Voting: Final Challenge
Who will be the Last H/G Drabble Writer Standing? It's up to you!
Remember:
DRABBLE 1
1.
Author: belladonna803
Title: The Thing With Feathers
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Word Count: 569
Author's Note: (optional) Thanks to Emily Dickinson, for the title.
The warm sizzle and pop of the fire was a welcome, familiar friend as Ginny sat down in the common room. She bypassed the armchairs and couches altogether, choosing instead to Conjure a cushion and scoot it as close to the Floo as she dared.
The heat radiated pleasantly through her woolen socks, and she kicked her shoes off to take the chill from her toes. It had been an absolutely dreadful day. Facing evil so casually each day since the start of term had begun to wear her down, though she had no plans to show it. Not to even Neville, or Luna, though of anyone they would surely understand.
No.
She would not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her exposed and vulnerable. Never again.
The room was blissfully quiet, aside from the muttering logs in the hearth. She stretched there on the floor until she saw spots behind her eyelids, and then, checking that the coast was clear, pulled a roll of parchment from her bag. Pulling her Potions textbook onto her lap with a wry grin, she unfurled the parchment on top of it. Her fingers hovered above its unblemished surface for a moment, before her freshly inked quill touched down.
Dear Harry,
How has your day been? More of the usual here, I'm afraid. I caught a couple of Slytherins torturing a First-Year by Greenhouse Two today. I Hexed them from around the corner, and thankfully they didn't catch me out. I hope Ron and Hermione aren't driving you round the twist. Have they snogged yet? It's only a matter of time, but I'm sure you've noticed it too. Oh, and remember yesterday when I told you about Professor Flitwick and that Stinging Hex he sent at Amycus Carrow? I found out at breakfast that Neville went and took the blame for it! Went right up to the head table with everyone sitting right there and claimed it'd been him. Neville, bless him. He's the best sort. Almost as bad as you are, Harry. I think I'll tell him that tomorrow. Luna says hello, by the way. I don't know how she knew I've been writing to you, but she did. I can't get anything past her, it seems. Clever girl, our Luna. I'd best be going if I'm going to rest up enough to get through Double Defence tomorrow.
Ginny paused to close her eyes and bring Harry's face to the forefront of her mind. There you are, she thought with a small smile. She kept his image close as she finished.
I miss you and hope you're safe. All my love, Ginny.
She released the end of the parchment and let it spring back into its tight cylinder. She pressed her lips to it for more time than she cared to admit to herself, and then without hesitating, cast it into the dying fire. The cream coloured parchment burned quickly, her words dissolving into ash. Ginny imagined them climbing the Floo on a burst of smoke, to be caught by a breeze and carried to where Harry was. It had become a nightly ritual, something just for her, and she brushed the silky end of her quill against her lips as she pictured Harry again, this time secure and warm by a fire, just like she was now.
It gave her hope, and she went up to bed on its wings.
2.
Author: ginevrawp
Title: 104 days of Summer
Rating: PG
Words: 367
Warnings: none
Author’s Note: Thank you, my wonderful beta, for always standing there with me, pushing me and cheering me on.
Ginny sat at her kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea. Her owl, Artemis, hooted, drawing Ginny's attention to the other owl winging it's way towards the house. Harry's owl, Apollo.
Ginny pushed herself to her feet and walked to the window. She was moving slowly these days, but unlike Errol, the owl her family had owned for years, Apollo, perched on a tree branch outside the window, waiting patiently as Ginny slid the window open.
Ginny stroked the owl's feathers as she retrieved the letter from his leg. Apollo flew up to the perch her normally shared with his mate as Ginny returned to her seat before opening the letter.
Dear Ginny,
As exhausted as I am right now, I had to write to you. I can’t get myself to sleep and my head’s swirling with memories of being home with you.
I’ve got fantastic news to share. This will be our last weekend apart until this time, next year. I talked to Kingsley and apart from exceptional circumstances; I’ll just be on duty on weekdays. That means we’ve got --wait for it, I’ve counted them-- fifty-two free weekends ahead of us, one hundred and four days of staying in, cuddling, love-making and lazing around. Oh, and changing diapers and heating bottles and fussing over that precious life that’s currently inside of you.
Do you remember your Mum and Andromeda teaching us - me - how to take care of Teddy? I complained about it at the time, but now I am grateful for learning that. But, you, Ginny, you were amazing with Teddy, right from the start. You will be the most amazing Mum.
You tell that baby that he better not start kicking until I get back home, okay? Or she. Do you think she’ll be a she? A baby girl, beautiful and brilliant, just like her mother. Though a boy, he’d be perfect, you know. I’m babbling. It looks like sleep has finally kicked in.
I can’t wait to get back to you and your lovely round belly. I wonder how much our baby’s grown in these weeks I’ve been away.
Love you, miss you, need you, want you and love you again,
Harry
3.
Author: r_becca
Title: Invitation
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Word Count: 420 words
To: ____Harry Potter____
You're invited to a birthday party for ___Ginny____!
Join us on ____August 11____ at ____four___ o'clock
at ____The Burrow's garden_____
for cake and punch with light refreshments.
Harry,
Sorry about the silly pre-printed invitations, but as you can see Mum is getting a bit carried away about this party. She keeps talking about her own seventeenth birthday party, and even hauled out some old albums I've never seen before. She looks so young in the pictures -- a lot like me, actually. And she's wearing quite a daring set of robes. Too bad she didn't save them -- I'd wear them in a second. You'd never believe the people who were at the party -- parents and relatives of half the people we knew at school. Would you believe one of her best mates was Demelza's aunt? I'll have to show you the album, there's a picture that looks just like Demelza and me in old-fashioned clothes, it's almost creepy.
The funny thing about this party is that I'm really not in the mood for one. I'm looking forward to seeing Demelza and Neville and everyone, I just don't feel much like celebrating. I just... It seems terrible to have a party when F-- You know how it is. But it seems like Mum really needs this right now, and it's the least I can do. Maybe one day I can use the pictures to torment my own daughter when it's time for her to have a party of her own. That could be fun.
It'll be good for you to get a break from Auror training, too. This is the first weekend you've had off since you got there, and the summer had barely started when you left. I think I'm starting to forget what you look like. Since you're officially my boyfriend now again, I'm determined to actually spend some time with you, so don't feel like you have to wait until four o'clock. Whenever they let you out, just come right over to the Burrow.
See you next week, finally.
Ginny
PS- Maybe afterwards, we can go for a walk in the old orchard and you can help me celebrate the fact that I'm of age. By casting lots of unsupervised spells, of course! What did you think I meant? Well, maybe there will be time for a bit of that as well. I haven't had a chance to give you your birthday present yet, after all. I'll give you a hint: it's a lot like your seventeenth birthday gift.
DRABBLE 2
A.
Author: r_becca
Title: Bold and Brave of Heart
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Word Count: 100 words
“Marry me?” Harry asked, in the Burrow’s garden at twilight. “I mean, if you want to?”
Ginny stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You don’t think we’re too young, or rushing things?”
Harry shrugged, holding her close. He knew the awful things that people said. They were all wrong. Those people didn’t know his heart. “We’re Gryffindors.” It explained everything. Bold and brave of heart.
She laughed silently, and Harry could feel it in his own chest. He waited.
Finally she looked up, her brown eyes gleaming with that hard, determined look he loved. “Let’s do it.”
B.
Author: belladonna803
Title: Do
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Word Count: 100
Author's Note: (optional) Thank you to greenschist for all the hard work during this round! It's been fun! :)
"Gin?"
"Mmm?"
"You awake?"
"No."
Harry shifted to kiss her forehead. "You sure?"
"M'asleep."
Warm fingers wrapped around her hip and pulled her closer. Wet lips on her throat.
"Now?"
"S'late, 'Arry."
A drawer being tugged open. Rustling sounds near her ear.
"Ginny, wake up."
"Mflflfrgh."
"It's the eleventh. It's your birthday."
"T'morrow."
"C'mon, Ginny, I need you awake for this."
Something cool and round sliding over her knuckle.
Her brain shrieked.
It wasn't.
It couldn't.
"Ginny, will you--"
"I do!" she said, shooting to a sitting position and nearly bashing him on the chin.
"-marry me?" he finished.
C.
Author: ginevrawp
Title: Captive
Prompt: Hero
Rating: PG
Words: 100
Warnings: none
Author’s note: Choosing a prompt was never harder.
Ginny was thrashing around on the ground, trying to get away from the hands pinning her down.
“Help!”
She screamed again when she felt a sharp poke on her ribs. Evil chuckles reached her ears and she wished she hadn’t refused Harry’s offer to come with her.
She heard a loud shriek and opened her eyes to find Harry freeing her. He lifted her on his arms and smiled.
“My hero!”
“Uncle Harry, you’re no fun!”
“I heard your Aunt Hermione’s even more ticklish, guys.”
As the kids cheered and went looking for Hermione, Harry kissed his lady in distress.
PLEASE VOTE WITH THE NUMBER or LETTER OF THE DRABBLE INSTEAD OF THE TITLE!
In your comment, please copy/paste--
Drabble #1
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Optional Feedback:
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Optional Feedback:
Drabble #2
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Optional Feedback:
Feedback is completely optional (but so nice to have!) and 100% anonymous. It will be emailed to the authors at their request after the results of the vote are revealed.
Remember:
- belladonna803, ginevrawp, and r_becca are exempt from voting.
- You must choose both a most and least favorite for both drabbles 1 and 2. A vote just for one or the other will not be counted.
- Anonymous votes will not be counted.
- Please keep the challenges in mind while voting. Drabble one: A letter written during any period when Harry and Ginny are forced to be apart. Drabble 2: A 100-word H/G drabble of the author's choosing.
DRABBLE 1
1.
Author: belladonna803
Title: The Thing With Feathers
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Word Count: 569
Author's Note: (optional) Thanks to Emily Dickinson, for the title.
The warm sizzle and pop of the fire was a welcome, familiar friend as Ginny sat down in the common room. She bypassed the armchairs and couches altogether, choosing instead to Conjure a cushion and scoot it as close to the Floo as she dared.
The heat radiated pleasantly through her woolen socks, and she kicked her shoes off to take the chill from her toes. It had been an absolutely dreadful day. Facing evil so casually each day since the start of term had begun to wear her down, though she had no plans to show it. Not to even Neville, or Luna, though of anyone they would surely understand.
No.
She would not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her exposed and vulnerable. Never again.
The room was blissfully quiet, aside from the muttering logs in the hearth. She stretched there on the floor until she saw spots behind her eyelids, and then, checking that the coast was clear, pulled a roll of parchment from her bag. Pulling her Potions textbook onto her lap with a wry grin, she unfurled the parchment on top of it. Her fingers hovered above its unblemished surface for a moment, before her freshly inked quill touched down.
Dear Harry,
How has your day been? More of the usual here, I'm afraid. I caught a couple of Slytherins torturing a First-Year by Greenhouse Two today. I Hexed them from around the corner, and thankfully they didn't catch me out. I hope Ron and Hermione aren't driving you round the twist. Have they snogged yet? It's only a matter of time, but I'm sure you've noticed it too. Oh, and remember yesterday when I told you about Professor Flitwick and that Stinging Hex he sent at Amycus Carrow? I found out at breakfast that Neville went and took the blame for it! Went right up to the head table with everyone sitting right there and claimed it'd been him. Neville, bless him. He's the best sort. Almost as bad as you are, Harry. I think I'll tell him that tomorrow. Luna says hello, by the way. I don't know how she knew I've been writing to you, but she did. I can't get anything past her, it seems. Clever girl, our Luna. I'd best be going if I'm going to rest up enough to get through Double Defence tomorrow.
Ginny paused to close her eyes and bring Harry's face to the forefront of her mind. There you are, she thought with a small smile. She kept his image close as she finished.
I miss you and hope you're safe. All my love, Ginny.
She released the end of the parchment and let it spring back into its tight cylinder. She pressed her lips to it for more time than she cared to admit to herself, and then without hesitating, cast it into the dying fire. The cream coloured parchment burned quickly, her words dissolving into ash. Ginny imagined them climbing the Floo on a burst of smoke, to be caught by a breeze and carried to where Harry was. It had become a nightly ritual, something just for her, and she brushed the silky end of her quill against her lips as she pictured Harry again, this time secure and warm by a fire, just like she was now.
It gave her hope, and she went up to bed on its wings.
2.
Author: ginevrawp
Title: 104 days of Summer
Rating: PG
Words: 367
Warnings: none
Author’s Note: Thank you, my wonderful beta, for always standing there with me, pushing me and cheering me on.
Ginny sat at her kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea. Her owl, Artemis, hooted, drawing Ginny's attention to the other owl winging it's way towards the house. Harry's owl, Apollo.
Ginny pushed herself to her feet and walked to the window. She was moving slowly these days, but unlike Errol, the owl her family had owned for years, Apollo, perched on a tree branch outside the window, waiting patiently as Ginny slid the window open.
Ginny stroked the owl's feathers as she retrieved the letter from his leg. Apollo flew up to the perch her normally shared with his mate as Ginny returned to her seat before opening the letter.
Dear Ginny,
As exhausted as I am right now, I had to write to you. I can’t get myself to sleep and my head’s swirling with memories of being home with you.
I’ve got fantastic news to share. This will be our last weekend apart until this time, next year. I talked to Kingsley and apart from exceptional circumstances; I’ll just be on duty on weekdays. That means we’ve got --wait for it, I’ve counted them-- fifty-two free weekends ahead of us, one hundred and four days of staying in, cuddling, love-making and lazing around. Oh, and changing diapers and heating bottles and fussing over that precious life that’s currently inside of you.
Do you remember your Mum and Andromeda teaching us - me - how to take care of Teddy? I complained about it at the time, but now I am grateful for learning that. But, you, Ginny, you were amazing with Teddy, right from the start. You will be the most amazing Mum.
You tell that baby that he better not start kicking until I get back home, okay? Or she. Do you think she’ll be a she? A baby girl, beautiful and brilliant, just like her mother. Though a boy, he’d be perfect, you know. I’m babbling. It looks like sleep has finally kicked in.
I can’t wait to get back to you and your lovely round belly. I wonder how much our baby’s grown in these weeks I’ve been away.
Love you, miss you, need you, want you and love you again,
Harry
3.
Author: r_becca
Title: Invitation
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Word Count: 420 words
To: ____Harry Potter____
You're invited to a birthday party for ___Ginny____!
Join us on ____August 11____ at ____four___ o'clock
at ____The Burrow's garden_____
for cake and punch with light refreshments.
Harry,
Sorry about the silly pre-printed invitations, but as you can see Mum is getting a bit carried away about this party. She keeps talking about her own seventeenth birthday party, and even hauled out some old albums I've never seen before. She looks so young in the pictures -- a lot like me, actually. And she's wearing quite a daring set of robes. Too bad she didn't save them -- I'd wear them in a second. You'd never believe the people who were at the party -- parents and relatives of half the people we knew at school. Would you believe one of her best mates was Demelza's aunt? I'll have to show you the album, there's a picture that looks just like Demelza and me in old-fashioned clothes, it's almost creepy.
The funny thing about this party is that I'm really not in the mood for one. I'm looking forward to seeing Demelza and Neville and everyone, I just don't feel much like celebrating. I just... It seems terrible to have a party when F-- You know how it is. But it seems like Mum really needs this right now, and it's the least I can do. Maybe one day I can use the pictures to torment my own daughter when it's time for her to have a party of her own. That could be fun.
It'll be good for you to get a break from Auror training, too. This is the first weekend you've had off since you got there, and the summer had barely started when you left. I think I'm starting to forget what you look like. Since you're officially my boyfriend now again, I'm determined to actually spend some time with you, so don't feel like you have to wait until four o'clock. Whenever they let you out, just come right over to the Burrow.
See you next week, finally.
Ginny
PS- Maybe afterwards, we can go for a walk in the old orchard and you can help me celebrate the fact that I'm of age. By casting lots of unsupervised spells, of course! What did you think I meant? Well, maybe there will be time for a bit of that as well. I haven't had a chance to give you your birthday present yet, after all. I'll give you a hint: it's a lot like your seventeenth birthday gift.
DRABBLE 2
A.
Author: r_becca
Title: Bold and Brave of Heart
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Word Count: 100 words
“Marry me?” Harry asked, in the Burrow’s garden at twilight. “I mean, if you want to?”
Ginny stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You don’t think we’re too young, or rushing things?”
Harry shrugged, holding her close. He knew the awful things that people said. They were all wrong. Those people didn’t know his heart. “We’re Gryffindors.” It explained everything. Bold and brave of heart.
She laughed silently, and Harry could feel it in his own chest. He waited.
Finally she looked up, her brown eyes gleaming with that hard, determined look he loved. “Let’s do it.”
B.
Author: belladonna803
Title: Do
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Word Count: 100
Author's Note: (optional) Thank you to greenschist for all the hard work during this round! It's been fun! :)
"Gin?"
"Mmm?"
"You awake?"
"No."
Harry shifted to kiss her forehead. "You sure?"
"M'asleep."
Warm fingers wrapped around her hip and pulled her closer. Wet lips on her throat.
"Now?"
"S'late, 'Arry."
A drawer being tugged open. Rustling sounds near her ear.
"Ginny, wake up."
"Mflflfrgh."
"It's the eleventh. It's your birthday."
"T'morrow."
"C'mon, Ginny, I need you awake for this."
Something cool and round sliding over her knuckle.
Her brain shrieked.
It wasn't.
It couldn't.
"Ginny, will you--"
"I do!" she said, shooting to a sitting position and nearly bashing him on the chin.
"-marry me?" he finished.
C.
Author: ginevrawp
Title: Captive
Prompt: Hero
Rating: PG
Words: 100
Warnings: none
Author’s note: Choosing a prompt was never harder.
Ginny was thrashing around on the ground, trying to get away from the hands pinning her down.
“Help!”
She screamed again when she felt a sharp poke on her ribs. Evil chuckles reached her ears and she wished she hadn’t refused Harry’s offer to come with her.
She heard a loud shriek and opened her eyes to find Harry freeing her. He lifted her on his arms and smiled.
“My hero!”
“Uncle Harry, you’re no fun!”
“I heard your Aunt Hermione’s even more ticklish, guys.”
As the kids cheered and went looking for Hermione, Harry kissed his lady in distress.
PLEASE VOTE WITH THE NUMBER or LETTER OF THE DRABBLE INSTEAD OF THE TITLE!
In your comment, please copy/paste--
Drabble #1
Most Favorite: (put number here)
Optional Feedback:
Least Favorite: (put number here)
Optional Feedback:
Drabble #2
Most Favorite: (put letter here)
Optional Feedback:
Least Favorite: (put letter here)
Optional Feedback:
Feedback is completely optional (but so nice to have!) and 100% anonymous. It will be emailed to the authors at their request after the results of the vote are revealed.