Sunday, August 23, was a lazy day for Harry and Ginny. The whole family tended to sleep a bit later on Sundays, but it was especially true for the young couple. Ginny had been at Harpies practice all day yesterday, trying to get her into top shape before the start of the season, which would be in just under a month. Ordinarily, Saturday practices would only be a half day, but since Ginny was new, she was having special training to bring her up to speed.

When she'd finally arrived home yesterday, she was sweaty, sore, hungry, and exhausted. Harry didn't know which problem to help with first, but she answered that question for him by immediately digging into the plate Molly had saved her from dinner. He should have known. Nothing comes between a Weasley and food. Not even if that Weasley is now a Potter.

After shoveling her dinner down so quickly that even Ron would have been impressed, she took a hot, but very quick shower, and went immediately to bed, pausing only long enough to let Harry give her a tender kiss and an "I love you."

He had stayed up a bit longer talking to Ron and Hermione. Ron had been going into the shop with George sometimes, and Hermione was frantically studying her notes from 6th year to refresh her memory before she went back to Hogwarts. They'd still made sure to take some time to spend with each other, though, even if it was a bit different than it had been before. The dynamic wasn't quite the same, now that Ron and Hermione had a bond that Harry couldn't share, and Harry was married, but they were still able to converse as close friends like they always had. It was strange, though, not having an evil plot to foil or a Dark Lord to hunt. They almost didn't know what to talk about.

The best time of his days, though, was always when he would get to spend a few moments with Ginny. It was hard, now that she was being pushed to her limits every day. She often came home so exhausted that, try as she might, she couldn't stay awake long enough to really enjoy her time with him. But, Harry knew that these extra-long sessions wouldn't last forever, and that, even if she was busy, he still loved his wife, as strange as it still was to call her that.

They had both been looking forward to Sunday when they'd finally get a chance to relax and be together.

Harry sighed as he looked at Ginny sleeping in the bed beside him. Her head still lay comfortably on his chest with her body nestled in the crook of his arm. Her left hand was splayed over his heart and her left leg was hooked around his. His left arm wrapped around her body, holding her close to him. Slowly, so as not to wake her, he reached over with his free hand and twirled a few locks of her copper hair through his fingers, watching as the sunlight filtered through the window and lit the strands with a golden fire.

He wasn't sure what he'd ever done to deserve someone as beautiful as her. She was ivory and flame, with the perfect petite figure that fit well with his own smaller-than-average frame. Her eyes were deep pools of Honeyduke's finest chocolate, and her smile could light even the darkest of rooms.

Her hands were small, but firm, and he loved the way she raked them through his hair or over his shoulders when they were kissing. Her body was lithe, but athletic, giving it a tone that most women could only hope to possess, while maintaining the curves that continued to catch Harry's eye, as gentlemanly as he tried to be.

But what attracted Harry even more than her beauty was her spirit. He'd never met anyone who challenged him for stubbornness, but Ginny did, and frequently bested him at it. She was more kind and compassionate than any person had any right to be, but she never let herself get walked over, not after the events of her first year. It had hardened her, and made her stronger, but not in such a way that made her cruel or haughty.

She didn't let him wallow in grief or guilt, as he was wont to do. She always knew how to make him laugh, sometimes even at his own expense. She was brave, and bold, and…well, even Harry couldn't deny that all these things made her downright sexy.

And he was married to her. Better, bonded to her. Forever.

He'd tried to deny it to himself, tried to convince himself that they weren't really married because he wasn't really ready to be married, not to anyone, even if it was Ginny. But that didn't stop reality. The truth of the situation is that this woman, the fantastic, beautiful, indomitable woman lying next to him, was his wife. His wife. And she had somehow become the most precious thing to him in the entire world in the space of only a dozen days.

She was so peaceful and innocent while she slept, and he treasured every second he was able to watch her do it. She was so vivacious, and usually woke before he did, so he didn't often get the chance. He loved her when she was awake, but there was a vulnerability about her when she was asleep that made him treasure her and love her even more.

He felt it, in the very center of him. Her life burned with a flame that sparked and leaped, an eager flame. He couldn't imagine his life without that flame. He couldn't remember how he'd gone through the last seventeen years without it. It was so much a part of him that he could no longer leave Ginny and her life behind than he could cut out his own heart and leave it on the ground.

He idly played with the fingers of her left hand, which rested over his heart.

Wife.

He had a wife.

He'd never, in his wildest dreams, thought he'd have a wife. The Dursley's made him feel as if no one would ever want to be his wife, and once he realized he was marked by Voldemort, he figured he'd never live long enough to have the opportunity, anyway.

When they were dating, Ginny had asked him about his long-term plans, his dreams. He'd always said he wanted to be an Auror, but, for him, it was more of a means-to-an-end. If he hadn't defeated Voldemort by the time he finished school, he'd have to be an Auror to get the training he needed to win.

But he'd already won. The battle was over. No more training required.

Now, what would he do? He could do anything! He could do nothing!

But, no, he thought he might still like to be an Auror. There was just something satisfying about the thought of bringing down bad guys, ridding the world of evil, and all that. But what would that mean for Ginny? Could he put himself in danger knowing that her life would be empty and miserable if he died? Could he take that chance every day, with the understanding of what may happen to her? Was it worth it?

What if…what if they had kids one day? Could he leave them without a father? Could he leave Ginny alone to raise them by herself? How many would there be, anyway? Would it make a difference?

But, what if he didn't become an Auror? What if he didn't and people died because he wasn't brave enough to take the risk and protect them? Would he ever be able to live with himself?

Harry shook his head.

He wasn't sure. He wasn't sure about his future. He didn't know what he wanted to do. He only knew one thing for certain.

He wanted Ginny in it.

He was ashamed at his breakdown on Ginny's birthday when they'd found out they were legally married. He knew his reaction had hurt her, much as she'd tried to hide it, but they both felt the desire to take this relationship at their own pace, not the pace dictated by the bond.

Still, it hurt him to know he'd hurt her.

He hadn't meant to. Being married to Ginny wasn't a bad thing; it just wasn't what he was expecting. He'd thought about asking her someday, in some grand gesture with a beautiful ring, and then they'd come back and announce it to the whole family at supper, and it would be lovely. Someday.

Now they were married, the entire wizarding world knew, but they had nothing to show for it, and if anyone asked her how it happened, she wouldn't even have a romantic story to tell.

Whether it was because of the bond, or because of the war, or just because he loved her so much, he found that he genuinely wanted to be married to her, and he wanted her to know that. He'd show her. Soon. In a way she'd never forget. He just had to get some things first.

He made a mental note to talk to Ron later. And Bill. He'd need Bill's help, too, he supposed. He'd be the best person to ask, actually, as he had experience with this sort of thing, but he'd never consider doing it without Ron. After all, he still had to make up to his friend for finding out about his marriage from Rita Skeeter. He'd be sure to talk to him as soon as possible.

Ginny distracted him from his musings as she sighed and slid her hand up to Harry's neck. He turned his head towards her and was rewarded with the sight of her blinking her brown eyes open. She smiled a sleepy smile at him as her hand found the back of his neck and gently played with the hair there.

"Good morning," he greeted her.

"Morning," she mumbled back.

He chuckled as he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. She tilted her head up as he was pulling away in an unspoken request for a better kiss, and he happily obliged.

"Mmmmm…" she hummed as she broke the gentle kiss. "How long have you been awake?"

"I dunno. Wasn't exactly watching the clock."

"What were you doing then?" she asked as she snuggled closer to him and gazed up at his face.

"Thinking, mostly."

"About what?"

He paused for a moment before answering.

"The future."

"Mmmm," Ginny murmured. "Deep stuff. Anything I should know about?"

"I love you. That's the most important thing."

Ginny smiled and stretched up to kiss him.

"I love you too, Harry."

"Seriously, Gin, I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. Ever."

"Oh, Harry," Ginny looked up at him through her lashes, "I love you so much. I can't even express how much. It's…it's really good to hear you say it back."

"I plan to tell you every day for the rest of our lives."

"I don't think I'll complain about that."

"Good," Harry said, as he wrapped Ginny in a tighter embrace.

They lay like that for a few minutes in comfortable silence. As the minutes wore on, however, Ginny could tell that Harry was worried about something. He was trying to hold it back but it was leaking through the bond, and she rubbed a soothing hand across his chest.

"Talk to me, Harry."

He sighed and sat up, pulling them both to lean against the headboard, but still keeping her wrapped in his arms.

"I'm trying to decide if I still want to be an Auror. Admissions testing is in September, and Kingsley wants me to join, but, with the bond, I don't know if I should."

Ginny sat up and looked at him.

"Harry James Potter, why on earth would this bond stop you from being an Auror?" Ginny asked incredulously.

"Because I know what it feels like to feel your life burning away inside me. What if…what if that was gone? What if I went out on a mission one day and never came back? I know I wouldn't survive if I couldn't feel you. How could I take that risk knowing how it would make you feel?"

"You've done it before, if you recall."

Harry thought back to that agonized wail he heard when he was lying still in Hagrid's arms, the wail that he knew belonged to Ginny.

"Yes, and you tried to throw yourself in front of Bellatrix Lestrange because of it. Not exactly the best example. And, I didn't know about the bond then. I would never have gone into that forest if I had," he replied resolutely.

"Well, it's good that you didn't, then, because we would never have been rid of him."

"Yes, but that situation isn't likely to come up ever again. They don't need me now like they needed me then. What if I want to live a nice quiet life for once?"

Ginny chuckled as she stroked his cheek.

"And what would you do with a nice quiet life? I know you're going stir crazy here stuck in the house with Hermione and Mum all day. And can you honestly see yourself sitting behind a desk filing papers like Percy does?"

"I could help George," Harry suggested. "The shop could use another pair of hands."

"Maybe. But I doubt that would keep you entertained for long. You're not like George, Harry. Shop keeping and inventing aren't your thing."

Harry sighed.

"I know. And the thing is, I think I'd be a decent Auror, you know? Not the best, maybe, but I think I could do it. Not sure if I can get in without the NEWTs, but it's at least worth a try, yeah? But I'm not sure I can walk into danger every day and leave you behind."

"Harry, if I am the reason that you want to give up on the Aurors, then you need to find a different reason, because I won't allow it. I think you'd be a brilliant Auror. I think you could even run the department one day, if you wanted to. You're such a natural with defensive spells and your instincts are better than anyone I've seen. You've got a knack for ending up in life-threatening situations and still managing to come out alive. And they do need you. I say go for it. When the opportunity comes, go take the tests. Talk to Kingsley about the NEWTs, see what you need to do. I won't let you give this dream up for me."

Harry looked at her with a smile.

"Really?" he asked.

"Really," Ginny replied as she watched his smile grow.

Suddenly, he grabbed her and turned, pinning her to the bed as he kissed her with a smile. Ginny giggled as he planted small, quick kisses all over her face and neck, playfully swatting at him with her hands before he grabbed them in one of his own and pinned them above her head.

His kisses slowed down and her giggles faded as he brought his lips back to hers with a slow and tender kiss that made her whole body melt.

The fire that lit her core burned through her as her lips moved with his. He propped up on his elbow and slid his hand into her hair, tangling his fingers in the gossamer strands that were still mussed from sleep. His grip on her hands slackened and she immediately brought one hand up to the back of his neck, and pulled him even closer, as her other hand slid under his shirt to rest on the curve of his back, his warm skin flaming beneath her touch.

Harry let out a small moan as her hand came into contact with his bare skin and he slipped his own around behind her back to match. Since that night before her Harpies tryout, Harry had been more and more bold about touching her bare back and the contact always sent a thrill down Ginny's spine.

Ginny shuddered as she felt the fire in their bond flare at the skin-to-skin contact and Harry's hand fisted in her hair, pulling her head back to expose her neck as he pulled his lips away from hers. Harry kissed a trail around her jawline down to that place on the base of her neck that he knew she liked. Ginny's sharp intake of breath and the flare across their bond let him know he'd reached the right spot.

Ginny sighed as Harry kissed and nipped until she pulled his face back to her own and crashed her lips against his. Their tongues danced together and Harry's hand slid from her back to her hip, his thumb caressing the skin above the waistband of her pajama pants.

Ginny moaned as he gripped her hip tightly and wrapped one of her legs around his. They may have stayed that way forever, or possibly gone farther, if it wasn't for the creak of floorboards in the room above them.

Harry pulled back from her quickly and scooted a short distance away to put a gap between them on the bed.

Ginny huffed and rolled towards him.

"It's okay for us to be snogging, Harry. We're married, remember?"

"I know, but it just doesn't feel right."

Ginny scowled and a wave of irritation crashed across their bond.

"No! No, not like that! I mean, I feel bad snogging you, in our bed, in your mother's house. I mean, she took me in and gave me a place to live. I feel a bit like I'm taking advantage of that, you know? Plus there was that bit your dad said about minding their boundaries or something."

Ginny sighed and rested her head on his chest. Despite his reluctance to continue kissing her, Ginny could feel his heart racing and knew, through the bond, that he'd like nothing more than to stay exactly where he'd been, doing exactly what they'd been doing for as long as he could. All day, if possible, which Ginny thought it very well may be.

"How long is it going to take you to feel comfortable with this, Harry?" she asked.

Harry sighed for perhaps the hundredth time that morning.

"I don't know. It may never happen. I just…I just can't do this sort of thing in your mum's house."

"Then we need to find our own house."

Harry looked at her incredulously.

"What?"

"You heard me, Harry. If you can't be comfortable kissing me because we're in Mum's house, then I don't want to live in Mum's house, anymore."

"But…wait. Can we talk about this? I don't think…" Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his messy hair. "I don't think we're ready to move out, yet."

"Why not?" Ginny asked.

"Loads of reasons. I'm not nearly as good a cook as your mum. We don't have anything to furnish a house with. I don't have a job. What if we don't like any of the houses we already own? Are we prepared to buy a new one? And…and well, to be honest, I think it's good for us to be here right now. I'm not…I'm not ready to…well…"

"To have sex?"

Harry's face flamed. That was one of the reasons he loved her. She always knew exactly what he was trying to say, and wasn't afraid to put things bluntly.

"Well, yes. And I'm afraid that if we're on our own…Merlin, Gin, you don't know how attractive you are to me. I don't know if I'll be able to stop, and I honestly don't think we're ready yet, married or not. I mean, are you? Because I'm not."

Ginny took a deep breath.

"No. Probably not. I like to think I am, but it will change so many things, you know? I've loved you for so long that I wonder if I'm capable of waiting anymore, but even with the bond, this relationship is still so new that I don't want to ruin it. I still don't really want you seeing me naked, as much as I tease you about it when I'm changing, but I don't want to wait forever."

Harry released a breath that he didn't know he'd been holding.

"I don't either. But I want the timing to be right. I don't want it to be because we feel like we're obligated or that it's suddenly okay because we're married. Merlin, Gin, I wouldn't be kissing you like this if it wasn't for the fact that we are married, and I think that, without that, we'd never even consider taking that step, yet. It's not time."

"When, do you think?" Ginny asked shyly.

"I don't know," Harry replied. "Honestly, if things keep going at the pace they've been going, it could be next week, for all I know. I'd like it to be closer to six months, at least, but I'm realistic enough to know that I don't think I can wait that long. I've…well…I'm planning something, but it's a secret, and, well, I think maybe it'll change some things."

Ginny perked up.

"A secret? You know you can't keep secrets from me, Harry Potter," Ginny said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"That's why I told you I'm planning something. You'll know that much anyway. But I'm not telling you what I'm planning, and you'll never get it out of me, so don't even try."

"Oh, I'm going to try. Are you ticklish, Mr. Potter?" Ginny asked with an ear-to-ear smile.

"Not as ticklish as you, Mrs. Potter!" Harry exclaimed, and before she had a chance to react, Harry had her pinned to the bed screaming with laughter as he sat over her and tickled her mercilessly.

Neither of them heard the footsteps descending the stairs or the whispered debate outside their door, as their joined laughter made it hard to hear much but each other. They did, however, hear the knock on the door, and Harry called out for whomever it was to come in, not stopping his wife's torture for a second.

Ron and Hermione opened the door cautiously before Ron walked in and addressed his friend.

"Bloody hell, Harry! Haven't you ever heard of a silencing charm?"

"Why would I need one?"

"Because I don't want to hear whatever it is the two of you get up to in here!"

Harry stopped tickling Ginny and leaned back, allowing her to catch her breath, but keeping a gentle pressure on her knees and arms so she still couldn't escape.

"And how are you hearing us all the way up in your room? Isn't it, what, two, three floors up?" Harry asked with a sly smile.

"Errr…that is…well, I was visiting Hermione this morning, you know, for a chat, and, well, I heard you from there. She's just above you."

Hermione's face had gone beet red but Harry only smiled at her.

"Right," he responded to Ron. "Of course. Perfectly logical, except that I swear I heard two sets of footsteps in there late last night." Ron and Hermione's faces were now both roughly the shade of Ginny's hair. "However, Ginny and I weren't doing anything that needed silencing, as you can see."

"Yes, what exactly are you doing, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Tickling her."

"Why?"

"Because Harry's got a secret and I'm trying to get it out of him!" Ginny piped up from where she was still trapped beneath Harry's knees.

"So then why are you the one pinned?" Ron asked with a chuckle.

"Because I'm faster!" Harry announced jovially as he lunged to tickle her again. Ginny was prepared this time and twisted out from under him before reaching out to tickle him. Harry's reflexes allowed him to dodge and he stood quickly from the bed, running from the room, Ginny hot on his heels as he laughed that she'd never get it out of him.

They left Ron and Hermione gaping in the shared room.

"I don't think I've ever seen him so…"

"Happy," Ron finished.

"Playful," Hermione added.

"Carefree."

"He's positively giddy!" Hermione remarked, astonished.

"He really loves her," Ron remarked, with an air of disbelief.

"Yeah. Yeah, I really think he does. And there's no question she loves him back."

"No. Never was, really."

Ron sighed as he ran his hand through his hair in an unconscious imitation of his best mate.

"They'll be okay together, won't they? It's not too soon?" he asked.

"They'll be fine, Ron. It's not what they planned, but this soul bond seems to be good for them."

"Do you…do you ever wish something like that had happened to us? I mean, look at how happy they are. Don't you wish we could be like that?"

It was Hermione's turn to sigh as she curled under Ron's outstretched arm as the two of them leaned against the wall, still standing in Harry and Ginny's room.

"What's to say we can't be? I'm happy when I'm with you. It's just…everything's been accelerated for them. Maybe in a few years, we'll be as carefree as they are."

"You think we'll have a few years?" Ron asked tentatively, tightening his arm around Hermione's shoulders slightly.

"I don't know. I hope so. I've waited too long to let you go without giving this a fair chance," Hermione replied quietly.

"Good. Because I wasn't planning on letting you go anytime soon, either."

Ron curled Hermione into him and kissed her deeply. She let out a quiet noise of contentment as she grabbed a fistful of his hair, already mussed from their early morning "conversation." They may have continued in this manner for some time if it hadn't been for the infamous Weasley appetite.

Ron's stomach grumbled at the faint smell of bacon beginning to waft from the kitchen. Hermione pulled away with a giggle.

"Shall we go see if your mum's finished making breakfast yet?"

"You are the most wonderful witch in the world. I thought you'd never ask."

Ron kissed Hermione quickly on the lips and then practically dragged her down the steps toward the kitchen, where they could still hear Harry and Ginny's laughter. Both their smiles were as wide as they'd ever been.