Chapter 6 – The Definition of Romance
A few more days passed and before Harry knew it, it was the Friday before he was to go into Hogsmeade with Ginny. Though they hadn't talked much more after that night, Harry felt himself not nearly as prepared as he hoped he would have been. Even more, he had not even seriously addressed the situation between his two best friends, though he could only imagine that their relationship was growing with ever prefect's meeting that passed.
"I just wish they would tell me themselves." Harry told Ginny in the entrance hall before breakfast. "They should know that I'll understand their feelings for each other."
"I know, Harry, but maybe they're just giving it a little time. I mean they haven't told me either."
Harry pondered this for a moment before answering. "You're sure this potion you gave Hermione has worn off by now?"
"Yes, I'm sure. It wore off that very same night. Now, I'll talk to you later. Maybe if I leave you three alone they'll tell you at breakfast."
But nothing happened at breakfast that morning, nor the morning after. And when they set out for Hogsmeade, Ron and Hermione still had not mentioned anything to Harry about their relationship, if you could call it that.
When they reached The Three Broomsticks, they stopped, knowing they'd have to break off sooner or later.
"Okay, guys, well, Harry and I are going to head over to Madam Puddifoot's for some coffee. We'll see you later!" Ginny and Harry hurried off in the direction of the overly decorated, lovey-dovey tea shop where only serious couples spent their time.
The dread in Harry's chest got tighter and tighter with every step. He decided that he needed to say something about the situation at hand. "Do we really have to go in there, Gin? I hate that place!"
To his surprise, she replied with a simple: "Me too! Don't worry, I just didn't want them to know where we were going. Ron may be a reformed brother creep who wants to know my every business, but I still don't trust him. I think he'll still come try to spy on us after all. No, but we're going to Florean Fortescue's for some Chocolate Frog Chunk ice cream!"
Harry was relieved. As much as he liked Ginny, Madam Puddifoots brought back too many bad memories of Cho and, frankly, one really bad Valentine's Day.
They stepped into the ice cream shop, where they stayed for a while, talking and eating. They paid and afterwards went to visit the shops in the village to buy some needed school supplies.
Much to their surprise, they didn't see Ron and Hermione once. There was only so much to do in Hogsmeade and after they had visited everywhere, they decided to head back to the school, stopping at the Shrieking Shack on the way.
"Oh, Harry. It's really nice." She looked at his puzzled face, "Even if it is haunted." She added.
"I think it's nice too." He replied, not looking at the shack, but rather, at her face. They leaned closer until they both pulled away suddenly. The sound of a mischievous snort came from behind them and none other than Draco Malfoy popped out from behind the trees.
"It's sick, honestly, Little Weaslette and The Boy Who Just Won't Die. In my opinion, a pair of that sort shouldn't be allowed to be together. It just exceeds the disgustingness quota for one area." Malfoys too-happy grin sickened Harry, and not surprisingly, Ginny spoke first.
"You better bugger off, Malfoy. Besides, even I could think of better insults about you being with Parkinson." Ginny had a look of disgust and rage on her face. As if she didn't know whether to be angry with Malfoy, or just pity him.
"Oh, and what are you going to do about it? You little blood traitor." Ginny looked now as if she was about to vomit. She was pale, yet the fire was still burning in her bright blue eyes. She took a step towards Malfoy, but Harry put his arm out to stop her.
"Good job, Potter. You're defending your woman, if you could call that a wom-"
But Harry did not let him finish. He had grabbed Malfoy by the neck and fished his wand out of his pocket. Having Malfoy by the scruff of the neck, whimpering, gave Harry so much power. If he could just jinx him, that would be the end. But this time, he didn't need his friends telling him that Malfoy wasn't worth getting in trouble over. If Harry proved himself stronger than Malfoy, he knew the ferret wouldn't tell. He wouldn't want to put himself in danger again. Harry decided to have a little fun with Malfoy right now. He put his wand back in his pocket and let go of Malfoy's neck. He breathed easier for a second and smirked, "Knew you wouldn't have the guts, Potter."
But Harry wasn't done yet. He may have put his wand away, but he still had some muggle tactics fresh in his mind. He stood back, then picked up his fist and sent a punch straight at the sneering idiot.
He hit Malfoy square in the stomach. His face purpled and contorted and he fell to the ground.
"That one's for me," Harry stepped on Malfoy's stomach again, "that one's for Ron and Hermione, and this," he stepped on Malfoy one last time, "is for my girlfriend. Don't you dare insult her, not while I'm still here. Not ever."
Harry looked to Ginny to find that she was crying. She walked up to him and lightly kissed him.
"Harry! I never knew that beating the crap out of Malfoy could be so…romantic. Do you really want me to be your girlfriend?" She asked this with a note of quivering in her voice and Harry realized, thank God, that these were tears of happiness she was crying.
"Yes, Gin. I'd beat the crap out of this guy a thousand times just to prove that to you."
She hugged him and they both stepped over Malfoy and walked back up to the castle, hand in hand.
A/N: Thanks everyone for reading and please, review! It's the only way I'll get better! Also, tell me what you think of the chapter! Until next time…CherryTomato26