Author's Notes: All right all you confused people, I'm really, really sorry
about the whole chapter mix-up thing. You see, what happened was, I posted
the beginnings of chapter 4 for my other story, American High, (all readers
rush over to that story and begin to read). You'll have to forgive me,
since I was posting the chapter at around 2 in the morning, and as you
probably know, my brain is not functioning properly that early.
Just to clarify for everyone, although it says that they are going to visit Charlie in Egypt in the first chapter, they are actually going to visit Bill in Egypt. Just wanted to make sure that no one is confused. Also, I just reread the first chapter and found another mistake. It says that Ginny is in her fifth year, but then no one would be able to understand this chapter. So, to make sense, Ginny is now in her sixth year, and everyone else is in their corresponding grades. Oh, a little birdie just came and told me that nobody cares, and I need to shut up and start writing. Is this true? Yes? Oh well...
Disclaimer: Don't sue me; I have nothing to do with any of this.
Chapter 4:
Our week in Egypt was a rather chilly affair. I wasn't speaking to mum and Ron wasn't speaking to me (since he got in trouble for not watching me), so basically the only person I could talk to was either my dad, who was far too busy examining tombs, or Bill. Therefore, Bill and I spent nearly the entire vacation talking.
I really liked being able to talk to Bill since I wasn't nearly as close to him as to my other brothers. He was nearly out of the house by the time I was old enough to speak sensibly, so we never really spent much time together.
He would keep me entertained with hilarious stories of fellow co-workers who got locked inside tombs, and in return, I would tell him everything that he had been missing at home. Charlie and Percy were obviously out of the house, had been for some time, so I couldn't really tell him anything about them. Fred and George, though, had only moved out a year ago, and still came back home from time to time.
I told Bill all about how they had done what they'd always promised, and started their own joke shop. Mum had threatened to disown them at first, but after seeing how successful and happy they were she decided to let them go ahead with it. She even makes sure that every month she goes by their store, to scope out any new items they have in stock. It also finally came out in the open that Harry had given them all of his Triwizard winnings to start the shop. Mum had been shocked at first, but then had given in to that too. It helped that Harry absolutely refused to take the money back.
The one person I could really tell him all about was Ron, since we both still live at home together. I told Bill all about Ron and Hermione, which is what got me into even more trouble with said person.
Bill and I had been sitting outside our hotel (since his apartment was much too small for the five of us) and I had just finished telling him about a very awkward scene I had come across between Ron and Hermione. We were laughing so hard we barely managed to stay upright, when Ron suddenly stormed around the corner of the building, fuming. "Ginny! What do think you're doing?" he cried, sounding outraged.
"Nice to see you're finally speaking to me." I said between bursts of laughter. "In answer to your question, I happen to be talking to my brother. Is that illegal?"
"No. You just shouldn't be talking about personal things like that!" cried Ron, "Also, what were you doing, spying like that?"
"I wasn't doing anything. Unlike you." That set Bill and me off again, until we were nearly rolling on the floor with laughter.
"She's right, Ron." Said Bill, wiping tears from his eyes. "If you don't want people walking in on you, don't do those sort of things in public."
"WE WEREN'T IN PUBLIC!!!" Yelled Ron, "STOP MAKING IT SOUND LIKE I DID SOMETHING WRONG! IT'S GINNY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE!"
"Ron, Ron, calm down! All right I'm sorry, but you have to admit it was rather funny. Especially the look on your face." I had to turn around and bury my face in Bill's shoulder to muffle my laughter.
"GINNY!!!" yelled Ron, completely red in the face, before spinning around and stomping off into the hotel. After I had calmed down enough to lift my head from it's position on Bill's shoulder, I looked up at him, to see him smiling down at me. I grinned back up at him before asking him what he was smiling at. Besides Ron.
"I'm just really glad we're getting to spend this time together. Whenever I came home before you were at school, or there were so many people in the house we were lucky to say two words to each other. We've never really had time to just talk. I'm finding it very interesting." He looked at me thoughtfully for a minute in silence, before I had to say something.
"What are you finding so interesting?" I asked.
"Well, just the fact that you are growing into a wonderful, young woman. Despite the fact that I was never there to give you any pointers." I blushed with pleasure at hearing him say this. Over the past few days I had begun to both like and respect Bill very much. His opinion meant a lot to me.
"Thank you, Bill. That really means a lot, coming from you." I told him.
This was my favorite moment from the trip, and it made the rest of the time there a little less depressing. In fact, after that conversation, I was in such a good mood, that I went and made up with both Ron and mum. I think they were both a little shocked, since my sulks usually last much longer. But I wanted to live up to what Bill thought of me. I didn't want to let him down.
I really didn't want to leave when the week was finally over. I nearly burst into tears as I hugged Bill goodbye, but he promised to write to me a lot, and I promised to write back even more. Bill clapped Ron on the back, hugged my mum (who was nearly in tears herself), and dragged my dad away from all the mummies. I think of all of us, he was the sorriest to leave. He kept trying to sneak artifacts into his luggage, but mum finally had to put her foot down when he tried to cram an entire sarcophagus into his trunk.
The day we reached home, it was total chaos. Mum rushed around madly, washing Ron's and my clothes, and asking us again, and again if we had all our school things packed. I made sure that mum only packed my new clothes. I refused to bring any of the old things back to school with me. Well, everything, but a few of my brother's old things that I liked to wear for bed. I missed my brothers, now that most of them were gone. They had always totally spoiled me, and looked out for me, often to the point of annoyance. But I still loved them, and having something of theirs helped my miss them a little less.
I went to bed, completely exhausted after spending hours searching the house for anything I might need. I didn't find anything, of course, since everything was already in my trunk. Mum is just a little strange about those sorts of things.
When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I heard were shouts coming from the bottom of the stairs. But what else is new? That's all I seem to wake up to lately.
I turned to look at my clock, only to see that it read 10:30. Oh Merlin! I thought, now I'm in for it.
I leaped out of bed, undoubtedly looking like a gazelle as I did so, and ran into the bathroom. I quickly brushed my teeth, which is disgusting when done before eating anything, and realized that I didn't have time to do anything else, so I simply brushed my hair and pulled it back into a messy bun, then ran back out into my room. All I can say is Thank Merlin I pulled out today's clothes the night before. I quickly pulled on a red tank top, a blue and red flowy skirt that looked like different pieces of material pieced together, and a deep blue sweater-ish thing. I wasn't really sure what to call the sweater, as it reached down to mid thigh, and the sleeves reached down, nearly past my fingertips. I then grabbed a pair of chunky, red heels, and my trunk, before racing out into the hallway, and down the stairs. I finally arrived at the front door, gasping for breath.
"About time, Ginny!" screeched mum, "Do you realize what time it is?"
"Er, no, I don't." I managed to pant out before straightening up and buckling on my shoes.
"Well it is nearly 10:45, young lady, and if we are late catching the train..." She simply left the threat hanging ominously.
"Yes, well, I'm here now. Shouldn't we go?" I asked, trying to get her mind off me, and onto our destination. Mum merely glared at me, before levitating both my trunk and Ron's out into the yard. About six months ago, mum had finally consented to letting dad buy another car, since the Ford Anglia is currently running liberated out in the Forbidden Forest.
This car was a red Land Cruiser. It was a great little car, and dad had taught me how to drive it this summer. Getting into the car, I thought I might push my luck a little bit more, and ask to drive to the station. Dad opened his mouth, no doubt about to say yes, but mum glared at him and he backed down. "No, sorry Ginny. But we are really in a hurry, and I think it would be best if I drove." Hearing this, mum settled down, looking satisfied. Then dad leaned back and whispered, "I'll let you drive it when you come home for Christmas holidays." I grinned at him, and he turned back around to start the car.
I finally noticed that Ron was being awfully quite, unusual for him, so I turned to ask him what was wrong. Just as I opened my mouth, I noticed that he was giving me a very strange look. I really seem to be getting a lot of those lately. "What?" I asked him.
"What have you done to my sister Ginny? You look nothing like her." He said, still staring at me oddly. I thought he was being funny, so I began to laugh. Then I noticed that he wasn't joining in.
"What on earth are you talking about, Ron? I look the same as ever."
"No you don't, and you know it." Said Ron, grumpily.
"Well, I just needed a little change, that's all. Do you not like it?" I asked, a little hurt.
"No I don't!" He snapped. I would have hit him, but just as he was turning away I heard him mutter, "But I'm sure everyone else will. Great, now I'm going to have to beat off the other guys with a stick." I was so happy, that I gave Ron a huge grin, and simply turned away to look out the window to daydream about everyone's reaction. I must have really surprised Ron, since he stayed quite the rest of the car ride.
We finally reached the station, with about five minutes to spare. Dad had obviously bewitched the car, just like the cars we borrowed from the ministry a few years back. Mum was still freaking out, however, and so rushed everyone into the station.
Mum stopped us and gave both Ron and me giant hugs, nearly breaking my spine in the process. "I can't believe I've only got two little ones left at home!" she cried. "Everyone else is all grown up, and out of the house already. I just can't believe it." At that, she broke down, and started to cry. I looked pleadingly at dad, silently asking him to get her to leave. He actually understood, and took mum by the arm.
"Molly, dear, we should leave now. I'm sure Ron and Ginny don't want their old parents waving them off." Mum just continued to sob, so I gave her another hug, and told her that I would see her at the next holiday. Dad finally got her away, although he was nearly carrying her, she was so distraught.
"Well," I said, "We should try to find a compartment, shouldn't we, Ron? Ron?" He wasn't answering, so I looked around for the source of his silence. I figured out the source a minute later, as a shrieking girl threw herself into his arms. Ron and Hermione began making out as if it had been a year, and not a week, since they had last seen each other.
I was getting really disturbed, especially since I could definitely see some tongue action, so I turned away before I ran screaming from the building. In fact, I actually backed away a little bit. I was beginning to prepare myself for years of mental therapy. "Ok, guys, that's enough." I said, "Alright, seriously, Ron. Stop groping your girlfriend in public. Do you want me to be mentally scarred? Do you really want to know that it's your fault I end up in St. Mungo's psycho ward?"
As usual, neither one of them took any notice of me. Instead of actually getting near them, I turned away, and began to fix my hair. I pulled it out of the hair tie and bent over. I rummaged around in my trunk until I found a brush, which I then used to get my hair under control.
Once my hair was a good as I could make it, I stood up and flipped my hair over my shoulder. Nearby I heard someone stop walking, and a trunk thud to the ground. I turned around to find out who had stopped to watch the entertainment provided by Ron and Hermione.
All I had to see was a messy black head, before I launched myself at him. "Harry!" I cried. Just as he turned to me I saw his eyes widen, before I had flung my arms around his neck. He hugged me back, laughing.
"It's good to see you too, Ginny." He said, "How've you been?"
"Wonderful!" I told him, "And, as you can see, they've had a good summer too." I turned to look at Ron and Hermione, who were still going at it.
"Alright, seriously you two get a room." Said Harry, looking at them. "You're harming innocent minds here." I punched him lightly on the shoulder, before giving him one more hug, and releasing him. Ron and Hermione had finally broken apart, and were grinning at us sort of sheepishly.
"Hey Harry!" they cried, "Hey Ginny," said Hermione. She and Ron kept sneaking glances at each other, until a whistle blew, and we all jumped. "Right, well, Ron and I have to get to the prefects compartment." Said Hermione, before they hurried off.
"Right" I said, looking at Harry. We both hurried to gather up our trunks, before we burst out laughing.
As Harry and I wandered through the crowded train, I let my mind wander back over the past few years. When Ron and Hermione had finally figured out the fact that they liked each other, they had started dating. Harry had totally supported this, since he had known that it was only a matter of time until they figured out that all their arguments were really just pent up sexual tension. However, when they started spending more and more time together, and he ended up feeling like the third wheel, he began to have his doubts about encouraging them.
This is where I came in. I understood Harry's feelings of being left out. Before two of the three amigos had gotten together, I had often felt like the, er, fourth wheel, I guess. So, now that Harry didn't feel like joining in their nightly make out sessions, he and I had begun to hang out together, most times doing homework together. At first I was just sort of the person he did homework with (besides being Ron's younger sister), but eventually we became better friends. I had gotten over my early crush of him, realizing that the person I was in love with was nothing like the real Harry. Harry just acted like a normal person, not a celebrity. He was a much better friend, than crush material. Now, I really feel that Harry is my best friend, and I like to think that I am his.
So, we were walking down the train corridor, and I was totally spacing out, lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly I heard Harry ask, "Er, Ginny? Where are you going?" He had stopped in front of a compartment, and was looking at me like I was insane. (Which I am)
"Oh, right, sorry Harry. I wasn't paying attention." I said, blushing, and hurrying past him.
"Obviously." Said Harry, grinning. I glared at him, before turning to see who would be sharing our compartment. Luna Lovegood was sitting next to the window, once again reading the Quibbler. Although this year it was right side up, she was staring at it cross-eyed, and muttering under her breath. The other two people in the room were sitting across from Luna, staring at her apprehensively. Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnegan looked up as Harry and I walked in, and quickly jumped up, visibly relieved to see people a bit more on the normal side.
I smiled at Dean as I put my trunk away. We had broken up halfway through the summer after fourth year, partly because I realized that the relationship wasn't going anywhere, and partly because he was terrified of being torn apart by Ron's bare hands. We were still friends, but there was nothing left of our short relationship between us. I said hi to both him and Seamus, before sitting down next to Luna, asking her what she was reading. She began to describe to me the intricacies of a spell to make your skin turn purple.
I sat and listened to her for a minute, until I noticed that her voice was the only sound in the compartment. I slowly turned to look at the three guys sitting across from us. Dean was staring out the window, and Seamus was digging through his book bag, although I had the feeling that they had both been staring at me the moment before. Harry was the only one still looking at me, but I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
He grinned at me and said, "There's something different about you, Gin, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
I rolled my eyes at the three of them, now that Dean and Seamus were watching me again. "Honestly, boys are so slow sometimes." They simply looked confused, so I elaborated. "Um, lets see, new hair, new clothes, new shoes, and last but not least, new earrings." I swept my hair back from my face so they could see the tiny studs. "That might answer your question."
Three sets of eyes raked me from top to toe. I saw comprehension finally dawning on their faces as they nodded. "Idiots." I muttered, turning back towards Luna.
Author's Notes: Well there you all go. The fourth chapter. Sorry it took me so long to get it out, but here it finally is. I know this chapter wasn't very exciting or funny, but I promise that it will become all those things. Now... Review, Review, you know you want to, ooo, ooo.
P.S. Can anyone guess what movie Ginny's outfit is from?
P.P.S. I'm taking bets on who everyone thinks Ginny will end up with. An old friend, an old flame, or someone new, totally made up from my completely random imagination?
Just to clarify for everyone, although it says that they are going to visit Charlie in Egypt in the first chapter, they are actually going to visit Bill in Egypt. Just wanted to make sure that no one is confused. Also, I just reread the first chapter and found another mistake. It says that Ginny is in her fifth year, but then no one would be able to understand this chapter. So, to make sense, Ginny is now in her sixth year, and everyone else is in their corresponding grades. Oh, a little birdie just came and told me that nobody cares, and I need to shut up and start writing. Is this true? Yes? Oh well...
Disclaimer: Don't sue me; I have nothing to do with any of this.
Chapter 4:
Our week in Egypt was a rather chilly affair. I wasn't speaking to mum and Ron wasn't speaking to me (since he got in trouble for not watching me), so basically the only person I could talk to was either my dad, who was far too busy examining tombs, or Bill. Therefore, Bill and I spent nearly the entire vacation talking.
I really liked being able to talk to Bill since I wasn't nearly as close to him as to my other brothers. He was nearly out of the house by the time I was old enough to speak sensibly, so we never really spent much time together.
He would keep me entertained with hilarious stories of fellow co-workers who got locked inside tombs, and in return, I would tell him everything that he had been missing at home. Charlie and Percy were obviously out of the house, had been for some time, so I couldn't really tell him anything about them. Fred and George, though, had only moved out a year ago, and still came back home from time to time.
I told Bill all about how they had done what they'd always promised, and started their own joke shop. Mum had threatened to disown them at first, but after seeing how successful and happy they were she decided to let them go ahead with it. She even makes sure that every month she goes by their store, to scope out any new items they have in stock. It also finally came out in the open that Harry had given them all of his Triwizard winnings to start the shop. Mum had been shocked at first, but then had given in to that too. It helped that Harry absolutely refused to take the money back.
The one person I could really tell him all about was Ron, since we both still live at home together. I told Bill all about Ron and Hermione, which is what got me into even more trouble with said person.
Bill and I had been sitting outside our hotel (since his apartment was much too small for the five of us) and I had just finished telling him about a very awkward scene I had come across between Ron and Hermione. We were laughing so hard we barely managed to stay upright, when Ron suddenly stormed around the corner of the building, fuming. "Ginny! What do think you're doing?" he cried, sounding outraged.
"Nice to see you're finally speaking to me." I said between bursts of laughter. "In answer to your question, I happen to be talking to my brother. Is that illegal?"
"No. You just shouldn't be talking about personal things like that!" cried Ron, "Also, what were you doing, spying like that?"
"I wasn't doing anything. Unlike you." That set Bill and me off again, until we were nearly rolling on the floor with laughter.
"She's right, Ron." Said Bill, wiping tears from his eyes. "If you don't want people walking in on you, don't do those sort of things in public."
"WE WEREN'T IN PUBLIC!!!" Yelled Ron, "STOP MAKING IT SOUND LIKE I DID SOMETHING WRONG! IT'S GINNY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE!"
"Ron, Ron, calm down! All right I'm sorry, but you have to admit it was rather funny. Especially the look on your face." I had to turn around and bury my face in Bill's shoulder to muffle my laughter.
"GINNY!!!" yelled Ron, completely red in the face, before spinning around and stomping off into the hotel. After I had calmed down enough to lift my head from it's position on Bill's shoulder, I looked up at him, to see him smiling down at me. I grinned back up at him before asking him what he was smiling at. Besides Ron.
"I'm just really glad we're getting to spend this time together. Whenever I came home before you were at school, or there were so many people in the house we were lucky to say two words to each other. We've never really had time to just talk. I'm finding it very interesting." He looked at me thoughtfully for a minute in silence, before I had to say something.
"What are you finding so interesting?" I asked.
"Well, just the fact that you are growing into a wonderful, young woman. Despite the fact that I was never there to give you any pointers." I blushed with pleasure at hearing him say this. Over the past few days I had begun to both like and respect Bill very much. His opinion meant a lot to me.
"Thank you, Bill. That really means a lot, coming from you." I told him.
This was my favorite moment from the trip, and it made the rest of the time there a little less depressing. In fact, after that conversation, I was in such a good mood, that I went and made up with both Ron and mum. I think they were both a little shocked, since my sulks usually last much longer. But I wanted to live up to what Bill thought of me. I didn't want to let him down.
I really didn't want to leave when the week was finally over. I nearly burst into tears as I hugged Bill goodbye, but he promised to write to me a lot, and I promised to write back even more. Bill clapped Ron on the back, hugged my mum (who was nearly in tears herself), and dragged my dad away from all the mummies. I think of all of us, he was the sorriest to leave. He kept trying to sneak artifacts into his luggage, but mum finally had to put her foot down when he tried to cram an entire sarcophagus into his trunk.
The day we reached home, it was total chaos. Mum rushed around madly, washing Ron's and my clothes, and asking us again, and again if we had all our school things packed. I made sure that mum only packed my new clothes. I refused to bring any of the old things back to school with me. Well, everything, but a few of my brother's old things that I liked to wear for bed. I missed my brothers, now that most of them were gone. They had always totally spoiled me, and looked out for me, often to the point of annoyance. But I still loved them, and having something of theirs helped my miss them a little less.
I went to bed, completely exhausted after spending hours searching the house for anything I might need. I didn't find anything, of course, since everything was already in my trunk. Mum is just a little strange about those sorts of things.
When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I heard were shouts coming from the bottom of the stairs. But what else is new? That's all I seem to wake up to lately.
I turned to look at my clock, only to see that it read 10:30. Oh Merlin! I thought, now I'm in for it.
I leaped out of bed, undoubtedly looking like a gazelle as I did so, and ran into the bathroom. I quickly brushed my teeth, which is disgusting when done before eating anything, and realized that I didn't have time to do anything else, so I simply brushed my hair and pulled it back into a messy bun, then ran back out into my room. All I can say is Thank Merlin I pulled out today's clothes the night before. I quickly pulled on a red tank top, a blue and red flowy skirt that looked like different pieces of material pieced together, and a deep blue sweater-ish thing. I wasn't really sure what to call the sweater, as it reached down to mid thigh, and the sleeves reached down, nearly past my fingertips. I then grabbed a pair of chunky, red heels, and my trunk, before racing out into the hallway, and down the stairs. I finally arrived at the front door, gasping for breath.
"About time, Ginny!" screeched mum, "Do you realize what time it is?"
"Er, no, I don't." I managed to pant out before straightening up and buckling on my shoes.
"Well it is nearly 10:45, young lady, and if we are late catching the train..." She simply left the threat hanging ominously.
"Yes, well, I'm here now. Shouldn't we go?" I asked, trying to get her mind off me, and onto our destination. Mum merely glared at me, before levitating both my trunk and Ron's out into the yard. About six months ago, mum had finally consented to letting dad buy another car, since the Ford Anglia is currently running liberated out in the Forbidden Forest.
This car was a red Land Cruiser. It was a great little car, and dad had taught me how to drive it this summer. Getting into the car, I thought I might push my luck a little bit more, and ask to drive to the station. Dad opened his mouth, no doubt about to say yes, but mum glared at him and he backed down. "No, sorry Ginny. But we are really in a hurry, and I think it would be best if I drove." Hearing this, mum settled down, looking satisfied. Then dad leaned back and whispered, "I'll let you drive it when you come home for Christmas holidays." I grinned at him, and he turned back around to start the car.
I finally noticed that Ron was being awfully quite, unusual for him, so I turned to ask him what was wrong. Just as I opened my mouth, I noticed that he was giving me a very strange look. I really seem to be getting a lot of those lately. "What?" I asked him.
"What have you done to my sister Ginny? You look nothing like her." He said, still staring at me oddly. I thought he was being funny, so I began to laugh. Then I noticed that he wasn't joining in.
"What on earth are you talking about, Ron? I look the same as ever."
"No you don't, and you know it." Said Ron, grumpily.
"Well, I just needed a little change, that's all. Do you not like it?" I asked, a little hurt.
"No I don't!" He snapped. I would have hit him, but just as he was turning away I heard him mutter, "But I'm sure everyone else will. Great, now I'm going to have to beat off the other guys with a stick." I was so happy, that I gave Ron a huge grin, and simply turned away to look out the window to daydream about everyone's reaction. I must have really surprised Ron, since he stayed quite the rest of the car ride.
We finally reached the station, with about five minutes to spare. Dad had obviously bewitched the car, just like the cars we borrowed from the ministry a few years back. Mum was still freaking out, however, and so rushed everyone into the station.
Mum stopped us and gave both Ron and me giant hugs, nearly breaking my spine in the process. "I can't believe I've only got two little ones left at home!" she cried. "Everyone else is all grown up, and out of the house already. I just can't believe it." At that, she broke down, and started to cry. I looked pleadingly at dad, silently asking him to get her to leave. He actually understood, and took mum by the arm.
"Molly, dear, we should leave now. I'm sure Ron and Ginny don't want their old parents waving them off." Mum just continued to sob, so I gave her another hug, and told her that I would see her at the next holiday. Dad finally got her away, although he was nearly carrying her, she was so distraught.
"Well," I said, "We should try to find a compartment, shouldn't we, Ron? Ron?" He wasn't answering, so I looked around for the source of his silence. I figured out the source a minute later, as a shrieking girl threw herself into his arms. Ron and Hermione began making out as if it had been a year, and not a week, since they had last seen each other.
I was getting really disturbed, especially since I could definitely see some tongue action, so I turned away before I ran screaming from the building. In fact, I actually backed away a little bit. I was beginning to prepare myself for years of mental therapy. "Ok, guys, that's enough." I said, "Alright, seriously, Ron. Stop groping your girlfriend in public. Do you want me to be mentally scarred? Do you really want to know that it's your fault I end up in St. Mungo's psycho ward?"
As usual, neither one of them took any notice of me. Instead of actually getting near them, I turned away, and began to fix my hair. I pulled it out of the hair tie and bent over. I rummaged around in my trunk until I found a brush, which I then used to get my hair under control.
Once my hair was a good as I could make it, I stood up and flipped my hair over my shoulder. Nearby I heard someone stop walking, and a trunk thud to the ground. I turned around to find out who had stopped to watch the entertainment provided by Ron and Hermione.
All I had to see was a messy black head, before I launched myself at him. "Harry!" I cried. Just as he turned to me I saw his eyes widen, before I had flung my arms around his neck. He hugged me back, laughing.
"It's good to see you too, Ginny." He said, "How've you been?"
"Wonderful!" I told him, "And, as you can see, they've had a good summer too." I turned to look at Ron and Hermione, who were still going at it.
"Alright, seriously you two get a room." Said Harry, looking at them. "You're harming innocent minds here." I punched him lightly on the shoulder, before giving him one more hug, and releasing him. Ron and Hermione had finally broken apart, and were grinning at us sort of sheepishly.
"Hey Harry!" they cried, "Hey Ginny," said Hermione. She and Ron kept sneaking glances at each other, until a whistle blew, and we all jumped. "Right, well, Ron and I have to get to the prefects compartment." Said Hermione, before they hurried off.
"Right" I said, looking at Harry. We both hurried to gather up our trunks, before we burst out laughing.
As Harry and I wandered through the crowded train, I let my mind wander back over the past few years. When Ron and Hermione had finally figured out the fact that they liked each other, they had started dating. Harry had totally supported this, since he had known that it was only a matter of time until they figured out that all their arguments were really just pent up sexual tension. However, when they started spending more and more time together, and he ended up feeling like the third wheel, he began to have his doubts about encouraging them.
This is where I came in. I understood Harry's feelings of being left out. Before two of the three amigos had gotten together, I had often felt like the, er, fourth wheel, I guess. So, now that Harry didn't feel like joining in their nightly make out sessions, he and I had begun to hang out together, most times doing homework together. At first I was just sort of the person he did homework with (besides being Ron's younger sister), but eventually we became better friends. I had gotten over my early crush of him, realizing that the person I was in love with was nothing like the real Harry. Harry just acted like a normal person, not a celebrity. He was a much better friend, than crush material. Now, I really feel that Harry is my best friend, and I like to think that I am his.
So, we were walking down the train corridor, and I was totally spacing out, lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly I heard Harry ask, "Er, Ginny? Where are you going?" He had stopped in front of a compartment, and was looking at me like I was insane. (Which I am)
"Oh, right, sorry Harry. I wasn't paying attention." I said, blushing, and hurrying past him.
"Obviously." Said Harry, grinning. I glared at him, before turning to see who would be sharing our compartment. Luna Lovegood was sitting next to the window, once again reading the Quibbler. Although this year it was right side up, she was staring at it cross-eyed, and muttering under her breath. The other two people in the room were sitting across from Luna, staring at her apprehensively. Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnegan looked up as Harry and I walked in, and quickly jumped up, visibly relieved to see people a bit more on the normal side.
I smiled at Dean as I put my trunk away. We had broken up halfway through the summer after fourth year, partly because I realized that the relationship wasn't going anywhere, and partly because he was terrified of being torn apart by Ron's bare hands. We were still friends, but there was nothing left of our short relationship between us. I said hi to both him and Seamus, before sitting down next to Luna, asking her what she was reading. She began to describe to me the intricacies of a spell to make your skin turn purple.
I sat and listened to her for a minute, until I noticed that her voice was the only sound in the compartment. I slowly turned to look at the three guys sitting across from us. Dean was staring out the window, and Seamus was digging through his book bag, although I had the feeling that they had both been staring at me the moment before. Harry was the only one still looking at me, but I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
He grinned at me and said, "There's something different about you, Gin, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
I rolled my eyes at the three of them, now that Dean and Seamus were watching me again. "Honestly, boys are so slow sometimes." They simply looked confused, so I elaborated. "Um, lets see, new hair, new clothes, new shoes, and last but not least, new earrings." I swept my hair back from my face so they could see the tiny studs. "That might answer your question."
Three sets of eyes raked me from top to toe. I saw comprehension finally dawning on their faces as they nodded. "Idiots." I muttered, turning back towards Luna.
Author's Notes: Well there you all go. The fourth chapter. Sorry it took me so long to get it out, but here it finally is. I know this chapter wasn't very exciting or funny, but I promise that it will become all those things. Now... Review, Review, you know you want to, ooo, ooo.
P.S. Can anyone guess what movie Ginny's outfit is from?
P.P.S. I'm taking bets on who everyone thinks Ginny will end up with. An old friend, an old flame, or someone new, totally made up from my completely random imagination?