Merlin, why had he said an hour? He'd arrived home, told his house elf to prepare some lunch, then paced nervously the next fifty five minutes. He knew what happened in the next hour or so would determine if there was any kind of future for him and Ginny together.
He already loved Cassie and was ready to be her father. Deep down he knew he had never stopped loving Ginny. His reckless behaviour after Ron left, his numerous one night stands were his coping method, for he was tired of being alone. His relationship with Susan had been a mistake, not through any fault of hers. She was a nice girl and they'd had some good times. But Ginny had filled his heart, and Susan hadn't even come close to touching it.
Was he wrong not to feel anger towards Ron and Ginny for not letting him know about Cassie? A small part of him was angry, yet what was the point of playing the should-have, could-have game? There was no point looking back, they had today and hopefully, a tomorrow to look forward to.
He continued to pace. Should they talk outside, or in the main lounge? Merlin, what would she think of his home? Would she think he was being ostentatious? It was a large home, too large for one. But it was his family home and he liked it, no, loved it here. He nervously hoped she would too.
He heard a sound and turned to see she had arrived. She looked around in confusion. "Harry, where are we?"
He longed to take her in his arms, but he just managed to hold himself back. "Welcome to Stinchcombe Castle, Ginny," he announced proudly. "My family home."
"Your family home?" she asked, looking around in interest, then back at him.
He nodded.
POP. "Master, would you's be wanting lunch now?"
"Dobby? But...how?" Ginny looked at him in wonder.
"Miss Ginny? Is that being you?" the elf asked, hobbling towards her.
Ginny knelt down close to him. "Dobby, I thought...Ron told me...I can't believe you're here!" She looked up at Harry for answers.
"When we arrived at Shell Cottage, Bill and Fleur tended to him, took him to be treated," explained Harry.
"No-one thought Dobby would be surviving...but Dobby showed them!" the little elf said proudly.
"Dobby, I never got the chance to thank you...everything you did for us at Hogwarts...we never would have made it without you," she said, carefully hugging him.
At Harry's surprised look she explained. "Dobby brought us food and drink and medical supplies, and even let us know where some of the others were being held for detentions. You saved lives, Dobby," she said, turning back to the elf.
Dobby beamed. "Dobby was happy to be helping Harry Potter's Miss Wheezy," he said.
Ginny's smile left her face. "Well, it's good to see you again, Dobby."
"Dobby will be bringing lunch in the main dining room now, Master Harry Potter?" asked Dobby.
"Er, no, the sun room will be fine, thanks Dobby," said Harry.
"Harry, this is beautiful," she said, following him to the sun room. "It was your grandparents home?" she asked.
He nodded, immensely happy that she liked it. "Yeah. My parents were going to move in here when...if they had another child," he said softly.
She turned to face him, her face comforting, not looking at him with pity, like Hermione had done when he'd told her. "They'd be happy to know you're living here now – Merlin, is that an inside swimming pool?" she gasped.
He chuckled. "Yes, it is. Come on, the sun room is right next door." He took her hand, the familiar sparks running up his arm. He wondered if she felt it too.
"Tell me about Dobby?" she asked, after he had seated her.
"I feel so bad about him. I had assumed he'd died, I mean, he had a knife sticking out of him, for Merlin's sake! I had no idea there was a hospital for injured elves. I should have checked on him after the battle, but I had other things to worry about," he said, giving her a sidelong look.
"Me," she guessed, and he nodded. "I'm sorry."
He covered her hand with his and squeezed. "After lunch," he told her gently, and she nodded.
Dobby appeared with a delicious chicken salad for lunch, with fresh bread rolls. A light fruity white wine accompanied their lunch, as Harry told her about the house.
She stood and went to the large windows, looking out over the expansive grounds, picturesque with colourful plants. "It's stunning," she said. Turning, she was surprised to see him standing so close behind her. "Tell me about your grandparents," she encouraged. "Are there any portraits?"
He nodded. "None that talk, though," he said regretfully, as he led her to the hallway and in the main lounge. There was an early wedding portrait of his grandparents, then a later family one, with a young James Potter standing proudly next to his father, to the side of his seated mother. There was even one of an eleven year old James, in his Hogwarts robes.
"Oh, Harry," she said, looking up at him. "They look so happy."
He nodded. "Do you know, I'm nearly older than my dad ever was. Both him and mum were twenty one when they died. Too young," he said, almost to himself.
She was at his side in an instant. Her presence was enough to bring him comfort.
She looked around the room, at all the familial touches that were still there from his grandparent's time. "It really has a family atmosphere in here, doesn't it. Makes you forget how grand the whole place is," she said, looking around.
It made him feel ridiculously happy that she felt it too. "I think that's why I moved here, even though I'm alone."
She nodded. "You can feel it, it's part of you," she agreed.
He decided not to mention that she seemed perfectly at home here too. "Would you like to see upstairs?"
She nodded eagerly, and they went up the large staircase. "There's a whole wing up that way," he pointed.
"Didn't Sirius live here for awhile, too?" she asked.
He nodded. "My grandparents took him in when his parents kicked him out. He became like another son to them," he said.
"Like you are to my parents," she said.
"Yeah," he said. He opened a set of double doors. "This is where I've been sleeping."
She walked in to a grand master suite. A small lounge area led into a grand bedroom, where a huge king size bed dominated the room. It was decorated in creams, reds and golds, with dark furniture. An énsuite was off from the bedroom on one side, and a huge walk in wardrobe on the other.
"Wow, it's impressive," said Ginny, startled at the size. "But so nice," she said, walking in and looking around. She looked out the window. "Oh, you have a wonderful view of the grounds here."
He simply watched her; with her colouring, it was as if the room had been designed around her. He dare not think of how many nights he had dreamed of her in here.
She turned to face him, and he wondered if his feelings were all over his face. She flushed. "Shall we go back downstairs, start talking?"
He nodded, realising it was probably better. He followed her out.
Dobby had set up tea and cakes in the informal lounge. They sat on the couch, nervously facing each other.
"How shall we do this?" asked Ginny. "You've already seen my memories of the night of the battle."
He nodded. "Why don't we stick to a time line. The last time we saw each other was...?"
"Bill and Fleur's wedding. The Death Eaters arrived and I was fighting them. When I turned around, you had left, the three of you. Remus told me you got away safely," she said.
He nodded, and went to explain how they had landed in Muggle London, thanks to Hermione's quick thinking. How they had fought two Death Eaters in a café, before finding sanctuary at Grimmauld Place. Finding the unknown RAB, and how he came to be a part of the Horcruxes. The plan to break into the Ministry.
Ginny told of the journey to Hogwarts, and Death Eaters halting the train to look for him. The knowledge that Snape was headmaster, and the presence of the two Carrows led to Neville, Luna and herself to reforming the DA. How they tried to get the Sword of Gryffindor for him and the beginning of the horrifying detentions.
Harry told of their break in at the Ministry, and gaining the locket Horcrux. Their despair as each wore the locket that they couldn't destroy. The argument with Ron, and the events at Godric's Hollow. Finding themselves in the Forest of Dean.
Ginny told of the Death Eaters tyranny at Hogwarts. Of Luna's capture from the Hogwarts Express. Of a joyless Christmas, worrying about absent family and friends.
Harry told her of the silver doe, Ron's return and gaining the Sword of Gryffindor to finally destroy the Horcrux. Of the suggestion they go visit Mr Lovegood, to find out what they could of the Deathly Hallows.
She told of returning to Hogwarts, where detentions had become forms of torture. Although she didn't elaborate, he knew she had suffered terribly. Neville had filled him in, as best he could without betraying anything he felt was a confidence.
Harry spoke haltingly of their capture by the Snatchers, and being taken to Malfoy Manor. Of the sickening feeling as they listened to Hermione being tortured. Of finding Luna and Mr Ollivander, of facing Bellatrix and then Dobby bravely saving them all, taking them to sanctuary at Shell Cottage.
She explained how her parents forbade her from returning to school after the Easter break. He explained their plan to break into Gringotts, where they were sure a Horcrux was hidden in the Lestrange vaults.
She told of being holed up at Aunt Muriels with the twins, of visits with a pregnant Tonks and a worried Remus. Of some of the conversations they had all shared and precious memories of the couple she had stored in vials to give to Cassie when she was older. Memories of their hopes and plans for their child.
He told of breaking into Gringotts, finding the Horcrux and escaping on the back of a dragon. How they'd arrived in Hogsmeade, finding shelter with Abe Dumbledore, quickly realising he was the one who had helped them before. He was the one who had sent Dobby to Malfoy Manor. He was the one who had sent them through the portrait with Neville.
They stopped talking, and just looked at each other. They were at a standstill. He knew what had happened to her next. He didn't think he could explain all that had happened to him that terrible night.
"Ginny," he said, taking her hand. She was shaking slightly, so he quickly withdrew his hold.
"Please...I want to know," she said softly.
He held his wand to his head and withdrew the memory, the full memory. He had given Kingsley a slightly abbreviated one, but she deserved to see it all.
He opened a cupboard and slid out his Pensieve. He placed the memory inside it, then looked at her. "I couldn't possibly begin to explain everything, but I want you to see," he said.
They simply stared at each other for several seconds, then she stood and walked over to him. "Are you coming?" she asked uncertainly..
He gulped. Living through it once was bad enough. "Never mind," she said, and before he could tell her he would, she dived in.
She found herself in the Room of Requirement, seeing her Hogwarts friends surround the trio. The discussion about the diadem. Harry leaving with Luna, while Ron and Hermione headed off to the Chamber of Secrets.
She watched as Harry spoke to the Grey Lady, dicovering the whereabouts of the diadem. As he headed back to the Room of Requirement, he came across her mother.
"Harry, thank goodness," exclaimed Molly, hugging him. She let him go, looking over his shoulder. "Ronald and Hermione?" she asked hopefully.
He nodded. "They're here."
She cupped his cheek, looking deep into his eyes.
He dared to ask. "Ginny? Please tell me she isn't here."
Molly shook her head. "I sent her to Andromeda Tonks', she's been keeping company with Nymphadora. I don't doubt, however, that she will try and make her way here."
His heart sank at the thought. Of course Ginny would try and find a way to come to Hogwarts. He hugged Molly suddenly, the closest thing he had ever known as a mother. "Keep her safe. If she comes, keep her safe," he whispered desperately.
Molly chuckled sadly. "We both know Ginny."
He pulled away from her; he had things he had to do. However, she grabbed his hands, stilling him. "I know about the two of you," she said, letting him know with just a look that she approved.
Harry gulped. "Being with her was the happiest I can ever remember being. If...if I don't make it, will you tell her that."
Molly swallowed her tears and nodded. "She feels the same for you," she offered. He nodded, and the memory went black.
Ginny closed her eyes, then re-opened them as a new memory surfaced. It was Harry and Snape, in the boathouse. There she learned the truth about the man who had been her professor, about his history with Lily Evans and the fact that Harry himself was a Horcrux and had to die, by Voldemort's own hand.
"No," she whispered, horrified. "Not Harry?"
She saw him walk into the Great Hall, saw the dead and injured. She saw Ron weeping over Fred's body, and she saw Remus. He never even knew he was the father of a daughter.
She watched as Harry learned the painful truth in Dumbledore's office, then made the decision to go to the forest. Heartbroken, she walked alongside him.
He stopped, so she did too. He took a Snitch out of his pocket, pressing it to his lips. "I am about to die," he whispered, then closed his eyes. In amazement, she saw the figures of his parents, Sirius and Remus appear. Together, they all shuffled with Harry as he prepared to face Voldemort.
She saw the green light head for him, then strangely, she saw her own eyes blazing. She saw him fall, she even cried out. Then she was surrounded by the brightest white light she had ever seen.
She heard his conversation with Dumbledore and saw him reappear in the forest. She saw Narcissa Malfoy lie for him; for Draco. She watched as he played dead, as Hagrid carried him back to the castle. She heard Macgonagall cry out, then the others.
The battle recommenced. Wandfire, yelling; it was hard to focus. She saw her mother battling Bellatrix, then Harry whipping off his cloak, declaring it had to be between him and Voldemort. Until finally, it was the two of them, their wands locked. Harry explaining wandlore to his enemy. How he, Harry, was the true owner of the Elder Wand.
And then Voldemort was no more.
The last thing she saw was Harry being surrounded by Ron, Hermione and everyone else. Then she left the memory.
Harry caught her as she fell to the ground, shaking as she sobbed. He had tears in his own eyes as he held her close, listening to her.
"I-I returned the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb, then I went to Gryffindor tower. When I didn't see you, I felt so relieved that you hadn't been there. I told myself I would come find you the next day. If only I had come sooner..."
She shook her head, still unable to speak. Too overcome with emotion about what she had just seen.
"I'm so sorry, Gin, for what you've been through. I wanted to come with Ron that time, when he found you. I should have been with you and Cassie all this time," he said sadly.
She half turned to face him. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Cassie before." She gulped. "Oh Harry, you brave, brave man," she whispered, cupping his cheek, just as Molly had done that terrible night.
"You were my last thought," he confided brokenly. "If I had one regret about dying, it was leaving you behind. The thought of coming back, the possibility of a second chance with you -"
He was cut off as she kissed him. It was a clumsy kiss, not even fully on the lips. They quickly adjusted, as he pulled her properly onto his lap and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Their lips hungrily sought each other for it had been way too long. His tongue urged her lips apart, and their tongues tangled. Her fingers ran through his hair and her scent enveloped him.
Neither heard the Floo flare up, or her brother calling out a loud "Hello?"
Rather, it was his, "Bloody hell!" that forced them apart, as they stared dazedly up at Ron and Daphne, who had followed him.
"Oh, am I interrupting?" Ron grinned smugly.
"Just like old times," quipped Ginny, as Harry dropped his head onto her shoulder, groaning.
"Mum wants everyone at the Burrow for dinner. Bill and Fleur are bringing Cassie," Ron told them. "Daph's coming too."
"Has something happened?" asked Ginny, disentangling herself from Harry and standing. He stood too.
Ron shrugged, picking up the plate of cakes and offering it to Daphne. She shook her head, rolling her eyes as he helped himself to two.
"Mum just wants an update, that's all," he said, before shoving a cake in his mouth.
"An update on what?" asked Harry.
Ron swallowed. "Oh, you know. Anything new going on. I'm sure the two of you can think of something to tell her." He winked at them both before eating the other cake.
Harry gulped. Ginny patted his arm in sympathy, knowing Ron was simply winding Harry up.
"You are really annoying, you know that," said Daphne, knowing Ron was enjoying their discomfort.
"That's why you love me, princess," he quipped, as he headed back to the fireplace. He took a quick look around. "Nice digs, Potter." He threw the Floo powder down and called out, "The Burrow."
"Annoying," sniffed Daphne. She looked at Harry. "Remember the days when our office was quiet and controlled, well, apart from the paperwork?" She sighed. "I miss those days." Shen then Flooed to the Burrow.
"Sounds boring," said Ginny, wrinkling her nose.
"Boring in the Auror office is a good day," he reminded her.
"Oh, yeah, you're right," she realised. She grabbed his arm. "Listen, don't let what Ron said rattle you. We don't have to say anything to the family. What happened is just between us, yeah?"
He nodded. "Yeah," he said, almost in relief. He wasn't ready to face questions from curious brothers. What had happened was amazing and brilliant, but too special to share with anyone else yet, well before they had even defined it themselves.
"Goodbye, Dobby," called Ginny, and the little elf popped back.
"It is good to be seeing you, Miss Wheezy. Dobby hopes to be seeing you again," he said.
"You will," said Harry, before Ginny could say anything. He ushered her to the fireplace. "I'll be at the Burrow for dinner. I'll be home in a couple of hours."
"Yes, Master Harry," said Dobby, as the couple left.
Dobby smiled. He had a feeling this big house would soon have new residents, and he, Dobby, would be part of a real family.