Chapter two, The times that follow.
Not long after that uplifting day, Hermione and Ron took a holiday down to Australia to find Hermione's parents. The plans were made and they set of or their 4 week adventure. Though only two people had left, the house seemed oddly quiet. Harry and Ginny spent a lot of time sitting out by the small lake in the Weasley's garden just talking.
"Ginny", Harry began one sunny afternoon by the lake, "I have to ask you something but you will think it is stupid."
"I think a lot of what you do is stupid Harry but majority of it has meaning behind the stupidity."
Harry moved around in from of Ginny looked her in the eye and asked,
"Ginny, will you marry me?" Ginny's face must have displayed the surprise she was feeling because Harry continued, "Not like now, merlin no. I just want to know you are mine and that I can keep you forever. I don't want you to go off to school without me knowing that you may return with someone else."
Ginny took Harry's hand and together they walked back to the recently deserted house, into Ginny's room and, with much hesitation from Harry, did what all teenage couples deeply in love do. This was Ginny's way of saying yes and had Harry convinced she was his and he was hers.
Ron and Hermione, along with Hermione's parents, were welcomed back with one of Molly Weasely's famous feasts. The whole family were there as well as a new acquaintance of Percy's. Hugs were exchanged as well as food and once the meal was finished Bill stood up from his seat,
"we have an announcement to make," he said as he tugged Fluer to her feet beside him, "Fluer is pregnant and we are expecting to have a baby girl."
The pride in Bills eyes said it all. There was going to be the first Weasley grandchild. Harry and Ginny decided not to tell anyone of their "engagement" until Ginny had finished school and in a more controlled setting.
Ginny and Hermione were in tears, as was Molly. It was the girls final year at Hogwarts and they were entering the school year, Ginny being Gryffindor quidditch captain and Hermione as head prefect. The two were finally pact after a hectic visit to Diagon alley and many hugs and kisses good bye. As Ron and Harry watched their girlfriends board the Hogwarts express and stood waving as the train disappeared around the bend it finally dawned on them that they could now have a real life with the girls they loved.
Life without the girls was a slow life but both Harry and Ron found ways to distract themselves. Shortly after the start of the school year Kingsly Shacklebolt, newly made minister of magic, made a special visit to the burrow to offer the boys a job within the auror office.
"seeing as what you two have done over the past few years it would be ludicrous for me not to offer you a job. You have already had more action then most of the highly trained aurors." Kingsly explained.
"Definitely", Harry agreed, "I would be honoured."
both Harry and Kingsly looked over at Ron.
"im not sure right now…" he explained, "I really can't leave George running a business by himself so soon after Fred's death but in a few years' time if the offer is still available it would be my pleasure."
Harry looked disappointed but not like he was surprised.
"The offer will always be open to you Ron." Kingsly assured him. "oh and Harry, now that you are of age you can now access the potter family vault."
After handshakes and many thanks Kingsly left with one more to his staff. The boys smiled at each other. Both were happy and would hopefully stay that way.