Chapter 6
The next morning Ginny awoke to Hermione poking at her, yawning into her face. Ginny pushed her away and laughed, sitting up. She was happy it was morning; she couldn't wait to get started.
"Well, I didn't have to poke at you all morning to get you up, you must be excited," Hermione said as she lay back down on her own bed, her eyes closing.
"Can't help it! A whole month, Hermione...do you know what this means?"
"That I get to sleep in occasionally and don't have to put up with your snoring?"
Ginny pouted for a moment and when she saw that Hermione was still lying there with her eyes closed, she grabbed a pair of socks and chucked them at the other girl.
"No!" she said loudly, and Hermione groaned in protest. "What it means is that Harry and I are going to better at shagging then you and Ron will ever be! We'll get in loads of practice!"
Ginny giggled as Hermione sat up, an expression of shock on the other girl's face. Ginny closed the door on a loud call of 'Ginny!' and hurried off to the lavatory to get washed up.
She ran into someone who was just coming out and hesitated as her oldest brother gave her a weary look.
"Morning, Ginny," Bill said as he took in her happy face.
"Morning, dearest brother of mine! What are you doing here so early?"
"I came over late last night to talk with Mum and Dad. I'm not happy with the decision they've made."
Ginny frowned at her brother and started to move past him into the loo, when he reached out and took her hand.
"Bill, look, I need to get ready -"
"I know. For this great adventure with Harry. If it were up to me, you wouldn't be going. We're going to have a little talk before you leave, little sister of mine."
Bill pulled on her hand and dragged her into the empty bedroom next to the lavatory. He used his wand to lock the door and gave her a determined look. Ginny felt her good mood begin to vanish.
"Really, Bill, I know you're enjoying being the big brother here, but honestly, this trip has been approved by Dumbledore; isn't that good enough for you?"
"It should be, but it's not. Sometimes I'm not sure about Dumbledore's motives when it comes to Harry," Bill said honestly, and Ginny felt shocked. She had never heard her brother speak out against his old headmaster.
Bill ran a hand through his hair and then sighed. He nodded at the dusty chair that sat in the corner and she sat down, intrigued by what had caused her brother to appear so worried.
"I know you care for Harry, Ginny. I know you...well, I know the two of you have done things that you think probably means a great deal, but...you're so young, Ginny. Are you certain Harry is the one you want to be with?"
Ginny blinked at Bill in confusion. "What do you mean, am I certain? I've loved him since I was eleven, for Merlin's sake. You yourself used to tease me about him. Don't you think that if I had any worries about Harry, they would have surfaced by now?"
"Well, until recently you were pretty certain he didn't care for you at all, other than as a friend. I'd say that was a big thing to get over," Bill said stubbornly.
Ginny frowned and felt dismayed that her brother wanted to hurt her for no apparent reason. "Why are you doing this Bill?"
Bill sighed and then shook his head. "Look, Ginny, I don't want to hurt you; Harry's a great kid, despite everything he's been through but...Ginny, do you truly love him, with no fear and no worries about what he feels for you? Are you that confident in his feelings for you? Are you certain it's just not...a passing fancy? A physical thing that will fade? I know how boys can be at Harry's age," Bill choked out the last part, as though it was hard for him to think about.
Ginny stood up, suddenly. She cast her brother what she hoped was a cool look. "I'm going to pretend my oldest and favourite brother didn't just imply that the boy I'm in love with is using me. I'm going to assume that you're just acting out of some insane male Weasley pride that obviously blocks your ability to think. How dare you think I'm so silly that I've let myself be with someone, not knowing if they really care about me or not. Harry is not using me, Bill. I can't believe you would think that about him. I can't believe you'd think that about me."
Ginny raised her head and waited for him to unlock the door. Bill sighed and then released the charm. Ginny left the room and didn't look back. She didn't trust herself not to hex Bill into next week.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Harry could tell that Ginny was in a bad mood. And he could even tell that it had something to do with Bill, who kept looking over in their direction with a dark look on his face. What he couldn't tell was why she was upset. She'd refused to elaborate when he'd asked her, and so he'd tried to keep quiet about it; he didn't want to upset her any more than she was.
Soon it was time for them to head to the train station. Hermione and Ron, both still in their pajamas gave them both a hug. Hermione seemed especially tender as she hugged him, and she smiled when he furrowed his eyebrows at her. He saw her slip a book into Ginny's hand and whisper something that caused Ginny's skin to flush. When Ginny saw him looking at her, she merely smiled and slipped the book into her robe pocket. He reckoned she'd tell him about it when they were alone.
Ron, who was still yawning and trying to stay awake, nodded at him. "Try to get some work done, Harry. How embarrassing if you two come back with nothing but love bites over the both of you."
Harry made a face at his friend and nodded towards Hermione. "I should say the same to you. I know it'll just be horrible, what with my room empty and now Hermione's room empty..." he let his voice run off suggestively. Ron turned pink and glanced at his parents.
"Shut it, Harry," Ron muttered. Harry watched as he turned to Ginny and pulled her into a big hug.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Yes, well, I think we should be making our way to the station. Harry, Ginny, there is a car waiting outside. Bill and Remus will be riding with the both of you, while I attend to some matters. I shall see you both at the station."
Ginny waited while Bill turned to her and tried to speak with her. Harry saw her frown and glance away from her older brother, all but ignoring him. Lupin appeared at his side suddenly and nodded towards the door. Harry smiled, and then they all made their way out to the car.
Harry had expected a sleek, black Ministry car, but instead it was an old Muggle hatch back, complete with dented bumpers and doors. Harry looked sceptically at Lupin. The car didn't look like it would get them to the end of the street, let alone all the way to King's Cross.
"Dumbledore thought it best to keep a low profile. The car's been borrowed, but improved inside as you'll see." Lupin nodded towards the door, which Harry opened as he got in.
Inside, the car was anything but dodgy; in fact, it had a nice, comfy back seat, complete with full room for everyone to sit in comfortably. Even so, when Ginny got in, she sat right next to him, linking her hand in his. Harry gave her another concerned look but she just smiled at him, her eyes looking strangely sad for a moment. But then it was gone and as soon as Bill got in, Mr Weasley, who was driving them to the station, started the car.
No one said much of anything. Harry had a strange sense of excitement bubbling up inside him. He'd expected to be stuck in the house until term started. Now, just a few days after his birthday, and he was off again, travelling to a new place with Ginny by his side. He could hardly believe it. He felt someone watching him and turned to see Bill giving him a searching look. For some reason, Harry felt compelled to pull Ginny closer to him, instead of letting go of her, which normally was his first reaction when in the company of her older brothers. There was something odd about Bill's look and finally the other man glanced away, choosing to stare out the window instead. Harry turned to Ginny, to see if she had noticed, but she was staring out the window as well, her face a strange mask of calm.
Harry didn't understand what was going on with the eldest Weasley brother, but he hoped it hadn't been something he'd done. Harry's mind turned to the talk Charlie and Bill had given him the eve of his birthday, and he suddenly coughed, remembering that it was something he'd done. But Bill couldn't know...could he? Had he approached Ginny and asked her? Was that why the two were now pretending not to look at each other?
Harry didn't have too much time to dwell on things, because suddenly Mr Weasley was pulling up in front of the station. He had found an easy parking space since it was so early in the morning. They lumbered out, and Lupin and Bill began pulling their luggage out of the boot for them. Mr Weasley came around and smiled at Harry and Ginny.
"Well, I reckon this is goodbye for awhile. Dumbledore should be waiting for you at the train, I believe it's number five and five-eighths, if I'm not mistaken...ah yes," Mr Weasley pulled out a pair of train tickets, handing one to each of them. Harry glanced down and saw the word Blackpool written in big, black letters. Mr Weasley smiled at him one last time and then nodded. He looked at his daughter, his smile changing into something that Harry couldn't read. Harry stepped away from them and went to pick up their bags from Lupin, giving the two some privacy.
Bill stood off to the side, pretending not to be watching Ginny and their father, but failing miserably. Harry decided to speak to him.
"I'll take good care of her, Bill, not to worry. We're just going to be researching, after all. Can't get into too much trouble doing that, can we?"
Bill gave him what Harry could only think of as a hostile glare. "I don't know Harry, can you?"
Harry pulled back, confused. Bill was acting as though he didn't want Ginny to go with him. In fact, he was acting as though he didn't even like Harry very much. He felt Lupin's hand on his back, as though he meant to keep him from saying something. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Ginny.
"Well, we're off then, come on, Harry." She reached down and took his hand into hers, squeezing it slightly, as though to warn him of something.
Bill made to follow them, but Ginny stopped and looked at him. Bill met her eyes for a long moment and then nodded. He went to join his father by the car. Lupin trailed after them as they headed through the station. Harry felt very odd about what had just happened.
"Ginny, about Bill...what's going on?" he whispered to her as they walked.
"Nothing that a kick from a hippogriff can't solve. Don't worry about it, I'll explain later."
Harry nodded and stopped when they got to the space between platforms five and six. He wasn't exactly certain how five-eighths would work. It didn't sound as though it was very big.
"Ah, yes, Harry, you and Ginny have to go in sideways," Lupin was saying, a smile on his face. He nodded towards the platform. "It's just like going to Hogwarts, except you have to sort of...slide, not run."
Harry nodded and then turned nonchalantly around, not wanting any passing Muggles to see him. There weren't many other people about, actually, and disappearing into a wall sideways might seem a bit odd. Harry stood so that he looked as though he were leaning against the wall and then suddenly felt himself being pulled through as he fell to the other side. He landed with a soft oomph!and moved out of the way, for Ginny. A moment later, she came through the same way, although Harry was happy to note she did it far more gracefully than he did.
They both turned and looked at the train that would take them on their journey. It wasn't scarlet like the Hogwarts Express and definitely not as big; it was black as coal and looked small and ancient. A bellow of steam came roaring out of it as they passed and Harry wondered if the train would last the whole trip. He looked up and saw Dumbledore standing at the door to the first car, smiling at them. Next to him stood a tall black man, his gold earring winking in the morning light.
"Mr Shacklebolt," Harry said grinning and shaking the other man's hand.
"Kingsley, Harry...Kingsley, please. None of this mister stuff, or I'll start to think my father's turned up behind me." The tall man laughed heartily, and Harry couldn't help but smile in response to it.
"Ah, Kingsley has been extremely helpful this morning and has offered to see you two as far as the train takes you, to Blackpool. There you'll be met by another friend, who will take you the rest of the journey to Galway. I've already seen to your compartments on the train and have left instructions for you to read at your leisure regarding your research. Any questions?"
Dumbledore peered at the both of them over his glasses, and Harry felt as though he should nod his head in compliance, but he did have questions.
"Er...sir...you haven't mentioned much about what this research will be about -"
"All in good time, Mr Potter. I assure you, I was most thorough in the letter I left you. However, if you still have questions, the fellow students at the Abbey you're going to will be more than happy to answer them for you. And as always, I am merely a fireplace away."
Harry nodded, still not satisfied, but knew from long experience that Dumbledore would tell him things when he thought it was proper. It was a point that Harry grew increasingly frustrated with, but he knew better then to cause a scene before leaving. Especially since Dumbledore had made it possible for him and Ginny to have this chance to be together. He glanced at Ginny and noticed she was staring intently at Dumbledore, a strange expression on her face.
"I'm sorry, sir...did you say we're going to an abbey of some sort?" she asked, suddenly.
"Why yes, Miss Weasley. The Muggles know it as the Friary of Ross Oirbhealaigh, or in tourist circles, the Ruins of Ross Abbey. Have you heard of it?"
Ginny shook her head and continued to give Dumbledore an odd look. Just then a loud whistle interrupted their thoughts, and a conductor stepped out of the train, indicating that it was time to leave.
Kingsley left them to say their goodbyes and boarded the train. Lupin offered Harry a hand, pulling him into a half-hug. "Have a good time, Harry. Don't er...work Ginny too hard now," he said softly in his ear. Harry smiled and tried not to blush. Lupin reached for Ginny and gave her a hug as well. She smiled when they parted and glanced at Harry, blushing. Harry felt as though they had the word 'new lovers' written over their heads for the entire world to see. Dumbledore nodded and waved as they stepped onto the train.
Harry and Ginny stayed standing in the train doorway until they could no longer see Lupin and Dumbledore waving at them. Looking at each other, they smiled and went to find their compartment.
Harry and Ginny made themselves comfortable in the compartment across from Shacklebolt's. The Auror had only smiled and laughed at them when they'd both longingly looked at the one across from his, noticing it was empty. Ginny reckoned it was obvious that she and Harry wanted to be alone together. Well, as much as they could be alone. Ginny also had the strange sense that the Auror wasn't as solitary as he let on; she wondered briefly if there were other people watching out for them until they made it out of London. She reminded herself to at least try and be on her semi-best behaviour and to notgive in to the need to touch Harry everywhere she could.
They settled down into the dark red, surprisingly plush cushions of the compartment seat and just looked at each other, soon erupting into what Ginny could only think of as teenage silliness. Harry's face looked so happy that she was filled with the urge to make certain that he always felt that way when he was with her. Ginny knew he'd had so few reasons to smile when he was growing up that it was amazing that he even knew how to. But when Harry looked like he did now - happy, calm...and downright joyful at just being himself, she felt amazed that he would share it with her. That it was, in fact, her that brought it out of him.
"Hey," Harry said, laughing, "why are you looking at me like that?"
Ginny felt her skin heat. "No reason. Just happy to finally have you all to myself."
Harry smiled lazily at her and turned his head to see if Shacklebolt was watching them. The Auror apparently trusted them enough; he'd lowered the blinds on his compartment to half-mast. Harry scooted closer to her and put his hand on her chin, lovingly tilting her head. He kissed her softly, and Ginny sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. Harry's kiss grew more insistent, but Ginny pulled away, resting her forehead against his.
"We have to be on good behaviour," she whispered. She wondered if she wanted to convince Harry or herself.
Harry's brow furrowed. "Why? And why are you whispering? The door's closed."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean we're not being watched over...or anything else, for that matter. Honestly, Harry...do you really think Dumbledore would send you out of London with just one Auror keeping an eye out?"
Harry sighed and sat back against his side of the seat. "Yeah, I reckon you're right. Unfortunately. Hey, are you going to tell me now what was going on between you and Bill?"
Ginny sighed. "Oh...that. That was just...Bill being a git. I'm certain he'll get over it. In about fifty years."
Harry frowned at her. "He seemed awfully cross about something, in fact, he seemed cross at me. You um...you didn't tell him about us and the other night, did you?"
Ginny met his eyes, seeing the worried expression there. "No, I didn't. But I sort of think he knows...Bill's always been hard to hide things from. I've never been able to deceive him that well. It's like he can read my mind."
"Oh," Harry said, the expression on his face going from worried to scared.
"Harry, don't worry about my git of a brother. If he wants to be a stubborn fool about things, let him. He knows better than to get in my way when I want something."
Harry's skin turned pink, and he swallowed loudly. "Yeah, but Gin...I reckon...I don't want your family to hate me or anything..."
Ginny shook her head and scooted over to his side of the seat, if someone was watching them, they could just look away.
"Nonsense. No one, especially not anyone in my family, could ever hate you."
"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, but, I reckon if your family knew what we've been getting up to -"
Ginny pushed him back with her hand and moved onto his lap. She captured his mouth in a kiss, her tongue suddenly forceful against the edge of his lips. After a moment, she pulled away, laughing quietly at the dazed expression on his face.
"Do you want to stop what we've been getting up to, Harry? Is that it?" Ginny lowered her voice and twisted the lower part of her body so that it came into intimate contact with his. His eyes darkened, and he shook his head.
"Er...no, of course that's not what I meant -"
"Then I suggest you let me worry about my family. We have a whole month away from them, and I don't want to talk about it anymore."
She kissed him deeply again, moving herself against him and then carefully extracted herself from his arms. She went back to sitting on her own side of the seat. For the first time, she noticed the envelopes lying against the window. One had her name on it, and the other had Harry's. She picked each one up, handing the one marked for Harry over to him. "Oh, these must be the instructions that Professor Dumbledore mentioned."
When Harry didn't take the one she offered him, she glanced at him. "Harry?"
Harry smiled at her feebly and took a deep breath. "Ginny, um...don't take this the wrong way, but please don't...um do that thing with your body again when we're not in a position where I can do anything with...this...er...about it." His skin had turned bright pink, and Ginny bit her lip, holding in a laugh.
"Oh, I'm sorry...you poor boy."
Harry glowered at her. "Thanks, I feel the sincerity. Do you mind if I go for a short walk before I read that?"
"No, Harry," Ginny said sweetly as she watched him get up, rather uncomfortably. He scowled at her good-naturedly as he left, and she giggled to herself. Honestly, how do men walk around with those things?
Turning her attention back to her own letter, Ginny opened it with interest.
Dear Miss Weasley-
Enclosed you will find a list of books I wish for you to read. Harry also has a list, but yours is more specific. I would like for you to take notes regarding anything you may happen to find regarding the legend or prophecy of Aine. Any or all mention of this particular prophecy is important, so please include all notes, no matter how insignificant you think them to be.
Again, your aiding Harry with this research is most important. Do not, under any circumstances, forget this fact, no matter what occurs between you and Mr Potter; I believe knowledge about Aine will be most pertinent in helping with the outcome of the war with Voldemort.
Sincerely-
Albus Dumbledore
Ginny read the letter twice and stared at it in confusion. She looked at the list of books he had mentioned and was relieved to see it only consisted of ten or so different titles. On the surface, it looked like a basic research request. However, Ginny had a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach that Dumbledore was trying to either warn her or tell her something.
'No matter what occurs between you and Mr Potter...'
What did that mean, exactly? And if this legend was so important, why did Dumbledore trust her to figure it out? She was suddenly dying to know what information Harry's letter contained. She glanced at it, lying innocently on the seat cushion where he'd left it and was tempted to take a peek. But the part of her brain that was notapparently being taken over by Salazar Slytherin kept her hands to herself and directed them into her pockets. Where she immediately remembered the other thing she had to read. The book that Hermione had given her. It was supposed to help Harry and Ginny with...things.
Ginny bit her lip and glanced around, noticing that Harry was now in Shacklebolt's compartment, talking to him about something. Getting up and lowering the blinds down, Ginny tucked herself in the corner and pulled the book out of her pocket.
One-Hundred and One Ways to Know Your Lover
by Dr. Dinah LeSturgeon
Ginny felt her skin heat slightly, but nevertheless, opened up the nondescript book to the first page, noticing the small symbol of a heart drawn around the bodies of two lovers doing something that looked like a great deal of fun. It was a Muggle book, so the symbol didn't move, and for that, Ginny was thankful. If this book had moving diagrams, Harry might not be the only one having to 'walk around' for awhile.
She had asked Hermione if there were some sort of manual she could study, while away from her parents and nosey brothers. In true fashion, Hermione had come through with flying colours and told Ginny that this small, Muggle edition book was a gem and that she and Harry would probably 'learn a lot from it.' With eagerness, Ginny started thumbing through the book, her eyes getting drawn to the first picture that flipped past.
Oh, goodness...I don't know if Harry and I...well, why not you dolt? Don't you want to experiment?
Ginny shushed the voice in her head and studied the picture. It showed a man and a woman lying on a bed. The woman was facing one direction, her head towards the direction of the man's feet. The man was facing the woman, but his head was towards the opposite end. However, both of their heads were not actually pointed toward each other's feet, but toward the middle section of the other. Ginny bit her lip and read the description underneath.
Attempting what the French call 'le soixante-neuf' may prove to be either a delightful interlude or a dreadful example of bad concentration. Lovers may find that their ability to think while the other devours them, a bit too much to handle. However, those with strong force of mind may just enjoy one of the most rewarding orgasms available. Other variations on this position may include the woman reclining over the man, her backside towards his face. Yet another way of achieving the same means would be for one partner to lay flat, most likely on a bed, head slightly off of the edge, while the other partner leans over them and in towards the genital area, allowing both lovers equal access with their mouth and hands. See page 17a for illustrations of both.
Ginny turned the page and then closed the book, suddenly feeling hot all over. She'd enjoyed both times what Harry had done with his mouth on her. In fact, she'd enjoyed it immensely. And she had even liked doing the same to him; for the few moments her mouth had been around him, she'd felt strangely exhilarated. But could they...would they really be able to do it to each other at the same time?
Ginny didn't know, but she knew that she really wanted to try. She unconsciously crossed her legs and looked out the window at the landscape speeding past. She wondered how long it would take them to get to wherever it was they were going.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The trip to Blackpool passed slowly and uneventfully. Mostly because Harry decided it was best that he and Ginny try not to touch each other so much. So they read or they talked about Quidditch and played a few rounds of Exploding Snap. But he'd never realized how erotic a girl's hand could be or how a stray lock against the side of her neck could drive him to distraction. It made his head spin to think of everything he'd been missing the last year and a half - lost in his own troubles and worries. He'd been attracted to Cho; she'd done funny things to his stomach, but he'd never felt for her what he felt for Ginny. Of course, the fact that he'd had sex with Ginny probably had a lot to do with what appeared to be his almost constant state of arousal. It seemed the further away they went from her family, London, and everything else that was designed to remind him of his responsibilities, the lighter he became. He felt like a new person; one not weighted down by prophecies or evil Dark Lords. Not even word that Voldemort was after him could dampen the lightness in his heart. He reckoned that until the final battle (for certainly, there would be one of those), Voldemort would always be after him and those he loved. What good was it to worry about it? If he was going to die, then Harry reckoned he deserved this one chance to feel normal. Just once. And this, this whatever it was with Ginny...this strange feeling that made him feel as though nothing could go wrong...he welcomed it and accepted it. And he was going to make it last as long as possible.
He watched her while she unconsciously twirled a piece of her hair around her finger as she sat reading. A strange tightening occurred in his chest. That had been happening more and more as he thought about how much his life had changed this summer. He watched as her brow furrowed at something she read and the way she bit her bottom lip in between her teeth. Merlin, why did it take me so long to see what was right in front of my eyes from the beginning?
Feeling his eyes on her, she turned and then smiled at him. She closed her book and then held out her hand. He took it, and they scooted closer together. But not too close.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked him, turning her head to face him.
"Just you."
"Aww...Harry, you're going to make me self-conscious," she said as her skin turned that delicious pink colour he was beginning to love. He'd missed her blushes from before, but the ones she did now were different. Instead of embarrassment, they were blushes of pleasure...usually at something he'd done, which he didn't think he would ever comprehend. But he was beginning to understand that loving someone made you want to take care of them; it made you want to give them as much pleasure as they could stand.
"I was just thinking how incredibly lucky I am that you never truly gave up on me, actually," he said, watching their fingers entwine.
"Yes, as well you should be."
Harry glanced up at her and saw the laughter in her eyes. "I know. And I want to make it up to you."
Ginny sighed and shook her head. "Oh, Harry. You don't have to 'make it up' to me. Just you being you is fine enough. Just seeing the smile on that face of yours makes me happy enough. Believe me."
"It's not enough."
Ginny smiled gently at him and brought his hand up to her mouth, kissing it slightly, causing a shock wave to travel through him. Honestly, I don't think I will ever get enough of this girl.
"Well..." Ginny was saying, releasing his hand and reaching into the pocket of her robe. "There might be one or two things you can do. Or perhaps things we can do together."
Harry frowned as she handed him a slim book, recognizing it from when he'd seen Hermione give it to her that morning. He glanced at the title, his eyes widening. He looked back at her.
"Hermione gave you this?"
Ginny nodded, a smile on her face. She stood up suddenly, stretching. "I'm going to go use the lavatory and walk around a bit. Kingsley said we can go as far as the dining car, right?"
Harry nodded absentmindedly as he opened the book. The opening graphic reminded him of the Healer's Diagrams and he felt his skin heat. Ginny had been reading this?
Ginny laughed and paused at the door to the compartment. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek softly.
"I think we should try page twenty-five, Harry. As soon as we're able."
Her voice lingered in his ear, and he glanced at her, seeing her smirk. She left him then, and Harry quickly turned to page twenty-five, feeling as though his eyes were about to pop out of his head. He also felt as though something else was about to pop as well. Groaning, he closed the book and started to take deep breaths, calming his mind. Feeling a bit foolish for doing so, he glanced around before he re-opened the book and began to read.
Both men and women find the woman-on-top positions extremely satisfying. They enable the woman to take a more active role in controlling both the sensation she gives and those she receives. With her lover underneath and relatively immobile, she can stimulate him easily by moving up and down and can more readily control the depth of penetration. For the man, such positions prove that his lover is taking the lead: with them, he can feel himself the object of her active seduction.
Harry swallowed and looked at the picture that was illustrated underneath the passage. Er...yeah...I bet he feels seduced.
Harry studied the picture and then read the small instructions next to it.
To reach the simplest of these positions, the woman lies on top of her lover with her legs outside of his. It is probably best to start from a side to side position, while she gently throws a leg across her lover's thigh, climbing on top of him. Once in this position, she may then bring her legs inside her lover's, which will result in a snugger fit between both genital areas.
Harry closed his eyes and imagined how that would feel. He felt his face heating up and counted to ten before he started reading again.
If the woman keeps her legs tightly closed, she can heighten the friction between her vagina and pelvis. She can add to the sensation by contracting her pelvic muscles.
Harry had a brief flash of the tightening he'd felt around him the night before; how it had felt as though Ginny were moving herself around him, pulling him in closer. Shaking his head to clear it, he looked back down at the book.
Finally, if the woman spreads her legs out widely to the side, the genital regions are perfectly aligned. From here she can press down on her lover's feet, which is usually highly arousing for him as he can feel that she is 'using' him to satisfy herself. She can push his legs apart or together with hers, thus changing the sensations for both of them.
That's it, Harry thought to himself and shuddered, closing the book. Visions of seeing Ginny above him as they made love had caused that well-known twitch to occur between his legs. Bloody hell. The idea of Ginny taking charge over him had sent his mind spinning. Oh, yeah...we'll definitely be 'trying' page twenty five.Maybe he'd actually be able to control himself and not come within five seconds of entering her.
Wanting to get his mind off the images he couldn't seem to shake, he remembered the letter Dumbledore had left for him, which still sat unread against the window. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and tried to relax his body. He stretched right and left and then picked up the letter. It slid open to reveal the familiar handwriting of his headmaster.
Harry-
This letter will be a bit more private than what I discussed in Miss Weasley's. I trust you to use your judgement in whether or not you will eventually tell her the full details of this letter. I have charmed this letter so that only you can read it. I hope you forgive the duplicity.
You are being sent to the Friary of Ross Oirbhealaigh because it contains a large selection of books not found anywhere else in Britain. The owner of the Abbey agrees with me that you be given this time to read and learn what it is the old books can teach you. Like me, he understands that it is most crucial that the thing you will be searching for is found.
For this research to go as smoothly as possible, you and Miss Weasley will be given free reign. The Abbey, like Hogwarts, is used as a school in the winter months, but only for older students wishing to continue on with their learning. In the summer time it is a far less crowded place, you and Miss Weasley should have no problem 'being' yourselves together. That is to say, to do what two young people in love should do (and not having to result to hiding in broom cupboards, I might add).
I am sure you are reading this with a strange sense of shock that I would presume to know so much about your relationship with Ginny. Remember, Harry, love should never be hidden. It should be enjoyed, cherished and shown to the world. These are dark times that we find ourselves in; do not try to block the light, if it indeed decides to shine on you at this time. Love her, if that is what your heart desires. And indeed, allow her to love you back.
You will both be reading about the great sorceress known as Aine. She is, to the outside belief, a goddess of war, love and fertility. There is an ancient prophecy regarding her powers, and it is this which I desire you to learn more about. As you begin to read, you will start to understand more clearly what this letter is asking you.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions. The owner of the Abbey, Dylan Cosgrove, is an old friend of mine, and he is also an extended member of the Order. You may trust him as you would trust me. Enclosed you will find a list of books that I believe you will find exceedingly helpful.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Harry read the letter again, feeling mystified and just a little bit angry. Ginny came back into the compartment to find him scowling at his expression in the window. The day had turned grey sometime after they'd left London, and it now looked like rain. He felt Ginny settle in beside him. He looked at her and shook his head.
"Sometimes I really wish Dumbledore would just tell me things instead of circling around them. Why does he never think I'm...good enough or clever enough to understand what it is he wants me to do?"
Ginny sighed. "I suspect he's just doing what he thinks is -"
"Right. Yeah, I get that. But hasn't he learned yet that he isn't all knowing?"
Ginny gave him a shrewd look and nodded. "What did the letter say, Harry."
Harry tossed it at her, slumping against the cushions, suddenly feeling sullen. "Go ahead, read it."
Ginny picked it up, and he watched her frown. A moment later, she looked at him over the top. "It's blank."
"Yeah, that's because the great man has decided that I'm to use my own judgment and tell you what it says when I feel I should. Honestly. Why is everything so cloak and wand with him? He obviously knows how much you mean to me, I don't know why he thinks I wouldn't tell you."
Ginny nodded and folded the blank parchment and put it back into the envelope. She looked expectantly at him for a moment and then looked away. Harry couldn't read her expression. She brought her eyes back to meet his.
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"
Harry sighed. "There's nothing to tell, Ginny. He just basically told me that we'll be given free reign to do what we want at the Abbey and that we can..." Harry paused trying to remember how the headmaster had worded it. "We can be ourselves with each other. That we're to read up on some witch named Aine and that whatever it is I'm supposed to be finding should be found. It was a lot of words equalling nothing."
Ginny frowned, deep in thought. "Do you think Dumbledore set this up so we could be alone together? Could there be a deeper motive?"
Harry startled. "Well...er...I hadn't thought that, but...his letter did seem awfully...well, knowledgeable about us. He advised me to love you, if that is what I desired and to let you love me back." His voice softened and he felt his anger and confusion leave him. He'd over-reacted, certainly. So what if Dumbledore's letter was vague and empty of information. He should be used to it. And he was going to get to spend a whole month making love to Ginny. The mention of which made him remember that book that she'd left with him...
"Hey," he said, lifting her chin up with his hand. "I'm sorry I got moody about the letter. Can I make it up to you by saying that page twenty five is definitely doable?"
Ginny blushed. "You read the book."
"Well, yeah...hello...? Teenage boy, here. You gave me a sex manual, what did you expect me to do? Look at it when I had nothing better to do?"
Ginny laughed, and he pulled her into his arms. She settled against him and they both turned to the window, watching the rain as it started to fall. They were coming into a town and Harry hoped it was Blackpool. He wanted to block the world out and get to a bed. Preferably a great big one, with lots of pillows.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
As they departed from the train, Ginny and Harry moved together naturally, both peering at the odd surroundings. Kingsley, though, seemed unperturbed, and they waited with him. Ginny could smell the sea somewhere close by; the air seemed thick with the scent of salt and fish. She'd never been this far north before and felt a bit exhilarated at the whole thing. She and Harry held hands and didn't have to worry about someone making fun of them or raising their eyebrows. It felt marvellous.
They were soon approached by an old man, who looked - to Ginny - as though he were older than Dumbledore. He was hunched over and very short; although exactly how much of it was his posture and how much of it was his actual height, she couldn't tell. He smiled at them and then nodded to Kingsley as they exchanged a few words. Soon the old man led the way through the train station's entrance. A moment later, they were standing out on a huge platform where Muggles were scurrying about, dragging their luggage and bags behind them. The old man disappeared the way they had come.
Kingsley turned to them and smiled. "We're just waiting for the person who'll be taking you onto the Abbey. He's running a bit late. Seems there's been a mix up about the boat you're to take."
"We're travelling by sea?" Harry asked, his voice sounding excited. Ginny didn't know if she liked the idea herself.
"Just a short ride across the Irish Sea, well that is, if you're going our way. You'll land near Dublin and then be taken to the Abbey. It's just two hours or so."
"Two hours more?" Ginny couldn't help her disappointment. The train ride had taken five hours already. And even though they had eaten lunch, she was feeling peckish again. She patted her stomach in frustration. Harry laughed at her.
"Perhaps we can stop and get something for you to eat before we leave, Gin."
Ginny stuck out her tongue in response, but felt herself go pink in the face.
"Here," Kingsley said as he handed her a small package. "There's some goodies in there for you two. Your Mum knew you'd want something while you travelled."
Ginny smiled and eagerly took what he offered her. Merlin save her!Her mum had packed some fudge and biscuits for them to nosh on. Harry was still shaking his head at her, and she held the package protectively against her chest.
"Well, fine then, Harry, I just won't share any with you."
"Oh yeah? Bet I know a way to make you," he said slyly, his voice sounding amused. He squeezed her hand and rubbed his thumb against hers. Ginny felt that curious sense of excitement course through her again.
She didn't know how long they stood there staring at each other before Kingsley cleared his throat and nodded behind them. They both turned and saw a young man approaching them. He wore black jeans and what appeared to be a Muggle rock band tee-shirt. His hair was a short shock of black, casually styled to look as though it had no style, and his eyes were a bright sky blue. In one word, Ginny thought he looked...well...cool.
He approached them, smiling. He nodded at Kingsley and then, surprisingly, winked at her. She felt herself blushing. She hid the smile that threatened to break out across her face when she saw Harry narrow his eyes and frown at the young man.
"Harry, Ginny, meet your travelling companion for the next few hours or so. This is Brogan Caley."
Well, well...he even has a cool name, Ginny thought to herself. She was about to hold out her hand to shake his, when she felt Harry tightly pull her back. She frowned and looked at him, but his eyes were on Brogan's.
"Nice to meet you," Brogan was saying, his voice containing a slight Irish lilt that Ginny found immediately pleasing. He smiled at her again, his eyes lingering on her face. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, most definitely."
"Er, Kingsley, I don't mean to doubt the wisdom here, but...how old is our new companion? This is who Dumbledore is trusting to see us to the Abbey?" Harry asked, after barely shaking the other man's hand. Ginny gasped at his rudeness. She smiled apologetically at Brogan, who seemed quite amused and unruffled by the whole exchange.
"Actually, Harry, Brogan here is twenty-one and considered one of the best students of the Abbey. If he wasn't so set on being a professor, we'd have started him on Auror training immediately. He's young, but he's the most impressive student I've seen in a long time. His defence capabilities are amazing. You are in the best capable hands."
Harry opened his mouth to argue and looked as though he were about to continue being a prat, so Ginny wrapped her hand around his, tugging roughly on it. She smiled at Brogan. "What do you want to be a Professor of?"
Brogan chuckled and reached out to take her bags for her. "Transfiguration. It's a wild, fascinating subject. Although I do consider Charms to be almost as interesting. Nothing like a good Charm to make things lively, eh?" He winked at her again, and she laughed, feeling quite giddy all of a sudden. She noticed that Harry was now staring at her as though he'd never seen her before.
Brogan offered to take some of Harry's bags, but Harry stubbornly lugged them over his shoulders. Unfortunately, he couldn't carry all of the bags and still hold Ginny's hand. She ended up taking one of the bags from him. Honestly,she thought to herself,what is his problem?
Kingsley and Brogan walked ahead of them, and Ginny started to follow. She stopped when she realized Harry wasn't walking next to her. She looked back at him.
"Harry?"
"I'll be there in a minute," he said, not looking at her, trying to adjust one of the bags on his back. His voice was snappish and rude. Ginny bristled and released his hand.
"Fine, then. I'll just go talk to our enchanting guide a bit more."
Harry glanced up at her, his eyes wide. "You like him."
Ginny sighed. "I just met him, Harry. He hasn't had a chance yet to act like a complete and utter prat. Unlike some people I know."
Harry scowled at her and moved forward to pass her, the bags hanging half off of his back. She rolled her eyes and caught up with him, pulling on his shoulder. He stopped and looked back at her, his eyes full of anger.
"Harry!"
"What?"
"What is wrong with you? Here, let me fix this." She adjusted the strap on his back, so that the bag righted itself. "There, that should feel better," she said softly, letting her hand linger on his arm. She felt him relax, and he looked at her, his eyes still bright, but sheepish.
"Sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
"For being a complete and utter prat."
"Good. Apology accepted."
Harry scowled at her again, but this time fell into step beside her as they followed after the other men.
"So..." Harry said, his voice trailing off.
"So what?" Ginny said as she glanced at him.
"You like him. I mean, he's your type, right?"
Ginny bit her tongue to hold back a laugh. "My type?"
"Yeah, you know...charming, cool...with that hair and everything...you know...attractive." Harry spit out the last word as though it pained him.
"Actually, my type is the prattish, insecure, green-eyed type. Or didn't you know?"
Harry stopped at looked at her. His shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry. I never saw anyone flirt with you before. Well, not up close like that. It...shocked me. I didn't like it."
Ginny smiled and used her hand to push his glasses up for him. He stared back at her, his eyes full of something she couldn't quite place. He doesn't think he's good enough for me. The thought made her sad. She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"The only thing you should be thinking about, Mr Potter, is how many different pages of that book we can squeeze in tonight, before I wear you out."
Harry's skin turned bright pink, and she laughed softly. She started walking again, and they caught up with Brogan and Kingsley a moment later.
"Well, this is where I leave you two. Remember, Dumbledore is just a fireplace away. Have a safe trip and don't forget to actually get some work done, you two." Kingsley's voice was full of warmth and humour. Ginny and Harry looked guiltily at each other before shaking his hand.
After they watched the Auror head back the way they had come, they both turned expectantly to Brogan.
"Well, we have a boat all ready, so if you two will just grab a hold of this," he held out a small silver item that was bent in a strange set of loops. "We'll be on our way."
"We're taking a Portkey to the boat?" Harry asked and Ginny was relieved to see that his voice held no trace of bitterness.
"Aye. Just a quick one. The harbour is a busy place and since we're going on a wizard boat, I thought it'd be easier this way. Don't have to deal with the Muggles."
Ginny glanced around and noticed they were standing in a small alcove against the train station. Shrugging, she reached out and touched her finger to the looped item. A moment later, Harry did the same. Brogan smiled at them again, and a second later, Ginny felt the familiar tug on her navel as they headed towards their destination.