Chapter 8-
Disclaimer-You know the drill, I own nothing but the plot, Johnson and Dagan, And of course the Crucifier but you don't know if JKR owns him or not do you? hehe ;) enjoy!
Suddenly, a lone figure came from the flames. Ginny looked up and took in his appearance through half shut eyes. They wore black robes and a golden necklace. At the bottom of the necklace was what the muggles would call a crucifix. With a start Ginny realized who it was.
Standing before Ginny, with his cold eyes boring into hers, stood none other than The Crucifier.
To be Continued........
Ginny looked up at the towering person and felt her blood loose all warmth. So this was the man she had been searching for. The man she'd been working for the last year to condemn. Her thoughts were utterly muddled by the impenetrable smoke. She grasped her throat as she coughed, trying to scramble backwards.
Ginny turned and saw she was trapped. Behind her the raging fire had consumed all means of escape, and in front of her awaited The Crucifier. Death seemed imminent.
She tried not to panic but suddenly the daunting being began to inch its way towards her, his strides long and slow.
Ginny for once in her life didn't know what to do. To face a fiery death or a ghastly murder seemed her only options. As she looked up fearfully at the form that now loomed over her, but nonetheless tried to get a look at his face.
The figure was most definitely male, that she was sure of. But his face was covered by black cloth, only allowing his eyes to be seen.
There was something familiar about those eyes to Ginny, but she couldn't place what it was. She'd be dead soon so it didn't really matter.
A glint in the man's hand caught her eye and her gaze flew to the object in his hands. He carried three nails and a hammer. The same tools he had presumably used on the witnesses. Ginny shut her eyes as he reached out his other hand to grab her, fear filling her.
Suddenly a formidable voice reverberated through the house making Ginny's eyes snap open. She blinked trying to see through the now deadly smoke and gasped when she saw who it was. "Harry!"
Harry stood in the middle of the fiery living room his eyes dangerous. They were a dark shade of emerald that brimmed with hatred as he glared at the man standing in front of Ginny. His right hand was extended and his wand trained on the imposing threat.
The hooded man's head snapped around when he heard the voice and his eyes narrowed like slits. He stood up to his full height and turned to Harry.
"Get away from her." Harry said, his voice as grave as his eyes. He was actually beginning to scare Ginny with that look in his eyes. He was ready to murder if it was called for.
The Crucifier eyed Harry a minute before backing away from he and Ginny both. He backed up until he was close to a flame-engulfed window before turning and jumping out of it.
Harry rushed over to Ginny covering them both with his cloak to try and shield them from the out-of-control fire.
"Can you apparate?" Harry questioned, his voice urgent. Ginny shrugged and Harry sighed, putting his arm tighter around her and shutting his eyes. With a snap of air they were out of the blazing inferno.
Harry and Ginny's arrival at the ministry was announced by the snap of air and their coughing. Soon officials were hovering around them, ordering for the medics. Harry's arm was still firmly around Ginny, his cloak still draped over them both.
They were on their knees, Ginny coughing and sputtering from the lack of oxygen she had been submitted to. Her face was red from the heat and lack of clean air and covered in black soot.
Draco was not long in appearing from one of the adjourning offices. His face was contorted in worry. He half walked half ran over to where Harry and Ginny were huddled on the floor before dropping to his knees.
"Are you both alright?"
Harry nodded slightly as if to say he thought so. But both found they had lost their voices from yelling so much at the house. His arm was still around Ginny, it was clear he had no plans of letting her go.
Draco looked at him, clearly unconvinced but instead of saying something signaled a medic over with a flick of his wrist. He then stepped back and went into his office, not wanting to be one of the many hovering over them.
Harry reluctantly let himself be ushered away from Ginny, though the whole time he kept his eyes on her and what the medics were doing. His only ailing being a second degree burn on his right arm. they rubbed a potion on it and put it in a ace bandage before bustling off.
Harry then went over to where Ginny was being seen to in time to hear them arguing. Apparently she had gotten her voice back.
"I'm ok. I don't need a shot."
"Ms Commings stop arguing and give me your arm."
The scene that met Harry's eyes nearly made him chuckle, but he caught himself before he did. Ginny was sitting on a stool with her arms crossed with a very agitated Medic in front of her holding a syringe.
Ginny looked up and spotted Harry and saw the amusement in his eyes and narrowed hers. She gave him a warning look as if daring him to laugh before slapping the needle away again. "I said no."
The medic glanced at Harry desperately and Harry nodded slightly and knelt down beside Ginny.
He decided to distract her and did the only thing he could think of-rant. "Ginny what the hell were you thinking?! Rushing to Finnegan's like that? You could have been killed!"
Ginny's eyes flashed dangerously, her temper igniting. "Excuse me I didn't expect the house to be on fire and Seamus to be dead and the man who's killed them all to be standing there!" Ginny snapped angrily.
"Even if it wasn't on fire and The Crucifier wasn't there you shouldn't have gone over there alone! That's wrecklace even for you!"
"And how would you know?" Ginny countered, her anger evident. "You didn't even know I was alive until a week ago! And now you're the expert on how I act? I think someone's a little confused."
"You could have been killed!"
"Who are you to call me wrecklace and to reprimand me? Or need I remind you of all your school day excursions Mr. Potter?!"
Harry was taken aback by that. He didn't know what to say. She did have a valid point.
The medic, though confused at the names they were using, chose that moment to stick Ginny with the needle earning a glare from Ginny which she soon redirected to Harry.
The medic finished soon after and left the two of them to battle it out.
Harry looked at Ginny somberly, the fire he had felt moments before extinguished. "Look Gin, I was just afraid I was going to loose you, alright? You gave me quite the scare there." Harry confessed.
Ginny softened at his admission. She nodded, not willing to admit she was in the wrong. Harry, knowing this, helped her to her feet.
Just as they were about to leave the chief came into the room, his face grim. "Mr. Potter, Ms Weasley, my office."
Harry and Ginny exchanged a nervous glance before following him to his office. Ginny and Harry took a seat in front of his desk and looked at him expectantly, though nervous.
"Look, Chief, we can explain-" Harry began.
The chief turned and looked at him oddly. "Explain?"
Ginny and Harry exchanged another puzzled look. "Why we didn't tell you who we really are, Sir."
Chief turned to them and looked at them very seriously. "I don't give a dam if you are Harry Potter or Voldemort himself. You're the best agents I've got."
Harry and Ginny could not hide their surprise, nor their relief.
The chief was about to say something when an insistent tapping came from the window. He turned irritably to see a snowy owl hovering outside the window, a letter in her beak. Allan (the chief) turned back to them an eyebrow quirked. "One of yours?"
Harry nodded. "She's mine." He went to the window and let her in only to have her perch on his shoulder. He looked at her and took the letter from her and was surprised when she stayed on his shoulder, apparently awaiting a reply.
A glance at the chief proved he found Harry's uncertainty amusing. "Well open it if you must. You're dismissed. I just wanted you two to know you don't need to keep up the charade any longer." And with that Allan resumed his work.
Harry stood and let Ginny precede him out of the office, Hedwig letting her displeasure be known at being jostled. Harry then read the letter and gulped. He had completely forgotten about that. And there really was no way of getting out of it...unless of course he wanted a howler the next day.
Harry shivered at the thought alone. He pulled Ginny out the back door so he could talk to her. The look he was getting told him she didn't appreciate being lugged around. Apparently she and Hedwig had a bit in common. Not that he'd tell her that.
"Ginny, I've been meaning to tell you something, but it had completely slipped my mind until I got this," He began, gesturing to the letter in his hand. "I'd been living with the Weasleys before I was transferred, so they knew when I met you." Harry saw the look of betrayal flicker across her face. "I didn't tell them, but I did talk about you.." Harry admitted with a blush.
Ginny would have to remember that one, blackmail material if she ever had found it. But she pushed those thoughts away and began wondering what Harry was talking about. She looked up at him expectantly, awaiting her answer.
"Mrs.Weasleyaskedmetobringyoutodinner." Harry said hurriedly. He held his breath and looked at Ginny to see her reaction. He had been expecting anger, betrayal, anything but what he saw-dejection. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence Harry decided to try to say something.
"Ginny..?" He questioned softly. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He immediately felt awful for even asking her to do something like that. He pulled her into a hug and whispered into her hair, "I'm sorry, you don't have to go Gin, really."
Ginny pulled back slightly, though still tightly in his arms. She shook her head slowly. "It's not that I don't want to Harry. I mean, this would be perfect, having you there with me incase things go bad. But-I just don't know if I could stand them hating me or being disappointed in me." Ginny said, trying to put her feelings into words.
Harry understood what she was trying to say and pulled her back into the hug, putting his chin on top of her head. "Gin, they'd never be disappointed in you. I know I'm not." Harry admitted with a shy grin as he wiped at the tears with his thumb.
Ginny smiled slightly, though still teary eyed. "Thanks, Harry."
Harry gave her that boyish grin again and pulled her unto a hug. He could feel the tension in her shoulders and knew she was working herself up over this. He sighed inwardly, already wishing that the night was over.
"How about we get you home and you take a cat nap before we go?" Harry suggested, his sympathy well hidden and masked by concern. "After all, you've had one hell of a day."
Ginny nodded her consent, thinking about how heavenly a nap sounded at the moment. What she wouldn't give for a hot bath and a nice long nap. She opened her eyes when she felt herself being lifted from the ground and let out a small yelp of surprise.
Harry didn't even look apologetic, he merely grinned and headed to the car, carrying her wedding-style. He helped her into the car, much to Ginny's embarrassment, before going and getting in on the drivers side.
"Hey, who said you got to drive Mr.?" Ginny scolded half-heartedly. She was giving Harry the best glare she could conjure up at the moment, though it left much to be desired. He grinned and put a finger under her chin and kissed her.
"We want to live long enough to take that nap Gin."
If Ginny hadn't been so tired she would have been outraged, or at least acted it. Instead she opted to shut her eyes and begin her nap a little early, resting her head comfortably on Harry's shoulder.
Harry peeled out of the parking lot, his arm around Gin's shoulders. In all rights he should scold her for not wearing a seatbelt, but he just couldn't seem to bring himself to do it. He shook his head slightly. He was definitely turning into mush over this girl. With a small smile he realized he wouldn't have it any other way.
Ginny awoke a few hours later with a splitting headache. She could hear the sound of voices carrying from the hall way and heard her bedroom door open and shut. She steeled herself, her hand slipping subtly off the bed and to the handle of the bottom drawer of her nightstand. She was ready to pull out the hidden pistol if there was any sign of an unknown intruder.
The sound of laughing startled her. She sat bolt upright in bed and her eyes darting around, her eyes narrowing.
"Draco! Were you never taught manners?" She scolded as she glanced at Harry who was next to her, his arm slung over her waist.
"So says the girl caught with a boy in her bed." Draco replied, rolling his eyes dramatically. He was wearing a pair or baggy kaki pants and a emerald green colored sweater with a gray line going across the chest, back, and down the long sleeves.
"Shut up. And what do you want?" Ginny grumbled, pulling the covers closer to her to block out the unwelcome chill coming from the open front door. "And must you leave every door open in your wake?"
Draco smirked and seemed to be thinking something over. "Hurry and get dressed, we were about to leave." He finally said, shutting the door and leaving Ginny to ponder over what he meant. She shrugged and got out of the bed, not missing the fact she was in a baggy t-shirt and boxer shorts. A blush stole over her cheeks as she realized Harry must have changed her after they got back.
Shaking her heads to dispel such thoughts she went to her dresser, making her hair semi-presentable. With a last glance at the mirror she went over to the bed, kissing Harry's forehead and left her room, shutting the door quietly behind her.
She went down the hall to the living/dining room, stopping in her tracks when she saw Draco sitting on the couch, his arm slung lazily over Lavender Brown's shoulders. He glanced up and smirked lazily when he saw the surprised look on Ginny's face. "Look what the cat dragged in." He teased, earning a loving shove from Lavender.
Ginny then noticed the ring on Lavender's left hand, and it was all she could do to keep her jaw from dropping. It was the same ring Draco had proudly shown her two nights before. It was Lavender! Draco's mystery fiancee was none other than Lavender!
"Oh, hello Ginny! It's been too long!" Lavender exclaimed, getting from the couch and going to Ginny to envelope her in a friendly hug.
Ginny smiled, though still shocked that it was Lavender who was engaged to her best friend. When Lavender decided to let her breathe she smiled at Lavender and offered her congratulations on the upcoming wedding.
Lavender smiled and thanked her, retaking her position at her fiancee's side. The look she and Draco shared was so loving it reminded Ginny of how Harry looked at her. She shook her head, wondering why she was comparing them to herself and Harry. It was absurd.
Ginny sat down on the loveseat and crossed her legs, feeling oddly bland next to Lavender's simple elegance. Even though Ginny was still in her PJ'S, she still felt underdressed.
"So I hear you're working on the Fudge case, am I correct?" Lavender politely inquired.
Ginny's eyes flew to Draco, her shock evident. Her eyes quickly narrowed and she stood, grabbing Draco's arm and dragging him into the study Lavender forgotten. "You told her?!"
Draco looked at the bookcase, the desk, anywhere but at Ginny.
"Draconis Lucius Malfoy you look at me when I'm speaking to you!"
Draco put a hand over he mouth to silence her, something about the steel in his eyes familiar, though she couldn't place it.
"How many times must I tell you to not call me that?" He fumed, his eyes still oddly cold. "And I don't remember telling Lavender that. But you are the primary on the case and it's bound to be public knowledge."
"So you go and tell a reporter?!"
Draco had been hoping she didn't know about Lavender's occupation, especially with her undying love for them. But at least now it was out in the open. "Lav isn't like other reporters Gin!"
"Obviously not! She sleeps with a man to get her story!" Ginny yelled. Her temper was at it's peak, and for living with a Malfoy and being a Weasley, that was one high peak. She knew she was going to regret saying that last accusation, but it didn't stop it from coming from her mouth.
Draco's eyes darkened dangerously and his face flushed with anger. "How dare you insinuate that she's that low! That's my fiancee you're talking about and you will treat her with as much respect as you would myself!"
"And we all know how much that accounts for Draco." She said sarcastically. She became serious once again. "You're my best friend, and I don't want to see you get hurt."
"And saying Lav's just with me for my money isn't suppose to do that?"
"I never said that!" Cried a shocked Ginny. After all, he really didn't have as much money as he use to, giving away his inheritance to rebuilding Hogwarts and all.
"Ginny do yourself a favor and stay out of this." Draco said coldly.
Ginny looked at Draco, her temper fading and becoming concern. "Draco, I'll be sure and stay out of your love life when you find a girl who won't publish both of our private cases! No one but the people in the office know we've reopened the case, and then you tell Witch Weekly's head reporter? Draco! You know better!"
"So you think Lavender's using me, is that what your saying?" Draco asked, his voice eerily calm yet no warmer.
"Draco-"
"IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING?" He yelled, grabbing Ginny roughly by her arms.
Ginny winced at the grip he had on her arms, she could already tell there would be bruises. "Let go of me Malfoy." She said, hoping her voice didn't shake as much as she thought it did.
"NOT UNTIL YOU ANSWER ME. DO YOU THINK THAT GINNY?! ARE YOU ACCUSING MY FIANCEE OF USING ME? YOU NEED TO QUIT BROWN NOSING AND STICK TO YOUR OWN FUCKED UP LOVE LIFE AND STAY OUT OF MINE!"
Ginny tried to get out of Draco's iron like hold but his years in the police academy had kicked in. The problem was, so had hers. With a sweep of her left arm she brought her left elbow down on the bend of both of his arms, causing him to loose his grip.
Draco advanced on Ginny, the look in his eyes emotionless, like that of a robot. He suddenly lunged and pushed her against the nearby bookcase, his hands going around her throat.
Ginny brought her hands up to his, trying to pry his hands off, but he was stronger than her. Never had she thought that he would use that strength against her, and definitely not to kill her as he seemed intent on doing now.
Suddenly the door to the study flew open and a shocked looking Lavender and an alarmed Harry stood in the entry way.
Harry took no time in rushing over to Ginny and punching Draco, making him fall to the ground. Harry was furious. The look in his eyes matched that of when he had seen The Crucifier looming over Ginny. He swung at Draco again, catching him in the jaw this time.
Draco wasn't about to take this fight lying down, so to speak. He got up and punched Harry in the stomach, making Harry bend over and then brought his elbow down on Harry's exposed neck.
Harry fell to the ground, but swung his leg out, bringing Draco to the ground as well. He was about to lunge at him again when Lavender stepped in between them, standing in front of Draco. A hand on his shoulder let him know Ginny was beside him suddenly. He turned and his eyes narrowed at the red marks around her neck.
He would have lunged at Draco again but Ginny's soft 'no' stopped him. He turned to look at her fully.
She had tears in her eyes, and they were guarded once again. He hadn't seen her this upset in a while. The marks on her neck instead of fading were becoming more and more pronounced and she was as pale as a sheet. "Gin." He whispered, pulling her into an embrace. His heart nearly broke when she was rigid in his arms.
He turned back to where Lavender was fussing over Draco and giving a chance glare at Ginny and himself every so often. The look Harry sent Draco could make Voldemort himself take a step back. Draco merely ignored it and let himself be fussed over.
Harry looked down at Ginny who was still stiff in his arms. "Come on, lets get out of here. I'll pack your trunk and you get dressed." He said gently. He put a hand to the small of her back and led her from the study back to her room.
He watched as she went stiffly to her closet and opened it, staring at it's contents unseeingly. He felt his heart break again at how mechanical her movements were. It was as if she had mentally receded and left a robot in her place.
He went and got her suitcase and began packing some clothes, not really paying attention to what he was doing because his gaze was on Ginny the whole time. She was just staring at one of the pictures of her and Draco she had in her room. Before this Harry would have probably overreacted and gotten jealous, but now he felt a stab of sympathy for her.
When he was done packing her bags and she had changed into a pair of low rider jeans and a white halter top he turned back to her and hugged her, mentally sighing when she was still rigid and did not return the hug.
"Come on." He finally said, leading her to the door. He stepped through first to see where Draco was and saw him standing in front of the front door. He sighed, knowing Draco was going to either apologize or try to keep Ginny here. With that in mind, he grabbed Gin's hand and apparated to the car.
Ginny still said nothing, lost in her self misery. Harry helped her into the car and turned on the ignition, hoping she wasn't going to be mad at him for what he was about to do.
"Gin, look at me." He ordered as he was driving. He glanced at her to see she had obeyed, though her eyes were still empty. "Don't go into your shell, please. It's not your fault so stop thinking it is." When he saw Ginny open her mouth in surprise he sighed, remembering how little they knew of each other and apparently had forgotten some things too.
"Let me guess, you forgot about my Occlumency lessens?"
She nodded, surprisingly seeming indifferent. "Shouldn't surprise me, I mean after all you are Harry Potter. Boy who keeps saving the pathetic Weasley girl." She muttered, not meaning for him to hear the last part.
Much to her dismay, he did.
He swerved across three lanes of traffic to the shoulder of the road, jerking her so her head hit the window. He turned and looked at her, his expression so serious Ginny would have mocked him, that is if her best friend hadn't tried to kill her the same day.
"Listen to me Ginevra Weasley you are not pathetic! Everyone needs saving! It's nothing to be ashamed of! I can't tell you how many times you've saved me!" Ginny opened her mouth to say she had done no such thing but Harry cut her off. "Not all saving is from physical pain Gin."
Ginny snapped her mouth shut at that. She hadn't ever thought of it that way. Sure, she had wondered if Harry ever thought about her before they met up again, but she had never thought he would hold onto memories so much. It made a small smile form on her face and tears sting her eyes.
She reached over and hugged Harry, clinging to him like her life depended on it. This man meant so much to her it hurt.
Harry sighed when she hugged him, returning the embrace and whispering assurances in her ear. "It's gonna be okay Gin."
Ginny nodded, her head still buried in his shoulder. A few minutes later, she was mercifully asleep.
Harry turned back to the wheel and continued on his way, glad Ginny was asleep so she couldn't see where he was heading, for she was sure to recognize it.
Molly Weasley was baking cookies in her kitchen, wondering who Harry's mystery girl could possibly be. He certainly talked about her a lot. She remembered the day he came home after having met her. It had been as if he was walking on a cloud. She couldn't wait until tonight when she was able to meet her.
Just then a loud explosion came from upstairs and she sighed, grabbing a nearby broom and jabbing it at the ceiling. "How many times do I have to tell you, NO EXPERIMENTING WHILE YOU'RE AT MY HOUSE!?"
A short while later, two red headed boys came downstairs, their faces covered in ash and some unknown purple substance. Niether's face was abashed, in fact they looked very proud.
"Fred Weasley what did you do this time? So help me if your father has to have that roof redone it comes from your checks!"
Fred and George Weasley came downstairs, both of their faces covered in soot and an unknown purple substance in their hair. One twin headed for their mother while the other relieved her of her cookie dough.
"Fred, don't eat the dough!" Molly continued to scold. These boys would be the death of her, she just knew it. But their chipper attitude was contagious. She smiled, turning to finish the dishes so they wouldn't see it.
"So when's Harry's mystery bride going to be here?" George teased, dipping his finger in the cookie dough and sucking on it while awaiting the answer.
"They aren't engaged and if you so much as think about embarrassing them or slipping them one of your-your products so help me..." Molly warned, letting the last sentence hang.
The twins had identical (so what if they're identical twins...u try not using that word!) looks of loathing on their face, though the reluctantly conceded.
The sound of a car pulling into the driveway sent Molly into a panic. "They're here! Places everyone!"
"She makes it sound like a-"
"Birthday party."
"That she does dear brother."
"That she does."
"You two hush your mouths and go get cleaned up!" Molly chided, shooing them away from the door.
"Why do I get the feeling-"
"That we're unwanted?"
"Right as always my dear twin." Fred and George mumbled as they went upstairs.
Molly nearly hit the roof as the nock sounded on the door. She glanced one last time at the mirror beside the clock and noticed that Ginny's hand had moved from 'Lost' to 'Home'.
::Old thing must be broken:: She thought as she opened the front door, plastering a welcoming smile on her face.
Harry stood on the doorstep in the rain, his eyes solemn yet bright at the same time. "Oh Harry dear! So good to see you!" She exclaimed, something him in one of her motherly embraces that cut off all air supply.
"Evening Mrs. Weasley." Harry chuckled as she let him go. He couldn't keep the smile from his face when he noticed her discreetly searching eyes.
"I thought you were bringing that girl you can't stop talking about." Mrs. Weasley finally said, not hiding her disappointment.
"Oh she's here Mrs. Weasley. She's just asleep in the car."
Molly's eyes noticeably lit. "You brought her?!" Harry smiled and nodded. "Well what are you waiting for?? Bring her in!"
"Mrs. Weasley-"
"Molly." She insisted.
"Molly." Harry corrected, stressing the name. "She's been through a lot today that I'm not at liberty to discuss right now. I'd appreciate it if you didn't pressure her." Harry exclaimed gently.
Wondering whether she should be offended, Molly nodded.
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Molly decided it best to occupy herself with the food while Harry fetched his guest.
A short while later she heard the door open and went to greet them. She turned the corner and stopped short. "Lord Almighty." She gasped, her hands going to her mouth and tears springing to her eyes.
Ginny looked up and locked eyes with her mother. Her grip on Harry's hand tightened and she felt him give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Molly, with the strength only a mother could possess, managed to hold herself together until she crossed the room and hugged Ginny.
Ginny clung to her mother and cried as she had when she and Harry had been re-united.
Harry excused himself and went to change out of his wet clothes while mother and daughter caught up.
He went inside 'his' room (which was really shared with Ron) and looked around. With another sigh he changed out of his wet clothes and into the spare clothes he had there.
He went back downstairs and didn't see Ginny or Mrs. Weasley anywhere. His heart leapt as he realized how quiet the house was.
"Mrs. Weasley? Ginny?" He called out, looking inside the nearby rooms.
"In the kitchen" came the answering voice of Mrs. Weasley.
Harry swore under his breath that a certain red head was going to be giving him gray hairs at the age of 23' before going to the kitchen.
He felt a warm smile tug at the corner of his mouth and all anger was forgotten at the scene before him.
Molly was retrieving cookies from the oven while Ginny was up to her elbows in batter. Both were smiling and had been having a warm conversation.
Ginny turned, smiling when she saw his face. Apparently she knew him better than he thought. Crud. "Hello there stranger." She teased, wiping her hands off on a towel. She sauntered over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
By instinct Harry's arms encircled her waist and he forgot Mrs. Weasley's presence. Ginny could do that to him, make him forget about everything but the two of them.
Mrs. Weasley quickly finished putting the cookies on a plate and took her leave.
As soon as the door swung shut behind her Harry lowered his mouth to Ginny's/
When they finally separated they were both slightly lightheaded and flushed.
Ginny nearly forgot what she was going to say to Harry. Though she quickly remembered.
"I can't thank you enough, Harry." Ginny admitted, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You brought me back home."
Harry smiled softly and pulled her against him. "Don't mention it, Gin."
Ginny nodded, her arms around Harry's waist and her head laid against his chest. She couldn't recall a time she had been happier. She actually felt like she belonged here.
Harry noticed the thoughtful look on her and couldn't keep a tender smile from coming to his face. "Galleon for your thoughts."
Ginny looked up, eyes revealing she had been in her own little world. "They aren't worth that much."
'How cliche' Ginny thought. But somehow, it fit her and Harry very nicely.
Harry was about to kiss her again to prove he thought other wise when the thundering of footsteps had both he and Ginny turning.
"You should have seen the look on Alicia's face!" Fred laughed.
George was laughing as well, that is, until they turned the corner.
"Woot! Go Harry!" George whistled, applauding him.
"Good job mate!"
But suddenly both boy's joviality died out.
"Fred...do you-?"
"I do George."
"She looks like-"
"-the spitting image-"
"-of our dead Ginny." Fred finished. Both twins were gaping at Ginny and eyeing her carefully. Ginny felt like she was under inspection or something.
"That she does my dear twin."
"Except for her hair's darker-"
"-and she's more...-"
"-developed?"
"Yes, Good word George." Fred agreed. "She's more developed than our Gin was."
It was all Harry could do not to laugh. Thought the urge was resisted by the look he saw on Ginny's face. It was a cross between joy and indignation...and regret. He had long since relinquished his hold of her but now took her hand. The gesture was meant to comfort. The look she gave him assured him his efforts were not unnoticed.
"But then again-" Fred said. He was now circling Ginny like a vulture, inspecting her from every angle.
"-there is a-" George continued scrutinizing Ginny.
"-striking resemblance to-"
"to her."
Suddenly both twins ceased their inspection and locked eyes.
"Unless....-"
"HE'S CLONED HER!!" they both declared.
Harry had been trying not to laugh, he really had. But the situation was to humorous. He started laughing.
Ginny shot him a half hearted scowl. She shook her head, giving up.
"Hello twirps." She managed, eyes misty.
"By golly-!"
"-he even got-"
"-Gin's attitude-"
"-cloned!!"
Harry sighed. At this rate the twins could go on for hours about his job on 'cloning Gin'.
"Fred, George." Harry interrupting the list that was beginning.
"Yes?" They replied in unison.
"Shut up." He sighed melodramatically. "You'd think you'd give your little sister who's been missing for four years a warmed welcome." He rolled his eyes.
Both twins turned to study Ginny.
"Honestly." She muttered, her hands on her hips.
"Ladybug!" Fred pulled her into a rib crushing hug.
George came up beside her and joined in the hug declaring "group hug!" and pulling Harry into it as well.
Soon the 'group hug' had turned into a wrestling match and Ginny managed to free herself from it, kicking whoever dared to try to pull her back in.
"All right you three break it up!" Mrs. Weasley ordered good naturedly as she came into the kitchen.
From his spot on the floor Fred tried unsuccessfully to dislodge Harry from his back. "You heard her Potter!" He exclaimed.
Harry sighed but got off of him none the less. "You only say that because he always beats you." George remarked as he stole more cookie dough. He was already beginning to bruise. "This coming from the one with the black eye." Fred snapped. Harry laughed.
"Aww, you poor dear." Mrs. Weasley commented as she waved her wand, cleaning up the mess she had made while cooking. The only thing mussing from that comment was emotion.
"Hey! Harry's the one who gets too into it!" George said, defending his twin and himself.
"I need to get the training somewhere." Harry smirked, pulling his wand from his sleeve and aiming it at them mockingly. "It's not my fault they aren't quite up to par with The Harry Potter."
"Now Harry dear-"
"Harry, stop acting like a prick and help clean up. You're ego's suffocating me." Ginny scolded, cutting off her mother. Harry smiled and kissed Ginny's forehead giving her a 'I'll deal with you Later' look before proceeding to begin cleaning.
Around seven the door opened again and in came Bill, Charlie, and Mr. Weasley. Harry smiled and greeted them, automatically beginning a discussing about the say's raids.
"Hey dad, Harry brought the family they're Christmas present. Though he seems to have forgotten it." Fred said dryly, as he put away the last of the dishes.
"O really?" Arthur began excitedly. "Is it another muggle gadget? I've had my eye on some things I'd really like to get to try out...fascinating things these muggles make. No, but Molly won't here of me going into a Muggle store to buy them, said I'd make a fool of myself." Mr Weasly pouted, obviously put down by his wife's faith in him, or lack there of. "I really wanted a topumer."
Harry laughed, trying to think of what Mr. Weasley was trying to say. "I think you mean computer Arthur."
"Ah yes! that's the one! Good job my boy!"
Ginny chose that moment to come into the kitchen. "Harry mum wants to know-"
Harry, along with all the male Weasleys present, turned. Harry's look was amused while Fred and George took delight in the shocked faces the other Weasley men held.
"We need to make a WWW product that makes them have that face all day..." Fred muttered, but was cut off when George elbowed him. "Shut up, this is suppose to be a 'moment' dear twin...but I love the idea."
"G-Ginny." Bill managed. In the blink of an eye Charlie had gone to Ginny, lifted her from the ground, and spun her in circles his face split with a Cheshire cat grin.
Harry stood back with the twins until the talking had died down. Ginny went over to Harry and hugged him, her eyes brighter than he had seem them in a while. The fact that he had helped make her so happy made him love her all the more. She went on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "I love you." She whispered, meant for his ears only.
Harry's eyes flew to hers in surprise. Though suprise quickly gave way to utter joy.
Mr. Weasley ushered his sons out of the room. He had a feeling the two needed a moment or two alone. He definitely didn't want his boys to ruin it. After all, Harry had brought his daughter back to him, he owed him everything.
Mr. Weasley allowed himself a smile as he shut the door behind him. ::Looks like good ol' Harry boy's gonna become part of the family officially.:: ('::' means in thoughts)
::Now Mr. Weasley,:: Harry reprimanded him making Arthur jump guiltily. He always forgot he could do that Occlumency thing. ::Don't be getting ahead of yourself::
::And don't you go about breaking my little girl's heart Harry James Potter. No matter how much I like you, it won't save you if you hurt her.:: Mr. Weasley lectured. He decided it was better for Harry to be forewarned, other than the entire Weasley clan suddenly being after him. But he doubted it would ever come to that. The look he saw in Harry's eyes when he looked at Ginny said more than Harry would ever have to.
::I'll keep that in mind.::
The Weasleys (Plus Harry and Fleur who seemed to be working her Veela charm on Bill) had just sat down to eat when Ron came into the dining room as did Percy.
"Evening all." Percy said, sitting down across from Bill and next to Fleur. Ron sat down...next to Ginny.
Ron turned his head to ask for her to pass him something when he saw who he had set next to. He nearly fell out of his chair. "G-Ginny!" He exclaimed, his eyes bright as he hugged her, not even waiting for her to say anything. "Took ya long enough Harry." He said, still hugging Ginny but looking at Harry over her shoulder.
"You mean to tell me you knew she was alive??" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, rising from her seat.
"No mum," Ron replied, letting go of Ginny and pouring himself some tea. "I just happened to realize some of the things Harry was saying and I kind of figured it out. From the sound of things Gin hasn't changed much at all." Ron said, shrugging nonchalantly as he buttered some toast.
"And you didn't feel the need to tell us any of this?" Arthur clarified, tugging Molly gently back into her chair.
"I didn't want to get your hopes up in case it wasn't, is that a crime?" Ron snapped, his ears turning their trademark red. "Is it a crime to not want to get my mother's hopes up? To tell her that her only daughter may have been hiding from you all these years?"
"Ron-"
"He's right." Ginny said quietly, her eyes brimming with tears. "I chose not to come back." Following this painful admission was Mrs. Weasley's startled gasp. "I-I thought you'd hate me...f-for not being here during the war." Ginny went on, putting her hands over her face.
Harry stood and stepped behind Ginny, rubbing her shoulders soothingly.
"See? She said so herself mum! She didn't come back when she had the chance!" Ron declared, giving Ginny an accusatory glare.
"She had no choice Ron!" Harry suddenly shouted, his anger at a dangerous level. "She had to work for the ministry! She couldn't go back!" He stood and glared at Ron, his hands fisted at his sides.
"Harry-" Ginny began, standing to calm him down but he stopped her with an outstretched arm.
"Then why didn't she after the war?! What kept her from coming home??"
Harry opened his mouth but stopped, realizing he didn't know. He wondered the same thing, but never asked. After all, Ginny's been through hell and back in the last couple of days and he didn't want to press things on her. He didn't want to cause her unnecessary pain, unlike her brother.
Ginny then turned so she was facing Ron. "I didn't want to come home because I knew I could never regain your trust. It seems I was right though, doesn't it Ron?"
Her phone chose that name to ring. She reached automatically into her back pocket and pulled it out, not even bothering to look at the number. "Lieutenant Weasley." She listened for a moment and her face lost all color. "Y-yes sir. T-thank you for telling me." She said, barely able to shut her phone, her hands shaking so badly.
"What is it Gin?" Harry asked, the previous argument forgotten. He turned and faced her, his hands on either of her arms right above her elbows.
Ginny looked up at him with tear filled eyes, her face divulging her shock. "It's Draco," She said, her voice shaking. "H-he's dead."
A/N: Sorry for the long delay in the update, but as you can see, this is extremely long so I think it should reconcile! I'll try to update soon depending on the reviews I get. A huge thanks to my Loyal Readers!!