Disclaimer:I've forgotten to put this up, but it's not mine. It's all Rowling's.

Chapter Two: Still Celebrating

Harry's days fell into a pattern throughout June. He would sleep a few hours each night, often fretfully, tossing and turning. He would wake before the sun rose, and head down to the kitchen, where he would read through the Daily Prophet and fix breakfast. After breakfast, he would talk with Ginny, helping her with her homework, or play chess with Bill, or chase the Snitch in the backyard of the Burrow. They would eat lunch, and Ginny would convince him that he needed more sleep, and he would convince her to lay with him. Ginny, however, was not pleased that he couldn't relax at night, and was still harping on him about needing more sleep.

"Harry, four hours a day is not enough sleep," she told him seriously. He nodded, not looking up from the Defense book he was looking through. "Are you even listening to me?" Harry nodded again. "You need more sleep," she said. He shut the book and looked up at her.

"I can't sleep though! Anytime I try, I toss and turn all night, and then when I finally do manage to fall asleep, I dream of Voldemort and I fighting, or any of the other horrible things that I've witnessed!" Harry told her heatedly.

"Well, you don't have those dreams when I'm laying with you, do you?" she asked him.

"Ginny, what are you suggesting? That I move into your room and sleep there?" Harry asked, rolling his eyes.

"It's not a bad idea," she told him seriously.

"Right then. In case you've forgotten, four of older brothers currently live here. You other two brothers are very well versed in pranks, and to put it quite frankly, they scare me with what they could do. Also, I don't want to disrupt your parents' trust in me," Harry said.

"Oh, just let me tell Mum and Dad! They'd understand, and they'd have the boys leave us alone," Ginny told him.

"What do you think your parents will say when you tell them? 'Oh, Mum, Dad, Harry can only sleep when I lay with him. You understand, right? You'll let him stay in my room, right?' They'll want to know how we now!"

"Tell them the truth then, Harry! That we were laying down together, and you fell asleep, and you didn't dream!"

"That's a modified version of the truth," Harry said.

"What do you want to tell them, then? That you wanted me to lay there with you? That you were holding onto me tightly?" Ginny asked. "Harry, look at yourself for a moment. You look like hell."

"Thanks Ginny," Harry said, sighing with exhaustion. "Fine, you talk to your mum and dad, then your brothers. They won't curse you," Harry said dryly. Ginny nodded, leaving the room quietly. Harry sat back on the couch and started flipping through his Defense Against the Dark Arts book that Minerva asked if he wished to set for the textbook. Harry thought it seemed like an adequate book for the advanced classes, and he had already chosen the textbook for the younger classes. Harry noticed that the book didn't have a very detailed section on the Unforgivable Curses, but Harry wondered if they'd really be needing to do in-depth studies of them anymore.

"Harry?" Ginny's voice came from the hallway. Harry looked up at her, smiling as she made her was over to him. "Mum said she completely understands. She's talking to Dad and the boys. Come on, you need a nap." Harry looked at her, before once more closing the Defense book and allowing her to lead them up to her room. Once there, he lay on the bed, wrapping his arms around the smaller girl and promptly falling asleep.

Dinner, just a few short hours later, was a slightly strained affair. It was clear that Mrs. Weasley had informed everyone of the changes in the living arrangements, and none of the boys liked it. Percy kept looking at Ginny and Harry, while Bill and Charlie shot glares toward them. Ron was just grinning happily at the two, and Harry knew that he was getting the wrong idea about their relationship.

"Harry?" Bill said as they were leaving the table. Harry's head snapped up to look at the eldest Weasley brother. "Mind if we have a word?" Harry shook his head, and followed him outside. Charlie, Percy, and Ron all followed him.

"You're sleeping with our baby sister?" Charlie asked him.

"In the literal sense, yes," Harry managed to say. He was slightly intimidated; he could face down hundreds of Death Eaters and Voldemort, but the four Weasley boys were a lot scarier.

"It's not exactly honorable," Percy said.

"You don't need to talk about being honorable," Ron muttered. "Look, Harry, just don't hurt her, okay? Because if you do, not only will the four of us kick your arse, you'll have Fred, George, and Ginny to deal with."

"Ron… It's not exactly like that. I mean, we're not dating or anything. She just gets me to relax. I don't have the nightmares when I'm with her," Harry explained.

"Yeah, well, I don't really want to know what kind of dreams you have when you're sleeping with my sister," Ron said with a grin at Harry. Harry rolled his eyes in annoyance as the older Weasleys cringed at the idea.

"You aren't interested in her?" Charlie asked seriously. Harry looked up at him, apparently thinking.

"Maybe. I don't know. I haven't thought about it. Right now, she's just my really good friend, Ginny," Harry answered truthfully. "Who knows?" he asked.

"You better figure it out, Potter, because if you hurt our little sister…" Bill threatened. Harry nodded hurriedly.

"I care about her. I'd never intentionally hurt her," he said. They all nodded, allowing Harry entrance back into the Burrow. He went to the family room, where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting and talking and Ginny was working on her Potions essay, biting her lip thoughtfully. She smiled up at the five as the returned into the room and made room for them all to sit around her.

The night was spent in easy conversation, and occasional help for Ginny. Eventually she got up and left the room, and then everyone in the room grouped together.

"Have you got everything ready for Friday?" Mr. Weasley asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Of course. I've got the cake, her favorite foods, and everything. Is Hermione flooing in, dear?" she asked Ron. Ron nodded.

"Hermione wouldn't miss it," he said with a grin. "She's actually pretty excited about it." They continued to ask questions, ensuring that everything was taken care of.

"I still haven't gotten her a present. I'll Apparate into Diagon Alley tomorrow to take care of that, though," Harry said.

"Good idea, Harry. Do you mind if I come in with you? I need to tell Gringotts that I'll be leaving to teach at Hogwarts," Bill said. Harry grinned up at him.

"Brilliant. Ginny won't have to worry about being lonely, then, will she?" Harry questioned. Bill gave him a big grin.

"Certainly not."

The next few days flew by, and soon it was the Friday before the Ministry celebration for Harry, but more importantly, it was Ginny's birthday. While she took her Apparation test, Hermione flooed over, and the entire Weasley family was preparing for the birthday celebration.

"Yummy, chocolate cake," Hermione said, smiling up at Ron. Ron grinned at her. "Everything she likes, right? Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, green beans, jacket potatoes, and carrots?" Hermione questioned.

"I'm pretty sure Mrs. Weasley is aware of Ginny's favorite foods," Harry said dryly. Hermione rolled her eyes at him, before turning to face him completely.

"What did you get her for her birthday? Ron told me you were putting off shopping," she said, her eyes narrowed. Harry shrugged.

"I wasn't thinking. I got her present yesterday in Diagon Alley. Bill went with me to attend some business at Gringotts. He approved. You'll see it in a few minutes," Harry said, smiling at Hermione, who looked put out at his answer. Ron, however, smirked at his girlfriend.

"It's a good present," Bill offered from where he was standing, drinking some pumpkin juice. Hermione turned to look at him.

"Will you tell me?" she asked hopefully. Harry was chuckling, knowing that Hermione hated not knowing anything, and that included birthday gifts to her friends. Bill simply shook his head at her, grinning smugly at her. Just then, the sound of someone Apparating was heard, and everyone turned to see Ginny smiling proudly at them.

"Congratulations!" Bill said, going to give his sister a hug. Ginny grinned, allowing him to pick her up and swing her around. She giggled at him, hugging him back, before hugging the rest of her brothers, Hermione, and Harry.

Fred and George were setting off fireworks, most of which just made the shapes of dragons, unicorns, and other creatures. The last one spelled out the words 'Happy Birthday, Ginny!' Ginny looked quite pleased.

"Happy birthday," Harry told her quietly. She turned to grin at him, before the family sat down for supper. They all ate Ginny's favorites under the evening sky, and as the sun was beginning to set, Mrs. Weasley brought out a chocolate cake. Ginny blew out the candles, and everyone helped themselves to a slice of cake. At last, everyone was done eating, and a small pile of gifts was sitting in front of Ginny. She eagerly started opening them, finding a broomstick from Bill and Charlie. Percy had given her book on the importance of the N.E.W.T.s, and a book of study tips. Ginny smiled politely at him, but rolled her eyes at Harry, who chuckled softly. Fred and George muttered that they would give her their present when their parents and her future professors were no longer around. Harry had a feeling that it would be plenty of joke items that would disrupt many classes at Hogwarts. Ron gave her a Chudley Cannons poster, and Hermione gave her a book of Charms. Her parents gave her a new set of dress robes, which Harry was quite certain. Finally, Harry handed her his gift.

"It's beautiful," she whispered as she removed it from the wrapping. Harry had given her a fine silver chain with a charm of a unicorn at the bottom. Ginny grinned up at Harry, and he smiled back slightly. "Thanks." Harry nodded, and slowly everyone started moving back into the room.

Later that night, when Harry and Ginny were laying in bed, preparing to sleep, Ginny turned to face him.

"Thank you a lot, Harry. That necklace was brilliant. I adored it," she murmured. Harry smiled at her, blushing softly.

"I don't know why, but I thought you'd like it. When I asked to look at it, Bill told me that unicorns were your favorite animals," Harry replied. She grinned, kissing his cheek softly.

"It's really sweet," she said, before resting her head on his chest and falling to sleep.

The next day brought the Ministry celebration for Harry receiving the Order of Merlin. Apparently, many of the fighters had been given the Order of Merlin, Second or Third class, but Harry was the only one getting First class, and he was the only one getting his own ceremony.

Harry was slowly getting ready the next afternoon in Ron's room. He was wearing robes of scarlet red, and was currently struggling with his hair. It was more out-of-control than ever. He was not happy thinking that he would be getting a special award, and was sure that that was the reason that his hair was being particularly stubborn. He had also found out that morning at breakfast, that after the ceremony and dinner, there would be a formal ball, at which Harry was expected to make an appearance. Harry was decidedly not amused.

"Harry, mate, your hair looks worse than ever," Ron said, the laughter apparent in his voice. Harry glared at him, saying nothing, but still trying to flatten it. Eventually he gave up, glancing over at Ron.

"Nice robes, Ron," he said, admiring the robes of midnight blue that he was wearing. Ron colored slightly; Harry knew that the twins had gotten the robes with the money Harry had given them after winning the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and Ron was still slightly embarrassed. They both went downstairs, where they met with the rest of the Weasley family. Fred, George, Percy, Bill, and Charlie were all waiting for them already. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were in the other room.

"Have all of you lot got dates for the evening?" Harry asked casually.

"Speaking of dates, Potter—" George began.

"We hear you're taking our little sister," Fred finished.

"So, you better behave—"

"Or you'll find yourself being pranked by the pranking geniuses." Harry simply raised an eyebrow at them, smirking as Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet Apparated in, drawing the attention to the twins. The dates quickly began arriving quickly thereafter, so Harry didn't have to answer anymore questions. Tonks arrived as Bill's date, and Isabella Turner, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, arrived at Charlie's. Penelope Clearwater was still dating Percy, and then Hermione arrived. She immediately went to engage Ron in conversation, and Harry was beginning to wonder if Ginny was ever going to come down.

"Sorry, I'm running a bit late," Ginny said with a grin, walking down the stairs. She was wearing a soft cream colored robe that was slightly sparkly, and her hair was pulled up in an elaborate updo. She was still trying to fasten her earring.

"It's fine. You look lovely," Harry told her softly. She grinned up at him, hooking her arm through his. "So, shall we Portkey off to Hogwarts?" he asked the crowd. They all mumbled their assent.

"Really, who decided to have the ceremony at Hogwarts! It would be much more practical to have it at a place where we could all Apparate," Hermione said.

"I personally told Minister Diggory that Hogwarts would be a very good place to hold the ceremony," Percy said stiffly. "Hogwarts is a lovely school, and perhaps one of the safest places in the world. The wards have been redone, and it's the place where nearly every witch or wizard feels comfortable."

Harry glanced at Ron, and knew that they were both hiding laughter at Percy's speech. He felt Ginny shaking by his side and glanced down to see that she was turning red from suppressed laughter. They all touched a book and soon Portkeyed to the entrance hall of Hogwarts.

As they entered the Great Hall, a hush fell over the already assembled crowd. Harry and Ginny were separated from the rest of the Weasleys and were brought to the very front table, which seated Amos Diggory and his wife, along with Amelia Bones and Mr. Patil, Parvati and Padma's father. His wife had been killed during the second war, but Parvati and Padma were sitting quietly next to him. They grinned at seeing Harry, but their smiles fell at seeing Ginny with her arm in Harry's.

"Hello Harry," Parvati said with a grin. "This is my father. Dad, this is Harry Potter," she said proudly. The older man shook his hand, and Harry uneasily sat down. Ginny was quietly giggling, and he gave her an accusing look. She looked at him innocently.

"OK, Harry, we're going to have the ceremony, then a dinner, and then a ball," the Minister said. Harry nodded up at him, and took his seat. Ginny sat next to him, and as the ceremony started, Harry quickly lost interest in the ceremony. Ginny kept poking him and kicking him softly. He finally paid attention when Minister Diggory finally presented him with the award and he needed to give his speech.

"Er, hi everyone. I didn't really prepare a speech, but I keep thinking of a few certain things. One, I'm not quite sure why I'm getting this. I just did what I had to do. Voldemort killed many people I was close to, and he wanted to dominate everything. I'm not a hero; I shouldn't be honored or celebrated. The people we should be honoring and celebrating are those who gave their lives in the fight against Voldemort, and those who we've lost." Harry took his seat next to Ginny again, hearing the distant sound of applause.

"Good job Harry," Ginny said, squeezing his arm and kissing his cheek softly. Harry looked down at her, smiling softly. "You were brilliant."

"So, Harry," Padma interjected. "What are you doing now that you've left school?"

"I'm actually teaching Defense here," Harry said looking around the Great Hall, smiling. Ginny grinned at him.

"Bill is teaching Charms as well," she said with a smile. Parvati and Padma looked slightly unhappy that she was jumping in the conversation, and they tried to steer the conversation away, but instead Harry and Ginny were in their own little world, quietly talking.

Eventually, it was time for the ball to start, and Harry and Ginny rejoined the Weasleys. The night, after that, was somewhat fun. He danced with Hermione, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, and Tonks. He danced with Ginny the most, and loved all their dances together.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews!