What wasn't to love about her? Her eyes were warm, her touch was soft, her hair was like a flame he could run his hands through without getting burned. She wasn't opposed to sneaking out of her own room and into his, as she had proved many times at Hogwarts, and she had even Apparated over to the Burrow in the middle of the night to climb in bed with Harry even now. They had gone through so much to be together, and Harry decided, as sleep claimed him one night, that it was time enough to do something about it.
Noise, noise, too much noise. Harry was awakened by squeals, whoops, and hollers. He frowned and pulled the covers over his head, trying to drown out the commotion. Didn't anyone sleep around here? Harry rolled over onto his stomach and tugged the pillow down over his head. If it wasn't for Mrs. Weasley, who was probably due to wake him at any time, he would have cast a silencing charm and drown out the cacophony of sound. He growled loudly, why now? He'd been having a wonderful dream about Ginny.
Footsteps suddenly thundered up the stairs and his bedroom door flew open, causing him to quickly roll over and sit up in bed.
It was Ginny, and she was grinning from ear to ear.
"Harry, it's Hermione, she's gone into labour! C'mon, get up!"
Ginny rummaged about in the closet and threw a shirt over her head in the general direction of Harry's bed. He still sat there blinking slowly with an almost painfully confused expression etched into his face.
"Huh?" He asked stupidly.
Ginny spun around and chuckled, taking pity on him. "Ron and Hermione have gone to St. Mungo's, she's in labour."
"Oh. OH!" Harry exclaimed as Ginny's words penetrated his still sleepy mind. "When, what time is it anyway?" He asked, noticing Ginny yawn, she was still in her aqua green uniform from the hospital.
"Early afternoon sleepyhead. She's only just arrived there. I came home to tell you and Mum, and Fred and George happened to be here."
Ah, so that explained all the noise.
Ginny quickly shut the door and dashed over to Harry, pushing him back down onto his bed. She giggled happily, lowering herself over him.
"We're going to be godparents. Can you believe it? I mean, I'm already an Aunt, but I'm not a godparent to Peyton. Oh Harry, this is so exciting!"
Harry smiled. It was rather exciting. Someone in this world trusted him enough that if they were unable to take care of their children that he, Harry, should do it for them. He reached up and swept a loose lock of Ginny's hair behind her ear and let his hand continue around and rest behind her neck. He traced soft circles with his finger on her skin, watching her smile and sigh happily. Ginny gently took his face between her hands as she brought her head down near his and let her eyes flutter closed. She deliberately nuzzled her nose against his and upon hearing his breath catch, lowered her hands to the bare skin on his chest.
"Harry." Her voice was melodic and breathy as she caressed the skin over his collarbone. She could feel his breath warm against her cheek. "I have to get back to St. Mungo's."
"I know." He whispered, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "You can't blame a bloke for trying, can you?"
Ginny smiled and climbed off the bed, handing Harry his shirt. It was never necessary for him to try. She'd loved him her whole life. There was no battle for her affections, they came freely and naturally- just as it always should have been.
Ginny slipped out of the room, leaving Harry to get ready. He threw on the shirt Ginny had chosen for him and stepped into his jeans and his robes. He tried, unsuccessfully, to tame his hair, but gave up on that almost immediately.
His stomach rumbled loudly as he descended the stairs and entered the kitchen. Fred and George were seated at the table, Ginny was busy preparing sandwiches for lunch, and Molly paced the room nervously.
"Harry old chap, smashing to see you this fine afternoon!" Fred offered, rising to shake Harry's hand.
"Indeed! Jolly good day Harry." George countered, slapping Harry on the back.
Harry smiled and shook his head in disbelief. "Morning, er, afternoon all." He greeted the group and took a seat at the table.
Ginny turned from where she stood at the counter and looked over her shoulder at him with a shy smile.
"Did you sleep well dear?" Molly asked distractedly, as she continued her pacing. "You were so tired I thought I'd let you sleep in."
Harry nodded. "Yes, thank you. So how's Hermione?"
Molly made a soft whimper and did an about face to keep from running into the wall in the kitchen. George and Fred sniggered while Ginny spoke up.
"Everything is fine Harry. Quite normal in fact, considering the damage she suffered during the final battle. She's only about a week early, and I would guess, knowing her as I do, that everything will go smoothly."
Harry nodded in understanding. "Good. I though you were going back to St. Mungo's?"
"I am." Ginny answered, placing the sandwiches she'd just finished making on a plate, and beaming proudly "I'll be delivering my nieces or nephews."
"Poor kids." Fred declared in a falsely sombre voice.
"Really?" Harry asked. He couldn't believe he was so stupid to have never considered the possibility. "I think that's great. They couldn't be in better hands, I'm sure of it."
Ginny stepped around behind Harry, trailing her hand across his shoulder blade, making him shudder. She set the plate down on the table and sighed.
"Mum, Harry, you're welcome to come anytime to St. Mungo's, but you'll just be sitting there, same as you would be here, so I'll leave it up to you. Fred, George, I'd better ask Ron's and Hermione's permission before you come traipsing in."
Fred and George looked mocked affronted, gesturing toward themselves feigning shock and awe.
"What?" Harry demanded, practically choking on the bite of sandwich he'd just taken.
"To St. Mungo's. Hermione wants us both there, to see the babies after their born."
This was something Harry had definitely not anticipated. It made him uncomfortable enough when he'd visited Mr. Weasley in the hospital after the snake bite. But childbirth, that was a different story all together.
"Um, er, OK, I guess. Just let me finish eating- on second thought, maybe not."
"Ron will appreciate you being there, I'm sure he's in a right state by this point. First time fathers generally are." Ginny offered.
Harry nodded. "Mrs. Weasley, I'm ready to go if you are."
She stopped her pacing abruptly and retrieved her wand from the table. "Fine dear, let's go now."
Ginny, Molly, and Harry soon Disapparated to the Designated Apparition Point at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
Harry found it strange to be at St. Mungo's again. It almost felt surreal, or as if he'd never left.
Ginny had left him and Molly in a lounge in the Birthing Ward. Mrs. Weasley had stopped pacing, now instead, she was wringing her hands in her lap. Her stare was glassy and she was blinking rather infrequently. Harry began to wonder if he should contact Mr. Weasley when Ginny returned.
"She wants to see us Harry."
If Harry had been nervous before, he was terrified now. All the colour seemed to drain from his face and his mouth dropped open a little in surprise. Ginny offered a comforting smile and strode over to where Harry sat, motionless.
"It's OK." She whispered as the traces of a smile began to form on her face. "She's giving birth to a baby, Harry, not a Blast Ended Skrewt. I promise you won't see anything horrific. Trust me now."
Harry swallowed with difficulty, but trusting Ginny implicitly, took her hand softly in his own and felt her led him from the room.
They continued down a tiled hallway toward a set of double doors, behind which Harry didn't know what he'd find. The sterile smell brought back a tidal wave of memories since the morning he'd awoken. He was glad he was going home at the end of the day.
Ginny accompanied him down the corridor and stopped in front of, what was evidently, Hermione's room.
Harry exhaled nervously but when he felt Ginny squeeze his hand, he knew everything would be just fine.
As she pushed open the door, Harry debated closing his eyes, just in case. But he didn't, and there was Hermione, sitting on the bed- looking normal. In fact, her hair was tamed into a ballerina bun and she was reading a magazine.
"Harry! I'm so glad you're both here."
Harry forced himself to swallow as Ginny casually nudged him further into the room so she could close the door behind her.
Ron stood from where he had been sitting in a chair on the far side of Hermione's bed. "Good to see you mate."
Harry had never seen him smiling broader. Not even when they'd won the Quidditch Cup! He couldn't help but smile back.
Ginny took a seat at the foot of Hermione's bed, while Harry stood behind her, gently resting his hands on her shoulders. He noticed a flinch from Ron and Hermione.
Hermione set the magazine down and smiled happily.
"I'm so glad the both of you are here. You have meant so much to us in our lives. We've all stood beside each other through thick and thin, and frankly Ron and I couldn't think of two better people to entrust with our children. Harry, we know that this is probably particularly emotional for you. You had a wonderful godfather and a good friend in Sirius. If we could ask for nothing more, it would be that you'd be a good friend to our sons or daughters. We know you'll do a great job being a godparent, and Ginny, well, Ginny's a natural."
Ginny coloured a warm shade of pink and looked over her shoulder at Harry, who smiled down at her in return. A smile so full of warmth, understanding, and above all, love. She wanted to see that smile gazing down at her for the rest of her life. Maybe it was crawling into bed with him at the Burrow, maybe it was Dean working so many hours, maybe it was Ron and Hermione having a baby, maybe it was just Harry, but the thought hit Ginny like a ton of bricks. She did not want to let Harry go.
Needless to say, this would involve some extreme rationalization, extreme honesty, and the breaking of at least one person's heart. Ginny looked down at her third finger, where her engagement ring should have been. Since the day Harry had awoken, she'd only worn it at home.
Harry had let go of her shoulder and was being pulled into a one armed hug by her brother. Ron was thanking Harry for agreeing to be the twins godfather, and Harry was mumbling about being unworthy and hoping to live up to Ron and Hermione's expectations. Ginny's eyes drifted up toward Hermione, who's own eyes held a certain amount of understanding and sympathy, but overwhelming relentless demand. She needed to speak with her friend and soon. However, now wasn't the time.
"We should go Harry. I need to get back to work and properly check on my sister in law here. Go and tell Mum everything is fine."
Harry went and did as he was told, trying his best to engage Molly in conversation. In actuality he dozed in the chair for most of the afternoon, only waking when Ginny would come in with an update. She finally informed him that Molly's behaviour was typical, she had the same reaction to Peyton's birth last year.
Harry could see dusk setting in through the windows of the hospital. Mr. Weasley had arrived only moments earlier and had notified Hermione's parents, who felt awkward visiting the Magical establishment. Ginny's updates were less frequent now as Hermione's delivery approached.
He dozed off again, falling into a dream. Once again he was here, in the hospital, comatose. Harry couldn't see what was going on in the room, but he could hear voices, two voices. A man's voice and a woman's. Ginny's voice. He could deduce that they were angry tones, an argument was taking place. Ron? No, it wasn't Ron's voice, but it clearly sounded familiar to him. The voice suddenly became clearer, enough where he could understand some of the words. Duty…Obligation… Commitments…Starting over. Oh it was frustrating, that voice. He knew that voice.
"Boys!"
A voice broke the silence of the hospital lounge, startling Harry from his dream. "Wha-?" He mumbled, rubbing the kink in his sore neck from where he'd been sleeping in the too small chair.
"Boys!" Ginny said again wiping little tears away from the corners of her eyes as she barged in the room. "Two healthy boys. Mum, Dad and babies are all doing fine."
Molly burst into tears as Arthur laughed and took her into his arms. Her words were muffled against Mr. Weasley's robes, but it sounded suspiciously like "Oh my little boy, my Ronnie has boys of his own now!" It was the happiest moment Harry had ever been privy to. He made eye contact with Ginny and extended his arms to her.
She bit her bottom lip as the grin continued to spread across her face and she rushed into Harry's arms. "Can you believe it?" She asked, not waiting for him to answer while she wrapped her arms around him. "Oh wait until you see them Harry, they're so beautiful."
Harry realized he had tears in his own eyes as well. He let go of Ginny and discreetly wiped the tears away. He was happy for Ron and Hermione. They deserved this. And now he was a godfather.
"Well, what do they look like? Has she named them yet?" Molly burst out, breaking apart from her husband.
Ginny chose not to let go of Harry, letting her arm stay looped around his waist and her head rested on his shoulder. "Well, they aren't identical twins, they're fraternal. They both have brown eyes, and wavy reddish-brown hair. It's hard to say, but I think they look more like Weasley's myself. They've decided to name them Liam and Benjamin."
Ginny caught her parents staring oddly at her as Harry pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. It didn't matter. Ginny leaned into the kiss and gave his sides a gentle squeeze.
"I have to go back, but you can go in a couple at a time to visit." She paused, almost nervously, "Um, Mum, Dad, I've been given tomorrow off, because I put in so many hours today and I, um, think I'm going to stay at the Burrow tonight. I thought, um, maybe I could help with preparations for the Christening, or whatever."
Arthur and Molly looked at their daughter suspiciously, watching her shift her eyes down to the ground, scuff the toe of her shoe on the floor, and twist a lock of hair around one finger. She'd always done that. Each time she'd been punished for doing something she oughtn't, each time she was about to ask permission for something she knew her parents would answer 'no' to. Regardless of the childish behaviour, they always gave in.
"In your own room?" Molly questioned, folding her arms tightly across her chest and raising her eyebrows at Ginny.
Ginny, Arthur, and Harry all reacted to her brazen statement.
"Mum!"
"Molly!"
"Merlin."
Molly was awaiting a response and wasn't about to move until she got one.
Harry was thoroughly mortified. He shielded his eyes from Molly and slowly shook his head back and forth. He didn't ever remember feeling quite this embarrassed.
Ginny wasn't the least bit embarrassed. Firstly, it wasn't her parents right to question her moral values. Secondly, she was angry. If her mother was trying to insinuate something in effort to clue Harry in about Dean, that wasn't her right either.
Arthur looked as though he would rather like to melt right into the floor. His wife and only daughter were staring each other down menacingly. "Now Molly, Ginny is always welcome at home." He patted Molly gently on the shoulder and turned his attention to Ginny. "You, young lady, you may be almost 22 years old, but while under our roof, we ask that you abide by our rules." Argument hopefully averted he clapped his hands together and looked over at Molly. "Come dear, let's go see our newest grandbabies."
Harry watched Arthur lead his wife away while all the way Molly's eyes shot daggers at Ginny.
"Merlin, I thought your Mum was gonna kill us or something." Harry declared, clutching his chest where his heart thundered loudly.
"Not us, me." Ginny contradicted him. "Anyway," she wrapped both arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace, "I have to get back to work. Go to bed just as you would normally tonight, and when I arrive at the Burrow, I'll make a big production of going up to my own room. Then of course I'll nip into yours." She pressed a warm, gentle kiss on Harry's lips silencing his protest.
"Do you think that's a good idea Ginny?" Harry finally asked, finding it almost unbearable to take his lips away from hers.
"Of course it's a good idea." Ginny replied, resting her forehead on Harry's lips. "Who cares if Mum doesn't share our opinion." She smiled as she felt Harry casually kiss her skin. "Besides, if you tell me no, I'll just do it anyway." She added cheekily, tickling his sides.
Harry's mouth dropped open in mock surprise, causing her to giggle. "You are scandalous." He declared, kissing a small freckle on her nose. "You and your freckles get back to work."
Ginny's heart swelled. None of the choices she would make over the next few days would be easy. Essential yes, but more difficult and painful than anything she'd ever imagined.
Harry could hardly wait for Molly and Arthur to vacate Hermione's room at St. Mungo's. He paced the small lounge, stared out the window into the dark night, watched the clock, and paced some more. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley returned.
Mrs. Weasley was dabbing at her eyes with a dainty handkerchief, but she was smiling. Harry felt rather nervous after the dirty looks she had given Ginny, but felt more calm when Molly embraced him tightly.
"Oh Harry, they're lovely."
Harry smiled and patted her back awkwardly. "How's Hermione feeling?"
"She'll be just fine dear. She's tired, but she looks like a mother already."
Harry found this hard to believe - until he walked in her room.
Hermione was sitting in bed when Harry entered the room, and she looked radiant. Not beautiful, radiant. One of the twins was in her arms and she was whispering in his little face as she wore an affectionate, kind smile.
"I'm not disturbing anything am I?"
"Harry!" Hermione and Ron both softly beckoned him into the room. Ron was holding the other baby and had been trying to bottle feed him.
Harry nervously ran his hand through his ebony coloured hair and sat in the chair at the edge of Hermione's bed.
"I can't believe you stayed all this time Harry." said Hermione in a sympathetic voice. "It must have been awful."
It was just like Hermione to be concerned about someone else while giving birth to twins.
He laughed quietly. "No, what you went through must have been awful."
She looked over at Ron trying once again to feed the baby. "Angle it more Ron." She offered him a quick smile. "You think it would be awful, but then you see the end results and all the pain was worth it."
"So, which of your godsons would you like to hold first?" Ron asked, over the wailing sound of his son crying in his arms.
What Harry wanted to say was Give me the quiet one, you git but Hermione looked too comfortable to disturb her.
Hermione piped up and gave Harry a smirk. "Ron, give Liam to Harry. He'll have to get used to a screaming baby eventually."
Harry sighed but took the crying baby from his best mate. He winced and tried to shift very carefully with the tiny infant in his arms.
"Try to feed him Harry, and show up my husband who thought this was going to be like a vacation." Hermione laughed softly as Ron gave Harry the bottle and stood back to watch his best mate.
Harry didn't know why grown people whispered to babies, made cooing sounds or generally made arses out of themselves, but once he held an infant in his arms, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to do.
He wiggled the bottle around until he found a position baby Liam seemed to tolerate and he began to drink rather sloppily at first, but soon enough caught on to the process. He smiled down at Liam and carefully brushed the faint fringe off his little forehead.
"You're a natural." Came the soft voice from over his shoulder.
Ginny had entered the room and was looking down at Harry.
"Gin, this is the most amazing thing, really. You've got to hold this baby." Harry declared, rising from the chair and nodding at Ginny to sit down.
She laughed that wonderfully sweet, breathy laugh of hers that made the hair stand up on the back of Harry's neck. "I know." She humoured him, holding out her arms.
Harry carefully transferred the baby to Ginny's arms and stood next to Ron.
Harry's voice was hushed as he tried controlling the emotion he felt stirring within his heart. "I've told you this before, you're a lucky man Ron. If I could have a family like this, I'd never ask for another thing in this world."
Ron smiled and rested an arm up on Harry's shoulder. "It'll happen Harry. Don't worry. In the meantime, I know you'll be the world's best godfather."
Harry smirked, remembering Sirius. He often wished for only 5 minutes more with him, to tell him thank you and I'm sorry, and to tell him just how much his presence had meant in his life. He sighed audibly and moved to stand next to Hermione and baby Benjamin.
"Want to hold him?" She asked, stifling a yawn, without waiting for an answer she lifted the baby in her arms and placed him in Harry's hands.
Harry looked down at his sleepy little face, the little red curl that swirled onto his forehead, his little chest rising and falling with each breath. Life was an amazing thing.
As Harry readied himself for bed that night his mind began to drift. He had never had a family. Never known what a real family functioned like until he had met the Weasley's. He imagined how different things would have been had his own Mum and Dad survived. And now he had a great responsibility on his shoulder, he was a godfather. Harry, who was the boy who knew nothing about family, was suddenly the man who wanted one desperately.
Harry wasn't sure when Ginny would return, but he wasn't tired anyway, his mind was too jumped up. He wanted Ginny. He wanted her here, now.
She had asked for time and understanding, but today she hadn't acted like she needed it. Today she had been affectionate and happy. Harry didn't want to wait anymore, his patience was waning faster than the full moon. He wanted to take her in his arms and never let her go. He knew the Muggle tradition regarding proposals of marriage, but had no idea of customs in Magical culture. He decided that he should speak with Ron or Hermione or consult a book before he went and did something rash.
He was glad he'd thought to cast a silencing charm in his room. No doubt Mrs. Weasley would surely be listening for Ginny to Apparate into his room. He paced a while longer, tried listening to the Wireless, and sent Hedwig out to hunt for the evening. He was finally considering crawling into bed and hoping that Ginny would wake him when she arrived, but it wasn't necessary. She practically Apparated right into his arms.
"Merlin you startled me!" She gasped, taking a deep breath and clutching her chest. "What were you doing?"
"Waiting." Harry grumbled impatiently. "I couldn't just sit here any longer."
Ginny pouted playfully folding her arms across the bodice of her nightdress. "Well I'm sorry, I had to talk to Mum and Dad first. I suppose if you're upset I could just go."
She dropped her arms and turned as if to leave, but Harry swiftly reached out and caught her wrist, pulling her into his arms. "I think not." He replied bruising her lips with an intense kiss.
Her fingers almost instantly snaked their way through his rebellious, raven coloured hair, only enticing him into kissing her with more rapture. Ginny was suddenly tugging at his shirt wanting to know the feeling of his skin. They staggered toward his bed and Ginny broke the kiss to pull the shirt over his head.
They stood facing each other breathlessly. Ginny looked into his emerald green eyes unable to think of anything or anyone but him. Her hands began to tremble as she raised them to cradle his face. Harry looked at her with worry and apprehension, wondering why her mood had changed so suddenly. He closed his eyes, expecting her to say she was leaving, but was pleasantly surprised to feel her lips pressed very lightly to his own.
"Harry." Ginny whispered, drawing her hand down the length of his face, from the smooth skin by his temples to the prickly stubble on his chin.
"Mm hmm?" He answered hesitantly, savouring the feeling of her hand against his warm skin. If this was the last time she ever touched him, he wanted to be able to remember it forever.
He felt her smile and nuzzle his nose. "Harry, do you love me?"
His eyes popped open, astounded at the question she had just proposed, he pulled away from her to look fully at her face. "Gin, I, er, you know I do." Luckily he recovered quickly. "You're the only one for me, for the rest of my life. No one else. I would do anything, give up anything, be anything you wanted. There's no one like me and you. Tell me I'm not alone in these feelings, that you feel it too."
It was Ginny's turn to close her eyes and exhale softly. She let her hands slide from his face down to his arms and grasped his biceps tightly. She rested her head against his bare chest for the briefest of moments, sighing again, letting her breath caress his skin.
Finding her Gryffindor courage, Ginny pulled away from his chest and gazed into his eyes. She swallowed with a certain degree of difficulty. "Harry," She said, breaking the silence of his dimly lit bedroom. "Harry, I have loved you long before I knew who you were. Since my mum would regale me with stories about 'the boy who lived.' Unfortunately I never fell in love with him. I fell in love with Harry Potter, my brother's best friend, the boy I met on Platform 9 ¾. I have always loved you, I will always love you and there's not a bloody thing you can do to change it."
Relief spread across Harry's face as he captured Ginny in an embrace, listening to her laughter. He swept a stray lock of hair away from her face and set her back on her own feet. "I promise, I'm going to make everything right. I know I've been moody and distant, and I can't thank you enough for being patient with me. All I ask for is your compliance for just a few more days, until the christening is over. Then I am all yours."
Harry nodded obliging her. "Whatever, it doesn't matter. As long as your still my Ginny and you always will be, I'll do anything and everything."
She giggled softly, laying her head on his chest. "I don't want those things, silly. I just want my Harry."
"Merlin you don't know how good it is to hear you say that." Harry remarked, pulling her toward the bed. "I was starting to wonder."
Ginny suddenly got very serious and grabbed his face firmly, forcing him to look directly in her flaring eyes. "Don't ever doubt my love for you. Do you hear me? It will never change, never go away. I love you Harry James Potter, and I always will."
He leaned in quickly and kissed her lips. "Take it easy Freckles. I love you too and I always will. Now into bed with you. Did you lock your bedroom door?" Harry flopped down onto the mattress and patted the empty space next to him.
Ginny nodded with a grin.
"Good girl, now into bed."
Ginny climbed into bed next to him, curling up in the hollow between his arm and his side. She rested her head on Harry's chest and absentmindedly rubbed the centre of his sternum, almost wishing he'd put on his pyjamas so she could play with the buttons.
Harry reached over her body to switch off the lamp next to his bed. "What are you doing tomorrow?" He questioned, smoothing her hair gently.
"Helping Mum get ready for the christening. I figure I'd better, she thinks that's why I'm staying here. Why?"
"I just thought maybe we could pop into Diagon Alley tomorrow and pick up something for the babies. I have no idea what to buy them."
"Sure, as long as it can wait until afternoon." Ginny answered, letting her eyes flutter closed. "Goodnight Harry, I love you."
Harry kissed her forehead and pulled her tighter into his arms. "I love you too Gin."
Dawn broke and woke Ginny with a start. She had a horrible dream about Dean. She'd dreamt that she told him the truth about Harry, that she loved him her whole life, that she could never love another person like she loved Harry, and that fate had rejoined them for all time. Dean had blown a gasket and demanded a duel with Harry. It was clear to her that she needed to treat both sides of her equation very carefully.
The sunlight cresting over Harry's bedroom window had awoken her before the dream had finished. She needed to return to her own bedroom before her mother woke up. Ginny writhed out of Harry's comforting grasp and slid toward the edge of the bed. She was startled by Harry's arm pulling her back toward him.
"No love, it's time for me to go." Her voice was raspy and arousing.
"No, no, no." Harry whined, burying his face into the pillow. "No, not yet, it's barely light. Just stay another hour."
"No, I can't love. I have to go back before Mum wakes up." Ginny pressed her lips to his shoulder, but Harry didn't remove his arm from around Ginny's waist.
"I don't want you to go." he complained, as his hands moved from her waist to the curvature of her hip.
"I don't want to love, but if I want to live through the next few days I have to go."
She loved the feeling of his hands exploring her body once again, but if she didn't leave now, she wouldn't leave at all.
"I love you, I swear I do, but if you don't let me go, I still know that Bat-Bogey hex and I won't hesitate to use it."
Her voiced echoed the smile that was on her face. "Feisty little thing in the morning, aren't you?" Harry teased, moving so he could easily nibble on her earlobe. "What if I come in your room with you? I have my invisibility cloak."
Ginny wasn't sure that she could string two words together anymore, feeling Harry's teeth on her skin. "Harry, I swear," she mumbled, closing her eyes, feeling as though she might melt, "give me a few days and I swear I will let you ravage me for hours on end. I will make you feel better than you've felt in your whole entire life. Right now, I have to go."
Harry groaned, punching his fist into the pillow. "All right, go." He finally relented.
Ginny leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Go back to sleep."
He kissed her back in earnest and finally released his hold on her body, she blew him a kiss and Disapparated away.
Ginny and Harry had arranged to meet in Diagon Alley at 3:00, but Harry decided to go a little early and make a stop before seeing Ginny at Madame Malkins.
Harry went to Gringott's first, making a large with-drawl, the largest ever, from his account and exchanging most of it for Muggle money. He then walked back toward Flourish and Blotts, not wanting to ask the grouchy looking manager, and not wanting to attract any un-necessary attention to himself, Harry perused the store finally settling on a selection he thought seemed very appropriate. He paid for the book quickly, not meeting the gaze of the wizard behind the counter. The last thing he needed was Ginny finding out, or worse, Arthur finding out before he could read the book on proper and polite customs.
After leaving the bookstore, he continued his walk toward The Leaky Cauldron, waving to Old Tom as he exited. Charing Cross Road was exceptionally busy this afternoon, which Harry actually found pleasant, because it forced him to think of something else, other than his nerves. He didn't know exactly where he was headed, only that he would find a friendly looking Muggle and ask them the way. Maybe a woman, a well dressed one at that. He began walking until he found someone who looked non threatening, appropriately dressed to answer his question, and had a smile on her face. Harry stammered out the question with embarrassment. It seemed like an eternity since he'd been in London. She politely answered the question and pointed him in the right direction.
Harry walked westward, walking past St. James Park, which comforted him immensely and helped affirm his choice. He continued until he found the correct street, took a deep breath and entered the jeweller's shop.
At 3 'o clock, Harry met Ginny standing outside Madame Malkins. A genuine smile was spreading across her face the closer Harry came to the entryway. Harry grasped her hand in his, pulling her inside the shop before giving her a proper hello kiss.
"How is my best girl?" Harry asked, wrapping his arms around Ginny's slender waist, drawing her close to his body.
"I'm lovely, now that you're here." She whispered, nuzzling his nose. "What have you been up to all day?"
He laughed and quickly straightened his face. "I can't possibly divulge that information Miss Weasley, that's classified."
She stamped her foot and put her hands on her hips, trying her best to look angry.
"Forget it Freckles, you can't get it out of me." Harry declared setting a stern smile across his face. "What are we buying anyway?"
"You're trying to distract me Harry Potter and it won't work, I'll get it out of you eventually."
After shopping and a brief visit to Ron, Hermione and the younger twins, Ginny and Harry Apparated back to the Burrow to finish helping Molly.
Ginny could feel the noose beginning to tighten. The Christening was going to happen Saturday- today was already Wednesday. Her stomach was in knots. Although she was confident she was making the right decision in choosing to stay with Harry, it would not be easy telling Dean the truth. She hadn't any idea what his reaction might be. She was equally concerned admitting the truth to her family and knowing it had to be done the day after the Christening or else Hermione would tell Harry the truth. And above everything, Ginny knew it needed to be her that told Harry the awful truth. After last night, Ginny had no doubt he loved her and that comfort swelled inside her heart.
After plenty of rest and Replenishing Charms, Hermione came home from St. Mungo's with Benjamin and Liam, having Ron wait on them hand and foot. Ginny Apparated over several times each day, checking in on the new parents. She helped Molly and Hermione send out OWL's, and finished all the advanced preparations at the Burrow.
Harry had been helping Arthur with all the outdoor chores and the remaining Weasley boys weren't due until Friday evening. Fred and George generally avoided all work, Katie and Angelina picked up a lot of slack there, Percy had his nose to the grindstone at the Ministry, Penny worked from home and took care of Peyton, Bill and Fleur were still working for Gringotts, and Charlie and Ekaterina were still stationed in Romania. They were all excited however, to see their new nephews.
Days melted into one another and Friday had finally arrived. Ginny finished out the week at St. Mungo's working one more graveyard shift. She missed dinner with the entire family.
While Harry enjoyed the amazing meal prepared by Mrs. Weasley, the company and conversation around the table, and the joyful presence of Ron and Hermione's new family, he longed to be with Ginny.
He excused himself from the table while the pudding was being served and made his way out into the living room. Little Benjamin Weasley lay whining softly in the charmed bassinet his parents had brought from home. Hermione deserved a rest, so Harry cautiously took the baby in his arms, careful to support him properly and walked near the windows.
Outside he could see sprinkles of rain falling in slow, unsteady drops. He looked down to see the baby had stopped his fussing and his little brown eyes had closed once again. The moisture of the rain mixing with the earth wafted a clean, natural scent. He patted the baby's back softly and turned away from the window, startled to see Hermione.
"Hi, er, sorry. He was fussing a little when I came out here so - "
Hermione held up her hands in protest. "Harry, you can hold the boys whenever you like. My best friend doesn't have to ask permission. I appreciate all the help. Thanks for looking after him. After all, that's your job isn't it?"
Harry gave a half-hearted laugh. "I suppose so."
"So are you going to tell me what's wrong, or do I have to ask?"
Harry turned back to the window. "Just miss Gin, that's all. Things are going really well. I can't remember being this happy."
Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Just remember what I said that day at Diagon Alley, Harry. People change."
"Not Ginny." He corrected her firmly, turning to look into her tired eyes. "I can see it in her eyes, I can feel it every time she looks at me, she still loves me Hermione." He thought of the ring sitting upstairs in his room in the small white box. Harry had bought Ginny a Muggle ring on purpose. Magical rings were usually heirlooms, not new by any means. By buying a Muggle ring, he could ensure that it was the finest quality his galleons could buy and it was brilliantly brand new.
Hermione nodded slowly in affirmation. "I know she does Harry."
Harry had never seen the Burrow, or it's occupants in such a state Saturday morning when Fred and George burst into his room to get away from Molly. Harry was suddenly glad Ginny hadn't come to spend the night.
"What have you two done?" Harry asked with a smirk as he buttoned up a white dress shirt.
"Nothing but exchange all of Mum's petit four cakes into the latest variety of Skiving Snackboxes." George boasted, clutching his stomach which was sore from the gales of laughter.
Harry let out a whistle. "Bet she loved that. Who ate the cake, by the way?"
"Percy, of course." Fred answered "I just hope we can right him before the Vicar gets here."
"There's a Vicar coming? We won't be able to use magic?" Harry asked.
"Oh his memory will be modified, I'm sure. Hermione is having a Muggle ceremony for her Mum and Dad."
Harry nodded, suddenly remembering Hermione had mentioned once before that her Vicar had been curious about her education.
An ear splitting cry suddenly broke the relative silence of the house.
"Fred! George!"
"Gotta go!" the twins declared in unison before Disapparating out of Harry's room
Molly pounded on the door just as Harry slung his tie around his neck. He pulled the door open with a smile. "Nope, it's just me Mrs. Weasley."
All signs of anger evaporated from her face when she saw Harry. "Oh you look so handsome dear. I just want to thank you for the beautiful christening robes you bought for the boys. They are gorgeous. Here let me help you with your tie."
"Ginny and I bought them together. It's a gift from both of us."
Molly seemed to ignore his comment but Harry was more concerned with all the tugging being done on his neck. Harry had tied his own tie for years, since, well, since Hermione had shown him and Ron on the Hogwart's Express the very first day they all met, but he let Mrs. Weasley do it anyway.
"I can remember doing this for all my boys." She muttered, tying the half Windsor knot. "And Ginny too, when she left for school."
Harry smiled. "My Aunt or Uncle never cared enough to do it, but Hermione did on the first day of school."
"Have you spoken to your Aunt or Uncle Harry?"
"There's no reason to Mrs. Weasley. I'm dead to them. Did anyone ever notify them of my time in St. Mungo's?" Harry asked, looking down into her eyes for honesty.
She only nodded.
"And did they ever visit?" He returned quickly.
"No dear, they didn't."
"I'm better off without them. You and Mr. Weasley have been more like family to me than anyone I've ever known."
Molly smiled. "We love you just as much as any of our red-headed children Harry." Molly finished tying the knot in his tie and patted his chest.
Harry swallowed his pride and spoke up. "Mrs. Weasley, I was wondering, after this weekend is all over, I mean, if I could sit down and talk with you and Mr. Weasley about, er, something."
Molly's face fell for a reason unknown to Harry. "Is everything all right dear?" She questioned hesitantly.
Harry beamed and put his hands on her shoulders. "Everything is just fine Mrs. Weasley, thank you."
Harry heard the distinct sound of someone Apparating nearby, excised himself and went to see if Ginny had arrived.
Harry had never seen so many people at the Burrow. Red-headed Weasley cousins from all over England. Co-workers from the Ministry, Hogwarts' Staff, Aurors like Tonks and Kingsley, Remus, who was recovering from a particularly bad lunar cycle, and Neville, Luna, Parvati, Lavender, Seamus, and Dean.
Harry was introduced to so many people, half of whom he already didn't remember. It was wonderful to see Tonks and Remus, both of whom he hadn't seen since his release from St. Mungos. He bragged happily to anyone who would listen that he and Ginny were made the Godparents of Benjamin and Liam.
He was rather happy to see the old Gryffindor crew, although Dean was not his usual self, and everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells around him. Harry didn't know whether to avoid him altogether or ask him what was wrong.
Fred and George had fixed the petit fours, but Harry didn't dare eat any. He didn't eat much of anything. No matter where Ginny was in the backyard, his eyes followed her. He wanted to go upstairs with her right then and snog her senseless. Generally, when she caught him staring at her she would smile politely in his direction, but it was her eyes that told him that her thoughts were anything but polite. Those brown eyes of hers burned with a fire that was equal to her flaming red hair.
As darkness set in most of the guest had left and mainly family members were still lingering. Dean sulked in one corner of the garden and Harry wasn't quite sure if he hadn't been drinking several Firewhiskey's at some point in the evening.
Harry was hoping, as he said goodbye Remus and Tonks, that Ginny would see him going inside and would dash up to his room and he could convince her to spend the night.
He walked into the Burrow and up to his room. He decided to tidy it up just a little, in case Ginny did stay with him. After close to thirty minutes had passed, Harry began to wonder what was keeping her. He peered out the bedroom window down onto the lawn below and saw no one except Dean. Growing impatient, he left him room. From the hallway he could hear a grand argument ensuing.
"I'm going to tell him damn it. I don't see how it's any of your concern anyway!"
It was Ginny's voice and he recognized her Weasley temper immediately.
"Ginny, it's only fair! He's our friend and we love him! He deserves to know!" Ron was roaring right back at her. What on Earth were they talking about?
"Ginny, you promised us you would tell him after the Christening." Hermione was trying to sound rational and patient, but Harry quickly picked up on the hidden anger in her voice.
Harry quietly sat down on the stairs, feeling rather guilty for listening in on a heated, private conversation, but curiosity had taken over.
"I will! But I'm not about to tell Harry that I'm engaged to Dean and been shagging him for the last 7 months, over afternoon tea Hermione! I need to think!"
Harry's heart stopped. His breath caught in his chest. His head was instantly throbbing painfully. Was this true?
"Spare us the details Ginny. You've strung them both along. Poor Harry doesn't know which way is up and Dean, Dean won't admit what is right in front of his eyes. Don't think we haven't noticed you haven't been wearing your engagement ring."
That voice belonged to Bill.
Was everyone in on this? Did everyone know?
Harry's heart continued to thunder loudly. His anger grew by the seconds. He wasn't sure how much more he could take.
"Make a choice Ginny."
Harry had never heard Ron so angry, his voice reverberated off the walls in the kitchen.
"I have you stupid git, but I still have to tell Harry gently!"
That was all Harry needed to hear. Tears were running down his cheeks and it felt as though his soul had been forcefully ripped from his body.
With a heavy heart he trudged up the stairs to his, no Ron's, room. Anger like he had never, ever known was surging through his body. He slammed the door and hastily went over to his closet.
Harry grabbed all his clothes in one swipe and threw them into his trunk at the foot of his bed. Hedwig was out hunting and Harry needn't worry about her anyway. He could hear footsteps headed up the stairs. He went to the bureau and yanked out the drawers and dumped the contents into the trunk with his clothes. The door behind him opened as he threw down the wooden drawers of the bureau, breaking them instantly. A quivering voice spoke up from behind him.
"Harry?"
"Get out!" Harry roared, not even turning around to see Ginny. He grabbed his and Sirius's Order of Merlin papers off the wall and threw them into the trunk as well.
"Merlin was I stupid. I believed every bloody word you had to say. I thought you loved me!"
The sheer volume of Harry's voice nearly shook the old house, and Ginny's instantaneous sobbing did nothing to help matters.
"Harry, I do love you. I meant every word I said to you last night!"
Harry quickly glanced about the room, looking for anything else that might have been his. Only the Firebolt and Ginny's engagement ring, which resided in the box in his pocket, were left.
"Don't talk to me. Don't look at me. I don't want to hear another word out of your lying mouth!"
Harry slammed down the lid of the trunk and retrieved his wand from his back pocket. "Get out of my way."
Ginny blocked the door, tears rolling down her cheeks and raised her voice to match Harry's. "No, not until you've listened! I love you Harry."
He laughed loud and sarcastically. "Love. Bollocks Ginny. How many times did you try and make love to me only to leave in the middle of the night and go home and shag Dean?"
Another voice entered the argument.
"What?" Dean demanded, his temper matching the other two in the room.
Ginny hung her head in defeat.
"Dean! Come on in, she's all yours now. I don't want her!"
"Ginny, is this true? Did you make love to Harry?"
"No!" Ginny hollered in her own defense.
"No, but tell him about the times we almost did Gin. Go on, tell him!" Harry countered, his voice starting to grow hoarse.
Harry locked eyes with Dean. "I guess I'll be the last to be congratulating you on your engagement to my girl- nope, my old girlfriend. Good luck with her mate." Forgetting his wand in his other hand, he punched Dean squarely in the jaw sending him instantly to the floor.
"Harry!" Ginny shrieked, her mouth widening in surprise.
"Just one more thing." Harry added, Levitating his trunk out the door and down the stairs. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the white box from the jewellery store tied up with a blue bow. "This is yours. I don't want it anymore."
He threw the box at her feet, stepped over Dean's limp body in the doorway and began pounding down the stairs.
The entire Weasley family, spouses, significant others all stood in the kitchen looking up the staircase. Harry passed them by in silence, without incidence and proceeded to leave through the front door.
He wasn't going to break down, not yet. He Apparated to the only other place where he knew he would be welcomed.