Unwilling Allies

The remainder of the night was uneventful after Ron had gone off to his room and Ginny had locked herself in her own with several different spells. The four Weasleys returned to yet another year at Hogwarts and at the moment Ginny and Hermione were approaching the Fat Lady.

"Melon scoop." Hermione said, walking up to the portrait as it opened- but it didn't move.

"Melon scoop." She said more slowly, enunciating.

Hermione frowned.

"Right," Ginny said, trying as well, "M sco scoop,"

Still no movement.

"Blimey, the password must've changed." Ginny said exasperatedly.

Hermione sighed, "Well, that's just brilliant, isn't it? How could I've not-"

"The password's Fuzzy Peach, you stupid gits." Ron smirked from behind them, making the girls jump.

Ginny tensed as Ron brushed past her, her heart still racing. The Portrait swung open and Hermione smiled. "Honestly, Ron,"

"What now?" Ron asked sarcastically, looking annoyed. He snuck up behind her and tickled her ribs, making Herm burst out laughing.

As the two goofed off, a concerned look spread on Ginny's face.

"Be careful Herm," she muttered under her breath as she made her way to the girls' dorm. Ginny opened the door and Harry was sitting on her bed, petting Hedwig.

"You know you're not supposed to be here, Harry,"

Harry continued to pet his owl, not meeting Ginny's eyes.

"Harry-"

"Something's bothering you, isn't it?" He slowlysed sed his green eyes to Ginny's.

He looked so sincere... Ginny's gaze turned to her extra robes lying on the floor. She quickly walked over and began to neatly hang them in her wardrobe, ignoring Harry's obvious stare penetrating the back of her head.

"Ginny, what's-"

"No!" Ginny shouted angrily, whirling around to face her friend.

"It's none of your business, Harry," she said, calmer now, looking apologetic for having yelled at him.

Harry stood up and stepped over to her, gently taking a robe from her hands and hanging it up. Tears sprung to the girl's eyes. Harry was truly worried about her. He looked at her imploringly, his green eyes piercing. They distracted her, the deepness of them. He held up his hands as if to offer a plea.

"Ginny, what's wrong?"

"Harry, there is no way you'd believe me." She looked down, embarrassed.

Harry cupped her chin in his palm and smiled warmly. Ginny's jaw tightened instinctively. He didn't seem to notice.

"You haven't gone mad, Ginny, I know that. Why have you been so curt with Ron lately?"

"W-We got in a stupid argument, that's all." Ginny attempted to meet Harry's eyes but failed.

"Right, and I'm Voldemort's son." Harry retorted, smirking.

Ginny gave Harry a reproving look and a small smile played on her lips.

"Ah, that's the Ginny I know." Harry commented, grinning.

She smiled back, for once not being frightened of being attacked. However, the light mood didn't last long. As if a cloud had moved across Harry's expression, his eyes became dull and lifeless. Ginny's mouth opened in horror and she backed against her wardrobe, her breathing rapid.

"Harry, it's me, Ginny! Your friend!" she shouted frantically, wondering how she would survive this.

A slow, evil sneer transformed his pleasant expression and he looked her up and down lustfully. Suddenly, his body ulseulsed violently and his face grew normal again. Ginny stood shaking, her eyes wide. Harry, shaking as well, almost began to cry.

"Ginny, it's okay! I'm okay!" He pleaded sincerely.

Ginny's breathing began to slow, but she still looked doubtful.

"I would never hurt you Ginny. I can control them. You're safe with me."

Ginny's expression grew hard and she smirked. "I'm not safe with anyone."