Ginny
Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.
The sound irritated Ginny, but her main focus was on the horcrux that lay upon her windpipe, beating like it possessed a tiny little heart. Ginny couldn't help as a horrible thought consumed her; what if the horcrux was beating away the time she had left to live? No, No. Don't think like that, she scolded herself. She willed herself to get up but the darkness surrounding her was paralysing. Just then, white light filled the room. Ginny squinted and sheilded her eyes from the harsh glare. There he was, at the other side of the room, Harry James Potter. Ginny gave a yelp of joy and ran to greet him, when something errupted between them, Ginny hit something that felt like glass and went flying back. Harry had his hands pressed against the force field and Ginny mimicked him. Ginny could see her husband's mouth moving but no words could penetrate the enchantment. Suddenly, Harry dropped to the ground convulsing wildly. A scream rose in Ginny's throat but stuck there as she saw Lucius Malfoy holding his wand, pointing it at Harry. She went mad, hammering on the force field, trying to break it, when she felt a strange tingling sensation on her windpipe. Then she saw her reflection in the force field, a huge gaping hole had opened up where her jugular used to be and the horcrux was making it's way up her neck to her face. Ginny wanted to scream but to do so would be impossible due to the fact that she had no vocal chords.
The redhead woke shreiking and clutching her throat, which was completely intact. She felt her husband bolt up beside her and look around wildly before locating the source. They looked at eachother, there was a moment's silence, then Ginny collapsed into Harry's arms, sobbing like a child. Harry stroked her hair soothingly and made gentle,consoling sounds. He squeezed her softly before holding her at arm's length and examining her face.
"Nightmare?" Harry asked sympathetically, Ginny nodded. Harry hugged her again and said, "it's OK, I get them too."
Ginny felt confused, did Harry wake up yelling at night? Did he mumble in his sleep? Had she slept through them when Harry needed comfort? Confusion was replaced by self-loathing, "I-I never heard you..." she whispered eventually.
"No, I know you don't," Harry murmured back, "because I become paralysed with fear."
"Why don't you wake me?"
"Because my nightmares are about losing you, once I wake up and see you next to me, I'm fine." Harry tucked a strand of loose hair behind Ginny's ear and Ginny felt shivers run along her jawline where his hand had made contact with her skin. She caught onto his hand and whispered, "stay with me."
Harry held her in his arms and whispered, "always," back.
(A/N Points to anyone who got the reference!)
It was morning the next time Ginny awoke, early, judging by the blood red light that was seeping in through the gap in the curtains, she was still encased safely in Harry's arms and he was dozing, his face bathed in light. Ginny touched his cheek gently and lay back down, happy just to be in his arms. She watched his chest rise and fall with every breath he took, occasionally, he would snuffle in his sleep. His expression was light and peaceful, a small smile tilted his lips. The change happened quickly; Harry's body became ridgid, his expression grew fearful, it went from fearful to terrified. Ginny held his hand and whispered, "shh, shh, it's OK," while she stoked his hair. Harry opened his eyes, shaking like a leaf in the wind. His expression relaxed once he locked eyes with Ginny, but the redhead witch could see small beads of perspiration on his forehead.
"Are you OK?" Ginny asked urgently.
Harry nodded then said, "did I wake you?"
"No, I've been awake for a while now, are you sure you're OK?" Ginny scruitinised her husband's face, he was pale grey and sweating. Harry nodded. Ginny didn't believe him. She rolled out of bed, nevertheless, and made her way downstairs. But somebody was already there...
