Love is in the Air
Summary: Harry realizes he has a crush on Ron's little sister, Ginny. With the Yule Ball coming and Harry needing a date, will he pluck up enough courage and ask her to be his date? Will it lead to something more?
AN: The chapter everyone has been waiting for: When Harry and Ginny get together. Please note that this chapter contains information from the book and movie Goblet of Fire.
Harry didn't realize when he had developed a crush on Ginny. He noticed over the summer, anytime she was around, he would suddenly become clumsy to the point he would drop whatever he was holding. If she smiled at him, he would feel his stomach flip-flop. He would become so tongue-tied that he couldn't form a complete sentence. He realized a month after returning to Hogwarts that he had a crush on Ginny.
He was still clumsy when he was around her, his stomach flip-flopped when she looked in his direction.
No one noticed at first, but then Hermione noticed how clumsy Harry became when Ginny was around. She smiled knowingly but never said anything to Ginny or Harry. She had talked with Ginny over the summer and given her advice regarding the raven headed boy.
She had caught Harry looking in her direction when they were in the study hall together and in the Great Hall. She was hoping to get a moment alone without Ron to ask Harry if he liked Ginny.
Ginny's brothers were the reason Harry hadn't made a move yet. He didn't know how Fred and George felt about it, but he knew Ron was overprotective of his sister. When it was her turn to go to Hogsmeade, Ron had scared off any boy who even thought about asking her to Hogsmeade.
She went with friends and ended up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione by the end of the day. Hermione welcomed her company and it gave Harry a chance to really get to know her a lot more.
The only person who hadn't noticed was Sirius. Anytime he asked Harry if he had a girl he liked, Harry changed the subject.
But luckily for Harry, things are about to change.
One day in Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall announced since Hogwarts was hosting the Tri-Wizard Tournament, they would be having a Yule Ball. She asked Harry to stay behind and told him he needed to get a date, as he was one of the champions and would be opening the ball with the first dance.
This bit of news sent Harry panicking. Who could he ask? And how hard could it be?
In the week that followed Professor McGonagall's announce found that everyone who was fourth year and above were staying for Christmas and all the girls were obsessed with the ball.
"Why do they have to travel in packs?" Harry had asked Ron as they walked passed groups of girls who would snigger and stare at Harry. "How're you supposed to get one on their own to ask them?"
"Lasso one?" Ron suggested.
"Do you know how to lasso?" Harry inquired. When Ron didn't respond, Harry got his answer.
He had an idea who he wanted to ask, it was only a matter of doing it. Ginny was one of the only third-year girls in Gryffindor tower staying for Christmas. Molly and Arthur were going to visit Bill and Charlie as it was their Christmas gifts to their parent's this year.
Harry had even asked Sirius for advice and Sirius told him to ask someone who was a friend and someone he knew he would have a good time with.
Deciding to follow Sirius's advice, Harry left Sirius's quarters. He passed Cho Chang in the corridor and she friendly waved at him. Harry didn't think anything of it, except he felt nothing for the dark headed Ravenclaw.
His thoughts were still on whom to ask when he bumped into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I…" Harry trailed off when he realized he was looking into the eyes of Ginny Weasley.
"It's okay, Harry," she said, bending down to pick up the book she had dropped. But Harry had beat her to it and handed it to her.
"Thanks," she murmured, taking the book from Harry.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I was heading to the library to look for a book for my Charm's essay, but first I was going to talk to Sirius about my Astronomy essay. Ours is due next week and I'm having trouble meeting the required length."
"Oh, well, I'll let you get on your way, then," Harry said. He moved to let her go on and had taken a few steps berating him.
"You idiot! You just missed the perfect opportunity to ask her to the ball. Do it before someone else does! Now!"
Harry turned around and called, "Hey Ginny?"
Ginny turned at Harry's voice and asked, "Yes?"
"Um," he said. He couldn't ask her. He couldn't. But he had to. Ginny stood there looking puzzled, watching him. The words came out before Harry had quite got his tongue around them.
"Wangoballwime?"
Ginny walked closer to Harry and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't catch that."
Harry took a deep breath, he could feel himself going red. Why did he have to go red now? He was glad it was only him and Ginny in the corridor.
"Do you want to go to the ball with me?"
To Harry's relief, she smiled and said, "Yes, I would love to."
"Great," Harry sighed, mainly in relief. "I'll see you at dinner?"
He turned around and began to walk towards Gryffindor tower. He wanted to wait until he was alone before he celebrated the fact he had a date.
As he thought of how relief he was, he also thought of Ginny. How easily he could get lost in her eyes. They were pools of chocolate brown, and Harry could easily get lost in those eyes.
He smiled for the rest of the day, not even Snape's comments could get him down. All he needed to do was to talk to the twins and Ron. If he had their blessing, he would ask Ginny to be his girlfriend after the ball.
He felt like he was ready for a relationship. But was she?
That was the only question lingering on Harry's mind. He decided he would wait if that was the case.
But how little did Harry know, that Ginny felt the same way?
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"This is getting stupid. Ginny, you can go with Harry," Ron said to his sister. It was after he made a fool of himself asking Fleur Delacour to the ball and had asked Hermione to go the ball with him. He didn't know that Harry had already asked Ginny.
"Um, Harry already asked me. I said yes," Ginny told her brother.
Hermione's eyes went wide and turned to her best friend, her mouth dropping. Ron looked at his sister and best friend. He was quiet for a little bit, long enough for Harry to write out a will in his mind before Ron finally said," That's fine. Great, actually."
"Are you sure you're okay with it?" Harry asked.
"Yes, I'm sure," Ron said.
"Thank you, Ron." Ginny hugged her brother and headed up to her dorm.
Ron waited until he couldn't hear her footsteps before he grabbed a hold of Harry's shirt.
"Boys," Hermione warned.
"Do you have feelings for my sister?" Ron asked.
If Harry was surprised, he didn't show it. He nodded before verbally answering, "Yes, I do."
Ron let go of Harry and then to his surprise, he smiled at him. "If I had to pick someone for my sister, I would pick you. I know you'll treat her right and be good to her."
Harry nodded. "I will."
Then Ron got serious and said, "Best friend or not, if you hurt her, I will kill you."
"You don't have to worry about that, mate. Because I won't." Harry let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"What is your plan, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I thought about asking her if she would be my girlfriend at the end of the ball. But if she tells me she's not ready, I'll wait."
"Really?" Ron asked.
"She's worth it," Harry replied.
"You really like her don't you?" He whispered.
"I do."
Harry then told them how he had asked her and he asked that they don't tell anyone that Ginny was going with him. The last thing Harry wanted was for someone to ruin this for Ginny.
They were the only people in the common room at the time and Ron asked if he would be talking with Fred and George. He assured his best mate that they would feel the same as he did, that they couldn't ask for any better than Harry.
They were discussing whether or not to visit Hagrid that weekend when Ginny came downstairs with a letter in her hand.
"Ron, is Pig back yet?" she asked.
"I don't think so," he replied.
"You can use Hedwig," Harry offered. "I'll walk with you."
Hermione and Ron smiled as they watched Harry and Ginny leave the common room.
"Do you think someone will really ruin this for Ginny?" Hermione asked Ron, whispering.
Ron shrugged his shoulders. "I think that's why Harry wants to keep this quiet. To prevent that from happening," he said.
Hermione nodded and then turned to Ron. "I'm happy for Harry. He deserves to be happy."
"He does," Ron agreed.
If there was anyone who deserved happiness, it was Harry.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"So have you got a date to the Yule Ball yet?" Sirius asked Harry one afternoon the week after Harry had asked Ginny to be his date to the Yule Ball.
"Yes, I asked Ginny to the ball," Harry replied.
"Well then, we'll need to get dress robes," Sirius said, getting up and heading to his bedroom. He returned a moment later and Sirius handed Harry a catalog from Gladrags. "You can look at that and pick out what you want and then take it with you to the store."
"You mean I can take this to the store and they'll give it to me that way without needing to owl order it."
Sirius nodded. "That's how it works."
Harry stuck the catalog in his bag, making a note to share it with Ron. Sirius wanted to do something special for the Weasleys as a way to say thank you for looking out and after Harry for the three years before he came into his life.
This was how he thought he'd do it. After checking with Fred and George, he knew it would difficult to get Molly to agree. Arthur had talked her into it after she went searching for three sets of dress robes. Bill had sent a set of robes, he had bought himself to Fred and George to help his parents. All they needed to do was have them fitted.
Only they didn't know that Ginny needed a dress as well.
Sirius had planned on fixing that as well. He had received a letter from Molly and Arthur thanking him for his generosity. Sirius wrote them in reply, telling them this was his way of saying thank you for looking after Harry.
That weekend was a Hogsmeade weekend, one that Professor Dumbledore had set up to allow students who were attending the Yule Ball to get dress robes. Sirius had talked to the owner at Gladrags to set up an account for Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
Harry knew he would have to ask Ginny to come with him, Ron, and Hermione to Hogsmeade.
"So, how did you ask Ginny?" Sirius asked.
Harry told him about how he had asked Ginny to the Yule Ball. He didn't tell Sirius about having feelings for the redhead girl, because he didn't want to get his hopes up.
When it was time to head to dinner, Sirius walked with Harry to the Great Hall, telling him about helping Professor McGonagall with the dance lessons she was holding the next day. She was determined that the house of Godric Gryffindor wouldn't bring shame to Hogwarts.
Sirius encouraged Harry to ask Ginny to be his partner so that there would be no surprises on the night of the ball. Harry agreed. The last thing he wanted was to step on her feet. He wanted Ginny to have a good time and even if he had to kill himself to it. If she had a good time, that was all that matter to him.
He and Sirius separated when they entered the Great Hall, with Harry heading to the Gryffindor table and Sirius heading to the head table.
"Hello Harry," Hermione greeted, looking up from the letter she had gotten from her parents that day with some money to buy her dress robes and some of the other things she needed.
"Hello, Hermione," Harry returned. He glanced at Ron, who was reading a letter from home. He looked up at Harry suddenly and hugged him. "Um, mate?"
"Thank you, mate. You don't know just how relieved I am about this," Ron said.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked.
In response, Ron handed Hermione the letter from Molly. She looked up, confused when she finished.
"It means that I don't have to wear dress robes that are ancient and look like it came from Great Aunt Tessie!" Ron exclaimed. Once again he hugged Harry tightly. "Remind me to thank Sirius later."
"Sirius gave me a catalog from Gladrags," Harry informed Ron and explained how it worked. Ron and he concluded to look it over that evening before giving it to Ginny so she could pick out a dress.
Ginny entered the Great Hall and looked around for her friends. When she didn't see any of them, she approached Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Can I join you?" she asked.
"Sure," Hermione said, moving her bag. She greeted the boys as they talked about the Quidditch scores from the last Quidditch match they had heard over the wireless.
When the food appeared, they fixed their plates and ate in silence, only making small talk. Ron told Ginny about Sirius getting him dress robes and a dress for the Yule Ball and she smiled, already planning on picking out something to give to Sirius for Christmas.
"Harry, what does Sirius like?" she asked.
"Anything, pretty much," Harry replied. "I could help you pick out something."
"Are you looking forward to Christmas?" Hermione asked.
"Actually, I am. Sirius said we could go home or Remus could come here for a few days and we'll do Christmas together. I'm torn thought to keep our tradition of opening presents in the common room or sleep in my room in Sirius's quarters and spend Christmas with him and Remus."
"Maybe talk to him about it and see what he's got planned, then go from there," Ginny suggested.
"Thanks, I'll do that when I meet him tomorrow."
From the head table, Sirius watched Harry interact with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. He smiled at how nice it was to see Harry act like a teenager.
"It's nice to see Harry happy," Professor McGonagall whispered to Sirius.
"Yes, it is," Sirius agreed.
"Thank you," Minerva whispered.
Sirius's brows fused together in confusion. "For what?"
With her eyes on Harry, she said, "For giving that boy a better life."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
One week before the Yule Ball, Professor McGonagall gathered the Gryffindors in the Transfiguration classroom. The girls were on side of the room and the boys were on the other. Professor McGonagall looked around the room at the students and glanced back to Sirius, who was sitting on a stool in the corner, waiting for the dance lesson to begin.
"The Yule Ball," McGonagall said. "Has been a tradition of the Tri-Wizard Tournament since its inception. On Christmas Night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward."
"Quite Literally!" Sirius interrupted.
"Is there something you'd like to add Mr. Black?" McGonagall asked.
"No."
"Alright then." Turning back to the students, she continued. "The Yule Ball is first and foremost a dance!"
Whispers broke out at this announcement, making it sound like a busy beehive in the old classroom.
"Silence!" Professor McGonagall called. "The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizarding world for nearly 10 centuries."
"That's the truth," Sirius muttered.
"I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling bumbling band of baboons."
"Try saying that five fast," George whispered.
"Babbling bumbling band of baboons," Fred began.
"If you do, you'll feel the wrath of your Transfiguration professor, and believe me, you DON'T want to do that," Sirius warned.
"Sirius looks as if he is inches away from doing just that," Harry whispered to Ron.
"Now, to dance, one must let the body, breathe. Inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers longing to break free in flight. Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepares prance."
Turning around, she turned to Sirius.
"Mr. Black, if you would please."
Sirius got up from the stool and walked over to where Professor McGonagall was standing and took her hand.
"Please place your right hand on my waist," Professor McGonagall directed.
"Where?!" Sirius asked.
"My waist," Professor McGonagall repeated. "And extend your arm." Turning to Mr. Filch, she said, "If you please." She motioned to the old Victorian
"This is priceless," Ron whispered to Harry as they watched Sirius and Professor McGonagall began to dance.
After making a few rounds, Sirius and Professor McGonagall broke apart, calling for the students to pick a partner.
"Boys, on your feet!" Professor McGonagall called.
Some of the boys stood up, Neville being one of them and they headed across the room to the girls. Harry stood up and headed towards Ginny.
"May I have this dance?" He asked, offering his hand.
"Yes," Ginny said, taking Harry's hand. She stood up and followed Harry to a spot on the floor where they would have plenty of room without worrying about bumping into anyone else. Harry moved to stand in front of Ginny when they reached the area and took her hand and placed his other on her waist.
Slowly, they began to waltz.
Sirius watched from the side, smiling softly.
"There's something there, that wasn't there before," Professor McGonagall commented.
"Remus betted me one galleon that Harry and Ginny would be dating soon," Sirius informed her.
"I would like in on that," Professor McGonagall stated. "Put me down for one galleon as well. Do we need to pick a time?"
"No," Sirius murmured. "I think as long as it's after the end of the year, I'm good."
Professor McGonagall turned towards Harry and Ginny, watching as Ginny helped guide Harry through the waltz. In her mind, she was seeing James and Lily all over again. A part of her felt sad that James and Lily weren't here to see this. It was as she watched them that she noticed that Harry and Ginny, were falling in love.
She had seen, over her years of teaching, students meeting, falling in love, dating throughout their remaining time at Hogwarts and, like clockwork, she would expect an invitation to a wedding either the summer following their graduation or the following summer. She had seen that happen with James and Lily and felt that history was about to repeat its self.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
The day of the Yule Ball had arrived. The excitement was palpable in the air as the ball was the talk of the school for weeks leading up to it. Most of the younger students had gone home as there was no reason for them to stay, meaning Ginny was alone in her dorm. Hermione invited her to stay with her until her friends returned, which Ginny greatly appreciated.
Hermione also invited her to hang out with Harry and Ron. They spend the days in the snow, having snowball fights until the twins showed up, outnumbering the girls. Sirius had seen this and dragged a protesting Remus outside and joined the girls. While it was unclear who won, Sirius invited the teens to his quarters for hot chocolate.
Ginny and Hermione thanked Sirius for his help as Ron and Harry raced back to the castle with the twins.
Harry had also found while out in Hogsmeade to get dress robes and to do some Christmas shopping, he had found a necklace that would go with Ginny's Kelly green dress. The girl in the jewelry store told him it was white gold, instead of the sliver he originally thought. The pendant was a square gem, the shade of red matching her hair. Harry wanted something that Ginny could wear with other outfits and he thought the necklace would be perfect for what he wanted it for.
It was when he was alone that Harry tried to come up with a plan to ask Ginny to be his girlfriend. He couldn't wait any longer, noticing other boys eyeing Ginny like she was a piece of meat waiting to be claimed. It made Harry sick to his stomach to think that he would miss his chance. But he reminded himself, she had said yes to him and she wasn't one to back out of a promise, especially with the ball now tonight.
He would take out for a walk along the snow cleared pathway as students would be allowed to go out and enjoy the clear night sky. With a plan in his mind, Harry walked upstairs to the fourth year boys dorm to began getting ready for the ball, not knowing which way the night was going to go
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Butterflies returned to Harry's stomach in full force. Harry didn't know why he was so nervous or what he was more nervous for? The dancing in front of everyone and humiliating himself or asking Ginny to be his girlfriend and being rejected.
Harry paced the length of the common room, waiting for Ginny to descend. Hermione had come down to tell Harry that she would be down in a minute and accepted Ron's hand as they walked out of the common room. To everyone's surprise, Hermione turned down Viktor Krum's offer of being his guest to the ball and turned around and accepted Ron's.
They didn't mention anything about to anyone, only to Harry and somehow word had gotten out. No knew though who Harry was bringing. Some had thought that Ginny was Neville's date. She had introduced Neville to her friend Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw in her year. They became fast friends and Neville had asked her to come to the ball with him.
Luna accepted.
Harry sighed, wondering what taking Ginny so long. Finally, he heard footsteps. Turning around to get a glimpse of Ginny and his breath was caught his throat.
She was a vision in green. The dress fit her like a glove, showing her feminine features and curves. Her hair was pulled back in a half up and a half down style with two strands curls and framing her face. She had a touch of makeup, but she didn't really need it. She was beautiful without it.
Heart pounding, Harry approached the bottom of the stairs and offered his hand. Ginny smiled and took it.
"You look…" He croaked, clearing his throat he tried again. "Words leave me, Ginny. You look beautiful."
Ginny smiled, blushing slightly. "Thank you."
They left the common room and headed down to the entrance hall. They walked in silence as Harry kept glancing Ginny, helping her down the stairs in her heels. Once they reached the first floor, they were met with Professor McGonagall.
"Ah, Potter. Right on time. Come this way, please," she directed. She led them to the end of the line with the other champions. Harry realized he had forgotten to mention this to Ginny.
"I think I forgot to mention we open the Yule Ball," he whispered.
"Hermione told me. She figured that you would have forgotten," she replied.
"Thank you, Hermione," Harry thought, making a mental note to thank his best friend.
Horns began to play and the doors opened. They walked in the Great Hall, noticing the immediate changes.
The Great Hall had been transformed into a winter wonderland with icicles and snowy trees. There was a light smoke on the other side of the Great Hall, mainly for effect. It was beautiful and more than anyone could have imagined. Round tables and chairs were scattered on either side of the room, leaving the space from the middle of the Great Hall to the head table open for the dance floor. Where the head table had been, now there was a stage and on the left of the stage was a small band.
As the feast started the Yule Ball, the champions were led to a long table where the tournament officials were already sitting.
Just as they approached the table, Ginny gasped.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Percy," Ginny replied. "I don't want to sit near him. If anyone would ruin this night for me besides the twins it would be him."
Harry nodded and caught Cedric's eye. He was on the other end, further away from Percy.
"Switch?" He mouthed.
Cedric led Cho to Harry and Ginny's spot and Harry led Ginny to Cedric and Cho's spot, leaving some confusion to the adults. Sirius caught on quickly.
"What are they doing?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Percy would be sitting near Harry and Ginny and I imagine the last thing Ginny would want is for her brother to ruin this night for her," Sirius explained.
Professor McGonagall nodded, knowing the relationship the Weasley siblings had with their older brother was, for the lack of a better term, strained. Percy was bossy and tried to tell the others what they should do and how they should live, much to their chagrin.
Once everyone was seated, Dumbledore opened the Ball, announcing the start of the feast. There was a slight confusion by the menus as usually with feasts the food either appeared or was already on the table. But everyone caught on quickly, watching the Professors read off their selections and they appeared on the plate in front of them.
Harry and Ginny both selected the pork roast, watching as it appeared on their plate. As they ate, they made small talk, having had spent very little time with each other until this past year. They thoroughly enjoyed the meal and Harry mostly enjoyed being able to relax and talk to Ginny without anyone else to bother them. He was also very glad he had arranged for them to sit as far away from her brother as possible.
If anyone would ruin this for her, besides the twins, it would be Percy.
Dinner so was cleared away for dessert and Harry and Ginny both reached for the same dessert, their hands touching momentarily.
"You go first," Ginny murmured.
"I got an idea," Harry said. He picked up a piece of the dessert, putting it on a plate and then handed it to Ginny. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Ginny whispered.
"You're welcome." Harry took a piece for himself, glancing down the table and then scanning the surrounding table for Sirius. He was seated beside Professor McGonagall and caught Harry's eye. He had apparently seen the interaction and smiled assuringly to Harry. Harry smiled back and turning back to Ginny he asked her what she thought of the prank Fred and George had pulled on Ron earlier in the week.
All too soon for Harry's liking, the feast was over, the dishes cleared away and Dumbledore announced it was time to open the dance floor. The champions all stood and Harry was suddenly really glad he had switched with Cedric and Cho as he would have been the one to lead them out to the dance floor.
They found a spot on the dance floor, getting into position, waiting for the music to start.
Professor Flitwick climbed into his stand and tapped the podium.
Harry took a deep breath and took Ginny's hand, letting her guide his other hand to her waist.
"Thank you," he mouthed.
"Just you and me, Harry," she whispered. He nodded, glancing over her shoulder seeing Sirius standing in the corner from the dance floor, smiling. He nodded back, giving Harry a thumb up.
As the first strains of the music began to play, Harry confidently led Ginny into the dance. Ginny caught on quickly and they meshed together, getting into the flow of the dance. Harry smiled at her, happy to see she was enjoying herself thus far. Careful not to step on her feet, Harry twirled with Ginny matching the moves with the others. Without warning to Ginny, Harry lifted her up when the others did the same with their dates.
"That was fun, can we do that again?" Ginny whispered.
"I think there's another one somewhere," He replied. Harry was right, only it was a lift and twirl. Applause told Harry everything was going okay. He breathed a sigh of relief, noticing that the music was beginning to slow down and then when they were back to the spot where they started the music stopped and the crowd applauded.
This signaled the end of the first dance and the other students joined the Champions and their dates on the dance floor. As the second waltz began, Harry and Ginny flowed across the dance floor, now feeling even more confident in himself, Harry even tried dipping Ginny, taking her by surprise.
Ginny was in heaven, she couldn't believe how wonderful things had gone so far. She and Harry had danced to all of the songs up to that point and never once did he step on her toes. She had expected it but now she was able to relax and let Harry led her. Dancing with Harry had been like she was in a dream, a wonderful dream. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure this wasn't a dream.
When she felt her own pinch, she knew this wasn't a dream. This was more, actually. This was a dream come true.
She wasn't sure how many dances they had done but she was ready for a short break. She was getting thirsty and as much as she didn't want to admit it, she wouldn't mind to sit down for a moment and rest her feet.
Harry must have read her mind because as the song came to end, he asked her, "Would you like to get something to drink?"
Ginny couldn't help but smile. "That would be lovely," she said happily.
Taking her hand, Harry led her over to the refreshment table. Ron and Hermione were getting themselves some punch and seeing them approach, Hermione asked Ginny if she was having a good time.
"I am," Ginny answered, confidently.
As the girls talked, Harry asked Ron, "When were you going to tell me that you asked Hermione?"
"I thought I did," Ron answered, picking up a biscuit and handing Hermione a glass of punch.
"We're going to take a break, you're welcome to join us if you want," Harry told Ron.
"I think we're heading for the table Hermione and I sat at," Ron added.
"We'll find you then," Harry said.
Before Ron and Hermione left to go to their table, Ron whispered to his sister, "You look beautiful, Ginny."
She smiled at him, as Harry handed her a glass of punch. "Thanks, Ron."
Ron and Hermione left Harry and Ginny alone, or so they thought.
"Well if it isn't the belle of the ball."
Ginny turned to the voice, sighing at seeing her brothers, Fred, and George with their dates. The twins were smiling at her knowingly.
Ginny sighed. "Please don't spoil this for me?" she pleaded, softly. She didn't see Harry glance between the twins and their sister.
Fred and George glanced at each, exchanging a quick glance, their demeanor quickly changing. George approached his sister first, giving her a hug.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Firecracker," He whispered in her ear.
Fred traded places with his twin. "We're just glad to see you smiling again and happy."
Smiling, she said, "Thanks you two."
Once Fred released his sister, he took a step back standing beside his twin. Glancing Harry they nodded.
"Harry," they said in unison and left Harry and Ginny alone. Taking a shaky breath of relief, Ginny turned to face Harry, noticing he had been watching her the whole time with her brothers.
"They can be sweet when they want to be," She said to Harry.
Harry just smiled at her, giving her a nod as he led her back to the table where Ron and Hermione were sitting.
"I need to go to the loo," Hermione announced. "Want to come Ginny?"
Ginny nodded and followed Hermione towards the loos. Harry took this opportunity to tell Ron his plans.
"Before we go back to the tower I'll take Ginny out for a walk and then I'll ask her if she would want to be my girlfriend," Harry blurted, careful not to speak too loud.
Ron nodded. "Good luck mate. There is no doubt in my mind she would say yes."
"Thanks, Ron," Harry sighed in relief.
Then Ron leaned over and whispered, "Remember, best friend or not, hurt her and I will hurt you."
"I remember Ron," Harry said. Taking a sip of his punch, he added, "Same goes for when you finally ask Hermione out."
Ron spluttered as the girls returned, sitting down beside the boys.
"Well, are you ready to go back out there?" Ron asked Hermione after a minute or so.
"Sure," Hermione replied, telling Harry and Ginny bye.
Now they were alone, Harry swallowed feeling his heart pounding and his stomach filling back up with butterflies.
They stared into each other's eyes, feeling the connection between them growing with each passing second.
"Would you like to take a walk in the gardens?" Harry asked, his emerald eyes glowing slightly as he looked at her.
"I'd like that very much," Ginny replied, softly.
Hand in hand they headed for the doors. Harry led Ginny out into the gardens, she gasped slightly at the beautiful scenery that was before her. The garden was being kept warm by magic so they were extremely comfortable despite the current weather and the cold wind from being near the lake. The moon was in its last quarter, providing enough moonlight making the setting al the more romantic.
Harry and Ginny wandered away from the doors hand in hand, exchanging shy glances and smiles. They walked along the snow cleared pathway to a small bench with a view of the Black Lake. It was a beautiful sight to behold with the moonlight reflecting off the waves of the Black Lake, giving off the appearance of diamonds, glittering the dark water.
Because the bench was quite small they sat down close together, but neither felt crowded, quite the contrary, they were comfortable. They sat in silence for several minutes, lost in their own thoughts.
Harry was thinking hard about the beautiful witch beside him. He couldn't believe just how wonderful of a night they were sharing. He felt something coalesce around his heart, almost as if she had already made herself at home there. He wanted this to be perfect for Ginny and it was perfect, beyond perfect.
He didn't want this night to end. Now there was just one thing left for Harry to do.
Smiling, he turned to Ginny, wrapping an arm around her shoulder pausing to see if she was comfortable with that. She leaned into his embrace.
"I had a great time tonight," he said softly, breaking the silence.
Ginny felt her breath catch. As wondering as the evening and the night had been and the connection she had felt with Harry, she was waiting for the 'But' to come.
"I know we've only recently gotten to know each other, but I can't deny what I'm feeling for you. I like you a lot, more than a lot," Harry admitted, hoping he wasn't screwing everything up.
All of Ginny's doubts vanished, and she felt her heart soar. She found herself smiling at him, more brightly than before.
"I understand what you're saying and all I can is I'm feeling the same way."
Harry was taken totally by surprise and found himself too stunned to speak. He wasn't sure what to say or do next.
To his own accord, he leaned forward.
Ginny leaned forward, meeting Harry in the middle. They sighed as their lips met. Ginny reached up and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, while his one hand went to her back and the other to back of her head.
They pulled back slowly, eyes opening. Ginny smiled at him softly as Harry smiled back at her.
"Would you be my girlfriend?" Harry asked.
Ginny didn't hesitate. "Yes," she whispered.
"Yes?" Harry's response sounded more like a question.
Cupping his face in her hands, she nodded. "I would love too."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry and Ginny entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning to find it had been transformed back to normal overnight. They walked hand in hand to the Gryffindor table, sitting down at Harry, Ron, and Hermione's usual spot, only instead of Ron sitting beside Harry, it was Ginny.
"I feel like I'm in a dream," Ginny admitted.
"I do too," Harry chuckled. "So what do you want to do today?"
"I don't care as long as I'm with you," Ginny replied, kissing his cheek. They had met in the common room before heading down for breakfast. They greeted each other with a quick kiss and asking each other how they had slept the night before.
They ate breakfast quickly, deciding to hurry up and head back up to the common room, hoping to claim a place by the fire. Ginny figured they could talk or play a game while waiting for the weather to change to head outside and play in the snow. Maybe built a snowman or make snow angels. Ginny was determined to give Harry the full playing in the snow experience he had never had before.
Finishing up with their breakfast, Harry got an idea. Glancing up at the head table he found Sirius and Remus sitting on the end near Professor McGonagall.
He smiled mischievously.
"Do I want to know?" Ginny asked.
"Follow my lead," Harry said. He knew Sirius had just come in the Great Hall through the other door on the other side from the room where Harry was taken the night his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. What Sirius was doing he didn't want to know.
Taking Ginny's hand, hiding it from view, he pulled her up and then when he knew Sirius was watching, he pulled Ginny into a deep kiss, taking her by surprise.
A loud clatter from the head table was Harry's signal that Sirius had seen. When they broke apart, Harry glanced towards Sirius, holding in a bubble of laughter at Sirius's shocked face. He waved at his godfather and took Ginny's hand leading her back to Gryffindor tower.
Meanwhile, at the head table, Sirius watched with a gobsmacked expression as Harry and Ginny left the Great Hall hand in hand. Remus was sitting beside Sirius and had seen the display of affection Harry had shown Ginny, knowing it was Harry's way of telling Sirius he had a girlfriend.
Struggling to keep from laughing, he reached his hand out towards Sirius's wiggling his fingers in a 'pay up' matter.
"Pay up, Padfoot," He chuckled.
Grumbling Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out one galleon. He slapped it into Remus's palm.
A throat clearing made Sirius glance to his left to find Professor McGonagall holding out her hand.
"I told you so," she said.
That made Remus lose it and he roared with laughter. Sirius gave her one galleon, grumbling about how he thought it was unfair.
Finished with his own breakfast, he got up from the table and left the Great Hall. As he walked down the corridor, he glanced outside taking in the scenery of a Scotland winter morning. He found Harry and Ginny had decided to go out for a walk after collecting their winter coat, hat, and gloves. Watching them from the window, Sirius began to question just how he had missed this.
But seeing Harry happy, made him happy and he didn't want to mess that up.
"History is about to repeat it's self, Prongs," He whispered. "Your son has fallen in love with a redhead."