Story: Moira
Chapter Sixteen: Reconciliation

When Harry woke up, he saw a non-familiar white ceiling. He looked around and found a worried looking Ginny by his side. When she noticed him awake, a wave of relief washed over her distressed face.

"Har–"

"Why are you here, Weasley?" His tone was harsh and cold.

"Let me tal–"

"That stage is long since forgotten. We are friends no more and I don't want to even look at you. So kindly get away from me."

Hurt flashed in her brown eyes but she did not listen. "Scold me as much as you want to. Hurt me as much as you want to, but please, listen to me. Please."

Harry turned away then instantly regretted doing so as a sharp pain rose through his thoracic region. He couldn't, for the life of him, even sit up without wincing. His whole body felt numb with pain.

"I never really wanted to turn you down, I swear. I-I was wrong in assuming that Master would not permit us to go together. Harry, we need to stick together. We are fated for each other. We are each other's alter egos. I only just learnt this. You are the Wizard of Destruction, Harry and I, the Witch of Creation.

"We must control our magic before we can take our relationship further. Please, Harry. Can't you see the feelings I harbour for you? Can't you see through my soul? They say eyes are the windows to the soul. Look at me, Harry. I just want to be your moon and show all the little stars of my heart," Ginny concluded.

Harry gingerly turned to her, his face still contorted in anger although a light tinge of red lightened his pale complexion. Their eyes met each other, Harry's looking through her heart and finding the sincerity in her declaration. He sighed then gingerly rubbed his throbbing temples.

"I can't remember anything."

Ginny looked down for a minute, feeling hurt that he wouldn't remember their first kiss. She took a deep breath and held out her hand. "Let's do it together, Harry. You are not alone. I need you by my side."

"I have lost everything, Ginny. There is no use. It's simply going to waste our time. I'm in Durmstrang and you, at Hogwarts. I have realized all too late that our relationship would never work out."

"It will. Let's start anew," Ginny said determinedly. He looked at her and could not help the warm feeling threatening him to hug her. "And you haven't lost everything. You still have me."

Harry looked at her for what seemed to be an eternity. Neither blinked, just stared at each other, silently understanding the other's emotions. Her hopeful smile never wavered, neither did she push away the loose strand of her flaming hair when it fell over her eyes.

Harry gently reached out for her hand as he sat up gingerly. Never letting their entwined hands to part, Ginny sat beside him on his bed and rested her head on his shoulder. Due to their height difference, he had to sink down a bit lower for her comfort. They sat there, hands linked and eyes closed, just enjoying the other's warmth while it lasted.

Unbeknownst to them, from behind the shadow of a pillar, the satisfied Headmaster let out a small sigh of relief.

________________________

The next day was going great for Harry and Ginny. They pretty much hung out together, more so than with their own best friends. They hadn't made their relationship official, but that did not stop them from spending time with each other or holding the other's hand under the table.

Their friends noticed this new change, nevertheless never brought the topic up, although Hermione was itching to probe.

The day only got moody for the duo when the evening edition of the Daily Prophet was handed to them by a disgruntled looking Hermione. It read:

THE CHAMPIONS OF THE TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT IN A LOVE TRIANGLE?!
The Triwizard tournament started with great enthusiasm and the champions were chosen with no less excitement. The first task for was steered successfully by the Durmstrang champion, Mr Harry. However, there seems to be more to the championship than just life-endearing tasks.

As of late, we have noticed that the three champions, namely Miss Ginny Weasley, Mr Harry and Miss Alarie Beaumont have been head over heels for each other. Miss Beaumont, who accompanied Mr Harry as his Yule Ball date, was seen kissing the Durmstrang champion. On the other hand, Miss Weasley has been spotted hanging around the only male champion.

This leads to several questions. Is there a love triangle among them instead of a rivalry triangle? Who is Mr Harry really in love with? Is he toying around with the feelings of Ministry worker, Arthur Weasley's daughter and the famous French model? We, at the Prophet, shall try our best to answer the questions.

Special correspondent,
Rita Skeeter

"What? Alarie was spotted kissing you?" Ginny asked, her eyes narrowed at the paper in front of her. Harry looked confused himself.

"I swear, I've never had my first kiss!" Harry replied, the confusion still evident on his otherwise emotionless face. Hermione raised her eyebrows when Ginny blushed.

"Who's the writer of the stupid article?" Draco asked as he looked at Astoria. The latter frowned.

"Rita Skeeter. As far as I know, she writes all lies."

"She houd be artested!" Ron protested with his mouth filled with food. Hermione scolded him and he gobbled them up before repeating, "She should be arrested!"

"Ignore it, Harry," Neville said. Harry nodded and winced when Ginny's grip on his hand tightened. He looked at her.

"What?"

"What?"

"No, I asked what?"

"No, Harry, I did." Then, the blazing look on her face was back. Her brown eyes glimmered and Harry blushed lightly. He could read her mind very well. Alarie was looking at them, having read the newspaper herself.

"I-er –" he stammered, trying to look away from her but failing miserably.

"Quit this secret love act, lovebirds. Be like the king and queen," Draco said with an air of pride as he pointed to himself and Astoria, who turned red immediately.

"Sweat wha–?" Ron asked, his mouth filled with food yet again. Hermione rolled her eyes and glared at him as Neville and Draco burst into laughter. Luna was smiling knowingly at Harry whilst Astoria was concentrating on her book.

Suddenly, someone tapped Harry's shoulder and he swore under his breath. He had let his guard down again.

He looked around and met Alarie's hazel eyes. "Can I have a word with you?" she asked. Before Harry could reply, she continued, looking at Ginny's glare, "You can come along too."

The trio of champions found a deserted classroom and Alarie started talking. "What's zis rubbish in ze paper?" Harry scratched his hair in confusion but Ginny answered for him.

"I must ask you the same question."

"I don't know 'hat you are talking about."

"Gin, calm down and no, we did not kiss."

"Are you 'is girlfriend?" Alarie asked, looking wearily at the redhead. Harry facepalmed. Oh, what trouble did he get into?

"What if I am?" Ginny's tone was straightforward and harsh. On the other hand, Harry was feeling his temper rising.

Alarie suddenly smiled widely, shocking the duo. "Zat's very good! I was 'oping you both would just get zogether! Like, seriously, you both were so obvious at ze ball! Eet felt dreadful for me to accompany you, Monsieur," the blonde-haired witch said, pointing her finger at Harry accusingly. "Well zen, I'm glad there are no 'ard feelings between us," she practically leaped her way to the door then turned around and winked at them. "Oh and by ze way, you both are cute zogether."

Harry and Ginny blushed but Alarie was no longer present there to witness their red faces. Ginny looked at him, still red-faced. "Remember, Harry? I am not your girlfriend."

"You did tell her that you are," Harry replied, a smirk crossing his face as he walked towards her. She backed away with each step he took forward.

"What are you playing at, Mister? I never told I am your girlfriend. I just asked what if I was."

"Both imply that you like me."

"You sinister prat. Get away from me," Ginny said breathlessly as he pinned her to the wall, his hands on both sides of her head. She was breathing heavily, her eyes boring into his dark green ones.

"Should I?"

"On second . . . thoughts. . . no."

That was all he required and he leaned in slowly. She closed her eyes, waiting for the joyful sensation to course through her body, but it did not happen. When she opened her eyes, she found him looking down with a guilt-filled expression. He was standing far from her.

"Harry?" she asked gently. He shook his head and she walked to him.

"I-I can't do it . . . I don't t-think I can feel l-love . . . I am sorry," his voice cracked.

"What do you feel when I am near you, then?" Ginny asked, a tint of hope in her voice. Harry closed his eyes and shook his head vigorously.

"I don't know!"

"You have psychologically made yourself to believe that you can't feel love, Harry. Everything around us is made up of love.

"The earth's love for us is why we are able to stand on the ground without floating. The chair maker's love for his occupation is the reason why we have so many desks. The teacher's love for us is the reason why the student succeeds. Our parents' love for each other is the reason why we are alive. Open your eyes, Harry," she grabbed his hand and made him face her. "and see the love around you."

Harry opened his eyes but he did not look around. His irises focused on her and only her. Her beautiful figure reflected in his dark green orbs which held fear and curiosity.

"It's okay to feel afraid. I will wait for you for a thousand years if I have to," Ginny whispered. A rose appeared in his free hand and he handed it to the redhead in front of him, then tightened his grip on her hand and leaned in and kissed her cheek. She looked shocked and red-faced when he pulled away.

"I will improve myself, I swear," Harry said in a confident tone. He let go of her hand and walked out of the deserted classroom, leaving a blushing Ginny behind, the rose still clutched in her hand.

There goes the fourteenth chapter! Still a long way to go, I guess! Alarie's part sure was tough to write! I hope it came correct!

Thank you for reading!

Miyoko x