Avoiding Our Grasp

The rest of fifth year was a blur for Ginny. It was amazing, and for the most part, wonderful. Granted, she had her OWL's to study for and take, and her classes were exceptionally difficult, but she had Harry, and that was enough. Whenever she and Harry walked to supper or to class, she could feel the eyes of girls all over boring into her head.

'If looks could kill,' Ginny often thought, 'I'd be long dead.'

Although Ginny pondered this issue frequently when she was alone, whenever she was with Harry, it was as if they were together, and would be forever. She noticed only themselves, and everyone else faded off into the distance.

Toward the end of that year, Ginny and Harry sat together in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room, musing about the pending summer. Ginny desperately wanted Harry to come spend the months with her, because she could hardly bear to be apart from him for that long, but they both knew that he'd have to return to Privet Drive, even if only for a week, so that he could still call it home and receive the protection it offered. Even so, Ginny thought he could come to the Burrow afterwards.

'Harry?' Ginny asked timidly, in case he would think it a bad idea. 'D'you think you might spend the summer at the Burrow? I'm sure Mum wouldn't mind, and it'd be... well, lovely, if you came.' Ginny blushed furiously.

Harry wore an elated expression. 'I'd love to come stay at your place, Gin.'

'Really?' Now it was Ginny's turn to be excited.

'Really. I mean, as long as it's all right with your Mum.'

'Oh, I'm sure she won't mind at all! Harry, it'd be brilliant if you could come!'

'No, come on, I'm not as great as all that.' Harry began to blush.

'Really, it would...' Ginny relaxed into Harry's lap, and he put her arms around her.

'It's going to be a lovely summer, Harry,' Ginny told him.

'Yes,' Harry said, caressing her neck with his lips. '...Lovely...'

*

'Ginny! Wake up, it's time for supper!' Bill banged on the door to Ginny's room.

'All right! I'm awake!' Ginny said to the closed door. The banging ceased, and Ginny guessed that Bill had gone back into the kitchen.

Ginny stood up and grabbed a comb from her dresser. She undid the clasp that held up her hair, and waves of red, curly hair cascaded down past her waist. Fine, short curls framed her face, while her hair thickened and the curls lengthened as they reached down. It was almost as if her head was on fire, with all the loud, bright red hair covering her body like a cloak of its own. This was why Harry loved your hair. Ginny paused, remembering how he would stroke through it, massaging her neck and shoulders through it. It was the real Weasley hair, a mark of her family and her past that she would never be able to escape.

A year after the battle, with no word of Harry's whereabouts, Ginny had grown depressed, and bought a bottle of Muggle hair dye, to try and conceal her hair without magic, so that it couldn't be revealed with a simple, disillusion charm. No, she wanted her hair to be gone for good. She remembered how her hands shook as she opened the hair dye bottle, Midnight Madness No. 5, and how she had spilt it all over the old towel she had wrapped around her shoulders. Try as she might, application after application, Ginny's hair refused to stay hidden, and after the shower that she was told to take to seal in the dye, all of the dye would run off the hair, and it would remain the same, bright red and fiery.

In a fit of anger, she had taken scissors to it, hacking off nearly eight inches before she broke down on the floor, only to have Ron come find her. She knew she had scared him half to death with the shock of his baby sister weeping and distraught, covered in black dye and long clumps of curly red hair.

She persuaded her parents not to send her to St. Mungo's hospital psychiatric ward, and Hermione came to stay with Ginny, helping to sway her parents. Only Hermione truly knew what was wrong; that Ginny only wanted to rid herself of the hair that connected her with her past, with Harry. Ginny missed him dreadfully, but she was past the point of explaining her loss. She had accepted it, and Hermione helped her move on.

After that, she got used to her hair only reaching down to her mid-back, and she realized that she didn't want to get rid of her hair. Her amazing and beautiful red hair connected her physically with those that she loved most; those that were there for her, no matter what; those that helped her in her darkest hours; and those that didn't up-and-disappear on her without a word.

Ginny ran the comb through her hair a few times, pulled it back up, and went into the kitchen, hungry for the appetizing French cuisine that the tempting aromas wafting from the pots on the stove promised.

*

Ginny returned to her bedroom, her stomach full to bursting from another of Fleur's amazing meals.

'She really did learn heaps in that cooking class at Beauxbatons,' Ginny mused. 'Perhaps I ought to start eating less of it!' she thought, poking her taut stomach. She laughed and headed to ready herself for bed.

After showering and brushing her hair and teeth, Ginny climbed into her bed with a piece of paper and a quill.

Dear Hermione,

Everything's well here. I like my new job all right, and I'm regarded very well.

Bill and Fleur are doing great. I think they'll make great parents, even if Bill's a bit neurotic. I mean, he's worried whenever anyone so much as hugs Fleur! I'm sure Ron's the same way.

How are things down at your end? How is your pregnancy going? I do hope you're not too uncomfortable, however, knowing you, I'm sure you're taking it all in stride. Have you heard any of the latest news from the Weasley clan? I do write them, but it takes a while to owl from overseas, and I do hate to wear out Athena.

I had an interesting experience today... I met Luna and Neville! They're engaged, and they're getting married in two weeks, as I'm sure you're aware. Anyway, the best part is that they want me to be a bridesmaid in their wedding! I'm coming back to the Burrow in a week! I'm terribly excited, in case you couldn't tell.

I can't wait to see you and Ron! Give him a hug from me! I miss you all terribly!

Love,

Ginny

Ginny put aside the quill and grabbed an envelope, proceeding to stuff the letter inside. She then held it out to Athena, her gray barn owl who perched in the corner of the room.

'Here, Athena. Take this to Hermione, would you please?'

Athena hooted affectionately, and held out her foot, ready to take the letter. Ginny gave it to her, and watched as she flew into the starry night.

When Athena had disappeared from view, Ginny turned around and climbed into bed, feeling sure that she would quickly fall asleep, as she was so exhausted.

*

Ginny rolled over in her bed, lifting her gaze to her clock on the wall, which read 1:30 am.

'Half one already?' Ginny grumbled. 'I haven't slept a wink! However will I manage at work tomorrow?' She rolled back over on her other side; a more comfortable position for her. She peered out the window, searching for any sign of movement in the darkness. There was nothing to distract her, nothing for her to take interest in.

She yawned and turned over to her bedside table. Turning on the light, she grabbed one of her books of poems and opened it to the next one. 'Perhaps if I do some writing, I'll fall asleep faster,' she thought, and began to write, quill in hand.

Restless Nights

I live for the

Restless Nights

When my skin crawls

And my dreams take flight.

Out and above my window they go

With me hanging on

As they sway to and fro.

I live for the

Restless Nights

When I see your face

In the pale moonlight.

I feel like I've died

And come back to life

As the night rolls in with the ocean tide.

I live for the

Restless Nights

When my dreams are reality

Because reality bites.

I don't have to face

more tears and more grief

I just have to embrace

Myself.

I live for the

Restless Nights

Because only in night time

Can my mind take flight.

And its only in night time

That the sky reflects your face

Like my mind is living on borrowed time.

I live for the

Restless Nights.

'Well that's a bit ironic. It does make sense... but right now, I'd like to be asleep, rather than fantasizing about Harry,' Ginny declared, setting back the book and turning off the light.

She yawned and was about to turn over when something caught her eye. A bit of movement, a flash of light... Something outside her window. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something was out there. Something was calling her attention. She felt odd, as if it was calling to her. Odd, indeed, but she had nothing better to do, and it was sure that she wouldn't sleep unless she quelled the questions running through her veins.

Ginny threw back her covers and stood, stretching. She scanned the room, her eyes settling on her black over-coat, flung into a pile in the corner. She gathered it up and slipped it on. Not bothering to do up her hair, she quietly opened and closed her door, moving through the apartment and slipping out into the cold, clear night, her wand secured safely in her coat pocket.

*

Ginny turned the corner of Pharaoh Street, continuing down on Pyramid Way. She walked about the beautiful streets, oddly calm at the time of night, and reminisced about the last time she had smelled air this warm and sweet; during her summer after fifth year, with Harry Potter.

*

Ginny bounded down the stairs of the Burrow in a light yellow sundress that stretched a bit across her chest and swished about her knees when she walked. She thought it was a good colour on her, and she knew that if she had even the slightest good 'vibe' about the dress, Harry would probably like it just as much, if not more.

'You look nice, love,' Harry greeted her as she sat down to breakfast beside him.

'Thank you. I found this in my closet, and I thought I'd try it on... You like it?'

'It's... brilliant,' Harry said as his gaze left Ginny's face and scanned the rest of her body.

'Yes,' Harry said, trying to wrench his eyes away from the tight material covering his girlfriend's chest, 'lovely.'

Ginny sat down, glowing. 'Pass the butter, will you, Fred?'

Fred passed it, exchanging a grin with his twin and kicking Harry under the table. When Harry looked up, the two winked at him in unison.

'Uncanny how they manage that,' Harry thought to himself; a thought which he later shared with Ginny.

At that moment, Mrs Weasley walked into the kitchen, followed six or seven plates piled high with food which had been enchanted to fly after her.

'Harry, dear, would you like some more eggs?' As Mrs Weasley spoke, a platter of eggs zoomed out from behind her and stopped in front of Harry.

'Er, Sure, thanks,' Harry said, helping himself to one of the eggs on the tray, which, having served its purpose, zoomed back into line with the rest.

'Ron and Hermione are out there, and I'm sure they'd love it if you'd join them.' Mrs Weasley flashed them a smile and lowered herself back down to the floor cupboard that she was rummaging through, looking for something.

'We will, thanks Mum,' Ginny told her mother, and followed Harry through the back door.

Just before they rounded the corner leading to the table, they stopped. Harry yelled, 'We'll be right there, Ron and Hermione!' Ginny winked at them, and they turned the corner.

It was very bright out, and they were momentarily blinded by the light. Once they could see again, Ginny was happy Harry had thought to yell. Ron and Hermione looked guilty, as if they'd been caught, and their faces were very red. The pair had been snogging for sure, and Harry and Ginny were tired of walking in on them, as they still found it kind of disgusting that their friends and siblings were dating. Well, very disgusting.

'So. Up early, are we?' Harry chided Ron as they sat down.

'Better early than late. What took the two of you so long?'

'Harry took forever in the shower,' Ginny said, glancing at Harry with a smile.

'Oh, sorry, love. I didn't realize...' Harry trailed off, his face reddening.

Ron took one look at his sister and his best friend and sighed dramatically.

Hermione's eyes narrowed. 'Leave off, Ron. They aren't for you to deal with, all right?'

'Yeah, yeah,' Ron muttered, busying himself once again with the huge pile of food in front of him.

Harry and Ginny sat down and began talking and eating, laughing as Hermione told them about her arrival at the Burrow, a fortnight prior.

'... and then, to top it all off, I trip over the front step here and land flat on my face coming in the door! Ron had to help me up, I was so clumsy.' Hermione smiled at Ron amid gales of laughter from Harry and Ginny.

As Ginny swapped a story of her own about her trip down two flights of stairs during her second year at Hogwarts, Mrs Weasley bustled out of the kitchen and around the corner.

' I was thinking about sending the group of you up to Diagon Alley today; Ginny, you need some new robes for school, I'm sure, and all of you will be wanting to get your books... Would you fancy a trip up?'

Ginny and Harry glanced at each other. 'Sure, Mrs Weasley, I think we'd all love to,' Hermione said, casting a sideways glance and first Ron, and then Ginny. 'Thanks for the offer.'

'Oh, you're welcome dear.' Mrs Weasley smiled at the group, and retreated into the kitchen.

Hermione stood up. 'Well, I've got to go get my bag. Meet you lot back here in a moment?'

Ginny stood as well. 'I've got to get mine as well, I'll come too.'

Ron and Harry followed their girlfriends inside, but stood by the fire as they girls went upstairs.

Ron pulled Harry aside. 'Harry, would you- would you mind if we split up for a bit once we're there? I'd fancy some time alone with Hermione, as we can't get any peace here, and I'm sure you'd, er, like some time with my sister. Say we meet after lunch?'

Harry was relieved that Ron was thinking along the same lines as he was. 'Sure, that sounds brilliant. Why not meet at the Leaky Cauldron at 2 o'clock?'

'Fine. Oh look, here they come now.'

Ron and Harry turned to admire the girls descending the staircases, looking, in Harry's opinion, as lovely as ever. He told as much to Ginny.

'Why, thank you, Harry,' Ginny replied, flushing red at her cheeks.

'You're welcome, love,' Harry grinned merrily and kissed her right ear, and straightened.

'Er, shall we go then?' Harry asked Ron.

'Right.' Ron strode over to the fire and threw in a handful of green powder. Stepping into the emerald flames with Hermione at his side, Ginny heard him yell, 'Diagon Alley!' at the top of his lungs, and away he went.

Harry did the same, walking to the fire, throwing in the powder, and entering it with Ginny. She yelled 'Diagon Alley!' as he brother did, and they flew away, tumbling out of a fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron.

Ginny saw Ron and Hermione brushing soot off their robes, and she rose to join them. Harry tugged on her cloak.

'We're meeting up with them again at 2. We'll split up, for the time being. Is that all right?' Harry asked.

'Perfect,' Ginny said, snuggling up to Harry and kissing him lightly on the cheek.

'Brilliant. We'll see you later then,' Harry said, addressing Ron and Hermione.

'Yes, Good-Bye!' With a wave, Hermione disappeared from view, with Ron trailing after her.

Harry turned to Ginny. 'Shall we get your new robes first, as to get them out of the way?'

'Good by me. Let's go.' Harry put his arm around Ginny's waist and they left the Leaky Cauldron.

After entering Diagon Alley, the pair went into Madam Malkin's Robe shop, and Harry turned to

Ginny.

'I'll just wait here, then,' Harry said, motioning to a small chair by the door.

'Right. I'll be in the back,' Ginny smiled, and walked to the back of the store, out of Harry's sight.

Harry took a last look at Ginny's retreating form, and exited the store. He stopped outside a shop a few streets over, with a sign above the door that read:

Sparky Wisp and Sons

Makers of Fine Jewellery since 153 A.D.

'Perfect,' Harry said to himself, and entered the shop.

*

A small, graying man hurried over to Harry. 'Is there anything I can help you with, sir?'

Harry paused. 'I'm looking for a gift for my, er, girlfriend.'

'Is there anything you have in mind?'

'Well... something unusual. I don't think she'd much like any pearls or something of that sort.'

'Pearls? What are those?' the small man seemed interested at the mention of some new jewel.

'Never mind. Any ideas?' Harry covered quickly.

'Yes, I have just the thing,' the man pulled Harry over toward some teeth on a chain in the window. 'These are finest banshee's teeth. Very rare and expensive, but beautiful and the perfect gift for your loved one.'

Harry cringed at the sight of the brown, mossy teeth that were letting off quite a stench. 'Not exactly what I had in mind. Do you have anything, er... prettier?'

'Yes, I have just the thing.' The man pulled Harry over to yet another window, and began showing him more rare jewelry pieces, none of which really appealed to Harry.

'The thing is.... I'd rather have something that isn't... alive, and has never been alive. Do you have any stones?'

'Hmmm... I'm not really sure,' the man looked at the wall opposite, seemingly thinking hard. 'Do you mind waiting a moment? I don't have a clue, but I know someone that might.'

'Sure, I'll wait,' Harry was desperate to buy Ginny her gift, and he'd already spent so much time in the store that he needed to get going so Ginny wouldn't suspect anything.

'One moment,' the man said, and walked quickly to a door behind the counter, and reappeared presently, a wizard at his side. The man was no taller than Professor Flitwick, Harry's Charms professor, and he looked much older. He had a long white beard and moustache that fell to the ground, and hair the same length.

'Where's the young man with the problem?' the old wizard asked in a gravelly voice.

'That'd be me, sir,' Harry said and approached the wizard. 'I'm looking for a present for my girlfriend, but I want some sort of jewel, and something... unusual. Do you think you have anything for me?' Harry pleaded.

The wizard scratched his beard and paused. 'I may have something that you would like. Let me get it,' the wizard went behind the counter and through the door again. He came back and walked up to Harry, two boxes in his hands.

'These are Personality Talismans. They have a Humour charm put on them, so that if both people are wearing their necklaces, each can tell, based on the colour of their charm, what the other is feeling.'

Harry fingered the necklaces the man held out in his outstretched hand. 'Brilliant... Quite similar to Muggle 'Mood Rings', are they not?'

'I've never heard of these... what did you call them? Oh yes, mood rings, but these here are one of a kind. Extremely rare, and fairly expensive, and they will last forever.'

Harry was sold. 'I'll take them,' he said, looking pleased.

Harry proceeded to pay for the necklaces, 'a fair sum of money' he noted, and he dashed back to Madam Malkin's, arriving just a moment before Ginny walked out of the back room, clutching her new robes.

'What's wrong, Harry? You look a sight.'

'Oh, nothing, just... took a short walk,' Harry wheezed, out of breath from his dash back to the store.

'All right then,' Ginny replied and smiled. 'Ready to go?'

'If you are, love.' Harry stood up, the recently purchased necklaces safe in his pocket, and walked, arm-in-arm with Ginny, out the door.