Disclaimer: All characters belong to JK Rowling except for the original characters of David, Molly, Lucy, Janice, Celia and any others I may create.
Authors Note:
Hi all. Hope you enjoyed the last chapter.
I know it was a bit shorter than the last few but I didn't want to make it longer than it needed to be.
A shout out to fhl1234 who has been so far the most consistent reviewer of this story. Thanks to him for the name ideas for Celia's baby/babies.
Chapter Twenty Two: Quidditch, Valentines Day, More Pranks & Patronus
It was now mid February and at this precise moment in time, Harry was bent over a table in the corner of the Gryffindor common room scribbling away at a piece of History of Magic homework.
As he sat there writing away he thought about the fact that History of Magic was the most boring subject taught at the school.
The main reason for this was that it was the only class to taught by a ghost, Professor Binns.
The shame about it all, Harry thought, was that it may have been an exciting subject to learn if not for Binns's endless droning on about Goblin Rebellions.
It was literally all the teacher talked about and the only thing he ever set as homework.
That coupled with the fact that Binns could never ever get their names right made it the only subject he actually hated being in.
Harry sighed and put down his quill.
He had the distinct feeling that if he had to read and write about any more Goblin Rebellions, he crack.
It was at this moment that Hermione snapped out angrily "no Ron do your own work!".
Harry wearily glanced over at his best friend.
He been noticing that since September his friend had been getting steadily more irritable and seemed to have no time for fun.
"Uh Hermione" he said tentatively.
"What!?" she snapped at him.
Harry gulped "I was just going to say that you've spilt ink on your History of Magic essay".
Hermione glanced down at her parchment on which, indeed, a large black blob had formed from ink pot she had knocked over.
Even from where he sat Harry could tell that the writing was becoming illegible.
"Oh no blast!" Hermione shrieked trying desperately to dry off the parchment to no avail.
The stain had spread across the whole upper portion of it obscuring the words.
"Now I'll have to do it all again!" his friend moaned miserably banging her head on the table.
"You could just use mine for a rough idea" Harry suggested knowing that the second the words were out of his mouth, that this was a bad thing to say.
Hermione glared daggers at him and looked like she might actually curse him "I'm not a cheat Harry!" she spat "I'll get my homework done correctly unlike some" she said glancing over at Ron.
His best friend looked offended at this "hey I'll have you know...".
Harry knew someone needed to jump in and quick.
Thankfully that someone was not him but Draco "guys keep it civil. I'm sure Hermione didn't mean it" he said to Ron and then to Hermione added "Hermione I'm sure Harry didn't mean to imply anything" Harry's brother glanced at him "right Harry?".
Harry took the hint, looked at Hermione and nodded "that's right Hermione. I'm sorry if I offended you".
Hermione's face softened and she accepted the apology "no need to apologise Harry. I'm sorry I've just been really stressed".
Harry waved it off "it's alright, no harm done".
She turned to Ron "I'm sorry Ron. That was unfair of me".
To Harry's relief his friend shrugged "no worries".
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that they had for once, avoided another argument.
As Harry tried to return his attention to his essay he felt his mind wander to an incident the previous week.
[Flashback]
Harry had just come back from a draining training session at the Quidditch stadium.
He was feeling tired in both mind and body and simply wanted to rest and relax.
Unfortunately for him as he sat down planning on having a snooze, two figures plopped themselves down on the sofa next to him.
Harry opened one eye lazily and found Ron staring at him. He jumped.
"Ron!" he said irritably picking himself up from the floor "don't do that!" he scolded.
"Sorry Harry" Ron said apologetically.
As Harry sat back down he noticed the worried looks he was getting from his best friends and sighed "what is it now? more evil omens?" he said mockingly.
He thought Ron would be the one to speak which, given his fanciful ideas, would have led Harry to immediately dismiss what had been said.
But instead of Ron it was Neville who said "Harry, something very odd happened in Divination today".
Harry shook his head wearily.
Ever since the start of the year his two best friends had been hearing and seeing signs of some sort of impending doom, only they couldn't say what it precisely was.
"Guys I'm really not in the mood for more jokes" he said tiredly.
He closed his eyes ready to block out their words.
Something jabbed him hard in the ribs "ow!" he opened his eyes feeling very annoyed now "ok which one of you jokers did that?" he demanded.
"It doesn't matter which of us did it Harry" Ron said.
"What matters is that you need to listen to us" said Neville.
Harry sighed "alright fine. What is this important news?" he asked.
"It's more something we have to show you" said Ron.
"It's a tea mug that we took from Professor Trelawney's classroom" Neville told Harry "and there's a very weird form inside it".
Harry snorted in derision "what is it, an image of Voldemort?" he asked sarcastically.
"Stop joking!" Ron snapped.
Harry gaped at him in surprise.
Ron and Neville never usually took jokes on fellow New Marauders to this extent "alright. I'm sorry" Harry said genuinely.
Ron and Neville nodded their apologies and Ron turned to Neville "get the cup out Nev and be careful" he said.
Neville nodded and began to fumble about in his school bag for it.
After a short moment he plucked out a very plain blue tea mug.
Harry didn't see what was so special about it "look inside" Ron instructed.
Feeling like he would throttle his two friends he took the proffered mug by the handle and did indeed glance down at the bottom of it.
All he could see was a bunch of tea leaves left over from presumably a Tasseography session "I can't see anything" he mumbled.
"Look closer" Neville urged.
Harry did as bid staring harder at the leaves until he saw that there was indeed a shape that had formed.
It appeared to be the shape of a ferret.
Harry frowned.
He didn't see what was so funny about arranging something into this shape.
He looked up to see two expectant faces.
"Who's idea of a joke was this?" he asked calmly though inside he was feeling thoroughly cheesed off.
Ron and Neville exchanged worried looks and Ron spoke, his tone nervous "it's no joke Harry. That's my tea mug from Divination and the leaves rearranged into that shape before my very eyes".
Harry put on his best "I don't believe you" face.
"It's true Harry" Neville jumped in "I was partnering Ron and I saw it happen. Honest. We're not having you on" he said so earnestly that Harry began to consider they must be telling the truth.
"But if it did it by itself...why?" he said voicing the first thing that sprang to mind.
Ron and Neville looked even more nervous and Harry guessed right away "you two surely don't think it's an omen of some kind" he said incredulously, raising an eyebrow.
They both nodded "I know how mad it sounds Harry but I'm sure..." Ron started.
"We're sure" Neville said firmly "that it's a bad omen. We knew we had to tell you because you need to be safe".
Harry despite his disbelief, was touched at their concern "I will be more careful guys. I promise" Harry said.
That seemed to satisfy them and they switched to talking about the upcoming Quidditch game in February in which Gryffindor would play Slytherin.
Both teams had won their first game with Gryffindor beating Hufflepuff and Slytherin beating Ravenclaw which thus brought even more meaning to the match.
[End of Flashback]
"Who wants to get a snack?" Draco asked.
That broke Harry out of his thoughts as his stomach rumbled.
The group headed for the kitchens where they spent an enjoyable few hours eating, drinking and chatting with the House Elves.
That Saturday, the third Saturday of the month, dawned cold and wet though thankfully it was not raining.
Harry had started the day with his usual jog around the grounds alongside Ginny. In order to keep each other safe from both Mundungus Fletcher and from the Dementors they were joined by Ron, Draco, Neville, Hermione and Luna.
None of the others save Draco showed any great enjoyment from the activity which made Harry all the more appreciative of them being there.
He may not believe in omens after all but he did believe that danger could from anywhere. Hardly a surprising belief either when considering the events of the past two school years.
As Harry sat in the Great Hall eating his breakfast he had made a resolution to himself to not even bother wishing that the rest of the school year would go off without incident as he knew it to be wholly impossible.
In no time at all it seemed, he found himself in the changing rooms getting changed into his Quidditch gear ready for yet another match.
He happily patted his new broom which had been given as a present for Christmas as a result of what had happened to the last one.
As Harry walked out onto the pitch with the rest of the team he felt immense relief at the fact that there were multiple Aurors flying around and in the stands all keeping watch for the Dementors.
He knew too that Headmaster Dumbledore had had a blistering argument, rather uncharacteristic for one so calm, with Minister Bones over the issue of the dark creatures still being at Hogwarts.
From what Harry had heard Dumbledore was threatening to sue the Ministry if just one more student was hurt by them.
As Harry rose high into the air he enjoyed hearing the roar of the crowd.
As he zoomed higher into the air in search of the elusive golden snitch he found the sensation of the cool air running through his hair to be very pleasant.
As it happened it took almost no time at all before he saw the tiny ball and despite the vain boasting of Theodore Nott his nemesis Harry managed to outmanoeuvre the snobbish Slytherin before he'd even seen the snitch.
In just five minutes the match itself was over and Harry was being cheered by the Gryffindor's who cheered loudest and by the Hufflepuff's and Ravenclaw's who were always gratified to see Slytherin losing.
What really made Harry's day though, even above catching the snitch so quickly, was the look of anger and despondency on Nott's face as he stormed off past Harry into the changing rooms.
The part that followed their second successive Quidditch victory was raucous and fun and last until the early hours of the morning when an irate Professor McGonagall marched into the common room, turned off the music and demanded that they all go to bed.
As Harry turned in for the night he felt it had been a rather enjoyable day.
The next day which was a Sunday, found Harry and his friends in their Patronus lesson with Harry's Uncle Remus.
Harry was getting better at producing something when he used the incantation but so far had only been able to produce a non corporeal one much to his disappointment.
He knew that Remus had said it was advanced magic and that he was doing very well for a Third Year but these words couldn't give him comfort.
Not when he knew that he would need such a spell in his arsenal if he was to hold off even just one Dementor.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry shouted for the third time that lesson.
He felt very tired.
Despite his best efforts he still seemed unable to produce a proper Patronus "damn it!" he said in frustration.
A frustration not helped when he saw Draco manage to produce a Patronus in the shape of an owl.
"You have to give it time Harry" his Uncle told him handing him a square of chocolate.
Harry ate it and then said "but Moony I need a Patronus or else how am I to fight Dementors".
"Well I hope you'll never need to Harry but I'm sure it's not going to be long before you manage it" his Uncle replied encouragingly.
After relax for a few minutes Harry gathered up the happiest memory he could conjure and tried again several more times.
The final time, feeling very fed up with it all he bellowed "Expecto Patronum!".
To his great astonishment and, judging by the faces of those around him, everyone else present, a large stag made of wispy blue smoke burst from the tip of his wand, cantered around the room and disappeared through the wall.
"Prongs" he heard his Uncle whisper.
He turned to his Uncle and saw that the man was smiling widely "I can't wait to tell James".
"Tell Dad what?" Harry asked walking over to him.
His Uncle grasped his shoulders "that's exactly the same Patronus as your Dad has Harry" his Uncle told him.
Harry was stunned.
He had no idea and wondered how this was possible "multiple people can have the same Patronus Harry" his Uncle said guessing his thoughts.
Harry smiled widely.
Finally he could produce a proper Patronus "great work Harry!" Draco said slapping him on the back.
Ron, Hermione, Luna, Ginny and Neville all gave their congratulations too and Harry felt that it had all been worth persevering after all.
It was a Wednesday, two days before Valentines Day.
The day had started off the same as any other.
The morning had gone well as Harry did well in Potions and Charms.
Then came the afternoon which went less well.
Harry had just finished lunch in the Great Hall with his friends and brother and they were walking, Harry's hand in Ginny's and Draco's hand in Luna's, down a corridor near the inner courtyard.
They were happily chatting away about Valentines Day when it happened "oh look it's Harry Potthead and the New Morons".
Harry had to roll his eyes at this.
Ever since he had rebuffed Nott's friendship back in First Year he had received nothing but insults from the Slytherin.
Insults than quite often led to physical altercations.
Today was one day on which Harry could not afford to be fighting with anyone.
He had plans for Valentines Day and he had been there when Professor McGonagall had threatened that any student to start a fight before that day would end up in detention for a week.
"Nott I'm busy. I have better things to do than fight with you" he told the pureblood.
He began to walk away "oh no you don't Potter. Boys".
Harry wearily turned around and saw Nott and his goons Crabbe and Goyle whip out their wands and aim them at him.
The next thing he knew spells were flying all over the place.
As one spell raced towards Ginny he pulled her to the ground with him to keep her safe.
He saw that Neville, Ron and Draco were retaliating while Luna had ducked for cover and was watching in horror.
The next spell called out made Harry's eyes widen "Serpensortia!" Nott shouted and in the next moment a large, hissing, angry, green snake appeared.
It reared up to attack Neville and Harry sprang into action just as Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall rounded the corner.
In front of their astonished eyes Harry shouted "Vipera Evanesca!" and the snake disappeared just inches from a terrified Neville who sighed in relief.
"What is the meaning of this!" professor McGonagall shouted.
Professor Snape merely stood there looking round at the students.
He gave all of them including Harry searching looks and, thankfully, seemed to understand that Harry had not been involved.
Just as Professor McGonagall shouted, another spell flew through the air hitting Hermione in the face.
She sank to the ground crying out and holding a hand over her mouth.
"Who did that?" Professor McGonagall demanded angrily.
"Excuse me Minerva, I happened to be watching and I regret to say it was Mr Goyle. I assure you he will be duly punished".
"We must also look into who started this fight" McGonagall insisted.
"Agreed" Snape said grimly.
The two Professors marched the students off up to the Headmasters Office all except for Hermione who was sent to the Hospital Wing to have her teeth, which grown oversized as a result of the spell thrown by Goyle, resized.
In a very short time after viewing various memories the three Professors determined that the fault lay entirely with the three Slytherin students.
Never before had Professor Snape sounded so incensed at behaviour from his own students "how dare you do something like this!" he shouted at Nott, Crabbe and Goyle who sat in front of him looking like deer's caught in the headlights.
"How dare you attack fellow students!" Professor Snape began to pace "I will be writing to all of your Parents about this incident" he stopped pacing "I also think it fair to take away..." he swallowed distastefully "fifteen points each".
"But Professor!..." Nott burst out.
"But nothing!" Snape thundered his face full of rage "nothing gives you the right to attack fellow students!. The three of you will receive detention and as the offence was committed against my fellow Professor students" he gestured a hand to Professor McGonagall "I feel it only fair that she determines the length of it and who you serve it with" he said grimly.
As the three Slytherins lapsed into silence Harry, Draco, Neville, Ron, Ginny and Luna were all ushered out of the office by Professor Snape who took them down to the Hospital Wing to see Hermione.
On the way there he stopped them all for a moment and asked in concern "are you all alright?".
He received nods in the affirmative from them all and so they kept walking.
They soon reached the Hospital Wing and were surprised to find their friend already waiting for them and seemingly in a very good mood "hi everyone" Hermione said cheerfully.
They all greeted her, thanked the Professor for bringing them to meet her and then they left to head off to their lessons.
That night as Harry sat in front of the roaring fire in the Gryffindor common room working on homework on Grindylows for Remus he gaped at Hermione.
She had opened her mouth to laugh at a joke made by Draco and he had distinctly seen that her teeth were different to how they had been before. They were...smaller...less pronounced.
He knew he probably shouldn't pry as she might not want to talk about it but he couldn't help saying something "Hermione what happened to your teeth? they're...different" he said.
Hermione grinned slyly.
A grin that was noticed by everyone else with them all commenting on the changes to her teeth.
Hermione looked round to make sure no one was listening and then launched into her explanation "well, when I went into the Hospital Wing to have my teeth checked over and fixed Madam Pomfrey told me to say stop when they were back to how they used be" she shrugged "I want them more straightened out so I didn't say anything for a while and let her fix them up".
Harry gaped.
He couldn't believe that Hermione would do such a thing.
Not that it was a crime or anything. It was just not like Hermione.
Sure she indulged in pranks and was willing to bend the rules for a good cause such as saving the stone in First Year but she would never usually stoop to something like this.
Harry laughed. He couldn't help it "you know Hermione, I'm sure we're having a bad influence on you" he said grinning.
Hermione smiled and punched him on the arm.
That next morning Harry woke up with knots in the pit of his stomach.
It had taken him a moment to realise just what day it was but when he did, he knew why he was so nervous, so worried.
You see, today wasn't just a normal day. Today was Valentines Day.
In fact it wasn't just Valentines Day, it was the first Valentines Day that he and Ginny would be spending together as a couple.
Working out what to do for her had taken up much of his time for several weeks.
He knew some of what she liked but not all and thus he had come up with a solution.
He had written to his Mother to ask her what sort of thing girls liked romance wise.
It was awkward and he'd hoped never to do it but he wanted to make today as special as possible.
Not for the first time did he regret not being allowed to visit Hogsmeade this year as on Valentines Day, Third Years and above could take their dates down to the village on their date.
The response Harry had got back quickly in reply from his Mother was definite.
She told him that as long as they were together for the day, that was the most important part and he should just plan something simple.
It had taken a lot of effort but with help from Remus, Hagrid, Severus and Neville he had managed to put something together just in time for the special day.
After getting up he went for his usual early morning run joined this time, rather surprisingly by Remus and by Draco.
He surmised that Ginny must be getting ready for the day as would Luna likely be as well.
"So you two, got any plans for today?" Remus asked them both as the three of them jogged slowly round the grounds.
As they stopped for a moment to catch their breath Harry told him "it's a secret but I hope Ginny will like it".
Remus grinned at this and then turned to Draco who said "I wasn't sure what the best idea was so I've made some lunch for us to eat in Hagrids cabin".
Remus laughed lightly "seems like a decent idea to me. Not too complicated and she'll enjoy it".
Harry caught Draco's eye and grinned wickedly.
Draco caught the gesture and asked very casually "what about you Moony, seeing anyone special today?".
Their Uncle blushed so deeply that his face took on the appearance of a tomato "that's not really..." he began to say only for Harry to cut in "you asked us Moony".
"Yeah fairs fair Moony" Draco said smirking "I heard you've caught the eye of a certain Nymphadora Tonks".
Their Uncle groaned "look...I...she...I'm too old for her" he said lamely.
Both Harry and Draco guffawed "come off it Moony. It's only ten or so years it's not like you're as old as her Dad" Draco said.
Remus had no reply to this so Harry pressed the point "I know for a fact that Tonks likes you" he said.
Remus gaped at him "you...you do?...she...she does?" he stuttered.
"Yep that's right Moony old man" Harry said "seems like she has a thing for werewolves in battered jackets".
"It wouldn't work out" Remus said his face turning serious.
"How do you know?" Draco asked.
"It just wouldn't Draco. Leave it" Remus said firmly.
They however were not going to leave it.
Remus deserved someone kind and loving to be in a relationship with "look Moony" Harry began seriously "I know you think that being a werewolf you'd be a danger to her but that's nonsense".
Remus glared at him "Harry's right Moony. Tonks really fancies you. You'd be mad not to at least take her on a few dates and see where it leads".
Remus shook his head in despair "she wouldn't fancy me if she knew what I turn into every full moon" he said.
"She already knows" Draco said matter of factly.
Harry watched in amusement as Remus opened and closed his mouth like a goldfish several times before asking "who...how?".
"Dad told her" Draco informed him.
Harry saw Remus's face turn angry and knew he had to cut this off "don't even think about being angry with him" Harry said sternly surprising himself.
Remus glared at him "don't you see what this means Moony?" the werewolf shook his head causing Harry to sigh in frustration.
It was a sheer mark of the man at having dated so little that he had more understanding of dark creatures than he did of the opposite sex.
Hell, even Harry had more knowledge of girls and he was only thirteen!.
"What it means is that even though she knows you are a werewolf she doesn't care. She wants to date you anyway" Harry said simply.
Finally it seemed that their Uncle understood "so you two really think I should give it a go?" he asked.
"YES!" they both shouted in unison.
Their Uncle smiled and ruffled their hair causing them to protest "alright. I will".
Later that morning after a shower and a change of clothes Harry was waiting rather nervously in the common room.
He was dressed in the most smart clothes he owned, a tuxedo jacket, a white tie and shirt, black trousers and smarts black shoes.
He felt very subconscious, like he was at a funeral rather than waiting for the girl he loved.
In one hand he held a bunch of what he knew to be Ginny's favourite flowers, roses, carnations and begonias.
He twiddle the bunch in his right hand as with his left he attempted desperately to flatten his messy black hair.
Usually he was flattered when someone would say he looked like his Dad but today was really important for his relationship with Ginny and he didn't wait to spoil it by looking like he'd been pulled through a hedge backwards.
As he was waiting a nervous First Year tripped over a chair leg and accidentally splashed his drink all over Harry's trousers.
"Oh bloody hell!" Harry cursed in frustration.
The First Year gulped in terror but Harry was quick to reassure him knowing that the younger boy had not done it on purpose "hey don't worry about it. Accidents happen" he told the boy who gratefully squeaked "thanks and sorry" before scurrying off.
Harry set down the flowers and was about to clean up the stain on his trousers before an amused voice called out "had a little accident love?".
Harry whipped his head up so fast he thought he heard a crack in his neck "uh...uh...this...isn't...uh...isn't..." he stammered unintelligibly before seeing the look on his girlfriends face "don't worry" she told him with a grin "I saw it all as I was coming down the stairs".
She reached him and gave him a quick peck on the lips "I thought that was very sweet, what you said to that boy" she told him.
Harry shrugged but knew that his blush gave him away "well...wasn't his fault" he mumbled.
Ginny laughed and pulled him into a hug in which they stayed for a long time.
When they broke apart Harry quickly cleaned up the stain on his trousers before saying "happy Valentines Day my love" and handing her the bunch of flowers.
Ginny took them and sniffed them "they're lovely Harry" she said smiling "thank you, I love you". She kissed him on the cheek "shall we go down to breakfast?" she asked.
Harry nodded with a grin and the two of them set off through the portrait hole "you look beautiful Gin Gin" he said as they walked.
Beside him Ginny laughed "flatterer" she said but by the way she blushed he could tell she had liked the compliment.
They entered the Great Hall hand in hand not thinking about anything else in the world than themselves.
They chatted happily as they ate breakfast and were soon joined by Draco and Luna who they greeted cheerfully "so brother mine" Harry said "any special plans for the day?".
His brother grinned "now that would be telling" he said tapping the side of his nose.
Just as Harry and Ginny were finishing their breakfast Neville entered the hall with...Katie Bell!.
Harry was stunned.
The two of them walked into the Hall arm in arm chattering happily away about something.
As they drew level with the other New Marauders they sat down at an empty space opposite Harry and Ginny.
Harry was gaping at Neville.
His friend despite his confidence with everything else, was not at all confident with girls and yet here he was with Katie Bell who was two years older than him.
Harry decided not to ask him now how it had all happened, feeling that it would be rude so instead he said "morning Nev, morning Katie".
The couple smiled and said "good morning Harry" in perfect unison and returned to their breakfast after greeting the others.
Harry then got up from the table and kissed Ginny on the cheek "meet me by Hagrids cabin in..." Harry checked his watch "twenty minutes".
"Alright love see you in a bit" she replied as she sat back down.
Harry was out of the Great Hall and nearly at the large oak front doors when he distinctly heard the sounds of two people arguing.
He rolled his eyes and sighed wearily as he recognised the voices as being Ron and Hermione.
To his dismay he saw, to the right of the doors, his best friends engaged in a shouting match as usual.
As he drew near he began to pick up the conversation "I don't see what's so bloody hard about it Ronald!" Harry winced. Hermione only ever called him Ronald when she was really angry about something.
"It just is!" Ron shouted back.
Hermione threw her arms in the air "it was easy enough for Harry and Draco and Neville. All of them asked out the girls they liked".
Harry saw Ron looked upset "so why can't you do it with me?" she demanded.
Ron blushed "it...I...I'm not good with emotions ok" he said lamely "and I'm not confident with girls".
Harry watched as Hermione took Ron's hand and stroked it "you don't have to be confident with other girls silly. Just ask me out. Do it now and I'll say yes".
Harry thought for a mad moment that his friend was going to run away or freeze up.
The next words out of Ron's mouth thus surprised him "Mione, will you go on a date with me?" he asked sincerely.
Harry smiled and then his smile turned to amusement as Hermione's entire face lit up, she threw her arms around Ron's neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.
Harry decided he didn't need to see anymore and coughed to announce his presence.
His friends broke apart like they'd done something naughty and both looked flushed "how...how long have you been there?" Hermione demanded of him.
Harry grinned "long enough to hear this prat..." he clapped Ron on the shoulder "ask you out at last".
"You knew I liked her?" Ron gaped.
Harry laughed hysterically "it was obvious mate. You've fancied her for years".
Ron didn't know what to say to this "I'm happy for you both" Harry told them genuinely "I can't stop I'm preparing a surprise for Ginny. I'll see you later" he winked at them both and sprinted past them, through the now open doors and across the sloping lawns in front of the castle all the way down to Hagrids cabin.
He knocked loudly to make sure that his large friend heard him.
Inside there was a rustling and then the sound of heavy boots clomping towards the door accompanied by a barking sound.
The door opened and Harry found himself face to face with Hagrid "hey Hagrid" he said with a grin.
"Harry there you are!" the half-giant replied amiably "come in, come in" he gestured to Harry.
Harry stepped inside and was almost bowled over by an excited Fang who began slobbering all over his face "down boy. down!" Hagrid called.
Fang back off a bit.
Harry used a spell to clean himself off and then stroked the happy boarhound "I've got that picnic basket somewhere here" Hagrid told him and then began rummaging about in search of it.
He took so long that Harry was worried he'd lost it but as he was about to start panicking Hagrid said "ah here it is" and held aloft a large wicker basket with a handle.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief and took the proffered object "thanks for keeping it safe Hagrid" he said gratefully.
His friend chuckled "not a problem Harry. taking Ginny somewhere nice are yeh?".
Harry smiled and replied "a picnic by the Black Lake. Ginny's always loved that spot".
Hagrid chuckled again "you're doing better than your Father did at his age" he said.
Harry grinned at that.
He'd heard the many stories of his Dad attempting to win over his Mum while they'd been students and how many times she'd rejected him due to his childish behaviour.
There was a light knock on the door and Harry stood up feeling suddenly nervous "don't worry you'll be fine" Hagrid assured him as he moved over to the door and opened it "hello Ginny!" he heard Hagrid say.
"Hello Hagrid, is Harry in there?".
"Course he is!" Hagrid replied.
Harry walked to the door, basket in hand "hi Gin Gin, ready to be off".
Ginny looked confused "you mean we're not stopping?" she said.
Harry shook his head "nope. I've got a good spot for this" he said tapping the basket.
He headed out of the cabin calling out "thanks again Hagrid".
After they'd walked for a while Ginny asked impatiently "where are we going?" as he'd blindfolded her.
"You'll see soon my love I promise" he said.
After a few minutes more of walking they reached the Black Lake.
Harry guided Ginny over to the tree under which they both liked to sit and relax.
He put the basket down carefully, unfolded the blanket and placed it at the base of the tree and then undid and removed his girlfriends blindfold.
Ginny gasped in surprise "the Black Lake!" she exclaimed happily.
Harry chuckled.
She turned to face him "I thought we could have a picnic and relax under the tree while I read your favourite book to you".
Ginny threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close, hugging him for the longest time.
Harry got the feeling that his assumption had been correct.
For the rest of the morning and throughout the whole afternoon they picnicked, read, joked, told stories and watched the Giant Squid swimming.
That evening after a very enjoyable day they headed back to the castle Ginny's hand clasped firmly in his and went to the Valentines Day feast where there was much food and much music.
Despite all of it the only thing on his mind throughout it was Ginny.
Later that night they sat in companionable silence on a sofa near the fireplace and watched the flames dance merrily in the grate "I do love you Harry" his girlfriend said softly.
Harry kissed her on the cheek and rested his head against hers "and I love you Ginny. so very much".
Ok readers that is Chapter Twenty Two done and dusted. Just a reminder that reviews are much appreciated and lead to quicker updates.
The next chapter will Celia go into labour, Buckbeaks hearing arrive, Hermione squares up to Nott and the group prepare for end of year exams all while juggling love.