Twenty-Five
The students filled the dance floor including many of the professors as a beautifully haunting melody filled the air from all corners of the courtyard. Harry held Ginny in proper stance with one hand lightly stroking her bare back, with his other holding her hand out to the side, Ginny laid her arm across the back of Harry's neck, palm turned out as they began to move the intricate steps to the waltz. She felt almost enchanted with the beautiful music and intoxicating environment. They moved seamlessly as one through the complicated steps communicating silently to each other with their eyes. Twirling her around Harry leaned in to brush Ginny's lips with a quick kiss before they turned away to exchange partners. To Ginny's delight she spun into the arms of Colin. "Hello there handsome," she said brightly. "And how are you tonight fair lady?" Colin teased. "Never better," she answered back flowing in time to the music. The song played on and it was time again to turn to the next partner. This time Ginny faced Seamus and stepped instantly into stance with him, out of the corner of her eye she spied Harry now in the arms of Lavender. "Ahh, finally I have you!" Seamus laughed moving Ginny into a dip. "Take me away to the isle o' green Seamus my dear!" Ginny laughed back. "If ever you decided to ditch that messy haired seeker, darling, I'll sweep you away!" Seamus said before twirling her to her next partner.
Ginny's laughter died quickly as she turned facing Draco. She put her arms up stiffly into stance as he stepped forward turning her smoothly into an elaborate circle, Ginny left her hand limp in his firm grip barely allowing her other arm to come in contact with the back of his neck. Ginny looked around trying to avoid acknowledging his arm around her waist or how he seemed to enjoy brushing his fingers dangerously low on her bare back. As Draco moved Ginny elegantly across the courtyard she saw Harry watching closely with a dark look on his face, Hermione was dancing with him speaking quickly noticing what was going on. Ron was dancing with Parvarti with a murderous glare towards Malfoy. Even the twins who were over at their station seemed to be frowning keeping a close eye on their sister. "My goodness kitten, it does seem you are the lady to be with tonight," Draco's arrogant voice brought her attention rudely back to exactly who she was stuck with. "Let's just finish this so we can move on shall we?" Ginny spoke through gritted teeth. "Now why would I want to do that when I'm having so much fun where I'm at," Malfoy's voice was strangely husky and deep, he pulled her closer as he moved her around in another fluid circle. "What is your problem Malfoy?" Ginny hissed. "You," he smirked. Before Ginny could respond Draco took her hand he held raising it so her arm was high above her head and spun her in place, she was unnerved by his response but didn't have time to think. She was turned back to face him, he brought her hand down quickly brushing cold lips across her fingers before she could pull them out of his grasp. He merely chuckled darkly at her actions turning to move on to his next partner. Ginny turned quickly and was relieved to find Neville, who glanced at the back of Malfoy's head before taking her hand and spinning her in the appropriate circle. "Alright there Ginny?" Neville asked in a warm voice. Ginny gave Neville a genuine smile, "I am now, thank you." She felt Neville pat her back in a reassuring manner, noting that his hands were comfortably higher than her previous partner's. "And how are you doing Neville?" Ginny asked steering the subject to happier topics, "I see you've been spending a lot of time with Sage," she winked at him as he blushed. They continued to dance keeping the topic of conversation light. The enchanting song came to an end as Neville bowed to Ginny; she curtseyed slightly in return giving him a smile.
Music once again filled the air, this time a slow intimate tune found many of the students slowly moving in the arms of their partners. Ginny turned to see Harry walking up to her through the crowd of dancing couples. Warmth and happiness filled her as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her into a tight embrace. Ginny instantly relaxed against him resting her cheek against his chest while her hands held tight to the front of his jacket. She closed her eyes feeling Harry kiss the top of her head. They were as one, one heart, one pulse, one motion. She never wanted this moment to end, feeling so safe and secure. She pulled her head back to look up at Harry's handsome features; he looked down at his beautiful red-headed love and smiled. Ginny knew the twins seemed to sense the need for a second slow melody, knowing she wasn't ready to stop. She glanced over at Fred and George seeing that they were watching her, they nodded and smiled before turning their attention to a short distance away from her. Ginny followed their gaze as she was slowly led in dance by Harry; she tapped him to also look.
A small circle of dancers had cleared leaving an open area where Ron and Hermione danced, oblivious to anyone else. There was no doubt at all that the handsome couple was very much in love. Ginny's heart skipped watching her brother and her friend stare in rapture of one another. They almost glowed; Ginny noted that perhaps that reason was the multitude of faeries that appeared to be drawn to them hovering above and around the couple, illuminating them in their soft light. Harry took a step back taking Ginny's hand he slowly spun her around before bringing her back against him. Ginny glanced over seeing Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonnagall standing off to the side watching her brother and Hermione dancing. A smile of approval and a glint of mirth were evident on the aged headmaster as his eyes turned briefly to catch Ginny's before turning his attention back to Ron and his beloved on the dance floor. Professor McGonnagall appeared to be actually misty and had a far off wistful look as she brought her hand up to touch over her heart before turning to whisper to Professor Dumbledore.
"How much longer do you suspect it will be before we hear he's actually proposed?" Harry spoke low into Ginny's ear. Ginny looked back at Harry sharply and gasped, "You know something I don't Mr. Potter?" she asked. Harry chuckled rubbing Ginny's back sending shivers of excitement where he touched. "Only an observation," he said. "Are you teasing me?" Ginny asked tracing her finger along Harry's jaw line. Harry raised an eyebrow looking down at the stunning beauty in his arms, "You're asking me if I'm being a tease? That's rich," he chuckled. "Have I told you today that I love you?" Ginny said in a sultry tone pressing herself against Harry more as they moved. "I can always stand to hear it again," Harry said squeezing her. The song came to an end and Harry bent forward bringing his warm lips close to her ear, "I love you," he whispered, the feeling of his warm breath against her skin was heaven.
The next song to play was faster with a sexy edge; Ginny stepped back out of Harry's arms and began to dance. "There you are!" Seamus cut through the crowd coming up to Ginny and Harry, "Just the gal I wanted to dance with!" he shouted over the music. Lavender was just a step behind Seamus being drug by his hand as she laughed. "Here you go sport time to switch!" Seamus put Lavender's hand into Harry's before grabbing Ginny's pulling her further out onto the dance floor. He stopped right in the center with Ron and Hermione as well as the rest of the gang were dancing to the pounding beat of the music. "Show me what you're made of you Irish stud!" Ginny laughed stepping up to dance with Seamus. She threw one arm up over his shoulder and he put his hands lightly on her hips as they began a sexy grinding dance. "Hey now!" Harry called out pulling Lavender in to the center with them, "Are we going to let them show us up?" He asked her. "Absolutely not!" Lavender shouted as she started to move with Harry. Ron and Hermione laughed at their friends as Ron turned Hermione so that her back was pressed against his chest, they moved together as Ron wrapped one hand around her waist to hold onto her moving with the beat. As the next several songs began to play the group enjoyed switching partners, each song containing a pulse pounding beat that keep the crowd in high spirits. One point in time found Ginny and Ron in the center of the group dancing together, George and Fred pushed their way through the crowds to join their younger siblings in what some dubbed an all out redhead Weasley fest. "It must be in the genes for them all to be able to dance that sexy! No wonder there are seven of them," Hermione shouted to Harry watching them. Harry's response was to throw his head back laughing whole heartedly.
Some distance away sitting at a cluster of tables near the entry of the courtyard found several of the professors sitting quietly sipping mead as they watching the happy students enjoy their dance. "It does appear that they are all having a good time Albus," Professor McGonnagall said before taking a drink. "I quiet agree, something they have precious too little of these days," said Dumbledore. "Well would you look at that!" Harid laughed pointing out the group of Weasley heads bobbing with the music. The crowd had parted enough for both of the professors at the table to catch a glance at the rambunctious group completely enjoying themselves. McGonagall actually smiled shaking her head in amusement. After having been spun dizzy by her brothers Ginny made her way back to their table picking up her butterbeer taking a sip. Hermione soon followed over and sat down fanning her face, "This is most decidedly one of the best formals I've ever been to," she said reaching for her drink. Ginny looked out onto the dance floor and began to chock on her drink, "Hermione!" Ginny yelped pointing out to the dance floor. Harry and Ron were on the edge of the group being completely silly dancing with each other in a totally none sexual manner but still enough to make the group of fellow Gryffindors stumble in a riot of laughter. "I don't believe them!" Hermione exclaimed. "Are they seriously trying what we did at that dance club?" said Ginny. "I hope not!" Hermione laughed, "Come on let's show them how it's done!" Hermione stood back up grabbing Ginny's hand pulling her a few feet from where their boyfriends were making fools out of themselves. Hermione put her hands on Ginny's hips as the girls began to grind together to the pulsing tune. Immediately they caught the attention of the group receiving loud whistles and cat calls from not only the males in the area but some females as well. "You show 'em how it's done!" Lavender yelled while laughing at Harry and Ron. Ginny placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder winking over at the crowd, out of the corner of her eye she caught someone standing by a table watching. Moving her eyes to fully focus on the person she noticed Malfoy was staring at her closely with an unreadable expression. When he noticed her look he gave an arrogant grin and held up his glass as if to toast her. Ginny diverted her attention back as Hermione spun Ginny so that her back was up against Hermione's chest; rather reminiscent of their dance at the club Ginny was reminded. "Oh no you don't! Not THAT again!" Ginny heard Ron shout. This only caused everyone else to laugh and Hermione to smile wickedly, "What's the matter? Jealous?" Hermione asked as Ron pulled her into his arms taking over as her dance partner. "The mental imagine of you and my sister is just a bit wrong!" Ron said. "Since Hermione isn't my sister the mental picture is rather fine," Harry shouted over the music as he wrapped his arms around Ginny from behind. "Pervert!" Hermione and Ginny yelled at the same time before cracking up with laughter.
Several hours and many songs later Fred announced that this was the final dance of the night. Ginny had been slowly dancing with Harry at the time of the announcement when she was struck with an idea. "Harry, come with me and follow my lead," Ginny said pulling on his hand. Harry raised an eyebrow but keep quiet. The couple approached one of the many round tables containing the teachers. "Professor Dumbledore, Sir, could I have this dance?" Ginny smiled down sweetly at the Headmaster. "Why Miss Weasley I would be honored," Dumbledore said standing up from his seat, "Let's see if these old bones still know how to lead a lovely lady on the dance floor." Ginny smiled as the old wizard extended his elbow for her to take. Harry turned, "Professor McGonnagall would you do me the honor of having this final dance with me?" he asked. "Why Mr. Potter, such the charmer, I would be delighted." Harry took note as he extended his elbow that his transfiguration teacher actually blushed as she rose out of her seat to take his arm. Once out on the dance floor Ginny caught a glance of Ron escorting Madam Pomfrey to dance while Hagrid gently twirled Hermione around.
Her attention was brought back to the Headmaster when he spoke, "How have you been Miss Weasley?" She knew it was a loaded question, putting on her sweetest expression she answered, "I've had one dream of recent but nothing further has occurred." Dumbledore studied the lovely girl as he slowly moved her across the dance floor for several seconds, "Have you ever talked about your experiences concerning your first year with Harry?" he asked in a kindly manner. Ginny tried not to cringe thinking back, "No, he hasn't asked. I'd much prefer to leave it in the past where it belongs," she answered as politely as possible. "Very well, but you do realize there is no guarantee that all you went through isn't already knowledge to Voldemort or won't have an affect anything pertaining to him. We'll never know for certain what sort of charms and curses were involved on the diary. So there is no way of knowing." Professor Dumbledore said trying to be a gentle as possible. "I know Professor, it was made clear to me after it happened the impact of everything that could be," Ginny sighed. "My dear child, remember to enjoy your life for all its worth now, savor every moment and try not dwell on what has happened in the past, or may come in the future." Dumbledore said. Ginny turned her head watching Harry dancing with Professor McGonnagall, he smiled down at his teacher chuckling at something she must have said. "I am Professor, I won't let Tom take away all that I've worked for. All that I hold dear." Ginny spoke so softly that only his keen ears caught what she said. For a brief moment sadness came across his wrinkled kind features. "Such a brave young woman. So very strong she'll have to be with the war to come." He thought to himself.
The song came to an end, taking a step back Ginny was a bit stunned by what the Professor did next, "My dear, it was a great honor to have shared the final dance of the evening with such a lovely lady as yourself," Dumbledore said before bending over placing a grandfatherly kiss on the back of her hand. "I have every faith that you will never allow Tom Riddle to defeat you again. "The honor was mine," Ginny said "And thank you for your faith in me." The Professor stood back up straight extending his elbow for Ginny to take once again to lead her off of the dance floor. "Your date, Mr. Potter" Dumbledore spoke as they approached Harry, Ron and Hermione who were standing at the edge of the dance floor.
Hermione looked up at the star filled sky and took in a deep breath, "What a completely wonderful night," she sighed. Ron wrapped his arms around her waist resting his chin on her shoulder looking at his best friend and his sister quietly talking, "Yes it is," he said kissing the side of her neck. "Ready to fulfill that promise you made me in exchange for your girl pampering night?" Ron growled in Hermione's ear squeezing her tightly. Hermione giggled patting Ron's hands at her waist, "I always keep my promises."
The students filled the dance floor including many of the professors as a beautifully haunting melody filled the air from all corners of the courtyard. Harry held Ginny in proper stance with one hand lightly stroking her bare back, with his other holding her hand out to the side, Ginny laid her arm across the back of Harry's neck, palm turned out as they began to move the intricate steps to the waltz. She felt almost enchanted with the beautiful music and intoxicating environment. They moved seamlessly as one through the complicated steps communicating silently to each other with their eyes. Twirling her around Harry leaned in to brush Ginny's lips with a quick kiss before they turned away to exchange partners. To Ginny's delight she spun into the arms of Colin. "Hello there handsome," she said brightly. "And how are you tonight fair lady?" Colin teased. "Never better," she answered back flowing in time to the music. The song played on and it was time again to turn to the next partner. This time Ginny faced Seamus and stepped instantly into stance with him, out of the corner of her eye she spied Harry now in the arms of Lavender. "Ahh, finally I have you!" Seamus laughed moving Ginny into a dip. "Take me away to the isle o' green Seamus my dear!" Ginny laughed back. "If ever you decided to ditch that messy haired seeker, darling, I'll sweep you away!" Seamus said before twirling her to her next partner.
Ginny's laughter died quickly as she turned facing Draco. She put her arms up stiffly into stance as he stepped forward turning her smoothly into an elaborate circle, Ginny left her hand limp in his firm grip barely allowing her other arm to come in contact with the back of his neck. Ginny looked around trying to avoid acknowledging his arm around her waist or how he seemed to enjoy brushing his fingers dangerously low on her bare back. As Draco moved Ginny elegantly across the courtyard she saw Harry watching closely with a dark look on his face, Hermione was dancing with him speaking quickly noticing what was going on. Ron was dancing with Parvarti with a murderous glare towards Malfoy. Even the twins who were over at their station seemed to be frowning keeping a close eye on their sister. "My goodness kitten, it does seem you are the lady to be with tonight," Draco's arrogant voice brought her attention rudely back to exactly who she was stuck with. "Let's just finish this so we can move on shall we?" Ginny spoke through gritted teeth. "Now why would I want to do that when I'm having so much fun where I'm at," Malfoy's voice was strangely husky and deep, he pulled her closer as he moved her around in another fluid circle. "What is your problem Malfoy?" Ginny hissed. "You," he smirked. Before Ginny could respond Draco took her hand he held raising it so her arm was high above her head and spun her in place, she was unnerved by his response but didn't have time to think. She was turned back to face him, he brought her hand down quickly brushing cold lips across her fingers before she could pull them out of his grasp. He merely chuckled darkly at her actions turning to move on to his next partner. Ginny turned quickly and was relieved to find Neville, who glanced at the back of Malfoy's head before taking her hand and spinning her in the appropriate circle. "Alright there Ginny?" Neville asked in a warm voice. Ginny gave Neville a genuine smile, "I am now, thank you." She felt Neville pat her back in a reassuring manner, noting that his hands were comfortably higher than her previous partner's. "And how are you doing Neville?" Ginny asked steering the subject to happier topics, "I see you've been spending a lot of time with Sage," she winked at him as he blushed. They continued to dance keeping the topic of conversation light. The enchanting song came to an end as Neville bowed to Ginny; she curtseyed slightly in return giving him a smile.
Music once again filled the air, this time a slow intimate tune found many of the students slowly moving in the arms of their partners. Ginny turned to see Harry walking up to her through the crowd of dancing couples. Warmth and happiness filled her as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her into a tight embrace. Ginny instantly relaxed against him resting her cheek against his chest while her hands held tight to the front of his jacket. She closed her eyes feeling Harry kiss the top of her head. They were as one, one heart, one pulse, one motion. She never wanted this moment to end, feeling so safe and secure. She pulled her head back to look up at Harry's handsome features; he looked down at his beautiful red-headed love and smiled. Ginny knew the twins seemed to sense the need for a second slow melody, knowing she wasn't ready to stop. She glanced over at Fred and George seeing that they were watching her, they nodded and smiled before turning their attention to a short distance away from her. Ginny followed their gaze as she was slowly led in dance by Harry; she tapped him to also look.
A small circle of dancers had cleared leaving an open area where Ron and Hermione danced, oblivious to anyone else. There was no doubt at all that the handsome couple was very much in love. Ginny's heart skipped watching her brother and her friend stare in rapture of one another. They almost glowed; Ginny noted that perhaps that reason was the multitude of faeries that appeared to be drawn to them hovering above and around the couple, illuminating them in their soft light. Harry took a step back taking Ginny's hand he slowly spun her around before bringing her back against him. Ginny glanced over seeing Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonnagall standing off to the side watching her brother and Hermione dancing. A smile of approval and a glint of mirth were evident on the aged headmaster as his eyes turned briefly to catch Ginny's before turning his attention back to Ron and his beloved on the dance floor. Professor McGonnagall appeared to be actually misty and had a far off wistful look as she brought her hand up to touch over her heart before turning to whisper to Professor Dumbledore.
"How much longer do you suspect it will be before we hear he's actually proposed?" Harry spoke low into Ginny's ear. Ginny looked back at Harry sharply and gasped, "You know something I don't Mr. Potter?" she asked. Harry chuckled rubbing Ginny's back sending shivers of excitement where he touched. "Only an observation," he said. "Are you teasing me?" Ginny asked tracing her finger along Harry's jaw line. Harry raised an eyebrow looking down at the stunning beauty in his arms, "You're asking me if I'm being a tease? That's rich," he chuckled. "Have I told you today that I love you?" Ginny said in a sultry tone pressing herself against Harry more as they moved. "I can always stand to hear it again," Harry said squeezing her. The song came to an end and Harry bent forward bringing his warm lips close to her ear, "I love you," he whispered, the feeling of his warm breath against her skin was heaven.
The next song to play was faster with a sexy edge; Ginny stepped back out of Harry's arms and began to dance. "There you are!" Seamus cut through the crowd coming up to Ginny and Harry, "Just the gal I wanted to dance with!" he shouted over the music. Lavender was just a step behind Seamus being drug by his hand as she laughed. "Here you go sport time to switch!" Seamus put Lavender's hand into Harry's before grabbing Ginny's pulling her further out onto the dance floor. He stopped right in the center with Ron and Hermione as well as the rest of the gang were dancing to the pounding beat of the music. "Show me what you're made of you Irish stud!" Ginny laughed stepping up to dance with Seamus. She threw one arm up over his shoulder and he put his hands lightly on her hips as they began a sexy grinding dance. "Hey now!" Harry called out pulling Lavender in to the center with them, "Are we going to let them show us up?" He asked her. "Absolutely not!" Lavender shouted as she started to move with Harry. Ron and Hermione laughed at their friends as Ron turned Hermione so that her back was pressed against his chest, they moved together as Ron wrapped one hand around her waist to hold onto her moving with the beat. As the next several songs began to play the group enjoyed switching partners, each song containing a pulse pounding beat that keep the crowd in high spirits. One point in time found Ginny and Ron in the center of the group dancing together, George and Fred pushed their way through the crowds to join their younger siblings in what some dubbed an all out redhead Weasley fest. "It must be in the genes for them all to be able to dance that sexy! No wonder there are seven of them," Hermione shouted to Harry watching them. Harry's response was to throw his head back laughing whole heartedly.
Some distance away sitting at a cluster of tables near the entry of the courtyard found several of the professors sitting quietly sipping mead as they watching the happy students enjoy their dance. "It does appear that they are all having a good time Albus," Professor McGonnagall said before taking a drink. "I quiet agree, something they have precious too little of these days," said Dumbledore. "Well would you look at that!" Harid laughed pointing out the group of Weasley heads bobbing with the music. The crowd had parted enough for both of the professors at the table to catch a glance at the rambunctious group completely enjoying themselves. McGonagall actually smiled shaking her head in amusement. After having been spun dizzy by her brothers Ginny made her way back to their table picking up her butterbeer taking a sip. Hermione soon followed over and sat down fanning her face, "This is most decidedly one of the best formals I've ever been to," she said reaching for her drink. Ginny looked out onto the dance floor and began to chock on her drink, "Hermione!" Ginny yelped pointing out to the dance floor. Harry and Ron were on the edge of the group being completely silly dancing with each other in a totally none sexual manner but still enough to make the group of fellow Gryffindors stumble in a riot of laughter. "I don't believe them!" Hermione exclaimed. "Are they seriously trying what we did at that dance club?" said Ginny. "I hope not!" Hermione laughed, "Come on let's show them how it's done!" Hermione stood back up grabbing Ginny's hand pulling her a few feet from where their boyfriends were making fools out of themselves. Hermione put her hands on Ginny's hips as the girls began to grind together to the pulsing tune. Immediately they caught the attention of the group receiving loud whistles and cat calls from not only the males in the area but some females as well. "You show 'em how it's done!" Lavender yelled while laughing at Harry and Ron. Ginny placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder winking over at the crowd, out of the corner of her eye she caught someone standing by a table watching. Moving her eyes to fully focus on the person she noticed Malfoy was staring at her closely with an unreadable expression. When he noticed her look he gave an arrogant grin and held up his glass as if to toast her. Ginny diverted her attention back as Hermione spun Ginny so that her back was up against Hermione's chest; rather reminiscent of their dance at the club Ginny was reminded. "Oh no you don't! Not THAT again!" Ginny heard Ron shout. This only caused everyone else to laugh and Hermione to smile wickedly, "What's the matter? Jealous?" Hermione asked as Ron pulled her into his arms taking over as her dance partner. "The mental imagine of you and my sister is just a bit wrong!" Ron said. "Since Hermione isn't my sister the mental picture is rather fine," Harry shouted over the music as he wrapped his arms around Ginny from behind. "Pervert!" Hermione and Ginny yelled at the same time before cracking up with laughter.
Several hours and many songs later Fred announced that this was the final dance of the night. Ginny had been slowly dancing with Harry at the time of the announcement when she was struck with an idea. "Harry, come with me and follow my lead," Ginny said pulling on his hand. Harry raised an eyebrow but keep quiet. The couple approached one of the many round tables containing the teachers. "Professor Dumbledore, Sir, could I have this dance?" Ginny smiled down sweetly at the Headmaster. "Why Miss Weasley I would be honored," Dumbledore said standing up from his seat, "Let's see if these old bones still know how to lead a lovely lady on the dance floor." Ginny smiled as the old wizard extended his elbow for her to take. Harry turned, "Professor McGonnagall would you do me the honor of having this final dance with me?" he asked. "Why Mr. Potter, such the charmer, I would be delighted." Harry took note as he extended his elbow that his transfiguration teacher actually blushed as she rose out of her seat to take his arm. Once out on the dance floor Ginny caught a glance of Ron escorting Madam Pomfrey to dance while Hagrid gently twirled Hermione around.
Her attention was brought back to the Headmaster when he spoke, "How have you been Miss Weasley?" She knew it was a loaded question, putting on her sweetest expression she answered, "I've had one dream of recent but nothing further has occurred." Dumbledore studied the lovely girl as he slowly moved her across the dance floor for several seconds, "Have you ever talked about your experiences concerning your first year with Harry?" he asked in a kindly manner. Ginny tried not to cringe thinking back, "No, he hasn't asked. I'd much prefer to leave it in the past where it belongs," she answered as politely as possible. "Very well, but you do realize there is no guarantee that all you went through isn't already knowledge to Voldemort or won't have an affect anything pertaining to him. We'll never know for certain what sort of charms and curses were involved on the diary. So there is no way of knowing." Professor Dumbledore said trying to be a gentle as possible. "I know Professor, it was made clear to me after it happened the impact of everything that could be," Ginny sighed. "My dear child, remember to enjoy your life for all its worth now, savor every moment and try not dwell on what has happened in the past, or may come in the future." Dumbledore said. Ginny turned her head watching Harry dancing with Professor McGonnagall, he smiled down at his teacher chuckling at something she must have said. "I am Professor, I won't let Tom take away all that I've worked for. All that I hold dear." Ginny spoke so softly that only his keen ears caught what she said. For a brief moment sadness came across his wrinkled kind features. "Such a brave young woman. So very strong she'll have to be with the war to come." He thought to himself.
The song came to an end, taking a step back Ginny was a bit stunned by what the Professor did next, "My dear, it was a great honor to have shared the final dance of the evening with such a lovely lady as yourself," Dumbledore said before bending over placing a grandfatherly kiss on the back of her hand. "I have every faith that you will never allow Tom Riddle to defeat you again. "The honor was mine," Ginny said "And thank you for your faith in me." The Professor stood back up straight extending his elbow for Ginny to take once again to lead her off of the dance floor. "Your date, Mr. Potter" Dumbledore spoke as they approached Harry, Ron and Hermione who were standing at the edge of the dance floor.
Hermione looked up at the star filled sky and took in a deep breath, "What a completely wonderful night," she sighed. Ron wrapped his arms around her waist resting his chin on her shoulder looking at his best friend and his sister quietly talking, "Yes it is," he said kissing the side of her neck. "Ready to fulfill that promise you made me in exchange for your girl pampering night?" Ron growled in Hermione's ear squeezing her tightly. Hermione giggled patting Ron's hands at her waist, "I always keep my promises."
