Harry tried to see Ginny before the class started, but she was nowhere to be found. He looked in the gym and even asked another witch to check the witches locker room. She gave him a strange look but did as he asked, only to report that Ginny wasn't in there.

Harry had passed the other Curse-breakers that Ginny usually hung around with, including Finnegan, but she wasn't with them. He checked his watch and cursed. He had to get to his office to get things prepared for the morning's lesson.

At nine o'clock, the door opened and his students started walking in. He kept his head down, somehow knowing he'd know when she walked in. When a couple of minutes passed and no-one else entered, Harry looked up. She wasn't there.

He stood up from his desk and moved to shut the door. Just as he did, Ginny tried to slip in.

"Sorry. I'm sorry I'm late," she said, squeezing past him and heading for her usual chair. Harry saw Seamus speak to her in a low voice, but Ginny just shook her head, placed her bag on the floor, shrugged off her jacket and sat.

He noticed she had bags under her eyes and they were red-rimmed. Her hair looked like it possibly hadn't been brushed, but gathered back and put in a bun, held by her wand. Merlin, was she hungover? Had she had a wild night on the town with those guys her brother had mentioned...Neville and Dean?

"Well, now that Miss Weasley has seen fit to join us, we'll be having a discussion on the Unforgiveable curses," said Harry curtly.

Ginny froze, then lowered her head, on the pretense of checking her book. Next to her, Finnegan frowned at Harry, then looked worriedly at Ginny.

The discussion was lively, as it usually was, but Ginny didn't participate. Her head stayed down for most of the lesson, and on the two ocassions that Harry called on her, she either said she didn't know, or Finnegan jumped in and answered for her. Harry also noticed she kept glancing at the clock.

With five minutes to go, Harry stopped the discussion. "I can see that some of you appear quite anxious for our last lesson to be over," at this Ginny flushed, "but I just wanted a chance to tell you all how well you've done in my class this term. To the Curse-breakers, you fitted in well with the Aurors, and I think you've only enhanced our defense class, so well done. Best of luck for the future."

They all clapped. Ginny smiled slightly, before her eyes clouded over again.

Braxton raised his hand. "Thanks, Mr Potter, you've been an ace teacher. We're having a small get together tomorrow night at the Leaky Cauldron to celebrate getting through another block of training. You're welcome to join us," he offered.

"Oh yes, please come, Sir," said Claire, fluttering her eyelashes at him. Why did so many witches flutter their eyelashes at him? he wondered. Ginny never did. Speaking of, he turned to look at her, but her head was down again.

"Thank you, I'll try to make it," said Harry, non commitedly. He looked at the clock. "Well, I guess you can go. I'll send your evaluations out by owl next week, and Gringott's will also be getting a copy. For now, I wish you all a Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas, Sir. Happy Christmas, Mr Potter," they cried as they began packing up their bags and putting on their coats and scarves.

Harry went back to his desk and shuffled his papers. He saw Finnegan go to Ginny and rub her back. Prat. He wondered if there still time to change his evaluation.

Ginny stood and put her jacket on. Finnegan said something and started to leave. Ginny picked up her bag and went to follow him.

Harry couldn't let her leave like that. "Weasley, a minute?"

Ginny hesitated, and for a minute Harry wasn't sure she was going to stop. Finnegan stopped too, and looked between Harry and Ginny. Harry raised his eyebrows at him. "Yes, Finnegan?"

Seamus looked at Ginny. "I'll go get you a hot chocolate," he said softly.

"Thanks Shay," said Ginny.

Seamus left, leaving the door ajar.

Harry came closer to her, noticing the way she was taut. "What was that about today, Ginny? You were late, then you put in a half assed effort. You may as well have stayed home. Were you out partying hard with your friends?" he asked tightly.

Ginny gasped. "No, I-"

Kingsley poked his head in, knocking on the door as he did. "Ah Ginny, glad I caught you. I just heard about Arthur? How is he?"

Ginny was still stunned by Harry's accusation. She slowly turned to look at Kingsley. "When I left he was sleeping peacefully. The healers said it was a good sign. I'm heading back there soon," she said tiredly.

"Healers?" asked Harry.

"Arthur, Ginny's dad, collapsed at home last night. The whole family has been at St Mungo's all night, by Molly's side. I'm impressed that you even made it in today, Ginny. I'm sure you are too, Harry," said Kingsley.

Harry nodded without saying a word. Poor Mr and Mrs Weasley. Poor Ginny!

"Please give Molly my best wishes. I'll pop over and see Arthur when he's stronger," said Kingsley.

"Thank you, I will. Please excuse me," said Ginny, rushing out.

Both men watched her go. "Looks like hell. She must have come straight from the hospital to your class. That's dedication for you. They're a good family, the Weasleys, like I told you yesterday. Top notch people," said Kingsley, admiringly.

"Yeah, I met some of them yesterday," said Harry, feeling terrible.

"I read your evaluations. Ginny would make a terrific Auror, don't you think?" asked Kingsley.

"Yes, I spoke to her about it, but she's not interested. Sorry, Kingsley, will you excuse me? I really have to go," said Harry. He needed to find Ginny. He owed her an apology.

"Sure, sure. We'll get together soon," said Kingsley, as Harry ran off.

He looked left and right, but saw no signs of her. He passed various students. "Have you seen Ginny Weasley?" he asked, one after the other.

Finally one pointed. "I saw her heading that way. She looked upset."

"Thanks," said Harry, rushing off.

He raced around a corner, seeing her tell tale red hair as she ran into a classroom. It had fallen out of her bun. He ran to the door and looked in. She was in there, crying softly.

He knocked on the door and entered. "Ginny, I'm so sorry."

Ginny dabbed at her eyes. "You didn't know," she said thickly.

He came over to her, longing to take her in his arms. "How's your Dad. What happened?" he asked. He remembered Ginny saying he looked grey, and the older man himself said he wasn't feeling well.

Ginny shrugged, tears coming to her eyes. "George and Angelina brought little Freddy to tea, and Ron was there too. Dad was quiet, and didn't eat much. Everyone left and we went to bed and then, I don't know what time it was, but I heard a thud and then Mum cried out, and Dad had fallen out of bed," sobbed Ginny.

"Ssh, it's okay," said Harry, tenderly. He took her in his arms and she buried her head against his chest.

"I was so scared. He's my Dad, nothing bad's allowed to happen to him. Not for a hundred more years, at least," she said, sniffling.

Harry smiled. She sounded like little Tori. He stroked Ginny's hair as he held her. "Is he going to be okay?" he asked.

Ginny nodded shakily. "It was touch and go for awhile, but they said if he made it through the night it would be a good sign. So I couldn't leave, could I?" she asked, rhetorically, sobbing again.

"Of course not. You did the right thing, staying with your Mum and your family," agreed Harry. "They needed you."

She cried some more, and Harry held her, even rocking her slightly. He leaned his head against hers. She fitted his body so well and holding her just felt so right.

"Why did you come to class today? You must have known we weren't going to be doing anything much. It's the last day," he said gently.

"I wanted to see you. I don't know when I'll see you again after today." she said softly. She burrowed harder against him, needing to be close. He sucked in a breath after hearing her comment and his heart leapt. She wanted to see him as much as he wanted to see her!

Her head was resting on his shoulder, and if she just moved closer, her lips would be against his throat, skin to skin. As if they were both aware of that, they pulled apart.

Ginny looked up at him. Her eyes were watery and red and her hair a mess. She had never looked more vulnerable. He ached to kiss her.

Harry looked down at her. His eyes burned, and she longed to run her fingers through his hair. He had never looked more desirable. She ached for his touch.

Harry lowered his head. Ginny lifted hers. Their mouths hovered ever so close, both waiting...wanting.

Harry pulled away. "I can't. I...I'm sorry. I can't."

Ginny's eyes filled with tears again. "I understand," she whispered. She grabbed her bag and left hurriedly.

Left Harry standing there, alone.

Cursing himself for being so damn noble.

HGHGHG

Sirius was preparing dinner when he heard the front door open. "Hey, that you?"

"Yeah," said Harry, glumly. He hung his jacket and scarf up and walked into the lounge, falling onto the couch.

"You okay?" asked Sirius, walking into the loungeroom.

"Nope," said Harry. "I'm in trouble."

"Oh?" asked Sirius in alarm.

"Yes, trouble with a capital G. That's G for Ginny. G for gorgeous. G for great. G for-"

"I get the drift," said Sirius, amused. "Ginny Weasley, I assume."

Harry sighed and nodded. "Did you hear about her dad?"

Sirius nodded. "Yeah, Bill Weasley owled me. Teddy was supposed to go to Molly's today. He spent the day at Bill's instead."

"He'd like that, seeing Tori's house," said Harry, glumly.

"Do you have any updates on Arthur? I owled my best wishes to Molly," said Sirius.

"He made it through the night, which apparantly was a good sign," sighed Harry. "The family stayed there with Mrs Weasley. Damnit, she shouldn't have come to class. Why the hell did I have to be an ass to her?" he yelled in frustration.

"Why were you an ass to her?" asked Sirius in surprise.

"She was late, and I thought she'd been out partying with these two other blokes, and she wasn't herself, and I-"

"Harry, why would it bother you if she was out with these other guys?" asked Sirius.

"Because I think I love her," sighed Harry.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter. "You think? What, you don't know?"

Harry sat up, annoyed that Sirius thought this was funny. "Okay, well, she's smart, funny, intelligent. Easy to talk to, and a good listener. She's sassy and bossy, and has the goods to back it up."

"Okay," said Sirius, still not seeing the problem.

"She has lots of friends, a lot of which are blokes. You've seen her with Teddy. She loves him and he loves her," said Harry.

"Well, Teddy already has a girlfriend, so you're safe with him," said Sirius.

"Damnit, you think this is funny? She's bloody perfect for me, all right!" yelled Harry. "She's sexy as hell, she plays Quidditch, Merlin, you should have seen her fly, Sirius. All the guys on the team thought she was brilliant, and I wanted to hex them all and tell them she's mine, but she's not," he wailed.

"So. Make her yours," said Sirius.

Harry opened his mouth to retort, but couldn't think of anything to say. "She knew Remus and Tonks at Hogwarts," he said sadly.

Sirius nodded. "Bill mentioned Remus too. Bill was attacked by Greyback. He doesn't turn at the full moon, but said Remus was a great help to him after the attack. He told me Tonks and Ginny were pretty close, and how upset she was when they died."

"How have we never met before? She's tangled up in every part of my life already," moaned Harry.

"How does she kiss?" asked Sirius, interestedly.

"We haven't," said Harry, running his hands through his hair in frustration. " We nearly did today, but I-I couldn't. She's my student, Sirius."

"I thought today was the last day," said Sirius.

Harry frowned. "It is, but the evaluations haven't gone out yet. She deserved her brilliant report, and I won't have anyone saying anything bad about her if we got together now."

"What about your reputation. That could be damaged too," said Sirius.

"Oh, pfft," said Harry, waving his hand dismissively. "This is Ginny's career we're talking about."

"So, when do the evaluations go out?" asked Sirius.

"Probably next week, Tuesday or Wednesday," sighed Harry.

"That's not long. I'm sure she can wait a few more days," said Sirius.

"I don't want to wait a few more days," emphasised Harry. "It's like, she's everything I ever wanted, and she's just out of my reach. I want to be there for her. You must have seen how close her family is. This thing with her dad is killing her, and I can't help her."

"She'll understand, Harry," said Sirius, feeling bad that he hadn't taken this more seriously. He could see this was really upsetting Harry.

"I just feel that...every moment I'm not with her is a moment I'm wasting. A moment I can't get back," said Harry, desperate to make Sirius understand.

"And to think a week ago you'd given up on love," smirked Sirius. "Look how far you've fallen, and fallen fast."

"I know," said Harry, grumpily. "Brilliant, isn't it?"

The floo flared and Teddy came out, followed by a tired looking Bill. "Hey, how's Arthur?" asked Sirius.

"He's out of danger. Gin and George are with him now, while Mum went home to grab a sleep and shower. She'll head back there later. Ron will probably stay with her tonight. Percy will take over in the morning," said Bill, tiredly.

"It's good that Molly has you all there to help," said Sirius, soothingly.

Teddy sat next to Harry. "Hey Teddy, have fun today?"he asked the boy.

"I went to Tori's house, and I saw her baby sister. Can we get a baby sister, Harry?" he asked earnestly.

Bill laughed. "You're lucky, Teddy. Today was one of the first days Dominique has slept well," he said. "I have to go, I'm expecting a firecall from my brother Charlie. He's in Romania, and doesn't yet know what happened to Dad."

"It'll be a shock. If there's anything Harry or I can do, please just let us know," said Sirius.

"Thanks, we appreciate it. I know Mum said Teddy could come to hers next week, but he's more than welcome to come to ours again. I'll be home and Ginny already told the kids she'd take them somewhere for a treat. I suspect Floreans, she loves their ice-cream," said Bill, with a chuckle.

"I know," said Teddy and Sirius together. They looked at each other and smiled.

"Thanks Bill. We'll check our schedules and let you know. Likewise, if you need us to watch Tori, I think someone would like that, wouldn't you, Teddy?" asked Sirius.

Teddy nodded keenly.

"Well, I better go," said Bill.

"Bill!" called Harry.

Bill stopped and turned.

"How is Ginny?" he asked.

Bill sighed. "I don't know. This thing with Dad has really shaken her, but I get the feeling there's something else. She's always been close with Dad, but still..." he shook his head as if trying to figure it out.

Sirius shot Harry a look. "Well, please give Arthur our best wishes for a speedy recovery, and again, tell Molly we're here to help in any way."

"Thanks. It's times like these friends and family are important. We'll be in touch. Bye Teddy, Harry," said Bill as he got into the floo. He called out "Shell Cottage", and he disappeared amongst the flames.

Harry sighed.

"What's wrong, Harry?" asked Teddy.

"He's got girl trouble," smirked Sirius. Harry shot him a dirty look.

"Me too," sighed Teddy. "I need to go to Digon Alley."

"What for?" asked Sirius.

"It's a secret," said Teddy. He looked at them both. "Can I?"

"I can take him tomorrow," Harry told Sirius. Sirius nodded, still looking at Teddy.

"I need more money. Is there any chores I can do tonight?" asked Teddy.

"How much do you need?" asked Harry.

"One sickle," said Teddy. "I have two knuts left from when I buyed Peter."

"Bought," corrected Harry.

"I suppose you can help me with dinner. You can set the table and do some dishes," said Sirius. "We'll make it an advance on next weeks pocket money."

"Thanks," said Teddy, cheering up. He looked at Harry. "What's your girl trouble?"

"He thinks he's in love," said Sirius, "but they can't be together."

"Yet," clarified Harry.

Teddy frowned, looking at Harry. "Is she pretty?"

"Gorgeous," said Harry, instantly.

"Do you think about her lots?" asked Teddy.

"All day," said Harry. And the hottest thoughts at night, but he wasn't going to share that with Teddy.

"Do you like her family?" asked Teddy.

"Yeah, they're great," said Harry. He looked forward to meeting the rest of them.

"Does your friends like her?" asked Teddy.

Harry nodded, thinking about the Quidditch match.

"Do you like the same things?" asked Teddy.

Harry sighed. "Quidditch, treacle tart, ice-cream, you! Yeah, we do."

"Does your tummy get squirmy when you see her, or when she smiles at you?" asked Teddy.

Harry smiled at the boy. "Yeah, I think it does," he said softly.

"Do you just want to hold her cos it makes you feel like she's someone just for you?" asked Teddy.

"Yes, that's it exactly," gasped Harry.

Teddy shrugged. "Yep, you love her." He patted Harry on his arm.

"Great! Even a six year old knows I love her," growled Harry.

"I knew I loved Tori the minute I saw her," said Teddy, matter of factly.

"Love?. You love Tori?" gasped Harry, shooting a look at Sirius.

Teddy shrugged again. "Sure.I'm gonna marry her one day." He got off the couch and went into the kitchen. "Come on, Siri."

Sirius and Harry got up and went into the kitchen. "Let me get this straight, you know you love Tori and you're going to marry her," clarified Harry to Teddy.

"Yeah. What's for tea?" asked Teddy.

"How do you know? You're six!" said Harry, sinking down on to a chair.

"So? When I saw her, I just knew. I'm happy when I'm with her, and I want to be happy all the time," said Teddy, logically. He looked at Harry. "Aren't you happiest with your girlfriend?"

"Well, we haven't really spent much time together, just the two of us," said Harry.

"You should. It's better being together," said Teddy knowingly.

"So do you love Tori more than me and Harry?" asked Sirius, teasingly.

Teddy thought about it for a minute. "No, not more, just different." He looked at Harry. "Are you sure you love her?"

"Pretty sure," said Harry.

Teddy looked sad. "Oh, me and Tori thought you should love Ginny." He turned to the fridge.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter. "Out of the mouths of babes," he said quietly.

Harry was stunned. "Why-why would you both think that?" he asked curiously.

Teddy stopped what he was doing and looked thoughtful. "Cos me and Tori love you both and think you would be really good together. Guess we were wrong."

"So, you and Tori aren't getting married any time soon, right?" asked Sirius.

Teddy scoffed. "Course not. We'll get married when I'm eleven. That way, Tori has to come to Hogwarts with me, cos, you know, she's my wife. We're never gonna be apart."

"How old are you again?" quipped Sirius.

"Six," grinned Teddy.

"Imagine if you met Gi, er, your girlfriend when she was only six," said Sirius to Harry.

Harry was imagining it."I never would have been as lonely," he said.

Sirius felt bad. "I'm sorry Cub, I know I wasn't enough for you," he began.

"No," said Harry, hurriedly. "You were great. It's just that I never had friends my own age. I envy Teddy, thinking he's found love at such a young age. If I had her in my life back then..."

"Well," said Teddy, interrupting his thoughts. "What are you waiting for?"

"It's not that easy. I just need to wait a few days. Just a few days and we can be together," said Harry, trying to be positive. He smiled dreamily, imagining many different scenarios of them getting together.

"Merlin, he's got it bad," said Sirius to Teddy.

Teddy looked at Sirius. "Wait till it's your turn, Siri," he said, knowingly.

Sirius felt a sense of foreboding.