Ginny Weasley sat in her bedroom thinking. The little cleft in her forehead furrowed as she battled with herself. To tell, or not to tell? That was the question. The answer, as Ginny was having difficulty finding, was somewhat more complicated. Should she stand by her best friend and watch how her brother's best friend – not to mention the object of her admiration, pined away for another and grew increasingly more reclusive and miserable daily? Or, should she take pity on Harry, due to a silly misunderstanding, had ended up being reduced to a broken, bewildered man? Yet Hermione believed herself to be the wronged party, the one cast-aside, cheated on.
The youngest Weasley had a huge responsibility to be shouldering, and she knew it. That was why she was sitting, alone in her room, whilst her brothers were occupied with some rowdy activity. She doodled in her private notebook, trying to think what to do. Betray Hermione, her best friend, by telling Harry? Or betray Hermione a different way, by trying to seduce Harry when he had given up on her? Or betray Harry, by pretending to be oblivious to Hermione's whereabouts? Or be selfless, give up all hopes of having The Boy Who Lived and tell him where she was, thus bringing them back together? Hermione may be initially angry at her, but surely once Harry explained they'd reunite and Ginny would still have her best friend?
It was maddening, and all the time Ginny had an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She simply did not know what was the right thing to do. Telling Harry would mean breaking her promise to Hermione. However she hated seeing him so… she searched for the right word… broken hearted seemed to fit, although she cringed at the idea. And she knew that she was the only one with the knowledge to get them back together. But do you even want them back together? A little voice in the back of her head whispered. How long have you watched him with her, sympathised with her over how much she loved him and how she loved his kisses… and now she's left him. Isn't it time someone else got a chance? Someone who's love is not as fickle, someone who won't leave him like she did? Someone like… you? It was tempting. And it had a point. Harry was a free man, back on the market. Anybody's game now.
But he loves Hermione! Another voice exclaimed in her head. Ginny knew this, but she reasoned against it. He can't be in love with her forever, she thought. Sooner or later he'll be ready for new people. I'll wait for him. And Hermione will be able to hide away, thinking what a good, loyal friend I am! Because I'll be keeping my promise to Hermione, I'll be helping Harry get over her and I'll have Harry at last! Ginny sighed in satisfaction. Everyone would be happy. Hermione was happy in hiding, she herself was happy to wait for Harry, and Harry, well he would be happy. Once he realised he could have Ginny.
Smiling, she got up and did a victory dance round her room. Problem solved, with a clear conscience and there was something in it for her. Perfect! She skipped downstairs to find her brothers.
"Hi Gin," Ron acknowledged her as she burst into the kitchen. "What's up?"
"Nothing!" Ginny replied, startled. "Just enjoying the holidays that's all." She opened a cupboard and took out a glass. "I'm making some pumpkin juice – want some?" She offered, knowing it would be a sure way to distract her brother from asking any probing questions.
"You mean your extra special extra orange extra tasty pumpkin juice?" Ron's mouth visibly watered.
"Of course. What else?"
Ron punched the air in satisfaction and pulled his sister towards him. "I knew there was a reason you're my favourite sister!" He hugged her.
"Ugh Ron! Get off! I'm your only sister you git!" She squirmed away from him and reached for another glass. "I take it that's a yes then?" She waved the glass in front of him.
"You bet!"