Out In The Open
All week Hermione and Ron were always together, and in the best mood. They were obviously in love and dating and practically the whole school noticed the changes in each of them. Ron was actually nice to Snape on a few occasions, and Hermione didn't spend so much time with her nose stuck in a book, like she used to.
Harry and Ginny both scolded Ron and Hermione (separately, of course) for not completing their end of the deal. They each apologized, but mostly shrugged it off, because Ron and Hermione were way to in love with each other to care.
As the weekend neared, Harry became depressed. All week he had tried asking Ginny out on his own, but every time he approached her, he either couldn't speak, or he'd change the subject. He later regretted it. Ginny had become sad also, because she had hoped Harry would ask her. 'I guess that was asking to much,' she thought. Friday afternoon, while doing her Charms homework in the Common Room. She had gotten side tracked from the essay and started to think of Harry, and her dream of him asking her to Hogsmeade. But it never happened. She sighed and continued her work.
The next morning the students ventured out into Hogsmeade. Ron and Hermione went together, to do some shopping, talking, and preferably, kissing. This left Harry to wander off on his own to do some thinking. Ginny decided she could spend the trip with Julia. They would shop for more supplies and things.
As they entered The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer break, Julia made a quick trip to the bathroom, while Ginny ordered and got them a table. A few tables away Harry sat, alone, sipping his butterbeer. He noticed Ginny sitting alone and decided now was the best time to approach her and make good conversation. At least, that's what he hoped for.
Ginny caught Harry's eye as he walked over to her, and he gave her a warm smile. She returned it, happy to be spending some time with Harry in Hogsmeade after all.
"What brings you here?" he asked, while taking a seat opposite her.
"Just taking a shopping break. Julia is in the bathroom."
Harry's heart dropped a little, knowing Ginny hadn't come alone. 'I guess I'll make this fast,' he thought to himself.
"Oh, that's cool you two spent the day together."
"Yeah," she agreed. 'But I wish I had spent it with you.' She dare not say the last part out loud.
Harry's hand started to shake, and he figured he had better just tell Ginny how he felt. He was tired of be afraid of rejection.
"You know, I really wanted to come here with you, Gin." There. He had said it. He waited anxiously for a reply. Finally she spoke.
"What do you mean exactly?" she asked curiously.
Harry took a deep breath. "I... fancy you." The word 'fancy' came out slow and forced. Harry gulped. He tried to read Ginny's face. She didn't look angry. A smiled formed on her face and her eyes seemed to glow with happiness, and his heart lifted.
"Really? That's great Harry! I fancy you too!" And with that Ginny reached across the table and hugged him. Harry was taken aback by her actions, but responded with the same enthusiasm, with what she just said sinking into his head.
They both let go and blushed. Harry moved his chair closer to hers, and put his hand on her cheek. "I've been wanting to do this for a long time," he explained. And with that said, he kissed her.