Harry and Ginny came downstairs to find that many people had already arrived. They were swept away as more and more people came to greet them. Ginny was talking to Cho and her Muggle fiance Derek, while Harry was talking with Susan Bones. Padma and Dean were checking people off on a list, while Lee Jordan was setting up to play music and emcee the event. Colin was standing around, greeting new arrivals, anxious to get the group photo done.
Ginny was keeping an eye out for her brothers, Ron and George, and for her best girlfriend, Luna Lovegood. Luna was the only one she had let visit her in America. Sometimes, just talking with Luna made you look at a situation differently. Their childhood and schoolgirl friendship had been important to Ginny. In a house full of boys, a bit of girl time was needed every now and then.
Funny how she'd never thought of her sisters-in-law as 'big sisters'. True, she had never got to know Fleur that well, and knew she initially resented her for taking the one brother she depended on. However, when Bill had been attacked by Greyback, and Fleur had stayed by his side, she had earned Ginny's respect. She'd also grown to like her as they prepared for her and Bill's wedding. It had been a beautiful ceremony; it was a pity the Death Eaters invaded the reception.
That had been the last time she had seen Harry until the Final Battle. He and Sirius had Apparated away as soon as they could.
Ginny had known Angelina for longer than Fleur. She remembered Angie going to the Yule Ball with Fred, and she was in the Gryffindor Quidditch team. She was a great chaser, and Ginny loved to watch her fly. After Fred's death she had come to see George. They grew closer and closer, and finally became a couple. Ginny was happy to see them talking with Lee and Alicia Spinnet.
Ginny guessed that it may seem natural that she would look to Hermione as a surrogate sister, but they were quite different in temperament, and Ginny was sure that they would clash if they spent too much time together. She admired Hermione's cleverness, and her ability to think quickly, and pull out the correct spell or fact when needed. And the way she handled her brother Ron.
It had been Tonks who Ginny had gravitated to as a 'big sister'. She'd loved Tonks' zany humour and clumsiness. Even more so when she knew she was a top Auror, typically a male dominated career choice. She never talked down to Ginny, and she was a welcome relief when staying at Grimmauld Place the Christmas her dad had been attacked. Harry had been so despondent, Ron was upset they had to leave Hogwarts and Hermione behind and the twins, as usual, were making plans for their shop. Her mum was constantly at St Mungo's, leaving Ginny somewhat alone in a dreary old house full of people.
Ginny made a mental note to see Remus and Tonks soon. Their son Teddy would now be four, she realised.
Someone grabbed her arm and she spun around. It was Michael Corner, her ex- boyfriend. They had become a couple in her fourth year, after dancing together at the Yule Ball. In fact, he was only a member of the DA because he had reluctantly gone with her to that meeting that day.
"Ginny, hey, it's so good to see you," he said, giving her a hug.
"Hi Michael, how are you," she said, hugging him back.
"Oh you know, busy. Say, I was wondering-"
"Attention. Attention everyone. We're now going to have the group photo so please be patient as we position everyone. We want to have the same positions as the original photos. These are the photos you get to keep. Dennis and I will be moving amongst you, taking other photos which you can buy from us. Okay. Let's have the back row. George Weasley, Lee Jordan, Michael Corner, Ernie MacMillan, Anthony Goldstein, this way please," directed Colin.
Ginny knew she had been in the front row, so settled back to see her fellow schoolmates and how they'd changed. Most of the DA had made it tonight, and it was fun to see everyone.
Ron, Terry Boot, Justin Fitch-Fletchley and Zacharias Smith made up the next row.
The next row had Angelina, Alicia, Cho, Susan and Marietta. Seamus stood in the middle of the row, a big grin on his face He was quite happy to be surrounded by the ladies.
The front row had Padma and Parvati, Hermione, Harry in the centre, Ginny and Katie Bell. Dennis and Colin bookended the front row.
"Okay, on the count of three. One, two-"
"May we join you," breathed a voice.
"Luna, Neville!" cried the group.
"Hello, everyone," said Luna, taking off her cloak.
Colin came over to help her and quickly dragged them to the group, where she and Ginny hugged, before Luna took her place next to Ginny. Neville headed for the second row, next to Zacharias.
"On the count of three, big smiles please. One, two, THREE!" SNAP SNAP
A couple of minutes later, to Colin's satisfaction, the photos were done. People began to relax and mingle again. Hannah disappeared into the kitchen.
House elves borrowed from Hogwarts began to bring food out. The delicious smells were beginning to make Ginny hungry. It had been a while since her light lunch at Shell Cottage. She felt Harry's hand on her back, and they headed to the buffet tables and joined the queues already there.
Harry had watched her talking to various people. He had kept to himself at Hogwarts; the DA meetings or Quidditch had been the only way he had met these people, especially the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. The Gryffindors had mostly shared their lessons with Slytherin.
Yet Ginny freely conversed with everybody. She even made time to chat with the bartenders and house elves as they were serving her.
Once she had got over her trauma of the Chamber and dealt with the baggage of that time, Ginny had truly blossomed. She had friends in all the houses, even a couple in Slytherin. Tonight she made an effort to greet the partners of her friends, and learn about their lives, post Hogwarts. Wherever she went, she left laughter behind her. People were drawn to her.
They piled their plates and were looking for a place to sit.
"Harry, Ginny, want to join us?" called Neville. He was sitting with Luna, Cho, Derek, Seamus, Angelina, George, Ron and Hermione.
Harry shrugged and looked at Ginny. She nodded and they made their way over to them. They sat down and started to eat.
They shared anecdotes of their time at Hogwarts. Neville seemed distracted. Ginny was trying to ignore Hermione's querying eyes, and wondered what Harry was thinking, and why he was so quiet. Harry rested his arm on the back of her chair, and could feel tension in her body, and wondered why.
He answered any queries politely, but didn't encourage small talk. He'd had too big a burden on his shoulders at Hogwarts, and hadn't wanted to get too close to anyone for fear they would be harmed. Of course, Ginny had refused to accept that, and he had let her in. Once in, unknown to her, she had taken over his senses. Yet, she had been the reason he had to win the war.
Hermione had tried to get close too, as had Ron. Ron more so because he felt he had to watch over Ginny after her first year, and also because Harry usually ended up staying with the Weasleys for part of the summer. His jealousy of Harry's wealth and position of importance in the wizarding world was, at times, too much for Ron. However, he wasn't going to let Hermione get too close to Harry, not without him there to keep an eye on things.
Hermione's natural curiosity and cleverness lead her to confront Harry and demand to know everything. All in the name of wanting to help, she assured him. Her forcefulness and self-confidence put Harry off at times, but then again, she had proved herself to be a true and loyal friend. However, Harry never let her or Ron in the whole way. Hermione had a habit of breaking things down, dissecting things, and Harry didn't want her to do that with his life.
Tonight, Harry was content to simply watch Ginny shine. More and more people came to talk to her, or gathered round as she talked about her life in California. While she talked of places she had gone and things she had done, Harry noticed at times she seemed edgy, jumpy. She talked so much, her food was getting cold. Finally, Seamus had enough.
"Oy, let the lady eat. You can catch up with her later," he boomed.
People laughed and moved away, good naturedly. Ginny shot Seamus a look of thanks, and resumed eating. Harry wished it had been him to ask them to leave her alone. Her hand under the table found his and squeezed.
She finished eating and fidgeted in her seat. Her back was aching slightly, from sitting in one spot for so long. It was her old Quadpot injury causing her grief. She touched Harry's arm and leaned closer to him.
"I need to get up and move. I'll be back soon," she whispered to him.
Pulling back she looked into his eyes. He nodded and watched her get up and wander over to Luna, who was dancing by herself on the dance floor. He noted the stiffness as she walked away.
Ginny ducked outside, needing some fresh air. So many people, with so many questions. She sighed.
"That's a big sigh. Getting a bit much, is it?" said Seamus.
Ginny looked up, and saw him leaning against a wall, smoking a cigarette.
"No, it's just, I know they mean well, but, shit, I don't know." Ginny felt tired all of a sudden.
"Well, that clears it up," chuckled Seamus.
Why are you out here, besides that?" she asked, pointing in disgust at the cigarette.
Seamus shrugged. "I don't do so well with crowds these days. Like to be on my own. It's been great seeing everyone again, but, I don't know, seeing everyone settling down, married, kids..."
'We're not that old, there's plenty of time," murmured Ginny, knowing what he meant, though.
"If Lavender had survived, we would have been married by now. Hell, we probably would have a baby as well, maybe another one on the way. I love kids, always wanted a lot. Now..." Again his voice trailed off in memories.
"Seamus, Lavender wouldn't want you to give up on those things. You're a great guy, and you're going to make a great dad one day. I know it," said Ginny, comfortingly.
"I just miss her so damn much, Ginny. I'm so angry that she died. I'm so angry I never got to kill that son of a bitch werewolf. He took my future away from me, and I bloody well want it back.," said Seamus, harshly.
"Ginny, Harry's looking for you," interrupted Neville, from the dark doorway.
Ginny jumped, startled at the intrusion. Seamus put his hand up to cover his eyes. She looked from Neville to Seamus, and back to Neville. He looked at her, and indicated with his head she should go back inside.
Seamus grabbed her arm as she went past him. "Don't waste time, Gin. One day you wake up, and it's gone."
"Let her go, Seamus," said Neville, strongly.
Ginny looked into Seamus eyes, and he nodded at her. Feeling miserable for him, she headed back inside.
She looked around for Harry. As she was about to make her way to look for him, Luna grabbed her and they spoke briefly.
Harry had been looking anxiously for her. He saw her come in from the back entrance, and slightly relaxed. But then he could tell she was upset. He wanted to go over to her, and take her back to his home, but even now he was having doubts. Luna and Ginny were still talking. Ginny seemed to be thinking about something, then nodded. Luna hugged her, and took her onto the dance floor.
She was dancing with Luna, swaying to the music. Lee was mixing it up, playing songs from the magical and Muggle world. He went on to the dance floor, heading for Ginny.
She saw him coming towards her, and her face lit up. She said something to Luna, who turned to dance with Neville.
"Dance?" asked Harry, needing to feel her close.
"Love to," said Ginny, needing his arms around her.
He tried not to hold her too closely, but he wanted to. The tension he sensed earlier was back.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Am now," she said sliding her arms up and around his neck. She lay her head on his chest, and he gave in and held her as closely as he wanted to. It felt so right, and so good having her in his arms. For now, anyway. He knew, after hearing stories of her life in California, he had nothing to offer her to stay.
As they danced, he felt the tension leave her body. She felt his build up.
"When do you want to leave?" she asked.
"Whenever you're ready," he replied.
"Soon then," she said, tightening her hold on him.
They danced a couple more dances, smiling at Ron and Hermione, who danced past. People with children were starting to leave, while the singles were just getting warmed up. George and Angelina had left. Colin and Dennis were packing away their cameras. Cho and Derek were waving goodbye. Word was out that Susan and Justin had hooked up.
Once they decided to leave, it took them another half an hour to get away. Harry followed her upstairs. She opened the door, but Harry hesitated. Finally he went in.
He watched as Ginny removed her wrist corsage and lovingly put it in the fridge. She kicked off her shoes with a sigh, and wriggled to stretch her back.
Harry stayed near the door, watching her. The bed was so close.
"Something to drink? I've got pumpkin juice and-"
"No. I think...I really should go," said Harry, quietly.
He saw the hurt in her arms, then there was like an understanding. He didn't know which was worse. He just knew he couldn't keep getting closer and closer to her, then watch her walk away. And after hearing about her wonderful life in California, he couldn't ask her to stay.
Harry knew that no matter how much it hurt, he would do the right thing.
"I understand," she said quietly.
"I don't want anyone thinking bad of you, when I leave in the morning. You never know who might be around," he lied.
She squirmed again. "Okay," she said quietly.
"What's wrong with your back?" he asked.
Ginny couldn't meet his eyes. "It's my injury. I sat too long in one position at dinner, and it tightens up."
"Can I do anything to help you?" he asked.
She hesitated. "Can you cast a mild warming charm on it? Just enough to get me through the night. Please?"
"Of course."
"I just need to get undressed and I'll get into bed. That way the charm should start to work straight away."
Ginny undid her hair from the braid, and ran her fingers through it. She started to reach around to undo the zip, but Harry stepped closer and slowly undid the zip. He lifted up her hair, and undid the tie that kept the halter top on.
Ginny stepped aside, pulling the halter down and wriggled it down her hips. She stepped out of it, leaving her standing there in her knickers, garter and sheer stockings.
Harry's mouth went dry, as he watched her peel the stockings down her legs. She kicked them aside too, and slid into bed.
"Ready," she said, turning her back to him.
He sat on the bed, took out his wand and cast the charm. "Mmmm," said Ginny, appreciatively.
He sat and watched her drift into sleep. Then he got up, and with deep regret, he left and Apparated home.
As soon as he left, Ginny opened her eyes. She stared at the ceiling. Wondered if she could find the strength to leave him yet again. Wondered what the real reason was for him not to stay. Wondered what he did for a job. She had heard something about assisting the Auror department, but didn't know what that meant. She would ask him when she saw him tomorrow, if he attended the barbecue at Hogwarts.
Ginny closed her eyes and drifted off in an uneasy sleep.
Harry Apparated straight into his bedroom. It was late, so he knew the dogs would be inside sleeping, and he didn't feel like an interrogation from Dobby. He removed his cloak, jacket, shirt and pants and placed them over a chair. He got into bed and tried to sleep.
He tossed and turned, wishing Ginny were here in bed with him. He could smell her fragrance on the pillow next to his. He imagined her as she was that morning, so warm, willing and loving. The noises she had made, and the way she had touched him had driven him crazy. Thoughts of what he still wanted to do with her, to her, caused a natural reaction. He willed it to go away.
He fell into a restless sleep.
He awoke early, before the dawn. He reached for her, then remembered how he'd left her last night. He grabbed her pillow and rolled over, smothering his face in it. Making a quick decision, before he changed his mind, he dressed and Apparated back to her room.
He took his clothes off, as he watched her sleep. She shifted in the bed, the sheet dipping lower to reveal one of her perfect breasts. He felt his body respond, so quickly and strongly. He loved her so much it hurt. The pain came from deep in his gut. And he knew that no other woman would ever mean as much to him.
He got under the covers and reached for her, his fingers running up her thighs to the edge of her knickers. He slowly dragged them down, following their path with his kisses. She stirred, sure she was having an erotic dream.
He nudged her thighs apart, and kissed her there, waking her up. She ran her fingers through his hair and let him have his way with her, bringing her to climax. He slid up and held her tightly.
He lay above her, and she welcomed him into her, sighing at the feeling of being so completely filled. He moved inside her, thrusting strongly. She responded back, holding onto his shoulders, sensing his desperation. She held him closer, never wanting to let him go.
He rolled over so she was on top of him. He cupped the back of her neck, and pulled her down so he could kiss her. He then slid away from her and turned her over, positioned himself to enter her from behind, holding her hips and thrusting stronger than ever.
They finished face to face, Harry leaning over her, her face cupped in his hands and his weight resting on his elbows. She wrapped her legs around him, not able to get close enough. He was concentrated only on her pleasure. Not until she had come would he allow his body it's own release.
They stayed connected as they regained their breath. Harry kept her pinned to the bed. Gradually, as his arousal diminished, he slid out of her, kissing her the entire time.
Ginny felt so full of emotion. She wanted to hold him close and never let him go. She closed her eyes; it was all too much.
She felt Harry get out of bed, and heard him move around the room as he got dressed. She sensed him watching her, but kept her eyes closed.
He walked to the door, hesitated, then stepped out and shut it.
Ginny lay there, and felt as if she had one more thought about her and Harry's relationship, it might just send her over the edge. She pictured him returning to his home, greeting his dogs, cooking his breakfast in his kitchen, then sitting at his desk as he ate it. Alone.
She burst into tears. Cried until she was spent. Then she curled into a tiny ball into the lonely bed that still smelt like him, and finally she slept.
When she woke, she wasted no time. Ginny gathered her clothes and toiletries into her bag and shrunk it. Grabbing her bouquet of flowers, and the wrist corsage, she checked out of the Leaky Cauldron and Apparated to Luna's, where she was going to stay for the rest of the week.
Ginny hoped that would give her enough time to decide what she was going to do about Harry.