Chapter Six

To all the loyal followers, I believe this is the chapter you have been waiting for.

As always, these characters do not belong to me.

Harry opened his eyes, his chest heaving. He had fallen asleep trying to keep his thoughts off of Ginny and instead dreamt that specific memory that was more like a nightmare. Harry had relived that dreadful moment so many times he wondered why it had set his heart racing in panic. A second later Harry heard the front door close followed by something being thrown against a surface. He remembered the panic shouting. Arnold barked happily at the intruder.

'Harry!' Ginny's voice called out.

Harry was up and out of his bed, his glasses in his hand without another thought. Ginny's voice sounded frightened and on the verge of hysteria as she called for him. Harry slid out into the hallway, fixing his glasses to his face as he rammed into the opposite wall in his haste. He strode forward and into the light and she was walking hesitantly forward as if she wasn't sure what to expect. When she saw Harry, her hand went to her chest, her eyes watering.

Harry stopped midstride, unsure of how to approach her, let alone ask what had happened. What if it was Ron? Or Hermione? What if something happened to them while he was here, thinking about himself and his feelings? He would never forgive himself for that. As he thought this she ran to him. Harry threw his arms out at the last second before Ginny jumped at him, hugging him tightly. Shocked, Harry held her, feeling her shoulders shake with repressed sobs.

'Hey, hey now. It's okay,' Harry consoled. 'Everything will be alright.'

She broke away and looked into his eyes, trying to discern something from them. Harry tried to project as much sincerity in his own gaze as he held her and he could feel her heart slowly calm down. She grabbed his arms, feeling them almost as though she couldn't believe he was real and standing in front of her. She was still gazing at him, her mouth open to say something and then she started punching every inch of him she could.

'Ouch! Ow! Ginny, what …' Harry flinched from her attack.

'You arsehole! Why did you do it?' she screeched at him.

'What? Did what?'

'You promised!' Her punches were getting weaker. 'You promised and went out anyway.'

'Whoa, Ginny!' Harry managed to grab her arms and hold them. 'I haven't gone anywhere. I've been here the whole time!'

'They saw you,' she cried out, trying to pull away. 'You were on the news! They said you were spotted and … and …'

'Ginny, take a deep breath, okay.' Harry made sure she did that before speaking again, also checking to see if she had decided to stop attacking him. 'Now, tell me exactly what they said on the report.'

'They said that you were spotted, lurking around and they sent in Death Eaters to investigate and that you were … you were …' she was breathing heavily, trying to control her emotions.

'Okay, okay. Whereabouts did they say I was supposed to be at?'

'Um … well … actually, it was a couple of towns over but …'

Ginny realised then that Harry was telling the truth. She grimaced at Harry, who shrugged and smiled consolingly at her. It was at that moment that the fight left her. She fell into Harry as her legs gave out. Harry, who was still holding her arms, was too slow to react to her sudden dead weight. Together they slid down the wall, Ginny landing on top of Harry. He grunted as his back bumped against the wall. Ginny leant against his frame, her eyes wide and unblinking in front of her, tears falling down her cheeks. Harry threw his left arm around her shoulders, pulling her in tightly and resting his head against hers.

They sat together in silence for a long time. Harry waited patiently for her. He was never a patient person but he found it surprisingly easy for Ginny. Actually, when it came to Ginny he thought he would do probably almost anything. He looked down at her. She was wearing her training uniform and had thrown on her jumper as an afterthought, Harry deduced. He was glad she was wearing her tracksuit pants instead of the shorts; Harry shifted slightly at the thought of her bare legs. He knew he shouldn't be thinking that way when she was so distraught and cursed himself for it. Her hair was in a single loose braid but some strands had fallen away from her haste. It didn't matter how haggard or rumpled her clothes were; whenever Harry saw her, his stomach fluttered.

'Are you angry with me?' she asked finally. Her voice was croaky and she dabbed her eyes.

Harry chuckled. 'Why would I be angry?'

She tilted her head and pulled away to look at him. Her eyes were rimmed red from crying and she looked so innocent as she waited for his replies. He wanted nothing more in that moment than to pull her back and kiss her. He sat up straighter, trying to ignore his urge.

'I accused you of endangering us again.'

'I've been accused of worse. I'm more worried about you. Are you okay?'

'What? Yeah. I am, now. Really,' she added, when Harry looked doubtful. 'I guess I just worked myself up when I saw the report.'

'Hmm … it was clever of them. If they were tailing anyone they thought I was still in contact with and followed them after they saw the report …' Ginny looked at him scandalised and Harry wished he had shut up. 'No, Ginny, I didn't mean …'

'I played right into their hands. I am such a fool,' she said glumly.

'No, no, Ginny it's okay. I don't believe the report was aimed at you. As far as the Death Eaters are concerned, we are still estranged friends and that's only through your brother.'

'You sound so indifferent when you say it like that.' She sounded upset by that.

'I certainly don't feel that way about you, trust me.' Ginny looked at him then; confusion and suspicion plain on her face. 'Shall I make us some tea?' he asked quickly, getting to his feet before she answered.

It was quiet while Harry put the pot on the stove. He always preferred to make his tea the old fashioned way on the stove rather than an electrical kettle. He set it to boil, sneaking glances at Ginny whenever she wasn't looking. Most of the time she gazed at her hands that were in her lap, however every so often she would look towards one of the windows, her expression downcast. Harry cursed himself for his stupidity. Why had he blurted out about feelings he wasn't sure he should be telling her? Although after he did say it, it was as if he had taken an enormous weight from his chest.

The pot began to whistle shrilly after a few more minutes and Harry had to concentrate on making the tea. He remembered Ginny liked it really milky with two sugars and was careful to pour the exact amount of milk into her tea. He joined her against the wall of the hallway, making sure he didn't spill their tea. Ginny mumbled her thanks and took her tea in both hands, ignoring the dull burn from the cup. Harry took a closer look at her as he sipped his tea. She glanced out towards the window again, her tea untouched. Harry thought back to what he said about the Death Eaters targeting certain Order members with close ties to Harry. Harry sighed, realising how oblivious he was becoming.

'You miss your family,' Harry guessed. When she neither confirmed nor denied it, Harry dropped his head, his guilt seeping in. 'And it's my fault that you can't go and see them because you feel obligated to take care of me.'

'Harry,' Ginny said quietly. He lifted his eyes towards her. 'The last thing we need is for you to put more blame on yourself.' She smiled ruefully at him. 'I just wish I could see them for myself, so I know they're okay.'

'You could always go now?' Harry suggested, even though it pained him to say it.

'And leave you to scheme some sort of elaborate plan to get revenge? No I don't think so,' Ginny sighed. She took a sip of tea and Harry was silently relieved. 'I've been away from my family for weeks at a time with my team, sometimes, even longer.'

'This situation is different. At least you could count on them being there and safe. Everyone's life is at risk now.'

'My family has always been at risk, one way or another.' She took another long drink, losing herself to her thoughts.

Harry tried not to let his guilt at that overwhelm him. Her parents were happy and somewhat normal before Harry came into their lives. Mrs Weasley was a full time mother looking after her seven children, who since Harry's first meeting with them, have all grown up and left the household. Mr Weasley worked for a small division in the government, where his third eldest son, Percy joined once he was of age. Percy and their father had a disagreement a few years back when he first started but were beginning to reconcile once Riddle started his war.

The eldest, Bill, went off to work in a bank overseas but came back in the recent years to help the Order. He was a valuable asset. He was undeniably cool and hip and therefore was able to mingle around most crowds and gather information or recruits or both. He married the year after Harry ended his schooling to a beautiful French woman, Fleur, but Harry only had met her a couple of times. Charlie, who was second in the line, worked with exotic animals and it was considered normal that he was covered in new scars and scratches. He helped out when he could but his job was too hectic for him to do much of anything else. Quick to smile and an old football player, Charlie had always been easy to talk to when Harry needed to take his mind off of things for a while.

After Percy came the twins, Fred and George, the resident tricksters and jokers of the family. They opened up their own joke shop that was highly successful and even excelled in creating disguises and attire for the members of the Order. The Death Eaters knew of their side business and had tried many times to apprehend the two of them but with the twins' skill set, they never managed to evade the boy's booby traps to catch them. They had others running their joke shop nowadays, while they went from safe house to safe house with the Order and still managing to drop back in home under false identities.

Ron was the youngest son and probably the most heavily involved in the Order. He always went along with Harry when he decided to go on what Ron usually called, 'suicide missions'. Ron never knew how grateful Harry was when Ron backed his choices; even with the excessive groans and complaints the entire time. Ron was Harry's first and best friend and without him by his side, Harry was anxious.

Then, last but not least, was Ginny. Being the youngest and the only girl, Ginny had a thirst to prove she was just as good as (if not better) than her older brothers. Harry remembered watching her evolve from the little girl with knobbly knees and short hair into the athletic and fiery football player that was one of the school's shining pupils. Harry could picture her innocent teenage self. Even back then he would stare at her longer than he should have and always sought her out through the crowd just to see her. He still couldn't quite work out how he missed the signs of his feelings back then.

The image shifted into the day Ginny was told she wasn't allowed to join the Order. Her entire family was there to explain why they wouldn't let her join, including Harry. She argued until she lost her voice, even threatened to go out on her own and do it herself. In the end Bill coaxed her into seeing a different potential. It was he that encouraged her to accept the offer of the football club that wanted to sign her just after she graduated, saying that if she became a public figure she might be able to influence others and get contacts with the correct people. Her mother shuddered at the idea, wanting her to keep her head down. Ginny decided to take Bill's advice, much to Mrs Weasley's protests and that was the end of that debate.

The years passed as each member of the Weasley family was slowly discovered to be assisting the Order. Bill was attacked and was severally injured; the scars still on his face were a reminder. He continued to fight and aide the Order, not fazed by his injuries. Charlie had to stop working after an incident with a Death Eater caused a dangerous crossed breed of a bear and a wolf to escape and caused havoc in the closest town. Percy went undercover for a time in the government offices but was discovered and barely escaped with his life, which made Mr Weasley have to quit his job. The twins, who had been in trouble for most of their lives, saw the thrill of thwarting the Death Eaters and made it their duty to cause as much mayhem as they could while still cracking jokes to everyone they met. They had to all go into hiding; all because of Harry.

'I just want to understand why Riddle would want to do something like this,' Ginny said quietly, making Harry stop his reminiscing. 'Rip families' apart, cause massive destruction and pain. It's not like we have any special magic or powers he wants to possess. Why?'

Harry thought about his answer, taking a sip of his sweetened black tea. He could feel Ginny's eyes on him and he found it hard to think coherently. 'Ginny, I don't think anyone will truly know the Riddle's motives. There are just some people in the world who believe that power, in any form, is worth more than having nothing but a name. I suppose to them, it is the ultimate thing; to one day be the world's most powerful man.'

'It sounds awful,' Ginny said honestly, gazing into her tea.

Harry smiled. 'To us, yes. I guess you could look at power as a drug. Riddle already has power over his followers and that is addictive. To have people fawn over you or cower in fear at your feet or even obey your every word is a big incentive and eventually they want more of that. To men and women like Riddle, everyone will eventually have to bend to their will.'

'That's why he's after you. You aren't bending under the mounting pressure of his power and you are showing others that there is still hope.'

'Some people certainly think so,' Harry smiled though his heart wasn't in it. 'I just don't see myself that way. I was only continuing something Professor Dumbledore started, that my parents and my Godfather were involved in. I am inset in this for revenge as much as stopping the world basically going bad. I really don't think I am any different than to any other Order member, maybe even more selfish because of the reason I just explained.'

'Aren't we all selfish in one way or another?' Ginny asked shrewdly, smirking at him. 'There was also bravery in your choice to fight you know. You could have cowered away, drowned by your grief and let Riddle take the world, but you stayed and despite your fear you took the leadership of the Order when everyone demanded that you did. You're strong and brave and I know you think that being younger than some of the members' means you shouldn't be leading but you are a natural leader. Harry, I can hear it now in your voice when you are trying to comfort me. And despite everything you still have your humanity. A lot of people wouldn't have taken the leadership like you did.'

Harry was quiet as he absorbed what she had said. He was supposed to be consoling her but after her kind words he felt like he was the one who needed help. And maybe he did, maybe he simply needed her. A slow warmth was spreading across his chest from her words. He looked at her and that warmth intensified with her gaze. She didn't look upset anymore, which was a relief to Harry but she was not entirely herself yet.

'Oh, I got you something to,' Ginny said shortly after a brief of silence.

Harry watched intrigued as Ginny reached into her jumper pocket and pulled out a small grey mobile phone. She handed it to him and he thumbed it through his fingers, seeing it flash to light when he pressed the middle button.

'You said you wanted one and I managed to get it yesterday,' Ginny said. 'Luckily, I left it in my jumper pocket.'

'It's great, thank you,' Harry said.

'It's just a cheap one,' Ginny said indifferently with a shrug. 'But it can't be traced which is the main thing. I added my number in there, plus some of my family's. I know it's risky but it's in case I can't get to you and you need help. I gave Ron and Hermione this number too so they can call you directly when I'm away.'

Harry nodded, murmuring his thanks again. They fell into another silence while they finished their tea. Harry took their cups and washed them in the sink, placing his new phone on the bench. Ginny was fiddling with the zipper of her jumper, looking away, lost in thought. When Harry re-joined her, she smiled serenely at him.

'Did you finish training or something when you saw the article?' Harry asked, trying to change the subject.

Ginny shifted uncomfortably, tugging at her jumper guiltily. She watched her fingers pick at her jumper and not at Harry. 'I … um, it was in the middle of our gym session and I … I sorta just ran out.'

'Oh Ginny,' Harry sighed.

'I told Gwen it was a family emergency and she promised to cover for me,' Ginny reasoned.

'I'm not worth your career, Ginny. How many times do I have to tell you?'

'About the same as me trying to tell you my career won't last forever.'

Ginny shoved him playfully with her shoulder and he gave her a small smile. She left her head against his shoulder. Harry gazed down at her, surprised but at ease. Harry realised they had been sitting on the ground in the hallway since she returned. They didn't care about where they were, just comfortable with each other's company. Well, that was how Harry felt anyway. He found himself staring at Ginny's frame against his, smiling softly. The world had fallen away as it had before in the backyard and it was just the two of them. Instinctively, he dropped his head to rest on top of hers. He felt the soft, silkiness of her hair against his cheek and it was in that moment he took a breath.

'What's that?' Harry asked suddenly, straightening up and nearly banging his head on the wall.

'What Harry?' Ginny straightened in surprise, her hair flicking up at him and it hit him again.

'That smell, I …' He leant in to where he was before and Ginny went still. 'It's almost flowery …'

Harry noticed in his frenzy to find the scent he was actually leaning in beside her neck. He froze, not daring to look at Ginny's expression, which must have been a mixture of bewilderment and infuriation. When she spoke, however, she sounded calm and slightly breathless.

'It's my perfume. It must be lingering on my jumper from the other day at the press meeting. I haven't had the chance to wash it yet,' Ginny clarified.

Harry tilted his head towards her slowly and there it was its strongest. He pulled away, gazing at her with wide eyes. He had found his mystery smell. Ginny was who he was thinking of before he was about to die. He really had fallen for Ginny a lot earlier than he even knew.

'It's you,' he breathed in revelation. 'It's always been you.'

'It's been me what?' Ginny was perplexed.

'I know this is going to sound stupid because it still is strange to me too and I've known for weeks. When I was about to die in that explosion, I closed my eyes,' Harry closed his eyes. 'And I tried to remember the things I lived for. There was a peculiar scent that came to mind and I didn't who or what it belonged to but, now, I know.'

Harry moved his moved to a kneeling position in front of her. Ginny hastened to kneel also, though she was still bewildered. He closed his eyes again and gently rested his hands on Ginny's cheeks, his head dropping to rest on her forehead. He heard her breathing become elevated but he kept his eyes closed. It was easier to admit the truth without seeing her expression.

'Why is it that with all of this death and destruction around us, the only thing I can think about is you? I should be worried out of my mind for the Order and everyone out there and yet I long to be beside you. At first, I didn't understand what was happening to me and it scared me but then I knew; it had always been there, that I wanted you all along.'

Harry swallowed, his mouth going dry but he wanted to get it all out. 'If I am out of line, I won't say another word. You can tell me to stop and I won't annoy you again. And I know in some way I am foolish to do this to you now and I may have to leave after this confession because I have made it impossible to live together but if they were a chance I –.'

'Harry, stop,' Ginny murmured. Harry did that; his heart in his throat. 'I need you to shut up and kiss me before –.'

Harry didn't wait to hear what she had left to say. His lips were upon hers in an instant, crushing them almost painfully. The force of his kiss had Ginny gripping the front of his shirt so she wouldn't be knocked backwards. He eased it, his hands going to her back and waist, supporting her against him. She pulled him to her and their kisses grew more insistent and passionate with every second.

Harry had never really known the true meaning of euphoria until that moment with Ginny and it was something he never wanted to end. It was better than any feeling alcohol or adrenaline kick or victory had ever given him. There was a certain spark of live energy that pulsed from her body that gave Harry goose bumps. She was real, she was alive and she was the only thing Harry wanted in this world.

They broke their kiss when Ginny's phone rang loudly on the ground beside them. Harry kept his eyes closed and tried to steady his breathing. He could hear Ginny doing the same thing and gently placed his forehead against hers again, breathing her in.

'You should probably answer that,' Harry whispered after the fifth ring.

He opened his eyes to see Ginny deliberating that very notion, which made him chuckle. Eventually she picked it up although she kept the other arm around Harry, as if she expected him to run off once her back was turned. Harry had no intention of leaving her side. He nuzzled the side of her head as she answered.

'Hello?' she said breathlessly.

Harry heard the garbled reply through the speaker. Whoever was on the other line sounded snappish.

'Yes … yes … I know … I know … Okay, I'll be there … bye.'

Ginny hung up, sighing. She stared at Harry as she put her phone back in her pocket. In the dim light, Harry could see her hair was messy from his hands weaving through it and her lips were red and swollen. He gently stroked his thumb across her cheek, knowing their stolen moment was drawing to a close. He slowly leaned in and kissed her again, the heat no longer igniting repressed passion. Harry hugged her, delicately pushing her head to his chest. He began to rub her back to comfort her.

'Coach?' he asked her.

Ginny nodded against his chest.

'You should go,' he told her tenderly.

'Is it bad that I don't want to?' Ginny's eyes searched his.

'No. It's bad that I don't want you to go.'

Ginny placed her forehead back on his chest, right where his heart was now frantically beating. 'Now I definitely don't want to leave.'

'Ginny …' Harry pleaded softly.

'I know, I know. For my safety, yadda, yadda.' She frowned and Harry snorted. 'Just be here when I get back.'

'I will,' he promised.

Ginny sighed, getting to her feet. Harry stood with her. She hugged him again and he swayed them slightly as he returned her hug. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Somehow, this time her leaving was even harder than the last. She broke away and walked to the door, Harry remained where he was. Ginny stopped at the door. She looked back at him and bit her lower lip.

'I can't call you, can I?' she asked him.

Harry shook his head, even though he didn't want to. 'It would lead to questions and rumours.'

Ginny nodded glumly. 'One day, they'll be the rumours I actually wouldn't mind.'

Harry looked at her pained, clenching his jaw. She was so blatant and honest it was cutting his heart. She smiled sadly at him one last time before she left, making him feel even more alone in the house. He wanted nothing more than to let the world know he was Ginny's. For a few short minutes he was undeniably happy but the prospect had gone black, again. Until he could see her again and hold her in his arms, nothing would be alright.

Harry felt hollow as he fell back into his bed ten minutes later. He stared up at the ceiling, playing with his new phone in his hands. He wanted to hear Ginny's voice again, beg her to come back and forget about football and the brewing war but he stopped himself. His intentions to keep them separated were good, despite what he was thinking. Ginny came before his own safety and welfare now and she would be better off without him anywhere near her.

Yet, even one day without Ginny was too long. Harry relived their previous conversations, not wanting to sleep in case this was really a dream. It was a particular one that kept coming back to him, where she was telling him that she was a striker now and how moronic and disappointed he was in himself that he had not known. He always seemed to be more focused on one thing and forgot the other things around him that he needed to also pay attention to.

He decided he wanted to make it up to Ginny, to be able to tell her she was a great striker because he had seen it with his own eyes. The only problem was that he couldn't go out in public now that the Death Eaters had cracked down in their search for him. He also made a promise to Ginny not to go wandering around outside but surely he could bend the rules just this once. After all, it was for her.

He really was truly going to go and watch her game, he deduced. He could feel the excitement flooding his body at the prospect of not only seeing her but also to be out in the fresh air. He had not been to a stadium in years and that almost doubled his excitement. He could remember the hype and the atmosphere of the last time he watched a game and there was nothing to describe it. There was, however, the matter of getting a ticket and changing his appearance. The disguises he had weren't good enough for something on a scale this big. He needed more advanced equipment and disguises. Harry was still twirling the phone in his hands and he realised he had the answer the entire time.

With shaking hands, Harry scrolled through the phone's contacts, praying Ginny had added them. Harry sighed with relief when their names came up on the screen and dialled their number. It took a few rings before Fred Weasley answered.

'Who's this?' he asked groggily.

'Fred? It's Harry.'

'Blimey,' Fred replied, sobering up. 'Harry, what're you doing? Are you alright?'

'Yes. The news reports are all wrong. Just the Death Eaters feeding them rubbish.'

'Yeah, the whole family thought so but it would be good from them to hear it. Anyway, why are you calling so early?'

'Oh,' Harry didn't realise what time it was. 'I'm sorry about that. I lost track of time but I wouldn't call if it wasn't important.' Harry took a deep breath. 'I need to ask you and your brother for a favour.'