I am SO SO SO Sorry for the long wait. I have had such a case of writers block for this story, and things have been so hectic. Then my computer crashed….Shakes head I know… That is NO Excuse! NO excuse! I beg you from the bottom of my heart to forgive me. This story is going to be shorter than I originally planned… but I'm going to make it good. I Promise! J Ok… So here goes!
Stepping Sideways
Chapter 12: Falling Into Place
Ginny felt herself start to wake the next morning, and snuggled sleepily into her pillows. She didn't want to get up… not yet. She felt so warm, and cozy. But her mind wouldn't let her be, and she resigned herself to getting up. She stretched and wondered where this fuzzy feeling had come from…
Wracking her brain, it suddenly came back to her.
Harry…the kiss… talking…
Feeling giddy, Ginny muffled her laughter with her pillow. Oh, last night had been wonderful. Unexpected, but perfect. It had been so sweet, so gentle, and Harry had been so sincere!
Hardly wanting to believe it, Ginny pinched her arm hard. No, it wasn't a dream. Getting out of bed, Ginny did a little dance as she picked out jeans and a t-shirt to wear.
Harry liked her, her! Not Hermione, not Fleur, not anyone else. Her! Turning on her wizard radio, Ginny mouthed along to the Weird Sisters as she got dressed. After brushing her hair, Ginny looked into her mirror, unable to hold back the grin.
"You look lovely, dear." The mirror wheezed, as though very old.
"I know." Ginny laughed, before heading out and down the stairs.
Harry woke suddenly when something cold and wet pressed urgently into his ear. With a startled yelp, Harry sat up quickly. Looking around the miscreant, Harry's wide eyes landed on a large, undeniably grinning, black dog.
"Snuffles!" He protested, whacking Sirius on the head with a pillow. Sirius barked softly, picking up some clothes with his teeth and tossed them at the boy. "What's with you this morning?" Harry grumbled, pulling on the T-shirt. It took a little longer to pull on the jeans, but the charm on his knee was still in place so it didn't hurt.
Once dressed, Harry picked up his crutches and struggled to his feet. 'Accidentally' hitting Sirius with his crutches, Harry made his way toward the kitchen. He stopped, however, when he saw Ginny descending the stairs.
Unable to help himself, he grinned. Barefoot, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, he had never seen someone so beautiful. Ginny halted near the bottom, gazing at Harry with a bit of uncertainty. Sirius nudged Harry, obviously signaling him to speak.
"Ah, you look… great." Harry said, smiling. Ginny relaxed and came the rest of the way down. "You too." She said. "Did you sleep all right? The sofa can be a bit lumpy."
Harry laughed. "It was fine. Especially… after what happened last night." He shifted slightly, and Ginny eyes flashed up to meet his. Not saying anything, they both blushed, and headed to the table. Mrs.Weasley had already started cooking, and Harry could small the bacon cooking.
With some assistance, Harry sat down at the table, Ginny sitting next to him. Nobody else, it seemed, had bothered to get out of bed yet.
"So, ah…" Ginny started, but she couldn't think of anything to say. "Um, what are you planning on doing today?" She finally came up with, fiddling nervously with the laid-out silverware.
"I don't know." Harry shrugged, petting Sirius with one hand. "Read, play chess… there isn't much I can do with this bloody knee!" HE said, scowling down at it. Ginny laughed softly.
"There are things in the world other than Quidditch, you know." Harry stared at her, as though she'd been hit on the head. "Like what?" Sticking her tongue in her cheek, Ginny couldn't help herself.
"Oh, like your homework. Snape gave you plenty from what I hear." Realizing she was teasing, Harry wrinkled his nose and twisted her ear in retaliation. He laughed at her yelp, and held up his hands in defense when she turned on him.
"Hey, I'm already hurt! I'm handicapped here!" Ginny rolled her eyes and slapped his hand with a spoon. "Oh, I bet you still have some fight in you." The two fell into a comfortable silence.
Swallowing a little, Harry did his best to casually lay his hand over hers. Ginny tensed, at first, but gradually relaxed, flipping her hand over to link with his. Grinning at each other, they didn't say anything. They didn't have to.
Everything was falling perfectly into place.
Still smiling at each other, they didn't notice when Mrs.Weasley came in from the kitchen. Hands full with a plate of bacon, Mrs.Weasley stopped and stared before her eyes filled with happy tears. She smiled at the sight in front of her.
Oh, they looked so good together. And Harry was happy, and smiling. After several moments, Molly cleared her throat and stepped forward. As though shocked, Ginny and Harry let go of each other's hand, and shifted uncomfortably.
"Sleep well, Harry dear?" Mrs.Weasley said, as though nothing had happened. Harry nodded, willing the blush to leave his cheeks.
"Yes Mrs.Weasley." He looked back at Ginny, who was trying to blush as well.
"It was wonderful." Ginny met his gaze once more, and smiled. Everything was wonderful. Perfect. Everything was falling into place, just the way she dreamed.
Grabbing a piece of bacon, she broke it in half and handed a piece to Harry.
"Yes, yes it was." She said softly, so only Harry could hear.
Feeling better than they had in months, the two eagerly waited the day that was to come.
There you go! Viola! I hope it's long enough….and I once again apologize for the wait. I'll try and get the next one up sooner. Promise! Please read and review! I love you all, my reviewers! Thanks for all the help and encouragement. Toodles!
- BabeyRachey
