Twinkey: With the conversations being formal. I really don't see it. With the girls when I was younger and had LOL Slumber parties that's how we talked. We got all our questions in there. I will try to do better as we go. I'm glad you like the story. More to come soon.
Sillypaulie:Thank you for thinking my story is good. Also thanks for
reviewing, yes and there is more to come.
Nymphadora003:Well I have to say thanks again for two reviews. The giggling that the boys heard was when Hermione was giggling at Ginny for trying to tell her nothing was going on between her and Harry. I know I should have made that clear to every one but I forgot….Sorry about that. With the conversations being formal, I really don't see it. When I was younger and had (LOL) Slumber parties that's how we talked. We got all our questions in there. I will try to do better as we go. Thanks again for the reviews. I think with all your reviews I would say you are #1 fan (blushing) at least I know you have read my entire story and I think you for that…. Lots of HP love to you and all my reviewers.
I'm sorry for the long delay with up dating, my hard drive crashed, power supply burnt, and who knows what else. I have it fixed now. I hope that I can get a few chapters up in the next few days. I also have gotten a beta reader. She is looking over the first 15 chapters and I will post this chapter and then repost after she goes over it. Thanks again to my readers. If it weren't for you this story would not be. Happy reading.Can Love Find Me NowChapter 16
The Birthday party and Harry's talk
July 31st was a busy and loud morning. Mrs. Weasley had started with waking Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Ron, Neville, and then Harry. Six very sleepy teenagers all meet in the kitchen for breakfast. Mrs. Weasley had out done herself this morning with all the food she had cooked. It looked like she was going to feed an army. The Weasley family filled a large part of the kitchen; Arthur, Bill, Fred, and George were at the table along with Remus Lupin, Tonks, and to Harry's surprise Dumbledore himself. Everyone said his or her good mornings to the new arrivals. Ron wasted no time at all and filled his plate with food. Luna and Neville looked like they were scared to even touch the food. Mrs. Weasley noticed that they were not eating so she told everyone to dig in.
"Children, there is a lot to get ready for the party tonight; so eat up. Harry after you are through Dumbledore and Remus would like to talk to you in the drawing room."
"All right Mrs. Weasley"
"Good, good, Luna and Neville please just help yourselves to what ever you want to eat. No one bites and eat until you are full even; if you eat like Ron."
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley" said both teens.
"Ron, Ginny and Hermione I would like your help with getting some things ready in the back yard. Fred and George you two will get the tables set up and no funny business and no argument from anyone about helping."
"Excuse me Mrs. Weasley what can Luna and I do to help get things ready."
"Well Luna you can help if you want to but Neville since it is yours and Harry's birthday; you two will not being helping. It is your day too; so you just relax. I received an owl from your grandmother this morning and she will be here later for the party."
"She has never missed any of my birthdays before; so I was wondering if she had owled you to see if she could come. I would've been surprised if she hadn't."
"Yes, well your grandmother loves you and wants to be part of your growing up. One cannot blame her for that; now can we."
"No ma'am that we can't."
Everyone ate their breakfast and talked about school, Quidditch, when they would receive their Owl results and who might be the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. The five teens kept looking at Harry wondering what Remus and Dumbledore wanted to talk to him about. Different things went through their minds like Sirius, what happened in the Department of Mysteries, or maybe they knew what he was going to talk to them about and was going to try and talk him out of it. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny knew that if he wanted them to know he would tell them in time. With Remus and Dumbledore finished eating Harry decided to get their talk over with. He was not sure what they wanted to talk about but he wanted to spend time with his friends before the after party talk. They all would have a lot to think about tonight. He hoped Ginny would want to spend some time alone with him after the talk. He always felt calm after they had their quiet time together. He had it all planned out in his mind that after the talk they all could go up and talk more if they wanted; then after that he wanted to be with Ginny and only Ginny. Thanking Mrs. Weasley for a great breakfast and saying bye to the rest he followed Remus and his headmaster into the drawing room.
"Harry I'm glad I was able to get back for your birthday."
"I'm glad you're here too."
"Come on, so you can get back to your friends."
"Thanks Remus"
They let Harry enter the room first followed by Dumbledore and then Remus. Harry noticed that both men looked sad but ready for this little talk of theirs. He didn't have to wait long for the conversation to start. Remus motioned for Harry to sit down and he did as he was asked.
"Harry, we just wanted to let you know that on August 16th the Will of Sirius Black will be read. There will be a few people there that; I know will not make you happy. Narcissa and Draco Malfoy will be there. Tonks her father Ted, her mother Andromrda, Arthur and Molly and their family will be there too. Then we have to be there, you, Albus, and me. I think that is about it unless you have something to add Albus."
"No, I do believe that covers all that we needed to say Remus. I do want to wish Harry here a Happy Birthday. I hope it is a good day for you Harry."
"Thank you sir, I knew that you would have to tell me about the reading of the Will. I just hoped that it would be later on. I don't want to go but I know I have to; it's what Sirius would have wanted. I won't let him down. If that's all sirs I would like to get back to my friends and have a little fun today."
"Your welcome son and know that we both wish you many more birthdays to spend with your friends. Remus I will see you later at the meeting and Harry I will say hello again at your party. If you need me Remus I will be at Hogwarts."
"I am sure I won't need you for any thing but if I do I will call on you. Harry go on back to your friends and have fun ok".
"Thanks Remus"
"And Professor Dumbledore, thank you for the birthday wishes and everything."
"Your welcome Harry, see you tonight I know your friends will be glad to hear what you have to say."
Feeling like things would be ok for a while; he headed back to the kitchen where he hoped his friends would be waiting for him. When Harry returned to the kitchen only Neville was sitting at the table; he was writing on a piece of parchment. Harry wondered if he might be writing one of his other friends. He knew Neville was a shy boy (No, he is a young man now) and that he may not have as many friends as he thought (that will change this year, he was going to be included in every thing just like Luna and Ginny) he might have. He knew he had a lot to make up for; not only with Ginny but Neville and Luna too. Harry sat down across from Neville at the table and waited for him to finish what he was writing. Neville could feel some one watching him so he looked up from his parchment.
"Hey Neville where is everyone at."
"Mrs. Weasley had everyone go out back and start getting things ready for the party."
"Why are you sitting in here by yourself?"
"She wouldn't let me help since the party is for both of us; seeing that it is our birthday today, she said that it was my day to and for me to relax."
"Yep, that is how she is, when I would go to the Burrow she wouldn't want me to help with anything but I did. I couldn't just set around and let them wait on me you know but it is our birthday so what do you want to do until the party begins?"
"What is there to do around here?"
"Chess, exploding snaps, and I have some muggle cards. I can teach you to play if you want."
"I'm not good at chess; I always lose at exploding snaps so I guess you can try to teach me how to play muggle cards."
"Ok, well I think the easiest game would be 21. We can go up and play cards in my room; that way we're out of the way. I'm sure Mrs. Weasley will start cooking soon and I have something I want to give you now for your birthday."
"You know Harry, you didn't have to get me anything for my birthday; just being here and included is good enough for me."
"I know but I wanted to; so come on and let's find out what your first present is."
Harry and Neville climbed the stairs and soon reached his room. Neville went and sat at the desk. Harry had put the cage and owl in the private loo that was in his room. When Harry handed Neville the cage and wrapped package that went with it; he was speechless. Neville was surprised to receive an owl and cage from Harry for his birthday. He felt that it was the greatest present he could have ever gotten. The though of his Gram and what she would say to him about Harry Potter giving him an owl. She had just about busted a vain in her neck when the owl came asking if he could come for Harry's birthday party.
Harry felt that he had done what was right and that was what mattered. Harry felt that the smile on Neville's face was all he needed to see. He knew that his gift to him was perfect. The owl seemed to love its new owner.
"So Neville what are you going to name your new owl?"
"I'm not sure; I have to figure out if it's a girl or a boy. Then I can name it. I think if it's a girl I like the names Hope or Faith. I think if it's a boy owl then Romulus or maybe Hercules. What do think of those names?"
"I like Faith for a girl and Romulus for a boy but the name has to feel right to you not me. The man at the shop didn't tell me if it was a girl or a boy. I'm sure Charlie or one of the others might be able to tell you which it is. When we go down we can take the owl with us and we will ask ok?"
"That sounds good to me and I think we have picked the perfect name for ether a boy or a girl. I liked those two names the most."
Neville and Harry stay up stairs for over an hour playing as many games of cards that Neville could learn; before they decided that they had to get something to drink (plus they wanted to be a little nosey, just to see what was happening). Mrs. Weasley was busy cooking with Hermione and Ginny helping her. Harry stood there and watched the three ladies cook. Ginny looked like she knew what she was doing in the kitchen. Hermione on the other hand seemed out of place there. She was holding her own and knew what she was doing. Hermione seemed the type that would work as a head healer or maybe an unspeakable. The biggest thing with Hermione was that what ever she decided to do with her life, she would just do it.
Now Ginny could be like her mother and be a housewife but Harry figured that was not what she wanted to do (Yes, that is something else I can ask her about). He could see her cooking for him one day. Yes these thoughts were coming more often and it made him feel good but scared at the same time. He really needed to talk to Remus about girls. Questions were forming as he stood there with his mouth open staring a hole through Ginny. She looked like an angel standing there (he felt like she was his angel); her hair was flowing down her back with just a hint of sun catching it as she moved (it made her look like she had a golden glow around her). He just hoped that she would sit beside him at the party tonight. He felt that; when it was time to talk to everyone she would be his rock. He felt that he would need her to get through this and he didn't know why he felt this way.
"God I really need to talk to Remus" he thought.
Neville was standing there with his new owl waiting to see what Harry was going to do. He looked at his friend with a knowing look. The look on Harry's face spoke louder then words. He knew he got that same look any time Luna was around.
Right at that moment Charlie came into the kitchen, stopped and took in the site before him. Neville was smiling at Harry; Harry was eyeing one of the girls at the stove (in his brotherly opinion it was his sister or Hermione not his mother) and not one of the gals were aware that they were being watched. Charlie walked over to the two young men and placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
"What cha look'en at Harry?"
Startled by the hand and being caught starring at his sister, Harry blushing he quickly averting his eyes away from Ginny. With a shaky voice and eyes facing the floor he answered him the best he could.
"Oh, Hi Charlie…um…didn't see…you come…in. We…were just looking…for you. I um…got Neville…this owl…for his…birthday. We were wondering if you could um…tell us if it…um…was a girl or a boy…um so…um Neville here can…name it, and I was just watching…um…to…um to…um…see how different…they um… cooked then my…um…muggle…Aunt Petunia."
"Oh, I see, well let me look at your bird Neville and I'm sure I can tell you which it is. Oh and Harry from all the starring you were doing is there much difference between muggle and magical cooking?"
"Um No not really"
Charlie took the owl and checked it over and then placed it back in its cage. He let the boys know that the owl was most defiantly a girl and that he needed to get a book on owls and their young. He informed them that in a few days that she would be laying an egg, or (even though it was a rare thing to happen) two. Harry wondered if the shop owner had known this when he sold the bird to him. Well it really didn't matter; this was a good thing. Neville looked in shock and looked as if someone touched him he would fall over. The time for the party was getting close. Neville slowly turned to Harry and told him he was taking Faith up to his and Ron's room and would be right back. Harry turned to Mrs. Weasley and was going to ask her where they were to put the gifts at; outside or in the parlor; when Ginny turned to face him as if she read his mind and said,
"Harry, go get your gifts you got for Neville and put them on the table outside; by the time everyone eats and has had cake it will be dark so we want them close for gift opening"
"OK, I was just about to ask your mum that question. Are you a mind reader Gin?"
"No, I'm not a mind reader, just go get the gifts"
"Alright, I'm going MOTHER" he said with a grin on his face.
When Harry got back down to the kitchen Neville's Grandmother had arrived along with Dumbledore, Bill, Fred, George, Tonks, and a few of the order members. The person that surprised him the most was Mrs. Figg. Harry had not seen her since last summer. She walked over to him and smiled down at him.
"Harry you look more like your father everyday. Happy Birthday and I wish you a long and happy life"
"Thanks Mrs. Figg, I'm glad that you could come. How have you been? I haven't seen you since last summer?"
"I've been good, thanks for asking. Now where do we go and where do we put our gifts for the two birthday boys?"
"Well follow me, I was just going outside to put some gifts on the table for Neville"
"OK, lead the way"
"This must be the table that Ginny was talking about. It already has a few gifts on it"
"Thank you Harry, I will just roam around until someone tells me to sit"
"Alright I have to go find Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Neville anyway. Thanks for coming to our party"
"It was my pleasure Harry, I'm just sorry that you had to suffer so much with those relatives of yours. I always wanted you to have a normal life but I think you turned out just fine even though they were rough on you. Your parents and Sirius would be very proud of you."
"Thank you Mrs. Figg, that means the world to me"
"Harry, Harry over here mate" said Ron.
"Hey I was just coming to look for you mate. I had to show Mrs. Figg where the gift table was. So where are Neville and the girls?"
"The girls went up stairs to clean up and change real quick and Neville got cornered by his grandmother. Maybe we should go look for him."
"OK, I want to find Remus too. I need some fatherly advice and he is the only one I have left"
"You could always talk to my dad, he does feel like mum does you know. You are one of their sons"
"Well you see it…um…well…I can't talk to your dad about this. Not right now anyway, I want to ask Remus first then I will talk to your dad if I need to. It is kinda personal. I mean no offense to your dad or anything…it's just…well…dang this is so hard. I'm not sure right now Ron"
"Its ok mate, don't worry about it. I know that if you could talk to dad about it you would"
"Thanks mate"
"Your welcome"
"Let's go see if we can find Neville and the girls"
"No need to, here they come"
Through the back door people were coming out with food in their hands and heading for the table that Fred and George had set up for dinner. Mrs. Weasley had out done herself with the meal. By the looks of things she had made enough food for an army. As every one gathered around the table to find seats; he looked at his friends and motioned for them to sit in the seats at the end of the table. Ron and Hermione sat to his right and Luna and Neville sat to his left and Ginny (thank the gods) sat right beside him. Once everyone was seated Mr. Weasley stood at the other end of the table and picked up his glass.
"I want to thank everyone for joining us for this special night. We are here to celebrate the sixteenth birthday of Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom. We are very proud of these two fine young men. Please everyone raise your glasses and toast to our two birthday boys"
Both boys blushed and everyone stood and raised their glasses and said,
"TO HARRY AND NEVILLE"
"MAY YOU BOTH HAVE A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE" said Mrs. Longbottom.
With that said everyone sat back down and started eating. Everyone at the table were talking, laughing, and having a great time. Every now and then you could hear people saying things like;
"Molly you have out done your self"
"Molly this party is just lovely"
"Molly the food is just great" and even Mrs. Longbottom ask her how she had made some of the dishes and wanted her recipe. All in all Harry sat there thinking that this was the best birthday he had ever had. Some people that he loved were not there in body but he knew they were with him in spirit. Harry stood up and tapped his fork against his glass to get everyone's attention.
"I would like to make a toast to my new Aunt for this party. Aunt Molly, thank you for opening your heart and your home to me for all these years. This is my first birthday party and I have to say it is the best day of my life. Thank you"
"TO MOLLY FOR A GREAT NIGHT" said all
Molly Weasley sat at the head of the table with tears in her eyes. She would say it was nothing to everyone but was glad that it meant so much to Harry. Her and Ginny got up from the table and went back into the house to get the cake. They came out each holding an end of the full sheet cake they had made. Snitches divided the cake down the middle. There were sixteen candles on each side with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" at the top and a name on each side. Luna had to switch places with Neville so he could set by Harry to blow out their candles. Ginny and her mum placed the cake between the two boys. Molly pulled out her wand and lit all the candles at once. Voices could be heard telling them to make a wish. Harry looked over to Neville and smiled at his friend and then looked at Ginny, Ron, and Hermione; closed his eyes and made his wish. Opening his eyes and glancing at Neville to make sure he was ready, they blew out all the candles in one breath. Cheers were heard from all, and then the cake was cut.
Someone had fixed the back yard up with torches for light; which were set to come on at dusk. Everyone was enjoying the cake and the music that had started to play. Fred and George went over to their mum and whispered in her ear and she nodded yes with a smile on her face. She took out her wand and pointed upwards and muttered something. Fred called everyone's attention his way and started a fireworks show. Since the evening was going to be a short one because of the meeting and talk, they only shot them off the fireworks for about thirty minutes. Once the fireworks were done; Mrs. Weasley called for everyone's attention.
"Alright everyone we only have about one hour and a half before we have to end this outside. So now we will let the boys open their gifts and then have a little fun before we go in; Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Luna could you please bring the table over with the gifts please?"
They brought the table over and started handing gifts to each of them. Neville was so excited he almost fell out of his chair. With the opening of each gift from his friends, family, and even some of the members of the Order; he wondered what he did to deserve all of this. His smile showed what he thought of the books, plants, plant seeds, sweater, chocolate frogs, every flavor beans, his owl from Harry, and new robes from his gram. Yes, Neville was in heaven right at this moment and couldn't think of a better place to spend his birthday.
Harry had received books for Defense Against the Dark Arts from Hermione, chocolate frogs from Luna, every flavor beans from Ron, another album from Hagrid, (he had gotten more pictures of when his parents were in school) a note from Remus saying he would get his in private, the leather coat from the twins (he was going to kill them for this), more books from Tonks, his own hand for the Weasley clock from Mr. And Mrs. Weasley (a single tear rolled down his cheek), and Ginny whispering in his ear that she would give him hers later (he smiled at her and winked) which he; for some reason was glad for. With all gifts opened and moved out of the way music started playing.
Arthur and Molly were the first to start dancing and then came Remus and Tonks and then Ron asked Hermione to dance. Neville was blushing so Harry leaned over and told him to go for it. Next out were Neville and Luna. Albus and Minerva were next to start dancing.
"This could almost be my dream," he thought.
He glanced over to see Ginny looking at him he smiled at her. He stood up and grabbed her hand and pulled her up to dance.
"Are you having a good time Gin'"Yes, thank you"
"Why are you thanking me? Your mum did all this not me"
"No silly, I was thanking you for me having the good time. If we weren't dancing then I wouldn't be having a good time. I would just be sitting and watching everyone else having fun."
"Oh, ok your welcome then. I will admit I am responsible for that part"
"Yes, you are, aren't you?"
"Yes, I guess I am"
"So are you having a good time?"
"Yes, the best ever good food, good people, and good just good"
"Ok'
"Gin"
"Yes Harry"
"You know you didn't have to get me a gift"
"I didn't have to but I wanted to"
"But you didn't"
"Yes I did. It is what I wanted to do Mr. Potter so don't argue with me"
"Ok, I won't but I will take care of that problem later"
"And what problem is that"
"YOU"
"Me, how am I a problem"
"Oh, you just are, not a bad problem mind you"
"So how will you fix the problem (eyebrows raised here)?"
"Oh let me see, I could just…I don't know…I've got it…No that wouldn't work…Maybe…no that wouldn't work either…Ok I think I got it. Do you want to know what I figured out Miss. Weasley?"
"Well I would be stupid if I said no, so yes"
"Gin you know the music stopped"
"Did it really"
"Yes it did"
"Oh"
"Could I…um…dang"
"What Harry"
"Promise not to kill me"
"Ok, I promise (is he mad at me)"
"(GOD I'M SCARED) Gin…can I…um…damn. Ginnycanikissyou"
"What"
"Can I kiss you?"
"Yes, Harry you can"
With his whole body shaking he held her close to him and kissed her lightly on her cheek (he had to work his nerve up to kiss her lips), then slowly moved towards her lips. It felt like an eternity to the two teens. Once he found her lips he kissed her softly (No tongue yet guys minds out of the gutter) and released his hold just a bit. When he opened his eyes she had this smile that melted his heart. He knew he was wrong for asking for the kiss. Dean was still in her life (even though Harry didn't want him there) and he had to wait for her to figure out what she wanted. Yes they liked each other and had said so but they also had agreed to take it slow. He just felt it was right and wanted her lips on his. Across the yard Mrs. Weasley had just looked up to see Harry kiss her daughter and smiled a knowing smile. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna just stood there with their mouths open not knowing what to do. Hermione looked at Ron to make sure he wasn't going to try and kill Harry. "Why are my shoulders shaking"? He thought.
"Harry, are you ok? Harry, please look at me. What's the matter? Are you all right?"
Harry came out of his daze to see a concerned look on Ginny's face. He looked around to see everyone dancing and having a good time. No one was watching them at all. Did he just kiss her; could he have imaged it all and was he just daydreaming about the kiss.
"Harry, answer me please"
"Um…yeah Gin I'm ok; just got lost in though; sorry about that. Do you want to dance?"
"Sure Harry, but are you sure you are ok?"
"Yeah I'm sure"
"Ok"
Harry led her out to where everyone was dancing and tried his best to act like nothing happened. He kept his thoughts under control the rest of the party. He knew he had to behave and not over step his bounds with Ginny. They had agreed to take things slow because of her feelings of confusion. After their dance they sat back down and watched the fun around them.
"Yes, he thought this is the best birthday he could ever have".
He knew it was time to get ready for the talk he had planned. Ginny must have known what he was thinking because she squeezed his hand. He gave her a reassuring smile and turned back to watch his friends, family, and the Order.
Mrs. Weasley started calling everyone over; Harry and Ginny already in their seats; waited for the rest to take their seats. The members of the Order that would not be involved in this talk went into the house and sat in the kitchen to wait for their meeting with Dumbledore. As each minute passed Harry started to shake. Ginny noticed this and placed her hand on his leg for support. This; he was grateful for (Yes, she calmed him) and could only smile at her. It was time to let his family and friends know some of the things from the past two years. Arthur Weasley stood to talk to the people around him.
"I hope everyone had a good time to night but now Harry has asked us here so he can talk to his friends and family (smiling at his son's friend). I know some my want to ask questions but please let him talk until he is done. I ask that you not push him for any more answers then what he gives you. He does not have to tell any of us a thing but he has chosen to. So Harry I turn this over to you son. Just remember we all love you."
"Thank you Uncle Arthur, I love all of you too. First I want to say this is going to be hard for me; so please let me get through this with out questions. I know many of my friends would like to know what happened during the third task of the Triwizard Tournament; so I will start with that. We all know that a deatheater took Mad-eye Moody's place as our professor. As you know; he made the cup into a port-key. Cedric and I…were…taken…to…a…graveyard…where…Voldemort and Wormtail…were…waiting. Some of you may not know but Wormtail is Peter Pettigrew (there were some gasps from those who didn't know this). He is the one who betrayed my parents not Sirius; anyway when we got to the graveyard…Voldemort told Pettigrew to kill…the…spare…that's…how …he died. Pettigrew tied…me…to the gravestone of Voldemort's father. Pettigrew used a spell to get his fathers bones, and then he cut off his own hand and then took my blood. I think he said these words to bring him back as he added each thing".
"Bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew me.
Flesh of the servant willingly given, you will revive your master.
Blood of the enemy forcibly taken, you will resurrect your foe." (From book 4 the goblet of fire)
Harry was shaking so bad at this point he didn't know if he could stand for much longer. Ginny, Neville, Ron, Luna and Hermione stood and each put a hand on their friend. Ginny took his right hand; Hermione took the left hand, and Luna held onto his left arm. Neville and Ron put a hand on each shoulder. He found strength in his friends. Molly and Tonks were crying and wanting to join the teens but stayed where they were. You could have heard a pin drop as Harry composed himself. He whispered "Thanks" to his friends and started again.
"We dueled and something weird happened; where we were engulfed in a golden bubble. The last people that were killed with Voldemort's wand came out. Cedric, a muggle man that took care of a house where Voldemort hid, Bertha Jenkins, (Sob) my…mum (he squeezes Ginny's and Hermione's hands) and…(Sob) then…my…(Sob) dad. Cedric's…ghost…(Sob) asked…me…to…bring…his…body…back so I did. Their ghost or what ever they were helped me get away. Most of you know the rest from there. Harry took a few minutes to get his thoughts together before he told them about the prophecy.
Most of you here know that we (motioning towards his friends) went to the Department of Mysteries at the end of term. Some of you know a few details of why we went, so I won't go into much detail. Voldemort was able to get inside my head and make me think he had my godfather; Sirius Black. It was all a lie to get me there; he wanted me to get a prophecy that was made about him and another over seventeen years ago. Only he and the other person could touch the glass ball that it was in. He knew part of the prophecy but not all that is why he wanted it.
I was dumb enough to take it off the shelf. Deatheater's came out of nowhere and we fought our way out. We ended in a chamber where there was a veil. Some of my friends were hurt and were not with Neville and me when the deatheater's found us. Order members and Sirius found us and joined the fight. Sirius…died…that…night…trying…to save…me. The prophecy busted and no one in that room heard it but one man had a copy and showed it to me in his office. Dumbledore heard the prophecy that Professor Trelawney gave that night. There was another that it could have been but Voldemort picked to go after me first. The rest of the story is history. (Potter, just breathe) Since my friends went with me I felt it only right that they know the real reason we were there. This is what the prophecy said."
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches….Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…..and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ….and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives….the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies." (From book five OOTP)
"Now you all know why Voldemort is after me and why he wants me dead. I never asked for any of this but I will have to fight him in the end. I'm glad that I have my friends and family to support me. I think that is all I can say right now. I just want to go in and rest. This has been hard to talk about. Thank you all for listening".
Molly was the first to push her way to him; with Tonks on her heals. The teens that had been supporting Harry moved out of her way; they knew what would happen if they didn't move. Mrs. Longbottom was right behind Tonks trying to get to him. Each woman took their turn in giving him a bone-crushing hug and told him everything would be all right. Molly stood there with tears falling down her cheeks not knowing what to say. She always knew he was special but to have to save their world was just too much for a boy to have to handle. She just wanted to protect him from everything that would cause him harm. She knew her daughter loved him and if Voldemort won; she would die from a broken heart. She knew that his parents would be so proud of him. He had turned out so well; even though he was raised by those terrible muggles.
Here stood a man where a boy should be. She would have a talk with Dumbledore about him staying with them sooner. He would need their support and she would give it one hundred percent. Her heart ached for him to have a normal life more then ever but it was not meant to be.
"Aunt Molly, can I tell you something?"
"Yes, anything"
"I don't know if you will get mad or not but I have to tell you. I'm the one who gave Fred and George the money from the tournament. I couldn't keep it and they are putting it to good use so please don't be mad."
"Harry, I could never be mad at you for that. You did what you felt was right. They are doing so well with their shop that they wanted to help their father and me but you gave us that money. You are a very special person Harry Potter and never forget that. Now you go on and rest so we can get this Order meeting over with."
"Yes ma'am, I will and thank you for the wonderful birthday party. I will never forget this and thanks for including Neville. You know he was the other one who could have been picked."
"No, I didn't but I am glad you told me. Does he or his Grandmother know?"
"No. I don't think so but I am going to tell him. Then he can choose to tell the others if he wants."
"That is a good idea Harry. Like you, he has to decide who he tells."
"Yep that is my thinking too."
"OK, I have to go in for the meeting and you need to go rest or have some time with the others. I will see you later Harry. Remember I love you."
"I love you too and thanks again"
With one final hug between the two Harry went into the house and up to his room. When he reached his room his friends were all there waiting on him. Harry wasn't surprised to see his friends there waiting for him. He knew they were going to ask a lot of questions. He wasn't ready for that yet. All he knew was that for some reason he just wanted to be alone with Ginny. He went over and sat on his bed where Neville and Ron were and wondered who was going to speak first. He didn't have to wait long, because Hermione stood up and walked over to him.
"Oh Harry, (pulling him up and pulling him into a hug) thank you for telling us but how do you know it's you"
"Hermione please no questions tonight, I just want to relax with my friends ok. I know for sure because the scar is the mark that shows I am his equal."
"Ok, just let us know when it's ok to ask you questions. I don't want you mad at the others or me. I love you Bro."
"I love you too sis, just be patient with me ok. I will try and answer all of your questions soon. Neville, can I speak with you in the hall for a minute."
"Sure Harry"
"Neville, I just wanted to tell you that I was not the only one who fit the prophecy. You were the other and no one knows why he picked me to go after first. If you want the others to know that is up to you ok."
"Thanks Harry, I know what you did tonight was hard. I'm glad you included me in everything. I'm glad we're friends Harry."
"Me too Neville"
"Let's go back in and relax"
"Yeah that sounds good"
Harry and Neville went back into his room with the others. They sat around and listen to the WWN for a while just enjoying their time together. Luna had fallen asleep on Neville's lap so they all decided it was time to call it a night. Neville woke Luna up and walked her to her room. Ron and Hermione said their good nights and headed out. Harry walked over to Ginny and sat with her. She gave him a weak smile but didn't move at all.
"Gin"
"Yeah Harry"
"I'm glad you stayed, I was going to ask you to stay a bit. It looks like you've read my mind again.
"Hah, I can just read your face real well, that's all"
"How's that Gin?"
"I don't know, I can just look at you some times and tell what is going through your mind. Other times I just look into your eyes and it's like I can see all the way to your soul."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure Harry"
"Now that we've gotten to know each other better are you more comfortable around me?"
"Yes"
"Good, I'm glad"
"Me too"
"Gin I want to tell you something but I'm kinda scared to"
"Harry you don't have to be scared to ever tell me anything"
"I know but we made a deal and I want to go back on it"
"(Oh god…Oh god he's going to say he really didn't like me. See you were stupid, so stupid. How could he ever like you that way? I can't cry…I can't cry… I can't cry…). How…is…that…um…I…mean…Oh god? Please explain before I have heart failure Harry (she said with pleading eyes).
"I know we talked about this before but since I got here and spent all this time getting to know you…I…just…want…more. I'm not…sure how…or…why…but…I don't…want to share you…with…Dean."
"Harry, wow…um…you just scared the life out of me. How can I say this (Harry got a scared look on his face just as Ginny had)…I love the time we spend together; I'm glad we are friends and I…I'm not sure…what you…are asking."
"Gin…Oh god…I'm not claiming undying love…dang that came out wrong. Gin…I don't know how to explain how I feel. I just know when we spend time together I feel complete. Tonight every time you touched me I felt a calm come over me. When all of you took your place at my side I could feel you the most. I really care about you. I have for a long time. I've just been blind and I want it to be just you and me. You know…see if maybe…Oh god Gin…If Ron doesn't kill me I want to be with you."
Taking her hands and caressing his face all she could do is smile. She had dreamed of this for so long and it was happening. She knew that Dean was not the guy for her. She released his face and engulfed him in a hug and he hugged her back. They both felt like they were where they belonged. Ginny wanted to remember every part of his confession of his feelings. Yes, he had fumbled around but he said he wanted to be with her. Could life get any better then this? In her opinion, no it was perfect because he had danced with her and he wants to be with her.
Harry could not believe he got the nerve to tell her he wanted to be with her but it felt right. Now all he had to do was get the nerve to kiss her like he wanted to do before they danced. He hoped Ron would not want to kill him for this but it just felt too right. He stood up and pulled her with him.
"Gin it's time to rest; we can talk more tomorrow ok. I want you to know I couldn't be happier right now"
"I feel the same way about you right now and we will deal with Dean and Ron tomorrow ok."
"Ok Gin lets get you to bed"
With that said Harry walked Ginny down to the girl's room and gave her a lit kiss on the lips and one last hug. He knew tonight he would have to clear his mind or he would be dreaming of her all night.
Thanks for reading, and reviewing. This is a bit of a long chapter. Chapter 17 will be up soon. Happy reading.