AN: Once again, best read in the second font option (serif) under 1/2 page setting. Enjoy.
Ginny gulped, staring at the words in the piece of parchment she held in her hands. She blinked back tears as her daughter gripped onto her arm. The silence felt prolonged, eerie almost. It was as if she knew how he felt - how, she had no idea. Clutching the papers to her chest, she brought herself to her feet and staggered from the room, searching the echoing carcass of a building for her husband.
"Harry," she called several times, stepping through doorways and hallways in her search. Eventually, she shoved open the door to the kitchen and was met with a smile. She tossed the letters down on the table and wrapped her arms tightly around him. She couldn't lose him, not like that. It was her worst fear, losing them. Her family. She tightened her embrace and then released him, his head turning to the pile of parchment.
"Where did you find these?" he queried, sifting through them slowly.
"Lily," Ginny began "she managed to work free a floorboard in his old room."
He sat himself back at the table, pushing aside a two day old Daily Prophet and reading over the first letter, before turning quickly to the second. Once more, Ginny breathed in and began to read aloud, hand gripping his tightly under the table.
Spring 1982
Dear Marlene,
I still miss you. I remember all the days we spent together, every single one of them. Do you? I'm sure you do. How could you ever forget them? The days laid in bed with you in my arms, avoiding homework and study. I remember saying "please, don't ever leave" and you promised. But you broke that promise. We made plans to be together. We were going to be together forever, Marlene. Do you remember?
I know you're gone now, I know. But it stills feels as if you're here, some days. Still here, safe in my arms. Nothing could harm you in my arms, I would never let that happen. I don't know why you left me that day. I can't remember what your reasoning for going to visit your mother and father was. I do know it ended in me losing you forever. I should have just let you go before. I should have continued to hate you for years, it would have been so much easier. I wouldn't be haunted by the memory of you.
I wouldn't be haunted by the memory of us.
Padfoot.