XVIII: The Perfect Moment
That night, Ginny set Amilia down in their bedroom and told her everything. She told her about all the daydreams she had over the Summer. She told her about the many times that Ginny saw Harry looking at her. She explain how Harry got boils because he was protecting her. She told Amilia about how they had reached for the same book and Ginny gave him a rune reading in the library. Giggling, Ginny told Amilia about how she and Harry had watched Hermione and Ron kissing. Amilia laughed too. Ginny explained about Harry saying her name in his dream. Reluctantly, Ginny described the moment when Harry almost kissed Ginny on New Years. The look on Amilia's face was priceless. She was about to cry and laugh and faint all at the same time. When Ginny told her about the kiss in the hospital wing, Amilia screamed. At last, Ginny told Amilia about Cho's tragic end.
Amilia stared at Ginny, unable to speak.
"So that's everything," Ginny whispered. "I'm sorry that I kept it all from you. I shouldn't have. You're my best friend and I should have trusted you. I am really sorry."
Amilia licked her lips and took a breath. Ginny was sure that Amilia was going to say something about needing to think it over before she could forgive. Ginny was surprised when something totally unexpected came out of Amilia's mouth.
"Harry Potter loves you."
Ginny stared at her.
"Were you listening to what you were saying?" Amilia asked. "Obviously Harry loves you. Who would do all that if he didn't?"
Ginny shrugged.
"Go to him," Amilia urged. "Tell him how you feel. You won't be disappointed. I am sure of it."
"I couldn't," Ginny said.
"You owe it to yourself, to me, and to Harry to let your true feelings show!" Amilia exclaimed.
"Amilia, I don't-"
"I am going to hound you until you tell him," Amilia promised.
"I can't tell him," Ginny told her.
"You will," Amlia told her. "If you don't I'll have to hurt you."
"Oh, I'm scared," Ginny said sarcastically.
Amilia giggled.
**************
Ginny was up extra late the night before school ended. She had to make up finals all day, so the night was the only time she had left to pack. She pulled all her things down into the common room so that she wouldn't keep any of the other girls in her dorm room up. She wanted to pack everything perfectly so that it would be easiest to unpack at home.
"Transfiguration," She muttered to herself as she rummaged through a pile books. She found her transfiguration book and set it in the courner of her trunk. "Alright, Runes."
Light came in through the portrait entrance. Ginny swiftly wheeled around to see who was crawling through. It was Harry. He had finally left the hospital wing. His slumped in, his arms dangling weakly at his sides. His appearance suggested that he left the hospital wing too soon. His face was pale and a bit sweaty. He was ghastly-looking, but Ginny thought he looked perfect.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
Harry glanced up, startled like he didn't notice she was there.
"I'm alright," He assured her with a strangly blank look on his face. "I couldn't stay in the hospital wing all Summer so I decided to join the rest of the world. They say friendship heals the deepest wounds."
Ginny nodded.
"I wanted to be with my friends," Harry explained. "I only have a day left to see you all."
Ginny was a little taken aback that she was included in his friends. Harry glanced around at the cluttered common room.
"Still packing?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Ginny said simply, not looking up.
"I'll just wake up early tomorrow to do my packing," Harry told her.
"Or," Ginny began, "you can stay up with me and do it tonight."
"Nah," Harry explained, "Madam Pomfrey would croak if she heard I was up all night."
Ginny packed the last of her books, a little disappointed at his refusal.
"Shouldn't you be resting then?" Ginny asked.
"I would be," Harry told her, "except that I need to talk to you about something."
"Talk to me?" Ginny repeated. "About what?"
"Well, Dumbledore told me what happened," Harry explained. "I just wanted to thank you for saving my life." Ginny looked up at him. His intensely green eyes were scanning her nervously. Ginny found this so cute. She smiled at him.
"It was nothing," Ginny assured, beginning on folding her clothes.
"That's a wonderful way to describe my life," Harry said sarcastically.
"Oh, I didn't mean it that way," Ginny blurted. "I just meant that you would have done the same for me. In fact, you did do the same for me."
"So you were just paying me back?" Harry asked.
Ginny stared at him for a moment. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why on Earth would Harry think that she was just paying a debt?
"How could you think that?" She voiced. "You're my friend. I saved you because I care about you."
"And because you couldn't bare to see me die?" Harry queried, raising an eyebrow and smiling.
"You remember that," Ginny assumed.
"I should have listened to you," Harry admitted.
"I know," Ginny stated, returning her attention to her robes.
"I was a git and I'm sorry," Harry apologized.
"It wasn't you," Ginny said. "It was the spell."
"Still," Harry went on, "I feel bad about it all. Please forgive me."
Ginny smiled, "You're forgiven."
Harry smiled back.
Just then, Ginny picked up Harry's invisability cloak out of her clothing pile.
"Oh!" She exclaimed.
"What?" Harry asked.
"I forgot I had this," Ginny said, handing Harry the cloak.
"I forgot you had it too," Harry admitted, taking the cloak from her.
"I'm sorry I took it," Ginny appologized.
"It's alright," Harry assured her. "You were just trying to help. What am I saying? You did help."
Ginny smiled.
Ginny finished packing with Harry still staring at her.
"I'm bushed," Harry yawned.
"What do you have to be bushed for?" Ginny said.
"I am in a weakened condition," Harry explained. "And I should have been getting rest."
They went up the stairs together.
"I am sorry that I distracted you from your recovery sleep," Ginny told him.
"It was well worth it."
Ginny blushed slightly.
"I'll see you at the feast," Harry said, turning toward the boys' dormitories.
"Sure," Ginny whispered, heading off to her own dorm room.
Amilia would kill her once she heard that Ginny was alone with Harry and didn't take the opportunity to tell him how she felt. Ginny didn't worry though. Amilia would make sure she did it before Summer, which was only nine hours away.
***************
All the students crowded into the Great Hall for the end-of-year breakfast feast. The Hall was decorated with blue and bronze banners. Ravenclaw had won the house cup this year. Ginny's fifty points for saving Harry's life didn't compare to the endless hours Ravenclaw spent studying so that they would know the answers in every class. Ron made a comment that Hermione would have fit right nicely in Ravenclaw.
"Then I wouldn't have met you," was her reply.
Ginny sat next to Amilia, who sat next to Josh, who sat across from Hermione, who was sitting beside Ron. On Ron's other side was Harry. Ginny glanced down the table at him. He seemed so far away to her.
After the students had all been fed, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat to get their attention. All conversations ceased. Full attention was on Dumbledore.
"This has been a wonderful year," Dumbledore announced, "but also quite tragic. I know there has been questions and suspicions about Miss Cho Chang's disappearence. It brings me no satisfaction to tell you that she died a couple of days ago."
Ravenclaws, Hermione, and Ron gasped.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione whispered, "I am so sorry."
Ginny wondered why Dumbledore wasn't saying that she had been evil and no one should cry over her.
"I'm sure she will be missed," Dumbledore went on. "Her family was informed at the ministry yesterday."
Ginny wished she knew if they were put into Azkaban or not. In fact, Ginny wasn't even sure if Mrs. Chang had anything to do with anything. Cho's dad could have just casted the spell on her to get her to marry him. She also wondered if the ministry would get Amilia's parents as witnesses against Ken Chang.
"I wish you all a wonderful holiday," Dumbledore said.
The Slytherins, Gryffindors, and Hufflepuffs rushed off to the carriages while the Ravenclaws lagged behind.
"It's a bummer for Ravenclaw," Josh voiced in the carriage. "The day they finally win the house cup is the day when they find out one of their own is dead."
"Don't talk about it!" Hermione hushed, pointing to Harry.
"I'm alright about it," Harry told them. "I really am."
"I thought you loved her," Ron commented.
"I was wrong," Harry explained.
"Maybe he's in denial," Hermione whispered to Ron.
Ginny giggled.
"I am seriously fine," Harry assured them.
"Tell yourself what you want to," Ron allowed, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder. "As long as it makes you feel better."
"Don't tell him that," Hermione ridiculed. "He needs to let his feeling out. That's the only way he can truely heal."
Ginny started laughing.
"Why are you laughing?" Ron asked.
"It hurts Harry when you laugh at his pain," Hermione explained.
"You two are nutty," Harry commented.
"It's really wrong to laugh and I am sorry," Ginny appologized. "I'm not laughing at Harry. I'm really not."
"Can we change the subject?" Harry pleaded.
"Sure, Harry," Hemrione agreed. "We're sorry we're dwelling on such a painful subject."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Nice to go home, isn't it?" Josh commented.
"Sure will be," Ron voiced, putting his arm around Hermione. "Have a little brake from Snape and Malfoy."
"Oh!" Amilia exclaimed. "Did you hear?"
Everyone's attention went to Amilia.
"Professor Mosaic won't be coming back next year," Amilia told them.
"It doesn't surprise me," Harry said.
"But why?" Hermione asked.
"I heard that Malfoy told his dad," Amilia began, "that he wanted to marry Professor Mosaic."
"No way!" Ron shouted.
"Malfoy's dad was so mad that he got the goveners to fire her," Amilia explained.
"We had our share of Defense Against Dark Arts teachers," Ron informed, "but none went out like that before."
"Certainly not," Hermione agreed.
Ginny looked at Harry. He was looking back.
At Hogsmede station, the group boarded the Hogwarts Express. Josh went off with Lee Jordan and Ginny and Amilia joined the others in thier compartment.
"This bloody train!" Ron exclaimed. "We've ridden it so many times this year that I'm getting train sick."
"Poor ickle Ronnie," Hermione giggled, pinching his cheek.
"Hey!"
"Harry, are you glad to be going home?" Amilia asked.
The whole compartment busted up in laughter.
"What is it?" Amilia demmanded.
"You really don't know the lot Harry lives with, do you?" Ginny questioned.
"Why would I?"
"They're not the sort you want to spend time with," Ron explained. "If it's any consolation, Harry, you can come to our house anytime."
Ginny and Harry made eye contact.
"Sounds fun," said Harry.
Ginny blushed.
"I saw some cauldron cakes down the corridor," Harry informed. "Anyone want some? It's on me."
"I'll take one," Amilia blurted.
"Me, too," said Ron.
"No, thank you," Hermione answered.
Ginny gave no reply.
"Gin," Harry began, "I've only got two hands. Would you mind helping me?"
Amilia elbowed her side, whispering, "Here's your chance!"
"Alright then," Ginny blurted, standing up.
Harry led the way. Ginny briefly looked back into the compartment. Amilia gave her thumbs up. This gave Ginny a nervious stomach ack. As they walked down the hall, Ginny noticed that they were going the wrong way. The kitchen's were the opposite way. They were heading toward the lavatories. Of course, it seemed more practical to Ginny to have the lavatories near the kitchen. Once they reached the privy, Harry turned to her.
"I lied," Harry admitted.
Ginny blinked at him.
"I didn't want you to help me with the cauldron cakes," Harry told her. "The truth is...I need to talk to you and I didn't want anyone else around."
"What is it?" Ginny asked.
"Well," Harry began, swallowing, "you were right."
"About what?"
"Everything," He told her. "You were right about Cho and the necklace and Voldemort."
Ginny cringed.
"Sorry," Harry went on. "You were right. I just wish I could have listened to you."
"You were bewitched," Ginny informed. "I already said that wasn't your fault."
"Ginny," Harry said, taking her hand, "I hurt you and I am truely sorry. I never want to hurt you again."
Ginny's heart started beating really fast.
"At the beginning of this year I was confused," Harry explained. "I didn't know what I wanted or what I was doing. I can't blame it all on that spell either."
"What are you trying to say?" Ginny asked, her mouth feeling quite dry.
"I'm not sure how to put it," Harry whispered. "You were right."
"You mentioned that," Ginny pointed out.
"Yes, I know," Harry admitted, laughing, but not out of amusement. Ginny figured that it was either embarrisment or nerviousness. "You were right about the prediction. That rune one in the library. I see it now. It did tell me how to figure out the answer to my question. My-my question was a descision between two...frames of mind. I needed to choose, but I wasn't sure...On one hand was the dark influence, remember? That was Cho. And then the other was happiness."
Harry stepped closer to Ginny, who felt as if her heart was going to break through her ribs any second.
"That-that happiness is what I want," Harry continued. "That happiness...is you."
Ginny began to feel as if she couldn't breath.
"I love you, Ginny," Harry blurted. "I need you."
Ginny felt her sweating forehead with her free hand. Harry still had a hold on the other one.
"Say something please," Harry begged.
This was the moment she had always dreamed of. She never thought it could really happen. It was impossible. Tears began to fill her eyes and she started trembling.
"Ginny," Harry began, "are you alright?"
Feeling as if she were about to explode if she didn't do something, Ginny threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. He gently caressed her hair as they kissed. Ginny slowly pulled away from his lips and just hugged him.
"I love you too," She breathed.
"The rune prediction was right," Harry whispered.
"Not that again," Ginny giggled, pulling away from his embrace.
"You did bring me true happiness," Harry told her.
Ginny was struck with absolute euphoria. It was the happiest moment of her life and his.
"I knew our first kiss would be perfect," Harry sighed, putting his arms around her.
"Oh, that wasn't our first kiss," Ginny informed him.
"What d'you mean?" Harry asked.
Ginny just gently took his hands off of her waist and began toward the compartment to tell Amilia what had happened.
"No, really, Gin," Harry began, catching up to her. "What did you mean by that wasn't our first kiss?"
Ginny just giggled back at him. And they walked into the compartment, hand-in-hand.
The End
That night, Ginny set Amilia down in their bedroom and told her everything. She told her about all the daydreams she had over the Summer. She told her about the many times that Ginny saw Harry looking at her. She explain how Harry got boils because he was protecting her. She told Amilia about how they had reached for the same book and Ginny gave him a rune reading in the library. Giggling, Ginny told Amilia about how she and Harry had watched Hermione and Ron kissing. Amilia laughed too. Ginny explained about Harry saying her name in his dream. Reluctantly, Ginny described the moment when Harry almost kissed Ginny on New Years. The look on Amilia's face was priceless. She was about to cry and laugh and faint all at the same time. When Ginny told her about the kiss in the hospital wing, Amilia screamed. At last, Ginny told Amilia about Cho's tragic end.
Amilia stared at Ginny, unable to speak.
"So that's everything," Ginny whispered. "I'm sorry that I kept it all from you. I shouldn't have. You're my best friend and I should have trusted you. I am really sorry."
Amilia licked her lips and took a breath. Ginny was sure that Amilia was going to say something about needing to think it over before she could forgive. Ginny was surprised when something totally unexpected came out of Amilia's mouth.
"Harry Potter loves you."
Ginny stared at her.
"Were you listening to what you were saying?" Amilia asked. "Obviously Harry loves you. Who would do all that if he didn't?"
Ginny shrugged.
"Go to him," Amilia urged. "Tell him how you feel. You won't be disappointed. I am sure of it."
"I couldn't," Ginny said.
"You owe it to yourself, to me, and to Harry to let your true feelings show!" Amilia exclaimed.
"Amilia, I don't-"
"I am going to hound you until you tell him," Amilia promised.
"I can't tell him," Ginny told her.
"You will," Amlia told her. "If you don't I'll have to hurt you."
"Oh, I'm scared," Ginny said sarcastically.
Amilia giggled.
**************
Ginny was up extra late the night before school ended. She had to make up finals all day, so the night was the only time she had left to pack. She pulled all her things down into the common room so that she wouldn't keep any of the other girls in her dorm room up. She wanted to pack everything perfectly so that it would be easiest to unpack at home.
"Transfiguration," She muttered to herself as she rummaged through a pile books. She found her transfiguration book and set it in the courner of her trunk. "Alright, Runes."
Light came in through the portrait entrance. Ginny swiftly wheeled around to see who was crawling through. It was Harry. He had finally left the hospital wing. His slumped in, his arms dangling weakly at his sides. His appearance suggested that he left the hospital wing too soon. His face was pale and a bit sweaty. He was ghastly-looking, but Ginny thought he looked perfect.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
Harry glanced up, startled like he didn't notice she was there.
"I'm alright," He assured her with a strangly blank look on his face. "I couldn't stay in the hospital wing all Summer so I decided to join the rest of the world. They say friendship heals the deepest wounds."
Ginny nodded.
"I wanted to be with my friends," Harry explained. "I only have a day left to see you all."
Ginny was a little taken aback that she was included in his friends. Harry glanced around at the cluttered common room.
"Still packing?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Ginny said simply, not looking up.
"I'll just wake up early tomorrow to do my packing," Harry told her.
"Or," Ginny began, "you can stay up with me and do it tonight."
"Nah," Harry explained, "Madam Pomfrey would croak if she heard I was up all night."
Ginny packed the last of her books, a little disappointed at his refusal.
"Shouldn't you be resting then?" Ginny asked.
"I would be," Harry told her, "except that I need to talk to you about something."
"Talk to me?" Ginny repeated. "About what?"
"Well, Dumbledore told me what happened," Harry explained. "I just wanted to thank you for saving my life." Ginny looked up at him. His intensely green eyes were scanning her nervously. Ginny found this so cute. She smiled at him.
"It was nothing," Ginny assured, beginning on folding her clothes.
"That's a wonderful way to describe my life," Harry said sarcastically.
"Oh, I didn't mean it that way," Ginny blurted. "I just meant that you would have done the same for me. In fact, you did do the same for me."
"So you were just paying me back?" Harry asked.
Ginny stared at him for a moment. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why on Earth would Harry think that she was just paying a debt?
"How could you think that?" She voiced. "You're my friend. I saved you because I care about you."
"And because you couldn't bare to see me die?" Harry queried, raising an eyebrow and smiling.
"You remember that," Ginny assumed.
"I should have listened to you," Harry admitted.
"I know," Ginny stated, returning her attention to her robes.
"I was a git and I'm sorry," Harry apologized.
"It wasn't you," Ginny said. "It was the spell."
"Still," Harry went on, "I feel bad about it all. Please forgive me."
Ginny smiled, "You're forgiven."
Harry smiled back.
Just then, Ginny picked up Harry's invisability cloak out of her clothing pile.
"Oh!" She exclaimed.
"What?" Harry asked.
"I forgot I had this," Ginny said, handing Harry the cloak.
"I forgot you had it too," Harry admitted, taking the cloak from her.
"I'm sorry I took it," Ginny appologized.
"It's alright," Harry assured her. "You were just trying to help. What am I saying? You did help."
Ginny smiled.
Ginny finished packing with Harry still staring at her.
"I'm bushed," Harry yawned.
"What do you have to be bushed for?" Ginny said.
"I am in a weakened condition," Harry explained. "And I should have been getting rest."
They went up the stairs together.
"I am sorry that I distracted you from your recovery sleep," Ginny told him.
"It was well worth it."
Ginny blushed slightly.
"I'll see you at the feast," Harry said, turning toward the boys' dormitories.
"Sure," Ginny whispered, heading off to her own dorm room.
Amilia would kill her once she heard that Ginny was alone with Harry and didn't take the opportunity to tell him how she felt. Ginny didn't worry though. Amilia would make sure she did it before Summer, which was only nine hours away.
***************
All the students crowded into the Great Hall for the end-of-year breakfast feast. The Hall was decorated with blue and bronze banners. Ravenclaw had won the house cup this year. Ginny's fifty points for saving Harry's life didn't compare to the endless hours Ravenclaw spent studying so that they would know the answers in every class. Ron made a comment that Hermione would have fit right nicely in Ravenclaw.
"Then I wouldn't have met you," was her reply.
Ginny sat next to Amilia, who sat next to Josh, who sat across from Hermione, who was sitting beside Ron. On Ron's other side was Harry. Ginny glanced down the table at him. He seemed so far away to her.
After the students had all been fed, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat to get their attention. All conversations ceased. Full attention was on Dumbledore.
"This has been a wonderful year," Dumbledore announced, "but also quite tragic. I know there has been questions and suspicions about Miss Cho Chang's disappearence. It brings me no satisfaction to tell you that she died a couple of days ago."
Ravenclaws, Hermione, and Ron gasped.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione whispered, "I am so sorry."
Ginny wondered why Dumbledore wasn't saying that she had been evil and no one should cry over her.
"I'm sure she will be missed," Dumbledore went on. "Her family was informed at the ministry yesterday."
Ginny wished she knew if they were put into Azkaban or not. In fact, Ginny wasn't even sure if Mrs. Chang had anything to do with anything. Cho's dad could have just casted the spell on her to get her to marry him. She also wondered if the ministry would get Amilia's parents as witnesses against Ken Chang.
"I wish you all a wonderful holiday," Dumbledore said.
The Slytherins, Gryffindors, and Hufflepuffs rushed off to the carriages while the Ravenclaws lagged behind.
"It's a bummer for Ravenclaw," Josh voiced in the carriage. "The day they finally win the house cup is the day when they find out one of their own is dead."
"Don't talk about it!" Hermione hushed, pointing to Harry.
"I'm alright about it," Harry told them. "I really am."
"I thought you loved her," Ron commented.
"I was wrong," Harry explained.
"Maybe he's in denial," Hermione whispered to Ron.
Ginny giggled.
"I am seriously fine," Harry assured them.
"Tell yourself what you want to," Ron allowed, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder. "As long as it makes you feel better."
"Don't tell him that," Hermione ridiculed. "He needs to let his feeling out. That's the only way he can truely heal."
Ginny started laughing.
"Why are you laughing?" Ron asked.
"It hurts Harry when you laugh at his pain," Hermione explained.
"You two are nutty," Harry commented.
"It's really wrong to laugh and I am sorry," Ginny appologized. "I'm not laughing at Harry. I'm really not."
"Can we change the subject?" Harry pleaded.
"Sure, Harry," Hemrione agreed. "We're sorry we're dwelling on such a painful subject."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Nice to go home, isn't it?" Josh commented.
"Sure will be," Ron voiced, putting his arm around Hermione. "Have a little brake from Snape and Malfoy."
"Oh!" Amilia exclaimed. "Did you hear?"
Everyone's attention went to Amilia.
"Professor Mosaic won't be coming back next year," Amilia told them.
"It doesn't surprise me," Harry said.
"But why?" Hermione asked.
"I heard that Malfoy told his dad," Amilia began, "that he wanted to marry Professor Mosaic."
"No way!" Ron shouted.
"Malfoy's dad was so mad that he got the goveners to fire her," Amilia explained.
"We had our share of Defense Against Dark Arts teachers," Ron informed, "but none went out like that before."
"Certainly not," Hermione agreed.
Ginny looked at Harry. He was looking back.
At Hogsmede station, the group boarded the Hogwarts Express. Josh went off with Lee Jordan and Ginny and Amilia joined the others in thier compartment.
"This bloody train!" Ron exclaimed. "We've ridden it so many times this year that I'm getting train sick."
"Poor ickle Ronnie," Hermione giggled, pinching his cheek.
"Hey!"
"Harry, are you glad to be going home?" Amilia asked.
The whole compartment busted up in laughter.
"What is it?" Amilia demmanded.
"You really don't know the lot Harry lives with, do you?" Ginny questioned.
"Why would I?"
"They're not the sort you want to spend time with," Ron explained. "If it's any consolation, Harry, you can come to our house anytime."
Ginny and Harry made eye contact.
"Sounds fun," said Harry.
Ginny blushed.
"I saw some cauldron cakes down the corridor," Harry informed. "Anyone want some? It's on me."
"I'll take one," Amilia blurted.
"Me, too," said Ron.
"No, thank you," Hermione answered.
Ginny gave no reply.
"Gin," Harry began, "I've only got two hands. Would you mind helping me?"
Amilia elbowed her side, whispering, "Here's your chance!"
"Alright then," Ginny blurted, standing up.
Harry led the way. Ginny briefly looked back into the compartment. Amilia gave her thumbs up. This gave Ginny a nervious stomach ack. As they walked down the hall, Ginny noticed that they were going the wrong way. The kitchen's were the opposite way. They were heading toward the lavatories. Of course, it seemed more practical to Ginny to have the lavatories near the kitchen. Once they reached the privy, Harry turned to her.
"I lied," Harry admitted.
Ginny blinked at him.
"I didn't want you to help me with the cauldron cakes," Harry told her. "The truth is...I need to talk to you and I didn't want anyone else around."
"What is it?" Ginny asked.
"Well," Harry began, swallowing, "you were right."
"About what?"
"Everything," He told her. "You were right about Cho and the necklace and Voldemort."
Ginny cringed.
"Sorry," Harry went on. "You were right. I just wish I could have listened to you."
"You were bewitched," Ginny informed. "I already said that wasn't your fault."
"Ginny," Harry said, taking her hand, "I hurt you and I am truely sorry. I never want to hurt you again."
Ginny's heart started beating really fast.
"At the beginning of this year I was confused," Harry explained. "I didn't know what I wanted or what I was doing. I can't blame it all on that spell either."
"What are you trying to say?" Ginny asked, her mouth feeling quite dry.
"I'm not sure how to put it," Harry whispered. "You were right."
"You mentioned that," Ginny pointed out.
"Yes, I know," Harry admitted, laughing, but not out of amusement. Ginny figured that it was either embarrisment or nerviousness. "You were right about the prediction. That rune one in the library. I see it now. It did tell me how to figure out the answer to my question. My-my question was a descision between two...frames of mind. I needed to choose, but I wasn't sure...On one hand was the dark influence, remember? That was Cho. And then the other was happiness."
Harry stepped closer to Ginny, who felt as if her heart was going to break through her ribs any second.
"That-that happiness is what I want," Harry continued. "That happiness...is you."
Ginny began to feel as if she couldn't breath.
"I love you, Ginny," Harry blurted. "I need you."
Ginny felt her sweating forehead with her free hand. Harry still had a hold on the other one.
"Say something please," Harry begged.
This was the moment she had always dreamed of. She never thought it could really happen. It was impossible. Tears began to fill her eyes and she started trembling.
"Ginny," Harry began, "are you alright?"
Feeling as if she were about to explode if she didn't do something, Ginny threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. He gently caressed her hair as they kissed. Ginny slowly pulled away from his lips and just hugged him.
"I love you too," She breathed.
"The rune prediction was right," Harry whispered.
"Not that again," Ginny giggled, pulling away from his embrace.
"You did bring me true happiness," Harry told her.
Ginny was struck with absolute euphoria. It was the happiest moment of her life and his.
"I knew our first kiss would be perfect," Harry sighed, putting his arms around her.
"Oh, that wasn't our first kiss," Ginny informed him.
"What d'you mean?" Harry asked.
Ginny just gently took his hands off of her waist and began toward the compartment to tell Amilia what had happened.
"No, really, Gin," Harry began, catching up to her. "What did you mean by that wasn't our first kiss?"
Ginny just giggled back at him. And they walked into the compartment, hand-in-hand.
The End