Harry's Proposal
Music: DEBBIE BOONE 'You Light Up My Life'
Harry was a few days away from his 17th birthday. He would be of legal age in the Magical World. Still, there was something on his mind that he wanted to do. It was something that he'd had wanted over two lifetimes and in just a couple of days he would be free to do it.
That is, IF . . . ,
He'd done many things: Heroic, risky, dangerous, but none made him as unsure of the outcome and scared him as what he was about to do. He could start out on this road, BUT, completing it – successfully – was not up to him, not at all. That was the decision of someone else.
Meanwhile, in Ginny's room, she was looking out the window at Lily and James in the garden. Although it was evening and the sun had already set, one would not have realized it from the light that emanated from the two married lovers. They set the tone and Ginny so wanted to be held by Harry like that – lovingly married to him, but, he was just like he always was, very conservative and unsure of his own feelings.
"Hummm?" Ginny had an idea. It just might be time to 'push' things a little, to test the waters and see what happens, see how he really feels, or at least, reacts.
Ginny left her room and walked across the hall and knocked on a door – Harry's.
Harry was in his room, Ron's old room, laying down and thinking of someone – a red headed witch with those chocolaty brown eyes that whenever he looks into them he just looses himself in her . . . ,
'STOP!' He told himself. 'you don't even know if she wants you, let alone spend the rest of her life with you.' It was then that he heard a soft knock.
"Come in." Harry replied.
Ginny heard Harry say 'come in' and she opened the door and walked in.
Harry looked up and saw Ginny, all he saw was her Blazing Red Hair - and those eyes.
"Harry? Are you ok?" Ginny asked, gently. She saw Harry just looking at her, lost in his own private world, within his train of thought seemingly keeping out everything.
Ginny walked over to Harry and gently sat beside him. Gently she caressed his face, letting her fingers trail gently down his cheeks. To Harry, her fingers left a scorching trail on his cheeks, he felt the fingers leave a hot burning trail on his skin.
He loved it!
But, dare he tell her?
Ginny noticed his reaction to her touch, she felt his reactions, felt his trembling motions giving away his true inner feelings. She also felt, almost palpably, his emotions responding to her.
Ginny knew that feeling and liked what it meant – Harry really did like her. And, to Her, with the knowledge that she now had of Harry's feelings towards her, it was like a whole new life, a large doorway, opening up, showing her the possibilities, of a life with him.
Harry reached up to hold onto her hand, softly.
"What'cha thinking about?" Ginny asked.
Harry held onto Ginny's hand and brought it up to his face.
"Huh? Oh, nothing, nothing at all . . . ," Harry was lost, again, in his thoughts, of the feelings that Ginny brought blazing, searing into his very self.
Ginny looked at him, into his Emerald Green eyes and held onto his face, tenderly, with both her hands.
As soon as he felt her hands on his cheeks it was seemingly sudden, his thoughts had taken him into another world. Her touch was burning hot – seemingly so, and caused him to gasp, both emotionally, and verbally.
"Harry, you know as well as I do that you can't hide anything from me. You never could, so talk to me."
He looked up and all he saw were her eyes looking, piercing deep into his very soul. He was virtually lost in them.
"I was thinking . . . ,"
She continued looking at him – not blinking.
". . . of . . ." he was beginning to smile, a very pleasant thought he had was just beginning to voice itself.
Ginny couldn't wait. "Go ahead, tell me, its' alright, I'll understand. You've nothing to fear or to feel ashamed of Harry. I'm here with you and what you tell me, STAYS with me. I promise."
". . . you." Harry finished his statement.
Ginny continued looking at him for a few long moments, not saying anything, but smiling at him. Harry could see her eyes dancing and sparkling.
There, in Ginny's eyes, Harry could see, finally, happiness.
"I know what you were thinking, Harry, I always do. And, when your thoughts drift towards me, well, I like that and appreciate it. In fact, I welcome it."
He looked at her, "you do?" When Harry first heard her say she knew what he was thinking a look of fear crossed his face, but it disappeared when she finished her statement. She LIKED him thinking of her!
Hope sprang up in Harry's heart.
'I'll do it after all.' Harry thought to himself, quickly, a decision finalized, a decision based on almost two lifetimes of desire.
"In a few days, I'll be seventeen, and of legal age in our world, and for my birthday there's - something – I want – desire – to do. I'll want to go to Diagon Ally to get it." Harry looked away.
Ginny sat there, looking at him, her eyes searching his face.
Harry looked up at Ginny, "Ginny, I . . . ," he hesitated to see her reaction, and seeing only acceptance, continued " . . . love you, I always have and always will. Ever since I first saw you in the kitchen, my heart, well, it's hard for me to put into words, but when I saw you, I knew, somehow, that you were the one for me. I've always wanted to tell you this, but back then, I had no one to talk to. I was an orphan, no parents, no family. You had it all, including six brothers who would have done anything to protect you. I had nothing to offer you. Nothing."
"Oh, Harry, you've always had a lot to offer. You give of yourself and that's what matters the most, not the material things of this world. Besides, I know you love me." Ginny's whole world just opened up for her. She'd waited many long years just to hear those few words from him, over two lifetimes.
"I've always known, deep down inside, that you cared, loved me, yet, I've not told a soul. I've just wanted to wait for you to tell me. I love you, too, sweetheart. If – when – you, well, need me, I'll be here for you with no hesitation." Ginny spilled out her true feelings in just a short sentence, and for once, she was not afraid of doing so, nor did she fear the consequences.
She bent down and kissed him completely, passionately and lovingly.
Harry never resisted.
After coming up for air, Harry told Ginny, "Just give me until my birthday, please? I'll have something to give you then. I'll just hope you'll like it and accept it."
"Ok, Harry, but JUST until your birthday, and NOT a SINGLE – DAY- Later, understood?" she was smiling as she said this, her hair falling down on either side of his face covering him in all it's Fiery Brilliance.
"Understood, my love, then I'll be all yours, and no one else's - forever."
Harry promised her.
Ginny kissed him – erotically, and pulled away, "And, Potter, I'll never let you forget to whom you belong – every single day – understood?"
"I understand, love, and I can't wait!"
"You'd BETTER wait, Potter, 'cause I'm worth it."
Ginny leaned down and kissed Harry, completely and thoroughly,
for a –very - long - time.
The next morning Harry was up early. He had an errand to run and needed to talk with his Mum first.
Lily was downstairs with Molly in the kitchen preparing breakfast when Harry walked in and casually sat down at the table.
"Good morning, Son. Sleep well?"
"Hi, Mum. Yea, I did, exceptionally so."
"Mum? I need to talk with you – and Molly – about something, if you both have the time, before the rest of the family gets down here."
The two women looked at one another, expectantly.
Lily and Molly went over to the table and sat down on either side of Harry, Molly placed her hand on his shoulder, gently, giving him support.
"What is it, Harry? We're here to help you with anything." Molly said.
"Well, I'd like to go to Diagon Alley and get something, a gift, sort of, and I'll need some galleons."
"Son, tomorrow's your birthday, you don't need to buy yourself a gift."
Harry, upon hearing this, casually cast his eyes, up towards where Ginny's room would be and then, just hung his head. "Ok, I understand, but, it wasn't . . . ," He never finished his thought.
Molly saw the look in Harry's eyes' and immediately knew what it was. She leaned over to Lily and whispered something to her.
Lily's eyes widen and a small gasp escaped. Composing herself, "Harry, I think it'd be appropriate to give you a gift ahead of time. Since you'll be of legal age tomorrow, you'll need your own vault at Gringotts. Your Father and I have discussed this and want to give it to you. We've got our own now, ever since, well. . . Anyway, we've still got yours and it still has your gold in it. We made sure of that."
"What about the rest of you? I only need to buy a ring . . . Oh, no. I didn't mean to say that. I . . . I . ."
Lily and Molly both looked at one another, utter surprise written all over their faces, but happy nevertheless.
Lily placed her hand on her son's' hand, gently, but firmly. "Son, look at me." Harry cast his eyes up towards his Mum. "To begin with , both Molly and I are happy, so very happy for you both."
"Mum, Molly," Harry began and looked at them both with determination in his eyes, and both Mums saw it. "I love Ginny. I always have and always will. It's just that up till now I've had to catch up to where I was before. I just wished I'd at least told Ginny – before – that I'd loved her, it'd made it so much easier on her. But, Now, now I can make up for all that."
"Does she know how you feel?" Lily asked.
"Yes, I told her last night. It was while you and Dad were in the garden. She and I told each other how we felt." Harry started fidgeting about, and got up and paced the kitchen floor. "Mum, every time she touches me, her fingers leave a burning, scorching trail on my skin, it's like a searing mark that she's left on my very soul. Each time I look at her, into her deep chocolaty brown eyes, I get lost. And she's surrounded by that Blazing Fiery Red Hair, . . . , Mum! I love her so much that at times, it just hurts me so. It's all I can do to stop myself from putting my arms around her and hugging her. Last night, she asked me how I felt and I told her all this. We promised ourselves to each other. Mum, I want to be hers – forever. This is something that I've wanted now for a very long time. Even before the Battle at Hogwarts, I just didn't say anything, but now I am."
Harry sat down, slumped down at the table. "We didn't do anything last night, honest, Just kissed a bit. She initiated it."
"Well," Molly smiled and laughed, "its' about time things started progressing with you two. Look, Harry, you go get her a ring –today – NOW – and this afternoon, give it to her - with a proposal of marriage if that's what you want. She'll be expecting something and this will do it. You have my Blessing." Molly said.
"And mine too, Son." Lily added.
Harry got up to go back to his room, but stopped and gave Both his Mum and Molly a hug and kissed them both on the cheek. "I love you, both!" Harry went back to his room to get dressed, but as he got to the stairs, he overheard his Mum and Molly discussing names – baby names! He just shook his head and sighed deeply and went to get dressed. "I just hope they won't run out of names for all the babies I want with Ginny.' Harry said to himself.
Later that morning found Harry in Diagon Ally with a full pouch of Galleons. He'd even inquired as to how to withdraw unusually large sums so that he could pay for Ginny's ring, so he was on his way to a local jewelry store.
Upon entering, Harry saw a wizard behind the counter looking at him.
"Mr. Potter, welcome to my establishment."
"I'm looking for an engagement ring, a diamond ring." Harry asked.
"Come over this way, let me show you what I've got." The Proprietor said. "Here are some samples of what I have to offer. If you know the young witch's finger size, that would help, but otherwise it can be resized quickly with a simple charm. See anything you'd like?"
"Well, I don't know what she'd like. She has long red hair, and fair skin . ."
"Red hair, did you say? Hummm, hold on a minute, I may have something for you."
The shop proprietor left for the back room and came back with a small flat box. Upon opening it, Harry was astonished at the rainbow of colors he saw.
"These are all diamonds, but of different colors: Pink and Blue are rare but the red green and purple are among the rarest of the rare in the diamond trade. The cost, however, is prohibitive; I just want to advise you on that."
"Can you make a setting, a ring for the stone? I'll pay whatever it'll cost, that's not a problem."
"Yes sir, Mr. Potter, of course. Here, you choose the diamond you prefer and select the ring and setting, I'll personally do the work myself. It'll be ready in a few minutes while you wait."
"Good, I'll take the Red diamond and this Bezel setting. I have a vault in Gringotts that will transfer the necessary gold for you to your account." Harry said.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. Your fiancé will appreciate this 2 carat red diamond. Be sure, now, to tell her it's a Diamond, and not to mistake it for a ruby. Most do, you understand, due to their rarity."
"I understand, and thank you, for your help." Harry replied.
"I appreciate your business, Mr. Potter. You and your Fiancé may come back anytime you feel the need to. Here, let me set the stone for you, I'll be right back, You may watch, if you want."
Harry waited and watched as the Wizarding gemologist placed the red diamond into the setting. With the payment taken care of, Harry was on his way, the ring in his pouch and on his way back home, to the Burrow.
Now, all he needed was to work up the courage to give it to Ginny, because after he did, there would be no turning back, no backing down. This was a permanent commitment, forever. He knew he was choosing the right witch, he could feel it in his heart.
Ginny 'Works' Harry – The Proposal
Later that afternoon, Harry flooed back home with some extra Butterbeer. He was whistling a happy note when Molly and his Mum both noticed his happy expression.
"Well, son," Lily said, "were you successful today in Diagon Alley?"
"Yes, Mum, I was. I purchased a ring for Ginny, very rare, and had it set for me by the Wizarding Gemologist. Very helpful man."
At that time, Ginny came downstairs, "What is it? What did you get Harry? Did I miss anything?"
"Uh, no, everything's alright. Uh,. . . ," Harry was stammering, lost for words.
Ginny stopped and looked at Harry – right into his eyes as she s l o w l y walked towards him as only a beautiful young woman like Ginny could – Slowly, carefully, almost seductively. Ginny walked, enticingly, towards Harry in a way that entranced him to her, and Ginny knew the effect she was having on him. His whole world suddenly stopped and his eyes focused on only one point: Ginny! Harry had that 'trapped' look in his eyes, and Ginny KNEW IT!
Molly and Lily both saw Ginny 'at work', so to speak, on Harry, and both looked at each other, smiling. They knew she was aware SOMETHING was amiss.
"Harry, what is it? What did you do now? I know you're up to something, I always know. Remember: You never could lie to me, I can always tell." Ginny was so close to Harry, he could feel the heat radiating off of her, the closeness of her was intoxicating to him, he couldn't think straight, and only partially got his words out that were barely recognizable.
Ginny had him. Cornered.
"Here, I got you and I some Butterbeer!" Harry was desperate to think of anything, or else she'd find out too fast and it'd spoil it for the BIG QUESTION he wanted to ask.
Ginny looked down at his hands, seeing the Butterbeer and then looking up at him, right into his eyes, she shook her head.
"uh uh, no, no, no, Mister Potter! You're not getting out of this corner THAT easily! I KNOW you're up to something and a few bottles of Butterbeer is NOT it!" Ginny had her hands placed gently on his shoulders and with one of them, reached up and ever so gently, stroked his cheek with her right hand, letting her index finger trail, almost touching his skin, all the way down past his jaw line and down his throat. Then bringing it back up to his lips caressed his lips lightly and seductively.
Harry was sweating – BAD! He looked over towards his Mum . . .
"No, no, no, Mister Potter, don't look for your Mum to bail you out of THIS ONE! You're up to something, and if my memory serves me correctly, according to a little tete a tete we had last night you made a promise to me. Remember?"
"Ye – yea. It was to be on my birthday, and that's . . ."
"Today, Mister Potter. Did you forget? Do you need a memory charm? I can help you with that, and it'd not take a potion, either." Ginny was smiling, oh, so sweetly, and so gently. She was toying with him, and enjoying it so very much.
Molly and Lily were just watching, barely holding back the laughter, barely. They both knew Ginny had her man in her sights and he was NOT being let go!
"Suppose we both go for a walk, out to the garden and sit a spell, there's, uh, uh, something, I'd like to give you, a question I want to ask you." Harry was almost pleading now. He looked at the clock and noticed that the rest of the family were about due home, in fact, the hands of the clock showed they were traveling home NOW!
Ginny noticed where Harry was looking and due to the time of the day surmised why he was asking. She had a plan.
"Here, Harry", Ginny took his hand, moving slowly, and not grasping it, but instead, almost caressing his hand, letting her fingernails caress the inside of his wrists. He shuttered perceptively. "take my hand, and we'll go sit down here in the living room, where we'll both be more comfortable." Ginny slowly led the way, not wanting to break the spell she'd woven around him.
Harry moved like a statue, not even able to think.
Molly and Lily just looked at one another and marveled at Ginny's technique and handling Harry. "I do believe, Molly, Harry has met his match!" Lily whispered silently to Molly.
They both held their hands to their mouths and shook their heads, just not believing what they were seeing.
Molly realizing the time, pulled out her wand and wove a quieting spell so that when the rest of the family Apparated home, the popping sound would not disturb Ginny's WORK on Harry.
Within a few minutes the rest of the family apparated back home and Molly quieted them all, showing them what was happening in the living room. Harry, being quite unawares of it all, but Ginny, saw everything. She was well pleased.
"Now, Harry, tell me what is it you wanted to give me? It's time now." Ginny said this quite soothingly and easily.
Harry looked at her and pulled out his pouch and opened it up, taking Ginny's hand in his, Placed the red Diamond ring in her hand.
This time, the surprise was on Ginny. She gasped out loud. "Oh, Harry! Oh, oh, oh, Harry, Harry, Harry!" He took the ring and placed it on her left ring finger and looking up at his dearly beloved: "Ginny, will you marry me?"
Ginny wasted no time: She immediately said "YES! YES! YES! Oh, HARRY, My beloved, YES, I'll Marry you, and be your Wife!" She threw her arms around his neck and pulled herself to him and kissed him, completely, and in the French way. She held on to him, her now beloved husband-to-be, and did not let him go, she refused, absolutely refused, to release her hold on him.
Ginny was crying tears of happiness, of joy.
"Mum, oh MUM, look! Harry's given me a ring and we're to be married!" She held up her hand showing off her ring to her whole family.
Finally, after so many years, the Potter and the Weasley's were to be united as one house.
The entire family gathered around Harry and Ginny, congratulating her and looking at her engagement ring.
"Why did you get a ruby? Why not a diamond?" Someone asked.
"This is a diamond, my dear brother – a very rare red diamond." Ginny said this and was looking at whom she called 'my dearly beloved' and kissed him again.
"Thank you, Harry, for being in love with me for so long." Ginny just stood there, facing Harry, her hand on his shoulders looking directly into his eyes.
"Harry, I'll love you forever; I'll be your wife and stand by your side, I'll help you in everything you do, and I'll be your confidant."
Harry hugged her, tightly and closely, "Thank you, Ginny, thank you; You've made me the happiest person."
Ginny turned to her brothers and told them something that showed them all just how much 'backbone' their little sister had.
"My dear brothers, before you get all hot and bothered over Harry wanting to marry me, let me say my piece – I do love each and everyone of you – but my place, now, is beside my intended husband; I'll love him, honor him, bear his many children, and I do mean MANY, and in times of adversity, I'll stand beside him and protect him up to and including with my very life if I have to. Anybody, and I do mean ANYBODY, who says anything mean or derogatory to him says it to me and I'll take them to task about that – on the spot!"
Charlie spoke up first, "Ginny, don't worry, we all love Harry and think he's the best man for you. Remember, we all helped raise him and have taught him. You could not have picked a better man."
"Thanks, Charlie." Ginny replied.
"Also, Ginny, we remember that blessing Harry got years ago and have been waiting for you and him to get together."
Fred said "Congratulations, we all support you and Harry. He's family, always was and always will be. It's just that now, it's official."
"Harry, just take good care of my daughter; you're just like your Mum and that's what I'm counting on." Arthur gently told Harry.
Everyone just stood there, looking at Harry, with Ginny beside him. He didn't know what to say or how to act.
"Harry, darling," Ginny looked up at him and whispered quietly, "it's alright, no need to be shy, They're all your family. They always have been. Remember how your Mum would come to us and sometimes just breakdown and cry? Well, she wasn't hesitant at opening up to us."
"Thanks, Ginny. I'll still need some help on that."
Ginny kept holding his hand and gently squeezed it for support. "Ginny, I've got an idea – instead of your Mum working in the kitchen preparing supper, suppose we all go out and eat. I've got enough galleons."
"Yes! Harry, what a wonderful idea. Oh, sweetheart, you're so thoughtful." Ginny kissed Harry, again."
"Uh, everyone, I propose we all go out to eat tonight, so Molly won't have to work so hard in the kitchen.
"Maybe we could go to the Three Broomsticks?" Harry asked.
"Harry, that's a great idea." George replied quickly.
"Thanks, George; Oh, I'll pay. You've all done so much for me, this is the least I could do." Harry added.
"Harry, dear," Molly said, "you don't have to do that." She was beginning to get misty eyed.
Harry went over to Molly and put an arm around her shoulders. "You've been here for me for a long time. When I needed a Mum, when mine wasn't here to help me, you were. You've done all you could for me. Please, let me do just a little something for you and your – OUR – family." Harry looked at Molly and hugged her good. "And, thank you, for thinking of me as your son during my fifth year, and ever since, when I had to go before the Wizengamot."
Molly looked up at Harry, with appreciation, and tears in her eyes. "Ok, Harry, you're right and I do appreciate this. We should do it more often. Lets all go out to eat."
At the Three Broomsticks, the entire Weasley Family walked in. Since there were so many of them, Esmeralda couldn't help but notice them, red hair and all!
"Welcome, Arthur. To what do I owe such a gathering of your whole family to my place?" Esmeralda joyfully asked.
"We'd like to eat supper this evening, if you have room. We're celebrating our daughter, Ginny's engagement to Harry. He just this afternoon gave her a ring." Arthur said, smiling as he put his arm around Harry's shoulders.
"Lily! How nice to have you back here again! I remember when you came here, the day you were pregnant with Harry and were delivered at Hogwarts."
"Oh! Harry, you're engaged! How sweet. And to Ginny Weasley. You two will make a great lovely couple. Here, come with me, all of you, I've got the back dining room available now. All of you can be seated there. There's more than enough room." She was bustling about showing them the way, and still talking happily. "And, just wait till the Daily Prophet hears about This. It'll make the front page. Harry is now no longer at the top of the list of Most Eligible Wizards! He was snagged by Ginny Weasley." Looking at Ginny, Esmeralda told her "You're one fortunate witch; I don't know if you realize just how many other witches have been talking about Harry and were wondering just who would be the lucky one to land him. And it's you!" Esmeralda was so happy at hearing the great news.
"Uh, Esmeralda, would it be possible for us to eat in peace, here, before anybody from The Daily Prophet comes calling? We'd really appreciate it and we do know we can trust you on this." Arthur quietly asked her, aside, just before she left the dining room.
"Oh, Arthur, of course, I definitely understand. Your family will not be bothered while you're all here. And, thanks for coming here. I do appreciate you're thinking of me."
"Oh, thank Harry, it's his idea, and he volunteered to pay!" Arthur was laughing some. "I'm very proud of him, as are his Mum and Dad."
Esmeralda looked over Arthur's shoulder and saw Lily and James Potter sitting at the table. She knew both of them were happy for they were emitting their trade mark Light. It always happens when either of them are emotionally happy, such as in this case, but it was somewhat subdued, neither of them wanted to overpower the occasion.
"Oh, Arthur, what a good family you have here, such wonderful people. Do you realize just what you have? So many of my patrons mention how nice you all are."
"Oh, yes, I know how fortunate I am. We all do. And, thanks, for the compliment, Esmeralda, you're a good lady."
"Thanks, but let me go get you supper, for all of you. I'll get you some Butterbeers in a moment."
Esmeralda left and the family settled down to talk and enjoy themselves on a wonderful evening.
After finishing supper at The Three Broomsticks, the family all fed and happy, Harry and Ginny left briefly to settle with Esmeralda. This was one account that Harry was very happy at paying. It showed Ginny that he was capable of taking care of her and most willing to do his duty towards her as her husband.
"Thanks, Esmeralda, for supper this evening. There'll be many other times that we'll be here. We all enjoy your company." Harry said.
"Harry, you are the nicest person. The fact that you're here shows that you care, besides, you and your family are always welcome."
"I appreciate that, Esmeralda." Harry said.
Just as Harry was turning to leave, Esmeralda just remembered something. "Harry, one more thing."
"What's that?"
"I'll always remember the day your Mum came in here, the day she was pregnant with you and fought off Voldemort; It was just so sweet of her to come here. Everyone still talks about her and that days' events. Harry- your Mum left such a great impact on all of us. None of us can ever fully tell how we feel." Esmeralda was subdued and very quiet now. She looked up at Harry with a small smile and almost crying.
Harry didn't say anything but just nodded his head at Esmeralda and looked over her shoulder at someone very familiar.
"Thank you, Esmeralda," Lily said quietly, "for those kind thoughts and words." Lily placed her hand upon Esmeralda's shoulder when she looked up and into those emerald green eyes of Lily's.
". . . , oh, Lily, I didn't mean to . . ." Esmeralda began.
"That's alright. I know how you feel and that feeling you've expressed is graciously welcome." Lily put her arms around her and hugged her.
"Lily, I'll always think kindly of you and your family, if I can ever help you in any way, please ask. I owe you so much."
"Thank you, Esmeralda, but you owe me nothing. We're all here to help each other with the gifts that we've been given and this is just the way I have of using my gift to help us all. You're a very kind person, Esmeralda."
"Thank you, Lily, thank you very much."
Lily smiled and graciously left the Three Broomsticks with her family. As they were leaving, they'd left behind Esmeralda, just standing there, her hands held up to her chin holding her face in her hands, with a look of wonderment in her eyes. Esmeralda would never be the same witch again, her heart had softened more than it'd been previously, and her patrons had noticed it.
It was early evening with the Weasley's and Potters walking down the streets of Hogsmead talking amongst themselves and generally just enjoying the evening when they were approached by a photographer and reporter from The Daily Prophet.
"Good evening, I'm a reporter from The Daily Prophet and have just found out that Mr. Potter here has just gotten engaged. Would it be possible to get a picture for the Newspaper, with his fiancé?"
Lily and James were standing beside their son and Ginny, and just looked at each other not really knowing what to say, but they wanted to be kind.
"You'd have to ask Harry and Ginny, that's their decision, but I don't see why not. It is a happy occasion, after all." Lily said to the reporter and looked at James.
James looked at his son, "Well, son, its' your call, everyone is going to find out sooner or later and it might be best to do this now while you and Ginny have some say as to how the news of your nuptials gets out."
"What do you say, Ginny? Best to get it over with quickly and give them a statement and a few pictures." Harry spoke to Ginny.
"Sure." Ginny was smiling and obviously VERY happy.
The wizarding pictures, being taken, showed the happy couple smiling and holding on to one another, especially Ginny. This was the time that was hers, she is the intended bride of Harry, the most wanted of all the eligible young men by the young witches, and Ginny is the lucky one to land him.
"Do you have anything to say, something for my article? It'll be in tomorrows' edition." The reporter asked.
"Yes," answered Harry. "I've been in love with Ginny ever since I first met her all those many years ago after my first year in school. It's just taken us a little longer than most couples to get together, but she is worth the wait. She is my match in every way I could ever want or desire in someone."
Ginny was looking up at her intended and added to what he was saying: "Of course we did have some help in us getting together, family members and Harry's background. We were MET to be together, that was the gist of what that nice man said all those many years ago, back at the Burrow. But, like Harry said, he's worth the wait and I'd do it all over again."
"How does your family feel? They must be very pleased." The reporter asked.
It was here that Fred spoke up: "We're all very happy that they've finally gotten together and want to marry. It was not unexpected on any of us that this was to happen. Like Gin said, we've been expecting this all of Harry's life, ever since that one afternoon."
George added: "We all support Ginny and Harry in their decision. They couldn't have been happier."
The Reporter looked at Lily for a statement: "Lily Potter, since you're the Mother of Harry, could you make a statement? Afterall you're the Headmaster of Hogwarts."
"I've always known that Harry and Ginny would be getting together. Always. Ever since he was in school, and by that I mean the first time. It was something that no one else could put their finger on, but ever since his second year, they've been close. They have so much in common, and Ginny compliments Harry in many ways. She knows how he feels and how he reacts. She's his match – completely – and it takes a very strong young lady to be able to stand up with Harry. I'm so happy for them." Lily was starting to shimmer and glow. That's when the photographer took a wizarding picture of Lily, and the rest of the family, with Harry and Ginny standing in front.
"Could I add something, please?" Ginny asked the reporter. "I love Harry very much. He's the bravest man, and I will be standing beside him in everything that comes his way. I'll support him, love him, and I'll protect him with every fiber of my being. Anything that Harry will ever face, from now on, he will find me standing with him, facing all obstacles together. Harry will never be alone, not like he was before. Now he's got a family, and a wife, and as his wife, I'm going to give him what he's always wanted: A family of his very own all with unruly red hair and Emerald Green Eyes!" Ginny looked up at her intended and just melted into his arms and kissed him, deeply and passionately, for all the world to see, with no embarrassment whatsoever. That's when the photographer took their picture that appeared in the next mornings Daily Prophet for all the world to finally see.
"Thank you, all of you for your time. The Daily Prophet appreciates your co-operation and permission."
"Anytime." Added Arthur.
As they were all walking away, Fred said to George, "You know something twin?"
"Yes, Fred, I do. I do believe that our little sister has more courage and bravery than all of the rest of us put together."
"I agree with you. That's what happens when you've found someone you truly love." Fred said.
The reporter was standing there on the street taking his notes when he'd overheard Fred and Georges' short statements, and that was put into the Article in the next days' Daily Prophet.
Lily was shimmering and glowing, as bright as the noon day sun. 'Finally, someone, even a member of my own family has just discovered the true depth of love and the real meaning of family. Fathers' work is coming to past, slowly, but surely.' Lily thought to herself her own musings, but they were 'heard' by Others Unseen in this, the mortal world. Including the events that had just transpired. THEY were, indeed, very happy, and were Rejoicing – Greatly.