Chapter 4: The Fire Rekindled
After a few minutes, Harry regained his composure. He turned to Ginny and asked the first question that came to mind.
"How can you love someone as weak as I am?"
She looked Harry in the eye and told him, "You were never weak, and that is why I love you so much. From the first time that I saw you, I knew that you were my match. Sure, it started as a schoolgirl's crush, but as the years went, and I grew up, I started to find just how much you mean to me. I want you to know this; no matter what happens, no matter where you are, I want to be with you, and you alone. Should you ever get lost along the way, leave it to me, I'll lead you home".
Hearing these words struck a chord. Harry took Ginny in his arms and held her tight.
"I love you more than anything I have ever known, Gin".
She looked up into Harry's eyes, smiling.
"And I love you more than anything I have every known, Harry".
Several minutes later, the couple got up and walked back down to the party, hand in hand.
Upon their arrival, everyone looked up from their conversations, smiling brightly. It appeared to them that Harry Potter was finally, truly happy. Ron and Hermione rushed over and threw the newly reunited couple into what became a massive group hug, owning to the fact that the Weasleys, Hagrid, Lupin and Tonks joined in as fast as they could. Harry felt something grow in his heart. This is what it feels like to have a real family, He thought, I could get used to this. Once Harry and Ginny were released, they resumed their seats at the table. Ron gave a flick of his wand and soft music began to play from the wizarding radio in the corner.
As the feast went on, Harry caught bits of various conversations going on around the table. Most ranged from friendly visiting to news of what was going on here or there. One Conversation in particular, that caught Harry's interest, was going on between Professor McGonagall and Remus Lupin.
"Do you think he'll return to Hogwarts"?
" I am sure I can make a good case for it".
"Well, as long as he's safe, and knows that he needs to finish school to receive his full Wizard's Qualification".
"I'll see what I can do".
Harry knew at once that he was the topic of their conversation. He had not yet told them that he was planning to continue Dumbledore's mission to find and destroy the Horcruxes, only four remained. Ginny seemed to have read his mind, but when she spoke, she did so at barley above a whisper.
"Not tonight, Harry, just have fun and be happy".
Harry looked at her and knew that she was right. He took her hand and held it on his lap, telling her that he had no intention of ruining the evening. As the party went on, Harry realized that he would never get back into the Dursley's without apparating. When he said something about this to Ginny, she simply said, "Then, I guess you'll have to kip it here tonight. Tom has a room ready for you".
Alas, the time came for the party to end. Harry bid all those returning to their homes goodbye, and those staying at the pub goodnight. Soon the only people left in the room were Harry, the Weasleys, Hermione, Remus and Tonks. Lupin and Tonks said that they were on "Guard Duty" at the pub, meaning that they were Harry's bodyguards. As they went about helping Tom tidy up, the Weasleys, except Ron and Ginny, turned in for the night. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione all plopped down in chairs near the fireplace.
"So, who's idea was this," Harry asked with a huge grin.
"Ours," the other three answered.
"We thought you needed this, especially after fifteen years of putting up with the Muggles on your birthday," Ron said.
"Thank you, this has been nearly the happiest day of my life," Harry said, grinning wider.
"We're glad you're happy, sweetie," Ginny said with a smile.
Harry smiled back at Ginny, then looked at his watch, then back at his friends, "It's really late, and I have so much left to do. Hermione, how were we planning to get my stuff from the Dursley's"?
"Professor Lupin and Mr. Weasley are going to help tomorrow," Hermione replied with a tone that suggested that Harry should have known already.
"Well, g'night mate, and happy birthday," Ron said through a muffled yawn.
"Good night, Harry, sleep well and happy birthday," Hermione added before running to catch up with Ron.
This left Ginny alone with Harry. The two looked at each other for a few minutes, as if unable to find the words for their thoughts, then Ginny broke the silence, "So, Mr. Potter, did you have fun tonight"?
"Loads, but that was only because of you, Miss Weasley," Harry replied.
"Glad to hear it," Ginny said, again, smiling.
Harry thought for a few moments, trying to make sure what he had to say next came out right. Deciding that his words would either make Ginny angry, or make her understand, he took a shot in the dark.
"Ginny, I want you to know something. I broke it off with you because I wanted you to be safe. I remembered what happened to you in the Chamber and panicked. I know that you can take care of yourself, but if something happened to you... I just don't know what I'd do. I love you so much that I couldn't lose you. I can't imagine going on without you either at my side, or waiting safely for me to come home after this war".
Ginny looked into Harry's eyes for a moment, seeing the tortured look that had just formed. Trying to find the right words to express what she was feeling, she thought for a second.
"Harry, as long as I am with you, I am safe. Remember what you said to me after Fawkes healed you in the Chamber? Leave that there, don't relive it every time you think about the risk of our relationship. I love you more than anything, and together, we are stronger than Voldemort. He cannot hurt either one of us as long as we have each other".
Harry took in her words. Somehow, he knew that she was right, but that didn't ease his fears. All he wanted was for her to be safe. Deciding that he couldn't argue her logic, Harry opted for a subject change.
"Well, do you want to show me where my room is," Harry asked.
"Follow me," Ginny replied.
The couple walked up the stairs and arrived at Harry's room, which was right next to Ginny's. Harry raised his brow at her, to which Ginny just grinned in reply. Taking him in her arms, Ginny gently placed a kiss on his lips. Smiling, Harry returned her kiss, then thought a bit of fun was in order.
"Sort of convenient, this is," he said playfully.
"Well, I thought that Tom might be able to put you where I could keep an eye on you," Ginny replied with a smile.
Opening the door, Harry started into the room, but turned to look at Ginny, "So, do you want to join me, or shall we stay in the hall"?
"Well, since you seem to have a problem with the hall, I'll join you," Ginny answered with feigned sarcasm.
After settling down on the couch in the room, Harry and Ginny spent most of the night talking, kissing, holding each other, talking some more. At 12:01 AM, Ginny said that she needed to get to bed, in her room. Harry agreed, but very reluctantly.
"Goodnight, my love, I'll see you in the morning," Harry said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Goodnight, Harry, and happy birthday, officially," Ginny answered, kissing him one more time.