Serpent's Bride

Chapter II: A Lost Love

Ginny was currently writing a thank you note that noon to her twin brothers, just a week after the release of her advertisement in the Daily Prophet. She felt that things couldnÂ’t have been better. Now that the Daily Prophet had released her advertisement, it would no doubt attract donations and sponsors. Ginny could really feel something big would come, sooner or later.

She hummed cheerfully, her pen making light scratching noises against the dirty-yellow hue of the paper. She hated using a Muggle pen but she couldn't possibly use a quill and ink here. As a solution, she settled for a fountain pen, which was both convenient and less messy. She was about to put the last words in her letter when Therese, her secretary, popped her golden head inside her Muggle office. Ginny looked up, her eyes inquiring.

"Ms. Weasley?" the girl called softly.

"Yes, Therese?"

"There is someone here to see you," the girl answered.

Ginny frowned. Who could that be? And in at this time of day? She then straightened her hair and nodded, signaling her approval.

"All right then. Send him in," she answered. Then she frowned. "Is that a ‘him’ by the way?"

"Oh yes," her secretary replied. Ginny's frown deepened upon noting the careless giggle that escaped her the secretary’s lips. "It's definitely a ‘him’."

Ginny nodded again as her eyes followed her departing secretary, no doubt, on her way to fetch her the guest. She then decided to tidy up her desk while waiting for the man. Moments later, a soft voice called her name. She looked up only she to see a pair of deep green eyes, the familiar lightning bolt scar and a huge smile before her.

"Harry?" she asked with in confusion. "I thought you're in Ireland right now. Puddlemere United versus Chudley Canons, right?"

Harry walked inside into the room, grinning. "Hi Ginny! And yes I should be in Ireland but I took some time off," he gave her a light peck on the cheek in greeting. Then he looked down shyly. "UmÂ… these are for you, by the way," he said handing her a bouquet of flowers, white roses to be exact.

Ginny's eyes widened with surprise and pleasure. "Thank you," she said taking the fragrant things from him. She then brought the flowers to her nose, inhaling their sweet scent. "They are lovely." Then she chuckled. "Don't tell me you came home just to ask me out for a late lunch?"

"Well, I normally would but I came here to talk to you," Harry replied, sitting down on her couch. Ginny walked towards her desk and placed the flowers in her vase, replacing the old, wilted ones. "This is the most private place I could think of," he shrugged.

"Really now?" Ginny smiled and turned to him. "So Harry," she began. "It's so nice to see you. What brings you here? How's little Nathan doing? And what about the Quidditch match?" she asked.

"Oh, he's fine. Fine indeed. And as for the Quidditch match, Aaron's taking over as seeker. George isn't any better, after little Sylvia performed the Jelly-Legs Jinx on him accidentally," he replied, his eyes traveling from her now clutter-free desk to the pristine white and light blue paintings of the walls. Ginny frowned in puzzlement upon noticing his blank eyes settling on her bookshelf. She cleared her throat loudly. Harry jerked his head and smiled.

"Still teaching Muggle history, I suppose?" he asked.

"Um, yes. I earn a lot more with Muggle money. Especially now that the exchange rate is getting high," she replied.

"Yes, yes indeed," Harry murmured. Then he coughed. "I just don't get it though, Ginny. You're family suddenly struck it rich and with the orphanage problemÂ… why don't you just go and get some of your family's fortune then?"

Ginny hung her head. It was actually true. The Weasleys had become rich overnight. It really stunned the seven Weasley children to learn that their mother, Molly Aurelius Weasley, was actually rich.

Molly was the daughter of Moira and Anthony Aurelius, both of good wizard lineage. But then, Molly fell in love with the commoner Weasley and insisted marrying him rather than the match prepared by her parents even before she was born. Due to this, Anthony Aurelius, in his anger, disowned Molly and never made an attempt of seeing her again. It was only now recently that Anthony, upon learning of his seven grown-up grandchildren, decided to make peace with his only daughter and son-in-law. Due to the fact that he was also dying, Anthony left all of his assets to them.

"I absolutely cannot do that, Harry," replied Ginny. "That money is for my parents. After all their sufferings just to get us through school, I just don't think that it's fair for them to finance our chosen fields." Then she smiled. "Oh and thanks for the donations, Harry. It had really meant a lot to me."

Harry smiled. "ItÂ’s nothing, really," he replied.

Ginny then sat beside him. "So how are Ron and Hermione doing? I heard they went to Ireland to watch you play."

"Oh, they are fine," answered Harry. "I bet they are bored out of their wits. Being Aurors these days can get pretty boring. After Voldemort and all," he added chuckling.

Ginny giggled. "I suppose you're right. And what about little Sylvia?"

"The little rascal's keeping them occupied in the meantime," answered Harry. Then he shook his head. "I just can't figure that kid out. She has Ron's and the twinÂ’s mischief but she also has Hermione's curiosity. Put those things together and they spell disaster, really. Especially now that sheÂ’s demonstrated magic by turning on poor George. It won't be long now till she got her letter, I suppose."

She laughed. "I think so too. I hope Nathan's not giving you a headache."

Harry shook his head. "Nathan's well-behaved and quiet. Probably takes after Cho. He misses you though, mind you." At that, Ginny just nodded and decided not to say anything. Silence hitting them, he then cleared his throat and took Ginny's hands into his. Not stopping him, Ginny took a deep breath upon feeling his calloused skin against hers. She had a sudden feeling as to where this was heading.

"Ginny, I-"

"Harry, please don't," said Ginny softly. It took all her will power just to utter those words out. She looked away in order not to see the hurt look on his face.

It was surprising to think that she couldn't bear to see him hurt while she was able to bear the pain he had caused her when he married Cho Chang. It was a nightmare, really. When Harry announced his engagement, the wizarding world celebrated. The Daily Prophet, and Witch Weekly, and other foreign newspapers and magazines splashed pictures of the happy couple everywhere,Â… everywhere she looked, everywhere she went. It was like a slap in the face. It really was painful, so painful. Knowing for a fact that almost everybody at Hogwarts knew her feelings for Harry, it was Christmas day everyday for Rita Skeeter.

But then acceptance dawned on her. It was acceptance that helped her through. She couldn't really blame him. She didnÂ’t have the right to get angry and spiteful. With the help of her friends plus keeping herself busy with the orphanage, she was able to forget her feelings for Harry. It was just a matter of time when she realized that she no longer possessed those strong feelings for him, those strong feelings that had plagued her for seven years. Now, she was finally free.

But honestly speaking, she didn't know exactly when and why she had stopped loving Harry Potter. Was it probably because she got sick and tired of waiting for him to love her back? Or was it because of her hated acceptance that he would never love her back? Was it because of his marrying Cho or did she just simply fall out of love? Such a thought was terrible. Until that moment, she really didn't believe that she was capable of falling out of love. But Harry Potter had become a living proof of that. Such a thought made her fear of commitment stronger. She felt afraid of falling out of love and hurting someone in the process.

"Ginny, please hear me out," said Harry softly. Ginny sighed and settled her brown eyes back to his green ones again.

"Harry, I know the pain of losing Cho, of losing someone you love and-"

"That was the past, Ginny," replied Harry. "True, I was angry and hurt after Cho died of childbirth. I even thought I could never love again but now-" He stopped and looked at her tenderly. "What if I tell you that I have- that I have fallen in love with you, Ginny?"

Ginny stared at him as if he were insane. She momentarily let her eyes roam from his hopeful face to his strong shoulders, developed by years of playing professional Quidditch. She bit her lips as her eyes traveled down to his lean chest then back again to his face.

Harry Potter was in love with her? But why does did she feel- nothing? Nothing at all. She was surprised, yes. But why isn't she happy? Or thrilled? HadnÂ’t she longed for those words ever since the first time she saw him on Platform 9 3/4? Why did it have to happen now? Now that everything was too lateÂ…

"Ginny, I-"

"Harry, please--- "

"I know I haven't been fair to you those past years. I know I've hurt you a dozen times over and I really want to hit myself for that. But I- I can't stop the way I'm feeling. After all those these years, I just-"

Ginny bit her lip. "Harry, you know this will complicate things. I know that we’ve been— dating now and then— you know, since Cho—since Cho went away but I don’t think that--"

"It will be a year actually. Next month," he said suddenly.

"A year?" Ginny asked, frowning. Then she shook her head. "Well, even so… this will still complicate things. And I simply—"

He nodded. "I know, but I'm willing to take chances."

Ginny shook her head. "It's not easy," she replied. "As IÂ’ve said, true we have been dating now and then but I-" She stopped upon feeling his fingers lightly caressing her cheek. She shut her eyes momentarily. Oh why do you have to say this now? Or do this? She thought.

"I don't know what I want-- just yet," she continued.

Harry sighed as his fingers trailed to her chin. "I just can't believe why, after all these yearsÂ…," his voice trailed as he lifted her face to his. "It's like I'm seeing you for the first time," he whispered softly, his eyes turning a deep emerald green behind his glasses. Ginny felt her nerves twisting when she saw his head coming slowly onto hers slowly. Without thinking, she jerked back.

"Ginny?" Harry asked frowning.

"Harry, we can't," she squeaked. She was surprised to find herself breathing hard. Sure they've kissed before, but why did this time feel so- wrong? So very, very wrong. "I- can't." She was heaving.

"Why?" Harry asked in a hurt voice. "Is there another one?" he found himself thinking. Sure, Ginny's a beautiful woman and all. With her flame red hair and her small, dainty figure, Harry was sure that almost everybody, wizards and Muggles alike, never forgot to include her in their wildest fantasies. Other than being lovely, Ginny has a kindness that any man would fall for. He never actually thought that she would actually blossom into such a beautiful woman with a pure spirit. It wasn't just her features, it was also her compassion that touched him deeply. If he could just turn everything backÂ…

"I just can't. I'm sorry," she replied. She heard Harry sigh. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against his shoulders. It was really unbelievable that something as simple as this left her so weak. "I just don't want to give you false hopes and empty promises. You deserve more than that," she said softly. Other than the fact Ron would kill her for hurting his very best friend, Ginny didnÂ’t want to go into something she wasn't entirely sure of. She didnÂ’t want to hurt anybody, especially Harry.

"I'm sorry, Ginny," whispered Harry.

"I'm really sorry too," she whispered back.

Harry chuckled softly. "No, it's I who should be sorry," he said, shaking his head. He lifted her face and softly planted a kiss on her forehead. "But would you promise to consider?"

At that, Ginny smiled weakly. "I promise," she replied.

Harry smiled. "Thank you," he said. Then he grinned. "But this doesn't mean I'll let you off that easily, Ginny," he added standing up.

"What do you mean?" she asked standing up as well, her eyes following him to the door. Harry turned around and faced her.

"In common terms," he began as he adjusted his glasses. "I'll wait no matter how long it takes."

"You would?" Ginny asked with bewilderment. "Why?"

This time Harry laughed and walked towards her. "It's because I love you," he replied simply while pinching her small nose fondly. "I made a mistake before of letting you go and I won't make that same mistake again."

Ginny fell silent upon hearing this. She wasn't sure what to say. Harry chuckled, letting his hand fall down. "Don't worry, you don't have to say anything," he said, sensing her discomfort. He then turned around and made his way towards the door. "In the meantime, why don't we go to your flat? I'm sure we can work something out," he said meaningfully. "It would be really nice to give Nathan a red-haired, cute sister to play with, don't you think?" Ginny frowned.

"Harry!"

"Just kidding, just kidding," he quickly said. "I'm sure you won't deprive me the chance of taking you home now, would you? It's nearly five."

Ginny looked unsure but there was a hint of laughter a smile curving her mouth. She could feel that he was trying to take the hated awkwardness away. She bit her lip and stared at him. Harry threw his hand up. "I promise, no funny business."

With that, Ginny laughed. "Okay, okay. Just let me get my things," she replied as she walked towards her chair. She opened her lower drawer and retrieved her bag. "Have you tried that new Mexican restaurant just across this office?" she asked while putting her coat on.

"No, not yet," answered Harry as he opened the door for her. "Care to try it?"

"All right," replied Ginny as they walked side by side. "I'm hungry."

Harry laughed. "I thought you hated spicy food?" he asked.

Ginny chuckled. "Yes, but I'm hungry and I don't care if you feed me hot and spicy burritos right now," she added said as they exited the office with Harry's hand lightly on top of her shoulders.

==========

It was nearly eight when Ginny and Harry parted ways. Harry had insisted on going to the movies but Ginny gracefully declined. And now, she found herself standing alone just before her flat door, desperately searching for her keys. It was also a good thing that Harry didn't insist on coming up. Considering their present situation, Ginny was so unsure what a dimly lit flat would encourage them to do.

"Where is it?" she hissed angrily. "Stupid Muggle things." She gritted her teeth impatiently and was about to use her wand when an eagle owl suddenly landed on her shoulder.

"Wha-" Ginny started as the owl began to nip her ear gently to get her attention. "Who do you belong to, sweet?" she cooed as she lightly scratched the owl's feathered neck. Animals, as well as children, were her weaknesses.

The owl then held its foot out as its answer. Ginny frowned upon seeing a note attached to it. "Who's this from?" she asked as she gingerly took the rolled parchment from the owl. Then to her absolute surprise, the owl flew away without even demanding for sweets or Knuts.

"That's strange," she murmured as she studied the parchment in her hands. It had the usual color of wizard's parchment. Dirty yellow. It was rolled up neatly tied with a silver ribbon in the middle. The only difference was, the scent of the paper. It smelled strongly of something she knewÂ… of someoneÂ…

Shaking such foolish thoughts away, Ginny then decided to end the mystery by untying the ribbon. Unrolling the parchment, a soft cry of astonishment came out of her lips when a row of neat scripted letters written in bright green slowly materialized on the blank page.

Nice to see you again, Virginia

"What the--," she began as she inspected the letter. "It seems that it has only one sentence," she surmised. She frowned. Is this someoneÂ’s idea of a joke? Probably one of Fred and George's gags again. She was about to throw the letter away when something suddenly caught her eyes.

"A serpent's sign," she murmured upon seeing the intricate design of the serpent just below the sentence. From its pattern, Ginny was sure that this serpent was somewhat of a coat of arms or an insignia or something. But who could- Ginny suddenly stopped, as realizations struck her.

"It can't be--," the words were barely out of her lips when she felt another presence in the hall, standing just behind her. She whirled around only to see a pair of cold gray eyes looking at her.

"Hello, Virginia."