Harry was met with a chorus of exclamation when people saw him enter the kitchen with Ginny… Hermione was so eager that Harry almost lost his footing, only staying upright because Ginny braced him from the back.

"Hermione, I'm alright!" Said Harry exasperated.

"Oh Harry, I—we—everyone was so worried! You just collapsed so suddenly! How do you feel? You must be starving— "

"Take a breath Mione." Said Ron calmly. "You did scare us all though mate." The relief on Ron's face was obvious as he hugged Harry. "I'm done complaining about you and Ginny." He whispered sympathetically. "She was more depressed than I've ever seen her, didn't leave your side for anything except the loo. We had to remind her to eat and wash up, she was a sorry sight."

"I know the feeling, waiting for you to come back was hell Ron." Whispered Hermione somberly.

Mrs Weasley was next, her expression brisk. "Harry dear, you must be starving, a good portion of food is gone—a lot of people you know. I'll make more right now!"

Harry made to protest but Molly wouldn't hear it and steered Harry to a seat at the table, before cooking again… He avoided questions about his 10-day coma as he ate. It was admittedly the most he'd ever eaten in one sitting, more than even Ron usually had. Ginny didn't touch her food, she was looking at Harry with an emotional expression…

Arthur spoke quietly. "Kingsley will be glad your awake Harry, he's circulating that you took a vacation, he didn't give a specific place which annoyed reporters. You should see the headlines." He chuckled with amusement. "You're the boy who vanished now."

"I wish I could vanish honestly, but Kingsley deserves more cooperation from me—us."

Mr. Weasley shrugged warily. "Give an inch they'll want a mile, not so much Kingsley but the press and the public. When you surface it will be hectic, go at your own pace."

Harry shrugged back. "It's not fair to keep putting him off, and I have to smooth things over with the Goblin's or I won't be able to get to my vault when we get ready to go back to Hogwarts."

"I wish you would finish your education Ron." Said his mother bluntly.

"I was never great at school Mum; Hermione is the only reason I have any brains at all." Said Ron bluntly.

"Oh will you stop dismissing yourself." Said Hermione reprovingly. "You have all the brains in the world and I know you'll throw yourself into Auror training because you passed practical exams for Charms, Transfiguration and Defense easily, you just don't like schoolwork. A real world environment is where you function best." She held his gaze intently. "I have complete faith in you."

"Will you be alright going back?" Asked Ron quietly.

Yes, mostly. Harry and Ginny are going to be there. There's one thing that's really stupid… I," She led him away from the table and dropped her voice to a whisper. "I can't shower."

"Did you hurt yourself or something?" Asked Ron raising his eyebrows in concern.

"No, I mean I can't handle being in the shower. Something about it triggers my…" She trailed in off embarrassment.

"How have you been staying clean?" Asked Ron curiously.

Hermione focused intently on her feet now, an embarrassed. "I use the pond not far from here, usually very early. I've tried using a shower since the first night I was hysterical but…" She took a breath quite exasperated. "I feel like a coward, but something about the vulnerability or closed space or maybe just the fact that someone could sneak up on me… Or I could crack again, like I did that night…" Hermione felt her voice quiver with fear. "I hate her Ron, I hate what she's done to me!"

"Hey, shh you'll be alright." He said reassuringly.

She began to cry now. "What am I going to do Ron! It's not like I can bathe in the lake on the Hogwarts grounds the giant squid is there and people would see me."

"Don't worry about that now. You're not there yet so worrying won't do any good." He stroked her hair gently.

"I'm not brave right now. How many people do you know who are afraid to use the shower?" She was downcast.

He hugged her tightly. "I know that people who get tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange are not as lucky as you were, their minds usually shatter completely… You have nothing to be ashamed about Hermione."

"I'll be glad when we've all become Animagus." Hermione said, with a heavy sigh, she went back to the table.

After a few minutes contemplation, Ron pulled Ginny aside. "What is it?" She asked quietly.

He looked subdued. "Um can you stick with Hermione and Harry this year at Hogwarts." He sighed heavily.

"That's a given Ron, there's something you aren't saying… What is it?" Ginny asked quietly her face showing concern.

"It's Hermione, she…" He trailed off took another breath and told his sister what he'd learned moments ago.

Ginny reassured her brother with a hug. "I'll make sure I stay with her while she's showering, I'll just conjure a barrier of some kind and stand on one side while she showers or something."

"I reckon she might be claustrophobic." Said Ron cautiously.

"I'll figure something out Ron, don't worry okay." Said Ginny reassuringly. "Your right, considering that it was Bellatrix it's nothing to be ashamed of… Hermione is doing quite well."

"Thanks sis." Said Ron gratefully.

After breakfast Ginny and Harry retreated to her room, making sure it was warded for privacy. Harry wrapped his arms around her and met her gaze.

"What's wrong?" Asked Harry gently.

"Nothing." She said evenly.

He shook his head. "You've been looking at me funny all morning."

Her stoic expression faltered to a frown. "I thought I lost you again…" Ginny felt her voice break slightly now. "I can handle you feeling guilty or angry, and I can even handle that you think you are supposed to suffer, but I can't handle you not being around, I really can't."

"I didn't mean to make you worry again." He said in apology. "I swear I heard voices calling out to me." Said Harry hazily.

"I was talking to you, and so was your mother. Your Mum said you never wandered into limbo." Said Ginny gently.

"My Mum stayed with you then." Said Harry kindly.

"Yes, I'm thankful she's with me. I don't think I could have made it through otherwise." Ginny smiled with solace.

"Ten days in a coma, I'm sure people were asking about me even if Kingsley did run interference." Said Harry predictably.

"Dudley asked about you when we went to confront your Aunt and Uncle the day you fell into the coma." She said quite casually.

"Why would you be confronting them?" Asked Harry both shocked and confused. "I didn't even realize that they had come out of hiding."

"Yes there back at Privet Drive…" She wore her trademark hard-blazing look at his dismissiveness. "You're kidding right? You might be used to dismissing your Aunt and Uncle's treatment of you but we weren't going to let them escape accountability."

"Did you turn them into pigs or something? What do you mean we?" Asked Harry flummoxed.

"Me, Hermione, and your Mum. We paid a visit to your Aunt and Uncle. Hermione used Legilimency on her to make her feel several of your childhood memories, it didn't do much for her empathy, Dudley seems to care about you, enough to wonder how you were doing anyway. He seems curious about magic too." She said all this quite restrained.

There was a lingering silence while Harry absorbed this information, sitting down on Ginny's bed.

"Hermione is learning Legilimency and saw my childhood memories by accident the day I broke my hand didn't she?" Said Harry anxiously.

"Don't take this the wrong way Harry but you're about as bad at keeping your mind calm as I am at writing poetry." She gave a thin smile. "I don't reckon that it's much of a stretch to think Hermione would have easy access to it with your emotions on overdrive lately."

He nodded agreement and then moved onto other things he was confused about. "Hang on, you said my Mum was there too… How? Conjuring your Patronus would have just scared them all."

"Uh, I should just show you." She said vaguely.

Ginny closed her eyes for several seconds, Harry narrowed his eyes in confusion and then they widened seeing the golden magical light that accompanied both of her eyes now.

"Ginny?" Said Harry uncertainly. Lilly was smiling it was softer and yet full of emotion. "She is in here with me."

"Mum?" Said Harry in a small childish whisper of amazement.

"Hello sweetheart." Said Lilly gently.

"You're… Alive?" Said Harry astonished, his voice had somehow devolved to being six years old again…

"No magic can raise dead witches or wizards to our bodies… I, exist but I don't think I can say that I am alive…" Lilly corrected him calmly.

Harry was suddenly adamant. "You are to me and I never thought… Mum!" Harry launched himself at his mother and she hugged him tightly.

Harry knew she was acting through Ginny but he did not care, it didn't feel like he was hugging Ginny at all just now… He was hugging his Mum. Without warning his eyes became wet and tears fell silently from them.

"I was worried this would overwhelm you my brave boy but you need not cry." Said Lilly soothingly.

"Mum, this is the first time I've cried from being happy." Said Harry quietly, increasingly oblivious to the fact that his mother was simply sharing Ginny's body.

"I'm sorry you haven't had a better life Harry, sometimes there's part of me that wishes I would have listened to Petunia and fled with you and your father from the magical world." She stroked the back of his head consolingly.

"She wanted you to do that?" Harry asked in surprise. He'd pulled out of the hug now.

"Yes I told her about the prophecy and she clearly hated that I didn't flee, but I never thought she would carry her hatred for you too." Lilly sighed. "I had to find out why and it turns out she hated me because she still loved me and from her point of view I wasn't selfish enough to abandon the war and run with my family."

"I see her point of view." Said Harry surprising himself.

Lilly nodded in agreement. "But I wouldn't leave your father and he would never abandon his friends." She said adamantly.

"Is it it wrong of me to wish that you had?" Said Harry so quietly he was clearly ashamed at the thought. Tears sliding down his face.

Lilly held his cheek with one hand extremely empathetic. "Harry it's human to want your parents alive when you never knew us."

"I can guess there's a but coming though?" Said Harry feeling subdued.

Lilly smiled sadly now, her hand moving to rest atop his head. "I don't think it would have made a difference Harry, Voldemort would have gone to the ends of the earth to kill you and I still would have thrown myself between you." She kissed his forehead.

"I wish you would have survived, dad too." Said Harry quietly.

"We were not meant to survive Harry." Said Lilly calmly.

"But, I needed you!" Said Harry anxiously. "To tuck me in and be there when I'm scared and teach me about girls and, love me…" The last two words were accompanied with more tears.

Lilly hugged her son again, her voice consoling in his ear. "I— we, do love you Harry, you know that, as for the rest of it, I can do all those things and more as I am now."

"It's not the same!" There was exasperation in his voice now.

"I know but I am here nonetheless, ask me what you will. Said Lilly encouragingly.

Harry pulled back again. He was curious about something and surprised he was willing to ask about it.

"Um, well… When Ginny and I are together… Can you and dad can you tell?" He had a sheepish look on his face.

"Yes, we can tell." Harry flushed with embarrassment. "But," She added quickly seeing his face, "I promise we are not prying so to speak… When you are together it allows us to be with each other too. We share your souls and essentially body after all, it's just that we are passive on most occasions." Said Lilly gently.

"I'm glad." Said Harry with a smile. "Listen Mum, I… I am worried about having sex, it is terrifying to be that vulnerable. I don't know how to handle it." Harry was surprised that he was willing to discuss this topic with his mother especially considering the means of her physical existence.

Lilly must have sensed this because her expression was quizzical. "Wouldn't you rather consult your father to discuss this?"

"I'm not sure that he would take it seriously." Admitted Harry with amusement on his face.

Lilly chuckled in agreement. "Yes, he would probably find a little too much humor in this conversation."

Harry nodded. "Exactly, I need serious advice, not jokes."

"I will answer your questions as plainly as I can." She assured him.

"Is it normal to feel so overwhelmed? I'm more comfortable fighting Death Eaters and Voldemort than I am being vulnerable and this…" He trailed off dejectedly.

Lilly was calm and blunt. "Sex is automatically vulnerable Harry, it's the most vulnerable thing people engage in together and even more so when you're young, not that I was really an adult, 21 is still extremely young to die." She continued sympathetically. "You, are already not used to being vulnerable… I can imagine sex and any related intimacy would be incredibly difficult for you given you did not receive even the most basic affection as a child and were hated by your only other blood family."

Harry bowed his head. "I wish people would stop with that excuse."

Lilly raised his head with a stern expression. "It's fact Harry, and if you continue to ignore and dismiss how much you have had to cope with during your short lifetime it will only hold you back. You need to accept it, all of it."

"I just don't understand what that has to do with this conversation." He said blankly.

Lilly was extremely blunt now. "Everything… I just told you that sex is the most vulnerable thing people engage in… Giving your heart and body to Ginny, opening yourself up to her emotionally and physically when you have rightfully closed yourself off your entire life is a very big thing."

"The last thing I want is to let Ginny down." Said Harry anxiously.

Lilly wasn't pleased with this mindset and continued much more pointedly. "You must stop thinking of it like it's a test that must be passed, sex should not be treated that way."

"I can't help it. Ginny deserves the best of everything, especially this and if I am rubbish then…" Harry trailed off subdued.

Lilly parsed her son's thoughts her face turned melancholy. "Either you do not feel your love for her is worthy compared to her love for you, or… You are intimidated by the fact that she knows much more about sexual activities because of being forced into Tom Riddle's sexual memories. Which is it?" Asked Lilly calmly.

"I don't know, I just feel so…"

"Far behind." It wasn't a question. Harry nodded. "Is it because you don't know the details?" Asked Lilly delicately.

"Err, I know what goes where but that's about it… Honestly girls seem so complicated complicated." Said Harry further surprised that he was getting through this conversation with minimal embarrassment.

Lilly nodded with a look of understanding. "The vulva is quite complicated, but to be honest it goes both ways." At his confusion she clarified. "Oh you were probably thinking it's called vagina, not true, that's just the entrance. The whole thing is called the vulva. Anyway the specific parts are more intimidating than the unified act because you spend more time building up to that anyway."

"What does that mean?"

She finished quite calmly. "It means that you will get a lot experience when you start having sex together, which really is the best teacher... You know, I'm surprised that you would want to ask me about girls most son's wouldn't do that."

Harry shrugged. "Most son's grew up with their mother's, take them for granted… I'd have given anything to talk to you about girls growing up. Maybe I wouldn't be such a prude around them then." He said dully.

Lilly shrugged dismissively. "Harry, even girls don't completely understand all that we are, but you clearly have specific questions which I can answer. What do you want to know?" Asked Lilly expectantly.

"What are the most important things to remember?" He asked anxiously.

"Be gentle, and attentive, it can be easy to get carried away the first time and sex is painful for us the first time or two because it does tear vaginal tissue."

"So, I'll be tearing her skin? Said Harry in alarm.

Lilly calmed the startled look on Harry's face. "It's not as bad as it sounds, just start slow and wait for her to say something before you keep going, communicating is very important during sex no matter what you're doing together." Said Lilly calmly.

"Ginny said there's more than one type of sex?" Asked Harry uncertainly.

"There is but they should not be ventured into unless you and Ginny both feel comfortable." Said Lilly seriously.

"Is it supposed to be so nerve wracking?" Said Harry anxiously.

Lilly tempered her son's anxiety. "Harry, everyone has a rough first time or two, in the beginning the physical part of sex is not nearly as important as the emotional connection it creates, especially for women." She continued calmly. "I'm certain that's what Ginny cares about most."

"I'm lousy with emotions." Said Harry now downcast.

Lilly held Harry's shoulders with an imploring tone that was quite serious. "Sweetheart, don't be afraid of having sex just because you struggle with being vulnerable. Remember the only thing people have to fear is fear itself. If you continue living like that then Voldemort wins even in death."

"Did you just give me permission?" Asked Harry.

She smiled dismissively. "You don't need my permission to have sex Harry you are of age. Besides, I am not physically alive, only my consciousness and memories are…" But I would like grandchildren and so would your father, I'm sure." She had a thoughtful expression at the possibility.

"I'm glad you're both around at all." Said Harry emotionally.

"I am too Harry, can you promise me something?" She looked very serious.

"What?" He asked curiously.

Lilly smiled holding his shoulders again. "Lose yourself in falling in love with Ginny. Let her help you adjust to normal life, normal things, being a couple…" She was blunt as Harry opened his mouth to speak. "Yes, that includes having sex, it is a natural part of relationships and while it's true that she knows more than you, the experiences are going to be new to both of you. Don't keep thinking yourself unworthy of Ginny or she will start hexing you until you understand that you are." Said Lilly advisably. She gauged her son's expression which was worrisome. "What's the matter?"

Harry scratched his head nervously. "Well Hermione told me once that Muggles get formal education about, about puberty and stuff."

"Yes, sadly this seems to have been entirely overlooked by magical schools… I'm sure she can help you find books about it all." Said Lilly encouragingly.

"She has helped me with girls several times already." Said Harry shrugging.

"I don't know why you are self conscious about getting this information from your girlfriend." Said Lilly thoughtfully.

Harry was defensive now. "Maybe because I want her to know I know at least the general idea before we are together."

"Discovering sex can be enjoyable if you don't worry about it." Said Lilly nonchalantly.

"Err I'll keep that in mind, just don't start talking about you and dad shagging, please." Said Harry awkwardly.

"How do you think you got here." Lilly reminded him with a rhetorical smile.

"You don't beat around the bush at all." Harry shook his head in amusement before he turned serious once again. " The point is, I already don't know much about girls… Sex is just… I can't be that vulnerable, she deserves someone that can, and knows what they're doing." He said insistently.

Lilly sighed and spoke bluntly again. "Harry, she wants you! That trumps wether or not you think you deserve her. As for sex itself, nobody knows everything about it before their first time, there's no reason to put so much pressure on yourself."

He sighed. "It's really hard not to because I haven't done anything more than kiss one other girl, a dumb crush… I'm so stupid about girls Mum. You have no idea." He finished dully.

"You get that from your father Harry, he was an arrogant toe-rag for most of his teens. At least you don't have that particular problem." Said Lilly suppressing a grin.

"Yeah I know I have seen a few memories… The difference1 is I'm just a stupid prude." Said Harry dejectedly.

Lilly frowned at her son's self critical words. "I know about Cho Chang, albeit from Ginny's perspective." Said Lilly sympathetically.

"Then you know she was a waste of time. Ginny was right in front of my face and I didn't notice for years…" He stared aimlessly.

Lilly was blunt and constructive. "All relationships matter Harry, none are a waste of time even if they end badly it informs what we want and don't want in a mate." She continued quite reassuringly. "And you noticed Ginny more than anyone else… Every fleeting look, every lingering gaze, every moment big and small that you have shared since the day you met. Ginny is everything I hoped for you and more…" Lilly gave Harry a long look of approval.

"Isn't that biased coming from you? I mean you could be her older cousin and your personality is pretty much the same." Said Harry thoughtfully.

Lilly was was blunt again. "Our similarities may or may not be fate at work but it doesn't matter. Harry... Ginny's love for you is what true devotion looks like, what Shakespeare wrote of love… It never alters, staying true even to the edge of doom."

Harry sighed. "I still can't understand how much both love me. I can appreciate it and I'm grateful but I really don't think I will ever understand…" Said Harry emotionally.

"You are afraid of living, of building a happy life…" Said Lilly looking at her son with a penetrating, melancholy expression…

"I'm not— " Harry stammered defensively.

Lilly abruptly talked over him."Oh yes you are, you constantly dismiss your suffering as normal when it is not at all, and normal is something you are afraid of because it could be taken away from you, it has been taken away from you your entire life." Said Lilly as she waited for his denial to fall away.

He nodded slowly his eyes watering slowly. "Whenever I am really happy, something terrible happens." Said Harry factually.

Lilly held her son's cheek consolingly. "I think you'll find Voldemort's defeat will change that but you have to be willing to embrace it, to truly accept taking the bad with the good over the rest of your life."

"I am trying Mum." Said Harry somberly.

Lilly gave him acknowledging smile. "I know, don't stop trying… Ginny isn't going anywhere, and your father and I haven't ever really been gone." She hugged Harry tightly stroking the back of his head as a mother would in calming their children. "We have always lived as part of you. It's why we know about your life… Only now that is much more concrete because of our reincarnation… Now," Said Lilly calmly. "I think I've borrowed Ginny long enough."

He pulled back again. "If I want to see you like this again?" He asked quietly, the tone of his voice said he was afraid that she would disappear.

"Ginny is a very willing vessel, you need only ask." Said Lilly gently.

Harry nodded and took a deep breath with his eyes closed, when he opened them again, Ginny was back again…

"I figured you would want to spend time with her." Said Ginny quietly.

"You do that after the diary… I feel like thank you isn't enough to say." Said Harry emotionally.

"Oh, your Mum's soul sharing my body is nothing like the Horcrux." Ginny assured him. "That I was a hostage… This is like I'm the passenger while she drives." Said Ginny thoughtfully.

"So you heard everything?" Asked Harry uncertainly.

"Yes, lack of privacy comes with having our souls joined together but it's fine ." Ginny said with a relaxed smile.

"I never thought I'd get the chance to spend time with her, I know it's stupid but I felt like I was hugging my Mum…" He choked back a sob.

"It's not stupid Harry." Said Ginny softly.

"What else happened while I was comatose?" He asked quickly composing himself.

Ginny took a deep breath and spoke quickly. "Hermione modified your Aunt and uncle's memory to forget about magic. She almost erased you and Lilly, but didn't want to let them off that easy." Ginny exhaled sharply, gauging his reaction.

"So they don't remember magic at all then." Said Harry indifferently.

"Nope, and they think your parents died in a car crash." Said Ginny nonchalantly.

"That's what they told me when I was younger." Said Harry quietly.

"Figures!" Ginny said disgusted. "I'm sorry Harry, for those two git's, at least Dudley is a reformed git."

"I'm sorry." He said apologetically.

"What for?" Said Ginny confused.

"You must think I have an unhealthy attachment to my Mum." He said slumping his shoulders subdued.

"An unhealthy attachment to your— Harry, you never even knew your mother!" Said Ginny in sympathetic exasperation. She chuckled lightly. "I know a lot of women complain about that of their boyfriends but I don't think that's fair of me when your Mum's been dead your whole life and suddenly appears again as a conscious reincarnated soul." When Harry shrugged this off Ginny sighed and shook her head. "Don't even Harry, I don't mind taking a back seat to your mother when you want to spend time with her, time you never had that most kids—myself included, take for granted." She dropped her head on his shoulder her voice quiet. "Only an absolute git would complain about this." Said Ginny bluntly. "Being her vessel is not that inconvenient really, I still have my freedom." Ginny reassured him with a smile.

Harry squeezed Ginny's hand. "What else did I miss?"

Luna finished her flowerbed a few days ago, tried to get me to come see it but I wasn't doing anything unnecessary until you were awake." She sighed. "Tonk's and Lupin's funeral, is tomorrow, in Godric's Hollow. That's where they were going to live before…" Ginny stopped, watched Harry cautiously.

Harry sighed deeply. "Tomorrow and in Godric's Hollow huh?"

"Are you going to be okay?" She asked masking her fear.

"I'm not going to collapse again if that's what you mean." Said Harry reassuringly.

"How are you feeling?" She asked gently.

"Tired…" Said Harry truthfully.

"You haven't been awake for ten days, that's understandable." She nodded with a small smile.

Ginny pushed Harry gently down, so they were laying on her bed and with a hand on his cheek, kissed him tenderly…

She noted the anxiousness on Harry's face as she pulled away. "What's wrong?"

"I'm scared of being happy, of life… Mum helped me realize that, but now I don't know how to handle it… I can't…lose you." The words came out slowly and painfully, it was clear admitting this hurt overwhelmingly.

"I knew lack of knowledge and the experience wasn't what has you so hesitant about our would-be sexual relationship." She gave him a sad smile. Harry raised his eyebrows blankly. "If you let yourself go there, it will hurt that much more if something happens to me."

"What gave me away? Harry was looking very subdued now.

Ginny smiled very small looking at him rather bluntly. "You are too quick a learner to be nervous about stuff you don't know, and my body is no exception." They blushed a little. She continued seriously. "But really Harry, you have guarded your heart for so long that to be loved in that way and to love me back like that, you have so much more to lose and that terrifies you. "

"How do you always know?" He sighed not even putting up a denial.

"As much as I would love to say I figured it out myself," She placed a hand against his heart, "You are Lilly's son, and not even death stops her from knowing exactly how you are." Ginny laid her head on his chest her voice held sadness now. "I guessed you were afraid of losing me, that you feel like you don't deserve real happiness… But it was easier to believe that I was the problem or that you were just extremely shy. If it was the first thing, I could just change myself to fit what you wanted; the second thing is at least a little true and nothing that a little exposure therapy can't cure." She paused taking his left hand in hers and interlocking their fingers together. Her voice was tinged with desperation. "But how do I help a boy who is afraid to be happy, how do I help you overcome your well-earned fear of loss and live for the future."

"Something I have been trying to do for ages." Said Harry quietly.

"You need to feel what I feel for you I reckon, and I'm working on making that happen." Said Ginny calmly.

"It would help if I would cooperate." Sighed Harry.

She lifted her head and smiled at him. "I wasn't talking about our steadily increasing intimacy, but the progress towards shagging has been nice." Ginny reassured him sweetly.

"What were you talking about then?" Asked Harry curiously stroking her hair.

Ginny shook her head meeting his eyes deviously. "Just an idea I had but I'm not about to spill my plans to you. Though I will let you mull over a hint. "Let's just say you'll see yourself how I see you if I'm successful. Thankfully my teacher is very good."

"What are you up to Gin?" He pressed on anxiously.

"Nope, that's all you get from me." She said firmly. "Now, how do you suppose being Animagus will affect James and Lilly since our souls are joined with theirs?" Ginny asked changing subjects to something she was honestly curious about.

"I reckon it'll be the same honestly, except we're animals. But you can't predict new magic so we will just have to see once we've achieved the transformation." Said Harry rationally. He felt himself yawn. "I really am knackered…"

Harry was frustrated that he was this tired… Hadn't he just spent ten days sleeping?

"I'll stay with you, a nap without having to worry seems perfect." Ginny yawned too apparently catching Harry's and they soon dozed off together.

Waking up sometime later, Harry and Ginny decided to visit Luna's finished flowerbed. It was not an exaggeration that her house was completely gone. The flowerbed that replaced it however, was beautiful, and both Harry and Ginny gasped at the expanse of it…

"Oh wow!" Said Ginny mesmerized.

"Blimey Luna really knows how to garden." Said Harry in awe, sounding very similar to Ron's typically obvious remarks.

"Ohh Harry, your awake!" Said Luna popping up excitedly from within a cluster of flowers. "Thank goodness." She ran to both and hugged them tightly.

"Hi Luna," They said feeling a bit awkward at the joint hug. Ginny's attention was still on the flowerbed." Won't walking on these hurt them?"

"Oh, no I used magic to keep them safe from people's feet." Luna assured them happily.

"You can feel the positive energy here." Said Harry absentmindedly, he had only now Phoenix song to have that sort of effect on him.

"That's daddy, he's in the flowers." Said Luna serenely.

"What kind are they?" He asked.

"True Lilles." She said with a knowing smile at Harry.

"I used these in the perfume I make." Said Ginny thoughtfully.

"They symbolize the reunion of loved ones." Luna turned back to the flowers with a smile.

"Is that why you picked them?" Asked Harry smiling too.

"Well they were daddy's favorite, I just think it fits." Said Luna her eyes seemed to pop more than usual with delight. "You like it?"

"It's beautiful." They said mesmerized.

"Your auras have changed!" She said observantly. "The gold and white have joined together, the other souls that are with you, you've completely accepted them."

"Anything else?" They asked curiously.

"Most of your hearts are the same, the pinks and reds like before, but now it's different colors in the very center. A flame orange for Harry and a deep white for Ginny." Luna told them dreamily.

"What does that mean?" They asked uncertainly.

"What are your wands made from?" She asked her eyes becoming much more focused and alert.

"Holly and Phoenix tail feather." Said Harry, it was personal information he would never forget.

"Yew and Unicorn hair." Said Ginny. "I was the first in family since Percy to have get their wand brand new when I turned 11."

"Both extremely rare combinations." Said Luna thoughtfully.

"Why?"

"Holly and yew are both poisonous woods, but the Phoenix and Unicorn are the purest animals in all of nature." She told them with a serious face. "I think your magic at it's core will combine sometime soon."

"Our wands?" Asked Harry uncertainly.

"Magic does not come from your wand, your silly Harry." Said Luna laughing. "It comes from your soul."

Harry nodded in understanding, deciding to overlook how ironic it was that Luna Lovegood thought he was silly…

"Don't mind Harry." Said Ginny fighting back a grin at him. "So what does this mean?"

"It means your magic will combine soon which is quite rare." Said Luna smiling dreamily at them.

"How? I mean since you know about this…" Asked Harry uncertainly.

"Oh, I'm not an expert, but I do know a fair bit about magic and auras. But I think it'll happen when once you have sex." She said this rather nonchalantly.

"You mean you can tell that we haven't?" Asked Harry sounding rather flummoxed.

Luna was oblivious to the awkwardness of the subject matter. "Oh yes, auras tell a lot about people and couples and you two are close to having sex, it'll happen before Hogwarts new term starts. The auras around each of your hearts are powerful, especially the one related to the core of your magic." Luna said all this without any hint or clue of being uncomfortable."

"We're going slow." Said Ginny quietly as she took Harry's hand.

"That's nice." Said Luna smiling cheerfully, she looked thoughtful now. "I always wonder if I will meet someone, but I am quite odd to most people." This was a matter of fact statement by Luna, or she seemed to think as much.

"You're not odd Luna." Ginny told her friend firmly.

"Thank you very much Ginny, I'm glad you are my best friend, and I'm glad Harry is awake… I'm not used to you sad." She hugged Ginny tightly, also kissing her on the forehead.

"Thanks Luna." Said Ginny quietly in her ear.

Harry remembered Luna still wasn't aware of recent information. He wore a serious look. "Listen Luna while we're here, you should know that the six of us are being asked to speak about the war and the battle at Hogwarts when term starts and ends this year."

"Ooh are you going back?" She asked excitedly.

"Yeah I am… I have to find a way to let Neville know about the limelight he's going to get soon." Said Harry anxiously.

"I'll do that, you shouldn't have to run errands when you just came out of your coma Harry." Said Luna with a smile, hugging and kissing him on the forehead too.

"Thanks a lot Luna, and I'm sure someone will want to be with." He gave her an encouraging smile. Luna Lovegood was, in Harry's opinion, too kind a soul to end up alone.

Luna wore a contemplative, thoughtful smile. "I like anyone who likes me, Ginny is very fun and quite beautiful. I like being with her, and you Harry, fun isn't what I would call you, but we have a lot in common so I like being around you too."

"Err we do have a lot in common, though I would obviously rather it was something else besides our parents dying." Admitted Harry somberly.

Luna was subdued now. "Oh yes that's very sad, but that's not all, everyone stares at or picks on you too. I'm glad you know what that's like… I never liked going through it alone."

"You're not alone anymore Luna, we're always around." Said Harry reassuringly.

"Thanks Harry, I'll be going to Lupin's and Tonk's funeral tomorrow, strength in numbers. But for now enjoy the rest of your day." She said quietly.

Luna handed them each a True Lilly and then Disapparated with a smile on her face…

"You know, all the women in my life are pretty great." Said Harry with a content smile as he put his arm around Ginny.

"Where am I among them all." Asked Ginny putting him on the spot." A twinkle in her eyes.

Harry kissed her emphatically, his hands in her hair as they gently held the back of her head. "Gin, you top the list." He said softly as he broke the kiss and put the Lilly in her hair.

"Right answer Potter." She said a little dazedly as she caught her breath melting against his forehead.

Fawkes joined them a few moment later, perching on Harry's shoulder, letting out a small cry of approval.

A/N: Many will notice my continued efforts to dissect the more negative aspects of Harry's psyche including his habit to dismiss or brush off the hardships in his life and how that makes it difficult (in my view) for him to believe that he deserves to be happy. That will continue because that's how I believe he sees himself. If JKR was writing for a more mature audience and did not have to keep the plot moving I really believe you would have seen these examinations in her writing and she would have undoubtedly written much better than I have, but I hope at least that I am doing justice with my attempt to channel her.