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Hermione wasn't sure what Ginny had said to Harry before he got into the floo, but the look on his face when he got to their flat made her want to blush of embarrassment. It didn't help that Ron had made a point to sneak surprise touches to her ass and chest throughout the morning when no one was looking, her mind was completely in the gutter. When he followed her to her room she gave him a strict gaze.
"Don't think I didn't notice what you were doing there," She said, furrowing her eyebrows. She did her best to sound stern, but his joyful grin and childlike eagerness put her off. She knew it was inappropriate and wrong, but damn had it lit her up inside.
"Well it would kind of kill the point if you hadn't," Ron said, crossing the space between them to pull her into his arms completely and kiss her like he'd wanted to all day. He'd woken up to the sight of Hermione trying to decide what to wear, wearing nothing but her usual underwear and t shirt. Except this time it was his t shirt and he was certain there was nothing in the world more sexy than Hermione, his Hermione, in his Chudley Cannons shirt. It had set off a day of sexual tension that was supposed to be of brotherly love, which was wrong in more ways than one. As she began to twirl his hair (that his mother had nagged him about cutting not 30 minutes ago) he slid his hands down to her ass to squeeze it. The soft material of her skirt left little to the imagination, but still he wanted it off of her. He stopped himself though, limiting their current relations to a snog because he knew (before any other reasons)she wanted to wait and he respected that more than he would ever desire to have sex with her.
Hermione was pleasantly surprised when Ron kissed her, and returned the kiss with increasing passion. As he squeezed her ass she pushed up against him, realizing now the only thing stopping her from shagging him at this very moment was time. When she pulled away, opening her eyes to see Ron gazing at her with the most primal, love filled gaze she had ever seen she began to realize how close she was to rushing things and jumping him. She didn't want to do that, she didn't want to make a mistake based on physical feelings that messed up her relationship in the long term.
"We've- we've got to get ready." She said, slipping out of his warm embrace and backing up a step. She was happy she had gotten out of his arms, if only because if he was still touching her and giving her the look he was now she knew she would fold. "I mean it."
"We've got about an hour," Ron said, wishing she was still with him. His body still felt warm, and he was regretting not ripping off her clothing while she was still within reach. Damnit, it was too late now, he could see the resolve growing in her face as she thought about it more. "How much time do you need?" He asked, grinning, "You're already beautiful."
"I was only coming back here to get my dress and things, remember?" Hermione said, ignoring his deceitful compliment. It wasn't that he didn't mean it, she was sure he did, but that he said it in an effort to get her to stay. "I'm supposed to already be back at Burrow with Ginny." They hadn't been spending as much time together, both distracted by their boyfriends (though if she was honest with herself, she knew that was merely an excuse for her unwillingness to do anything but read and sleep). As tempting as her bed surrounded by books looked, she had been looking forward to this and couldn't let last minute nerves keep her eye off the prize.
Ron groaned like a child, but both of them knew that that was his resignation. He watched as Hermione walked to her closet and then bathroom, using her useful undetectably extended bag from the year before to pack makeup, hair supplies, and her outfit for the gala. She looked beautiful, and he knew that she could go to the fancy event in sweatpants and one of his t shirts and still outshine everyone there. She was going to insist on dressing up though, and when she kissed him on the cheek and left he watched her leave like a puppy. Harry, walking out of a very quick shower to see Ron in his puppy state, laughed. He walked up and patted his friend on the shoulder.
"C'mon mate," Harry said, "We've got an hour to kill, you wanna help me with my speech?"
Ron laughed, "Are you still not done with that?"
Harry groaned, "I have no idea what to say. It's supposed to be this... this tribute to the fallen, but I have no idea how to apologize for all of the-"
"Oi, mate, it'll be my turn to knock you silly if you don't stop that," Ron exclaimed. "It's not your ruddy fault. I read the damn letter, it's not a tribute, they just asked you to speak. If you really don't know what to say blabber on about quidditch the entire time."
"That's a terrible idea," Harry argued. This night was the night of his birthday, and the first official 'Potter Day', a day to recognize the loss and victory of the first and second war. No matter how much he argued, the Ministry was insistent upon honoring the Potter family. He'd protested, saying that so many others had sacrificed just as much, if not more, but since they didn't have a prophesy they didn't get rememberance he supposed. "This entire bloody gala is a terrible fucking idea though."
Ron nodded his head in agreement, "You know, I bet you could babble on about nothing and no one would say anything."
Harry laughed, his mood lightening at Ron's joke. "That'd be brilliant, but I have to talk about the wonder of Potter history, like I know a bloody thing about Potter history. Couldn't even tell you my grandad's name."
Ron frowned, sad to see his friend like this. He was tempted to floo to the Burrow, pick up Ginny, and put her back down next to Harry. His sister had a way to make him feel better just by existing. He knew that wasn't an option though, so he'd have to think of a way to get Harry out of this mess by himself. "You know, you don't have to talk about yourself." Ron said, "I mean, people listen to you, if you call it something else - War Day or something, and talk about the amazing triumph of fairness and right or something people won't call it Potter day and you won't have to admit you know nothing about the Potter line."
"Ron, that's brilliant!" Harry said, picking up his quill and writing instantly. As he talked through his ideas with Ron, who was little help with ideas almost entirely consisting of jokes and bad Quidditch references, he realized that this was something he really cared about. He could do this, end the stupid 'Potter Day' once and for all. They worked until Mrs. Weasley floo called, telling them that Hermione and Ginny were waiting and that they were running late. As he rushed to get changed, he knew he should feel bad for making Ginny wait, but the grin on his face wouldn't fade.
Ginny lifted her eyebrow as Hermione burst into her room, her hand bag across her body and her face with the telltale blush that Ginny knew meant Ron had done something. She put her hand up, "I don't want to know, you're fine, and we don't have time for the scary tale of how my lump of a brother distracted you."
Hermione giggled and sat her bag down on Ginny's bed, unloading it as Ginny changed in the corner. Hermione looked over after getting everything set out and gasped at Ginny's dress.
"Ginny, do you have any plans tonight?" She commented slyly as Ginny finished attaching her black stockings to her garter belt. "And does your mother know what you're up to?" She finished with mock seriousness. Ginny was wearing a black lingerie set, a lace bra, matching underwear, and a matching garter belt with sheer black stockings.
Ginny laughed, "Of course she doesn't." She looked in her mirror, twirling her hair nervously. "Do you think Harry will like it?"
"I think Harry's going to melt into a puddle if he sees you in that," Hermione said. "How do you intend on getting Harry to see you in it though?" She asked, remembering that a month ago Mrs. Weasley had determined that Ginny could no longer stay over at the flat. As she looked at Ginny, she recognized a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I'm not going to sneak out, if that's what you're asking," Ginny said, making it very clear that that was exactly her plan. The girls laughed together and started to get into their dresses, Hermione not changing into any special two wore gorgeous ball gowns, and after putting those on they delayed putting on heels by doing their hair and makeup.
"So you're really gonna do it, hu?" Hermione asked as she adjusted her dress in Ginny's mirror. At Ginny's nod, Hermione continued. "Are you nervous?" As she spoke, she realized she was asking for herself. Her urges to rush forward with Ron were coming closer and closer together and having a friend getting ready to sleep with their boyfriend allowed her insight.
"A little?" Ginny said, sitting otherwise still as she did her makeup while Hermione charmed her hair into an updo braid.
"You worried about getting so intimate, after what Amycus did to you?" Hermione asked, more that grateful that she didn't have to worry about that. She couldn't imagine the fear of intimacy after having someone force themselves on you, the shame, and the guilt that you were scared even though it was someone you loved.
"No," Ginny said, giving herself one last look in the mirror before walking to put her shoes on. "I trust Harry completely, and I love him with every part of me."
Hermione smiled, "You're right of course, and Harry would never hurt you. KNowing everything you've been through, I'm sure he'll take extra care."
"Yeah, of course, exactly," Ginny said, going to leave the room quickly. Hermione raised her eyebrow and pulled out her wand, slamming the door shut.
"He does know, right?" Hermione replied sharply. She glared at Ginny, who suddenly felt she was transported to the weirdest Transfiguration class known to man.
"Well, no," Ginny said, standing up straight with her hands on her hips. She gave Hermione a hard look, she and Harry hadn't talked about anything over the last year, ignoring the penultimate year of the war except for the occasionally slipped story. Together they ignored the entire war, ultimately forgetting it when they were together. It was fantastic, and it kept their relationship light and lovely. She wasn't about to stab their relationship with the harsh truth of her last year and she was happy that Harry felt the same.
"You're-" Hermione couldn't finish her sentence, understanding the weight of what Ginny was saying. "You can't lie about being a virgin- Ginny does Harry know anything about your last year? I mean, he has to have noticed that you've changed!"
"And I've noticed that he has too," Ginny said. "But I want to forget the war, and I can't do that-"
"-Do you even know the hell that we went through last year?" Hermione screamed, calming herself before she continued because there was not a silencing spell on the small room. "Ginny, you guys can't just forget everything that happened. What the hell is your plan for tonight?"
"Hermione, Harry and I can do whatever the bloody hell we want." Ginny snapped, not backing down. Whereas Hermione was worried, Ginny was angry. She didn't want to talk about last year, it was a secret to be buried with her when she died. She didn't want to talk about the Trio's year either, she was certain she wouldn't sleep right ever again with the knowledge of what they'd been through. She didn't want to know how close to death they'd been, and she knew with absolute clarity that the best way to move on was the bury the hatchet.
"Ginny, you two need to talk about this!" Hermione said. "Please tell me you're at least working with Harry on everything." Ginny's silence was Hermione's answer, and it sparked a primal anger that Hermione wasn't sure she possessed. "Damnit Ginny!" She yelled, not caring who heard anymore. "Harry needs a girl that he can lean on, rely on, trust, how is he supposed to get that out of you if you don't talk?"
"If Harry wants to talk I am here for him," Ginny snarled, causing Hermione to give a bitter laugh.
"Harry's not going to do a damn thing on his own and you know it," Hermione said. "He's going to keep his mouth shut to not burden you and he is going to slowly break down entirely."
Ginny didn't know what to say, but she knew she couldn't talk about it. She knew she couldn't go back to that time, and she knew she'd never let Harry out of her sight if she knew exactly how close he had gotten to death. She wasn't strong enough, but she would never admit that to herself, much less out loud.
"Harry deserves a girl that is strong enough to lean on," Hermione snapped, turning on her heel and walking away. She fumed as she stormed off, pacing in the living room. Arthur was there, reading the Daily Prophet as he waited for Mrs. Weasley.
"You look beautiful Hermione," He said, folding up the news and watching the angry young lady. He had heard Hermione arguing with his youngest daughter, but he didn't want to get into it. He was sure that they would work it out, and he had learned long ago not to meddle in women's quarrels.
Hermione smiled, "Thank you Mr. Weasley, you look very handsome yourself." She had never seen Ron's father all dressed up before, not to this extent, and wondered if the dress robes he wore were new. They were a light blue, she assumed to match Mrs. Weasley's dress but she wasn't sure. She started playing with her hands as she watched the clock. Ron and Harry were running late, and she hadn't wanted to argue with Ginny. Not to mention that she was about to be presented in front of the entire Wizarding world- or so it felt. She had loved her dress moments ago, a sheer gray fabric over a light gray skirt it had very dull coloring but with the flowers sewn into the sheer, she had loved it instantly for its quiet beauty. The top of the dress was two thick straps that connected to a flowy skirt right beneath her breasts, and she had sleeves to her elbows made of only the sheer fabric. It was comfortable but she worried now that she (in having no fabric between her breasts) looked like a tart. True, it had looked elegant only moments ago but now she felt as if she was showing her entire body off. Oh it's not too showy, you're just a prude! Ginny had said kindly the week before when they bought their dresses. What if Ginny was wrong? She'd always been more brave than her, and was much less endowed...
She was pulled away from her thoughts when Ginny walked in, causing Mr. Weasley to smile and stand up to hug her. Hermione took in the exchange with a giggle, momentarily forgetting their argument when she realized that the father had no idea what Ginny was wearing under the dress. Which, of course, brought her back to her own shame upon realizing that she herself was wearing no bra (though the dress had a charm to act much like a bra in support, a comfort she appreciated). Mrs. Weasley walked into the room then as well, also exclaiming at the girl's beauty.
Ginny had put her hair up after Hermione had left, putting it in a messy bun off to the side a little. Unlike Hermione, Ginny had gotten a bright dress. It was a cream color with blue flowers etched into the top and slowly fading out. It wasn't strapless, like she had planned, but had flower blue straps holding it up. It fit her figure nicely, flowing loosely from her hips it was one of few dresses she had found that made her look more like a woman than an athlete. "Thanks mum, dad." She said, "Have Harry and Ron gotten here yet?"
Before Hermione could answer Mrs. Weasley spoke, "I thought we were meeting them there, oh dear they are running late..." She ran to the floo, calling the boys. "You two better get dressed and get over here fast! What have you been doing all of this time?!"
She got up from the call, "They weren't even dressed!" She exclaimed in surprise, but it was clear that neither of the girls nor Mr. Weasley were surprised. "I mean honestly what were they doing all of this time?"
Hermione shrugged, fighting off the urge to take their lateness as a sign from the universe and run to her bedroom at the flat, grab a book, and never be seen again. It was only after 10 minutes that the boys arrived, Harry's hair a complete mess and Ron's as frizzy as hers had been. She rolled her eyes in frustration, but couldn't help her grin. It was just like them to show up to a gala, a gala in Harry's honor none the less, with their hair in such disarray. Still, Ron looked handsome as ever. Unlike his father, he was wearing simple black robes with a gray accent. With his perpetual bedhead and five o'clock shadow to others he probably looked a mess, but to her he was the most sexy man she had ever seen.
"Sorry we're late," Ron said, grinning handsomely as his mother and sister berated him.
"...waiting for you! It's just rude!" Mrs. Weasley finished, turning to Harry who hadn't said a word since his arrival. "And what do you have to say for yourself young man?"
Harry had no idea what he had to say for himself, completely distracted by Ginny's dress. He had never met a woman who looked so close to an angel, and he was shocked beyond words. Mrs. Weasley softened after looking at him, openly staring at the Weasley daughter in love and admiration.
"Well, let's be off then," Mr. Weasley said. "The location is 'Ministry Ballroom'."
The four nodded, watching as the parents went away. Hermione went then, ignoring Ginny. It was something that only she noticed, the two boys too dense and nervous to do so. Still, Ginny felt hurt at the actions. They'd been friends for years, and she didn't understand why Hermione was being so cold.
Ron went next, leaving Harry and Ginny alone for a moment. "You alright?" Ginny asked, worried that Harry had done little more than stare at her since he had gotten there.
"What?" He asked, taken out of his stupor for a moment. "Oh, yeah, fine, just- you're gorgeous, did you know that?"
Ginny blushed, "I did," She replied playfully. "You clean up handsomely yourself. Wearing something other than those ratty jeans, I thought I'd never see the day." She smiled for a moment, the two of them standing there in silence. As much as she nagged him about those 'ratty old jeans', she couldn't care less. In fact, as ratty as they were he looked very handsome in them and if he hadn't looked so fetching in his dress robes she might have wished he would wear them instead. "Well we'd better go, but before we do, I'm going to come over tonight, so don't let Ron or Hermione into your room, okay?"
Harry nodded, smiling at the idea of alone time with Ginny. He knew without a second thought that she was sneaking over, but in the moment he was a teenager and not a respectful young man and he couldn't bring himself to care. "Does it have something to do with my birthday gift?"
Ginny didn't reply, winking and announcing "Ministry Ballroom" before disappearing in the flames. Harry took a moment to compose himself, patting down his black robes and looking at his watch before doing the same, they were only 15 minutes late and they had planned on getting there 30 minutes early. Deciding against running and hiding, avoiding the press and the people, he stepped into the floo and went.
The gala was hosted in a very large room, probably a little bigger than the Great Hall at Hogwarts (though Harry wasn't sure), and was very brightly lit. Though they still had half an hour before it would begin, the entry was already buzzing with reporters and their photographers. Additionally, there were plenty of people walking in and it was clear that more had already come. Just arriving to the large crowd, much less the flashing lights and reporters, made the Trio want to turn around and walk away deep in their stomachs. It was up to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as well as Ginny to get them into the gala.
Harry tensed up, his hand that he kept secure on Ginny, strong as if the throngs of people and reporters would try and take her away. Deep down to his core he did not want to be there, he felt unsafe surrounded by so many people and anxious with all of the eyes on him. Above the entryway hung a large poster "Welcome to the Inaugural Potter Day Gala", upon noticing the poster he wished very much that the ground would eat him up before it could get worse. Thinking of the notes in his right pocket he calmed, knowing that, hopefully, the nonsense of 'Potter Day' would end here.
Ginny held Harry's hand, using every Gryffindor fiber in her being to smile 'effortlessly' and keep Harry grounded. She was worried, his eyes were panicked and walking up closer to a large poster with his name on it didn't help. When she stopped for a reporter, Harry walked a step or two before realizing that they were stopping.
"Miss. Weasley," A tall and gangly man in his 40s called out, "Would you mind talking to me about your relationship with the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One?"
"He's also known as Harry, little known fact, you should add it to your list," Ginny replied with wit.
The reporter rolled his eyes, "That's not very ladylike."
"Neither are you, but I'm not telling," Ginny replied without skipping a ignored the reporter then, walking the short distance to a grinning Harry.
"What was that for?" He asked, "You're not usually so angry with reporters."
Ginny shrugged as they passed through to the actual gala, walking beneath the obnoxious poster without a second glance. "I hate it when reporters talk about you like that."
Harry laughed, amused at Ginny's frustration. "Watch out there Potter, next time I may disclose all of your dirty little secrets."
Harry gave a hearty laugh as she grinned in success, "Ah, but my mum isn't going to come out of the grave to give me a good smack over these dirty little secrets, I'd get off scot free. Can't say the same for you..."
"Mum'd send you out to de-gnome the garden just as fast as she would me," Ginny replied. "Unless you want to fight the woman who raised the twins, I'd admit defeat."
"I fought the Dark Lord!" Harry replied indignantly, Ginny just raised her eyebrows.
"I've done my time with him too," Ginny replied. "Still know my mum is scarier."
"Oh that's bollocks-" Harry said, for the moment too deep in the conversation to know where they were or remember his own unease. Before he could continue Ron came up and interrupted them.
"Oi! Don't talk about your 'dirty little secrets' at the bloody gala!" He said, Hermione by his side.
"Skeeter's here," Hermione added. "With that quick quotes quill."
Harry groaned as his friends brought him back down to earth, he knew that they needed to before he got himself in trouble but he wished he could have kept pretending with Ginny. With her was were no war scars, just quips and kisses.
Busy groaning, Harry didn't notice the look that Hermione gave Ginny, and the glare Ginny sent back. Ron didn't notice either, his eyes locked on the buffet.
"You want to check out the buffet?" He asked Harry, his stomach growling loudly.
Harry laughed, "It doesn't start for another eight minutes."
"You're the bloody Chosen One, Harry," Ron said. "C'mon."
Harry rolled his eyes and followed Ron, neither thinking twice about leaving their girlfriends alone together. Said girlfriends were very aware of this fact, however, and if anyone had known about their current feud bets would have been made about who would snap first. They didn't get a chance then, because George walked up and started conversation.
"Have either of you seen Ange?" He asked, tall and obnoxious in his bright purple robes.
"Probably hiding," Ginny said, causing Hermione to huff. "You got a problem?" She snapped, suddenly making George wish very much he'd asked his mum and dealt with that incessant nagging.
"You could be a little nicer," Hermione replied icily before remembering where she was and storming off.
"You two alright?" George asked the obvious question, and Ginny only glared. He put his hands up, "Hey, I just want to know where Ange is, don't hex me!"
Ginny grinned, "Wonder what the aurors would do if I started hexing people with the Bat Boogies."
"Probably attack you and send Harry off the bloody rocker," Ron said, returning with Harry and a plate full of food. "Where'd Hermione go off to?"
"No idea," Ginny said, snatching a strawberry off of Harry's plate.
"You two haven't seen Ange?" George asked Ron and Harry, changing the topic. He didn't want to get into whatever was going on between Ginny and Hermione, and hadn;t forgotten his primary objective upon walking over here.
"I think I saw her head to the ladies room," Harry said.
"Why do you need to find her, eh?" Ron asked, smirking and receiving a deadpan stare from George.
"Oh shove off," He said, walking off and leaving Harry, Ron, and Ginny with a laugh.
"I'm gonna find Hermione," Ron decided, taking a bite of some sort of meat on a toothpick as he did. "And get some more of this."
As he walked off Ginny leaned into Harry, "He's going to eat the whole buffet."
"Probably," Harry said. "The food's good though, can't blame him."
Ginny smiled, she was worried about him after Ron and Hermione came and mucked things up but food seemed to have brightened his spirits. "So when is your speech?"
"Not sure, but there is a surprise to it," Harry said with a smile.
"Oh?" Ginny said with surprise, Harry had been dreading this gala and the speech since he'd found out about it. In fact, the fact that Harry was excited to do anything related to 'Potter Day' astounded her. "What's that?"
Harry gave a magnetic grin, and Ginny felt her own mood lightening. Not to mention that dressed up, radiating happiness, he was very handsome. He leaned in close and she felt her body flush for a moment before he told her his plan. She grinned when he told her, of course. People would listen to him over some stupid banner. As the night progressed, she realized why Harry was remaining so composed despite all of the politics and reporters: he was excited.
She was too, she thought he was totally right. Well, mostly right, she thought he underplayed his role in the war. Not that she knew what all he'd done in the past year, but she knew he'd brought down Lord Voldemort. She'd seen it with her own eyes, and that alone was huge.
It wasn't long before it was time, and Kingsley walked up to the small stage that the band was playing on. He pulled out his wand, performing sonorus and bringing it to his throat before he spoke. His voice was clear and controlled, instantly catching the attention of everyone in attendance of the gala.
Not far from Ginny and Harry, Hermione was amazed at Kingsley's ability to command the attention of the large gala. She hadn't seen anyone do that since Hogwarts, and even then she had been impressed.
"Welcome all, and thank you for coming to the Inaugural Potter Day Gala. Among us are the heroes that fought in the Battle of Hogwarts that ended the war, and those who participated in the war in many other ways. We have the Weasley family,the great founder of Potterwatch, the entire Dumbledore's Army, and many more. On top of all of that, we are luck enough to have with us the Golden Trio and among them, Harry James Potter: The Chosen One, The Boy Who Lived."
There was a thunderous round of applause as Harry gave a weak smile and walked to the podium, shaking hands with Kingsley and speaking for a moment before remembering to use the sonorus charm.
"Sorry about that," Harry said, earning a lighthearted chuckle. Still, in all that time, Lee Jordan and George were still clapping and whooping. Harry laughed as they yelled,
"HARRY POTTER ! WHOOOP WHOOOP! TOOK DOWN A TROLL BY STABBING IT IN THE NOSE HE DID, BLOODY BRILLIANT!"
They kept on for a moment before Mrs. Weasley got them to stop, but Harry wasn't worried. While Kingsley gave a disapproving look, Harry felt a lot less nervous now that there was already an outburst.
"Well, thanks for that," Harry said, still nervous. He took a deep breath, he'd talked in front of people before, taught people, but this was different. There was another whoop whoop in reply, this time from Ginny and Ron. He ran his hand through his hair before he pulled out the messy notes that he'd written up with Ron before. "When I was writing up these notes for this Ron told me I had to start with a joke, but I think Lee Jordan and George got that for me so let's give them a round of applause." Everyone clapped, even if they had previously chastised the yelling men.
"Brilliant." Harry said when the clapping ended, "So today is the first inaugural anniversary of 'Potter Day', yeah? Well that's rubbish. It's absolutely ridiculous, really, because the Potters of this world would have been nothing without everyone here. I would love to list everyone who helped, but we don't have the time, there are too many.
"People lost their lives, good people, strong people, brave people. My godson lost both of his parents, just like so many, in this war. Not a single family was left unscathed, we have lost generations of people to this war. Entire family lines have been wiped out. Knowing this, knowing the scars, we must remember everyone, not just me, not just my parents and theirs.
"We don't need a 'Potter Day', and I absolutely refuse to accept it. This is something I've been arguing against for years. This fame and glory simply for not dying. I can't stop Potter Day from existing, I can't stop the articles about how I boldly saved the wizarding world, but I can just not celebrate it. This is the first and last gala for 'Potter Day' that I will attend, I'm going to celebrate May 2, the day that we all defeated Lord Voldemort.
"The day that the students and teachers of Hogwarts stood together. The day that mother, father, brother, sister stood side by side to fight against prejudice. The day that witches and wizards under the age of 17 snuck out and fought when everyone told them not to because it was the right thing to do, and they refused to watch everyone else fight and die alone. Those who saw loved ones die right next to them and stood up and kept fighting. Those of us that proved that it doesn't matter what house you were in, you can fight for what is important. That is what I am going to celebrate. I'm going to celebrate the victory that we all fought for together, and remember that we come together in times of need.
"No one knows better than me what sacrifice has been made by our world in the fight against prejudice, against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. That's why I'm never going to celebrate 'Potter Day', and I encourage all of you to do the same."
Harry could feel daggers being shot at him by many of the ministry personnel, though Kingsley appeared to be laughing. Being that he was the Minister of Magic, Harry worried less about being thrown in Azkaban after hearing his laughs. The crowd was loud, but above the rest Harry could hear Rita Skeeter yell her questions.
As she watched Harry walk up to the stage Ginny felt her stomach fill with nerves. She wasn't sure why, she wasn't speaking and she knew Harry was a good speaker. True, he'd never addressed this many people with anything planned before, but she'd seen him their DA days and she knew he could talk when he cared about it. She grinned when George and Lee made their fuss, referencing a battle he'd had when he was only eleven. It was an inside joke, something only only their friends would get, and even some of them would need reminding before they laughed. Oddly enough, taking down a fully grown mountain troll at 11 to save a girl he didn't really like was one of his minimal and almost unknown accomplishments. She chuckled while her mum stopped George and Lee. It was just like Harry to have taking down a mountain troll be a minor accomplishment.
As he spoke, Ginny saw a new part of Harry. She'd never seen him doing work at the Ministry, but she imagined it was something like this. He was passionate, but there was something different. She wished she could recognize what it was. An unwelcome thought entered her mind, that maybe Hermione was right, but she hushed it away. Her relationship with Harry was kind and easy, unstained by war. Hermione was an idiot.
When he finished speaking, Ginny felt herself blush slightly under his gaze. She knew he didn't know about them, but she felt like he was staring at her with her dress off and her new lingerie on. She smiled back at him, hoping to convey her message You did it!
She watched Kingsley walk up to him, whisper something in his ear, and proceed to perform the microphone charm on his own voice and address the crowd while Harry made his way down.
"Now that has spoken, I have the pleasure of introducing our surprise guest, Creevey!" He spoke, a wide grin on his face. Harry stopped where he was, a couple of meters from Ginny, to look in wonder as a miniature version of Colin Creevey walked up on his stage. He was fifteen now, and he was dressed in a muggle suit. He looked shy, and definitely wasn't as outgoing as Colin was. He muttered something to Kingsley, who gave him a warm smile before charming him.
"Oh, thank you Mr. Kingsley, Minister Sir," Dennis spoke nervously, reading what he spoke off of index cards. "I'm here today to talk about my brother, Colin Creevey. He, uh, he took a lot of pictures throughout his life at Hogwarts and we have them here today. He idolized Harry, and he documented the work Harry did throughout his years. He always dreamed of becoming a photographer for the Daily Prophet, but he was a valiant fighter and died bravely among many others at Hogwarts when Lord Voldemort attacked. He would be proud to see his photos published though,and what a more fitting occasion?" He grinned at his joke, looking up from his pre-written speech. "I hope Harry doesn't mind, but we've named this show 'Our Heroes' by Colin Creevey and the proceeds from all of the prints and books will go straight to the Hogwarts School Fund."
Harry watched in awe as Dennis waved his wand, showing the photos blown up on the walls of the large room. For the first time, he was able to see his life through the eyes of those who idolized him. It was odd, and his face was hard to read through Ginny's eyes.
"You alright?" Ginny asked, her doe eyes watching him for any note as to what he was thinking at that moment.
"Yeah," Harry said in amazement, "This is amazing."
"Ron, what's up with Hermione?" Dean asked Ron an hour later as he filled out a form to purchase part of the Our Heroes collection.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked, he'd started to get frustrated not too long ago but Hermione had been the calm. Every time he'd feel the anger piling up, he'd squeeze her closer to him and ignore everyone but his beautiful girlfriend. She was gone now, however, as she talked to a reporter in depth about the political something of something. He felt irrational, what does he mean, acting like he know's Hermione better than me...
"She's been weird all night," Dean said. "But hey, I've got to go."
Ron glared at Dean as he left, finishing his form and heading to the buffet again and loaded up on food. In an effort to ignore his budding frustration, Ron leaned against the wall and flipped through a copy of the book. It was odd, to go through and see his life through someone else's eyes. Of course, Colin's main fascination had been Harry, the Boy Who Lived, but to see these photographs reminded Ron of what he so frequently forgot: the Boy Who Lived had not lived alone. It was laughable, looking back at Ginny's wide eyed embarrassment and Draco's greasy hair. Hermione was just as he remembered her, and his past self was so tiny! His face was always covered in some sort of dirt, and the only time he didn't look a mess was in his Quidditch uniform. It seemed decades ago that he was a Hogwarts student, and looking back on it he couldn't imagine going back, that time of his life was over. Still, he grinned as he finished looking through the book, he sure had had fun.
"Hey," Hermione said, walking up to him and smiling. "That reporter was really educated, he knew what he was talking about with the reformation of the Ministry but he seems to have no idea the help that elves played in the final battle and along the way. We can't possibly expect to have a better Ministry, a Ministry without any more war, if we continue defining some as below others."
Ron smiled, wrapping his arm around her with ease. Dean was full of himself, like he knew Hermione better. Hermione was fine, and she was here with him. He looked at his watch, it was nearly eleven and no one showed any signs of slowing down or going home. He had no idea how everyone was so energetic, he'd had enough society for the day, maybe even the week.
"I just can't believe that he was so surprised, I am going to have to talk to Harry about that. He's been going to these Wizengamot meetings, he should be bringing this up." Hermione continued without taking a breath. "I mean, he was a member of S.P.E.W.!"
Ron chuckled, "So was I. 'Mione, he's got other things to worry about."
"It's that attitude-"
"-I've got some plans Hermione," Harry spoke, interrupting her. Ginny stood beside him, but she was carefully avoiding Hermione. She didn't want to make a scene, but she was still upset. "But the Wizengamot isn't as progressive as you'd think, and I don't have much time until I go to Auror training. If you want to continue on with spew, that's going to be your thing."
"It's not 'spew' it's the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare! S.P.E.W.!" Hermione replied in a huff, "And it's that attitude that resulted in so many subjugated creatures to join Lord Voldemort in the war, both times! You can't ignore how much sacrifice was made, by the elves at Hogwarts, by Dobby-"
"-I know the sacrifice Dobby made," Harry snapped, causing Hermione to recoil slightly. Ron felt his stomach knot up, anger building at the two of them. Could they not do this? Arguing over it was useless, and they should know that. Say what you will about his and Hermione's relationship and many arguments, when Harry and Hermione fought it was downright scary. Not to mention that putting his two best friends against one another left him unable to choose a side. "Considering I was the one to bury him."
Ginny wished she'd known that, but of course she wouldn't. The uncomfortable feeling that Hermione might have been right came up again, but she shoved it away. Harry was clearly upset at the topic. She ignored Hermione's infuriating know-it-all look and accidentally caught the eyes of a reporter, who took it as an invitation to walk over.
"Hi Ms. Weasley, I'm Devon Ridge and I work for Witch Weekly. I've got to ask what everyone is thinking, are you here with Mr. Potter on a date?"
Ginny eyed him with confusion, she and Harry had been back together for nearly two months. Surely it was well known news now? Right?
"Yes, I am," She replied curiously, "Why?"
"Well, the women of Britain will be saddened to know that Harry Potter is out of the dating game," He replied simply, ignoring her concern.
"He's never been in the dating game," Ginny snapped, her jealousy rearing its ugly head. "And where do you come off-"
"What's going on?" Harry asked, interrupting Ginny as her anger built up.
" , Sir, I was just asking Ms. Weasley if she was here tonight as your date," The reporter spoke, seemingly unaware of Ginny's anger and skilled bat boogey jinx. It was likely for him to be unaware of her jinx, but Harry considered the reporter rather dense for missing that Ginny was about to pop her top.
"Well, you can accurately report that Ginny is here because she is a hero, like all of the other guests who fought in the war." Harry replied.
"Oh, so she's not your date?" Devon spoke, surprised and eyeing Ginny suspiciously, who was smirking as he did. Ginny knew where Harry was going, and comfortable with the fact that he wouldn't go postal again, she was amused that the reporter kept pushing on.
"No, she is my date, but that's not what she is here as." Harry replied in a humorous tone, "Whereas you're here to promote gossip on the people who saved you, she's here as a guest of honor for saving lives. It's a funny joke, but it's ill timed at best."
Devon seemed to realize that he'd angered Harry and chuckled nervously, "Just looking to get a scoop on you for your admiring fans."
"Brilliant," Harry replied, walking away then and ignoring Ginny's chuckle. "Oh bugger off."
"You're horrible at dealing with reporters," Ginny laughed. "Outright terrible."
"Forgive me, I've always had Hermione keeping them at bay." Harry replied, "Speaking of, where is she? We were still talking."
"Unless you plan on starting a duel with her now, I'd save that conversation for later." Ginny said, "And I doubt that Ron'll be able to keep his hands off of her much longer, they've been clinging to each other all night. Meanwhile, we hold hands and the entire bloody Weasley clan is lecturing us about improper public behaviour."
Harry snorted, "Maybe to you, George's been giving me advice on subtle ways to grab 'that hot witch's ass'."
"He is plastered," Ginny replied, "Mum'll skin him alive if she catches him like that."
"He'll be fine, Lee Jordan has him, and Angelina," Harry replied. "In fact, I think they left before Dennis spoke."
"That's a bummer, he would have had a hoot over those old pictures of you on the wall." Ginny replied, "You were such a scrawny little thing, pathetic really."
"Hey, I saved the bloody world," Harry replied back jokingly. "And if anyone should be mocked it should be you, how many pictures are you standing in the background? Did you fancy me or just like stalking?"
"At least you can say you had one girl interested, considering how horrible your date with the patil girl went, or Cho for that matter."
"Yeah but you dated Michael Conner, I wouldn't exactly call that a success," Harry replied. "He was such a girl, I doubt he even has junk."
"I don't know, I've seen his, but I've never seen yours," Ginny grinned. "Maybe your anger at him is misdirected over insecurities of your own."
Harry gave his best faux-offended face, "I will have you know I am very much so a man! Man bits and all!"
"Prove it!" Ginny replied with a wink.
"Well, I, well ask anyone!" Harry stumbled through his response, blushing at Ginny's brash words, not to mention that she was speaking them in such a public place with her usual loud volume.
"Nope, I have to see it, you've got everyone here drunk I can't trust them." Ginny said, then moving to stand closer and whisper in his ear, "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
Harry didn't know what to say, except that he felt really uncomfortable. As luck would have it, it was that moment that Professor McGonagall walked up to speak with him.
"Miss. Weasley, Mr. Potter," She said, seemingly unaware of the situation she had walked in on. "That was an impressive speech you gave, ."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied stiffly as Ginny barely held back her laughter. He wasn't keeping it together very well. "How is reconstruction at Hogwarts going?"
"It is on track, we should be fixed just in time to open, but I doubt it will be to it's former glory before Christmas." She replied, "In particular there is a door down one hallway that will not open and appears to go no where, but it's not been there before."
Harry nodded, that door was probably from the Room of Requirement. "If you don't mind waiting, I may be able to shed some light on that later. I don't know if we can repair it, but I don't want to discuss it here."
"Of course," Minerva replied, aware that Harry knew something she did not. She would have to ask him all he knew of the school one day."This is not the place for such matters." Harry nodded in agreement before she continued, "Does this coming Saturday work for you?"
"Unfortunately no," Harry replied. "I'll be watching my godson, I would say I could take him but it's my first weekend so will be helping me out."
"Of course, Remus and Tonk's son," She replied, remembering their death somberly. He was an orphan, much like Harry. Unlike Harry, he had what would be a very active godfather. Looking at the care in Harry's eye's it was clear that he would make a marvelous father figure in this boy's life.
"Why don't you come to the Burrow?" Ginny spoke up, she knew Harry would never ask. "Mum wouldn't mind."
"I'd really rather not," Harry said, feeling awkward.. "Sorry, but I'd rather give Teddy my full attention, I have a lot to learn."
"Of course," Minerva replied, leaving Ginny feeling silly. Harry had known that her mum wouldn't mind the company, he wanted to focus on his godson. How had she missed that? "How about you come to Hogwarts at tea time, I'll be in my office next Monday."
"Brilliant," Harry said. Meeting with his old Professor was a good idea- it hadn't occurred to him but he needed to talk with Ron and Hermione about telling McGonagall about the battle, specifically in the Room of Requirement. He didn't remember about any lasting effects of Fiend Fire, but he didn't want to risk it. Not to mention the basilisk snake body in the Chamber, that had to be a safety hazard. Also, he'd been meaning to ask his old Head of House for advice on a couple of matters and it would be a good time to do that.
"Well I will leave you to your celebrations," Professor McGonagall spoke with a rare warm smile. "You have earned it."
Harry smiled humbly, considering the disarray that the wizarding world was in he couldn't help but disagree. He was having a wonderful time regardless, and he could tell that Ginny was as well.
After she left, Ginny grabbed Harry's hand. "Let's head out, this place is getting more drunk than sensible."
"Yeah," Harry replied, having noticed the same thing. He wasn't interested in spending his night with a bunch of drunk wizards, and so he agreed with Ginny to take their leave along with the underaged wizards who weren't sneaking sipps of alcohol. "Let's go."
Ginny grinned at the realization that their time alone was about to begin, "I'll stop by the Burrow first, I need to grab your present."
Harry nodded, "I'll wait in the living room."
"Oh no," Ginny said with a wicked grin, "I'll meet you in your bedroom."
Harry didn't get a chance to reply because she had already announced her location in the fireplace, burning away from him. He looked forward to her plans, sure that some part of her plans involved them snogging.
Harry got changed after arriving at his flat, getting out of his uncomfortable dress robes and into a pair of gryffindor pajamas. After sitting down on his bed his nerves got the best of him and he grabbed a pair of concealing underwear that Ron had gotten him as a joke months ago, he didn't want to make a fool of himself and seriously doubted that girls found it attractive when you started poking out of your pants.
He waited only a couple of minutes before Ginny arrived, still in the dress from the gala, with a rucksack over her shoulder. She grinned after closing the door, she had had some doubts when she stopped by her room. Hermione's rude words had shaken her, but seeing Harry lounging on his bed happily cleared up any doubt. She reached into her bag and grabbed his gift before sitting down on his bed next to him. She handed him the bright red package, "That is part one of your gift."
"Part one?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrow. Ginny only replied with a mischievous grin, so he opened part one of his gift there.
"Before you ask, it's not a normal book." Ginny said about the red leather notebook in Harry's hands, "I've got one too. Whatever you write in it, I can see, and whatever I write in it, you can see. It's a lot faster than owls."
Harry grinned like a kid in a candy shop, "This is brilliant Ginny! Really, this is the best birthday present yet."
"And you haven't even seen part two yet!" Ginny laughed, realizing something: this moment was perfect. She couldn't do it, she couldn't ruin it by lying to him. "But... First I have to tell you something."
Harry felt it in his gut, something was wrong. She took a moment before she spoke, and he let her. He knew it was something serious, what he didn't know is where it came from.
"Before I tell you your second gift, you need to know that I'm not a virgin." She said, avoiding his gaze in guilt and shame. "Last year, at Hogwarts, things were really bad. The Carrows were horrid, and they loved to give out detention. They Cruciatus was a favorite of theirs, but Amycus also liked to do other things. He would bring the pureblood little girls and... touch them. Once we figured it out, a bunch of us girls got together to take on the detentions for them. It was violating, but he never crossed the line, he never actually slept with the girls. But... He slowly creeped closer, and eventually he'd do it, he'd rape us and tell us if we didn't take their place he'd do the same to the girls. 11 and 12 year old girls Harry!"
By the end of it she was sobbing, and Harry was in complete shock. He had never imagined that Amycus Carrow was that vile, his only consolation was that Amycus had been punished and would never bother them again. Guilt rolled up his throat, how had he not known? When he had heard Amycus' list of crimes, why hadn't he talked to Ginny? He pulled her into his arms, trying not to notice how wet the shoulder of his shirt was getting.
"I'm so sorry, I fought him every time, but he liked the fight, and I had to keep going." Ginny said, "Some of the others weren't strong enough, but he was still going after the little girls.
"Ginny, don't apologize," Harry said, holding her tight. "Never apologize, you did nothing wrong. And I am so proud of you, you're so strong."
Ginny didn't know why she was surprised, but she had been expecting Harry to run away. To call her a liar, and a skank, to tell her she was broken and used, to tell her what she already knew.
They sat in silence for a little bit before Harry spoke, "We broke into Gringotts to get one of the Horcruxes." He said, surprising Ginny out of her sadness. "Escaped by riding a dragon."
"What?" Ginny asked, laughing at the ridiculous tale he was telling her. "You robbed Gringotts?"
Harry laughed, happy to see joy in Ginny's eyes again."George and Fred would be proud." He said, smiling as he told the story. That's how the rest of their night went, the two trading stories from the final year of the war. Ginny never showed Harry the second part of his present, though they did stay up all night. It wasn't until nearly 8 in the morning when they stopped talking, the two passing out in the bed curled up with one another. Their stories had ranged, hilarious tales of Harry getting spooked by turtles and Ginny sassing Slytherin Death Eaters in Training to terrifying and somber tales of Harry getting attacked by Nagini and Ginny getting caught stealing the Sword of Gryffindor. They were all important, all a part of their lives, and at the end of it the couple had climbed their biggest hurdle up to date: acceptance.
Ron and Hermione returned to the flat not much longer after Harry and Ginny, leaving after one reporter asked if 'wedding bells' were in the couple's future. Ron had already been nearing his limit, and the highly invasive question broke his calm entirely. He'd told the reporter to "shove a bloody sock in it" and explained, quite brashly, that Hermione would know long before the reporter ever did when there was going to be wedding bells. Hermione had blushed fiercely and taken Molly's advice to head on home.
It wasn't that Hermione was expecting a proposal any time soon, but that her stereotype of men was a fear of commitment to a date, much less a wife. After growing up beside Ron in the wizarding world, she had never expected Ron to be any different. Yet here he was, speaking about it calmly, well, sort of, and being a gentleman in his intent. She found herself reminded once again why she adored him.
Ron was worried, Hermione didn't say anything when she got to the flat. She had an odd look on her face and he couldn't identify what she was thinking. She walked to her room and he followed her nervously, wondering if his snap at the reporter had offended her. He hadn't meant to reply so angrily, but being in a large room filled to the brim with reporters had not done good things to his temperament. His concerns proved unwarranted when he closed the door behind him and Hermione wrapped her arms around him and kissed him fiercely.
"I love you," She said after a moment, her eyes wide and focused on only Ron. "Can you help me?" She moved his arm up her back, resting it on the zipper.
Ron looked at Hermione in shock, nodding nervously in place of words. He gripped the small zipper behind her and pulled it, loosening the dress. He stayed under her expecting gaze as he slipped the sleeves off, causing the dress to puddle at her feet. Here she was, standing in front of him naked except for heels and her panties, watching him expectantly. Harry may think they were constantly at it like rabbits, but seeing her naked and waiting for him was a first and he was in complete awe.
Hermione felt her nerves coming up, what had she been thinking? She was freaking out, Ron hadn't ever seen her like this, and he was bound to leave her because he realized he could do so much better. She slipped her hand to her forearm, covering the Mudblood scar that Bellatrix had given her. No, damn it! She snapped at herself, working to bring herself away from her nerves. She knew Ron loved her, she knew he wasn't going to leave. She moved her hand to the collar of his dress robe, leaving it there when she leaned forward to kiss him again.
Hermione's kiss brought Ron out of his awe, moving his hands to her back to pull her against him. She was warm, and she was heating him up fast. He slipped his hands up to cup her breasts, enjoying how they filled the whole of his hands. She took a sharp breath and pulled away, shit... He thought, taking his hands away in concern that she didn't want him to touch her.
"Why am I the only one undressed?" She asked, smirking slightly.
Ron's mouth dropped open, does she mean it? Are we really..?
"Do you- want me to do it?" She asked, her eyes nervous and excited. She had read this in a book before, and while she felt entirely silly trying something she'd read in a shameful book she didn't have anything better to go off of.
Ron nodded, "Uh, yeah..."
Hermione nodded, her mouth suddenly dry, starting on his clothes. With every layer of the dress robes she felt her heart race faster, until he was in nothing but his bit her lip in concentration, time for it... She slipped her thumbs into them, pulling them down and in her haste scratching Ron's leg.
"Sorry!" She said, backing away from Ron instantly. Her face turned the color of a ripe tomato, but Ron didn't care.
"'Mione, it's fine," He said, trying to calm her down.
"No, it's not, I'm so sorry," She said, backing away further. "This was just a stupid idea, let's go to bed."
Ron was pretty sure he left his soul cry out in anguish at those words, but he wasn't going to push. It took every ounce of his self control, but he nodded. "Okay," He reached for his underwear then. "I'll go get pajamas, okay?"
Hermione nodded, then she made her way back to Ron, passing him to climb into bed. "Or- or you could come to bed like that."
Come to bed naked? Ron felt like he was about to go on a suicide mission, but when your impossibly hot girlfriend asks you to come to bed naked you say yes. It was a rule that he intended to follow. He nodded stiffly, climbing into bed and under the covers with her. She turned to face him and cuddled into his chest. He willed himself to calm down, he was completely naked and she was as well, save for a tiny thin pair of panties, she would know if he stayed excited. It was an effort in vain, however, so he just took deep breaths and hoped for the both of them to fall asleep fast.
Authors Note Hello all! Hello new followers and old, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter- I've re-written the entire thing about 3 times. This is definitely my favorite edit, everyone is in an idyllic summer romance attitude and it is a lot of fun to write. Also, holy frick, over 10K words! Yeah!
XO Lovlies!