Dumbledore stared at the three objects upon his desk with loathing. Three tainted relics of the wizarding world that he knew he had to destroy. The famed cup of Helga Hufflepuff, the coveted locket of Salazar Slytherin, and the signet ring of House Peverell. All of them tainted by Lord Voldemort.

Dumbledore knew all of these items had to be destroyed, but he was hesitant to do so for several reasons.

The first was that he did not yet possess all of the Horcruxes. Thanks to Regulus Black's journal, Dumbledore knew that there was still one hidden within the castle of Hogwarts, though he didn't even have the first inclination of where to look. Nor was he even sure what the object was. He was fairly certain that Lord Voldemort had made his pet snake Nagini into a Horcrux. though he was unsure as to the reason for such an act.

The second reason was more troubling. If he were to destroy these abominations, would Lord Voldemort feel it, and would that in turn drive him in to a psychotic rage. There was no denying the dark wizards power, and if he were pushed, he would lay waste to thousands before he could be stopped. And if they didn't have all the pieces, there was always a chance he could return. Dumbledore needed to be sure.

And finally, there was the matter of Harry Potter, and the unknown Horcrux. It was last year when Dumbledore fully realized that young Harry had been unwittingly been a Horcrux all his life. Since then, he'd been trying to discover a way to free the boy of the burden he carried. He had thought of telling Harry last year after he was informed of the prophecy, but given his state of mind, Dumbledore felt it best to keep that information secret, at least until he'd revealed it to Amelia Bones the previous evening.

At first, Dumbledore had not wished to share anymore information than he needed to. But when the marriage contract appeared, Dumbledore thought that he finally had his answer to saving Harry Potter. As Amelia was a likely going to play a key role in Harry's future, Dumbledore felt it best to inform the woman. Besides, she would be in perfect position to help give her niece a nudge or two in the right direction.

The only flaw in the plan was that the two teens could not be coaxed, or manipulated in any way. In order for Dumbledore's hypothesis to work, Harry and Susan had to fall in love in their own time, in their own way. It had to be pure, and it had to be real. No potions or charms could be used.

The Horcrux that lived within Harry, fed off all the negativity in Harry's life. Dumbledore felt a great wave of guilt for his part in Harry's misery. It had been he who had placed Harry with his Aunt and Uncle. Had he listened to Professor McGonagall, or sought out Sinus Black and learned the truth then, perhaps Harry would have been better off, but the wards he chose to use to protect Harry required him to reside with blood relations.

But because of that choice, the Horcrux remained inside of Harry. But now, now there was a chance. Dumbledore was confident that if Harry and young Susan Bones could fall in love, the happiness and warmth Harry would feel would then kill off the Horcrux. It would also have the added bonus of actually hurting Lord Voldemort. The dark wizard had been truly foolish to use Harry's blood to create a new body for himself. There would be consequences. Dumbledore admitted his curiosity to see just how this would manifest.

While they were together in that lovely secluded house, Dumbledore hoped that the two teens would engage in typical teenage behavior. Dumbledore knew that he was an old man, but he still remembered what it was to be young and be ruled by one's physical urges. He also knew that there was a strong possibility of emotions blossoming out of... what did the young people call it? Snogging?

Dumbledore chuckled to himself and his familiar, Fawkes the phoenix trilled a few musical notes which lightened the headmaster's mood a bit more. Slowly the Hogwarts Headmaster placed each Horcrux back into the cabinet, and locked it with spells. He still had some things to attend to before he went to bed. He still had to get in contact with his old friend Horace Slughorn. He had at last filled the vacant Defense Against The Dark Arts Position, but it now left him with a vacant Potions position.

Tomorrow, Dumbledore intended to begin his search for the castle Horcrux. He had just over a month before school was to begin, and he hoped to have it before then.

"Tonks tells me you've been working on concealment." Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody said as he sat before Harry and Susan. The two teens nodded, and Moody harrumphed.

"It's useful, but you need to concentrate on defense and attack." Moody growled. "You do any running?"

Harry shook his head, and Moody grumbled again.

"Start. Build up your stamina. Most Death Eaters don't bother with it. They like to end a fight quick before they get tired. Combat takes a lot out of you. All that dodging and casting can wear you down. Build up your stamina and outlast your enemy. Start running. I saw you got a nice bit of water down there. Swimming will help build up your strength and stamina as well."

Harry and Susan nodded and Moody got to his feet and bade the teens to follow him out into the mid-morning sunshine.

"I ain't got a lot of time, but I wanted to see where you were at so far." Moody said, conjuring a dueling dummy. "First off Potter. Let me see what offensive spells you know. I saw that Piercing hex you used on that trash at Bones' house. Start with that. I want to see how accurate you are."

Harry cast the spell and hit the dummy's leg. Moody shook his head, and told Harry he needed to aim higher. Harry tried again, and the spell missed entirety. Harry sighed with frustration. He still hadn't managed to be as accurate as he wished he could be, and Moody was in agreement.

"Needs more work." The old Auror said, and Harry gave him the stink eye. "You know the spell missy?"

Susan shook her head, and Moody grumbled again. "Learn it. You need to know each other's repertoire of spells so you can fight together."

"I don't plan on becoming an Auror though." Susan said, and Moody shook his head.

"I don't think Death Eaters give a flying crap about your future career plans. I'm trying to keep you alive so you can have a career. Despite what you might have been told, war is here. Now. Learn each other's every move, and you'll stand a better chance in a fight."

Moody spent the next hour examining Harry and Susan's spell work. He mostly criticized, but within the criticisms were also pointers to help the two improve their casting and accuracy. When the hour was up, and Moody had to leave them, he promised the next time he visited, he'd bring them a few books they would find interesting, and he promised to test their shields under a barrage.

Harry took it to mean he'd better start practicing his shield charms.

"He's really scary." Susan said after Moody left through the floo.

"Yeah, but you can't deny he knows his stuff." Harry said, heading towards the kitchen.

"I'm not denying it. I just think he's scary. I always think he's looking through my clothes with that eye of his."

"I think it more likely he's looking through you." Harry said with a smile and Susan shivered.

"So what should we do with the rest of our day?" Susan asked. "All of our homework is done, and I don't feel like training all day."

Harry sat down at the small table in the kitchen as Winky set two bowls of soup and a platter of sandwiches there.

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "My new broom hasn't arrived yet, so flying is out."

"I could use a levitation spell on you." Susan offered and laughed as Harry glared at her. "It was only a suggestion."

"It wasn't a very good one." Harry said.

"I do have an idea. We could share stories. We haven't talked a whole lot since we've been here. It's been mostly work." Susan suggested.

Harry thought about her idea. The truth was that even though they had been together everyday since they'd moved into to the cottage, they had barely talked. At least not anything serious. They'd mostly been working on their homework, or working with Tonks, or something similar. Harry knew they needed some time to connect, and Harry had promised himself he would try to figure things out with Susan. He felt a little bad that he hadn't made any attempts up until now.

"Alright." Harry said. "How do we start?"

"Ok. First we have to promise that everything we say to each other will be the truth. Also, we can't leave anything out, no matter how scary, embarrassing or hot."

"Hot?" Harry quirked an eyebrow.

"I've got a few stories that might keep you up all night, and I don't mean awake." Susan said, and both she and Harry blushed, though they laughed.

"Ok..." Harry said, clearing his throat. "Ok, I promise I'll be completely honest."

"Good. Now, you tell me a story, and then I'll share one with you." "Why do I have to go first?" Harry asked, looking put out.

"Because I'm the girl, and I want you to." Susan stated. Harry shook his head, claiming it was unfair. Susan pointed out that life was unfair, and Harry agreed with her.

"Alright. Ok, I got one. Before second year, I was at my Aunt and Uncle's house, and they were getting ready for this sort of dinner party thing..."

Susan finished her lunch as she listened to the story of how Harry had first met Dobby, and the floating pudding that fell on a woman's head. Susan laughed at Harry's confusion and frustration on this first encounter with the house elf who now served him loyally. She was also horrified to learn of the consequences of that initial meeting, and the lengths the Dursleys had tried to go to prevent Harry from returning to Hogwarts.

"So if you were locked up, how did you get out and get back to school?" Susan asked.

"Ron and his brother took their dad's flying car to come get me." Harry said.

"That's right!" Susan snapped her fingers. "Second year was the year you and Ron showed up at school in that flying car. Everybody was talking about it."

"Not our finest hour. But we were young, and we were so freaked out about missing the train, I guess it didn't occur to us that someone could have flooed us there or something." Harry shrugged. "So, It's your turn now."

"Ok." Susan smiled. She then told Harry a story about her first bit of accidental magic in which a rather important dignitary from some other country was visiting her Aunt ended up naked.

Harry was on the floor clutching his stomach, tears pouring from his eyes as he laughed. On and on it went with the two teens sharing humorous stories, though Susan's stories were far funnier than Harry's Eventually though, Susan realized her plan wasn't working. At least not as good as she had thought. Harry was deliberately avoiding talking about certain things. She knew that she shouldn't push him, but she felt that it was going to be the only way she was going to get through Harry's defenses.

"Why haven't you told me anything scary or sad?" She asked. Harry looked at her with a puzzled expression. "We've all heard the rumors about things you've gotten up to at school. Why haven't you told me some of those stories?"

"Why would you want to hear anything like that?" He asked.

"Because it's part of who you are." Susan replied.

"You haven't told me anything like that." Harry pointed out.

"That's true, but since we're being honest, the scariest thing that's ever really happened to me was when Death Eaters attack my house. And you were there for that." She said. Harry nodded, and sighed.

They had moved their story telling to the large wooden deck so they could enjoy the afternoon sunshine. Harry slumped in his chair a bit as he thought about what Susan was asking him.

"I can understand your curiosity, but to be honest, I'm not really fond of reliving those things." He said finally. Susan smiled her understanding and patted his shoulder.

"I don't mean to push or pry." She started and Harry shook his head.

"It isn't that. In fact, you're way more patient than Hermione. She'd harp on me until I spilled my guts, and we'd end up angry at each other."

"That must be why she constantly tells me to take things slow with you." Susan smirked, and Harry rolled his eyes.

"I think it's really in how she approaches it. If she'd just let me tell her in my own time, we might not have any problems."

"She freaked out when I told her I planned to flirt with you in the pool that day." Harry turned sharply, and Susan's face burned with embarrassment.

"You planned that?" Harry asked.

"Well. No. I mean yes." Susan said quickly, and then waved her hands in front of her as if she were erasing an imaginary blackboard. "Not exactly. I felt that maybe if I gave you a taste of what you could be getting, you might open up a bit and let me into your world. Also, I kind of wanted to... you know, get a look."

Harry could only stare in shock at Susan, who was now avoiding his eyes "Wow." Was all he could say.

"I just didn't know what else to do to break through your walls, and I figured you were a boy, and if I couldn't get your attention that way, then it was possible you were..."

"No, I noticed." Harry said emphatically. "The funny thing was, during the movie I promised myself I would make a better effort to get to know you. I just wasn't sure how to go about it."

"Talking to me is a good start." Susan said, and Harry nodded.

"I'm sorry I haven't done more of that." He said, and Susan shook her head.

"It's ok. I'm not asking for you to bare your soul to me, and I get that you're a private person." Susan said, looking at him again.

"What did you mean by give me a taste of what I could be getting?" Harry asked, and Susan's face burned scarlet once again.

"Harry!" Susan scowled when he began to laugh. She socked him in the arm and he yelped, but continued laughing.

"I'm sorry." Harry said when Susan got up from her seat and stepped away. She turned and glared at him.

"That wasn't funny."

"If you'd been me, you would have found it a little funny." Harry quipped and Susan rolled her eyes throwing her hands up in exasperation. Harry's laughter finally settled down and they stared at each other for a bit.

"Would it be so bad?' Susan asked after a long silence. "You and me, I mean."

"I don't know how to answer that." Harry said. Susan came back to sit next to him.

"Do you find me attractive?" Susan asked in a rush. "Do you like how I look?"

"Um... Yeah." Harry choked and Susan smiled.

"I find you attractive as well. So, here's what I'm thinking. Maybe we're taking things too slow. Maybe the reason we keep hitting these walls and stuff is because we're both so overwhelmed by the whole contract thing. Maybe we need to jump ahead."

"I don't know if I follow you." Harry said.

"We start dating." Susan smiled.

"But we barely know each other." Harry pointed out.

"I know, but people get together and start dating all the time, and they get to know each other while they're dating." Susan replied. "I'm not saying we go crazy and jump into bed together or anything like that, but maybe if we just bypass this get to know each other phase, and fold it into what would logically be the next step for us, it might help us to open up and trust each other."

"If we're not snogging or any of that, how is it different from how things are now?" Harry asked.

"Because, if the urge conies over us to share a kiss, or hold hands or any of the stuff couples do, we can."

"Couldn't we do that anyway?"

"Stop trying to tear holes in my logic, please. Just tell me what you think." Susan said, giving Harry another, although softer punch in the arm.

"Are you going to always be punching me?"

"Only when you're a prat" Susan promised, and Harry chuckled.

"Ok, honestly, I don't really see any flaws in your logic. And, as you said, it would be the next step, I guess. And maybe you're right, and we do need to bypass this initial stuff."

"And don't forget that we're attracted to each other physically."

"I don't see what that has to do with it." Harry said perplexed.

"Would you be willing to date me if I looked like Eloise Midgen, or Millicent Bulstrode?" Susan asked, and Harry shivered. "Exactly."

"Ok. So, we're dating then?" Harry asked, and Susan smiled.

"Yes." She looked pleased.

"No we're not." Harry said. Susan looked at him with confusion. "Susan, would you be my girlfriend?" Harry asked.

Susan remembered once that Hermione had told her that if given the chance, Harry might actually try to sweep her off the feet. Susan couldn't help but grin as she said yes to Harry, and laughed when he nodded and said,

"Now we're dating."

The idea of moving past all the pain, and frustration of getting to know one another and moving right into the dating part of their relationship seemed to be a really good idea in theory to Harry. In practice, it was proving far more awkward and intimidating than things had been.

Over the next week, Harry and Susan, when they weren't practicing spell work with Tonks or each other, were trying to figure out exactly how to move their relationship forward. There were more than a few times when each or both of the young teens felt embarrassed, awkward, or just plain stupid. They were no better off than they were a week previous when Susan suggested the idea.

Harry sat on his bed looking out his window as he thought back on the week, and realized that they had actually had one nice moment, only the previous evening. Harry had been sitting on the couch in the sitting room reading a book when Susan had decided to join him. She had sat next to him at first, reading along with him. Slowly, as they continued to read on, Susan had curled up next to him, and Harry had found himself with his arm around his new girlfriend. There was now weirdness in it, and Harry had liked having Susan's head on his shoulder. He only wished he could have stopped looking at her legs so much and focused more on his reading, but overall, it had been really nice.

Harry hoped that they could have more moments like that in the near future. There had been no pressure and it was extremely comfortable.

Harry sighed as he got up. Today was his sixteenth birthday, and that evening, Susan and Amelia were throwing him a birthday party. Harry was excited because Ron and the rest of the Weasleys were coming, along with Hermione and Zach as well as Neville and Hannah. Tonks had also promised she would be coming and bringing along Lupin, who Harry hadn't seen or spoken to since that night at the Ministry, something for which Harry felt guilty over. He intended to apologize to Lupin for his selfishness.

Harry went downstairs for breakfast and found Susan and Amelia preparing to use the floo.

"Good Morning, Harry." Amelia smiled. "Happy Birthday."

"Thank you." Harry smiled. Susan gave him a warm hug, and a soft peck on the cheek.

"We've got to get a few things for your party." The redhead smiled. "So you'll be on your own for most of the morning."

"I think I can manage." Harry smirked.

"Hermione asked to come early, so she'll likely be here by lunch time." Amelia said. "Everyone else will likely be showing up around five. Susan and I will be back by two. Do not leave the property unless..."

"I know." Harry said smiling at Amelia. "I've got my emergency portkey with me, I'll be fine." Harry said. Amelia nodded and she and Susan flooed away, leaving Harry alone for the first time since they'd began living at the cottage.

Dobby brought Harry breakfast and Harry thanked the little elf for his service. Dobby smiled brightly, and disappeared to carry on his work. After he ate, Harry went outside to practice, but found that without Susan, he wasn't really in the mood. He pushed himself however, as he didn't want to become complacent. Besides, He needed to be ready for Moody's next visit.

After Harry finished his workout routine, concluding with several laps around the property, which was fairly large, Harry showered and dressed, and found it was only a few minutes before noon when Hermione was due to arrive.

When Dumbledore and Bill Weasley set up the wards, one of the things they did was to set up a point for visitors to apparate and portkey to away from the house. It was at the bottom of the hill on which the cottage was built along a dirt path that led to the house. Harry walked down the path and reached the Portkey point just as Hermione fell on her rear end.

"I will never get the hang of that!" She squealed as she got to her feet, rubbing her tail bone.

"If you're going to land like that, you might think about using a inflation charm on each cheek." Harry smirked.

"I'll inflate your head." Hermione said menacingly, though she was smiling brightly. She hugged her best friend tightly, and they walked back up to the house together, Harry filling her in on everything that had happened since the attack a few weeks ago. The story continued through their lunch.

"So, you're dating Susan now?" Hermione asked, looking impressed.

"We're trying it out." Harry said. "She made a good case. It's been awkward, but last night we sat together and read, and for the first time, it was really nice."

"Have you kissed her yet?" Hermione was curious.

"No." Harry shook his head. "To be honest, I've been really freaked out most of the week because I wasn't sure what's allowed, I mean, she said that we could hold hands and all the things couples do, but every time I think about doing it, I freak out and I end up practically running away."

"Well I wouldn't worry too much Harry. You're in rather a unique situation." Hermione said reassuringly.

"Tell me about it." Harry sighed. Hermione smiled softly, and then decided to change the topic.

"Have you talked to Ron lately?" Hermione asked.

"I got a letter from him yesterday, saying that he'll be here for my birthday. He's written fairly regularly. For Ron anyway." Harry laughed, but Hermione looked a bit dejected. "What's up?"

"He hasn't written me at all." Hermione said. "Not since we saw each other last and he found out about me and Zach. I think he might be really mad at me."

"I don't think he's mad at you." Harry said with a knowing look. "I think he's more hurt than angry."

"Why would he be hurt?" Hermione looked confused.

"You know, for being the smartest witch of our age, you're a bit clueless." Harry grinned.

"Ron's got a thing for you."

"Did he tell you that?" Hermione asked looking gobsmacked.

"Didn't have to. I've kind of figured since the Yule Ball that he had some feelings for you, and they were all but confirmed when he found out you had a boyfriend. I think he might be upset that he didn't get the chance to ask you out himself."

"I never even though about that," Hermione admitted. "I mean, I guess I've known that he might be... I don't know, maybe crushing on me, but I never thought he had real feeling for me in that way. But, I don't think he and I would have worked out. We just argue so much, and he constantly hurts my feelings. Yeah, he's defended me against Malfoy and stuff like that, but then he turns around and insults me and stuff. Sometimes I've wondered why we're even friends in the first place."

"I would guess because of me." Harry said.

"Partially." Hermione nodded. "But Ron and I have connected at times, and 1 think he can be a really good person. But I just can't see any situation where he and I would be happy dating."

"You don't have to explain this to me." Harry smiled. "I've thought the same thing about the two of you. I never talked to him about it because he never brought it up. 1 figured the two of you would figure things out in your own time. You seemed to have, and now he's going to have to. Besides, there are loads of girls at school. He could end up with someone who's perfect for him."

"Exactly." Hermione said. "But I still feel a bit guilty."

"Why should you?" Harry asked. "You like Zach, and so long as you're happy, that should be the only thing that matters."

"I probably should have told you both, though." Hermione said, but Harry shook his head.

"It's your business." He said with a smile. "If you want us to know about stuff, you'll tell us, and we, as your friends should respect your privacy."

Hermione thanked her best friend, and then asked for a tour of his new home. They walked through the house, and Harry took her out to the stream which he and Susan had yet to utilize. Harry admitted to Hermione that he had wanted to go swimming, but not because it was good exercise. Hermione rolled her eyes, and gave him a little shove huffing "Boys."

Harry and Hermione arrived back at the house a few minutes after Amelia and Susan returned from their shopping, each loaded down with bags.

"Hi, Hermione." Susan smiled at seeing the bushy haired witch.

"Can I give you a hand?" Hermione asked, and Susan held up an arm, allowing Hermione to take a few bags. Harry began to help when both Susan and Amelia shouted at him to stay back.

"What?" Harry asked in surprise.

"You just stay out of here, and let us handle everything." Susan said. Hermione snickered at the look of confused fear on her friend's face. The three women disappeared into the kitchen leaving a stunned Harry alone once again.

Susan came out of the kitchen a moment later and apologized for shouting at him. She gave him a brief hug and suggested that he go for a fly on his new broom. Harry smiled, and gave his girlfriend a quick hug before dashing up the stairs to fetch his new Firebolt which had finally arrived the day before.

Once outside, Harry leapt into the air, and soared high into the sky. It had been far too long since he'd been in the air, and the feel of the sun on his face and the roar of the wind in his ears was too intense for words. He knew he only had a few hours until guests started to arrive, and Harry decided to make the best of them.

In the kitchen, Amelia and the two teenage girls began unpacking the shopping bags full of food, as the two House Elves began preparing that night's meal, and putting things away.

"It's good to see you Hermione." Susan smiled when she reentered the kitchen after sending Harry to fly. "How have you been?"

"Good. Harry tells me you and he are an item."

"And a cute one at that." Amelia said over her shoulder. "You should have seen them all snuggled on the couch last night."

Amelia had spied the two teens before she'd gone to bed, and it had made her feel so happy to see that they were trying to move their relationship forward. She couldn't help but feel a spark of hope that these two young people who'd been forced together could actually find real happiness. She knew it was still early, but they'd had an intense few weeks. Seeing Susan all curled up in Harry's arms on the couch had made Amelia very emotional, and she was grateful neither teen had seen her.

"Ok, enough." Susan rolled her eyes. "She's been poking fun at me all day."

Amelia smacked Susan on her rear with a package of sausages, giving her niece a faux dirty look.

"I will not have you besmirching me to your friends." Amelia snapped, "It was only half the day."

Hermione roared with laughter, and Susan giggled as well. "How's Hannah?" Hermione asked when she settled down. "Good." Susan said. "I'm glad she's coming today, I've really missed her. How's Zach?"

"Good. He came to my house for dinner last weekend, and he and my dad got along really well. Mum and Dad even talked about taking him to France with us if his parents agreed."

"You're going to France?" Amelia asked.

"We'll be gone the last two weeks of the summer holiday, and I'll get back the day before we're supposed to go back to school." Hermione smiled. "I'm really looking forward to it."

The three ladies talked more about Hermione's upcoming trip, and Amelia recommended a few places that might interest Hermione. Together they worked to get the whole house ready for the party, and at five, Amelia went down the hill to meet all the guests.

Harry showed up again about fifteen minutes after five, just as all the guests were entering the house.

"Oh, Harry!" Mrs. Weasley shouted as she engulfed him an a bone cracking hug. "Oh it's so good to see you. You're looking very well despite everything."

"Can't breathe." Harry muttered, and Mrs. Weasley pulled away, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.

"It's good to see you, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said when he got a few breaths. "How have you been?"

"Going spare with worry." Fred smiled.

"We wonder if she sometimes forgets that we're here, too." George smirked, and Mrs. Weasley smacked both twins on the arm.

"Hello, Harry." Mr. Weasley smiled, shaking Harry's hand. "Wonderful place you have."

"Thank you." Harry replied.

"We've of course heard all about what's been happening to you." Mrs. Weasley said, still not having let go of Harry. "How are you holding up? Is there anything we can do for you? You know we're always here for you, Harry Dear."

"Enough Molly." Mr. Weasley smiled, taking his wife and beginning to lead her away. "Let's not monopolize all of Harry's time."

Harry greeted Ron, Ginny, Tonks, Lupin, who Harry immediately apologized to for not writing. Lupin also apologized for being distant, and the two agreed to try and be better. Harry then greeted Moody, Zach, Hannah, Neville, Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnett, who'd accompanied the twins and Bill Weasley along with Bill's new Fiancé...

"Fleur?" Harry asked, not believing his eyes.

"Oui, Harry. It is so good to be seeing you again." Fleur said, kissing Harry on each cheek.

"You're going to be marrying Bill? How'd you guys even meet?" Harry asked.

"At the end of the Tri-Wizard tournament." Bill said. "Fleur started working at Gringott's and we started dating not long after that."

"Uh, well.. .Congratulations." Harry said.

"Thank you." Fleur said as she and Bill began to mingle.

Harry really enjoyed his party, and spoke with everyone at length before opening presents and enjoying the cake that Dobby and Winky had created. As the party wore on, the adults congregated in the sitting room discussing politics and things of that nature, while the teens headed outside to enjoy the summer night. The boys found themselves on the deck, butterbeers in hand, talking quidditch and girls while the girls had congregated on the grass not to far away to talk about boys.

"Pretty great place you got here, Harry." Zach said looking around.

"Be a great place for a few pickup Quidditch games." Fred pointed out.

"All you need is some hoops." George nodded.

"Did you replace your broom?" Neville asked. "Hannah said you probably lost it in the fire."

"Yeah, I kind of had to if I wanted to play this year. Got it yesterday." Harry nodded. "I flew for a bit before everyone showed up."

"Firebolt?" Ron asked.

"Come on." Fred said. "Of course it is. What else would Harry get?"

"I almost went back to Nimbus." Harry said with a shrug. "The 2010s are pretty nice looking, but I did a bit of reading, and the Firebolts are still the best out there."

"It's kind of your signature." George said. "You should have written the company owner. I bet he would have given you one for free just so you'd endorse it."

"I'm thinking of trying out for the team this year." Zach said. "Though I don't know if they'll be replacing anyone this year."

"Never hurts to try." Ron said. "Worst that can happen is you don't make it, but you'll never know if you don't try. I mean, I stink, and they let me on the team."

"You don't stink." Harry said. "You just need to be more confident and you'll play loads better. We've all seen that you can be one of the best keepers around, so long as you don't get to nervous."

"I'll second that." Fred nodded.

"Weasley is our king!" George sang, and all the boys laughed.

"Harry?"

Harry turned and found Ginny standing there, hands clasped in front of her.

"Hey, Ginny, what's up?"

"Could I talk to you for a minute? Privately?"

Harry missed the quick looks Ginny shared with Ron as he got up from his chair, and followed Ginny into the house and up the stairs. They went into Harry's room where Ginny shut the door before turning to him, looking nervous. Harry noticed that Ginny was becoming a very attractive young woman.

"I wanted to apologize first of all that I didn't get you a birthday present, but I really didn't know what to get you. Also, I've been kind of preoccupied about a few things." She said nervously.

"That's ok." Harry said, not really understanding what Ginny was getting at.

"I feel like you've been cheated out of something very special, Harry. All your life, you've been forced to do stuff that you should never have even had to worry about, And now you've had all the fun of finding someone special taken away, and you'll never get to have a moment tike this."

"Like what?" Harry had begun to say, but he never got it out because Ginny had wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. His body reacted instinctively, and his hands went to her hips, though he didn't draw her closer, nor did he push her away. His mind had been too startled to even comprehend what was happening. It was only when Ginny tried to deepen the kiss that his brain reengaged, and he pulled away. But before he could say anything, or do anything, he heard a choked sob, and looked up to find Susan standing in the doorway, staring wide eyed at the two of them.