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HB Prince: Year of Love | ||||||
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Category: Post-OotP Characters:All, All Genres: Angst, Drama, Fluff, Humor Warnings: None Rating: PG Reviews: 309 Summary: *** The author has been reminded via the e-mail address on file that this story is listed as incomplete and has not been updated in over 2 years *** This story starts at the end of Order Of The Phoenix. Although this story starts as the usual Harry/Ginny romance, I believe after several chapters, you will find that Ancient Dark Magic takes on a whole new meaning to our Harry and Ginny. Will Harry discover the key to the Half-Blood Prince?* * * *American Edition *** * * * Hitcount: Story Total: 196395; Chapter Total: 3354 Author's Notes: SUMMARY: Ron has a date - - Ginny has thoughts - - Table
of Flames
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Chapter Twenty-eight Valentines Ball Ginny was hurt and upset about what she had learned about Harry. She cried herself to sleep almost every night. Ever since her nightmare, Harry was avoiding her. Who wants a girl that screams his name insanely, that you can’t wake up? He could have any girl. He surely didn’t want one who was crazy. Until the nightmare, he had been so loving and tender with her. She couldn’t be imagining ALL of it. But then, he HAD kissed that girl. That was before the nightmare. BEFORE the Christmas Ball. He took her to the Christmas Ball, AFTER he kissed that girl. He bought her a dress for that ball. Not just any dress, it was a special dress. It was special for her, she thought it was special for him too. What if Harry wanted to go to the ball with this girl, but Ron talked him into going with her instead? Was it Harry or Ron who was being “big brother”? What if every time he looked at her, he was thinking about this other girl? Maybe that’s why he had “that look”. HOW DARE HE ! Harry never kissed HER. He had had many opportunities. He always just walked away after they’ve been out together. Were his kisses that good? Of course they were! Was the girl lying? She didn’t sound like she was. Those other girls said she was out in the hallway talking to him. Maybe he was seeing her now. Maybe he’s been seeing her ever since that day. Did he like her? Or did he just like kissing her? Why didn’t he appear in public with her? Maybe she was one of those “loose” girls. She thought she knew who all of them were. Did Harry go for “loose” girls like Ron? Maybe he’s just more secretive about it. He had plenty of time. Most nights he didn’t show up in the Common Room till late. She had not seen any of the girls in the bathroom that day. She only heard their voices. Maybe she wasn’t that pretty. Maybe she was! But what about Ron? Was Ron taking out the same girl? How many girls with blue eyes and brown hair named Rita or Lisa were in Hufflepuff? Would Harry care? Would Ron care that she had a crush on Harry? Did she still have a crush on Harry? Why was she so mad at Harry? Didn’t he have the right to kiss whomever he wanted? They were not going together. They went to parties and balls together, but that was all. They were not a “couple”. She had no right to be angry, but she was, she was angry and hurt. Even if she didn’t have any right to be. * * * * Harry had his own miseries. Ginny had been acting different lately. Every time he noticed her looking his way, she would turn her head. He feared that she was mad at him for some reason. He didn’t want THAT. He didn’t want to be near her, because he couldn’t have her, but he didn’t want her to be mad at him. It was pure agony thinking about her. He glanced at the framed pictures of him and Ginny from the Harvest and Christmas balls on his night table. They looked so happy, like they were made for each other. He sighed. He caught up with her one night in the Common Room. She couldn’t avoid him, since he had moved into a position that had her close to the wall. “Ginny, do you have everything you need for the ball?” “Yes,” she said. “Ok. I was just checking. Didn’t want you to get another howler,” he teased. “No, there won’t be any howlers this time,” she said, coldly. “Eh... are you upset with me? I mean, you do want to go to the ball with me, right?” he asked. “Oh yes. I want to go to the ball with you. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said. “Eh... ok then,” said Harry. He walked away confused. She sounded kinda cold. But she said she wanted to go. Maybe she was just having a bad day. * * * * The day of the Valentines Ball arrived. Ginny hadn’t told Luna or Hermione about what she learned about Harry kissing that girl. She had kept that to herself. She hadn’t even written Tonks about that. She wouldn’t write anything about Harry in a letter anyway, in case someone was spying. She was going to have to find a way to talk to Tonks in person. Tonks always understood her. Tonks listened. She would let Ginny talk until she figured out for herself how to solve her problems. Tonks was a good friend. She spent the whole day in her dorm, checking everything. She wanted to be dressed perfectly. She may be ugly, but she was going to make herself look as good as she could. Without any “Enhancement Charm”! She started with her nails. She filed and buffed them to perfection. She spent a couple of hours on her hair. It looked as good as it was ever going to look. She had pulled the sides back into a pretty pearl clip and the curls cascaded over the top of her back hair that was brushed very smooth. It was the same style she wore at the Christmas ball, but maybe the curls were lying just a little more tightly. She applied her makeup, not too much, just enough to improve her better features. When she pulled out the gown, she gasped. It was so beautiful, she forgot each time she saw it, just how beautiful it was. No one would pay any attention to her freckles once they saw the gown. She stroked the brocade. It felt so luxurious. Her satin undergarments felt very smooth against her skin as she stepped into the gown and did up the back, then she added the robe and shoes. There were a few different ways the robe could be worn. Tonight she would be wearing it sleeveless, with the brocade side outward. The Great Hall was always warm, so she didn’t have to worry about getting cold. Harry had no idea when he selected it, just how versatile it could be. He also didn’t know that white was not always the best color for a woman to wear. It could often wash out a woman’s complexion. Ginny was lucky that that particular tint of white actually enhanced her complexion, giving it a peachy cream color. Even though the price was outrageous, it was designed with many features. It was of the highest quality. When she finished, she studied herself carefully in the mirror. She didn’t look ugly. Even her freckles looked good. Why would that other girl think that freckles were ugly? Ron’s face was full of freckles, but she didn’t seem to mind his. She decided that she was not going to look any better. She was NOT ugly. With that, she walked down to the Common Room to meet the man she loved. Harry was waiting nervously in the Common Room. He thought he looked about as good as he ever was going to. He was extra careful with his grooming tonight. Even his nails were trimmed. Ron, Neville and Hermione had already left. Neville told Harry that he would save them seats at the table. Ginny was taking a long time. Maybe she had had second thoughts about going with him. But then she appeared in the doorway. The archway leading to the girls dorm framed her body giving the effect she was a portrait come to life. She looked perfect. There was no other way to describe her. Her shiny, flaming locks lay against the creamy white brocade robe, not a hair out of place. Her face had a warm peachy glow. The brocade gown was of a classic style, with tiny inlaid pearls. It was sleeveless with a square neckline. The bodice form fit to the waist where it gently flared out all the way to her shoes. The sleeveless robe was of the same brocade without the pearls, it lay over the gown as a layer. The wide border of brushed silk did not close in the front, but left an opening where you could see the front of the gown all the way down. This gave the effect that it was much longer, it gave Ginny a longer, more streamline look. Her neck, chest and arms looked like cream against the brocade. It made him want to touch her skin. He felt that she was the most beautiful creature he ever saw. He started to take her arm, when she stopped. “Oh Harry, I can’t believe I forgot the necklace. I’ll be right back,” she said. “No. Wait here.” He pulled out his wand “Accio pearl necklace”. A couple of seconds later the necklace was in his hand. “Turn around,” he said. He unlatched the clasp and stood behind her, placing the necklace around her neck. His hands lightly brushing her neck, he lifted her hair as not to mess it. He carefully fastened it. He turned her around. It was perfect. He walked her over to a wall mirror and stood behind her, showing her how the necklace looked. He placed his hands on her arms and gave them a gentle caress. “You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. She would have melted in his arms right then, if it wasn’t for a first year boy, who gave a wolf whistle. That broke the moment. She smiled at the boy and Harry laughed. “I agree,” said Harry. He took her arm and they left Gryffindor Tower. Dumbledore had just announced that the feast had begun, when they entered the room. They walked over to the same table they had previously had at the other balls. This time, the tables were covered with scarlet tablecloths with bouquets of tiny white flowers in the center. There were pink and red silk hearts floating near the ceiling. Tiny fairies were fluttering around the room. The night’s sky was pitch black with tiny snowflakes falling. They were the last to arrive at the table. The two empty seats were where Lee and Nancy had sat the last time. Beside Ginny, sat Lee and Nancy who were sitting next to George, then Luna, then Fred. Hermione, then Neville, then Ron’s date next to Ron back to Harry. The table arrangement was not even because, yet again Luna had both Fred and George as dates. Ron introduced his date as Lisa Mills from Hufflepuff. Harry and Ginny nodded to her. Lisa slightly blushed. Harry’s body language told Ginny that she WAS the girl from the bathroom. So he did know her. Ginny was wearing a mischievous grin. This could be a very interesting evening. Lisa was wearing dark blue robes that enhanced her pretty blue eyes. Ginny studied her closely, she could not deny that the girl was pretty. Even though there were other girls that were just as pretty or even prettier. They ate dinner with light conversation. Harry was keeping his head averted as not to look at Lisa directly. Even though Lisa was attentive to Ron, she kept looking over at Harry. Ron acted like he was proud to have her for his date. Ginny wondered about her. She had been going on in the bathroom about Harry, but she was here as Ron’s date. What did HER friend think about the arrangement? Ginny didn’t think she would be too happy about it. Did Lisa really like Ron or was she with him to get close to Harry? What about Ron? Did he really like her? He had said he only just met her. Harry interrupted her thoughts by asking her a few meaningless questions that she answered politely. He was looking at her with “that look” again. “So, Fred, George, what’s the deal tonight? Are you Luna’s dates or are you the entertainment for the evening?” asked Harry. “Both!” said Fred and George. “Back by popular demand,” said Fred and George. “As dates or entertainment?” asked Harry. “Both!” said Fred and George. Luna was wearing her lime green brocade robes with dangling green earrings. Upon closer look, the earrings were designed to look like sliced limes. Luna loved to wear odd earrings. It was part of her “style”. She looked happy. She was smiling and enjoying her dinner and dates. Hermione, wearing pink, was exquisitely dressed and groomed, as usual. Actually Hermione had grown into quite a lovely young woman. Harry sensed that she and Neville would not be going out much longer. They seemed to like each other but they just didn’t seem to show any real affection for one another. Lee and Nancy were a cute couple. Nancy was wearing a fun robe set. Her outer robe, that was open revealing the gown beneath, was pink. The gown was white with pink hearts that perfectly matched the outer robe. They looked happy and relaxed with each other. Lee had a weird sense of humor, similar to the twins, so it took a special kind of girl to deal with it. Harry chuckled to himself when he thought of that. Harry felt he was controlling his emotions very well. The girl, whose name he now knew as Lisa, was sitting at their table! She was RON’S DATE! This was not good. Ginny was quiet tonight. She seemed to be in a strange mood. She didn’t seem mad any more, but she had a certain look that he couldn’t figure out. There were tensions at the table. Not like the last ball but in it’s own way, similar. Ron’s date ... “So does this mean that Ron and Ginny will be ‘working’ again tonight?” asked Harry. “Yep! They are needed to ‘fill in’ and don’t forget yourself,” said George. “Bill and Charlie will be here too,” said Fred. When the food was finished and all removed, Bill and Charlie arrived at the table. “Ginny, you look like an angel,” said Bill, hugging her with a smile. “Have you ever seen her look more enchanting?” asked Harry. “No. She is lovely,” said Charlie, who also bent to give Ginny a hug. “She looks like a bride,” said Luna. “You, my dear, look like springtime,” said Bill, giving her a hug. Luna blushed. Bill and Charlie hugged each one at the table in turn. Lisa blushed when it was her turn. Ron introduced her, then excused himself to go up to the band area along with George. The band started it out with a rockin’ fast tune. The dance floor filled up quickly. Harry asked Ginny if she wanted to dance this one or wait for the next. She said she would like to wait for the next dance. Everyone else had went out on the dance floor. Leaving Harry, Ginny and Lisa the only ones left at the table. This was not good. Harry was feeling awkward. He wanted to just enjoy sitting with Ginny, but with Lisa at the table he felt he shouldn’t ignore her, but he definitely didn’t want to talk to her either. Ginny was loving it. Harry was uncomfortable. Good for him! After all the tears she shed because of this, he deserved to be uncomfortable. Lisa was trying to get Harry to look at her by shifting in her seat and tapping her fingers on the table. She wanted to talk to him, to get next to him. She wanted to get him alone again. Ginny sensed this. She was going to try to keep Harry away from her as much as possible. Not only for herself but for Ron. Ginny felt that Ron didn’t have any idea of what was going on with Harry and Lisa. Harry knew that something was going on between Lisa and Ginny. Could Ginny possibly know? She was good at sensing things. She was very intuitive. When the next song began, Harry asked Ginny to dance. It was a slow ballad. He glided her across the room, away from the table where Lisa sat. They danced looking at each other’s eyes, then he pulled her in close and held her lovingly. When the song ended, he asked her if she would be removing her robe. She nodded. So they walked out of the Great Hall away from the doors. He stood behind her and helped guide the robe off her shoulders. She smelled so good, like soap. He loved that smell. There were several people passing by, so what could have been a “moment” was not going to happen at this time. He took her robe and carefully folded it over his arm. Then he took her in his arms and danced her back to the dance floor. This did not go unnoticed by Draco Malfoy. Draco was not pleased to see Ginny in such obviously expensive gowns. He didn’t like it that she was becoming a beautiful young woman either. He felt that the Weasleys were becoming a bit too affluent. He liked it when they appeared poor. At the moment there was nothing to criticize so he just sneered at both of them. Both Harry and Ginny saw the sneer. They smiled. It really was a good feeling to get to him. When they arrived back at the table, Ginny was called forward to sing. Harry went to the drink table and brought back the usual drinks he always got when she sang. George was not playing at the moment and came up beside Harry at the drink table. “I heard that Ginny’s robes cost you a fortune,” said George. “Erm,” said Harry. “She looks beautiful in that gown tonight. A vision you’ll never forget.” “She does look beautiful tonight and I better not FORGET anything tonight,” said Harry, pointedly. George laughed. Harry returned to the table, sat the drinks down and turned his chair so that he could watch Ginny sing. He loved to watch her sing. Her voice was so soothing. She had a deeper voice than what you would expect from such a small person. Harry wondered if it was so deep because of the screaming she did during her nightmares. Harry didn’t know anything about musical terms so he wouldn’t know that her voice would be considered an alto. But she had a voice range that could go much higher when she wanted. When Ginny started her next song, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that only he and Lisa remained at the table. He pretended he didn’t notice, as he kept his chair turned. He was NOT going to dance with Lisa while Ginny was singing. That just didn’t seem right. He needed to let Lisa know that he was not interested. So when Ginny returned to the table, he rose to greet her and embraced her. After they sat back down, he rested his arm on the back of Ginny’s chair. Harry then began to wonder if that was a good idea. People around might start getting the idea that he was in love with Ginny. He didn’t want that known. Poor Harry had no idea that everyone, with perhaps the exception of Lisa and Ginny, KNEW he was in love with Ginny. Colin Creevy arrived with his camera. He took several shots of the couples around the table. Then he asked Harry and Ginny to come over to the French doors that led outside. He took a more formal shot of them standing before the doors. As before, several other couples formed a line to get their pictures taken too. “I think Colin is going to become a rich man before his days at Hogwarts are done,” said Fred. Everyone agreed. He was already making a small fortune off of Harry. Ron joined the table and got to dance a few dances with Lisa. Harry was relieved. Harry and Ginny sat the next song out, while everyone else was dancing. Ginny was feeling giddy. “Harry, do you like Lisa? You seem to act a little different around her.” Harry’s face turned red. “Ginny, I like her ok. But... well, I think she used to have a crush on me. I didn’t know that she knew Ron. It makes me uncomfortable because Ron would probably be upset about it.” “She USED to have a crush on you?” asked Ginny. “Yes. I hope she doesn’t now. I don’t like this situation at all. It was bad enough at the last ball with those other girls. Now this one. I wish we weren’t sitting a the same table, but if we were to change tables, I think someone’s feelings would be hurt. What do you think?” asked Harry. Ginny thought for a moment. Harry was actually telling her the truth or at least part of it. Should she give him a break or work on him some more? She DID cry a million tears over this. “I think if we changed tables that it would cause questions that maybe you wouldn’t want to answer. Ron would wonder what was going on. Do you want to talk to her to see?” she said. “No!” Harry lowered his voice. “I don’t even know her. I mean, I only learned her name tonight.” “Hmmm I don’t understand. Harry, lots of girls have a crush on you. Why would this one make you feel uncomfortable?” she asked. Harry blushed. How was he going to put this? He wished Ginny would drop it. “Er... well this one... eh... she was a little more aggressive than the others.” Ginny was loving it. “In what way?” she asked. “Let’s just say that she... eh... Ginny, I really don’t want to talk about this,” said Harry. “Ok, Harry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just curious.” said Ginny. “I’m only upset because of Ron. If she is dating him because of me, it would hurt him. I don’t want Ron hurt,” he said. Then the music stopped and everyone was returning to the table. Harry rose and asked Ginny for the next dance. Which turned out to be another slow song. When he danced with Ginny, he felt there was no one else in the world. When they returned, Bill came over and asked Ginny to dance. Ron got up to sing and everyone got up to dance leaving Harry and Lisa alone at the table. “Aren’t you going to ask me to dance?” asked Lisa. “No, I don’t think so. Ron probably wouldn’t like it,” said Harry. “What’s he got to do with it? We aren’t going to do anything wrong. Are we?” she asked, with a grin. “No,” said Harry. “Excuse me.” Harry had spotted Madam Pomfrey and decided to ask her for a dance. When he returned, Ginny was giggling. “Come on, Ginny. Let’s dance,” he said, as they went out on the floor swinging to a fast one. Next song, he asked Hermione to dance. It was a slow song, so they were able to talk. “Harry, something is going on. Aren’t you going to tell me about it?” asked Hermione. “Nope!” said Harry. “You don’t tell me anything any more,” pouted Hermione. “You women are driving me crazy. The only one who doesn’t give me any trouble is Madam Pomfrey. I think I’m going to start going out with her,” said Harry. Then he began to laugh. Hermione was puzzled. “Harry, I think you are going mental.” “Hermione, I think you’re right,” said Harry. Harry sang the lead on the next two songs. He was getting used to singing in public now. He was still a little uncomfortable but it was not as bad as sitting with any of Ron’s dates. He danced with Luna and Nancy. Then he went over and found Sylvia Larson, Ron’s date from the Harvest Ball. He thought she was really nice and a good dancer. Ron finally came back to the table, he’d been singing quite a bit. Ron had danced with Lisa then he danced with Hermione. Harry and Ginny finally had the table to themselves once again. They talked quietly during the slow song that was playing. Harry felt all warm inside being with Ginny, with no outside influences to disturb them. Harry and Ginny were watching Ron dance with Hermione. They both thought that SHE should have been Ron’s date. They looked so natural together. Harry found Pavarti and danced with her. When he took her back to her table, he noticed that everyone at that table looked happy. There didn’t seem to be any “undercurrent” like the one at his table. Lavender was there with Seamus. He asked her to dance the next one. When he returned, Seamus gave him a little bit of a bad time over his dance moves, but it was all in good fun. Seamus followed Harry back to his table and asked Hermione to dance, then he asked Ginny for the next one. Harry also took the time to dance with Professor McGonagal. Even though she still had a slight limp, it didn’t stop her from putting out some pretty good moves. When he returned to the table, he just caught the tail end of a conversation about kissing. Harry was on alert. Ginny watched his face closely. Yes, he had kissed Lisa. She was sure of it now. She just wasn’t sure if Harry was uncomfortable because he still liked Lisa and she was now with Ron, or was it what he said, that he didn’t want Ron to find out that Lisa had a crush on him. The band went on a break, which meant they all crowded around the table. Ron didn’t go off with Lisa, but sat there at the table, with his arm around her shoulder. Bill and Harry went for drinks. “What’s going on with Lupin and Tonks?” asked Harry. “Are they still together? Lupin hasn’t said anything in his letters to me.” “They look like they are getting along just fine,” said Bill, grinning. “I want him to be happy. I hope they are happy together,” said Harry. “I don’t know. He only looks about ten years younger and dances around the kitchen sometimes. But maybe he’s doing that because he doesn’t have a house full of teens to bother with,” said Bill. Harry grinned. They dropped off some drinks then Charlie went back with Harry to get another batch. “Bill tells me that Tonks and Lupin are still seeing each other,” said Harry. “That ol’ werewolf is howling at the moon.” laughed Charlie. “Never seen him so giddy. He dances around the kitchen sometimes. I think he’s a lunatic.” “Ewwwww that was bad,” said Harry. “Yeah I know. How’s the D.A. going?” “Not bad. I think everyone is really doing well,” said Harry. “Lisa was telling me that she is in one of the Advanced classes. She said that she learned everything from you, that classes now are dull.” said Charlie. “I never heard that any D.A. classes were dull,” said Harry. “Maybe it’s the teacher,” said Charlie. “Don’t know which class she’s in. I’ll ask around,” said Harry. “Why don’t you ask her?” asked Charlie. “Erm” said Harry, as he walked back to the table. Ginny was sitting in Bill’s lap laughing. Bill started bouncing her on his knee. “Bill, be careful. You’re going to spill my drink on my gown.” “We ARE wizards, you know. We can clean it right up,” said Bill. “Harry, do you think it’s washable?” asked Hermione, looking worried. “Well, if it’s not, I’ll just get her another one,” said Harry. Ginny blushed. “I think I’ll just put the drink down.” Harry started teasing her, grabbing at the drink, but she got it safely on the table. Neville excused himself and left the table. Charlie filled his chair, leaving Harry standing. Dean Thomas and his date came up and greeted everyone with a hug. “You know, everyone is calling this table, “The Table of Flames”. “Why?” asked Lisa. “All the flaming red hair,” said Dean. “Yeah, you should see the kitchen table, at home. Flames everywhere!” laughed Ron. “Speaking of flames and kitchens, Ginny, Tonks said to tell you it is very HOT in the kitchen,” said Charlie. “Tell her it’s been mostly cold here,” said Ginny. “Then I think we ought to warm things up!” said George. “Break’s over!” They started a rockin’ song. All the students started clapping to the rhythm. Ron began to sing and the girls started squealing. This was one of the most popular songs. The crowd loved it. Harry grabbed Ginny’s hand pulled her out to the dance floor. They danced hard to that one and were ready for drinks when they sat down. Dean came back to the table and asked Ginny to dance. Everyone else was dancing leaving Harry alone with Lisa again. Harry sat for a moment thinking. He should ask Lisa to dance. Ron might get suspicious that he had asked all the other girls at the table but her. “Do you want to dance?” asked Harry, hoping she would refuse. “Yes, I’ve been waiting all night,” she purred. Harry walked her out to the dance floor, of course it had to be a slow dance. He placed his hand carefully on her back, the other in her hand. She pulled him up close to her. He didn’t like this at all. He gently pulled himself away at a safer distance. “You seem nervous,” she said. “No. Not really. I’m just used to dancing with Ginny,” he said. “Ron’s sister?” she asked. “Yes, of course,” said Harry. What was she playing at? She’d been sitting across from her all night. “I’ve missed you,” she said, smiling sweetly. “I couldn’t keep teaching all those classes. There just wasn’t enough time.” “Did you have to give up ALL of them?” she asked, batting her eyes. “All the Advanced classes. I only teach Beginners now,” said Harry. “I’m not doing so well in the Advance class. I’m thinking that I should maybe go back to a Beginners class.” “Dumbledore won’t allow it. He said that once you learn certain spells that you must move up to Advanced. I don’t have the time to teach so many classes,” he said, hoping she would get the hint. “You’re a MUCH better teacher. I’ve learned A LOT from you.” “Who’s your instructor now?” he asked. “Ron.” “Ron can teach you anything you want to know,” said Harry, as the song finished. Harry didn’t see the smirk Lisa gave Ginny when they returned to the table. He was happy to dance several more songs with Ginny. Then one more with Lisa, this time, he made sure it was a fast song. Whenever Harry was away from Lisa, he was happy. He enjoyed his dances with Ginny and the quiet talk they shared at the table. It was only when he had to look at Lisa that he felt unsettled. Near the very end of the ball, Harry was dancing to a slow song with Luna. “Harry, would you be upset if I had a boyfriend?” asked Luna. “No. As long as he treats you right and you are happy. That’s all I want,” said Harry. “Good,” said Luna. They danced for a little while longer, but Luna didn’t say anything more. “Luna, are you going to tell me WHO this boyfriend is?” asked Harry. “Isn’t it obvious?” asked Luna. “Eh... no... eh... could it be Fred or George?” asked Harry. “Yes,” said Luna. “Which one?” asked Harry. “Why, the good looking one with the sense of humor, of course,” said Luna, dreamily. “Of course,” said Harry. Then he busted up laughing. “Harry, I’m serious about this. He asked me to be his girlfriend tonight,” said Luna. “I’m sorry, Luna. You just always make me laugh. I want you to be happy.” “I love you, Harry,” said Luna. “I love you too,” said Harry. When they went back to the table, Harry was shaking his head. She never did tell him which one it was. Neither was there at the table so there was no way of telling. He looked over to the band and studied both of the twins. No clue there either. Dumbledore announced that the next song would end the ball. Any who were not in their Common Room within a half an hour after the last song would wake up as Cupid in the morning. Once again, Harry sang the last song of the ball as he danced with Ginny. It was a waltz and again the fairy lights swirled around the room to give the effect of the room slowly spinning. They all said their good nights and hugged each other before leaving the Great Hall. As Harry was walking Ginny back to the Gryffindor Tower, he felt that this time he was really going to kiss Ginny goodnight. He was determined that he would not forget. Just as they reached the Fat Lady, Fred caught up with them. “Harry, I need to talk to you in private,” said Fred. Harry looked at his watch. He had a few minutes. “Ginny, you go on in. This may take a few minutes. You don’t want to wake up wearing a diaper,” said Fred. “Do you think that I want to wake up wearing a diaper?” said Harry chuckling. “I will take Ginny in. I’ll be right back,” said Harry. “I can’t wait,” said Fred. “Ginny go on in. Harry says ‘good night’,” said Fred, giving her a hug. Ginny told Harry good night and went in. “Fred, if you think you are going to get on my good side now, forget it,” said Harry. Harry was not happy about this turn of events. “Harry, come walk with me for a few minutes,” said Fred, taking his arm. “It’s about Luna...” he started. “Oh ! So you’re the good looking one, with the sense of humor?” said Harry. “Right you are!” “Luna has agreed to be my girl. We’ve been writing to each other for several months and seeing each other when we can. I want you to know that I intend to take good care of her,” said Fred. “You realize that she is still going through a hard time,” said Harry. “Yes. But I seem to distract her from her sorrow,” said Fred. “And she makes me laugh.” “She makes me laugh too,” said Harry. “I guess I don’t have to tell you, that you have to treat her with respect.” “I promise,” said Fred. Harry looked at his watch. Ron walked up at that moment. “We need to get inside. We don’t want to wake up in diapers,” said Harry. “Fred, I will hold you to your promise,” said Harry. “What’s all this about?” asked Ron. “I’ll tell you inside... night Fred,” said Harry. “Night Harry. Night Ron,” said Fred. Harry and Ron entered the Common Room with a minute to spare. There was no sign of Ginny. Harry sat in his corner. Ron sat beside him. “Fred asked Luna to be his girlfriend tonight,” said Harry. “Wow! I suppose it’s about time,” said Ron, thoughtfully. “You knew?” said Harry. “Well... yeah. Sorta,” said Ron. “I mean, he’s been taking her to all the balls.” “Both of them have been taking her to the balls,” corrected Harry. “No. It’s been Fred. Are you really that thick?” said Ron. “I guess so,” said Harry, sighing. He was watching the entrance to the girls dorm. Watching to see if Ginny would come back. Ron decided to go up to bed. Harry waited another half an hour before he decided that Ginny was not coming back. At least this time he didn’t ‘forget’ to kiss Ginny. Ginny had no idea why she had a sudden urge to take a shower. He was disappointed, as he walked up to his dorm. Why did he get himself all worked up to kiss her? He KNEW he shouldn’t be kissing her. He needed to keep her SAFE. The next few weeks were passing with nothing more unusual happening, other than Harry had finally finished the book. The problem was, it didn’t tell him anything. It was just a story. He could find nothing that would relate to Riddle or himself. Nothing! He started reading the last four chapters again. Hoping to find something he missed before. Even though he had read them before, they were still hard reading. He also wanted to be extra careful not to have missed some point. Ginny was unsure about Harry and Lisa. While Harry was dancing with others, Lisa had made some pointed remarks. She seemed to be hinting about things. Even when Ron was sitting next to her. It as like she knew that Ginny knew. Maybe it was all in Ginny’s mind. She just felt that Lisa was letting her know that she was going to get Harry one way or another. She had watched them dance together. They had been talking as they danced. It looked very romantic. She battled these thoughts every night. Since Harry was back to keeping his distance, he must be seeing Lisa. * * * * Beta by Jenny |
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