Ginny slept late, then spent far too long looking for her phone. She only found it in her car when she was about to depart, half an hour after she had hoped to leave. By now the phone battery was flat, so she used the car charger and set off for the now familiar route to London. As it charged, it pinged, letting her know she had messages. She was confident she knew who they were from.

Just her luck she got caught behind a semi trailer that she found hard to pass, then roadworks held up her even more. Traffic seemed heavier than usual, with a lot of people travelling to London on this fine September Saturday.

Ginny finally pulled up at Grimmauld Place, feeling fortunate to secure a park not too far from Harry's front door, and mindful that the wedding cars would need room. After checking her appearance in the small rear view mirror, she got out and locked the car.

One of Harry's neighbours stopped her to ask what time to expect the bride and bridesmaids outside, and Ginny promised to find out and let her know.

She hurried inside, greeting James and Lily who were talking in the kitchen with an excited Mrs Dobby. " Hey, you're finally here," greeted James.

"Do you know where Harry is?" she asked, eager to see him.

"Upstairs. The photographer is up there too, doing family shots. They just finished with us. We should be ready to go in half hour or so," said Lily. She shot a look at James, who was getting fidgety. " You were like this at our wedding and Rose's wedding," she teased. " You need to find something to occupy your time."

"If they don't need you for any more photos, would you mind going to see Harry's neighbour and letting her know they'll be leaving in about half an hour? She mentioned wanting to see the girls as they left," asked Ginny.

James chuckled. "Good old Minerva, she's lived next door even when Sirius was alive. She's known the girls all their lives, even babysat them a time or two when they were little," he explained. Glad of something to do, he left Lily and Ginny together.

Lily lay a hand on Ginny's arm. " Thank you, Ginny, he can get up to mischief when he's bored. Now dear, is everything all right with you? We missed you at dinner last night. Harry said there was some sort of situation with your family?" she asked in concern.

"Everything is fine now, thank you, Lily. Sorry I missed dinner, I – " She glanced up when she heard Harry muttering upstairs.

"He's been in a right mood all morning," confided Lily. "I don't think he slept well. Probably nervous about today."

"I might just duck upstairs, let him know I'm here," offered Ginny.

"Yes dear, go on, I'm sure seeing you will you calm him down. I'll keep a watch out for the cars, they really should have been here already," said Lily, gesturing her away. " Would you like to ride to the church with James, Rose and I?"

Ginny nodded her thanks and raced upstairs, anxious to see Harry. She knew Sammi was using her old bedroom and sure enough, she could see Rose standing outside looking in. Rose looked relieved to see her, and hugged her. Ginny told Rose how pretty she looked, then queried after Harry.

As she joined Rose, Daisy came out. Ginny assured Daisy she looked lovely and very grown up. Rose and Daisy went downstairs, after Rose confirmed that Harry was inside having photos with Samantha and Amanda. Ginny nodded and waited.

The door opened and the photographer came out, followed by Harry, whose attention was on his tie. Her breath hitched when she saw how handsome he looked in his dark suit. She stepped in front of him, lightly slapping his hands away as she began to fix his tie. She started by undoing it completely.

He looked up, startled at first, then smiled. " You're here," he said, relieved, his hands resting on her hips. He frowned. "Is everything all right?" When she nodded, he continued. "I left so many messages, rang – "

"I'm so sorry, I left my phone in my car and the battery went flat, I had to charge it all the way up here," she apologised, cutting him off. She wouldn't, couldn't meet his eyes; her entire focus was his tie.

" I was so worried about you, I knew there was something wrong. I nearly drove down to yours, but I had the girls stay here last night. You should've stayed too," he said adamantly.

Ginny took a breath and nodded. " I know. I'm sorry." She kept her gaze on his tie as she finished the job perfectly. " I probably shouldn't drive home again tonight. I wonder if I could stay tonight...with you?" She gulped and stared at his chest, patting down the tie and running her hands down his jacket. The need to touch him was palpable.

His hands stilled hers. "Ginny?" She couldn't help but look up at him. His eyes bore into hers, searching for the answer to his unasked question. "I could probably find a spot for you...somewhere." His eyes teased but also looked hopeful.

The truth settled over both of them. "I've been a bit thick, haven't I?" she asked softly.

His hands pulled her closer, resting together on the small of her back. " Yeah, kind of," he teased. She pushed him gently in the chest. He laughed and rubbed it. "Maybe I was giving out the wrong signals. It's been a long time since I've had to use the Potter charm."

" You should have said something," she replied, ignoring his quip. " Apparently every one knew except me. Even my sons thought...well..." Her voice trailed off, hesitant to actually voice it.

The door burst open and Hailey came out. Ginny tried to step away but Harry held her close. " Dad, did you -oh hi, Ginny. Dad, good, you fixed your tie – so much better. Sammi's just about ready," she told him.

"I should go," said Ginny, trying to step away again. Hailey stepped back into Samantha's bedroom.

Again, Harry wouldn't let her go. "Did you mean it? You'll stay...tonight?" His voice was low but urgent.

She knew what he was really asking and she nodded, happy to see the way his eyes lit up. " Yes...now go, your daughters need you," she said.

He didn't move, instead, reaching up to brush some hair behind her ear. " You look beautiful. Did you do something new to your hair?"

She nodded again, happy he'd noticed. " And you look so very handsome. How is Sammi doing?"

"Nervous, as you'd expect," he revealed, " although not as nervous as me."

"You'll be fine," she assured him.

"Harry, the cars are here," called Rose from down below. "Ginny, please, I really need to talk to you."

He swallowed. " Right...I guess I should let the girls know."

They simply stared at each other for several seconds, grinning foolishly. Finally Ginny simply said, " Good luck. I'll see you at the church, I'm getting a ride with your parents."

He squeezed her hand and let her go, watching her as she went downstairs to join his mother, sister and niece. With a joyous heart, Harry returned to his daughter's bedroom as he prepared for the most important task a father could do.

/*/*/*/*

The wedding went off beautifully. Ginny wished she could recall details about it, but when asked later, all she could remember was the heartfelt way Harry said "On behalf of her mother and I, I do," when asked who gave this woman to this man.

Ginny was sure there were tears in his eyes throughout most of the ceremony, and especially when Sammi and Daniel were pronounced husband and wife. Ginny sat in the row behind Harry, Lily and James, Rose and Rose's date, Adam, the headmaster! Rose and Adam – how, when, where? Rose looked at her apologetically but Ginny shook her head to indicate there was no need for apologies. Rose looked grateful, Adam looked sheepish every time their eyes met, but as the wedding party prepared to walk back down the aisle, Harry grabbed her to accompany him.

He kept her close at his side while he accepted congratulations, even while they had more photos taken outside the church. He sat between her and Rose in Neville's car as they drove to the reception venue, his hand interlocked with hers, resting on her knee.

Rose had rushed her to the ladies bathroom as soon as they arrived at the reception venue. "God, I'm so sorry to spring this on you like this. I kept meaning to ring you, but I've been so busy." With Adam, was unsaid.

"Rose, it's fine. Adam is a nice man who agreed to accompany me to the movies one night, that's all," she said. "It was never even anything, serious or otherwise."

Rose nodded. "That's what he said. Besides, you and my brother looked pretty close at the wedding," she hinted.

Ginny smiled but said nothing. Rose grinned knowingly and hugged her. "I knew it, the first time we met. It was fate that made you meet up again that day, you know." Laughing happily, she left Ginny to return to the reception, and Adam's side. Ginny followed her, her eyes immediately seeking Harry's. As if sensing her, he came to her side, nuzzling her ear, then taking her to the family table.

Everything had gone according to plan. The meals were delicious, the speeches were short and all the guests seemed to be having a great time. Harry had danced with his daughter before leading her to her husband to take over. After the wedding party had danced the second dance and everyone was invited to join in, Harry asked Ginny to dance.

It was heavenly being in his arms and knowing it was where she was supposed to be. No more hiding, no more wondering what that touch meant, or if something would be misinterpreted. He held her close, swaying gently, and happily she rested her face against his chest.

James interrupted them to swap partners, and Ginny found herself swept away from Harry and Lily. She and James talked about the wedding but she could sense there was something else. She shot James a questioning look.

"We think it's great, you and Harry. Lily wanted me to let you know," he explained.

"Thank you," said Ginny, because she knew how close Harry was to his parents.

"You were a bit slow, though," mentioned James.

Ginny spluttered, looking at him in disbelief. " He told you?" she asked.

James shrugged. " I've got eyes, and I know my son."

"We only met up again in May, that's what, four months. I was getting to know your son," she emphasised.

"Potter men don't muck around, not when it comes to love," explained James.

"Let's just see how we go," said Ginny calmly, while inwardly her heart was thumping at the thought that Harry might be in love with her.

" You'll be fine. Let's swap back, Harry's been beckoning me over the last minute, now he's shooting daggers at me," he said, smiling sweetly and waving at his son.

All felt right the minute she was back in Harry's arms. " Okay?" he asked quietly, his lips brushing her forehead. " My dad didn't say anything, did he?"

Ginny smiled, even though Harry couldn't see it. "Your dad was fine. I'm fine. Starting to wind down a bit now, to tell the truth," she said.

He said nothing, then said softly. " We should be able to leave soon." Sammi and Mark were already making the rounds, farewelling their guests.

"Good," she affirmed, wrapping her arms around him tighter.

/*/*/*/*

They caught a taxi back to Grimmauld Place. Harry's arm was around her, offering her warmth and comfort. She closed her eyes, completely content.

"Hey, we're here," he murmured softly in her ear, and she roused enough to get out of the car and thank the driver.

Harry kept his arm around her waist as they walked up to his house. Neither spoke but were fully aware of the expectations when they walked inside.

He opened the door, then Ginny waited while Harry locked up. He came over to her, somewhat nervously. "Ginny...it's been a big day. If you're tired, we can simply go to sleep."

She smiled a soft womanly smile before standing on tiptoes to kiss him ever so gently on his lips. Their first real kiss. Stepping back and turning her back to him, she flipped her hair over one shoulder and looked back at him. " Undo me, won't you?"

She felt his body heat as he stepped as close as he could, and slowly, slowly eased her zipper down. He pulled the dress off her shoulders and she closed her eyes when she felt his lips on the back of her neck. " Harry," she breathed.

He was breathing heavily and his eyes burned green when she turned back to face him. She arched an eyebrow, her own eyes blazing for him. " Now, you said you had a bed for me tonight?"

He grinned a sexy grin. " Right this way."

Taking her hand he lead her up the stairs to his bedroom.

~00~

She woke reasonably early, feeling remarkably sprite given the busy day yesterday and the delicious activities she and Harry had indulged in till the early hours. Even now she was cocooned in his arms, his naked body wrapped around hers.

Their night of passion had been all she could have dreamed of. She had felt a slight uncertainty once they arrived in his bedroom. For a moment she wondered about him and Sarah, sleeping in there, not having given it a thought when she had cared for him when he had the flu. He seemed to sense her concern, because he whispered, "The whole room was redecorated shortly after..." He didn't need to elaborate.

She had kissed him then, trying to unbutton his shirt and pants. He was trying to kiss her and lift the dress over her head, whilst she was trying to wriggle out of it. Eventually they laughed and separated briefly to undress down to their basics, before falling together onto the bed.

How wonderful it was to be touched; kissed. Ginny hadn't realised just how much she missed the intimacy and love making. Fleetingly came the unbidden thought that this was so much more than with Cedric, but she quickly brushed that thought aside. There was no room in the bed for ghosts that night.

Harry was a wonderful lover, so giving and caring and most appreciative. He exclaimed with delight of all the freckles over her body, and delighted in finding many more the further he explored her body. It was the early hours when they finally both agreed they finally needed sleep more than anything else right then. After all, they now had tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that.

She really didn't want to move but the need to pee only increased the more she tried not to think about it. Slowly she eased out his arms and out of bed. She grabbed Harry's shirt and shrugged it on and and finally found her knickers near the door, where he had flung them.

She made her way down the hall to the loo, then the bathroom, washing her hands and finger combing her hair to some semblance of normalcy. She grabbed the toothpaste, squeezing some on her finger and running it over her teeth. Satisfied that she was as good as she was going to get for now, she exited the bathroom, prepared to return to Harry's bedroom.

What she wasn't prepared for was to run straight into Mrs Dobby. " Oh," she gasped, clutching Harry's shirt tighter across her chest.

Mrs Dobby beamed. " Lovely morning, isn't it, Miss Ginny. I wonder how the newly-weds are feeling this morning. Wasn't it a wonderful wedding?"

Ginny felt her face flush. " Yes, yes it was. I didn't think you'd be in today, Mrs Dobby," she said.

"Oh, I just popped round to wash those dishes from yesterday afternoon, then I thought I'd just see if Samantha's room needs a tidy up. Can I get you anything, dear?" she asked pleasantly.

"No, no, thank you. I think I'll just..." She looked uncomfortable, not sure of the older woman's reaction if she said ' return to Harry's bed', so she simply gestured to one of the many doors.

"Oh, don't mind me, I'll be out of here in half an hour or so. Unless you'd like me to stay and make you breakfast? Are you hungry, dear?" offered Mrs Dobby.

"No, that is, it was such a late night that I think we'd, er, I'd, just like a lie in this morning," said Ginny, her face going redder each moment.

"Very well, dear. Oh, and please remind Mr Harry that I won't be back now till Thursday. Unless of course he needs me. Then I'm just a phone call away," said the woman cheerfully.

"I'll be sure to tell him...when I see him," Ginny quickly added.

Mrs Dobby looked confused. "Oh, but I thought...never mind, none of my business, is it?"

Ginny smiled uncomfortably. "I'll, er, just be going," she said.

"Yes dear, off you go. You won't hear a peep out of me, won't even know I'm here," beamed Mrs Dobby.

Ginny escaped to Harry's bedroom, shutting the door and leaning against it, breathing heavily. Harry was stirring, not happy to wake alone. He looked up in alarm, thinking she was leaving. " Hey, what's going on?" he asked, sitting up.

Ginny thought he looked adorable, with his sleepy expression and tousled hair. She went to the end of the bed and, letting his shirt fall open, she began to crawl towards Harry up the bed. " You have a very dedicated housekeeper," she said.

Harry wasn't paying any attention to what she was saying, now wide awake and interested in her actions. It was only as she settled on his lap, his hands on her hips, that he finally registered what she said. " What? Mrs Dobby is here?" He pulled his shirt open and off her shoulders, his lips meeting her skin.

"Probably for another half an hour, although she won't be back till Thursday." Ginny pulled off his shirt and tossed it to the floor.

Harry pulled her close, his lips busy with her neck, her chest and lower. "Then we have plenty of time, don't we," he murmured.

She arched against him, running her hands through his already messy hair. " Yes, we do," she agreed.

~00~

Next time they woke it was after lunch, and food was definitely on their minds. After showering together, they decided to walk to the pub up the road for a quick meal. This reminded Ginny she needed a change of clothes and she asked Harry to go to her car and grab the overnight bag she had stored in there.

"That sure of me, were you," he quipped, delighted to see her blush.

Harry watched with great interest as she dressed. Just simple jeans and a light jumper, as the weather was cool. She wasn't one to fuss and primp, but he still thought she looked beautiful. Her natural beauty shone through as she wound her newly cut hair into a messy bun atop her head.

They ordered simple food. Bangers and chips for her, and schnitzel and chips for him. She had a coke and he had a beer. They didn't have long to wait for their meals, as they had missed the lunch rush and were early for the dinner crowd.

Ginny threaded her arm through his as they walked back to Grimmauld Place. His neighbour, Minerva, came out to enquire about the wedding, and it was perfectly natural as the three of them discussed the details of the ceremony and the reception. Ginny even showed her some photos on her phone. Thanking them, Minerva bid them good-day, just as James and Lily drove up.

Lily hugged them both. " We didn't want to come over too early," explained Lily, as they returned to the house.

" Yeah, we're sure you needed a lie in," teased James, wincing as Lily nudged him. "What, it was a big day yesterday, that's all I meant, Lil," he whined.

Lily rolled her eyes as she turned back to Harry and Ginny. " Anyway dears, we just wanted to say goodbye, we're heading home to Godric's Hollow. We've already said goodbye to Rose and Daisy." They had stayed the night at their daughter's home, not far away.

"And that Adam fellow," added James. He was a bit protective of Rose, especially when it came to men. He had seen his daughter through a divorce, seen what it had done to her, and he wouldn't let it happen again.

"All right, Mum, Dad. Call or text me when you get home," ordered Harry. Ginny smiled at his protective tone, quite familiar with it by now.

"We will, dear. And you'll still come down in November, for Sirius?" asked Lily to Harry, unsure.

"Of course, Mum, don't I always?" chuckled Harry. November 2nd was Sirius' birthday, and they always had a family dinner together after visiting the cemetery, to remember their dear friend and his godfather.

"Yes, well, things have changed now, haven't they?" asked Lily, looking between her son and Ginny.

Ginny flushed. " I would never come between Harry and his family," she said sincerely. " Besides, I have plans to be away in November."

"Oh my dear, I'm sorry if I offended you. I just meant that Harry should take you into consideration now before making plans. And if you're free, we'd love you to join us," pleaded Lily, flushing herself.

"Lily, there's still plenty of time between now and November," said James, chuckling. " Next you'll be asking where they'll be spending Christmas."

"Mum, I'll let you know about November soon," said Harry, placing his arm around Ginny.

"That's fine, son. We'll talk soon," nodded James, moving to hug Ginny. Lily hugged Harry, then they swapped.

"I'm sorry, dear, I didn't mean to sound like a nagging mother," whispered Lily.

"It's okay," assured Ginny, whispering back. " I meant what I said, though." Lily squeezed her.

"Come on, Lil, time to hit the road," insisted James. " Take care of each other, Harry, Ginny."

" We will, Dad," smiled Harry, stepping back to put his arm around Ginny again.

They watched Lily and James drive off, then went inside. Ginny stepped back as Harry shut the door. He backed Ginny against it, kissing her till she was breathless.

"Will you stay till Tuesday?" he asked. She had mentioned at the pub that she didn't have to work again till Wednesday.

Ginny let him nibble on her neck. " Yes. Yes, I'll stay," she said. Her fingers toyed with the buttons on his shirt, before drifting lower.

He gasped to feel her hands on his skin. "Upstairs, now," he growled.

Giggling like a teenager, Ginny pulled away from him and ran upstairs. He gave her a five second head start, then raced after her.

/*/*/*/*

The next two days was like being in a bubble, just the two of them. Lazy hours spent in bed, or curled up together on the sofa, watching some mindless cooking show. They nicked to the local market then came home and cooked together; nothing fancy.

Reluctantly they had to part Tuesday afternoon.

"Yes, I'll call you when I get home," she promised, holding up her fully charged phone.

"I wish you could have stayed for the week," he said grumpily. He had the rest of the week off work, although he could do some work from home on his computer.

"Me too, but this is life as a relief teacher," she shrugged.

"We'll make plans for the weekend," he vowed and nodding, she drove away.

She rang him, as promised, and they talked till nearly midnight Thursday night, although their talks now turned steamy, leaving them both wanting more. It was only as she went to school Friday morning that she realised, despite all the talking, they hadn't actually made plans for the weekend.

She sent him a text on her lunch break, but by the time she had finished school and was about to leave, there was still no reply.

She drove home, singing along to the radio. She pulled in, grabbed her bag and went inside.

Seeing her mail on the table, she gathered Steven had been by, as he was prone to do. She kicked off her shoes, poured herself a glass of wine as she began opening her mail.

Her phone rang as she was going over her electricity bill. She picked it up absent-mindedly without checking caller ID. " Hello?"

"Ginny?"

She threw the bill on the table, sitting up tall. She checked the time. 4.30pm. " Harry, hi? How are you?"

"I'm good. I miss you, though," he replied.

"I miss you, too. Can we get together this weekend?" she asked.

"God, I hope so. Please tell me you live at number 17, not 71," he said.

"What? Yes, I'm 17, why would you – wait." She went to the door and threw it open. Harry stood on the other side, the phone at his ear.

"Do you know you and the owner of number 71 have the same car?" he asked, still talking to her on the phone.

Ginny lurched herself at him, throwing her arms around him and kissing him stupid. "You're here," she declared.

"Yeah. I hope it's okay," he said.

Ginny laughed, grabbed his hand and dragged him inside, kicking the door shut behind her.