A/N: Alright you guys, you need not worry about waiting for updates, because this is the last chapter of my story. tear I know, so sad. But if you go up to the top left-hand corner of this page, you can click on my penname and I have several other stories that you cna check out. I am also in the process of at least two more, and I hope they turn out well. All of my stories involve Harry/Ginny relationships, as well as Ron /Hermione. Face it, they're meant to be! Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter Six

It Needs to Stop

When Harry awoke, he still felt extremely tired. He felt like he could drop off again and go to sleep for years. Nevertheless, he opened his eyes.

He found himself blinking in the bright sunlight that was streaming through a window to his left. After his eyes had adjusted, he sat up gingerly and looked around the room. He appeared to be in some sort of sanitary room. There were white walls and white floors, and he was lying in a white bed. The lack of color of color made his eyes hurt, but perhaps that was because he didn't have his glasses on. Then he looked at the foot of his bed. It was loaded with all sorts of presents and sweets, ranging from sugar quills to mince pies. He didn't think about that for too long, though, because he soon noticed that Ron and Hermione were sitting in chairs beside him, fast asleep.

He grinned at their awkward position. Hermione was leaning over the chairs' armrests and had her head in Ron's lap, and Ron had his arms around her and his head tipped back as he snored loudly. Harry started to laugh, but regretted it instantly as he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. He winced and put a hand on his stomach as Ron and Hermione began to stir.

"You know, you shouldn't sleep like that," Harry said quietly. He noticed that his throat was rather sore, but he continued, watching Ron's eyes snap open. "It's bad for your back."

Instantly Ron and Hermione sat up and looked at Harry, who was now grinning again.

"Harry, you're awake!"

Suddenly he found himself with a face full of bushy brown hair and being squeezed somewhat painfully for several moments.

"Hermione, get off! You're going to crush him!" said Ron, pulling Hermione away and grinning himself. "Glad to see you're doing better, mate."

Harry was a little confused by all this. "Er... thanks." He looked around the room. "Where are we?"

"We're in St. Mungo's," said Ron grimly. "You were really sick."

"We weren't sure if you'd make it," Hermione added, frowning slightly.

Now he remembered. He had been sick for a really long time, not being able to see anything but blurs and color splotches, and he could never tell if he was awake or asleep. He heard strange echoes sometimes, and other times he would hear nothing at all. But the one thing he remembered the most was the pain. The only other thing that ever hurt more was the Cruciatus Curse. And that curse had never lasted that long. Harry shivered as he thought about it.

"How long have I been out?" he asked curiously.

"Well," said Hermione thoughtfully. "You started getting really sick after we came back from the woods. Do you remember that?"

Harry nodded, remembering playing in the water and then starting to feel ill.

"Yes, well, that was about a week ago. Six days, to be exact."

Harry stared at her in shock. "Six days? But... when did I come here?" he asked, swallowing heavily.

"Two days ago," said Ron. "You gave us quite a scare."

Harry shook his head, and then regretted it instantly. It seemed that any excessive physical activity caused him pain and drowsiness. "But how could I get that sick. I mean, the Dursleys' never-"

"We think it has something to do with Snape," Ron whispered quietly.

Harry's insides went cold at the sound of the name. He had been trying to forget about him, trying with all his might to push the awful memories out of his mind. But now every horrible emotion was resurfacing.

"What does he have to do with this?" Harry whispered, afraid that if he spoke any louder his emotions would show.

"Well," Hermione said in a low voice, "apparently what caused you to be ill was some kind of curse. But the Healers didn't know what to do at first because the curse was a slightly different variation that was much more intense. They said it hit you the last time was when you had a duel, and that you're scar somehow held back the symptoms for a long time. The last time you were hit with unknown curses, Harry, was at Hogwarts with Snape."

"And Snape obviously knows how to tamper with curses," said Harry, thinking of his old Advanced Potion Making book with all of Snape's old notes scrawled inside.

"Exactly," said Ron.

They were all quiet for a moment, thinking about everything that had happened. Suddenly Harry remembered something. When he had been ill, every time he'd woken up, Ginny was by his side. Every time he ad been scared or in pain, she had been there. But then... where was she now?

"Where's Ginny?" he asked, looking around.

Ron and Hermione looked at each other and grinned.

"We were waiting for you to ask that," Hermione said. "She's in the tearoom. She was really upset."

Oh no, Harry thought guiltily. I did it to her again. I have to talk to her.

He started to get up and was quickly pushed back down.

"Oh no you don't, Harry," said Hermione firmly. "Did you hear a word we said? You almost died. You need to rest. I'll get her."

She stood quickly and left, leaving Harry grumbling and Ron staring after her, which Ron thought Harry hadn't noticed. But Harry didn't really care; he was thinking about Ginny. Why was he doing this to her? Why was he doing this to himself?

His emotions were toiling within him, and it must have shown on his face, because he found Ron looking at him curiously.

"Mate, if you care about her so much, why did you break up with her?"

Harry sighed. "It's... complicated."

Ron just shook his head despairingly, rolling his eyes. "I think you're making it more complicated than it really is."

Harry was about to protest, when he heard the door open. He turned, expecting to see Ginny, and instead heard Mrs. Weasley's voice.

"Oh, Ron, sorry I'm late. I went home to pick up Harry's things. I thought he might want his glasses when he wakes- Harry, you're awake!"

Harry yet again found himself enveloped in another bone crushing hug that made him wince. He took a deep breath that made him have a coughing fit. Upon hearing this, Mrs. Weasley let go extremely quickly, apologizing profusely.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Harry," she said, backing away as Harry regained his composure. "You must still be hurting. I was just... oh, it's so good to see you better!" She gave him a motherly kiss on the forehead and pushed his hair out of his face, making Harry blush.

"I'm fine, really," he mumbled, looking down. No matter how famous he was, he still didn't enjoy lots of attention.

"No, you're not fine," said Mrs. Weasley sternly. "But you're doing better, and that's good. Oh, and here's your glasses, dear." She handed Harry his glasses, which he quickly pushed on, making his vision much clearer, and his head no longer hurt so much from all the white color. He smiled gratefully and then turned when he heard the door open again.

"Ah, Harry, you're awake!"

Mr. Weasley came striding in. He had dark circles under his eyes, no doubt from the stresses of working at the Ministry while Voldemort was on the loose. But he had a relieved smile on his face as he shook Harry's hand and stood next to his wife and son.

"Hello Mr. Weasley," Harry said, grinning. "Haven't seen you much recently."

"Of course you haven't," Mr. Weasley said with a smile. "You were sick and have been pretty much out of it for six days! But I just got back from work. How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good, considering," Harry said.

Mr. Weasley nodded. "Of course."

Then the door opened again and Hermione came hurrying in.

"Come on, Ginny," she said to Ginny, who was standing hesitantly just outside the door. "I have a surprise for you."

Ginny shook her head. "Hermione, I'm not in the mood. Can we please just-" Ginny's eyes widened as she stepped through the door. "Harry, you're awake!"

"So I've heard," Harry said, smiling at her.

The sun had caught her just right, making her brilliant hair shine brightly and sparkle a bit. He could see that she hadn't had very much rest recently, but the smile that spread across her face covered it up. She ran across the room, jumped onto his bed, and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. This hug was just as painful, if not more, than Hermione and Mrs. Weasley's, but Harry found he didn't care. He closed his eyes contentedly and wrapped his arms around her, realizing again with full measure how much he missed her. He barely heard Mrs. Weasley whisper, "Let's give them some time alone," or the shuffle of feet, followed closely by the door closing. He kept holding Ginny tight, not willing to let go. Finally, after a few minutes of just sitting like that, he pulled away.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"For what?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

Harry smiled. "For being there when I needed you."

Her eyes widened. "You remember that?"

Harry nodded. "Bit's and pieces. It seems like every time I was awake you were there. So... thank you."

Ginny smiled sadly. "Well, like you said, you needed me. Besides, you would do the same for me." She paused before continuing, almost hesitantly. "Right?"

Harry realized that she meant something deeper than just taking care of her when she is sick. But Harry knew he couldn't agree to anything, for her safety. Not wanting to disappoint her, he smiled and changed the subject.

"Another thing I don't really remember: Who won the splash fight in the creek? Because I was under the impression that I did. But then again, it could have been Ron..."

Ginny punched him playfully in the arm. "I won and you know it," she said, smiling.

Harry reached up and rubbed his arm. "I don't know, I think I put up a pretty fair fight," Harry replied, grinning. "But since we can't decide, how about a rematch?"

"But I won fair and square!" she protested.

"Then you shouldn't be worried about it, should you?" Harry asked mischievously.

Ginny sighed and rolled her eyes. "All right, a rematch. When?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Well, how about as soon as I get out of this place?" he asked, gesturing to the room around him.

"Don't be ridiculous," she said, shaking her head in disapproval. "You're going to need rest when you get back. We'll have to wait a few more days after that. But we can't wait too long, because we're going back to Hogwarts soon."

At this, Harry sighed and closed his eyes.

"You're still planning on not going, aren't you?" she asked, her voice full of disappointment.

Harry tried to find a way to tell her without giving anything away. "I... I can't go, Ginny. I have things that need taking care of right away."

Ginny looked at him thoughtfully for a long while, and her eyes seemed to pierce his soul. Finally, she spoke.

"I know this isn't just because you have to save the world again."

Harry bit his lip. She knew him too well.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked kindly.

Harry shook his head. He could feel his chest tightening and his insides crumbling with a sadness that had been so familiar to him over the past two years.

"It's just that... Hogwarts without Dumbledore..." his voice caught and he swallowed heavily, looking away from her. He took a deep, sustaining breath, and felt arms wrap around his neck again, hugging him tightly. He buried his face in her hair and smelled the familiar flowery scent he knew so well. He pulled her in tighter, wincing against both the physical and emotional pain, and they sat there for several long moments.

"Perhaps we should have knocked?"

Harry and Ginny jumped apart and watched as Fred in George strolled in, wearing bright blue robes that matched their eyes and huge grins that matched their mischievous personalities.

"Oh, no!" said Fred, grinning even broader as e spoke. "Don't stop on our account. We were just stopping by to drop off some goods for Harry. So carry on."

Ginny rolled her eyes at them, and Harry laughed as she slid off the bed. "We were just hugging, you two," said Ginny, waving her wand at them.

They both raised their hands up in surrender, and Harry laughed at their facial expressions. They truly looked nervous being in front of Ginny's wand. Everyone who knew her knew that she had a mean bat boogey hex that no one could top.

"Now, now, Ginny. You're still underage," said George as he and Fred backed away.

"I know that," said Ginny, smiling as she pocketed her wand. The twins sighed with relief.

"Anyway, Harry, here're a few things from our joke shop that you might find useful," said Fred, taking a bag out of his robes pocket and setting on the table at the foot of Harry's bed. "Enjoy, and we're glad to see that you're better."

Harry and Ginny watched as the twins waved goodbye and walked out the door. Then Ginny turned back to Harry. "All right, enough excitement for one day. You need to get more sleep." Harry started to protest, but Ginny smiled and shook her head. "No, Mr. Potter, you need to rest. That way you'll get better soon, and we can have that splash fight."

Harry grinned. "I'll hold you to that."

Ginny helped him lay back down and he closed his eyes. He suddenly felt extremely tired. He didn't know how Ginny did it, but she seemed to know his feelings before he even felt them. Smiling to himself, he relaxed and soon fell asleep, knowing that Ginny was right there beside him.

888888888888888888

For two more days the Healers kept Harry in St. Mungo's, feeding him all sorts of different potions and foods to help him recover faster. Harry kept insisting that he was fine and he wanted to leave, but no one would hear any of it. They were worried about his loss of weight, and Harry had to agree that he was thinner than ever before, but he was sick of everyone forcing him to eat and sleep. Finally, the Healers let him leave, but only after strict instructions to Mrs. Weasley that he get three meals a day, and nothing less.

After being in bed for so long, Harry just wanted to get outside and do something. So, when he returned to the Burrow, he challenged Ginny to a splash fight again. She protested, saying that Harry still needed rest, but Harry told her that he'd go alone if she didn't come along. Not willing to let him go off by himself, Ginny tagged along, and they left for the creek the next day, laughing and teasing each other the whole way.

Harry pulled off his Muggle shirt and jumped into the water, wanting to cool off quickly. Ginny was a little more dainty about it, and walked to the middle of the log before diving in gracefully. Harry waited until she resurfaced and then quickly doused her in a wave of cool water.

"Hey!" she complained. "We hadn't said that it'd started yet!"

Harry looked at her apologetically, but soon regretted it as she pushed a large amount of water into his face. Sputtering and pushing the water out of his eyes, he muttered, "Bloody hypocrite."

Ginny just laughed and kicked away from him as he reached out to grab her. Then she smashed her leg into the water and caused a huge explosion of water to wash over both of them. When they resurfaced, they continued their battle, and it went on for quite some time. Harry felt himself getting tired after a while and wished that he had taken something to keep him alert. Ginny must have noticed this, because she stopped splashing.

"Harry, you're not getting tired are you?" she asked, making sure that he was okay.

"No," he replied defiantly. "Why would you ask that?"

Ginny smiled and rolled her eyes. "Because you've slowed down to the pace of a flobber worm and you're breathing like you just wrestled Crabbe and Goyle single handedly."

Harry responded by scowling and splashing her in the face. Ginny laughed and wiped the water out of her eyes, but didn't splash him back. Harry was grateful for this, because he really was tired and wanted to sit down.

Ginny shook her head impatiently and grabbed his hand, tugging him to the water's edge. Harry just gaped at her when they sat on the shore.

"Can you read minds, or something?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"No," she said with a smirk. "Just yours."

Harry smiled at this and lay back against the soft grass, gazing up at the tops of the trees. Ginny did the same, and they just sat there in silence for several long moments, enjoying each others company. Finally, Ginny spoke.

"Harry, do you still fancy me?"

Harry was completely taken aback by this and couldn't think of a reply for several moments.

"Ginny, please. I don't want-"

"It was a simple question, Harry," Ginny interrupted, propping herself up on one elbow to look at his face. "Just answer it."

Her eyes bore into him as she patiently waited for an answer. Harry sighed and closed his eyes.

"Yes, Ginny, I do."

He cracked one eye open to see her expression. She was giving him an exasperated look.

"Then why in the world aren't we back together?" she asked angrily.

Harry didn't like seeing Ginny so upset with him, so he looked away again as he replied. "If Voldemort-"

"Don't give me any of that 'Voldemort' nonsense," she snapped, turning his head to look at her again. "He has Malfoy and Snape on his side. He probably already knows!"

"Well, that's true, but-" Harry stopped and stared at her in awe. "Ginny, you... you said his name!" he sputtered.

"Of course I said his name," she replied tersely. "I've realized that it is ridiculous to be scared of something as stupid as not saying someone's name."

Harry smiled and nodded. "Now you're coming around."

"But you aren't, Harry!" she said burst out loudly. "You may not be afraid to say his name, but you are just as afraid of him."

"And why shouldn't I be?" he said just as loudly, sitting up. "He has killed everyone I've ever gotten close to. My parents, Sirius, Dumbledore..." he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. "Ginny, I couldn't handle it if you were dead too. I... I just..."

He couldn't bear it anymore. He could feel his resolve cracking. No longer having enough strength to sustain the conversation, Harry got up, put on his shirt, and walked away. He heard Ginny calling after him, but didn't care. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew that if he stayed with Ginny any longer, he would not have the willpower to withstand her.

And what's so bad about that? a little voice in his head protested as he walked further into the woods. Why do you have to stay away from Ginny?

I've been over this, he told the voice. If Voldemort found out-

Yes, but Ginny was right. Voldemort probably already knows. The whole school knew you were going out. Especially Snape. There's no way Voldemort would not know.

All right, so he probably already knows. But if I'm around Ginny all the time, she is in more danger.

Nonsense. She's probably safer around you, what with your 'saving people thing'. Besides, you know that she can handle herself.

I know, it's just that...

And his thoughts continued like that for ages, his will fighting a losing battle. He found what seemed like a good spot and sat down, leaning against a tree. He felt very tired, and just wanted to sleep, but he heard footsteps. A second later Ginny stepped into view.

"Why did you walk off like that?" she asked angrily. "You were talking and you just... left."

Harry sighed and looked away. Every time he looked at her he wanted to hold her in his arms. "I'm sorry Ginny, it's just that-"

"Do you love me?" she interrupted, her eyes bearing into him.

"I... what?" Did she just say what he thought she said?

"I asked you if you love me," she replied, more calmly. "I thought so once. But now I'm not so sure."

Harry let out a long, so breath. This was too much stress for him to handle. Yes, to be honest, he did love her. He'd been aching to tell her for so long, but he was scared. Not just of Voldemort, or what might happen, but of what she might say.

"Ginny, I can't-"

But yet again, Ginny interrupted him. "Get up, Harry." She grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. "I'm sick of you beating around the bush. I've been waiting for you to come around for two months now. Fortunately, there's a way to get my answer."

Harry was going to ask why, but he was distracted as he watched her step closer to him. He took a step back and backed into the tree. His eyes widened as she watched him, slowly wrapping her arms around his neck. Then she tilted her head, closed her eyes, and kissed him.

Harry was numb with shock at first. What was she doing? Had she gone mad? But then he realized what was happening. He had wanted to kiss Ginny for two months now, longing to hold her in his arms. He found himself leaning into the kiss and placing his arms on her waist, pulling her to him. She tightened her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Harry was so lost, so completely caught up in the kiss, that he was surprised and disappointed when Ginny pulled away.

"All right," she said, smirking slightly. "I have my answer."

She unwound herself from Harry's arms and stood back to look at him. Harry was watching her uncomfortably as she spoke again.

"When you said you loved me earlier, I wasn't sure if you were just delirious, or if you were being honest. I had to know for sure."

Harry felt very confused. What was she talking about? He had never told Ginny he loved her. He'd wanted to, but he'd never actually said it. She couldn't tell if he was delirious? And then it hit him. He'd told her when he was sick and couldn't string two and two together. He privately wondered what else he had said, but then he realized that Ginny was talking to him.

"Come on, Harry. You look really tired. Let's get you back to the Burrow."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him forward. Harry was lost in his thoughts and was startled when they reached the back door to the Weasley's home.

"Oh, good, you're back. We were just sitting down to dinner," said Mrs. Weasley, ushering them inside.

"Er... I'm not very hungry," Harry said. And in truth, he wasn't. After being so sick and not eating anything for four days straight, his stomach was still getting used to food. But he also wanted to go upstairs and wrestle with the thoughts that were running through his head.

"No, Harry. Healer Michaels gave me explicit instructions to make sure you eat." Mrs. Weasley guided him over to a chair next to Ron and across from Ginny, and pushed him in. Then she began serving food onto each of their plates. Not wanting to argue, Harry ate what he was given, though rather quickly. Ginny kept smirking at him, making him look down and blush a bit. After a few minutes of Harry not saying anything, Ron seemed to notice, because he asked Harry about it.

"Mate, are you all right? You seem awfully quiet."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine, just tired. Mrs. Weasley, I'm really sorry, but I'm not very hungry. It tasted fantastic, though. May I be excused?"

Mrs. Weasley frowned at his half-eaten dinner, but nodded.

"All right. Get some sleep, dear. But I expect you to eat three helpings at breakfast, tomorrow," she said, smiling.

Harry laughed, thanked her, and walked up the stairs to his room. He quickly changed into his pajamas and crawled gratefully into bed. However, he could not sleep. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts continued to cloud over his brain. All he could think about was Ginny.

She had kissed him, and said she had her answer. What did that mean? What was he supposed to do now? He could no longer think of anything else. He debated in his head, as he had debated many times before.

I should just ignore it. She'll be hurt, but she'll forget about.

No she won't and you know it! And besides, you will never forget. You love her, and there's no denying it.

Yes, but... okay, you're right. But what if she-

We've been over this. Everyone's in danger. Pulling away will do nothing to help.

I don't believe you. I'll just have to talk to Ginny in the morning and tell her this has to stop.

Harry sighed. He was so tired. He kept checking the clock in frustration. Nine o'clock... ten o'clock... eleven o'clock... eleven thirty...

When it reached midnight he could bear it no longer. He had to talk to Ginny. He wearily swung his legs out of bed and walked out of the room. He walked across the hall and put an ear to Ginny's door. It was silent inside. He pushed it open and walked in, closing the door behind him. He stopped as he saw her sleeping form. She looked so peaceful. Her hair was fanned out across her pillow, and her long lashes brushed her cheek...

No, he thought. You need to fix this.

He walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ginny? Ginny, wake up please."

He watched as she stirred and her eyes fluttered open. She looked around to see what had woken her and saw Harry standing by her bed.

"Ginny, we need to talk," he said before she could speak, seeing her confused expression.

"All right," she said, sitting up. "What do you want to talk about?"

Harry sighed and rubbed his temples. He was getting a headache from thinking so hard.

"Ginny... whatever happened in the forest... it needs to stop," he said before looking up at her. He thought it might be the moonlight playing tricks on his vision, but Ginny seemed to be smiling.

"I agree," she stated simply.

"It's just that- wait, you agree?" Now he felt really confused.

"Yes, I agree. Come here, Harry, and sit down."

She gestured to her bed and patted a spot beside her. Harry took a deep breath and complied. When he had gotten himself situated at the foot of her bed facing her, she continued.

"Harry, we need to stop this. I know you think I'm talking about us staying apart and forgetting about each other, but that's impossible."

Harry sighed and nodded. No matter how much he pushed her away, he could never forget about Ginny. She continued.

"And there can be none of this nonsense of waiting until after the war, because no one knows how long it'll last."

"Or who'll be around afterwards," Harry added. Ginny frowned at him, but then nodded.

"Yes, so we have to worry about here and now. I know how I feel about you and I know how you feel about me, but you are afraid to say it."

Harry was about to protest, but she pressed on.

"Harry, it's fine to be scared of what's to come. But the fact is, the future should not tell us how to live our lives now. If we don't know what's going to happen later on, we should make the most of t now. I know how you feel about me. I could feel it in that kiss in the woods today. Harry, it's time for you to admit the truth."

Harry watched her, debating what to say. She was right, they should live life to its fullest while they still could. But he was scared. He was absolutely terrified that he was lose her. Then again, as he watched her, with her beautiful eyes staring back at him, he realized that he could no longer push her away.

"You're right," he said as he scooted closer to her. "I love you."

A huge grin spread across her face as Harry wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately. He didn't ever want to let go. He didn't want to feel that same loneliness and separation he'd felt for two long months. Ginny's arms wound their way around Harry's neck as she kissed him back. He couldn't believe he'd avoided her for so long. He couldn't believe he hadn't gone mad without her. Deepening the kiss, he gently guided her down onto the bed before pulling back.

"Don't stop," she murmured with her eyes still closed. Harry laughed and kissed her on the forehead, for which she hit him playfully on the arm.

"Harry Potter, you're incorrigible."

Harry smiled the first truly happy smile in a long time. "I may be, but I'm also tired." He got up and walked to the door and turned to see Ginny gazing after him. "I'll see you in the morning," he said softly before walking out the door and closing it behind him.

8888888888888

THE END! I hope you liked it, and PLEASE REVIEW! Thank you to all my faithful reviewers as well. I would list all of you off, but I am running out of time. I might replace this document later so I can list you all. You are all SO AWESOME! Thanks and cheers!

-Julia Holtemore