Disclaimer: I unfortunately, do not own anything that you recognize--all is from the wonderful J.K. Rowling. I do own Beth Warren and Melia Davis.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, and to Erin for actually reading this stuff and fixing all of the horrid mistakes. Please review :)
Chapter Two
Dear Diary,
Well, Harry told everyone at dinner last night about his position as Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. No one was actually surprised, except maybe for Ron. And even he wasn't truly surprised. He just said that he hoped that he would show as much favoritism to the Gryffindors as Snape, the Potions Professor, did to the Slytherins. At this Hermione was quite livid, understandably so; she followed all the rules, except for when she sneaked out with Harry and Ron.
He did bring news of the replacements of all of the other professors. Apparently, Sirius will be taking a position as a Transfiguration professor, and the Head of Gryffindor. I thought it was very fitting, and he will just stay at Remus' house during the summer. It will help save money.
Neville Longbottom is going to be teaching Herbology—I never thought I'd see him as a teacher. True, Herbology was his best subject, but I can't imagine him getting up in front of all of the students, and trying to teach. Strange idea, isn't it?
And, then, replacing Professor Flitwick will be a person that I'm unfamiliar with. Harry named Beth Warren, and no one knew of her. Harry said that he had met her once, when he visited Hogwarts after getting the job (right before getting his Apparation license in Hogsmeade). She seemed very nice, he assured me.
Of course, I'm the only one who really has to worry as I'm the only one attending the school. But, Mum kept glaring at Ron whenever Harry mentioned teaching, and then she'd shoot a meaningful glance at Hermione, too. I think she wants him to get a job really soon, but he can be a bit thick at times.
Oh, and Harry is only staying with us for a week. He and I are going to Diagon Alley later today, I'm going to get all of my school things and Harry's going to get some things to help him out at Hogwarts. I'm not really sure what that is, but he insisted that he would have a reason to go. I think that he's just going to miss the opportunity to go down there and have fun. I'm sure he'll want to hit Quality Quidditch Supplies, and the ice cream parlor. Of course, he did have some great times there.
I guess I should go get ready now that I know that Harry will be looking for me in about an hour. We decided that we'd go just about noon, and I didn't get up until eleven. I better go.
Love Always
Ginny
Ginny put her diary up then looked through her clothing. She found a pair of blue jeans and a white spaghetti strap shirt, before heading to the bathroom. She quickly got ready and put her hair into a ponytail, letting a few tendrils escape.
"Gin! Are you ready?" Ginny heard someone yell. Ginny left the room and ran down the stairs, seeing Harry waiting in the kitchen for her. She smiled at him, before looking at her mother, who was holding the pot of Floo Powder.
"So, I'll Apparate into the Leaky Cauldron and meet you at the fireplace," Harry told her as she reached for a pinch of powder. Ginny scowled at him, as he grinned at her.
"Okay. At least I get to use magic, and I won't be covered in soot," Ginny said. Harry grinned at her, before disappearing with a slight pop. She threw the powder into the fireplace, then went to the Leaky Cauldron.
"I beat you," Harry taunted from beside the fireplace. Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically, looking down at herself. She was covered in ash and soot. She reached for her wand and quickly cast a cleaning spell on herself. Then, she started out of the Leaky Cauldron to Diagon Alley behind it. Harry followed her quickly, as they debated which store to go to first.
"I need books, Harry! And, really, you need a copy of your book," Ginny said, frowning slightly at him.
"Gin, Dumbledore already got me a set of all of the books I'll be using. You do have a different one than all of the other years," Harry said. Ginny sighed.
"Well, you can always use quills and parchment and ink. Let's go!" she said. Harry watched her with a smile, before actually coming up with a good reason to go somewhere else first.
"I have to go to Gringotts. How else will I buy anything?" he asked. Ginny nodded as they headed towards the large white building. They got in a cart, heading down a large hill almost immediately. When they arrived at Harry's vault, he grabbed many different coins, before getting back into the cart.
Not even ten minutes later, they were in Flourish and Blotts, picking out Ginny's books.
"What are you in this year, Gin?" Harry asked.
"Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts, Advanced Charms, Advanced Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Magical Healing, and Ancient Runes," Ginny told him. "Magical Healing is getting really difficult, but it's proved to be useful," she said. A closed-off look appeared on Harry's face at that statement, causing Ginny to wince. She was careless to say that, the last time they really used her powers was in the last battle with Voldemort.
"I'm sure it has. Are you done?" Harry asked stiffly. Ginny grabbed a few more of the second hand books, before nodding slightly. They headed towards the parchment and ink, each getting enough to last them most of the year. After paying for their things, Ginny looked up at Harry.
"I'm sorry about that, Harry. I wasn't thinking, but I think you need to talk about it. Holding it in isn't going to help anything," Ginny said. Harry nodded, his jaw clinched, before turning his emerald eyes to her.
"That's okay, Gin. I know you didn't mean it, but I can't talk about that day," he said. "Anyway, I was thinking, maybe if you have a free period while I'm teaching, I can have you come in as an assistant. I'm sure Dumbledore will agree," Harry pointed out.
"That sounds fun. You think I can handle it?" she asked, scrunching up her nose. Harry laughed at her, leading her to Quality Quidditch Supplies.
"I know you can do it, Gin. I've seen you out there, and you're amazing," Harry told her. Ginny blushed faintly, before jumping as someone called her name.
"Melia!" she shouted, grinning at the girl with long blond hair and bright blue eyes. The girl ran toward her.
"I haven't seen you in ages!" Melia Davis said excitedly. Ginny and Melia had always been slight friends, but Melia's best friend, Jill, was killed in the final battle. Ginny had comforted her the next day, and it appeared that the other girl remembered her service.
"Yeah, I know. Melia, do you know Harry?" Ginny asked. Melia looked up at Harry and flashed him a wide grin.
"I've never talked to you, but it's nice to meet you. Hey, Ginny, do you want to sit together on the Express? I'm sure Colin will join us," Melia said.
"Yeah, that sounds great. So, what are you doing here, besides school supplies?" Ginny asked.
"Leading my little brother around. Derrick is a third year Hufflepuff, and Mum decided that I could go alone this year. Woo Hoo! I have to try to drag him out of this bloody store. He's obsessed with Quidditch—he plays Chaser. He's annoying as anything, too much of a Hufflepuff," Melia said, scrunching her face. Ginny laughed.
"Percy and I are the only two that don't play Quidditch in seven kids. I understand how it is to grow up with people who are so obsessed with it. Actually, Harry's quite into Quidditch, but he isn't as insufferable as the rest of them. He can carry on an interesting conversation," Ginny told her. Melia giggled.
"So . . . have you heard anything about the House, and new teachers?" she asked, suddenly becoming serious. Ginny glanced up at Harry, wondering what to tell her friend.
"Actually, yes, Ginny has. I'm going to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Sirius Black will be teaching Transfiguration," Harry said. Melia's eyes grew round, but she remembered how he had been cleared. "He's also going to be Head of Gryffindor. Neville Longbottom is going to teach Herbology and Beth Warren is going to teach Charms."
"Thanks for the information. But, I better run. Meet you at King's Cross," Melia told her.
"All right, bye Melia," Ginny said, watching the blond go through the store, searching for her younger brother. She grinned and looked up at Harry. He was smiling down at her, then turned to look at the latest broomstick.
"Hermione said that you thought that you'd be alone at school," Harry told her. Ginny shrugged, looking uncomfortable.
"We haven't really been friends before. But, that day changed everything," she said. "And, I know you don't want to talk about it, but things have changed a lot," she said sadly.
"Yeah. I guess so. It's going to be weird not playing Quidditch," he said sadly, looking fondly at the various Quidditch supplies filling the store. Ginny shook her head sadly.
"Do you want to go see Fred? I think he's working in the shop here today. I'm pretty sure that it's George's day in Hogsmeade," Ginny said, looking around in boredom.
"Boring person," Harry told her fondly. "Let's go see one of the twins. What have they been up to lately?" he asked her.
"Um . . . I think that George has been dating all of the time, he has about twenty girlfriends at the moment. But, Fred is still dating Angelina. That's really surprising," Ginny said. "I mean, yeah, they were exclusive at Hogwarts, but they've only gotten to be a better couple as the years have gone by. I think she's coming to the Burrow for dinner with him tomorrow night."
"Who all will be there?" Harry asked curiously.
"Um, Penny and Percy, Fred and Angelina, Hermione and Ron, George and his current girlfriend, probably. Charlie may be able to drop by, I think he was up for a meeting with the Ministry the other day," Ginny said.
"Why was Charlie meeting with the Ministry?"
"His involvement in the war. That's all he can tell us, at least. I don't know what to think about it, really. He could be working for them now, all I know. Anyway, Mum's been trying to get all of my brothers married, and the fact that Percy has gotten married has just helped that," Ginny said.
"I'm sure. I can't believe that Percy has already gotten married," Harry said.
"Well, you know how close he and Penny were in school. And, Percy never was all that outgoing. He and Penny are perfect for one another. Mum's in love with Penny, too. She was so thrilled when they announced their engagement."
"Yeah, I'm sure. The only thing better would be to get Hermione into the family," Harry said. Ginny giggled softly.
"Don't mention that around Ron. His face will turn five shades of red, all in one second. Or, on second thought, be more than happy to mention it to him," Ginny said with a smirk as she entered Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, the Diagon Alley location.
"Gin! Harry!" her elder brother exclaimed. Ginny turned to greet him, frowning in concentration. She cocked her head to the side, before reaching to hug him.
"George, what are you doing here? I thought it was Fred's day to work here," Ginny said, biting her lip in thoughtful manner. George shrugged, looking at Harry.
"Hello George," Harry greeted.
"Hi Harry. I suppose you'll be at the family dinner tomorrow?" he questioned.
"I've been staying at the Burrow, of course I will be there. Are you going to be bringing anyone?"
"Maybe. I just saw Katie Bell, and I invited her to come. She agreed, so I think she'll be there."
"George! Katie's decent, and if you hurt her I will be very disappointed in you," Ginny warned. George rolled his eyes.
"I'm sure I'll get the same speech from Fred. I know that Katie and Angelina are still very good friends, and Fred and Angelina are very close still. So, I'm not going to treat her like she's any girl, and I'm not going to use her," George assured.
"Very good. Now, how's everything at your flat?" Ginny asked interestedly. George grinned wickedly, winking at Harry.
"Very loud. Fred was never very good at Silencing Charms, and it appears that Angelina isn't any better." Ginny rapidly turned bright red, then nodded.
"Yeah, I guess so. Hmm, wonder what Mum would say about the two of you living in sin," Ginny commented.
"Probably the same thing she would say about a certain fling last summer you may have had," George said innocently. Ginny's face paled instantly, and she looked at her brother with wide brown eyes.
"That was two days, George. You promised never to bring it up," she said in a hushed voice.
"Aw, Gin-Gin doesn't want to talk about her exploits with the Muggles?"
"Have a nice day, George," Ginny said, turning to walk out of the store. "Are you coming, Harry?" They slowly walked back to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Gin, what's that about?" he asked quietly. Ginny heaved a great sigh, before sitting at an empty table.
"Last summer, the twins and I took a trip to Muggle London, and I met this guy. He and I become quick friends . . . and it progressed. Nothing happened, but Mum's unbelievably overprotective, especially after the Chamber of Secrets. So, George just uses it to get me to shut up," Ginny said.
"That sounds stupid," Harry said. Ginny nodded slowly, but shrugged anyway. Glancing through the menu, she leaned back to look at Harry. Suddenly, the waiter came to take their orders, and as soon as he had gotten their orders, he left.
"So, Gin, I was thinking, I may go up to Hogwarts tomorrow to see if Dumbledore will allow you to be my assistant. And, I was thinking, if it's okay with you, that maybe I could see if you could come back to help me prepare early," Harry offered.
"That's fine, Harry. I mean, you'd have to ask Dumbledore first, and then I'd have to get it approved with Mum and Dad, but I think they'll be okay with it. They trust you," Ginny said with a grin.
"That's nice to know. See, I don't really know how to map out what I should do, and things like that," Harry said.
"Maybe you should wait and see about your classes. I think that it will be different from when you had the classes. And, I think that the Unforgivable Curses should be taught at a younger age, well, at least starting fourth year. And, maybe the Patronus Charm? It's very important for them to learn it. I mean, I know that the Dementors are pretty much secured at Azkaban—"
"Ginny, I agree. The Patronus Charm should be taught. People never really know when they'll be up against a real Dementor. I mean, heaven forbid that any get away, but it's important," Harry agreed. Ginny smiled as the food was brought out to their table.
They quickly ate, chatting quietly about what kind of things Harry should teach, and Harry filling Ginny in on some of the work she could expect.
They were soon finished with their meal, and then they hurried to the Burrow, Ginny by Floo Powder and Harry Apparating. She fell out of the fireplace into the living room, and she heard two people spring apart rather hurriedly.
"Gin! You're already back!" Ron squeaked.
"Yes, I am. I see you two have the house to yourselves," Ginny said, looking at the two red-faced people in front of her. "Has Harry arrived, or did he get an eyeful and pop out?" she asked, looking pointedly at Hermione's disheveled top. Hermione, if possible, flushed even more red. "It's okay. I'm going up to my room," Ginny said, walking past the two of them to go up the stairs to her room.
"Sorry," Hermione called out as she ascended the stairs. Ginny just threw her a cheeky grin, stopping as she almost ran into Harry.
"Hey, Gin," he said, grinning. "It's been such a long time." Ginny didn't say anything, but stopped him as he started down the stairs.
"I don't suggest that. Hermione, Ron, you, and I are the only ones left in the house. They were making interesting use of the living room," Ginny warned him. Harry grimaced as he looked at Ginny.
"I'm sorry," he said, truthfully sounding sorry. Ginny shrugged, glancing down at herself and realizing that she was still covered in soot. She pointed her wand at herself and quickly cleaned her clothing.
"Do you want to go ahead to Hogwarts?" Harry asked. "I think we should talk to Dumbledore as soon as possible about you helping me possibly, and if you are to come back with me early," he said.
"I did promise Melia that I would sit with her," Ginny said. Harry sighed.
"If you don't want to go back, that's fine," he said abruptly, running a hand through his messy hair before edging back a little towards the twins' room.
"Harry, of course I want to go. I'm just worried about Melia. I don't want her to be alone. Come on let's go talk to Dumbledore. Wait, am I going to have to use Floo Powder again?" she asked, groaning. Harry grinned down at her.
"I'm afraid so. Come on, I'll take Floo with you this time," he said. Ginny raised an eyebrow delicately, before running down the stairs, making sure to make plenty of noise so Hermione and Ron wouldn't be engaged in any activities that Ginny wouldn't want to see.
"Where are you going now?" Ron asked crossly as she entered the room. Ginny smiled widely, before noticing that Harry wasn't behind.
"Harry! Get down here, you promised you'd travel by Floo!" she shouted up the stairs. A loud pop in the middle of the room returned a very amused Harry, who smirked at Ginny.
"I said I would do the Floo, didn't I? I was hoping I could Apparate before you'd realize I wasn't Flooing," he said. Ginny shook her head and handed him some Floo Powder.
"You can go first, then," she said. Harry groaned, then nodded at her resolute expression.
"The Three Broomsticks?" he asked.
"Sounds as good as any other. I personally don't fancy using the fireplace at the twins' shop. I'd imagine that it may do something rather nasty to you," Ginny said. Harry nodded, tossing the Floo Powder in the fireplace, before Apparating out with a grin in Ginny's direction. She sighed, before quickly stepping up to the fireplace and going to the Three Broomsticks.
She emerged from the public fireplace standing next to a satisfied Harry Potter. He casually flicked his wand over her, then glanced around the fairly empty shop.
"What do you say to a butterbeer, Gin?" he asked. She shrugged quickly, then nodded. They sat down to have a quick butterbeer, and soon left the shop. Walking in silence to the magnificent castle that stood at the edge of their view, Ginny kept stealing looks at Harry. He looked slightly nervous at the sight of the school, and Ginny was trying to work out why he would be nervous.
"Race you to the school?" Harry asked.
"Outer gates or main doors?" Ginny questioned.
"Gates." They shared a glance, and with a nod, they both took off. Ginny had far shorter legs than Harry, but had grown up with six boys chasing her all over the place. But, Harry also had been chased around horridly as a child, so they put up a good race. Harry was the first to the gates, though, and smirked at her as she arrived only seconds later.
"Oh, yeah, you're all happy now, aren't you? You beat me, big deal," Ginny grumbled. Harry laughed at her, before pushing the gates open and striding purposefully towards the large oak doors. Ginny ran to catch up with him, and they slowly entered the school carefully.
"This place seems so strange without students here," Ginny said. Harry nodded his agreement, placing his hand on her back and leading her gently towards the main staircases.
"Potter, Weasley, what are you doing here?" a voice growled. Ginny whipped around and smiled at the sight before her. A man with long black robes, greasy black hair, and a hooked nose stood in front of them.
"Professor Snape!" Ginny said with a grin. He scowled at her, looking at them through narrow eyes.
"I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore about my position," Harry said.
"And, Miss Weasley is here because?" Snape asked. Ginny looked over at him, biting her lip gently.
"That is between Ginny, Professor Dumbledore, and me. Now, we'll be off to his office. Come on, Ginny," he said. Ginny threw a final smile at Professor Snape, and followed Harry up the stairs.
Soon, they were standing at he doorway of Dumbledore's study. Harry knocked uncertainly, and Ginny suddenly glimpsed him as a younger boy. The door swung open, and Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk.
"Ah, Harry! Ginny! What a surprise!" he said, his bright blue eyes twinkling. Harry grinned at the professor, sitting down across from him. Ginny perched on the seat next to him, glancing uneasily over at Harry.
"Hello Albus," he said with a smile. "I've just come to discuss my position for the upcoming year. I was hoping that I could have an assistant to help out with grading papers and maybe help me in one of my classes?" Harry suggested.
"I am assuming you are referring to Miss Weasley?" Dumbledore questioned. Harry nodded, throwing a sideways glance at Ginny. "Well, do you both think that she can handle it?"
"I fought with her. I know that she's strong and she has a good Defense background. And, I know that her classes are going to be overwhelming, but I can help her in some of the classes that I took last year. Plus, I know she has a natural flair for some of her classes," Harry replied. Dumbledore nodded, then looked at Ginny.
"I think I can handle it. I mean, I'd want to help Harry, regardless. This just gives me a good reason to actually help him out, you know?" Ginny asked. Dumbledore nodded.
"Of course she may, Harry. And, you can allow her to keep some of her things in your office, and she may have the password to the staff wing," Dumbledore said. "Is there anything else?"
"I was hoping that Ginny could also return the two weeks early to help me prepare for my classes," Harry said.
"That's fine. Are you sure that the Weasleys will approve, however?"
"That's what I was wondering. I can ask, and I doubt they'll have any problems," Ginny said. "Mum trusts Harry more than just about anyone."
"Just owl me with the answer. How have you been doing, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. Harry shrugged, instantly drawing into himself.
"He hasn't," Ginny muttered softly. "Harry, what exactly do you think will happen the second you have a class? What do you think will be the first thing they ask? How did you defeat Voldemort? That's going to be on everyone's mind, and unless you want to act like a total prat the entire time, you've got to deal."
"Well, maybe it's just not that easy, Gin. Do you deal with it? Because I don't think I've heard you say all that much about the final battle, either," Harry said. Ginny sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Do you want me to talk about it? I know that I can. But, can you, Harry?" she asked softly.
"I'm not going to put up with this. I can't take it now, and I'm not going to get into this conversation with you," Harry said quietly.
"Fine."
"Fine."
"How are you two going to work together if you constantly fight?" Dumbledore asked. Harry and Ginny shared a quiet, thoughtful glance.
"We don't. Actually, we've fought more in the past few days than we have since we've met," Ginny said quietly. "We'll work on it. Is that all, Professor?" Ginny asked. Dumbledore nodded, so Harry stood up and looked at Ginny.
"Back to Hogsmeade then?" he asked.
"Yeah. How else will I get home?" she asked.
"You can use the Floo in my office," Dumbledore offered. Ginny grinned over at Harry, before accepting Dumbledore's offer.
"And, Harry, you can use Floo Powder. I do know how much you love it. However, you won't mid going first, will you? I don't really want to get the view that I got last time," Ginny said. Harry groaned, but nodded and threw the Floo Powder into the fireplace. Ginny threw a last grin at Dumbledore, thanking him for allowing her to help Harry out, before hopping into the fireplace.
When she arrive home, she found Hermione, Ron, Harry, and her parents sitting in the living room. Harry grinned at her, before quickly shooting a cleaning spell at her.
"Did you know that they had the fireplaces connected to the Floo Network?" she asked quietly. Harry shrugged, leaning back in his chair.
"I always suspected that it was, but I never knew for certain. I think that only the professors' offices are connected to the Network, though. I guess we should probably mention exactly why we took a trip to Hogwarts, though, shouldn't we?" Harry suggested. Ginny sat next to him, nodding silently. They shared a glance, then Ginny turned to look at her mother.
"I'm going to help Harry in one of his classes, whenever I'm free, basically. Then, I'm allowed to go back with him two weeks early to help him prepare for his classes, if that's okay with you all," Ginny said. Her parents exchanged a look, then turned back to their daughter.
"Give us time to discuss. Dumbledore has agreed, though?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Yes. However, I'm supposed to write him to let him know if I can go, though. So, when you decide, I need to write Professor Dumbledore. That's about all, but I'm going to go finish my Potions essay," Ginny said, leaving the room and walking to her room.
The next night, the Burrow was full of laughter and fun. Ginny came down at six thirty, a few minutes before Angelina and Fred Apparated into the house. A few seconds later, two more pops were heard. George sat on the couch, Katie looking nervously about.
"Harry!" Angelina exclaimed. "Fred didn't say that you would be here!" Harry grinned at his former Quidditch teammate, before smiling over at Katie.
"I don't think he knew. How have the two of you been?" he asked, watching as they grinned at one another.
"Not bad. Katie's on a professional team now, did you know?" Angelina asked. Harry smiled widely at her, before looking at Angelina.
"That's great, Katie! What have you been doing, Angelina?" he questioned.
"I'm working at the Three Broomsticks. Rumor down there says that you'll be teaching at Hogwarts," she said.
"Yeah. I'm doing Defense Against the Dark Arts, starting this year. Should be interesting," Harry said. Ginny smiled at the thought of having Harry as a professor, imagining how easy class would be.
"Don't grin, Gin. I'm not going to let your class have it easy," he said. Ginny looked at him with sparkling brown eyes.
"I would never expect that, Harry. I just happen to know that I'm probably just as good at Defense Against the Dark Arts as you are," she said. Harry narrowed his green eyes at her, smiling wickedly.
"Is that so, Gin?" he asked. Ginny shrugged, smirking back at him.
"Come on, Harry, you don't really think that I won't be all right in your class? It should be simple!" Ginny said. "Besides, I'm going to help you prepare for all of your classes, so I'll know what we'll be doing." Harry thought for a moment, shrugging.
"I can just hide my lessons for your class. Do you know who all will be in there?"
"Melia will. Colin may be, he was pretty good last year. Can you imagine! Colin Creevy is bound to fawn around you as a teacher so much more than he would last year. It's going to be hilarious!" Ginny said. Harry shuddered visibly.
"Scary thoughts. Good lord, I hadn't thought about that. What will I do?" he asked. Ginny giggled instantly, not paying attention to the other occupants of the room. Due to this fact, she jumped when one of the twins set off one of their many jokes. A cloud of smoke started filling the living room, and at that point, Percy and Penny arrive.
"What is going on here?" Percy's voice rang out, choked with smoke. Penny was heard quietly coughing, before someone took out their wand and got rid of all the smoke.
"Who did that?" Ginny asked, staring at her brothers with accusing eyes.
"You weren't paying attention to us, Gin-Gin. I figured this was better than mentioning a few events two summers ago," Fred said with an innocent grin.
"Shut up about that. George happened to enlighten me about some of the happenings in the flat, such as a lack of talent in the Charms department. I have to tell George how sorry I am about that," she said with a smirk.
"What the hell did he tell you?" Fred asked with a glare. Ginny simply grinned at him, looking around in an attempt to change the subject.
"Harry, where are Ron and Hermione?" she asked. Harry glanced around the room, then pulled a face.
"I left them alone in Ron's room about an hour ago. Oh, God, if they are still up there . . ." he trailed off.
"Well, Mum will be done with dinner soon, and she'll wonder where they are. Go get them," Ginny ordered.
"No way. I'm not going to interrupt whatever they're doing," Harry said, his eyes wide.
"Well, I'm not about to! I was the one who got an eyeful yesterday. I've been scarred for life. It's your turn."
"Not about to. Sorry, Gin. If you want to protect Ron from your mum, you're doing it." Ginny scowled deeply, looking around.
"I'll do it!" George said with an evil grin. Fred and George shared a look, and then both ran up the stairs at once. Ginny bit her lip, glancing over at Harry. He shared a quick smile with her, before the sounds of the twins running back down the stairs were heard. They were laughing happily, sharing grins with one another.
"What happened?" Harry asked as they ran back into the room. Fred smirked, sitting next to Angelina, and placing his arm around her back.
"Nothing much. We just have some very much needed dirt on our favorite little brother," Fred grinned.
"He's your only little brother," Ginny pointed out dryly. Fred thoughtfully tapped his chin.
"That he is. Well, let's just say that Hermione will be blushing throughout dinner, and Ron will try to kill us later."
"I'm guessing they were a little worse off than when I came home yesterday," Ginny said with a grin. Harry rolled his eyes, laughing at Ginny.
"I can't believe how much pleasure you get out of seeing them embarrassed," Harry told her.
"Well, just remember what I told you to bring up in front of Ron. His face will be five shades of red at once," she said with a smirk.
"Oh, so, we can start asking when Hermione will be an official part of the family?" George asked with a grin.
"I wouldn't suggest Fred asking that," Ginny said, looking at him. "You know that he'll fire back, wondering when Angelina will be a Weasley." Fred laughed uncomfortably, looking at Angelina. She was slightly blushing, not looking at any of them.
"Oooh, do you have an answer?" Ginny asked with hardly repressed glee. Fred shifted and glanced over at Angelina, who simply shrugged.
"Yes, okay, we do. But, I wanted to tell everyone at dinner, okay?" Fred asked. Ginny smiled and jumped up to hug Angelina.
"You have to give me details," she said with a grin.
"Of course. Girls' night later? I was thinking that you, Katie, Hermione, Penny, and I could all go back to my house and have a nice little chat. What do you say?" she asked, grinning widely at her friend.
"Yes! That would be so awesome! And, you guys could all hang out, and do whatever you guys do," Ginny said, looking at the males in the room. "Oh, Penny, are you in?"
"Yes! How long has it been since I've had girl talk? That sounds so great! And, Hermione will agree, won't she?" she asked anxiously.
"What will I be agreeing to?" Hermione asked, coming down the stairs and brushing her hair behind her ear. Ginny grinned at her, before glancing at Angelina.
"Do you want to come over to Angelina's house with us tonight, and do the girl talk thing?" Ginny asked.
"Sure. Sounds like fun. You don't think your mum will mind if we go, do you?" Hermione asked. Ginny rolled her eyes, dismissing the thought.
"You should have to worry, Hermione. You're the legal one. I still have a year of school left," Ginny said with a grimace. The girls smiled at her, before sharing a look.
"I'll go talk to Molly for you if you'd like," Angelina offered. Ginny shrugged, grinning at the older girl. They all started making plans for what they would do later the evening when Ron finally joined them. He scowled in the direction of the twins, before greeting the other people who were in the house.
"Is everyone here? No, dear, where is Charlie? He said he would make it tonight . . . And, where is Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley asked searching around the living room. A few moments later, two pops were heard and Charlie and Mr. Weasley had Apparated into the living room.
"Hey guys!" Charlie said, stopping to hug his mother, then engulfing Ginny in a huge hug. She giggled, wrapping her arms around her older brother.
"Charlie! Why haven't you come to see us earlier?" Ginny asked, frowning slightly at her older brother.
"There have been reasons," he said, kissing her nose with a grin. "I'll be around a lot more now, though. I'll be working for the Ministry, and they are incidentally placing me at Hogwarts. You aren't getting rid of me quite that easily." Ginny grinned at him.
"All right, everyone. Dinner is ready, so perhaps we should eat," Mrs. Weasley said. Slowly, all of the kids in the room headed to the kitchen and sat around the rather large table.
The table was full of laughter and conversations, before Fred nervously cleared his throat. Ginny grinned wickedly, watching him with amusement. Fred was always confident, and the fact that he was showing a hint of nervousness made Ginny laugh.
"Um, Mum, Dad," he began. He waited until the table was silent, and his parents were giving him their full attention before continuing. "Er, Angelina and I are going to get married . . ." he trailed off. Molly Weasley's face broke into an ecstatic grin, before she jumped up to pull Fred and Angelina into bone-crushing hugs.
"Oh, dear! This is just so wonderful. Now, Charlie, George, why can't the two of you become serious? At least Ron's had Hermione around for years now," Molly said. Ron's face burned red, and Hermione choked on her bite of broccoli.
"Mum, I will decide who I date and when. I'm only 25 years old. I don't have to be serious yet," Charlie said while taking a drink of his pumpkin juice. Molly frowned at him, but started eating her dinner as well.
"Oh, Mum, Hermione and I are going to be spending the night over at Angelina's tonight. Girl talk and all," Ginny said. Molly looked up at her, then nodded.
"All right, dear. What time will you be back tomorrow? You'll be going back to Hogwarts in two weeks, and I'm sure there a few things that you'll need to get finished around here."
"There's not really much except for a few essays. I'm not sure what time I'll be back, though." Molly nodded at her.
"Why are you going to Hogwarts so early, Gin?" Charlie asked interestedly. Ginny ran a hand through her hair, twisting a strand around her finger.
"I'm helping Harry out in his position. I'm going to be an assistant to him. Hey, Mum, does that mean I can go back early? Because that would mean that I have to owl Dumbledore and Melia."
"You'd have to tell Melia that she'll have to sit with Colin, right?" Harry asked.
"The poor girl," Ginny said. Harry grinned at her, then smirked.
"But, weren't the two of you the official starters of my fan club in your first year?" he teased. Ginny rolled her eyes heavenward, before taking another bit of her dinner.
"That was the worst year of my life. Remind me, Harry, what did I see in you? Overgrown ego, perhaps? I don't know, thank goodness that was six years ago," she said.
"Hey! I've never had an ego. Besides, who could blame you? But, hey, you don't think Colin is gay, do you? That could really work against me teaching him," Harry said, wrinkling his nose.
"I don't think Colin is gay," Ginny said, sighing in exasperation. "Colin had a crush on Maureen Collier last year, but Maureen liked Malfoy, who was still with Pansy, who secretly liked Goyle. It was quite amusing," Ginny said.
"And, Gin, how do you keep up with all of the gossip at Hogwarts?" Charlie asked. Ginny grinned.
"Well, I have connections, let's leave it at that," Ginny said.
"Oh, you're talking about Denise Calvin in Slytherin, right? The girl that had the crush on Harry, that told you all of the gossip just so she could sit next to him?" Hermione asked.
"Wait—A Slytherin had a crush on me?" Harry asked.
"Several actually," Ginny replied, grinning cheekily. "Denise told me. Actually, I think she liked you more than the rest of them did, although I did hear that Pansy had a bit of a crush on you in your fifth year." Hermione and Ginny shared a quick grin, before breaking into giggles.
"There is absolutely nothing funny about that dog liking me," Harry said.
"Oh, no, of course not," Ginny agreed, giggling harder.
"The funny thing was Malfoy's response, actually. Something about turning you into that ferret that he always was. Quite possessive over his little girlfriends, he was," Hermione said with a grin.
"Hey, we really shouldn't be making fun of him. He is dead," Ginny pointed out.
"He would have made fun of us if it were the other way around," Ron pointed out. Ginny and Hermione glared at him.
"We are better than he ever was," Hermione said patiently. "Now, be nice!" Ginny started giggling at the ashamed look on Ron's face, before looking at Angelina.
"So, what time do you think I'll get back? Unless we could also do some History of Magic? I took my NEWTs in the class last year, but I still have to do the essay," Ginny said with a groan.
"Why? That doesn't make much sense," Katie said with a frown.
"Because I should be aware of all the happenings in the History of Magic course, and just because I took the test last year, doesn't mean that I should get out of an essay. Thank God Poppy didn't give me an essay," Ginny said.
"Why didn't Madam Pomfrey give you an essay?" Hermione questioned quietly. Ginny chanced a glance at Harry, afraid of his reaction to what she would say.
"She felt that I proved my understanding of what I had learned quite sufficiently on the last day of school," Ginny mumbled. She was watching Harry out of the corner of her eye, and she noticed the slight cloudiness fog them yet again.
"I suppose you did," Ron said, grinning at his little sister.
"Are you ever going to talk about it?" Molly asked.
"You lied, Gin," Harry murmured. "You said you could talk about it."
"I can talk about it, Harry. I just don't. Fine, I've told you before, I don't mind if we have the conversation. You all want to know what happened? Let's talk. Now," Ginny said.
"May I be excused?" Harry asked, before throwing his fork down and leaving the table. Ginny sighed, putting her head in her hands, before also standing up.
"Excuse me," she said, before walking after Harry.
"So, how long have they been like this?" Charlie asked.
"Too long," was the answer from Ron and Hermione.