I Give In

"You may kiss the bride."

Two of her greatest companions leaned toward each other, and their lives together began. Ginny Weasley leaped up and cheered at the top of her lungs, more excited, pleased, and relived than she had been in her entire life.

After all of the fights, jealousy, awkwardness, and love, Ron and Hermione had been brought together at last.

Her remaining best friend joined her euphoria. His grin was wide and his brilliant green eyes bright.

"They did it, Harry? Can you believe it?" Ginny exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically and jumping up and down repeatedly.

An undecipherable flash gleamed in his eye, so quick that she wondered if it had been a figment of her imagination. He merely grinned, probably incapable of speech, caused by the over-whelming delight.

The capacity of the room roared. Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Granger sobbed, predictably, clinging on to each other for dear life. Fred and George could be found collecting and paying off an incalculable amount of money; undoubtedly bets wagered on the outcome of the well-anticipated event.

The music began to play. The crowd scattered and delighted banter rose and engulfed the atmosphere. Several couples took the floor, along side Ron and Hermione, who wore satisfied and slightly baffled expressions. Apparently, they didn't believe they would do it either.

Ginny meandered to the buffet, and selected a glass of pumpkin juice. Smiling endlessly, she took her seat and observed everyone around her, enjoyed to the fullest extent. This had happened to the right people, at the right time. The war had finally come to a close with Harry on top. The fear, anxiety, caution, and the pressure had been uplifted from the shoulders of the Wizarding world, no more than those at the center had. Which included Ginny, Ron, Hermione, all of the Weasleys, and the people who had become her closest and dearest of friends.

And then there was Harry. He was changed. For the better. He smiled quicker, laughed harder and longer, and was more carefree than ever. This had to be the greatest relief to Ginny. She had seen first hand what he was like through all those years of turmoil and grief. He was depressed, gloomy, and hopeless. And she loved him even more than before. Honestly. But, it was a reluctant love. She knew, deep down, that this was simply a resurrection of her past love of him, when she had first laid eye son him that life-altering day at King's Cross, many many years ago. Ginny knew that that was how it should, and would remain, if she could help it. There wasn't a point in pursuing him, she had always thought. But, these misgivings and thoughts never changed how she felt. He was the granting of her greatest wish. If that wasn't it, she would settle for being half in love as Ron and Hermione. She envied their unconditional love, care, trust, and comfort.

And he was her best friend, and she his. Ron and Hermione had formed an indestructible bond between each other, never leaving each other's side, even when they fought. Ginny and Harry got quite tired of this, and inevitably became even closer. They had been through a lot together.

Ginny sipped her drink as she gazed upon the crowd. She felt pretty stupid actually. Unsurprisingly, she was the Maid of Honor. There wasn't even a consideration for another candidate. The majority of the congregation was swaying gently on the dance floor, leaving her and several other (Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Granger were still weeping quite audibly onto each other's shoulders, Mrs. Weasley especially). Ginny smiled as she watched them, sweetly reminiscing.

"What's so funny?" A voice from behind here interrupted her reverie. Instinctively, she turned around and was face to face with the best man. His eyes sparkled again.

"Mum and Mrs. Granger," she replied simply.

"Ah," he said comprehensively. She smiled at his tone, and took another sip of pumpkin juice.

"So, Ginny. How about a dance?" Harry asked bluntly. Completely taken by surprise, Ginny began to choke on her half-swallowed swig. He automatically thumped her back, sporting the same highly amused grin.

Patting her chest with her fist, she inquired unbelievingly, "What did you say?"

"Don't act so surprised. I merely figured it was our duty as best man and maid of honor to dance together, you know?" he said, suddenly sheepish.

"Dance?"

"Yea, dance. You probably have heard of it. When two people stand close together, rock slowly back and forth to some incredibly corny melody, which is followed by even more corny words that are sung to it. You know. Dance," he explained casually, grinning reluctantly.

She swatted him playfully. Their eyes met, and Ginny's heart jumped, like it always did.

When I look at you, I see the souls of our unborn children

"So, what do you say?" he asked eagerly. Unsure, Ginny stalled for thinking time. It was a harmless dance! What wrong could come from it? No, I can't. I can't allow myself to think of him like that. Being so close to him, I don't think I could control myself. And I couldn't let that happen. What would people think?

He raised his eyebrows in question, and reached out his hand, asking for her to come. She was still hesitant.

If I reach for you, will you take my hand? Are you willing?

"C'mon, Gin. It's Ron and Hermione's wedding! You and I have been planning this night for five or six years! The least you can do is dance with me," he added sincerely.

You turn more than the music on

But will you be there by my side at the dawn?

"For all these years of friendship, how about it?" He asked, his beautiful eyes flooding with hope and sincerity.

Then I'll say, "Alright, I give in. I will dance with you, just this one time."

She sighed defeatedly, and grinned reluctantly. "Alright, I give in. I will dance with you, just this one time." Then, she slowly reached for his hand, and he helped her off her seat, smiling with satisfaction and triumph.

And all night, we will turn and spin

Then stand eye to eye at the sunrise

Harry and Ginny reached the elaborate dance floor. A guilty tingle erupted from the spot where Harry put his arm, around her waist. She had to keep herself from melting from being this close to him. She could sense his potent scent--a smell she would never forget or not cherish. It was sweeter than she could have imagined, and horribly enticing. Her heart ached.

Soon, too soon for both Harry and Ginny's liking, the song ended. Neither budged. They continued to sway gently, as if there was a breeze. Guiltily, both pretended not to have noticed the end of the song, and both were far too comfortable and relaxed to move.

But, their eyes met. Ginny's heart pounded with remorse, sadness, and agony. Harry noticed that something was troubling her, because she wasn't as free and excited as he had imagined her to be.

"Something wrong, Ginny? Did I step on your foot or something?"

Again, she smiled at his comment. No one could ever make her smile this easily. "No, you are fine, Harry," she consoled. He saw her gaze travel towards the happy couple.

"Amazing, huh?" he said.

"Uh huh," she whispered blankly. "They're so in love. They're so lucky. I can't imagine having that much love, and for it to be returned--" A second too late, Ginny realized what she had said and immediately regretted it. Any slip or even miniscule and undetectable hint of her true feelings was unforgivable, in her eyes.

Harry tensed slightly. He wasn't sure what to make of this comment. Was she in love with someone? If so, that lucky soul didn't love her back. Shame.

"Don't worry, Ginny, it'll happen for you someday," he soothed. Suddenly, he was aware of the uncomfort and awkwardness of the situation. Harry and Ginny were very close right now. He was feeling nervous, he had secretly liked her for many years. Harry felt very uncomfortable at the moment, but, in some unexplainable fashion, he was just as comfortable.

Her mouth opened, and her eyes were still lost in though. "No, I don't really think so."

He pulled her closer, and he held her extremely tight. Ginny was apprehensively about this being a whole lot closer than she had planned. Part of her was scared stiff, and the other part of it was in pure heaven.

He sighed anxiously. His heart pounded. "Gin?"

"Yea, Harry?"

His heart raced faster, and he closed his eyes. "I love you," he whispered, so quiet that only she could here.

And you'll offer love, and it all begins when I say, "Alright, I give in."

Taken aback, she pulled away from him, but she was still locked in his arms. The fiery redhead stared skeptically into his eyes and opened her mouth. But he began first.

"I'll be whatever you want me to be, Ginny."

If I sing for you, would it be the sweetest sound you've ever heard?

"Anything you want. I'll do whatever you say."

She was speechless. Completely deprived of any sound-making abilities, whatsoever.

If I pray for you, will you know that I believe in every word?

"Really, Ginny."

After several seconds of terrorizing herself on remembering how to talk, she mumbled, "Really?"

He grinned broader and prouder than she had ever deemed possible. "Really."

You build me a house on stone

Will you promise me that I'm never gonna be alone

"One thing, Harry. Never leave me," Ginny croaked, her voice raspy and low.

"Agreed. I'll never let you be alone. Will you be with me forever?" Harry asked.

And I'll say, "Alright, I give in. I will dance with you, just this one time."

"Alright, Harry Potter. I give in. I'll be yours," she proclaimed, her eyes watery.

And all night, we will turn and spin

And stand eye to eye at the sunrise

And you offer love, and it all begins when I say

"Alright, I give in."

Several wonderful months later, Mrs. Weasley would again be found weeping with joy.