Boycotting Valentine's Day

Chapter 4: Some Things are Best Left Unspoken

"Come in..."

I looked up almost expectantly. I don't know why; I suppose a part of me really hoped that it was Harry at the door. Obviously, however, it was the irrational part that always tends to forget things such as rules. Rules such as boys being unable to ascend the girl's staircase. Silly rule if I do say so myself. Do they honestly think that we'll act like rabbits and just shag everything in sight?

"Are you ok?" Relief ran through me as I realized that Hermione had come to check on me. Trying desperately to smile, but failing miserably, I patted a spot on my bed for her to sit. With a little coaxing on Hermione's part, we eventually came to talking about everything.

(As a side note: Hermione and I became really close the summer after my third year. When she decided not to go to Bulgaria, she came to spend some time at the Burrow. I'm not really sure what happened between them, but that's around the time when she and Ron started doing their "homework" together. Our friendship started out as gossiping between two girls (although I must admit, it's rather strange to hear someone ramble on about my brother), but we ended up becoming best friends.)

"The thing, though, is that I...I don't regret it. I wouldn't take it back," I finally admitted as I fidgeted with a loose thread on my robes. My shoulders slumped slightly as I looked up once more. "But," I said shrugging, "you saw his face. He was so shocked and embarrassed. I know how he hates attention and all I did was attract more."

Placing a reassuring arm across my shoulders, Hermione hugged me softly. "You'll never know what he feels unless you say something. He might feel the same way. But, if you stay up here all the time you will always wonder." Grabbing my shoulders, she then forced me to face her full on, determination written clearly across her features. "So, dry up your tears. Wash your face and make yourself presentable. It's time for you to go down and face your problems instead of hiding from them."

Why does Hermione always have to be right? Is it just part of her make up or something?

"Do I have to?" I managed to mumble under my breath.

"Yes!" Hermione said with conviction, rolling her eyes as though to emphasize how silly I was being. With one last pat on my shoulder, she left the room with only one last comment, "And don't take forever, Ginny."

~*~

Well, let me tell you, when Hermione said to hurry, I hurried about as fast as a turtle. I hurried as I took a nice, long, hot shower. I was in a frenzy as I brushed my teeth- not once, but twice. In a rush, I got into my pajamas, put my hair up with my wand (very bad habit, might I add), and put on my robe. I was also hustling as I searched for the Potions assignment I planned to bring with me.

So, what could've been a mere five minute spruce-up turned into a two and a half hour process. Oh well, what can I say? I really wasn't looking forward to the prospect of having to confront Harry.

By the time I finally made my way down to the common room, I could tell that most of the lights were off. Actually, the only light that was left was a dim glow coming from the cinders in the fireplace. Everyone had already gone upstairs for the night. Harry had already gone upstairs for the night. It was just...best that way anyways. Some things are just best left unspoken. No need to have my heart broken on Valentine's Day. It can wait until later- like tomorrow.

Sighing with a mixture of regret and relief, I ignited the fire once more and then proceeded to sit down at one of the tables and do my assignment. I must have been concentrating exceptionally hard on my assignment, which is a surprise considering it was Potions, because I completely failed to hear the footsteps descending the stairs to the boys' dormitory.

I was shocked when I felt a tap on my shoulder and heard someone whisper my name. Actually, I was a little bit more than shocked. I really think I must have jumped about ten feet in the air. I jerked my wand out of my hair, more than prepared to attack my assailant. Thus, it was quite a shock to only come face to face, yet again, with...

"Oh, Harry, it's just you! You almost scared me to death. Don't do that again!" I said, punching him in the arm as I tried desperately to calm my nerves.

"Good right hook, Gin," Harry chuckled quietly, rubbing his arm.

Is that a hint of a blush I see or are my eyes playing tricks on me in the firelight? Okay, I've officially gone insane.

"Er, yeah Harry." I responded, suddenly remembering the incident that had happened earlier.

An uncomfortable silence fell upon us as we both tried desperately to look anywhere but at each other. I could feel my palms getting sweaty, and I could've sworn my heart was performing record breaking Wronski Feints in my chest. I knew I had to say something. The silence was becoming painful.

"About earlier," we said simultaneously. Obviously we were both having the same thoughts. Harry chuckled nervously as I made a mixture between a grimace and a smile.

"You can go first Harry."

"No, I insist. Ladies first."

"No really Harry, you can go."

"Really Gin, it's alright. I'd rather hear what you had to say first." And then he did it. The smile. The one that always makes me give in.

Boys! Well, it's now or never...

"Alright...well, I don't really know how to say this so, er, I'm just going to say it. About earlier...you see, I know I should probably be embarrassed and regret it but the thing is- I don't. I don't and I don't understand why...wait yes I do," I corrected myself, taking a deep breath. "You see, Harry, we've known each other for going on seven years and been best friends for two. And- and even though I keep trying to tell myself that I don't have feelings for you- I do.

"But Harry, it's for the real you. The Harry that makes cracks about how studious Ron has suddenly become, the Harry who is a fabulous seeker, the Harry who knows that I'm trying to avoid him and yet he comes and pulls me out of a stupid old broom cupboard anyways, the Harry that has the world on his shoulders and never truly lets anyone in, and the Harry who still finds time to spend time with me even though I know there are better things you could be doing.

"That thing that happened at dinner may have been an accident, but I don't regret one single bit of it. Because...well, because I care for you," I finished, expected nothing in return- as odd as that sounds. Nodding my head to nothing in particular, I swallowed down the lump that was quickly forming in my throat. "And I'm just going to go now, so..." I finally managed to whisper, turning quickly on my heel. I began to gather my books and wand (which I had dropped on the floor) and started to head toward my dorm, unshed tears burning my eyes.

"Gin, can I say something," I finally heard Harry whisper as I mounted the first step.

I stopped, dreading what would come next, yet for some reason I turned around. Taking a deep breath, I turned around and faced him. "Sure Harry, it's only fair," I barely managed to choke out.

"Well, the thing is...I don't know where to start. I- I actually don't even know if what I'm going to say is what you want to hear but...here it goes. Gin, when Ron and Hermione started doing their "homework" quite often I felt...alone. Some nights I would just sit down here and wait for them to return. I don't think they ever really realized it, though.

"Then, one day, this strange...creature came over and started talking to me. At first I clung to her because I felt neglected, but then I started to find myself wanting, no needing to spend more and more time with her as I got to know her better. You know, Gin, you may think that you're always in the shadows and that no one sees you for who you truly are- but," at this point, he looked down at his bare feet for a moment before looking me straight in the eyes, "I do.

"I- I know that you like to put your wand in your hair when you're concentrating on something really hard. I know that you bite your lower lip when you are nervous or when you are trying to muffle a giggle. I know that you are extremely talented at Charms yet you are absolutely horrid at Divinations. Not that I could blame you, though.

"So...so, you may think that everyone sees you as just another Weasley, or Ron's sister, or even Harry Potter's best friend's little sister, but all I see you as is Gin. You're the person who can make me smile when I feel like life couldn't possibly get worse. You see you are my...my little ray of sunlight," his face flushed deeper if possible. He cleared his throat roughly, "That sounds corny, huh?

"But- but it's the truth. You say that you don't regret the little incident that happened earlier and I just wanted to tell you- likewise. I wouldn't change it for the world. Mashed potatoes and all," Harry chuckled walking toward me.

I didn't know what to say. Tears were streaming from my face. I was so confused, so happy. Finally reaching the stairs, Harry pulled me close to his chest and hugged me. I had a smile plastered on my face. I wanted to dance, to sing, to run a marathon, and yet I didn't want to move from my position. Harry raised his hand to my cheek and wiped away my tears with the pad of his thumb. Hand lingering, he looked down at me, his brow furrowed. I could tell that he was thinking about something.

"Hey Gin?"

"Yes, Harry?" I asked in a daze, tilting my head to the side.

"Well...er...do you think you'd mind if...well..." Harry started to blush deeply. His gaze kept dropping toward the area between my chin and nose.

Suddenly I knew what Harry wanted to ask. "Yes Harry, you can."

Harry's smile went all the way to his eyes and he when he looked at me I found myself spellbound by all the emotions I saw there. We kept eye contact until I felt his lips press against mine. They say ignorance is bliss. But I can contradict that. I was ignorant until now and now my eyes are open.

Hello world! Wahoo! Mmm, Harry tastes like...like chocolate frogs and peppermints.

Harry and I broke our kiss gazing into each other's eyes, our foreheads resting against each other.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Ginny," Harry said as the clock began to chime midnight.

"Happy Valentine's Day," I responded...and, I truly meant it. Even though there were a couple ups and downs, some side roads and miscalculated exits, I ended up at the right stop. A Happy Valentine's Day? Yes it was.

Who could ever be silly enough to try and boycott such a wonderful holiday?

THE END

(Or is it???)