A Promise of Love

Chapter 1

All He Ever Wanted

It was only five thirty in the morning but Harry was wide-awake. He had had another nightmare and though he tried to go back to sleep, all he could do was lie there restless and angry that he was up so bloody early.

"It's Saturday for Merlin sake!" Harry mumbled into his pillow as he rolled on to his back.

There was no fighting it; he couldn't get back to sleep. So he decided to start the day early and finish his potions essay before Hermione had the chance to lecture him. He kicked off his covers, leaving the warmth of his bed and quietly got dressed in his jeans and red jumper. Grabbing his supplies, he slowly slipped out of his room careful not to wake any of his dorm mates and headed down to the Common Room.

He made his way towards the chair near the fire. That's when he noticed her. The prettiest redhead he had ever seen was curled up in his favorite chair fast asleep. He watched her for a while, just enjoying the moment and not fearing the wrath of a certain older brother. As he watched her he felt relaxed and calm, visions of his nightmare slowly fading. Ginny seemed to always have that effect on him; no matter how much death and fear surrounded them, she was his light, his hope. He did not want to wake her but he couldn't help himself, the sudden urge to hold her was too much.

He made his way over to her, kneeling in front of the chair and carefully running his hand through her hair. He let the silky red strands slide between his fingers. She stirred and opened her eyes.

"Harry?" She yawned as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"Morning," Harry replied, smiling has he watched her stretch and begin to sit up, her legs still curled under her. She propped herself up on her elbow.

"So, Mr. Potter, is there a reason for you waking me or do you fancy me having massive bags under my eyes?" She smiled at him as he took her hand.

"Well, Miss Weasley, if you must know I was just wondering what you were doing sleeping in a chair instead of that cozy bed of yours."

"And how exactly, Mr. Potter, would you know how cozy my bed is?" she asked in mock astonishment as she leaned in to kiss him lightly.

He grinned at her wickedly as he motioned her to scoot over. She did so, allowing him to sit while she moved on to his lap.

"So are you going to tell me what you are doing here?" He held her close to his chest, not wanting to ever lose the feeling of being so close.

"Well," she began, "I found it too difficult sleeping up there. It was just so cold so I thought maybe sitting by the fire might help. And it did, I mean I have been here all night." She looked up to catch Harry staring. His eyes were locked on her as if she would vanish if he blinked.

They had gotten together on his sixteenth birthday. Her parents were overjoyed, and her brothers felt that Harry was the only man really up to the job of handling the young Weasley. Well, all her brothers except Ron that is. For some reason, Ron had gotten the impression that Harry would somehow take advantage of his baby sister and forbid the relationship from the start. Luckily for everyone Hermione was around or Ron would still be sulking about it. She was the only person Ron would listen to, so naturally he gave into reason, "otherwise known as Hermione," as he always teased, and eventually came around to the idea. But not without some idle threats, however. Ron had made it clear that if Harry hurt Ginny in any way, at any time, he would pay dearly. And Harry had to admit that the thought of six angry, ill-tempered Weasley brothers after him was a bit more frightening than the face of Voldemort himself.

That summer had been tough on Harry. He still had difficulty dealing with Sirius's death and it was Ginny, his Ginny, who helped him get through it. It wasn't that Ron and Hermione weren't there to help him, it was just different with Ginny; she understood him better than anyone. It was as though she knew what he was feeling or thinking at any given moment. She never had to ask, she just knew. At first this scared him, but as he grew to love her company and the way she made him feel, he thanked the fates for putting her into his life. He swore he would keep her safe, she meant the world to him; he knew the Death Eaters would try to take her away, but he wouldn't let that happen, he couldn't let that happen.

She ran her fingers through his hair, breaking his trance as she kissed the corner of his mouth.

"If I didn't know better I would say you were having inappropriate thoughts about me, what with the way you're gaping at me." She kissed him again as she continued to push the fringe from his eyes.

"Who says you know better?" He took her hand away from his hair and kissed her wrist gently, sending shivers throughout both their bodies.

"Harry don't," she pulled her hand away reluctantly. She ran her finger across his cheek carefully studying his face, as if she were reading a page in a text.

"You shouldn't worry so much Harry." She sighed as she continued her study. "It doesn't do you any good to worry about what you can't control."

She snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. She always knew what to say to take his breath away. She knew so much about him and yet he had still so much to learn about her. He leaned down to kiss her, really kiss her. He wanted to show her how much she meant to him; he needed her to really know what he felt. He tangled his fingers in her hair as she mimicked his motions. As he pulled away, their breathing was heavy and uneven. He had never kissed her like that before; they were still new after all.

"I love you, Ginny Weasley," he searched her eyes and found tears forming making her eyes sparkle.

"I love you, Harry. I love you more then life itself." She threw her arms around his neck and held him tightly. He heard her cry softly, as he tried to move them both into a more comfortable position.

"Gin, don't cry. I didn't say it so you would cry." He rubbed her back trying to calm her.

"Oh Harry," she kissed his neck, "I'm just so happy that you said it, I can't help but cry." She looked at him trying to control her tears. He couldn't help but smile as he wiped the tears away from her face. He leaned into her again and rested his forehead against hers.

"I love you so much Gin." Leaning back in the chair, he pulled her closer.

He relaxed as her breathing steadied and he reveled in the fact that she loved him too. For the first time in his life he was thankful for a nightmare. She snuggled closer whispering 'I love you' as she interlaced her fingers with his. She loved him and in that knowledge he found the strength he needed. They didn't dare fall back to sleep; they just sat there enjoying the feeling of being in each other's arms and the peace that surrounded them at that moment, neither knowing what the day would bring. The war was coming.