Chapter 32: On the Hearthrug

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story… or the settings. I just own the plot.

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Professor Dumbledore glanced at his office fleetingly. It was in quite an upset manner. Of course, he thought, that was bound to happen when almost the entire Weasley family had stayed up for half the night, right there in the office, pestering him for questions about Harry and Ginny's state. He had been able to tell them that Ginny and Harry, both, were fine and needed rest. Finally, he had been able to persuade them to go and rest themselves.

Professor Dumbledore had just emerged from the room where Harry and Ginny were. They had told them everything and he went to his office window, gazing out at the Hogwarts grounds, feeling relieved, even if it was only for some time. He noticed two figures out, on a speedy broomstick and smiled.

'Professor?'

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were back at the crack of dawn. Professor Dumbledore smiled at them.

'Please sit down,' he said, motioning them to two armchairs. He noticed the anxious looks on their faces. 'They are resting, Molly, Arthur. You do understand they have been through a lot.'

Mr. Weasley nodded. 'Are they okay?'

Professor Dumbledore smiled. 'Quite. And I have to talk to you both about something important that concerns Harry and Ginny.'

* * * * *

Silence… then…

'Harry? Harry and Ginny?'

Mr. Weasley was looking rather pale at the revelation. Mrs. Weasley was too shocked to say a word and she simply stared at Dumbledore, her eyes wide.

'Yes,' said Dumbledore. 'It came as quite a surprise to myself, as well. When Harry took that potion made from the Zirius, I thought we had all lost him. But what has happened teaches us to believe in miracles too.'

'But if they're soul mates… what does that make them?' Mr. Weasley asked, trying to keep his voice even.

'Arthur, please know this that they chose their destiny themselves, even if they did not consciously know that. I know this is quite a shock but be assured, as far as I know, it has no negative affects on either of them. It was the only way they could have escaped alive. Ginny was able to defeat Voldemort, fight him off, with the help of Harry and when they merged into one, they shared each other. I doubt either of them could have survived had they not merged… individually, I believe, neither of them had the energy or the will.'

Mr. Weasley nodded gravely, understanding. 

'From what they told me, it was Harry who got closer to Ginny and pulled her to him. I can very safely say that the whole process of merging had been quite accidental. But… since both of them were willing, they had, in fact, chosen for it to happen themselves. It is quite muddling but I have reasons for it to be true.'

'When can I see them?' Mrs. Weasley spoke up, her eyes shining with happiness.

'I –' 

The door to the side chamber opened just then and slowly, Harry stepped out. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley got up abruptly, not able to say anything for a moment. Then Mrs. Weasley rushed forwards and enveloped Harry in a tight embrace. Harry was reminded of Mrs. Weasley's loving embrace at the end of his fourth year and he forgot all awkwardness. Mr. Weasley had his arms around his daughter who had just emerged from the room. It was a long time before either Harry or Ginny was let go of.

The day passed in a blur for Harry, Ginny and probably all the other Weasleys. They had breakfast together in the Great Hall after all the other students had left for classes and Ron and Hermione were allowed to be absent from classes that day (much to Hermione's partial disappointment). Ron had hugged Harry for a very long time and had, haltingly, tried to berate him for taking the decision of sacrificing himself for Ginny. But he hadn't been able to. Somehow, though, Harry had understood and let his tears flow freely. He was suddenly thankful for everything… Ron and Hermione's friendship, Fred, George, Professor Dumbledore Hagrid, Hogwarts… his whole life.

And someone else too – someone who came to see him that afternoon.

Harry was sitting with Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the grounds when Professor McGonagall came to him and told him that Dumbledore wanted Harry to come up to his office. A feeling of apprehension ran through him. Why was Dumbledore calling him, Harry wondered, as he made his way up to Hogwarts.

But when Harry stepped into Dumbledore's office, his mouth fell open with surprise and the next moment, he was pulled into a tight embrace by Sirius. No one said anything for a moment but just stood there until Sirius moved back, wiping his tears. He looked down at Harry, his eyes watery and wide but his expression very confused. He held up a piece of parchment.

'What was this supposed to mean?' he demanded, his voice breaking. Harry recognized the parchment. It was the letter he had written to Sirius… that night, before going to save Ginny.

Harry looked up at Sirius, not knowing how to answer.

'I…' but Sirius hugged him again.

'Harry, why… how could you?'

'Sirius… I…' Harry didn't understand how he could explain to Sirius why he had decided to give up his life for Ginny to live. How could he put it in words?

'Why didn't you tell me earlier? Were you crazy? If you hadn't been here right now, can you imagine what it would have done to me? What would Lily and James think, wherever they are? You… you were leaving without seeing… me… without telling me…'

Sirius grabbed Harry, holding onto him and it was at that moment, that Harry realized how much Sirius cared for him. He suddenly felt guilty… but what could he have done? They were running out of time…

Harry pulled back.

'Sirius… I didn't mean to leave you… but Ginny… she was running out of time… I… I had to…'

Sirius wiped his tears and looked at Harry steadily for a several moments.

'You…' he said, then stopped. He sighed heavily, looking away. 'I… Dumbledore gave me your letter just now… I don't know how it would have been if he hadn't already told me that you were okay…' Sirius shuddered and Harry squeezed his hand.

'I'm sorry, Sirius… that's why I wrote you the letter… I didn't want to leave you without a word… but I had to. Ginny… she –'

'Yeah,' said Sirius, a slight smile on his face and the first that Harry had seen that day, 'you had to save her… and you wanted to… am I right?'

Harry felt heat rise to his cheeks.

'Of course, the way you said it in your letter,' said Sirius, smiling even more. Harry grinned, feeling warmer than he usually was. Sirius looked into Harry's eyes intently.

'You know what? I think Potters really are partial to redheads.'

* * * * *

The Gryffindors were kindly requested not to question either Harry or Ginny about where they had been for the past four days or so. As a result, Harry and Ginny found themselves being stared at but generally left alone. Harry was grateful for that. He didn't know how he'd be able to explain to anyone what he and Ginny had been through. He couldn't have ever known how to put all that in words. It was something he had reserved only for Ron and Hermione to know. They had shared so much of the pain.

Ron and Harry sat playing chess quietly in a corner of the Commonroom. They were both quiet and Harry knew he needed something to break the ice.

'Ron,' he said slowly, feeling strange suddenly about thinking of anything related to his normal life after all that had happened, 'what became of the match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw?'

Ron looked up at Harry, seeming quite surprised by Harry's words.

'Uh… Ravenclaw lost,' he said slowly and hesitantly.

'So we play against Slytherin in the final?' Harry asked quickly, Quidditch becoming his first priority all of a sudden… or… well… second priority. The most important thing that he was aware of was that Ginny's hands were held in his and she was sitting beside him.

Ron nodded slowly. 'Yeah… but… we…'

'What?' Harry asked suddenly. 'Has the final been played already?' Slytherin must have won in that case, Harry knew, because Harry, the Gryffindor Seeker hadn't been there… and Ron must not have played either… or Fred and George. Harry flinched. It must have been the worst defeat in –

'It's tomorrow,' said Ron.

'What?!' Harry gasped, shocked and quite a few people listened in, intrigued.

'Yeah,' said Ron morosely.

Harry thought of Voldemort… he had been Slytherin. And he though of Draco Malfoy… Voldemort's spy… in Slytherin… he gritted his teeth. He was going to fight evil in all its forms. 

'We'll win,' he said, in a low voice and Ron's eyes went wide.

'You're playing?!' Ron forgot to keep his voice low and everyone in the Commonroom was suddenly listening. They had thought themselves defeated. Harry Potter, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain hadn't been training. They assumed it had something to do with his mysterious disappearance for four days… and they hadn't brought up the subject before then. They had silently resigned to the fact that they would lose. And then… here was Harry saying he was going to play? There was a glimmer of hope…

Harry noticed he as being stared at by the entire room and there was silence all of a sudden. He glanced at the others briefly before turning back to Ron.

'We are.'

The cheering that followed those words was enormous. It was as if the match had been won already and everyone came up to Harry to wish him luck. Angelina and Alicia came to him several moments later.

'Is it true? I was in the library and Eric Hart told me you're playing!'

'We all are,' said Harry simply, smiling at his teammates.

It was well past midnight when the Common finally got to be empty and that too when Hermione assumed charge and ordered everyone off to bed. It took a lot, however, to push Fred and George to their dormitories. She kept reminding them that they hadn't already won but the fighting chance they had been given was enough to cheer for. As Ron pointed out, he would be delighted to see the faces of the Slytherins when the whole Gryffindor team came onto the pitch.

Ron had engaged Harry in some much-needed strategy planning for the next morning and the two sat in a corner well past midnight, bending over a tiny magical representation of a Quidditch pitch, arrows moving about on the small board. Hermione sat by Ron, observing the strategies and commenting here and there.

Harry was excited; Quidditch was something that took his mind off all his worries. Strangely, though, that night, even in all the excitement, he was worried about something. He couldn't really understand why he was worried but he knew he was. While he planned Quidditch strategies, half of his mind was trying to work out what he was worried about. And then it hit him. As Ron pointed put a Chaser formation to Harry, Harry realized why he was worried.

Ginny's grip on his fingers had strengthened. She was the one who was worried, he realized. He could feel that.

After that, Harry tried to wrap up the Quidditch planning. He couldn't keep his mind on it much anymore. Hermione appeared to be very tried too and she persuaded Ron to drop the planning and get some sleep for the match. They wished Harry and Ginny goodnight and went up to their dormitories.

It was past one a.m. and the Commonroom was deserted. Harry stifled a yawn; he was feeling very tired lately. The worried feeling was still there and it had somewhat intensified; that troubled Harry. He sat back against the armchair, by the fire and turned to her.

The worry was painted all across her face; her eyes were wide and fearful.

'What's wrong?' he asked slowly, choosing his words carefully. Ginny opened her mouth to say something but couldn't.

'Ginny,' said Harry quickly, moving closer to her, 'it isn't Voldemort again, is it?'

He had to ask that straightforward, he knew. He had learnt that lesson. He didn't want to take any more risks with anyone's life… or his own.

Ginny looked up at him and Harry could feel her anxiety.

'That's just it,' she said slowly, speaking after a very long time that evening.

'Harry,' she said, desperate, 'what if he isn't gone?'

'What do you mean?'

'Harry, I'm scared… what if he… what if he isn't… gone? What if he… What if he makes me… attack…y-you again?'

Harry's heart sank. She couldn't talk about this just then. It wasn't that was she was talking about was frightening; it was the prospect of Voldemort still there in Ginny. He didn't care about himself. Coming back to the World of Mortals… to his normal life, with Ginny, had been so great and he had been so happy. Sirius had come… the Weasleys were overjoyed… and all he had to worry was about homework. He didn't want to think all the happiness was going to vanish and that his time with Ginny was to be so rudely interrupted by his nemesis.

'Ginny,' he said carefully, staring into her eyes intently, 'do you really think he's there? Think for a moment… you fought him off… every bit of him.'

'I know,' said Ginny after a moment, 'but I couldn't have done it without you…'

'That's beside the point, Ginny,' said Harry, then paused. 'There's no room for Voldemort… he can't hurt you. You know what Dumbledore said…'

Harry had no idea how he was going to put his thoughts into words.

'Gin… when you drove off Voldemort … I was there.'

Ginny looked up at him, slightly confused.

'I believe that… when Voldemort let go of you, I… I merged with you… like Dumbledore said… I think… the space Voldemort took up… I'm there now.'

Harry was holding his breath, not knowing what kind of a reaction to expect from Ginny. He heard a tiny gasp and then, she was staring up at him, her eyes wide.

'Is that possible?' she whispered, her eyes not leaving his. Harry fought to gather his scattering thoughts under her gaze.

'Don't you think it is?'

For a moment, Ginny was silent, then as a small smile formed on her lips, Harry felt a flood of relief wash over him; and he knew it wasn't from within himself only. He could feel her relief and happiness too. Somehow, it doubled the joy.

'You know, I never got to tell you but it is quite something to know you've got Harry Potter stuck to you… forever,' said Ginny, breaking into a grin, her eyes twinkling. Harry chuckled.

'Ha… and I'm afraid you simply don't have the choice of letting go of me,' he said, grinning. Ginny's eyes darted up at him and Harry thought she had somewhat edged closer. He became aware of their entwined hands and their closeness on the hearthrug.

Ginny's gaze seemed to have become softer but it still burned into him. He held his breath… she was so close.

'What if I don't want to let go of you in the first place?' she breathed, her toes curling. Harry didn't blink once and his pupils dilated. His throat felt constricted.

'And what if I don't either?' His voice was suddenly husky and Harry was surprised, even embarrassed, when he heard it himself.

'Then what would that make us?' Ginny asked, whispering now. Harry was very clearly aware of her closeness now and how their faces were mere inches apart. 

'Whatever you want it to be,' Harry said, trying to form proper words. He had long ago lost sense of thought.

'What about Us?'

For a moment, Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He stared back at her but as the meaning of her words settled in, as he exchanged feelings with her through their bond, his mind was able to formulate proper thought. 

'Definitely,' he said, handing control of his senses over to his instincts and emotions. His hands snaked their way around her waist and pulled her closer, if that was possible. It was a new feeling and it had just been given a name. He didn't have to feel too awkward about it anymore or fear her reaction. It was exhilarating, it was wonderful, it was overtaking…

He saw her gazing up at him… and he was reminded of that morning… by the fountain in the gardens.

His lips found hers in complete harmony and he gave himself over to that new feeling, rising from the depths of him. For time first time in so many days, he was finally able to recognize the sensation in his chest every time he kissed Ginny or got close to her… it had always been in his skin. Love.

He pulled away from her abruptly and Ginny stared at him, confused.

'I love you, Gin.'

He had said it before he could give it a second thought. Ginny's mouth fell open in shock and for a moment all she could do was stare at him.

'I do,' said Harry hastily, 'I meant it when I said that I wouldn't let go of you easily.'

'Harry…' Ginny managed to get a word in, her eyes searching is. 'I… you…'

'I really do love you,' said Harry, feeling as though he had to make it clear to her, no matter what. For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, faster than Harry could blink, tears welled up in Ginny's eyes and flowed down her cheeks and she flung her arms around him. He could feel her shoulder shaking with sobs and her arms around him.

Her feelings were mixed, as he tried to decipher them; she was happy… and relieved… he couldn't really make out how she truly felt.

But he really didn't care at that moment… it was obviously something good. He held her quietly until she stopped sobbing and her head came to rest on his shoulder.

A few moments later, he felt her shoulders shake with silent laughter.

'What?' Harry asked, smiling at her. She looked up at him, eyes alight with amusement.

'I was wondering what my family's going to say… I mean… I can't believe it myself…'

'What?' Harry was confused.

'About… us…' Ginny blushed and Harry grinned.

'Ron's already taken care of… and prob'ly Fred and George too… and your mum and dad?'

Ginny giggled again. 'Mum knows.'

'She does?! How -?' Harry looked around to se if Mrs. Weasley was currently hiding behind one of the sofas. It was absurd of course but still…

'Well…' said Ginny slowly, looking at her hands, 'she talked to me in the afternoon, before leaving. I thought Dumbledore was the one who was supposed to know everything about what went on in Hogwarts but mum…'

Harry chuckled unbelievingly. He wished he had a mum too… he wondered how he would have told his mum… if she were alive that day… that he liked Ginny… and that they were an… he thought for a moment but could find only one word… Us.

Thinking of his mum, he suddenly remembered something. He dug his hand into his trouser pockets and took something out.

Ginny looked at him quizzically and Harry wondered what he was going to say. No, he wasn't going to do that… no! He was only fifteen year old… he only wanted to show them to her, he decided. It was something very special for him and he wanted to share it with her. He wanted to share everything he had, with her.

Harry opened his palm, showing his mum and dad's wedding rings to Ginny. Her eyes went wide as she saw them.

'Harry…'

'They were my mum and dad's…' he said, watching her carefully as she took his mum's ring into her hand and admired it. The expression on her face… it was so amazing. Harry was mesmerized… so many thoughts floated about in his head… each more fantastic than the last. He smiled at her, as she looked up at him, her eyes dreamy. Harry felt as if he was seeing a reflection of his own dreams and thoughts in her eyes. It was stupid, funny, he knew but he did not feel like laughing at that. It was something too sacred.

'They're wonderful,' said Ginny, her eyes not leaving Harry's. Harry felt as if he was transparent… as if she could see right through him. She looked back at the ring in her hands, holding it with the tips of her fingers. Harry was almost tempted to see how it looked on her finger… but no, he mentally smacked himself. She'd probably kill him if she found out about the length to which his thoughts were currently going.

She didn't give it back but sat there, her head on his shoulders, gazing at the golden band in her hands, engraved with "Lily" on the side.

Harry was silent for a long while, just watching the top of Ginny's head… her fiery hair… and the smooth curve of her nose… her freckles… her long eyelashes…

After some time, when he turned to her, she was fast asleep. He smiled at her and looked at her hand; her fingers were tightly clutched around his mother's ring.

He had an idea and he contemplated it for a moment… then, without another second's thought, agreed with it. He turned to Ginny, bent down and gently lifted her up in his arms. He was glad to find out he could do so easily; ever since he had come back from the World of Souls, he was having frequent, amazing feelings of power and strength. He wondered if it had anything to do with merging with Ginny spiritually.

For a moment, he was reminded of the time when he had held Ginny like that, believing she was dead… in that storm… out in the Hogwarts grounds…

He forced himself not to think of those times… they were past.

The firelight danced on Ginny's face, making it glow as she slept, oblivious to everything. He gazed at her, feeling content… just like here. Then, he took her up to he dormitory, walking carefully and quietly so that no one discovered him there, in the girls' dormitories. He found her bed, empty unlike the others, and slowly laid her down on it. He stood there for a moment and was surprised to see her lips curving into a smile. Her eyes opened and she smiled at him as she held out her hand, opening her palm to reveal the golden band she had been holding.

'Thanks,' she mouthed. Harry took it from her slowly, smiling at her in the semi-darkness. Then, gathering his courage, he bent down and kissed her softly.

'Goodnight,' he murmured, pulling away. He saw the sparkle in her eyes as she reached up and kissed his cheek, then sank back into her pillow. 

'Goodnight,' he said, grinning again and then turned and left the dormitory.

* * * * *

Author's Notes: I am so sorry first of all that this so long to come out but a number of things came up + writer's block! Firstly, my results… and no, it wasn't a bad result at all. Actually, I've only given two of my School Certificates (G.C.E.s) at the moment and I got an A and a B. I'd thought you'd like to know. Cool enough? Definitely, I believe. :)

Thanks for wishing we good luck!

And thankyou to everyone who has been mailing me about updates and asking on chat. Thanks specifically to all reviewers who have been devotedly reviewing! I know I took a long time for this to come out and I'm sorry. :(

Thanks Abba, Munku, Varity, Cygnus Crux, Runechild, ABSOLUTELY ALL of you!

But hey, I'm not done with this yet. Quidditch can't be left out… so you get one more chapter, the epilogue and then the Explanation – that's just for the fun of it.

Another thing I have to apologize for – or feel happy about – is the great deal of the so-called sappiness in this chapter! Only, I think lovers of fluff and all this sappiness would agree with me that we didn't get that at all throughout… or almost throughout the story. I'm a great fan of it myself…hmm… and I would have put in more if I hadn't gone completely put of my senses.

Now, about the next chapter… I hope it is out as soon as possible.

By the way, before I go… here's a new addition to my recommendations for Fanfic reading. You may find them here but I read these at www.gryffindortower.net recently.

"Lessons for Life" by Caitlyn,

"The Order of Phoenix" by Ruksbyte

"Liber Mortis" by Runechild

"Harry Potter's Existence After Life" by Cygnus Crux

All these stories are TOP in my ratings!

I'll see you later… can't leave the Quidditch waiting. Please review…though I know you will and I'll always love you all for it!! :)

Have to go,

Love,

Ameera.

P.S.: Runechild, I absolutely loved your homepage. I think I may want to put up my photograph there, too. :)