October 31st, 2002
The Chamber
Trauma, Ginny realized, never really leaves you. Even when you try to bury it deep and forget about it.
No, it will always find its way to surface. In your dreams, from your memories. She supposed it was ironic that she faced it head on, then.
The diary lay a few feet away from her, the pages curling into themselves as it set ablaze. She could still hear the faint echoes - his faint echoes and screams. The distinct suffering of it reminded her of her First Year.
She was just so tired.
For once, she felt like she'd be able to sleep - not worry about nightmares or recurring memories reviving themselves behind her eyelids.
She could rest.
The stone floor around her was cold - and wet - but that truly didn't bother her. Her eyes were blurry - from exhaustion or unwanted tears, she wasn't sure, and so she let her eyelids fall close as she laid her head back against the cold floor.
Yes, she could release the worry, the fear and just let go.
Everyone was safe, at least.
Tom was gone, for good.
Her hands felt numb where she laid them to rest beside her hips, her fingertips chilled from the air of the Chamber.
Opposingly, it made her think of the heat from Harry's touch. How she'd felt like she could never be cold again. How it had set her on fire and staved off the cold pitch of loneliness.
She'd have regrets, that she was sure of. She should've said something more to Harry. Should've spoken to Sirius, or her mum and dad. Maybe should've left a letter, or a note, or something to warn them.
But there'd been no time. No time to second-guess.
There was the sound of water rushing from somewhere - she was just too damn tired to open her eyes again - but no other sounds. No other whispers, or sighs, or witty murmurs.
It was quiet. Peaceful.
Perhaps she could let go of the trauma. The past. Now that it was over, it was done.
She'd have regrets, yes, but at least she'd done what she could.