Memories

~Prologue~

As they stood in the lobby of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place she clasped her small hands within his own.

He knew she was trying to be strong, but he could see the overwhelming fear in her eyes, and apprehension for him.

Harry looked down upon her one last time.

He didn't know what was going to happen, but he wanted to reassure her nonetheless. He hated to see her sad or upset.

"It's going to be okay, Gin," he whispered.

She pressed closer to him, burying her face in his neck.

"I don't want to let you go," she whispered, her lips ghosting over his skin.

Harry merely stroked her silky red hair, sighing and closing his eyes. His heart ached for her. Well, for them both, really.

He couldn't imagine what it would be like to have to wait on a night like this. But Merlin was he glad she wasn't coming this time.

He could never, ever forgive himself if something happened to her.

He just wanted to hold her and never let go.

Even after three years of being together he still felt that wonderful thrill of being in love for the first time. Every time he made love to her it felt like the first time. Every time he awoke with her beside him she was even more beautiful than the day before.

He allowed those memories to come once more, holding her tightly to him.

Harry could not help himself as he drew back slightly to look at her, frowning as he saw tears fall silently from her beautiful brown eyes.

He was absolutely torn up inside, so much that he had to close his eyes from the miserable look in her own.

"It's going to be okay," he said again, but his words sounded hollow and distant. Like an echo in the back of his mind.

Her face contorted with anguish, and to him it was like a kick in the gut.

With a trembling chin she looked away, and his heart was torn into a thousand pieces.

He had to leave soon. . .

Harry cupped her chin with his long fingers, gently turning her head so she could look at him.

"D'you promise to come back to me?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"Promise," said Harry, using the pad of his thumb to wipe away her tears. "I love you, Ginny."

He inclined his head to press his lips to hers in a tender kiss, holding her tightly once more.

"I have to go," Harry murmured finally, reluctantly pulling away from her.

She nodded, more tears falling from her eyes.

"I love you, too, Harry," she said.

Harry held her hands, kissing her fingertips.

"I'll see you soon," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

*~*~*~*

Harry wheezed harshly as he struggled to get back up to his feet.

He was shaking violently after many administrations to the Cruciatus Curse, also among others.

"Oh come now, surely you can do better, Potter," drawled Voldemort's voice, full of malice.

Harry knew he couldn't give in. He couldn't let this get to him - he had to do this.

"Face your death," said Voldemort.

He gave a flick of his wand and Harry felt a sudden pull on his legs and spine. He was pulled into a standing position.

"Are you ready?" whispered Voldemort.

Harry did not say a thing as he swayed slightly on the spot. He raised his wand and braced himself.

For Ginny

. . .

"AVADA KEDAVRA!" cried Harry and Voldemort at the same time before the large golden dome surrounded them once more.

Do you promise to come back to me?