Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Just this fanfiction.
HARRY
"Where should I put this?" Ginny was staring at him while carrying a large plastic bag full of toys. Harry told her to leave the bag in the classroom that they were using as storage, and kept drinking his coffee.
In the past month his life had been affected by Ginny's presence.
It all started the afternoon they were locked up for sixty hours participating in that study that Seamus had begged him to participate.
He had struggled with himself trying not to think about Ginny, to push her away and get her out of his mind and Harry was succeeding; but then he began to know another side of the redhead that charmed him. He had always believed that Ginny was just another frivolous and self-centered girl but he was discovering that she could also be very caring and kind.
Ginny left the classroom after giving him a smile and continued taking out the bags of toys that would be distributed to the orphans, as Christmas was approaching. "She is actually a nice woman" he thought as he remembered Ginny playing with a couple of little girls the first time she came with the group.
This was their third meeting with the charity group and the redhead was once again completely focused in helping the children. No jokes, no flirting, no complaints. Ginny was even going out with the other girls, especially Luna and Tracey. Harry knew she went shopping with them a few times.
Even he was getting along much better with Ginny.
The tension between had diminished and he wasn't uncomfortable around her. Now they used to laugh with the other guys in the group, and they even sat together on Luna's van. One night she fell asleep on his shoulder, and Harry didn't have the heart to take her head off, but rather - and then he berated himself for that - he gently took her hand in his and caressed her, trusting that she would not wake up.
Harry threw the plastic cup into one of the trash cans and went into the classroom to continue helping his friends. Instinctively he looked for Ginny and found her cleaning the tables. He smiled and went to Susan to help her, but he couldn't stop glancing at Ginny from time to time, which caused Justin to scold him for being distracted.
When it was time to go back to the campus Harry went looking for Ginny and found her sitting on a bench, and giggling nonchalantly as she braided the hair of a very blonde girl. They looked so sweet together and Harry felt a wave of tenderness run through his body. The boy didn't want to interrupt the scene, but he had to, "Ginny we need to go".
"Oh wow," she looked at the time in her clock, "Time flies when you're having a good time," she tied the girl's hair and smiled at her, "Darla, I have to go now but I'll come back soon".
"You promise?" The girl's face turned sad.
"I do," Ginny gently hugged her, "Have fun and be nice ok? And don't forget to braid you doll's hair. Just as we practice".
Darla nodded and kissed Ginny on her cheek before saying goodbye. Ginny stood up and the walked to Luna's van, "You're very good with children," he commented.
"I like them," she shrugged and smile.
When they got into the van, Ginny sat beside Susan and Viktor showing them the photos she had taken, and Harry watched her silently, lost in his thoughts.
Once they were in the campus Harry said goodbye to Luna and the others. Ginny was by his side, for she always parked her car near Harry's dorm.
"Are you ok? You're very quiet", she said studying his face.
"It's just a headache," he lied not wanting to elaborate.
"Can I?" Ginny reached her hand out to him hesitantly. Harry nodded and she examined his forehead and cheeks, "You don't have a fever. Maybe you just need to rest".
He nodded, "Yeah probably".
"Anyway I should go. See you later Harry," she opened the car's door.
"See you later Ginny".
Harry went to his room, lit a cigarette and sat by the window, smoking.
Several hours, cigarettes and a few beers later, Ginny was still in his mind. Harry was grateful that Seamus was not in the room in that moment because he wanted to be alone.
Actually he wanted to talk to someone. His first option was to call Hermione but, even when he really trusted her, he wasn't sure if he could talk to her about Ginny. He sighed and lay in his bed. There was no point in fighting against his thoughts, so he just watched the roof until fell asleep, still thinking in Ginny's soft hands touching his face.
Harry didn't see Ginny again until a few days before Christmas, the morning he took Hermione to the airport as his friend was visiting her family in Chicago, "Have a nice time Mione," he hugged her, "Happy holidays".
"For you too Harry," she hugged him really tight.
He had noticed that Mione seemed a bit sad and that probably something had happened, but he wouldn't pressure her into telling what was upsetting her. Harry knew she would talk once she was ready, "I'm going to miss our meetings," he smiled, "You'll have to make up to me once you're back".
She smiled softly and hugged him again, "Thanks for everything Harry," she told him when she broke their embrace.
"Say hi to your parents and Charlotte and Oliver", he took her luggage and they walked to the departure lounge.
"I'll see you soon," she said fixing her bag.
Hermione waved him goodbye and got on the plane.
Harry stayed until he saw the plane leave, wondering if he had been right to let her go being so upset. "Well there's not much I can do right now. I'll talk to her when the holidays are over" he thought as he got back to his car.
Once in his bedroom he saw his suitcase and sighed. He was supposed to be traveling to Virginia to visit his parents, but they had an inconvenient with his mother's sister so they were staying in London for the holidays. Harry began to unpack when a knock in the door surprised him.
"Hi Harry", it was Ginny, "You have a minute?"
She looked so pretty with her pink cheeks because of the cold, that he couldn't help but smile, "Sure," he left the jacket he was unpacking on the bed as she entered the room, "What is it?"
She handed him a file, "I came to give you this. The sorority has decided our philanthropy project for the next year, and I was reading about the places that were not chosen and I came across this one. It is a bit further than we usually go but I thought they can really use our help".
Harry read the information in the file while Ginny looked at him expectantly. She seemed genuinely concerned that he would approve of going there. Harry couldn't help but think that it was precisely those kinds of attitudes that made her enter his heart more and more, "I think it's a great option," he said at the end, "I'll have to discuss it with the others but I'm sure they'll accept. We have been looking for a large project like this for a while, hoping some companies would endorse us and thus be able to contribute more".
"That sounds great," she smiled and fixed her hair, "Well, you know that you guys can count with me".
"Thanks Ginny," he gave her a smile and didn't say anything else.
After a couple of minutes of silence it was she who spoke, "Well ... I'll leave you now, it seems like you're busy packing", Ginny stood up.
"Unpacking actually," he pointed out.
"Won't you go home for the holidays?" She asked confused, "I think I remember Hermione mentioned that you would go to Virginia".
"My parents had to stay in London so I decided to spend the Holidays here," he explained, "Are you going back to California?"
"No, not really," her voice sounded quite uncomfortable and he looked at her curiously, "Just family issues," she rolled her eyes dismissively, "I'll stay in the house with the few sisters who won't travel either".
"Eh Ginny," she looked at him. Harry bit his lips asking inwardly if he should be telling her this. At the end he sighed, "Some friends are throwing a Christmas party. Maybe you can go with us… Susan, Justin and Tracey are staying on campus as well and they'll be there, at the party I mean".
Ginny's smile lit up her face and Harry's heart skipped a beat, "I would love to go," she approached him a little more, seemed very enthusiastic, "Where will it be? Should I bring gifts? How many people will attend this party?"
He smiled because Ginny had spoken too fast, "Easy there," he said, "We'll be at most ten people and we're playing Secret Santa so you don't need to bring something for everyone".
"Are you sure?" She looked at him narrowing her eyes.
"Totally", he smiled again, "The draw will be trough an app. Tracey is in charge of that so I'll tell her to write your name," she nodded, "Party is on 24th. Is it okay if I pick you up?"
She looked at him with wide hazel eyes, but smiled and nodded, "See you on the 24th then," she told him.
Harry sat on the bed forgetting about unpacking, and wondering if he had done the right thing by inviting her. He was supposedly trying to stop thinking about Ginny, but clearly it wasn't working.
A voice in his mind was telling him that maybe it would be better if he stopped trying to forget the redhead and accept that he really liked her. But the other little voice was adamant about not wanting to get involved with Ginny.
Harry was starting to feel anxious so he preferred not to think about it and focus on other things.
The next morning he spoke with Tracey to tell her that Ginny was going to the party with him and as expected, she was pleased with the news. By night he had an email informing him who his Secret Santa was. He opened it, filled with expectation and smirked as he read Ginny's name. He sighed covering his face with his hands and thinking of what the hell he could buy her.
He spent the days before Christmas hanging out with his friends and speaking to Hermione on the phone. On Christmas Eve, Harry was feeling very nervous. Not even when he was about to speak in front of an audience he get this anxious.
Harry put on his gray coat and drove through the almost deserted campus streets out to Ginny's sorority. He parked the car and walked to the door, rang the bell and a very pretty girl answered. He asked her to tell Ginny that he was looking for her and she got lost in the house to carry his message.
"Nice" he thought watching the pictures in the wall and the fancy furniture.
"Hello", Ginny walked down one of the corridors towards him.
"Hi", he smiled at her, "Ready to go?"
"Give me a minute", she said before rushing up the stairs.
She returned a moment later with a Christmas bag in her hands. Harry watched her go down. Ginny was wearing tight jeans, dark ankle boots, and a green wool sweater with a picture of a snowman on it. She looked really sweet, "I'm ready now", she put on her black coat, "Let's go". Harry opened the door for her and they went out to the cold night wind. They entered the car, a Christmas carol playing on the stereo, "Where is this party?" She wanted to know.
"Justin's place"
"Justin's ok", she sighed, "I just hope your other friends like me as well".
"They're pretty cool, I think you'll be fine"
She smiled at him gratefully and the conversation stopped. Ginny began to hum the Christmas carols and Harry was smiling inwardly listening to her and seeing her so relaxed and cheerful.
Upon arriving in Justin's house, Ginny got a lot more nervous. Harry wanted to hold her hand and make her feel confident, but he just ran his arm quickly around her back to encourage her to walk. They rang the bell and Susan was the one who opened the door, "Hello guys", she greeted them with joy, "Come in, you're the last to arrive".
"Hello Susan", they greeted in chorus and laughed softly at the coincidence.
They entered the house realizing every surface was decorated with Christmas ornaments, thanks to Justin's mother. Harry turned to look at Ginny, who was looking at the beautiful white Christmas tree with a big smile, "Leave your presents here", Susan pointed the place under the tree, "And then you can do pretty much what you want".
Susan left them alone and then Harry introduced Ginny to his other friends. The conversation started to flow and suddenly they were all laughing while drinking hot chocolate.
At midnight they toasted with champagne and wished each other Merry Christmas while watching fireworks shining on the sky. After the traditional dinner came the gifts exchange, for which they sat around the Christmas tree. Justin began the game and soon it was Ginny's turn, who presented Tracey with her gift, "I hope you like it Tracey", the redhead smiled at her.
"I'm sure I'll love it", the blonde removed the wrapping paper and gasped while holding a purse, "Wow Ginny this is amazing! Thank you!"
"I remembered you mention something about a bag the last time we meet", Ginny was clearly pleased with Tracey's reaction to her gift.
"Now it's Tracey's turn!"
Harry was Tracey's secret Santa. He smiled opening his present: an original DVD set of the Indiana Jones franchise, "A classic. Thanks Tracey", he hugged her.
"You're always talking about those movies", she smiled, "So you better enjoy your gift".
"Of course," he laughed.
"Now Harry's turn", someone said.
Harry cleared his throat and pulled the black velvet box he had bought a couple of days ago from his jacket. He turned to Ginny, who was sitting next to him, and handed it to her, "I really hope you like them," he said.
She smiled and took the box in her hands. Ginny opened it and Harry noticed with relief that the girl's expression reflected how much she had liked the earrings and bracelet he had bought for her, "They're gorgeous," she showed them to Susan and Tracey, Thank you Harry".
Ginny looked at him and smiled broadly. Harry wanted to hug her as he had done with Tracey, but then Justin announced that the game was over as everyone had their gifts. The talk continued for a while and then Harry stood up to get another cup of chocolate and Ginny followed him, "Harry," she stood by his side.
"Ginny do you want a cup too?" He asked.
"No thanks… I actually wanted to give you something", she sighed and then extended a carefully wrapped package to him, "It's my way to say thank you for being so nice to me this last couple of months".
"This wasn't really necessary," he left the cup on the table and took the package, "But thanks anyway".
Harry's heart skipped a beat when their hands touched for a brief moment. He opened the package and found a red wool sweater. He smiled looking at the deer knitted in the garment.
"I knitted it my self", she smiled.
"It's nice Gin"
"You really think so?" She tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, as Harry had realized she did when she was nervous.
"I do," he took off his jacket and put the sweater over his shirt, "That's better".
Ginny smiled at him again. Harry approached her again but stopped and in the end he just took his cup of chocolate, poured one for Ginny and they went back to the others.
The rest of the holidays Ginny continued hanging out with him and the guys. They used to go to the movies or sometimes to the karaoke. Ginny was very good at singing and it was really fun to watch her compete with Dean Thomas, who also loved to sing.
On New Year's Eve they decided to go to a party in a bar.
They were all having a great time laughing together. Ginny was dancing with Viktor and Harry knew he was a feeling a bit jealous and yet was determined to restrain himself and not get even closer to her. But still he watched them warily.
Ginny was wearing an aquamarine dress that reached just above her knees and clung to her body. She looked beautiful and obviously other men were glancing at her. She was laughing as she danced with Viktor and suddenly Harry couldn't bear it and walked over to them, "May l?" He asked Viktor, who smiled, stepping aside and disappeared among the people.
GINNY
It felt like deja vu.
A few months ago she had been in a bar like this one, completely depressed imagining what it would be like to be there with Harry. And now she really was in the boy's company.
Ginny took Harry's hand and continued to move with the song. He was a good dancer and the atmosphere was festive, although there was a kind of growing tension between them. Not a tension like before, when he didn't even want to be around Ginny, but something more like a desire that they both suppressed.
She smiled remembering everything that had happened in the last few months.
With some difficulty but she had managed to forge a friendship with him. She'd had to put up with a lot: annoying friends, endless philanthropy activities, and even hanging out with Luna and Susan in order to be closer to Harry.
Although she had to admit that not everything was as bad as it sound. Luna and Susan were good girls. Not the type that she usually befriends with but they were ok. And Justin and Viktor were nice a well, they were always making her laugh. And about the philanthropy…although at first she hated having to always be so untidy and push herself into things that she would normally pay for someone to do, it felt great to help people. Especially when children were involved. In a way, Ginny felt like a better person.
Yes, at first she had pretended sympathy with everyone, but now she really liked them.
Harry approached her and pressed her to his body placing a hand on her waist. Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and they were so close she could feel his breath. Their bodies continued to move but their gazes were still fixed on each other.
Harry began to gently stroke Ginny's back. It wasn't a sensual caress, just an ordinary touch, but she flinched and her breathing quickened. He was slowly approaching her face and Ginny closed her eyes expecting the long-awaited kiss but instead felt Harry moving away from her.
Ginny opened her eyes feeling very nervous, thinking that maybe she had done something wrong. Harry looked away but in the end he sighed and pulled her closer to him again, although this time he hugged her and placed his chin on her head. Ginny sighed as well and rested her cheek on his chest as she smiled, Harry's scent taking over her. They began to move slowly to the beat of a music that sounded only to them, as the other people followed the rapid rhythm of the music the DJ was playing.
They stayed like that for a long time, until the others came to look for them because they were about to leave.
Harry took her to the sorority and left her on the front porch of the house. They both looked at each other somewhat uncomfortably, until at the end she kissed him on the cheek and whispered "Happy New Year" before entering the house.
When the holidays ended Ginny didn't have much reason to see Harry more often, so she was glad when Susan called to tell her that the group would be helping the town she had proposed. The problem was that they had scheduled the visit for the last week of January, so she would have to miss some days of the Greek Week.
But Ginny was certain what her priority was so she went to talk to Angelina. The girl got very angry because Ginny would not be present at the closing ceremony or the Ball, but she granted her a free pass after giving her many other assignments in the house.
So Ginny couldn't see Harry or the others to force a meeting between them, but at least it comforted her to know that Hermione didn't see him as much as before as she was now organizing Greek Week.
She had also noticed that Draco was with the brunette all the time. Malfoy seemed genuinely interested in her, more than Ginny had ever seen him for another woman but she thought – or preferred to think - that it was part of his game to get closer to her.
And honestly Ginny didn't mind as long as Hermione was away from Harry.
During the Greek Week Ginny didn't really do much as she was helping Luna with the organization of the philanthropy trip.
On Thursday morning they met in Harry's room. This time they would travel not only in Luna's van but also in Dean's car, since they had gotten a company to endorse them and they were carrying much more things. They started working as soon as they were in the place and it was very late when they finished, so they decided to stay for the night in a motel.
Ginny slept in a row until five in the morning which was when she woke up strangely rested. She drew the curtains in her room a bit so as not to disturb Luna, who was sleeping soundly. The girl noticed that the day was clear and beautiful. She put on loose gray pants and a black T-shirt, as the morning was strangely hot and left the room.
She walked exploring the empty motel, realizing that even the manager was sleeping. Ginny was about to enter an area behind the rooms when she saw a familiar silhouette. "Hi," she said approaching Harry, who was seated on a chair, smoking.
"Hello", he replied putting out the cigarette, "How is that you're awake?"
"I don't feel tired anymore"
He nodded, "What were you doing back there?"Harry asked, "Were you looking for food? Are you hungry?"
She smiled, "Not really. I was just exploring the place".
"Yeah I did that a while ago"
"Any worth mention place?" She wanted to know.
"Well… there's a pool. You wouldn't expect a pool in a place like this".
"A pool? Really? I love pools," she stood up, "Where is it?"
"I'll show you," he stood up as well.
Harry led her down a corridor until they reached a door that looked like any other. He opened it and to Ginny's surprise, there was the pool. It was a closed room and the pool wasn't too big or too deep, but Ginny smiled as soon as she saw it, "I'll go swim," she decided turning to look at Harry. He laughed at her, thinking she was joking, "I will".
Without thinking too much Ginny took off her sneakers, pants, and T-shirt, remaining only in her white lace lingerie set. She noticed Harry's gaze on her but she didn't care and just sat on the edge of the pool and stepped into the water.
"Wow", she exclaimed when she regained her breath after reaching the surface, "The water feels amazing"
"You're crazy," he said shaking his head.
"Come on in," she smiled at him.
For a moment he said nothing and she feared she had thrown away everything she had worked so hard for. But then Harry took off his shirt and pants, leaving only a black boxer. He entered the pool and swam until he reached her, "You were right," he said smiling.
She smiled back at him and spread her body in the water.
After several minutes she noticed that he was still in the same place, so she stopped swimming and approached him. Harry was looking at her intently and seemed to be struggling with himself to do something. Ginny was about to speak to break the silent environment when he closed the distance between the two and taking her in his arms, kissed her hard.
Ginny clung to him and kissed him back as her hands caressed Harry's back. Their tongues entwined as they prolonged the passionate kiss they had long wanted. When they separated for lack of air, they looked at each other intensely and she was afraid that he would pull away again, but instead he kissed her again.
Ginny bit Harry's lower lip and he groaned against her mouth, pressing her body back against his. She could feel his erection so she moved against his swollen flesh. Harry moaned again and started tracing Ginny's neck with kisses, sucking on it so hard that she knew he would leave a mark.
Harry's hands were now moving down her belly and into her knickers. She spread her legs for him, giving the boy a better entrance and he gently pinched her clit as she bit her tongue to keep from screaming and waking everyone. Harry undid the clasp from Ginny's bra and kissed her breasts, nibbling her nipples as one of his fingers entered her core.
Ginny climbed onto Harry's lap wrapping her legs around his body, and then moved very slowly rubbing herself against his member, which grew harder. Harry groaned wanting to bury his cock inside her, so he carried her to the edge of the pool. He moved away to remove his boxer and she did the same with her knickers. They looked at each other for a second, green colliding with hazel. Harry hold her close again and Ginny placed her hands on Harry's shaft, caressing the hot flesh and kissing his neck and his earlobe.
When Harry couldn't take it anymore, he grabbed Ginny by the waist and placed her against the wall of the pool. She moaned and clung to the pool ladder, and then Harry took his dick and directed it towards Ginny's slit penetrating her in one thrust. She wrapped herself around Harry's hip and moaned as his movements intensified.
With every second the passion increased and Ginny dug her nails into Harry's back. The boy enjoyed hearing her moan and feeling her silky core, which felt good. Too good. Harry penetrated her harder and knew it wouldn't take much longer to give in to the pleasure. A few seconds later the girl felt him finish inside her, so she moved her hips and with the help of Harry's fingers on her clit, she managed to feel the orgasm invade her body.
Harry hugged her, kissed her hard, and then stepped out of her. He held her until their breaths evened out and kissed her again, this time much more calmly while his hands stroked Ginny's hair.
They kissed until they came back to reality and rushed out of the pool in case someone came in.
Harry helped Ginny retrieve her underwear, which had been floating in the pool, and went over to her to hand it over. She reached out her hand to take it and he drew her to his side and kissed her again. Ginny smiled against his lips and responded animatedly to the kiss.
By the time they finished putting on their clothes and left the pool, the strange sunny morning had already vanished and they both ran to their rooms, wet and cold. Harry gave him another short kiss and said goodbye.
Ginny entered the room very carefully not to wake Luna, but she did not flinch as she was still asleep. Ginny was inwardly grateful for her friend's heavy sleep as she didn't want to answer prying questions. She went into the bathroom and took a quick shower. When she came out of the bathroom Luna was already on her feet, though still sleepy. They greeted each other and Ginny went out to get something to eat. She meet Harry near the van and he decided to go with her and get food for everyone.
"Hey again", he said once they were alone.
"Hey", she smiled, although feeling nervous about their recent affair, "So I… I think it's better if we talked about what just happened?"
"Yeah, about that"
"I hope you don't feel like it was a mistake", she rapidly said, looking at his green emerald eyes, "I mean I understand it was the heat of the moment but…"
"Ginny," he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him, "I don't think it was a mistake. Listen I don't…", he shook his head, "I like you Ginny. And I don't really know where this is heading but I would like to give it a try".
"I would like that too," she said smiling.
After buying food and having a short breakfast they got into the van. Harry sat down beside her and gave Ginny a gentle kiss, causing all the guys' eyes to fall on them. Ginny was feeling too pleased, and a smile adorned her face the entire time until they were in Boston.
To celebrate they successful new project the group decided to go to lunch all together, so it was already dark when Ginny arrived on campus. A fleeting thought about the Ball passed through her mind. Of all the events of the Greek Week, it was the one that excited her the most.
After saying goodbye to Susan, Harry hugged her and stared at her while he seemed to think of something, "What is it?" She asked, getting impatient.
"I was just wondering if you have your dress ready".
"My dress?" She looked at him with her big eyes.
He caressed her face, "Your dress for the sorority Ball".
"I'm not going to the Ball", she reminded him.
"Oh but we are going," he replied. She was going to said something but he interrupted her, "This Ball it's important for you, and still you sacrificed your whole Greek Week to help us. I believe it's only fair if I go with you to the Ball".
"But you don't like that kind of events," she said, "You hate the Greek system".
"Yeah, but I like you," he smiled reassuring , "So do you believe you can be ready on time?"
"I think so," she smiled.
Ginny hurriedly said goodbye to Harry, got into her car, and went back to the sorority. The house was practically deserted since everyone was already at the Ball. Ginny showered as quickly as she could, dry her hair, and slipped on the blue dress she'd bought a few weeks ago.
She hurriedly put on her makeup, grateful for years of practice and stared at her reflection. She looked as good as ever. Smiling, Ginny put on perfume and grabbing her purse, went down to open the doorbell
Harry was at the door, handsome as ever, wearing a dark suit and a lovely smile on his lips, "You look stunning," he told her as he helped her put on her coat
"And you're perfect," she gave him a short kiss and they both smiled.
They walked to Harry's car and Ginny pointed out where the dance would be. They arrived at the place in a few minutes and found that the festive atmosphere had already set in, as many couples were dancing animatedly.
Harry sighed and Ginny squeezed his hand, smiling at him in thanks. He intertwined their fingers and they walked, dodging the couples while laughing at a Harry's comment. They stood in the middle of the dance floor and Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's shoulders as they moved softly to the music, enjoying each other's company as they smiled.
A/N: It took me way longer that I expected to translate this, sorry about that.
Next chapter Dramione would be back. Hope you enjoyed reading this.
If you liked please leave kudos or a comment. Thank you!