Chapter 8

Free Time

Harry slowly awoke from where he slept in Ron's room, grateful that today, there wouldn't be any more funerals to attend. It had been three days since Fred's funeral and yet only one since he had buried someone close to him. This time it had been at the funeral of Colin Creevey, and only the day before that, it had been Remus and Nymphadora Lupin.

Their funeral had been a small, secluded ceremony with but a few guests. Nearly everyone in attendance had been a close family member or someone from the Order. Harry had even seen Dedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones. They had been the pair responsible for keeping the Dursleys hidden, tucked safely away from Voldemort and his forces.

Dedalus had told Harry how the Dursleys were kept safe, and that they had been returned to their home if he wanted to visit them. Harry had said that he'd have to think about it, but that he doubted the Dursleys would want to see him, especially now.

If Dedalus had been able to hear his thoughts, he would have realised that Harry felt the same way. He definitely did not want to see his relatives, especially if he could avoid it. Harry did thank both Daedalus and Hestia for everything they did for them though, since he doubted the Dursleys had done so.

Harry stopped thinking about his ungrateful relatives. He was just reaching for his glasses when Ginny came into the room.

"Oh good, you're up," she said, sitting down at the foot of his camp bed. "Good morning, Harry."

He sat up, and smiled at her while putting on his glasses, "Good morning."

"You better get dressed," she told him. "Mum's making breakfast."

"Mm, breakfast," Ron muttered in his sleep.

She and Harry stared in his direction. They exchanged knowing grins as they chuckled to themselves. "Yes Ron, breakfast," Ginny called out to her brother. "It's almost ready, and George and Charlie are awake so you better wake up too before it's all gone."

Ron opened one eye to study her, "You're lying."

She shrugged, "Maybe, but are you willing to risk it?"

Ron looked at her. Then he put his face into his pillow and groaned. He got up and stretched, grumbling a bit as he did so. He quickly collected his clothes and exited the room, making absolutely sure he was able to grab the shower before anyone else could.

Ginny laughed, "Hah, he's so easy. George and Charlie are still passed out in their beds," she said, turning back to Harry. He hadn't laughed, which was a bit surprising. It appeared that he was lost in his own thoughts. "Hey, what are you thinking about?"

He stared at her, "Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking about the funerals the past few days."

Ginny nodded in understanding, not needing to say anything. They stared at each other in relative silence for a few moments before she asked, "How are you feeling?"

Harry sighed, "I'm alright I guess. Though, I still feel awkward, you know, about Lupin and Tonks. I mean, they're both gone, and yet I'm still here. I'm the one who gets to see their son grow up," he said. "It just seems so unfair."

Ginny took a seat closer to him, "You can't look at it that way Harry. I agree, it's extremely unfair that they won't be there to see Teddy grow up, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve to see it either."

"Okay, but do I deserve it more than Andromeda. I mean, she's actually raised a baby before. Why didn't they just make her Teddy's Godparent? She would be the obvious choice. Why did they involve me?" he asked.

Ginny shrugged. "I can't answer that Harry, but they chose you for a reason."

"What reason could that be?" he asked her in disbelief.

"Well, it's definitely not because you were the most experienced, or the most prepared, or as you said, the most deserving."

Harry stared at her, "I thought you were trying to make me feel better?" he asked.

Ginny grinned at him, "Let me finish, Harry."

He was about to say something, but then thought better of it. "Yes mam."

Ginny eyed him for a moment, "Don't call me that."

"Sorry."

"As I was saying," she continued, "They chose you for reason. I think it might have been because they thought you would be able to relate to Teddy in a way that nobody else can. I'm sure they were smart enough to know Andromeda would end up taking care of him anyway, but they wanted you there for him as well. They wanted to be certain that you would be there to help him navigate through the loss of his parents."

Harry contemplated her words, "That makes sense I guess."

"Of course it makes sense Harry, you've been there before, you had experience it firsthand. I know they didn't plan on dying, but they knew what they were doing when they picked you," she told him. "I'm sorry, and it really sucks, but face it, you know exactly what Teddy's going to go through."

"I don't know about exactly, I don't think I'll be as bad at raising him as the Dursleys," he joked.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean Harry. Besides, he's not going to have the childhood you were subjected to. He's going to have people around him who love him and will care for him, like you."

Harry gave her a smug look, "You know I was just messing with you."

"Of course I knew," she said. "Git."

Harry smiled at her, "Do you always know just what to say?"

She smiled back, "Yup, at least when it comes to you."

Harry grinned, "Thanks."

"No problem. By the way," she said with a smirk, "I thought you looked really cute while you were holding him yesterday, especially when he changed his hair from brown to red."

Harry laughed, "Yeah, I had forgotten that he could do that. I didn't notice him do it when we first saw him, but then again we spent a lot more time with him yesterday."

"True," said Ginny. They stared at each other for a moment before she stood up. "Okay, you better get up now. I'll see you downstairs then?" she asked.

"Yeah. Can you save me a plate."

"Don't worry, I will." She leaned down and kissed him. "You do really have nothing to worry about Harry. Things will be all right. Besides, you know everyone will help you out with everything."

Harry nodded as she turned and left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He thought about the days before and some of the other, less depressing memories that had taken place.

Harry thought about how amazing Ginny had been while they had watched Teddy. How she had held him, played with him, and had even help feed him. Unfortunately, when he had offered to help Andromeda with Teddy, he had received changing duty. That was definitely not something he had been looking forward to. While Andromeda coached him, he had carefully, meticulously changed the boy's nappy. Ginny had been there as well, though it had been more to watch in amusement than actually help.

He smiled at the thought of Ginny laughing at him as he had maneuvered Teddy's little legs, trying to slip the clean nappy on him without getting sprayed in the process. Somehow, he had been able to change Teddy without making a huge mess. Hermione had been so proud. He kept thinking these pleasant thoughts until, for some reason, he closed his eyes again, and drifted off to sleep.

"Um, Harry."

Harry blinked and fixed his glasses, "Oh, uh, hi Ginny. Wait, what happened?"

Ginny just stared at him, a small smirk on her face, "You fell back asleep is what happened."

Harry put his face in his hands, and sighed, "I'm sorry."

"Its fine Harry, everyone thought it was quite funny actually," she said offhandedly. "Mum said to just leave you."

"So that means I missed breakfast," he groaned. Harry gave her a sheepish look, "You're not angry, are you?"

Ginny gave him a look of sympathy, "Oh Harry, of course not," she said to him. "Why would I be angry?"

Harry let out a small breath in relief. "I don't know."

"And you didn't completely miss breakfast, actually."

"What?"

She smiled at him, "Now what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't save you some food. She pulled out a tray from behind her back, with a plate full of bacon, eggs, sausage, mushrooms, and toast, all piled on top of it. "I bet you're hungry."

Harry looked at her in disbelief. "You are amazing Ginny. Thank you, I'm starving."

Ginny chuckled and placed the tray on his lap, stealing a piece of his toast. "I know. Guess it's a good thing I love you so much."

Harry grinned at her as he began to eat.

"So what did you want to do today?" asked Ginny.

Harry shrugged, "I don't know. Did George say he needed help today?"

"Nope, he hired back Verity so he said he had the help he needed."

"That's good. Maybe we can go visit the shop then, see how things are going?" he offered.

"Sounds good."

Harry swallowed his juice. "I figure we should probably visit Gringotts while we're out as well. Kingsley said he smoothed things over so I don't think there should be any problems."

"Okay, it will just be you and me though. Ron and Hermione left to go to the Ministry with Dad, in order to finalise the Portkey to Australia," she told him.

Harry nodded, "You and me then, left completely alone for a whole day. Should be fun."

Ginny smiled again as she finished his toast. "Alright then, I'll wait for you to get ready." She kissed him before getting up.

Harry watched her go. She was at the door when she stopped and turned to him. She noticed his staring and smirked. "Harry."

He blushed, knowing he'd been caught, "Um, yeah."

She gave him a wink, "Don't take too long this time."

Harry chuckled, "I won't," he said, quickly finishing the last of his bacon. After showering and getting dressed, he went downstairs to find Ginny talking with Charlie and Mrs. Weasley.

Charlie noticed him from where he sat at the table. "Oh look, he's finally gracing us with his presence," he quipped.

Harry looked sheepishly at Mrs. Weasley. "I'm sorry."

"Come now Harry, there's no need to be sorry," she said.

"I'm sorry for being sorry then," he said.

She gave him a warm smile, "It's alright Harry dear. Everyone's been a bit tired lately, it's understandable. Besides, you still ate something didn't you?"

"Yes, thank you. It was excellent by the way," he said.

Mrs. Weasley beamed at him as she took back the tray, "You're welcome Harry." She put it in the sink and began to wash the dishes.

Harry sat down next to Charlie, who gave him a dirty look, "What's up with you, Charlie?"

Charlie grinned, "That was well played. You got lucky this time."

"What are you talking about?" questioned Harry, looking confused.

"Uh huh, sure you don't." He coughed, "Kiss-ass."

"What was that, Charlie?" his Mum asked.

"I didn't say anything, Mum," Charlie said, trying to sound innocent.

His Mum stared at him knowingly, but then turned back to the dishes. Harry and Ginny gave Charlie identical smug looks.

He made a face at them. "So Harry, I hear you and Ginny are going out today. Where are you off to?"

"Oh, uh, we'll probably just be in Diagon Alley," Harry said. "I need to visit my vault at Gringotts and we wanted to visit George's shop as well."

"That sounds nice," said Mrs. Weasley.

"You know, if you're going to the bank, I could go with you two," Charlie offered. "You know, just in case you need to make another harrowing escape?"

Harry laughed, "Thanks Charlie, but I don't think that will be necessary. I'm hoping this visit will have fewer dragons in it."

Charlie shrugged, "Your call."

Harry glanced at Ginny, "You ready?"

"Yeah, let's go."

"Okay, bye Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, giving her a reverse hug and a kiss on the cheek. She smiled at him.

"Bye Mum," said Ginny, walking over to her. "We'll be home in time for supper."

Mrs. Weasley nodded. She stared at her daughter, "Please be careful," she said, not for the first time.

Ginny hugged her Mum tightly, knowing that this wasn't easy for her. Her baby had finally gone and grown up. Now she was being allowed to go off with her boyfriend, alone, for the whole day. "We will Mum, don't worry," she stated, trying to put her fears at ease.

Harry and Ginny then walked to the fireplace, and left through the Floo, heading toward the Leaky Cauldron.

Charlie noticed his Mum sigh and he came forward to give her a hug as well. "Hey Mum, c'mon, they're only going to Diagon Alley is all. They'll be fine."

Mrs. Weasley sighed, "I know. I just worry about them so much."

"Don't Mum," said Charlie, trying to calm her. "Ginny's strong, she can handle herself. And Harry, well he's Harry."

She chuckled, "Yes, yes he is."

"It'll be alright, they won't get themselves into any trouble. Ginny knows that if she wants more outings with Harry, than this has to go smoothly," he said.

"I guess you're right," said Mrs. Weasley. Though, out of habit, she did take a glance at the old family clock, just to be sure that Ginny's hand was pointed toward 'Traveling,' and not 'Mortal Peril.'

Harry and Ginny stepped through the Floo and into the Leaky Cauldron. There were not many people there, though it was still way before lunch time. They walked through the bar and Harry waved to Tom, who smiled at them as they passed. Harry held the back door open for Ginny who went through and tapped the bricks on the wall with her wand, opening the entrance to Diagon Alley.

The pair then proceeded down the alley, which was full of dozens of witches and wizards who seemed as happy as they were to be out and about. They passed all of the regular shops, noticing that a few were being reopened.

"Oh look Harry. They're reopening Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour," said Ginny.

Harry turned to look at the place. "Yeah, I guess his family wants to keep it running after his death," he said sadly.

"That's nice, though it must be hard on them."

Harry looked at her, "Yeah it is. He was a great man and he loved running that shop." He stared at the shop once more. "I know. Why don't we stop by for some ice cream later?"

Ginny nodded in agreement. They continued to trudge further down the alley, through the winding rows of shops, until they finally reached their destination.

Gringotts looked the same as ever, Harry thought. Its walls still appeared quite solid and the marble ceiling in the entrance hall looked as good as new. You'd never even guess that only a few days ago it had nearly been destroyed by three teenagers and a dragon.

After telling Ginny to go in ahead of him, Harry hesitated at the front steps. The Uniformed Goblin standing at the entrance stared him up and down. Harry then remembered the small, but very helpful, piece of advice Bill had given to him. He bowed to the Goblin as a sign of respect, quite an uncommon gesture coming from a wizard. The Goblin looked a bit surprised at first but then he bowed as well. After he'd stood up again, the Goblin stepped to the right, allowing Harry to step inside the bank. Harry joined Ginny inside, and the two of them walked straight to the front counter where the Head Goblin was sitting.

"Hello, my name is Harry Potter." He again bowed to the Goblin. He gestured to Ginny, and she did so as well. "I would like to make a withdrawal."

The Goblin examined them both from where he sat. As he continued to stare down at them, he flexed his very long fingers, showing off the sharpness of his nails. Finally, after some time he leaned forward towards Harry, looking down upon him with dark, piercing eyes. "Mr. Potter, before we proceed I must ask you one thing."

Harry gulped in anticipation.

"Do you have your key?" the Head Goblin asked.

Harry was completely caught off guard, "Oh, my key," he said. He had definitely not been expecting that reply. "I've uh, got it right here," he said, pulling it out.

"Very well," said the Head Goblin, sitting back again. He gestured to his right, and two more Gringotts Goblins appeared. "Please escort Mr. Potter to his vault."

Harry took Ginny's hand immediately, and moved to follow the two Goblins. They didn't seem to object, and the four of them made their way to the carts. One of the Goblins whistled for the cart, which came quickly, rattling down the tracks before stopping in front of them. Ginny got in first, then Harry, with one Goblin in front and one in back. Harry wondered if there were two Goblins in the cart now because they had just added more security, or if this was some special treatment reserved only for him.

They sped off, picking up speed. Harry couldn't help but think about the last time he'd visited Gringotts only days before, and how different things had been. He glanced over at Ginny. She was grinning happily, and seemed to really be enjoying the harrowing ride as they delved deeper into the earth's depths. Suddenly, they took a hairpin turn and Ginny spotted a waterfall, right in their path, washing over the tracks. She braced herself and held onto Harry as they passed through. Once through, she realised they weren't even wet.

"What was that?" she asked.

"The Thiefs Downfall," said the Goblin behind them. He looked at Harry, "Can't be too careful."

Harry nodded. He whispered to Ginny, "They were testing me."

She smiled, "Guess you passed."

"Guess so."

They made several more sharp turns and soon enough, found themselves at Harry's vault. The Goblin behind them got out of the cart and Harry got out behind him. Harry gave the Goblin his key and he unlocked the door, causing green smoke to be emitted from inside the vault.

"Take all the time you need Mr. Potter. As always, we shall wait outside."

Harry bowed to him, "Thank you." He turned back to Ginny, who was still waiting in the cart. "Aren't you coming?"

She stared at him in surprise, "You usually don't like people seeing inside your vault."

"True, but that was before," he said, extending his hand. "Come Ginny, I want you to see."

Ginny saw the hopeful look in his eye and it made her heart melt. Harry had always been embarrassed about the amount of gold he owned. Now he was allowing her to see into that part of his life, one that no one else had ever seen before. It was a big step, and one that she had not been expecting. "Okay Harry, if you're certain."

"I am," he affirmed. He helped her get out of the cart and together they walked around the open vault door, and into the vault itself.

Ginny had always known that Harry had gold, but until now, she had never known how much. There were mounds upon mounds of gold, silver, and bronze all piled on top of each other, filling up the massive vault almost to the brim. All she could say was, "Wow."

Harry chuckled, "Yeah, that's what I first thought when I saw it too. It's a bit overwhelming isn't it?"

"Uh, yeah," she said, "Just a bit."

"There used to be a lot less," he pointed out, "Though that was before Sirius left me everything. Then once I turned seventeen, I received the full inheritance from my parents," said Harry, looking around. "They must have just put it all into this one vault."

"It's amazing," said Ginny.

"What, the gold? Yeah I guess so."

"No Harry, the fact that you can be so indifferent about it. The fact that having all of this hasn't changed you in the least, that's what's amazing," she told him. Harry smiled at her, and couldn't think of anything to say in reply. He sat down on a small pile of gold, causing some of it to tumble down.

He continued to sit there, looking thoughtful, and Ginny sat down next to him. "Do you think that if I hadn't lived with the Dursleys for all those years, that I would be different? That having all of this," he gestured to the vault, "Would have changed me somehow, had I not been made to suffer for it first?"

Ginny was surprised by his serious tone. She tried to think of something smart to say. She wished Hermione were here. "Honestly Harry, I don't know. Though, in my opinion, I don't think it would have mattered. You were born this way Harry, and had you never met your Aunt and Uncle, having all of this gold wouldn't matter, because you would still be the wonderful man you turned out to be."

"Really? You believe that?"

"Of course I do Harry," she said. "Besides, your family had all of this gold for centuries and they didn't turn out like the Blacks or the Malfoys, so why would you?"

"You've got a point there," Harry noted. He turned to her, giving her a small smile, "Thanks Ginny."

"Anytime," she said, smiling back at him.

He wrapped his arm around her as she leaned into him. "You know I love you, right."

"I do, but I'll never get tired of hearing it."

Harry kissed the side of her head. "Okay, let's get up, this is kind of uncomfortable."

"Yes it is," Ginny agreed as they both stood up. "I think a few galleons went down my knickers."

Harry wagged his eyebrows, "Shall I check just to make sure."

Ginny laughed, "No," she said shooting him down. He pouted, making her laugh more, "Alright, maybe later."

Harry's face seemed to cheer up. He looked down at where they had been sitting. "Hey, what's this?"

"I don't know Harry, this is your vault."

Harry rolled his eyes, "Whatever, just help me dig it out." They both began digging, moving heaps of gold away from whatever it was they had been sitting on. Finally, once they had dug it out enough to see what it was, they realised it was a chest.

"It's a chest," said Harry.

"Yes Harry, I can see that." She grinned at the face he made at her. "So, did you want to open it?"

Harry looked at her, "Well yeah, we just dug it out." He examined it closely, and carefully unlatched the hook. "Well, here goes." He opened the chest. The dust in the air momentarily blocked them from seeing its contents. Once the dust had cleared, Harry and Ginny peered inside. Their gaze fell upon the dozens of beautiful pieces of jewelry that lay within, along with a handful of scrolls. Harry dusted off a scroll and unfurled it.

The ink was very faded, but Harry could still make out the writing. "It looks like a deed, to a house," he said.

"This one too," said Ginny. "It looks like there are loads of them."

Harry put down the scroll and began looking at the different pieces of jewelry. There were all kinds of various treasures, but none seemed to stick out to him. Then, he looked near the back of the chest, where several necklaces were hanging on small hooks. Harry's eyes came upon a very delicate looking necklace. He carefully lifted it out to examine it in front of his eyes. "Hey Ginny, look at this," he said, giving it to her.

"It's beautiful," she said. "I wonder who it belonged to."

Harry shrugged. "Don't know." Ginny made to give it back but Harry wouldn't take it. "Aren't you going to put it on?"

Ginny smirked at him. She had been longing to try it on since he had pulled it out. She undid the clasp and put it around her neck. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful as always," said Harry. "The necklace looks nice too I guess."

Ginny laughed. She began to take it off but Harry stopped her hand.

"You should have it," he said.

Ginny blinked at him, "What?"

"You should have it," he repeated.

She stared at him, "No. . . I couldn't. Here, take it back."

He put her hands behind her back and grinned at her, "I can't, I just gave it to you."

She chuckled a bit. "Harry, it's too nice, I don't deserve it."

"Of course you do Ginny. You just said it's beautiful, well so are you." He kissed her. "Please Ginny, I want you to have it."

Ginny sighed, knowing she couldn't say no to him. 'Curse his flattery at a time like this,' she thought. She stared at the necklace again, not the wisest choice if she had ever planned on giving it back.

The necklace was made of pure gold. The golden chain led down to a gold pendant, which was surrounded by ten intricately crafted diamonds, placed along the edge. Then, right at the centre of the pendant, was a shining green emerald, which was shaped like a heart. She could not even begin to imagine a more perfect piece of jewelry for Harry's Mum. Ginny wondered if it had been meant for her, yet for some reason she had just never received it, and it had remained here in the vault for all these years.

Finally, at long last, she said, "Alright Harry, you win. But I still say this is too much."

Harry's face brightened, "Thank you Ginny."

"I should be thanking you, Harry. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever given me," Ginny said.

"Happy birthday," he said.

She laughed, "Um, Harry, my birthday isn't for another three months."

"This is for last year," said Harry, "I never got you anything for your birthday last year," he pointed out.

Ginny chuckled, "So, is this your way of trying to make up for last year, or your reasoning for giving me something so nice?" she asked.

"Both probably," he replied. Harry then filled up his money bag. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," said Ginny. She examined the necklace once more. "Really Harry, I can't believe you just gave me this. Where am I even going to wear it?"

Harry put his arm around her shoulder as they began to make their way toward the vaults entrance. "Well, there's this really nice ice cream shop that's down the street," Harry began. Ginny smirked at him. "Don't worry Ginny, I'll take you to all kinds of places where you can wear this," he said, clasping the emerald heart in his hand. "I can afford it, as you can see."

Ginny shook her head in laughter, "You're crazy."

Harry smiled, "You're the one who's in love with me, so what does that say about you?"

They both laughed at that. Once they'd reached the opening, the Goblin closed the door behind them and gave Harry back his key. After another exhilarating cart ride back through the maze, Harry and Ginny made their way out of Gringotts, heading for Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. It was getting to be nearly midday, and they were hoping that George would be able to have lunch with them. Once there, they discovered that George had previously made plans with Angelina.

So it was, that Harry and Ginny found themselves sitting together, having a nice quiet meal at a London restaurant.

"This is nice."

"What is?" Ginny asked.

"The two of us, eating together, without the possibility of someone recognising me," Harry said.

"True," she said. "It is nice to be around Muggles for a change. Since for now I basically am one."

Harry sniggered, "Only for three more months."

"So, it might as well be forever. I can't wait to be seventeen. You should know," she pointed out.

"It does have its perks," he agreed.

Ginny smirked, "That's an understatement. You can do anything you want, go anywhere you please, and oh, let's not forget, you get to do magic."

"You know I've only been able to do those things legally for less than a week."

Ginny grinned, "That didn't stop you. You still never passed your apparition tests."

"Hey," said Harry, "Kingsley said we didn't need to."

"Yeah, because he just gave you and Ron your licenses." She laughed, "You should have seen how upset Charlie was. He had to take those tests three times."

"I thought it was twice," Harry noted.

Ginny shook her head, "Nope, three times. Mum and I are the only ones who know. We saw him leave to take the test and when he didn't pass, we just never told anyone."

"Really," Harry said, relishing the chance to use this information the next time Charlie gave him a hard time.

"Really," said Ginny after taking another bite from her sandwich. "Why do you think Kingsley just gave you two those licenses?"

Harry sighed, "He's still hoping we're going to join the Aurors."

"Are you?"

"I still haven't decided," he said.

"Yes you have," said Ginny.

"What?"

"C'mon Harry, we both know you're going to join. Why wouldn't you?" She stared at him. He wouldn't meet her eyes. "Will you look at me?" she asked. He finally did. "Why haven't you joined the Aurors, Harry? We both know it's what you want."

"But I don't know for sure. I. . . I could still go back to Hogwarts," he said. "You'll be there."

Ginny looked at him sadly, "Harry, that's not a good reason. You can't go back to Hogwarts because of me."

He frowned, "Well why not?"

"Because Harry, that's not fair to either of us," she answered. "It's not fair to Ron either. You know he's probably going to do whatever you do, right?"

"But Hermione's thinking about going back too."

"Of course she is Harry, that's where she belongs. She has to finish her N.E.W.T's. That way she can get a job at the Ministry. But you have that chance, Kingsley is offering it to you. You should take it," Ginny said.

Harry put his head down. "I want to Ginny, but. . . what about you?"

Ginny smiled. She reached across the table and took Harry's hand in hers. "Harry, I love you, but you worry too much. I'll be fine."

Harry took a deep breath. "I know you will. I just hate thinking about not being able to be with you every day."

"We'll still be together Harry. We just won't see each other as often. But there will be Quidditch matches and Hogmeade weekends as well," she pointed out. "Plus, I'll come home at Christmas and Easter. It won't be so bad."

"I guess you're right," he admitted.

"Of course I am," Ginny said, trying to lighten the mood.

He smiled, "How can you be so calm about this?"

"I have to be," said Ginny. "I can't let you be the noble one all the time, can I?"

Harry laughed. He got up and sat down next to her, putting his arm around her waist. "So you want me to be an Auror, huh?"

"If that's what you want."

He kissed her temple, "It is," he confirmed.

"Then that's what I want," said Ginny. She finished the last of her crisps and grinned at him. "You know what else I want?"

"What's that?" he asked curiously.

Her eyes flashed, "Ice cream."

He laughed again. "Alright then, let's head back."

Harry paid the bill, using some of the Muggle money he'd exchanged at Gringotts, and after leaving a rather large tip, the two of them made their way back to the entrance to Diagon Alley and Florean Fortescue's newly reopened Ice Cream Parlour. Once they'd helped themselves to some dessert, Harry and Ginny visited some of the other shops, before eventually heading back to the Burrow in time for supper.

"Whoa, Ginny are you okay."

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, shaking herself. "That felt weird."

"That's apparition," said Harry, steadying her. "At least you're not throwing up."

She chuckled, "Yes, that wouldn't be very flattering, would it? I think I'd much rather be on a broom."

"Me too," Harry agreed. They stepped through the front gate and began trekking their way toward the house.

"Smells like Mum's cooking supper," said Ginny, imagining her mother bustling around in the kitchen while her brothers did nothing.

"Seems like all we've done all day is eat," Harry mentioned.

"It only seems that way because you had a late breakfast," Ginny countered.

He groaned, "Great, now I'm gonna get it from all of your brothers aren't I?"

"Yup, and don't forget, Bill and Fleur are coming over as well," said Ginny.

"How could I forget."

They stepped into the house and made their way to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley smiled at them. "Oh good, you're just in time. Supper's almost ready."

"That's good. It looks delicious Mrs. Weasley. Do you still need a hand?" asked Harry.

She stared at him fondly, "I'm fine dear, Fleur was just in here helping me. She only just went to go wash up." Mrs. Weasley turned to her daughter. "Could you call your brothers inside for me Ginny?"

"No problem Mum," said Ginny. She left them and went outside, looking for her brothers. She found them lazing around in chairs, talking amongst each other. Ginny rolled her eyes. She crept up on them, and was about to yell at them for being lazy, and good for nothing, but then she heard her name, as well as Harry's. She instead decided to listen in for a bit.

"So where did you say Harry and Ginny went?" Bill asked.

"They went to Diagon Alley for the day," said Charlie. "You didn't see them George? They said they were going to visit you in your shop."

"I was out to lunch at the time, with Angelina."

Charlie raised his eyebrows. "Lunch, huh? You certain that's all it was?"

"Yes Charlie. We're friends. That's all," said George. "Weren't we talking about Harry and Ginny," he said, steering the conversation away from himself.

"I still can't believe he fell asleep," said Ron, out of nowhere. "That's sounds like something I would do."

"What do mean would do," said Bill. "You've done it loads of times."

Ron frowned as they all laughed at him. "Hey, I never missed breakfast," he said.

"We know Ron. You're prowess for never missing a meal is legendary," George quipped.

Ron blushed scarlet. He turned to Charlie, hoping to move the conversation along. "So Charlie, you never told us what happened this morning."

"Oh yeah," said George, losing interest in embarrassing his brother. "What did Mum do? Did she yell?"

"I hope not," said Ron, feeling sympathy for his best mate. "She didn't yell at him, did she?"

"Tell me there was yelling Charlie," George pleaded.

"Shut up George," said Bill. "Go on Charlie, what happened? Was there yelling?"

Charlie shook his head. "Nope, she never even raised her voice. Ginny brought him breakfast in bed, and when he came downstairs, he just said sorry, and that was it. She smiled and took his plate, no fuss at all."

"So, no yelling?" asked George.

"No yelling," Charlie confirmed. "Though, he did say it was excellent. I guess that helped."

The Weasley brethren all groaned at him.

"Alright guys, it's official," said George. "Harry is Mum's favourite."

Ginny 'd had enough. "No he's not," she said, finally deciding to enter their conversation.

They all turned to her. "What are you talking about Ginny, of course he is."

"No George," said Ginny. She looked at them all, her eyes flashing. "Mum is nicer to Harry because he doesn't sit on his bum while she and Fleur cook your damn meal!" she growled. They all gaped at her in silence, their mouths slightly open. "Compared to him, all of you are lazy idiots," she hissed. "And besides that, I'm her favourite. Harry's just a close second." She turned then, heading back to the house. "By the way, Mum's says to come inside. Supper is almost ready."

They all watched as she went back inside, not noticing the Cheshire grin on her face.

Ron was the first to speak. "Bill, she's not right, right?"

Bill sighed. "Yes Ron, we have been lazy idiots," he said.

Ron looked down in silence. "Um Bill, what about the other thing Ginny said, about her being Mum's favourite, and Harry being second?"

"Mum doesn't play favourites, Ron. She loves us all equally," Bill told him. "Now come on guys. Let's go inside, and make sure you give Mum a big hug and tell her how much we appreciate her."

The Weasley boys all agreed with that statement. They got up and began walking back to the house, each thinking the same thing.

'So who's third?'