Professor Ginevra Weasley

Disclaimer: Get this pesky thing out of the way. I am in no way related nor do I own Harry Potter characters. I am however the proud owner of the plot :)

Things you should know:

This takes place 11 years after the end of the Second Wizarding War

Harry and Ginny did not date in sixth year or after the war but the "crush" days of course still exist :P

A/N: I know some people don't like A/Ns but please this is IMPORTANT:

I wasn't receiving any alerts, reviews, PMs or any kind of mail from fanfic for a short while. So, I'd like apologise if review replies haven't been received by those who left a review. Through the story I tried to reply to every review I saw, but I'm not sure what got through.

If you have sent a PM and I didn't reply, it's cause I haven't received it.

Thanks.

On with the story: A part of this story is the suggestion of the wonderful helaluvE... although she's probably going to kill me for the way I used it :P *runs and ducks for cover while you read*. Go on now shoo :)

Don't forget to tell that review thing-a-ma-bob please.

HPHP

Merlin, where did he learn how to do that? Ginny thought as Harry kissed her passionately. The broom closet on the sixth floor was never the most popular place for this sort of thing, having too much clutter but thanks to a subtle suggestion to Filch, the closet had been vacated entirely. You see, this particular broom closet was actually the perfect size for these sorts of "activities". Not too big, not too small, Ginny had a theory that's why it was kept overstuffed with clutter.

She let out a moan as Harry's hands found their way on her back and under her top, her robe having been discarded a long time ago. She moved to lower her lips onto his neck and Harry let out an indistinguishable groan that Ginny decided was the sexiest sound she had ever heard. As Harry continued to rub circles on her back with achingly slow movements, Ginny nibbled at his lips gently. Once he opened his mouth again, unable to resist, she explored the warmth of his mouth with her tongue, taking full control of the kiss. It wasn't long before she felt herself being pushed back against the closet wall. Her feet lifted off the ground and unconsciously wrapped around his waist.

He peppered a few kisses along her collar bone before claiming her lips again with more passion, their tongues battling, years of repressed affection rearing its head as Ginny played with the hairs at the back of his neck and intensified the kiss.

"Merlin, you're gorgeous," Harry whispered in a husky voice.

Ginny mumbled something incoherently into his neck.

"What?" He asked as she continued to trail kisses on his jaw.

"Hope it isn't a dream," she said more clearly.

"Wake up Ginny."

Ginny snapped back and looked into Harry's lust-filled eyes as he mouthed again, "Wake up Ginny." This time, however, she realised it wasn't Harry's voice she was hearing.

Ginny groaned, clutching fervently to her pillow, willing Dream Harry to come back with her eyes still closed. She was going to kill the person who woke her up... unless it was Harry of course. But no, sadly it was a woman's voice she had heard and sensing the person still staring at her, she hurled the pillow off of her and shouted, "What?"

Seeing who was standing in front of her almost made Ginny fall off her bed and forget her dream... almost.

"Luna? What? What are you doing here?"

The one-and-only Luna Lovegood stood on one side of Ginny's bed, looking as dreamily as ever. Yet, something over the years had changed about her. Her aloof, innocent nature had always remained but when she looked at you, she seemed to really look at you, as though her eyes held answers rather than her mouth. Ginny once thought that quality had always been in Luna, but had intensified with experience.

"I'm here for the unicorns Ginny, you know that."

Ginny looked over at her bedside clock. "Oh Merlin, that's today? I better get ready. I've got a million people to owl before... Hold on a second. How did you get in here?"

"I guessed your password," Luna replied, not understanding why Ginny would be shocked at finding her friend in her bedroom at eight o'clock in the morning on a Saturday.

"How? You know what, I don't want to know." Over the years, Ginny had come to love Luna like a sister and had often realised when it was best to let a topic go. Instead she decided to re-visit Luna's favourite topic.

"So how are you? How's the Crumple-Horned Snorcacks hunt going?" Ginny asked as she got up to put her dressing gown on.

"Very good. I feel as if I'm getting closer," Luna replied as she started looking around the room. "They know a human's presence and disappear before I can catch one. How are the Weasleys?"

"Rowdy as ever and growing. Penelope is pregnant again."

"Oh really. That's good." Luna looked up briefly and smiled and immediately went back to observing a portrait of a mermaid.

"Yep. Hermione sends her best," she replied back as she made her way to the bathroom, "Well the whole family does really but Hermione's sad she couldn't make it this weekend. Ron'll be here though. Him and Harry are supposed to catch up."

"Oh good, we could have a little reunion." Luna seemed genuinely excited at the prospect.

"Well you're more than welcome to, but if you want me to be there, it will have to be after midnight. That's the only time I'm free anymore."

"Oh, I'm sure you can make an exception if Harry's there," Luna suggested flippantly as she flipped through a book.

Ginny who had been brushing her teeth hit her head on the medicine cabinet with shock. She made her way to the doorway of the bathroom, toothbrush hanging from her mouth and asked imperviously, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh nothing. I was just having a chat with Neville."

"Oh you were, were you?" Ginny placed her hands on her hips. Truth be told, she was getting rather tired of these 'hints' that people kept throwing at her. Honestly it was one thing for Neville to comment off-handedly, he's an old friend. But for Flitwick to make jokes about weddings and now Luna, who she hadn't seen in months! This was getting too much... Alright so maybe it wasn't getting too much. More like it wasn't enough for her liking.

"And tell me, what was this chat with Neville about?"

"You and Harry obviously liking each other." Luna didn't even flinch while answering.

"Wow, don't beat around the bush much do you?"

"Why would I do a silly thing like that? Besides I think it's an excellent idea. You don't nearly have as many dates as you should Ginny."

Ginny looked on dumbfounded. When and what had happened to merit her getting dating advice from Luna?

"And poor Harry," Luna continued, "off with random exotic women all over the world. He couldn't have possibly been happy with all those meaningless relationships."

Ginny rolled her eyes. There was the off-handed Luna she knew and loved. "That really boosts my self-esteem Luna."

"Oh don't be ridiculous. All I'm saying is that evidently you're acting more like students than Professors and I think it's lovely."

"No, we're not," Ginny whined in rebuttal. She didn't like how she didn't sound convincing at all.

"I don't know," the mermaid in the portrait argued brushing her hair with her hands. What is with invasive portraits in this castle? Ginny thought. "The Fat Lady heard students saying how cute it would be if you were together. Well other than those who thought they'd rather have a shot with Professor Potter themselves."

"It's like I'm living in one of those reality Muggle television shows," Ginny groaned.

"I'm sorry?" Luna actually looked perplexed at this comment.

"Never mind, just something Dad taught me. It just means I have no privacy."

"Oh? But really Ginny it would be wonderful. Oh I know! Nargles are always known to infest the mistletoe at Hogwarts. Maybe we can use their powers for good this time round."

"Alright that's it," Ginny huffed, though she wasn't quite sure why she felt bothered by Luna's insinuation. Hadn't she just been dreaming about such an occurrence? Then again that was before Luna mentioned the 'exotic women'. "There will be no 'nargling' between Harry and I at the Christmas party. For all I know he's bringing a date," she argued as she started to shoo Luna out the door.

"Who would he bring?"

"I don't know. Him and Lavender seem pretty chummy as of late." Ginny didn't like how bitter that came out. She was going to have a pep-talk with herself later on to make sure Harry didn't hear her sounding bitter in any way. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"But..."

"No buts," Ginny exclaimed with a tone of finality. "Luna, I am asking you as my friend not to bring this up again... please. Now, I am going to get dressed. I will meet you for lunch and tonight we'll go to the Forest."

"Alright Ginny. I'll see you later." Luna sounded slightly defeated but not all hope was lost she thought.

As Ginny closed the door, she flung a few stray hairs to the back of her head, trying to take deep breaths. Being faced with her Harry Potter problem this early in the morning couldn't be good for her health. Merlin bless her, she fancied him - more than that actually. She might even consider saying she had fallen in l... no, no, she couldn't say that when he hadn't even asked her out yet. She'd be damned if she'd go back to being that crush-driven eleven-year-old again.

She shuddered when she recalled the almost-kiss a week ago – the kiss that had triggered her steamy dreams every night. She knew she melted at the simplest touch from him but she wasn't sure what he was thinking especially when he would run away or change the subject every time it felt right to talk about it. 'Why did Harry have to be such a good-looking prat?' had become Ginny's inner mantra.

She made her way over to her wardrobe to pick out her robes for the day. She held up red and purple ones in front of the mirror and seemed to be happy with the red ones when, all of a sudden, her bossy mirror spoke up.

"No, no dear. The Potter boy will like the purple robes better. Trust me." The mirror added a wink (or as close as it could get) to emphasise her point.

Ginny let her head fall into her robes and groaned.

HPHP

Night had fallen and everyone was anxious in setting out for the Forest. Neville was pacing next to the Main Entrance, as Luna stood nearby, seemingly counting the bricks on the wall. Harry leaned next to her, following Neville's pacing with his eyes.

Finally, Ginny appeared with the officials from the Ministry who were going to be ensuring that no harm came to the unicorns. They quickly set off in silence after greetings and introductions were exchanged. Everyone seemed deep in their own thoughts. Both officials seemed in awe of Harry but, fortunately, had the sense to realise that this was not the time to speak on it.

As they approached Hagrid's hut, they heard his booming voice filled with excitement.

"Oh there y' are. I was jus' about 'er go in without ye."

"Mr. Holmes. Mr. Ramicus, you know Rubeus Hagrid, Care of Magical Creatures Professor and Hogwarts Gamekeeper?" Ginny offered.

"By reputation of course. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hagrid." Holmes, who seemed a friendlier sort, stuck out his hand in greeting.

Hagrid shook it and Mr. Holmes felt himself being involuntarily shook from the ground.

"None of tha' Mr. Hagrid business. Jus' plain ol' Hagrid. Everybody says that."

Holmes smiled and stood back as Ramicus, a stockier fellow, rigidly stuck out his hand without a word.

"Igor. Nice to see ye again." Hagrid really did seem happy to see this unsociable man.

Ramicus merely nodded in acknowledgement and Hagrid was unfazed.

"Good, now that we're all acquainted, let's begin shall we?" Ginny wanted everything to go smoothly as it was suspected that most of the unicorns would be arriving tonight.

"Hagrid. Since you've done such an excellent job communicating with the Forest creatures, I suggest you take the north-east border where the centaurs reside. Igor?"

Igor grunted. Both Hagrid and Ginny seemed content that this was a sign he would join Hagrid.

"Luna and Neville." Ginny turned to them. "Devil's Snare Lock over on the west?"

Both nodded in agreement.

"Be careful. There's been a nasty growth of Venomous Tentacula this year. Of course you already know that Neville but, still, do be careful."

"Right," answered Neville, "better get a head's start Luna. It's going to take a while just to get through." And with that, they were both off into the darkness of the Forest.

"Send flares up if you need help," Ginny yelled at their retreating figures.

With one last final wave of acknowledgement, both Neville and Luna disappeared.

"Harry, you and Mr. Holmes should take the southern border. It's the most unpredictable side. Nothing and anything can crop up there. Best have people who can think on their feet. I forgot to mention that Mr. Holmes used to be an Auror."

Harry felt relieved at this piece of information but felt slightly disappointed. He had been hoping to use this as an opportunity to be alone with Ginny - not because he had any silly notions that tonight of all nights would be a good time to be romantic, but he wanted to make sure she was protected. It was a full moon tonight.

"Which leaves me with the East side."

Hagrid gave a sly glance towards Ginny but quickly averted his eyes to the woods. Holmes and even Igor looked surprised. Harry looked downright mortified.

"What? You can't go there alone. That's the direction where werewolves commonly come from."

"Oh, right," Ginny looked worried, "What was I thinking? Honestly what with everything going on, I can't tell what's left or right anymore. I'll go with Hagrid and Igor. All they need to do really is check all's well with the centaurs. Then we'll cover the East side together."

"I'd rather no one at all goes to the East. Let the centaurs take care of it," Harry argued.

"Harry, this is much our responsibility as it is theirs, if not more. I can't just expect them to deal with the dirtiest bit. They have less protection than us. I can't very well send them to their death."

"But it seems you're more than willing to go to yours."

Harry had almost yelled the last bit, to the extent that the other three men felt like intruders.

Ginny tried to take a deep breath. Harry would always be Harry, she argued with herself. No amount of peaceful living would quell his fear of losing someone he could protect. She rubbed her temples before starting again.

"Harry. We'll be fine. We're not going straight into their hands. We're just circling the area. If and that's a big 'If' we happen to come across any werewolves, it's two capable wizards and a half-giant. I think we can put up a fight... And we'll send up a flare the moment things get serious."

Harry seemed minimally relieved at this last leeway. Ginny normally hated having someone protect her. Ever since the Chamber she had taken care of herself and had done a very good job of it indeed. Here was another reason she felt worried about getting close to Harry. She was always willing to give a bit of leeway when it came to him.

Harry moved back grudgingly, clearing his throat, suddenly aware of their audience. The two groups made their way to their respective destination, with only Hagrid giving the final word of 'Good luck' and 'Be careful'.

Harry decided he should redeem himself with his partner.

"So an Auror? What made you give it up?"

"Oh erm," Holmes stammered, "Don't get me wrong, I liked it. Did it for seven years but eventually had to think about the wife and kids and me remaining... well... alive."

Harry was sorry he had asked. So was Holmes.

HPHP

The following morning, a surprisingly beautiful day dawned, considering it was the middle of December. Today was the day Harry had decided would be entirely dedicated to catching up with Ron in Hogsmeade. He had seen his best friend when he first came back to England but Harry would be an idiot if he didn't admit that one of the main advantages of being back home was being able to enjoy Ron's wit and general fun in proximity. Put it simply, he had missed drinking a Butterbeer with his best mate.

Harry, never being an early riser if he could avoid it, woke up at the blissful hour of eleven and serenely made his way to 'The Three Broomsticks', where he had agreed to meet Ron. However, Harry was almost sure that he would not find Ron there as Ron was a notoriously late riser.

Harry opened the door, feeling immediately warmed after the chilly air outside. He looked around with a smile on his face, excitement building inside him when, suddenly, his happy disposition came crashing down. There in a corner table at the back, sat Ron, still as youthful as ever, with Luna... and Ginny. Yes genius she's his sister, remember that little part of the problem, a little voice inside Harry berated.

The three of them were talking animatedly and laughing as Harry cautiously made his way over.

"It was breath-taking. By far, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," Luna was exclaiming.

She can't possibly be talking about Ginny, in front of Ron... and Luna likes men, right? Harry thought to himself. Get a grip on yourself Potter, the little voice inside him started again. Keep going like this and you'll be spouting poetry next.

Harry coughed, more to regain his wits rather than to attract attention. Luna and Ron both smiled up at him. Ron immediately stood up and clapped him firmly on the back. Ginny took a sip of Butterbeer averting her eyes.

"Been too long since we sat here just you and me mate," Ron began, moving over to sit next to Ginny and make room for Harry.

"We were just telling Ron about last night," Luna explained, "and I was telling him all about the baby unicorn we saw. I'd never seen one up close. To be honest, I hadn't always believed that unicorn offspring were born with gold fur and then turned white."

Everyone else at the table made a heroic effort not to point out the irony in that sentence.

"Luna, we better be going." Ginny made a move to stand up and waved a hand at Rosmerta. "We still have all of Hogsmeade to visit for your supplies. You're lucky they opened this Sunday because of Christmas."

"Ah well alright," Luna looked quickly form Ginny to Harry and then Ron. "Ron it was lovely catching up and, Harry, I'll see you later at Hogwarts."

"I'll probably pop by there later Luna," Ron added with a smile.

"Oh good. There's a book I'd like to give Hermione."

"Wonderful," Ron retorted, "I keep telling that woman she should read more. Shouldn't let her brain shrivel like a potato."

Ginny glared mockingly at Ron, "Careful, brother, or a certain express owl might make its way to your house tonight."

"Ginny, I am appalled. Whose side are you on anyway?" Ron asked seemingly offended.

"The side that wins," she stated, "and that dear Ronniekins has always been Hermione."

Ron nodded defeated, "Alright, be off with you. Us men have...erm... manly things to talk about."

Both girls laughed and made their way out with a wave.

Harry began to sip the Butterbeer that Rosmerta had brought over but he could feel Ron's questioning gaze on him.

"What?" He asked.

"Hermione thinks I need specs," Ron explained, "and I think she might be right."

"Why's that?"

"'Cause I think I just saw you checking out my sister."

Harry spluttered his Butterbeer all over his robes. "What? No, I wasn't. You're spending too much time in that shop Ron."

"Mm hm." Ron turned completely at the round table they were sitting to stare at Harry. "How long has this been going on?" He deadpanned.

"You know you're crazier than I thought." Harry by now had turned to face Ron as well. "She's your sister."

"Let's pretend that fact doesn't exist for a minute shall we, or else I might do something unreasonable." Ron made a waving movement with his hands and closed his eyes momentarily. "Now mate, I'm gonna ask you again, how long has this been going on?"

Harry hesitated for a minute but then thought, why not? If Ron was going to kill him he would have done it by now anyways. "I'm not sure. If you really think about it. Years maybe."

"Rosmerta," Ron yelled over his back, "Round of drinks. We're gonna need them. What do you mean, years?"

"I mean not years years." Harry nervously explained. "I mean it's been in the making for years. Somewhere along the way, I started looking forward to Ginny's letters. I'm not sure. All I know is there was something about the last couple of months, especially when I started thinking about coming back, she would always crop up in my head." Harry paused at this and averted his gaze, lost in thought.

Ron continued to stare at him and took a deep breath. He may have been the man with the emotional range of a teaspoon, once, but things had changed and he'd be damned if he didn't do Hermione proud with what he was about to do. He would have just preferred if this had been a trio ordeal, like the old times, where she would handle the emotional part and he would make jokes. Ah well, a wizard's got to do what a wizard's got to do.

"Harry, you're my best mate and I love you but you're a daft pillock."

Harry was shook back to the conversation. "Where'd you come off calling me that?"

"You're in love with her." Ron stated firmly.

"What? No, I'm not."

"Alright. Listen very carefully," Ron uttered slowly, emphasising with his hands, "Harry, when you wake up, what's the first thing you think of?"

Harry paused for a second, an incredulous look on his face but the more time passed and the more the question sunk in, the more Harry lowered his head, until finally he mumbled incoherently, "Ginny."

Still with a serious air, Ron asked, "And before you sleep what's the last thing you think of?"

Harry rolled his eyes at Ron's antics and mumbled once again, "Ginny."

"You my fatefully-challenged friend," Ron grabbed his drink, "are in love with a Weasley. Merlin, help you." Ron raised his mug and took a drink. "Hermione's really going to be pissed she missed this one."

HPHP

Well, it's official. They both know they've fallen for the other. But neither are sure about the other's feelings and in typical Harry and Ginny fashion, it never crosses either of them to just admit their feelings. Stay tuned for more fun. If all goes according to plan, the next chapter is one of the big ones, consequently also one of the long ones.

Xoxo

Purple button PLEASE *puppy dog eyes*