The Christmas Ball
 Category: Books » Harry Potter  Censor:  PG-13  Genre:  Romance
   Reviews:  4
 Author: pottergirl                   Font Size: Bigger (+) - Smaller (-)

This time I am not writing any authors note as I am in too much of a hurry
to write the story itself. Oh, just one thing, this story is not related to
any of my previous fics and I mean any! This is completely independent. I
loved the plot and story so I'm writing it. There will be no sequel I am
warning before hand!! Sorry, I know you hate to hear this but at least
there's no waiting or any cliffhangers or anything!
This paragraph turned out to be a Authors Notes one. Sorry.
So ok lets begin with the story without further ado!!
Background: The date is 25 December, our fav trio's fifth year.

The Christmas Ball

The Great Hall was decorated magnificently. The banners of the four houses
hung from the enchanted ceiling and this year apart form the floating
candles, there were magical fireflies floated around near the ceiling
presenting a magical effect. The floor was polished so much that you could
see yourself in it but it was enchanted to enable friction i.e. no one
could possibly slip on its glossy surface. The reason for all the décor was
that it was Christmas. Well not the usual Hogwarts Christmas but a lot
different that year. A Christmas Ball was had been arranged that year
because the staff felt that after Voldemort's return early that year, the
school had a strange, gloomy and frightened stupor. And they felt that a
Ball was the best way to cheer the students up. Therefore Christmas was
very excitedly awaited by most that year. Almost all of the students stayed
back at school for the Ball.

Harry entered the hall alone amidst the pairs of students. He was wearing
the same bottle-green dress robes he had worn in the Yule Ball the year
before. Keeping his eyes on the ground, he walked over to one of the tables
and sat down. Though there were fifteen minutes for the feast to begin he
had decided to go wait in the hall rather than watch Ron and Hermione who
were going together.

Ron had asked Hermione to the ball as soon as it had been announced which
apparently pleased her a lot lot and she spent extra time getting ready for
that year's ball. Harry smiled slightly toying with his fork. Ron and
Hermione really liked each other but never said that to each other. They
were mostly fighting anyway. The reason why Harry had come down alone was -
one - he couldn't stand watching Ron and Hermione, blushing while trying to
say how nice the other looked. And Ron kept staring googly-eyes at her
-two- Harry liked to be alone those days. He still hadn't somewhat entirely
stopped blaming himself for Cedric's death and rarely liked to laugh. The
third reason why he wanted to sit alone in the hall was that he had no one
to go with. It wasn't as if he hadn't tried. He had tried asking Cho Chang
of Ravenclaw but to his great great great disappointment she said she was
'waiting' for a 'special someone'. Therefore Harry firmly decided he'd just
spend the time alone in the Hall. No one had asked to go with him that time
and he didn't even feel sorry for himself or anything. He realized that he
was feeling much better alone. He sighed. He had learnt a lesson anyway.
There was no point in going after Cho Chang. He'd look like a stupid
following her when he she had already given him a clear signal.

Harry realized he didn't even feel angry or disappointed anymore anyway. It
wasn't as if he had been rejected because of his fault or anything. She was
simply interested elsewhere.
Harry also felt a strange realization. Somehow being rejected by Cho Chang
made him feel how Hermione must have felt when she was asked by Ron as a
'last resort' before the Yule Ball. He didn't know why but he did feel like
that.

After sometime, masses of students filled into the hall, occupying places
at their tables. The pairs were broken for the feast. Harry remained at his
seat and watched Fred, Angelina, George, Alicia, Katie, Lee, Seamus,
Lavender, Dean, Parvati all enter the hall and seat in pairs since they
were in the same years as their partners. When he had begun to think if Ron
and Hermione would ever show up, they arrived and Harry saw Hermione had
tucked a few white roses in her hair which hadn't been there before. She
was wearing a long, sleek, silvery gown with faded blue, lace cuffs. She
had also worn a sparkling silver chain around her neck. Harry admitted she
looked pretty with her hair open but not wavy since she had 'got them
fixed' by a magical parlor in Diagon Alley. Ron was wearing navy robes,
which suited him. Fred and George had gotten them for him on Harry's
request when he had given them his winnings from the TriWizard Tournament.

"What took you so long?", Harry asked trying to sound cheerful. Hermione
blushed slightly and Harry noted that. He hesitated but Ron said in a low
voice,
"Wanted a few roses for her hair so I got some from the gardens". Ron
chuckled and Harry also giggled.
"Harry, we searched for you. Why did you come here so early anyway?", asked
Hermione.
"Oh well, I decided to just come. It was a bit boring. I don't think I'll
stay long anyway. Early bed for me, I guess", Harry said trying to bring
power into his dull tone. Ron and Hermione looked at him in a strange sad
way as if they were sorry for him. He smiled weakly.
"What?"
"No-nothing. Why don't you try dancing today?", asked Ron quickly smiling
back.
"Dont know. I guess I will if I suddenly get the urge to. Oh forget it. You
don't worry. Enjoy yourself since you didn't even get to last time", said
Harry.
"I did, I had some fun last time", said Ron promptly.
"Yeah? All you did was stare narrow eyed at Hermione", muttered Harry and
Hermione looked at Ron with a half-happy, half-surprised look. He smiled
back weakly at her.
"So you spied on me all night", she said not breaking eye contact.
"And I also found a figure of Viktor Krum with its arm snapped off near his
bed that night", added Harry and Ron glared at him though it was a strange
half happy glare, happy because Harry had finally put across to Hermione
what Ron couldn't, Ron hated Viktor Krum not because of the tournament but
because of Hermione. Harry smiled. Hermione looked over-the-moon not at all
angry or annoyed.
Suddenly, Dumbledore who had entered the hall un-noticed by the trio stood
up and announced the beginning of the feast. That was when Harry had time
to look around at all the other people now in the hall. His eye lingered
over the Gryffindor table and suddenly stopped at a familiar red-head. Oh
well, that was Ginny Weasley but he didn't know how she looked really
different from all the times he had seen her before. She looked quite
pretty and her freckles, though they were noticeable, didn't seem to really
look bad. She was wearing light mauve robes but they were glittering
silver. She was eating, alone, not talking to anyone and she was sitting
alone without any partners. On her sides were her friends who were actually
talking to their own partners. She was just eating silently and looked a
bit like Harry himself, not too pleased with the ball.
Harry was amazed. He had suddenly wished, in side his heart that she had no
partners that day for the ball. He grinned at himself. What was happening?
He didn't even want to come to the ball, let alone dance with someone!

"Whats with the huge grin?", asked Ron suddenly. Harry turned to him, still
smiling weakly.
"Yeah?", he asked dumbly.
"Nothing you were just grinning so strangely", said Ron looking at Harry
uncertainly. Harry suddenly got the urge to say something witty.
"What about your grin, ever since Her-". Ron looked at him, his ears red
and managed to stop Harry by placing his hand over his mouth tightly. Harry
tried to struggle. Hermione giggled, somewhat pink. Ron let go of Harry.
"Don't! Or I'll tell everyone who you were staring at!", Ron hissed though
not venomously. Harry immediately stopped struggling and looked at Ron
blankly. Ron grinned.
"Ginny!", he said loudly. Harry went a bit pink and looked around to see if
anyone had heard Ron. Ginny was looking up.
"What?", she asked Ron. Harry caught gloom in her voice.
"Er... nothing. Who're you going with anyway?" Ron asked with a sideways
glance at Harry who tried to be interested in his turkey.
"No one", grumbled Ginny and Harry felt surprised. Ginny was quite good
looking and it was strange no body had asked her to the ball.
Ron said no more to Harry's joy and went back to stealing glances at
Hermione who was really looking beautiful.
Harry looked at Ginny again. She was back to eating her food looking quite
silent. Soon, the feast ended and Harry saw Professor Dumbledore stand up
to announce the beginning of the ball. Harry forgot Ginny for a bit as
Hermione gave an excited giggle from Ron's side and Harry looked at the
pair strangely. Hermione blushed. She really wasn't acting herself.
As the magical, no-human band started playing a quick sweet tune
automatically, Harry saw the pairs get up. Ron held out his hand for
Hermione rather awkwardly and Hermione blushed taking it. Harry rolled his
eyes a bit. He decided he'd better leave the hall now that the feast was
over and the ball was beginning. He had no intention of watching his best
friends dance or anyone else for that matter. There was a great rush of
people getting up from the tables. He stood up because Professor Dumbledore
wanted to put away most of the tables to clear the Hall for the ball.

Harry moved through the crowd of people. Everyone looked so happy but he
himself didn't have much urge for dancing. The word dancing immediately,
how ever made him remember Ginny who had been sitting alone at the feast.
Just as he had thought of this though, he found her standing about fifteen
feet away, alone and distraught, within hearing range and he had just
thought about going and talking to her when he saw the person walking upto
her. Draco Malfoy and his gang. Malfoy was smirking and apparently wasn't
dancing that day. Harry stopped dead in his tracks trying to hear what
Malfoy was saying.
"...how come you're standing here Weasley? None to go to the ball with??
But, oh yeah that's no mystery, who'd want to waste their time with freckly
tomato head?? Perhaps only Longbottom and what about Potter...." Ginny was
looking red. Harry felt really angry at Malfoy's taunt. Ginny wasn't ugly,
he decided. She wasn't ugly at all. She was really beautiful. And she was
looking beautiful right then. Malfoy was dumb. Everyone else was dumb not
to have noticed her yet and asked her to a dance.
"...now lets see... what was that stupid singing Valentine...his hair as
dark as a toad or what was that....", Malfoy was drawling again. Harry felt
himself almost burst with rage. His feet started moving automatically
taking him right up to Malfoy. He didn't reach for his wand. He didn't use
his hands or anything. He simply walked right up to Malfoy, his gang and
Ginny. Ginny saw him and all pink left her face, the opposite of what
usually happened. Draco looked up. But Harry didn't even look at him. Harry
actually smiled. He stopped near Ginny.
"Hello, Ginny", he said cheerfully.
"He-Hello", she said with a sideways glance at Malfoy.
"Um-are you dancing with anyone?", asked Harry hoping he didn't sound too
strange.
"No", said Ginny blankly, then blushed deeply. Harry suddenly turned to
Malfoy.
"Hi Draco!" he said as if just noticing him. Draco was quite taken aback
when used his first name instead of the usual 'Malfoy'. Harry smiled a sick
smile at him, one that was sicker because he was so angry at Malfoy. Malfoy
scowled at Harry. Harry looked back at Ginny quickly,
"Will you-um-dance with m-me?", he asked which was a better statement then
"Wannagoballwimme?".
Ginny did not blush at all or anything like Harry had expected. She looked
at Malfoy for a second and his scowling espression. Harry held out his hand
for her and with a confused expression she took it slowly. Harry smiled at
Draco again.
"Bye, Draconums", he said squeakily with a wave and led Ginny away into the
crowd of people dancing in the Hall. Once out of Draco Malfoy's view he
stopped and was about to say something when suddenly Ginny said,
"Thanks for getting me out of that". She blushed a bit. Harry grinned.
"Malfoy's a git", he mumbled. Ginny picked at one of her nails. People were
dancing all around them to a lively tune.
"Ok then, see you later", she said with a smile and quickly turned to go.
Harry's mouth fell open. He started forwards.
"But-", he said suddenly. And Ginny turned around slowly. She was looking
quite white. Harry tried to grin.
"But, aren't you going to dance with me at all?", he asked. Ginny blushed
red.
"But, didn't you---? You-you really meant to--? Wasn't that because
Malfoy....", she stuttered. Harry moved forwards to let a dancing pair
pass. He chuckled which helped him ease his nervousness. Ginny wasn't Cho
Chang but she gave him the same nervousness.
"I did ask you. Malfoy or no Malfoy", he said and held out his hand for her
feeling butterflies in his stomach. It was the first time in months that he
had felt really happy.
Ginny was blushing furiously and a half-smile was upon her face. For her
this was all too wonderful to be true. She had rejected every person asking
her to the dance when she had found out from Hermione that Harry was not
going with anyone else, hopeful that he might ask her. She had missed a
wonderful opportunity the last year and she was determined not to miss it
this year. But, Hermione also told Ginny a few days later that Harry had no
plan at all to dance or go to the ball as he had himself told Ron and
herself. So, on the day of the ball, Ginny had no one to go with and this
explained why she had been so depressed at the dining table that evening.
She took his hand without wasting more time and he moved further forwards.
She started blushing a lot because she had never felt anything like this.
Her whole self felt light and his hands were so gentle. One of his hands
was on her waist and the other in hers. They began dancing but the current
song just ended and they waited for a few seconds for the next to begin.
Ginny giggled at the amusing situation. The song that started next was a
little slower than the last but was a very nice one, a little romantic, you
could say. They started dancing and Harry found himself looking into
Ginny's dark brown eyes. She was looking directly into his. Harry forgot
all that was happening around him. He felt something new developing inside
him. Something strange. A strange softness he had never felt before. It was
as if Ginny's hands were really warm, a relaxing warmth. He wished time
would end, mattering nothing and only, he, she and the beautiful music
would exist. He had never felt this with anyone else, not even Cho Chang.
This was True Love.
Ginny felt strange too. She forgot who she was dancing with. She couldn't
even remember his full name. All she knew she was dancing with a wonderful
person whom she had known from long ago. She didn't blush at all. She loved
every moment. She loved this. She loved it. She loved everything, even him.

They danced for a long time after which there was a small break for
everyone to go for a drink or chat with each other. When the bands stopped
playing for break, someone close to Harry and Ginny exclaimed,
"What? Is it over already?"
Both Harry and Ginny turned around. Harry chuckled. Ron was standing close
by with Hermione's arm entwined in his. He had a bewildered, half-angry
expression on his face. Harry went up to him.
"Don't' worry. You'll live. It's just the break", he said and Ron and
Hermione turned around. Hermione quickly let go of Ron hoping everything
might not be too obvious. Ginny however caught Hermione's eye. Both were
good friends and catching the twinkle in Ginny's eye, Hermione blushed
slightly.
"What? Oh", said Ron grinning.
"I suppose you're having a good time", said Harry looking at Ron and
Hermione who smiled back.
"Um-yeah-but hey how are you here? You weren't going to dance and
Ginny....", said Ron grinning greatly. Ginny blushed a bit as Hermione gave
'her' a look.
"Oh, well-I-I-decided to", began Harry but someone else spoke.
"..dance with tomato head". Harry whirled around to see Draco Malfoy there
with Marcus Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. Harry whipped out his wand and moved
forwards. Ron grabbed him in time.
"Say that again and I'll make sure you're more than sorry", Harry spat.
Malfoy took out his wand in case but continued speaking,
"Tut tut. Potter fell for the stupid Valentine tomato head sent-" but there
was a tiny popping noise and Malfoy fell quiet. When he opened his mouth,
only a squeak came out along with a few bubbles. He clutched his throat.
"I warned you. Now go before I do something worse", Harry spat. "If there
hadn't been all the teachers---". Malfoy glared at Harry but went away
quickly with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels.
"Harry, where do you learn these from?", asked Ron quickly.
"Nothing, just something I found in a Lockhart book", said Harry rather
detestingly. "That Banshee one"
"That was wonderful. You showed him Harry", said Hermione cheerfully.
"Hermione you're a Prefect", said Ron looking at her.
"But, Harry was getting back at Malfoy for Ginny", said Hermione quickly.
"its five points from Slytherin because Malfoy used an insult for Ginny"
"twice", added Harry winking at Ginny.
"Five more points from Slytherin", added Hermione giggling.
The band started playing again just then. Ron seemed to go all excited and
Harry and Ginny giggled watching him almost run away with Hermione for
another dance. Ginny didn't need to be asked again. Harry led her to the
dance once again with a wide smile.
"Its...", began Ginny.
"don't please. Malfoy got what he deserved", said Harry quickly.
"Yes, that but I was saying something else...", she said blushing.
"Oh", said Harry as they began dancing. "What?"
"Its wonderful here", she said quickly.
"Yeah, its really lovely. The ball's really great", said Harry wishing he'd
say something better.

When the dance ended that night at twelve, there were some groans. Many
people wanted it to continue. When times are dark, such small moments of
fun are always cherished greatly. But Professor Dumbledore insisted that
all students be in bed by Twelve thirty. They had half an hour to say good
bye or take a stroll somewhere or do what they wanted which was agreed upon
unanimously.

Harry saw Ron and Hermione walk off the dance floor. Ron said something to
Hermione which made her blush and then the pair moved off to he gardens.
Harry smiled. He and Ginny were now sitting at one of the tables in the
hall drinking butterbeer.
"Your brother and Hermione", said Harry.
"My brother? Oh yes Ron", said Ginny as if coming out of a trance.
"Yeah, Ron and Hermione. I'm glad they stopped fighting finally and agreed
for a change"
"Yeah. Hermione really likes Ron. She was very happy when he asked her, to
the ball, I mean. She told me", said Ginny dreamily toying with her
bracelet.
"Oh", was the only thing Harry could say. Most of the couples were leaving
the hall either to go to the garden or to their towers.
"Better go then", said Harry not knowing what to say. Why couldn't he do
something? Ron took Hermione of to the garden but they were an agreed upon
'pair'. How would Ginny feel if he took her off to the gardens, he mused.
It wouldn't hurt to ask.
He looked at Ginny who was looking at him. There was a strange, impatient
and hopeful look in her eyes, which came because of the thoughts in her
mind. How wonderful it could be if Harry could take her somewhere, like the
garden pehaps. Hermione had confided in her that she really wished Ron
would do something like that and maybe -kiss--- her. Ginny had smiled too
when she had seen Hermione and Ron go off to the garden. Hermione was lucky
and she herself wishing for the same.
Harry gulped.
"Um", he began snapping Ginny out of her thoughts.
"Yes?", she said automatically hoping he'd say what she wanted him to say.
"Um, I was thinking, if um-", he said slowly.
"...yes...?", she tried to make him say something.
"Well, would you um-like to---go for a ...", Harry had barely said this.
Ginny was hanging on to every word of his thinking her dream might just be
true. When suddenly---
"Harry!". Harry turned to see Cho Chang striding up to him, grinning
widely. Ginny looked at her shocked at first, then angry with her for
interrupting what could have been a wonderful time for her. Cho seemed to
have not noticed anything.
"Harry. I've been searching for you all evening", she said, her eyes
sparkling. Harry looked at Cho uncertainly. Then he looked at Ginny who was
positively stunned. Cho looked at Ginny just then.
"Oh, hi. Um- I don't know you. Who're you?", she asked plainly. Ginny shot
her a strange look.
"Ginny Weasley", said Harry for her. Cho looked at Ginny and gave her a
strange smile.
"Oh, so you know each other. Anyway nice meeting you" and without waiting
for an answer she turned back to Harry and grabbed his arm. Harry felt
strange. This was really maddening. What did Cho want with him?
"Harry, will you come with me? We've got time", she said quickly and waited
for an answer. Harry looked at Ginny who was looking simply thunderstruck.
Cho was dragging Harry off to who knows where for who knows what when Harry
was about to ask her, Ginny! But I was really Harry's opinion that mattered
to her. What would 'he' say?
Harry looked back at Cho.
"Uh-Cho, I actually.."
"Please, I've been waiting all evening!", pleaded Cho and Ginny couldn't
believe her ears. Harry looked at Ginny and noticed her strange expression.
He wanted to be with Ginny.
"Cho right now actually, Ginny here-", said Harry but Cho irritatingly
interrupted again.
"Harry, please, I really wanted to-".
Ginny suddenly spoke up."Actually Harry and I were talking ab-" Cho
unmistakably glared at Ginny who understood at once.
"Fine, do what you want", she said to Cho and without waiting another
second, she turned around and stomped off.
"Ginny!", said Harry but Ginny was far to out of hearing range already.
Harry turned to see Cho's triumphant face.
"What do you want?", he asked angrier than he felt.
"Uh, Harry I wanted you to meet the person I had said I wanted to go to the
ball with-", began Cho in a sweet voice.
"Cho, look, if this is the only thing, please I'll see you later. I've got
to go and talk to Ginny", said Harry impatiently brushing away Cho's arm
and moving back.
"But, he's been waiting...", said Cho sadly. Without another word, Harry
too, like Ginny went out of the hall. He felt angry. He'd never seen this
side of Cho's. Cho always seemed to him like a good enough girl but she
seemed really hateful at the moment.

Harry decided it was better to go and search for Ginny in Gryffindor tower.
There were a lot of people in the common room when he got there but no sign
of Ginny at all.
"Hi, Harry, old boy", said George loudly, sitting with Alicia.
"George, have you seen Ginny?", Harry asked quickly.
"Yeah, she just went past to her dormitory a few minutes ago-", but Harry
didn't wait again. The door of Ginny's dormitory was closed. He knocked and
one of Ginny's class mates opened.
"Yes?", she asked.
"Is Ginny Weasley here?", asked Harry quickly. The girl turned around and
returned a few moments later.
"She's asleep already", she said quickly.
"What?", said Harry. How could she fall sleep so quickly.
"She's sleep already. You can meet her in the morning", said the girl and
shut the door. Harry stood there dumbly for a moment. Then he heard
footsteps coming up the stairs and saw it was Ron and Hermione talking in
low voices. Ron suddenly noticed Harry and his blank expression.
"Harry, what happened?" he asked.
"Nothing really", said Harry not understanding what was going on himself.
"Is something wrong?", asked Hermione.
"No really nothing's wrong at all", said Harry and turned to go up the
stairs leaving both Ron and Hermione utterly bewildered.

Harry rolled over in his bed and looked at his watch. It read One thirty.
He sat up in his bed. He just couldn't sleep. Everything, all this was so
new to him. First the dance, that had been a new experience, then the
strange feeling when asking Ginny for a walk outside, then Cho's strange
behavior and finally this, a blank state in which he knew not what to do
next. Everything was really muddling. What did Ginny think? Surely she
didn't think he liked Cho or something, did she? Because he didn't. Even
Harry knew that. He smiled suddenly in the dark. He knew he liked Ginny and
he was sure. He'd talk to her first thing in the morning. He rolled over
again. No, he couldn't get to sleep. What could he do? He decided to go
down o the common room and warm himself. The heating from the warming pans
was dying away already and he started feeling cold.
So slipping his feet into his slippers and getting into his dressing gown,
he slowly left the quiet dormitory where every other person was asleep. He
didn't forget his Invisibility Cloak, which he found useful when he wanted
to sit alone in the common room. If there was anybody else, he didn't want
to be bothered. Though no one mostly stayed awake that late but, just in
case.

With the cloak covering him he tiptoed down the stairs into the common room
but what he saw nearly made him jump. Ginny was sitting in front of the
fire, on the ground, warming herself. She was wearing a long dressing gown
over her pajamas. She yawned a bit but did not move. Harry wondered why
Ginny was there at that time of the night. He wanted to talk to her. He
could do it right now. There was no one else awake. He quickly went back to
his dormitory and left his invisibility cloak in his trunk. Afraid, she
might have left the common room, he sprinted down the stairs. But she was
still there. Peacefully sitting by the fire, the flames illuminating her
face. He slowly walked over to her. She noticed a presence in the room and
looked up to see him.
Ginny hadn't been able to sleep as well. She had been angry. Angry with
what Cho had been doing. And even more than that, angry with herself. Harry
hadn't been seriously dancing with her. It didn't mean anything to him. He
was just passing his time. If he really liked her, he would have firmly
brushed Cho off. She tried to make herself understand. But then, he had
been firm enough but Cho had been creating all the problem. Oh everything
was so confusing, she didn't know what to do. Harry Potter, her first ever
crush had danced with her that night but... she couldn't understand all
what was happening... Harry could have been serious. After all, he had
almost asked her for a walk. But, she had to agree that since Harry hadn't
been able to complete his sentence, she could never know what he had
intended to ask after all. It could be anything. With all these thought,
Ginny could not make up her mind at all and so when her friend told her
Harry wanted to talk to her, she didn't reply at all. Her friend, thinking
she was asleep, had gone away. Ginny hadn't been able to sleep. Her mind
was full of all kinds of thoughts.

(back to the story)

"Harry", said Ginny, jumping. Harry grinned and sat down beside her.
"Sorry to startle you", he said sneaking a glance at her. She looked really
confused. Of course, she was. What should she do?
"No, its alright", she mumbled. There was silence. Harry broke it.
"What are you doing here at this time?"
"Oh nothing. Just sitting", she mumbled looking into the fire. Harry
decided he'd better talk or they'd just be sitting like that forever. Or
maybe she'd just get up and go. He mustered a lot of courage and words came
slipping out of his mouth.
"I didn't get to complete what I'd been saying to you today". He decided
he'd start this way. Well, he hadn't exactly decided. He only said the
first thing that came into his mind. She turned to face him quickly. Her
eyes were searching his face. He smiled a little.
"I, I was asking if we could go into the garden. It was pretty beautiful
out there", he said and waited for her to say something. Ginny's eyes were
very wide. Harry had been serious. He had been asking her to a walk. He had
wanted to. Everything was clearing up a bit for her. Her mind was becoming
less and less confused by the passing second and a strange feeling was
taking over. He had been serious! He had loved dancing with her. He had
wanted to talk to her. He was talking to her right now. He wanted to talk
to her right now. She smiled. Harry felt better and he grinned back. Ginny
blushed and looked into the fire, not able to look into his eyes for long.
"What.... What did Cho Chang want with you?", Ginny suddenly said what had
been nagging at her for so long. Harry sighed slightly.
"She wanted me to meet her friend. The one whom she had danced with", said
Harry looking at Ginny. She looked up.
"What? I mean...oh", she was able to say. There was silence for a few
moments.
"You weren't sleeping when I came to ask for you, were you?", asked Harry
quietly.
"No", said Ginny after a moment. "I was just-"
"confused?". Harry added for her. She looked up.
"Y-yes"
"I was too. This is all something I really don't understand. I don't know
what's happening. And who can I talk to? This isn't something I can ask
Professor Dumbledore. This is muddling", said Harry rambling on. He fell
silent for a few moments then suddenly looked up. "Sorry, I was just
rambling on and on. You were probably confused as to what I was saying
and-"
"No", whispered Ginny. "I know. I know why you're confused because I am
too". Harry looked at her and felt himself smile which turned into a grin.
She smiled back at him.
"Oh", he just said blankly. Ginny looked back into the fire, unsure. What
should she do? Harry was waiting. She had to say something perhaps? Ginny
thought of only one thing she could ask.
"Harry?" Harry looked at her. She was blushing furiously and staring at the
fire intently.
"Y-yes?", he said slowly a bit nervous of what she'd say next. She averted
her eyes slightly so that now they were staring somewhere near Harry's
feet.
"D-do , do you l-like me?", she stuttered. Harry felt himself go slightly
red. He looked at her, his eyes on her. Ginny, gathering courage, turned to
face him. Her eyes were bright and expecting. Her mouth trembled a bit. Her
face was looking quite pink but she was looking at him. A strange look...

And then Harry realized it. He realized the strange feeling he had had all
night. He realzed everything that had happened. He suddenly felt that the
'new' feeling he had been having was now replaced by something long
'known'. This was easy. This was wonderful. This was something he had never
experienced before and yet it was so familiar like it had been with him
since he was small, hiding, waiting.. And he realized this was really love,
love for Ginny Weasley that he had always had somewhere inside him, as if
it had been collecting all these years, hiding, waiting and now it was
free, free to surface. Yes, he never realized it but he actually loved
Ginny Weasley. He had loved Ginny Weasley since he had first come to know
her... And here she was sitting in front of him, asking him if he liked
her...Harry made a firm decision.

He said,

"I don't like you Ginny". Ginny looked at him feeling as if she was going
to have a heart attack. She had made a fool herself the whole night because
Harry didn't even like her!
Ginny had good enough reflexes and kept her mind in strange situations.
Therefore, before Harry could say another word and instead of sitting there
and thinking, she scrambled to her feet. She was really shocked beyond
words. That's why she was neither angry, nor sad or even embarrassed. She
only knew she had to get back to her dormitory and she started towards the
stairs quickly.

Harry was puzzled. Yes, he had his sense too and before Ginny could get
very far, Harry had caught up to her. She was just about to step onto the
stairs when-
"Ginny wait!", said Harry quite loudly and grabbed her arm, turning her
around quickly. She was so light that he felt he'd was playing with a
feather. (sorry, but had to say that even if it does sound silly)

Ginny had however got her mind and was now quite over the shock already.
Harry's words rang in her mind loudly.
"What?", she snapped angrily. He went quite pale and loosened his tight
grip on her arm.
"Ginny, you didn't even listen to me!", he said quickly but knowing that he
shouldn't raise his voice.
"Yes, what do you have to say now?", she said quickly and impatiently.
Harry smiled at the expression on her face. She looked unsure.
"I said I don't like you but it's because, I-I love you", he said in a very
low voice so that she could barely hear. Ginny looked at him stunned.
"W-what?"
"I love you", Harry said and smiled widely. He let go of her arm
completely. Ginny felt herself go dizzy suddenly. Everything was so new to
her and then all this shock. Before she could steady hrself or hold on
something to something, she had passed out, fainted. Her eyes rolled. Harry
gasped in sudden shock too.

Ginny fell forward into him. Well, there wasn't much space between them
anyway, so she seemed to leaning on him. Harry grabbed her just in time
though and looked at her motionless body. For a moment he panicked thinking
he'd...died but then he felt her breathing. He picked her up by placing on
hand behind her knees and the other under her back. He took her to an
armchair quickly and placed her gently among the puffed up cushion.

Harry quickly got a glass of water from the mantle-piece of the fireplace
and tried to revive her by sprinkling drops of water on her face. Ginny
stirred and Harry heaved a sigh of relief. Her eyes opened. Everything
seemed hazy for her. Harry knelt down by her side.
"Never, ever do that again", he said, his face close to hers. She
straightened up and remembered everything as if everything was on fast
forwards. She remembered what Harry had said to her.
"I'm sorry I passed out there", she mumbled. Harry, with some courage
touched her cheeks with his hand. She looked at him, her eyes were still
bright.
"Are you okay?", he asked gently. She blushed.
"Yeah, I'm alright. Just dizzy....", she meant say something else too. She
paused. Slowly she said.
"Harry, did you really mean it?"
"What?", asked Harry slowly.
"That, that, you love me?" It was Harry's turn to blush. He looked into her
face.
"Yes, I mean it", he said in a whisper. Ginny looked at him for a moment.
Harry must have sensed what she was feeling and quickly said,
"Don't faint again please!". Ginny giggled, got off the armchair and sat
down right next to him.
"Don't worry, I won't", she said cheerfully. As Ginny sat down beside him,
Harry slowly put an arm around he. She looked at him lovingly. Ginny seemed
so much more different just then but it made him all the gladder. He smiled
at her and Ginny blushed again. She turned a bit so that she was facing him
and inched a little closer. Harry removed the arm from around her and
instead placed his arms around her waist. She moved even closer and now
they were just inches apart. Harry was breathing quite harshly and Ginny's
breath came in little gasps. Harry looked into her eyes. She smiled and he
leant forward to kiss her. Their lips connected and Harry tightened his
arms around her. Ginny's hands were resting on Harry's chest but she didn't
care. They were lost somewhere where perhaps there was no time, only....
Only love...
When Ginny finally began to pull away, Harry kissed her even harder and
held her tightly so that she couldn't do anything. Finally, after a long
time, he pulled away. Ginny sat up slowly as Harry's arms rested lightly on
her waist. She lowered her gaze. They said nothing for a long long time.
The silence was comforting and Harry had his arm around her again. Ginny
sat with her head resting on his shoulder. They watched the flames dancing
in the fireplace until after about 10 minutes, Ginny let out a tiny yawn.
"Tired aren't you?", Harry asked her lightly. She looked at him with a
smile.
"Yeah, a bit. Its really late you know", she said with a sigh and looked at
her watch. "Two thirty. Anyway, we can be up late tomorrow. It's a holiday"

Harry had been thinking of something all the time while they had been
sitting there.
"What do you think Ron's going to say?", he said.
"I don't know but he seemed alright tonight, didn't he? I'm sure he'll be
too interested in Hermione to give us much thought anyway", said Ginny with
a small giggle. Harry chuckled.
"Ron's okay", he said confidently.

Harry and Ginny were walking upstairs to bed. Ginny yawned slightly.
Suddenly she let out a gasp. Harry looked up to see something bright red,
apparently coming towards them. He whiipped out his wand and said "Lumos".
By the light of his wand he could see what it really was-
"Dobby!", Harry exclaimed. "What are you doing here?". Dobby's eager and
grinning face came in view as he appeared under the candlelight.
"Hello Harry Potter! I is cleaning the stairs!", said Dobby and held up a
mop. Harry smiled.
"Oh do you do it every night?", asked Ginny. Dobby turned to her.
"Yes, but sometimes I is cleaning Professor Dumbledore's office also", he
said as though he were proud of it. "I is not seeing you before Miss", he
added with a confused expression.
"I'm Ginny Weasley", said Ginny amused.
"Are you Wheezy's sister?", asked Dobby quickly with a grin. Ginny looked
confused now. Harry smiled.
"He means Ron. Yeah, she's Ron's sister", he said as Ginny giggled. Dobby
smiled.
"Dobby has to go now. Dobby has to tend to the fire in Professor
Tree-law-nee's room. See you later, Harry Potter!", said Dobby quickly and
ran off down the stairs with a wave.
"They work so late?", Ginny asked Harry.
"Yeah, it's the only time they find the school empty", Harry said as they
came to a stop outside the closed door of Ginny's dormitory. Harry took
Ginny's hands in his.
"It's been a really wonderful night", he told her with a smile.
"Tomorrow's going to be a wonderful day...", said Ginny smiling and
stepping closer.
"And the day after...", said Harry catching on.
"Of course", said Ginny. Harry placed his arms around her and they bent
their heads forward melting into a long and passionate kiss. Ginny placed
her arms around his neck, sinking deeper into the kiss. As they stood
there, lost in their own world, in their town time (that is, if time
existed in that world), a pair of large eyes looked at them for a second
and then turned away.
"Harry Potter is great.... He is deserving it...", said the being the eyes
belonged to and then tip-toed away down the stairs.

A/N: I don't guess it was a brilliant story but before you put your foot
down and say , "Pottergirl sucks!" please please read another one of my
fics, especially Is It Too Late? Which I think is absolutely the best I
have done so far! Do Do Do read it and then say what type of a writer I
am!!
OH yes and if u liked this, pleeeez review. I really love it when you do!
Thanks everybody for reviewing Is It Too Late? The sequel to that is UP
finally!!! Its called "The Beginning". This fic came out quite quite later
than my usual timings because I had a change of residence. And my computer
was recently unpacked. Also ff.net had problems so it was inaccessible.
Thanks. And as I said earlier, pleeez review.
And before going, sorry I had forgotten, I would like to thank all me
reviewers once again for reviewing "Is It Too Late?" and "When You Love
Someone..."
Pottergirl

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