An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter Twenty-six

Ginny sat in the parlour folding laundry when she heard Harry and Hermione return from their trip. Harry popped his head in and said "I'll be right back Gin, I need to put something away."

Ginny knew better than try to ask Harry what he was hiding, she'd have to be more devious to find out. She smiled to herself knowing that it could be a lot of fun trying to get Harry to reveal his secret to her.

Harry returned quickly and sat beside her. "Want some help love?" he asked after leaning over and giving her a quick kiss.

"Sure Harry, I'll never refuse an offer of help, especially when doing mundane tasks," she replied with a smile.

Harry helped her with folding the sheets that Molly had washed. With the two of them it took hardly any time at all to finish.

"So how did your Apparation test go," Ginny asked.

"Great," replied Harry. "I got to the Ministry and was sent right in to see an inspector. I was in and out in slightly less than fifteen minutes. I don't think it could have gone any easier."

Ginny swatted his arm, "You have the luck of a Kneazle," she said playfully.

Harry looked around quickly and leaned in taking Ginny in his arms, "Is that so Mrs. Potter?" he whispered.

Ginny glanced around too, "Harry! Aren't you taking quite a risk?"

"Maybe but with the luck of a Kneazle, I'll chance it this once." Harry said with a mischievous look.

"You're being so bad," Ginny chided.

"But you like it when I'm bad," Harry answered.

Ginny chuckled, "Is that so Mr. Potter?"

"Seems to me it is," chuckled Harry. He then twisted Ginny around and laid her back on the couch and began to snog her intensely.

Ginny wrapped he arms around him and returned as good as she got. She tried to ignore the thoughts and feelings of Harry's pending departure. She wanted to give him her full attention so they both would enjoy their time together as much as possible.

Harry was enjoying spending time with his wife. His Wife! He repeated the phrase several times to himself, he could still hardly believe it. The thoughts of their love making filled his mind, inflaming his passion. "Ginny," he whispered huskily, "Let's go up to our room."

"Harry," Ginny whispered back, "Isn't that a bit risky?"

"I don't care Ginny, I want you now." He emphasized his desire by thrusting his swollen member against her leg.

Ginny blushed and nodded her head, "OK my love, let's hurry before somebody sees us."

Harry rose and took Ginny's hand in his to help her to her feet. He kissed her soundly before pulling her towards the stairs. Glancing to make sure the coast was clear in the kitchen they hurried up the stairs and into their room. Harry shut the door and took his wand, casting silencing and locking charms so that they wouldn't be interrupted.

Ginny was already removing her clothes so that they could get into the bed quicker, Harry's desire for her fuelling hers for him. Now that Harry had talked her into it she ached deep down inside her wanting to feel Harry deep inside her once more and realizing every time they made love it increased her chances of getting pregnant.

Harry turned and saw Ginny disrobing, he smiled at her eagerness and he kicked off his shoes, removed his shirt and dropped his trousers and boxers in a hurry, wanting to join her as quickly as possible.

Ginny was naked and turning down the bed so they could enter it and enjoy their marital relations in comfort.

Harry watched her climb into bed, her hair cascading around her in fiery waves. The sun streaming through the window highlighting it in a multitude of shades of crimson. Harry marvelled again at how beautiful she looked, she was the epitome of Aphrodite or Venus. He would forever be enthralled with her. No other woman could ever come close to her in Harry's eyes, her beauty took his breath away.

Harry kissed her deeply and felt Ginny respond to him. Her body seemed to shift to accommodate him, her legs opened and he naturally lined up with her and entered her easily. Ginny groaned as Harry sank into her and she experienced again the feeling of completeness she felt when they were making love.

Harry began to thrust slowly and gently and the outside world ceased to exist for them as they gave themselves to the pleasure they were giving one another.

XX

Hermione returned with Harry and went immediately up to her room. She felt drained and exhausted. Her inability to find anything on the trace was beginning to get to her. She was starting to doubt her ability to research things in the magical world. If she couldn't find out about the trace how was she to help in researching to track down the Horcruxes?

Sighing heavily she turned and laid on her side, her back to the door. Slowly she drifted off to a fitful sleep, images of words and pages of books swirling through her mind. Her dream shifted to a large open indistinct plain, she was sitting on the ground surrounded by piles upon piles of large dusty tomes. Towering above her was several dark cloaked and hooded figures, their faces lost in the shadows of their garments.

They pointed and laughed at her and her inability to find anything she was trying to research. The more books she pulled down to look at the larger the crowd of hooded and cloaked figures grew and they were all laughing at her failure. Tears were forming in her eyes and she tried desperately to find one small bit of information that she could use, but the harder she tried the more she felt her failure.

Hermione found herself prostrate over the books spread out before her, her tears coming unrestrained now. The cloaked figures had gathered close around her in a tight circle, laughing at her feeble efforts to find any information. She shut her eyes tightly and tried desperately to cover her ears to shut out the sound of the laughing figures but she was unable to completely shut them out.

Asleep on her bed Hermione thrashed about, her body struggling just as much as her mind was in her nightmare. Finally she awoke with a start, sitting up in a near panic, tears still streaming down her face, just as distressed as she had been in her dream.

Hermione had never felt so depressed and frustrated at her inability to produce the information she was looking for. Taking so great big breaths she slowed her racing heart and calmed down some, wiping her face she laid back down. Still feeling exhausted, she closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep, this time untroubled by any nightmares.

XX

Ginny and Harry snuggled together in the afterglow of the lovemaking. Ginny had a huge smile on her face, she felt that wonderful sense of contentment that she felt after every coupling that they shared.

Harry looked at Ginny and noticed her smile, "What's up with you?" he asked.

Ginny turned and snuggled closer to Harry, "Every young girl dreams about what her married life will be like Harry and the reality of our life together so far exceeds what I had dreamed and I find it unbelievable. It's like every fibre of my being is singing and vibrating with the joy I feel. I feel so alive and wonderful it's indescribable."

Harry kissed her tenderly, "I don't know Ginger-Bear, you seem to be doing a pretty good job of it."

Ginny felt so warm and secure laying there with Harry she didn't ever want to get up but she knew they needed to get up as someone would soon be looking for them to come to lunch. Giving Harry one last kiss she sat up saying "We need to get up Harry, it's almost lunch time and someone is sure to come looking."

Harry reluctantly agreed and followed Ginny out of bed, once more taking in the stunning form of his naked wife. He knew he'd never tire of the sight and felt blessed every time he saw it.

Ginny gathered up her clothes and slipping on her dressing gown said "I'm going to go freshen up real quick, you going to join me?"

Harry considered his state and nodded his head, "Yeah I'd better," he replied. Harry slipped on his jeans and they peeked to make sure the stairs were clear before they darted up to the bathroom.

Once cleaned up they headed back downstairs, Ginny throwing her dressing gown into their room before they proceeded down to the kitchen for lunch.

XX

Molly was just wondering where everyone was when Ginny and Harry appeared in the kitchen from upstairs.

"Well where have you two been?" she asked nonchalantly.

"Upstairs," was all Ginny said.

Harry was trying hard not to blush and hoped Molly didn't notice his discomfort.

"Have either of you seen Hermione," Molly asked.

"Not since I got back," replied Harry. "I think she mentioned being tired and wanting to go lay down," he added.

"Would you please go up and call her down for lunch."

"OK Mum," Harry said as he got up.

Harry climbed the stairs till he got to Hermione's room, the door was ajar so he opened it slowly. Hermione lay on the bed sound asleep but it was evident that she had at some point been thrashing around as the blanket and sheets were all in disarray.

He knocked softly on the door frame and waited to see if Hermione had heard. When she didn't respond he went over and gently shook her by the shoulder.

Hermione awoke with a start, gasping and looking around wildly before focusing in on Harry. She visibly relaxed when she saw him.

"Sorry Harry," she said shakily, "You startled me. What is it?" she asked.

"Molly sent me to fetch you down to lunch," Harry stated. Noting her state he asked "Are you OK?"

Hermione sighed, "Yeah, I just had a bad dream earlier and it really shook me up."

Harry offered her his hand and helped her stand.

"Thanks Harry," she said. She looked Harry in the eyes and added "I just feel I'm failing you and Ginny. It's driving me crazy and I can't seem to stop myself from dwelling on it."

Harry gave her a hug and guided her towards the door. "We'll figure it out Hermione, you can't give up or feel that you're failing. You just haven't found the answer yet."

"Thanks Harry," she said. "I'm glad you still have faith in me."

"Sure thing Hermione, now let's get down to lunch."

They descended to the kitchen where Molly and Ginny were waiting. Hermione took one look at Ginny and thought something was different, she couldn't quite place a finger on it but Ginny looked different, she kind of . . . Glowed, was the only word Hermione could come up with. She had a serene happiness that seemed to flow out of her every pore.

"Hey Ginny," she said. "What have you been up to?"

"Well this morning I helped Mum with the laundry and they after you and Harry got back he and I hung out in our room. That's about it," Ginny replied.

Hermione thought there was more to it than that but decided not to press the issue. She knew that Ginny was unhappy about the lack of progress on breaking the trace and she didn't want to do anything to make the situation worse.

They enjoyed another wonderful lunch prepared by Molly and then went out back into the garden to practice more magic.

Hermione was reading one of the ancient tomes that she had gotten from Dumbledore's office on Horcruxes while Harry had Ginny help him practice his Dark Object detecting. She became excited when she found out about how to construct something to store a Horcrux safely and she knew she could accomplish the spells to make them.

This had the effect of restoring some of her self-confidence in her researching ability. She marked her place so that she could get started on it that evening.

XX

The progress at Potter Cottage was proceeding well, though the detail work was much slower going than the major construction had been. Ron and the Twins had made great strides out in the back garden and it looked much less like a jungle than it had previously. The flower beds were now all recognizable and many of the shrubs had been trimmed and looked great now.

Fleur had been able to identify many of the plants as perennials that had gone wild spreading in clusters so that she was able to direct the three ersatz gardeners in what to divide so that they had a plethora of extra plants to spread around.

Sarah had found the most valuable thing so far, it was a plan of the grounds and showed that the large field behind the line of trees was Potter property and that James had planned to install a Quidditch pitch once he was able to. The field was bordered on all sides by tall trees making it a great place to play with out being easily observed by outsiders.

Charlie was ecstatic about the find and given Sarah a huge kiss as a reward for her find. It lasted a bit longer than Charlie had intended but Sarah didn't complain.

Charlie had moved the bedroom set from the master bedroom and used it for the new guest room suite. He had commissioned a new bedroom suite to match the wood and finish of the heirloom rocker they had found in the nursery. It would be delivered in a few days, hopefully in time for Ginny's birthday.

That was one of the days he had in mind if everything was ready to present the completed Cottage to Harry and Ginny as a kind of pre-wedding present. If not he had a couple of other dates in mind.

It was getting a little late in the afternoon and Charlie decided to call it a day. He got everyone together. "I think that a couple more days should do it. I think I can get the things we need for the Quidditch pitch delivered by Saturday and we should be able to get everything done that afternoon or Sunday at the latest. If the last of the furniture is delivered then we can present it to the happy couple on Monday evening. Keep you fingers crossed."

Fleur gave Charlie an amused look, "You going to be home this evening?" she asked.

Charlie and Sarah blushed, Charlie a full Weasley blush and Sarah a light blush, obviously much less embarrassed that he was. Charlie looked at Sarah before answering Fleur. She just smiled at him and he shook his head slightly while whispering to her "Woman you'll be the death of me." Which caused Sarah to burst into laughter.

The Twins knew they had missed something but being the quick witted pair they were they immediately began to plot and plan on using this information to their best advantage.

"So Big brother," started Fred.

"Were you out all. . ." continued George.

"Last night with this. . . "

"Innocent young lass. . . "

"Corrupting her. . . ."

"Morals?" finish George.

Charlie turned to the Twins and half threatened and half pleaded with them. "Please guy's give me a break here. Sarah isn't used to your ways yet and I wouldn't want anything to happen to affect our relationship. Get my drift?"

Fred and George looked mock horrified.

"Oh Please esteemed older. . . " began Fred.

" And wiser brother. . . " continued George.

"We would never do anything to deter. . . "

"Your relationship with this fine young lady. . . . "

"Far be it for us to hinder true love. . . " the finished together with a huge grin on their faces.

Charlie slumped his shoulders and shook his head.

"What's wrong?" asked a concerned Sarah.

"We're doomed," answered a dejected Charlie. "Doomed I tell you."

Fleur and Ron broke out in near uncontrolled laughter while the Twins assumed an air of innocence.

Sarah was looking from person to person trying to figure out what was so funny but reasoned it had to be a family thing she was unaware of as of yet. Well if she had to undergo some kind of prank or something to be a full fledged member of the family all she had to say was bring it on, cause nothing was going to come between her and her Charlie.

Fleur put an arm around Sarah's shoulders, "Don't worry, too much. The Twins are know for their pranking but unless you are a really vile person they are all in good fun and they take as well as they give."

Sarah's face lit up, "Is that so?" she said with a mischievous look on her face.

The Twins smiled at her but said nothing, why give anything way.

Charlie finally said, "OK enough. Fleur I will be home later but probably after dinner, I want to spend some time with my girl after dinner."

Sarah beamed at him and took his arm, snuggling close to his side.

Fleur looked at the two of them with an amused smile and said "OK young man, but if you're out too late again tonight I may just have to ground you."

This caused the three brothers and Sarah to burst out laughing again. Charlie tried to look contrite but failed and joined in the laughter.

"OK Mum," he said jovially.

The group dispersed and all of them headed off to their own destinations, Apparating away leaving Potter Cottage in the light of the afternoon, finally looking alive once again after so many years of neglect.

XX

Harry and Ginny headed up to their room after spending the evening talking to Hermione and the Twins in the parlour for a while. Hermione had sat and was making a number of small velvet pouches with draw string tops. She was doing it the muggle way because she was so used to sewing having do so growing up. She also found the physical activity very calming because it kept her mind occupied with paying attention to what she was doing.

The Twins were busy planning their prank on Sarah and Charlie, they were debating on a lip lock potion of some type or heart shaped balloons that followed them around playing love songs, pretty benign when you think about it.

Harry closed the door after they were ready for bed. As Ginny got into bed Harry secretly grabbed the small box with the gift he had gotten from Max. Once they were snuggled in to bed together Harry gave the gift to Ginny.

"Here my wife, I have gotten you a small wedding gift as a token of my love for you."

Ginny was totally surprised, "You didn't have to do this Harry," she said as she began to unwrap the box. "She was blown away by the size of the Ruby Heart shaped Stone. She had never seen one that large before.

"Harry, this is way too expensive for you to give to me," she said with a quiver in her voice. "This must have cost a fortune!"

Harry smiled at her, "Much less than you'd think." he told her. "I actually only had to pay for the chain, the Stone was a gift from Max."

Without telling her the price Harry related the story of his acquiring the necklace, about that the Stone may have been cut by Merlin himself, how the chain magically fit the Ruby, how the Stone had been in Max's family for generations and that the chain had turned up just two days ago.

Harry placed the necklace around Ginny's neck while explaining the legend that Max had related to him. "Ginny, while I'm gone please wear this as a token of my love and Max said that it would grant the wearer her heart's desire."

As Harry fastened the chain the Ruby flashed a fiery Red, the light filling the room for a moment before fading away. Harry and Ginny were startled and Ginny instinctively grabbed the Stone. It felt warm to her touch and she swore she felt a faint heartbeat. Her face showed a mixture of awe and reverence.

"I can feel the magic in this Stone Harry," Ginny said in a hushed tone. She let Harry take the Stone in his hand and he also felt the faint beat of a heart and he thought it beat in time with his own.

Harry let go of the necklace and Ginny tucked it into her nightgown. Harry had sworn that the chain had been shorter but when it fell inside Ginny's gown it tucked down between her breasts. Ginny felt it's warmth and it made her feel a calmness and contentment.

Ginny looked at Harry and said "It's a magnificent gift Harry. I'm not sure I deserve it, but thank you just the same." Ginny hung her head, "I didn't think to get you a wedding gift," she said sadly.

Harry lifted Ginny's head with a finger under her chin. "You are my gift Ginny, I need nothing else but you." He leaned in and gently kissed her and as he did Ginny swore she felt the Ruby Heart flare with warmth for the briefest of moments. So brief that she couldn't really say if it had happened.

Soon that was pushed from her mind as Harry began to kiss down onto her neck. Ginny moaned and tilted her head to give Harry freer access. Once again she felt her body responding to Harry's touch and attention. She felt herself grow wet with desire for Harry to make love to her again. Tugging at his pajama bottoms she soon had Harry free of his clothes.

She felt Harry's hard member, it seemed hot against her skin. She was aware of Harry raising the hem of her nightgown. Ginny lifted her bum to allow it to rise up past her hips. Ginny slipped her arms through the neck hole and let the gown gather at her hips giving Harry access to her breasts.

Ginny felt the heat rise in her, her body exploding wherever Harry touched or kissed her. Harry took one of Ginny's nipples in his mouth and held it gently in his teeth while he flicked his tongue over it driving her wild with the sensations that ran through her body. His hand drifted down and took possession of her apex, one finger sliding inside her as his palm rubbed across her nub sending her spiralling in ecstasy.

Harry switched from one breast to the other causing Ginny to moan almost continuously, her hands running through his hair urging him to continue his caresses and attention he was applying to her.

Harry's head dipped lower joining his hand at her sopping slit his tongue leaving hot wet streaks across her body. Ginny grabbed the sheets in her hands needing to hang on to something as the world spun around her. She was making little keening and mewing sounds unconsciously.

Harry's tongue found it's way to her slit and nub causing Ginny's body to jump around uncontrollably. Ginny's eyes were screwed shut and her breathing coming in short gasping pants.

Just when she thought she couldn't take any more Harry stopped and made his way back up to her. As he kissed her he lined himself up and thrust into her. Ginny arched her back forcing Harry even deeper, wrapping her arms around him she returned his kiss tenfold. She felt frantic with her need for release. Harry's thrusting became more and more feverish as they raced each other to climax.

Ginny broke the kiss and pulled Harry even closer, her head next to his, she whispered huskily in his ear, "Oh Godric Harry,. . .Oh, Oh, Yes yes Harry!" suddenly the dam broke and the pent up feelings exploded throughout her as she felt Harry flood her with his essence.

Ginny felt the necklace warm between them, adding to the feeling of love she was experiencing from Harry. She locked her legs around Harry to keep him deep inside her, she felt every spasm, every throb inside her. She shuddered again in a secondary orgasm. Her breath coming in short ragged gasps.

Harry was just as spent as Ginny, he felt that their couplings were getting more and more intense every time they had intercourse. Harry couldn't bring himself to use the term shagging as he felt it conferred a sense of casualness that their lovemaking far surpassed. Ginny was his wife and what they were sharing was an intimate joining of body and soul, forging their lives together to insure their future with each other.

Ginny rolled so that she was on top of Harry but so that he was still buried deep inside her. She kissed him gently with a lingering kiss of her deep abiding love she felt for him, again as she did so she felt the Ruby Heart flare warm, with the same feeling of contentment and she noticed from Harry's expression that he felt it too.

"That keeps happening doesn't it?" Harry asked.

Ginny hugged Harry closer, "Yes it does," she answered. "But I think it's a good thing, I think it's a reflection of our love."

Harry closed his eyes and let the sense of well being wash over him. "I think so too," he whispered back.

Harry held on to Ginny who clung to him in return. The exchanged little kisses and caresses enjoying being close together, their skin touching, sharing their warmth along with their love. They both thought that they had never experienced anything like it before.

"I love you my wife," Harry whispered tenderly.

"I love you my husband," Ginny whispered back with just as much love as she felt from Harry.

Ginny finally felt Harry slip out from inside her and she felt a sense of loss. She really loved the feeling of Harry filling her. She slipped to the side and snuggled close to Harry pressing as close as she could into his side. Harry wrapped an arm around her and helped her to get as close as she could.

Ginny finally drifted off to sleep in Harry's loving embrace, but Harry had a tough time falling asleep as his mind kept going to the coming time of his having to leave. He listened to Ginny's slow even breathing and drew comfort from it, knowing that no matter what, at least for now he had the love of a most remarkable woman he had ever met and his life with her was more than he could have ever dreamed of.

Softly kissing the top of her head he finally closed his eyes and let himself join Ginny in slumber.

XX

AN: Well someone said they wanted more of Ginny in this chapter so I hope I have achieved that. She and Harry seem to going at it like bunnies but it may be because of the subconscious knowledge of Harry's imminent departure.

Hermione is doubting herself with her inability to find a way to break the trace.

The Twins are plotting to prank Charlie and Sarah and if my guess is correct it will be at Ginny's birthday celebration.

As always please, please review.