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In the days following the now-famous Common Room kiss, Harry spent every spare moment with Ginny, but with exams nearing, most days were spent studying on the grounds with her and Luna. Luna was making a flower crown, and Neville had joined them in the shade.
Ginny was studying for Ancient Runes while Harry was studying the way her hair shined in the sunlight and how it fell down her shoulder, happy to be near her openly.
Ginny looked up from her textbook at Neville.
“You know, Nev, you might be less distracted if you talked to Hannah instead of just staring.”
“I don’t know what you’re on about,” Neville retorted. “I’m just looking at my Charms work.”
“Your book is upside down.”
Neville started to turn it before realizing she’d been kidding.
“Just go ask her out. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“She could say no and laugh at me. Who wouldn’t?”
“I didn’t,” Ginny said.
Harry stiffened. When had Neville and Ginny gone out?
“You only went to the ball with me as friends and because you wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise,” Neville said. Harry relaxed, realizing that’s what she meant.
“That’s not true. I was asked by someone else and turned them down.”
Neville looked surprised. “I didn’t know that.”
“You’re smart, funny, and kind. We had a great time, and now you’re one of my best mates. And you are brave, you’ve faced death eaters, you can ask out a girl. Now go talk to Hannah.”
Neville nodded, stood up, and walked across the courtyard.
Harry kissed Ginny’s shoulder. “You never said someone else had asked you,” he said, trying to sound teasing.
She blushed slightly. “I was holding out hope that this boy I fancied would ask, but I heard he asked another girl, so I moved on.” Her ears turned pink.
Harry slid his arms around her and whispered, “I was an idiot. I should’ve asked you.”
“What makes you think it was you I was hoping for?” She smirked.
Harry rolled his eyes.
Ginny leaned into him“It’s good you didn’t ask me. I prefer to be able to talk with the people I’m with.”
Harry kissed her cheek. “So, who was this other bloke?”
“I’m not telling,” she said, pulling back her textbook.
“Was it Zacharias?” Luna asked dreamily.
Harry jumped, having forgotten Luna was with them.
Ginny’s gaze shot over to her. “How did you know?”
“Smith?!?” Harry said indignantly.
Luna continued braiding. “I thought his rejection might explain why he doesn’t like you much, but still pesters you all the time. You’re likable, so there must have been a reason.”
Luna handed Ginny the flower crown.
Ginny beamed and put it on. “Thank you, Luna!”
Luna smiled. “Oh, look, it seems to have gone well with Hannah.” Neville was now sitting with Hannah, both smiling widely.
Harry leaned over, kissed Ginny’s cheek again, and whispered, “Luna is right; you are very likable.”