The Best Laid Plans
Summary: Harry plans a special Valentine's Day to make up for missing the previous year's Valentine's Day to Ginny. But on the morning of Valentine's Day, he wakes up sick, derailing the plans he had made. Thankfully, Ginny comes to take care of him.
Harry had been planning Valentine's Day since January. He planned on taking Ginny into London for the day. She loved the zoo when he took her the summer before his sixth year and thought about taking her to the aquarium as well since she had never been. He planned the day with Ginny in mind, picking things she enjoyed when they adventured into the city that summer before everything went south.
He felt he needed to make up for lost time with Ginny due to his spending a year on the run, hunting Horcruxes. Ginny tried to tell him he didn't need to but gave up when he didn't listen to her. Lily advised her to let him because he wasn't going to let it go.
To make up for missing their anniversary, he told her to pick somewhere she always wanted to go. She said Paris. Harry arranged for a weekend getaway, using that fact he wasn't working yet to his advantage, to Paris. All he told her was to pack for three days, including a few suggestions of things she should pack. Ginny didn't know where they were going until they got to the Portkey office.
"I don't know if I should slap you or kiss you," She said when they landed in the French Ministry of Magic.
"I'd go with the latter," Harry said, teasingly.
To make up for missing her sixteenth birthday, he took Ginny to see Beauty and the Beast at the Dominion Theatre. She had seen the movie one day when she was at the Potter's and Harry had planned a day in for them at the house. He had rented the movie from a rental store in Potter's Bar. The girl working behind the counter just smirked at him and asked, "Girlfriend?"
Harry nodded. He ended up renting it twice in the summer and three times in the next summer. Ginny loved the movie and it turned out that it was Hermione's favorite as well.
Harry had tipped Ron off to the show and guided him through the process of getting tickets for the show. It was one of Ron's Christmas presents to Hermione.
Like with the trip to Paris, Harry didn't tell Ginny where they were going, just told her to dress a little more nicely than she normally would. She was surprised when she saw where they were going. They bought a programme and Harry bought her a fake rose so she'd have something to remember this night.
And that didn't include what he did for Ginny's seventeenth birthday and their third anniversary.
He made up for Christmas with a couple of extra presents.
Now all he needed to do was to make up for the missed Valentine's Day.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry woke up on the morning of Valentine's Day, sick. This was the last thing he wanted. He had felt off when he went to bed last night but figured a good night's sleep would help him feel better.
His head hurt, his stomach hurt, he felt hot, and he felt nauseous. He closed his eyes willing the feeling of sickness would just go away. Instead, his stomach roiled.
Sighing, he turned onto his side curling up in a ball, wrapping his arms around his middle. He swallowed back the nausea he felt, trying to keep from feeling like he was going to be sick.
"Why today?" Harry whispered. And it wasn't just because it was Valentine's Day.
James had taken Lily into London for the weekend. Since Lily was going to be at St. Mungo's on Monday for a conference, they were staying in London the entire weekend. She would be going back to Hogwarts from the hotel while James would come on home.
"What do I do?" Harry murmured. There was only one thing to do.
Over the last year, he and Ginny had resumed their relationship. Nothing had changed really unless you would count them getting closer as a change. They had become so close that it wouldn't surprise James and Lily if they moved in together after Ginny was done with Hogwarts. Now, they could have this year, but Harry had changed his mind on moving out back in September, deciding to stay home for another year.
James and Lily didn't mind.
Since he hated to call his parents and cut their weekend short, he picked up the mirror on the nightstand.
He was going to call Ginny.
She had taken care of him in the past. She was comforting, caring, kind, and had looked after him in the past.
She had sat with him in the hospital wing, his dorm, and even his bedroom in Lily's quarters at Hogwarts. She rubbed his back when he threw up, staying with him in the bathroom until he felt like he could move without losing more of his stomach contents. She wiped his face, laid a cool flannel on his head, gave him potions, and offered comfort when he felt awful.
She had taken care of him when he had food poisoning and the stomach flu in his fifth year. When he had surgery to take out his re-grown appendix after Malfoy had hit him with a hex that causes organ growth or re-growth, she helped Lily take care of him but ended up helping more when Lily was called to the hospital wing for an emergency. She had taken care of him so well that sometimes he went to her instead of Lily, but would tell Lily later.
Ginny had watched Lily take care of Harry and had learned from the best. Lily knew this which was why she felt comfortable and confident in leaving Harry with Ginny a few times when he was sick.
But he had been sick with the flu between May and now. It was Ginny who took care of him then.
He brought the mirror up to his face, wincing when he noticed how awful he looked. He sighed, wincing when he felt his stomach roll again.
"Ginny," he called.
It only took one time for him to call her. Ginny's face appeared in the mirror a moment later. She smiled at seeing her boyfriend but when she noticed how awful he looked she frowned.
"Aw, baby, are you okay?" She asked.
"I don't feel good. Can you come over?"
"Of course, I can. Are James and Lily still gone?"
Harry nodded, closing his eyes when he felt something rise in his throat. "Yeah," He replied, trying to keep from throwing up right then and there.
"Okay, let me change and I'll be right over. Can I bring you anything?"
"No, I just want you," Harry said. He sounded so pitiful that Ginny's heart broke.
"I'll be over in about five minutes. I love you."
"I love you too, Gin."
Harry laid the mirror down on the nightstand, deciding to wait in his room for Ginny to arrive. But his stomach had other plans.
It gurgled warningly. Harry knew he couldn't hold it back any longer. He leaped out of bed, slapping a hand to his mouth as he rushed the bathroom, making it just in time for him to be sick in the toilet.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny apparated to the Potter's appearing behind the garage where the apparition point had placed. She rushed to the backdoor looking around to make sure no one was around before she pulled out her wand to unlock the door. She slipped into the scullery, closing and locking the door behind her. As she walked into the kitchen, she noticed the house was quiet. Harry wasn't downstairs.
She rushed to the stairs, all but jogging up the steps. She approached Harry's bedroom.
"Harry?" She called when she saw his room was empty.
"In here."
Ginny turned around noticing the door to Harry's bathroom was partly closed. She pushed it open to find her sick boyfriend, curled up next to the toilet, his head resting on his arm that was lying on the seat.
"Aw, baby," She cooed as she rushed over, crouching down beside her boyfriend.
"Gin, I don't want you to get….."
"I took an immunity potion before I left. Lily just sent Mum a new batch. So I'm fine, let me take care of you."
Harry nodded, closing his eyes tightly as a cramp rolled through his abdomen. He wrapped his free arm around his middle, turning his head into his arm, muffling a moan.
"Is it your stomach?" Ginny asked.
Harry nodded. "It hurts."
Ginny reached over to rub his back. "It's okay, baby. Anything else hurts besides your stomach?"
"My head hurts a little bit," Harry confessed. "But I think my stomach hurts more."
"Aw, baby, I'm sorry. I hate it your sick," Ginny cooed.
"I should be the one apologizing. You're the one spending Valentine's Day taking care of me."
Ginny poked Harry in the shoulder. "It's not your fault. You can't help it. Didn't you mention when we talked Friday that some of the other Aurors were out sick?"
Harry realized he had said that when they had dinner on Friday. Lily had started the tradition where they got together for dinner on Friday night. James had even mentioned it to Lily during dinner. Sirius was absent from the dinner along with Hestia due to him being sick. Harry didn't know what the sickness was.
Now he did.
Ginny got a cup from the counter, filling it water for Harry to rinse his mouth. She handed Harry the cup. He rinsed his mouth, spitting the water in the toilet. He handed the cup back to Ginny, leaning against the toilet.
"Gin?"
"Yes?"
"Can you help me up?"
Ginny stood up from her crouched position before she pulled Harry into a standing position, helping steady him as she did.
"Where do you want to go? Do you want to go back to bed or downstairs?"
"Downstairs," Harry decided.
Slowly, they made their downstairs to the family room. They made their way to the sofa where Ginny gently helped Harry to lay down.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Pillow from my room, my blanket is in the scullery. Potions are in the cabinet. Stomach soothers and calmers are on the second shelf."
Ginny summoned Harry's pillow from the bottom of the stairs. She gave it to Harry before heading to the scullery. She collected the blanket and opened the cabinet. Like Harry had told her the pink and purple vials were on the second shelf. She grabbed one of each for the time being before returning to Harry.
"Should we check and see if you're running a fever?" Ginny asked. She reached over, pushing back Harry's hair before laying her hand on his forehead. "You're burning up, sweetie."
"Do you know the spell?"
"I've heard Mum say it over a hundred times, but I'm drawing a blank on it," Ginny admitted.
"You have seen a thermometer before right?"
"Yes, Mum has one too. She rarely used it, though. I'm guessing Lily has one?"
Harry pointed. "There's one in the cupboard in the downstairs bathroom. Don't ask why Mum has two. It's in a brown wicker basket."
Ginny nodded and headed to the downstairs bathroom. She figured while she was in here, she would look for a basin or a bucket in case Harry needed to throw up again. She opened the cupboard next to the sink. Sure enough on the eye-level shelf was a wicker basket. Ginny picked up one of the thermometers, carrying it into the family room, deciding it would be better to ask Harry where to find a bucket or basin.
She found Harry curled up in a ball on the sofa, clutching his stomach.
"Cramps?" She asked.
Harry nodded. "Did you find it?"
"I did." Ginny lowered herself to sit on the edge of the sofa. She slipped the thermometers into Harry's mouth. She watched it until he got to the temperature it had read. She pulled it out, checking it.
"38.4," She read.
She ran her fingers through his hair. "Where can I find a…?"
"Bucket?" Harry guessed. "In the cabinet under the sink in the bathroom, there's a bucket Mum uses for times like this. It's gray I think."
Ginny returned to the downstairs bathroom collecting the bucket. She realized she needed to get potions for Harry. She knew where to find some potions, but not all of the ones she needed. There was a cupboard in the scullery where Lily had kept potions downstairs.
"Harry, where's the fever reducer?"
"Third shelf in the cupboard in the scullery," he replied.
Ginny collected the stomach calmer, stomach soother, and the fever reducer. As she returned to Harry, she tried to remember which order Lily usually gave potions in when Harry was sick before.
"Stomach soother first and then fever reducer," Harry said, almost as if he was reading her mind.
"What about a headache potion?" Ginny inquired, sitting down the potions on the coffee table and the bucket on the floor.
"That is on the same shelf with the fever reducer."
"Alright, I'll be right back."
Ginny went to collect the headache potion. The last time she had taken care of Harry when he was sick was when he had the flu back in the fall. She had the day off from classes so when Rosemary called her to come to get Harry because he was sick she went to pick him up. She had called Lily before she left to collect Harry. Lily had sent all of the potions she would need to the house along with her tomato soup. When they got to the house, she called Molly to let her know she would be staying with Harry. In response, Molly sent over a bag of clothes for Ginny and a flask of ginger-tea for Harry.
This time, Lily didn't know Harry was sick. She didn't know where the potions were kept, where to find the things she needed to take care of Harry.
She returned to the family room, potion in hand. She found Harry in the same position he was previously.
"Okay, babe, time for potions."
She summoned a glass, using her wand to fill it with water, knowing Harry would need water once he took the potions. She helped him sit up to take the potions, leaning him up against the pillows. Uncorking the stomach soother, she handed it to Harry first. Once he took it, she gave him the glass of water. She took back the glass before giving him the fever reducer.
"What do you want next? Do you want the stomach calmer or headache potion?"
"Stomach calmer."
Ginny uncorked it, handing it to Harry, refilling the glass of water. She traded Harry the glass of water for the vial, putting it on the coffee table. She uncorked the headache potion before handing it to Harry, taking the glass of water.
"Alright?" She asked.
Harry nodded. "Thanks, Gin."
"You're welcome."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
After Harry finished taking all of the potions he needed, he laid back down on the sofa, letting Ginny tuck the blanket around him. She pressed a kiss on his forehead before she headed into the kitchen to fix herself something to drink.
A tap on the window made her stop. She saw Pig at the window, which made Hedwig and Oscar in the scullery hoot. Ginny shushed them as she walked to the window opened it. She took the flask and the note from the owl, offering him a treat before he flew off to return to the Burrow.
Ginny unfolded the note, smiling when she saw Molly's handwriting.
Here's some ginger tea for the patient. Tell Harry I hope he feels better soon. Ron will bring you some clothes later. Need anything, call.
Love,
Mum
Ginny put the flask on the counter next to the coffee pot and returned to her task of fixing herself. She had thought once about calling Lily to let her know Harry was sick and to see if there was anything else she could do. Lily had provided everything she needed the last time and this was the first time Ginny was completely on her own taking care of Harry.
She returned to the family room, noticing Harry had fallen asleep. Smiling softly, she reached over to push away the fringe out of his eyes and to check his temperature by pressing her lips against his forehead. She kissed him when she noticed his temperature had lowered a little but was not back to normal yet.
"Ginny?"
Ginny looked around for the voice, realizing a second later it was Lily's. She stood up, following the voice. When she walked into the sitting room, she found Lily's head in the floo.
"Hi Lily, is everything okay?"
"I tried to call Harry on the mirror, but couldn't get him. I called the Burrow. Molly told me Harry was sick and you were at the house looking after him. Is he okay?"
"He says his stomach hurts, head hurts, and he was running a temperature of 38.4."
Lily nodded. "You do know the diagnostic charm right?"
Ginny nodded. "I hadn't even thought about using it. I already gave him potions would that affect the results?"
"No. If you want to do a pen point diagnostic, say the incantation over his abdomen. If his belly glows red then he's got the stomach flu."
Ginny nodded. "Okay."
"James and I will be home later, I'll just come on home since he's sick. I know he's in good hands with you," Lily said.
"Thanks."
She returned to the family room after hanging up with Lily. Deciding to do the normal diagnostic, she gently shook Harry's shoulder. He opened his eyes to slits.
"Huh?"
"Can you turn over to lie on your back? I need to do the diagnostic charm," She explained.
Harry nodded, turning over to lie on his back. He watched as Ginny waved her wand over him from his head down to his feet. A flash and a piece of parchment appeared. Ginny checked it but decided to the pinpoint diagnostic to confirm.
"Okay, now let's do the pen point one."
She reached for the hem of Harry's t-shirt, pulling it up. Waving her wand in a circle over Harry's abdomen, she saw it glow a bright red.
"And that confirms it. You've got the stomach flu."
"What now?" Harry asked.
"I'll look after you, take care of you like I've done many times before," She said, leaning over to kiss his forehead. She crouched in front of him. "Do the potions feel like they're doing anything?"
"Some," Harry admitted. "My stomach still hurts. My head doesn't hurt as bad as it did."
Ginny reached over, starting to rub soothing circles on Harry's belly. "How's this?"
"Don't stop."
"I won't."
She kept up with the belly rub until Harry was asleep.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny had gone upstairs to collect the communication mirror in just James, Lily, Sirius, or Hestia tried to call. She remembered the previous times she had taken care of Harry they all called on the mirror to check on him. They weren't the only ones. Ron and Neville were also calling to check on him or they did when Harry had the flu back in the fall because they were still at work. When they were at Hogwarts, they would come over and whisper 'is he okay?' or 'Need anything?'
"Hello?"
She picked up the mirror to see her brother's face. "Hi, Ron."
"Hey Ginny, how's the patient?"
"He's asleep," She replied. "He's been asleep for about…." She trailed off to look at the clock on the wall above the television. "Three hours."
"That's what he did mostly when he had the flu. Well that or…"
"I know," Ginny murmured. "I got a bucket here beside him just in case."
"I'll bring over some clothes for you. I know you, Ginny. Until he's better you're not going anywhere."
"True."
They talked for a little bit before Ron hung up, confirming with Ginny what she wanted Molly to pack for her.
She laid the mirror back on the coffee table, leaning back on the sofa, watching her boyfriend sleep. She watched concerned as he winced in his sleep.
Suddenly, Harry shot up, grabbing the bucket. He heaved over the bucket, releasing more of his stomach contents into the bucket. Ginny rushed over, steadying him when he almost fell headfirst into the floor and rubbing his back.
Panting, Harry leaned back against Ginny's shoulder, closing his eyes as he willed the nausea to go away.
"Not exactly how I thought Valentine's Day would go," he murmured. "Watching me puke my guts up….."
"Harry," Ginny said, warningly. "It's okay. You can't help it your sick."
Harry sighed. Ginny reached for her wand, banishing the mess in the bucket, cleaning it, and then waved her wand around to refresh the air.
"Do you want some water?"
Harry nodded against her shoulder. She reached for the glass, filling it with water from her wand. She offered it to Harry, holding it while he rinsed his mouth out, spitting the water out in the bucket. Ginny banished it before refilling the glass.
"Can I get you anything? Do you want to try some tea? Mum sent a flask of ginger tea."
Harry nodded. "Not a…."
"Full cup, I know."
She helped him lay back on the sofa, tucking the blanket around him before she headed off to the kitchen. She opened the cabinet that held the cups and mugs, picking up a black mug. She unscrewed the lid on the flask, pouring it out to fill the mug halfway. She put the lid back on and carried the mug into the family room.
"Want to try to eat some crackers or something?"
Harry shook his head. "Not right now."
"Okay"
Harry pushed himself up to a sitting position, taking the mug Ginny offered.
"Thanks, Gin."
"You're welcome."
He sipped on the tea, noticing it was the ginger tea Molly had made. Lily could make it just the same, but Molly had sent it knowing Lily was gone.
"How are you feeling?" Ginny asked.
"Would you accept yucky?" Harry inquired, looking up at her, his tired pale face a telltale sign he didn't feel good.
Ginny chuckled. "Yes, I would. How's your stomach?"
"Still hurts. I still feel sick."
"Stomach flu isn't something that you get over quickly isn't it?"
Harry shook his head. "I'm sorry."
"For what….." Ginny realized what Harry was apologizing for. "Harry, we've been through this. You can't help it that you're sick."
"I had planned on spending the whole day with you, letting you decide what we did and maybe go to the zoo. I still have last year's Valentine's Day to make up for."
"No you don't," Ginny said, sitting down beside her boyfriend, leaning back against the pillows. He leaned against her laying his head on her shoulder. Ginny knew eventually his head would be in between her breasts. It was one of his favorite places to lay his head on her.
"I feel like we've missed on a year's worth of…."
"Harry, it wasn't like you were on a pleasure trip. You were on a mission hunting Horcruxes, putting an end to the war, and you did. I know you've been trying to make up for the missed time but you don't need to make up for every missed thing."
"I know," Harry murmured.
"I'll tell you what we'll do. When you're feeling better, maybe this weekend we can spend the whole weekend together. We can go to London, do what you had planned, and spend the whole weekend together and maybe even what you want to do."
"If you want to take it a step further, we could stay in London," Harry suggested.
"We'll see."
Ginny reached over, running her fingers through his hair. Sure enough, Harry's head lowered to rest in between her breasts. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, noticing his temperature had gone down. She would need to check it, but right now Harry looked too comfortable and she hated to bother him.
She laid back on the sofa, figuring it would be more comfortable for her and Harry. There was room for them to both lay side by side on the sofa, but how they were lying with Harry partially on top of her, they would fit.
"Try and sleep, babe. You'll feel better."
Harry didn't need to be told twice. With his head in between her breasts, he fell asleep, feeling content and comfortable…..for now until his stomach decided to rebel.
Ginny reached for the blanket, covering them both with it, and eventually, as she watched Harry sleep, she fell asleep as well.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Sirius's voice woke Ginny. She looked around to try to find the source of where Sirius's voice was coming from. She looked down expecting to see Harry, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Anyone there?"
Ginny looked at the mirror on the coffee table seeing Sirius's face in it. She picked it up.
"Hi Sirius."
"Hi Ginny, how's Harry?"
"Well, right now, I don't know where he went."
"I'm here," Harry said, as he walked back to the family room, slightly hunched over. "Hey, Sirius."
"Hey Kiddo, how are you feeling?" Sirius asked.
"Maybe a little bit better, though my stomach still hurts."
Sirius winced sympathetically. "Your Dad called to check on me. He told me you were sick. Sorry if I gave this to you."
Harry shook his head slowly to keep the nausea at bay. "I don't think you did. Is there a bug or something going around the office?"
"It's Ministry-wide. Hestia had called Robards to let him know I'll be out for another few days and he said the Aurors were dropping like flies."
"I think you boys need to think about taking immunity potions so you're not sick all the time," Hestia said as she walked into the room. Her face appeared in the mirror behind Sirius. "Hi, Sweetie, are you feeling better?"
"A little," Harry replied. "Gin's been taking good care of me."
"Well, I'm glad she's there with you. I know Lily is too."
"Do you need anything?" Sirius asked.
"I think we're good," Harry assured them.
Harry, Hestia, and Sirius talked for a little bit until Hestia had to go and check on the soup she was fixing.
"I'll send some over for you. Wait until your stomach is a little more settled before you eat it. Have you eaten anything today?"
"No," Harry answered.
"He's drunk so water and ginger tea. I was going to get him to eat something when he woke up from his nap," Ginny supplied.
"Try and eat a bite of something, Harry," Sirius said. "I know you're not wanting to because it wouldn't stay down, but you still need to eat something."
"I'll try to," Harry assured him.
Hestia left to go check on her soup, telling Harry she hoped he felt better soon before she left. Sirius and Harry talked for a bit while Ginny searched the kitchen cupboard for crackers. She found a box of cream crackers.
Harry shuffled into the kitchen after he finished talking with Sirius. "Expect the next person to call to be…" he trailed off. "Never mind."
Ginny knew what Harry was meaning. She put the box of crackers down, opening her arms for a hug. Harry walked into them.
"I know," she said, softly.
"Did you find anything? Mum hasn't bought any in a while and that is something Dad tends to forget."
Ginny picked up the box of crackers. "Are these okay?"
"Yeah, they're fine."
He opened the refrigerator, pulling out a can of Sprite. He and Ginny returned to the sofa with the crackers and the Sprite.
"I think your Mum is coming back here, judging from what she said when she called earlier. She had tried to call you on the mirror and couldn't get you. She thought you were at the Burrow and called the Burrow. Mum told her you were sick."
"I figured you had talked to her when you did the diagnostic charms," Harry murmured.
He munched on a few crackers and drank some of the soda. He finished a sleeve of crackers before he laid back down, resting his head in Ginny's lap.
"Do you want a pillow?"
"I'm alright…" Harry trailed off. "Gin," he groaned. "I think I'm gonna be…"
Harry didn't finish the sentence. He turned his head, thinking he was hovering over the bucket. He threw up, only it didn't go into the bucket. It went all over Ginny's lap.
Ginny banished the mess in her lap, refreshed the air, and helped Harry hover over the bucket. He dry heaved over, wincing. He wrapped one arm around his stomach while holding on to the coffee table with the other. Ginny held on to him until he laid back on the sofa.
"I think I'm done," he said, hoarsely. He realized what just happened. "Ginny, I'm sorry I didn't….."
"That was not your first time puking on me," she reminded him. "It's okay. I cleaned it up."
Harry laid down on the sofa while Ginny took the trash to the kitchen. She returned to find her boyfriend curled up, clutching his stomach.
"I think it's time for more potions, baby," she soothed.
Harry answered half asleep. "Okay."
He laid his head back against the pillow, closing his eyes as he felt his stomach roil. He opened his eyes when he heard the thump of Ginny sitting down the stomach soother, stomach calmer, and fever reducer.
"Do you need the headache potion?"
"My head's better, it's my stomach that still…." He trailed off. "Godric."
He bolted up from the sofa, rushing to the bathroom. Ginny followed him. She found her boyfriend had fallen in front of the toilet, heaving.
"Why did you come here when there is a bucket by the sofa?"
"I forgot about it." Harry closed his eyes as he felt another cramp roll through his belly. He winced.
"It's okay," Ginny soothed, crouching behind him, rubbing his back.
They sat there in the bathroom for a few minutes before Harry was sure he could leave the bathroom without throwing up again. He shuffled to the sink to rinse his mouth. He looked at himself in the mirror before he looked at Ginny.
"Thanks, Gin."
Ginny stood on her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"You're welcome."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
They were lounging on the sofa with Whose Line Is It Anyway? on the television when the floo flared. Ginny glanced at Harry, reaching for her wand.
"The alarm would be going off if it was someone not approved," he whispered.
"Ginny?"
Ginny relaxed at hearing her brother's voice. "In here, Ron."
Ron walked into the family room, a duffle bag in his hand. "Hey," he greeted. "Are you feeling better, mate?"
"Some," Harry replied.
"I just gave him another dose of potions and we tried crackers again. He's kept them down this time."
"Don't jinx it," Harry warned.
Ron chuckled, knowing how Harry was when he was sick. "I brought you some clothes and stuff you told Mum to pack, Ginny. She sent more ginger tea if you needed it. Do you need anything? She asked me to ask you before I came back."
"We're good. Hestia is bringing some soup. James and Lily should be home anytime," Ginny replied.
"Okay, I'll let Hermione you're doing better. She was worried when I told her this morning you were sick."
"Don't you have a date with her tonight?" Harry asked, remembering Ron had made reservations at a London restaurant. Harry had gone with him shopping for something to wear on the date during their lunch break a few weeks ago. That was the same outfit Ron was wearing now.
"Yeah, I do. That's where I'm heading when I leave here," Ron said, sitting down the duffle bag.
"Have a good time," Ginny said.
"I will. I'll see you two later."
"Alright, thanks, Ron."
"You're welcome. Can I apparate outside?" Ron asked.
"Yeah," Harry called.
They knew Ron was gone when they heard a loud pop. Then another pop sounded in the backyard. Harry reached over, holding Ginny's hand.
"Again the alarm would sound if it was someone not keyed into the wards. It's probably Hestia."
The back door opened. "Hello, anyone home?"
Harry and Ginny recognized Hestia's welsh accent. "In here," Harry called.
Hestia walked in, carrying a small pot. "Hi," She greeted. "How's the patient?"
"Feeling better, stomach still cramps occasionally, but I'm feeling a lot better."
"I brought you some soup." She handed the pot to Ginny as she was headed to the kitchen.
"Thanks, Hess."
"You're welcome, sweetie." Hestia reached over, laying her head on Harry's forehead. "You're still a little warm."
"He just took his potions not ten minutes or so. Harry, do you want to try some soup?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, I think I will." Harry stood up, walking towards the kitchen.
"Have you heard from your parents?" Hestia inquired as she headed to the back door.
"Not yet. I'm surprised Mum hasn't called a dozen times."
Hestia chuckled, knowing how her friend was with her son, especially when he was sick. "Well, she knows you're in hands with her," she motioned to Ginny.
Harry shrugged. "True."
"Alright, I'm heading back home to the overgrown child." Ginny laughed at Hestia's comment.
"I've heard Mum call Dad when he's sick or bedridden. Merlin help us if he ever gets really sick."
Hestia laughed. "I know I have one at home like him. Need anything call, okay?"
"We will," Ginny assured her.
When Hestia was gone, Ginny fixed two bowls of soup. "So, do you want to eat at the table or on the sofa?"
"Sofa," Harry decided.
They sat in the family, eating the soup and watching the antics the guys on Whose Line got up to.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
James opened the back door, letting Lily in first. She walked in, about to head to the stairs when she saw the television was on in the family room. She approached the sofa quietly, looking over the back. The young couple was lying on the sofa. Harry's head was resting in between Ginny's breasts as she absent-mindedly run her fingers through his hair.
Ginny looked up when Lily came into the family room.
"How's he doing?" She whispered.
"Better. Hestia brought some soup over. He ate it and along with some crackers it's stayed down. I gave him another dose of potions before he ate. And….he has drunk more than he's eaten today."
Lily nodded. "That's typical. How long has he been asleep?"
"An hour, I guess. I didn't know when he fell asleep."
James came in from carrying in the luggage. He peeked over the back of the sofa. "Is he okay?"
"Yes, he's okay," Lily assured her husband. She turned to head to her bedroom to unpack and to call Minerva to let her know Harry was feeling better. James could stay with Harry since she had to attend the conference. She stopped, turning back to the couple.
"Thank you, Ginny. For looking after him and taking care of him."
"It is part of my job as a girlfriend," She said.
Lily headed on to her bedroom, James carrying the luggage up the stairs.
Ginny looked down at her sleeping boyfriend. She kissed the top of his head.
"I'm awake."
Ginny jumped.
"Sorry didn't mean to startle you."
"It's okay," Ginny assured him. "Your parents are home."
"I heard them. Gin….."
"If you are going to apologize to me for getting sick on Valentine's Day and messing up the plans you had again, don't. You don't need to…"
"That wasn't what I was going to say," Harry interrupted.
"Go on," Ginny said.
Harry pushed himself up to be at face level with Ginny, holding her close to keep her from falling off the sofa.
"Thanks for taking care of me today. I know this wasn't how we thought we'd spend the day, but I'll make it up to you."
"You're welcome," Ginny murmured, deciding to let Harry make it up, deciding to give in and not argue about it. There was no point. Harry would do whatever he wanted anyway.
He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I love you."
She smiled, kissing him on the nose. "I love you, too."
The first Valentine's Day after the war was one to remember despite the fact Ginny had spent it taking care of a sick Harry. She didn't care. And it wasn't the first time their Valentine's plans would change or they would have to cancel due to work. But they made the best of it.
As the saying goes, the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.
Happy Valentine's Day!