Part 5
*Ginny POV*
"Oh, really? I think I'm…not missing the point. I get exactly what you're saying. You're saying that I'm not good enough for Ginny, that no matter how hard I try, she'll just see me as her older brother's best friend…and hopefully as her friend. And you're also saying that you don't think I'm good enough for her, that you'd rather leave her to the Dean Thomases of the world instead of your own bloody best friend. I understand, Ron. I get it."
I could hardly believe my own ears as I stood behind Harry. The words I had been dreaming about hearing were actually coming out of Harry Potter's mouth.
I had to be dreaming.
That was it.
"OK, Harry—what would be the absolute worst thing that could happen right now?" Ron asked, looking straight at me.
I took a deep breath as Harry turned around to look at me. He looked shocked and…
Disappointed?
"H-hi, Harry," I said shakily. I had just been trying to get over Harry telling me he loved me, and now I had to deal with this too? With him in the room?
"I'm going to go," Ron said before disappearing up the boys' staircase.
"So…" I said weakly, hoping he would carry on the burden of a conversation-starter.
"Ginny, I think I have to explain myself," Harry sat in a chair by the fire. "Please. Sit with me."
I walked over to the chair next to him and practically fell into it. You would think that by the fifth year of being in close proximity to Harry, I would have gotten used to it. But no, his emerald green eyes and messy black hair still did wicked things to me. Damn hormones.
"I know I took you…by surprise this morning when I told you that I loved you," Harry said cautiously, as if I would erupt at any second. "But the thing is, Ginny, when you told Ron all that stuff about Hermione…well…"
"Well?" I prompted.
"I feel the same way about—about you."
I gaped at him.
"I mean…my breath catches in my throat when I look at you. And last year wasn't the best time for me…but when you smiled at me, no matter what had just happened—I felt like everything would be OK. And yeah, I don't tease you all that often, but it bothers me when people—other people—tease you."
I had no idea what to say.
"But Harry…I mean…that doesn't necessarily mean you love me. I just—love is such a strong word, you know? And you haven't really thought about me in…that way before. So don't you think you're overreacting? Just a little?"
I was surprised. I didn't think I could get that far without breaking down.
"Well…I think people can love other people for a long time and not realize it until something happens…like two of their best friends recognizing their feelings for what they are."
"Harry, I just don't think you can learn to love me in a day," I answered. It sounded a lot harsher than I meant to, but this was really tearing me up here.
"Ginny, I haven't had an opportunity to love many people, you know? I mean…my family is basically nonexistent…and then I met Ron. And everything changed. I know I brushed you off when I met you. But what I'm telling you know is the truth."
"Maybe you're not understanding what you're feeling. Maybe you just love me as a…a friend. Or a sister."
I swallowed. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, don't cry…
Without any further warning, he leaned over and kissed me.
I'd been kissed before. It wasn't as if I had no experience at all. I'd snogged Dean a fair number of times. But it was nothing compared to how Harry's lips on mine made me feel. I felt as if I was floating up out of my body and watching it happen, but even then it didn't seem real. I closed my eyes and for the first time in my life, saw stars exploding behind my eyelids. It was unreal. I was lightheaded, dizzy, but utterly and totally blissful.
And then it ended, and I was sitting there in shock as Harry sat back in his chair.
"I really don't think that I could do what I just did if I loved you as a friend or a sister, Gin."
"Harry, I'll admit it. There was real…chemistry there. But why can't we take it slowly? I mean, you like me…I think. And I like you, too. But maybe we should just tone it down. A little."
He smiled. My bloody knees buckled and I wasn't even standing up.
"I'd love to."
A/N: To continue or not? I don't know. Let me know in a review. :o)
