Ginny Weasley, In Her Own Words

GWIHOW

October 4

Joanna, sometimes I just don't understand Hermione.

What about Hermione?

Well, we were sitting together in the Common Room, and Dean Thomas came over and asked for her help with their Transfiguration assignment. She practically bit his head off! I mean, we had been talking about Ron, which would make anyone impatient, but that wasn't Dean's fault. And all three of us knew that she'd help him - she always does - and that she wouldn't let him leave until he understood it. So why did she have to be so impatient with him? I felt so sorry for him that I asked questions to force her to slow down, and I'm a year behind them. I now know how to turn a statue of a cat into a live cat, though, so I'm ahead for next year.

Sounds like Hermione really didn't like your conversation about Ron being interrupted.

True. Poor Hermione - that brother of mine has her so confused. One second she's furious at him, and the next she's...she's like I am over Harry. Strange as that may seem to me.

Well, he is your brother. You're a bit biased.

Yeah, yeah. Speaking of brothers, I walked in on Fred and Angelina snogging in the Quidditch changing rooms the other day. That's a mental picture I never wanted to have.

And what were you doing in the Quidditch changing rooms, young lady?

Oh, well...I was looking for Harry. Don't say a word, Joanna, I'm allowed. We're starting to become friends, really we are. Oh, and the other day in Miss Stuarts' class, we were reliving our visions, and -

Hang on a second, Ginny. Reliving your visions?

Oh, yes...I suppose I should start at the beginning. Neither Harry nor I have had a new vision yet, and I can tell it's frustrating Miss Stuart, which is nothing to what it's doing to us. As long as I'm going to have this power, which it looks like I don't have a choice about, I at least want to get something out of it. So she asked us if we would mind being put into trances to relive the visions we'd already had. Of course we said we wouldn't mind - I mean, really, what else could we say? Mine wasn't so bad, though Miss Stuart kept pressing me for more and more detail, which I just couldn't give her. But Harry...it was so painful to watch, Joanna! Almost as soon as he went into the trance, he started clutching at his scar, and he looked like he was in such pain. Miss Stuart couldn't bring him out of it right away, so we each got on one side of him and held onto his arms so he couldn't scratch at his scar.

You did, did you?

Yes, but Joanna, it wasn't like that. I was so concerned about him, and felt his pain so much, that that's all I was thinking about. He did look a bit surprised when he finally came out of the trance and saw me, but I'm sure that didn't mean anything. It was probably just that I looked so worried - Harry never likes anyone to be worried about him.

Hmm.

Anyway, Harry didn't remember any more useful details of his vision either, so we're back to trying to induce new ones.

Did you ever talk to Miss Stuart about your worries about the powers of a true Seer?

Yes, but I don't know that I really know that much more than I did before. It almost sounds like this is something that each Seer must work through for herself (and it also seems like most of them are female - I wonder why?). She did tell me that every vision a true Seer has comes true...but not always in the way the Seer thinks it will. Take her vision of Sirius causing Harry's parents deaths. She thought it meant that Sirius would sell the Potters to Voldemort, but it really meant something completely different. So it's the interpretation that's the difficult thing, because a true Seer is going to have visions, no matter what she does. Miss Stuart told me that the more I use my power, the more I'll be drawn to it, and the more I'll try to use it as the answer to every problem. She said I'll have to guard against that - not because visions can't be useful, because they can. But because it's too easy to rely on them too much, especially when they're difficult to interpret. But she also said that I will probably make lots of mistakes, because almost every Seer does. She said that it's understandable, and not to be too hard on myself when I do, because every Seer must face the temptations herself before she knows whether or not she can withstand them.

Ginny, I'm glad you have Miss Stuart to help you through this. It sounds like a big responsibility.

I know. It's almost overwhelming sometimes...but then, I haven't had any more visions yet, anyway, so maybe that one was a fluke, and I'm not a true Seer after all.

Is that what Miss Stuart thinks?

No. But sometimes I hope it's true.

I can understand that. It's a lot to think about. And you know you can always come talk to me, if it gets to be too much.

I know, and that helps so much, Joanna. Oh, and Miss Stuart explained about the palm-reading. She said that yes, all of the things she read are there, and were there when I was born. But, again, it's all in the interpretation. Like how I don't know - and she doesn't, either - who the person my fate is intertwined with is. And almost everyone has an incident in their lives that they're deeply ashamed of - I just know what mine is already, and am still sensitive about it.

And the five children?

Yes, well, I'm going to try not to think about it. Not that I'm surprised - the Weasleys do tend to run to large families. Five isn't really that big, by our standards. Oh, Joanna, speaking of Miss Stuart, I have a session with her in ten minutes. I'd better head down there. Bye!

GWIHOW

October 8

Joanna, you're not going to believe this - Sirius is coming to Hogsmeade to see Harry this weekend.

Isn't that dangerous, Ginny?

Very. I don't know what's gotten into him - what could be so important that he needs to put himself at risk like this? And what can Professor Lupin be thinking? He's coming with Sirius, and I must say that I thought better of him than this. And then there's Harry's theory...

Which is?

That Sirius is coming just to see Miss Stuart. Honestly, I never knew that Harry was a romantic! Does he really think that Sirius would risk his cover - with Snape around, ready to pounce, as Ron pointed out - just to see a woman he hasn't seen in years?

I must say, that's a side to Harry I'm surprised to see.

Me, too. I think he's wrong, by the way, but since I don't have an alternate explanation, I can't argue with him.

You two have been talking about this?

No, no. When Harry first got the letter from Sirius and read it to us, I could tell exactly what he was thinking. Well, he turned to me and grinned significantly, but I just smiled back and shook my head.

But Ginny, he could have been grinning for another reason.

What reason?

Well, maybe he was asking you to go to Hogsmeade with him.

I was already going with them, he knew that. Besides, like I told you, I can read his face pretty well. I know what he was thinking.

All right, Ginny. So, you're going along with Harry to meet his godfather on your day out.

Joanna! It's not like that, and you know it.

I know. What do you think you'll talk about?

I don't know. I'm a little nervous about the whole day, actually. This will be the first time I've gone to Hogsmeade with Harry, Ron and Hermione, and it feels...well, like a momentous occasion. Like I'm finally being accepted as part of their group. It feels wonderful and scary, all at the same time.

That's understandable, Ginny. It sounds as though being friends with Harry can be quite dangerous.

That's not what I meant at all. I mean...what if they get bored with me? What if they feel I'm in the way, or that I'm pushing in where I'm not wanted? What if I do something stupid?

Oh,

breila. Those worries are understandable, too. Just keep reminding yourself that they asked you to go with them. They do want you there, and I'm quite certain that you won't bore them. As for doing something stupid - I'm sure that Ron, at least, has done much more stupid things than anything you could do.

Right. I just have to keep telling myself that. One more question, Joanna...what should I wear?

Well, Ginny, I'll let you in on a secret. Harry probably won't notice what you wear. Most boys just don't, unless you do something silly like an engorgement charm on your breasts, and I don't think you'd like his attention then.

True! Besides...I don't really need one.

Lucky you, though you probably don't think so. Anyway, I'd just wear something comfortable and warm, yet pretty. It always helps to be wearing something pretty when you're with the boy you like - it's a kind of armor.

Yes, I can see that. I'll wear jeans and my chocolate-brown jumper - that looks good with my hair and eyes, Mum tells me.

What's the neckline like on the jumper?

Just a normal neckline for a jumper - you know, high and snug.

Why don't you lower it a little?

Joanna! I couldn't do that.

Why not?

I just couldn't. Imagine what Ron would say! Besides, you said it would be silly to do something like that.

It would be silly to fake something, but it's never silly to play up what you have naturally. I'm not saying you should expose anything, Ginny, just give a little hint. You told me that you and Harry are starting to become friends, and that's wonderful, but that's not all you want from him, is it?

No, definitely not.

Well then, you'll probably need to do things to make Harry see you as a girl, not just a friend. Not anything drastic - just small things, like doing your hair differently and wearing perfume. And wearing slightly lower necklines.

Well, if you think so, Joanna. But I wanted Harry to notice me for me, not because of any tricks I might do to attract his attention.

But Ginny, your looks

are a part of you. Certainly the fact that you're female is a part of you! And you would be silly not to utilize the assets you have, unless you plan to renounce society and become a nun.

Oh, Joanna, of course you're right. It's just...well, I've never really had anybody to talk to about this stuff. Before this year, my best friend was Colin, and Hermione's not exactly a girly-girl. I think Mum's forgotten what it's like to be a girl, truthfully, and none of the girls in my year have ever shown an interest in talking clothes and make-up and stuff.

Have you?

I suppose I really haven't. But, Joanna, it's difficult when I can't afford any of the things in Teen Witch or Witch's Charm.

I know it's difficult, Ginny. But all it means is that you have to be more selective in what you do buy. And you're lucky, because you're a witch. You can lower the neckline or change the color of your jumper with a spell.

That's true. Besides, I'm really lucky in a lot of other ways. I know that.

But it's still difficult.

Yes.

All right, let's just concentrate on this Hogsmeade visit right now. Sound good, Ginny?

Yes. So, I'll wear my jeans that are a little tight, and my chocolate-brown jumper with the neckline lowered a bit. Anything else, Joanna?

Well, how are you going to wear your hair?

Oh, just in a ponytail, like normal - oh. I suppose I should do something different.

Well, you don't have to, Ginny.

But you think it would be a good idea.

I'm thinking about your red hair spread out on your brown jumper, and how much Harry will enjoy that.

I thought you said he wouldn't notice.

He probably won't notice it consciously, and he almost certainly won't say anything, but he'll notice it just the same.

Oh, I hope so! But I do hope Ron won't. He'll be very vocal if he does - you know Ron.

What's more important to you, Ginny - avoiding teasing from Ron, or showing Harry that you're a girl?

No question there. You're right, of course. You know, Joanna, I think I'll go ask Hermione if she knows any spells to make hair shinier.

Hermione?

Of course - Hermione knows everything. And if she doesn't, Lavender or Parvati will. Bye for now, Joanna!

GWIHOW

October 14

Joanna, it's time to leave for Hogsmeade. Wish me luck.

Good luck, Ginny.

GWIHOW

Later

Joanna, why can't anything ever be normal? Why does something always get in the way - something bigger than us, that we can't do anything about?

Because you're living in perilous times, Ginny, and you're friends with The Boy Who Lived. If it's bad for you, imagine what it must be like for Harry.

I know. It just seems so unfair.

Life is unfair, Ginny. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something. What happened?

Well, I'll start at the beginning, Joanna. You like that, and some of the day was very nice.

I'm glad to hear that. How did your beauty ritual go?

I think I looked quite nice. Parvati did know a charm to make hair shinier, and she taught it to me. She's really very nice, even if she does think I'm absolutely crazy to be in love with Harry. But that's just because he practically ignored her when he took her to the Yule Ball last year. She knew lots of other useful spells, too - she helped me lower the neckline on my jumper a bit, and she wanted to curl my hair, but I wouldn't let her. I didn't want to make the changes too obvious. She leant me a bit of lip gloss, too - you don't think that was too much, do you?

No, it sounds just right.

Good. Anyway, you're quite right, Joanna; I felt much more confident knowing that I looked good. I was able to meet Harry and Ron in the common room without feeling too nervous, though that might have been because Hermione was with me.

I'm sure that helped. Did Harry notice how you looked?

I don't think so. I almost don't care, though, because I noticed, and I think that's the most important thing.

It is, and I'm glad you realize that, Ginny. Did anyone else notice, though?

Well, Colin definitely did, which wasn't exactly the reaction I was going for. Oh, well. Ron didn't say anything, though, so that was good. He only had eyes for Hermione, which was - oh, I hate to say this about my brother - cute. Anyway, on the walk there, I actually felt confident enough to bring up Dobby to Harry. Ron reacted just the way I feared - he definitely thought I just want to spend more time alone with Harry. I don't think Harry did, though, and he said he'd visit Dobby, so I'm glad I said something. Of course, Ron used the opportunity to tease Hermione about S.P.E.W., so I rather wish I'd waited until she wasn't around. But if I have to watch everything I say, just because my brother is a complete and utter prat...

Does Hermione still not want you to say anything to him?

She still doesn't. I'm about to wash my hands of the two of them, except that I can't because he's my brother and she's my best friend. Argh!

Just sit back and enjoy the ride, Ginny. It'll happen when it happens - you can't force anything.

I know, I know. Anyway, we went to Gladrags so I could buy Winky a new blouse. She's still wearing the old, stained one Mr. Crouch gave her when he freed her. Hermione insisted on paying for half of it. She said that she feels guilty about neglecting S.P.E.W, but I told her - again - that that's ridiculous. She has her prefect duties on top of the extra classes and studying for the O.W.L.s - even Hermione can't do everything. Not without a Time Turner, anyway, and I think she learned her lesson about those. But since Ron had been teasing her...anyway, I let her help, so the blouse is from both of us. And Harry was still feeling guilty about Dobby, so he bought some socks for him. Apparently, Dobby likes mis-matching socks, or he thinks that's the proper way to wear them or something, so Harry bought him several pairs, all of which had strange patterns or made weird noises. Dobby sounds odd.

Ye-es. Are you certain Winky won't want something strange as well?

Oh, yes. The last time I visited her, she said something about how nice her clothes had been before she'd ruined them. That shows how much she's improved. I bought her the whitest, most spotless blouse I could find. Poor Winky.

It sounds like she's becoming interested in life again, though, and that's because of you, Ginny. So, what else did you do today?

Well, after we finished in Gladrags, we suddenly realized that Remus and Sirius hadn't told us where to meet them. So, we went to the Three Broomsticks, because we knew they'd find us there. We got some butterbeers and sat down at a table. This was what I was dreading, Joanna.

What was? Drinking butterbeer?

No, spending time with Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Ginny, I don't understand. You spend time with them every day, and you had just walked all the way to the village with them. And spent all that time in Gladrags. What was different about this?

Well, we've always been busy before. There was always something to talk about - classes, or visions, or house-elves. We've never really had time to just...talk.

I thought that's what you wanted.

I thought so, too! But I was so nervous. I mean, what do they talk about when it's just the three of them, and they're not studying or saving the world? What if I don't fit in? What if I bore them?

Ginny, we talked about this before. Of course you won't bore them!

But what if I do? No, never mind - I know we talked about it before. Anyway, this is how I felt right then, so I didn't say anything right away. I wanted to follow their lead.

That's a good idea, if you're feeling uncomfortable.

Yes, but it didn't work. The three of them just sat there. Hermione gave a little sigh as soon as she sat down, and Harry actually closed his eyes. I almost burst into tears, Joanna! They're just fifteen - just a year older than I am - they shouldn't feel that old.

No, they shouldn't.

Breila, you're probably going to bite my head off, but...is it really such a good idea to spend so much time with them? You should enjoy your childhood while you can.

Oh, Joanna. I won't bite your head off - I know you're only concerned about me. But I don't think you've thought this through. I love Harry. I can't change that, and I wouldn't if I could. How could I just not spend time with him, now that I can? And how could I abandon him and his friends - one of whom is also my brother - when I can help them?

You can't, of course you can't. I'm sorry, Ginny, I'm just worried about you.

I know.

So...did you all just sit there until your wolf and dog showed up?

Heh. No, I couldn't bear it. Besides, Ron looked like he wanted to talk, so I talked about the first thing that came into my head, which happened to be his match with Professor McGonagall's transfigured chess set back in his first year. I have no idea why that was what I came up with, but there it is. Anyway, Ron was off and running, though Harry and Hermione still didn't seem inclined to talk. But at least we were all relaxing.

That does sound nice. You all need times like that.

I know. Oh, but I did notice both Harry and Hermione staring at something behind me, and they both looked a little...wistful. I couldn't turn around and look right then, because it would be too obvious, so later, when we were leaving, I looked to see what they had been staring at. It was Lavender and Seamus, snogging in the corner. She was practically sitting in his lap! Ew. I mean, show some class, have some self-respect! I'd never do something like that, not out in public. I do hope that Harry and Hermione weren't wishing they were doing that right there (not with each other, obviously - ew again!). I think it was just wishing they had someone they could snog, you know?

Yes. Poor Hermione. Now, all Harry has to do is open his eyes, so I don't feel so sorry for him.

Oh, Joanna. You make it sound like I'm just waiting to fall into Harry's arms. Of course...I am. Hm. Anyway...after awhile, Remus and Sirius walked into the pub, Remus leading Sirius in his Padfoot form. We all couldn't help but smile, it was just so amusing and sweet, at the same time, to see them like that. When they came over to our table, Sirius stood in between Harry and me, and I reached out to pet him, without really thinking, but he growled at me! I lost it then, it was just so funny, and so was Hermione's face - she couldn't believe I'd done that. And then I heard another laugh behind me, and it was Miss Stuart. She asked Remus if this was the same Padfoot, and knelt down to pet him. Even Hermione laughed at that - Miss Stuart obviously knew whom she was petting! As she was kneeling there, she looked up at Remus...you know, Joanna, I rather wonder if there might be something between the two of them.

I thought it was between her and Sirius.

Well, so did I, and so does Harry. But I think she and Remus would be much better suited. And after what happened later, I don't think she and Sirius will ever get back together.

What happened later?

Hang on for a bit, Joanna, I'm trying to stay in chronological order.

I think you've been spending too much time with Hermione.

Are you implying I don't have an organized mind?

Oh, go on with the story, Ginny, and stop teasing.

Hee. Where was I? Oh, right...Madam Rosmerta, the innkeeper, brought over a huge picnic basket that Remus had apparently ordered, so we all (including Miss Stuart) trooped outside. Remus said that it was safer out than in, even though it was cold, so we went to the cave that Sirius had hidden out in last year, so he could watch over Harry during the tournament. Sirius transformed, and was he spitting mad! He glared at all of us, and then asked Miss Stuart for a word. I saw Harry's face fall - I know he was hoping to have a long time with Sirius. But, anyway, Sirius and Miss Stuart went outside to talk, and Harry turned to Remus instead.

Of course, we all pestered Remus to tell us of any attacks, since we just don't hear everything at Hogwarts, but he said that there haven't been any - that Voldemort doesn't seem to trust his Death Eaters yet. Ron made a crack about what Snape has had to do to prove himself at that point, but Remus just looked at him, and he stopped. It was amazing, Joanna, I wish I could shut Ron up like that sometimes. Not that I don't have other effective ways, but this was impressive. We didn't have time for much else before Miss Stuart came stalking back into the cave, and now she was spitting mad. She told Remus to see to his friend, so he left, and Harry followed him, looking really worried. I don't know what he thought Miss Stuart had done to Sirius - I caught Hermione watching him leave with a bemused look on her face, and we both started giggling. Of course, Miss Stuart thought we were giggling at her, so she stalked back out. I'll have to apologize later.

So, what did she do?

I don't know. For some reason, Sirius didn't tell us. On the walk back, Harry said that he heard Sirius tell Remus that, first, she slapped him, but he didn't hear what else she did. I'd really like to know, since she started out by slapping him, but I know I won't have the courage to ask. Some Gryffindor I am, huh?

There are some times when discretion is the better part of valor.

Yes, and I think this is one of those times. Anyway, while Sirius, Remus and Harry were gone, Ron, Hermione and I talked about what Remus had said. I wondered why one of the tests Voldemort required of his Death Eaters wasn't to kill Muggles (we assumed that if there had been any Muggle-killings, Remus would have told us), but Ron said that anyone who wanted to pretend to be a Death Eater, for whatever reason, would have to be prepared to kill a Muggle.

Ron said that?

Yes. It was a cold thing to hear coming out of my brother's mouth, I must say. Hermione immediately said, "Not Snape," but Ron said that he would have to. She felt even more strongly than I did, because she had been sitting very close to him and almost leaning against him, and, at that, she pulled away.

Leaning against him, huh?

Oh, Joanna, it was so sweet. She didn't seem to realize that she was doing it, though Ron did - his ears were pink. And then he had to go and ruin it by saying that.

But if it's what he really believed, why shouldn't he say it? He shouldn't have to guard his tongue around Hermione, after all.

That's...true. At any rate, she wasn't happy, and pulled away. Luckily, Harry re-entered the cave at that point, and I asked him what he thought to distract her. He agreed with Ron, and I must say I do, too.

I'm not certain if you've ever explained Snape to me, Ginny. He's your Potions master?

Yes, but he's also a spy for Dumbledore. He was a Death Eater, years ago, but he turned against them before Voldemort fell the first time. After Voldemort returned, Snape reported back, pretending to be a loyal Death Eater. I can't imagine what that's like, Joanna, risking your life every single day like that.

He sounds like a very brave man.

Yes, but he's also a very unpleasant man. He absolutely hates Harry, because of a feud with his father when they were at school together. He treats all Gryffindors abysmally, and he favors the Slytherins, since he's the head of their house. All in all, Potions classes aren't fun.

No, but...

I know. I try to make allowances, but it's hard. Anyway, I do think he would do whatever was necessary to keep his cover, even if it meant killing a Muggle. I'm sure he wouldn't like it, and he'd try to avoid it, but if it was absolutely necessary, I think he'd do it. I could be wrong, of course.

Ginny, it worries me that this man is a teacher of yours. Where will he draw the line? If he would kill a Muggle, what about a Muggle-born student, or a Squib? Or even a Weasley?

Oh, my. I...hadn't thought of that. I wonder if Ron has. I'll...have to think about that, Joanna. I...I hope he wouldn't.

I hope so, too. And maybe you could talk to Professor Dumbledore about it.

I don't want you sitting in Potions class worrying about it.

Professor Dumbledore? I don't think I could. I suppose I could ask Hermione...but she's already certain that he wouldn't. And I wouldn't want to worry Harry - and he would be worried. But I could ask Remus...he was one of the best teachers I've ever had, and I rather think that he's accustomed to working through compromises. If that makes sense.

I'd have to agree with that. I'm sure it's difficult, living with knowing you're a werewolf. Why don't you owl him, and then let me know what he says?

Yes...where was I? Oh, yes, when Remus and Sirius came back into the cave, Remus actually asked where Miss Stuart was. He thought she'd have stayed around! Honestly, he and Hermione are so alike - both too analytical for their own good, sometimes. He had wanted to ask her about the reliving of Harry and my visions, but we could tell him all about that, so we did. And we talked about what they might have meant, for awhile, but there really wasn't anything new we thought of, except that Harry asked why Voldemort would tell his plans for him to Snape, if he doesn't trust him yet. Ron pointed out that it's a win-win situation for Voldemort - if Snape's a spy, he'll tell Harry or Dumbledore, and then, if Voldemort manages to kill one of Harry's friends like he threatens, even with all the protection, it would be even more devastating. And Hermione said that it might make Sirius and Remus (and my dad, and Bill, but she didn't mention them, understandably) more cautious and less likely to do dangerous things, because of their relationship to Harry. Of course, both Sirius and Remus seem determined not to let this affect anything, and I'm sure Dad and Bill feel the same way.

Oh,

breila.

I know, but there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Harry...oh, Joanna, sometimes I wonder how he doesn't just crumple from the pressure. Imagine if Sirius or Remus is killed. Nothing will convince him that it was probably because they're working against Voldemort - they're Dumbledore's top lieutenants - and not because they're close to him. He asked Remus when he thought the first attack would be, and I could see him sort of hardening, or trying to, at any rate. But then Ron looked like he wanted to answer, and Remus let him, and Harry...seemed to come back from some far-away place. I'm so glad he has someone who can do that for him - he needs it.

What did Ron say?

That he and Professor Dumbledore had been talking (This is my brother, Joanna! Can I just say how proud I am?) about it, and they thought the first, most likely time would be Halloween. But Remus said that they thought Voldemort wouldn't be ready then, so Ron reeled off a list of times...the first Gryffindor Quidditch match was one, and Guy Fawkes Day. But he said the most likely day would be Christmas.

Oh, Ginny.

I know. Lovely thought, isn't it? I could feel Harry slipping away again, and I couldn't stand to watch it. We were both lying on the ground on our stomachs, and I almost put my head down on my arms, because I couldn't bear it. But then he put his hand on my arm, and said that we'd just have to have a vision to tell us what was going to happen. He was worried about me! Joanna, I can still feel where his hand was on my arm...I couldn't look up, because I didn't want to see Ron and Hermione's faces, but I felt so much better I almost laughed. I mean, we've had such success with visions so far. Isn't Harry wonderful, though? But...is it wrong for me to feel so happy when so many horrible things are happening?

Oh, Ginny, of course not. Life has to go on, even in the middle of a war. You have the right to happiness, everyone does. Ron and Hermione are falling in love, aren't they? And Sirius and Miss Stuart dealt with their personal lives today, too.

Or not. But I know what you mean. I'm glad you feel I'm not acting selfishly.

Breila, you're in love with The Boy Who Lived. I know you don't like to think about that - he's just Harry to you - but it's the truth. You have to face up to the fact that he might not survive this war. None of you might. I know I've been pushing you to actively pursue him from the start, but everything you tell me about him makes me even more convinced. It sounds to me that if the only way Harry could defeat Voldemort was to die, he'd do it.

Yes, I think he would. Oh, how can I be talking about a fifteen year old boy like this?

So you might not have much of a chance. I know I sound morbid, Ginny, but you need to think about this. I'm not telling you to sleep with him, or anything like that -

Good! I'm nowhere near ready for that, Joanna. And I don't think he would be, either.

I know. But I'd hate for him to die, and for you to regret missing your chance.

Well, so would I. But I still don't know if he's at all interested in me, Joanna!

That's true. It's just something to think about, Ginny.

Another thing to think about. It's a wonder I manage to study at all. Speaking of which, I have a History of Magic essay to finish, and since I fall asleep three times on average every time I write one of them, I'd better get started. So, that was my day out in Hogsmeade. What do you think?

Oh, Ginny. You know, your great-grandmother's life wasn't this eventful.

I don't know whether to envy her or to pity her.

Another thing to think about. Go study, Ginny.

Bye, Joanna.