Chapter 24

Sunday's raid passed smoothly and a handful of Death Eaters were soon in the capable hands of the Ministry, bar a few who were enjoying a few days hospitality in the Hogwarts dungeons. The raid gave the Swords some confidence, and meant they no longer felt overshadowed by the younger Guards.

It also eased the strain on Charlie, Bill and Fletch, and they arrived at the study significantly more cheerful than they had been a few days previously. They talked as they arrived, as opposed to engaging in the depressive silence that had struck so many. Hermione, Ron, Hunter and Hannah were also with them. As soon as all were seated, Harry began the meting.

'How is the camp coming along?'

Charlie cleared his throat before answering.

'It is fully built; we are simply waiting to add equipment, beds and other necessities. I need Hermione for that, and she has been fully occupied. We have also created rooms for our HQ out there, and she has been supervising that.'

'Good. If you can get that finished this week, the letters will be sent on the first of January. I will write them, but I will need you to organise sending them, Hermione.'

Hermione nodded, and Harry turned to Hannah.

'From now on you will be in charge of all equipment, uniforms and such. You'll be based at the camp, with rooms for stores and anything else you'll need. You can choose people to help you yourself. Money wise, the Guardian funds have been opened, so you don't have to worry on that account. Ron, you'll also be based at the camp, with your own rooms. You and Sea should be able to handle any plans we need. Also, you'll have to train some of the volunteers.'

Ron and Hannah both nodded, realising that they were going to have to adjust to yet another huge change. Harry now looked at Hunter.

'If you agree, you will be in charge of all the training. You have no weakness, and have a natural teaching talent. Sirius, Silar and Master Prenshaw will go with you. What do you say?'

Hunter was silent for a moment, not quite understanding what was being asked of him. Then he grinned, leaning back on his chair in a way similar to that he would have used half a year ago.

'Yeah, why not. I'll give it a go.'

Harry bowed his head in appreciation, and continued.

'Stealth, how's the uniform coming along?'

'Done. Same training clothes we all use, with a silver eye as the emblem. And they have to put the emblem on robes and shirts as well. As for equipment, they have to bring a wand, but we'll supply blades.'

'Good plan. Now, about the camp. I think it's time the school got back to its proper use, so starting in January, everyone except me, and Stealth with the Guards, will be based at the camp. That will free up the castle for refugees. Any objections?'

There were a moments silence, before Ron spoke.

What about Christmas? I've been asked if people can go home. I didn't know what to say, so I told them to wait and find out.'

Now all eyes turned to Harry, and they were surprised to se he obviously had a answer prepared.

'The Guards can't go home, they are needed here. But their parents can come to Hogsmead. The students can go home as normal if they wish, though if they want to stay they can. As for us.'

Harry simply shook his head, while the other nodded resignedly. Harry looked at Charlie.

'Do whatever you think with the swords. It is up to you.'

'I'll give them a week, to end on the first.'

Harry nodded, and stood up.

'That's all for now. We should meet again in a few days.'

They filed out, their spirits dampened by the though that most of them would not feel the warmth of home over Christmas. Harry did not feel it, knowing that he could use the time to see Sirius, and better get to know his wife-to-be.

A few days later the castle seemed to be empty. Almost all of the students had returned home, and the refugees who were unable to do so were keeping to their own half of the castle. Harry was relaxing in the common room, wearing casual clothes for the first time in weeks.

He spent several hours re-reading Quiddich Through the Ages, before Ginny found him curled up in one of the armchairs. She snick up quietly behind him, and silently covered his eyes with her hands.

'Ginny!'

Harry spun round like lightning, nearly falling out of the chair in the process. She laughed.

'How did you know it was me?'

'There was no one else it could be, simple. And I know the feel of your hands.'

He grinned, looking up at her. He was shocked to see the red of her hair reflected in the firelight, the freckles seeming to dance in her face. He caught hold of her hands.

'But I think I could use a reminder.'

Ginny raised her eyebrows, and moved her hands slowly up his arms and across his shoulders, creeping over the soft fabric of his shirt.

'Is that right?'

Harry groaned softly, and stood. Not waiting to answer, he kissed her powerfully, his hands roaming across her lower back. Despite the fierceness of his kiss, his hands were gentle, and Ginny soon slipped her hands under the collar of his shirt to rub the supple skin of his back, seeing how far she could push him.

After a while they settled back down into one of the bigger armchairs, feeling surprisingly natural as others came and went. One of these was Zab, who gave Harry a knowing look as he left. Not wanting to move he ignored it.

Soon they were once again alone, and talking softly while Ginny worked on releasing the buttons of Harry's shirt. As soon as this was accomplished she began to run her fingers over the sensitive skin of his stomach. After a few minutes she noticed that Harry had his eyes closed and was totally relaxed and decided to see if she could get a bit more of a response from him.

She began by running one finger lightly up the side of his ribs and under his arm. She could feel him tense under her; though he did not open his eyes. Pleased she moved on, onto the underside of his arms, finally up over his shoulders and round his sides.

Now very tense, Harry was not sure what was happening, but he did know that he was enjoying it, and so decided to keep his eyes shut for as long as possible. Just minutes after making this resolution, it failed.

Ginny succeeded in completely flooring him. She muttered a quick charm at the glass of water next to her, and was soon holding a small cube of ice. Careful to be silent, she brought it slowly into contact with skin above his belly button. He jerked slightly, his eyes opening instantly. Ginny looked up at him for a second, them continued to push the ice around his stomach while he struggled to remain silent and still.

Finally unable to resist he gave a groan, speeding the melt of the ice by rubbing it into his skin with his free hand. Ginny sat back, wondering what his reaction would be. He gripped her hands, and caught her mouth with his, rubbing his wet skin into her at the same time. She laughed into his kiss, struggling to free herself from the cold of his wet skin. When he pulled back he was grinning.

'Thank you for that. I'll remember never to relax in your presence again.'

'That was the plan.'

Harry leant back into the base of the chair; Ginny turned and laid her head against his now bare chest. Several minutes passed in silence before Harry spoke.

'Do I get to take my revenge now?'

'Only if you want to.' Ginny replied.

'Oh, yes.'

Everyone - Hope you enjoyed these tow chapters. Probably some more next weekend but I can't promise. Dunno what's to come. Thanks for any reviews. - Pose