A/N: Hey everyone! Thank you for all the excellent reviews for last chapter! I'm glad everyone like it, because I was quite proud of it myself. :) I hope everything is going well with everyone!
blink gurl017: Haha yes drunk Ginny is quite amusing. I know I have over two hundred reviews! 255 now! I want to cry with happiness. Lol.
Cycla: Haha I particularly enjoyed writing the vomit on shoes part. Haha, I can't say that has ever happened to me on a date, but I'm sure it will someday.
JediPirateElfyDude: Yay! I'm glad I rock your world. Lol.
gatoriris: Thank you for the get well wish! I'm actually not feeling much better. Lol. I stayed home from school the past three days. I have a virus, or so my doctor tells me. Thank you for your review! The club scene was one of my favorites to write, so I'm glad you liked it!
IndiaInk: Haha thank you!
Future Mrs. Radcliffe: Thank you! I think it might be my favorite chapter I have ever written, although I like this one too. It's also longer than usual. Yay! Lol. Thank you for saying I rock! You rock too! Lol.
mrstomfelton15: Thank you! I'm so glad you like it!
Jaquelyne: Thank you! I love Echo and the Bunnymen. I wish I could have the opportunity to see them live. That'd be amazing.
the-insufferable-know-it-all: Thank you!
The Flying Moose: Thank you for the get well wish! I had some kind of virus. I was throwing up and had really bad headaches and was really dizzy. Doesn't sound as serious as what you had though. That's awful. Needless to say, I missed three days of school, today included. But at least I got to write this chapter! Lol.
Miss Hogwarts: Don't worry, there wasn't really that much of that going on.
Lily Dwarf: Haha Here's the update!
hye em yes: Thanks!
InLUVwithHarry16: Thank you! Haha for some reason I do write long chapters when I'm sick. This one is pretty long too. Probably because I'm home all day. Lol.
Elmire: Thank you so much! Where are you from? I wish I could speak French better, but sadly I cannot. Once again, thank you for the compliments! J
Ravenway: Haha don't worry, there wasn't much kissing going on.
Darkflower2113: Haha thank you! I'm glad you liked the detail; I'm trying to insert more of into my writing. Ooo what concert? I wanna know, I wanna know! Lol.
amber: Thank you! Hell yes, that's the beauty of fanfiction. Lol. You can mold the characters a little. Make them sort of your own. But not really. Damn J.K. Rowling. Genius she is. Lol.
Canadian Star: Yay! Thank you!
Silk Gowns: Go me! Lol. Eight pages is damn good too! I used to only write around three or sometimes four. But I sort of like writing long chapters. From now on I'm going to try to make them all longer. This one is seven pages! Yay again! Lol. My teachers are so out to get me too. Especially my French teacher. She hates me. Lol. I think Harry was laughing at Ginny, yet he was still somewhat disappointed. He's complex. Lol. I really hope that wasn't the last Georgia Nicholson book! It didn't sound like it, the way she ended it.
Jomai: Thank you!
Maraudergrl99: Haha it would be so funny if Ginny was like, Harry I have something to tell you. I want to have your babies. Lol. I'm such a hopeless romantic too. I'm all for cuddling by the fire in winter, long walks in fall, well I have something I love for every season. And so much more. Lol. I could go on and on about all the romantic things I love. Lol. I'm actually still kind of sick, but oh well. Oh my gosh that sucks about Taking Back Sunday! I would have freaked out. I think I'm going to see them with my best friend in November. The weather here has actually been really nice, but it's not cold enough! Fall and winter are my favorite seasons, so I keep waiting for that chilly breeze to blow through. Whenever you need to vent or rant, I'm here. Cause I tend to need to vent sometimes too. Lol.
lizzie5555555: Thanks!
"Lips like sugar." she muttered before bringing her lips to his.
Chapter Eighteen: Trick Or Treat?
Harry pulled away quickly, knowing what Ginny was trying to do wasn't real. She was intoxicated, and she had just gotten sick. Need he say more? Ginny's eyes closed slowly, and a faint smile played on her lips. She looked serene, so at peace.
"Night Harry. Love you." Ginny suddenly murmured.
Harry sat in silent shock for a moment, before shaking himself. It was the alcohol talking, not her. Gently, Harry pulled the covers up to Ginny's neck and softly kissed her forehead.
"Goodnight Ginny. I love you too." Harry said almost inaudibly.
Harry then stood up and walked from the room, sadness settling around his heart.
The next morning, Ginny awoke with covers tangled around her body, feeling as if they were holding her prisoner. She attempted to struggle out of them, but found she could not. Hammers beat at her aching head, and Ginny found she could not sit up straight. She was so lightheaded and dizzy; her body would not allow it. Feeling foolish and hung over, Ginny tried with all her might to call for Harry. Upon doing this, she found her throat was dry and hoarse. She continued to make feeble attempts at shouting, when she heard footsteps coming her way. In the next moment, Harry stepped through the door, looking like he hadn't slept all night. He cracked a smile when he saw her as he walked over to the bed.
"Harry you look so tired. Didn't you get any sleep?" asked Ginny.
"No. I was busy taking care of a certain someone who was extremely inebriated." Harry replied with a smirk.
"Oh my gosh Harry. I'm so sorry!" Ginny exclaimed.
"Don't worry about it. You would have done the same for me."
Ginny smiled at Harry, loving the way they were now able to talk. Suddenly she realized something.
"Harry? This is going to sound bad, but I don't remember anything after I downed my first shot in that drinking contest." Ginny said sheepishly.
"Did I do anything that might have embarrassed or hurt you?" Ginny added.
"Of course you didn't. Well you did puke all over my shoes, but other than that, no." Harry said, knowing he couldn't tell her about the brief kiss.
"Okay good. I was worried. Sometimes when I'm drunk I can act a little well, different." she said sheepishly.
"Don't we all?"
Ginny nodded, and spoke again.
"Thanks for taking care of me Harry." Ginny said with a smile.
"One more question. Did I win the drinking contest?"
"Of course you did. You're the girl who's won every single drinking game you've ever played. Or so you said." Harry said with a grin.
"Oh Jesus. Did I actually say that? I don't remember saying that."
"You definitely said that."
Ginny smacked a hand to her forehead, instantly crying out in pain. Harry let out a laugh, and brushed a hand over Ginny's aching head. Everything was suddenly serious, and neither could focus on anything but the other's eyes. Harry pulled away, not wanting to do anything he might regret.
"So Gin. Is there anything you need?" Harry asked.
"Well, I was sort of hoping you might have some hangover potion."
"I thought you might say that. Yeah, I do. I brewed some last night."
"Oh thank you Harry. You're my hero." Ginny said with a goofy grin.
Harry chuckled, and left the room to retrieve the potion. Once again, Ginny wished he were still sitting at the end of her bed, his leg so close to touching hers it hurt. Something told Ginny he wasn't telling the whole truth about what had happened in the period she couldn't remember. She tried to shove the nagging feeling away, but it would only return with a vengeance. She was busy berating herself when Harry walked back into the room carrying a steaming vial.
"Here it is Gin. It's been simmering all night, so it's still hot. But that's when it's most effective."
"Thanks Harry." Ginny said before pouring the scalding liquid down her throat.
She coughed, and suddenly her head was clear, and her stomach no longer upset.
"Wow. I wish I would have had some of that stuff for the past five years." Ginny said with a chuckle.
"Comes in handy, doesn't it?"
"Definitely."
Ginny stood up to find she was still wearing her clothes from the night before. Her slinky, red dress was riddled with wrinkles, and Ginny knew her hair was probably sticking up in every direction. But she didn't care. What she really wanted was something to eat. She began to walk on slightly unsteady feet to the fluorescent-lit kitchen. When Ginny arrived, she found that Harry had already taken care of breakfast for her. Everything about him just kept surprising her. In the years since Hogwarts he had grown to be so much more than she had ever expected. If only she could have him now.
"I thought you might be hungry after the potion kicked in." Harry said from behind her.
"Wow Harry. You just keep surprising me." Ginny said with a wide smile.
Harry blushed deeply and turned to stare out the window. Ginny followed his gaze, and admired the beauty of the outside. The tree's leaves were brilliant shades of gold, red, and copper. A wind blew, making the leaves twirl around on their branches and in the air. The sun was shining brightly, letting all it's warmth cover the earth. Ginny let her eyes wander over to Harry, once again taking in every feature. He had a pensive expression on his face, though his eyes still shone with light. Feeling brave, Ginny took her hands and gently turned Harry's face towards hers. His expression was unreadable, mystifying Ginny further. Wanting to show him how much she appreciated everything, Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and pulled him into a tight hug. A few minutes later they broke apart, neither really wanting to let go. Something sparkling over in the corner of the room caught Ginny's eye, and she walked over to it.
Lying on the table was an invitation. It read:
You're invited to the annual Halloween bash at the Warehouse off Main street!
Dress your best and bring a guest! Start at 8:30 pm.
See you there!
Ginny immediately began jumping up and down.
"Oh my gosh Harry! This is excellent! The annual Halloween party is completely exclusive! I've only been invited once before! We have to go!" Ginny exclaimed excitedly.
"Sounds like fun. Let's do it." Harry said with a grin.
"We have to start planning! What are we going to be? We have to get to the store right now! We only have a week and..."
Ginny's voice faded away in Harry's mind as he stood smiling. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself getting just as excited. Her eyes were wide with excitement, and her hair was flying about her as she gesticulated wildly. He found himself wishing he could kiss her again, even just once more. To feel that incredible feeling of infinity, almost like he was flying with nothing beneath him but air. Ginny's voice came rushing back to his ears like a tidal wave crashing onto the shore.
"Come on Harry! Any ideas?"
"Honestly, I have no idea Gin."
"Oh please, I know there's some brains in your head somewhere. However small they may be."
"Hey, I resent that."
Ginny stuck her tongue out playfully, and cracked a wide smile. Harry, taking even himself by surprise, tackled Ginny, knocking her to the floor. He laughed out loud at the shocked expression on her face.
"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed while slapping his head.
"What?" He asked innocently.
"Oh don't act all innocent! I know there's a rebel in there somewhere." Ginny said teasingly.
"You're one too talk, leading me down the path of sin last night." Harry answered with a mischievous grin.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well you were dancing pretty close." Harry said while waggling his eyebrows.
"Oh shut it!" Ginny exclaimed, slapping him on the head again, while turning properly red.
"I can't help it. When I dance, I sort of lose all my inhibitions." she added, blushing deeper.
"Well maybe I should get you to dance with me more often." Harry replied with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Harry!" Ginny yelled again, a smile still etched on her face.
Harry started laughing uncontrollably, rolling on the floor.
"Yeah, you're real funny." said Ginny with a roll of her eyes.
Eventually she joined in on the laughter, tears running from her eyes. After they had quieted, they lay there staring up at the ceiling. All was silent, save for the sounds of their breathing. Ginny suddenly spoke.
"I want to be something dark and mysterious."
"Like what?"
"I'm not sure yet."
"I'll help."
"Actually, I want this to be a surprise."
"How am I going to know what to be?"
"Just be something gothic or dark. It'll work"
"If you say so."
Ginny shot up off the floor, and raced out of the room. Harry smiled after her, wondering what she was up to. He knew she had something up her sleeve, but he wasn't quite sure what. Harry stood slowly, stretching his sore back.
Well, I guess I've better get started too.
A week came and went, and soon it was October 31st. The small town was brilliantly decorated for the holiday, bats, skeletons, and eerie pumpkins placed everywhere. The town square was intricately designed and decorated to look like a run down, haunted house. The spirit of Halloween seemed to resonate throughout everyone. No one was more excited than Ginny Weasley. Halloween had been her favorite holiday since she was a child. She loved the idea of being someone else, something she was not. Along with Halloween being her favorite holiday, fall was her favorite season. Although winter was in a close second, with it's icy elegance and white purity, fall was still the one she loved just a little bit more. Ginny loved the mulled apple cider stands on every corner, selling their steaming mugs. She loved the colors, she loved the feeling. Her favorite thing to do was bundle up against the cold winds, and take a long walk around the picturesque little town. People waved in passing, smiling at her as if they were old friends. Warmth and contentment filled Ginny as she strolled.
Once in a while a strong breeze would kick up, sending her hair flying about. Leaves would swoop around in the air, as if dancing to some unknown melody. Ginny loved taking in deep breaths of the crisp air. The scent of burning leaves and baking pies ambushed her senses on the loveliest mornings. She laughed as the wind tickled her nose, making her sneeze. Harry often accompanied her on these walks, taking hold of her hand and never letting go. Sometimes they would talk about anything and everything; sometimes they'd stay in comfortable silence, taking everything in. Around noon, they'd stop into one of the small cafes on Main Street, sitting outside at a table with small wicker chairs. They'd eat their meals with a steaming mug of coffee or hot apple cider. Neither would say what they both were thinking. Wouldn't this be so much better if we were really together?
Around 8:00 on Halloween night, Harry strolled into the living room. He had chosen his costume at the beginning of the week, while Ginny had been busy putting together exactly what she wanted. Harry was dressed in ripped black jeans, a torn white shirt, and a black cape. His head was adorned with a cracked and crooked crown that was smattered in fake blood. His white shirt also had blood smeared all over it. The woman at the store insisted that he line the bottom of his eyes with black, so he gave in. His hair was even messier than usual, tousled all over. He carried a black, thorned rose in his fakely bleeding hand.
Harry stood waiting for a few minutes, before Ginny emerged. Harry was stunned, quite speechless. Ginny had somehow died her long fiery hair, black. Her eyes were an icy blue, staring straight through him. Her skin was flawless, porcelain and pale. Thick eyeliner adorned her mystifying eyes. She wore a ripped, short black skirt and a laced corset. Small, glittering wings grew from her back. Harry stared in awe. She looked so different, yet still like herself. She seemed to float over to him, as she grew nearer.
"Nice costume Harry. What are you?"
"Gothic Prince." he answered with a grin.
"I believe this is for you." he added, handing her the black rose.
"Thank you Harry." Ginny said with a smile.
"What are you?" Harry asked.
"Gothic fairy. The dark, moody version of Tinkerbell." She said with a laugh.
"Very nice. You look, uh, amazing." Harry said, blushing.
"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." Ginny answered with a wink.
"Should we get going?"
"Not yet. We want to be fashionably late." Ginny said jokingly.
"Okay."
"We'll leave in ten minutes."
Harry nodded, and reverted back to staring at Ginny. She was entrancing, and he couldn't take his eyes off her. Ginny could say the same about Harry. The ripped jeans, the messy hair. Just looking at him was making her feel a little faint. Ten minutes passed much too quickly, and soon they were heading out. Immediately after stepping outside, Ginny began to shiver. The night air was cold and harsh against her bare arms and legs. Harry noticed this and offered her his cape, which she gladly accepted. She couldn't help but stare at the muscles in his arms as he removed the cape. It wasn't her fault he was wearing a sleeveless shirt. A smile escaped her lips as she watched him.
They continued walking until they reached the rundown looking warehouse off Main Street. The windows were boarded up and spider webs adorned all the beams. All in all, it looked quite creepy. Ginny took a deep breath as she and Harry walked up the rickety stairs. A bloodied man stood at the front door, checking invitations.
"Here's my invitation. I'm Ginny Weasley. This is my guest." She said to the menacing looking man.
"Go right in." He said with a wide smile, surprising Ginny.
"Thank you." She said returning the smile.
Harry and Ginny stepped into the massive building, and were immediately greeted by loud music and laughter. The light in the room was dim, only lit by the thousands of black and orange candles glowing endlessly all around them. A bar was set up at the far end of the enormous ballroom. Entrancing, eerie sounding music blared from hidden speakers. Lit pumpkins gave off their orange light from every corner. People crowded the floor, dancing, talking, and drinking.
"This is amazing." Ginny said in wonderment.
Harry didn't say anything, merely nodding as a response. He too was quite taken aback. The setting was much more than he had expected, and the night held high hopes for him. He hoped they would all be fulfilled.
"Do you want something to drink?" Harry asked.
"Sure. And Harry. Make sure I don't challenge anyone to any drinking contests this evening." Ginny replied with a grin.
"Done." Harry said with a smile back, before taking off into the crowd.
Ginny stood around alone, not really seeing anyone she knew. Suddenly she heard a voice call.
"Ginny Weasley? Is that you?"
Ginny looked across the room, and spotted a familiar face.
"Leanne? Oh my god! You look amazing!" Ginny exclaimed, before running over to give her friend a hug.
"Where have you been? I haven't talked to you since you left work!" Leanne asked.
"Actually, I haven't really been doing anything. I did get a new roommate."
"Who is she?"
"Actually it's a he."
"A he, huh?" Leanne said with raising an eyebrow.
"Oh be quiet! There's nothing going on."
"Hmmm. Sure. You blushed Ginny dear."
"I did not."
"Oh yes, you did."
Ginny was ready to argue further, when she saw Harry approaching. He was carrying a few drinks in his hand, and looked as if he was going to spill them any moment. Ginny laughed at the expression on his face, and turned back towards Leanne.
"Speak of the devil. Here he comes. Let me go help him with the drinks. I'll be back." Ginny said before rushing over to help Harry.
"Having a little trouble there my prince?" Ginny asked with a grin.
Harry rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
"Haha very funny. A little help here."
"Alright." Ginny said with a smirk.
She took two drinks in her hands, and began to walk back over to Leanne. Harry followed closely behind, still looking a little clumsy.
"Leanne, this is my roommate, Harry."
"Nice to meet you." Harry said with a smile.
"Nice to meet you too. Very nice to meet you." Leanne said, looking Harry up and down.
Ginny felt something like jealously flash through her as Leanne blatantly flirted with Harry. And what angered her further, was that he was not exactly resisting.
Men! They go for anything with boobs and two legs! Well I can top her!
Are you sure you want to do that?
Yes! Perfectly.
All right. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Once again, shut up!
Ginny felt her jealously taking over, which for her, was never a good thing. She glared daggers in Leanne's direction, though her ditzy friend didn't seem to notice. She was too busy throwing herself at Harry. Something like a snarl escaped her throat, and Ginny immediately dragged Harry onto the dance floor. A fast beat was pumping, and Ginny immediately began to dance. And her dancing was certainly little risqué; anyone might have been able to say. But at the moment she didn't care. Harry seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly, she noticed with a smirk. But just as things were getting hot, Leanne jumped in, stealing her spot. Oh no you don't, Ginny thought with gritted teeth. So Ginny discreetly shoved Leanne out of her way, and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck. Leanne didn't return for a moment, leaving Harry all to Ginny. She of course, used this to her advantage. She decided to showcase some of her sexiest moves, which Harry gladly responded to. Feeling daring, Ginny brushed a finger over Harry's lips, trailing her finger all the way down to his lower abdomen. Before she knew what had gotten into her, Ginny brought her lips to Harry's. She kissed him deeply, forgetting where she was altogether. He responded by kissing back even more intensely, running his hands down her back. Ginny ran her fingers through his already messy hair, making it stand on end even more.
After what seemed like hours, they came up for air. Harry stared at Ginny in shock, and Ginny stared back. She hadn't meant for that to happen. Dammit, she always had to screw things up! Ginny turned away, noticing Leanne staring wide-eyed in their direction. Ginny smirked, and something flashed in Harry's eyes. Without another word, he walked from the room, leaving Ginny standing exactly where had had left her.
A/N: Oh my, oh my. Ginny just can't make up her mind can she? Why did Harry run away? What will Ginny do? Is Leanne going to be important to the story? Find out the answers to all those burning questions in the next chapter! :) Review.