Chapter 4: Moving Forward
Surprisingly, in the days that followed their successful attempt at contacting Brogan, Harry and Ginny did not try to do it again. Neither of them wanted to feel that raw, open pain for one thing, and for another, Ginny felt as though they just needed time to deal with the feelings that their individual visits had brought to the surface.
She was also embarrassed by her short time with Brogan and the fact that she had not realized that seeing him would be within a dream. It made sense the more she thought about it. If the Waystone was their connection through the realms, then of course, it would have to create a place or time where they could join him. It was also understandable that too much physicality meant it would end quicker – but that hadn't stopped her from throwing herself at him after about two seconds. At least Harry had managed to talk with Brogan like a person. She vowed to have better control of herself next time. Because it was a dream-like state of being, everything just felt that much more intense, and also, why when they awoke, it had (emotionally speaking, of course) hurt like hell.
To get her mind off it, Ginny started making lists of things they would need for the Summer Solstice and their trip to Lough Gur. Just to give herself something to focus on. Harry, in turn, threw himself into working with the magic-builders. They were getting closer to finishing, and she knew he wanted to remain in contact with a few of them for when he started to work on their house, so he was spending time with 'the lads' a bit more. It reminded her briefly of the time right after Brogan had disappeared, when she and Harry hardly saw each other. Thankfully, this time, they were trying to not to get bogged down in their separate feelings of misery and were talking and attempting to work through their feelings together. Ginny was proud of them and felt as though they had passed an essential step in their relationship. She'd finally learned that communication always needed to be free and open with her and Harry, or they both tended to sulk and keep to themselves.
The two of them had enough on their emotional plate without creating a new mystery to get tangled up in, so by almost mutual silent agreement the couple had not dwelled on Sean O'Brien and the strange occurrences in his bookshop. They didn't know what O'Brien was up to and neither of them could come up with any viable ideas or motivations. Harry wanted to just avoid the shop and the man entirely and wait the whole situation out. Ginny reckoned he had a point. She hadn't mentioned anything to Garrett either, and the other man seemed to understand not to mention the shop or Sean O'Brien. He only asked her if she needed something when he was visiting his other favorite bookshop in town or if he was going to Galway.
Hermione had come through with copying the Quinn set, and Ginny had found them fascinating. The books helped reassure her that the research she'd been doing meant that they were on the right track. More importantly, the books indicated that she and Harry would be able to safely open the portal again. They'd also be able to close it properly without one of them disappearing into a bottomless void. Ginny briefly wondered why the Ministry seemed intent to keep such knowledge about portals to themselves. But then she realized that if more people in the wizarding world knew about the existence of time-portals, they might have a minor catastrophe on their hands. She could just see some wizard half off his nut trying to bring his Aunt Ida back from the beyond and crossing too many barriers and interrupting their time-line or something.
Hermione was due to make another visit in the coming days, and Ginny suddenly remembered what she had wanted to ask the other woman to pick up for her. Smiling to herself, she quickly jotted off a note so that it would make the Abbey's afternoon post. She thought it might cheer Harry up if Hermione could do what she asked.
Ginny decided to call it a day with the books and tidied up their private reading room a bit before heading out to find Harry. She swung by the kitchens and grabbed a picnic basket, filling it with fruit, cheese and crackers for a bit of a nosh. For the final prize, she added a couple of butterbeers, figuring Harry would probably be thirsty. She found him outside, still working on one of the giant slabs of stone the builders had given him to practice on. Ginny sat down on the grass, and allowed herself to enjoy the warm summer sun on her skin for a few moments before casting a protection spell for her fair skin. She admitted that she loved to just watch Harry work – he was super focused and rather sexy. She also didn't want to disturb him while he was creating or moving large pieces of stone around.
Harry soon became aware of her presence and waved at her, finishing up whatever he'd been doing. He crossed the small hill in between them and plopped down next to her. He looked happy; she was pleased to see. She handed him one of the bottles.
"I knew there was a reason I'm marrying you," Harry said after taking a long drink. "Well, other than the fact that you're generally fantastic. Thank you. I worked up a bit of a thirst."
"I can see that," Ginny said. She squinted at the stone slab. "What were you trying to do over there, anyway?"
"Want to see?"
She nodded, and after handing him some grapes and strawberries, which he quickly gulped down, Harry led her over to the stone.
"So I'm learning how to visualize what I want before carving. For instance, if you want a doorway, you think of doors. That's fairly easy. But if you want something more complex like spiral stairs or even a load-bearing wall, it takes more concentration. Also bit more finesse with your magic because it needs to be more complex. It's supposed to be easier with wood, but all I have to practice on is stone."
"So…what am I looking at, exactly?" Ginny asked after he showed her his handiwork. It didn't look like too much of anything at this point to her. Harry did something with his wand and then suddenly she saw it.
"Oh! It's a bookcase built into the wall, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it took me far too long to get the height and width of the shelves right, I hate to say. But I thought we could make our study more like a library. You know, with comfortable settees and chairs throughout, and the shelves could sort of be built into the house itself. Which would let us store more through the years. And," Harry paused and waved his wand again, which made an image pop up as though transposed over the wall. "I thought it would be cool if we had a secret passageway from the bedroom to the library, as well as a way to keep extra shelves for more private things we might not want everyone to see or access."
He gave her a hopeful look as though he thought she would disagree with his choices. Ginny hugged him tightly.
"I think it's brilliant, and you know who will love it, right?"
Harry grinned. "Why do you think I wanted a secret passageway from the bedroom? In case he ever needs to leave it quickly. I also thought of how much I enjoyed the secret passageways at Hogwarts and thought, why not? And yes, I know Hermione will also be insanely jealous."
Ginny laughed. "More like Ron will be after she starts buying more books. He's already whinging about their flat not having enough space."
"Wait until you see the plans I have for the master bedroom's main loo – we'll never miss the Abbey's tubs ever again, Gin. We'll have our own!"
They wandered back to their spot on the hill, and Ginny took a long drink of her butterbeer. She rested her head on Harry's shoulder.
"I'm proud of you, Harry."
Harry shrugged, appearing embarrassed. She waited and nibbled on a cracker, knowing he would talk in his own time.
"I just want…I want to make our house special, Gin. Full of everything we've ever wanted or needed. Whatever you want me to add, I'll do it. Need a special room for anything? Think we'll need extra space in the kitchen? I want you to have it."
"I just need you," she said softly, turning his face towards hers. "And Brogan. I don't need much to make me happy. You've seen my childhood home, love. The Burrow was held together by magic, love, and the sheer force of positive thinking, and that sounds okay by me."
"I want to learn how to charm a few of the windows, you know, like the ones at Dumbledore's library? Where you could look out and see the ocean? Andrew, one of the builders I've been talking to, has offered to teach me how to do more complex stuff…in fact…." Harry paused, and he gave her a slightly wary look.
"I need to go back to England and then Scotland. But just for a little while. But only because Remus needs me to decide on which piece of land I want. I'd ask you to come with me, but I didn't want to interrupt your research since we're getting closer to the Summer Solstice. Are you okay with that?"
Ginny nodded. She'd had a feeling he would need to go back eventually. "Are you going to let the Ministry know you're back or just stay incognito, hoping they don't need you for anything?"
Harry frowned. "I want to avoid them as much as I can, but…I wasn't going to hide, no. I should also figure out what to do with Grimmauld Place. I mean, I don't really want to live there or use it as a place to start our family, but…well, it is sort of like home to me, in a way. It doesn't seem right to sell it, you know? Especially as that's where you and I first…well, you know."
He took her hand into his and squeezed it as they both remembered. Had it really only been a year ago? It felt like a lifetime ago to Ginny. She suddenly had an idea.
"Why don't you offer it to anyone who needs a place to stay right now? Neville said that a few of the younger Order members were left homeless after the Death Eaters attacked their homes. And I know Remus and Tonks are currently staying at her Mum's, which can't be great for a just-married couple. Why don't you see if you can borrow Dobby from Hogwarts? He can help make it more liveable. Put Remus in charge of it, too."
Harry smiled at her and then touched her cheek with his thumb. "Brilliant idea. Remus and Tonks would really do well there, you're right. And he can't even argue and say I'm doing it out of pity or charity."
"When are you leaving?" Ginny asked, kissing his hand.
"Day after tomorrow."
"Ah."
"Sorry, but I wanted to get stuff taken care of over the weekend and be back here by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. I think I can just manage. That is if I can find a decent piece of land to buy fairly quickly. Remus said there are four possible lots we can choose from."
As Harry filled her in on the various areas around Hogsmeade they had to consider, Ginny had the vague sense of déjà vu, as though she and Harry had already had this discussion. She shook her head to clear it, not understanding where that feeling was coming from. She had to smile at his enthusiasm, though; he was really excited to get started on building them a house.
"And then the third one is farther out of town, so it's more remote, but Remus said it also has a lot of trees that we might have to have removed."
"Oh, don't do that," Ginny protested. "I think there's a process where you can re-plant them or just move them. Talk to Neville. I'd much rather have a copse of trees on our land than a flat, boring area, anyway. I want it to look natural, too."
"Okay," Harry said, grinning. "My little nature lover."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at him. "Besides, once we start having kids, you can build them a treehouse!"
"Yeah, that's probably where my magical building skills will peak. Treehouses and doghouses. But actually, I thought we might prefer a plot of land that has room for a Quidditch pitch."
"Ooh," Ginny said, impressed. She hadn't thought of that herself. "Okay, that's a better idea."
Harry chuckled and then stood up, holding out his hand to her. "Knew you'd see it my way."
They grabbed their basket and headed back inside, still talking about their housing prospects. Ginny couldn't help it - her head was full of the future. And a part of her couldn't wait.
o-o-o-o-o
On the day that Harry was to leave for England, Hermione came for her visit bright and early just to see him off. She brought with her a sight for his (still) half-asleep eyes.
"Hedwig!"
Harry grabbed the cage from his friend and laughed as his snowy owl screeched at him. He put the cage down on the table and flipped open the door. Hedwig hooted happily and soared out of the cage immediately.
Hermione snorted at the bird. "She really doesn't like to travel by floo. But I wasn't sure she could make the trip all the way from Hogwarts to here. But once I told her you would be pleased to see her, she calmed down. A bit."
Ginny came out of the bedroom, haphazardly dressed and still yawning from just waking. "Hey, Hermione, and oh! You managed to get her?"
"I have you to thank for this?" Harry asked, going to her. She nodded.
"I wrote and asked Hermione to see if she could bring her to cheer you up."
"Thank you, it's a brilliant surprise." He kissed her, and then they both turned to watch Hedwig fly around the room a bit more until she finally landed on one of the tall bookshelves in the study. The three of them laughed as the owl hooted approvingly at them – apparently, her new surroundings were acceptable.
"You leave soon, don't you, Harry?" Hermione said, looking at her watch.
"Yeah, I have time for breakfast, though. Tea?" He asked, turning to Ginny. She still looked a bit groggy.
"Tea, please."
"Hermione?"
"Oh, nothing for me. Ron cooked enough food for a small army this morning. I think he thought you'd be stopping by."
"Oh! Well, I was going to see Remus first, but I can head to your flat instead when he is due at the shop?"
"He's off today," Hermione said, smiling at him. "He's really missed you, you know."
"Good, he can help me today. I'll put him to work, and then he can wonder when I'm leaving again."
Hermione snickered and shook her head.
"Tea, Harry," Ginny yawned again, giving him a pointed look as she sat on the sofa. He gave her a mock salute and then headed off to the kitchens.
By the time he returned with an extra-strong pot of tea for them, Hermione already had her books open in front of her, and Ginny was nowhere to be found. Hermione glanced up as he entered.
"She decided to take a shower to wake up a bit more since you were, quote-unquote, "lollygagging" with the caffeine."
"It gets a bit busy in the kitchens in the morning. It's usually the only meal that most of the students who are still around actually try to have together."
"They don't use elves here at the Abbey, do they?"
Harry started pouring the tea and shook his head. "No. They employ a lot of people from the nearby villages, actually. For cleaning duties and cooking. All magical folk, of course."
"Oh, if only we could get Hogwarts to do that! But…honestly, now that I've read a bit more and seen the elves in action at the school… I understand now. The elves have been instrumental in helping repair the damage the Death Eaters did to the school. And you know what I realized, Harry? They really do consider it their home."
There was almost a sheepish look on Hermione's face as she continued.
"I finally get it. S.P.E.W. would have never worked, would it? I mean, not really. I was a bit daft, wasn't I? As I am coming to recognize, most things in the wizarding world are more complex than it appears. How did you and Ron manage to not strangle me in fourth year? He was so right to take the mickey back then. Although please don't tell him that."
Harry was surprised to hear her admit her folly. He took a drink of tea first, considering his answer. Hermione gave him a slightly amused, if exasperated smile.
"Your heart was in the right place," Harry finally said. "And that was…that was admirable. No one else cared. And you're great at things like that, Hermione. You care so much. You get very fired up about things you think are unfair, and other people aren't like that. Well, I mean, most of us care. They just don't know how to change anything. At least you always try. It's one of the reasons Ron loves you, you know. Also, why I love you, too."
Hermione blinked at him, her eyes watering. She eventually looked away, shaking her head.
"I do still want to help the house-elves, I just…I understand now that there are better ways of going about it."
"Tea!" Ginny cried as she joined them. Harry handed her a cup as she looked between them.
"Harry, how have you made Hermione cry in less than ten minutes?"
"Oh, he was just acting very sweet to me, that's all," Hermione said, wiping at her eyes.
"Yeah, he's good like that," Ginny said. She sat down next to him and rubbed her shoulders against his. Harry felt his face heat and looked at his watch. He'd arranged for a Portkey to send him to Solace's flat in a little bit, so he would have to be leaving soon.
"Keep an eye on this one for me, okay, Hermione?" Harry said, putting his arm around Ginny. "I don't want her getting lonely or moping."
"She'll be fine," Hermione said, smiling. "I've brought her loads of new books."
Ginny groaned. "I'm not you, Hermione! I need other things to do sometimes."
Harry suddenly had an idea and excused himself, heading into the bedroom. He looked around for the box and finally found it in their wardrobe. Ginny came in as he was enlarging everything again.
"Oh, bother. I thought you came in here to give me a quick five-minute shag before you leave. I just told Hermione to take a walk if she didn't want to hear us go at it. She said she was heading to the kitchens to ask questions. Whatever that means."
Harry snorted. "A five minute shag? It takes longer than that to satisfy you."
"Oh, hah," Ginny said, sticking her tongue out at his little joke. She joined him and wrapped an arm around his waist. "I wasn't exactly looking for high quality here."
She then looked down at the box, frowning. "What are you doing with Brogan's things?"
"I don't want you to be too miserable while I'm away; I know how much sunshine and joy I bring into your life. So I thought you could listen to his music when you're tired of reading and the rooms seem too quiet. Find something you really like."
"That's actually…that's a good idea, Harry. That is usually what I hate the most when you're not here. Or, I did, back when you would leave and go back to the school."
"I was reading in that Waystone book the other night, and it said that sometimes a piece of music can help when summoning someone back. I thought we could try it. I don't know which ones were really his favorites, but…." Harry shrugged.
"Which chapter in the book is that?"
"Towards the end, I think. The one about how we need to use something that has the person's essence, whatever that means."
Ginny smiled and kissed him. She sighed when they broke apart. "Are you sure you don't have time for a quickie?"
Harry glanced at his watch. He didn't.
"I'll floo tonight, yeah?"
Ginny sighed. "All right. Too bad we can't make our floo session sexy."
Harry made a face. "That would be so weird. Like, I don't even want to consider it."
Ginny giggled. "Yeah, I don't think it would work, no."
"I'll be back soon, Gin," he said, pulling her in for a hug. "I just need to fuss about with our future for a bit, and then I'll be back here in our present."
Ginny chuckled. "Weighty wisdom from the Man Who Lived, brilliant. Make sure the Prophet quotes you on that."
"Oh, shut it," Harry said, kissing her until she swooned against him. He was really regretting scheduling his Portkey for so early in the morning.
"Gotta keep you modest," Ginny said, smiling when they finally stopped kissing.
"Love you, Weasley."
"Of course you do, Potter. I'm pretty terrific."
Harry chuckled and reluctantly released her. He gently placed his lips on her forehead. "I'll be back before you know it."
"I know. It's just…you're always the one leaving, and I'm always the one staying. I should be used to it by now."
Harry felt saddened by her words. "How much did I ruin things by sending you here last year?"
"Oh, it's not like that," Ginny said, shaking her head. "I'm just feeling maudlin. Go and find us a nice piece of land so you can build our dream house."
"I honestly did it to keep you safe, and it…at the time that was all that mattered, Gin," Harry insisted.
"I know, Harry. And I'm fine, really. I don't secretly hate you or anything."
"Merlin, I hope not. Although, when I get back, we could try that "angry" sex thing one more time."
She grinned and then shoved him out of the bedroom. "Go on then. I'll see you when I see you, I reckon. Tell my brother he's a git."
"What? Why? And most importantly, which one?"
Ginny waved her hand loftily. "Oh, pick one, doesn't matter which. Just do it to keep them in line. They start to feel too good about themselves if I'm not there to knock them down a peg or two."
Harry laughed and then grabbed the bag he'd packed earlier. He had a lot of things to do, so he knew the time would fly by quickly, but still, he was going to miss her and the special world they'd created at the Abbey.
o-o-o-o-o
"So you two both dreamed about Brogan because you did this spell?" Hermione asked, sounding impressed.
"Yeah, but we thought we had failed, and so we weren't prepared. Er, well, I wasn't, at least," Ginny said as she relaxed back in the grass.
She and Hermione had wandered outside a few hours after Harry had caught his Portkey. The other girl was supposed to have already left, but Ginny had the feeling she was sticking around to keep her company, and she appreciated it.
"And it was the real him? Not just a dream him that acted how you wanted him to act?"
Ginny frowned. She hadn't considered the idea that she and Harry had both dreamed about a fake Brogan. She shook her head. "No, it was him. I can't explain it. I just know. It was a dream, but it wasn't a dream. Like we were supposed to follow a certain set of rules we didn't know until after, but it was really him. For some reason, the spell allowed us to exist in the same time and place as him."
"Hmm," Hermione said, looking deep in thought. "Why haven't you two tried again, then?"
Ginny glanced away. They had walked down near the river and were close to where she, Harry, and Brogan had spent one of their last days together at the end of the previous summer. That day felt so far away to her, suddenly. How innocent it had all seemed, then. And also, how dire, with the new school year and Voldemort and the things he'd been planning still looming ahead of them.
"It hurts a lot…when you wake up from it. More than a bad dream or even a nightmare. It was like the whole thing had just happened again, him getting sucked away right in front of us, and…I didn't want to feel that again. I know Harry didn't either."
"But I would think," Hermione said, patting her hand consolingly. "That you would see this as a good thing, because one, it means you will probably be able to bring him back like you planned, and also, two, now Brogan knows you're trying, and that has to be a comfort to him, wherever he is. Do you actually know where that's at now, at least?"
"I'm pretty sure he's in the Well of Aine. She's sort of…given him this tiny living space, so he's not completely lost. We just don't know when he is. And I don't think he can leave so he can find out, either. Not without another portal."
"Are you scared?" Hermione asked, giving her a knowing look. "This is pretty serious and strong magic you two are dealing with. But then, with you and Harry, it must just feel like a normal day."
Ginny smiled but looked down and pulled at the grass under her fingers. "A bit. I…Harry doesn't know this, or, at least, we haven't talked about it. But what if I can't do it, Hermione? What if the time portal doesn't open? What if I'm not strong enough or clever enough or…what if we do get it to open and we still can't find him? Harry thinks we're just going to keep trying if we fail. But I don't want to keep putting us through this heartbreak. I feel selfish, but I want to start our lives together. Now. Not in a few years."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Ginny knew that she had just expressed her actual concern. She loved Brogan, she honestly did, but she couldn't help the fact that a part of her felt as though that if their attempt didn't work, then she wanted them to just give up. So they could get on with everything. Was she a bad person? If it had been Harry that had been sucked away and Brogan was here with her now, would she be feeling the same way? Somehow, Ginny doubted it. And that made her sad – for various reasons. It felt like a cruel and harsh thing to believe about herself, but she knew, in her heart, it was true.
"Oh, Ginny, don't beat yourself up for wanting to live your life," Hermione said now, watching her intently. "Brogan more than understood that about the two of you, and you know it. That was his very wish for you in his letter, right? And, of course, you will be strong enough and clever enough. Where is that Weasley bravado that I knew so well?" Hermione peered at her, her mouth twitching.
Ginny sighed and then laughed. "You're right. Reckon since Brogan gets that when he wears the bracelet, I lose a bit of my own."
"Can you do the spell without Harry?" Hermione asked.
Ginny felt startled. "I don't…I don't know. Do you think I should?"
"I don't really want you to be hurt again, but maybe you should try it. And this time talk to him instead of…well, whatever it is you did the first time."
"That's fair." Ginny snorted, but felt her skin heat in response. No throwing herself at him this time. Yeah, she could probably attempt to manage that, for at least a little while.
"You know, maybe I will try it without Harry."
"Well, I should be heading back. I was supposed to meet up with Neville and Luna in Hogsmeade. Neville is going to apprentice under Professor Sprout! Did I mention? He's so excited, Ginny."
"That's fantastic," Ginny said as they started to collect their things. "How are he and Luna doing, by the way?"
"Oh, they're good! Oh, you mean…I think they've decided just to be friends, after all. Luna wants to travel and see the world, and Neville doesn't want to hold her back. Also, I think they sort of fizzled in the romance department. They haven't said, but it's just a feeling I get. They seem much better suited as friends, I think."
"That was a short dating period," Ginny said. "Shouldn't they at least try?"
Hermione shrugged. "Sometimes perhaps people just know it's not meant to be."
Hoping her friend's words were not prophetic, Ginny just nodded her head, already thinking about trying the summoning spell again so that she could talk to Brogan and tell him what was in her head and her heart.
o-o-o-o-o
"I don't think Ginny would like this one. It's too…hilly," Ron said as they looked around at the second plot of land Remus had taken them to. Harry smirked at his best mate but didn't say anything. Ron had been a terrific sport, traipsing over the areas in Hogsmeade with them, and it was nice to be with his friend again. Harry snapped another photograph, and Ron glanced at the camera.
"Can't believe you wanted a Muggle one. Where are you going to get the film developed?"
Harry shrugged. "I'll figure it out before I leave. There's has to be a place nearby in London by the flat."
"Just don't let my dad see it, or you'll never know a moment's peace."
"Ready to see the next one?" Remus asked, walking over to them.
"Yeah, according to Ron, Ginny will think this is too hilly," Harry said, smiling. He waved the camera in his hand. "But I dutifully took pictures, just the same."
"This next one is the one I think you'll really like, and yes, Ron, it's flat," Remus said, mouth twitching with amusement.
Earlier, Harry had told Remus that he and Tonks should take over Grimmauld Place like Ginny had suggested. He told him to spread the word that anyone who needed a place to sleep, whether for one night or extended months at a time, should consider it their home. Harry had found out once arriving in London that some of the older kids discharged from St Mungo's were at a loss of where to stay until school started, and he could think of no better use of the house than that. Thankfully, Remus had not seen his request as an act of charity, and they'd avoided a row.
He had actually seen relief in the older man's eyes, and Harry got the sense that staying with Tonks's parents had put a bit of a damper on the happy honeymoon phase of his marriage. He was glad Ginny had thought of it.
As they wandered up the road from the last property, he looked around. It was a lovely summer day in Scotland, but he knew that could change at any time, based on the dark clouds he saw in the distance. They were going to stop in at the school after they were done, and Harry had a craving for the house elves' treacle tart. He thought about asking if there was a way he could take some back to Ireland with him, thinking that Ginny would appreciate it too.
So lost in his thoughts about eating treacle and sharing it with Ginny, perhaps while they were both naked, he didn't realize they had arrived and almost walked right into Remus's back. His mentor grinned at him and then nodded at the area in front of them.
"Well? What do you think, Harry?"
Harry stared out at the empty field in front of him and pretty much decided right then and there – it was perfect. The land was flat, as Remus had said, not a hill in sight. And it was huge. It was by far the most considerable lot they had looked at so far. And it was just…well, lovely. It looked like the very picture of summer – complete with flowers and bushes and trees sprinkled throughout with a large cropping of taller ones in the back that would provide them some privacy. He quickly started taking pictures, hoping they captured the feel of the place. This. This would be the perfect spot to begin their lives together.
Harry glanced at Ron to see what he thought. His friend gave him a small smile and nodded.
"I think she'll love it," Ron said.
"Me too," Harry agreed.
"Do we even need to see the fourth property?" Remus asked.
Harry shook his head. "This is the one I think we'll take."
"Fantastic!" Ron said, rubbing his stomach. "Now, let's go get something to eat. I'm starving."
o-o-o-o-o
"Ginny?"
She opened her eyes and looked around, recognizing the Well of Aine. She smiled up at Brogan, who was looking down at her, one eyebrow delicately raised as though in question.
"I took a nap," she said, feeling silly.
"Aye. I'd help you up, but I don't want to have a repeat of last time," he said, looking amused. Ginny rolled her eyes and got up off the ground. Funny, the last time she'd dreamt of the Well, she'd been standing. She wondered what had changed, or perhaps it depended on what she'd been dreaming before she'd arrived.
"Come on then," Brogan said, turning around. "I've just put the kettle on. As always, you have impeccable timing."
They ambled through the cave, and she realized she'd also landed further away. But they soon were at the spot where he was living, and she could already smell the coffee.
"Harry said you'd shown him your first beans last time."
"Aye, and this is my second harvest, thanks to magic. Sit down. I don't have any cream but would you like a cup?"
She shook her head and sat at the little table off to the side. She spied his unmade bed against the wall and quickly glanced away. Now that she was here again, she realized she could notice more about it. The colors seemed more vivid here, and there was a softness around the edges, as though she really was in a dream. But she knew it wasn't. Because her heart felt far too heavy for a dream.
Brogan sat down and took a drink of his coffee first, his eyes meeting hers over the edge of the cup.
"I thought I'd see you before this," he said softly.
Ginny bit her lip. "I know, I'm sorry, it was so-"
"It's okay," Brogan said, holding up his hand. "It was…I imagine it was painful for you two. Probably almost as painful as it is for me."
Ginny rubbed the edge of the table with her fingers, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Brogan reached out, his hand stopping just before his fingers could touch her. She glanced up and saw the anguish in his eyes.
"It's okay," he said again, his voice firm. "I appreciate you trying at all."
Ginny frowned, realizing they might be talking about two different things. "Trying what at all?"
"To get me out of here. I assume you pulled the short straw to tell me this is the last I'll see of you?"
"Brogan, no, that's not…how long has it been for you, exactly? Our first visit here just happened for us. Well, a few days ago. Did you think we weren't going to visit again?"
Brogan blinked at her in confusion. "It feels like it's been months. I just…I just assumed you and Harry had tried to break me out of here and failed, and…I've been having some strange nightmares lately, and I thought they were because of that."
"No, we haven't even tried it yet, but we will soon. We're shooting for the Summer Solstice."
"Aine's Day," he said, realizing dawning on his face. He nodded. "That makes sense."
Ginny tried to explain why they had to wait. "Yes, it seems that the walls in between the different levels of existence are thinner then? Easier to manipulate? I don't understand half of it, but I'm willing to try anything that will make it easier on you. I want you back home and in one piece."
Brogan bowed his head, and when he looked back up, she saw the hope bloom in his eyes. She realized that he really had thought they had forsaken him.
"I was so sure you had given up."
Despite her earlier conversation with Hermione, sitting here in front of him, Ginny suddenly felt compelled to tell him that they would never give up on him. She knew he needed to hear it.
"I'm not sure that's an option at this point," she said instead, longing to hold his hand to reassure him. Ginny felt as though she still had so much to tell him and didn't want to get jerked out of the dream just yet.
"I wish there was a way for me to know how much time…is passing. It's so…frustrating. I feel like I've been here for a year. I can't believe it's only June."
"I'll work on it," Ginny said, smiling. "But honestly, you're asking a lot, you know. Get me out of here, Gin; find a way for me to know what time it is, Gin. Honestly, so needy."
Brogan stared at her for a second, his mouth falling open a bit, and then he laughed. He ran his hand through his hair and kept laughing, and she grinned at him. His laughter was rough, as though he hadn't remembered to do it in a while.
"Thank you," he finally said, wiping at his eye a bit. "I needed that. God, Ginny, it's so good to talk to you."
"Harry is in London," Ginny said after a moment. "I tried this by myself. I had no idea that time passed so quickly for you here. I'm sorry, we didn't mean to make you feel forgotten."
He shook his head. "It's not your fault, and…well, I should have known you two wouldn't give up so easily."
"I did want to talk to you about that, actually," Ginny said, suddenly feeling stupid. She stopped talking, wondering how to make him understand without hurting him.
Brogan studied her when she didn't continue, and she saw it when he realized what she was here to tell him.
"It's okay, Ginny," he finally said, looking away. "If it doesn't work, it's…it's okay. I'm…I don't want to say I'm absolving you, but that is sort of what this feels like, isn't it?"
"I love you, Brogan, and you know Harry loves you, and we want you back, but…."Ginny quickly said, wanting him to know that it was not because of a lack of love but rather an act of survival. For her and for Harry, if the two of them were ever going to have a future.
"I know," he interrupted, finally meeting her eyes. "I said I wanted you two to live your lives, and you should. If it doesn't work, then you convince Harry to give up, and that's that. Bury my things or whatever out by the river at the Abbey. Have some sort of ceremony. It'll help make it…official. Make sure my Dad is there, though, would you? And tell him how much I wish I could have known him better."
Ginny didn't realize she was crying until the tear fell down her cheek, and she sobbed, touching her face. Brogan gave her a sad sort of look and then reached into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief. She couldn't help it; she laughed as she took it from him and swiped at her eyes.
"I forgot you carried one of these bloody things."
Brogan smirked. "Never leave home without one, apparently. Not even if you're going to another dimension."
"You know, this entire conversation is stupid because we are getting you back," Ginny said, feeling secure in her statement. Brogan nodded in affirmation.
"Of course, you are. You're just being proactive and covering all possible bases."
Ginny shook her head. "Merlin, I miss your sardonic yet diplomatic arse."
"Just my arse?"
Ginny grinned. "There may be one or two other parts I miss. I think Harry misses your arse, though, most definitely."
Brogan blushed and shook his head at her. "Oh, stop it, or you'll turn my head. Or, it might give me something to dream about tonight. Although, at this point, it'd be better than dreaming about thunderstorms all the bloody time."
"What?" Ginny felt a nervous shock hit her. "You've been dreaming of thunderstorms?"
Brogan frowned. "Yeah. I thought it was because I haven't been outside in a hippogriff's age. Why?"
"I've been having nightmares about them too."
They stared at each other, and Ginny's eyes drifted down to his wrist. She felt another shock that drove all thoughts of shared dreams aside. "Brogan! Your bracelet!"
He winced and then showed her his tattoo. "Aye. I have no idea why it happened. But I woke up here, and it was like the bracelet had sunk under my skin. Aine didn't even know what it meant. And it still works, magic-wise. In fact, it's even stronger now than before. My feelings are…well, let's just say I've been surprised by how much I feel from the two of you, sometimes, even with all the distance between us."
Ginny couldn't help it. She reached out for his hand to get a better look. The markings matched his bracelet exactly – he was right – it was just as though the bracelet had become a part of him. It was remarkable, Ginny thought. She had never heard of such a thing happening before. The longer she held his hand, the warmer it became. When she glanced at him, she noticed his eyes had gone that lovely dark blue color and that he was suddenly were very, very close to her. She took a deep breath and could smell his scent – that scent that was just Brogan. She swallowed roughly. Ginny suddenly had far too many memories swirling to the surface.
"Reckon, I'll um, being um, going now," she said. Even to her ears, her voice sounded gruff and a bit wanton. She knew her body was reacting to her lover's presence, and it was causing her stomach to swoop and other areas to react. It suddenly felt very warm in the cave.
"Must you?" Brogan asked, his eyes looking down and then back up. Ginny felt a flush of pleasure go through her as various images filled her head, and she realized he'd sent her a rather brazen daydream he'd recently had of her. And then one of Harry. And she felt the heat work its way through her. She had always been susceptible to that particular gift of his, and he knew it. Ginny wasn't exactly complaining, but still…they had things to talk about. Didn't they?
"Brogan, don't. I have more things to tell you," she murmured, already leaning forward.
"Hmm, I've learned one thing since being trapped here, Gin." His lips were so close to hers, Ginny was amazed they weren't touching yet.
"What's that?" she breathed out, a tingling sensation breaking out over her skin. She'd forgotten how sexy Brogan's voice was. How on earth had she ever forgotten that?
"Talking is overrated." And his lips claimed hers in one graceful, fluid movement, and Ginny felt swept away on the tide of feelings he was generating within her. It was madness. It was desire. It was, of course, love in all of its wonderful glory, and she wasn't sure if it was her desperation or his that brought it on. She could feel his loneliness penetrating her like the stone he wore around his neck. He felt so alone. She moaned against his lips, and he pulled her closer to him. His hands moved downward -teasing, caressing, kneading everywhere at once, and as she fell into his lap, she felt him hard and firm against her -
Ginny woke up then, chest heaving as she breathed in, and a frustrated sigh erupted from her mouth like a blaspheme.
"Fuck!" She cried out to the empty room, feeling as though she had been denied her release.
The soft sound of Hedwig hooting at her from the study, as though to tell her off for daring to bother her nap, suddenly had her giggling and then laughing uncontrollably. But Ginny knew it was just to keep herself from crying.
o-o-o-o-o
It was late when Harry arrived back at Solace's flat, but he felt as though he had accomplished a lot. Remus had found a Muggle picture shop for him, and he'd have his photos to take back to Ginny. He'd used up the rest of the film taking silly photos of Ron and then of Neville & Luna, who they had run into at The Three Broomsticks. They'd apparently been waiting for Hermione, who was still back in Ireland. Then they'd enjoyed a pleasant visit at the school with Professor McGonagall and Dobby, who still seemed to think Harry was his Headmaster. Harry asked about the treacle tart, and Dobby promised he would figure something out before Harry left on Tuesday.
He felt strangely bereft, sitting in their old bedroom by himself. Bereft and a bit…well, he felt randy, really. Which was a bit of a thing. He and Ginny had not lacked in the shagging department, so he was unsure of why he was felt so… worked up. He then realized it was coming from the bracelet link and wondered what Ginny was doing. But before he could let his mind wander, there was a knock on the door.
"Sorry, Harry. I heard you come back. Fancy a nip before bed?"
Solace held up a bottle of his scotch, a hopeful look on his face. Brogan's father looked a lot better than the last time Harry had seen him, almost back to his old self, really. Harry assumed that was Avery's doing since he'd notice little touches of her in the flat – mainly a few of her St Mungo's robes thrown over chairs and whatnot, indicating she was a frequent guest.
"Sure, why not. Come on in."
Solace grabbed the chair by the desk and sat down, quickly pouring a glass for Harry and himself.
So," Solace said, taking a quick drink. "Are you an owner of some property?"
Harry chuckled. "I am indeed. I mean, I still need to run it by Ginny, but I think she'll like it. I put a deposit down and everything."
"Congratulations, Harry, that's wonderful. I remember the first land I bought, well, it was a house already built, but it was a proud moment. When are you going to start building?"
"Not for a bit. We still, um, have things to do in Ireland," Harry said, feeling uncomfortable. He and Ginny had not wanted to tell Solace about their attempt to get his son back, but for some reason that he would not understand later, he suddenly wanted to tell Brogan's father that there might be hope, after all.
"Aye," Solace said, looking thoughtful. "How is Dylan?"
"He's good. Enjoying the slowness of the summer break, I think. We're er, going to Lough Gur in a few weeks. For the Solstice." Harry wondered if Solace would understand his hint.
Solace eventually met his gaze, and Harry was a bit shocked by how much of Brogan he could see in the other man's eyes – he'd noticed the resemblance before, of course, but now it seemed so clear.
"You two are going to attempt to bring him back. I know, Harry."
"Who told you?"
Solace laughed, and it was a short, almost bitter sort of sound. "No one, although I did hear your future brother-in-laws talking about something or other. But…it is what you two would try to do. I see that now. And I didn't ask you before you left the first time because I was ashamed. Ashamed of how I'd acted before. I told Brogan I didn't think you two loved him enough, but…I can see how I was wrong."
Harry didn't say anything and swirled his whiskey in his glass, watching the soft amber liquid circle around and around. He finally glanced at Solace.
"I can't say it's okay because you hurt us, and well, particularly you hurt Ginny, and I can't abide by that at all, but…we tried to tell you before how it was. Why are you listening now?"
Solace sighed and finished his drink in one gulp. He held the bottle up, but Harry declined. After pouring himself a bit more, Brogan's father gave him a frank look.
"Only a fool or an idiot in love would attempt what you're attempting, and I know you're not a fool, Harry Potter. And neither is Miss Weasley."
Harry chuckled. "Thanks, I think."
"You know, it could all turn out horribly wrong and go tits up, right? Are you prepared in case you don't succeed?"
Harry nodded. "I think so. Actually, I think we're just focusing on succeeding, and that's it." Harry frowned because, in all honesty, it had not occurred to him that they would fail. He knew Ginny was more pessimistic than he was, but…he just couldn't conceive of it turning out badly. It was that simple, really.
"Then you two have a tough road in front of you, but…and I say this as a father who wants his son back, I wish you well. And I wish you all the luck in the world. Brogan…deserves a chance to live his life. Whatever kind of life he wants. Perhaps losing him has made me understand that in a way I never saw before."
Harry knew Solace meant them- Brogan staying with and living his life with them instead of living one on his own. Harry didn't know what to say either because he could understand what Solace meant, but again, he also knew the other man did not realize how the three of them just…worked. Harry barely understood it himself sometimes – he was not unhappy with Ginny, and neither was she with him (he hoped). And he knew the two of them could continue on just fine as they were now, still missing Brogan, of course, but they would not fall apart.
Perhaps that was the part that Solace could not understand. Maybe that was why, even now, Brogan's father could not comprehend that their feelings were genuine.
"If Brogan chooses to live his life with us, Solace…I hope you can finally see that he is not an afterthought for us. He is not…less than what he is when he is with us. No matter what you may think," Harry finally said, after an awkward silence had seemed to settle between them. "I loved Ginny before him, and I love her now, but that is not…it doesn't mean I care for him any less. He is not an either/or type of question for me. I realized that that is not how I love people. And I can't make you understand that any more than you can make me understand you."
"That's fair, Harry," Solace said, tipping his glass at him in salute before taking another drink. When he was done, he set the glass on the table and stared at it as though lost in thought. "Is there anything the two of you need?"
Harry shook his head. "Not to my knowledge. Mr Cosgrove has been extremely helpful. But if there is, then I will contact you first thing. And I'll tell Ginny to as well."
Solace nodded, looking a bit sad. But he finally smiled and nodded at Harry. "Thanks for finally telling me."
"We didn't tell you because we didn't want to get your hopes up, that's all. We didn't set out to exclude you, I promise."
Solace stood and gave him a slight smile. He used his wand to vanish the glasses and gave Harry a nod.
"I can't say I understand why my son has chosen to…well, let's just say I know he could have chosen far worse things to do with his life. I know you care about him, and I reckon that is all a father can really hope for in the end. I know better than to hope for a grandchild at any rate." Solace laughed, but it was a sad, hollow sort of sound.
Harry frowned, but Solace was already leaving, and he was out the door before Harry could stop him. He wondered why it seemed as though Brogan's father did not know about the O'Corra family curse. Feeling puzzled, Harry yawned and realized the whiskey had made him far more tired than he would have liked. He knew he had promised to floo Ginny tonight, but he just didn't want to get out of the bed. Sending a promise through the link that he hoped she would understand, he lay down on the bed and waved his hand to turn off the lights. He was asleep before his head even hit the pillow, his dreams amazingly clear and peaceful, despite the flurry of his emotions.
o-o-o-o-o
