Disclaimer: Everything here belongs to JKR

Harry sprinted down the steps after Ginny, chasing her towards the Whomping Willow and the edge of the black lake. When she finally stopped under a birch tree, Harry was breathing hard. Ginny sat but he did not: he knew he had no place next to her after the past year.

'Go' pronounced the redhead, and Harry began to explain. He explained their mission, and why they had needed to break up before he left. Soon her expression began to soften, but fire still remained in her eyes. After Harry's lengthy explanation and apology, he knew it would not be so easy to earn her back.

They walked back to the castle. Harry falling slightly behind Ginny. They returned to the Great hall to find a few more people had filtered in, still with sombre expressions.

All of a sudden, a voice boomed through the walls. Several people screamed, getting flashbacks to the night before.

"Sorry to scare you all," said the voice. Harry recognised the voice as McGonagall's. "This is just to notify you all that a clean up will be held on the 9th of May, one week from today. I will also hold a meeting for all teachers and students, current or former, in the Great hall at 3 o'clock today. Thank you."

With that the message ended, and the low murmurings of conversation began again. Harry noticed Ron and Hermione were no longer there, so he returned to the Gryffindor common room to find them.

His two best friends were deep in conversation when he entered the common room. Again, they were holding hands. He sat on his favourite armchair and sunk into its familiar squashiness. Harry turned towards them and asked what was going on between them. They told him what had happened in the Chamber of Secrets and although Harry was protective of Hermione like a sister, he realised three fundamental truths at the exact same time:

1) Hermione is smart. She knows how to take care of herself and she knows what she wants

2) Ron is so kind and selfless. Hermione would be well looked after and well fed

3) They have known each other for almost seven years. They have argued plenty but they know each other so well.

And so it didn't bother Harry in the slightest. Hermione asked how it had gone with Ginny and the matter was dismissed.