Author's notes: So yeah, the response to this one will be interesting.
Standard disclaimer: It all belongs to JKR. Thank you JKR for letting us play with your toys.
I will continue to use the occasional song lyric in the story and will give credit at the time when needed.
This is the fifth book in my Slytherin Harry series.
Book 1: Harry Potter and the Muggle's Daughter
Book 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book 4: Harry Potter and the Blood Traitor's Daughter
Book 5: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
If you haven't read books 1-4 you won't know what's going on. But the bonus is you've got four completed books before you even get to this one!
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
CHAPTER VII
I'm a Mess
HPHPHP
Term was a week gone and Harry was in his bed when his mirror started vibrating. He picked it up and activated the sound. "Harry?" Neville's voice came out of it. Harry sighed. He was exhausted and very much looking forward to the day off from training tomorrow. "Harry?"
Harry turned the mirror fully on. Neville shimmered into view. "Hey, Nev, what's up?"
"Oh, good, I was worried you'd be asleep already."
"I almost was till you called."
"Sorry, not sorry," Neville retorted. "I need to talk to you."
Harry sighed again, mentally berating himself for contributing to Neville's growing skill at sarcasm. "Do I have to be awake for this, or can I just pretend?"
"Shut up and listen you git."
"You know, there are days I liked you more when you were terrified of me."
"Yeah, well I still don't think much of you so I guess that makes us even."
Harry chuckled. "What's up, Mate?"
"What's the deal with Daphne lately?"
It took more than a bit of Harry's acting ability to keep a straight face. "What do you mean? I haven't noticed anything. Is she falling back into a funk about Astoria again?"
Neville glowered at him. "Nice try, Harry. I know you better than that." Harry quirked an eye at him. "You pay attention to her." Harry's brow rose a bit further. "Not as much as you pay attention to Ginny, but you pay attention to all of them."
"Not helping yourself, Mate," Harry said.
"Shut up and answer the question, Harry."
"Fine, you're right, Daphne is flirting with you. That what you wanted to hear?"
Neville dropped his mirror. "She is?" he yelped. "Oops." Harry waited for him to pick the mirror up again. "Sorry about that." Harry said nothing, just waiting for the other boy to say something. "What?" Neville asked when they'd been staring at each other for a good while.
"What, what?" Harry countered.
Neville glowered at him. "You have no idea how lucky you are I can't reach through this thing and strangle you."
"Come on, Nev, a pretty girl is flirting with you. How bad can that be?"
Neville paled. "You really think she is?" he croaked.
"Yuup."
"Why?"
Harry shrugged. "No idea. You're kind of ugly if you ask me."
"Bloody hell, I'm going to kill you, Harry."
"Come on, Nev. You're a decent bloke. You're all right to look at, and I'll deny ever saying that. You've been a good friend to her. You're from a prominent family. You've a title. You're reasonably powerful. You're semi-intelligent. Can I stop before you start thinking I'm flirting with you?"
"She's right you know, calling you an ass."
"I don't deny that… So do you like her?"
"What?"
"Come on, Nev. Do you like her?"
Neville turned white again and Harry began to wonder just how many times he could cycle his friend from pale-faced terror to red-faced irritation before he blew a gasket. "I – I d-don't, we–well she's kind of pr–pretty."
"Kind of?"
"Well you've seen her."
"Smokin' to tell ya the truth. But I'll deny ever saying that as well."
"Would you knock it off?"
"Sure, so you think she's pretty. Anything else?"
"Else?"
"Neville," Harry said, "being completely serious, if all you think is she's pretty, then don't bother."
"Bother?"
"She needs to be more than pretty, Neville. She's got to interest you, challenge you, make you laugh, that kind of thing, know what I mean?
Neville cocked his head. "Yeah, I think maybe I do… Thanks, Harry."
"No problem… So what are you going to do?"
Neville sat there for a second or two. "I'm not sure. I mean I do like her, but I just never really thought about her that way, know what I mean?"
"Yuup," Harry said. Neville sat there for a bit and Harry just waited.
"Thanks, Harry. See you tomorrow."
"Hey, Nev?"
"Yeah?"
"No training tomorrow."
Neville brightened. "Thanks, Harry I'd have forgotten there."
"Yeah, I kind of figured you were a bit distracted and all."
Neville rolled his eyes. "Merlin you're a knob."
Harry laughed. "See you tomorrow, Mate."
"See you." Harry flipped the mirror off and set it on the headboard. He was asleep in seconds.
Ginny rolled to her back and massaged her temples. "I haven't seen her in months and she still gives me headaches," she muttered.
"Was'zat?" Daphne mumbled.
Ginny rolled over and rested her head on Daphne's chest. "Nothing, go back to sleep." Daphne gave her a squeeze and both girls drifted off again.
HPHPHP
Two weeks into term Harry and his friends entered the Room of Requirement for the first time that year. Sirius, Mr Granger, Bill and Tonks were all there. "Bill!" Ginny cried and ran to embrace him.
He caught her up. "Hey there, Firefly."
"What are you doing here?" she asked when he set her down.
"New training program," Bill said.
"New training program," Sirius said when Harry asked the same question. "Have a seat, kiddies." Harry and his friends sat while the three adults stood in front of them. Sirius clapped his hands together. "We're not really sure how well this is going to work, or if you're ready for it, but with the way things have been going it's been decided it can't wait."
"So we're going to teach you how to fight," Bill picked up. "And we don't mean dueling. We mean an actual, knock down, no rules, curse you in the back, battle for your lives. Sirius, Tonks, myself, others as needed will make appearances as the enemy."
Mr Granger stepped forward. "You have all proven you won't run from what's coming. Each of you has already faced the enemy. You've done so individually and together. And you've done remarkably well when forced to. But there is plenty of room for improvement. That's where I come in. The others will act as your enemies. I'm your instructor. And before you wonder just how a non-magical person is going to teach you to fight, I'll say this. War is war. It doesn't matter if it's fought with spears, swords, guns, cannons, missiles, rocket powered planes or magic. Those things change nothing but the scale. The tactics remain the same. Questions?"
Harry and his friends exchanged looks before focusing on Hermione's father again. "When do we start?" Daphne asked. The others nodded eagerly.
"Well do anything you ask, Sir," Neville agreed.
That's what I'm afraid of, Dan Granger thought silently. "Get up then," he said. "Bill, if you would?" The room morphed into a perfect replica of The Three Broomsticks. "We're at war," Mr Granger said. "Where are you going to sit?"
Harry quickly took the room in. "There," he pointed.
"Why?" Mr Granger asked.
"Because I can see all the ways in and out of the dining area," Harry said.
"Good," Mr Granger said. "Sit down."
HPHPHP
September rushed along in a blur of classes, training, revision and quidditch. Tryouts had been held the second weekend of term. Slytherin's seven starters remained the same, but there was a lot of turnover among the backups. Miles Bletchley, a seventh year who had been a backup slasher since Harry's first year on the team hadn't bothered trying out at all, while Bradley Wallace and Thomas Grover, both sixth years, and fifth years Elgan Bole and Bo Derrick had resigned their spots when they failed to break into the starting lineup.
Harry didn't really fault them. It was a big commitment and none of them were likely ever going to earn starting spots. Not when younger, better players were in the pipeline. Unfortunately it meant Slytherin was going to be very green if a starter did go down. And quidditch being what it was, that was a distinct possibility. Regardless it meant five new players joined the returning nine. Cormac MacDougall, a third-year, became their fourth beater behind the returning Osian Thwaite. Harry's year-mate Hadley Skovgaard took the backup keeper position. Fifth-year Michael Rains was joined by second-years, Jamison Eldred and Xui Fung along with a first year, Amanda Dewer at the backup slasher positions. But quidditch was a thought for another day.
"Ready?" Harry asked.
Ginny nodded. "Yes."
He stood and offered her his hand. "We'll meet you for tea?" It was the weekend for Hogsmeade and he and Ginny were going on their first official date. Harry couldn't have been more excited and was pleased to note Ginny seemed just as eager to spend a bit of time alone with him today as well. He hoped she'd let him treat her to a small present if something caught her eye.
"We'll stop and make a reservation," Daphne said.
"Thanks," Ginny said.
"Have fun," Hermione said.
Harry cocked his head slightly before smiling. She really had been making an effort to be happy for him. Perhaps he'd find something small for her as well. "We will."
"See you," Luna said.
"Be sure you go to the quidditch shop before you join us," Daphne said. "We'll not go with you after."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at her. "Just for that we won't."
Harry tugged her along before yet another war of wit between two or more of them erupted. It would be dinner and time to return from the village if they got going. "I'm coming. I'm coming," Ginny laughed, stumbling along after him. She settled in at his side, shoulders bumping, hand in his. It was so strange to actually be away from the others an uncomfortable silence actually settled on them.
"So where should we start?" he asked.
"Quidditch, duh," she said. "She's not kidding about not going with us later."
Harry laughed. "True. Are you looking for something in particular, or just looking?"
"My gloves are getting a bit worn, but they should be good for a while yet." She shrugged. "I don't actually need anything else so I guess mostly just drooling."
"Maybe you should get a pair so you can get them broke in before matches start."
"We'll see. Perhaps if they've got a sale on. How about you?"
"Forms," Filch demanded before Harry could answer. Harry and Ginny produced their forms and waited while the cantankerous old caretaker scrutinized them. His beady eyes narrowed on Harry for a second, noting their clasped hands. He shoved the forms back at them. "See you don't do nothing you shouldn't with her."
It was everything Harry could do not to clock the man. "He'll be a perfect gentleman, I'm sure," Ginny said. She grabbed their forms and pulled Harry past the man. "I've never met a less agreeable human being," Ginny muttered as they made their way thorough the gates.
"Thanks for stopping me killing him," Harry said darkly.
"You're welcome." They walked in silence for a bit before she asked. "So did you need something at Q&Q or are you just drooling as well?"
Harry shrugged. "I might get some gloves just to get them broke in, but the pair I have should last the season."
As it turned out there was a sale on at Q&Q and both Harry and Ginny ended up getting new gloves. They'd also admired the new brooms for a while but they already had Nimbus 1700s and they couldn't play with anything newer at school so there was no point in getting the 2000; even if it was just about the most beautiful thing they'd ever seen. The game-worn jersey signed by Gwenog Jones was still there as well, but Ginny had been given one by the Harpy's icon herself at the end of camp that summer so Harry figured there was no point there either.
They left Q&Q behind for the Curio Shoppe where they had stayed and talked with Karlie for quite some time. Sirius and Remus had been able to get her bass working with magic last year and Harry had a standing discount with her for it. She loved music as much as he did, so they could talk for hours and Ginny was forced to drag him out or they'd have been there all day. She was happy to talk music with Harry too, but she only had him to herself for four hours and she wasn't in the mood to share.
"You all right?" he asked when they were in the street.
"Fine. I'm just not in the mood to share you."
Harry glanced at her before stopping and turning her to him. "Sorry?"
"We've just barely had ten minutes alone since school started," she said, flushed, "and I'm not in the mood to share the few hours I've got."
Harry frowned. "I wasn't trying to ignore you."
"You weren't, Harry. I just want you to myself today."
"You're sure?"
"Sure I want you to myself, or sure I'm not upset?"
He shrugged. "Both, I guess."
"Yes."
"All right then, what would you like to do?"
She shrugged. "I don't care. I just want to spend time with you."
Harry considered for a second before he spotted a play park behind her. "Come on." He tugged her hand.
"Where are we going?"
"Play park."
"Play park?"
"Yep." He led her over to the swing where he sat down. He patted his lap. "Come on."
She arched a brow at him. "Oh yes, I won't end up dumped on my arse like that at all."
"You won't if you face me."
"Face you?"
Harry blushed. "Yeah, you know." Ginny pursed her lips. "Or you can have the other one if you like."
Ginny grabbed the chains and hoisted herself up. "Budge up." It took a second to get situated, but once she did, it actually worked quite well. Straddled on his lap she could hold the chains or rest her hands around his neck. Which had very few, if any, drawbacks at all. Meanwhile his hands rested on her hips. A situation that had even fewer drawbacks than her arms wrapped around his neck did. Of course it was maybe just a bit forward. "Somehow I don't think this is Filch approved," she said.
Harry grinned. "Sod him."
She leaned forward. "Good answer," she said and pressed her lips to his.
He grinned goofily when she pulled back. "You're right. This is way better than the shoppes."
"Tell me about your songbook," she said.
"Huh-un, you tell me about yours," he countered.
She sighed. "I'm afraid I've already told you everything about it. Now tell me about yours."
"Have you tried?"
"Yes." She shrugged. "I don't even know where that came from. I was just trying to think of something that would mean something to you; something more than just asking you to be my boyfriend again. I started writing and the next thing I knew, I had that. And quit changing the subject."
Harry nodded slowly. "It happens like that for me sometimes. I'm just trying to say something and the next thing I know I've got this amazing song. Other times I spend weeks changing words around."
"So it's not always easy?"
"No. Where did you learn to play the piano?"
"At home," she said tightly.
"Your mum?"
"Yes."
"Did she teach you to sing as well?"
"Not really. We just all kind of sang. It was entertainment. Wizarding families don't have things like the telly or video games. No more questions about her. It gives me a headache."
"Sorry." He considered a second. "I guess I never really thought about how different growing up wizard would be."
"Growing up wizard?" she laughed.
"What?" Harry demanded. "You did."
"Well so did you."
"Not like you though. I've always been in the non-magic world."
"I kind of wish we had as well. I like living in both."
"Me too," Harry agreed. "Magic is great for some things, but so is electricity." Ginny moved her hands from his neck to the chains and started them swinging a bit.
"Harry," she said after a bit.
"Yeah?"
"We've been dating for eighteen days now."
"Yeah?"
"And we've kissed exactly twenty-three times."
"Yes."
"And I've initiated every one of them."
"Oookay?"
"I know things are kind of on me for a while but don't be afraid to show me what you want."
Harry stopped them swinging. For a moment he just looked into her eyes. But then his hand moved from her hip to the back of her head. He slowly pulled her to him. He kissed her gently, but then harder and for the first time their lips parted. She moaned softly and attacked, grabbing him by the sides of the head as their tongues battled. When they eventually parted his eyes were so dark they were almost black.
"I'm glad we were here for our first kiss like that."
Her brow crinkled. "What do you mean?"
"Just that we only get one chance for first times at things and I want to savor every one of them. You, on my lap, a swing, a bit of chill in the air, totally oblivious to anything going on around us, that's a memory."
Ginny blushed. "Well, I guess I'll never be one of those girls who complains because her boyfriend can't express himself."
Harry chuckled. "Do you mind if we don't talk about my songbook? I'd rather just show them to you when I'm ready."
"When you're ready?"
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I wasn't in the greatest place when I wrote most of them."
Ginny tipped her head. "Feeling a bit scorned, were you?"
Harry rocked his head back and forth. "Meh, you know."
Ginny leaned in and softly pressed her lips to his. "I can take it," she said when she pulled back. "Just so you know." Harry wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her tight with his head tucked under her chin. Ginny rested her head on his. "Thank you, Harry, for believing in us, when I didn't," she whispered. He only held her tighter. After a while he relaxed a bit and patted her hip.
"Come on."
"Where are we going?"
"I've been waiting for over a year to buy you chocolates; and funnily enough, Honeydukes is just around the corner."
"Well why didn't you say something," Ginny said. She pulled herself up off him.
Harry stood and immediately grabbed for the swing. "Ooookay, legs may have fallen asleep there." He rubbed at his thighs vigorously. "Ow. Ow. Ow." Ginny giggled. "Ha. Ha. Next time I'm sitting on your lap."
"Yeah, yeah. Hurry up. I've been promised chocolate and if you don't provide I just may have to find someone else who will."
Harry grabbed her hand and set off. He hobbled along for a bit till the blood got flowing properly again. "Please, like anyone else could put up with you."
She turned on him. "Oh, you are so dead."
Harry smirked and pecked her on the nose. "Kill me and I can't buy you chocolates."
She tapped her foot while pursing her lips, pretending to be irritated with him. "Right, chocolate first, then death." She pulled him along again.
"Nice to see your priorities, Weasley."
"It's all about priorities, Potter," she retorted loftily.
They reached the shoppe and Harry opened the door for her. "After you." He followed her in and directed her to the case with all the fancy truffles and pralines. "What would you like?"
"Harry, you don't have to buy me these, just a block of their dark is plenty."
"I don't have to buy you anything, Ginny. But I've seen you eyeing these and I want to buy them for you."
She frowned. "They're frightfully expensive."
Harry leaned in by her ear. "You could have had me at any time over the last two years. I don't think my name, title or inheritance ever once played into your mind." He leaned back again so he could look her in the eyes. "Did it?"
"Never," she said softly.
"Then pick whatever you like, Ginny. I want to buy them for you."
She smiled softly and leaned in to kiss him. "Thank you."
HPHPHP
"Luna?" Ginny said. She was tucked in her bed waiting for Daphne to come out of the toilet for the night. Sometimes it astounded her just how long it took her friend to get ready for bed. But it worked out well enough. It gave her time to talk privately with Luna; something she didn't get much of a chance to do during the day.
Luna's face appeared in the mirror. "Hello, Ginevra."
"Hey."
"Did you see Neville watching Daphne at dinner today? I think he's really starting to take notice of her."
Ginny grinned. "I did. And I think you're right. But I was wondering if I could ask you something?"
"You're wondering why you still can't produce a patronus, aren't you?"
"Why am I not surprised?" Ginny muttered
"Harry's still not managing either."
"I know."
Luna pursed her lips. "Do you want the unvarnished truth or shall I tell you to just trust that it will come?"
Ginny grimaced. "The truth please."
"You were the one who taught me the secret, Ginevra."
Ginny sagged. "I don't fully trust him yet. Or trust myself, or something, right? And Harry's the same, isn't he?"
"You've hurt each other deeply, Ginevra; intentionally and not. Fate, desire, physical attraction, even love, can only do so much in the face of trust issues. You just need more time."
"But I've promised him. Just like he promised first year. And I know it's been a mess at times, but he did keep his promise. I really do believe that."
"Do you?"
"Yes!"
"But you can't produce a patronus. So you either don't trust yourself or you don't trust Harry."
"But I do trust him."
"You don't, Ginevra. You're better than you were. Far better. But you still don't trust that you're not making a mistake in trusting Harry which is, in effect, saying you don't trust him." Ginny opened her mouth but closed it again. "Harry doesn't trust you, Ginevra," Luna said gently. "He won't be able to cast the Charm till he does."
Ginny closed her eyes tightly. "And he won't trust me till I can cast it," she said.
"No," Luna agreed, "probably not."
Ginny sat there for a while before taking a deep breath and blowing it out. "Thank you, Luna. You've helped."
"I'm glad."
Ginny sat for another second before saying, "Nite, Luna."
"Goodnight, Ginevra."
Ginny shut the mirror off. It wasn't the answer she'd hoped for, but it was the truth. She was very happy to be with Harry again. But she couldn't deny Tom's influence as well. Being with someone meant giving up some level of control and not being in control terrified her more than anything. It was the reason she was still sleeping in Daphne's bed. It was impossible to control your dreams and her dreams were one of two things; nightmares of the diary and the chamber, or her mother.
Strange, she preferred the diary and the chamber. Bad as they were, they didn't cause her to wake with a headache.
HPHPHP
Bill reclined in his chair, propping his feet up on the deck rail as he relaxed. Lily came out of the house. "Beer." She held one out before sitting down next to him.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Now get your feet off my rail."
Bill shifted, letting his feet crash down on the deck. "Yes, Mum."
She smacked his shoulder. "Harry, Remus and Sirius are more than enough with that. Don't you start with me too."
"Yes, Dear." She shot him a look. "Yes, Auntie?" he asked with a smirk.
She made a face. "Urg. That just sounds old."
Bill chuckled. "Trust me, Lily. I don't think anyone would ever mistake you for being old."
She huffed sardonically. "Six years of beauty sleep will do that for you."
Bill tipped his beer back. "Six months was enough for me, thanks." He tipped the bottle to his lips again.
"Not from where I'm sitting," Lily countered. Bill snorted and started hacking. Lily laughed. "Walked into that one, Bill."
He wiped his mouth. "Least I know Harry comes by it honestly." Lily just smirked. "You know, I'm not sure James didn't get a bad rap in this whole mess. Near as I can tell he was a saint for putting up with you."
"Putting up with me," Lily huffed. "Try putting up with your husband being best mates with Lord Sirius Black."
Bill chuckled. "I can imagine."
"Yes, unfortunately, you can." They fell silent for quite a while before one of them spoke again. "What are we doing here, Bill?"
He turned to her. "What do you mean?"
"This," she waved her hand indicating them both, "made sense when Harry and Ginny were in the barn till all hours. But they've been at school a month now and we're still here, sitting on the porch, drinking a beer."
Bill let out a sigh. "I can go if you want."
"Am I wrong in thinking you're not here just because your sister is dating my son?"
Bill carefully peeled the label from his bottle. "I'm not sure why I'm here, Lily."
She waited a few seconds before answering. "I'm ten years older than you, Bill."
"I know."
"My son is dating your sister."
"Yep."
"Do you have any idea how fucked up that is?"
Bill took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I should probably go."
"You should," she agreed. He drained the last of his beer before standing. Without a word he crossed the deck. "Will you be here tomorrow?"
Bill stopped but didn't turn back. "We don't have a meeting."
"I know."
He stood there a moment before answering. "To be fair, you started it; telling me I could talk to you."
"I did," she admitted.
He stood there a few moments. "You're right, this is fucked up." He was down the steps and a sharp crack later gone from sight.
Lily slumped in her seat. "Shit." Not sure if she was glad he'd left or angry he hadn't stayed she chucked her bottle into the yard. "Shit. Shit. Shit. Fuck. Damn, and shit again." She'd barely finished venting when another sharp crack had her on her feet.
Bill stalked up the steps. "To hell with your son and my sister," he growled. He backed her to the wall and crashed his lips down on hers. She didn't disappoint, grabbing him by the head and pulling him in. They kissed wildly for a few minutes before slowing to stop with his head bowed against hers.
"This is still fucked up," she said.
"I don't care."
"Good." She pulled him in again. He covered her mouth before moving to her neck. "Upstairs," she gasped. "Now."
He grabbed her by the bum, lifting her clean off the ground. She wrapped her legs around him and he easily carried her in the house and up the stairs. Entering her room he kicked the door closed and carried her to the bed. She pulled him on top of her, groaning hungrily into his mouth as his weight settled on her body. Very quickly they were shedding their clothes. He moved between her legs and she grabbed him by the balls, firmly. Bill froze. Her eyes were glazed with desire, but it did nothing to hide the danger there.
"You cheat on me, fuck me over like you did any of those women before Sandra, I'll castrate you." Bill swallowed. Right then, his balls in her hand, he didn't doubt she meant it. "And then I'll give you to my son… Clear?"
He nodded. "Clear."
"Good. Now fuck me."
HPHPHP
The next morning Lily stumbled into the kitchen more than a bit later than normal. She slumped down in a chair, propped her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands. A cup of coffee was slid in front of her. She blindly reached for it, sipped loudly at the scalding liquid, sighed deeply, opened her eyes and froze.
"Morning," Malala said. She sipped from her cup while eyeing her over the rim.
Lily's eyes widened before darting to the clock. "Oh hell," she groaned.
"Sooo," Malala drawled, "that was Ginny's brother I saw come down the stairs this morning?" Lily glared at her. Malala sipped from her cup. The corner of her mouth turned up. Lily grabbed a muffin and threw it at her. She missed. Malala's smile grew. Lily's face cracked. Malala set her cup down. She drew her finger lazily around the rim. "Sooo, strapping young lad like that, I'm assuming it was good?"
Lily snorted. "It's been thirteen years. He could have misplaced it and I'd have shattered the windows."
"Lily!"
"Well you asked!"
Malala bowed her head, shaking it exasperatedly. "And people think he gets it from Sirius," she muttered. She looked up. Lily was biting her lips. They both started to laugh but Lily's soon turned into a sob. "Lily?"
"What must James think of me?"
Malala scooted her chair around the table. She pulled Lily into her arms. "Oh, Luv." She kissed her crown. "The vows are till death do you part. He understands."
"I don't," Lily croaked.
Malala let out a long sigh. "Honestly, Luv, I don't know if you ever will."
"I wouldn't even let James put his hands up my shirt till we were married."
"You were a baby, Luv; not a grown woman who hasn't know the touch of a man in over a decade."
Lily found Malala's hand and wove their fingers together. "How can I feel this way about someone else?" she whispered.
Malala pushed her up. She took Lily's face in her hands. "I don't know, Lily… All I know is, It – Isn't – Wrong."
Lily stared at her. "Promise?" she sniffed.
Malala pulled her head down, kissing her. "Promise." She tucked Lily's head under her chin and held her. Lily clung to her. She kissed her crown again. "Promise."
"Do I know her?" Charlie asked.
Bill blew out a breath. "Unfortunately."
Charlie frowned while he thought about. He looked up suddenly. "You didn't?" Bill pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fuck off!" Charlie exploded. "You shagged the mother of your baby sister's boyfriend! Are you out of your fucking mind?"
"I think I love her, Charlie."
Charlie rolled his eyes. "Yeah, tell me somthin' I haven't heard before."
"I'm serious, Charlie. I think I love her."
"You better," Charlie huffed. "Cause it's the only way her son won't kill you." Bill glowered at him. "And don't expect no help from me either. The way she's taken Ginny in, you fuck her over, I'll be holding you down for him."
"Thanks, Bro. Mind if I ask what happens if she fucks me over?"
Charlie gave him an incredulous look. "You're joking, right."
"I was loyal to Sandra, didn't look at another girl from the time we got together till bloody damn Lily Potter waltzes in tells me I can talk to her."
"Bloody damn," Charlie retorted, "sounds like you're arse over tit for her, Bro."
"Just fuck off will you?"
Charlie sat back in his chair fuming. "Where'd you leave it?"
"I'm supposed to go over after work."
"And she really shagged you?"
"Only after she threatened to castrate me." Charlie arched a brow. "Grabbed my balls, told if I fucked her over she'd castrate me and then she'd give me to Harry."
Charlie slowly shook his head. "Well, I guess you know what's what."
Bill snorted. "I thought Sandra was scary."
"Oh, she was; right after Tonks, Ginny, Mum and your new girlfriend."
Bill blew a breath out. "She's going to kill me, isn't she?"
"Ginny?"
"Yep."
"Probably."
Bill nodded. "Thought so."
HPHPHP
Bill went to open the door but stopped. It had been a good year since he'd knocked before entering Lily's house but now it felt like he should. He was still standing there a bit confused about how to proceed when the door opened. Shoulder to shoulder, Malala and Andi faced him. They looked up at him. He looked down at them. "Can you imagine what we'll do to you if you hurt her?" Mali asked.
"I've a fair idea."
They studied him a second longer. "No," Andi said, "you don't."
"Fair enough."
They parted. "She's in the parlour," Mali said.
He moved to go past them. "Thanks."
"Bill?" Andi said.
He paused. "Yeah?"
"No flowers?"
He turned back. "I didn't think I should."
"Why not?" Mali asked
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I'm not a hundred percent sure she isn't going to throw me out."
"I thought so." She plucked her coat from the tree and reached into the sleeve. A second later she pulled out a single white rose. She offered it to him. "I don't think she's going to throw you out." He slowly took it from her.
"Go on," Andi said, "she's waiting for you."
He bowed his head slightly. "My thanks."
Lily nervously smoothed her dress. To say the least, it had been a day. But Mali and Andi had spent the day, talking her off the ledge a half dozen times and here she was, nervous as a schoolgirl. Yes, there was a lot to deal with. He might be a lot to deal with. She didn't like his history one bit. But people could change. And she wanted this. She wanted this more than just about anything she had since waking from the coma more than seven years ago. Right now, she knew, Mali and Andi were reading Bill the riot act. She'd tried talking them out of it, but they'd insisted, and sworn they wouldn't be too terrible. Honestly, it was kind of nice. She heard the door close and then footsteps and a soft rapping of knuckles on the door.
"Come in," she said quietly.
Bill pushed the door open. Lily was standing in front of the fireplace. She was wearing a modestly cut, long sleeved green dress and black heels. A pair of diamond earrings he'd never seen before dangled from her ears. She'd put on makeup, accentuating her eyes and pulled her long brown hair around to hang in a satiny sheath over her right shoulder, leaving the creamy skin of her neck exposed. She hadn't bothered covering the marks he'd left there. He winced.
"Hi," she said.
He met her eyes. "Hi."
She searched his neck. "I see you escaped unscathed." Her eyes danced mischievously. "That's rather disappointing."
Bill triggered the release on his wand and canceled the glamour on his neck. "Better?"
She grinned. "Much."
He offered her the rose. "For you."
She took it, raised it to her nose and inhaled. "Thank you."
"Thank your guard," he said. "I wasn't sure you weren't going to throw me out."
She stepped closer, looking up at him. "We're really going to do this?"
He took a step towards her. "Tell me what you want, Lily."
She took another step. "What do you want, Bill?"
He reached for her, pulling her by the back of the head till his lips pressed to hers in a soft kiss. "You, Lily Potter," he said when he pulled back. "I want you."
"I'm a mess," she whispered.
"So am I."
She stretched up to kiss him again. "I know. But I'm less of a mess with you around."
He pulled her tight, tucking her head under his chin. "Me too."
"We should probably go," Mali observed. Andi pouted. "Don't you even."
"Spoil sport," Andi sighed. But she waved her wand; canceling the Eavesdropping Charm.
HPHPHP
Author's notes:
So, I've been building to Lily/Bill for a while now. I'm very curious to see how people react.
And good news! I've manage to write about 5000 words in the last week. Which is 5000 more than in the last three months. I'm feeling recharged and now have a good idea of where book six/year five is going. Word of warning. It's going to get dark. Very dark.