Passion and Peeves

Harry was just heading outside towards the forbidden forest where Hagrid's Hut stood on the border when he noticed Ginny sitting with a notebook on the grass writing peacefully in the sunlight. His heart leaped and then skipped a beat. She was so gorgeous! He noticed her motioning to look at him and he found himself turning away quickly and then, as he slowly turned back, he found her smiling at him. "Just say it!" he whispered to himself.

"H-hey, Ginny!" he called a bit too quickly.

"Hi, Harry," she said shyly biting her bottom lip. Harry started to walk towards where she was sitting. He felt very self-cautious and nervous as though he were being pushed towards her only to find out that he was. Peeves the Poltergeist was hooting with laughter when Harry turned to look and felt his ears turning red. Ginny was giggling and she gestured for Harry to come sit with her. Harry caught this hint and immediately strode towards her and sat down on the grass as several fourth years passed by.

"What's up, Harry?" Ginny said. "You look a little uptight."

Harry thought about whether or not he should tell Ginny about everything; his dreams, Hermione and Ron, Snape ... but how could he tell her this? He couldn't express his weaknesses to someone who looks up to him so much. But in the dream she respected him and even made it better...

"Well, I.." he began. "You know, er- Sirius.." he once again felt a horribly painful pangof guilt and hurt in his chest. Ginny saw him flinch and a look of caring-sorrow spread across her face causing her to put her arm around him and gently stroke his neck which comforted him and eased the pain.

"He died for you, Harry," she said tilting her head down so that she could see into his piercing green eyes. "Okay? And that's how he would have wanted to die."

He looked back at her. Her eyes were only inches from his and gleamed making the pain in his chest be replaced by happiness and warmth. He though about kissing her... her lips were just so close to his... but he decided to save it.

"I know you're right," he responded. He stretched his arms around her in return and pulled her into a hug. After the wonderful embrace ended Harry quietly said in her ear,

"I was just going to visit Hagrid. You want to come?" He asked hopefully now looking into her eyes again and his hands remaining one on her shoulder and the other around her waiste. He knew she could see the pleading in his eyes and hear it in his tone.

"All right Harry. I'll go for you."