The news spread around Hogwarts like wild-fire. The following day, Ginny told Neville and Luna while they were repairing the Hogwarts tower together. Someone must have overheard their conversation because from there the news spread to other students, and by lunch time, Professor McGonagall came up to Harry and Ginny and congratulated them personally. While she congratulated them, she said, "Potter, Professor Dumbledore would like a word in the office. Ginny should go too."

They had been confused. Dumbledore…? Then Harry nodded in understanding, "His portrait!" Ginny smiled and they happily walked to the office behind the gargoyle. They gave the password of "witherwings," and the portrait hole opened for them.

Ginny walked in, Harry's hand in her own and they strode to the back of the office. They found Dumbledore's portrait in the center of the wall of paintings and Dumbledore sat there, looking regal and grand in a red robe. He beamed at the pair of them and he said happily, "Harry my boy! I'm so pleased the two of you came. Thank you for coming to see me."

Harry stared at the portrait before saying, "Of course I would come. Why wouldn't I?" Dumbledore had the good grace to look remorseful as he said slowly, "Well I know things weren't easy for you in your hunt for Horcruxes. I know I didn't make it easy. I wondered if you would forgive me for it." Harry watched his painting and Ginny held onto his hand feeling like she wasn't really meant to be there.

Harry whispered slowly, "Well…it was a very confusing and difficult time, yes. I had heard a lot of things about you which I believed weren't true but they were things that were also hard to ignore." Ginny saw Dumbledore nodding in an understanding sort of manner? That seemed strange to her. Dumbledore sighed, "I couldn't leave too many obvious traces. I couldn't risk all the details falling into the ministry's hands. I had to bury my tracks. I hope you understand, Harry? It wasn't all to spite you and make your life harder." Harry smiled and nodded, "I know. I realized don't worry."
Dumbledore nodded happily and then turned to Ginny, "And congratulations to you, my dear. I'm so joyful that you won over Harry's heart. I think some celebrations will be in order!" Ginny blushed and smiled, "Thank you Sir. I've never been happier." He nodded and replied honestly, "Indeed they are happy times! And I do hope you'll forgive me for telling Harry to shut you out in your fifth year. That was unfair of me. I'm glad he didn't listen to my advice. As I have said before, I make mistakes and I deeply regret that one."

Ginny smiled kindly at the Professor, "Thank you Sir. That means a lot to me. I know you didn't mean it to upset me."

During lunch, several other students approached them to congratulate the happy couple. Ginny couldn't help but notice that Dean didn't look overly impressed. She supposed it was to do with them having dated in the past. She decided not to think too much on that. It wasn't worth agonizing over.

At the end of the day, Ginny was happy to go back home. She was exhausted from all the attention and well-wishers they had received. And she just wanted an early night.

Ron said, "Hermione and I are going to go for a walk outside. We'll see you too later." Ginny knew what a "walk" meant in their books. Essentially it was an excuse for some alone time. And Ginny had to say that she didn't mind. She could quite very well use some along time with Harry too.

She sat down on the couch with a flop and smiled up at Harry, "I think today all went rather well." Harry grinned as he flopped own beside her, "I agree. I mean, your brothers didn't kill me and most people seemed happy for us. Except Dean." Ginny commented bitterly, "And Romilda Vane. Did you see her scowling at me during lunch?" She was stabbing her chicken so violently I thought she might poke a hole in it." Harry rolled his eyes, "Those things don't really matter though, do they? Dean will get over it and so will Romilda…not that I've ever cared much about what she's thought though."
This made Ginny smile and she kissed his cheek, "It makes me really happy to hear you say that." Harry raised his eyebrows, "Why? Surely you've never thought that I liked her? Ginny shrugged her shoulders, "I mean she's pretty and all…"Harry interrupted her, "Don't be ridiculous, Gin! She nearly killed Ron! I would never, ever find that sort of behavior attractive!" Ginny snuggled into him and whispered, "I know. I'm sorry."

He patted her gently and sit quickly, "It's alright. Let's change the subject. It's your birthday in two weeks." Ginny rolled her eyes and commented dryly, "Harry, like you I do not wish to celebrate my birthday this year. It's not a time for that." Harry grimaced and said firmly, "But you're coming of age, Gin! Don't you want memories of that? It's milestone."

Ginny turned to him and muttered, "You sound like dad. He keeps saying that. It's so annoying to hear!" Harry grimaced and she said suddenly, "And I thought you of all people would understand! We didn't get to celebrate you turning seventeen either. Remember the wedding?" Harry's eyes seemed to darken for a moment and then he whispered, "Yeah. I remember. I also remember that kiss you gave me."
Ginny found herself to be blushing. He smiled and stroked her cheek when he saw it, "Your blush is adorable. How did the kiss go again?" She took hold of him by the neck and glanced up into his eyes, "Something like this," she whispered before crushing her mouth to his. She felt his hands reach up into her hair as she pushed her fingers into the end of his. He inhaled sharply then murmured, "And do you know what I wanted to do before Ron interrupted?" Ginny just about opened her eyes before she looked at him dazedly and whispered, "Hmmm?" He chuckled and moved his hands down her back to where her shirt ended. She stared at him with wonderous eyes, "Harry? Are we…?"

She didn't get to finish the sentence because at that moment, Ron walked in with Hermione. He kissed Hermione's cheek and he whispered happily, "I'm going to shower. See you later." Hermione beamed at him and when she turned to Harry and Ginny. Ginny was as close to Harry as could possibly be and Hermione looked at them guiltily, "I hope I didn't interrupt anything?"
Harry shook his head, "Nope. Not at all. You guys are back sooner than we expected." Hermione shrugged and sighed, "It's rather chilly outside tonight. I think I'm gonna head on upstairs. Harry…" she turned to Harry and looked truly embarrassed, "I was thinking of maybe switching places with you tonight…if it's ok with you and Ginny? We can switch back in the morning before Mr And Mrs Weasley notice…"
Ginny could hardly believe her ears. Hermione was wanting to break the rules?! Harry was blinking perplexedly and asked, "Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" Hermione blushed and responded, "I'm pretty sure Ron has asked the same thing before." Harry grinned at her, "He has. In fifth year."

Hermione was pretty amusing to watch as she blushed and said promptly, "Right, I'm going upstairs to Ron's room if that's ok with you and Harry, Gin?" Ginny knew she should feel embarrassed about this but she didn't. Hermione clearly needed alone time with darling Ronald and she thanked Ginny profusely before telling them to set their alarm clocks for six.

Harry said in a disturbed sort of manner, "I guess she's not going to be sleeping on the floor, is she?" Ginny rolled her eyes, "Would you be sleeping on the floor?" she asked in return. Harry watched her as if contemplating the predicament, "I mean you're not seventeen yet…" Ginny grumbled, "Oh come on, Harry! I'm seventeen in a week and a bit!"
At that moment, the door opened, and he mum and dad bustled in. They were carrying groceries and Ginny hopped up to help them. Harry followed her and they both greeted Mr and Mrs Weasley. Mrs Weasley thanked her and grinned, "Ginny, thanks my dear. I'm just going to put them in the fridge and then go to bed. Where's Ron and Hermione?"
Ginny glanced at Harry, expecting him to have an answer. Harry mumbled, "They're outside having a walk." Her father nodded and mumbled, "I hope they're not out too long. There are still Dearth Eaters around. People mustn't get this false idea in their heads that just because Voldemort is gone it now means we are all safe."

Harry's eyes widened, "There are still Death Eaters? How do you know?" Her father stared at him in surprise, "I thought it'd be obvious, Harry? Lucius and his family are looking to be caught and put on trial for bring about justice. They deserve it. The ministry isn't going to give up security because Voldemort is no longer living."

Ginny wished her father hadn't said anything. She knew that Harry wanted nothing more to finish the Death Eaters. She took his hand in hers to try and calm him as he clenched his fists, "I'm sure most of them will have gone into hiding. They won't dare to show their faces." She was slightly worried for Draco though. Not as worried as she'd thought she be though and that was a good sign. He had gone over and joint his parents after all. He could have chosen not to. But then she supposed he would have died if he tried.

She pulled Harry away and said, "Calm down. There's no need to get all irrational about this." She could see that Harry was stressed and angry and he was flaring at the nostrils. She sighed and said, "Mum, dad, we're going to go outside and take a walk. I think Harry needed some fresh air."

Her mother glanced at her watch, "Don't be long, Ginny! It's already seven o clock. If you're not back in an hour I'll send your father to look for you." Ginny refrained from rolling her eyes, but otherwise took ahold of Harry's hand and dragged him out of the room. She needed to distract him from the Death Eater's and she didn't know how else she could do that.

Harry said angrily, "I cannot believe they're still prancing around and Scott-free! How did they get off so easily? Shouldn't the ministry be trying harder to catch them? Shouldn't they…" She interrupted his rant, "Harry! There's no use in getting upset over it! You're going to be getting all worked up over nothing. And besides, you're joining them tomorrow. I'm sure you will be all the help you need."
She tried stroking his face to calm him and he seemed to relax a little bit as he closed his eyes. When he opened them, they were much calmer and less fiery. Ginny smiled and murmured, "Feel better?" Harry nodded gratefully, "Much. Thank you. I don't know how I'm going to cope without you." Ginny leant up and kissed his soft lips, "Anytime. I love you." Harry kissed her back firmly, "I love you too." She giggled as he walked backwards so that she was leaning against the broom-shed. She could see what Hermione meant about it being chilly outside. There was a definite nip in there.

Ginny felt Harry's hands linger on her bottom for a little longer than what was strictly speaking appropriate. It made her smile though that he was becoming a little bit more daring in their physical relationship. She chuckled, and he grinned at her cheekily. He murmured in her ear, "What are you finding so funny, Miss Weasley?" Ginny raised her eyebrows and placed her fingers in his hair, "Oh you know Mr Potter, just how much more confident you've become since you've been away."
Harry chuckled and slid his hand down her thigh, "Oh, you mean like this?" Ginny felt herself shivering but this time it wasn't because of the breeze which was making itself apparent by flapping around her skirt.

The next thing she knew, Harry was lifting her legs around his waist and Ginny inhaled sharply as he pulled her closer. It was the closest they had ever been and Ginny felt something there that she had never felt before. It made her gasp and he moaned as she moved over him. This was the most contact they had ever had and when Harry opened his eyes again, all Ginny could in them was love and lust.

She tightened her grip on him with her legs and he moved closer. He whispered to himself hoarsely, "One week. One week. One week." Ginny rolled her eyes, "Harry, what difference is one week going to make?" She stared at her passionately, "You'll be of age." She slid down from him and grumbled, "Damn you Harry Potter for being so old fashioned!" Harry chuckled and kissed her neck gently, "I love you Ginny and I will not ruin you. Besides, I thought you found it endearing." Ginny complained, "Not when it gets in the way of us finally having sex!"
Harry smirked at that and he relied, "That sounds nice. Besides which, maybe we should wait until we get married. That way…" Ginny growled angrily, "Don't even think on it, Harry!" She pressed her lips to his to shut him up. She couldn't help but feel suddenly elated that her birthday was a mere week and a bit away! If Harry was getting so frisky, maybe he had something planned? Either way she wasn't about to question his sudden confidence. In fact, she rather loved it.

A/N: Hey all! New chapter up for you! Thank you Topofthemuffin and Chemom for your feedback. Chemom thank you also for bringing up some excellent points and for somewhat inspiring this chapter. I hope you all enjoy it! Stay tuned for the next one ?ￂﾠ