A/N Sorry for the bit of a delay. I had another test, stupid professors. Of course tonight I managed to knock the u off my keyboard. I'm not sure what kind of affect it'll have on my updating.... hopefully I'll get it fixed this weekend.
As the first sign of day break peaked through the window, Ginny cracked her eyes open and sighed. She didn't know it was possible to feel so complete just lying in bed with someone. She snuggled closer to Harry and enjoyed the final moments of heaven before reality set back in; the reality where Harry barely remembered their history, their love. She felt him release a sigh of his own and tighten his grip around her waist. "This really is heaven," she thought contently. A few moments later Ginny's alarm clock went off, causing both of them to jump. Ginny quickly reached over and turned it off, and then settled back in bed next to Harry.
"Good morning," Harry said sleepily, his eyes still closed.
"Sure is," Ginny replied, clasping his hand in her own.
"What time is it?"
"Around seven," Ginny answered with a groan.
"And why are we up so early?" Harry asked, propping himself up on his elbows.
"Because we're due at the Burrow around 10 for Rose's birthday party," Ginny paused and grinned at him, "and it looks like it will take you all the time you can get to look presentable."
"I resent that," Harry said. He didn't give her a chance to respond before he started tickling her. She squealed under his touch and tried to free herself from his grasp to no avail. "Take it back," Harry said laughing.
"I take it back I take it back!" Ginny screamed through her giggles.
Harry stopped tickling her and hopped off the bed. "Good." Ginny watched him walk out of her room only to reappear in her doorway seconds later. "Gin?"
Ginny could tell by the expression on his face that something was bothering him. "Yes Harry?"
"Is what we're doing wrong?" Ginny tried her hardest not to let her heart break as he paused. "I mean you do still have a boyfriend and I'm not sure he'd appreciate this."
Relief swept across Ginny's face. "I wouldn't still have a boyfriend if he was in the country. I would have broken things off as soon as you came back. It's only a mere technicality right now."
"Oh," Harry said quietly. "I still can't help but feel guilty. I mean I know we haven't really done anything wrong, other than a little drunken snogging, but the guy does have feelings."
"I know, and now that you mention it I feel a little guilty too. However, Colin's always been fully aware that you were the love of my life, and I think he'll understand whenever he gets back. In fact, no one in my family understands why I've stayed with him as long as I have."
"You haven't heard from him?"
Ginny shrugged. "It's normal when he's gone on assignment. They don't keep him gone any longer than they need to, but he's normally constantly busy the entire time he's gone."
"Oh," Harry walked over to where Ginny was still sitting on her bed and took her hand in his own. "I'd feel better though if we just focused on getting my memories back and not, um, us, until you've had a chance to talk to him."
Ginny smiled at him. "I completely understand and agree. We do need to get ready for the party, but if we hurry, I think we have time to look at another memory before we have to leave if you want."
"That'd be wonderful!" Harry exclaimed and hurried out of the room.
After they were both dressed and had eaten breakfast, they went into the living room and pulled out the green notebook. Ginny opened it and pulled out her wand. "Memoritas!"
Harry looked at his new surroundings and saw that he was in a bedroom with two beds. He and Ginny were sitting on one of the beds, both shyly holding packages.
"This was Christmas the year we were dating," Ginny told him right before the memory version of herself handed the memory version of Harry a package and started to speak.
"Go ahead, open it. It's not much, but it's something I thought you would like." YoungHarry gently opened the package and revealed a small replica of a golden snitch. "It opens." Harry watched as a picture was projected into the air above the snitch. "I couldn't find a picture of just the two of us for obvious reasons, but in some ways, I think this is better."
"I love it," young Harry said, kissing her on the cheek. "Now do mine." Harry watched as the memory version of Ginny opened a small box to reveal a gold heart shaped locket with two emeralds on it
"It's beautiful."
"Open it," young Harry prompted her.
"To Ginny, All my love, Harry," young Ginny read.
"I had it engraved on the inside so no one would know that it was from me." Harry watched as panic grew on the expression of the other version of himself. "You don't have to wear it if you don't like it."
"No, Harry, that's not it at all! I love it!"
"Oh, well I've never bought jewelry before, so I wasn't sure."
"I was just surprised by what it said, that's all."
"Are you really? Because I know I've never actually said it, but I do. I love you Ginny." Harry couldn't help but smile as he watched it intimate exchange.
"I love you too, you know I always have. But now, in a different way than I used to. I just never expected you to love me too." Harry chuckled as he watched young Ginny's face break out into a huge grin. "Say it again!"
"I love you Ginny Weasley."
"And I love you, Harry Potter." Harry watched young Ginny lean forward and give young Harry a very sweet, very gentle kiss and then cuddle up next to him. "Good night."
"Good night, love."
When the memory was gone Harry walked over to where Ginny was standing. She stood still, unsure of what he was going to do. He reached for her and cupped her chin in his hand, before sliding his hand to the neck of her shirt. He dipped a finger below the neckline and pulled out the golden locket he had just watched himself give her.
Ginny couldn't help but blush. "I wear it every day. I always have."
"I couldn't believe your parents were letting us sleep in the same room. I was so grateful that I could have you in my arms as much as I wanted, even though your brothers were doing everything in their power to keep us apart. I was feeling so weak, and being with you gave me strength. You made me feel strong when I had nothing," Harry paused then looked confused. "Why was I so weak? And why did everyone think I was dead?"
"This was right after you healed from the poison. Dumbledore spread a rumor that you were dead so you could enjoy Christmas in peace," Ginny explained softly, fighting back her tears of joy. They were standing so close Ginny could feel his hot breath on her face.
"Oh," Harry responded, his voice barely above a whisper.
"We really should head to the Burrow," Ginny said, her voice barely audible. She reluctantly stepped back, and led him to the fireplace. "After you."
Harry and Ginny arrived to find an empty Burrow. The mountain of presents in the living room indicated that people couldn't be far. They made their way to the back yard, where they discovered they were the last ones to arrive. The Weasley clan was gathered around the picnic table, all of their mouths stuffed with food.
"I see you started without us," Ginny said as they approached the table.
"You're late," Charlie growled with his mouth full.
"Hush!" Molly exclaimed. "They're only a few minutes late! Ginny, Harry, grab a plate and dig in before it's all gone!" They complied and before too long everyone was sitting at the table with full bellies.
"Delicious as always Molly," Alicia told her mother-in-law.
"Thank you dear," Molly replied with a smile.
"Is it time for presents now?" Rose asked, running in circles around the table.
"I think someone's had a little too much sugar," Venus said smiling. She flicked her wand and summoned the presents from the house. "Have fun Rosie." Rose whooped with joy and settled down on the ground with all of her cousins sitting around her. She began to tear through the packages, taking time to admire each one before turning to the next gift. Finally she had gone through most of them until there were only two left.
"This one's from Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny," Rose informed her family. "Wait, that's not fair, they shouldn't be able to give me a gift together. They're not married or anything." Harry and Ginny both blushed.
"Young lady what did we tell you about being greedy," Charlie scolded her.
"Sorry," she muttered before turning her attention back to the package in front of her. She pulled out the present and her face lit in a smile. "Thank you thank you!" she exclaimed while giving Harry and Ginny hugs. Harry walked over to where she had left the golden snitch and picked up the remote. He activated the golden snitch and in a few seconds captured it. He repeated the process several times as if he was entranced by flying object.
"Oy Harry!" Fred called to him, "Why don't you give the kids a turn."
Harry blushed. "Sorry!" He set the snitch free and six little girls chased after it. The adults watched as the girls ran around the back yard chasing the snitch.
"Hey where did it go?" Amy cried, looking around the yard.
"I don't know! Mummy!" Andrea called.
"I don't see it sweetheart," Angelina answered, scanning the yard for the snitch.
"You didn't steal it again, did you Uncle Harry?" Jessica asked.
"Nope, I was enjoying watching you chase it," Harry replied.
Rose stuck out her bottom lip and looked like she was about to cry. "Well where did it go!"
Harry was about to suggest calling it back by the remote when Harriet walked over to him and held out her hands. She was holding the struggling snitch. "I found it!" Harry called to the others. "It seems like this one has a lot of potential!"
"Oh my," Ron called when he saw Harriet holding the snitch. "A natural. She beat out all of her older cousins."
"She can be the seeker, I want to be a chaser," Julie announced.
"Me too!" Jessica piped up.
Sensing a war for Quidditch positions was about to break out, Hermione changed the subject. "Rose, you still have one more present to open."
"It's from me and Uncle Fred," George told her.
Rose picked up the package as if it were a dead animal and handed it to her father. "You open it. I remember what happened when Uncle Ron opened his last present from Uncle Fred and Uncle George."
Charlie chuckled. "I'll open it. Fred and George know what will happen to them if anything happens to me." Charlie opened the packed and pulled out what looked like six wands. "What is this?"
"Our latest creation. We call them It Sticks. It's our version of tag. You set a certain number of people as 'it' and then they chase the other people around. You tag them with the wands and it turns their clothes a different color. The last person left with normal colored clothes win," Fred explained.
"Oh, but the second time you get tagged with a wand your clothes go back to normal," George added.
"Sounds complicated," Venus said with a frown.
"Not really," Fred said, tossing a wand to Rose, Amy, and Harry. He reached around and tapped Ron on the shoulder with one of the remaining wands. All of Ron's clothes turned bright pink.
"Hey!" Ron cried. "Tap me again, turn them back!"
"You'll have to catch me first!" Fred cried and took off. That was all the motivation the others needed to start chasing each other around the backyard. Molly and Hermione made a graceful exit back into the house to clean up the dishes while the others played.
Ginny stood on one side of the picnic table while Harry stared her down from the other. "You thinking about tagging me Potter?" Ginny taunted him.
"Yes, I think that pink would go very nicely with your hair," Harry responded.
"You couldn't catch me if you wanted to," Ginny called as she took off towards the pond. Harry chased after her, and before they knew it, they had left the party behind. They were both out of breath and Ginny stopped by the edge of the pond, making sure Harry remained a few feet behind her. "Give?" she asked, trying to catch her breath.
"Nope," Harry replied, slowly walking towards her.
"Well what do you intend to do once you've caught me?" Ginny asked coyly. Harry didn't answer, just continued to close the space between them. When he was within distance to tag her, Ginny reached forward and pushed Harry backwards, causing him to stumble and fall into the pond. Ginny laughed as Harry let out a yelp, but stopped when she watched almost in slow motion as a look of pure terror crossed his face as he fell. He stayed under the water for a few moments before reemerging. He stood frozen in waist deep water, trembling. "Harry?" she asked hesitantly. "Harry, get out of the water, its cold. You'll get sick." She extended her hand and he took it, his face still filled with fear. She gently led him to the bank of the pond and sat him down. "Let's get you out of these wet clothes." He didn't respond, so she reached for his shirt and pulled it off over his head. As soon as Harry realized what she had done, he pulled his knees up to try and cover his chest.
"Give me back my shirt," Harry said quietly.
"No," Ginny responded as she moved his legs away. She couldn't help but gasp as she saw the scars on his chest. She slowly ran her fingers over them while Harry closed his eyes in embarrassment.
"See? I know they're hideous," Harry said when she had traced all of his visible scars.
Ginny shook her head. "They are the farthest thing from hideous. These scars show everything you did to save me." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on the scar over his heart. "These scars make you who you are, and I love who you are." She kissed the scar on the right side of his ribcage. "These scars show how much you used to love me." She kissed the scar above his right hip. Harry gently ran his hand along Ginny's arm. "You see? This stuff doesn't matter to me. This just shows me that you had to face a long journey to come back to me." Harry looked into Ginny's eyes and he could see that she was speaking from her heart. He leaned forward and placed a very gentle kiss on her forehead.
"What did I ever do to deserve you?" he whispered as she cuddled up next to him.
"More than you know," she answered. Harry leaned down and gave her another gentle kiss, but this time on the lips. The drunken kiss Harry had given her had been full of passion and lust, but this one was different; this one was genuine. Harry tightened his arm around Ginny as he deepened the kiss. She gladly granted his tongue entrance into her mouth. She broke their kiss only to trail kisses down his neck while he played with her hair. Harry let out a moan and pulled Ginny around so he was lying on top of her and met her mouth with his again. Ginny stroked her hands over Harry's bare back, not flinching when she discovered new scars. Harry's hands had just found the edge of Ginny's shirt when they heard giggles.
"Shit," Harry whispered as he quickly rolled off of Ginny and grabbed his shirt.
Ginny looked around. "It looks like our spies have run back to go tattle on us."
Harry laughed. "Wasn't it just this morning we were talking about not doing that for now?"
"Yeah... I don't regret it though."
Harry sighed. "I can't help but feel guilty."
"Don't. If it'll make you feel better I'll write Colin a letter and break it off as soon as we go home tonight." Ginny moved over to where Harry was sitting and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Everyone will know where we are and what we were doing in a few minutes, we might as well enjoy this time."
"Well if you insist," Harry replied with a smile as he pulled her closer. "Will you do something for me?"
"Sure Harry, whatever you want."
"Well, will you tell me about your life, meaning your life after I disappeared?" Ginny let out a groan. "Well that's the last time I agree to anything before knowing what it is." Harry smirked at her. "Well, I wasn't in great shape after the final battle. I spent several days unconscious in the hospital. When I woke up, the only thing I wanted was to see you. I was completely devastated when they told me you were dead. I didn't go back to school to finish the year, and I told Mum I wasn't going back to finish the next two years either. Being there was just like a constant reminder that you weren't there. Mum was furious with me. Finally we came to an agreement. I would go live with Venus and help her with the baby and she would teach me. Charlie was still off doing order work, and Venus wasn't ready to leave the baby yet. It worked out really well actually. I ended up finishing two years worth of school in about a year. After that I went with Hermione to learn how to become a healer. I spent the better part of the next three years doing that. She and I both just started working a St. Mungo's a couple of months ago. When Dumbledore told me that you had sacrificed your life for my own, I was determined to make something of my life, so I turned all of my attention to my school work."
"Wow."
"Thanks," Ginny replied with a smile.
"No, wow, you have to be the most boring person I've ever met!" Harry teased her. "There has to be something interesting in there somewhere."
"Well all of our lives aren't book worthy. Honestly, I just wanted to stay focused on what was important to me. I lost my childhood that day on the cliffs; I was the oldest fifteen year-old I've ever met. Anyway, last year Colin asked me out for the umpteenth time, and due to Mum's constant nagging, I finally agreed. He's been my best friend since my second year at school, so I was comfortable with him. He's loved me for a long time, and I love him. I was just never in love with him. I figured if I couldn't be in love I might as well be with someone that I loved."
"That may be the saddest thing I've ever heard," Harry responded bluntly.
Ginny shrugged. "I believe that everybody gets one great love in their life, I just happened to find mine and lose mine early in life."
"I'm sorry," Harry replied lamely.
"Don't be. You gave me the happiest year of my life and you motivated me to do something with what was left of it. You've done nothing but make my life better." Ginny was trying to keep herself calm, but all of the talking was just depressing her. Her mind kept drifting back to Harry's last week; to Harry's last day; to Harry's last hour. She shook her head. She had to keep her mind from going back to those cliffs. She lost too much there to think about it.
"Ginny," Harry interrupted her thoughts. "We should probably head back."
"Okay," Ginny replied, surprised at his quick change of subject. She stood up from the ground and offered him a hand. "It's time to face my family."
Harry extended his arm and she took it smiling. "Let's go."
Well, I hope you enjoyed my chapter. I had originally written chapters 1-9, but then I made 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and I'm currently working on 7.7. I'm much happier with my story the way it is now though! Keep your feedback coming, I can't tell you how much you guys have inspired me. Thanks so much! (By the way, I think that writing these two stories has helped to stop my excessive use of the word y'all. For some reason I just can't see Harry or Ginny using it!)