Chapter 9

Ginny stood nervously in front of the full length mirror in her bedroom at the Burrow. It had been a full week since she broke off her engagement with Dean and shared that amazing kiss with Harry at Ron and Hermione's flat. After the kiss, Harry had asked her out on a date the following Saturday and she'd agreed to go.

She glanced down at the alarm clock on her bedside table. She only had an hour to finish getting ready. She had spent the entire evening digging through her closet trying to find the perfect outfit, cursing out loud as the discarded pile grew larger. She spun around at the sound of someone knocking on her door.

"Who is it? I really don't have time," she said through the door.

"It's me," came Hermione's voice. She peaked her head around the corner and sighed at the sight of Ginny's disheveled appearance. "I thought you could use these," she added, stepping fully into the room and holding up a few hangers.

"Hermione, you're a life saver," breathed Ginny, rushing forward to greet her friend.

"I knew you didn't have a lot of clothes that didn't consist of jeans and t-shirts so I figured that the least I could do is help a friend out. Why don't you try this one," she said, holding up a simple black dress.

"Isn't this the one you wore to the Ministry thing after the war?" asked Ginny, holding up the dress in front of her.

Hermione nodded. "That's the only time I've worn it too," she said, rolling her eyes. "You're brother's not really the romantic type."

"But you love him," said Ginny.

Hermione's face flushed. "I can't deny it," she said.

"Why not? You did for almost seven years," said Ginny, smirking at her friend.

"Oh, shut it," said Hermione with a laugh. "Just try on the dress."

"Ok, ok," said Ginny. "I don't know why I'm so nervous. I know Harry."

"True, but you haven't really seen him in almost two years. You've both changed since school," said Hermione as she plopped down on Ginny's bed. "I'm sure he's just as nervous."

Ginny giggled. "I feel like a giddy school girl right now," she said as she slipped on the little black dress. Hermione stood and helped her with the zipper in the back and turned her to face the mirror.

"You don't look like one," she said. "I think this is the one."

* * * * *

Harry was pacing nervously in front of the fireplace of his flat. He didn't want to arrive to early and seem over anxious, but he didn't want to be late and seem uninterested.

"Potter, would you sit down," said Anthony.

"I can't," said Harry. He ran a hand through his hair, cursed himself, and ran into the bathroom to try to fix the damage. Anthony glanced over at Paul who rolled his eyes. Harry had been jumpy the entire day, and although he hadn't said what was going on, they were both pretty sure it had something to do with a certain fiery redhead.

"So, where are you taking her?" asked Paul when Harry finally reentered the room.

"Muggle restaurant up the street," said Harry distractedly.

"Muggle?" said Paul and Anthony in unison.

"Oh, non-magic," said Harry. "Sorry, I forgot."

"No worries," said Anthony. He leaned back on the sofa and watched Harry resume his pacing. It was still amazing to him that the quiet guy they found sitting in the corner of that coffee shop two years ago was a wizard with an extremely complicated life.

"Ok," began Harry, taking a steadying breath. "I'll be going now." He grabbed a handful of floo powder from the pot he started keeping by the fireplace, threw it in the grate and stepped in the emerald green flames.

"We won't wait up," said Paul. Harry grinned, shouted 'The Burrow' and disappeared, leaving his flatmates sitting once again in wide-eyed wonder.

* * * * *

"Harry dear!" exclaimed Molly Weasley as Harry stepped out of the grate, brushing soot from his khakis. "Ginny should be down in just a minute," she said. She patted his cheek lovingly and smiled at him.

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. He could feel his face heat under her knowing gaze.

"Go have a seat in the sitting room dear," said Molly. "I'll bring you a cup of tea."

"Thank you," said Harry, continuing to blush. When he entered the sitting room, he found Mr. Weasley sitting in his favorite armchair. Harry felt a wave of deja-vu hit him at the sight. It was like every other time he ever came to the Burrow while in school.

"Harry," said Mr. Weasley. He stood from his chair to shake Harry's hand. "It's been a long time, son."

"I know," said Harry, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I'm sorry, Mr. Weasley."

"No need to apologize Harry. Molly told me why you left," said Arthur. He sat back down in his chair and indicated for Harry to have a seat also. "And although I don't completely agree with your reasoning, the only thing that matters now is that you're back."

Harry didn't know what to say. He was so worried about the response his reappearance would ignite that he'd actually lost sleep over it. It seemed, now, that his apprehension was unfounded. The sound of Mr. Weasley clearing his throat pulled him from his thoughts.

"Harry, I can't even begin to imagine the hell you've been through and I understand why you left, even if I don't agree with your decision, but I want to make it very clear that I expect you to take care of my little girl," said Arthur.

"Of course I will," said Harry. Movement from the stairs caught his attention and he felt his breath leave his body. Ginny was descending the stairs, her eyes locked with his. She looked stunning, Harry thought, as she drifted toward him. The dress she was wearing was black and form fitting, hitting just above her knees.

"Are you ready to go?" she asked.

"Hmm . . . oh . . . yeah, of course," said Harry. He held out his arm and Ginny linked her arm in his. Saying their good-byes to her parents, Harry led her out into the back garden. "Hold on tight," he said, winking at her. He turned on the spot and apparated them in a dark alleyway in the heart of downtown muggle London.

"Where are we?" asked Ginny after they stepped out into the bustling streets, taking in her surroundings.

"There's this great little muggle restaurant up the street that I found after I . . . left. I always told myself that I'd take you there someday if given the chance," said Harry. Ginny smiled and allowed him to lead her down the street and into a quiet candle lit restaurant.

"Harry, I've been here before. This is where Dean took me when I saw you standing in the streets," said Ginny as she took her seat.

"I know," said Harry. "But every time I passed this place, I would imagine what it would be like to be here with you."

Ginny smiled. She had to admit, she'd felt the same way when she had been here with Dean just a few short weeks ago. And even though she'd been here before, it felt like a new experience. Unlike Dean, Harry asked for her input before ordering a bottle of wine and when they ordered their dinner, he didn't order for her the way Dean always did. After dinner, Ginny allowed herself to be led onto the small dance floor. Harry held her close, but cautiously as they swayed to the soft music.

"I'm really glad you came back Harry," said Ginny, looking up into his eyes.

"Me too," said Harry. "Can I kiss you?"

Instead of answering, Ginny leaned up and pressed her lips to his. Forgetting that they were still standing on the crowded dance floor, Harry pulled her tight against his chest and ran his hands through the soft curls that cascaded down her back, deepening the kiss. He never imagined that he would feel this way again.

When the song ended, they still stood in the dance floor, caught up in the moment and each others embrace. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of someone clearing their throat forced them apart. Ginny spun around and came face to face then non other then her former fiancé, Dean Thomas.

"Dean!" she said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I guess I was right then," said Dean, ignoring her question. "It was always Potter."

Ginny flushed and looked down at the toes of her high-heeled shoes.

"Take care of her Potter," said Dean, clenching his jaw and looking Harry squarely in the eye. Harry nodded once and Dean turned on his heel, returning to his table.

"Well, I didn't expect that," said Harry as he escorted Ginny back to their table.

"I'm really sorry Harry," said Ginny.

"What are you apologizing for?" said Harry. "You didn't do anything wrong."

Ginny nodded. She felt horrible. Here she was making out with another man mere days after she ended her engagement. She may not have feelings for Dean any longer, but it was obvious that he still had feelings for her, even if it did appear that he was on a date as well.

"Maybe this was a bad idea," said Harry.

"What?"

"This," said Harry. "Maybe I should have waited longer to ask you out."

"Harry, Dean and I are over. I never felt about him the way I feel about you. It's was just a shock to see him. And I never wanted to hurt him," said Ginny. She reached across the table and took Harry by the hand.

"Do you want to get out of here?" said Harry.

"More then you know," said Ginny. Harry flagged down the waiter and paid the bill before helping her into her coat. Leaving the restaurant, Ginny glanced back to where Dean was sitting, a sad smile on his face. She knew this was probably going to be the last time she saw him and she would miss him. But it was time for her to finally be happy. She reached down and took Harry by the hand and smiled up at him. Yes, it was time for her to be happy.

"Come on," said Ginny, pulling him down the street.

"Where are we going?" asked Harry, laughing. He had to jog to keep up with her.

"No idea," said Ginny, laughing along with him. They ran hand in hand down the street, earning stares from the muggles they passed but neither or them cared. Harry stopped abruptly and pulled her close to his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist and looked deep into her eyes. He brought his right hand up and gently cupped her face. Ginny leaned into his embrace and closed her eyes, reveling in the moment that was simply perfect.

"I think I love you," said Harry softly before he could stop himself. Ginny's eyes shot open and she looked up at him tearfully. She didn't know what to say, it was all happening so fast.

"I'm sorry," said Harry, his face turning red. He swiped his thumb across her cheek, wiping away a stray tear.

"Harry . . . I . . ." began Ginny but Harry cut across her.

"No, Ginny. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, it's too fast. And I understand if you don't feel the same way. I . . ." said Harry, the rest of his sentence cut off when Ginny brought her lips up to meet his.

"I love you too," she said softly. And she knew it was the truth. There was never anyone else but Harry.

"You know, for the last two years, I've felt like I've been wandering around in the dark, lost and confused. Being with you now, it's like I've finally found the light."

The end.

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A/N: Please review!