Harry Loves Ginny

After the Chamber of Secrets

Harry left McGonagall's office and headed back to the Gryffindor Common Room, relieved that they weren't going to be expelled or punished in any way.

He met Ron who was coming back from having escorted Lockhart and he prattled on about their getting Special Awards for Services to the School but Harry's thoughts were on Ginny. He was still quite concerned about her even though Mrs. Weasley had taken her to the Hospital Wing to see Madam Pomfrey.

Of course they were the centre of attention when they entered but Harry was in no mood to talk to anyone and he quickly left for his dorm, leaving Ron talking to anyone who would listen about their adventure down to the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry changed and got in bed pulling the curtains so he didn't have to deal with anyone if they came looking for him. He lay there for the longest time unable to fall asleep. He just stared at the ceiling and thought about this past year and his feeling that somehow he had let Ginny down.

Even though she was Ron's sister he knew they should have been better friends with her, looking out for her like the Twins had for him and Ron their first year. They should have done more, he could see that plain as the nose on his face now, why hadn't that been obvious all year long?

After a time he heard Ron, Dean, Seamus and Neville come up to bed but he remained quiet so as not to let them know he was still awake. Finally Harry heard them all drift off to sleep and begin snoring peacefully.

Harry still couldn't sleep, all he could think of was Ginny, laying alone in the Hospital Wing and he couldn't stand it. Quietly he slipped out of bed and retrieved his Invisibility Cloak from his trunk, pausing once when he heard Ron snort and roll over.

Once Ron had settled back down and began to snore again Harry dawned the Cloak and slipped out of the room and down the stairs. Thankfully there was no one about so he was able to exit Gryffindor Tower and make his way to the Hospital Wing.

Slipping inside he stopped to let his eyes adjust to the semi-darkness of the room. There, about halfway down he saw a small figure huddled in bed and he could see her shoulders shaking as if she was sobbing silently.

Glancing at Madam Pomfrey's office to make sure she wasn't going to come out he softly made his way down to Ginny's bed. As he got closer he saw she was crying softly to herself. So concerned was Harry that he inadvertently bumped the bed as he came close.

Ginny bolted upright in fright and said quietly, "Who's there?"

Harry pulled off his cloak and Ginny gave a start.

"I'm sorry I scared you," Harry whispered.

Ginny relaxed a little when she saw it was Harry. "That's OK," she mumbled.

She glanced at him and asked "What are you doing here?"

"I ah, well, I couldn't sleep and I kept thinking about you and just wanted to check up on you," he said nervously.

Ginny just looked at him for a moment and then nodded, "Thank You," she said sheepishly, breaking eye contact and looking down at her bed.

Harry watched her closely and he saw her shoulders slump slightly and then another small shudder passed through her body. He moved closer to the bed and sat down in the chair that was close to the side, probably where Mrs. Weasley had sat earlier that evening.

He noticed Ginny watching out of the corner of her eyes at him but she remained quiet.

"I'm Sorry Ginny," he said softly.

Ginny's head came up and looked at him confused. "For what Harry?" she asked.

"For not being a better friend this year," he said, ashamed of himself.

Ginny looked at him intensely and her mouth opened and closed several times like she wanted to say something but didn't quite know how or what she wanted to tell him. Finally she said "That's OK, I mean I'm just Ron's little sister, why should you have been my friend?"

Harry thought for a moment, "I should have been your friend if nothing else than you are Ron's sister but if anyone knows what it's like to be alone in a strange place for the first time it's me and I should have made a better effort," he said his guilt still eating at him.

Ginny nodded but again didn't say anything. She had a very sad look in her eyes and appeared to be very tired but she made no effort to lay back down and go to sleep.

Harry looked at her and he thought he knew what the problem was. "Why aren't you sleeping?" he asked full of concern. "Didn't Madam Pomfrey give you a Sleeping Draught?"

Ginny's eyes took on a somewhat frightened look. "She tried to but I spit it out, I hate being forced to sleep. Besides every time I close my eyes I see Tom again," she said with a small sob.

"I know what you mean," Harry said softly. "I see my Mum getting killed a lot when I go to sleep."

Harry looked at Ginny and his heart went out to her. "Would it help if I stayed here with you?" he asked. "I promise to keep you safe."

Ginny stared at him for several long moments and he saw here relax again. "Would you?" she whispered.

"Yes Ginny, I'll stay and make sure you're safe," Harry said. Then for some reason he didn't quite fathom he reached out and took her hand. "Just lay down Ginny, I'm right here."

Ginny looked at his hand holding hers before looking up into Harry's emerald eyes and she smiled a little.

"Promise?" she asked.

"Promise," he answered, returning her smile with one of his own.

Ginny lay back and closed her eyes, keeping a tight hold on Harry's hand. "Thank you Harry," she said so softly he barely heard. "I think maybe I can get to sleep now."

Harry carefully adjusted his chair so he could keep a hold of her hand without leaning or stretching and he watched as she fell asleep in what seemed like a matter of moments. Finally looking relaxed enough that she would sleep the night through.

As she slept he stared at her face, relaxed now in peaceful slumber and he marvelled at how pretty she looked. Her hair had fanned out around her face and he couldn't remember ever seeing something that looked so beautiful. It was like he was truly seeing her for the first time.

The hours passed and Harry kept watch, never once feeling the desire to fall asleep.

It was well past midnight when he felt Ginny stir in her sleep and mumble "No Tom, Please I don't want to," in her dream.

Harry quickly leaned over and with his free hand he softly stoked her hair and forehead, whispering into her ear, "It's OK Ginny, it's just a dream. I'm here and Tom can't hurt you."

Still asleep he felt her move and turn her head slightly towards him, muttering "Harry?"

"Shh, Ginny. I'm right here," he whispered to her softly. "You're safe, Tom can't hurt you. You're safe here."

Ginny smiled in her sleep and calmed down again, once more dropping into a deep slumber

When he heard Madam Pomfrey stir in her office Harry quickly pulled his cloak up over himself while remaining where he was, still holding Ginny's hand. He watched as the matron glanced out of her office making sure that Ginny was still asleep before she went back inside and dimmed her light.

Harry remained there the rest of the night, comforting Ginny if she seemed in any distress and was happy when she calmed quickly as he kept telling her she was safe and Tom couldn't hurt her any more.

All through the night he kept his vigil, making sure that Ginny slept soundly and undisturbed. He was surprised because he didn't feel in the least bit tired and he wasn't sure when it happened but he knew that Ginny would always be special to him, partly because of their shared experience in the Chamber and partly because of something else he couldn't quite put a name to.

Somehow she had taken up residence in his heart and he knew he'd never be able to look at her the same again.

Finally when the sun began to shine through the window Ginny stirred once again but this time it was because she was waking up.

He felt her squeeze his hand as her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him. She smiled shyly and blushed a little. "I almost thought it was all a dream," she said softly.

Harry returned her smile and asked "What was all a dream?"

"Your being here," she said shyly.

When Harry didn't say anything but just smiled at her she said, "Thank you Harry."

"Any time Ginny," Harry replied.

"Really?" she asked as if she couldn't believe she really heard him.

"Really Ginny," he said still with the smile plastered on his face.

"You should probably go," Ginny said at last. "You don't want to get into trouble on my account."

"You'd be worth it," Harry said seriously.

"What about my brother?" she asked.

"He better just get use to the idea," Harry said.

Ginny looked at him with widened eyes. "Are you sure?" she asked,

"Yes Ginny," Harry replied again.

Ginny blushed again, unsure just what to say, her mind in turmoil, wondering if she was reading to much into Harry's words.

"You'd better go," she said again.

"All right, but I'll be back," he said.

"When?" Ginny asked, her heart in her throat.

"As soon as I get changed," Harry replied. "I'll come and get you so we can go down to breakfast. That's if you want me too."

Ginny smiled, not believing what she was hearing. "I'd like that very much," she said softly.

"OK, then that's settled," he said as if that was all that mattered. "See you soon."

Ginny smiled at him but was surprised that both seemed reluctant to let go of each others hand. Finally they heard Madam Pomfrey stirring in her office and Harry glanced that way. He then looked back at Ginny and with out really realizing what he was doing he leaned in and gave Ginny a soft rather chaste kiss.

It caught Ginny by surprise but she did return it, relishing the feel of Harry's lips on hers. They both looked at each other in surprise as they parted but neither said anything.

Harry looked into Ginny's eyes, smiled and said, "I'll see you soon."

"OK Harry," Ginny managed to get out.

Harry straightened and pulled his Cloak up over himself and disappeared from view. As he walked quietly away he heard Ginny say to herself, "I really must be dreaming."

He snuck past just as Madam Pomfrey came out of her office and started toward Ginny to give her a check up.

Harry hurried back to his dorm room where he found Ron and the others still asleep. He had just stowed his Cloak and started to get dressed when he heard Ron stir and yawn mightily.

"Where you off to?" he asked Harry sleepily.

"Breakfast," Harry replied as he put on his clothes.

"If you wait a few I'll go with you," Ron said yawning again as he stretched.

Harry felt his irritation rise, "Why don't I meet you there," he said as he tied his trainers.

"Where you going first?" Ron asked.

Harry took a deep breath, "To check on Ginny," he said tensely.

"Why?" asked Ron as if he couldn't conceive of Harry doing such a thing.

"Because," was all Harry said as he stood up.

Ron looked at him funny, like he thought Harry had lost his mind. Finally he just shrugged, "OK, I'll see you there."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, not really wanting to get into it with Ron this early in the morning, or at all as he thought about it.

He hurried back down the stairs and back to the Hospital Wing, he paused outside the door to catch his breath for a moment before he entered. He was pleased to see Ginny sitting up in the chair dressed and waiting for him.

He felt his stomach do somersaults as he looked at her. To Harry she looked so stunningly beautiful that he couldn't even put it into words. He just knew he felt drawn to her like he had never been before, to anyone.

She smiled as he approached but she remained seated till he got to her.

"Ready to go?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Ginny replied, looking shyly at the floor.

Harry extended his hand and after a moments hesitation Ginny took it and she let Harry pull her gently to her feet. They began walking towards the doors, still hand in hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Harry felt his heart beating a mile a minute as he enjoyed Ginny's hand in his. Neither said anything but Harry was aware of Ginny glancing at him every few steps, a small smile on her face.

As they descended through the castle, Harry became more acutely aware of people looking at them as they walked.

Just before they got to the last staircase Ginny pulled Harry to a stop and looked at him funnily.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"Are you sure you want to walk in like this?" she asked lifting their joined hands.

Harry looked at her, cocking his head slightly, "Why is there something wrong with it?"

Ginny smiled slightly and shook her head. "Not to me, but I was just wondering if you were OK with it?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Harry asked looking quite confused.

"Well usually it signifies that the ones doing so are like going together or something," Ginny said softly, suddenly unable to meet Harry's eyes again.

"Does that bother you?" Harry asked, suddenly thinking he may stepped over some invisible line.

"No," said Ginny softly. "I just wondered if you might. I mean we haven't talked about it or anything."

It was Harry's turn to stare at the floor. "Well I'm kind of new at this," he said. "All I know is I like being with you Ginny and for some reason holding your hand just really feels, - Um, right. If you know what I mean."

"Yeah," Ginny said with a smile, "I feel the same thing."

Harry smiled at her again, looking into her deep, chocolate eyes, feeling like he was falling into them, all he saw was Ginny's eyes, totally oblivious to all the kids around them as they hurried to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Once again Harry felt himself leaning in toward Ginny and their lips toughed again. This time the kiss lasted a little longer and both felt shivers run up and down their spines, neither finding the sensation unpleasant. In fact both wanted to feel that sensation again.

Finally breaking apart Ginny smiled and blushed deeply. "So does this mean we're going together?" she asked.

Harry took a deep breath, he hadn't really thought about it in those terms but he knew he liked the idea. "Yeah, I mean if you want to. I don't want to make you or anything," he said.

Ginny rolled her eyes at him and giggled. "Harry I couldn't want anything more."

Harry let out his breath that he had been holding, not even realizing he had been doing so. "Brilliant!" he said in relief.

Ginny frowned than, "What about Ron?" she asked.

Harry looked at her seriously, "Well he had better just get use to the idea," he said earnestly.

Smiling at Harry's pronouncement she pulled Harry forward and started down the steps again, "Come on. I'm starving," she said with a smile.

Harry smiled with her and they descended the last steps and headed into the Great Hall. As they walked up the row towards where Harry usually sat with Ron and Hermione they became aware of all the talking and noise falling silent as they walked past.

Ron looked down the row as they approached, smiling at first when he spotted Harry but then taking on a look like he'd just been hit by a Bludger when he saw Ginny's hand in Harry's.

Hermione looked just as stunned for a moment but then a smile crept onto her face and she gave them a knowing look.

Harry assisted Ginny into her seat on the bench before sitting down beside her. He noticed everyone looking at them, Seamus, Dean, Neville and Paravati were staring goggle-eyed.

"What?" asked Harry as he sat down.

They all suddenly became very interested in their breakfasts and the chatter picked back up.

Ginny was casually putting eggs onto his plate after serving herself, she then poured them both some juice as Harry served them both some sausages.

Hermione was beaming at them but Harry noticed Ron's face had changed from the stunned look he had earlier to a deep frown and his ears were beginning to go red. A sure sign that his temper was starting to build up. He opened his mouth like he was going to say something but he was cut off by Hermione.

"Stuff it Ron," she whispered forcefully.

Ron looked at her in surprise and hissed "But he's with my sister!"

"So?" Hermione said.

"But," Ron began again.

"No Ron," Hermione said. "Ginny's been through enough already and Dumbledore said to leave them alone. If they want to be together you should just accept that and leave it be."

Harry had never been more grateful for Hermione's intervention than ever though Ginny pointedly ignored what was happening. She just looked at Harry and said, "Eat."

Harry looked at her and smiled as he picked up his fork and began to eat his eggs. For right now it seemed that things would be OK and that was fine with him. He was sure that Ron would voice his opinion later on but that didn't bother him. He was content to let come what may, Ginny was with him and that's all that mattered. Somehow he felt more complete with her by his side as he felt her take his hand under the table.

Harry felt the warm feeling run through him again as if Ginny was somehow connected and he knew there was still a lot to come in his life but for right now he felt as long as he had Ginny by his side he'd somehow over come everything.

A/N: This line of stories was the last thing my friend Sheila and I ever discussed. I was a little unsure about it but she urged me to go ahead and write them. So thank you Sheila, I hope everyone enjoys them.

Please review.