Chapter Seven
The Moment
The room was filled with laughter. The Order had been excellently organized. Number 12 Grimmauld Place was Head quarters and the smaller Orders from other nations was stationed at their Ministries; which all where all too open to the idea. But the only nation not opened to the Order was that of England. Fudge, which was now a definition of a mess, would not accept an "organization" of any kind that slipped under his nose and worked without his knowledge even if they were right when he was in denial.
In other words, he didn't want a nation remembrance of his past wrongs.
The kitchen only held the members of the Order of the Phoenix and some Order leaders of other nations. Seri was given full credit for the organization of the Orders.
"Okay Potter," Moody said over the rumble of conversations, which died at his tone, "Shit, I can't do that any more. we have three Potters here."
Patrick nudged Seri who smiled at him.
"Harry, Patrick. mind telling us what happened?" Mr. Weasley asked. His hands were white, but gripping those of Mrs. Weasley. Her face was red from old tears that didn't seem to drain.
Patrick went into full detail and Harry let him. He didn't want to fame, let someone else capture the moment, yet the whole time Mark was squeezing his hand and looking at him with these lonely puppy dog eyes.
Aunt Petunia had found her way to the table, sitting beside Mr. Weasley and Jessica Flowers. She had been crying and it was evident on her face. But her eyes managed to stare into Harry's.
Their meal was interrupted by Dumbledore who blasted into the kitchen. For the first time, Harry saw Dumbledore less than perfect looking. His grey-white bread was thin and wet, his half moon shaped specials had rain drop about them and his face was confused between fearful and smiling.
"What happened Albus?" Moody asked.
Dumbledore looked at him then at Mr. Weasley and grinned a true boyish grin. "I went to tell Fudge about Voldemort's where abouts. he ignored me. And now Voldemort is gone."
"And your smiling because."Jessica Flowers pressed.
Dumbledore straighten up and looked around the room. "Fudge in is questioning by the Ministry. He may be fired by Sunday in time for high tea."
There was silence.
"Is that good?" Draco asked.
"Very good; half the committee who will examine is in or supports the Order. They will decide who the new Minister is and it could be in our favor." Charlie said. His face was still bright and his hand (under the table) was holding Seri's. She smiled at him before Patrice said something Harry couldn't hear, but knew it was nasty when Patrick elbowed her roughly.
"So the Minister could be in the Order?" Mrs. Weasley said.
"Or in support of. It seems the rest of London knows how serious this is even though it had escaped Fudge's attention." Remus said.
"Well, it has been a long day," Dumbledore announced, taking a roll from Hermione plate, "Shall we call it a night?"
The room agreed and migrated to their dorms.
"Harry." Ron groaned in his sleep.
"Yeah," Harry yawned.
"Do you think you could." Ron paused to roll over, ".do a Wronski Feint?"
"What?" Harry hissed sitting up.
Mr. Weasley shhhh'ed them and hissed to get to sleep.
"What?" Harry hissed softer.
"A Wronski Feint. like Krum did," Ron said, still snuggled up in covers. "Huh." Krum moaned, rolling over a few bed away at his name.
"Why?"
"For quidditch." Ron pressed his voice more awake.
"Why are you thinking about his?"
"Quidditch captain Harry, I'm Quidditch captain. I'm thinking of plays."
Harry groaned and put the pillow over his head as Ron went on telling him about plays and Fred or George would chuckle to every now and then.
"Did you sleep okay Harry?" George chimed when Harry entered the kitchen.
Harry cocked his head and forced a quick smile. Some how he had managed to cut some of Dudley's t-shirt from when he was six into make shift tank tops. It was either the smile or his "tank top" that made Hermione giggle. "Who pissed in you wheaties?" Harry said, grabbing a bowl of oatmeal and sitting down beside her.
"Did you get the talk?" Hermione asked, still giggling.
"Yeah, in like the 5th grade." Harry splat.
At this Draco Malfoy fell into his arms chuckling softly. "Buzz off," Harry hissed. Draco quit laughing and left the room.
Hermione gave him a looked but went on, "Did Ron talk all night about Quidditch?"
"Oh, is that what he was talking about?" Fred asked.
"I couldn't tell, could you Harry?" George went on. The twins blasted into minor jokes among themselves as they stood and left for work.
"Don't feel bad about it Harry," Hermione said, picking up her plate and the twins. "It's a new joke. Ron hasn't shut up about Quidditch all holiday break. Nearly scared the Egyptian member to death."
"Glorious morning isn't it?" Ron came strutting into the room.
"If you say so," Harry yawned and messed with his hair.
"Didn't sleep good mate?" Ron asked.
Harry looked at him with disbelieve and looked at Hermione who was giggling softly while she cleaned plate.
"I slept wonderful," Harry said, shoving a spoonful of oatmeal in his mouth to stop him from saying more.
And the day went on. Harry always though Wood was obsessed with Quidditch but Ron was horrible! He wore his quidditch robes and his captain badge around the house. Charlie had given him his old, silver whistle and an old clip board with a model of a quidditch field on it. Ron would chase down various people showing off new plays and tactics.
"You know, he does remind me of Oliver," Charlie hissed, "The boy would never sit down and think about whether or not the move would work, just had to show someone."
Harry had found an old book and was sitting in the living room when rushing footsteps came clunking down the stairs. Harry peered over the book just in time to see Ron's red hair. "Harry, I just thought of something!"
Harry shut the book and dashed to the connecting room, softly shutting the door. He leaned his ear against the door hearing Ron sigh and leave.
"Dear Lord!"
Harry spinned around; Ginny was sitting on the couch, pouring over a notebook. "Sorry Gin," Harry said, messing with his hair.
"Do you do that when you're nervous?" Ginny asked.
Harry put his hands in his pocket. "What are you doing in here?"
"I was about to ask the same," Ginny smiled.
"Ron's been down my neck all afternoon about those Quidditch plays. I might just ring Katie's neck next time I see her." Harry moved his hands in the arm like he was choking someone. "So what are you doing?"
Harry walked over and sat down on the total opposite side of the couch from Ginny.
"Writing," she answered softly.
"Writing." Harry repeated, "Can I read something?"
"A book maybe?" Ginny teased.
"Something you wrote."
"Ah, you see the problem with that is." Ginny brushed her hair off her shoulders, "Last time you read something I wrote you ran down the hall, your face redder than hell."
Harry touched his throat in a fake hurt motion, "I never!" He squeaked.
"Oh yes you did! Your 2nd year; 'His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad; His hair is as dark as a black board.; I wish he was mine, he's really divine; The hero who conquered the Dark Lord.' I cried for a week." Ginny recited, "And spent a week writing it." She giggled heavenly.
Harry covered his mouth, a harsh chuckle exiting his throat. "Sorry Gin," He gasped.
"It's alright," Ginny whispered. She began to write again.
"What do you write about?"
"Life, love, things that happen, Bill, Percy. anything I'm thinking about."
"Can I read something? Please?" Harry puckered out his lower lip and folded his hands over one another in prayer.
Ginny titled her head and gave a half grin, "No laughing or anything bad to say?"
"Scouts Honor!" Harry announced.
Ginny threw the book at him. Harry caught it and scooted closer to her.
"Hem, hem."
"You sound like Umbridge," Ginny giggled.
"Oh shut up," Harry snapped playfully.
"On an edge of a knife it stand," Harry read.
"Please, don't' read aloud." Ginny covered her ears, "Makes me feel like your mocking me."
Harry nodded.
"On an edge of a knife it stands
Sharp and shining it stabs
Leaking the assents of live from his veins
Absorbing whatever it can grab.
Standing on the edge of a knife
Is everything I hold dear
His life, his voice, his everything
Is to result nowhere.
On the edge on a knife is him
The edge cuts him and pains him
But the fall off is death
The edge of the knife is grim.
On an edge of a knife if hope
The hope that no one else shall die
The reality that much more will
The touch of the edge of the knife is to cry."
"Gin." Harry said softly.
Ginny looked at him, her eyes closed and tears rolling down her cheek.
"Ginny, it's beautiful." Harry whispered. He moved closer and handed her back the notebook. She opened her eyes and went to pick it up. Their hands touched.
"Shhh, Seri." Some whispered from outside.
Ginny whipped her eyes, and grabbed Harry's hand. They hid in the broom closet, the door slightly open.
"Is anyone in here?" Charlie said softly. "Okay, come here Seri." He pulled his other hand into the room, Seri attached.
He backed up to the couch and sat Seri down on it.
"What is this about Charlie?" Seri asked.
"I can't watch," Ginny hissed, covering her eyes, "Too sappy," she peeked through her fingers. "But it's so romantic."
"Girls," Harry rolled his eyes, peering though the crack.
"I love you Seri," Charlie said softly.
"I love you too Charlie, but what." Charlie pulled her closer to him and kissed her.
"Now that I can't watch," Harry said, looking away.
"Oh come on, it's sweet. Like something right out of a book." Ginny moved closer to see.
"Ginny, this is spying." Harry hissed.
"There are about 100 people coming through this house unannounced, they can't do this and not except to be spied on.
Harry peeped back through the crack. Seri forced her hands on Charlie's shoulder and pushed him away. "What's going on?" She asked.
Charlie grinned, kissed her cheek and said, "I just wanted you to know how much I loved you."
"Awe," Ginny hissed.
"I love you too," Seri said, touching his cheek.
"Do you really?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, really truly."
"Do you love me enough to." Charlie stopped mid sentence and stood up.
"What is it?" Seri took Charlie's out stretched hand and stood.
"Do you love me enough to." Charlie repeated. He bent down on one knee.
Seri put her hands to her mouth and a tear streamed down her cheek.
"Oh my God!" Ginny whispered, clenching Harry's arm.
"What?" Harry hissed, trying to get a better look. He had no idea what was going on.
"To what, Charlie?" Seri said, now crying fluently.
"Sirius Angelica Potter Black, will you marry me?" Charlie handed her a small velvet box.
Seri took the box and open it. Harry saw something gleam. But mostly he just gasped. Seri married?
She shut it quickly and looked at him, "Are you sure?"
Charlie chuckled and stood up.
"I mean are you really sure?"
He opened the box back up and pushed the ring on Seri's finger. "I've never been more sure in my life."
Seri wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Charlie leaned back. "I guess that's a yes," Seri giggle, smiling and crying too hard to answer.
"Oh, they're getting married!" Ginny hissed trying to dance in the closet. She tripped on something and stumbled falling right into Harry's arms. Ginny began to laugh loudly, but Harry put his hand over her mouth. The smile faded from her face, but the residue of the laugh remained.
Harry slowly removed his hand and stared at her, she stared back.
And Harry did something he never thought he'd ever do; at least to all people of Ginny Weasley.
How was he ever going to explain to Ron that he had kissed Ginny?
The room was filled with laughter. The Order had been excellently organized. Number 12 Grimmauld Place was Head quarters and the smaller Orders from other nations was stationed at their Ministries; which all where all too open to the idea. But the only nation not opened to the Order was that of England. Fudge, which was now a definition of a mess, would not accept an "organization" of any kind that slipped under his nose and worked without his knowledge even if they were right when he was in denial.
In other words, he didn't want a nation remembrance of his past wrongs.
The kitchen only held the members of the Order of the Phoenix and some Order leaders of other nations. Seri was given full credit for the organization of the Orders.
"Okay Potter," Moody said over the rumble of conversations, which died at his tone, "Shit, I can't do that any more. we have three Potters here."
Patrick nudged Seri who smiled at him.
"Harry, Patrick. mind telling us what happened?" Mr. Weasley asked. His hands were white, but gripping those of Mrs. Weasley. Her face was red from old tears that didn't seem to drain.
Patrick went into full detail and Harry let him. He didn't want to fame, let someone else capture the moment, yet the whole time Mark was squeezing his hand and looking at him with these lonely puppy dog eyes.
Aunt Petunia had found her way to the table, sitting beside Mr. Weasley and Jessica Flowers. She had been crying and it was evident on her face. But her eyes managed to stare into Harry's.
Their meal was interrupted by Dumbledore who blasted into the kitchen. For the first time, Harry saw Dumbledore less than perfect looking. His grey-white bread was thin and wet, his half moon shaped specials had rain drop about them and his face was confused between fearful and smiling.
"What happened Albus?" Moody asked.
Dumbledore looked at him then at Mr. Weasley and grinned a true boyish grin. "I went to tell Fudge about Voldemort's where abouts. he ignored me. And now Voldemort is gone."
"And your smiling because."Jessica Flowers pressed.
Dumbledore straighten up and looked around the room. "Fudge in is questioning by the Ministry. He may be fired by Sunday in time for high tea."
There was silence.
"Is that good?" Draco asked.
"Very good; half the committee who will examine is in or supports the Order. They will decide who the new Minister is and it could be in our favor." Charlie said. His face was still bright and his hand (under the table) was holding Seri's. She smiled at him before Patrice said something Harry couldn't hear, but knew it was nasty when Patrick elbowed her roughly.
"So the Minister could be in the Order?" Mrs. Weasley said.
"Or in support of. It seems the rest of London knows how serious this is even though it had escaped Fudge's attention." Remus said.
"Well, it has been a long day," Dumbledore announced, taking a roll from Hermione plate, "Shall we call it a night?"
The room agreed and migrated to their dorms.
"Harry." Ron groaned in his sleep.
"Yeah," Harry yawned.
"Do you think you could." Ron paused to roll over, ".do a Wronski Feint?"
"What?" Harry hissed sitting up.
Mr. Weasley shhhh'ed them and hissed to get to sleep.
"What?" Harry hissed softer.
"A Wronski Feint. like Krum did," Ron said, still snuggled up in covers. "Huh." Krum moaned, rolling over a few bed away at his name.
"Why?"
"For quidditch." Ron pressed his voice more awake.
"Why are you thinking about his?"
"Quidditch captain Harry, I'm Quidditch captain. I'm thinking of plays."
Harry groaned and put the pillow over his head as Ron went on telling him about plays and Fred or George would chuckle to every now and then.
"Did you sleep okay Harry?" George chimed when Harry entered the kitchen.
Harry cocked his head and forced a quick smile. Some how he had managed to cut some of Dudley's t-shirt from when he was six into make shift tank tops. It was either the smile or his "tank top" that made Hermione giggle. "Who pissed in you wheaties?" Harry said, grabbing a bowl of oatmeal and sitting down beside her.
"Did you get the talk?" Hermione asked, still giggling.
"Yeah, in like the 5th grade." Harry splat.
At this Draco Malfoy fell into his arms chuckling softly. "Buzz off," Harry hissed. Draco quit laughing and left the room.
Hermione gave him a looked but went on, "Did Ron talk all night about Quidditch?"
"Oh, is that what he was talking about?" Fred asked.
"I couldn't tell, could you Harry?" George went on. The twins blasted into minor jokes among themselves as they stood and left for work.
"Don't feel bad about it Harry," Hermione said, picking up her plate and the twins. "It's a new joke. Ron hasn't shut up about Quidditch all holiday break. Nearly scared the Egyptian member to death."
"Glorious morning isn't it?" Ron came strutting into the room.
"If you say so," Harry yawned and messed with his hair.
"Didn't sleep good mate?" Ron asked.
Harry looked at him with disbelieve and looked at Hermione who was giggling softly while she cleaned plate.
"I slept wonderful," Harry said, shoving a spoonful of oatmeal in his mouth to stop him from saying more.
And the day went on. Harry always though Wood was obsessed with Quidditch but Ron was horrible! He wore his quidditch robes and his captain badge around the house. Charlie had given him his old, silver whistle and an old clip board with a model of a quidditch field on it. Ron would chase down various people showing off new plays and tactics.
"You know, he does remind me of Oliver," Charlie hissed, "The boy would never sit down and think about whether or not the move would work, just had to show someone."
Harry had found an old book and was sitting in the living room when rushing footsteps came clunking down the stairs. Harry peered over the book just in time to see Ron's red hair. "Harry, I just thought of something!"
Harry shut the book and dashed to the connecting room, softly shutting the door. He leaned his ear against the door hearing Ron sigh and leave.
"Dear Lord!"
Harry spinned around; Ginny was sitting on the couch, pouring over a notebook. "Sorry Gin," Harry said, messing with his hair.
"Do you do that when you're nervous?" Ginny asked.
Harry put his hands in his pocket. "What are you doing in here?"
"I was about to ask the same," Ginny smiled.
"Ron's been down my neck all afternoon about those Quidditch plays. I might just ring Katie's neck next time I see her." Harry moved his hands in the arm like he was choking someone. "So what are you doing?"
Harry walked over and sat down on the total opposite side of the couch from Ginny.
"Writing," she answered softly.
"Writing." Harry repeated, "Can I read something?"
"A book maybe?" Ginny teased.
"Something you wrote."
"Ah, you see the problem with that is." Ginny brushed her hair off her shoulders, "Last time you read something I wrote you ran down the hall, your face redder than hell."
Harry touched his throat in a fake hurt motion, "I never!" He squeaked.
"Oh yes you did! Your 2nd year; 'His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad; His hair is as dark as a black board.; I wish he was mine, he's really divine; The hero who conquered the Dark Lord.' I cried for a week." Ginny recited, "And spent a week writing it." She giggled heavenly.
Harry covered his mouth, a harsh chuckle exiting his throat. "Sorry Gin," He gasped.
"It's alright," Ginny whispered. She began to write again.
"What do you write about?"
"Life, love, things that happen, Bill, Percy. anything I'm thinking about."
"Can I read something? Please?" Harry puckered out his lower lip and folded his hands over one another in prayer.
Ginny titled her head and gave a half grin, "No laughing or anything bad to say?"
"Scouts Honor!" Harry announced.
Ginny threw the book at him. Harry caught it and scooted closer to her.
"Hem, hem."
"You sound like Umbridge," Ginny giggled.
"Oh shut up," Harry snapped playfully.
"On an edge of a knife it stand," Harry read.
"Please, don't' read aloud." Ginny covered her ears, "Makes me feel like your mocking me."
Harry nodded.
"On an edge of a knife it stands
Sharp and shining it stabs
Leaking the assents of live from his veins
Absorbing whatever it can grab.
Standing on the edge of a knife
Is everything I hold dear
His life, his voice, his everything
Is to result nowhere.
On the edge on a knife is him
The edge cuts him and pains him
But the fall off is death
The edge of the knife is grim.
On an edge of a knife if hope
The hope that no one else shall die
The reality that much more will
The touch of the edge of the knife is to cry."
"Gin." Harry said softly.
Ginny looked at him, her eyes closed and tears rolling down her cheek.
"Ginny, it's beautiful." Harry whispered. He moved closer and handed her back the notebook. She opened her eyes and went to pick it up. Their hands touched.
"Shhh, Seri." Some whispered from outside.
Ginny whipped her eyes, and grabbed Harry's hand. They hid in the broom closet, the door slightly open.
"Is anyone in here?" Charlie said softly. "Okay, come here Seri." He pulled his other hand into the room, Seri attached.
He backed up to the couch and sat Seri down on it.
"What is this about Charlie?" Seri asked.
"I can't watch," Ginny hissed, covering her eyes, "Too sappy," she peeked through her fingers. "But it's so romantic."
"Girls," Harry rolled his eyes, peering though the crack.
"I love you Seri," Charlie said softly.
"I love you too Charlie, but what." Charlie pulled her closer to him and kissed her.
"Now that I can't watch," Harry said, looking away.
"Oh come on, it's sweet. Like something right out of a book." Ginny moved closer to see.
"Ginny, this is spying." Harry hissed.
"There are about 100 people coming through this house unannounced, they can't do this and not except to be spied on.
Harry peeped back through the crack. Seri forced her hands on Charlie's shoulder and pushed him away. "What's going on?" She asked.
Charlie grinned, kissed her cheek and said, "I just wanted you to know how much I loved you."
"Awe," Ginny hissed.
"I love you too," Seri said, touching his cheek.
"Do you really?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, really truly."
"Do you love me enough to." Charlie stopped mid sentence and stood up.
"What is it?" Seri took Charlie's out stretched hand and stood.
"Do you love me enough to." Charlie repeated. He bent down on one knee.
Seri put her hands to her mouth and a tear streamed down her cheek.
"Oh my God!" Ginny whispered, clenching Harry's arm.
"What?" Harry hissed, trying to get a better look. He had no idea what was going on.
"To what, Charlie?" Seri said, now crying fluently.
"Sirius Angelica Potter Black, will you marry me?" Charlie handed her a small velvet box.
Seri took the box and open it. Harry saw something gleam. But mostly he just gasped. Seri married?
She shut it quickly and looked at him, "Are you sure?"
Charlie chuckled and stood up.
"I mean are you really sure?"
He opened the box back up and pushed the ring on Seri's finger. "I've never been more sure in my life."
Seri wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Charlie leaned back. "I guess that's a yes," Seri giggle, smiling and crying too hard to answer.
"Oh, they're getting married!" Ginny hissed trying to dance in the closet. She tripped on something and stumbled falling right into Harry's arms. Ginny began to laugh loudly, but Harry put his hand over her mouth. The smile faded from her face, but the residue of the laugh remained.
Harry slowly removed his hand and stared at her, she stared back.
And Harry did something he never thought he'd ever do; at least to all people of Ginny Weasley.
How was he ever going to explain to Ron that he had kissed Ginny?