True Colours (standard:romance, 15081 words)
Author: Gryfinndor_Girl	Added: Aug 13 2002	Views/Reads: 3459/3049	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
The third part in the Ginny and Harry series...The nightmares are returning for Ginny, and Harry is unaware. Meanwhile, Ron starts to become aware of the closeness between his best friend and his sister.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

those two started on at each other” he told me, sighing deeply, 
apparently they must have been going on for some time. 

I started laughing when Ron began to wave his arms around wildly,
missing Hermione by inches. I really think those two love to hate each 
other, they're never satisfied without at least one argument a day. I 
caught sight of Harry, staring at me with a kind of distracted look on 
his face, and raised my eyebrows questioningly at him, apparently he 
didn't notice, so I turned back to Ron and Hermione's conversation. 

“Muggle music's definitely better” I told them, which instantly shut
them up, and they both stared at me for completely different reasons. 

“Gin, your supposed to be on my side” said Ron incredulously. 

“Why? Anyway I'm right. Wizarding songs are always about stupid things
like curses going wrong or broken wands, they're pointless. Look at 
Uncle Bert's favourite: ‘I didn't have these horns last night', it just 
proves my point” I said smirking, remembering Christmas gathering where 
we were all treated to his various renditions, getting more and more 
unique as he drank more Butterbeer XXX. 

Both Hermione and Harry burst out laughing, and even Ron managed to
crack a smile, probably at the memories we'd been inflicted with. Harry 
was looking at me in wonder and Hermione was contenting herself by 
sticking a tongue out at Ron. 

“What's bought on this sudden interest in music?” I asked when the
laughter died down. 

“Well Harry was just asking about Magical Arts class after he saw you
tonight” said Hermione simply. 

I felt my insides curl up in horror, Harry had seen me? He'd seen me
singing that song as well. I gave an inward groan and quickly replaced 
my frown with a brittle smile. 

“You saw me singing?” I managed to choke out. 

“Not really, just noticed you in the choir as I walked past” he told me,
with an assuring smile. 

My heart soared, he hadn't seen me after all, thank God. However, the
butterflies remained and I suddenly felt a little sick. 

“Oh right...anyway I better go to bed, I'm so tired” I said, rushing out
of the Common Room before everyone could even say goodnight. 

I raced up the stairs and climbed into my bed hurriedly, trying to get
rid of the funny feeling I was having. I pulled the curtains around me, 
and lit my wand, pulling my diary from under my pillow. So much had 
happened in such a short space of time that I hadn't had chance to get 
all these thoughts and feelings down onto paper. I cursed myself 
silently and opened it up getting ready to begin, feeling like I'd not 
done my homework, as if I'd get a serious reprimand if I hadn't 
completed it. 

I brushed aside my stupid thoughts and took a deep breath...where to
begin? 

Dear Diary 

I woke up this morning and thought to myself, I love my life. It's only
been a week since that night that Harry told me exactly what he thought 
of me, and I can still remember exactly what he said – word for word. 
The entire scene is imprinted in my mind, just so I can keep it a 
treasure it for the rest of my life. 

“You're the most beautiful, smartest, funniest person I know” 

I woke up the next morning, thinking I'd been in some kind of wonderful
dream, until I got down to the Great Hall, where Harry was waiting for 
me, smile on his face. He even pushed Hermione across just so I could 
sit next to him. I keep telling myself, this can't be happening. But it 
is! And I want to sing it from the rooftops, scream it in the common 
room, tell the whole world that Harry Potter looked at me and saw just 
me for who I was, and smiled at me how I wished a million times he 
would. 

We talk for hours in the common room late at night when everyone else
has gone to bed, about meaningless stuff basically, just doing it 
because we can, about what we want to do when we leave Hogwarts, where 
we'll be in ten years time and more importantly just how far the 
Chudley Cannons will get in this years league. I'm afraid I've been 
spending too much time around Ron. 

Talking about Ron, he seems to have noticed I talk to Harry more, which
I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. It's good because he 
can slowly get used to the idea that Harry and me...Harry and me are 
what? I don't even know. We haven't said anything about what happened 
in my dorm last week, and I'm totally confused. I've been so caught up 
with the smiles and the conversations that I don't even know what's 
going on. 

Hermione's smart, and she can tell something happening, but I don't
really know just how much she knows. She's known about my ‘crush' on 
Harry for years, almost everyone has, but she's the only one I really 
confide in. Is she smart enough to see the looks we've been giving each 
other, or is she to caught up in the her own love life to notice? I'm 
going to pray that she hasn't, I don't really know what to do, maybe I 
should ask Harry about it, or maybe I should...I don't know. Let's just 
see what happens. 

I said before my life is perfect, I think that was a bit
over-enthusiastic. I still live in a dorm with the bimbos, and they're 
still giving me a hard time. The giggle every time they see Harry 
around, make snide comments when were alone, they're the only things 
ruining my almost perfect life. But again I don't know what to do about 
them, all I can do is hold my head up high, and shrug it off. 

I heard somebody say once, that as soon as one part of your life takes a
turn for the best, another part starts to go horribly wrong. Not only 
do I now have to put up with even more taunting from the girls, but 
also my nightmares have started again. I thought I'd put everything 
behind me this summer, abut the Chamber of Secrets, but now my nights 
are plagued by nightmares of Tom and Harry again. I'm terrified of 
loosing him again. Like I thought I had at the end of last term and my 
subconscious seems to be picking up on this. 

Gosh, look how much I've written, my hand is practically cramped. I
don't know why I bother with this diary. The whole reason I bought it 
was to deal with stuff that I've dealt with now. But it's a force of 
habit and I can't imagine not writing to you now. I better sign off. 

Love Ginny. 

I carefully placed my diary underneath my pillow, shortly followed by my
muggle pen. For everything the wizarding world has to offer, you still 
can't beat a little bit of muggle technology I thought to myself 
smugly. I quietly turned over in bed and contemplated the next few 
weeks ahead. I had lessons to do, homework to complete and a life to 
live and there just didn't seem enough time in the day. 

I sighed carefully, and closed my eyes tight and prayed that sweet
dreams would follow instead of the nightmares I knew deep down that 
would. 

* 

I was walking down a cold and empty corridor, listening to my footsteps
echo eerily off the stone walls. I was casually swinging something from 
one hand, and I seemed to be heading with a purposeful air to a small 
door at the end of the corridor. 

“Ginny, come to me” whispered a voice across the air, which whipped
around my face and blew my hair in front of my eyes. 

“I'm coming to you...” I called back, smiling slightly as I eagerly
waited to see the person behind the door. 

I reached out with my free hand and swung open the door, walking past
the lines of broken stalls, striding across the damp floor. I paused 
next to a cracked mirror and waited next to the chipped stone basin, 
which suddenly sunk became an open tunnel. 

A moment later I was in another room, which was also dark and eerie, but
I smiled confidently as I walked past the accusing stares of the 
carved, writhing walls. I saw a figure loom out of the darkness, arms 
open wide as he waited for me. He coal hair was nearly lost in the 
gloom, but I could see his eyes glittering in the dark. 

“I've been waiting for you, I've missed you Ginny” he whispered, his
cold breath tickling my ear as he hugged me. 

“I've missed you too” I murmured. 

“You're my most special, most favorite friend. We'll always be
together...I'll follow you into heaven” he said softly. 

“I know you will” 

“You're my most special, most loyal friend” he repeated, “I love you” 

“I love you too Tom” I whispered, smiling giddily as I handed him a
rooster that hung limply from my hand, molting feathers across the 
floor. 

“We'll be together, forever Ginny. Just you and me” he whispered and his
voice began echoing off the walls until I was surrounded by his sweet, 
loving voice. 

“Together forever...just you and me...most loyal...just you and me” 

I gasped, sitting bolt upright in my bed, shaking as I reached for my
wand and cast a warm soothing light around my bed. Just a dream, I 
thought myself, it was just a dream. But I couldn't help swallowing 
against the nausea that threatened to overwhelm me. My nightmares had 
taken a frightening new turn. Instead of the horror of the Chamber, or 
the disappearance of Harry or the death of family members, now I was in 
the Chamber, but perfectly contented with what was happening, even 
happy about it. How could that be? 

I tried to calm my racing heart, and force myself to try and fall
asleep, but all I could think about was what would happen if I did fall 
asleep, would he be there waiting for me? Ready to hug me, and whisper 
sweet nothings in my ear. I shuddered violently and staggered out of 
bed, vowing to myself not to go back to sleep again tonight. I paced 
the room anxiously, and finally decided to head down to the common 
room, seeking the warmth of the fire and the familiar surroundings. 

I crept out of the dorm and headed down the stairs, settling myself in
front of the dying embers. I felt a pang of sadness when I realized 
Harry wasn't down tonight. He wouldn't be able to hug me, or joke and 
laugh with me and make everything all right. 

For a few seconds contemplated going and waking him up, but sensibly I
decided I would just have to deal with it myself. I forced my drooping 
eyes open and engaged in short bursts of exercise to try and keep me 
awake. I sat in the comfy sofa by the fire again and watched as the 
first rays of bleak sunlight poked through the clouds over the 
mountains in the distance. My eyelids were drooping again and I closed 
them gratefully, just for a quick rest. I'll just close them for a rest 
then I'll get up I told myself, as my head dropped onto arm couch. I'll 
move my head in a second I told myself, I'll just leave it there for a 
rest. Just a quick rest I promised... 

“Ginny!” came a voice in my ear, accompanied by a gentle shake. 

I muttered something incoherent and buried my face deeper into my
blankets. Not blankets I told myself as I peeked through slitted eyes 
at the red material of the couch arm. Couch? I asked myself opening my 
eyes further to take in my surroundings. In my limited range of vision 
I could see the shapes of a table, a set of chairs and a fire swim into 
view, suddenly followed by a pair of brown eyes. 

“Ginny, come on get up” said the voice belonging to the eyes trying to
pull me up. 

“'ermione?” I muttered as I was bought to an unsteady sitting position. 

My back ached something terrible and my shoulder was numb from where I
had been lying on it. I looked around the common room again, which was 
bathed in morning sun. Morning? I asked myself frantically as I checked 
the clock above the fire. 

“Its 8:30!” I said, jumping to my feet unsteadily. 

“Yeah, I'm just about to go down to breakfast” explained Hermione,
“Ginny, what were you doing sleeping down here?” 

I busied myself straightening my old school robe I was wearing, deciding
whether or not to tell her about the dream. The dream, that was the 
reason I was down here in the first place, the one where Tom said all 
those things to me and I... 

“Ginny are you ok? You look a little pale” Hermione said, derailing my
train of thought. 

I put on a bright smile and looked over to Hermione, who was staring at
me thoughtfully. It always worried me when she did that, you always got 
the feeling she managed to work out what was happening from the 
slightest little signs. It was like she was working you out logically, 
processing your movements and analyzing everything you said, and coming 
to some sort of conclusion. All very scientific, all very logical, all 
very Hermione. 

“Ginny?” she prompted me, breaking me from my reverie again, with a
worried frown on her face this time. 

“What?” I asked, not sure of how much of what she had been saying I was
taking in. 

“I said are you all right? You seem a little preoccupied, is something
wrong?” 

“No, nothings wrong” I said hastily, which earned me a dubious look,
“Seriously, I'm just aching from sleeping on the couch” 

“And why were you sleeping on the couch?” I heard Hermione say
distantly, but then two people who had just walked down into the common 
room had captured my full attention. 

I felt a small smile tug at my lips as Harry shot me a grin, closely
followed by Ron who was looking grumpy. 

“Good morning” said Harry cheerfully, before shooting Ron an annoyed
glance. 

“G'morning” grunted Ron. 

“Is it? You wouldn't believe it looking at your face” Hermione said
under her breath. 

Ron looked around darkly from under his eyebrows and Hermione held her
nose high n the air in a way that said, I'm not going to apologize till 
he apologizes. 

“Right” I interrupted quickly, seeing another argument brewing on the
horizon, “Well, now we've established it is, contrary to popular 
belief, a good morning, can we now proceed to the Great Hall in an 
orderly fashion?” 

Hermione turned and looked at me, torn between amusement and concern
over my annoyed comment. She lifted her eyebrows at me and opened her 
mouth as if she was going to speak. I could almost hear what she was 
going to say, and was glad when Harry spoke first. 

“Great Hall it is then” said Harry, giving Ron a shove towards the
portrait before hoisting his bag onto his shoulder and following. 

Hermione trotted up to Ron and I could see from my position at the back
that they were both hurrying along the corridor in complete silence, in 
a kind of race to see who could beat the other to some secret finishing 
place. Harry was following a few paces behind, occasionally sighing in 
a resigned manner and rolling his eyes over what the other two seemed 
to be arguing about this time. 

“Oh, I haven't got my school bag, I've got to go get it” I said suddenly
after we had just walked down the corridor from the portrait. 

“Yeah, that's probably because you-“ started Hermione before I cut in
quickly. 

“...Would forget your own head if it wasn't screwed on Ginny Weasley,
yes I know. I've got to go back” 

I ignored another one Hermione's analyzing stares and made to go back. 

“I'll wait for you” said Harry casually, leaning against the stone wall
and I tried desperately to ignore Hermione's arching eyebrows. 

Ron didn't seem to be in to much hurry to be stopping Harry, and merely
trudged off down the corridor, shortly followed by a flustered looking 
Hermione. Harry gave Ron's retreating back one last grimace before he 
followed me down the corridor. 

“So, what was all that about?” I asked Harry as we went through the
portrait hole. 

“All what?” he said innocently. 

“All that stuff with Ron” I said, rolling my eyes. 

“Oh that, he's just being his usual, charming self” he said lightly. 

I gave a snigger before we walked up the stairs to my dorm. Harry sat on
my bed and watched with a bemused smile as I rooted round for textbooks 
and hastily shoved them in my bag, which had been hiding under my bed. 
I hoped he wouldn't comment on my organization as I searched the entire 
contents of the girl's dorm for my quills I was sure I'd had up here 
last night. 

“Looking for this?” asked Harry eventually, twirling the feather between
his fingers. 

“How long have you had that?” I asked as I snatched it out of his hand. 

“Not very long” he said laughing at me. 

I shoved everything in my bag, and walked over to the sink next to my
bed. I looked at my pale reflection and noticed that I had two faint 
areas of black under my eyes. I'm 14 years old and I have bags under my 
eyes, I thought moodily as I scraped my hair back and shoved it into a 
scruffy ponytail. 

“Come on, we better go, or we'll miss breakfast” I said glancing at the
watch on Harry's hand. 

We hurried down the stairs but I was soon lagging behind Harry's fast
pace, which had picked up at the mere mention of maybe missing eating. 
I was tired. I must have only got in two hours of sleep before Hermione 
woke me up, seeing as I watched dawn break over the mountains and I 
just wanted to fall asleep there and then. Harry slowed his pace 
slightly looking at me every now and again to check I was still there 
until we reached the Great Hall. It was nearly full, and a few last 
minute stragglers followed us into the hall. 

I fell into my seat and took a long swig of my drink as Harry began
hastily eating his bacon. Ron was still scowling and viciously stabbing 
his breakfast with his fork. Hermione, as I thought, was not speaking 
to Ron and now joined Harry in casting him annoyed glances. They must 
have had another argument I realized as I slowly chewed my banana. 

* 

Whatever the argument was about between Ron and Hermione, it was quickly
resolved and forgotten like every other one of them, and life in the 
castle returned to whatever passed for normalcy. My Magical Arts 
classes seemed to be completely singing orientated for the past few 
weeks, and the Professor hinted that it had something to do with a 
project coming up, with I found highly ominous. 

We had been dismissed and I made my usual hurried trek back to the
Common Room. Again I felt the horrible feeling like someone was 
watching me, but I forced myself to walk slowly back, there was nothing 
to be afraid of, everyone knows Hogwarts is the safest place to be, 
no-one can get in here. Ah, said a nasty voice inside my head, they 
don't have to get in, what if they're already inside? Who can protect 
you from the people that are already inside the building? Look at 
Sirius Black, he managed to get in, and he's never been caught, look at 
Tom... 

I looked around me quickly, as if daring to think his name would
suddenly make him reappear from the shadows. I'm over this, I told 
myself, Tom doesn't exist anymore, you told Harry you were over this, 
forget it. I put on a smile and walked down the corridor purposefully, 
see nothings here, nothings wrong I thought to myself, looking around 
me. 

What I saw made me drop my books, it's only a corridor, I told my
thumping heart. It may not be just any corridor, but it's still a 
corridor. I peered through the gloom as I picked up my books, vividly 
remembering the words scrawled across the wall in that red paint. 
Remembering what it felt like to wake up and find red paint on your 
hands and not remembering where you might have got it from, until you 
saw the wall. 

Screw this my brain screamed as I practically ran the rest of the way to
the common room, again, seating myself at the table with the others, 
again. Is this going to become some sort of a ritual? Me running around 
the corridors like a headless chicken, hiding behind the others every 
night? 

I pulled out my homework, and leaned over it, trying to focus my now
heavy eyes on the words that were swimming in and out of focus in front 
of me. I rubbed my face irritably, cursing my skin for being so pale, 
and for the black circles under my eyes growing. 

The nightmares were becoming more frequent again, and I refused to fall
asleep after each one, so ended up reading for most of the night, or 
staring into the common room fire, trying to forget. I saw Harry give 
me a sidelong glance as I placed my chin in my hands. He frowned 
worriedly but didn't say anything, and I felt my eyes drooping but this 
time I didn't feel like opening them, and started to feel myself slip 
into the dream world. 

I heard a few hazy words and was just falling into a deep sleep when I
felt someone shaking my shoulders. I opened my eyes blearily and looked 
around, mumbling something about being left to sleep when I caught 
sight of Ron leaning over me. I sat up and stretched and let Ron guide 
me up the stairs, too tired to object. 

I climbed into bed, not bothering to change and fell into a deep sleep,
dreaming only of the potions essay that I'd only half finished to 
write, instead of psychopathic murders, which can only be a good sign 
right? Hey, what am I saying, this is Snape I'm talking about. 

* 

Dear Diary, 

What am I going to do? I can't go to sleep these days without him being
there, its like he's waiting for me, stalking me in my own head. I 
tried not going to sleep at all, but lack of things to do has meant 
I've always fallen asleep within a few hours. I've tried sleeping 
potions, but they don't stop them, what am I going to do? 

I thought about telling Hermione, or Harry or even Ron, but I just
can't. What do I say? “Hey Harry, you know how I told you I was 
completely over the Chamber of Secrets thing? Well, I lied. I'm not and 
now I'm too scared to go to sleep in case he's going to be there” 

It sounds stupid from here. 

Hermione told me once that Harry has nightmares, maybe he'd understand?
I don't know, I really don't. Why can't my diary be full of things 
you're supposed to write about? Like boys and clothes and other stupid 
things like that? 

I guess I'm just lucky like that. 

Anyway, I'm going, it's obvious I'm not going to think of a solution
tonight. 

Love Ginny. 

* 

“Your homework is to pick a song to use in the auditions for the
Christmas concert on November the 5th. All students must apply for 
either the play or the choir, and may apply for both understood? Good 
off you go!” shouted Madam Chantuer over the eager babble of the class. 


The floor fell out of my stomach. I couldn't believe it, firstly why did
we need a Christmas concert at all? Secondly why did we have to 
audition for either? Thirdly...I can't think of a thirdly, but those 
two are bad enough. 

“Er Professor, do we have to audition?” I asked timidly when most of the
class had left. 

“Yes of Course Virginia” the Professor told me, looking blankly at me as
if wondering why I wasn't overjoyed. 

Apart from the fact that she had just called me by my full name, I had
big reason to not be happy with what she was saying. 

“But, professor, the thing is, I'm not very good and singing in front of
people” I said meekly. 

“Nonsense Virginia, you have a beautiful voice, it's a beautiful talent.
It would be a crime not to share it. I will be expecting you to be 
auditioning for the lead solo” she said kindly, but her tone made it 
final. 

I had to audition. 

I nodded mutely and trudged out of the classroom, for the first time not
noticing the emptiness of the corridors through the thoughts echoing 
around my head. There's actually a good reason I didn't feel lonely in 
the corridors, and that was because I wasn't. 

“Hey Ginny, in here” came a sweet voice from a classroom from the side. 

I peered through the door curiously, and to my horror saw my three
roommates. Looking particularly menacing tonight. 

“Er, Hi guys” I said slowly as they cornered me in the room, standing
around me like some kind of jury. 

“We were just wondering if you were going to be auditioning for the solo
part?” said Sara, the tallest one sweetly. 

“Er...” was all I managed to stammer, before another started up. 

“Yeah because Sara's going to be entering” said another silkily, as if
this was some kind of threat. 

“Don't think your going to be able to beat her” hissed another. 

“Yeah, if it was a contest between you and me, we all know who would
come out on top” said Sara, followed by high pitched laughter from them 
all. 

I looked around the three, swallowing nervously. I should have stood up
to them, I should have challenged her, I should have told her I was 
auditioning, I should have told her I could win. I should have, but I 
didn't. 

“Well you don't need to worry, I'm not entering” I said, quiet as a
mouse. 

“I didn't think you would. See everyone, she knows when she's beaten.
It's just another one of your failings Weasley” 

I bit my lips, and pleaded with my eyes not to water like that. I knew I
was a failure, I didn't need them to tell me, I couldn't even stand up 
to them. 

“Yeah she's not good enough for the competition, just likes she not good
enough for-“ started one giggling voice, before the door was pushed 
open. 

“-Harry?” I asked incredulously, watching him stride into the room
angrily. 

Just typical, Harry had to be there to see that, now he's know how weak
I was, not even able to stand up to a couple of schoolgirls, ready to 
admit defeat rather than fight. I felt him stand next to me, and I 
looked anywhere but his eyes, knowing what I'd see there. 

“Ginny are you ok?” he asked steadily. 

“I'm fine” I whispered. 

“We were just talking to Ginny about the Christmas concert” said Sara
sweetly, smiling at Harry seductively. 

“I heard” he said dryly. 

I tried to shake the awful thoughts from my head and I looked across to
Harry, who was glaring at the girls with fury written on ever line of 
his face. The look was instantly replaced when he turned to me and held 
out his hand, smiling encouragingly at me. I took it and watched Harry 
give one last glare at the girls before he pulled me towards the door, 
where he paused. 

“And by the way, if I ever hear hat you've said anything to Ginny that I
don't like, you'll be out of Hogwarts faster than you can say 
‘bullying' got it?” 

He pulled me out into the cold, dark corridor and we walked along in
silence. I suddenly became very nervous again, realising that I was 
strolling down the corridor holding hands with Harry Potter, who'd just 
saved me from certain death, again. I gulped nervously, trying to stop 
my hands shaking pathetically. 

“Thank you” I said, blushing furiously. 

“I should have done that a long time ago” He said simply, “So what's all
this about a Christmas concert?” 

“Oh” I said, laughing quietly to myself at the thought, “My Magical Arts
class, Dumbledore's decided to put on a big show with a play and music 
and all that” 

“Sounds cool” he said as we walked towards the library. 

“Definitely not though,” I said frowning, “My teacher wants me to
audition to do a solo” 

He watched me talk and waited for a few moments before he burst out
laughing, I shot him a smirk and slapped him upside the head. 

“Ouch! What was that for?” he asked in mock irritation. 

“That,” I said, trying to sound menacing, “Is for laughing at me” 

“Oohhhh, I'm sorry,” he said laughing even harder, “I didn't know you
were so violent!” 

“I'm a redhead, were notorious it” I said simply, shooting him another
evil grin. 

“And that's your excuse?” 

“Of course” 

Our laughter echoed against the stone walls as we approached the
library, and I sighed happily, he always managed to make me feel 
better, even when I was feeling my worst. However, all mushy thoughts 
were pushed out of my head when I saw us walking towards the library 
where I could see a redhead currently bent over a book. 

“Harry, do you know your still holding my hand?” 

“Yeah” 

“Are you going to let go?” I asked, giggling slightly. 

“Nope” he said innocently. 

“Well I really think you should” I said as he turned towards me looking
slightly hurt. 

“And why's that?” 

“Well, its just I think Ron might rip you limb from limb if he saw you”
I said, pointing across the room to Ron. 

He dropped my hand, as it was a hot coal and I couldn't help but laugh
out loud at his guilty expression, he looked like he'd just been caught 
in Snape's store cupboard or something. 

“Smooth Potter, very smooth” I muttered under my breath, which caused
him to burst out laughing again. 

“What's up with you two?” asked Ron suspiciously as he glanced between
Harry and me. 

“Nothing” I laughed as I sat down next to Ron. 

Harry gave Ron and wary look and walked over towards the bookshelves and
I couldn't help but grin to myself. But the grin was instantly replaced 
when I thought about the impending auditions. Its bad enough having to 
sing in front of a class of 30, what's it going to be like in front of 
a school of 1000 plus teachers? 

“What's wrong Gin?” asked Ron, frowning at the look at my face. 

“I've got to audition for a solo part in a Christmas Concert this year”
I told him quickly, grimacing again. 

“Oh I see, you've got to?” he asked raising an eyebrow. 

“Yeah, it's compulsory, and my teacher want's me to, and I er, have a
bet on with my friend, you know Sara from my dorm, don't know how I 
walked into that one” I lied, pretending to look amused, although the 
fear was probably still visible in my eyes. 

“What are you going to do?” asked Ron, seeing through my mask. 

“I don't know, I suppose I have to audition, but I'm terrified!” I
moaned, putting my face in my hands. 

“Don't worry, we'll think of something” said Ron patting me on my back
assuredly. 

I gave Ron a grateful smile, wondering why he had suddenly become so
sensitive to my feelings before I saw Harry and Hermione walking over. 
Hermione was grinning broadly like she had some huge secret, much like 
she had for the past few days. Harry however, was walking deep in 
thought, which was causing him to screw up his face in intense 
concentration. I watched him approach and stand next to the table 
noticing something like pain in his eyes and silently wondered what 
they had been talking about before Ron spoke up. 

“Are you going to stand there all day?” he asked, noticing Harry had
been standing still for a few minutes. 

I looked across to Harry and noticed him look around in shock to find
himself standing where he was, completely oblivious to what had been 
happening around him. 

“Er, I'm doing my homework” he blurted out. 

He must have been seriously thinking I thought to myself as I burst out
laughing along with Hermione and I watched as Harry floundered around, 
looking for some clue as to what was going on. 

“Well that's brill Harry, really, congratulations” said Ron smiling to
himself. 

“Sorry I didn't quite catch what you said the first time” he said
sheepishly, still standing awkwardly by the table. 

“I just asked you if you were going to be standing there all day” said
Ron cracking a grin, “Honestly Harry, you've been in a really weird 
mood this week” 

Harry gave a false laugh and I choked on my own, looking to him
anxiously. Why had Ron become so perceptive all of a sudden? I found it 
amusing that Harry had been in a weird mood all week though, very 
interesting... 

Just then I saw Harry disappear beneath the table and I jumped up to see
what was happening. Harry was lying in a tangle of robes on the floor, 
about half a metre from his chair, face flaming with embarrassment. It 
was more than I could do to stop laughing and soon both Hermione and me 
had our arms draped around each other, shrieking with laughter, with 
tears pouring down our faces, hardly able to stand up. It was just the 
look on his face, priceless. 

Harry glared mutinously at us, waiting patiently for us to stop laughing
while Madam Pince came hurrying over, wearing a huge scowl. 

“Right out! The library is a place for study not laughter!” she
shrieked, nearly pushing us all out of the door. 

I couldn't walk in a straight line for laughing and it was getting
painful, and I tried to stop so I could breathe normally before Harry 
walked smack bang into the portrait. That was too much for me and I 
couldn't help but burst out laughing again, ignoring the evil glares 
Harry was shooting us all. 

* 

Dear Diary, 

I actually feel quite guilty for laughing at Harry like that. When I was
younger, in the days of my crush when I would stick my elbows in butter 
dishes and draw hearts all over my books, he never burst out laughing 
at me, but then again I never walked into walls. 

It's actually quite cute really, and I still laugh to myself now when I
picture his face...priceless like I said! But apart from trying to walk 
through walls, nothing interesting has happened since then, in fact 
everything seems to have gone downhill. Snape is being ruthless with 
his detentions, and I've already had one for breathing loudly in class, 
the Magical Arts teacher is still insisting I try or the solo part, and 
I'm still having nightmares. 

Mom has been in touch with me, insisting I take the role, Fred and
George has, even Ron and Hermione. They've been bugging me ever since 
they found out and in the end I told them I would do it, just to get 
them off my back. So now I've promised basically everyone that I would, 
except Harry, who thankfully hasn't been pushing like everyone else. 

The only thing that seems to be going ok at the, moment is dorm life.
The girls have been either too frightened or too impressed to annoy me 
since Harry ‘spoke' to them. I think they must be a little knocked by 
seeing us holding hands, that sight makes me giggle as well. 

Everything's still ok with Harry, but I still haven't managed to tell
him about the dreams/nightmares, what if he laughs, what if he gets 
angry? 

Oh, there's a knock at the door, I better go, no one can see you, 

Love Ginny. 

I hastily signed off from my diary, and shoved it under my pillows
before walking over to the door. I pulled it open to see Harry standing 
there, or rather pressed up against the wall. 

“Harry?” I said blankly, “What are you doing?” 

“Just checking out the scene, you know, James Bond style” he said before
poking his head through the doorway. 

I laughed to myself as he kept to walls and darted over to my bed, as if
someone was following him. 

“Er, what's James Bond?” I asked in confusion. 

“No what, who” he said, smiling happily as he bounced on my bed, “He's a
spy, in the movies, oh don't worry” 

I nodded mutely and went and climbed back onto my bed, refusing to be
excited by the fact I was sitting up here all alone with Harry. Not 
excited in the least I told myself grinning. 

“I thought I'd come and see you, everyone else is off doing something
and I'm bored” he moaned flopping over the edge of my bed. 

“I'm not really doing anything” I told him, flicking through the mass of
parchments littering my bed. 

“Oh well, now you've got me to watch you doing nothing” he said happily,
leaning against the oak post to my bed carefully. 

He closed his eyes peacefully and I amused myself for a few moments just
watching him breathe. Honestly, in I hadn't been in love with him 
already, I would fall in it all over again. Just watching him made me 
feel better, made the task I was going to have to do soon a little 
easier. I looked down at the parchments again, trying to pick the 
perfect one, but it was too hard. 

“Oh I don't know what to do” I groaned after a few minutes of silence. 

“What's a matter?” he asked, looking at me through tired eyes. 

“I need to find a song to do, for the audition” I said grimacing, “But
all my old favourites don't really seem that appropriate” 

He reached out a grabbed a sheaf of parchments, flicking through them,
trying to look studious and I couldn't help but laugh to myself. 

“How do you know all these muggle songs?” he asked eventually, breaking
the comfortable silence. 

“Dad” I said simply, as he gave a small understanding laugh, “He bought
me a muggle radio once, charmed it to work without electricity and 
everything” 

“Sounds like him. I've never really listened to much music” he said
awkwardly, and I wondered back to his family, they didn't really seem 
like the type to let him play music in his room from what Ron said 
about them. 

“I would sit for hours just listening to all the new songs, and the
lyrics – they're so beautiful and meaningful” I said wistfully, 
imagining sitting in my room, listing to the music for hours while I 
painted. 

“You should get a radio for in here” he said thoughtfully, looking
around my little den created by the curtains. 

“You never listen to Hermione do you?” I asked smiling. 

“Not if I can help it” he answered immediately, sounding suspiciously
like Ron. 

“I mean, muggle things don't work at Hogwarts, too much magic around” I
laughed. 

“Oh yeah” he said sheepishly, before he pulled out a piece of parchment,
his face lighting up in a smile. 

He studied the parchment for a few moments and I pretended not to look
interested. I picked up another piece of parchment before throwing back 
down in disgust, definitely not that one. 

“How about this one?” he asked, handing me the parchment he had been so
interested in. 

I looked over the title of the parchment and my face split into a huge
grin, Harry would just happen to pick out my favourite song. I ran my 
fingers lovingly across the well-worn parchment, taking in its sorry 
state of ripped edges and untidy scrawl. 

“You like that song don't you?” 

“It's my very favourite. It's the first muggle song I ever heard – it
was on when I turned on my radio. I love it because it reminds me of 
y...things” I finished awkwardly, blushing furiously. 

I bit my lip, and silently cursed myself, and Harry smiled and looked
down to his hands, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. How could 
I nearly let it slip? That was so embarrassing, just like being back in 
first year again I thought shuddering. 

Harry seemed to be having equally as sad thoughts as I caught him
frowning sadly at something I couldn't see, and I was about to ask him 
what was up, when I settled against it, maybe I didn't want to know 
what he was thinking. 

“I think I will do this one” I said slowly, folding the parchment in
half and pushing it inside my robes, out of sight, out of mind. 

I looked across to Harry who seemed to be doing more serious thinking
before suddenly he blurted something out that made my world stop for a 
moment. 

“Ginny, do you want to go to the Halloween Ball with me?” 

I gaped at him for a few moments and felt my face turning red. My inside
where curling up with excitement and I watched him give a hopeful smile 
and a casual shrug of his shoulders. 

“If you want to” 

I mouthed a few attempts at answer before taking a steady breath and
starting again. 

“I'd love to!” I said, scrambling across the bed to give him a hug. 

He patted my back awkwardly and I could tell he wasn't really used to
having hugs. I lost myself in thoughts of a childhood without hugs 
before an excited grin spread across my features. I sat down next to 
him clapping my hands, grinning like some kind of madman. 

“Sorry” I laughed by way of an apology, “I'm just a little excited” 

“I can tell” he said dryly. 

I smiled contentedly and leaned against his shoulder, listing to his
heart beating while we talked about usual things like the Christmas 
concert, Ron and Hermione's chances together and even Quidditch. My 
eyes drooped sleepily, and I tired to for them awake, not daring to go 
to sleep. 

I couldn't help laughing out loud when Harry told me how he planned to
tell Ron he was going to the ball with me, including his exciting 
getaway involving his Firebolt and I entertained myself by thinking up 
new and more dangerous escape plans. 

The laughter died down and soon I found my eyes drooping again,
listening to his rhythmic breathing was sending me to sleep, as much as 
I didn't want to I felt myself slipping. 

“Come on Gin, you better get to bed” he said as he climbed of the bed. 

He stumbled out of thew room, shooting me a grin before disappearing. A
few seconds later, one of the girls of my room burst in, to see me 
smoothing off my bedspread. 

“Was Harry Potter up here, alone with you?” she asked, torn between awe
and disbelief. 

“Maybe” I said mysteriously, before pulling the curtains around me,
laughing to myself. 

* 

I was dreaming again, but there was nothing I could do about it, I
couldn't wake myself up and inside my heart was screaming to stop, but 
I carried on. 

I clutched the brush in my hand, happily humming a jaunty tune in my
head as I dipped it into a small can of paint by my side. 

“And what should I write?” I asked some invisible person by my side. 

“The chamber of Secrets has been opened...enemies of the heir beware”
came a disembodied voice from behind me. 

I nodded pleasantly and continued to paint away, stepping back and
admiring my handiwork, wondering distantly why my handwriting always 
had to be so messy. 

“It's beautiful Ginny, a work of art” came a voice from behind before a
pair of arms wrapped around me. 

“It is beautiful, my best piece ever” I said, smiling dreamily and
leaning against the person behind me. 

“No, your beautiful, my most special friend” 

I smiled serenely, this is where I belong I told myself, with people who
loved me, not just tolerated me because I was the little sister of 
Hogwarts. 

“We belong together don't we Tom” I sighed. 

“Yes we do, and we will be together, one day” 

I mumbled incoherently and felt consciousness speed towards me. I sat up
in my bed breathing heavily, what a horrible, horrible nightmare. I 
gave another shuddering breath, feeling tears spring to my eyes, and I 
didn't bother wiping them away, when was this all going to end? 

* 

I woke up the next morning in a terrible mood, and as I glared at myself
moodily as I washed the tearstains off my face. I pulled my hair into a 
scruffy ponytail, threw on a pair of old robes and wandered down to the 
Great Hall, cloud over my head, banging into things that stepped into 
my path, such as walls and doors. 

Why? I thought to myself furiously, why did I have to dream those
things. Was it my subconscious talking, is it the inner me telling me 
the truth that I'm trying to hide? Did I really...enjoy doing those 
things. 

My thoughts were so preoccupied that I didn't notice somebody sit next
down to me until they spoke, in an annoying cheerful, singsong way. 

“Ohhhh you're not going to believe this” 

I turned my head slowly and looked at Harry sitting there, awake and
energetic through bleary eyes. How dare he be so cheerful on a morning 
like this! 

“You've found a way to eradicate all forms of happiness, cheerfulness
and most of all chirpyness from anytime before 1 p.m.?” I asked in a 
slow, half-hopeful voice. 

“Er...No” he said slowly as I looked at the smiling, happy faces in the
Great Hall with disgust, “Something better” 

I shrugged noncommittally, I didn't really care what he had to say and I
started to pour milk into my cereal, wondering why the sun had to shine 
so brightly. Today was not really a day I wanted to be awake in, I 
could be in bed right now... 

“You're not a morning person are you?” he asked eventually, as I
seriously considered smacking him round the head with the pitcher so I 
could continue my moody, brooding silence. 

“What gave it away? Was it the sarcasm?” I growled, taking a swig of my
drink. 

I pulled a disgusted face, what were they doing to the drink these days
I thought to myself as I surveyed the glass. 

“Well actually, it was the way you was holding the knife as if you
wanted to gauge out my eyes for daring to speak” he laughed. 

I laughed along with him, feeling my fingers snake towards another
knife, it actually seemed like quite a good idea now he mentioned it. 

“Anyway...” he said hastily, “Like I said, you'll never guess what
happened to me last night?” 

“I don't know, what happened to you last night?” I repeated dully,
obviously I wasn't going to get any peace until he told me. 

“I spoke to Ron, about Halloween for starters” he said happily. 

This snapped me out of my mood instantly. I turned around and regarded
him incredulously, he'd actually spoken to Ron? And was still alive? 
And was smiling? What happened? 

“But, I don't understand...I fundamentally don't understand” I managed
to get out. 

“Understand what?” he asked, frowning at me worriedly. 

“Your arms and legs” I whispered vaguely swinging her arms about,
“They're all still attached...” 

Harry looked at me for a few seconds before deciding that I was actually
joking and burst out laughing, and I couldn't help but giggle along. I 
was desperate to find out hat happened and watched him eagerly, waiting 
for him to tell me. 

“What happened?” I prompted when he finally stopped laughing. 

“Well, I told him you know, that I had asked you to the ball right? And
he sort of jumped up and I was sure he was about to do a bit of 
face-rearranging before he sat back down, cool as cucumber and thanked 
me!” said Harry excitedly. 

“Thanked you?” I repeated blankly. 

Of all the things I expected to happen, this was definitely not it. I
expected rows, possibly a few black eyes, but this totally didn't make 
sense, what was Ron doing? 

“Yeah! He said that he really appreciated me taking you, said it would
be a nice treat for you and asked if I minded! He actually asked me if 
I minded” he said laughing. 

“No way!” I said incredulously, staring across the room trying to
imagine the scene, but it was impossible, maybe it wasn't Ron, maybe it 
was some kind of evil twin...maybe. 

I was still in a daze when I felt two more people at the table, and
glancing across slightly I saw Ron and Hermione sitting down. Hermione 
had that usual look of superior excitement and Ron just looked normal, 
not evil or anything...how strange. 

I turned my attention back to last night's dream, it was so strange and
I really couldn't think why my subconscious had created it. 

“We belong together don't we Tom?” 

That's what I had asked him, why though? Why? I remember feeling angry
at everyone, Ron, Hermione even Harry, thinking that he only hung 
around with me because I was Ron's little sister. I don't think that at 
all do I? 

Do I? I pondered, doubt creeping into my mind and settling there like a
dark shadow. 

* 

Dear Diary, 

Its Halloween Eve, if there is such a thing, which means it's also
Birthday Eve. I only have one more day as a thirteen-year-old, then I 
will be a whole year older. I wonder if it'll feel different, if I'll 
wake up in the morning, and everything will have changed? Probably not, 
but I know what I would wish for, if I blew out the candles. 

I want Tom to leave me alone. 

Why couldn't I just dream of winning a windfall of Galleons or having
better dress robes, or going out with the boy I like, not that. Ah 
well, such are the times we live in ~ what a curious phrase, where did 
I get that one from? 

Anyway, I'm in serious trouble in potions, if I don't get this essay
done, I don't know what will happen. Professor Snape isn't usually that 
bad with me, compared to other Gryffindor's and I don't know why that 
is, but I'd rather not get on his bad side. 

I'm going, promise I'll write to you an essay tomorrow night, all about
my birthday, and the Halloween Ball ~ I still can't believe Ron gave us 
permission, even Fred and George seem ok, what going on? 

Love Ginny. 

I walked down into the common room, bag swinging wildly from my shoulder
as I walked over to find our empty table. I wondered vaguely where 
everyone was before my question was immediately answered. Harry had 
come strolling through the portrait, deep in concentration, clasping a 
book to himself, grinning madly. 

I wandered over to him, and he paid no attention still smiling like he'd
just solved the greatest riddle of them all. I waved a hand in front of 
his eyes, giggling to myself as he didn't even bat an eyelid. He looked 
so cute when he smiled like that I thought vaguely, before snapping out 
of it. 

“What you got there?” I asked him, craning my neck to try and see the
title of the book. 

He looked at me blankly, as if trying to decide how I got there, or even
how he got there, before he regained his senses, 

“Wouldn't you like to know?” he said, grinning at me as he slid the book
behind his back. 

I giggled at his mysterious behavior, before making a dart for the book,
which he held high above his head, in a very unfair way I thought, no 
consideration for us shorties in the world. I soon figured out that 
trying to jump for it wasn't going to work, 13 years in the presence of 
my 6 lovely brothers had taught me as much. 

So I resorted to the only way I knew how, and gave him The puppy dog
eyes, 13 years in the presence of my 6 lovely brothers had taught me 
that this method was the only one that worked. 

“Aw, lemme see?” I pleaded, fluttering my eyelashes at him. 

“Ah, no can do. It's a secret! Now don't you worry your pretty head” he
said, laughing as I glared at him for daring to defy The puppy eyes 
look. 

Never in 13 years had that failed, what was he? Superman or something,
impervious to my charms? This was not good, now what could I use I 
thought as I watched him wander up the stairs, I'd lost my only weapon. 


“What wrong with you?” asked George who was watching me glare at the
stairs Harry had disappeared up. 

“I just did the puppy dog eyes on Harry...” I began faintly. 

“Oh, poor man” said Fred, looking up the stairs in mock sorrow. 

“...but it didn't work!” I finished, still slightly shell-shocked. 

“Really?” said George obviously impressed. 

“What is he? Superman or something?” asked Fred as I could merely nod. 

* 

“Good morning Ginny! Happy Birthday!” came an excited voice in my ear. 

I opened a bleary eye, then a second, it was morning. It was Halloween
morning to be precise, I'm officially 14! 

I jumped off the couch and hugged Hermione who was standing above me,
smiling holding out a small, brightly wrapped gift. I took it from her 
hand excitedly, smiling at her as I peeled away the paper. I breathed 
out impressively when a small silver necklace fell out of the paper 
into my fingers. It was a small glass vial, containing silver mist, 
swirling around ceaselessly. I held it up to the light, entranced by 
the movements, that seemed to have a strange air about them, like the 
random movements weren't really that random. 

“It's an amore necklace, the mist glow's red when someone who loves you
is near” she said smiling down at me mysteriously. 

“Its beautiful Hermione” I breathed, fixing it around my neck, letting
it hang loosely on my robes. Hermione grinned at me, and bent over to 
whisper in my ear. 

“I thought you could try it out on Harry” 

“What?” I asked incredulously, how did Hermione know? Did she know? 

“Speaking of Romeo...” she said, pointing to the boys dorm entrance. 

I mouthed at her wordlessly for a few seconds before seeing Harry and
Ron walking over, closely followed by Fred and George wearing quite 
evil grins. I hastily shoved my necklace away, and gave them all a 
bright smile, waiting for my presents to appear. 

Fred took it upon himself to begin the ceremony, handing his and
George's, er innocent looking packages over. 

“And this ones from George...” said Fred as he handed it over as I
looked at it warily. 

“Would you open it for me George, my hands are full” I asked batting my
eyelids at a very uncomfortable looking brother. 

“He couldn't possibly, how about we save it till later?” said Fred in a
loud voice. 

I smirked slightly, so I was right, it was one of their new pranks. I
gave Harry a small wink, and continued to open my presents. I got a new 
drawing set from Ron, and some chocolates and cakes from mom and dad. 
There were cards from Bill, Charlie and Percy and other family members. 
By the time I'd finished I had a small pile of paper littering the 
floor and numerous cards clasped in my hand and a grin the size of a 
melon. 

I sat down and happily shoveled food into my mouth, forgetting the
horrible nightmare I had last night in the face of all the wonderful 
presents I'd had. I looked across to Harry who was smiling 
mysteriously, and I suddenly noticed I hadn't got a present from him, 
something he was looking slightly smug about. 

“So do I get a present?” I asked him in a wheedling voice. 

“Treasure hunter” he said laughing before turning his attention back to
his food. 

“Am not” I said pouting. 

“Are too” 

“Am not” 

“Are too” 

He carried on completely oblivious to the fact I was glaring at him in
mock anger. Time to show Harry Potter a lesson I thought to myself as 
is scraped a spoonful of porridge thoughtfully, and aimed it at his 
head. 

Harry looked over to me, taking in the missile in my hand and shaking
his head, smirking. 

“You wouldn't” he said laughing. 

“Wouldn't I?” I asked innocently, narrowing my eyes at him. 

“Wouldn't she?” he asked, turning to Fred and George looking slightly
worried. 

“I don't know, wouldn't she Fred?” asked George thoughtfully. 

“I think she would” replied Fred seriously, or at least as much as he
could manage. 

“Aw Ginny, you wouldn't do that to me would you?” he asked, holding up
his hands in a calming fashion. 

“Are you going to give me a present?” I asked, lowering my spoon ever so
slightly. 

“Maybe” he said licking his spoon cheekily. 

“Oh, well that's ok then” I said happily. 

Harry smiled into his plate, he thought he'd won I thought grinning to
myself. I picked up the spoon again quietly and saw Fred and George 
look over me and grin maliciously, elbowing Ron and Hermione. They all 
watched me flick the spoon backwards and saw as the porridge went 
flying through the air with the skill of a well-practiced art. 

SPLAT! 

Harry looked at me in surprise before turning it into a glare. I
however, was peacefully eating my porridge, laughing on the inside at 
his face as he tried to pull out the porridge from the tangled mess he 
called his hair. 

The rest of the table roared with laughter and Fred and George swapped
high fives. Harry however had something else in mind. He smiled 
sweetly, and I smiled back, watching him scrape up a spoonful of 
marmalade. 

“Your wouldn't” I laughed perfectly safe in the knowledge that Harry
would never throw it at me, not if past experiences were anything to go 
by. Everyone knew never to throw anything at me. 

“Wouldn't I?” he asked in a high-pitched voice I supposed was supposed
to be mine. 

“Nah you wouldn't, your life wouldn't be worth living if you did” I
said, leaning back in my chair smiling. 

Harry gave me a serene smile, aimed it and let go. Before I even had
time to wonder at his stupidity the marmalade hit me, sliding through 
my hair. The whole table went silent, my brothers just stared in shock, 
nobody ever, ever did that to me and lived. 

“HARRY POTTER! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!” I screamed, watching him vault the
table. 

I ran after him, watching him laugh hysterically as I followed him out
onto the lawns, not seeing properly through the marmalade that was 
sticking to my face. Suddenly I slammed into something and fell to the 
floor, hard. 

I peeked through my eyes and saw the black water of the lake, rippling
centimeters by my head. 

“You almost got us drowned!” I gasped as I looked at him through
narrowed eyes. 

“Hey! You started it!” he said laughing as he struggled to sit up. 

“Did not!” I replied picking marmalade from my hair. 

“Did too!” he replied, doing the same with the porridge. 

“Hey what flavor is that? I'm still hungry” he asked, picking the green
goo from my hair absentmindedly. 

I watched as he sat there, happily munching away, and I pulled a face at
him. 

“Ew, that's gross!” 

“Aw come here, I'll get it out for you” he said, standing up and pulling
the goo from my hair carefully. 

“My feet are getting all wet” I moaned, before splashing a little wave
of water over his shoes. 

“Hey! Doesn't mean mine have to too!” he laughed as I decided I still
hadn't paid him back for the marmalade incident. 

“There, now we're even!” I said smugly as I kicked a bigger wave over
him. 

Harry grinning and kicked a huge wall of water towards me. Doesn't this
boy ever learn? I thought to myself as I narrowed my eyes and grinned 
at him evilly. 

“Oh, that was evil Harry, pure evil...This means war” 

Water went flying and I thought vaguely what this must look to people
who could see us, standing at the lakes edge, dripping wet, shrieking 
with laughter. Eventually we got cold and the wet clothes were asking 
my teeth chatter, so we sat down warming ourselves in front of a small 
fire I conjured. 

I still can't believe him, he knows none of the rules I thought to
myself as we traded insults. Fred and George are going to have to have 
a long talk with him, and explain why he can't throw food at me, or 
kick water at me. Maybe they'll have to tell him about my famous 9th 
birthday, now that was something that they won't be forgetting in a 
hurry. 

But Harry seemed contented to just sit there, and our argument went on
and on. 

“Just admit that I won” 

“Why can' you just face facts Potter, I won!” 

“Yeah right Weasley, you wish” 

“Fine I give in!” I said eventually, throwing up my arms in resignation,
“I admit it, it was all your fault” 

* 

“Your going with Ron?” I asked incredulously. 

I was staring at Hermione who was blushing furiously, looking around the
room, anywhere except me. 

“Just as friends you know” she muttered, trying to rearrange her dress
robes. 

My face split into a wide grin, at last was the only thought I had in my
mind. It had taken them four and a half years, but at long last. 

“When did he ask you?” I asked casually, thinking of mine and Harry's
bet. 

“This afternoon actually” 

Damn. Harry won. Where am I going to find 3 galleons? 

“Well you can't talk Ginny Weasley, you're going with Harry” said
Hermione, smiling slyly at me. 

I tried to mouth a few comebacks, but my mind went blank. I had gotten
the distinct impression that Hermione knew something this morning when 
she gave me that necklace, but now I was sure. She had that annoying 
superior look on her face. 

“Don't worry Ginny, I know all about you and Harry” she whispered to me,
looking smug. 

“What about me and Harry?” I asked her nervously. 

“Don't play the innocent on me Ginny, it's not going to work. You should
see the looks he'd been giving you the past few weeks. He's been in 
la-la land” said Hermione happily. 

“La-la land?” I repeated faintly. 

“In the clouds, away with the fairies, on a different planet, need I go
on?” 

I gave a small smile, and feigned total ignorance as I stood up and
arranged my robes. 

“Let's go then, we're already late” said Hermione walking towards the
door. 

“Hang on, I've just got to do something, meet you down there” I told her
as she disappeared down the doorway. 

I took one last look in the mirror, and used a useful little discovery
of mine in a charms textbook last week. With a few well-chosen words, 
the black circles under my eyes disappeared and I gave a satisfied nod 
of the head. Sorted. 

I walked down the stairs and caught sight of Ron and Hermione standing
next to each other awkwardly, and Harry trying not to laugh. I walked 
up to Harry and he looked at me in surprise, before smiling, aware of 
Ron watching us closely. 

“Good evening my Lady” he said in a posh accent, bowing down as I
giggled. 

I looked over to see Ron staring at Hermione, who was too busy looking
at me and Harry to notice. Sometimes it was just so frustrating, Ron 
had taken four and a half years just to ask her to the ball, and even 
then it was ‘just as friends'. By the time they actually get together, 
they'll be 100. 

Just then the crowds in the common room started to move towards the
portrait and excited conversation rose around them. 

“You look really nice Ginny” Harry said quietly, when Ron and Hermione
were out of earshot. 

“Why thank you” I said good naturally, trying not to look too excited,
“So where's my present then?” 

He sighed deeply, and looked to the ceiling for help just as Fred and
George came marching past with their dates hanging off their wildly 
swinging arms. 

“Treasure!” they shouted at the same time, doing an uncanny imitation of
a pirate. 

I slapped George upside the head who merely poked his tongue out at me
and continued to follow us down the corridors, occasionally shouting 
“Treasure!” whenever they saw something shiny, and sometimes nothing at 
all. 

“All in good time, I've got it right here” said Harry patting his
pocket. 

Everyone couldn't fail to be impressed as they strolled into the Great
Hall, small round tables were dotted around the edges of the hall, 
leaving a huge space as the dance floor in the middle. Bats were 
fluttering around the ceiling, mingling with the brilliant stars that 
they could see on the bewitched ceiling, making the Hall glimmer like 
silver mist. 

Hagrid's usual giant pumpkins were dotted around the hall and black and
orange streamers were falling from the heavens. I gazed round whistling 
in awe as we walked over to our tables, sitting down with Fred and 
George with their dates. 

“Pretty impressive huh?” he asked me as I stared around the room. 

“Pretty” I said nodding. 

“Treasure!” shouted Fred and George in unison and we both rolled our
eyes heavenwards, it was getting old, fast. 

“What I want to know is what Harry's got her that we can't all see?”
said Fred laughing. 

“Yeah, why all the secrecy Harry?” asked George a little more
suspiciously as he narrowed his eyes at me. 

Harry grinned at the others nervously, who all were looking at him
slightly suspiciously – even Ron, which could not be a good sign. 
Hermione looked torn between amusement and horror, but all I could do 
was stand in the corner, laughing at Harry's uncomfort. Why couldn't he 
give it to me this morning anyway? 

“Just thought I'd be original” he muttered quietly. 

I saw Hermione look around wildly before cutting in, saving the day as
usual. 

“Well it's not actually Ginny's birthday yet, you've still got 2 hours
or something right? So really you guys gave yours to her early” said 
Hermione airily, looking at her watch before smiling and Ron. 

“Hey! In that case I want mine back for another two hours!” said George
indignantly, forgetting their inquisition. 

“Uh-uh, finders keepers, losers weepers!” I said in a singsong voice,
smiling sweetly at George who was looking annoyed at his loss. 

I was still laughing when we started to eat the feast that appeared on
all the tables, and finally everyone's attention wandered away from us 
and on to their own partners. I marveled at Hermione's quick thinking, 
whilst laughing at the look on Harry's face. He looked so nervous, it 
was so cute. 

“Oh you owe Hermione big time!” I said laughing as loudly as I dared. 

“Too right” he said grinning, and looked around as the Great Hall fell
silent, and Dumbledore stood up. 

“Well ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure your all desperate to get dancing,
so without further ado, let me introduce tonight's entertainment 
Ensnare!” shouted Dumbledore, as the tables flew back into the corners 
to produce a large dance floor. 

I clapped my hands excitedly, Ensnare was one of the truly good
wizarding bands on the WWN, and I couldn't believe they were actually 
here! I jumped to my feet and started to pull Harry across the dance 
floor, who had a look of mild horror at the thought of dancing. 

I giggled to myself and pulled him right into the center of the crowd,
and began to dance to the music I knew off by heart. Harry obviously 
had never heard of Ensnare, or done much dancing as he moved rather 
awkwardly. 

“You see the thing I never realized about dances,” he said grinning, “is
that there's so much dancing involved” 

“Your such an idiot” I said laughing. 

“Hey, it's not my fault if I can't dance!” he said, flinching back as
Fred narrowly avoided slapping him one with his wildly swinging arms. 

“Unfortunately, I went through countless years of teaching my
brothers...so they could look cool with their dates” I said, grimacing 
at the memories. 

I most certainly didn't teach him to dance like that. 

The ball went quite well, and we fell into a routine of pointing out
couples and I kept a constant commentation on the gossip. 

“And that's Terry Boot, he's a fifth year Ravenclaw. Every one says he's
going out with Hannah Abbot, from Hufflepuff, but I have reason to 
believe him and Susan Bones are getting quite close” I said giggling, 
as the two best friends made eyes at Terry. 

The songs started to slow down and I leant my head on Harry's shoulder,
swaying slowly to the love song that was playing in the background and 
I smiled to myself. If you'd have told me a month ago... 

“How do you know all this stuff?” he asked me from somewhere up above. 

“I still have to share a room with those three bimbos don't I?” I told
him, closing my eyes sleepily. 

We danced like that for a few minutes and I opened my eyes and looked
around, waking up from the dream I was in to meet a pair of angry brown 
eyes. Uh-oh I thought as I saw Ron watching me and Harry angrily, 
shortly followed by Hermione. They were having some kind of furious 
argument again, and I could tell with a sinking heart what it was about 
by looking at. 

Hermione seemed to be trying to calm him down, probably with some kind
of logical argument and I could see Ron calming down. Harry suddenly 
tensed up and started looking around, as if he felt their eyes on him, 
but his back was turned. 

“Ron and Hermione have been staring at us for the last ten minutes
solid” I told him quietly. 

“Really?” he groaned, without turning around, “How's Ron looking?” 

“Well its hard to tell, he started off confused, then angry, then
thoughtful, which believe me doesn't suit him” I laughed. 

“What's Hermione doing?” he said staring in the opposite direction. 

“Well at the moment she's hitting him upside the head, they've been
having a ‘discussion'. I think she's winning whatever it is” 

Harry steered us around and started watching them closely, they didn't
seem to be paying attention to us anymore. Harry started smiling, which 
must be a good sign, maybe Hermione was doing a good job. I buried my 
face in his robes and closed my eyes again, moving rhythmically to the 
slow music, humming along to the words softly. 

“Well now it's my turn, you will never guess who's watching us now?” 

“Who?” I said looking up and around for the first time in ages, slightly
bleary-eyed. 

I saw Harry pointing to the staff table and gave a small gasp when I saw
Professor Snape, McGonnagall and Dumbledore watching us sadly. I 
steered Harry in a different direction, trying to hide myself from 
view. 

“Why are they watching us?” I moaned, hiding behind Harry's tall form. 

“I don't know” he answered, looking confused. 

Safe in the knowledge that I was actually hidden from the teachers
prying eyes I settled back down on Harry's shoulder, closing my eyes 
sleepily as I was gently lulled asleep by the music. Not asleep, I told 
myself forcing my eyes open, I don't want to go to sleep. 

I tried to calm down my pounding heart, I'm safe here, nothing can get
me. I'm safe here with Harry. I leant heavily on him now, wanting so 
much to sleep, but not wanting this night to end, it had been perfect. 

“I think it's time for a sit down” I heard a voice say, as Harry walked
me back to our table. 

I looked up to see Ron and Hermione watching us, both with weird
expressions on their faces. Hermione was looking smug, and I reckon she 
must have won whatever argument they were having. I secretly hoped the 
argument was about me and Harry, maybe she made him see sense, maybe 
she told him it wouldn't be that bad if me and Harry wanted to go out. 

I couldn't see what Ron's got against it anyway, he'd want me to be
happy right? He'd want his best friend to be happy, so what would be 
the problem? 

I sat down and watched Harry go and get drinks, and return quickly,
looking slightly confused by Ron's expression towards us. I saw 
Hermione give Ron a warning look, who pasted a smile onto his face. 

“What is it about everyone tonight? First them lot and now you?” he
asked, frowning. 

“I'm not giving you a weird look” said Ron smiling weirdly, “And who
else were you talking about?” 

“Dumbledore, Snape and McGonnagall. They looked like they were about to
cry or something” I told them, looking across to the table again, but 
the teachers were watching others now. 

“Oh, I think I could probably guess why” put in Hermione in a small
voice. 

“Why?” asked Ron through a mouthful of cauldron cake. 

“Oh, er, I suppose you just remind them of someone” said Hermione,
looking at her hands nervously. 

Harry looked at Hermione unsteadily, and frowned before turning to Ron.
I gulped deeply and turned to Hermione myself, who was looking like she 
could kick herself for not realizing something earlier. 

“Who are you talking about?” I whispered, so Harry couldn't hear. 

Hermione watched me steadily for a moment, with sad eyes and somehow I
knew what she was going to say. I had no idea how I knew, or even why, 
but I turned back to Harry, who was smiling happily with Ron over 
something. 

“James and Lily...I've never thought about it before, but you look just
like her, have you ever seen his photos?” she asked me quietly. 

“No, no I haven't...do you think Harry knows?” I asked, watching him
laugh out loud to something Ron said. 

“No, probably not, it's just coincidence” said Hermione mater of factly.


“Yeah” I said thoughtfully, thinking about it. How did I know before she
told me? 

“Listen don't say anything to him, you know what day it is” said
Hermione urgently, watching me with bright eyes. 

I began to ask what day it was, when I realized. Halloween. Halloween
night, exactly 14 years since Harry's parents were taken away. I looked 
over to Harry's face, smiling and happy and I gulped nervously, 
suddenly feeling sick. Hermione nodded sadly and I looked up to the 
staff table. From what I'd heard Dumbledore was a close friend of 
Harry's parents, it must have seemed like history repeating itself... 

Suddenly the Hall was too claustrophobic, there were too many people
there and the heat was stifling. I stood up suddenly feeling my stomach 
squirm. 

“I'm really hot, I'm just going to go outside” I told them, fanning my
pale face with my hands. 

“I'll come with you, I need some air” said Harry, getting up. 

I smiled nervously and hurried outside, drawing in deep gulps of cool
air as I flopped down into the wet grass. Harry was looking at me 
worriedly and I thought he deserved some sort of explanation for my 
quick departure. 

“It was really hot in there!” I laughed. 

“Are you ok Ginny?” he asked me, frowning at my pale face and slightly
shaking hands. 

I nodded slowly for a few seconds, trying to shake off the weird feeling
I was having – why was I feeling more upset his parents anniversary 
than him? I swallowed and then looked up, trying to change the subject. 


“So do I get my treasure yet?” I asked, giggling slightly. 

“Hang on, it's a few more minutes yet...apparently” he said looking down
at his watch while I hopped around impatiently, I was really quite 
curious as to what he'd got me now. 

“It's now! Now! I'm officially fourteen now!” I moaned as I watched him
slowly pull out the present and transfigure it back to its original 
size even slower. 

Finally he handed it over and I smiled broadly, looking at the really
quite awful job he'd made of wrapping it. I pulled off the paper and 
gasped as a small wooden box fell into my hands. I put it up to the 
light, seeing what first looked like carvings was actually the texture 
of the surface. It looked like thousands of splinters, held together 
magically to make a weird pattern. 

I turned it over in my hands, seeing golden hinges on one side and
pulled open the lid, seeing a bare inside. It was a jewelry box or 
something like that and I grinned even wider. 

“It's beautiful! Where did you get it?” I breathed, running my fingers
across the harsh wooden grain, which left no splinters. 

“Well, actually I kind of made it” he said shyly, and I could see a
faint blush in his cheeks even in the dark. 

“You made it? Just for me?” I asked, peering at it even more closely. 

“Yeah, just for you” he laughed, smiling at me. 

“Wow, hand crafted by Harry Potter, did you sign it?” I asked him in
mock-seriousness as I looked at the bottom closely. 

“Well see that patch over there?” he said pointing to an uneven corner
of the box, “That is actually my skin. When they say dries in one 
minute, they mean dries in one minute” 

I grinned at him slightly, before laughing out loud and soon I had to
cover my mouth to stop myself laughing too much, and he pretended to 
look hurt. I just rolled my eyes at him a turned the box over in my 
hands again. It felt strangely light and the wood used to make it was 
polished on some parts, but rough on others but was not rough to the 
touch. There must have been some kind of spell on it, to stop it 
hurting your hands. 

“Do you want to see what it does or are you just going to admire my
handiwork all night?” he asked me eventually, pulling out a piece of 
parchment I recognized from his robes. 

“It does something as well?” I asked blankly. 

“Yeah, of course. Just drop this piece of parchment inside it and close
the lid” he said laughing as he dropped the parchment in and snapped 
the lid shut. 

A huge grin split across my face as I heard music float from the box and
settle in the air around me. I listened opened mouthed as the words of 
my favorite song began, singing melodiously to the tune, a perfect 
copy. 

You would have said Don't be discouraged, you will realize it I don't
take courage In a world, for people, you can lose that all And the 
darkness inside you Will make you feel so small 

“It's a music box!” I exclaimed happily, hugging it tight to myself and
smiling. 

“Yeah, I thought you could do with something to block out the noise of
your charming roommates" he said laughing happily. 

I placed the box on the floor and rested my head on his shoulder,
closing my eyes and letting the song wash over me. I began humming 
along to the song, feeling like I'd never want to get up again, 
forgetting all about the reason that I'd left the Ball. 

But I see your true colors, shining through I see your true colours, and
that's why I love you So don't be afraid, to let them show Your true 
colors, true colors Are beautiful, like a rainbow 

“Everyone was in a bit of a funny mood tonight weren't they?” he said
after a while, and I stiffened up again. 

“I guess so” I said carefully, trying not to give anything away. 

“I wonder what was going on, I reckon Hermione knew” he said as he ran a
finger across the lid of the box again. 

“Probably” I shrugged. 

“She said that Id reminded them of someone” he carried on. 

I sat up and turned to face him, I watched him steadily for a few
moments, trying to decide what I should do. Tell him what we had 
thought, or forget about it, he was so happy before, happy not thinking 
about it. I bit my lip, and decided he ought to know, I couldn't lie to 
him about his own family after all. 

“I think she meant we just reminded them of someone” I said quietly. 

“Who would we remind them-?” he started, looking slightly blank, and
then he must have realized, because his face fell and his eyes filled 
with sadness. “Oh” 

I watched as his eyes clouded over and I cursed myself, I shouldn't have
told him. 

“Sorry” I muttered lying back down. 

“What for?” he asked distantly. 

“For reminding you” 

Show me a smile, don't be unhappy I can't remember when I last saw you
laughing If this world makes you crazy and You take in all you can bare 
You call me up- because you know I'll be there 

“It's not your fault, I'm ok, I suppose it did look pretty weird” he
said laughing falsely and giving me a brittle smile 

“Like I'm really going to believe that Harry Potter” I said seriously,
watching him as he put the charade on. I know what someone who's acting 
looks like, I do Magical Arts after all. 

“Believe what?” 

“That brave face you always put on whenever anyone talks about them” 

He frowned at me and lay back down, watching the stars pass overhead. 

“Well I suppose it's an appropriate reminder” I told her looking down at
my watch, “Its been practically fourteen years exactly” 

I can't remember when I last saw you laughing If this world makes you
crazy And you take in all you can bare You call me up- because you know 
I'll be there 

“Do you think about them much?” I asked him quietly, wanting him to talk
more than anything, just so I could tell what he was feeling from his 
voice. 

“Everyday” 

“Oh Harry, I'm sorry. I've been going on about presents all day when
you've...sorry” I said meekly when I heard the pain buried in his 
voice. 

“Never be sorry ok? It's not your fault is it? Anyway at least you've
distracted me” he said laughing for real this time. 

“I distract you?” I asked, watching as his mood changed and he smiled. 

“No, I just walk into walls for no reason” he said laughing. 

I started giggling madly, feeling all the tensions slipping away from
the scene. I could still picture his face when he walked into the 
portrait...priceless. Harry merely watched me happily, knowing what I 
was thinking about most probably. 

“Well, at least you don't stick your elbows in butter dishes!” I said
after I'd finally calmed down. 

This time it was Harry's turn to crack up and he laughed as I watched
on, until he calmed his face down and looked at me in polite 
incomprehension. 

“I have no idea what you're talking about” he said airily. 

And I see your true colors, shining through I see your true colors and
that's why I love you So don't be afraid to let them show Your true 
colors, true colors, True colors, are shining through 

I pushed him over half-heartedly, laughing as I settled back down onto
his shoulder. I could sense him watching me and I looked up into his 
emerald green eyes. 

“That necklace is really pretty” he said, picking it up from round my
neck. 

I smiled and looked down at Hermione's present in his fingers, feeling
my heart stop for a moment. Instead of the usual silver mist that was 
floating around inside, it was blood red. I gaped open mouthed as my 
heart sped up, beating furiously as I watched the deep red mist dance 
and swirl in the glass, hypnotizing me with it's rhythmic movements. 

I see your true colors and that's why I love you So don't be afraid to
let them show Your true colors, true colors Are beautiful, like a 
rainbow 

“It's an amore necklace, the mist turns red when...when someone who
loves you is around” I whispered. 

“You didn't need a necklace to tell you that did you?” he asked me
softly. 

I mouthed wordlessly for a few moments, watching him grin down at me
through the dark as I shook my head mutely. Inside me I was screaming 
with happiness, and I stood up grasping the box close to me. 

“Tell me what?” I asked, daring him to say it, hoping him to say it. 

Harry got to his feet as well, and I could see the moon reflected in his
eyes as he stood next to me. 

“Tell you that I love you” he said. 

I smiled in shock and pulled him into a hug, which wasn't awkward this
time. We stood, swaying gently as the wind picked up and the rain 
started to fall, but didn't move. 

“You don't know how long I've wanted to hear you say that” I whispered
as tears of happiness leaked out of my eyes and mingled with the rain. 


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