William's outburst at her parents' house still pricked Ginny's heart two days later. It scared her but forced her to deal with a situation she sometimes still pretended wasn't real. When she confided to Hermione her fears, they decided to read everything they could find on werewolves, the phases of the each full moon during the year and its effects. Hermione also said she would speak with Severus and see if he could alter the Wolfsbane just a bit in hopes to curb William's temper even more. Ginny was a mother determined to make her son's life just a bit easier, whatever it took.

"You know what else may be a good idea?" Hermione asked during one of their fact-finding sessions, wondering why she hadn't thought of this before. "You've talked about how he always gets into rows with Ron's daughters right? Even before he was bit."

"Yeah," Ginny said. "When they're together, it's only a matter of time."

"William is the only boy," Hermione pointed out. "Well, there is Richard but it'll be a few years until he's old enough to join in. William is outnumbered and has no one else to play with but them and girls play differently than boys. Maybe next time the family gets together you could take Malachai and see if there are any problems."

Ginny's eyes opened at the realization of what a good idea this was. "That's brilliant," she told her dear friend with a big smile. "Then they could play together and leave the girls alone. Do you think Severus would mind?" Leave it to Hermione, Ginny thought. Always the brain.

Rolling her eyes, Hermione answered, "Of course not. Especially if I remind him we can use the time to catch up on us." She winced and grabbed her stomach from another powerful Sabine kick. "Or just rest and relax as the case may be." She shook her head. "This one will be on the Quidditch team while the other will have his head buried in a book."

Ginny laughed. "It wouldn't surprise me a bit," she agreed. "You know Malachai will probably look like a little Severus and Sabine will look like a little you. I couldn't imagine it any other way." As odd as it maybe sounded, Ginny thought they had the perfect family.

Smiling proudly, Hermione said, "I know. It still amazes me really." She chose her next words carefully, hoping Ginny would take them to heart. "At first I thought I was crazy to think we could last but I'm grateful I took the chance. Severus is definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made."

"Didn't you ever wonder about what people would say?" Ginny asked curiously, playing with the bracelet Remus gave her a couple days ago for Christmas, their shared dance playing over in her mind non stop. "Like the age difference and everything?"

"I did at first, of course, but it didn't last long," Hermione answered confidently. "There was a concern with Severus' past, as expected. But I realized that my happiness, our happiness, was more important than the opinions of those that I don't know or don't care about." She had spotted the beautiful ruby bracelet adorning her friend's wrist but hadn't said anything about it yet. "Was that a Christmas present?" she asked, pointing to it.

Ginny instantly blushed. "Uh…yeah," she answered, briefly glancing down at it. "Remus gave it to me to match my ring." She wore the ruby ring that Neville had planned to give her on her left ring finger and now wore the bracelet on that wrist as well.

"It's beautiful," Hermione told her. "And what did you give him?"

Ginny bit her lip before answering. "I didn't know he was going to get me a gift," she answered. "We said we wouldn't exchange gifts."

"Oh Ginny!" Hermione said. "Not exchange gifts?"

"That's what we agreed on!" Ginny exclaimed. "I felt bad but didn't have anything and…so…he asked for a dance as his gift."

"A dance?" Hermione repeated, thinking it was both a very bold and terribly romantic thing for him to suggest. That was a good sign!

"Yeah," she answered with a small smile. "It was nice."

Hermione stifled a laugh. "Just 'nice'?" she asked.

Ginny shrugged nervously. "It was a little odd at first," she admitted. "But it was really nice."

"Interesting," Hermione said, shaking her head. "You two are something else." She had hope though based on recent events.

Ginny made a face. "What do you mean?"

Closing a book she'd been skimming through, Hermione just couldn't stand it anymore. "You two!" she answered exasperated. "Girl, I'm not trying to push you into anything. I'm really not. I just wish you'd look at what's right in front of you. You and Remus are both in the same boat, having known each other for so long with a wonderful friendship and I know it's weird to even think about the next level, but Ginny, he adores you and your son. I daresay you both are beginning to feel something a bit more than your friendship but are scared to do anything with it for so many understandable reasons."

Ginny sat quietly for a moment, spinning her bracelet, watching as light reflected off the many facets, thinking back to how she felt in his arms. It was much more than nice but wasn't ready to elaborate. She wished she could talk to Neville just once more. She needed something, some type of closure maybe. And then she remembered his portrait in the greenhouse. "I need to visit the greenhouse for a bit," she said, hastily getting up from the wooden table, not able to leave quick enough. "Can we talk about this later?"

"Of course, Honey," Hermione said noticing the urgency. "I understand." And she did understand. She knew Ginny needed to feel like she had Neville's approval to move on even if Ginny didn't know it yet herself. This was also the first time she didn't argue with Hermione and say they were only friends so she hoped that meant something. She wasn't ready for a wedding but just wanted them to stop pretending it was "just friendship" between them. They both deserved happiness after the sorrow they'd both dealt with.

Ginny was crying before she ever reached Neville's portrait. She'd bundled up, jogging from the castle to the greenhouse, quickly making her way through the rows of vines and plants until she saw his smiling face, and then cried harder, slumping down in a nearby chair.

"Ginerva," he said sweetly. "Please don't cry over me."

She looked up and wasn't surprised that his portrait talked. It wasn't the real Neville and yet it was in a way, but regardless, it made her feel better. "I m-miss you s-so much," she cried, trying to wipe her face, feeling as if her chest would explode. "Sometimes I d-don't think the pain will e-ever stop."

"But it will," he assured her. "It gets a little easier each day."

"I d-don't know if I w-want it to."

"Of course you do," Neville said with a warm smile. "You deserve happiness. And so does our son."

Her cries slowing a little, Ginny said, "I'm so s-scared for him, Neville. And I f-feel so helpless. Remus d-does what he can… but…I d-don't know…it still frightens me."

"It should," Neville agreed. "But you're smart. It will be okay."

"But he's so young…and he gets so angry…and Remus has said if he gets too angry it could cause a partial change…and I try to make sure I don't neglect him because of teaching…and…" She was rambling but couldn't help herself. Her words were scattered but so were her emotions and thoughts, wanting to tell him everything but not knowing where to start.

As she wiped her nose with the fourth tissue, Neville asked, "I know you've got many different things going on but what's weighing the heaviest on you right now?"

Ginny fought the first thing that popped into her mind. She didn't want to say it; didn't want to acknowledge that it was the first and foremost topic among the others because she had tried for so long to push it away. She wanted desperately to say something else but knew it was what weighed the heaviest and could not lie to Neville, as much as she wanted to.

"Remus." She said it quietly and with a hint of guilt in her voice, lowering her head.

"Why?"

"He's...he's been so wonderful with our son, helping him in ways that I can't," she answered, looking at the numerous crumpled tissues in her hands. "He's been one of my best friends and..." She stopped and wiped her nose again.

"And what, Gin?"

A couple more tears fell from her eyes as she started rambling again. "And he's a-always been there for m-me and he's still there for m-me and he does so much f-for us and I don't a-ask him to and..."

"I'm gone, Love," Neville gently reminded her. "And I won't be coming back." He paused while she wiped her freckled tear stained face. "Could he make you happy?"

"No, Neville, not like you," Ginny immediately said defensively, shaking her head and wiping tears. "No one will ever compare to you."

Neville smiled at her love and loyalty towards him. "This isn't a contest or competition," he told her. "No one is judging anyone here. Everyone who cares for you wants you to be happy …most of all me. Remus is an extraordinary man and I know you have a long time friendship. But could he make you happy?"

"I don't know," Ginny answered honestly, shaking her head. "I haven't really given him a chance. We've always been just friends…and…"

"Maybe you should."

Ginny held her head in her hands after hearing his statement, the reality of her situation crashing down around her. She wanted nothing more at this moment than to be wrapped up in Neville's arms and everything be back the way it was. "Merlin I miss you," she breathed. "I miss you so much."

"And I, you," Neville told her sweetly. "Did you know that William has been here a few times?"

She lifted her head, red eyes wide in surprise. "He's come to see you?" she asked. Why had he not told her? He'd never mentioned talking to the portrait of his father.

"Yes," he answered with a nod. "He's been in by himself and with Malachai. He told me something very interesting that I think you need to hear."

"What did he say?" William had been confiding in Neville's portrait? She was really surprised her son hadn't said anything about it, immediately causing her to wonder if he had told Remus.

"He told me about Christmas night when he saw you and Remus dancing," Neville answered. "He said it made him feel good to "see mummy happy" because he'd scared you earlier in the day."

Ginny smiled and blushed slightly at Neville's knowledge of their dance. She didn't know William had seen them, much less told Neville about it. "Remus had given me a Christmas present and I didn't have anything for him," she explained quietly. "So he asked for a dance as his gift." Why did she feel embarrassed for Neville to know?

"He has also told me that he likes Remus," Neville continued. "He made sure to tell me that he will never call him 'daddy' because that's for me. But he likes him and enjoys spending time with him but especially likes seeing you happy."

"I didn't realize he'd told you so much," Ginny said. "He hasn't even told me." While she was happy her son felt like he did, she felt a little left out that he hadn't told her, quickly telling herself she was being silly. William was growing up rapidly and wouldn't tell her every single thing in his life so there was no reason to expect it. He deserved privacy too.

"William is smart," Neville said. "He knows that you're sad and stressed and busy with your classes and dealing with his condition and my death. He wasn't trying to hide anything from you. He has said that he doesn't like to see you cry so he'll come tell me things or talk to Malachai so he doesn't upset you or add to your stress."

Ginny took a deep breath and smiled at her son's thoughtfulness. "I should have visited you before now," she said, feeling a small stab of guilt. She was disappointed in herself that she hadn't thought about coming in sooner. She hadn't forgotten and with all the other 'moving' pictures at Hogwarts, she should have known this one would be as well.

"Please don't be so hard on yourself," Neville said. "And by the way, your bracelet is beautiful. It matches the ring I bought for you almost exactly."

"There is so much I want to tell you," Ginny told him, remembering how they could spend hours just talking. "Like getting this bracelet. I don't even know where to start."

"There will be time but not now," he said. "Gin, please give Remus a chance. It would make me happy to know my two loved ones are being taken care of by someone I admire and respect as much as I do Remus."

Ginny smiled at Neville and swore her heart felt lighter. "I love you," she told him. "And I'll never stop."

"I know and I love you," Neville said with a smile. "Allow someone else the privilege of loving you."

She hated to leave but it would be time to pick up William soon. "Thank you," she said standing up. "For listening and for everything you've said." She didn't realize just how much she needed to hear his words.

However when she looked at the portrait, it wasn't moving. It looked almost like a regular Muggle portrait. "Neville?" she said but he didn't move. She shook her head as she walked out. He had been talking to her right? She didn't imagine it all, did she? Of course she didn't. Talking portraits were normal.

Ginny's steps back to the castle seemed lighter and she felt as if she was holding her head up just a little higher. She felt volumes of relief after talking with Neville and hearing him encourage her to move on. He wanted her to be happy and thought the world of Remus. She smiled and allowed something inside her head and heart to change in the way she thought of her dear friend. Not that she was ready for anything serious but maybe she should give him a chance; if he wanted one. Maybe it was worth taking the chance and maybe she was ready to try just a little bit.

That night after putting William to bed, Ginny curled up on the couch in front of the crackling fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and allowed her mind to wander. Talking with Neville had helped her tremendously. It always had though. She'd always been quick to act while Neville was the levelheaded one, always thinking through things. He'd usually been able to help her see the logic in any situation. He called her his 'fire' and knew how to calm the flames. She really missed their talks, really missed the way he would listen to her go on about something, just to get it off her chest, and then calmly point out things for her to think about. And he was always right. He was amazing and she prayed that William would have more of his personality traits.

And then she thought of Remus. Neville respected him, which she'd known, but also wanted her to give him a chance. She almost couldn't believe it, but then that's just how Neville was. And he was right, he wasn't coming back. She would always love him and miss him but he was gone. And if she was real honest with herself, she knew his death would be easier to deal with over time. That's just how life went. And if she opened her heart, she realized she was attracted to Remus, more than just friends. There was something different between them when they danced. Even though they didn't speak of it, she felt it. And that meant that he was feeling the same towards her. Right?

Certainly that wasn't a dance for friends only. Maybe he was uncertain like she was. She knew Remus well enough to know he would never do anything to offend her or push her, especially with the given situation. She'd always loved that about him.

Wait. Loved?

She told herself to stop being childish. Of course she loved him. She'd known him all her life and they'd been close for a long time having been through both terrible and wonderful times together. There were all different types of love. Could she love him like she loved Neville though?

While she didn't know the answer just yet, Ginny did know she felt something more than just their friendship. The way he'd looked at her after their dance still burned bright in her mind. And she knew the look. She'd seen it many times when he and Tonks were together. But now he'd given her that look, one of amazement, wonder and love.

Love. He didn't already know, did he? Or was he in the same situation she was? She wasn't sure but knew what she'd seen in his eyes and it made her heart beat faster. Among everything else, the want was unmistakable. It was exciting but made her nervous as well.

Ginny sipped her hot chocolate and allowed herself the guilty pleasure of imagining what it would be like to kiss him. He had such nice lips, remembering that Tonks once told her he was an incredible kisser. Was she ready for that though? She wasn't sure of that either.

She wouldn't allow herself to think of anything more with him. That was much too fast. She was all right with kissing. Well, maybe. Ginny laughed and shook her head. Hermione would tease her to no end if she knew the nonsense running through her head.

After taking a deep breath, Ginny made a decision. She would invite Remus over for dinner, just the two of them, and see if she could pick up anything from him. She didn't think she had the nerve to say anything though. She was such a mess. Only time would tell.

The next day, Ginny's heart pounded as she walked through the stone halls on the way back to her chamber from her classroom. She needed to pick up William from Hermione's but decided to stop by to see Remus first. She told herself it was no different than every other time she'd ever stopped by. She told herself that asking him over for dinner was no different than any other time she'd asked him.

But it was different. And she knew it. Even if he didn't. And it made her terribly nervous, questioning over and over in her head if she was doing the right thing.

She knocked on the wooden door and took a deep breath to calm herself.

It didn't work.

Moments later, the door opened to reveal Remus smiling at her. "Hi Ginny," he greeted the same as he always did. "Did you finally finish grading those papers?" He moved aside so she could walk in.

"Yeah…uh…I did," she answered hesitantly, clutching books to her chest and standing by the door, feeling like she was a student all over again, telling herself she was being silly. "I have to go get William from Hermione's…but uh…I was going to ask if…you wanted to come over for dinner…later." Relax, she reminded herself.

"Don't want to eat in the Great Hall tonight?" Remus asked with a smirk. "Enjoy some peace and quiet without the students?" He knew she always preferred her chamber, students or not.

She fought a blush. "Uh…no," she answered quickly thinking of an answer. "I spent all day hunched over papers and William has been in school and with Hermione so I haven't really gotten to see him …and thought you might like to join us." Damn her rambling!

"Of course, Ginny," he said with a warm smile. "Sounds lovely. The usual time then?"

"Yeah…ok…see you later," she said and quickly left before saying or doing anything more stupid.

Remus stood there for a minute, thinking that Ginny's behavior seemed just a little odd. Usually she would come in and chat for a bit but tonight she seemed uncomfortable and preoccupied. Maybe she'd just had a tiring day or had something on her mind. It certainly wasn't the first time he'd seen her like that but was certain she'd be her usual self at dinner. He always looked forward to dinner with her and William.

Ginny was pacing as she waited. She had to admit she was nervous and felt completely silly about it. She had asked Hermione if she minded William staying for dinner and when Hermione raised an eyebrow to her request, Ginny told her it was regarding teaching and not what she was thinking. She didn't want to lie but just wasn't ready to say anything about her real motive. She needed some alone time with him to determine if he wanted a chance or not. What was she planning on saying to him though? Was she hoping he'd say something to her? She really wasn't sure how the conversation would go and that was part of the reason she was nervous. She didn't want to embarrass either of them.

When she heard a knock, Ginny took a deep breath and attempted one last try at calming herself, failing miserably. She had changed clothes into something a little nicer than usual and blushed when she opened the door and saw the look on Remus' face. She wasn't sure if it was surprise, confusion or amusement.

"Maybe I should go change," he said, feeling a bit underdressed. "You look...very nice. I haven't changed from earlier." He almost told her she looked beautiful but decided maybe that wasn't the appropriate word choice. But it was the truth. Why was she dressed up? When he'd come over for dinner before, it was always casual.

"No, it's quite all right," she said closing the door behind him, afraid she'd lose her nerve if he left. "I just...felt like...looking a little nicer. I'm in my teaching robes all the time and I get tired of it." She wasn't sure he would believe her but she didn't know what else to say.

They walked over to the table, already prepared, and Remus immediately noticed there were only two settings. "Where's William?" he asked curiously.

Fighting another blush, Ginny answered, "Oh…he was in the middle of something with Malachai and didn't want to leave so Hermione offered to keep him for dinner." They sat down. "It'll be nice to take advantage of the time and have an adult conversation instead of having to watch everything we say." And I wanted time alone with you, she thought.

Placing the napkin across his lap while she did the same, Remus answered, "You know I don't mind when he is here." The last thing he wanted her to think was that he didn't enjoy dinner with them both.

"I know," she said. "But Nev...well...we always used to say...there's family time and us time."

"So this is us time?" Remus asked before thinking and immediately blushed, knowing how it sounded.

Ginny's face was red as well and averted her eyes down to her plate. "Um…so have you finished all your grading?" she asked, deciding it was better to change the subject.

An hour later, they were still sitting at the table even though they had finished eating. Conversation had been light and about safe subjects such as baby Richard, Tess and Hermione's pregnancies, classes, ideas for the last half of the year, stories of certain students and how they were doing and the latest on the wolfsbane potion adjustments for William.

There was a moment of extended silence where neither said anything. They'd talked about everything except the one subject neither had the nerve to bring up yet.

Ginny finally broke the silence and asked, "Do you want to go for a walk outside?" She'd been racking her brain and finally thought a walk would be a good idea.

"In the snow?" he asked, surprised at her suggestion. It was freezing outside.

She laughed at the look on his face. "Scared of a little white powder?" Ginny teased. She was feeling a little more relaxed as their lengthy conversation had helped tremendously, even if it had been about everything but them. She'd been trying to read him all night but wasn't coming up with anything definite. At least not what she was looking for.

"I most certainly am not," he countered, regaining his composure. "Let's go." Feisty little Gryffindor, he thought with affection.

They bundled up and began their trek outside. The halls were so quiet when the students were gone. New Year's eve was two nights away and they'd all return after that.

It was dark outside save for the warm glow cascading from the castle windows so Ginny and Remus didn't go too far. They walked a little ways out towards the lake that was now frozen over. Ginny stopped for a moment and pretended to mess with her shoe while Remus kept walking. She quickly scooped up a handful of snow and packed it in a tight ball, feeling just a bit playful.

"Hey Remus!" she called out and threw the snowball the second he turned around, hitting him square in the head, laughter erupting instantly.

She was not paying attention to the snow he packed quickly and threw at her, hitting her in the chest. "Take that!" he called out, proud of himself for catching her off guard as well.

"You little..." she began and the fight was on. Each of them began pelting each other with snowballs, running around like kids in the process. Ginny felt like she was eight again and loved it. She was always so busy being 'mum' that she didn't play anymore. This was the most fun she'd had in months.

Remus was trying to hide behind nearby trees but it didn't last as Ginny came after him. He was laughing and running and dodging snowballs and couldn't remember when he'd had such a good time, enjoying how this felt and loving to hear her laugh. It had been too long.

He began chasing her, trying to shove snow into her coat just to make her squeal. He'd grab a hold of her jacket and she'd wiggle free and run ahead but then he'd catch her and try again. He was nearly out of breath and suspected she was too, but when he reached for her again, he tripped on a hidden tree root, causing both of them to fall into the cold wet snow.

Ginny screamed as she fell and basically landed on her back, her hands and backside taking the brunt of the impact while Remus fell over her stomach, their bodies making almost an "X" shape in the snow. Both of them were panting and out of breath but still laughing as they lay in the slushiness.

"You did that...on purpose!" Ginny accused, stomach hurting from her laughter and Remus pressing on her. "You cheated!" She hit his shoulder playfully.

"Ow!" Remus said, trying to stop laughing himself, pushing himself up from her. "As if I'd ever do such a thing!" He looked down at Ginny and his breath caught in his throat for just a brief instant. She was breathtaking laying in the white snow with the red of her hair contrasting against it, face flush from excitement and displaying a smile that he was certain he hadn't seen in years while the light from the castle windows cast a warm glow over them both.

And then he realized he wanted to kiss her.

And it scared him.

Ginny saw a different look on his face as he was getting up from her and it caught her off guard. It wasn't one that she remembered seeing except...and then she remembered...it was the look she'd seen him give Tonks.

Oh dear Merlin. Wasn't that what she'd been waiting for? It's what she'd seen a glimpse of the other night.

"I'm freezing," she said quickly, heart pounding again. "Let's get some hot chocolate." Anything to get up from where they were. What did she do now?

"Yes that sounds lovely," Remus quickly agreed, standing up and offering a hand to assist her as well.

They brushed off snow and made their way back inside very quietly. Neither knew what to say about the last thirty minutes. It had been so much fun and they'd had such a good time but there had been something more.

"Here you go," Ginny said a few minutes later, handing him a steaming cup of hot chocolate as they stood by the fireplace warming up from their romp out in the cold.

"Thanks," he said, carefully sipping the hot liquid. "That was fun out there. I felt like a kid again." He wished they could do that more often. Especially the part where he fell on her.

She laughed. "Yeah me too," she agreed. "I'm always letting William play. I forget to myself." Her jaw muscles hurt from smiling so much but it felt good. It was much better than crying. She'd done enough of that.

"I didn't hurt you did I?" Remus asked seriously. "I didn't mean to fall and knock us both to the ground." He would have felt horrible if she'd been hurt.

"No, I'm fine," she answered. "I didn't mind." It took just a second for her to realize what she said when she saw his eyes grow a bit larger. "I mean...that is...it was ok...because you didn't hurt me..." she stammered. "You know what I mean." Brilliant Ginny, she told herself.

Remus hid his smile as he took another sip. She didn't mind? He thought back over the evening and things suddenly seemed a little clearer. Her awkwardness when she stopped by to ask him to dinner, her dressing a little nicer, William still over with Hermione and her mannerisms during the meal. Did she...no she couldn't possibly. But all the signs were there. Weren't they? He wasn't reading into anything was he? No, she was decidedly different tonight. And he was still trying to figure out their dance, remembering how it felt to hold her in his arms.

Then it hit him. The last time he'd seen her like this was with Neville.

Dear Merlin. What should he do? Arthur and Harry weren't crazy after all.

"I guess I should go get William," Ginny said, but didn't really want to. She wanted to stay with Remus a bit longer but was uneasy at the same time. Was it that she didn't trust him? That was silly; of course she did. But did she trust herself?

Remus wasn't exactly ready for the evening to be over either. He glanced at the mantle and saw the radio from Christmas night. "What about a dance?" he asked, setting his mug down. "Then you can go get William." He paused and watched her eyes. "Unless you don't want to." Something was changing between them and he just wanted to hold her close again like the other night.

Absentmindedly licking her lips, Ginny set her mug down too. "No, that would be...very nice," she answered, summoning her wand and quickly muttering the spell and tapping the Muggle radio into life, wishing she could tap herself and slow her heartbeat, knowing she was looking forward to being in his arms again even though it made her nervous.

The Muggle song "Silent Night" was playing as they stepped towards each other. Ginny slipped her arms around his neck while his encircled her waist and pulled her close to him. She'd always loved this song, part of her and her father's Muggle fascination, and rested her head against Remus, just above his heart. It was pounding as fast as hers and that made her feel better as they gently moved together.

Remus could smell her scent, her perfume, her shampoo, just everything, and it was intoxicating. As he held her, dancing slowly, he thought how her body seemed to fit almost perfect against him. He forced himself to quickly think of something else before she knew the full effect she was having on him. He noticed that she wasn't looking at him but seemed comfortable nonetheless.

About halfway through the song, she slipped her arms from around his neck to around his waist, but still kept her head where it was. It allowed her to move just a little closer as she was thoroughly enjoying this. It was just a little different than the other night and she really didn't want it to stop. This was what she'd been hoping for. She knew now for a fact this was different. And it felt wonderful.

When she adjusted, Remus brought his arms up and around her shoulders, almost hugging her to him and began to play with her hair. He couldn't help himself really. It was so soft and right there at his fingertips. He closed his eyes and just enjoyed their closeness, hating for the end of the song to approach. This wasn't just two friends dancing. It was more than that and he knew she felt what he did. Part of him couldn't believe it and part of him thought it was the most natural thing in the world. It was amazing.

When the song ended, Ginny wasn't ready to pull from him. There was another slow song that followed, one that she always called "The Chestnut Song" and when she didn't move, they continued to dance together slowly. She liked the fact there were no words spoken between them and allowed her body to talk for her. She pressed against him a little more, tightening her hold and closed her eyes, still hearing his heartbeat, hoping that he understood what she didn't have the nerve to say yet.

Was she reading his mind? When the song ended, she didn't move and he was very glad. He adjusted his hold on her, one arm around her shoulders and his other hand cradling her head against him, gently caressing her hair, sliding his hand from the top of her head and then down through her long hair and then would do it again. He wondered how it would be to hold her during the night, just to lay behind her and do nothing but hold her. He quickly realized that he couldn't allow such thoughts and tried to think of William and what time it was and anything but...did she just sigh? Was that contentment? This night was absolutely beautiful, just like her.

After the second song ended, Ginny pulled back only far enough to look up into his eyes. "I guess I'll go get him now," she said quietly, not wanting to but knowing she had to. "This has been such a great evening, Remus." It couldn't have been more perfect.

"I agree," he said, still wanting to kiss her but feeling hesitant about it. What if she wasn't ready for that? He certainly would not ruin their evening by being selfish and pushing boundaries. "And I think we should do this again very soon." Like tomorrow night, he thought. And the next.

She smiled then because she wanted to as well. She released her body from his hold and tapped the radio off. "Very soon," she repeated, eyes not leaving his as they slowly walked to the door. She felt like she was grinning and thought she must have looked silly but couldn't help it as he opened the door for her so they could walk through.

"Have a wonderful night," he said as he turned left to head to his chambers and she turned right to head to Hermione's.

"You too," she called out. "See you tomorrow." Did I just wave goodbye, she thought to herself. Silly.

Ginny felt like she floated all the way down the hall.