Mr. Weasley and Ron entered the room and cautiously approached Harry, who stood at the long, narrow window admiring the majesty of nature.
"All right there Harry?" Ron questioned tentatively, setting a small bag on Harry's bed.
Harry heard the words just fine but didn't speak. Ron and his father exchanged worried glances before Mr. Weasley spoke up.
"Harry, are you quite sure you're all right?"
Harry turned around slowly as a wide grin developed across his sunlit face. He stuffed his hand into the pockets of his blue and white, hospital issue pajama pants.
"I'm fine Mr. Weasley, Ron. Just fine."
Ron sighed with relief and patted Harry on the shoulder.
"Harry," Mr. Weasley began grimly, "I came early this morning to check out the building in respect to your situation and I'm rather glad I did. The Daily Prophet knows you're being released today, they're staked out downstairs in the Floo Lobby - waiting. They're hoping you'll make a statement. I just thought you'd best prepare yourself."
"It's a right disaster down there mate." Ron chimed in.
Harry's eyes darted back and forth between the two men nervously as he ruffled up the back of his hair.
"Now don't worry Harry, we'll get out of here as fast as possible. Regardless, they'll expect a statement. I'd make a speech for you if you'd like." Harry steeled his face to the truth and was touched by the offer Mr. Weasley made. "No, I reckon I should say something. Mind it'll be brief, but I'll do it."
Mr. Weasley nodded. "Good man Harry."
Harry smiled sheepishly. "There is one favor I'd like to ask of you Mr. Weasley."
Arthur beamed. "Anything, you just name it Harry."
Harry cast his eyes downward. Asking for help and favors were never his strong suit. "Well, I don't think I'll fancy being out of St. Mungo's, back in the real world, without a wand. Would it be possible for you to arrange a visit to Ollivander's? Maybe this afternoon? And if possible, alone? I mean, no other customers."
Arthur nodded in understanding. "I'll go send an Owl immediately. Molly, Ginny and Hermione will be along shortly."
Mr. Weasley left the room and Ron moved toward the bag he'd set on Harry's bed.
"I went out and got you something to wear home today." He stated, handing Harry the brown bag with twine handles.
"Oh yeah?" Harry asked. "I was never very fashion savvy before, so please don't tell me that fashion has changed too much."
Ron chuckled, waggling his eyebrows. "Don't worry, what I bought you will never go out of style."
Harry hesitantly took the bag from Ron and peered suspiciously inside. The first thing he noticed was a new pair of trainers.
"Awesome!" Harry noted, looking over the new pair of shoes. "I kinda forgot I'd be needing new shoes. Good call."
The next thing in the bag was a new pair of jeans, just a bit baggier than the styles a few years ago. "Thanks." He regarded, setting them next to the trainers before reaching into the bag for the final time and pulling out a bright, gaudy, orange t-shit. Two black C's and a zooming cannon ball adorned it.
Harry laughed right out loud as he unfolded the Chudley Cannons T-shirt and held it up to his own chest.
Ron smiled. "I'll say it looks a sight better on you than it does me." He admitted with a glance upward at his own hair. "They went pretty far this year so don't worry, no one will think you're a nutter for wearing it."
Harry let the shirt pool on his lap and absent mindly traced the double letter C's. "I don't think you'll ever know how lucky you are."
Harry had hoped that Ron would not take offense to his statement- he hadn't meant any, but Harry was still worried about looking up at his friend. After a few moments of awkward silence passed, Harry finally found the courage to look into Ron's eyes.
"I'm beginning to understand." Ron declared, seating himself next to Harry. "I've got my best mate, my best girl and two kids on the way. I hadn't ever dreamed of hoping for this much."
Harry nodded. "I envy you."
Ron's mouth dropped open at the shock of the statement. He was at a total loss for words. All their years at Hogwarts it was he, Ron, who envied Harry.
"I mean it." Harry reiterated, looking out the window. "You've got the only thing I never had and could never buy. You're a lucky man Ron. "And I don't mean for you to feel guilty about that, because you deserve happiness. Thanks for everything you've always done for me. I hope to be half as lucky as you are."
For the first time since Harry had risen from the coma, Ron felt guilty for the things he knew. He had never kept anything important from Harry, and now he had an awful secret. His sister, Harry's girlfriend, had a fiancée' and everyone but Harry knew it. When Harry found out - he'd be furious. But as guilty as Ron felt, he didn't think it his place to tell Harry about Dean and Ginny and he wasn't brave enough to do it anyway. Ron hadn't ever expected to meet anyone to rival Ginny's temper- but then he met Harry.
"You'll finally be my best man at the Renewing of Vows, won't you?"
Harry eventually turned to face his friend, a smile emblazoned across his face. "I'd be honored."
"Then that's all the thanks I need." Ron finished, wondering what he had ever done to deserve Harry's thanks in the first place.
Harry could feel the tension mounting with the arrival of Hermione and Mrs. Weasley. He kept anticipating Ginny's arrival. Each time the door opened and a Healer or Nurse appeared Harry's eyes shone with disappointment and his mood sunk a little further. Why wasn't she here? He had gone over some things in his head that he'd say to the reporters when the time came around. Mr. Weasley had long returned from Owling Ollivander's Shop with an invite to visit at his earliest convenience. For that, Harry was glad.
But Ginny's presence was missing at a time when he felt he needed her most. He lacked the strength to break down and ask Mrs. Weasley about her location for fear that he would become too emotional before the Press Conference. The last thing he needed to do was bawl his eyes out on camera somewhere. So, he swallowed deeply and urged himself to be strong for Ginny- wherever she was.
Harry stood at a podium on a makeshift platform in the lobby of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies, surrounded by reporters and photographers. His eyes darted around nervously as he looked for Ginny. He needed to see her smile, wanted to feel her support. She was no where to be seen. His heart thundered in his ears. Loud…Erratic…Fast…
Harry could see Ron and Hermione and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley already stood dutifully by his side. He felt Mrs. Weasley reach over and grab his hand, lending him her support. He initially flinched at her touch, but chose not to let go, or let his eyes divert from the crowd. The sound in the reception area was deafening. The noise reverberated off the walls creating a cacophony that gave Harry an instant headache. All the chairs had been moved out, and the regular receptionists were looking at Harry as though they might like to hex him for disturbing the normalcy of their day. All of the reporters were rapidly firing questions, hollering his name so their photographer could snap a good picture, flashbulbs popped loudly, and all the while Harry's heart thumped anxiously.
Molly Weasley's heart went out to the boy, no, young man at her side. She knew he was searching the crowd for Ginny. She knew that it was her daughter's hand that Harry longed to be holding. Ginny had been the only person who really gave Harry comfort and resolve after awakening from the coma. The entire family knew why Ginny wasn't there. There had been an awful argument earlier that morning.
Remus, the Weasley's, and the surviving members of The Order had all gathered at the Burrow that morning to discuss Harry's situation. It was obvious to everyone but Ginny why she could not accompany Harry home from the hospital. The Daily Prophet had run the announcement of Dean and Ginny's engagement. Remus blatantly pointed out that Ginny could hardly stand at Harry's side, grasping his hand and pretending as if she were devoted only to him. No, the Prophet would have bombarded them with questions if they thought Ginny was any more or less important than any of the other Weasley's.
Ginny had, of course, pitched a fit, knowing Harry had expected her there and would suffer because of it. So, in the end, The Order had allowed her to meet Harry at Ollivander's.
Mr. Weasley watched as Harry stood frozen in place, apprehensive and panicky. Arthur stepped forward with a warm smile and put an arm around Harry.
"Mr. Potter has only a brief statement today. No questions please. Harry." Mr. Weasley nudged Harry forward as Mrs. Weasley squeezed his hand supportively. "It's all right dear." She whispered softly.
Harry cleared his throat and took a shuffled step toward the crowd. "Um," Harry began, clearing his throat again and shifting his eyes downward. "Er, I guess I'd just like to say that I feel fine and I'm glad to be going home now. All I've ever wanted was to be normal, not a hero, just Harry Potter. I hope you can respect that and give me some privacy."
A Wizard reporter interrupted, his quill poised and ready to write. "Have you made any plans for the future Harry?"
Harry was caught off guard and was a bit discombobulated by the interruption. "Er, I'm not really taking questions, but, um, sort of I guess. I'm going to take some time deciding on a career. I hope by fall or so to have made a decision. For the summer I plan to just relax and finish recuperating. And I, um, guess that's it."
Just as Harry was preparing to step away from the crowd, he saw something familiar. A flash of a poison green coloured quill caught Harry's eye. It was clasped in the hand of Rita Skeeter.
"Harry!" She called in an irritating voice as she waved her hand at him. "Do you see any particular witch in that future with you Harry?" Rita batted her eyes behind her rhinestone jeweled, cat eye frames and looked expectedly up at him.
Molly, Arthur, Ron and Hermione froze on the spot, their smiles still delayed on their faces. Their eyes clouded with worry and concern. If Harry made one mention of Ginny, it would only take seconds for the reporters to counter with the truth. They all held their breath.
Harry smiled. He wasn't about to take the bait this time. In no way would he betray Ginny to the press for them to hound her day and night. He pretended to ponder the thought for a moment and suddenly gain inspiration.
"Just you Rita." He answered sarcastically. "I'm sure you'll persecute me 'til I die."
Harry proceeded to follow the Weasley's off the stage, while the press continued to holler out questions. A large fireplace was sectioned off from the rest of the Reception Area. Mrs. Weasley leaned in close to Harry.
"Off you go to Ollivanders dear. Ginny is waiting for you there. The rest of us will go home and prepare for your, um, arrival."
Harry beamed. "What's to prepare for Mrs. Weasely? Are you planning a - "
Molly was quick to cut him off. "Never you mind dear. Just nip over to Ollivanders."
Harry looked into the large fireplace and stepped inside. His shoes crunched on the old cinders. It smelled sooty and stale inside the hearth, but it was familiar and almost welcome. Harry reached out and took a small handful of gritty, grey powder and took a deep breath.
Gosh it's been a long time. Harry contemplated, throwing the ashes at his feet, watching the Floo roar to life. "Ollivander's!"
Ginny paced back and forth across the creaky wooden floor, occasionally glancing outside at Remus Lupin, who as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, stood outside to give any assistance if necessary.
Ginny sighed audibly, glancing over at the face behind the counter.
"Sorry." She whined.
A hand innocently waved her off.
Ginny nervously tapped her foot and drummed her fingers on the sides of her thighs. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the fireplace in Ollivander's ignited.
Harry stumbled out of the fireplace, catching Ginny about the waist to keep himself from falling over.
"Oof." Harry exhaled as he crashed into the redhead.
Ginny squealed with surprise first, then humor as she and Harry laughed. She hoisted him up to eye level and wrapped her arms around him. Ginny caught Remus peering in the windows, no doubt from all the noise they had made. He wore a distinct sneer. She pointedly ignored him and kissed Harry's cheek.
"How'd it go?"
He shrugged. "Fine I guess. I was really nervous and then Rita Skeeter started asking questions. I- I was looking for you." His eyes shifted down and then slowly back up while he waited for her excuse.
Ginny tilted her head to the side and offered him a smile. Guilt was swarming her heart. Her absence today bad more to do with her reputation and prosperity than Harry's.
"I'm sorry love. I'm here under orders of The Order." She indicated to Remus standing outside with an incline of her head. "I'm not alone either."
Harry grinned and waved at the werewolf standing outside. Remus only raised his eyebrows in greeting and smirked.
"He seems a bit grouchy today." Harry speculated.
Ginny knew damn well why he was 'grouchy.' The harsh words and hurt feelings during fight at The Burrow that morning hadn't faded yet.
"Eh, must be his time of the month." Ginny snickered.
Movement caught Harry's eye and he turned to see a younger woman sitting behind the counter. She had waist length brown hair that was sleek and shiny, and bright blue, almond shaped eyes that seemed vague but twinkled like two sapphires. The woman looked up when she heard the shuffle of feet coming toward her.
Harry leaned toward Ginny and his whisper dueted musically with the creaky floor. "Where's Mr. Ollivander."
A new voice broke the hushed silence.
"He was my Grandfather. I'm Olivia, I run the shop now." The woman looked up from the countertop, where a stack of papers had previously held her attention.
Her voice was soft and breathy and Harry couldn't help but notice that her lips were painted an exciting shade of garnet.
Harry stepped up to the counter and extended a hand.
"Olivia Ollivander it is then?"
She looked pleased, swishing her long, chestnut brown locks over her shoulder. "The one and only. Or at least I think so." Olivia took Harry's hand and gave it a lingering squeeze. "It's nice to meet you Harry Potter."
Harry returned her smile. He already liked her, she hadn't glanced up at the scar that plagued his forehead. Up close he could see that she was probably a few years older than he was, but her obvious maturity and exotic beauty abounded.
"I didn't know Mr. Ollivander didn't run the shop anymore." Harry was sure it sounded aloof or ignorant but Olivia didn't seem to think so.
"Damn near 200 years old." She bragged. "Still thought he was half his age." Olivia seemed to get a bit sentimental, which seemed to Harry like a bit of a surprise. "He only died two years ago. He even fought in the Second War."
Harry tried to give her what he thought was an encouraging smile. "I liked him. I'm sorry for your loss."
He was startled by an impatient sigh behind him.
Ginny was tight lipped and her arms were folded stiffly across her chest. For a moment Harry had forgotten she was there.
"Harry, I don't mean to intrude - " her voice was tainted with sharpness and jealousy. To Harry, it brought back a memory at Hogwarts when Ginny had hexed poor Susan Bones for blatantly flirting with Harry right in front of her even though she knew Ginny and Harry were dating.
Ginny had always watched out for Harry, even when he didn't know it she had watched over him. Her eyes were squinted menacingly at the other woman in the room.
"- but everyone is waiting for us at home."
Harry blushed and glanced bashfully at Olivia. "Oh, right."
"OK then." Olivia began, scrutinizing Harry with a faint smile on her red lips. She tilted her head to the left first, then to the right. Moving around the front of the counter she retrieved a measuring tape from the pocket of her indigo blue robes. With a snap of her fingers the tape sprung to life, taking odd measurements. She paused in her analysis of Harry to let a smirk slide across her lips. Harry instinctively returned her smile and took a step back to let her pass when the measurements ceased.
They were rather close and Harry noticed that she smelled lovely.
It was only then that Harry got an opportunity to look around the store. Even though the store was no longer run by Mr. Ollivander it looked the very same. Long, narrow boxes were stacked haphazardly on the shelves with seemingly no rhyme or reason.
The room smelled of cedar, pine and cherry. Dust blanketed the narrow boxes and Olivia tapped her fingers along each box until she found the one she was searching for.
"Try this." Olivia suggested, pulling a box from the shelf and opening it.
Harry reached out and grasped the wand between his fingers. It was considerably wider and shorter than his old one. He flicked his wrist cautiously and watched a faint coil of smoke erupt from the wand.
"Nope." Olivia replied, putting it back on the shelf.
She skirted around Harry and Ginny again and disappeared down another aisle. Harry looked at Ginny and forced a smile. She did not return it, instead she kept her eyes on Olivia.
Ms. Ollivander stuck her head around the corner of the tall shelf. "Hold up your hand."
Confused, Harry did as she instructed and lifted his right hand, palm out and spread his fingers.
Olivia raised her eyebrows and smiled. "Hmm, nice large hands."
Harry blushed, watching Olivia disappear again. Behind him Ginny huffed her disapproval.
It was only a few moments before Olivia returned with another box. "Give this one a try." She proposed confidently.
Harry flicked his wrist again and saw a spectacular burst of sparks in brilliant red and gold.
"Ha! That's it." Olivia exulted.
"Wow. You're great." Harry returned, looking over the new wand in his hands. Strange how they could all look so different.
Olivia beamed. "I did nothing but find the right box. The wand, your wand, chose you Harry. It's Sequoia, 12 inches, phoenix feather - "
"So was my last one." Harry interrupted her. "Phoenix feather, I mean. Is that typical? The same core, you know?"
Olivia pursed her lips. "I don't think anything is typical when it comes to you Mr. Potter."
She caught a nasty look from Ginny but continued anyway.
"Some people seem to just have connections. Entire families can have the same core material or the same wood. You must have a connection with phoenix."
Harry grinned. His last wand held a feather from Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet. He wondered where this feather came from.
"Miss, er, I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name" Olivia said, moving through the narrow shop and behind the counter again.
"Weasley. Ginny." Her voice punctuated the room like a sharp dagger.
Olivia Ollivander snapped her fingers. "Yes! That's it. Miss Weasley here already paid for your wand.
"Fiancée'?"
Ginny froze. What would Harry say? What would Olivia Ollivander think?
Harry colored a warm shade of pink. "Um, no."
"Hmm." Olivia replied with a note of interest in an almost musical voice.
Harry observed Ginny's expression. Her face was blotchy and red, her brown eyes were squinted and took on a darker hue, her mouth was half open in disgust.
"C'mon Harry, you've got guests at home." Ginny snapped, grabbing the sleeve of his Chudley Cannons T-shirt, pulling him away from Olivia Ollivander's gaze and toward the door.
"It was a distinct pleasure meeting you Harry Potter." Olivia declared with a hint of suggestion in her voice as she leaned back against the counter. "If you ever need anything, you know where I am. Good luck with your new wand."
Harry was sure he heard Ginny whisper something that sounded like 'hussy' as the bells chimed and she dragged him backwards out the door.
"Er, thanks Olivia."
She smiled and waved with a wiggle of her fingers. She mouthed the word 'bye' as Ginny succeeded in hauling Harry from the shop.
Remus, Harry and Ginny made the short walk back toward The Leaky Cauldron, where Remus said they would Floo back to the Burrow.
Ginny consciously walked ahead of the two men, muttering to herself about that woman.
Harry was disappointed that Ginny walked so far ahead of them. He wanted nothing more than to hold her hand as he enjoyed his first few moments of real, true freedom in five years. He didn't even mind all the stares, gasps and crowding. He was breathing fresh air, feeling the sun warm his fair skin and just generally enjoying being alive as he half listened to Remus ramble on about the Philosophy about wands choosing their owners.
He wondered why Ginny was so far ahead.
The Leaky Cauldron was rather quiet at that time in the late afternoon. Old Tom still stood behind the bar and called out a cheery hello with a wave to Remus, Ginny and Harry.
Harry gestured for Remus to Floo first and watched him take a handful of Floo Powder and throw it down at his feet. He was gone in a flash of green light. It was the moment Harry had waited for since leaving St. Mungo's. He put his hand on Ginny's waist and pulled her, crashing, toward his body. His lips met hers in a heated fury and parted almost instantly, enticing each other's tongues in an illicit rhythm.
Harry savored the feeling of her figure pressed against his slight frame; the curviness of her hips under his hands, her soft breasts in contact with his chest. Truly she felt amazing in his arms.
The sensation of Ginny snaking one of her hands through Harry's hair and the other one tight across his back, keeping him close, made Harry think of their past. All the wonderful memories they'd already shared. All the memories he wanted to make in the future.
When Ginny thought she might pass out from breathlessness, she broke the kiss and rested her forehead against Harry's, nuzzling his nose with hers while letting her breath out in short puffs.
Ginny quickly let her eyes roam the pub, thankfully what few patrons there were paid her and Harry no attention.
"Remus will worry." She whispered, softly kissing his top lip.
"I could care less." Came Harry's reply while he closed his eyes and marveled in the extra-ordinary, phenomenal, sensational, and exhilarating feelings Ginny could provide him.
Ginny giggled a little. "I guess something's never change. Even when we were teenagers you didn't care if we got caught."
Harry smiled and playfully nipped at her lips causing a lovely little whimper to escape her.
"That's what invisibility cloaks are for, Sirius told me so himself."
Ginny sighed reluctantly, removing herself from Harry's embrace. "We'd better go or else mum will be having kittens. She'll show up here, you know she will." She pointed to the fireplace with one hand and rested the other hand on her hip. "C'mon, in you go."
Harry had not anticipated all the hubbub at the Burrow when he arrived. All the Weasley children and their significant others were present, several Order members, and Professor McGonagall.
It astonished Harry that so many people had missed his presence over the last few years. The group celebrated outside in the garden at the Burrow. Little, glowing fairies zipped around the back yard, providing a soft blossom of light. Trellises were detailed with a variety of Muggle and Magical flowers, and there was a long banquet table laden with food. Mrs. Weasley had gone above and beyond what he expected his first home cooked meal in five years to taste like.
It was the first time Harry had the opportunity to meet Peyton Weasley, Penny and Percy's son. Peyton was about 9 months old, had curly red hair, and was already smart as a whip.
Kingsley and Regina Shacklebolt, Remus, Tonks, Headmistress McGonagall, Bill, Fleur, Charlie, his girlfriend Ecaterina, a fellow dragon wrangler and a native Romanian, the twins, Angelina and Katie were all present. Of course Ron and Hermione were there. Ron frequented the food table for himself and for his pregnant wife, who looked like she was about to pop.
Ginny sat on the low garden wall, watching Harry intently just as she always had. She knew he was probably tired, but he needed to see that he was loved and cared for. He would need these people when she inevitably told him the mind blowing news of her and Dean, whom she had not invited to the party.
Harry sat with Percy and Bill, holding baby Peyton for his first time. Peyton babbled, cooed and giggled at Harry, who in turn smiled back. The baby seemed to be quite eager to grab at Harry's glasses and his hair.
Ginny's heart clenched painfully. She'd always thought, hoped and dreamt that she'd have children with untidy black or red hair, and gorgeous green eyes just like their father's. But that was not to be.
Bill looked up from his conversation and locked eyes with his only sister. Ginny was alone, sitting at the edge of the garden, where twilight was creeping in. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked like she'd lost quite a bit of weight over the last few weeks. Bill set down the Butterbeer he was holding, stuffed his hands in his pockets and strode over to Ginny.
"Hey Gin-Gin."
She smiled with a sigh and rolled her eyes, breaking her gaze away from Harry.
"Who would have thought he'd be so good with kids, eh?"
Ginny's eyes darted from Bill back to Harry, who was holding Peyton under the arms, letting him jump up and down on his lap.
"I did." Her voice was wistful and removed.
Bill exhaled loudly, clasped his hands together and sat down next to his sister.
"Gin, it's time to tell Harry."
Ginny's body stiffened as she leered over at Bill. Her jaw was clenched and she began to speak to him through gritted teeth.
"I love you Bill, but this isn't your business. Stay out of my affairs."
"And by affairs, do you mean the happenings in your life and your concerns, or do you mean the fact that your carrying on, having liaisons with two different men?"
His words bit hard and Ginny's mouth dropped open in shock.
Tears stung her brown eyes. "How could you?" She asked, offended.
"Ginny, he deserves to know!" Bill snapped, jerking his thumb over at the party, where Harry sat laughing with Tonks, unaware of the ensuing quarrel. "It's only fair to let him move on with his life while you move on with yours. Do you think Dean won't mind if you just shag Harry once and a while? You can't have your cake and eat it too Ginny."
She was crying fully now as she rose from the garden wall and looked down at Bill. Her hands were on her hips and she was hovering, just like Molly did. Fireworks exploded overhead, courtesy of Fred and George, and only Bill heard Ginny hollering. "You don't know what it's like. No one does. To love someone so much, knowing you have the information that will keep them from you forever. To be stuck in the middle. Huh? Do you know Bill? Do you?"
Ginny waited momentarily for him to be stupid enough to answer, but of course, he didn't.
"No, I didn't think so." Ginny retorted, pushing a finger into the middle of her brother's chest. "Keep out of it. I won't have anyone telling Harry the truth but me."
She turned her back on him and stomped off into the apple orchard behind the garden.
Ginny returned long after dark, long after Harry's guests had gone home. The Burrow was dark, except for a luminosity coming from the room that used to Ron's. She entered the house and quietly crept up the back stairs, careful to avoid the squeaky stair about halfway up.
Ginny passed her own room with a twinge of reminiscing. Too many memories of Harry haunted that room. She continued up the stairs and peeked in the door of her brother's old room.
She found Harry sleeping, propped up against the headboard. Mrs. Weasley had taken special care to make Ron's old room comfortable. She had framed his and Sirius' Order of Merlin certificates, several photos of Harry with his friends and photos of his Mum and Dad. Harry's old school trunk sat at the foot of the bed, open. Everything lay in the trunk, just as he had left it, when he packed to leave Hogwarts for his final time. His Firebolt, from Sirius, was magically suspended in the air in one corner of the room. And Hedwig hooted happily from one corner, she already looked happier since Harry had returned. It was lovely.
Harry still had on the orange Chudley Cannon's T-shirt and his jeans, but his trainers and socks sat in a neat pile at the side of the bed. Ginny couldn't help but smile as she looked down at him. His glasses lay carelessly discarded on his chest. He looked so peaceful, ironically there were things she could tell him that could crush his spirit or break his heart.
Ginny stepped cautiously across the room and removed Harry's glasses from his chest. She folded them and set them on the small table next to Harry's bed. She smiled again and turned to leave but Harry suddenly caught her hand.
"Wait." He whispered, pulling her back.
"I thought you were sleeping." Ginny responded, sitting on the edge of Harry's bed, interlacing her fingers between Harry's.
"I was. I was dreaming of this red-haired angel I know." He confessed.
Ginny forced a smile. "Are you sure she isn't the devil in disguise?"
He chose not to contradict her and changed the subject. "Why did you leave the party?" The question seemed sudden and hasty, but he pulled her down to lie next to him.
Ginny considered how angry she had been with Bill, storming off into the trees and upon finding a secluded enough place, she cried. Ginny cried until no more tears would come. She contemplated just Apparating home, to her flat, from there but felt the need to check on Harry.
"I got into an argument with Bill."
"About what?"
"Brother-Sister stuff."
Ginny settled deeper into Harry's arms and closed her eyes. "I can't stay." She whispered. "I've got to work in the morning."
He said nothing but leaned over her body and pressed a kiss to her lips. The kiss caught Ginny off guard, but she kissed him back earnestly.
"Stay here with me." He whispered against her skin, moving his lips down her neck.
Ginny considered it seriously for only a moment. It was difficult thinking with Harry grazing his teeth over he skin, causing her to shiver. "I, er, I can't. My uniform is at home." She answered quickly, "Besides, you aren't well yet."
She casually pulled her neck out of his reach, as she tried to pull together her thoughts. She scrambled up from the bed, covered in the quilt she had made for him.
Harry laughed softly, sitting up on the edge of the bed and reaching out to where she stood before him. "I feel fine Gin, don't worry. I want to show you how much I love you, I feel better the closer you are to me."
He pulled her down so she was straddling his lap, and put his arms around her, in effect, locking her in place. She crossed her arms over her chest and refused to meet his eyes.
"Ginny, what is it?"
"Harry, I - " Ginny was trying so hard not to tremble, Harry was holding her in his arms in such a comforting way. His fingers were splayed across her back and his eyes were gazing at her intently. He reached up and gently brushed a lock of copper-red hair away from her face and smiled.
"Shh." He whispered faintly as he removed his hands from her back and carefully held her face, placing a slow, soothing, easy kiss on her lips.
It was so deliberate and unbelievably warm and tender that Ginny wanted to melt right into it. She'd actually been considering telling him the truth right then and there, but any real desire to do so was gone now. In her heart Ginny knew that if she stayed there a minute longer she would give herself over to Harry.
No, no, no! Her mind screamed at her. Get up! Move!
"Harry, I have to go." She said abruptly, breaking their kiss, pushing against his shoulders and rising off his lap. She retrieved her wand from her back pocket and prepared to Apparate home.
"Ginny, please. We don't have to do anything. Don't go. Please?"
Tears started welling up in her eyes as she grit her teeth, trying to hold them back.
Harry rose from the bed and made to reach for Ginny again. "Gin, love, please. What did you want to tell me? You can tell me anything."
The first of many tears that night cascaded down her face as she placed her hands in the middle of his chest, stopping him from nearing her.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I have to go."
And with those words, she was gone.
Thank you to all my reviewers! You're comments are lovely and mean the world to me!