Chapter 12

A quick update for my beloved fans as a way of apologising for being preoccupied the last couple of days. Be warned and be warned now. This chapter could be considered where the shit hits the proverbial fan. I may regret it tomorrow when I'm not exhausted. Try and understand my decisions, I will explain more at the end of the chapter. P.S. Please try to read my Harry/Gabrielle fic and please try and figure out the aspect of me that I mention in my stories :P Enjoy :D

July 30th

Harry had some trouble keeping his thoughts clouded as he walked down Diagon Alley, searching for Ginny's birthday present. He was fully aware of the "incognito" Aurors who were tailing him as he went shopping, but he thought it was for the best. When Harry announced he would be going shopping on his own before his birthday. Ginny ended up extremely moody, and it took all of Hermione's persuasions to make her see sense. Harry could have kissed her as she calmed Ginny down and promised him she would keep Ginny occupied while he went shopping. He stopped outside Madam Malkins and an idea struck. Ginny needed a gift, which Harry was already certain of. He decided on a promise ring, to show how serious he was about their relationship. He needed to go to the jewellers and decide on precisely what kind of ring. On top of that, he decided to give her a birthday treat and find a way to show Hermione a bit of gratitude for being such a good friend. Madam Malkin was positively gushing as Harry made his way into her shop, and many young shop assistants, most looking about Hogwarts leaving age were constantly flirting with him. He wasn't surprised. He had read the Prophet, and how it kept going on about Harry being "The Chosen One" and since that article was released, the number of girls interested in him had increased tenfold. Of course, he wasn't interested, but still, he posed for the odd photo and signed the odd autograph book reluctantly. He didn't want people to think of him as a moody person, he couldn't blame them for being fans. He looked around Madam Malkin's a little while longer before walking up to the main desk where she was stood expectantly. He leaned in a bit.

"How much would you charge for a private fitting session for two girls for a day?" Harry asked her.

Madam Malkin looked over the moon at Harry's proposal. Her private fitting sessions were known to be legendary. The people in question would be shown into a private fitting room, with complimentary refreshments and room for family and friends. The shop assistant would then take measurements and bring different types of clothing, depending on what the person looks like. Harry had heard it was any woman's dream to have a day being dressed up and treated like a princess. He thought Ginny and Hermione would love it.

"It would cost you 50 galleons each" she said.

Harry smiled. 100 galleons wasn't bad at all. He would give away every penny for his friends anyway if the opportunity required it.

"Excellent" Harry said, handing over a small bag of gold. "Could we book that for the 11th of August?". He slipped another couple of galleons to her, which she accepted.

"Of course, I hope to see you then Mr. Potter." She then proceeded to wave him out as he set off down the high street, in search for the perfect ring.

Ginny was on edge. In fact, she had been all day since Harry left for Diagon Alley. His thoughts had been clouded since then, which worried her and made her suspicious. He was up to something. The obvious bet was a birthday gift, but what if it was something else? What if he was being unfaithful. As if she read her mind, Hermione sat down next to her and put an arm around Ginny's shoulder.

"If it makes you feel better, I know exactly what he's doing and I promise you, you will love it" Hermione said.

"Why can't he tell me though?" Ginny asked, looking at her flip flops.

"It's something to do with your birthday" Hermione said. "Now do you understand?"

Hermione's words greatly relieved Ginny as she embraced her best friend.

"That's what I wanted to hear" Ginny said.

"I know, I'm good like that" Hermione replied.

Ginny stood up and padded over to the window.

"Have you got any ideas for how to relax Harry yet?" She asked.

Hermione shook her head in reply. "I've been wracking my brains, but I can't think of anything. It might be an idea to put him under a calming draught. He's often under a lot of stress, so if that stress is lifted, then maybe we could convince him of things easier."

Ginny sighed. "Yeah, maybe."

"But why do you want to help me so much? I know you said that you don't mind sharing, and I'm your best friend and all that. But still, friendships have been broken over romance. I think there's something else going on here." Hermione said.

Ginny knew Hermione was smart. But, she honestly couldn't see why she liked the idea of sharing Harry with another girl. Her mind told her it was a good idea. It may have been subconscious, she didn't know. Hermione's words made her question her motives behind her willingness to share Harry. Why was that?

"I really don't know why I'm so willing Hermione" Ginny said quietly. "It just feels like the right thing to do, as though something good will come out of it."

Hermione walked over to Ginny and put an arm around her shoulder. "I trust you Ginny" she said. "It was just me thinking too hard again." She looked into Ginny's eye and smiled. "I'm sure we will work it out"

Ginny smiled back, she hadn't noticed how nice Hermione's eyes looked. "Sharing Harry should be as painless as possible" she giggled, and tried something odd. As a friendly gesture, she lightly pecked Hermione on the cheek, just like a pair of good friends usually would. To her immense surprise, Hermione pecked her back, just as lightly and just as quickly. For some reason, Ginny felt her face burn at the place where Hermione kissed her cheek. Without knowing what had gotten into her, Ginny pecked Hermione again, this time on the lips, almost sending a challenge to see what would happen next. The next events then shocked her beyond belief as Hermione grabbed her and kissed her in a way that Ginny would usually kiss a guy. For all of about a second, Ginny struggled, and then melted into the kiss, forgetting who it was and simply enjoyed it for what it was. Hermione deepened the kiss, and Ginny felt herself moan ever so slightly, as Hermione's tongue begged for entry. Ginny was still shocked at her own actions as she obliged. It was like watching her actions through a screen. Not quite right. Both of them were still stood up as they slowly made their way towards the bed, kissing slowly more passionately. That didn't go too well as they both tripped and collapsed onto the bed, entangled in each other's limbs. One of Ginny's flip flops flew off as she fell and it landed by the bedroom door. They broke apart and quickly disentangled themselves, both suddenly becoming very interested in the floor due to embarrassment. Ginny looked up and saw her flip flop by the door. Hermione also looked over there. She laughed. Ginny was puzzled at first, but it was infectious and she eventually joined in. Within 10 seconds, they were breathless with laughter, clutching at each other for support.

"We're not going to let something like that get between us are we?" Ginny asked worriedly.

"Of course not, but I believe that just solved the problem as to why you're so eager to share, Ginny" Hermione said cheekily.

Ginny laughed again. Hermione was probably right. Did she secretly want Harry and Hermione to sleep together while she watched, or knew what was going on? Could she deal with a two way relationship? Her mother wasn't exactly the most open minded person. Ginny's overall impression of what her mother wanted her to be was to be married at 21, two children and a steady job. Anything else would have been unacceptable. Ginny didn't have a clue what that kiss just meant. She was confused. She kicked her other flip flop off and she lay down on her bed, deep in thought. Hermione soon joined her.

Harry was grinning widely. He had just bought Ginny's birthday present from a jewellers opposite Flourish and Blotts. It had taken some tough decision making, but he had decided on a design that he had personally fell in love with for the promise ring. He settled on a gold band, with a small diamond embedded in it. He wanted to save a more impressive ring for an actual engagement. What the good thing was about the ring though was, you could have little animations etched into the sides. Harry settled for a Stag and a Doe, after his mother and father, and soon went into an almost trance, watching the pair canter along the width of the ring, looking like a perfect couple. Ginny would absolutely love it. It had cost him 200 galleons. But to Harry, it was worth every knut. He suddenly remembered Ginny wasn't in the happiest moods with him, so he decided to go to the Owl Emporium. He emerged a small time later, holding a cage containing a handsome black owl. He chuckled as he studied the cage and realised he spoiled his girlfriend. But he loved every second. She could make shopping fun, and that was impressive, as Harry usually hated it, only doing it because he had to. Without another word, he made his way to the Leaky Cauldron, and flooed to Mrs. Figg's house, where he walked over to his Uncle's house. Harry went straight in and up the stairs. Being careful to leave the owl by the door, he walked inside.

As soon as he entered, he tripped over Ginny's flip flops, which for some reason, were right by the door. Ginny herself was laying on her bed, absent mindedly staring at the ceiling. Harry could hear the shower running in the bathroom and assumed Hermione was in there.

Hey gorgeous Harry sent, unclouding his thoughts.

Ginny looked up, smiled widely at him and rushed off the bed and into his arms.

Jeez Ginny, I've only been gone a couple of hours!

But I haven't known where you've been!

It's a surprise, well most of it anyway. Part of the surprise is now as a way of saying sorry for leaving you earlier. Harry opened the door and grabbed the cage with the owl on it, covering it with a cloth he quickly conjured. He placed the cage on the ground where Ginny was standing, and her mouth was agape.

You didn't have to get me anything!

I love spoiling you, and besides, I chose this because it's a way of showing you we're connected, even when far away from each other. Now take off the cloth!

Ginny wasted no time in doing what she was told, and unveiled the owl and gasped. She simply stood there with her mouth open for a while, silently studying the owl before squealing and launching herself into Harry's arms, planting kiss after kiss all over his face.

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!" was all Ginny could say as Hermione emerged from the bathroom, dressed in her pyjamas. She spotted Harry and smiled fondly at him, but then saw the owl and gasped.

"Did you just buy that for Ginny?" She gasped.

"Yep... as a way of saying sorry for worrying her"

At those words. Hermione sidled up to Ginny and whispered into her ear. "All girls would kill for a boyfriend like that. Including me. You're the luckiest girl in the world"

Ginny grinned cheekily. "I am aren't I?" she said as she picked up the cage and placed it next to Hedwig. She took one last fond look at the owl before rushing into the bathroom to get changed for bed. Harry just shrugged and quickly stripped down to his boxers. No longer embarrassed in front of Hermione, knowing she slept in the same bed as him every night. With a quick grin in her direction, Harry climbed into bed, and so did Hermione, where they played footsie until Ginny emerged, looking positively radiant in her night gown, as she padded over to her side of the bed and settled in, spooning up to Harry. The trip had completely worn Harry out and he was asleep almost instantly, thinking fondly of his beloved girlfriend's reaction.

I will put this simply as I am about to pass out from exhaustion. Hermione and Ginny did that kiss for a few reasons. The main one is hormones. Ginny isn't getting any action from Harry due to Hermione's presence, and Hermione is quite clueless, so she goes with the flow, until she finds something she likes and goes for it at top speed. Please review, they are appreciated, and remember about my challenge about my personality. My only clue is the word anatomy. Think well :P