Chapter 6: Forgiveness is Divine
Everyone in the room was looking at Harry now. The young man was incapable of reading the expressions on their faces. None said anything when the visioneer stopped moments after they witnessed Harry using the killing curse on Ron. They knew full well what had happened. They witnessed and heard Harry's memory exactly as it occurred.
Hermione, tears freely falling down her face stood up from the chair, a little wobbly, and crossed the room. Harry released his wife's hand, stood up, and prepared himself for whatever Hermione had for him. He had taken her husband from her, deprived her children of their father, all for the sake of his own child. Harry, eyes swelled with tears, awaited Hermione's reaction.
Hermione grabbed the young man and hugged him. It was not the action he had anticipated, but he simply held his best friend as she cried on his shoulder.
"It wasn't your fault Harry." Arthur Weasley declared, in a sad tone.
"Arthur's right. Ron wanted to end Voldemort's reign of terror enough that he would gladly sacrifice himself to ensure his family's safety." Molly replied as a few tears fell from her eyes. She was trying to be strong, but found it incredibly difficult.
"We know the truth now. as painful as it was to see, you lived it mate. At least we know that Ron died a hero." Fred stated.
"Here, here." George said.
"You did what you had to do.for Ginny. and for Chloe." Hermione said.
Harry released his friend and turned away from the Weasley's for a moment. They knew part of the truth. it was time for the rest to come out.
"In retrospect, yes I did do it for Ginny and Chloe, in truth. I didn't know at the time Ginny was pregnant. Had I known, no matter what mental state I was in, I would never have left you Gin." Harry informed his wife and family.
"But we heard." Percy began but was interrupted by Harry summoning the visioneer.
"Harry Potter, Hogwarts aftermath and leaving feast." The lord stated to the orb.
The orb sprang to life and produced a new three-dimensional image for all to see. It was a vision of Harry checking on an unconscious Ginny Potter and Hermione Weasley in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing. The two women had been given a sleeping draught to make them rest and help promote healing. Upon ending the threat of the Dark Lord once and for all Harry had passed out and was rushed to the Hospital Wing himself. His physical injuries from the battlefield were superficial and he was revived shortly upon his arrival. The emotional injuries however were infinitely deeper and damaging. Upon seeing him watching over his wife and sister-in-law Madam Pomfrey informed him that he was cleared, as a patient, to leave the Hospital Wing. As she looked over Ginny, then Hermione, something came to his mind.
"Madam Pomfrey. how far along is she?"
"Four weeks." Poppy answered as she continued looking over Hermione.
"Four weeks? I didn't think the baby could be that old already." Harry announced.
"She was going to surprise you all before the feast, but then the battle occurred and now. the poor things will never be the same."
"What do you mean?" Harry inquired.
"Her babies. they"
"Babies. as in more than one?" Harry was stupefied.
"Yes. twins." Madam Pomfrey announced.
The visioneer paused momentarily and Harry looked around at his family. He could see the look of realization was on the faces of all in attendance. Harry said nothing and then allowed the projection to continue.
"Ginny's having twins?" Harry asked in astonishment.
"No Mr. Potter.Hermione's having twins. Your wife isn't pregnant." Madam Pomfrey informed a rather dumbfounded Harry Potter. "Who told you she was?"
When she looked up to see why he had not answered she saw him throw open the doors in such a fury that the two large doors looked as if they would fall off their hinges. She could not imagine what could possibly cause such are action until she thought for a moment about the topic of their conversation.
"They wouldn't have? They couldn't possibly be that cruel." Poppy said to herself wondering if they had indeed played on Harry's emotions.
~ ~ ~* * *~ ~ ~
The leaving feast was in full commencement and Dumbledore was addressing the students. He had just begun paying tribute to those that lost their lives in the battle the previous day, Ronald Weasley in particular for his part in Voldemort's defeat, when the large doors to the Great Hall flew open and a very worn and angry Harry Potter walked into the Great Hall. Spotting the focus of his anger he made his way to the head table. The staff and students began to whisper amongst themselves as he walked with a purpose directly towards the headmaster. Professor Snape, ascertaining Potter's mood suspected he'd learned the truth concerning his wife and moved to intercept the young man.
"Please Professor, " Harry announced as he neared the headmaster, "Don't stop on my account. After all, I'm just a weapon to be used upon the enemies of the wizarding world, no point in stopping for a weapon." Harry bellowed through the hall.
The students were baffled by this declaration. The headmaster had just praised him not ten minutes ago, true he had not been present but Harry was the hero and everyone knew this, why would he act in such a manner to the man who was honoring him.
"Sit down Potter, stop making a spectacle of yourself." Professor Snape ordered.
"Or what?" Harry asked as he stopped directly in front of the Potions Master. "What can you possibly do to me? Take away house points? The house cup is awarded. Give me detention? The school year is over, and I've finished Hogwarts. What on earth could you possibly do to me.Snivellus?" Harry asked in a mockingly loud tone.
The Great Hall suddenly became deafly silent. The look upon Professor Snape's face was one of rage, hatred, and disdain.
"That is what my father and godfather called you wasn't it? Snivellus Snape."
Minerva McGonagall attempt to rise from her chair but was halted by Professor Dumbledore. He knew, as well as Snape, that they had earned Harry's hatred for what he must have learned. it was a necessary evil but that did not make it right. He also knew that after the events of yesterday that Harry was unleashing all the pent-up rage he must feel for towards the potions master. A man that had made it his souls purpose to revenge himself upon the son/godson of his childhood adversaries.
"You are pathetic wretch of a human being." Harry continued. "You take out the frustrations of your life on students incapable of retaliating against you because my father and his friends made your life difficult in school. You may be a good potions master, but you rank just above Umbridge as a teacher," this remake earned Harry a load of ohhh's, "and you aren't half the man my father or godfather were."
That was the straw that broke Snape's back. He drew his wand and was about to hex Harry. The staff was in such a shock from Harry's comments that they were incapable of gathering their wits to stop their colleague from harming Harry. Dumbledore had his wand ready but even he wasn't prepared for the end result of this altercation.
Harry Potter, blood boiling, sweat dripping down his face, had purposefully goaded Snape and as soon as the potion master stepped back to draw his wand and take aim Harry's left hand shot up from his side and knocked Snape's wand from his hand, he then brought his right hand straight forward, clichéd his fist at the last moment and connected with the potions master's jaw sending him to the ground. The punch, much like his words, had contained all the pent up rage and frustration Harry had bottled up for the man over the course of his Hogwarts career.
All save two were stunned by this move. Crabbe and Goyle, two of Snape's loyal Slytherins were immediately upon Harry and were attempting to drag the man away. Harry grabbed a handful of their robes, thrashed about till his left foot found a spot on the bench and pushed up with his legs and used the momentum to bring his body up over and down behind the two dimwits. The two simpletons reached for their wands only to realize they didn't have them. They continued to pat their bodies until they heard someone clearing their throat.
Harry stood in front of the two their own wands pointed and them and with a quick incantation the two men found themselves lying stunned next to their head of house, who was still reeling from the punch. His jaw was dislocated and he could taste his own blood oozing down his throat.
"Albus Dumbledore, the greatest sorcerer in the world." Harry said with disdain as he spoke those words.
"You did what was easiest, instead of what was right yesterday. You cost Hermione her husband, and her twins their father." Harry yelled at the man.
"All because you decided it was for the best." Harry stated. "You decided to leave me with my muggle relatives instead of my godfather cursing me to eleven years of malnutrition and verbal abuse. You decided to keep why I was able to defeat Voldemort as an infant till I was fifteen. You decided to hide my family's heritage from me for sixteen years, and now. now you decided that it was easier to lie about my wife having a baby in order to get me to do your dirty work." Harry informed all in attendance.
He let everything he said sink into the minds of his schoolmates before continuing. "You're no better than Lord Voldemort. You're two wizards deciding the fate of the wizarding world. Keep in mind Albus," Harry said taking a moment to snap Crabbe and Goyle's wands before continuing, "I killed the last wizard that tried to control my destiny." Harry informed him. Everyone in the room went pale at that moment. Harry summoned the wand of Professor Snape and proceeded to snap it into many pieces.
"I have lost all respect for you. and I refuse to be a part of any world that would allow you to manipulate students to accomplish your plans. Save my family, and Professor McGonagall who has always believed in me and been lenient even when I didn't deserve it, the rest of you can sod off. I'm done with the wizarding world."
The visioneer then powered down and again all eyes were upon Harry.
"I don't even remember leaving the castle. After the altercation with Snape and Dumbledore my mind blanked. I. I just couldn't stand hearing Dumbledore downplaying his involvement in Ron's passing. Had Snape not intercepted me I might well be in Azkaban for killing Dumbledore that day. I wanted to. I wanted to kill them both." Harry said.
"I'm glad you didn't Harry." Ginny replied.
"So. now you know. Now you know why I left. I couldn't live with myself after I killed Ron. I thought you all would hate me as much as I hate myself for killing Ron." Harry informed them all.
Ginny was about to comfort her husband but was stopped for a moment by her mother. Molly wrapped her arms around Harry and hugged him close. "Harry Potter. you need to say goodbye to Ron. You've kept your pain in all these years and never forgiven yourself. You know Ron would never blame you for what happened. It's time to let go, and move forward. with your family."
"We love you. and we're not going to abandon you." Hermione added.
"There have been two empty seats at the dinner table for the past for years Harry." Charlie added.
"One can never be filled again." Bill said.
"But yours. yours can." Percy informed his brother-in-law.
"If you'll have me, I'm here to stay." Harry said to all, but directed his comment squarely at Ginny.
Ginny walked to her husband who Molly released and stepped away from. Ginny took her husband into her arms and held him close, never wanting to let go.
"I love you Harry James Evan Potter." Ginny said with a laugh. She didn't know what to call him exactly so she just used every name he was going by.
"As I do you Virginia Potter.or should I say, Lady Virginia Potter."
On cue the twin's mock bowed to their sister and her husband. Ginny scowled at the two but then laughed. She laughed like she hadn't in almost five years.
"On that note." The matriarch of the Weasley family began, "I think we should all turn in. It has been a long and tiring day and I for one can use some rest before the children wake us bright and early eager to explore their uncle's home.
"Yes Harry, you simply must tell us how you rate such an extravagant home?" George declared.
"It's simple really George. just save a close or favorite relative of the Queen." Harry said in passing.
"Details Harry," Charlie said, "We need details."
"Tomorrow, after the children are asleep."
"A story to look forward to then." Fred added.
"Indeed." Ginny said smiling at her husband.
~ ~ **~ ~
Harry had just finished showing Molly and Arthur to their room when he saw that Ginny was awaiting him by the door to her room. Harry crossed the hall and took his wife's hands in his own. "Something wrong Gin?" Harry asked his wife.
"I was wondering why the bed in this room was a single?" She asked her husband.
Harry had assumed that was where this conversation would be going. "The answer is quite simple. I didn't know where our relationship would be after you learned the truth about your brother and my absence. So I took the liberty of having a room prepared for you."
"I see. Very thoughtful of you. Smart too considering I had no idea what state our relationship would be when this evening began either." Ginny replied. She leaned in slowly and gave Harry a soft kiss. It was their first in four years and the two realized just how much they had truly missed the other.
Harry reached behind her and grasped the back of her head with his left and wrapped his right arm around his wife's waist and pulled her into a deep longing, loving kiss. Ginny was relishing the contact, attention and affection her husband was lavishing upon her. Taking a moment to catch their breath Harry released Ginny, lifted her right hand, kissed it, bowed and wished her a good night, and departed down a side corridor.
Ginny was in shock, she couldn't believe he was actually leaving her alone. Her face red with anger she stomped around the corner after him, wanting to know what his game was. She had only taken two steps when out of a dark corner her husband had snuck up from behind her, spun her around and planted a loving kiss on his startled wife.
"Had to make sure that you wanted this. sorry love." Harry informed her.
Ginny was startled, angry and aroused all at one time. Harry was testing her. he wanted to be sure how she felt about him.. Fine. She thought to herself.
Ginny began placing soft kisses on Harry's neck. The feel of her warm lips on his skin sent shivers down his spine. He had longed to hold her in his arms and here she was. His loving wife.
Harry had straightened her up and was about to reciprocate her kisses when she broke the embrace and trotted back to her room.
"Good night Lord Potter." Ginny seductively stated. "Sleep tight, and verrrry pleasant dreams to you."
Harry grabbed the door and her wrist before it could shut. Pulling her back into the hall Harry looked into Ginny's eyes with a desire she'd only seen one other time.
"No more games Ginny, I left you four years ago a wreak." Harry placed his hands lovingly on her cheeks. "I wasn't capable of caring for you or our child then. I'm never going to let that happen again." Harry said then kissed her with all the love and affection he could muster.
When Ginny opened her eyes upon ending the kiss she realized they weren't in the guest room any more.
"Welcome home Lady Virginia Potter." Harry said as she took in the large master bedroom. It, like the dining room was adorned in Gryffindor colors, across from the door leading into the hallway were two glass doors that led to a magnificent balcony. Somehow Harry had managed to add a fireplace to the room and it was opposite the king-sized bed. The bed had curtains around it to ensure privacy, although Ginny wondered why Harry needed privacy when he was the only one sleeping in the bed. Harry noticed the odd look on his wife's face at the curtains and informed her that they were initially decorative. He didn't know if he'd ever need them or not.
"They were decorative love. I've never had a use for them. until tonight." Harry said grinning like a cat about to eat a canary. He then planted several kisses along her neck and shoulder.
"It's magnificent." She said as undid the zipper on her dress. She let the elegant gown slide off her shoulders and she stepped out of it and walked towards the bed. Dropping her knickers before sliding into the sheets she waited to see her husband's reaction.
Harry, unfortunately, had far more clothes on than he would like at this particular moment. He had unbuttoned his coat before she had started undressing but was still removing his shirt when she had slid into the bed. He was delayed partially because he was gazing at his beautiful wife, but mostly he was held up because of all the stupid little buttons. No longer caring he quickly shed his under shirt, pants, and boxers and was next to his wife.
The last thing Harry did before showing his wife exactly how much he loved and missed her was to show her how to close the curtains surrounding the bed.
Author Notes:
Anne (email address not provided): Allow me to inform you that this whole story, and all of my other stories are completely AU stories. As are all fanfiction stories no matter how close to the books a fan writer comes. That is why it's called FANFICTION. If you have any further comments or questions about the direction of my story feel free to email either myself or my co-writer:
jaquelyne_hawkins@yahoo.com
dstorres75@yahoo.com
[This invitation is open to all by the way. However if you are emailing
me to just say something like: you suck, don't expect a reply.]
Because I try to respond to questions my reviewers ask (or comments) I have altered my preferences to no longer accept anonymous reviews.
Everyone in the room was looking at Harry now. The young man was incapable of reading the expressions on their faces. None said anything when the visioneer stopped moments after they witnessed Harry using the killing curse on Ron. They knew full well what had happened. They witnessed and heard Harry's memory exactly as it occurred.
Hermione, tears freely falling down her face stood up from the chair, a little wobbly, and crossed the room. Harry released his wife's hand, stood up, and prepared himself for whatever Hermione had for him. He had taken her husband from her, deprived her children of their father, all for the sake of his own child. Harry, eyes swelled with tears, awaited Hermione's reaction.
Hermione grabbed the young man and hugged him. It was not the action he had anticipated, but he simply held his best friend as she cried on his shoulder.
"It wasn't your fault Harry." Arthur Weasley declared, in a sad tone.
"Arthur's right. Ron wanted to end Voldemort's reign of terror enough that he would gladly sacrifice himself to ensure his family's safety." Molly replied as a few tears fell from her eyes. She was trying to be strong, but found it incredibly difficult.
"We know the truth now. as painful as it was to see, you lived it mate. At least we know that Ron died a hero." Fred stated.
"Here, here." George said.
"You did what you had to do.for Ginny. and for Chloe." Hermione said.
Harry released his friend and turned away from the Weasley's for a moment. They knew part of the truth. it was time for the rest to come out.
"In retrospect, yes I did do it for Ginny and Chloe, in truth. I didn't know at the time Ginny was pregnant. Had I known, no matter what mental state I was in, I would never have left you Gin." Harry informed his wife and family.
"But we heard." Percy began but was interrupted by Harry summoning the visioneer.
"Harry Potter, Hogwarts aftermath and leaving feast." The lord stated to the orb.
The orb sprang to life and produced a new three-dimensional image for all to see. It was a vision of Harry checking on an unconscious Ginny Potter and Hermione Weasley in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing. The two women had been given a sleeping draught to make them rest and help promote healing. Upon ending the threat of the Dark Lord once and for all Harry had passed out and was rushed to the Hospital Wing himself. His physical injuries from the battlefield were superficial and he was revived shortly upon his arrival. The emotional injuries however were infinitely deeper and damaging. Upon seeing him watching over his wife and sister-in-law Madam Pomfrey informed him that he was cleared, as a patient, to leave the Hospital Wing. As she looked over Ginny, then Hermione, something came to his mind.
"Madam Pomfrey. how far along is she?"
"Four weeks." Poppy answered as she continued looking over Hermione.
"Four weeks? I didn't think the baby could be that old already." Harry announced.
"She was going to surprise you all before the feast, but then the battle occurred and now. the poor things will never be the same."
"What do you mean?" Harry inquired.
"Her babies. they"
"Babies. as in more than one?" Harry was stupefied.
"Yes. twins." Madam Pomfrey announced.
The visioneer paused momentarily and Harry looked around at his family. He could see the look of realization was on the faces of all in attendance. Harry said nothing and then allowed the projection to continue.
"Ginny's having twins?" Harry asked in astonishment.
"No Mr. Potter.Hermione's having twins. Your wife isn't pregnant." Madam Pomfrey informed a rather dumbfounded Harry Potter. "Who told you she was?"
When she looked up to see why he had not answered she saw him throw open the doors in such a fury that the two large doors looked as if they would fall off their hinges. She could not imagine what could possibly cause such are action until she thought for a moment about the topic of their conversation.
"They wouldn't have? They couldn't possibly be that cruel." Poppy said to herself wondering if they had indeed played on Harry's emotions.
~ ~ ~* * *~ ~ ~
The leaving feast was in full commencement and Dumbledore was addressing the students. He had just begun paying tribute to those that lost their lives in the battle the previous day, Ronald Weasley in particular for his part in Voldemort's defeat, when the large doors to the Great Hall flew open and a very worn and angry Harry Potter walked into the Great Hall. Spotting the focus of his anger he made his way to the head table. The staff and students began to whisper amongst themselves as he walked with a purpose directly towards the headmaster. Professor Snape, ascertaining Potter's mood suspected he'd learned the truth concerning his wife and moved to intercept the young man.
"Please Professor, " Harry announced as he neared the headmaster, "Don't stop on my account. After all, I'm just a weapon to be used upon the enemies of the wizarding world, no point in stopping for a weapon." Harry bellowed through the hall.
The students were baffled by this declaration. The headmaster had just praised him not ten minutes ago, true he had not been present but Harry was the hero and everyone knew this, why would he act in such a manner to the man who was honoring him.
"Sit down Potter, stop making a spectacle of yourself." Professor Snape ordered.
"Or what?" Harry asked as he stopped directly in front of the Potions Master. "What can you possibly do to me? Take away house points? The house cup is awarded. Give me detention? The school year is over, and I've finished Hogwarts. What on earth could you possibly do to me.Snivellus?" Harry asked in a mockingly loud tone.
The Great Hall suddenly became deafly silent. The look upon Professor Snape's face was one of rage, hatred, and disdain.
"That is what my father and godfather called you wasn't it? Snivellus Snape."
Minerva McGonagall attempt to rise from her chair but was halted by Professor Dumbledore. He knew, as well as Snape, that they had earned Harry's hatred for what he must have learned. it was a necessary evil but that did not make it right. He also knew that after the events of yesterday that Harry was unleashing all the pent-up rage he must feel for towards the potions master. A man that had made it his souls purpose to revenge himself upon the son/godson of his childhood adversaries.
"You are pathetic wretch of a human being." Harry continued. "You take out the frustrations of your life on students incapable of retaliating against you because my father and his friends made your life difficult in school. You may be a good potions master, but you rank just above Umbridge as a teacher," this remake earned Harry a load of ohhh's, "and you aren't half the man my father or godfather were."
That was the straw that broke Snape's back. He drew his wand and was about to hex Harry. The staff was in such a shock from Harry's comments that they were incapable of gathering their wits to stop their colleague from harming Harry. Dumbledore had his wand ready but even he wasn't prepared for the end result of this altercation.
Harry Potter, blood boiling, sweat dripping down his face, had purposefully goaded Snape and as soon as the potion master stepped back to draw his wand and take aim Harry's left hand shot up from his side and knocked Snape's wand from his hand, he then brought his right hand straight forward, clichéd his fist at the last moment and connected with the potions master's jaw sending him to the ground. The punch, much like his words, had contained all the pent up rage and frustration Harry had bottled up for the man over the course of his Hogwarts career.
All save two were stunned by this move. Crabbe and Goyle, two of Snape's loyal Slytherins were immediately upon Harry and were attempting to drag the man away. Harry grabbed a handful of their robes, thrashed about till his left foot found a spot on the bench and pushed up with his legs and used the momentum to bring his body up over and down behind the two dimwits. The two simpletons reached for their wands only to realize they didn't have them. They continued to pat their bodies until they heard someone clearing their throat.
Harry stood in front of the two their own wands pointed and them and with a quick incantation the two men found themselves lying stunned next to their head of house, who was still reeling from the punch. His jaw was dislocated and he could taste his own blood oozing down his throat.
"Albus Dumbledore, the greatest sorcerer in the world." Harry said with disdain as he spoke those words.
"You did what was easiest, instead of what was right yesterday. You cost Hermione her husband, and her twins their father." Harry yelled at the man.
"All because you decided it was for the best." Harry stated. "You decided to leave me with my muggle relatives instead of my godfather cursing me to eleven years of malnutrition and verbal abuse. You decided to keep why I was able to defeat Voldemort as an infant till I was fifteen. You decided to hide my family's heritage from me for sixteen years, and now. now you decided that it was easier to lie about my wife having a baby in order to get me to do your dirty work." Harry informed all in attendance.
He let everything he said sink into the minds of his schoolmates before continuing. "You're no better than Lord Voldemort. You're two wizards deciding the fate of the wizarding world. Keep in mind Albus," Harry said taking a moment to snap Crabbe and Goyle's wands before continuing, "I killed the last wizard that tried to control my destiny." Harry informed him. Everyone in the room went pale at that moment. Harry summoned the wand of Professor Snape and proceeded to snap it into many pieces.
"I have lost all respect for you. and I refuse to be a part of any world that would allow you to manipulate students to accomplish your plans. Save my family, and Professor McGonagall who has always believed in me and been lenient even when I didn't deserve it, the rest of you can sod off. I'm done with the wizarding world."
The visioneer then powered down and again all eyes were upon Harry.
"I don't even remember leaving the castle. After the altercation with Snape and Dumbledore my mind blanked. I. I just couldn't stand hearing Dumbledore downplaying his involvement in Ron's passing. Had Snape not intercepted me I might well be in Azkaban for killing Dumbledore that day. I wanted to. I wanted to kill them both." Harry said.
"I'm glad you didn't Harry." Ginny replied.
"So. now you know. Now you know why I left. I couldn't live with myself after I killed Ron. I thought you all would hate me as much as I hate myself for killing Ron." Harry informed them all.
Ginny was about to comfort her husband but was stopped for a moment by her mother. Molly wrapped her arms around Harry and hugged him close. "Harry Potter. you need to say goodbye to Ron. You've kept your pain in all these years and never forgiven yourself. You know Ron would never blame you for what happened. It's time to let go, and move forward. with your family."
"We love you. and we're not going to abandon you." Hermione added.
"There have been two empty seats at the dinner table for the past for years Harry." Charlie added.
"One can never be filled again." Bill said.
"But yours. yours can." Percy informed his brother-in-law.
"If you'll have me, I'm here to stay." Harry said to all, but directed his comment squarely at Ginny.
Ginny walked to her husband who Molly released and stepped away from. Ginny took her husband into her arms and held him close, never wanting to let go.
"I love you Harry James Evan Potter." Ginny said with a laugh. She didn't know what to call him exactly so she just used every name he was going by.
"As I do you Virginia Potter.or should I say, Lady Virginia Potter."
On cue the twin's mock bowed to their sister and her husband. Ginny scowled at the two but then laughed. She laughed like she hadn't in almost five years.
"On that note." The matriarch of the Weasley family began, "I think we should all turn in. It has been a long and tiring day and I for one can use some rest before the children wake us bright and early eager to explore their uncle's home.
"Yes Harry, you simply must tell us how you rate such an extravagant home?" George declared.
"It's simple really George. just save a close or favorite relative of the Queen." Harry said in passing.
"Details Harry," Charlie said, "We need details."
"Tomorrow, after the children are asleep."
"A story to look forward to then." Fred added.
"Indeed." Ginny said smiling at her husband.
~ ~ **~ ~
Harry had just finished showing Molly and Arthur to their room when he saw that Ginny was awaiting him by the door to her room. Harry crossed the hall and took his wife's hands in his own. "Something wrong Gin?" Harry asked his wife.
"I was wondering why the bed in this room was a single?" She asked her husband.
Harry had assumed that was where this conversation would be going. "The answer is quite simple. I didn't know where our relationship would be after you learned the truth about your brother and my absence. So I took the liberty of having a room prepared for you."
"I see. Very thoughtful of you. Smart too considering I had no idea what state our relationship would be when this evening began either." Ginny replied. She leaned in slowly and gave Harry a soft kiss. It was their first in four years and the two realized just how much they had truly missed the other.
Harry reached behind her and grasped the back of her head with his left and wrapped his right arm around his wife's waist and pulled her into a deep longing, loving kiss. Ginny was relishing the contact, attention and affection her husband was lavishing upon her. Taking a moment to catch their breath Harry released Ginny, lifted her right hand, kissed it, bowed and wished her a good night, and departed down a side corridor.
Ginny was in shock, she couldn't believe he was actually leaving her alone. Her face red with anger she stomped around the corner after him, wanting to know what his game was. She had only taken two steps when out of a dark corner her husband had snuck up from behind her, spun her around and planted a loving kiss on his startled wife.
"Had to make sure that you wanted this. sorry love." Harry informed her.
Ginny was startled, angry and aroused all at one time. Harry was testing her. he wanted to be sure how she felt about him.. Fine. She thought to herself.
Ginny began placing soft kisses on Harry's neck. The feel of her warm lips on his skin sent shivers down his spine. He had longed to hold her in his arms and here she was. His loving wife.
Harry had straightened her up and was about to reciprocate her kisses when she broke the embrace and trotted back to her room.
"Good night Lord Potter." Ginny seductively stated. "Sleep tight, and verrrry pleasant dreams to you."
Harry grabbed the door and her wrist before it could shut. Pulling her back into the hall Harry looked into Ginny's eyes with a desire she'd only seen one other time.
"No more games Ginny, I left you four years ago a wreak." Harry placed his hands lovingly on her cheeks. "I wasn't capable of caring for you or our child then. I'm never going to let that happen again." Harry said then kissed her with all the love and affection he could muster.
When Ginny opened her eyes upon ending the kiss she realized they weren't in the guest room any more.
"Welcome home Lady Virginia Potter." Harry said as she took in the large master bedroom. It, like the dining room was adorned in Gryffindor colors, across from the door leading into the hallway were two glass doors that led to a magnificent balcony. Somehow Harry had managed to add a fireplace to the room and it was opposite the king-sized bed. The bed had curtains around it to ensure privacy, although Ginny wondered why Harry needed privacy when he was the only one sleeping in the bed. Harry noticed the odd look on his wife's face at the curtains and informed her that they were initially decorative. He didn't know if he'd ever need them or not.
"They were decorative love. I've never had a use for them. until tonight." Harry said grinning like a cat about to eat a canary. He then planted several kisses along her neck and shoulder.
"It's magnificent." She said as undid the zipper on her dress. She let the elegant gown slide off her shoulders and she stepped out of it and walked towards the bed. Dropping her knickers before sliding into the sheets she waited to see her husband's reaction.
Harry, unfortunately, had far more clothes on than he would like at this particular moment. He had unbuttoned his coat before she had started undressing but was still removing his shirt when she had slid into the bed. He was delayed partially because he was gazing at his beautiful wife, but mostly he was held up because of all the stupid little buttons. No longer caring he quickly shed his under shirt, pants, and boxers and was next to his wife.
The last thing Harry did before showing his wife exactly how much he loved and missed her was to show her how to close the curtains surrounding the bed.
Author Notes:
Anne (email address not provided): Allow me to inform you that this whole story, and all of my other stories are completely AU stories. As are all fanfiction stories no matter how close to the books a fan writer comes. That is why it's called FANFICTION. If you have any further comments or questions about the direction of my story feel free to email either myself or my co-writer:
jaquelyne_hawkins@yahoo.com
dstorres75@yahoo.com
[This invitation is open to all by the way. However if you are emailing
me to just say something like: you suck, don't expect a reply.]
Because I try to respond to questions my reviewers ask (or comments) I have altered my preferences to no longer accept anonymous reviews.