A/N: Here we go the end of the first year, I think this is honestly my best chapter yet, I was originally struggling with it quite a lot. A quick shout out to mdauben and scrappy8 for being awesome and being the first reviewers of this story and having reviewed every chapter so far, and of course a massive shout out to my beta GinnyPotter 6891 for having awesome editing skills. Without further ado I give you chapter 4, I hope you enjoy it and have a great day everyone.

Chapter 4

As Christmas was fast approaching, Harry was trying to figure out how to get presents for his new friends. He knew this is what you did to show people that you care about them during the holiday season, and now that he had both friends and means he was very excited to get his them something great. He was relieved when he learned about mail-in catalogs: all you had to do was send the required money in with your order, and your owl brings back what you ordered in a day or two. It was amazing! Harry requested all sorts of catalogs of all different types so he could get something special for each of his friends. Ron was actually quite easy - Harry got him a nice set of keeper gloves so he could practice with better equipment this summer and maybe make the reserve team next year. Hermione was a bit more of a challenge; he knew it had to be something academic related because - let's be honest - learning was one of the most important parts of her life, but beyond that he was struggling. He eventually decided on a magically expandable bookshelf that was big enough to fit thirty or so books and with a couple taps from her wand would shrink down to the size of a shoe box. He was sure she'd love it.

Ginny and he hadn't talked about whether they were going to get each other gifts or not, but Harry decided that he wanted to get her something special because of how much her letters had meant to him. She was by far the hardest one to shop for. He decided that he was going to get her two things, one as a kind of joke and the other would be her real gift. He knew one thing for sure, her joke gift had to be bright pink - she would hate it! He found the perfect thing in one of the teen witch catalogs that he had gotten. He'd been very careful to only look through those catalogs in the privacy of his bed with the curtains drawn; the last thing he needed was two weeks of ribbing from Dean and Seamus. He found some knee high pink socks that would actually probably be kind of cute on her, but they fit his plan perfectly. Whether she would ever wear them or not didn't matter. Her real gift was the hard part. He knew what he really wanted to get her, which was a Nimbus like his, but he knew her family didn't know about her passion for flying and he wasn't going to out her like that. He also knew clothes and make up weren't really important to her so he ruled those out. He knew she really liked charms but a book didn't feel right ether. All girls weren't this hard to shop for, right? He'd figured Hermione's out pretty easily, so why was finding the right gift for Ginny so much harder, even though he knew her better? He was rapidly running out of time which was stressing him out and definitely not helping the situation.

Out of desperation he was leafing through one of the teen witch magazines again, and while glancing through the jewelry section something caught his eye. He smiled to himself. The necklace he was looking at was quite pretty. He could just see it on her in his mind. It would fit her perfectly. It was a simple necklace, it had a thin silver chain and a small pendent of turquoise, which was great because he knew her favorite color was teal from her first letter to him. The stone was about the size of his thumb with a thin piece of silver wire wrapping around the stone that seemed to melt into the stone toward the bottom. It was perfect; without a second thought he grabbed the required money from his Gringotts pouch and with a smile on his face sent Hedwig on her way.

The changes the holiday season brought to the school were shocking and beautiful. The great hall was decorated splendidly, with no fewer than twelve large Christmas trees and enough decorations to make most Christmas villages jealous. The sad part about these changes was that most of the school only had a couple of days to enjoy them before the break began and almost the entire school left. It was almost eerie to have the castle that was usually so full of students nearly deserted, but it was also a welcome relief to Harry. Yes, he loved being surrounded by the magic that filled Hogwarts, but the constant crowds of students and hustle and bustle was really draining on him. It was during one of his late night wanderings of the castle, which had rapidly became one of his favorite past times, that he came to the realization that he was an introvert who was happiest surround by a small group of close friends rather than the center of a large group of people.

This realization made him happy, discovering who he was as a person away from them and what they made him was another reason he loved Hogwarts and the magical world. He knew in time he'd heal from his past but it would take years. But now he had a future and friends who would be there for him so he knew he could do it. He stopped his musing when he came to a rather odd door. He looked around the corridor and realized that he was in a part of the castle he'd never been to before. It was such an odd door that Harry figured that he'd see what was behind it. When he pushed the large, heavy door open he was rather surprised to find an old and unused class room with an ancient, large mirror in the center. Something about the mirror drew him closer, and as he stepped in front of it his breath caught in his chest.

Standing behind him in the mirror were his mum and dad. She had his bright green eyes - or he had hers was more like it - and he had his dad's unruly black hair. He knew it was them deep down in his heart. He'd been given a picture of them by Hagrid shortly after he'd gotten to Hogwarts, so there was no doubt in his mind. He quickly looked behind him to make sure; he knew they were dead and not really there, but he had to look. His mother put her hand on the mirror Harry's shoulder as if to comfort him, and his father just gave him a look of pure fatherly love it made Harry's heart swell. After sitting in front of the mirror for longer than he would like to admit, Harry got up and wandered back to his bed, pondering the night.

The next night he headed back to the mirror straight away. As he settled down in front of the mirror he was thinking to himself how much he wished he could share this amazing revelation with someone. After all, here before him was not just his mum and dad but generations of his family going on as far as the mirror could show. The mirror shimmered slightly and the image changed; suddenly it was Ginny and he sitting on a couch across from his parents on a love-seat in what looked like a cozy living room. This image took his breath away again. He wasn't sure why, but this image caused warmth to spread in his chest. Harry sat there for who knows how long, much longer than the previous night, watching the mirror family talk and laugh in silence. The next night he settled down again to watch the family continue their conversation about who knows what, but after a while he heard someone cough behind him and he jumped up and drew his wand.

"It's okay Harry, my boy. It's just me," a grandfatherly voice soothed. As Harry's eyes adjusted to the darkness he realized he'd just pulled his wand on the most powerful wizard of the age and the school's headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

"Good instincts there, Mr. Potter, and nice reaction time as well." The old man smiled and looked down at him with a twinkle in his light blue eyes.

"S-Sorry, sir, I know I'm not supposed to be out of bed." Harry shrunk in on himself slightly.

"Not to worry, young Harry. Many wizards with far more experience and wisdom than you have yet to acquire have fallen prey to the Mirror of Erised. Have you discovered its nature yet?" the man queried with a slight tilt of his head.

"Erm, well, at first I assumed that it showed the past when I saw my parents and family but..." He paused, unsure if he should continue; but at the reassuring look from the headmaster he pressed on, "but once the image changed, I believe that it shows us what we wish for?"

"It changed while you were looking at it? How interesting. May I ask what it changed to? It's quite rare for our deepest desire, for that is what the mirror shows us, to change, yet alone for someone as young as you, Harry."

"Erm, well, it, erm, shows Ginny and me sitting in a room talking and laughing with my parents." Harry finished the sentence while looking at the mirror, too embarrassed to look at the headmaster, so he missed the look of surprise that crossed the old man's face.

"Well, that does sound quite nice, Harry, but I regret to inform you that the mirror will be moved tomorrow to someplace else, and I would ask you to not go looking for it. As I said, many great wizards have wasted away in front of it. I believe you have great things in your future to look forward to, rather than looking into this dusty old mirror. I'll leave you with it here tonight, but please do get some sleep, my boy. Tomorrow is Christmas, a day full of love and promise."

With that the old man left, and Harry tried his best to burn the image in the mirror into his memory. Eventually he heeded the old man's advice and made his way back to the dorm to try and get some sleep for what was sure to be an exciting next day. The next morning, which was Christmas morning, Ron woke him yelling about presents. Harry knew that Christmas meant presents; but he had never gotten any himself, so he was not nearly as thrilled as his over-excitable friend. Bleary-eyed he slowly got up and put his glasses on, and when he looked at the base of his bed his heart jumped. "I have some too!"

"Well, duh." Ron rolled his eyes.

Harry decided not to tell him that he'd never gotten any before - no use ruining this happy day; so he pushed that thought out of his mind and focused on all the good in his life right now. It was amazing - he got so much stuff! He got candy from Ron and a book from Hermione. He was surprised to receive one of the family sweaters from Mrs. Weasley but also so happy she thought of him. It made him feel like he belonged. He also received an invisibility cloak with a cryptic note saying that it had been his father's and that the sender was just returning it to its rightful owner, which was rather odd but no less amazing. He and Ron were quite excited with all of the possibilities that it opened up for them.

But the gift he was the most surprised and happiest about was from Ginny. He had secretly hoped she would get him something as it meant she thought about him at least a little. He really hoped she liked what he got her. He couldn't wait for her next letter; he had sent her one the day before wishing her a Merry Christmas and agreeing that snow was by far the best form of water. Her present was small, and Harry hid it under his opened gifts as he wanted to open it in private. He didn't want Ron and the twins to ask who it was from, and it felt too special to open something from her in front of everyone.

Later that night after a strange but nice Christmas dinner with all six of the remaining students and a few of the teachers who had stayed seated around a small round table in the great hall, Harry finally got the chance to open it. He climbed onto his bed and pulled the curtains closed and opened it slowly and carefully. It was a matching hand-knit scarf and hat in the Gryffindor colors, the scarf was just slightly wider on one end than the other but it was perfect to Harry. They smelled faintly of flowers and a sweet summer breeze, a smell he'd began to associate with Ginny, as every letter she sent him had the same faint smell. There was a short letter inside and he opened it slowly, savoring the moment and trying to remember this moment as best he could for the future. These happy memories were so precious to him, and he never wanted to forget them.

Merry Christmas Harry,

I really hope you like these. I know they're not very good. I just learned how to knit from Mum, it only took me five tries and two months to get it right, hahaha. But anyway, I hope these keep you warm and you have a great Christmas. Hopefully the boys are keeping you company. Maybe next year you can come to the Burrow for holiday break. I'll have to ask Mum, but I'm sure she'd love to have you.

Yours,

Ginny

Two days later her letter arrived, and Harry was excited but also nervous. What if she didn't like the necklace? What if she thought it was too much?

Dear Harry,

Oh my gosh, thank you so much! You didn't have to get me anything, especially something like this! I really shouldn't keep it - Mum would be so mad if she knew that I got such an expensive gift, but I love it. I can't believe you remembered my favorite color (and, yes, the socks were a nice touch, honestly, I was happy with just them. You'll never hear me admit it out loud but they're pretty cute too. I'm even going to wear them around the house!). It really means a lot to me, not because it so beautiful and glamorous but because you put real thought into it, and that makes it special. And I'll let you know something, it's the first present that I've ever gotten from anyone outside my family.

Anyway, enough gushing about how amazing you are for getting it for me. How was Christmas at the school? Did the few of you have a good Christmas dinner? And, yes, we have ornaments that move around on their own, too. It's so cute how the little things about our world amaze you, Harry. Never lose that. We need more people to remember how lucky we are to have this magic in our lives and you're better at that than anyone I've met. As far as magical pets, I mean, I'm sure some people do. Kneazles are really popular and there's lots of other strange creatures out there. Look at Hagrid. After all, he has that three headed dog named Fluffy you told me about. I've always wanted a Kneazle, but we've never gotten one since we already have Errol and Scabbers. Speaking of owls, have I ever told you how beautiful Hedwig is? She's also probably the smartest owl I've ever met. She has this look of understanding in her eyes. Anyway, tell me all about your Christmas and what all you and Ron have discovered in your exploring sessions.

Yours,

Ginny

PS: Thank you again for one of the most amazing presents I've ever gotten. I'll never forget it. And I hope you have a very happy New Year!

Reading her letter gave Harry the biggest smile he'd ever had. He'd happily spend all of the gold in his vault if it made Ginny half as happy as she sounded in her letter. Besides, it wasn't that expensive was it? He'd have to ask Hermione to explain the conversion of Muggle to wizard money so he had a better understanding of the prices of things. He'd also have to ask Ron what was expensive and not so he had a real wizard perspective. Not that money meant anything to Harry; what good were a bunch of coins in a vault?

Dear Ginny,

I'm so glad you liked your present. When I saw it I immediately thought of you and had to get it for you. I love my new hat and scarf! They turned out amazing. All of your hard work really paid off! I can't believe you spent that much time and energy on something for me. It really means a lot to me, Gin. I'm sure you've guessed this, but this Christmas was the first one I've ever gotten any presents. And to get one so full of time and thought as yours really made it the best Christmas! And of course I remember your favorite and least favorite colors, who wouldn't? Plus I think teal would look great against your red hair, so if anyone should have that necklace, it should be you.

I'm glad you don't think my naivete of the wizard world is sad or pathetic like some people here do. I'm glad that I can make you smile even if it's because I don't know anything, hahaha. I've never heard of Kneazles before. I'll have to look them up and figure out what kind of pet they would be. I sure hope you're not like Hagrid and have a tendency for giant and dangerous pets! And, yes, Hedwig is a great owl, isn't she? I often times let her into the dorm room even though we're not supposed to. And a lot of the time I'll walk up to the owlery and talk to her for quite awhile so she's not lonely. Plus, I never have to worry about what I say. I know she'll always love me. That sounds really sad but I'm not really used to being able to do that you know. Honestly, I'm not used to talking much at all. It was usually better to stay quiet at the Dursleys' and hope they forgot about me.

Wow, sorry this letter got so sad and stuff but it's just so easy to talk to you, kind of like how it is with Hedwig, not that you're like an owl! Well, this letter is just getting worse and worse, hahaha. Ah, yes, Christmas dinner. It was really cool. Dumbledore made one small table for all of us to eat at. The food was great, but Ron said your Mum's was way better which I can't believe. And I'd love to go to the Burrow next year! If your Mum and dad don't mind that is. I mean, I feel bad that Ron and the twins stayed this year just because of me, plus that way I could see if Ron was right about your Mum's cooking. And, yeah, it's been fun exploring the castle. I've even been exploring it more at night after Ron goes to sleep, but I think I've seen most of the castle by now. Well, anyway, it's New Years Eve and I'm excited to see if Dumbledore does anything to the ceiling tonight, so I've got to go.

Yours,

Harry

Ps: I hope you had a great New Year, too, and thanks for making this past year as amazing as you have!

The rest of Harry's first year went by in a blur, from saving the little baby dragon Norbert Hagrid had decided to try raising to getting attacked by something truly evil in the magical forest during detention. Ginny's letters, however, kept him grounded and focused despite all the craziness and studying. After exams had been completed, though, the bombshell dropped in their laps - it had been Professor Quirrell trying to get the sorcerer's stone! And they were the only ones who knew about it and who could stop him, so Hermione, Ron and Harry went after Quirrell .

Harry woke in the hospital stiff and sore to the sound of quiet sobs, and the feeling of a small soft hand clinging to his desperately, as if it might hold him in place to this world.

"Harry, come on, don't leave me not yet. I've barely gotten to know you! And I haven't even gotten to spend any time with you! You selfless jerk, why'd you have to go and be all noble and dumb and save the world again. Can't you just let someone else do the hard stuff and stay safe?"

He felt a couple wet spots hitting his hand. "But then I wouldn't get woken up by a sweet voice fussing over me," he croaked with a dry mouth and cracked his eyes to see a surprisingly distraught Ginny sitting next to his bed with a now-open mouth. She sniffed a couple times, trying to regain her composure.

She then opened her mouth a couple times to try and say something and failed. She gave up and mumbled, "Jerk," then looked down, not letting go of his hand and holding on to it just as tight, not wanting him to leave her again.

He squeezed her hand and she looked up at him, big, beautiful brown eyes stained red from the tears. "I'm sorry I made you worry, Gin." He squeezed her hand again, trying to relay all the emotions he could with that simple gesture.

"S'okay , just be more careful next time, okay? And drink this - you sound like a toad crawled into your throat." She grabbed the glass of water with her free hand, refusing to let go with her other one, and held the water up to his lips.

Harry would've been embarrassed to have anyone, but especially Ginny, having to help him like this, but he was so weak he couldn't sit up, let alone lift the glass himself. But as the cool water was refreshing his raw throat he thought that if anyone was going to take care of him, he was glad it was her.

"Thanks, Gin, I, erm, thanks." He wasn't sure what he wanted to say so he just ended it lamely and squeezed her hand, hoping she understood how much it meant to him that she was there. Judging by the smile and small blush that tinted her freckled cheeks he thought she at least partly understood.

"No problem, just rest and feel better, ok?"

He nodded weakly. His eyelids suddenly felt very heavy and fluttered closed again. He heard voices, saw shapes bustle around him, and caught snippets of conversations around him as he drifted in and out.

"Why'd he wake up when…."

"Time will tell…"

"Summer he can….."

"Molly, no, the wards….."

When Harry finally woke up again, Dumbledore was there. He explained what had happened with Voldemort and Professor Quirrell, that it was the power of his parents' love that had saved him once again. Love, it seemed to Harry, was a magic of its own and something he would have to think about over the summer. Dumbledore also studied the boy carefully as he explained that he'd been out for two days with nothing besides some small cuts and a case of extreme exhaustion and that he'd only woken when Dumbledore had called Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in to discuss Ron's minor injuries and Ginny had come to his bedside. This confused Harry. Why was it only when Ginny had come to his side had he woken? Dumbledore didn't have any explanation of his own to give, but Harry had a feeling there was an idea building in the old man's mind and that he just didn't feel like sharing it yet.

With one final letter to Ginny thanking her again for coming to see him and asking her to write to him over the summer, Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express back to London and back to the hell that was his "other life," as he had begun to think of it. He had tried so hard to be normal and to forget all the terrible things that had happened to him at the Dursleys' while he was at school, and he did for the most of the time. He wanted to honor his parents' sacrifice and have a good life and learn as much as he could while at Hogwarts, so he repressed all of the memories of the Dursleys' as best he could, and it worked - kind of. Besides hating small spaces, flinching at bats and the awful nightmares, he succeeded mostly. But he knew as he got off the train at Kings Cross that there would be no more hiding from it, no more pretending it didn't happen. He was going back to the darkness that was his other life. But he had a grim smile on his face, for now he knew there was a future, an end to his hell. There was a light at the end of this darkness, and it was the most beautiful fiery red light.

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and if you did please review! Also if anyone is interested here is the link to the playlist I listen to while writing, playlist?list=PLfUtuXb4Il9VD3gACwleahcakenZpGZA_