Author's note - This chapter is dedicated to Gin110881, without whom this story probably wouldn't exist. And since he just had a birthday I can think of no better tribute. He's one of the reasons I came back to finish In Essence, after all, and has been amazingly supportive and a good friend. This one's for you, Gin.

Also - I am taking next week off, so no post on Tuesday (no post on Sunday, surely, Harry?) because of the holidays and just…I need it. I've been going gangbusters on this story for a while now and feel I've earned it. I am still several chapters ahead, so no worries there. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful whatever they celebrate and that the new year treats you right.

Chapter 17: The Ties that Bind


Ginny returned home much later and much sadder than she would have thought possible. She let herself into their rental house and released a deep breath, resting against the door as it closed behind her. It had been absolute pandemonium and chaos after they'd received word about Diagon Alley. Harry, of course, had been whisked away by the Ministry to help them, as soon as they'd realized the Wizarding Savior was back in England and on the scene. He'd promised Ginny and Brogan that he'd be home as soon as he was able. The two of them had stayed and helped tend to the wounded waiting to be looked after at St Mungo's. Since neither of them had any knack for healing spells, she and Brogan had mostly held the hands of the children who were hurt but didn't need immediate attention yet and tried to keep them company the best they could and assuage their fears and anxiety.

Ron and Fred had been there too. The explosion had happened at the other end of Diagon Alley and not near the shop, but he and Fred had heard it, of course, and they'd been some of the first wizards on the scene. She'd heard one Auror say that Ron and Fred being there and not losing their heads had probably saved more than a few lives and she felt proud of them.

No one knew what had happened, exactly. It appeared an old warehouse had exploded, whether by accident or deliberately, no one knew yet. She'd run into Hermione returning from her day at Hogwarts and given her a brief hug and let her know everyone they knew was all right. The other girl had gone off looking for Ron and she promised to be on the lookout for Harry, too.

Ginny brought the lights up in the house and lit a fire – it wasn't cold out, but she still had a chill in her bones. Perhaps because she'd seen and heard too many little kids crying. Unfortunately, there had been a lot of families in Diagon Alley that afternoon; there was some sort of children's book author doing a signing at Flourish and Blotts. Brogan had offered to see her home, but she knew he wanted to check in with Solace and assure his father they were all right and she had told him to just go. But she assumed he would make it home before Harry.

Ginny saw her purchases from earlier in the day sitting on the counter and was glad she'd taken the time to put the food away. She quickly unpacked the French press she bought as well as the new Perpetually Refilling kettle she'd splurged on and got them set up in a corner of the kitchen. She did the charm to activate the kettle and got the water boiling. Ginny then decided to make a quick, easy soup, so they could have something to eat if they got hungry.

She was just starting to use her wand to chop up the carrots and celery together to save time when Brogan returned, coming into the kitchen looking as worn out as she felt. Ginny was grateful as he put the bags she'd left at Solace's on one of the counters; she'd even forgotten about her new clothes.

He walked over to her and they were hugging before he'd made it around the counter. She squeezed him tightly, appreciating his warmth and solidness, and closed her eyes for a moment, feeling a bit of her tension leave her.

"All right?" Brogan asked when they broke apart. She nodded.

"Yeah. Better than most people I met today, at any rate. Did you see Harry?"

"No. But he sent word with Hermione when she came by Mungo's that he'd be home soon. He's helping Kingsley with things."

"Then I reckon we'd best finish the soup I had planned." Ginny forced a laugh, turning back to her food. "I'm sure he'll need something to fortify him. I suspect we all will."

Brogan went into the pantry and pulled out a bag of noodles she'd bought and started looking through the spices she had yet to put away. He also grabbed a few chicken breasts and started cleaning them. He glanced and noticed the new coffee press and smiled at her.

"Thanks for that, by the way."

"But of course," Ginny said, half-bowing. "I know we couldn't expect you to continue to exist without it."

They worked in companionable silence, and once she had the liquid at a low boil and Brogan used his wand to speed up the cooking time for the chicken, Ginny sighed and rested against the cabinets. She could feel some of her numbness slowly start to fade away. He joined her, wrapping his arms around her.

"This is not how I imagined our night ending," Ginny said, looking up at him.

"I know, me either."

"Solace okay?"

"He's fine. Avery returned as I was leaving, so that means Mungo's is under control at least."

"It feels too soon after…everything for something like this to happen. I think people were initially worried Voldemort had returned or something like that. Which explains why they wanted Harry front and center, I reckon."

Brogan sighed and hugged her tighter. "I know. Two little kids asked me where the Death Eaters were, half-scared and half-eager to see them. I didn't quite know what to say. How do you tell an 8-year-old that sometimes bad things just happen and there's not an evil magical bogeyman behind it?"

Ginny didn't know. She'd been asked the same thing and had felt similarly stumped.

Just then, Ginny noticed Hedwig sitting on the ledge of the kitchen window and went to her, petting her affectionately and handing her an owl treat. "Sorry, I didn't see you there, girl."

There was a pile of letters under the owl and Ginny realized Hedwig must have been busy today. Looking around, she didn't see Roisin anywhere and hoped the kitten was okay. As though being summoned, the kitten appeared, meowing as she came into the kitchen. Ginny threw a hopeful look at Brogan to take care of her and he smiled, picking the kitten up to feed her.

Most of the letters were for Harry. Answers, no doubt, to his inquiries about getting started on building their house. But Ginny frowned when she saw the letter from her mum. In all the hubbub, she'd forgotten the message she'd sent earlier in the day. Taking a deep breath, she opened it and frowned even more. The letter was insanely short and full of so many unsaid things that Ginny knew her mum was angry. Very angry.

"Ginny? Everything okay?" Brogan asked.

She glanced up and waved the letter. "Just my mum. Not saying anything. We're to receive her tomorrow at lunchtime."

"Oh."

"Yeah." Ginny shook herself. If her mum was upset with her then so be it. She and Harry were bonded, why shouldn't they live together? Who cared what anyone else thought? There was nothing that would change what had already happened. Or not happened, which Ginny thought was probably the issue. Her mum had wanted her and Harry to have the second bonding before getting a house. And before everything that had happened in their lives thus far, Ginny knew she used to feel the same way. But…she was a different woman now. And her mum and dad needed to recognize that.

She loved her parents, but she was tired of the expectations they threw at her sometimes. It was hard being the youngest; it was hard being the only daughter. She felt as though both those things made them too protective of her and a part of Ginny loved to live life on the edge of what they considered acceptable. They would never get after one of her brothers for what she currently doing and that was the sad truth. George had moved to Ireland to be with a woman and they hadn't even batted an eye, had they?

She couldn't wait until her parents found about Brogan. And by couldn't wait, she actually meant she was scared down to her toes, but also anxious to finally be her true self with her parents. She felt as though she'd more than grown out and away from under their shadow for a while now, and Ginny didn't want to go back to being sweet, good little Ginny Weasley anymore.

"You feel dark," Brogan said, reaching for her. He touched her hair and lifted her chin, gazing into her eyes. "If the letter doesn't say really anything, why has it upset you?"

Ginny met his look and let him see a bit of what she was feeling. He nodded in understanding and then hugged her again. And when they eventually kissed it was more than a peck, and Ginny threw herself into it, and perhaps it was because she'd seen too much pain today or maybe it was because she just needed to feel something good. She curled a leg around him and made sure he understood what she needed.

"Really? Here in the kitchen?" he asked, blue eyes amused. "That tile looks terribly cold. And hard.''

Ginny giggled in acknowledgment because he was right, she couldn't imagine it under either of their backsides. She looked around and then pulled him over to the table. It was the perfect height and she wasted no time in unzipping her jeans and pulling her knickers down. She curled a finger through the loop on his jeans, jerking him closer. When she touched him he was ready for her and they kissed, hands going everywhere and this was not how she imagined their first time alone together happening, but she would take it and she was going to enjoy it.

Brogan rested his head against hers as he entered her and they both sucked in a deep breath relishing the flare of connection. They gazed at each other as he started to move and Ginny took each thrust and offered what she could in reply and they were soon both there, bodies racing along their heady paths.

Brogan gripped her at the hip with one hand and reached up to offer his fingers to her with the other and she sucked his thumb deep into her mouth, never looking away. The air between them felt charged with desire. Their coupling was short, but it felt oh so good to Ginny and she leaned forward, whispering the dirty words he loved so much into his ear. He roughly moaned her name and she felt him going off, still pumping steadily inside her. His body deliciously hit that spot inside her that made her crave so much more. Brogan shifted and his hand found her center, rubbing her until she felt her release cascade through her and she clutched at him, holding on for dear life, and finally, Ginny felt like herself again. Human and alive.

She lay back, still entwined with him and he smiled, following her down. His eyes traveled over her face, full of love. And she felt it all – could feel how much he'd missed her through the link as it bloomed wide open between them. It still took her breath away.

"I never imagined our first time alone together again would be in another kitchen," Ginny finally said, marveling at the weird yet amazing brilliance of life. She ran her hands through his hair as he leaned into it.

"It does seem to be a theme for us," Brogan said, kissing her. He rested his head on her chest. "Feel better though, don't you?"

Ginny smiled and nodded. They eventually knew they had to move and pulled their clothes up. Ginny shrugged at her knickers and banished them to the dirty clothes hamper with her wand. Brogan raised an eyebrow at her.

"Now how can I cook knowing you're all-natural over there in those jeans?"

"Try," Ginny said, sticking her tongue out. She playfully swatted at his bum, letting her hand linger. He shivered in response and grinned.

"Do you mind if I take a bath? Can you manage?" she asked after a moment, suddenly feeling as though she just wanted to soak in the warmth of the water and he nodded.

"Go ahead. The chicken's almost done. I'll just chop up the breast meat and put it in the soup."

"You're brilliant, Brogan," Ginny said, and she stretched up to kiss his cheek. "And thank you for making me feel like me again."

"Whenever you need help, just ask. It's a pleasurable chore."

"Oh, so I'm a chore now?"

"No, and that's not what I meant. Go bathe already, sassy pants. Er, well not, because you don't have any on, but sassy jeans doesn't have the same ring."

Ginny laughed as she left the kitchen and grabbed the bags with her new clothes in them. She had one or two items he might like to see, as well as Harry if he ever got home.

o-o-o-o-o

Harry rubbed at his eyes, feeling mentally, if not physically, tired. They'd asked him to help and while his natural inclination was to say no to the Ministry, Kingsley himself had asked and so, therefore, that meant he was there in some cold, sterile office instead of home with Ginny and Brogan.

They'd gone over everything they'd manage to piece together from inside the building that had exploded to what witnesses had told them. For Harry's part, he did not think seeing Draco Malfoy shortly before it happened was a coincidence – even if he had been going the other direction. But no one other than Tonks and Kingsley wanted to listen to him about that. He felt like he was back in school again and it was making him angry. It never failed, no matter what had happened. The Ministry was mostly a bunch of tossers of the worst sort.

He reached out with the bracelet to check on Brogan and Ginny and smiled a moment later. They were missing him, but surprisingly happy and he was glad. He had heard it had been a bit of a nightmare at the hospital earlier. So many children had been hurt. A few of them were even some of the ones staying at Grimmauld Place, he'd found out from Remus.

But he honestly didn't know what he was doing here anymore. Judging by how many times the Daily Prophet reporter had taken his picture, it was to look concerned and be Harry Potter. Bloody brilliant.

He found Tonks, who was talking to her old partner Bixby. Harry nodded a greeting to the other man.

"Tonks, I'm going home. I'm no use here any more. Let me know if you guys get any clues or something new, okay?"

"Of course, Harry. I know you don't think so, but Minister Spunk did appreciate you helping out. She is a good Minister, but she just loves publicity moments a wee bit too much."

Harry nodded, not wanting to argue nor linger. He raised a hand to Kingsley and then left the quickest way he could. He wanted food, Ginny, Brogan, and a bed. And not necessarily in that order.

When he arrived home he found Brogan just setting the table. The man hugged him fiercely for a moment and then stood back to give him a calculated look.

"You look like you need a drink."

"Agree with you. Too bad we didn't raid Solace's whiskey cabinet when we had the chance."

Brogan grinned and nudged him into one of the chairs. "Relax. I'll see what I can throw together."

"Where's Ginny?" Harry asked, looking around. Roisin mewled from where she was laying by the stove and trotted over to him after a moment. Harry picked her up and took in a deep breath of kitten fur, which smelled like home, somehow, to him.

"Taking a bath. You know how she is about being cleanly."

Harry smirked as Brogan carried over an odd-colored glass of something. Harry didn't say anything and merely took a sip. Brogan chuckled at him.

"You're trusting."

Harry grinned and then swallowed, smacking his lips. He looked at the drink. "Hey, you know what? That's not half-bad. What is it?"

"Caley recipe. Ultra top secret," Brogan said, going back to the stove. "The soup is almost done, so just sit and enjoy."

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed as she entered the kitchen, looking adorable in her dressing gown. She looked freshly scrubbed and relaxed. Almost too relaxed. Harry studied her as she settled herself in his lap. She started kissing him and wrapped her arms around him, the scent of flowers filling his senses.

"You two had sex."

"Harry!" Ginny said, looking shocked, but her face colored, and so did Brogan's as they exchanged glances.

"I see how it is, here I am toiling away for the good of our world and you two are shagging like bunnies. Please tell me you didn't do it on the table." Harry meant it as a joke but the looks on their faces were such that he knew he'd inadvertently struck upon exactly where it had happened. He looked down at the table and frowned.

"Well. At least tell me you cleaned it after."

"Oh, you," Ginny said, punching his lightly. She got off his lap and sat down in the other chair. She gave him a worried look. Harry reached out and took her hand.

"It's fine, Gin. Wish I could have been here, myself, joining in. I spent the last few hours feeling utterly useless and yet entirely used at the same time. It's quite the sensation."

Brogan floated three bowls of soup over to the table, as well as a nice loaf of crusty bread. He sat on Harry's other side and touched him briefly, squeezing his hand. Harry felt instantly relaxed; well, at least some of the tension had left him. He gave Brogan a grateful look. Having an Empath around really came in handy.

He told them what he knew while they ate and before he knew it, he was getting up for seconds. The soup was good. Simple, but tasty. Again, Harry wondered what he brought to their threesome other than his humor and his knobby knees.

"I bought some chocolate biscuits at the Muggle store, they should be in the pantry," Ginny called as he put his dish in the sink after they were done eating. He'd worry about the washing up later. That was definitely a thing for future Harry to deal with. He found the biscuits and brought them back to the table.

"So no one else thinks it's odd that Malfoy was seen in Diagon Alley and then suddenly things went boom?" Brogan asked, sounding slightly incredulous.

"Well, Kingsley and Tonks were right there with me and suspicious too, but it was noticeable how no one else wanted to talk about it."

"Coming back to England and blowing something up his first week hardly seems that bright of him," Ginny said, biting into a biscuit. "But then again, the git never has had much forethought. He's book smart, in some subjects, but not clever in a lot of other ways."

"That's my girl," Harry said, raising his glass to her. Ginny stuck her tongue out at him. She looked around and then reached across the table, handing him a stack of letters.

"You're mail, squire Potter."

"Ta," Harry said, flipping through it. Nothing looked very urgent and he set it aside. He saw Brogan and Ginny exchanged a look. "What?"

"Erm, my mum wrote. She's coming by at 12 sharp tomorrow. She wants you to be there," Ginny said, frowning. "But to be honest, if you don't want to be, you don't have to be. She can't order us around. We're not children."

Brogan squeezed her hand as though in comfort and Harry frowned. "Did I miss something? Did you have a row with your parents? Already? We haven't even seen them yet."

"No, but…I can tell she's not pleased with us. With me. She's upset we've moved in together."

"But we're bonded. And er, before this she'd been okay? I thought?" Harry said, feeling confused.

"We've only officially had the first bonding, that's nothing really. Molly Weasley does not like the idea of her young daughter living with not one, but two men and she doesn't even know the half of it yet," Ginny mused out loud.

"Should I not be here tomorrow?" Brogan asked, voice worried. "I don't want to be a sore spot or something she can use to pick a fight with you."

"No, you transferred money into my account today for half of this place," Harry said and smiled when Brogan looked surprised. "You thought I didn't notice, but I did, so technically Molly can't even say anything about it."

"So if you want to stay, stay," Ginny said, nodding. "Maybe I should just get it all out in one go. Send a letter and ask my dad to come with her."

Harry could tell Ginny was feeling feisty and prickly. He wondered how bad her mood had been before she and Brogan had been together. He was glad they'd helped each other relieve some stress. Speaking of which….Harry looked at them, suddenly wanting to relieve some of his own.

"Let's worry about everything tomorrow, yeah? Come on, I want you two both naked and in front of me, answering to my every whim."

"Oh, ho, get Commander Potter over here! One day back at the Ministry and we're bending to your various naughty whims," Ginny said, her face clearing. She grinned as she glanced at Brogan. "I should warn you now that I spent a wee bit more of your money than I meant."

"It's fine, you needed some new things," Brogan started, but she shushed him. She gave them a mischievous look.

"You're both going to love it."

Harry chuckled as he stood up. "Well, lead the way, Miss Weasley. Let us besmirch your honor a few times before dawn if we must."

"You two are loons," Brogan said fondly. He looked around the kitchen. "Erm, not to be that guy, but shouldn't we clean up?"

"I'll do it later, promise," Harry said. His tiredness from before was suddenly fading, especially as he thought he knew what Ginny's surprise was. She grinned widely at him as though catching a sense of his feelings.

"Well, if we must," Brogan said, sighing. He winked at them and then cast a few stasis charms on everything.

They made it to the bedroom and Harry started undressing, which Ginny raised an eyebrow at.

"Eager, much?"

"Yes and yes."

Ginny giggled and came to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. She kissed him and the silk of the dressing gown rubbed against his skin, feeling delectably naughty. Brogan sat back on the bed and watched them, kicking off his shoes. She grabbed a plain white box that sat on top of the dresser and winked at them.

"I'll be right back, but feel free to start without me this time."

Harry looked at Brogan and smiled. He helped the other man take off his shirt and kissed him, settling in between his legs. He rubbed against the other man and shifted until he was straddling him and pulled back to smile down at him.

"Need help with those jeans?"

Brogan's eyes had gone dark blue and he nodded. "I might." He reached out and cupped Harry, looking incredibly sexy just then. Harry waggled his eyebrows and pounced on Brogan, flipping them and hooking a leg around his waist, as though claiming ownership. Which, Harry thought, he just might be doing, at that. He gave Brogan a bold look and used his authoritarian voice.

"On second thought, take mine off first."

"Yes, sir," Brogan said, voice dipping down into that octave he adored. Brogan kept an eye on him as he slowly unzipped Harry's jeans and started to remove them. Harry grinned, feeling unabashed and entirely far too aroused. Brogan raised an eyebrow as he reached that part of Harry's anatomy and carefully worked around it as two high spots of color appeared on his cheeks. He pulled the jeans down and then removed Harry's socks, after thinking about it.

"Thanks," Harry said, smiling.

"My pleasure."

"Now it's your turn," Harry said, reaching for him. He pulled roughly on Brogan's jeans and turned the two of them back over. He gazed down at his lover hungrily as he lowered the other man's jeans. He couldn't resist and lowered his mouth down to Brogan's erection and teased him with his mouth, just a little bit, sucking him through the soft fabric of his pants. Brogan moaned softly and touched him, his fingers clenching in Harry's hair.

"Now this, this is what a woman likes to see," Ginny said from the doorway and they both looked at her and if Harry thought he'd been aroused before, it was nothing compared to how he felt now.

Ginny was in the sexiest sort of…lingerie he'd ever seen. And this included what she'd worn the night he'd proposed to her. She had the stockings on and the garters, of course, complete with an amazing pair of black court shoes that looked like they added at least three inches. The stockings were sheer and had little flowers etched into them and her legs looked as though they went on forever, which considering how short she was, was bloody brilliant. The top part of the outfit was pure lace and tightly drawn against her body and he could just make out the soft rosy blush of her nipples, noting they were already hard. His mouth watered at the thought. Her mid-drift was bare, the flatness of her stomach enticing his hands to just grab hold. The rest of the lingerie tapered down into the knickers section and Harry swallowed roughly. The entire outfit, save for the lace top, was black leather. But he could tell it would be soft to the touch, and it fit her like a glove, and there were buttons and snaps, oh dear God, he thought he might just explode by looking at her.

"Fuck me," Brogan breathed out, sounding as though he'd gone the same place as Harry.

"Oh, I intend to, don't worry," Ginny said, coming into the room. Harry moved off of Brogan so he could see her unimpeded and noticed she had her hand behind her back.

"What's in your hand?" Harry asked, almost not recognizing his own voice, it was so throaty and low. Brogan stirred next to him in reaction.

Ginny gave him a sassy look and didn't say anything. Harry grinned in response and tried again.

"Tell me," he ordered, sitting up. "Now, Ginerva."

Ginny's face heated and he could smell her arousal from the bed. Harry felt his mouth run dry.

"Well, since you've commanded that I tell you," Ginny said, voice going all girly and soft. She blinked her eyes at him, looking amused. She moved her hand to reveal a long sort of leather stick; it had feathers at one end and a wristlet at the other.

"Oh, goodness," Brogan said. "For the record, this is the best fucking money I have ever not known I've spent."

"I was hoping you'd say that," Ginny said as she stepped forward and touched Brogan and then Harry with what he could only call a whip or a crop or he didn't care, it looked fucking sexy in her hands and it felt even better as she lightly ran it over his skin.

"That's for me to use, right? Because you've been a bad girl?" Harry asked, reaching for her. He pulled her onto the bed and settled her in between them. Ginny laughed and it was husky and wonderful and sweet Merlin, he wanted them to be shagging already.

The leather was soft to the touch, and as Brogan ran his hand down her side, Ginny looked up at Harry, brown eyes full of heat. "Do you like it?"

Harry nodded. "I think you can tell that I do."

"And how about you?" she turned towards Brogan, who was cupping her backside.

"Honestly, Ginny, I think you look desirable in everything. But this…this is the hottest thing I have ever seen."

She blushed, and Harry let his eyes follow it down her body, licking his lips. He reached out and pulled at one of the little buttons he'd noticed earlier. "What do these do?"

Ginny smiled and sat up, staying on her knees in between them. When she was sure she had both their eyes focused where she wanted them, she undid the snaps and the knickers fell away, leaving her completely exposed to them.

"We've died and gone to heaven," Brogan mumbled, touching him and Harry could only nod dumbly. Ginny winked and then lay back, keeping her legs open for them.

"Queue to the left please," Ginny said teasingly, and Harry took the whip from her hand and lowered it slowly down her body, teasing her with the feathers. He leaned down and kissed her and then looked at Brogan.

"I think she deserves a gift for this," he said.

"Aye. She deserves all the gifts for this." He sat up and joined Harry and they both looked at her.

"Kiss him," Ginny ordered, biting her lip. Harry reckoned it didn't matter which one she was talking to.

He turned his head and Brogan captured his lips, and he eagerly responded, knowing this is what Ginny wanted. She moaned as they continued, and his heart was racing quite nicely, thanks to Brogan's snogging skills. Ginny's eyes had gone dark and were full of need. She had started touching herself and he smiled at her.

"You like watching us, don't you, Gin? I can smell you from here."

Ginny nodded and held out her hand to him. Harry took it and lowered his face down to her sex, taking in a deep breath. He kissed the inside of her thigh, the soft sheer feeling of the stockings tickling his face. He felt Brogan move behind him and Harry used his hand to just magic their clothes away. He had no patience for being half dressed now. Ginny chuckled and he looked up at her, pulling away slightly.

"What would you like?"

"Have him take you while you please me," she said, smirking. "And then, when he's done, you're going to take me while he pleases me. He'll have both of us over him. I'll be on my hands and knees."

"Oh, Merlin," Brogan muttered, and Harry grinned. He nuzzled Ginny, kissing her intimately again. Harry lifted his head, catching Ginny's eye.

"You have the best fucking ideas, love."

She moved her head back and forth. "I know. Now get to work, Potter, or I'll have to crack the whip."

"This whip?"

"Yes, now give it back."

Harry did as she asked and then moved his face back into position. He knew it wouldn't take long, she was already so incredibly wet. He quickly cast the lubrication spell on himself and Brogan and waited for the other man to start. Harry moaned against Ginny's body as he felt the other man move his fingers into place, getting Harry's body ready, the other man's mouth leaving a wet trail of kisses down his back. Ginny sighed in pleasure and Harry focused on her for a moment, licking slowly up and then down. He sucked the tiny bud of her sex in between his lips and she writhed a bit, whispering his name. Brogan was close behind him, hardly any distance between them and Harry kissed Ginny's legs when he felt the other man shift, his hardness rubbing deliciously close. Harry saw stars when Brogan entered him and he moaned again against Ginny. He'd forgotten how tight it could feel. He shuddered involuntarily, and Brogan started to move, his hands gripping Harry's hips as he thrust. Ginny opened her legs even wider and Brogan swore above him. Harry glanced up and saw her touching her nipples, pulling at them through the lace. He reached out and claimed one for himself and she moaned in response, arching into it.

Harry didn't think he'd ever felt anything as fantastic as this – to be claimed by Brogan while he made love to Ginny with his mouth was one of the greatest experiences of his life and he knew he'd had a fair share of good ones. But this… this thrilled him, excited him, opened up some part of him he didn't recognize but tumbled into anyway. He was painfully hard, but honestly didn't care, and gladly gave himself over to loving her and being loved by him. He shivered as Ginny worked the whip gently across his back and moaned when she playfully struck him with it.

Brogan reached around to stroke him and Harry hummed his agreement with that plan. He started moving his mouth in earnest, lapping at the sweet taste of her. Ginny was soon gasping out his name, and he could tell she was close. He loved making her come, the taste, the smell of her…it was brilliant.

She arched and then her body went taut and he knew she was letting go. Her legs surrounded his head for a moment as though to pull him in and then relaxed. Brogan started pushing in deeper and Harry swore, feeling done in. Ginny slowly moved away and sat up, kissing Brogan. Harry bottomed out and stretched, offering all he was to the pair of them.

Whatever Ginny whispered to Brogan worked, because he was starting to thrust erratically, and Harry urged him on, moaning and saying his name, telling him to take him, to just fuck him as hard as he wanted. Brogan cried out a moment later, collapsing against him, his body slammed up against Harry's. Harry half-moaned as he took the other man's weight, feeling completely done in, and yet he knew he was capable of more. And he always wanted more. More from both of them.

Ginny turned him over after Brogan had moved and she grinned down at him. She looked at his body, her eyes filling with heat. She reached out to stroke him.

"You're so hard," she murmured. "I love that."

"I aim to please, love," he mumbled, feeling exhilarated.

She turned and looked at Brogan. "Are you okay or do you need a moment?"

The other man gave her a lopsided smile. "I'm always ready for whatever you want, Ginny."

"Goody," she said, smiling. She went to him and kissed him, stretching her body tightly against his. Brogan responded, picking her up and her legs closed around his waist. Harry sighed and watched them, biding his time. His erection was still painful, his body wanting to be doing something already, but he wasn't in a hurry anymore. Watching the two of them kiss was its own special sort of release.

Finally, they broke away, and Ginny moved back to him. She nodded at Harry and he moved off the bed. Brogan kissed him, grazing his hand over him, making him suck a breath in through his teeth. Brogan's eyes were full of mischief.

"That bad, eh?"

"Shut it. You've had your fun."

"From behind, I think, Harry," Ginny said, and Harry turned sharply to her, feeling his temperature rise. Was it his birthday? No, not for another few weeks but here she was, giving him everything he wanted.

Ginny reached for them. She told Brogan to lay down on the bed, with his head at the edge. She climbed on top of him, her head facing his feet, and then got on her hands and knees above him. She tickled him on his side and he chuckled, batting her hand away. She looked at Harry, flipping her hair over her shoulder in a playful way, and leaned forward, her very fine backside calling to him. He moved forward and ran his hand over her curves and licked his lips.

"Can you breathe down there, Brogan?"

"Yeah. It's…fantastic."

Ginny winked at Harry and then smiled. "Well, when you're ready."

Harry didn't need to be told twice. He took himself in hand, hissing at the contact, and knew he might not last as long as he wanted but he was sure as hell he'd enjoy it as much as he could. He slid into Ginny's wetness without preamble and sighed. It was almost with relief and his body started to sing in response. Ginny cooed and wiggled her bum and he slapped it lightly.

"Stop trying to make me lose it in two seconds," Harry grumbled, and she gave him wide eyes.

"My, my. Two seconds? A new record, Harry."

Harry grabbed her briskly and then started moving. Ginny moaned as he started with a quick pace, and leaned further over Brogan. She was in the perfect position to take him into her mouth as Harry lifted her off the ground and Brogan hummed in approval, sounding muffled.

Harry knew he should make sure the other man could breathe but he didn't care at that point and figured if Brogan needed them to let up, he'd let them know. Harry shifted his hips and boldly took Ginny, and it was fast and hard and as he dug his nails into her hips, he loved it. She was moaning his name, telling him to go faster as she sat back up and he moved his hands up her body, holding her across the chest to keep her in place.

Brogan grunted underneath them and one of his hands moved teasingly over Harry's arse, nimble fingers demanding access, and Harry knew nothing except more, more, more. Ginny moved her hips perfectly in time to his thrusts, as though they'd choreographed it. It felt absolutely divine to Harry and he kissed the back of her shoulder, biting lightly. She turned her head, smirking. God, she was beautiful to him. She nodded and he released his hold on her so that she could lay back down over Brogan. She took the other man into her mouth once more as Harry gripped her hips and really started to move.

Ginny eventually had to remove her mouth from Brogan, her body was shaking too much and she cried out. Harry almost stopped, afraid he'd hurt her but she turned and met his eyes and shook her head. The smell of all of them filled the air, and it was thick with longing and desire and love. The noises Ginny started to make only urged him further, pushing into her without worry. He knew she could take it.

Her moans reached a fevered pitch and he realized Brogan was licking her as Harry took her and it was this that was his undoing. He exploded without warning, shifting and pumping into her and holding on for dear life to the two people that made everything worth it. The three of them together was everything, and it was beautiful, this love, this life they made together, and his mind went numb as his release hit him and Harry knew nothing but pleasure.

They collapsed, or, mostly, Harry collapsed, but he made sure to move away, wary of hurting Brogan. He sank into the bed completely spent and his body felt as though it was on fire. Ginny climbed off of Brogan and kissed Harry, murmuring sweet words in his ear. He kissed her back and then nodded at her. She turned to Brogan, touching him and she lay down next to him and kissed her way down his body. Brogan turned to Harry and reached for his hand, connecting them. It was intoxicating. Harry felt his heart fill and knew Brogan had done it intentionally. Ginny pushed her hair out the way and took Brogan into her mouth, having her way with him.

Harry watched them, utterly dazed and in love. Watching them love each other was the absolute opposite of what he had ever thought. It was freeing and an immense gift to experience. Ginny was the sweetest, sexiest thing Harry had ever known, and he enjoyed watching her share that with Brogan. She worked him right up until the edge and then pulled back, smirking. Brogan said her name reverently and Harry could feel his need and desire through the link. Ginny sat up and was sliding on top of Brogan and both men could only stare in wonder as she rode him exquisitely to completion. Harry had been in the presence of Aine and knew without a doubt, that like her, Ginny was a goddess. He almost felt himself stir again when she used the whip lightly on Brogan, running it up and down his chest, teasing his climax out of him.

Afterward, they curled around each other and Harry touched her and he touched him and he knew nothing but utter bliss and happiness. And he said so, which caused them both to laugh, but he didn't care, and Harry drifted off to sleep with a smile on his face.

o-o-o-o-o

Ginny awoke and stretched, wincing because her body was sore from the night before. Thinking of said night before made her smile and she turned and could hear that Harry was quietly snoring, his mouth open and his hair a mess. In short, even while asleep, he was his usual adorable self. They'd all crashed after the evening's activities, and the only thing she regretted about it was that she was cold as hell, since she'd eventually taken her lingerie off. Not that it would have kept her very warm anyway, and she smirked at the thought. She frowned when she realized Brogan was missing and found her dressing gown and slipped it on, while also pulling on a pair of thick wool socks.

She kissed Harry and brushed his hair back from his face, feeling her heart clench with affection. She loved him so much.

She found Brogan in the kitchen, of course, the dirty dishes done and the coffee on. She leaned against the doorway and watched him. His back was to her as he fiddled with something in the oven, porridge most likely, and he was half-humming half-singing something. Merlin, she'd missed his voice.

"Do you only sing while cooking in the early hours or can I request a concert later in the shower?" Ginny finally asked, startling him.

He blushed and shook his head. He turned and pointed at the tea he'd already started, and she smiled gratefully at him. She joined him at the table a moment later.

"Couldn't sleep?" Ginny asked.

"I just woke up early. Thought I would make the kitchen presentable for…your mum's visit."

Ah, that explained it. Ginny reached out and took his hand. "Don't fret. It's not worth it, in the long run. Or at least, that is what I'm telling myself. And I always give myself expert advice."

Brogan chuckled and took a drink of his coffee. "I see. Good to know." He paused and gazed at her. "You do feel as though you're in a better mind-frame than last night, at least."

"Yes, well, amazing sex will do that to a woman."

"Yeah, we were pretty great, weren't we?"

They both kept a straight face for about half a minute before laughing. Ginny felt giddy. She didn't care what her mum might say; this felt good. And damn it, she was going to fight for it. Just then, Harry wandered in, wiping at his eyes. He waved at them and then made for the coffee straight away. She shook her head at Brogan.

"You've turned him into one of your kind."

"Don't blame me for that," Brogan said as Harry joined them, still spooning sugar into his coffee. "He puts far too much sugar in his cup for that concoction to be considered coffee."

Harry sat down next to Ginny and smiled as he took a sip. His eyes opened a bit more and he noticed the kitchen was cleaned.

"All right, who do I owe a huge favor to for cleaning?"

Ginny pointed at Brogan, who raised his hand as though fending Harry off.

"Don't worry about it. I was up and made myself useful. You can clean the loo for me."

"Erm, maybe we should look into getting a cleaning service in. Wizards do that, don't they?"

"Harry." Ginny tsked at him.

"Most pureblood, wealthy families have elves," Brogan reminded him.

Harry frowned into his cup. "Oh, yeah. Hmm. Bugger. I don't know…do you think…do you think Hermione would kill me a little or a lot if I asked Dobby to do it? I'd pay him, of course."

"You're walking a fine line there, I think," Ginny said. She could just imagine Hermione's reaction. Although she might be mollified if Harry was very generous with his pay, which Ginny was sure he would be anyway.

"I know. Oh, hell, I'm not a stranger to cleaning things. Not while living with someone like Aunt Petunia the first 16 years of my life. I don't know what my problem is. I'll do better guys, I promise."

Brogan and Ginny exchanged looks as the Tempus charm set for the oven went off. Ginny took a deep breath and could smell vanilla and something richer as it filled the kitchen.

"What did you make?"

"I found that Irish cookbook of yours, and they had a recipe for scones that I thought looked easy. They suggested it for tea, obviously, but I thought after last night we could indulge our sweet tooth a bit. I added some of those vanilla pods you bought and some maple syrup."

"I bought maple syrup?" Ginny didn't remember that. Most likely Ron had slipped it into her trolley without her noticing. She had weird brothers.

He brought the scones over to the table, and Harry and Ginny were both reaching for one before he'd even let go of the platter as the intoxicating scent hit their noses. Brogan smirked at them as he sat back and drank his coffee.

"These are heavenly!" Ginny exclaimed. "Aren't you having one?"

"You know he doesn't like sweets," Harry said, crumbs falling out of his mouth a bit. "Although, wow, Brogan she's right, these are fantastic. You're missing out."

"I had some regular toast and jam before I baked these. I thought your mum might like them too, so don't eat them all."

They both nodded and reached for their second one together. Harry smirked at her when she took the bigger one. Ginny stuck her tongue out at him playfully. They stopped after the third one, and Brogan took the scones away, tsking at them. Ginny patted her stomach feeling quite full, surprisingly. She still licked her fingers though.

"You know, if you have my Mum eat one of those first thing, she'll adopt you into the family on the spot. Either that or hex you until you give up the recipe."

"Brilliant, thanks," Brogan said dryly. "Well, I'm going to shower and leave you two with the small mess I made." He kissed Harry and then her and grinned at them. She looked at Harry and saw him watching Brogan walk away, and already knew what was in his mind.

"Oh, no, Potter, lose that thought right now. You're helping me and not showering with him."

Harry looked offended, but she knew he wasn't really. He sighed as though being put upon, but then grinned at her.

"Seems fair. As long you let me conserve water and shower with you instead."

Ginny laughed. "We'll see."

o-o-o-o-o

They worked all morning on getting the house as presentable and 'lived in' looking as possible. She was grateful that Brogan and Harry were so helpful. Between the three of them, they were all unpacked in no time. Just in case, the men put some of Brogan's things in plain view in the other bedroom, but Ginny thought they were being silly. If her mum started her visit by snooping in bedrooms then they were already doomed.

Harry was sitting at the table, answering the letters he'd received yesterday (and more this morning, but those were mostly from the Ministry, nothing new on the explosion front, unfortunately). Brogan was reading a book from his Aine-bookcase and Ginny was playing with Roisin on the floor in the sitting room. She felt bad because she felt as though they were neglecting the kitten. She wondered if when school started Roisin might make some new friends at Hogwarts.

Ginny had dressed to impress this morning, even though she felt silly doing so – it was just her mum. But she'd convinced herself to buy a dress yesterday, courtesy of Brogan, and it was a lovely thing – it was an A-line, complete with a full skirt that was white with little red and blue flowers embroidered into it, and they curled around the sides and main body of the dress. She'd found an old red cardigan she forgot she owned that was soft and cozy and put that on, to keep her arms warm. She felt very girly, and both Harry and Brogan had made her twirl in front of them, complimenting her until she'd believed they weren't just being nice.

Noon came before she was ready, and she was just straightening her skirt and fixing her hair in the hallway mirror when there was a slight pop of sound, meaning someone had Apparated by the front gate. Ginny went to the window and could see her mum scanning the house. She'd stupidly forgotten how fierce her mum could be. She felt a hand on her back and then a wave of calmness hit her. Ginny turned to see Brogan watching her.

"Just don't let your anger get the best of you. If she won't listen then just stop talking. It'll confuse her and maybe then she'll start to hear you."

"Great advice," Harry said, joining them. "I love your mum, Gin, but know that I am here for you. Always. And I will not tolerate her being mean to you in our house, even if it is a rental. It's our home for now."

Ginny nodded and took a deep breath. She opened the door and made her way to the gate. Thanks to Brogan, he'd made it so someone wouldn't see them until they opened it. They could see the house, of course, but they couldn't cross over and walk to the front door until being welcomed. He said he'd come up with the idea based on the blood spell he'd learned at Thorn Rose Cottage, tying the house to each of them. She knew it gave Harry a sense of security as well as a sense of privacy without making the house unplottable or secret-kept.

She unlatched the gate and felt the magic drop briefly around her. Her mum's eyes widened a bit in surprise but she masked it well. She held open her arms.

"Oh, Ginny, come here," her mum said, and then Ginny was being hugged within an inch of her life. She closed her eyes briefly, smelling biscuits, lemons and something that was just her mum all rolled into one homely scent.

When they broke apart, Harry and Brogan had joined them by then and Molly turned to Harry, hugging him as well. Her mother smiled benignly at Brogan and welcomed him back. Ginny felt one of her alarm bells go off but decided to ignore it. She'd hardly expect her mum to hug him; they weren't that close.

Her mother didn't say anything about the house either, which again, made Ginny wary. On a scale of 1 to how red her mother's face could turn when provoked, Ginny reckoned they were at about an 8. She briefly wondered if she should have invited Ron over to help support and deflect.

"Where can we sit and talk, Ginny?" Her mother asked her, turning to her. Ginny nodded at the front door.

"We have a lovely sitting room, mum. Or there's a cute little table in the breakfast area-"

"Alone, dear. Where can I talk to you alone?"

Ginny almost swore out loud as she stumbled and felt her mouth go dry. Harry was there immediately, his hand on her back. She could feel his warmth and strength coursing through her and gave him a grateful smile.

"Anything you want to say to Ginny, you can say in front of us," Harry said, voice firm.

Molly's eyes flicked to Brogan and then back to them. She smiled, but her voice was like glass. "Oh, can I, Harry? That's very sweet, but I think some things are meant for mothers and daughters only."

"There are no secrets between us," Ginny said, raising her head a bit higher. She knew what her mum was playing at and she was suddenly already tired of it. "Not between Harry and I and not between me and Brogan, either."

"I see. Well, just remember I did try to spare you the embarrassment," Molly said, frowning. She headed into the house as if she was the one renting it and not them, and Ginny exchanged glances with Harry.

"Go on," he murmured, giving her a small smile. Ginny looked longingly at the road beyond their house, suddenly wishing she was walking anywhere away from where she was. Brogan smiled at her encouragingly.

"Your mum is upset, but she's not…she's not upset with me or Harry. Nor with you, exactly," he said quietly, glancing at the house.

"Are you sure about that?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah, her emotions aren't zeroing in on anyone specific. See what she has to say."

Ginny decided she could give her mum the benefit of the doubt. She turned to Harry. "Let me talk to her alone. I'll let you know if I need you two, okay?"

Harry looked like he wanted to disagree or argue with her, but to his credit, he said nothing and nodded his head. Ginny smiled and kissed him on the cheek. She took a deep breath and made her way inside.

She found her mum in the kitchen, glancing around and looking as though her heart was breaking. Ginny suddenly felt the fight go out of her.

"I'm sorry, mum," Ginny said. Molly turned to her a bit surprised, with a question on her face.

"I'm sorry for being rude to you back there, and for not telling you we were back and that we'd decided to move in here together. I'm sorry you think I'm putting my life unnecessarily in danger all the time and I'm sorry, so sorry, because I feel like there's this wall between us now, and I hate it. And, I just want you to know, I love you, mum. You and dad. You've been the best parents. Strict but fair, and I know you're just looking out for me. And even though you might not think it, I do appreciate that. And I appreciate all you have tried to do for me and teach me and….I hope you're proud of me because Merlin knows I'm proud of you and Dad. I always have been. You taught me how to love and be generous and take care of things and…." Ginny stopped because she realized she was starting to cry and she didn't want to be a blubbering mess.

Her mother gave her a tender look and then was hugging her again, pulling her close. When they broke apart, Molly was giving her a kind expression.

"Oh, Ginny. Please don't apologize for growing up. Yes, you should have let me know, and yes, we should have talked about things. But I realized when I let you join the Order that I would never be able to stop you from becoming a formidable young woman who likes to do as she pleases. Of course, I'm proud of you. You are my daughter! Furthermore, you have grown into a kind and lovely person."

"Then why do I feel like we've been fighting?" Ginny asked, wiping her eyes. She led her mum to the table. She smiled to see Brogan had already set if with the tea and scones from their morning. She poured her mum a cup, offering it to her.

Molly sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. "Part of that is my fault. I don't mean to come on like a bear in a biscuit house, but you've been in Ireland for such a long time! At least, it felt like you were to me. I am not used to having an empty house, Ginny. All my babies, grown and living lives of their own! All I do during the day is worry about all of you. And…and Percy is…." Her mother sobbed and buried her face into her handkerchief.

"But I thought Percy was doing better? Isn't he helping the Ministry build their cases against the Death Eaters?"

Molly nodded. "He is. And he is doing a fine job. I'm so proud of him. But he refuses to live with us, and instead, he sleeps in a cell at the Ministry, claiming all he needs is a bed and a roof over his head. He was staying with Fred since your brother also ran away to Ireland. But with Fred seeing Angelina now, oh, she's a lovely girl, Percy said he felt as though he was in the way. And Bill is off with Fleur, he's getting her a job at Gringott's too, by the way. I feel like we've made real progress with reconnecting with Percy but he seems to have fallen into his sullen self again. I just can't seem to reach him no matter what I do."

Ginny frowned. She'd kept in touch with most of her family while they'd been gone, but she had to admit Percy had been the one she'd been in touch with the least. She knew then she should have made more of an effort because when left to his own devices, Percy could sometimes make acting dour and serious into his latest hobby. She made up her mind to contact him soon and see what was going on with him.

She watched as her mum finally picked up a scone to eat. Molly sniffed it and then broke off a corner section. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment and then her expression cheered considerably.

"Ginny, these are lovely! Ron always says you are hopeless in the kitchen, but your baking skills far surpass his. Delicious."

Ginny smirked. "I didn't make them. Brogan did this morning. Especially for your visit, actually."

Her mother raised an eyebrow at that. "Is that so? Well, I'll have to compliment him before I leave. It's so nice of you and Harry to give him a place to live while he's here. How is his father taking that since he has that huge flat of his all to himself now?"

Ginny blinked at her mother, surprised by the tone in her voice and how quickly the subject had changed. Alarm bells were back to going off, and Ginny knew she would have to be careful.

"Erm, well, Solace and Brogan don't have that close-knit type of relationship-"

"Ginerva."

Ginny shut her mouth with a snap and had an ice-cold feeling run through her as her mother squared her with a no-nonsense sort of look.

"Mum?"

Molly Weasley pursed her lips at her daughter, and Ginny resisted every nerve in her body that wanted to suddenly squirm.

"Is there anything you think you need to tell me?"

Ginny swallowed roughly and sat back in her chair. She stared down at her still untouched cup of tea and felt sick. Now that the moment was here, she found herself feeling remarkably un-brave. She felt a warmth along her bracelet arm that soon flared into a feeling of confidence and she knew Brogan and Harry were trying to reassure her and help her remain calm. Goodness, but she loved them. And believing in that love made her courage return.

She gazed steadily back at her mum. "No. Not really. Is there something you want to ask?"

Molly blinked back at her; she clearly hadn't been expecting that reply. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Ginny. "You three are close."

Ginny nodded. "We are."

"You risked your life for him, which I'm still not happy about. But what's done is done, I suppose."

"We did. We would do it again. He would do the same for us."

"He's…that witch's last descendant."

Ginny frowned, not sure what that had to do with anything, unless….Ginny then wondered if her parents had known about the old rumor about the Heir and the Descendant being meant for each other.

"How much did Dumbledore tell you about Brogan's prophecy, mum?"

"Enough," Molly said, taking another sip of her tea and looking decidedly away.

"What do you think you know?" Ginny finally asked. Her mother sharply turned her head, nostrils flaring with indignation.

"I know my daughter is living with not one, but two men. I know she got involved with ancient magics to bring one of them back and she succeeded. I'm not sure what to think about that. But I know she has left her family behind her and concentrated on nothing but him since then."

"That's not true! I have not left my family behind me. I was in touch with everyone, well, maybe not Percy as much, but-"

"Ginny. How much of a fool do you think I am?"

"I don't think you're a fool, mum."

Molly took a deep breath and ran her finger along the outside of her teacup. It was a nervous gesture, Ginny knew because she had seen it many times before in her life.

"What does Harry say?"

Ginny stared at her mother, perplexed. What exactly were they talking about?

"What does Harry say about what?"

"Well, obviously, you two are bonded and even though it was just the first one, it still does mean something, Ginevra, regardless of whether or not you've…well, yes. Yes. What does Harry say? He is obviously understanding since he is living here too."

Ginny frowned and shook her head. "Mum! What are you on about? I'm not following, sorry."

Molly pursed her lips. "Do not make me say it out loud, Ginny."

"Well, could you write it down instead? Because I am honestly confused."

"Do not give me any sass, young lady. You maybe be bonded with Harry and living on your own, but I am still your mother. And you are still just 17 years old and that may make you an adult in our world, but it does not give you the freedom to do anything you damn well please!"

Ginny sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm not trying to be disrespectful, honest. I just don't know what you're trying to say or ask me because you won't come out and say it!"

"Are you involved with that Brogan?" Molly finally snapped, her brown eyes flashing dangerously.

There. There it was. It was as though the words hung in the air between mother and daughter. Ginny could feel nothing but the beginning of a sense of ultimate sadness. But before her mother left in a huff or said something they'd both regret, Ginny wanted to set her mind to rights about some things.

"First of all, he is not "that" Brogan, like he's some random person you haven't known for the last year or sat with or shared food with or spent time with. He is my friend as well as Harry's. He's saved my life, mum, and saved Harry's. He even saved yours at the Ministry by sacrificing himself for all of us, so whatever else you say, remember this – he deserves your respect for that at least."

"I did not raise you to-"

"To what? Fall in love? Care about people? Know what's right? Sorry, mum, but you did. You taught me to be myself, in all things. And I will not allow you to sit here and get shrill about a person I care about. No, I will not mince words with you – you will not disrespect a person I love."

Molly gasped at her words.

Ginny realized she had leaned forward across the table so that she was practically breathing down her mother's neck and immediately sat back, releasing a deep breath.

Molly sat up straighter in her chair and gave Ginny a chilling look, but even as she frowned back at her mother in response, she realized that the Molly Weasley Glare of Death was not working on her. Not this time. It could pale her brothers and stop her father in his tracks, but Ginevra Molly Weasley was made of stronger stuff and as she gazed calmly back at her mother, she realized that her mother finally knew it too. Molly stared at her and then finally, she deflated slightly, just a weakening of her shoulders, but Ginny saw it and felt a small, yet petty victory.

Molly looked away and then back at her, eyes full of hurt. "I did not raise you to dishonor your vows, Ginny. I don't care what you say to me, but to do this to Harry…it is the most horrible, betrayal of trust-"

"Wait. Mum. Are you saying that you're not upset with me because you think I'm with Brogan, but because you think I'm betraying Harry? That I've broken our bond? Is that what you think?"

Molly wiped at her eye. "Well, isn't that what's happened? Why Harry hasn't thrown the pair of you out is beyond me. That boy has the patience of-"

"Harry is still with me, mum. And with Brogan. We are all together."

Ginny said the words quietly but she made sure her mother understood her. Molly's eyes went wide and she blinked at her daughter, brow furrowed. Ginny decided to plow on.

"Furthermore, it was a mutual decision between the three of us. We love him, mum. And he loves us…the both of us. And the bracelets we used to defeat Voldemort with," Ginny held up her arm and her mother's eyes immediately went to the snake-bracelet as though she'd never seen them before. "These have joined the three of us deeper than any bonding ceremony. Harry thinks we're all three already married, and I don't know what to think myself, to be truthful, but I know that while Brogan was gone, it was like missing a part of myself. So that is why I got involved with those so-called ancient magics you're worried about, and that is why the both of us had to stay in Ireland until we had him back. He's that important to us."

"I don't know what to say…." Her mother stood up and then sat back down again, as though an invisible hand had pushed her back down into the chair. Ginny stood and filled her mum's cup again and forced the tea into her mum's hands.

"Drink the tea, it does wonders," Ginny said without a trace of irony in her voice as she sat back down. Molly nodded her head absentmindedly.

She finally looked less peaky and gazed at Ginny. "But you and Harry. You're still…you're still wearing his ring, he's still…."

"Yes," Ginny said patiently. "I'm still marrying him, of course. I love him."

"And I'm still marrying her, that is, if you still want me in the family," Harry said from the doorway. He came to the table and rested his hand on Ginny's shoulder, squeezing it. He kneeled so that her mother wouldn't have to look awkwardly up at him and after a moment, took Molly's hand into his.

"Ginny and I still love each other very much…Mrs…Mo-lly." Harry barely stumbled over using her mother's first name, and Ginny felt her heart beat a bit faster. "Your daughter is the most amazing thing in my life, and I cherish her and I still want to give her anything and everything she wants. We are still committed to each other, never worry about that."

"But…." Her mother's voice trailed off in confusion, her eyes settling on something behind them. Ginny turned and saw Brogan lingering by the door. He caught her eye and swallowed roughly before entering the kitchen. He joined Harry and linked them together, with one hand on hers and one on Harry's.

"There's a thing that happens with Empaths, Mrs Weasley," Brogan said gently. "We are blessed with a talent to share things between people, sort of like opening an emotional pathway. I never thought it would happen to me, but when I helped Harry save Ginny from Voldemort, I connected the three of us in such a way. It was supposed to fade, but it never did. I used to think it was because I was just a piss-poor Empath, but now I think it's because it was meant to happen that way. I got to know them very well – more than as friends because I could feel everything they felt."

"He's helped us so much, mum," Ginny said, nodding. "He's so good, too. I wish I could somehow make you understand-"

Molly looked at the three of them and scoffed, and Ginny wasn't sure what words might have brazenly come out of her mouth if Brogan hadn't let go of them and touched her mum instead, clasping his hands around hers. Molly blinked at him, a frown half-frozen on her face, and then the most remarkable thing happened. Her face cleared and she smiled. Then she laughed. Harry glanced at Ginny, as though not sure what that mean. Ginny couldn't say, either.

"You love them," Molly said, gazing in awe at Brogan. "You really do love them both." He slowly nodded his head. He released her mother's hands and looked at them.

"They are the best two people I have ever known. And I know people, Mrs Weasley. I sense them all the time, the good stuff, the bad...most people focus on the bad or get stuck on it, admittedly. That's why when I met them, I liked them almost immediately because Harry and Ginny are, quite simply, good. They are both generous to a fault, and you have a daughter who is fierce and passionate and full of so much life. And Harry…whatever hand you've had in his development, you've succeeded in teaching him about love and family and he's healed so much, inside, because of you, whether he knows it or not. But I think he does know it," Brogan smiled faintly at Harry, who nodded.

"Molly, you taught me that everyone is worthy of caring, even a scared, orphan boy who befriended your son at the age of 11. You took me into your home, but more than that you took me into your heart and you have always been there for me. I was raised by the Dursleys to act as though I didn't exist, that I was wrong, somehow. They tried to teach me that I was unloveable and no one would ever want me. But you showed me that was untrue Molly. You made me start to believe that people can be good. And Brogan and Ginny remind me every day that not only do I have a right to love but that I deserve it, too."

Ginny moved until she was hugging Harry. That had been very touching to hear. She was so glad Ron and he had become friends. He'd been such a lost little boy. It was amazing to her, the loving man he was now. She met her mother's eyes and Molly sniffed again and nodded. And Ginny knew that no matter what reservations her mother might have about their lives together, she knew eventually, that her mother would come around.

"I see," Molly eventually said. "Well, I have to think about what you've shared with me, today. I never thought…oh. This is not what I expected."

"Just don't be mad at Ginny or assume we forced her into this or that she's a bad person because we didn't and she's not," Brogan said, standing up. "You might as well know now, we have a very low tolerance for people picking on her."

Harry chuckled and stood up as well. He held his hand out to Ginny and she joined them, kissing Harry on the cheek. She gazed at her mother, who was watching them.

"Are we okay, mum?"

"You are my daughter and I love you, Ginny. No matter what else, there is always that." Molly stood and looked away for a moment. She eventually smiled shyly at Brogan.

"Do you think you could give me the recipe for the scones, dear? They were quite tasty."

Brogan laughed and nodded, turning to go and fetch the Irish recipe book, and Ginny knew they were going to be all right someday. Perhaps even someday soon. One parent down - one to go, but Ginny knew her father was a different thing altogether. She'd worry about that when she got there. For right now, she'd take this small victory of a sorts and enjoy it.

o-o-o-o-o