This Thing Called Love

'Don't you just hate him?' said Oliver, wiping his muddy face during our lunch break after our terrible training.

'Get used to the evil slimeball,' I said. 'We will be working with him for a very very very very very --'

'I get it,' Oliver replied, interrupting me.

'--long time,' I finished; before asking, 'What happened to the Oliver Wood: Great, Fearless Gryffindor Quidditch Captain that I used to know?'

As we made our way towards the changing rooms, we saw Cho walking towards us with---

'Ginny?' I said in disbelief.

'Hello there,' said Cho brightly, walking up to Oliver and giving him a brief kiss. 'Hello Harry.'

'Hi,' I said to Cho, barely interested in her presence and still staring at Ginny with shock and again disbelief.

'Ginny, what are you doing---'

'Hello to you too,' she said giggling as she indicated the basket that she was carrying. 'You forgot this. And since I was on my way to The Burrow; I decided to bring you your lunch.'

'Thanks,' I said, regaining some of my lost composure. 'Thank you. That's really nice of you.'

'You are lucky, I saw her,' Cho cut in. 'Ginny was trying to convince the security guard that she's here to bring you your lunch. Lets just say he did not buy it.' Cho insinuated while wrapping her arms around her covered in mud husband.

'No,' Ginny said, confirming what Cho had said. 'I told him that I was here just to give you your lunch that you had forgotten. But he still wouldn't let me in! It was like I was back at Hogwarts dealing with Mr. Filch.' Ginny shuddered at the memory of our former caretaker.

'Don't take it personal. Many girls have tried bringing Harry something or another in order to get in. Some of them would even tell the security that Harry Potter ordered it from them personally or that they are an old friend just wanting to catch up. You get the point, right?'

'He probably thought that you were a fan,' said Cho trying to ease Ginny's mind.

'I see,' she said.

'Anyway,' I interrupted.

'He's very famous, you know,' continued Oliver. 'Accio Teen Witch Weekly! Take a look. He's the front cover . . . again!'

I rolled my eyes, and attempted to snatch the magazine from Oliver but it was Cho, whose quick and former seeker hand, who grabbed it before I could.

'Yes,' said Cho, looking at the front cover before reading the contents aloud for everyone to hear. 'The Twenty-Five Most Gorgeous Teen Wizards...'

'Cho!' I yelled in protest.

Cho just smiled mischievously as she continued. 'The devilishly good looking Harry Potter, who we all know as The Boy Who Lived and The Boy Hero, just added a new title into his possession as he joins our 25 most gorgeous teen wizards. To read more, turn to page 12. Looking good, Harry!'

They all laughed while I blushed furiously as they mocked the cover page (me catching the snitch with my sweaty forehead and hair).

'Harry Potter is not only good looking. He is a terrific wizard. Many people believe that he could be the next Dumbledore...' Cho continued seemingly oblivious to Harry's embarrassment.

'Ohh,' chimed Oliver and Cho. 'Next Dumbledore?'

'I certainly hope not,' said Oliver.

'If any of you young ladies are wondering about this lad's love life,' she continued, grinning at me while I rolled my eyes. 'Interesting--'he claims that he is single at the moment. When asked whether he prefers dark haired girls to fair haired girls, his reply was "I do like fair haired girls ...blah, blah, blah!' Ohhhhh!!! What's this? 'However, sources say that he was reportedly seen with a tall, vivacious and pretty red headed girl in Muggle London, sharing Mars Bars ( a muggle sweet ) with her...'

Oliver and Cho looked at each other before looking at me, biting their lips to keep from smiling.

'Tall, vivacious and pretty red headed girl? I wonder who she is, Harry,' Cho teased before continuing. 'The girl's identity is a mystery to all of us. Could she be the one to take over Harry's heart after his recent split with blonde supermodel Susan Bones? Could he have switched to red haired ladies? We'll just have to wait and see...Dun, Dun, Duh! Mystery, intrigue, and oh yes romance! Care to share Harry?' Cho pressed, flshing her mega-watt smile.

Ginny turned scarlet.

'Not now,' I mouthed, wiping the cold sweat off my forehead, 'not when she's here!'

'O---K,' mouthed Cho, grinning from ear to ear.

'Anyway, I'm so glad that you brought Harry's lunch. I was starting to think that we might actually have to share mine---' said Oliver after the laughter died down a little.

After lunch, Cho offered to accompany Ginny back to The Burrow. Shortly after Cho left with Ginny, the coach, telling the players to go hit the showers for the day, abruptly ended training session. None of us were willing to question this unusual show of mercy from coach; that made Oliver look like a fluffy puppy when it came to pushing them to the limit.

Tired and dirty Oliver stated casually, 'I guess you are off to The Burrow to see Ginny now?'

'Yah.' I retorted lamely, not really looking to get into this with anybody at this moment in time.

Oliver grinned attempting to make light of the awkwardness of the conversation. 'I like Ginny for you and I like you for Ginny. You know what I mean? I like the idea of the two of you being together.'

I looked at him, my eyebrows raised. 'Oliver, what are you talking about? You know what's going on. She's sick.'

'I know. Oh well. It's just that when you saw Ginny out on the pitch today it was like you---' He bent down to tie his shoelaces.

'I am doing this to save her life; my feelings beside. I am doing this for the Weasley's; I owe them this much for all that they have done for me.' I said trying to sound convincing.

'Of course you are; that would sound a heck of a lot more convincing if you were not smiling every time "Ginny" is mentioned. See! You're smiling right now!'

'I always smile, Oliver.' I looked at the mirror on the wall.

'Not when you are blushing at the same time,' he said, chuckling and walking away.

I immediately walked after him. 'Absolutely not,' I said. 'Hang on, Oliver. I am not blushing.'

'Of course, suit yourself.' He looked at me. 'Virginia Marie Potter sounds nice, don't you think?'

I frowned. I was defeated.

'Ah, there it goes!' He shook his head, chuckling silently.

'You are hopeless, you know that? Hopeless! See you later!' With that I Apparated to The Burrow.

'Hello? Anybody home?' I said, closing the door behind me.

'Harry?' said Mrs. Weasley. 'In the kitchen.'

'Hi, Mrs. Weasley. Do you know where I can find Ginny?'

'Oh, outside dear,' Molly replied

'Um, Harry? You are not taking her home now, are you dear?' Molly added hesitantly.

'No.'

'Good,' Molly said relieved, but made a hurried attempt to correct herself by adding; 'I mean. It's just it is so good to have her home. I really appreciate all that you are doing for us...it is just hard sometimes to be away from her. She is just so young.' With that Molly's voice became weak as if threatened by the lump forming in her throat.

As uncomfortable as it was for me to deal with the Weasley's on this issue, I felt the need to comfort the woman that had on more then one occasion comforted me in what I assumed would be the way my own mother would have attempted to comfort me if she have been alive to do so. Ever since my first year at Hogwarts the Weasley's had adopted me into their clan without a second thought. This was my chance to be there for them, just as they had been there for me.

'It will be all worth it soon,' was the only thing that I could think of saying as I placed my hand on her shoulder, which in turn she turned to face me and then proceed to envelope me in one of her trademark bear-hugs.

'I know, dear. I know,' Molly said as she released me and allowed the air to enter my lungs again; and regained her composure. 'Oh, my supper will be ready in any minute. Be a dear and go tell Ginny that supper is almost ready.' She finished with another of her trademark smiles.

I walked out the door and then saw her lying on her stomach, on the porch swing, and resting her chin on her hands, as she moved her feet up and down.

'Hey!' I said, leaning on the wall and crossing my arms over my chest.

She looked up in a state of shock, not expecting anyone to disturb her from her thoughts.

'Harry?! You are early.' With a hint of horror in her voice she asked, 'What happened? What's wrong?'

'Nothing, nothing is wrong. Practice just ended early that is all. None of us were dense enough to stand around and ask questions so we left as quickly as we could before he could change his mind.'

'Good for you,' she said, sitting up and moving so that I could sit beside her on the porch swing. 'Tired?'

'Not really,' I said, sitting down.

'Not anymore,' I added smiling.

She rested her head on my shoulders. I looked at her first as she closed her eyes and then I moved a little to make her more comfortable. Extending my arm around her I asked: 'Better? You know you can rest your head on my lap if you want.'

'Thanks.'

I looked down to her and then brushed some hair away from her face to get a better view. I just love looking at her.

'Harry, Ginny?!' called Mrs. Weasley, but she stopped once I placed a finger on my lips and then mouthed that she is sleeping. Quietly Mrs. Weasley made her way back into the Burrow; but not before taking one last glance at her daughter and the boy that in her heart was one of her own. Although it pained her to have her baby so far away from her, she knew that if her daughter had any chance of living; it would be by the hands of a boy that had saved the entire wizarding world.

'Is she gone?' A tiny voice asked.

I frowned at her. 'I thought you were sleeping!' I said, looking down to her, our faces so near but yet so far apart.

'I'm not,' she said, grinning at me.

'Well I can see that!' I said as I shook my head and then laughed silently.

I was about to kiss her but I changed my direction so that my lips would land on her forehead instead.

'Harry?'

'Yes?'

'I want to go home early.'

This was all she said before closing her eyes again, her head still resting on my lap.

We stayed like this for what seemed like hours. As it slowly turned to dusk, I picked her up and carried her into The Burrow. As we entered the kitchen it was Mr. Weasley that spoke first, but still kept his voice barely above a whisper to ensure that he would not wake his sleeping child.

'My, it would seem that she just had a busy day.'

'Yes, I think it's better if I just take her home now; so she can rest,' I said for lack of anything else to say. It was always hard to leave The Burrow, taking the most precious thing they had away from them.

'Well, you better use the Floo Network, it is very dangerous for someone who hasn't had a lot of experience apparating themselves plus somebody else,' Mr. Weasley offered helpfully.

'Thanks Mr. Weasley. Thank you for everything,' I said quietly.

'No, Thank you Harry. This means so much to us, to me,' he said and then paused, tilting his head as if to get a better view of Ginny's face. 'She seems to be very content, almost happy. That's good.'

With that I stepped into the oversized fire place and pronounced as firmly as possible without waking up Ginny, 'Potter Estate.'

I carried her upstairs to her bedroom, carefully I laid her down on her bed and as quietly as possible I pulled the covers back over her so that she would not wake up in the middle of the night feeling cold.

I was just about to close her bedroom door when I heard her faint voice utter: 'Harry?'

I turned back, replying: 'Yes?'

'Please don't leave.'

'Are you sure you want me to stay?' I said attempting to confirm what I thought I heard her say. For so long I wanted to hold her, to caress her soft silky skin, I didn't know if I could stand another rejection. For in my heart I was starting to fall in love with her. I just didn't know it yet...

'Come here,' was all that she said.

I walked slowly over to her bed, not sure if my knees could hold up. This was a dream come true. I sat down on the side of her bed and next to her laying down form.

'What's wrong?' I asked thinking that she was lonely or perhaps scared. I was searching for anything to cling on to, in effort not to get my expectations up.

'Nothing,' she said as she sat up, her face coming only inches from my face. I could feel her warm breath on my skin. She smelt of strawberries and vanilla, oh Merlin, how she drove me wild.

Silence came and all I could hear was our breathing. And I could not help but stare at her again. Mesmerized, I allowed myself to explore every single part of her face. She has a very fragile but nonetheless pretty face. Her freckled nose looked so delicate. Her cheeks were rosy naturally. Her expressive brown eyes just seem to put me in some type of trance every time I look at it.

And her lips...... those pink heart-shaped lips of her that just seem to draw me closer.

Great Merlin, she's beautiful.

It was then that something I did not expect happened. She moved forward and placed her lips on mine. My world exploded. I then placed my arms around her, pulling her closer... begging for more...

She started to fall back onto the bed pulling me along with her. I broke the kiss, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' I asked making sure that this was what she wanted. She placed her index finger on my lips, and replied 'Shhh, just kiss me.'

And that was all that I needed.

I woke up with her cuddled in next to me, not a single piece of clothing separating us; her arm lying on my chest as her flaming red hair cascaded across the pillow. I pick up one lock of her hair and begin to play with it; feeling just how soft and silky it was. My lips formed a smile as my mind drifts back to what had just occurred.

'What are you smiling at?' Ginny caught me off guard. I hadn't realized that she was awake.

'You,' I said, offering another smile.

'What do we do now?' she asked, unsure of what to do the morning after.

'Did you want to watch the movie, The Titanic? I have it for a couple more days, Ron called and begged me to not tell Hermione that the movie is here. He said that she's beginning to look for it, again,' I said, casually.

'Poor Ron,' she said, shaking her head at first in sympathy for her older brother's situation before she continued. 'But in the mean time that sounds like fun!'

'Great, I'll go and get the movie,' I said already getting out of bed, and remembering to pull on my pants. 'We can watch it in here, in bed. If that is all right?'

'Of course.'

This truly was shaping up to be the best day of my life; I never wanted it to end. I liked the feel of her hands on my skin, I love the way she says my name. I love everything about her but I was just not ready to admit it quite yet and I was still confused... and this feeling was starting to scare me.

Nobody had ever made me feel like this. Then it dawned on me, what if she isn't feeling what I feel? Questions came flooding in: Should I tell her? What should I do? I started walking again, heading for my previous destination. I shook my head attempting to clear it. Remus would know what to do; so I decided to talk to him later. Until then I resolved to enjoy myself and watch movies as we lay in bed all day long.

She was totally amazed by the movie---or rather, by the actor, Leonardo DiCaprio.

'Isn't he the most good-looking lad alive on earth,' she sighed dreamily.

I just rolled my eyes because I was bored to death. I mean, what the hell is good-looking about that lad, anyway? He looks normal to me. Nothing extra ordinary, really... not like he saved the world from anything.

'Well,' I shrugged. 'I think Kate Winslet is gorgeous. She's the only one worth watching in that film.'

'What???---' She started to demand, but was unable to finish.

'Shhhh, here's my favorite part,' I said as I fixed my eyes on the television.

'Uh! You disgusting wart!' She said upon seeing the infamous sketching scene, covering my eyes with her hands. 'You are not supposed to watch that,' she scolded.

I leaned back and then crossed my arms over my chest. 'If I cannot watch, how come you can?'

'Because I am a girl. I have all those things---'

'Oh really,' I said mischievously.

She took one hand off my eye and then punched me playfully.

I felt her take her hands off my eyes. With my eyes still shut, I asked, 'May I watch now, Miss Weasley?'

'You certainly may.'

'Merci.'

When I opened my eyes, the brillance of the light that came in through the bed room balcony door illuminated her already fire-red hair. She was beautiful, the ideal picture of sculpted Athenian God; with perfectly etched porcelain skin. I was compelled to just stare at her.

'What?' She demanded.

'What do you mean "what"?' I replied, still not taking my eyes off of her.

'Harry,' she whined. 'What?'

'Nothing, nothing, nothing...'

She rolled her eyes and then stared back intently on the television.

I began to eye her up and down. She was wearing a sleeveless lilac gown that she wore to bed each night. It fell a few inches above her knees and her long hair was down. She was absolutely... I stopped mid-thought when I felt something hit me.

It was Ginny's pillow.

'Don't look at me like that!' She said, pretending to look a little annoyed. 'Are you going to tell me what has gotten into you or am I going to have to beat it out of you?'

'Beat it out of me, eh? Not if I do this!' I said before tickling her.

'Harry,' she shrieked while giggling, 'stop! Ahhh!'

'Ha!' was all that I said. 'Tickle, tickle, tickle!'

She squirmed against my arms to escape and then began to run around the bedroom, screaming at the top of her lungs but laughing excitedly as well. I ran after her of course, laughing hard. She jumped on the bed and then decided to stand on it.

'Ah, Harry,' she pleaded, I'm pretty sure, looking for a way to get out of there. 'No more tickling.'

'I'm sorry. I love your laugh too much,' I said before jumping on the bed and grabbing her which caused her to scream and land on the bed.'

We were both laughing so hard, laying side by side.

'Ahh,' I said, wincing a little. 'I think you broke my eardrum.'

She laughed and then I smiled at her.

'Thank you for making me so happy,' I told her, stroking her face.

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Author's Notes:

Thank you so much for all of you who read this chapter and I really hope that you enjoyed it. Just so you know, I would love to hear from all of you. So, kindly please review...

And to my awesome beta-reader and editor, Sara, thank you sooo much for all the help! You are the best!

LF