So Close

"I haven't done anything...sir," Harry said. "I've just been sitting here."

"Sitting alone instead of celebrating your deliberate act of violence against my seeker? Somehow I doubt that," Snape coldly said. Harry could barely control his anger and keep his mouth shut. "I'm sure your friends have told you how much more smoothly class runs without the need to revisit instructions for you and Longbottom all the time."

Harry stood up and was about to say something when he heard, "Mr. Potter what are you doing out?" He saw Professor McGonagall walk up behind Professor Snape.

"I was just sitting here professor," Harry said.

"Potter here would like us to believe that he was innocently sitting alone along with his invisibility cloak while the rest of his house is celebrating, noisily I might add, his assault on my player," Snape calmly said, still glaring at Harry.

McGonagall looked closely at Harry and said, "Get back to your Common Room, Mr. Potter. If you really want to be alone, I would suggest your dorm next time."

"Yes Professor," Harry said before giving Snape a hateful look and then sneaking back to his bed.

Harry got up early and was able to grab some breakfast and get out of the hall before his friends found him. He quickly made his way down to Hagrid's hut. "How ya been getting along 'Arry?" Hagrid asked.

"I'm ok Hagrid. How's Grawp?" Harry asked.

"Oh, loads better," Hagrid said beaming. "His English will be good as mine before long."

"Do the centaurs leave him alone?"

"Ah well they pretty much have to don't they?" Hagrid said chuckling. "Wish Bane and them would come around." Hagrid took a drink and asked, "Where's the other two?"

"Oh, probably still eating. I just needed to get away," Harry admitted.

"Yeah, know how you feel sometimes," Hagrid added. "Imagine it's hard to keep everything in your head from spilling out now and then."

Harry actually laughed thinking that was exactly how it felt sometimes. He had a good conversation with Hagrid before running to get to his first class. Hermione and Ron had been irritated with him for not waiting on them this morning but quickly forgave him. They were heading to lunch and after entering the Great Hall, saw Ginny sitting near their usual spot. Harry stopped and said, "Um...you know I'm not that hungry. I'm going to go grab my books for next class."

Ron gave him a pleading look before scowling at his sister but Hermione grabbed his arm, "You've got to talk to her Harry."

"Why? I didn't do anything wrong," her quickly replied.

"She thinks you see her as a little sister," Hermione whispered.

"Well I don't! Excuse me for caring," Harry angrily said before turning and walking out. However, as soon as he got out the door, his stomach gave a loud growl so instead of heading up for his books; he snuck down to the kitchen to get something to eat.

Over the next few weeks, Ginny slowly began getting back to spending more time with the trio and Harry quit making excuses to leave when she was around. They never talked about what happened, even though Hermione kept telling them both they really should. Harry was too stubborn, not thinking it was his fault and Ginny was too embarrassed to say anything.

The D.A. group had done well with their Patronus Charm, with a few more making full corporeal versions. Blaise's had been a large raven and Harry enjoyed watching it fly around the room. Harry had started them working on shields and was happy that nearly everyone was able to produce a shield that would at least reduce the effects of curses. Neville had been able on a few occasions to produce a shield that blocked the entire effect of a hex, even when Hermione cast it. When Kingsley had asked about the progress of the D.A. students, Harry mentioned what they were working on and how everyone was doing. Kingsley offered to come to the meeting to show them a different form of shield charm. Harry told the rest of the group this and at the meeting where Kingsley was supposed to come, everyone was there early, anxious to learn this.

"Well, thank you Miss Granger and Mr. Potter for allowing me to come to your meeting," Kingsley said, clearly having everyone's attention. "I understand you've made great progress with your shields, but there are times when you need to protect someone who is not standing right next to you. There is a special shield charm that may be useful." Kingsley looked around the room and everyone was still giving him their full attention. "The charm is 'Protego Truan' and it can be used over line-of-sight distances."

Everyone started mumbling about the possibilities of this. "However," Kingsley continued getting their attention again, "this is not a standard spell. It is not based entirely of the magic of the caster. The caster has to really want to help the recipient and even more important, the recipient has to fully trust the caster and believe that the caster can indeed perform the spell correctly." Now everyone looked confused. "If the recipient doesn't believe nor trust the caster, the shield will fail, no matter how powerful the caster. If the recipient believes the caster can perform the spell but doesn't fully trust the caster, the shield will glow green and will only be partially effective. If the recipient fully trusts the caster but doesn't really believe they can successfully cast the spell, the shield will glow blue and again be only partially effective. However, if the recipient fully trusts the caster and believes they can successfully cast the spell, the shield will have a slight golden glow and should be very effective."

Now, the students started openly talking about this. "Ok, now pair up and try this out. Please do not take offense if you find out your partner doesn't fully trust you. This is a hard thing for some people to do and it cannot be faked."

For the next thirty minutes, students paired up and tried doing the new spell. Harry, Ron and Hermione were all able to perform it on each other with the shield glowing slightly gold each time. Harry saw that with some partners, Neville's shield would glow blue meaning the recipient didn't fully believe Neville could do it. However, the people who were at the Ministry of Magic last year did believe Neville and the shield was slightly gold when he was paired with one of them.

"Look at that," Ron said nodding to Blaise. "Nobody trusts here, it's always been green."

Harry felt bad and wondered if he trusted her enough. She had been very nice since joining the group and had done nothing to make him suspicious. He walked over to Blaise who had just cast it on Cho causing a green glow to surround the other girl. "How's it going?" Harry asked.

Blaise was obviously disappointed but said, "I suppose as I expected."

"Hermione!" Harry called. "Can you come over here for a second?" Hermione walked over to the two.

"Hermione, can you cast some hex at me and Blaise can try the spell?" Harry calmly asked. Hermione looked slightly nervous but Blaise seemed very reluctant.

"Oh no Harry, that's ok," Blaise quickly said.

"That's ok Blaise, Hermione wouldn't do anything to put me in the hospital. Would you Hermione?" Harry joked.

"Of course not Harry," Hermione said giving Blaise a look that said, "You better do this right."

Hermione started to say a curse and Blaise pointed her wand at Harry and said, "Protego Truan!" Hermione's curse flew at Harry but the shield charm was faster and Harry was suddenly surrounded by a shield that had a slightly golden glow just before Hermione's curse was deflected harmlessly into the ceiling.

Blaise was beaming as Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Harry," she said with obvious appreciation as she gave his arm a squeeze, drawing scowls from Cho and Ginny.

Kingsley had watched the entire thing and got everyone's attention. "Ok, you all seem to be doing very well and have found out how much some of your classmates really trust you." He watched some of the uncomfortable faces in the crowd. "Now, there is another part to this. The caster really has to want to protect the recipient. The shield will be more powerful if both the caster and recipient feel a real need for the protection. If neither of you feel like there is danger in the curse, it will be less powerful. Let me demonstrate." Now everyone got a little nervous. "Mr. Potter would you and.....Miss Weasley come up here please."

Harry and Ginny walked to the center of the room. Ginny whispered, "This will be easy Harry." Harry felt some of tension that had still been between the two vanish as she said this. He smiled warmly back at her.

Ginny started to put her wand away but Kingsley spoke up, "Keep your wand out Miss Weasley. Mr. Potter, you may put yours away."

Now Ginny suddenly became very nervous realizing that she was going to have to protect Harry. Kingsley's voice interrupted her thoughts, "Now, I will be using a curse that won't cause permanent damage, but if it gets through your shield will indeed be very painful and will most assuredly send Mr. Potter to the hospital wing."

Now everyone was mumbling and Ginny began to shake a little. Harry put his hand on her shoulder and whispered, "You can do this, I know you can." Ginny looked deep into his bright green eyes and again knew he was completely honest, he really believed in her. She felt much better after this as she watched Harry walk a few meters away ready to receive the shield.

"Ready Miss Weasley?" Kingsley calmly asked. Ginny took a deep breath and nodded.

Kingsley started saying the spell and Ginny yelled, "Protego Truan!" Her spell past Kingsley's in mid-air and suddenly Harry was surrounded by a brilliant golden glow that nearly obscured him from view. There was a loud 'gong' sound as Kingsley's curse glanced off the shield and crashed into a shelf, causing it to crumble to the ground.

There where many gasps from the students as the shield faded revealing Harry standing calmly in the same place. Ginny ran forward and hugged him tightly, realizing that Harry did have confidence in her and fully trusted her abilities. "You did great Ginny," Harry said hugging her back.

Ginny suddenly realized what she was doing and let him go, face glowing red. "Thanks Harry," she said, obviously embarrassed.

"Well, that was quite impressive and shows just how powerful a thing trust can be," Kingsley said. "Thank you all again for allowing me to come to your meeting," he said as he strode out of the room.

"That was amazing Ginny!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Bloody Hell mate," Ron said.

Things between the four went back to being very comfortable and maybe even a little better between Ginny and Harry than before. Some of the doubt Ginny had been having about what Harry thought of her had been alleviated and she felt like she could just be herself again.

The first of December had Ron working the team hard to get ready for their next match against Hufflepuff. The Hufflepuff team had gotten considerably better in the last couple of years and Ron wanted to make sure his team didn't take them lightly. After the team's announcement, Harry kicked off and soared high above the center of the pitch. Casually looking around before the Quaffle and snitch were release, he noticed one of the Hufflepuff chasers fly next to Ginny and say something. In contrast to what happened at the last match, Ginny actually smiled and engaged him in conversation for a few seconds. Harry's stomach gave a slight twitch but the next second the match was on. The match ended quickly as Gryffindor was up 30-0 before Harry saw the snitch and was able to get to it before the Hufflepuff seeker was even close.

After landing, the team was congratulating each other but Harry noticed that the Hufflepuff player was again talking to Ginny for a minute before she came and joined the celebration. Harry was annoyed with himself for even letting this bother him. He did want Ginny to be happy above all else.

These things quickly were put out of his mind as studying became top importance again. The week before the Holiday break was to begin found the friends having supper after the final class for the week when Dumbledore got everyone's attention to make an announcement. "I know you have all been disappointed by the need to cancel every Hogsmeade visit so far this year, but please believe it was in the interest of safety. I hope the next announcement will be received well. Next Saturday, we will hold a Holiday Ball open to all students fourth-year and above." Instantly there was a lot of mumbling. "Now I'm sure you are all worried about being able to get things you may need for this and to relieve your concerns, tomorrow will be a Hogsmeade visit. I must ask you all to stay near the center of the village and be prepared to leave if a professor asks you to."

"Not another ball," Ron groaned.

"Ron," Hermione said. "This will be good for everyone; they haven't gotten out all year."

"Oh yeah good for everyone. All this stress before we get out of here," Ron said. "We'll have all break at the Burrow to get over it though," Ron said to Harry.

Harry gave a nervous laugh, himself being worried about the ball. The last one was a memory he would just as soon forget. Hermione grabbed Ginny and the two started to leave before she said, "Are you two coming with us to Hogsmeade tomorrow then?"

Harry nodded and said, "Yeah, sure we'll go." Ron gave him a strange look.

Harry and Ron followed the girls around in Hogsmeade and were sitting, watching them try on robes. When Ginny was in changing, Harry walked up to Hermione and whispered, "I want to talk to you later." Hermione looked at him and then gave him a knowing smile before nodding.

Ron was still groaning about the ball. "Why did he have to do this to us?"

Harry laughed and said, "Now Ron, don't fly off the handle at this but I've got to say it." Ron looked up with a pitiful expression. "You better ask her this time. You know she's going to go."

"Me? Why me?" Ron protested but after thinking for a second continued, "I don't know if I can do it."

"Listen Ron, you don't want some other bloke to ask her. Then she'll be off with him all night and I think she'd rather be around us," Harry said trying to give Ron another reason.

"I suppose she would rather hang around with us," Ron said, clearly thinking. "I'll try to bring it up."

"She's going to get asked, don't put it off," Harry said as the two girls came over to them. The rest of the day went well but both Harry and Ron were unusually quiet, even at the Three Broomsticks.

That night, Harry saw Hermione give him a look and say, "Harry, can you help me with the schedule for the D.A.?"

She raised an eyebrow and Harry quickly caught on, "Sure, let's go to the library."

The two quickly left the Common Room and walked in silence until Hermione said, "So, what did you want to talk about?" Harry saw she had a sly smile on her face.

Harry stopped and thought that she probably knew what he was going to ask so he just came out with it. "What do you think Ron would say if I asked Ginny to the ball?"

Now Hermione smiled brightly and said, "Well, you know Ron, he'll moan and groan a bit and make comments but I think he'll be ok with it. You know it's about time you did this, at least you're getting some guts."

"Yeah well I haven't done it yet. I feel ill just thinking about it," Harry admitted. "And, don't think I'm the only one with guts, give him a chance."

Hermione looked flustered, "Give who a chance? What are you talking about?"

Harry smiled and said, "For the smartest witch I know, you're kind of slow sometimes." Harry grabbed her arm and the two headed back to the Common Room.

Harry prodded Ron throughout the next day, not admitting that he was being just as chicken as Ron was. The four were in the Common Room the next night when Hermione announced she needed to go to the library for a book.

"I'll go with you," Ginny said.

Ron quickly gave Harry a pleading look and Harry said, "Would you mind staying Ginny? I need to talk to you about something."

Ginny looked at Harry and could barely suppress a smile, clearly expecting him to ask her to the ball. "Sure," she said as calmly as she could.

"Ron, didn't you need something from the library as well?" Harry asked, staring at his friend.

"Um...What?" Ron stumbled. "I guess," he added before slowly standing up and following Hermione out of the room. While scanning for a book Ron said, "Umm...Hermione can I ask you something?"

"Of course Ron," Hermione replied as she still scanned the books.

"Um...You know...Well...What book are you looking for?" he finally said anything just to finish the question.

Hermione stopped her search and looked pitifully at Ron. Shaking her head she said, "For Merlin's sake Ron, are you trying to ask me to the ball?" Ron nodded sheepishly. "We'll I'd love to go with you."

Ron's jaw dropped and it took him a minute to say, "Really? Um... Thanks...That's great. Later." Ron quickly turned and left the library leaving Hermione to think "Boys."

Harry hadn't said anything to Ginny since Hermione left so she asked, "Did you need something Harry?"

Harry who was still smiling about what he hoped was happening between Ron and Hermione suddenly felt nauseous. "Oh..Well I guess I can tell you. I think Ron's going to ask Hermione to the ball."

"It's about time," Ginny exclaimed, suddenly forgetting her own predicament.

"Do you think she'll go?" Harry asked.

"If he actually gets the nerve to ask she will," Ginny replied.

"Yeah, well getting the never is the big problem," Harry admitted, thinking both about Ron and himself. Harry had nearly gotten the courage himself when Ron stumbled through the portrait looking quite lost and dropped into the chair next to Ginny drawing a glare from her.

"Well?" Harry asked. Ron nodded looking very lost.

"You actually asked her?" Ginny said causing Ron to snap his head staring at Harry, who just shrugged.

"Well not exactly," Ron admitted. After seeing the other two looking very confused he said, "Couldn't get it out. She knew and asked me if that's what I was trying to do."

Ginny burst out laughing but Harry felt even worse. Between talking to Ron and Hermione coming back, Harry lost what little nerve he had and didn't ask Ginny before everyone went to bed.

Harry had made excuses and hadn't asked Ginny by the time the middle of the week rolled around. He could tell something was wrong with Ginny but didn't put the pieces together. That night he was sitting in the Common Room with Ron and Hermione wondering where Ginny was. Ron was in a very good mood now and had been pushing Harry to find a date. "C'mon Harry, you've got to come to the ball," Ron exclaimed just as Ginny was about to reach the bottom of the stairs. She stopped, wondering how Harry would respond. She had been asked by someone but told him maybe since she really wanted to go to the ball but hoped to go with Harry.

"I know, I know," Harry admitted, clearly exasperated.

"Why don't you just ask Ginny," Ron clearly said. Both Harry and Hermione's heads snapped up. "I mean at least you'll go and we'd all be together."

"Listen, I'll figure this out on my own," Harry said looking at Hermione for help.

"Ron, leave Harry alone to find his own date," Hermione said. Ginny turned and went back to her room fuming mad. She didn't want Harry pressured into asking her.

The next night after Quidditch practice, Harry held back and was able to catch Ginny walking back. "Ginny, can I ask you something?" Harry sheepishly asked.

"What is it Harry?" Ginny replied sounding very cold.

This almost made Harry back out but he knew it was now or never. "Would you please go to the ball with me?" he managed to get out without speaking too fast.

Ginny glared at him for a second and then her very loud, very angry voice said, "If you think I'll ever be your last chance date, you're mistaken Harry Potter. Do you think every girl just waits around for you hoping you'll ask them out? Well that's not me and you're just an arrogant prat for thinking I would." Ginny spun around and marched off leaving a stunned and quickly growing angry Harry.

When Harry made it to the common room he was angrier than he could have ever thought he would be at Ginny. This was twice that she had jumped to conclusions and thought the worst of him. Yes he was a coward for not asking her sooner but he never considered her a last chance date. He saw Ginny sitting with her arms crossed looking menacing next to Hermione and saw Ron and Hermione both turn between her and him. Instead of heading to his friends, he went straight to his room where he read until he heard Ron come in. Trying to pre-empt a conversation he said, "Don't want to talk about it."

"Is it her fault again," Ron asked, still not over Ginny's last outburst.

"Both of us," Harry honestly replied. Thankfully Ron took that and left him alone.

Harry avoided Ginny completely over the next couple days. It was the night before the ball and Harry had just left the common room when he saw Ginny sitting with Ron and Hermione. "Ok Ginny, what's up with you two?" Hermione asked clearly wanting an answer.

"Harry asked me to the ball," Ginny admitted.

"And that made you mad why?" Ron questioned.

"I overheard you telling him to ask me so at least he'd have a date," Ginny spat back at her brother.

"Oh Ginny, what did you do to him?" Hermione asked, her tone changing to concern.

"I told him I'd never be his last chance date and that he was an arrogant prat for thinking girls just sit around waiting for him to ask them out," Ginny angrily replied.

"Oh no Ginny," Hermione sadly said.

"What? I won't be," Ginny started to say but Hermione cut her off.

"He never thought of you that way," Hermione quickly said causing Ginny to look confused. "The day after the ball was announced he asked me what I though Ron would say if he asked you. He just couldn't get the nerve to do it. I know he tried a couple times but couldn't." Ginny looked shocked as her face dropped.

"He wanted to take Ginny?" Ron asked sounding amazed.

"Yes Ron," Hermione said looking at Ron's stunned face. "Ginny, Harry had at least four girls ask him to go, including Cho Chang and he turned them all down."

"What?" Ron exclaimed. "Why didn't I know this?"

Hermione shook her head as Ginny softly said, "Harry wanted to take me all along?"

"Yes Ginny," Hermione replied.

Ginny put her head in her hands and said, "And I was so horrible to him."

"So go apologize. He doesn't have a date yet," Ron said.

"I've already said yes to Scott," Ginny admitted.

"Scott? Who's Scott?" Ron demanded but was ignored by the girls.

"Just explain it to him, he'll understand," Hermione said, trying to reassure her friend.

"But this is twice I've flown off on him when he was just being nice. This is horrible," Ginny said before heading to her dorm.

"Told you your temper would cause you problems," Ron said.

"Ron! Don't make this worse," Hermione scolded. "Harry will understand. You can talk to him at the Burrow over the Holiday."