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Ginny walked purposefully into the common room the next day, seeking out her brother. When she saw him she quickened her pace. He was sitting with Harry, but Hermione didn't seem to be anywhere near, which was lucky for Ginny. She didn't know how many opportunities she was going to have to talk to Ron without Hermione being around, seeing as they were practically inseparable.
As she approached the table the two best friends were sitting at, they craned their necks to get a better look at the peculiar book she was holding in her arms (that's what Ron was straining to look at, anyway.) It was small, pink, and appeared to be in Ginny's handwriting.
"What the heck is that?" Ron asked.
"This, my friend," said Ginny, "is the book that is going to teach you how to get the brainy, quirky, and otherwise insufferable girl of your dreams to fall in love with you."
Ron looked uncomfortable. He gave a meaningful glance at Ginny, then at Harry, trying to convey that his crush on Hermione wasn't exactly common knowledge.
"Ginny, you're talking crazy again. Why would I want a girl to fall in lo–" Ron began, but Harry cut him off.
"Ron, I'm not stupid, you know. I'm your best friend. You think I haven't figured out by now that you want Hermione's body?"
Ron's ears turned red as he mumbled something incoherent, and Ginny giggled as she caught Harry's eye, both of them promptly looking down and blushing as furiously as Ron. Anxious to break the tension, Harry spoke again.
"So, this book must be magic if it can even help Ron! Is it full of instructions on how to make a love potion?"
"Actually, no." Ginny replied, smiling. "This is one of the only books at Hogwarts that doesn't teach magic." she set the book on the table, facing it towards the two boys.
"Ginny Weasley's fool proof way to win a girl's heart?" Ron asked. "This is how I'm going to get Hermione to..." He let his voice fade, obviously still embarrassed.
"Yes. Just read the first chapter for now. I'll be back here tomorrow to start practicing." She turned on her heel and walked away, not giving Ron the chance to spit out, "Practice WHAT?"
Harry and Ron looked at each other, incredulous. Then, not seeing what else to do, they slowly opened the book, with a bit of awe in their gazes. At a closer look, they could definitely tell it was Ginny's handwriting. It was fully bound like a real book, though. She really did some legwork. They began to read.
Chapter One: developing a sufficient foundation
The key to getting a girl to fall in love with you is to take it slow. Build up a relationship slowly, make sure she trusts you, then make your move. Chapter one is all about starting to build a foundation on which your relationship can blossom. Be careful, though–don't move too slowly, or you might get stuck in the friend zone!
Tip 1: Talk to her. Sounds juvenile, yes, but it's important! Ask her about her. Talk about her likes, her dislikes, her hopes and dreams, and listen. LISTEN. Throw in some things about yourself too, so she can get to know you as well.
Tip 2: Compliment her. Sincere compliments, please. If you're reading this, you're obviously crazy about the girl, so it shouldn't be too difficult to come up with something.
Tip 3: Help her. Girls love chivalry. Don't treat her like she's 2 and can't manage anything on her own, but if you see her struggling with something you're good at, lend a hand. Open the door for her. Be polite.
Tip 4: Be nice to her friends. They mean a lot to her, and if they don't like you, chances are she'll listen to them and move on. Be careful, don't let it seem like you like her friends, or she'll back off. You know, girl code and all that.
Good luck! I suggest practicing and perfecting these tips for 1 to 2 weeks, and once they are solidified, move on to chapter 2!
Ron shut the book, his eyes wide.
"I can't believe Ginny wrote that. Ginny, my little sister!" Ron looked at Harry. Harry couldn't tell if Ron was disgusted or impressed. It seemed a little bit of both.
"Merlin, you're right. But that stuff, it makes sense. You ought to try it!" Harry said.
"Yeah, you're probably right. Wait, Ginny said she'd be back tomorrow, to practice! What do you think she's going to do?" Ron asked, gaping. Harry shrugged sympathetically.
"Sorry mate, I have no idea. I'm just glad I don't have to do it."
"Oh, no, no, no. You're coming with me, Harry. There is no way in hell I'm going through this–with my baby sister no less–by myself." Ron said fiercely.
Harry sighed and nodded his head, wondering what 'practicing' with Ginny entailed. He got butterflies in his stomach just thinking about it.
