Penning
Chapter 1: Tom and The Boy Who Lived
We were heading towards Flourish and Blotts to buy our school supplies yet it seemed like it
would be days before we can even enter the shop, let alone buy our books and stationeries. Why
that is one might not ask since parents will come with children or young wizards and witches
will visit Diagon Alley and of course Flourish and Blotts on their own before term begins. Yet
today, it doesn't really matter if one asks or not cause the answer is screaming, shouting and
showing off in loud and horrid colors, Gilderoy Lockhart is signing his own books. Mostly all
witches especially young girls and women, like my dear mother for instance were behaving
ridiculously as if he is so great and all, where I think that he is a complete show off and absolute
fake.
Oh well, at last we got inside the bookshop after pushing many people ahead. I was standing
beside the line next to my new cauldron for my mother to come so that we can buy our books.
While waiting I saw that Harry was suddenly being pushed forward by the so-called famous
Lockhart. Harry seemed quite happy being pulled in and
"Why not both are famous and would want to associate with famous people not who is always
blushing around and being a fool like me who puts her elbow on a dish" I thought unkindly.
However, when I really saw him, I saw that it was that just my thoughts not the truth. He was
completely uncomfortable being there.
"Why is that so? I was under the impression that people enjoy being famous? Don't they? But
then again we Weasleys are certainly not famous in a good way except for being blood-traitors
which is debatable. Ron is also his best friend. So that must account for something, isn't it? "
these questions were running inside my head. Before I could contemplate on the answers or even
receive any for that matter, I saw Harry standing in front of me and I was vaguely aware that
none of the other Weasleys or Hermione were here and keeping all the books that he received
from the idiot Lockhart in my new cauldron mumbling
"You have these," Harry continued saying "I'll buy my own —"
I didn't know how to say thanks without stamerring and making a fool of myself in front of him.
Yet, there was no need for that because soon I heard a voice taunting Harry and I didn't like that
one bit. I don't know how and I probably won't understand how I even managed to do so
especially in front of Harry. I heard the voice saying
"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" said the voice which I saw belongs to Draco Malfoy
wearing a sneer on his face.
"Famous Harry Potter," taunted Malfoy. "Can't even go into a bookshop without making the
front page."
I had enough of his stupid talks when I knew and saw that Harry neither choose anything Malfoy
was accusing him of and he certainly did not enjoy being in the limelight. Wondering about the
why for later, though anyone would be happy to not be in the same place as Lockhart, I suddenly
said in a strong and firm voice
"Leave him alone, he didn't want all that!" It was the first time I had spoken in front of Harry,
still I was too busy glaring at Malfoy to think of how or that I even managed to do so.
"Potter, you've got yourself a girlfriend!" drawled Malfoy. I went scarlet as I became
embarrassed thinking it was true I want to be his girlfriend but because I was a blushing fool I
won't be able to so I was sad and didn't counter Malfoy.
After a while, Lucius Malfoy came and began taunting our family much like Malfoy himself to
Dad. Mr. Malfoy reached into my cauldron and extracted, from amid the glossy Lockhart books,
a very old, very battered copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.
Dad and Mr. Malfoy were having a heated row, when suddenly there was a thud of metal as my
cauldron went flying out of my hands. Dad was in a neck to neck fight with Mr. Malfoy. After
some time the fight was halted by Hagrid who pulled apart both of them. They both were injured.
Mr. Malfoy was still holding my old Transfiguration book. He thrust it at me keeping the book
in my cauldron, his eyes glittering with malice.
"Here, girl — take your book — it's the best your father can give you —"
Pulling himself out of Hagrid's grip he beckoned to Draco and swept from the shop.
I was worried seeing my father fight with Malfoy's father and being injured. But I realised that
was little comparing to the fear I felt seeing malice and hearing so in his voice when he returned
back my book. I tried not to ponder upon it too much and a very subdued group of Weasleys and
Harry were going back to the Burrow. I was holding my mother's hand the whole time seeking
the reassurance that everything is ok. Finally reaching the Burrow, my house I was calm
knowing I had the reassurance that everything is alright. It was just a small fight, maybe a little
bit serious yet Dad wasn't hurt badly and he is doing fine now.
I went straight to my room because of my huge crush on Harry Potter. No wonder he doesn't
want to be my friend even if I wish to when his best friend and my git of a brother told him about
my embarrassing crush on him nor did I help matters with providing sufficient evidence of Ron's
statement. I just wish I could have someone to talk to and help me out with this yet the question
is who. I could talk to my mother maybe my father too but dad is at work and mum well that
option is not available since she is downstairs in the kitchen and I will be able to see Harry Potter
through the kitchen windows playing with my brothers outside in the field. Normally I would
jump at any option to see him from far, still it's not the ideal situation to talk to with my mom. I
sighed deeply and began cleaning my room, organising my books then went to help my mum
with washing the dishes. I may or may not have peeked to see Harry Potter while they were
playing. They certainly didn't notice and I am glad or else I will again manage to become a red
tomato. I really don't know which scenario will be worse any of my brothers seeing it or Harry
Potter himself.
"Thank Merlin!" I thought relieved.
I finished my work quickly so that I could go back to my room as you can imagine why so. Right
on time too, just as I was about to close the doorknob of my bedroom's door, I heard the boys
coming back to the house after playing. To be honest, I was sad because my brothers never invite
me to play and neither did Harry Potter which is not a surprise because of my long crush on him
and my actions and reactions wasn't on my favour too when he was around. On the other hand I
was thankful for once for not to be included in their games because I do not fancy myself a
blushing tomato clashing violently with my hair.
Anyways, I was lying with my back on my bed and was just cooling off after the day's event;
when suddenly I saw a book on my table. I remember I intended to see the black book when I
was organising my books but then forgot about it since I was doing other chores and giving my
mind a run a mile with all those thinkings. However, now seems as good as a time as any to see
this book. Upon inspecting its cover, I found out that it was tattered, worn-out, probably second
hand which is quite expected because our family is not exactly filled with Galleons and use many
used or second hand things such as clothes, books, and so on passed on from one brother to
another and to me as well. I decided to have a look inside to understand what this book was
about. However when I opened it imagine my surprise when it was completely clear. There was
no writing in it except on the front page of the diary, on top centre an inscription "TM Riddle"
was faintly visible.
"Odd," I thought, "Shouldn't there be some writing of the owner. Hmm maybe it's a diary and it
belongs to this TM Riddle. Probably protected like secret messages, obviously so, I wouldn't
want anyone to read my thoughts either. Well I will make it my daily diary and maybe the
enchantments will keep my secret just that a secret and no one will be able to read my thoughts
too; since it was probably just sitting in the bookstore for a long time as an empty book. Still why
did they keep an empty book, maybe they also know that the contents are hidden or invisible like
some books in the magical world."
I dripped my quill on the ink-pot and began to write. A small drop of ink dropped on the page
and the ink vanished. I was stunned.
"Possibly it's enchanted in a way that once I write something, it will absorb or disappear and no
writing will be visible. Suppose that works too, since my brothers always try to be nosy about
things concerning me or me in general cause in their mind I'm just their little baby sister, even
for the most stupid git of my brother who goes by the name Ronald" I finished my not-so-kind
thoughts.
Once again I started to write,
"Hello Diary, I'm Ginny Weasley."
"Hello Ginny, I am Tom Riddle and may I ask how did you find my diary?" the diary wrote
back.
I was really scared because I remember father saying that never trust anything when you don't
know where it keeps it's brain. Yet, I decided to write in it to see what it was about and I was
also curious to know how this Tom person can write back to me from his diary.
"Hi Tom, I found this diary from a bookstore."
"Hmm interesting and do you know how it got there."
"I have no idea Tom."
"How can you write back to me Tom from your diary?"
"I am a memory and I kept my memories here and also can talk to someone when that person
writes in this diary."
"Maybe it's like that though he avoided my question. I think he doesn't want to tell me his secrets
and rightly so since I am really a stranger to him. Anyways this Tom seems like a good person
and not scary too. Let me write to him as I have intended to do before, make him my daily diary.
What's the harm? Yet, should I really speak to a stranger still we make friends who are new isn't
it? So, I think I should take a chance with it." I thought to myself.
"Ok Tom."
"Why did you take time to reply Ginny? Do you not believe me?"
"I do Tom and that's why I agreed to you. It's just that my mother was calling me for dinner."
"Oh ok"
"Tom, do you mind if I write in this diary and share my thoughts to you? Do you mind being my
best friend?"
"None at all Ginny. I would love to be your best friend."
"Thanks Tom, I will go now. Bye."
"Bye Ginny."
"Dinner but Harry is there." I thought suddenly alarmed.
"That's ok, you just don't have to talk to him or look at him; then everything will be fine. I can do
that." I tried to assure myself.
"But what if he talks to me or ask anything then? Then again why would he?"
" Well because he is a kind person who didn't make fun of me even after seeing my embarrassing
antics at the dinning table today, and didn't tell anyone what only he saw, infact pretended not to
notice so that I am not embarrassed."
"But what if he told Ron later? They are best friends after all?"
"He wouldn't. He is not someone who makes fun of people." I feebly tried assuring myself.
"Ok, if he tells in private or when I am not around, he could tell now as he would get plenty of
time."
"Yet, what if he told later?"
"Well don't flatter yourself Ginny, you think Harry would talk about you or any of your brothers
would with Harry about you for a prolonged time?"
"No" I thought but I can't tell what my emotions are relieved that they don't say much about my
crush, sad because I am always ignored and now it seems by Harry too.
"Well it's your fault" I chided myself.
I sighed "Ok Ginny come on get downstairs, have dinner and find out if Harry did inform them
or not. I am sure they would love to tease you, if he really informed them. That certainly doesn't
mean there won't be any teasing from their end."
"Still what if he told and they teased you about it later on."
"Really Ginny, Fred and George got plenty of time to prank me because I was not around and
Ron he has a big mouth when it concerns me as it seems especially as he was the one who
blabbered about my crush to Harry. That doesn't mean Fred and George didn't back him up. They
did. So, Ron would jump to tease me at the first opportunity. Besides what better chance would
my git brothers get than in front of everyone, especially Harry, to embarass me?
"None. So Ginny. Let's go and put your misery at rest. Besides all this thinking, I forgot I need to
actually go downstairs to have dinner and I am really hungry." My stomach growled quite loudly
at that agreeing with my statement.
Well rest of the day passed as an uneventful as my day could get. Harry didn't tell anyone and so
there were no teasing from my brothers'. In fact, they didn't embarass me like I thought they
would. Of course I was really quite like I can't talk and was avoiding eye contact especially with
Harry. I even sat away from him and across diagonally, keeping my head down. Obviously my
brothers' were thought it was weird for me being so quiet and kept darting glances at me. In fact I
think everyone did and now that I think I would include Harry too because seeing everyone
darting their eyes at me, he would too. Besides one can be blind as a bat yet even a bat will see if
everyone glances towards one particular.
Days passed either writing to Tom, avoiding Harry mostly and that means sometimes my family
too especially my brothers and mainly Ron. I would help mum sometimes when Harry
particularly is not around or even my brothers or either lots cause there would be endless teasing
otherwise. I spoke to Tom about Harry many times and he listened intently in fact I later realised
he was obsessed about him and wanted to learn and know more about him. At that time I thought
someone once wanted to listen to me as I pour my feelings and emotions on the diary which is
now a scary yet not so scary not thought. I sometimes even remember the first time I spoke to
Tom about Harry ...
"Tom, can I tell you something?" I asked hesitantly.
"Of course you can, I am your best friend. Why do you ask?" he replied.
" Will you make fun of me, tease me or think that I am a stupid or foolish girl?" I asked dreading
the answer.
" No of course not Ginny, I assure you and promise too that I won't be doing any such work"
"Thanks Tom. Anyways I wanted to say that I have a crush on 'The Harry Potter'."
"Harry Potter you say"
" Yes Tom, he is my hero. Ever since I could remember I always asked my parents about stories
of Harry Potter."
"That's quite good Ginny. In fact I am sure you are quite interested in Harry Potter. Isn't it?"
"Yes Tom, yet I know he won't talk with me because ...
"Because why Ginny? It's ok, you can tell me. Besides if he won't talk to you I think it's his loss."
"I think it's the other way round Tom, since I am the one willing to communicate not Harry. Of
course it's my fault, I made a complete mess of myself and portrayed myself as a complete fool."
"That's really alright Ginny. It's normal for people to act like that in front of their crush. Don't
worry. Nonetheless, I will listen to you Ginny. In fact I must say that I don't know this Harry that
you are talking about, seems like a really famous person."
"You don't know who Harry is but everyone in the magic kind knows about him after all he is
really famous. He is 'The Harry Potter' also known as the 'Boy Who Lived'. How come you don't
know him?"
" I am afraid I don't Ginny, I have been a diary preserved like a memory as I said before for a
long time. Still, I would really like to know more about him. He seems to have an interesting
title. How did he get this title? In fact, I would be happy to hear about him from you."
"Oh ok Tom and thank you for agreeing to listen to me especially about my crush on him. He got
his title when he was a year and three months old, on Halloween night when he somehow
defeated You Know Who and being the only one who survived a killing curse from He Who
Must Not Be Named."
" A killing curse but how that's impossible, no one can survive a killing curse. How did he do
it?"
"I really don't know Tom, but you know what since I remember I have always asked my parents
to read about Harry Potter stories any chance I got since those are my favourite bedtime or
anytime stories. Tom you won't believe how cute, handsome he is and he is even better looking
in person than what I saw from pictures from The Daily Prophet or books those didn't do him
justice. He really is my hero, a knight and brave. I dream about him many times and sometimes
just sit idle staring or day dreaming of him especially after hearing his stories."
"Wow, I am sure he is and that's really good to know. Can you tell me more about him Ginny?"
" Gladly Tom, but I am afraid not since I have to pack my trunk. I am going to Hogwarts
tomorrow, it's my first year. How about after I reach my dormitory, I speak to you about him?"
"Ok Ginny that would do and good luck with Hogwarts, I had a good time there."
" Did you study at Hogwarts too? All my family members did or are still studying at Hogwarts. I
am quite interested to be at Hogwarts."
" Yes, I did and it's quite an exciting journey."
"Well ok Tom, I will see you tomorrow good night."
"Good night Ginny."
After that there were many instances where he was the one to initiate and was eager to talk about
Harry. At first I was really happy that finally someone is there to listen to me as a friend and
being my first friend which I really needed at that period. Later I became suspicious especially...
Oh well I don't want to think about it right now maybe later. I will put my pen down for now.
Thanks for listening to me and being a comfort after my nightmare. Harry comforts me
everytime I have a nightmare and today was no different, yet I thought to pour out to you Diary
which I intend to keep it to myself only and we'll we are each others secret keepers and you
know about my secrets too which only I know. I am sure it's the same for Harry too where he is
the secret keeper only and none can know not even after our deaths. You know, I didn't have a
diary for a long time and then one day Harry brought two diaries one for each of us both saying
we both can write our thoughts here even emotions and feelings and it will be ours individually
only. So that's what we both do like now I am sitting at my bedside with Harry sleeping
peacefully beside me. We write sometimes whenever we feel like be we are alone or with each
other not in front of others well extended family members and friends and certainly not
acquaintances and strangers. I think I will write about my Hogwarts journey just to put my
thoughts, feelings and emotions to a rest since we both are plagued with nightmares almost
everyday nowadays, sometimes both of us will have it as well. Thankfully Harry didn't have
today and I don't like when Harry suffers like that. He certainly deserves much more than that.
Though sometimes I wonder what I did to have him with me still I will always be thankful to
Harry for agreeing to be with me and to myself for choosing to be with him since this is where I
always see and be myself really with him not anywhere else. Thanks again Diary and Good
Night too.
Chapter 2: