Weeell... this chapter is long. (I want the cookies delivered to my door. ;)) In fact, I think it is one of the longest chapters I have ever written. Not too much happens in this, but something is brewing. Anyway, there should be a PG15 or something rating on this story after this chapter, but it's not so I'm going to stick with PG13 for now. If you think it should be changed, let me know. Oh and, if you review I might let you share my cookies!
JK owns it. I don't.
edit: I have done some minor changes. Not much, just the teeniest tiniest bit at the end. )
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29/07/00

Good morning! Because it truly is a good morning! I woke up two minutes ago, and I woke up in Harry's bed! And all I have to say is: whoah! Talk about change in plans. Yesterday I was ready to 'break up' with him, and now I am in his bed. It makes me scared to think about what could have happened if Harry hadn't stopped me. Very scared. Thank goodness he managed to stop me before I left, though. Oh I am so happy I could burst. If I should die right now I'd go down with a smile on my face. (Oooo... mushy!) Harry is awake, I think. At least he's not here, and I can hear someone singing in the kitchen. I think I will go say hi. Just had to jot this down first. Well... later.

---

Ginny got out of bed and had just started dressing when she noticed one of Harry's t-shirts next to the bed. It was old and worn with a faded 'Potter' on the chest, and 'Seeker' on the back. She grinned to herself and put it on, taking in the scent of him. The wonderful smell of cologne and Harry that made her weak at the knees. Not bothering to put on any pants, she hadn't heard Ron come home, she walked into the kitchen where Harry was in the middle of making breakfast. She watched him for a little while, then walked up behind him, put her arms around his waist and hugged him.

"Well good morning," he said and turned around. He pulled her close. "I was sure you'd never get up."

Ginny smiled and played idly with the hair at the nape of his neck. "I need my beauty sleep," she said and laughed when Harry snorted. "Besides," she added, "someome decided to keep me up all night so that I couldn't sleep."

Harry grinned wickedly. "Oh really now? And who is this awful person?"

"I wouldn't exactly say awful." She returned the grin. "More like... it was worth it."

Harry looked at her seriously. "You think so?"

She nodded. "Definitely."

"I'm glad." He kissed her softly, then released her. "Nice outfit, by the way," he said as he turned back to breakfast. Ginny sat down by the table, thinking to herself that this was how it should always be. Her waking up in Harry's bed, Harry making her breakfast, while they talked about everything and nothing.

"By the way," Harry said as he flipped some eggs onto a plate, "Ron was here earlier."

Ginny froze. "Ron?"

"Yeah." He handed her the plate. "He came by to get some clothes."

"Did he... ask where I was?"

Harry sat down with his own eggs. "Yeah. He didn't seem too surprised, though. Apparently he thinks we've been... doing it... for ages."

Ginny shook her head in amusement. "Oh Ron. Always the subtle one."

"Yup. Anyway, he asked if I wanted to go to the Three Broomsticks with him tonight. He said he had something to talk to me about. I said it was ok, because he seemed really worried about something. Are you ok with that?"

Ginny tried to hide her disappointment, and nodded. "Of course. Ron is still your best friend, and if you say he sounded worried he probably is. I have some stuff that needs to be done anyway."

"Thank you," Harry said and nudged her foot. "I am available after that, though."

Ginny blushed at the suggestive way in which he said it. "I'll check my calendar," she replied haughtily, and Harry laughed. "I am honoured."

"You should be. I am a very busy girl."

"Yes, of course. Oh well. I'll just have to find someone else, then. Last I heard Lavender and Dean had broken up, so she's probably available."

"Lavender Brown?" Ginny asked incredulously.

"Yes," Harry replied innocently. "Why, you have any problems with that?"

"Damn right I do," she said.

"So I'll see you tonight then?"

"If that's what it takes to keep you away from Lavender Brown, then definitely."

Harry smiled warmly and looked into her eyes. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

Ginny felt her heart skip a beat and rested her head in her hand and looked at him. "Thank you."

---

Ginny came home a few hours later, after a short snogfest with Harry on the sofa, and the promise of a long night together with him once he got back from the Three Broomsticks. She apparated straight into her bedroom, dumped all her clothes from the night before on her bed, then put on something comfortable. She had 'borrowed' Harry's t-shirt, and was now delighting in the feel of being allowed to wear his clothes without people thinking her stupid. Then she grabbed a book from her bedside table and went into the living room. There she found Hermione sitting on the couch looking like she had seen a ghost, and Ginny went to sit down next to her.

"What's the matter?" she asked carefully, hoping nothing bad had happened.

"Ron," was all Hermione managed to get out.

"What? Is anything the matter with Ron?" she asked worriedly, thinking about what Harry had said about Ron earlier that day.

"No, no, nothing wrong," Hermione said then.

"Hermione, for the love of God! What is it?"

"He... proposed," Hermione replied dazedly. "He proposed!"

Ginny laughed and hugged her friend. "He proposed? When?"

Hermione looked at her and nodded. "Yes. And just now! He left about two minutes ago."

"Well congratulations!" Ginny exclaimed. "That's fabulous!"

Hermione nodded. "It really is, isn't it?"

"Umm, Hermione." Ginny took Hermione's hand. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, yes. Never been better. I'm just..."

"Surprised," Ginny completed.

"Yeah. Surprised. But anyway, why are you home so late? And nice t-shirt." Hermione smirked, and Ginny blushed.

"Thank you."

"Changed your last name, did you?"

Ginny giggled. "Yup. Harry and I eloped last night. Apparated to Vegas, spent the night there and came home this morning. He gave me this t-shirt as a wedding gift."

Hermione looked puzzled for a moment, then joined the giggles. "If you say so. Really though, how was the date?"

Ginny sighed happily and fell back on the sofa. "It was great. It was... beyond great. It was... oh Hermione! I have no words!"

"Well that's certainly a first," Hermione said with a laugh, and Ginny pounced her playfully.

"It was definitely the first time for something," she said meaningfully and Hermione gasped.

"So you really...?"

"We really." Ginny giggled again at Hermione's expression. "What? Like you and Ron never...!"

"But... Ginny! You're nineteen!"

"So?"

Hermione sat up and looked at her friend. "I know, I know. Sorry. With Harry, though!"

Ginny sat up, as well. "Yeah, and this from the girl who sleeps with my brother! Ew!"

Hermione blushed. "You're right. It's just. Harry!" she exclaimed and shuddered. "That's like sleeping with my brother."

"One word," Ginny said, equally disgusted, "Ron." They burst into gales of laughter.

"But you're getting married, though!" Ginny said once they managed to speak. "We should celebrate. I just had the world's largest breakfast, but I am sure we have ice cream and other such awesome things in the freezer. The boys are having their night out, why shouldn't we?"

"Agreed," Hermione said with a nod. "Ice cream first, then we go somewhere for dinner. Oh by the way." Hermione looked suddenly very serious. "Do you want to be my Maid of Honour?"

Ginny gaped. "Of course! I would be... well... honoured!"

"Fabulous. Ron will be asking Harry tonight, and then tomorrow we break the news to the family. But tonight,"

"We celebrate!" Ginny finished with a nod. "Let's get the ice cream!"

The two girls spent hours eating ice cream and giggling. Then as it was time for dinner they decided to dress up and go out to eat.

"I have the world's largest craving for the beef they serve in that small restaurant in Hogsmeade," Hermione told Ginny once they were dressed and ready to go.

"Oh! The 'Simply Marvellous' beef?"

"Yes, that one. You up for it?"

Ginny nodded eagerly. "Yes. Most certainly. Besides, I want to drop by Hogwarts and talk to Professor McGonagall about my internship."

"You still want to take it then?"

"Without a doubt."

"It is very far away from Harry, though."

Ginny sighed. "I know. But I have finally found something to do with my life, and I won't let anything get in the way."

"Not even Harry?" Hermione looked dubious.

"Not even Harry."

"Well if you say so. I think you will great, though."

Ginny smiled and hugged her friend. "Thank you. Now, then - meet you in Hogsmeade in two?"

"Sure." Hermione took out her wand. "Meet you there."

Ginny arrived in the destined apparation spot in Hogsmeade, and got out the way to let Hermione in. Once she was there the two of them walked into the busy streets.

"This place never changes, does it?" Ginny asked wistfully as they made their way for Hogwarts.

"Never," Hermione replied, equally wistful. "I guess it is one of those things that make it so great."

Ginny nodded and looked around. It was getting late, and the streets were now full of people heading home or out to eat. There were familiar, or remotely familiar, faces everywhere, and it took them quite some time to reach Hogwarts. Once they did they both stopped outside the gates and looked up at what had been their home for so long.

"Do you miss it sometimes?" Hermione asked and looked at Ginny, who nodded.

"I do. Despite all the bad stuff and despite what we had to go through. It was my home, and in a way it is the only place I have ever felt truly at home."

Hermione nodded. "I know what you mean. Before I came here I was only a strange girl with too much brains and too few friends. Here I was still strange and I still had too much brains. But I had friends here, and that made all the difference."

Ginny smiled. "I was so nervous to start school. Everyone in my family had made themselves stand out in some way, and I was scared no one would ever recognize me, or only see me through my brothers." She sighed. "At least that never happened." She laughed dryly, and Hermione squeezed her hand carefully.

"That wasn't your fault, Gin," she said reassuringly. "Besides, think of everything you did after that. I am absolutely positive that people no longer think of you as you were in your first year. Now they remember you for who you truly are." She smiled at her friend and continued. "A fun, beautiful girl who makes everyone around her feel special. She comes from the craziest family found on this planet, and she is not just 'a Weasley', she is Ginny, and that is what matter, not her family."

"Thank you, 'Mione," Ginny replied softly, using the name that only Hermione's nearest and dearest were allowed to use, and that only under certain circumstances.

Hermione was about to say something, when a loud cough interrupted them.

"Excuse me, but are you two going to stand there all night?"

Ginny and Hermione spun around.

"Professor McGonagall!" Hermione exclaimed. "We didn't see you!"

"I can tell," the old woman replied sternly, but she was smiling.

Ginny returned the smile. "Hermione and I were only reminiscing, Professor McGongall," she said. "Actually, we were on our way to see you."

"Really? Why don't you come in, then? I have just been to Hogsmeade to pick up some supplies for the new school year, and was about to go inside and get myself some tea. Care to join me?"

Hermione and Ginny exchanged looks, then Ginny nodded. "Of course. We would love that."

"Good, good. Now then," Professor McGonagall looked at them, "where were the two of you going? I am quite sure you did not dress up like that to see me."

Ginny laughed. "No, we didn't. Actually we are celebrating."

"Oh really? And what is the occasion?"

Ginny elbowed Hermione slightly to make her answer.

"We are celebrating my engagement, actually," Hermione replied with a shy smile.

"Well congratulation," Professor McGonagall replied in surprise. "And who is this lucky gentleman? No, let me guess. Does he happen to be a former student of mine with red hair and a talent certain talent for getting himself into trouble?"

Hermione nodded. "Of course."

"Congratulations, Miss Granger." McGonagall turned to Ginny. "And you Miss Weasley? Have you found anyone who is worthy enough to catch your eye?"

Ginny blushed slightly. "Well, I guess you could say that."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ginny is going out with Harry, Professor," she said.

McGonagall smiled and did not look in the least surprised. "Mr. Potter is it? Well, the two of you always had this, what should I say, chemistry between you. I have to admit I am not very surprised."

Ginny looked at her feet. "Thank you, Professor."

They had entered the Hogwarts entrance hall now, and were making their way towards McGonagall's classroom. Neither Ginny nor Hermione had been at Hogwarts since Ginny's graduation two years earlier, and they were both looking at the familiar castle with a look of homesickness and joy. As they entered the Transfiguration classroom Ginny carefully caressed her old seat as she walked by and into McGonagall's office.

"Well sit down, girls," their former Professor said as she got out three cups and a biscuit tray laden with fresh biscuits. The elves must have been up just a moment a go. McGonagall poured the tea and sat down opposite them. Ginny couldn't help but feel slightly as a student who had been sent to her Head of House's office to get punished. She looked at Hermione, quite sure she felt almost the same way.

"Now then," Professor McGonagall said once she was done pouring the tea. "What was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

---

The two of them left McGonagall's office about half an hour later. Ginny was looking very pensive, thinking about what McGonagall had said.

"Do you really think I should do it?" she asked Hermione once they came out into the castle grounds.

"Yes," Hermione replied immediately. "Without a doubt. You know you may never get a chance like this again."

Ginny nodded, but couldn't help but feel a little sad. She knew Hermione was right, of course, and she knew as much herself. Besides, this was something she really wanted, and had it been a week ago she would have been ecstatic. Now, however...

"Harry will understand," Hermione said as if reading her thoughts. "And if he doesn't than he's not worthy to be your boyfriend."

"I know. And of course, once the quidditch season begins I will hardly see him anyway. So it won't matter where I am. He'll be travelling all over the country, and I'll be stuck at home doing nothing. I don't want that."

"Then tell him. Besides, he knows you applied doesn't he?"

She nodded. "Yeah. He knows, but I'm not sure if he even remembers."

"He'll understand. And this is a huge step for you. How many eighteen year olds do you know who's had the chance of actually having an internship with one of the smartest, and wisest people in the world?"

Ginny couldn't help but laugh. Hermione's feeling about Professor McGonagall certainly hadn't lessened since she left school.

"I mean it," Hermione retorted when she heard that Ginny was laughing.

"I know, I know," Ginny replied, still smiling. "And you are right. Of course you are. You're always right. Besides, I'm not eighteen much longer."

"You'll always be a child to me, though," a voice suddenly said somewhere behind them. They were almost back in Hogsmeade now, and both girls spun around, wands raised.

"Show yourself," Ginny said shakily, peering into the darkness.

"Hey, we didn't mean to scare you," another voice said, and Ginny lowered her wand with a relieved sigh.

"Dangit, Harry," she said a little more scathingly than she had intended, "you need to stop scaring people like that."

Harry and Ron were coming towards them, Harry supporting Ron slightly, both supporting a large grin.

"Hello ladies," Ron said with a flourish, and only missed falling because of Harry.

"Ron Weasley!" Hermione was glaring at her fiancé, reminding Ginny slightly of her own mother when she got angry over something her dad had done.

"What is it, darling mine?" Ron said with a wink, and Harry, Ginny and Hermione all rolled their eyes.

"Hermione, please take him home," Harry pleaded. "We went to the Three Broomsticks to celebrate." He all but tossed Ron over to Hermione, "when people found out Ron had gotten engaged they all insisted they'd buy him drinks."

"Who are they?" Ginny asked amusedly, very happy it wasn't she who had to bring her drunken brother home. She had been burdened with that task one too many times. "The whole wizarding world?"

Harry laughed. "Pretty much. Busy night tonight."

"I'm so sorry," Hermione said to Ginny as she raised her wand. She hadn't put it back since their surprise 'attack' earlier. "We will have to do it another time. Right now I need to get him home, then I am going to give him a real talking to."

Ginny exchanged an amused look with Harry. "And then...?"

"And then what?"

Harry hid a smirk with a very loud cough, and Ginny suddenly got very interested in the stars.

"Nothing 'Mione. Have a good night."

"Whatever." And then she took a good grip around Ron's waist and the two of them apparated home.

"Must've been one hell of a party," Ginny said to Harry once they were alone.

"You have no idea," he replied with an amused smile.

"Oh really? And you, Mr. Potter, was the designated apparater, then I suppose? No drinking?"

Harry coughed. "Well, might've been a couple of – umm – butterbeers?"

Ginny shook her head. "If you say so. Now then, what are your plans for the rest of the evening?" She walked closer and slipped her arms around his waist. Harry's breath smelled of butterbeer and firewhisky, and for some strange reason it made Ginny feel oddly turned on.

"Well," he said and put his arms around her neck. "I have this girlfriend, you know. And I had sort of promised her I'd spend the night with her. And there's nothing wrong with you or anything, quite the contrary. Problem is, my girlfriend has quite the temper, and I would hate to think of what would happen if I went home with a random stranger without even telling her."

"Then why don't you invite her along?" Ginny asked with a wink. "Could be fun."

Harry choked out a laugh. "I didn't know you were that kind of girl."

"What do you mean?"

He shrugged. "You know – the kinky kind."

This time it was Ginny who laughed. She leaned even closer and whispered "why don't you take me home, and I'll show you just how kinky I can be," into his ear. She could feel how Harry's body reacted to her words, and she smiled, very pleased with herself.

"Meet you at my place in two?" Harry asked, and Ginny agreed. She took out her wand. "We really need to make Hermione teach us how to do joined up apparating," she said, then a moment later found herself in Harry's apartment. A few seconds later Harry was there as well. Without saying anything he pushed her down on the sofa and started to kiss her passionately. Ginny kissed him back and it made her very happy to know that she could do this to Harry with only a few words. As he started to pull off her robes she closed her eyes and decided that this was something she had to take advantage of more often.

---

So I changed the ending. Decided the whole explicit sex thing is not what I'm after. I woke up this morning and thought "I can't do this! Need to change it!" So I have. Hope you don't mind.