Chapter 2

Harry,

Mum is currently standing over me, forcing me to write this instead of letting me come see you. It is SO frustrating knowing you are only a Floo away. I guess I just felt a little overwhelmed when I got your letter. I want you to understand that you should never hesitate sharing your feelings with me. I would never want you to stop doing that. In fact, if you did I may have to hex you. And I really don't want to. I am also a bit torn though because I would rather be able to talk to you about all of this in person. I will try to be strong for you.

Love, Ginny

Harry felt incredible. The walk back to the Dursley's had been almost dreamlike – he felt like he had floated back instead of walked. Once he was alone he had read Ginny's letter and thought about the evenings events. "I can't believe she tried to Floo over to see me." He smiled to himself and thought, "Dean Thomas, you don't stand a chance."

While he was elated to find out how strongly Ginny felt, he also realized that it was now his responsibility to make sure that she stayed safe. He was going to have to convince her not to try and see him, and that would be difficult, because he was desperate to see her.

He read through her letter again. She wanted to be able to talk about all of this in person. There was so much that he wanted to tell her that could never be said in a letter. He wanted to tell her in detail about how he had been feeling about her lately. He wanted to tell her about everything Dumbledore had explained to him after Sirius died. He wanted to tell her about what had transpired between him and Lupin tonight and how he felt that he had found a piece of his parents and Sirius. Most of all, he wanted to tell her about the prophecy.

Ever since he had heard the whole prophecy he had been thinking that he would not tell anyone what it said. He felt that was a burden reserved for him. Thinking that way about it had made a huge weight settle in his stomach, but he didn't think anyone else should have to worry about it. Tonight, after everything that had happened, Harry suddenly realized that when people love you it is worth it to be honest. He knew that he had to tell Lupin what the prophecy said, and he wanted Ginny to know too. He figured that if she was serious about being in his life, she needed to know that he may not be around for long. He knew it sounded morbid, but it was because of how he felt about her that it was essential she know the truth. Suddenly, Harry wasn't feeling very happy anymore.

He leaned back against the wall behind his bed and opened the photo album Lupin had brought. He stared at the picture of his father with his two best friends, and began to think about his two best friends. Eventually, he would have to tell Ron & Hermione what the prophecy said. They deserved to know the truth, but he was not looking forward to their reactions. He knew they loved him, but their first response would be to try and take action. Find a book or something that could help. Harry knew they would never accept that this was something they couldn't change. It was a prophecy. It was going to happen. Harry would either die or commit murder.

He thought about his lack of ability to even use the Crucio curse. How could he use Avada Kedavra? It all seemed impossible. Harry figured he was going to die if he had to face Voldemort anytime soon. This was why it was essential that everyone stay safe.

He closed the album, got up and went to his desk to write to Ginny. At that moment Hedwig flew through the window and went to her cage to enjoy the mouse she had in her talons. Harry smiled and went back to the parchment.

Ginny,

I promise that I will tell you how I'm feeling. You make it easy to do so. There are a lot of things I want to tell you that could never be said in letters, so I completely understand feeling desperate to see each other, but right now, it is very important that everyone stay safe where they are – only until everything is figured out. You have to promise me that you will not take any risks. Otherwise, I may never be able to tell you those things that can only be said in person, and I want to, Gin, very badly. Just try and be strong a little longer. For me. We're going to have to keep the letters to once a day now since your mum is afraid you'll come over here when her back is turned. I miss you, and I will see you soon. Don't worry.

Yours, Harry

Harry hoped that Ginny would want to hear him say how he felt in person badly enough that she would stay put. It was totally against her character to follow orders, but he hoped he could be the one to tame her spunk a little - just enough to keep her safe.

Tonks said she would get this letter to Ginny tonight so she wouldn't try anything rash. Harry folded the parchment, and Hedwig fluttered over to his desk and stuck out her leg. Harry tied the letter on.

"Just take this to Tonks, girl. Sorry you can't go on longer flights for a while." She hooted softly, and when Harry finished, Hedwig took off out the window.

Harry lay down on his bed and tried to clear his mind, but visions of red hair kept popping into his mind. As he drifted off, he dreamed he was wrapped securely in a warm red blanket.

The next week went by in a now normal series of events. Harry would get up, eat breakfast, brood a little, wait for Hedwig to come with the post, daydream about Ginny until dinner, then brood until he fell asleep.

Ginny's letters were amazing. She would write an entire page about something normal like Quidditch and then when Harry least expected it, she'd drop in a sentence that would make him feel like he had just done a dive on his Firebolt, leaving his stomach somewhere above him.

"I can't wait to find out how a certain Seeker's arms would feel around me…"

"I had a dream about you last night. Maybe when you get here, I'll tell you about it…"

"I can't stop thinking about those green eyes of yours. I'm ready to look into them again."

Harry felt a yearning for closeness that he had never experienced before. He wanted to hold on to Ginny and never let go. He could not believe he had wasted his time on someone as detached as Cho Chang. She had never offered him the kind of warmth that Ginny was lavishing on him now. Sometimes Harry wondered what had changed for Ginny. Why she had felt it was ok to tell Harry how she felt and whatever happened to Dean Thomas? He knew he'd have to wait to find out the answers to these questions in person, but right now he was just going to enjoy her glorious declarations.

It was now one week from Harry's birthday, and he was starting to get antsy. For the first time in 16 years he desperately wanted to spend his birthday with other people. He kept imagining kissing Ginny on that day and how perfect it would feel. He wanted to see her so badly as well as his two best friends. He also missed Lupin. Harry had gotten a letter from Lupin two days ago and could tell that he was covering up a lot of loneliness. "Ugh. I cannot spend another birthday away from everyone." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

During lunch the Dursleys had told Harry that they would be going out in a few hours and that Dudley was spending the day at a "little friend's" house. They still didn't trust him alone, so they insisted that he go to Mrs. Figg's. Harry acted very put out but said he would go, hoping Lupin and Tonks would be there again. After eating two helpings of food, he went upstairs to wait for the day's mail and was surprised that Hedwig was waiting for him. He untied the parchment and stroked her head. There were four letters this time. The fourth was from Lupin. He read Hermione's first.

Harry,

Hope you're doing well. I can barely contain myself – Dumbledore met with my parents last night. I think we'll be seeing each other very soon! I better start packing! Bye!

Love, Hermione

Harry began to get excited. Next he read Ron's letter. This one was even shorter.

Harry,

Seems that plans are in the works to get us together. I can't wait to see Hermione! And you too, mate. Bye!

-Ron

Now for Ginny's letter. His heart sank when he saw how short it was.

Harry,

Soon.

Yours, Ginny

He frowned at the fact that she didn't write more. Did she forget that the letters wouldn't be intercepted? He roughly opened Lupin's letter.

Harry,

See you at Mrs. Figg's at 4PM.

-Remus

Now Harry was a little annoyed. Couldn't anyone just tell him what the bloody hell was going on? He looked up at Hedwig.

"You know what all this is about, don't you?"

She merely blinked at him. He looked at his watch: 3PM. Ok, just one hour. He could handle that. He thought about what Hermione said about packing and began to tidy up. He gathered all the things he needed for school and began piling them on the bed, then he cleaned Hedwig's cage and filled her water dish.

"You better stay here in case we leave tonight."

She settled herself in the cage and closed her eyes. Harry checked his watch again: 3:50. He figured that was close enough. He went downstairs and found his aunt and uncle heading for the door as well.

"You're leaving then?"

"Yes. Off you go." Uncle Vernon opened the door.

Harry walked out in front of his relatives and didn't even bother to wave this time. He stomped the two streets over to Mrs. Figg's and stormed up the walk. Mrs. Figg opened the door before he could even ring the bell.

"Harry dear, come in." She smiled and moved aside. Lupin was standing behind her with a sly smile on his face. Harry swept past Mrs. Figg and abruptly addressed Lupin, "What's going on?"

Lupin looked surprised at Harry's terseness and his smile immediately disappeared. "You're getting out of here tonight. Everything's arranged. I'm sorry I was so vague. It's just – I have a surprise for you…"

Harry instantly regretted his outburst. He shook his head and said, "It's alright – I just overreacted. What's the surprise?"

Lupin led him to the parlor. "Come and find out."

He placed Harry directly in front of the fireplace. Before Harry could question, the flames erupted green and someone fell out of the fireplace and landed directly in Harry's arms. It was a small, red-haired someone. A someone who was currently clinging to Harry for dear life. Ginny.

Harry sighed and wrapped his arms completely around her. After what felt like hours they pulled away to look into each other's faces. Ginny looked at him for a long moment then placed a hand on the side of his face and said, "Oh, I missed those beautiful eyes." She closed her eyes and sighed. Harry leaned down and placed his forehead on hers and whispered, "Hi, Gin."

She smiled. "Hi, Harry."

"Ahem."

The two of them jumped and Harry suddenly remembered that they were not alone. In fact, a soot-covered Tonks was now standing next to Lupin and Mrs. Figg stood behind them cuddling a tabby cat. Lupin had a small smile on his face. "Sorry to interrupt, but we better get you back to get packed, Harry."

"Oh, right." Harry glanced at Ginny.

"Ginny, why don't you go with him and help. Tonks will escort you. I'll wait here and get things ready." He looked to Tonks.

"Come on you two." Tonks turned and walked to the door. Ginny followed Tonks and Harry walked up to Lupin, gave him a quick hug and smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"Don't worry about it."

Harry looked at the two girls chatting by the door. He looked back at Lupin. "Thanks for getting Ginny here."

Lupin winked. "Glad I could help put a smile on your face."

"Harry lets go!" Tonks urged as she changed her hair into those same blonde ringlets that Harry had seen before. He walked to the door and the three of them walked out into the Muggle neighborhood beyond.

Harry couldn't take his eyes off Ginny, and he also couldn't stop smiling. By the looks of it, neither could Ginny – and she was now in a permanent blush. Harry wondered as they walked if he could hold her hand, but he decided he would wait until they talked about what was going on between them.

Once they arrived at Number 4, Tonks said, "You two go up and get packed. I'll stay down here and check things out." The Order seemed to have all the bases covered. Harry led Ginny upstairs to his room and realized he was very glad he had cleaned up earlier. This made their packing job go quickly and soon they were done. They hadn't really spoken while they worked and now Harry's heart was pounding once the silence was obvious.

He cleared his throat. "Well…should we go down, then?"

Ginny seemed to consider before answering. "Actually, Harry…this may be the only time we are alone for a while. I was wondering if we could talk."

Harry nodded and realized that his mouth was very dry. He sat down on the bed and in a moment Ginny sat down next to him. She was looking at the floor and Harry wondered if she expected him to start. But, she spoke first.

"Harry, I want you to know that Dean Thomas and I were never really dating. He asked if he could owl me over the summer, and when Ron made such a fuss over my love life on the train I just wanted to shut him up. That's why I mentioned Dean."

Harry stared at her. "So, he never wrote to you?"

"No, he did…but I couldn't say much about what I was doing and all that – and so he got frustrated and stopped. And I didn't really fancy him all that much anyway." Ginny was still looking at the floor.

Harry felt a little weak now that he realized the time had come to tell her how he felt about her. How should he start?

Ginny was looking at him now. "Do you want to tell me some of those things you couldn't say in letters?"

Harry nodded. He looked down at his hands and took a deep breath to try and calm down.

"Ginny, when you first started writing me I was glad, of course, but I didn't really think much about it. The more you wrote – the more I started thinking about it – you, I mean." He sighed. This wasn't going well. Ginny reached out and took his hand. He looked up at her and she smiled. "Go on."

He felt a sudden rush of courage. He tried to get it all out as slowly as he could.

"Every time I get a letter from you my heart starts pounding and I feel like I can't breathe. That probably sounds awful, but it's the best part of my day. After all that happened at the end of school, I wasn't really sure I could talk to anybody about how I felt, but somehow your words have given me strength. I can't talk to anybody the way I can talk to you. I just want you to know that you are extremely important to me and also that I'm not sure I could handle it if something messed that up."

Ginny looked concerned. "Do you think something could mess that up?"

Harry looked into her eyes. "I just mean that if I were to tell you that I can't stop thinking about you, or that I dream about holding you, or that I had to stop myself from flying to Dean Thomas' house to tell him he didn't deserve you…would that ruin what we have?"

Ginny laughed (a beautiful sound in Harry's opinion). "Of course not, Harry! That will only make it better. I have fancied you from the moment I saw you, and now that I know you feel the same way, I'm not going to let anything ruin what we have."

Harry still felt unsure of himself. "Does that mean that you want to be my girl?"

Ginny looked at him, her brown eyes sparkling. "Harry, you git, I have always been your girl."

Harry felt his stomach flip over and felt his heart swell…she was his. He beamed at her and took in the happiness on her face and the proximity of her body. He suddenly became very aware that the girl he had been dreaming about was sitting deadly close to him and liked him quite a bit. If he just leaned over a little he knew that he could make his dreams a reality and kiss her.

His eyes flicked to her mouth. He felt Ginny's hand slide up his arm as he leaned in closer. He was inches away from pure bliss when the sound of breaking glass came from the hallway.

Harry jumped up and drew his wand as he pushed Ginny behind him. Tonks appeared in the doorway. Harry relaxed. "Tonks! I almost hexed you into next week!"

Tonks looked apologetic. "I'm sorry! I came to see if you were done packing and I knocked one of those huge pictures of your cousin off the wall! Are you done?"

Harry put his wand back in his pocket, "Yeah." He turned and looked at Ginny who was giggling at Tonks' clumsiness. He reached out a hand and pulled her up from the bed. She leaned up and whispered, "I should have known our one moment alone would get interrupted." He put an arm around her and pulled her close before whispering back, "I'll find a way to get you alone again, don't worry." He squeezed her quickly then turned to gather his things.

He picked up Hedwig's cage and glanced around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Tonks pointed her wand at his trunk, said "Locomotor Trunk", and then she began to move it down the hall. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and followed Tonks out and down the stairs.

Harry wondered if they were going to the Burrow. Would they go by Floo? He looked at Ginny and his heart soared. He felt like he could probably run all the way to the Burrow and not get tired, but then he thought he might have to let go of Ginny's hand, and that just would not do.

Mrs. Figg's was alive with activity. Lupin was doling out orders to five Order members. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad-Eye Moody were among them, but Harry didn't recognize the other three. Mrs. Figg was bustling about filling everyone's tea cup. Lupin saw Harry, Ginny and Tonks arrive.

"Oh good, you're back. You three come into the parlor. Shacklebolt, you come too. Everyone else you have your orders." Harry watched the other four turn and walk out. Mad-Eye's magical eye followed Harry as he walked by. "Hello, Potter." Harry nodded as he followed Tonks into the parlor.

Lupin stood in front of the fireplace and waited for everyone to join him. He checked his pocket watch. "Alright, the Floo will open again in three minutes. Tonks will go first, to check things out on the other end. Harry will go next two minutes later, then Ginny two minutes after Harry. I will follow Ginny and then Shacklebolt will stay here to maintain that no one follows us – the Floo closes at exactly 5:12 PM, Kingsley. Any questions?"

Harry spoke, "Are we going to the Burrow?" Lupin nodded, and Harry got excited. Lupin checked his pocket watch again. "Everybody ready? Ok." He threw a handful of Floo powder into the fire and the flames turned green. Tonks stepped in and yelled, "The Burrow!"

Harry looked at his watch. He looked at Ginny and smiled. She looked serious, "Harry, no one at home knows about us. We can't just show up acting like we're together and expect everyone to understand. We'll have to find a time to tell them – Ron first."

Harry nodded. "I'll take care of that. Does that mean I can't touch you once we get there?"

Ginny frowned. "At least not at first."

Harry nodded. "Right. This one will have to last you, then." He pulled her into a huge embrace and whispered in her ear, "You have made me so happy, Gin."

Lupin spoke, "Ok, Harry. Your turn."

Ginny stood on tiptoe and kissed Harry's check. He smiled and squeezed her hand. He pulled Hedwig's cage in close as he stepped into the flames. "The Burrow!"

Harry tumbled out in the all too familiar kitchen at the Burrow. A sea of red hair surrounded him and many pairs of hands were now picking him up off the ground.

"Harry! Good to see you, mate." Ron said, smiling. Harry smiled back.

"Here, I'll take Hedwig, Harry." George took the cage and set it aside.

Fred shook Harry's hand, "Long time, no see, Harry." Harry looked at the twins. "Hi, guys."

"Hello again, dear." Molly Weasley pulled Harry into a hug and then swiftly pulled him out at arm's length to have a good look at him. "Why, you look wonderful. Clothes that fit, and they must have been feeding you quite well. You look like you've just come from Hogwarts!"

Harry knew Mrs. Weasley loved taking care of him and took in the look of half-disappointment on her face. "You know, I have been looking forward to your cooking for weeks. Nothing like it." She beamed at Harry and then turned as the fire erupted green again and Ginny popped out.

Fred and George caught her before she could fall to the floor. Harry realized that staying purely platonic around Ginny's family was going to be impossible to maintain for very long. Even now as Ginny swept her hair off her face and began brushing soot of her robes, Harry wanted desperately to touch her. She met his gaze and walked toward him and Mrs. Weasley. "Hello, Mum. How about a bit of food? I'm peckish."

"Let's wait for Remus, dear. He hasn't eaten all day. Tonks? Would you mind stepping away from that clock? I'm a bit attached to it."

Harry glanced at Tonks who had heard Mrs. Weasley and had stopped her hand in mid-air, inches from the Weasley's enchanted clock. She dropped her arm to her side and muttered, "I'm not that bad." She turned to walk away but tripped over the rug and landed face down in a squashy arm chair. Everyone laughed as Tonks bounced back up with a sheepish look on her face.

The fire erupted green and Lupin slid out neatly and looked around the kitchen. "So, when's dinner, Molly?"

"Just as soon as everyone arrives. Fred, George, Ron? You three get back here as soon as you can."

Harry turned to Ron, "Where are you going?"

Ron was glowing. "To get Hermione. Dad's already gone to make everything ready on her side. We'll be back right away."

Fred walked over and clapped Ron on the back. "We're going along to make sure Ron doesn't attack Hermione right away."

Ron turned bright red. "Sod off, Fred."

"RONALD WEASLEY!"

"Sorry, mum."

"Don't you dare talk like that when you're in front of Hermione. Now go get her, and be quick about it!"

Harry couldn't hide his amusement at the entire situation but mostly at the fact that Mrs. Weasley expected Ron to hold his tongue around Hermione. Harry knew that would never happen. If anything, it would damage the well practiced dynamic between his two best friends. He knew both of them were hiding their feelings for each other very effectively behind their bickering, and he wondered if those feelings would be revealed any time soon. He glanced at Ron and said, "Bye, mate. Be careful."

"Bye, Harry." The three boys left by Floo, and Mrs. Weasley turned to Ginny and Harry.

"Why don't you two take Harry's luggage up to Ron's room?"

Ginny grabbed Hedwig's cage, "Sure thing, Mum." Harry dragged his trunk behind her. They finally reached Ron's extremely vibrant orange room and Ginny placed Hedwig's cage next to Pig's before closing the door.

She turned to Harry with a huge smile on her face. "Look at us! We're alone again!"

Harry walked to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, "I promised I'd get you alone, didn't I?"

"But I've lived in this house for 14 years and I haven't had a single moment of privacy in all that time. Trust me, this is rare."

Harry looked at Ginny and his face suddenly looked serious. "Can I ask you something, Gin?"

"Of course you can."

"Hermione told me that you had given up on me ages ago…and I was just wondering what changed? I mean…why did you decide you fancied me again?"

Ginny studied his face and took a moment before answering. "Honestly, Harry – I did give up on you. I was pretty frustrated that you were not noticing me even though other boys were. I figured that no matter what, you and I were not going to happen. And I wasn't going to wait around alone forever. But all through the DA meetings last year I had a hard time not thinking about you. I did my best to convince myself that it was useless. But that day in the Department of Mysteries…" Her eyes brimmed with tears and Harry couldn't stand seeing her upset so he tried to shush her. "No, I want to tell you this. Something changed that day, Harry. I was changed."

If only she knew how true her words were, Harry thought. "I was too…I think everything changed that day."

Ginny nodded. "I couldn't figure out what had changed until I got a letter from you."

"Which letter?"

"We had been home a week and I was still trying to figure everything out and then I read this letter and something clicked." She pulled a folded piece of parchment out of her pocket. It looked like it had been refolded many times.

Harry opened it. He read the first few lines. He remembered writing this letter; it had been a particularly difficult day for him.

Ginny,

Thank you so much for your last letter. I am not doing very well today. I keep thinking about the decision we all made to go to the Department of Mysteries. I can still see you standing in front of me telling me that I was not going to go alone. I can't get that out of my head. I should never have let anyone else go. We were LUCKY, that's all. I didn't even stop to think that we could all be leaving Hogwarts for the last time. That you might never be stressed out over O.W.L.S., or get to try out for Chaser, or fall in love, or see one of Hagrid's ridiculous classes go awry. Why didn't I think about that? We might never have come back. I don't know. I just think I shouldn't have let you go. And for being so reckless, I'm sorry.

-Harry

Harry looked up. "What clicked after reading this?"

"Two things. One: reading you list off all the things I may have missed out on made me realize that I want to do all of those things. I want to do them very badly - but only if I can do them with you. And two: that I would give all of those things up to protect you." She had tears in her eyes again.

This time Harry didn't pause to shush her. He whispered, "Gin…" in the second before his lips fell on hers. For a second his brain stopped working. All he could feel was his entire body tingling. Ginny's arms sliding around his neck brought him out of his stupor. He realized that he had his arms wrapped around her and he was kissing her. Then he remembered that he didn't know how to kiss and pulled away from her, breathless.

Her eyes were still closed. They fluttered open. "Why'd you stop?"

"I – I – I don't really – I mean, I'm not really sure how – I – I don't have much experience…"

She placed a finger on his lips to silence him. "Harry, don't think. Just kiss me."

He nodded and felt himself fall into her again. He just kissed her – with everything he had. He kissed her for the hope and the comfort she had given him. He felt like he could give a little bit of it back if he held on tight enough. He realized that kissing her came very naturally, and was so wrapped up in her that he didn't hear the door open. What he did hear was a gasp and then an angry voice that made him freeze right where he was.

"What in the BLOODY HELL are you doing to my sister!"