Harry Loves Ginny

Prisoner of Azkaban: After the Loss to Hufflepuff

"Did some one get my Nimbus?"

Ron and Hermione looked quickly at each other.

"Er-"

"What?" said Harry, looking from one to the other.

"Well . . . when you fell off, it got blown away," said Hermione hesitantly.

"And?"

"And it hit - it hit - oh, Harry - it hit the Whomping Willow."

Harry's insides lurched. The Whomping Willow was a very violent tree that stood alone in the middle of the grounds.

"And?" he said, dreading the answer.

"Well, you know the Whomping Willow," said Ron. "It - it doesn't like to be hit."

"Professor Flitwick brought it back just before you came around," said Hermione in a very small voice.

Slowly she reached down for a bag at her feet, turned it upside down, and tipped a dozen bits of splintered wood and twigs onto the bed, the only remains of Harry's faithful, finally beaten broomstick.

Harry stared at the bits of broken broom before him and without a word he motioned to Hermione for the bag. He slowly picked up each and every twig and splinter of wood, carefully depositing it in the bag which he set on the stand next to his bed.

His eyes were full of sadness and he had a very hollow feeling inside of him, with a huge sigh, he laid back down and shut his eyes.

Madam Pomfrey came out and shooed everyone out of his room, declaring that Harry needed his rest and with that they dutifully left Harry alone.

Harry lay there and heard the sounds of the matron puttering around the room. He kept his eyes shut, not wanting to let her know that he was awake.

It was quite a bit later that dinner was brought up to him and he didn't really feel like eating much but after about ten minutes the matron had come by and tut tutted him about his lack of appetite, threatening him with extra time in the ward.

Harry then forced himself to eat a health portion of his dinner, not wishing to extend his time there if he could help it.

After dinner he just sat morosely, occasionally glancing at the bag holding the remains of his trusty broom. Even though he knew it was beyond repair, he just couldn't part with it.

XX HP + GW XX

Harry awoke with a start. It took him a moment to orient himself, he had obviously fallen asleep sometime after dinner as he laid there brooding over the loss of his broom.

He looked around in the dimly lit Hospital Wing, wondering what had woken him. Seeing nothing as he glanced toward the door and Madam Pomfrey's office he laid back down and had just closed his eyes when he heard, "Hi Harry," whispered from the other side of his bed.

He sat up abruptly, his heart in his throat as it beat a staccato in his chest. "Jeez Ginny, you about gave me a heart attack!" he whispered fervently back to her as he laid back down.

"Sorry," Ginny said softly, blushing slightly at having scared Harry.

"What are you doing here?" he asked curiously, after he got his heartbeat back under control.

"I wanted to come and tell you how sorry I am that your broom got destroyed," she replied, keeping her voice low to avoid alerting Madam Pomfrey.

"Ah – thanks," he said, a bit confused by her presence.

It wasn't like he didn't want her there or anything, he just hadn't expected it. It wasn't like that they were very close or anything. Ron had always made it a point to call her his baby sister and he had just always accepted it.

He glanced over at her and was surprised to see such great concern on her face. Harry was bewildered why someone he didn't even know that well would be that concerned. In the dim light he could see her looking at him intently, besides the concern there was something else that he couldn't quite place.

"So, why are you here now? Couldn't it wait till tomorrow?" he asked her.

Ginny looked down at her feet and just shrugged, looking a bit embarrassed. With a quick glance at him she looked back down and said, "I guess it could have, but - I don't know, I just felt I needed to come here," her blush deepening as she spoke. "I thought you might need someone to talk to or something.

Ginny quietly shifted her chair so that she was sitting closer to his bed but was now facing in the same direction, away from the wall instead of facing him. She sighed deeply as she settled back, casually resting her arm and hand on the edge of his bed.

Harry could see a sadness in her eyes and it brought back to mind the sight of her laying in the Chamber of Secrets at the end of last year, so still and cold when he had first found her.

Harry was overwhelmed by a feeling of guilt, he had pretty much ignored her since then and he knew that Ron had also. He thought to himself it was like last year all over again, even though they had vowed at to include Ginny more this year.

Harry looked back at Ginny, trying desperately to come up with the right words, failing in that he dropped his hand back down on the bed.

It must have been Fate because his hand came down on hers, and he was surprised at how warm and wonderful it felt in his. It seemed the perfect size to fit into his and he gave a low chuckle when he felt her jerk as his hand touched hers. He was surprised though when she didn't snatch hers away.

Ginny stared down at Harry's hand on hers, her mind racing. She knew she should pull her hand out from under his, Ron would be having a fit if he were present, but for some reason Harry's hand felt so wonderful as it rested on hers. She felt a sense of comfort and security from his touch. So great did it feel that she felt a small shiver run through her.

Harry felt Ginny shiver and he wondered if she was feeling OK. "Ginny are you all right?" he asked.

Ginny smiled shyly at him. "Yes Harry, I'm fine," she answered, blushing further.

It was while they were talking that Harry noticed for the first time that Ginny was more than just Ron's baby sister.

Thought she was only twelve he could see the subtle signs of her blossoming womanhood. That coupled with the soft light of the few torches and the silvery moonlight striking her hair making it form a fiery halo, made Harry notice that she was beautiful.

His breath actually caught in his throat as that thought formed. Ginny must have heard because she suddenly looked at him full of concern, "Are you OK?" she asked.

"Y-yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," he stammered, not knowing what to do or say. I mean what do you say to your best mate's sister.

If Ginny noticed his unease, she didn't comment on it and went back to saying what she had before he had inadvertently interrupted.

They talked for quite some time, Harry wasn't sure how long, he just knew that he enjoyed it immensely, her soft, melodious voice soothing and comforting him as he lay there.

Harry found his eyelids growing heavy and he yawned mightily. This caused Ginny to giggle at which Harry found himself smiling tiredly.

"Go to sleep Harry," she said softly, the warmth of her words washing over him. He had a sudden flashback, seeing his Mum lean over him in his cot, smiling down at him as she tucked him into bed for the night, saying the same thing that Ginny just had.

Ginny saw his smile widen and the care and worry that she had seen earlier vanished and she saw the peaceful, contented look that swept over him.

Ginny smiled to herself, she knew she had somehow brought some comfort to Harry and even if it was only for a short space of time, she was glad that she had accomplished it.

XX HP + GW XX

Harry awoke feeling better than he ever had, a smile spread across his face. He wasn't surprised that Ginny wasn't there any more, he just hoped that she hadn't got caught when she snuck back to Gryffindor Tower.

Though wide awake he closed his eyes to savour the memory of Ginny in the moonlight. Even now he found that it took his breath away. He lay there, eyes closed till he heard Madam Pomfrey come out of her office.

She had a breakfast tray and a couple of potions for him. He noticed she had a slight frown on his face.

Madam Pomfrey made her way toward Harry, expecting the same surly, combative behaviour that he had shown in the past when he was a patient in her care.

She was totally taken by surprise when he greeted her with a very pleasant "Good morning Madam Pomfrey, how are you this morning?"

She eyed him up, wondering what he was trying to pull. But she was surprised when he just sat there, smiling up at her as she handed him his potions before giving him his breakfast.

"Thank you," he said beaming up at her.

The matron, placed her hand on his forehead, checking to see if the boy was running a fever. Finding none she began to wonder if maybe he hadn't hit harder than the Headmaster had told her, though her diagnostic spells had shown nothing wrong with his head.

She could find nothing wrong and stared at him intently. Harry just smiled at her and went back to eating his breakfast, a smile on his face the whole time.

"Who are you and what have you done with Harry Potter," she asked, trying hard to hide her smirk.

Harry just chuckled at her, his smile increasing as he finished his breakfast.

So confused was the Matron that she told him since he was doing so well he could head back to his dorm, totally forgetting that she had said she was going to keep him till Monday morning.

Harry quickly got changed and headed back towards Gryffindor Tower, after thanking Madam Pomfrey once more for her excellent care. He left smiling widely, not noticing the the questioning look that the matron gave him as he walked out the door.

Harry was in no particular hurry so he took a detour up to the Astronomy Tower, he always liked to sit up there and think. He had such a great view from the top it was almost like flying and he found his mind much clearer.

The sun was bright after the previous days rain and the world had that fresh, brand new feeling after the storm. Harry took a big cleansing breath in, his thoughts once more turning to the diminutive redhead that had visited him the previous night.

Harry sat on one of the crenellations along the parapet facing the Black Lake. He wanted to take some time before he went back to think about his feelings for a certain red-haired young lady.

She was an enigma to Harry, sometimes shy, sometimes outspoken, feisty and fiery, she had a smile that could melt your heart or make you fear for your life. Though he had yet to experience it first hand he had seen her temper focused on a number of her brothers.

With a chuckle, Harry decided that he would work to fulfill the vow he had made the end of last year and get to know Ginny much better. She was certainly someone who he knew would be a fierce and loyal friend if nothing else and who knows, maybe something more.

Harry glanced at the sky, it was getting on towards lunch time, he smiled again, and he thought of how much he had been doing that today, he rose and headed back to the Gryffindor Common Room, hoping to find Ginny and see if she wanted to eat lunch with him.

XX HP + GW XX

Ginny sat on the couch by the fireplace, remembering Harry's smiles from the previous night. She knew that somehow she had been a help to him though she wasn't really quite sure how.

She smiled as she thought on Harry holding her hand and how wonderful it had made her feel. She thought hard on what had been her crush on "The-Boy-Who-Lived" and realized that it had changed. It was no longer the fangirl crush on the storybook hero but a deep abiding feeling for Harry, who had saved her life, the boy who smiled at her and made her feel warm and safe when she was near him.

Ron and Hermione had come down and made their way to lunch. They had asked her if she wanted to accompany them but she had declined. Right now she just wanted to savour remembering the time she had spent alone with Harry.

So engrossed was she that she didn't hear the portrait hole open so she was surprised when someone flopped down next to her on the couch.

She gave a little squeak in surprise as the person landed next to her and grabbed a hold of her hand.

When she looked at him her eyes widened in surprise "Harry! What are you doing here? Hermione said that you'd be in the Hospital till Monday."

Harry just shrugged, "I know, Pomfrey said that to begin with, but this morning she told me I could go. I wasn't about to argue with her about it," he said with a laugh.

Ginny couldn't help but laugh too and she smiled at him, letting the feeling of his hand on hers fill her with the same warmth she had felt the previous night.

"Are you hungry?" Harry asked.

Ginny nodded enthusiastically, not trusting her voice at that moment.

"Well come on then," Harry said, while he stood and pulled her to her feet with the hand that he held.

Ginny let herself be led by Harry out of the portrait hole, smiling the whole time.

Harry was having a war within himself. His mind kept saying, "What are you doing? How can you think she has any feelings for you?" While his heart kept saying, "Her hand feels so good in yours. Just touching her makes you happy. Look at how pretty she is and her smile, ah her smile lights you up like the sun!"

Harry was so busy with his inner conflict that he didn't even realize that he still had a hold of her hand.

Ginny was having her own internal battle, "What's he doing? Why is he still holding my hand?" Her mind saying, "It's nothing, he couldn't be thinking about you. You're just Ron's kid sister and you'll never be anything more." While her heart was saying, "The smile he gave you and the way his eyes looked at you, it's more than just in your mind. He's seeing you for yourself and not as Ron's sister."

Before either noticed they had reached the Great Hall. They slowed as they entered and immediately spotted Ron and Hermione sitting halfway down the long table. The two seats opposite them were open so Harry led Ginny down the next aisle. In doing so they were blocked from Ron and Hermione's view till they got to the seats, causing them to not see that Harry still had Ginny's hand in his.

He let go only when they arrived and they sat down. Ron and Hermione were so shocked at seeing him they at first didn't even acknowledge Ginny's presence.

"I thought you weren't getting released till tomorrow?" Hermione said, her eyes narrowing and a frown forming on her face.

"For some reason she let me go today," Harry replied as he piled some food onto his plate. It was when he passed the plate to Ginny that Ron noticed her presence.

"What are you doing here? I thought you weren't hungry?" he said, his voice filled with annoyance.

"Harry asked me to lunch and I realized than that I was hungry. A girl can change her mind you know," Ginny replied smugly.

"Yeah! What's the big deal anyway Ron?" Harry asked, frowning at his mate. His resolve to include Ginny surfacing in his annoyance at Ron's barbed remarks to his sister.

Ron looked from Harry to Ginny and back, he wouldn't admit that he was jealous of having Harry as his friend and not wanting to share that with any of his family.

Ron returned grumpily to eating but kept shooting daggers at Ginny as he ate.

Harry was getting thoroughly fed up with Ron. He couldn't understand what his problem was. Shaking his head he turned to Ginny, "Do you want to go for a walk?" he asked her softly.

Ginny saw the frown on his face but Harry's voice didn't sound like he was mad at her, she was pretty sure because of the exchange between him and Ron that it was Ron he was displeased with.

"Sure," she said, pushing her plate away.

They got up, Harry extending his hand to help Ginny over the bench, earning them another glare from Ron.

Harry was so lost in his thoughts about Ron's actions that he didn't notice that he kept a hold of Ginny's hand as they walked.

Ginny didn't question Harry, she had felt like he wanted to talk to her but for now she let him remain silent. She was just enjoying walking along hand-in-hand with him.

Harry really wanted to talk to Ginny but right now he was too steamed at Ron to say anything, afraid that his anger at Ron would carry over into the conversation and he'd inadvertently make Ginny think he was mad at her.

Harry led her up to one of his favourite places, the Astronomy Tower. He let his anger bleed off him as they walked in silence. He was very grateful that Ginny was allowing him to remain silent for now.

As they climbed the last few steps up he let out a sigh, letting go of the ill feelings he had inside. Harry held the door open for Ginny and let he precede him out onto the top of the tower. He heard her sharp intake of breath as the vista came into view.

"Nice, isn't it?" he said lowly.

"It's beautiful," Ginny replied, looking around in a circle, taking in the magnificent view.

"Yeah, I love coming up here to think," Harry said as he led her over to the spot where he usually sat.

Ginny's eyes widened when Harry sat up on the crenellation but she barely hesitated when he reached down to her to help her up so that she could sit across from him.

The wall was actually quite thick so there was no need to fear falling off so Ginny was comfortable sitting up there with Harry and she smiled at him to let him know that she really liked sitting up here in his favourite spot.

Harry returned her smile but his heart was lodged in his throat. He wanted to tell Ginny how much he appreciated her coming in and comforting him in the Hospital Wing. "Ginny," he said softly, having trouble meeting her eyes now that he was speaking.

"What Harry?" Ginny said back, feeling his unease.

Harry chanced a glance at her and he almost lost his nerve when he saw her eyes locked on him. Taking a deep breath he began, "I want to thank you for coming and seeing me last night."

Ginny blushed deeply but held Harry's eyes, "You're welcome," she said shyly, finally dropping her gaze.

"I'd like it if you would, ah, start hanging out with us," Harry said softly, hoping he was saying the right things."

Ginny's head came up in a flash, surprise written all over her face. "Are you sure? What will Ron say?" she asked starting to panic.

Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he continued to look at Ginny. "Yes I'm sure and a far as I'm concerned, Ron had just better get use to it."

Ginny stared at Harry for several moments, "Why Harry?" she asked softly. "Why now?"

Harry sighed, looking out over the lake for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Ginny," he said, almost whispering. "I feel that if we had been, if I had been a better friend then maybe last year would have been different and you wouldn't have needed saving."

Ginny's eyes widened in shock, she had been taken totally by surprise by Harry's answer.

"And I haven't been any better so far this year," Harry continued, his voice full of guilt.

"Harry, I, I don't know what to say. I mean, no one can say what would have happened if things were different last year and you've had a lot to deal with this year too," Ginny said defensively.

Harry waved his hand at her, "I doesn't matter Ginny, you're just as important as me as far as I'm concerned."

Ginny stared at him gobsmacked, her as important as The-Boy-Who-Lived? It boggled her mind. "No way, Harry," she protested.

Harry shook his head, knowing what she was going to say. "Listen Ginny, I'm more than a label. I hate being The-Boy-Who-Lived. Can't you just think of me as Harry, some one who just wants to be your friend?"

Ginny saw the pleading in his eyes, his earnest supplication so evident in his voice. Ginny's heart went out to Harry, she could feel his need. "I can do that," she replied, looking him straight in the eyes. She could see the change that come over him as she told him.

"Thank you Ginny," he said softly, reaching out and taking her hand again. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

Ginny felt her heart swell as he touched her. She understood just how hard it must be to be The-Boy-Who-Lived. She also understood now some of the things she had seen, his reticence with others, his shy, withdrawn demeanour with all the girls who flocked to him as someone famous even though he never asked for or wanted that attention.

Harry smiled at her and jumped down, "Come on, I want to show you something."

Harry kept Ginny's hand in his and helped her down from the parapet. He then began to pull her towards the back of the Tower and the part that protruded, bring the stairs up to the top.

Ginny had always assumed that it went all the way back to the rear parapet because when you looked in that direction when you came out on the top, it appeared that way.

Ginny was taken by surprise as Harry pulled her into a small space between the building and the wall. It went back several feet and then up a short flight of stairs, just as narrow as the space. It curved slightly so from the bottom you couldn't see where it led.

Harry pulled her around a corner, up a few more steps and then out onto a small open area. It faced away from the Lake and Hogsmeade but had a spectacular view of the mountains in the distance.

If you looked down to the left, almost the whole castle was laid at your feet. Against the back wall there was a small bench and Harry pulled Ginny over to it.

Harry sat and pulled Ginny down next to him. "This is the place I go when I don't want to be found," he said with a grin. "I've never shown this to anyone before, not even Ron and Hermione, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about this spot."

Ginny stared at Harry in wonder. He was sharing something with her that he hadn't shared with anyone else. She noticed Harry sit back and stare out into the distance. Her gaze followed his and she saw in the distance several large birds soaring among the scattered clouds over by the mountains though at this distance they were small specks against the sky. In the stillness she heard the cry of an Eagle.

She glanced back at Harry and saw the smile on his face as he watched the birds swoop and circle, riding the thermals, barely flapping their wings as they flew effortlessly.

Ginny knew of Harry's love of flying, it wasn't a secret, far from it, all Gryffindor knew how much he loved flying on his broom. He was usually the first in the air and the last down during the Quidditch practice.

"Harry, why did you bring me here if this is your hiding place?" she asked softly, hoping in her heart she knew the answer.

Harry looked at her and smiled shyly, giving a small shrug he said softly, "I know you love flying almost as much as I do and I thought you might enjoy it here."

Ginny gave a small chuckle, "How do you know how much I love to fly?" her heart beating wildly inside her chest. "He's been watching me!" she said to herself.

Harry blushed, "I noticed when we played Quidditch over the summer, it shows in your face and the way you act when you're on a broom."

Ginny blushed at the realization that she had been correct.

"You look like what I think I do when I'm flying," he said sheepishly. "I've seen you sneak out early in the morning at the Burrow when you think no one else is up yet. The sheer joy you show when you are flying free, just reminds me of what I feel when I fly just for the fun of it."

Ginny blushed deeply, Harry had seen her when she didn't know he was watching, when she had been doing something she enjoyed so much.

Harry felt Ginny suddenly tense, she looked at him, fear in her eyes. "You haven't told anyone, have you?" she asked.

Harry knew what she was afraid of, he had heard her brothers always trying to keep her on the ground and had only recently allowed her to join in the family Quidditch games, mainly because of Harry's making the sides uneven. They were constantly telling her to be careful and stay low, not to fly so fast and Ron was probably the worst offender.

"Don't worry Ginny, your secret is safe with me," he said to allay her fears.

Ginny relaxed considerably. "Well if you can keep that secret then I can keep this secret," she said with a smile.

"Good, because this is where I usually come when Ron and Hermione are fighting and it becomes to much for me. I'd hate to have to find a new spot."

Ginny laughed at Harry's statement and the sincerity with which he said it. She sat back like Harry and relaxed, enjoying the view just like Harry was. She was taken by surprise when she felt Harry's hand take hers as their hands came into contact on the bench between them.

She gave him a quick glance out of the corner of her eyes but Harry was just looking off into the distance and she wondered if he was even aware that he had done so.

XX HP + GW XX

Ron watched Harry and Ginny walk away, a huge frown on his face. "What's with Harry?" he asked Hermione.

Hermione glanced at him and shook her head, Ron could be so thick-headed at times. "Ron, I think he was upset because you tried to dictate to him who he could be friends with."

"Wha?" Ron asked, his mouth full of food.

Hermione gritted her teeth, she was so tired of trying to get him to not speak with his mouth full.

Ron saw her glare and hastily swallowed the mouthful of sandwich that he had. "What do you mean by that?" he asked with a scowl.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "What part of Harry's inviting Ginny to lunch didn't you understand?" she asked testily.

"But she told us she wasn't hungry!" Ron stated defensively.

"Really Ron, you just don't understand how a girl's mind works," Hermione said in disgust.

Ron looked at Hermione in disbelief. "Come on, what bloke can do that?"

Hermione threw down her fork, "Not everyone is as thick-headed as you Ronald!" she replied hotly as she stood up. With one last scathing glare she stalked off, leaving a bewildered Ron staring after her as she stomped up the aisle and out the door.

"Completely mental," he muttered to himself, as he turned back to his plate and resumed eating his lunch.

XX HP + GW XX

Hermione entered the Common Room hoping to find Harry and Ginny, or at least one or the other. She suspected that something was going on between the two of them and she was curious as to what it was.

Though they had gotten more comfortable around each other whenever Harry had visited the Burrow this past summer, they hadn't seemed that close since they got back to school.

She scanned the room and didn't see either of them. Sighing she made her way up to the second year girl's dorm to see if Ginny was there. When she entered she only saw one of Ginny's year-mates, reading on her bed. "Hey Andrea, have you seen Ginny?"

"Not since this morning," the girl replied, looking up from her book. "Should I tell her you're looking for her when she gets back?"

"No that's OK, I'll catch up to her later. Thanks anyway," Hermione replied. She then made her way back to the Common Room where she found Neville just coming down the stairs.

"Hey Neville, is Harry up in the dorm?"

"No he isn't Hermione. Why do you need him for something?" Neville asked, pleasantly.

"I just wanted to talk to him, nothing urgent or anything," Hermione replied.

Neville shrugged, "Well if I see him I'll let him know you're looking for him. See ya Hermione," the affable Gryffindor said.

Hermione watched Neville walk off out the portrait hole, wondering where Harry and Ginny had gotten to. She had seen them head for the staircase and not out the Main door to the grounds so she knew they had to be in the castle somewhere.

With a huge sigh she headed off to get some of her books. If she was going to sit here and wait for either one to return, she figured she spend it doing something useful.

XX HP + GW XX

Harry woke up slowly, not opening his eyes yet. He was slightly puzzled because he didn't hear the normal snores from his dorm-mates. He was also very aware of something warm pressed into his side.

His eyes opened quickly when he felt the warm thing next to him move. His eyes darted around and took in his surroundings. Off in the distance he could see the setting sun shining on the mountain tops.

He took a quick glance over to see what the warm thing was and he was surprised to see Ginny tucked up into his side, sound asleep. He figured it was her movement of snuggling closer into his side that had woken him up. Some how while they had napped his arm had come up and around her shoulders, pulling her snugly into his side.

She had her head resting on his shoulder closest to her and one hand up on his chest.

The events of the afternoon came flooding back to him. He and Ginny had come up to his favourite hiding place because he had wanted to get away from Hermione and Ron, well more Ron now that he thought about it.

They had been sitting here in the sun, talking quietly about a whole lot of things, sometimes falling into periods of companionable silence. Just enjoying each others company. He guessed sometime in one of those periods they had fallen asleep.

Harry was first a little panicked by their close proximity and intimate posture. He was just about to wake Ginny when he looked down at her. He was taken with how wonderful she looked. Her face was the epitome of serenity, the peacefulness that radiated from her features took Harry's breath away.

Her hair was fanned out and slightly blocking his view of the far side of her face, her lips were slightly parted, shining as if she had just ran her tongue across them. They look so plump and ripe, a glossy red that was one hundred percent natural. They looked oh so delectable, that he was tempted to lean down and kiss her, whatever Ron would think about it.

Harry fought off the urge to kiss her and shifted his view to Ginny's hair. The setting sun was adding more reddish highlights to her already flaming locks.

It looked so soft and inviting he couldn't stop himself from reaching up slowly, his hand shaking as he gently ran his fingers through it. It was so much more than her had anticipated, it was like he was running his fingers through un-spun silk. It was so soft and alluring and as he stroked it he could smell the scent of wild flowers and lavender.

Harry inhaled deeply, letting Ginny's scent fill him. He had never experienced anything like this before, he felt his head spinning as a feeling of utter contentment washed over him. He sighed deeply, revelling in the feelings coursing through him.

Just then Ginny moved again and Harry felt his stomach give a low grumble, he then slowly pulled out his watch, seeing it was just about dinner time.

"Ginny," Harry said softly.

Ginny stirred slightly but did not awaken.

"Ginny," Harry said a little louder, giving her shoulder a slight jiggle.

Ginny stirred sleepily, cracking open one eye "Jus fi more min's Mum," she said sleepily, as she closed her eyes and snuggled back into Harry.

Harry chuckled, "Wake up Ginny," he said softly.

Ginny's eyes opened with a start, darting around, taking in her surroundings. Her eyes widened in shock when they came to rest on Harry's. She sat up abruptly, "I'm so sorry Harry," she started, her voice tumbling out of her in a mad rush.

As embarrassed as Harry had felt waking to find Ginny snuggled into him with his arm around her, Harry found her reaction quite humorous.

"It's fine," he said, colouring almost as much as Ginny. "I fell asleep too."

Ginny then focused on Harry's arm around her and Harry thought that she was going to say something to him but she surprised him by blushing further and smiling at him shyly.

She then glanced at the setting sun and asked "What time is it?"

Just about time for dinner," Harry replied with a smile. "I don't know about you but I'm famished."

"Me too," Ginny answered. "That prat ofa brother cut short our lunches," she added with a frown.

"Come on, let's go down to dinner," Harry said, rising and offering his hand to her.

Ginny smiled back, staring into Harry's deep emerald eyes for a moment before taking his hand and letting him help her to her feet.

Harry led her back down onto the regular deck of the Astronomy Tower and then hand in hand they headed to the Great Hall.

XX HP + GW XX

And so it progressed, for the next few weeks Harry and Ginny became almost inseparable. Harry helping Ginny revise for her up coming exams and when they weren't studying or Harry was off practicing Quidditch, they could be found in the Common Room, playing Wizard Chess, Exploding Snap or sometimes just sitting in front of the fire talking.

Ron had at first shown his displeasure by shooting daggers at the pair but when Harry had continued to ignore him, Ron finally began to relent or at least tire of being ignored by his best-mate.

Ron and Hermione were still puzzled by the times Harry and Ginny disappeared and couldn't be found. During these episodes Ron would revert to his previous surly self, stomping around the Common Room muttering about what he'd do to Harry, close friend or not.

He was staring at them now as they sat in front of the fire, talking softly, punctuated now and again by Ginny's giggling or Harry's chuckling. It reminded him of when he, Harry and Hermione use to sit around spending time together.

Hermione was sitting across the table from him immersed in her homework, barely acknowledging his presence.

Ron gave another huge sigh as he seethed at Ginny's monopoly of his best mate. He was torn about his feelings for Harry and Ginny, sometimes accepting that Harry was being so distant and at other times totally upset that Harry couldn't understand what he was feeling.

When Ron sighed for the seemingly thousandth time, Hermione closed her book and packed up her essay. "What's the matter Ron?" she asked, already knowing what his answer would be.

"Come on Hermione, you can't tell me you aren't missing spending time with Harry like we've done in the past," Ron said glumly.

Hermione followed his gaze and saw the tops of Harry's and Ginny's heads as they sat slouched on the couch in front of the fireplace. She could see Harry's hands moving animately as he and Ginny were talking. She heard Ginny's giggles and Harry's laughs, obviously having a good time together.

"Yes Ron, I do miss having Harry with us but I also know that Harry is probably happier than he has ever been in his life."

Ron's shoulders slumped, he knew that Hermione was correct but it still galled him that it was Ginny and not him and Hermione that was the cause.

"But what can we do?" he asked plaintively.

"Do? Do about what?" she asked, hoping he wasn't going to say what she thought he was.

"About Harry spending all his free time with Ginny?" Ron said, glaring at Hermione.

Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed in resignation that she had been correct in her assessment of Ron.

"Ron, look I see it as you have several options available to you. You can accept that Harry is going to want to include Ginny and get over it. It's been your behaviour that has driven Harry away. Another option is to leave things the way they are for now and see what develops though I think if you keep acting the way you are, Harry is unlikely to want to include you.

Ron was beginning to get mad at Hermione. Even though in his heart he knew she was right, he didn't want to admit that.

"You could also do something incredibly stupid like trying to break them up, but if you do you'd better be prepared to suffer the consequences of you get caught doing so," Hermione concluded.

"Do you think breaking them up might work," Ron asked, hoping he was keeping the eagerness out of his voice.

Hermione looked at Ron intently, "Even if you did, I think it would hurt Harry way too much, let alone what it would do to your sister," she said remorsefully.

Ron looked at Harry and Ginny before looking back at Hermione, "Well you certainly have given me a lot to think about," he said softly. "I going to go up to my dorm," he added as he rose.

Hermione watched Ron leave, noticing his glance at Harry and Ginny as he left. Shaking her head she opened her textbook at the spot she had marked and went back to working on her essay.

XX HP + GW XX

Harry sat thinking in his favourite hiding spot, waiting for Ginny to join him after he last class for the day. He was reflecting back on the past several weeks and how they seemed like a dream come true, he didn't think he'd ever been happier that he was at this moment.

He was ecstatic t the moment, they had announced today that there would be a Halloween Dance this year, and best of all it wasn't going to be a formal Ball. He couldn't wait for Ginny to arrive because he wanted nothing more than to ask her to the Dance.

He couldn't think of a better person to ask than his best friend. The smile on his face almost made him hurt from the size of it.

Harry sat up, woken from his thoughts as he heard the door to the Tower open and he was a bundle of nerves waiting for Ginny to arrive. It wasn't long before he heard her footsteps on the stairs and then the top of her head with it's glorious mane of flaming red hair appeared.

Harry's smile fell from his face as he saw the scowl on Ginny's face and he could tell she was very upset.

"What's wrong Ginny?" he asked, concerned about her mood.

"The bloody Dance!" she said vehemently.

Harry felt his stomach do flip-flops. Maybe she didn't want to go to the dance at all, let alone with him.

"Wh-what about it?" he asked tentatively.

Ginny flopped down next to him on the bench, tossing her book bag onto the floor nearby.

"I think virtually every unattached boy in this school has asked me to go to the bloody thing today," she said, sitting with her arms tightly across her chest. "First it was Colin and Edward, then Stewart and that prat Dean had the nerve to ask me. The topper was probably Seamus, like I'd go with that Lothario,," she said bitterly.

The whole time Ginny was ranting, Harry's heart was dropping deeper and deeper into his chest.

Then this afternoon it wasn't bad enough that almost every Gryffindor had been badgering me then it started with the Claws and the Puffs. Godric it was annoying," Ginny spat.

"I guess that you really don't want to go then," Harry said softly, his eyes downcast, the disappointment showing on his face.

Ginny heard the drop in Harry's voice and she looked at him wide-eyed. Panicking at the impression that she had given Harry.

"Well I didn't say that," she said quickly.

"Well then what's the problem?" Harry asked, a glimmer of hope rising in him.

"Ah, well, you see, it's just that the one who I really want to go with hasn't asked me yet and I'd rather not go if I can't go with him," Ginny said cryptically.

"Oh," Harry replied, his hopes dropping again. "So what's this bloke like?" he asked. Harry figured that if he couldn't go at least if Ginny could get her mystery guy to ask her, he'd do anything to help make her happy.

Ginny sighed, wondering how to get Harry to understand who she wanted to go with. "Well, let's see, he's probably the most kind and giving person I've ever met. He makes me happy just being with him, he's funny yet can be serious when he needs to be. He loves Quidditch almost as much as I do, would do anything for his friends. To me he's just about perfect."

Harry's head was spinning, he couldn't fathom who Ginny was talking about, obviously Ginny was exaggerating this guy's qualities because he sure didn't know anyone who fit that description.

Ginny could see the confusion in Harry's eyes and she chuckled to herself, sometimes Harry could be just as thick-headed as her brother.

She teased him just a little more, "I love it when he holds my hand, most of the time he does it with out really knowing it, the few times he's held me in his arms have been a dream come true for me," she said softly.

Harry looked at her questioningly, "Do I know him?" he asked, searching his brain desperately.

"I'm sure you do," she said, trying hard to stifle the smile that was creeping onto her face. "Probably better than I do," she said, letting a small giggle exscape.

Harry looked at her totally bewildered now.

Ginny finally took pity on him, "Harry the one I want to go with is my best friend," she said as she reached out and laid her hand on his, looking into his eyes.

She saw the light of recognition begin to form so she kept talking. "He has the most gorgeous eyes that make me melt when ever he looks into mine, he has the most unruly hair that I find irresistible, and I want to run my hands through it. But the really big thing is is the most unassuming, wonderful guy I've ever met."

"He is?" Harry managed to squeak out.

"Yes," Ginny said softly as she leaned in toward him. "And he has this sexy scar right on his forehead," she added reaching out to brush her fingertips across it.

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing, somehow he still had a hard time understanding that she was speaking about him. Yes he had the scar but he didn't think he fit the other qualities that she had listed.

Ginny saw his eyes come alive with his understanding and she thought she'd never seen someone so happy as Harry obviously was. Before she could react Harry had grabbed her and tightly crushed her to his chest in a hug that rivalled those of her mother.

Though she was sure that her ribs would ache tomorrow she returned his hug just as fervently as Harry was hugging her.

"Ginny, would you go to the dance with me," he whispered in her ear.

"Yes Harry, I will," she whispered back.

Harry relaxed his grip and looked deeply into her eyes, his smile lighting up his face. Then to Ginny's surprise but certain she wanted just as much, Harry gently leaned in, meeting her halfway as their lips came together in their first kiss.

As kisses went it wasn't truly earth shaking or overly passionate but it was perfect for the two who shared it.

Ginny leaned in after they broke apart and rested her head on Harry's shoulder, feeling content and safer than she had since she had come to Hogwarts. Though they hadn't exchanged words they both knew that they had found the person that they wanted to be with. A non-verbal understanding that they were now a couple and though they didn't know where their relationship would lead, for now it was enough that they were together.

XX HP + GW XX

A/N: Another instalment done, I hope you enjoyed it. A little different from the previous ones but perfectly plausible as far as I'm concerned.

As always please take the time to review.