They were all used to this, it had happened before in his previous years at Hogwarts and even in the past few weeks this year. They all assumed it was another bogus article in the Daily Prophet. One article that Harry loved to bring up was about how Ginny was an animagus and she could turn into a fox. When Harry had read that bit, he had laughed out loud and agreed, with a suggestive eyebrow waggle towards Ginny, that she 'certainly could turn into a fox when she wanted to.' This had received a glare from Ron, and raised eyebrows of fellow classmates sitting around them.
They sat down, all expecting another petty article but instead were greeted with an article titled, 'Voldemort... Back?' Ever since his demise, most people had started calling the, now gone Dark Lord, Voldemort.
The four all looked at each other, amused, they all knew he could never come back. They began to read;
'Is Voldemort, the former wizard who nearly took over the Wizarding world, back? Many believe that he could never return, but, is it really true? Most wizards believed he was gone those seventeen years ago, but he came back. He could most certainly rise again.
Many Ministry of Magic officials believe that if he were to come back, he would go after Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived-And-Lived-And-Lived-And-Lived, and anyone and everyone who associated with him. This would include girlfriend, Ginny Weasley, and friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. As a matter of fact, the whole Weasley family would be in danger.'
They all looked up at each other at this part. Harry gave a weak smile, and they all skipped to the end of the article.
'Would Potter, our savior, be able to fight Him off again? Would anyone Mr. Potter knew, be safe? Is Harry Potter really someone you want to know? I, Elescius Bullip, certainly want nothing to do with our supposed savior.'
"Complete rubbish, just like all the others," Hermione said, shaking her head, throwing the newspaper to the side. "All those reporters are complete nutters." Ginny rolled her eyes at the article, and Ron shook his head in annoyance.
Harry once again, smiled weakly, and added, "Yeah... complete... rubbish."
Harry was quiet for the rest of the meal, while the other three friends talked. He knew Voldemort could never come back, he knew that was rubbish. But, what bothered him was the part of the article where it said that Ginny, Hermione, Ron and all the other people he knew would all be in danger because of him. He hated to think that just because of him, the people he loved could be gone from him forever.
-----
She awoke with a start. She heard someone moaning and movements that sounded like someone was in pain. It was coming from Harry's room.
Ginny had been up late looking over her Defense Against the Dark Arts homework she had gotten a few days before, and had fallen asleep on top of her books. She got out from under the covers and books and tip toed (even though there was no reason to be quiet) over to her door that led to the common room. Her door creaked as she came out of her room. The only light in the common room was of the glowing embers in the fireplace. She, again, tip toed over to Harry's door and knocked. There was no answer, but she continued to hear the noises she had heard before.
She began to get worried, and so she pushed the door open and was surprised at Harry's sleeping form on ... He's coming... Don't go! ...can't lose you... love you..."
Ginny rushed over to his bed. She knew who he was having a nightmare about. It was Voldemort. She said Harry's name. He did not wake up, however.
He was wrapped up in his sheets now, and was crying and panting. "No! Kill me... Leave her alone... no... stop... No!"
He was sobbing now and Ginny had grabbed his shoulder and was saying his name loudly.
"Harry!" She shook him, "Harry!" He awoke at the sound of her loud voice, and looked at her. Sweat was all over his face and bare chest.
"Ginny," he breathed. He started sobbing again, and attempted to wipe the hair away from his eyes, but he just rested his head back down instead.
She got on his bed and sat next to him, and said, concern evident in her voice, "Harry, it was just a dream," she was stroking his head and wiping the hair off his brow and whispered soothingly, "It's okay, Harry. I'm here." After a few minutes Harry began to calm down and he just lay there on the bed, while Ginny was stroking his forehead. He suddenly whipped off the bed sheets, revealing the flannel pajama pants he was wearing, and got up.
He began to pace around the room. "Harry..." Ginny began softly.
"Shit," Harry said, while running a hand through his hair. "God, I should be over this by now." He squatted down and put his face in his hands.
"Harry..." Ginny said again, getting off the bed.
"Leave me alone," He whispered. She knew she couldn't do that. He needed her right now. "God," he stood up, "I have to get out of here." He walked towards the door.
"Harry, no..." Once again, she didn't finish.
He turned towards her. He wasn't crying, yet Ginny thought it would be easier if he did. The tone of voice he was using, the sad, anguished voice, was worse than seeing him cry. It scared her.
"I-I just want this all to stop..." Harry ran a hand through his hair once again, and swallowed. "I want to walk out of here, and just┘ just disappear." He motioned towards the door, "I just want all of this to go away." He began to walk out but Ginny rushed towards him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
He didn't hug her back however, "Please... just let go," he said in a pained voice, filled with emotion.
"No," Ginny said to him, "No, I'm not going to let go. I'll never let go." He wrapped his arms around her waist and started to cry again, this time onto her shoulder. She rubbed his back, and was whispering soothing words into his ear.
They stood like that for awhile, just standing there, Harry crying, and Ginny comforting him. After a few moments, Harry whispered, "Ginny, can you sleep with me tonight... in my bed... with me?"
"Of course, Harry..." Ginny pulled him to the bed and he got onto it. She pulled the covers over him and she got on as well. When she laid down, he put his arm around her waist, holding her close.
"I love you," they both whispered and they fell asleep, holding each other close, because they would never let each other go.