Love Behind the Shadows
Chapter Seventeen: Resolution
Hermione stood before Ginny's door, shifting her weight from one foot to the other nervously. She worried her bottom lip, and the undeniable look of anxiety was apparent throughout all of her features. She reached out, her fingers coiling around the door knob slowly. Then suddenly she yanked it back, almost as if she had burned herself. A frown pulled at her lips, and she stepped back, hurrying down the hall towards her room. A similar occurrence had happened many times within the past week, always ending the same, with Hermione rushing off to her room to process her thoughts once again. She just couldn't seem to muster up enough courage to ask Ginny the un-thinkable. Was she actually in a serious relationship, with Draco Malfoy? Just the thought made Hermione's skin crawl with agitation but, somehow … she didn't find it impossible.
A sigh escaped the frazzled brunette's lips, as she plopped down roughly onto the small cot she had occupied the past few days. This is just mad. Ginny would never-but … I don't know that! It seems like I don't know anything about her anymore! She's acting so bloody odd!!
"Ugh!" Hermione huffed, falling back into the plush pillows. "For once, I might actually consider this situation out of my league …" she mumbled annoyed.
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But, while Hermione lay stressed in her room, Ginny lay sprawled out on her comforter day dreaming of the same particular blonde that was causing Hermione's thoughts such turmoil. Ginny sighed dreamily, before cupping her face in her hands and giving a small squeal of delight. She had been doing the same thing for days now and everyday almost had a routine in its self. The red head awoke to the shimmering rays of the winter sun, scurried down stairs for breakfast, then after helping her mother with the dishes, she would go directly back to her room, where she would daydream for hours on end.
Even though she hadn't seen Draco in days, she could still smell the sweet scent of his cologne on her sweater, pick out particular scenes from her magical night, and even remember some exact words he had told her. She was utterly going crazy with wanting for the boy, and her features were certainly taking a toll from the whole experience. Her once vibrant red locks had lost there brilliant color, turning a dim shade of red, and her once perky face had fallen into a blank stare. Truly, Ginny Weasley was a horrible mess.
Ginny glanced up from her bed, her eyes darting towards the calendar. Four days. Four days until I see him again. Oh merlin I can't wait!! She giggled, and fell back into the pillows, pulling a particularly over stuffed one to her chest. Her faded locks lay sprawled out over the pillow, and a small smile played across her lips. Four days left.
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"Ready Fred?" George question, eagerness dripping from every syllable.
"When ever you are mate." Fred replied grinning from ear to ear.
"Alright." George withdrew his wand, and glancing to his side, signaled Fred should do the same.
Fred nodded, and in one swift motion, he displayed his wand, gripped firmly in his hand.
"One…" George began.
"Two…" Fred added, smirking.
"THREE!!" The twins flicked there wands, causing a burst of light purple to come glistening out of the tip of there wand, and hitting the fireworks set up across the field.
Bursts of color exploded in the sky, displaying brilliant shades of purple, gold, and blue. Cheers echoed throughout the crisp winter air, as the Weasley family took in the spectacular site. Harry let out a wailing 'hoot', waving his hand enthusiastically at the twins.
"That was brilliant boys!" Mr. Weasley praised, grinning in awe at the glistening sparks still floating around in the air.
"Bloody brilliant, if you ask me!" Fred boasted.
"Stupendous!" George added.
"Terrific!"
"Amazing!"
"Spectacular!"
"Gre-"
"That's enough boys!" Molly scolded. "No need to be braggarts."
Fred sighed, while George rolled his eyes annoyed.
"Yes mum." They replied in unison.
Ron snorted, giving Fred a hard smack on the back. "Nice going Fred, bloody idiot!"
Fred frowned, and muttering a spell under his breath, he watched in glee as Ron's ears grew as large as an elephant's.
Ron's eyes widened, in horror. "FRED!!!" He roared.
George spun around, and the instant his eyes met that of Ron's newly acquired ears her burst into a fit of laughter.
A sudden gasp split through the air. "Ronald!" Hermione shrieked, her hand flying over top her mouth in shock.
"Wha-what happened to you!?" She questioned, stifling back a giggle.
"Bloody Fred!! That's what happened, I swear to merlin!! You-you-"
"Ronald!" Mrs. Weasley yelped, scurrying over towards him.
This caught Harry's attention, and glancing over his shoulder his eyes widened, a grin slipping rapidly onto his lips.
"Ron, what in blazes did you do mate!?" he questioned.
Ginny frowned, looking at her idiotic brothers with not one ounce of humor. "Bloody idiots." She muttered, turning back to the brightly lit sky.
Harry, who stood directly behind her, heard this mummer of disapproval. "Gin?"
The red head turned begrudgingly, raising her red brows in curiosity.
"Is something wrong? You seem … well, a bit uptight." Harry stated boldly.
A fire boiled in the pit of Ginny's stomach but she quickly brought it down to a simmer, with a deep intake of crisp winter air. "No Harry, I'm quite fine. Just a bit tired that's all, I suppose I'm slightly grumpy…"
"Oh, alright then." Harry replied, dropping the subject completely, much to Ginny's relief.
The couple turned back to the glistening scenery, the bursts of color still lingering in the cold black slate of sky. Suddenly, the low hum of the kitchen clock hitting midnight rang throughout the air, signaling it was now midnight and the beginning of a new year. The twins let out a wave of 'hoots', cheering on the clock, while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley shared a sweet momentary kiss. Ron, who was very shy in his doings, leaned over dropping a kiss to Hermione's rosy cheek, and Harry who stood flush against Ginny's back, twisted the red head around in his arms.
"Happy New Years, Gin." Harry said grinning before, dipping down low and planting a long kiss to Ginny's numb lips.
Yeah, happy bloody new years! Ginny thought angrily, as she broke the kiss. "Happy New Years, Harry." She whispered, mustering up a believable smile just for his benefit.
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Ginny gazed at her disheveled appearance once more, pushing a wisp of fiery hair behind her ear, and flashing a weak smile at the mirror. Merlin, what have I gotten myself into? The red head sighed, and slipping into her coat, she left her room, and headed down the stairs; making sure to hop over the steps that let out a brain rattling shriek when stepped upon. Just as she reached the back door, accomplishment coursing through her, the lights flicked on and a voice she dreaded hearing rang in her ears.
"Ginny?" Harry spoke, shock and confusion apparent in his voice.
Ginny's clear brown eyes widened, and slowly her fingers fell loose from the door knob.
"Hi…Harry…" she muttered, turning around to face him.
"Ginny what are you doing up this time of night?" He demanded, curiosity burning passionately in his eyes.
Ginny opened and closed her mouth many times, struggling to find an answer.
Harry raised a brow, awaiting a plausible reply.
"Well, you see I was-well ummmm … I was going to-" She fell silent, her eyes flickering away from Harry's heated gaze.
"Ginny, what is going on? You've been acting so strangely lately. What with these new scents you've been acquiring, don't think I haven't noticed! And the late night strolls, what exactly have you been doing?" Harry demanded, his body now but a mere inch away from Ginny's.
Ginny stood still, feeling as though she was been interrogated by the highest of wizards, when really it was only her foolish boyfriend who thought he knew everything.
"Nothing is wrong." She answered, flat out lying.
"Nothing?" Harry asked, incredulously.
Ginny nodded vigorously, her red locks swaying slightly at the motion. "Of course! Why would anything be wrong?"
Harry sighed, stepping back slightly, and rustling his dark wisps of hair uncomfortably. "I don't know … I'm probably just being paranoid but, I thought," he paused. Ginny raised a skeptical brow. "Well, I thought you were cheating me," Ginny eyes grew wide unnoticeably. "But, I should have known you wouldn't do that to me."
This shook her senses slightly. If only you knew Harry … If you only knew. She thought. "Of course I wouldn't do that to you Harry!" she answered, sounding particularly defensive.
Harry smiled, "I know Gin. I'm sorry for even thinking such a horrible thing."
Ginny smiled weakly. "It's alright Harry … I understand."
Harry's smile widened, and he leaned forward capturing her in a tight embrace. Ginny was slow to respond but, did all the same feeling more uncomfortable by the minute. Then much to Ginny's relief he pulled back, the smile still plastered to his lips.
"I'm really am sorry Ginny, I'm glad you understand."
Ginny gave a short nod, and displayed a perfect smile. "It's fine Harry, really its okay."
He chuckled, "I know…but still-"
"Harry, its fine. Let's just drop the whole thing, okay?" Ginny stated, cutting him off.
Harry smiled, and nodded. "Your right, enough's enough."
Ginny nodded, and the suddenly she realized just how late it was. Sleep pulled at her eyelids, and she felt the urge to curl up beneath her blankets and enjoy a pleasant night's sleep. Unexpectedly she yawned causing Harry to become aware of the time as well.
"Well, it's late…so I suppose I'll see you in the morning then?"
"Mhm. See you in the morning."
Ginny turned to leave but, not before Harry placed a chaste kiss to her cheek.
"Night Gin."
"Night Harry…"
The red head watched Harry walk sleepily up the stairs, an annoyed look piercing her features. She was sick and tired of this little game so to speak. She was sick of lying to him, sick of hiding her true feelings, sick of everything really! Truthfully it was becoming quite the task, making sure that not one thing slipped out of place. Shaking her head, she rid her mind of the tiring thoughts she knew would soon follow the slightest bit of anger that sparked her mind every now and then, and she began to trudge up the stairs. As Ginny neared the top, she heard a small 'click' echo throughout the hallway, her brows rose with suspicion but, she did nothing to ignollage the odd noise.
The red head continued up the stairs, until she was within the safety of her room. A sigh escaped her lips, and she fell back onto her bed with a muffled 'thump'. This is getting quite out of hand…I can't stand the fact that I'm lying! I mean it would be one thing if I was lying to say, one person but, I'm lying to a whole lot! Another sigh split through the air. But, it is for a good cause…I suppose…I really do love Draco, and in order for me to continue to be with him I'm just going to have to hold up my dirty coconscious. She sighed, running a freckled limb through her hair lazily. Slowly Ginny's hazel eyes drooped with sleep, and her breathing began to ease into a continuous beat.
Then just as she found herself drifting off into dream land, the familiar sound of her door creaking open brought her too. Both eyes shot open, and flicked in the direction of the door, and almost the instant the set site upon the visitor they became filled with suspicion.
"Hermione?" Ginny questioned uneasily. "Wha-what are you doing up at this time of night?" She continued, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and perching herself on the edge.
Hermione smiled awkwardly, her fingers twisting this way and that nervously. "Ginny…I-I need to talk to you about something…"
Ginny raised a brow, "What could you possibly want to talk about at this time of night!?" She asked, with a short laugh.
"Well, you see is…ummmm-"
"Yes?"
"I sort of…errrr"
"Yes?" The red head urged, her patience growing thin.
"Well, I read the-"
"Mione! Please, for merlins sake spit it out!" Ginny hissed, annoyed.
The bushy haired girl found shock coursing through her, and her eyes widening every second that past. She…wow…this is certainly not the Ginny I know. She would never-wait! She just, oh I do not think so!
"Excuse me!?"
Ginny sighed, her shoulders dipping down low. "Oh come now Mione, you were babbling like a fish out of water!"
Hermione's eyes widened some more.
"Well, excuse me for being concerned!" She snarled, stepping closer towards Ginny. "I'm not the one having secret love affairs with death eaters! I'm not the one sending love letters to someone other than my boyfriend! And I'm certainly not the one sneaking out late at night to go on night walks to think about things!!"
The Gryffindor huffed, her face a mere inch away from Ginny's.
Ginny sat stone still, her eyes gleaming with betrayal and shock.
"How-how could you!?" She snapped.
"How could I!? How could I!? Oh honestly Ginny, I think I should be the one asking you that!! After all, you are in fact cheating on my best friend with none other than my worst enemy!" Hermione countered.
"But, reading my letters! My letters! There mine! Not yours! You bloody well should have kept that rather large nose of yours out of my letters!"
Ginny was now standing, her voice rich with agitation, and her cheeks a blistering shade of red. How dare she! Who did she think she was!?
"Large-Large NOSE!?!" Hermione nearly screamed, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Ginny nodded promptly. "Yes, large!!! What did you think you were doing reading my letters!?"
"Well, hmmmm maybe I was slightly concerned! You've been acting so strangely lately, and I'm definitely not the first to notice!"
Ginny opened her mouth ready with a comeback but, her lips fell numb. She couldn't deny it…she had been acting strangely and she was in fact cheating on Harry. But, just the sudden reality of it all had been hard to come to terms with. She sighed, her eyes casting towards an empty corner in the room.
"Hermione…just go…please just go."
Hermione frowned, her brows knitting together tightly. "But, Ginny I-"
"Hermione, go."
The brunette remained where she stood for quite sometime before nodding slowly. "Al-alright then, I suppose I'll leave to…think about all of this."
Ginny's eyes continued to stay fastened to the empty corner, as Hermione's light footsteps echoed throughout the room. Then just as she heard the door creak open, her eyes shot up, and caught hold of Hermione's gaze.
"Hermione, I'm begging you…don't say anything to anyone. Please? I swear I'll figure this out in due time…"
Hermione smiled weakly and nodded shortly. "I sure hope so, Gin."
Ginny mustered up a convincible smile, and watched as Hermione left her room before collapsing onto her bed in tears.
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The next morning Ginny awoke to the clanging of trunks as the tumbled down the stairs behind their owners, and the sizzling of bacon cooking from the kitchen. It was the fourth day, and the day that Ginny had been waiting for, for quite sometime. Her eyes widened, excitement dancing in her hazel orbs. Hurriedly she flung her legs over the side of her bed, tossing aside the blankets. Just as she moved for the door whirling images of the night before came crashing down. Images reflected in her eyes, the truth clawing at the inside of her stomach like an un-tamed beast. Merlin…this can't be happening! She thought, running a hand through her fiery locks and ruffling them lightly.
Stopping a moment, Ginny thought of her next course of action. It took her only a few minutes before she knew exactly what she was going to do. First she would take a shower, then go down to breakfast, and finally finish up her packing. But, as the red-head went about doing these many things she realized none of them solved the ever lingering problem of her secret love affair.
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"Come now Ginny dear, we've got to hurry or you'll miss the train!" Molly muttered, throwing the last of her things into a trunk.
"I know mum…" Ginny answered quietly.
"Ah, that's the last of it!" Mrs. Weasley yelped out, feeling quite accomplished. "Now off to the station!"
Molly yanked up the trunk, and began to scurry from the room. Ginny sat a moment longer on her bed before swinging her legs over the side, and standing up straight. Stuffing her hands into the pocket of her coat, she gripped Draco's letter tightly.
"Finally," She whispered. "I'm finally going to get to see him."
A smile curled upon her lips.
"Ginny dear!!" Molly called.
"Coming mum!" Ginny replied.
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Well, that's it. Once again there's a cliff hanger!! XP Please forgive me!! Well read and REVIEW!! Thanks.
