Disclaimer: I don't even have my real name up here; how could I claim to own anything?
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to review! My roommate keeps asking me what the goofy smiles are about. I wanted to do replies to this chapter, but I decided not to. I've been nervously trying to make this good and wanted to post it tonight. I'll probably put some replies on my LiveJournal (username=altspliced), to which you can find the link in my bio.
Special thanks to Tansy for all the thoughtful comments and pep talks. : ) I almost chickened out of posting this chapter if not for your emails.
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Chapter 6
"Potter. Potter, wake up."
"Uhhhng."
"Fifty points from Gryffindor, Potter. Open your eyes, now."
Harry blearily unclosed his eyelids and saw a shadow above him, although this figure did not alarm him. The swirling of his vision was making him nauseas, so he lowered his lids again.
"Potter, stay awake when I'm talking to you." It sounded like Professor Snape. Harry didn't want to get in trouble, but he was too tired and dizzy to open his eyes.
"S'rry, Pfessor… tired."
"Open your mouth," Snape commanded. Harry obeyed without thinking. Something cool entered his mouth, and he heard, "Swallow." He did, and soon the dizziness slowed, so he opened his eyes. He saw Snape's irritated, and to some extent, concerned eyes above him.
"Just like old times, eh, Professor?" Harry joked weakly, referring to all the times his old professor had saved his life throughout school.
"Yes, well if you were that desperate to see me again, you could get the Headmaster to invite us both to tea," Snape responded with his usual sarcasm.
Harry smiled tiredly, "Did you just make a joke, sir?"
"Possibly. Are you going to die, Potter?"
"Not tonight. I'm still your favorite Boy-Who-Lived, Professor." Harry's eyes closed again until Snape shook him.
"Stay awake. Tell me what happened," he demanded.
Harry finally remembered the two men, probably Death Eaters, in his yard. "What about them?" he asked.
"Very specific, Potter. I assume you are referring to the two would be Death Eaters that were bound behind you. The Headmaster has taken them to the Ministry. He'll be back shortly to get a statement from you if you are well enough to give one. Now, tell me what happened," he said again.
"I was walking home. Simon and Hedwig joined me. When we got to the house, Simon growled at something in the back. We came back to check, but I couldn't find anything. I waited a few minutes, then decided to go inside. When I turned to the door someone cast the Cruciatus Curse on me. Hmm… that would explain the twitching," he added to himself, not noticing that Snape looked troubled, but not surprised, at this news. "I broke through the curse and stunned and bound them. I tried to get to my fireplace, but must have blacked out. Then you woke me up. Can I sleep now, sir?" he asked through a yawn.
"Did you have an exhaustive attack tonight?" Snape asked, but Harry was quite comfortable on the grass and content to go to sleep. "Potter! Answer me," he barked, causing Harry to twitch even more.
"What? Oh, erm, yeah. I was at work. I got tired and took the potion, but I wasn't done working yet. I had to finish cleaning. I took the potion again before I walked home or I wouldn't have made it." Harry only wanted to go to bed and curl up under his warm blankets.
"Foolish boy," Snape muttered.
"S-sorry, s-sir. I n-need to go t-to bed," he shivered out. He hadn't noticed how chilly the night had become.
Snape placed a hand on his forehead and hissed. The next thing Harry knew, he was being placed in his bed. A cold rag was put on his head and another potion forced down his throat.
"I know you want to sleep, Potter, but you have to stay awake for a while." Snape held a cup of pumpkin juice in front of him, which he gladly drank.
"I don't think I can stay up, sir," he slurred.
"You don't have a choice, Potter," the older man snapped.
"Oh." How did one respond to a demand like that? He needed to keep talking if he had any hope of staying awake. "How did you know to come, sir?"
"Your owl went to Albus. He Flooed me to join him. How do you feel?"
"Tired. Cold. Sore. Hot."
Snape nodded. "You have a fever. I've given you a fever reducing potion, but it will take a few minutes to reach equilibrium. Unfortunately, I cannot give you anything for the pain. It would interfere with your other potion, and with the increased dosage, the effects would be difficult to predict. Do you have any specific pains, or just the overall Cruciatus effect?"
Harry tried to focus on his body and reported his findings to Snape. "My right shoulder hurts more than the rest, I think. It's different anyway. I think I fell on it at some point."
Snape swiftly lifted Harry's shirt with a surprising gentleness, and found an entirely black and blue shoulder. He opened a jar of salve and applied it to the bruised area. Harry cringed against the pain of application, but soon the medicinal effects started numbing the pain away.
"Thank you, sir," he said, then went into a coughing fit. Snape helped him sit propped up against pillows so he could breath easier. "Thanks again," he panted when the fit was over.
"Don't talk, Potter."
Harry was about to make a smart remark when his muscles seized and he let out a hiss of pain. He was vaguely aware of Snape saying something, but he couldn't get past the pain, which was almost as intolerable as the curse itself. Gradually, his muscles loosened, but continued to twitch and burn occasionally. He was able to understand Snape again.
"Potter, can you hear me?"
"Yessir," he replied clumsily.
"Do you have any idea how long you were under the curse?" The man's voice seemed more forceful than it had before.
"No, sir, but I'm pretty sure that both of them cast it at the same time."
"Yes, I have surmised that much."
"I must be getting old. I don't remember feeling this horrible after that curse when I was younger," Harry tried to joke.
"Not funny, Potter. You aren't feeling well due to a number of things right now that weren't a factor when you were younger." The older wizard paused then spoke more quietly. "You were a troublesome child, but no one, especially not one so young, should know that curse." Harry didn't know what to say to that.
Simon approached the bed cautiously. He laid his head down next to Harry's hand so he could scratch behind the ears. Harry wondered if the dog had some special power to divert uncomfortable conversations.
"Professor, this is Simon. Simon, this is Professor Snape. Don't believe him if he tries to tell you he doesn't care," Harry advised the dog in a teasing manner and Snape scowled. Even if they had a sort of agreement, Harry could not help baiting the dower man. Although, his baiting methods had changed drastically over the past year. They were now of the same quality as the Headmaster's; commenting on the man's good qualities seemed to irk him more than caustic remarks.
"Potter and his mutts," Snape mumbled under his breath.
Harry heard it and instantly thought of Sirius: dead, and Remus: missing, probably dead. He knew Snape hated Sirius, and his thoughts toward Remus were not much better, but he couldn't stand that he still spoke about them so callously. He didn't want to get into with the man presently; he was just too tired. So, with a deep breath and a large amount of effort, he turned onto his side, facing away from his former professor.
"Sulking, are we," Snape sneered.
"With that bedside manner, you'll be taking over for Pomfrey in no time. You'd better work on being a bit more heartless when speaking of a person's dead loved ones," Harry said in an even voice. He was glad he didn't have the energy to cry. He would hate for Snape to see that, no doubt the man would use it for taunting purposes for years to come.
Harry heard Snape sigh quietly. "Potter, I do try not to speak ill of the dead; your father and godfather being exceptions. I feel I am within my rights to speak as I wish of Lupin. There is no proof of his death but the word of a traitor." With that they sat in silence. Harry was somehow comforted by Snape's sorry excuse for making rude comments. It meant he wasn't the only one who had hope that Remus was still alive.
After an enormous amount of time, to Harry, he asked in a quiet, exhausted voice, "Can I sleep?" He glanced over his shoulder and noticed Snape checking his watch, seeming to figure something out.
"Yes, I suppose you may. However, I will stay and monitor your sleep and wake you if necessary." Harry didn't even respond, he just closed his eyes and slipped into the quiet solitude of slumber.
.
Noises – voices – broke through the fuzzy barrier around his mind. He couldn't concentrate on what they were saying, but as he tried to clear away the cotton from his ears, words slowly came into focus.
"… is he?"
"Will be… rest. What… find…?
Harry coughed and sat up slowly in bed. He was handed his glasses, then a goblet of water. He drank, then took a deep breath and felt much better. Disappointingly, that did not mean much, as he still felt horrible.
"Professor?" Harry asked confusedly to Dumbledore, glancing at Snape behind him. Then he remembered the previous night. "What did you find? Who were they? Do they know where Remus is?"
"Harry, calm yourself. You need to rest, child," said Dumbledore with grandfatherly affection.
Harry settled himself back into his pillows, but did not lose eye contact with the Headmaster.
"Sir, I feel fine," Snape snorted at that. "You know I won't be able to get any rest unless I know what's going on."
Dumbledore conceded when he could not shake Harry's pleading gaze. "I know, Harry. The two perpetrators were questioned. They were not Death Eaters as we thought. They were, however, trying to impress those remaining, which was the reason for the attack. They had no information on the current whereabouts of the wanted Death Eaters or Remus. I'm sorry, Harry."
Harry absently pet Simon, trying to regain his tenuous hold on his emotions. He didn't display any outward signs of the turmoil within, but his two former professors knew him well enough to give him a few minutes with this information, or lack thereof.
"So… this was just a random attack?" Harry said resigned.
"It would appear so," Dumbledore sighed.
"How did they get past the wards?"
"They could not enter your home. Unfortunately, the outer wards are not as stringent. If they had been marked, they would not have been able to get through. I have taken the liberty of reinforcing the outer wards for you. If you change your mind, I can remove them again."
"Thank you, sir. I think I'll leave them, at least for now." After a short pause, Harry said, "Thank you for staying with me Professor Snape. I know it wasn't the most desirable task," Harry smirked. "Actually, I'm surprised I'm not in the hospital wing with Madam Pomfrey breathing down my neck."
Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes, this is a bit unusual. Poppy is on a short holiday. We could have reached her if it was necessary, but Severus assured me he had everything under control. And, there is always St. Mungo's if needed."
Harry shook his head, "Oh, no! My own bed is much preferable to some busy hospital with healers coming and going, poking and prodding. Although, you might want to get Professor Snape checked over." Dumbledore looked puzzled and slightly concerned at this, and Harry smiled. "I seem to remember him making jokes last night, or at least one anyway. Maybe some of the potion fumes went to his head," he said in a loud whisper to Dumbledore.
"You were delusional, Potter. I don't joke," snapped Snape.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly. "Of course, Severus." A crash from the next room could be heard accompanied by a string of curses. "Ah, I see our dear Tonks has arrived." Dumbledore and Harry smiled at this, and Snape made an extra effort to scowl, causing Harry to laugh. "She will stay with you until the Weasleys arrive."
"Thank you sir, and you Professor," Harry said to the two older wizards as they left the room.
Tonks came in after she was filled in by Dumbledore. She had bright blue hair and matching lips formed into a wide smile. Harry couldn't help but smile back at her.
"Hi, Tonks," he greeted.
"Hey, Harry. You trying to go back to your old life or something?" she teased.
"Yeah, well, it was getting kind of boring being all normal and enjoying not having to look over my shoulder every two minutes. Besides, I thought you all were getting lazy. It's my job to keep you on your toes, you know."
"Brat."
"Git."
"Celebrity lover."
"Slytherin lover."
"Who told? Pompous fool."
"That's Fudge. Nymphadora."
"Why you little!" Tonks was red with mock anger and laughter. "You win. I can't compete when you bring out the first name."
"So who's the Slytherin?" Harry asked cheekily.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she said with an air of indifference.
"Liar. You asked who told me. That means it's true. Now, out with it."
"Never."
"I may have to enlist Professor Dumbledore for help in questioning."
"Fine. If you must know, it was when I was in school. I was a third year and he was in seventh. He didn't even know who I was, which was good because he turned out to be a bastard. I never even talked to him, just a silly crush that lasted all of three weeks." She looked him over and smiled wickedly. "Tell me about your crush."
"W-what? I don't have a crush," he mumbled unconvincingly.
"Right. I don't need Dumbledore's help with questioning. Interrogation tactics were a part of auror training." The wicked smile turned evil.
Harry groaned. "Have pity on the injured."
"Right. I'll give you today, but I'll find out. It will be better to have told me, though, because when I find out I'll… I'll… Well, I don't really know what I'd do, but I might do something."
Harry laughed. "Ok. If I haven't told you in ten years, you're welcome to use your 'interrogation tactics'." Just then there was the sound of someone coming out of the fireplace.
"Harry?" yelled Ginny.
Harry knew he was burning bright red and Tonks grinned as wide as the Cheshire cat. "Not one word, Tonks, or I'll tell Mrs. Weasley who really gave Bill those second and third piercings."
"You wouldn't," she gasped, mortified.
"Wouldn't what?" asked Ginny from the door.
"Er, give Tonks some of the twins' candy," Harry said, hoping she couldn't tell he was lying. Then he felt bad for lying to her. He really liked her and didn't want to screw it up, but he didn't feel he had a shot with her anyway, and this wasn't really that big of a deal, and she was hugging him so he needed to pay attention.
"Hi, Ginny. I know you, Ron, and Hermione were planning on coming over today, but you don't have to. I won't be much fun, and I wouldn't blame you for doing something else."
"Honestly, Harry," Ginny said exasperated. "If you didn't look so cute all cuddled up in those blankets, I'd smack you on the head. We are your friends. Not going anywhere. Deal with it." She turned to Tonks. "Cripes, it's like trying to make Pig sit still, getting him to accept that we want to be with him no matter what."
"He is a thick one, isn't he," commiserated Tonks.
"He is right in front of you," Harry said petulantly.
They smiled sweetly at him, then laughed at his annoyed expression. Harry decided to change the subject.
"So where are Ron and Hermione?"
"They're coming. Mum was piling them with food to bring over. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if she just showed up too. She's been in a right state over you since Dumbledore Flooed this morning."
Harry cringed, knowing how worrisome Mrs. Weasley could be. "Sorry. It really wasn't my fault, though. It's not my fault that people line up outside my home for a chance at cursing me." Harry tried to make it light-hearted, but really he was uncomfortable with the whole thing.
Of course, anyone would be upset by getting hit with an Unforgivable near their house, but Harry was supposed to be used to this kind of thing. He had a feeling that if it happened in London, or even just on the other side of Hogsmeade, he wouldn't feel as affected by the incident. The fact that he was just about entering his home, his sanctuary, when he was cursed was the worst of it.
Ginny grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently in a show of support. She must have seen some of what he was thinking, and she smiled encouragingly.
"Budge over. I'm taking a nap," she demanded. Tonks laughed and lifted her eyebrows suggestively at Harry when Ginny wasn't looking. Harry scooted over so he was against the wall, and Ginny climbed on top of the covers next to him. He was about to ask her why she didn't just take the other bed, then remembered he hadn't set up the one Ron used yet.
Harry was blushing furiously, and Tonks wasn't helping with all the rude gestures she was making from the corner. Finally, she seemed to take pity on Harry, and she crawled up onto the bed with the two teenagers.
Ginny giggled. "It's like a pajama party, except Harry's the only one in pajamas!" Tonks laughed at Harry's outrageous look. That comment was definitely not helping the blushing situation.
Ron and Hermione came in and gave the three on the bed an odd look before grinning and leaping on themselves. Harry laughed at his friends' antics and ignored the various residual pains in his body as he was squished this way and pushed that way.
"I think I'll need a bigger bed if this becomes habit," he commented.
"And a few more pillows," said Ron.
"And a telly in your room," remarked Tonks.
"And hot chocolate," added Ginny.
"Would you like me to make a list, Harry?" asked Hermione teasingly.
"Please," said Harry.
"Harry dear, are you in – oh my!" said Mrs. Weasley from his bed room door.
"Er, hi, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry over a few bodies.
"I see they've found you," she smiled.
"Yes, I suppose they have. Although, I'm sure I remember a couple beds in the other room, as well as one that needs to be set up in here if they wanted to nap."
"We came to see you," said Ginny.
"Yes, so we'll stay with you," added Hermione.
"Uh huh," contributed Ron.
"Apparently I've been overruled," said Harry dejectedly.
"Poor baby," mocked Tonks. Harry responded by sticking his tongue out at her, but he wasn't sure if she could see his face through Hermione's hair.
Mrs. Weasley walked over and felt his forehead for fever. "You just tell these little nuisances to leave you alone if you need to rest."
"Hey, two of these 'nuisances' are your children!" cried Ron indignantly.
"Like I said, Harry, just tell them to leave you alone. If you need any help, I'll be a Floo call away." She smiled and winked at Harry, and he grinned back thankfully. "I've left some snacks and lunch in the kitchen for you. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and everyone's invited to supper tomorrow night. Bill and Charlie will be returning to their other jobs soon, and we want to have a family dinner before then. Goodbye, children,"
"Bye, mum," they all chorused, even Tonks.
"Well, I should be off. You kids have fun," said Tonks with a wave after Mrs. Weasley left.
"See you, Tonks," said Harry.
The four of them stayed on Harry's bed and caught up on the week's events. Harry told them about the children's home and his werewolf neighbor.
Hermione had a pensive look on her face when she spoke. "Harry, I think it's great that you're doing all these things, and the children's home is obviously important to you. It's just that, do you think you might be pushing yourself too hard?"
Harry sighed and closed his eyes. He had to remind himself that Hermione was only saying this out of love and worry for him, not chiding him for some unknown reason. "Hermione, I know my limits. I admit that I've pushed them a few times, but I'm still getting used to… to not being able to do what I could before. If it makes you feel better, I've told Madam Rosmerta about, well, you know, so she'll understand if something happens at work. That's where I spend the most time, other than sleeping." He didn't want to tell them that he'd already almost passed out at work twice.
"And, I don't want to stop visiting the kids. It is a bit draining sometimes, but they – I…" Harry trailed off. "I can't explain it. They need someone, and I need them. I feel like I belong with them."
"You belong with us, mate," said Ron, obviously not understanding Harry.
"No, you don't understand. I know I belong with you. You're all my family. I would never want to lose that. But they're all orphans… It's something you can't understand, and believe me, I'm absolutely thrilled that you can't understand it. I just – there's some connection with them that I don't have with anyone else. I hardly even know them, but it's there all the same. Nevermind, I can't explain it." Harry shook his head, angry at himself for his inability to explain his thoughts more clearly to his closest friends.
"I think you explained pretty well, Harry," said Ginny with a hand on his arm. "What do you say we go outside and sit in the sun for a while?"
Harry smiled. "I'd like that."
Ron and Hermione agreed, and Harry's three friends brought out blankets and made him lie down the instant they were in the yard. He indulged in their bout of over-protectiveness mainly because he was still tired and didn't have the energy to argue. It felt good to lie in the sun. Under the warmth of the rays and his friends' chatter, Harry drifted into a light doze for most of the afternoon. He would wake occasionally, and he felt bad for being such a poor host, but his friends didn't seem to care in the least. They were just happy being together on a nice summer day.
By supper time Harry was feeling incredibly better. He insisted on helping with something, so they had him wipe down the table and chairs. They weren't dirty, or even dusty, but Harry knew his friends wouldn't allow anything else, so he did it. He wondered when he'd become so compliant to his friends' requests.
He realized something had changed after Voldemort was defeated. It was subtle, but a definite change. His friends wanted to look out for him now, instead of the other way around. True, they had always been there and backed him up before, but he had always been the one to take charge and defend them.
Since he woke up in the hospital, he had stopped leading so much. None of them was really 'in charge' anymore. They were just a very close group of people who would do anything for each other. He found that this minor loss of control didn't bother him in the least, and he sat down when he became tired from scrubbing away at some imagined filth on the table. Harry accepted his last few thoughts and smiled at his friends as they set the table and served supper.
The rest of the night was spent in the comfort of Harry's house, and the laughter in the living room was a welcome sound. Harry went to bed that night happier than he had been in a while. His life wasn't perfect, but when he was with his friends, it was as close as he could imagine.
.
He woke around two thirty from a nightmare about Remus, again. He didn't know which was worse, the dreams where Remus called out for help, or the dreams where he was unable to call out at all.
He splashed some water on his face and went to the kitchen to make some hot chocolate. He sat on the couch sipping from his cup, and didn't notice someone coming in until Ginny sat next to him.
"Hey," he said with a half smile.
"Hey, to you too," she smiled. "What are you doing up?"
"The usual," he sipped his hot chocolate. "Nightmares about Remus again. This is becoming a habit. I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No, I was up and saw the light on. Hi, Simon," she greeted the dog who had just laid down in front of them. "So," she glanced at Harry, "do you want to talk about it?"
Harry shrugged, then smiled grimly. "I think you heard quite enough about it last time this happened. The nightmares really aren't any different… he's either calling for help or unconscious. I don't really want to talk about that right now."
She eyed him critically for a few seconds, then said, "Ok. Are you going back to bed?"
"I don't think so, not for a while at least."
She nodded and picked up the remote control for the television, and turned it on to some animated show. They were just sitting there, not really watching, for twenty minutes before Harry made his decision. He was going to tell her now. Whatever the consequences, she had to know. He felt like he was lying to her by not telling her.
"Ginny, I want to tell you something. I've wanted to for some time actually, but I just can't find the words or the courage… some Gryffindor, eh?" She smiled and just watched him curiously. "Erm, first I want to make sure you understand that I consider you one of my closest friends, and I don't want to lose that." He stopped and she nodded slightly.
Her face shifted into a somewhat worried expression for whatever was coming. He had to tell her now. He'd come to far to quit now or she'd think there was something wrong. He told himself to just say it.
"Do you think we could ever be more than friends?" he asked shyly, looking at the floor. So much for the confident man he was in his dream world. He couldn't look in her eyes and see the rejection. If she said it, he would respect her decision, but he couldn't stand to see it.
She turned his head toward her with her fingers on his chin. He closed his eyes so he wouldn't get lost in that face. He expected her to shout at him or at least tell him she was going to bed and not to bother her. What he didn't expect was to feel soft lips against his own.
The feeling was indescribable. Whatever he had done with Cho was definitely not a kiss when compared to this. It was so soft and sweet he could have sworn he was lost in Honeydukes. It was innocent, but spoke of more to come. Harry couldn't imagine anything better than this. He was exhilarated, but relaxed at the same time. Again, he was amazed at Ginny's ability to make him feel at ease, even in this situation. He knew his body wanted more, but he wasn't going to call the shots. This was an area that, although embarrassed to admit it, Ginny had more experience than him. He would let her lead. He also didn't want to scare her off. They broke apart and Harry opened his eyes for the first time.
She was looking at him with a small smile on her red lips, and Harry couldn't help but smile back. Not for the first time, Harry found himself wanting to tell her how perfect she was. But he didn't say anything. He didn't want to screw this up, and he had a feeling if he spoke that might happen.
She gave him another short peck and asked, "Does that answer your question?"
Harry grinned and nodded.
"Say something, Harry. Is this what you had in mind?" she asked.
Harry nodded, then said, "Yeah, something like this." He smiled diffidently and said, "I'm afraid I'll say something or do something to ruin this. I've been told I'm not exactly an expert on girls or feelings…"
Ginny laughed. "It's alright, Harry. I'll let you know if you make me mad, alright? Growing up with as many brothers as I had, it never paid to keep quiet. I've learned since I was young to shout if someone annoyed me. I don't think you'll have to worry about that too much, though. You never annoy me… well, most of the time anyway," she said with a smile.
Harry laughed, a little relieved, and asked, "Do you mind if I ask when I annoy you?"
Ginny shook her head, "Not at all. It's usually when you're hurting but don't say anything, whether it's physical or something's bothering you. Sometimes you are too self reliant, and I just want you to share your troubles sometimes. You know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I guess. It's not that easy though. You said you were taught certain things about growing up with your family. Well, so was I, just not the same kinds of things. If I ever had a problem, I had to keep silent or risk punishment. I wasn't encouraged or even allowed to tell anyone my problems. I've been trying to change that some, but it's hard. I hate having you guys worry about me. It seems that's all you do anymore. I know it's not without reason, but it just gets tiresome, you know?"
"I know. We worry about you too much like my brothers worry about me too much. But it's ok. It's was family does. You'll get used to it someday." She kissed him again. He felt he could live in that sensation forever without food or shelter or any other so-called necessities. As long as Ginny kept doing that little twirl thing with her tongue, he'd be perfectly happy. He wondered where she learned that. Was he supposed to know things like that? What happened to his lack of nervousness around her?
They broke apart again and Harry asked, "Can I ask you something else? I really don't want you to take it the wrong way though… I'm just curious. Promise you won't get mad?"
"Well, I guess I can't promise that, but I'll promise to try not to take it the wrong way. How does that sound?"
"Well, erm, have you kissed many other boys?" he asked nervously.
She laughed lightly, "Well, I don't know what you classify as 'many,' but I've kissed four others – five counting you. How about you? How many other girls have you kissed?" she asked teasingly.
Harry blushed and looked down again. "Just Cho… well, I've kissed Hermione on the cheek before, but she's more like a sister. You-you're much better than Cho was… Was that an awful thing to say?"
Ginny grinned. "Not at all. I'm glad you think so. I think you could use some more practice," she joked. "Come here, let me show you."
She pulled him in for another kiss and he obeyed. He was totally lost now, but he didn't care in the slightest. Never had his scenarios about telling her how he felt ended up this way, probably because he couldn't imagine this feeling before. His bad kissing experience with Cho had put him off the activity, and he never really figured he'd like it all that much. But here was Ginny, so outgoing, but not rushed, just safe and secure. He was happy beyond words at how this turned out. He hoped it wasn't just another dream.
"It's not a dream, Harry. It's real. We're real," Ginny said. He hadn't known he'd spoken that thought out loud. Finally, something she'd said earlier hit him and he groaned.
"You're brothers! Merlin, they're going to kill me!" he exclaimed.
"Settle down, Harry. They won't kill you. They've stopped interfering in my love life by now."
Harry wasn't sure about that. He'd heard Ron threaten every boyfriend she'd had, whether to his face or out of earshot. He knew how protective Ron was of Ginny, even if he had eased off in public. He didn't imagine his best friend would be so restrained with him. He had to talk to the Weasley boys. It was the only way he would ever be comfortable with Ginny and his relationship. Besides, he didn't want them to find out some other way, and after all they'd done for him, he needed to be honest with the family that had all but adopted him. He'd been invited over for supper the following day and made a vow to himself that he would talk to them then. He didn't want to put it off, because he wanted to be allowed to enjoy his time with Ginny.
"Ok, can I talk to them after dinner tomorrow? I want to tell them about us… well, what exactly are we?" he asked after a minute of thinking.
"Well, what would you like us to be?" she returned.
"I'd like you to be mine to take care of and – and if that means you're my girlfriend, then that's what I want. What do you think?"
"I think that sounds wonderful, Harry. Hmm, I guess this kinda shows I never completely got over that crush on you, huh?" she asked with a shy smile.
Harry smiled at that too. "Nah, it shows I'm lucky, even if I am a bit slow on the uptake."
She laughed and hit him on the shoulder. "Well, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning." She went into her and Hermione's shared room and closed the door.
Harry sat for a few minutes with a silly smile on his face before he, too, headed back to bed. Only when his head hit the pillow did he remember that it had been a nightmare about Remus that had woken him. He cleared his mind and fell asleep quickly, wishing he had some sort of male parent to talk to about girls.
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