Thanks to my wonderful pre-beta Bring and Fly who allowed me to borrow Scripsi! And thanks also to my wonderful beta Kelleypen.
Harry stared outside his window at the Dursley's. He was enjoying the beautiful night and the stars in the clear sky. He could see the Plough, Cassiopeia, and Andromeda brightly shining in the night. He stared, just enjoying the peace. As he watched, the image of a beautiful flame-haired girl filled his mind's eye, and he thought of her. She'd had a crush on him before, but she was Ron's little sister, and he couldn't think of her in that way; could he?
Harry's mind drifted back to the death of Sirius, and a tear ran down his face. Last year, after Sirius had died, Harry had mourned for weeks, but then he'd begun to realize just how precious life was, and how precious time was too. Things were getting worse in the world. Many people had died or put their lives on the line for him on many occasions. Was it his fault? Maybe … maybe not.
I know what's prophesied, and maybe it is time that I live a little, he thought,because when the time comes it could be me that dies. Maybe it's time I grow up a bit and accept what life has dealt me.
Harry spotted a shooting star in the sky, a long vividly orange tail streaming behind it; at that point, somewhere in his heart, something fell into place and a sense of resolve flooded through him. He would do it; he would live while he had time to live. And he would start with his heart's desire: Ginny.
"I know Voldy's out there somewhere, but I'd rather live, love, and die rather than not know what it is like to be in love. Is that what this is?" he asked himself aloud. Have I fallen in love with her over the years? Well I guess it's best if I find out for sure.
Sitting down at his desk Harry took out a parchment and quill. The corners of his mouth twitched into a nearly forgotten smile as his plan of attack began forming in his mind. . . Now then, how to woo Ginny:
*Poetry -- Does she even read the stuff… and where do I get it from? If Ron, Dean, or Seamus catches me with a book of poetry, I'll never live it down . . .
*Knick KnacksI wonder if she would appreciate something like this; have I ever seen her with any trinkets?
*Kitten -- That's a great idea; I know she would love that. She always seemed like a cat person to me.
*Flowers -- I don't know that she would like this; has anyone ever given her flowers? Maybe I'll get some for her just to see.
*Music -- Music is always good; now I just have to find the right kind for her.
*Jewelry -- Maybe a nice necklace or earrings would be good, no rings or anything...at least not yet. Where did that thought come from?
*Quidditch gear -- I know she'd like that!
Hmmm this may be harder than I thought. He stared in dismay at the few jottings . . . I've got it. I'll woo her as a secret admirer. When school begins I'll leave her little gifts here and there, and then, I'll reveal who I am under the mistletoe where I have an excuse to snog her senseless. That sounds like a good plan of attack.
"Now, what gifts shall I give her?" he muttered to himself.
His quill began scratching across his parchment.
*Griffin figurine -- I can't really go wrong with that.
*Jewelry box complete with a nice set of earrings -- I think something in gold with a sapphire would probably look great!
*Her own owl (Get this first so others can be delivered if necessary.)
*Socks -- That might spare her from having to pinch others from her brothers.
*New dress robe -- How do I get her measurements without giving myself away? Maybe Hermione might have an idea, but I'll have to be sneaky so she doesn't know why I asked.
*Kitten (First thing for owl to deliver.)
*New broom -- This will be the last thing, because it may give too much away otherwise
He completed his list, and regarded it with a cheeky grin.
That should do it. I'll get her an owl and kitten at Diagon Alley, and I'll have her owl deliver the kitten to her dorm. That'll give her a pleasant surprise. Let's see .. .what was that charm Hermione talked about in her last letter? That's it -- "Scripsi!" She said it causes the quill to write what's spoken to it. That should disguise my writing, so she won't recognize it. As for the rest, I'll special order some of it and have Hedwig pick it up, then I'll use different school owls to deliver the gifts. I can also buy some in Hogsmeade.This is going to be a very special year.