Little Lion
Harry sat alone in the Justice building. He and Ginny had been separated so friends and family could give their last goodbyes. Harry wasn't sure if anyone would come for him. For Ginny they would of course, the whole Weasley crew would likely file in one by one to wish their youngest good luck. But the games could only have one winner and with both him and Ginny being tributes they would be forced to choose, and the answer was obvious. As close as they were and as much as Harry loved them, in the end he wasn't their flesh and blood. It was hard enough with Gin in the games, they couldn't afford to care about him then and Harry understood.
When the wooden door creaked open it was entirely unexpected. Ron stepped in hesitantly.
“Hey.” He started unsure.
“Hey.”
Ron reached out and Harry fell into his arms squeezing tight. He cursed himself for doubting his best friend, of course Ron would come. Harry's throat burned, tears pressing against his eyes. It couldn't be the last time Harry saw him. It couldn't. He couldn't rationalize the thought that someone he'd lived with and loved for years could be gone from his life. Harry felt tears clog his throat again, but he forced them away. Ron didn't need me to see Harry's weakness. His baby sister was in the Game, Harry had to be strong for her. For the whole family. They’d all depend on him to look out for Ginny.
“Take care of her, mate. Please for the love of God take care of my sister,” Ron's voice cracked, and a tear raced down Harry's cheek against his will.
“I will. I promise I will.”
It was an empty promise and they both knew it. Harry would do everything he could, but he couldn't guarantee her safety in an arena against career tributes, not to mention the capitol. They pulled apart and Harry wiped his face, unable to meet Rons eyes.
“I brought you a token.” Harry looked up in surprise. He hadn't even considered taking a token from home.
“It’s not much but I figured your relatives probably wouldn't bring anything so…” Ron was right, Harry hadn't spoken to the Dursleys since he had begun living with the Weasleys. It’d only been six years, but it felt like a lifetime. Harry couldn't imagine his life without the redheads in it now.
Ron held out a pin. It was small and golden, about the size of a thumbnail and made into a lion's roaring head. Mrs. Weasley had always called them her little lions. It annoyed Ron sometimes but Harry loved it because it meant that she considered him one of her own. The tears were back, and Harry pulled Ron into another hug, partially to hide his face, but mostly because he was going to miss him. God Harry was going to miss everything so, so much.
“I found it at the market. There were three and they were pretty cheap, so I got one for Ginny and me, too. I was going to give them to you tonight but…” He trailed off.
“Thank you.” Harry managed to swallow around the lump in his throat.
They stood in silence for a moment before Ron spoke again.
“Mum’s a complete mess right now. We could barely convince her to see Gin.”
“That’s alright I understand.” At least it’s me instead of Ron, Harry thought, He can be here with his mum.
“But she’s grateful. We all are.” Ron wasn't looking at him and Harry couldn't bring himself to accept the thanks. Harry had taken his place, but he had no way to ensure Ginny's safety.
“Just…Please Harry, Stay safe. Well, as safe as you can. Fight. Don't give up. You’re my brother, I can't lose you,” His voice broke, and he wiped his face with a sigh.
“You’ve got enough of those haven't you?” Harry tried to joke but his smile was watery.
“Just enough. I don't plan on losing any, alright?”
Harry nodded weakly.
They hugged once more before he left.
“I never could have done what you did. I’m not brave enough; I’d have no chance out there--but you and Gin are stronger than me, you're made of harder stuff. You've got a chance.”
“I’ll take care of Ginny, Ron. You guys are my family too.” Ron returned his watery smile before the impatient peacekeepers ushered him from the room.
Harry was relieved to see Ginny on the train. She flew into his arms, and Harry held her tight as she took shaky breaths. It was obvious she was trying not to cry; they were both trying to be strong for each other.
“We’ll be alright Gin,” Harry reassured her and when she looked up her eyes were puffy from tears.
“Of course, we will.” She agreed fiercely but her voice shook.
“Alright Love birds!” Harry hadn't noticed Gilderoy Lockhart, but it seemed he’d be with them until this nightmare ended. “Everyone needs their beauty sleep! Well not me of course, but you could certainly use some rest. I’ll retrieve you for dinner,”
Harry scowled at the man's lack of empathy.
“I’ll see you later.” Ginny promised with one last tight hug.
Harry was grateful that they didn't share a room because this would likely be the only chance he had to mourn. He didn't hold back the tears as he lay on the bed and let sobs wrack his body. Harry was likely going to be murdered soon. At sixteen no less. He was going to watch Ginny, his little sister, die prematurely and completely unnecessarily.
There would be no more family meals with the Weasleys, no more pulling pranks with the twins, or staying up late with Ron. There’d be no more sneaking past peacekeepers and the fence to mess around in the woods. All because the capitol decided to play with children's lives.
At least there’s still hunting. The morbid thought made Harry snort and he worried for a moment if he was losing his mind. That could happen under extreme stress, right? He scrubbed a hand down his face, weary to the bone. Harry worried that if he went to sleep now, he wouldn't sleep later, he'd just stay up all night thinking of the grisly future. Or maybe if he fell asleep, he'd wake up in his own bed and this would all have been a sick dream. Harry stared at the ceiling, but his eyes eventually closed of their own accord, exhaustion making the choice for him.