Within You

Chapter Three: In Tales of Dreams and Nightmares

Classes were officially over that second day back at Wartsmoth Academy, and Harry had left Ron and Hermione to study in the library while he headed outside for a breather. He enjoyed school in the past, largely due to the notion that it was an escape from Surrey and his less-than-savory homelife. Now, however, although he still enjoyed it, he realized that he couldn't simply view it as an escape anymore, because now Remus had custody of him, and, given that he was nearing the end of his education, he knew full well that decisions would need to be made regarding his future.

"Harry?"

Harry turned at the familiarity of the voice behind him, and was slightly surprised to see Ginny following him. He swallowed, hesitating for a moment, before he permitted himself to reply. "I was just going for a walk before dinner, Gin. Everything okay?"

Ginny sighed, stepping closer to him. "Yeah, things are fine," she assured him. "I... I just wanted to ask why you haven't asked me out yet."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "What?" he asked.

Ginny worried her lower lip. "Well, ever since you ended things with Cho last year, and I broke up with Michael, I thought we were headed in that direction... I mean, I was torn up about Michael leaving me for Cho, and I was there for you after Sirius..."

Harry sighed. "I understand why it seemed like we were headed in the direction of a romantic relationship," he admitted, stuffing his hands into the trouser pockets of his school uniform. "I didn't exactly..." He trailed off.

"We were snogging plenty before the school year ended," Ginny put in, her arms crossed over her chest in a protective gesture. "I guess... Did I misread the signals? Or did I do something wrong, Harry? Because, once school ended for the summer, you didn't call me or anything. I just thought that you were confused..."

Harry shook his head. "I think I needed comfort, Ginny. You didn't pressure me to talk after Sirius was murdered, and that, and in between the police statements we all had to go over because we were there when it happened..." He shrugged his shoulders. "It was just easier to snog you and just...forget. I'll readily admit to using you as a distraction, Ginny, and I should have been more upfront with you."

Ginny swallowed at the news. "I'm not about to get bitchy about you for using me like that," she said softly to him, and Harry nodded. "You were hurting, and I'm glad I could offer you some comfort." She rolled her shoulders. "But, I don't think I see a future for the two of us. I'm right, aren't I? You just see me as a friend?"

"I see you as a sister, like Hermione," Harry explained. "I love you, Gin, but I'm not in love with you, and I don't think I ever could be. I'm sorry for that. Things would be a lot easier if we could just end up together..."

Ginny smiled, stepping forward and hugging Harry. "Don't worry. I... I don't think I'm in love with you either," she said softly. "I've... I've actually started seeing someone. We started seeing each other almost two months ago," she went on, and pulled away from Harry. "I'm really happy, Harry; happier than I've been in a long time."

Harry grinned; he wanted Ginny to be happy, he really did. "Who is it?" he asked.

"It's Dean," Ginny whispered, her face flushing in a moment of joy. "He came to the house this summer to hang out with Ron a bit, but Ron was tied up a bit on the phone with Hermione, so then we got to talking. Then, things changed when he kissed me, and I really wanted to kiss him back, and so I did."

"Dean's a good bloke," Harry told her with a nod. "I know that the two of you will be really happy, and not just because you've got football in common."

Ginny sighed. "Just wish you were playing for the school team this year. I know you said that last term would be your final season, but..." She shrugged. "I know that things hit the fan this summer, Harry. I know that. Ron mentioned that Remus got custody of you before him and Hermione went to see you."