A/N: This is the second in a series of one-shots that are attempting to "fill the gaps" in the HG ship. I don't want to change canon whatsoever, rather I want to take what J.K.R. gave us and embellish; add anecdotes where they could feasibly be and build a more substantial and believable connection between Harry and Ginny. This is only my second published fanfiction after years of lurking, so please no flames!
Cover image borrowed with respect from the talented and amazing Burdge. Please see the link in my bio for more artwork by this incredible individual.
And, as always, none of it is mine; it all belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Harry and Ron hurried down the corridor, running a bit late as Ron had helped himself to second and thirds of breakfast that morning. Hermione had given up waiting for them, dramatically flouncing away and muttering to herself about Ron's voracious eating habits.
"I don't see what her problem is; a man's got to eat." Ron said in his defense.
"Yeah, well most men stop at their fourth or fifth biscuit."
Up ahead, Harry saw the unmistakable flash of brilliant red that he had come to associate with Ginny Weasley. Ginny still hadn't managed to make eye contact with him since the incident in the Chamber last year. He knew she was just embarrassed, but it still didn't ease the tension he felt in her presence. Hoping to avoid meeting, he minutely slowed his pace.
"There's that nasty old bag of bones and his nasty cat," whispered Ron.
Harry glanced up in time to see Filch and Mrs. Norris turn the corner. He watched as Filch ran into Ginny, intentionally causing her to fall and scatter her things. Beside him Ron bristled.
"Slimy git. He did that on purpose." Ron hurried to catch up to Ginny.
"Watch yourself! It's easy to get hurt in these halls." Filch snarled menacingly at her.
Harry's hands clenched into fists.
Ron bucked up, lifting his chin and stepping closer to Filch.
"Leave her alone you!" Ron said.
Mrs. Norris hissed but Filch just smiled, showing a mouthful of grey and rotting teeth. He backed away slowly, then turned, leaving the three of them alone.
"He's probably just messing with you on account of last year, Gin." Ron said to her, leaning down to help her.
It was then that Harry remembered that Mrs. Norris had been one of the petrified victims of the basilisk and, of course, a possessed Ginny.
On the floor, Ginny was scrambling to pick her things up, stuffing them in her bag hurriedly.
"Ginny?" Harry asked softly.
Her head shot up. Harry was dismayed to see how pale she was beneath the dusting of freckles across her face.
"He's just a creepy old bloke. Don't let him get to you, Gin-gin." Ron gently assured his sister, handing her a text she had dropped. This was the most affectionate and brotherly Harry had ever seen him. Blinking at the exchange, Harry made a mental note to tell Hermione later.
Where Ginny's face had been ghostly pale before, it suddenly turned red.
"Don't call me that! And I don't need your help! I can defend myself!" Ginny said, grabbing the last of her things and rushing off.
"That's what I get for being a good brother. I tell ya, Harry, it's a thankless job." Said Ron, a bewildered look on his face.
"Yeah." Harry said. He felt a knot form in his chest, tightening painfully as he watched the small figure disappear.