Authors' Note: We did a little creative rearranging to make this an extra longer chapter in exchange for the two shorter ones. I hope you enjoy reading it just as much as we enjoyed writing it. :)

Chapter 8 – Taking Notes

The next few weeks seemed to fly by in a haze. Their free periods ended up being more stressful and work-filled than their normal classes. Harry was trying hard to keep on top of everything. There was so much homework, practicing non-verbal spells with Ginny, setting up for the House Quidditch try-outs and those upcoming lessons with Dumbledore that sometimes he didn't know which way was up.

He looked across the table and saw Hermione and Ron bickering yet again. They just never stopped. Harry had to admit that without Hermione's constant nagging and encyclopaedia-detailed study plans, he and Ron would be in serious trouble. Of course, he would never admit that out loud and certainly not to her. That would just make her more mental then she already was.

"Honestly, Ronald! If you're just going to complain about it you'll never get any work done!"

"Come on 'Mione!! This is just ridiculous. No one could possibly study this much. If I follow your schedule I won't even have time to EAT!!"

With that, Hermione grabbed her books and turned her back to him. She pulled out her notebook and began to write. Harry wondered who she was writing to. Then he remembered that he hadn't checked his notebook since lunch. I wonder if Gin's had time to write to me yet. Harry smiled. He opened the notebook and flipped to one of their previous conversations a week or so ago. It was late at night, when they were in their separate dorms, at some odd hour when they were supposed to be sleeping. Harry chuckled to himself and then began to read.

H, I heard Slughorn showed you an Amortentia potion in class today. Were you ever going to tell me about it? I'm quite curious to know what you smelled. G

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Gin, Curious, huh? What happens if I don't tell you? Harry

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Harry, if you don't tell me I just might be tempted to hex you… G

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G, okay, okay, settle down. It was treacle tart, broomstick polish, and apple blossoms. H

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H, Apple blossoms? I didn't think you even knew what apple blossoms were. G

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G – that was cruel, Gin. Of course I know what apple blossoms are. The orchard around the Burrow is filled with apple trees. We spent most of the summer under an apple tree, or have you forgotten already? Besides, it wasn't the Burrow I was thinking about when I smelled the apple blossoms – it was you. H

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H – Oh, Harry, that is so sweet! If you were here right now, I'd kiss you! G

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G – too bad I have to miss it. Can I collect it later? H

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H – of course! How about meeting me in the third floor broom closet before lunch? You know the one behind the knight tapestry? G

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G – I'll be waiting. See you soon. H

I can't believe I told her all that. She must think I'm mental. I'm such a sap. It is the truth though. I bet she asked Hermione afterward too!

Harry noticed there was a new one from Ginny. With a smile Harry put the notebook inside of his textbook, leaned back in the chair and began to read.

H – you were certainly very sneaky today. I must admit that snatching me and pulling me behind that statue for a quick kiss was wonderful. It made reporting to Defense class almost bearable. I really do like the class, but the teacher leaves something to be desired. Ha! You're just lucky that I remembered that was our statue and didn't hex you to pieces first and ask questions later. Please try to find another way to get my attention. You may not be so lucky next time. I wish I could see you tonight in our secret spot. I know you have to meet Dumbledore. Are you ever going to tell me what that's all about? Talk to you later. G

Harry sat back and thought a bit before responding. These last few weeks had been wonderful. He wished they didn't have to hide, but considering she had a boyfriend that wasn't him, that made it impossible. Add to that a certain evil wizard hell-bent on taking over the world, and there was no way he would let anyone know about them. Those few moments they did have, along with the notebooks, certainly made things easier to handle. Should I tell her about my lessons with Dumbledore? He said that I could tell Ron and Hermione. If he knew about Ginny I bet he would let me tell her too. I'm terrible at lying, especially to her. She's going to find out sooner or later. Maybe I'll try to ask him tonight. I am not willing to take the chance of receiving her bat-bogey hex. It's gotten a lot stronger in the last few months.

G – I'm sorry about scaring you. The look on your face was priceless though. If I ever get a Pensieve of my own remind me to show you sometime. After you hex me I'm sure you'll get a great laugh out of it. With all the practice you've helped me with you should be the best person if your Defense class. Just don't look Snape in the eye or he can use Legilimency to see where you learned it all. I know he's not supposed to do that on a student, but I don't doubt he would try. Anyway, I have a lot of work to do before dinner. After that I have more work to do before seeing Dumbledore. I probably won't have time to talk to you before bed so in case I don't, sleep well and have sweet dreams. Talk to you later. H

~*~

Ginny was still in Defense class when she got Harry's note. She tried not to smile too much since Snape was walking around the classroom. I think you're right Harry. That does seem like something Snape would do. I'll have to remember that. She went back to her reading, but her mind kept wandering. I do not want to spend the whole night trying to fight Dean off. I wonder why he hasn't broken up with me by now. I'm not a very good girlfriend to him; far different from last year anyway. Boys are so thick. Maybe I'll see what Hermione is doing. I hate to say it, but a night in the library would be a vacation. At least Dean would have to be quiet and behave there. Ginny opened her notebook again and wrote a quick note.

Hermione – what are your plans for tonight? Harry has to go see Dumbledore for who knows what. (Do you know? Will you tell me? I'm dying to know.) Anyway, I don't want to be stuck in the common room with Dean all night. Want to head off to the library for some peace and quiet? Maybe we'll manage to get some work done. I seriously doubt Ron would come. Let me know. – Ginny

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Ginny – I would love to go to the library. I'm not even going to invite your dim-witted brother. He says I'm mental. He makes me that way. First he complains about the study plans, then he complains how far behind he is and then that he won't have any time to eat if he follows it. If he would stop complaining and actually work he'd have a lot of time for everything. I mean HONESTLY!! When is he going to figure out that I like him? When is he going to figure out that I'm a GIRL?? Hello!! Sorry. Had to rant. Yes, I'll go with you to the library. How about after dinner we come back to the Common Room to get our stuff and go straight there. I could stay there all night. – Hermione

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Hermione – you know my brother isn't too bright. You'll have to slap him over the head with a sack of beetle dung to get him to notice you. Tell him yourself. Drag him into an empty classroom and tell him. Yell at him if you have to! Kiss him! Do something! If you wait for him then you'll be older the Dumbledore before he figures it out. Your library plan sounds great. Hopefully Dean won't come, but if he does will you help save me? – Ginny

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Ginny – of course I will. Madame Pince won't let him get out of line anyway. As for your brother I will NOT do that. Everyone would think that I am some kind of scarlet woman or something. I just need to stop thinking about him and move on to someone else. That should show him. See you at dinner. – Hermione

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Hermione – you are not some kind of scarlet woman. You know what you want and you need to go after it. You want to go out with someone like McLaggen? That would really get him. Who would be more miserable? You or him? I think you should let me hex him into next week. Maybe that will get through to him. I better go before Snape comes round again. See you at dinner. – Ginny

~ * ~ ~ * ~

Ginny felt like her head was in the clouds. She didn't think she could possibly be any happier. She and Harry were getting along so well. Not only had he actually started telling her about his lessons with Dumbledore, he'd told her about the prophecy and some of his dreams for the future. The only thing was that he wouldn't tell her about his past. He'll open up eventually. It must have been really horrible if he's not willing to talk about it. He talked to me about Sirius when he wouldn't talk to anyone else, so I'll just have to wait it out.

It was the weekend and Ginny was getting ready to head down to the Great Hall for breakfast before going to Quidditch practice. She still couldn't believe what a great Captain Harry was. Well, she could believe it, but it still surprised her. He was so organized and bossy. She laughed at the thought. He acted just like when he was teaching the DA classes, only, well, happier. Quidditch was fun. It was his outlet. He didn't have to worry about becoming a murderer or a victim. He didn't have to worry about an upcoming war and if there would be a future after that. He could just be Harry, hanging out with his friends and classmates, and enjoy spending time on his broom. Ginny was definitely happy she made the team and could be part of that. She smiled to herself as she walked down to breakfast.

~ * ~

Harry woke up and stretched. That felt good. He reached to his side table for his glasses, sitting up as he put them on. He looked out the window. That is a perfect day. Just look at how beautiful it is outside. Perfect Quidditch weather. Harry swung his feet out of bed, grabbed his clothes and headed to the loo to get cleaned up.

About a half hour later, Harry was walking down the dormitory stairs, Ron grumbling as he trudged behind him. Nothing could spoil Harry's mood. Not even Ron's complaining about waking up 'so bloody early on a weekend'. Harry just smiled and kept walking.

His mind was focused on Ginny. He loved everything about her. She was fun, smart, and beautiful. He could be himself around her. He really liked watching her play Quidditch. She was a great player, but he loved the way her eyes sparkled when she played. It was like there was no other place she would rather be; riding higher and higher on her broom with the wind blowing through her long, red hair. The only time a smile left her face is when she was totally concentrated on the play. Well, except for when she is telling someone off. I won't be surprised if one of the Slytherin players manages to get hexed by her. It's not like they don't have it coming.

Things were certainly looking up for Harry. He was finally getting the hang of balancing all of his schoolwork. He was actually almost caught up with everything. Thanks in large part to Hermione, of course. Lessons with Snape weren't all that bad. Harry seemed to know quite a bit more about Defense then Potions so there was less for Snape to pick on him for. That didn't mean he didn't try. That didn't bother Harry at all. Not even Hermione and Ron's constant bickering could get to him. Harry had to admit that they didn't make it easier for him to practice his non-verbal spells for Defense, Charms and Transfiguration. Thankfully Ginny and the Room of Requirement made that much easier. Hermione really was surprised that he was catching on so quickly when he had such a hard time in the beginning. She was begging for him to share his secrets, but he wouldn't.

The best thing that was going good for him was Ginny. She made everything so much easier to deal with. She didn't treat him like a charity case or like he would break. She didn't treat him like a child who didn't know anything either. She just treated him like Harry. Harry smiled and walked into the Great Hall.

~ * ~

When Harry walked in for breakfast Ginny could feel his presence. She turned toward the door and caught his eye. He smiled quickly and then looked away. I wonder what that's all about. Ginny turned back around and saw Dean looking at her. Oh. She went back to her breakfast and listening to Dean and Seamus talking about sports of some kind, not that she cared. She pushed her plate aside and took out her notebook.

"What are you doing," Dean asked.

"I'm just writing a list of studying I need to do after practice so I don't forget," she answered.

"I thought we were going to get some time to ourselves tonight."

"I have a lot of work to do and so do you. We can still be together in the library if you want."

"Ginny! That's not what I meant and you know it. We never get any alone time anymore."

"Lower your voice, Dean!! Mum will have a fit if she knows I've been spending all my time with you and not on my studies. Do you want me to get a Howler with your name mentioned too? You know she'll do it if I fall too far behind. Ron would love nothing more then to get me in trouble if it keeps Mum off his back and you know it."

"I guess you're right. I do have a lot of studying to do. That's not counting the two essays of twelve inches each I have. Promise me we'll have some time together soon. Alone time. Please, Ginny?"

"I promise to try."

Ginny flashed him a winning smile that Lockhart would be proud of. Dean seemed to accept it because he smiled back before diving back into his food. Ginny leaned down and wrote in her book, trying not to look too happy. It was a chore list of sorts she was trying to write after all.

H – I don't know how much longer I can keep putting Dean off. He just interrogated me like I was some kind of Death Eater. Honestly! This is getting ridiculous. Can you remind me again why we are going through this? I can't stand it when he touches me. The only thing that gets me through it is thinking of you. I'll be in the library again tonight. That seems to keeps him away more then anything else I've tried. I know you don't like it in there, but it's the only thing that seems to work. Maybe you can get Ron to come this time so it isn't too boring for you. The first Hogsmeade weekend is coming soon. I wish I was going with you. Maybe you can suggest all of us go together. You invite Neville and I'll invite Luna. If I have to be alone with Dean I can't promise that he won't get hexed or kicked in a not-so-nice spot. See you at Quidditch practice. – G

Ginny looked down the table at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry must have felt her and looked over. She slowly put her notebook away. He nodded his head and went back to talking with Ron. Hermione was ignoring both of them. She had her nose in her book again, but you could see her sneaking a look over the top of it to get a quick glance at Ron. He'd look in her direction and she'd put her head back down. Ginny saw her face flush each time. She still wants to be with him. It doesn't matter that she says otherwise. He wants her too. I may have to work on something without telling her. She'll never let me help if she knows about it.

Ginny left the Great Hall and went up to her dorm before heading out for Quidditch practice. Opening her side table drawer, she put her notebook inside and cast a quick locking charm, just in case. With a satisfied nod, she headed down to the pitch.

~ * ~

Later that day, Harry was sitting with Ron and Neville in the library. He kept looking over to see Ginny sitting with Dean, Hermione, and Luna. He pulled out his notebook and read Ginny's note from earlier.

H – Quidditch practice was great. I think we have a great chance of beating all of the House Teams this year, especially Slytherin. That House Cup is in the bag. McGonagall will be so happy. – G

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G – Slow down. We haven't even had our first game yet. Do you want your brother to throw up every game? Never mind, I think that you just might. You're a bit evil like that. – H

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H – Evil am I? I can show you evil if you like. I don't think you've had the pleasure of my famous hex. You know which one I'm talking about. – G

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G – Yes, I do know and no, I don't want to be hexed. I'll pass. I wouldn't mind seeing Dudley on the receiving end of it though. That would be priceless. – H

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H – And you say I'm evil? Remember that next time our practice sessions in the Room of Requirements turn into snogging sessions. I'll show you what evil really is. – G

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G – I said I was sorry. I promise I won't call you evil again. Speaking of those, when are we going to have one again? – H

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H – That's up to you. You're the one that has a million things going on at once. I can always make up something and get away. I am related to Fred and George after all. – G

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G – We have to make it soon. Not tomorrow. I have another lesson with Dumbledore then. I'll make sure to tell you all about it. I'm not going to write it; I'll tell you in person. How about the day after my lesson with Dumbledore? Does that sound good? – H

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H – That's two days away, but I think I'll survive. So long as I have my daily meeting behind the statue before class again. Deal? – G

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G – It's a deal! – H

Closing their notebooks, they both attempted to go back to their work, their thoughts drifting forward to their next meeting together. The time when they would be alone and not surrounded by a handful of other people. The time when they could be themselves and not worry about anyone else. The next time that the only people that existed were the two of them. The time they both cherished above anything or anyone else.

~ * ~

At Harry's request, the Room of Requirement had supplied them with a corner that was almost an exact replica of their common room. Lounging on his favourite sofa with his feet propped on a matching ottoman, he had pulled Ginny down so she lay with her head resting on his lap and her feet sticking over the sofa's arm. Her hair was spread out beside him; he absentmindedly played with it as they talked.

"We always talk about me, Harry. Let's talk about you for a change." Ginny's voice was almost a whine as she attempted to steer the conversation where she wanted it to go.

Harry sighed. They'd had this discussion several times now; he didn't know what good it would do to have it again. "Gin, you already know all about me. You read stories about me before I met you, and we've known each other for six years now. What is there you want me to say?"

"You could start by telling me when you first started noticing me, and I'm not talking about the day you first kissed me either. You had to have noticed me long before then."

Look down at her, Harry pulled a face. "You might not want to hear this, but I don't know if I can tell you that. I acted without thinking that day. It wasn't as if I'd been watching you from afar or something like that."

Ginny scowled. She wanted him to say something romantic, something she could treasure forever. She did not want to hear that it was just something he did without rhyme or reason. "Come on, Harry, there has to be something. You wouldn't have just up and kissed me if you hadn't wanted to."

Harry knew she was right, though he hadn't considered the reasons behind his previous actions. Surely he could come up with something he could tell her, couldn't he?

"Well, there was this one time that we were all in Hogsmeade. You were dating Corner then." Ginny closed her eyes and let Harry's voice wash over her.

Harry stared out the window and wished Hermione would hurry up. It had been a long day and he was tired. First there was the argument with Cho before she left crying, and then he had to deal with that awful Rita Skeeter. He was ready to go, while Hermione wanted to buy more parchment and Ron, who had just gotten there after a long day of Quidditch practice, wanted another butterbeer. Hermione had agreed to meet the boys later at the Three Broomsticks so they could all walk back to school together.

Turning around, Harry saw Ron still sending stony glares at Ginny, who was sitting across the room with her Ravenclaw boyfriend, Michael Corner.

"I don't know what she sees in him," Ron muttered. "He's such a git."

Harry groaned. Ron had been complaining about Ginny and Michael for months now, ever since the first Hogsmeade weekend when he'd found out they were dating, and it was always worse when he saw them together.

Staring even harder at the couple snogging in the corner - as if it would make them stop - Ron mumbled something else that Harry didn't quite hear. He half wished that Angelina had kept the team practicing all day and not let them out early so they could still visit the village.

Following Ron's gaze, Harry noticed that Ginny looked very pretty in form-fitting jeans and a white jumper that set off the fire in her long silky hair. The jumper also emphasized curves that he didn't remember noticing before and briefly wondered when that had happened.

Before he could dwell on his thoughts, Hermione walked in and announced she was ready to leave.

"I guess that was probably the first time I realized that you were growing up. Of course, there was also that time you brought me the chocolate Easter egg and we both got in trouble with Madam Pince for having food in the library. I remember thinking later how much fun you were to be around and how much I enjoyed talking to you. It made me wonder why we didn't hang out more often. And then this summer, when you were there to keep me company and you refused to let me 'sink into depression', I think is how you put it. That really means a lot to me, Gin, that you'd do that for someone like me."

Ginny swallowed back the lump in her throat, squeezing her eyes tightly before opening them again. Harry's face was close, his green eyes every bit as watery as her own. "Oh, Harry. I – that is – I mean –" Her voice broke as she tried to find the words she'd been searching for. Failing, she reached up and pulled Harry's head down to her own, their lips meeting in a soul-searing gentle kiss.

The attraction was there. They could feel it; something so powerful everyone in the castle could probably feel it flowing from them. The kiss quickly deepened into something more with lips, tongues and teeth clashing together in a powerful struggle. Both trying to take control, trying to show the other through this kiss what they hadn't said in words. That they loved each other – wholly, completely, and eternally. In Ginny's mind, her kiss symbolized what she loved best about him. To Harry, it was meant to show the love he never knew he could give so completely and trusting. The kiss went on for what seemed like ages.

Feeling faint from the lack of breathing, Ginny pulled back slightly. Harry's eyes were still closed; he leaned toward her so his forehead was resting lightly on hers. As he tightened his arms around her, he realized that he was now lying beside her on the sofa. His breath hitched and he felt her shudder as she seemed to notice the same thing. Even though he was several inches taller, she fit perfectly in his arms. He knew he should move, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. It just felt so right lying there beside her.

Their foreheads were still touching and he could feel her eyelashes fluttering against his as she struggled to catch her breath. Opening his eyes, he stared directly into chocolate. Bloody hell, he groaned. He didn't think he'd ever seen Ginny's eyes darker than they were at that very second. In fact, he didn't think it was even possible for brown to be that particular shade, so close to black.

Ginny closed her eyes before she drowned in emeralds. Harry's gaze burned through to her very core. She squirmed down to rest her head on his chest, just under his chin. She could feel his heart beating under her cheek, feel the whisper of his breath in her hair. He shifted her so she was laying on top of him, his arms around her. They lay like this frequently; often talking softly about their childhoods or friends, sometimes just enjoying the closeness and not talking at all. It was also the way they found themselves when they woke up some mornings, after those nights when one of them had a nightmare and sought comfort from the other. Tonight though seemed different. It was a subtle shift of something Ginny couldn't name, but she knew something had changed.

As she lay there, her breath slowing returning to normal, she felt Harry's hands play on her back. Up down up down. Slow. Casual. Tracing from her neck to her waist, then back again, almost as if he was unaware of what he was doing.

She thought again of the unspoken words she had seen in his eyes. What I wouldn't give to know Legilimency right now. I can't keep up with all the thoughts running through my own mind, but maybe if I knew what Harry was thinking, mine would make sense.

Harry didn't want to move. This is absolute perfection. If only we could stay this way forever. I only hope that Gin's right and we have a forever. Looking down at the redhead in his arms, he saw her hair spread about her, the shades of red and gold blazing in the firelight. He raised a hand and ran it down her head in a tender gesture. This is it – there couldn't be a more perfect time to tell her.

"Gin." His voice was husky; whether from the previous lack of oxygen or the emotions he felt coursing through him, he couldn't say. "Gin, look at me, hun."

She looked up at him with those dark chocolate eyes he loved so much. He could see love shining in her eyes. Love, friendship, and family, and so much more. All the things he'd ever hoped and dreamed about were right here in his arms. Taking a breath, he kissed her softly on the forehead.

"What is it, Harry? Is something wrong?"

"No love, not wrong. Nothing could ever be better."

She smiled to return the sentiment. "Then what –"

He shushed her with a gentle kiss. "I just wanted to tell you –" He broke off, swallowing again. This is much harder than I thought it would be. "Ginny Weasley, I love you. I just thought you should know."