Disclaimer: I obviously do not own Harry Potter and Company (characters, and all other inventions created by the masterful J.K. Rowling). If I did then you'd see my published works in your local bookstore and I wouldn't bother to write fan fiction, now would I?
Also the song lyrics in the beginning are not mine. It is "Only One" by Yellowcard.The song lyrics at the end are also not mine - it is "Gifts & Curses" by Yellowcard from the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack (my absolute favorite song of all time.)
A/N: At the request of my reviewers, I thought I'd write a little continuation, an Epilogue of if you will (although I know I said I wouldn't- I can be quite fickle). I'd like to thank every single reviewer for your input, I'm quite honored that you all took the time to give your input, whether you enjoyed the story or not, every little bit helps.
I appreciate all types of constructive criticism, thank you - in particular to Katie - for your opinion. I do agree the point of the Harry Potter series is not so much about the "lovey-dovey mushy romance." I rather like that about J.K. Rowling's writing. But I also did not write this to necessarily say this is how she should continue their relationship. This was merely a figment of my imagination, and while I agree it's not necessarily what J.K. Rowling would write, I hope you appreciated for what it was...simply a fanfiction, the musings of a devoted Harry + Ginny worshipper. It is not supposed to be exactly what J.K. Rowling would write mostly because I myself am not her. So like I said before, I hope you appreciated the story for what it was. And I hope you enjoyed the story for its fanciful nature, rather than as a continuation of the 6th book. I also liked to think that there was an appropriate amount of romance, I find that when I read Harry/Ginny fanfics they tend to be quite "steamy" (don't get me wrong, I LOVE the steamy stuff)- if you will, and I thought mine to be quite mild compared to many (especially since mine is rated only a "K")...I do apologize if you found it to be otherwise.
gil-t'ief - My first reviewer! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it as much asI enjoyed writing it. You were the first to inspire me to continue and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you did the last.
Moony's Puppy - I feel Ginny is one of the best characters in the series (besides my favorites - Fred and George...cause you can't like just one of them...) She's just so spunky (for lack of better word.) I love how shes strong and stubborn and passionate. She does rock!
savvysuperstar95 - The best? I'm absolutley flattered. Although I doubt it is the best out there, I thank you from the bottom of my heart...Now that puts a lot of pressure on me...I hope Part II lives up to your expectations!
lovly elley - For you? Of course! Another inspiring reviewer, this chapter is for you too...I hope you enjoy it!
Luna Lovegood2 - Thank you. I tried to emmulate Ginny as much as I could. I always felt she was an underdeveloped character and her personality really shone through in Book 6, so I tried my best to develop her in my story as I imagine the direction her character is going towards.
So here it is: Part II of Sanctuary.
Dedicated to my wonderful reviewers! I wrote this entirely for you all. Although I do apologize that it is not quite as good as Part I. This is how I imagine things would continue, but I encourage you all to decide for yourself.
Broken this fragile thing now
And I can't, I can't pick up the pieces
And I've thrown my words all around
But I can't, I can't give you a reason
I feel so broken up
And I give up
I just want to tell you so you know
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, but there's just no one that gets me like you
You are my only, my only one
Harry and Ginny awoke the following morning, both well rested. Harry rubbed his eyes roughly and groped for his glasses. As he turned his head he cringed, grimacing at the neck cramp he received from sleeping in a sitting position all night. Harry panicked for a moment, praying that nothing happened during the night. He looked at both himself and Ginny and was relieved to see they were both fully clothed. Despite a few chaste kisses, nothing had moved beyond that. He was at peace…oddly comfortable – something he hadn't felt for quite a long time. Ginny smiled and glanced through parted eyes. Harry cleared his throat and moved off the bed, Ginny followed suit.
"Harry, I..."
"I hope you don't think this means things have changed between us Gin. We're still..."
"Don't kid yourself." She smiled cheekily. "You can't resist me."
"Oh, is that right?" Harry responded with the same attitude.
"Of course, I'm adorable." She stated matter-of-factly. Harry laughed, mostly because in his opinion- it was completely and utterly true. Silence followed as he went towards his dresser and pulled out the clothes he planned on wearing today.
Ginny remained sitting on the bed, their backs towards each other.
"I meant what I said last night Harry."
"This isn't over," he chuckled in agreement. "Not even close."
"Let's make the best of what time we have." Ginny reasoned. They both turned to face each other. A sad silence filled the room. Harry nodded, a lump forming in his throat, regretting what little time that would be. But knowing at the same time, it would be the time of his life.
Summer days passed quickly, quiet days spent in each other's company. It was peaceful, and yet special. They kissed some, and talked some. Mostly, they quietly enjoyed each others company. She would lie in his arms as they sat in the garden of the Burrow, resting against the nearby trees, watching the sunset. Or snuggled on a couch as she read a book and he watched her. He enjoyed watching her read, as she wrinkled her nose or smile complacently. Just being there was enough. No words could possibly express what they were feeling. Every word paled in comparison to their emotions. No word could capture the magnitude of what they felt. But they both knew…so there was no need to say.
Hermione and Ron continued to enjoy each other's company and while Harry did often hang out with them, he made sure to reserve as much time as possible with Ginny. When he did hang out with Ron and Hermione, they spoke mostly of Horcruxes and Voldemort. Harry knew it was imperative that he did begin his quest, however he took every measure possible to delay it, to savor every moment he had with Ginny.
Everyday was bittersweet and precious. And as the summer progressed, the Burrow began to bustle with wedding preparations for the nuptials of Bill and Fleur. Bill had healed quite nicely, although some scars remained, he was still ruggedly handsome in his own unique way. Ginny of course was a part of the bridal party as were all the Weasley men, and Harry so everyone became consumed with the preparations. While the days leading up the wedding became more hectic, Ginny and Harry found they had less time to spend together. The day of the wedding was perfect. Fleur was elegant and stunning as usual, but it was a general consensus among the many guests that if she had walked the aisle in a burlap sack she would look just as beautiful. Harry escorted Gabrielle – Fleur's younger sister down the aisle, followed by Ginny and Ron. Harry could not help but glance back to Ginny more than once, almost tripping each time. The silky champagne colored bridesmaid gown complimented her exquisitely. In Harry's mind, she was the epitome of perfection. Throughout the ceremony, Harry and Ginny stared intensely at each other, as if they kept this connection, then he could stay forever. The ceremony ended and the reception began. They danced and laughed, as if today was only one of many that would spend together. But night fell, and the guests departed. Harry retreated to his room to pack his few belongings as did Ron and Hermione. Needless to say neither he nor Ginny slept that night. They spent the entire night fighting drowsiness, as he held her in his arms and they lay together for the last time. They held each other tightly willing the sun not to rise, but inevitably it did.
After teary goodbyes with the Weasley clan, Ron and Hermione waited for Harry in the front yard, Ron dragging a very heavy duffle bag laden with home cooked food prepared by Mrs. Weasley (which Harry expected would be gone within a day knowing Ron's appetite). Harry and Ginny stood alone in the living room, quiet for the first few moments.
Ginny broke the silence. "Just a few more days..." she pleaded.
But Harry could not, He knew that if he stayed one more hour...he would never leave. No it was time. It was too soon, but it was time. Because if it was not now, it would be never.
Harry leaned in towards Ginny, his forehead touching hers. His eyes demanding that she look at him. She gazed upwards through her eyelashes. "This isn't goodbye." he reassured her.
"No, no of course not...not goodbye." She stumbled over her words.
Harry grinned. "I promise..."
"I'll wait." Ginny interrupted.
"You don't have to." Harry choked out, although in his mind he seriously considered locking her in her room with no escape until he returned.
"You want me to." She smiled slightly.
"Of course..."
"Harry, this is it for me. You, you are it. I don't need anyone else, I don't want anyone else." She grabbed his hand and placed it over her heart. "You..."
Harry interlaced his fingers with hers and gently kissed her fingertips. "You are my sanctuary..." He whispered.
She took a deep breathe in and smiled, full of hope and promise. Harry smiled back, a small sad smile, but he knew, just as she did that he would be back.
He kissed her gently on the lips, a small tender kiss. He pulled away but then leaned in to kiss her again. She placed her finger to his lips. "Don't make this a goodbye kiss."
He pulled away smiling. "No, you're right."
He slowly backed away letting go of her hand. "There will never be another you, Gin. Never."
She grinned, "You'll never need another. I'm yours, only yours. The only one you'll ever need."
He smiled complacently, "My only..." Then he turned away, determinedly, he looked forward, onwards into the future.
"No," he confirmed to himself, "this is long from over."
Mary belongs to the words of a song.
I try to be strong for her, try not to be wrong for her.
But she will not wait for me, anymore, anymore. ----alright this line does not necessarily apply to the fic but the rest does...
Why did I say all those things before? I was sure.
She is the one, but I have a purpose,
She is the one, and I have to fight this,
She is the one, a villian I can't knock down.
I see your face with every punch I take,
and every bone I break, it's all for you.
And my worst pains are words I cannot say,
still I will always fight on for you.
Mary's alive in the bright New York sky,
the city lights shine for her, above them I cry for her.
Everything's small on the ground below, down below.
What if I fall, then where would I go, would she know?
She is the one, all that I wanted,
She is the one, and I will be haunted,
She is the one, this gift is my curse for now.
I see your face with every punch I take,
and every bone I break, it's all for you.
And my worst pains are words I cannot say,
Still I will always fight on for you. Fight on for you ...
Now it's The End
Once again thank you to my reviewers!
I'd like to give and additional thanks to A Harry and Ginny Dreamer, who was quite right in her analyzation. Hopefully one day I can go back to this story and revise it. There are so many parts I would love to expand upon. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later... And keep the dream alive! I have faith (as I assume all Harry/Ginny fans do) that they are far from over, but let us see where the wonderful J.K. Rowling takes our beloved couple next...