A/N: YIKESSSS!!!!!!! Sorry!!!! I'm really sorry I was so busy with the parties and Christmas shoppings so I didn't find time to open my computer. Stupid me! (hits my head with the keyboard ouch!)Anyway, I just wanna say… WoW!!! I'm so surprised that so many people liked my fanfic. Gosh! To think that this is my first fanfic, I can't believe all of you liked it! Thank you so much for that!!! Anyway, I hope you'll like this one as much as I do. By the way, can I ask you a favor? Could you please review the other chapters for me? 'Cause the past chapters got only a few reviews and I wanted to get reviews from those chapters too so I know what you think about them. But of course, you must also review this one. Pretty please… Okay I'll be mentioning my reviewers and I hope you'll repay me by reviewing the other chapters, thanks!
Midnight Black, thank you so much for the praise! : P
Reader, thanks. Maybe you should review my story more often…please?
JenzB, I'm so flattered, thank you so much.
Meemee, hi there! Thanks for your review and well here you are in the author's notes. Your name is the same as my sister's nick, you know ^_^' sorry it took me so long… I hope I haven't killed you yet… hehehe
Aowin, Hermionehp110 and Rebecca this chapter will surely make you smile (I hope so…)
Liz, I hope you received my email.
POuchie, don't worry Ginny won't kill Harry
luza, you're already going to read the next chap! YAY!
More more, here's more of Best Friends!!!
Kawaii Yoshi, Are you a fan of Samurai X? I am a fan. : )
Cat, Thanks for reviewing again. Hope you're not mad at me…
Bonnie, just read the chapter to see what's next.
Olivier, Ginny is pissed off (why wouldn't she?) but not for long… Go Harry!
Abigfan, yes very long indeed! Anyway, let's see how Harry will tell Ginny…
Makoto, I thought you already forgot me but hey you're still there! : )
Amanda, where are you?
Bottledinsideme, one of the best reviews I ever had, you made me cry when I read your review. Thanks…
Danielle, Welcome back! I missed your reviews! (and also Bucky, where is she? And D.G. Revlis too!)
Frax, You'll love this chapter!
Angel-eyes, when can I see your next review????
Marilyn, hope to see your review for this chapter… It's a good thing you're still reading my fanfic!
Well, I'm not mentioning those recent reviews cause they didn't show up anymore… (huhuhu… I lost some reviewers because it took me so long to update…huhuhu)
Hope I wouldn't lose you guyz!
This chapter is my favorite and this one has songs in it. I hope you don't mind that 'coz I'm really a music lover. I love to relate songs to fanfics. Enjoy everyone!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter's not mine but I borrowed them so this fanfic became possible. It is legal so don't sue me. Thanks J.K.
Chapter 21
Finally...
Ginny's heart pounded harder and harder inside her chest. She couldn't believe it! Her diary was in the hands of Harry Potter. She tried to calm her shaking body and blinked hard. No, it wasn't a dream. Harry was really reading her diary.
Tears began to trickle slowly from the sides of her brown eyes. She was planning to tell Harry everything tonight when she came down but not this way. Not by letting Harry read her private diary. That very moment, Ginny would do anything just to see that Harry wasn't reading her diary. Anything. She felt so depressed that she wished to die that very instant.
Harry didn't notice Ginny's presence in the room. He thought he was all alone. Then, he heard small sobs and saw Ginny—crying.
"Gin? Why are you down here?" Harry said and noticed the glistening tears on her eyes. "What's wrong?" He asked, completely forgetting that he was holding Ginny's diary. He stood up and walked towards her but stopped.
Ginny brushed her tears. "What's wrong?!" She said, raising her voice a little. "Nothing is wrong! Believe me! It's just that you are reading my diary. Except for that, nothing's wrong!" She said, emphasizing every word she said to Harry. She was fighting back both her tears and her temper.
Harry looked at the diary on his hand and felt a twinge of pain stab his heart. He looked up at Ginny and tried to find the right words to tell her. "Gin, I'm sorry." He said.
"Sorry?" Ginny repeated. "Yes, that's all you could do, Harry. Be sorry for me 'cause I'm so pathetic! Now you know everything! You could do whatever you want now. Laugh your head off!" Ginny was so pissed off that she couldn't control the words coming out from her mouth. They just spilled out continuously. "It's all over. Our friendship's over, Harry. Good-bye." Ginny's tears began to flow freely and she didn't stop them. It would help her lessen the pain she was feeling that very moment. She turned away from Harry and walked away to her room. The pain didn't leave her until she fell asleep in her bed, still sobbing. The moment she walked away from Harry, she knew it was the end. She walked away from Harry's life—from her best friend's life.
Harry was lying on his bed, his head resting on his hands. He took Ginny's diary from his drawer and sat up. He looked at the diary for a while and sighed. "Great. Just great. When I finally became sure of my feelings and myself, she became mad at me." He said sadly. "I can't just let her end our friendship this way." He remembered the bracelet Ginny was wearing for him. He completely understood now why Ginny had done it for him. "But it's too late. She already hates me and she will be taking it off soon. That means the charm will be broken." Harry said, feeling regretful. But Harry didn't care about the charm. He only cared about Ginny. Only her. If breaking the charm would bring Ginny back to him, he'd do it without any hesitation. Even if Ginny wouldn't love him anymore, he would be contented if Ginny would just accept him again as her best friend. Maybe he could work things out starting there. But of course, they had to talk first. "I have to go to the ball tomorrow night. I must find a way to talk to her." With those final words looming in his mind, he finally slept, wishing a better day ahead for Ginny and him.
"Good morning, Harry!" Ron greeted, followed by a pillow rushing towards Harry's head.
"Ouch!" Harry said. "Ron! This moment is not the right time to pull a prank on me, okay?! I'm in a bad mood." He stood up and looked at the window. It was still early; the sun was still on its process of rising from the horizon.
"Oh, touchy." Ron said. "I guess you woke up on the wrong side of the bed huh?"
"If only you knew better." Harry sighed. "Could you leave me for a while? I need to be alone."
Ron saw Harry was depressed about something and he knew he better not talk about it today. "Okay." He shrugged and left Harry, deep in thinking.
Harry dressed up and went directly to the owlery. He was planning to send Ginny a letter so he could ask an appointment with her—to explain everything to her.
Harry folded the parchment and began tying it around Hedwig's leg. "Hedwig, make sure she reads the letter, okay?" Harry stroked Hedwig's feathers slowly. Hedwig gave an assuring hoot and flew away.
"Ginny, aren't you going down for breakfast?"
"You go ahead, Maya. I'll just catch up with you later." Ginny said, smiling at Maya.
Maya nodded and disappeared behind the door.
Ginny heard a soft clicking sound by the window. It was Hedwig. Ginny rushed towards the window and opened it for Hedwig. The snowy white owl entered and showed Ginny the parchment tied on her leg.
Ginny untied the parchment and unfolded it. It was Harry's handwriting:
Dear Ginny,
I'm really sorry for what I did last night. I want to talk to you today. Please say yes. I have many things to discuss with you. How 'bout we meet at lunch after your classes. See you in the Great Hall? I'll be waiting for your reply.
Harry
Ginny's heart gave a sudden leap. Harry wanted to see her—but why? What would Harry tell her? She had no idea what to say to Harry. Now that Harry had read her diary, she didn't have any guts left to face Harry. She just couldn't do it. She was so embarrassed she didn't know if she would still manage to go to the ball tonight.
She took her quill and wrote her reply in the parchment.
Sorry but I can't come. I'm still upset about the incident. It's better if I don't see you for now. Pleasant day to you.
She sighed as she watched Hedwig flew away—back to Harry. It's better to avoid you, Harry. It will lessen the pain I'm feeling right now—I guess, Ginny thought as Hedwig disappeared. She dragged herself towards the door and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Harry crossed his fingers as he unfolded the parchment containing Ginny's reply.
Harry's heart began to crumble as he read Ginny's reply. She's still upset about the incident… Harry thought gloomily. If only she would give me a chance to talk to her… A chance to tell her what I feel.
Harry threw the parchment in the trashcan and went to the Great Hall for breakfast. All that thinking he did about Ginny made him so hungry he could eat up to four helpings.
Ginny sat on the empty chair beside Maya. The chair in front of her was still vacant. Harry was nowhere around the Great Hall.
"I wonder where Harry is?" Ginny heard Maya say.
"He's probably still in the tower." Ron said, taking the platter of toast and passing it to Hermione. "He seems to be in a bad mood today." Ron told Maya.
"Really?" Maya said, looking sideways at Ginny.
Ginny avoided Maya's look.
"Oh, there he is!" Hermione cried, seeing Harry enter the Great Hall.
"So where did you come from?" Maya asked.
"I-I was in my room fixing my things," said Harry, avoiding Ginny as much as possible as he sank into his chair in front of Ginny.
The five ate their breakfast silently. Ron seemed to know nothing about the situation and even Hermione was clueless. Maya was the only one sensing the fight between Harry and Ginny. The breakfast ended and the five hurried to their respective classes.
"Harry?" Maya called out.
"Huh?"
Maya came close to Harry and whispered, "Talk to you in the afternoon after classes. At the common room, see you there." She smiled and followed Ginny to their first class that morning, leaving Harry with a new hope to get Ginny to talk to him again.
"I hope Maya would be able to help me with Ginny…" He said softly as he followed Ron and Hermione to their own first class.
The end of classes seemed ages for Harry. He was really anxious to talk to Maya already that he couldn't wait any longer for classes to end. It was like he was carrying a bomb that would explode any minute.
At last, the classes ended. Harry excused himself from Hermione and Ron and ran immediately to the Gryffindor tower.
He arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady, gasping for air.
"Are you planning to join a race or what?" The Fat Lady said.
Harry raised an eyebrow at her. "Never mind. Crescent Beam!" Harry cried excitedly and went through the portrait hole.
"Maya?" He looked around the common room and saw Maya sitting in the sofa—alone.
Maya smiled and motioned Harry to sit on the couch opposite hers.
"So what happened?" Maya asked. "Ginny and you haven't spoken a single word to each other since breakfast."
"Where is she?" asked Harry.
"She's upstairs with the other fourth years, preparing for the ball." Maya answered.
"Maya, you got to help me." Harry said. "Ginny and I fought last night because she saw me reading her diary—but of course I didn't mean to read it but—"
"You what?!" Maya interrupted Harry. "Harry! Don't you know that of all the things you are prohibited to read, a person's diary is the number one on the list?!"
"I know that but—I can't help myself. I got too curious and…" Harry sighed. "I read it."
"She has the right to get mad at you, you know." Maya looked at Harry pitifully.
"I know," said Harry. "That's why you got to help me."
"I'll see what I can do…" Maya shrugged and stood up. "You go to the ball later, okay?"
"Yeah. I got to talk to her." Harry said.
"Okay, you prepare yourself. This ain't easy." Maya warned Harry with a serious tone.
"I'll do anything it takes." Harry said, determined to talk to Ginny.
Maya smiled. "Good. I'll see you later then." And she walked upstairs to the girls' dormitories.
"Harry!" Ron said immediately upon entering the common room. Hermione was behind him, looking excited about something.
"So, who's your partner for the ball?" Hermione asked.
"Umm… I don't have any partner." Harry said.
"I thought you already asked Maya to be your partner?!" said Hermione in shock.
"Yeah, but she's going with Jeff." Harry replied.
"Jeff who?" Ron said.
"Her ex-boyfriend." Harry answered casually.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Ron said, looking sorry for his friend.
"It's okay. I'm still going anyway." Harry said.
"That's good. You can stay with Hermione and me, if you want." Ron offered.
"Thanks." Harry smiled.
"I think we better go upstairs and change into dress robes. Professor McGonagall said the dress robes from Madam Malkin's have already been delivered." Hermione said, then smiled at Ron. "You'll wait for me here?"
"Okay." Ron answered. He turned to Harry and said, "Why don't you come with us and we'll go to the ball together?"
"Sure." Harry agreed. Then, both Harry and Ron went upstairs to change into their dress robes.
"Harry, let's go down. Hermione might be waiting for us downstairs already." Ron said, walking back and forth.
Harry smiled at his friend. Ron was nervous, Harry could see that clearly.
"Do I look all right?" Ron asked nervously at Harry. He stood straight so Harry could look at him carefully.
He wore a sapphire blue dress robe that was very elegant. It didn't have the ruffles and laces like the dress robes he had last year. In short, it looked perfect for Ron.
"You look fine. Hermione will like it." Harry said, reassuring Ron.
"Are you sure?" Ron asked Harry.
"You know what, Ron?" Harry said. "I think you better go down already and check Hermione. You just wait for me downstairs. I'll be down in a couple of minutes. Just got to fix my hair." He sighed helplessly, looking at his usual untidy jet-black hair.
"Okay." Ron said and walked away.
Harry looked at his reflection in the mirror. He wore dark emerald green dress robes that emphasized the color of his eyes. He looked very handsome and young. Even though his hair was messy, it was messed up in a stylish way that made him look more appealing.
Harry sighed, giving up already. "I guess I have no choice but to go with my hair like this." He smiled and went downstairs to Hermione and Ron.
"Too bad, you didn't see Maya and Ginny." Ron said when he saw Harry descend the staircase. "They look gorgeous!" He grinned.
Hermione jabbed Ron hard on the side.
"But of course, Hermione still looks better." Ron said, placing an arm around Hermione and winked at her.
Hermione blushed slightly and said, "Okay, Ron, stop joking me already." She looked at Harry and smiled. "But the two really looked great! I wish you have seen them come down the stairs."
Harry smiled at Hermione. She did look wonderful. Hermione was wearing robes in crimson red satin. Her hair was not bushy anymore but rather smooth and styled elegantly into a bun tied with a matching red ribbon. She wore a silver-chained necklace with a diamond pendant that could catch someone's attention easily. Harry saw Ron looking admirably at his girlfriend. Ron simply adored Hermione. He smiled at the two.
Harry looked around the common room and was surprised by the number of people walking around the room, wearing different colors and styles of dress robes.
"Let's go?" Harry asked.
"Okay." Hermione and Ron said together. Ron offered his hand to Hermione and Hermione took it gracefully.
It was already exactly 7 o'clock in the evening. The moment Harry, Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall, the surroundings around them had changed. The whole room was filled with young wizards and witches dressed in colorful, elegant dress robes. The hall was ready for the affair. It was decorated with mistletoes and wreaths of holly. Like last year, hundreds of small tables, which were lantern-lit, replaced the long house tables. The only change about the tables was that from twelve seats it became six seats each table.
Harry, Ron and Hermione went to take their seats and waited for Dumbledore to open the ball.
Harry was expecting to see Ginny and Kyle in the entrance hall a while ago but they weren't there. He stood up again from his seat and examined the crowd for any sight of Ginny or Kyle. Unfortunately, he didn't saw even a slight trace of the two.
Harry took his seat again and sighed.
"There's Maya!" Hermione said, pointing her hand at a girl wearing silvery white dress robes that glittered fashionably while she walked towards them.
"Hi guys!" said Maya, beaming at them. She was escorted by an attractive young man that was probably Jeff. "This is Jeff. He's in Ravenclaw, fourth year student." Maya introduced.
"Hi." Jeff said politely to them.
Harry and Ron nodded while Hermione smiled at him courteously
"Why not stay here with us?" Ron offered in a friendly manner.
"Thanks!" Maya said and sat beside Harry. Jeff took a seat beside Maya and started talking to Ron about Quidditch.
"So where's the two?" Maya whispered to Harry.
"I didn't see them yet." Harry said.
"You will see them now," Harry heard Maya say and looked at the direction Maya was looking at.
It was Ginny all right—with Kyle. Her hand rested comfortably on Kyle's arm. She looked so pretty and stunning that Harry couldn't take his eyes off her. She was wearing elegant flowing robes of rose pink velvet that made her look like a princess. Her hair, that Harry always loved, looked more wonderful tonight. She had it tied in an excellent knot with the use of a shiny pink ribbon while several locks of her red hair stayed in the corner of her ears in a very stylish way. She also wore a silver necklace with a heart shaped sapphire pendant. Harry wanted to go to her and take her away forever. There was something in her that made her stand out among the rest of the crowd. Harry didn't hear any noise from the crowd the moment he laid his eyes on Ginny's beauty. Her beauty was more than just her face or the dress robes she wore—her beauty was found deep inside her soul and only a few could notice her true beauty. They only judged her by the way she looked or by her family. Harry knew better than they did. And he loved her.
Ginny was unaware of Harry's stare at her. She was busy looking at all the people in the room. She noticed a lot of girls that she wasn't familiar with throwing looks of deep envy at her. She looked at Kyle and thought, A lot of girls are wanting to be in my place because I have Kyle as my partner. I'm very lucky that Kyle chose me. She smiled at her luck and felt a tinge of happiness lit her up.
"What's the matter?" Kyle asked Ginny. "You seem to be quite happy about something."
"I just feel lucky because of all the girls here in Hogwarts, you chose me to be your partner." Ginny smiled at him. She just avoided the looks of the crowd as much as possible as they continued to walk, looking for a table.
"I'm lucky too, a lot of guys are staring at you now but I'm the only one who gets to talk to you." He said, looking at Ginny with his adorable purple eyes.
"I guess we're both lucky then." Ginny said, smiling.
"Yeah." Kyle agreed. "Look! Let's just sit there." Kyle pointed to the table where Maya was sitting—that meant, where Harry was sitting.
Ginny immediately met Harry's eyes as they went near their table. She looked at him for a while but then she shifted her eyes and looked on the other direction. "I think we should find another table." Ginny whispered to Kyle.
"But Maya's there." Kyle reasoned out.
And Harry's there too! She wanted to tell Kyle but then she didn't. "Okay." She sighed. "We'll sit there."
"Hi Ginny, hi Kyle!" said Maya cheerfully when the lovely couple stopped by their table. "Want to join us?" She smiled at them.
"Yes, thanks." Kyle said, pulling out a chair for Ginny.
Ginny sat down smoothly and found herself in front of Harry. Ginny immediately looked away and saw Jeff.
"Jeff?" She said, rather confused of the boy's presence.
"Hi, Gin." Jeff greeted, smiling.
"I forgot to tell you Gin," said Maya, "Jeff and I got along again and here we are—partners in the ball." Maya smiled at Ginny then at Jeff.
You mean Harry didn't take Maya to the ball?! Ginny wanted to say. She looked at Harry and caught Harry's eye. She blushed slightly and looked away. Harry didn't have any partner for the ball, Ginny thought.
Ginny was disturbed from her thoughts when Professor McGonagall tapped her goblet to call their attention. Professor Dumbledore stood up from his seat, wearing bright turquoise dress robes with his usual pointed hat. He beamed at the crowd and the crowd suddenly fell silent.
"A pleasant evening to everyone. I hope everything's going out fine and that everyone liked the outcome of his or her dress robes. We shall now start the ball and I hope all of you would enjoy! Merry Christmas to all!" Professor Dumbledore said. "Now let us get our menus and make our orders!" He added and then took his seat again. He reached for his menu and began saying his order.
All of them did the same and in a few minutes, all of them were already eating delicious dishes from the simple potatoes to the lamb chops. Ginny didn't seem to be enjoying her dinner much because she kept on seeing Harry, who was just in front of her. Harry, on the other hand, didn't really care what he was eating that very moment. He just wanted to put as much distance from Kyle and Ginny as possible. He just couldn't stand the way Kyle could talk and sit beside Ginny while on the other hand, he couldn't do either of the two.
To Harry's relief, dinner ended already. He looked into the top table and saw Professor Dumbledore stand up. He requested all the students to do the same and with a quick whirl from his wand, the tables and chairs moved towards the walls, leaving the floor tidy.
In the right corner he materialized an elevated platform and immediately a set of musical instruments began to pop out of the platform. There were a set of drums, a lyre, bagpipes, a flute and an electric guitar.
"After being filled up, let's do a little music!" Dumbledore said. "Let me introduce the newest band today, Witches Five!" Dumbledore pointed into the platform but no one was there except for the instruments.
Harry focused his eyes on the platform but there wasn't any person visible in the platform.
Then, a sudden burst of smoke covered the whole stage. When the smoke had cleared off, five young and beautiful witches were already standing on the stage. All of them were dressed in yellow robes with black stripes on it. They looked like lady tigers standing on two feet. Not to mention that, they had tails on their backs. Rumors said that they were the number one rivals of the Weird Sisters.
The Witches Five began playing with a slow but pretty song. Many pairs started to go to the floor to start dancing. Harry saw Malfoy, wearing the same black velvet but without the high collar, leading Pansy Parkinson to the dance floor. Pansy seemed to be absorbed in Malfoy's eyes that she didn't notice how often Malfoy was stepping on her bright yellow robes as they danced. Crabbe and Goyle were lucky to get two Slytherin girls as partners and they were dancing rather clumsily to the slow tune. Ron and Hermione, on the other hand, were dancing gracefully. Harry didn't know Ron could dance well because he didn't see Ron dance last year. The couple just smiled at each other, feeling comfortable as they wound placidly through the music. His eyes looked around, trying to catch Ginny and Kyle. There they were, in the left corner, smiling at each other. Harry's heart felt like it was being stabbed continuously as he watched Ginny and Kyle dancing. It was already the fifth song being played and it seemed to Harry that the two didn't have any plans of taking a seat anymore. If Harry could say something, he'd say Kyle and Ginny were already glued to each other. Harry could feel his blood boiling in jealousy. Why was Ginny making him suffer like this?
Maya and Jeff returned when the fifth song had finished.
"Hi, Harry!" Maya said, taking a seat beside him. "What's up?"
"Nothing much." Harry said glumly, still eyeing Kyle and Ginny. "I thought you were supposed to help me."
"I will be helping you in a minute." Maya replied then turned to Jeff. "Mind if I dance with Harry for a while. I just got to help him with something." She looked at Jeff with assurance.
Jeff was about to say something but then Maya interrupted him. "You promised me you'll never get jealous and you'll trust me." She reminded him.
Jeff smiled. "I was going to say yes all along." He kissed Maya's hand and looked at Harry. "You can dance with her, Harry. Don't mind me." He said and went away to talk to his fellow Ravenclaws on the other table.
"Let's dance?" Maya said.
"Okay." Harry said, not having any idea how dancing could help him with Ginny.
Maya was the one steering Harry. Harry only followed her without any objection. Soon, he found himself dancing with Maya and beside them were Kyle and Ginny. The music ended in a few seconds.
Maya inched closer to Ginny and Kyle. "Mind if we change partners?" She said, pulling away from Harry and offering her hand to Kyle.
Kyle looked at his cousin and smiled. "Where's Jeff?" He asked curiously.
"Well, he got tired so I asked Harry to dance with me." She replied casually. "But I feel like dancing with my cousin right now…" She gave her cousin an irresistible look.
Ginny knew what Maya was up to. Maya would dance with Kyle and she would be left to dance with Harry. She looked at Maya in horror as if to say 'Why are you trying to do this to me?!'
Maya just smiled at her and even said to Kyle, "I think Ginny wants you to say yes."
Kyle looked at Ginny and smiled. "Okay then." He said and took Maya's hand in his.
I'm doomed, Ginny thought horribly as she saw Maya and Kyle walk away to the other corner. She bowed her head avoiding Harry's eyes.
"So, umm… can I have this dance with my best friend?" Harry said and smiled at Ginny softly. He gave out his hand to Ginny.
Ginny raised her head and met Harry's eyes. She sighed. She didn't have any choice left but to— She placed her hand nervously on Harry's hand. Harry placed his hand awkwardly on Ginny's waist while Ginny placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. And the music began to play…
Been running from these feelings for so long
Telling my heart I didn't mean it
Pretending I was better off alone
But I know that it's just a lie
So afraid to take a chance again
So afraid of what I feel inside
Ginny avoided Harry's eyes as much as possible while they were dancing. She caught sight of a pack of girls looking at her full of spite in their eyes. What's wrong with these girls? She thought.
"What a bitch! She was dancing with Kyle and then now she's dancing with Harry!" Ginny heard one of them talk. It was the same girl she saw once that was angry at her because she was with Harry. It was Hailey.
Ginny moved her gaze and landed on Harry's emerald green eyes.
Harry smiled at her softly. She was about to look away but there was something in Harry's gaze that made her eyes stay connected with his eyes.
"Are you still mad at me?" Harry tried to start the conversation. He was really happy Ginny danced with him but still she wasn't talking to him. It was like dancing with a doll. A beautiful but gloomy doll.
Ginny didn't answer. She just stared at him like she was going to burst into tears any minute.
But I need to be next to you
(Need to be next to you)
oh I oh I
I need to share every breath with you
(Share every breath with you)
oh I oh I
I need to know I can see you smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life
Here with you near with you oh I
I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
"I know I've hurt you many times already and… I'm really sorry I did those things to you." Harry said with sincerity in his voice.
But Ginny wasn't going to fall that easily for Harry. "At last, you know everything Harry! Congratulations! You've finally known what everyone knows for how long already? Almost four years?!" Ginny said, her voice was not quivering yet.
Right here with you is right where I belong
I lose my mind if I can't see you
Without you there's nothing in this life
That would make life worth living for
I can't bear the thought of you not there
I can't fight what I feel anymore
Harry didn't know what to say anymore. He didn't want to hurt Ginny any longer and he knew that every word he said now was making her suffer more and more.
"Since you already know everything, might as well say everything." Ginny sighed. "See those girls looking at me right now?"
Harry looked around and saw the girls Ginny was telling him. So what about them? They're just staring at you with that weird look on their faces. Harry wanted to tell Ginny but he didn't.
"Those girls would do anything just to be in my place right now. I'm your best friend so I can talk to you all the time. They always wanted that. And now, I'm dancing with you. Those girls would also want to dance with Harry Potter." Ginny said. "But I don't know why they want you so much. They just see your scar and they suddenly fall in love with you. But guess what? I'm really happy I became your best friend but I also hate it. Why? Because everyone thinks I'm so lucky because you pay attention to me but the truth is—it hurts. You just pay attention to me because we're best friends. But nothing more. It's like a wall is stopping us to go on another level. And you've fall for my best friend. It's just so unfair." Tears started to roll down her cheeks. She smiled to hold back her tears. "But that's how life goes. I'm just so stupid that of all the people I can love I chose you."
Cause I need to be next to you
(Need to be next to you)
oh I oh I
I need to share every breath with you
(Share every breath with you)
oh I oh I
I need to know I can see you smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life
Here with you near with you oh I
I need to be next to you
I need to have you right next to mine
For all time
Hold you for all my life
I need to be next to you
I need to be next to you
Oh I Oh I
Need to be, need to be next to you
Share every breath with you
I need to feel you in my arms babe
In my arms babe
I need to be next to you
The song finally ended. Harry got his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped Ginny's tears. "You're not stupid. You just followed what your heart said, that's all. I'm the one who's stupid. I didn't follow what my heart kept on saying to me." Harry said, smiling at her and hoping that it could somehow lessen her pain.
Ginny looked at Harry, feeling perplexed about what he had just said. But the moment Harry said those words, Ginny's heart seemed to lighten and she could feel her heart beating faster. Harry always knew how to cheer up Ginny. But the wound in Ginny's heart was still hurting.
"I know you can't understand me yet but," Harry smiled and placed his hand on her cheek. "If you'll let me explain, I know you'll understand me. Please can I talk to you?" He said, his eyes pleading deeply.
Ginny didn't have any strength left to put up a fight with Harry. His eyes were so convincing that she didn't know any other answer but yes. I think it wouldn't hurt me anymore if I would listen to him just for once, She thought and smiled at Harry. "Okay." She said in a whisper.
Harry's heart leaped in joy. "Thank you, Ginny. You just don't know how much that means to me." He said, wiping the remaining tears on Ginny's face, then took her away from the dance floor.
Harry took Ginny's hand and led her away from the Great Hall. They went through the entrance hall and into the front lawn of the castle.
"It's beautiful!" Ginny said in bewilderment. Thousands of fairy lights were all over the rosebushes in the lawn. It was very bright indeed. The roses glittered as the light from the fairies reflected on them. The statues of Father Christmas and his reindeers were still there with a few fairies wiggling around them.
"You liked it? I saw it last year and I wanted to come here but I couldn't because we've got to dance and Ron and Hermione were fighting." Harry smiled. "But I'm glad, I've got a chance to see it this Christmas." He said.
"So what are you going to tell me?" Ginny said, facing Harry, waiting for him to speak.
"Actually, I have lots to tell you." Harry said. "But let's just start with an easy one."
"Okay." Ginny said.
"Are you—I mean—is Kyle already your… boyfriend?" Harry asked. He crossed his fingers inside his pockets as he waited for Ginny's reply.
Ginny's eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Harry. "No. I just went to the ball with him because… well, because you didn't ask me and that you're taking Maya." She said.
"I was supposed to ask you but I saw you already saying yes to him." Harry said.
"When was that?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Last Monday." He answered.
"And you said, I already said yes to Kyle?"
"Yes."
"That's impossible!" Ginny said in disbelief. "Kyle only asked me Tuesday in the morning when he heard that I didn't have any partner yet."
"But I heard you say you'd love to go with him." Harry said, unable to understand.
"Oh, that one?" said Ginny, looking enlightened. "He invited me to go to the library and I said yes."
"Library?!" Harry said, feeling entirely stupid. "Guess I jumped into conclusion too early." He whispered.
"Yeah." Ginny agreed. Harry was supposed to ask me to the ball? Her mind was thinking about what Harry had said.
"Can I ask you something?" Harry said.
"Sure."
"Are you still mad at me about your diary?" asked Harry.
Ginny laughed at him softly. "I wouldn't be here if I was still mad at you, would I?" She said.
"So, you forgive me already?" Harry asked hopefully.
"Well, I guess so." Ginny said. "But you have to make up with what you did to me." She added, adjusting the bracelet on her right wrist. It was the very bracelet that connected Harry and Ginny together.
"I thought you'll destroy that already because you're mad at me." Harry said, looking at the bracelet.
"Even if you'd kill me, I wouldn't destroy it." Ginny said, smiling. "This bracelet has nothing to do with our quarrel."
"I thought you will never be able to forgive me anymore." Harry said truthfully.
"I'm sorry if I said that our friendship's over... and," Ginny said, smiling at Harry, "I'm taking it back. We're friends again."
Harry could have jumped up into the moon in joy. He hugged Ginny tightly and said, "You just don't know how happy I am to hear that from you!" He felt so happy that he didn't know that he was actually hugging Ginny—until now.
Ginny's body felt like it was going to melt any moment. She felt her heart beating fast and her breath was caught in her lungs. "Harry—I can't breathe." She managed to say.
Harry broke the hug and whispered his apology. "I thought I wouldn't be able talk to you again. And that you'll stay with Kyle forever. I just couldn't take it when I saw you dancing with him and the way he could talk to you easily," Harry said. "I felt like I wanted to burst out of the Great Hall a while ago." He added, smiling softly.
"Don't tell me you're jealous of Kyle," said Ginny jokingly. Of course, he'll say he's not jealous, Ginny thought to herself.
But Ginny was wrong. "Yeah, I guess I was jealous of him…" Harry said. "because he was taking away my best friend and..." Harry paused.
"And?" Ginny said, asking Harry to continue.
You're going to tell her now. Stop denying it anymore! Harry's heart scolded him. "And my very precious love." He said, smiling at her. "I love you, Ginny."
Ginny couldn't believe what she had just heard from Harry. Harry had just told her that he loved her. Was it just her imagination? "Huh?" She said, making sure she heard right.
"I said that I love you, Ginny Weasley, and I'm really blind that I only noticed you this year. Even stupid because I kept on denying it to myself." He said, his heart finally getting lighter. At last, he had finally admitted his feelings for Ginny. It felt so good to be able to tell your true feelings.
Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Are you drunk? Or maybe you haven't eaten much lately?" Ginny said. It was just so unbelievable.
"Ginny, I know it's kind of sudden but it's true, okay? I love you with all my heart." Harry said, trying to make Ginny believe him.
"That diary has hypnotized you." Ginny said, laughing a little and avoiding Harry's eyes. "You don't have to pity me because you finally knew that I loved you." She said, still not daring to look at Harry's eyes. "I'm not forcing you to return what I feel for you. I already know that you can never fall in love with your best friend—which is also you're best friend's little sister."
"But I already love you—ever since vacation. The way you always make things light for me. I love everything about you. The way you laugh, your eyes when they look at me, everything you did for me. It's really stupid of me to deny it anymore." Harry said, trying to convince Ginny. He took a step closer to Ginny.
"I hope this isn't any prank or any dare of yours Harry Potter." Ginny said, stepping away from him and looking fearfully in his eyes.
"No," said Harry, looking intently into her eyes. "You just don't know how much I want to say these things to you long ago but…" Harry looked away from her.
Ginny stepped closer to Harry and placed her hand on his cheek. She gently turned Harry's head so it would face her. "But what?" She said.
"But I was afraid of what might happen if I will love you." Harry said. "I was scared that Voldemort might try to get on me by using you. I didn't want you to get hurt… but then I knew that I was only hurting you more if I didn't tell you how I feel. I thought you already liked Kyle and that you didn't love me but…"
"You always love to jump into stupid conclusions," said Ginny, tears flowing continuously from her eyes. "And why do you keep on fearing what will happen on the future. Why not just be contented with the present and do not worry the future yet until it finally comes." She said, her tears glistening as they fell.
"Gin, please don't cry." Harry said.
"But I want to." Ginny said, more tears began to flow. "You just don't know how long I've waited for this to happen. It took you so long and I even thought it would never come." She smiled at him softly, her tears still trickling down.
Harry placed a hand on Ginny's cheek and wiped the beads of tears. "Do you still love me?" He asked gently.
"I will always love you deep in my heart." Ginny said, smiling.
"Me too." Harry said then he leaned forward and kissed Ginny softly in the lips.
Magic seemed to fill the two and their surroundings. Ginny's heart was thudding faster and louder. Everything was so great. She wished it could go on like this forever. Warmth filled her whole body and she knew now that Harry would never leave her. She felt so happy. The fairies fluttering around them were the only ones who saw the confessions made by the two.
Harry was also feeling the same. He felt so good and now he knew that he'd always love this girl no matter what happened. Nothing else mattered to him already—as long as Ginny was with him, he would surely live
After their first kiss, the two smiled at each other.
"I hope you're not mad at me again for kissing you." Harry said, still smiling at her.
"Not really." Ginny smiled and kissed Harry quickly in the cheek. "Let's go back to the ball. I think they'll be wondering where we are soon." She said.
"But I don't want you to go back to Kyle anymore." Harry complained, holding Ginny's hand tightly.
"I won't." Ginny said, squeezing Harry's hand. "I know he'll understand me if I wanted to dance with you the whole night." Ginny giggled.
"Do you think we should tell them about us?" Harry said uncertainly .
Ginny looked at him in shock. "No, I think we shouldn't tell them…" She paused, seeing the sadness in Harry's eyes. "for now. You know Ron. He'll go wild, being my protective brother. But we'll tell them when we find the right time, okay?"
Harry nodded but he felt really disappointed though. He couldn't tell everyone how much he loved Ginny.
"I know it's hard for us. But we have to do this. It will come quite a shock to them if we tell them." Ginny said, squeezing Harry's hand and flashing a smile at him.
"So you mean you'll still hang around with Kyle?" Harry asked, the thought made him feel jealous again.
"Of course, I will—but just as friends." Ginny said to Harry.
"Okay, but don't let me see you kissing Kyle, okay?" said Harry in a teasing manner.
"Harry!" Ginny scolded him.
"I was just kidding. I trust you and I know you wouldn't do that to me." Harry said.
Ginny smiled. "Thank you for trusting me. I just hope you don't go flirting with other girls anymore." She said, giving a threatening look at him, although she was still smiling.
"I only have eyes for you." He said as he smiled back.
"I think we have to go back now." Ginny said, blushing slightly.
"I'll never forget this evening." Harry told Ginny.
"Neither will I." Ginny said, leaning her head on Harry's shoulder. She sighed contentedly, a smile on her lips.
And the two returned to the Great Hall with an understanding only the two would share. No one would ever know what had happened in that very lawn where the fairies stayed and the others were unaware of.
The Witches Five had stopped playing music and everyone seemed to be sitting in their respective tables when Harry and Ginny had returned to the Great Hall.
"What's happening?" Harry asked Ron as he and Ginny slipped into their seats.
"Dumbledore's going to say something," said Ron, looking at the teachers' table.
Albus Dumbledore stood up and looked around the crowd. "Our ball will soon end," he started. Many sighs and comments of disappointment were heard from the crowd. "But before we end, we'll have the coronation." Dumbledore continued when the racket was over.
"What coronation?" Ginny asked curiously.
"We'll be crowning the King and Queen of tonight's ball." Professor Dumbledore explained. "It doesn't need to come from exactly one pair only. The Queen can be from another pair while the King can also be from another pair. It will be chosen by this two magical spotlights," Dumbledore waved his wand and two spotlights shown from nowhere and began circling the whole room slowly. "The spotlight will stop only when it focuses its light to the King or the Queen. The choosing is based on what was observed tonight by—shall we say what the Muggles call—secret cameras. So everyone, good luck!" Dumbledore ended his statement with a smile then waved his wand again and all the lights went out. Only the two spotlights that hovered the whole room served as their light.
They circled slowly around the room. One of them suddenly stopped at Parvati and Parvati screamed in delight but then the spotlight moved again. ("What?! You mean it was just a false alarm?!" Parvati freaked out.) Then one of the spotlights stopped right over Ginny. A lot of girls shrieked and complained. ("What?!" Pansy Parkinson yelled.)
She didn't feel very excited about being chosen so she expected it to move again like Parvati's. But it didn't move again, it just stayed over her. Who would be her King?
The other spotlight searched continuously. Then it stopped over—Draco Malfoy.
No! Ginny's head shouted mentally.
Draco smirked at Ginny as if he already expected it to happen. He was about to stand but the spotlight moved again and stopped on… Harry Potter.
Harry looked at Ginny, his eyes looked so warm and full of life. He shrugged at Ginny and smiled softly as if to say 'Well, well, well. What great luck we have, huh, Gin.'
Ginny smiled back. She simply loved Harry—and that smile he had given to her. It was really heartwarming.
"Well, the King and Queen have been chosen," said Dumbledore. "May we request Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley to go in front of the Top table, please."
Harry stood slowly and went to Ginny.
"Well, let's go?" Harry said, offering his hand to her.
Ginny nodded and took his hand.
The two walked slowly towards the Top table; the spotlights following them closely. The whole crowd was staring at them.
Dumbledore beamed at them. "Congratulations to both of you!" He said then waved his hand. Crowns appeared magically on their heads and capes were hung over their shoulders. "Shall you start the last dance?" Dumbledore told Harry and Ginny.
Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. "Shall we dance, my Queen?" He said softly.
"Surely, my King." Ginny said, smiling back.
Harry and Ginny stood in the middle of the dance floor. Immediately the whole place lit up again. Harry took Ginny's hand in his. Then, Witches Five began to play the last music and the couple danced.
Whenever sang my songs
On the stage, on my own
Whenever said my words
Wishing they would be heard
I saw you smiling at me
Was it real or just my fantasy?
You'd always be there in the corner
Of this tiny little bar
My last night here for you
Same old songs, just once more
My last night here with you?
Maybe yes, maybe no
I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Did you ever know
That I had mine on you?
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer
The other couples started to come forward and dance. Harry and Ginny didn't mind them at all. They were too occupied with each other to
be bothered by the people around them.
"You know what?" Harry said to Ginny.
"What?" Ginny asked.
"I feel comfortable dancing with you." Harry said, smiling.
"Me too." Ginny whispered back.
"I just don't feel nervous anymore about dancing. If you'll be my partner, I could dance forever." Harry told her, feeling perfectly comfortable with Ginny.
"If you'll be my partner forever, I don't have to worry about my feet anymore." Ginny said, giggling.
So let me come to you
Close as I want to be
Close enough for me
To feel your heart beating fast
And stay there as I whisper
How I love your peaceful eyes on me
Did you ever know
That I had mine on you?
Darling, so share with me
Your love if you have enough
Your tears if you're holding back
Or pain if that's what it is
How can I let you know
I'm more than the dress and the voice
Just reach me out then
You will know that you're not dreaming
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then I will know
that you are no dreamer
The song ended after a short instrumental. It was already exactly midnight. Students started to come back to their dormitories to rest and prepare for their holiday vacation.
Ginny and Harry sat by the fireplace of the common room. No one else was there. All the Gryffindors were already upstairs, resting on their comfy beds.
Harry looked at Ginny and smiled.
"Why are you smiling?" Ginny asked Harry.
"Nothing," Harry murmured. " I always love to look in your eyes. They make my worries vanish." He said, making Ginny blush once more.
Ginny smiled at Harry, her blush still visible. "It's already past midnight. But the magic doesn't end yet, you're still here with me. I hope it will never end," Ginny sighed and touched the shoes she was wearing.
Harry looked down and saw that Ginny was wearing the glass slippers he had given to her. "It wouldn't end, my Queen." Harry said, smiling at her.
Ginny sighed and rested her head on Harry's shoulder. "I'm so sleepy." She yawned softly.
"Gin, do you think it's okay that we stay like this?" Harry asked, brushing Ginny's hair slowly. He could smell the sweet fragrance of her hair as it filled his nose.
Ginny raised her head from Harry's shoulder and looked at Harry. "Of course, it's okay. I know you're afraid of what may happen to us in the future but… I know we can get through anything. If we face it together, I'm sure we'll defeat even the most perfect plans of Voldemort to kill you." Ginny said, making Harry admire her even more.
"I can't afford to lose you Gin. I promise I won't let you get hurt even if I have to face Voldemort many times, I'll do it for you. I'll sacrifice my life just to save yours," said Harry. "And this time, I mean it very much. I love you so much."
Ginny smiled. "I love you too and I know you mean your promise to me. I trust you." Ginny said.
Harry took out something. It was Ginny's diary. "Here, I'm returning this to you." He said, handing Ginny the purple notebook.
"Thanks," murmured Ginny as she got it from Harry.
"I think you should get a new diary." Harry said to Ginny. "The things written there aren't true anymore." He added.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"That we're best friends." Harry told her.
"Aren't we best friends anymore?" Ginny asked, her heart skipping a beat.
"No," said Harry, then smiled. "We're more than best friends." He said and leaned forward to kiss Ginny.
Ginny's heart felt so happy. In spite of everything, she finally got to live happily ever after—just like Cinderella. Now she was wondering… What would happen if that very moment Harry was kissing her, Ron was there in the common room—seeing everything between Harry and her? Would her story still have a happy ending?
A/N: YIIIIIKKKKEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! It's not yet finished. The love story has just begun! We still have Voldemort and Ron to worry about. Will these two or the others stop the two from being together…. We'll see.
Wait, how about the holiday vacation? So where do you think will the two be… In Hogwarts or in the Burrow? Tell me.