Chapter 6

Harry followed the group into the family room and sat on the sofa beside Ron. His face was flushed from the great snowball fight they had a few minutes ago. "I haven't done that in years." Harry said grabbing a steaming mug of cocoa and drinking it greedily.

"I guess you wouldn't. Not with everything you've been doing." Ron said to his bestfriend also taking a huge drink. "To be honest, I haven't had much fun lately either. What with work and the wedding."

"Excuse me Ronald Weasley." Hermione turned to her fiancé with mock indignation on her face. "I didn't realize that planing our wedding was such an unpleasant thing. I guess I should have agreed to Victor's proposal when I had the chance." She put her mug to her lips to conceal the smile that crept to her face.

Everyone laughed at the expression on Ron's face. "I didn't...I mean you...Victor wouldn't...Hermione you aren't serious?" Ron stammered.

Hermione laughed with everyone else. "Oh Ron. You make it too easy. Of course, I could never have accepted Victor's proposal. I mean, he is good looking, really smart, older and a very good conversationalist. But honestly why would I want someone like that when I have someone like you?" She winked at Harry who caught the little joke in her voice. Ron however was oblivious to it.

"Hermione I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that planing our wedding is a chore. It's just that well...it's more of a girl thing isn't it?" At this, he turned to Harry for moral support. Harry just threw up his hands as if to say 'you're on your own'. Ron turned his attention back to Hermione a look of resolve on his face. "Besides I'm enjoying it a lot better then I'm sure Victor would have." This prompted another round of laughter.

'Obviously Ron still hasn't gotten over Victor proposing to Hermione, thought Harry who was now watching Mr. Weasley say something funny to Julia who laughed loudly. 'It's good to see her having fun. It's been so long since she had the opportunity to relax and enjoy herself. I just wish I knew that it would last.' Harry was so intent on listening to all the various conversations that he hadn't realized that two more people had joined the group.

When he finally did look up he saw Mrs. Weasley siting next to her husband and Ginny standing there looking at him.

"Hello Harry how are you?" She asked a little stiffly Harry thought.

"Ginny!" He got up and crossed the room to where she was. "I'm good. How have you been? I haven't received any letters lately. I assumed you were very busy." He said looking her strait in the eyes.

"Yes well I have been pretty busy. Sorry about that." Ginny replied a little guiltily. To her surprise, he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "I'm happy to see you." He said then let her go. He stood there looking at her then turned remembering something. "Ginny I want you to meet Julia. You remember I wrote about her in my letters." He moved a little out of the way so that Julia could come over and shake Ginny's hand.

"It's great to finally met you. Harry has told me so much about you. I hope it isn't too much of an inconvenience having me stay in your room." Julia said with a shy smile.

Ginny couldn't help but smile back at the beautiful brunet. "It's ok really. Usually I share a room with Hermione so it's not that much of a change."

"Great." Julia gave Ginny another shy smile and sat back down in her chair. Ginny took a seat on the floor where she could see everyone and grabbed a mug full of cocoa.

Harry meanwhile kept stealing glances in Ginny's direction. 'There's something different about her. She seems so much older. I guess I've been gone longer than I thought.' HE thought turning his attention now to Mrs. Weasley and Hermione discuss the menu for the reception.