I looked out the kitchen window and breathed in deeply. I could smell the
sweetness of the summer air with the hint of lavender and roses. I have
always loved the summer, the garden is in full bloom and the land smells
sweet and hot and cool all at the same time. I especially love it when I
lay in the yard and the sky is the deepest blue and cotton white clouds
float by. I can see the leaves on our trees flutter and feel a slight
breeze through my hair. At those times I realize that everything is
perfect in the world and I am glad to be alive.
As I stand there lost in my thoughts, I feel a hand on my shoulder and a voice says by my ear 'It will be a perfect night for the party tonight'. I turn slightly and look up at my mother's loving face; she has a wistful smile like she too is remembering perfect summer days and nights.
'I'm almost done with these peaches mum,' I tell her, breaking the spell of sweet summers, 'Do you want me to start getting the tarts ready?'
'No dear, go make sure your brothers haven't broken the tables and chairs and start decorating them', she replies as she takes bucket of sliced peaches from me over to the work table.
I remove the apron over my head and watch her walk away. She is older now. We all are, but her energy seems endless. She can spend three days cooking and cleaning and still manage to mingle and chat with guests at the party tonight like nothing else. I am quite often amazed by what my mother can do, she really is an incredible person and I hope that when I have my own family I could be half the person she is.
I slowly walk outside to see the antics of my brothers. Chairs with teeth, claws, and fangs are flying around the yard attacking each other while my brothers stand in the yard yelling and cheering for their respective chairs. I walk over to Ron and squinting in the harsh sunlight I said 'Hermione is going to have your ass for messing around like this'. Ron who is distracted by his own chair, which is losing, replies 'She already has my ass, which is why I am marrying her.'
I giggle at him and start toward the tables and chairs that aren't participating in the boxing match and start getting them ready. I am laying out the table cloths and I decide to lay out the plates and silverware to hold the cloths down in case a breeze comes up.
Finally after a loud shout by Fred, and equally large groans from George and Ron, the boys start to help me. In a short time the tables and chairs are set in place, and the boys are working on the lights and getting the tent ready.
I have already started setting the flowers on the tables. I have always enjoyed working with flowers. I love to mix the different colors, patterns, and textures in unusual combinations. People have always admired the way I mix the flowers stating that 'I would never have thought of that.' To me it's a challenge to find different ways to do things, sometimes it doesn't look right, but more often it looks great.
After about an hour, the flowers look right and I move on to some other chore that needs to be done outside. My mother sticks her head out the door and tells me to come inside and get some rest before the party. Obediently I follow her[.] I know that I am getting tired and that my back is a bit stiff and sore. I walk in and grab the lemonade that my mother hands to me and stand at the kitchen counter and rest a bit. I watch my two sisters-in-law, Angelina and Alicia, working hard with my mother to finish the food for tonight. 'The tables are done with the plates and silverware and the flowers, the boys almost have the tent done, and I think there should be some of those garlands hanging with the fairy lights in them' I tell my mother, 'I can lay down for a bit and go out and finish that before everyone gets here'.
'Fine dear, just make sure you get enough rest,' my mother tells me.
I just shake my head and smile at her, I glance at Angie and she is smiling too. We will always be her babies no matter how old we are.
I walk upstairs to my bedroom and once inside, I kick off my shoes and take off my sweaty and dirty clothes. I lie down on the bed and sigh contentedly. I can't believe that Ron and Hermione are getting married in a week. I mean that I always knew they would be together, but after seven years together, it seems like it would never happen. Finally they have reached the time in their youth that they are ready to be together permanently, the extra schooling is done, their careers are started, and they are well on their way to adulthood and maturity. I am happy for them, I think and I guess thatI have always felt that they are perfect for each other. Yes, they still do argue and have differences of opinion, however, they have found ways to compromise and to 'agree not to agree'. If they weren't getting married, I would swear that they had already been married for fifty years by the way they act.
I think about myself and for a moment feel a bit of sadness. All my brothers are married and yet I am not even close. I know that they worry about me and my lack of romantic partners, but they realize and accept that 'it' will happen sooner or later and they shouldn't pressure me about it. I'll date when I am ready and I guess I am not ready now. Although I have been feeling it lately, the feeling of loneliness, that something is missing. I try not to dwell on it but with the wedding I feel it more. I sigh again and push those depressing thoughts from my head and slowly fall into a light sleep.
About an hour later I hear a light knocking on my door and my mothers voice, 'Ginny dear, are you awake?'
I slowly roll off my bed and shuffle to the door, 'Coming mum'. I open the door and let out a big yawn and stretch my arms over my head. She smiles at me and says, 'I didn't want to wake you, but I know you wanted to hang the garlands. Ron will help you, everyone else headed home to get ready'.
'Is everything else done, do you need anything with the food?' I ask, hoping that the answer will be 'yes and no' to each question.
Mum replies that yes everything is done and she is going to rest a bit and then get ready. I get dressed and head down stairs and out the screen door. Ron is sitting on the edge of the steps sipping a glass of lemonade and looking off into the yard.
'Sometimes it doesn't feel real' he says. 'I don't believe I really have her, that she couldn't want me, and then she looks at me and I feel everything is wonderful.'
I smile at him and sit down next to him, 'I think Hermione is very lucky herself, we only let the best into our family, no second rate wives for MY brothers'. I look at him, lean over, and push against him.
He smiles at me and leans to his left and pushes back. We start the pushing battle that we have had ever since we were little; he always wins though, so I don't know why I even start it. We both start giggling like mad and then he stops and looks at me with a very serious look and says, 'Ginny you know I am not one to talk about feelings and mushy things, but I want you to know that you are the best sister and that I really love you and appreciate all you have done for Hermione and I'.
I am shocked for a moment and I just stare back at him. I really don't know what to say, Ron has never said anything like that to me, even when I was in the hospital. I look down at my knees and then look back into his eyes 'Ron I have always loved you and would do anything for you and Hermione, you know that'.
'Yeah, but thanks anyway,' he replies, turning away from me and looking out into the yard again, sipping his drink.
Suddenly the mood is broken as he jumps up and grabs my hand, 'Come on, let's get this finished and then I get first turn at the shower'.
'No way, I am the girl and it takes me longer to get ready, ' I smile at him while he drags me across the yard.
'But it's my party, I have to look handsome and dashing for my bride to be,' he states as we reach the tent and start sorting though the garland to hang.
'A shower isn't going to make that happen,' I comment as I am helping straighten out the plants. Suddenly I feel a spray of lavender hit the side of my face.
One hour later after a quick shower (Ron did beat me to the bathroom) I hurried back to my room to finish getting ready. I decided to splurge for the party and bought a new Muggle style dress. It's more of a linen shift in a neutral taupe. Hermione assured me that it would go with everything and that it really went well with my coloring. As Hermione is usually right about everything I went with her judgment and by looking in the mirror I could tell she was right again. I finished drying my hair, put some lip balm on, and slipped on my sandals, ready to go downstairs and mingle.
As I walked into the living room I could hear Hermione's laugh. I went to the door and looked in, seeing her and Ron in a conversation with her parents. Hermione was laughing at something Ron had said no doubt, and I watched her look up at him. As Ron was talking her he glanced down and took her hand. As I watched them together I saw this immense look of love and happiness pass between them. I wished that I had a camera or my canvass to try to capture that moment. I was setting up the picture in my mind, aligning colors and lighting as to how I could paint it when Hermione looked over and saw me.
'Ginny!' Hermione exclaimed and I rushed over to hug her.
We exchanged hellos and greetings with her parents and visited together for a while before I went to find my mum to see what needed to be done. Mum was working in the kitchen as usual and needed help setting the food outside and setting the preservative charms. I helped her levitate everything out there and set up the tables just how she wanted them.
By this time, more guests had arrived and I went and visited with old friends and relatives for some time. I was having a wonderful time; the garden was gorgeous and the night sky was bright with stars. Mum again outdid herself with the food and Dad and the twins were serving drinks. Everyone was happy and laughing and such a mood of good humor was spreading everywhere. I visited with Remus and Tonks, now on their third year of marriage and looking delighted to be with each other.
After a couple hours of talking and laughing, I was in the middle of a conversation about Muggle computers with Hermione's uncle. Hermione had demonstrated to me once what they could do and I have been fascinated with them since then. As I was trying to understand what he meant by terms like megabytes and ISP, I heard a loud squeal from across the yard, it sounded like my mum was excited. I tried to look and see what she was squealing about, but due to my annoying shortness, I couldn't see anything. I decided to start to wander over there and see what was going on. Trying to find a way to gracefully end the conversation with Hermione's uncle (I gave up trying figure out what he was talking about and was now just smiling and nodding) when Ron came to my rescue and yelled for me to come over there. Politely excusing myself I started to head over where Ron's voice had come.
I walked to see my mum hugging someone I didn't recognize at first. She looked like she was crying and was literally squeezing the person to death. Finally she let go and the young man came up for air. I started to walk faster towards them because the dawn of recognition was slowly coming to me. The young man turned around and then I started to run...'HARRY' I yelled. He looked at me and smiled and then I jumped up and enveloped him in the biggest hug that I could give almost knocking both of us over.
I was so excited I could barely speak, 'When...how....you were....not be here until next week.....you big git....should have told us....I can't believe it'. I finally managed to get out.
Harry was laughing by this time and managed to straighten himself from my running hug, 'I got done with my assignment early and decided to surprise everyone, I showed up about an hour ago at Remus and Tonk's, and cleaned up, and came here'.
I finally let go of him and looked around at everyone, the happiness of this gathering was now magnified. Ron and Hermione were so happy that their friend could join in their celebration, my mum is looking like her seventh son is here and Remus and Tonks are also beaming like a long lost child has returned. We haven't seen Harry in about two years. He is an auror now and joined a unit that traveled to foreign countries. He has been in America for the past two years and this is first time he has been able to come home. We both exchange regular letters and owls, but it is never the same as being in person.
Reluctant to leave my friend, I stand next to him as we excitedly talk and catch up. Hermione starts talking about Harry's duties as the best man and what he needs to do in the next week.
Ron just rolls his eyes at her and laughs. 'Honey, he just got home let him rest a bit before you have him working'.
'So how long will you be here, are you taking off right away?' I asked Harry.
'Well, I will be here for a while, I really want to stay back here at home'. He replies as he looks around at his family and friends.
At this time the twins and Bill come over with their wives and children. The rest of the night is spent visiting, laughing, sharing gossip, and just being us.
Finally the party winds down and the guests leave for the evening. I find myself sitting at the kitchen table with Mum and Dad, Ron, Hermione, and Harry. We are relaxing, sipping on tea and generally reviewing the success of the party.
Mum and Dad stand up stating they are exhausted and are going to bed. The four of us sit and visit some more and then Ron and Hermione make their excuses. Ron wants to escort Hermione home. Now at first glance that would seem to be quite a gentlemanly thing to do, but I know that he really wants to snog her, so I smile to myself and glance over at Harry who has this look on his face like he knows exactly what Ron is up to. Ron and Hermione make their goodbyes and I ask Harry if he wants to sit outside on the porch and enjoy the evening. We move our tea out there and sit down gently on our porch swing, swinging back and forth.
He talks about his past couple of years and how happy he is to be home. I fill him in on what is happening to me and in the family. We talk about Ron and Hermione and how it is about time.
I look over at him and get ready to break my big news. I haven't told Harry yet because I knew he would be here for the wedding and wanted to tell him in person. I clear my throat and say 'I have some very exciting news. Colin and I have been looking at property in Diagon Alley. We are going to open our own gallery, we have a couple of properties that we really like and are going to make some bids to purchase one'. I am waiting with my breathe held to hear his response.
'Ginny that is wonderful. When will you open, where are the properties?' he asks excitedly.
I smile at Harry and think how wonderful he is. When Harry and I finally came to be friends in my fifth year. I couldn't believe how strong our friendship became. I had finally gotten over my crush and he finally was able to let other people into his private thoughts. We talked about many things during our school years and became closer after we left school and moved on to adulthood. His opinion of my choices has always mattered to me and I really want his approval that this is a good idea. I think I have always wanted his approval because while he is like a brother to me he doesn't baby me like my parents or other brothers do. He has faith in me to achieve my goals and that means so much to me especially when I feel uncertain or discouraged about a decision. I can always count on Harry to give me a balanced, unbiased view.
I happily tell him of my plans and dreams of our gallery. What paintings I want to show and how Colin is going to set up his photography. We are going to have a couple other wizarding artists show their work and hopefully be a success. There really aren't a lot of wizarding art galleries around. Most of us artists have to link up with galleries that also show Muggle work, so hopefully we can fill a void in our community.
After a while I wind down and we slip into a companionable silence, just lightly swinging the bench we are sitting on. The tiredness finally hits me and I start to doze a little, still listening in case Harry says something. Everything is just so good right now I can't believe the difference from five years ago when the world had changed so much.
I start as I hear Harry's voice. I blink my eyes and realize that I must have fallen asleep. I sit there trying to get my bearings and I realize that I have drooled on my arm. I am just disgusted with myself and I can't believe that I have drooled. Really, what is Harry going to think? I mean it is just him but this is just gross. Harry is still talking about something while I am trying to figure out a way to gracefully wipe the drool off my arm. I decide to stretch and then carefully wipe my arm on the side of my dress and hope that it doesn't show up. As I do this, Harry finally mentions that he is tired and is going to head over to Remus and Tonk's home to crash.
We both get up off the swing and I lean over and kiss his cheek and tell him good night. He disappears with a crack and I slowly make my way to my room. I take off my clothes and too tired to change into my night clothes I fall into bed and quickly drift off into a peaceful sleep. What a lovely day.
As I stand there lost in my thoughts, I feel a hand on my shoulder and a voice says by my ear 'It will be a perfect night for the party tonight'. I turn slightly and look up at my mother's loving face; she has a wistful smile like she too is remembering perfect summer days and nights.
'I'm almost done with these peaches mum,' I tell her, breaking the spell of sweet summers, 'Do you want me to start getting the tarts ready?'
'No dear, go make sure your brothers haven't broken the tables and chairs and start decorating them', she replies as she takes bucket of sliced peaches from me over to the work table.
I remove the apron over my head and watch her walk away. She is older now. We all are, but her energy seems endless. She can spend three days cooking and cleaning and still manage to mingle and chat with guests at the party tonight like nothing else. I am quite often amazed by what my mother can do, she really is an incredible person and I hope that when I have my own family I could be half the person she is.
I slowly walk outside to see the antics of my brothers. Chairs with teeth, claws, and fangs are flying around the yard attacking each other while my brothers stand in the yard yelling and cheering for their respective chairs. I walk over to Ron and squinting in the harsh sunlight I said 'Hermione is going to have your ass for messing around like this'. Ron who is distracted by his own chair, which is losing, replies 'She already has my ass, which is why I am marrying her.'
I giggle at him and start toward the tables and chairs that aren't participating in the boxing match and start getting them ready. I am laying out the table cloths and I decide to lay out the plates and silverware to hold the cloths down in case a breeze comes up.
Finally after a loud shout by Fred, and equally large groans from George and Ron, the boys start to help me. In a short time the tables and chairs are set in place, and the boys are working on the lights and getting the tent ready.
I have already started setting the flowers on the tables. I have always enjoyed working with flowers. I love to mix the different colors, patterns, and textures in unusual combinations. People have always admired the way I mix the flowers stating that 'I would never have thought of that.' To me it's a challenge to find different ways to do things, sometimes it doesn't look right, but more often it looks great.
After about an hour, the flowers look right and I move on to some other chore that needs to be done outside. My mother sticks her head out the door and tells me to come inside and get some rest before the party. Obediently I follow her[.] I know that I am getting tired and that my back is a bit stiff and sore. I walk in and grab the lemonade that my mother hands to me and stand at the kitchen counter and rest a bit. I watch my two sisters-in-law, Angelina and Alicia, working hard with my mother to finish the food for tonight. 'The tables are done with the plates and silverware and the flowers, the boys almost have the tent done, and I think there should be some of those garlands hanging with the fairy lights in them' I tell my mother, 'I can lay down for a bit and go out and finish that before everyone gets here'.
'Fine dear, just make sure you get enough rest,' my mother tells me.
I just shake my head and smile at her, I glance at Angie and she is smiling too. We will always be her babies no matter how old we are.
I walk upstairs to my bedroom and once inside, I kick off my shoes and take off my sweaty and dirty clothes. I lie down on the bed and sigh contentedly. I can't believe that Ron and Hermione are getting married in a week. I mean that I always knew they would be together, but after seven years together, it seems like it would never happen. Finally they have reached the time in their youth that they are ready to be together permanently, the extra schooling is done, their careers are started, and they are well on their way to adulthood and maturity. I am happy for them, I think and I guess thatI have always felt that they are perfect for each other. Yes, they still do argue and have differences of opinion, however, they have found ways to compromise and to 'agree not to agree'. If they weren't getting married, I would swear that they had already been married for fifty years by the way they act.
I think about myself and for a moment feel a bit of sadness. All my brothers are married and yet I am not even close. I know that they worry about me and my lack of romantic partners, but they realize and accept that 'it' will happen sooner or later and they shouldn't pressure me about it. I'll date when I am ready and I guess I am not ready now. Although I have been feeling it lately, the feeling of loneliness, that something is missing. I try not to dwell on it but with the wedding I feel it more. I sigh again and push those depressing thoughts from my head and slowly fall into a light sleep.
About an hour later I hear a light knocking on my door and my mothers voice, 'Ginny dear, are you awake?'
I slowly roll off my bed and shuffle to the door, 'Coming mum'. I open the door and let out a big yawn and stretch my arms over my head. She smiles at me and says, 'I didn't want to wake you, but I know you wanted to hang the garlands. Ron will help you, everyone else headed home to get ready'.
'Is everything else done, do you need anything with the food?' I ask, hoping that the answer will be 'yes and no' to each question.
Mum replies that yes everything is done and she is going to rest a bit and then get ready. I get dressed and head down stairs and out the screen door. Ron is sitting on the edge of the steps sipping a glass of lemonade and looking off into the yard.
'Sometimes it doesn't feel real' he says. 'I don't believe I really have her, that she couldn't want me, and then she looks at me and I feel everything is wonderful.'
I smile at him and sit down next to him, 'I think Hermione is very lucky herself, we only let the best into our family, no second rate wives for MY brothers'. I look at him, lean over, and push against him.
He smiles at me and leans to his left and pushes back. We start the pushing battle that we have had ever since we were little; he always wins though, so I don't know why I even start it. We both start giggling like mad and then he stops and looks at me with a very serious look and says, 'Ginny you know I am not one to talk about feelings and mushy things, but I want you to know that you are the best sister and that I really love you and appreciate all you have done for Hermione and I'.
I am shocked for a moment and I just stare back at him. I really don't know what to say, Ron has never said anything like that to me, even when I was in the hospital. I look down at my knees and then look back into his eyes 'Ron I have always loved you and would do anything for you and Hermione, you know that'.
'Yeah, but thanks anyway,' he replies, turning away from me and looking out into the yard again, sipping his drink.
Suddenly the mood is broken as he jumps up and grabs my hand, 'Come on, let's get this finished and then I get first turn at the shower'.
'No way, I am the girl and it takes me longer to get ready, ' I smile at him while he drags me across the yard.
'But it's my party, I have to look handsome and dashing for my bride to be,' he states as we reach the tent and start sorting though the garland to hang.
'A shower isn't going to make that happen,' I comment as I am helping straighten out the plants. Suddenly I feel a spray of lavender hit the side of my face.
One hour later after a quick shower (Ron did beat me to the bathroom) I hurried back to my room to finish getting ready. I decided to splurge for the party and bought a new Muggle style dress. It's more of a linen shift in a neutral taupe. Hermione assured me that it would go with everything and that it really went well with my coloring. As Hermione is usually right about everything I went with her judgment and by looking in the mirror I could tell she was right again. I finished drying my hair, put some lip balm on, and slipped on my sandals, ready to go downstairs and mingle.
As I walked into the living room I could hear Hermione's laugh. I went to the door and looked in, seeing her and Ron in a conversation with her parents. Hermione was laughing at something Ron had said no doubt, and I watched her look up at him. As Ron was talking her he glanced down and took her hand. As I watched them together I saw this immense look of love and happiness pass between them. I wished that I had a camera or my canvass to try to capture that moment. I was setting up the picture in my mind, aligning colors and lighting as to how I could paint it when Hermione looked over and saw me.
'Ginny!' Hermione exclaimed and I rushed over to hug her.
We exchanged hellos and greetings with her parents and visited together for a while before I went to find my mum to see what needed to be done. Mum was working in the kitchen as usual and needed help setting the food outside and setting the preservative charms. I helped her levitate everything out there and set up the tables just how she wanted them.
By this time, more guests had arrived and I went and visited with old friends and relatives for some time. I was having a wonderful time; the garden was gorgeous and the night sky was bright with stars. Mum again outdid herself with the food and Dad and the twins were serving drinks. Everyone was happy and laughing and such a mood of good humor was spreading everywhere. I visited with Remus and Tonks, now on their third year of marriage and looking delighted to be with each other.
After a couple hours of talking and laughing, I was in the middle of a conversation about Muggle computers with Hermione's uncle. Hermione had demonstrated to me once what they could do and I have been fascinated with them since then. As I was trying to understand what he meant by terms like megabytes and ISP, I heard a loud squeal from across the yard, it sounded like my mum was excited. I tried to look and see what she was squealing about, but due to my annoying shortness, I couldn't see anything. I decided to start to wander over there and see what was going on. Trying to find a way to gracefully end the conversation with Hermione's uncle (I gave up trying figure out what he was talking about and was now just smiling and nodding) when Ron came to my rescue and yelled for me to come over there. Politely excusing myself I started to head over where Ron's voice had come.
I walked to see my mum hugging someone I didn't recognize at first. She looked like she was crying and was literally squeezing the person to death. Finally she let go and the young man came up for air. I started to walk faster towards them because the dawn of recognition was slowly coming to me. The young man turned around and then I started to run...'HARRY' I yelled. He looked at me and smiled and then I jumped up and enveloped him in the biggest hug that I could give almost knocking both of us over.
I was so excited I could barely speak, 'When...how....you were....not be here until next week.....you big git....should have told us....I can't believe it'. I finally managed to get out.
Harry was laughing by this time and managed to straighten himself from my running hug, 'I got done with my assignment early and decided to surprise everyone, I showed up about an hour ago at Remus and Tonk's, and cleaned up, and came here'.
I finally let go of him and looked around at everyone, the happiness of this gathering was now magnified. Ron and Hermione were so happy that their friend could join in their celebration, my mum is looking like her seventh son is here and Remus and Tonks are also beaming like a long lost child has returned. We haven't seen Harry in about two years. He is an auror now and joined a unit that traveled to foreign countries. He has been in America for the past two years and this is first time he has been able to come home. We both exchange regular letters and owls, but it is never the same as being in person.
Reluctant to leave my friend, I stand next to him as we excitedly talk and catch up. Hermione starts talking about Harry's duties as the best man and what he needs to do in the next week.
Ron just rolls his eyes at her and laughs. 'Honey, he just got home let him rest a bit before you have him working'.
'So how long will you be here, are you taking off right away?' I asked Harry.
'Well, I will be here for a while, I really want to stay back here at home'. He replies as he looks around at his family and friends.
At this time the twins and Bill come over with their wives and children. The rest of the night is spent visiting, laughing, sharing gossip, and just being us.
Finally the party winds down and the guests leave for the evening. I find myself sitting at the kitchen table with Mum and Dad, Ron, Hermione, and Harry. We are relaxing, sipping on tea and generally reviewing the success of the party.
Mum and Dad stand up stating they are exhausted and are going to bed. The four of us sit and visit some more and then Ron and Hermione make their excuses. Ron wants to escort Hermione home. Now at first glance that would seem to be quite a gentlemanly thing to do, but I know that he really wants to snog her, so I smile to myself and glance over at Harry who has this look on his face like he knows exactly what Ron is up to. Ron and Hermione make their goodbyes and I ask Harry if he wants to sit outside on the porch and enjoy the evening. We move our tea out there and sit down gently on our porch swing, swinging back and forth.
He talks about his past couple of years and how happy he is to be home. I fill him in on what is happening to me and in the family. We talk about Ron and Hermione and how it is about time.
I look over at him and get ready to break my big news. I haven't told Harry yet because I knew he would be here for the wedding and wanted to tell him in person. I clear my throat and say 'I have some very exciting news. Colin and I have been looking at property in Diagon Alley. We are going to open our own gallery, we have a couple of properties that we really like and are going to make some bids to purchase one'. I am waiting with my breathe held to hear his response.
'Ginny that is wonderful. When will you open, where are the properties?' he asks excitedly.
I smile at Harry and think how wonderful he is. When Harry and I finally came to be friends in my fifth year. I couldn't believe how strong our friendship became. I had finally gotten over my crush and he finally was able to let other people into his private thoughts. We talked about many things during our school years and became closer after we left school and moved on to adulthood. His opinion of my choices has always mattered to me and I really want his approval that this is a good idea. I think I have always wanted his approval because while he is like a brother to me he doesn't baby me like my parents or other brothers do. He has faith in me to achieve my goals and that means so much to me especially when I feel uncertain or discouraged about a decision. I can always count on Harry to give me a balanced, unbiased view.
I happily tell him of my plans and dreams of our gallery. What paintings I want to show and how Colin is going to set up his photography. We are going to have a couple other wizarding artists show their work and hopefully be a success. There really aren't a lot of wizarding art galleries around. Most of us artists have to link up with galleries that also show Muggle work, so hopefully we can fill a void in our community.
After a while I wind down and we slip into a companionable silence, just lightly swinging the bench we are sitting on. The tiredness finally hits me and I start to doze a little, still listening in case Harry says something. Everything is just so good right now I can't believe the difference from five years ago when the world had changed so much.
I start as I hear Harry's voice. I blink my eyes and realize that I must have fallen asleep. I sit there trying to get my bearings and I realize that I have drooled on my arm. I am just disgusted with myself and I can't believe that I have drooled. Really, what is Harry going to think? I mean it is just him but this is just gross. Harry is still talking about something while I am trying to figure out a way to gracefully wipe the drool off my arm. I decide to stretch and then carefully wipe my arm on the side of my dress and hope that it doesn't show up. As I do this, Harry finally mentions that he is tired and is going to head over to Remus and Tonk's home to crash.
We both get up off the swing and I lean over and kiss his cheek and tell him good night. He disappears with a crack and I slowly make my way to my room. I take off my clothes and too tired to change into my night clothes I fall into bed and quickly drift off into a peaceful sleep. What a lovely day.