Chapter 9

Sorry this chapter is kind of short. The next one will be longer, I promise.

"Morning, Ginny! Happy birthday!" Harry kissed her when she came down the stairs. She had to wake up early because Harry had to go to work that day and couldn't take the day off. Harry thought her sleepy eyes and messy hair were adorable.

"Thanks," she said while taking the glass of pumpkin juice her mother handed her.

After a quick breakfast, they sat around the couch as Ginny opened presents. She got a beautiful golden watch from her parents, a necklace from Hermione who was coming for dinner and a party that evening, about half of the joke shop from Ron and George, a miniature model of a Common Welsh Green dragon from Charlie, and a dress from Bill and Fleur. Percy, had given her a cauldron that was too thin. It seemed as if he was becoming much funnier, which had to be a good thing.

One of the last presents Ginny picked up was a small box wrapped in blue paper. She looked inquisitively at Harry before tearing the paper off. Inside was a key, tied with a cream colored ribbon. Ginny's eyes turned immediately, looking at Mrs. Weasley as if to ask permission. Mrs. Weasley nodded and a smile spread across Ginny's face.

"Oh merlin! Harry!" She jumped off the couch and gave him a hug, "When can I see it?" she asked, her brown eyes shining.

"How about tomorrow after work? There's nothing in it right now, no furniture or anything. I'd thought I would ask you your opinion. I know nothing about decorating houses and-"

"I'm sure it'll be perfect."


As soon as he got home from work, Harry was bombarded with people. He could barely take in all the faces: Hermione, Bill, Fleur, Charlie, Percy, Andromeda, Teddy, Hagrid…

"Hello, everyone!" He said, making his way through the crowd so that he could at least hang up his coat.

Hermione ran up and hugged him.

"Hey, Harry! How's it all been? I heard about you flat! I'm so excited for you! How's your job? I heard you're going to Romania? What exactly are you going to be doing there? I heard you're looking for death eaters, but-"

"Blimey, Hermione! Let him breathe!" Ron chucked while sliding his hand into Hermione's.

"C'mon" Harry said, motioning to the door. They headed outside and sat down on the grass. A few seconds later they were joined by Ginny.

"Mum's going crazy in the kitchen," she said with a sigh, "She's making enough food to feed Hogwarts."

"I'm staying over tonight," Hermione said, "I don't know if your mum told you. But I'll be on the cot in you room, just like old times." She told Ginny.

"Cool."

They sat in silence for a while, coming in when Mrs. Weasley called them in for dinner.

Dinner was a three course meal served on the Weasley's dining room table which had been extended to fit everyone. There was a slight mishap involving Hagrid and a chair, but besides that dinner went smoothly. Everyone laughed and talked. The mood in the air was happy and, looking around after dessert, Harry was extremely glad to be a part of it.

Later that night, when they went to sleep, Harry thought he heard whispering from Ginny's room. He hoped that Hermione and Ginny weren't talking about him.