Ginny made her way silently back to her room. She almost squeaked and ran when she heard a baseboard creak somewhere, and sighed in relief when she realized it was probably from someone in the rooms above. She made it to her bedroom door and quietly closed it behind her. Her eyes glanced at the sleeping form of Hermione, and she released the breath she'd been holding. Made it.
She had just settled down into her bed and closed her eyes when she heard someone clear their throat. Ginny turned to see Hermione sitting up in her bed, her eyebrows raised as she looked over. Ginny groaned.
"I thought you were sleeping."
"And I thought you and Harry were clever," Hermione said crossly. She swung her legs out of her bed and walked over to Ginny's bed, folding her arms as she looked down at her.
"I don't know what you mean," Ginny said in what she hoped was a bored voice. She rolled over and closed her eyes, but she already knew that Hermione wasn't going to drop it.
"Ginny Weasley! You stop pretending to sleep right this minute and tell me where you were all night!"
Ginny felt Hermione's weight settle on the bed and turned over to see a smile twitching at her friend's mouth. Hermione finally gave in and smiled, shaking her head.
"Well, at least give me some of the details."
Ginny's eyes widened. "You're not really cross at me? You're not going to lecture me?"
"Well, that depends," Hermione said slowly. "Have you done anything stupid that I need to lecture you about?"
"Define stupid."
Hermione pursed her lips. "Well, have you...oh wait. You know what, I don't want to know. What you and Harry did all night is up to you..." Hermione shook her head and gave her another smile. "But just tell me you two...were clever about things?"
Ginny blushed and nodded her head. She didn't meet Hermione's eyes.
"Good," the practical girl said as she got up off the bed and climbed back into her own.
For a moment no one said anything, and Ginny had a hard time believing that Hermione hadn't let her have it. Which could only mean one thing.
"So you and Ron then...you guys have been smart about things as well?" She turned to face Hermione, to find her friend still smiling slightly.
"Well, yes. Of course," Hermione said, the faintest look of a blush on her face.
Ginny bit her lip and turned to lie on her back. She wanted to ask a million questions but since Hermione had been polite with her, she didn't think it was any of her business. But still...who else did she have to talk to about this stuff? She couldn't imagine herself talking to one of her brothers or her mum.
"Does it...does it get any better? I mean, less sore?" Ginny said after a long moment, still feeling tender from the night before.
Hermione didn't say anything, and Ginny had to roll over to look at her friend. Hermione was biting her lip. When she saw Ginny looking at her, she shrugged and then nodded her head.
"Yes. It does. It gets to be so...well, I'm hardly an expert myself, Ginny, but...eventually it doesn't hurt at all. I'm certain Ron would be quite mystified to hear me giving his little sister advice about this, but...the more you do it, the better it gets."
Ginny smiled, thinking that if it did get better, then she was in trouble, because even the pain brought on by Harry entering her had been enjoyable, in a strange way. She had meant what she'd told him about being ripped apart in a good way.
"You just have to make certain that Harry makes it so you're ready first. If he ah...rushes it and you're not prepared, then it really hurts. But...I'm assuming from the smile on your face that our Harry has turned out to be...conscientious about things?"
Ginny felt her skin heat. "Harry...Harry was amazing."
Hermione raised up her hand. "Okay, enough information. I don't think I'll be able to look him in the eye if I know more than that." Ginny frowned, and Hermione laughed at her. "Well, honestly. Do you want to know about your brother?"
"I see your point."
The two girls giggled suddenly and both lay back on their beds.
"Hermione?" Ginny said after a long moment of silence had passed.
"Yes?"
"Loving someone...it's amazing, isn't it?"
Hermione shifted in her bed and then sighed. "Yes, Ginny. It is. It really is. I'm so glad Harry and you...get to have that together. You both deserve it."
Ginny didn't say anything else and eventually heard Hermione's breathing deepen as she fell back asleep. Ginny stared at the ceiling as thoughts of Harry filled her head. She wondered if he were sleeping and reckoned that he was probably still awake as well. Already she felt as though her body was empty without him beside her. She sighed and closed her eyes, not feeling the least bit tired but knowing that she had to at least get some sleep. She had a feeling that she had another long night ahead of her. And she couldn't wait.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Harry was discovering that the day after a person has just had sex for the first time was much like the day before. Except his mind kept throwing images at him, and he suddenly wouldn't be able to function for a moment. He was amazed at Ginny's apparent cool; she wandered into the kitchen still in her bathrobe and yawned widely at everyone. She grabbed a cup of tea and then sat next to him, her hair a wild shock of tangles. She'd never looked more desirable to him, and he'd had a hard time concentrating on whatever it was Mr Weasley had been talking to him about. Ginny met his eyes and gave him a brilliant smile, not even blushing. Harry felt his skin heat and then turned back to her father, his brain scrambling to catch up.
"Right then, well, it's been good talking with you Harry," Mr Weasley said after a moment, a funny smile on his face. "I'm off to work. What are you lot going to do today?"
Harry knew the words 'explore your daughter's amazing body' wouldn't exactly earn him any appreciative stares and just shrugged, as did Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Mrs Weasley apparently had other plans for them, though.
"This lot is going to help in the basement. I told Ronald a hundred times that he should get to work on it, and he hasn't. So now all of them get to help him."
Amid grumbling from Ron, Harry sneaked another look at Ginny, who was frowning into her tea. It was such an adorable expression that he wanted to reach out and hold her hand. He moved his leg and touched hers. She looked up from her tea and smiled at him again. Harry didn't care what he did today...as long as he could be next to her. He wanted to comb his hands through her hair and run his hands down her back, feeling her skin heat up under his touch...
Harry gulped guiltily at Mr and Mrs Weasley as they walked out into the hallway together. Ginny kicked her foot against his. Harry frowned and looked at her.
"Stop blushing like that when you look at me, silly," she whispered out of the side of her mouth.
Harry glanced at Ron and Hermione who seemed to be arguing about Ron's lack of responsibility. "Then stop looking so sexy all the time," he whispered back to her.
Ginny hid a smile by eating a biscuit, and she gave him a curious glance. "Me? You should look at you. You have this huge smile on your face, do you know that?"
Harry hadn't known it, but he reckoned that would explain why his face felt sore. He smiled at Ginny and shrugged. "I can't help it, your mere presence makes me go all scatty," he whispered and wiggled his eyebrows at her.
Ginny laughed out loud, the sound filling the kitchen. Ron and Hermione both paused and looked down the table at them. Ginny glanced at them and then took another drink of her tea.
"Well, what are you two so happy about?" Ron asked as he turned away from Hermione. He looked at Harry for a long time until Harry squirmed and looked away.
"Harry!" Ron said, his voice loud.
"What?" Harry said back, worried.
"You're blushing! And you -" Ron said as he moved closer to Ginny, "you're blushing too! What have you two been doing?"
Harry's eyes widened, and he almost spit out the tea he'd just unwisely taken a sip of. Hermione bit her lip and Harry suddenly knew that she must have cornered Ginny this morning after she'd returned to her room. His stomach suddenly felt funny.
"Oh Ron, get over it." Ginny said as she stood up to face her brother. "Harry and I," she said as she calmly walked over to him, draping a hand over his shoulder. She tilted his head up to look at her. Harry felt the world stop and could only hear the sound of his own heart beating fast in his chest. Ginny lowered her head down and gave Harry a very passionate kiss. Her eyes lingered on his, promising so much to him that he thought he might break with want.
"Harry and I," Ginny continued as she pulled away from him, "are together, so you had best just deal with it, and drop the big brother act or I'll make sure Mum knows a thing or two. Sorry, Hermione." Ginny added as an afterthought.
"No problem, Ginny," Hermione said wisely, and Ron turned to look aghast at her.
"What? You knew? And you support this?"
"Oh, Ron, shut it. You knew they have feelings for each other- in fact, I seem to recall you encouraging it, so cut your sister some slack."
Ron turned pink and cast another look at Harry, who wisely decided he should just stay quiet. Ginny paused at the door and gave Harry a significant look. He didn't understand her meaning until she spoke.
"Well, I'll let you two argue that out," she said lightly, "and I'll just go clean myself up, I reckon. That lavatory door's been fixed, right Harry?"
Harry stared at her. She hadn't just...no, she hadn't just suggested he join her in the shower, had she?
"Er...yeah...I think so...um...I'm not sure it was broken, really."
"Pity then," Ginny said softly and then headed up the stairs. Harry watched her go and then glanced at Ron, who was giving him a weird look.
"Well, why are you lot still sitting around eating? Go on, go and get showered and dressed. I wasn't kidding about that basement, you three." Mrs Weasley said as she came back into the kitchen, completely unaware of what had just happened.
"Yeah..." Ron said as he again gave Harry a strange look, "I think we all should get ready. We'll use the showers on the third floor, right Harry? I'll even let you go first."
Harry nodded and followed Hermione and Ron up the stairs. Sorry, Ginny. Reckon we'll have to try that shower thing some other time. With the thought fresh in his mind, Harry knew he was probably grinning madly again. But he didn't really care.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Working in the basement wasn't that bad, Ginny reasoned with herself. The work went fast because Harry and Ron could both use magic to move the heavy bits around. She and Hermione were scrubbing the floors, although Harry had helped that out by magicking the mops to do most of the work; all the girls had to do was point them in the right direction.
Ginny loved being able to touch Harry here and there, and then watch the response on his face. Boys are so funny! she thought to herself and hid a giggle. She hadn't been serious when she'd suggested Harry shower with her, or so she thought at the time. She'd honestly just been teasing, to get a rise out of Ron. But the expression on Harry's face when she'd left the room had been one of shock and - oh yes, intrigue. Ginny had to admit that she'd been a bit disappointed that he hadn't been able to try to get into the lavatory with her. The idea of a steamy and sinful shower with Harry seemed absolutely...well, absolutely divine. Ginny blushed at the thought as she watched the boy that was now her lover talking with her brother. Her eyes travelled downwards and she realized that now that she knew what he looked like under his clothes, she had a hard time imagining him any other way. When she brought her eyes back up to his face, she was startled to see two dark green eyes staring back at her. She realized that Harry was probably thinking the same thing about her. Suddenly, she no longer wanted to be cleaning the basement.
"Right then," Ron was saying as he stood back to admire their work. "Mum's got to be impressed with this. We've done some good work. Think she'll let us break for lunch, Harry? Harry?"
Harry tore his eyes away from hers, and Ginny pretended to be squeezing out the mop she'd been maneuvering.
"Er yeah, mate. Why don't you and Hermione go grab us something to eat. Ginny and I will finish up."
Ron looked from Harry to Ginny and suddenly his eyes narrowed. "Hmm. I think that sounds like an excuse to get us out of the room so you two can be alone together."
Ginny stood up and faced her brother, ready to snap at him. She stopped when she saw the smile on his face.
"Yeah, don't worry, sis. We'll go...we'll go. Just remember Harry, that's my little sister. I can't stop you from doing anything really, just don't get fresh."
Ron and Hermione headed up the stairs, the door closing shut behind them. It took exactly two seconds for Harry to cross over to her, and Ginny felt that that was two seconds two long. It didn't matter; as soon as Harry's mouth found hers, time seemed to stop to Ginny. She felt Harry's kiss all the way down to her toes and she realized it had been too long since they'd been alone together. After they finally pulled apart, Harry smiled at her.
"Think I should do it?" he asked her, his voice low.
"Do what?"
"Get fresh with you?"
Ginny threw her head back and laughed. Harry smiled wickedly. "Oh Merlin, Harry! I've been waiting for you to get fresh all morning!"
Harry raised an eyebrow at her and before she could think, he had her pressed up against the wall. Ginny didn't think she'd ever felt anything as sexy as this. She felt him rub against her and moaned, suddenly wanting to put Hermione's advice to the test. The more you do it, the better it gets.
"Ginny, I want you so bad..." Harry was whispering in her ear, and she giggled despite the low throb that was spreading through her body.
"What?" Harry said as he pulled away, a slight frown on his face.
"That was the corniest line ever, Harry."
He smiled sheepishly at her, rubbing against her leg again, and Ginny felt herself go weak in the knees. Harry began to kiss his way down her neck, his hands straying brazenly over her breasts.
"Oh! This is insane. Harry, can't you use your wand to clean up the rest of the basement?"
Harry pulled away from her, his eyes slightly glazed. He gulped in air as though he'd been forgetting to breathe. Suddenly understanding her meaning, he smiled and then pointed his wand at the rest of the trunks they had to move. A moment later, he turned back to her and shook his head.
"I don't think your mother would approve of us using magic so that we could get away to shag," he said, pulling her to him again.
"Right now, I don't care what my mother approves of." And it was true. Ginny felt the slow fire that had never really gone out begin to burn stronger as Harry looked at her. This boy was going to drive her absolutely insane, she just knew it.
"Why Ginny, you scarlet woman." Harry said and he laughed, a low sexy sound that travelled over her skin. Ginny kissed him deeply and ran her hand through his hair.
"Think Ron and Hermione can finish the rest, okay?" he asked, his voice rough with need.
"I don't care one way or the other. We need to get a bed now, Harry." Ginny heard her voice coming out of her mouth and couldn't believe it was hers.
"Ginny -" Harry paused, seemingly using all of his will power to disentangle himself from her arms. "I know this is madness, but do you really think...I mean...we might get caught?"
Ginny sucked in a deep breath and knew he was right. Sneaking into his room at night was one thing; taking off in the middle of the day to shag was quite another. Ginny let her head fall back against the wall and groaned.
"You're right," she admitted.
Harry sighed and slumped against the wall next to her. "I was afraid you were going to say that."
They both stood there, their breathing coming in strangled gasps as they tried to get their bodies calmed down. Both felt the unfairness of being a teenager in a house full of adults.
"There has to be a way!" Ginny said, fuming.
Harry smiled at her. "Well, we discovered a way last night."
Ginny blushed and met his eyes. "No, not that. I mean...Ron and Hermione get away with it, why can't we?"
Harry groaned. "Oh, did you have to plant that image in my head?"
Ginny punched him on the arm. "Be serious, Harry. Maybe we should ask them how they do it."
Harry's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No way, Ginny. I am not having that discussion with my best mate. Never."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Well, I reckon we'll just have to make do with what little privacy we get during the day."
"And wait until bedtime?" Harry said, his voice shaky as though not wanting to believe it.
"And wait until bedtime," Ginny nodded. She pulled him to her and kissed him, slowly. She released him and smiled. "Then when the door is locked and - "
"The Silencing Charm is in place -" Harry interrupted with a smirk.
"Yes, the Silencing Charm is in place. Then we get to shag each other senseless. Deal?"
Harry tried looking as though he was only considering it, and Ginny punched his arm again. He laughed and grabbed her wrist, his fingers suddenly rubbing the tender spot on her arm. Ginny bit her lip and closed her eyes. Just the slightest touch from him and she was melting. Goodness, how are we ever going to get through the school year?
"You've got yourself a deal, Ginny Weasley," Harry said softly, and she opened her eyes to look at him.
"Oh, Harry," she sighed and felt as though someone had wrapped her up in chains. It was torture to remove herself from his arms, but she knew that if they didn't stop now, they never would.
"Yeah, I know," Harry said as she pulled away from him. He took deep breaths, and she marveled at how much calmer he suddenly looked.
"How do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Take a few breaths and suddenly look at peace? I'm standing here, a slow simmering cauldron of hormones and you look like you just took a jog somewhere."
Harry smirked at her. " A 'slow simmering cauldron of hormones', eh? Why Ginny, I never knew you could be so...poetic."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to immediately pull her into his arms again. "If you want me to remain a perfect gentleman then you're going to have to not show me that delectable tongue of yours," he whispered.
Ginny felt her skin turn warm and stuck her tongue out again, teasing him. Harry groaned and met her mouth with his own, their tongues exploring each other. After several minutes, Ginny finally pulled away, panting.
"Dear Merlin, we need to be around people. Now."
Harry ran his hands through his hair and nodded, he looked numb. "Yeah...definitely. The more people the...better."
"Upstairs then?" she asked, keeping her distance from him.
Harry nodded. "You first. I have...um...issues to get under control here."
Ginny blushed as she looked down and then smiled wickedly at him. She started to move past him, letting her hand travel down him provocatively.
"Well, just remember to save some for me, Harry."
Before Harry could grab her hand, she pushed past him and headed for the stairs. Her last glance back showed Harry banging his head against the wall; his eyes closed in frustration.
Ginny knew exactly how he felt.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Playing chess wasn't exactly the way he had wanted to spend the afternoon, but Harry had to admit that it wasn't too bad of a way to pass the time. Although judging from the way both he and Ginny were playing, it was obvious that their minds were on other things. Ron, who had wanted to play 'the winner', kept looking at them with a scowl on his face.
"Aren't you two done playing, yet? Blimey, Ginny...I know Harry's pathetic, but I thought you'd improved enough to beat him, at least."
Ginny turned and stuck her tongue out at her brother. "Harry is not pathetic. He's playing exceptionally well, aren't you Harry?"
Harry, who had been admiring the gracefulness of her neck, could only blink and nod his head in agreement; not certain what he'd just agreed to. Ron made a noise as though he were disgusted and went back to reading the book Hermione had forced into his hands.
"I reckon we should end this game soon though, my men are starting to plan a mutiny," Ginny said under her breath as she turned back to face Harry.
Harry smiled. "Yeah, mine too. I don't want to play him though, do you?" he said as he nodded towards Ron.
Ginny considered it, and then shook her head. "No, but at least if you do it, he'll not be too cross when he beats you quickly, will he?"
"I think that as my girlfriend you should be a bit more positive about my chess playing abilities," Harry said as he made his bishop take Ginny's pawn. When she didn't say anything, he glanced up at her.
"Ginny? What's wrong?"
"Nothing...I...well, did you just call me your girlfriend, Harry?"
Had he? Harry realized that he had, and that he hadn't even asked her if she wanted to be. Maybe she doesn't want to be. Maybe that's why she's giving you such a weird look.
"Er...I um...you know, assumed we were, I mean...you know," Harry stammered self-consciously.
Ginny's face broke into a wide grin. "Oh, you silly boy," she said as she reached across the chessboard and pulled him into her arms.
"What was that for?" he asked her after a moment.
"I just...of course I want to be your girlfriend! You know how long I've waited for you to ask me that?"
Harry blushed and smiled. He didn't know how long he and Ginny sat there staring at each other, until he heard Ron clearing his throat.
"Oh come on, either play or don't play. Just don't sit there staring at each other all funny-like. Hermione and I were never this bad."
Harry raised his eyebrow and looked at his best friend. "Er...yeah, right Ron. You and Hermione weren't seen snogging in the Room of Requirement -"
"Or in the broom cupboard on the third floor -" Ginny continued.
"Or on the train ride home." Harry finished, laughing at Ron's quickly blushing face.
"Yeah, well, that's different."
Ginny looked at Harry and raised her eyebrow as she looked at Ron. "How do you reckon that, big brother?"
"Well...Hermione and me...we're...older," Ron said evasively.
Ginny snorted and shook her head. "Really, Ron. You're what...four months older than Harry is? Yes, a wise cauldron of wisdom you are indeed. A snog is still a snog, Ron. And besides, I've caught you and Hermione giving each other plenty of silly looks."
"Yeah, well..." Ron's voice ran off as he considered it. "I reckon it's different when I see you doing it to my best mate, that's all."
"Does it really bother you that much?" Harry asked calmly, genuinely curious.
Ron turned pink again and looked away. After a moment, he spoke. "No, not really, Harry. I just...I always thought Ginny was good for you. I reckon it's just hard to see it in action, as it were. Don't mind me. Look, I'll even leave you two alone and hunt down my staring partner, okay?"
Ron got up and left the room, leaving Harry and Ginny to themselves. They both smiled and quit the chess game. They moved over to the couch and settled down next to each other.
"I thought he'd never leave," Ginny said softly as she turned to look at him. Harry felt his heart begin to speed up.
"We still can't do anything," Harry whispered as he tucked a stray piece of her hair behind her ear.
"I know, but we can pretend, can't we?" Ginny smiled at him and moved her head in closer to his. They sat that way for a long time, just enjoying the closeness and the privacy.
Harry felt as though everything was absolutely perfect. He definitely didn't want anything to mess this up. Which is when he realized that something probably would. He was never very lucky with anything other than surviving Voldemort, which he reckoned was a pretty fair trade, but still...
"What are we going to do at school?" he asked suddenly, wondering if she had even thought of it.
Ginny didn't move, but she squeezed her hand around his. "Well, see...what we do at school Harry, is we learn magic. You know, go to classes, take lessons, practice..."
Harry pulled on her hair and she laughed as she moved out of his reach.
"Very funny, Weasley," he said, laughing.
Ginny sobered after a moment and cast him a shrewd look. "Do you mean how do we find ways to spend time together at school or do you mean what do we do about other people knowing about us?"
Harry startled, he hadn't actually thought about that. But now that she had mentioned it... His face must have shown some indecision, because Ginny sighed and pulled her hand away from his.
"What is it, Harry?"
Harry knew he should say 'nothing' but he also knew she'd never buy that as an answer. He sighed and stared up at the ceiling.
"Well, look, Ginny, it's like this...the more people that know about us, the more...well, the more of a target you'll become."
Ginny's shoulders slumped a bit, but she pulled her head up to meet his eyes. "Don't you think I'm a target already? Just by being your friend?"
"It's different now. If word gets out that we're...well, we're together then...I don't know. Someone might try to take you away from me, and I know I don't want that."
"And what about me not wanting someone to take you away from me? Don't I get to care about that? Or have a say in the matter?"
"Ginny, you know the Prophecy, you know I can't -"
"Live while the other survives, yes, I know, Harry. There's not a day that goes by when I don't consider what that means."
"Then you understand why -"
"No, I don't understand why that means I can't stand next to you and fight and show my love for you to the world. But if you're embarrassed by me or don't want people to know, then fine. We'll keep it a secret."
Ginny looked away from him, her eyes wide. Harry reached out and touched her cheek.
"I am not embarrassed by you. Far from it, actually. I want nothing more then to walk into the Great Hall while holding your hand and give you a snog right in front of everyone, Snape and Malfoy included. But I also want you to be safe, and you have to admit, people that are close to me don't always end up staying safe."
Ginny didn't meet his eyes and got up off the sofa. "What about Ron and Hermione?" she asked after a moment.
Harry frowned in confusion. "What about them?"
"Are you pushing them away for their safety or is it just me who gets to pretend she doesn't mean anything to you?"
"Ginny, that's different."
Ginny turned around suddenly, her face angry. "No, it's not Harry. You either care about me the same way you care about them or you don't. It's really simple."
Harry sighed. Was she mental? "Ginny, look, Ron and Hermione have always been around me, people know that. I just think that if we were to
introduce -"
"Introduce?! You're going to introduce me to the world as the third member of the Harry Potter fan club all of sudden? What the hell was I to you last year, Harry? Just someone to waste time with while the real people were off doing other things?"
"What? No! You're my friend, everyone knows that -"
"Yeah, well, you certainly don't seem to know it," Ginny glared at him and then she was leaving the room, her hair trailing behind her like an angry red cloud. Harry got up to follow her, but was knocked back when she closed the door in his face. He counted to five and then opened it, looking up the stairs.
"Fine," he called out, his voice shaking, "Get angry."
That was the extent of his ever-so witty comeback, and he miserably shut the door again. Fuming, Harry kicked at the table against the wall. Why couldn't she understand that he was just thinking about her safety? She'd been the same way about going to the Ministry of Magic in his fifth year, full of stubborn determination. She'd annoyed him then too. He suddenly thought of something else to say to her and opened the door again to go find her. He didn't expect to come face to face with Albus Dumbledore.
"Ah, Harry, I was hoping you were around. I need to have a word with you about a few things. I was wondering if you felt up to taking a trip?"
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Ginny slammed the door to her room and kicked her bed. Boys! Stupid, pig-headed, insensitive boys! They're useless; the lot of them, Ginny thought to herself and threw herself down on the bed. Except, of course, Harry wasn't really like that - he wasn't stupid, he wasn't pig-headed (well, not all the time) and he wasn't insensitive. So why did he act like one of the dunderheads at the worst possible time? Ginny turned over in anger and sighed. She knew Harry was just thinking of her safety; she knew that. But why did he always have to remind her that until recently, she hadn't been very important to him? 'Introduce her,' indeed. As though the world would even care.
But maybe the world would care. Maybe it would put her at risk. Ginny didn't really worry about that; as long as she could fight for Harry and be by his side, it didn't really matter what happened. Why couldn't Harry see that she was strong? Why was it that with just one small look, he made her feel as though he thought she was twelve years old again?
Ginny closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down, attempting the deep breaths she'd seen Harry use earlier. Eventually she felt her body slow down and before she drifted off to sleep, she frowned, realizing that Harry hadn't come to find her and apologize yet...
She was walking down a dirt path along side a river. It was summer and very bright outside; she could hear birds singing and the sound of the water as it rushed by her, somewhere to her right. She felt at calm and at peace. She knew Harry was beside her, could feel his hand in hers. But every time she tried to see his face, the sun would block her view. Eventually she gave up, and they continued on in silence.
They came across a stone gateway; it was very old and worn looking, but no less beautiful and Ginny heard a voice whisper an incantation of some sort before they crossed through it. On the other side of the gate stood a large stone fortress. It had sharp pointed windows and rows of stone arches. She realized it was an abbey and turned to ask Harry where they were, but then realized that he hadn't crossed through the gate with her. She saw a figure standing far away from her and thought that he must have entered before her; she ran forward, towards the stone building, but the figure only kept moving further and further away. Ginny couldn't understand why Harry wasn't waiting for her.
He must still be angry, she thought to herself and stopped chasing him. A feeling of stubborn pride overcame her, and she headed back towards the closest arch, the sun going behind a cloud. She suddenly felt cold and very alone; a wind came and she felt her hair lifting from her face in answer to it. The building, which had looked welcoming before, now felt oppressive and overbearing. Ginny knew she didn't want to enter it...
"Ginny! Wake up, it's time for dinner, and your mum wants our help with the potatoes."
Hermione was moving about their room, and Ginny blinked her eyes open to find that it had darkened. In fact, it was much darker than when she'd first laid down. How long had she been asleep?
"What time is it"? she asked Hermione, feeling groggy and out of sorts.
"Er...about half past seven. Your mum's all in a fluster because she was talking with Dumbledore all evening, and your father -"
"Dumbledore's here?"
"Yes, and he spoke with Harry first, and now Harry's gone missing as well."
Ginny shook her head, trying to clear it. "What do you mean; Harry's gone missing as well? Who else is missing?"
"Well, as I was trying to say, after meeting with Dumbledore, Harry came into the kitchen and told your parents that Dumbledore needed to speak with them. Then he just sat there...I was wondering if everything was okay, but before we could really talk, they called him back into the library. He and you father haven't been seen since. I don't know what's going on. I was hoping you knew, but I can tell you've been sleeping all afternoon."
Hermione had a note of reproach in her voice and Ginny looked at her. "I reckon I was more tired than I thought."
"Hmm. And not avoiding Harry at all, right?"
Ginny felt her skin heat. "You heard our fight?"
"Well, Ron and I were just in the next room. We sort of heard the door slam and wondered what could cause a row so soon in such a happy couple," Hermione said, her mouth twitching. Ginny scowled at her.
"Hermione, you know Harry...he's stubborn and pig-headed and -"
"A lot like you, actually."
"Gee, thanks," Ginny said, folding her arms.
"I only meant that the both of you are usually very passionate about things. Don't get offended. What did Harry do this time? I'm sure it can't be any worse then what your brother does on an hourly basis." Hermione smiled kindly at her, and Ginny felt her anger leave her.
"Oh! He's just...he gave me the speech about caring so much for me that he doesn't want people to know we're together when we get back to school."
"Harry doesn't want people to know you're together? Did he say he didn't want to be with you once school starts?"
"Well, no, he didn't actually say that, he was just sort of...voicing concerns about making me a target." Ginny sighed. Now that she was more level-headed, it didn't strike her as being wrong at all. She knew Harry; she knew what he was like. Of course he would want to keep her safe. Why exactly had she been angry again?
Hermione gave her a knowing look. "You wondered why Harry didn't seem to care about me and Ron being a target, I take it?"
Ginny nodded. "Yes! He went on about how he couldn't bear it if something happened to me, but he doesn't seem to think that applies to you and Ron getting into stuff. It's like he doesn't think I can handle myself. It's really, really, annoying."
Hermione sighed. "Well, technically, Harry doesn't know that you can handle yourself, Ginny. I mean, he's a boy, first of all. They always underestimate a woman's ability to take care of themselves. I think it's because their male ego kicks in. But with me and Ron...well, we've both been through so much with him, that I think...well, I know he sort of thinks of me as one of the boys, almost. But when Harry looks at you and feels what he's feeling for you...I think he's very much reminded of the fact that you're a girl, and he has to take care of you. It's terribly old-fashioned and quite disgustingly sexist, but there you have it. And besides, you know Harry. He's got the saving people thing down to an art form."
Ginny fumed. "This talk has not helped matters any, Hermione."
"I know..." Hermione said as she patted her hand. "But maybe it'll help you understand his feelings a bit better. Now come on, let's get downstairs and help your mum before she gets desperate and asks Ron to help with the cooking!"
Ginny gave Hermione a begrudging look and stood up. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair. She reckoned she might be the one that owed someone an apology.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Harry was sitting with Mr Weasley on the rooftop of 12 Grimmauld Place. It was a starless night so far and dusk had just settled, the lights of the houses around them twinkling in the oncoming darkness. He didn't quite know what to say. Or feel.
Dumbledore had told Harry that he needed to be out of the city, that Voldemort was doubling his efforts to find him. He also told him that this gave them the perfect time to have Harry start research on a project that Dumbledore had been planning for him during the school year. The Headmaster had been vague on this point, but he had basically explained that since they now needed to get Harry out of London, a trip to the place he would have been studying about would be perfect. Harry had nodded that he understood, but his first thought had been what it would mean to leave Ginny. He had so wanted this last month or so of summer to be all about her. Of course that was before they'd had a row...
That was why Harry could only stare at Dumbledore when the Headmaster then told him he would be allowed to take a companion with him, to 'help' him with his research. Harry hadn't even waited to be asked whom he would choose; he had blurted out Ginny's name immediately. Dumbledore had given him an odd look then, but it was gone before Harry could really understand its meaning. Maybe it hadn't even been there to begin with. After a quick conference with Mr and Mrs Weasley, Dumbledore had advised Arthur to have a talk with him. And so now, here he was...standing on the rooftop and looking at the sky. Mr Weasley didn't seem to be in a hurry to break the silence, and so they had both maintained the quiet, neither one wanting to disturb the other. Finally, the other man cleared his throat and Harry turned to face him.
"Well then, Harry...er...about taking Ginny with you...we...that is her mother and I -"
"Sir, if you don't want Ginny to go, I completely understand. I know you don't want her to come to any harm."
Mr Weasley seemed to relax after Harry said this, and he smiled at him. "I know that, Harry. But also I know she's in no safer hands. You love her; it's clear what has happened between you. I just...I just wish this could be different."
Harry frowned, not following what the other man was saying. Mr Weasley cleared his throat again and looked up into the sky as an aeroplane passed overhead.
He met Harry's eyes and cleared his throat again. "Harry, I just want you to know that Ginny's mother and I support this. We think that...well, we think that a month away from here would be good for both of you. We know she's a bit young, but...we're not about to question fate too much. Especially since it concerns you. We've seen the both of you through too much."
Harry was now more confused than ever and opened his mouth to ask what in the world Mr Weasley was talking about, when the door to the roof opened, and Ron stuck his head out.
"Er...Dad? Mum says you two better get down here before she sends a Ministry official in to sort you out. She says she has a load of packing to do...where are you two going?" Ron added as an afterthought.
Mr Weasley nodded at Harry and they both turned to head downstairs.
"Ah well, that's just it, Ron," Arthur was saying, "It's not your mother and I that are going anywhere, it's your sister." Mr Weasley cast him a significant glance and then followed Ron down the stairs. Harry tuned out Ron's questions and wondered what exactly was going on. He had suggested Ginny go with him because...well, because the idea of spending a whole month with her away from everyone sounded too good to be true, even if they were currently on the outs with each other. But he'd never expected Mr and Mrs Weasley to go along with it. Surely they knew what the two of them could get into, unchaperoned, right?
Maybe they don't know. Maybe they trust you to keep your slippery hands off their daughter's honour.
Harry didn't even know if Ginny would agree to go with him. She'd been pretty cross at him; maybe she'd laugh at everyone when they asked her at dinner. Wondering where all the good feelings of the day had gone, Harry sighed and walked into the kitchen, ready to see if Ginny still wanted to be with him.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
After a subdued dinner, one in which Ron kept whispering to Hermione, and Harry kept avoiding her eyes, Ginny was ready to scream. So she almost jumped out of her chair when Albus Dumbledore addressed her and asked her to speak with him in the library. She nodded and expected someone else, her parents, or even Harry, to go with her, but they just looked at her. Harry's skin was pink with embarrassment, and Ginny felt her heart ache a little bit. They hadn't had a chance to make up at all. She'd tried to smile at him earlier, when he'd come in the door with her father. But she wasn't sure that smile had gotten the message across.
She followed Dumbledore into the library and took one of the lemon sherbets he offered her. He studied her for a bit and then indicated that she should sit down in one the chairs.
"Miss Weasley, you are sixteen now, yes?"
Ginny nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Ah...what a wonderful age to be - full of wonderful new experiences and being able to consent to certain things," Dumbledore said softly, giving her a shrewd look. Ginny felt her face heating.
"Sir?" she asked him, not sure if she wanted to be having this conversation.
"Oh, don't mind me, Miss Weasley; I am merely being an old busybody. Now, I suppose you are wondering why I wanted to speak with you."
Ginny nodded, still uncertain enough not to trust her voice.
"Well, truth of the matter is, this is Harry's doing. He seemed uncertain that you would speak with him after what...I think he said you had a disagreement?"
"I...we...a misunderstanding, that's all...really...if Harry needs to speak with me -"
"You care a great deal for him, do you not?" Dumbledore interrupted her.
Ginny stopped and looked away from Dumbledore's eyes, which seemed to be able to read her mind. She then realized he probably could, given what she knew about Occlumency and Legilemency.
"I'm fairly certain I love him, sir," she answered truthfully, meeting his eyes once again.
Dumbledore nodded as though satisfied by what he had seen. "Well, then...you won't mind going away for a month with him, will you?"
Ginny blinked and stared at the headmaster. Had she heard him right? "Er...go away? With Harry?"
"Yes, it's come to our attention that London is not the safest place for Harry to be at the moment. There is a research project I desire his help on; we're going to be sending him to a location that may prove to be very valuable for the outcome of the war. I advised Harry that he could bring with him one companion, to help him in his studying. His immediate answer was you."
A million different thoughts raced through Ginny's head at one time. Harry had said he wanted to take her? Not Hermione? Not Ron? Ginny felt herself begin to smile. Her brain was then realizing what all of it meant; she and Harry would be alone together...for a month. A whole month.
"I take it by the smile on your face that you agree to this request of his?" Dumbledore asked her, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
Ginny blushed. "Er...yes, sir. Yes, I would be more than happy to join Harry and help him with the project that you want him to work on. It'd be my honour."
"Very well, Miss Weasley. I believe your parents have agreed to let you go. Please pack just what you really need. Clothes and any personal items you might need. Regrettably, you will not be allowed to get out and do any shopping. We have to make certain that no one in Headford knows that you and Harry are there."
Ginny nodded, not really listening. Already her mind was racing with possibilities.
Dumbledore smiled at her and then stood up. Ginny took that as her cue to leave, and she smiled when she passed him. He looked benevolently down at her.
"Remember though, Ginny, I do honestly want Harry to succeed at this project of his. It's very important that the answer be found, hopefully before term starts. I think you'll be very instrumental in helping him achieve what he needs."
"Of course, Sir," Ginny replied, trying to keep the blush off of her face. The old Headmaster had no idea that she knew exactly what Harry really needed.
"Then off you go, please advise your parents I need to speak with them about a few loose ends. We leave early in the morning, Miss Weasley. I would suggest that you and Mr Potter get a good night's sleep." Dumbledore smiled again, and Ginny had to wonder exactly what the old Headmaster knew about her and Harry's relationship.
It was only after the door had closed again that she began to speculate about where it was that she had agreed to go.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Now you're certain you have everything you need, dear?"
"Yes, Mum, quite certain. Wouldn't you say, Hermione?"
Ginny turned to her friend for help. It was getting late and her mother had made her repack at least twenty different times. At the rate this was going she wouldn't even get to kiss Harry goodnight. They still hadn't even properly talked since before dinner. And Ginny knew she had some apologizing to do.
"I think Ginny's packed very sensibly, Mrs Weasley," Hermione was saying patiently. She winked at Ginny as Molly turned back around and cast a final eye over everything.
"All right then, get some sleep. Dumbledore says you have a long train ride tomorrow. I don't want you falling asleep on poor Harry."
Ginny managed not to blush as the image those words created, popped into her head. She kissed her mum goodnight and then started counting to ten.
"Oh, go on with you, just pop down there. I'm certain the coast is clear," Hermione said laughing. "Just remember if you're not back here by two a.m., I'm coming down there and dragging you out, compromising position or not! You heard your mother, we can't have you falling asleep on poor Harry."
Ginny smiled and then impulsively hugged her friend, before opening the door. She heard voices coming from down the stairwell and hurriedly rushed towards Harry's room. She had just raised her hand to knock softly on it, when it opened. Harry smiled at her and let her in.
"I was just coming down to see you," he said after a moment.
Ginny nodded and suddenly felt self-conscious. What should she say to him? 'Sorry I thought you didn't care about me, and hey, thanks for the invite'?
She realized she was staring at him and then looked at his bed. "All packed I see," she said simply.
"Yeah," Harry said, equally as talkative as her, it seemed. Neither of them spoke for a moment and then...
"Harry -"
"Ginny -"
Ginny smiled and then shook her head. She nodded at him. "You first."
"Well, I'm sorry," Harry said as he avoided looking at her. "I'm sorry I got angry earlier. You were right to get upset; I was being a prat and -"
"Oh, Harry, I'm the one who should be sorry. You were just trying to explain your concerns about everything to me and I got all...sensitive about things. I know you care about me and want me to be safe. I'm sorry, truly. I reckon I just let my pride get wounded." Ginny smiled at him and went to him, joining their hands together. It felt like it had been years since she'd last touched him.
Harry's skin turned pink as he finally met her eyes. He cupped her face in his hands.
"Gods, I've missed you."
Ginny smiled and soon they were kissing. She felt her heart begin to beat again. Before she knew it, Harry was pushing her down to the bed and the passion that had been between them from before was flaring up inside of her. When Harry pulled back to nuzzle her neck, she let out a low sigh, trying to force air into her lungs.
"We only have a few hours, Harry. Hermione wants me to sleep in my own bed tonight."
"Let me worry about Hermione," Harry said, his voice muffled as his mouth moved across her shoulders. He was slowly trying to remove her robe, and Ginny was slowly losing the ability to think.
Harry stopped and winked at her, suddenly. He aimed his wand at the door and locked it; he also cast a Silencing Spell. He turned back to her and his eyes were so dark it was like looking into a black sea. Ginny felt her heart skip a beat.
"Do you think we can...I mean...try things again?" Harry asked her, his voice soft.
Ginny laughed. "We have a whole month together but you're determined to try it again now? Do you want me so sore I can't sit down tomorrow?"
Harry frowned at her joke, and Ginny immediately regretted making light of their previous experience. "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean...look, Hermione said the more you do it, the better it gets so..."
"Hermione said that?"
"Yep. I reckon her and Ron are experts by now," Ginny said shrugging. She lay back onto the bed and looked at the ceiling. Harry sighed and lay down next to her, resting his head on her stomach. She started to work her hands through his hair.
"Although," Ginny said continuing, "it doesn't seem fair that they get to be better at something over us, does it? I reckon we could do it for prosperity. Just to catch up with them."
Harry raised his head to look at her, to see if she were joking or not. And a part of her was, but another part of her did want to see if it was better the second time around. She raised her eyebrow at him and he laughed softly, and Ginny felt her insides melt. Merlin, he could do the simplest thing and she was like fresh clay in his hands.
Harry moved his hand slowly up her body. His hand resting on her breast, he moved his thumb slightly over her nipple, causing it to harden, even through her robe. Ginny shuddered and reached up to undo the rest of her robe. She let it fall back; revealing that she hadn't planned on being dressed for long. Harry sucked in a breath as he looked at her. He reached out and pulled her face to his, his tongue working its way into her mouth.
Ginny could feel his evident desire against her leg and she shifted, to make room for him. Hermione's advice replayed in her head, and she gripped his hand into hers, lowering it down to her centre.
"I need a little help...before," she said as he looked at her with a question on his face. He smiled suddenly and nodded. He reached between her legs and his fingers teased her gently before opening up her folds. Ginny felt the mixture of the air and his skin touch hers and bit her lip in anticipation. She looked up at him and smiled, noticing that his attention was on other parts of her body. He watched his hand moving back and forth and then pulled his eyes away to meet hers.
"Better?" he said thickly, his breathing coming faster.
"Hmm, much...a little bit more, Harry," Ginny said softly, opening her legs wider. Harry nodded and then kissed her gently before moving his head down her chest. His hand still explored her with tenderness and aching slowness. Ginny lay back as Harry captured one of her nipples in his mouth. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation his touch created inside of her. When a moment later she felt his hot breath against her middle, she wasn't surprised. She watched as he removed his glasses and then lowered his face against her. She felt her body jerk upwards when his tongue settled against her and she heard herself moan loudly.
Harry continued on what his fingers had started, and soon Ginny knew only one thing: insanely intense pleasure. It broke out across her skin in waves, and she found herself letting go and arching her back, pushing herself closer to his face, almost by instinct. Harry's strong hands gripped her and held her tight; she came in a shuddering mass of groans and sighs. Harry lowered her legs from his shoulders and then climbed back up to squint at her.
"Good?" he asked quietly.
"Oh Merlin, Harry, better than good. Bloody brilliant. Now come here," she whispered as she pulled his face in closer. She kissed him deeply, tasting herself on his lips. She felt something low and hot burn its way through her.
"Now, Harry," she said and she worked her hand in between them, grabbing a hold of his arousal with a tender grip. She stroked him once and then again as he gasped out loud.
"I don't want to hurt you again," he whispered as he pulled himself above her, propping himself up on his arms.
"You won't," she promised him. She opened her legs and guided him into her, loving the feeling of contact as their bodies joined. Harry moaned deeply and bowed his head over her. Neither one of them moved and then slowly Harry thrust forward more deeply inside of her and Ginny felt that same familiar twinge of pain. But it was less then it had been, so she urged him on, tightening her grip on his bum. Harry pulled up his face and looked down at her, an expression of wonder flitting across his face. He moved again inside of her and Ginny's body responded and they both looked at each other in disbelief. Ginny couldn't remember that from the last time and tried to tighten herself around him again. The same flash of pleasure went through them both. Harry gasped out her name and steadied himself above her.
"Do that again," he rasped out, his voice raw with need.
Ginny complied, feeling her muscles contract. Harry moaned and then started to move again, his body still shaky, but more confident than before. Ginny bit her lip and closed her eyes, the pleasure starting to overcome the pain. She moved under him, wrapping her legs around his back and was immediately rewarded with Harry cursing in her ear, his voice a mixture of wonder and desire.
They created their own rhythm and Ginny was beginning to see what Hermione meant. This was loads better than the first time; in fact, she could even feel something that was close to a climax begin to start inside of her. She urged Harry on and pulled him in closer to her. Harry lowered his head down and kissed her, a bead of sweat dropping on her from his forehead. She felt his body tense and knew he was close, and she urged her own body on, but Harry's couldn't wait. Soon he was shouting out her name and collapsing on top of her, his body still pulsing inside of hers. Ginny sighed and wrapped herself around him, locking him into place.
"I'm sorry," Harry said after awhile. He pulled himself out of her grasp and then reached for his glasses.
"For what?" she asked as she stroked the side of his face with her hand.
"For coming again, so soon," he said sheepishly.
"Harry, you don't ever have to apologize for that. That was...that was amazing. Much better than last time. By this time next week, we'll be professionals, I'm certain."
Harry smiled and then used his wand to clean up the mess they'd made. He lay down next to her and pulled her into his arms.
"I have to admit that I didn't think it possible, but that was better this time," he said thoughtfully, as he brushed her hair away from her face.
"Mmm..." Ginny agreed as she laid her head on his chest. Suddenly, something occurred to her. "Damn!" she exclaimed, looking up at Harry in alarm.
"What? What's wrong?"
"We...we forgot the Contraceptive Charm!"
Harry smiled. "You may have forgotten it, but I didn't," he said smugly.
Ginny frowned, her heart coming to stop. "What do you mean?"
"I used it when I was ah...down there, you know...you didn't even notice?" he asked, his eyes wide.
Ginny shook her head and then blushed. "I reckon I was um...enjoying it too much?"
Harry chuckled and then kissed the top of her head. "Well then, I'll take that as a very big compliment."
Ginny punched his arm playfully but was suddenly very thankful that Harry had at least managed to keep his wits about him. She didn't need to be a mother at the age of sixteen, thank you very much. She supposed she'd have to see if there was a potion she could take as well. One could never be too careful...especially when one was a Weasley.
She sighed and curled herself tighter around Harry. She couldn't believe they were going away for a month - away from Ron and Hermione, her parents...her annoying brothers. It was too good to be true.
"You should be getting back now, sleepy one," Harry whispered in her ear and she realized she had been about to drift off.
"Hmm...just a few more minutes. I like lying next to you too much," she whispered softly.
Harry pulled her tighter but then released her and sat up, reaching for her robe.
"Come on, we don't want to get in trouble before we leave, now do we? Besides, I don't think I could take Hermione."
Ginny blinked up at him. "What? You? The great Harry Potter, afraid of Hermione Granger?"
"I didn't say that, I just don't want her to see me naked," Harry said blushing.
Ginny laughed and took the robe he offered her.
"I don't either. She might take one look at you and decide that Ron isn't worth the effort and focus on you instead."
Harry blushed and stuck his tongue out at her. "Ha. Too bad for Hermione then, I'm already hopelessly addicted to my own Weasley."
Ginny buttoned the robe all the way down and then slowly stood up. She smirked at him and then walked over to the door, waiting while he released the charm on the door.
"Goodnight, Harry," she said, wishing that she didn't have to leave him again.
"Goodnight, Ginny," Harry said as he gazed at her, his face an open and mixed expression of love and lust. "See you in the morning, then?"
"Of course, I have a train to catch. I'm running off on some grand adventure with this wickedly sexy dark haired boy, didn't you know that?"
Harry laughed but his skin turned pink as he blushed, and Ginny felt her heart swell inside of her. She put her hand on the doorknob but turned back to him one last time.
"Thanks, Harry."
"For what? Shagging you?" Harry said, laughing. "My pleasure, Gin."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "No, you git. For wanting me to be the one that went with you. It...it means a lot. You know?"
Harry's laughter died away and he studied her for a long time. He smiled and then nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Ginny blew him a kiss and then opened the door. She couldn't wait to fall asleep. The faster she did that, the quicker the morning would get there and then her and Harry would be off.
She was certain that it was going to be incredible.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Author's Note: I have started a new tumblr - not sure if I will use it for writing extras yet (but hey, I probably will eventually) but it is rather lonely and sad, so I need followers. If anyone is interested, it is at .com :D Mostly I will use it to motivate myself when things get bleak - writing motivation, so to speak.