Chapter Fifteen*~~
Harry gave Ginny a smile, hoping to keep her spirits up. She had walked at the back of the large group since they'd left the Three Broomsticks. Every now and again Grandmama Weasley would call out something to her. Ginny's fists would clench and then release. He noticed her use their seven second breathing technique.
He dropped back. "You all right?" asked Harry softly. She sighed.
"I'm well, I guess," she muttered.
"Where are we going anyways?" he asked as they continued to walk.
"The bridal shop. It's down here somewhere. Grandmama and Mum will make Bill leave while Fleur finds a wedding dress. We'll all be stuck there- bored. The only thing that'll be different from my cousins wedding is how large the wedding party is going to be."
"How many and who?" asked Harry nervously. He had no idea exactly what he was doing. The only weddings he'd ever been to- let alone been IN- were all that of elves.
"You seem so scared! Well, Bill wants all of us Weasleys and he says you and Mione are basically Weasleys so that's seven groomsmen and two bridesmaids right there," Ginny said. Neither of them noticed the latest comment from Grandmama Weasley. "And then we have Fleur's sister- Gabrielle (Elle(I LOVE you Rain Warrior)) and her brother Mario-"
"Fleur's got a brother?!" Harry exclaimed. (I made him up.)Ginny laughed.
"Yes, he's six right now."
"Wow," he muttered. "Well, keep going."
"Alright," Ginny said sweetly. "Fleur's sister is maid of honor. Charlie's best man. Mario will be the ring barer. Then Fleur said to match all of the remaining groomsmen up they should go with their assorted girlfriends. Now this is very risky in case they break up."
"Ah, I see. Then someone may have hostile feelings towards her wedding pictures," Harry said seriously. Ginny rolled her eyes and stifled a laugh.
"So that leaves me and you without a partner. We got landed with the other."
"You say it like it's a bad thing."
"It is," Ginny retorted.
"Shove off!" he cried. Ginny squealed as she fell in a mud puddle.
"Virginia! Women do NOT play in mud," cried Grandmama Weasley. Ginny sent Harry a seething look. He shrugged sorrowfully. After he had pulled her to her feet he slowly circled her. "We cannot have you going into a bridal shop looking like a pig!"
"Lightning, what ARE you doing?" Ginny asked, ignoring her grandmother.
"Just shut up a moment, Amethyst." Grandmama Weasley looked confused for a moment before she continued her ranting. "Alright, hold still." Ginny furrowed her brows at him. He muttered a spell.
Suddenly Ginny wore a short black and red checkered skirt, black peasant shirt, and black high heels. In her hand she clutched the unused black umbrella. Everything was perfectly clean.
"Thanks," Ginny said. "I don't own these clothes."
"That's why I made you hold still. Summoning an outfit from our mind and then creating it takes concentration. It takes even more to draw an image from someone else's mind. I could have had you starkers in a second if you'd moved."
"Wouldn't you like that?"
"Virginia!"
"Sorry, Grandmama," Ginny said dully.
"Your clothes are that of a renoliro." Ginny scrunched her nose. Grandmama stomped off.
"What?"
"That's Ancient Mermadize for chicken," Ginny said.
"And for, er, prostitute," Harry said, grinning. Ginny went red.
"If she thinks I'm bad, wait until she sees Tonks!"
"By the way, what'll Tonks do?" Harry asked as they neared the shop. They could see a person sitting on a bench with a newspaper. The ripped tights and boots would hint at it being Tonks but the pink hair gave it away.
"She, Mel, Sirius, and Remus will be in wedding pictures but they're the ushers," Ginny said absently. "So is Aunt Mayraline."
"Mayraline?" questioned Harry.
"Yeah, she's Mum's sister," Ginny told him. "She's Sirius's age."
"Mayraline?" asked Remus, dropping back. "Mayraline Laux?"
"Yeah, that's Mum's maiden name. Her sister isn't married," Ginny said, giving Remus a weird look. He stared and then started cracking up.
"Moony?" asked Sirius dropping back.
"I'll tell you later," Remus said. He had stopped laughing. Now he plunked next to Tonks on the bench and put his arm around her. "Wotcher, Tonks."
"Someone mentioned May?" asked Tonks as she set down her paper. Sirius shrugged and Ginny and Harry traded looks. "Wotcher everyone!"
Charlie grinned and pulled her to her feet. He gave her a sweet kiss. She wore a short black and white stripped skirt with ripped red tights and black rain boots. Her shirt was black with a red star in the center. Her bubble gum hair was in two shirt pigtails.
"Grandmama, this is Tonks. Tonks, this is Grandmama," Charlie said. Remus cleared his throat. "Yes, Remus?"
"She's Nymphadora Tonks," he said smugly. Mel rolled her eyes.
"It's very nice to meet you Nymphadora," Grandmama said. Tonks smiled at her.
"Thanks, but please call me Tonks," she said.
"I think I see a dress through the window that would look WONDERFUL on you. I think it may even fit your sense of style!" cried Grandmama walking into the store. They all followed. Right away they noticed Fleur's sister and brother sitting in two chairs.
~She likes TONKS'S style! She didn't say ANYTHING mean to her! Nothing about 'looking like a proper lady or anything!"~ Ginny scream- thought to the other Marauders.
~Ginny, calm down,~ Ron said. ~Take a deep breath.~
~Have you ever tried telling her that you don't like it when she does this?~ asked Harry.
~Are we still talking about the same frightening woman?~ snapped Ginny. Harry sighed.
~Come on, let's find you a dress,~ Hermione said softly.
"Fleur, what colors did you choose?" asked Ginny out loud.
"Blues and greens," she replied. "I knew red heads look good in those colors. That seems to be the dominant hair color."
"Plus," Elle said. "Silver veela hair looks remarkably good with them too. Hello, Harry. Pleasure seeing you out of the lake. You seem much less wet." Harry looked at her for a while before grinning.
"And you seem a bit taller."
"I don't think I like your joke," she announced, standing up.
"I'm truly hurt, Madam Delacour," Harry said, a hand over his heart. She flashed him a grin.
"Come along Elle," Fleur said, rolling her eyes. "I have told you a million times that you are not going to go out with Harry. You are going to go out with Bonamy." Elle rolled her eyes.
"Come on, we should find you a dress," Elle said. She cast a look at Harry. He smiled ruefully.
"I'd ask you if I were allowed," he said sweetly-the same smile still twisting his lips. Elle laughed lightly at the joke she had found in his words. Harry's smile slowly morphed into a real one as she walked away.
"Flirting with such young ones," Charlie said, slipping an arm over his shoulder. "Bill and I may have to give you the old brother to little brother talk."
"Thanks, but I'm already dreading when Sirius and Remus decide who gets to give me the sex talk," Harry said. Charlie laughed. "Obviously you have no idea how frightening the prospect is. You may want to hope that you never do find out."
"Ah, spoken like a true sex talk virgin," Charlie said wistfully.
"That sounds completely wrong," Harry stated, slipping out form under Charlie's arm.
"That would be Charlie," Percy commented, coming over.
"And how on earth would you get that?" asked Charlie innocently.
"Like we don't all know who gave Fred and George their first dungbomb?" Percy asked with raised eyebrows. Charlie shrugged.
"And now look what they've become," Harry said, pointing. "Successful businessmen. Sure you don't want the glory of that dungbomb, Percy?" Percy rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Harry slowly reached out and probed his mind. 'Acting?! He's acting?! Well, he's a bloody good actor!' "You may want to make that acting thing your career." With that, Harry strolled away from the two older Weasley boys and met up with Ron.
"Why do they do this?" asked Ron, gesturing to Hermione and Ginny. They were laughing with Fleur, Arianna, and the rest of the girls/women gathered. Grandmama Weasley was conversing with Madam Delacour and Mrs. Weasley and the owner of the shop.
"Ah, and it isn't only humans- elf females are like this too," Harry said ruefully.
"Don't even get started on women," Remus advised.
"Ah, he pines for May!" cried Sirius dramatically. Remus rolled his eyes and growled a low wolf growl. Sirius gave him his own dog growl.
"Now behave like good little doggies," Harry commanded. He received two glares. "Fine then."
"Okay, first order of business is the men's outfits!" Fleur announced. "Green robes would be extremely tacky. I vote for very deep blue so that unless looking closely, you see black!"
"Here, here!" chorused the twins. Angelina and Alicia rolled their eyes in unison and then shared fond smiles.
"Fred, George, you two first," Fleur said, smiling at her soon-to-be- brothers. They walked up obediently.
About an hour later only Ron and Harry were left to be fitted. "Perfect!" cried Fleur as they stood. Their robes were a deep blue- like al the others. But each man had different trimmings. Ron's was a gold that made his hair show golden tints. Harry's was a jade green that accented his eyes.
After that they worked on the ushers. It was decided that the men would wear the same as those in the wedding party. So Remus and Sirius made a few cracks while they were being fitted. Sirius chose a bit lighter blue trim and Remus a color that matched his orb-like eyes to perfection.
"Tonks!" called Fleur. She appeared at her elbow. "What should we do about May?"
"Send her with Bill," Tonks advised. Fleur clapped her hands.
"Excellent idea! Now then, here, try this on."
The girls were to wear dresses, not robes. This was how it was with all wizarding weddings. The men wore robes and the women usually older- fashioned dresses.
Tonks and Mel quickly agreed with their dresses. They were pale green silk. The tops clung a bit loosely to their willowy frames and the back were scooped out with the ribbon that tied at their necks falling down across it. The dress clung tightly at the hips and then the skirt was plaited and flowed to their knees, slanting.
Harry and Ron were playing cards with Hermione and Ginny by the dressing rooms and were the only ones to see them. "Won't Sirius and Charlie be surprised," Harry whispered softly.
"No duh," Ron agreed. It was then they heard Fred and George calling them so they left the girls to be fitted.
"Alright," Fleur said, sitting in Ron's vacated seat. "Now that those two are gone, it is time to get your dresses. They must be surprised when they see you in them! It will only increase their burning desire for you two." Hermione blushed and Ginny sighed.
"Unfortunately, Harry only has brotherly eyes for me," she said longingly.
"Ah, just as you are over him?" question Fleur with raised brows. Ginny blushed.
"I never said I wouldn't go out with him or I wouldn't love to snog him," she muttered. "I simply decided not to pine for him."
"Sure," Fleur said knowingly. "Well, is he does have, how you say, "brotherly eyes" for you, after he sees you in your dress, he will not think it any longer."
"And what magic dress is that?" asked Ginny. Fleur held out two pale blue dresses. Hermione and Ginny proceeded to change.
Hermione came out first. She found that Sirius and Remus were now talking to Fleur and Arianna. They all looked up and let their eyes skim her. The pale blue made her hair look darker and her skin a tad paler. They noticed she had a few light colored freckles that dusted her shoulders.
The pale blue material seemed like silk, but somehow different. It hugged her curves to her hips where a darker blue sash ties in the front. After that it floated out slowly until it reached the ground.
"Which sleeves?" asked Hermione, uncomfortable form their scrutiny. One arm of the gown went all the way down as a funnel sleeve. The other was nothing. The back was like that of the usher dresses and two pieces of silk tied it together.
"The funnel ones are sophisticated," Fleur said slowly. "The other is young and is matches the ushers."
"I say the less the better," Elle announced. "Besides, Ron will like it better." Hermione's face went a deep scarlet.
"I haven't let THAT much loose," she muttered. Sirius and Remus both quickly hid their laughter. She shot them deathly glares. "Fine, I'll go with the turn-Ron-on route." Elle smiled at Fleur who winked.
"Ginny!" called Fleur. "What are you doing!" They heard Ginny sigh and open the door to her changing room.
"Happy?" she asked. There was a pink tint to her cheeks showing that she was doing her best not to blush. Sirius and Remus exchanged wide-eyed looks. The females gathered stared long and hard at Ginny. She squirmed. "I know, I know. I look horrible."
"How could you possibly. wow," was all Mel managed to get out. "Wow."
The blue silk, however flattering on Hermione, looked to be made for Ginny and her willowy frame. It made her hair seem brighter and her very pale skin look perfect with it. Her shoulders were littered with reddish brown freckles that matched those sprinkled over her nose. Fleur had magically changed the gown when Hermione had chosen the sleeve type.
The blue silk cascaded elegantly to her thin hips where a darker blue silk formed a V. After that, the blue silk flowed flawlessly to the floor. As she heard the door on her changing room bang shut, she spun around in surprise. Now they saw that the scooping back showed off her back incredibly nice. There were freckles strewn all over her back that added to the effect. The blue silk ties drifted slightly back from her body.
"You look marvelous, Amethyst," Hermione whispered. "Absolutely marvelous." Ginny's blush surfaced.
"You don't have to lie," she muttered, looking down. Her hands played with the dark blue sash she held in her hands. "I couldn't get this on right."
"Hermione, take yours off," Fleur said thoughtfully. Hermione obeyed. "Perfect! We'll lengthen them and they can be shawls of something."
"Wicked," agreed Elle in her very French accent. This caused all of them (save Fleur) to start laughing.
"Sorry," muttered Remus before cracking up again. Elle glared before shrugging and cracking a smile.
"Now, go change before Harry sees you," Fleur said. "Or one of us French will have to say 'wicked' again." Ginny smiled and held back laughter as she walked back into the changing room.
Soon she and Hermione emerged in their clothes and went with Fleur to look at shoes while Elle and Penelope were fitted. Alicia and Angelina were already waiting. "Fleur, you said white and silver, right?" Alicia asked.
"Yes," Fleur said smiling sweetly. "Black would be tacky, no?"
"Correct you are," Alicia agreed. Angelina nodded as well.
"We have singled out the non slut shoes that are silver and white," Angelina said, gesturing to the expanse of lined shoes behind her.
"Excellent, thank you very much!" Fleur said. "I have no idea what I would do without you all!"
"Have a nervous breakdown?" offered Harry. He was leaning on the wall behind them. They turned to look at him.
"And since when have you been an expert at weddings, Mr. Potter?" asked Hermione, her eyebrow cocked.
"Ah, if only you knew the many weddings I attended in the Elvin Realm," he said, hand on heart. A playful smile donned his lips.
"And were you involved in the planning?" asked Angelina.
"A bit too much at times," he said. Something flashed through his eyes that only Ginny and Hermione caught. The two exchanged looks.
~He's doing it again!~ Ginny thought to Hermione.
~I know, what is with that?~ replied Hermione.
~I'm telling you, he's not going to tell us everything. He doesn't want to. or he can't. or SOMETHING!~
~Gin, I get your frustration, but I didn't need a headache,~ Hermione said sourly. ~And I agree.~
"What about these?" asked Fleur. Ginny and Hermione were jerked from their conversation. Harry was sitting cross legged on the floor, staring at the shoes with fascination.
"Perfect!" cried all the girls.
"I'd advise ones with more stuff to wrap around," Harry said seriously. "Otherwise they may fall off and one of you may trip." They all nodded slowly and hunted down the sizes they needed.
"You can do the growing charm, Angie," Alicia said sweetly.
"Why thanks," was the dry reply. Alicia picked up the first shoe and began her task while they all helped to put the others away.
Ginny ran her hands over her shoes. They were silver and were skinny sandal high heels. There was a double X over the toes and an X around the ankle. There were laces that formed the X and then wound up the leg.
"Virginia," came Grandmama Weasley's sharp voice. "Who picked these out? You?"
"No, Fleur, Alicia, and Angelina," Ginny said through gritted teeth. ~And now, the amazing change in liking of the shoes.~ Ginny sent to Hermione, Harry, and Ron.
"Lovely choice, Fleur!" cried Grandmama Weasley.
~See?~ was Ginny's bitter mind voice.
~What on earth are you on about?~ came Ron. ~What shoes?~
~Get your bloody arse over here and find out!~ cried Harry. Soon Ron appeared at their side.
"Nice shoes, Gin," Ron said, nodding. "A bit. er. sexy?" Ginny and Hermione broke into giggles.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again," Harry said seriously. "Giggling should be illegal."
"Couldn't agree more, mate," Ron agreed.
The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Fred and George left them when they were passing a vacant shop that said FOR SALE in big glittering letters. They promptly went to go make an offer and begin expanding their joke shop.
Finally, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny found themselves in The Layer. "I swear, that woman! I'll KILL her! I will!"
"The part that isn't funny," Harry remarked from his position in a dish chair. "You really could. She has no swordsmanship experience, I'm guessing." There was silence.
"We really will be able to do harm, won't we?" came Hermione's soft voice from the big red chair. She was lying sideways across Ron's lap, legs and neck resting on chair arms.
"Yes," Harry replied.
"What. what will we be able to do though?" Ron asked- his voice soft as well.
"More than you can know," Harry said. "You'll have power."
"But is that good or bad?" asked Ginny from the couch where she was sprawled. Harry sighed.
"It can be both," Harry said. "You all will be powerful and strong; that I do not doubt. But what that power and strength means is up to you. I cannot make you wield what you have been given in the way I wish you to. It will be yours and yours alone. I can only teach you the way I was taught. Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bittersweet."
"Harry," Hermione propped on her elbows.
"Hmm?"
"Why is it so hard?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked. He knew, of course, exactly what she meant, but he chose to leave that unknown to them.
"You know," she said quietly, flopping back. "Why is it so hard for you to tell us all of what happened to you?"
Silence held in the room for a long time.
Finally, Harry drew a shuddering breath. "There was so much. and I. I don't know. I trust you three more than anyone else-more than Sirius and Remus, more than Atonics and Kilala. I just can't say it. I'm not sure how long it will take.."
"Harry," Ginny said softly. "We trust you too."
"You'll tell us when you're good and ready," Ron said. After a few moments he spoke again, shattering the sentimental effect hanging in the air. "But it's damn hard waiting." Harry snorted.
"And I promised to tell you before Bill's wedding. I'll tell you as much as I can," he said. After a few seconds he added something that startled his friends. "I swear on my blood and on my sword. I will tell you all I can. I will."
Nothing more was said as they walked back up to Gryffindor Tower and went to bed. All of their heads buzzed with unsorted thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry watched as Ginny worked her arm muscles. He smiled. "Gin, go through your stances." Swiftly she went through them, without her breath deepening. Harry's smile grew.
"What now?"
"Defenses?" he questioned. Her eyes lit up.
"I get to hold a sword?!"
"Oh, bugger off," he said, grinning. "Take this." She took the sword and her arms dropped with the weight of it. She slowly lifted it up and swung it through the air.
"Bloody heavy," she muttered.
"Sheath it," Harry commanded. She did as told. "Once you unsheathe it fast enough for me, I'll teach you dance patterns. After you've mastered that, I'll let you learn defenses."
"You bloody prat," Ginny snapped. "You got me al excited!"
"Ah, but now you have motivation," he said. Ginny shrugged and moved to draw her sword. Harry stifled laughter as she clumsily got it part way out before it fell of its own accord and dirt rose around it.
"Damn," she muttered. Harry smiled and walked over to where Hermione was practicing archery. Harry walked over to join her and Atonics.
"Ah, my little Jistone!" cried Atonics. Harry smiled, clearly amused.
"Ah, my little Head Magician!"
"Get to work," ordered Atonics. Harry nodded and moved further away. He summoned a bow and quiver and then he summoned a moving bull's-eye about one inch every way. It flew around the sky as Harry drew his bow.
Taking careful aim, Harry shot. He continued to do so. It was much slower than what Hermione was doing over at her traditional target, but Harry continued the slow pace and had slightly increased by the time he knew it was breakfast. One third of his arrows were strew across the field. Silently he got them all and placed them in the quiver.
"TIME!" he yelled. The elves hurried back to the castle whilst the Marauders stayed behind.
"So, anyone up for a bit of fun?" asked Ron.
"Animagi," they all chorused. They quickly transformed. Hermione easily became her elegant eagle, Ron his long-eared owl, Ginny her small purple-eyed cat, and Harry his startling grey wolf. They bounded around the field for a while.
Harry chased Ginny while Hermione did the same to Ron. Soon, the two birds were attacking the cat and wolf. Harry quickly became a handsome falcon and waited for Amethyst to perch between his wings. Once she was situated, they headed for their friends and chased them all the way to the school.
Without noticing they flew into the Great Hall, still playing chase. Amethyst hissed playfully at Quill while Nightly hooted at Lightning. Lightning suddenly halted and got his bearings. Then, he flew quickly from the Hall. Quill and Nightly right behind him.
Ten minutes later, when Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny entered the Great Hall, the chatter of the odd birds and the cat was just dying down. A few knowing glances were sent to them form mentors and the DA.
Reminded of his latest decision, Harry pulled out his coin and changed the numbers on it. Soon, everyone in the DA was fishing out a galleon from their robes or bags.
"Tactless," murmured Hermione. Neville and Luna nodded in agreement. Both their warm coins remained in their pockets. Malfoy paused at the table as he left.
"May want to tell them that someone is bound to catch on," he said quietly before continuing. Raanan flashed a grin at them before following his boyfriend.
"Ah, the wonders of a Slytherin," Luna said wisely. They all cracked grins and she gave them her blank look for a minute before collapsing in giggles.
"Right then," Ron said, giving her a weird look.
"I know," Ginny said wisely to Luna. "It happened to me and Mione as well. Annoying, aren't they? Hormones really do suck."
"Practice!" cried Ron and Harry. They led the Gryffindor team t the pitch, Luna following.
"What's a Ravenclaw doing here?" asked Raina curiously.
"She's going to be a Keeper for us," Harry said. "Oh, and I've been meaning to se McGonagall. Ron, you start practice, I'll be back."
Harry took off on his Firebolt before Ron could say anything. He flew quickly to the window of McGonagall's office and rapped on the window. She looked up from grading papers. Her eyes narrowed and she pursed her lips. Promptly she opened the window.
"Mr. Potter?!"
"May I come in?" he asked. She nodded and moved back. He slid off of his broom and onto the ledge. Then he slipped inside, broomstick hovering by the window. McGonagall shut the cool air out.
"Yes?" she said, eyebrows raised. "Something must be of dire importance, for an entrance like that."
"I have a proposition," Harry said carefully. "It's going to be really weird and I know it's never been done before in Gryffindor but I'd love to give it a shot."
"Out with it."
"Well, I was wondering if Ron and I could be co-captains," Harry stated.
"As you know, Ravenclaw has co-captains this year and Hufflepuff has many times in the past," McGonagall replied.
"Um, yes, well, I know that. Cho and Greg are the Ravenclaws. Cho's in the DA and all."
"Mmm, and she kissed you last year," McGonagall pointed out. Harry went extremely red and looked at the ground.
"How?!"
"Ah, you forget that Albus has begun training me as his successor. Lately he has hinted many times at taking a few years leave to have a nice vacation," McGonagall said. "And, one day, he will no longer be here."
"Yes, well, I have this very reliable feeling Grandfather will be here a bit longer than you imagine," Harry said. "About the co-captains?"
"It's about time Gryffindor had a pair. I believe you'll wish to tell Mr. Weasley?" she said briskly. Harry grinned.
"Thanks," he said happily. He turned to leave.
"Oh, and Harry?"
"Yes?" Harry turned back, hand on the window.
"Do think carefully about who you wish to share your next kiss with. Try seeing things from many points of view. Perhaps ones you never thought of," McGonagall advised. Harry stared for a moment, itching to prob her mind.
As Harry got on his broom, he let himself have a quick peek. 'She was talking about Ginny,' he thought as he made his way slowly back to the pitch. 'Everything always comes back to her. If only... well, no matter, it's not only.'
"Oi, Ron!" called Harry. He flew to the poles. "Thought you might want to know that we're co-captains. Oh, hey, there's the snitch!" Harry sped away after the little gold ball, leaving Ron to contemplate hs words.
"HARRY! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" Harry flew over to Ron, clutching the snitch.
"Most definitely," he said. "You see, you are a strategist. I've known that since that giant chess set of McGonagall's. Me? I'm more of a person who sees things others miss. I can see flaws or things we need to perfect. You can make strategies. Also, I can organize and you can keep them organized. We're the perfect captains."
"I- wow," Ron breathed.
"Oi, quidditch players! This is your other captain! See, there's two of us! Now let's get back to it!" After a few moments of registering and understanding what Harry said, the team cheered and Hermione gave him a kiss.
"No kissing in quidditch," Ron said gruffly, though he had clearly enjoyed the public display of affection.
"Oi, BACK TO PRACTICE!" yelled Harry. Soon, they were at it again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was the day before the rehearsal dinner for Bill and Fleur's wedding. They were back at Number 12 Grammauld Place. Harry and Ron were waiting for Ginny and Hermione to get done dressing. Finally they came out. Both wore muggle blue jeans and tank tops in their magic's color. They had jean jackets over their arms.
"You took half an HOUR- for that?" cried Ron. They glared at him. "Sorry."
"We have the bachelorette party," Ginny said, sticking out her tongue. "Don't think you boys get to have all of the fun." Harry shrugged. It was true; he and Ron were going to the bachelor's party that night. No one wanted anyone wasted for the day of the wedding so the party's were earlier.
"Hey, want to practice?" asked Harry.
"Not quidditch," the girls said in unison. "Or DA." They had just finished a DA meeting and quidditch practice. Harry and Ron grinned.
"No, fighting," Harry said. "Hermione, show Ron how to draw a bow or fletch arrows her something." Hermione shrugged and got her bow and quiver. She set to work showing Ron the different parts.
Harry turned to Ginny who had already fastened her scabbard on her waist. "Watch." In a flash she had drawn her sword and assumed a position. Harry smiled.
"Perfect. Next time we'll start dance patterns."
"Why not now?"
"I'm going to teach you to shoot a bow and arrow," Harry said. As Hermione showed Ron, Harry showed Ginny. They killed all the time they had.
"See you," they said in unison.
"If you need anything use mental talking," Harry reminded them as he and Ron Flooed to the Burrow. Hermione and Ginny went to Fleur and Bill's flat in France by way of three Floo stops.
Harry gave Ginny a smile, hoping to keep her spirits up. She had walked at the back of the large group since they'd left the Three Broomsticks. Every now and again Grandmama Weasley would call out something to her. Ginny's fists would clench and then release. He noticed her use their seven second breathing technique.
He dropped back. "You all right?" asked Harry softly. She sighed.
"I'm well, I guess," she muttered.
"Where are we going anyways?" he asked as they continued to walk.
"The bridal shop. It's down here somewhere. Grandmama and Mum will make Bill leave while Fleur finds a wedding dress. We'll all be stuck there- bored. The only thing that'll be different from my cousins wedding is how large the wedding party is going to be."
"How many and who?" asked Harry nervously. He had no idea exactly what he was doing. The only weddings he'd ever been to- let alone been IN- were all that of elves.
"You seem so scared! Well, Bill wants all of us Weasleys and he says you and Mione are basically Weasleys so that's seven groomsmen and two bridesmaids right there," Ginny said. Neither of them noticed the latest comment from Grandmama Weasley. "And then we have Fleur's sister- Gabrielle (Elle(I LOVE you Rain Warrior)) and her brother Mario-"
"Fleur's got a brother?!" Harry exclaimed. (I made him up.)Ginny laughed.
"Yes, he's six right now."
"Wow," he muttered. "Well, keep going."
"Alright," Ginny said sweetly. "Fleur's sister is maid of honor. Charlie's best man. Mario will be the ring barer. Then Fleur said to match all of the remaining groomsmen up they should go with their assorted girlfriends. Now this is very risky in case they break up."
"Ah, I see. Then someone may have hostile feelings towards her wedding pictures," Harry said seriously. Ginny rolled her eyes and stifled a laugh.
"So that leaves me and you without a partner. We got landed with the other."
"You say it like it's a bad thing."
"It is," Ginny retorted.
"Shove off!" he cried. Ginny squealed as she fell in a mud puddle.
"Virginia! Women do NOT play in mud," cried Grandmama Weasley. Ginny sent Harry a seething look. He shrugged sorrowfully. After he had pulled her to her feet he slowly circled her. "We cannot have you going into a bridal shop looking like a pig!"
"Lightning, what ARE you doing?" Ginny asked, ignoring her grandmother.
"Just shut up a moment, Amethyst." Grandmama Weasley looked confused for a moment before she continued her ranting. "Alright, hold still." Ginny furrowed her brows at him. He muttered a spell.
Suddenly Ginny wore a short black and red checkered skirt, black peasant shirt, and black high heels. In her hand she clutched the unused black umbrella. Everything was perfectly clean.
"Thanks," Ginny said. "I don't own these clothes."
"That's why I made you hold still. Summoning an outfit from our mind and then creating it takes concentration. It takes even more to draw an image from someone else's mind. I could have had you starkers in a second if you'd moved."
"Wouldn't you like that?"
"Virginia!"
"Sorry, Grandmama," Ginny said dully.
"Your clothes are that of a renoliro." Ginny scrunched her nose. Grandmama stomped off.
"What?"
"That's Ancient Mermadize for chicken," Ginny said.
"And for, er, prostitute," Harry said, grinning. Ginny went red.
"If she thinks I'm bad, wait until she sees Tonks!"
"By the way, what'll Tonks do?" Harry asked as they neared the shop. They could see a person sitting on a bench with a newspaper. The ripped tights and boots would hint at it being Tonks but the pink hair gave it away.
"She, Mel, Sirius, and Remus will be in wedding pictures but they're the ushers," Ginny said absently. "So is Aunt Mayraline."
"Mayraline?" questioned Harry.
"Yeah, she's Mum's sister," Ginny told him. "She's Sirius's age."
"Mayraline?" asked Remus, dropping back. "Mayraline Laux?"
"Yeah, that's Mum's maiden name. Her sister isn't married," Ginny said, giving Remus a weird look. He stared and then started cracking up.
"Moony?" asked Sirius dropping back.
"I'll tell you later," Remus said. He had stopped laughing. Now he plunked next to Tonks on the bench and put his arm around her. "Wotcher, Tonks."
"Someone mentioned May?" asked Tonks as she set down her paper. Sirius shrugged and Ginny and Harry traded looks. "Wotcher everyone!"
Charlie grinned and pulled her to her feet. He gave her a sweet kiss. She wore a short black and white stripped skirt with ripped red tights and black rain boots. Her shirt was black with a red star in the center. Her bubble gum hair was in two shirt pigtails.
"Grandmama, this is Tonks. Tonks, this is Grandmama," Charlie said. Remus cleared his throat. "Yes, Remus?"
"She's Nymphadora Tonks," he said smugly. Mel rolled her eyes.
"It's very nice to meet you Nymphadora," Grandmama said. Tonks smiled at her.
"Thanks, but please call me Tonks," she said.
"I think I see a dress through the window that would look WONDERFUL on you. I think it may even fit your sense of style!" cried Grandmama walking into the store. They all followed. Right away they noticed Fleur's sister and brother sitting in two chairs.
~She likes TONKS'S style! She didn't say ANYTHING mean to her! Nothing about 'looking like a proper lady or anything!"~ Ginny scream- thought to the other Marauders.
~Ginny, calm down,~ Ron said. ~Take a deep breath.~
~Have you ever tried telling her that you don't like it when she does this?~ asked Harry.
~Are we still talking about the same frightening woman?~ snapped Ginny. Harry sighed.
~Come on, let's find you a dress,~ Hermione said softly.
"Fleur, what colors did you choose?" asked Ginny out loud.
"Blues and greens," she replied. "I knew red heads look good in those colors. That seems to be the dominant hair color."
"Plus," Elle said. "Silver veela hair looks remarkably good with them too. Hello, Harry. Pleasure seeing you out of the lake. You seem much less wet." Harry looked at her for a while before grinning.
"And you seem a bit taller."
"I don't think I like your joke," she announced, standing up.
"I'm truly hurt, Madam Delacour," Harry said, a hand over his heart. She flashed him a grin.
"Come along Elle," Fleur said, rolling her eyes. "I have told you a million times that you are not going to go out with Harry. You are going to go out with Bonamy." Elle rolled her eyes.
"Come on, we should find you a dress," Elle said. She cast a look at Harry. He smiled ruefully.
"I'd ask you if I were allowed," he said sweetly-the same smile still twisting his lips. Elle laughed lightly at the joke she had found in his words. Harry's smile slowly morphed into a real one as she walked away.
"Flirting with such young ones," Charlie said, slipping an arm over his shoulder. "Bill and I may have to give you the old brother to little brother talk."
"Thanks, but I'm already dreading when Sirius and Remus decide who gets to give me the sex talk," Harry said. Charlie laughed. "Obviously you have no idea how frightening the prospect is. You may want to hope that you never do find out."
"Ah, spoken like a true sex talk virgin," Charlie said wistfully.
"That sounds completely wrong," Harry stated, slipping out form under Charlie's arm.
"That would be Charlie," Percy commented, coming over.
"And how on earth would you get that?" asked Charlie innocently.
"Like we don't all know who gave Fred and George their first dungbomb?" Percy asked with raised eyebrows. Charlie shrugged.
"And now look what they've become," Harry said, pointing. "Successful businessmen. Sure you don't want the glory of that dungbomb, Percy?" Percy rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Harry slowly reached out and probed his mind. 'Acting?! He's acting?! Well, he's a bloody good actor!' "You may want to make that acting thing your career." With that, Harry strolled away from the two older Weasley boys and met up with Ron.
"Why do they do this?" asked Ron, gesturing to Hermione and Ginny. They were laughing with Fleur, Arianna, and the rest of the girls/women gathered. Grandmama Weasley was conversing with Madam Delacour and Mrs. Weasley and the owner of the shop.
"Ah, and it isn't only humans- elf females are like this too," Harry said ruefully.
"Don't even get started on women," Remus advised.
"Ah, he pines for May!" cried Sirius dramatically. Remus rolled his eyes and growled a low wolf growl. Sirius gave him his own dog growl.
"Now behave like good little doggies," Harry commanded. He received two glares. "Fine then."
"Okay, first order of business is the men's outfits!" Fleur announced. "Green robes would be extremely tacky. I vote for very deep blue so that unless looking closely, you see black!"
"Here, here!" chorused the twins. Angelina and Alicia rolled their eyes in unison and then shared fond smiles.
"Fred, George, you two first," Fleur said, smiling at her soon-to-be- brothers. They walked up obediently.
About an hour later only Ron and Harry were left to be fitted. "Perfect!" cried Fleur as they stood. Their robes were a deep blue- like al the others. But each man had different trimmings. Ron's was a gold that made his hair show golden tints. Harry's was a jade green that accented his eyes.
After that they worked on the ushers. It was decided that the men would wear the same as those in the wedding party. So Remus and Sirius made a few cracks while they were being fitted. Sirius chose a bit lighter blue trim and Remus a color that matched his orb-like eyes to perfection.
"Tonks!" called Fleur. She appeared at her elbow. "What should we do about May?"
"Send her with Bill," Tonks advised. Fleur clapped her hands.
"Excellent idea! Now then, here, try this on."
The girls were to wear dresses, not robes. This was how it was with all wizarding weddings. The men wore robes and the women usually older- fashioned dresses.
Tonks and Mel quickly agreed with their dresses. They were pale green silk. The tops clung a bit loosely to their willowy frames and the back were scooped out with the ribbon that tied at their necks falling down across it. The dress clung tightly at the hips and then the skirt was plaited and flowed to their knees, slanting.
Harry and Ron were playing cards with Hermione and Ginny by the dressing rooms and were the only ones to see them. "Won't Sirius and Charlie be surprised," Harry whispered softly.
"No duh," Ron agreed. It was then they heard Fred and George calling them so they left the girls to be fitted.
"Alright," Fleur said, sitting in Ron's vacated seat. "Now that those two are gone, it is time to get your dresses. They must be surprised when they see you in them! It will only increase their burning desire for you two." Hermione blushed and Ginny sighed.
"Unfortunately, Harry only has brotherly eyes for me," she said longingly.
"Ah, just as you are over him?" question Fleur with raised brows. Ginny blushed.
"I never said I wouldn't go out with him or I wouldn't love to snog him," she muttered. "I simply decided not to pine for him."
"Sure," Fleur said knowingly. "Well, is he does have, how you say, "brotherly eyes" for you, after he sees you in your dress, he will not think it any longer."
"And what magic dress is that?" asked Ginny. Fleur held out two pale blue dresses. Hermione and Ginny proceeded to change.
Hermione came out first. She found that Sirius and Remus were now talking to Fleur and Arianna. They all looked up and let their eyes skim her. The pale blue made her hair look darker and her skin a tad paler. They noticed she had a few light colored freckles that dusted her shoulders.
The pale blue material seemed like silk, but somehow different. It hugged her curves to her hips where a darker blue sash ties in the front. After that it floated out slowly until it reached the ground.
"Which sleeves?" asked Hermione, uncomfortable form their scrutiny. One arm of the gown went all the way down as a funnel sleeve. The other was nothing. The back was like that of the usher dresses and two pieces of silk tied it together.
"The funnel ones are sophisticated," Fleur said slowly. "The other is young and is matches the ushers."
"I say the less the better," Elle announced. "Besides, Ron will like it better." Hermione's face went a deep scarlet.
"I haven't let THAT much loose," she muttered. Sirius and Remus both quickly hid their laughter. She shot them deathly glares. "Fine, I'll go with the turn-Ron-on route." Elle smiled at Fleur who winked.
"Ginny!" called Fleur. "What are you doing!" They heard Ginny sigh and open the door to her changing room.
"Happy?" she asked. There was a pink tint to her cheeks showing that she was doing her best not to blush. Sirius and Remus exchanged wide-eyed looks. The females gathered stared long and hard at Ginny. She squirmed. "I know, I know. I look horrible."
"How could you possibly. wow," was all Mel managed to get out. "Wow."
The blue silk, however flattering on Hermione, looked to be made for Ginny and her willowy frame. It made her hair seem brighter and her very pale skin look perfect with it. Her shoulders were littered with reddish brown freckles that matched those sprinkled over her nose. Fleur had magically changed the gown when Hermione had chosen the sleeve type.
The blue silk cascaded elegantly to her thin hips where a darker blue silk formed a V. After that, the blue silk flowed flawlessly to the floor. As she heard the door on her changing room bang shut, she spun around in surprise. Now they saw that the scooping back showed off her back incredibly nice. There were freckles strewn all over her back that added to the effect. The blue silk ties drifted slightly back from her body.
"You look marvelous, Amethyst," Hermione whispered. "Absolutely marvelous." Ginny's blush surfaced.
"You don't have to lie," she muttered, looking down. Her hands played with the dark blue sash she held in her hands. "I couldn't get this on right."
"Hermione, take yours off," Fleur said thoughtfully. Hermione obeyed. "Perfect! We'll lengthen them and they can be shawls of something."
"Wicked," agreed Elle in her very French accent. This caused all of them (save Fleur) to start laughing.
"Sorry," muttered Remus before cracking up again. Elle glared before shrugging and cracking a smile.
"Now, go change before Harry sees you," Fleur said. "Or one of us French will have to say 'wicked' again." Ginny smiled and held back laughter as she walked back into the changing room.
Soon she and Hermione emerged in their clothes and went with Fleur to look at shoes while Elle and Penelope were fitted. Alicia and Angelina were already waiting. "Fleur, you said white and silver, right?" Alicia asked.
"Yes," Fleur said smiling sweetly. "Black would be tacky, no?"
"Correct you are," Alicia agreed. Angelina nodded as well.
"We have singled out the non slut shoes that are silver and white," Angelina said, gesturing to the expanse of lined shoes behind her.
"Excellent, thank you very much!" Fleur said. "I have no idea what I would do without you all!"
"Have a nervous breakdown?" offered Harry. He was leaning on the wall behind them. They turned to look at him.
"And since when have you been an expert at weddings, Mr. Potter?" asked Hermione, her eyebrow cocked.
"Ah, if only you knew the many weddings I attended in the Elvin Realm," he said, hand on heart. A playful smile donned his lips.
"And were you involved in the planning?" asked Angelina.
"A bit too much at times," he said. Something flashed through his eyes that only Ginny and Hermione caught. The two exchanged looks.
~He's doing it again!~ Ginny thought to Hermione.
~I know, what is with that?~ replied Hermione.
~I'm telling you, he's not going to tell us everything. He doesn't want to. or he can't. or SOMETHING!~
~Gin, I get your frustration, but I didn't need a headache,~ Hermione said sourly. ~And I agree.~
"What about these?" asked Fleur. Ginny and Hermione were jerked from their conversation. Harry was sitting cross legged on the floor, staring at the shoes with fascination.
"Perfect!" cried all the girls.
"I'd advise ones with more stuff to wrap around," Harry said seriously. "Otherwise they may fall off and one of you may trip." They all nodded slowly and hunted down the sizes they needed.
"You can do the growing charm, Angie," Alicia said sweetly.
"Why thanks," was the dry reply. Alicia picked up the first shoe and began her task while they all helped to put the others away.
Ginny ran her hands over her shoes. They were silver and were skinny sandal high heels. There was a double X over the toes and an X around the ankle. There were laces that formed the X and then wound up the leg.
"Virginia," came Grandmama Weasley's sharp voice. "Who picked these out? You?"
"No, Fleur, Alicia, and Angelina," Ginny said through gritted teeth. ~And now, the amazing change in liking of the shoes.~ Ginny sent to Hermione, Harry, and Ron.
"Lovely choice, Fleur!" cried Grandmama Weasley.
~See?~ was Ginny's bitter mind voice.
~What on earth are you on about?~ came Ron. ~What shoes?~
~Get your bloody arse over here and find out!~ cried Harry. Soon Ron appeared at their side.
"Nice shoes, Gin," Ron said, nodding. "A bit. er. sexy?" Ginny and Hermione broke into giggles.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again," Harry said seriously. "Giggling should be illegal."
"Couldn't agree more, mate," Ron agreed.
The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Fred and George left them when they were passing a vacant shop that said FOR SALE in big glittering letters. They promptly went to go make an offer and begin expanding their joke shop.
Finally, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny found themselves in The Layer. "I swear, that woman! I'll KILL her! I will!"
"The part that isn't funny," Harry remarked from his position in a dish chair. "You really could. She has no swordsmanship experience, I'm guessing." There was silence.
"We really will be able to do harm, won't we?" came Hermione's soft voice from the big red chair. She was lying sideways across Ron's lap, legs and neck resting on chair arms.
"Yes," Harry replied.
"What. what will we be able to do though?" Ron asked- his voice soft as well.
"More than you can know," Harry said. "You'll have power."
"But is that good or bad?" asked Ginny from the couch where she was sprawled. Harry sighed.
"It can be both," Harry said. "You all will be powerful and strong; that I do not doubt. But what that power and strength means is up to you. I cannot make you wield what you have been given in the way I wish you to. It will be yours and yours alone. I can only teach you the way I was taught. Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bittersweet."
"Harry," Hermione propped on her elbows.
"Hmm?"
"Why is it so hard?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked. He knew, of course, exactly what she meant, but he chose to leave that unknown to them.
"You know," she said quietly, flopping back. "Why is it so hard for you to tell us all of what happened to you?"
Silence held in the room for a long time.
Finally, Harry drew a shuddering breath. "There was so much. and I. I don't know. I trust you three more than anyone else-more than Sirius and Remus, more than Atonics and Kilala. I just can't say it. I'm not sure how long it will take.."
"Harry," Ginny said softly. "We trust you too."
"You'll tell us when you're good and ready," Ron said. After a few moments he spoke again, shattering the sentimental effect hanging in the air. "But it's damn hard waiting." Harry snorted.
"And I promised to tell you before Bill's wedding. I'll tell you as much as I can," he said. After a few seconds he added something that startled his friends. "I swear on my blood and on my sword. I will tell you all I can. I will."
Nothing more was said as they walked back up to Gryffindor Tower and went to bed. All of their heads buzzed with unsorted thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry watched as Ginny worked her arm muscles. He smiled. "Gin, go through your stances." Swiftly she went through them, without her breath deepening. Harry's smile grew.
"What now?"
"Defenses?" he questioned. Her eyes lit up.
"I get to hold a sword?!"
"Oh, bugger off," he said, grinning. "Take this." She took the sword and her arms dropped with the weight of it. She slowly lifted it up and swung it through the air.
"Bloody heavy," she muttered.
"Sheath it," Harry commanded. She did as told. "Once you unsheathe it fast enough for me, I'll teach you dance patterns. After you've mastered that, I'll let you learn defenses."
"You bloody prat," Ginny snapped. "You got me al excited!"
"Ah, but now you have motivation," he said. Ginny shrugged and moved to draw her sword. Harry stifled laughter as she clumsily got it part way out before it fell of its own accord and dirt rose around it.
"Damn," she muttered. Harry smiled and walked over to where Hermione was practicing archery. Harry walked over to join her and Atonics.
"Ah, my little Jistone!" cried Atonics. Harry smiled, clearly amused.
"Ah, my little Head Magician!"
"Get to work," ordered Atonics. Harry nodded and moved further away. He summoned a bow and quiver and then he summoned a moving bull's-eye about one inch every way. It flew around the sky as Harry drew his bow.
Taking careful aim, Harry shot. He continued to do so. It was much slower than what Hermione was doing over at her traditional target, but Harry continued the slow pace and had slightly increased by the time he knew it was breakfast. One third of his arrows were strew across the field. Silently he got them all and placed them in the quiver.
"TIME!" he yelled. The elves hurried back to the castle whilst the Marauders stayed behind.
"So, anyone up for a bit of fun?" asked Ron.
"Animagi," they all chorused. They quickly transformed. Hermione easily became her elegant eagle, Ron his long-eared owl, Ginny her small purple-eyed cat, and Harry his startling grey wolf. They bounded around the field for a while.
Harry chased Ginny while Hermione did the same to Ron. Soon, the two birds were attacking the cat and wolf. Harry quickly became a handsome falcon and waited for Amethyst to perch between his wings. Once she was situated, they headed for their friends and chased them all the way to the school.
Without noticing they flew into the Great Hall, still playing chase. Amethyst hissed playfully at Quill while Nightly hooted at Lightning. Lightning suddenly halted and got his bearings. Then, he flew quickly from the Hall. Quill and Nightly right behind him.
Ten minutes later, when Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny entered the Great Hall, the chatter of the odd birds and the cat was just dying down. A few knowing glances were sent to them form mentors and the DA.
Reminded of his latest decision, Harry pulled out his coin and changed the numbers on it. Soon, everyone in the DA was fishing out a galleon from their robes or bags.
"Tactless," murmured Hermione. Neville and Luna nodded in agreement. Both their warm coins remained in their pockets. Malfoy paused at the table as he left.
"May want to tell them that someone is bound to catch on," he said quietly before continuing. Raanan flashed a grin at them before following his boyfriend.
"Ah, the wonders of a Slytherin," Luna said wisely. They all cracked grins and she gave them her blank look for a minute before collapsing in giggles.
"Right then," Ron said, giving her a weird look.
"I know," Ginny said wisely to Luna. "It happened to me and Mione as well. Annoying, aren't they? Hormones really do suck."
"Practice!" cried Ron and Harry. They led the Gryffindor team t the pitch, Luna following.
"What's a Ravenclaw doing here?" asked Raina curiously.
"She's going to be a Keeper for us," Harry said. "Oh, and I've been meaning to se McGonagall. Ron, you start practice, I'll be back."
Harry took off on his Firebolt before Ron could say anything. He flew quickly to the window of McGonagall's office and rapped on the window. She looked up from grading papers. Her eyes narrowed and she pursed her lips. Promptly she opened the window.
"Mr. Potter?!"
"May I come in?" he asked. She nodded and moved back. He slid off of his broom and onto the ledge. Then he slipped inside, broomstick hovering by the window. McGonagall shut the cool air out.
"Yes?" she said, eyebrows raised. "Something must be of dire importance, for an entrance like that."
"I have a proposition," Harry said carefully. "It's going to be really weird and I know it's never been done before in Gryffindor but I'd love to give it a shot."
"Out with it."
"Well, I was wondering if Ron and I could be co-captains," Harry stated.
"As you know, Ravenclaw has co-captains this year and Hufflepuff has many times in the past," McGonagall replied.
"Um, yes, well, I know that. Cho and Greg are the Ravenclaws. Cho's in the DA and all."
"Mmm, and she kissed you last year," McGonagall pointed out. Harry went extremely red and looked at the ground.
"How?!"
"Ah, you forget that Albus has begun training me as his successor. Lately he has hinted many times at taking a few years leave to have a nice vacation," McGonagall said. "And, one day, he will no longer be here."
"Yes, well, I have this very reliable feeling Grandfather will be here a bit longer than you imagine," Harry said. "About the co-captains?"
"It's about time Gryffindor had a pair. I believe you'll wish to tell Mr. Weasley?" she said briskly. Harry grinned.
"Thanks," he said happily. He turned to leave.
"Oh, and Harry?"
"Yes?" Harry turned back, hand on the window.
"Do think carefully about who you wish to share your next kiss with. Try seeing things from many points of view. Perhaps ones you never thought of," McGonagall advised. Harry stared for a moment, itching to prob her mind.
As Harry got on his broom, he let himself have a quick peek. 'She was talking about Ginny,' he thought as he made his way slowly back to the pitch. 'Everything always comes back to her. If only... well, no matter, it's not only.'
"Oi, Ron!" called Harry. He flew to the poles. "Thought you might want to know that we're co-captains. Oh, hey, there's the snitch!" Harry sped away after the little gold ball, leaving Ron to contemplate hs words.
"HARRY! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" Harry flew over to Ron, clutching the snitch.
"Most definitely," he said. "You see, you are a strategist. I've known that since that giant chess set of McGonagall's. Me? I'm more of a person who sees things others miss. I can see flaws or things we need to perfect. You can make strategies. Also, I can organize and you can keep them organized. We're the perfect captains."
"I- wow," Ron breathed.
"Oi, quidditch players! This is your other captain! See, there's two of us! Now let's get back to it!" After a few moments of registering and understanding what Harry said, the team cheered and Hermione gave him a kiss.
"No kissing in quidditch," Ron said gruffly, though he had clearly enjoyed the public display of affection.
"Oi, BACK TO PRACTICE!" yelled Harry. Soon, they were at it again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was the day before the rehearsal dinner for Bill and Fleur's wedding. They were back at Number 12 Grammauld Place. Harry and Ron were waiting for Ginny and Hermione to get done dressing. Finally they came out. Both wore muggle blue jeans and tank tops in their magic's color. They had jean jackets over their arms.
"You took half an HOUR- for that?" cried Ron. They glared at him. "Sorry."
"We have the bachelorette party," Ginny said, sticking out her tongue. "Don't think you boys get to have all of the fun." Harry shrugged. It was true; he and Ron were going to the bachelor's party that night. No one wanted anyone wasted for the day of the wedding so the party's were earlier.
"Hey, want to practice?" asked Harry.
"Not quidditch," the girls said in unison. "Or DA." They had just finished a DA meeting and quidditch practice. Harry and Ron grinned.
"No, fighting," Harry said. "Hermione, show Ron how to draw a bow or fletch arrows her something." Hermione shrugged and got her bow and quiver. She set to work showing Ron the different parts.
Harry turned to Ginny who had already fastened her scabbard on her waist. "Watch." In a flash she had drawn her sword and assumed a position. Harry smiled.
"Perfect. Next time we'll start dance patterns."
"Why not now?"
"I'm going to teach you to shoot a bow and arrow," Harry said. As Hermione showed Ron, Harry showed Ginny. They killed all the time they had.
"See you," they said in unison.
"If you need anything use mental talking," Harry reminded them as he and Ron Flooed to the Burrow. Hermione and Ginny went to Fleur and Bill's flat in France by way of three Floo stops.