Can Love Find Me Now
Chapter 32
Can This Be Love
Ron was disappointed when Hermione led him to the library; he would have picked a better place to further explore their relationship but he figured if he agreed to this then in a while he could take her for a walk or something so they could talk. Harry and Ginny decided to take a walk outside by the lake first and would decide after that where to go. Neville led Luna to the kitchens; where Dobby made them a picnic basket with a few snacks. He then led her back to the room of requirements; he had her stand to the side and where she waited for him to walk by three times; he wanted it to be perfect and a surprise when she went in.
(Neville and Luna's romantic afternoon)
Neville had thought of everything; when he had walked by the portrait of Burnabus the Barmy; he had thought about a meadow covered in the softest Japanese clover. All around the blanket were flowers; Roses (red, white, peach colored, a white roses that had just the tips of each peddle being red, yellow and burnt orange), Tulips, Daisies, Lilies, Violets, Snapdragons, Babies breath and a small pond with Water Lilies. A small basket was placed on one corner of the blanket; it contained one of every color of flower; tied in the middle with single white ribbon. A small music box sat on the next corner of the blanket; it was charmed to play any song they would want played. Neville had talked with Dobby a few weeks before when he had brought snacks during their training; requesting his help to prepare the basket for him and Luna; Dobby had told Neville that he would be honored to help one of his friends. Dobby went all out with the basket; inside the basket were delicious pastry's, chocolate covered strawberry's, sparkling cider, ham and turkey finger sandwiches and Luna's favorite dessert strawberry short cake (charmed to stay fresh until they ate the last bite).
Neville had placed a blindfold over Luna's eyes just before he opened the door; taking her hand; he led her inside. Thinking back (as he led her over to the blanket) over his years at Hogwarts; he had once asked Hermione to the Yule Ball but she already had a date (his first crush), then he asked Ginny and she said she would go with him to the ball (second crush) and now here he was with Luna (he knew this was more then a crush) and hoped she would feel the same way. Neville led her over to a blanket that was spread out for them; he just hoped that she would like how everything looked. He was nervous about today; he had never spent anytime alone with a girl before; not like this anyway. He helped her sit on the blanket:
"No Luna I will take the blindfold off in a minute" he said; trying to get her comfortable on the blanket.
Kneeling beside her (so he could see her reaction) he untied the blindfold. He watched her face for any sign of a reaction. She was quiet; to quiet if anyone were to ask him. The only thing going through his mind was she hated what he had done; he had assumed she felt the same as he did; now he was questioning his actions. Then it happened; her mouth was moving but no sound came out; she would look at him then around the room and then back at him. It felt like hours to Neville but had only been five minutes since he had taken off the blindfold. She spoke;
"Oh Neville"
"Oh my"
"How, where, why?"
"Oh Neville you are so wonderful"
The she pounced on him; grabbed his face and gave him a kiss on the lips. When she pulled away from the kiss; her eyes were twinkling like stars in the sky. He wanted her to kiss him again; if he had the nerve he would kiss her but what if she didn't want to kiss him again. Neville decided right there and then he was going to take control; show some of his Gryffindor courage and kiss her; just kiss her. If she slapped his face fine but he wanted her to be his and one more kiss wouldn't hurt. Neville lifted his hands to her face; cupping her cheeks in his hands (slowly and softly rubbing her face with his thumbs); he pulled her face towards him and lightly kissed her lips with his. It was like the fourth of July; fireworks were going off in his head and before his eyes (even though they were closed) and he knew she was his world; as long as he had Luna as his girlfriend no one; not even Draco Malfoy could bother him again. He felt like he was suffocating from her kiss but then realized he was not breathing. Breaking apart from the most wonderful kiss he had ever had; he breathed in the air he needed.
"Luna"
"Yes Neville"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, you can ask me anything you want"
"Will you…I mean…I like you…a lot…and would…be honored…if you…would be my girlfriend; so um…would you be my girlfriend Miss. Lovegood?"
"Oh, Mr. Longbottom you flatter me; a handsome young man like yourself; wanting a Loony like me as a girlfriend."
"Luna, I like how you are; you can be Loony or crazy I don't care. I like you for you and I don't think you are Loony at all; people just haven't got to know the real you. If I am moving to fast just tell me ok; I think I might be falling in love with you and I want you to be my girlfriend."
"Oh Neville, of course I will be your girlfriend and no I don't think you are moving to fast. Love is written in the stars; when our true love comes we mustn't fight it. I have strong feelings for you too Neville. You know you are my first kiss, my first boyfriend and the first to ever arrange something so beautiful for me."
"I asked Dobby to make us a picnic; that is if you want to eat. It's not much but I had him make you favorite dessert."
"Neville, how do you know what my favorite dessert is?"
"Well (blushing) I have watched you at dinner time and if it there is any strawberry short cake on the table you always eat that and nothing else for dessert but that. So I just figured that was your favorite; was I wrong?"
"No Neville, you weren't wrong; that is my favorite dessert and thank you for knowing what it was."
Your welcome Luna; I just wanted everything to be perfect."
"It's perfect; you couldn't have made it more perfect then it is."
"I'm glad"
"Me too Neville, me too."
They spent the rest of their time chatting about nothing important; snacking on the food in the basket and stealing kisses from each other. They feed each other the strawberry short cake; Neville making sure he would get whipped cream on her lips so he could clean it off with a kiss or two. After they were through with the cake; Luna decided she wanted to experiment with different kinds of kissing. She had heard many of the older girls around school and some of the girls her own age talking about boys and the ways to be kissed. She explained each kiss to Neville as she performed them on him. She gave him an Eskimo kiss, a butterfly kiss, light kisses on his forehead and cheeks; when it came to the French kiss she blushed and ask if he wanted to try this kiss. Not wanting to hurt her feelings (and not really knowing how to do this kiss) he agreed to try it for her. After trying this kiss a few time; they both decided they liked this kiss. They agreed that when they kissed like that it would be in private and would not (it made Neville feel things he had never felt before) French kiss all the time.
Dobby popped in at four-forty-five to retrieve the basket; he informed them what time it was and that Harry and the others would be waiting for them in the Gryffindor common room at five-fifteen. Dobby handed Luna the flowers and sent all the dirty dishes, baskets and blanket to the kitchens. Bowing to his two friends; he disappeared with a pop. With one last kiss; hand in hand they headed to Gryffindor common room to wait on their four friends. Yes, it had been a good day for the once shy and bungling young man (who most thought would forget his head if it weren't attached) and his girlfriend; who to most of the school was known as Loony Luna Lovegood (a very strange creature that most of her house didn't want to know) but to him she was his perfect angel. He would love for her to meet his parents but they would never know she was there; at times like this (when he would love to introduce people to his parents) he would wish he had a normal life.
(Ron and Hermione's romantic afternoon)
After they left the room of requirements; Hermione headed to the library. Ron was not happy with this turn of events; he had hoped they would find a quiet place; talk a bit and maybe he would even get the nerve to kiss her again like he had done this summer; when they were at Grimmauld Place. He knew they had agreed to take things slow; which he didn't have a problem with. He just wanted to spend their time acting like couples do; not be in the library studying. Hermione went straight to Madam Prince; she took out the list of books they had made and started asking question. Madam Pince was shocked at the names of the first two books from the list; she asked Hermione if she could look at the list of books she had
Title of Book Author
1.1001 Dark Spells for the Wicked Drake Pureblood
2. Famous Dark Wizards and Witches and the Spells they used Medusa Madcap
3. Dark Magic for the Beginner Lucifer Gray
4.The History of Lord Voldemort and his Dark Ways Romulus Butterworth
5.Spells, Hex's and Charms invented and used by The Dark Lords of History
Madam Rose Vulture
6. Potions and their Antidotes used by evil Wizards and Witches Cornelius Dragoon
7. Unforgivable Curses and their Counter Curses used around the World
Paul Cornbluth
8. Speculation on how to become Immortal (rumored to be used by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) or as close as you can get
Colena Loveless
9.The Dark Art; A History Hildagrad Knox
10.Intermediate Dark Magic Kazuko Endo
11.Advanced Dark Magic Kajima Sato
12. Dark Magic for the Genius Wizard or Witch Mya Chun
13.Dark Magic; The Beginning of Chan Fu Hong
14. The Making of a Dark Wizard or Witch Bella Miller
15.So you Want to Be a Dark Wizard Hunter Green
"Well Miss. Granger, I must ask you why you are looking for these books. These books are dark magic and would be in the restricted section if we had them."
"Oh, no ma'am I don't need the books; I need a book that would give me more information on these books. I am researching them for professor Dumbledore."
"Why would the headmaster want you to research these books? All he would have to do is come to me and I would do that for him. A student should not be reading these books."
"Ms. Pince, This is a top secret project; which professor Dumbledore has entrusted me with; can you help me with a reference book on these books?"
"I will see what I can find and know before I hand over any information I will speak to the headmaster; to make sure you are doing this for him. Do I make myself clear young lady?"
"Yes ma'am, you do. When should I check back with you?"
"Give me at least four to five days. There are fifteen books on your list; so I will need some time."
"Yes ma'am"
"Good, now is there anything else I can do for you today Miss. Granger?"
"No ma'am, I think that is all I need for now. Thank you for your help."
"Your welcome, good day to you both."
"Hermione, what would you like to do know?"
"I don't know Ron, what do you want to do?"
"I just want to spend the afternoon with you; like we planned."
"I'm sorry about dragging you to the library first but I knew what Ms. Pince would say. The sooner she gets busy finding the books we need the sooner we can help Harry. Do you forgive me?"
"Mione there is nothing to forgive you for. Let's go for a walk around the lake and then find some where we can just be alone."
"A walk sounds good Ron; clear the mind and just you and me."
They walked hand in hand down the stairs and out onto the grounds of Hogwarts. It was nice walking weather for a young couple; just a bit of chill in the air. Once they were outside; they linked their arms and strolled around the lake. At first they walked in silence; passing Hagrid's hut and then back again. Soon they found that they had reached the Quidditch pitch and decided to sit for a while in the stands. While they were there; they talked about school, the things they were helping Harry with, the war that was coming and to Ron's surprise Quidditch. Ron knew that she was trying to be interested as he talked about his favorite game but he knew she was only listening half way; he was guilty of the same thing. He just stopped talking and looked into her eyes; not sure what he would see.
"Mione, you know you have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen."
"Ron, (blushing) your just saying that."
"No, I'm not."
"Thank you,"
"You don't have to thank me; I'm just trying to let you know what I feel."
"You surprise me every day Ron. One minute you act like that little boy I meet on the train; then the next you show me the young man you have become. We only have a few months before Christmas will be here and then before you know it our sixth year will be over. It's so weird to see how each of us has grown up; you and Harry have surprised me this year. What happened to my little boys?"
"Hey, I resent being called a little boy and when were we ever your little boys."
"Oh Ron, you know what I mean. I wasn't calling you a little boy and you know it. I've just been thinking about when we first met on the train; we all were so little and so young. Who would have thought that our lives would have turned out this way?"
"I've always known"
"What do you mean Ron?"
"I've always known how I felt about you; I just never wanted to admit it. I was always afraid that if I did admit to liking you; that you would slap me in the face and run the other way. I was so afraid of ruining our friendship and then I would lose you."
"Oh Ron, you could never lose me, not just because you liked me. I think I have liked you since you and Harry saved me our first year. I was just like you, afraid of losing your friendship."
"You know, I think even if you had chosen Victor; I would be there for you, no matter what. I wouldn't have been happy but I would be there for you."
"Ron just because he took me to that Ball, doesn't mean I fancied him. He asked me to go; which I might add; you didn't until you had no one to take."
"I'm really sorry about that; I was a thick headed prat. That's what boys do most of the time but I promise I will never be that thick again."
"I'm glad Ron and so you know I only have eyes (blushing) for you."
"Hermione, I'm not saying this to be rude or anything but you are a girl and girls know about this romance stuff. I mean, where do we go from here? I know we both feel the same way but I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing."
"Just what we are doing Ron; you know holding hands, talking, kissing every now and then. We are still young you know and you don't have to worry about; doing things wrong, Ron do I make you uncomfortable?"
"No, it's not that, some times I feel like I should be doing more; you know to prove how I feel."
"Why?"
"I don't know, I just feel that way some times."
"Ron, you...I...we are doing fine, don't you think so?"
"Yes, I hope so; Hermione can I ask you something?"
"You know you can Ron."
"When I want to kiss you, do I ask first or can I just kiss you?"
"If you want to kiss me Ron; all you have to do is kiss me."
"Ok"
They sat there for a bit just cuddling; Ron placing small kisses on the top of her head or cheek. For some reason today; he wanted to remember every thing about her. The way her hair smelled, the way her eyes sparkled, the way her skin felt (it was so soft to the touch) and the way she felt in his arms. She made him feel whole and alive in a way he had never felt before. She was his angel; not Victor's, his and he could only hope that she would be his for life. He knew he was only sixteen year's old but he knew deep down; that his heart would hers forever. If someone were to see the look on Ron's face; as he sat with Hermione in the Quidditch stands; they would see nothing but pure love in those eyes. Ron looked down at the top of her head; which was resting just in the crook of his neck. There was a bit of a chill in the air but the two didn't even notice. Ron finally getting over his nervousness; took his right hand and placed it under her chin. He slowly lifted her face, so he could see her eyes. Starting at her forehead; placing butterfly kisses as he spoke softly to her.
"Hermione, (kiss) I know that we have been friends forever but I want you to (kiss) know that I love you. I don't know what I did to deserve (kiss) a girl like you and I will never (kiss) let anyone hurt you."
With the last kiss on her left cheek; he placed both of his hands on her cheeks and kissed her lips softly; over and over again. After the last soft kiss; he pulled her to him and kissed her with as much love he could. She melted into the embrace and kissed him back with as much love as she could. As the kiss deepened; they both tried to pull the other as close as they could; not a breath of air could squeeze between the pair. They broke the kiss, placed their foreheads together and just smiled at each other.
There was no need to say a word; the moment was perfect as far as the two was concerned. They spent the rest of their time together just enjoying each others company; with hand holding, cuddling and many more kisses. At four o'clock they headed back to Gryffindor common room to meet up with their friends; so they all could go to dinner together. Ron and Hermione were the first to arrive to their; picking two comfortable chairs to sit in; here is where they would wait for the others.
(Ginny and Harry's romantic afternoon)
As their friends headed to their places of choice; Harry and Ginny decided to take a walk around the lake first. As they walked down the stairs Harry took Ginny's hand in his; for some reason he wanted everyone to know they were together; in either friendship or as a couple. There were only a few weird looks; seeing the two holding hands as they headed to the front doors of Hogwarts. Most students had seen not only Harry and Ginny holding hands but the others as well but they were always together; more like a group thing then anything else. The two being alone and holding hands was not a normal sight. By dinner time there would be rumors about the two and by the look on Harry Potters face he did not care. If people asked them questions they would answer them honestly; if that is what Ginny wanted.
As the two walked around the lake Harry felt content; he was enjoying their quiet time and had done so ever since the summer. She made him feel normal when he was with her and he was glad they had gotten to know each other and hoped that they were getting closer. They walked around the grounds by the lake hand in hand; stealing looks at the other as they walked; until they saw Hermione and Ron come out and start to walk by the lake. Not wanting to interfere with the other couple they headed towards Hagrid's hut. They knocked on his door but no one answered the door; not even a sound from Fang; Hagrid's faithful dog. Harry led them around to where Hagrid kept his garden; out of site so he could steal a kiss from the girl that held his heart.
Once they reached the back of the cabin; Harry led Ginny over to the back steps of the hut. He placed a warming and drying charm on the steps so they could set on them. Ginny had a slight blush to her cheeks and Harry wondered if it was from the cold or because they were hiding there from everyone's view. Though she didn't know; he loved it when she blushed.
"Ginny, I'm glad we are able to be alone today. I have missed our alone time; you know, since we left headquarters."
"I have too Harry. It's nice to just be here with you."
"You know I enjoy spending time with you. I mean that; you know that I feel comfortable around you and all. I know that after Christmas we are going to start the D.A. again but I want more time with just you."
"OK, Harry we will try to make more time for all of us ok."
"No, I mean just you and me; to you know see where we are going you know."
"I think I do but I'm (knowing all to well what he was talking about) not sure; what are you trying to say Harry?"
"Ginny, are you playing with me or making fun of me?"
"Harry; how dare you (laughing) I am not playing with you or making fun of you."
"Ok, that came out wrong and I am sorry. You know we talked about taking things slow and all but I was just wondering; bloody hell Ginny I'm not good at this. Are we still you know going slow or are we moving forward; where do we stand you know?"
"Harry, why are you being so shy about this; you know you don't have to be so shy around me. You weren't this shy at headquarters when we were talking and spending time together. I have this feeling you are changing your mind about things; is this why you are asking?"
"Oh, no Ginny…please don't get that look on your face. I'm not changing my mind about things; like I said…see I'm not good at this."
"So what are you trying to say Harry; just say what is in your heart."
"I'll try"
"Good"
"Ginny I have been waiting all week for us to be alone together and I hope you know that. I don't know much about this relationship thing and since you are a girl and girls know this stuff."
"Harry James Potter, are you trying to insult me or what?"
"No Ginny, please…bloody hell Ginny…I just keep screwing things up. I guess I better keep my mouth shut."
"Harry, just say what is in your heart not all this other crap ok."
"Where do we stand Ginny?"
"What do you mean; where do we stand?"
"I mean, I know we agreed to take things slow and all but I really want you to be my real girlfriend."
"I though I was (sad look) your real girlfriend."
"You are, in my eyes but you did see the looks when we walked out of the school."
"Yes Harry, I did see the looks we got but that doesn't mean anything."
"Ginny, I'm not trying to make you mad or anything; I'm just trying to understand what we are to each other."
"Oh"
"Yeah"
"Well Harry, to me you are my best friend, my boyfriend and I know this will scare you but I feel like you are my soul mate. I know that is a scary thought but you asked."
"Yes Gin, I did and I'm glad you are honest about it all. You know your dad and Remus talked with me about all this feeling stuff. I see what they were trying to say now."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing Harry?"
"Well Gin, I would say that is a great thing."
"Why?"
"Because"
"Why?"
"Ginny, I want you to know I'm scared as hell about what is coming; with Voldemort and all. I don't know if I will ever be ready or able to beat him. I just hope that you will always be by my side. You are and I hope you will always be my comfort, my future, my anchor, my strength and my weakness. Ginny I think that I'm falling head over heals in love with you."
"Um…Ha...plea...Harry."
"Gin, it's ok; am I moving to fast…dang I messed up again didn't I?"
"No, you didn't and no you aren't moving to fast. Harry just shut up and kiss (blushing) me ok."
Blushing at the red haired, girl he did just as she asked; he placed both of his hands on her cheeks and placed light and small kisses on her lips. He was in heaven; she felt the same way he did and he couldn't be happier. He loved the feel of her lips on his and in an instance he changed the kiss from small and tender kiss to a deep passionate kiss. Harry broke the kiss first; the need for air was just to over whelming. He placed his forehead on hers and just smiled down at her; thinking what he had ever done to deserve a girl like her in his life. Before he knew it Ginny was placing her lips back on his and he gave into the desire to have her as close as possible; pulling her into his form and holding her tight. When Ginny broke the kiss and moved back away from him; he panicked.
"Did I do something wrong Gin?"
"No Harry, I just needed to catch my breath."
"Oh, (blushing) you pulled away so quick I thought; maybe I messed up or did something wrong."
"Oh my, come on Harry let's walk back up to the castle; find some where warmer to continue our talk (eyebrows raised in a very suggestive manner) and maybe a little more snogging."
"Ginny"
"Yes Harry"
"You know that I'm not with you just so I can snogg you right?"
"Yes Harry, I do but I do love you holding me and kissing me."
"What do you think your six brothers will say when they find out we are an official item?"
"Well, Ron seems to be ok with us being together and I'm sure if mum or dad is the one to tell them they will be ok with it and not try and kill you."
"You know Gin that makes (saying it with some sarcasm) me feel so much better to know that five of your six brothers will want to kill me; even though I'm not worried about Percy."
"I' sorry Harry, just relax and come on; I'm sure we won't have much time to be alone before dinner."
"Alright Gin, we can head up to the castle but before we go can I kiss you one more time here; just in case we can't find a place to be alone in."
'You know you can"
With that question out of his mouth and getting her answer; he decided to make this kiss last a very long time. Harry started with little butterfly kisses on her forehead and moved slowly down to her nose, then her right cheek and then the left cheek. Once he got to her lips he teased her a bit by starting the kiss lightly over and over and over again. After about ten minutes he finally took her face in his hands and started with a soft and gentle kiss. Ginny loving the attention he was giving her didn't complain; she just followed along until he placed the soft kiss on her lips. Grabbing his head and holding it in place she deepened the kiss before he could move away. He knew better then to fight the feeling that was running through his veins and went with the kiss. Harry loving the feeling of her taking charge and kissing him followed suit and deepened the kiss. He put as much feeling as he could into this kiss; he wanted her to have no doubt about how he felt about her right there and then. He could feel her trying to pull away but wouldn't let the kiss stop yet; he wanted her to feel weak in the knees; just like he felt right then.
When Harry finally pulled away from her; he could barely stand and could see that she was in the same condition as he was; he pulled her back down on the steps behind Hagrid's hut. He sat there with his head leaning on hers; wanting to tell her what he was thinking and feeling. They sat there holding each other for a while longer until Harry broke the silence.
"Ginny, will you do me the honors of being my official girlfriend?"
"Yes Harry, I will"
"Gin"
"Harry"
"I love you"
Thank you so much, to all my readers for your support. We would not be here with 32 chapters finished and who knows how many more to come. I hope that those who wanted some fluffy stuff enjoyed this chapter. I normally put answers to my reviews at the top but starting with this chapter I will put them at the bottom; just for a change. I would have had this chapter up sooner but we have had a lot of storms the past week here in JacksonvilleFlorida and I had to keep the computer off. Chapter 33 will be out soon. Just fine tuning it just a bit; making sure all mistakes are caught. Until the next chapter; happy reading and remember so I know if I am doing good or bad; Please review. Froggyy1
darkangel 16: I am glad you love the story and I hope that you will check out the interview with JK Rowling on I am sure I don't have them like she will in book six but I think they are close; maybe not the H/G thing but we can only hope. I hope that you will continue reading.
creative reader: I thank you for your kind words. I wish you had told me in what way the conversations are confusing so I can try and fix my mistakes. I hope that you will continue reading and hope that you continue enjoying the story.
once upon a time: Thank you for the review and I have went back and fixed those errors a long time ago but never reloaded it. I have went back and made many changes to the chapters concerning the structure. I am glad that you are enjoying the story.
good story: I have went back and changed rob to robe but forgot to repost it. With this posting I am reposted all chapters. Thank you for the review
Silvercrystal77: Thank you once again for the great review and for reading my story. I have to say sorry to you and all my other readers; this chapter has been ready for over a week but we have had bad storms and didn't dare turn on my computer. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
MadJupiter: Hello again and cool new name. I like that you think all the chapters have been great and that you read my story. My nephews are here from down south and had went to see the film and when I was talking about Ron's owl they were confused; neither have read the books. So I am sure a lot of people will be really confused when they hear people talk about the books and the movie. Thanks again for reading and reviewing.
Padfootedmoony: Thank you again for your review and for reading the story.
JD22: Thank you so much and I am glad that you came over to this site to read my story. I was like you when I found out SIYE was down but I have to say that it was for a good reason. Yes I was shocked to see you review on this site but I am glad you did. Thank you soooo much again for reading and reviewing on what ever site you come to; I have it posted on 3 sites now and I'm thinking of putting it on Snoggle site too.
Jack-A-Roe: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story. Yes it is a bit easy but the there will be some things coming up that will make our six have a bit of a hard time. I have went through all 32 chapters and read and reread and fixed spelling and structure. I hope I got it right this time. I hope you enjoy this chapter and 33 will be out soon. Thanks again
Eresa: I love the Harry and Ginny ship the most and Hermione and Ron come in second followed by Luna and Neville. I am so pleased that you like the story so far and hope that you will continue reading until the end.
Butler: Thank you and I hope that you will enjoy this chapter.
FlameofShadows: Thank you so much and thank you to your friend; by the way if you don't mind me asking who told you about my story; just curious.
FlameTalker: Yes and here is the next chapter and 33 will be up soon I hope. Thank you for the kind words and reviewing.
techno04: OMG you are so welcome; I always answer all my reviews and will do so every time you review. I am so sorry you got confused about the items and yes they are protection for Ginny and Hermione but they were a decoy (not the real items that Voldemort is after) I am glad that you like the last chapter and hope that you like this one as well.