When Harry entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning he saw Ron sitting by himself staring into an empty plate. Harry sat down at the table across from him curiously.

"Morning Ron. Why so glum?"

Ron looked up, noticing Harry's presence for the first time. "Hermione's mad at me, so she and Ginny are in the library talking."

"Oh," Harry said, trying to hide his disappointment that Ginny wouldn't be there. "What'd you do this time?"

"Why did I have to have done something? Why couldn't it be that she did something?" Ron looked at Harry angrily. "This is all your fault actually. That was the bloody worst romantic walk I've ever been on!"

Harry was about to ask Ron exactly how many romantic walks he had been on but decided against it. "What happened?"

"Well we were hardly alone. First we ran into Malfoy, and you know how well that goes. He called Hermione mudblood and we both had our wands out, but then Professor Trounce showed up and sent us both back towards our common rooms. Of course then I told Hermione how lucky it was that she showed up or we could have all three been in a lot of trouble, and she just started going off. She said that I just wanted to see her because I fancied her. Then she started going off about how she probably wasn't there by accident, and how she bet that she was there to get information about you from Malfoy. We were in the middle of a pretty heated argument when we ran into Colin. He was looking for Ginny. We tried to go back to your room, but we couldn't find it as long as Colin was with us. But that's when Ginny came out of no where, looking mighty flushed. So the four of us just headed back to the Common Room. Hermione hasn't spoken directly to me since we ran into Colin last night."

"That's some mess," Harry said, trying to sound sympathetic. Harry was racking his brain for some advice to give Ron when he realized they weren't alone. Almost every Gryffindor female had moved from her seat so she was closer to Harry. "Um, Ron why don't we go on to class, you can fill me in on everything I've missed." They left the table and walked to the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom.

"Well Mr. Weasley, gotten into any more duels in the halls since I last saw you?" Professor Trounce asked, her eyes smiling.

Ron blushed, "No. I try not to make a habit of it." Harry looked at his friend surprised. He could have sworn Ron was flirting with their professor.

"Well good, I'd hate for me to have to tell your mother. I've heard her howlers are some of the worst out there."

"How do you know about Mrs. Weasley's howlers?" Harry asked curiously.

Professor Trounce looked like she had said something she shouldn't have. "Well the one Ron received in your second year is famous. Even the teachers talk about it."

Ron's face turned an even darker shade of red. "Well that was really Harry's fault; I just took all of the blame."

"Well what a good friend," Professor Trounce started. "Miss Granger, you're looking refreshed this morning. I hope you two did go straight to bed." Hermione looked like she was about to explode, but she surprisingly kept her cool.

"I can't think of anything that would have kept me from going straight to bed," she said, the meaning of her words not lost on Ron. Hermione ignored the puppy eyes he tried to send her and walked to her seat.

"I guess we should take our seats too, Ron," Harry said, pulling his friend away from their beautiful professor. Harry leaned over so no one else could hear his words. "If you keep flirting with her like that Hermione is never going to speak to you again."

"I wasn't flirting," Ron said defensively.

"Hey Harry," Lavender said walking over with Parvati Patil. "I can't wait to get started working with you tonight." She flashed him a seductive smile. "I'm willing to help you with anything you need." She gave him a slight wink and walked back over to her seat.

"You should be glad that someone isn't in this class with us," Ron said, glaring at Lavender.

"I don't like her, she's just my tutor."

"Well then I suggest you catch up on all of your school work as fast as you can, or else you'll be the one not being spoken to." Ron laughed awkwardly. Harry tried to force a smile.

"Alright everyone, take your seats. It's time to begin," Professor Trounce's voice quieted the room, and Harry could have sworn that she winked at Ron.

Dinner that night was the first time all day Harry had been able to see Ginny. He caught a glimpse of her in the hall, but Hermione had run up to her and pulled her away. Hermione still wasn't talking to Ron. But now they were all four sitting at the table together, along with Neville and Colin. Harry was glad for all of the company because it didn't leave room for his many new found admirers.

"Harry we definitely all missed you at the dinner table," Neville informed him.

"Yeah, no one could keep Ron and Hermione from fighting quite like you," Ginny teased.

"Well I think since they're not currently speaking to each other that shouldn't be a problem," Harry said, trying to lighten the mood between his best friends. "Honestly Hermione, Ron's been miserable without you all day. It's not his fault that Trounce has some sort of odd fascination with him. And it's not his fault that she's beautiful. But just because the other two things are true doesn't mean she's evil and out to get me. She's allowed to be in the halls at night."

"Yeah, I mean you were there and you were innocent enough. Colin was there too, does that mean he was out to get Harry?" Ginny added.

"I was just looking for Ginny," Colin said quickly.

"I wasn't accusing you Colin," Ginny said gently, "I was just trying to make a point."

"I guess you're all right," Hermione finally spoke up.

"I'm really sorry, 'Mione," Ron said.

"Oh all is forgiven. Just remember that I'm your girlfriend, not that bloody professor!"

"Oh I'm so happy everyone is friends again!" Neville said happily, jinxing the moment.

"Harry you about ready?" Lavender asked, interrupting their conversation.

"As ready as I'll ever be," he responded shooting Ginny a look. "I love you so much," he thought, hoping she had picked up on his emotions.
Harry walked back to his room, still reeling from his session with Lavender. Ginny had been right; she was all over him. She kept brushing up against him, casually putting her hand on his leg for extended periods of time. He tried to fend her off, but she was like a vulture. He had wanted to scream at the top of his lungs that he was in love with Ginny Weasley and he always would be, but he knew it wasn't wise. So he put up with it.

"I was waiting for you," Ginny said seductively from Harry's bed.

"What are you doing here?"

"I faked a detention so I could be here when you got back," she replied, patting the bed next to her. "Come here."

Harry walked tentatively over to the bed. "You look beautiful." And she did; she was wearing a pair of low rise blue jeans and a tight white tank top. "There's something so appealing about muggle clothes. So much better than these gross school robes," he said as he dropped his robe to the floor.

"That looks much better," she said, looking his body up and down, stripping him with her mind.

"Hey, I'm bigger than that," Harry said sensing what she was doing. "My chest that is." He sat down beside her and she quickly cuddled up next to him.

"How was your day?" she asked, not really caring about the answer.

"Long, very long," Harry replied, slipping his hand into hers. Ginny quickly moved so she was straddling his lap. She kissed him, sliding her hands under his shirt. She pulled it off over his head in one swift movement, barely breaking their kiss. She took Harry's hands and guided them under her shirt to her chest. Harry was thoroughly enjoying himself, exploring Ginny's breasts when he stopped suddenly. "What are you doing?" he asked quietly. "This isn't you."

Ginny's eyes flashed in anger, but she quickly covered it up. "What don't you like it?" she asked, pulling her own shirt off over her head. "Isn't this what guys like?"

Harry gasped at the site of her almost bare chest. He knew something was bothering her, but she was so distracting. "We should probably talk," was all he could manage to get out.

"Why talk when there are so many more fun things to do," she whispered, beginning to kiss his bare chest. Harry let out a slight moan, and both he and Ginny trembled at the pleasure they both were feeling. Ginny, pleased with his reaction, backed away from his chest and reached her hands behind her back. She undid the clasp on her bra and through it to the ground with her shirt. Harry was gasping for breath.

"Merlin you're beautiful," he whispered before she pulled him into another kiss. His body quivered as he felt her bare breasts against his chest. He quickly forgot about whatever had been bothering him about Ginny tonight and felt his need for her take over. He wrapped his arms around her back and pushed her onto her back. He trailed his kisses down her neck, to her chest. He took one of her breasts in his mouth and felt it harden before moving his attention to her other breast.

"Oh Harry," Ginny whispered, her body tingling. "Make love to me." At her words Harry completely stopped what he was doing. He looked at her confused, and then got off the bed. He picked up his shirt from the floor and threw Ginny's clothes to her.

"Put your clothes back on," he said quietly.

"Why?" she asked, looking hurt. "Don't you want me?"

"Of course I do, but not like this. I mean I feel like you're trying to seduce me, and that's just not you."

"So it's okay if other girls seduce you, but not your own girlfriend?" Ginny accused. "I shouldn't have to seduce you, you should want me."

"I do want you, but I want our first time to be special, not something you have to force. I love you, and I'm willing to wait until everything is perfect."

"Of course you're willing to wait; you can go shag Lavender Brown. I saw how she was throwing herself all over you in the library."

"I have no interest in Lavender Brown, she's nothing compared to you," Harry said, his thoughts letting Ginny know he was telling the truth.

"But it's just that she's been around the block a few times, and what guy in his right mind could say no to her?"

"A guy in love with you. You don't have to jump in bed with me just to keep me away from Lavender. You wouldn't be the woman I love if you did." Harry walked over to Ginny and pulled her into a tight hug, forgetting that she still wasn't wearing her shirt. "You really should put that back on before I give in to my heart and stop listening to my head."

Ginny managed to laugh. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

"You know I ask myself that every day."
"Alright now Harry, try to concentrate. Focus all of your attention, all of your energy, all of your emotions on the candle. You can do this." Dumbledore's voice was stern but encouraging. Harry had been able to light the candle with his mind in his previous session, but tonight his thoughts were clouded. "Try and focus Harry; ignore the distractions in your mind." Harry closed his eyes in concentration, but all he could see was Ginny with her eyes flashing in anger. When Harry opened his eyes again the candle still was not lit.

"I'm sorry Professor," Harry said. "I don't mean to be wasting your time."

"Harry, helping you to perfect this gift is not wasting my time. I do suggest that you go find Miss Weasley and straighten out whatever disagreement you may have had before our next meeting."

"I'm sorry about that. She's just been so frustrated at the lack of time I've been able to spend with her these last few weeks. Between tutoring sessions three nights a week with Lavender, meetings with you the other two nights, Quidditch practice, homework, and classes, I just haven't had time for any of my friends, much less my secret girlfriend."

"You know Harry, you could come out with your relationship if it would make your life easier," Dumbledore said gently.

"Knowing that I was putting her in danger wouldn't make my life any easier," Harry responded quietly. "Voldemort is already hurting so many families, I've heard of several muggle born students whose homes were attacked. Even Hermione has been a nervous wreck since Christmas. Believing that Ginny is safe is one of the only things left keeping me sane."

"Well it is ultimately your decision to make. Since we're obviously not going to get anywhere tonight, why don't you use the remaining hour of our session to go set things straight with Ginny." Harry didn't need to be told twice. He quickly thanked his professor and ran down the spiral staircase. It felt like just yesterday he and Ginny were sharing their first kiss at the bottom of the stairs. He quickly made his way through the corridors and headed to the Gryffindor Common Room.

"Harry!' Hermione exclaimed. "Shouldn't you still be in with Professor Dumbledore?"

"We ended early tonight. Where's Ginny?" Harry looked anxiously around the room, not seeing the beautiful red head.

"Oh, well, um, she was very upset when she got back from dinner, so she and Colin went for a walk." Hermione looked at Harry as if she was expecting him to explode at the news.

"I need to find her. I've been so busy lately that I fear I've been neglecting her. It's especially hard since I can't let the world know how much I care about her." Harry sent an apologetic look to his friend, "I promise we'll spend some time together this weekend. If Ginny comes back, tell her to meet me in my room." Harry ran out the door, trying to figure out where Ginny would go if she was upset.

"Harry!" Lavender called after him. "Wait for me!"

Harry impatiently stopped in his tracks. "I'm sorry I'm in a bit of a hurry, do you need something?"

"Nothing you can't give me," she replied with a wink.

"Actually I'm looking for Ginny Weasley and Colin Creevey, have you seen them?" Harry was trying desperately to change the subject.

"Oh they make such a cute couple don't they! I bet you'll find them hidden in a broom closet on the fourth floor. That's where I saw them headed, walking arm in arm a few moments ago," Lavender mused, not noticing the look on Harry's face. "I'll show you which way." Lavender grabbed Harry by the hand and led him to the fourth floor. Harry quickly followed behind her, hoping that he wouldn't find Ginny snogging Colin in a broom closet. "I think they went in here." Lavender pointed to a closed door and Harry's heart sank. They walked over to the door and opened it.

"There's no one in here!" Harry said happily, stepping inside the closet.

"There is now," Lavender replied with a smirk, stepping in behind him and closing the door. "This is my favorite place. I've been dreaming of being in here with you lately."

"Lavender, I'm sorry, I just don't think of you in that way," Harry said flustered trying to think of any way to get out of the door Lavender's body was blocking. He reached for the door knob, but Lavender grabbed his hand.

"You make my heart beat so fast," she whispered pulling his hand towards her. "Feel." Instead of placing his hand on her heart she placed it on her breast. Harry quickly jerked his hand away. "I bet the boy-who-lived has got many hidden talents." Lavender began to stroke his hair. Harry realized if there was ever a time to use his new powers, this was it. He tried to focus all of his attention on getting the door open, but he kept getting distracted by having to try and fight off Lavender's roaming hands. Finally the door swung open, but only too late did Harry realize he hadn't done it.

"You fucking bastard!" Harry heard an angry male voice cry. "You pretend to care about my sister and then go fool around with this slut!"

Harry quickly pushed Lavender out of the way and tried to reason with Ron. "You don't know what you're talking about! Please, just calm down before you say anything you'll regret." There was a desperate sense of urgency in Harry's voice.

"I will not calm down! Did you forget about your girl friend, my fucking sister?" Ron was now yelling. Harry was about to speak when Ron took a swing at him, hitting him directly in the jaw. Harry fell to the ground in pain. Ron gave him a couple of hard kicks in the ribs.

"Mr. Weasley!" Professor McGonagall came running down the hall and pulled Ron off Harry's limp body. But it was too late; the damage had been done. It was not the damage to his body that Harry cared about. It was the fact that at least ten students, including one of the biggest gossips in the school, had heard Ron call Ginny Harry's girlfriend.

.....

A/N Okay so I'm getting very excited, the secrets behind the madness are about to start coming out! The truth about Professor Trounce should come out within the next two chapters (any guesses?) and soon we will be over hearing part of an evil plot. So much to look forward to! Hopefully I'll be able to find time to write another chapter before I leave for my trip. I know a said things would be slower, but less than a chapter a day is slow for me! Thanks again for all of the feedback!