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Author: emmamoonpotter Story: The Reason Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: WIP Reviews: 7 Words: 19,688
A/N: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. As always, thanks to Muggle Witch, xtrememama2001, destin4fl and vertu. You guys are my biggest cheerleaders. My biggest thanks goes to my beta, ninkenate. She helps me tremendously and this story wouldn't be as good as it is without her. I'm tired of playing games But I'm not ever gonna know, if I'm right or wrong Same Direction by Hoobastank Potions class did not go very well for Ginny. She and Colin Creevey had been paired together to make the Draft of Peace. Snape had hovered over their shoulders for the majority of the lesson making Colin nervous. He accidentally dropped his vial of armadillo bile in his cauldron causing a noxious dark cloud to rise above the class and emit lightning bolts that chased the students around the dungeon. Snape had been nearly apoplectic with rage as he ordered all of the fifth years out of his classroom. Poor Colin had been struck three times and his blackened form and smoking hair could be seen running down the hall with the cloud following him, striking the ground about his feet. Snape had delighted in telling Ginny that she would be receiving no marks for the day because her potion had left the classroom and therefore couldn't be graded. Dennis, Colin's younger brother, eagerly told anyone who would listen at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall about the incident. After hearing about it for the twelfth time, Ginny sighed and turned her attention discreetly to the opposite end of the table. Ron was stuffing his face with food and trying to talk at the same time. He was currently spraying his lunch on Hermione's Arithmancy text book, earning him a heated glare from the bushy haired witch. Harry, who was seated next to Ron, was trying to chew a piece of beef. He winced with every bite, causing a grimace of pain to cross his features. Guilt flooded through Ginny. The red mark had bloomed magnificently into shades of purple and black that traced along his jaw line. When the trio had first come into the Great Hall, Harry's eyes searched the table before settling on her. With a slight blush, he abruptly turned away, sitting down and filling his plate. Hermione had shot the younger witch a "we need to talk later" glance and then also sat down. Now, as Ginny toyed with her food, she admitted to herself that things between her and Harry had gone too far. Sure he had hurt her with his words, but if you came down to it, she had no right to pry. It was because of how she felt about him that caused her to try to help him. Ginny threw her fork down in frustration and pushed away from the table. Dinner would be over soon, and she wanted a few moments to herself before she had to make the trek to the dungeons to serve her detention with Harry. Hurrying from the Great Hall, Ginny made her way to the stairs, climbing up the flights to the fourth floor. The library was her destination, and hopefully she could be alone with her thoughts. Ginny sat at a table in the very back and pulled out her Transfiguration book. If anyone saw her, they would think she was studying and hopefully leave her be. She had so much to think about, the awful fight with Harry and her confrontation with Malfoy. Ginny knew that she and Harry needed to discuss that night in the common room. She knew that she had jumped to the wrong conclusion when he tried to apologize to her. Now they had detention with Snape because she let her temper get the better of her. Ginny was determined to make things right with Harry. They may never be friends, but at least she could put their argument behind her. Ginny decided that if Snape left them alone for any amount of time, she would apologize for hitting him and forgive him for their previous argument. Feeling slightly better, Ginny moved on next to Malfoy. It made no sense that after four years that he would suddenly take an interest in her. The incident in the Chamber of Secrets had, of course, been kept only between the Weasley's, Professor Dumbledore, Hermione and Harry. The fact that Draco was aware of it confirmed Ginny's suspicions that Lucius Malfoy had told his son. If Draco knew, how many others did? A ghost of a memory floated briefly through Ginny's mind of a young Tom Riddle. How naive she had been. She had found the diary mixed with the books that Harry had given her at Flourish and Blotts. Ginny now knew that Lucius had taken the opportunity to slip the diary into her cauldron with her other books, knowing she would find it. The reason behind it was still a mystery to her though. Why had he picked her? Because of her father? Or because he had found out that Ron and Harry were friends? There was no love lost between the trio and Draco Malfoy. It wouldn't surprise her if Draco had run to his father and told him all about Harry and his friends. For someone who was very high in Riddle's ranks, Lucius would have been very interested in knowing the 'Boy Who Lived' had finally come back to the Wizarding world. But why her especially? Now that Draco was making his knowledge known to her, it was only probable that the newly resurrected Riddle would know about her first year as well. A sudden noise caught her attention. Looking up, Ginny spotted Malfoy approaching her table. 'What in the world does he want?' Ginny thought. A malevolent look was present on his face. Ginny could feel the first trickle of unease course down her spine. It was like he was stalking her, watching her to see when she would be alone so he could toy with her. "All alone are we?" Malfoy drawled. He pulled a chair out from the table and sat down across from her. "What do you want, Malfoy?" Ginny asked with suspicion. He looked confident. That wasn't a good sign. The only time he looked that way was when Crabbe and Goyle were hulking behind him. Draco leaned back in the chair and gave her a lazy look. "Interesting how we find ourselves together again, hmmmm? It almost seems like you're waiting for me to find you." Ginny bristled. "What's interesting, Malfoy," she grit out, "is how you always seem to know when I'm alone. Why are you skulking after me?" Draco sneered at Ginny. "Only Mudbloods and half-breeds skulk. I am a pure blood. I wouldn't lower myself to be so common." Ginny snickered. "You're lowering yourself by talking to me. What was it you called my family? Oh yes, blood traitors. Why are you here?" Draco squirmed slightly in his seat. "You put too much value on yourself, Weasley." He jeered. "I just happened to be in the library. That's all." 'Like hell,' Ginny thought. 'He's just been waiting for the opportunity to find me alone for some reason.' It wasn't a coincidence that he was here. That much she was sure of. "Fine," Ginny said. She stood up from the table, collected her things and put them in her bag. "Don't tell the truth. I don't care. Just stay away from me." She skirted the table and headed out the doors of the library. The hair stood on the back of her neck, telling her that Draco was still staring at her. Ginny hurried her pace and headed to the staircase. She still had plenty of time before her detention started. Maybe she could find Hermione and tell her about Draco locating her in the library. "Ginny!" An urgent voice echoed down the hallway. Ginny stopped and turned to see who was calling her. Katie Bell, the Gryffindor Captain, was rushing toward her. Ginny groaned inwardly. There was only one reason Katie was seeking her out. "Ginny, I've been looking everywhere for you. Hermione mentioned you might be in the library," Katie panted. Her face was flushed with exertion. "Katie, what's wrong?" Ginny was trying to ease herself further down the hall to get away. She knew why Katie was looking for her. Ron had surely told her Ginny's decision to not tryout for the team. "Listen, Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts are tomorrow. I need the whole team there. Yes, even you. Even though you're now the reserve Seeker, you need to help out. Besides, we're down two Chasers and two Beaters." "What happened to Kirke and Sloper?" Ginny asked. Both boys had returned to the school, despite the fact their parents wanted to pull them because of the threat of the coming war. "They both resigned from the team. Now I have to train two new Beaters. I can't lose any more of the team, Ginny." Katie put both her hands on Ginny's shoulders. "Look, I want you to try out for one of the Chaser positions. Ron told me you had practiced this summer and that you were really good. Now that the ban on Harry has been lifted, I don't need a Seeker." Katie's voice had taken a pleading note and Ginny could see the desperation in the older girl's eyes. "Katie, I don't have a broom. My parents didn't have enough gold to buy one for me like they did Ron. The school brooms won't be good enough." Ginny was never ashamed of the fact that her family didn't have a lot of money. So she had to have second hand clothes and books, there were worse things than being poor. Katie waved her hand, dismissing Ginny's concern. "Don't worry about that. I'll take care of everything. Just be on the pitch tomorrow at 10 a.m. We'll be filling the Beater positions first, then the Chasers." Sighing with defeat, Ginny nodded. Once Katie got an idea in her head, it was impossible to shake her from it. "I've got to go, Katie," Ginny said. "I've got detention with Snape. If I don't hurry, I'll be late." "Oh, Gin." Katie moaned. "How horrible! I won't keep you another moment. Get going or Snape might give you detention again tomorrow. Where would I be then?" With a hurried goodbye, Ginny took off running for the stairs. She'd had plenty of time before, but stopping to talk to Katie had seriously put her behind. If she was lucky, she would be right on time for her detention. A few minutes later, Ginny skidded to a stop in front of the Potions classroom. Checking her watch, she found that she had one minute to spare. Doing a quick victory dance, Ginny opened the door to the dungeon classroom and stepped inside the gloomy interior. Harry was already seated at a table in the front of the room. Snape was sitting behind his desk. His cold, black eyes immediately snapped to her. "Miss Weasley, how nice of you to join us." Snape sneered. "Take a seat. Though I suggest, due to your earlier episode, a place far away from Potter." Ginny went to a table directly across from Harry. She noticed out of the corner of her eye, Harry quickly glancing at her then looking back to the front of the room. Shaking her head, Ginny sat down in a chair furthest away from Harry and looked expectantly at the Potions Master. "I shouldn't have to tell you both that your actions this morning were completely reprehensible. Therefore, as your punishment, you will clean all the benches and work tables in the room. With no magic." Snape slowly enunciated the last words, as if talking to simpletons. "You will bring me your wands, fetch buckets from the broom closet outside and fill them with water from the basin in the corner." Ginny looked with disgust at the condition of the tables surrounding her. It looked like some sort of slimy creature had burst all over the neighboring benches and tables. "The first year class was attempting to make the Boil Curing potion. Unfortunately, one of them forgot to add the crushed snake fangs before the stewed horned slugs. Horrible mess. I'm sure with both of you working together, it should only take a few hours to have it all cleaned up." Snape added icily. Resigned to spending the rest of the night here in the dungeons, Ginny stood up and walked to Snape's desk. Without a word, she dropped her wand in his outstretched hand then turned and exited the room heading to the broom closet. Muttering under her breath, Ginny grabbed two wooden buckets. As she turned, she bumped into Harry, dropping both buckets in surprise. "Sorry," Harry said sheepishly. "I thought you knew I was behind you." "Oh, that's okay," Ginny murmured. "Here's your bucket." Harry picked up both buckets and started back to the Potions classroom. "You don't have to carry both," Ginny protested following him. "I'm not weak. I can carry my own bucket." "I know very well that you're not weak." Harry flexed his still bruised jaw. "Believe me." Ginny flushed. "Harry, I..." Her chance to speak was cut short when they reentered the classroom. Snape sat scowling at them as they made their way to the corner of the room. Icy cold water streamed from a gargoyle's mouth into the basin below it. Harry set one bucket beneath the water and waited for it to fill up. Once finished, he hefted the now heavier bucket to the floor. Ginny grasped the rope handle and using both hands, lifted the cumbersome bucket and half carried, half dragged it to the front of the room. A large mound of rags was on the corner of Snape's desk. Grabbing a few, Ginny went back to her bucket and proceeded to clean the nearest table. Harry walked past her carrying his bucket. Ginny covertly watched the slight play of muscles under his jumper and felt her heartbeat quicken. 'Stop it!' Ginny mentally ordered herself. 'He doesn't care about you. It's better to move on, not dream up silly fantasies.' Harry set the bucket down. He picked up a few rags from the desk and attacked the congealed mess on the nearest table. Both teens worked quietly, not wanting to incite Snape's wrath. It became hard and sweaty work. The mass clung to the tables and refused to be removed. Ginny had to resort to prying the stuff off the table with her fingers, causing them to open up and start bleeding. Cursing Snape under her breath, she threw a large piece that she had managed to pull up on the floor. "Severus," Professor Flitwick entered the classroom. "I'm sorry to interrupt. Albus needs you most urgently." Flitwick squeaked. "I am in the middle of a detention, Filius," Snape answered coldly. "I'm sure that whatever Albus needs can wait." Professor Flitwick's eyes darted toward Harry and Ginny and then quickly back at Snape. "It is quite important," Flitwick announced with a firm nod. "Fine," Snape snapped. "Filius, you will stay here while..." "Oh. Dear me, no," Flitwick chirped. "I can't stay. All the professors are required to attend the meet...er...gathering in Albus' office." Ginny's ears perked up at that. A meeting? Was it the Order? She snuck a quick glance at Snape and saw the look of mottled rage on his face. She and Harry could leave, they had served their detention. Snape knew that and was furious at being thwarted. He knew that he couldn't demand them to serve detention again unless they both did something to deserve it. Ginny vowed to be a lot more careful around Snape in the future. "Get your wands and get out," Snape snarled furiously. Harry and Ginny both dropped the rags they were holding and walked quickly to the front of the room. Ginny scooped up both wands and handed Harry his. She picked up her book bag and followed Harry out of the classroom. As they both made their way out of the dungeons heading to Gryffindor Tower, Ginny realized that she and Harry were alone. Now was the perfect time to talk to him. "Harry." "Ginny." They both stopped walking and burst into laughter. "Sorry." They both said at the same time again and set themselves off in gales of hilarity. Ginny wiped a tear from her eye. "I just wanted to tell you that I was sorry for hitting you this morning. I have a wicked temper. Though that's no excuse. Will you accept my apology?" "Of course I will." There was a flash of something in his eyes, but was quickly gone. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have said what I did." "It's all right Harry. We both said things we shouldn't have." Feeling better, Ginny started walking again. Harry jogged to catch up with her. "So, what now?" Harry asked. "What do you mean?" Ginny returned. She wasn't sure what Harry was getting at. "Are we friends?" Ginny stopped walking and looked at him in surprise. "You want to be friends?" She asked incredulously. "Why?" Harry blushed and looked down at his trainers. "I know I haven't treated you very well, but now that you've started to talk around me, I see what I've missed." "Missed?" Ginny asked with confusion. "There's nothing interesting about me, I'm just Ron's little sister." Harry looked up at her intensely. "You are not just Ron's little sister," he insisted. "You're loyal and funny and a great Quidditch player." Harry stopped and seemed to be searching for the right words. "You also have one mean Bat Bogey hex." "Harry, I don't know what to say," Ginny whispered. Harry reached out and grasped her right hand. Ginny gave a small squeak of surprise and raised her eyes to his. "We should start over right now. Hello, my name is Harry Potter." He said solemnly, only his eyes betraying the merriment he felt. "I'm Ginny Weasley. Nice to meet you." Ginny felt her lips twitch with a smile that turned into a gasp of pain as Harry gently squeezed her hand. "What's wrong?" Harry asked with concern. He grasped both of Ginny's hands and stared hard at her bloodied fingertips. "It's nothing," Ginny insisted, trying to pull her hands out of Harry's grip. "Ginny, you're hurt," Harry said with a frown. "Why didn't you say anything?" "If I had said anything to Snape he would have kept me longer just to spite me. I'll be fine, really." Harry was still holding her hand and Ginny could feel the hated Weasley blush rising to her cheeks. Thank goodness it was slightly dark in the hallways. "We're going to the Hospital wing right now," Harry stated firmly. He gave a slight tug on her right hand, but didn't let go. Ginny was convinced later that shock had struck her temporarily dumb. She followed Harry meek as a lamb to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey clucked over her fingers and put a thick blue salve on them and then the digits were heavily bandaged. Harry stood silently next to Ginny watching every move the healer made. "These will be fully healed by tomorrow morning. Do not remove the bandages until 9 am at the earliest," Madam Pomfrey advised sternly. The nurse collected the jar of salve and bandages together putting them in a small cabinet by her office. "I have Quidditch tryouts in the morning, Madam. Will my hands be all right for that?" Ginny questioned. Would she now miss the tryouts because of Snape? Ginny wished she could go back to the dungeons and give him a swift kick. Madam Pomfrey's lips thinned in distaste. "Horrible game!" she announced. "Why they allow children to play such a dangerous sport, I'll never understand. Why I..." "Can Ginny go now?" Harry interrupted. The healer gave a little start of surprise at Harry's voice and seemed surprised to see him standing next to her. When Madam Pomfrey started one of her rants on Quidditch, it was almost impossible to get her to stop. "What? Oh, of course," the matron said absently, waving her hand in the direction of the double doors. "Thank you, Madam," Ginny said quickly, hopping off the chair she had been perched on while the nurse had worked on her. Ginny tried to pick up her book bag from the floor, but it was too awkward with the amount of bandages on her hands. Harry scooped up her bag and motioned her to go ahead of him. Grateful, Ginny flashed a grin at him and preceded him out of the Hospital wing. "You'll be right as rain by tomorrow," Harry said cheerfully as they headed toward the staircase. "Why is rain right?" Ginny asked perplexed. Harry chuckled. "It's a Muggle expression. It means you'll be just fine. Good thing the bandages can come off before the tryouts." "I don't know why I'm even bothering," Ginny grumped. "I don't have a broom. Katie assured me it wouldn't be a problem, but I can't use the school brooms. They're too slow." "Don't worry about it," Harry said encouragingly. "Things have a way of working out. Just do the best you can. Besides, you're a great flyer; you could make those old brooms run circles around the other team's Chasers." Harry stopped walking and faced Ginny. They were standing in front of the Great Hall. Harry leaned slightly against the wall behind him and studied her. Even though it was shadowed in the hallway, Ginny's hair was flame bright. Was it as silky as it looked? Harry wondered. Would the strands slip easily through his fingers? If he tried to touch her, would she let him? Or would she back away? He couldn't tell what she was thinking at that moment. Ginny felt a warm glow suffuse her. Harry thought she was a great flier! Who would have thought? It meant a lot coming from him. After all, he was the youngest Seeker in a century. "Thanks Harry," Ginny murmured. "I appreciate that." "Ginny, I meant what I said earlier. I want to be friends, if you'll let me. I was a selfish prat, and you were just trying to help. I shouldn't have taken my bad mood out on you. I'm sorry." Ginny felt herself getting lost in Harry's eyes. The green was so clear and pure. It was mesmerizing. Ginny saw Harry slowly moving forward until he was very close to her. His eyes were like magnets, drawing her in. His face loomed closer, until all she could see was his eyes, looking into hers. 'He's going to kiss me,' Ginny thought with wonder. Harry's eyes started to close. It was really going to happen. After all the years she spent wishing and hoping, it was finally going to happen. "Harry! There you are!" Harry and Ginny jumped apart like scalded cats. Ron and Hermione were walking down the hall towards them, huge grins on both their faces. "Well," Hermione drawled. "I hope we're not interrupting anything?" Amusement danced in the bushy haired girl's eyes. "N-no," Ginny stammered. "We were just on our way back to Gryffindor Tower." Ginny wished the ground would open up under her feet. She almost kissed Harry! She snuck a glance over to him and saw the bright red blush staining his cheeks. Ginny was convinced that Harry was kicking himself for nearly kissing her, Ron's little sister. "What happened to your hands?!" Ron exclaimed. "I hurt them during detention with Snape. Madam Pomfrey said the bandages can come off tomorrow morning before try outs." Ginny explained. "Oh, Ginny," Hermione sympathized. "Do they hurt?' "No, the salve Madam put on numbed them. I don't feel a thing." "Brilliant! So you are trying out! That's great!" Ron whooped, jabbing a fist in the air. Hermione shook her head and Harry hid a grin behind his hand. "Honestly, Ron!" Hermione admonished. "Your sister was hurt and all you can think about is Quidditch! I swear you have the emotional range of a teaspoon!" A mutinous expression crossed Ron's face. "I don't just think about Quidditch! I think of lots of stuff. Like food and..." "Why do I bother talking to you? You'll never learn...." Ginny groaned and looked at Harry. "Famous! Another argument! What will it take to get them to stop?" Ginny muttered, crossing her arms and scowling at the bickering couple. "A broom closet?" Harry asked with a straight face. "You're on your own with that one. I refuse to play matchmaker," Ginny said with conviction. "On that note, I'm all for just leaving them here and going back to the tower. I feel like playing chess. Are you up for a quick game?" Harry asked hopefully with a pleading look on his face. "Prepare to lose, Potter. I learned from the best. There is no way you'll beat me." Ginny boasted. "Ron is a brilliant chess player," Harry remarked casually. "Ron? I beat Ron all the time. My father is the one who taught all of us to play. Now, he's brilliant." Ginny smiled brightly at Harry and wound her arm through his. Ginny and Harry started walking. Ron and Hermione were still quarreling in the background. It was nice to be able to talk and joke with Harry. Ginny was sure she imagined that moment when she thought Harry was going to kiss her. A trick of the light, she was sure. Why would Harry want to kiss her? They had just decided to be friends. It was just her imagination. Harry did not have those types of feelings for her. She would move on, she decided. Being friends with him was good enough. A few minutes later, Ron's voice could be heard ringing down the hall. "Where'd they go?"
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