Hard Times ((Harry Potter))

[rosewood]

Unusual as it was for Julie, she had not been giving Professor McGonagall her full attention that day during their Transfiguration class, which the NEWTs Ravenclaws and Gryffindors took together. Her attention had been on the three Gryffindors seated behind her, and the reason she kept looking at them quizzically was not because they were whispering together, but in fact it was because they were not. This was very strange; usually the three were always talking about something, even in class, and with the news they had just received a few days ago Julie was quite sure their whispering would only increase. In fact they seemed to be exerting an effort to be cordial to one another, and she saw several glances from one to the other that did not look too friendly. Julie wondered what exactly was up with the three, but after a strict warning from the Professor in which she declared that she had no idea what had come over the studious hard-working Ravenclaw but she had better pull herself together or else she would have to face her wrath Julie turned shame-facedly to her work and tried unsuccessfully to complete her task for the day.

After class Julie did not think twice about her plan of action and ran for Harry, slipped her hand into his, and commanded him firmly to come with her. She did not like the look in Harry’s eyes, and though Julie knew she wasn’t exactly responsible for Harry in any way her feelings for him had taken a new turn after the ball. They hadn’t danced much nor had they done much talking, but for once the outspoken sixth-year had actually relished the silent moments between them, for she had not felt they were because they had nothing to say to one another, but in fact they existed because each of them knew exactly how the other was feeling and some things just didn’t need to be said. Today there was something different about Harry though, as Julie had expected, but instead of the fierce reaction she had expected it was more of a lost look in his eyes than a fierce one, and Julie knew her duty, or maybe she should call it the duty her heart told her she had to do. She was there to comfort Harry and give him all the support she could, but she just hoped she was going to do that the right way. Soon she had dragged him into an empty hallway and then she touched his face lightly with her hand, looked into his eyes searchingly, and the next moment she was hugging him tightly, wishing she could hug all his pain away but knowing she couldn’t. She didn’t say a word and waited to see if he would, all the time keeping her arms and wishing she knew what to do or say next.

((Since our ball post was rather… uneventful… I just used my imagination to mention what might have happened, I hope that’s OK with you Harry…))

[Harry Potter]

The bell rang as Harry merely sat still in Transfiguration class, and stared into oblivion. Hermione was seated on his right and Ron was on his left, they did the same. Hermione still took down notes but Harry felt her uneasy- exactly how Harry and Ron felt also. Since Ginny was kidnapped or taken away, how ever you would put it- They were on edge merely emotionless. They didnt know what to do.

The class went on what seemed normal. Professor McGonagall shouted at the lack of comprehension, As a few others watched McGonagall like a hawk. Class was dismissed as Harry was nearly the last person out of the room. Walking into the hallway, it wasnt filled with as many people as he thought. Ron and Hermione walked ahead of him as Harry saw Julie walk up toward him. She took him by the hand as she lead him to another hallway. Harry did not resist.

As Julie stopped Harry looked at her, as her eyes seemed to be filled with worry. Harry couldnt control it- he knew his own eyes reflected the same emotion, but he couldnt show that openly to Ron or Hermione. They were too wrenched on getting her back, and Harry knew they would- they just needed time. Although, alot can happen in a period of time.Seconds later, Julie embraced Harry. Her head layed on his shoulder as Harry's arms went to her back. She knew exactly what he was feeling but they both were at a loss for words. Holding her he patted her back as a simple sign of life and reaction. With a sigh, Harry let go and looked at her.

A few seconds passed before any words were said. All the voices from the conjoining hallway were dead. Everyone left and already, it was only Julie and Harry. Finally letting go of Julie's hand, Harry leaned up against the wall behind him and slid down to the floor. He stared at the wall across from him as he spoke out. "I hate to be negitive, but.... I have no clue where she is or how to help her." Harry had a tremble of discomfort in his voice as he spoke. He was never the negitive one. He always wanted to do as much as he could- but right now.... he had nothing. He had no lead other than 'Dumbledore's Army' and Ginny could have ment anything off of that.

[rosewood]

Julie didn’t know what it was like to be an orphan, but her mother had died when she was three. Her father had given her all the love she wanted and needed, but still there had been times when she had longed for the love of the mother she had never known. She couldn’t imagine what it was like for Harry to have had so little affection when he was younger, and even now, the only affection he received was from his friends, but what she felt for him was much more intense. She decided that she was going to have to show him that for it might be the only way she had to try and cheer him up.

Harry let go of Julie after their short embrace and looked at her, and she gazed back at him trying to keep any confusion out of her eyes and let only her feelings show for him. Julie didn’t hesitate for a minute and sat down beside Harry when he slumped against the wall and sat on the floor. She listened to what he was saying but did not allow any feelings of despair or doubt enter her heart for even a minute but took his hand for the second time and intertwined her fingers with his then thought carefully of what to say. “Harry… there’s only so much one person can do,” she said gently, knowing it was the inability to do anything that was getting to him. She paused for a minute before continuing as she tried to put her thoughts into words that would convince him.

She had wanted to ask him, “Where is that blazing fire in you eyes that I’ve seen so many times?” but she didn’t. She understood that at the moment he was just feeling desperate, and it was up to her to alleviate his mood. She spoke again in the same gentle voice, her eyes never leaving him. “Harry? Just this once, try and let others do what they can. There are other people out there who care about the wizarding world as much as you do. Maybe it’s time for them to do the rescuing. I don’t think anything bad will happen to Ginny for now. The Death Eaters have kidnapped her for a reason and they'll communicate with us soon. They wouldn’t have chosen Ginny to kidnap and kill just for the sake of it, much as they like hurting people they don't kidnap them first if it's just for the sake of hurting them," she said sensibly. "They’re trying to reach you or something, I don’t know what it is they're trying to do as this is probably part of a very cunning plan devised by Voldemort,” said Julie soothingly. She clapped one hand over her mouth in shocked surprise when she finished that last sentence. What had she just said? She had been aware that she was beginning to call You-Know-Who Voldemort in her thoughts, but to say it out loud was a different matter. She dropped her eyes from Harry’s wondering where she had found the courage to do so.

[Harry Potter]

(( Sorry for the wait. ))

Taking a breath, Harry felt his back push away and move closer to the wall. Harry left Julie's hand touch and hold his own. Her fingers between his, Harry sat and still glared at the wall before him. Listening to Julie's words, she spoke a single sentance. He thought of what she said and took it to heart. There 'was' only so much he could do. But of course- it was in Harry's blood. He wanted to go and do more than what he could or what he was destined to do. Harry knew he could achieve a lot more than others, but it was only on account of his parents.

Julie spoke once more. This time she had more to say. her voice was calm, as always. It was good to hear and she was trying her hardest to say something to make Harry feel better. He listened carefully. She spoke of letting other take care of Ginny. He cared to much about her, plus he couldnt let Ron down. Harry was there and helped Ginny in the Chamber of Secrets, and Now Voldemort took her away. Agreeing with Julie, it was all about Harry. Why did Voldemort keep talking Ginny? Was there a reason? Or was it because she effects the most people because she never did anything wrong? Harry was beginning to get angry. Of course he was- and has been. Not angry at Julie- but at the reasons why Voldemort took Ginny. Taking a deep breath again, Harry felt his back rise and fall. His hand tensioned slightly, as he felt Julie's hand still holding his. Relaxing it, he turned towards her.

Looking at her, he noticed how she seemed a bit shocked at what she last said, let alone spoke out in the open. "Dont worry. Saying Voldemort isnt bad. It is just a name." he reassured her in his normal tone of voice. "It is exactly like saying, Harry or Julie, or Dumbledore for that matter." he said as he paused and thought about what he was going to say next.
"I have to do something, But I dont know what, Julie. I cant just sit here and wish her back. Ive known her for nearly as long as Ive known Ron. The Weasleys are basically family to me." Harry said, as he tryed to describe his relationship with Ginny to Julie. "Plus, if Voldemort does want me, wants to get close to me and what not- why does he keep going after her? I just dont understand. There are no leads. The Prophet isnt working on the story. They just left it as 'a girl missing.'" Harry shook his head as he looked away from Julie. Harry knew he wasnt the one to give up, he never have. But it seems like it was the only way out. The only way to go. Clenching his teeth together Harry looked down at his leg, where Julie and his own hands sat there still together.

[rosewood]

Julie moved so that she was facing Harry, her arms around his knees as she stared at him for a long moment, everything she could feel and everything she wanted to say was no longer going to be held from him. Harry had done something for her that made him a very special person to her: she was no longer afraid. She had conquered her fear of saying the name Voldemort, of realising the situations in which Defence Charms were actually used and against what Dark Curses they were used against, of preparing herself to be one of the fighters and not only the one who took care of them. She wanted him to know that, to know that his bravery had had its effect on everyone, and that he had done all he could and was still doing so for the magical world.

Julie gently raised Harry's chin so that she could see his eyes. "Harry, I want you to hear me. Harry, do you know what you've done for a lot of people? Do you know what you've done for a girl who was scared to learn Defence Against the Dark Arts properly because she thought she would never be able to face a situation in which she would need to use them? Harry, you've made me see my duty and no longer be scared of it as a witch fighting against the Dark Side. You've made me no longer fear saying Voldemort's name aloud. Harry, last year a lot of us learned so much from you I am sure one day we will help you win the battle against all evil. If you can't save Ginny, then maybe the Aurors will, and at least we're sure she's still alive - they wouldn't have wasted any time telling us that they'd killed her if they had. There might be a reason why the Prophet is saying nothing and why they're hiding all this from us. Don’t give up hope, you did what you could," she said calmly but with conviction.

Julie took a deep breath before what she said next. She was still in two minds about proceeding, surely this was not the time to tell him this, but against her better judgment she decided she would. "Harry, do I have to stand on a table and shout it out at you? Can't you see how I – I feel about you?" said Julie, and though she felt the flush that was making her cheeks very warm she was not as embarrassed as she had thought she would be. Instead she was filled with a strange calm happiness; a feeling of warmth like somebody had just wrapped a blanket around her, and a fierce protective feeling for the boy sitting before her that was so strong it astounded her. Her confession had relaxed her. It was out in the open now, and whatever Harry said, her feelings wouldn't change, and she would always be grateful for him for all he had done for her even if he didn’t feel the same way about her.

((I'm finally back. I also think the owl should arrive now. The other art of the plot I will send you an IM about as soon as I figure it out.))

[Harry Potter]

Julie moved before Harry, and with a slight touch moved his head to face hers. Meeting his eyes with hers, she began to speak. She went on as Harry felt like the fire inside him lit up again. He couldnt loose all hope, that just wasnt him. Harry looked at Julie and listened to her word for word. He was glad he had Julie as a friend, he didnt know where he would be without her, right now. Julie always was optimistic and Harry admired that. She went on talking about how he helped her. He really never heard from someone other than Ron or Hermione about how he effects others. Harry never saw himself out of the ordinary. Never different that anyone else, he just knew he had someone looking for him- trying to murder him. Harry took Julie's words to heart, and grinned when she spoke about how he gave her courage.

A moment passed as silence fell over the two. Harry's mind calmed down as it seemed Julie wasnt as full of worry. She took a breath as she began to speak again. This time, the words she spoke to Harry, Harry wanted to hear for a second time- to make sure he heard correctly. She had feelings for him. Harry's mind, which was calm for a moment, began to speed off again. He had feeling for her too. They just never showed themselves. Harry thought back to a day he was in the student lounge. He was studing but all he could think about was Julie. Every class Harry and Julie had together, he couldnt take his eyes off of her. Why didnt he notice his feeling before? He liked her too.

Harry looked at Julie and spoke back, "Julie, my mind has been on the edge for the past few weeks. I have been so blind, I guess I over looked your emotions for me. Julie, I have feelings for you too." Harry looked into her eyes as he slowly went on. "I dont understand how I could have looked over them, but I always catch myself thinking about you." Harry said as grinned slightly.

Harry was looking at Julie as it seemed as if they both were at a loss for words. Suddenly the quiet hallway Julie and himself were seated in- was accompanied by fluttering owl wings. Harry looked up as he saw a farmiar barn owl fly over to him. Dropping a letter besides Harry, he reached over and read the front. "To: Harry Potter, From: Ginny Weasly." Harry's eyes lit up as he looked at Julie. "Its from Ginny." he spoke. He didnt know what to think what was behind the folds of partchment. Without thinking a second thought he opened it, and read it out loud to Julie.

"Hi Harry,
I just wanted to start off by saying, I am safe at home right now, and I’ve missed you!

All I remember is a bright light in the alley in Hogsmeade. The next thing I knew, I was in a dark room tied up by myself. I was so scared; I didn't know where I was or how long I'd been there. All I know is that two men came and got me and they kept moving me from one place to another like every day. Then last night they were moving me again when two Aurors appeared along with Lupin and hexed my captors and brought me home. My captors must have been Death Eaters because the Aurors immediately sent them off to Azkaban.

Professor Dumbledore was at our house. He was talking to me a lot about what happened. Cornelius Fudge was there too, but Dumbledore wouldn't let him talk to me, at least for now. Tonks was there along with Moody and Lupin as well. I will tell you all about what happened later on, but I’m fine now.

Dumbledore said that I can take as much time off as I need. So, I suppose I will see you at Hogwarts eventually, I kind of want to get back there it's been really weird at home but mummy says I have to stay here a little longer. Fred and George haven't done anything to me since I've been back, mummy must have threatened them good but it just doesn't feel right. Please write back!

- Ginny"

Scanning over the letter again, Harry lowed the peice of partchment and looked at Julie. This time when he looked at her, he couldnt help smiling for the look she was giving him. Harry was extatic that Ginny was home and safe, but even more delighted that Harry spoke of his emotions for Julie, and he knew she felt the same way.

[rosewood]

The wind was blown out of Julie's sails. Could it be true? It had been Harry who had made the first move and asked Julie to be his Halloween ball partner, but since then she thought it was she who had been falling for him before she had even had the time to realise it. What could he possibly like about her? She stared at him not daring to believe it, but there was something there between them in that moment that could only mean he liked her too. Even if it was not as much as she did she was satisfied for now. Julie smiled back at Harry when he grinned and continued to tell her how he felt, and opened her mouth to speak when she was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of an owl. Julie looked anxiously at Harry wondering what could possibly be the reason he was getting a letter now, when he looked up at her and told her the news of Ginny's rescue.

"Harry, that is incredible! See, you have to believe me, there are others out there stronger and more clever than Voldemort and his Death Eaters, they found Ginny and rescued her even if it took them some time! And Harry, you and I both know this – this war won’t be easy, and there will be losses from our side as well as theirs, but we will win, we will," said Julie, then she put her arms around his neck to hug him again, although it was a bit difficult to do that with both of them sitting on the floor.

[Harry Potter]

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Harry finished reading the letter as Julie bursted out. Harry couldnt help but smile at her. He was in a good mood- finally. Harry smiled at her as she spoke. He heard and comprehended what she said, but he couldnt take his eyes off of her. It was like he saw her for the first time. Her radience was astonishing. Harry just sat there and smile. She hugged him, as he hugged her back. She was so, kind. He should have belived her from the beginning. 'She knows what she is talking about' Harry thought to himself as he agreed. 'He must trust her for now on. She makes him calm down. She is deffinatly one to keep around.' Harry thought again.

Letting go of Julie, he began to speak. "Julie, all if this Voldemort stuff is really hitting close." His face turned serious as he spoke with a voice full of care. "I want to know that you are fine during all this. This is the end for now. But you know very well- it isnt over." Harry spoke, as he took Julie's hand into his. He had no idea where he was going with this- but he wanted to know she was fine at all times, she ment a lot to him and he didnt want her to be in line of fire on accout of his enemies.

[rosewood]

After the hug and with her hand in his Julie listened to Harry, already knowing all he had to say and telling herself to be strong and that hard times were coming, but then the gloom that had been cast on their new-found happiness at the discovery of their love for each other suddenly vanished. The reason was because Harry just told her he always want to be sure she was safe, and this show of affection made her know he truly loved her. "I'll find a way, I promise Harry," she said, her head on his shoulder. Julie couldn't believe the strength of the emotion she felt surge inside her and the strength it gave her to know Harry felt the same way about her as she did about him. He was a hero and he made her feel she could be one too while she was with him. She knew there was no room for cowardice in the times to come, and as long as Harry was there with her she was no longer afraid.

"Let's go now Harry," she said, standing up. "I'll tell you what we'll do as soon as I can think of something," she assured him. Then, with her hand still in his, they walked up to the common rooms, and before each one went their way, Julie smiled at Harry for one last time. Her heart was beating wildly and she wanted her life to stop right now, to hold onto the moment forever for she had never known such happiness before. Life had its moments – this was one of them.