Time Changes Everything

A fan fiction by Pottergirl

Everything belongs to J.K.Rowling, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Here is the longest chapter so far, chapter 10. I hope you'll like it because I certainly enjoyed writing it. I lay awake for nights, listening to songs by Enrique Iglesias and Sting to help me with ideas for the Ball. I wrote some scenes, cut them, wrote all over again, and finally this chapter was complete. Also, I would like to add that I received a lot of help from the songs I have been listening to late at night on earphones. You should try it sometimes. (I recommend 'Bailamos', 'Rhythm Divine', 'I Have Always Loved You' by Enrique and 'Fields of Gold' by Sting if you want ideas for Balls!) More Authors' notes at the bottom.

Harry was awakened on a bright, snowy Christmas morning by a heavy pillow that landed on his face. He heard a chuckle. Ron. Harry got up to see Ron, all dressed, wearing a navy blue jumper with a large bright yellow "R" on the front.

'Merry Christmas!' Ron exclaimed. Harry put on his glasses.

'Merry Christmas, though it would have been merrier if you had woken me up in a less brutal away!' said Harry, grinning. Ron pointed to the jumper he had put on.

'Look, blue! Finally, for once, Mum remembered I hated maroon!' he said, happily. 'Wonder which you got?'

'Jet black?' Harry ventured, grinning, and got up quickly. Ron grinned, and then his eyes lit up.

'Oops, I forgot to show you something!' He turned to his bed, and rummaged about, finally emerging with a lumpy package that seemed to have been hastily unwrapped, then put back into its wrapping.

'What's that?' asked Harry. Ron's grin grew wider and he opened the package quickly, shaking out what looked like…

'Dress robes!' said Ron. 'New dress robes! Twins gave them to me this morning. Don't know how but look…they're excellent. No lace anywhere!'

Harry smiled, remembering the end of last term when he had given his TriWizard winnings to Fred and George and asked them to buy proper dress for Ron with them. They seemed to have remembered Harry's words.

'They're really very good Ron. They're exactly like the ones your parents got me for my birthday this year. Navy blue,' said Harry, very pleased.

'Yeah, we'll look odd, dressed up alike but I don't mind. They're really very good. I have to remember to do something good for the twins too next time…' said Ron, holding his robes in front of him, admiring them. He turned to Harry.

'I was wondering till last night what I could do with my old robes…you know, change them into something better and I got these in the morning. They're wonderful!'

Soon, all of Harry's presents were open before him. Ron had given him a large box of Chocolate Frogs. Hermione had given him a box of Sugarquills and Fizzing Whizbees. Sirius had sent a book called "Keep That Broom In Shape So That It Doesn't Act Up During Your Next Match" along with a small picture of Harry's parents, where they were standing by the Hogwarts lake, looking as if they were in seventh or sixth year. Harry could not take his eyes off the picture. He was reminded of what Jef, the elf had said two nights before. His parents did look like…himself and…Ginny. No wonder Jef had mistaken Harry and Ginny for Harry's parents.

Even Ginny had sent something and Harry was glad he had sent her something that year too. She had sent him a small box which contained a large bottle of what looked like water and five different quills. Upon inspection, and the note from Ginny, it turned out to be Invisible Ink that would be visible only to the person who knew the correct spell. Each bottle came with a different spell so no one could use their spell on someone else's ink. Harry wondered if she liked the gift he had sent her; a large book of Muggle Jokes and a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Mrs. Weasley had sent him a navy blue jumper like Ron's but with a bight green "H" on the front. She had also sent a small box of homemade toffees of different colors and flavors. The Dursleys, as usual, came up with the most abysmal of gifts; a rubber band attached to a blank piece of paper, with only the word- "Dursley" on it.

'Thanks for the Chocolate Frogs, Ron,' said Harry, putting away all his presents in his trunk. Ron nodded, his mouth currently busy in chewing on some of the toffee that his mother had sent him. When he was finally able to swallow it, he asked,

'Forgot to ask yesterday Harry, really…were you able to ask that some one whom I don't know to the Ball?'

Harry nodded. 'Yeah, two days ago.' Ron grinned.

'So, was it ok? Did she agree?' Harry nodded again, feeling himself go red. Ron's grin grew wider.

'Who is she? Won't you tell me now?'

'Er…'

'I don't believe it Harry,' Ron exclaimed. 'It's just one word. Honestly, I won't laugh if you say Eloise Midgen or-'

'Ginny,' said Harry and closed his eyes, as Ron's voice trailed off.

'Ginny?' Ron finally asked. Harry opened his eyes to see Ron staring at him.

'Ginny,' Harry confirmed, feeling heat radiate from his face, not knowing what would happen next. Ron walked up to him, his arms folded across his chest, his eyes narrowed.

'How Harry? How? How is it that when finally Ginny's over you, you start liking her? I mean, you're blushing! How did this all happen?' he asked finally.

Harry gulped, going pale.

'Ron-'

'No, wait… wait a second… when did this start, I dare ask.'

'Ron, wait… you-' Harry was completely at a loss for words. Ron was asking him questions he did not know the answers to himself. Almost.

'You think she deserves you?' Ron asked, stepping right up to Harry, glaring at him. Harry saw a smile tug at the corners of Ron's mouth and he felt like laughing out loud. Ron was doing this deliberately. He actually enjoyed watching Harry go to pieces. Well then, he thought. Two can play at that game.

'Yes,' said Harry firmly. 'She does… well, not any less than Hermione-'

'No, I said-' Ron had cut in but Harry had been faster.

'Oh yes, now what's the problem? You like Hermione but when I like Ginny, it's the opposite… no Ron, go ahead and say you won't let me like her… go ahead and say she's your sister, and you won't let her go without a fight! Go on!'

Ron looked at Harry in the eye.

'Was I supposed to say that?' he asked, confusion suddenly etched all across his face. Neither had been able to hold on any longer and they collapsed into fits of laughter.

Ron ended up apologizing to Harry for scaring the life out of him. He looked at Harry, grinning.

'Now what did you just say? You won't let me like her,' said Ron, quoting a part of Harry's speech. Harry went scarlet. He didn't know where that had suddenly come from and Ron was going to pound him on this one.

'Uh…'

'Yes, yes, now I see why…' said Ron, grinning mischievously.

'W-What?' asked Harry, gulping. This was the real Ron, being very, very mischievous.

'Oh, you know…carrying the Charmzirius around, blushing, fighting with Malfoy and losing the pitch eventually…all for her.'

'Ron,' said Harry quickly, knowing only one effective retaliation. 'If I began recounting all about you when Hermione was around…'

'Okay, okay,' said Ron quickly, knowing when to back off. 'One question only…do you really…like Ginny?'

Harry looked away, wondering how he was going to answer that one. He knew he liked Ginny, a lot, lot, lot. But saying that to Ron was…difficult. He met Ron's eyes, and Ron grinned. Ron walked past Harry to the door.

'I figured as much,' he said, still grinning.

Harry and Ron went downstairs later to find a much different Christmas than the ones they had spent in Hogwarts previously. Many Gryffindors were there this year and most of them had stayed back because of the Christmas Ball, which was to be held that evening.

Among the crowd of Gryffindors greeting one another, Harry and Ron spotted Hermione, sitting with Ginny in the far corner of the Commonroom, talking. Ginny had a soft blue jumper on with an off-white "G" on the front and her bright red hair lay across her shoulders, giving a lovely effect. Harry thought she looked really pretty.

'Merry Christmas,' Harry greeted the two as he and Ron came over to them. Hermione and Ginny wished him back. There was a general lack of space it seemed and Harry resorted to sitting in front of the fire and Ron was eventually able to coax a red faced Hermione to squeeze in beside her in the large armchair.

'Don't worry, Fred and George are in Hogsmeade right now,' Ron said, leaning over to give Hermione a kiss. Harry looked over at Ginny to give Ron and Hermione a moment. Ginny grinned at Harry and he wondered if he was looking flushed. He grinned back at her.

'Thanks for the joke book and the beans. Some of the jokes are really funny,' said Ginny, holding up the joke book which she had apparently been reading.

'Well, guess Muggles aren't that bad?' Harry said. Ginny smiled.

'Martin Miggs, the comic was really good. In fact, I guess, Muggles are really humorous,' she said.

'I didn't think anyone would ever call Uncle Vernon humorous!' said Harry and he and Ginny dissolved into laughter.

'Harry, want to have a snow fight?' asked Ron quickly, and Harry turned to him. Hermione now had her blushing face hidden in a book, which was upside down.

'But Fred and George…'

'…are here,' said Fred suddenly from behind Harry. 'Merry Christmas, Harry! Let's go for a snow fight, unless you'd rather have another Quidditch practice?'

A tough snow fight was soon underway in the grounds of Hogwarts. Small snow castles, like army shelters, had been set up several feet apart. Harry, Ron and George were on one side and Hermione, Ginny and Fred were on the other, as the two sides aimed snowballs at one another. Ron raised his head cautiously. Hermione sent a large snowball flying at him and he quickly dodged it. George saw that. He grinned and chanted,

'Missed him, missed him! Now you've got to kiss him!'

Ron and Hermione turned red and Ron took a great ball of snow, hitting it in George's face.

'Traitor!' George shouted in mock rage.

Harry got hit by a large snowball as he raised his head.

'Oops!' said a delighted voice. Harry grinned. Ginny.

'Wow, Gin, you hit Harry Potter…brought him to his senses!' said Fred.

'Oh shut up Fred,' Ginny grumbled and pushed him into a heap of soft snow.

In the end, there was a general open fight without any shelters. With their feet frozen cold and their socks soaked completely, red faced, they trudged back to the castle for a Christmas lunch.

Harry caught Ginny's eyes and grinned. She blushed. Harry loved it when she blushed. It gave him a…happy feeling. He remembered the Ball that was to take place that night…a Ball…dancing with Ginny…Harry felt light hearted and happy. He didn't mind what he thought about her now. He was beginning to admit to himself, in some part of his mind, that he was actually falling for Ginny Weasley. Truly.

~*~

The house tables were all in their places that year because if the large number of students who had stayed back that year for the Ball. The Great Hall was decorated beautifully. Festoons of Holly and sprigs of Mistletoe hung from the ceiling. The sky outside was cloudy with a slight drizzle by then and it was reflected in the ceiling of the Great Hall. Decorated Christmas tress had been set up around the hall and the colored banners of the houses were hung above their respective house tables.

Ginny smiled. She felt so…content. She was going to go to a Ball with Harry Potter that night! Why would she not be happy? He was someone she had admired since she had first seen him, or even before that, when she had first read of his famous story in a history book. And she was going to go to a Ball with him. He had asked her. A shiver of happiness and pleasure ran through Ginny, and she clasped her hands together, looking up at the ceiling of the Great Hall. It was a dream come true…though, it seemed too good to be true.

Christmas lunch went on for a very long time. There was a lot of noise and mess when firecrackers went off all around the room. Even Professor McGonagall was laughing. It was a merry, merry day…and no one wanted the festivities to end. Fred and George, in great spirits, came up with some of their latest inventions. The Gryffindors got to see Seamus turning into a pink peacock, Neville's tongue suddenly enlarging, Angelina's nose turning black or even large donkey ears popping out of Ron's head. Fred took a suspicious looking little bean to Ginny who jumped up from her seat, giggling.

Fred brought it to her but she backed away and took refuge under the table.

'Tsk tsk,' said Fred, grinning. 'Come out, come out sis. It's nothing, only a little fur sprouting candy.' Ginny squeaked.

'Ron!'

It was a nightmare for Ginny to be tested with Fred and George's inventions and doing that in front of all Hogwarts was unimaginable for her.

Ron chuckled. 'Don't Fred,' he said.

Harry felt Ginny's hand on his ankle.

'Oh, sorry, Harry,' she said quickly and Harry tried to stop himself from turning red. He took out his wand and pointed it at the toffee in Fred's hand. Fred was busy, bending to seek out Ginny under the table. Harry remembered a spell Professor Lupin had once used.

'Wadiwassi!' he said and the toffee slipped out of Fred's hand. Harry flicked his wand sharply and the toffee shot upward at Fred…right into his mouth. Fred gulped, swallowing the toffee.

'Harry!' he gasped, looking quite shocked but then he grinned. 'Let's see what happens.'

He had barely said this when he suddenly turned brown from head to toe. And then, with a small pop and a puff of purple smoke, thick fur sprouted all over him. The Gryffindors laughed all around him and he wriggled his body, the long fur dancing around him.

Ginny peeked from under the table, giggling at the antics of her older brother. Harry grinned at her.

'One down. I think you're quite safe,' he said and Ginny crawled out from under the table. Fred and George grinned at her mischievously.

'Prince charming saved you this time, didn't he?' said George. Ginny blushed and stomped over to the twins.

'If you say another word…' she threatened, 'I'll write to mum and tell her all about this summer…you know, inventions and all that. Nice way to spend your time when the N.E.W.T.s are coming up.'

Fred and George grinned apologetically.

'Oh no, there's definitely no need of that, sis. See you!' said George and they quickly returned to their own seats. Ginny giggled and returned to her own. Harry looked at her with awe.

'See how that works?' she said to Ron and Harry. 'You should try it out sometimes, Ron.'

Harry fidgeted with his new dress robes. They were very good, with golden cuff links and all. He just hoped he looked really good…handsome. Ron was standing beside him, talking away at full speed and Harry wondered if he had acquired that habit from Hermione.

'…I didn't tell her about the new robes, she's going to be in for a surprise. Actually, Hermione did offer to help with my old ones…but I said I didn't need her help. I was actually thinking of going to the library to check out some spells. They must have some of course on tailoring, etc. Hey, Harry, how do I look now? Okay?'

Harry gritted his teeth.

'Ron, for the seventeenth time, you look okay,' he grumbled.

'Right,' said Ron, smiling slightly. He looked at Harry.

'You're looking quite good too, Harry. My sister will probably be fawning over you,' he said.

'Ron!' Harry exclaimed.

'Okay, okay,' Ron said quickly.

'Will somebody help me with my cuffs?' said Neville just then. Ron went over to help since he was ready.

'Lace cuffs?'

Harry turned to see Neville, standing beside Ron, trying desperately to button his thick, lacy cuffs. He turned back to the mirror. He was taller than last year, definitely and looked much sturdier; not the old knobbly knees. His hairs were just as unruly as before, standing up at the back of his head.

Harry adjusted his robes and tried to flatten his hair. He couldn't help feeling excited, as if it was the first ever Ball he was going to. It was in fact, his second. He felt very nervous and kept adjusting his collar.

The Commonroom was packed with boys-mostly-in dress robes, waiting for their partners to come down, fidgeting with their appearances. Harry wasn't very nervous any more. He was quite frantic, feeling butterflies in his stomach. Not again! He groaned inaudibly, feeling sick because of his nerves. Ron looked quite anxious too. He ran his hand over his hair repeatedly, trying to tame it. Neville was roaming nearby.

'My lace cuffs have come undone!' he exclaimed.

Harry sat down, then stood up again. He felt as if his heart was stuck in his throat, throbbing there painfully. When would Ginny come down?

'It's almost nine! They should be here! How long do they take getting ready?' Ron exclaimed, looking at his watch.

'Ginny went up to get ready two hours ago,' Harry sighed, wondering how she'd look after spending two hours getting ready. She already looked quite pretty…

'Hermione went up with her,' said Ron, sighing, watching the girls' staircase silently. His eyes suddenly lit up.

'There's Hermione,' he said to Harry, happily. Harry looked up to see Hermione coming down the stairs with Lavender, talking animatedly. She looked quite pretty, thought Harry, in robes of faded chrome. Hermione came over to them, smiling. Ron was literally gaping at Hermione who was now blushing.

'Hello, Ron, Harry. Ron, you've got…new robe! They look really nice!' she said. Harry chuckled as Ron went away into the history of the robes. Harry looked away, not wanting to be an audience to something he had heard enough times already that very day.

He looked over at the staircase. There came Miranda, one of Ginny's friends, and Julia. Harry stood up suddenly. There was Ginny. Or was it Ginny?

Harry blinked, his mouth falling open. Ginny was wearing soft blue robes that sparkled silver in places. Her brilliant red hair were pulled back from her face and they danced lightly around her neck and shoulders. A small, glistening, silver chain around her neck completed the effect. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, as she smiled at her friend.

Harry was dazzled. She's gorgeous!

'And I thought Ginny would be fawning over Harry. It seems to have turned the other way round,' said Ron loudly. Harry heard Ron but did not care as Ginny left her friend and walked up to him.

'Hello, Harry,' she said brightly. Harry blinked.

'H-Hi…you're looking very…pretty… Ginny,' he said, making Ginny blush and look at her hands.

'Thanks,' she said softly.

'Ahem,' Ron interrupted. 'Can we go down now?' Harry saw Ron had his arm linked with Hermione's. He gulped, hoping he was doing everything right so far. Ginny was smiling and that was a good sign. He nodded to Ron and offered his arm to Ginny. She blushed slightly and took it. Harry glanced at Hermione and Ron, who grinned at him encouragingly. He smiled faintly and they left the Commonroom for the Great Hall.

The Great Hall, if there was any possible way to describe it, was magnificent. A golden brown light illuminated everything and tiny fairies fluttered around near the ceiling instead of the floating candles. The house tables were set for a magnificent dinner, with new cutlery and sparkling glassware. A soft, delicate scent filled the hall and the atmosphere was very peaceful. The large door to the Hogwarts gardens was open that night, allowing students to go outside as and when they pleased.

Harry felt Ginny sigh deeply when they entered the Great Hall.

'It's beautiful,' she said, looking around at the Great Hall in wonder. Harry nodded.

'It's looking better than last year,' he said, liking the pleasant atmosphere.

'Let's find seats quickly, shall we?' said Ron and the four made their way to the Gryffindor house table.

Dinner took a very long time to pass, or so Harry thought. There were five different courses and there was so much variety that nothing could be eaten twice if you wanted something of everything. Harry felt a little impatient. When would the Ball begin? This feast was all well but what about the Ball?

'Look,' said Ron, through a mouthful of Hunter Beef. 'It's the Weird Sisters, my favorite!'

Harry looked at where Ron was pointing. The famous band of the wizarding world, the Weird Sisters were at the staff table, eating, while their musical instruments lay ready beside them.

'And there's Celestina Warbeck…' said Ginny, amazed. 'I never thought I'd get to see her. She's brilliant, her songs are wonderful.'

'They are?' asked Hermione.

'You'll find out for yourself tonight. She has a lovely voice, and her songs…they are twice as good,' said Ginny happily.

Finally Dumbledore stood up, asking everyone else to do the same. Harry almost jumped out of his place, feeling springs on the soles of his shoes suddenly. Ron was nervously fidgeting with his hair again.

'Merry Christmas everyone!' said Dumbledore warmly, spreading his arms out in welcome. 'Well, since we have just had a splendid feast, we must continue with the evening. I welcome our guests, the Weird Sisters and Miss Celestina Warbeck to Hogwarts and a magical night ahead. The Ball will last until midnight, after which I have to ask you to go back to your respective towers. The Hogwarts gardens are open to everyone but I have to ask you not to go beyond for safety reasons. Let the Christmas Ball begin!'

There was a thunderous applause as Dumbledore waved his wand and all the house tables disappeared. He waved his wand another time causing the lights to dim and the floor of the Great Hall took upon a polished surface, so that the enchanted ceiling was reflected in it. The new décor drew gasps from all across he Hall.

'Wow,' Ron mouthed, looking at the floor. It seemed the world had turned up side down as a moon lit night lay spread out across the floor of the Great Hall.

Couples drifted on to the dance floor, enchanted by the décor as the Weird Sisters struck up a quick, lively tune. Celestina Warbeck was talking animatedly to Professor Dumbledore in a corner and Professor McGonagall stood by, nodding her head in agreement to whatever Celestina Warbeck was saying.

Harry looked over at Ginny. She was looking around at the enchanted Great Hall. For her, it was a strange dream like state. Moonlight from the ceiling fell upon her, illuminating every little detail of her face. Her dancing eyes glistened in the light, entrancing Harry completely. He forgot about everything or everyone else.

'Dance?' he asked, extending his hand. Ginny looked over at him and grinned, blushing at the same time.

'Yes,' she whispered, the words barely getting past her lips. Harry grinned, relieved. Somewhere in his mind, he had been worried Ginny would refuse but she proved that wrong.

She placed her hand gently in his and Harry led her on to the dance floor, forgetting anything else that ever mattered on the earth. He did not stop to ponder the effect she was having on him. The Weird Sisters had started off with a lively instrumental and Harry quickly placed a hand on her waist, the other holding her hand gently. Her other hand came to rest lightly on his arm.

And they danced.

Harry had never danced much before but helped along by Ginny, he soon found it wasn't very difficult after all. Harry felt peaceful and he gazed into her chocolate brown eyes, enchanted by the excitement in them.

'I didn't think the Great Hall could look ever look better than the way it looked at the Yule Ball,' said Ginny, glancing at the floor. There seemed to be no floor at all; only endless sky and a white moon.

'It is looking better than last year,' said Harry, not knowing anything else to say. He racked his brains for some interesting conversation. He looked up to see Ron and Hermione dancing nearby, totally absorbed in each other.

'I was glad that was over with,' Ginny sighed, looking at Ron and Hermione.

'Over?'

'Yes, you don't know what I had to go through,' said Ginny looking away, as she and Harry turned in a circle. 'Ron would practically eat my head! Hermione this…Hermione that!'

'I know,' said Harry. 'Ron has become quite talkative. He was rambling on about his dress robes in the dormitory while we were getting ready.' Ginny giggled.

'I'm glad it wasn't me listening to his rambling for once!' she said and Harry chuckled.

The Weird Sisters played several songs and everybody joined in. Even Professor Dumbledore was seen dancing with Professor Vector. Celestina Warbeck even managed to drag little Professor Flitwick on to the dance floor and they did a strange sort of tap dance. Eventually Professor Flitwick ended up on all fours when he tripped on the hem of his robes. Fred and George raised laughs when they did an exaggerated tap dance routine together with several comical steps.

Finally, there was a short break after one last loud and fast song from the Weird Sisters. Celestina Warbeck, the young singer, was to sing after the break. The torches in the hall were lighted and everything was suddenly illuminated a golden color.

Harry felt himself lost in the pools of brown before him until he heard a voice.

'Harry?'

He blinked. Ginny was standing before him, an expression of amused bewilderment on her face. He realized the dance was over and he still had his hand on her waist.

'Uh…sorry,' he said, and withdrew his hand, feeling himself go red. 'I'll go get drinks.'

Ginny felt like giggling. Harry had been looking at her, into her eyes. It filled her with a wonderful sensation. They had danced to every single song and he'd never shown any sign of stopping, even for a break. Ginny's feet were tired but she did not care. She had been waiting for a night like this ever since she'd seen him and when it was finally here, she wasn't going to let anything spoil or waste it.

Ginny walked over to the door that led to the gardens, the cool air refreshing her. The air outside was full of the smell of roses, a delicate and refreshing fragrance. The gardens were enchanted so that even in winters the rose bushes would not be affected by frost, and remain green and fresh.

'Ginny?'

Ginny turned around. Harry was standing there with two drinks in his hand, holding out one for her.

'Thanks,' she said, taking it.

'Do you want to go outside for some time?' he asked slowly, hoping he wasn't saying something…wrong. He watched her face in the moonlight, and wondered if he had only imagined a sudden sparkle in her eyes. She smiled and nodded.

Harry had been feeling quite warm in the hall. But as stepped into the cool outdoors, his mind instantly became refreshed. He took in a deep breath, feeling strangely content. The Ball, he decided, had been a very good idea. He didn't even want to think of anything else at that moment. Ginny was quiet, he realized. Was it something he had said? Or done? Maybe he should start a conversation?

Harry looked at Ginny, as they strolled down the moonlit path with drinks in their hands. She looked really…beautiful and once more, Harry felt he was going to lapse into thought. He found himself thinking about her so much lately. And that confused him. He liked her but why did he keep thinking of her so much? Why did he steal glances at her during Quidditch practices? Why did he look over at her during meals, in the Commonroom? Harry couldn't understand what that meant. He hadn't begun to realize that he was falling for her. Properly.

Ginny felt strange herself. He wasn't saying anything. It was wonderful being out there with him like this but what was happening? They weren't talking and that could lead to awkward situations. It had been wonderful dancing with him. She didn't want it to end. But what was happening now?

'Ten points from Hufflepuff, ten from Ravenclaw!'

Both Harry and Ginny recognized that voice. They looked up to see far along the path, the dark outline of a thickly robed figure. Snape.

'What's wrong with him? Is he a chaperone or something?' Harry grumbled.

'He was doing the same at the Yule Ball last year,' said Ginny as Snape took ten points off from another Hufflepuff somewhere in the bushes.

'Come on,' said Harry, taking her hand and getting off the path. He led her to a large bush from where the path was fairly concealed.

'I wouldn't want to lose twenty points for Gryffindor,' he said, as Snape's voice drew nearer.

'I should ask Hermione to come out here and take some off from Slytherin!' Ginny said.

'You're not going to make her do anything else tonight,' said Harry and she giggled.

'I'd like to see her taking points off Malfoy and some other Slytherin…say…Millicent Bulstrode,' said Ginny and Harry had to control his laughter at the idea.

Snape was very close as his voice suddenly broke through the silence, muttering something with evident impatience. Ginny stepped closer to Harry on impulse, waiting for the footsteps to die away.

'Stupid Balls, nonsense-' he grumbled as he passed.

Harry waited for Snape to walk away. He looked at Ginny. For about the third time that night, Harry forgot about everything…except that Ginny was there, looking far more than just gorgeous in the moonlight…and so very close. She looked up at him and her mouth fell open slightly, suddenly aware of his gaze. Harry didn't know quite what to do. He looked into her eyes only, never averting his gaze for a second. Time seemed to have reached a complete standstill. A few russet curls fell upon Ginny's temple but she made no movement to brush them aside, as she looked at Harry.

Harry, having long lost his senses, reached out and gently brushed the curls away from her face. Ginny took an inaudible, sharp intake of breath as Harry's hand touched her face and her heart began beating rapidly when Harry did not remove his hand, the tips of his fingers gently touching the side of her cheek.

A shadow fell upon them suddenly, and they fell into darkness. Ginny gasped slightly in the sudden darkness and Harry took her warm hand in his, looking up at the sky. A large cloud had covered the moon, casting darkness all over the gardens. Harry could not see Ginny in the darkness but he could feel her hand in his. Music floated over from the Great Hall just then. Celestina Warbeck was beginning her first song of the evening. Harry took out his wand and said, 'Lumos', the light from the wand falling upon Ginny's face. She was smiling, her eyes sparkling and though Harry knew the answer already, he asked,

'Do you want to go in for a dance?'

Ginny nodded. 'Yes.'

Harry felt himself drown into another wave of happiness as he led Ginny back to the Great Hall for another dance in the light of his wand.

Celestina Warbeck was a young singer. Her songs were very fast and lively and were liked by a lot of people. Fred and George had great fun with her songs, as they were able to do practically any step on them as long as it was very fast. Harry thought it was a good change from the Weird Sisters, whose songs had slower tempos. And he was glad Ginny was there as his partner. He didn't imagine anybody else could have been better. Not even Cho. As he danced, he couldn't imagine what could have gotten over him when he was out in the gardens. He couldn't remove his hand from her face. She was…wonderful…there was no other word for it. He couldn't explain, even to himself, what he had felt for her in those few moments of silence, looking into her eyes.

Celestina Warbeck sang on, one song after the other and the students applauded every single one. Eventually, after one very quick song, the music became slower. Ginny fanned herself with one hand.

'That was a really good song,' she said, almost panting.  Harry himself, needed a break.

'Is it over? But it's not midnight,' he said, not wanting the Ball to end so suddenly and in such an unexpected way.

Celestina Warbeck, in dark purple robes, was now walking over to Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. There were a few calls of 'Encore' and Harry himself felt the same.

'Is the Ball over?' asked Ron, coming over from behind Harry and Ginny.

'It's not time yet,' said Hermione, looking over at Celestina Warbeck.

'Run out of songs?' Ron teased. Ginny turned upon her brother.

'I think not, and maybe you didn't notice how much she's applauded. Better than the Weird Sisters, I have to say,' she said, crossing her arms. Harry grinned.

'She has a point,' he said and Ron's eyes widened in mock horror.

'Are you my best friend or not?' he demanded. Harry chuckled.

'Well, Hermione agrees with me,' said Ron.

'I don't know, we'll see after the Ball,' she said, a grin spreading across her face.

'But the Ball's over,' said Ron.

'I don't think so. She's back,' said Hermione, looking over at Celestina Warbeck who was now back at the small stage, apparently about to begin on another song.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall passed by just then and the four could hear Professor McGonagall talk rapidly with the Headmaster.

'But Albus! It's not possible. She can't sing those songs! They're students, it won't be right…I can see pairs forming already!'

'But, my dear Professor, love is inevitable if it is to be-' Professor Dumbledore was heard to say.

Hermione caught Ginny's eyes, who was already reddening. She was a fan of Celestina Warbeck and she knew what songs Professor McGonagall had been talking about. Celestina Warbeck was popular for her fast, quick tempo and lively songs. But she was even more popular and renowned for other songs.

A soft, delicate music began to play and students turned their head towards Celestina Warbeck. Those who had heard her songs, found themselves walking back to the dance floor, not believing what they were hearing.

You'll remember me when the west wind moves…upon the fields of barley

You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky…as we walk in fields of gold…

Harry froze. Romantic songs? He thought. Ron seemed to be just as much shocked. Ginny saw Hermione blushing and she knew she herself was blushing, too. She was thankful, though, for the darkness of the Great Hall and that the moonlight covered up any blushes. But will Harry dance to a romantic song? This's getting…serious…

The music was wonderful and had a slower tempo. Many people had already walked onto the dance floor and had begun dancing. The dance, like the music was slow and it seemed as if love was suddenly in the air. Professor McGonagall's worst fears had been undoubtedly confirmed.

So she took her love…for to gaze awhile upon the fields of barley

In his arms she fell, as her hair came down, among the fields of gold…

 

Celestina Warbeck continued singing, her voice magically magnified, filling the Great Hall. The music was very touching and beautiful, just like the lyrics. Ginny loved that song particularly but she never thought she'd actually be dancing with Harry to that song…well, only in dreams but…

She looked up to see Ron leading Hermione on to the dance floor. She did not stop to realize Ron actually liked Celestina Warbeck's song. She had worries of her own. She felt herself get warmer, as her blush intensified. Tearing her eyes away from the dance floor where many couples were dancing, standing very close to each other, she prepared herself for any thing she may have to face. She wondered if she could gather enough courage to smile at Harry and walk off with a "Good night". Or if she had enough courage to stand there and face it. She slowly turned to Harry, with her heart in her throat.

Whatever she may have prepared herself for, this was definitely not it.

Will you stay with me? Will you be my love, among the fields of barley

We'll forget the sun in its jealous sky, as we lie in fields of gold…

Celestina Warbeck's words rang somewhere in her mind as her heart almost stopped beating. Harry was there, extending his hand, his palm open before her; just the way he had held his hand out to her when she had slipped and fallen into a puddle of rainwater during the holidays. Ginny's voice died in her throat. He actually wanted to…to…she didn't believe it…she couldn't even think of it.

Harry smiled slightly, an anxious smile. He was worried what she'd think. The song was beautiful and there was no one else he wanted to dance with just then…only Ginny. He tried not to listen to the song just yet…it could dissolve all his courage.

Ginny opened her mouth to confirm if it was true but no voice came out. She blinked, wondering if it was another dream. Harry was patient and he did not move his hand.

'Dance?' asked Harry slowly. Ginny realized it wasn't a dream, or if it was, she should enjoy it while it lasted. And with that one, final thought, she placed her hand in his. She felt his fingers close upon hers and she was slowly led back to the dance floor. She closed her eyes, hoping this was not a mere dream. She hoped it was reality; that all that was happening was really happening.

Harry wished and wished what he was doing was okay. He knew what he wanted but not what she wanted. He led Ginny right to the center of the dance floor and turned to her, letting go of her hand. Ginny, he noticed, was smiling at him, and he felt his heart quicken its pace. He saw, out of the corner of his eyes, Ron and Hermione dancing nearby. Hermione had her arms around Ron's neck, Ron had his around Hermione's waist and they were very close.

Harry wished to do so too but he doubted whether Ginny would like that or not. After all, Ron and Hermione were "together", and Harry had just asked Ginny to that one, single Ball.

So, slowly Harry placed one arm around her waist and the other held her hand firmly. Ginny was quite stunned but she still had presence of mind. She stepped closer than ever before and placed her other hand on his shoulder, making him step closer as well.

That whole song, Ginny was still trying to understand if what was happening was a dream. Harry was too absorbed in her and how close she was to think of or hear anything else. He remembered the moment out in the gardens, that one moment he had tried to cherish when she was so close and he could look into her eyes. And here she was. He could look into her eyes all he wanted.

Harry couldn't remember how many songs he danced to…the songs were beautiful, one after the other. Ginny had similar thoughts but for once, she had forgotten Celestina Warbeck. She didn't even know which songs her favorite singer had actually sung. In the moonlit Hall, dancing slowly with Harry, she could only understand that he was there…the Great Hall, Hogwarts were all unknown to her.

With one final, touching song, the Ball came to an end. The Great Hall clapped and cheered for Celestina Warbeck, and the applause went on for a long time. There was a rush of people around her, asking for her autograph.

Ginny still felt everything around her was a dream as she made her way back to Gryffindor tower with Harry…a dream that was fading away. She didn't want the Ball to end but it had too. She had a feeling anything that happened that night would soon be forgotten, that it would have no meaning the next day. She didn't want that. She wanted everything that had happened to have some meaning at least…for someone.

As Ginny stopped at the door leading to the girls' dormitories, Harry still couldn't understand how quickly the night had passed.

'Thanks for a wonderful evening,' said Ginny shyly, breaking through his reverie. She was blushing and smiling at him. Harry smiled weakly. He could feel his own self becoming warm, his face radiating heat.

'I should be saying that. It was wonderful dancing with you,' he said. Ginny blushed again and looked at the floor, taking her time to understand what he had said. She looked up, biting her lip for a moment.

'Good night,' she whispered and with that, she stood on her toes, leaned forwards and kissed his cheek. Harry felt a thousand bolts of electricity surge through himself, making his hair stand on end. She moved back quickly and Harry had time just enough to say 'Good night' before she disappeared around the door in a whirlwind of red hair and sparkling blue robes.

Harry lay awake in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling of his four poster bed.

She kissed me…she kissed me…she kissed me…

She was everything – beautiful, funny, unexpected, lively…she was wonderful, terrific…

A new thought flashed across some part of Harry's mind and he gulped.

At that very moment, Ron came strolling into the dormitory, humming happily to himself. Harry heard Ron hum all the while he got into his pajamas and fling aside his bedcovers but Harry's mind was extremely busy…

It wasn't possible, he thought. Was it? It was? No… he had never…but how now? And with the effect she had on him…was it possible? Was it? Harry felt his own eyes widen slightly as he realized the answer to all his own thoughts. He had finally got the answer.

Harry tried to speak but only a tiny squeak escaped his throat.

'You awake, Harry?' asked Ron and his head peeped through Harry's curtains. Harry stared at him.

'Ron…'

'What?' asked Ron, getting worried. Harry had rarely acted like this over the past few months, almost never. If it was about the scar, Voldemort, there could never have been a worse time…just after a wonderful night…

'Are you alright, Harry?' he asked, moving through the curtains to Harry's bed. Harry sat up in bed and looked at Ron.

'I…I think I…really…like your sister.'

Oh hello there…

First I should pop in a disclaimer here…the lyrics of Celestina Warbeck's song in the story text, that are shown in italics are not actually Celestina Warbeck's…they're not even mine. I took those from one of Sting's songs…Fields of Gold…I really  love that song, very touching. Though there were a few other songs (mentioned at beginning of story) whose lyrics were very inviting, I wanted to use a British singer's to remain in canon and Fields of Gold found it's way into my story! ~_~

Also, those of you hoped Ginny would kiss Harry or Harry would kiss Ginny by the end of this chapter, I hope, were temporarily satisfied! J  I'm not saying anything more! ^_^

And now for an important note…I have run out of my stock of written chapters…I will be writing again now, as fast as I can. School reopens tomorrow and I will be busy with that too. But don't worry, I will try to upload new chapters as soon as possible! (This is not a goodbye note, I will be uploading in a few days! J )

Love,

Pottergirl