An Unexpected Turn of Events
Chapter Twelve
Ginny was worried. Harry's birthday was only a few days away and she didn't have a present for him, worse yet she didn't have any idea of what to get him.
She wanted to get him something that would help him on his quest to rid the world of Riddle but had no idea what that would be.
She'd found out from Harry about what her father had done in getting Harry stuff for the hunt and she was please and astounded at what he had done. Food and shelter were two major requirements for Harry's ability to remain hidden from detection while out hunting.
Ginny was sitting looking out their bedroom window, watching Harry as he de-gnomed the garden. Harry was having a blast doing it, he really seemed to enjoy it, unlike her brothers who only ever saw it as a tedious chore. Harry had explained to her that after being forced to do all the gardening, housekeeping and other chores at the Dursley's he found doing them here to be fun and rewarding. Here he was loved and accepted and helping around the house was something he wanted to do because he was helping take care of his home, not some place he was required to stay at.
Ginny laughed at Harry's antics tossing the Gnomes, he was having a great time in tossing them by ones and twos, whirling them over his head and slinging them over the garden wall. He'd taken his shirt off due to the heat of the summer afternoon and she loved the way the sweat glistened on his muscles as he worked in the garden.
She smiled at remembering Harry taking her in his arms and holding her so tight, and her running her hands over his bare chest and arms. She''d never been happier in her life and Harry was the reason for it.
There was a soft knock on her door and she called out for the person to come in. It was Hermione who came over and looked out to see what Ginny was staring at out the window.
She smiled at Ginny, "I can see why you're sitting here staring out the window, great view isn't it?"
Ginny smiled back at Hermione, "Yes it is, I could look at this view all day."
Hermione looked puzzled, "Why is Harry doing that and not Ron?"
Ginny glanced at Hermione before looking back out the window, "Harry actually loves to toss the Gnomes and Mum has Ron straightening up the attic and trust me, I'm sure he'd rather be de-gnoming too. The dirt and dust are bad enough but dealing with the ghoul can be a real chore and the smell, yuck!"
Hermione nodded and said, "Yeah and I bet the heat in the attic is pretty stifling this time of year."
Ginny just shrugged and went back to staring out the window at Harry who was wiping the sweat from his brow. Ginny jumped down from sitting in the window seat and headed for the door. "I think Harry could use something to drink about now, see ya."
Hermione followed Ginny down to the kitchen, cool drinks sounded good and she figured Ron could probably use one too. It would also give her an opportunity to talk to him in private.
Hermione filled a pitcher with ice water, grabbed a glass and headed to the attic.
XX
Ginny made some lemonade and grabbed two glasses, she placed them all on a tray along with a plate of biscuits.
Smiling she headed out the door eager to get to Harry. As she rounded the corner of the house she saw a gnome sail impressively over the wall and sail out off sight. "Great height and distance on that one," she called out. "I'm sure if Gnome tossing was an Olympic sport that would have been a gold medal winner for sure."
Harry paused and looked back at Ginny, he broke into a huge grin. "Oh, I'm not sure about that, I'm sure George or Fred could beat that."
Ginny set the tray on the wall, "I don't think so, I've seen them all and I'm sure even Bill or Charlie in their prime couldn't have beaten that toss. Plus the style points, my handsome Gnome tosser, you'd win hands down." Ginny then came over and kissed Harry, twining her arms around his neck, running her tongue over his lips, begging for entrance. Harry willingly granted her access and hugged her close.
Harry and Ginny broke the kiss after a short while. Harry looked at the mess he had made of Ginny's shirt. "Sorry about that," he said sheepishly.
Ginny just smiled at him, "I came and kissed you in case you didn't notice." She turned and poured the lemonade into the glasses. She handed one to Harry and took the other for herself. She then offered the plate of biscuits to Harry who took a couple and started to eat one. He then took a huge drink from his glass, drinking more than half.
Ginny laughed and refilled it, "Someone was thirsty!"
"Hey, Gnome tossing is hard work, especially Olympic calibre," joked Harry.
Ginny laughed with him and sat down against the wall. Harry sat next to her and she laid her head in his lap. Harry finished his glass of lemonade and set it down. He then gently ran his hand through Ginny's hair, laying his head back against the wall, he let his eyes drift closed, relishing the feel of Ginny's silky hair running through his fingers
Ginny groaned after a few minutes and sat up, Harry looked perplexed at Ginny's frown. "What's wrong love?" he asked.
Ginny, looking like a petulant child, "If I remain in the sun much longer I'm gonna burn and I was enjoying laying in your lap."
"And I was enjoying you laying there," Harry said gently. Harry stood up and offered his hand to Ginny. Helping her up he led her to the bench under the large oak tree in the garden. A few Gnomes peeking out from nearby bushes watched them go.
Harry sat down at one end and Ginny lay down with her head in his lap again. "Ah, this is much better," said Ginny. "Nice shade, comfy lap, my true love, what more could a girl want?"
"How about a kiss?" asked Harry.
Ginny smiled and thought for a moment, "Well, that would be pretty nice too."
Harry returned her smile as he leaned down and gave Ginny a tender kiss. "How was that?" he asked.
Ginny smiled dreamily, "Very nice," she said.
Harry resumed running his hand through Ginny's hair. Ginny's eyes drifted shut, the peaceful sounds of nature surrounded her, the birds singing, the buzz of nearby bees gathering nectar from flowers, the breeze through the trees along with Harry's gentle stroking of her hair all combined to make Ginny drowsy.
"This is so nice," she whispered. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
"Me too," Harry whispered back.
And so they sat, two lovers enjoying a pleasant summer afternoon, their cares forgotten for awhile as they reveled in each others company.
XX
Hermione climbed the stairs to the attic somewhat surprised to find Ron actually working when she finally got to the top. The heat was stifling and Ron was drenched in sweat, his hair plastered down and rivulets running down his face, his back was to her as she entered.
"Hey Ron," she called out.
Ron jumped at the sound of her voice. "Blimey Hermione, give a bloke some warning why don't you?"
Hermione laughed and shook her head, "It wasn't like I was trying to sneak up on you." She looked around and was impressed with the amount of work it look liked he's accomplished.
Ron scowled a bit and said tersely, "What do you want? Come to gloat or something?"
The smile slipped off Hermione's face, "No Ronald, I thought you might like a cool drink," she replied as she held up the pitcher of ice water. She put the pitcher and glass down and turned to descend the stairs.
Ron's face fell and his shoulder's slumped, "I'm sorry Hermione, I'm hot tired and irritable. Thanks for bringing me the drinks. I appreciate it a lot."
Hermione halted and turned back to Ron, "Why don't you come down in the hall and cool off for a little bit. You don't want to pass out from dehydration up here."
Ron picked up the glass and pitcher of ice water and followed Hermione down the steps. He sat on them once they got down to the hallway. He poured himself a glass of the cold water and downed it in one long drink. He poured another and finished off half of it before stopping. "Boy, does that really hit the spot," he said.
He ran the icy glass across his forehead, "Ah," he sighed. "That feels good too."
Hermione looked at Ron appraisingly, "I'm a little surprised with the amount of work you accomplished up there," she said nodding her head in the direction of the attic.
Ron shrugged his shoulder's, "Well I thought about what you and my Mum said about growing up and all," he said. "Plus who wants to stay up there any longer than you have to in this heat," he added with a chuckle.
"Still Ron, in the past I don't think you'd have applied yourself as diligently as you have. I'm glad to see the change."
Ron blushed a bit, though it was hard to tell with him being quite flushed from the heat. "Thanks," he said sheepishly.
Ron looked down at the floor, "Hermione," he asked hesitantly. "Do you think Harry will still want me along on the hunt for the Horcruxes?"
Hermione had a look of disbelief on her face. "Ron, you've got to be kidding me right?"
"Why Hermione?" he asked.
"Oh Ron, weren't you listening at all last night? Harry is furious with you. You betrayed him at the most fundamental level, when he could have used your support the most, and you still think he'll just forget all about that? Are you delusional? "
Ron assumed a air of abject dejection. "What can I do to make things right with him Hermione?"
"Ron," she sighed, "I'm not sure you'll ever be able to make things right as you put it. The most you can hope for is he'll become friendly with you again, as for being his mate, let alone his best mate, I doubt that will ever be possible. You betrayed him Ron, betrayed him when he needed you the most. Things like that aren't just forgotten."
"Isn't there anything I can do?" he asked.
"Look Ron, if you're really looking to try, it's going to be a long hard road. In the beginning Harry is probably not going to acknowledge you with anything more than contempt and distrust. You can start by being friendly but not pushy. Say Hi as you pass. Offer to help him if you can. But again be prepared to be rebuked at first. He may only acknowledge you with a frown at first or not acknowledge you at all."
Ron nodded his head and stared at the floor.
"Really Ron, Harry is seriously angry at you. I don't think he really got to demonstrate that to you before being interrupted by the Twins. He didn't come back in till after you were done and believe me, as mad as he was, you got off lucky. Don't be surprised if some of that anger resurfaces and he vents it at you."
Ron finished his glass of ice water. "Thanks for the drink Hermione and the advice on Harry. I'd better finish up, I have probably ten more minutes of work and I'd like to get it over with."
"Your welcome Ron," Hermione said. She took the empty glass and pitcher and descended back down stairs.
Ron watched her go before climbing back up into the furnace that was the attic to finish the job his mother had set for him.
XX
Fred and George were just getting ready to take their lunch break, on these off days during the week they opted to eat together if they could, when Bill and Charlie came through the door.
"Hey guy's," said Charlie, "Think you could join us for lunch?"
Fred smiled at his brother, "Why hello our esteemed Dragon breath brother, we were just about to take our lunch break."
"And we'd love to join you and Bill," said George
"For lunch this,"
"Afternoon."
Charlie and Bill chuckled at the Twins. It never ceased to amaze them how they could finish each others thoughts and sentences.
"And tell you what,"Said George.
"We're feeling so good today,"
"We'll buy."
Bill and Charlie were shocked, not that the Twins weren't generous but they rarely volunteered to buy lunch.
"What brings this boon?" asked Bill with a chuckle.
"Why our reconciliation with our beloved sister and her fiancé," answered Fred.
"Bill and Charlie were stunned. "Fiancé?" they said in unison.
Fred and George broke out in laughter. "Ah Gred, I see our esteemed brothers were not in the know of the change in the dating status of our beloved sister."
"I agree dear Forge, from the stunned looks on their faces they were in the proverbial dark about her current state of betrothal."
"Come on dear brothers, onward to the Leaky Cauldron and we'll raise our glasses in toast to the well being and happiness of the devoted couple," cried George.
Fred and George each took a brother by the elbow and steered them out the door. As they left Fred yelled back over his shoulder, "Verity! Don't let the place burn down while we're out."
They made there way down Diagon Alley towards the Cauldron, Bill and Charlie still gobsmacked by the Twins revelation. "Engaged? Are you sure?" asked Charlie.
"Yes," replied George "And a very beautiful ring he gave her too."
Charlie shook his head, "Well I know she wasn't wearing any ring the night I was there," he said.
They arrived at the Pub and got a table. Fred got the waitresses attention, "Firewhiskeys and butterbeers all around," he said.
They all ordered their sandwiches at the same time. The waitress brought their drinks in short order.
Fred took his Firewhiskey and raised his glass, "To Ginny and Harry, may their love be strong, their marriage happy and their house filled with children."
The other brothers all said, "To Ginny and Harry." They clinked their glasses and drained them in one gulp.
Their sandwiches arrived and they started eating their food.
"Funny you should say "Their House"," said Charlie.
"Why's that my esteemed brother?" asked Fred.
"Well I've come up with an idea on something to do to get back in the good graces of our sister and her now fiancé," stated Charlie.
George smirked, "What makes you think we need anything to get back into Ginny and Harry's good graces," asked George jovially.
Bill was surprised by George's question. "What are you saying George?" he asked.
"Well Gred and I are already back in their, how did you put it, "Good Graces" and don't really need to do anything else, you see," said George.
Bill sat back stunned for a moment. "How come you're so well off with Ginny and Harry?" he asked bewildered.
"Let's just say our situation was a little different than yours and leave it at that," Fred said.
"But Dad did say we should get in contact with you and help in any way we could," added George.
"So what's up?" asked Fred.
"Well here's what I was thinking," Charlie began with a smile.
XX
Ginny finally sat up, she realized she must have dozed off for a little bit. "How long was I asleep?" she asked sheepishly.
Harry smiled at her, "About an hour," he said.
Ginny smiled shyly, "Guess I was pretty comfortable where I was," she said softly.
"I guess so," Harry replied, "I know I was, with the girl of my dreams laying with her head in my lap, looking so peaceful and beautiful while she snoozed."
Ginny blushed lightly, playing with a stray strand of her hair, curling and uncurling it around a finger absent mindedly.
"You're really cute when you do that," Harry said softly with a smile.
"What?" Ginny said perplexed.
"Playing with your hair like that," Harry replied.
Ginny suddenly realized what she was doing and dropped her hands into her lap.
"Why'd you stop," Harry asked.
"I don't know," she said self-consciously. "It's something I do without thinking about it," she added.
"Well like I said, it's cute and I like it," Harry whispered as he pulled Ginny close and started to nibble on her ear.
"Harry," Ginny moaned.
"What?" Harry breathed, sending shivers down Ginny's spine as his hot breath brushed over her ear and neck.
Ginny tilted her head offering her neck to Harry. He didn't disappoint her as he trailed kisses down her neck and around up to her other ear.
"Sweet Merlin, Harry, she groaned. "You sure know how to get me going."
Ginny turned and kissed Harry deeply. Pulling back she was panting hard. The look in Harry's eyes shook her to her core, the love and desire she saw made her feel weak inside. "As much as I'd like to continue this, I think you should finish de-gnoming the garden and I'd better get back in the house. We don't want to get Mum upset at us."
"OK," said Harry a bit disappointed.
Ginny stood and said coyly, "Besides, I'd rather continue this tonight." Ginny gathered the glasses and tray and headed back toward the house. She looked back over her shoulder and winked at Harry, when he smiled at her she blew him a kiss.
Smiling back at Ginny, Harry put on his gloves and grabbed another Gnome, his toss surpassed all previous tosses by a wide margin!
XX
Ginny entered the house and found her mother in the kitchen baking bread for dinner that night.
"Hey Mum, I need to get to Diagon Alley," Ginny said.
"What for Darling," Molly asked.
"I need to get Harry's birthday present," she said.
"Well you're not going alone young lady," Molly said sternly.
"How about if Hermione went with me?" Ginny asked.
Molly thought for a moment, "Can you wait for about ten/fifteen minutes?"
"I guess so Mum."
"Good, then I'll be able to go with you two. I have a few errands to run and I can do them at the same time. Why don't you go find Hermione, I think she went up to her room a little while ago."
Ginny ran up the stairs and found Hermione in her room reading, "So typical," thought Ginny. "Hey Hermione, Mum and I are going to go to Diagon Alley, you want to come along?"
"I'll be right down," said Hermione.
Ginny stopped off in her room and got her money from the drawer where she kept all her important stuff. She had saved almost 30 Galleons, it was every Knut she had. She'd been saving for years and years and she finally thought she had a good reason to spend it.
Ginny hid it in her clothes and went down to wait for Hermione and her Mum to get ready to leave for Diagon Alley.
XX
Harry figured he was pretty much done clearing the garden of Gnomes. He was sure that a few remained but they were hiding pretty good and wouldn't show themselves when Harry was close by.
Harry headed for the house and a cool drink, and if he was lucky a kiss from the love of his life. As he entered the kitchen his senses were assaulted by the wonderful aroma of fresh baking bread. If anything could come close to being his favourite smell other than Ginny, fresh baked bread had to be it.
Molly was just removing the last two loaves from the oven when he entered. "Ummm, Mum, that smells great," he said.
Ginny came down into the kitchen and saw Harry eyeing the bread with a covetous look. She laughed out loud causing Harry to frown playfully at her, "Spoiling my fun?" he chuckled.
"That's for dinner tonight Harry," Ginny chided.
"Spoilsport," Harry said.
While they were bantering back and forth Hermione joined them in the kitchen.
It was obvious to her that Harry was not going to Diagon Alley with them. She made her way over to Molly and asked her softly, "Are we going to leave Harry and Ron here alone?"
Molly looked at Hermione with slightly widened eyes, "Well I hadn't really thought about it but I guess it depends on what Harry and Ron have planned.
Harry had overheard the conversation that Molly and Hermione were having.
"I'm going to go take a quick shower and then lay down for a while before dinner."
"OK Harry, why don't you go take your shower now while I finish getting ready," Molly said.
Harry hurried up the stairs and quickly showered making him feel much better after being all hot and sweaty. He went back down to the kitchen to say goodbye to Ginny.
He found her sitting in the kitchen with Hermione, he sat down next to Ginny and hugged her close. "Hey Gin, what are you getting at Diagon Alley?" he asked playfully.
Ginny smiled back, "None of your business, Mr Potter."
"Is that so, Mrs. Potter-to-be," Harry replied.
Ginny's smile got bigger, "Mrs. Potter," she whispered. "I like the sound of that."
Harry stood and kissed Ginny "So do I, Ginger-Bear," he whispered in her ear.
Ginny blushed and glanced to see if Hermione had heard. "Harry!" she whispered. "Someone will hear." Hermione was looking pointedly away, seeming unaware of Harry and Ginny's conversation.
Harry chuckled "So?" he said as he leaned in and kissed her again. He straightened up and said "Well have fun shopping you two." And he went upstairs to lay down.
Hermione looked at Ginny with a grin on her face, "Ginger-Bear?" she asked humorously.
Ginny blushed deeply, the full Weasley blush, "Shush, Hermione!"
Hermione chuckled "Don't worry Ginny, I won't repeat it but I do think it's cute. Where did it come from though?"
Ginny chuckled in return, "Harry gave it to me after my confrontation with Charlie, he said he liked the way I scared my big bad brothers."
XX
Molly finished changing and went up and knocked on Ron's door. "Come in," she heard.
"Ron, your sister, Hermione and I are going to Diagon Alley, do you want or need anything?" she asked.
"Could you pick me up the latest issue of Quidditch Weekly?" he asked.
"OK, son. You'll be here alone with Harry and I don't want anything to happen while we're gone. Got that?"
"Yes Mum. I'm pretty knackered so I'll probably be staying here I my room resting till dinner anyway," Ron replied.
"We'll see you later," Molly said.
She left Ron and descended to the kitchen finding Ginny and Hermione chatting and giggling. "Ready girls?"
"Ready Mum."
"Ready Molly."
They all went into the parlor and flooed to Diagon Alley.
Molly turned to the girls and asked "Well where do you want to go?"
Ginny looked thoughtful, "I'm not really sure, I need to find something for Harry's birthday."
"Well Ron asked me to get him the latest copy of Quidditch Weekly so why don't we start at Quality Quidditch Supplies?" Molly said.
The girls agreed and they all headed over to the quidditch store. Ginny wandered through but nothing caught her eye and she really wanted to get something special for Harry, either to help him on his quest or to remind him of her.
"Mum, I'm going to try some place else," Ginny said.
"OK dear, but stay close, we'll be right along after I get Ron's magazine."
Ginny wandered out and headed toward Madam Malkin's. She window shopped at several stores but saw nothing. She then noticed the little Jewellery shop and remembered Harry saying how wonderful and helpful the Jeweller had been.
Ginny entered the shop and felt the same thing Harry had. There was a special magic about the place that made it very welcoming.
Max came out from behind the curtain when he heard the bell on the door ring. "May I help you Miss?" he asked.
Ginny smiled, "I hope so," she said. "I'm looking for something special for my fiancé."
Max smiled, "Fiancé? Did he buy your ring here?"
"No," Ginny said. "The ring belonged to his mother. But he did have you make a special Emerald necklace to match some earnings he had."
"Ah, so you're his someone special," said Max. "I'm pleased to meet you. Do you have any idea what you are looking for?"
"Not really, I just need to find something really special, he is going to have to go away for a while and I can't go with him. I'm looking for something to remind him of me."
"Ah," said Max. "Do you have a price range in mind?"
Ginny blushed, "I have 30 Galleons."
Max looked at Ginny closely. He was aware who her boyfriend was and knew what he was rumoured to have to do.
Max went over to a case and pulled out a silver bracelet, it had a fairly heavy chain and a large rectangle piece, it had a small heart made out of small rubies in one corner. "This is a very nice man's bracelet and it has a couple special features."
Max pulled up on the side with the ruby heart and the top lifted up. Inside was a place for a small photograph covering about half of the bracelet, the other half was perforated.
Ginny looked at it puzzled, "What's this area for?" she asked.
"That's a special area that is enchanted to hold any scent. Smells are a powerful memory inducer, many put the scent of their perfume," Max explained.
"How much is it?" asked Ginny.
"Well," Max pondered visibly, "The metal is sterling but the stones are of a inferior quality, the charms nothing extraordinary and since your fiancé is a customer, I'll let you have it for 15 Galleons."
Ginny was surprised and pleased, she'd found a wonderful gift for Harry that he could wear and have a constant reminder of her while they were parted and it wasn't going to cost her all her savings.
"How do I get my picture in the bracelet?" Ginny asked.
Max smiled, "It's a simple charm, I could preform it for you if you like," Max offered.
"That'd be wonderful," Ginny said.
"Do you have a perfume you use?"
"Not really, but Harry loves the smell of my hair, so it must be my shampoo," Ginny said while blushing.
Max smiled at her, "Yes somewhat, but like perfume, each wearer influences the aroma. I can preform a charm that will duplicate the smell of your hair in the bracelet. Would you like it engraved?"
Ginny thought for a moment, would there be an additional charge for that?" she asked.
As long as it isn't too long, no, it would be included," Max answered. He showed her where on the inside of the top piece it would go. It would only be seen when it was opened to look at the picture.
"That would be great," Ginny said. "Please put, You're always in my heart, Love your Ginger-Bear."
Max smiled and took his wand, casting the spells. Ginny felt a fluttering around her head for a moment and then it was gone. Max looked at the inside of bracelet and smiled. He then showed Ginny the results and she was astounded to see the image of her inside and the lovely engraving. The image was her but almost seemed enhanced somehow, the light sparkled in her hair making it a glowing halo framing her face. The lighting was soft and made her skin glow with an inner beauty. She could smell the subtle fragrance that she recognized as her shampoo with something else hidden in the aroma.
Max boxed up the gift and wrapped it for Ginny. "Will there be anything else?" he asked.
"No that will be everything for today," Ginny replied.
Ginny paid and was ecstatic at her gift for Harry, she'd found something that she thought he would like immensely and it hadn't cost her a lot. She exited the shop and went looking for Hermione and her Mum.
Max watched Ginny leave and smiled. A woman came out from the back through the curtain and looked at Max with an amused look on her face. "Since when have you ever sold an inferior quality stone? You've never done that in your life! The sterling was worth more than what you charged her."
"Quiet wife!" Max snapped, but with a smirk on his face.
She laughed at him, "You're nothing but an old romantic fool."
Max shrugged, "So be it Martha, but there is something about that couple. I feel that they are very important in the coming troubles and their love is something very special. If what I have done in any way helps then it is a small price to pay."
Martha reached up and kissed Max on the cheek. "I'm proud of you and your instincts are hardly ever wrong. It's one of the reasons I love you."
Max turned his head and kissed his wife back, "I love you too, dear one."
AN: Can anyone figure out what Charlie has planned? Anyone want to try out for the Gnome Tossing Team?