Authors Notes: I KNOW! I know…It's been forever. Please, don't hate me. I know I'm a terrible person and I'm sure none of you are ever going to want to read this again. But I'm going to try to pick up the story again. My life just got crazy for a while and writing wasn't one of my top priorities. I started this chapter about four times and lost it and I just got annoyed so I gave up. But here I am. I'm not dead. And hopefully I'll post more on here and I'm In Gryffindor. Which, if you aren't reading, you should because it's amazing.
There are going to be some changes to this story. I've gotten new ideas, so I'm going to be shooting the story at a new angle. It'll stay Drama/Romance, but there will be more to the plotline. So, here you are, the next chapter…
Disclaimer: I do not, of course, own anything Harry Potter related. Which, in this chapter, there's not much to do with it except a couple characters. Carolyn, Sean, and Jeff are all mine.
Starting Over
Chapter Four – Decisions and Awakenings
The moment she arrived home, Ginny raced to her room. When she entered, she was out of breath and after a few moments, she realized she was still holding onto the doorknob, and she was leaning against the door. When she let go, the doorknob was wet with perspiration. Diving under her bed, she retrieved the large trunk she was living out of when she first arrived in California. She did not know where she was going to go or what she was going to do, but she knew she had to leave. She quickly went to her closet and pulled out the shirts and dresses hanging inside, not bothering to fold them, but simply tossing them carelessly into the trunk. She then moved onto her chest of drawers against the opposite wall. She dragged the trunk over and grabbed handfuls of clothes, shoving them in the trunk. More than once she had to shove everything down to make room. She had bought a lot more clothes than she had come with.
When she began to empty her last drawer, her undergarments, she grabbed the last handful and felt something hard and round in her hand. Her wand. She had forgotten that she had ever put it there. The moment she grabbed it, she felt a vibration in her hand and was unsure if it came from the wand itself or her body. She had the strong urge to cast a spell, but she knew she couldn't. She stopped long ago, cold turkey, and could not turn back now. Besides, magic was taking the easy way out of life. She had learned true life skills pretending to be a muggle. Why would she stop now?
Taking a camisole lying near the top of her trunk, she wrapped the wand tightly and placed it in her trunk, telling herself you've gone this far, Ginny. You can't go back now. Don't give into it. However, the wand would not leave her mind. With the wand, all the memories came flooding back to her. Fred and George with their shop, Ron still not telling Hermione how she felt, Hermione in a coma, Harry…oh, Harry…. And her mother. No. You can't think about that. Stop it, Ginny. Pull yourself together. She closed her trunk tightly and placed it next to the door. She would leave at first light. She knew she couldn't go tonight. It was too late and since she didn't know where she was going, it would be too dangerous to leave now. She would write a note for Carolyn and Sean. Sean. Just thinking of having to leave him brought tears to her eyes. Maybe she would tell him in person. No, that would be harder. She would never find the words to say it. She fell on her bed, still dressed in her work clothes, and closed her eyes, promising herself it would only be for a minute. Next thing she knew, she was dreaming. Dreams of Hermione lying in a bed in St. Mungo's, healers surrounding her; her mother telling her how disappointed she was for letting her down; Ralph telling her that he was a wizard; and Sean's reaction when he woke up to find the girl he loved gone.
She woke up at four thirty in the morning, sweat across her body. She sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, trying not to think about what she was going to do and her dream last night. The way her mother looked at her…the disappointment in her eyes. Ginny shuddered and stood, walking to her door, unlocking it, and entering the bathroom. She turned the water on scolding hot, removed her clothes and stepped in, feeling the heat radiating off her skin. Halfway through, she changed the temperature to freezing, feeling slightly dizzy at the sudden change in temperature coursing down her body. Turning off the water, she grabbed her towel, wrapping it tightly around herself and stepped out. Her skin had turned red, raw from the shower. It was on four forty-five in the morning, and despite her very little and uncomfortable sleep the previous night, she felt very awake and very alive.
Putting her hand to the mirror, she wiped off the steam that had gathered on it, making it clear so she could see herself. Looking at her reflection, she didn't know what she saw anymore. She definitely was not the young, helpless girl that she was all those years ago, being mind-controlled by Tom Riddle's Diary and in need of the great Harry Potter to save her. No. She was ready to save herself this time. She was older, stronger, wiser, and she knew she did not need anyone's help anymore. After all, she had survived these past two years. When she first arrived in America, she had no idea what she was doing or where she was going. Look at her now. She had a great life. Of course, you're about to leave this life and start over new again. She thought to herself bitterly.
Still wrapped in her towel, she walked into her room and sat down at her desk. Pulling a pad of paper and a pen from the drawer, she began to write her note to Carolyn.
My Dearest Carolyn, she began
I don't really know how to explain where I'm going or why I'm leaving. Some things just came up, and, well, I just have to go. You've been the best friend I could ever ask for and it's harder than you can ever imagine saying goodbye. A few tear marks stained the paper at this point. I promise that I'll write and keep in touch with you as often as I can. When I get settled, I'll tell you where I am. I don't plan to go far, just far enough to out of here. You see, I haven't been honest with you about something these past years. I can't explain it now, or ever, probably, but just know, I really wanted to tell you. I'm going to miss you more than you can imagine. I've left money for the rent for this month and next, until you're able to find a new roommate. But hey, you're a very likeable person and I know you'll be able to find someone to move in with you in no time. You've been like the sister I always wanted. I love you.
Love always,
Ginny Weasley
P.S. Tell Jeff I said good-bye and that I'll miss him. Hey, maybe he can move in with you…Only joking. But no, seriously, consider it. Then again, that would put Sean out…Maybe that's not such a good idea.
Finishing her letter, Ginny wiped the last few tears from her eyes and sealed it in an envelope. She placed the letter on her desk and went to her bed. Making the bed look nice and neat, she placed the letter on her pillow. She moved to her trunk next, grabbing a simple tank top and some shorts and putting them on. She threw her towel back in the bathroom and sat at her desk again, looking at her watch. Five fifteen, she thought to herself, perfect. That'll give me enough time to write Sean a letter.
Pulling out the pad of paper and pen again, she sat down, thinking about what to write to him. Finally, as she wrote the first line (Dear Sean, how original), a knock came at her door. What the? She thought to herself. She wasn't expecting anyone. No one came over at this time unless they were going surfing, which they hadn't planned on. Walking to her door, she opened it a crack only to see Sean staring at her through the small opening.
"Ginny?" He asked quietly. "Are you ready to go?"
"Ready to go where?" She replied shakily, afraid that he knew of her plans to run away.
"Surfing. Ralph called last night and said that you had called and wanted to go this morning. I thought I'd walk down with you." He tried to push the door open a little more, but Ginny's weight was firmly holding it still. "Are you not dressed or something?"
"No…" She thought for a moment. Why would Ralph tell Sean that she wanted to go surfing? He knew what I was planning and was trying to stop it, that's why. Ginny thought bitterly to herself. Great, now I've got to tell Sean in person. This is very difficult. "Sean, come in here, we need to talk."
"Talk about what?" He asked slowly, afraid of what she might have to say. When she opened the door enough to let him in, he walked in carefully, looking around. The room was very…clean. Usually Ginny left at least a few articles of clothing on the floor. And she never made her bed. Looking at her desk, she saw the pad of paper with the pen placed upon it. Glancing at it, he saw the words Dear Sean written. Oh no…He thought to himself. She's breaking up with me. Here we go….
She took his hands and set him in her desk seat while sat on the edge of her bed facing him.
"I'm leaving." She blurted out. Not exactly how she wanted him to find out, but it would have to do.
"Leaving?" He repeated, as if trying out the words on his tongue. Obviously he didn't like the taste because he had a strange look on his face. "Umm, okay…where? Why? For how long?"
"I don't know, I can't really explain, and, probably forever." She gave a sigh put her head in her hands.
"Ginny, what's going on here?" You just decided out of the blue that you were sick of living here and want to go home? Can't it wait a little longer? Please."
"I'm not going home. Anywhere but home. I can't really explain. I mean, I could, but words don't seem to come out very easily these days. I'm not going too far. Maybe Los Angeles or San Diego. But things are just getting too…well, confusing here. There are some complications that I can't really explain. But I want you to know that I am truly, deeply sorry and I care for you so much that it hurts."
"If you care for me, why are you leaving? Ginny, whatever it is, you can work it out. We'll work it out together. Let me come with you. I love you."
"What did you say?" They had both known that they loved each other for a long time, but neither of them had yet said it to the other.
"I said I love you. And I can't let you go. Not without a fight. I'm coming with you."
"No…Sean, no. You can't come with me. Everything you have is here. You can't leave Jeff or this town or your job. It's just not that simple."
"I can't leave Jeff this town or my job, but you can? You've got Carolyn, your job at the diner, and you love surfing. Where else are you going to find a secret spot like we have for surfing?"
"Look, it's complicated. I told you that. Please…don't make it harder than it already is."
"I just don't understand, Gin. Just talk to me." As soon as he said Gin, memories started flooding back. Harry always used that name on her. She thought of him which led to thinking of her family and Hermione which almost led her to tears again.
"I…can't. I'm sorry, Sean. I do love you, though." She stood up slowly and was about to grab her trunk and walk out of the door forever when Sean grabbed her hand.
"I'm not letting you go without a fight." He pulled her so close to him that she could count the freckles on his nose. She could see the desperation in his eyes and the need. He brought his head down to hers and pressed their lips together. Ginny didn't even try to resist. She kissed him back with more feeling than she even knew she had. When they finally separated, Sean would not let go. "I'm not letting you leave. Not without me."
"Fine." Was all Ginny could manage. Besides, she thought to herself, it'd be nice to have him around. I'll never be able to find someone like him anywhere else.
Sean smiled and kissed her quickly once more. "Good. Give me an hour. I need to change out of my surfing clothes, take a quick shower and tell Jeff what I'm doing."
Ginny nodded in reply. She was short of words at the moment and did not know what to think or say anymore. She walked Sean out the door and the moment he was out, she closed it, and fell against it, sinking down to her knees. What are you getting yourself into? She knew there was one place she had to go first. Without Sean. Standing up, she walked back into her room and opened her trunk. She grabbed the camisole with her wand wrapped in it and pulled out the wand slowly. She felt the familiar vibration coming from it. She thought clearly and carefully and closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she was standing in the lobby of St. Mungo's. She gave a large sigh and headed toward the front desk. She knew the place very well after working there for two years. She only hoped that she wouldn't run into anyone that she recognized. Good She thought to herself as she arrived at the front desk, I don't know this woman.
"Excuse me; I'm here to visit Hermione Granger." Ginny said, trying to keep her voice steady.
The witch, chewing a piece of gum very obnoxiously, didn't even look up to her. Consulting a list in front of her, she smacked the gum one more time before telling her the floor and room number. Ginny thanked her and headed off towards the staircase.
Reaching her desired floor, Ginny walked down the long, familiar corridor and stopped when she reached Hermione's door. She took a deep breath and entered. Thank goodness! Empty. She saw Hermione lying motionless in the bed at the end of the broom. Swallowing hard, she made her way to the bed. She stared at Hermione's lifeless body for a full five minutes before taking her hand and talking to her.
"Hey Hermione…" She said nervously. She was a firm believer that people in a coma could hear what people were saying to them and she had always encouraged people to speak to their sick loved ones as often as they could. "It's been a long time. I know, I know, that's my fault. And I know what you would say if you were awake right now 'Ginevra Molly Weasley! How dare you leave your family like this. It's been years now. They're worried sick about you!' Well, I agree. It has been a long time. But you don't understand! It's not easy for me either! I mean, I completely left everything I knew! I haven't even done magic for the past three years until a few minutes ago when I apparated. Let me tell you something, when you haven't done magic for that long, apparating is probably not the best choice of things to do first. I was so worried that I was going to splinch myself!" She chuckled softly at her own stupidity. "Anyways, Hermione, you have to wake up. Ron's probably going insane without you. We need you. I need you. Please, 'Mione, just wake up. I swear I'll never make fun of you or call you a bookworm know-it-all again." Ginny wasn't aware of the tears that were slowly sliding down her face. She squeezed her hand tightly and placed her head on Hermione's stomach. "I need you to wake up. I know I haven't seen you in a long time, but it's not easy trying to move on and knowing what's happened to you."
At that moment Ginny felt a small squeeze returned to her hand. She sat bolt up and saw Hermione's eyes flicker open and closed again. "'Mione? Are you awake?" Hermione was motionless again, but Ginny had sworn what she saw and felt was real. Hermione had woken up. Maybe just briefly, but that was the hope she needed. She smiled in relief, knowing that her coming back had probably awoken something subconsciously in Hermione's mind. Ginny stood up as the door opened. Oh no! Ginny quickly ran to the curtain where another occupant would have their bed had their been one and hid in it. Ron was walking in slowly with coffee in his hand. He had obviously been visiting with her and had just left to get a drink when Ginny came in. Wow, that was good timing she thought. But now she was stuck. She couldn't let Ron know she was there or he'd never let her leave. Or worse, he'd be angry with her. She thought quickly about how to make her escape when a small scream escaped from Ron's lips. At first he thought he'd seen her and that's what caused it, but when she peaked slightly, she saw that he was looking at Hermione's bed. Her eyes were open. Oh…my…gosh…Ginny almost said out loud. I wasn't dreaming it. She really is awake! Ron ran out the door and started yelling for a healer to come quickly. Ginny took her chance and bolted out the door, heading the opposite direction, careful to keep her hair hidden.
When she made it to the lobby, she apparated back to her house, panting slightly. She couldn't believe what had just happened. What if Hermione knew she had been there and told Ron? She was slightly worried, but at the same time, she was relieved to have made it out of there without being caught.
Just as her breathing returned to normal and her heartbeat went down, Sean knocked on her door. She opened it to let him in. he was standing there, a suitcase on the porch, his face very solemn looking.
"Are you ready?" he asked, trying to make it seem like the answer to this question wasn't going to drastically change both of their lives forever.
"Yes." Ginny answered, trying to sound confident, but knowing that she was failing miserably. "Let's go."
Sean went into her room, grabbed her trunk, loaded it into her jeep before loading his own. He took the keys from her, insisting that he needed to drive because she looked too distracted. "You'll get us killed before we get anywhere!" She protested. She couldn't argue, so she handed him the keys.
"Well…that's everything. Let's go."
And with that, he started the engine, left the driveway, drove down the street, and out of Long Beach.
Authors Notes: I know it wasn't the longest of chapters, but hey, it's an update nonetheless, is it not? Hopefully if I can get some good reviews I'll keep writing!
Please Read and Review, I'd love to hear what you think of it. Questions, comments, criticisms, good Harry Potter related jokes (sorry…history teachers favorite saying). Anyways, I hope you guys liked it.
Please, if you're not already, check out I'm in Gryffindor. It's a cute little Humor/Romance fic. Hermione/Draco. I know, I hate the idea of them together, but it's fun to write about.
Anyways, R&R. Thanks. I love you guys. You're amazing
