A/N: I think it's time I put some of this stuff in. :::Grin:::
Flammy: It is cute, isn't it? For some reason, I got to thinking about it and the little sprite that controls my brain wouldn't let me go without writing anything. I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Dragon Vampire: Thanks for catching that eye color! It's people like you who I like! Not afraid to point out the obvious :::Grin::: I'll keep you in mind if I ever need help! Thanks! Hope you like the chapter!
Disclaimer: I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good without the usage of JK Rowlings characters, and maybe a few of my own thrown in to help mess things up a little. I am in now way related to, or trying to take over Harry Potter, the WB, AOL, Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing, Time Warner, Entertainment Company and anyone else who's with the Harry Potter trademark. I make no money so no suey, ok? And without further ado, I give to you….
Everyone inside the Burrow had been asleep when Ginny and Harry had entered with a blast from the fireplace. The night had been clear and warm, giving Harry the urge to grab his broomstick for a short night flight. He looked at his trunk which held his broom as he sat it down next to the fire place and decided he was too tired to bother taking it out. Ginny took his hand and went into the kitchen.
"Thirsty?" Ginny had asked, reaching up into the cupboard and getting two glasses down, filling them with water as Harry nodded his head.
"Yes, thank you." Harry replied as he took the water glass and stood by her, his back resting against the counter top. The stars were visible and Ginny lost herself staring through the window at them. Harry looked at her and watched as the light from the full moon made her glow. Ginny let out a sigh and blinked. Harry mimicked her as he moved behind her and placed his arms around her waist. She leaned back into Harry, using him as support.
"I would have thought your family to be a bit nicer to company." She said softly, breaking the silence. Harry shrugged, placing his head on her shoulder.
"You have to own your own business, use drills and not be considered 'magic folk' in order for them as to even look at you."
"They should meet Snape." Ginny giggled. "That would probably kill them, they'd be so scared." Harry chuckled as well as he thought.
"No, actually," Harry said, giving Ginny a small hug. "I think they might get along." Ginny craned her neck to look at Harry, ending up turning around in his arms.
"And why's that?" She asked, her face serious. Harry just grinned for a second before answering.
"They both hate me."
"Oh Harry." Ginny fought off a laugh that threatened to pop out.
"Truth! They'd probably end up gossiping for hours about me, all my imperfections and what not. They'd end up inviting him over for dinner."
Ginny and Harry broke out into full laughter as they pictured Professor Snape, in his billowy black robes, sitting in Harry's colorful kitchen, sipping tea with his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon over that night's well planned out dinner. It went silent as Harry and Ginny made eye contact. Ginny moved her hands up and intertwined her fingers behind Harry's neck. Harry adjusted his arms around her. Ginny lightly bit her lip as butterflies flew in her stomach as she decided on her next move. She stopped chewing her lip and pulled Harry's neck down and rested her forehead on his. Harry pulled Ginny a bit closer and moved a hand up to her cheek, he ran his thumb over her soft skin before lightly grabbing her chin and pulling it up to catch his mouth with hers. Ginny smiled against the kiss as she untangled her fingers and brought one hand lightly down his neck. Harry was just about to make the kiss deeper when he heard something behind him. He turned and blushed a deep red. Ginny darted behind Harry as her cheeks flushed a pink. This was so embarrassing.
Ron had woken with thirst begging at the back of his throat. He got out of bed, stepped into some slippers and made his way down the stairs, listening to the racket that the ghost that lived in the attic started to make. He spotted Harry's trunk as he rounded the living room and searched in the dark for Harry. He didn't spot him in the living room, so he continued onto the kitchen. He stepped in the doorway and stopped, spotting the outline of Harry, his back to him.
"Hey Harry! I saw your trunk, wasn't expecting you until--" He stopped talking as he noticed what was happening. Harry was in the middle of kissing Ginny and here was Ron, his luck failing once again as he walked right into it. Harry paused and let go of Ginny, turning around and seeing Ron, his face grew a deep red. Ginny looked towards the door, her cheeks quickly flushed pink and she stepped behind Harry as a shield. Ron, stood still, staring at them from the doorway with a sick look upon his face.
"Eeew." Ron had whispered, looking from Harry to Ginny, back to Harry.
"Hey Ron." Harry said, grabbing his water glass and took a step forward. Ginny took another step behind Harry, poking her eyes out from over Harry's shoulder.
"I'm…I'm going to go to bed." Ginny stammered as she moved around Harry, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. As she passed Ron, she looked back at the two of them.
"I'll, uh, let you two catch up." She bit her lip nervously before running up the stairs to her bedroom. Harry moved to the table and sat down. Ron watched Harry as he went to the fridge and grabbed blindly for the milk carton. He continued watching him as he grabbed a glass and sat opposite of Harry at the table. A few seconds of uneasy silence passed before Harry spoke.
"You ruined a perfect moment."
"You're welcome." Ron said, pouring the milk into his glass.
"That was gross." He added with distaste. Harry grinned.
"She's a good kisser, you know." He replied, amusement in his voice.
"Yuck, Harry, too much information I didn't need to know." Ron gave a shudder and Harry took a sup of his water.
"You're right, Ron. I'm sorry you had to see that."
Ron nodded, chugging his milk as if he had to rid of a bad taste in his mouth before pouring another glass.
"Next time, I'll let you know before hand, so you won't see it again." Harry offered. Ron winced and shook his head.
"No. Don't tell me, because then I'll think about it. I'll yell and if you don't answer, I won't come searching." Ron downed the glass of milk again and Harry nodded.
"I'm glad that you're here." Ron said after setting his empty glass down and leaning back in his chair.
"Me too." Harry replied.
"We can practice our quidditch moves. I think I've come up with some good new ones."
"Good." Harry finished his water. Ron stood up and stretched.
"Well, my thirst is quenched. I'm going to bed. You coming up?"
"Yeah." Harry stood as well. They left the kitchen and began to climb the stairs. Harry smiled as they passed Ginny's room. Harry's fun was just beginning.
Harry woke late morning, Ron had already gotten up. Harry sat up and put his glasses on, the small room coming into view. He heard the sounds of daily life lifting up from downstairs and he got up, running a hand through his messy hair before leaving. As he entered the living room, he saw Fred and George sitting on the couch.
"Morning Fred, George." He said with a nod to each as they looked up, smiles on their faces as they saw Harry.
"Heya, Harry." George returned the nod with a wink.
"How's it going?" Fred added, a taunting tone to his voice.
"Alright, you?" Harry asked, a little confused. They nodded and sniggered as Harry moved for the kitchen.
Mrs. Weasley was watching over the sink as a dish towel was thoroughly drying dishes. She turned as she heard Harry enter. She gave a huge smile and put her hands together.
"Hello Harry dear. Did you have a good sleep? I thought you might be tired, so I didn't wake you. There's plenty of breakfast left, are you hungry?"
Harry sat down at the table and before Harry could answer, Mrs. Weasley had a plate piled high with pancakes and sausages sitting in front of him. Mr. Weasley came in from outside, carrying the morning paper and humming a tune. He patted Harry on the back as he passed into the living room. Harry looked around, confusement growing more intense. Mrs. Weasley was at Harry's side again, placing silverware and maple syrup at his side. Harry opened his mouth to say a word, but Mrs. Weasley continued talking.
"As expected, Dumbledore sent your Hogwarts supplies list here. I was thinking, after breakfast, we could all go to Diagon Alley, how does that sound?"
"Sounds good." Harry replied quickly before Mrs. Weasley could continue talking. Mrs. Weasley stepped back, smiling as Harry began eating. Ginny ran in from outside, breathing hard.
"Ron and I have finished de-gnoming the yard, mum."
Mrs. Weasley jumped and looked at Ginny.
"Oh, fine dear, fine." She looked back at Harry and gave a joyful smile.
"I'm going to get ready then, let you and Ginny talk." She left the kitchen, her smile still plastered across her face. Harry watched her and turned to Ginny as she sat down. Ginny's face grew red and she put her hands up over her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Harry." She squeaked.
"Yeah, what's up with the family today?" Harry asked, pushing his plate away from him, suddenly loosing his appetite.
"She…um…she found out about last night." Ginny said, peeking through her fingers before bringing her hands down and picking at a split piece in the table, watching Harry closely.
"How'd they find out?"
"Through the Wonderful Weasley Knowledge Line." Ginny answered quickly. Harry tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.
"The Wonderful Weasley Knowledge Line?"
"Ron told George, George told Fred, Fred told Dad and Dad told Mum." Ginny explained. Harry nodded slowly and leaned back in his chair.
"Ah."
Ginny swallowed before she continued.
"That's not all of it. It's soon to get out to Bill and Charlie, and where it goes from there…I have no idea, I'm sure we'll hear about it from people at school…"
"That's quite a system."
Ginny nodded. Ron came in from outside as well and spotted Ginny and Harry at the table. His face went pale, making themop of red hair on the top of his head stand out like a string out of tune on a violin. Harry noticed Ron, Ginny turned around as well.
"Don't worry, nothing's happening." Harry advised.
"Oh, good." Ron said, relaxing as Harry stood up from the table. He grabbed his plate and set it in the sink where a dish cloth immediately began scrubbing at it.
"Well." Harry said, turning around. "Diagon Alley?"
Ron nodded and Ginny stood as well. They left the kitchen and went to get ready. About a half an hour later, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Ginny and Harry were gathered in front of the fireplace and continued on their way to Diagon Alley.
The streets were busy with children and their parents. Lavander passed by, giving Ginny a hug and an excited squeal. Lavander looked towards Harry and grinned. Harry waved back and leaned towards Ron.
"Have you heard from Hermione? I sent Hedwig out for a few days of hunting before I came and she hasn't returned."
"No. I haven't received anything either. I've written a few letters, but I haven't gotten a reply." Ron answered. Harry continued looking around.
"Odd." Harry agreed.
They walked on further. They came to the big white building known as Gringotts and stood in front of the doors, small enough for the goblins who worked within the building to get in and large enough for a giant to get through to make a deposit. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood with their backs to the door.
"Why don't you kids go look around." Mr. Weasley stated.
"We've got your lists and we'll get your things. We'll meet you back here in two hours." Mrs. Weasley insisted, shoving hands in their direction to start them off. Harry, Ron and Ginny didn't need any more convincing as they were already halfway down the block, staring at the shops. They passed Madam Malkin's Robe Shop, the Apothecary that smelled like bad eggs and rotted cabbages as they passed. A line of people wound their way out of Ollivanders Wand Shop. As usual, further on down the street, a group of kids were visible, hanging around the window of Quality Quidditch and Supply, checking out the model broom that hovered in the display window. They walked until they came to a small ice cream shop called, Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Deciding that ice cream sounded good, they entered and ordered their treats. They made their way to a round table and sat down.
"I wonder who the new Dark Arts teacher is going to be this year." Ron inquired as he licked his finger that had caught some melting ice cream.
"I hope Firenze is still there. I liked him." Ginny said, licking ice cream off of her top lip.
"Me too." Harry agreed. He watched out the window at all the people that passed by, their arms loaded up with bags and boxes. A few kids paused by the window and popped something into their mouths. After a few seconds, Harry noticed it was gum and when they blew bubbles, it took shape of a different animal each time. One kid laughed as a shape of a giraffe connected to his lips, the other kid had a mouse.
"Although, I could really care less for the Divination class. I don't need anyone telling me year after year that I'm going to die." Harry sighed. Ron and Ginny laughed, but soon turned quiet as Ron muttered an 'uh-oh.'
"What?" Harry asked. Ron put his cone down on the table. Ginny's eyes widened as she followed her brothers stare. Harry had to turn in his seat to look and paused as he recognized tow body guard type boys. One had a knack for cracking his knuckles, the other had a knack for eating…well, come to think of it, they both had a knack for eating. Crabbe and Goyle turned, revealing a third boy, standing between them. Harry's stomach did a flop as he looked at the boy who had made a place in his mind that burst into a mixture of feeling. He stayed seated and willed his ears not to turn red as Malfoy and his two Goons spotted Harry, Ron and Ginny and started over.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Weasels." Draco drawled. A sparkle of evil evident in his eyes. Harry took in a breath and watched Ron, telling himself not to take action, to let the bashings happen.
"Hello to you too, Malfoy." Ron replied, his mouth tight. Draco looked towards Harry, saying nothing to him. He turned back to Ron and gave a delicate sniff.
"So I hear that your brothers have to raise the family now. Parents too poor to even buy Pampers for all you kids, eh?" Draco let out a laugh that was joined by Crabbe and Goyle. Ron rolled his hands into fists. Harry bit his lip.
"Fred and George are not supporting us in any way, Malfoy." Ginny barked out. Her eyes narrowly set on Draco. He snapped his head towards Ginny and sneered.
"Go away, Malfoy." Ginny warned with a sense of force.
"Did the Mud-Blood tire of your company? Is that why she's not with you?" Draco asked, an amused smile now filling his face. Harry stood quickly, unable to take anymore. He didn't mind a little bit of fighting, but to have Draco go as far as to call Hermione a Mud-Blood in front of him, after what he knew, he wouldn't stand for it.
"I suggest you leave now Dr-Malfoy." Harry ordered sternly. Kicking himself mentally for almost calling him Draco. Malfoy diverted his eyes.
"Or you'll do what?" Draco asked, making himself to look back at Harry. Harry shook his head, warning Draco not to touch this ground.
"Just go." Harry repeated again, softly though, so only Draco could hear. Draco took a step backwards, staring over each person before turning hastily and leaving. Crabbe and Goyle scowling behind him. Harry watched Draco, his heart sinking a little as he disappeared in the crowd that had grown in the street. He sat, his face loosening and sighed, taking a lick of ice cream.
"Well, that went well, don't you think?" Harry attempted to smile. Ginny and Ron stared at Harry blankly.
"What?" Harry asked, making himself look confused.
"How did you…?" Ron asked, his hand pointing out the window and his jaw dropping. Ginny stared on.
"Oh, that?" Harry shrugged. "Just luck I guess."
"Uh-huh." Ron exaggerated his answer. Harry looked to Ginny and smiled. She smiled back as he took her hand under the table.