Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry!!!! I know this took forever! I had vacation and a whole bunch of stuff going on. I'm SOOOOOOOOOO SOOOOOOO sorry! Ack! I will try and update sooner. Promise!

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Stepping Sideways

Chapter 11: No Need To Speak

Harry shifted uncomfortably on the Weasley's living room sofa, trying not to wake Sirius who was also on the couch. The knee brace that Madame Promfrey had placed on him was beginning to itch, and he wasn't tired in the least.

Resigning himself to a rather sleepless night, Harry sighed and relaxed, letting his mind wander. Immediately, it latched onto the one thing Harry was trying to stop thinking about.

Ginny.

Harry muffled a groan at the thought. He had been thinking about too much lately. Sure they had become better friends, closer than he expected. She was always there to listen, and was the sweetest person Harry knew. But she was Ron's sister for crying out loud!

Harry's thoughts turned once again to the moment they had had in the Infirmary. How close they had gotten . . .

Not bothering to muffle it this time, Harry groaned in frustration, unable to block out the picture in his mind of what had almost happened.

Ginny had just been so beautiful, almost angelic sitting beside, looking so sad. Had it not been for Ron interrupting. . .

Harry shook his head, trying to erase this train of thought.

'Ron's sister. Ron's sister. Ron's sister.' He kept repeating in his head.

Harry suddenly sat up sharply, his knee giving a pang of protest, as he heard somebody moving upstairs. It only took a few seconds for him to realize who it was, and he smiled.

Harry lay in the darkness of the living room, Sirius sleeping protectively at his feet, as He heard Ginny's soft footsteps coming down the stairs. "Ginny?" He called softly. The door to the living room opened a crack.

"Harry?"

"I'm awake, Gin." Harry answered, feeling soothed at the sound of her soft, melodious voice.

Ginny pushed the door the rest of the way open, tiptoeing to Harry's side. Harry automatically scooted over, giving her room to sit down. "Couldn't you sleep either?" He said with a soft smile. Ginny just shook her head.

"I'm not even remotely tired." She said; Harry nodded in agreement. "Me neither."

There was an awkward silence, making Harry wish he was as clever as Hermione, who would definitely have something to say.

"Look-"Harry stated, just as Ginny did the same. The two stared at each other before breaking into muffled laughter. "You go first." Ginny said, falling silent and looking patient. Harry sighed and tried to think of exactly what to say.

"The other day," He started nervously, not looking her in the eye. "You know, when we were in the infirmary?" Ginny nodded, flushing ever so slightly. Harry swallowed, Hard.

"You see," He said, looking up, and froze. Ginny's face was only inches from his. He could feel her warm breath tickle his cheek. Time seemed to freeze as they just stared at each other.

Harry had never seen someone look so beautiful, so angelic, or innocent. Ginny's Hair was slightly tousled, a sign of restlessness, her eyes transfixed and wide. She sat in a simple nightgown, but Harry could swear he had never seen anything so breathtaking.

Ginny sat across from him, the same type of thoughts going through her mind.

She had always slightly idolized Harry, but now he looked like a god. Wearing only sleep pants and a stunned expression, she had never seen him look so handsome, so adorable. His messy hair was the same, and his glasses were the same. But his eyes seemed greener, sharper. His expression was like a puppy that was just trying to walk, and landed flat on his belly.

And though they never broke eye contact, Ginny noted that his muscles weren't anything to laugh at either. He was toned, but not overly muscled, which she knew came from extensive Quidditch training. She tried not to notice how good he looked without a shirt on.

Harry hesitantly leaned closer, never breaking his gaze. Closer. . .

His breath hitched slightly and Ginny's eyes closed halfway.

Harry gently pressed his lips against hers, enjoying the feeling for a moment, before pulling back.

The stared at each other once again, both breathless.

Harry felt as if someone had knocked the breath out of him. Which, he thought, someone had. The kiss may have been short, but it seemed to hold everything that Harry had been holding inside of him. Little fireworks had gone off behind his eyes and his mind had gone completely blank. Except for one thought,

That this felt incredible, and exactly right.

Ginny lifted one hand and pressed to her mouth, savoring the flavor of her first kiss. It had been so much more, so much better than she had even imagined. Still feeling slightly light headed, Ginny reveled in that moment.

She had been kissed by the boy she cared about most. The one person she had been wanting for the past four years. Kissed . . . and Harry had been the one to kiss her. Not the other way around.

Feeling almost giddy, Ginny smiled at Harry, who still looked rather shell shocked.

"That. . . " She breathed, "Was incredible."

Harry could only nod, but was pleased that she wasn't revolted.

"Do you. . .?" He started.

"Yes." Ginny said immediately, making Harry chuckle. "I haven't even finished the question yet!" He said playfully, feeling giddy himself. "Do you mind?"

Ginny looked at him, puzzled. "Mind what?"

Harry flushed and looked at his hands. "That. . . That I. . ." He fumbled. "That I feel about you this way?" He finally said hesitantly. Ginny could have laughed at the absurdity.

"Not at all." She said with conviction, then her voice turned soft. "I've been dreaming of, wanting this for a long time."

Harry looked up at her, surprised. "You have?" Still unable to completely believe this was happening. The red-head nodded, looking at the boy with such admiration that Harry blinked.

Harry tentatively cupped her face with one hand.

"Me too."

Ginny leaned into his hand, feeling happier than she had in her entire life. "What will we tell the others?" She wondered out loud. Harry frowned. "I don't know. Maybe we should give it a few days, you know. Until we get things figured out ourselves."

Ginny quickly agreed, liking the sound of it herself. At least they had something to figure out. Harry suddenly yawned, feeling suddenly sleepy. Ginny, starting to feel tired herself, laughed softly.

"I'll let you get to sleep." She said, kissing Harry on the cheek. "Sweet Dreams, Harry." "G'Night." He answered, not breaking his gaze as she stood.

Sirius quickly pretended to be asleep. He had witnessed the whole thing, of course. A puppy dog smile crossed his face. This would definitely be teasing material. He was also relieved that Harry had found someone to make him happy.

Harry never noticed Sirius' alertness. He was still staring at the door through which Ginny had exited, a feeling of joy overwhelming him, as well as sleepiness.

"Sweet Dreams." He echoed, before falling into peaceful unconciousness.

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There ya go! I hope you like it! I'm not going to put a clue up for the next chapter, sorry! I'm not altogether sure how I want to put it together. Anyway, thanks for being patient. Love to all me reviewers! Toodles!

~BabeyRachey