Chapter 21 – Harry Does Better

Ginny was waiting patiently by the front door early next morning when Harry came down for his morning run. Harry looked at the filled egg basket sitting on the table and just grinned. "I've heard of getting up with the chickens but this is a little ridiculous."

"I'm going out with you this morning. Please don't run me into the ground or leave me behind."

"OK, lovely lady. You lead the way then." Ginny and Harry went out the front door and did a little stretching before they were ready to start running. Ginny went first and Harry found himself running at her shoulder. Ginny steered them onto the path over to the Lovegood's. They jogged until they reached the beginning of the Lovegood's property and then just reversed themselves back down the path toward the Burrow. Ginny called a halt and stopped once they got to the rock ledge that was about halfway back.

"How are you doing" Harry asked as he caught his breath. While the path wasn't terribly long it had a couple of hills and corresponding valleys that took some getting used to.

"I'm ok Harry. But how are you doing?" Harry knew she just wasn't asking about his run. He leaned back against the rocks and studied his partner. "I'm much better than I was last night. A few hours of sleep did wonders for my mood."

"Good then. Hermione and I were thinking of what to do to get you out of that. You probably wouldn't have enjoyed most of the things we thought of."

Harry hopped up on the ledge and Ginny came over to stand between his legs. "I'm such a prat sometimes; I really wonder sometimes what you see in me."

"Having doubts about any sanity and judgment Hermione and I have?"

"Just my own. I mean…" Harry didn't know how to finish his statement.

"Well, bit by bit, as Mum says. We take it one day at a time and try to do the best of it. You've beat him twice already Harry; it can't just be luck."

"But what if I … fail? Then Voldemort wins and everybody loses. And people get killed. Enough people have already died because of me."

Ginny's glare almost caused Harry to flinch. "People have died because of "You-Know-Who" not Harry 'It's all my fault' Potter. Get that through your head, ok? Be mad at the world, be mad at me, be mad at everyone else. But don't ever put the blame where it belongs – Vol-Voldemort!" Ginny turned completely around so that Harry couldn't see her tears of rage.

Harry pulled her gently back by her shoulders so that she was backed up right against the rock face. He leaned down so that he rested his head on her shoulder. "Voldemort is in bigger trouble than he ever imagined."

"And why is that Harry?" Ginny's tone hadn't relaxed from her little outburst of a few seconds earlier.

"Not only does he have this prophecy that someone CAN take him out, but he also has to face the wrath of Ginny Weasley!"

Ginny spun quickly to see if Harry was laughing at her, but she found him just staring at her with a look of affection. "Thanks Harry for not making fun of me."

"I wouldn't laugh at you Gin. I fully expect you and Hermione to help me get ready. However long it takes. Just don't expect me to be cheery all the time. Knowing you HAVE to kill someone doesn't make for good thoughts."

"That's to be expected. Harry?"

"Yes Ginny?"

"Tag, you're it." Ginny slapped Harry hard on the chest and then took off on a little side trail that Harry hadn't noticed before.

Harry was rocked back a little by the unexpected blow but quickly took off after the redhead. The trail wound its way through the woods and Harry was hard pressed to gain any ground on the girl. She seemed to have a sense of when to jump, duck and careen around fallen trees and branches. Every time Harry looked up to get a glimpse of where Ginny could be, he seemed to catch a stray branch in the face or stomach that slowed him back down.

Stumbling a bit over a couple of roots, Harry stumbled into a small clearing. It was only about twenty feet wide but Harry saw that two paths led away from the spot he stood in. He heard the sound of Ginny's laughter but couldn't tell the direction that it came from. Harry bent over looking at the ground to see if he could see if there was a footprint in the soft needles.

Just as he thought he had found one, he sensed something and turned to find Ginny jumping down from one of the nearby trees to try and knock him flat. The impact took the two of them down and Harry ended up tumbling over with her. Ginny ended up on Harry's stomach with her face only inches from Harry's.

"Reflexes good, check!" Ginny was smiling but soon just couldn't stop staring at the green eyes that were so close to her. She swallowed once to try and calm down but couldn't stop herself from leaning down to kiss Harry.

The feel and taste of Harry's lips started a funny feeling in Ginny's stomach. She was very surprised when Harry's lips parted just a little and she felt a tongue slide across her own lips. Her gasp opened her mouth and encouraged Harry to reach farther and touch her tongue with his. 'This is heaven' Ginny thought.

A bell ringing in the distance caught Harry's attention and he reluctantly pushed Ginny away. He looked at her soft eyes and flushed face and thought it probably a good thing that they were interrupted. "Blast it" he said as he got to his feet.

"Did you say that because we were interrupted or because you thought you were too forward with me Harry?"

"A little of both" Harry admitted. He had his eyes lowered because he thought he had pushed Ginny for something she wasn't ready for. But the feel of her lips was just so… good.

"I liked that.. I liked that a lot Harry. But we better get back for breakfast."

Harry smiled and held out a hand. Ginny grabbed it and they walked through the forest and just came out on another corner of the Weasley Quidditch pitch a couple of minutes later. Harry could see the Burrow just a little way away.

"Nice path, Ginny."

"Ron and I have been playing tag around here since that time I could walk. Anytime you want to go for another exploration just ask."

"Thanks Ginny, I liked that exploration a lot. Oh and by the way…"

"Yes Mr. Potter?"

"Tag, you're it again." Harry pushed Ginny on the shoulder and then took off running as fast as he could toward the Burrow. Ginny yelled after him but only walked her way back home as she touched her lips briefly in wonder.

Xxxx xxxx

Ginny started getting some of her things packed up for Hogwarts after lunch. She worked at it for an hour and got most of her laundry done at the same time. She had learned that her brothers mostly waited until the last moment to prepare and pack up their things. She planned to sit and watch them in their panic and laugh at them.

'Ginny?'

'Hello Hermione. Did you sleep as badly as I did last night?'

'Probably. How's our boyfriend taking things today?'

'Much better but he's still very upset. We went for a run this morning and we kissed. Hermione.. he put his tongue in my mouth! It was so..so.. I don't have the words to describe it ; made my toes curl.'

'I'm jealous. Let Harry know I'd like to try that maybe . It doesn't sound gross if it's Harry doing it.'

'You have no idea! Did you get a chance to get to a music store?'

'No, but I called one nearby and they did have a book or two about mandolins and chording. I'll try to get one for Harry before we go to King's cross.'

'Do we tell him in public that we're interested in watching him finger his instrument?"

'Phraseology like that is going to get you in trouble someday.'

'Don't lie and tell me you haven't thought about that also.'

'I have just as good as imagination as you do Miss Weasley but I'll not ask him to show us something that private.'

'Yeah, me neither. But it's still nice to fantasize about. I'd better go check on Harry. I don't want him to slip back into a bad mood.'

'Ask him to contact me after supper. I'm trying to let him work things out by himself even though I just want to be there and cuddle him.'

'Thanks Hermione. We both love you, you know.'

'Love you back Ginny. Talk to you later.'

Ginny felt the connection close down and went to find Harry. She found him sitting in the living room and just gazing out the window. He was totally lost in thought and didn't hear Ginny call out softly to him. He looked totally exhausted and she saw him wipe away a tear.

It hurt Ginny to see him so upset and she didn't have any idea of what to do for him. Ginny went out to the kitchen and got a glass of pumpkin juice for herself and watched her Mum start making up some muffins for breakfast the next day.

"Is he any better?" Mrs. Weasley asked her youngest.

"I'm not sure he got any sleep last night and you saw what little he ate for breakfast and lunch. I don't know what to do for him."

"I wish I could help you but I just as lost. Has Hermione any suggestions?"

"She thinks he'll be a little better when we get back to Hogwarts and get back on a schedule. That doesn't help us now."

Mrs. Weasley thought for a bit as she worked in the kitchen. The only idea that came to her was getting Harry a little more sleep so he could think clearer. That being said she hoped her daughter would take a suggestion and help Harry get a nap in. She beckoned her daughter over so that she could speak quietly.

"I have an idea but I want Hermione to help you."

"Why?"

"Because I want another set of eyes or mind to make sure that your bond doesn't lead into something you're not ready for."

"Mom! I'll ask then."'Hermione?'

'Yes?'

'Mum has an idea for Harry but she wants you to watch and help.'

'Anything to help. I'm in.'

"Ok Mum, Hermione agrees and is listening."

"Good, I should think I would be getting used to talking to more than one of you by now. What I'm proposing is Ginny giving Harry a massage."

"I'm all for that, Mum" Ginny said smiling.

"A nice slow relaxing massage so he can get to sleep. You've done this before Ginny; I want Hermione to learn how to do this also. Harry may end up being this stressed out again. I have no idea how he's functioning at all with all he learned yesterday. At least go try. Your room so Ron won't disturb him if he does get to sleep. Harry can remove his shirt and pants (I don't believe I just said that to you) but he is to be covered by a sheet. Is that understood?"

"Yes mum."

Ginny walked deliberately over to Harry and tapped him on the shoulder. When he looked around, Ginny held out a hand, palm up.

Harry started fumbling in his pockets. "How much did I lose this time?" he asked pulling out all his change.

"No Harry, that isn't it. Actually you have a small training appointment."

"I don't remember signing up for anything Ginny."

"Actually, this time you're the subject."

'Harry, I want to learn how to give you a proper backrub. Ginny volunteered to show me.'

'She did? Awful nice of her to do that.'

'Please Harry?'

'Well ok, but wouldn't this work better if you were here Hermione?'

'I've a roast and potatoes in the oven for supper and have to pay some attention to it.'

'Good for you Hermione. I told you your mum would get around to trusting you with the kitchen."

'Thanks Harry but Ginny is still waiting for you.'

Harry finally grasped the hand Ginny had been offering and she led him up the stairs to her room. He was a little surprised when she closed her door behind them.

"I thought you weren't allowed in a closed room with me?"

'I'm here too Harry.'

'I didn't forget about you Hermione.'

"Ok Harry, shuck the shoes and shirt. Good." Ginny turned back the covers on her bed so Harry could lie down. He started to but Ginny held up her hand. "Pants too."

"What?"

"Mum's directive. She wants you to get a nap so we're going to help that with the backrub."

'Hermione?'

'I heard her say it too Harry. She's not lying. Just cover up with a sheet.'

"Turn around Gin. Please?"

Ginny went back to her dresser and turned her radio on low. She and Hermione watched carefully in the mirror as Harry quickly shucked his pants and dived into the bed. When he had covered up with a sheet Ginny came back and sat on the bed watching a nervous Harry.

"Before you flip over so 'we' can get to your back Harry, could you answer a question?" 'Two questions Harry actually.'

"Ok, I'll try."

"My question is why you kissed me like that earlier?"

"I have no idea; I've heard somewhere that it was a good thing so I thought I'd try. Was it ok?"

"Fabulously so, but that kind of kiss may lead to trouble. I wanted it to last longer. Much longer."

"I'll try to remember that for the next time. Hermione your question?"

'Would you do it again with Ginny so I can feel it too?'

'Goodie!'

Harry smiled and turned on his side on the bed making sure the sheet still covered him up. Ginny knelt down carefully and moved to catch Harry's lips with her own. This time when Harry's tongue ventured out, it was met by Ginny's. The two tongues tangled a bit and caressed each other and Harry and Ginny felt Hermione switch her experience from one to the other.

Ginny broke off the kiss and gasped as she pushed away from the side of the bed and Harry. "I forgot how to breathe!"

'That makes two of us Ginny! Harry, we may never let you be alone with another girl ever again. I really need a glass of cold water.'

Harry blushed and flipped over on his stomach. He hoped neither girl noticed the little wriggling he did to settle things down.

Thankfully, Ginny went into her instructor mode with Hermione and started telling her about major muscle groups and what kind of lotion worked the best. Between their quiet discussions, the radio in the back ground and the gentle feel of hands on his back, it didn't take Harry long to fall into a deep and lasting sleep.