AN: I love this chapter. Just thought i'd mention that. Btw, you will get major poitns if you can guess what the issue keeping them apart is; i'm really curious to see if anyone can guess it before i reveal it.

Ginny walked home grumpily, trying to control emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. Why did he insist on being like that? In truth, he was just as she remembered him. Sweet, caring, sarcastic and witty. And handsome. And incredibly caring, though he may be a daft idiot at times. She wondered what had ever made her give him up.

What had she been so afraid of? It was a question she never really answered. She was almost sad now, thinking of all they'd shared. So much pain… but so much joy. She could remember the day they first became a couple… the day she first fell in love with him… the day she was sure she was in love with him… all these time were clear as crystal in her mind.

And yet, she was so embarrassed around him now. Maybe she knew she'd acted like an idiot. Maybe he knew it too. Maybe she should go back to him…

No, not now. Not now that… she just… she couldn't. Her eyes misted up again, and she wondered why she'd ever let him go.

FLASHBACK

It was a warm summer day, and even in the fog of the war, it seemed peaceful outside the walls of the castle. There were no birds singing though, as they were all dead from the curses that had left the air with a slippery feel. Ginny walked through the castle, looking out windows, wondering how long it would be before the sun clouded over again and the death eaters returned.

They had won the last battle by a long shot and sent Voldermorts forces running with their tails between their legs. They'd been quiet for two days now, and though the looming fear was always there, things seemed normal for a small time.

Ginny stopped at the largest window. It reached from floor to ceiling, and the edges were made of colored glass. She found herself suddenly nostalgic for Hogwarts as she stared out of it, watching the people walk along the paths below it. Most of them were Aurors or part of the army. Others though, were refugees of towns that had been destroyed or captured.

She stared out the window for a long time, thinking about the past. She absently wrapped her arms around herself, feeling suddenly cold in the heat of the summer day.

"Oi, Gin!" Someone called from down the hall. Ginny turned to see Oliver striding down the hall towards her, a bright smile plastered on his face and carrying what looked like a picnic basket- the kind her mother used to have.

"Hello Oliver." She said quietly. He walked up to her and flashed her a dazzling smile. She immediately shifted her gaze to the picnic basket in his hand. "What are you up to?" She asked, nodding towards the basket.

He looked down as though remembering he was carrying it. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm going for a picnic! Obviously." He teased. She blushed a little, but let her hair fall over her cheeks so it didn't show.

"A picnic. Now?" She said, looking outside again.

"Why not? It's a perfectly lovely day, and there's no sign of death eaters for miles. Why not enjoy it while it lasts?" He exclaimed, throwing his arms out to his sides. She giggled a little and he grinned. "Why don't you join me?" He asked, nudging her arm with the picnic basket.

Ginny was about to decline, but then it occurred to her that she hadn't been outside to actually enjoy the summer at all this year. She looked back up at his smiling face and smiled back at him.

"Yeah, I'd like that." She said happily. He smiled grandly at her and they started walking out to the grassy grounds.

The castle was surrounded by a large wall with look outs at every post. They decided it would be better to stay inside and found a small shady spot near a large tree. Things seemed to be going on as normal around them, as though the war had never even existed. The guards though, and the eagles flying overhead told otherwise, and were a constant reminder of the fear they all felt.

Oliver spread the checkered blanket he had out on the ground and bowed to her, very gentleman like. Ginny giggled and sat down, and he flashed her a brilliant smile that made her stomach jump. There was something about this tale, athletic, quidditch player that Ginny couldn't ignore, no matter how hard she tried.

He pulled out a couple sandwiches and some butter beer and continued rummaging through the basket. He pulled out two small sweet cakes as well and set the basket aside. He handed her one of the sandwiches and a butter beer and she thanks him. She smiled at the picture they must make, sitting outside like this. He took his sandwich and leaned back against the tree comfortably.

After a few minutes he closed his eyes, apparently liking the feel of being outdoors. Ginny flopped down on her stomach and continued eating and watching him. He was wearing a pair of tight jeans and a red muscle shirt, and she couldn't help but think it suited him well. It was only then that she noticed he had taken off his outer robe- they all wore them for protection in battles. Smiling to herself, she took unclasped hers and tossed it to the side as well.

It was a comfortable silence for a long time, both eating and enjoying the outside. Once they had finished their food, Oliver packed away the trash in the basket and leaned back against the tree, starring at her now.

She was wearing a pink t-shirt and white shorts, and she was now resting her head on her arms while kicking her feet in the air. He smirked at her, and she realized that she must look like a complete child. She blushed and looked away and she heard him let out a breathless laugh.

"This was good idea." She said while staring off into the distance.

"Yeah, it was." He said quietly. His voice sounded a little sad, and she looked back at him in question.

"My mother and I used to do this all the time." He whispered, smiling wistfully. Ginny wished she hadn't said anything.

Everyone knew about Oliver's family and what had happened to them. It was why Oliver had joined the war effort. Oliver had been away at quidditch, and when he'd returned home for Christmas holiday, he had found his entire family dead inside their house. His mother, father, sister and even his dog, had all been beaten and killed. The only person that was not found was his brother, but it was assumed that he joined the death eaters rather than die by them.

While they were friends, Oliver had never really talked to her about his family, but rumors got around quick.

"Oliver, I'm sorry." She whispered. He shook his head and a ghost of a smile passed over his face.

"Don't worry about it. It's okay." He seemed to be reassuring her, but his voice was unsure. She sat up and pushed her hair behind her ears, feeling suddenly uncomfortable.

"Maybe I should go." She said lightly, beginning to stand, but he caught her hand and she looked at him.

"No. Don't go. Your presence is comforting." He whispered, his face blank and his eyes cloudy. She sat back down obediently, this time much closer to him. They stared at each other for a long time, and she was dully aware that he hadn't let go of her hand. He seemed to draw her closer to him without saying a word, and before she knew what she was doing, she was a breath away from him.

It was hard to tell who made the final move, or if they had both made it, but somehow they became locked in a deep, passionate kiss, the kind of kiss that only lovers should share. It seemed to burn itself in their memories, making sure they'd never forget that passion, the understanding, and caring that were in this one moment. Neither one understood it, but both refused to stop it.

Ginny was somehow conscious that he had rolled her over and that the ground was now underneath her. This was perfect, complete bliss. Ginny thought she could be happy for the rest of her life if she lived in this moment. But then the ground started to shake.

They broke apart in an instant, both breathing harshly. Oliver rolled off of her and stood up, offering her a hand but looking around nervously.

The postman called out a second later "Everyone to guard, Death Eaters on the move!" The ground shook again, and Ginny clutched Oliver hand tightly. He turned back to her and grinned reassuringly. They both picked up their cloaks.

"We had better get to the wall." Oliver said quickly. Ginny nodded, remembering that they were in a war. Immediately, she switched modes. She was a warrior now, no emotion. She began to head off in the direction of her post when Oliver called out to her.

"Gin!" He said, jogging after her. He reached her and pressed his lips firmly to hers, as if to remind her of what had just happened. "Be careful." He whispered when they broke apart. Then he turned and ran off towards his own post.

FLASHBACK

As Ginny reached her porch, she noted with frustration that she was crying. Again. Twice in one night! When had she gotten so sappy?

She sighed, sitting down on the porch instead of going inside. After all this time, she never thought she'd see Oliver again. And then he shows up on her door step out of the blue, and wants to make things right.

"If only my knight in shinning armor had showed up 4 months earlier." She said, running a protective hand across her stomach. She tried to laugh, but it turned into a sob, and before she knew it she was crumbled on her front steps, balling her eyes out and calling his name.