The Meaning of Love
Chapter 2 To Be Happy
There was an awkward silence in The Burrow. It was a comical sight. The cozy little living room was stuffed to the brim with family and friends alike, who were all staring at one person. Ginny Weasley stood to the left of the burning fireplace trying to control her breathing. She had asked her entire extended family to gather because she had big news for all of them. Ginny had made it out like Harry had needed to pick her up on his way, because she didn't feel like apparating, so that would explain the arriving together issue. Harry had then agreed to pretend like he had no idea what the surprise was and was just as eager as the rest to learn it. Ginny to one last deep breath and glanced cautiously around the room another time before she spoke.
Mum, Dad, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron, Hermione, Harry...Harry, yes. My sweet Harry; he's worth this, she thought to herself.
"Gin, anytime now, I really should be working," Charlie's voice made her jump and she snapped back to reality.
"Right, yes of course, sorry," she said hurriedly, looking down into the fire at her brother's distorted head. "I would like you all to know something..." she began, taking a careful glance at Harry, who gave her a confident nod. She had wanted to do this herself, but she was having her doubts.
"Okay, well, here it goes...everyone, Harry and I are dating," Ginny said in a cautious but strong tone; she was telling, not asking. She took a look around.
"Bloody Hell," Ron whispered. Molly Weasley stood up and crossed the room, beaming, bent down and gave Harry a hug.
"Er, thanks Mrs. Weasley," Harry said awkwardly from his chair, patting her on the back. Molly hugged Ginny as well with a giant sized grin on her face and announced to everyone how happy she was.
"Really guys, I'm happy as well. Couldn't have picked a better man for her myself," Arthur Weasley told them as he shook Harry's hand. "Take care of my little girl Harry, I know you will," he added in a barely audible whisper. Harry nodded and turned to deal with the rest of the Weasley family, six grown men were somewhat intimidating.
At long last he met up with Ron and Hermione.
"Wow mate, I never even saw that coming," Ron said to him.
"Oh honestly Ron, how thick are you? I knew it would happen eventually," Hermione stepped up besides Ron and gave her best friend a hug.
"Thanks Hermione. I take it that means your fine with it?" he asked.
"Of course," she replied. Her hand brushed against Ron's leg as she too turned to hug Ginny. Ron gave a little flinch and prayed that no one saw either action.
"So Ron..." Harry started nervously. Ron was the one Harry was worried about. Bill, Fred, and George had all given Harry a pat on the back before they excused themselves, Charlie had given them his verbal blessing, and Percy had given a discreet nod of approval before returning to his 'office' but Ron, he was different.
"Never mind it, Harry. I trust you mate, just take good care of her," And he too gave Harry's shoulder a good pat.
"You know I will," Harry replied, and he meant it.
Harry felt the cold night air of early October hit his face, and he gulped at it. Ginny turned then, blocking his path down the walkway, and kissed him with everything she had.
"Thank you," she whispered when their lips parted; she was holding his face in her hands, both pairs of eyes still closed. "Thank you," she whispered again, "for understanding why that was so important to me..." and her voice dropped off as Harry gently bushed his lips against hers in the softest kiss she'd ever received.
The couple walked down the street hand in hand, not wanting to part ever again.
"Harry," Ginny said suddenly, his name echoing softly down the street.
"Mmhm?" he replied.
"Let's do something crazy," Ginny said, excited now.
"Okay, what's your idea of crazy?" Harry asked back, a hint of amusement playing through his words.
"Lets go to London, and be Muggles!" Ginny said.
"That's your idea of crazy?" Harry laughed back at her.
"Please," she said softly, and lowered her head.
Oh no...she's doing the look...and she was. She looked back up at Harry through her thick eyelashes and the tiniest smile teasing her lips.
"Oh, that's low, Gin," he laughed. She giggled excitedly.
"Oh it will be fun, just let loose and fly with it," and with that she disappeared with a pop and Harry heard her voice back behind him down the street.
"Come on, slow poke," Ginny called, waiting at his car in front of the burrow. Harry apparated to the passenger door, hit the unlock button on his keys, and opened the door for his girlfriends. "Mm, thanks," she said as she climbed in. Soon they were off on their way to Muggle London in Harry's shiny new Muggle sports car, no magic added, just the way he liked it.
The pair had shed their cloaks and robes and discreetly conjured up some Muggle clothing. Harry stepped out of the car in his khaki pants, black shoes, and a green button up, with a black leather jacket to finish it off. He walked around to open Ginny's door, and gave a sharp intake of breath. To any passer-by, she would have been instantly pegged as a model or actress of some sort.
"Wow Gin, you look amazing," Harry whispered as she grabbed the hand he offered.
Ginny emerged from the car to reveal a black satin dress with elegant spaghetti straps and a tight fitted bodice that came down to play at her knees. Over he shoulders was a lace shawl the colour of ebony, to shield her from the nights slight breeze.
"Thank you, Harry," Ginny smiled and nodded to let him know just how much she approved of his ensemble as well.
"Alright, love, I've gotten us here, now what do you have I mind?" Harry asked her playfully.
"Hmm, lets just walk around and see where the wind blows us," she replied mystically.
"Sounds like a plan," Harry replied and grabbed her hand. The pair walked hand in hand down the street once more, totally enthralled in each other, and not noticing the attention they were receiving.
They did look pretty amazing: an insanely good looking guy holding hands with one of the most beautiful women ever to be seen. Suddenly a small gust of wind picked up and Ginny abruptly stopped walking, pulling Harry to a stop as well.
"This is it, Harry," she said smiling. Harry gazed at her with a look of amazement plastered to his face. The wind had her long golden red hair billowing behind her, and he almost forgot to breathe.
"Lets go in," he said gently, and opened the door leading into a small, romantic restaurant. The interior was one out of a romance movie, with candles and violin music swimming through the air that in itself seemed to glitter.
"Wow," Ginny breathed softly.
"It's perfect," Harry said and led them further in so they could be seated.
"Oh no thank you, I'm stuffed," Ginny told the waiter when he came to ask for their dessert orders sometime later.
"Are you quite sure Miss? I do recommend the triple scoop sundae, complete with whipped cream and a cherry on top," the waiter coaxed with a smile.
"Oh goodness, I love cherries..." Ginny confessed reluctantly.
"We'll take one to split," Harry told the waiter with a quick grin. "And you get the cherry, mademoiselle," he said playfully as he kissed her hand.
"Mmm..." Ginny replied dreamily, watching his lips caress her hand.
A/N! Hey everyone! Thanks for reading, most def another chapter on it's way! Please review, I really need it, the good the bad, all of it! This is my first fic and I need to know how I'm doin! Thanks again!Annaleah