Maria: Thank you, I am trying to make my writing better. They are on their way to being a couple. Before they can get there she has to let Dean down easy. I went back and changed Tonks name, when I put her in I didn't go back to the book to see the spelling. I should have, but now it's right. No major snogging for a bit but they will get to where they will act more of a couple. I'm sorry if you thought I was saying you were saying more snogging. I just wanted to explain what and how I was going to get there. I thank you for reading and reviewing. I love hearing from all my readers and to the chapters. Chapter 1 is not really a chapter. I am going to go change that so the chapters will be just chapters. So far I have only written 16 chapters, this one makes 17. I went back and changed the DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS.
Nymphadora003: I thank you very much. I hope by the time this chapter is up that you have read the next chapter. I'm glad you like the story so far. I hope I don't disappoint you or any of my other readers. I was a bit afraid when I started this story, that I would do a bad job, since I have never written a story before.
Jae: Thank you for your review. I'm glad that you like the plot and detail. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I love to hear from all my readers. I have tried to make their conversations normal. I will try harder next time. Thanks again for reading and reviewing.
CAN LOVE FIND ME NOW
CHAPTER 17
CONFUSION AND QUESTIONS
After leaving Ginny at her door; he headed back to his room. Lying on his bed he let what happened over the past few weeks run through his head. He was back at his godfather's house, (Which, to his surprise now belonged to him and Remus) received more money then he needed right now and shared the money with the only real family that had ever treated him with respect. He knew that Remus would live better now that he had money. Being a werewolf had made his life hard; because no one would give him work. He was glad that now Remus Lupin; would have no worry for money. Harry knew that he still needed to talk to him to help understand his feelings. His real family had never shown him love but the Weasley's had. He knew how Ginny made him feel and wanted to make sure it was for the right reasons. Some would say that he had these feelings because of how her family had treated him but in his heart he knew better. When he and Ron had heard that Ginny had been taken down into the chamber his heart had broken. At that time he remembered the tiny girl that had laughed and cried when her brothers had left her to go to Hogwarts. There was something about her then that had drawn him to her.
He wondered what would have happened if he had never met any of the Weasley's and if his life would be different then it was now. He knew that in some way it would be different and he was glad that they were part of his life. He would not have the love he felt from them or what they felt for him. They were part of his destiny; he could feel that in his bones. He didn't want to ever change having them in his life. He wondered what his future held; would he beat Voldemort and survive or would they both die. He knew no matter what; he had to train and make sure that Voldemort did not survive and if he died killing him; he knew the world would be safe. He knew it would tear them apart if he died but if that is what had to be done to get rid of Voldemort then he would do just that. He didn't want to leave them and he was going to make sure he had the best chance to come out of this fight alive. He felt he really had something to live for now and that was Ginny and his friends. Harry couldn't sleep so he decided to go down and see if the Order meeting was over yet. He wanted to talk to Remus; maybe even Molly and Arthur. He needed something to clear his mind.
He went down stairs and checked to see if the meeting was over. The kitchen door was sealed and had a silencing charm on it. He went to the parlor and found a book to read while he waited. He had only gotten to page fifteen when he heard noise coming from the kitchen. Yes, the meeting was over now and he would catch them before they went up stairs. Walking into the kitchen Remus, Dumbledore, Charlie, Bill and Remus were still sitting at the table. Harry hoped that he was not interrupting anything. He made his way over to Remus who was sitting at the end of the table nearest to the door. This was his family and was glad they all supported him.
"Mr. Potter, how can we help you tonight?"
"Professor, I was just wondering if you all were through. I just need to talk to Remus and the Weasley's if I can."
"Aw Yes dear boy, we are finished for tonight but I have a small gift for you that I wanted to give you in private. If you do not mind I can give it to you here or we can go into the parlor."
"No, I don't mind you giving it to me here, unless you feel is should be done alone."
"No, No it can be given to you in front of Remus and the rest."
"That's good, because I feel they are my family."
"Good, I have been holding this for you for many years. It came with a note that it was to be given to you on your sixteenth birthday. It was left in my care just incase something happened to your parents. It is part of your family heritage. Through out history it has been passed down to the eldest son for more then a thousand years. Remus might be able to help you with some information about it and what he can't tell you I will be able to."
Dumbledore pulled a small package out of his robes and laid it on the table. He moved a few things out of the way and tapped it with his wand. Before them on the table was a trunk that looked new but you could tell that it was very old. Dumbledore opened the lid and pulled out a book. On the front of the book it had a family crest. There was a red shield that had five different symbols on it. At the top was the symbol of a Griffin, next was what looked like a man with a long beard with a wand in his hand, then there were two wands in an X shape, next one looked like it was a goddess, and then a Phoenix setting on a branch. Dumbledore explained to him that as a wizard married and had children that the crest would change to show the new blood that married into the family. He also went on to explain that in this trunk were many family heirlooms that had been saved from Godric's Hollow and that the rest he would receive when he became of age on his seventeenth birthday. Harry just sat there wondering how many more things would be going through his brain tonight.
"Thank you sir, I'm glad I can learn more about my father's family."
"Enough of that, I will send it to your room and you can deal with it later. You did say that you wanted to talk to Remus."
"Yes sir; I did and I don't want to be rude or anything but it is kinda personal. I know it is a lot to ask but if I could talk to Arthur and Remus alone."
"Yes, Yes Molly could you see me to the door. Charlie, Bill, (nodding to each one as he called their name) Remus, Arthur, and Harry I will see you all soon. Good night gentlemen."
Molly followed Dumbledore to the door and then went up to bed. She knew that Harry must want to talk about something he thought would be embarrassing. Probably wants advice about a girl he likes. Remus was the last of his parent's friends and she knew he was stepping into the godfather role. He would be the first one Harry would chose to talk to and the reason that he picked her husband was a bit of a mystery to her. Maybe it was because he had six sons and had talk to them about such things. She was glad he was opening up and talking to them. Talking was the best medicine to free the soul her mother always told her and she believed it one hundred percent. She prayed that when this war was over that her family (which included Harry and Hermione) would be alive and well. She got into bed with plans to wait on Arthur after his talk with Harry but soon was fast asleep.
(Down in the Kitchen)
"Charlie and Bill if you want to stay you can. I'm not sure but you might be able to help too"
(Charlie raised his eyebrows at Harry) "Well Harry I think I might have an idea what this is about. Does it have to do with someone you were watching in the kitchen today?"
"Um yes it does Charlie"
"Ok, so which one is it Hermione or Ginny?"
"Harry, what do you want to talk about? Does it have to do with liking one of them?"
"Yes Remus, it is about liking one of them. I wanted an older mans point of view. I'm a little confused about some things and I know some of my confusion is because how I was raised. The Dursley's never showed me love or compassion. I know I like a certain girl but I think I'm being a bit selfish."
"Why do you feel like you are being selfish?"
"Well Mr. Weasley, Her and I talked before she went to bed and I told her I didn't want to share her feelings with another guy and that I wanted her all to myself"
"That sounds to me like you have a major crush on this girl Harry. There is nothing wrong with wanting her to only like you. That is part of being a teenager with a crush. I remember a few girls I liked that way when I was in school"
"I'm glad that it's normal Bill. I really thought I was being selfish. All I know is that when we have talked alone I feel like I am complete and never want her to leave"
"Harry, you sound like your dad when he talked about your mum. James always said that she completed him. You know Harry as far back as I can remember the women in your family have had red hair. Your dad always said Potter men were drawn to red heads. I know from watching you and the girls in question that Hermione is more like a sister to you right?"
"Yes, Remus she is, we have started calling each other brother and sister"
"So, Harry that only leaves my daughter. Have you told her how you feel about her?"
"Well sir, I have told her I like her and like I said before tonight I told her I didn't want to share her. We have agreed to take things slow and see if what we feel is real. One thing that has played on my mind is am I feeling this way because of the chamber or because of what happened at the Ministry. I don't want to hurt Ginny in anyway. That's why I wanted to talk to you and Remus. I wanted to make sure; that it was for all the right reasons. What do you all think? Am I feeling this way because of those reasons or do I really like her?"
"Well Harry, from what you have told us I would say that; we all agree that you like her for all the right reasons and not because you saved her in the chamber. Do you agree Remus, Bill, and Charlie?"
"Yes" the other three said at the same time.
"Harry, I'm sure some of this is because of nerves. Maybe you are scared what her mother and I will think or even her brothers. I want you to know that as long as you treat her well that is all that matters. I know you will not do anything willingly to hurt her. It is her choice who she likes and if she has chosen you we will support her. You know that once Molly finds out she will mother you more then she does now. She loves you and has always hoped that you and Ginny would get together. With Fred and George get ready for teasing; they are good at that. They drove Bill and Charlie crazy every time they had a girlfriend. Just know that you can come to any of us any time ok."
"Yes sir, thank you guys for listening to me. I though I was going to lose my mind tonight. I don't want Ginny hurt by me or anyone for that matter. I guess I already knew that I really liked her. Tonight when I talked to everyone about Voldemort she is the one who gave me the most of the strength to keep going, the rest of my friends help too but mostly her. Mr. Weasley is that how you felt about Mrs. Weasley when you first started liking her?"
"Yes and no Harry, I can say that yes it was like that but also I knew from the first time I saw her that she was my one true love. I loved her from the first moment I saw her and have never stopped. I feel like she is my world and that if I didn't have her I would be an empty man. Did that answer your question Harry?"
"Yes sir it did, and thanks for telling me."
"OK. I think its time we all went to bed and got our rest. I know Molly is up there waiting on me. She won't go to sleep until I get up there. I'm glad that you could talk to us Harry about this. I know this must have been hard for you. We will see you tomorrow."
"Remus, I was wondering if you and I could talk some before we go back to school about my parents. Nothing major but you knows…just some questions so I can learn about them."
"Sure Harry, we can do that. It will be nice to tell you what I can. Good night."
"Good night everyone"
Harry felt better as he climbed the stairs back up to his room. He had known in his heart what he felt for Ginny was true but it felt good to talk to Remus and the Weasley men about his feelings for her. After listening to how Mr. Weasley felt when he met his wife; Harry hoped he would feel that way about someone someday and in his heart he hoped it was Ginny. Once in his room he gathered his stuff and went to shower. He went over to the trunk that Dumbledore had given him earlier to check out what was in there. He was surprised to find not only the book but also some baby things in there. There were a few small boxes that he was sure was family jewelry that probably belonged to some of the Potter women. He knew any research he would do; that Hermione or Ginny would be good choices.
Tomorrow he would bring his friends up to his room and show them the trunk and see what they thought about the stuff in it. He had always wanted to know about his family and heritage. What lay within the trunk was a start and whatever answers he got from Remus would help too. This had been a great day for him; that was for sure. He put everything back into the trunk and got into bed. It was late and he was getting tired. While he tried to clear his mind he thought of what the coming school year might bring. He knew that he would need his friends and that they would need him. Tomorrow he and Ginny would talk before the others would come up to his room. They would tell Ron about their budding relationship; that way there were no secrets. They would also talk about Dean; because Harry didn't want to make trouble between them if she still wanted to see him (which he hoped she wouldn't want to do) as more then a friend.
Finely he was just too tired to think anymore. He tried once again to clear his mind so he could have a good nights sleep. Before long he had fell into a deep sleep; with no dreams or nightmares.
(IN THE GIRLS ROOM)
Harry walked Ginny down to the girls room and gave her a lit kiss and one last hug. Ginny closed the door behind her after saying good night to Harry. Hermione and Luna were already in bed. Luna must have fallen back to sleep as soon as she had gotten into bed. Hermione was reading a book; waiting for her to get back. She knew she would want to know why she was late getting back to the room and would ask if her and Harry had talked anymore about the news he had told them after the party. She grabbed her nightclothes and headed back out of the room to the bathroom. Ginny decided to take a long hot bath to relax. She had what seemed like a million thoughts going through her mind. One thing was for sure he; had confirmed that he had been through hell his fourth year and then to find out the reason why Voldemort wanted him dead last year. Hermione was going to go mad until Harry would talk to her about it. Her brain worked over time and Harry knew this; would she drive him crazy, trying to find out more. She hoped that she wouldn't do that, she should know after tonight that he would open up more soon.
She got undressed and slipped into the tub, made herself comfortable, and closed her eyes. As she lay there in the tub; the events of the night were playing in her mind. Harry had told her he didn't want to share her with Dean and that he wanted to be with her; he wants more with her and that she calms him. He had said something else, (come on now girl think) oh yeah; she made him feel complete when they were together. It seems like after all these years of hoping and then giving up on him; he liked her too. He had said that he had liked her for a while now; the question was how long of a while and why didn't he tell her this before. Those were things they would talk about and now she had to figure out how she was going to tell Dean that she liked him but not in a girlfriend kinda way. She didn't want to hurt him but lying to him would be worst.
After her bath she felt so relaxed and refreshed; yes, she was now ready for Hermione's forty questions. How many she could answer was another story. She opened the door and peeked in; there sat Hermione, tapping her foot on the floor and she looked like she was ready to pull her hair out. By the looks of things she had been waiting for her to get back from the bathroom.
"Gin, where have you been?"
"I took a bath Hermione, I was dirty"
"You know what I mean and it is not about the bath"
"Yes, I figured you were waiting up to talk about Harry's news after the party"
"That is part of it"
"What is the other part?"
"What kept you so long after we all left?"
"Harry wanted to talk to me in private"
"About what if I may ask?"
"I don't know if I can tell you or not"
"And why not"
"Cause I may not want to that's why"
"Gin"
"What"
"Come on you know you want to tell me"
"Ok, but no squealing or you will wake up Luna"
"I'm already awake Gin, so spill your guts to us now. Did he kiss you?"
"OK, lets all set over here on Mione's bed"
"Ok"
"OK girls you each can ask me two questions and then we go to sleep. I won't guarantee that I can answer so chose wisely"
"Me first, why did you stay longer up in Harry's room and not come with us"
"Mione, I really didn't want to leave him alone and after you all were gone he told me he was glad I stayed. He said he liked me and wanted to be with me, WITH ME MIONE, CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT. OH MY GOD HARRY POTTER LIKES ME"
"Calm down now Gin, my second question is did he kiss you on the lips (evil grin here) or just on the cheek?"
"Both, next questions Luna"
"Well I can tell you love him with all your heart and soul Gin, do you feel like he just likes you or might he be falling in love with you?"
"Yes I love him, more then he knows and as far as him loving me; well I'm not sure but he said he didn't want to share me with Dean and that he hoped when we tell Ron that he won't kill him. Next and last question Luna"
"What kinda kisses did he give you?"
"Small, light but sweet ones. Little kisses on my cheek and once on my lips when he walked me here after we talked. Oh and I was in heaven when he kissed my lips. It was just a quick one but I got kissed by Harry."
"Gin that's great, I'm so glad he sees you that way now. You are good for him and he is good for you. I just hope Ron will see it that way and not get mad. I'm sure it will all work out though."
"It will or I will hex him"
"Hermione, I know that Ron likes you and I'm sure you like him. I hope things will work out for you two. I have to say I'm sorry because I had a little crush on him. When I wrote Harry I hinted around about it but after today I see that I like Neville more then I did Ron. Do you and Gin think you could help me see if he likes me too? I think he is the sweetest guy and I hope he will like me too."
"Sure Luna, Gin and I will help you. You don't have to apologias about having a crush on Ron. That's just part of life I guess and I would never hold that against you. Ron and I told each other yesterday that we liked each other and we are going to take it slow so we don't ruin our friendship. I can say that the way Neville was looking at you when you two were dancing that he likes you too. We have until Saturday to find out if he does and get you two together."
"Thanks, you two are the only friends I really have; everyone else at school makes fun of me. The girls in my dorm always take my things and are mean to me. I hope we will always be friends. We really need to get some sleep, cause we want to be fresh for our guys in the morning."
"You are to right about that, plus we should be getting our Hogwarts letters tomorrow (Neville and Luna didn't know they had already got their letters). Harry, Ron, Neville, and I should get our OWLS results too, I hope I did well."
"Mione you know you don't have to worry; you are the smartest witch Hogwarts has seen in over one hundred years if not more. Ok lights out gals, we have a big day tomorrow."
Luna climbed back into her bed and Ginny made all the lights go out. All the girls were thinking about their letters from school, their guys, and Hermione was spazzing about her OWLS. Tomorrow would be a big day because Harry planned to tell Ron he had a major crush on his sister. The six teens all fell asleep that night with big smiles on their faces and thinking about the person they cared about.
Thank you so much to all my readers. You keep me writing more chapters. I'm so glad that everyone likes the story so far. Here is chapter 17 and 18 will be out soon. I have a beta reader now and she is going over the first 15 chapters right now. I will send her 16 and 17 tomorrow. Hopefully she won't find much wrong with the other chapters. Happy reading and remember review so I know what you think or if you see any thing wrong.
Froggyy1 (Joyce)