Harry Loves Ginny and Ginny Loves Harry
Half-Blood Prince: At the Burrow for Christmas
Mrs. Weasley entered the room just in time to see Ron throw the sprout knife at Fred, who turned it into a paper airplane with one lazy flick of his wand.
"Ron!" she said furiously. "Don't you ever let me see you throwing knives again!"
"I won't," said Ron, "let you see," he added under his breath,as he turned back to the mountain of sprouts.
"Fred, George, I'm sorry dears, but Remus is arriving tonight, so Bill will have to squeeze in with you two."
"No problem," said George.
"Then, as Charlie isn't coming home, that just leaves Harry and Ron in the attic, and if Fleur shares with Ginny –"
"- that'll make Ginny's Christmas –" Muttered Fred.
"– everyone should be comfortable. Well they'll have a bed, anyway," said Mrs. Weasley, sounding slightly harassed.
"Percy definitely not showing his ugly face, then?" asked Fred.
Mrs. Weasley turned away before she answered. "No, he's busy, I expect, at the Ministry."
"Or he's the world's biggest prat," said Fred, as Mrs. Weasley left the kitchen. "One of the two. Well, let's get going, then, George."
"What are you two up to?" asked Ron. "Can't you help us with these sprouts? You could just use your wand and then we'll be free too!"
"No, I don't think we can do that," said Fred seriously. "It's very character-building stuff, learning to peel sprouts without magic, makes you appreciate how difficult it is for the Muggles and Squibs -"
"and if you want people to help you, Ron," added George, throwing the paper airplane at him, "I wouldn't chuck knives at them. Just a hint. We're off to the village, there's a pretty girl working in the paper shop who thinks my card tricks are something marvellous . . . almost like real magic. . . ."
"Why don't you go with them, Ron," Harry said.
"You're not coming?" Ron asked.
"Nah, I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't leave the protection of the wards while I was here," Harry said as he picked up another sprout.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, go ahead. Get me something if you see anything good if you want to, but I'll be fine here," Harry said, with a smile.
Ron hesitated for a moment but then he clapped Harry on the back, "Thanks Mate," he said, and then he hurried to catch up with Fred and George, who were just leaving.
"Wait up!" he yelled as he grabbed his coat.
Harry sighed and returned to working on the mountain of sprouts and he was working diligently when someone came up behind him, unnoticed.
"Where's Ron?" they asked.
Harry jumped at the sound of the voice, and he spun around to see who had surprised him. "Godric, Ginny, are you trying to scare me to death?"
Ginny gave him a small giggle, "What's the matter Potter, afraid of little old me?" she asked with a grin.
"You have no idea," Harry muttered.
"What's that, Harry?" Ginny asked, as she didn't hear what he had said.
"Nothing Ginny," Harry answered sheepishly.
"So, where did Ron get to?" Ginny asked.
"He went to the village with Fred and George," Harry replied, as he turned back to the mountain of sprouts and began peeling again.
Ginny came up beside him, "Budge over," she said playfully, as she bumped him with her hip.
Harry gave her a surprised look but moved over some so that Ginny could join him at the sink. She picked up a knife and began to help. Harry had a hard time keeping calm, Ginny's fragrance began to filter over to him and he found it quite heady.
"So why didn't you go too?" Ginny asked.
"What's that?" Harry said, startled out of his daydreaming about a certain red-haired girl and what he'd like to be doing with her.
Ginny chuckled, "What's the matter Harry? Brain freeze?"
Harry blushed but kept facing the sink and the pile of sprouts so Ginny didn't really notice, as she turned back to get another sprout to peel. "I asked why didn't you go too?"
"I promised Dumbledore that I wouldn't leave the Burrow if I was allowed to come," Harry replied.
Ginny looked at him in surprise, "Why?" she asked.
Harry looked around quickly and noticed Molly coming back into the kitchen. "I'll tell you later," he whispered to her, nodding his head at her mother.
Ginny's glanced where Harry had indicated, and nodded to him in understanding. "So what did you think of Slughorn's party," she asked, changing the subject.
Harry grimaced, so Ginny said "That bad, huh?"
Harry smiled at Ginny wryly, "Don't get me wrong Ginny, Luna was great company, but we just went as friends." Harry then paused and looked at the floor for a moment, "I would have rather gone with someone else," he said softly.
"Oh yeah, who?" she asked innocently.
Harry blushed deeply and he silently cursed his inability to control his emotions. "I, ah . . . well, –", he stammered.
It took Ginny a moment but then her face erupted in surprise as she figured out who Harry meant. "Me?" she asked incredulously.
Harry glanced at her again and blushed even deeper, "Yeah," he finally admitted, trying hard not to meet her eyes.
"Harry," Ginny said softly, as she placed her hand on his arm. "Look at me, please." She waited till Harry looked up into her eyes, and she sighed deeply, "I . . . . I didn't know. " She quickly grabbed another sprout and began to peel it furiously, "Why didn't you say something?" she asked, her voice tight with her emotions.
Harry just looked at her for a moment and then said softly, "Dean."
Ginny' head jerked up, and she sighed deeply. "I'm sorry Harry, If I had known I would have gone with you instead."
"But what about Dean?" Harry asked, confused by Ginny's response.
"There's nothing between us, really," she said sadly.
"But you, . . . him. . . . in the secret passage. It sure looked like something."
Harry saw Ginny's shoulders slump. "I only did that to see if there wasn't any spark there, but there wasn't. I just didn't feel right," she said softly. Then looking at Harry she added, "It wasn't you Harry."
Harry thought his heart had stopped beating for a moment, all he could do was look at Ginny in shock.
Ginny looked at him questioningly and he finally said "I wished it was me, instead of Dean."
"Really?" Ginny said hopefully.
Harry gave her a wan smile, "Yeah. It was probably a good thing he left right away because I really wanted to hex him right then."
Ginny giggled, "Well if I hadn't been trying to hex Ron, I would have been right beside you."
"What?" Harry said in shock.
"Yeah, I guess the kiss wasn't enough for him, he had to try and cop a feel at the same time. If you and Ron hadn't shown up when you did I probably would have Bat Bogey hexed him."
Harry broke out in a laugh, causing Ginny to smile. "I would have liked to see that," Harry said.
"Well it still may happen when we get back to school if he opens his mouth," Ginny said a bit darkly.
"Why's that?" Harry asked, perplexed.
"Let's just say that Dean can sometimes run on at the mouth," Ginny replied.
"Then why did you go out with him?" Harry asked, looking closely at Ginny.
It was Ginny's turn to blush, "Well, you see, I was trying to forget about a certain green eyed, black haired bloke who I fancied and I thought he didn't even know I was alive," she said sheepishly.
"Trust me Ginny, I knew you were alive,I just didn't know how to tell you, and I could never seem to get away from your brother long enough anyway," Harry said ruefully.
Ginny chuckled, "Yeah, having your brother hanging around all the time can certainly put a damper on things."
The whole time they had been talking, Harry and Ginny were continuing to work on the pile of sprouts and they both reached for the last one at the same time. Their hands came together, Harry's hand grasping Ginny's as she closed hers on the sprout.
They locked eyes, for a moment they were still, and then with a grin, Harry lifted Ginny's hand to his lips and he gave it a small kiss.
Ginny felt a tingle run up her arm and down her spine. It was such an innocent act but also quite intimate.
"Harry," Ginny said huskily, her eyes ablaze.
"Ginny, I. . . ." Harry began, but then Ron and the Twins came blasting through the door.
Harry quickly let go of Ginny's hand, and he noticed the frown that formed on her face at the loss.
"We'll talk later," Harry whispered to her, his eyes full of regret at being interrupted.
Ginny smiled wanly, "OK, Harry. You also promised to tell me about your promise to Dumbledore," she said softly.
"I remember."
Ginny made short work of the last sprout, then turning to Ron said, "You owe me big time."
Ron looked stunned for a moment and just when he was about to make a snide retort when Mrs. Weasley cut him off, "That's right Ronald. Since you ran off leaving poor Harry to finish by himself and Ginny took your place helping him, you'll just have to do her job later."
"What's that?" Ron asked, as Ginny snickered behind him.
"She was to do the dishes tonight," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at him sternly.
Ron was about to protest when his Mum said, "Not a word, Ronald."
Ron groaned but didn't say anything. He just hung up his coat and slowly trudged up the stairs towards his room.
Harry couldn't help but smile at Ginny, who looked at him and gave him a conspiratorial wink.
By then the kitchen was filling with people and Harry and Ginny couldn't talk any more privately. Harry needed to get cleaned up before dinner and Ginny needed to help her Mum get the table set.
Harry did give her hand a quick squeeze as he passed her as he headed up the stairs, earning him a brilliant smile from Ginny. Harry felt like he floated up the stairs, his feet hardly touching the wood, such was the effect of her smile.
Harry washed up and decided to change into something a bit more dressy than what he was wearing. For some reason he thought that hopefully Ginny would notice and he wanted to look his best for her.
As he made his way back down towards the kitchen and Christmas Dinner, he was surprised by Ginny coming out of her room just as he was passing. She bumped into him as she came out onto the landing without looking.
"Sorry," she said, before she saw who it was. When she noticed it was Harry, she blushed deeply.
It was then that Harry noticed that she had changed her clothes too. She had put on a white blouse that was pleated and had a lace collar, plus a red and green plaid skirt that looked very festive. She had also puled her hair back and tied it with a green ribbon that set her hair off nicely.
Harry stared for a couple of moments and Ginny was starting to feel a little uncomfortable under his gaze when he said softly, "Wow, Ginny. You look amazing."
Unconsciously he reached up and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Ginny thought she'd pass out from the intensity of the feeling of Harry's fingers brushing her cheek, causing them both to blush.
"Merlin, Harry," Ginny said breathlessly.
Harry let his fingers linger for a moment and as they stared into each others eyes, they both started to lean towards one another. Their lips were just about to touch when Ron came charging down the stairs.
They pulled back quickly and Ron didn't notice the flushed look on each of their faces.
"Come on," he cried. "You're blocking the stairs. Mum is getting Dinner on the table!"
Harry and Ginny laughed, "Never get between Ron and food," Ginny said.
"Don't I know it," Harry replied, his eyes never leaving Ginny.
They let Ron by, but he turned several steps down and looked at Harry quizzically, "Come on! What are you waiting for?"
Harry shook his head and turned back toward Ginny, gesturing with his hands he said, "After you, milady."
Ginny smiled at him, "Why thank you, noble sir," she said with a slight curtsy.
Ron looked at them like they were daft, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "Don't encourage her, Harry," he said as he turned and started down the stairs again.
Harry ignored him, keeping his eyes fixed on the vision of loveliness that was descending the stairs before him. Ginny's hair bounced with every step she descended, exposing part of her neck as it did so.
For some reason, Harry couldn't take his eyes off of the creamy skin exposed as her hair bounced around her head, that coupled with the wonderful fragrance that she was leaving in a trail behind her had Harry's head spinning.
Ginny paused at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for Harry to catch up. She looked at him concerned, as he made his way down the last couple of steps. "You OK, Harry?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry managed to get out, but it was obvious to Ginny something was up.
She stepped in front of him and placed her hand on his arm, "Are you sure? You're looking a little funny," she said with a frown.
"Really, Ginny. I'm fine," he said, hoping to allay her fears, and keep his reaction to her as his secret.
Ginny reached up with a hand and placed it on his forehead, "You're feeling a bit warm," she said, her voice full of concern.
"Please, Ginny," Harry softly pleaded. "I'll be fine. You just need to let it be."
Ginny's eyes widened as she understood what was happening. She pulled her hand back quickly, like she had gotten burned. She opened her mouth to say something, but then she quickly closed it again. She knew anything she said would probably just make things worse.
"OK, Harry," she said softly, as she stepped back slightly. She kept her eyes fixed on Harry's as if she couldn't believe the effect she was having on him.
Harry took several deep breathes and he felt his racing heart begin to slow. He gave her a grin and was about to say something when the Twins came pounding down the stairs, much as Ron had done.
Harry managed to step out of the way just in time and he thought everything was going to be fine, when he noticed George stop and turn back to look at Harry and Ginny.
He didn't say anything, but the look in his eye worried Harry. It was a calculating, appraising look that Harry thought might not bode well.
Ginny took a hold of his arm at the elbow with her hands and steered him towards the table. People were just starting to sit down, so Ginny manoeuvred Harry into the chair next to hers.
Ron shot him a frowning look, but Harry just shrugged his shoulders and jerked his head at Ginny, as if to say, "It's her doing."
Ron nodded and turned to George who was sitting next to him. He whispered something to George, who looked at Harry for a moment before saying something back to Ron.
Harry was worried about what they were talking about, but he was interrupted by Ginny who smiled and said, "Don't pay them any mind, I'll take care of them if they step out of line."
Somehow this didn't ease Harry's worries, Ginny couldn't be with him all the time and he did have to sleep in the same room as Ron.
It was almost as if Ginny could read his thoughts, "Don't worry ,Harry. I have enough on all of them to keep them in their places, even if I'm not with you all the time."
Harry gave her a return smile and he hoped that she was right. He didn't worry about Ron as much as he did the Twins. He'd seen them at work at Hogwarts and he knew what they were capable of.
He was soon brought back to reality as Mrs. Weasley started to bring all the food to the table. No feast at Hogwarts could have surpassed what she had made. No one would go away hungry unless they wanted to. There were numerous platters piled high with a wide assortment of foods.
Harry found himself enamoured by Ginny all during the meal. When he was going to pass something by, she would lightly scold him and serve some herself onto his plate and he found that she was usually correct about if he'd like it or not.
Even with those things he really didn't care for, she made him try so he could really say that he didn't like it. And there were truthfully not many items that he couldn't stomach. A couple of things she even went as far as offering him a fork or spoonful off her own plate for him to try.
At first he blushed and was reluctant to eat from her utensils but she was very persistent in a very genial manner and by the end of the meal he had no problem eating what she offered to him.
By the time the desserts were brought out, he ended up doing the same to her and Harry couldn't remember ever having such a pleasant meal. Ginny had him laughing and smiling almost the whole time with stories of growing up at the Burrow with her six brothers and he was sure he had learned more about everyone of her family than he had in his five plus years of being friends with Ron.
Molly then announced that tea would be served in the parlour, so everyone got up and began to make their way into the other room. Harry stood quickly and pulled Ginny's chair back to help her rise.
Ginny flashed Harry another one of her brilliant smiles that made his heart race and stomach do flip-flops, but he knew that he'd do just about anything to get her to smile at him like that again.
She once more took his arm and led him into the parlour, guiding him over to the smaller of the two couches. It was really just big enough for two and he was surprised but pleased when she sat next to him.
In passing he noticed that Ron kept giving him looks but he paid him no mind, concentrating on the captivating young witch beside him instead. He found her witty, funny and oh so pleasant to be with and he realized that the longer he spent time with her, the more he wanted to spend more with her.
Once he even saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looking their way, Mr. Weasley whispering something to his wife and then they both smiled, before she said something back to him, the whole time never taking their eyes off Ginny and him.
He gently elbowed Ginny and indicated with his eyes and she looked at her parents for a moment before turning back to him and smiling. "What do you think they're saying?" she asked, her eyes dancing with delight.
Harry took one last glance as Ginny's parents broke apart, Mrs. Weasley heading back into the kitchen to get more tea and Mr. Weasley sitting down in his favourite chair, where he began to play with the wireless, finally tuning in Celestina Warbeck, one of Mrs. Weasley's favourite performers.
Ginny giggled when Fleur began to make snide comments about Celestina and the songs she was singing. Harry tried not to laugh but Ginny's comments made just loud enough for him to hear, had him in stitches.
Harry thought he'd died and gone to heaven when Ginny rested her hand on his arm, keeping it there for quite some time as they talked.
It was later that evening when Harry realized that something had changed, and his feelings for Ginny were no longer just idle fancying, that she had become so much closer and he marvelled at the thought of her.
He found himself just staring at her as she was looking at her family. The Fairy Lights from the tree were twinkling and their multi-hued colours gave her hair fantastic highlights that made her already beautiful hair seem so much more magical than ever. Her skin glowed softly in the subdues lights of the tree, candles and fireplace, giving her a fresh, soft look that drew his eyes to her.
Somehow it was if Ginny suddenly knew Harry was staring at her and she turned and faced him. Their eyes met and they both slowly smiled softly, eyes alight with the magic that seemed to swirl in the air.
Harry so much wanted to kiss her but he refrained because of all the people in the room. He was aware of the tension between them and he was sure Ginny was experiencing the same urge. She lightly licked her lips, making them glisten in the low light of the room.
Harry let out a small groan and gave a small shudder as his emotions washed over him. Ginny squeezed his hand lightly and when Harry's eyes reopened he saw her smiling at him. She mouthed "Me too," as she held on a little tighter.
Harry quickly looked around the room to see if anyone had noticed anything and he was relieved when no one seemed to be paying any attention to them. He glanced at Ginny again and saw she was slightly flushed and he was glad he didn't have to stand right at the moment because a certain part of his anatomy would have made it difficult and probably prove to be extremely embarrassing.
Harry took several deep breaths to calm himself and he wasn't surprised when he felt Ginny do the same. To ease the tension he began to talk to her about how she was doing in her classes so far this year.
Ginny's face once more took on a bright smile and they talked for quite some time about normal things that any friends would. Harry had never spent any time like this before and he found it a wonderful experience. There was no pressure, no uneasy feelings or awkwardness, he and Ginny just talking.
Harry felt himself relaxing and he silently wished that he could stay here with Ginny forever. No Riddle or doom prophecy hanging over him, no destiny to fulfill, no expectations of what was to come, just pleasant company and the sense of calm he felt.
Harry must have given something away on his face, because Ginny asked him "What's wrong, Harry?"
Harry looked into her amazing chocolate brown eyes, so taken with the little flecks of gold and darker brown that seemed to float around. "I was just wishing that I never had to leave this spot," he said softly and a bit sadly.
Ginny nodded in agreement, "I know what you mean," she said. "Tonight has been simply amazing and I wish it didn't have to end too."
The clock struck twelve and most of the people who remained were heading off to bed. Harry was glad that the Twins didn't seem to even glance their way but he did notice Ron give him a look, his frown speaking volumes, that he didn't needto verbalize.
Mr. Weasley had headed out to the kitchen and Mrs. Weasley was dousing some of the lights and as she came near where Harry and Ginny were, she looked at the pair sitting on the couch. Before she could say anything Ginny spoke up, "Mum, may Harry and I sit up and talk for a while?"
Molly eyed them critically, then with a slight smile she replied, "All right, but not too late, understand?"
"Yes Mum, and thanks," Ginny said with a smile.
"Just don't make me regret allowing this," Mrs. Weasley said, a bit of a stern edge to her voice.
"I won't Mum," Ginny replied.
"Well good night you two," Molly said as she left the room.
It was several moments later when Harry and Ginny heard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley head up the stairs and as soon as their footsteps faded Ginny said, "So you ready to tell me what's going on?"
Harry looked at her for a moment before nodding his head. He then began to recount to her everything that he knew about the prophecy, what Dumbledore had told him about what he guessed that Riddle was up to, what he had done and how it looked like it was up to him to defeat Riddle once and for all.
The whole time Ginny was silent, listening attentively, letting Harry tell the story without needless interruption. When Harry finally wound down, he looked at her and said, "Well there you have it, that's everything that Dumbledore has told me and what I've managed to figure out myself."
Ginny looked at Harry, her face full of concern and Harry found it hard to hold her gaze, but when he looked away, Ginny tenderly used her hand to bring Harry's face back towards hers. "Thanks for telling me Harry. It means a lot to me that you would trust me enough to tell me."
For some reason that Harry couldn't understand, his throat closed up as he choked on his emotions. He closed his eyes, his mind a-whirl with all that remained to be done and the weight of the task before him.
Harry was surprised when Ginny took him into a hug, and he felt something break loose inside of him as her warmth and sweet fragrance overwhelmed him. He wrapped his arms around her in return, clinging tightly to her as if he let go he would be swept away from everything that he held near and dear.
He became aware that tears were running down his face, and Ginny was gently running her hand through his hair as she whispered soothing things to him. He couldn't even really figure out what she was saying, his emotional state making comprehension impossible, but taking great comfort from them in spite of it.
Slowly he felt the strain and weight leave him and he felt calm return once again, Ginny's gentle caresses and soft words bringing him back to a sense of peace.
"Thank you," he finally got out.
"There is no need to thank me Harry," Ginny replied, her gentle smile making him feel better.
They were still in a loose embrace, Harry leaned back and looked once more into Ginny's eyes, eyes that captivated him once again.
Slowly they leaned in and this time there was no one to interrupt. Their lips came together, softly at first and then with a growing passion.
Harry thought that while holding, smelling and being with Ginny was totally amazing, but kissing her was so much more. Both of them groaned at the intensity of the things they were feeling.
Harry had never imagined kissing someone could be that overpowering. His only experience with Cho had been a pale imitation of what he was experiencing with Ginny.
Ginny was experiencing the same thing. When she had told Harry about her kiss with Dean and how there was no spark or connection, what she was feeling with him was just a powerful as what he was feeling. "Spark," she thought, "It's an inferno with Harry." She knew she wanted every kiss to be just as thrilling and intense, and she knew that Harry was the one that could fulfill that desire.
Finally they broke apart, both resting foreheads together, neither saying anything, both just relishing the after-effect of the kiss. Ginny's hands were still wrapped around Harry's neck and his were around her shoulders.
"Godric, Harry," Ginny finally said huskily. "I never knew that it could be like that."
"Neither did I," Harry replied, his voice just a choked by emotion as Ginny's was.
Ginny leaned back slightly and they stared into one another's eyes, their noses only an inch apart. Both smiled and after a quick hug they kissed each other again. This time keeping things under much better control and keeping the kiss much shorter.
"Harry, as much as I'd love to stay here and continue this I think we'd better stop," she said tenderly.
"Don't you trust me?" Harry said playfully.
"It's me I don't trust Harry. I'm feeling things that I know I'm not ready for and I'm not sure I could stop if we continued," Ginny said earnestly.
Harry nodded in agreement, "I know what you mean Ginny. I've never felt like this about anyone before and I just know that I want to share things with you when we're both ready."
"Thanks Harry," Ginny said softly.
"There's no need to thank me," Harry replied.
"Yes there is Harry. Sometimes guys get really angry when the girl wants to stop. I've never experienced it but some of the girls in the dorms have and they feel really bad about it, like somehow they're letting the boy down or something."
Harry looked at her incredulously, "Well then those guys are huge gits," he said, his voice full of his disdain.
"Well that's why I think you're something special, you are a gentleman in the best sense of the word."
Harry smiled at her, "You're the special one Ginny," he said, softly stroking his hand through her hair.
"I hope we can do this again sometime," Harry said, rather sheepishly, his face colouring.
"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" Ginny asked with a smirk.
Harry couldn't help but smile back at her, "Yeah, I am."
"Good, because I don't just kiss anyone and I certainly would hate to have to hex you," Ginny said with a laugh.
Harry stood up, extended his hand to help her rise. "This without a doubt has been my best Christmas ever, even better than my first year at Hogwarts when I got presents for the first time that I can remember."
Ginny snuggled into his side and as they made their way to the stairs they hugged each other tightly, both reluctant to part but both knowing that they needed to cool things off.
They slowly made their way up to the landing where Ginny's room was, noticing the light go out under Ginny's parent's door as they passed.
They stared into each other's eyes for a moment outside Ginny's room, then the shared a tender kiss. They both were glad that they were on the stairs and not still down stairs as things could have gotten out of hand.
Parting lips, they hugged once more, "Goodnight Ginny," Harry whispered.
"Goodnight Harry," Ginny whispered in reply. She than gave him one more quick kiss before she let go of him and entered her room. She looked back at him, hesitating for a moment and then with a smile she said, "See you in the morning," as she slowly shut the door.
Harry smiled back at her, "Till morning," he replied, as the door closed. With a huge contented sigh, Harry started up the stairs, hoping that Ron was asleep.
XX HP + GW XX
A/N: Just another spot where they could have gotten together. I had to do this from scratch, as my laptop is still down. Hopefully tomorrow night when the computer guy comes he'll be able to resurrect it and all my FanFiction files can be saved.
As always please review, I could really use the positive reinforcement right now.