I do not own Harry Potter and co. I am just a fan that does not want the magic to end!
Just One of the Guys
Chapter twenty-one
Learning, Loving, Laughing
Ron and Harry made their way downstairs laughing like nothing had ever happened. Ron snickered as Ginny narrowed her eyes in their direction, casting her suspicion. Once Ron had added his laundry basket to the already bulging pile, he headed off to the kitchen to rustle himself up something to eat, whistling a happy tune.
Harry walked toward the girls with a smile on his face. He bent his head to brush a kiss on Ginny's lips, a greeting he intended to enjoy on a regular basis. "Hello love," he said.
Ginny smiled sweetly as she crossed her hands over her chest and leaned against the wall, one eyebrow raised in silent question.
"It's fine, nothing to worry about." Harry smiled, then turned towards Hermione with a wink.
"Um, I think I might get a drink. Pumpkin juice anyone?" Hermione asked the first question she could come up with. Ginny had an 'I'm not finished with you yet' look in her eyes, and she had a feeling that Harry was about to find out sooner rather then later that the previous argument was not quite finished.
"Nothing for me thanks," Ginny said, her eyes never leaving her boyfriend.
Harry started to get the feeling that he was in trouble, but for what he wasn't sure. However, he was positive that Ginny would let him in on the details quick enough. The best thing he could do was bide his time and hope he could come up with a reasonable apology for something that he had no clue he had done.
Ginny waited until the other girl had left the laundry room, closing the door with a soft click to ensure as much privacy as possible for the newly made couple.
"So Harry, you think I'm the type of girl to agree to date someone, then kiss another bloke just because my boyfriend's not around?" Ginny watched him with one eyebrow raised.
He could see her eyes darken with small golden sparks that danced to the beat of her heart. He was positive that he had never seen anyone more gorgeous then her. At this exact moment she was stunning, and it took an Olympian effort not to reach out to her and take her in his arms. Instinct told him that would be a bad thing.
"What? No, of course not," he responded, with a defiant shake of his head.
"Oh really," she purred with mock surprise, "Then why did you believe I was seeing Dean? Please tell me how you could believe I was seeing him and kissing you and not believe that I was the type of girl to be able to do both?"
Harry's eyes had widened as his mind scrambled to find some type of answer. He nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His hand moved to rub the back of his neck. What did she want to hear? It would have been easier if she would give him some type of clue. It was times like this that he wished with all his heart that he had his Dad or Mum to confide in, or at least be able consult a book. Merlin, now I sound like Hermione.
Harry swallowed nervously, his mouth feeling as dry as one of Aunt Petunia's homemade cakes. He ruffled his already messy hair, and took a stab at explaining himself. What was the worst that could happen? Maybe, he thought, I better not answer that.
"I didn't know what to think Gin. I wanted to ask you to be my girlfriend by the pond. I was scared you'd say no. Then Ron and Hermione came back and I lost my nerve. After Ron said I should leave you alone, that you were seeing Dean, well, I don't know. I just stopped feeling, my mind shut down. I didn't want to think about it. The thought of you with Thomas was maddening, and if he had been around I'm sure I would have thumped him one right then and there."
Ginny bent her head slightly to one side, watching him closely. Harry was sure she could see everything in his mind. He had never felt that aware of someone watching him before. It was a bit nerve-racking, yet with her it was also comforting.
"Why would you think I would say no?" questioned Ginny softly.
He must have had some idea how very much she liked him. Okay, so maybe he didn't understand yet that she was deeply and madly in love with him, but that would come in time. He had never truly been loved since he was one year old. She reckoned he didn't really know how to love or what it actually was. She was more than willing to teach him what love was.
Harry shrugged his shoulders; he couldn't put it into words how vulnerable he felt around her. The intensity of his feelings that coursed through his blood when they were together was frightening. Even the simplest of touches had the power to send him up in flames. It terrified him and excited him at the same time, but to have to put it into words was simply overwhelming.
"Harry, you need to know that I would never do anything to hurt you." Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck, encouraging him to hold her. His arms wrapped around her waist, bringing her closer as they gazed into each others eyes.
"You're going to have to be patient with me, you know." Harry smiled. "I want to be able to share things with you. I want this thing we have work and grow. I just don't have the faintest idea how to go about it."
She looked up into his face adoringly. He was beyond sweet, kind, thoughtful, and of course, incredibly sexy. It would not be a hardship to help him with his request. Ginny ran her fingers through his silky locks, her soul memorizing every detail with her touch.
"We'll figure it out together Harry. It's not like I'm exactly an expert in these matters. I just want us to trust each other." She smiled and kissed him gently, brushing his lips with a feather light touch.
They embraced each other with a tight hug. Harry took in a deep breath, filling his senses with her scent. He pulled back to look at her once again as her hands rested gently on his shoulders. He kissed her on her forehead, pulled back, and smiled again.
His hand brushed a long strand of crimson coloured hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. It was one of his favorite things to do. He leaned in towards her and brushed her lips with his own, a gentle, lips almost not touching type of kiss. She sighed. An electric shudder ran the length of her spine.
Harry kissed her again, one brief touch at first, then a second that was more an intermingling of breath, a sampling, an introduction of what was to come. Then he came back, increasing the pressure as he moved his lips over hers. His kiss gave generously, encouraging her to open to his touch, inviting her to participate in the dance of lips and then as he deepened the kiss, he began the dance again but this time with tongues.
Ginny sighed as she clung to him, her spine seemed to melt, her body instinctively arching into his, letting herself be supported by his hands. She continued to cling to him like a drowning victim to a life boat, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer, feeding on his unique male taste and touch.
"Lunch is read…." Hermione stopped short, and with a squeak of an apology she quickly backed out and shut the door.
Harry reluctantly drew back from his girlfriend and treated her to her favorite lazy half smirk. The desire for her was still visible in his eyes. The power of it made her shudder with anticipation.
"School will start up again soon. We'll find ourselves a lovely little corner, far, far away from everyone." Ginny's heart swelled with the promise of some alone time.
Harry's grin broadened with his agreement. He quickly swooped down and swung Ginny over his shoulder so that she was left dangling with half her body down his back. He turned swiftly towards the Burrow's kitchen, ignoring the giggles and lame protest from the girl in his arms.
"Harry!" Ginny giggled as she attempted to swat at his backside. Oh Merlin, what a bum! The excitement she felt with the knowledge that it was all hers filled her with delight.
The occupants of the kitchen looked up at the arrival of the young couple. Molly grinned and turned her attention back to the sandwiches she was preparing. Hermione laughed with uninhibited delight as Ron rolled his eyes and feigned a gagging motion. This earned him a swat up the side of the head from Hermione.
Harry gently placed his laughing girlfriend in her regular spot, and took the seat beside her. With one more kiss, landing just below her ear, he turned his attention to the mouthwatering selection in front of him.
Ginny shared a happy smile with Hermione and helped herself to some lunch. That was one kiss that was going down in her new diary, not to mention being described in great detail to anyone who cared to listen!
One thing was for sure; she planned to be the recipient of more of those bone melting kisses the minute the train left the station. Only a few more days, and one family dinner to get through, and then he would be hers to do with what she pleased!
I know, I said Wednesday but she's busy….poor girl is surrounded by 6 year olds LOL! I only have to deal with one 7 year old and a 10 year old boy (who thank Merlin, go back to school in one week!)
Thanks to my wonderful beta (who is in need of a nap, but still edits my chapters, she is too good to me!) and many thanks to all my wonderful reviewers (I love hearing from you!) and another thanks to all of you who read my story and enjoy it silently (I would REALLY love to hear from you!)
Hope you like the chapter; I am posting it from Montreal this time (yes I know, another hotel, but we came to visit family this time. Soccer tournament is next weekend, but thankfully close to home.
Remember to send me a line and in return I will send you my warmest thanks and a clue for the next one.