23: Emotions
"Gin?"
Harry stuck his head into the room and looked around, frowning. Mr Cosgrove had told him she had taken lunch in her room, so he'd assumed she was waiting for him. He dropped his bag on the chair in the sitting room, noticing that she'd already lit the fire and that the room had a very nice comfortable and cozy feel. He was just about to head into the bedroom when he heard a noise from the study.
"Hello?" he asked again as he pushed the door open and then stopped as he took in the view that was in front of him. His mouth hung open for a moment, and then he laughed, causing Ginny to look up.
"Harry!"
"Ginny!" he said, mocking her tone. She had obviously wanted to surprise him. She was wearing one of his buttoned-down shirts (he'd been wondering what had happened to that particular one), and nothing else that he could see. She now turned a bit pink as she looked at him.
"You're early," she replied.
"And this is bad?" Harry asked, coming into the room. Ginny grinned widely at him and removed the book from her lap.
"No, of course not. I was just reading until you arrived."
"I see that," Harry said, letting his eyes really appreciate the sight of her. She had pulled her hair back so that it was piled lazily on top of her head. She had crossed her legs demurely in front of her, something which drove him absolutely crazy, he decided. He moved closer to the desk as she watched him, her skin flushed, and her eyes filled with mischief as she looked at him. He rested his hands on either side of her on the desk and then looked down at the book she'd cast aside. He picked it up and gave her an amused look.
"Hmm, a bit of light reading, I see. Don't let my arrival keep you from your studies," he said, leaning as close as possible to her without touching her.
She smirked at him and took the book out of his hands. He grinned as she threw it behind him, and he heard it land on the floor with a loud thud.
"Why Miss Weasley, treating your school books in such a manner...whatever will Hermione say when she finds out," Harry said, lowering his head so that his mouth was close to hers. Her eyes were so lovely and full of desire that Harry felt a sharp thrill shoot through him.
"Yes, I must be punished for being so mean to my Herbology book, you're absolutely right, Harry," she said in a very prim-sounding voice. Harry watched as she bit her bottom lip, and it took all of his self-control not to push her back on the desk and just take her. He moved his hands, placing them on her legs and pushed them apart, moving slowly upwards, pleased to see he had been right about the state of her undress.
"Maybe I should tease you relentlessly then," he said, his voice coming out choked as she shifted and widened her legs. She coyly curled one of them around him.
"Yes, maybe you should," Ginny said, nodding. Her eyes had gone wide, and he couldn't resist a smile at the innocent look on her face.
"But you might like that too much, and what sort of punishment would that be?" Harry asked as he took off his glasses, finally leaning forward and kissing her. He closed his eyes as their lips met and he sighed somewhere inside, feeling as though he'd just come home. He moved his hands forward and then around her back, moving them downwards and cupping her backside as she scooted forward. He groaned when they broke apart and pulled back to look at her.
"Don't you think that being away from you is punishment enough?" she asked, raising her eyebrow as he felt her hands move to the front of him.
"Good point," he said softly as she unzipped his jeans, and he soon felt the silky touch of her hand on him.
"Hmm, Harry, what did I say about you greeting me properly from now on?" she asked as she pulled her hand away, pretending to pout. "Something about you being on your knees to say hello, I think?"
Harry laughed and kissed her again, then moved his mouth to her neck, heading downwards. He reached up and undid the top button of her shirt, glancing at her.
"Right you are, Gin. Sorry, the sight of you half-naked with your hair up and my shirt on must have done something to my manners."
She grinned and put her hand on his, lifting it off the shirt. She reached into the school robe he was still wearing, pulling out his wand. "Cushioning Charm, my love. I have plans for your knees later, and I need them to be in tip-top shape."
Harry laughed, chucking off his shirt and casting a quick charm on the area in front of the desk. He kicked his shoes off and untangled his feet from the rest of his clothes. Ginny finished unbuttoning her shirt, and, as though he needed yet another reason to be excited, pulled her hair out of its clasp. It fell down around her shoulders like a bright red mane. He moved back in between her legs, kissing her again.
"Gods, I missed you," he said softly, wrapping his arms around her.
"Hmm. Prove it with your tongue, Harry," she said playfully, nipping at his ear.
Harry grinned, heading downwards and proceeded to do just that.
o-o-o-o
Ginny sighed and stretched her arms out in front of her. She felt Harry move slightly, his full weight still on her, and turned her head to watch him. He was resting his head against her back, his eyes closed, and a very pleased smile on his face.
"You look awfully satisfied, you know," she said as she half-turned. They shifted, and Harry slipped out of her and readjusted himself against her. His hands wrapped around her body, and his head rested on the smooth part of her hip. He blinked up at her.
"That was bloody amazing, that's why. I think I actually saw stars."
Ginny sniggered and moved her hand to run her fingers through his hair. "You just like seeing me on my hands and knees and hearing me beg for more. Admit it, you big perv."
Harry shrugged as if to say, 'so what if I do?' and snuggled closer to her. His hand moved upwards until it was resting on her breast, and she sighed, laying back against the bed. She looked down a moment later and frowned.
"Harry, what in blazes are you doing with your hand?"
Harry's cheeks flushed, and he stopped moving his hand. "What do you mean? I was just er...caressing you."
Ginny gave him a skeptical look. "Erm, no, you weren't. It actually felt as though you were trying to size me up. They're not fruit you're picking out at the market, Harry."
He sighed and moved so that he was lying next to her. "Sorry. Did it hurt?"
Ginny laughed. "No, but I did feel as though you'd mistaken my breast for a Bludger."
Harry glanced down at her, looking perplexed. "No, they're not quite that big, are they? Just a fair bit smaller, actually."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Pardon me?"
Harry looked at her and smiled mysteriously. "Sorry. No more manhandling, promise. Now come here, you cheeky thing." He rolled closer to her, and their legs became tangled as he kissed her. Ginny smiled as she looked at him.
"Hmm, what's next then? In the shower? In the bath? You bent over the sofa arm this time?"
Harry chuckled and shook his head. "Why don't we just rest for a while. We don't want to peak too soon." His brow furrowed for a moment. "Er, how exactly would it work with me over the sofa arm?"
Ginny grinned widely and moved her mouth to his neck, kissing her way up. She whispered something in his ear, and he pulled back, startled.
"Ginny, that's just...ew."
"You asked," she said, shrugging and rolling back against the pillows.
"Really? People er...do that?" he asked, eyes wide.
Ginny laughed. "So I've heard. Although I don't exactly know the correct spell to use and quite frankly, I don't think I want to learn, really. My luck, I'd botch it up and be stuck with something unsightly."
Harry looked lost in thought, and she touched his chin, bringing his eyes back to her. "You look intrigued nonetheless, Harry."
"No, just a bit...um...curious. But really, that's one of those things I don't ever need to actually put into practice, honest."
Ginny laughed, and he moved closer to her. She let her hands wander down his back, caressing him as he kissed her neck.
"I thought we were taking a break," she asked a little while later, feeling her skin heat again.
"Then stop touching me," Harry said, his voice muffled as his head was slowly getting lost around somewhere around her neck.
Ginny moved her hands down to his arse, letting her fingers go exploring and grinned as he moved back, giving her a disgruntled look.
"You're incorrigible," he said, sounding put out.
"And you're randy," she said, giggling.
"Hmm, true," Harry said, shifting onto his back. He pulled her on top of him, and she settled against him, moving her feet so that they rested on his.
"My turn to dominate then?" she asked, tracing her fingers along his chest.
"Well, it was the only way I could think of distracting you from defiling my fine backside," Harry said, his eyes laughing at her.
"I can't help it, Harry; I want to know all of you," Ginny said, lowering her mouth to his chest and leisurely moving her tongue around. "Because all of you is quite fine."
"Hmm," Harry said, watching her and looking doubtful. She paused and grinned at him. She shifted and sat up, looking down at him.
"I love your shoulders; they're very nice." Ginny paused and kissed her way along his right arm, pulling his skin into her mouth. "And your chest, it's quite manly, you know."
Harry snorted as he pulled one of the pillows from the foot of the bed and propped it behind his head. "Oh, yes, I'm very manly. All eight-stone of me. Face it, Gin, I'm far too skinny and far too bloody short."
"You are not," Ginny said stubbornly. She lowered her head again and closed her mouth around his left nipple, sucking a bit harshly until she heard him grunt. She flicked her tongue around him and then gazed at him. "As I said before, the rest of you is going to fill in. You've just had a bit of a slow start, that's all. And your legs, hmm...these are my favorite part." Ginny shifted and moved lower down, running her hands over his thighs. Harry wason the thin side, but to her, he was sturdy and wiry.
"I thought we'd done 'Ginny's favorite Harry parts' once before?" he asked, sounding baffled, and she looked back up at him.
"Well, this is different, because I'm much more...familiar with the equipment now, aren't I?"
He finally laughed and shook his head at her as she looked down at his middle. She reached out and touched him gently, feeling him soft in her hand. She glanced up at him. "Do you remember how nervous I was the first time I touched you? The first time I really put my mouth on you?"
He nodded. "Actually, I thought you were quite bold, but yes, and I remember you once asking me to tell you how to do it as if I'd know."
"Well, you did have a better idea than me," Ginny said, smiling. She removed her hand and then settled into his arms again.
"You're crazy," he said softly, looking at her.
"Not for loving you, I'm not," she said, touching his face.
Harry smiled, and then, as they both continued looking at each other, he shook his head. "Okay, it's official; we're the most sickening couple ever."
Ginny laughed and sat up. "Don't say that, Harry! That's cruel to mock our love."
Harry rolled his eyes and sat up as well, smirking at her. "Why is it when you say it like that it feels as though it should be in block letters...'OUR LOVE' like daft love songs will be written about it."
Ginny shrugged as though thinking about it, and he laughed at her again. He twirled a finger into her hair, tugging gently on it. "Did I mention I enjoyed your letter?" he asked suddenly, smiling.
Ginny felt her skin heat and bit her lip. "Did you really? You didn't think it was...too forward?"
Harry shook his head. "Nope. It was bloody brilliant, actually, to steal a phrase from your brother. But for pity's sake, Gin, please warn me next time, so I don't have any issues if I should happen to read it in public."
Ginny smiled widely and didn't say anything, feeling pleased.
"I opened it while your brother was sitting right across from me," Harry said pointedly.
"Oh. Really?"
Harry nodded. "And you're damn lucky the thought of you writing a letter to me starkers wasn't enough to get me too excited!"
Ginny giggled. "I'll have to try better next time; I want you pining for me, after all."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because you know I certainly don't do that now." He stood up and pulled her with him. "Let's shower before dinner. There are a few scenes from that letter I'd like you to recreate, actually."
She raised her eyebrow at him as he led them into the bathroom. "What scenes are you talking about, Harry?"
He smirked and turned on the taps for the shower, nodding at her. When he spoke, his voice was breathy. "Oh, Harry, I took a shower this evening, and I couldn't resist making it nice and hot and steamy. And oh, Harry, when I touched myself -"
Ginny put her hand over his mouth, feeling embarrassed. His eyes laughed at her. "You don't recite my work properly," she said petulantly, removing her hand.
"Oh? There's a proper way to read it? Really?"
They stepped into the shower and Ginny turned away from him, moving under the water. When she turned back around and opened her eyes, she found him grinning smugly at her.
"Oh, Harry..." she said, lowering her voice. "I took a very long shower this evening, and I made it nice...and oh so hot and steamy. Just the way you like it, my love. I made certain I was very clean, Harry. See, I was such a naughty girl beforehand, thinking of you and the love we made -"
Harry kissed her suddenly, and she smiled, pushing him away under the water. "Git," she said playfully.
"I stand corrected. There is a proper way to read that letter. Having the author recite it and er... having the physical experience is so much better," he said as he wrapped his arms around her, smoothing his hands down her back.
"Hmm, I'll say," Ginny said as she rubbed her body along his, feeling him come to attention against her. She smirked as she looked down at him. She brought her eyes back up to his. "Tell me truly, though; did you honestly get a bit carried away when you read it?"
"Well, look at what just talking about it has done," Harry said, smiling.
"So, you want more letters like that then?"
Harry nodded solemnly and then kissed her. Ginny felt the water cascading over them, feeling as though it was washing away all the distances they had to endure.
o-o-o-o
Harry watched as Ginny attempted to get dressed. They were getting ready for a trip to Galway - Mr Cosgrove had invited them along since he had to go for business. Since it was Saturday (and not a very busy time, thanks to the cooler weather), he had convinced Harry it would be safe. And Harry knew Ginny was going a bit insane at having to always stay at the abbey.
Now she frowned as she tried to turn one of her skirts into a longer one, and Harry chuckled. She glared at him from her position next to the wardrobe and pushed her hair behind her ear as she did something with her wand.
"Face it, Gin, your legs just don't want to be covered," Harry said cleverly, rolling over onto his stomach and grinning at her.
"Well, then, I just won't wear a skirt at all," she said, sounding angry. She tossed the offending garment on the floor and turned back to her wardrobe. Harry clucked his tongue and got off the bed, walking over to the skirt. He held it up to her.
"But I like you in skirts, and you promised to wear it for me," he said, pretending to pout.
"Yes, but that was last night before I knew it was going to be bloody freezing outside. You have no idea how cold a girl's legs can get, Harry!"
"Hmm," Harry said, suddenly dropping to his knees in front of her, wrapping an arm around her waist. She sighed and looked down at him, giving him an exasperated glare. "What if I promise to keep you warm?" he asked, adopting a chaste pose.
She pursed her lips and then shook her head. "If I go the way you want me to go, I'll die of pneumonia or worst, my bits will freeze up and never be useful again."
Harry chuckled. "I sincerely doubt you'd die of pneumonia and as for your bits..." He lifted the end of the blouse she was wearing and licked his lips. "I'll make certain things stay...fluid."
"Oh, for heaven's sake! And you call me incorrigible?" Ginny pushed him away and took the skirt from him. He watched her pull it on and grinned. She gave him a stern look. "Fine, I'll wear the bloody skirt as is, but I am wearing a pair of knickers, you twit, and I am wearing a pair of stockings to keep my legs warm. No deviations. You and your dirty mind can just deal with it."
Harry held up his hands innocently, and she finally grinned at him and finished getting dressed. They made their way towards Mr Cosgrove's office and were surprised to find Garrett waiting for them.
"Hi Garrett, are you also going into Galway with us?" Ginny asked.
He nodded and glanced at Harry, as though nervous. "Yes, there are some...rare books I want to look for, and Kenny's Bookshop is the best place to find them. Er, Muggle books, that is. But I won't bother the two of you or anything."
Harry smiled to let the other man he didn't consider his appearance a bother, and Ginny slipped her hand into his, also smiling. She turned back to Garrett.
"Can you recommend a good place to get lunch? I love the food at the abbey, but I'd really like to try something different."
Harry smirked as the two chatted; it was the most he'd ever heard Garrett say, actually. He felt warmth in his heart as he noticed how Ginny put the other man at ease and felt proud of her. Mr Cosgrove came out of his office, and he and Garrett started talking, leading them out to the car they'd be riding in. Harry squeezed Ginny's hand, and she glanced at him.
"What?" she asked, giving him a confused look.
"You're just really nice, do you know that?" Harry said, teasing her.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "You're mad."
"Do you deny the fact that you're just an all-around wonderful person?" Harry said, lowering his voice.
Ginny snorted. "And what makes me so er...wonderful, exactly?"
Harry nodded towards Garrett. "You're very patient with him. Hell, you're very patient with me. You're especially nice to people that others dismiss - like Neville or Luna, or even Garrett. You are an excellent judge of character. And I've never known you to ever be rude to anyone unless they really, really deserved it," he said, thinking about it.
"Yes, well, the day is young, Harry," she said breezily. She gave him a funny look. "What's got into you this morning?"
Harry smiled and leaned into her. "Love," he whispered in a melodramatic voice, and she giggled, pushing him away.
"Prat," she said, laughing at him.
"Hey, I'm trying to be nice and romantic," Harry said as they reached the outdoors. Mr Cosgrove was talking to the driver, and Garrett had already got into the car.
Ginny tugged on his hand and pulled them off to the side. She kissed him briefly and then smiled at him. "Well, then, thank you. But don't try too hard, Harry. I won't be able to stand us."
He shook his head and opened the car door for her. He felt unbelievably happy - happier than he had felt in a long time. Voldemort and Hogwarts seemed a million miles away, and while he knew he was selfish, he couldn't help it. He realized it was days like today that made everything else worth it, and he planned on enjoying himself.
o-o-o-o
Ginny was enjoying herself immensely. Galway was a lovely city, full of many different colors and things to see. After Mr Cosgrove had given them a little money to spend (they had both forgotten that a knut wouldn't get them very far), and they had watched Garrett wander off in search of books, she and Harry had joined hands and walked their way to the city centre. They'd stumbled onto a morning market, full of strange sights and sounds. The scents she breathed in as they'd walked through the herb and flower section left her a little dizzy; there were so many in one place. There were Muggle street performers - playing music or just playing - reciting words that most of the Muggles seemed to know and one very illustrious pair that reminded her of Fred and George. They took turns juggling with large painted eggs that, when dropped, cracked open to reveal very loudly colored fabrics and flowers, which they threw out to the surrounding crowd. One egg even made some rather rude noises, which she was sure Fred would be most interested in improving.
Harry had enjoyed those two most of all, and she smiled to herself as she watched him. It was so rare to see Harry completely take pleasure in something. Ginny knew that out here, among the Muggles, they simply looked like two young people out for a Saturday together. No one gaped at Harry and whispered; no one seemed to notice her second-hand clothes; indeed, Ginny felt a bit smart as one of the girls in the market had complimented her on her outfit.
Harry did attract some attention, though, and this Ginny did find herself noticing. Still, she couldn't seem to mind because he was oblivious to it. She didn't care what Harry thought of himself - he was quite fit - and she saw many a girl's head turn and watch him or smile at him in a flirtatious way. But Harry was merely Harry - he'd smile back politely and then move on to something else, and Ginny found herself marveling at him. He was completely unaware of himself. Ginny knew it was mostly because of the sad upbringing he'd had, but she was touched by his unassuming nature. Her love was beautiful - made all the more so because he wasn't conscious of it.
They soon moved away from the market and ambled up a lovely side street, looking for the restaurant that Garrett had suggested. Ginny could almost close her eyes and pretend that they were married, and the war was over, and everything was fine. She squeezed Harry's hand, and he glanced sideways at her.
"Yes, I know, you're hungry," he said, his lips twitching.
"Oh, shut up." Ginny paused and stuck her tongue out at him. "I have faith in your ability to find us a decent place to eat."
Harry sniggered and looked around. "Really? I don't know why. For a Seeker I'm horrible at...hey, hang on, there's a city map."
He released her hand, and they stood in front of a large kiosk that showed them where they were and where they were (supposedly) going. The restaurant was close by, and after a little backtracking, they found themselves asking for a table for two at Ming's Garden.
The hostess seated them at a table that overlooked the street they'd just left and served them a kettle of tea, pouring out the dark amber liquid into two very small tea cups with no handles. Ginny smirked at Harry and took a little taste - it was very different from the tea she was used to - it had a very flowery taste that she realized she liked. She watched as Harry took a taste and then made a face while stirring in three spoonfuls of sugar.
"You've honestly never had Chinese food either?" she asked, looking at the menu in wonder.
"Er, well, the Dursleys took me once but er...I wasn't allowed to order anything but soup. And these funny crunchy noodle things," Harry said, shrugging.
Ginny frowned and felt angry at Harry's aunt and uncle. He so rarely mentioned them now that she supposed she forgot most of the time how truly mean they had been to him. She looked at the menu again and saw something that looked interesting. She smiled at Harry.
"Feeling adventurous, then?"
He blinked at her and narrowed his eyes. "I reckon, although how adventurous are we talking about? I don't think I want anything still alive or anything."
She nodded her head at his menu. "Look on the second page, something called 'The Taste of the Orient.' Doesn't it sound fun?"
He frowned and turned the page in his menu. He raised his eyebrow at her. "Er, that's quite a bit of food, Gin. Are you really that hungry?"
"Well, it does seem a bit much. Do we have enough money? I mean, I just want us to try everything, and it seems to offer quite a bit. Maybe we can take the food back with us?"
Harry studied the menu and finally smiled. "I think we can manage it. I'm game if you are."
They placed their order and then smiled conspiratorially at each other over their tea. Ginny giggled. "Won't Ron be jealous when you tell him you had authentic Chinese food this weekend?"
Harry frowned. "Why would he care?"
Ginny shrugged. "He likes hearing about different foods, always has. He's the best cook in the family besides Mum."
Harry stared at her. "He's what?"
Ginny laughed. "Uh-oh, I've let the kneazle out of the bag, haven't I? Hmm. Remember, you didn't hear it from me, but if you ever get Ron into a position where he needs to make something up to you? Ask him to bake you one of his blackberry tarts. They're incredible. Trust me."
"Good to know," Harry said, shaking his head.
Ginny reached across the table and took her hand into his. "Harry, can I ask you something?"
"Something other than what you just did? Yeah, I'll let you."
Ginny shook her head and gave him a disgruntled look. "Hmm. Harry Potter, the comedian. Brilliant. But really..." She paused and bit her lip. He squeezed her hand.
"What is it, Gin?"
They were interrupted by the waitress bringing them their first course, something the menu had described as 'Dim Sum.' She placed eight rather large pale lumps of something on a plate between them and poured over a thick, brown looking sauce. Harry and Ginny shared a look and then put one on each of their dishes with their forks. Harry gave her a doubtful glance.
"Oh, fine, I'll go first," Ginny said as she cut one of the small lumps in half. She was surprised to see meat inside and sniffed at it before dropping the piece into her mouth. It was hot and a bit spicy, but overall it wasn't bad, and she smiled approvingly at Harry. "They're pretty tasty, actually. Go on, you try it."
Soon the Dim Sum was gone, and Ginny was ready for the second course. Harry smirked at her.
"Am I going to have to open a Chinese restaurant in Hogsmeade to satisfy this new food-love of yours?" he asked as she licked a bit of the leftover sauce from the plate. She felt her skin heat and pulled her finger away, hiding it in her lap.
"Harry, do you really want to live in Hogsmeade when you're out of school?"
He blinked at her. "Is this the question you wanted to ask earlier?"
Ginny nodded. "Well, sort of. I meant to just ask where you saw yourself after school was done. London or Hogsmeade or...I don't know. Someplace else?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know, really. I er...never actually thought about it. Well, I always used to think anyplace that wasn't Surrey. But Hogwarts has been the only home I've ever really known. I mean, besides the Burrow. But even that is...well, that's your home and Ron's home. I guess I have Sirius's house, but...that's not a proper place either, is it?"
"You could make it a proper place. But...it might be hard, I mean to really live there," Ginny said, thinking about it.
"I don't know," Harry said, looking out the window. "It doesn't matter."
Ginny frowned and gave him a questioning look. He shrugged. "I only mean that...well, after school...I...well, I don't want to be anywhere you're not. So, you'll be at school and I'll...be waiting for you."
"Harry." Ginny paused as their waitress put two bowls of hot soup down in front of them. It was a clear broth with bits of noodles and vegetables floating in it. She picked up her spoon eagerly and looked at Harry, remembering the point she wanted to make. "That's a lovely sentiment, my love, but...I don't want to think of you just lying about waiting for me to finish school."
Harry took a taste of his soup and then looked at her. "Well, let's be honest, Ginny. After I fight him, I'm probably going to be in hospital for six months, trying to learn how to walk again or something dramatic like that."
She could tell he was joking and shook her head at him. "That's not funny."
Harry shrugged. "It is a bit. I can see the Daily Prophetheadline now, 'Harry Potter Defeats Lord Voldemort, Becomes a Complete Gimp,.' Look, let's not worry about the future, okay? I'll deal with where I'm going to stay when the time comes."
He said it with such finality that she knew the subject was dropped. They continued eating their soup in silence for a while, and she looked out the window, watching the people walk by, busy with their lives. For the briefest moment in time, she felt envious of the Muggles - none of them had probably ever heard of Voldemort or of Harry either. She was also sure none of them would give one blink of an eye if Harry died while trying to save the world. It was a sobering thought. Harry reached across and touched her hand, breaking her out of her thoughts. He smiled at her.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to sound cross."
She shook her head. "You weren't. I understand your point, Harry. I just wondered if you ever thought of living somewhere different."
"Well, where do you want to live then? Let me ask you the same question."
Ginny smirked. "I always assumed I'd live with Mum and Dad for a while and then get a flat in London. Of course, this was my great dream when I was thirteen, and living in London seemed very alluring."
"Yeah? In this dream of yours, did you share this flat with anyone special?"
Ginny laughed. "Maybe. Some rather thick-headed bloke with dark hair and green eyes, perhaps."
Harry grinned. "Did this flat have a big bathtub and a nice big, comfortable bed?"
"Of course, it was mine, after all."
Harry chuckled as the waitress brought the first of their dishes. Ginny looked down at the chicken and mushrooms and looked across at Harry. "This doesn't look all that exciting, does it?"
"Hmm." He tried a taste of it and then looked at her. "Actually, it's delicious, try it."
They enjoyed the rest of their lunch, and Ginny decided that she quite liked Chinese food. Harry laughed at her as she asked for a container to put their leftovers in. The waitress brought them the cheque, complete with two strange-looking items on top of it. She explained to them they were 'fortune cookies,' a sort of sweet biscuit that supposedly contained a fortune inside it for the person who ate it.
Harry shrugged and broke his cookie in half, picking up the small piece of paper that fluttered out. He read it and then raised his eyebrow, handing it to her. "I think this one was meant for you, actually."
She looked down at it and smirked. You are beloved by many, but especially by one most true."Oh, I don't know, I think you're fairly beloved, Harry. And you know I always tell the truth," she said, giggling. He rolled his eyes as he took a bite of his cookie.
She broke hers in half and eagerly read her fortune. She shook her head and handed it to him. "I think you may be right; perhaps we got each other's fortune."
"You are destined to succeed in all things and will do so honorably, but not without cost," Harry read aloud. He looked at her. "Well, that's a cheery thing to put in a biscuit, isn't it?"
"They were printed in Bristol, what do you expect? Wisdom to beat Trelawney?" Ginny said sensibly as she reached over and turned the piece of paper over for him so he could see the stamp of the company who'd printed the fortune. "They're probably very generic, and every other one says the same thing."
He smirked, shrugging as he pulled out the money Mr Cosgrove had given them. She stared at the Muggle money in wonder, wondering how Muggles kept track of it all. It looked very colorful and confusing.
After leaving the restaurant, they wandered around a bit more, having plenty of time until they were supposed to meet up again with Garrett and Mr Cosgrove. The afternoon turned darker, and it looked like rain, and a cool breeze lifted the hair off their faces. They found themselves near the shore of the main waterway of the city. Ginny sighed, feeling utterly content. She knew tomorrow she would have to deal with Harry leaving once again and that she'd probably end up crying herself to sleep (or some other foolish thing, like stealing another piece of his clothing), from missing him so much. However, now it was okay because they were still together. They stood and watched the sunset, and Ginny marveled at how beautiful it was as the different tones of red and orange hit the blue of the water.
"It's beautiful, isn't it, Harry?" she said, not turning around.
"Yeah, it is," he replied, and the tone in his voice made her look at him. She felt herself blush when she realized he hadn't been talking about the sun setting. He tugged on her arm and pulled her to him.
"Are you cold?" he asked softly, setting down the bag that contained their lunch and wrapping his arms around her.
She shook her head and gazed at him. "Not anymore, no."
He smiled gently and then kissed her, and it was a very chaste kiss for them, she knew. But Ginny found she enjoyed it more than any other because it seemed innocent and full of all the things they could never express with words. And she felt very young suddenly and then very old - both at the same time. Her heart beat faster in her chest as Harry pulled away, and she saw the emotion in his eyes.
"Love," Ginny whispered as his hand touched her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. He nodded, and she closed her eyes, feeling herself lean into him. He held her for a moment longer and then whispered in her ear.
"We should get going."
She nodded, and they broke apart, but she knew they were still joined and always would be.
o-o-o-o
Harry woke before Ginny on Sunday, amused that his body seemed to know that he wanted to spend as much waking time with her as possible. He didn't bother to find his glasses as it was still dark in the room. He frowned as a bit of the dream he'd been having came back to him - he couldn't seem to quite recall it, but he had remembered not liking it. It hadn't been about Voldemort exactly but...it hadn't been pleasant either. Shifting slightly and moving closer to Ginny, he sighed as he kissed the back of her neck, wrapping his hands securely around her waist. He listened to her breathing and wondered if he should just let her sleep. His own body soon got the best of him, though, and he selfishly began the act of waking her up.
He smirked at the moan she made as he pulled the bedclothes off of her. He often found the best way to wake Ginny up was to make her feel cold; it was a mean trick, but he always made it up to her afterward. Soon only the thin sheet covered them, and he began caressing her, moving his hands gently up and down the side and back of her. She finally sighed and turned, and he stilled his movements.
"I'm awake," she said, sounding tired. She moved her arm, and he settled against her. He rested his hand on her stomach, fingers splayed open. He debated on whether or not he wanted to move up or down and finally settled on up. She made soft noises as he touched her, and finally he looked up at her, just making out her expression from the light barely breaking from the window over the bed.
"Can we have a little more light?" she asked. Harry chuckled and moved his hand, and the candles on the wall flared into life. She blinked at him and then smiled. She raised her hands above her head, and he shifted again, settling on top of her.
"Good morning," he said softly, squinting at her.
She gently touched his cheek. "Good morning, my early rising boy."
He tried to kiss her, but she stopped him with her hand, shaking her head. He rolled his eyes and moved off her. She stretched and then sat up, shivering.
"Blazes, it's cold in here. Why is the duvet all the way at the end of the bed, Harry?"
"I don't know," he said innocently.
Ginny made a non-committal noise, and he felt her get off the bed. A moment later, she was handing him his glasses. She bent down and kissed his forehead. "I'll only be minute, love."
He lay back as she headed towards the bathroom and wondered why he still found her need to have fresh breath in the morning endearing instead of annoying. He laughed at himself and forced himself out of bed. He found a pair of his boxers near his bag and slipped them on, grabbing his toothbrush. He remembered, suddenly, the letters Hermione had given him. He frowned as he realized that he had notgiven Ginny the letters, but he also hadn't even thought about telling her about Percy. Harry wondered briefly if Snape had somehow tricked him into taking a Forgetfulness Potion on Thursday. He was staring at the letters, frowning, when Ginny came out of the bathroom, wearing her dressing gown.
"What are those, Harry?" she asked, yawning.
He blinked at her and shook himself, feeling dazed; perhaps he should have just gone back to sleep. "Er, the letters from Tonks and Remus you were expecting?"
Ginny's eyes lit up. "Why didn't you tell me you had these?" She took them from him and went to the bed, already opening one of them. He yawned and watched her for a moment.
"I expect you'll tell me what that's about when I come back from the loo?" he asked.
She nodded her head, her eyes already scanning the letter. Harry wondered how his brilliant idea of waking up and making love had gone so wrong, so fast and closed the door to the bathroom behind him. He looked at himself in the mirror and cursed at his hair. He removed his glasses and washed his face, making his hands wet and then pushing them through his unruly tangle of hair. He honestly needed a hair cut. Now he understood why Ginny had seemed disagreeable when she'd said she'd needed one - if Harry waited any longer his hair would be just as long as hers. Smirking at the exaggeration, he quickly brushed his teeth and then finished his other morning routine. He paused in front of the mirror, slipping his glasses back on and stood back, looking at his body.
"She's mental, that's all there is to it. I'm never going to be taller or fill out any," he said out loud. Harry thought he looked like a pasty, harsh jumble of legs and arms, and was again amazed Ginny fancied him enough to shag him, let alone love him. For some reason, the voice of his aunt came unbidden to him then, and he heard her telling him that 'no one will ever love a scrawny, ugly little thing like you.' Harry blinked at the boy in the mirror and then looked away, his heart beating fast, feeling odd. He hadn't thought of his aunt in a long time, and it had been even longer since he'd remembered one of the insults she used to throw at him. They always came so quickly to her that for the first ten years of his life, Harry had always thought it was because there were just that many things wrong with him. He was too short, too skinny, too different...too ugly.
His head gave a slight twinge, which brought him back from his memories, and he took a deep breath. Ginny loves you. Ginny doesn't care what's wrong with you, a soft voice in his head told him, and he struggled to believe it as he rested against the wall of the bathroom. His chest constricted, and he suddenly felt as though he were ten years old again, stuffed in his old cupboard under the stairs.
A knock on the door startled him, and Ginny opened the door, peering in at him.
"Hey, I thought perhaps you'd fallen asleep in here or something...Harry? What's wrong?"
She came to him, touching him. He looked away from her, embarrassed, not understanding why his emotions had apparently decided to go round the twist. She turned his face back to hers, and her eyes widened.
"Harry? Why are you -?"
"I'm not," he said stubbornly, pushing away from her and walking out of the bathroom. He moved over to the bed and sat down, feeling as though his very insides were twisted. Ginny paused in the doorway and looked at him. She walked over to the bed and sat down next to him, not saying anything. She rested her hand on top of his, and they sat in silence for a while. Feeling like he had a better grip on himself, finally, he turned and looked at her.
"Sorry," he said quietly.
"For what? You didn't do anything," she said simply, closing her hand around his and squeezing.
The simple sensation of her hand gripping his made his emotions give another whirl, and he felt his eyes burn. "Gin, do you think you could just hold me?" he asked, feeling vulnerable.
She moved immediately and put her arms around him, pushing him down on the bed. Harry turned over on his side and felt her move as close to him as she could get; her arms snug around him. Harry closed his eyes and started taking in deep breaths of air, unsure why he felt the way he did. Something from his dream came back to him, and he shut his eyes tighter as though that would block it. Ginny made soothing noises as she held him, and he felt her mouth against his back, kissing him. He tried to concentrate on how she was comforting him but couldn't help it any longer and finally let himself cry.
o-o-o-o-o
Ginny watched Harry, worried about him, but she knew she couldn't tell him that she was. He was acting like a jumpy cat, and for some reason, he needed her to be calm and quiet. They were lying on the bed, Harry at one end and she at the other, their hands joined in between them. He hadn't let go of her since he'd stopped crying, but then he hadn't said much either.
She pretended to focus on the book she'd been staring at for the last hour, but it was useless. Harry was just lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. She'd tried comforting him again, but he had gently pushed her away, only holding onto her hand. She finally sighed and put her book down and stared at him, not hiding it. He eventually turned and gave her an odd look, as though he were searching her eyes for something. She frowned and moved to where he was lying.
"Harry...you don't have to tell me what's wrong, but...just talk to me about something."
His eyes blinked up at her, and she bit her lip - he looked hurt for some reason, and it was driving her mad.
"Gin, you hate your freckles, don't you?"
She stared at him for a moment. "Er, well...I guess I like them more now then I used to. Kids teased me, of course; for some reason, it was okay for Fred and George and even Ron to have freckles, but...because I was a girl..." She paused and shook her head. "Yes, I hate my freckles sometimes. I...I used to think they made me ugly."
Harry's expression softened, and he turned, lying on his side. He looked intently at her. "What did you do about it? I mean, not to hate them all the time anymore."
Ginny felt her skin heat and had to look away. Harry squeezed her hand, and she faced him again. "I used to hide them, with a spell...well, Mum taught me how to do it, once she realized I really didn't like them. She only wanted me to do it for a few of them, but I used to practice at hiding all of them. But it was hard to keep doing it all the time so...I eventually just gave up. It was difficult at first because I felt silly, but then I felt miserable sometimes too, thinking no boy would ever fancy me because I was...different. I think the only people that actually like freckles are the ones that don't have any." Ginny paused as she thought about it and looked at him. "I didn't understand they could be something that made me unique...like my bright red hair." Ginny gave him a small smile as she held up a lock and waved it about.
"Your hair's lovely," Harry said, looking very serious.
Ginny snorted despite the mood and shook her head. "No, my hair is very bright and attention-getting. It clashes with a lot of things...even just simple colors that other girls can wear with no problem; I can't wear pink, and I can't wear orange or even dark red. And forget wearing any sort of lipstick - I think Hermione has smuggled in every Muggle type there is and no shade has ever looked right. I always end up looking like a cheap tart. Your Mum was lucky, Harry. I've seen pictures; her hair was just that perfect shade of auburn, and I'm perennial ginger, forever."
Harry moved closer to her and kissed her lightly. His eyes swept over her, and he sighed, touching her cheek. "It's weird, isn't it?"
Ginny frowned. "What's weird?"
"How the things we hate about ourselves are the things that someone else can love, with no question."
Ginny felt her eyes water and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him.
"Oh, Harry, tell me what's wrong. Please?" she asked a moment later, looking at him.
"I don't know," he said, his voice sounding harsh. He pulled her to him until she could rest her head on his chest. "I just...I felt utterly worthless for some reason earlier. It just...hit me. I was..." He stopped, and she touched him, comforting him. He continued after a moment.
"I was looking at myself and thinking it was pretty astounding you love me, actually and then something my aunt used to tell me came back to me, and it was like...it was like I was ten years old again, Gin, and I didn't know anything except I was wrong and that I would always be wrong."
Ginny looked up at him and saw the clench of his jaw in profile. She touched his chin, and he looked down at her, looking miserable. "You know that's not true, Harry. Whatever it was she used to tell you wasn't the truth. They were horrible people, your family. You're not wrong. Nothing about you could ever be wrong, Harry Potter."
His eyes looked bitter for a moment, and then he shrugged. "Yeah, how do you know?"
Ginny moved until she was resting over him, looking down at him. She touched his face and then his scar, seeing him wince. She kissed him gently and then smoothed away the frown that filled his face. "Because I would never give my heart to anyone wrong. And I know you think I'm an exceptional judge of character." She smiled as she said the last bit and rubbed her nose against his. She reached up and removed his glasses, her hands moving down his chest. She sat back and removed her dressing gown and then pressed herself against him. His arms surrounded her, and they rolled on the bed until he was on top, looking down at her.
"What did I do to deserve you? To deserve this?" he asked, his voice soft.
Ginny pulled his head down to her chest and held him tightly to her, feeling as though she would do anything to take away all the pain he had felt. "Oh, Harry, you deserve so much, my love. I wish I could make you understand that."
"I'm trying," he said softly, and she bent her head to kiss the top of his. They shifted, and she sat up, holding him. She bent forward and kissed along the side of his jaw and whispered in his ear. "Get naked already, you git. I feel peckish."
He made a muffled sort of laugh, and she watched as he pulled away from her and did as she asked. His cheeks turned red as he glanced at her, as though shy, and she smiled at him. She pulled him towards the edge of the bed and looked around for his glasses, handing them to him, not wanting him to miss the love she felt for him. She kneeled on the ground before him and reached down to touch him. She took him gently into her hand, noting the way his breath quickened and the way he watched her.
Ginny moved closer to him and licked her way along the inside of his leg, keeping her eyes on his. She let go of him briefly and ran her hands up along his stomach and chest, caressing him. She moved her mouth to the underside of his body and slowly closed her mouth against the tender skin. His eyes fluttered closed, and his skin was flushed. She licked upwards along his shaft, and he grunted as she closed her mouth around the tip, barely letting her mouth linger for too long. She pulled away.
"Open your eyes, Harry."
Ginny was glad to see that the haunted, pained expression was gone. His eyes were bright and filled with desire as he looked at her, his lips full and pink. She moved her mouth back to his body, slowly taking all of him in. His hand gripped the side of the bed, and he moaned softly, his head hanging forward. She slowly pulled back and then stood up. He removed his glasses and drew her to him, his mouth closing over her right breast. His hands, which were around her back, moved downward, and she widened her stance as she felt his fingers searching for something. She closed her eyes as he touched her and put a hand against his head, letting her fingers get lost in his hair.
Harry moved his mouth down her body, and she giggled softly as his tongue tickled her bellybutton. He pushed her legs open slightly with his hand and she soon felt his breath on her sex, and she shivered. She felt him tighten his hold on her backside, pushing her forward into his mouth. She moaned as he teased her, feeling her body open up to him. He moved his hand in between her legs, letting his fingers move into her wetness and she was lost - she lolled her head back, knowing he had her full in his grasp and gave in to the powerful swoon of her body. She came quickly, tightening her hands in his hair, holding on for what felt like dear life. He released her, and she stumbled forward, but he caught her, and she bowed her head, kissing him. She licked her way around his mouth, tasting herself, and saw the wonder in his eyes.
Ginny lowered herself to his lap, briefly gripping him and stroking gently. He sighed as she sank onto him. She wrapped her legs around his body and pushed forward. They watched each other as they moved, and Ginny kept her eyes trained on his. His hands moved over her, caressing her, teasing her. She dug her nails into his shoulders as he thrust forward, and she kissed him briefly before pulling back to watch him again.
"Do you see how much I love you?" she asked quietly.
He nodded, but his eyes wavered from hers. "Yeah, but I don't know why -"
She cut him off with a kiss, as she tightened her body around his. He moaned into her mouth and answered with one of his own thrusts, and Ginny pulled her mouth away, gasping. She closed her eyes and then looked at him again.
"Do you feel how much I love you?" she asked as they moved.
He nodded again, keeping his eyes on hers finally. "Yes, I do."
"You deserve it, Harry. This, me, what we do...everything. The next time you have one of those voices of doubt in your head, you tell them to come and speak to me. I'll take care of them like I take care of you."
He smiled and shook his head. He gripped her hips in his hands and kissed her. She felt him push into her again, making her body ache with pleasure. She moved forward, letting her hands get tangled in his hair, clutching him to her as he pushed her upwards. She felt her body let go and cried out as she came, burying her head on his shoulder, her mouth closing around the skin of his neck. A moment later, and she felt him join her, pushing almost harshly into her, driving himself into her as though desperate. He said her name in her ear, and she sobbed, feeling her emotions spill out of her. Harry gripped her tightly, and they stopped moving, still clinging to each other.
Ginny finally pulled her head up and looked at him. His eyes were closed, and his expression was pained. She touched his cheek.
"Harry?"
His eyes opened, and he shook his head at her. "I'm fine; I'm just...feeling a bit done in."
She held him close, and he lay back, taking her with him. She pulled away and then curled herself around him. She realized he was asleep after a little while and propped her head up to watch him, the concern growing in her mind.
o-o-o-o
Harry slept for a little while, and then Ginny moved them out to the sitting room, throwing a blanket over them and starting a fire. They cuddled on the sofa, talking softly. She told him about her research and that she'd found a castle with the Black family name. She explained how she'd hoped that Tonks and Remus would be able to confirm the castle had once belonged to Sirius's family. Neither Remus nor Tonks had remembered anyone ever talking about a castle in Ireland. Still, Lupin had noted that he had some old family papers of Sirius's that he would go through for her and try to find some mention of it.
Harry then told her about talking with Brogan on the subject of his birthday and what that meant. Ginny was startled to realize she had forgotten about Brogan being allowed to hear Aine's prophecy. She wondered briefly what else could possibly happen to make their lives more complicated and decided she just didn't want to know anymore.
Mr Cosgrove sent them lunch around noon, and Ginny mused to herself about how the older man knew them well - they hardly ever made it out of her room on the day Harry was supposed to leave. He always sent them food, making certain they ate at least once during the day.
The settled back against the sofa again, and she rested in Harry's embrace, his legs on either side of her. They had lost the few items of clothes they'd been wearing again somewhere, and she knew that this would be what she would use to get her through the next eleven days - the feeling of Harry's body against hers, the touch of his skin and the feel of his hands as he held her. It wasn't sexual exactly. It was just intimate. Ginny marveled briefly to herself that before she and Harry had become lovers, she had never realized how truly personal it was to just lie with someone, completely bare and uninhibited. How there was something about it that was both freeing and a bit frightening and that to open yourself up to someone like that was actually brave. Although Ginny reckoned that between the two of them, they still had more secrets inside of them to last a lifetime. Today's episode had only proven that she and Harry had a long way to go before they could honestly say they had been truly naked with each other.
She sighed and pushed her heavy thoughts away. She moved closer to him, pulling his arms around her tighter. She felt his breath warm against his neck and smiled as she closed her eyes.
"Hey," he said softly, and she stirred, keeping her eyes closed.
"I have to tell you something," he said, his voice serious.
Ginny frowned and turned, looking at him. He gave her a small smile. "Don't look so worried, Gin."
She smiled back and turned so she could face him, sitting sideways on the sofa. Harry moved his hand to play with her hair, and she let him continue for a few minutes before clearing her throat. He grinned and then let her hair fall back against the blanket.
He took a deep breath and then looked at her. "I let it slip to Ron about Percy."
Whatever Ginny had been expecting, it hadn't been that. A myriad of emotions swept through her, and Harry grimaced as he watched her face. She met his eyes and frowned, struggling not to go with her first instinct of anger.
"Oh?" she said and then felt like kicking herself. Harry's eyes flashed at her, and he pursed his lips.
"Yes, oh. Come on, let me have it. I know you're angry."
Ginny shook her head and looked away. "No...well, yes, but...it's not...how did it happen? I mean I thought we'd agreed that it was for the best..."
"You agreed it was for the best; I thought he should know."
"But you told me you wouldn't tell him."
"I know," Harry said, sighing. "I'm sorry for screwing up. But it slipped out and then I had to tell him. When I went back to school last time, I had a tough go of it. I was absolutely miserable and letting everyone know it. Ron got in my face about some stuff and...the thing about Percy sort of just...came out of nowhere. I'm sorry. I know I broke your trust, but..."
Ginny looked at him, and he looked glum, so she touched his face. She couldn't stay angry with him and realized she didn't have a right. "I'm sorry I burdened you with it, Harry. You were right, I should have told Ron. I've been feeling bad about it ever since we talked. How did he take it?"
"He was upset, of course, and...a bit angry at you, but he agrees that you shouldn't tell the rest of your family."
Harry's voice sounded odd, and she studied him for a moment. He saw her look, and his cheeks went pink. "There's more," he said softly.
She waited, and he looked away, his hand playing with the edge of the blanket. She touched his head and moved his fringe off his face. He looked at her and pushed his glasses up his nose, which made her heart ache because he suddenly seemed very young. He reached up and took her hand into his.
"If..." he paused and then shook his head. "I need to know if you want to know."
"Know what?" she asked, confused.
"How do you feel about Percy now?" he asked, surprising her.
Ginny shrugged and rested her head on her knee. She moved her other hand under the blanket, touching Harry. "He's...lost to me, Harry. He no longer matters. Nothing he could do now would ever make me forgive him for what he's done. Not just to me personally, but because of what happened to Charlie and Mum. No part of me could ever forgive him for turning his back so completely on his family. I don't care if he is under a spell or is being used..." Ginny stopped, hearing the viciousness in her voice and wincing. She hadn't realized how bitter she still was.
Harry stilled her movement under the blanket and leaned forward, kissing her suddenly. She sighed as he pulled away and looked at him. "I sound furious about Percy, don't I?"
He nodded. "I don't think your feelings for him are quite so settled, Gin."
She didn't say anything, knowing he was right. He shifted, and she turned, settling back into his arms. He moved his hands along side of her, caressing her. He kissed the side of her neck, and she felt his breath warm against her.
"I just can't forgive him for Mum, Harry. But...he's my brother; he's my flesh and blood. Doesn't that make me a hateful, horrible person?"
Harry sighed and moved so he could look at her. "So it's really the thing with Charlie, isn't it? I mean, say the attack on your mother had never taken place and all you had against Percy was his acting under Voldemort's orders to hurt you, would you...could you ever be able to forgive him for that?"
Ginny frowned, not understanding the question. "I don't know, Harry. Because there wasan attack on Mum and my brother is dead, and Percy was involved. I can't pretend none of that has happened; I just can't. I saw my father cry because his son was dead, and I know he understood that it was because of Percy. There is no way I can forget that, and there is no way I can forgive it."
He sighed again and suddenly held her close. "Percy saved your mother's life."
Ginny went very quiet inside, and then she turned so she could see his face. "What?"
Harry bit his lip and nodded. "Dumbledore told me. He said that Percy has...well, he went to Dumbledore and asked to help the Order, so he became a spy, and he's been helping us and...the attack on your Mum...your Mum was supposed to die that day, Gin. And Percy...he tried to protect her, I don't know how or what exactly happened. But Dumbledore said that he was the one responsible for sending Charlie out to help her and when it came down to it, Percy had to make a choice, because he couldn't save both of them. So he saved your Mum."
"Percy's been a...spy?" Ginny asked, not quite believing it.
Harry nodded. "But...Dumbledore also told me that he's lost contact with him. He hasn't been able to communicate with him since Charlie's death and that because you saw him hurt you, that...well, it means we've lost him. Dumbledore's been doing some sort of complicated Memory Charm on him and...well, he believes he's a Death Eater or wants to be one or something like that."
Ginny felt shocked. "I don't believe it," she said softly. Harry touched her face and turned it towards his.
"I was correct in telling you this, right? I mean, I didn't know if I should, but I thought...well, I thought you should know because I don't like to think of you beating yourself up for hating him. Because even though you have every right to, I know there's some part of you that still thinks he's your brother...there's still some part of you that cares, because otherwise, you wouldn't feel like a horrible person for hating him."
Ginny bit her lip and met his eyes. "No, you were right in telling me. It's just...I'm gobsmacked."
"Ron doesn't know this part," Harry said, frowning. "Dumbledore told me this after. I...didn't want to bring it up with him again."
"Dumbledore really thinks Percy is lost?" Ginny asked, still trying to wrap her head around it.
Harry nodded. "Yeah." He paused as though he was going to say something else, but didn't and pulled her close to him again. "I'm sorry," he finally said.
Ginny nodded, her mind reeling. She didn't know how she felt - she had just got done telling Harry she could never forgive her brother and now this.
Maybe he's not really lost, perhaps he's just had to go deeper undercover, a little voice whispered in her ear. It shocked her, suddenly, how readily she was able to believe there was still hope that Percy had not turned his back on them. Ginny realized that perhaps Harry had been very right in his observation that her feelings about Percy were anything but settled.
o-o-o-o