Chapter 14 – Jan 2nd

Friday night I crashed your party
Saturday I said I'm sorry
Sunday came and trashed me out again
I was only having fun
Wasn't hurting anyone
And we all enjoyed the weekend for a change

I've been stranded in the combat zone
I walked through Bedford Sty alone
Even rode my motorcycle in the rain
And you told me not to drive
But I made it home alive
So you said that only proves that I'm insane

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

Remember how I found you there
Alone in your electric chair
I told you dirty jokes until you smiled
You were lonely for a man
I said take me as I am
'Cause you might enjoy some madness for a while

Now think of all the years you tried to
Find someone to satisfy you
I might be as crazy as you say
If I'm crazy then it's true
That it's all because of you
And you wouldn't want me any other way

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
It's too late to fight
It's too late to change me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

You may be wrong but you may be right
You may be wrong but you may be right (Billy Joel – 1980)

Harry finished out with a flourish and looked over to see the Hermione clapping her hands as she sat on her bed. Harry put his mandolin down and Hermione got up to give him a hug.

"I hope nobody else has ever said this to you. Harry Potter, you rock!"

Harry was about to settle down for a good long snogging session with his girlfriend when there was a knock on her door. Hermione frowned but got up to answer it. When she opened it she took a few steps back in shock. She turned around to look at Harry and he came over to stand by her. He was similarly surprised to see Ginny standing in the doorway with a hopeful look upon her face. "I know it's been an awful long time but could I come in and talk and catch up?"

Hermione looked to Harry but he just nodded. Hermione stepped aside and Ginny just came and sat on the end of Hermione's bed. "It seems like forever since I've been in here."

Harry and Hermione sat on the floor and just looked at Ginny for a while. It seemed weird that she was here and seemed friendly.

"If you're wondering, I'm your old Ginny; the one that loved you both and shared a bond with you."

"And how are we supposed to believe that?" Hermione asked.

"I'm opening up my side mentally." Both Harry and Hermione were amazed and grateful that they could again feel the full presence that was Ginny Weasley. It was a huge void that suddenly was filled and Harry felt some tears leak out as he felt the love Ginny had for the two of them. Hermione didn't try to speak as she lept up and carried Ginny over backward onto the bed with a big hug. Harry stood nervously and came over to sit on the bed next to the couple of girls.

"I have any number of questions Gin but I'm awfully happy you've come back."

"I'm hiding for a reason Harry. To protect myself and to protect you and Nonnie."

Hermione straightened out suddenly as Ginny's words struck home. "What do you mean hiding; you're here. Aren't you?"

Ginny's smile faded but she leaned back a little bit. "This is only your dream I'm afraid. You both hold me in your memories and part of me in your mind. The Ginny that you know back at school is only part of me; an important part but with most of her memories gone. I can't explain it more completely than that."

"What are you protecting us from then?"

"If I even start to explain that Harry I'll have to go back. Please take some comfort that the Ginny you miss and love so much is still around somewhere. I can't even begin to let you know how much I've missed the both of you. I've watched a little from time to time what you have been both up to and I approve. Very much so! Hermione is really happy Harry that you're so well endowed; she has so many knickers because she has to change them often after thinking of you."

"Ginny you weren't supposed to tell Harry that!" Hermione hid her head on Ginny's shoulder in embarrassment.

"And Harry isn't sure but is afraid he might hurt us whenever we get around to shagging. That's why he hasn't done more things physically with you Hermione. He's absolutely scared of hurting you by even touching your fanny."

"That'll be enough Ginny; you don't have to say anything else to convince us that's it you."

"Good because I didn't want to tell any more secrets you both have. Yet."

"Did you create this dream for us all Ginny?"

"No, I don't have that capability since I'm out of the bond. I saw you had done this for yourselves and felt I could sneak in and at least talk to you."

"We've missed you Ginny." Hermione tightened her grip on the red head and kissed her cheek.

"And I've missed that. Very much. Could you two hold and… comfort me for a bit before this dream fades away and I'm gone again?"

Harry smiled at Ginny. "We can certainly try that." He made to move in to kiss Ginny but Hermione cleared her throat.

"Since Ginny told us that it's just a dream, aren't we all over dressed here?"

Ginny laughed as she reached for Harry's shirt buttons and watched as Hermione reached for his belt buckle. There was a sudden flurry of flying clothes and suddenly all three were naked on Hermione's bed.

Ginny laid back and reached out for Harry and he was only too glad to lie partially on Ginny and start kissing her. Hermione watched her best friends kiss and used one hand to run down Harry's back to caress his bum. The other hand she reached in to pull Ginny's hair aside before she started kissing Ginny's neck and shoulders.

Harry hand came over to the small of Hermione's back to pull her closer to him and Ginny. Ginny broke off the kiss with Harry and turned her head and kissed Hermione full on the lips. Neither Harry nor Hermione were quite sure after that whose hands were touching them or who was exciting the others the most.

All Harry knew was that the hands were getting more insistent and more demanding and his body was straining to contain his release. Ginny moaned first as she reached her limit and that caused …

…Harry to crash awake with a small cry as he erupted, his hips jerking spasmodically. He instinctively tightened his hold on Hermione as she whimpered through her own climax in coming out of the dream.

Harry and Hermione clung desperately to each other as they caught their breaths and tried to regain control of their senses. Harry opened his eyes first to see both extreme happiness and extreme embarrassment on the face of his bond mate. Both their hearts were racing and Harry had a hard time telling which pulse was his.

'Too embarrassed to open up those lovely eyes Nonnie?'

Hermione's cheeks were very flushed but she opened her eyes to stare over at Harry. 'Did we just…'

'Yes, had a three way masturbation party and both woke up coming. But only after we took proper care of Ginny.'

"Heavens!"

"No Hermione" Harry replied back. He kissed her temple and smiled at her. "Heavenly!"

"But Harry…"

"I have tons of thoughts and questions myself. You go get yourself a shower and I'll clean up in here. Then I'll take a shower while you get dressed."

"Was it really…?"

"I don't know Hermione but I need some tea or a cup of coffee to think things over."

Hermione finally nodded and reached for her robe when she got out of bed. She shrugged it on and belted it before taking a few things out of her chest of drawers and quietly closed the door behind her.

Harry straightened up and reached for his wand on the bedside table. He performed a "Scourgify" on himself once and then a few more to take care of any traces left on the various levels of the bedding. When he was satisfied with his cleanup efforts, he opened the door and went back to his own room.

Hermione let him know when she was done with her shower and was standing in her doorway drying her hair as he headed down to the bathroom. She gave him an encouraging smile and winked at him before closing her door. Harry rushed through his shower and greeted Tony as he headed for his own morning shower. Harry got dressed and hurried downstairs to get some words in with Hermione before her parents appeared.

Unfortunately, Dee was already bustling about fixing breakfast when Harry appeared in the kitchen. Hermione shook her head at Harry and 'told' him their discussion would have to wait a bit. Harry reached for a cup of coffee instead of his usual juice and Dee noticed the change.

"Still a little tired Harry? You two didn't stay up talking all night did you?"

"No Dee. I had a wonderful night's sleep. Your daughter solved the problem of me sleeping in the wrong bed."

"I thought my smart offspring might give you a solution." Harry smiled at that comment. 'If Dee only knew what happened just a little while ago' Harry thought. 'But then she probably wouldn't have objected since it really didn't happen. Or did it?'

Tony came down and the four ate their breakfast. Tony asked if anyone was in the mood for another outing and Harry and Hermione both brightened up and asked what he had in store. Tony said it was supposed to be a wonderful afternoon and he said maybe it was time for Harry to take another trip to the beach and see part of the coast.

Hermione started asking all sorts of questions and Harry had smile at the expressions on Tony's and Dee's faces. Dee disappointed her daughter by saying that it would be a surprise and they would see when they got there.

Harry asked how long it would be until they left and Tony said that it would a couple of hours. Harry nudged Hermione mentally and asked Dee if it was ok it they went out for a walk around the neighborhood one last time since they would be packing up tomorrow morning. Dee just said it would be okay if they took an hour now.

Jamie grabbed Hermione firmly by the hand and they left the house and made the quick walk over to the soccer fields they had run at a few times. They found seats on one of the soccer benches and Jamie discreetly cast a privacy spell so they could talk without anybody overhearing them.

Hermione leaned in to give Jamie a huge hug and kiss before he evened opened his mouth.

"Just so I know I didn't imagine the whole thing, the first thing Ginny said was…?"

"I know it's been an awful long time but could I come in and talk and catch up?" Hermione answered.

"Okay and we both came together?"

"Definitely so! That was wicked."

"Which way did you mean that?"

"Wicked good of course. It would be so much nicer if we're conscious the next time that happens though."

Jamie laughed easily at that and pulled Hermione in for a good hug. 'I enjoyed that very much also.'

The smiled faded from Hermione's face. "Was what she said true Harry?"

"She said a lot of things Hermione. Which one are you asking about?"

"You know very well which one. Are you scared to touch my fanny?"

Jamie looked around quickly. "Don't shout it out like that! Okay, it's partially correct. I understand our anatomies will fit together but the idea of my bits and your bits getting together is still a… future unknown. And the first time is supposed to hurt for you, so yes I'm scared of doing that."

"When you say it like that, I can understand your concern. But not even touching me there? We'll have to correct that anxiety but I'm sorry it won't be this week. And don't think I'll forget about it either."

Jamie's face had turned pale as he heard the part about 'correcting his anxiety' but he swallowed hard and shook his head. "So I get to ask about your knickers now?"

Hermione turned her head so Jamie wouldn't see the blush that threatened to leave her a perfect replica of an Oompa-loompa. Harry didn't press her for an answer; he actually wasn't sure his girlfriend would answer at all. It took a couple of minutes for Hermione to turn back and reach for Harry's hand. "She didn't say the entire truth there. And it's very mortifying."

Harry started to stop Hermione from speaking further but she held up a hand. "It's okay. Yes you have that effect on me sometimes. I try to be aware of it and not stare at you as long as I'd like to. But the other part that Ginny didn't say is that I have so many knickers because some are hers. Mrs. Weasley only allows her to wear the plain white granny style knickers and Ginny wanted to be sexier for you. Half the ones I have back at school and here are in her size; she gave me money so I could buy some for her without her mum knowing."

"I feel bad now that I asked. I'm sorry. I never mean to embarrass you."

"Can't be worse than the way we both woke up this morning. But I was really happy that you held onto me through it and weren't upset or disgusted by me."

"Not when you seemed to need me there for you. And I tell you back that I don't always carry my bookbag in front of me because it's comfortable there. Sometimes it's hiding Em's response to just the touch of your hand. So now we admit we're arousable to each other. Not surprising I guess. I'll understand a little better if you need to go back to your room for a quick minute and you'll hopefully understand when I don't immediately sit down when we get to a class sometimes."

"We have such strange discussions Harry."

"Only because we're trying to be honest with each other. I think it's worth being a little uncomfortable with each other from time to time."

"I've come to trust and rely on you a lot more because of it. So now we're left with the big question. Was that really Ginny or a product of our imaginations?"

Jamie stared at the ground for a long time before he replied. "I honestly don't know. I do know how much we both still miss her and maybe that was our subconscious creating her."

"But she knew so much about each of us."

"She did seem very real. I'm still trying to figure out how her hiding is protecting us if that's what has really happened. Or the Ginny that's at Hogwarts now is just missing memories."

"She said that she was in our hearts and in our memories. Was that just literal or did it mean something else?"

"I've certainly thought of her enough sometimes when I'm all alone and tired. Those memories seem very real Hermione but I've always thought that it was nothing more than memories. I certainly can't detect anything of Ginny when I meditate or search through my own mind."

"I can't either Harry. This morning was very confusing. I certainly enjoyed it but I'm never so … randy during my monthlies."

"I shan't ask the obvious question to that since I think we need to get back and get ready for wherever we're going. I'll assume we'll need some medium weight clothes and a jacket at least since the coast may be windy. Any idea where we're heading?"

"Not a clue but at least I get to snuggle up to you all the way there and back."

"Let's head home then Hermione." Hermione held out her hand and Jamie made sure he had a firm hold of it before they started walking back to the Granger's.

Xxxx xxxx

"So any guesses from the back seat?" Dee asked as she drove the Land Rover onto the entrance ramp to the A27.

"Portsmouth" said Hermione.

"We went to Poole last summer for that outing but I think that's too far" Harry said. "I'll guess Dover but wouldn't that be way crowded?"

Tony smiled at the pair sitting in the back seat. "No to both but Harry's closer."

"So we're heading for the channel then?"

"Technically, no."

"Hold on" Harry said. "How many of our twenty questions have we used up?"

Dee snickered. "With that one, three. You catch on quickly Harry. Your turn sweetie."

"South of Dover?" Hermione proposed.

"Nope" said Tony. "That's four."

Harry thought for a second as they made a turn on the highway to head for the M2. "Can we look at a roadmap?"

"Good question Harry. Yes and that's five."

There was a long period of silence from the back seat until Harry nudged Hermione with a thought. "Dad would you please pass us the road map?"

"I was wondering how long it would be before someone caught on to the fact that the maps were up here. Here it is and that's six."

Hermione and Harry both made rude noises to her father but took the road map when he offered it up. They unfolded it and stared at all the towns along the coastline. Harry traced the symbol for the M2 highway and asked the next question. "Are we going through Canterbury?"

"Maybe" said Dee "That's seven!"

"Hey, no fair. You have to give us a yes or no answer so we can make some progress here."

"Harry's right dear. That was a vague answer. Yes we're going through Canterbury."

Hermione rushed to the next question without thinking. "Can we stop and see the cathedral while we have lunch?" Harry was too late to put a hand over her mouth to stop the seemingly wasted question. Hermione licked his palm and giggled at Harry's reaction. She waggled her eyebrows at him and Tony laughed from the front seat.

"That technically was two questions but I'll count it as one. Eight down!"

Hermione was diverted by the thought of seeing the oldest Cathedral in England but Harry turned his attention back to the map. He stared at it for the longest time and then cleared his throat.

"Could we possibly be going to Broadstairs?"

Dee's eyebrows went straight up from behind the steering wheel. "Are you reading our minds Harry?"

Tony was equally as baffled. "How did you figure that out as our destination then?"

"I didn't – it was just about halfway between the areas we could get to easily from Canterbury. The next question would have been north or south from Broadstairs."

"That's great logic Harry." Hermione turned in her seat just enough to award Harry a kiss to his cheek. The two held hands and talked about the scenic countryside they were traveling through with her parents.

It took well over an hour to go through the tour of the cathedral inside and out. Both Harry and Hermione were awed by the look and historical feel of the building and its impressive history. The Grangers and Harry went and got some takeaway food from a nearby restaurant and just sat and ate, marveling at the years of construction that went into building and rebuilding the church. Once they finished their lunch, they climbed back into the Granger's car and made the 20 mile trip to Broadstairs.

Broadstairs was a small coastal town that had its own little selection of beaches, restaurants, and historical treasures. Harry and Hermione spent a bit of time walking quietly along a couple of the beaches just enjoying the solitude and each other's company. They sat at one point and Hermione sat between Harry's legs and just watched the tide and waves roll in at them.

"With all the places you own Harry would it be possible to spend some time at or near a beach somewhere? This is so peaceful and nice. I could just see us building a little fire to keep us warm and watching the stars appear above us."

Harry nodded and tightened his grip on his girlfriend. "Wish we were through school now. I'll have to take a look at that list of properties again and see if there's someplace near that cruise route. We could always find a deck chair built for two some night."

The incoming tide eventually threatened their resting place and the two climbed off the beach and up to the promenade that lined a good stretch of the town. They joined Tony and Dee in doing a walking tour of the town's historical district and a few museums. They ended their day at a nice seafood restaurant right beside one of the beaches they had walked on earlier.

There was a bit more traffic heading back inland from the coast so it was way after dark when the silver Land Rover arrived in the Granger's garage. Hermione had fallen asleep on Harry's shoulder for the last twenty minutes of the ride and Harry had really hated to wake her up. Harry had to finally threaten her with carrying her upstairs himself before she roused herself and got sleepily out of the car.

Harry thanked Tony and Dee for the wonderful day out and bid them a good night before entering his room. Hermione's door was closed so Harry figured she had just tumbled into her bed and gone right back to sleep. He changed into some shorts to sleep in and slipped into bed. Harry placed his glasses on the nightstand and turned off the light. He managed couple of half-lucid memories of the day before he was sleeping soundly.

Harry was sleeping so soundly that he didn't hear his door open or feel the presence of a shadowy figure that pulled back the covers and slipped in next to him on the bed. There came a contented sigh or two from the sleeping couple and then all that could be heard was just their breathing.