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HB Prince: Year of Love | ||||||
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Category: Post-OotP Characters:All, All Genres: Angst, Drama, Fluff, Humor Warnings: None Rating: PG Reviews: 309 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 *** This story starts at the end of Order Of The Phoenix. Although this story starts as the usual Harry/Ginny romance, I believe after several chapters, you will find that Ancient Dark Magic takes on a whole new meaning to our Harry and Ginny. Will Harry discover the key to the Half-Blood Prince?* * * *American Edition *** * * * Hitcount: Story Total: 196472; Chapter Total: 3073 Author's Notes: I apologize for the earlier version of the this chapter. I had a
bit of a problem with my cut and paste action at this end.
Any boo boos that remain, are truly the authors now. =0
DHobbit
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SUMMARY: They put up a fence -- Hermione reads the mail
-- Luna talks
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Chapter Fifty-three - At The Burrow After they arrived at The Burrow, Molly, Arthur and Ginny went upstairs to Ginny’s room. Ron and Hermione went out on the deck in the front and sat on the steps. “Well?” asked Arthur, after putting up a Silencing Charm. “Not bad,” said Ginny. “Not bad? I was brilliant!” said Arthur, grinning broadly. “All right, yes you were. I still don’t like it, but I have to admit that you were brilliant,” said Ginny. “I was inspired by your mother,” said Arthur, proudly. “Did you have to bring Aunt Hester into it?” asked Ginny, grinning. “Yes! I believe that was the icing on the cake. They would believe anything that had to do with Aunt Hester,” said Arthur. Ginny giggled. “You’re right.” “Do you think that Hermione believed it, Arthur?” asked Molly. “Yes, by the look of her, she seemed to believe it,” said Arthur, thoughtfully. “Sounded like it to me. But she’s lucky she didn’t get hexed. Did you notice that she was more concerned about when and why Harry started dating me, than about my health?” asked Ginny, angrily. “Now Ginny,” said Arthur, calmly. “I believe that Harry set her straight on that. He made it very clear that he is IN LOVE with you,” said Molly, smiling. “Yeah, he did,” said Ginny, smiling. “But I’m not sure if she’s given up on him, just yet,” added Ginny. “It’s a good sign that Hermione came back with us,” said Molly, grinning. “Ron’s been working on her. Things could go well if he don’t screw it up,” said Ginny. “You two are determined to get them together. I don’t approve and I don’t like it,” said Arthur. “You’d rather she kept after my husband?” asked Ginny. “Ginny, shhhhh. And no, but are either of you thinking about Ron?” asked Arthur. “Ron’s fine,” said Ginny. “Ron fancies her,” said Molly. “All the worse. He could get hurt over this. Why would you try to match them up, when she’s got her sights set on Harry? His best friend,” said Arthur. “Because it was Ron she wanted in the first place. She wouldn’t have any interest in Harry if it wasn’t for Ron’s stupidity. This is all Ron’s fault,” said Ginny. “How could this be Ron’s fault? Do you realize how much this could hurt him?” asked Arthur. “If he would have asked her to Hogsmeade, we wouldn’t have this problem,” said Ginny. “What’s Hogsmeade got to do with it?” asked Arthur. “Ron didn’t ask her out to Hogsmeade, so she went with Neville,” said Ginny, impatiently. “Why’d she go with Neville?” asked Arthur. “Because he ASKED her. Hermione got tired of waiting around for Ron. Ron assumed they would go together, he didn’t ask. So when Neville asked, she went with him. Ron was very upset about it, but it’s his own fault,” said Ginny. “Oh, I see,” said Arthur. “THEN, he didn’t ask her to the Harvest Ball. Neville gave him plenty of time, at least a week. So, when Ron didn’t ask her, Neville asked her. Then Ron started dating trash and Hermione started dating Neville. So you see, it’s all Ron’s fault,” said Ginny, logically. “I see. So what makes you think that they will want to match up now?” asked Arthur. “If we can give them enough time together, maybe it will begin a spark,” said Molly, smiling. “I don’t want you two interfering,” said Arthur, seriously. “We aren’t doing anything. We are merely observing,” said Ginny. “They’ve both had a secret crush for years,” said Molly. “She’s been disgusted and hurt by Ron. We’re just giving them time together, so she can remember why she had a crush on him in the first place,” said Ginny. “Why did she have a crush on him?” asked Arthur. “I haven’t a clue, I don’t know what she sees in him,” said Ginny. “Ginny!” said Molly, exasperated. “Mum, I didn’t get a chance to tell you, he went back,” said Ginny. “Back?” asked Molly. “Yeah, last night. After you and Dad went to bed. He came back.” “Who? Ron?” asked Molly. “Yes!” “What happened?” asked Molly, excitedly. “He came to the door and asked for Hermione. They went back out into the hallway. Naturally I spied on them. He kissed her a good one,” said Ginny, grinning. “Oh! That IS exciting!” said Molly. “Yeah, well... that was before the meeting and I’m not exactly happy with her reactions to that,” said Ginny. * * * * It was a very hot, sultry day, so Ron and Hermione didn’t leave the deck, but stayed sitting on the shaded steps. Ron’s mind was whirling. Ginny looked ok right now, but when would it hit her again? Was she getting worse? He forgot to ask about that. He’d catch his mum or dad and ask later. “Ron?” said Hermione. “Eh... yeah. Sorry.” “It’s ok to worry about her. I understand, but she looked fine last night and today,” said Hermione. “Yeah,” said Ron. “About the roof, what do you reckon would be the best way to use fewer tiles?” asked Ron, changing the subject. “A flat roof would use the least amount of tiles,” she said. “Flat, huh? Can’t be flat, we have a lot of rain and snow,” he said. “Hmmm. What if you raised the far wall a bit higher than the front wall? It would be slanted for the rain and snow, but would use almost the same amount of tiles as if it were flat,” said Hermione, thoughtfully. “Hmmm. I wouldn’t want the inside to have a slanted ceiling,” he said, trying to visualize it. “On the inside, you would make the ceiling level. There would be more empty space between the ceiling and the roof on one side,” she said. “Oh! Yes! I see. Hermione, you’re bloody brilliant.” “Oh Ron, I’m sure you would have figured it out without me,” she said, modestly. “Maybe, but it would’ve taken a lot more thought. You thought of it right away,” said Ron. Hermione beamed. Ron turned towards her face as a puff of wind blew her hair in his face. He reached for her hair, feeling the soft texture, he gently moved it back to her shoulder but did not release it. He felt overwhelmed with desire. He pulled her face to his and smothered her mouth with his lips. “Ron... “ sighed Hermione, as she ran her hand up the back of his nape into his hair, kissing him deeply. “Hem, hem’ “ said a voice from behind. “Ginny! Go a... “ began Ron, quickly breaking away from Hermione. “Mum and Dad are coming,” interrupted Ginny, grinning. “Eh... thanks. No privacy around here,” said Ron. “You should have taken her for a walk,” said Ginny. “It’s too hot,” said Ron. “It sure is,” said Ginny, giggling. “Ron! How’s the chicken coop coming along?” asked Arthur, as he and Molly entered the deck. “Hermione has been helping me,” said Ron. Ginny coughed. “Ron, your building plan is all well and good, but right now we need to just get them penned up. They are tearing up the lawn, but more importantly, the garden. My herb garden will be gone in no time at this rate,” said Molly. “Let’s see how much fencing wire we have. We just may have enough for a temporary pen,” said Arthur. Moments later, they had a huge roll of fencing standing on its end. “Hermione if you would write down my measurements, we will see how big of a yard we’re able to make,” said Arthur. Ron and Ginny uncoiled the fencing and pulled it out, while Arthur paced out the distance. After it was measured, Ron, Hermione and Arthur figured the size of the pen. Ron found some left-over lumber to use a posts. They decided not to put a gate on it. They would put the water and feeding troughs near the edge so they could reach to fill them. Ginny found some gloves for each of them and straw hats for herself, Hermione and Molly. After Ron and Arthur magically made holes to sink the posts, Ron began to stretch the fencing out, when Arthur stopped him. “Those chickens are smarter than you think. They will be digging out under the fence before the day is out. Molly, what’s that little spell you use during planting time?” asked Arthur. “Do you mean the Trenchus spell?” asked Molly. “I believe so. Try it here. Run your wand from post to post. I need it at least a hand deep,” said Arthur. “Your hand or Ginny’s?” asked Molly, amused. “Too funny, Molly. Mine. The trick is to get it as even as possible in depth,” said Arthur. When Molly finished, they all stood back admiring the work. It was very hot and they were all perspiring. Ron removed his shirt before he began unrolling the wire fencing again. Ginny and Hermione were holding the end up to the first post, as he unrolled and stretched it, fitting into the little trench along to the next post. Ron was red and sweating from the heat. He noticed Ginny was a red as himself. “Dad, help Hermione. Ginny, you get out of this heat. Go into the house!” said Ron. “I need to get exercise,” said Ginny, trying to keep a excuse to be outside. “You can help catch the chickens later, that ought to be enough exercise. For now, get out of this heat!” he repeated. Arthur took Ginny’s part, leaving her standing with nothing to do. “I’ll go get us some drinks, then,” said Ginny. After Ginny left, Hermione and Arthur anchored the end to the post. Ron unwound the fencing, pulling it taunt, while Molly guided the fencing to the trench. Their system was working very well. Ginny went into the house and made lemonade, then took some of the kitchen chairs out to the deck. Ron had actually shown some concern for her. She didn’t like the lie, but it was nice to see that he actually cared. She took the pitcher and glasses out to the deck on a tray. She set it down and watched them working on the pen. It really was too hot to be physically working right now. When they finished, they all joined her on the deck. Ginny noticed Hermione checking out Ron’s muscles. She grinned to herself. “Hermione, it’s really too hot for those long slacks. Why don’t you change into some shorts?” asked Ginny. “It IS very hot, but I didn’t bring any,” said Hermione. “Not a problem, I think I have a solution. Come in the house with me,” said Ginny. “While you’re there, bring some more lemonade and some snacks. I’m working up a hunger,” said Ron. “When are you not?” remarked Ginny. Hermione followed her into the house Ginny brought out a platter and set it on the counter. She started gathering fruits that she placed in the sink to wash. “Ginny, Ron likes strawberries. Why aren’t you going to put those out?” asked Hermione. “Because he likes them a little too much. I’m putting out Ron’s least liked fruits. ‘Course he likes all these others too but not as much. He would gobble all the strawberries and not give anyone else a chance. Maybe Mum and Dad will be able to get a bite or two,” said Ginny. “Good thinking,” said Hermione. “I wish Harry had a healthy appetite. He’s so thin.” Ginny stiffened. She did not like having Hermione discussing Harry’s body. Although all the females in the household were always trying to “fatten him up”, she grew angry. She hadn’t quite got over the snappish remarks Hermione had given her at the end of term. She wanted to hex her, but thought better of it. Explaining to Harry or her mum about the reason for it, would sound unreasonable. “I almost forgot. There’s a pair of Ron’s jeans in his bottom drawer. They are nearly new but he’s outgrown them. They will probably fit. Take the scissors from the drawer over there and cut them off,” said Ginny. “Thanks,” said Hermione, as she headed to Ron’s room. “Ginny, we’re parched. Where’s those drinks?” yelled Ron from outside. Ginny took the lemonade out, she would come back for the fruit later. Hermione entered Ron’s bedroom and smiled. It was a total mess. She didn’t know how he could live in such a mess. At Harry’s, his room was not nearly as messy, because of Winky. But here, things were tossed here and there, you could hardly see the bed. She couldn’t help but pick up some of this clothes and fold them. Pigwidgeon was jumping excitedly now that she had entered. Hermione found a treat on his desk and handed it to Pig. Also, on his desk were several letters, most had been opened. Within sight was one from Lisa Mills, the girl that went with Ron to the Valentines Ball. She looked back at the door, she decided she had time to take a little peek. - - - - - Darling Ron, I’ve been thinking about you so much lately. It is so hot here, I can hardly stand it. My mother and I went shopping and I bought a new swimsuit. Father doesn’t like it, he says there is not enough cloth to warrant the cost (he he). I think it’s really cute. It’s bright blue with bright pink spots. The blue matches my eyes exactly. It is so hot, even though it is evening. I am lying across my bed, in my swimsuit, writing, trying to get a breeze to come in through from the window. Do you swim? With your strong arms, I think you would be good at it. I’m not a strong swimmer, but if you were around, I wouldn’t worry. I’m sure you could keep me from drowning. It’s so hot. I think it will be a long summer. It is so boring. I wish I could see you before the summer is out. Maybe we could arrange to go swimming or something. Is Harry still guarding your little sister? I have a friend who would be just right for Harry, if he were available. Perhaps we could go double somewhere. Please write. Love & XXX, Your bored Lisa - - - - - “Bloody hell! Is that obvious or what?” thought Hermione. She reasoned she had enough time for one more. - - - - - Ron! Seamus here. Mate, there is a cool party being planned. TG (Too Good) is getting things together for a great time. You don’t have to bring a date, there are going to be plenty of girls there. I’m bringing a couple of bottles along to insure the fun. If Harry is unattached, ask him along too. TG says that if Harry came, there would be even more girls. (YEAH!) She’s thinking of the second weekend in July. That’s right, the whole weekend! Let me know, mate. Seamus - - - - - Hermione raised her eyebrows. That was short, maybe another. - - - - - Ron, Dean here. TG is planning a party. Do you think you can make it? Second Saturday in July. TG promises some “hot babes”, she says she knows the kind of girls we like. Don’t mention it to your sister. This is not the kind of party that she would approve of. Speaking of your sister, is she still going out with Harry? I’m hoping that Harry says something stupid so she’ll break up with him. If they do, send me word by return owl. Justin is planning a party in a few weeks. We (Seamus and I) saw him in Diagon Alley the other day. He said he was thinking of having a party in the third week of July. He said he wanted to ask Ginny as his date, but was afraid of Harry. If she’s broken up, I would love to take her to Justin’s party. I think she’d go with me just to see the look on Justin’s face. Don’t tell Harry I asked. Never mind, go ahead and tell him. He already knows I’d be first in line if they broke up. Dean - - - - - Perhaps another. - - - - - Dearest Ron, I don’t know if you remember me. My name is Elizabeth. I am in third year, I am very tall and thin. I have brown hair and brown eyes. I go to all the Quidditch games. Since you are a Quidditch Captain, I wondered if you would have the time to teach me how to play. My parents bought me a new broom. It is very fast. I want to sign up for the team next year but I don’t know where to start on learning how. I think I would like to be the one that catches the little golden ball. It is so cute. My father said it would be ok if you taught me because you are the hero of Hogsmeade. Love, Elizabeth Crossly - - - - - “Teach me Quidditch rouse. What has Quidditch got to do with Hogsmeade?” thought Hermione. One more. - - - - - Dear Ron, Do you remember me? I’m the one that you told that my stunners were getting better. I’m afraid that I can’t protect my family. I was wondering if you could give me some extra D.A. lessons. I told my family all about you. They would be honored if you would do this for me. Of course we wouldn’t think of paying you, but my father owns an Italian restaurant and he would let you eat all you want for free. Love, Brenda - - - - - “Food bribe,” thought Hermione. Time for one more. - - - - - Ron, Hey mate! Justin is going to have the party for sure. I need to know about Ginny. I don’t have much time. I believe he is going to ask her in the invitation. Hurry man! Dean - - - - - Hermione was engrossed in Ron’s mail. If she took any more time, she was sure to get caught. She quickly pulled the jeans out of his bottom drawer and slipped them on. The legs were almost twice as long has hers. The waist was too big but they fit in the hips. She pulled them off and cut the legs off. She neatly folded the hem two turns. Not bad, her tan from the cruise made her legs look great. She tossed the left-over legs in the dustbin and grabbed her slacks. She hurried to Ginny’s room, tossing her slacks on the bed. She hurriedly tied her hair into a ponytail and went as quickly as she could to the deck. “It’s about time you got back. I left you some sliced peaches,” said Ron. Hermione was flushed, but delicately took a slice of peach. “Sorry I took so long. I wasn’t sure if these jeans were going to work out,” she said. “Are those mine? They look better on you,” said Ron, appreciating Hermione’s tanned legs. Hermione smiled. They all sat lazily around sipping their drinks and sometimes making comments about capturing chickens. It would be at least an hour before the sun would begin to set. They would wait until then, before they started that project. Hermione was unusually quiet. She was thinking about Ron’s mail. She wondered if he responded to any of it yet. There was a very large pile and she had only read a few. Ron was lazy when it came to correspondence. There was no way to know, only that Pigwidgeon was still in her cage. Would he go to the parties? Would he respond to those girls? Bathing Beauty Lisa, Quidditch Queen Elizabeth, and Food Bribe Brenda. No telling how many other letters were from girls like those. She watched him beginning to doze. His arms had a light layer of sweat, which highlighted his scars from the brain that attacked him last year... battle scars. His shoulders looked twice as wide in his undershirt than with his shirt on. She had almost gasped when he removed it. He had certainly filled out this year. Quidditch practice, along with all that food, probably did it. He looked so innocent, slouching in his chair. “Innocent? Yeah, right,” thought Hermione. “He wouldn’t be responsible for what others write to him,” she thought. “On the other hand, his past was well known among his friends.” Ginny and Molly went back into the house and came back with several pillows. Everyone either propped themselves more comfortably in their chairs or lie down on the deck floor. Before long, everyone but Ginny was asleep. “I think it’s time to start gathering chickens,” said Ginny, at a little after six o'clock. Everyone woke and stretched. Ginny got a couple of nets out of the shed for her and Hermione. Arthur brought out a stool and some scissors for Molly. Molly sat on the stool beside the pen. “Now when you catch one, bring it to me. I’ll clip its wings, so it won’t escape,” she said. Arthur stood by and let Ron, Hermione and Ginny do the catching. It was a bit cooler, but still hot enough for them all to perspire in their tasks. “I can’t believe how many there are now,” said Arthur. “That’s because we have not been gathering all the eggs. There is only one spot that I trust to get eggs. The others are all in different stages of chicks,” said Molly. Ron and Ginny cornered the head rooster. He was mean and definitely did not want to be caught. Arthur helped them hold him down so that Molly could clip his wings. It took well over an hour before they had them gathered. Ginny was sitting with her back to the hedge resting, when she heard a peep. She looked under the hedge and found about dozen chicks. “Hurry Hermione, bring your net,” said Ginny. Hermione brought the net over and Ginny started filling it with chicks. “Aren’t they sweet? I love to pet them when they are all fluffy like this. Mum would never let me keep one in the house,” said Ginny. “They are sweet,” said Hermione, putting one up to her face and stroking it with her cheek. “How long do they stay like this?” she asked. “Not very long. In about two weeks, they start growing feathers, then they start to get ugly. That’s why they are so special right now,” said Ginny, rubbing one against her cheek too. Ron came over and picked up one, resting it in the palm of his hand. He began petting it with his finger. “You grow up big and tender, little one,” said Ron. “RON !” groaned Hermione and Ginny. He grinned and took it over to the pen. “Ginny, you’ve been out here long enough. Go into the house. We’ll put out the feed and water. In you go,” said Ron. Ginny didn’t say anything but went into the house. She decided it that if she hurried, she could shower before the rest came in. She was going through her closet with her hair wrapped in a towel, when Hermione came in. “Hurry, you might be able to beat Ron to the shower,” said Ginny. “That’s ok. He doesn’t take long. I want to shower and then soak in the tub. I’m filthy. It’s going to feel so good,” said Hermione. Ginny was sitting at her dressing table putting on the last touch of make up, when Hermione returned. “My don’t you look pretty tonight,” said Hermione. “Is something going on that I don’t know about?” “I have a date with Harry,” said Ginny, smiling. “Are you going somewhere?” asked Hermione. “I don’t think so. I don’t really know. Harry has something in mind,” said Ginny, her eyes shining. Ginny was wearing a blue, scoop necked, knit top with matching slacks and white heels. She had her hair up in a French Twist and was wearing tiny gold earrings. She wore her pearl tear drop pendant and the gold bracelet that Harry had bought for her birthday last year. Hermione started to feel a twinge of pity. Ginny could have went to any night club or restaurant, dressed as she was, but she would probably just have dinner with Harry at the house. She had forgotten that Harry rarely left the house. “I’ll have to change at Harry’s. All my clean clothes are there,” said Hermione. * * * * Harry stood frozen on the spot. Luna was half-way up the staircase before he was able to move. “Luna, we need to talk,” he said, shakily. “Ok. Your room?” “Eh... yeah,” was all Harry could say. He rushed up ahead of Luna and opened his door. They walked to the table in the far corner. Luna sat down, then Harry. “Eh... Luna... ,” started Harry. “We need to put up a Silencing Charm,” she said, waving her wand. “Keeping the secret of your marriage to Ginny is very difficult, isn’t it?” Harry’s eyes widened and he turned pale. “I assume that it has to do with HIM. You were somehow forced into it, but not unwillingly,” said Luna. He turned even paler, if that was possible. Harry’s lips were moving but nothing was coming out. “Harry? You’re scaring me, Harry. You look really pale, breathe,” said Luna. “How?” uttered Harry. “Well... I know you very well. One day I noticed that you were rubbing your thumb against your left ring finger as though there was a ring there. I noticed Ginny doing the same thing, but it only happened a couple of times, so I was unsure until school let out. Ginny rubs her ring more at The Burrow,” said Luna. Harry stared at her with his mouth agape. “There is nothing wrong with Ginny. She is very healthy. But she’s been acting odd at The Burrow. She takes a walk twice each day, but she doesn’t like it. I watched her face before she goes out. She looks like she dreads it, but gets a very determined look. When she returns, she looks relieved. I think she goes out so that someone can see that she is there at The Burrow,” said Luna, seriously. “Er... “ “I think she’s frightened of something and so are the Weasleys.” “Er... “ “Harry, you are frightened! It must really be serious. I won’t tell anyone, honest,” said Luna, with alarm. “Fred?” asked Harry. “Fred doesn’t have a clue. I keep him distracted. When I ... well, never mind about that. George was getting suspicious. He saw you kissing Ginny, he didn’t like it very much. Ronald has been suspicious too, but he doesn’t think you are married. He only knows that something strange is going on. I think you had that meeting just in time. Ronald and Hermione don’t notice me very often, they tend to talk freely when they think they’re alone,” said Luna. “Lots of people don’t seem to notice me. I often hear things... Ginny and you always notice me. I really like Ginny. She always treats me very kindly,” added Luna. “I can’t tell you how serious this really is, Luna,” stammered Harry. “I only told you so that you would not worry. They believe you,” said Luna. “Er... Luna.“ “My feelings are not hurt. Since you didn’t tell them, I know that it is very important. I know that you would tell me when the time is right. I’ll help you all I can. I will not say a word,” said Luna. All Harry could do was nod. “Does Lupin know?” asked Luna. Harry nodded. “That makes seven. Seven is a very lucky number, Harry,” said Luna, dreamily. * * * * |
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