17: A Small Tempest
Saturday morning, Harry woke and quickly showered. He paused by Ron's bed and made certain his friend was awake and coherent before heading down to Ginny's room. She'd made him promise to wake her up in the morning - no matter what. He reckoned they could eat before heading into Hogsmeade; shopping with Ron for a few hours would probably mean he'd need all his strength.
He knocked on Ginny's door and she answered a moment later, looking very grumpy and extremely tousled. He bit back the smile that he knew would just make her even more disagreeable.
"Tired?" he asked as he sat down on her bed.
She nodded and yawned, swaying a bit on her feet. "Yes. I just woke up. Now what was I doing...?"
Harry kept a straight face and casually looked around. "Er, I don't know, perhaps you were um...getting your um...kit together?"
Ginny looked down at herself, frowning. "I'm not dressed," she said simply, yawning again.
Harry shook his head. "Um, no, Gin, you're not. Want some help?"
Ginny sat down next to him, lying back on the bed. "No, what I want is a few hours more sleep."
He smirked at her, but her eyes were already closed again. He lay down next to her and pushed her hair out of the way.
"Hey, wake up."
Ginny frowned and shook her head, keeping her eyes closed.
"We have things to do and people to see this morning," he persisted.
"Bah," Ginny muttered, turning over.
Harry moved closer to her, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Ginny."
She made a muffled noise and didn't move. Harry sighed and moved his hands under her nightgown. He caressed her hips and moved one hand down lower. Ginny made a soft whimpering noise, but still didn't stir.
"Are you going to wake up or do I have to take drastic measures?" Harry asked softly, looking down at her.
"Hmm, Harry, let's just stay in bed..." she said sleepily, twisting closer to him.
Harry shook his head and turned her over so that she was on her back. "Just remember I love you, Gin. And you told me to make certain you were awake no matter what."
She smiled slightly and turned her head away, obviously expecting him to let her sleep. Harry pulled away from her and stood up; he spied her wand on the bureau and pocketed it quickly. He headed towards the bathroom and turned on the tap, just letting the cold water start to fill the tub. He looked out of the doorway and tried one last time to wake her.
"Gin, come on, don't you want breakfast? Nice, hot, delicious breakfast? Lots of coffee and toast and scrambled eggs?"
Ginny merely rolled onto her side again, and Harry frowned. He walked back over to the bed and picked her up. She sighed and curled her arm around his neck. He carried her to the bathroom and looked down at her.
"Gin?"
"Hmm..."
"Promise me that when you hex me later you'll be nice?"
"Hmm...what?" Ginny finally opened her eyes again, blinking rapidly. A confused expression filled her face, and she frowned at him. She realised he was holding her and looked around, her eyes settling on the bathtub. "Harry, what are you -"
Harry lowered her quickly and dropped her into the tub, nightgown and all, the water splashing up over the sides. Ginny yelped as the cold water hit her skin, and Harry pulled his arms away quickly, smiling at her.
"Sorry love, I needed to wake you up. You made me promise - no matter what."
"What? Bloody hell! This is effing cold! Harry! I am going to completely hex your arse -"
"See you at the breakfast table," Harry said, backing out swiftly. "Oh, I've taken your wand too, just in case you don't plan on forgiving me too soon."
He shut the bathroom door on a very loud and outraged howl and smirked despite himself.
"Harry Potter, get back in here this instant!" he heard her voice cry out as he closed the door to her room.
Smiling, Harry made his way to breakfast, thinking that as far as last meals go, at least the Hogwarts elves wouldn't let him down.
o-o-o-o-o
To say Ginny was upset with him was putting it mildly. She didn't make it down for breakfast, and Hermione had just offered to go up to her room and get her when they saw her come down the main staircase, hair slightly damp and pulled up into a very tight bun. It gave her a very formidable and severe look. Harry took in the expression on her face and felt his blood go about as cold as what he imagined the bathwater had been. He swallowed roughly and attempted to apologize.
"Er, um, Gin -"
"Ron, would you tell Harry that if he wants to keep his bits in one piece he needs to not talk to me until lunch."
Ron's expression was amused, but even he knew not to provoke his sister. "Certainly, Ginny. Um, Harry, she says -"
"I heard her, Ron. I'm not deaf," Harry said disagreeably. He looked at Ginny. "I was just trying to wake you up. You told me not to let you over-sleep. I was following orders. It's not my fault you're as lively as a log in the morning."
Ginny's eyes flashed at him, and she gave him a very chilly look. "Hermione, I think we should get going now. Have fun, Ron."
She turned and grabbed Hermione's arm, practically pulling the other girl with her. Harry frowned as he watched them. Ron shook his head at him.
"Blimey, mate. What on earth did you do to her? And do I even want to know?"
"I did what she asked!" Harry said defensively. "She told me not to let her sleep in. When she wouldn't wake up I...I...I chucked her into a tub of very cold water."
Ron stared at Harry in disbelief. "Bloody hell, Harry. You know, sometimes I think you do have a death wish."
"Shut-up, Ron. Come on, let's go." Harry sullenly marched after the girls. Maybe he had gone a bit too far. She had told him to make certain she woke up, but she hadn't said anything about throwing her into a tub of ice cold water. Harry finally slowed down, and Ron caught up with him.
"Sorry," Harry said.
Ron shrugged, clearly amused. "Ginny really hates cold water."
Harry turned and narrowed his eyes at his friend. "And your point?"
"Nothing. Just making conversation," Ron said, shrugging his shoulders again. Harry sighed.
"Would you stop doing that?"
"Doing what?"
"Shrugging your shoulders. It's...it's...annoying."
"Dump me in a bathtub annoying or just normal annoying?" Ron asked, biting his lip.
Harry stopped and then grudgingly smiled, shaking his head. "Don't you start. Please."
They walked along in silence for awhile and then Ron started laughing. Harry shook his head at him but finally joined in. They stopped at the edge of the village; the girls were no longer in sight.
"Oh, bloody hell, I wish I'd have seen you do that," Ron finally managed to gasp out, holding his side. "Just the expression on her face alone would have been worth it."
Harry smirked and then laughed again. "No, no you don't. I thought her head was going to explode when she realised why I'd carried her into the bathroom. And the sound she made! I thought she'd turned into Crookshanks after you put the chair on his tail that one time." Harry tried to re-enact the sound Ginny had made, causing Ron to explode with laughter again.
"Fred and George are not going to believe me when I tell them," Ron finally said, shaking his head.
Harry put his hand out and stopped him. "No, don't tell them. She'll really kill me then. Oh, gods, she's going to kill me now, what am I saying? What have I done?"
Harry stared at Ron, feeling fearful all of a sudden. Ron smirked at him.
"Rest easy, mate. She can't stay cross at your forever."
"Ron, this is Ginny."
Ron clapped his hand on his back. "Yes, but...don't worry. My sister may be stubborn and easy to anger, but I think she's rather too keen on you to hold this against you for too long. I mean, I'm certain she'll forgive you in two...maybe three...years. Of course, you could speed up the process by getting into danger somehow...that'll make her see reason."
Harry felt his shoulders slump. "Thanks a lot."
"No problem, mate. What are friends for? Anyway, do you have any idea what I can get Hermione? It's our anniversary, you know. I didn't think it was a big deal, but Ginny convinced me I should pick out something nice. Although judging by this morning's activities, you should be the one searching for a gift."
Harry nodded his head as they headed down the high street of Hogsmeade. "Yeah, maybe you're right. She likes jewelry, right?"
"Who? Hermione? I think so, what girl doesn't?" Ron said as his eyes strayed to the Quidditch Supply shop. "Say, I think I need to get a new pair of gloves. I wonder if they have any used ones..."
Harry sighed as his friend wandered off toward the shop. It was going to be a very long morning.
o-o-o-o-o
"Ginny, you have to admit, it did wake you up."
Ginny pursed her lips at Hermione and didn't say anything. They were browsing in the bookshop to find something to buy Susan Bones. Ginny didn't think the other girl would really fancy receiving a book for her birthday, but Hermione seemed adamant. Ginny sighed and stood next to her friend, feeling put out that Hermione wasn't more upset.
"Hermione, if you're suggesting that what Harry did was okay -"
"No, I'm not. I think what he did was rather cruel, but Ginny...I've roomed with you, remember? You are not a morning person, and if you made him promise to make certain you were awake...well, let's just say I can perhaps...understand how he might consider doing what he did as a...last resort."
"Why do you have to be so bloody diplomatic?" Ginny finally said, frowning.
Hermione paused and smiled at her. "Does this mean I have curtailed the great Potter-Weasley battle that was certain to have occurred later?"
"No," Ginny said grumpily. Hermione continued to smile at her, and she finally relented. "Oh, all right. I won't kill him. Much. I'll just...refuse to sleep with him for a week. See how he likes cold water then."
Hermione tutted at her and shook her head. She looked at the two books she had in her hand. "I'm not certain which one to get, actually. This one is on Herbology, which I know she likes, but this one is on Defence. She's quite keen on that as well."
Ginny nodded and handed her some money. "Fine, get her both books then. Say one is from Harry and me."
"Do I need to sign the card for Harry or will you be speaking to him before the party?"
"Don't push it, Hermione," Ginny said, pursing her lips again.
"Just checking," Hermione said lightly, smiling. She went to pay for the books, and Ginny glanced around the shop. She turned her head towards the window when she saw a quick movement out of the corner of her eye. She walked towards the window and looked out at the street, frowning.
"All right, they're going to gift wrap them for us and we can pick them up after lunch. Ginny?"
Hermione touched her arm, and Ginny pulled her eyes away from the window. "Sorry, I just thought I saw...Hermione, do you know if Draco Malfoy is allowed in Hogsmeade?"
"No, not to my knowledge. He's pretty much been restricted to the castle. Why? Did you see him? Blaise Zabini is here, I saw him earlier. I could ask him for you."
"No, it was probably just my imagination. Come on, we're late for meeting the boys. Although letting Harry think I'm never talking to him again sounds okay to me for a few more hours."
"Ginny, you don't mean that."
"Oh? Don't I?"
"No."
Ginny finally smiled at her friend. "You're right, of course. Ah well, I guess I should put him out of his misery and grace him with my presence again."
"Big of you," Hermione said, her mouth twitching. They exited the shop, and Ginny linked her arm around Hermione's.
"Goodness, you know, this must be true love, Hermione. If anyone else had dumped me arse-first into a tub of ice cold water, I'd have hexed them into next month and then started all over again."
Hermione smiled at her. "Why didn't you hex him? As soon as you told me, I wondered why Harry seemed to still have all his body parts in the right place."
Ginny grinned. "I told you, it's true love." She paused, giggling. "Well, that plus he took my wand, the prat."
Hermione laughed as they made their way to the Three Broomsticks. "Harry has such a natural inclination for self-preservation, doesn't he?"
"Yes, it's downright scary how quick that boy can think when he needs to," Ginny agreed. They reached the pub and pulled open the door, the warmth of the room hitting them in a wave. She hadn't realised how cold it had grown outside.
"I don't see them, do you?" Hermione asked, frowning. Ginny shook her head.
"No, perhaps they've been held up. Anyway, let's grab a booth and order. I'm starving." She turned to head to the other side of the pub when Hermione stopped her.
"Ginny!"
Hermione pulled on her arm excitedly, and Ginny grimaced. "Yow, watch it, Hermione, that's my arm attached to my person. What is it?"
"Isn't that Brogan over there? With Tonks?"
Ginny followed Hermione's gaze and felt a smile break out across her face. "I don't believe it; he actually asked her. Well, good for him then. We'll just go say hello to the young professor and his visitor, shall we?"
Hermione nodded, and Ginny couldn't help the streak of mischievousness that flashed through her. Teasing Brogan might just be the thing she needed to put her in a good mood again.
o-o-o-o-o
"What do you think of this one, Harry?"
Harry blinked at the small, dull grayish stone Ron held out to him and shook his head. "Hermione won't fancy wearing that, Ron. It's used for chasing away Knarls. How is this important to her life as we know it? Plus, it's a really dodgy colour."
Ron sighed and tossed the stone back into a large barrel. "Well, I don't know what to get her. I can't afford anything too smart and everything else is rubbish."
"Look over there, those seem all right. If you need to borrow a few Knuts, don't worry. And no, don't argue with me," Harry said when Ron opened his mouth. He shoved some money at Ron and turned, walking away from his friend, not wanting to go through another argument.
They were in the back room of a new store that had opened up next to Dervish and Banges, called Bijoux and Bagatelles. It was getting close to the time when they'd agreed to meet Hermione and Ginny for lunch, and Harry was feeling disagreeable with the entire 'shopping with Ron' experience as a whole. He couldn't wait to get back to Ginny. Not that she'll be talking to me much, Harry though grumpily. His eyes fell on a small locked case pushed against one corner. His eyes fell on a necklace resting upon a small, purple pillow. He wiped his hands over the glass, to clear some of the dust away.
"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" a voice asked from behind him, and he turned around, startled.
"Er, um...yeah, this necklace in here...what sort of stone is that?"
The shop keeper moved forward and peered down at the glass. "A Waystone, sir."
"A...what?"
"Waystone. That is its more poetic name. I do believe it is also commonly known as lodestone. It's a very protective gem."
Harry nodded, staring down at it. The stone was dark and smooth, and inside it was what appeared to be another stone, almost in the shape of a heart - dark red - and this one sparkled with the light.
"And the other stone?"
"That would be a ruby. Would you like to see it out of the case?"
Harry nodded blankly, and the shopkeeper waved his wand over the case, unlocking it. A moment later, he was holding the necklace out to Harry.
As soon as Harry touched it, he felt a certain warm feeling from it. He knew instinctively that Ginny would love it.
"A long believed symbol of love, the ruby. Protected like it is within the Waystone, this necklace is guaranteed to always point your true love home."
Harry frowned at the strange words, but as he held the stone up to his eye, he knew he had to get it for Ginny. It was beautiful, actually, and the more he looked at it, the more he realised he liked it, which pretty much reminded him of how he'd finally fallen in love.
"How much is it?" he asked then, knowing it would be expensive.
"Well, something as rare as a Waystone ruby should not have a price. However, I believe we can work something out. If you'll follow me to the front of the store?"
The shopkeeper locked the case again and turned. Harry looked around for Ron, but didn't see him. He wondered if his friend had grown tired of looking and gone back to the bookshop to get the book on Transfiguration spells Hermione had said she liked. He was surprised though when he found Ron already at the counter, a small purple box in his hand. He blinked quickly at Harry.
"You find something then?" Harry asked, nodding towards the box. Ron looked down, his ears turning pink.
"Yeah, it was weird. I had just about given up and then...bam...I looked down and found this really pretty ring I think she'll like. It's...er...Jade's Whisper something or other. Supposed to promote good concentration. She'll be mad for anything that helps her study, eh?"
Harry nodded. "I found something too, strangely enough. Back there, in that room we were in."
Ron looked around and then moved closer to Harry. "This shop is a bit off, isn't it?"
Harry shrugged. "It's just a shop."
"Yeah, but, you hadn't found anything for Ginny any place else, and I had given up, and then...we both find something in the same shop?"
Harry shook his head. "I don't think the odds are that off, Ron. It was bound to happen eventually. We've been in every shop."
Ron shrugged, and Harry stepped up to the counter to pay. The shopkeeper wrote something on a small piece of paper and pushed it towards him. "Your friend opted to pay us on a monthly plan. That is the option available to you as well, if you'd like."
Harry looked down at the number he'd written. "I can pay for it now, actually," he said quietly, hoping Ron wasn't listening. "That is, if I can er...have it taken out of my Gringotts vault?"
The shopkeeper raised his eyebrow at him. "Indeed. Let me retrieve the correct parchment for that. Just a moment."
Harry waited and turned around, glad to see Ron had wandered off. He knew he shouldn't feel bad anymore about having money. Still, he hated to rub Ron's nose in it.
"Here you go, Mr Potter."
Harry startled and turned back around. "How did you -?"
"But of course, everyone knows you, don't they?"
"Right. I just sign here?" Harry scribbled his name on the paper and pushed it back across the counter. The shopkeeper placed a purple box in front of him with a slight smile.
"I do hope the young lady enjoys the necklace. It should look quite fetching, actually...that particular ruby is...such a lovely shade of red."
Harry nodded and slipped the box into his robe, feeling unsettled. "Er, right. Well, thanks."
Harry quickly made his way out of the shop and grabbed Ron by the door. "Come on, you're right, this place is a bit off."
A cool wind blew around them as they made their way back towards the main street and Harry shivered, pulling his robe tighter around him.
o-o-o-o-o
"And Brogan's quite brilliant at it, of course," Hermione finished, beaming proudly at Tonks. Ginny hid a smile as Brogan's skin took on a very Weasley hue. He met her eyes and shook his head.
"Hermione, why don't we go grab a booth for ourselves? I'm certain Tonks wants to catch up with Brogan herself."
"Oh! Yes, of course. Sorry," Hermione said, looking contrite. "But do make certain to pass on to Mrs Weasley that the remedy she gave me for something I asked her about worked quite well. She'll know what I mean." Tonks nodded and said that she would 'pass along the message', and Ginny stood up to let Hermione out of her side of the booth. She smiled at Brogan. Amazingly enough, one look at his nervous face as they'd sat down, and she hadn't had the heart to tease him too badly. Ginny knew this probably meant she was going soft in the head...either that or she'd been away from Fred and George too long. She reached out and squeezed his arm quickly.
"Have a good time today," she said, smiling.
"Thanks," he said, the blush on his skin lessening a bit. Ginny winked at Tonks and pulled Hermione away, before her friend started talking about Transfiguration again.
"Well, they certainly seem like a very nice couple," Hermione said as they sat down in their own booth, across the way. Ginny nodded as she tried to catch Rosemerta's eye to place an order.
"I must say, I was quite worried about Brogan. I didn't think he'd even noticed anyone other than you."
Ginny turned and stared at her friend. "What does that mean?"
Hermione shrugged. "Nothing. It's just...well, there's been some talk -"
"Talk? About me and Brogan?"
"No, not like that," Hermione said consolingly. She lowered her head down. "It's just...he does sort of fancy you, doesn't he? You told me as much. I'm amazed Harry hasn't torn his limbs off, actually."
Ginny sighed. "Please, Hermione. Harry and I have just got to a point where we can say Brogan's name without fighting. Now don't you start. We're just friends."
"Well, of course you are. I didn't say you were anything else. I know you love Harry, Ginny, honestly."
"Sorry, it's a sore spot. But you're right. I'm glad he asked Tonks up here for the day. He wasn't going to, you know. I had to convince him."
Hermione wisely didn't say anything to that and Madam Rosemerta came over to see what they wanted. Hermione ordered food for Ron, and Ginny did the same for Harry, not even tempted to order him a plate of the extra spicy chicken curry the menu was boasting as 'New and Improved' and 'Guaranteed To Blow Yer Top!'.
They had just received their butterbeers when the door thumped open, propelling both Ron and Harry into the pub. Hermione waved her hand, and Ron made his way over, running a hand through his hair. Harry lingered behind, his eyes searching Ginny's. She couldn't resist smiling and finally shook her head. He grinned back, clearly relieved.
"Where did you two get to then?" Hermione asked, looking at them.
"Never you mind," Ron said smugly, looking at Harry and patting his right breast pocket.
Hermione continued to question Ron, and Ginny turned to Harry, who had slid in next to her.
"Hey," he said, his hair looking windswept and his eyes bright.
"Hi," Ginny replied back, wanting to maintain some sort of detachment but failing miserably.
"Not still cross then?" he asked, eyebrow raised.
Ginny shook her head. "No, I've decided to forgive you. Although I do reserve the right to get you back at a later date," she said coyly.
Harry chuckled, his hand moving under the table and slipping into hers. "Thanks, I reckon that's only fair."
"Very wise of you, Harry," Ginny murmured, grinning widely.
He looked confused for a moment, and she squeezed his hand. "For not reminding me it was my fault for making you promise 'no matter what'.
Harry looked sheepish for a moment. "Er, well, I didn't figure this was the time or place to be smug."
Ginny raised her eyebrow at him and didn't say anything. She nodded across from them. "Look who's here."
Harry turned and looked at Brogan and Tonks, who seemed to be having a good time. He looked back at Ginny.
"He actually asked her?"
Ginny nodded. "Appears so. I think they're having a good time too."
Harry leaned over and kissed her cheek gently. "Well, good for them."
"What was that for?" Ginny said, touching her cheek.
Harry smiled. "Just glad you're not still cross with me."
"Yes, well, you had better remember this moment when I get you back," Ginny said softly, dead serious. Harry's eyes widened slightly, but he shrugged good-naturedly.
"Like I said, fair's fair, I reckon."
Madam Rosemerta brought them another round of butterbeers, this time including Ron and Harry in the order, promising their food would be right out. Ginny snuggled against Harry. She realised slowly planning her revenge was far better than just being cross with him.
"It cold out, isn't it?" she asked.
"Yeah, and windy too," Ron said from across from them. He and Hermione were pleasantly arranged together like she and Harry were. Ginny smiled. Despite her morning's rather unfortunate beginning, she honestly couldn't say when she'd felt more at ease or secure. Harry took a drink of his butterbeer and shook his head at her.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked.
"I'm just happy to be here with you and my brother and my friend, that's all. Is that a crime?"
"No," Harry said. "I suppose we all deserve a nice lunch together."
"What are we going to do after lunch?" Hermione asked. "Susan's party isn't until three, you know."
"Er, well, actually, Hermione," Harry started and then stopped, looking at Ginny. "Should I tell them now, do you think?"
Ginny nodded, smiling at her brother, who peered suspiciously at them.
"Tell us what? What do you two have planned?"
"Well, actually, it's what you two have planned," Harry said, smiling. "I've er...well, that is...well, I hope you won't get offended at this, but see, I've been feeling a bit bad about the whole 'Ginny has her own room thing' and er, I mean, that is, you don't -"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Harry. What he's trying to tell you in his not-quite-so eloquent way, is that he's purchased the use of a room for you two to use on Hogsmeade weekends. In a new inn that's gone up. It's waiting for you right now, actually. And you can use it whenever you like, right Harry?" Ginny said, interrupting him.
Harry nodded. "Right. And er...consider it a birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day present all rolled into one."
Hermione and Ron stared at them for a second and then looked at each other.
"Er, Harry, this...place...it wouldn't be...well..." Hermione paused, her skin turning pink. "Well, Les Chambres de Montmorency, would it?"
Harry frowned. "Yeah, it is. How did you know?"
Ron and Hermione looked at each other again and then both burst out laughing. Ginny shrugged at Harry in dismay, and they both watched the other couple try to stop laughing.
"Sorry, mate, it's just...I tried to get us a room there last week. They told us they were sold out."
"Really?" Harry asked, smiling. "I must have got the last room then. Look, here's the key." Harry opened his robe and pulled out the small silver key that had been sent to him. The number five glowed faintly on it from the light of the pub. Hermione blushed and shook her head at them.
"I must admit, I was a bit relieved when Ron said they had replied and told us they were booked for the weekend; I didn't think it sounded that respectable, after all. But...Harry...this was really sweet of you. Thank you."
"All year?" Ron asked, his eyes going wide as he held up the key. "Blimey, Harry. I didn't think you were really listening to me when I told you all that stuff about Hermione and me not..." Ron closed his mouth guiltily, and looked at Hermione, who gave him a shrewd look.
"Oh please, Ron. I know you talk to Harry about things."
"Well, yeah, but I mean, I don't want you to think that I've been complaining..."
Harry shook his head and looked at Ginny. "What did you two pick out for Susan's present, by the way?"
"Some books. One from them and one from us. We have to pick them up before we come back here, actually."
"Books? You let Hermione pick out the present?"
Ginny grinned. "Yeah. I was still plotting your bodily harm and torture at that point."
Harry laughed and touched her chin with his hand, moving closer to her. "We don't have to stay at the party long, do we? I have something to give you."
"Oh? Really?" she said, smirking.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Gin. It's perfectly innocent."
"If you say so, Harry," she said laughing.
Their food arrived, and Ginny and Harry had to keep looking away to stop from laughing at Ron and Hermione. She had to admit; she'd never seen her brother eat so fast and that was saying something. Even Hermione seemed a bit...rushed. Needless to say, the other couple finished their lunch in record time and seemed most keen to be on their way.
"Oh, do send our regards to Susan," Hermione said as Ron pulled her out of the booth.
"Don't worry," Harry said, laughing. "She already knows you two won't be there."
Ginny giggled as Ron and Hermione quickly left the pub, the open door letting in a cold gust of wind. She shivered, and Harry put his arm around her.
"You certain you don't want to go back up to the school?"
"No, it's not worth it. Besides, you can keep me warm, right?" she said as she wrapped her arm around him.
"If you'll let me, yes."
Ginny laughed. "Well, I do recall telling Hermione I wouldn't let you touch me for a week as payback, but perhaps I can forgo that punishment at this time."
"Wise choice," Harry murmured, leaning closer to her and kissing her neck. Ginny shivered again for an entirely different reason.
"Harry, people can see what you're doing," she said, feeling breathless.
"So? This isn't school, and I think they know you're my girlfriend, Ginny."
She let him continue on for a moment and then felt self-conscious again. "Now what is this you have to give me?" she asked, pushing him away a bit.
"Later," Harry said, leaning in again.
"No, now," Ginny said, laughing as his breath tickled her ear.
"Demanding, aren't we?" Harry whispered.
"I'm the one who woke up in a tub full of cold water, Harry."
Harry sniggered and pulled back, giving her a funny look. "Right. You win. Okay, but you promise to thank me properly later, right?"
"Depends on what it is, I reckon," she said cleverly, and he stuck his tongue out at her. He reached into his robe and pulled out a small purple box.
"Here. When I saw it...I knew you had to have it. I didn't just get it to make you less cross for the bathtub thing. Although, I suppose I thought it wouldn't hurt either," he said with a smirk.
She bit her lip as she looked at the box, touching the soft material. She looked up at him.
"What is it?"
Harry laughed. "Only one way to find out, you know."
Ginny pursed her lips and slowly opened the lid. She felt her eyes grow bigger as she looked at the necklace. She looked up at him.
"Oh, Harry! It's...it's gorgeous. It's beautiful, where did you find it?"
"This new shop that just opened up...er...Bijoux something or other. Do you really like it?"
Ginny pulled the small chain out of the box and held it up to the light, marveling at it. The dark red stone blinked at her, as though trying to say hello. She looked back at Harry, feeling completely overwhelmed.
"Gin?"
"It's...lovely, Harry, honestly. It's...it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and most definitely the most elegant thing I've ever owned."
Harry's skin turned pink, but he smiled gently at her. "Let me put it on you."
She handed the chain to Harry and turned to the side, glad she'd worn her hair up. She felt his breath on the back of her neck and then felt the necklace touch her skin, the stone settling against the hollow of her throat. She turned back around and looked down at it.
"Wow, it really does look good on you," Harry said softly. "The shopkeeper said it would, but...he said it's a Waystone with a ruby. Something about being able to show someone the way home."
She smiled at him. "I'll never take it off, then."
"Never?" Harry asked, smirking at her.
She shook her head. "Never. As long as I live. You're...you're my home, Harry. When I can't be with you, I'll just touch this, and it'll be like I'm touching you."
Harry's eyes softened as he looked at her, and she put her hand his face. "Thank you, my love."
"Aw, Gin," Harry said, his skin turning pink again, clearly embarrassed. "It was nothing." He shrugged his shoulders, and she kissed him briefly.
"It's not nothing to me, you git."
"Okay then," Harry said, apparently still embarrassed by her reaction.
Ginny smiled widely and let go of him. Harry looked around the pub, and she gazed back down at the stone. It felt warm to her and very secure as she held it in her fingers. She would have to look up the name of the stone once they got back to school. She knew what a ruby stood for, but she wasn't certain about Waystone.
"Well, what do you want to do for the next two hours or so?" Harry asked, breaking her out of her reverie. She blinked up at him, and he smiled. "I mean, I could watch you do just about anything, Gin, but staring at that necklace for two hours doesn't really strike me as fun."
"Do you think it's too cold for a walk?" she asked, trying to look outside one of the pub's windows.
"Well, we could try it and then come back if it is," Harry said, shrugging. He stood up and helped her out of the booth. "We could always come back and bother Tonks and Brogan a bit."
Ginny looked past Harry and smiled. "They look pretty cosy actually; let's not be mean to them."
Harry smirked at her as he took her hand. "You're a bit of a romantic, do you know that?"
"I am not," she said as they reached the door. "You just bring it out of me."
Harry didn't say anything, but she saw the smile on his face. Hands joined, they left the pub, facing the cold winds together.
o-o-o-o-o
"Do you want me to get the books for you?" Harry asked Ginny again as they hurriedly made their way back from the cave he'd shown her. He been compelled, for some reason, to see the place Sirius had called home for a short while, not having been back there for a long time.
Ginny shook her head. "No, you go on to the Three Broomsticks. I'll just be a moment."
They stopped and paused under the awning of the bookshop, the wind whipping around them suddenly. Ginny sighed.
"I'm glad I wore my hair up today; it'd be driving me batty by now in all this wind."
"You promise that I get to take that hair down later though, right?" Harry asked, smirking at her. Her cheeks heated.
"Promise. Now go on with you. I don't want Susan to think we've forgotten about her. We're late as it is."
"Not my fault you wanted a snog on the side of a mountain," Harry said teasingly.
"You looked like you needed some cheering up," Ginny smiled back at him. She opened the door to the shop and winked at him before disappearing inside. He looked around and shivered, wishing he'd worn a jumper under his robe. The back of his neck tingled, and he stopped half-way between the bookshop and the next store. He didn't see anything or anyone behind him, and he frowned. When the feeling of being watched didn't continue, he turned and headed towards the pub, shaking his head at himself.
The wind picked up and began to howl.
o-o-o-o-o
"Oh! Harry! You made it!" Susan squealed happily as she opened the door to let him in.
"Yeah," Harry said, feeling his skin heat.
"But where's Ginny?" Susan asked, sticking her head outside of the door. "Don't tell me the two of you are fighting?"
"Er, no. She's just gone to pick up your present. Sorry we're a little late."
Susan waved her hand at him. "Nonsense, you're just in time. Mary Sue was just asking about you, actually. She's over there with her brother, Gary...he's in Ravenclaw, do you know him?"
Harry let Susan push him through the small crowd of people that had already arrived. Seamus smirked at him and held up a butterbeer in salute. Harry grinned and then stopped as Susan pushed him into a group of Hufflepuff fifth years.
"Er, hello," he said, feeling uncomfortable.
As they began to ask him questions about Defence and Quidditch, Harry sent out a silent plea to Ginny, urging her to come save him. Their plan was to stay as long as was polite and then head back up to the castle, claiming they had homework or Quidditch practice. As Harry looked at the adoring faces around him, he wondered if he could claim both, right now.
Hurry up with those bloody books, Gin.
o-o-o-o-o
"Here you are, dear, sorry it took a while. We've been busy this afternoon."
Ginny nodded as she looked around. The bookshop was indeed busy, with an abnormally large amount of students milling around. She didn't think Slytherins were all that keen about reading, but judging by the amount of them in the store, it appeared they were.
First time for everything, I reckon, she mused to herself.
She slipped the bag the shopkeeper gave her under her arm and made her way towards the door. She frowned when it blew open and Ron entered, looking frazzled and very upset.
"Ginny!" he croaked out, sounding hoarse.
"Ron? What's wrong? Why aren't you at the inn?"
"It's Hermione, she's sick or something. I tried looking for Harry...come quick. I've got to get her back up to the school!"
Ron pulled her out of the store a bit roughly, and Ginny pushed at him. "Ron! Stop it! I'm not a piece of meat. Look, what's wrong? Calm down a minute."
Ron didn't say anything and looked around nervously, still pulling her away from the shop. When she resisted, he turned to her and tightened his grip on her arm.
"We have to hurry!" Ron said frantically. Ginny looked behind them as the wind blew violently around them.
"Why don't we go back and get Harry? He's just at the Three Broomsticks -"
"No!" Ron shouted at her, not sounding like himself. He pulled on her arm again, squeezing it harshly, and Ginny winced.
"Ron, you're hurting me, stop it."
Ron pulled her to the left, and she realised they were behind the bookshop, in an alley. She turned to ask her brother why he was taking them this way and felt something cool and soft being pressed against her face. She breathed in something that smelled mildly of soap and perfume and then knew nothing but blackness.
o-o-o-o-o
"Father, we did it."
Draco's voice was excited, and Lucius suppressed a grin. Perhaps he had been too quick to assume the boy held no taste for this line of work. He had, so far, executed his part of the plan without a hitch. Still, that was no reason the boy should become too comfortable.
"Yes, Draco. However, I think the Dark Lord will want to accept the full credit. His plan worked brilliantly." He stared with disdain at the body of Ginny Weasley. How he would love to kill her now, quickly. But the Dark Lord had other plans for her.
He turned to one of the other Death Eaters. "Make certain you replicate her clothing perfectly. We don't want Potter to suspect anything until we have her safely ensconced at the Manor." He paused and then glanced at his son. "Come, Draco. We must get you back to the school before they miss you."
He turned to leave and realised his son was not following him. Instead, he was staring with interest as the Death Eater started to carry out his orders, lifting the girl's robes.
"Draco. Now."
Draco frowned and pulled his eyes away from the body of the girl at his feet. Lucius sneered at him.
"We don't have time for you to become interested in Muggle-loving, blood-traitoring whores."
His son nodded and glanced back one last time before following his father out of the room.
o-o-o-o-o
Brogan smiled as Tonks got up to use the loo and looked out the window of the Three Broomsticks, surprisingly at ease. He hadn't expected to have a good time - in fact, he was quite surprised that Tonks had even agreed to come to Hogsmeade to meet him. But she had, and he found that he was very happy that she had done so. Even if he did sort of know her heart was heading in a different direction. Maybe Tonks herself didn't realize yet, but Brogan could tell. Still, it had been a long time since he'd been with someone his own age who also happened to be a member of the opposite sex.
He frowned as an emotion that wasn't his own rushed through him - he felt a sense of fear that was suddenly replaced by a feeling of being lost. He immediately reached out to find Ginny and Harry.
Tonks came back to the table, sliding into her seat with smile. "I wasn't gone that long, why the sad face?"
Brogan stared at her as though not really seeing her. "Something's wrong. Do you know where Harry and the others are?"
"I think Ginny mentioned a birthday party. I thought I saw Harry make his way upstairs a little while ago, why?"
Brogan frowned, still unable to get any sense of Ginny. "Ginny wasn't with him? Are you certain?"
Tonks nodded.
"Would you mind if we took a look around outside...near the outskirts of town?" Brogan asked, already standing up.
"Brogan, what's wrong?"
"I...I can't explain it...but...I think something's happening."
"But Professor Dumbledore put wards up around the village -"
"Tonks, please." Brogan couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. "We need to find her," he muttered under his breath, already heading outside.
o-o-o-o-o
"Oh, and then, when you caught the Snitch that one time, do you remember? It was so brave -
"Mary, there's nothing brave about catching a Snitch. It was bleeding brilliant, that's what it was -"
"Oh, Gary, shut up. Honestly, don't mind him, Harry. Anyway, as I was saying -"
Harry wondered if the smile on his face looked as fake as it felt. Apparently, it didn't, as Mary Sue and Gary were as enthralled with him now as they were twenty minutes ago. Harry hid a sigh and looked around the room. He could feel a twinge behind his right eye and shook his head. A particularly strong gust of wind made the Three Broomsticks vibrate suddenly, and he frowned, wondering what was keeping Ginny. He suddenly felt a sense of loss, and frowned, trying to figure out what had just happened.
"Er, will you two excuse me for a moment?" Harry asked, interrupting a glazed looking Mary Sue.
He slipped away before they could stop him, heading over to the door. He was just about to open it and leave - to go back to the bookshop - when it blew open, pushing someone through it and unexpectedly into his arms.
He smiled as Ginny giggled at him.
"Sorry, Harry."
"I was just about to come find you," he said, feeling immediate relief at seeing her. She disentangled herself from his arms.
"The book shop was a bit busy," she said holding up a small package. She looked around the party.
"What happened to your hair?" Harry asked, reaching out to touch it. She pulled back and then smiled.
"The wind's horrible, isn't it? It came undone; I'll fix it later. Let's give this bleeding present to the guest of honour and get back up to the castle."
"You have no argument from me," Harry said, whispering. "I've been bored to tears."
"Oh, well, I know the cure for that," Ginny said, winking at him.
Harry smiled, suddenly over come with an urge to 'revise' all of a sudden. "Let's make it quick then."
Ginny gave Susan their present,, and Harry hid a smile as he heard her explain that he needed to work on a Potions essay and that she was going to 'aid' him in his research of the Pollyanna root.
She turned and smiled widely at Harry, taking his hand. They said goodbye to everyone and slipped away in under ten minutes. Harry laughed as Ginny stuck her tongue out at the door.
"Bloody hell, I'm sorry I left you alone with that lot," Ginny said, shaking her head.
"It wasn't that bad," Harry said, shrugging.
"No? Hmm...well, you know, I reckon if it had been bad then perhaps...I could have...made it up to you?" Ginny moved closer to him as they headed down the stairs, rubbing against him.
Harry paused and smirked. "Hmm, well, in that case, it was a bit dreary..."
"Oh, you poor, poor thing. Trapped in that room with all those boring Hufflepuffs. Whatever can I do to make it up to you?" she said suggestively, her eyes bright as she moved her hand down the front of his robes.
"What's got into you all of sudden?" Harry asked, amused.
"Can't a girl just want to be affectionate with her bloke?" Ginny leaned to the left and licked her way to his ear, and Harry shivered. Her hand touched him through his trousers, and he suddenly had trouble focusing.
"Hmm, well, who am I to fight your affectionate tendencies?" Harry asked after a moment, breathing heavy. Ginny smirked at him.
"Castle, Harry. Now. Don't make me wait too long."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Gin," he said, blinking rapidly.
They left the pub and headed back towards Hogwarts, both walking as fast as the wind would let them. Harry realised that thanks to the exchange on the stairs, the wind was no longer making him cold, although it was a bit painful to walk. They made it back in record time, and Ginny laughed as he pulled her upstairs.
When he turned at the sixth floor, Ginny stopped him, and he frowned. She shook her head.
"No, let's not be boring. Let's try something new," she said, biting her lip. "Everyone's out today aren't they? In the dorm?"
Harry frowned. "Er, well, yeah, actually...I think everyone is at Susan's...oh...oh," Harry said, finally understanding what she meant. "In the dorm? Really? Isn't that sort of naughty, Miss Weasley?"
Ginny grinned boldly at him. "I was thinking first the showers, and then the -"
Harry pulled her to him and kissed her quickly. "Well, come on then," he said, feeling extremely keen.
"Reckon I touched on an old fantasy?" Ginny asked as they hurried upstairs to the seventh floor. Harry merely grinned at her. They made it through the common room, unsurprised to see it empty as most of the younger students who weren't in Hogsmeade had tried to find better things to do and most of the older students had gone to Susan's party. Harry opened the door to the dorm and looked around.
"It's empty," he said with a smile, and Ginny nodded. He led her over to his bed.
"Hmm, so this is the famous bed of Harry Potter," Ginny said coyly. Harry sat down and smiled at her.
"Yes, this is the bed."
"Hmm, and have you ever had a girl in your bed, Harry?"
"Er, no -"
"Pity then."
Harry grinned as she undid the clasp of her robe, shrugging it off her shoulders.
"Did you at least fantasize about having a girl in your bed?"
"Of course. I thought we covered this?" Harry asked laughing.
"Did you ever fantasize about having me in your bed?" Ginny asked, slowly unbuttoning her blouse.
"Gin, I still do that now," Harry said, marveling at her mood.
She raised an eyebrow at him as she reached the last button on her blouse and then reached up to slip it slowly off her body. Harry didn't know what it was, but something seemed different about her - there was something very predatory in her gaze, and he realised he was really enjoying it.
"Do you want me to climb into that bed and fuck you silly? Is that it?" she said, her voice a whisper.
"Maybe," Harry said, licking his lips.
She moved forward and pushed him forcefully back onto the bed. She straddled him and looked down at him, her eyes filled with fire. She ground her hips into his, and Harry sucked in a deep breath. She lowered her head down and kissed him, very roughly.
"Hmm, Harry, you taste good," she said slyly, winking at him. "Can I try some more?"
Before he could answer, she shifted and pulled at his robe, practically ripping it off him. She plucked his glasses off his face, tossing them aside. She moved his shirt up over his arms, trapping them inside of it.
"You like it when I take control, don't you Harry? Doesn't some small part of you just want to give it all to me? Don't you want me to just tie you up and ride you until you lose all control?" She licked her way along his neck, her teeth almost painfully scraping over his skin. "My body over yours, shoving, pushing, fucking..." her voice trailed off as she moved her head from his ear, and then he felt her mouth close over his nipple, and he shuddered as her teeth marked his skin. She bit him hard - harder then he had ever felt her do so before.
"Gin," he breathed out, closing his eyes.
"Tell me yes, Harry. You want me to hurt you, don't you?"
"What has got into you today?" he asked, opening his eyes again.
"Just you, Harry. Just you." Ginny bit him again, and he groaned. It felt sweet and painful and sexy, and as he felt her work her hands to his trousers, he realised some part of him did want her to hurt him. Perhaps even some small part of him wanted to hurt her. He shook his head to clear it, the twinge from before coming back a bit stronger. Harry took a long, deep breath, trying to steady himself.
"Let me watch you undress," Harry said in a flat voice, surprising them both and causing her to stop her actions. She moved her head up and smiled at him.
"Feeling a bit pervy then?" she asked cheekily, and she sat back. Harry moved and pulled his shirt from her hands and nodded. He slipped his glasses back on and really looked at her.
Ginny got off the bed and boldly smiled at him. She lowered her jeans down her legs and then reached up, undoing her bra. She grinned widely at him and then pulled the remainder of her hair out of its clasp. He watched as it fell down around her shoulders. His eyes strayed to her neck and then back up to meet her eyes. They stared at each other for a moment, and then he nodded as her hands trailed slowly to her knickers. She slipped them unhurriedly down around her hips, her eyes never leaving his. When she stepped out of them, she gave a small pout and then kicked them towards the bed.
"Like what you see?" she asked playfully, and Harry nodded.
"Yeah, come here," he said softly, holding out his hand.
She moved closer to him and touched his face, caressing him. He reached up and took a hold of her wrist. She winced as he clasped his hand around hers.
"Hey, I thought I was the one that was doing the pain thing?" she asked, a smirk on her face. When he didn't ease his grip, her face changed. "Stop it. You're hurting me."
"Who are you and where is the real Ginny Weasley?" Harry asked suddenly, roughly jerking the girl forward, off her feet. She twisted and looked at him, her eyes wide. Harry grasped her arm painfully in his hands, making certain she knew he had a good grip. "And don't you dare lie to me, because I'll know, and I promise I'll pull your bloody arm clear off."
o-o-o-o-o