Thank you to my awesome reviewers! Unfortunately, I will probably not be reviewing as much as I used to because, alas, my parents have restricted my computer time to an hour a day and submitted me to 'how to be a proper young lady' boot camp. Well, not really, but they've written out a pretty strict schedule. Sewing, cooking, housework, piano... etc. Anyway, I've also a ton of work for red cross to do, so I probably will have very limited time to write.
Anyway, thank you for the amazing reviews!
Luna Lovegood2, HGandRHrforever, BrownPryde, The Vampire Story Hunter, Ze-Cookie, cherryblossom08, starchick, lightprincess, possom2009, skittish, serap-89, teknocat, Tru Lys, obsessed87, mary-v, and iloveharry, thank you so much for your reviews!
Crookshankx- Here's more! Yeah I know, the lifeguard was mean. Hopefully, we'll have a little more happening soon.
Ronnies Gurl- Thanks so much for always reviewing! Thanks for loving my story; you reviewers keep me writing away!
Kingmaker- Thank you! I'm glad you liked that chapter! Yeah, I know, the kiss being stopped was a bit predictable, but hey, I couldn't have let them kiss right then and there! Lol, hm... anyway, thanks for being such a cool reviewer!
Jamie Bell- Ooh yay! Thanks for keeping with my story; btw, I'm expecting you to update YOURS soon. Haha, alright...
Whippy Bird- Thanks for being so nice with my story! You're super super awesome! Haha, I don't know what the Highly Recommended button is, but THANKS for pushing it! You rock!
Tweek's Panda- Oh wow, I am so flattered! Hmm... I'm very glad you think my story has a strong voice to it; that is such a huge compliment! Anyway, you rock, and keep on reviewing!
EmeraldDream1- Hehe, I'm so glad you like my first story. Anyway, here's the next chapter, so read and enjoy!
She-Who-Snogs-Weaesly-Boys- I've changed the rating at your suggestion! Thanks, I forgot about that. I have updated, so don't you dare stick your ninja-leapard suit on me =D.
Elie- Oh yes, well I was tired of reading the spontaneous passionate lovemaking (so bizarre, especially for my little innocent schoolgirl mind). So here you go! Another chapter for you to read!
Potterchica02- I live about an hour's ride away from San Francisco... Haha, I know I'm evil. But I didn't want them to kiss just yet. So here is yet another chapter!
Leoking- Yaay! I'm glad I've convinced you of the Harry/Ginny pair! Did you have fun partying over the weekend? Lol. Hmm... no kissing is not forbidden (at least I don't think so?), but I needed to stop the kiss somehow, and well, I had been reading through my red cross code of conduct which stated "no inappropriate displays of affection during meetings or events" which I found absolutely hilarious, so that's the story. Thank you for keeping with my story and reassuring me that my writing doesn't suck! You rock! Okay, so I answered your questions in an email... because I don't want to give out my name here. Shh... Alright, here is the next chapter.
Alexandrea- Yay, you're back! Story is NOT ending (thank god!), so you've got more to read! Yes, so keep on reading and reviewing!
Fireboy- Why thank you for putting me on your favorite authors list!!! I'm incredibly flattered and honored! Hmm... well (if you've ever been to America), are there any huge cultural differences between England and America? I'm just very curious. Here's the next chapter; hope you like it!
Well there you go... Another chapter, some more fun, and Hermione on a broomstick! Goodness, what will happen? I guess you'll just have to read and see... and don't forget to review when you're done!
"Ron," Hermione looked at him dubiously, watching as he came closer to hover just above her. "I don't know if I can do this."
He grinned down at her reassuringly, coming even closer until he was next to her, his feet brushing the grass. "Come on Hermione, you can do it," he coaxed.
She took a deep breath, calming herself, and then swung one leg over the broomstick tentatively. "Okay," she bit her lip nervously.
"Good," he thought for a moment. "Now let's go up, alright? Not too high at first," he added, on seeing her panicked expression. "I promise."
His broom took off effortlessly, zooming up a little ways until he was hovering about five feet off the ground.
Hermione stood below him, still biting her lip nervously. "That's not too high, I guess," she grudgingly admitted.
"So come on up now," he sat patiently. "I know you can fly, Hermione."
A look of grim determination crossed her face, and he couldn't help but smile. This is Hermione at her best, Ron mused. That's why I admire her; she's such a strong character.
From below, Hermione was cautiously making her way upwards with one hundredth of the speed that Ron had used.
After considerable time spent watching her inch her way upward, Ron found himself sitting next to her as they both hovered in the air. "Not so bad, eh?" he grinned at her.
She smiled easily back, but he noticed that she still held the broomstick in her hand as though her life depended on it, her knuckles turning white.
Actually, he corrected himself. She probably does think that her life depends on it.
Looking down, Hermione warily swung one leg, and then turned back to Ron proudly. "It's not too bad."
"Yeah," he chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "But mind you, the library is twenty stories high... so we've got quite a ways to go."
She paled considerably, but after a moment, turned to him with her original resolve. "Alright," she nodded, her jaw set in that determined way that Ron found rather adorable. "Let's go up higher then."
He shrugged, zooming off about another ten feet. "Try this," he commanded, though he flashed her a reassuring smile.
Looking up, Hermione gulped. Fifteen feet off the ground... she smiled back at Ron weakly. I can do this... I know I can... Slowly, she made her way up, not daring to look down. Rather, she concentrated on Ron, hovering... at the moment, a mere five feet away.
Almost there...
She held her breath, willing herself to go up a little higher.
And there she was!
She hovered beside Ron, glowing with pride, her eyes focused on his face.
"Hermione," he grinned knowingly at her. "You've got to look down too. That's the whole point, right? You can't go into the library and simply stare at the floor above. How would you ever be able to look at those books on the lower shelves?"
She glared at him, tightening her grip on the broomstick. "That's not funny, Ron," she muttered.
"Just a glance," he persuaded. "That's all."
She ventured a glance down, and immediately squeaked in terror at the height, unable to look away from the ground. "Ron," she said, her voice unsteady. "I'm terrified."
"It's alright," Ron watched her reaction with some dismay. "Just calm down," he grinned at her, joking lightly. "Do you think you can go up another twenty feet, maybe?"
She gave him a withering glare in reply, clutching the broomstick even tighter.
Chuckling, Ron began to descend. "Okay, we'll go down then," he called over his shoulder. "And later on we can try again." He reached the ground, looking up to see Hermione still hovering where he had left her.
"Ron," her voice wavered, as she stayed immobilized on her broom, looking extremely panicked. "I don't think I can come down."
"Sure you can," Ron exclaimed. "You got yourself up there; now just fly down!"
"No," she seemed on the verge of hysteria, looking down at him, her eyes wide with terror. "I really can't, Ron."
"Just," he thought for a moment, wondering how to instruct her. "Well, you know how to come down, so just tilt your broom downward and fly."
She shook her head slightly, and stayed right where she was. "I'm scared to move," she whispered, looking a bit ashamed.
Ron sighed and hopped back on his broom, smoothly flying back up until he was next to her again.
She gave him a weak smile but stayed on her broom, still refusing to budge an inch.
"If you don't move," he informed her, smiling a little. "You'll be out here until tomorrow morning."
"No," she shook her head, giving him a stubborn smile. "You're going to be out here with me if I get stuck here."
"Ah," he pretended to look disappointed. "Then I suppose I'd better find a way to get you down."
"Get me down then!" she cried, still looking rather panicked.
"Oh yeah," he grinned sheepishly. "Right. Now you're sure you can't come down by yourself?"
"Absolutely certain," she replied dryly, glancing down with a shudder.
"It's not very far," he wheedled, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Hey!" he brightened. "How about we go down at the same time?"
She hesitated, biting her lip. "Well, I suppose..."
He tilted downwards, preparing for a slow descent.
She followed his example and began hyperventilating at the movement of the broom. Eyes squeezed shut, she whimpered, clutching the broom tighter. "I can't do it," she managed to squeak out.
Ron stared at her helplessly, unsure of what to do. "Umm," he floundered, scratching his head. "We've got to get you down somehow."
She replied sarcastically, "No Ron, I just wanted to stay up here forever. The view's lovely."
He grinned, much to her aggravation. "Hey," he shrugged, winking at her. "If that's what you want." Giving her a little wave, Ron zoomed back down, leaving her hanging in the air behind him.
"No!" she shrieked desperately. "Ron, wait!" She leaned over, gasping slightly as she stared down at him. "Come back..." she pleaded, eyes wide with terror.
He didn't hesitate. A second later, he was hovering by her side, close enough so that his shoulder brushed hers. "Are you alright, Hermione?" he asked, concern apparent on his face.
She bit her lip and shook her head, a tear leaking out of her eye. "Oh," she muttered, brushing it away. "This is ridiculous. I can't believe I'm being so cowardly." She laughed bitterly. "Yeah, facing Voldemort is no problem, but ten feet off the ground and I'm ready to surrender."
"Aww Hermione," Ron patted her on the back. "Don't say that. You know, you're one of the bravest people I know."
She gave him a doubtful look.
"Really!" he persisted. "Look, you're one of the most amazing people I know. You've done countless things that no other witch has ever done. And just because you have one little fear doesn't mean that you aren't a brave person. I mean, you're afraid of heights, and well," he smiled sheepishly. "I've got spiders."
She gave him a watery smile.
"There, now let's get you down."
With a fluid motion, he quickly swung over until he was sitting on the back of her broom, chuckling a bit as she flinched, watching his broom fall to the ground.
"Okay," he murmured soothingly, wrapping his arms around her. Thank god she can't see me, he thought, blushing. "Now, let's try this again."
Hermione nodded, blushing as she leaned back into him. "Um, what?"
"Do you want to go down?"
"Um," she squeaked, "No, I think I should get used to being up high, you know?" Dear god... his arms are around me. His arms are around me!
"Um..." Ron coughed, unable to believe his good luck. "Alright then, let's fly around, shall we?"
From inside, Ginny and Harry watched the two delightedly.
"They're so adorable!" Ginny squealed, gazing out the window dreamily.
Harry chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "It's like Ron seduced her or something," he joked, watching Ron with admiration.
Ginny rolled her eyes, ignoring him. "Well, I think it's splendid that they're finally," and here she emphasized the word 'finally', "getting along."
Nodding in reply, Harry watched Hermione and Ron zoom about happily on the broom, Hermione's expression having gone from one of pure terror to contentment.
"Harry," Ginny hopped away from the windowsill, skipping over to the door. "Are you getting hungry?"
"Yeah," he replied. "You know, from swimming and all."
They both blushed.
Ginny laughed nervously, biting her lip as she purposely avoided eye contact with him. "Yeah, from swimming," she muttered.
Watching her, Harry felt a mixture of confusion and disappointment. The playful atmosphere had disappeared and the awkwardness left was apparent.
"Let's go then," he said abruptly, walking out the door. His grin was forced as he walked past her, shuffling into the hallway.
Ginny stood by the door, biting her lip. The incident in the pool wasn't my fault was it? Her guilty conscience plagued her. Maybe he didn't try to kiss me. Maybe I tried to kiss him! Her eyes widened. Oh no...
They walked downstairs in absolute silence, each glancing over at the other from time to time, trying to figure out what they were thinking.
"So," Ginny strode into the kitchen, emerging a moment later with a couple sandwiches. "Is ham okay?"
He nodded, sitting down awkwardly. "Yeah, thanks."
"Oh come on," she tried desperately to lighten the mood. "How about we go outside? It's a lovely day."
"But," he gestured out the window, grinning a bit. "What about Ron and Hermione? We wouldn't want to, um," he lowered his voice. "Disturb the lovebirds, would we?"
"Of course not!" she replied cheerily, balancing the two plates and glasses of water haphazardly. "That's why we're going to eat on the front porch."
Harry rushed over, grabbing the plates from her. "Sounds great."
"Mmhmm!" she nodded enthusiastically, making her way towards the front door.
They sat on the porch next to each other, munching away happily. To the relief of both Harry and Ginny, they easily slid back into comfortable conversation without the awkward silences of earlier.
"Hermione and Ron should be together by the end of the week, I should expect," Harry remarked between bites.
Ginny nodded, swallowing. "Yeah, they seem to be quite close to admitting their feelings," she giggled mischievously.
"Well," Harry smirked. "I'm not saying that we just let things happen. That, I think, might take longer."
Her eyes widened, and she pretended to be shocked. "Oh Harry!" she covered her mouth with a hand dramatically. "You don't mean that we're going to interfere, do you?"
"That my dear," he replied suavely, much to her amusement, "Is precisely what I plan to do."
"Hmm," she tilted her head thoughtfully as she bit her lip, her hair falling over her face.
Harry, who found this small movement to be absolutely entrancing, blushed, looking away.
"Oh I know!" she leapt up. "We shall, of course, get Hermione stuck somewhere high, like on the roof, and have brave Ron come to the rescue!"
Harry eyed her dubiously. "How in the world would we do that?"
She sat back down, looking a bit deflated. "I'm not sure," she admitted. "But certainly we could do it. I mean, suppose we give her a sleeping draught and put her on the roof. She'd just believe that she sleepwalked up there."
Still looking doubtful, Harry pondered over the plan. "Well, I suppose. But she's never been one for sleepwalking before."
"Well," Ginny giggled. "This is a week for strange sleeping patterns right? First she has dreams about confessing her undying love to you-"
Harry shuddered.
"- And then she sleepwalks."
"What if we get caught?"
"Oh," Ginny rolled her eyes. "We won't. It'll be in the middle of the night! What could go wrong?"
"I suppose," Harry agreed reluctantly.
"Yoo hoo!"
They both turned in surprise to see an elderly witch walking down the sidewalk, enthusiastically waving her cane at them.
"Do you know her?" Harry whispered, watching the woman curiously.
Ginny bit her lip. "I don't know. She might be one of the neighbors." She raised her voice to reply to the woman. "Hello!"
"Now is that little Ginny Weasley?!" The witch continued, hobbling towards them. "I heard that," here she winked exaggeratedly. "You and that boy," she waved in Harry's direction with her cane. "Were snogging away in the pool this afternoon!"
Ginny reddened, eyes widening.
Harry gaped.
"Really?" Ginny finally managed to stammer out, giving a nervous laugh. "Where did you hear that?"
"Well," the woman looked thoughtful for a moment. "I heard it from Mrs. Riley down the street who heard it from Mrs. Berger, who in turn heard it from Mrs. Fera, who heard it from her children who were there this afternoon playing with Mrs. Orson's children who can vouch that it did happen," she finished.
"Oh..." Ginny replied weakly. "I suppose the whole neighborhood knows, huh?"
"Yes," the witch smiled at her cheerily. "Imagine, our dear little Ginny snogging famous boys like Harry Potter at the pool! Your folks will be so proud!" And with that, she hobbled away, waving goodbye at them with her cane.
Ginny and Harry stared at each other, both red.
"Well," Harry finally chuckled shakily. "I don't suppose Fred and George will be happy with me now."