A/N: I have only just realised I have been forgetting the disclaimer. So you all know, I do not own this amazing universe or the characters, that honour belongs to the amazing JK Rowling.

The beginning of August brought the start of the trials for all those accused of being a Death Eater or implicated in crimes relating to the war. The Minister had made it clear that trials would be given to all, veritaserum would be used where needs be and that all sentences passed would be fair and made in relation to the crimes committed. It came as no surprise to Harry and the Weasleys when Delores Umbridge was arrested, put on trial and found guilty for her crimes against Muggleborns. She was sentenced to a lengthy term in Azkaban, despite her continuous pleas that she was innocent.

The Wizarding community was, however, shocked to discover that the Malfoys had walked away free after their trials. Thanks to their defection during the final battle, Harry had given a statement in support of both Narcissa and Draco, whereas Lucius had cooperated with the Aurors by providing as much information as he could about the Death Eaters themselves and the many crimes they had committed. However, all had been warned that they would be watched and if any evidence came to light that they were practicing the Dark Arts or consorting with any known Dark Wizard in the future, they would be sent straight to Azkaban.

The trials also meant a reduction in the number of hours that Harry and Ron worked, though while they were not expected to attend the trials as promised, they were still expected to keep up with training. Ginny was delighted with the additional hours that Harry had to spend at The Burrow and both made the most of that time, especially with Ginny's return to Hogwarts fast approaching. It was a couple of days after Harry's birthday that they were given a stark reminder of this when an owl delivered Ginny's last Hogwarts letter to her. However, instead of the mood being dampened, it was lifted by the surprise of Ginny being made both Quidditch Captain and Head Girl. The entire family was proud of her appointment to both roles. Ginny was shocked to receive both, having expected Hermione to receive Head Girl, but a handwritten note from Professor McGonagall stated she thoroughly deserved the honour after everything she did for the school the previous year while resisting the regime of the Carrows. Harry was quick to agree with the note and was incredibly proud of her, giving Ginny what he thought was a well-deserved kiss.

A few days later, when the opportunity presented itself, Harry asked for a private word with both Arthur and Molly. Having settled themselves in the sitting room, Harry threw up some privacy wards, causing confusion for both Arthur and Molly.

"Oh, umm…..sorry. I don't want anyone overhearing this conversation," Harry said as he noted the expressions on their faces.

Arthur and Molly looked at each other thinking they knew what the conversation was about, before looking back at Harry with pure joy on their faces.

"Oh no," Harry quickly said as he spotted the change. "No, I am not looking to ask for Ginny's hand in marriage. I mean I do want to marry her, but we talked about it a couple of months ago and we both agreed we had time, that we wanted to wait for now."

While Molly's face dropped, Arthur was quick to understand.

"We understand Harry. When you are ready, feel free to come and ask us again, but know that you do and will have our permission and blessing to marry our Ginny."

Harry let out the breath he did not realise he was holding and his face broke out in a huge smile.

"Thank you Arthur. That means a lot to me," Harry said shyly. "The reason I wanted to speak you though was about Ginny's birthday."

"Ok, what can we help you with?" Molly asked.

"Firstly, I need your help with hiding one of her presents. I don't want say too much now, but I was hoping I could hide it in your room until the morning of her birthday. I am not planning on picking it up till the day before though."

"Not a problem Harry," Molly responded. "You just tell me when you are going and I will keep Ginny busy."

"Thank you. Secondly, I was planning to give her a piece of jewellery, probably a necklace. I would like your permission to either give her something I found in my vault that I believe belonged to my mum or to buy her a necklace that I spotted the last time I was in Diagon Alley."

"That is very polite of you to ask our permission. We understand that you have more money that most people do. But we also know that you are not one to throw your money around, so it is no problem to us if you spend money on Ginny as we know you will not go too mad," Arthur explained.

"Thank you, thank you so much Arthur."

"Harry, dear," Molly interjected. "May I give you a piece of advice to help with your decision?"

Harry nodded.

"While Ginny was putting that wonderful photo album together, we had a good chat about your relationship. Ginny told me about your visit to Godric's Hollow to see your parents' graves. She told me that while she felt more connected with your family as a result, she still felt sad that she would never meet your parents or that they could and would not be at your wedding. My advice to you would be whatever it is you decide to do, make the necklace something that is personal for you and Ginny, though a piece of family jewellery may just help Ginny connect to your mum that little bit more."

Harry nodded in understanding.

"Thank you for your permission and advice," Harry said as he got up and hugged both Arthur and Molly.

"Anytime Harry," Arthur responded. "If you need any advice or just need someone to talk to, please feel free to be able come to us."

"Good Morning, Birthday Girl," Harry said as he saw Ginny's eyes flutter open as she woke up. He bent down and gave her tender kiss, causing Ginny to break out into a wide and beautiful smile that took his breath away.

"I am finally of age!" Ginny squealed in return. She abruptly sat up, grabbed her wand from her bedside table and held it out towards the wardrobe. She quickly looked at Harry with a mischievous look on her face.

"Accio birthday present!"

Ginny's face dropped when she realised that the spell had not work.

"Did you really think, and bear in mind I know what you Weasleys are like when it comes to presents, that I wouldn't make sure that you would not be able to pull that trick on me?" Harry said as he laughed at her failure to retrieve her present. "If you could just have some patience, I will go and get the first present."

"The first?"

"Yes, the first. You can have your other present from me later with the rest of your presents," Harry explained as he got up and left the room.

A few minutes later, Ginny heard Harry call out from the hall.

"Close your eyes please, Gin!"

Ginny immediately obeyed, just as Harry stuck his head in the room to check that she had heard him. Seeing that she had followed his request, he entered the room and carefully placed her present in her lap.

"You can open your eyes now," Harry said. "Happy Birthday!"

Ginny gasped in surprise as she opened her eyes to see a ginger and black kitten lying in her lap. She quickly scooped the kitten up in her arms and cuddled it.

"Oh Harry, I love your present!" she exclaimed in delight. "I don't think I have ever seen a kitten that is ginger and black."

"That is what drew me to him. He reminded me of this character from a book I read as a child," Harry responded as he sat back on the bed next to Ginny.

"Well he is gorgeous. Does he have a name?"

"He didn't but I hope you don't mind that I named him myself, after the character I was reminded of."

"Well it's only fair as I did name your owl."

"Very true," he said before he chuckled at a thought that popped into his head.

"What are you laughing at?" Ginny asked as her kitten batted her hand with his paw.

"I just wondered whether this will be how we name our kids. You know I name the first, you name the second. Names chosen, no questions asked."

"Oh Merlin, no," Ginny managed to say as she laughed. "Those names we will decide on together."

Ginny shifted herself so she could move into Harry's arms as they both played with the kitten.

"What's his name? You never said."

"Oh, I named him Tigger."

Ginny lifted up the kitten so he was facing her and studied him carefully.

"Tigger? Mmm…..I like it!"

A few hours later, the entire Weasley family was down by their makeshift Quidditch pitch getting ready to play. Ginny had arrived downstairs for breakfast earlier that morning to discover that her brothers, Fleur and Hermione had brought her similar presents to what they had given Harry for his birthday. She had squealed in delight when she unwrapped her very own Firebolt, along with a broom servicing kit and chaser gloves.

"Well, we need the Gryffindor captain to have the very best if you are going to help retain our title," Ron had pointed out as Ginny went round hugging each of her brothers.

It was Bill who took charge before an argument could break out over who would be captain and who would be on which teams.

"As it is Charlie who wishes to challenge Harry to find out just who is the best seeker Gryffindor has ever had, I believe that they should both be captains today," Bill stated before looking over at Ginny. "I know it's your birthday, but is that ok with you?"

Ginny nodded. "No problem. I just want to fly my new broom."

"Ok then, captains get to pick their teams. I suggest you state which position you want each person to play as well. I would suggest picking two chasers and a keeper. No beaters this time. Choose from Ginny, Ron, George, Percy, Myself and Fleur. Dad is going to referee."

Charlie and Harry both nodded before moving in front of everyone. They both looked at each other as to ask who would get to pick first before Charlie gestured for Harry to do so. Harry smirked at Charlie's decision and immediately turned towards Ginny.

"Ginny, Chaser."

Groans immediately rang out among the family.

"Two Firebolts on one team. I feel for whoever plays against them," Ron exclaimed.

"Ron, Keeper," Charlie stated with a chuckle as Ron proceeded to throw him a dirty look. "You asked for that! If anything, you should know enough of Ginny's moves to stop her from scoring!"

Ron cheered up at this and threw a smirk at Ginny. She immediately whispered something in Harry's ear, causing him to grin.

"George, Chaser."

"Fleur, Chaser."

"Bill, Keeper."

"Percy, Chaser."

As Ron predicted, Charlie's team had no chance against a team with two Firebolts. Ginny was no match for Ron, even if he did manage to save only a small number of goals. As for Charlie, he realised he never stood a chance after Harry pulled off a successful Wronski Feint, which sent Charlie crashing into the ground. The game ended after Ginny and George had crushed the others with the huge number of goals they had scored between them and when Harry dived after spotting the snitch near the bottom of one of the goals. Charlie had obviously followed and barely pulled out of the dive in time after spotting Harry zoom away, a cheeky grin on his face and the snitch held tightly in his hand.

"Well, I can see that you really are as good as they say you are," Charlie said as he offered his hand in congratulations.

Harry shook his proffered hand.

"Well, I did have to live up to your name, but then again Oliver Wood was so fanatic about winning the cup that he actually once told me to catch the snitch or die trying. I don't think that match ended up going too well for me!"

A couple of hours later, the guests had begun to arrive at The Burrow. Many people had come to help celebrate Ginny's coming of age, from their many friends at Hogwarts to members of the Order.

"Molly, is there anything I can do to help?" Harry asked as he walked in from the garden to discover Molly still in kitchen sorting out the food.

Molly looked up and smiled at Harry.

"No, I am all good. You just enjoy yourself," she responded. "However, you could go and see what is keeping Ginny. It is not good to have a garden full of guests and not have our birthday girl there."

Harry chuckled at this. "I will just pop up and see how long she is going to be."

Before he ran up the stairs, he quickly popped back to the present table and grabbed his second gift to her, placing it in his pocket.

"Hey Gin," Harry called as he reached their bedroom door. "Are you ready yet? Your mum is starting to wonder what is keeping you."

The door opened a small amount to reveal two brown eyes, red and puffy.

"Gin?" Harry distressed at what he had found, moved forward to comfort Ginny. "What's the matter? Why are you crying?"

Ginny opened the door further, allowing Harry to enter the room and pull her into his arms. He kicked the door shut and manoeuvred her towards their bed. Once they were sat, Harry patiently waited for her tears to ease as he comforted her as best he could.

"I'm sorry," Ginny whispered eventually. "It dawned on me, while I was changing, that Fred would not be here to celebrate my birthday ever again. I couldn't face everyone feeling like this."

"People will understand. It is the first major celebration we have had since the war ended. It is going to be hard for a while. I felt the same way when Sirius died."

Ginny pulled back slightly so she could look up at Harry properly.

"I remember," she replied quietly. "I know it will get easier eventually. I think I better clean myself up and show my face. It is my party after all and I think Fred would want me to be happy and enjoy myself. He always enjoyed a good party."

Ginny stood up and straightened out the green summer dress she was wearing. Just as she went to head to the bathroom, Harry caught her hand in his.

"Before you go, I wanted to give you your other present from me," Harry explained. "I thought you might want to wear it tonight. And with what you are wearing, I think it would look good with it."

He pulled the present from his pocket where he had stowed it and handed it to Ginny. He watched as she carefully unwrapped it and to reveal a velvet box. She looked up at Harry, a question in her eyes.

"I wanted to get you something special and after some good advice from your Mum and Dad, I chose this," Harry said, pointing towards the box. "Open it."

Ginny did as Harry asked and opened the box to discover a beautiful, yet simple gold necklace which held a simple gold heart, with the words "Always have, Always will" engraved on it.

"Harry, it's…" Ginny couldn't find the words, she was speechless.

"It was my mum's," Harry continued to explain as he took the box from her and removed the necklace from it. "I don't know the story behind it, but when I saw I knew it was perfect for you. The words especially, as it was what we said to each other when we told each other we loved one another for the first time."

Ginny turned her back to Harry and moved her hair to the side. Harry carefully placed the necklace around her neck and fastened it, before placing a simple, soft kiss on her neck. Ginny turned back and kissed him as a thank you.

"Thank you," she whispered as she pulled away. "It is beautiful and perfect."

"Just like you then," Harry said before pulling her back towards him and kissing her with every ounce of love he had for her.

Eventually they pulled apart, resting their foreheads together.

"Feel better?" Harry asked, concern shining in his eyes.

Ginny melted at his concern and love for her.

"I do, thank you," she quietly replied. "I love you."

"I love you too. Now get yourself sorted, everyone is waiting for the birthday girl."

They shared one last kiss, before leaving the room to head down to the garden and the party awaiting them.