Chapter 13: Detention with Ginny

On Saturday, he made his way to the Owlery rather reluctantly. When he reached, Ginny and Professor McGonagall were already there, waiting for him.

"Get started then. I want you two to clean up this place! Clean the owl droppings; get rid of the dead rats and put fresh hay on the floor. No magic allowed of course! I will be back in 2 hrs to see how you're doing."

Harry said nothing; he just looked at the view. Ginny replied:

"Yes, Professor"

And so they started. Harry was scrubbing the floor while Ginny was picking up the dead rats (or whatever was left of them…). Harry didn't feel like talking; it's not like she would want to either! He shot a few glances at her, which she always seemed to catch, and he quickly looked away. After about 1 hour of silence, Harry got up and turned around to get a new rag when he bumped into her.

"Watch where you're going Potter!" she yelled at him. She seemed very irritated, and Harry felt that horrible feeling in his stomach at the idea she was so angry at him. She was so close he could smell her nice scent and count the freckles on her face. She was so beautiful! All he could say was:

"Sorry…" he mumbled.

"What?" she asked. She wasn't torturing him into repeating himself; she just had trouble believing what she just heard. She was staring in his eyes, and what she saw surprised her beyond belief. She could see pain and sadness, but Harry would never admit to it.

"I said I'm sorry ok! Now will you drop it?" he walked past her and got his other rag.

After another 1/2hr silence, Ginny spoke:

"I heard a rumor a few years ago but I never dared to ask. Is it true your room at home was a cupboard?" There was sympathy in her voice, and fear also. She wasn't sure how he'd react to her question.

"Yeah. So?" Harry told her, rather abruptly.

"I'm sorry to hear that Harry. It must have been hard growing up there."

"So what, are we buddies now?" Harry said sarcastically.

"What?" asked Ginny; she looked confused.

"You just called me by my first name." replied Harry. "Whatever happened to Potter?"

Ginny smiled, and so did Harry.

"I didn't even realize" said Ginny, almost whispering.

"Be careful, I could get use to it you know…" said Harry. Ginny laughed, which made Harry smile even more.

They were staring at each other. Harry came back to his senses and looked away. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned his head around, and met her eyes. He didn't realize she was so close. They stared at each other for what felt like hours, and then he kissed her, quite forcefully; he wouldn't let go. He finally slowed down and was expecting her to pull away but she didn't. They kissed for a while before a cough interrupted.

"Umm Umm…." Came from behind them.

Harry let go and turned so fast his head was spinning. Dumbledore was standing in the entrance, staring at both of them. Harry swore he saw hope in those eyes; the stare was different from the one he usually got. He had no idea why though.

Finally Dumbledore spoke:

"That will do. Mr. Potter, you may go. Miss Weasley, if you don't mind following me."

Harry walked past him and went to his dorm. He thought he was in trouble now. Would Dumbledore think he was trying to hurt Ginny, or that he was forcing her into it? Why did she let him? Would she say anything? What if Malfoy found out, it would be the end of him. What about Ron; and Dean? Not that he cared, but he'd have to confront them and wasn't quite in the mood right now.

I love this one! Anybody know what went through Dumbledore's mind? What he might have told Ginny?

All will be revealed...soon...