A Tale of Young Love Across the Years

The sky was blue, and the afternoon sun warmed Harry's, Ron's, and Hermione's backs as the Trio sat by the Black Lake.

"I still wish Professor Lupin stayed. He was my father's friend." Harry said.

"I understand, mate," Ron said.

"Don't be ridiculous, Harry. The parents are concerned that a werewolf has been teaching their kids for the last year. They will make Professor Lupin's life hell if he continues teaching here." Hermione snapped.

"Hermione! We have all known Professor Lupin for a year! Has he ever attacked any of us?" Ron retaliated.

"Have you forgotten the night Professor Lupin forgot to take the Wolfsbane potion and transformed into a werewolf, Ron? The night Peter Pettigrew escaped! What if something happened to us? Of course, the parents will be concerned!" Hermione snapped.

"That's Snape's fault for letting slip that Lupin is a werewolf," Harry said.

"Even if Snape didn't say anything, it's now in the open that Lupin is a werewolf, Harry, so he can't stay for his own safety."

"Hermione, don't you realize how much Lupin means to Harry?" Ron said.

"That's beside the point, Ron." Hermione began but was interrupted by Ginny.

"Hey, guys. What's going on?"

Glad for an excuse to stay away from Ron and Hermione, who were now bickering, Harry asked Ginny if she would like to go for a walk with him around the lake. She agreed and went with him just as Hermione exasperatedly said, "Ron! Think of the safety issue!"

"So, Ginny, how was your year?" Harry said. Ginny looked down.

"I have been having nightmares of the Chamber, but thankfully they have reduced. I have even made friends now. Ron introduced me to Lavender, Parvati, Seamus, Dean, and Neville this year. I have also made friends with Demelza Robbins, Violet Hunt, and Colin Creevey, from my year in Gryffindor. Not to mention a girl from my year in Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood, is my friend. Hermione and I became friends too. Fred, George, and Ron properly look after me now like they should've done last year. I feel really sad that you did not have the best of times, Harry." She said. Harry looked around before turning to Ginny.

"Ginny, I promise I'll tell you everything in detail. But for now, let me brief you. Black is innocent. Sirius Black did not commit any of the crimes he was accused and arrested for. It was Peter Pettigrew who betrayed my parents, got them killed, and wrongfully framed Sirius Black. He has been living as Scabbers with your family for twelve years. He stayed with Percy and was given to Ron later. Scabbers isn't a rat.

"What?" Ginny said in awe. "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry."

Harry shook his head. "Ginny, so here is something else I've wanted to tell you. I briefly thought this year that I liked that Ravenclaw Seeker Cho Chang, and I wondered why, and in retrospection, found that it's not like I like her, but she merely reminds me of you. Your long mane of red hair, your chocolate brown eyes, and your fiery attitude. I have a feeling you'll be amazing at Quidditch too."

"You're right on that, Harry! My brothers would never let me play with them, citing my age. But since the age of six, I've been breaking into their broom shed and taking turns to fly out each broom. I love Quidditch like most of my brothers!" Ginny said.

Harry beamed at her. "Ginny, will you… Um… Be my Girlfriend?"

Ginny stared at him, making Harry go red. "I mean, it's all right if you don't… I mean! Damn it!" He held the back of his head with his left hand and looked away awkwardly. But Ginny took his right hand and looked into his eyes, her own eyes slightly watering. "That would be lovely! I-I can't believe this!"

"Y-You will?" Harry said before grinning. He looked at the hand that Ginny was holding and wrapped the same arm around her as she sat on his lap. She was so tiny that she could cuddle into Harry, and no one from behind Harry would guess that Harry wasn't sitting alone. Harry put both his arms around her, and she pressed her head into his chest as he leaned against a tree.

Meanwhile, Hermione was still fighting with Ron. "Are you coming or not? It's six! McGonagall clearly instructed the Gryffindor students to be in their dorms around six."

"Give it a rest, Hermione! McGonagall won't kill us if we go to the dorms ten minutes later…. Oh, look! Ginny and Harry!"

Hermione looked ahead, and sure Harry and Ginny were cuddling close. Harry had one hand around Ginny's waist as he ran his other hand through her vivid red hair.

"Oh, they look so cute!" Hermione said. "Not everyone is so lucky."

"And what do you mean, Mione?" Ron had stood up by now. Hermione looked up at him. "Seriously, Ron. Some boys are so stupid they just don't understand hints!" She barked.

"That's because some girls are stupid enough to think their hints will always be understood, and it never once goes into their thick heads that sometimes, speaking directly is better than stupid hints!" Ron growled.

Ron walked back to the castle, leaving behind a speechless Hermione in his wake. "Oh, no! Ron is right! But, does he really like me? Would he have spoken angrily to me if he did?" Hermione wondered.

"Hermione doesn't like me. She is clearly thinking of another boy!" Ron thought dejectedly as he entered the castle.

Just as Ron reached the second floor, Hermione caught up with him. "Ron! Wait up!"

"Hermione?" Ron asked. Despite being angry a moment ago, he couldn't bring himself to direct it at her. Hermione looked relieved that Ron had calmed down.

She took his hand went into a broom cupboard. "Hermione, what…?"

"Let us make this clear, then, Ron. Our relationship may not be the same after this, and I would regret it, but like you pointed out, sometimes hints don't work. It is logically correct that hints are not always the best way to get things done." Hermione narrated in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

Ron's heart sank. What did Hermione mean by this?

"R-Ron! I don't know how to put this. Just say I like this charming boy who is a knight…."

"A Gryffindor, then, I daresay?" Ron wondered aloud, even as his heart broke.

"Y-Yes, a loyal Gryffindor, that is. He has helped me understand something significant in life. Such as friendship and bravery…."

"My sister and Harry are together," Ron said. Somehow, he felt Hermione fancied Harry. The very thought felt like ice in his heart. His Hermione fancied Harry, and not him? He, who was always second best in his peer circle and was always the overshadowed one in the family… Not even the girl he likes would take him…

Hermione was taken aback. "Ron, we aren't talking about Ginny and Harry. We are talking about this boy I like and me!"

"So, it's not Harry then?" The ice in his heart had melted away, giving rise to a new hope he dared not to admit even to himself.

"Seriously, Ron?" Hermione said, now tearing up. "How can you ever think like that? I see Harry as the brother I never had! I reckon he feels the same about me!" She paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "Look at my fate! Even the boy I like is being so oblivious to my feelings for him that not only does he not get any of my hints, but he also actively thinks I'm into someone I see as my brother! It's you, Ron! YOU!" She bellowed into the silence of the broom cupboard and began sobbing into her hands. "B-But y-you p-probably hate me by now!"

Ron stood shocked, taken aback. Hermione liked him? Not Harry? Not another guy? He was feeling guilty for making Hermione upset.

"H-Hermione…" He held her hands. She looked at him, still in tears.

"I-I have always been the ignored one in my family, and even after coming to Hogwarts. I have always fancied you, Hermione. That amazing bushy brown hair of yours and your chocolate brown eyes! I was afraid of my feelings for you and your reaction to it. I'm sorry for hurting you…." Ron said, still looking down.

"Oh, Ron!" Hermione put her arms around Ron's neck and broke down into his chest. Ron held her tightly and stroked her bushy hair, "I love you, Hermione."

By now, the sun was beginning to bow down after the day's performance, and Ginny, who was cuddled into Harry's chest, got up. "Eh? Time to go already?"

"Well, yeah, maybe?" Harry grinned. "But before we go, I think something is pending."

"Like what, Potter?" Ginny laughed.

"Ah, Lady Potter has spoken!" Harry said, making Ginny blush. She blushed harder when Harry kissed her. Fireworks exploded in Harry and Ginny as both of them kissed one another fiercely. Harry loved the flowery scent Ginny's flaming red hair emitted and the taste of her lips. Ginny looked into those brilliant green eyes that had for so long captured her fantasies and ran her fingers through Harry's messy black hair.

Soon, the couple broke apart and laughed. They walked back into the castle. They were on the second floor when the nearest broom cupboard shook violently, and one of the doors opened to reveal Hermione and Ron kissing fiercely and passionately. They didn't seem to realize that this was no longer private. Harry and Ginny grinned at each other.

Ron and Hermione could only see and hear fireworks erupting inside of them as they kissed deeply. Hermione's bushy brown hair was as appealing as Ron's flaming red hair. And so, neither of them had realized the door was open, and somebody was approaching them.

"Oye! Guys!" Harry stepped forward and yelled. Only then did the couple look around and see a bemused Harry and a giggling Ginny in front of them.

"H-Harry. G-Ginny, we were just practicing the Summoning Charm we will learn in the fourth year." Hermione said, blushing furiously.

"Way to practice the Summoning Charm in a rather constricted area." Harry laughed, making Hermione go redder in the face.

"It's okay, guys," Harry assured them. "Come on, now. Let's go." He put an arm around Ginny and went back to climb the steps, with Ron and Hermione bringing along the rear.

As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station, Harry and Ginny sat cuddled to one another, as did Ron and Hermione. They spotted a tiny owl carrying a letter that was much too big for it. Sirius Black had gifted the owl to Ron because he no longer had Scabbers. By now, Ginny was also in the loop about the full story. Ron held the owl to Crookshanks to sniff and see if it's a real owl, and Crookshanks purred delightedly.

"Fine, let me call him Diego! Diego! Diego!" Ron happily said. The other three took to calling the owl Diego as well.

When they reached Platform 9 ¾, Harry spotted Uncle Vernon at once, standing rather impatiently. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry and Hermione first.

Harry embraced Ginny one last time before parting for the summer.

"We'll meet soon. The Quidditch World Cup! You can't miss it!" Ginny mumbled into Harry's chest. "Of course! I can't wait to meet you again, Gin!" Harry said, holding her tight. Ginny moved back and went to her parents.

"Mum! Harry is my boyfriend now!" Ginny said happily. Harry saw Dudley's jaw drop open. Petunia's eyes widened, and Vernon shook his head. The freak was dating another freak?

"Guess what? You should meet Ron's girlfriend too!" Ginny said, and Hermione blushed. Ron put an arm around her. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked simply delighted and the new developments. Harry finally broke apart from the group and moved over to the corner where the Dursleys stood.

"Uncle Vernon! I have a Godfather who was my Mum and Dad's best friend, and he will keep checking with me from time to time to see if I'm okay." Harry grinned at him. He looked back as Ginny smiled at him. Ron and Hermione were hand in hand, and they waved at him too. Harry had no idea how he would survive the next few weeks without these people who were so dear to his heart.


The Yule Ball

"The Yule Ball is approaching — a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above — although you may invite a younger student if you wish — " Professor McGonagall announced during class one day. Dress robes will be worn," Professor McGonagall continued, "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall."

"Potter! The champions are supposed to open the Ball with their dance partners." McGonagall informed him. Harry went red in the face as he had a sudden mental image of himself in a top hat and tails, accompanied by a girl in the sort of frilly dress Aunt Petunia always wore to Uncle Vernon's work parties.

That evening, Harry went to the Common Room and went straight to Ginny.

"Ginny! Will you be my partner for the Yule Ball?" He asked abruptly. Ginny stared at him.

"M-Me? Oh, Harry! I thought I'd never be able to go! Third-years can go only if an older student invites them! Thank you, Harry, for inviting me!" She stood up and hugged him, and Harry patted her head. "Now, it's decided."

"W-What's decided, Harry?"

"Your dress robes."

"I'll send Mum an owl. She has some seco… I mean, robes and all for me." Ginny said, looking down. Harry lifted her chin with his hand. "No. You will come with me. Stay here." Harry ran upstairs and came back with his Invisibility Cloak. Dragging Ginny, he put the Cloak over the two of them.

"Where are we, Harry?"

"This is the One-Eyed Witch Passage. I'm sure you've heard of this." Harry said as he led the way outside. Five minutes of walking in silence brought them face to face with a rather bored-looking clerk.

"Two teenagers?" The clerk rolled her eyes. "The cheap robes are over the counter there." She drawled.

"We aren't here for the cheap robes. We will go elsewhere if you aren't inclined to have customers." Harry said coldly and turned to leave.

"What? No, please, sir! Excuse my rudeness! Please! We have excellent choices that can interest you!" The clerk said, standing up and holding out her right hand in apology.

Ginny was staring hungrily at a dark green dress that was on display. "Show us that one!" Harry said.

"What? No, Harry…" Ginny protested, but Harry put the finger on her mouth. "You like it. You try it."

Ginny wore the dress and came out. Her beauty enhanced the beauty of the dress, Harry felt.

"Pack it." He told the surprised clerk.

Ten minutes later, the new dress was packed, and Harry had given his Gringotts account details for the amount to be deducted.

"This wasn't necessary, Harry," Ginny said, her eyes watering. "I…"

"No, it was necessary. You deserve better if you ask me." Harry shrugged.

"Please come again, young lady and young man!" The clerk happily said. She couldn't believe she had just sold one of the costliest dresses! Her manager was sure to give her a raise!

Back in the Common Room, a stunned Ron and an amazed Hermione stared at Ginny's new dress. Ginny sat on Harry's lap. The students had drifted off to bed.

"This is beautiful!" Hermione squealed.

"Harry, this…" Ron tried to speak but became speechless. Harry knew why. Ron shared the same insecurity as Ginny. Money. Ron always received second-hand items and was always overshadowed. Ginny was no better just because she was the only girl in the family. Even she got most things second-handed.

"Mate, it's okay!" Harry shrugged. Ron simply swallowed hard.

"So, what were you two up to all this while?" Harry tried changing the topic.

"Ron asked me out to the Ball. I was telling him I have a nice dress picked up for the Ball!" Hermione jumped on the balls of her feet. Ron's ears were pink. Harry congratulated his best friends, and even Ginny said in a somewhat constricted voice, as though she had a cold, "Y-Yeah, guys. C-Congrats!" Hermione bent and kissed Ron full on the mouth, and Ron kissed her back.

"Good night, love!" Hermione beamed.

"Night, my love!" Ron beamed.

Harry watched his best mates go upstairs into their dormitories. Then, he heard a sniff.

"Gin? What's wrong?" He asked, alarmed as he bent down. Ginny buried her face in his chest. "Harry, I don't know what to say or how to react. I've almost never been given anything brand new, much less something costly. Now, this makes me wonder if I ever deserve this costly dress."

Harry held her tight, "Yes, dear. Nobody deserves it better than you. Don't keep thinking about it now. You wait and watch. You'll be the prettiest girl at the Ball. Even Fleur Delacour should stop in her tracks seeing you." Ginny looked up and let out a watery chuckle. Harry held her face with his palms and wiped her tears with his thumb.

"Now, bedtime, love! Goodnight!" He smiled.

"Goodnight, love!" Ginny smiled at him and sprinted up to her dormitory.

The evening of the Ball appeared. Harry and Ron were ready. Neville wasn't telling anyone who his date was. "It's a surprise, guys. She and I have been seeing each other for a while now." He blushed. Seamus Finnigan was going out with Lavender Brown. This was an open secret in Gryffindor Tower. No one needed to ask who Seamus' or Lavender's partner for the Ball was. Since September, Dean Thomas had been dating Parvati Patil, so he had asked her out to the ball. Fred Weasley had Angelina Johnson in his arms, and George Weasley held Katie Bell's hand as they walked out of the portrait.

It was when they reached the Entrance Hall that Harry stopped short. Ginny gave him a confused look and turned in the direction he was looking at. Neville Longbottom with a blonde-haired girl from…

"Hufflepuff! That's Hannah Abbott!" Harry exclaimed. "She's from our year! So, she is the girl Neville is going out with!"

Neville noticed them too and led the way for Hannah. "Hannah, you recognize Harry, Ron, and Hermione here. This is Ginny Weasley, a third-year Gryffindor and Ron's sister. Guys, meet my girlfriend, Hannah Abbott!" Hannah smiled good-naturedly and shook hands with everybody. Neville looked at Hannah and led her, pointing at Seamus and Lavender, "Come, let me introduce you to more of my friends, my love!"

Harry grinned at Ron, who chuckled. Ginny was giggling with Hermione. The four made their way forwards and split ways so Harry could take Ginny into the antechamber where the other champions had to assemble.

Cedric Diggory was arm in arm with Cho Chang. They were one of the hottest couples at Hogwarts, the talk of the town! They were so in love. Rumors suggested they were planning to get married after Hogwarts. Harry grinned at Cedric, who nodded at him. "Potter… The Golden Egg… Take it to the Prefect's Bathroom… Password's "Pine Fresh". Good luck with the clue!" He then smiled at Harry. Cho and Ginny looked at their boyfriends and then at one another. What did boys discuss so secretively about? Ginny and Cho, however, did not try to get an answer though. Fleur Delacour had just entered the scene with Roger Davis. Viktor Krum brought in another girl in their wake.

The Ball opened with Fleur and Davis, followed by Viktor and his date, followed by Diggory and Chang, and bringing the rear Harry and Ginny. The four champions stood in position, and Ginny's head was on Harry's chest. Harry ran his fingers across her hair and held her tight with one hand. The music started around Ginny and Harry, who were utterly lost in one another. Chang and Diggory had begun dancing, and the others followed suit.

Soon, lots of other people joined in. Ron had Hermione in his arms. The Weasley twins and their dates were spinning around so fast those near them jumped out of the way to avoid colliding. Parvati Patil was in a deep kiss with Dean Thomas. Lavender was dancing with Seamus to a tune seemingly of their own, and the two held hands as they slowly revolved around the dance floor. Harry could even hear Cedric saying, "I love you, Cho!" as the two couples momentarily came closer to each other dancing. Hannah Abbott had her arms around Neville's neck, and Neville was blushing red.

The Yule Ball was fantastic! Hermione and Ginny went up to the dorms as Harry and Ron went outside to find Hagrid and Madame Maxime together and find Snape and Karkaroff discussing the Dark Mark on their hands. Following this, the boys retired to their dorms as they joined Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and Parvati.

Over the next few days, Gryffindor Tower buzzed around with news that Neville Longbottom was dating Hannah Abbott from Hufflepuff. It was big news because many people, especially girls, had never realized that he 'is a boy' and considered asking him out. Now that he was dating, many girls became overly interested in his love life. Neville shrugged when Harry pointed this out to him. "Harry, I know they're talking behind my back, but frankly, I couldn't care less! I-I love Hannah Abbott! I-It is like you and Ginny, like Ron and Hermione!" Harry smiled and returned to their classwork.

The following Friday, Ron took Hermione to the Courtyard at sunset.

"Ron, why have you brought me here?" Hermione asked.

"To give you a gift! Close your eyes and show me your hand." Ron smiled. Curious, Hermione followed the instructions. She felt Ron tie something cool around her neck.

"R-Ron, what is this?"

"It is called a choker necklace," Ron said. "I brought you a velvet one!"

"Ron, this wasn't needed. How did you afford…." Hermione began.

"From my pocket money of the last few months, and some of the money my parents have allotted for me. Each of us Weasley siblings has some money allotted for us in Gringotts. Did you like my gift, Hermione?"

Hermione's eyes welled up. She knew Ron's financial background, and he had spent most of his money on buying a gift for her. The gesture alone meant the world to her! Yes, her parents, being dentists, were well off and could probably afford costlier necklaces if she asked, but Ron's gift was the best gift she could've ever asked for.

"H-How did you get this? I mean, you were at Hogwarts for many months! Or… When did you buy it?"

"I received the parcel by owl the morning after the Yule Ball. I had intended to give this to you just after the Ball. Never mind, I've been able to give it to you now."

"Oh, Ron! This is much more than I could've ever asked for!" Hermione put her arms around Ron's neck. Ron lifted her off her feet and swayed around. The couple laughed happily.

Their best friend, Harry, stood at the Courtyard's Entrance, grinning happily for them. In reality, Ron had contacted his father and asked Arthur to buy the necklace and send it to Hogwarts. Harry, who knew of Ron's plan and even got the shop address thanks to Crookshanks, knew that Arthur would not spend Ron's pocket money on the gift but would rather pay on his own. So, Harry had secretly sent an owl order directly to the shop, asking them the final amount. He paid 90% of the amount from his own Gringotts account and instructed them to accept the remaining 10% from the customer coming to collect the necklace (Arthur) so that Arthur doesn't get suspicious as to who paid the money for the gift instead of him.

The Weasleys were self-respecting people and would never accept Harry's money. Harry was glad he could do his bit by which Ron's pocket money stayed with Ron, and Arthur hadn't had to pay much. Harry didn't mind spending on his best friends. In fact, the Potters were among the wealthiest families, even surpassing the Malfoys and Blacks in their wealth.

Harry cast privacy charms around the place to give Ron and Hermione privacy. He had promised to meet Ginny for their usual evening stroll and was almost late.

Unbeknownst to Harry, Ginny had also planned something. As Harry walked up to Ginny near the Charms corridor, Ginny embraced him first. Harry put his arms around her. Then, Ginny gave Harry a jumper. It was the shade of green Harry's eyes were. "I knit this jumper all on my own, Harry. It is for you!" Ginny said happily.

"I absolutely adore this, Ginny! Thank you so much for this jumper!" Harry said, pulling Ginny into a bear hug. Ginny dissolved into his embrace.

The following day, Hermione suddenly left to London. Her grandmother, although Harry and Ron thought Hermione had once mentioned her grandparents were dead, was ailing, and she needed to see her. Hermione didn't offer much explanation and left early.

"I am worried," Ron said sadly that afternoon. "Hope Hermione's okay!"

"She will be, Ron," Harry reassured him. Ginny patted Ron on his arm.

Two days later, it turned out that Hermione's grandmother was indeed ailing and that this grandmother was actually the old lady of the colony who everybody fondly knew as "Grandmother". Hermione returned to the Common Room, where Ron, Ginny, and Harry sat by the fireplace and hugged them.

"I had anyways been to London. So, Ron, I thought of getting something for you."

"What? No, you needn't have…." Ron said. But Hermione shook her head and gave Ron an extremely costly suit complete with a buttoned-up coat, a white shirt, chocolate brown trousers, and matching brown shoes.

"This. Is. Amazing. Hermione!" Ron breathed.

"Keep this for special occasions, Ron." Hermione blushed.

Harry and Ginny grinned at Ron and Hermione.


After the war, Harry had just told Ron and Hermione that he had had enough trouble for a lifetime. Just as they entered the empty Gryffindor Common Room, they saw a badly bruised Ginny sitting on an armchair. Her cheeks were gashed, and an arm was bandaged. But her eyes spoke of more emotional hurt than physical hurt. She looked at the Golden Trio.

Ron and Hermione grinned knowingly at each other and moved away as Harry approached Ginny, "Hey."

Ginny, however, took her bag and threw it at Harry. "You Complete Arse Harry Potter! You show up here after dying! And you say 'Hey'? I-I thought YOU WERE DEAD FOR REAL!" Ron and Hermione looked terrified of Ginny at that moment, and Harry swallowed hard.

"I-I'm sorry, Ginny. That was essential to defeat Voldemort. I had to do my part to prevent more deaths and suffering. He had already caused enough of those for decades now. I-Is everything alright between us?" Harry asked uncertainly.

"Why would you ask that?" Ginny said.

"Because I love you. And I want a second chance." Harry said. Ginny went into his arms and burst into tears, "You prat! I'll never stop loving you!" Harry held her close and grinned at Ron over Ginny's head. Ron gave him a thumbs up. Hermione smirked even as she shook her head.


A few one-time shots at my two most favorite Harry Potter couples. Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, followed by Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. I believe Rowling should've brought these couples by the start of the fourth book because from the fourth to seventh books, the focus could've been on the war and the characters and the teenage angst that was there in the original novels because Hermione and Ron were constantly bickering and Ginny and Harry remained distant could be cut. I don't particularly like the Cho Chang, Micheal Corner, Dean Thomas, Viktor Krum, and Lavender Brown subplots. I also believe Ginny should've been involved with the Golden Trio much more than what we see in Canon.