Their Second Day
Harry and Ginny were sitting out near the lake, watching the giant squid glide through the water. It was the day after their quidditch game versus Ravenclaw, and both Harry and Ginny had never felt happier.
Harry was laying on the grass, Ginny's head resting on his chest, his arm around her. They were both enjoying the silence and each others company. As they lay there, Harry started to dose off. He awoke so a soft tender kiss from Ginny. He opened his eyes, smiling at her. He loved her chocolate brown eyes, her fiery red hair and its characteristic flowery scent, and everything about her.
Ginny felt the same way about Harry. She loved his curly, messy, brown hair. But what she loved most of all, was his beautiful emerald eyes. She loved how they always spoke his feelings, whether he be happy, sad, angry, or in love, she could always tell how he felt. Right now, they radiated happiness and compassion, which filled Ginny up.
As they continued to get lost in each other, Harry pulled Ginny close and whispered in her ear. "I loved you Ginny, I just wish I kew it sooner." Harry kissed Ginny on top of her head before she responded.
"I love you too Harry. I always have. I just wish I acted like myself around you earlier. We could have been together for years already. I know we will be though."
As Ginny said this, Harry thought about their relationship. Harry knew that before the end of the school year, they would have to break up, for Ginny's safety. It hurt him to think about it, so he was pushing it off until the last moment possible.
Ginny knew something has wrong and she said. "What's wrong Harry? Is something bothering you?"
"I was just thinking about Ron" Harry lied. "He still seems a bit shook that you and I are together, and after all, he is my best friend."
Ginny responded with a laugh. "I'll send an owl to mom later and let her know we are together. She can talk some sense into Ron once we are back at The Burrow. Anyway, enough about you and Ron, lets have some more you and me."
Harry was happy to oblige as he knew that these next few weeks would be some of the best of his life, but would come down to a terrible end. Harry didn't let this bother him as he kissed Ginny as passionately as he could. They stayed by the lake until it was almost dark.
At that time, Harry and Ginny traveled up to the west tower to fetch Hedwig. Ginny wrote Mrs. Weasley a long letter that included how happy she was to finally be with Harry. Ginny also reminded her mom to keep and eye on Ron and the rest of the family to make sure there was nothing happening behind her and Harry's back.
Harry and Ginny walked hand in hand back to the Gryffindor common room. As they walked through the portrait whole, Ginny caught a glare from Romilda Vane, a fourth year who had been trying to get Harry for the whole year. Ginny laughed when she saw the loathing look on Romilda's face. She laughed, pulled Harry close, and kissed him right on the lips.
At that moment, Ron walked down the dormitory steps. "Oi!" he shouted "make sure you check whose in the room before you go doing that. As happy as I am for both of you, that's not something I want to walk in on."
"We did check before we started kissing" Ginny laughed. "You weren't in the room then."
"Just keep the snogging to a minimum when there's a chance I'll see you guys. I would really appreciate it."
Harry smiled, then added "Maybe you should announce your self before you enter a room that Ginny and I might be together in. You are my best mate, but Ginny is pretty irresistible."
Ron jokingly drew his wand and replied "You better watch yourself. There are 5 other Weasley brothers you know. And I promise you, they wouldn't take kindly to you playing around with our only baby sister."
Ginny laughed. "Your only baby sister wouldn't take to kindly to it if any of you even dared to lay a finger on Harry. You should be more scared of me and mom than of Harry."
"She knows?" Ron replied "When did you tell her?"
"I sent her an owl. I told her you took it well though, so you should at least be in the clear until we get home."
"Thanks." Ron said while managing to crack a smile. "That could have gotten out of hand really quickly. Consider us even then."
"Even?" Ginny replied skeptically.
"I'm letting you date Harry." Ron replied.
Harry and Ginny both laughed before Ginny responded "And since when did I start doing things based on whether you let me or not? Harry and I are dating no matter what you think and you just have to be okay with it. There's no alternative whether you like it or not."
Ron smiled. "There is, but as I don't want to get hexed, I'll leave you two alone. Goodnight guys" Ron said as he made his way up the dormitory stairs and out of sight.
"I'm going to go to bed too, I'm pretty tired" Harry told Ginny. "I'll make sure to steer clear of Ron though." he added with a laugh.
"I love you Harry" Ginny told him as she gave him a soft peck on the lips.
"I love you to Ginny, and I always will." Harry added as he pulled Ginny into a hug.
The couple stood, hugging in silence for 20 seconds before breaking apart. They held hands on the way to the dormitory steps and only let go once there was a wall in-between them.
When Harry got back into the room, Ron was sitting on his bed, waiting for him. He looked serious, so Harry proceeded with caution.
To Harry's surprise, Ron just looked at him and smiled. "I'm happy for you mate. Seeing you and Ginny both so happy is a nice change of pace."
Harry smiled and hugged his best friend. "It is a nice change of pace. You know Hermione likes you right? You just have to build up the courage to go a talk to her. I'm sure she would be very happy to go on the next Hogsmeade trip with you."
"I don't like Hermione" Ron replied. He was silently thinking two things to himself. Am I that obvious, and does Hermione actually like me too?
"Yeah… okay." Harry replied sarcastically. "When you guys start dating, all I'm going to say is 'I told you so'. Goodnight Ron." And with that, Harry fell asleep.
Hogsmeade Weekend
It was finally a Hogsmeade weekend. Ginny woke up with such excitement, she couldn't contain herself. The previous night, Harry asked her if she wanted to spend the day in Hogsmeade with him, and obviously, she answered yes. She dressed quickly, and went down to the common room 20 minutes before she planned on meeting Harry. Harry, who was equally as excited about their first date, was already there waiting for Ginny.
Harry smiled and radiated a feeling of happiness as he saw Ginny coming down the stairs and approaching him. Ginny was wearing a blue and white stripped muggle sundress that went beautifully with her red hair and brown eyes.
"You're here early" Harry told her after they shared a brilliant good morning kiss.
"And you aren't?" Ginny replied with a laugh as she looked Harry over. She too thought Harry looked good today. He was wearing jeans, and a grey t-shirt that sported the Puddlemere United team logo. It was a gift sent to Harry by Oliver Wood. Ginny's heart melted as she made contact with Harry's blazing emerald eyes. They took her breath away every time she looked into them, and there was something very reassuring about them.
Harry took a moment before responding to Ginny. "I'm actually not early. I always come down a half hour before we plan on meeting just to make sure I'm always here waiting for you. I wouldn't want you alone down here, you're too pretty to be left in the presence of other guys."
Ginny's heart did a couple of flips as the words came out of Harry's mouth. She kissed him again, then took his hand and they walked down to breakfast together. The two of them ate breakfast with Ron and Hermione. They kept the contact between them at a minimum out of respect for Ron, but they did hold hands under the table for the duration of their meal.
Ron hadn't taken Harry's advice and spoke to Hermione yet. This bothered Harry, as he knew that they both loved each other, but he knew not to press the subject. They would start dating when ready, and that was only a matter of time.
Lavender Brown was at the other end of the table, sending deadly glares down towards Ron and Hermione. Although they pretended not to notice, both Ron and Hermione were completely aware that Lavender was giving them the look.
After breakfast, Ginny and Harry left the great hall and waited in the entrance hall for Professor McGonagall to clear them to go to Hogsmeade. After waiting for nearly 20 minutes, they finally got approved and began to make the long stroll down to Hogsmeade Village. The two of them had no plans for the day and they spent the morning wandering around checking out the various shops in town.
Although most of the shops were closed, Harry still enjoyed the time he spent with Ginny. Honey Dukes, the candy store, was the only one of his favorite stores that stayed open. He and Ginny spent almost an hour in there buying way too much candy.
The couple went to eat lunch at the Three Broomsticks, where they found a nice, secluded table in the corner of the pub. The two sat down, ordered their food, and were talking when out of the blue, Harry leaned over and kissed Ginny. Ginny was surprised at first, but would never even dream of turning down an opportunity to kiss the boy she'd been in love with since she was eight years old.
Unfortunately for them, an old enemy of theirs, Rita Skeeter, caught them in the act. Pansy Parkinson, a Slytherin witch, told Rita that they might be there. Obviously, Rita couldn't pass up on the opportunity that was presented to her.
"Would you look what we have here" Rita said, smiling as Harry and Ginny pulled apart. "Who's this, Harry? Have you finally moved on from Hermione?"
"I was never a thing with Hermione" Harry shot back. He was mad that Rita had interrupted a particularly fun snagging session. "And who this is is none of your business." Harry added hotly.
Rita ignored the last comment and said "Now Harry, obviously we know what she sees in you: The Chosen One, Tri-wizard Champion, the most famous wizard in Britain." Rita ignored the glares she was getting from both Harry and Ginny. "But the big question is Harry, what do you see in her? An average witch by the looks of things and yet she seems to be more than enough for the great Harry Potter?"
"A beautiful witch by the looks of things, actually" Harry fired back, he was starting to get mad. His voice was starting to raise and Madam Rosmerta was eyeing them at their table. "Now if you don't mind, I would like to spend time with my girlfriend, not you. So could you please leave us alone."
"Make me." Rita said smiling.
"What I have to say will really BUG you" Harry replied calmly, an evil grin spreading over his normally loving face. Without a response, Rita got up, turned on her foot, and strutted right out of the pub and left. Harry saw Rita walking away with Pansy, who was waiting for her outside. Pansy probably just told Rita who Ginny was. Rita and Pansy shook hands, then Rita apparated away, probably on the way to write her new artile for the Daily Prophet.
Ginny took Harry's hand under the table and whispered "Calm down Harry. You can't let anything that twat of a witch says bother you. You're perfect, and always will be. At least to me."
Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. He was not in the mood to kiss Ginny anymore, so the two of them talked until their food arrived, and the two of them ate happily together.
For dessert, Harry and Ginny both got chocolate shakes. When they arrived, Ginny smeared the whip cream all over Harry's face. He laughed, and as he started whipping it off, his eyes met Ginny's. He new what was coming. Slowly they both leaned towards each other and were once again kissing in a blissful oblivion, completely disregarding anything and everything around them.
At this time, Hermione, Ron, and Luna entered the Three Broomsticks. They walked over to where Ginny and Harry were and Ron let out a groan of disgust. Luna was standing there just watching Harry and Ginny awkwardly as she always did.
"What do you call that one Harry? It looks as if Ginny enjoyed it very much." Luna said.
"Ginny did enjoy it very much" Ginny responded jokingly. She couldn't suppress her laugh as she looked over and saw Ron pretending to vomit.
"Anyway" Hermione said. "Professor McGonagall wants us back up to the castle soon. She's having the prefects round up everybody and tell them to start making their way back to the castle. You two better hurry up and get going."
As if on cue, Madam Rosmerta came over to their table with the bill, which Harry payed for. The five kids walked back up to the castle together. Harry had his arm around Ginny, but Ron pretended not to notice. Once at the castle, everyone was told to go back to their common rooms. Something weird was happening.
All of the students sat in the common room for nearly an hour, theorizing what was happening. Just then, the fat lady swung open. Dumbledore rushed in and silence fell upon the room immediately.
Dumbledore didn't hesitate to break the silence. "Harry, meet me in my office in five minutes. the rest of you, stay here."
Harry entered the office surprised by the people in his company. As Harry looked around, he saw Lupin, Tonks, and Bill Weasley all waiting there. They looked as anxious as he was and he knew that they also didn't know what was going on.
Dumbledore entered hastily, he was being followed by Snape. Dumbledore summoned chairs for all of them with one flick of his wand, and he sat down behind his desk. He had a look of concern on his face as he looked them all over, and then spoke.
"I have just been informed that there was suspicious death eater movement in Hogsmeade today. Obviously none of the kids recognized them because they were disguised. The barman at the Hog's Head informed me that there are 4 death eaters staying at his tavern tonight. What they are doing there is unknown. However, I think it prudent that we should all be on our guard." He looked at Harry. "Especially you."
Dumbledore took a moment before saying "I have called for all of you to be stationed here at the school until further notice. I wish that you remain out of the way of the students, even if they are your siblings. Dumbledore added the last part and glanced towards Bill, who shook his head in agreement.
"Harry" Dumbledore continued "I wish that you do not discuss this with anyone with the exception of Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger." Harry went to ask if he could tell Ginny, but before he could do so, Dumbledore answered his question. "Rumor has it that you and our young Mrs. Weasley have formed a particularly close relationship these past few weeks." Dumbledore smiled at the look on Bill's face. "I wish you to keep this information from her as well, as it may be a threat to her safety. Ron and Hermione are in danger as it is being your best friends, so telling them wont make much a difference." Dumbledore added.
"That is all" Dumbledore said. "I have matters to discuss the members of the order, so Bill, could you please walk Harry back to his common room."
As soon as they closed the door behind them, Bill said to Harry "What does Dumbledore mean exactly when he says that you and Ginny have formed a 'particularly close relationship'?"
Harry knew this was coming and also knew it would be best to tell the truth. "Ginny and I have been dating for the past three weeks. Ron is okay with it and is already keeping a very watchful eye on us. Your mother and father know too. I promise I won't do anything to hurt her. If I do, I'll find you and let you hurt me."
"We all love you Harry, but trust me when I say this; any problems at all, and you and I are going to have some big issues. Is that clear?"
"Yes Bill" Harry said as they reached the bottom of the stairs that led to the fat lady.
"You'd better stay down here." Harry told Bill. "I think it would alarm Ron and Ginny to see you here and not be able to talk to you."
"You're right" Bill conceded. "I'll see you around."
It was now almost dinner time and the common room fell silent when Harry entered. He looked at Ron and Hermione as soon as he entered and beckoned them to follow him up to his and Ron's dorm. Ginny made to follow. Harry, expecting this, already had his response planned.
"Ginny. I am under strict orders from Dumbledore and The Order to not tell you what we just discussed. It's for your own safety. I love you Ginny, but I would never risk anything that would put you in harms way. Please forgive me." Harry finished. His voice was really soft so they couldn't be overheard
Ginny took it better than Harry expected. "I understand" she whispered back to him. "Just promise me one thing. Don't put yourself in harms way. What's the point of protecting me if you get hurt and we can't be together?" Ginny added as she kissed Harry on the nose.
"The point is that you will get to be happy even if I'm not around" Harry added. The prospect of dying didn't seem to frighten him at all. "Anyway, thanks for understanding. Again, I love you." With that, Harry followed Ron and Hermione upstairs and told them everything.
When Harry, Ron, and Hermione got back downstairs, the common room was deserted, apart from Ginny.
"You didn't have to wait for me to go down to dinner" Harry told Ginny as he grabbed her hand.
"I wanted to" Ginny replied, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Lets get something to eat, I'm starving."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny made their way down to the Great Hall. Heads turned their way as they walked in late, but the four of them just sat down as if it were a normal day. Tonks was at the front table talking with Dumbledore, but Bill and Lupin were no where to be seen.
"What's Tonks doing here" Ginny whispered in Harry's ear.
Harry knew that there was no point in telling her anything else so he smiled and replied. "Guard duty."
"You sound just like all of the order members last year with that guard duty garbage" Ginny told him. At that moment, Tonks noticed them and came over to say hi to Ginny.
"You to are so cute together" Tonks told Harry and Ginny. This earned laughs from all the nearby students. All of them were confused as to why Harry and Ginny were on a first name basis with an auror.
"Thanks Tonks" Ginny replied "Harry wont tell me what you are doing here, I thought maybe you wood." Ginny asked hopefully.
"You thought wrong" Tonks said jokingly, but Ginny knew she was being serious. "I'm sorry Ginny, but this is between me, Lupin, Bill, Dumbledore, and Harry."
"Bill's here?" Ginny asked hopefully.
"No, he was briefed before I came here." Tonks quickly lied. "He and Lupin are at headquarters with the rest of us.
At that point Tonks left and dinner was starting to wrap up. All of the Gryffindor's went back up to their rooms and went to sleep.
After the funeral
It had only been hours since the funeral for Dumbledore. Ginny understood why Harry had to break up with her, but she was still really upset about it. Ginny was in her bed crying when she heard a knock on the door.
"What" Ginny replied as she wiped away the tears.
"It's me" Bill replied softly. "I want to come in and talk to you." At that Bill slowly opened the door and put her arm around Ginny trying to comfort her.
"He still loves you" Bill told Ginny. "I had a quick meeting with him after he got off of the train and he told me what had happened. He was in tears by the end of the story. It was very hard for him, but I agree, it was for the best, for your safety."
"What if I don't care." Ginny responded. She said the same thing to Harry.
Bill looked at her and said "Harry cares. And so does the rest of the family. He will be here for my and Fleur's wedding, you can see him then."
"What if something happens before then?" Ginny asked. "What if something happens to him and the last conversation we had was him telling me we couldn't be together?"
Bill swallowed, their was a lump in his throat. It hurt for him to see Ginny like this, but he pushed on. "Harry would want you to move on. He told me that. But nothing is going to happen to him, I promise. He is under the protection of The Order and will be spending at least a week here before the wedding. You guys can see each other then."
Ginny looked at Bill, smiled, and said "I'm sorry. It's just really hard for me. I've loved him for the past six years of my life and losing him so quickly just saddens me."
Bill pulled Ginny into a hug "I'll be here for you Ginny. We'll all be. One day after the war, we'll all be at yours and Harry's wedding too. I promise."
Ginny looked up at her brother with tears in her eyes. "I love you Bill" she said as she gave him another hug.
"I love you too Ginny." Bill replied with a smile. Bill got up, left the room, and went back downstairs to join the rest of the family. Ginny joined them moments later.
