The following morning, Ginny was woken up by someone prodding her shoulder. She groaned to find Hermione standing over her, a finger covering her mouth as she whispered, "Sssh!" Ginny blinked a few times before orientating herself and then she saw Harry lying next to her and it clicked as to why Hermione was telling her to be quiet. They had fallen asleep on the couch in the common room! Anyone could have seen them!
She sat up quickly and in doing so she jostled Harry awake. He sat up suddenly and orientated himself like Ginny before he realized where they were. He gave her a sneaky smirk and murmured, "I guess I didn't mean for that to happen." They both sat up straight as Hermione rolled her eyes and muttered, "You're lucky it was me who found you and not your dear friend Ronald, or anyone else for that matter." At this she pulled a strange face and Ginny yawned, "What are you on about?"
Hermione grimaced and whispered, "Alright…don't get angry with me or him…but…" Ginny rolled her eyes and snapped, "I knew it! Ron's back to his pratty self is he?!" Hermione shook her head seriously, "No…not at all. It's just…Neville." She bit her lip and glanced between the two of them. Ginny frowned and murmured, "Is Neville alright, Hermione?" Hermione sighed and said, "You guys have to swear you won't get angry with him, particularly you, Harry." Harry frowned and muttered, "I don't like the sound of this. What are you saying Hermione?" She sighed and said sadly, "I think Neville is a bit upset…well…because…he likes Ginny." Ginny felt her mouth gape and she floundered around for words but none came out. She felt Harry stiffen beside her and he snaked his arm tightly around her waist. Harry said coldly, "How did you figure that one out, Hermione?" Hermione shrugged her shoulders and whispered, "Uh, the way he protected Ginny from Malfoy when they attacked them outside Umbridge's office I think is enough proof! And he asked Ginny to the Yule Ball." Ginny frowned, wondering why on earth Hermione was bringing this up now. This was really the last of their worries, but she wondered how Harry would react to this.
She suspected correctly. He tensed visibly and his arm tightened around her until she felt claustrophobic. Ginny muttered irritably, "But Hermione, they're just suspicions! At this point you have no real proof of that!" Hermione nodded, "True. But Neville's not really the type to throw himself into a fight for no good reason." Ginny shook her head, "He's changed. He volunteered to come to the ministry when he really didn't have to. In your first year, he tried to stop the three of you going to Fluffy didn't he? He didn't try and stop you this time. He helped you." Harry loosened his grip on her and she sighed in relief. Hermione was biting her lip before she nodded, "You're know what Gin, you're right! He's changed ever since he joined the D.A. He's been a lot more confident."
Ginny smirked at Harry, "See Harry, you helped someone socialize and conquer their fears. In fact you helped Luna too. I've seen loads of D.A members treating her better now and greeting her. They have a lot more respect for her." Harry nodded but didn't say anything. She knew he was still thinking about Sirius.
Hermione sighed and said, "Oh well, I'm glad I found you two before anyone else did. I'm going to go and shower. See you at breakfast, if not before then." She nodded to them and departed for the girls dormitory. Ginny turned to Harry and turned his face so that he was looking at her directly before she inhaled, "Harry. What happened to Sirius was not. your. fault." She said it slowly for emphasis but she could see his gaze was elsewhere. He was staring into the fire and not paying her any attention. Ginny sighed. This was a typical Harry reaction. She really had to find a better way to try and get him out of this negative thinking.
The rest of the day continued as normal. The only difference was that during Defense Against the Dark Arts, Snape filled in for their lessons. And thankfully, during that lesson, a first year Slytherin boy waltzed in to tell Snape that Ginny was needed in Professor Dumbledore's office. She realized that the Professor had returned, probably because Fudge finally realized that Dumbledore's intention was never to seize control of the ministry in the first place.
She headed happily to Dumbledore's office with Snape's permission. To her surprise, she found Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna in there too. They were all sitting in separate chairs and she took a spare chair next to Luna on the far side. She nodded at them before sitting down and Dumbledore smiled kindly. He looked haggard and tired as he sat down on his desk and shook his head before saying, "Now, you all know that you somewhat broke the rules last night by breaking into the ministry and fighting Death Eater's, not to mention leaving the school grounds without permission…and so technically I need to give you punishment for that. However, as Dolores Umbridge is no longer in charge, and I am once against headmaster, you all are free of any such thing. On this note though, I do wish to caution you from abandoning the school premises without permission again or else next time I will have to follow school with the school rules. I just called you all here to give you merely a warning." He could tell that they all looked surprised and then the five of them nodded furiously, "Yes headmaster," they all said in unison.
Dumbledore smiled mischievously, "However, as for Dumbledore's Army, I could never be more proud." He had a twinkle in his eyes which cause all of them to laugh, except for Harry who remained as stern as ever. He continued, "There will more than likely be report in The Daily Prophet about the events that occurred in the ministry last night and if this report is completely untrue I wish for you all not to accuse it of this. It would only stir up more rumors and I would like this matter to die as quickly as possible in the media. We don't want to add fuel to the fire. So be cautious in whom you confide in about these unfortunate events." Dumbledore sighed, "Well then, I guess you all better get back to your lessons. Chop Chop!" They were all standing up when Dumbledore approached her, "Miss Weasley, I'd like a word alone, please?"
She frowned but nodded willingly. When they others left he beamed at her and he said fondly, "I hear you have captured Harry's heart." Ginny's mouth fell to floor and floundered around for words but she couldn't think of any to say. What did you say to that?! She stammered, "Uh…uh….I…I wouldn't put it quite like that…professor." Dumbledore chuckled and shook his head, "No? What else would you call it then, Miss Weasley?"
This man was far too perceptive for his own good! She blushed heavily and glanced at the floor before Dumbledore laughed, "It's nothing to be ashamed of my dear. I'm very happy and relieved that he's found love. Of all people, he needs it." Ginny smiled and murmured, "Thank you professor. I fully agree." Dumbledore smiled sadly then and he whispered, "I just want to caution you Miss Weasley-and I'm sure you're already aware of this-Harry doesn't accept love easily. He doesn't think he deserves it. He will try his best to push you away, but I want know that you will do everything you can do prevent that from happening. Can you promise me that?" Ginny nodded and she looked up at him, quite surprised by the evident concern he had for Harry's well being. She nodded and said softly, "I will, professor, I promise I will do my best." He smiled at her kindly, "Thank you Miss Weasley. I trust you will do a fine job. You should be getting back to your classes now; however since it is almost lunchtime I reckon you should head to the hall." She nodded and thanked him before leaving his office.
As Ginny headed to the Great Hall, Dean and Seamus caught up with her. They questioned Ginny about the fight with Umbridge. Apparently some rumors had spread among the students-started by the
Slytherin's who had had to go the Hospital Wing in order to stop puking. This please Ginny no end as she chuckled and they entered the hall.
Ginny joined Harry, Ron and Hermione in the middle of the table who were already dishing food onto their plates. She took a seat opposite Harry and she realized that this was a most unfortunate spot in which she could have chosen to sit as Malfoy was glaring at them dispassionately and looking rather sickly looking, as were Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy.
Hermione asked her quickly, "What did Dumbledore want?" Ginny shrugged her shoulders and mumbled, "Um…he just wanted to check up on me. Apparently he heard that Bellatrix attacked me specifically." She had made that up because of course she didn't want them to know the real reason. Hermione, however, of course narrowed her eyes and watched Ginny suspiciously.
At that moment, Neville approached them with a paper in his hands and handed it to them, "Hey guys! Thought yoThoughthoughThought you could see this."
Hermione read the paper out loud:
"Last night, the five teenagers broke into the Ministry of Magic. One of the five included the famous Harry Potter who allegedly battled the Dark Lord last year in a graveyard at the end of the Triwizard Tournament where Mr Diggory unfortunately ended up dead (at the hands of the Dark Lord). Until recently, it was suspected that Potter killed the Diggory boy, or at least was in on the plan and there was no proof that Potter's story was true.
However, last night there was a battle of sorts between some members of the Order of the Phoenix (for more see page 8) and Death Eater's, who are obviously minions of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The Death Eater's who were involved in the incident remain unknown, as does the reason to why the break-in occurred in the first place. One can only suspect that Potter and his friends knew that the Dark Lord would be there, but how is this possible? How could they have been forewarned about the dangers ahead? And why would Potter want to face the Dark Lord again? There are a lot of questions which remain unanswered, but Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had only this to say, "There are dark times ahead of us, and we must all be ready for action when the time comes."
That's right folks, the Dark Lord revealed himself for the first time since his return last year at the end of the Triwizard Tournament. Minister Cornelius Fudge himself is a witness of his return. We recommend caution to all and if there are any other sightings, please contact Rita Skeeter, who will inform the Ministry of You-Know-Who's whereabouts and we need to be kept updated! More to follow soon and those questions will be answered!
-Rita Skeeter
At the bottom of the article was a picture of Dumbledore holding Harry's limp figure in his arms. Hermione slammed the paper down angrily and grumbled, "That…that lying woman! She's now trying to make out as though the Prophet believed Harry's story all along! I cannot believe her!" Ron shook his head and said calmly, "Don't worry Hermione! We shouldn't get angry about it. It's all lies anyway and at least it's proving Harry's innocence."
Harry raised an eyebrow sky high and then the they all burst out laughing. Ron had purposefully chosen to believe Harry was guilty of putting his name in the Goblet of Fire last year out of spite and jealousy and now he was contradicting everything he had believed. It was just so ironic. Harry smiled, "Thanks so much, Neville, for showing it to us. At least everyone won't think I'm a liar now." They all nodded and finished their lunch quickly or else they'd all be late for class.
The following evening was the end of term feast and Ginny felt a rather sinking feeling in her stomach. She didn't want the holidays to begin because it meant she'd only be seeing Harry again in one and a bit months. She realized that she was acting like a love-struck teenager, but wasn't that what she was? It made it so much worse to know that he was going back to his horrible aunt and uncle too.
She contemplated this quietly as she sat next to him at the final feast and somewhat pushed her food around on her plate. Harry had of course, been somber due to Sirius's passing. He had expressed to her the previous evening how irritated he was that they couldn't even have a funeral for him. She had had to try and calm him because he had gotten particularly irritable about it. She didn't think he'd cope well by himself at his aunt and uncles either. He wouldn't be able to talk about it at all.
She remembered saying to him, "I'm worried Harry…that it will get to you most when you're alone." Harry shook his head and grumbled, "It's fine, I'm use to it." It had really upset her how he said that and it still upset her now as she watched him, not eating his food either. The feast seemed to dragged and they all went to their beds exhausted.
When they boarded the Hogwarts express, they all sat in a compartment together with Luna and Neville. It was a chatty train ride back, but Ginny was somehow dreading getting off. She knew her mother would give her hell over the ministry incident, especially because she was the youngest, and she would give Ron hell for letting her come with them. It had actually been pretty cool that Ron had allowed her to come with.
They screeched to a stop all too soon and Ginny noticed Harry was taking his time getting up from the seat and taking his stuff. She saw this as an opportunity and she whispered to Hermione, "Please get the others out. I want to say goodbye to Harry without everyone watching." Hermione nodded and pushed Ron out of the apartment.
As soon as they were gone, Ginny pulled down the blinds and she pushed her hands in his hair and kissed him roughly. He groaned and she couldn't help but giggle at the sound which sent shivers down her spine. His hands found the small of her back and then wound their way into her hair. She kissed him passionately, knowing that this was probably the last moment she had with him until he arrived at the Burrow. She felt him lower his hands again and they almost slid under her shirt when she pulled away. She wasn't quite ready for that yet.
Harry smiled and blushed, "Too soon?" He asked shyly. She nodded and blushed, "I love you, but that doesn't mean…well, you know." He chuckled and nodded, "It's alright because I love you too and I'll wait as long as you want me to." She felt butterflies erupt in her stomach as she stared into his green eyes when he said that and she found herself pushing her lips back to his.
They were interrupted by a gasp from a girls voice and Ginny turned to find Pansy Parkinson shrieking with laughter with a group of her Slytherin girls, saying loudly "Did you see THAT! Potter and Weasel! So it is true!" They all cackled as if it was the funniest thing on earth, and Ginny clenched her fists tightly. Harry murmured, "Just ignore them." She rolled her eyes and huffed, "Yeah right, coming from you that's super hypocritical!"
They left the compartment after that to find her mother and father. Her mother was positively shaking and she had a massive smile on her face as she said loudly, "So it is TRUE?! The two of you?!" Ginny grimaced and whispered, "Sssh, mum it's still a secret!" Harry murmured, "Not so much now. Pansy is spreading the word it seems!" A large group of people seemed to be watching them now and Ginny rolled her eyes, "Who cares about them?"
They went through the barrier and on the other side they found Harry's aunt and uncle, as well as their son. The uncle seemed to be staring at the barrier, wide eyed and his aunt becknoned for Harry to go to them. Her mother sighed and shook her head, "If only I could give those people a piece of my mind!" Harry grinned, "One day, Mrs Weasley, one day." He hugged each of them goodbye and gave Ginny a kiss on the cheek. She grinned and whispered, "Promise me, that you'll write to me and tell me everything that is going on? I don't want to miss out on anything, no matter how uneventful." He nodded and smiled sadly at her, "I will do my best. See you soon." He waved goodbye to all of them and then headed off with is aunt and uncle briskly. When he was out of sight, Ginny sighed and knew this summer would be a long and boring one for her too.
Author's Note: Wow! Fourth Year is finished! I can't believe I've written so much! I have to say a wonderful thank you to absolutely EVERYONE who has been following, favoring, reviewing and reading this story! I really couldn't do it without all of your encouragement and support and I'm so thrilled that you guys seem to be enjoying reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it!
I have to say it's been so great and refreshing to hear your thoughts on everything! I love it when you guys think the same way I do, and I'm so grateful that you guys are enjoying Ginny's point of view! I must say, it's really interesting to write from her perspective because she's such a strong individual. I'm trying to make her strength evident in the fact that it's progressive and doesn't just happen overnight. I hope it's working.
As for her relationship with Harry, what do you guys think? I hope you're enjoying that too! Also if there are any suggestions please feel free to share provided that they are relevant and not rude. I have to say I've been getting stellar reviews recently and it really makes me over the moon so thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!
Also I will try and update as much as possible but I can't make any guarentees as to when that will be in the next two weeks because I have two exams and one assignment coming up. However, I'm trying to write whenever I can so I hope you all understand! Anyway, year five will be up soon and I can't wait to begin it! A nice new start will be inspiring and once again thanks a billion million to you all!