A/N: Could be a one-shot. Could be a three chapter story. The next chapter would be Harry and the last one would be the two coming together. Please put your thoughts and criticisms in a review.
Disclaimer: Ideas about love are mine. My heart is mine. Ginny and the world of Harry Potter is not.
Everything was always terribly romantic. For Ginny it was anyway. Every day, the rising sun brought new dreams and fantasies about what was to come. She lived in her own little dream world with nothing to worry about except for when Mr. Right would come knocking at the door.
Most of her brothers had already found their counterparts. Bill had married Fleur, Percy was smitten with Penelope, George with Alicia, Fred and Angelina engaged, and now Ron was realizing his true love as well. It was just the other day that she saw Ron holding hands with Hermione. Took him long enough. I mean it was only under his nose for what-seven years or so?
Like most romances, she found it simply wonderful. Ginny was so happy for Hermione-that girl had patience to die for. But, she couldn't help feeling somewhat jealous of her older brothers. Have no doubts that Ginny was happy for them, but she couldn't stop the twinges of sadness that overcame her. She couldn't help it; the feelings just welled up inside her, making her sigh with anticipation of what was to come but also with a hint of loneliness.
It seemed no one would ever be interested in her. Not that she wanted half the eligible men out there anyway. No, she was looking for someone to go against the grain…someone to believe in something…someone that was willing to give his heart away completely… In other words, someone much like herself.
She didn't want someone that was interested in a different girl every couple of weeks. Nor did she want someone that wouldn't take her or her ideals seriously. Ginny needed someone serious. But not too serious, mind you-Ginny needed someone with a subtle sense of humor. That way, every time he laughed, her eyes could light up because it is rare to hear such a sound. But just because he is serious does not make him solemn. On the contrary, the words are as different as night and day.
Ginny wanted to know what it was like. To be in love, I mean. Did you get tingles up and down your spine every time you looked his way? When his eyes locked with yours, even for the briefest of moments, did your heart melt? And, when he held you with such strength but also with a gentle air, did your knees go weak? When he finally lowered his mouth to yours, did you just want to burst with happiness?
People say that love has changed their lives. She believed it. It comes along unexpectedly and sweeps you off your feet with no chance to slow down and explain. Love is something that the world's scientists have tried to explain, but for all their genius, they lack this one simple fact. Love cannot be explained. You cannot put love in numbers and try to solve it, as if it were just another scientific mystery.
Those that have been in love before already know the message Ginny is trying to express. It is something you just feel. All the way from the tips of your toes to the last strand of hair protruding from your head, you can sense it. It is something that you don't even realize until it happens. And by the time you feel it, there's no going back-your heart is gone. We cannot control what happens. So many people are scared of the feelings, but there's no reason to be. It can be overwhelming when you realize that it goes beyond the normal stages of a relationship. But, that shouldn't stop you. For, unless you completely give your heart away, you're not living. Without falling as hard as you possibly can, you cannot know what it's like. And when you have to pick up the pieces of your broken heart, it's ok because you've felt it. You can rest easy and die knowing that you have loved with all your heart and soul at least once in your life. Someone very wise once said that true friends say 'If you ever need anything, I'll be there.' But true love says 'You'll never need anything, I'll be there.'
Love is looking at someone and knowing that they're not Mr. Right Now, they're Mr. One and Only. You can look at them and see yourselves growing old together, but never tiring of each other. Love is whispered promises under stars, and holding each other tight to block out the cold. It's about wiping away tears, one kiss at a time.
Sure, Ginny had had boyfriends-who hadn't? But, not one of them made her stomach do flip flops, or make her eyes glaze over. When she was kissed she felt sparks, but she wanted fireworks.
Although, the truth must also be told. There had been a long time when Ginny feared she would never have a boyfriend. She had found herself unattractive. Growing up with all boys, she was always treated as one of the guys. She was always a friend, nothing more. Guys would come up to her and ask what to get their girlfriends, but never ask if she would be their girlfriend. One memorable boy said, 'Well, I mean you're great to talk about Quidditch and stuff, but not really a girlfriend.' Of course, this broke her heart.
For a long while, she just gave up the idea of having someone all together. She became more boyish in her appearance-ponytail every day, always wearing the same baggy clothes as if she was worth nothing more than that. A year passed. Ginny had pretty much stopped socializing by then. She kept to herself. She focused on her schoolwork, and became first in her year. She was the first one to get to class and the first one to leave. She never did partner work, always choosing to do it alone for extra credit. At night, rather than talk to her roommates, she kept her hangings drawn and read.
The summer between her fifth and sixth year was the thing that saved her. Being around her family, and Harry and Hermione, improved her mood. She began talking more and showed some of her sarcastic humor that she had kept hidden. Ginny changed her appearance as well. She lost the weight she had gained over the year from binge eating when she felt depressed. Her lively red hair glowed in the sun, acquiring natural highlights. She bought new clothes and showed a new attitude. Ginny vowed that this year would be different.
When the Hogwarts Express rolled in, most people were shocked. They couldn't believe this was Ginny Weasley. It was like looking at a completely new person. Things changed for her that year. She strengthened forgotten friendships and hung out in a circle she felt comfortable in. Ginny went on dates and flirted shamelessly. Now, she was not only the smartest girl of her year, but one of the prettiest and most popular.
Ginny graduated soon after that. She was Head Girl, of course. She looked at the castle for the last time as a student and wondered how she had ever been unhappy there.
But, she always knew one thing was missing. Sure, the last two years had been great, but that had been missing that one main element. The one. Even now, in her last "summer", she was searching.
Ginny sighed, and knew that for the time being, she would lie in wait, for her Prince Charming. That maybe love would sneak in through the night and catch her by surprise. When love came, Ginny knew it would be well worth her wait.