Chapter thirty-three: The Beginning Of The End

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.R. and would she pweease put up Book 5 before fan fiction gets the better of me?

Good excels over bad

Only with conviction and faith…

And in doing so, if sacrifices are made…

They do only good

For truth shall conquer all evil!

- A little composition by me. :)

~*~*~*~*~

Tiny bit o' Author's Notes: This is the more 'lighter' chapter of the many recent ones full of dark activity. I decided I'd be inspired by some of the stories at Gryffindortower.net and make it easier for poor Harry and his friends. Of course, the events of the past few days still weigh so heavily on his mind, but Harry as well as Ginny and others have somehow come to realize the real meaning of life – living it, loving it and living every moment of it happily, so that if they ever looked back, they'd have no regrets that they squandered away precious moments in sadness and fright of what was hidden around the next corner.

Happy reading!

~*~

He wished they'd stop giving him those looks. They weren't helping him in any way other than making his breakfast get stuck in his throat. It was already difficult enough to eat and then they gave him those looks that reminded him of his oncoming battle. He felt he was about to choke.

'Harry… are you okay? You're looking pale…'

Harry turned to Ginny, gulping down his mouthful and trying to drown that strange nausea along with it.

'I… I'm okay.'

'No, he's not! He never is before a match!'

'Well then, start helping me by telling your brothers to stop being so careless. They'll give everything away the way they keep looking at me.'

'What? Naa… Malfoy's too thick to notice.'

'Oh really? But I'd appreciate it if our table chose to be more quiet about the whole affair.'

At this point, he gave Malfoy a look of immense hatred. He couldn't explain the strong feelings that were growing in him. They rose to extremes at times and seeing Malfoy, Voldemort's spy, was not helping his pre-match nervousness and tension. Ginny laid her hand on his.

'Come on, Harry, don't worry. He's too thick headed to notice anyways.'

'Oi Harry! Ready?'

Harry promptly turned his head away, showing, to the onlooker that he was suddenly very too interested in Ginny. She giggled and it soothed Harry's nerves to see her smile after her terrible ordeal only some days before.

'I think you're right. Malfoy will find out.'

'Oh forget it!' said Ron, jumping up from his seat. 'We're going to punch that git anyways!'

'It would be more mentally disarming if you took him unawares,' Hermione chipped in.

'Right,' said Ron in an undertone so Hermione wouldn't hear, 'we'll take him unawares. Even if it means I really punch him.' At this, Ron glanced at Ginny and with an afterthought, decided, that if it came to that, he wouldn't think twice.

~*~

Harry sat in the Quidditch changing rooms, watching his teammates pull on their socks and shoes, approaching the benches for the pre-match talk. He was pleased, at least, that Malfoy hadn't noticed anything. Ginny had been right. He was too thick to notice.

'Okay,' said Harry, focusing on his teammates, 'Malfoy doesn't know yet that I'm playing – or even maybe that you, Ron, are playing. It will probably unsettle him when he finds out though. So, let's get out there and defeat those Slytherins!'

At this loud exclamation, Harry jumped to his feet and headed out the door, the rest of the team following suit, full of vigour.

Malfoy's reaction was quite as Harry expected it to be. He hadn't thought Harry would be playing or be allowed to play. He watched Harry and the others, his eyes narrowed at them as he gripped his broom harder. His eyes followed Harry as Harry flew up to hover some distance from him, waiting for Madam Hooch's whistle that would start the game.

The crowds were cheering wildly, mostly the Gryffindors, as they saw their star players fly onto the pitch, circling the Slytherins once, both sides giving each other death glares.

Harry promptly kept his eyes averted from Malfoy. He didn't think he'd be able control himself if he looked at him. He couldn't forget Mafloy's part in what had happened to Ginny. Malfoy had known and he had been passing information of how close Harry and Ginny were getting, to Voldemort. Voldemort had, as a result, been able to plan out every little detail of his plan with ease…

Harry gritted his teeth, his hands trembling with anger. He glanced at the stands and saw Ginny, standing next to Hermione, her expression strained. She was gripping the railing of the stands, her eyes trained on Harry. Harry tried to calm down but the charged atmosphere prevented that. He knew Ginny could understand what he was feeling and he didn't want all his anger reflected in her.

Suddenly, the shrill whistle sounded and within seconds, the Quaffle was flying between the players. The one thought in Harry's mind was that they had to win. For Truth. For Gryffindor. For Ginny.

He pulled his Firebolt up sharply, causing it to tremble for a moment, and flew higher, with such speed that he became a blur. He circled the pitch, his emerald eyes tracking the golden Snitch far below. Malfoy was flying much lower and flying towards Kyle Smith, the new Slytherin Beater. Harry watched and spotted a brief exchange of words between them.

Suddenly, Kyle set off, his club held in his beefy hands, heading towards the other side of the pitch – towards Ron.

Harry suddenly realized what was happening. He dived without another thought, heading towards the unknowing Ron, who was currently watching the Slytherin chasers vigilantly. His hair whipping in the breeze, as he continued to plunge, Harry kept his eyes trained on Kyle. Pete Ostre, the other Beater, suddenly passed a Bludger to Kyle, who raised his club in anticipation.

Harry gritted his teeth. The crowd was making more noise now but Harry couldn't hear them anymore. He knew Ron was helpless and there was no chance of being able to warn him. He gripped his Firebolt and his eyes narrowed. Suddenly, his Firebolt trembled and the next second, it was shooting towards Ron faster than it had ever before. The air was sucked out of Harry's lungs; his broomstick had never done this before.

And it happened.

Harry blocked Ron from the Bludger just in time. The large, fierce black Bludger sent from Kyle hit his shoulder like a large boulder, smashing it. The nightmare wasn't over yet. A Slytherin chaser sent the Quaffle flying towards Harry and it hit him square in the stomach. Harry couldn't resist letting out a sharp cry of pain and the next moment, he was spinning out of control towards the hard ground.

The contact with hard earth, from tens of feet above, felt to Harry like the end. It was nowhere like pain he had already experienced but it was pain that made his mind spin out of control. He gritted his teeth and forced his eyes to open. The ground was hard and he knew that beneath his skin, his bones were badly damaged. 

Yet, he stood up, strangely unable to feel the pain. His was trembling from head to toe and he suddenly had a feeling of immense power. Everyone in the stands was on their feet, making a lot of noise and Harry's teammates were coming down to see if he was okay.

But he grabbed his Firebolt, swung his leg over it and kicked off once again. He felt something wet trickling down his forehead, on to his cheek. He tasted blood and swiped at it with the dusty sleeve of his robes.

Fred and George were flying to him to check on him.

'No! Keep playing!' he bellowed, his voice echoing in the grounds. It was eerie, even to Harry, what was suddenly happening to him. He felt invigorated but in a strange sense. He couldn't explain it even to himself.       

The game proceeded but Harry could feel everyone's eyes only on him. He could see Malfoy staring at him, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open slightly. Madam Hooch was shouting to Harry to come down but Harry didn't care. A tough battle was going on between the Chasers and Harry saw the Quaffle pass from Angelina to Goyle as Goyle roughly pushed aside Angelina.

Goyle sped towards the Gryffindor goal post, aiming to shoot the Quaffle through one of the hoops. Ron poised himself on his broom and flung his hand out in time to stop the Quaffle. The crowd was cheering madly and someone was shouting out the score but Harry didn't care.

His toes were tingling and the Firebolt had begun to vibrate beneath him again. Whatever magic was coursing in his veins at that moment, it was keeping him on his broom, in his senses, in a spectacular way. His eyes flared as they darted all across the pitch.

He gritted his teeth as Slytherin scored a goal. Then Gryffindor scored once. From the grin on Malfoy's face, Slytherin were leading. Somewhere in the back of Harry's mind, he realized Slytherin must have scored when he had plummeted to the ground and the rest of the team had been distracted.

Harry's eyes narrowed at Malfoy. He wouldn't – couldn't – be the one who would bring defeat to his team. He couldn't let his team down. He couldn't let Gryffindor down.

In a moment of determination, hope and anger mingled together, Harry turned his broom sharply, facing the stands. Ginny was still there and Harry realized she had gone clearly pale. He couldn't blame her. He realized he wasn't a very good sight at the moment. Everyone was staring at him but suddenly, he couldn't see.

Where Ginny had been standing, there was bright, golden orb of light. Harry shielded his eyes from it but then he realized what it was. Squinting, Harry sped towards the blinding, golden orb – the Snitch, reflecting the sunlight.

The crowd gasped as they saw Harry speeding towards them with great speed. People pulled away from the railing, moving back hurriedly.

Harry reached out, his fingers open.

The next moment, as the stands loomed closer, he had the golden Snitch in his grip. He closed his eyes briefly, in a silent cheer of victory. And, as he looked again, he crashed into the stands, hitting the hard steps where the crowd had been standing only moments before. The Firebolt skidded to a halt as Harry was thrown off it and flung onto the steps.

Everything was still for a moment and then, he opened his eyes slowly. Now, he was sure every bone in his body was broken. He raised himself and turned onto his back, holding up his hand, the Snitch still clutched between his fingers. Somewhere, a whistle sounded and there was the sound of people talking all at once. They had won.

Suddenly, a face appeared above his, hovering over him. The image was hazy and he realized his glasses were missing. But he could recognize that face anywhere. He smiled, in spite of his state, looking back into her worried eyes.

'Harry,' she gasped, touching his face tentatively as if she might hurt him. He placed his free hand behind her neck, raised himself slightly and kissed her before consciousness left him and he was pulled into darkness.

~*~

The first thing he realized was that he wasn't dead. He was breathing slowly and easily. Slowly, he opened his eyes and understood, almost immediately, that he was in the Hospital Wing. And he wasn't alone. He was surprised to see his team members – Fred, George, Angelina, Katie, Alicia and Ron – all sitting on closeby chairs, seemingly asleep. Judging from the sunlight streaming through the windows, it was mid afternoon – hours since the match. 

The match, thought Harry suddenly. They had won! And hen he remembered the emotions and feelings he had been experiencing in the match. It was almost scary – it was as if his anger had given him power – only, he knew it wasn't only anger. There was something strange going on, he decided, like his Firebolt speeding faster than ever when he had been wishing desperately for that.

He turned his head to a side to see a figure, resting its head on his bedside in deep slumber, its red hair spread out on the pure white bed sheet. Harry smiled and slowly touched her hair, his fingers brushing her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open instantly and she looked up, focusing her brown eyes on him.

'Harry,' she said hurriedly, 'are you okay?'

He found her eyes lined with tears and when he reached out and tried to feel her feelings at that moment, he found only worry and sadness.

'I'm okay, Gin,' he assured her and reached for her hand. Ginny was staring at him, her lips pursed as if she were about to burst into tears.

'Gin, I'm fine, look – we won!' Harry had spoken that quite loud.

'Harry!' said George, jumping up. 'Are you all right?'

There was a shuffling sound and the next moment, Harry found himself surrounded by his towering friends.

'I'm okay!'

'You're bloody well not!' Ron burst out.

'You got hit by a Bludger!'

'Yeah, that was a terrible drop – much – much worse than the one in your third year!'

'A hundred feet?'

'More!'

'But you stood up!'

'And there was blood all over your face!'

'Madam Hooch was frantic! When you wouldn't come down, she was about to call the game off but that's when you caught the Snitch!'

'And crashed into the stands! Harry, honestly, the game didn't mean that much!!'

'Professor Dumbledore was up there and all the other teachers too. Everyone thought you're dead!'

'And when you crashed into the stands, you were lucky you didn't fall off over the other side! You were dangerously close! And we got your Firebolt back! It's okay.'

Harry's eyes darted from one person to the other and then there was loud screech from the other side of the room.

'OUT!' Madam Pomfrey screeched, pushing her way to Harry's side. 'Don't you know?! Mr. Potter's situation is very critical! OUT! I could hear all of you over in my office! OUT!'

Grumbling, protesting under their breaths, the rest of the team was made to leave. Even Ron and Hermione were not allowed to stay, as Madam Pomfrey would hear no excuses, no pleadings. She glanced at Ginny but, in view of the recent events involving her and Harry, she did not make Ginny leave. Muttering angrily under her breath, Madam Pomfrey proceeded to Harry's side.

'Mr. Potter, I have no idea how you came out of that alive!'

She was staring at Harry but her next words were much softer.

'You are very, very lucky I must say,' she said, examining his bandaged arms. 'There were multiple fractures all over you. It's a wonder you were able to even move your hand! I have been told you got back onto your broom, after a hundred feet fall and then played until you got the Snitch and crashed into the stands! There was a large cut in your head! Let me repeat this, either you were very, very lucky, or there is something unusual about you.'

She paused for a breath and Harry could no nothing but listen to her.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she examined the bandages on Harry's head.

'Impossible,' she whispered.

'What?' Harry was unable to stop himself from asking. She looked at him, confused.

'You're injuries have all been healed!'

'I thought you healed them already,' said Harry quickly.

'No, I cleaned them and bandaged them and I was going to heal them afterwards,' said Madam Pomfrey, checking all of Harry's bandages quickly. Soon, all the bandages were off, lying in a pile on the floor. There was not a single scar where Harry's injuries had been.

'Impossible,' Madam Pomfrey gasped. Harry sat up in bed and she moved to stop him.

'No,' he said, 'I'm really okay. I don't feel anything.'

Madam Pomfrey was looking at him, very confused.

'I have no idea how you did it, Mr. Potter,' she said, rubbing her forehead, 'but it's only making me sure that there is something very, very special about you.'

~*~

Harry had no idea how all his injuries had healed without Madam Pomfrey tending to them. There hadn't been a single scar and that had surprised everyone, even Dumbledore. He was called by a very confused Madam Pomfrey to the Hospital Wing. Harry told him he had no idea how he had done that. The last thing he had remembered was being in the stands, lying in a crumpled heap, aching all over, the Snitch in his hands. And then, he had awoken in the Hospital Wing, as good as ever.

'I must also express that I have no idea how you did it Harry,' said Professor Dumbledore. 'What surprises me more, however, is that despite being passionate about Quidditch, you survived a hundred feet fall and were able to play again afterwards. If I remember, you barely survived that fifty feet fall in your third year.'

'I know, Professor, but I really don't know anything about it. I mean… during the match, I just couldn't feel any pain at all… it was surreal… I think so too…'

'Why? Why couldn't you feel the pain?'

'I don't know… I was very angry and then…even the Firebolt was going very fast…'

'Your Firebolt,' said Professor Dumbledore, looking at Harry, 'broke all previous records of speed and was flying three times the maximum speed of a Firebolt.'

Harry's eyes went wide. 'What?'

'Yes, that is true. Technically, it is impossible for that to happen, it would burn the twigs at the tail of the broom.'

'Then how - ?'

'I believe you drove the broom by not just its own internal magic. There was something else Harry.'

His blue eyes focused on Harry, very, very serious.

'There was very strong magic involved in what happened today, Harry…'

'Who did it, Professor?' Harry asked, worried.

'You did, Harry. That magic came from you… your energy spurt, resistance to injuries, unexplainable power, the Firebolt's speed… they were all a result of very strong magic. That magic came from you, I am very sure.'

'But… I don't feel it now.'

'You did feel it during the match, am I right?'

'Yes,' said Harry, 'I did feel very strange… and the Firebolt was vibrating…'

'Very strong magic, Harry. It was interfering with the magic in the Firebolt and that probably caused it to vibrate. But Harry, it takes very strong magic to affect a normal Firebolt – they are the strongest brooms to date.'

'Professor, if I did that… it means, I've got… powers?'

'I don't know exactly, Harry,' said the Professor, sitting back in his chair, 'but I believe it is somehow a result of you and Ginny uniting your souls. It could be that you are sharing her powers as well…'

'But Professor,' said Harry, worried, 'did I drain her power today while increasing mine?'

'I do not know… but I doubt that is the case. Energy… power… are enormous. You cannot drain power out of Ginny but you can both share it.'

'So this means Ginny can be just as powerful as I was today?'

'That is quite possible and perhaps, together, you could do greater things. But that is not to be dwelled upon by you. At present, you should concentrate on your magical training. I shall ask no more from you.'

Harry nodded, understanding. Yet, there were so many unanswered questions. He only knew, that he'd find the answers to them all with the passage of time.

~*~

Much to Madam Pomfrey's dismay, Professor Dumbledore allowed Harry to return to Gryffindor Tower where a party was already in way in celebration of Gryffindor winning the Quidditch cup, as the Headmaster informed Harry.  

As he stepped through the portrait hole with Ginny, the reactions from the partying Gryffindors were mixed; some rushed to welcome him, others started singing more exuberantly while most were simply staring at him, wondering how he was out of the Hospital Wing after his terrible injuries only hours before.

Relative silence befell the Commonroom but Harry grinned.

'I'm okay! Really! We won the Quidditch cup –'

At these words, the whole Commonroom cheered, causing Hermione to clamp her hands over her ears. Harry was hoisted up onto the shoulders of Fred, George and Ron as they traipsed over to the armchairs where an enormous collection of food had been arranged.

The celebration went on until after midnight and had no signs of ending. Most of the people were quite tipsy and currently, Hermione was sitting next to Ron, half dropping off to sleep and half trying to stop Ron from having his eight bottle of Butterbeer. Harry raised the Quidditch trophy and every time, cheers went up. At the same time, Harry was having a hard time explaining how exactly he had come back from the Hospital Wing so soon after, as one young Gryffindor said, he had been "all blood and grime". Harry knew better than to declare he had special powers; he tactfully replied that Madam Pomfrey had done a very good job and that he was recovering very quickly.

He himself, apart from the questioning, was having a very good time. Next to him, Ginny was berating Fred and George for drinking too much; they were on their seventeenth bottle of Butterbeer though Harry suspected their state suggested it was not pure Butterbeer they had been drinking. In the end, Ginny gave up trying to stop them when she realized George was already asleep.

There were several flashes of white in the Commonroom as Colin appeared with his camera and took photograph of his celebrating housemates. Finally, around one o clock in the morning, Professor McGonagall arrived, signaling the end of the celebration and half-heartedly herself, ordered the students up to bed. One by one, the Common began to empty. A group of First Years nervously sidled up to Harry slowly, stammering their congratulations and peering at him, their eyes wide.

Ginny watched amusedly as Harry's face turned slightly red at the comments.

'The amazing Harry Potter can't even fall from his broom without being praised for it, can he?'

'Not you too, Gin,' said Harry, in mock outrage. He opened his eyes and saw, among the people thronging the stairs, Ron was leading Hermione towards the Portrait Hole. Amidst the noise and chatter, they left the Common Room. Ginny giggled, having seen that.

'Looks like they're off to have some private celebration,' she muttered under her breath, her eyes twinkling with mirth. Harry chuckled.

'Looks like Hermione knew some good spells to cure Ron of those Butterbeers he's been having. Five minutes ago he was dropping off to sleep.'

'I'm not sleepy yet,' Ginny said, unthinking while trying to make sure the tart in her hands wasn't one of Fred and George's creations. 

'Neither am I,' said Harry, looking at her intently. She felt his stare and looked up from her cream tart.

'Uh… actually… I thought the Common room's pretty stuffy and… maybe… um, it would be nice to go out for a while…' Harry felt she could see right through him. She grinned.

'At one o clock?' His heart skipped a beat. 'Sure, let me get my cloak,' she said, grinning.

~*~

Harry took Ginny's hand in his as the slowly made their way out of the Common room under his Invisibility cloak. It was late March and the gales were still bone chilling.

'Where?' Ginny whispered to him, as they walked down a corridor. Harry grinned.

'I know a place,' was all he said as he led her through endless corridors. He didn't think anyone knew about that place yet. They finally ascended a spiral staircase that grew narrower at the top and finally ended in a small room.

'Where are we?' Ginny asked amazed and out of breath from their climb.

'I came here once or twice some time ago…' he said slowly, 'and I don't guess anyone else has found this tower yet.'

There was a large window in the dark room. Ginny walked to the window and gasped. The lake was spread out far below them, its water gleaming in the dark, lighted occasionally when the moon was visible through between the clouds.

'It's a nice place to think… sometimes…' said Harry thoughtfully, remembering the days when Ginny had been lying in Dumbledore's office, inches from death. She looked up at him and squeezed his hand and he wondered if she understood or not. He looked out of the window and smiled after a moment.

She watched, surprised as he got onto the window ledge and put a foot out –

'Harry!' Ginny gasped, clinging to his hand. He smiled back at her, hanging both his legs out of the window.

'Don't worry… follow me…' With that, he got out of the window and curious, Ginny looked out to see him standing on a sizeable ledge with steps on one side.

'Come on,' he said, holding her hand and helping her out. 'Just don't look down yet.'

He led her to the steps and they ascended them slowly, cloaks and hair whipping in the breeze. They reached the flat roof the tower. It was very small and only just large enough for the two of them to occupy. He sat down, hanging his legs off the edge and slowly, gritting her teeth, Ginny sat down next to him. She glanced at the view below her, the expanse of water, with amazement.

'It's great,' she said, smiling at him while shivering slightly. He draped the Invisibility cloak over her shoulders and carefully put his arm around her waist in an effort to keep her warm. She smiled at him gratefully, finding his hands and weaving her fingers through his. An owl flew overhead and she looked up just as it flew straight towards them and landed… on Harry's lap.

Surprised, Harry unwound his arm from around Ginny's waist and took the envelope from the tawny owl's claws. The owl flew off again and under the light of Ginny's wand, Harry opened the letter, reading quietly to himself.

Dear Harry,

I had to leave in a hurry yesterday but I'm glad to know from Professor Dumbledore that you're doing well. Congratulations on winning the Quidditch cup! I knew you could do it and James must be very, very proud of you!

I am not very far from Hogwarts but I cannot return at present. My work is going to take me away for a few months but I'll try to get in touch with you as soon as possible.

I'm also sending you something that belonged to your mother. Professor Dumbledore told me he had given you your parents' wedding rings. The ring I enclose was given to Lily in her sixth year by James, as a Christmas gift. I suppose it is time I handed it over to you.

I hope Ginny is well and that everything is okay. I hope I'll be able to meet her some day, in a better atmosphere.

Take care of yourself… no wandering into the Forbidden Forest, okay?

 Love,

Snuffles.

Harry folded the letter, feeling Ginny's waiting gaze on him.

'Sirius?' she asked softly. Harry smiled, 'Yeah. He sends you his best wishes.'

He picked up the envelope in his lap and turned it over. A small ring of silver fell into his palm. He picked it up and admired it in the wand light. It was made of gleaming, polished silver and on the top, a little emerald gem had been encrusted, surrounded by delicate tendrils and tiny flowers.

'It's beautiful,' Ginny breathed, leaning over to look.

'My Dad gave this to my Mum… as a Christmas gift,' he said, his voice light and wistful as he gazed at the ring.

'You dad had great taste,' said Ginny, grinning and Harry chuckled. 'Yeah. My Mum's eyes were green too… it must have suited her a lot.'

Ginny covered his hands with hers, smiling at him warmly and he let out an inaudible sigh, feeling very grateful for her presence. He smiled at her in return, then fell silent, gazing at the ring.

'Ginny,' he said slowly, looking up. 'I want you to have this.'

Ginny looked at him with amazement. 'But Harry, it's your mother's ring –'

'That doesn't matter, I'd really like you to have it,' he interrupted her, holding her hand. He was mildly amused to see her blush and bite her lip, looking at the ring.

Grinning, Harry picked up the ring, reminded of the previous night when Ginny had seen his parents' wedding rings. He paused, racking his brains in vain for what to do next. Her fingers were very close to the ring and maybe he could just…

Ginny fought the rising heat in her cheeks and kept her eyes comfortably closed as she felt the ring slip onto her finger. A shiver ran through her with a mix of emotions she couldn't identify. Harry's fingers brushed hers again and slowly, goose pimples spreading across her arms, she opened her eyes to find the ring perched on the middle finger of her right hand. She was, in a way, relieved to see it wasn't on a specific place of her left hand. Letting her thoughts not wander far, she smiled at him. 'Thanks.' The word barely escaped her. She reached up, placed her hands on his shoulder and kissed him, very sincerely, thanking him for the gift.

The bond between them suddenly became active and their feelings poured back and forth, trying to create a balance in the soul that inhibited both bodies. It was ethereal and the moment extended itself into what seemed like hours, until they were locked in an unprecedented fight for balance of power. As the balance was achieved, there flew into the bond great warmness and neither was willing to end the sweetness, achieved after so long, so much struggle.

Ginny found herself literally being pulled into his very depths, as if she was reading right into his mind as he continued to kiss her. He felt like a large ball of immense power, warmth and comfort and she reveled in it for as long as it was possible.

Nothing like that had ever happened between them before. She knew Harry had developed great powers and she had felt them herself during the heated match again Slytherin. She could feel them again, just then, swirling between the both of them. They increased in magnitude, pulling at her and she felt Harry's hands slide around her waist as her fingers dug into his shoulder.

He pulled back abruptly, looking at her intently, his breath coming in short gasps. She knew what he was about to say… she had somehow been asking herself the same question.

'Gin, are you… all right?' She knew he was concerned about her and worried how the power within him might affect her. She tried to keep her hands still; they were trembling from the intensity of his feelings and the magical powers between them. She placed a hand on his cheek, looking up at him until their chins were almost touching. It was as if their soul was urging them to unite and they were the opposite poles of a magnet.

'I'm okay ' she whispered, forcing her throat to work properly. To cover up the embarrassment of her husky whisper, she pulled him to her and continued where they had left off. His arms slid around her protectively and, trying his best not to injure her, he kissed her back with equal intensity as the battle for power mingled with sweet, pure love, began all over again.

~*~

Sometime very late, Harry pulled away, feeling himself slump against her. A hundred Quidditch matches against Slytherin wouldn't have affected him the way only being with Ginny just had. He felt as if he had battled whole worlds… Voldemort currently seemed pittance. They held each other for a while, as the affects of the ancient magic slowly reduced and sanity returned to their minds. She was shivering again and knowing he wished very well not to, Harry suggested in a low voice that they go back to Gryffindor Tower. She seemed suddenly very exhausted and somehow, Harry felt guilty about that. He took her hand and carefully led her back to Gryffindor Tower.

'It's okay, I can go up myself,' she said when he tried to help her up the stairs.

'Gin…' he said slowly, finding it difficult to meet her eyes, 'I'm… I'm sorry… about doing this to you…'

Ginny stepped towards him and smiled at him. 'Harry, I'm okay…'

'But it's because of me –'

'No… it's the both of us… and it never hurt me even once.'

She reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. 'I love you.'

He found himself grinning as she ascended the staircase and vanished out of sight. She had said it! Feeling elated again, for more reasons than one, he turned to go up to his dormitory.

A clock chimed in the Commonroom. It was five o clock.

~*~

In the morning, Professor McGonagall called upon Harry when he rejoined the Transfiguration classroom after almost a week.

'Mr. Potter,' she said, slowly, as if talking to a child, 'I believe you know you'll be taking your O.W.L.s in two months and I want to discuss your studies with you, in view of recent events.'

Harry had already been promised by Hermione that she would help him cover up for all he'd missed as much as she could.

'Professor, I'll cover up –'

'It's not just that Mr. Potter,' she said, her gaze softening, 'I know what happened has been very hard on you but you do know that you have to take your O.W.L.s to proceed into the next year.'

Harry nodded. 'If you need any help, you can come to me,' she said and briefly patted his shoulder in a friendly gesture, very unusual, coming from her.

'You will have to concentrate on your studies quite a lot, Mr. Potter. The O.W.L.s are probably the most important exams you will ever sit, even more significant than the N.E.W.T.s so let me see you studying hard. Just as hard as you train for Quidditch.'

At this she smiled at him and then did something even more unexpected than anything she had ever done before. She kissed Harry on his cheek.

When Harry turned back to Ron and Hermione, waiting for him at the door of the classroom, he found Ron sniggering and Hermione looking something between very astonished and very proud.

As Professor McGonagall had said, the weeks that followed, up to the exams, were constituted entirely of studies. Quidditch over, there was hardly any topic of discussion other than the O.W.L.s, among the fifth-years. Harry found himself spending every bit of free time in the Commonroom, poring over notes and old books in preparation for the exams. Hermione had Ron and his noses pinned into books except for when they went to hurried lunches and dinners. The teachers piled them with revision tests and one night, Harry really thought Ron was about to explode. It was unlike Ron to do so much studying and five revision tests, plus revision timetables to follow were having a really bad effect on him.

Even on weekends, Hermione dragged Harry and Ron down to the grounds where they would sit and study for hours. Finally, though, both Ron and Harry were beginning to believe that they just might be able to get good results. Hermione, of course, aiming for top O.W.L.s and possibly even break the record for most O.W.L.s, was never found without at least five thick books in her arms.

The tough study routines gave Harry almost no time to be with Ginny. He would study late into the night and she'd occasionally smile at him from across the Commonroom, as she prepared for her own end-of-year exams. He hadn't been able to get alone with her anywhere since he'd taken her up to the top of West Tower, overlooking the lake.    

June arrived with all its splendor as the sun burned down on Hogwarts. Slowly, moment-by-moment, hours-by-hours, days-by-days, filled with tension, worry and last-minute revisions, the O.W.L.s came to end. The last O.W.L. exam was Charms and as the fifth years put their ruffled quills down and got up from their seats, their palms soaked with perspiration, joy spread and the corridors were suddenly full of people.

In celebration of the end of exams, Fred and George, leaving Hogwarts at the end of the term, had already planned something.

Harry, who had partly funded the operation through his TriWizard winnings, was informed of their plans beforehand and he got ideas of his own. Also, knowing it was a favor Ron wouldn't forget quickly, he told Ron too, knowing very well that he and Hermione would be missing from the Commonroom for quite a lot of time.

Pleased with himself, he sought out Ginny, who was surrounded by her friends, eagerly discussing the summer holidays. Blushing when her friends stared at him, one or two giggling discreetly, Harry pulled Ginny away from them and asked her to meet him in the Muggle Studies classroom at seven in the evening. She regarded him suspiciously but smiled and promised she'd be there.

'Uh…' said Harry, turning not to turn red, '… it's… a… d-date.'

Harry ignored that Ginny's friends were giggling and staring at him, as he turned and hurried out of the portrait hole. His mind forming ideas, he hurried to his destination, all the while, smiling in anticipation of the coming evening.

Harry arrived at the Muggle studies room before seven and perched on a desk in the darkness, waiting for Ginny. The door soon creaked open and he saw her silhouette.

'Harry?'

'Gin,' he said, greeting her, taking her hand and turning to go out.

'Where are we going, Harry?' she asked and he detected amusement in her tone. He grinned at her but didn't tell her just yet. However, when she recognized where he was leading her, she fell in pace with him, grinning at him, grateful.

But it was different than she expected it to be. As they ascended the tower and arrived in the little room, Ginny's mouth fell open. Giggling slightly, she turned to Harry, her eyes sparkling.

'Harry!' she said with delight. By the window, a small table for two had been placed, covered with a neat, white tablecloth. Arranged on it, were the golden crockery used in Hogwarts on special occasions. Two small candles were placed in the centre, burning peacefully, casting a warm glow about the place. 

'Harry, this is wonderful!' she cried, staring at the arrangement before her. 'How did you manage all this?'

'With a little help from unclassified people,' he said simply, grinning at her.

'It's great… no one's ever done something like this for me…' she said. 'Thanks…'

It was amazing, Harry thought, how those brown eyes could burn into his with so much depth. He grinned at her, feeling himself go warm.

She then, took hold of the front of her cloak and in a moment, slipped it off with as much grace as she could possibly do so. For a moment, Harry's heart caught in his throat and he was only able to stare at her. She had obviously overdone it this time. She was wearing straight falling, emerald green sleeveless robes with thin silver piping. Her hair was free of the cloak, let loose over her shoulders. She was smiling nervously at him now, wringing her hands.

He realized suddenly that she was waiting for him to speak.

'Ginny…' he said, staring at her, 'you look… great…'

She giggled nervously and, forcing himself to think, Harry slipped off his own cloak. He was dressed in his navy blue dress robes with golden buttons down the front.  

'You look… very nice,' she said, blushing to the roots of her hair. Grinning, he took her hand, noticing his mother's emerald ring on her finger and kissed her fingers. It was as if he were seeing her for the very first time and really seeing her this time as the Ginny he loved and not Ron's little sister, who'd peek at him from behind doors.

He led her to the table where they sat down, opposite to each other. He tried not to stare at her but that was very difficult. 

'Would you like an early dinner?'

'No problem,' she said, smiling at him. He tapped at one of the candles with his wand and instantly, food adorned the golden plates and the glass goblets filled themselves up to the brim with Butterbeer.

'You put a lot of effort into this,' she observed, sipping the Butterbeer. 'I really love this.'

They began on the food, talking and laughing together. Soon, the plates were wiped clean, the goblets were empty and a very satisfied Harry and Ginny leaned back in their chairs, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Harry set down his empty goblet, his eyes beginning to twinkle with unshared information.

'What do you know, Mr. Potter, that I do not?' she asked, giggling.

'I have something to show you,' he said, taking her hand and getting up. He led her to the window and helped her out onto the steps leading to the top.

Night had long since fallen and Harry checked his watch. It was a minute to nine and he helped Ginny sit down on the large, soft cushion he had placed on the floor earlier. He joined her, amazed by the whitish tint of her skin in the moonlight. He leaned over and kissed her cheek softly.

'This isn't the Harry Potter I know,' she said, giggling softly and blushing at the same time.

'I do feel a bit different. Call it the influence of Butterbeer,' he said, putting an arm around her waist. It was June but there was a light breeze and Ginny leaned into Harry's touch, caching him off guard by placing her head on his chest and slipping her arm around his waist. 

A wonderful sense of completion settled in him as two parts of the same soul came closer so gently. Unthinkingly, he brushed his fingers over her bare arm, its skin soft and warm.

'You're not feeling cold, are you?' he asked after a moment.

'Not at all,' she said, turning her face up to his, 'as it is the middle of June… and I believe nothing can spoil this. It's the most wonderful time I've ever had… thankyou.'

She reached up, her lips parted just a fraction, her eyes closed and felt herself being pulled towards him again, the fire that had been kindled for a long while beginning to spark …

Suddenly, whistles sounded and the sky exploded into celebration. Shocked, Ginny turned to see what was going on.

'Surprise,' said Harry softly, watching the brilliant colors of the fireworks mirrored in her eyes. Fred and George had really outdone themselves as balls of fire exploded into sparks, vanishing into the night sky. Below them, people, surprised and amazed, were rushing out into the grounds, cheering and applauding. Ginny giggled.

'Don't tell me… Fred and George?'

'Right,' said Harry, 'how did you guess?'

She pointed at golden lettering that had appeared in the sky. Courtesy Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

Harry chuckled, 'Very intelligent of you, Mrs. Weasley.'

'What do you know?' she asked, turning back to him, a mischievous smile appearing on her face, one eyebrow raised. Harry laughed.

'I think you're great,' he said, suddenly and sincerely.  

'Oh,' she replied, edging closer to him, 'you wouldn't have said that until a year ago.' She looked at him intently. He covered his face with his hand.

'Forgive me, Gin, for being an idiot,' he muttered, causing her to giggle and pull his hand away from his face.

'You're the idiot who saved my life twice,' she said softly and he looked at her again, suddenly much serious.

'Gin…'

'You did, Harry,' she said, shivering and his arm tightened around her.

'It doesn't matter Gin… it's our life now… whichever way you see it.'

'I know…' she said, brining her hand up to his cheek slowly and not trusting herself with more words, she closed the remaining distance between them and reveled in the feelings produced as a result, feeling him lovingly kiss her back.

~*~

Snap! Click! Click!

'Great! Thanks for the tip off you guys!'

'You're welcome!'

'It was –'

' – our pleasure!'

'Get one of Ron and Hermione too and be careful. You know what the consequences will be if they found out!'

'Definitely… and thanks again!'

Colin grinned at hi camera, watching the Weasley twins vanish around a corridor. One day, Ginny would love him for this.

~*~

Author's Notes: So there it is…! Finally, I have managed to complete this chapter with all the romance, Quidditch and exams I could stuff into it. New stuff has come up as well – Harry's new magical powers. I couldn't have written Quidditch successfully if it hadn't been for those fiery moments like when Harry crashed into the stands.

I hope this chapter has satisfied you all. It was the longest one since the chapter "Christmas". The next one will be the epilogue… yes, the end of "Time Changes Everything".

However, I should add here that I have come to the decision after much discussion with the muses in my head that – I will write a sequel. I have not decided on the name yet but I will start on it immediately after finishing with this story. I hope that was good news! :)

I'm currently updating this on Gryffindortower.net, as some you must have noticed but that won't interfere with chapter updates here, I assure you.

I want to thank ALL reviewers for reviewing the last chapter and giving all those great compliments! Thankyou! I will, at the end of the epilogue, specifically mention the names of ALL those people who reviewed since this story was first put up.

I must leave you now with the promsie that the Eplioge will be up very soon, probablyin three days so keep an eye out for it!

All my love,

Ameera Khan (Aimen – yes, I've changed my penname again! :( I had to… my sister discovered Eimaan!)

(P.S. I'll draw a picture of Ginny, as she looks in her "date" with Harry in this chapter. Sorry, I am terrible at drawing Harry but I'll try my best. The pic should go up at Gryffindortower.net's Art section when it's ready and I'll inform you when it does. :)