Down with Love

Ginny yawned. She kept her eyes closed, hoping that when she opened them that she'd still be in Harry's arms. She opened her eyes, quickly. Stop thinking like that, Weasley! He's your friend.

Why can't he be both?

Shut up, stupid!

Ginny sat up and looked out the window. It was snowing rapidly. She took a shower, got dressed, and slipped into the Great Hall. She plopped down next to Seamus, who handed her a plate. "Where were you?"

"When?"

"We had Quidditch practice. Harry was exhausted, so he didn't really care, but you're an awesome Beater, Ginny," Seamus said, helping himself to more fried eggs.

Ginny snorted, as she piled sausages onto her plate. "Right. I am such an amazing Beater."

"You are," muttered Harry, drinking a glass of apple juice.

Ginny smiled and shook her head.

Ron slid down across from Ginny. "What do you have first thing?"

"Divination."

"Did you finish that chart?"

Ginny paused. "I dunno..."

Harry nodded. "You did."

"Really?"

Harry nodded again. "I remember. The only thing you didn't finish was Arithmancy. That's when I woke you up."

Ginny thought for a moment. "That's right."

"So, you guys never told me something," Seamus started, grinning slyly at Harry.

Harry started shaking his head frantically. Ginny looked, confused, between the two of them and said, "Told you what, Seamus?"

"Erm...who our next Quidditch match is against..."

Ginny shook her head. "Ravenclaw. Harry, you better find the Snitch before Terry! I'll never live it down."

Harry grinned. "No worries."

Ginny smiled. "I should get my stuff. See you at lunch."

Once Ginny was out of earshot, Seamus snorted. "You live by that motto, Potter?"

"Remind me why I tell you anything, Finnigan."

"I stumbled across one of the ripped up letters you didn't send her and I pieced it all together. I'm not stupid." Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Seamus cut him off. "Don't start."

Harry grinned. "I should be getting my things as well."

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

Harry winked and walked up to the common room. He entered to see Ginny hunched over a table, working intently. Harry pulled up a chair and say next to her. "What are you doing, Gin?"

Ginny started, not expecting him to say anything and glared at him, but couldn't help but melt at his face. She loved the way that he was the only person to call her Gin. "Finishing my Arithmancy homework."

Harry shook his head. "Can't miss one assignment, can you?"

"Funny thing coming from you. You haven't missed an assignment since your fourth year, if I'm not mistaken."

"You're not supposed to use that against me!"

Ginny smiled devilishly. Harry picked up a book from Ginny's stack.

"The Big Book of Advanced Transfiguration," he read. "Bewitch your friends and enemies with this easy to follow guide of extremely advanced transfiguration." Ginny smiled softly and he opened the book. "What the...? I can barely understand this!"

"I have a gift," Ginny said, not taking her eyes off of her paper.

"You have something," Harry muttered.

Ginny grinned as Hermione and Ron came into the common room. Ron eyed them suspiciously. "What's going on?"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Damn! Ron! You just interrupted us! We were having wild animal sex all over the common room!"

Hermione burst into a fit of giggles and Harry snickered as Ron narrowed his eyes. "Don't joke, Ginny."

"Joke, joke, joke..." Ginny grinned.

Ron sighed, angrily. "You play too much!"

"And to think, we share a common gene pool."

"Yes, that scares me."

Hermione and Harry exchanged looks. Ron and Ginny argued night and day like cats and dogs, but everyone who knew them well, knew that they cared for each other's well being more then anything else while they were at Hogwarts.

Hermione cleared her throat. "Well, Ginny, I'm sorry, but we need to grab your "partner" for, ah, experimentation. You understand." Hermione winked.

Ginny giggled. "Knock yourself out. Farewell, my love! Save some for me!"

She winked and Harry laughed around his extreme blush. He was too busy thinking about the fact that she had just called him her "love" to retort with a smart-aleck comment. Hermione realized this and dragged him out of the room.

"See you later, Ginny!" she called over her shoulder.

Ginny waved and began to gather her books together. She had become used to carrying more then everyone thought she could handle. She yawned as she made her way to her class. "Nooo, I cannot get tired. Not now."

She entered the classroom and groaned. It was hot and stuffy like always, but it felt like she couldn't breathe. She collapsed on a pouf. She didn't like Divination to begin with, but she had a great laugh, watching her classmates believe the rubbish Professor Trelawny "predicted."

"Good morning, class," said a voice from behind them.

Ginny turned rather slowly to face Professor Trelawny. She sighed in relief when she found out that they were merely taking notes. She hunched over the table, writing intently. She must've fallen asleep because she heard Professor Trelawny calling her name and Colin was poking her softly. She looked up and yawned. She wiped the side of her face with her hand, concentrating on rubbing her eye before resting her head in the palm of her hand. "Hmm?"

"You fell asleep, dear," Professor Trelawny said.

"Isn't it miraculous?" Ginny smiled.

"I sense stress."

"It doesn't take a genius to realize that Ginny is the most stressed student out of all of us," Colin muttered.

Ginny smiled a thank you and he nodded. The rest of the class was basically just that. Ginny kept nodding off and Colin would have to bump her with his elbow.

As they were leaving, Ginny caught up with Colin. They were making their way through the crowded corridors and Ginny said, "Thanks, Colin."

"Anytime, but Ginny, why don't you try going to bed at a normal hour?"

Ginny waved to Harry, who was glancing between Ginny and Colin suspiciously (only Ginny didn't pick up on it), and said, "Because...I don't know Colin. I just want to do something with my life when I'm out of here."

"Yeah, but you won't get anywhere if you keep falling asleep in class."

They stopped in front of Ginny's Muggle Studies class and she smiled, softly. "Thank you for caring, Colin."

She disappeared into the classroom and Colin sighed, before murmuring, "I love you. Why wouldn't I care?"

Harry sucked in his breath as Colin made his way to Ancient Runes. So it's true, Harry thought as he made his way to Astronomy.



Hermione collapsed next to Ron at lunch. Ron glanced at her. She was flustered and out of breath.

"Where've you been?"

"McGonagall's class," Hermione replied shortly, spooning stew into a bowl.

"We've been out of there for ten minutes. What were you doing there?"

"Talking to her about Friday night."

"What's Friday night?"

"You'll find out tomorrow morning at breakfast."

Just then, Harry walked in and sat down next to Ginny, who was reading a Muggle fiction book.

"What's wrong?" Ginny and Hermione asked in unison, once they saw his face.

He looked at Ginny and shook his head. "Nothing."

He looked up at Hermione and gave her a look that clearly said, "I'll tell you later."

"Hey, what do we have this afternoon?" Ron asked picking another piece of garlic bread.

"Herbology and Divination," Harry replied.

"Well, I have Herbology and Arithmancy." Hermione sighed.

"What about you, Ginny?" Ron asked.

"Just Herbology," she answered, distracted.

"Nice," Ron said.

"Mmm." She nodded, slowly before standing.

"Where are you going?" Harry asked.

"For a quick walk around the grounds."

"Be careful," Ron called.

Ginny looked at him. "There's three feet of snow outside. I don't think I'm going to get that hurt as long as I avoid Whomping Willow and Hagrid's Hut."

Harry and Hermione snickered. Hermione said, "Go, Ginny, before you make Ron explode. Have fun."

Ginny smiled. "Thank you, Hermione."

Hermione looked at Harry and whispered, "Go with her."

Harry shook his head.

They saw Ginny pass the Great Hall with her gloves and scarf and Hermione nodded.

Harry shook his head defiantly.

Hermione glared at him. "Harold James Potter, if you don't go right now..."

"All right! All right! Keep your head, woman. There's no need to head into full name territory! Jeez!"

He ran up to the common room and got his cloak and gloves and scarf. He made his way outside, but stopped. Ginny was walking across the grounds. She looked beautiful, her red hair vibrant against the white snow. She had a little half smile on her face, as though she were thinking about something. Harry snuck up behind her and covered her eyes.

"Guess who," he said in a low whisper.

"Harry?" she murmured. She pulled his hands away from her eyes and turned around to look at him, not hiding the happiness that had washed over her face. "Harry."

"Ginny."

"What are you doing out here?" Her face suddenly grew serious. "Ron didn't send you, did he?"

Harry shook his head. "I wouldn't do it if he wanted me to, I respect your freedom. And besides, he would send someone of the same sex."

Ginny's face lit up again. "So you respect my "freedom" then, Harry?"

Harry smiled. "I just wanted to know how you were. You kind of tired out on us last night."

"Mm. And during Divination, Colin had to wake me up."

Harry shifted slightly. "You fell asleep then?"

"Just too easy. The room's nice and warm, those poufs are more comfortable then words can even explain."

Harry nodded. "That they are."

"TIME FOR CLASS, YOU TWO!" Hermione hollered from the stairs.

Ginny giggled and Harry sighed. "ALL RIGHT!" he yelled back. "Want me to walk you up?"

Ginny shook her head. "Thanks for the offer, but Professor Sprout told me just to bring a pair of dragon hide gloves." She pulled her gloves out of her pocket as she was speaking.

"So, you're starting the Venomous Tentacula unit, then?"

Ginny nodded. "Was it hard?"

"It's a little tricky to catch on to, that Venomous Tentacula activity was. As long as you pay attention and you aren't accident prone, you should be fine."

"Boy, you were one of the people going to the hospital wing, weren't you?"

"Shut up."

Ginny laughed. "You know, I'm joking Harry."

"COME ON, HARRY!" Ron bellowed.

Ginny glanced up at Ron. "I think you better go."

"Yeah. See you at dinner?"

Ginny nodded. "All right."

He took off across the grounds, yelling, "SHUT YOUR MOUTH, WEASLEY!"

Ginny couldn't restrain the smile spreading on her face before she turned and made her way to Greenhouse Three. Professor Sprout had already unlocked the door, and most of the class had assembled, but there were still a few stray stragglers.

"Not so prompt for once?" Colin asked as Ginny plopped on the bench next to him.

Ginny shook her head. Colin shifted, uneasily. He hated how her face lit up when she saw Harry; how every time she got back from seeing him her eyes were starry, her cheeks flushed with mirth. Yet, at the same time, he loved it because she looked so beautiful when she was happy.

He snapped out of his daydream and began listening to Professor Sprout.

"Be extremely careful. I never had anyone die, but I'm not saying that you won't be in horrific pain if you do happen to get bitten."

"What do we need the seedlings for?" Ginny asked.

Professor Sprout paused. "They are extremely hot, so we use them to heat the castle and I believe Madam Pomfrey uses them for her Pepperup Potion. Right then, you know your regular pairs. Get to work."

Ginny sighed and turned to Colin. "Were you paying any attention?"

Colin nodded. "A little."

Ginny shook her head as the Venomous Tentacula spilled out seedlings that began bounding around. Ginny picked one up by the only yellow end and began to shave it with an ordinary peeler. It wiggled around, trying to free itself, but it instantly stopped once the peeler hit its skin.

"Oh! That's easy!" Colin said boastfully as he picked up a large one.

"One thing though..." Ginny started.

"No, no, no, I can handle-- OW!" Colin shouted.

"...Don't pinch it," Ginny finished, shaking her head.

"Mr. Creevy, look at you! You're blowing up! Best get you to the Hospital Wing. Ms. Weasley, can you take him since the only materials you have are gloves?" Professor Sprout scolded.

Ginny nodded. "Come on, Colin."

Professor Sprout touched Ginny's shoulder lightly. "Thank you, dear."

Colin stood and followed Ginny out of the door, whimpering softly.

"I told you to wait..." Ginny started.

"Don't even start, Ginny."

Ginny smiled. "You okay, Colin? Aside from the fact that venom is currently rushing through your veins, I mean?"

Colin shrugged. "Eh."

They walked together in silence for a few moments.

"Why'd you change, Colin?" Ginny asked, quietly.

"Hmm?"

"I understand why you backed off of Harry, especially when everyone began discussing your sexuality, but photography seemed to be your thing. And you were amazing at it."

Colin smiled, distracted. "The one I took of you, by the lake a couple of days before Christmas Holidays, came out the best."

Ginny felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "I love that one of Lockhart and Harry. It's hilarious."

"Not fond of Lockhart, I take it."

Ginny snorted. "I cannot stand him."

"Wow, Ginny! You don't fall for a pretty face."

"What're you talking about? He's hideous! Hermione's a complete moron for falling for him when he taught here."

Colin chuckled and began slowing. Ginny wrapped her arms around him for support and murmured, "Not much further, Colin."

Colin took a deep breath. Ginny didn't reek of strong perfume like other girls he knew, but of sweet apples.

"You smell like fruit," he muttered, his speech beginning to slur.

Ginny chuckled. "Thank you, Colin. My father bought it from me from a muggle store."

"You should get more," he murmured.

Ginny smiled. "Here we go, Colin."

Madame Pomfrey scooted in and sighed. "Started the Venomous Tentacula unit, I suppose? Well, I guess I will see more like him soon. Classes are ending, Ms. Weasley; you don't have to stay. Thank you for bringing him."

Ginny nodded and rubbed Colin's hand. "See you later, Colin."

He smiled meekly. "See you, Ginny."

She walked out of the hospital wing and ran into Harry. A smile spread across her face. "Hey, Harry."

Harry returned the smile, nodding his head in the direction of the hospital wing. "What happened to Creevy?"

"Venomous Tentacula seeds and he wasn't paying attention."

"See! Didn't I tell you?" Harry said as they stopped in front of the large doors in the Entrance Hall.

"How was Divination?"

Harry gave Ginny a Look. "How do you think?"

"Oh yeah. You're the seventh year that's supposed to die right?"

"I'm always the one that's supposed to die. I think she likes fantasizing about my death."

"Yeah, I'm supposed to be the sixth year that dies."

"But it's only the first time she expects you to die. She's been waiting for me to die since my third year."

Ginny snickered and Harry glared at her. "I'm going to Herbology. I'll see you at dinner."

Ginny nodded and Harry gave her a friendly hug before disappearing out of the large double doors. Ginny paused for a moment before leaving herself. She wandered past the greenhouses (waving to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, of course) down to Hagrid's hut. She knocked on his door; ignoring Fang's loud, booming barks.

"Well, if it isn't the youngest Weasley. Come on in, Ginny," said Hagrid after he opened the door.

Ginny smiled as she sat down. "Thanks, Hagrid."

"Anytime, would yeh like a spot o' tea?"

"That would be nice. Thanks, Hagrid."

Hagrid peered at Ginny. "Whatsamatter? Yer bein' too polite today..."

Ginny smiled. "Just your average, sixteen year-old girl problems..."

"A certain seventeen year-old boy with black hair, green eyes, 'n glasses wouldn't be involved would 'e?"

"Um...no! Why would Harry be involved?"

"Ah. I didn' say Harry. There are a good few here who fit that description."

Ginny groaned and Hagrid handed her a cup of tea with a smile on his face. "So, what's goin' on with yeh two?"

Ginny looked down into her tea. Her answer was slightly muffled. "I love him, Hagrid."

Hagrid looked at her. "Well, I know. Yeh've been followin' him 'round..."

"No, Hagrid," Ginny said cutting him off. "I love him. I want to marry him when I'm done with school."

"Crikey..."

"I know."

"It'll be all right, Ginny."

Ginny looked up at him. "You won't tell him, will you, Hagrid?"

"I promise, Ginny."

"Thank you. So, how are you?"

"Good. Beaky's doin' fine and Sirius says hello and that he's goin' ter send yeh a letter."

Ginny smiled absently. "Okay, that's good."

"Lots ter tell him, eh?" Hagrid's beard shifted into a smile.

Ginny grinned. "Just a bit."

They sat in silence and Hagrid showed her the size of the pumpkinseeds that he was planting later for next year's Halloween feast.

Before Ginny knew it, it was time for dinner. Ginny thanked Hagrid and ran into the castle. She was on her way through the large doors when she ran into someone.

Ginny looked up, rubbing her arm. "Colin."

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, Ginny!" Colin extended his hand to help her up.

Ginny took his hand and he pulled her up. They fell into step together and were silent for a few moments. Ginny pushed a stray strand of hair out of her face and cleared her throat. "How's your arm?"

"Not bad. It hurt like hell, getting the venom out, but I was fine in like fifteen minutes, though she wanted to keep me. I had to beg her to let me go."

Ginny chuckled as they walked into the full Great Hall. Colin waved slightly and Ginny nodded. She collapsed next to Harry, flushed and out of breath. "Pass the potatoes, please, Harry."

Harry handed her a bowl of mashed potatoes and murmured, "What was that about?"

"What? Oh, Colin? Nothing."

"You two were the last to arrive. That looks extremely bad," Ron commented.

Ginny groaned and Hermione said, "Here we go."

Harry chuckled as Ginny started, "OK, I was going to Hagrid's when you were in Herbology..."

"And you were coming in on your way to dinner and ran into Colin who was leaving the hospital wing, so being the friends you are, you walked together, correct?" Harry finished.

Ginny nodded vigorously. "Thank you, Harry."

Ron sighed. "Siding with my sister once again, Harry?"

"She suckers me into it with that innocence we no longer have."

Hermione snorted and Ginny suddenly became fascinated with her salad, shaking slightly. Harry couldn't even keep a straight face.

"What? Ginny, have you been doing something?" Ron asked.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Ginny giggled.

Ron shook his head. "You horse around too much. It's amazing that you're up for Head Girl."

Ginny stuck out her tongue as she polished off her salad. She had started a slice of cherry pie, when Harry and Hermione rose.

"Where are you guys going?" Ron and Ginny asked in unison.

"Heads Meeting," Hermione muttered.

"What about? Should I go?" Ginny asked.

"No!" they said, Ron and Ginny stared at them and Harry chuckled nervously. "I mean, we're only talking to Dumbledore, you'd be bored. No, you'd best stay here and spend some quality time with your brother."

Ginny nodded. "Um...all right."

"Good. I'll see you two later then?" Hermione said, giving Ginny a friendly hug and Ron a kiss. Harry and Hermione left the Great Hall. Ginny slid down so that she was directly across from her brother, who still had a dumbstruck look on his face. Ginny snorted. "What's your major malfunction, son?"

Ron laughed at her imitation of their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher last year, a drill sergeant. "Nothing, just wondering what they're really doing..."

"Probably planning something for Valentine's Day, you know Hermione."

"Yes I do, she's become a big flirt lately."

Ginny snorted. "You really think that she's going to do that to you?"

Ron nodded and Ginny chuckled. "She's hooked on you, she loves you to death, trust me, nothing's going to happen between you two, except perhaps, you'll get married."

She winked and Ron grinned. "Perhaps."



Harry and Hermione came to a halt inside the Head Boy and Girl common room. Hermione plopped down on the plush velvety couch. "So, what's going on? Why did you look so shaken at lunch?"

Harry sighed and ran his long slender fingers through his jet-black hair. "I heard him say it."

Hermione stared at him, confused. "Who say what, Harry?"

"Colin say that he loves Ginny."

Hermione's eyes got wide. "I knew it!"

"What?"

"Well, I mean, it's quite obvious, isn't it, Harry? Besides, her heart belongs to you. I know it does."

"Prove it," Harry challenged.

"You know I can't! It's up to Ginny to swallow her shyness and tell you herself since you so blatantly refuse to believe me."

Harry was thinking about this when Dumbledore walked in. He smiled. "Good evening you two. My goodness Harry, has anyone ever told you that you are a dead ringer for James, yet with a hint of Lily? Especially when you're in deep thought."

Harry smiled at the memory of his parents. "No, sir, but thank you."

"It is very true, but I must ask you to excuse Miss Granger and myself for a moment to discuss a small surprise for the school."

Harry nodded. "I have a lot of homework anyway. Goodnight Professor, Hermione."

Harry strode out of sight and immediately ran into someone with red hair and shining brown eyes.

"Sorry, Harry! I'm such a klutz today!" Ginny cried.

Harry laughed. "When aren't you?"

Ginny stuck out her tongue. "Where are you going?"

"Back to the common room. Where are you coming from?"

Ginny lifted a large book entitled Advanced Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk. "Library."

"Do all of your extra books have the word 'advanced' in them?" Harry asked as they turned a corner.

"Perhaps." Ginny smiled. She then grew fairly serious. "Harry, may I ask you something?"

"Although you already did, sure."

"Do you really want to play Quidditch for a living?"

"Yes, actually I do," Harry responded after taking a moment to think.

"What happens when that's done?"

"That's why I'm doing Auror training. I get to juggle with which I like most."

Ginny nodded as they climbed through the portrait of the Fat Lady. The common room was empty except for Dean and Seamus. They had become the Fred and George of Hogwarts since the real Fred and George left. Harry and Ginny waved to them before collapsing next to each other on a window seat.

"What about you, Ginny?" Harry looked at her.

Ginny absently looked out of the window. "Honestly, I dunno."

"Why don't you play Quidditch with me?"

"But what if we get on different teams? Then we'd become enemies or something like that."

"There is something Ron, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and I haven't told you."

"What?"

"Well, you know how I said that I've met and made an agreement with the manager of Puddlemere United?"

Ginny paused for a moment. "Yes."

"Well, he was extremely interested in you as well, but we didn't want you to get a big head."

Ginny laughed. "Me? Get a big head? I dunno what you're talking about, Harry."

Harry laughed. "We were afraid you would, so you cannot tell anyone I told you."

"Did you request me?" Ginny asked seriously.

Harry let a small smile escape his lips and Ginny punched him in the shoulder. "Ow! You pack a decent punch!"

"Harry Potter, why would you go and do that?"

"Because that way we won't become enemies and you'll still be my best friend."

Ginny smiled. "Thank you, Harry."

"Well, of course, it's only if you want to play Quidditch. You don't have to; I just thought it would be nice."

Ginny chuckled. "I probably will. Especially now."

Harry grinned. "All right. Good."

Ginny stood and stretched. "I'm going to bed."

Harry looked at his watch. "Before midnight?"

Ginny glared at him. "Shut up."

Harry stood up, too. "I should get to bed as well. Want me to walk you up?"

Ginny nodded. "Sure."

They walked up to Ginny's room in silence and came to a stop in front of the door. Ginny looked up at Harry. "All right, then. Here we are."

"Yep."

Ginny gave Harry a hug. "G'night, Harry."

Harry hugged her back tightly. "Goodnight, Ginny."

"Harry?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you let me go?" Ginny asked, not hiding the laughter in her voice.

"Oh! Sorry!" Harry (rather reluctantly) pulled back and crossed his arms.

"Thank you."

Harry smiled. "Anytime." He turned to leave. "Goodnight, Ginny."

"Goodnight, Harry."

Ginny closed her door and sighed. She got changed and slid into bed. She yawned and looked up at the top of her four poster bed. She wondered why Harry didn't let go and why she didn't really care whether he did or not right before she fell asleep.