Author's note : Thankyou too all my wonderful reviewers who are still continuing to read and review this story...I hadn't realized it had already been a year since I started this as many of you were kind enough to point out hehe... don't know how long it will take for me to complete but will get there eventually..meanwhile hope you like this chap :)

Disclaimer: same as before

Chapter 8

The dining hall was crowded with students, laughing and exchanging pictures, and chattering away about the holidays, which in many of their opinions had ended too soon. The hall still had it's new year's decor up and one could see the first years going "ooohs and aaaahs" over them. The shimmering fairies were dancing around the numbers and there were little creatures that looked like muggle balloons that giggled.

Harry smiled as he watched this scene unfold from the teacher's table. He remember his first New Year's at Hogwarts vividly. He waved at Ginny who was floating over the gryffindor table and eyeing the spot she used to sit at. When he raised an eyebrow, to ask her whether or not she was alright, she smiled at him and glided next to him.

The noise quieted down as the headmaster rose to make his speech which of course ended with the school song. Every one on different notes.

The staff and students all headed back to their own quarters as the classes were cancelled for the day. Harry didn't want to risk talking to Ginny under the sharp surveillance of McGonogall's keen eyes right behind, but he did hold her hand discreetly under his robe.

He was almost at his quarters when he was stopped by one of the students, calling out his name from behind. " O Professor!" a shrill voice echoed in his ears, 'yup definitely a female' he thought to himself, and with the hysterical expression on Ginny's face he could guess exactly who.

" Why Hello Miss Yantzi! How was Christmas for you?" he said as he turned around, masking his face in a polite gesture.

Janet Yantzi was stumped. Not only did Harry Potter ask her a question, he actually knew her name this time . She beamed from ear to ear when answering, " Yes it was nice, though didn't get as many gifts as I expected, " she said with a sly hinting smile at Harry.

Ginny burst out laughing as he controlled his urge to roll his eyes. " Really that's too bad," he said, instead. " Did you want anything Miss Yantzi?"

" O yes, I wanted to wish you a happy new year. And I also wanted to ask you if there is anyway you could tutor me after class, as I am finding some of the materials really hard to understand," she said showing off her perfect teeth.

" Happy New Year to you too, but what I don't understand is why are you bringing this up half way through the year. Why didn't you talk to me about this when I asked the class to tell me if they had any problems," Harry asked looking stern.

" Well, umm You see I am kind of shy Professor," she started, as Harry coughed quickly to cover his chortle and Ginny burst out laughing. " I never would have guessed," she said wiping her tears that had formed due to laughing.

" Alright Miss. Yantzi, I will see you in class, I will see what I can do," Harry said firmly so the girl understood that the conversation was over.

Once inside his quarters and when their laughing had subsided a considerable amount, he raised a threatening finger towards Ginny. " You are so dead!" he said. He clasped his mouth as soon as the words were out of his mouth, even when Ginny gave him a slightly hesitant smile. " It's alright Harry," she said.

She closed the distance between them and hugged him. " I am scared Gin, I haven't been this scared even when I faced Voldermort. I don't know if I can lose you again," harry whispered in her hair.

" Shhh it's alright," Ginny said a eyes moist like her husband's.

The moment was interrupted with Hedwig flying and holding out a letter to Harry. From the neat writing on the envelope both Harry and Ginny recognized it as Hermione's.

" May be there is your answer, open it Harry," she said smiling slightly at Harry's apprehensive expression.

Harry nodded and read out the contents of the letter. It said:

Dear Harry,

How are you? How did the first day back go so far? First off, Ron and myself would like to thank you for that lovely Christmas gift. The magical chandelier just brightens up our home decor. It was so nice seeing you at Christmas. I had missed your smile. I am glad that you are happy Harry, and I can't think of any one who deserves it more than you do.

Ron thinks it's because you have found a girl. But I know you better Harry, and with Mcgonogall's story of you talking to invisible people have confirmed my theory. I searched through two hundred books before I could find some concrete evidence that I could relate to. But I have know Harry, so I have to ask. ' Are you seeing Ginny Harry?' 'Can you talk to her?' ' Does she talk back?"

I know you know what I am talking about Harry. I could see it in your eyes. I want to help you Harry. This is a rare phenomenon. Please reply ASAP. Hope you are in good health, and Ginny if you are hearing this I will always keep my promise to you.

Love

Hermione

Harry reread the letter again before looking up at Ginny who was misty eyed. " Looks like Hermione found the missing piece.." he commented as he pulled her close in a hug, to kiss her.

K people wht do u think? Please review