Chapter 7

Ginny woke early the next morning, thoughts of last night still fresh in her mind. 'Last night was actually fun. It was a little awkward at first, but then things started to feel like they used to.' She headed into the kitchen to grab something to eat and saw that there was a dark haired figure siting with his back to her.

Ginny knew it had to be Harry. For one thing, he didn't have red hair and for another, she knew exactly how he held himself, having watched him often in her younger days.

"Good morning Harry. Do you want some coffee?" She asked opening the cupboard door. Harry looked up. "No thanks. I have one already." He watched her carefully as she prepared her coffee and sliced up an orange. "What are you doing up so early? I thought you'd be sleeping after the long night we had." He said while watching her grab a chair across from him.

"I'm used to crazy hours, what with working all kind of different shifts at work. It's been especially busy lately because of the holidays." She took a piece of orange and offered it to Harry. He took it and ate it.

"Guess that's pretty tough. You know taking care of people you don't know. Spending more time with them then with your own family."

Ginny looked surprised at his words and voiced it. "How did you know I haven't been home much?"

"Your mum wrote it in a few letters," he said guiltily. "She was worried and told me that if I was ever in France to drop by."

"That's mum for you. Hey! What about you?" Ginny said now on the defensive. "You haven't been around much either and your job is almost the same as mine. With the exception of traveling and stuff." She added a little more unconvincingly. "I'm sorry Harry. I didn't mean it. It's just that I want to do something important and helping people who have suffered because of the war seems to be the only thing I'm good at. And I love it." She finished putting her head down in the manner of being ashamed of what she said to Harry.

"I know that what you're doing is a great thing. It's just that everyone missed you and not just wanted to know you were safe but to actually see it with their own eyes." She looked up and their eyes met.

"Ginny, you don't have to explain. I know I made everyone worry, but also knew that they understood why I needed to go." He reached across the table to take her hands in his. "I'm really sorry Ginny. I know you took it pretty hard and I felt that writing to you might make you understand why and also I needed to get letters back. To know that I still belonged." He let go of her hand and sat there staring at an invisible spot on the table.

Ginny knew this look. Harry made it whenever he thought about his godfather, the closest person he had to a family.

"Harry." Ginny said lightly, "It's ok you know. You are family here." Harry looked up and gave Ginny a genuine smile.

"You know Ginny, you could always make things seem so much better than they were. You've always been good at that. It helped me through so much over the years." He held her gaze. "Those people are lucky to have you around to make their situations better."

They sat there staring into each other's eyes and for the first time, they had a moment. A moment where they felt that the other knew exactly what they were thinking and feeling. Like they knew exactly what the other one was about. They sat like this for a while when suddenly Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen.

"Good morning kids. Would you help me get breakfast ready?" She smiled at them both, completely oblivious to the fact that she had interrupted something unanswerable between Harry and Ginny.

"Oof! I'm pooped. Who'd have thought that shopping could be so exhausting?" Hermione said slumping into a chair at the Three Broomsticks. Her and the rest of the gang had decided to spend the day in Hogsmead to do some Christmas shopping.

"What do you mean you're exhausted? I'm the one carrying all your bags." Ron said taking the seat next to Hermione. He put down the bags he was carrying with relief. "What did you buy anyway?" He said opening one of the bags to have a peak inside.

Hermione slapped his hand hard which made him stop immediately. "Ouch. Sorry, I was just curious."

Harry, Julia and Ginny laughed, then gave their orders to Mrs. Rosemerta. "Honestly Ron. There are so many people to shop for. Besides I'm only half done." Hermione replied.

Ron and Harry exchanged looks of amusement. "Anyway," Harry said trying to change the subject. "I'm pretty much done my shopping. I bought most of the gifts during my travels. I do however need to find something to wear for the Ministry Christmas ball." Harry said taking a drink from his glass of pumpkin juice Madam Rosmerta placed in front of him.

"Oh that's right. I almost forgot about the ball. I haven't a dress to wear yet. Have you anything?" Hermione said looking at Julia and Ginny.

"No, that was my next stop." Ginny said. "What about you Julia?"

"I haven't anything appropriate, unless it's the kind of ball were you wear old worn out clothes." She said with a slight smile. "I'm afraid I can't afford anything really nice, but I'll have to make due." She took a sip of her drink.

Hermione gave Harry a pleading look. "Uh Julia. Don't worry I'll give you some money so you can get something really special." Harry said reaching into his cloak pocket for some coins.

"Oh Harry. I'll pay you back. I promise." She said taking the money from him with a huge smile on her face.

"Just save me a dance and we'll call it even." As he said this, he stole a quick glance at Ginny. Was it his imagination or did he see her look at Julia with a little resentment in her eye. 'What could have made her so unhappy? Unless she hasn't enough money herself'.

Harry leaned over and whispered to Ginny. "Do you need some extra money too? You know I don't mind." He looked her in the eyes.

"What?" She said taken back by this. Then comprehension set in. "No Harry that's ok. I have enough saved up from work. But thank you for the thought." She added as to not offend him.

Harry seemed a little hesitant to drop it, but the look of finality in her eyes made him turn his attention back to the others. He still felt like he might have somehow insulted Ginny but couldn't figure out how exactly. 'I'll figure out a way to make it up to her.'