A Mother's Love

A Mother's Love. Prologue.

Harry had a difficult time after returning to Privet Drive the summer after his fifth year as the death of Sirius hit him did hard. The guilt and anger ate at him for several weeks affecting his ability to eat and sleep, something that didn't go unnoticed by the members of the Order. Finally, it was decided that for Harry to survive he had to be removed from the Dursleys and put somewhere where he could heal with the love and support he needed to recover. What better place to put him than the Weasleys.

At first, Harry didn't seem to get any better. Both Dumbledore and the other Order members wondered if it would be necessary to send Harry to Saint Mungo's, something that would leave Harry more vulnerable to both the Death Eaters and to the Ministry. However, they didn't take into account the efforts of one Weasley. One that was determined to help regardless of whatever pain or hardship it might cause, for this Weasley was determined to help Harry to heal. Why? She loved him.

Ginny Weasley loved Harry Potter. She had since she had first laid eyes on him. For several years she had fought it unsuccessfully. Now she realized that even if he didn't love her, he needed her and she was going to be there for him. After all, hadn't he been there for her in the Chamber of Secrets? Hadn't he always been there for everybody, ready to sacrifice anything, for anybody? Well, it was time somebody was there for him and if nobody else would help him, she would. She knew what Harry needed. She knew because of her experiences with Tom. He needed somebody to talk to, somebody to just be there for when he was ready. Somebody, who just holds him and not pushes, just waits with him until he could talk himself. So that summer she was there for him. She didn't push, she just talked about everyday things and did everyday things with him like walk or read or even fly. It was the flying that helped Harry the most so that's what they did the most of. She also made sure that both Ron and Hermione didn't smother Harry either. All in all, she helped Harry to heal and it made her happy to realize that at least this way she could help him even if he could never love her. Then the most amazing thing happened. He kissed her.

On a moonlit night on a walk after dinner, just before they were to return to Hogwarts for Harry's sixth year, and her fifth, he stopped under their favorite tree that they had spent much time under that year reading or talking, and leaned down and kissed her gently. And with that kiss, a passion awoke in the both of them and she came to understand that he loved her as much as she loved him.

That year at Hogwarts was one of the better years that they both had at the famous school. Harry, with the strength and love of Ginny at his side, came to understand and accept the burden of the prophecy and to train for the battle that they both knew would come some day. Yes, he had told her the prophecy that summer. He had shared the burden with her and she had accepted it gladly with love. They both knew that they couldn't predict what would come but together they would stay the course

That didn't mean that things were easy for them. They had their fights and with the Weasley temper, they weren't little. Harry was afraid for her. He felt that by loving him she was a target and tried to push her away but she wouldn't let him. And with this refusal on her part came understanding on his that he was wrong. That Tom would win if he lost his love, so instead he trained her. If she wouldn't leave, then he made sure she could defend herself.

The year passed by, the Quidditch and house cup won. Owls passed and Snape survived. Snogs and walks along the shores of the lake and all in all it was their best year. Even Tom failed to spoil it although they did wonder what he was up to. Other than a few attacks, nothing major had occurred. They both realized that this just meant that sooner or later something would happen but for this year they were content to live and love each other in the time they had. With the end of the year came the realization that they might have to part, him going to Privet Drive, her to the burrow for the holidays. It is on the train ride home that we join them now.