Chapter 48: Late Night Conversations


Ginny awoke, her heart beating fast. She'd had a dream -no, a nightmare- and it had been almost frightening in its complete normality. Ginny hadn't dreamed about Voldemort or the school being attacked or even Harry being hurt. No, she had bloody well dreamed about falling off her broom during a Quidditch match.

Ginny almost didn't know what to do with the normalcy of it all.

But now, she was wide awake, and she glanced over at Harry, who was lying on his stomach. His hand curled around her waist, and his mouth was slightly open as he snored gently. She smiled and ran a hand tenderly through his hair and slipped out from under his grip. There was no need for both of them to be sleepless. Grabbing her dressing gown, Ginny also slipped on a pair of socks and headed downstairs, thinking that she could find a book to put herself back to sleep.

The fire from earlier in the evening was still lit, so she assumed she hadn't been asleep for too long. At least, not too long after she and Harry had finished their nighttime activities. She smirked to herself, in remembering. Harry had been ever so passionate and exceedingly happy at their return of sleeping in the same bed. Really passionate.

"Ginny?" Brogan's voice startled her out of her memories, and she stopped abruptly in front of the settee. She hadn't seen him sitting in the chair next to the fire and knew that somewhere out in the world, Mad-Eye Moody had just cursed her in his sleep. Constant Vigilance, indeed!

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," he continued, apologizing. He nodded to the chair across from him, and Ginny only paused for a moment before joining him. She tucked her feet up underneath her legs and glanced at him.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, picking up a cup and taking a drink. She noticed there was another cup next to him as though he'd been expecting her. Ginny frowned.

"Just had a bad dream. A completely normal bad dream, oddly enough. Thought I would read until I got sleepy again. Is there tea?"

He nodded and poured, handing the other cup to her. "Lavender and rosehips. It always helps me when I have too many thoughts in my head."

Ginny accepted the cup and took a deep breath, sighing. It tasted crisp, yet full-flavored. She glanced at Brogan. "Are there blackberries in this?"

He nodded. "Aye. Makes it drinkable. My mum used to make this for me. I found some different tea leaves in the pantry and tried to replicate it."

They sat in silence for a moment, and Ginny drank her tea, not thinking of anything. She realized Brogan was watching her from the side, and she aimlessly curled a piece of her hair around her finger.

"How did you know I'd be down here tonight?" she finally asked, breaking the odd silence.

"Well, I didn't really, but I can't bring myself to just make one cup of tea without an extra one next to it. It feels less lonely that way. And also, I did sort of think one of you would be down here tonight."

"We haven't had time to talk much since it happened, have we?" she asked after a while, glancing at him. "I mean, not just us."

Brogan smiled sadly. "No. Not really. You and Harry are doing fine, though." He tapped his head with a small smirk. "I reckon it is all water under the bridge now. As it should be."

Ginny didn't say anything and looked into the fire. When she looked up again, Brogan had his eyes closed, his hands grasped around his cup, looking peaceful. She lay her head back against the chair and allowed herself to study him for a moment. He and Harry were similar in a lot of ways and yet also completely different. Their hair was much the same, although Brogan's was a tad lighter than Harry's, and definitely more manageable and shorter. Brogan's nose was more narrow and delicate. His mouth was thinner than Harry's, but his cheekbones were sharper. Ginny briefly wondered what Brogan would look like with a beard, if it would soften his look. And then his eyes, of course, were a brilliant sky-blue, not a heart-stopping emerald green.

Without opening his eyes, Brogan spoke, bringing her out of her musings. "Can I do anything to make the image more entertaining?" He then cracked an eye open and peeked comically at her. Ginny shook her head and felt herself grin. She also felt her cheeks heat at having been caught staring so unabashedly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to gawk at you," she said, looking away.

"It's all right. Sometimes a bloke likes to be gawked at, I reckon. Especially if it's by a pretty girl he fancies."

"Brogan—"

"No, I'm sorry, that was me being …what did you say before? Sometimes you just can't help saying teasing things to me? I reckon it works both ways. I can't help responding to you either." He raised his eyebrow at her. "And you were staring quite intently."

Ginny took a drink of her tea and then set the cup down on the floor. "So I told Harry," she said after a moment. She didn't explain that she meant she'd told him about Brogan's feelings because she had the sense that their friend already knew.

Brogan nodded and closed his eyes again. "I had a feeling you had. He's not quite as good with keeping things as secret as he thinks. I have been getting a virtual deluge of awkward emotions from him lately. But then, I am an Empath," he said dryly, looking at her fully for the first time. Ginny felt herself start to fidget under his gaze.

"I'm sorry. I know I said I wouldn't, but…"

"That was before," Brogan said simply, nodding in understanding.

"I'm so sorry, Brogan," Ginny said, and she meant it.

"I know you are," Brogan murmured.

"He…he should be, well I suppose you've noticed, but he's acting less awkward now," Ginny said. "We talked about it. At first, I think it threw him but now…"

"Now he wants to throw himself at me?" Brogan said, chuckling.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Oh, so it's okay for you to joke about things, but I can't? Not fair."

Brogan stopped laughing and shook his head at her. "No, you're right. I'm sorry. I never once entertained the idea that Harry would feel anything but uncomfortable at the entire situation, Gin. It's fine. I'll survive. I'm just glad the three of us can be friends."

Ginny gazed at him. "You seem very…calm about the whole thing. Well, calmer than you were."

Brogan sighed. "To be honest, it feels…look, even though I'm embarrassed beyond belief, some small part of me is glad it's out there. Surely you can understand that?"

Ginny was saved from answering by the sound of someone on the stairs. A moment later, and the topic of conversation himself was coming towards them, blinking at them in bemusement. The light of the fire reflected off of his lenses, causing a ghostly image of herself to be cast back at them. Ginny scooted over so he could join her on the chair.

"Are we having a late-night meeting?" Harry asked as he sat down and yawned, frowning at them. "Why do you two have tea? I want tea…that smells nice."

Brogan laughed and got up and disappeared into the kitchen area for a moment. He came back with a third teacup, poured the rest of the pot into it and handed it to Harry.

"Here, mate, drink up."

Harry nodded thanks and then took a small sip. He smiled and settled back against Ginny. "What are we talking about? More Malfoy stories? Or do I not want to know?"

Ginny glanced at Brogan, who half-shrugged, and Harry tsked at them. "Now I know I don't want to know, but answer me anyway."

Ginny didn't say anything, feeling as though her Gryffindor courage had taken the night off. Did she really want to be having this conversation right now at whatever time it was in the morning? Brogan apparently did as he answered for both of them.

"Ginny was telling me she told you of..our little…well, my little issue. My attraction, whatever."

To his credit, he didn't appear too upset and only blushed slightly as he looked at them. Harry took a long sip of his tea and then glanced at her, meeting her gaze.

"Oh," Harry said, finally tearing his eyes away from hers to look back at him. "Sorry."

Brogan shook his head. "It's fine. It…it feels a relief to have it out in the open, as I was just telling Ginny. I know nothing is going to happen, and I have assured her that it's fine. I'm fine. I'm just…fine." Brogan frowned at himself and looked at them. "I keep saying that, don't I?"

Harry and Ginny both nodded at him. An odd silence seemed to enter the room and take up camp in the middle of the three of them.

"Well, isn't this grown-up," Ginny said after a while when no one said anything further. Both men looked at her, and she shrugged.

"It's something," Harry muttered, and Ginny reached out and squeezed his hand. She wasn't sure if she was reassuring him or herself.

"I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me, Harry," Brogan finally said. "I know it's weird but-"

"No, it's not weird, I mean, I can't…that is…you have a right to feel the way you do, Brogan," Harry said. "Ginny helped me realize we can't help who we fancy, sometimes. And I'm really, um, flattered, but I just can't…look, I feel bad I can't respond to them. To you. I mean, I don't hate you or anything, now. Far from it."

Brogan nodded. "I appreciate that. And like I told Ginny, this is sort of my first experience with this too, so I have absolutely no idea what to do about it. It just…is. I'm drawn to both of you. Equally. Strangely enough." He frowned to himself as his brow furrowed.

The three of them sat in silence for a while, an uneasy truce falling between them all. Ginny stared at the fire again. She sighed as she thought about how complicated the human heart could be. What turned liking someone into loving someone? Why had she first fallen for Harry the moment she'd seen him as a little girl? Why had it taken Harry so long to notice her back? What if he hadn't? Would she have gone through life making do with whatever bloke she finally decided on? She'd have just gone on, living on the edge of Harry's life, seeing him with other women. Ginny had hated it when he'd fancied Cho, and that was before she understood how sex changed everything between two people.

She couldn't imagine Harry with anyone other than herself. And Ginny also couldn't imagine herself with anyone other than Harry. Or she didn't think she could. But that was how she felt now in this moment – who knew how she would feel in a month, or even year from now? Ten years from now? Love never came with a guarantee. Ginny knew that. And the more she loved Harry, the more she recognized how much it could change and grow. Love was deeper and wider than she'd ever expected. Or understood.

Perhaps, in the end, Ginny thought, she just lacked imagination. Or nerve. Although she'd never really lacked that before in her life. It was an odd feeling. Was she just too scared to admit certain feelings to herself? To Harry? Her mind and heart felt boggled. She realized the men were talking again and tuned back into their conversation.

"Well, you know, Brogan, I'll be pretty busy having all these threesomes after the war with Ginny and Luna, so...I don't know, maybe we could squeeze you in." Harry's voice sounded strange to Ginny's ears, and she couldn't believe he had just made a joke about everything.

"Harry!" she exclaimed, lightly punching him. But she realized Brogan was laughing, as was Harry. She gazed at the two men in disbelief. "You two are incorrigible. And it's not that funny, Brogan. You really shouldn't be laughing."

"Oh, I think it's incredibly funny," Brogan said, wiping at his eyes.

"Men!" Ginny said under her breath, folding her arms and looking away. She felt quite cross suddenly. Harry put his arm around her and pulled her close.

"I'm sorry, Gin, but we needed a tension breaker. And the idea of you and another woman is pretty…" Harry made a low whistling sound.

"Aye," Brogan said, nodding. "Although now I have other candidates in my mind, so thanks for that, Harry. That'll be interesting fantasy fodder."

Harry grinned at him, and Ginny put her hands up, annoyed. "Enough! I am not going around having threesomes after the war, Harry. And if I did, who says it is going to be another girl?" She stood up and looked at them. "I've always fancied Oliver Wood. I could look him up. Sod the both of you. I'm sure he has friends."

With that announcement, she bid them good night and headed up the stairs. Ginny heard them laughing behind her and rolled her eyes. She heard Brogan sound a little out of breath as he asked Harry, "Who in the blazes is Oliver Wood?"

o-o-o-o-o

The weeks flew by at Thorn Rose Cottage, and Harry was surprised by how well everyone managed to get on with each other. The strange uncomfortable feeling between him and Brogan had finally passed, and he found himself enjoying the other man's company. It was good to have Ron and Hermione nearby as well, even if Ron was a bit of an authoritarian in the kitchen (Harry didn't think he would ever take perfectly sliced potatoes for granted again). And, Harry was pleased to see that his best mate might have finally met his match in Wizard's Chess – Brogan turned out to be a crack player, much to Ron's chagrin.

No word had come in about the Order's plans as of yet, with Remus keeping their floo visits very short. Harry felt frustrated, but what could he do? Short of heading out into the world and tracking Voldemort himself, he didn't know.

They were all practicing and sharpening their skills with dueling in the training room they had made on the third floor. It wasn't precisely the Room of Requirement, but it served their needs. Having both Brogan and Harry act as Defence experts made the other three scowl at them quite a bit.

It was after a particularly tough training session that Brogan confided to Harry that he thought that as a team, the five of them might prove pretty hard to beat.

"You think so?" Harry asked as they straightened the room. The others had decided to go downstairs and enjoy the fresh-baked chocolate biscuits Ginny had made earlier. Brogan and Harry had pretty much been told to stay behind while the others cooled down. Ron's hair was a bit singed and still smoking.

"Aye, I mean, between your wandless magic, which is coming along fantastic, by the way, and Ginny's natural shielding ability growing in strength, I'm pretty sure it would take one of You Know Who's right hand men working over-time to break us. Ron's great at strategy and figuring things out and waiting to see which way the fight is going. Hermione is the weakest of us, but not by much. She's come a long way with her casting and starting to mean it when she curses someone. That hair-growing jinx she hit you with was quite spectacular."

Harry laughed, remembering. "Only because she didn't like that I made her hair get even bushier than usual with that short-acting fogging spell I surrounded her with."

"True, but still. And Ginny's got good defense and jinxes up her sleeve, too. Trust me, that Bat-Bogey Hex knocks me down every time," Brogan said, rubbing his face unconsciously. Ginny had cast her favorite hex at the other man rather magnificently the other day, Harry had to admit.

"Too bad we can't lure Voldemort into this room and kick his arse together," Harry mused as they sat down on the giant cushions Brogan had conjured.

"Yes, I'm sure Thorn Rose Cottage is just what every megalomaniac despot wants as a vacation spot these days," Brogan said dryly. Harry laughed.

"Do you know who owns this place? I mean, did they tell you and not us?" Harry asked after thinking about it.

Brogan looked startled and then shrugged. "Not in so many words no, but they also made it so I can't say anything until the ownership is taken back. So…sorry, I can't help. It is someone in the Order though. I think."

Harry nodded. "Oh well, not important, I reckon. I would like to thank them though. This has been…nice." As he said it, he knew he meant it. Yes, bad things had happened, and even more were bound to occur in the future, but right now, he had Ginny with him, and they got to be together, and it felt like a respite from the storm. What he was feeling must have been reflected on his face because Brogan nodded at him.

"It has been," the other man agreed. He looked away and then back at Harry again. "And thanks, Harry, for making things okay between us."

Harry frowned. "I didn't do anything other than stop acting like a prat."

"There are a million different ways you could have reacted which could have been far worse, and you and I both know it," Brogan said, sounding serious.

Harry looked down at his wand, and absentmindedly started polishing it on his shirt. "I know. But I wouldn't do that. To you or to anyone."

"I know," Brogan said, making a soft humming noise under his breath. "It's what makes you…you."

Harry stared at his shoes and then glanced up to find the other man studying him. "Besides, Brogan, I reckon it's always nice to know when someone likes you, no matter who it is. At least to me, it is. There are more than enough people who feel the opposite out there, trust me."

Brogan smiled and sat back against the cushions, stretching out. Harry soon joined him, realizing he felt sore from their training. Ron had used the Knock-Back Jinx more than a couple of times at him. Probably payback for the potatoes Harry had half-heartedly been slicing. A comfortable silence filled the room, and Harry didn't realize he'd move closer until his arm brushed against the other man. Harry glanced over at Brogan, who he realized with a start, was watching him. His eyes were bluer and darker than usual, and Harry realized his pupils had dilated. He felt a strange sense of fascination suddenly.

But they both turned their heads and looked up when they heard a noise at the door. It was Ginny with a plate of biscuits and a pitcher of milk. Harry quickly scooted over and made room for her in between them as Brogan also sat up.

"You two were taking too long just to be straightening things, so I brought the biscuits up to you. Also, Ron and Hermione apparently think training is foreplay. They disappeared into their bedroom, giggling like four-year-olds and then I heard absolutely nothing."

Harry shook his head, clearing it. He grinned as he grabbed a biscuit from the plate. "Silencing spell?"

Ginny nodded and pretended to shudder. She conjured up glasses for the milk and then joined them on the pillows. Ginny looked between them and it was as though Harry could see her mind spinning back and forth. "So…what were you two talking about?" she finally asked, her voice full of nonchalance.

Harry and Brogan shared a look, and then both shook their heads at her. Harry shrugged at her, attempting to meet her nonchalance with his own. "Nothing. Well, Brogan was telling me how badass he thinks we all are. We could take on Voldemort himself, I think, is what he implied."

"Hah," Brogan said, laughing as he munched thoughtfully on his biscuit.

Ginny raised an eyebrow at Harry, and he gave her a warning look. He did not want her to take the mickey out of them for just sitting together.

"Well, we are doing quite well," Ginny finally nodded, grabbing another biscuit for herself. She took the glass of milk from Harry's hand as he offered it to her.

Suddenly a chime sounded through the cottage, and they all looked at each other.

"It's not time for a floo call, is it?" Harry asked. Brogan shook his head.

"No, but I reckon we'd better head down and see what he wants. This can't be good."

They hurried down the stairs, sounding like a herd of Hippogriffs. They ran into Ron and Hermione coming out of their bedroom, looking as though they'd been caught in the middle of something. Harry pretended not to notice Hermione only had a sheet wrapped around her, and that was all. Ron at least still had trousers on. He gestured towards them to stand out of viewing range as he kneeled in front of the floo. A moment later, Remus's face was gazing out at him.

"Harry, sorry to disturb you, but…something has happened, and we wanted to let you know. We're not sure what it means, but Minerva has disappeared."

Ginny settled down next to Harry. "What do you mean, she's disappeared? She was at St Mungo's, I thought?"

Remus nodded. "Yes, she was still recovering, but we've received word that she is no longer in her room, and they're not sure, but they think someone took her."

"Uhh, someone like Voldemort someone took her?" Harry asked, feeling scared for his former Professor.

"I'm afraid we're going to have to assume so, at this point. We've got everybody on alert and out there trying to find some trace of her. I just wanted you five to know. I'll be in touch soon." Remus waved goodbye, and then the floo was closed rather abruptly.

Harry and Ginny sat back and looked at the rest of the room.

"Blimey," Ron said, sitting on the settee. "Why would Voldemort want McGonagall?"

"Maybe it has something to do with the school," Hermione said, joining him. Harry and Ginny moved to the other sofa as Brogan paced behind them.

"Maybe he can't get the castle to accept him because she's still Headmistress," Hermione continued.

"Aye, Hermione has a point," Brogan said, pausing. "Technically, until she gives up the position or dies, the school is bound to her. She was allied with Dumbledore, so Hogwarts sort of accepted her in his stead, but I'm not sure Voldemort will have the same luck."

"It's like when Umbridge couldn't get into his office," Ginny said, nodding. "Back when she tried to take everything over. I heard someone say the office would never recognize her as true Headmaster because its loyalties were to Dumbledore."

"So Voldemort is going to use the school as a …headquarters? Harry asked, looking at his friends.

"Blimey," Ron said again. "Do we even know who was still left behind?"

Hermione and Ginny sadly shook their heads, and Brogan could only frown at them. "I was busy getting almost killed in the Infirmary, or I would have tried to get more students out when I activated the Portkey."

"No one is blaming you for that, " Harry said, his voice quiet, but firm. He glanced at Ginny. "Whatever he has planned, I'm sure that Voldemort will let us know soon enough."

She nodded at him and then looked at everyone else. "Why do I suddenly feel as though the sun has completely disappeared?" Ginny asked.

"We just need to make ourselves busy and not worry about it. Who's turn is it to cook tonight?" Hermione said, standing up. Harry again avoided looking directly at his best friend.

"Uh, Hermione," he said after a moment, nodding his head sideways at her. "You might want to put some clothes back on before you order us to get to work."

Hermione's face turned bright red as she looked down at herself. "Oh. Oh! You're right, of course, Harry. Come on, Ron. We'll see everyone in a bit."

Ron grinned at Harry and shook his head as they went back to their bedroom.

Brogan smirked at them and looked into the kitchen. "I think it's my turn tonight, anyway. You and Ginny go relax or something."

Harry frowned as the other man smiled at them before he headed into the other room. "We're supposed to help out," he called.

Brogan turned back around. "I've got it. I'll just make a nice soup, easy-peasy. Go on."

Ginny looked at Harry after Brogan had gone. "Want to take take a shower? You seem sore and sweaty."

Harry blinked at her and then caught the playful look on her face. "I still can't wrap my head around why they would want Professor McGonagall, Gin."

She sobered and held his hand. "Well, let's take Brogan's advice and relax, at least. No use worrying about something until we know everything."

Harry nodded, and they made their way to their bedroom. Ginny closed the door, and he watched her cast a Silencing Spell.

"Just in case," she replied to his unasked question. She joined him on the bed, and he held her, resting his head on top of hers.

"I love you," Harry said plainly, tightening his grip. Even if his head and heart were in constant chaos, Harry knew he always had her, no matter what.

"And I love you," Ginny whispered, kissing him. She pulled back and looked at him. "Do you want to take a nap then?"

"Yeah, maybe." Harry felt out of sorts and couldn't explain why. Perhaps because he had been able to convince some small part of himself that nothing terrible was happening while they were at the cottage. He could see that had been a terrible fallacy.

Ginny removed his glasses for him and pulled the blankets around them. She sighed happily as they spooned together, with Harry behind her.

"Do you want to talk about what was going on in the training room, earlier?" Her voice was soft, and he frowned at the back of her head.

"Nothing was going on. We were just talking."

Ginny twisted in his arms and put her hand to his face, gazing at him. 'It didn't feel like nothing when I interrupted you. I know you better than anyone, Harry Potter. Are you sure your feelings are cut and dry about this whole thing with Brogan?"

Harry sighed and lay back on his back. She scooted over so she could see his face. He met her eyes and shook his head. "I don't know. And that is the only answer I can give you right now. And I don't want to talk about it. Not because I'm embarrassed or upset, or I'm hiding anything. I just don't have anything to add."

"Okay," Ginny said simply. Harry felt thankful that she understood him so well. She kissed him and then they arranged themselves again. Harry couldn't stop his mind from jumping from place to place. It worried him that McGonagall had disappeared. It worried him that Voldemort had Hogwarts. And it worried him that maybe some small, infinitesimal part of him might actually fancy another man. But most of all, it worried him that he felt wholly unequipped to handle that last bit – facing Voldemort would be a lark instead of that cauldron of confusion and awkwardness.

"Just try to stop thinking so much, my love, we can't change what's happened. McGonagall is a tough old bird, as Ron likes to say. She's made of strong stuff. And as for the rest…just don't let it bother you. What will be will be." She squeezed his hand to hers and kissed his fingers.

Harry nodded and kissed the back of her neck, breathing in the scent of her hair. He tried to make himself relax and held Ginny tighter. He just wanted the world to stay outside their door for just a little while longer, was that too much to ask?

o-o-o-o-o

Sometime later, Ginny woke up, frowning at the low light in the room. The sun hadn't completely set yet, but it was getting darker. Harry was asleep beside her, looking young and lost. Ginny kissed his forehead, and he moaned softly before drifting back asleep. She got out the bed and headed towards the shower – she hadn't just been looking for an excuse to have one earlier, she did feel a bit dirty from training.

Quickly removing her clothes, Ginny turned on the taps and left the door partway open in case Harry had a bad dream or called for her. The shower was large, with a small bench in the corner, but pretty standard—nothing like what they'd had at the Abbey. As the bathroom mirror steamed up, she grabbed some shampoo and soap and stepped inside.

She thought about earlier, when she'd interrupted Harry and Brogan in the training room. It was true; nothing had been happening, they'd just innocently been sitting there. But the air in the room had felt charged with something.

Ginny frowned, searching her feelings. She wasn't exactly sure how that made her feel. It had never occurred to her that Harry might have some latent attraction to Brogan or that he would ever act on it if he did. But she also knew better than anyone that Harry had a passionate and loving nature, and perhaps their own relationship had helped him open up that part of himself.

Ever since the whole thing had happened, hadn't Ginny consistently found herself questioning her own desires? Not to be with other people, of course, but just the things she and Harry did together – as a young girl, they would have made her blush to the roots of her hair. But now she had no problem imagining certain things happening between them. Ginny craved them, to be honest. Almost all the time. Maybe it was like Brogan said – part of Aine's power was sexual. Perhaps that power meeting with the already healthy sexual appetite of a teenaged girl wasn't the best of things. The compulsion of the Copulatus Spell probably didn't help her in that regard either.

But perhaps, Ginny thought, when it came down to it, the idea of someone fancying him was a bit intoxicating to Harry on some level. He had grown up feeling so completely unwanted and unloved that he reacted to any sign of it being untrue. And thanks to Ginny keeping Voldemort out of his head, he'd had the first chance in his life to feel like a normal male. Full of hormones and everything else. His closeness with Ron and Hermione, with her, and even with her own family showed how much he was capable of caring. How capable he was of love.

Brogan was drawn to Harry because of who he was as a person. In essence, Ginny had a feeling that as an Empath, Brogan perhaps had a better understanding of what a person was inside more than most. He had said he'd never had feelings for another bloke before, and she believed him. But then there was Harry, and there was her, and Brogan could sense all of the love they shared. Ginny couldn't fault him for being drawn to both of them. Being attracted to another person was one thing. But being attracted to them and actually feeling their feelings for each other had to be completely befuddling, even at the best of times.

Sighing and feeling more confused than ever, Ginny decided she wouldn't worry about it until it became something to worry about. Maybe she had just imagined the whole thing and should just take Harry at his word. At the least, she had to trust him to come to her when he was ready. And, if Harry wanted what she thought he might want, then she would cross that bridge when they stumbled onto it. She stepped under the water and tried to clear her mind.

She had just finished washing her hair when the door opened behind her, and she turned to see Harry smiling at her. "Got room in here for me?" he asked, stepping inside.

"Always," Ginny said, turning around. Harry squinted at her as his eyes roamed over her body, and he stepped under the spray. She handed him the soap, smirking as she looked down at his middle. "And hello there."

Harry laughed and turned around, starting to clean and rinse himself off. He arched his head under the water and took the shampoo she handed him. Ginny moved over to the stone bench to sit and watch him. There times when she honestly couldn't believe her luck. Harry was utterly beautiful in that entirely male way that she was certain he would never understand.

"Nice arse, Potter," she said playfully, and she wasn't even lying. He did have a nice arse, among other things.

"You just like me for my body," Harry teased, turning around and walking over to her. Ginny couldn't help but giggle because his body was definitely showing her how much he liked hers.

"You're in a better mood," she said, looking up at him. He shrugged and traced his hand over her face, lifting her wet hair out of the way. His eyes were dark and wide, and she felt herself shiver in reaction. There went those desires again.

"I reckon I just needed to rest a bit. Hey, come back," Harry said as she suddenly moved away. Ginny shook her head.

"Oh no, I have plans for you. Here, stand sideways." She maneuvered him so that he was resting against the wall. She scooted forward until she was eye level with his body. She gazed up at him, and his green eyes were so lovely to her – he could never keep how he was feeling out of them. She saw how much he loved her and felt her heart react.

Ginny slowly licked her lips – his eyes followed her tongue - and then went for it. Harry's hand found the back of her head, and he swore as her mouth took him in. He tasted sweet and wet and clean, and Ginny felt her body tighten in response. Her desire to please him, to make him hers completely swelled through her. Always, her passion for him seemed bigger than she was. Bigger than they both were.

Ginny realized she loved being able to sit and have him at this height. She slid her mouth along his length and then gripped his arse with her hands, guiding him. He tasted so good to her. In the warm fog of the shower, his skin felt like silk against her tongue. Harry let her take over, his hands merely holding her hair out of her face.

Ginny felt like a woman possessed as she pleasured him, bringing her hand around to cup him, squeezing gently. Ginny wanted to drive all thoughts of everything that plagued him out of his head for however long she could. Harry deserved it. She felt herself grow wet with desire; ravishing Harry always turned her on so much.

"Ugnhm," Harry muttered as Ginny licked and slowly kissed her way up and down his shaft. He was so hard for her, and it thrilled her. She felt a flush of heat move through her body at the thought. Ginny swirled her tongue the way she knew he liked and was rewarded by the slightly salty taste of him on her lips. She knew he was close and speeded up her actions until he was thrusting forward, almost against his will. His hand flexed in her hair, and his whole body was tightening beneath her. She moaned in response as he exploded in her mouth. Ginny kept going until Harry's hand gently gripped her shoulder, and she relented. She smiled up at him, loving the look on his face.

"That was fun," Ginny said impishly, and he nodded in dazed agreement. He collapsed on the bench next to her, his legs splayed out in front of him.

His breathing was still loud and ragged as she stood up, standing back under the water. She watched him try to regain his composure and felt a lover's pride within her. Harry finally lifted his head and smiled crookedly at her. Ginny smiled widely and started moving her hands over her body.

"I love doing that to you," she said. "It makes me feel so powerful." Her hand took on a life of its own as it wandered down her body. Ginny loved the way his eyes flashed at her. Harry watched her for a moment; his chest still rising and falling. She couldn't believe how sexy he looked to her now. Her body was responding quickly as she let her hand stray between her folds, touching herself. Harry stood up and went to her.

"If you're going to put on a show, then I am going to need my bloody glasses." His voice was low and thick with emotion, and Ginny shivered in response.

"All right," Ginny agreed, winking. They turned off the taps and then stepped out of the shower. Harry quickly handed her a towel, and she ran it through her hair. She smiled at him and stretched up to kiss him. His hands settled on her hips, pulling her closer to him. He continued drying her off, his eyes lingering on her body.

They moved back to the bed, and Ginny soon found herself pressed down into the mattress as Harry stood over her, working his mouth around her neck. She sighed happily and let her hands run through his wet hair. He started moving his mouth down lower, and she laughed.

"What happened to watching the show, Harry?" she asked, popping her head up to look at him.

"Plans change," Harry said, his voice full of hunger. She knew what that voice meant and felt a flutter of excitement inside of her. Ginny lay her head back on the bed as Harry jerked the towel off of her. He pulled her towards the edge. He wasn't rough, but he wasn't gentle either, and Ginny thrilled at the look of command on his face. She watched as he got down on his knees in front of her, licking his lips. He suddenly broke his seriousness and winked at her, a grin filling his face. Harry spread her legs and bent them at the knees, and then Ginny knew pure bliss as his mouth claimed her. She moaned as his fingers entered her, and his tongue swirled around her, suckling her center into his mouth.

"Oh, god, yes," she moaned, flinging her head back. As much as Ginny loved the actual joining of their bodies, she had to admit there was nothing better than the feel of Harry's mouth and its undivided attention on her. He added another finger, stretching her, filling her up and relentlessly fucked her with his mouth. Ginny was lost to everything but sensation – the way he held her down, the way his fingers curled inside of her, and the way his tongue teased her. Her orgasm felt as though it came out of nowhere in its intensity, and she shuddered, screaming out his name. Ginny had the briefest hope that the Silencing Charm from earlier was still holding. Harry removed his mouth, and she heard him breathing heavily. His fingers still moved inside of her, rubbing over that special spot that made her want to let him do anything to her as long as he kept rubbing her right there. Ginny felt the response of her body start to begin and pushed her hips upwards.

"Oh, now, Harry. Now," Ginny gasped. "I need you inside me now, love." Harry moved quickly at her request, clumsily entering her before he was even entirely in position. She gazed up at him and pulled his mouth down to hers. Harry fell forward, one leg off the floor, trying to move within her. She felt joy bubbling inside of her and managed to calm herself for a moment. After laughing at each other, they managed to straighten out into a better position. Ginny wrapped her legs around him, jerking his hips closer. He filled her so thoroughly, and she relished the sensation. Ginny wanted all of Harry - all of him - all of them - together. She tightened herself around him, reminding him that he was hers.

"Fuck," he said, his voice harsh, and Ginny nodded in agreement. His head rested on hers for a brief moment, and then he was pushing inside of her. Ginny lost control as his body rubbed against that spot deep within her, where only moments before his fingers had been. Her body practically hummed in appreciation. Ginny pushed herself off the bed to meet him, and it was loud and almost violent, and she didn't want it ever to end. Thrust after thrust, their bodies danced together, and Ginny felt her heart beating fast within her chest.

Harry pulled almost all of the way out of her and then slammed into her again, and she grunted out a half-moan of pleasure. It was so good…Harry was so good, her body wanted him to never stop loving her. He whispered her name with reverence, and she met his gaze, reaching up to kiss him. Ginny knew he was almost there - she could feel him losing his composure as her body tightened around him. His thrusts became more erratic, and she used her legs to hold him steady as they both moved. They both cried out as he came, Ginny feeling as though her entire body was lit from within. The pulsing of Harry's body carried her over into her own second release. They both slowed their movement until they were nothing but tangled limbs and sweaty body parts. They rested, neither one of them speaking until Ginny laughed in amusement. Harry looked up at her, a question on his face.

"I think we may need another shower," she said by way of explanation, and he grinned, nodding. He removed himself from her and rolled over on the bed. Ginny curled around him sighed, loving the way he smelled after sex. It was everything she loved about him in one simple scent.

"I love you, so much," he said, pulling her towards him. Ginny kissed her way along his shoulder, smiling at the cross-eyed way he was looking at her. A crooked grin filled his face.

"Of course you do, Harry. I give you incredible orgasms." Ginny nipped her mouth behind his ear as he laughed, the joy in his voice echoing through the room.

"I think I wasn't too shabby there myself," he said pointedly, and she nodded in agreement.

"You were bloody brilliant," Ginny said, looking for his glasses. She reached over him and grabbed them for him. He slipped then on and then smiled at her.

"This is when you look your best, you know. You're glowing."

Ginny smiled and rested her chin on his chest. "So are you."

He made a 'hmm' noise and kissed her. His hand moved between them as he gently cupped her breast. His eyes blazed at her, and Ginny smiled, leaning into his touch. She moved her hand down his body, loving every line and flex of muscle. He was a mixture of right angles and sharp points, and he was beautiful to her. She could and did love every inch of him. They finally settled down, and Ginny listened to his heart beating, tracing her fingers over his ribs. She felt his hand in her hair, tickling her gently. It was already half-dry and starting to float up around her face.

"Do you think it's dinner time yet?" Harry asked after a long moment. It had grown darker in the room, with just a little bit of light coming from the windows. Neither of them bothered to bring up the lights in the room.

"Probably. I hope that Silencing Charm held," Ginny said, looking at the door.

"Oh, I redid it before I went into the shower. Just in case," Harry said, a cheeky grin on his face.

"Pretty clever, Harry," Ginny said, laughing.

"I have my moments," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I reckon we should get up and make an appearance."

Ginny hummed but closed her eyes. "I'm sure the chef knows what we have been up to anyway. He'll keep it warm for us, no doubt."

Harry shifted underneath her, so they were more comfortable. After a little while, they sat up as Ginny's stomach gave a mighty rumble. Harry laughed at her and tossed a pillow at her.

"Come on, let's feed you."

Ginny got up and fetched the clothes she'd been wearing earlier from the floor of the loo. Frowning, she tossed the shirt into their dirty clothes pile and grabbed a fresh pair of knickers from her dwindling supply.

"Who is on laundry duty this week? Things are getting sparse," she said, noting that Harry was almost out of boxers, too.

His cheeks flushed. "Er, I think it's me this week. Sorry, I'll get on that soon."

Ginny shook her head at him as she pulled on her jeans and grabbed a fresh tee-shirt from Harry's side of the wardrobe.

"Hey!" He said as she slipped it over her head. "That's mine."

"Do the laundry, and I wouldn't have to borrow yours."

"Brat," Harry said, grabbing his last clean shirt.

"Yes, but you love me," Ginny said, looking around for a hair tie. She spied one on the bedside table and pulled her hair up and pushed it out of her face. She'd just have to eat with damp hair. She glanced at Harry's head and kept her laugh to herself. Ginny went over to him and ruffled it with her fingers. He frowned at her as he tried to mash it back down.

"It looks better standing up," she explained, and then grinned at him.

He shook his head, and they both walked to the door, opening it and looking out. Harry canceled the spell, and they could suddenly hear the sound of Brogan and Hermione talking.

They made their way quickly down the stairs and entered the kitchen. Brogan was standing at the stove, a big silver pot in front of him. Hermione was laughing at whatever he had just said.

"Okay, you two?" Brogan asked, smiling knowingly at them. Ginny felt her skin heat as she knew that he knew they were definitely okay. She wasn't sure why that idea was suddenly making her feel uncomfortable again. Brogan handed Harry a bowl and then her, his fingers lightly grazing hers. Ginny tried to ignore the little flare of something that flashed between them and sat down next to Hermione.

"Where's Ron?" she asked, noticing that Brogan had paused and was looking at her with an odd look on his face. Harry was getting something out of the pantry.

"Oh, he's out there in the garden. Says this soup has reminded him of a recipe for ratatouille your mum used to make. So he's out gathering vegetables." Hermione snorted as she watched Ron out the window.

"Yes, and I don't know if I should be pleased or insulted," Brogan said, joining them, sitting down on Hermione's other side. Harry came back out of the pantry, holding a small loaf of bread. He set it down next to her with a smirk.

Brogan gave her a curious glance but then smiled at Harry. "There's fresh butter in the cold-storage cupboard."

Harry nodded and turned back around. "Could you get me something to drink, Harry?" Ginny called out, grabbing a piece of the bread.

"One lemonade coming up," Harry said, returning with butter and two glasses of a pale yellow liquid. "Or at least, I'm assuming it's lemonade." He sat down next to her and handed her one. Ginny took a quick drink and then paused, taking another.

"Did you make this too, Brogan?" she asked him.

"Guilty."

"It's excellent," Ginny said, licking her lips. Harry nodded beside her.

"Yeah, it is, mate. Actually, it's pretty much the best lemonade I've ever tasted but uh… don't tell Mrs Weasley that. Sorry, Gin."

"She won't hear it from me because I agree." She glanced at Brogan to find him watching her. "Um, what did you do to it?"

"Just added extra lemons and sugar," he said mysteriously.

Hermione had got up to get a glass too and came back to the table, smacking her lips. "I taste lavender in here…maybe honey."

Brogan rolled his eyes at her. "There, you've gone and ruined my secret. Thanks, Hermione."

"Sorry," Hermione said as she laughed. "I didn't know it was a Ministry secret."

Harry and Ginny started to eat as Ron came back in from the garden. He glanced at them as he put the vegetables he was carrying on the counter.

"About time you two get down here. Honestly, if Mum could see you now, Gin, shagging all bloody afternoon."

Ginny opened her mouth with a retort, but Harry nudged her. She closed her mouth and looked grumpily at him. Hermione got up to help Ron, and Ginny became aware of Brogan's eyes on her again. She met his gaze with one of her own and he raised an eyebrow at her but didn't say anything.

"We took a nap first," Ginny finally replied and made a face at her brother. Ron waved his hands at her, dismissing her comment.

"Are you two ever going to talk like adults around each other?" Harry asked after a moment. Ginny frowned.

"I can't help it! He starts it."

"Maybe he just likes to take the mickey out of you," Brogan said sagely, not looking at her.

"Don't you start," she said, feeling grumpy.

Harry pushed her soup bowl closer to her and smiled benignly at her. "Eat Gin. It's delicious. You're not a half-bad cook, Brogan."

Ginny ignored everyone as she stared down at her meal. She didn't know why she suddenly felt grumpy and annoyed. She started eating as her mind wandered. What had been that flare between her and Brogan? And he had felt it too, she knew.

Shaking her head, she ate until her bread and soup were both gone. She looked up and realized Harry was the only one sitting next to her still. Ginny looked around.

"Where'd everybody go?" she asked

"In the other room. They could tell you were absolutely gutted when they left. I think Brogan felt it in his heart when you chewed your bread extra loud."

Ginny pursed her lips. "Sorry. Reckon I was thinking about what you said."

"I said a lot of things, but you missed half of them," Harry said, taking her empty dish to the sink for her. He started rinsing out everyone else's dishes, so she joined him, grabbing a towel.

"No, I meant about Ron and me not acting like adults around each other, like ever."

"You two are pretty close in age, and I suppose you just get on each other's nerves a lot easier," Harry said, tapping his wand on the sink as it filled with water. Soon bubbles were starting to appear as the water grew hotter.

"When did you get so diplomatic, Harry?" Ginny asked, handing him the first of the bowl to be washed.

"Hmm, about the time I realized I was madly in love with my best friend's sister, and he was going to be a prat about it most of the time and supportive of it for the rest."

Ginny snorted and rested her hands in the warm water before removing the bowl from the soapy water and rinsing it. Harry started washing more dishes, handing them off to her when he was done. They worked in silence for a while, and then Ginny sighed. Harry glanced at her, his arms deep in the bubbles of the sink.

"Something else bothering you, Gin?"

"No, why?"

"You seem distracted. I know we basically rule at sex now, but you really shouldn't let it get you so addled-brained," Harry said smartly, laughing at his own joke.

Ginny grunted and then took a handful of bubbles, holding them up. Harry glanced at her, and his eyes widened.

"Don't you dare, Ginny Weasley," he said, shaking his head at her.

Ginny blew a little hole into the bubbles and then looked at him as though considering. "What will you give me if I don't?"

"My undying love and respect," Harry said, a smile threatening to break out on his face.

"I already have that," Ginny said, getting ready to splash him with water.

"Hey, it's my turn to clean the kitchen," Brogan said, coming back into the room. He raised an eyebrow at Ginny's raised handful of soap. "At least try not to make it too hard on me."

Harry shook his head and looked around at Brogan. "No, we'll clean. You cooked, after all. Only fair."

Ginny lowered her hand and rinsed off the soap. "I think he just saved you from soap down the back," she said softly to Harry. He grinned at her.

Brogan rested against the counter, watching them as though amused. She turned to him. "Ron and Hermione go into their bedroom?"

"No, they're playing chess, and I get to play the winner."

"So you'll be playing Ron fairly soon then," Harry said, laughing.

"Hermione is still a better player than you, Harry," Ginny said, drying off her hands. She stood on the other side of the counter, across from Brogan.

"Too bad you didn't make afters," she said, feeling the need for something sweet.

"There's still some biscuits left," Brogan replied. He went over to the pantry and pulled out her plate from earlier. He handed her one, and she noticed he kept his fingers away from hers. She met his eyes, and Brogan glanced at Harry and then shook his head slightly. She frowned but didn't say anything and grabbed a biscuit.

"Save one for me," Harry said, finishing up.

"I'll save two, how's that?" Ginny said, nicking two more off the plate and setting them next to Harry.

"My hero," Harry said as he dried his hands.

"Anyone want tea? Coffee?" Brogan asked, looking into the pantry.

"Tea for me," Ginny said. "Do you have any more of that lavender blend with the blackberries from the night before?"

Brogan nodded and then pushed them out of the kitchen. "Go bother Ron and Hermione for a bit."

Harry grabbed her hand and led her into the living room. "He's always kicking us out of that kitchen; I'm not sure he thinks we can do anything that isn't messy."

Ginny shrugged, and they sat down together on the settee. Ron and Hermione glanced at them as they sat down.

"Thanks for doing the dishes, Harry," Hermione said. "I'll almost forgive you for not doing the laundry yet."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I know, I know, we're all about to be running about starkers because I've been a lazy git."

Ginny snorted and stretched out, her feet ending up in Harry's lap. He smiled at her.

"This reminds me of being at Grimmauld Place before my birthday." he said, starting to rub her ankles. "I remember being so happy you were letting me just...touch you. Without either of us feeling self-conscious about it."

Ginny nodded. "I remember. I was kind of an idiot about the whole thing, wasn't I?"

Brogan came back into the room with a tray filled with teacups. He glanced at Ginny. "What were you an idiot about?"

"Oh, just…things," Ginny said, feeling self-conscious. Ron chuckled and accepted a cup from the tray, looking at her.

"Ta, Brogan. No, she was an idiot about being with Harry in the beginning. She tried to make like she didn't care that they were 'just friends,' but we knew. We all knew. Well, maybe all of us except him."

Harry frowned. "I knew! Or, I think, I did."

Ginny felt herself blush and scowled at her brother, taking the cup Brogan offered her. "Let's not talk about who was an idiot about people fancying them, Ron, or we'll have to bring up the broom cupboard."

Ron's ears turned pink, and he opened his mouth to reply when Hermione exclaimed: "Check!" Ron frowned and looked down at the chessboard, as though not quite believe his girlfriend had possibly bested him.

Brogan sat down across from them, shaking his head. He took a sip, and his eyes flashed at Harry. "When did you know you fancied Ginny? I'm assuming it wasn't while you were at school?"

"No, it was just last summer," Harry said, squeezing her leg and looking fondly at her. "She liked me for years, but I was clueless until she fell on me and my body sort of…clued me in that I didn't think of her as a sister." His cheeks looked pink in the soft light of the room, and Ginny reached out for his hand.

"And I thought he was acting like a bloody prat, actually," she said, remembering. "I thought he just liked me for my body!" Ginny laughed at the expression on Harry's face.

"Oi! Brother type person in the room, thank you," Ron grumbled.

"Sorry, Ron," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. She looked at Brogan, wondering something. "Have you ever had a real girlfriend, Brogan?"

Harry turned his head sharply at her, and Ginny immediately realized her question was a bit rude. She opened her mouth to apologize, but Brogan waved her off.

"Aye. Believe it or not, I have. It was a disastrous affair, though. Can't possibly bear to talk about it." Brogan sighed and looked forlorn until his face broke into a wide grin.

"Actually, I've never really had a steady girl, but there have been one or two. Nothing like you two, though. I always sort of… well, they complained I wasn't open enough with them. I reckon with the prophecy about the Heir floating around in my near future, I thought it was safer not to get too attached to anyone. But you see where that got me. Utterly alone. I was the real idiot in this room, most likely."

Harry and Ginny glanced at each other, both feeling sorry for him. But Brogan shook his head at them. "No need to look so sad for me, honestly. You can't miss what you've never had. Well, I mean, you can, but…it's not the same. Trust me, I know."

Ginny felt her heart clench and noticed Hermione was frowning in their direction, picking up on their conversation. She searched her mind for something better to talk about when Harry spoke suddenly.

"What about Kath?"

Brogan sighed. "Kath is Kath. She's always been a friend. I think…I think I might get the nerve to do more than chat her up one of these days, but who knows."

Hermione and Ron finished their game and Ron was grumbling since he'd lost. Hermione came over and pushed Ginny's legs out of the way and sat down. Harry rolled his eyes behind his best friend's back as Ginny giggled.

"Well, I think you should write to her and tell her how you feel," Hermione was saying to Brogan. "She does fancy you quite a bit."

Brogan rested his chin on his hand. "Really? She said that to you, point-blank? Hey, Hermione, I fancy Brogan, wish he would write me a letter about it?"

Harry snickered and Ginny had to bite her lips to keep from laughing out loud. Hermione frowned at both of them and then shook her head.

"No, not in so many words, but I can tell. Just like I knew, Ginny fancied Harry even though she said she didn't, and that Harry fancied Ginny even though he thought he didn't."

"Yeah, you're all-knowing, all right," Ron said, joining them. He sat down next to Brogan since there was no more room on the settee.

"I am, about some things," Hermione said cleverly.

"Yes," Ginny said, patting her friend on the back. "You are, Hermione. You helped me with becoming my own person so Harry could get to know the real me. Maybe you should listen to her, Brogan. She does give great advice."

Hermione smiled at her and looked very pleased. The men in the room all looked at each other with blank looks. After a moment, Ron cleared his throat.

"So…maybe we could talk about Quidditch or something."

Brogan laughed. "Actually, I've got some reading to do, so…I'll let you and Harry dive into that topic. Goodnight, if I don't see you later." His eyes lingered on Ginny's, and then he was gone, taking his tea with him. Harry raised an eyebrow at her, and Ginny shrugged. She didn't know if that was a hint to wait up or not. Brogan could be downright enigmatic when he wanted to be.

The four of them stayed up for a little while longer, just talking and laughing. It was pleasant, Ginny reflected, and even though bad things were happening outside, it felt nice to remind oneself what one was fighting for. Ron and Hermione eventually went to bed, and she and Harry cuddled together on the settee, watching the fire.

"You know, sometimes I feel bad that we're sitting around waiting to act, while Voldemort gets up to his nasty deeds," Harry said, startling her out of her thoughts.

She kissed his head and nodded. "I was just thinking along those same lines. But…Harry, do you honestly feel like you're ready to face him yet?"

He sat up and pulled away from her, his expression serious. "I'm not sure. Sometimes I am, but then other times I'm…I don't want anything to bother us. I'm not scared of what's to come, but…I'm not in a hurry for it to happen. Does that even make sense?"

Ginny thought about it. "It does. I'm not questioning your bravery, Harry. I know you have it in spades, and I know when the time comes, you will fight until you can no longer fight. And I understand because I am not anxious for that to start any time soon. I feel like we're on the cusp here, just waiting for life to start. There are so many other things I'd like to be doing! Finishing school, playing Quidditch, finding a house for you and me to live in."

"Oh?" Harry said, a broad smile breaking out across his face. "You think of things like that?"

Ginny smiled. "Of course! I dream of someplace with just the two of us, miles away from anyone else and we're deliriously happy with our ten kids-"

"Ten kids?"Harry exclaimed, looking shocked. Ginny stuck her tongue out at him.

"No, okay, maybe only five kids." She grinned impishly. He shook his head.

"Let's be just Harry and Ginny for a while at first, all right?"

"Deal," she said, scooting closer to him and resting her head on his shoulder. "Whatever you want, love. But I think I might at least want enough to fill the house and make our own Quidditch team."

"Hmm," Harry said, turning to nuzzle her neck.

"I think Brogan fell asleep in there," she said, yawning. "Reckon we should join him." Ginny paused mid-stretch and then blushed. She looked at Harry. "You know what I meant."

"Thanks for clarifying," he said, laughing. "But you are right, I got the feeling he wanted to talk to one of us tonight, and it wasn't me."

Ginny frowned. "I don't think he sees a difference between us anymore. I mean, he seems…different somehow. Not that he was super secretive before, but…" she paused and looked at Harry. "I think now that he knows you know about his attraction, he's sort of opened up more."

Harry nodded. "Makes sense. Tonight was the most I'd heard him talk about himself for a while. But I get what you mean. He seems less…"

"Inhibited?" Ginny offered as they stood up to go to bed. Harry put his arm around her shoulder as they made their way up the stairs.

"Like he said, it feels like a relief to him, and I can empathize myself," Harry said as they entered their bedroom. "Trying to hide your feelings or ignore them gets a bit…tedious after awhile. It stinks to always have to worry about doing or saying the wrong thing. I know growing up, I felt like that all the time. Not because I fancied someone but because I didn't want to get yelled at for reminding them I existed."

Ginny stopped removing her clothes and watched Harry start to get undressed. What he had said was so matter-of-fact, so…normal, that she felt a massive wave of anger rush through at the thought of what those Muggles had done to him. The fact that Harry could even love her or experience any sort of happiness never stopped to confound her when she thought of the way he'd been brought up. She went to him and hugged him tightly, feeling her eyes water.

"Uh, Gin?" Harry said, sounding muffled. She pulled back and sniffed at him. He frowned at her. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, Harry, I love you. I love you so much. You are so…I don't…" Ginny laughed through her tears as he looked at her in dismay. She raised her hand and shook her head. "No, I'm okay, I just…I love you."

"All right," Harry said, sounding puzzled. "I love you too, you daft woman. What's going on?"

"Nothing, I'm just emotional for some dumb reason. Let's go to sleep. I'm fine."

They finished getting undressed, and both of them slipped under the covers. Harry wrapped himself around her, kissing her neck.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked softly. Ginny nodded her head.

"I'm with you, Harry, I'm brilliant. Just ignore me, my love. It's nothing."

Harry squeezed her tightly in his arms and then relaxed around her. Ginny closed her eyes and took in deep breaths to calm herself. Doing the math in her head, she realized she was about to have her favorite time of the month and shook her head. Figures, she thought.

Sighing, she pulled Harry's hands closer to her and felt herself start to get drowsy. Too many late-night conversations lately had made her an emotional mess. But she could always blame her raging hormones. Ginny smiled to herself as she finally fell asleep.

o-o-o-o-o