Author's Note: Wow. Six reviews so far, and all of them are brilliant. Thank you guys so much! And I'm on four favorites lists! Does jig Thanks to earp124, fatman9000, jackhea, and Xiel Rose Sylravdrawolmor. Hope you like this one.
pink gecko: I'm so glad you liked the last chapter! You'll see what happens with Ginny and Harry. There will be…obstacles. I'll get there pretty soon. I think. Thank you so much for your reviews! They never fail to make me smile. I'm deathly afraid that I'm going to write something really stupid and that you'll hate it, though. When this happens, break it to me gently, please.
Schatje: Thanks for your review! I'm so glad you enjoy it. I was completely worried that everyone would hate it and the only reviews I got would be "Ew, this sucks." Thanks so much for telling me you like it.
Wolf's scream: Later in the story you'll find out why Harry left. It'll make more sense then. I promise. When I first came up with the idea, I didn't think that worked either, but it all comes together. I hope. Any time you could point out errors would be fantastic. You could put them in reviews or email me, which ever is easiest. I think you can access my email through my profile. That would be a great help, and I would be forever grateful. And thank you for saying it's well-written. I am definitely showing that to my English teacher. :-D
vegetarians ROCK: Your review made me so incredibly happy, I can't even describe it. I couldn't stop smiling all night! I hope you aren't disappointed with this chapter. Watch you hate it. I'll cry.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, and therefore own nothing. Plus, if JK Rowling is posting stories on websites, I must insist that she get back to work.
Doing his best to stay awake, the Minister continued to read an extraordinarily dull report about the quality (or lack thereof) of modern quills. His eyes drooped even lower as he concluded a paragraph about why excessive ink dripping was a serious problem that should be dealt with decisively.
After reading the same tedious sentence ten times, he gave up his struggle and decided to submit to his exhaustion. However, the Minister's cheek had barely touched his desk when he received a sharp jab on the top of his head. Startled, he sat up and tried to determine what had hit him. Sensing something behind him, he quickly turned. Floating in front of him was a deceptively innocent-looking paper rocket.
Frowning slightly, them Minister reached for the note. Paper rockets, though much faster than the paper airplanes normally used, were only used for very important memos due to their disturbing habit of shooting into people's eyes.
His frown deepened as his eyes flicked rapidly across the page. With a disbelieving expression etched firmly on his face he stared at the parchment, apparently in shock. Now fully awake, he leaned closer to his desk and re-read it. Several times. Finally finished, he placed the note carefully on his desk and leaned back in his chair. After staring at nothing for a moment his face broke into a wide grin.
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Hand in hand, Ron and Hermione made there way back into the house. Both were positively glowing. They were entering the living room when they were greeted by everyone they had shared Hermione's birthday dinner with, all of whom looked expectantly at the couple.
Hermione beamed at Ron while he launched into a very detailed, if long-winded, description of the night's events. She noticed the guest's rather bored expressions and the twins' less subtle yawns and placed a hand on Ron's shoulder.
Ron and Hermione seemed to have a secret conversation with their eyes before they smiled at each other and Ron looked back up to continue his story. The remainder of the story was rather short and to the point.
Glancing down at the beauty in his arms, Ron smiled at the crowd listening to him. "We're getting married!" he announced happily.
The cheers were deafening, and there was no time for the happy couple to react before they were enveloped in a large group hug. As everyone wished them the best, the twins began to chant and Richard looked at Ginny with an appraising expression on his face. No one noticed this as the males in the room slapped Ron on the back and guffawed and the females shrieked and squealed over Hermione's engagement ring. Indeed, it was a rather nice ring as Ron's fortunes had vastly improved since becoming a well-respected auror and he believed that the love of his life deserved the very best of everything.
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The mayhem hadn't died down two hours later, partly due to the twins' seemingly endless supply of firewhiskey. It had become rather loud and raucous, and Ginny had hidden herself away in the library.
Looking around, Ginny snorted. Of course Hermione would have a library. Yet the small smile on her face disappeared as she remembered times she had been in a library, times when she believed that one day she would have an announcement much like her brother's.
Sighing, she remembered a black-haired man, a boy who had had to grow up much too soon. She remembered the swooping sensation she felt in her stomach every time she saw him. Tears began streaming down her cheek as she recalled how safe she had felt with him and how very much she had wanted to spend her life with him.
Her expression hardened as she thought of how he left without telling anybody. How he had left without saying good-bye.
Ginny rested her head on the arm of the chair. She had tried to forget him, but she couldn't. Every time she went out with anyone, no matter how great they were, all she could think of was how they weren't him. It was becoming a problem.
Richard loved her. She knew that, and she knew that he was a great guy, if somewhat dim. He truly cared for her and he was willing to give her everything. But she couldn't help hating his eyes for not being green, hating his hair for not being black, hating his forehead for having no scar, even hating him because he wasn't Harry.
She made herself breathe. No one could see her like this. Ginny had spent six years trying to convince herself and everyone else that she didn't love him anymore, that she didn't even miss him. She wouldn't spoil that by showing anyone what a lie that was.
Taking a last deep breath, Ginny stood up and began to make her way to the door. She had only taken a few steps before a familiar head of abundant brown hair peered into the room.
"Oh, hello Ginny! I couldn't take it anymore. I'm fairly certain my mother's drunk and Fred and George just started singing. I don't know what, they were slurring it quite a bit," she said quickly. Noticing the redhead's tear-stained face Hermione spoke again. "Ginny! What's the matter?"
"Nothing at all, Mione. I'm fine, really," she added as she saw Hermione's incredulous expression.
"You're not fine, Ginny."
Ginny sat down on the chair in defeat. She knew Hermione wouldn't let her leave until she had revealed the reason for her tears. They sat in silence for a minute, Hermione waiting for Ginny, who couldn't bring herself to worry Hermione on her special day.
Finally, she began to speak. "It's nothing, Hermione, really. I was just…remembering. It's silly. It's been so long, but I just can't…" Ginny trailed off as tears tried to fight their way out once again.
Hermione looked sadly at her friend. She had, of course, known that Ginny still had feelings for Harry. She hadn't, however, realized that they were this strong.
"Ginny, listen to me. I know it's hard…he was my best friend. But it's been seven years. He's not coming back." Hermione paused and tried to keep her voice even. "You need to get over him. He made his decision when he left. We need to accept that and move on." She noticed the fresh tears sliding down her friend's cheek. Pulling Ginny into a hug, she continued. "He's not worth it, Ginny. He's not worth destroying your entire life for."
"But what if he comes back?"
Hermione looked at her sharply. "He won't. Not ever." Deeply saddened by Ginny's feelings, Hermione plowed ahead, trying to make the other girl feel better. "He left us, Ginny. He can't possibly expect for us to wait for him forever. We've all continued our lives. It's time for you to live yours."
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Sitting on a couch, Richard was completely oblivious to the two people tangled together next to him. He was completely lost in his thoughts about a gorgeous girl who he loved. Ginny was everything he wanted in a wife. She was sweet, caring, beautiful, and smart. Of course, she could be rather temperamental and sarcastic, but Richard was convinced she would grow out of that.
Richard tried to imagine spending the rest of his life with Ginny Weasley. It wasn't difficult, as she was a rather fantastic person. Yes, he thought. She would be a wonderful wife.
His eyes followed Hermione Granger as she re-entered the room. He saw her walk to Ron and smile at him. Grinning, Ron pulled her into an embrace. Richard wanted that.
He spied a bit of red by the door and saw Ginny, standing by the wall, a vision in her strappy black dress. Richard made up his mind: He was going to propose to Ginny.