Title: Summer of discovery
Author: Joy
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Notes:
This is the sequel to Unwilling Damsel. Hereafter it will be known as 'the Unwilling Damsel' universe.
Sirius, Lily, and James are dead and will not be brought back to life.
I have decided Ginny's birthday is Halloween. (The night Harry was cursed.)
There are several unexplained hints that lead directly into the next sequel.
This does deal with a post-assault Ginny. There is no explicit imagery of the attack.
This series mainly deals with Harry and Ginny's path of sexual discovery. Therefore the sexually charged chapters will have to be by request only until I can find a venue that doesn't make me feel creepy or judged.
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Welcome back readers. This is the second installment of the Unwilling Damsel universe. This is not a PG-13 story folks so don't be looking for it to be. I will be editing the chapters so the story is moved along even though some chapters will be a bit choppy since the sex scenes will be cut.
On a personal note, my cross-country move was a much more arduous process than first anticipated. I still have boxes I'm unloading but at least I am finally in my house rather than temporary housing. My pugs still think my husband and I are going to pack them off somewhere else again. Oh well.
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On with the show-
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Chapter 1: Talking Pictures
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Harry Potter hated going 'home'. The Dursley's weren't home. They never could be. They never would be. Home, as the adage goes, is where the heart is. Therefore Hogwarts didn't fit the bill either. Presently his heart resided at the Burrow, so home lay there.
Ginny Weasley was perfect for him. And by all accounts was destined to be with him. For months at Hogwarts Harry dreamt an older Ginny lying beside him, talking with him…and since he was a randy teenage boy... doing other sundry things with him depending on his mood. He kept the 'older Ginny' experiences to himself seeing it as wishful thinking. But then his scar had a very odd reaction to Ginny's attention to it. Every time she kissed his scar it would show him their life together…a future life. Eventually he had asked her to discontinue the action because it was far too tempting. Then again Ginny was far too tempting.
Reluctantly Harry confided the situation to Snape since he had no contact the Weasley's on the whole. Snape had proved himself the prior year to be a true confidant and protector. These conversations led to many other discussions…ones that if his father or godfather had lived should have had with Harry. Remus would have done the job, but at the present time was enduring experimental treatment for his Lycathropy. But Harry would not complain. He was grateful for the help with the 'situation' and as ironic as it was that the male adult that was there for him was Severus Snape when it had nothing to do with the state of the 'enemy'.
The 'enemy' had cost him some peace of mind with his love since in the last month of school. Fearing Voldemort might be invading his thoughts Harry had emotionally distanced himself from Ginny. At first she had expressed her displeasure in yelling matches and crying jags but tapered off these activities once Dumbledore got involved. Harry was unsure what the old man had said to his lovely but it had worked for the most part. Whenever Harry backed off Ginny found refuge in the 'restricted' section of the library with special dispensation. When asked what she was working on, Ginny would spout the question right back and they would reach a peaceful impasse. Harry knew that these 'peace' pacts were unnatural and would need to be resolved, but he didn't yet feel right about burdening Ginny with his visions of the future so he held his tongue. She was only fifteen. She didn't need to know she would saddle with him as her husband yet.
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Harry's reverie was interrupted by a small, flitting, feathered ball at his window. Pig tapped on glass bringing a smile to Harry's lips.
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Harry-
Get packed as soon as possible. Dad will be by tomorrow at 1:00. Pack everything because as my darling sister said, 'Someone better go get my boy or so help me I will hex those prats into oblivion.' She went into great detail as to her desired torture techniques that have even scared the twins, which is saying something. I can't get an answer about what brought this on but she is losing it.
See you tomorrow,
Ron
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And that was why Harry loved Ginny...her passion.
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An older Slytherin boy had assaulted Ginny last school year. Harry had been with Gin through the nightmares and angry fits. She had made it perfectly clear that it was not Harry's job to save her because she was not some damsel in distress. She refused to see herself or let anyone else see her as a victim. She got enough of that first year. Ginerva Weasley was a survivor... plain and simple. No one would take her autonomy... even Harry Potter.
Once they started dating he had pushed to know specifics about the attack. The action nearly cost him Ginny. Snape had provided Miss Weasley with a method that would show Potter what happened in the first person. Harry can say those were some of the worst moments of his life. He couldn't stop them. He couldn't change them. And he couldn't escape them. But when it was over Harry had a profound respect for Ginny and understanding her mind...how she felt.
Right before the summer holiday, Ginny had brought up Harry getting Snape to create a similar pill for her so she could see his childhood. This was a very sore spot for Harry. He debated it for a few days and then decided that if he could demand that she reveal her most painful moments so he could understand her better, it was reasonable for her to do the same. Harry sent her home with the pill and only asked that she be prepared for what she would see... and wait at least three weeks before she took it (protection spell and all that). To the day three weeks past and Harry was summoned to the Burrow. He was certain Ginny's 'losing it' was a direct result of the pill.
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Harry wrote two short notes.
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Ron-
I'll be ready. Give this to Ginny. No peeking.
Harry
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Ginny-
I can only assume that you have taken the
pill. Your father is getting me tomorrow.
We can talk things through then. I miss you
terribly. I would ask you to come pick me up
too but I am not sure my aunt or uncle
would survive. I can't wait until I can hold
you again...with in reason of course it being
your parents' house and all.
See you soon my beloved,
Harry
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Harry promptly surveyed his room and smiled. "I won't ever be coming back here." There was a slight sense of dread that met him. In the pit of his stomach he knew that once he left he really wouldn't be returning to the muggle world...there would only be war and death on the other side.
He sat on his bed and look at the picture of his parents dancing in the leaves. "Mum...Dad... What am I going to do? How am I going to live? How can I protect Ginny?"
The couple stopped dancing and looked at their son. "Harry, you will be fine," his mother said sweetly.
"And as for Ginny, the best defense you have is loving her. She will live and die for you, just the way you would for her. Don't let him take her from you, out of some feeling that it would protect her."
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Harry sat stock still unable to comprehend what was happening. James smirked at his son, "You talk to paintings at Hogwarts why is this any different?"
Harry's eyebrows joined his forehead, "Because I have had your pictures since I was eleven and you have waited until I'm about to turn seventeen to finally say something."
Lily smiled softly, "Well in this case you were about ready to fall into the trap you always do which is push people away to protect them. If they aren't close to you they won't become targets. It's simply a lie. We've been trying to show you that by giving you visions of your future."
"I still can't believe Snape gave my son 'the Talk'," James growled.
Lily swatted his shoulder, "Hush now. Severus has always been very kind to me."
"Lils, he was in love with you. Of course he was sweet to you."
She stuck her finger in the middle of his chest, "And you were a right prat most of the time...James Potter!"
Harry smiled small, then bigger, then began to laugh. Both parents turned back to their son. "Sorry bout that. Sore spot in my book," James commented.
His son shook his head, "I will enjoy telling Snape how jealous you were of him. That will earn me points with Snape and Ginny."
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Now Lily was laughing at the shocked look on James face. Suddenly the camera changed angles and focused on Sirius. "This is why you are my godson...you do possess an inner sadist."
"Sirius...What...what are you doing there?" Harry asked desperately.
"Who do you think took the picture, you dolt? Now finish talking to your parents. You have a portrait of me that you can talk to in with your school things... And by the way I don't like being wrapped in your old socks to keep me safe. For heaven sake wash those things first if you must care for me in such a way."
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Sirius went back to the original scene and there were his parents laughing at his shock. "Does this mean I can talk to you whenever I want?" Harry asked.
Lily gave him a sad look. "Not yet... in particularly not Sirius. Though you may find we are around whenever you need us to be."
"But why can't it be always? If everyone I love dies why can't I have this small measure of comfort?" Harry said angrily.
"Because my darling boy, it keeps us alive to you. You don't grieve our passing. You don't move on. Your life is fraught with hardship and you will be pained beyond your years. But sweet one you will have love that poets dream of, writers attempt to transcribe, musicians set to notes, and artists seek to capture. Your strength lies in the love that is behind you, in your godfather, father and myself here and the love of a red haired family there with you now."
James chimed in with, "...not to mention a few additional individuals and most certainly a lovely red haired child I will adore to have as a daughter."
"What is it with you Potter's and red heads?" Sirius's voice could be heard from behind the camera again. "Not that I don't love Ginny."
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Lily shook her head and began again, "It is our wish that you go on and live. You are destined for greatness Harry, but more over you are destined to live. There is no prophecy to back up the claim. There is no writing on the wall. There is only the deep abiding love I have for you."
"Besides son, even when you stand alone before the great tosser, we will be with you. We will always stand with you. You know what that feels like...Remember when you saved yourself and Sirius from the Dementors. You felt me there. That is what it will be like when the moment comes to face him Harry...except it won't be just me," James stated.
"...Or me," Lily answered.
"...Or me," Sirius said waving his hand in front of the camera.
"When all is said and done Harry, you will be ready to face him," his father commented.
"And you will never be alone," Lily reassured.
The camera turned to Sirius, "And there will be a hot little red headed firecracker of a girlfriend, that if you are smart you will convince to marry you BEFORE the war breaks out, waiting with open arms to kiss all your owies... and if you're smart you'll kiss her owies first." The camera shook for a moment as a female hand grabbed Sirius's ear. "OWWW! Lils!"
"Please do not encourage my sixteen year old son to debauch his fifteen year old girlfriend in my presence!"
"There was no debauchery mentioned," Sirius defended.
"I'm dead, not stupid!" Lily yelled.
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"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!?!" Uncle Vernon yelled.
"Oh stuff it you great lummox!" Lily yelled at her brother-in-law.
Vernon looked about the room suspiciously. "That sounded like your mother...Are you practicing black magic in my house, trying to raise the dead?!"
"No you twat... he is have a nice conversation with his dead parents in the picture that sits by the side of his bed!" James sounded off.
Vernon stared at the picture as his brother-in-law flipped him off. "James!" Lily scolded.
"Oh please! Don't tell me you aren't going to enjoy seeing what torturous thing Ginny decides to hex upon them," James stated.
Lily smirked, "Quite right... carry on."
Vernon continued to just stare in confusion. "Who is Ginny?" Petunia asked from the door where Dudley stood as well.
"Ginny, dear sister, is my future daughter-in-law who will be arriving tomorrow to remove my son from your life forever. I suggest you be nice to her. You know the temper I could show...that's nothing compared to her fits."
"Lils?" Petunia called.
"Down here."
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Petunia stared at her sister and brother in law. "Lily?" she said softly.
"Yes," the red haired witch said from within the image.
Petunia snatched the picture from the table and shook it violently causing both Potters to stumble a bit. "How could you do that to me? How could you die on me? I may have been jealous and angry but how could you have left me alone!! I had to raise your son, with your eyes, and know you were never coming back!" Petunia began to weep dropping to her knees still clutching the picture.
Unresolved issues there, Harry thought to himself. It's like dealing with Snape. He hated me because I looked like my dad but had my mother's eyes. My aunt hated to be reminded that her sister wasn't coming back.
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"Petunia...Petunia..." Lily called. Her sister looked down at the photo. "I am sure there is a photo of me from when we were younger that Harry's headmaster could charm so that you and I could talk if that would help."
"I will not have magic in my house once that freak is gone!" Vernon shouted.
"Due shut up Vernon!" Petunia replied. "Could you?" she asked Harry.
"Sure," Harry answered rather confused by all that was transpiring.
"I forbid it... Why do you want that? You always called your sister a freak. Why would you..."
"BECAUSE SHE'S MY SISTER!" Petunia yelled very loudly. "I will not miss this chance." With that she glared at her husband, passed the photo back to Harry and stormed from the room.
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Dudley waddled back to his room while Vernon glared at his nephew once more. "Once you leave...never return."
Harry stepped toward his uncle, "If you are threatened, I will come to protect you."
"I would rather die."
"But Petunia wouldn't," Lily stated simply.
Vernon left the room in a huff.
"Well that was eventful," Sirius joked causing all three Potters to look at him like he was an idiot.
TBC...
So there is the beginning of the series. You remember how this works right? I like constructive criticism when I can get it. I also appreciate positive reinforcement so praise is always enjoyed as well. Repeat after me: I will REVIEW Joy's story. I will REVIEW Joy's story.