Summary: *** The author has been reminded via the e-mail address on file that this story is listed as incomplete and has not been updated in over 2 years ***
*** The author has been reminded via the e-mail address on file that this story is listed as incomplete and has not been updated in over 2 years ***
The battle of Hogwarts is over, leaving Harry Potter in turmoil. Around him, families grieve for their loved ones and Harry wants nothing more than to be with GInny. However, the guilt that comes with his losses is pulling him away from the love of his life. Can Ginny get him through? And more importantly, can he help her? A H/G story that takes place directly after DH, about learning to live through darkness and death.
**IT SHOULD PROBABLY BE NOTED THAT FRED IS ALIVE IN THIS STORY. IT BECOMES CLEAR IN THE FIRST CHAPTER**
Rating: R
Categories: Alternate Universe, Post-DH/AB
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 2007.08.30
Updated: 2008.08.02
Index
Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Learning to Live
Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Funeral for a Friend
Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Celebration of Life
Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Returning to the Burrow.
Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Carrows?
Chapter 6: Chapter 6:Distractions
Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Learning to Live
Author's Notes: All right. This is the first chapter of my H/G story. I got the idea for this straight after reading Deathly Hallows. I've always been a Harry/Ginny fan, and I adored JO for giving us such a big time gap. It meant that I could do pretty much anything I wanted to. This story probably won't be the most original H/G fanfic, but when you're going for post DH it's hard to be completely different. Hopefully you'll enjoy the direction I take Harry and Ginny in and like the story.
It should probably be noted that this is my first ever fanfic. I've done a few of my own things, none of which has ever been sent of to publishers, but it is my dream to become a writer one day. Anyway, I've read a lot of the fics on SIYE and I've loved every one. I hope I can be as good, one day. For now, you'll just have to try and bear with me as I attempt to sort out my punctuation (argh) and grammar. Hopefully I'll get better as time wears on.
All that's left to say is enjoy the story, and please, please reveiw!
Chapter One: Learning to live.
"I've had enough trouble to last me a life time," Harry said, running a hand through his dark, messy hair.
"That makes two of us," Hermionie smiled softly. "Come on, Harry. We all need our sleep."
The trio exited Dumbledore's office without another word and walked along the corridor in a comfortable silence. All Harry could think of were the losses that he had suffered. Lupin, the man who had been like a father to him. Tonks, so full of life, just a new mother. Clumsy, sweet, and lovable Tonks. And Fred. Fred who Harry could not imagine life without. What would the Weasleys be like without Fred's jokes, without him to make everything to seem that little bit better? What would George be like without his twin, his other half? Fred was a good, happy boy. A good man. He hadn't deserved to die.
Harry didn't even want to think about the other Weasleys. He was responsible for the death of a much loved brother and son. Guilt overwhelmed him, threatening to drag him under.
"The boy who lived," Ron said quietly, dragging Harry out of his thoughts. He looked up and was more than surprised to find that they were outside the portrait hole. He had been to lost in thought to pay attention to the journey they were making. He had simply followed his feet. The fat lady smiled, though it was obvious from her red eyes that she had been crying.
"Indeed, my dear boy. Indeed!" she said, and swung forward to let them in.
The common room was full of people, families and students, both grieving and celebrating. Harry could see the Weasleys sitting by the fire, Mr Weasley's arms wrapped around his wife, Bill hugging Fleur. Charlie and Percy were talking quietly about something, both wearing sad smiles. George sat on his own, staring into the fireplace blankly. Harry was vaguely aware of Ron going over and embracing his mother, and Hermione joining Charlie and Percy, but his eyes immediately sought Ginny.
The red-haired witch was sitting close to George, also by herself. She had been playing with something in her lap but she looked up, as if she had felt Harry staring at her. She met his gaze with her own. Her eyes were dry, though her cheeks were swollen and her eyes were puffy. She had obviously been crying over the loss of her brother, their friends.
Harry wanted nothing more than to walk over to her, to hug her, to hold her, to kiss her. He wanted to breathe in her flowery scent, feel her soft, luscious hair, and feel her long fingers in his own dark locks. But however much he wanted to go over, his legs didn't move. Looking at her distraught face made a new wave of guilt wash over him. She was the person he cared about more than any other and yet he had caused her all this pain. Ginny deserved so much better than him. She deserved a normal life with a man whose past wasn't broken. The thought of her with another man made Harry angry beyond belief, but all he wanted, all he had ever wanted was for her to be happy. Once upon a time he thought he could do that. Not any more.
He looked at her for a couple more moments, than turned away and began to walk up the steps to his dormitory. Every bone in his body seemed to be screaming at him to stop, to look at her, to go to her. Every instinct he knew was telling him that this was wrong. He went on anyway, and didn't stop until he was completely hidden, just before the dormitory door. He glanced back at Ginny and could see her hurt expression. Then he turned and opened the door, going into the dark loneliness.
*************
Ginny couldn't shake away the hurt that was rolling off of her. She had thought Harry was going to come over but he had simply turned away. He had walked away from her again, and she was tired of it. She could handle the war. She could handle the death of Remus, of Tonks, even of Fred, but when she had thought Harry was gone she had broken down. She had never experienced a pain like it, and likewise, she had never experienced a pleasure like the one she had got when she realised he was still alive. She could not even bear to imagine the pain she would feel if she had gotten Harry back, only to lose him to himself. She wouldn't let that happen.
She stood up purposefully, ignoring her family's quizzical glances, and set off for the boy's dormitories. She knew from past experience that she would be allowed up there. Once she reached Harry's door, she did not bother to knock, simply flung it open. However, Ginny was not prepared for the sight of Harry in only his trousers. He was obviously getting dressed. His shirt and robes were flung over the bed and all she could do was stare at his muscular chest.
She swallowed. Hard.
"Ginny," Harry said, turning around. He didn't look pleased to see her; in fact he looked anything but. Ginny told herself that she didn't care and stared at him. They stood in silence for at least a minute before he added. "You shouldn't be in here."
Anger flared inside Ginny. "Oh," she said sharply. "Well! That just pretty much sums this up doesn't it, Potter?" she knew she was being harsh, but she could not seem to stop the words coming out of her mouth, nor the volume in which they proceeded to do so. "You disappear for a year, not telling anyone where the hell you were, leaving us all worried sick about you, and then you just show up, out of the blue and start one almighty battle. Fine. I can deal with that. But then you let me think that you were dead; let me think that I had lost you. And then it turns out your still alive, and the first time I see you since then, you completely blank me!"
Harry didn't say anything. Ginny wanted him to get angry, to fight back, to get some kind of reaction out of him, but he merely stared at her. She was finding the sight of his bare chest very distracting, and had to try hard not to let her eyes stray from his face, downwards toward his stomach.
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered after a moment. All the anger in Ginny disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. She took a step closer to him.
"There's nothing for you to be sorry for, Harry," she said, looking him in the eye. "Nothing."
"DON'T YOU GET IT?!" Harry roared suddenly, making her jump. "THIS IS ALL MY FAULT! ALL THIS PAIN, ALL THIS GRIEF IS BECAUSE OF ME. PEOPLE HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF ME.”
"It's not..." Ginny began, but Harry cut across her.
"It is Ginny," he said, not as loudly as before, but still shouting. "It is. All of this is because of me. You lost your brother because of me. You should hate me. Ron should hate me. You shouldn't be up here; you should be down there with your family." His voice suddenly dropped to something barely over a whisper. "You should be blaming me."
"Is that what you think?" Ginny asked fiercely, taking another two steps toward him so that their faces were nearly touching. "That Fred died because of something you did? Fred died at the hands of evil people, Harry, people who killed for fun. He died because of Voldermort. He did not die because of you. You can't let this take over.
Harry did not seem as though he had heard her. He looked out of the window, onto the grounds of Hogwarts. After a couple of minutes of silence, he said, "I can't even look at your mum."
Ginny sighed. She was filled half with frustration and half adoration. She didn't know which emotion to go with. She had no idea what to say. She thought she could make things better, but it was harder than she had anticipated. Harry was more messed up than she had ever thought.
"It will take time, Harry. I'm not saying it won't," she started eventually. "We're all grieving for him. We'll never stop. But it will get easier. With time, it will get easier."
Harry looked at Ginny doubtfully. "I don't know, Ginny. I don't think I can spend any more time with your family without feeling the loss I've caused you all."
"Just stop it, Harry!" Ginny said, her voice filled with the frustration that had taken over her head. "Stop shutting yourself away. I've already had to watch you walk away from me. I've lost you once already tonight. I won't do it again."
*************
Something in Ginny's voice got through to Harry in a way that nothing else had. It was filled with emotion, with frustration and pain and grief and tears began to pour uncontrollably down her cheeks. It was the only time he had ever actually seen her cry, and he was shocked at the impact it had on him. Without even thinking, he pulled her into his embrace and wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"Shhh," he murmured into her ear. "Shhhh, Ginny. You won't lose me. Not again. I'm never letting you go again, I promise. Stop crying, please Gin."
She whimpered and buried her head further into his chest. "You don't know what it felt like, Harry," she said. "It was like my whole world had been torn apart. I just saw you lying in Hagrid's arms and it was like someone had ripped out half of my sole. This whole year I've been wondering, waiting for news, waiting to hear that you were okay, you were alive. But nothing came. I didn't know. It was torture."
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered into her hair. "I'm so sorry." He meant it too. He was sorry for all the pain he had caused her over the past year, stuck at Hogwarts, not knowing what was going on.
"I can't lose you Harry," Ginny said again, pulling away just enough so that she could see into his face without loosening her grasp around his waist. "I just can't."
"I know, Ginny," Harry reassured her. "I know. I can't lose you either. When I thought I was going to die, all I could think of was you. You need to know that. All I thought about was not hugging you or holding you ever again. It was because of you that I came back. I'm sorry I was being such a prat before."
Ginny chuckled softly. "That's okay," she said, resting her head back on his chest. "I'm sorry I shouted at you."
"I deserved it," Harry said honestly. "You were right. As usual."
"You'd better get used to it, Potter." Ginny said, sounding like she was smiling. Then she yawned.
"You're tired," Harry said, reluctantly letting her go. "You should get some sleep."
"Can't I stay with you?" Ginny pleaded sleepily. "I don't want to be alone tonight."
Harry smiled softly, another wave of affection for her washing over him. "Of course." He lay down on his bed, pulling her down with him, shifting until he was comfortable. "Is that okay?" he asked her.
Ginny rolled over so her back was pressed against Harry's chest and he wrapped a protective arm around her waist. "Perfect," she muttered.
"I love you, Ginny," Harry said softly. He thought Ginny had drifted off to sleep, but a couple of moments later she said,
"I love you too, Harry."
*************
Ginny opened her eyes gently. Something wasn't right. Then she remembered. Tonks. Lupin. Fred. Tears sprung to her eyes but she wiped them away. There was a huge arms curled around her waist. She turned over and was greeted with the extremely pleasing sight of a sleeping, topless Harry. His dark hair was flopping over his beautiful green eyes in a way that made Ginny's stomach ache with longing. She crept up the bed until their noses were practically touching, and then kissed him gently on the lips, her soft hands cupping his face.
His eyes shot open immediately. Then he saw Ginny and his face broke into a huge, bright smile.
"Good morning, sleepy head," she greeted him. Harry did not reply, simply put both his hands on her hips and pulled her towards him, kissing her on the lips. She deepened the kiss instantly, wrapping her arms around his neck. Harry pulled her close to him until their bodies were pressed together and Ginny curled into him as his tongue touched her lips, as if asking permission to go in. She opened her mouth and his tongue danced with hers until they were both out of breath.
Ginny broke away first, breathing heavily. "Well well, Potter. Looks like I've found your special talent."
Harry smirked suggestively. "Looks like you have, Weasley," he replied, curling his tongue behind his teeth.
Ginny burst out laughing. It felt strange after so much loss, but it felt good too. It was a refreshing, infectious type of laughter and Harry soon joined in. She hugged him gratefully.
"I missed you," he said into her shoulder.
"I missed you too," she replied truthfully. "Like you wouldn't believe. But I think we'd better get up before one of my brother's come to wake you and all hell breaks loose."
"But nothing happened!" Harry protested. "We didn't even get to kiss before you fell asleep."
"That is as may be," Ginny smiled, "but try telling that to one of my over-protective brothers when they come in and find us curled around each other in your bed. Especially since you've got no shirt on."
"I suppose you're right," Harry grumbled. Then he groaned, clambered out of bed and stretched. Ginny made no attempt to hide the face that she was staring at his abdominal muscles in fascination.
"What do you think you're looking at, Miss?" Harry asked her with a teasing grin.
"Your chest," Ginny replied. Harry laughed and she climbed out of bed as well, straightening her clothes. Harry pulled on a clean, plain black t-shirt and took Ginny's hand. Together, they climbed down the staircase and into the common room.
*************
Ron was sitting with Hermione, but as soon as Harry and Ginny emerged from the dormitory hand in hand, he pounced.
"Where have you been?" he demanded. Harry glanced at Ginny, who just rolled her eyes at him. Harry had to fight to keep his face straight. "Have you been up there all night?"
"Yes," Ginny said defiantly, before Harry could answer. "Have you got a problem with that?"
Ron looked surprised by her honesty. He had obviously not expected his sister to be so open. "Um," he said.
"Because before you say anything, Ron, we didn't do anything. I fell asleep before I even got a chance to kiss him." Ginny carried on, taking advantage of Ron's silence.
"Um," Ron said again, clearly searching around for something to say. Harry risked a glance at Hermione, and was pleased to see that she looked as amused as he felt. It wasn't often that Ron was lost for words.
"And I notice that you didn't come up last night, otherwise we would've been out of that bed before we could say 'Quidditch'," Ginny added. "So I'd think very carefully about what you go saying. You wouldn't want to sound hypocritical now, would you?" she glanced knowingly at Hermione and Ron turned a deep beetroot colour. Harry had quickly filled her in on this new development while he had dressed, and she had been gleeful to learn that the two friends had realised their feelings at last.
"I....you...he....we....I mean....." Ron stammered.
"Yes, Ronald?" Ginny asked innocently.
"No. No, you're right," Ron muttered darkly.
"Good," Ginny said. The siblings stared at each other for another moment, before Ginny slipped her hand back into Harry's and tugged him towards the rest of her family.
*************
"Oh Harry," Mrs Weasley said, standing up at once. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Whatever reception Harry had been expecting from the Weasleys, this wasn't it. He gaped at her.
"Now don't you go apologising," she said fiercely, pulling him into a hug, causing him to let go of Ginny. "It's not your fault Fred died. Not at all. I'm just thankful that you're okay." She hugged him for what seemed like several minutes, so tightly that Harry thought his ribs might break. Then she let go of him suddenly.
"I...um....thanks, Mrs Weasley," Harry said uncomfortably, taking Ginny's hand again. They sat down one of the couches, next to Charlie, who was eating some toast.
"Want some?" he offered, flicking his wand. A big plate of toast and butter and jam rose up off of the floor and Harry took two pieces. He was ravenously hungry. He hadn't eaten since the battle.
"Where's George?" Ginny asked, taking a piece too and beginning to butter it. Percy, who had been doing a crossword, looked up.
"In his dorm," he said. "He won't come down. He says he wants to be alone."
There was a silence as everyone digested that piece of information. George was the life and soul of every party, the optimist. It was so unlike him to shut himself away.
The portrait swung open, however, and he walked in. Everyone stared at him, confused. He seemed dishevelled but otherwise perfectly fine. He was even smiling, a tiny little smile that was hardly detectable.
"Morning," he said.
"George?" Ron asked, coming over confusedly with Hermione in tow. The entire Weasley family, including Fleur, Harry and Hermione stared at him.
"No," George said slowly as if they were all thick. Harry could feel bemusement bubbling up inside of him and glanced at Ginny for reassurance. She simply shrugged, then turned back to look at her brother.
"Hold on a second," Bill said. "You've got both your ears."
"Course I have." The twin shrugged.
"FRED!" Mrs Weasley shrieked at the top of her voice. There was a slam from above and George suddenly appeared, looking furious.
"I SAID I WANTED TO BE ALONE!" he roared at the top of his voice. "AND IT'S GEORGE! CAN'T YOU EVEN TELL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN ONE OF US IS...." his voice tailed off when he caught sight of Fred, who was grinning. A confused look passed over his features.
"Fred?" he asked. "I don't understand. You're dead!"
This news did not seem to alarm his twin. He simply raised an eyebrow, took a piece of toast off of the still levitating plate and sank down onto the couch.
"Am I?" he asked, propping his feet up on the coffee table. "You see that's interesting. Because I'm here. And I didn't know that dead people could walk."
"I don't understand," George repeated, glancing at his parents. Neither of them said anything.
"When that explosion happened in the corridor, I immobilised myself. I’d knocked my head on the way down and just before I went out cold, I thought that if Rookwood thought I was dead, he would just leave." Fred explained. "I woke up in a room by myself. I figured you'd just put me in there until I unfroze. Which wasn't a good idea, by the way, because that room was bloody freezing."
"We thought you were dead," Mrs Weasley whispered.
"What, you didn't think to check my pulse or anything?" Fred asked incredulously. When his parents nodded, he let out a sigh. "So you just gave up on me. Did you honestly think a piece of scum like Augustus Rookwood could get rid of the famous Fred Weasley? You should be ashamed of yourselves."
He didn't get to say any more. George leapt from where he was standing and flung his arms around his twin. Fred laughed and hugged him back. As soon as they broke apart, Mrs Weasley hugged her son tightly, then Arthur. The children all took it in turns to hug Fred, until only Fleur remained. She bent down and kissed him on both cheeks.
"I am so glad you are okay!” she said, smiling.
"Blimey," Fred smirked. "I should die more often."
"Oh no you don't, Fred Weasley!" Mrs Weasley said, clutching at her heart. "You are never to put me through that again, do you understand? Never."
Fred laughed. "I won't, Mum, I won't." Then his smile faded. "Who else....?"
George understood without his brother needing to go on. "Tonks," he replied. "And Remus."
Fred winced and the family's own smiles faded. Ginny let out a sniff. Harry pulled her toward him, enveloping her in his arms and kissing the back of his head. All of the Weasleys, save Ron, raised their eyebrows, but no one said anything. Anyone could see that they needed each other right now. The war was over. Now all that was left was to figure out how to keep on living.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Funeral for a Friend
Author's Notes: wow! I was so pleased by the positive reaction i got from my last chapter. I can't tell you how much it means to me, knowing people like the story. This chapter was originally much longer, but I decided to cut it into two. It fitted better that way, and the next chapter will be up much sooner, after I've made a few adjustments.
These chapters are a bit sad, and very fluffy, but I want Harry and Ginny to have some time before thins start to shake up. I hope that makes sense...?
As usual, please review and enjoy!
Harry let out a sigh as he took in the sight in his arms. Ginny Weasley was at her most beautiful when she was asleep, something which Harry realised as he held her. He was more than grateful that Ron was still in Hermione's dorm, and the other Weasley boys had one to themselves. It meant that he and Ginny could be alone, without the over protective glare of her brothers.
Only that day, however, Fred Weasley had returned from what they had thought was the dead, and because of this, Harry found that the family had not paid Ginny and him much attention. Ginny had simply snuck into Harry's dormitory after her family had gone to bed, and had fallen asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
If only he should be so lucky.
Harry knew he was being selfish. He had wonderful friends, a family which he considered his own, and the most amazing girlfriend ever. He had lived, when so many others had died. That was half the problem.
Harry had managed to convince his Ron and Hermione that he was over his guilt, but he was lying. He still felt responsible for the deaths. The only difference now was that he could control the guilt he was feeling. He could make it go away, push it to the back of his mind. Until night.
He sighed again and shifted. This was no use. With a third and final sigh, he moved gently from underneath Ginny, being careful not to wake her, and climbed out of the bed. Harry clambered onto the low, wide windowsill to look out over Hogwarts grounds. It was still so beautiful, so perfect, yet this place had seen so much pain and death. He wondered how anywhere could still stand after seeing all that. He sometimes wondered how he himself was still standing, and yet somehow, he was.
He lost track of time as he sat, lost in thought. It could have minutes, it could have been hours. He had no idea, not until he heard Ginny's sleepy voice from behind him.
"Harry?" she mumbled, rubbing her fists into her eyes.
"Go back to sleep." Harry whispered, turning back to look at her. She ignored him and slid out of bed, running a hand through her tangled hair.
"Why aren't you in bed?" she asked when she had reached him, rubbing a comforting hand on his thigh.
"I just can't sleep," Harry tried to reassure her, his heart doing back flips at her touch. "Go back to bed, Gin. I'll be fine."
"Please don't lie to me, Harry," Ginny said softly, looking him straight in the eye. "I know something’s wrong. You can tell me."
Harry took a deep breath. He was being silly. He knew he could tell her. He trusted Ginny. He loved her, for crying out loud.
"I still feel guilty," he admitted eventually. "About Remus and Tonks and everyone else who died for me. It's like this pain that's taking over my whole body. I can't stop it." he swallowed and then looked up from his knees, tears swimming in his bright green eyes. "They died because of me."
And then, suddenly, Ginny was hugging him, fiercely and tightly and Harry was hugging her back, smelling her, taking comfort in her embrace.
"It is not your fault," she whispered firmly. "It's not. These people chose to fight. They knew exactly what they were getting themselves in for. They were prepared to die, Harry. You can not spend the rest of your life blaming yourself for this. I told you this about Fred. No one blames you."
Harry didn't say anything. He had forgotten just how much he loved her until she had said that. Ginny was the only person in the world who could make him feel better. He ran a hand down her hair, then broke away from her, smiling weakly.
"Okay," he murmured. "We should get back into bed. We'll need our energy tomorrow."
Ginny nodded sadly and waited until Harry had made himself comfortable in his bed before slipping in next to him. Harry wrapped an arm around her and laid his head against the pillow. Much to his surprise, he found himself drifting off to sleep almost instantly.
**********************************
Ginny woke up to find herself in Harry Potter's bed once more. She sighed when she remembered what day it was. The day of the funerals of everyone whose life had been lost in the battle. Ginny was thankful that Fred had turned out to be perfectly fine. She did not know how she would have coped if she would have been attending his funeral as well.
Professor McGonagall had announced that the memorial service would be held in the morning, starting at ten. There would be one speech about every person who had died, and anyone could attend. It wasn't as personal as they would have liked, but so many people had died in the battle, and they had to try and make the funeral last a reasonable amount of time.
The new headmistress had also announced that there would be a ball in the evening. She had named it 'The Celebration Of Life'. It was supposed to be a ball to celebrate the lives that had been lost, but also to celebrate the defeat of Lord Voldermort.
Ginny remained in bed a few minutes longer, then let out a long sigh and got out of the bed. Giving a still sleeping Harry a kiss on the forehead, she climbed down the stairs into the Gryffindor Common Room, then up the stairs to the girls dormitories. It was still early, there was no else about just yet. In fact, Ginny hadn't needed to be up for another hour, but she wanted to be ready.
She showered and washed her hair, drying it with a simple spell, before going to the dormitory that she had occupied before the Weasleys had gone into hiding. There was no one in there. Hermione was a floor above, with Ron. As she dressed, Ginny sent a quick prayer of thanks that she didn't have to see that sight, smiling in spite of herself.
She could hear people stirring now. The Gryffindor Tower was full of families that had remained after the battle. She could hear her Mother talking with Mrs Creevey downstairs as she fastened her hair into a bun and applied some waterproof mascara. Then she picked up a packet of tissues and made her way downstairs.
**************************************
Harry sat in his favourite chair by the fireplace, listening to the general hub of early morning voices. He had woken to find Ginny gone, but did not doubt that she would be far. He had showered and dressed in black dress robes. He had even attempted to flatten down his ebony hair, and failed miserably. So he simply sat, waiting for Ginny to come.
He didn’t have to wait long. She appeared only five minutes after he had arrived, emerging from the girl’s staircase. She looked amazing, in a black, knee length skirt and a black silk t-shirt. She had scraped her hair into a bun that showed off her perfect bone structure.
"Morning Harry," she said sadly, making her way over to him.
"Morning," Harry managed to reply. His voice came out in a low, raspy tone, but Ginny didn't seem to notice.
"Are you ready to do your reading?" he asked. She smiled again, even more weakly this time. Anyone could see that she was hurting. The thought of Ginny in pain made Harry want to build a wall around her and stand guard outside of it, only letting in those who he could trust to be good to her. He wished it was possible, even though Ginny would go crazy at the thought. She always had insisted that she could look after herself, but Harry couldn’t help wanting to protect her.
"No," Ginny answered honestly. "But I'm doing it anyway. I loved Tonks."
Harry opened his mouth to reassure her, to tell her that everything would be fine, even though he was sure that it wouldn't be, but before he could say a word Mrs Weasley spoke,
"Harry, Ginny, dears," she said apologetically, "We have to get going."
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Ginny gulp. He reached out and took her hand in his. He would be here for her. She needed him.
**********************************************
Ginny sat with her family and boyfriend, listening to the lady who was speaking about her daughter, Roberta Timmins. Hermione was crying into Ron's shirt, Fleur’s flawless cheeks were tear stained, Mrs Weasley was sobbing openly. Most of the women at the service were crying and a few of the men too. Ginny could hear Hagrid’s sobs from behind them, and could see the tears that stung her brother's and boyfriend's eyes.
They had all kept it together perfectly well until Harry had got up to make his speech about Lupin. Then the entire Weasley family, with the exception of Ginny, had broken down, and hadn't been able to stop since.
She couldn't exactly blame them. Every speech had been touching beyond anyone's wildest imagination, as people talked about their loved ones, their lost ones. Ginny could feel her tears in her throat, looking for a way to leak out of her eyes, but she wouldn't let them. She would hold it together, to make her speech. For Tonks.
She knew that she was next. Mrs Timmins was drawing to a close, tears falling openly down her cheeks. Professor McGonagall stepped forward.
"And now," she announced. "We will remember Auror Nymphadora Lupin. Please welcome Miss Ginny Weasley."
There was a smattering of polite applause as Ginny swallowed and stood up. Harry gave her hand one last comforting squeeze and then released her. She nodded at him, then made her way to the stage. She had her speech in her hand, and placed it down on the table.
She read the opening line in her head. My friend Tonks was amazing. It sounded silly to her, childish even. Ginny looked back up at the crowd, who were all staring, waiting for her to start. She realised with a start that she had been up there for at least a minute. She swallowed again, then pushed the speech aside.
"Um," she started. "I had a whole speech written about what I was going to say up here. I wrote it last night. It's full of things about Tonks, stuff that says how wonderful and amazing and funny she was. And she was. But the words in that speech sounded empty, even in my head." she paused. Every face was turned up toward her in interest. This was different to any speech that had been given before. Ginny took a deep breath, trying to convince herself to carry on. "Maybe I should have stuck to that speech. I don't know. I just wanted what I had to say to come from the heart." There. She had justified her reasons well enough.
"Tonks was the most amazing person I've ever met. She was this bundle of energy, someone who couldn't be controlled or shunned. She was alive all the time. She was like the older sister I'd never had. She made me laugh, listened to me cry. I loved her. If I had to sum her up, I'd describe her as one of those superheroes you see in muggle comics. The type that are too good to be true. But Tonks was true, true to her heart, not her head. She had an open heart and an ability to love like no other." Ginny wiped a hand under her eyes, fighting back the tears that were screaming to be let over the threshold of her eyes and poor down her face. "Don't get me wrong, she was silly and immature and annoying and clumsy as hell," There was a laugh from some of the people who had known her, and Ginny gave the crowd a watery smile before continuing. "She was as far from perfect as anyone who was that close to being perfect could be." There was another laugh, and Ginny chuckled. "She had just married, just had a baby. She had so much more to live for, and yet her life was ripped so cruelly away from her." Ginny was still smiling, but the crowd was no longer laughing. They were staring at her uncertainly, waiting for her to elaborate. "But she shines through in her boy, and she shines through in everyone who met her. She made an impact on so many lives. And we all know what she'd say if she were here." Ginny carried on, laughing as the tears flowed down her cheeks. "She'd say: Wotcha Gin! Why you crying over me, you silly girl? Go on, you go out there and have some fun. Go on! He's gone! You made it!" The crowd was smiling again, laughing with her. It made Ginny feel good. Nobody else's speech had made people laugh. She realised with a start that no one else's would either. She was the last speech. "We made it!" she repeated.
There was a cheer, and the crowd stood up, clapping and whooping as she laughed and cried. Ginny could see her family, Fred and George standing on chairs, whistling, Ron and Hermionie and the rest of her brothers clapping enthusiastically. Her mother and father smiled at her fondly, but her attention was caught me Andromenda Tonks, who was cradling a newly red headed baby, smiling through her tears. She could see Luna and her other friends, all of them sobbing as they clapped, but Ginny's eyes finally sought Harry.
He was standing a little apart from her family. He wasn't clapping, simply staring up at her in adoration. There were tears sparkling in his eyes, tears of love and loss and....pride? He caught her eye and winked, then began clapping along with the still rowdy crowd.
Ginny laughed, whispering to herself, "We made it."
Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Celebration of Life
Author's Notes: Okley dokley! Chapter 3. I know i promised this would be up nearly a week ago, but forgive me, my computer crashed and I had to re write. :(. I really hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last two and please review!
Harry sat on his bed, tying his shoe laces with growing nervousness. Ginny's speech had been one of the most touching at the funeral that morning, and Harry had never been prouder of anyone in his life. He knew the courage it had taken for Ginny to speak in front of so many people.
"Mate?" A voice came from behind him. Harry turned around to see Ron standing in the doorway, grinning. His old maroon dress robes were gone, replaced by classic black ones that fitted perfectly and were nearly identical to Harry's.
"Nice dress robes," Harry commented casually, standing up and brushing his hands off on his own.
"Thanks," Ron smiled gratefully. "Fred and George gave them me. Said I needed something to impress Hermione with, as good looks were out." Harry laughed and Ron let out a reluctant chuckle. "Gits," he said good naturedly. "Anyway, they look good, so who cares?"
"Not you, obviously," Harry teased. "Hermione will like them."
"Shut up," Ron replied, the tips of his ears going red. "Anyway, are you ready?" Harry nodded and he and his best friend made their way into the Gryffindor common room.
"Aw, ickle Ronniekins!" A voice came as they moved into the centre of the large, circular room. Fred and George appeared from nowhere in matching dress robes in bright purple. "Going all out to impress Hermy?"
"You know, George," Fred said conversationally, looking at Harry critically. "I think Harry here might be doing the same to impress a certain sister of ours."
"Percy?" George asked.
"Blimey, I hope not!" Fred grinned. "I was actually talking about Gin-Gin."
"Ah, Gin-Gin. Such a wonderful young woman these days. Yes, I do believe you're right, dearest brother of mine. I think he may have even combed his hair."
"Surely not!! Harry! You can't give the woman everything at once!"
"Just look at poor Ronald here. He's been giving Hermione what she wants since the age of 11 and where has that got him?"
"Under the thumb," Fred supplied dramatically.
"It's a bad place, mate," George advised, patting Harry on the shoulder. "Trust me. Ah, Angelina. You look stunning." George greeted his date for the night, sliding his arm around the former Quidditch captain's shoulder and guiding her away, throwing a wink at Harry as they left. Fred followed his lead, putting an arm around his date, Katie Bell, and nudging her in the other direction, speaking in a low voice into her ear.
"Smarmy gits," Ron muttered under his breath. Harry opened his mouth to reply, but then Ron went deathly white, then bright red, then to an interesting green colour and back to the white.
"Ron?" Harry asked, confused. "You ok, mate?"
Ron seemed incapable of words. He simply gestured helplessly toward the girls staircase, which Hermione Granger was now making her way down. Even Harry had to admit she looked amazing, in a lavender dress. She had tamed her usually wild mane and put it up into an up do, and was practically glowing.
"Hello Ron," she smiled when she reached them, reaching up to give her boyfriend a brief kiss. "Hey Harry."
"Evening," Harry replied, smirking at Ron's choked expression.
"You look.......amazing,” Ron managed to gasp. If possible, Hermione's smile widened even further.
"Thank you, Ron," she said, touching his arm gently. "Shall we go down?"
Harry watched the couple make their way toward the portrait hole, hand in hand. He couldn't be happier that his two best friends had realised their feelings for each other at long last, even if it had taken them seven years.
Glancing around, he realised with a start that he was one of the only people left in the common room. Many of the other couples had left, leaving only him, Seamus Finnegan and Lee Jordan.
Someone let out a low whistle and Harry looked up, alarmed. Standing at the top of the girl's staircase was Ginny.
She looked so breathtakingly beautiful that it made his stomach ache. She was dressed in a red, floor length dress that sparkled in the light. It clung to her every curve, emphasising her body wonderfully. Her auburn hair was pulled into a simple bun, held up with black chopsticks and her light brown eyes were heavily out lined with black make up. On her feet, she wore strappy, red high heels that added two inches to her petite height.
"That's one heck of a bird you've got there, Potter," Harry heard Seamus say from behind him, but he paid no attention. He couldn't take his eyes off of Ginny as she made her way toward him, smiling slightly.
"Evening," she said brightly. "Ready?"
Harry opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. There was still a massive lump in his throat. He managed to nod and Ginny hooked her arm through his, nearly making his knees buckle at her touch.
Eyes followed them as they made their way toward the great hall. Or rather, they followed her. Every male in the school stared at Ginny as they walked, whether they were with dates or not. Every male pair of eyes went instantly to her hips, admiring the way the dress fitted around them perfectly. Harry was stuck between being proud that he was with the most beautiful girl in the school and being annoyed at the way Michael Corner was staring at his ex-girlfriend's backside.
He registered the looks on the Weasley boy's faces as their baby sister entered and they made their way over to her family. They were all stood close together, the girls giggling and the boys chatting in low voices.
Ah well, Harry thought to himself, best get this over with.
*******************************
"You look beautiful Ginny," Bill regained his posture first. Ginny giggled to herself. She knew that she looked good in her dress. That was why she had worn it, to look good for Harry and for herself. However, she had not expected her own family to be rendered speechless by the sight of her all dressed up. True, she normally only wore jeans and a t-shirt but they had known her all her life.
"Thank you, Bill," she smiled at him. "You look quite handsome yourself," she turned politely to Fleur, who was gaping at her. "And you look amazing, Fleur."
"Thank you, Ginny," Fleur nodded back, smiling slightly at her brothers in law’s expression. "Boys, please close your mouths." She said. "You vill get dribble on Ginny's lovely dress."
Ginny's brother's mouths snapped shut immediately, though they continued to stare at her like she had grown to heads. However, before they could say anymore, McGonagall had stood up and the hall fell silent.
"Welcome," she smiled widely, "Welcome all of you, to the celebration of life. Without further ado, I give you The Weird Sisters!"
There was a roar from the crowd as the band made their way onto stage and instantly launched into their latest song. Within seconds, couple's were on the dance floor.
"Madam," Harry bowed gallantly, making Ginny giggle. "May I have this dance?"
"You may, kind sir," she smiled, tanking his hand and allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. He wrapped his arms firmly around her waist and she slid her own around his neck.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look?" Harry murmured huskily into her ear, sending a violent shiver down her spine.
"No," Ginny replied. "But you didn't have to. I know you love me."
"I do," Harry agreed, twirling her around elegantly. "But you look wonderful tonight, Gin."
"Thank you, Harry," she smiled honestly. "That means a lot to me."
They danced for four more songs before breaking away from the floor to rest. They took seats next to Bill and Fleur and Charlie and his date, a small, chocolate coloured woman called Emma.
"Vat is quite a crowd out vere!" Fleur smiled at them. "I am not surprised you need a rest! Me and Bill only managed two songs."
Ginny laughed, squeezing Harry's hand. "We'll be back out there as soon as we can, Fleur, don't you worry!" she replied. "As soon as Harry's got his breath back." Ginny threw a cheeky wink at Harry, who simply stuck his tongue out at her.
"Good," Charlie interrupted, looking sincere. "You kids deserve to have some fun."
Ginny was about to reply, but she found her hands being tugged on. When she looked up, she found her best friend, a witch called Frankie, smiling down at her and jumping on the spot in excitement.
"Come dance, Gin!" she pleaded. Ginny had to laugh. She had been friends with Frankie since their 1st year, and she had honestly not changed since they had been 11. She came from a pure blood family, like Ginny, and she was fascinated in all things muggle. Ginny had quickly found out that Frankie was loyal and kind, but had a tendency to put her foot in it. She had the energy of an over exuberant puppy, a lovable but tiring friend.
"Honey, I'm having a rest," Ginny smiled up at Frankie. "In a little while."
"Aw come on, Gin!" Frankie pleaded. "It's our song!"
That was true. The Weird Sister's were now belting out their version of a muggle song, called Shut Up and Drive.
Frankie tugged on her hands again and Ginny found herself reluctantly getting to her feet and making her way back over to the dance floor.
******************************************************
Harry watched Ginny as she danced with her friend. She was a good dancer, there was no denying that, and the males who did not have partners flocked around her, like moths to a flame. Ginny, however ignored them, and stuck to her first partner, while her admirers desperately competed for her attention.
He could not blame them. Harry could take his eyes off her, watching the way the dress she was wearing moved fluidly at her every move, the way a stray curl of hair came across her eyes. His gaze slid down from her hair onto her back, going lower and lower until it was resting on her-
"Oi, Harry!" Bill interrupted, making Harry jump. He instantly looked away as if he had been found doing something illegal, and tried to focus on Bill.
"I'm not sure I like the way you're looking at my sister, mate," Bill snapped, sounding irate. Harry started again. Had it been that obvious? He could have kicked himself, he really could.
"Um...." Harry muttered, feeling his cheeks heat up. Before he had the chance to excuse himself, however, Ginny had bounded back over, laughing. The song had finished and another had started.
"Come on, Harry!" she grinned, pulling him to his feet. "You're dancing with me whether you like it or not!" Completely oblivious to her older brother's anger, she guided him to the dance floor and wrapped herself around him.
*******************************************************************
The evening was drawing to a close. there was not even half as many people in the hall as there had been at the beginning of the evening. Ginny and Harry had hardly come off the dance floor. As the band sang their final number, it was coming close to midnight and Ginny was shattered.
Kissing Harry on the cheek, she bid him goodnight, knowing perfectly well that she would be sneaking up to his dorm later. It had not been planned, but somehow sleeping with Harry's arm around her waist felt natural, and she wouldn't be giving it up any time soon.
As she made her way out of the hall, she found herself cornered by her eldest two brothers.
"Going to bed Ginny?" Charlie smiled.
"Yep," Ginny grinned back. "I'm so tired. All I want to do is sleep."
"Are you sure?" Bill asked. Ginny turned to look at him. Had he gone crazy? What else would she be doing at midnight?
"Yes," she said slowly, as if Bill was very thick.
"So you won't be doing anything with Harry?" Bill checked. Ginny swallowed. How had he known? How? No one but Ron and Hermione knew, with the exception of her and Harry, and she knew that her brother and his girlfriend had not been seperated at all in the last two days. Hermione would have made certain that Ron said nothing.
"Um," Ginny said, glancing at Charlie under her lashes and seeing that he was no longer smiling. He looked just as serious as Bill. "No."
"Not sneaking up to his room then?" Bill was starting to sound like a lawyer in those Muggle Police programmes.
Ginny was starting to get angry. What did he think they had been doing?
"To do what?" She snapped. "Have a quick shag and then elope to Australia to get married before you all find out that I'm pregnant?"
"It's not funny, Ginny," Bill replied angrily.
"I'm not laughing!" Ginny retorted.
"I just don't want you rushing into anything you're not ready for, that's all," Bill ran a hand through his long, red hair in apparent frustration.
"Harry would never make me do anything I didn't want to!" Ginny all but shouted, balling her hands into fists.
"I don't know, Gin," Charlie chipped in doubtfully. "I saw the way he was looking at you tonight, when you were dancing to that song with your mates. That didn't look innocent to me."
"Wait a second," Ginny said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "One minute he's the boy who lived and you're prepared to lay down your life for him, and the next he's my boyfriend and all of a sudden he can't be trusted?"
"Pretty much," Bill nodded.
"Do you have any idea how twisted that is?" Ginny asked incredulously. "I would trust Harry with my life! You'd trust him with yours, and yet you don't trust him with your sister's virginity? What's wrong with you?"
"Look, Ginny, I know how a guy's mind works!" Bill fired back, drawing himself up to his full height of 6'3. "I know what guys want and I know how Harry was looking at you. Tell her, Charlie."
"He wanted you, Gin," Charlie admitted warily. Something snapped inside of Ginny and she rounded on her eldest brother, wand drawn.
"So that's all you think Harry wants out of me? A quick shag and then bye bye Ginny?" she said, properly screaming now.
"NO!" Bill roared back. " Not at all, Ginny, not one bit!"
"Well that's what this feels like, Bill!"
"I was just saying that you need to be careful!"
"We happen to be in love!"
"HE'S GOING TO CORRUPT YOU!"
Ginny's eyes flashed dangerously and Bill took an involuntary step backward. She had never been as angry as she was then, not even when Ron had walked in on her and Dean Thomas and blown up.
"WELL MAYBE I WANT TO BE CORRUPTED!" she screamed triumphantly, before turning on her heel and marching out, leaving a speechless Bill in her wake.
***********************************************************
The door to Harry's dorm burst open and a very angry looking Ginny stormed in.
"God, Gin!" Harry exclaimed, setting his wand back down on the table which he had snatched it up from as he heard the loud explosion. "Heard of knocking?" he looked down at himself pointedly and a small blush worked it's way onto Ginny's face when she realised that she had walked in on him in just his boxers.
"I hate my brothers!" she said, reaching up to take out the chopsticks that were
holding her hair in place. It instantly cascaded down her back like a beautiful waterfall. "I hate them!"
Harry smiled and slipped off his jeans. "Which ones?" he asked.
"Bill," Ginny spat venomously. "Bill and Charlie."
"What have they done?" Harry asked, flicking his wand to make his trousers soar into the chest of drawers by his bed.
"They seem to think that we've been going at it like bunnies," Ginny explained, pacing up and down. "They think that you're trying to rush me into something I'm not ready for."
Harry raised an eyebrow and sat down on his bed, watching as she ran a hand through her long curls. "Oh?"
"Yeah," Ginny nodded. "Bill said that you were going to corrupt me."
Harry fought back a grin. "What did you say?"
Ginny stopped pacing and looked sheepish. "I told him I wanted to be corrupted. Well, I kind of screamed it at him."
Harry burst out laughing.
"It's not funny!" Ginny protested, glaring daggers at Harry as he rolled around on his bed, crying with laughter.
"I'm sorry," Harry gasped through his laughter, "But you basically just told your brothers that....that you wanted me to shag you!"
A reluctant giggle escaped Ginny's lips. "Okay, it is a bit funny," she admitted.
Harry sat up, wiping his eyes on his blanket. "Well," he said, completely seriously. "Maybe I can help you with that."
Before Ginny could reply, he had crossed the room and covered her mouth with his and wrapped his arms around her waist. The kiss was full of passion and desire and need, rolling off both of them in tidal waves. In seconds, Harry had deepened the kiss and his tongue was investigating Ginny's mouth. She ran her fingers through the back of his hair and Harry let out a low moan and picked Ginny up, backing her against the wall. She shifted restlessly, wrapping her legs around Harry's waist without breaking their kiss once. For once, their heads were completely level.
After several long minutes they broke off, both of them gasping for air. Harry made no move to put Ginny down and she began to plant little kisses along his neck. He groaned again as Ginny ran her tongue down from the tip of his hair, right down to his shoulder. It took all of Harry's willpower to pull away, but this couldn't just be about him. She needed something to.
He began to bite gently on her ear lobe, pressing himself as close up against her as he could and was pleased when she whimpered with pleasure. The shiver that ran through her body made Harry satisfied that he was doing things right.
"Oh Harry," Ginny whispered, "I don't think-oh-I don't think I can take this for much longer."
Harry made his way over to the bed, still carrying her, and gently placed her down, taking his place on top of her. He laced his fingers into hers and started to kiss her shoulder.
"Do you want this?" he whispered.
"More than anything else in the world,” Ginny replied, smiling up at him.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Returning to the Burrow.
Author's Notes: I'm so sorry it's been so long since the last update! Lots of stuff has been going on, and I got another H/G plot bunny which simply refused to leave me alone, so I've been working on that for a while.
I know this chapter is really, really short. Again, the next couple of chapters were all one, but I cut them down. I think they fit much better that way.
I hope you all enjoy reading and please reveiw!
Harry and Ginny reappeared late the next morning, both grinning like idiots and holding hands. They reached the Gryffindor table and sat down next to each other, Harry choosing to eat one handed so that he could keep an arm wrapped firmly around Ginny's waist.
He ate in silence, listening to the Weasleys speak among themselves. Fred and George were worrying about their shop, Bill and Fleur were talking about Shell Cottage, Charlie and Percy discussing when Charlie would be leaving for Romania again, Hermione and Mrs Weasley talking about Hogwarts, Ron, Ginny and Mr Weasley involved in what appeared to be a very heated discussion about Quidditch.
Eventually, when everyone was just finishing up, Mrs Weasley spoke,
"Your father and I have discussed the matter of leaving, and have decided we will be going home today. Charlie, you and Percy are most welcome to stay with us for the time being, as you and Hermione are, Harry dear, and Fred and George as well, if you want."
Harry found himself nodding enthusiastically, and was happy to see Hermione, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George all doing the same.
"When are we going?" Ron asked eagerly, causing Hermione and Ginny to roll their eyes at each other.
"As soon as we're ready," Mr Weasley shrugged. "Go pack, kids."
The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione all leaped up from the table, rushing for the door.
*********************************
It was an hour and a half later when Ginny reappeared. She looked beautiful, dressed in a Muggle mini skirt and a black t-shirt, with black kitten heeled sandals. Her copper curls were swept into an untidy and bun and she was grinning at him as he leaned over his trunk to try and force everything in.
"What do you want, Weasley?" he smiled at her through his hair.
"Just enjoying the view, Potter," Ginny replied, leaning back against the door frame and curling her tongue behind her teeth. Harry laughed and straightened up, chuckling harder when he saw Ginny's over exaggerated pout.
"Come here, you," Harry fake growled. Ginny threw her head back and laughed, obviously enjoying their foreplay as much as he was. She sauntered over and Harry had to swallow hard, when he saw how much skin she was exposing. Her pale collar bones were dusted with a smatter of freckles and he wanted nothing more than to kiss each and every one of them in turn.
"Yes, sir?" Ginny smiled at him. He grinned back and pulled her into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her torso, before planting a large kiss on her lips. He felt her arms slide around his neck but he was too busy entangling his hands in her hair to really register what she was doing. He ran his tongue along the seal of her lips, seeking entrance. She gave it almost immediately, and he had to suppress a smile when he heard her moan softly.
Several minutes later, air became necessary, and he broke off, planting tiny kisses along her neck and shoulders.
"You're amazing," he murmured into her.
"Bill and Charlie came to see me earlier," Ginny confided softly, arching her neck to give him better access. "To apologise,"
Harry chuckled throatily, still kissing her neck. "I'll bet that went well." he said.
"I felt really guilty. They were saying how they knew I would never sleep with someone that easily and they knew I would never let someone take advantage of me. They must think I'm Mary Poppins or something."
Harry stopped kissing her neck to look her straight in the eye, his hands resting on the waistband of her skirt. "If only they knew how innocent you're not," he smiled evilly, "I'm sure I could give them some idea."
"Oh, but you wouldn't want to be doing that now, would you Potter?" Ginny met his gaze with her own fiery one, a flirtatious smile playing on her lips. "Or do you not want a repeat of last night?"
"Oh, you're harsh," Harry muttered, before cutting of her laugh with her lips.
******************************************
"Don't you dare take the best bed, George Weasley!"
"Hurry up then!"
"Charlie, go to your own room will you? This is mine and Harry's!"
"Alright, I was just looking for something!"
"Has anyone seen my old Head Boy badge?"
"NO!"
The voices of various Weasley siblings rang out over the house as Harry, Ginny and Hermione entered the kitchen. They were the only ones who had not rushed into The Burrow on sight, although Harry was sure that Ginny would have joined her brothers if she had not been quite happy with her arm around Harry's waist, and his around her shoulder.
"Just like when they were children." Mrs Weasley muttered to herself, placing her bags onto the kitchen table and shaking her head.
Harry and Hermione laughed and Ginny looked around eagerly. The Burrow was untouched; apparently the Death Eaters had simply not been able to break through their wards. Everything was still in exactly the same place as it had been before. Only the clock was different. There was now a new location on the clock and every hand on the clock pointed to "home" save Bill and Fleur's, which were both at "Shell Cottage". The couple were to be over for lunch.
Ginny smiled at Harry and kissed him on the cheek, before grabbing onto Hermione's hand and dragging her up the stairs to their shared room. Harry took a seat at the table and chatted amiably to Mrs Weasley as she prepared lunch. Bill and Fleur arrived early and Fleur instantly began to help, talking and laughing with Mrs Weasley as they worked.
"They've been better ever since Greyback," Bill told Harry in a low voice. "I'd almost say they're friends now."
The Weasleys arrived downstairs in clumps, Charlie and Ron first, then Percy, Fred and George. Mr Weasley came in from the garden, muttering about his rubber ducks, and Ginny and Hermione came down last, laughing openly. Ginny placed herself in the chair next to Harry's, entwining her hand into his and shuffling her chair as close to his as she possibly could. He liked the feeling of closeness between them.
Only a couple of minutes into the meal, however, there was a sharp rapping on the door and Mrs Weasley jumped up, knocking over a jug of Pumpkin Juice in the process.
"Who is it?" she called warily.
"It is I, Kingsley!" A deep voice stated. Mrs Weasley shot out of her seat and opened the door, letting the dark skinned wizard in.
"Sorry, Kingsley," she apologised. "Old habits die hard, you know."
"Quite alright, Molly," Kingsley nodded good naturedly. "I understand. I apologise for interrupting your meal."
"Don't worry about that!" Mrs Weasley dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Would you like something to eat?"
"Sorry, Molly, but no. I'm here to talk to-"
Harry was already rising from his chair, but Kingsley shook his head.
"Not you, Harry. Ginny."
Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Carrows?
Author's Notes: Here's chappy 5 then. This was part of a big chapter with no.4 so it should have come much quicker but (forgive me) I've been rewriting and rewriting to try and make it seem right in my mind. I refused to post anything if I'm not happy with it.
Thanks goes to my new beta, quinn, and as usual, please Review.
Ginny looked up in surprise as her entire family glanced at her sharply.
"Me?" she asked, perplexed. "Why in the name of Merlin's socks are you here to talk to me?"
Fred suppressed a snigger as George murmured something into his ear, but his face soon grew serious again as he saw Kingsley's expression.
"Alecto and Amycus Carrow, Ginny," he said gravely. "Nobody is prepared to give evidence against them. We're running low on witnesses; all your peers are far too scared to come forward."
"What?" Ron bellowed in outrage, scowling up at Kingsley. "But there's over a thousand witnesses in the place who saw what those two rats did all year. Someone must be brave enough to give evidence."
"So far we have two witnesses." Kingsley shrugged. "Namely Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. I was hoping, Ginny, that we would have a third in you."
Ginny immediately tensed up. Once she'd left Hogwarts at Easter, she'd prayed that she would never have to see Amycus or his sister ever again. Those were memories that she had pushed to the very furthest and darkest corner of her mind, locked away never to be revisited again.
"Would....would I have to....face them?" she managed to stutter after a moment's silence.
"Yes," Kingsley nodded, "In court, and you would have to tell us everything you remember about those months. Everything that happened to you and the people around you."
Ginny continued to stare at him in horror. She wasn't really aware of her family's curious glances or the whispering from her brothers.
"I...I'm not sure....I don't know if I can...." she stammered. “He....we...I....I don't know."
"Miss Lovegood seemed to think that you would have some concerns," Kingsley nodded, taking the cup of pumpkin juice that Molly handed him with a grateful smile. "In fact, she wanted us to leave you be. I think her exact words were, 'If I hear that you've been trying to persuade her to come forward when she doesn't want to, I will not hesitate to hex you, Minister for Magic or not!'"
Ginny smiled faintly. That sounded like Luna. Fiercely loyal, as always. Merlin, she missed her.
"She then insisted that if you did decide to give evidence, that you would do so together," Kingsley carried on when it became apparent that Ginny was not about to speak. "She said that you would not go through this alone. She seems to believe that the two of you will need each other to lean on."
"She'd be right," Ginny muttered, more to herself than to Kingsley. Then she looked up at him, even though the fear was still rushing through her veins. "So if I said yes, I could tell you while she was with me?" Kingsley nodded.
"I have to be honest with you, Ginny," he said, "If they give evidence against other Death Eaters then even with your statements, the chances are that they will get off. If that happens, they're not likely to be happy with the three of you."
"No." Molly shook her head. "No, I will simply not allow it. If there is a chance that they will come after her, then she's not doing it. No chance."
"If there's a chance that they'll get off even with Ginny's statement, why does she have to do it?" Charlie asked. Ginny's family began to nod in agreement, her brothers all trying to chip in with their thoughts.
"I don't see why you need her. She won't be safe if she gives evidence."
"Yeah, she's had enough trouble with those two to last her forever."
"Why can't she just-"
"I'll do it." Ginny's voice, quiet as it was, carried over the protests of her family. They all stopped speaking and turned once again to stare at her. She ignored them.
"Are you sure, Ginny?" Kingsley asked in concern. "Once you've agreed, you can't go back."
"I can't let them get away with doing what they did to us," Ginny shrugged, "I can't let Luna and Nev go through this alone. We're in this together, right?"
"If you're certain, Ginny, I can arrange for someone to come and interview Miss Lovegood and yourself this afternoon." Kingsley suggested, setting the now empty glass down on the table.
Ginny ran it over in her head. She didn't want the Carrows to get away with what they had done, but she most certainly didn't want have to talk about what had happened in those months. The memories were too painful.
"This afternoon," Ginny repeated faintly. She glanced at Harry from under her lashes. She wanted reassurance, comfort, but the look in his eyes nearly made her burst into tears. He looked so intense, so concerned and worried about her. His face was nearly in pain and his jaw was hard set as if he was determined to help her. "This afternoon. Fine."
* * *
Harry sat with Ron on the couch, playing chess. Neither of them were really concentrating on the game, they were both too caught up in their own thoughts.
The look on Ginny's face at the thought of reliving her school year had made Harry physically hurt. She [‘had’] looked so unsure of herself, so scared. Seeing her scared like that was so un-Ginny-like that it made Harry scared himself. Ginny's expression had been one of such vulnerability and innocence that it had made Harry want to wrap his arms around her and never, ever let go.
None of the Weasleys had left. They all seemed to have found one reason or another to stick around, even though before Kingsley's arrival they had all been planning to go out to do one thing or another. Even Fleur remained, confiding quietly to Hermione (something that shocked the men) that she could not bear to leave Ginny alone.
Harry’s heart melted as she looked up and caught his eye, smiling gently. He was about to rise from his seat and go to her, wrap his arms around her, kiss her, just hold her, but he was interrupted by the appearance of a tall blonde in the doorway.
Luna Lovegood looked like she had aged ten years. Her face was worn and tired, she had dark shadows under her pale eyes. She looked weary, her blonde hair scraped back into a bun, but when she saw Ginny she smiled a smile that lit up her entire face.
“Move your arse over here right now, Weasley!” she exclaimed. Ginny let out a laugh and threw her magazine onto the table, leaping off of the sofa and into her best friend’s hands outstretched arms. This Luna was different…her dreamy expression had almost vanished, replaced by suspicious eyes. Months with Death Eaters could do that to you, Harry supposed.
“I’ve missed you!” Luna exclaimed into Ginny’s fiery hair and Harry saw Ginny tighten her grip around her.
“I’ve missed you too,” she said, so quietly that it was hard for Harry to hear. “So, I guess we’re going to do this, huh?”
Luna pulled away and studied Ginny carefully. Harry had to wonder if she could read minds; from the expression on her face it looked like she understood everything Ginny was feeling right now. Harry only wished that he could.
“Only if you want to,” Luna stressed after a long moment, “Only if you’re sure about this, Ginny.”
“I’m sure,” Ginny nodded. “I can’t let this go without at least trying.”
“Any question you don’t want to answer, just say no comment,” Luna ordered. “And if you feel like you have to get out just leave, okay?”
Ginny laughed, but Harry could tell it was forced. “This is tough for you too, Lulu.”
Luna looked like she was about to reply but there was a knock on the door and two ministry officials stood there, next to a grim looking Molly.
“Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood?” the older one asked, looking apologetic.
Harry saw Ginny tense up but Luna grabbed her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
“That’s us,” she answered for the pair.
“Everyone will have to leave for the interview, Mrs. Weasley,” the younger man said to Molly. She looked as though she was about to argue, then thought better of it. She nodded and began to usher her boys into the kitchen. They all left with annoyed glances at the officials.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Harry snapped when everyone else had gone into the kitchen.
“Harry,” Molly pleaded, “Come on, dear, let the officers do their jobs.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Harry repeated strongly. “I’m not leaving her, Molly.”
Molly’s gaze searched his face for several long moments. Then she nodded and closed the kitchen door firmly.
Harry sat in a dark corner of the room, watching as Ginny and Luna gestured for the officers to sit. He listened with rapt attention as the two men began to question the pair.
“They didn’t like me… or Neville, for that matter.,” Luna began, “We were punished cruelly for the slightest little thing. But they didn’t hate us the way they hated Ginny. And they did hate her. Maybe because she stood up to them, maybe because she was a blood traitor, I don’t know why but they used to torture her.”
“What kind of things?” The older man asked, looking at Ginny. She swallowed.
“Cruciatus was a favourite of theirs,” Ginny said after a moment, “and I think they learned Sectumsempra from Snape.”
“And these were used on you on a regular basis?” The younger man asked. Ginny nodded. “Can you explain exactly why and how you were punished?”
“We…I was punished for a lot of things. Speaking my mind, homework, refusing to do what they told me,” Ginny shrugged and shuddered, obviously not wanting to relive those months. “Sometimes they’d say they’d punish me the muggle way….they’d beat me with their fists and say that I was a muggle lover and I should be thankful. And other times they’d do it the Wizarding way and tell me that I needed to learn about real wizards.”
“I don’t think they liked that we were all purebloods.” Luna chipped in, “In their minds we were supposed to be on their side, supporting them, but we were disgusted by what they were doing and we weren’t afraid to show it. They didn’t like that. They thought that Gin and I should’ve been doing what nice pure blood girls did, sitting around, working hard, not speaking up, letting men run the world.”
“I was told that I would make a lovely pure blood wife once,” Ginny took over narration. “By Amycus himself.”
“I don’t remember that,” Luna looked at Ginny in concern. “What did you do?”
“I spat in his face,” Ginny replied, the ghost of a smile flitting across her face. Luna burst out laughing and Ginny turned to the older man. “You see, officer, I deserved to be punished for that. I deserved a detention or to miss a Quidditch match. I didn’t deserve to be beaten and tortured for six hours straight. Are you starting to get this?”
“I think so,” The younger officer nodded. “You girls have been through quite an ordeal. Did the Carrows attempt to get information out of any of you?”
“They wanted information on my family,” Ginny shrugged, “And on Harry. They used to torture us for ages before asking, thinking it would make us weak enough to give in. Stupid prats.”
“How did they try to convince you to give information?” The younger officer pressed. Ginny paled but Luna squeezed her hand tighter and nodded slightly.
“They would tell me…that my family didn’t want me, didn’t love me, that Harry couldn’t care less about me,” Ginny hung her head in apparent shame, “They told me that I was just convenient when there was no one else around. I mean, how often did my brothers contact me? I didn’t believe them at all, I screamed at them that they were liars but once you’ve heard it over and over again whilst being tortured…you start to doubt yourself and your beliefs. I won’t lie to you, if I hadn’t been taken out of school at Easter I don’t think I could’ve held on for much longer. I was tired enough to give up.”
The interview went on in much the same way, but Harry found himself not really listening. The impact of Ginny’s words were like a sharp blow to the stomach. She had doubted herself, doubted her family, doubted him and all because he had been too stupidly noble to tell her…to tell her that he loved her. Why hadn’t he done that before he left? She was strong enough to keep a secret, it would’ve given her strength. Why had he let her go through all that alone?
* * *
Ginny stood in the kitchen, trying to regain control of her breathing. She had spent over an hour with those officers, going over everything that happened during that year, raking over painful memories over and over again.
“Thank you very much, Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood,” The older officer nodded gratefully. “This information will help very much. Anything you need, just ask.”
“Yes, sir,” Luna nodded for both of them, opening the door and ushering them out. “Thank you for your time.”
Luna turned back around and Ginny collapsed onto a kitchen chair in exhaustion, ignoring her family who were all pretending not to watch.
“I have to go, Gin,” Luna smiled apologetically. “Daddy needs his food cooking. He’s still a bit jumpy, you know…” she trailed off and bent down to kiss her best friend’s cheek. “You take care, okay Weasley? I’ll see you really soon, I promise.” And with that, she was gone in a blur of blonde hair.
“Luna can apparate?” Ron asked, looking dumbfounded. “Ow! Bill, what was that for…oh.” Ron trailed off when he saw Ginny rest her head in her hands, her index fingers massaging her temples.
She felt two large, calloused hands slide onto her shoulders and looked up to see Harry gazing down at her in concern.
“That can’t have been easy,” he commented lightly, rubbing her back soothingly. Ginny stared at him before realising that he had been in the room the whole time. He had refused to move, wanting to be there for her. She supposed that just having him nearby had made her calmer.
“No,” she whispered brokenly. Harry’s eyes flashed with pain and regret and he pulled out the chair next to her and took both of her small hands in his larger one.
“I am so sorry, Gin,” he murmured, looking directly into her eyes. “I will never, ever stop being sorry. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make all of this up to you, if you’ll let me.”
She was surprised. Make what up to her? None of it had been his fault, had it? It was all the Carrows doing, their stupid views on wizarding life.
“I’ll never let anything hurt you ever again,” Harry promised. “Not ever.”
Chapter 6: Chapter 6:Distractions
Author's Notes: I am so unbelievably sorry for the wait. It has been way, way too long, I know, but a lot of things have been going on. Truthfully, I finished this chapter just after Christmas, but my memory got...misplaced, shall we say.
As for the chapter, it's a lot longer than my previous ones, and I know Ginny's being a bit of a bitch but I couldn't help doing all of this. THe next update will be way sooner, I've written some of the chapter all ready.
As for reviewing, I was looking at my stats earlier and found out that 52 people have this story on their favourites. I was chuffed, but then I realised that only about a 10th of you review. So please, please leave a comment, even if it's just to tell me that I'm a terrible write because it makes my day!
Thanks goes to my amazing beta, quinn and also to my sister, who I've woken up a number of times these past few months, screaming about this story, and hasn't even hit me once. That's some patience.
Harry Potter flopped down at the kitchen table at the Burrow with a sigh. The room was full of people, mostly redheads, but the person he wanted to see above all others wasn’t there.
Again.
Ginny had been avoiding him for a week now. At first he had thought that she had just been scared about the trial with the Carrows, but it seemed like she was avoiding her whole family. She did not speak to anyone, not even Harry, and shut herself in her room a lot. Molly insisted that she came down for meals, but Ginny hardly ate. She was spending at least four hours a day at Luna’s house, and when she came back she would go flying for several hours before showering, eating and going to bed.
She had hardly spoken two words to Harry since Luna had left the house after their interview. If they met in the hallways she would only nod politely, and if they were seated together at dinner she would studiously ignore him.
Although Harry tried to be patient with her, he was starting to wonder what he could do to help. He had tried being understanding, tried to encourage her to talk about her year with him, tried to convince her that he could help but that only seemed to make her angrier and more determined to ignore him.
One night after dinner, when Ginny had gone up to her room without a word to anyone, Hermione offered the theory that Ginny didn’t want anyone to understand what she’d been through. She believed that Ginny just needed to be left alone to deal with things in her own way. So Harry had backed off. But Ginny still hadn’t come to him.
“Knock knock!” A familiar, deep voice echoed around the kitchen and the back door opened to reveal Neville Longbottom.
Harry nearly gasped aloud. Neville really had changed. Now that his face was free from bruises and cuts, Harry saw that he had taken on a graceful handsomeness. He had lost his baby fat and his hair was long and flopped over his eyes. He was tall, only about half an inch shorter than Harry himself, and dressed in jeans and a black muggle hoodie; he looked grown up.
“Neville!” Hermione exclaimed, standing up and greeting their old friend with enthusiasm.
“Morning, Hermione,” Neville grinned, putting his hands into his pockets and leaning backwards slightly. “Harry, Ron,” he nodded. “Ginny about?”
Harry felt a pang of suspicion shoot through him. Why was Neville here? Just to see Ginny? Would she talk to him?
“She’s still in bed, actually, Neville,” Mrs Weasley smiled. “I was just about to go and wake her.”
“No need,” Ginny’s voice floated through. Everyone in the kitchen whipped around.
Ginny entered the kitchen, dressed in a short white robe over her tiny pyjamas, her copper curls pulled into a messy ponytail and her eyes still rimmed with yesterday’s makeup. To Harry, she had never looked more beautiful.
“Ginny!” Molly exclaimed as Ginny’s face lit up at the sight of Neville. “You should put some clothes on before coming downstairs!”
“I’ve got clothes on mum,” Ginny said to her mother, picking her way through the throng of her brothers and towards Neville. “And even if I hadn’t, no one here is going to care, are they?”
“Neville’s here,” Bill pointed out, watching Neville carefully.
“Neville doesn’t mind,” Ginny finally reached her friend and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Do you, Nev?”
“Fine by me,” Neville shrugged, hugging Ginny tightly. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine,” Ginny nodded, pecking his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here! Me and Lulu have been going bloody crazy.”
“I can imagine,” Neville laughed. “I can’t believe I’ve agreed to go shopping with you two and Frankie. Oh good lord, you’re going to drag me round Malkin’s making comments about the ‘lovely dresses’ aren’t you?”
Ginny laughed and Harry tried to squash down the jealousy that threatened to overtake him. He had been trying to get through to her for days and all Neville had to do was joke about shopping and she was back to normal.
“Hold on,” Harry interrupted as Ginny and Neville sat down at the table. “What’s going on? Shopping?”
“Everyone’s going into Diagon Alley, mate,” Ron explained as Harry looked around the table, waiting for an answer. “The twins need to get a look at the shop, Bill needs to go and discuss his job at Gringotts, and the rest of us need more clothes, more food. Bit of a family day out.”
“All my friends are going to be in as well,” Ginny said, propping her feet up on Neville’s lap. “That’s why Nev’s here. He’s coming in with us. Lulu and Frankie should be here any second.”
“Speaking of which,” Mrs Weasley interrupted again. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready, dear?”
Ginny rolled her eyes and stood up again, raking a hand through her hair. “Fine,” she moaned, walking towards the living room. “Fine, I’m gone.”
With one last dazzling smile directed at Neville, Ginny left the room, and people began to follow, mumbling about getting ready for their trip. Soon, only Harry and Neville were left, after Ron had stuffed one final piece of bacon in his mouth and left with a grunt.
“So,” Neville began pleasantly. “How are you doing, Harry?”
“Fine,” Harry’s reply came out shorter and colder than he had intended and he instantly felt guilty when he saw the hurt flash across Neville’s face. He sighed.
“I didn’t mean that the way it came out,” he said apologetically. “I’m fine, but Ginny isn’t.”
“No,” Neville agreed. “I don’t suppose she is.”
“She won’t talk to me, Neville,” Harry’s voice was urgent. “She won’t tell me anything about that last year. And I don’t know what to do.”
“Just give her time,” Neville advised. “She’s grieving, Harry, and she’s feeling all out of sorts.”
“I don’t get it,” Harry said, banging his fists down on the table in frustration. “When we were at Hogwarts, after the battle, she was fine. We were happy. We were normal, you know? She wasn’t grumpy or angry. She didn’t even seem to be that sad about Colin or angry about her year. Why is she now?”
“Harry, mate, what you have to understand is that we went through a year of hell together,” Neville explained with a solemn shake of the head. “And we knew that you were out there, and fighting and going through terrible things, but that was just it. You were doing something. We were all so desperate to get out, to do something, anything, and we couldn’t.”
“So Ginny’s being like this because…she’s angry? That I got to fight and she didn’t?” Harry was confused. That seemed childish and petty, and Ginny was neither of those things.
“No,” Neville shook his head again and shifted in his chair. “Ginny’s angry because people are writing off what she went through for you as nothing compared to what you’ve done for her. She’s angry that people think that because she was at school, she was safe and happy.”
“But I know she went through hell for me!” Harry exclaimed. “I know that she got tortured so they could find stuff out about me. I know that!”
“But she doesn’t know that you know,” Neville said. “You’ve never said it. And everyone else doesn’t get it, doesn’t understand. You can’t ever understand what we went through that year unless you were there.”
Ah. Well, at least that bit made sense. That was why she was spending more and more time with her school friends and less time with her family and him. She needed to be with people who got what she was feeling.
“She doesn’t understand why she’s feeling like this herself,” Neville continued when Harry didn’t speak. “She thought she was over the whole thing, over the Carrows, over what they did. She’s pushed all of that away in her haste to get back to normal and now she has to go back to it.”
“Since when did you get to understanding Ginny so well?” Harry moaned, resting his head on the table.
“You know her better than anyone else in the world, mate,” Neville stretched up and yawned. “Better than me, better than Luna, better than Colin did. You know her better than Frankie and better than her brothers. You could’ve worked all that out on your own if you’d have thought about it long enough.”
Harry opened his mouth to protest, but at that moment, there was a call from outside and Luna Lovegood and Frankie, the witch from the ball, had arrived.
He drifted out of the excited greetings that went between the two girls and Neville, and paid no attention to the rest of the Weasleys, now fully dressed, arriving in the kitchen and pulling on coats. He didn’t even notice when Ginny arrived. His brain didn’t have time to register as she hugged her friends and was out the door just as quickly.
Brilliant. This was going to be fun.
***
Ginny stood on the edge of the large crowd of people congregated outside of Florean’s Ice Cream Parlour, not really engaging in the conversation that took place. They had all agreed that fourteen people could not go around Diagon Alley together, it would take far too long and the store holders would probably throw them out for crowding up the shops.
They just had to decide who would shop with whom.
And that was the decision that had taken over fifteen minutes. After the first two, Ginny had drifted out and daydreamed about nothing in particular, staring into space in a fashion that was not unlike Luna. Or how Luna used to be, at least. The war had certainly made her a little more in touch with reality.
“Right then!” Arthur clapping his hands together firmly brought Ginny out of her reverie, and she decided to listen. It sounded as though they had reached a decision. “Bill and Fleur will go wherever they need to go together, Gringotts, shopping, whatever. Charlie, Percy, Fred and George are going to the joke shop. Harry, Ron and Hermione can go and just hang around for a little while together. Neville, Frankie and Luna, you can do the same. And Molly and I can go and have a drink at the pub where you will all meet us in an hour and a half. Do you understand?”
There was a chorus of ‘Yes!” before Molly spoke up, her warm brown eyes wide with worry.
“What about Ginny?”
There was silence. The entire Weasley clan looked doubtingly between Harry and Ginny’s friends.
“I’ll go with Neville!” Ginny exclaimed quickly, seeing Harry open his mouth to speak. It snapped shut again and his green eyes shone with hurt as he gazed at her in confusion. She felt guilty for a second, but it was gone instantly when she saw the sympathy on Hermione’s face. She didn’t need anyone’s sympathy and she certainly didn’t need Harry-bloody-Potter pretending like he understood what she was going through, no matter how much she loved him.
“Come on,” Ginny said, turning on her heel and grabbing Luna by the hand. “Let’s go.”
****
Harry watched Ginny walk away down Diagon Alley, her hand clutching Luna’s, who appeared to be talking to her in a low voice. Frankie stood on the other side of Ginny and Neville stood behind them, as if protecting them from the world.
Unexplainable anger surged up in Harry. It should have been him protecting Ginny. Not Neville Longbottom.
“Coming, mate?” Ron said, oblivious to the way his sister had chosen her friends over Harry again.
Harry followed his friends in to the Quidditch shop, ignoring the sympathetic look Hermione sent him. He might have been Harry Potter, saviour of the world, but he was damned if he knew what was going on with Ginny Weasley right now.
****
“Ginny!” a familiar voice yelled as the quartet made their way out of the book shop. “Nev, Luna! Frankie!”
They turned around in unison to see Seamus Finnegan, Lavender Brown and Padma and Pavarti Patil making their way up the street toward them.
“Seamus!” Neville greeted his friend with a bear hug that Seamus enthusiastically returned. “Blimey mate!”
“You’re looking good!” Seamus roared loudly, and Ginny let out a tiny laugh. Seamus always was loud when he was happy or excited.
“No need to shout, Seamus,” Luna smirked. “We are standing right here!”
“Oops,” Seamus’ face was sheepish as he released Neville and hugged Luna tightly, lifting her up off the floor. “Sorry, Lu-Lu.”
Luna only laughed and pecked his cheek before Seamus set her on her feet, and he and Frankie greeted each other in much the same way. He then turned to Ginny and without waiting for her to speak, lifted her off her feet.
“Nice to see you too!” Ginny gasped as he hugged her so tightly it felt like he was trying to squeeze the air out of her lungs. Over his shoulder, she could see Frankie and Luna greeting the Patil twins whilst Neville swung a shrieking Lavender around in circles. Seamus chuckled and dropped her back down again.
“Dammit Ginny, it’s good to see you again,” he said.
Ginny raised a single eyebrow. “It’s good to see you too,” she admitted. “I was going to owl you earlier, actually, but I got distracted.” Seamus opened his mouth to reply but he was interrupted by the squealing gaggle of girls that embraced Ginny, hugging her and talking in excited voices.
“Okay, let the girl breathe,” Seamus grinned. He swooped over and picked up Lavender as if she were as light as a feather. Neville did the same to the Patil girls, one in each arm.
“Where are you guys heading?” Pavarti asked as they made their way down the street together.
“We’re meeting Ginny’s family in…” Neville checked his watch, “well, about five minutes ago.”
“Oh yeah?” Lavender’s arm, Ginny noticed, was wrapped very firmly around Seamus’ waist. Not that the sandy haired wizard seemed to mind, that is. Not judging by the way he was smiling anyway. “Mind if we tag along?”
All eyes shot to Ginny, who rolled her eyes. She was pretty indifferent, really, but being together as a group again was kind of nice. Besides, it would put Harry off of his interrogation if she was surrounded by a group of people.
“Sure,” she nodded, speeding up a little. “Make it fast though, before my mum sends out a search party.”
***
Harry decided he could talk to Ginny when she came in with her friends for lunch as he vaguely listened to Hermione explaining about mobile phones to a fascinated Mr. Weasley. The rest of their group had already arrived (or was arriving, he added to himself as an after thought as Bill and Fleur took seats at the table) and they would all be so loud and rowdy that no one would notice if he dragged his girlfriend off for a couple of minutes.
Tom had been forced to push several tables together to make a space big enough for the Weasleys, but he complied without a fuss.
“Anything for you, Mr. Potter,” he had said with a toothy grin when Harry had gone up to the bar to ask him.
And so there they were, all twelve of them, crammed round a table that took up most of the pub.
Harry glanced at his watch and said that it had just gone half twelve, the time that they were all supposed to meet up. He wasn’t too alarmed that Ginny hadn’t arrived yet, she was with her friends after all, so he settled back in his chair and listened to the conversations around him with content.
Several minutes later, he began to get worried. Where was she? He had half risen out of his chair to go and ask Molly if he should go and look for her when the door swung open and a large group of teens walked in, one red head perfectly visible in the chaos.
Harry instantly recognised the new arrivals to Ginny’s group as Seamus, Lavender and Pavarti and Padma Patil. They were all laughing about something and talking over each other.
“Dear,” Molly said as the group reached the table. Ginny glanced at her mother, then appeared to realise what she was asking.
“Oh!” she said. “I hope you don’t mind, Mum, but we met Seamus and everyone outside Blott’s and I said they could come eat with us.” She raised a lone eyebrow, a gesture that was testing her mother. “That’s okay, right?”
“I-” Molly looked slightly surprised, but got over it quickly. “Of course, dear. Pull up a chair, all of you.”
The group didn’t need telling twice. They were all seated around the far end of the table before you could say ‘Quidditch!’ Harry realised he was still standing and sat back down abruptly. So much for talking to Ginny now. How was he supposed to get to her with that rabble?
***
Ginny’s plan was working pretty well. Harry was still shooting her glances that made her feel awful for treating him so much worse than he deserved, but he hadn’t attempted to approach her.
So Ginny launched herself into conversation with her friends. It was her distraction and, truth be told, that made her feel awful as well. She was being horribly selfish, with her friends and with Harry, but she didn’t know how else to cope with everything. Any of it.
It was nearly half an hour later when she looked up from laughing with Frankie about Trevor, Neville’s toad, and noticed a tall, blonde boy standing at the bar and arguing with Tom. A petite, chocolate coloured girl stood next to him, a hand on his arm, obviously trying to soothe him, but the boy was getting louder and louder by the minute.
“I DON’T CARE ABOUT MINISTRY POLICY!” he roared so loud that it made the pub go quiet and the black girl flinch.
Ginny stood up so swiftly that she knocked over her chair but she didn’t stop to pick it up. She crossed the pub in two swift strides and wrapped her arms around Dennis Creevey tightly. He fought against her for a minute but she didn’t release her grip, and soon he was giving up and leaning into her embrace. Ginny rocked him back and forth, hot tears trickling down her face as he sobbed onto her shoulder.
“I just miss him!” he gasped between sobs. “So much.”
“I know,” Ginny whispered, tightening her grip around him and not much caring that her whole family could see her crying. “I know.”
She felt a large hand which she knew belonged to Neville on her back as Luna joined the sobbing pair, silent tears flowing freely down her cheeks as well. She wrapped one arm around Dennis and stroked his hair as he cried and cried.
“We know, Den,” she said sadly. “We miss him too. Colin didn’t deserve to die.”
Dennis didn’t answer, but his grip on Ginny tightened and the three cried together, holding on to each other as though they were life rafts.
Eventually, the sobs subsided and Dennis pulled away, wiping his eyes on his sleeves.
“Thank you,” he said brokenly. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, mate,” Neville said softly, slinging an arm around the younger boy’s shoulders. “I’ve been crying like a baby at least once a day since we got back.”
They all chuckled and Ginny took Dennis’ hand in one of her own, and Luna’s in the other. Seamus wrapped one arm around Luna’s waist and took Lavender’s hand whilst Pavarti and Padma stood close to Neville.
Together, the seven friends lead Dennis back to a chair that Frankie and Demelza had waiting.
“Dennis!” a voice rang out through the pub as Ginny wiped the tears from her eyes. “Dennis, where are you?”
A Muggle couple appeared in the pub. They looked around and caught sight of Dennis, sitting in his bubble of friends.
“Dennis!” the woman said, rushing across the pub and throwing her arms around Dennis. “Oh, you scared us! Don’t you ever, ever do that again!”
Dennis only chuckled and hugged the woman. “Sorry, Ma.”
“I thought I had lost you,” Mrs. Creevey exclaimed, pulling away from her son and batting her tears away impatiently. “And after Colin…I just couldn’t…”
She broke off, her body wrecked with sobs. Her husband sighed and enveloped the petite blonde into his arms.
Eventually, her cries subsided and Mrs. Creevey pulled away and turned to Ginny and Dennis, her hand grasping Mr. Creevey’s so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.
Ginny gazed at the two Muggles, her heart overflowing with pity for them.
“Mrs. Creevey, I loved your son very much,” she said softly, looking into the older woman’s eyes, “And he didn’t deserve to die. He deserved to live out a long and amazing life and it’s a crime that the opportunity has been torn away like that.”
Mrs. Creevey’s eyes filled with tears and she took one of Ginny’s hands in hers.
“You are Ginny Weasley, yes?” she asked in a quiet voice. Ginny nodded. “Colin often talked about you. He saw you as something of a big sister.”
A tear spilled over onto Ginny’s cheek, but she smiled as she nodded. “Yes,” she said. “I saw Colin as my little brother.”
Mrs. Creevey glanced at her husband, who nodded and bent down to pull three shoeboxes out of a large bag.
“Colin loved his photos,” Mrs Creevey said, taking the boxes off of her husband and smiling at Ginny. “Very much. We were going through his room and we found these. Those moving ones, all of you and your friends at Hogwarts. I think he’d have wanted you to have these.”
“Oh!” Ginny exclaimed, passing her shopping bags over to Neville and taking the boxes in her arms. “Mrs. Creevey, are you sure?”
“Yes,” Mrs Creevey nodded, her voice thick through her tears. “We have no use for them and it was too painful for Dennis to go through them. I believe there are some from your last year. Always sneaking away, even though we told him not to.”
Ginny laughed quietly and rested her chin on the boxes.
“Sounds like Colin,” she said, more tears dropping of her jaw and onto the box. “He always did live for the moment.”
Mrs. Creevey laughed with Ginny and pulled a tissue out of her bag. She used it to wipe away the last of her tears, then touched Ginny’s cheek.
“You are a good girl, Ginny Weasley,” she said. “You take care of my Dennis back at Hogwarts, eh?”
“We will, Mrs Creevey,” Ginny promised. “He’s in safe hands.”
Dennis smiled sadly and got up. He clapped Neville and Seamus on the back and let Demelza throw her arms around him before walking over to Ginny and his parents.
“Colin always said you were his angel,” he said quietly, so that only his parents and Ginny could hear. “I think you might be my fairy Godmother.”
“Just call me Tinkerbell,” Ginny smiled. Dennis laughed and Ginny shook her head. She never had been good with Muggle fairy tales. “I’ll owl you, sweetie.”
“We should meet up,” Dennis remarked, leaning down to hug her. Ginny may have been two years older than him, but he was still a good foot taller than her. “All of us. D.A, still recruiting, eh?”
“Always,” Ginny agreed, pecking him on the cheek. “Don’t you ever forget that. You will always have us. Always.”
“I know,” Dennis nodded, pulling away. “I’ll see you around, Weasley.”
“You’d better,” Ginny teased with a smile. Dennis laughed again.
“See you guys,” he addressed the group at large, receiving a very loud ‘BYE!’ in return (mostly from Seamus, admittedly). Dennis smiled, raised a hand and left with his parents, leaving Ginny surrounded by people and yet still feeling more alone than ever.
***
Harry sighed as he took a seat at the kitchen table. They had all returned home soon after the Creeveys had left. As soon as they had gotten in Ginny had gone up to her room, taking the boxes with her and not saying a word to anyone.
Frankie, Luna and Neville had all returned to the Burrow with the Weasleys. They debated going after Ginny, but decided against it.
“I have to go,” Neville said, his voice filled with regret as he glanced at his watch. “Tell Ginny good bye from me, won’t you?”
Both girls nodded and hugged him. Neville nodded at Harry, who nodded gravely back, and left.
“Well,” George commented dryly. “That was a fun day out.”
No one replied. The mood in the room was so somber that Harry could hardly blame the family for making their excuses to leave, one by one. Soon, only Harry, Frankie and Luna were left.
“I’m worried about her,” Luna said eventually, her voice sad. “She’s…not herself.”
No answered her. That was a massive understatement.
“I think it’s the Carrows,” Frankie said eventually. “I mean, bringing all that back up again can’t be good.”
“Yes,” Luna agreed. Harry was unsure as to why, exactly, they were dissecting Ginny’s feelings, but he was content to let them. At least talking, even if it was mindless drabble, was better than silence. “And she has just lost her oldest, best friend.”
“It would make anyone a little crazy,” Frankie added. Harry watched the girls with mild interest. They seemed almost desperate to write off Ginny’s behaviour. It was like they needed to explain it, diagnose it so that they could treat it.
“But she’s being so strong!” Harry protested. Luna shook her head sadly.
“No, Harry,” she said, “Ginny’s been strong for you. Because you needed someone to cry with, someone strong who would get you through all of this. She’s pushed her feelings away for you but now you don’t need her to be strong anymore and she’s having to confront all those worries and all that sadness.”
“She lost her best friend, Harry,” Frankie shrugged, “Like you losing Hermione. And she’s tried not to feel that because you needed her. She’s been to hell and back this last year and she’s pretended otherwise so that she can be with you and there for you. Now it’s your turn to be there for her.”
***
Ginny sat alone in her room, listening to the unnatural silence in the house. Everyone must have either gone to bed or left. No one had come to check on her since they had gotten back from Diagon Alley. She couldn’t really blame them. She wasn’t exactly great company at the moment, with her mood swings and all.
She looked at the boxes. For the last nine hours she had been trying to work up the nerve to go in and look at them. She just didn’t know if she could handle the memories that would be waiting for her inside.
She glanced at the clock. It had gone eleven, and she was hungry. She hadn’t eaten for too long.
Ginny picked up the boxes and padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Once she had got herself some crisps from the pantry, she sat down at the table and opened one of the boxes.
***
Harry tossed and turned in his bed, trying to get comfortable. He was too restless to sleep. Every time he closed his eyes he saw Ginny’s face. It was like a painting, there were so many different emotions shown on it. Fear. Anger. Pain.
Turning over one final time, he decided he was fighting a losing battle and sat up, pushing his fringe out of his eyes. Glancing at Ron’s bed, he reassured himself that his best mate was asleep before climbing out of bed and padding down the stairs.
Once he reached the living room, Harry slowed his pace. He took his time in getting to the kitchen, but once he did, he was surprised to see that it was already occupied.
Ginny sat at the table in her pyjamas, surrounded by boxes. The table was strewn with photographs and the only light in the darkened room came from the moonlight streaming through the window.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Ginny whispered. Harry took the seat opposite her, the conversation he’d had with her friends earlier that afternoon flooding back. Be strong for her. Be strong.
Ginny looked up and Harry was startled to see her eyes were filled with tears.
“He was my first friend,” she said, pushing a photo at Harry. He picked it up and smiled slightly. It showed a young Ginny with her arms wrapped around Colin. Both of them were smiling and although Ginny looked pale and tired, she looked happy. “With Tom, it was so hard, but when I was with Colin I always felt better. He was the only one who tried to get to know me. Everyone else thought I was odd because I kept to myself.”
Harry nodded to show he understood and ran a finger over the Ginny in the picture. When she was that age, she could never speak to him. He wished he’d tried harder to be her friend. They would’ve had years of history then, like she and Colin, and photos like this that made them laugh and cry.
“I petrified him and he still didn’t care,” Ginny carried on, her voice soft and strained. “He could’ve died because of me and he just laughed when I apologised.”
There was a silence. For the life of him, Harry couldn’t think of anything to say. He picked up another picture, more for something to do than anything else. This one showed Ginny and Neville at the Yule Ball. Ginny had her head thrown back, she was laughing gloriously, whilst Neville blushed.
“Colin was teasing him that I wouldn’t have any toes left by the end,” Ginny explained, glancing down at the picture.
“How many pictures were there?” Harry asked eventually, looking at the kitchen table scattered with photos.
“Hundreds,” Ginny shrugged. “This is only the first box. Colin was never organised so they’re all jumbled up. I was trying to put them all into order when I found this and couldn’t carry on.”
Harry glanced again at the picture she still clutched in her hands. He couldn’t see the photo but Ginny was grasping it so hard that her knuckles had turned white.
“May I see?” he whispered. Ginny looked up at him and he met her beautiful brown eyes steadily. She handed the photo to him wordlessly and Harry nearly gasped when he saw the picture.
It had been taken in the Room Of Requirement. The room took the form that Harry had last seen it in; the hammocks were still up but there were sofas and the room was cluttered and homely.
One the sofa sat Frankie and Luna, Frankie’s head resting on Luna’s shoulder, both smiling at the camera. Next to Luna was Seamus, with Lavender perched happily on his lap, and next to them, Neville, laughing at the couple. Ginny sat on the floor in front of Neville, her head resting on his legs and her own curled underneath her. Dennis Creevey was sprawled out on his stomach on the floor next to her and Demelza Roberts sat on his back, giggling at his pained expression. The Patil twins sat on the back of the sofa cross-legged, looking slightly like Buddhas with their exotic look and bright Indian clothing. After a moment or two, Colin would slide in and wave before rushing back round to the other side of the camera, leaving the rest of the group roaring with laughter. The scene replayed over and over again and Harry was transfixed.
“It was taken the day before we broke up for the Christmas Holidays,” Ginny said after a moment. “There was so much pain but we were all so happy and I couldn’t help thinking we shouldn’t have been. I should’ve just enjoyed that moment. I’d give anything to be back there now.”
“Anything?” Harry was a little shocked. Ginny had never talked about her past year as being a good experience.
Ginny seemed to sense his surprise because she smiled wryly. “Yes, Harry,” she said softly. “That year was hell, but we had a lot of fun with the DA. You don’t think about it while you’re there but once you’re out and people have gone…you want to be there, with them. I felt safe and happy with these people.”
“That doesn’t make much sense,” Harry admitted. “But I don’t suppose it would to me. I’m starting to think I got the easy part of the deal last year.”
“That makes two of us,” Ginny replied, her voice quiet. Harry sighed and Ginny stood up.
“I should be going to bed,” she announced, but she seemed reluctant. Harry stood up too. They had only just started talking again, after a week of silence. He wasn’t about to let her walk away.
“Don’t,” he said. His voice was pleading but firm. Ginny looked him straight in the eye and Harry felt his control snap. He needed to be closer. He needed to hold her.
He crossed around the table and enveloped her tiny form in to his arms, ignoring her half hearted protests. After a second of struggling, Ginny melted against him, her arms reaching up to wrap around his neck and her head resting on his chest. Harry took her chin with one finger and tilted her face up toward him. And then, he kissed her.
***
Ginny felt herself melting into a puddle of goo at the feel of Harry’s lips on hers. How had she gotten by for an entire week without that? How had she forgotten how good
kissing him felt?
Harry’s arms were wrapped around her waist, but he released her and let his hands roam gently up and down her sides before going under her old Harpies t-shirt that she wore as her pyjama top.
Ginny moaned and slid her fingers into his soft, thick hair. This only encouraged Harry further and his hands slid down from her back and into the waist band of her shorts. They played with the elastic waist band on her knickers before he seemed to take control and they slid inside.
Ginny tore her mouth from his, panting heavily. He looked down at her, his green eyes glittering in the dark kitchen.
“This is us,” he said in a low voice. Ginny felt her knees weakening from the intensity that he was staring at her with. “We’re not perfect Ginny, and maybe you deserve better than I’ve been able to give you so far but I love you.”
Ginny ran a hand through her own hair.
“And whether you want to admit it or not,” Harry carried on, not seeming to require an answer from her. “You love me too.”
Ginny gasped. Harry shrugged at her.
“I won’t apologise for our love,” he said, pulling her toward him again. “And I’ll spend the rest of my life making this past year up to you if you’ll just let me. I can’t do anything if you’re ignoring me, Ginny.”
The red headed witch stared at her boyfriend. She knew he was right. She did love him. So much. Maybe that’s what was making her so mad.
Ginny turned on her heel and raced back into the living room. She took the stairs two at a time and threw open her bedroom door, ignoring the footsteps that she knew were Harry’s that were following her.
She took out her trunk and opened her wardrobe, throwing item after item inside.
“Ginny!” Harry exclaimed. “What are you doing?”
“I don’t know,” Ginny replied, finishing with her clothes and throwing a couple of books inside without bothering to look at the titles. “But I need to get out of here, Harry. I need some space. I need….I don’t know what I need, but I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry.”
She locked her trunk and heaved it off of her bed. She pushed past Harry and tore back down the stairs, through the kitchen and out into the garden.
“Ginny,” Harry’s voice was so close that Ginny shivered unwillingly. “Where are you going?”
“I don’t know,” Ginny repeated, dragging her suitcase.
Harry’s big hand closed around her wrist and she instantly stilled at the contact.
“You can’t just run off without having a clue where you’re going!” he sounded almost angry. “Merlin, Ginny, you’re in your pyjamas! You don’t have any damned shoes on! Voldemort might be gone but it’s not safe…”
“I’m sorry,” Ginny said again, and then she twisted around, concentrating on the first destination that came into her mind and Apparating there.
She placed her trunk on the doorstep and banged on the door desperately, ignoring the doorbell. The house was dark but she banged and banged until a light came on in the hall and she heard footsteps.
The door flew open and an irate French woman was the last thing Ginny saw before she collapsed on the doorstep.
Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Author's Notes: Ok, I know, it has been like an age since I last posted anything. In my defence, let me point out that my brother recently got married, my mom is pregnant again and my friend recently broke up with her fiance. I live with her, so that was a fun couple of weeks...
Anyways., without further ado here is chapter seven. Angsty at the beginning, fluffy toward the end. More fluff is to come (yay!) Enjoy!
Ginny Weasley had never really been one to show her feelings. Growing up in a house with six brothers, displaying any emotion was seen as weakness, and Ginny would never allow anyone to think that she was weak. She was strong. She was a fighter.
But when she woke up on the sofa in Bill and Fleur’s living room, she couldn’t stop the muffled sob that escaped her.
“Shh,” Fleur murmured sympathetically, reaching over to smooth Ginny’s hair. “Shh, it’s okay.”
“I left him,” Ginny said, her voice thick. “He was trying to be there for me and I — I left him.”
Fleur made more low, sympathetic sounding noises and carried on smoothing Ginny’s hair. In some distant part of her mind Ginny realised that Fleur probably hadn’t had a clue what she was going on about.
“He’ll be so angry,” Ginny carried on, squeezing her eyes shut. “Merlin. I just left him.”
“I’m sure he vill not be angry,” Fleur said softly, smoothing back a curl. “He vill just be glad to zee you.”
“I can’t see him,” Ginny muttered. “I can’t look him in the face after that!”
“Of course you can,” Fleur said forcefully. “Of course you can. Harry, he loves you. That vill not change because of one fight!”
“We only dated for a couple of months,” Ginny reasoned, her voice still choked. “And it’s only been a couple of weeks since we got back together. Who loves someone after that long?”
“Harry does,” Fleur said dryly, her hand pulling away from Ginny’s long mane. She could just imagine the French Quarter-Veela narrowing her eyes, her jaw set, determined to make Ginny see sense. “And you do. You do not need to put a time limit on love. It happens when it happens.”
Ginny sighed. That was the problem. It had happened, and she didn’t know if she was ready to deal with those kinds of emotions just yet. Love was a big thing, and it scared her. It scared her because every time she looked at Harry, her love for him seemed to fill every part of her. It was frightening to experience that much love for someone, for anyone.
“Are you saying that you do not love Harry?” Fleur asked after Ginny did not answer.
The petite redhead started, her eyes snapping open. “No!” she exclaimed angrily. “No, of course not. I do love him, of course I do!”
“Then what eez the problem?” Fleur asked, arching one perfect blonde eyebrow.
There was a pregnant pause as Ginny turned large, tortured eyes on Fleur, tortured eyes filled with unshed tears.
“He left me,” she said, her voice rising with every word. “He left me on my own and I had to go back to that school and I had to go through all of that without him. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I’d have known where he was or why or what the hell he was doing or even if he was bloody safe, but I didn’t know! He left me without explaining, without telling me where he was going, without even saying goodbye. And I had to go through that year of hell on my own.”
Fleur was silent, watching with wide eyes as Ginny finally got out the things that had been threatening to take her under for some time now.
“What if he does it again?” Ginny was suddenly whispering, her voice was so soft that Fleur had to strain to hear her. “What if he leaves me again, Fleur?”
Fleur was silent for a long time, searching for the right words to say. How could she put what she knew into words? She knew she couldn’t make Ginny understand how much she had, but she could try to help her.
“’E may do,” Fleur conceded, nodding her head. “Maybe he will. I cannot tell you zat ‘e vill not. I cannot tell you zat your life will be amazing from now on and I cannot tell you zat you’ll be togezer forever. All I can say to you is that Harry loves you very much, and you love him very much. Isn’t that enough? You just have to take the risk.”
“I can’t,” Ginny shook her head determinedly. “I can’t take my heart being broken again Fleur, I just can’t!”
Fleur sighed. She had suspected that answer would come from her sister-in-law, but what could she do? She would just have to wait for Ginny to learn herself.
“Okay,” she said. “So what now? You go back to ze Burrow and ignore Harry like you’ve been doing for ze last week? Zat won’t work, Ginny, and you know it.”
Ginny sighed, shoving a hand through her tangled locks. “I don’t know,” she said eventually. “I don’t know what happens now. I never let myself get my hopes up at Hogwarts, you know? I never let myself think that maybe we’d come out alive and be together. It’s so weird to be thinking about the future now.”
“What is your future?” Fleur asked, binding her hair into a simple knot. “Where do you see yourself in ten year’s time?”
Ginny closed her eyes, trying to picture herself at 26. She was a bit taller with more curves and less freckles. She was stood in front of a trophy cabinet, some of which clearly read ‘Ginny Weasley-Holyhead Harpies’. In one arm she had a little boy, about three or four, with messy black hair and big green eyes. Her other arm was wrapped firmly around her bulging stomach. And next to her a man, eyes shining, grin wide, holding a small lad with black messy hair, green eyes and glasses firmly as if stopping him from running away. Harry.
She rewound a bit in her mind. Five years in the future. She was speeding along on a broom, the Quaffle held firmly in her hand. She scored and turned to the crowd, her eyes seeking out one person. He grinned boyishly, clapping as loud as the rest of her supporters. Harry.
Three years in the future. She was in Madam Malkin’s. Hermione stood on one stool, dressed in a gorgeous floor-length pale green dress. Ginny leaned against the wall, her hand outstretched. An engagement ring glinted clearly on her hand. A big male arm was wrapped firmly around her waist and a big hand took hold of hers, spinning the ring around gently. She turned around. Harry.
Fifteen years in the future. The Burrow was packed with children, little redheads running riot. Ginny sat at the table with a glass of white wine, watching with a soft smile. A ten-year-old boy ran wildly around with his cousins. The exact replica of his father, people were always telling them. Apart from his eyes. He had his mother’s eyes. A younger black haired boy was on a broom, flying higher and faster with every second. A tiny girl with long red hair pouted as she yelled for her turn. And watching these scenes with a wide smile…Harry.
Everything came back to Harry. It always had. Hermione had once told her that it was a way of the universe. Everything came back to Harry, whether it was the world’s survival or the Quidditch final. Ginny didn’t know about that, but the one thing she was sure of was that it was the way of her universe. Everything in her world came back to Harry. She couldn’t imagine herself without him. He was her world, her everything.
The only problem was, she didn’t know if that was enough.
***
Miles away, Harry Potter stormed through the Burrow, his mind whirring. He knew he was making too much noise for the late time of the night and that he was probably waking everyone up, but he didn’t care. Ginny was gone and he had no idea where or why or how to help her.
Reaching the first landing, he threw open Ginny’s door and strode in purposefully. The room was still a mess from their fight. Some clothes were strewn across the bed and the floor; there were marks in the carpet where Ginny had dragged the trunk away.
Without hesitating, Harry began to look through Ginny’s room. It was cluttered; there wasn’t a surface that was empty. Little ornaments, photo frames, tiny pots of perfume, makeup, a hairbrush.
He moved to the shelf, which was cluttered with photos of the Weasley children at different ages. But there, right in the middle was something different. Harry shuffled closer, picking up the photo.
It was of Ginny and him. They were sitting by the lake, Harry sitting on the ground with his knees by his chest and Ginny sitting between his legs, her head resting on his shoulder. He had no idea how it had been taken without him noticing, or even when, but it was a good picture and he had no doubts that it was the work of Colin Creevey. Every so often the picture-Harry would lovingly drop a kiss onto Ginny’s head or twirl her hair gently around his hands.
Harry sat down on Ginny’s bed heavily, running his hands through his hair. Ginny’s support had been so important to him. He couldn’t have got through any of what had happened without her. She had always known exactly what to say to make him feel better or to make him laugh when he felt the guilt was going to suffocate him. But he had no idea how to give her the help she deserved.
He was just sinking into the bed when he heard noises from downstairs. It sounded like Mrs. Weasley’s anxious voice and… Bill?
Harry sprung to his feet and almost flew down the stairs in his haste to get down. He skidded into the kitchen at top speed, making Mrs. Weasley jump. He had been right; it was Bill who was standing up, running a hand through his scarred face.
“Ginny?” Harry said hopefully. Bill sighed.
“She’s at my place,” he said, closing his eyes. “Turned up in a right state, fainted right there on the doorstop. Never seen her so upset.”
“She’s ok though, yeah?” Harry checked. He couldn’t bear to even think about someone else he loved being hurt.
“Yes,” Bill said. “She’s fine, physically, but she’s a mess, Harry. She needs you.”
“I’ve tried!” Harry exclaimed in frustration. He slammed his hand into the wall, making Mrs. Weasley jump again. “I’ve tried to be there for her and every time she just pushes me away!”
“Then try again!” Bill said sharply. “Keep on trying until she gives in. You two are made for each other, a blind man could see that!”
“She doesn’t seem to think so,” Harry spat bitterly.
“Oh grow up!” Bill said. Harry was shocked. Bill had never been anything but pleasant to him. “You’re not kids anymore. If you want to be with her, then you’ve got to fight for this!”
Harry just stared at him. Of course he wanted to be with her. He wanted nothing more. But how?
***
Ginny gulped down the tea in her hands as Fleur busied herself at the stove. She wasn’t sure where Bill had gone but she had an idea it might have been the Burrow. Any second now, her mother would be barging in, threatening to drag her home by the hair if she had to. Or maybe it would be Ron, blowing curses everywhere and anywhere in a blind fit of rage at his sister for hurting his best friend. She didn’t know what would happen, but she was pretty sure it wouldn’t be pretty.
The sound of the front door slamming brought Ginny out of her daydream. She turned around, heart hammering, but saw immediately that Bill was alone.
“Fleur?” he said softly. His wife turned around inquisitively. “I need to talk to Ginny…alone.”
Ginny saw the part-veela glance between the two of them hesitantly, but she did as she was asked and left the room silently.
Bill slid into the seat next to Ginny and sighed.
“Oh, Angel,” he said, running a hand down her back. “What am I going to do with you?”
Ginny shrugged, keeping her gaze on her oldest and favourite brother.
“Things are never simple with you, are they Squirt?” Bill asked. “You can’t just have a normal first year at Hogwarts like everyone else, you have to be possessed by the darkest Wizard to ever walk this earth. You can’t just have a normal teenage crush, it has to be on Harry Potter, of all people. And when you finally get him, you can’t just love him and be with him, you have to get scared and do a runner. Do you enjoy a difficult life?”
“No,” Ginny whispered, shaking her head. “I don’t know what to do, what to think, what to say…it’s crazy. I can’t just sit still; my mind is whirring with thoughts all the time.”
“Perfectly natural,” Bill shrugged. “You’ve just been through a war after all.”
“So has everyone else,” Ginny said, leaning into his hand. “And no one else is going this crazy.”
“It’s not crazy,” Bill shook his head. “It’s normal, Ginny. Maybe you’re going a bit madder than everyone else because everything in your life was hanging in this war. If Harry hadn’t lived, your whole life would’ve been different. Your future was depending on the outcome of the war, so you wouldn’t let yourself think about afterwards. And now suddenly, you’re on the other side, expected to lead a normal life.”
Ginny merely stared at him. She was shocked that he could echo her earlier thoughts. Bill smiled at her dazed expression. “I think I understand. Or I’m starting to. I’ve been a git, haven’t I?”
“Yes,” Bill replied instantly. “There’s no rush to be okay again, Gin. You and Harry can take as long as you need getting over things. Just do it together, okay? You two were born to be with each other.”
***
By the time Ginny arrived back at the Burrow the next day, the residents of the ramshackle house seemed to have gone into overload to compensate for the youngest Weasley’s absence. The house had never seemed louder to Harry, and yet it had never seemed emptier. Without Ginny, the whole place was a little bit dimmer and darker.
It was after lunch when the back door was flung open to reveal an apprehensive Ginny, dressed in the clothes Bill had picked up the night before and clutching a box of cookies.
The kitchen was still full, with Ron, Hermione and Harry washing the dishes, Fred and George pouring over stock lists at the kitchen table and Charlie helping his mother stack the dry dishes in the cupboards. Percy and Mr. Weasley had gone into work.
“Ginny!” Mrs. Weasley breathed. Ginny smiled at her mother, her eyes searching the kitchen. Harry watched her warm brown gaze flicker over Fred and George, skim Hermione’s red face, a soap sud resting on her nose, and finally rest on him.
Pushing the cookies at a confused looking Ron, she took a tiny step toward him. Harry kept his eyes steadily on her, not quite daring to believe that she was actually back.
“Take a walk with me,” she said softly. “We need to talk.”
***
The weather was turning into real summer weather, Ginny noticed. The sun was shining, the trees blowing with just the gentlest of breezes. It was the perfect kind of day.
Harry was remaining stonily silent as they walked toward the pond. Ginny settled herself down under the massive oak tree and waited for Harry to do the same before she finally broke the silence.
“I was a coward,” she said. Harry picked at the grass, not looking at her. “You were trying to help me and I ran away and I’m…I’m sorry.” Ginny kept her eyes on him. She needed to look at him to do this. He made her strong, and that was what she needed to be. Strong.
“You would know more than anyone how strange this is,” she carried on, crossing her legs. “Neither of us has dared to even think about what would happen after the war. It’s like we’re going down this road and there’s no structure, no difference between pavement and road, no stop signs, no speed limit, no directions, nothing to guide us. And I’ve been so caught up with trying to deal with all of that, with trying to establish those things that I forgot that you were going through exactly the same thing.”
Harry looked up, his eyes shining with hope and a small, confused smile resting on his lips. “I don’t think I understood all of that,” he said. “But I get what you’re trying to say.”
Ginny let out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding and scooted closer toward him.
“I love you,” she said, brushing his fringe out of his eyes and tracing her fingers lightly over his scar. “I do. I know it might not always seem or feel like that, but I love you more than life itself. I just think we were so desperate for a normal life, a normal relationship that we skipped all the important stuff, you know? We don’t have to get over the war this fast. We should be talking and crying and helping out. I think the only way we’re ever truly going to be over these past years is if we mourn them properly.”
Harry’s eyes fluttered shut, but the smile on his face was widening. “I feel the same,” he said. “We’ve skipped some huge steps. We should just take our time, right?”
“Right,” Ginny nodded. “And I think the first step is you telling me what actually happened last year.”
Harry’s eyes snapped open. “What?” he asked faintly.
“I don’t know what happened last year,” Ginny said, leaning against the tree. “You know my story but I don’t know yours. How can we help each other if we don’t know what we’re helping each other get over?”
“I don’t know if I can,” Harry whispered. “It’s in the past, right?”
“Weren’t we just saying that we needed to do this properly?” Ginny countered. “Harry, the past can hurt. The way I see it, you can run from it or learn from it. You need to talk about this just as much as I need to know about it.”
Harry’s gaze was intense. “When did you get to be so grown up?” he asked wistfully. Ginny shrugged.
“Life is what happens while you’re making plans, right?” she said. “I don’t know, Harry. Maybe I’ve just been around my mum too much this summer. Her sayings are rubbing off on me. Humour me. Please, Harry. We need this.”
***
In times to come, Harry would realise how Ginny honestly hadn’t realised that when she looked at him, eyes wide and pleading, he would have given her anything in the whole world.
He told her everything. About the Horcruxes, about their painful searching. He told her about Ron leaving them, about Godric’s Hollow, about how on his long midnight watches, her dot on the map had been the only thing keeping him searching.
By the time Harry had reached what he had thought to be his last confrontation with Voldermort, he and Ginny were both crying.
“Walking past you without saying goodbye,” Harry said, scrubbing a fist across his face to get rid of the tears, “is without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You were the last thing I thought of, the last thing I saw. The last thing I thought about was you and our love. I came back for you. I did it all for you, everything!”
“I know, Harry,” Ginny said, moving so she could reach to wipe away his tears. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, letting his tears fall freely into her shoulder. She rocked him back and forth, hugging him to her, her own tears falling into his hair. “I know, I know, I know.”
The sobs that overtook him sounded like they were being wrenched from his gut and the tears that fell down both their faces seemed to be coming from a never-ending supply, but they clutched at each other, determined they would make it through together.
***
When he and Ginny finally got back to the Burrow that night, it was dark. They had been outside for hours, just talking about what had happened to them both over the past nine months.
Ron and Hermione were sat at the kitchen table, two plate of food on the places opposite them.
Ron instantly noticed Harry’s red eyes and Ginny’s tear streaked face, and immediately dove in, tactfully steering the conversation away from any thing to do with the war. He reckoned Harry and Ginny had had enough of that for one day.
“Mum was going off her nut,” he said, nodding toward the two plates. “She’s convinced you two are going to turn into a pile of skin and bones because you’ve missed one meal. You’d better eat that all up, before she starts doing here comes the broomstick.”
Harry smiled gratefully and slid into a chair. Ginny followed suit.
“What’s the time?” Harry asked through a mouthful of pie. “I couldn’t see my watch in the dark.”
“Nearly ten o’clock,” Hermione said, watching every bite Harry and Ginny took. “Mrs. Weasley was ready to come out and fetch you in more than once, but Bill stopped her.”
“Bill was here?” Ginny asked, looking up from the mashed potato she was shovelling into her mouth. “I wanted to thank him for helping me yesterday!”
“He knows,” Ron replied, reaching over to take some of her food. “He said you’re welcome, and he and Fleur will be coming over tomorrow probably.”
Ginny nodded in recognition and went back to her food.
“Honestly,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Mrs. Weasley needn’t have worried. You two are eating like you’ve never seen food before. Come on, Ron. Why don’t you walk me to my room?”
Once left alone, Harry pushed his empty plate away and smiled at Ginny. “So Hermione seems pretty at home,” he remarked as Ginny finished her meal, picked up both plates and placed them in the sink, running the tap.
“Yeah,” she agreed. “What about you? Are you feeling at home?”
He considered it. “I wasn’t before,” he said eventually. “I was lost, before. But now I have you and I know we can work through this together…I’m happier. My home is wherever you are.”
Ginny’s smile was so brilliant that it warmed his heart. He liked being the one to make her look that happy.
“So,” he said, pulling her onto his lap. “We’ve completed step one. What do you reckon step two is?”
Ginny stroked his hair. “How about you take me on a proper date?” she suggested.
“I can do that,” Harry agreed.
“Good,” Ginny smiled, clambered off his lap and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. “I’m going to bed. Good night.”
“Good night,” Harry said, squeezing her hip. “I love you.”