Work Text:
Harry thought deeply, slowly walking down the paths he knew so well. He was beginning his 7th year at Hogwarts, albeit a year late. The whole saving the world business got a little in the way last year, so Professor McGonagall had invited him, Hermione, and Ron back to finish their education. Hermione hadn’t hesitated, and dragged Ron along with her. Harry told them he couldn’t stand a full school year separated from them, so he decided to go as well. Of course, while there was an element of truth to that, it was only an excuse for the reason he wouldn’t admit to himself. Ginny would be there.
Harry paused his train of thought as he arrived at his destination; Hagrid’s hut. It had been a while since he had visited the place and the first time since it was rebuilt following the Battle of Hogwarts. He hoped to find a bit of comfort returning to it, as he was a little nervous to return to schooling. He knocked on the door to no response. Hagrid must still be greeting the new students , he thought, deciding to simply sit under a nearby tree instead. He sat there pondering everything and nothing, but his thoughts kept leading him back to her. Ginevra Weasley.
Ever since the final battle against Voldemort, Harry had been avoiding her. He couldn’t bring himself to face her after what he had done. He had broken up with her only a month after they had gotten together, abandoned her to the hell-hole that Hogwarts was turned into, and then when he went off to die, didn't even say goodbye. He didn't deserve to have these thoughts, to have her. She deserved more than him after how he treated her.
“Hey, Harry,” a voice said suddenly.
Startled, Harry stood up, grabbing for his wand, before looking up to see the very subject of his thoughts staring him in the face.
Well, can't exactly avoid her now. Not knowing what to say, he simply returned the greeting.
“Hi Ginny.”
“Finally, you say something. You made me worried, I thought you were avoiding me for some stupid reason.” Ginny replied, obviously a little annoyed.
With her remark, Harry looked away, staring at the ground, reminding himself of how much better she deserved. “Sorry,” Harry apologized softly.
“I brought you a chocolate frog, wanna just chat for a bit?” she said, less aggressively and a bit softly.
Harry wasn't sure how to respond, but he didn’t want to be rude and refuse her gift.
“Sure,” Harry replied, sitting back down under the tree. Ginny sat down next to him, keeping a bit of distance between them, and handed him the promised chocolate frog.
“Luna bought a lot of these, said she wanted to make them pets. She had a whole cage for them and everything.” Ginny explained
Harry let out a laugh, “That sounds like Luna alright.” he said, smiling.
“Why have you been avoiding me, Harry?” Ginny said suddenly. Harry was startled by the comment, not having expected things to take such a turn. He wasn’t sure how to respond.
“You…” Harry started, hesitantly. “You deserve better than me. After what I did to you your 5th year and then at the battle, I-”
“Don’t say that, please.” Ginny interrupted. “You didn’t break my heart when we had to break things off, I understood. I was hurt, but I always expected that if you survived we would get back together. Don’t say you don't deserve me after you saved the bloody world!”
“What about in the battle, I didn't say goodbye…” Harry said ashamedly.
“Why didn’t you?” She replied.
Harry looked up again, turning his head to face her.
“I knew that if I talked to you I wouldn't be able to follow through, and dying was the only way you could live free.”
Ginny looked a little stunned at this response, before collecting herself once more.
“Then I suppose I forgive you for that too.”
With this, Ginny scooted closer to him, leaning her head on his shoulder. As she did this, it dawned on Harry that even if she deserved better, she wanted him. Who was he to deny her what she wanted? So he brought his hand up around her waist to pull her a little closer, and learned his head on hers as they stared back at the castle for what felt like an eternity. Then they headed back to the tower, hand in hand.