Chapter
Three: Ginny's Promise.
Ginny
had to go. She had promised Neville. All night long, Ginny lay in bed and
relived that magical kiss with Harry. Part of her was chastising her for being
so silly. Part of it felt sorry for Neville. The rest of it was celebrating in
style. Oh, how Harry had kissed her! And as for the dream she had last night -
wow!
All
morning she had been feeling so unreal. Her best friend Penny Riven was dying
to know why Ginny was so happy, and so Ginny promised to tell her tonight. But
first of all, Ginny had promised to see Neville at lunchtime.
Neville
was alone in the small, seldom used sports hall. They were there as part of a
small dance practice group ran by Professor Flitwick in preparation for the
coming Yule Ball. Neville smiled at Ginny, but Ginny suddenly felt awful.
Neville looked terrible and part of Ginny immediately felt as if he knew about
her kissing Harry.
Professor
Flitwick smiled and he surveyed the turnout. Only five couples were here, but
at least they were here, he thought.
Neville
and Ginny had taken a few lessons from a muggle in Hogsmeade, and Professor
Flitwick was not very good by comparison, but he did seem very enthusiastic
about music and dancing, which was sort of infectious when he got going. Ginny
and Neville had been coming here for all of the previous five sessions, and
they truly left having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, despite not learning that
much.
Today
though, Neville and Ginny danced silently and without passion. Ginny had been
surprised how agile, co-ordinated and muscular Neville was up close. In fact,
Neville had been the perfect tonic for her Harry fixation and seemed like such
a good bet.
Ginny
stared into Neville's eyes, and try as she might, could only think of Harry.
Suddenly, Ginny had to stop and look away. Neville deftly grabbed her hand and
forced her to resume her dance.
"Ginny."
he said coolly, " I know you kissed Harry last night. I know you love him
more than you could love me. But don't you dare stop the dance."
Ginny
suddenly felt his strength around her wrists and felt a wave of fear sweep
through her.
"Please.
Ginny, this is all I have of you." concluded Neville.
The
pair continued in silence. Ginny stared at Neville and felt wretched. Ginny had
been exactly the same about Harry and understood exactly what Neville was going
through.