Vote Now – Harry Potter Best Proposal Contest
Well, I'm not disappointed with the number of fanfics we've received, but I'm not really that happy about it either. I thought we'd have a better turnout. I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this contest, without them, this contest wouldn't be possible. =]
Now, you can vote for only one fanfiction.
Your vote will not be counted if you vote for more than one fanfiction. Please make it clear who you want to vote for. Also, vote wisely and do not be biased. For example, do not give a James/Lily fanfiction a higher rating than a Remus/Lily fanfiction if the Remus/Lily fanfiction is better written. Please use your wise judgment.
There are five entries, please vote for one.
Entry #1
A/N – this is a Harry Potter fanfic for the India-Forums Harry Potter Best Proposal Contest… its not like I haven't written a fic before but this one is like someone is telling you what to write about… so am trying my luck, dunno if it will get selected or not… but just incase you happen to read it do PM me about it… one more small thing this fic is mainly in diary format…
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Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and blah blah blah so pleeeease don't sue me…
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Rating – PG
Pairing – read and find out!
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My name is Ginny Weasley. I'm twenty-two and still live at the Burrow with my family. Well that's cause of Healer school, and also cause I'm a lazy person and can't find the time to go out and find a new home. I mean I'm perfectly capable of affording one, but the thing is I can't cook. I'm horrible.
You'd think with my mother being who she is, that I'd be able to fry an egg. No, all I'm capable of making is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Which is perfectly fine by me? Of course it is! Although, usually I eat out a lot. The muggle restaurants have such good food, and it's amazing what they can do without magic.
Right now I'm working for The Magical Menagerie in Diagon Ally, and going to Healer School. It's a pain. I do the same thing everyday; get up and get dressed, go to classes, go to work, and come home to study, and then it's off to bed. I have no social life whatsoever. Not even a boyfriend to keep me company; they all just leave me to go fight wars. And I rarely see any of my friends from Hogwarts anymore.
I will admit though that it's 100% my fault and that I chose school and how to pay for it. I'm on scholarship, but that's only for 50% of the tuition, and my parents don't have some of that money so I have a job to pay for it. I don't mind one bit though. I love animals; so cute and fluffy. It's so sad they all have to be caged until they're sold, but I offer them my company when I'm with them. They make me forget about everything and just keep an open mind.
Anyway, back to my reason for me writing in you… guess I don't have one or do I? Am not sure. Oh well, today I am one of the happiest woman in the world. I have a secret admirer! Although, I don't know if it's some psycho or if he's for real. All I know is that a bouquet of purple lilies and red roses were on my dresser this morning when I woke up. At first I was a little alarmed and then decided to smell them and then open the accompanying card.
My dearest Gin
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
These flowers are pretty,
But not as pretty as you.
Love,
An admirer
The card made me smile, and I haven't stopped all day. My best friend and sister-in-law; Hermione noticed and hasn't stopped bothering me since. It's horrible.
She's been my friend since the Hogwarts days, and notices these things like crazy. And it drives me bloody insane. She knows when something is up and won't take no for an answer.
"Come on Ginny, why are you all smiley lately? Did you get your exam results?"
That's Hermione. "No I didn't get them Mione, seriously there's still a week left for them. Er… the thing is…"
"yes?"
"Igotapoemfromsomepersonwhothinksampretty."
"what did you just say?"
"Hermioneeee, okay now listen I got flowers and a poem from some stranger who thinks am pretty"
Oh no, the look on her face, it was horrifying, and then she gasped.
"Ladies, is there something you'd like to tell to me?"
"Un-uh, Ron. Nothing just girl-talk hehe"
And Ron went back to reading Quiditch through the ages. Well, need I say that's Ron.
Hermione isn't such a good student in the subject of girls and boys, but she lives. Only Merlin knows how did she and my brother hook up together? She's more interested in potions and transfiguration. Well why wouldn't she be? But she's awesome. She would always be there for me with an extra wand whenever I need her.
The rest of the day was boring. Except when I got to work.
"Ginny, someone sent these for you." On the front desk, was that another bouquet of flowers? This time they were daisies, and sunflowers.
The card read:
My lovely Gin
I think of you when the sun shines bright,
I think of you, when you glow with pride,
I think of your hair, your smile and your eyes,
I think of you everyday, every hour and at sunrise.
Love,
An admirer
I went into dazed expression. I didn't know what to think. Well that is, that I needed to put my stuff in the back room and get to work, and relieve Heather; my colleague and Harry's girl friend of say six years, Merlin does she love? One would be a fool not to see it Harry had left her five years ago to go to the war just like he left me. She waited for Harry and now that he is back, mind you the war got over just a month back, they both are going steady again.
Work was boring. No customers. I closed the shop and headed home, to study.
When I got there, Mom was in the kitchen washing dishes.
"Hello Ginny dear. There's a plate by the fire. And there's also something for you in the living room." Molly said excitedly.
Something was up. And my mother knew what was going on. And who the bloody hell was leaving all these flowers and notes? I really wanted to know. So I took my plate off the warmer by the fire, and inhaled in down. And then I went to the living room.
Sure enough there was another bouquet of flowers, to add to the other two. My room was going to smell like a funeral if this stupid arrogant ferret didn't stop! Did I just say ferret? Can it really be him? Oh no its not him, I haven't heard from the last FIVE YEARS.
Ginevra Weasley, that would be me yours truly and Draco Malfoy, the most arrogant, selfish git at Hogwarts ever had gotten together. Would you believe it? Would anyone believe it? The answer to this question eleven years ago would have been 'are you nuts??' but seven years ago Ginny had seen a side of Draco that no one knew about, it wouldn't have been a surprise if he himself wouldn't have known about it.
Ginevra Weasley; the weasllete became 'My Gin' to Draco and Draco Malfoy; the most loathed Malfoy became 'My Dragon' to Ginny.
The card read:
Turn around, and look into my eyes,
As you put it seven years ago,
As silver as the moon's silver lining,
"It can't be." I said and read on.
And now I'll tell you what your eyes do to me.
Those chocolate brown orbs,
Melt my heart every time I see them.
They're happy, and fun
Sometimes, chummy, and glum,
When I look into your eyes I see fire.
And then a little hint of desire.
I see all these things and wish you were mine.
I see all these features that make you divine.
So now here I come,
With my feelings askew,
Just deep down inside,
I've found that I really love you.
Tears were brimming my eyes, as I turned around, and met the eyes of one Draco Malfoy. He looked so nervous. His pools of grayish silver were soft, and his face scrounged up in thought. He looked like he didn't know what to say.
"Draco?"
He didn't answer. I was getting ticked off. How can someone write me a poem saying they love me, after abandoning me five years ago, and then come back into my life. It's like… like the muggle device which goes BOOM BAM BANG!
"Talk to me."
He got down on his knees and inched forward, holding a wand. He placed the wand in my hand, and hugged my stomach, and spoke into it, in a muffled voice.
"I'm so sorry, Gin, you know it was for the best. I mustered up all my love for you and helped Potter to bring him down. All I could think about was you and how I left you, and what would happen. How many boyfriends you'd have. I kept thinking about you marrying someone and already have babies with him. I…" He stopped and stood up, looking into my eyes. "Gin, I love you."
And with that he kissed me. Long and hard, full of passion. Like he hadn't kissed me in five years. Oh wait, that part is true. I put my arms around his neck, gripping the wand and kissed him back.
He was here now to stay…and if he's not then I'm sending all these flowers back with him, so his great bid Manor can smell like a funeral. Well basically it'll be his funeral, because I love him as well.
Stupid flowers! He should have just come to me in the first place. Aw well...men are stupid.
While I stood there having goes thoughts, Merlin knows from where do such thoughts come to me? He had got back down, but this time on one knee… Oh my God! Is he going to do what I think he is going to do? His right hand slid inside his cloak and came out with a small red velvet box. Oh Merlin!
"Will you Givevra Molly Weasley please forgive me for constantly hurting you for continuous five long years and marry me Draco Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes oh yes… I love you my Dragon"
"I love u Gin"
And a certain Molly Weasley who had been watching from the kitchen door had tears of utter joy in her eyes… and yes oh yes didn't she have loads of work to do? She had a WEDDING to plan, the wedding of her little girl.
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A/N – hope you guys liked it!!
Entry #2
Title:When things look up.
Word count:1085
Disclaimer: I own none of the charecters used below, they all belong to J K Rowling and Bloomburry and Warner Brothers.
"What are so many reporters doing out on the street," asked a puzzled Ron Weasley. "You think it's the birth of two set of twins born on one day that has brought them here?" he asked referring to twin boys born to Fred and George at the same time. He turned, and raised confused eyes to his best friends.
Noting the absence of a reaction from them, Ron raised his eyebrows suspiciously. "What's up?"
"There's an alien form trapped here in the hospital Ron," said Harry sarcastically.
"Really. Wow! How? When?" he asked, stammering excitedly. A loud sniff was heard from the other side of the room. Both men turned to find a distressed Hermione wiping her red nose.
"Why are you crying?" asked Ron.
"Hermione, they were bound to find out some day. There's no point in getting embarrassed right now," said a bemused Harry.
"Find out what? Gosh people this is the third time I'm confused in the past three minutes," said Ron again.
"Come on Ron. You're not that clueless," said Harry.
"You mean these people found out about my crooked nose? Oh I knew it wouldn't be a secret for long. Ever since Malfoy punched me at Ginny's wedding rehearsal….." his words were cut short by a furious Hermione.
"It's not about you," she said, getting up abruptly, her face pink.
"You mean there really is an alien form trapped here. I though Harry was only joking," said Ron.
"Ron, mate I swear to Merlin, if you don't shut up already, I'm going to let fifty spiders loose on you," said Harry, his face a flaming red.
"Ok, I'm quite. Just tell me what the hell is all this about?"
"We're dating," said Harry simply. His shoulders bent in defeat.
"Mate, how can I date you? I'm already with Luna, you know," said Ron grinning, enjoying his own joke.
"I meant Hermione and me, we're dating," he said again.
"You are," asked Ron, his eye's turning to Hermione's form on the couch.
"We are?" asked Hermione, shrugging in Ron's direction.
"Harry, April 1st is a month away. That reminds me, Fred and George will need a new razor, and Mom's been going on and on about this new cooking range, and then Luna wants to take a holiday with me …………" said Ron ranting on and on.
Harry, overcome by anger, took Ron by his shoulders and shook him violently. "Ron, Me + Hermione = Dating. Does this get through that tiny brain of yours?" asked Harry.
"Harry, who decided that we're dating," came a small voice from the other side of the room. Both men turned to see a rather angry Hermione.
This brought a mischievous smirk on Ron's lips. "Harry mate, you just cannot go announcing stuff like that about your sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law?" shouted Hermione, turning to Ron.
"I though you said you were with Luna-"said Harry threateningly.
Throwing up his hands in defeat, Ron said- "Percy, its him. He has been eyeing Hermione since ages."
Harry made a face of disgust, as Hermione sat on the nearest couch clutching her chest, and spinning head.
"The point here is, that we have something going," said Harry, moving his hands to emphasize his words. "We have often been caught in embarrassing situations is public-"
"You mean when Fred caught both of you outside a closet on Dad's birthday this year?" asked Ron enjoying his friend's embarrassment.
"Yes- and a few more times when the press has been present," said Harry, blushing furiously.
"You mean when you ripped out Hermione's sleeve while asking her to stay at Ginny's wedding," asked Ron again.
"Yes Ronal, stop patronizing us," shouted Hermione.
"Yes. The point here is, I dropped a hint at Luna's party yesterday, and thanks to the girl's adoration for you, we find ourselves in a situation like this," said Harry's
"You mean the press is here because of your big mouth," asked Hermione, getting up, her wand clutched tightly in her hand. Small red sparks were flying in all directions. Ron took a small step away from her.
"Excuse me? My Big mouth?" asked Harry, angry himself.
"She does adore me, doesn't she?" asked Ron.
"Gosh Ron, shut up already," said Hermione, muttering a quick silencing charm on him.
"What do you mean my big mouth," asked Harry.
"It's always you who will make all the big decisions. You have a habit of playing Hero," said Hermione.
"I do not. You've been messing with my head since our seventh year," said Harry, scratching his head unconsciously.
"You're always like this. Every thing is always my fault," said Hermione, shouting.
"Me- you're the one who always has to know it all. Ron what?" asked Harry turning to Ron who was waving his hands frantically. Hermione gave a sigh and removed the charm on Ron.
"I just wanted to congratulate you guys on finally hooking up; I've gotten a bet going for so long. And also congrats on having your first fight already," said Ron, softly. "Oh I also wanted the bowl of chocolate frogs".
"Are you stuck to the couch?" asked Hermione, raising her eyebrows.
"No, but why waste precious energy?" said Ron, extending his hands.
"The point here is things will always be like this between us," said Hermione, ignoring Ron's outstretched hand.
"Maybe you're right. We should rethink this," said Harry turning to the nearest window. He gave a long sigh. For many minutes nothing happened. Harry turned suddenly, to find a tearful Hermione looking at him, her fingers crossed. "Lets not fight anymore," he said softly.
With a small cry of pleasure, Hermione jumped into Harry's arms. "I'm really sorry about everything. I know I can be a bit of a blabber mouth, but that's just because I want to share our happiness with the rest of the world."
"I know. I'm sorry too," replied Hermione.
"Um… you guys, you're telling me the press is waiting outside for the two of you to make an announcement?" interrupted Ron.
"Yes and I think it's about time we gave them one," said Harry. Quietly he went down on one knee, and extracted a small velvet box from his pocket. Opening it, Harry smiled at Hermione's ecstatic expression. Her eyes sparkled as the cluster of small diamonds around a ruby glistened in the morning light. "Will you marry me?"
"Dude, great work!" exclaimed Ron.
"Yes," replied a teary Hermione.
"Great, so now I can finally get that bowl of chocolate frogs please?"
Entry #3
The beginning of the End
Disclaimer:I own HP?!? I think not! All recognizable HP characters and storylines belong to the one and only J.K. Rowling because she is the mastermind who created this wonderful world of magic. As much as I wish I did, I don't own any of the Harry Potter world. Thus, anything you recognize I do not own!
As she sat engulfed in her own thoughts, Ron quietly came down the staircase. He too had been thinking about the past. He stood at the base of those steps for a few moments, admiring Hermione in the special way only a person in love can. He was satisfied to just watch her and know that she was alive. Ron gained courage from her spirit and strength from her love.
"You love me don't you?" Hermione turned around slightly, shocked at the sudden appearance of her boyfriend.
"Of course," she replied, looking slightly confused.
"Then come with me," he said, walking towards her with an outstretched hand. "Enough sitting around and thinking about the past."
Still confused, Hermione took his hand and let him lead her around the castle. Each place they passed had special meaning; the third floor corridor, Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, the Fat Lady's portrait – they walked through the whole castle, top to bottom in complete silence, each remembering different things. Their clasped hands were the only sign that they were even aware of each other's presence. The castle had a different feeling that night. It was sad, bittersweet, as though the walls knew it was the ending of an era for some students.
Ron led Hermione outside, and they strolled quietly around the grounds underneath the full moon. Their journey ended inside the quidditch pitch. Ron stopped, and had a good long look around. He bit his lip with a small sigh. Hermione came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his stomach.
"It's so hard to think about leaving it all, isn't it?" He turned to face her, cupping her face in his hands.
"Not when I have you by my side," he replied. They kissed. It was a short kiss filled with the emotions they were both experiencing. Then Ron pulled out his wand, and with one flick, the pitch was filled with a familiar song. Hermione smiled. Ron pulled her wordlessly into his arms, beginning to sway with the melody.
"You set this up, didn't you?"
"Of course," he said his smile widening. "I thought it would be a nice way to end things."
"We aren't ending things," she said softly. "I think this is only the beginning."
"I agree," he ended, feeling his heart jump in his chest. "Then I thought this would be a nice way to begin things."
"Either way, I'm impressed," she said with a kiss. He let her lips linger for a few moments before he began to softly sing along in her ear.
Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah, they were all yellow.
I came along,
I wrote a song for you,
And all the things you do,
And it was called "Yellow."
So then I took my turn,
Oh what a thing to have done,
And it was all "Yellow."
Hermione looked up at all the sparkling stars and smiled. He had picked an appropriate song for the clear summer night.
Ron pulled back, looking Hermione square in the eyes as he sang the next line, unable to keep the emotion out of his voice.
You know I love you so
Hermione's heart jumped in her chest. The look in his eyes was nothing short of pure love and sincere adoration. There was this feeling of clarity that she had never felt before. She knew in that moment that this, this was the man she was meant to spend the rest of her life with. Tears came to her eyes as Ron pulled her back into his chest, clutching her with a new feeling of need. She didn't need to say anything back: he knew. Ron continued to sing in her ear.
"Hermione, I want you to know that I would do anything for you. I would lay down my life for you. In you I see everything I want to be, everything I want to achieve. In you I see my future; I see love reflected in your perfect eyes. I can see happiness, a home, and children. I can see everything in you that is good, everything that is perfect. I can see my wife in your eyes."
"Ron, what are you saying?"
"I am saying this. Before, I wanted an upgrade from friend to boyfriend. Now, I want an upgrade from boyfriend to...to..."
"Yes." Ron took something from his pocket. It was a red, velvet box. He held Hermione's left hand.
"Ron, what do you think you're doing" she asked breathlessly.
Ron got down on one knee and let go of her left hand. He opened the box. A six karat diamond was there with a white gold band on it. The diamond was in the shape of a heart. Hermione gasped. "Hermione, I want to upgrade from boyfriend, to husband. Will you, Hermione Granger, marry me?" She was out of breath. Her eyes started glistening with tears. She couldn't get complete words out.
Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And all the things that you do.
Tears were falling from her eyes as the song ended, and she looked down into Ron's eyes. He was holding his breath, waiting for her reply. For a few seconds, she couldn't find her voice.
"Yes," she said, her face breaking into an exhilarated smile. "Absolutely!"
Ron slid the ring onto her finger and jumped up excitedly. He grabbed her, spinning her around in the air and kissing her all over. He put her on the ground, the both of them smiling, and she leaned in and kissed him with everything she had inside of her.
"I love you, future Mrs. Hermione Weasley." he whispered.
They were both so young and filled with hope for the future, the future they were to share together. They stood there in the middle of the moonlit quidditch pitch, holding onto each other for what seemed like hours more.
Note:The song in this mini-fiction is Yellow by Coldplay.
Entry #4
FanFiction: Harry's True Love
*Disclaimer*: This fanfiction belongs to me and JK Rowling holds no responsibility for it whatsoever. All characters were originally created by JK Rowling and trademarked by Warner Bros and have been used without permission.
Summary: In the past, Harry broke the heart of a girl who loved him more than anyone else. Years later, they met again. Harry realizes his true feelings for her. It is said that fate unites two people who are destined to be together no matter what. But could this be true? Will she ever believe him again? Will they ever be together?
Back To Hogwarts
Harry woke up early in the morning .Waking up early had become a routine for him during his summer holidays .When you are staying with a family like The Dursleys, it was better to wake up early by yourself than to ruin a peaceful morning by being woken up by them and Harry knew this too well .But today was no ordinary day, today he was leaving this place to go to the place where he truly belonged, to the people who cared for him.
Mr. Weasley was going to come to pick him up in the afternoon. They were to meet up with everyone else at the Diagon Alley. Harry was excited .Why not? He thought. The Weasleys had been inviting him to spend the holidays with them in Romania where Charlie lived, for so long but he had refused politely. As much as he wanted to go with them, he resisted because he didn't want them to lose out on a nice private family holiday. He knew they had been planning this for a long time, for the whole family to meet at one place and have a nice time together but every time they planned a holiday, Mr. Weasley wasn't free to go because of prior commitments at work. And now that they had finally planned it all, he didn't want to ruin the family affair by intruding as an outsider. He knew none of them would have a problem with him going along but he thought that they deserved to have some time for their family alone which meant that he had to spend his vacation with the Dursleys.
* * *
At Two O'clock as had been decided, Harry collected his Trunk and Hedwig's cage and waited for Mr. Weasley by the fireplace in the kitchen.
"He's again going to blast out of my fireplace?" Uncle Vernon scowled.
"I don't know. He told me he's going to come; he never told me how he's going to come." Harry replied indifferently.
"Don't you try to act smart with me boy. I won't spare him if he causes any trouble in my house!" he shouted.
Before the argument got any bigger the door bell rang and Aunt Petunia answered the door. It was Mr.Weasley. He gave her the flowers he had brought for her and she took it more out of fear than anything else. She didn't ask him to come in which he took no notice of and entered the house.
"Hello, Mr.Dursley. It's been long time since we last met. Actually our last meeting didn't go quite well ..."he glanced at the fireplace.
"So you have repaired it. Sorry about that."
Uncle Vernon didn't answer and Mr.Weasley didn't try to make him talk anymore. He looked at Harry.
"Hello, Harry. Ready to go?" he asked.
"Hello, Mr.Weasley. I am ready" Harry answered.
"Let's go then" he said.
He helped Harry carry his trunk and wished the Dursleys a polite goodbye. Harry said his goodbye too. None of them answered. At the door he turned back to look at their eager faces waiting for him to step out of their house. He knew that they hated him and he, Harry only returned their feelings honestly.
Harry looked around for a transport, a car or something but didn't find anything.
"How are we going if we are not using the fireplace, Mr. Weasley?" he asked, more out of worry than curiosity.
"We are using a fireplace Harry. I didn't want your Uncle to be upset so we will be using Mrs. Figg's fireplace." he replied.
Once in the Diagon Alley they went to the Bookstore where they met Ron and Hermione outside the store arguing over something as usual. Mr.Weasley said goodbyes to all of them and left for his work.
"So did you two enjoy your holidays" Harry asked them trying to sound cheerful.
"Oh Yes! We went to India. Shimla is such a beautiful place. I just loved it. I've already told my parents that we will be visiting more of India in future for sure" Hermione replied.
"We had a good time too. Everyone meeting up at one place, it was fun. Mum was most happy of all. But you should have come, Harry. Mum kept worrying about you." said Ron.
"I just wanted to be alone this summer. I'm sorry about that but I just felt that way." said Harry.
"It's alright, Mate. I understand".
"Enough talking, let's go and help Mrs. Weasley in getting our books" said Hermione.
They went inside the store. It was very crowded. They tried to find Mrs.Weasley and finally found her talking to another parent. She turned around as they went over to her.
"O' Harry dear!" she exclaimed and hugged him almost knocking his breath away.
"Stop it Mum! Everyone is looking at us" said Ron bewildered.
Mrs. Weasley cast an angry look at him but Harry was thankful because Mrs.Weasley had finally let gone of him.
"How are you dear? We wished you had come with us. I was so worried. Did your Aunt and Uncle give you a hard time?" she asked worriedly.
"I'm fine Mrs.Weasley. They were OK. They didn't treat me badly" he lied.
"I'm so relieved. Look here, we've got your books already. Here's Ron's..." she gave him his bag of books.
"Here is Hermione's...." she handed Hermione her bag of books.
"Harry dear, your bag is with Ginny. Collect it from her, will you?" she said.
"Alright" said Harry.
"She was here a minute ago. Where'd she go?" said Mrs.Weasley as she turned around to see if she could find Ginny anywhere.
"There she is." replied Hermione pointing towards a corner in the shop where fancy quills were on display.
"I'll join you in a minute. Look around a bit to see if you'd like to buy anything else." said Mrs. Weasley and she went over to talk to the same parent she had been talking to earlier.
"Harry, let's go" said Hermione and made her way through the crowd to where Ginny was standing. Harry looked around for Ron but didn't find him anywhere so he followed Hermione.
"Hey Ginny, Here you are!"
"Look at these quills Hermione! They are so pretty and costly too" said Ginny.
She didn't realize that Harry was standing right behind her and Harry was feeling very awkward to go and talk to her because she had always been shy towards him and hardly spoke a word when he was around. Every time that Harry had ever talked to her, her face had gone all red blushing which made him even more uncomfortable.
"Harry! Just look at them, aren't they beautiful?" exclaimed Hermione as she turned around to look at him.
On realizing that Harry was standing right behind her Ginny's heart missed a beat. She didn't turn around to look at him and Harry noticed that she was blushing. He joined them in looking at the quills and noticed that Ginny was still not looking at him. Her face was all red.
Ginny tried very hard to calm herself down but in vain. It was not the first time she was behaving that way. She had tried so many times in the past to be normal, calm and composed in front of Harry but every time he came across her, her heart would beat ten times faster and her mind would go completely blank so she wouldn't know what to speak. She just couldn't help it. Finally Harry decided to speak.
"Hello Ginny. How are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine Harry" she said in a hardly audible voice and blushed more than ever which made it difficult for Harry to continue the conversation and ask her for his bag of books. He was spared of asking it when Hermione spoke.
"Harry, we came here to take your books from her, didn't we?" she said thinking he had forgotten about it.
"Yes..." said Harry and looked at Ginny. She handed him his bag without looking at him.
"Er...Thanks" he said.
"Oi Harry!" called out Ron and they turned around to see him waiting at the store's entrance with his Mom.
"Let's go" said Hermione and they left the store. They stayed at the Burrow that night and boarded the Hogwarts Express next morning.
* * *
Lectures began the very next day. As months passed by their home works increased and being the Quidditch captain Harry had his responsibilities. One Saturday evening after Potions which was the last class for that day Hermione and Ron went up to the library to get a few books and Harry went to meet Professor McGonagall to reserve the field for Gryffindor quidditch practice. After the meeting he was rushing to the library to join Hermione and Ron when he overheard a few students whom he recognized being from Ginny's class talking. What he heard made him worry and he went back to his dormitory not realizing that he was headed to the library.
Harry remembered what he had just heard. One of the best looking and a very well mannered boy had been turned down by Ginny. She had told him that she liked someone else. Harry knew he was that someone. He knew he had to make Ginny realize the truth soon.
* * *
The Sad Christmas
It was the day before Christmas holidays began. Hermione was going home during the Christmas holidays. Also Ron was going back this year. He had asked Harry to come along but Harry refused yet again. But this time the reason was different. He lied to Ron that he was planning to catch up with his studies this holiday.
That evening Harry was preparing a timetable for his studies in the common room. Ron and Hermione had left earlier to pack their bags. Same was the case with most of the students so the common room was almost empty. Ginny entered the common room. Harry looked up.
"Harry... this is for you." she said and gave a beautifully wrapped present to him.
Harry accepted it not knowing how to react. She turned back and started walking away. Harry decided at the very moment that he had to tell her now. He mustered up all the courage he had and called out to her.
"Ginny"
She turned back.
"Erm...I need to talk to you." he said.
She was silent and was listening to every word he was saying. Harry continued.
"Ginny...I know about your feelings for me and I respect that…" She blushed.
"But … I've always thought of you as my best friend's sister and ...nothing more…I never..."he couldn't continue.
Ginny was shocked. It showed on her face that she was hurt. Her eyes were filled with tears. Harry didn't know what to do or what to say to comfort her and before he knew it she ran out of the common room and Harry stood there feeling like a cruel, heartless person who had just broken someone's heart. Ron left the next day. Harry didn't see Ginny leaving. That Christmas was the saddest one he had ever experienced. For the rest of the term after the holidays, Ginny never spoke to him. She ignored him like he never existed and he didn't make any attempt to talk to her fearing that he might hurt her yet again.
* * *
In the future- A New Beginning
Seven years went by. Harry completed his seventh year at Hogwarts and after three years of rigorous training had become an Auror. Ron joined his Dad in the Ministry and Hermione was working in the Research Division of St. Mungo's Hospital researching Muggle Medicine and Magical Ailments. For all these years after school, Harry had been in contact with both Ron and Hermione but could hardly meet them because of the continuous traveling his job demanded.
It was two weeks before Christmas. Harry was in town on his leave which would end only a week after New Year. He didn't inform anyone about it because he had reclused himself to spending Christmas alone all these years, always giving false excuses to his friends but he was sure Hermione knew why. Ginny was her friend after all. Ginny never told Ron about anything which was why Ron still considered Harry his best friend and he was thankful to her for that. Harry went to a clothes store to buy himself a Traveling Cloak. He was trying on a cloak when he saw people gathered at one corner of the store looking on as a young woman argued with a salesman and the man with her tried to calm her down. He didn't pay much attention and was walking towards the counter when he heard the voice of the woman. It didn't take him a moment to place that voice. It was her.
He turned around. People were scattering away and through the crowd he saw her standing, talking to the man who still had his back to Harry. She sensed someone staring at her and looked at him. The man turned around and looked at him too with awe and surprise. It was Neville.
"Hey Harry! That's you!" he almost screamed.
"Hello Neville." said Harry surprised but not pleased at all. He didn't know why. He looked at Ginny who smiled, something Harry never expected her to do. She looked different. She was not angry, nor shy like she used to be before. She was just comfortable and her face was very calm unlike ever before.
"Hello, Harry." she said
"Hello, Ginny." he replied. Neville interrupted.
"Become a big Auror haven't you! I read about you all the time in the papers. Grandma's really proud of you. It's something she always wanted me to become but you know me, I'm not an Auror material you see" he said trying not to sound disappointing.
"Oh C'mon Neville, Your business of rare plants is booming too and I'm sure your Grandma's proud of you as well." said Ginny.
"Yeah I guess she is. Anyways thanks for helping me get my money back, Ginny. Grandma must not have been happy if I'd given her this double-priced coat as her Christmas present" said Neville.
"It's Okay. You just need to be more careful." she said.
"I'll leave now, got my shop to attend. It's a busy time of the year" he said and left them.
Harry had been listening silently to their conversation with mild surprise because he never expected them to be good friends. After Neville was gone, Harry bought his cloak and they walked out of the store to a coffee shop nearby. They found themselves a quiet table and sat down. Harry didn't know what to talk about and felt stupid because he had invited her to have coffee with him.
"So Harry how long you are in town?" she asked
"Till the first week of Jan." he heard himself answering knowing she would find it strange that he had not told anyone about him being in town. They talked about a few things random when she told him that her Mom and Neville's Grandmother had been good friends and so she was in contact with him. Harry realized that for some strange reason he didn't want to talk about Neville and soon changed the subject. Finally after a long battle with himself he said to her something he had wanted to for so many years.
"Ginny, are you... still angry with me? Listen, I never meant to hu-"
"It's Okay, Harry." She interrupted and he felt silent.
"I understand. It's a thing of past now so just forget about it" she continued.
He understood. That night Harry couldn't sleep for a long time. When he finally slept he dreamt of the day Ginny had confronted Malfoy on his behalf. It didn't mean much to him then but now when he was thinking about it he felt happiness he couldn't explain. Then his thoughts drifted. He saw her in the clothes store confronting a salesman but this time the person standing with her was not him. He had a sinking feeling all of a sudden and then Ginny's words began circling in his mind. It's a thing of past, she had said. This only made him feel worse and he got up in middle of the night. He kept thinking. Why was he feeling so bad about seeing Ginny with Neville? He had always wanted her to move on and now that she had moved on, instead of feeling relieved he was trying to remember every detail of their meeting which would suggest the slightest hint that she still had feelings for him. But if she ever had feelings for him she didn't let it cross her face even for a single moment. Why was he feeling so depressed? There were so many questions in his mind. He didn't know the answers rather he didn't want to know it.
* * *
Harry got an invitation a few days later. His best friends were getting engaged. He was very happy for Ron and Hermione. The engagement was on the Christmas day. Everyone was happy that he was amongst them once again. Tonks and Lupin came with their newborn son. They had named him Sirius. This stirred all the deep hidden emotions in Harry. He still missed his Godfather. Ginny was with her friends throughout the celebration. Hermione noticed Harry's changed attitude towards Ginny and tried to talk to him about it.
"No Hermione. It's nothing like that" he replied to her quickly.
"Harry, I've known you for a long time to understand you. It's time you understand your feelings too." she said.
Harry thought about what she said for days and finally realized what he'd tried to ignore for so long. On New Year's Eve, he was at the Burrow with the whole family. Thirty minutes before midnight Hermione dragged Ginny to the lake nearby promising her that watching the fireworks from the lakeside was the best ever. On reaching the lake she excused herself and hurriedly left for the Burrow leaving Ginny all alone. Confused, Ginny was about to leave when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Harry it's you. Did Hermione bring you here? She was so excited a minute ago to come here and suddenly she-"
"I asked her to" he said silently.
"You what?" she said not understanding what was happening around her. Then seeing him standing silent looking at her she felt an unexplained fear which made her angry.
"Erm...I wanted to talk to you so I asked her to bring you here." he said.
"Ginny...I love you."
She didn't reply. She was shocked and angry. All her memories of him that she had locked somewhere deep within came in front of her eyes. She felt the pain she had felt in her heart long ago and this made her even angrier and without saying a word she started to walk away.
"Ginny, listen to me please I..."
"I don't want to Harry! What do you want? First you say No to me and after all these years you suddenly come into my life and you expect me to believe what you say?" she said, tears flowing from her eyes. She didn't try to hold them back or wipe them. She wanted to shout at him, to let him know the pain she went through, to hate him but couldn't bring herself to do it.
"I know I hurt you before but trust me I was true to my feelings then and I'm true to my feelings now. I've realised it, Ginny. I really love you. Trust me please." He came around her so they were facing each other. And then Ginny saw in his eyes, the truth in what he said, the love she had always wanted to see, the same feelings which she knew she still had for him. In that moment all her pain she ever went through, all the anger she ever felt vanished. Her heart believed him. She couldn't say anything.
"Oh Harry…." she managed to say and tears streamed out of her eyes. He understood.
They stood there for what seemed to be a long time in silence watching the fireworks in the sky. Then when the clock struck past midnight Harry made the most important decision of his life.
"Ginny..."
"Hmm?" she asked looking at the sky.
"Will you marry me?" he asked.
Still looking at the sky, she held his hand and just smiled. He knew the answer.
After a long time past midnight in the New Year they walked back towards the Burrow still holding hands. Both of them were happy that they had found in each other something very precious, something that will stay with them for life. That something called True Love.
Entry #5
Ronald Weasley sat in front of the fire, watching as it crackled merrily in his hearth. It was beautiful, calm, peaceful. In other words, it was a total contrast to what he was feeling inside. Inside, a turmoil of emotions flooded him, and once again it was reinforced what Hermione had told him since day one—he was completely, utterly, absolutely clueless.
As a matter of fact, Ron felt himself to be even more clueless than ever before. And mind you, with all the turmoil he had to face while sorting out his feelings for Hermione, he had quite a lot of experience in the clueless department.
But now… now things were just pushed over the edge. He pulled the last straw. The shit hit the fan. Earlier today, perhaps while over breakfast, he had come to a conclusion—he could spend the rest of his life with Hermione. At that time, it was a seemingly innocent thought. Apparently not. The thought suddenly grew horns and fangs, and gnawed at him all through the day, forcing him to abandon all work and sit in front of the fire contemplating—he was going to propose to Hermione Granger. And he had no bloody idea how.
He wanted to do something spontaneous. Of course, for Hermione, spontaneous didn't quite exceed ordinary, but still. Ron wanted to something different. He couldn't quite place it. He needed to place it by tomorrow, though—tomorrow was Hermione's birthday. And he wanted to do it on her birthday. He heard Harry yawn beside him.
"Well, I think I'm going to bed. Night, Ron."
Ron grunted, but did not bother answering.
"Uh—Ron?"
Feeling thoroughly disgruntled, Ron snapped, "What, Harry? Can't you see I'm thinking?"
Harry raised his eyebrow, "Don't kid yourself, Ron. Since when have you started thinking?"
"Shut it," Ron snarled, "Weren't you going to bed?"
"Um, that's right. Well, see you in the morning."
Ron had once again dissolved into his thoughts and didn't hear Harry. Harry sighed for a moment and then sat down on the sofa besides Ron.
"You want to talk about something, mate?"
"No." He said shortly.
"Fine, then." Harry said, slightly annoyed. "Personally, I don't know what you're worried about. Just ask her. She'll say yes. You know Hermione."
"What?" Ron said, momentarily forgetting to be annoyed, "How do you know?"
Harry rolled his eyes, "Ron, you're not that difficult to see through, you know. Really."
"Oh, forget it." He said impatiently, sitting up, "So, uh, how do you think I should do it?"
"What do you mean? Just ask her!"
"Harry!" Ron said, "Honestly, can't you think of something spontaneous for once?"
"Sorry." Harry smirked. "I guess proposing to Ginny while we were in midair wasn't spontaneous enough."
"That's how you asked her?" Ron said blankly, "I didn't know! How did you think of it?"
Harry shrugged, "I dunno. It just came. I wanted to do something she would like. It clicked—she liked Quidditch. She liked flying. So one day we were flying—on one broomstick, might I add – and we were upon this spectacular view… and I just asked her."
"Wow." Ron said, "So—so you think I should do something Hermione enjoys, too?"
Harry tried not to grin, but it was already upon his face. "Yeah. I suppose you could always give her a ring with S.P.E.W marked on it."
"Oh to hell with spew." Ron said, an idea already forming in his head.
"Tuck tuck." Harry clucked, "Don't let dear Hermy hear you say that! It's S.P.E.W, Ron, not spew."
Ron didn't hear him—he was once more buried deep in his thoughts.
"Ron?" Harry asked.
"Hmm?" Ron said, looking up at him distractedly. "Oh, weren't you going to bed, Harry?"
Harry rolled his eyes.
***
Once the idea had struck Ron, there was no turning back—he was going to do it now. He was bloody well going to do it now. He checked his watch—eleven-forty-five. Fifteen minutes later would make it Hermione's birthday.
He apparated immediately into Diagon Alley—thankfully, the shop in question was open twenty-four hours. The gift in question, now, took a big chunk out of his savings, but he didn't care. He was a bit freer with his money these days, now that he was out of Hogwarts and had a job, and he'd do anything for Hermione, so it didn't really hurt him.
It didn't take him long to purchase the item. He knew exactly what he wanted. He just entered the shop, bought what he wanted, and apparated back home. Thus it was that eleven-fifty-nine found him standing in front of Hermione's door, feeling nervous, apprehensive and joyful all at the same time.
He knocked. Nothing happened. He knocked again, this time louder, and received a grunt from inside. He knocked even harder and called out, "Come on, sleepy-head. Open the door for me!"
There was another grunt, a sigh, and a few moments later a disheveled Hermione faced him.
"Ron!" she said exasperatedly, "Do you know what time it is?"
"Time for a little gift-giving!" He said, walking inside, "Happy Birthday!"
He moved to kiss her, but she hung on only for a second—then she untangled herself to huff at him once more.
"Honestly, Ron, couldn't you wait till tomorrow?"
"It is tomorrow, silly. Twelve AM."
She sighed, perhaps deciding that it was no use arguing with him.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I was just a bit excited, that's all," he said, approaching the conversation in a way that always pleased Hermione, "Can we sit down please?"
She looked at him suspiciously once more, but then nodded slowly, "Okay. Next time try to be more patient."
Ron sat down at the edge of her bed, and Hermione followed suit. There was a small smile playing on Hermione's lips, one that caused him to raise an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Nothing," she said, "Just waiting for my gift."
"Who was the one who just told me mere moments ago to be patient?"
Hermione ignored him and stretched out her hand, "Cough up, Ronald Weasley."
He handed her the present, and grinned as she ripped through the package. No matter how serious Hermione was, when it came to gifts, she was still like every five-year-old.
A sharp intake of breath brought him back from his image of a five-year-old, curly-haired, cute-dimpled Hermione.
"Oh my God, Ron," she gasped, "How did you—where did you—ohmyGod!"
She jumped on him, strangling him in a bone-breaking hug Ron rarely had to pleasure of receiving.
He smiled against her cheek, "You like it, Hermione?"
"Like it? Ronald Weasley! It's the first edition of Hogwarts: A History! No one has the first edition of Hogwarts: A History! Where did you get it?"
He gave her a cocky grin, "Ahhh! I'd bring the moon for you, Hermione."
She laughed, "Don't you come with all that poetic codswoddle. But honestly, Ron, it's... amazing. Thank you!"
"No problem. I guess now you can go ahead and keep reinforcing the facts."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Come on, Ron. I can't help it if you get it wrong all the time."
"Well, I don't know, Hermione. How am I to know that you just don't make up this stuff, huh?"
Hermione immediately flared up, "What do you mean, I make this stuff up?"
Ron was playing it very calm, "Well, since you never really bothered to show Harry and I where this was actually written, how do we know? For example, how are we do know that you really can't apparate in Hogwarts?
Hermione, by now, was very angry, "I'll prove it to you then!" she said, pulling open the cover of the book. What followed, however, made her gasp.
A ring fell out of the book.
A diamond ring, a very pretty one now lay in her lap, sparkling softly.
Ron had by now got down on his knees, "Hermione Granger? Will you marry me?"
She stared at him for a long time, tears brimming in her eyes, and then she tackled him in that same bone-crushing hug.
"Shall I take that for a yes?" Ron asked, grinning cockily with relief.
Hermione could only laugh through her tears, "You assume a lot, Ron."
"Oh, really? Well, I guess that a bone-cracking hug is no basis to make any assumptions."
Hermione laughed again, and detangled herself from Ron, "Okay, you want an answer?" she asked, smiling, "Yes. Yes, Ron Weasley, I'll marry you."
Ron grinned, "Thanks. But are you sure you weren't making those Hogwarts: A History stuff up?"
"Ron!"
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