Harry was trudging back to the castle after Quidditch practice, wishing he could stay outside and enjoy the crisp autumn air a while longer. He felt refreshed and exhilarated, pleased with how his team was coming along. He was in no mood to go back to the castle and write a Transfiguration essay.
'Hey, Harry!'
He turned to see Ginny running to catch up with him. Her cheeks were still a bit red from training, and a lumpy purple scarf trailed behind her, no doubt a Molly Weasley creation. He couldn't help but notice, as he always seemed to lately, how pretty she was. How had he not noticed before? The passion in her eyes when she played Quidditch, her confidence, her fiery temper. She was so alive and vivid, and so beautiful. He blinked, remembering he should respond.
'Gin. Good work today.'
She smiled at the nickname, and bumped into him playfully. 'You weren't too bad yourself Captain!'
Harry grinned back. He loved the friendship they had now, but how he wished it could be more. 'We have a really strong team this year.'
'Ugggh I don't want to go back to the castle, bloody History of Magic essay.'
'But Gin, don't you just want to study all day for your O.W.L.s?'
She smirked 'Like you did Harry?'
'Exactly, you should follow my good example.'
She sat down on a tree stump, patting the space beside her. Harry sat, feeling the warmth where their arms brushed. This was ridiculous, he was acting like a fool. He reminded himself sternly that she was with Dean, that she wasn't interested in him now. He'd missed his chance, but still, she was here. At least he was preferable to the library...
'Don't you wish it could always be like this?'
'Yeah' More than you know, he thought.
Ginny grinned at him, and they sat in silence for a while, both lost in thought.
'You know. Isn't it stupid that I used to be so afraid to talk to you?'
He raised his eyebrows, unsure how to respond.
'I'm glad we talk now though' she continued.
'Me too, I'm glad I got a chance to know you.'
'There was nothing to be scared of,' she grinned wickedly 'you're a big softie really!'
She leapt from the tree stump and ran off, her hair fluttering behind her, the colour of autumn leaves. Her laughter floated back to him, making him grin.
Someday. Harry thought. Someday she'll realise Dean is all wrong for her, and I'm right.
And he chased after her, all the way back up to the library, laughing until they were shushed by Madam Pince.
