A/N: Finally back from my trip. Chapter 19 is short, but Chapter 20 begins Harry's Auror training and will be posted within the next 24 hours. Thanks for all the great reviews and have no fear, I plan to complete this story. Happy reading!
Chapter 19. Saying goodbye
Harry was glad that he had some time to spend with Ginny before he had to go for training. He apparated to London to make sure all was ready for his and Neville's arrival. He sent Hedwig to Neville with a note to meet him at the Burrow for dinner tomorrow evening then they would go to London together.
Early the next morning he accompanied Ginny and Molly to Diagon Alley to get her school supplies. When they went into Flourish & Blott's, Ginny automatically went to the used book section. Harry laughed and pulled her into the new books. When they had made all their selections, Harry stopped Molly and paid for them. "It's her money, Mum. Well, half of it," he added with a grin. Molly smiled at Harry and hugged him.
"Harry, we're going to look at some new robes," said Ginny.
"Remember to tell them to put it on our account, Gin. And Molly, don't you try to pay…I sent them an owl explaining that I was paying," said Harry. "I'm just going to pop over to Quality Quidditch for a moment; want to get Ron a new whistle as a present. I'll meet you in a few minutes." They kissed and went to make their purchases.
Harry entered the store and quickly found a nice whistle. The man at the counter magically engraved "For Ron, my best mate. Harry" on it. Harry also had another motive in coming to this particular store. He knew Ginny needed a new broom. She had Ron's old Cleansweep. It was an okay broom for playing behind the Burrow, but a bit slow for playing at school. He walked over and looked at the different models and saw that the Firebolt was on sale. He talked to the man behind the counter and when he said he wanted it for his wife the man recognized him. He handed Harry a wrapped package and when Harry went to pay the man wouldn't accept it.
"Sorry, Mr. Potter, your money's no good here. Seeing as how your Dad helped me a time or two…and as how I couldn't get you a wedding present, please give this to your lovely wife with my compliments!"
As Harry was leaving with his packages, he shrunk the one and placed both in the pockets of his robe. He looked up just in time to see Colin and Dennis Creevy leaving Ollivander's with a young girl. They waved when he saw them and he walked over. "Hi Colin! Hey Dennis! Have a good summer?"
"Pretty good, you?" said Colin.
"Outstanding here! Haven't you heard?"
"Colin doesn't get the Daily Prophet at home," said Ginny as she walked up. "Colin, you are going to have to get used to calling me a different name now."
"Did you change your name from Ginny?"
"No, I changed it from Weasley."
"WHAT? What do you mean?" asked Colin and Dennis at the same time. Ginny held out her hand and showed them her ring. "You…you're married?"
"Yes. Now you have to call me Ginny Potter."
"Oh my gosh, Gin! That is wicked!" laughed Colin as he shook Harry's hand. Then he got quiet. "What did your Mum say?"
"Well, Harry and I were planning to wait until after I graduated…" Ginny stopped and looked at Harry. Harry was trying to think up something to say when he felt someone put their arm around his waist.
"I told them not to wait," said Molly as she hugged Harry. "Hello, Colin."
"Hello Mrs. Weasley. Oh, I want you to meet my baby sister Emily. It's her first year at Hogwarts," Colin added. Ginny grinned when she saw Emily cringe as Colin said 'baby'.
***
The next day dawned cool and rainy, as if it foreshadowed the mood. Harry and Ginny spent a lot of time alone in her room. Harry didn't need to pack, as Dobby was handling it for him. Harry had decided on sending Dobby back to Hogwarts with Ginny, as he didn't think it would work at Auror training.
After lunch, people started popping in to wish Harry luck. When Minerva popped in, she handed Ginny an envelope after they talked. In it were Head Girl and Quidditch Captain Badges. Molly was excited that Ginny was chosen. Finally, around 4 o'clock, Neville popped in.
"Hiya, Harry. Hello, everyone! Hope I'm not interrupting," he added.
"You are fine, Neville. Where's Luna?" asked Ginny.
"She's at home. I didn't know if she could come."
"Don't be silly! I'll go floo her. Honestly!" she muttered, walking away.
"Harry, did I do something wrong?" asked Neville.
"No, Nev. Ginny just gets that way," he laughed. "So, things going okay with you two?"
"Yeah, Harry. They are great. Most people don't see past Luna's outward appearance, but underneath is a warm, sweet girl that I love to spend time with. I hope I can get enough nerve up to ask her to be a couple with me," Neville added, blushing.
"Don't worry. When the time is right, you'll know it. And Luna is a lucky girl to have you to care about her," said Harry. "And I'll bet she knows it."
"Knows what?" asked Ginny as she entered the room followed by Luna. "What are you talking about?"
"McGonagall. She knows that we will do our best in Auror training, right, Neville?"
"Erm…right, Harry!"
***
While everyone tried to make the evening festive, no one could help but feel for Harry and Ginny. Even though they had known that they would have to separate when school started, it still didn't make it much easier. Even Fred and George weren't up to their usual selves. After dinner, Neville, Luna, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all took a stroll through the garden out to the lake near town. As they walked, each couple holding hands, they talked quietly. Ginny could barely contain her tears, but Harry kissed them each chance he got.
"Tonks said I would get to come home in two weeks for a day or two, so I will get to see you off to platform 9 ¾. Then I get a weekend a month, and Albus and Minerva have given me permission to spend it with you at Hogwarts. And it so happens that the first Hogsmeade weekend will coincide with my visit," Harry added. "And…I have a gift for you."
"A gift?"
"Yes, love. Just something I picked up in Diagon Alley." He reached into his robe pocket and brought out the shrunken Firebolt.
"Oh, Harry…a miniature Firebolt!"
"I have another surprise for you! Engorgio!" The small broom grew to its proper size.
"Harry? A real Firebolt?"
"Yes, Gin. YOUR real Firebolt!" Ginny reached up and kissed him soundly.
"RON! LOOK! A real Firebolt!"
"Wicked! Hey, what's this?" asked Ron as Harry handed him a small package.
"Just a little gift from me to remember best mates. Go ahead, open it." Ron opened the box and found the whistle. After he read the engraving, he gave Harry a bear hug and thanked him. He showed it to everyone.
Soon it came time for Harry and Neville to head to London. Harry and Ginny hugged and said their goodbyes. Everyone hugged Harry; Mrs. Weasley the tightest of all. "Be safe, Harry dear. If you need anything, have Kingsley speak to Arthur."
"I will. Mum. And you, Mrs. Potter…I will see you in two weeks!" He gave Ginny a kiss goodbye while Neville did the same to Luna. "Ready, Nev? Let's do it!" The promptly disappeared with a loud pop.
***
Harry and Neville apparated into the shed behind the main house. Dobby met them and disappeared with their bags. As they went into the house, they found Ross, the butler standing there with letters. "Arrived by owl this afternoon, sir, from the Ministry."
Harry and Neville opened them to reveal lists of what they needed to bring, including clothes, robes and more. They also found that their schedules were going to be much more demanding:
6:00 am Rise and Shine
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Auror Basics K. Shacklebolt
8:00 am Wand training A. Moody
10:00 am Physical Training N. Tonks
11:30 am Lunch
12:00 pm Case work & Practicals
H Potter with K Shacklebolt
N Longbottom with N Tonks
6:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Study time
9:30 pm review
10:00 pm personal time
11:00 pm Lights Out
Gentlemen, plans have changed. Please meet us at the Ministry at 6:30 am tomorrow.
After Harry and Neville got their items packed, Harry made arrangements to be awakened at 4:30 am. Harry took a Dreamless Sleep potion and settled in for the night.
