A/N: Hey guys. Yes, I'm back. Sorry it's been so long. My laptop is totally broken, I think a regenerating virus of some sort has attacked it, but my dad a I managed to get most of the important files off yesterday - such as this fanfic! Plus, I was grounded for a while. I'm currently "on probation" or something of the sort. Anyway, here we go.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter. That's the brilliance of JK Rowling, who just so happens to be one of my idols. Naturally.

Chapter Three- Bickering

Harry and Ginny sat back down at the table after their dance and held pleasant, unforced conversation. Things were finally getting back to normal between them, minus the romance, and Harry hoped it could remain that way for a while.

"So," Harry began, "Do you think the school's going to be reopening?"

Ginny sighed, "I've no idea. But either way it doesn't matter to me. Mum probably wouldn't let me go back, even if I wanted to. You know how protective she can get…"

"Yeah, I've definitely noticed. She's extremely protective of me, and I'm not even family. It must be hard for you guys."

Ginny nodded. "It is, but can you really blame her? Look at what happened to Bill…"

It was Harry's turn to sigh. "Yeah…it's very sad, but at least he's still happy. He's in love."

Ginny fixed a pointed look at him but said nothing.

"Gin, lets not get on that topic tonight, okay? Let's just celebrate Bill and Fleur's wedding," said Harry.

"I didn't say anything!" Ginny exclaimed.

Harry laughed. "You didn't need to. I know what's going on in that head of yours."

"Oh really?" she questioned.

"Yep," he replied, "I think I've got a pretty good idea."

"Well then tell me, Harry, what was I thinking?" Ginny asked with a sarcastic smile.

"I thought I just told you we're not discussing that topic tonight!" Harry exclaimed with frustration.

Ginny giggled, "I was just messing with you, Harry."

"I know. But we're still not talking about it."

"Fine. We won't talk about it. Tonight," she added.

Harry sighed. "Tonight," he conceded.

A few hours later, after a bit of mingling and chatter on Harry and Ginny's part, Ron and Hermione finally sat back down with the pair.

"Hi," Hermione said breathlessly.

"Hello Hermione," Ginny greeted her, "You two sure seem to be having fun," she said pointedly. Ron's ears began to turn red and a faint blush grew on Hermione's cheeks.

"Yes, well…" Hermione sighed. "We did," she said simply.

Harry grinned. "So, you two snogging yet, or what?"

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed indignantly. "Just because we were dancing doesn't mean that! Plus, I noticed that you and Ginny were dancing earlier, and looking quite happy."

"That was different," Harry replied instantly.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Oh really? How? Because I was under the impression that it wasn't."

"It just was, okay?"

"Fine," she sighed. "But I still think it was the same."

Harry laughed, despite how flustered he was. "I'll never win this, will I?"

"Of course not," Ginny replied. "It takes too much skill to beat Hermione. She's always right."

Hermione rolled her eyes, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Anyway…" she searched desperately for a new topic to change to, "Hogwarts owls should be arriving soon. I wouldn't be surprised if we get them tomorrow morning, actually."

Harry shrugged indifferently. "Who cares?"

"I do! And so should you, Harry! Don't you want to know if the school's going to reopen?" Hermione asked, with her cliché incredulous face.

"Not really," said Harry.

"Well you should! The school could easily play a big part in the battle against Voldemort!" she exclaimed.

"WOULD YOU STOP USING HIS NAME?" Ron boomed.

Hermione turned to him exasperatedly. "Well what do you want me to call him, Ron? Lord Sunshine? Harry's right and so was Dumbledore. We shouldn't fear him more than we need to. We're going up against him. You need to get that through your head."

"You don't have to go up against him," Harry whispered. "You don't have to. You're in enough danger already."

"Nonsense, Harry," said Hermione, "We've been through this. We're coming with you."

Harry sighed, but nodded.

Ginny glared at him. "I still can't believe you'll accept them to come, but not me!"

"You're not coming," Harry and Ron spoke in unison.

Ginny scowled but said nothing.

Hermione was right, as usual. The next morning, during breakfast, the owls from Hogwarts arrived. The school was reopening and invited them all back, as usual. Apparently, there was to be added protection, but nothing significant enough that it would make people feel secure, in Harry's opinion. Certain charms and enchantment were being added, but if the Death Eaters broke in when Dumbledore was headmaster, they could definitely brake in with McGonagall in charge.

"Ginny, dear, I need to talk to you for a moment," Mrs. Weasley spoke, while they were all still in the kitchen. "I want you to go back to school this year."

"What? Really? Why? I thought you'd be against it for sure?"

"Well dear, I want you to be protected, of course, and I will always be concerned of your safety, but your education is important. With You-Know-Who in power again, you need your schooling now more than ever. You need to be able to defend yourself properly."

"I can learn that plenty of places," Ginny muttered, casting a bitter look at Harry, who looked at her reproachfully.

Mrs. Weasley looked at the group curiously. "Is there something I should know?"

Harry, Ron, and Hermione glanced around nervously at each other.

Ginny replied dully, "Of course not."

A/N: Reviewers own my face.