Chapter 46: In Transit


"Right, Harry, this is where we'll have to walk for a bit, I'm afraid. The road doesn't quite go as far in. I think that's why Aberforth chose the spot. Hard to get to, whether you're a wizard or a muggle."

Arthur climbed out of the rent-a-car, and Harry joined him, the wind blowing the door shut behind him. Harry looked hard into the distance, seeing a line of tall trees and then nothing. He felt a strange sensation as he looked at the area. He looked around, and his eyes were drawn to the small isle which lay to the east of them.

"Arthur, what's that?" He asked, nodding his head.

Mr Weasley stopped and looked in the direction Harry had indicated. "I think it's Handa Island. Bird reserve of some sort. Run by a wizard – strange fellow, actually. And coming from me, that's saying something. I think I met him at a Ministry function a few years back. Balkirk, or Balfour, something like that. The man really knows his waterfowl."

Harry had a strange sensation again as he looked at the small island. He closed his eyes and tried to feel Ginny with their connection. He wasn't certain, but…

"What is it, Harry?" Mr Weasley asked.

"I think…I think we should head there first." Harry said, nodding at the island.

Mr Weasley frowned and then studied Harry. "If you think it's best. I trust your instincts, Harry. Let's drive a little closer, and then we can Apparate over."

Harry nodded and got back in the car, staring at the island intently. He didn't want to say anything to Mr Weasley, but he had a bad feeling when he looked at that little patch of land in the middle of the sound. It looked idyllic, almost – the dark water, the tall trees he could just make out if he squinted – which was why Harry thought it was the place to start. He knew how looks could be deceiving.

o-o-o-o-o

As they walked, Ginny couldn't help but notice all the small little grey and black Puffins that trailed after them, make soft clicking noises with their beaks. Once or twice, a few came up close to her but then scattered away if she appeared to notice them too much. They were apparently used to people but not enough to be considered tame.

She kept looking behind them, getting the strangest feeling that someone or something was following them, but each time, nothing was there. She assumed it was because of all the birds, but made sure her wand was handy, all the same.

Brogan had stopped up ahead and was waiting for her. She hurried her step and reached him, panting slightly. The path was a bit steep and hard to walk on. She glanced up at him.

"How's your shoulder?" She asked

He frowned, a grimace of pain flashing across his face. "Starting to whinge a bit. Hopefully, we can change bandages again soon. Don't suppose you have one of those pain-relief potions handy?"

Ginny nodded and put the bag down on the ground, reaching in to grab one. She held it out to him, but just then, her foot slipped, and she fell back, the bottle tumbling out of her hand. Swearing, she bent down to grab it and felt the force of a spell whizz by her. What happened next was like watching something from a dream – everything felt heightened, and everything moved slower. Brogan's eyes widened even as he reacted – he threw himself in front of her to protect her from whatever spell came next. The stunning spell hit him full on. Ginny pushed herself down lower and rolled to the side, her wand already in her hands. Without thinking, she cast a shielding charm over her and extended it to cover Brogan and looked for who was casting spells at them. A sudden movement behind her, and Ginny was firing off the first spell she could think of, praying it hit its mark. She pushed herself up and looked at Brogan's still form and swore. He was out cold.

Scooting closer to the only cover she had nearby, a large boulder, she fired off more spells without really paying any attention to where they were landing. She heard a male voice swear loudly as her Bat-Bogey Hex hit him, and she was rewarded with finding out where they were hiding. She sent two more stunners at them. A red bolt of light came streaking at her, and she pushed herself out of the way at the last second, just in time.

"You two are really winding me up, whoever you are," she said under her breath, and sent another barrage of spells their way.

They started teaming up against her – one would fire to the left and the next to the right. She narrowed her eyes at the two shapes she could see hulking near the trees. So far, the darkest spell had been the stunner that had taken Brogan out, and that had only been because they'd had a clear shot. Ginny knew they'd been aiming for her and not at him. So who in Merlin's Boots were these guys?

She heard one of them practically cackling as one of his jinxes came close to hitting her. Ginny swore and answered with a hex of her own. She heard a muffled cry of 'Bitch!' as her slightly nastier variation of the Antler-Jinx (taught to her by George, of course) spectacularly hit its mark. She could just see one of them starting to sprout antlers from every part of their body – not just their head. The next spell thrown her way was a curse and a nasty one at that – luckily the boulder helped, and her shield held, even if it did flicker. A green spell did manage to hit a small part of her arm, but it was enough. Ginny cried out as it broke out into nasty boils.

Suddenly a flash of light momentarily blinded her as a strong flare of magic came from the other side. "Now what?" Ginny muttered, not sure if she could take on three people at once. She was good, but she wasn't that good. She realized that the spell had been focused on whoever had been attacking her, so she waited to see what would happen. She heard yelling and screaming from the right and wondered what sort of spell they had been hit with. A moment later, she had her answer, and Ginny felt her heart leap into her chest at the sight she saw before her.

Harry and her father advanced on the two men, each casting spells until she saw Harry cast Expelliarmus, and the other two men's wands went flying through the air towards him. Both men looked dazed and confused as Ginny saw her father secure them with ropes from his wand. One of the men still had antlers for hands, and on the top of his head. Harry looked to where she was still hiding, his face breaking into relief when he saw her. Ginny felt an indescribable emotion – it was elation, joy, love - it was everything rolled into one. She struggled to stand up as Harry reached her, who slid to his knees in front of her.

His eyes were bright, blazing at her with emotion. He engulfed her into her arms, and she felt as though her heart was going to burst.

"Ginny, Ginny, Ginny," he was saying softly, his arms gripping her tightly.

Being apart was torture, that's what it was, Ginny decided. Nothing was more important than this. Harry holding her, saying her name. She breathed in the familiar scent of him, realizing just how much she had missed him.

"It's really you?" she finally asked, pulling back to look at him. "I'm not dreaming?"

He laughed and shook his head. Harry pulled her closer, kissing her, and Ginny felt her entire soul sigh in relief. She kissed him back with everything she had, gripping him tightly. Oh, she wanted him. She wanted him now.

Suddenly remembering Brogan, and what had happened, she pulled away from Harry, resting her forehead on his for a moment to catch her breath.

"Harry, check Brogan. He got hit with a stunner that was meant for me. Blasted idiot pushed me out of the way and took it head-on. But he was hurt before this with a nasty wound on his back."

Harry frowned at her and looked around her at their fallen friend. Ginny saw her father come up behind them, the two men who had attacked them having been dealt with and tied to a tree. Harry helped her up and made sure she was steady before heading over to Brogan. She felt her father's arms around her, and she closed her eyes briefly, feeling like a little girl for a moment. Her father looked at her arm and frowned, placing a cooling charm on the red skin. It would keep for now.

"He's out cold," Harry called, bending down by the other man. " And he doesn't look good at all. Arthur, I think we need you."

They walked over to Brogan, and Ginny kneeled next to Harry. Her father cast a rudimentary diagnostic spell at Brogan and frowned.

"This wound on his back is a nasty piece of work. Did you two use any magic on it?" Her father asked her after a moment.

Ginny shook her head. "No, he didn't think any would work, he said the knife that hit him was a cursed object. We've just been cleaning it and re-applying bandages to it. I slowed the bleeding but it hasn't stopped."

"We need to get him to St Mungo's or at least seen to by someone more of an expert than me. Let's wake him up."

Her father cast another spell, and a moment later, Brogan was coming to, blinking up at them in confusion.

"Harry? Ginny?" Brogan's smile looked a bit lopsided as he blinked at them. He frowned when he saw her father. "Er, Mr Weasley? I'm not dreaming, am I? What happened?"

"Some fairly inept Death Eaters or should I say, want-to-be Death Eaters thought they'd get the drop on you, my boy." Her father said, helping Brogan sit up.

"They must have succeeded," Brogan said, gripping his head. "Ow. There is not a part of me that doesn't hurt."

"I should say not, what with that nasty wound on your back. Harry, help me get him up. We'll soon get you set to rights."

The two men got on either side of him and pulled into a standing position. Ginny stood up too, feeling dazed. Once Brogan was standing on his own two feet and looking steadier, Harry turned to her, his hand slipping into hers.

The gazed at one another for a moment, not saying a word until she heard her father clearing his throat.

"Ah, I believe there are our island hosts coming out to see what all of the hullabaloo has been." Ginny noticed for the first time an old couple coming towards them, concern on their faces. "Come, Brogan," her father continued, "let's see if they have a Healer on the island. I want to at least get a blood-replenishing potion into you. Harry, if you'll see to our prisoners back there? Make sure they're secure?"

Harry nodded, but his eyes didn't leave Ginny's. Once Brogan and her father had walked away from them, he was pulling her into his arms again.

"Merlin, Ginny, you're a sight for sore eyes."

Ginny murmured her agreement against his chest. She hugged him tightly and looked up at him. "What in the bloody hell happened, Harry?"

"Too much to go into now. But, oh, your arm. Damn, which one of them got you? The lunkheads." Harry growled in the general direction of their attackers and then looked back at her.

"I don't know, probably the opposite one of whoever I hit with the Antler-Jinx."

Harry's face broke into a smile. "That was a nice piece of work. Fred?"

"George."

"I'll have to have him show me that one." Harry smiled and reached over, lifting her hair out of her eyes. Ginny turned her head into his touch.

"Has it been driving you crazy too?" he asked softly, and she knew what he meant. She felt her face heat, and she looked away quickly.

"Gin?" He moved closer to her, turning her head back toward his with his hand. "What's wrong?"

Ginny glanced back at her Dad and Brogan and then forced a smile on her face. "Nothing that won't keep. And yes, I have been having a bit of an anxiety attack."

"Hmm," Harry said, kissing her again. When he pulled back, his eyes had gone dark green, and Ginny herself felt a bit breathless. His hand traced the side of her face with his fingers. "Anxiety isn't the word I'd use."

Ginny kissed his hand and gazed at him. "We have a lot to talk about."

Harry nodded, his eyes focusing on her lips. "Reckon so, but…can we do the talking after?"

Ginny laughed despite herself and pulled his hand away. "Come on, let's join the others. Are those two really secure?" She nodded at the two dimwits still tied to the tree. Harry looked at them, frowning.

"You go on ahead, and if they do have a Healer, have them look at your arm," he said, pushing her toward her father and Brogan. "I'll take care of them." He looked menacingly at the other two men, and Ginny shook her head. Harry never ceased to amaze her sometimes. He never realized how scary he could look when he scowled.

She turned to go, her hand lingering in his. She looked back and caught his eyes, the sunlight reflecting off the lenses in his glasses. "Love you," she said quietly.

He squeezed her hand in response and smiled. "Don't go too far," he said.

Ginny turned and saw her father and Brogan glancing at them, as well as the two older people she supposed, were the island inhabitants. They had been joined by a short, blonde-headed man and a middle-aged woman, who looked very austere, even at a distance. She had a feeling it was going to be a long afternoon.

o-o-o-o-o

The short, blonde-haired man, named Augustus Winterborne, was the island's Healer and something of an animal expert as well, from what Ginny could discern. He knew just what to do for Brogan's wound, luckily enough. He took care of him first, pushing potion after potion into him and using a magical type of bandage to cover his wound. He coated Ginny's arm with a boil-reducing salve and told her to keep applying it for a day or so until the boils were gone. He also gave her a pain potion to help with any soreness.

The rather austere looking woman was the island's Muggle Liaison, one Mirabella Rankle. She kept saying how lucky they were that no one else had been on the island to see the dreadful display. As though Ginny fighting for her life against two Death Eater sycophants was her own fault. But perhaps Ginny was more in shock than she'd realized because she didn't even say a word as the woman ranted at them. At least, she ranted at them until Harry rather rudely asked her to shut it and to leave them be. Ginny thought if Fred and George had been around, they'd have been incredibly proud of him.

The wizards who owned the island, Jean and Valencia Balfour, were a bit more hospitable and seemed more than willing to help them get back to London the safest and quickest way possible. They had not heard the news of what had occurred at Hogwarts, but they did not appear to be fond of Voldemort or his belief system. Ginny's father told her that the Daily Prophet offices had been attacked as well, which meant that no one really knew what was going on – exactly how You-Know-Who probably wanted it.

Augustus had given Brogan a blood-replenishing potion as well as something to knock him out, still not liking the man's diagnostics. Ginny and Harry were sitting on the far side of the room as Brogan slept on. She rested her head on Harry's shoulder, thankful to just be touching him.

"You're mad at me, aren't you?" Harry asked, his lips brushing over the top of her head. Ginny, who had closed her eyes, feeling at true peace for the first time in days, opened her eyes again and glanced at him.

"What do you mean?" she asked, confused.

"For handing you to Brogan, for having him take care of you. I should have taken you to the infirmary, myself. Merlin, I'm so sorry, Gin."

Ginny shook her head. "No, Harry, I'm not mad at you. You made a decision, and it was the right one. What were you going to do? Lug me about your shoulders, fighting off Death Eaters? How are Ron and Hermione and…god, we didn't lose anyone, did we?" She suddenly realized she hadn't even thought to ask yet.

Harry looked somber in the waning afternoon light. "Madam Pomfrey and…Aberforth Dumbledore. And Professor McGonagall is in pretty bad shape. I think…I think he was able to come onto the school grounds because Professor Dumbledore finally passed." Harry paused, swallowing hard, and she squeezed his hand. He met her eyes briefly, looking haunted. "But there was no one else that I know of yet. Remus thinks there were some students still left at the school, some…Muggleborns that didn't get away."

Ginny closed her eyes. "I knew about Madam Pomfrey from Brogan. He saved my life, Harry. Got me out of there before the hospital wing came tumbling down on us. But oh, goodness. Those poor students…oh, gods, did you say Aberforth? How?" She felt stunned, not knowing if she could handle everything.

"Snape killed Aberforth. I got there right after it happened. He's…he was a Death Eater all along, I reckon. I don't know. It was chaotic, and there was so much blood, Gin. But all I kept worrying about was you. We ended up in some tent, somewhere, and I just wanted to find you." Harry pulled her to him and held her tightly.

They sat that way for a long while, just holding each other. Ginny's mind tried to process what he had told her, but she couldn't really focus. She closed her eyes, feeling groggy. She wondered if the pain-relief potion had been doused with something else to make her rest. Augustus had asked if her she'd been near any Dementors lately after he'd flicked his wand over her. Maybe he hadn't believed her when she said she felt fine. Sighing, Ginny pulled away and gazed at Harry. She needed to talk to him about Brogan, but she didn't think that she had the strength. She touched his face and then rested her head on his shoulder.

"Ginny?" Harry asked, sounding worried. "Is something else going on?"

"I'm just feeling sort of drowsy, that's all," she replied, rubbing her hand over her eyes. "I think Healer Winterborne gave me something other than a pain-relief potion earlier."

"I think he did, too. Not that I am arguing with him, mind you. You still look awfully pale to me," Harry said, shifting on the bench they had been sitting on. "Why don't you lie down on one of the beds and get some sleep?"

Ginny wanted to protest but nodded her head. It was feeling more cumbersome by the second. A moment later, she felt herself being lifted and then set down someplace soft. She suddenly reached out for Harry, holding onto him. Some silly part of her wanted to make sure he would be there when she woke up. "Don't leave," she whispered.

He kissed her, and she felt her hand in her hair. "Not on your life," he whispered back. "Get some rest now. I'll watch over you."

Ginny felt the floating sensation of sleep start to pull her under, but she knew that Harry was holding on tight.

o-o-o-o-o

In the end, Remus sent Fred and Bill Weasley to fetch them all back home, not trusting the Ministry to do it. The Balfour's agreed to call in the local Aurors to find the two dunderheads that had attacked Brogan and Ginny on their island. After some minor memory adjustments by Bill had been done to them, of course. Now they were simply two lads out for a drunken lark on a Scottish Island, looking for waterfowl to play with.

Harry noticed that Ginny was quiet and still somewhat sleepy. They only woke up Brogan right before they were to leave, with strict orders from Healer Winterborne for him to get as much rest as possible. Harry had to admit the other man looked like he'd hit a wall or, at least, a wall had hit him. Which, according to what Ginny had told him, it practically had. After Brogan was awake, Harry was struck by how awkward Ginny was behaving around the other man. It wasn't anything obvious, but she seemed reticent to talk to him or even look at Brogan that much. It puzzled Harry. In fact, the two of them appeared very non-communicative with each other and with him.

They arrived back at Headquarters, where everyone surrounded them, of course, and Harry was hesitant to let go of Ginny. She still seemed unsteady, and he pulled Mrs Weasley aside to ask her if he could get Ginny tucked into bed as soon as possible.

After getting her settled with minimal fuss, Harry lay down next to her on the small bed and held her quietly, listening to her breathe. He breathed in the sweet scent of her and closed his eyes. He physically wanted her, but he knew it could wait. The Copulatus Spell seemed strangely held at bay for the moment. It was as though just merely being together was enough to stall its compulsion. Or maybe he was the only one feeling the need this time. The thought made him frown, but he pushed it away, letting his mind wander.

He started when she spoke; he'd been so sure she was finally asleep.

"We need to talk about some things," she said, not moving. Her voice sounded flat and unemotional. As though she were preparing for something inevitable.

Harry hummed and buried his head deeper into her hair. "Later. It'll keep. Just rest, Gin."

She sighed and then turned to face him. He saw deep frown lines on her pale face, and her eyes were as serious as he had ever seen them. Before she could speak, he put his finger on her lips. He was not going to do this now.

"It. Will. Keep. I don't care what you feel you have to tell me, but I want you to be rested. And stop looking so dreadfully serious. There is nothing you can tell me that will change how I feel about you."

She blinked at him, and he saw a flash of something unreadable in her eyes. She opened her mouth again, but he shook his head. "There is nothing, Ginny. Go to sleep."

She shook her head and then, seeing that he was stubbornly refusing to talk, finally relented, turning back around. They spooned together until both of their breaths turned even and deep, slipping into oblivion together.

o-o-o-o-o

"All right there, Brogan?" Harry asked as he stuck his head in the other man's bedroom.

Brogan looked startled, and then Harry saw him relax or at least, he gave a good impression of being relaxed. It was now funny to Harry how he could tell when the other man was anxious about something. Or even when he was trying to hide an emotion. There was something about the way Brogan's face would clear, almost as though a shield was shifting into place. Harry imagined that as an Empath, the other man would need a handy defense mechanism such as that to protect himself.

"Reckon so. I feel as though I've been sleeping for forty days and forty nights." Brogan gave him a small smile and tried to sit up. Harry shook his head at him.

"No, stay down. I just saw your light and wanted to see if you needed anything." Harry grabbed the chair from the desk and sat down close to the bed. He noticed Brogan still wouldn't meet his eyes. Interesting.

"I was just wondering what time it was, actually," Brogan said, staring at the ceiling as though a clock would appear there at any second.

Harry smirked to himself and yawned. "It's early, or rather, it's late. It's around three in the morning. You have been asleep for forty days and forty nights."

"Why are you awake?" Brogan asked, propping himself up slightly.

Harry gazed around the bedroom and didn't answer. When he swung his eyes back around to the man on the bed, he finally saw a flicker of real emotion in the other man's eyes. Brogan definitely looked anxious.

"Just came from Ginny's room. For some reason, her parents let me fall asleep in there, but I don't think they'll be so understanding in the morning. Was going to kip in my own bed for a while, but like I said, I saw your light."

Neither of them said anything after that, and Harry bided his time. Knowing Brogan as well as he did, he knew he wouldn't have a long wait. He almost smiled when the other man released a long breath of air and looked at him.

"What do you want to know?" Brogan asked.

"What happened?" Harry asked, feeling strangely calm inside.

"The infirmary got attacked, we…got sent to that shack, and I was a mess. Ginny helped take care of me, and that's it, really."

Harry nodded and pursed his lips, opting not to talk yet. He knew there was more to the story.

Brogan finally rolled his eyes, but looked embarrassed. "What did Ginny tell you?"

Harry felt himself smile. He wondered if it translated into an evil smile when he saw Brogan's eyes widened in alarm. Brogan suddenly started talking really fast. "Look, Harry, nothing, that is, technically, nothing happened. I mean, Ginny loves you, you know that. I know that. I would never, ever, and she..would never, ever…" Brogan stopped suddenly and narrowed his eyes at him. "She didn't talk to you at all, did she?"

"No, not really, I wouldn't let her."

"So, you thought you would come in here and frighten the hell out of me?"

Harry shrugged. "You're an easier nut to crack, Brogan. I barely had to do anything before you were offering to reassure me and explain everything."

Brogan sighed. "You're gonna make one hell of an interrogator some day, if you do become an Auror, Harry." He glared at Harry half-heartedly. "You're proud of yourself, I bet."

Harry frowned. "No, not especially. But I do have the boyfriend's right to be a total prat when it comes to questioning the man who spent an inordinate amount of time with my girlfriend while she was going through the effects of a spell that causes certain…urges."

Brogan closed his eyes and then reopened them. He honestly looked miserable to Harry. But he also had the earnest look of a man about to tell all. Harry held up his hand to stop him.

"Believe it or not, I trust Ginny. I haven't always had the self-confidence or the belief in her feelings for me to actually act that way, but…I really do trust her. And I trust you. And I know something happened that the both of you think I'm going to flip out over, and I am really trying not to, by the way. Don't let this calm exterior fool you. But you two have to forgive yourselves first before I even enter into it."

Brogan didn't say anything as though shocked and eventually looked away from him. Harry counted to ten and then stood up. He looked down at the other man.

"Just think about what I said."

"Remember this tomorrow after you've talked to Ginny," Brogan replied. Harry sighed. He had tried, but he couldn't help it. He had to know at least one thing.

"Did you sleep with her?"

"What? No! Harry!" Brogan honestly looked affronted at the question.

"But something did happen?" Harry asked, who despite all his words about trust to the contrary, felt relief bounce through him.

Brogan opened his mouth and then closed it. His cheeks blushed. "Sort of. But not how you think."

"Oh, Brogan, I am thinking all sorts of things, and none of them are good. My imagination is vast and mighty. But I love her, and I like you. And – here's that word again - I have to trust that that is enough at this point."

"And that's why you're not pummeling me or sending me flying across the room with a flick of your hand?" Brogan asked, a shadow of a smirk finally gracing his face.

"And that's why you haven't been pummeled or sent flying out the back door out on your arse, yes." Harry nodded. "Not that it would take much to do that. Honestly, Brogan, the two of you look like utter shite."

Brogan shuddered. "It was…rough. In the infirmary."

"Thank you."

Brogan blinked at the abrupt change in topic. "For what?"

"Ginny did tell me how you saved her…twice now, by my count. Once at the school and once on the island. You got hurt because of her. I…I can't hate you. I can't do anything to you. You kept her safe. So I don't care if you two snogged or shared a moment or whatever it was that's 'sort of not what I think'. She's alive, and you're alive, and that's all that matters."

Harry turned to go and then stopped, turning back around. "That's all that matters. For now. But I will eventually need to know what caused the spell not to drive her insane. I have Occlumency skills to help, but Ginny has always had it a bit rougher when we're apart. I know you did something. But if it helped her cope, then I thank you for that too."

Harry was almost out the door before Brogan spoke again, his voice sounding odd. "Why are you so understanding, Harry?"

He took a deep breath and looked back at the other man. "Honestly? I don't know, Brogan. Every bone in my body wants to sort of throttle you. But I told you to take care of her, and you did. And that's enough right now, at 3 in the morning, four days after having lost both Albus and Aberforth Dumbledore for good, and losing the only place I've ever felt was home to him. Maybe I just don't have any fight left in me right now. Or maybe I'm learning to choose my battles better."

"I thought, when you came in here, you were going to hit me," Brogan said after a moment, staring at him.

"I still might, let's be frank," Harry said, not smiling. "I reserve the right to, at any rate."

"Fair enough, Harry," Brogan said, finally looking away. "I reckon if you want to later, I'll let you."

"Great, because I'd hate to have to duel at dawn with wand's drawn or some such magical nonsense. Hitting you in the face would be much more satisfying, I think."

Brogan shook his head, a sad ghost of a smile making an appearance on his face before disappearing. "She'd hate me for saying this, but Ginny is yours, Harry. She is her own person, of course. I know she's not your property or anything stupid like that. But, she is… unequivocally yours, Harry. Just like you are hers. Nothing has occurred that has changed that in any way."

A look of understanding passed between them, and Harry finally closed the door. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, feeling restless, but better.

o-o-o-o-o

When Ginny finally came to find him, Harry was lying on his bed, a book in his hand. But he was staring at the wall in front of him instead of actually reading. Harry was sure he wasn't fooling her at all, judging by her raised eyebrows as she looked at him. He sat up and scooted over on the bed and she joined him, settling in next to him.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, nuzzling at her hair with his nose. She wrapped her arms around him.

"Better. My arm's better too," Ginny said, showing him that the red boils had all but disappeared.

"We'll have to send a thank you to that island Healer," Harry said in approval. They gazed at each other, not saying anything for a moment. Harry could tell she did indeed feel better based on the simple fact that she looked better. There was color to her cheeks, and her skin was more evenly toned instead of looking ghastly pale. Sleeping had done her a world of good.

"I suppose we need to talk," Harry said after a moment. Ginny nodded and looked away, her cheeks turning slightly pink. But when she met his eyes a moment later, he saw a fierceness enter her eyes.

"I ran into Brogan in the hall," she said.

Harry nodded. "They're letting him walk now, are they?"

"He said he was giving it a try but just to the loo and back."

"Do we need to include him in this discussion?" Harry asked, sitting back against the wall. Ginny shook her head.

"No, we do not. But he told me you spoke to him this morning." Ginny frowned at him. "I wish you would have waited until you and I could talk about…things."

Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "You're probably right. But you were out of it yesterday, and I needed you to get some sleep."

Ginny narrowed her eyes at him but didn't say anything. The silence between them grew until she sighed and looked down at her hands. Harry reached out and wrapped one of his own around hers.

"Tell me," he said.

"Nothing really happened, Harry. I was…feeling anxious. Missing you. I was caught up in the spell. You know how it gets." She raised her eyes finally to meet his, and he nodded, giving her hand a squeeze to encourage her.

"He… helped me."

Harry frowned. "Okay. I am pretty sure there's more to it than that, or you wouldn't be acting as though the end of the world is right around the corner. Which it is, by the way, but only because of Voldemort, not because of you. Let's keep things in perspective, Ginny."

She rolled her eyes and gave him a look. "Hilarious, Harry."

"I try."

Ginny sighed and pulled her hand away. She stood up and started pacing in front of him. After her third pass, she stopped and looked at him.

"You know that thing Brogan does where he touches you and you just…feel better? Like, he calms you or…"

"Makes you feel safe and relaxed?" Harry interrupted. Ginny nodded her head. "Yeah, I do. Is that what happened?"

Ginny stared at her shoes as though they were the most fascinating things in the world. She finally met his eyes, and she looked scared.

"Sort of. Brogan made me think of you, Harry. I was upset, and he was just trying to help. He could tell the Copulatus had me all worked up. He touched me, and I think I fainted or…I don't know. I begged him to make me feel you. He just poured all these emotions into me. How you feel about me, how I feel about you…I was bombarded with all this sensation. And it was us, Harry. You and me just loving each other and…" she paused, turning toward him. Ginny kneeled down and put her hands on his legs.

"I got lost into everything he was making me feel. I…my body reacted. But he only just held me until it was over. We didn't kiss or anything, I promise you."

Harry, who realized he had been gripping the blanket underneath him quite harshly, forced his hand to relax. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and gently pushed her hair behind her ear. He thought about what she had told him.

"That is…" he stopped, not sure what to say. It was not what he had expected. "Why are you beating yourself up about this?"

Ginny frowned at him. "I was so embarrassed, Harry! I let myself lose control, and my body betrayed me. Made me feel things I shouldn't feel while another man was holding me. I'm so…ashamed." She bowed her head and her fiery hair fell forward, hiding her face from his eyes.

Harry pulled her into his arms. He held her tightly, burying his head into her hair. Harry took in deep breaths of air, willing himself to calm down, to think. He was unsurprised to see she wasn't crying, although he knew she probably wanted to.

"Did you, ah…" Harry paused, not sure how to ask what he was asking.

Ginny looked at him, her face pink again. "Yes."

Harry nodded in understanding. "So that's why the Copulatus Spell seemed less…intense." He frowned, remembering something. "I think I felt it when it…happened. I was with your father, getting tea, and I just felt…incredibly keen. It was odd, but I reckon it makes sense. That must have been one hell of an empathetic experience Brogan gave you."

Ginny closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. He ran his hand up and down her side, absentmindedly. The silence in the room became heavy again. Harry looked down at her, about to ask her what else was wrong.

"I feel like I cheated on you." she said, her voice sounding lost.

"You were under the needs of the spell," Harry said, trying to make his voice sound even.

"Stop being so understanding and yell at me, Harry."

"Do you want me to yell at you? Call you a tart? A scarlet woman? Would that make you feel better in the end? Because I know it wouldn't make me feel better at all," Harry said, his voice straining. He banged his head against the wall before he could stop himself.

Ginny pulled back and looked at him. "You are mad."

Harry puffed out a breath of air in exasperation. He searched his feelings before answering. "No, I wouldn't say that, exactly. But yeah, there is some of that in there. Some part of me feeling all possessive and jealous. But mostly, Ginny, I'm relieved."

"Why aren't you angrier?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"You mean, why aren't I yelling and screaming and causing things to break with wild flares of power?"

Ginny nodded at him, looking sober.

"I don't know, really. Brogan asked me the same thing. I reckon because I understand, Ginny. I get it. We can't control this thing. You were suffering, he helped you. I keep telling myself to look at the bigger picture. What would have happened had he not been there? Or if you had been taken by the Death Eaters? Can you imagine being in the throes of the Copulatus with them? Or even worse, if you had been left in the infirmary and…and you had been killed too?" Harry heard his voice break on the last question and winced. Ginny frowned at him.

"So you're saying that this, me possibly betraying you with another man, is the lesser of all those other evils?"

Harry closed his eyes briefly and then looked at her. "I'm saying yes, yes it is. And you didn't betray me. He's an Empath, he made you feel things, that's all. I love you, Ginny. With everything I am. You…are the only thing that matters to me, in the end."

"Oh, Harry," Ginny sobbed quietly, and then kissed him, climbing into his arms. He held her and then shifted so they could lay on the bed together. She lay on top of him, her eyes searching his as though not fully trusting him. Or his reaction. He sighed and kissed her again, trying to clear her mind of any doubt.

They both came back up for air a few moments later, and Harry knew she could feel him hardening underneath her. They didn't say anything for a moment, each watching the other. The temptation to break the promise they had both made to her parents about not being together in the house seemed to fill both of their minds.

"There's something else, but I am not sure it is my place to tell you. But…" Ginny stopped and gazed at him as though coming to a decision about something.

"Brogan, when he…did what he did…it wasn't just all my feelings."

Harry frowned at her. "You already said it was the both of us, together."

"Yes, but…there were some of his…feelings, too. I think that's why it was so intense."

"Some of…oh, oh. You mean how Brogan feels about you?" Harry had thought Brogan had let go of any lingering feelings he'd had toward Ginny. But he supposed he'd opted to make himself believe that because it was easier not to think of it.

"Yes, but…" Ginny paused, her eyes wide. "But also how he feels about you. He…cares a great deal about you, Harry. He has for a while."

Harry didn't react at first, not understanding what she meant. When he looked at her, she nodded her head at him as though to indicate he was missing something. It was then he truly understood her meaning. Harry jerked his head back, feeling as though a bucket of cold water had been thrown on him. "Brogan has feelings for me?"

Ginny bit her lip and nodded.

Harry stared at the wall behind her, feeling deep confusion. "But Brogan isn't…I mean, he doesn't like blokes, does he? I mean, I never…what?"

Ginny kissed him and then shifted off of him so they could talk. Harry realized any evidence of his arousal had pretty much become a thing of the past. He felt as though his head was spinning.

"He's not gay," Ginny said, frowning. "At least, he doesn't think he is? Before this whole thing, he said he'd never even thought of another man like that, but…you're too irresistible."

He grimaced at her joke and shook his head. "How long have you known this?"

Ginny tilted her head, as though trying to remember. "Not for too long, but long enough. He didn't want you to ever know. He probably would be mortified to know I was saying anything now, but…I wanted you to understand. When he flooded me with all of those feelings, most of them were mine. But he overdid it, I think, and let some of his own get in there. He tried to make me feel better by saying he screwed up, but...I wouldn't listen to him. I was too scandalized at my own reaction."

Harry ran through all his previous interactions with Brogan, trying to find even a hint of what Ginny was talking about. He wondered if this was yet another shield Brogan used to protect himself. But no, Harry supposed there were times when there was a certain look on the other man's face, sometimes, that given with what he now knew...could be…Harry shook his head to clear it. No, it just wasn't possible someone could fancy him that much.

Ginny was watching him. He looked at her. "I don't know what to even say, Gin."

She nodded. "I know it's… I know you had no idea. I had no idea until he told me. Well, actually, Brogan didn't mean to tell me. I sort of felt it from him. It threw me for a loop, too, at first."

"At first?" Harry asked, feeling incredulous. "What? Now it's old hat?"

"No, but…I can understand it better now. Think of it, Harry. First, he's attracted to me, and then he has all these feelings inside of him that are mostly mine about you, but…he feels some of yours, too. And then he gets to know us, and despite it all, he really likes us. Brogan has kept himself locked away from most people because of how much he feels as an Empath, but then he lets down his guard to help us. To help you. And I think that every time we shag or feel close, he gets an echo of it. Sometimes I wonder if it is more than that, actually. I think Brogan hides so much of whatever he feels that he doesn't even realize he's doing it anymore. It makes me feel bad for him. And well, also…" her voice trailed off, the ghost of a smile on her face.

Harry frowned at her. "Also what?"

Ginny smirked at him. "You are pretty irresistible, Harry. I've always told you this."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Now who's being hilarious? Seriously, Ginny, this is a huge…well, gigantic thing you've just thrown at me. I mean, it's weird and unnerving, and I'm flattered…you know, this really isn't something we should laugh about."

Ginny sighed. "I wasn't laughing, really. But you're right. It isn't. I wasn't trying to make light of his feelings. I'm being a git. I just… I don't know what to do with this entire situation. It's beyond me. I feel like I am flying out far past my own comfort zone and maturity level, to be honest."

Harry didn't say anything, his mind still whirling. Ginny had a point. The whole thing felt like a total brain bash. She touched his head with her hand, her fingers lingering on his scar momentarily.

"Should I not have said anything? I just wanted you to understand. Why it…got so intense between Brogan and me. I'd promised him, before, that I wouldn't tell you…but I felt odd keeping it from you now. All these feelings between the three of us and really, it's because we both sort of just love you, Harry."

"You just sort of love me?"

Ginny smiled. "Well, I completely love you, but I can't speak for him. Is it so odd to think of someone else loving you, though?"

"Well, no," Harry said, nonplussed. "But as far as I know, no one else wants to, you know, get physical about it."

They were silent for awhile, and Ginny wrapped her hand around his, rubbing her finger mindlessly on his mostly faded scar from fifth year. He thought about how earlier he had been worried about what had occurred between Ginny and Brogan but now he had a whole new set of things to worry about.

He finally shook his head as Ginny turned her eyes to his. "I still can't wrap my head around any of this," he said.

Ginny didn't say anything, but she nodded her head in understanding. She rested her head on his chest, and he held her.

"How do I even react to this? Should I even tell him I know?" Harry asked, frowning.

"No, I don't think that will do any good, really," Ginny said. "He sort of gets it, Harry. He knows nothing is going to come of it. But he can't help how he feels, I reckon. None of us can. "

Harry nodded as she reached her hand up and started moving her fingers in his hair, pulling his head down to hers. They kissed until Harry felt all of his thoughts, all of his worries melt away. He wanted nothing but to forget all of it. Ginny filled his senses.

When they broke apart, her eyes were bright and full of desire as she blinked slowly at him. He felt himself grow hard as she unconsciously licked her lips. She must have noticed the way his eyes followed the motion of her tongue because she was suddenly grinning mischievously at him.

"We need to be together, soon," Harry moaned, closing his eyes. He felt Ginny's hand gracefully touch him through his jeans and sucked in a deep breath.

"Let me," she said simply, turning over. She pushed him back and quickly worked his zip. He sighed as his body relished the heat of her hand surrounding him. He gazed down at her, loving her so much it frightened him in its sudden intensity. This, this was the Copulatus working over them, it had to be. But no, Harry thought, perhaps it was just him missing her and loving her with all he had.

Ginny moved her hair to one side and gazed up at him before lowering her mouth to him. Harry grunted and gripped her arm with need. She slowly moved down the length of him and then back up, swirling her tongue around the head.

"It'll have to be fast," she said softly, and he nodded in understanding. At this rate, Harry didn't think he would last long anyway. His hand strayed to her hair as she resumed her position and he swore softly as the soft warmth of her mouth fell over him once more. He watched the fiery highlights of her hair as her head moved all around him. She practically attacked his body with her enthusiasm and Harry didn't want to miss a single moment. Up and down her mouth went, the gentle flicks of her tongue adding to the exquisite sensation. Already he felt himself getting ready to explode and he used his hands to hold her hair back for her. She hummed in approval, the vibrations of it doing something else to him that drove him absolutely crazy. Ginny hand's wandered upwards over his chest, her nails teasing his nipples. His body thrust up of its own accord and his release was tearing through him without warning. Harry bit back a moan and panted as his head hit the wall, barely registering the loud thump of it. He let his hands fall back to rest against his side, feeling happily spent.

Ginny slowly removed her mouth and swirled her tongue around him one last time. She smiled unabashedly at him, swallowing, and then rubbed her finger along her lips. Her brown eyes blazed at him and Harry met her look with one of his own.

"Come here," he said, his voice sounding deep to his own ears. She smiled and scooted closer to him, laying sideways, mindful of his now more sensitive lap. Harry kissed her, tasting himself on her lips and fisted his hand into her hair again. Pulling her into a sitting position, he trailed his other hand down her body, pausing to cup her breast briefly. She snorted at him and pulled away, shaking her head. He unbuttoned her jeans and was slipping his hands underneath them and into her knickers. He slipped a finger between her folds and found her wet and melting under his touch. It was a tight fit because of their position, but he was able to flick his finger against her center in easy circles until he felt it become more fully engorged. Ginny bit her lip, and they watched each other, their breath coming in sharp gasps. He rubbed her more fully, slipping his thumb down further until he could tease her opening. He began to finger her relentlessly, watching every flicker of emotion and need on her face. God, she's so fucking beautiful, Harry thought.

"Faster," she half-moaned, lolling her head back and Harry complied. He saw the start of her orgasm as her face and neck flushed. She brought her head back up and met his look. "Yes, Harry, more, please," Ginny's voice was rough and low as she pushed forward with her hips. She rode his hand and he knew she was trying not to cry out. She squeezed her legs together, locking his hand almost painfully into place as she came, his name falling out of her mouth in a whispered frenzy.

Harry stilled his movement and watched her come back to herself. She smiled quite happily at him and kissed him after they detangled. They rested their heads together. Harry knew how insane that had just been – anyone could have knocked on the door and caught them – but there was some part of him that just didn't care.

"Love you," he said softly.

"Always," she whispered back. Ginny moved her head back and looked at him. "Are we all right now?"

Harry nodded. "We were never wrong, Ginny."

She smiled, almost shyly, and kissed his neck, moving her mouth up to his ears. Harry grinned happily and held her.

"What are we going…" Ginny started, but Harry stopped her with his hand and shook his head.

"We have each other, and we have this, and that's all that matters for now," Harry said, and he meant it.

o-o-o-o-o