The feeling of nervousness washed over Ginny. She was familiar with this, having felt it every time she talked to him, but she normally just pushed it away and ignored it.

Not this time. This time she let it take her over, relishing in this human feeling. Ever since the battle she had been feeling precious little, and she welcomed a change. And indeed a change this was. The nervousness was accompanied by anxiousness, and the ever-present fear of rejection. She tried to push the fear away, but only managed to make it double in intensity.

When had those feelings started, anyways? She knew she hadn't always felt this way, no, definitely not. It was new, but yet so old.

She faked a smile, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She knew she wasn't ugly, nor was she stick thin like she used to be. But those circles around her eyes and the fine lines around her mouth certainly hadn't been there when she was a child.

With a sigh, Ginny let her smile drop and reached for her ponytail holder. Pulling her hair back, she fastened it easily and tried to ignore the tightness in her throat at the sight of more than a few thin white hairs.

Biting back a groan, she realized she looked much older than her 23 years. Grabbing her foundation, she dabbed lightly at the lines around her mouth. When they were successfully concealed, she gave a tiny smile of satisfaction. Taking some eye shadow, she applied a thin layer on her lids. Smiling, she realized just how much she missed the mundane activities such as this.

Applying a little green eyeliner, she noticed just how big her eyes looked with that color. Allowing herself a grim laugh, she gazed into her silvery depths. Mentally, she cursed herself for not being able to dodge that curse. That very same curse that had robbed Harry of his emerald orbs.

Taking her gloss, she applied a thin sheen of pink to her lips. Everything was always thin with her, always the minimal.

Peering at her reflection, Ginny decided that she looked at least presentable. Granted, she still looked nowhere near her 23 years, but at least she didn't still look 40. With a sigh, she turned away and started out of her room.

Grabbing her purse and keys, Ginny locked the door and headed to her car. Flipping open her cell phone, Ginny pushed the speed dial and let the phone do the rest.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"Ginny! Are you going to make it?"

"No problem, Sweetie. I'll hop in my car and apparate the whole thing there."

"Don't joke. You'll be here at seven?"

"Always, Neville, always."

His sigh crackled through the line, and she bit back a chuckle.

"You're one special witch, Gin. I am so lucky."

Ginny smiled, a dreamy expression crossing her tired face.

"If anyone's lucky, Nev, it's me. I've got the sweetest guy in the whole world."

"And don't you forget it!"

She let out a giggle.

"I've got to go, Sweetie. I'll see you at seven."

"Love you, Gin."

"Always?"

"Always."

A bright smile shone on Ginny's face, and for a moment she looked as young as she really was.

"Love you.

Closing the phone, she climbed in the car and started the engine.

Deep in the recesses of her mind, another fear was crossed off.

(&)(&)(&)(&)(&)

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Trust me, you wouldn't want that!

A/N: Another story written while sitting in the waiting room of my counselor's. I really like this one, and it only took about two hours to write! Feedback is much appreciated, it really helps an author to grow. I have a whole lot of Marauder/Ginny based fics swimming around my brain, so be expecting more. Harry Potter is my latest obsession (again) so don't expect too many more anime fics in the near future.

Happy Christmas to everyone!

(Proceeds to dedicate fic to Kat, Sarah, and Gab.)