"Harry?" Ginny whispered.
"There was nothing left of the Burrow. I know you know that. I really thought one of your brothers would build on it. Hell, they could all have built a house on it, and still had their own space. So when I heard they were thinking of selling, I-"
"Selling!" exclaimed Ginny, shocked.
"You didn't know?" asked Harry. Ginny shook her head.
"Well, I bought it. This was the second place I considered home, after Hogwarts. The summers I spent here with you and your family, well, they showed me what it was like. To be a family."
Ginny's thoughts were running wild as they came closer to the house. Two shadowy canine forms ran up to Harry, tails wagging, whining for affection from their master.
Harry stopped to bend down and pat them. Ginny did, too.
"This here is Goldie, so named for her golden coat, and this here is Paddy," he smiled, running his hands over the black haired dog.
"Paddy...as in Padfoot?" asked Ginny softly. Harry nodded, straightening.
They made their way up to the verandah, and up the three steps. Ginny remembered the cosy swing chair from the photo, vowing she would use that sometime. With a sense of anticipation, she went into Harry's home.
The door opened into a large open plan lounge/dining area. It had a huge fireplace that dominated one wall, and was the focal point of the room. Two couches faced each other, and two comfortable arm chairs faced the fire. An old tattered rug lay close by, obviously for the dogs. She saw a rug of beautiful colours resting on the back of a couch, and she gasped,
Harry followed her eyes and nodded. "Yep, it's one your Mum made for me."
Ginny smiled. Her mum would like that.
She wandered into the country style kitchen. It was all timber and brick, with cream counter tops. Harry had a lot of appliances. Ginny loved it.
"I've been able to get electricity running here, so I have a combination of Muggle and magical items in the house. For work, I use a computer for research and some communication, but my house elf prefers to cook using the magical way, so I let him.
"You have a house elf? Does Hermione know?" laughed Ginny.
Harry laughed too. "This particular house elf is free, and works for a wage. I practically have to beg him to take time off, but he's good company when I need it. Dobby?"
POP. A house elf appeared in the lounge room. "Master Harry has returned from the reunion. Can Dobby get him anything?"
"No, Dobby, it's fine, thank you. I just wanted you to meet someone. Ginny, this is-"
"Dobby," breathed Ginny.
Dobby turned around at the sound of Ginny's voice. "Miss Wheezy! Dobby hasn't been seeing you for so long. You look prettier than ever, if Dobby may say?"
He snuck a look at Harry, who was looking at Ginny in a way Dobby had never seen on his master's face. Dobby's eyes saw it all, and was pleased. His master had been alone too long. Miss Wheezy was a nice lady. Yes, she'd make Harry Potter a good companion.
"Dobby, it's so good to see you. Somehow, I'm not the least surprised to find you working for Harry. Now I know he's been well looked after," said Ginny, sinking down to Dobby's level to shake his hand.
Dobby beamed proudly. "Harry Potter is a great wizard. Dobby gets paid to look after him, but Dobby would do it for free. Harry Potter is a great master."
"Thank you Dobby. We won't be needing you again tonight or tomorrow morning. I'll call you when I need you," said Harry.
"Yes, Master Harry. Dobby hopes you'll be having a good night. Miss Wheezy, Dobby remembers your kindness while I was at Hogwarts that year. If Miss Wheezy ever needs Dobby, please call. Now goodnight to you both," he said, and with another pop he was gone. Harry was sure he winked at Harry before he left.
"He's a sweet little house elf," said Ginny, heading out the kitchen, and started down the hall. "May I?" she asked.
"Sure," said Harry, wondering what she was thinking about his home. "Drink?" he asked.
Ginny thought about it. "Hot Chocolate?" she asked, and when Harry nodded, she wandered off.
There was a laundry, and a big bathroom. A study with his computer on it. Ginny could picture Harry working in here. He had some photos on the wall. Some were of his parents, Sirius and Remus, from before Harry was born. There were some photos of Harry from school; with Fleur, Cedric and Viktor, from the Tri-Wizard tournament. Harry with the DA members; Harry with Hagrid and Albus Dumbledore. Harry with the Weasleys, the Christmas they had to spend at Grimmauld Place. A picture of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, one when it was Harry's first match, and one when she and Ron were on the team, his sixth, her fifth. And then there was a photo of her.
She was laying on the Hogwarts grounds by the Lake. It was a sunny day. She supposed she had been studying, judging by the books laying around her. She had sat up, crossed her legs and put a loose hair behind her ear. Her face had a dreamy look on it. She knew she had been day dreaming about Harry. The photo played over and over.
Ginny backed out and closed the door. She headed back to the kitchen, where Harry was waiting with their drinks. He had a plate of oatmeal cookies out, and Ginny grabbed one and took a bite. They talked about people at the reunion as they finished their drinks.
"Shall we go upstairs?" asked Harry, nervously. "To have a look around, I mean. Unless you, uh, never mind! Shall we?"
Ginny laughed, nervous herself, but she nodded and followed him up. "Does your home have a name, Harry?"
Harry shook his head. "New Burrow? Nah, I haven't thought of anything clever enough that I like. Feel free to give me some suggestions, though. Those there are the guest bedrooms and this one is mine. Take your time," he said.
Ginny nodded and walked through the bathroom. It was similar to the one downstairs, only bigger, and with a bath tub. She then went to the guest rooms. They were nicely done, just missing those little touches, a candle here, a vase of fresh flowers there. She thought the same in the next one, but it was the next one, closest to Harry's that sent her imagination into overdrive.
This would make a perfect nursery. A little window seat overlooked the gardens, and would see the sun setting at night From here, Ginny could see the tree house she had played in as a little girl. With a sense of direction, Ginny realised that this room was pretty close to where her bedroom in the Burrow had been.
Ginny could picture a cot and a change table. A wardrobe and small table and chairs. She was sure, if she tried hard enough, she could almost visualise the baby, as well. Her heart thumping, she left the room, and went to Harry's master bedroom..
Double doors opened to a huge bedroom. A king-size bed and a huge fireplace dominated. Nothing was out of place, probably thanks to Dobby. A walk in robe and en suite bathroom completed the room. Double French doors led out to the verandah. Ginny realised that Harry was standing there, watching her.
"Do you want to sleep in another bedroom?" he asked her.
"No!"
"You're sure?"
There was a brief hesitation. "No."
Harry sighed. "At least you're honest. Tell me what you want. Gin."
"I just-it happened so fast and I-I don't mean to be a tease or anything but..."
Harry stepped forward, and put his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, it's okay. I'll just go and get one of the guest rooms ready for you."
"No! I mean, well, um, what I'd really like is if we could, um..."
"You want us to sleep together, but not have sex," stated Harry.
Ginny nodded, watching him warily. She needed his closeness, but she also needed to slow things down a bit. It had all been a bit much, and now finding out where Harry's home was, she needed time to re-group.
"It's fine, Gin," he said, kissing her forehead.
He went into his wardrobe, emerging with a Gryffindor Seeker t-shirt. He handed it to her, and she disappeared into his bathroom en suite to change.
When she emerged, Harry was already under the covers. A lamp was lit, lending its golden glow to the room.
She smiled at him, then slid into the bed and lay down on her back. He turned off the light. The silence in the room was deafening.
Ginny whispered into the dark. "I always wondered what it would be like."
"What?" he asked.
"Sleeping with you."
"Me, too."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh. Gin, you can move a little closer, it's a big bed. I promise you I won't try anything."
"Hmmm," said Ginny, sliding closer. She was getting warmer the closer she got to him. Finally, she cuddled up to him.
Within minutes she was asleep.
She awoke several hours later. The sun was streaming in through the french doors, leaving the room all aglow. Now she could notice the red and gold colour scheme in his bedroom. 'Always a Gryffindor', she thought affectionately.
She felt wide awake, and realised she'd had a good sleep, her first in a long time. They'd slept with her back to his front, with his arms wrapped around her. Her feet were entwined with his legs. Ginny turned slightly so she was on her back. She took the opportunity to study him.
All those years ago, she hadn't wanted to leave him. Her family were in shambles, Neville was at St Mungo's at a bedside vigil for his grandmother, while Harry lay down the hall, magically exhausted from the Final Battle. Ginny had truly felt lost. Now, in Harry's home, his bed, his arms, there was no place that felt so right to her.
Harry stirred, and pulled her closer. She could feel his hardness against her leg. A thrill ran through her. She nuzzled against his chest, moving up to kiss his neck, inhaling his scent. Leaned up to kiss his lips lightly. When she pulled away, she saw his emerald eyes alight with hunger and passion.
"Gin?" he said softly, pulling her back to him so he could kiss her softly.
She broke away. "That promise you made me last night. I want you to forget it."
He rolled over on top of her, settled between her legs and kissed her gently. Their love making was passionate, as they each discovered what the other liked. They touched all over, unable to get enough of each other. The culmination was mind blowing, leaving them panting and fulfilled. Sated for now, they fell asleep again.
Harry woke a couple of hours later. He could sense that it was mid morning. He stretched, his body feeling alive for the first time in a long time.
Ginny mumbled and turned over to face him, still asleep. He took in her features. This petite woman, with so much fire and laughter in her, had captured his heart when he was a boy. No other woman could compare.
He'd seen her lying on the floor of the Chamber of Secrets. 'Please Ginny, don't be dead', he had thought back then, not understanding why he felt such a need for her to be okay. He had saved her that day, and a connection had started. The next year they both went to Professor Lupin for special training in DADA, in case Voldemort was trying to use their minds. Dumbledore was pretty sure that Ginny wasn't a threat, but didn't want to take any chances. Together they had practised the Patronus charm, neither having much luck in the classroom.
Ginny had mentioned a stray black dog that she'd seen hanging around the Hogwarts grounds. Hagrid knew nothing about it. Harry had seen Ginny wrap food up to take out to it, or leave it for it to find. Unknowingly then, she created a connection with her and Sirius Black.
The whole school had been warned about the dangerous escaped convict. Mr Weasley had pulled Harry aside and told him Sirius had been heard muttering Harry's name before escaping Azkaban. Ron had promised his dad he'd stick close to Harry, but as soon as they returned to Hogwarts, he'd drifted back to his other friends.
Harry had been banned from Hogsmeade, but Ginny had commandeered help from Fred and George, who gave him the Marauders Map. The thrill of being there with his invisibility cloak over him had given way to the shocking news that Sirius was the one who betrayed his parents. Harry had returned to Hogwarts in an angry daze.
Ginny was the one who questioned it all. Where were the witnesses? Why would Sirius turn on his best friends and his godson? What happened to Pettigrew? Why didn't Sirius get a trial?
This made Harry more confused than ever. He decided to talk to Professor Lupin about it, as he had made mention he knew Harry's mum. If he couldn't help him, he'd ask Dumbledore.
Hermione had come to talk to him, about some homework. He'd been looking out the window when he'd seen the black dog chase after something. He realised it was chasing Scabbers, Ron's rat. It hadn't been seen for several days. Ron had accused Hermione's cat of eating it. Now, Harry saw Crookshanks the cat chasing the dog.
"Come on," he called to her and Ron, who was following Hermione around a lot these days.
They followed, and before Harry knew it, Professor Lupin was a werewolf, Sirius Black was a good guy and Ron lay in the hospital wing. Hermione had then revealed she had a Time-Turner, and Harry got to go through it all again, only this time, with the help of a now freed Hippogriff named Buckbeat, and Harry was able to let Sirius get away from the Aurors that had been called, and were waiting to administer The Kiss.
Ginny had been visiting Ron when Harry and Hermione had returned, and Harry had no concerns telling her about her dog. Hermione and Ron were surprised by the closeness that was evident between Harry and Ginny. For awhile, they stuck close to Harry, almost pushing Ginny aside. But as the year drew to an end, and Harry returned to Privet Drive, things went back to the way they were before.
Harry didn't know how he got through the next two years. When his name had sparked out of the Tri-Wizard trophy, even some of his Gryffindor dorm mates had cast doubts, including Ron. Neville and Ginny stuck close, never doubting him, and trying to help him prepare for the tasks. Ginny's brother Charlie had told his little sister that dragons were the first task, having no knowledge of her friendship with one of the contestants. Neville had saved his butt with the Gillyweed in the second tournament. Harry had not been surprised to find it was Ginny he had to rescue down under the water. She truly was what he treasured most.
Sirius had been unable to attend any of the Tri-Wizard tasks, as he was travelling. Unknown to Harry then, he was tracking down Horcruxes, based on Dumbledore's research. He made it to the Third task, in time to see Harry return with Cedric Diggory's body. He and Ginny kept a vigil together as Harry was whisked off to the Infirmary.
Sirius was surprised at the determination of this firecracker of a girl who insisted on waiting with him. She berated him for ten minutes for not keeping in touch with Harry more often, reminding him that he was all that was left of Harry's family. (She didn't count the Dursley's) She threatened to Bat-Bogey hex him if he didn't pull his socks up and be there more for Harry. She reminded Sirius so much of Molly, so over protective. Then, when Madame Pomfrey had come out and told them Harry was going to be okay, the two of them had clung to each other in relief; Ginny sniffing back a few tears on his coat.
Sirius was determined to have his name cleared. He promised Harry that once that was done, Harry could come and live with him. No more Dursleys ever. However, Harry had to spend that summer with them. He and Dudley had been attacked by Dementors. Harry had been expelled from Hogwarts, whisked away to Grimmauld Place, undergone a full court session in the Wizenmagot, and reinstated at Hogwarts. He was an angry young man when he was at Grimmauld Place, and for the first time, hadn't wanted to return to Hogwarts.
Sirius had told him of things that were happening in the magical world. Voldemort was back, and gaining power. While they were at Grimmauld Place for the last week of the school holidays, Sirius and Harry trained, using defensive spells. It was a great way for him to use up some of that anger. Ginny took an interest too, and Sirius encouraged Harry to train more students when they all returned to Hogwarts.
With Umbridge taking control of Hogwarts, Harry had remembered Sirius's suggestion. He talked to Ginny about it, and she suggested talking to Hermione. Together, they had spread the word about meeting at the Hogs Head the next Hogsmeade weekend. Thus, Dumbledore's Army was created.
Ginny stirred, yet remained asleep. Harry eased out of her bed, letting her rest. He had no idea what she had planned for the weekend, apart from the dinner at the Leaky Cauldron tonight, then a barbecue on the Hogwarts grounds tomorrow. Then, witches and wizards would depart; go back to their normal lives. Was Ginny leaving straight away?
He looked at her as she slept. The woman he knew he had fallen in love with when he was only thirteen or fourteen, before he really even knew what real love was, was finally sleeping in his bed; was here in his home. She'd always had his heart. He wondered how he was going to ask her to stay.
Or even if he had the right to.
He left her to sleep.
An owl hooting woke Ginny. It must have flown through the french doors which were now open. Ginny accepted the letter, and apologised for not having any treats. The owl hooted indignantly, and waited. Ginny opened the note. It was from her brother, Bill.
'Dear Gin, hope we are still on for lunch at twelve at Shell Cottage. It's just me, Fleur and the girls. See you then. Bill.'
"There's no reply," said Ginny to the owl. It hooted and flew off. Ginny perused the note again.
She had finally reached out to her brothers, sending them all owls to say she was coming home. Bill had sent back this request to meet. She knew she'd see George and Ron at the reunion. Percy, well, she'd see how things went with the others first, and deal with Percy later.
She could smell the beginnings of breakfast being cooked, and her stomach growled. She decided to get up and have a shower, then go and find Harry. Thinking of him, her body hummed.
Harry had started to enter the bedroom when he realised the shower was running. He decided to give her privacy, although his body twitched at the thought of joining her.
"Breakfast in five minutes," he called. He heard a squeal, and laughed. Everything was better with her here. He went back to the kitchen.
Ginny slid onto a breakfast stool, and watched him dish up bacon, eggs, tomatoes and toast. "Heaven," she said, inhaling.
Her stomach rumbled it's agreement, causing Ginny to blush. Harry mumbled something about a Weasley and their food.
Ginny tucked in. She felt so good, the food tasted amazing; all was right in her world at this minute. She had stared at her reflection in the mirror just minutes before. Her skin was glowing, there was a look in her eyes she had never seen before. "It's Harry," she told her reflection. "It's all due to Harry."
"Half your luck, deary," said the enchanted mirror.
"Mmm, so good," drooled Ginny, as she ate her breakfast.
Harry smiled as he watched her. She ate with gusto, she always had. She made love the same way.
Harry had spent a lot of the morning, even as he cooked breakfast, re-living their amazing morning. He had felt, as he entered her body, as if her were coming home. To her. Where he always wanted to be. He was too scared to ask her if it was the same for her.
He ached to tell her how he felt, but he didn't know how he'd bear it if she didn't feel the same way. She was so easy to be with, so loving and giving. Everything he wasn't. He had tried to show her this morning with his body just what she meant to him. His heart constricted at the thought of actually saying the words he wanted to say.
"What are your plans today?" he asked, watching her mop up her plate with her toast.
"I'm having lunch with Bill, Fleur and their two girls," she mumbled, with a mouthful of food.
"Okay," he said.
Ginny sat watching him as he got up to rinse his plate under the sink. She had felt him withdraw nearly as soon as she sat down. She wondered what she had done wrong.
He turned back and took her plate. "Where are you staying?" he asked.
"The Leaky Cauldron," she said. Harry nodded. Ginny felt miserable.
Was he regretting last night? Did he want her to leave, now that they'd slept together? Had it not been good for him? She tried to believe that last one wasn't true. For her, this morning had been incredible, beautiful. She knew she had made love with her body, heart and soul.
"So," she said, too brightly. "I guess I should go."
Harry said nothing, keeping his back to her.
Ginny's heart broke a little. If she had known that finally sleeping with Harry would destroy their friendship, she would have kept her feelings and thoughts to herself.
"So, can I use your floo," she said, needing to get back to her room at the Leaky before she broke down.
"Yeah," said Harry, gruffly. He couldn't face her, for he knew if he did, he would break down and beg her to stay.
"Okay then," said Ginny, miserably. She left the kitchen and headed for the lounge. She was about to take a handful of floo powder, then hesitated. She looked up to find Harry watching her, a strange look in his eyes.
'Fuck it', she thought. "Harry, do you regret what happened this morning?" she asked.
The incredulous look in his eyes gave her the answer. "No!" he whispered urgently, drawing her to him. Held to his chest, she could feel his beating heart. It gave her comfort, to feel it's rhythmic beat.
Harry felt ashamed. Here he was, trying to find the words to tell her what was in his heart, and all the time his silence was hurting her. He never wanted to hurt her.
"I'm sorry," he said, stroking his hand down her cheek. She turned her lips into his palm and kissed it.
"So, what time is this dinner thing tonight?" he asked.
"Six-thirty. But I think they want to get some photos before that. Tonight's the night that everyone is supposed to be there," said Ginny.
"I'll come for you at six. Okay?"
Ginny nodded, unable to speak.
"What room?" he asked.
"Seven."
"I'll be there," he said.
She nodded again and walked back to the fireplace. Taking a handful of floo powder and throwing it in, she stepped in and called out 'Leaky Cauldron'.
Harry's burning eyes were the last thing she saw before she left.
HGHGHG
Harry called out for Dobby minutes after Ginny left. He asked him to take care of the breakfast dishes and please get his dress robes ready for tonight. The invitation had stated formal wizard dress. Harry had been to enough Ministry functions to know what that meant.
He placed a fire-call to Hogwarts, and with the relevant information, flooed to Diagon Alley. Checking his watch, he noted that Ginny would soon be leaving for Shell Cottage. He hoped it went well for her. He hated to think of the Weasleys being apart. Hadn't they learned from when Percy had left? They were such a strong, happy family. He wanted that for her again.
Following the directions he had been given, he found the small shop almost hidden away. He entered, and a bell tinkered. Immediately, a flowery fragrance engulfed him.
"Hello, may I help you, young man?" asked a female voice.
Harry turned to face her. " Are you Enid Longbottom?" he asked.
Harry noticed her face turned wary. "Neville sent me," he blurted out.
Her face softened at the mention of her great-nephew. "Yes. I am Enid Longbottom. You're Harry, Potter, correct? Neville fire-called me, told me you were coming. How may I help you?"
Harry gulped. "F-flowers please. Your very best."
Enid smiled at his obvious discomfort. "For a special woman?"
Harry smiled, thinking of Ginny. "The only woman."
Enid smiled broader. He was smitten. "Okay, then. What sort of flowers were you thinking?"
Harry looked around in bewilderment. "I have no idea. I'm way out of my depth here. If Neville wasn't at Hogwarts teaching a class, I would have dragged him down here with me," he chuckled.
Enid nodded proudly. Her great-nephew Neville was a great source of pride in their small family. "He's a good boy, Neville. Now then, tell me about this amazing woman."
Harry nodded. "She's just so-I don't know how else to say it, but she's just so colourful, so alive. She's like the colours of autumn. She's a bit of a fiery one, my Gin, and she always smells so damn good. Oh, excuse me, ma'am," apologised Harry.
"No worries, dear. Now, roses? Too cliché?"
Harry nodded. So did Enid.
"I thought so. Come with me, my dear. I think I have just what you want."
Harry followed her out the small shop front and out the back. He looked around in awe, as the back expanded to a huge greenhouse. There were rows and rows of flowers, seedlings and herbs.
"This is amazing," said Harry.
"It's been my dream for years. Finally, with Neville's help, it came true. I supply several apothecaries, as well as St Mungo's and even Hogwarts, with various ingredients for their potions. But my passion is my flowers. Neville and I work closely on creating hybrids. Now, what do you think of these for your young lady?" she asked.
Harry smiled in agreement, as he saw the rows of colourful Gerberas. They were big and bold, strong and colourful.
"Perfect!" he said.
Enid smiled at his delight, and wondered about the witch who had his heart. She was a lucky witch, whoever she was. Neville hadn't mentioned any names. Enid didn't believe any nonsense printed in the papers.
They went back to the front of the shop to conclude their transaction. Enid arranged to have them delivered to Ginny's room at two o'clock. Harry was also eyeing off something in her display cabinet. He added that to his total, and, wishing her a very good day and thanking her for his help, he left her store.
Enid fire-called Neville, confirming that Harry had been in. Neville clued her in briefly, and thanked her for helping his best friends. For that is what Harry and Ginny were to him. And if he could find some small way to help them get together, where, in his opinion, they belonged, so much the better.
Neville was really looking forward to tonight.
As Enid prepared the beautiful bunch of magical Gerberas off, she sent a silent wish that things would work out well for Harry Potter and his special witch.