8

Bits & Bobs

Friends

Harry sat on his cot bed in Ron's room at the Burrow. He was carefully wrapping a package for Ginny's birthday that was the very next day.

Luckily Ron was down in the parlour play chess with his father so Harry didn't need to answer any awkward questions from his best mate.

As he finished spellotaping the wrapping paper, a Quidditch themed one with Chasers with Quaffles, Beaters, Bludgers and Snitches, he then tied a beautiful green silk ribbon around it, he thought back to the last couple of weeks since he arrived at the Weasley home.

Forefront on his mind was the birthday girl, Ginny. It had taken some doing but he had gradually broken through her overwhelming crush and started to become good friends with her.

Ron, of course, had been a prat about it, but Harry wouldn't be denied. He insisted that Ginny be included in almost everything they did. At first Ron had thrown a few mini-tantrums, stalking off and refusing to talk to Harry or his sister.

Harry really didn't care as he got to spend some one on one time with Ginny.

When Ron finally got his head out of arse, the three spent most of the time with others included, playing Quidditch or swimming in the pond or hanging out in the parlour in the evenings, playing Exploding Snap, Gobstones or Wizard's chess.

Harry used these times to get to know Ginny better. He was please with the results as she relaxed around him and he got to see the real Ginny emerge. She had a wicked sense of humour and was as devious and mischievous as the twins if not more so.

She also loved Quidditch as much as he did and knew just as much as Ron did about the game, plus she was as smart as Hermione but she didn't flaunt it. All in all he found her to be a fun and fascinating person to know.

The next morning came quickly and the day was spent having loads of fun with the birthday girl. Of course there was a family Quidditch game that was enjoyed by all.

Harry especially loved watching Ginny fly. She did it with such pure joy and abandonment, that it took his breath away.

Dinner was the usual raucous affair, but Harry could see how much love everyone shared. It was of course all of Ginny's favourites, roast beast, mashed potatoes, garden fresh string beans and a luscious strawberry shortcake for pudding.

After dinner everyone gather in the parlour so Ginny could open her presents. From her parents she received some very pretty blouses and skirts that Ginny oohed over. Bill had sent her a collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts including a scarab and a pendent with a protective cartouche on it.

From Charlie she received a new pair of dragon-hide gloves that would serve her well in potions and herbology. Percy's gift was much appreciated, a selection of coloured pencils and a pad of drawing paper, Ginny loved to draw.

The twins had surprised everyone with giving her a beautifully embroidered Weird Sisters denim jacket. Everyone knew how much she loved the group.

Ron was so predictable, giving her a half dozen chocolate frogs and a Quidditch poster. At least it was for her favourite team, the Holyhead Harpies and not the Chudley Cannons.

Last she came to Harry's present. Ginny was a little surprised as she hadn't really expected him to get her something as they were just becoming friends. She smiled at the wrapping paper and loved the extra fine silk ribbon, that she was going to use to tie back her hair.

Slowly opening the box she was a little shocked at what she saw. Inside was a selection of very fine and expensive quills, much finer than she had ever owned before. Plus there was a sheaf of high quality parchment, way to nice to use for essays at school.

Looking at Harry, she saw him staring at her nervously. Smiling she went and gave him a warm hug. "Thank you, Harry," she said gratefully. "I've never had such fine quills and parchment."

Blushing slightly, Harry said "I thought you could use something useful, you know, for school."

Ginny smiled at him. "I think I'll save it for writing letters and such, they're much to nice to waste on essays for Snape."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sure the greasy git wouldn't appreciate it," causing her to laugh.

Then Ginny frowned, "You didn't need to get me anything. When did you have a chance to shop for me?"

Harry gave her a grin, "I had your Dad take me to Diagon Alley last week one day before you got up. I wanted to surprise you. Plus, you're my friend and I wanted to get you a birthday gift."

Ginny looked sad, "But I didn't get you anything," she whispered.

"Ginny, we weren't friends then. Don't worry about it. Getting to know you and becoming friends is all the gift I need from you," Harry replied warmly.

Ginny's lips quivered, as if she didn't know to smile or frown. Finally the smile won. "I'm glad we've become friends," she said softly.

Harry hugged her tightly, "Me too, Ginny. I think it's the best gift of all."