So… how was that last ending? I hope this chapter makes up for that little cliffhanger last week ;)

TheDistantDusk and Breanie have been amazing, helping me make this chapter great. Thanks guys! And I wanna thank everyone for leaving reviews, comments, and messages. You all are great to me! Thank you so much!

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Ginny stared up, unseeing, at the tiled ceiling. She didn't want to get up. She didn't want to deal with last night. With Harry. With her embarrassment. God! She had acted like such an idiot the previous night. Kissing Harry... she still couldn't figure out what she'd been thinking. Of course, she had imagined all those looks... He was only there because it was his job. He was a protector and wasn't actually interested in her. That thought had nagged at her all night. The fact that she'd been so ignorant and seeing things that clearly didn't exist.

Ginny had never been one of those girls. One of those girls who just fell for a guy. She had constantly been distracted by other things: school, football, work... the list went on. Sure she had boyfriends, but it had always been easy and just slid into place. So pining after a bloke who didn't reciprocate her feelings wasn't something she was used to.

This unrequited... thing she felt for Harry stung. It made her cheeks heat just thinking about the way he had pushed her away the previous night.

I can't.

I can't.

Those two words dug into her like a knife. She could still see the pained expression on his face as he'd said those words. Harry was too nice to say he wasn't interested. So instead, he'd said I can't.

The smell of bacon and eggs wafted in from the other room. Ginny's stomach growled loudly, encouraging her to follow her nose, but she didn't move. She knew that would be Harry, trying to make her feel better with breakfast. Again, there he was being nice, and Ginny hated him for it at that moment. She didn't want his pity breakfast or to see that pained grimace on his face.

This wasn't like her either. She'd never been one to shy away or hide from things. But Harry's rejection hurt more than she wanted to admit. Fuck, how could she have been so foolish to think this was more than a job to him? To think he liked her too...

"Ginny?" His voice was soft in the doorway, and still made Ginny's stomach flutter despite everything. "Are you awake?"

The desire to tell him to fuck off was strong. She didn't want to deal with him... with it. If she just pulled the blanket up over her head...

"I — I've made breakfast," Harry said unnecessarily. "I just —" His deep sigh was audible even from across the room. "Please come out when you're ready."

Ginny could hear his footsteps retreat into the sitting room. Clattering utensils and pans could be heard despite a clear intent to muffle them. Ginny clenched her jaw, letting out a long sigh. She had to go out there. There was no avoiding this. She would be an adult about this. Keep everything friendly, and forget it ever happened.

With her mind made up, Ginny threw off the blanket. She ignored the butterflies spinning in her gut. Her bare feet protested the cool wooden floor as she made her way to the loo. After taking care of business quickly, Ginny went to the sitting room.

Harry sat on the sofa, his head downcast. He looked up at her footsteps, his body jerking upright. "Gin."

The nickname was like a spike to her gut, but she ignored the pain and made her way to the small kitchen. A plate with eggs, bacon, and toast sat waiting. "Thanks." Her voice was barely over a whisper as she took the warm plate to the armchair.

Ginny set the plate on her lap, appreciating the warmth that heated her legs. She could feel Harry's eyes following her as she got comfortable. Instead of meeting Harry's gaze, Ginny focused her attention on the eggs, scooping up a bite.

"Gin."

There was that name again. The soft, pleading tone pulled at her like nothing else, and Ginny couldn't resist any longer. Lowering the fork back to the plate, Ginny looked up at Harry. God, the way he looked at her sent waves of emotion through her.

His green eyes were bright and imploring as they stared at each other. "Ginny, I need to explain last night."

She held up a hand, cutting him off. His bottom lip tucked between his teeth, making her resolve nearly crumble. She moved the plate off her lap onto the tiny table beside the chair. "Harry, it's fine. I get it."

His brow creased as he shook his head. "No, I don't think —"

"It's fine," she repeated. Ginny didn't want to hear him say it. She didn't want to hear pity words or soften dismissals. "You don't feel that way about me. You see me as only a friend"—the word was like ash on her tongue— "and I was seeing things that weren't there."

Harry's jaw dropped. "What? Not there?"

Ginny tried for a dismissive shrug, knowing there was no way she achieved it. "You don't think of me in a... romantic way. And that's fine." The words came out so quickly that even a fool would know it was a lie. She cleared her throat, determined to make herself sound easy and breezy, but she couldn't force herself to look at him. "It's fine that you don't fancy me. I get that I'm just someone that needs protecting and —"

The words caught in her throat as Harry's mouth covered hers. His lips were chapped yet soft as he swallowed her surprised cry. His arms pillared beside her on the armrests as he leaned down into her. It took a second for Ginny's brain to catch up, but then she was leaning up into him, tilting her neck to get better access.

Harry was the one to pull back, his forehead coming to rest on hers. Ginny's eyes opened slowly, meeting his darkened gaze. "I fancy the fuck out of you, Ginny." His voice was gravelly and incredibly sexy. "I just —" He let out a long breath. "I just... I didn't want you to think I was taking advantage of you. You were dealing with so much last night and I didn't want you to think I was... would ever be one of those blokes who would take advantage of you when you're dealing with… all of this."

Ginny's heart pounded so hard against her chest she was sure it would break right through her shirt. "Really?"

She could see his tongue dart out to lick his lips. "I've been... I can't count the number of times I've wanted to kiss you. I've only held back because I thought... I thought you might feel obligated to pay me back for helping you or something —"

Now it was his turn to be silenced. Ginny kissed him hard, putting everything she'd been feeling for him into it. Her arms lifted to wrap around his neck and her fingers threaded into his hair. She wanted more. Not breaking the kiss, Ginny lifted to her feet.

Their height difference provided a challenge until Ginny pushed Harry back onto the sofa. His arms came around her, keeping her locked to him as he landed on the cushion. Ginny didn't need any more encouragement. She straddled his lap, leaning her chest into his as she brought their lips back together. She could feel his arousal between them, which turned her on even more.

"Gin," Harry moaned as his fingers slid down her sides to the hem of her shirt. "Gin, I —"

Pulling back from his now swollen lips, Ginny didn't hesitate, moving her hands to the bottom of his shirt and lifted it over his head. When Harry's face appeared back into her sights, Ginny could see the longing in his expression. The normally bright green she loved so much had become nearly pitch black. Then her shirt was lifted over her head and dropped to the side.

A low growl came from Harry as he lowered his head to her bare breasts. Ginny's back arched, pressing closing to him as tongue moved across sensitive skin. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the feel of him, the way his teeth gently pulled at her nipples before his tongue would come out to soothe the mark he'd made.

"Fuck," Ginny groaned as Harry's large hands moved down her back to cup her backside. "Harry, I want —"

Before she could remember how to use complete sentences, Harry's mouth was back onto hers. "I want you, Gin." His murmured words made her groan into his mouth. "I want you desperately. Tell me what —"

Ginny tugged at his hair, making it so they were staring into each other's eyes. His labored breathing made a cocky grin curl Ginny's lips. "The bedroom."

His eyes widened as he took a moment to read her expression. If he was checking to see if she was doing this out of obligation or debt, Ginny knew he wouldn't see anything other than raw desire. It only took a second for him to see it, see her motivation, because when his lips came back to hers, there was no hesitation. His hands, which were still on her backside, gripped tighter as he lifted her. Ginny wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her into the small bedroom.

He lowered her gently to the mattress, his body covering hers instantly. His lips were like a drug, making her mind go fuzzy. When they drifted down her body, starting at her neck before arriving back at her breasts, Ginny lost all sensibility.

"Harry." She sighed out his name as he teased her body. When his fingers rolled down her taut stomach to the elastic of her trousers, Ginny lifted her hips in encouragement. It didn't take long for him to divest her of her trousers. He slid down her body, his lips taking their time to touch as many places as they could reach. The light stubble that coated his cheeks made her squirm and groan.

When he reached her knickers, he looked up at her, his breathing labored and hot on her bare skin. "Can I?" She didn't hesitate, knowing what he was going to do... knowing she wanted him to do it desperately.

Even through the cotton of her knickers, Harry's mouth felt incredible. When his fingers curled around the elastic of the fabric and pulled them down, Ginny was practically shaking with anticipation. He started slowly, his fingers gently coaxing shuddering breaths out of her. Then his tongue was right where she wanted it. Ginny couldn't hold back the loud cry that came from her mouth.

Her outburst seemed to egg Harry on. His ministrations became more deliberate and enthusiastic. Ginny was sure her entire body was going to implode. Confident that she was going to lose her mind from Harry's skills. Her orgasm came fast and hard. She could hear her own pleasure echo around the small room.

Her breathing was hard as her body fell back into the mattress, feeling heavy and light all at the same time. It took a moment for her body to register the feeling of Harry making his way back up her body. That sexy stubble ticking her belly, near her chest, and then her neck. Their eyes met as he pressed a light kiss to her chin. His eyes were wide, and she could see everything in them. He leaned down to kiss her lips but paused for a moment. Ginny didn't hesitate, grabbing him by the back of his head to pull him back to her. Harry groaned into her mouth, making her body respond to him all over again.

Harry pulled back a mere millimeter, yet that was still too far for Ginny. "Gin, I — I don't have a condom."

Curse words flew around her head in an angry rave. Out of all the things to happen to her over the last few weeks, Ginny never thought lacking a condom would become the worst of them all. "Are you... have you been tested?"

His breathing was hot and heavy on her cheeks. "Yeah, after my last relationship. Clean bill of health and there hasn't been anyone since."

Ginny ran her hands down his neck and to his back, letting her nails cruise across his skin. She could feel the gooseflesh rise on his body. "I'm clean too, and I have the implant. I'm okay with it if you are."

Harry studied her for a heartbeat as if to make sure she was certain. Then he was kissing her again. Her hands pressed hard into him, trying to bring him impossibly closer. When he started to push into her, Ginny broke their kiss to groan. His lips moved down to her neck, biting lightly as he entered her fully.

He started slowly, his movements hitting all the right spots. Ginny's nails dig into his back, encouraging him. Her body arched up into his as he started going harder. His name rose from her lips like a benediction. So natural as she lost herself in him.

Ginny could feel herself getting closer. Her legs came around his hips, curling around his trim form to pull him to her.

"Fuck, Ginny," Harry groaned into her neck as his hips lost rhythm. "I don't — I can't."

"I'm almost there," Ginny told him, her voice low and gravelly. "Just... Just kiss me."

Harry didn't need to be told twice; his lips returned to hers. The feeling of him and how his tongue moved to hers; Ginny shattered. Her back arched, and their kiss broke so his name could echo around the room. Harry's body jerked hard into hers before stilling. Now it was her name the walls heard.

Ginny felt utterly loose and sated. Her body collapsed back into the mattress. Harry's body fell beside her, his large form almost falling off the side of the small bed. Ginny turned onto her side so he could squeeze beside her. He scooted right up to her; his hot skin pressed to hers.

"Fuck," Harry said as his chest rose and fell rapidly. "That was... that was better than... I can't even think of the right words."

Ginny let out a low chuckle. She tilted her chin to kiss him, loving how he instantly responded. "I couldn't have said it better myself, Detective Potter."

Harry's arm came around her waist, tucking her body into his. His eyes locked onto hers, and Ginny nearly forgot to breathe from the intensity of his gaze. He opened his mouth, clearly having come up with words, but was cut off from the sound of clattering footfalls.

Ginny's heart rose into her throat as her own panic was reflected in Harry's eyes. With fast movements, Ginny's foot slid around the bottom of the bed, finding the crumpled blanket. Ginny lifted the blanket up their bodies in one quick motion, only managing to bring it up to Harry's belly button. She slid down, so her head was covered. If that was Teddy and Tonks, she didn't fancy explaining why uncle Harry and Ginny were naked in bed together.

"Potter." Moody's rough voice filled the room as she now heard the off-kilter fall of his steps. She could hear him stop at the door jamb.

"Hey, Moody!" Harry's voice was higher than normal as his body shifted to look at their visitor. Ginny had to slide to the edge of the mattress to give him enough room. The blanket pulled with her movement and she felt the breeze come from Harry's side. He quickly pulled it back to cover his exposed bum. "What's up?"

"Kingsley got a hit on Crouch. He let it slip that a woman had been kidnapped, escaped, and needed a ride back to London. Crouch took the bait, jumping at the chance. He will be at our set meeting spot tomorrow at ten in the morning."

"Right... Right." Ginny couldn't see Harry's face, but she could imagine his jaw was clenched from his tone. "I'll be ready for him."

Moody gave a satisfied grunt. "Good." A beat of silence. "Alright then." Ginny thought she could hear laughter in the gruff man's voice. "I'll leave you to it." She listened to his feet shuffle towards the exit. Then he paused. "Oh, and Weasley? We need to work on your hiding skills. It was too early in the morning to see Potter's arse."

Ginny could feel her cheeks blaze as Moody's footsteps faded out the door. She crawled out from the covers to see Harry's face as red as she imagined hers was. They stared at each other for a long moment before both bursting out into laughter.

"Leave it to Moody to focus on your hiding skills rather than the fact that I was naked with you under the covers," Harry said through his chuckles. "That man is something else."

Ginny laughed harder. "He had a point, though; even Teddy would have figured out that hiding spot."

"Well, to be fair, Teddy is rather astute." Grinning, Harry pulled her up to him, connecting their lips. His kiss was hard and perfect. Ginny scooted, so she straddled his lap, letting her fingers thread through his hair.

She pulled back, pressing her forehead to his. She gave him a cheeky grin. "Let's talk about Teddy's cleverness later, yeah? Right now, I have other ideas for our mouths."

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"So then you just press your heel down, like so," Tonks instructed, showing Ginny in slow motion the move. "They will more than likely loosen their grip, which gives you enough time to spin around for a quick hit." Tonks performed a quick pivot on her heel, thrusting the palm of her hand in an upwards motion. "Aim for their nose. It's not fatal, but it's sure to knock them off balance."

Ginny kept her eyes on Tonks' lesson, but her attention was divided. She wanted to focus on the useful skill Tonks was teaching her, but her body was too aware of Harry just off to her right. Harry. Even just thinking his name made her body hum in satisfaction.

After that awkward moment with Moody was over, she and Harry had fallen straight back into place. Losing themselves in each other until it was nearly time for lunch. Tonks had come into the bunker as Harry had prepared soup and sandwiches for them. She had said they needed to get as much training in Ginny before the following day. And that was why they'd gathered in the small clearing near the bunker. Tonks had taken control of Ginny's training while Harry entertained Teddy.

Every time Teddy's adorable giggle echoed across the field, Ginny couldn't resist turning to see the cute boy and his godfather. Watching Harry with Teddy was hypnotic. The matching grins the boys wore made Ginny's lips curl. They were obnoxiously cute. Harry was so good Teddy that it would warm even the coldest person.

He was the whole package. Caring, sweet, funny, and so fucking fit. The way he filled out that t-shirt was all too attractive. Her hands itched to go and run her hands under it, feel his warm body under her palms.

"Earth to Ginny!" Tonks waved her hand in front of Ginny's face. "Are you even in there anymore?"

"Huh?" Ginny shook herself out of her reverie. "I'm sorry I was a bit... I got distracted."

Tonks rolled her eyes, but the smile curling her lips dismissed any bite to her words. "I could tell. If I can have your attention just for a little bit, I promise to let you go back to ogling Harry."

Ginny felt her cheeks heat, but she refused to look away from Tonks' mischievous grin. "Ogling is a strong word. Admiring is a better word for it. Now, what was that last move?"

"It's for when someone sneaks up on you." She moved behind Ginny, wrapping her arms lightly around Ginny's body. "Like this. And it well passes admiring at this point. I swear the looks between the two of you could light kindling."

"That might be excessive," Ginny hedged, not wanting to give anything away about how much things had heated between her and Harry. "So first is the foot stomp, yeah?"

"No, excessive is having to see the way Harry looks at you." Tonks laughed. "I swear the way he looks at you... it's like you're a dessert, and he can't wait to..." She paused, her body freezing around Ginny's. Then suddenly, Ginny was spun in Tonk's arms. The older woman's jaw had slackened in surprise and excitement. "Fuck, he already has eaten you, hasn't he?!"

If it were possible, Ginny's face became hotter. "Tonks! I — You can't just — We are — "

"Oh, I knew it!" Tonks laughed loudly. "I knew you two wouldn't be able to resist. I tried to make a bet with Moody for how long it would take you two to give in, but he told me I was getting way too involved with your love lives."

"I have to agree with Moody at this moment."

Tonks ignored Ginny. "But I just knew there was no way you would make it more than a few days locked up in that bunker alone." A devilish glint came into her eyes as her grin turned wolfish. "Tell me, Ginny, did all those lollies I bought him as a teen come in handy?"

"Oh my God!" Ginny covered her face with her hands. "I can't believe you just asked that."

"What?" Tonks made herself sound innocent. "Can't blame me for wanting to make sure he's grown up right. I only got a few years to help guide him."

Ginny simply shook her head, wishing the ground could swallow her whole.

"What are you two talking about?" Harry's voice called over the distance. Ginny lifted her head to see Harry staring at them, his messy hair worse than ever from the high wind. And Teddy, who was posed on Harry's hip.

Tonks flashed Ginny a crooked grin before turning to Harry. "We were just discussing your love for lollies when you were a teen."

Ginny groaned, shaking her head at Tonks' wicked sense of humor. Harry, however, didn't seem to get what his friend hinted at. "Okay," He drawled the word, "why were you —" Suddenly, his face went red. He suddenly noticed the way Tonks' gaze flicked between himself and Ginny.

His eyes locked onto Ginny, who mouthed an apology. He gave her a soft smile. Then he turned to look at Teddy. "Hey, Teddy, wanna help me make some tea?"

Teddy clapped his hands together excitedly. "Can I put in the leaves?"

"You sure can, mate." Harry pressed a kiss to his godson's head. He looked back up at Tonks and Ginny, his eyes staying Ginny's, making her heart start to pick up pace. "You guys practice for a little longer than come inside, yeah."

"You've got it!" Tonks wrapped an arm around Ginny's shoulder. "I promise not to wear her out too much, Harry. I'm sure you've got your own exercise planned for tonight."

Harry pressed his lips together, clearly suppressing a grin. "Much appreciated, Dora." He then winked at Ginny before he hefted Teddy more securely in his arm. "See you in a bit."

Ginny watched his retreating back, listening to Teddy's high chatter fade as they made their way into the bunker. She turned to Tonks, who was shaking with silent laughter. Ginny slapped Tonks' arm, making the laughter break out of her. "You're wicked!"

"And you love me for it," Tonks said through her chuckles. "I just love seeing him all happy, seeing you both so happy." She pulled Ginny into a quick hug before releasing her. "And to keep Harry happy, we need to get you ready to fight. Turn around because you still haven't managed to land a good nose break yet."

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Ginny lay her head on Harry's bare, sweaty chest. Her ear resting over his rapidly beating heart. His arms curled around her body, holding closer than the small bed required. A soft, content sigh escaped her lips without thought.

"Gin?" Harry's quiet voice was nearly deafening in the still room.

"Yeah?" Her eyes closed as the steady rhythm of his heart soothed her already satiated body to ease into the mattress.

"I hope you know... I just need to make sure... I don't know how."

She heard him swallow hard. His body had grown rigid and tight, sending a wave of anxiety through her. Ginny sat up, twisting out of his arms so that she could look into his face. Harry had started to gnaw on his bottom lip, and when his eyes met hers, Ginny couldn't hold back her own gulp.

Her concern must have shown in her face because Harry's expression softened as he released his abused lip. He sat up, leaning his back against the headboard. His large hands came to hold hers. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm bad at words."

Ginny snorted a smile, slowly curling her lips. She thought of all the times he'd put his foot into his mouth in the little time she'd known him and couldn't help but agree with his statement. "How about you try that again?"

Harry let out a small chuckle. "Probably for the best." He took a deep breath. "Ginny, I just... I just..." There were those nerves again. He swallowed hard enough to make his Adam's Apple bob. His hesitation was freaking her out. It wasn't like Harry to hold back. Finally, after another steady breath, Harry said, "I want you to know that I'm there for you. Tomorrow. I won't leave you."

Ginny's brows furrowed as she tried to understand what was going through his mind. Usually, Harry was easy for her to read, minus a few minor mishaps. But at that moment, it was like he was speaking Latin. "I know you won't leave me, Harry."

He nodded. "Good. Good." He tightened his hold on her hands, bringing them up to his lips and holding them there for a moment. "I just... I really care about you, Gin."

It was the way he said that name. That sweet nickname he'd given her always made her heart flutter. She tugged back their joined hands to bring them to her lips, kissing the back of his. "I know. I care about you too, Harry."

When that adorable smile curled his lips, Ginny knew she was gone. She knew it wasn't just about caring for him or fancying him. In such a small amount of time, she'd fallen for him. Fallen hard for him.

So much was happening around them. Endless nerve-wracking situations that sent her heart racing. But through all that excitement and trepidation, she'd witness Harry. She'd discovered so much about him.

The sweet and caring godfather.

The rugged and determined cop.

The thoughtful and funny man.

All of it was a spell that she couldn't break. He had enchanted her like no one else ever had. Yet there were so many unknowns, and they weren't even close to being out of the woods.

Ginny's mind swirled with so many thoughts and doubts that she felt like she was on a rollercoaster. But when he tugged her to his chest, Ginny didn't resist. She couldn't resist. When she was in his arms, it was like everything else was lost in the background. There was nothing else but the warmth of him, the comfort of him. She didn't know how tomorrow was going to play out, but she knew that she trusted Harry like she'd never trusted anyone else. It made all of that background stuff seem insignificant. Being lost in him was all that mattered.

The feel of his arms around her and the sound of his heart beat hard in his chest made Ginny's heart beat harder. She leaned up, pressing her lips to his in a hard kiss. Harry responded instantly, his hands coming up to run through her hair.

Without a second thought, Ginny lifted her head from Harry's chest staring up into his deep green eyes. When she looked into his eyes, she knew that there was no escape from this. From how she felt about him. Fuck… she was truly gone, and if she was being real with herself… even if things were to go sideways Ginny wouldn't regret a moment of this. Not even for a second.