A/N: Oh my gosh! I didn't realize it's been almost a month since I've written! I'm sorry! I really hope most of you haven't abandoned reading this story! It's almost done!

Disclaimer: None of the terms or characters that appear in any literature authored by J.K. Rowling belongs to me. They rightfully belong to J.K. Rowling. Any other allusions mentioned on this page do not belong to me either.

Chapter 37

Snape flinched and then mumbled something as if he was trying to come up with a come-back and then sneered, "You're lucky it's your birthday--or to you a national Wizarding holiday, Potter. But you will soon regret your delight when you start your next Potions terms at Hogwarts."

The fact that Harry grabbed Ginny's hand made her heart melt, but she still gave him a stare that read, You better give up now Harry or you will regret it later like Snape said.

Harry merely smirked at her, and replied to Snape, "I think I went through enough punishment with Umbridge [last year] to not be able to handle anything you have ready for me."

"You have," Snape said quickly, and then he looked at Ginny, "but you dearest hasn't," He turned around and went back through the doors into the house.

There was an awkward silence for a few moments and then Ginny spoke. "I wonder what he got you for your birthday," she said sarcastically. "And why did you grab my hand in front of him?"

"I don't know. It just happened. But I guess I want to let him know that I've found someone special and he hasn't," Harry replied.

"Oh, you don't know that. I'm sure he's had someone before at least. Maybe he's been getting chummy with Trelawny," Ginny said after her cheeks got rosy.

"That's something I really don't want to think about," said Harry and Ginny giggled. "But it makes you think. Are any of our professors married?"

"I have no idea. I don't think Dumbledore would refuse anyone to get married just because they work at Hogwarts," Ginny replied. "And didn't Hagrid have a girlfriend?"

"Madame Maxime? Yeah, I'm not sure if that worked out," Harry said.

"I'd really like to find out about Snape, though," Ginny said sympathetically. "I mean, if he has no one in his life, no wonder why he's so grumpy all the time."

"Well, I think there's more to it than that," Harry said vaguely. "And before you go Nancy Drew on me--"

"Nancy Drew?"

"I don't think Snape brought any secret love letters or diaries with him for you to figure out whether he has a girlfriend or wife or not." Harry finished.

"Don't worry. I'll just forget about it," said Ginny with a smile. "It was just a thought."

"That doesn't mean that if you happen to come across his purse or anything, not to be a little suspicious of it," Harry said and smiled back.

Ginny laughed at the thought of Snape having a purse. She was about to add to the joke and make-up something about him owning jewelry, but when she turned to look at Harry, his face was much closer to hers and she could barely feel his breath. Ginny blushed and let out an awkward giggle as her heart started beating much faster than before. Her first kiss was earlier that day, but it happened when she didn't expect it so she immediately fell in it.

Harry noticed that Ginny seemed uncomfortable so he backed off. "Sorry, I just, I--"

"No, Harry, I'm fine, it's--" Ginny said and stopped. She looked at Harry and got in closer this time and closed her eyes. Ginny moved her head even closer, her heart beating faster than ever. As she was about to plant her lips on his, she heard a loud crack! Ginny knew who it was right away since even after a year, the twins were still showing off their Apparation skills. And she was right as she opened her eyes and pulled away from Harry as fast as she could.

"Now, what's going on here?" Fred asked deviously.

"Practicing CPR," said Harry, dryly.

George raised an eyebrow. "I think it's obvious what was going on here!" he said.

"Why don't you stop badgering us?" replied an angered yet somewhat relieved Ginny. "We were--well, we were just--" She was trying to come up with a lie, and then looked at a birthday banner that Mrs. Weasley set aside. "We were secretly coming up with ideas for Hermione's surprise birthday party."

"Which doesn't include you two since you are out of Hogwarts, so if you don't mind," said Harry.

"Her birthday is in September," George said.

"And even if we left Hogwarts, we'll still be able to make special appearances." Fred added. "We wouldn't miss Hermione's birthday party for the Wizarding World!"

"Why? Do you have a crush on her?" Ginny mocked, and the twins looked stunned.

"What? Of course not!" George spat.

"That's ridiculous!" Fred agreed. Ginny was used to the twins teasing her so she learned how to turn the joke around on them. After a few minutes of small talk, Mrs. Weasley called the lot of them inside to wash dishes, but she told Harry to sit aside since it was his birthday, after all.