't you do anything stupid until I get back!" 'Oh my god, what has happened? Did Harry find out? Oh no...'

a/n: Trauma! Oh No! Review to find out what'll happen next! by the by, I'm having surgery today, so it'll be awhile before I update again...I think i've written plenty to tide you guys over though ;)