Down with Love

Ginny made her way up to the Astronomy tower in her pale pink dress robes and stopped in the doorway, smiling fondly.

Harry was pacing back and forth, chewing on his lip, an action that Ginny discovered he did when he was nervous. He looked stunning in emerald green dress robes and he was continuously running his slender fingers through his jet-black hair.

She chuckled and he whirled around. His face broke into a smile. "Wow, Ginny. You look beautiful."

She smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face. "Thank you, Harry, you don't look half bad yourself, Sparky."

He chuckled and she smiled. He held out his hand. "Ready?"

She laced her fingers through his, looked up at him, and nodded. "Ready."

He squeezed her hand and they made their way to the Great Hall.

They walked in and Hermione and Ron exchanged looks before marching over to them. Hermione squealed. "Oh, my! You guys!"

Harry sighed, deeply. "Yep. Sorry we were so secretive."

Ginny smiled. "Yeah, we wanted to tell you, but it would've been a much better surprise."

Ron nodded. "We understand."

Ginny squeezed Harry's hand. "Let's dance."

He nodded and led her out onto the dance floor. They danced nonstop straight for the longest time. They finally did take a break and sat down at a table.

Colin had smuggled in a bottle of firewhiskey and was currently drunk, sitting at a table full of Slytherins, none of which looked the least bit happy to have him.

Harry looked at Ginny. "I'm so sorry I was so shy today. I just kissed you and I was so surprised and I didn't think you wanted me, too, and I just love you so much, Ginny."

Ginny put her hands on his face and gently rubbed his cheeks before kissing him. "I love you, too, Harry. I always did."

He smiled and kissed her again. After they rested, kissing frequently, slower music started to play and Harry took Ginny's hand. "Come on, my love. Let's dance."

Ginny smiled and allowed herself to be whisked onto the dance floor.

***

Later that night, Harry and Ginny were curled up in one of the overstuffed armchairs, already in their pajamas, watching the glowing embers. They were whispering and giggling when Colin stumbled in. He reeked of alcohol and was slurring to himself. He spotted Harry and Ginny and pointed in their direction and began stumbling towards them. Ginny held up her small hand and Colin stopped dead. Now that he had stepped into the glow of the fire, she saw he had a bluish black circle around his right eye and a slight limp, in addition to the red handprint still on his left cheek Ginny had left. It seemed that the Slytherins had had enough of him, too. Colin never really did get along with anyone and Ginny could not provide any comfort or sympathy for him any longer. He had ruined their friendship not even twenty-four hours ago and all because he was just a little jealous.

Ginny cleared her throat. "Colin, unless you want to be in even more pain, I suggest you pass us by, today and everyday, like we don't exist. I don't mind speaking to you again, but I will never trust you. Now, mind your business and go up to your dormitory like I know you would if any other two people were sitting here. Got it?"

Colin nodded and Ginny smiled. "Good. Now go. We'll see you tomorrow when you're hungover."

He glared at her and stumbled up the stairs. Harry whistled. "Whoa, Ms. Weasley, I must say that I am quite frightened of you now."

She laughed and leaned back on him. "Don't be. I like you, you'll be fine."

He snorted. "Gee, that's reassuring. The violence that runs through your family is mind blowing."

Ginny chuckled and Harry nestled closer to her. "I love you, Gin."

"I love you, too, Harry. Mind you, it really was never for your fame. It was always for you."

"That's why I plan on marrying you one day, Ginny Weasley," Harry whispered in her ear.

Ginny smiled. "I would like that very much, Harry."

Harry pulled a ring off of his finger, a silver band he inherited from his father, and slipped it on her right ring finger. Ginny looked puzzled. "Uhh, Harry? If you're proposing, it's supposed to go on the other finger, you know?"

He nodded. "I know, but I don't want you to feel as though you belong to me. When you get out of Hogwarts, if you still want to be with me, I'll be waiting and if you don't, then I'll cope."

She smiled and kissed his hand. "I'll still want to. I promise."

He smiled in return, laced her fingers through hers, and squeezed her hand tight. "I love you, Ginny."

She kissed his cheek. "I love you, too, Harry."

They fell asleep in the chair together; their hands still clasped together.

TO END THIS IN THE BIGGEST CLICHÉ: They all lived happily ever after...

...until Voldemort began his reign of terror again, but that's a different story.