The rest of the day passed fairly uneventfully. Most of them spent it either helping out with Christmas dinner for the following day, or decorating the house. As the majority of them couldn't use their wands, it all had to be done by hand. Ginny was thankful when her mum asked her to come and help with the trifle. Ginny had made trifle on numerous Christmas's so this wasn't a challenge for her.
She was busy layering the swizz rolls into a glass bowl, and her mum was having a bathroom break when Sirius approached her. He was about to open his mouth when Ginny glanced up at him, "Don't worry about it, Sirius. You don't need to apologize. You were right. It wasn't my place." Sirius smiled bleakly at her, "Yes, but I shouldn't have said that either. And I shouldn't have put Harry in such an awkward position. I apologized to him, too." Ginny nodded and smiled blandly, "Thanks Sirius. Don't worry about it. Let's not mention it again. Sirius smiled at her gratefully and asked, "Is there anything you need help with?" She shook her head as her mum came bustling in again and replied, "No we're good thanks. Too many chefs spoil the broth." He nodded and shuffled off.
When he was out of ear-shot her mum asked, "What was that about?" Ginny replied, "He just wanted to know if he could help. I'm sure he's bored stiff." Her mum nodded in understanding as she made the salad expertly. They wanted to get all the food done today that wasn't meat so that they could spend more time on it the following day. When Ginny had a moment, she ran to her room and pulled out a photo album she often carried around with her. She'd always found it sentimental for some reason and liked to have it with her. She flipped through the pages and found a picture of herself, Harry, Ron and the twins during Harry's first time at their house. They were playing Quidditch in the clearing and looking like they had the time of their lives. She remembered that Hermione took the photograph. It seemed so long ago now. She decided she couldn't just give him a picture.
Later that evening, when Bill arrived for dinner, she pulled him upstairs and said fervently, "Bill, can you conjure a picture frame?" He smiled kindly and said, "Sure Gin. Anything for my favorite sister! How do you want it to look." She thought about it and replied, "Simple, maybe a bit rustic." He nodded and conjured one quickly out of thin air. She smiled at it and nodded, "It's perfect! Thanks Bill!" She gave him a hug and then she hurried up to her room. Ginny pulled out some parchment and sat down to write:
Dear Harry
I know things have been up and down with us a lot lately. Well…mostly down that is. I've come to realize that even though you have been a rather big pain in the rear, I still want to be your friend. We're so much better at being friends than we are at being anything more and we have the both of us to blame for that. I wouldn't even call it blame; I just think that now is not the right time for us to be together. I hope you can understand that? Maybe someday in the future when I'm more mature, and you've got less on your mind…
Nonetheless, I just want to wish you a very merry Christmas. I hope the year improves for you and that you find what you're looking for. You deserve nothing less.
With love
Ginny
P.S: Please shred this parchment when you're done reading it! I don't want it to fall into the wrong hands.
She reread it when she finished it and decided it was perfect. She scrolled it up and hid both the letter and the picture frame in case the wrong person found it. When everyone went down for dinner that night, Ginny hid the frame and the parchment tied to it in one of Harry's bedside drawers. Then she headed down for dinner and afterwards went straight to bed. She was exhausted.
Ginny woke in the morning to find a stack of presents at the foot of her bed. She leapt up and she spotted Hermione was already awake and unwrapping her own. Ginny felt guilty and she smiled, "Happy Christmas Hermione!" She said, leaping out of bed and hugging her friend. Hermione hugged her back and replied, "Merry Christmas Gin!" She continued opening her present and Ginny was not surprised to see a book entitled, "Emma," by an author named, "Jane Austen," another book named, "Sense and Sensibility," by the same author. Ginny frowned and asked, "What are they about?" Hermione squealed and grinned, "This must have been from Harry! He would be the only one to get me a muggle book! They're classics, Gin. I've wanted to own them for ages. I took them out of the library all the time when I lived with mum and dad!" Ginny nodded and she murmured, "Hermione, I'm sorry I haven't gotten you or anyone else a present. When we go to Hogsmeade I'll make up for it though…" In truth, Ginny ha d had hardly any money to spend. Hermione put the books down and turned to Ginny with a smile, "Don't worry Gin. I don't consider you less of a friend because you didn't get me a present. I just want to have a nice, carefree day with everyone. Why don't you open yours?"
Ginny smiled gratefully at Hermione and murmured, "Thank you," before opening up her first present. It was her mum's usual Christmas jumper with a "G" embroidered on it. She smiled and pulled it on. Next, Ginny picked up a small box shaped present and frowned, "I wonder who this is from?" she asked. Hermione shrugged and grinned, "Open it!" She did and Ginny screamed when she saw a square, black velvet shaped box. She threw it in shock down on her bed and Hermione looked at her worriedly, "Ginny…what's the fuss about?" Ginny recovered herself and quickly unwrapped the rest of the small, inoffensive little box and her hands shook as she panicked.
Hermione's eyes widened momentarily but then she laughed, "Oh Ginny! He would never propose to you without asking your dad, and your dad would have said no without a doubt." Ginny inhaled deeply and nodded, "You're right Hermione. I'm sorry…I've just never been given something so…expensive." She nodded in understanding and sat down next to Ginny and smiled, "Open it." Ginny did and she gasped when she saw a golden chain, on the end of which was a pendant of a broomstick. It was so beautiful and shiny and too expensive.
Hermione's mouth hung open, just as gob smacked as Ginny felt. She closed her eyes and said breathily, "Thank goodness it wasn't a ring." Hermione laughed to break the tension and she grinned, "I think Harry would have more tact that to make it your Christmas if he ever did propose, though. Ginny still shook her head, "It's too much still. I can't accept it." She put it down on her bed as Hermione frowned at her. Ginny grumbled, "What's wrong, Hermione?" Hermione shrugged and said, "It's kinda rude to give such a nice present back."
Ginny shrugged, "I can't keep it. It's too much." Hermione sighed, "Suit yourself," and she went back to opening her own presents. Ginny received some Bertie Botts and Chocolate frogs from Fred and George. From Bill, Ginny got a decent wizard camera, one that looked much like Colin's. She grinned to herself as she snapped a picture of Hermione opening her presents. Hermione blinked furiously and she asked, "What was that?" She saw Ginny's camera and the picture was printed immediately. They said, "COOL!" at the same time. From Ron, Ginny got some more sweets and from Charlie she got a letter as usual. Charlie sent a letter to each family member when he couldn't be there. He wrote:
Dear Ginny
Merry Christmas! I hope you have had a good year so far, although I've heard via the grape vine that things have been a bit tough recently in terms of…staff. Don't give up hope. Things will get better. Remember, the defense teachers only tend to last a year, so just get through this one and you will survive. I promise.
Otherwise do you have any other news for me? If so, I hope any boy that you may be with is treating you right! If not, he should run while he still can. Don't worry Gin I'm joking…kind of…maybe…not.
On a side note, please tell Harry thank you very much from me, for saving dad I mean. How is he doing? I will come and visit you lot as soon as possible. Things are just a little crazy around here at the moment. The dragons are hard to control and we can't figure out why. Don't' tell mum though! Please? She will worry for days about it and she's got a lot more important things to worry about right now.
Anyway I hope you're well and that I can see you soon!
Love
Charlie
Ginny frowned and told Hermione worriedly, "Charlie says the dragons are getting out of control! I wonder why." Hermione also frowned and shrugged her shoulders, "Maybe they're hungry." Ginny rolled her eyes at her bad joke when her mum came bustling in, "Merry Christmas you two!" Ginny hopped up and gave her mum a huge hug, "Merry Christmas mum!" Hermione chimed in and her mother beamed at them, "When you two have had breakfast, I need all hands on deck in the kitchen please!" They nodded as Ginny gave her mum a kiss on the cheek and picked up the small black box once she had left.
Hermione frowned, "Ginny…you can't seriously give it back." Ginny shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I have to Hermione. Please distract Ron for me while I speak to him?" Hermione sighed in resignation, "Fine. I still think it's wrong though." Ginny smiled, "Thanks Hermione," as she listened for her mum footsteps going down stairs. Once she had greeted the boys and headed to the kitchen, Ginny hurried down to Ron and Harry's room and she knocked on the door. They glanced up and both boys beamed at her. Ginny grinned and enveloped Ron in a hug, before she let go and said, "Happy Christmas Ron! I'm sorry I haven't gotten you a present yet, but when we're in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade again I'll get you whatever you want. Thank you for the Pumpkin Pasties." Ron waved it off and shrugged, "No big deal Gin! No big deal."
That's when Hermione rushed up to Ron and squeezed him so tightly that he looked like he was going to suffocate. She spun him so that his back was facing the door and Ginny took this as her queue to speak to Harry. She smiled nervously at him and he whispered, "Merry Christmas Ginny." He seemed nervous, as Ginny kept the box behind her hands so that Ron couldn't see it. She murmured, "Happy Christmas Harry. Can I have a word please?"
He nodded as he followed her out the door and onto the landing. She stood next to the wall and inhaled sharply, pulling the box out from behind her back and she said seriously, "Harry it's beautiful…but it's too much." Harry grimaced at her and asked, "Are you returning the gift?" Ginny blushed furiously before saying timidly, "Harry…I could never get you something so expensive in return. It's beautiful and perfect in every way except that it's too expensive." He sighed and shook his head sadly, "I just want to spoil you Ginny. Why won't you let me?" She paused for a minute before whispering, "I'm not used to it." Harry grinned, "Well, get used to it. Besides, what would I do with it? I'm not about to wear it." Ginny giggled as she imagined Harry wearing the golden necklace. He smiled, "What?" She grinned and whispered, "Just imagining you wearing it that's all." Harry rolled his eyes and grinned, "Oh yeah? Bet I look awful in it." Ginny giggled and nodded as she whispered, "Mind putting it on for me? I struggle with my hair." Harry grinned and nodded as he lifted up her bulk of hair and she felt the chain click into place. Then, Ron and Hermione joined them and they all went to go and have breakfast, then start on the meal for lunch.
Cooking the meal was fun-more fun than expected. Maybe that was because everybody was chipping in to help, but either way they were laughing and having a blast-completely carefree for once. A few hours later, Ginny and Ron were setting the table. It was a little longer than usual because it included Sirius, Bill and Hermione.
Eventually, at one thirty, they all sat down at the table and enjoyed the well cooked meal. Sirius ate so fast you think he'd hadn't eaten in weeks while grumbling, "This is great, Molly! Well done!" as he swallowed a pork sausage. Her mother nodded and smiled kindly, "Not to worry, Sirius, not to worry. Thank you for decorating, and thank you to everyone who helped out. I couldn't have done it on my own." Her mum looked gratefully at them all and Ginny raised her glass, "Thank you mum for getting us through anything!" Her mum smiled as Bill nodded in agreement and lifted his glass, "To mum!" They all toasted her.
The meal was pleasant enough, but it just wasn't the same without dad. When they had all cleaned up, Lupin arrived and they travelled to St Mungo's together. Ginny was surprised to see the hospital pretty busy and festive. There were some baubles floating around, holly on most doors, chains in Christmas colors tied to the entryways, and strangely enough there was even mistletoe floating above people's heads. Ginny couldn't help but giggle at that. It would be a bit strange if people randomly started kissing in the middle of a hospital, even at Christmas.
They followed their mum to dads ward-apparently he had been moved- and Ginny noticed her father looking so relaxed as he said happily, "Merry Christmas family!" Ginny hurried over to hug him and she asked, "How are you, dad?" He shrugged and grinned, "I feel fine actually. They just had to change the plasters, but otherwise I'm fine." Her mum frowned and Ginny glanced back at her as their mum said dangerously, "Arthur…what is this about?" He grimaced and whispered, "Now…uh Molly don't get upset…they wanted to try putting Muggle stitches in to cure stop the bleeding." Her mother grew red in the face, her Weasley temper rising and Ginny wasn't surprised next when her mum said fiercely, "Right, everybody else out please! I need to speak with your dad, alone!" At this, Bill, Fred and George hurried out at lightning speed, all claiming they needed tea.
Ginny rolled her eyes, and they all trooped out of the ward. Ron grumbled, "Great! What are we supposed to do while they're busy yelling at each other?" Hermione shrugged, "Might as well go and get some tea ourselves. I didn't see which way they went." They all nodded and as they carried on down the corridor Ron asked, "Which floor are we on?" Hermione answered immediately, "Fourth, I think." They walked down up some stairs as a portrait diagnosed Ron's freckles as spattergroit, making him irritable.
As they walked down a corridor, Ginny heard a familiar voice. She stopped and frowned and as they walked further along, she jumped backwards into Harry, nearly knocking him over. Gildory Lockhart had his face pressed against the window and he was staring at them curiously. Harry muttered, "Oof!" as he was pushed into the wall and Ron asked curiously, "What's going on?" He did a double take when he saw Lockhart staring inquisitively at them. Hermione gasped and a hand flew to her mouth.
He walked out of the ward confidently and grinned at them, "So…You're all wanting autographs I suppose! That must be why you're here!" Harry leant forward and murmured to her, "Hasn't changed much has he?" She grinned at him and giggled before shaking her head. Then he asked Harry curiously, "Have we met before?" Harry nodded and replied, "Yes, Professor. You taught us, at Hogwarts." The professor grinned and complimented himself profusely. Ginny rolled her eyes. She had been besotted with Lockhart, much like every other witch under his influence. Even Hermione had been a little bit infatuated.
That's when his healer walked into the corridor and insisted they come in and chat with him
Lockhart was insisting on signing them autographs because he had learnt, "Joint writing." He was in the first bed of the ward, and beyond it was another man, and bed at the far end was covered with a curtain. Ginny took a seat as the nurse explained how he couldn't remember who he was, even though they all knew the story.
They waited patiently until Ginny heard a familiar name being announced at the other end of the ward, behind the closed curtain. She frowned and whispered to Hermione, "Neville?" Her friend nodded and frowned before saying, "I guess so..." Ron had gotten up to go and greet Neville, who had just appeared from around the curtain. He looked stiff and tense and Ginny went over to give him a hug, "Merry Christmas, Neville," she said and smiled kindly before moving back. He had given her a feeble hug in return before Ron asked, "Who are you visiting, Neville?"
At that moment, Neville's granny came along and a smile broke over her face as her eyes trailed to Harry, "Ah! Have your friends come to say hello, Neville? It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Potter. I've heard so much about you! And you two must be Weasley's…" she added, nodding at Ginny and Ron, "Good family! Good family! And Miss Granger, I've heard all about you too."
Ron persisted, "Hello Mrs Longbottom. Who's Neville visiting?" His grandmother looked shocked and gasped, "Neville! Have you not told your friends why you're here?" Neville shuffled awkwardly on his feet and shook his head as his grandmother continued, "Are you ashamed Neville?" Neville refused to say anything and his grandmother explained how Neville's parents had been tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange. At one point during the explanation, Neville's mother came out and she dropped a sweet wrapper into Neville's hand. Neville became defensive when he turned back to them, but Ginny was stunned into silence, listening to his grandmother. She lectured Neville on how he should be proud that his parents had fought so hard.
At this point, Ginny could hear Lockhart calling them to come and get their autographs. Ron made an excuse to leave, and Ginny smiled kindly at Neville, "See you at school, Neville? Have a good holiday, okay?" He nodded and whispered, "Bye Ginny," before returning back to his parents. Ginny felt heartbroken.
Once they got their, 'autographs' from Lockhart, they headed into the hallway and Hermione shook her head, "I never knew!" Ron and Ginny both echoed what Hermione said and Ginny could tell by Harry's expression that he had known all along.
Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry this has taken so long to update! Firstly it was meant to be two separate chapters, and then I merged it into one which took long and secondly: it's been a busy weekend and I wasn't looking forward to this chapter from the get go. I knew it would be hard to write because I always find the part about Neville's parents really upsetting and tragic.
Anyway, here it is and hope you guys enjoyed it and are having a great weekend so far. Also thank you to everyone who keeps reading and reviewing! Even though I'm not posting as often anymore, it really makes this worth writing and keep up the motivation! Thank you everyone!