Occlumency - 7

"Ginny, you were strong; you were only eleven," Harry said adamantly.

Ginny waved her hand in the air. "I'm not saying I didn't try to fight it eventually, but more than anyone else I know what you're up against, and I can see from experience how different it is. Believe me, Harry."

"I'm trying," he whispered.

Ginny held him in silence for a few moments before saying, "When you tried to break up with me at the end of term, you said being with me was like something out of someone else's life."

"It is," Harry said softly, not meeting her eyes.

Ginny grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her. "That was the saddest thing I'd ever heard. What we had…what we have…is wonderful and special and it makes my heart dance, but I know it's the way things are supposed to be. It breaks my heart that you don't think you deserve that. You're going to win, Harry, and I'm going to spend the rest of our lives showing you how good things are supposed to be."

Harry looked up, startled. "You love me?" he asked, blinking.

Ginny's face colored brightly, and her gaze looked everywhere but at him. "I've always loved you, Harry."

Harry's spirit suddenly soared. "You have? Say it," he demanded.

Ginny giggled, embarrassed. When he continued to stare at her intently, he felt her tremble slightly before she whispered, "I love you, Harry."

He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her shoulder. "That feels good," he said, his voice muffled.

"What?" she asked, returning the embrace.

"Hearing those words."

Ginny sniffled against his chest.

He took a deep breath, inhaling that sweet flowery scent that always made him feel as if he was home. She'd shown her Gryffindor courage and done as he asked. It wouldn't be fair of him not to offer her the same reassurance.

"I love you, too," he whispered into her shoulder, his body tense. He was surprised at how easily the words flowed once he'd decided to say them.

Ginny pulled back, blinking and biting her lip. Her eyes filled with moisture as they wandered over his face, as if trying to be certain she'd heard it.

"I love you, too," he repeated, more confidently now. It wasn't hard to say at all.

Ginny's grin spread across her face, making her eyes shine. She pulled him tighter to her and whispered, "Now, this house is pretty much empty. Even Mum went out with some of the Order to clean up an attack in Cornwall. I think there are other things we could be discussing besides Voldemort while they're away, don't you?

Harry grinned and pulled her onto his lap. Indeed, there were much pleasanter ways to spend the unsupervised afternoon.

*~*~*

Several days later, Harry was scheduled to have another go at Occlumency with the Malfoys. Remus had gone on an assignment for the Order and was unable to attend. Alastor Moody had agreed to take his place. He arrived first and instantly pulled Harry aside.

"Afternoon, Potter. Before we start here today, I thought I'd pass on a friendly warning," Moody said gruffly.

"A warning?" Harry asked, perplexed.

"Be careful what information you allow to be seen in these sessions. Constant vigilance, Potter. Not only against the Malfoys – never a lot to be trusted as far as I'm concerned – but also against any information you don't want leaked to other sources," Moody replied.

"Other sources? Are you telling me the Malfoys are passing along information to the Order?" Harry asked, his anger rising. Even though he'd suspected it, he couldn't help the wave of disappointment that swept over him.