Chapter Thirteen

Happily ever after…

Ginny woke up groggily, trying desperately to clear her head. It was a week since her parents party and she'd been avoiding Harry ever since. That wasn't very hard, however, as she had a feeling he was avoiding her too.

She pulled herself out of the bed and trudged slowly into her kitchen. She put some water on the boil and prepared herself a cup of tea. Sitting down wearily, she heard a knock on the door and groaned before going to open it.

Hermione stood in front of her and eyed Ginny appraisingly.

"God Gin." She said finally. "You look terrible."

Ginny grunted at her and turned back to the kitchen. She knew Hermione was right. She'd spent the week moping about her apartment, not bothering even to brush her hair. She hadn't gotten a good night's sleep and her eyes consequently had dark circles under them

Hermione shook her head as she took in the state of Ginny's kitchen. "Come on. Get dressed. I'm getting you out of this funk you've fallen into."

Ginny growled as she pushed Hermione's hand away. "Don't wanna." She muttered, clamping her hands firmly around her tea.

Hermione let out an exasperated sigh. "Virginia Weasley!" She commanded. "You have got to get a hold of yourself! The sooner you stop feeling sorry for yourself, the sooner you can apologise to Harry and the two of you can go skipping off happily into the sunset!"

Ginny looked up irritably at Hermione. "Me, apologise to him? It was all his fault!"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "And now you're acting like a petulant child. It takes two to fight and two to make up and you are just as responsible for what happened as he is. Now get dressed. The school term starts in a week and you have books and stationary to buy. Chop chop! Get a move on!"

Ginny stuck her tongue out at Hermione childishly, since she had just been accused of acting like one and plodded slowly back to her room.

There, she wrestled with her hairbrush for a few minutes until she was finally able to tame her fiery red hair. She pulled it back and fixed it with an elastic before performing a glamour spell on herself so that she at least got rid of the dark circles. She slipped on a pair of muggle jeans and a muggle top then threw her black robes over her shoulders.

She scowled at Hermione when she re-entered the kitchen, pretending the strike a pose.

"Satisfied?" She asked cantankerously

Hermione smiled and ignored her grouchy tone. "Lovely." She replied, before standing up and grabbing her bag. "Well, come on." She said, motioning towards the door. "So much to do and so little time."

Ginny sniffed contemptuously and followed her out. Though she would not admit it to Hermione, it definitely felt good to be wearing proper clothes rather than the pyjamas she'd spent her week in.

***

"Harry!" Ron called, banging on the door. "Harry! Open up!"

He heard a glass hit the door and shatter and he winced.

"Harry, I'm coming in! Don't throw anything at me!"

Ron opened the door cautiously and surveyed the scene in front of him. Bottles; broken, empty and half-full, littered the floor, tables and any other available surface.

Harry was sitting slouched in a corner holding another bottle. His hair was messy and glasses awry. He looked pale and sallow, and he hadn't shaved for a while.

"Holy shit, mate." Ron said, stepping forward. "Is this why you've been too busy to return my calls?"

"Fuck off." Harry mumbled, lifting the bottle to take another sip. Ron was next to him in a flash and had taken the bottle out of his hands before it had even reached his lips.

"What'd you do that for?" Harry growled, reaching for the bottle but missing in his drunken state.

Ron shook his head and quickly performed a sobriety spell. Harry sat in a confused state before bending over and clutching his head.

"Ooh!" He moaned. "My head feels like it's been hit by a thousand bludgers!"

"I'm not surprised mate. That's what happens when you get shit faced." Ron said dryly, kicking a stray bottle out of the way. "I'll make you a deal. I'll give you a hangover potion if you get your arse off the couch and get dressed so I can take you out."

"Fine!" Harry muttered, reaching his head out. "Gimme!"

Ron rolled his eyes as he reached into his pocket and produced a bottle of clear liquid. He handed it to Harry and said "Drink up."

Harry downed the potion in one gulp and sat back. He could feel the potion taking effect as the pounding in his head lessened then ceased.

"Okay," Ron said. "Now go shower, cos you smell."

Harry scowled at him and slouched back down on the couch. "Fuck off."

Ron grinned. "I'm not that stupid mate, that potion's been hexed by Fred and George so it'll only last an hour. I have a longer-lasting one in my pocket but I'm not giving it to you until you get moving."

Harry glared at Ron. "Liar." He said finally.

Ron smiled cheerfully. "If that's how you feel." He said turning and heading for the door. "Don't call me when your head starts pounding again."

Harry glowered for a second before finally heaving himself up and, muttering expletives under his breath, headed for the bathroom.

Ron shook his head as he watched his friend shuffle off. Geeze, if he knew his sister had that effect on people, he would've kept Harry well away from her. Looking around at the mess that was Harry's living room, he sighed. He took out his wand and disposed of the bottles, getting rid too of the glass shards that littered the floor. At least he'd been wearing hard-soled shoes he thought wryly to himself when he was done, before sitting down to wait for Harry.

About half an hour later, Harry returned, clean-shaven and looking slightly more presentable.

Ron could tell that the potion was starting to wear off and waved the second bottle of liquid in front of Harry enticingly.

Harry made a grab for it, but thirteen years of being friends with the youngest seeker Hogwarts had ever seen had given Ron quick reflexes and he managed to just keep it out of his grasp.

"Apparate to Diagon Alley with me first then you'll get it, I promise." He said. Harry gave him a dirty look before apparating and Ron laughed before following suit.

***

Ginny was not happy.

She had spent the last three hours with Hermione getting supplies for her classes, being very careful to enter Flourish and Blotts only after she was sure Nick had left on his lunch break and making sure she had left well before his return.

Added to that, Hermione was in an overly cheerful mood, regaling her with stories of her children's various adventures. Soon, it was getting too much for her and she could feel her head start to pound.

"Hey Hermione, why don't we go sit down and get something to eat?" Ginny interrupted as Hermione started speaking about Bella's latest book.

"Well, yes, actually, that's quite a good idea Ginny." Hermione said rather happily. "I could really go some ice-cream right about now."

Ginny shrugged and, ignoring Hermione's strangely jovial attitude headed in the direction of Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour.

***

"Beautiful day isn't it?" Ron said cheerily, as he and Harry made their way down the cobbled path.

"Peachy." Harry mumbled darkly.

"Come on mate!" Ron said, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "The sun is shining, the birds are singing and Quality Quidditch Supplies are having their half yearly sale!"

Harry brightened slightly at this. "They are?"

"You bet!" Ron replied gleefully, pulling out a moneybag. "I've been saving for weeks! I'm going to buy Paul his first broom! But don't tell Hermione." He added as an afterthought.

Harry laughed at this and Ron was glad to see that his old pal was coming around. He led the way to the store and the pair spent the next few hours browsing through the shop and the extended area behind which the proprietor had set up to provide more room.

They came out a bit later, both brandishing large, bright blue bags bearing the store's logo. Ron pulled out a watch and, after examining the twelve handles for a few minutes looked cheerfully up at Harry and asked. "Shall we go get something to eat?"

Harry nodded and followed Ron towards through the winding streets to Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour. Brightly coloured umbrellas covered several tables outside, but Ron led Harry into the store, a small bell signalling their entrance.

Immediately, Harry knew why. Hermione and Ginny were sitting together in a corner of the shop, their heads close together. Harry turned to try and leave but Ron was standing behind him and bustled him over.

"Ginny! Hermione!" Ron said in an overly optimistic voice, leaning over to peck his wife on the cheek. "Fancy seeing you here!"

"Yes, fancy that." Ron heard Ginny mutter as he pushed Harry down into a chair beside her.

"So," Ron said. "What have you two ladies been up to?"

Hermione smiled. "Oh just this and that. You? I noticed you brought some bags in."

Ron grinned proudly. "Yep. Went to Quality Quidditch Supplies and scored some major bargains!"

Hemrione frowned slightly, "Ron Weasley, I better not find out that you've bought my one year old son a broom!"

Ron flushed slightly. "Well…you see…" He stammered before Hermione stood up.

"Outside!" She ordered, pointing towards the door. Ron stood meekly and allowed Hermione to march away. "We'll be back in a minute." Hermione called over her shoulder to the two stoic figures behind her.

Ginny glared at Harry then slouched back in her chair. Neither spoke a word.

Harry sat impassively, watching as Ginny threw occasional glances over her shoulder to see if Ron and Hermione had returned. Finally, she sighed and, on trying to stand, found she was securely fixed to the seat.

She groaned in frustration and looked up at Harry.

"You know they've set this up, don't you." She said.

Harry simply nodded.

"They've planned it all. Done it in a public place so we can't make a scene."

Another nod.

"They're probably close by watching us."

Nod.

"Are you just going to sit there and nod at me all day?" Ginny asked irritably.

Harry nodded again, a slight smile gracing his features.

Ginny rolled her eyes, and sat back huffily, crossing her arms over her chest. "Fine."

Harry cleared his throat. "I seem to remember that that was how our last conversation ended."

"Gasp! He speaks!" Ginny replied sarcastically. "And besides, that was your fault."

"Was not." Harry shot back.

"Was too."

"Not!"

"Too!"

"Too!"

"No- I mean…" Ginny glared at Harry who smiled impishly at her and shrugged.

"We're behaving like children, so I thought I'd end it like a child."

Ginny glowered at him and slouched down in her seat. "It was still your fault." She muttered under her breath.

Harry rolled his eyes at her then sighed. "Look." He said hesitantly, leaning forward. "I'm sorry okay?"

Ginny's face softened a bit, then she sighed too.

"It's not all you fault." She admitted grudgingly "It takes two to fight and two to make up."

Harry grinned. "Hermione told you that didn't she?"

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "How did you know?"

"Because Ron told me."

Ginny managed a smile at this, and then looked up at Harry. "But seriously, I'm just as responsible for what happened. I shouldn't have said a lot of stuff, I didn't mean any of it, I was just upset at what Nick said to me. I'm sorry."

Harry's face darkened slightly at the mention of Nick, but then he smiled gently and took Ginny's hands in his.

"So does that mean we're both forgiven?"

Ginny smiled playfully at him. "Well, I suppose I could find it somewhere in my heart to forgive you."

Harry gave her a broad smile back and noticed Ron and Hermione peeping furtively through an open window, their faces in identical expressions of delight.

He turned back to Ginny and, raising his voice slightly, said. "I would kiss you right now, but unfortunately, I seem to have lost the ability to separate myself from my seat."

Ginny giggled as she saw Ron nudge Hermione quickly as she fumbled around for her wand before pointing it at them and whispering some words.

Harry felt himself become 'unstick' and stood to embrace Ginny tightly. Lowering his lips to hers, he gave her a long, slow, drugging kiss that had everyone in the store on their feet and cheering.

Ginny blushed at the attention, but Harry just smiled and pulled her closer. Looking down, he reached over to pull at the silver chain around her neck.

"You've still been wearing this?" He asked, slightly surprised.

Ginny smiled. "Well, no matter how angry I was, I still didn't quite want to let go."

Harry grinned and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry." He whispered. You never will."

***

One Year later:

Ginny was running around her room in a frenzy, trying desperately to find her wand. They were already running late for Bella's birthday party.

After marrying Harry, McGonagall had organised for a small house to be built for them, just outside Hogwarts property. This way, she could remain close to the school, but still have a degree of separation from her students to spend time with her family. Harry had also been offered a position at the school as Quidditch instructor after Madame Hooch's retirement. He found it a lot more enjoyable than tramping around the country searching out death-eaters and found that it came with a lot more spare time as well.

Ginny was digging through a pile of papers, books and quills and muttering under her breath when she heard a deep voice ask, "Looking for this?"

Ginny looked up to see Harry standing in the doorway, smiling down on her, brandishing her wand in one hand and a baby in the other.

"Isn't mummy funny." Harry cooed to the bundle. "Rushing around and looking for her wand when we knew where it was the whole time."

Ginny made a face and reached up to take the wand.

"Uh, uh, uh." Harry said, pulling it out of her reach. "Don't I get a thankyou for finding it for you?"

Ginny rolled her eyes and leaned forward gently brush her lips against Harry's, but he pulled her in tightly and kissed her deeply, being careful not to squash the baby he held.

"You always make us late." She complained when they broke apart, but had a smile on her face nevertheless.

"Not my fault I'm so irresistible." He replied with a grin.

Ginny smiled at him and reached over to take the baby girl from his arms.

Grace Lily Potter, born less than six months after her parent's impromptu wedding, already with a shock of dark auburn gurgled happily in her mothers arms.

"Come on darling." Ginny cooed softly, giving Gracie a light kiss on the forehead. "Let's go visit your cousins shall we?"

They apparated, and minutes later found themselves standing in front in Ron and Hermione's house, abuzz with life and energy

As Ginny surveyed the scene, raucous laughter, explosions, children running around and screaming loudly, heck even some of her brothers running around and screaming wildly, Ginny couldn't help but smile.

Life was perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Sniff!* And that's all folks! Yay for the happy ending!

I hope you guys enjoyed the story, because I really loved writing it.

I have a Ron and Hermione one-shot (unrelated to this fic) called Give her away coming out very soon, so please keep your eye's open for that!

Thank you SO much to everyone who ever reviewed, I cannot tell you how much it meant to me, especially as this is my first story. I was hoping for maybe one or two reviews per chapter but instead I got over 200 altogether! You guys ROCK! I love reviews and they definitely motivate me to write faster, even if they're short. So thanks heaps, heaps, HEAPS for supporting me! I love you all!

Amyaggie: Aww, Nick's not that evil he was just a bit shocked that's all. AS for Harry, yes he deserved to be yelled at but now he's back in the good books! Thanks for all your reviews!

Anarane Anwamane: Lol, don't worry, they're happy as clams together now

Anna: Thankyou HEAPS! I love reviews like yours which tell me exactly what it is about the story they like. Thankyou so much for reviewing so often, it is greatly appreciated!

Bratella: Lol, *puts on I'm sorry face* I hope this chapter makes up for it!

Brown*Pryde: Yay for the happy ending! Thanks so much for reviewing as much as you did, the support was greatly appreciated!

BurningIce22: Lol, *takes a low bow* thankyou, thankyou. Is this all fine and dandy enough to satisfy? Thanks for reviewing so often, its great motivation for me!

Chloe Back: Lol, that's okay, you've been one of my most consistent reviewers and I am so very very grateful!

DMP: Yay, me too! Thanks for reviewing so often!

Emily: Of course they end up happy! You didn't think I was that evil do you? ;) Ginny was just upset and not thinking that straight when she went off at Harry. After some long consideration, she realised that yes, it did bring together, so thank god he did it!

Hpgoldensnitch: Yes, you'd think Harry would've learnt by now, but apparently not J. Sorry about the shortness of chapters! Thanks for reading and reviewing so often, it has been very much appreciated!

Jaime: Exactly! What's a story without the bumps! Thanks for the review, I have a short story coming out soon which I hope you will read too!

Juvefan: And now they're back together! Yay! Thankyou SO much for reviewing, especially as you've been here since chapter one, it means a lot!

Lourdes: Spot on! Well said! Thanks for reading and reviewing so many chapters!

Mugglenet27: Yes, it's just fun to watch the characters squirm a bit. But of course it ends happy!

Pheonixgurl: Lol, is this soon enough? Thanks for reviewing!

Phox445: Yes, at least he's gone now! Thanks for being a consistent reviewer, I am very grateful!

Raiining: Don't worry. Nick marries a nice girl who is an only child and doesn't want kids till she's 35 (she's 25 now). Thanks for being a reviewer since chapter one, it means a lot!

Rebecca: Thanks for that! Keep reading and I hope you enjoy the rest!

Ronaholic: Thankyou! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Sarahamanda: Yay! Go Harry and Ginny! Thanks for reviewing so consistently since the start!

Sarah-mason19: Lol, exactly! Don't worry, he suffered after what happened!

Sherry: Lol, I hope this chapter came out fast enough to keep the sadness at bay! Thanks for reviewing so often!

Shortyfaillace: Lol, I was typing as quick as my hot little fingers could go!

Silvercrystal77: Lol, thanks for the review. Yes, Harry is a bit of a knight in shining armour isn't he? Of course Ginny comes to her senses. It's Harry Potter, she'd be crazy not to! Lol. Thanks for reviewing!

Taurausgirl: Thankyou! It's nice to hear people being technical sometimes! Keep reading!

WhiteRabbit5: Lol! I'm sorry! I was doing some serious procrastinating when I wrote the last chapter as I couldn't think of what to write so to get me into the swing of things, I decided to respond to the reviews (which I don't do enough) Here are some extra smileys to try and appease you! J J J Hope they make up for it! Thankyou for being such a consistent reviewer!

A Special Thanks to those who have been reviewing consistently since the beginning:

Anna, Juvefan, MrKlortho, Raiining, Sarahamanda, Sherry, YankeeTorp

Thanks also to others who have reviewed:

Angelic-pen, Annie, Anon, Artificially-flavoured, Athezoo , Babygin, Bec, Blatant Discontent, Blue-angel, Brown*Pryde, BurningIce22, Cam49, Cameron, CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur, Captain Mel Sparrow, Cassialia, Chrissy, Connie Lee, Ello, Ginny1147, Ginnybear86, Ginnys faith, Greek Witch, Harry+ginny=destiny, Harry-potter-luva14, Hart-break, Jayme, Jess, Jill, Kat, Kelliethehottie, Kiera, Krazysmilieface, Libby, Lilmic, Loopyloony, LordT, Madison 211, Mel Sparrow, Melissa, Monalex Potter, MrKlortho, Pfc shew, Phantasia85, Raiining, RaRa, SexyChaser33, SilentStorm1969, Smile, SnowflakeGinny, Snuffles95141, Summer, Sunny, US HP Fan, Water-lily-113, YankeeTorp

And most special thanks to J.K. Rowling for creating these fantastic characters that I have shamelessly stolen to mould as my own!