Author's Note: I have had two artists draw scenes from this chapter and they are gorgeous! Please feel free to visit my tumblr to see them! velvethopewrites .tumblr tagged /In-Essence%3A-Undivided (take out the spaces!)
27: Harry's Gift
Harry awoke before Ginny the next morning, feeling one hundred percent better than the day before. He was amazed that spending just one evening with her could make him feel better. Of course, Harry reckoned, actually getting some rest helped as well. He reached for his glasses and watched her sleeping for a moment; she was snoring slightly and her hair was an untamed mess around her. He smiled, remembering how they'd become too distracted with each other and she'd fallen asleep with damp hair again.
He quietly went into the bathroom, quickly getting dressed and brushing his teeth. He grabbed the extra bag he'd brought from school and went out into the sitting room, closing the bedroom door so as not to wake her. He had a few things to go over with Mr Cosgrove about the dinner he'd requested and the room they were going to use. The abbey owner had been more than happy to help.
He would have to leave her dress robes behind, so he could arrange for them to be on the bed later. Harry frowned, looking around, wondering where he could hide it until the evening. He went into the other bedroom and hung the robes up in the extra wardrobe. He put his own clothes next to it, thankful Hermione had talked him into getting a new set as well. His were just basic black, but they fit better than the dark bottle green ones he'd worn in fourth year. Hermione had also suggested a new pair of shoes for Ginny, although Harry wasn't exactly certain why it mattered; he was quite sure he wouldn't be looking at her feet. He paused a moment, suddenly aware that he might actually be doing that - he'd been meaning to have Hermione help him with his dancing skills, but with everything else going on, he'd forgotten.
Oh great, what if I step on her toes all night? he thought, panicking.
Harry figured that was something he couldn't help, or at least, he couldn't worry about until the time came. He looked through the bag, making certain he had everything and found an envelope addressed to Ginny. He remembered then that Hermione had said something about not letting her read the card she'd included until Ginny got ready for their evening. He set it on top of the shoes and closed the wardrobe, slipping the bag back around his shoulders.
He made his way to Mr Cosgrove's office, his stomach rumbling, and was glad that Ginny wasn't around to hear it, knowing she'd make fun of him. For the first time in a week, he was actually hungry and knew he would enjoy eating just for the sake of it.
"Ah, Harry, you're up bright and early. I was just about to have some coffee and a bite to eat. Care to join me?" Mr Cosgrove asked, coming out of his office.
"Yeah, actually, I'm starved."
"I suppose you want to talk about your plans for this evening. The kitchen assured me last night your er...requests for dinner could be fulfilled. Was there anything else you needed? The decorations have been set up, although they are a bit modest compared to Hogwarts. I can show the room to you now, if you'd like."
Harry nodded. "That'd be great. I'm really glad you could help me with this. I know it's probably a weird request."
Mr Cosgrove waved his hand. "Nonsense. I think it's rather thoughtful, actually." He smiled at Harry's discomfited look. "I did something similar for my wife, once upon a time."
"I didn't know you were married, sir."
"Oh, I'm not anymore. That is, my wife died a few years ago...goodness, it's been almost ten years, actually. She died around the same time as Brogan's mother, actually. Ah, here we go, this is the room."
They had stopped in front of two very large doors, similar to the doors that opened onto the library, except these were a natural wood colour, instead of red. Mr Cosgrove reached into his pocket for a set of interesting looking keys, selecting one to use. The doors opened onto a wide room, one Harry supposed they used for special occasions; it wasn't as grand as the Great Hall, and the ceiling was just a regular one, but it was still very nice. The walls were all paneled oak, giving the room a warm and hospitable feel. The dark green marble floor shone as though it had been cleaned very carefully. The tap of their footsteps sounded lightly as they entered it.
The room had been decorated for Christmas - wreaths of holly and mistletoe had been hung and there were two large, elegantly adorned pine trees on either side of the huge fireplace. There was a table set up at one end with four place settings; the china was white with gold trim and sparkled in the light of the morning. It was modestly done, as Mr Cosgrove had said, but it looked rather smart, Harry thought, and he turned to the other man.
"So everything else is a go for tonight as well, right?"
The other man nodded. "Yes, it should proceed as you requested. Albus has helped a great deal with the other part of your plan. There will be candles tonight and the er...music box Brogan mentioned?"
"Oh, right," Harry lowered the bag he'd been carrying to the floor. He pulled out the music player he'd borrowed and handed it to Mr Cosgrove. "Brogan suggested to er...transfigure some larger speakers for it. Or to use the Sonorous Spell."
"Ah, yes. I'll take care of that, don't worry. Was there anything else you think you might need then?"
Harry looked around. "No, I don't think she'll be paying too much attention to everything else, once I give her the real surprise."
"She'll really appreciate this Harry; I know she's been missing home a great deal."
Harry nodded and hoped Ginny liked it. He reached into the bag and pulled out the other surprise he had for her, slipping the small box into his jeans pocket. He still wasn't certain he was going to give her that particular present, but he wanted to keep it with him anyway, until he could build up his nerve.
o-o-o-o-o
"Hey, where were you?" Ginny asked from the sofa as he came back to the room. She was in her dressing gown and her hair was less wild than before, so she must have showered already.
"Oh, um, talking with Mr Cosgrove. I went to go get breakfast and ran into him. I ate but I brought you back something." Harry set the tray down on the table, and Ginny eagerly sat forward, taking the lid off. He sat down next to her, picking up the Peabody Grange diary she'd been reading.
"Getting ready for our great adventure?" Harry asked, flashing the cover of the book at her.
Ginny smiled, licking the finger she had just stuck in the jam. "There are just a few passages in there I wish I could ask him about. He's not very informative."
"Well, I suppose he didn't think anyone else would be reading it," Harry said, flipping through the pages.
Ginny sat back on the sofa, stretching her legs out, which meant putting her feet on his lap. He watched her eat for a moment and shook his head. "So what are your plans for me, now since you have me in your clutches?" he asked, putting his hand on her foot, starting to massage it.
Ginny smirked at him and finished chewing the piece of toast he'd seen her stuff into her mouth. "Actually, what you're doing right now seems pretty nice."
"What? Massaging your feet?"
"Hmm. Being my slave, basically, yes."
Harry laughed. "Gin, I'm always your slave, there's nothing new about that. You know you have me wrapped around your finger."
Ginny rolled her eyes and finished her toast, reaching for another slice. She sat back and stretched, putting her arms up above her head. "Well, we could go for a walk, I suppose. Did the snow stick around yesterday or did it melt?"
"I don't know, I didn't notice," he admitted, letting his hand move further up her leg.
"You know, if I don't remove myself from your loving touch we'll do nothing but shag all day," she said shamelessly. Harry smiled at her.
"Doesn't sound so bad to me," he said.
"Yes, but by Christmas we'll be bored of each other and really have nothing to do."
Harry laughed at the tone in her voice and removed his hands. "Fine then, get dressed and we'll go make snowmen or something."
"Snow people," Ginny said, smiling and sitting up. She took another drink of her coffee and glanced at him. "I'll just be a minute."
He watched her get up from the sofa. "Right. I'll just kip here on the sofa for awhile then?"
Ginny stopped at the door to the bedroom, sticking her tongue out at him. "Shut up, Harry. I don't take that long to get dressed and you know it."
Harry chuckled and looked across the room at the tree they'd decorated. His hand unconsciously went to the box still in his pocket, his stomach fluttering nervously. He didn't know why he was anxious, but he was, and he guessed that until he decided exactly what he was going to do, the feeling would persist.
Oh well, it's better than worrying about Voldemort or school and any other million things, he mused to himself.
"See? I'm dressed and ready to go," Ginny said, startling him as she came back into the room.
Harry stared at her, letting his mouth hang open. Ginny noticed and threatened to throw her shoe at him. "Watch it, Harry. You're on thin ice and you're heading into very cold territory with the Weasley champion of snowballs at your side."
Harry closed his mouth and smirked at her. "Right. Funny, I don't see Fred and George about anywhere."
Ginny looked at him coolly as she tied her laces. "Harry, you poor, poor boy. Who do you think taught Fred and George?"
"Bill?"
Ginny made a 'humph' sort of noise and ignored him. She stood up and smiled at him, offering him her hand. He let her pull him up and moved closer to her. "Hey, we didn't kiss each other good morning, did we?" he asked, touching her cheek with his thumb.
Her brown eyes sparkled at him. "No, because you decided to go look for food. Next time you tease me for putting food above sex, I want you to remember this moment."
"Sorry," he said softly, lowering his mouth to hers. Ginny sighed as they broke apart, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Oh dear," she said softly.
"What?" Harry asked, confused.
"I just got dressed and already you're making me wish I wasn't."
Harry laughed and pulled away from her, taking her by the hand to the door. "Come on, one hearty walk outdoors to get rid of some of that excess energy should do the trick."
o-o-o-o-o
After spending a few hours outdoors, Ginny and Harry had a light lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon in the library. It had been Harry's suggestion, not hers, and Ginny wondered why he didn't seem to want them to get distracted alone together in the room. They talked with Garrett mostly and then sat near one of the windows on the second floor, books about Lough Gur in front of them. But Ginny didn't think they were really reading at all; Harry's foot kept rubbing against hers and she kept teasing him back. The late afternoon sun fell across their table, making her a little sleepy. She looked up at him, to ask if he wanted to go back to the room and found him staring at their hands, which were joined. She watched him for a moment and he caught her look, blushing.
"Something fascinating about my hand, Harry?" she asked, turning in her chair.
"No," Harry said, not meeting her eyes. "Well, I was just thinking you have pretty ones. Er, hands that is. They're so much smaller than mine."
Ginny held up her hand and smirked. "Well, since I am unable to play Quidditch, I have to admit my nails are all in one piece for once. Mum would be so proud; I have hands like a girl now."
Harry smiled at her, an odd expression on his face. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay? You seem a bit... distracted. Or nervous about something."
"What? No, I'm not. I mean, why would I be?" he asked hurriedly, looking worried.
Ginny chuckled. "Ah-ha, there is something going on. Well, you might as well tell me."
"There is not. I'm just...I feel pretty happy to be with you, that's all," he said softly. He gave her such an intense look that she felt herself blush.
"And I'm happy to be with you too," she replied, feeling self-conscious.
Harry looked like he was about to say something important and she waited, seeing in his eyes that he was figuring it out in his head first. Before he could speak, Garrett appeared out of nowhere.
"Er, sorry," he said as he saw them. "But um, Ginny, Mr Cosgrove wanted to speak with you for little while in his office."
Ginny frowned, glancing at Harry, who was looking at the book in front of him, his hand straying to his jeans pocket.
"Oh, okay. Shall we go, Harry?" she asked him.
"Actually, he said just you, sorry," Garrett said.
"Oh," Ginny said, confused as to why Mr Cosgrove would want to speak just to her. "All right. I'll be there in a moment then, thanks Garrett." He turned and left them alone and she stood up, looking at Harry. "Wonder what this is about."
"I don't know, but only one way to find out," Harry said, looking relieved for some reason.
"Hmm. Well, I'll see you back in the room then? Or will you still be here?"
Harry looked around and then out the window. "No, it's getting late, isn't it? Almost time for dinner. I'll er...be in the room."
She gave him a perplexed look, but he just blinked innocently back at her and she knew whatever it was he'd been about to tell her had been pushed back. Shrugging, she made her way to Mr Cosgrove's office, her curiosity piqued.
o-o-o-o-o
"Harry?" Ginny asked as finally made it back to her room.
She felt a bit frustrated because the thing that Mr Cosgrove had wanted to talk to her about had been the fact that one of the potions she'd done last week as part of her schoolwork had gone missing. Normally, she would forward her essays onto Hogwarts and one of the abbey professors would then help her with the practical and send his notes onto Snape. Apparently though, this time, that hadn't happened and she'd had to redo it. It had taken an hour and a half to brew the Stomach-Quelling Potion again and then wait for it to be tested.
No answer greeted her and the sitting room was dark. She frowned and used her wand to light it, thinking Harry was in the bedroom because the door was closed. She paused, catching sight of a note set on the table in front of the sofa. She picked it up, puzzled.
Gin -
I'm not here. I had to take care of a few things first. But your Christmas present is in the bedroom on the bed. Since I took you away from school and the Yule Ball, I reckoned I could bring a piece of it back to you. I'll be back in forty-five minutes exactly! So I hope that's enough time for you to get ready. There's also a note from Hermione in there, but I didn't read it.
Love -
Harry
Ginny shook her head at the letter. "I knew you were up to something," she said softly under her breath. She opened the bedroom door, and the torches were already lit. She bit her lip as she looked at the bed, feeling her eyes water. "Oh, Harry," she said, feeling her emotions spin inside her. "What have you done?"
She walked over and looked at the most beautiful set of dress robes she'd ever seen. They were a collection of dark greens and light, brilliant purples, with many layers of silk, and velvet. There was a leather bodice in the middle that was dark green to match the cape the draped along the back of the robes. There was a swirly type of pattern in the material that reminded Ginny of a fleur de lis. Next to the robes was a pair of elegant court shoes, opened at the toe with a thin strap like lace for the back. On top of the shoes was a note, and Ginny recognized Hermione's handwriting. She opened the note and giggled, letting it drop to the bed and heading back out the Christmas tree. She pulled out the box Hermione had meant for her and unwrapped it quickly.
She opened the box and felt herself blush. She read Hermione's note again, reminding herself that she really needed to thank her friend with something grand one of these days.
Ginny -
First things first, go and fetch the box Harry brought for you from me. It's okay to open it before Christmas.
Second, I know Harry, being a boy, will completely miss this part, so I've gone ahead and ordered something for you to surprise him with later (as well as the fact that it's quite impractical for you to dance around without a proper set of knickers under your robes!). Merry Christmas from Ron and me (although he doesn't know this is what I got you, please tell him it's a book, should he ever ask) - I hope you and Harry have a wonderful, romantic night.
Love -
Hermione
Ginny pulled out the lace garment and laughed again, marveling at her friend. Realizing time was passing by as she looked at everything, she grabbed the lingerie and made a dash for the bathroom, to take a quick shower, wondering what on earth she was going to do with her hair.
o-o-o-o-o
"Gin?" Harry smiled as he entered the room, making his way to the bedroom, seeing her clothes strung across the floor between the bed and the wardrobe. He frowned when he saw the opened Christmas present, recognizing it as the one Hermione had given him.
"Harry?" Her voice called from the loo and he looked up, seeing the door was slightly ajar.
"The one and only," he said, moving forward to go to the doorway.
"Don't come in! I'm almost done! Stay right there and close your eyes!" Her voice commanded. and he stopped moving immediately, laughing.
"Are they closed?" she asked a moment later, and he could tell she was standing just beyond the door.
He closed his eyes. "Er, yeah. Shut tight."
He heard the door open and the rustle of clothes, feeling a flush of pleasure go through him as he wondered how the robes looked on her.
"Well, I tried the best with the time allotted to me," she wisecracked, and he opened his eyes, smiling. He felt his heart lurch its way up to his throat as he took in her appearance. Her hair was piled carefully on top of her head, and her ruby necklace winked at him as his eyes traveled down her, taking in the swell of her breasts in the bodice and the soft flare of the robes as they fit securely around her, tapering down towards her feet. The mixing of the two colors blended perfectly together. He brought his eyes back up to her face, feeling awed.
"Ginny," he said softly, blinking at her, as though that would make what he was seeing feel more real. He felt as though he were seeing something from a dream.
She looked down at herself, her smile faltering a little bit. "Does it not look all right? I had to make a minor adjustment in one or two areas with my wand, but...it's my hair right? It didn't want to behave -"
Harry stepped forward and pulled her to him, silencing her with a finger on her lips. Her eyes were wide as she looked at him and he smiled gently. "I have never seen anything that looks as beautiful as you and that's the truth," he said quietly. "You're perfect."
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks and she lowered her eyes, biting her lip. When she looked back up at him, he could see her eyelashes were wet. "Thank you, Harry. For...everything. I'm a bit flabbergasted, to tell you the truth. The robes are gorgeous...did Hermione help you?"
Harry smirked, releasing her and stepping back, pretending to be offended. "No! Ipicked out the robes, believe it or not. Although Hermione picked out the shoes."
Ginny smiled and looked down at her feet, lifting her robes slightly so he could see them. He grinned at her. "Good thing she did too," he said. "As those are a tad far sexier than what I would have selected."
Ginny smiled and clasped his hand suddenly. "And look at you! You're looking...very fit," she said, letting go of his hand and walking around him. He felt her lift his robes slightly and then he heard her whistle as he felt his skin heat.
"None of that," he warned, and Ginny's eyes shone brightly at him as she walked back in front of him.
"You look good enough to eat, Harry," she said impishly, and he tutted at her.
"Well, good thing I've arranged dinner in one of the dinning rooms for us then. It's always food before pleasure, right?"
Her eyes widened. "Really? I mean, we're not eating in our room?"
Harry shook his head. "You don't think I'd make us get all dressed up and just have us sit about in this room, do you?"
Ginny shook her head and he pulled out the blindfold he'd made earlier. "Trust me?" he asked, and she nodded.
"Of course, but I thought you said we were eating before shagging? Isn't that what you like to do while I'm blindfolded?"
Harry chuckled as he moved behind her and gently placed the material over her eyes. He moved his head down to her ear, kissing her neck quickly. "Later, perhaps," he whispered and she shivered.
"Harry?" she asked as he led her out of the room.
"Yes?"
"You are going to get so lucky tonight."
o-o-o-o-o
Ginny felt the cool air of the hallway and shivered, even though it was more from excitement than actual coldness. Her heart was beating wildly as Harry led her wherever they were supposed to eat dinner.
"Is it much further?" she asked, and she heard Harry laugh.
"Patience, Gin. We're almost there."
Soon enough, she heard him fumble with something and then heard a door open to the left of her. He pulled her in by hand, leading her to what must be the center of the room and then turned her slightly. A moment later, and she felt him move behind her to undo the blindfold.
"It's okay to open your eyes," he said softly and she did so, smiling. They were in a large room, with floating candles all around them and a large fire was already going in the fireplace. The trees twinkled with fairy lights, the Muggle type, she was surprised to see, and she put her hands together as she looked at them.
"Oh, Harry, it's lovely, did you do the fairy lights? Dad would be so pleased!"
"Actually, I brought them from home," a voice said behind them, and she whirled around, not quite believing it.
"Dad! Mum! Bill!"
Harry smiled at her and moved out of the way as she quickly ran towards her family. She felt her eyes water and knew she was dangerously close to ruining all the make-up she'd applied, but it couldn't be helped. She threw her arms around her parents, gripping them tightly.
"Oh, my goodness! I've been missing you all so much!"
"We've missed you too, my dear," her Mum said, reaching into her sleeve for her handkerchief, already dabbing at her eyes. Her father smiled widely at her. Ginny turned to Bill and her brother pulled her in for a very long bear hug, pulling her off her feet.
"Oh, Bill, I've been so worried about you," she said in his ear. He set her down, his eyes full of emotion.
"I know, sis. I'm sorry I haven't written to you much. When Dumbledore told me what Harry had planned for Mum and Dad, I knew I had to be here as well."
Ginny turned back to look at Harry, who had been standing just beyond them, as though not wanting to intrude on the reunion. She went quickly to him, and hugged him. She pulled back and touched his face.
"You did this for me? You brought my family to me?"
"Well, part of your family. I'm sorry it couldn't be all of them, Gin," he said quietly. "Ron and Hermione wanted to come too, but they have to be in charge of the Yule Ball tonight at school, you know, head girl and boy. Hermione didn't want to miss it," he said with a sheepish grin.
"It doesn't matter, just one person would have been perfect, and you gave me three!"
"Well, Bill was a bonus," Harry said, looking behind her, smiling.
"Oh, Ginny, dear, your dress robes are lovely. When Harry told us he'd arranged this for you, I felt so happy and couldn't wait to see you."
Ginny turned to her mother, feeling her heart catch. Her mum looked good, but looked far older than she remembered, and more than a little tired. She went back over to her parents, taking her mother's hands.
"Oh, Mum, how are you really? Have you been resting?"
They moved over to the table and sat down, with Harry pushing her towards the chair between her parents. He sat down next to Bill and smiled at her as everyone began to talk. She looked down and realised the table was filled with all her favorite dishes. She glanced at her mother.
"Mum, you haven't been cooking all day, have you?"
"No, dear. Harry wrote us a letter, asking what all your favorite foods were and if I had any recipes I could share. It was a very peculiar letter to get as he hadn't yet told me why he needed them."
Ginny looked at Harry, who blushed. She couldn't believe she was getting her wish - it wasn't exactly Christmas day dinner, but it was all her favorites and as she put the first forkful of apricot chicken into her mouth, she closed her eyes, savoring the taste.
"Blimey, Gin, don't they feed you at this place?" Bill asked, and she opened her eyes to find him grinning at her. "You act like that bit of chicken has just sent you into rapture."
"Shut up, dear brother," Ginny said cleverly, and took another bite.
They all ate and enjoyed everything; Ginny had to admit the abbey's kitchen hadn't quite got the hang of her mum's brandy butter pudding, but it was still good. Her parents drank elderberry wine and Bill teased their father about getting tipsy and putting the wrong spell on their Portkey for later. She watched her family, marveling at them, so incredibly touched that Harry had done this for her. She glanced across at him and found him watching her, a funny expression on his face. They shared a look of understanding, and Ginny felt her heart fill with too much feeling. She wiped at her eyes and had to look down at her plate, worried that she was turning into one of those sorts of girls that cried when anything happy occurred.
"And now, to work off that dinner," Harry said, suddenly, standing up. He looked at Bill. "Er, sorry, Bill, I didn't know you'd need a partner too."
He walked over to the corner and fiddled with something and suddenly the sound of a guitar filled the room - sounding both warm and melancholy at the same time. Harry walked back over to the table, looking nervous. He held his hand out to Ginny.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked, smiling at her. Ginny bit her lip, nodding. She stood up and looked at her parents, sharing a look with them. She smiled back at him.
"Of course, Harry."
They stood together, and Harry put one hand on her waist and then took her hand into his. He looked a bit flustered as he glanced down at their feet and she put her finger on his chin, tilting his face upwards.
"Don't worry, Harry. I've been floating on air since I saw the dress robes you bought me. I won't feel a thing. So step on my toes all you want."
He smiled shyly and they slowly started to move. Ginny felt a small, almost silly thrill go through her. She'd danced like this with Bill once, pretending to be dancing with Harry. It was amazing to her how much her life had changed from the time she was thirteen. The music sounded lovely, the singer's voice rising and then falling over them. She pulled back and looked up at Harry.
"This music is wonderful but however did you get it to work?"
"I borrowed Brogan's player. He er...made a disc for us. He picked all the songs. I reckon they're all Muggle."
Ginny nodded and they continued dancing. She noticed her parents had got up to dance as well and she again felt her tears threaten to fall.
"Mind if I cut in?" Bill's voice interrupted them, and Harry shook his head, looking slightly relieved. Her brother moved forward and took his place, smiling at her.
He twirled her around near the Christmas trees, making her laugh as he dipped her. He smiled at her. "You look brilliant, Gin. I hate to say it, but being away from school must agree with you."
"No, it's just being with Harry, really," she said, glancing over to where he was sitting, watching them.
"Ginny," Bill began, and she turned her attention back to her brother. He gave her a guilty look. "I know I didn't support the two of you getting together, and I know I was a right prat about it. But seeing you now, the two of you together and how much he cares for you, the way he's made certain you're safe...I'm sorry. You were right from the start. And Charlie told me I was being a twit, but..." Bill's voice broke at the mention of their brother, and Ginny nodded.
"It's okay, Bill. I can't say I understand and totally forgive you for being a prat, but I know you were only doing it because you care so much about me. Charlie too."
"I miss him," Bill said, his eyes growing soft. "Every time I think about the fact that Percy is alive and causing grief at You-Know-Who's every whim...and poor Charlie is dead...I..." His voice had turned bitter, and Ginny touched his arm.
"Let's not talk about things we can't change, not tonight," she said softly. She felt her emotions building inside of her, wanting to tell Bill about Percy but knowing that now was not the time.
Bill nodded and they continued dancing, slowing down as the music changed to something instrumental, with lots of different strings and horns. Her father tapped Bill on the shoulder.
"Care to dance with your old father, my dear?" he asked, smiling at her.
"Of course, Dad!" Ginny said, moving into his arms.
"Bill, please rescue Harry from dancing with Molly, I don't think the poor boy quite trusts himself."
Ginny turned and watched as Harry avoided nearly stepping on her mother's toes. She giggled and looked at her father. "He's just nervous."
"Yes, but he did well enough when he was with you. Perhaps he just needs the right partner to calm his nerves."
She and her father twirled around the dance floor and then it was Harry's turn again, and she gladly went to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He smiled down at her as the music changed once more, this time a woman was singing, her voice filling the room as the sound of cellos and guitars swelled behind her.
"Having a good time?' he asked, pulling her closer to him.
She nodded. "This evening has been perfect, Harry. Thank you so much. I was so...homesick, and you've given me the Yule Ball and my family and you've made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world."
"I'm the one who's lucky," Harry said, his eyes bright behind his glasses. She moved her head to his chest, and felt him rest his chin on the top of her head. She closed her eyes and listened to his heart beating, the music sounding like the sweetest thing she'd ever heard, the notes sweeping them away to another time and place. She would have to ask Brogan what they had listened to - something about fading into something or someone and Ginny realised that is what it felt like she was doing - fading into Harry's arms, surrounded by love and everything that was right with world.
o-o-o-o-o
After everyone had danced with everyone again (Ginny even danced with her mother), they realised it was quite late and started saying goodbye to each other. Ginny told her mother not to cry and her father patted her shoulder, whispering that he would make certain her mum didn't get carried away. Bill held her close for a moment, as though afraid to let go, and she felt a bit out of breath from all the emotions she had felt in one evening.
Harry told her to go back to the room - that he would see her parents off. Since Ginny had made it through the evening without crying too much, she agreed, knowing that seeing her parents leave might really set her off.
She watched as Harry walked in between her parents, helping her mother when she stumbled, and felt so much love for him right then that she knew she had to look away before she lost it right there in the hallway. Feeling like a ninny, she wiped at her eyes and went back to their rooms.
A little while later, Harry returned, smiling at her, and joining her in front of the fire, where she'd sat down. They held hands and didn't say anything, both just watching the fire. She tugged on Harry's hand and he turned to face her.
"Thank you for everything," she said softly.
"You've already thanked me," he said, smiling.
"Yes, but...I feel it needs to be said again and again."
"It was worth it just to see your face when you saw your parents," he said as he moved closer to her.
"Hmm," Ginny said as he pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and looked up at him.
"Of course, seeing you look absolutely gorgeous in those robes didn't hurt either," he continued, and she laughed.
"I almost forgot," she said, and she sat away from him. He frowned, reaching out for her.
"Hey, I was just getting comfortable," he pouted.
"Don't worry, in about twenty seconds you really won't care," Ginny said saucily, winking at him. She undid the ties of the bodice, loosening it enough so she could step out of the robes.
"Hmm, stripping for me in the firelight, this I like," Harry said, smiling at her, sitting back with his hands behind his head.
"Technically, this is a present from Hermione," she said, removing her arms from her sleeves, still holding the dress robes against her.
"Oh, yeah, I meant to ask you why you'd opened her present. Wait, you've got a book underneath those robes?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrow skeptically.
Ginny laughed and shook her head. "No. But she did take care of something you over-looked while compiling my outfit, my love."
"What did I forget?" he asked, looking puzzled. "There's robes, shoes...what else is there?"
"What a girl wears underneath her dress robes is sometimes just as important as what's on the outside, Harry," Ginny said matter of factly, enjoying the expression on his face.
"Underneath? But...oh," Harry said, suddenly seeming to understand. Ginny let the dress robes fall to her feet, revealing the lingerie Hermione had sent. She giggled as Harry's mouth fell open. He flicked his wrist and the lights in the sitting room blazed into life, and Ginny made a face at him.
"Nice way to break the mood, Harry."
"Sorry," he said as his eyes traveled down her. "I needed to properly...er...God, Gin, what is thatattaching your stockings to your knickers?"
"It's called a garter-belt, Harry."
He grunted in acknowledgement, licking his lips, his eyes taking on a slightly glazed and hungry look.
Ginny let her fingers slide down her body, over the lacy white material of her knickers, her fingers snapping the thin material against her skin, causing Harry's Adam apple to bob in his throat as he swallowed roughly.
"So, you like it?" she asked playfully, walking back and forth in front of him, still in her shoes. She turned around, showing him her backside and suddenly he was standing up and behind her before she could blink.
"Harry, I...oh, goodness," she whispered as his hands wrapped around her. She felt him rub against her, already very hard. "I guess you do like it then," she murmured as his lips found the back of her neck and his hands roamed upwards, cupping her breasts and lowering the straps of her bra. He moved them towards the sofa, moaning softly. He pushed her forward and she turned her head to look at him already fumbling with the front part of his robes.
"In that much of a hurry, love?" she asked and he growled at her, leaning forward as he freed himself, showing her exactly how much of a hurry he was in. His hand slid forward, cupping her sex, his fingers expertly touching her and pushing aside her knickers. Ginny reached down and undid the clasps of the garter-belt, so he could remove her underwear. Harry's hand grabbed at the lace and she tutted, standing back up.
"No, you might tear them and I don't fancy ruining my Christmas present before Christmas," she admonished him. He gave her a frustrated look.
"Now, Gin, please."
She slipped them quickly down her legs and made as though she was going to take off her shoes but he stopped her.
"No, leave the shoes and the stockings on."
Ginny raised her eyebrow and he leaned forward, kissing her, his tongue demanding entrance, and she soon forgot everything as his hands moved over her again. He ran his hands up the sheer fabric of her stockings and then met her skin, his fingers feeling hot against her. She shivered, feeling dazed with sensation. They turned, and Harry suddenly lifted her, and she found herself wrapping her legs around his waist. He pulled his mouth away from hers, his expression hungry and eager as he looked at her. He lowered one of his hands to her backside, gripping her roughly to him, and she felt him suddenly at her entrance, thick and swollen, teasing her. She gasped at the contact and felt her temperature rise another notch. She bit her lip as she met his gaze.
"Oh, hell, Harry. Just do whatever you want."
It was all he apparently needed to hear. He thrust forward as he lowered her to the arm of the sofa and she gasped again, feeling his need break out across her skin, making her burn. She balanced herself with one of her legs on the sofa and the other wrapped around Harry, the silk of her stockings rubbing against his hips. He pushed forward, forcing their bodies almost painfully together. Over and over he pressed into her, head down in concentration. Ginny gripped his shoulders and cried out as she felt her climax begin, her body surprisingly wet considering they had done little to no foreplay. She closed her eyes and urged him on, whispering anything she could think of in his ear. He came suddenly, almost violently, shuddering inside her. His hands gripped her roughly to him and he quickly moved one of them in between their bodies, touching her centre as he still pulsed inside her.
"Yes, faster," she whispered, feeling her body respond again, tightening herself around him. He moaned as she came, convulsing against his fingers, clinging to him.
Their breathing filled the room and Ginny didn't want to move. She just wanted to keep feeling him inside of her, their hearts beating fiercely in their chests. His mouth found her neck and she felt his tongue licking her skin, his breath deliciously hot against her. She trembled, feeling as though every sense in her body was on overdrive. His hands caressed her legs through the stockings as though he couldn't get enough of the feel.
"Bloody hell, if that's what lingerie does to you, I'm getting a whole cupboard full when we're married," she said, feeling quite done in.
Harry chuckled and then it broke into a full laugh as he pulled back and looked at her, his glasses askew on his face. She straightened them for him, smiling.
"What's so funny?" she asked, when he kept laughing. He pulled out of her and then collapsed on the sofa and she slid down the arm, joining him. He was still half-dressed and he fumbled with his robes, looking in the pockets. He pulled out a small velvet box and wordlessly gave it to her.
She gave him a curious look and opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring made out of silver and a darker material she couldn't place. The stone of the ring matched the stone of her necklace, and it was fitted with small rubies along the side. Ginny felt as though her heart was thudding loudly in her chest.
Harry looked at her, a smile filling his face. He reached out and cupped her cheek, his eyes full of feeling. "This is your other present. It's just a ring to match your necklace, but somewhere along the line I realised that I wanted it to be your engagement ring," he said softly, watching her. "I asked your parents tonight and they gave me their blessing, although your mother made me promise we wouldn't do anything until after you were out of school."
Ginny felt her mouth fall open and she looked down at the ring in disbelief. She met his eyes again and he leaned forward, kissing her gently.
"Marry me, Gin," he said as he rested his head against hers.
Ginny didn't know what to say, but she wrapped her arms around him, pulling his head to her, letting her hands get lost in his hair. She felt the tears she'd been threatening to cry all evening begin to spill out of her and she was lost, her heart...her soul...flooding with emotion.
o-o-o-o-o
Harry hadn't meant to do it, but he had, and so now, as he lay next to Ginny as she slept, her hand on his chest and the ring winking happily up at him, he felt a bit silly.
I'm seventeen, I can't get married! a voice screamed in his head. Your parents were only nineteen when they got married, another much calmer voice answered back, and Harry felt better then for some reason.
Mr and Mrs Weasley had looked at him as though he had sprouted another head as he'd hesitantly told them he may or may not be asking Ginny to marry him later and 'was that okay with them?'. They had given their blessing, although Harry was sure they thought he was quite daft. And Mrs Weasley had told him they couldn't marry until Ginny was out of school, which Harry reckoned was the right thing to do and he assured her he hadn't planned on anything before then. He really had meant the ring to be an engagement ring or promise ring or whatever it was Mrs Weasley had told him, but then he'd realised that also meant he would technically still have to actually ask her.
He hadn't doubted her response one bit, so he wasn't certain why he had been anxious. Nor was he worried about actually going through with it and being married - he knew Ginny was the only girl he ever wanted to be with. He wondered if it was a symptom of all blokes taking the plunge; you were just nervous regardless and expected everything to be ruined or something silly like that. He tried to imagine telling Ron when he got back to Hogwarts that they were going to officially be brothers in a few years and smiled to himself, envisioning his best mate's reaction.
Ginny stirred and moved her head, opening her eyes. She smiled at him and he felt her move closer to him.
"Good morning, future-husband," she said softly.
He kissed the top of her head. "Good morning, love."
She moved her hand down his chest, slipping it under the duvet. He shook his head at her as she touched him gently.
"Randy are we?" he asked as she shifted and rolled on top of him.
"Always," she replied, smiling at him. She leaned down and kissed him.
He smirked up at her. "Why is it when I'm the one who's ready to go, you make me get up and brush my teeth?"
"Women's prerogative," she said shrugging and she touched him again, waking up a part of his anatomy that he would have thought was too tired to move after the previous night. They had made love so many times, he had happily lost count.
He moved his hands around her back as the sheets fell away, and he sighed as he looked at her, her hair falling over her shoulders. His fingers found her warm and wet and he marveled at her.
"Blazes Gin, are you always ready?"
She smirked down at him. "I thought you liked me that way?"
"Hmm," Harry said. He sat up and she met him half-way, their mouths finding each other again. They broke apart and Harry grinned at her. "It must be why I want to marry you."
Ginny threw her head back and laughed and the sound filled him with pleasure. He realised he didn't care about being too young or not being ready - he loved her and she was his just as he was hers and that was all that mattered.
He rolled them over, suddenly wanting to be on top, and Ginny fitted herself against him, smiling. He felt her arms wrap around his neck and he moved his hand in between them, gently touching her again. He watched her as his fingers moved faster, slipping gently inside her. She bit her lip, exhaling a low breath of air.
"Hmm, Harry." Her eyes fluttered closed as he continued on, bringing her close, enjoying the way she writhed underneath him. He felt her legs move apart, making more room for him and he pulled his hand away, teasing her with the tip of his body.
Her eyes opened and she gazed at him, the flush of her skin bright pink. "I want you so much," she said softly, her voice thick with need. "Please stop teasing me."
He smiled and then moved into her, bit by bit, enjoying the frustrated but pleasurable look he saw on her face. When he was inside completely, he paused, touching her face.
"I love you, future Mrs Potter," he said gently, running his thumb over her lips.
Ginny smiled and slowly took his thumb into her mouth as he started to move inside her. Everything seemed to melt away from him after that and the only thing he concentrated on was the look in her eyes as he made her break open with pleasure, arching against him, the happiness of their union evident in her voice as she cried out. It was only then, after he was sure she had finished - and that she was filled with feeling - that he let himself give into it, emptying himself into her, holding onto her because she was his love, his joy and his life.
o-o-o-o-o