Chapter VII – October Surprises
Lavender stretched lazily in her bed as the buzzing of the alarm went off, warning her that it was time to get up for school. Parvati let out a groan from the bed next to her as she reached over and hit it with her hand.
"Again, I ask … why is this so loud?"
Lavender smiled over at her friend. "I keep it around just to annoy you. Look, Ginny doesn't mind the alarm, do you?"
Ginny shrugged as she scratched her head and stretched out a bit. "Not so much. It's a bit loud and does tend to scare one awake, but it works."
Parvati nodded and sat up, her small tank top slipping off one arm. "I so do not want to go to class today. I think I'd much rather spend the entire day lounging right here under the covers."
"With Dean?" Ginny suggested with a knowing smile that reached her eyes.
Parvati grinned. "I suppose I wouldn't mind that one. Dean does have a way of really getting you going, if you know what I mean."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "I really have no idea what it is you see in him. Okay, sure he's handsome and athletic, and he does have a fine arse, but really, Vat, you two argue almost as much as Ron and Hermione. The next thing I know, you've broken up and he's back to his 'a different girl every night' routine! Then you're back together again before I can even blink. I mean honestly, do you have any idea how many girls he's been with?"
Parvati shrugged. "I don't care. I know he's a player, but when he's with me, it's only me. He loves me, Lave, he really does and he doesn't fool around on me. Besides, you're totally wrong about the girls. He dates them to get back at me, to make me jealous, to make me angry that I broke up with him. It never goes anywhere. Dean is all talk most of the time."
Ginny nodded. "That is true. Though a lot of the things he says are true, too. I mean, Vat, I think everyone in Gryffindor Tower heard about the chocolate pudding incident."
Parvati grinned. "Yeah, but considering it was me who was licking it off, I don't care much. Now, if you two ladies will excuse me I must be getting ready for the day; grudgingly, of course." She climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Lavender sighed as she stared after her friend. "I'm still clueless. Vat and Dean are like a mystery a couple, you never know what's going to happen next."
Ginny laughed. "True, and a good description. There are definitely better couples, such as you and Seamus. How are you doing anyway, now that Seamus knows the truth?"
Lavender shrugged. Ginny knew all of the secrets about her father now as well, but she still didn't feel comfortable talking about it. It had been such a private subject for so long that it felt odd to have others bring it up. "He's alright, and I guess I am too. He doesn't bring it up but I think he's still sensitive towards it, if you know what I mean. He doesn't … touch me a lot anymore and … I think maybe he hates it."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked. "Lavender, Seamus loves you."
"I know that but … he used to really hold me and stroke my hair and my arms and … when he kissed me I felt like the most wanted person and now … I don't even think he wants me anymore."
"That's ridiculous! He probably just feels cautious. What you told him was a big thing, and he's probably worried that he'll hurt you or something. He wants you so much. You can see it when he looks at you. His eyes always have this fire alive in them, and you can see that he just wants to grab you and make love to you." Ginny replied, smiling now. "He loves you."
Lavender shook her head. "Why do you romanticize it? Seamus did the same thing. Sex is sex, and I don't want to have any part of it."
Ginny glanced at her friend in alarm. "Why not?"
"Because, it's crude. I've seen it and heard it, Ginny, and I don't want to be a part of it. It's painful and loud and people abuse it."
"No, Lavender, you've got it all wrong. Sex can be a very beautiful thing. It can be what you say, too. There are many different layers to it. Making love is totally different. It's a union between two people who are so in love with each other that they can't think straight. It's beautiful. Sex is sometimes wild, or slow, and definitely fun; and it can also be mean, if you're with the wrong person or someone who hurts you. Seamus would never hurt you." She explained.
"That may be," Lavender replied. "But I don't want to do it, Ginny. Not ever."
Ginny nodded. "That choice will always be up to you. Seamus would never hurt you though, and he would never make you do anything you didn't like. Just remember that, alright?"
Lavender nodded. "I will. But it doesn't change my mind."
"I didn't expect it to. Well, I should go shower as well. Oh, and Lavender?"
"Yeah?" Lavender asked as she picked up her bath things.
"Happy birthday."
Lavender smiled as she watched Ginny head into the bathroom. She just hoped it was going to be a good one. It was at that moment that two owls swooped through the window. One held a letter, the other a letter and a package. She gave the two owls treats and then watched them fly off before she tore open the letter.
Dear Flower,
Today is your special day.
I know that I may not fully understand the comings and goings of the magical world, but I do understand what it's like to enter the age of adulthood, as I did it years ago myself. I know it's hard to believe. Eighteen years old … I cannot believe it. I remember when you were still a tiny thing … sweet and innocent.
Of course, we both know the innocent thing has pretty much gone.
I love you, sweetie pie, and I hope you like your gift. Write soon.
Love Always,
Uncle Sam
Lavender smiled as she put the letter down. He always could make her smile. She opened the package and grinned at what was inside. It was beautiful. Silk and lace covered the gown from head to foot. It was lavender coloured and the most beautiful nightgown she had ever seen. She had seen it hanging on the mannequin in the shop window of a famous lingerie maker, in Rome. She had fallen in love with it. She had also commented, more than once, to her uncle that anyone sleeping in such a gown would feel like a princess.
The gown slid through her fingers and she sighed in pleasure before she stripped down and slipped it over her head. It clung to every curve and made her look incredible. She smiled at herself in the mirror before she slipped it off and changed back into her old pajamas. Uncle Sam always knew how to make her smile.
Lavender picked up the second letter and pulled it open. Tears welled up in her eyes as she read it.
Dear Lavender,
Happy Birthday!
Naturally, I didn't forget! Well alright, almost, but I caught myself just in time. I've got a bit of a surprise for you later on. It would be sooner, but classes tend to get in the way. I figured this was the perfect time to send the letter because you're probably sitting on your bed in some gorgeous nightgown, hopefully that blue silk one I glimpsed one day, and sorting through your mail. You probably got some presents already. Now you're smiling and running your fingers through your hair thinking that I have no idea what I'm talking about. But yes, you are beautiful … every second of every day, I thank Merlin for bringing you into this world.
I love you.
Love,
Seamus
Lavender wiped the tears from her cheeks and sighed. He knew her so well. She grinned to herself. Now all she had to do was get ready for the day. She wanted to look incredible for him. With that in mind she hurried into the bathroom to shower.
Seamus watched Lavender come down the stairs and he grinned. She had curled her hair and left it hanging down her back. Her make-up was done so beautifully that one wondered what was real. Merlin, he loved her. He stepped forward with some roses in his hands and he tucked a red one behind her ear.
"Happy Birthday," he whispered, kissing her softly. "You look incredible."
Lavender blushed a bit as she fussed with the hem of her kilt. "Please, there really is only so much one can do with a uniform."
Seamus' eyebrow rose. "Honey, do you have any idea how much us guys love this uniform?" His hand slid over her bum through the kilt and he flashed a grin before his hands sat at her waist. "Are you ready to start the day?"
She smiled. "Yes. Thank you for the roses. They're beautiful."
He grinned. "Good. I actually have a present for you but I thought I'd dig it out after dinner. I've got a surprise for you later."
"What kind of surprise?" Lavender asked as they stepped out of the portrait hole.
"Now if I told you, what kind of surprise would it be?" He pulled her close and touched his lips to hers. "Hmm, you taste so good."
She laughed and her arms slipped around him. "You make me feel so good."
Seamus grinned. "Well, that's my plan." He kissed her again and then he took her hand in his. "Alright, you win; I can't wait until later tonight." He slipped out a long thin box from his pocket. "Happy Birthday, love."
Lavender smiled as she untied the ribbon and opened the box up. "Oh Seamus," she murmured as she pulled the necklace out of the box. It was a thin silver corded chain with a small circular lavender coloured stone that was in the shape of a flower. "It matches the bracelet."
He grinned. "I know. I searched everywhere for it."
She threw her arms around him and kissed him. "It's beautiful! Thank you!"
He kissed her softly and grinned, brushing a curl from her eyes. "So are you. Here, let me."
She watched as his fingers struggled with the clasp for a moment before he hooked it and it fell around her neck. She was wearing the bracelet already. "It's beautiful," she murmured as she touched the small flower.
Seamus smiled. "I'm glad. Happy Birthday, Lavender."
Lavender smiled and kissed him again. "It's my best one yet." Then she pulled him close and kissed him.
Seamus deepened the kiss with his tongue, his hands sliding up and down her back as he moved her back against the castle wall. He had been craving her so much lately. He just wanted to touch and taste and he wondered if the craving was worse because she never wanted him to touch her; to really touch her. He slid his hands up into her hair because he knew she liked that and his lips trailed over her neck.
Lavender moaned against him as his lips left hers. Her body was bucking against him against her will, she was burning from the inside out. Her hands fisted in his hair as he nibbled at her collarbone. She realized that he had popped open the first three buttons of her shirt to get closer. She pulled him back to her lips, and her brain shut off when their lips crushed together again.
"Miss Brown! Mr. Finnigan! Just what do you think you're doing?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed; her lips pursed as they sprang apart.
Seamus grinned. "Lavender was uh, thanking me for her birthday present."
Lavender held out the necklace. "See Professor? Isn't it beautiful?"
Professor McGonagall sighed. "Yes, it is. But the rule is: no public displays of affection in the halls. Now, hurry up and get down to breakfast; classes start soon. Oh, and Miss Brown?"
Lavender turned; her book bag on her shoulder. "Yes Professor?"
"Fix those buttons and your tie. Tell Mr. Finnigan to be a bit more discreet. Happy Birthday." She headed back down the stairs and Seamus snorted.
"More discreet?"
Lavender shrugged and kissed his cheek. "McGonagall is so brilliant."
Seamus nodded. "I can only agree." He took her hand in his again and grinned. "Well, let's head down to breakfast."
"Sounds good to me."
Neville leaned back in his chair in the library, loosening his tie as he did. His brain was beginning to hurt from all of the homework they had been assigned lately. He untied the first three buttons on his dress shirt so that he could breathe a bit better and stretched out his legs in another chair. He had been working on this Potions essay for three hours and he still had another five inches to write.
He sighed and tossed his quill down on the table in frustration and covered his face in his hands. He was never going to pass Potions again. He still had no idea how he had ended up in N.E.W.T.s potions in the first place. Arms slipped around his neck from behind and he leaned back into them as hands began to knead his shoulders.
"I've missed you," he murmured.
Luna smiled as she slid around the chair and plopped herself into his lap, straddling him there. "I've missed you, too. You've become a work-a-holic."
He chuckled softly. "The workload is getting pretty intense." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "I'm sure you've managed to keep yourself occupied."
She shrugged half-heartedly, her blonde hair falling over her shoulder. "I've tried! But it was difficult when all I could think of was so many other interesting things I could be doing."
"Like what?" Neville asked, as his hands slid over her back.
Luna grinned and leaned down a bit to nibble at his lips. "Why don't I show you what I had in mind?"
Neville's hands fisted in the back of her shirt as she nibbled at his lips. She nipped here and there but never touched the target and he groaned. "Luna …"
She smiled now and trailed hot wet kisses down his neck. "Yes, Neville?"
"I – I think we should find a more private place."
"Why is that?" She asked as she began to nibble at his earlobe.
"Bec-"
"What on earth are you two doing?!" Madam Pince interrupted. "That is inappropriate behaviour in the library! Twenty points from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw! Out! Out!"
Neville and Luna jumped to their feet as Madam Pince had their books and ink and parchment chase them out of the library. It collapsed in a heap at the end of the hall.
"Because of Madam Pince," Neville murmured when they came to a stop.
Luna laughed and helped him pick up his things. "It was worth it."
"How so?"
She grinned and jumped into his arms, locking her legs around his waist. "Because now I have big plans for you."
Neville gulped. "Like what?"
"Like, how soon can you find us a broom closet?"
Neville used a summoning charm to pick up his book bag. "As soon as now."
Then without another word, Neville rushed into a nearby broom closet and pushed Luna back against the wall.
"I really have missed you."
Luna smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Me too. Now shut up and snog me."
He laughed. "Yes Ma'am."
Harry headed into the Room of Requirement with Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Draco, Delilah, Seamus, Lavender, Luna, and Neville to meet for the first day of their so-called training session. The opportunity was open for Blaise, Ted, Colin, Daphne, Demelza, and Dana as well but none of them were too interested and decided to take training with the rest of the D.A.
Ever since the summer after Harry and James had discussed Voldemort, and just what it meant for Harry, they had devised a tough training program to get Harry and his friends into shape. It was more than just muscular shape and being prepared for Quidditch. They needed to get in shape and build their stamina to fight and duel. It was physical fitness that would be needed when it came to the battles that lay ahead. James and Harry had come to an understanding. Harry remembered every word of their conversation.
"The right moment … the horcruxes?"
Harry nodded. "That's what I should be doing and you know it. The prophecy was made about me. I'm the one that has to defeat Voldemort. How am I supposed to go up against him when I haven't had any experience in any of his traps or ploys that he's set up?"
"It's a good point. I've been thinking about it actually since Sirius, Frank, and I found the cup."
"Really?" Harry asked, taking a seat on his bed as his eyes met his father's.
"Yes, really. You are an adult now and with that comes certain responsibilities. You're right; you need to get in on the horcrux hunt." James replied. "You're a member of the Order, Harry, and I'd say it's about time you started acting like it. You've got full status now. You're going to be allowed to come out on missions and assignments, but you have to go to school. Finishing your N.E.W.T.s is important; no matter how inconvenient it sounds. Understand?"
Harry nodded. "Completely."
James grinned. "Good. You've got a whole new life starting ahead of you, a new beginning. I think you started that last night with Ginny. A new beginning as an adult, and one with a war to fight at that. It's going to be a long road ahead, Harry, and it scares me to know that I'm putting you out on it. But I believe that you can do it. Do you?"
Harry nodded at his father, closing his eyes. "I know it can handle it, Da, the question is: Will I survive it?"
"You will. A new beginning with growing power; you've got the power, Harry, and now your chance is beginning for you to use it. The question is then, are you ready for it?"
"Yes." Harry answered simply and he knew that he was ready, in every way that he could be, for such a task. He was ready for the beginning of his new life as an adult and for the war. There was nothing that could tell him otherwise. It was time for a new beginning and this time, Voldemort was going down.
That talk had really started a series of events in motion. Training had increased and even though he no longer needed lessons when it came to his elementals, he needed to keep up his physical training and he wanted his friends to be involved in it as well.
Harry shook the thoughts from his head and turned his attention to his father and his partner.
"Hey everyone, I know it's early but it's time to get some work done," James replied. "Ladies, Tonks and Leila here will bring you over into the other side of the room. Guys, let me just introduce ourselves." He waited until Ginny, Hermione, Delilah, Luna, and Lavender had moved into the second room and the door that had appeared closed behind them. "I'm James Potter and this is my partner, Ian MacGregor. We're here to help train you. Harry, Ron, and Draco have a bit of a head start on you two, but don't worry, you'll catch up."
Ian nodded from next to him. "We're going to start off easy and make it simple. You guys can change into more comfortable clothes over there and then warm up a bit by running around the room. Once we've got your blood pumping we're going to start off slow with some simple fighting techniques. We're not expecting you to be perfect at it; we just want to make sure you can handle yourself if something happens to your wand."
"You can be sure that Death Eaters do not know much in this type of fighting. Any advantage you can have over them will be of help." James explained.
"Alright guys, let's go!"
Meanwhile, in the next room …
"Alright ladies, as I'm sure you've known for most of your lives, men are prats!" Tonks exclaimed. "They think with their dicks and not with their brains. Therefore, lesson one … never let a man control you. If you want control then you have to show them that you possess it. This is what we're here to teach you. I want to make sure that you can take care of yourself without magic. I want to make sure that if some jerk-weed pisses you off that you can make him scream like a girl. Any questions?"
Lavender raised her hand. "I thought we were learning self-defence."
Leila laughed. "You are, Tonks is just a bit crazy. Death Eaters are horrible people and one of things they are known for is their possession of women. Rape is a common crime in Voldemort's followers because women don't know how to defend themselves. Once they lose their wands, they're helpless. Men tend to have more physical strength than a woman and can usually fight back. This is something we don't possess."
Tonks nodded. "So we're going to make sure that you can take care of yourselves. Now we're basically teaching you the same things as the guys there but we think it will be easier to learn to fight each other first. Once you guys get going and become a little bit stronger in the physical sense we will join teams and you'll be fighting the guys. Is everyone good with that?"
After a mutual nodding, Leila grinned. "Good. So change your clothes and let's warm up. Ten laps around the room, ladies, and don't run full out. I just want to see a light jog. Hustle up!"
Ginny sighed as she hurried over to the little dressing room and changed her clothes. With Tonks and Leila leading the training, it was going to be an interesting year.
Delilah sat quietly on the grass, her feet dangling in the lake as the October wind ripped through her hair. Today was the twenty-first of October and she was seventeen years old and she didn't really feel anything. Adulthood seemed far away. She glanced at the beautiful ring on her finger. It was yellow gold with beautiful ornate carvings on the sides of rubies and emeralds and diamonds. It was a simple band with no large stone in the centre but it was beautiful. The ring symbolized that she was engaged to be married yet she didn't feel like an adult.
She sighed and leaned back on the grass, her kilt riding up her legs a bit. A shadow fell over her and she groaned silently.
"Obviously no one cares much for you, do they?" Pansy asked as she stood over her, looking out across the Black Lake.
"Meaning?" Delilah asked.
Pansy shrugged. "I know it's your seventeenth birthday but no one else seemed to remember. It's after dinner, yet here you sit, alone."
"You don't know anything about me, Pansy, so don't pretend to try. You might hurt yourself."
Pansy laughed. "Oh please, Delilah, I know everything about you. You lost your mother when you were young, and your father has spoiled you rotten because of it. You're engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors and richest pureblood families in the U.K. and you're nothing but a filthy half-blood. No one even cares that today you became an adult. Where is that fiancée of yours?"
"He's busy at the moment. And how do you know that no one remembered it was my birthday? Have you been watching my every move?" Delilah asked, her voice bored.
"Please, I have better things to do." She was quiet for a moment before she spoke again. "He won't stay, you know."
Delilah sighed. "What?"
Pansy nodded. "He won't stay. He needs freedom in so many ways that I don't even think he understands. He'll cheat. He'll have a few mistresses all over town. It's the way the Malfoy family works."
"You can go on thinking that but I know him. He loves me."
"You keep believing that Delilah but let me tell you something, I've known quite a few smooth liars in my lifetime, but Draco, he's one of the best." She turned and grinned to herself. "You wouldn't believe the things he's been keeping from you. When he does come clean, or when you confront him, don't be a baby about it either. He owns you now, Delilah. Don't ever forget that."
Delilah watched her walk away, her heart pounding. She was wrong. Draco didn't have any secrets from her. He didn't forget her birthday either, he had just been busy. That was all. She wasn't going to dwell on it.
She pulled her feet up and dried them quickly before she slipped her socks back on and then her shoes. She headed back up to the castle wondering where exactly she should go to get some homework done. She had just turned the corner to head to the library when she ran into Draco.
He grinned at her. "Hey, I've been looking for you." He took her hand in his and kissed it. "Sorry, I had detention."
Delilah smiled. "It's alright. You did deserve it."
Draco nodded as he remembered how he had been over an hour late for McGonagall's class. "I know. Listen, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go for a walk or something."
She shrugged. "No, I've got a lot of homework to do tonight."
Draco shook his head, pulling her into his arms. "Nuh-uh. There is no homework allowed on your birthday." When her eyes widened he grinned, "You didn't think I had forgotten, did you?"
"I was beginning to wonder."
He grinned and she kissed him softly before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Happy Birthday, Delilah."
She grinned to herself and opened the box, her eyes widening when she saw the necklace. It was gold with a beautiful gold key that hung from the chain. "It's beautiful, Draco."
Draco smiled and kissed her hands before he tied the clasp. "It's more than just jewellery. The goblins had it made for you. The key allows you to enter my vault there. I don't have much, as my parents did disown me, but I've got a good sized trust fund."
"Draco, I don't need your money or anything like that."
"I know that. But it's yours. I want you to use it for anything that you might need. I love you."
She smiled and kissed him softly. "I love you too. The necklace is beautiful."
He grinned. "Good. You don't still want to do homework, do you?"
Delilah laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Maybe I do, unless you can convince me to do something more interesting."
Draco grinned and kissed her. "I think I can do that. Let's go."
He held her hand in his as he led her down the hall to one of the private guest-rooms there and they slid inside. She curled into his lap when he sat down and her hands ran through his hair. "I'm glad you didn't forget."
He grinned. "Not for a second. Didn't you wonder who sent you those flowers this morning?"
She grinned. "I knew it." Then she brought her lips to his and lost herself in his touch. Her seventeenth birthday was greatly improving.
Leila yawned loudly as she poured over the books of family genealogy on the Whites. Kingsley sat across from her looking through them as well. It seemed like they had been working at it for years, when it had only been weeks. They had to find out what it was that made Mira so powerful, as her parents were definitely muggles.
Mike and Monica White had been successful lawyers. They had owned a law firm together in downtown London. They had worked hard at making sure that their daughter Mira had everything she needed. That is, until the fateful night when Voldemort had destroyed their lives, and changed Mira's world so drastically.
It was the power that Mira seemed to possess that was the problem. She was a seer of some sort and had made a prophecy concerning the end of the war. This was important, but it was the power that she had shown that first night Leila had arrived that was alarming. How had she done such intense magic?
"King, there has to be something here that we're missing. It's been weeks and we've found nothing. I don't even know what I'm looking for." Leila replied as she watched him fiddle with the gold hoop in his ear and she hoped that her mouth wasn't watering.
"I know. I feel the same, but it has to be in here." He pulled open another book. "This goes back pretty far but I don't know what – holy shit!"
"What?" Leila exclaimed, jumping up and hurrying over to his side.
King pointed at the page below them. "On her mother's side, look."
Leila glanced down. "Merlin?"
He nodded. "That explains it, does it not? If Mira is a distant relative of Merlin, then her power is even stronger than we expected."
"But her parents were muggles? How did she come from Merlin?"
King pointed again to the book. "It says here that Morgana Donahue was born a squib and she was a second cousin twice removed from Merlin. Donahue was the maiden name of Monica White. All of that power built up in the family only to stop and come back in this child. She has to be powerful."
"For a squib to be born … it would take generations upon generations for that kind of power to be restored. Seers pass through family lines but they often skip a generation. Young Mira got the whole nine yards in one go." Leila explained.
King nodded, rubbing a hand over his chin. "Aye … hell this girl has power, but from what I'm guessing she has no idea how to use it. She sees things and makes prophecies but she doesn't understand them or know what she's doing. Voldemort has her at a disadvantage. He's trying to make her see that power but to use it for his own gain."
"We've got to stop him."
"We will. But first we have to look a bit more into our history. Maybe if we can understand why Merlin was considered to be so great we can figure out just what kind of power Mira holds."
Leila nodded. "Alright." She sighed and knelt down next to him and began to sort through the books again.
"What are you doing, Leila?"
"Sorry, what?" She asked, pulling her concentration from the book.
King sighed. "What are you doing down there?"
She shrugged. "I'm comfortable enough. What does it matter?"
"It matters a lot. It's distracting, get up." He pulled her to her feet and her eyes fell down to where his hand was gripping her arm tightly. When her eyes met his, he yanked her up against him. "Merlin, forgive me."
All thoughts left her mind as his lips touched hers. She stood on her toes and moved closer to deepen the kiss. King pulled back then, his eyes searching hers.
"Leila, I –"
"Shh," she murmured. "No more words now." They fell back into the chair, lips meeting and the books lay forgotten around them as they lost themselves in each other.
She had snuck out of the castle again and into the village of Hogsmeade. The red dress she wore made her look older and wiser. Her hair hung down her back as she paced the room above the Hogs Head waiting for her lover to enter. The door flew open and he walked in, his cloak billowing out behind him.
"You had no trouble?"
She shook her head as he tossed his cloak aside. "No, the weather was alright, so I was safe."
He nodded. "Good." His arms slipped around her waist and his tongue played with her ear. "I've needed you so."
She sighed against him as he undressed her and carried her over to the bed. "So have I. It's been torture to be away from you like this. The one man I thought I could accept who wasn't you and he refuses me."
The man sneered as his lips found her breasts. "He will pay, my sweet, don't you worry."
She groaned and sighed at his every touch and after they joined and satisfied each other freely she rolled over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for tonight."
He grinned. "It was my pleasure, my sweet. Now tell me, how have you been feeling?"
She shrugged a bit and snuggled into his embrace. "I've been alright I suppose. The morning sickness has been getting worse. I'm six weeks along. Soon someone will know."
He nodded. "Ah, but when they do we shall have obtained the perfect revenge, shall we not?"
"Do you really think we can pass the baby off as his? She won't believe me, you know. She'll think I'm lying, and she'll think that it's a joke or some cruel game."
"Even after you are swollen with child?" He asked. He ran his hand over her flat stomach and then lower until she squirmed against him. "This baby is mine, love, but the plan will go well. Do you doubt me?"
"NEVER!" She exclaimed. "I need you. Father would never take care of me if he found out about us. I need you so much."
He grinned and began to trail kisses down her neck. "Good. Don't forget that now, my sweet."
She shook her head. "I won't, I promise."
"Good." He took her hand and placed it on his chest. "Take me in your mouth."
She nodded as her hands began to stroke over his smooth skin. "It will be my pleasure, lover."
The man grinned a cold smile as her head bent down to plant kisses along his chest. "He will pay for it, my sweet, and when you tell him that you're pregnant with his child all hell will break lose." He patted her bum playfully. "I'm just sorry that I won't be there to see the explosion."
Her eyes met his in the moonlight and she grinned. "I'll make it up to you."
He grinned. "Good." Then he groaned as she continued to nibble at his skin. It would all be worth the wait.
Ginny glared up at Harry when he came down the stairs with his travel bag slung over his shoulder.
"What took you so long?"
He laughed. "I started talking to Dean. Sorry I'm late."
She grinned and stood on her toes to kiss him. "It's alright. But let's go! I've got so much to do! I can't believe Fred and Angelina planned all this at the last minute! How come I wasn't informed?"
Harry shrugged. He didn't know what to say. They had received an invitation to Fred and Angelina's wedding only the day before and Ginny had been panicking ever since. She was determined to get to the Burrow and give them a piece of her mind. "I don't know, love. Listen Gin, it's not like we didn't know they were getting married."
Ginny glared at him. "As if that's a reason to not tell me that they had picked a date! I'm his only sister, you know! He could have at least told me!"
Harry sighed as he followed her into McGonagall's office to floo to the Burrow. Ron and Hermione were already there.
Ginny had been in one odd mood lately. One minute she was all over him with kisses and promises, and the next she was snapping at him. He wondered if the workload was beginning to get to her. He had hoped that the wedding invitation would cheer her up but instead her temper had flared again. One minute she was hot and the next she was cold. He just didn't understand what was going on. They were constantly getting in little arguments over nothing and half the time he didn't even know what was going on.
He had mentioned it to Hermione and she had shrugged it off saying not to worry but he was worried. He and Ginny hardly argued. That was more the territory of Ron and Hermione. He just didn't know what to do anymore.
Harry shook the thoughts from his head and tried to hide the smirk on his face as Ginny smacked Fred in the arm.
"Ow! Gin!" Fred yelped.
"Frederick Gideon Weasley, how dare you not tell me that you had set a wedding date?" Ginny exclaimed
"Fred!" Angelina replied. "Didn't you write to Ginny weeks ago and tell her?"
Fred blushed. "I er, might have forgotten."
Angelina slapped his arm too. "Prat." She pulled Ginny into her arms, making her look like a child as Angelina stood tall at 5'10. "How are you?"
Ginny smiled. "I'm good. I'm so happy for you two!"
Harry left them alone and headed upstairs to throw his stuff in Ron's room. Ron and Hermione were snogging on his bed. He tossed his stuff by the door and then closed the door behind him to give his friends some privacy. He sighed as she stood by the door. He did not want to go back downstairs.
"Hey Harry, I didn't even know you guys were here yet," Bill replied as he stepped out of the bedroom across the hall.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, we just got here. How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?"
Harry shrugged. "Could be better."
Bill chuckled and gestured for Harry to come into his bedroom. "Firefly still blowing hot and cold air your way?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"She wrote to me a while back and told me she was mad at you for reasons even she didn't understand."
Harry sighed. "Well, that's not fair, I don't think I did anything wrong." He dragged his fingers through his hair in frustration. "She's just been really snappy lately. I think maybe the workload is getting to her a bit. It's not just me she's angry with. I was kind of hoping the wedding might make her happier until I found out Fred never told her they had set a date. Ginny's down there right now, giving him the third degree."
Bill laughed. "She's so much like Mum, sometimes it's scary. Listen Harry, Gin is pretty easy-going like Mum too. You just need to help her relax, try to keep her mind off of everything and make her forget all of her surroundings. She probably just needs some comfort."
"Are you suggesting I make love to her?" Harry asked.
Bill nodded. "Yeah, I suppose I am. Seventh year is stressful and well … if you hurt her, I'll kill you … but she needs you, Harry, in ways I do understand. I need Fleur the same way. Ginny gets snappy and her moods bounce off the charts when she's frustrated or stressed or angry. She's usually pretty good at hiding them, but she must be pretty upset if she's snapping at everyone."
"Yeah, I guess so. Thanks."
Bill grinned. "No problem. Let's head downstairs and see if the coast is clear."
Harry laughed. "Good plan."
The wedding was fairly small, only a few friends and family. Fred and Angelina stood by the pond as the sun sank down over the water and they said their vows. When the minister told them they could kiss Fred scooped Angelina up into his arms and dipped her until she smacked him in the head with her bouquet. Harry could only grin. They were going to make a good couple.
He watched them share their first dance, gazing into each other's eyes. They were so happy and so perfect for each other because they knew just how to keep the other one in line. His eyes moved to where Ginny was dancing with her father and he sighed.
He hadn't really had a chance to talk to her. She seemed happier now but he was unsure. Maybe Bill was right and she was just stressing out a bit. There was a lot going on at once and it made sense that she would be frustrated and stressed and angry. He waited for the song to end before he stood up and headed over towards them. He grinned and tapped Arthur on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?"
Arthur smiled. "I suppose I can give her up." He leaned down and kissed Ginny's forehead. "You look beautiful, sweetheart." He squeezed her hand lightly and then headed off in the opposite direction.
Harry took Ginny's hand in his and led her into the dance. "You really do look incredible." Angelina had her stand in the wedding and she wore a bright yellow halter dress that left her back bare and was above the knee.
"Thank you."
He pulled her closer and nibbled on her fingers. "Are you mad at me?"
Ginny sighed and snuggled into his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. "No, I just … I don't know. I think I'm stressing a bit."
Harry smiled and kissed her cheek. "I love you and you know that if you need anything I'm here."
She grinned and breathed in the scent of Harry. "I know. I've been horrible lately and I know it. I'm surprised you haven't jinxed me."
He laughed. "I've thought about it. Honey, I know there's a lot going on right now, but we can work through it. I know you're working on homework and going over sixth year notes when you can to better prepare yourself. You've had to put up with me and my moods over all sorts of things lately. Then there's the whole Lavender thing. I know that you're worried about her and everything that's been going on. You're training physically and still working a bit on your own magic. I get it, Gin."
Ginny nodded. "I know you do, but I still … I don't know what I need, Harry, but I can't take it much longer. It's just so much at once and I feel like I'm going to explode inside."
Harry grinned and nibbled gently at her lips. "I know what you need." He took her hand in his and led her away from the wedding party. They headed into the house and into her bedroom, locking the door behind them. Harry placed a silencing charm around the room and he pulled her into his arms. "It's been ages since I last held you. Blaise and Daphne's wedding was so very long ago. It's almost Halloween, Gin."
She smiled as he untied the knot that held her dress together. "Too long," she murmured.
This was what she needed and she realized that he was right she was just holding too much in. She needed to let it out, to let it go and to make it work. The dress pooled at her feet and his hands went to her hair, pulling out the pins so that it cascaded down her back in wavy curls. His eyes roamed down her body and she heated from the gaze. He was always what she needed.
His lips met hers softly as he carried her to the bed. Neither one of them spoke; they just touched and tasted silently, stroking each other over to that place of pleasure. When her magic bubbled, Harry's met hers; when she cried his name, Harry met her every need; when she pulled him closer, he pleasured her.
Afterwards, he lay over her, his breathing heavy as her hands roamed over his back.
"I love you, Harry."
He grinned and nibbled at her collarbone. "I love you too."
She grinned and stretched under him, rolling him over so that she could climb over him. "I feel better now too."
He grunted in response.
She laughed and began to nibble at his ears and his neck. "Mmm, much better. I want to feel better again, okay?"
He grunted again.
Her hands slid down his chest and her lips followed. She planted tiny kisses around his naval and his hands fisted in her hair, pulling her towards him. She laughed and kissed him. "More."
Harry moaned against her mouth, his hands in her hair as they kissed. She had him all worked up again only moments after he had been sated. When her lips left his and began to trail down his body again he gasped and let her continue for a moment before he flipped her over and crushed his lips to hers.
"I'll give you more," he growled.
She laughed. "Good." Then she was silenced by the pleasure of his mouth and hands.
When they stepped into their hotel room later on that evening, Fred grinned at her. "Well, Mrs. Weasley, I never thought I would get you alone!"
Angelina grinned at him. "I can't believe we got married."
"I can't believe your father didn't shoot me."
She laughed. "Fred, Dad loves you he's just traditional. I told you, he's American and he still believes in that mindset that white men should not marry black women."
Fred made a growling sound in his throat as he yanked her up against him. "Who the hell cares about skin colour?" He nibbled at her neck. "You're so beautiful."
She tilted her head back in pleasure. "Hmm, thank you." When his hand moved to unzip her dress she pushed him away. "Not so fast, mister."
"Why?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "We've never slowed down before."
Angelina laughed. "Give me five minutes to get ready."
Fred watched her saunter off into the bathroom and he grinned. He had never been happier.
Wormtail stared ahead, quivering from where he stood in the doorway. Voldemort was seated in front of the fire, his hand twirling between his fingertips. "My-my-my lord?"
"Do you have good news, Wormtail? Otherwise I'm not in the mood for you to waste my time."
"S-s-s-some my lord. AHHHH!" He shrieked as the pain from the Cruciatus Curse ripped through him and he collapsed in the doorway.
Voldemort lifted the curse and listened to the sound of his heavy breathing for a moment. "Come inside, Wormtail, and close the door."
Peter climbed to his feet and closed the door behind him before he stepped further into the room.
"Tell me the bad news first."
Peter nodded, gulping slightly. "Yes my lord. The-the-the bad news is that young Mira still has nothing new to give us. Bella has been-been working with her, trying to-to-to be nice to get her to t-t-talk but it's not working."
Voldemort nodded. "I am already aware of that, Wormtail, so you will not be punished."
"T-t-thank you, my lord."
"And the good news, Wormtail?" Voldemort asked, his voice bored.
Peter nodded. "All is ready."
Voldemort grinned maliciously now, turning to face his follower. "You're positive? Nothing can possibly go wrong?"
"No, my lord. It is all in place. Hogsmeade weekend we will succeed in gaining the knowledge we seek on Harry Potter." Peter explained. "The plan is set."
Voldemort grinned, staring off into the flames. "Good. I need to know what I'm up against, Wormtail, and if this plan fails, I'll feed you to Nagini."
Wormtail gulped, backing slowly out of the way as he bowed. "Y-yes, my lord."
When the door closed behind him Voldemort grinned. At last Harry Potter, I shall win this battle. He cackled softly to himself and leaned down to stroke Nagini's head with his long bony fingers. He required knowledge on Harry, and this plan was going to get it for him.
