I Didn't Forget You, Harry

Mrs. Weasley had finally stopped checking on her offspring's rooms and had gone downstairs; Harry could hear faint snoring coming from Ron's bed across the room. Harry was deep in thought when he heard soft footsteps in the hall, slowly coming closer. He grabbed his wand from his bedside and pretended to sleep. The footsteps stopped at his door, and he heard the faintest of knocks.

"Harry?" whispered a female voice.

"Yes?" he quietly called back.

"Is it all right if I come in?" It was Ginny.

"Uh, sure," he replied, wondering what she was still doing up. Harry waved his wand to unbolt the door that Ron had locked against early morning intrusions from Kreacher.

Ginny tiptoed in and quietly closed the door, then came over to sit on the edge of Harry's bed. Harry reached for his glasses, and then sat up to join her.

"I couldn't sleep, and I thought you might be up, too," Ginny offered.

"Yeah, a lot happened these last few days. I'm still trying to sort it all out," replied Harry wearily.

"I know. Dementors! Who could have imagined! And worse than that, you were stuck with those horrible Muggles for a whole month!"

Harry couldn't help but snicker. Which was worse, the terror of the attack, or his temporary exile from the wizarding world?

Ginny went on, "It must have been awful. Your two best friends out here. No news. And after everything you went through with You-Know-Who. You must have felt so...left out, and forgotten."

It was a relief to hear someone else say it. "Exactly right," Harry answered gratefully, amazed that Ginny seemed to understand so perfectly.

"They didn't forget you. None of us did." She added remorsefully, "It was just that...it was difficult for all of us, but we had to do as Dumbledore asked."

Dumbledore again. The anger and feeling of abandonment returned, burning inside of him, but Ginny continued.

"I didn't forget you, Harry," Ginny said so quietly that he found himself leaning closer to hear her words. "I thought about you constantly...and I'm so glad you're back with us." At this she leaned over and kissed Harry on the cheek. It was more than just a quick, friendly peck. Her lips were soft and warm, and they lingered upon his cheek. The anger inside of him melted away and was replaced by something unfamiliar and welcome. He felt wonderfully still and calm.

Ginny abruptly stood up and met Harry's eyes for just a moment before she whispered, "Sweet dreams," and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door silently behind her.

Harry's mind was whirling. What just happened?

She was just being kind to her brother's best mate.

She could have said something earlier. She came into my room at night!

She feels sorry for you.

But that kiss! That wasn't a "Have a good Quidditch match" kiss.

Nutter.

I'm not!

I suppose you think she fancies you?

She used to, I think.

But she was a little girl then.

She's not little anymore. She understands me!

Do you fancy her?

Uh...

Exhausted by the events of the day, Harry drifted off, gladly allowing himself to be inundated by thoughts of Ginny and her unexpected, unforgettable kiss.