Tomorrow/Today (June 10th) is my birthday and if you feel like discussing 17, Clumsy & Shy, it is the Fic Club Story of the month on the Ginny Lover's Discord. I am honored anyone wants to talk about anything I've written, to be honest. Please feel free to join us and say hello. I'll likely be on most of the day as my one goal for my birthday is to spend most of it in my pajamas, lol It's good to have goals, right? ;)

Link here - minus the spaces: s : / discord. gg/ E2QRKQ

28: The Wayfaring Stranger

Christmas morning they woke early, happily opening their presents. Mrs Weasley had sent Harry something different this year - instead of his usual jumper, she had sent him a pair of gold cufflinks that were in the shape of tiny Snitches. Her note explained she and Professor Lupin had found them in some of Sirius's things, believing them to have been his father's. He eagerly looked forward to the next time he could wear his dress robes so he that could put them to good use.

Ron had given him something new to read: The Chudley Canons' Book of Almost But Not Quite Winning Quidditch Playsas well as a restocking of materials for his broom-servicing kit (which had finally been made spare, mostly because Ron liked to borrow it to work on his Cleansweep). Hermione had sent a rather thick, boring-looking book titled The Very Long and Detailed History About the Culmination of the Modern-Day Jinx by Morely G. Knockembachas well as enough chocolate frogs to last him for the next month. But it was Ginny's gift that made him feel the happiest.

First, she had knitted him a very nice looking jumper - far nicer than anything he had ever received from her mother - it was dark green with gold and red flecks of something he couldn't place interweaved through material so that it seemed to shimmer when the light hit it, and it was incredibly soft to the touch. He could tell she had spent a very long time on it. For some reason that made his eyes water and he had to look away from her for a moment. Next, she placed a small box in his hands and he forgot to be embarrassed about his tears and opened it to find a new watch. He stared at her for a moment.

"Ginny, how did you...I mean, this looks really expensive. The jumper is more than enough, you didn't -"

She leaned forward and kissed him, and then pulled back. "It's not that expensive and besides, you needed a new watch. Since I didn't have to bother George and Fred for money to get a new set of dress robes for the Yule Ball, I worked out a deal with them so I could owl-order something nice for you. And...well, it was my insurance gift in case you thought the jumper was incredibly shabby or something." Her voice held a note of apprehension in it, and he reached out and took a hold of her hand.

"The jumper is amazing. You really did a great job on it. I'll wear it all the time...see?" He pulled the garment over his head and smiled at her. He felt a flush of warmth go through him as he patted his hands down the front of it, already loving the feel of it against his skin.

"Go look at yourself in the mirror, Harry," she said after a moment, her eyes bright.

"Why, do I have it on wrong?" he said, frowning down at himself. "I know it probably doesn't go with my boxers, but..." The jumper seemed to be on the right way to him.

"Just do it," she said softly.

Harry gave her a puzzled look and went into the bathroom to look in the mirror. He blinked at himself, not believing what he was seeing and his mouth fell open. Ginny appeared behind him and their eyes met in the mirror.

"It's called True-Reflection Wool. When a person knits with it, they have to think of who they're knitting for. The thread then takes on the most appropriate shape and colour for whoever is going to receive the clothing. At first, when I started it, it was just like one of mum's jumpers, and it was red for some odd reason, but then slowly but surely it changed into this." Her fingers reached out and touched his shoulder, pulling a small amount of the material between her fingers. She looked at him again. "It really brings out your eyes, Harry. Look at how handsome you are; this is what I see what I look at you. This is what everyone sees. I don't want you to listen to anymore of those voices that tell you you're ugly or unlovable ever again."

Harry looked at himself in the mirror and the same embarrassed feeling came back to him, and he felt a lump the size of a Quaffle lodge itself in his throat. He shook his head, feeling unsteady. "I don't look like this Ginny, not really. It's just...it's just the beautiful work you did. That's all anyone will see, trust me."

She shook her head and turned him around, a determined look in her eyes. She moved closer to him, putting her arms around him. "There is also something else about the wool. It takes the feelings of the knitter and transfers them to the clothing. So this is a gift of everything I feel for you, Harry. It should make you feel warm and loved." Ginny gazed back at him - her feelings clear in her eyes and Harry could see the truth within her. He felt his heart beating erratically in his chest for some reason - and took a deep breath, trying not to let his emotions overwhelm him.

"It does," he finally said, his voice sounding shaky to his own ears.

"Good," she replied, smiling gently. She rested her head on his chest as he pulled her closer to him. Harry couldn't help but marvel at her.

"Gin?"

"Hmm?"

"You'll have to teach me how to knit so I can make you one."

Ginny moved her head and smiled at him again. She reached up to pull his head down to hers and fitted herself into his embrace.

"I just wanted our first Christmas to be special, my love. You've made it so much more than that by giving me this ring."

They both looked down at her hand as it rested against his chest. He reached out and touched her chin, as he moved his mouth down to hers. He kissed her slowly and gently, until finally, they were both clinging to each other, the deepness of the kiss kindling something in both of them.

"Harry?" she asked when they broke apart.

Harry closed his eyes, feeling unbelievably hot for some reason. "Yeah?"

"I do have one other present to give you, but this one's not wrapped."

Harry opened his eyes and raised his eyebrow at the tone of her voice. He slowly felt a grin start to break across his face. "Oh, I don't know, Gin, I suppose you could say that dressing gown is a form of wrapping..."

Ginny giggled. "Do you think sex feels any different on Christmas?"

"One way to find out," he said as he slowly picked her up off the floor.

"We do have other real presents to open," she said as she rested her head on his shoulder. Harry grinned at her, moving over to the bed.

"They'll still be there when we're done," he said softly, setting her down on top of the duvet, leaning part-way over her. She smirked up at him and her hand strayed to the sash around her middle. She shrugged off the dressing gown and then reached up for him, pushing the jumper slowly upwards, planting kisses on his skin as she moved.

"Hmm, this does feel nice, doesn't?" she asked quietly as her hand got tangled in the material.

"Hmm," Harry agreed, but wanting to be rid of it for the time being. He moved his arms and pulled the jumper over his head. Ginny's hands were already at his waist, pulling at his boxers and lowering them. She grinned at him as she met his eyes.

"So soon?" she said as she reached out and took hold of him.

"What can I say, you drive me mad," he said teasingly. She temporarily released him and shifted on the bed, scooting further under him. Her hands were back at work immediately, caressing him. He closed his eyes as he felt her warm breath around his stomach, and her hand wrapped around him, stroking him in that firm, capable way he loved.

"Do you trust me, Harry?" she suddenly asked, and he looked down at her, unable to keep the amusement out of his voice when he replied.

"Considering where your mouth and hand are, I'd say I'd be a daft fool if I didn't."

He heard her giggle softly and she slipped down even more so that she was completely under him and level with his waist. All he could see without pulling away was a small tuft of her hair.

"Do you think you can stay in this position?" she asked abruptly and he paused, considering it. Harry felt like asking her if she could stay in the position because it couldn't have been comfortable for her. Before he could question her, she moved her palm around the head of his penis in a circular motion and all thinking ability decided to leave him.

"Why?" he managed to get out, feeling light-headed as she continued to tease him.

"Because when I put my mouth on you I want you to be able to move forward with your hips."

"Won't that hurt?" he asked, common sense finally sinking in past the pleasure she was causing. He started to pull away, but she stopped him by tightening her grip around him and holding him in place.

"No, I want you to really be able to thrust into my mouth, Harry. Now open your legs a bit wider...yes, like that."

"But I don't want to hurt you," he said, puzzled at her request. "I could make you choke or -"

"Let me worry about that," she said softly, and as if to prove her point, he felt her mouth suddenly on the underside of his body, closing around him and he jerked forward instinctively, forgetting to worry.

Harry felt her tongue move around him as he rested in her mouth and a groan inadvertently escaped his lips. Her mouth felt soft and inviting around him and so...so...perfect that he forgot to notice what she was doing with her hands. He suddenly felt her fingers probing further than they ever had before and he almost pulled away, but then felt his skin go hot - embarrassed because he realised he liked whatever it was she was doing.

Ginny pulled her mouth away, releasing him, and when he didn't pull away from her touch, she gently continued on, one of her fingers seeming to circle around some overtly sensitive part deep within him. Her breath felt warm on his skin and he knew he was probably already slick with anticipation. Still her finger teased a spot on his body that he didn't want to think about too much, but the flashes of sensation it was giving him was making him grow even harder until he felt as though he were about to go off from that one single touch.

"Gin, please," he managed to eventually get out, not quite certain what he was asking for and not caring.

Her fingers regrettably moved away but then her hands suddenly gripped his backside and pushed him closer to her until he understood what she wanted. He moved his legs to either side of her, his heart beating a bit fast in his chest as he looked down at her, finally able to see her. She closed her mouth around the tip of his body and pushed at him gently, to get him to move, and he slowly started thrusting tentatively in and out of her mouth. Just a few short pushes and it felt incredible to Harry. So incredible, in fact, that he already wanted to go faster, his body suddenly quite keen to let go. But he still didn't want to hurt her. As if sensing his reluctance, Ginny pressed her hand flat against his arse in a short, slapping motion that stung slightly.

Harry looked down at her again and saw her eyes looking up at him as he moved in between her lips and he saw what he needed to see in her expression. He moved his legs further apart to get better leverage and the sensation was immediate. Harry found himself starting to push forward with less controlled motions, moving in as far as he could as though it wasn't just her mouth he were entering.

Ginny gripped him, her hands on his hips as he moved back and forth. She moaned suddenly, and the vibrations tingled along his body, leaving him breathless with wonder. In and out he glided into her mouth, marveling at the supple and warm wetness of her and how much different it felt in this position. He bowed his head, feeling his release threatening its way through him and then felt her mouth open wider as he moved faster. Her hands strayed upwards over his stomach, towards his chest and he moaned as he came, thrusting strongly into her mouth, not able to care if it was too much for her.

After he was finished, Harry leaned forward onto the bed and he felt her move out from under his legs. A moment later, she lay down on top of him, her breath at his ear.

"Happy Christmas, Harry," she said, her voice sounding incredibly full of mischief. He groaned and didn't feel as though he could move properly yet. The pleasure of what she'd done seemed to race through him, as though the sensation was in his very blood.

"What made you think of doing it like that?" he finally asked, reaching up to remove the glasses that were sticking into the side of his face. Ginny's hands wrapped around him, her body still moulded to his.

"I still read that book, every now and then," she said lightly, and he felt her mouth kissing his back. She rubbed against him and he wanted to repay the favor, because he could tell she was quite eager, but he felt too undone to even move. Ginny finally settled down, still on top of him and they stayed like that for a long moment, each breathing deeply.

"Did the book tell you to...touch me like that?" he finally asked, curious.

"Hmm, yes. But you didn't seem to mind it too much and I would have stopped if you had. I read that that part on a boy can be very sensitive. Did it feel different for you when you came? The book said that sometimes touching someone there can make it feel better or more intense."

He felt her breasts against his back and took a deep breath. "Gin, let me turn over," he said, wanting to hold her.

She tutted, but he felt her slide off and he moved, pulling her into his arms. He kissed her and ran his hands over her back, moving downwards.

"It felt..." Harry paused, feeling his skin heat. He met her eyes, suddenly feeling sheepish. "Okay, it felt bloody fantastic, is that what you want to hear?"

Ginny grinned and nodded slowly. Harry rolled his eyes and pulled her closer to him.

"So the book, huh? Anything you want me to do differently, then?" he asked playfully. "Maybe I should be the one studying it."

"Well, perhaps we'll do some reading together," she said, winking at him. "They do say that part is sensitive on a girl as well."

He shook his head at her. "Oh, there is nothing I love more than you and that depraved, naughty mind of yours," he said, laughing.

"I think the next time one of us is in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley...I think maybe we should see if there are some...wizard books we can use," Ginny said, her eyes full of delight.

"Hmm," Harry said, not really listening as his fingers lazily started to touch her in between her legs and he gazed down at her body. Her words sunk in and he looked at her. "What do you think would be in one of those wizard books?"

Ginny arched an eyebrow. "Spells, of course. Charms to...change things around, perhaps. I've always wondered if you can somehow use the Wingardium Leviosaspell to actually...you know, float yourself and another person..."

"You. Are. Such. A. Dirty. Girl." Harry kissed her after each word. She rolled closer to him, her legs opening up a bit more. Her skin turned pink as she looked at him.

"And you have a problem with this?" she asked, appearing curious.

Harry shook his head. "I'd be a fool if I said 'yes', wouldn't I? Not to mention the fact that I simply love to lick you clean too much to care." He leaned forward and rolled her back until she was underneath him, and he smiled as he stated kissing his way down the front of her.

"You know, Harry, I really do believe you're getting to be quite...oh, goodness... quite clever..." Her voice trailed off as he reached her middle, parting her legs with his hand, cupping her sex gently as he moved his fingers. She writhed underneath his touch, pushing herself closer to him. He let his fingers trail downwards and suddenly realised he wanted her on her stomach. Harry made her turn over and quite happily kissed his way down her back, loving the small pleasurable noises she made as he moved closer and closer to her backside. He let his hands and mouth tease her and smirked when she opened her legs wider. Her breathing hitched the more he tormented her and he smiled to himself at the reaction he was getting.

Harry finally paused and Ginny turned her head to him, looking at him over her shoulder. Her skin was quite flushed with colour and he smiled happily at her. "It's my turn, Gin. Happy Christmas, my love."

o-o-o-o-o

The next day they woke up early, both of them ready to leave for Lough Gur. They were traveling by Portkey to a special destination where they wouldn't be noticed by Muggles. They were only waiting for Brogan to show up from London and they would be off. Harry smiled at Ginny as she chatted with Mr Cosgrove. He had been so tired and feeling so hopeless before term ended and now he felt a hundred times better. Being with Ginny was...it was exactly what he needed. He watched the way her hair seemed to shine as she moved in between the pockets of light from one of the abbey windows and felt his heart fill. He looked down at himself, wondering if the jumper she'd given him had a mind of its own. He was wearing it and couldn't help but feel happy.

"Earth to Harry?" He looked up and found her in front of him, a smirk on her face as she looked at him.

"Er, sorry. I was just admiring the craftsmanship of this jumper yet again."

Ginny laughed and turned to show him that Brogan had just arrived behind her. The other man nodded at them as he spoke to Mr Cosgrove. "We're leaving in a few minutes," she said excitedly. Harry reached out and put his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.

"Have I told you today how utterly adorable you are?"

Ginny's cheeks turned pink, but she gave him a stern look. "Honestly, Harry. You've just been resting against this wall watching me with the oddest look on your face. Mr Cosgrove is going to start thinking that you've gone daft."

"Nonsense, Ginny. Harry looks like a young man in love. I seem to recall the same expression on myself once upon a time."

They both looked at the abbey owner and he smiled at them. Brogan was transfiguring their gear down so that it was easier to carry.

"Now, my friend Torin is expecting you to arrive in a little while and will be there to pick you up at a designated area near Limerick. He runs a small inn just outside of Lough Gur, for the tourists. He's rather slow this time of year - the weather has been extremely bad - so you, Harry and Brogan have been promised the run of the place." Mr Cosgrove's eyes sparkled as he looked at them and Harry felt the slow heat on his skin, but he was saved from saying anything as Brogan called to them.

"I'm all set in here, if you two are."

They moved into the office, and Harry nodded at Brogan. The other man gave him a small smile and Harry noticed that his eyes, of course, went to Ginny, who was saying something to Mr Cosgrove. Harry didn't feel any jealousy at Brogan's rather unabashed look because he knew he couldn't blame him -a bloke would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to stare at her - and he felt a swell of pride go through him. Ginny's loveliness had seemed to be even more evident to him the last few days and he had figured it was just the after-effect of extremely good shagging and very good engagement-ing. He actually found himself glad that other people noticed her and he was happy that she was his. She turned back around, smiling widely at them both.

"Brogan, you'll have to tell me all about the Yule Ball. Did Hermione and Ron have a nice time? Who did Neville ask? He mentioned someone in his last letter but he wouldn't tell me who... and how was Tonks? Did you see her at all during Christmas? And how was my family? Did Bill go to see Fleur?"

Brogan brought his eyes back to Harry's and they shared a look of amusement. Harry patted Ginny's hand.

"Er, Gin, let's do all that after we get there, okay?"

"Oh, all right. What's the Portkey then?" she said, sounding put-out, and Harry bit back a chuckle.

Brogan held up a small cat figurine. "It's set to go in a moment. Are we all ready?"

They nodded and both reached out to touch the small figure. After a moment, Harry felt the familiar tug around his middle and they were off - heading towards their next adventure.

o-o-o-o-o

Except when they arrived at where the Portkey had transported them, Harry had his doubts as to whether or not it was the right place. It was outside for one, and he immediately inhaled a mouthful of wet snow. Ginny had landed on him with a small 'oomph' and he wrapped his arms around her, protecting her.

"That was a bumpy one," she said after a moment, and they both sat up. Brogan had landed a little bit to their right and was already starting to stand.

"Sorry about that, I didn't realize we'd be landing outside..." He paused as he looked around. "Well, this is...interesting." He looked at them and then used his wand to cast an Impervious Charm to keep the snow from falling on them. Harry immediately felt less wet and cleaned his glasses off quickly. Ginny looked around.

"This is a strange place to land," she said.

Harry realised they were in a small clearing. "Why are we outside?"

"I don't know," Brogan said. "Dylan didn't mention that. He's the one who arranged for the Portkey. Maybe someone is coming to pick us up? It would make sense because the inn we're staying at is for Muggles. They can't have too much magic around it. What's really odd is the fact that it's snowing. It's usually cold here in December but not cold enough for snow."

He flicked his wand and a small bench appeared. They all sat down, looking around for a sign that they were in the right place.

"So...what do you two think of County Limerick so far?" Brogan asked dryly, and Ginny giggled.

"It's very...white."

"And wet and cold," Harry said as he took her hand into his. She smiled at him and Brogan tutted.

"Sorry, here, let me cast a Warming Spell for us."

Harry immediately felt warmer and they chatted briefly before they suddenly heard what sounded like someone coming through the bushes to their right. Brogan and Harry both stood up and took a defensive stance. Harry was pleased to note that Ginny joined them and also had her wand out, clearly prepared for anything.

A head appeared out of one of the less white spots, and Harry realised it was a girl, her head partially covered with a hood - her face broke into a smile when she saw them.

"Aye, father, they're here!" she shouted back over her shoulder. She moved into the clearing and noticed they all had their wands out. She frowned at them. "Are you expecting to do battle?" she asked as she looked at each one of them.

"Sorry, but who are you, exactly?" Brogan asked, sounding perplexed.

"If you put that bloody wand away, I'll tell you," the girl said in what Harry thought was a rather snappy voice, considering they didn't know who she was.

Brogan apparently thought so too, because he didn't put his wand away and only aimed it higher at her. "Right. Don't think so. Where's Mr McNamara?"

"Just behind her, don't worry, lad," a deep voice said to their left, and Harry hadn't even heard the other man making his way through the bushes. He was diminutive and very stout, with a short precise beard, and he surveyed them all with curious eyes, finally smiling at Brogan. "Aye, Brogan Caley, I haven't seen you in a dragon's age. Don't tell me you don't recognize Kath, now? She used to cause you plenty of harm back then, you know."

Harry watched as Brogan turned back to the girl, his eyes widening. His mouth fell open a bit and he blinked at her as she started to grin back at him. "Kath? Is that really..."

"Yes, you sad sod, it's really me. All grown up, see?" She pushed off the hood she was wearing to reveal a lovely head of long and shiny strawberry-blonde hair. Her blue eyes sparkled brightly at Brogan's, reminding Harry of Dumbledore for some reason. She undid the front part of her cloak and twirled around slightly, grinning a bit madly. She put her hand on her hip as she gave Brogan an amused look. "You can't boss me around anymore, either. I'm just as tall as you. And I'm strong, you sorry git, so no more throwing me into the dust bins."

Brogan seemed flustered and his skin was slowly turning as red as Ginny's hair. Harry thought that their time in Limerick had just become more interesting, indeed.

o-o-o-o-o

After a short time of sightseeing around Limerick City - short only because of the snow - they made their way to The Wayfaring Stranger,which was located just outside in the small village of Pallasgreen. It was a nice place, Harry thought, but then he'd never actually stayed in an inn before either. Mr McNamara showed them directly to their room, while his daughter Katharine said something about getting tea ready for them. Brogan seemed a bit preoccupied and just nodded at them as he entered his own room across from theirs.

Harry felt like brushing his teeth, realizing he'd forgotten to do it that morning and as he came back up from the sink, he jumped, startled to see that Ginny was standing right behind him. She smiled at him in the mirror.

"That Katharine girl was interesting, wasn't she?" she asked, her voice carefully devoid of any inflection.

Harry frowned at her and then bent down to spit out again. He turned to look at her. "Whatever you're thinking, Gin, just drop it. Give Brogan some peace."

'What?" she asked innocently. "You have a bit of toothpaste on your chin, love." She smiled and then moved out into the bedroom. Harry washed his mouth clean and then looked at her, resting in the doorway to the loo. He shook his head at her.

"You have to admit it, Harry. He seemed really...shocked at seeing her. I thought he was going to stay permanently red in the face. That's quite a big reaction for him."

Harry admitted to himself that Brogan did seem particularly taken with the girl; he'd also noticed that Brogan hadn't taken his eyes off of her the whole trip to the inn. But he pursed his lips at Ginny. "Yes, which is all the more reason you shouldn't give him a hard time, you know."

Ginny bit her lip and then shrugged. She sat down on the bed and patted it with her hand. She raised an eyebrow at him and then moved to the middle of it. She sat up on her knees, leaning forward. It was a very old-fashioned canopy type of bed, similar to the one at the abbey, but it was smaller and the posts were closer together. Harry watched as Ginny ran her hand along one of them. She grinned widely at him.

"I like the bed. Aren't these posts...just so sturdy and close together? You could almost tie someone up right here..."

Harry grinned back at her and shook his head. "I am not tying you up to that bed, Ginny. I'm fairly certain these rooms aren't very sound-proof and without being able to cast a Silencing Charm..."

Ginny looked put out and then smiled at him. She climbed down off the bed and walked over to him, putting her arms around him. She gave him a skeptical look.

"Now who said anything about me being the one tied up, Harry?"

Harry chuckled and pulled her close to him. "Fair enough. But I'm still not going to do it. We're staying at a friend's inn. Do you really want them to hear us going at it?"

"So we're not going to do anything at all?" Her eyes were wide as she looked at him.

Harry laughed, tightening his hold on her. "I didn't say that, did I? Not to mention I think it'd be impossible for us to actually sleep in the same bed without touching each other. But we'll just have to be...very quiet. I know it'll be tough for you, since I make you lose control so easily..."

Ginny snorted, pushing away from him. A short knock sounded on the door and Harry went to answer it as Ginny started looking around the room. He heard an excited squeak behind him and glanced back to find her standing in front of the cabinet across from the bed. She had just found the television set, apparently. He opened the door, shaking his head.

Brogan smiled. "Sorry to bother you two, but Torin let me know that tea was ready. I thought we could go downstairs together."

Before Harry could answer, he heard Ginny behind him, and turned to see her holding the remote control to the television in her hands, clearly amazed with it. She glanced up at Brogan. "You mean you just don't want to sit down there alone with Kath," she said knowingly. Brogan paled at her words and Harry rolled his eyes. He took the remote out of her hands as she started pushing random buttons.

"Gin, please."

"Why didn't you tell us you'd been here before?" she asked Brogan, ignoring Harry. Harry pushed her gently out of the door and made certain he had the key before closing it.

"Because it was right after my mum died. I was eleven...I stayed here for awhile before going on to live with the family I told you about. Torin was friends with my mum and he's the one who introduced me to Dylan. I don't really think of it too often because I was really miserable while I was here."

They made their way downstairs and found the sitting room empty, but a tray of food was already prepared. They all decided to wait for their hosts, and sat in three large, rather comfortable chairs in front of a cosy fire. The inn had a distinctive Victorian feel to it, and it was odd to Harry to realize he was in an almost purely Muggle area. It had been awhile since he had experienced that. Ginny, of course, seemed fascinated and she kept looking at everything, clearly enjoying herself. She did, however, eventually turn back to Brogan.

"So why were you so horrible to Kath when you were younger?"

"Because I was ten and miserable and she was an annoying nine year old who thought she knew everything."

"Hah! You take that back, Brogan Caley."

The three of them turned to see the woman in question standing in the doorway, and Harry thought she looked rather cross. Brogan started to say something - sounding very flustered - when she sniggered derisively at his expression, coming into the room. She shook her head at him and turned to Harry and Ginny.

"What he doesn't say is that not only was he a bit of a prat, but he skulked around a lot and never said two words to anyone. Even at the age of ten he had a high opinion of himself."

"I did not, Kath...really..." Brogan managed to squeak out, looking embarrassed, and Harry felt bad for him. Kath turned back around and smirked at him, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

"Brogan! You never spoke to anyone unless they spoke to you first. You never played games, and you most certainly didn't bother with me until I bothered you. You preferred to have your nose stuck in a book and you know it. You were a weepy, miserable git. Honestly, I'm surprised you've managed to even do something with yourself and you're not wandering about crying your vale of tears somewhere."

Harry and Ginny both shared a glance, not quite believing what had just happened. Harry watched Brogan's face change from embarrassment to anger and the other man stood up.

"Now wait just one minute, Katharine McNamara, I was eleven years old and my mother had just died. I'm sorry I wasn't quite up to entertaining you, your highness! Did you ever stop to think that I just didn't want anything to do with a wee pest of a girl who loved nothing better than to cause me strife?"

Harry actually thought that Katharine was going to slap him and that Brogan was going to hit her back, when Katharine did the oddest thing...she laughed. Brogan stared at her for a moment and then he too started laughing. Harry and Ginny both watched, utterly confused as the two then fell into each other's arms, hugging. Ginny arched her eyebrow at Harry, clearly as confused as he was.

Brogan caught sight of their expressions and pulled back from Katharine, his cheeks turning red. "Er, sorry you two. Me and Kath have this thing that we do..."

"Yes," Katharine said, turning back around to face them, smiling, all signs of being cross gone. "Only we haven't had a chance to indulge ourselves with the charade quite as often as we used to. It's been a very long time since Brogan has graced us with his presence. The last time was when you were fourteen and I was thirteen, isn't that right?" She smiled gently at him when she said it and there was an honest look of tenderness between them that Harry was surprised to see. He shook his head.

"Well, I'm confused," he said, and Ginny nodded. Brogan sat down again and smiled at them.

"Kath and I were sort of...well, we we're like a very mad pair of brother and sister that fought all the time, that part is true. So true, in fact, that her father locked us away for a whole night, telling us we'd either grow to appreciate each other or he'd be back to pick up our mangled corpses in the morning. We called a truce that evening."

"But we still like to pretend we hate each other," Katharine finished, sitting down on the other side of Ginny. "The second time he came to visit we developed the little play you just witnessed."

"Yes, but I had no idea you were having a go at me until a moment ago," Brogan said chuckling. "You've grown better at pretending, Kath."

"Well, I had to get you back for not recognizing me, didn't I?" she replied, smiling at him.

"Oh, I see," Ginny said, nodding. She looked at Brogan. "So you two are like Ron and Hermione then?"

Brogan's cheeks turned decidedly pink at the implication and he shook his head. "No, not really. I don't think our fighting could be categorized as romantic. Kath really was a pain in my arse and I really was quite miserable while I was here. And I haven't seen her in ages. Not to mention she's never had a lack of admirers, even at the age of thirteen."

Katharine made a disgruntled sound and opened her mouth to reply but her father chose that moment to enter, smiling at them.

"What are you all waiting for? Tuck in, tuck in. Dylan will have me transformed into a toad if he knew I let you starve. Come, come...Katharine, please pour the tea, thank you, my dear."

They happily ate and discovered that the inn was indeed empty except for them. Harry cheerfully noted that information for later and chuckled to himself as Ginny asked all sort of questions - yes, Mr McNamara was a wizard, but he chose to run the inn for Muggles because Katharine's mother had been a squib. Katharine, while she herself was magical as well, had chosen to go to university, studying Muggle art history and music, something which made Brogan quite pleased to hear, Harry noted.

"But don't you miss being in the wizarding world?" Ginny asked Katharine as they all helped themselves to a bit of cake after tea.

Katharine shrugged. "Sometimes. But see, with my Mum being a squib, I learned early on not to take my magical ability for granted. I do plan on working for the Ministry, or perhaps the Wizengamot, one day - I'm very keen on Muggle to Wizard relations. It's terrible what this war has done - bringing up racist allegations and causing perfectly nice wizarding families to be wary of Muggles all over again. We may be a bit out of the main scope of things here in Limerick, but we have our own bad feelings and problems to contend with, rest assured. The Ministry is even keeping an office here, since we've had an upswing of Muggle-baiting lately."

"That's horrible," Ginny said, her voice full of compassion. "My Dad works for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office in London and he's always been very busy, trying to keep our kind from harming Muggles on purpose or playing cruel tricks on them. Of course, the Ministry never cared about my Dad's job enough to actually give him a proper staff. But he used to tell us the most horrible stories."

Katharine nodded. "So you understand a bit of what I mean? The war is horrible, don't get me wrong, but in one way it's been good because some of the people at the Ministry have opened their eyes to what's been going on so rampantly for so long."

Mr McNamara cleared his throat and gave his daughter a patient look. "Kath, dear, they've only just arrived and I am certain they are quite eager to relax a bit before their trip out to the lake tomorrow."

Katharine smiled apologetically at Ginny and Harry. "I'm sorry. I do get a bit long-winded when it comes to this subject." She paused and turned towards Brogan. "You know, Brogan, perhaps you could play a bit of your old guitar for your friends. I've grown quite good on piano, you know."

Brogan looked at Harry and Ginny, quite embarrassed. "Erm, no, not tonight, Kath. Um...I think Harry and Ginny want to relax, like Torin said."

Ginny opened her mouth to reply, but Harry kicked her leg lightly with his foot and she frowned at him. He nodded at Brogan. "We're leaving fairly early tomorrow right, Brogan?" He turned to Ginny, smiling. "You know you're not a great morning person, Gin. Perhaps we should make it an early evening?"

Ginny pursed her lips, but acquiesced and they made their way back up to their room. Brogan stayed behind to talk over the next day's plan with Mr McNamara. Ginny frowned at him from the bed as Harry locked the door to their room.

"Well, I wanted to hear Brogan play…" she said, sounding put out.

"Yes, but I don't think Brogan wanted us to hear a thing." Harry picked up the remote from where he'd set it earlier and tossed it at her. "Come on, don't be cross. See, this way it's just us alone in our room and you can play with all the nice Muggle contraptions."

Ginny smiled and aimed the remote at the television and it flickered into life. Harry watched as her smile grew bigger, a glazed sort of look on her face. He bit back a laugh as she appeared to become transfixed by the screen and realised she'd probably never actually seen a real working television set.

"Harry, this is fascinating. It's just like... moving portraits in a box. Dad used to tell us about this telly...thing...oh, look, some sort of story is starting. Can we watch it?"

"You mean our sex life is over because of television? Just like that? Wow, we're so grown-up."

Ginny giggled and sat back on the bed, smiling widely at him. "Come here, my love."

Harry climbed onto the bed and settled in next to her. They adjusted themselves accordingly, and Ginny rested her head on his chest as she turned up the volume on the set as a couple started dancing.

"I've seen this...I think. It's rather old," Harry said after a moment.

"Is that why there's no colour?" Ginny asked, sounding puzzled.

"Yeah. Muggle pictures before a certain time didn't have colour. Something to do with tubes or film or something."

"They're so clever, you know. Dad really is right about that. This is fantastic. Look, see, Harry, that's how you should dance."

Harry sniggered and looked down at her. "Gin, please. That guy probably took lessons for years or something."

"Hmm. I don't care, it's still romantic. Look at how he holds her like she's as light as a feather."

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Even though I'm a clot, you're just as light and as graceful as that woman is."

Ginny laughed and then turned in his arms, looking up at him. "Thank you, Harry. And you're not a clot. You're quite sure on your feet when you want to be." She leaned forward and kissed him and soon the movie was forgotten as they turned over on the bed. Ginny smiled up at him as he helped her remove her blouse.

"Maybe we should watch telly afterwards..." she said, sounding amused as he started to remove her jeans.

"As always, you're quite brilliant with your ideas," Harry teased, smiling down at her.

"You know, we didn't tell either Brogan or Mr Cosgrove about our engagement," she suddenly said, looking at her hand.

"Did you want to?" Harry asked, moving his hand down the front of her, cupping her breast gently. He lowered the straps of her bra, letting his fingers tease her through the lace.

"I think I want to tell someone," she admitted. Harry brought his focus back up to her face and kissed her softly.

"You can tell me," he said as he pulled back.

Ginny giggled. "You already know, silly."

"Hmm, maybe we should just keep it secret until we can tell your family and Ron and Hermione," Harry said softly, removing his glasses and moving slowly down to her breast, licking his lips. Ginny sighed and he felt her hands in his hair as he slowly closed his mouth around her. He let his fingers stray down the rest of her, caressing her stomach, heading to the place between her legs.

"Mrs Ginny Potter...hmm, no...Mrs Harry Potter...Ginevra Potter...Ginevra Molly Weasley-Potter, hmm I like that sound of...oh, goodness Harry that feels simply..." Her words were lost in a moan as Harry reminded her once again that they both had better things to do with themselves.

o-o-o-o-o

Ginny awoke early the next morning, still a bit bemused to find herself in a Muggle inn. She was used to the candles at the abbey flaring into life for her and fumbled as she tried to turn on the lamp near her side of the bed. Harry made a noise behind her and she felt his arms tighten around her, pulling her closer to him. She smiled and settled back into his arms, sighing. The darkness of the room made her think it was still early and she wanted to know how much time they had to rest under the duvet.

She tried to see if Harry was still wearing his watch or if he had left it on her side of the bed, but of course, it was nowhere to be found. She turned so that she was facing him.

"Harry," she said softly, touching his face to no reaction.

"Harry," she said again, louder this time and moving her hands over him below the covers. He sighed but still didn't stir.

Ginny found what she was looking for and slowly started to make at least one thing on him wake up. Harry moaned softly and then turned so that he was on his back, the duvet falling away until just the sheet remained, now sticking up quite importantly around his middle and she bit back a giggle. She leaned in and whispered naughty words in his ear and licked her way along the side of his jaw, continuing to 'awaken' him. The next time she looked up she saw two very bright green eyes blinking back at her.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his voice sounding husky. Ginny wasn't certain if it was just his morning voice or the effect of her attentions. She slowed down her hand movement, squeezing gently.

"I'm waking you up, you lazy bones."

"Hmm, I don't think lazy quite covers it." He looked down at what she was doing and Ginny pulled the remaining sheet away. She nodded at him.

"No, that's quite an un-lazy reaction, you're right. What are you going to do about it?" she said as she pulled her hand away.

"I have just the thing for it." Harry chuckled and his voice sounded raspy and deep, and she knew it was more than just early morning tiredness. He shifted and she felt his arms around her, pulling her on top of him. She felt him firm against her body and a thrill shot through her.

"What time is it?" she asked as he brought his hands to rest on her arse, nudging her forward slightly.

"Time for a shag?" Harry said, laughing quietly.

"I don't know, do we?" Ginny asked pointedly and he frowned, turning his head to look at the night table. He grabbed his watch and showed it to her, since he couldn't see without his glasses.

"Hmm, it's six in the morning. Funny, I don't feel tired," Ginny said, surprised. She also wondered why she and Harry seemed to have no end to how randy they were lately.

"Then we have time, don't we?" Harry said, bringing her attention back to him. He smiled and took the watch from her hand, putting it back on the table.

"I don't know, do you suppose you can be quiet about it?" Ginny asked, playfully, scooting forward and sitting up, her legs on either side of him. Harry's eyes travelled over her body before settling on her face.

"Me? You're the one that -"

Ginny put her hand over his mouth. "Watch it, Potter, don't make me angry or I'll let you take care of this..." Ginny paused and caressed him again, running her hand slowly up his length. "In a very cold shower." She gave him a serious look as she removed her hand from his mouth.

"You're right, my mistake. You were as quiet as a mouse last night. I'm sure everyone thought it was the wind."

Ginny couldn't resist and grinned down at him. "You know, Harry...you're learning to feign that innocent look rather well. You've been paying attention to Fred and George a bit too much."

Harry smiled and shook his head. "No, just to their little sister."

Ginny laughed out loud and then stopped, covering her own mouth with her hand. Harry winked at her knowingly and then moved so that they were positioned correctly.

"All right, I'll do what I can to be quiet," he whispered, his eyes clearly challenging her to do the same. "But if you lose you have to be my slave for the rest of the day." He gave her a cheeky smile as he started to move his hands lower and lower. She leaned forward to give him room; they had already discovered that what felt good on one of them, felt good on the other.

Before giving in to the desire he was already starting with his touches, Ginny felt what could only be described as Weasley-stubbornness go through her. But she knew this was one challenge she wasn't going to lose, no matter what he did to her.

o-o-o-o-o

Afterwards, they showered and still made it downstairs before anyone else. The sitting room was set with food again, and Ginny made a direct path to the coffee and tea while Harry went for the food. She smirked at him as she realised the back of his neck was still wet - the ends of his hair curling against his skin. She put down her cup and went to him, standing on her tiptoes and kissed the back of his neck. He made a sound as though disgusted and turned to look at her.

"What's the big idea?" he asked, rubbing at his neck.

"You were wet. I wanted to taste you," she said, shrugging. Harry grinned at her.

"Yeah, I think I know how that goes," he said in a low voice and she giggled, feeling her skin heat. "Pour me a cup of coffee, please and I'll fix a plate for you," he said, nodding towards the food. "Being your slave was part of the agreement, wasn't it? For losing to the Quietest Shagging Witch in the World?"

Ginny smiled cheekily at him. "Well, make certain that you fix it properly with all my favorites. I'm starving. Seems I worked up an appetite this morning." She patted her stomach, and Harry rolled his eyes as he turned to grab another plate for her. They arranged themselves at the table that was now set where the chairs from the day before had been and happily ate in silence for a little while. Ginny stopped to watch Harry, feeling a warm sort of happiness go through her, wanting to reach out and muss up his hair with her fingers. He eventually noticed her look and put his fork down.

"Now what?"

"Nothing. It's just...don't you feel...well...I feel like I can't get enough of you for some reason. It's...more than just how it is normally. I just want to keep touching you." She reached out and brushed the fringe away from his forehead.

Harry nodded and gave her a tender look. "Yeah, I know what you mean. And it's more than us just finding new ways to push each other's buttons." He paused and flashed her a rakish grin, but then sobered. "Perhaps it's an after-effect of getting engaged? Aren't couples who get engaged supposed to shag all the time or something?"

"Who's getting engaged?" Brogan's voice startled them from the opened doors and they looked at each other guiltily, both of their faces turning red. Oh, just great, thought Ginny, so much for keepingthata secret from non-family members.

"Erm, no one," Harry started but Ginny shook her head. It was useless to not admit to it. She looked at Brogan.

"Harry and I. We're...well, he asked, and I said yes, and now...we're, you know, engaged." She held up her hand to reveal the ring.

"But we're not getting married until after Ginny's out of school," Harry said quickly, as though afraid Brogan would bring that up as an arguing point.

Brogan looked at the both of them, his eyes going from hers to Harry's and then back to hers again. He gave them a smile that was hard to read. He sat down next to Harry and shook his head at them.

"That's brilliant... that's fantastic, actually. I thought something was going on but... I just thought it was the holiday or your excitement at being near Lough Gur. I'm really happy for you two. I mean, I know as the older person here I should probably lecture you about being too young but...you two...well, you definitely know what you're doing. And you know what's important. Congratulations."

"What do you mean you thought something was going on?"

Brogan chuckled and patted Harry on the back. "Because, mate, you two are as easy to read as an open book, and that's without my internal knowledge," he said, tapping his head. He gave them both a big smile. "Honestly, you two, I really mean it. I'm happy for you both. Of course, since you two are joined at the hip anyway, I reckon it's not that big a deal."

Ginny grinned and nodded. "No, it doesn't really change that -"

Harry interrupted. "But it does," he said, catching her eye. "It's official. It's huge, this thing on your finger." He lifted her hand up and held it. "I may be thick about some things, but I know that making a formal commitment does change something."

Ginny blinked at Harry, surprised by the depth of feeling behind his words. "You've thought a lot about this, haven't you?"

Brogan answered for him. "Every bloke thinks a lot about it when the time comes, I gather. But I think we're victim of thinking more about it after the question's already been asked and the girl in question actually agrees to marry our sorry arses. At least, that's what I've been told by others."

Ginny looked at Harry, as his skin turned pink. He scowled at Brogan and then smiled at her, shrugging.

"Well, anyway," Ginny continued, releasing Harry's hand and picking up her fork again. "We're still trying to just tell family members and people who are really close to us and no one else." She realised how that sounded and looked apologetically at Brogan. "I'm sorry; I don't mean that you're not -"

Brogan shook his head and held up his hand. "No, it's fine. I'm sorry I overheard your conversation. You should tell your nearest and dearest first. It's only right."

But Ginny wanted to make certain he understood her. "No, Brogan, you are close to us. It's just..."

"We sort of wanted to tell Ron and Hermione before any one else," Harry finished for her.

Brogan nodded. "That's understandable; they're your best mates and Ron's your brother, Ginny."

They were soon joined by Torin and Katharine, who looked a bit bedraggled and disagreeable. But she brightened after she'd had second cup of coffee. Torin filled them in on the weather conditions.

"It's supposed to be cold, but no snow for the first time in days. You two came at the right time. I've arranged for you to have a car, though, so Brogan shouldn't have any trouble. There is a visitor centre at the lake now, but you shouldn't see anyone there. It's been closed due to this nasty white stuff that's been pouring over us. It's bad for business all around. I don't suggest trying to get to Black Castle until you know the road over to the island is secure; you may want to give that trip another day."

Ginny frowned, disappointed. She wanted to see Lough Gur, but she really wanted to see the castle, for some reason.

"Oh, and this came for you, from Dylan." He held out a small envelope that Ginny could see had her and Harry's names on it, written in Hermione's neat handwriting. She eagerly reached out for it as Harry smirked at her.

"What?" she asked, seeing his amusement.

"Nothing. Are you going to read that now?" he asked as she played with the seal on the back of the envelope. "I mean, reading at the table, Gin...and before you've finished eating, too."

"Oh, shut up, Harry," Ginny said, getting his point. She slipped the envelope into her jeans pocket. "Fine, I'll read it on the way to Lough Gur. How far is it again, Brogan?"

"Just an easy drive, but the weather might make it longer than usual." He turned to Katharine. "Are you going with us, Kath?"

She gave him a small smile. "No, unfortunately, I need to go into Limerick for a few items while this weather is clear. If you don't manage to get to the castle today, I'll be more than happy to go back out with you tomorrow." She smiled at Ginny. "I'm actually rather keen to see that place myself."

"You've never seen it?" Ginny asked, surprised.

Kath shook her head. "Not up close. It's a very odd castle; most locals leave it alone. I reckon that sort of rubbed off on me. Da's been before though, haven't you?" she said, turning to her father. He nodded.

"Yes, a few times. Never saw anything remotely interesting. Of course, there was that one time me and old McShaney swore we saw the Earl of Desmond himself riding around the lake on that silver horse of his..."

Katharine made a snorting noise and leaned across Brogan to explain to Harry and Ginny. "Argyle McShaney is my Da's er...drinking partner -"

"Kath," her father interrupted, his voice holding a note of reproach. She turned and put a placating hand on her father's arm, but not before sharing a glance with Brogan.

"Er, right, Argyle and Dad, they like to um...create new...elixirs...I believe is what you call it, right Da?"

Torin nodded his head, clearly pleased with that interpretation. Kath smiled at Harry and Ginny. "Anyway, they went out one night, after both having tried a particularly potent...creation, and they claim the Earl himself was there having his turn around the lake. My Da and McShaney are the only wizard-types around these parts to actually claim they've seen his apparition; mostly it's just Muggles who see him. But you know all about the Earl, of course."

Ginny nodded, but Harry frowned. "Wasn't he the one they said was supposed to visit the lake every seven years or something until Aine returned?"

Kath nodded. "Aye. Gearoid Iarla himself."

Harry smiled widely at Ginny, as though pleased he'd remembered it correctly. She shook her head at him. She focused on Katharine again.

"Was the second Earl her son? Some of the legends...they're sort of unclear on that point."

It was Brogan that spoke next. "He was her son. He was known as 'The Magician' in Muggle circles. And we've spoken before about Aine's son and the circumstances surrounding his birth."

"There's a dolmen located on that island," Mr McNamara shared, causing them all to look at him. "Where Black Castle is. Most people believe it to be Iarla's resting place. That is, if you believe he's dead to begin with."

Katharine chuckled. "Of course, he's dead. Even for one of our kind...he would have to be near five hundred years old, wouldn't he?"

"He didn't know anyone named Nicolas Flamel, did he?" Harry asked, his mouth twitching. Everyone but Ginny gave him a blank look. His cheeks turned pink. "Er, sorry, long story. But what exactly is a dolmen, again?"

"You've read about the stones of Lough Gur, right?" Brogan asked and Harry nodded. "Well, a dolmen is similar in that it is two massive long tables of stone - usually limestone - and they're fixed upright so they're parallel to each other. They rest over a capstone. They're usually on top of burial mounds or chambers."

"Are there any dolmens near or in the Grange circle?" Ginny asked, a prickly feeling starting at the base of her neck.

Brogan shook his head. "No, not technically, not anymore. There are burial mounds, but the stones are all set in a very specific pattern."

They continued talking for a little while, finishing their breakfast, and Ginny couldn't wait to get started. Something was telling her...no, calling her...to Lough Gur. Perhaps it was just finally seeing what she'd been reading about for so long...or maybe it was just that someone wanted her to finally arrive.

o-o-o-o-o