Amelia would have preferred for the two teens in her care to order all their school supplies, especially after all the things she had been informed of over the past few weeks, but both Harry and Susan needed new robes again. Amelia had put it off as long as she could, but with only two weeks left until the start of term, and the fact that both Susan and Harry kept asking her when they were going, Amelia had no choice but to arrange to escort them into the Wizarding shopping district.
Both teens were shocked and dismayed at the amount of boarded up empty shops. When they asked, Amelia explained that with Voldemort now more or less in the open, people had become terrified and many shopkeepers had actually fled the country. Susan looked sad while Harry merely looked disgusted.
They stopped at Madam Malkin's first, where they met Harry's school rival, Draco Malfoy. He was with his mother, purchasing new robes. Draco's sneer patented sneer was in place the moment he saw Harry enter the store.
Draco refrained from throwing insults however, as he knew who Amelia was, but one could cut the tension in the shop with a dull knife.
Harry was puzzled by one thing, and it would remain on his mind through the remainder of the holiday. At one point, Madam Malkin attempted to pin up Draco's left sleeve, but Draco clutched his arm and snarled at the woman to leave it. The Malfoy Scion then ripped off the robes and claimed that Malkin's work was shoddy at best. That was when Mrs. Malfoy took her son with her and they stormed out of the shop. Harry thought it rather strange, but he couldn't place why that should strike him as odd. Malfoy had always been sort of dramatic.
After the Malfoy's had left, Susan was fitted for new robes. Harry asked Amelia if she had noticed anything odd, but the head of the DMLE had to admit that she had been looking at some robes, though she had heard the exchange.
"This is going to sound paranoid." Harry said, still looking at the door Draco had made his exit through. "But I can't help but feel like that was significant."
"It could be anything Harry. I applauded you for being observant, but it doesn't seem to add up to anything." Amelia replied. Harry nodded, knowing he wasn't being shut down, but that Amelia would need more to go on before she could do anything."
When Susan and Harry had gotten their robes, it was off to Flourish and Blotts. Amelia urged Harry to get what he would need for Potions.
"But, I didn't get the required grade to continue." Harry argued.
"The required grade under Snape. You have a new Potions Professor, and he very well might allow you in his class. I didn't allow Tonks to train you all summer for you to give up on becoming an Auror."
Harry grinned and picked up a copy of advance potion making. Susan was also taking the class as she intended on becoming a healer.
"Next year I can work with Madam Pomfrey on special study." Susan had beamed when She and Harry had talked about the future during one of their long sunset talks.
Harry, Susan and Amelia went to the Apothecary, and a few other shops before ending their shopping trip at the busiest store in Diagon Alley. Weasley Wizarding Wheezes.
"HARRY!"
Harry was shocked to find Ron behind the counter, helping customers. "What are you doing here?" Harry asked, greeting his best friend.
"Earning pocket money." Ron replied. "I was getting bored at home, and Mum suggested to the twins that they give me a job. They didn't want to at first, but I think Dad talked them into it. They work me really hard, but it's been great getting out of the house and stuff. Even with as awful as they can be, I've been having loads of fun."
"Did you hear that George?" Fred said appearing seemingly out of nowhere. Ron began to blush.
"Ickle Ronniekins having fun working for his troll like brothers?" George grinned, slapping Ron on the back."
"I tell you, it was that Giggling powder we tested on him." Fred shook his head.
"No, it was definitely the constant visits from one miss Lavender Brown." George said. Harry noticed Ron more red than he ever had before.
"Oh, that's right. The very buxom blonde Gryffindor who's come to see Ron everyday on her lunch hour." Fred looked thoughtful.
"Alright guys, lay off of him." Harry said, trying not to laugh at the twins antics.
"Harry, come see us before you leave. We've got a few things especially for you." Fred said pointedly.
"Don't spoil the surprise Ron." George said as he and his twin asked Madam Bones to follow them into the workshop.
"So, Lavender, huh?" Harry asked, waggling his eyebrows.
"Oh shut up." Ron said. "She's been working at this little boutique at the end of the Alley for the summer. She was coming in here before I started, but she's come in on her lunch everyday I've been here. Sometimes we get lunch at The Leaky Cauldron together. She's ..." Ron shrugged.
"Are you guys a couple?" Harry asked as Ron began restocking the Skiving Snackboxes.
"I don't think so. I haven't asked her." Ron said. "I think I'd like to though. She's really nice, and let's face it, really hot."
Harry nodded, looking impressed.
"How are things with you and ..." Ron motioned with his head towards Susan who was perusing the Witch Products.
"Good. I think we've come a long way in a really short period of time. It was tough after my birthday, but we finally talked it over, and things have been really good ever since."
"That's good. Ginny's been in a right state since that night. She hadn't intended to cause a problem. I don't think so, anyway... She and I have talked a lot about it, and I think she just wanted her chance with you." Ron shrugged.
"It doesn't matter now." Harry said, waving it off. "Susan and I are together, for better or worse, and we have to make this work. Neither of us wants to spend the rest of our lives hating each other."
"Urgh," Ron made a face. "I can't even imagine being stuck with someone you hate. That would be really awful." Ron agreed. Harry nodded, shivering slightly.
"Talk to Hermione lately?" Ron asked.
"Not since just after my birthday. You?" Harry asked. Ron shook his head.
"I haven't written her. For a while I was really upset about her and Zach." Ron said, looking pensive. "I guess I was jealous, and angry, and all of that, but then I just realized that it's her life, and no matter how I might feel, I have no say in what decisions she makes."
"You really liked her, didn't you." Harry asked.
"Yeah." Ron said, surprising Harry that he could admit it so freely. "The thing is though, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that me and Hermione as a couple would be the worst idea in the history of bad ideas. We barely work as friends. And that made me feel really bad, because she's a really great person, and she deserves better than that."
"Who are you?" Harry said, making a very puzzled face.
"A total prat." Ron snickered. "Actually, Lavender helped me realize a lot of this. I think it's part of the reason I like her so much. She's been pretty easy to talk to. Which has been a real surprise, let me tell you."
"I hope it works out for you." Harry said earnestly.
"There you are." Susan smiled as she came up next to Harry. "Hi Ron."
"Hey Susan." Ron replied. "Find anything you like?"
"Quite a bit actually."
"Why didn't you get anything?" Harry asked.
"I... I don't really have the money to spend on ..."
"Get whatever you like." Ron said. "I'm under strict orders that Harry is not allowed to pay for anything, so you pick it out, and we'll put it on Harry's tab." Ron smiled. Susan looked apprehensive until Harry gave her and encouraging nod. Susan smiled nervously, as she started to turn around.
"Go on." Harry said. "Your Aunt's not going to want to stay much longer."
"You're sure it's ok?" Susan asked, and Harry gave her a wry look.
"Ok, I'm just making sure." She said before heading back towards some displays she'd been eyeing earlier.
Harry turned back to say something funny to Ron, but his eye caught sight of something intriguing.
"Hey Ron, is it me, or does Draco and his mother look like two people who don't wish to be seen heading into Knockturn Alley?"
Ron looked an saw that Draco Malfoy and his mother both seemed very interested in if they were being watched or not as they headed down the questionable shopping area.
"A bit, yeah, but so what? Lot of people go down there, and they all look like that. 1 see a lot of it here." Ron shrugged. Harry proceeded to tell Ron about the strangeness in Madam Malkin's.
"He could have cut himself or something. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to see the cut. He can't appear to be imperfect, can he?" Ron suggested.
"Maybe. I just have this feeling that ... I don't know. Just a feeling."
"Well, he's a complete git, so I have no doubt he's up to something, but It's probably nothing to worry over. I mean, how much could he really do? He's all talk. Everyone knows that. Now that his father's in prison, he's been pretty much knocked off his pedestal."
"I guess." Harry shrugged.
"Harry," Amelia said as she walked up to the two boys. "Please go speak to Fred and George. We need to be getting back. I still need to get into the office this afternoon.
"I'll see you on the train." Ron smiled and he and Harry shook hands.
"There you are." Fred smiled. George came around a long table loaded with parchment and several boxes marked for the Ministry.
"What's that?" Harry asked pointing to the boxes.
"Something for our dear head of the Law Enforcement agency." George grinned as he handed Harry a large bag of items. "And that is just a sample of some of our new defense items. You'll lets us know how they perform."
"What's in it?" Harry asked peering into the bag.
"Decoy detonators, Peruvian Darkness Powder, Shield cloaks, and a few very special items that it would be good if you didn't mention to Madam bones." Fred gave a wicked smile.
"They're not exactly illegal, more questionable than anything." George nodded. "We've included instructions for everything, and we suggest you read everything thoroughly for maximum effect."
"Got it." Harry smiled gratefully.
"And Harry?" Fred said, his smile slipping a bit. "Don't hold what Ginny did against her. She was just trying to..."
"I know." Harry said quickly. "It isn't me she needs to worry about."
The twins nodded in understanding and they all said goodbye. Harry joined Amelia and Susan and after saying goodbye to Ron and Lavender who had shown up to see Ron, headed home once again.
The idea was Susan's.
Given everything that had happened over the Summer holiday, Amelia couldn't argue against it, nor did she really want to.
Harry was all for it as well.
And so, the invitations went out, and on the last day of the summer holiday, Harry's and Susan's friends arrived for the end of summer bash. Susan and Harry alternated greeting guests at the apparition/portkey point, and directed them up to the cottage.
Harry had the first ten minutes and he met Hannah and Neville who arrived together. Ron came next and he waited with Harry until Hermione showed up with Zach, and the four went up to the house while Susan took her turn.
Wayne Hopkins, Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Sally Anne Perks arrived and greeted their house mate with hugs and thanks for their invitation. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil came next, both surprised to see Susan, though they were very friendly. And then, to Susan's great surprise, a girl with long dirty blond hair and protuberant silver blue eyes arrived.
"Hello Susan Bones." The girl said in a soft, dream like voice. "Uh, Hello… Luna right? How are you?"
"Oh very well. Thank you. Have you just arrived too?" Luna Lovegood asked, staring at Susan and making the redhead feel as if Luna was staring through her.
"Um, No, I'm throwing the party. Or, well, me and Harry are at any rate."
"You and Harry?" Luna's eyes got bigger, making Susan shiver slightly. "That's very interesting. I wasn't aware that you fancied him, or if he liked you."
"It was rather sudden." Susan said, not sure how she should handle this increasingly uncomfortable situation.
"LUNA!" Harry said, making Susan jump as she hadn't heard him come down the hill. Harry offered his hand to Luna to shake, but the thin blonde gave him a friendly hug.
"Hello Harry. I was very pleased to accept you invitation."
"I'm very glad you made it. You can go on up to the house. There's plenty of food and Ron, Neville and Hermione are here."
"Is Ginny here yet?" Luna asked.
There was a very long awkward pause as Susan and Harry looked at each other. Susan's eyes were cold, and Harry just shook his head. "She couldn't make it." Harry lied.
"Oh, that's too bad." Luna said easily. The blonde headed towards the house, leaving Harry and Susan alone for a moment.
"That was rough." Harry said, and Susan folded her across across her chest.
"Yeah." Susan agreed. "She's a bit of an odd bird."
"That she is, but she fought with us, and I owe her a lot more than I think I could ever repay. She believed in me when it seemed the whole world felt I was a liar. Luna never wavered, and never questioned why we were going to the Ministry. And she's a good friend."
Susan nodded in understanding. She wanted to ask about the strange girl, but felt this wasn't the time to do so. Perhaps she could spend a bit of time with Luna during the party and get to know her a bit better.
The couple greeted a few more people before heading up to the house together to mingle with their friends.
Winky and Dobby had provided an amazing variety of foods and beverages for the teens, and with Susan's wireless, they had everything they needed to bid farewell to summer. As the invitations all said to bring swimsuits, the party was centered around the stream. Harry, with Tonks help, had tied a long rope to a tall tree so the teens could swing over the river and drop into the water. They boys seemed to enjoy this more than the girls, though Hannah, Luna and Even Lavender took turns on it.
There was loads of splashing and laughter, and the most interesting topic seemed to be how Harry and Susan had become a couple.
Susan and Harry had decided it was for the best to not mention anything about the marriage contract at all. They decided to tell people that they had started talking just before school had let out the previous year, and things just happened. Those who knew the truth helped to lend legitimacy to the story, knowing without being told why they were making things up.
When the large group tired of the water, they headed en masse towards the deck where mountains of food was waiting for them. The teens filled their plates and took seats on the large wooden deck so they could eat and talk.
"Who do you think is going to be the new Defense teacher this year?" Zach asked right before Hermione fed him a slice of melon.
"Snape." Harry said quickly.
"Are you taking the mickey?" Ron asked. Harry noted that he and Lavender appeared quite cozy sitting next to each other. He hadn't missed how they had been flirting all day, and Hermione had even mentioned something as they were walking back to the house moments ago. He'd promised he would explain things to her later.
"Dumbledore told me so." Harry said matter-of-factly. "I also met the new Potions teacher. Horace Slughorn."
"This is going to be a really bad year." Wayne whined. "Snape is a wanker."
"Wayne!" Hannah said horrified.
"I don't think I've ever heard you curse before." Zach said, sniggering.
"I usually don't." Wayne smiled. "But there's no better word to describe him."
"The boy ain't lying." Ron agreed, and there was a round of agreement.
"So does that mean that the DA will be continuing?" Luna asked a bit of hope shining in her eyes. Everyone looked to Harry, even Susan who sat next to him.
"I hadn't planned on it." Harry admitted. "But I suppose we could."
There were cheers and sighs of relief. Harry had never realized how much their once secret club had meant to those involved. Sure they had needed it for a lot of reasons, but the club had become something more than just a place to practice for their exams and to defy the tyrannical rule of Dolores Umbridge. What it was, Harry couldn't readily define, but seeing the look of hope on Luna's face replaced by ecstatic joy when he said they could continue told him that it was the right thing to do.
After they ate, they headed back to the stream, but this time they divided into groups. Some of them returned to the water, while others found good places to soak up the sunshine.
Susan chose to lie in the sun with Hannah, and Hermione. They could easily watch what was going on in the water by lifting their heads slightly.
"So, how have things been between you two since his birthday?" Hannah asked.
"Ginny feels really bad about it." Hermione said with a sigh. "She never meant to come between you two, she just..."
"I really don't care what she wanted or didn't want." Susan said quickly. "She knew that Harry and I were together, and she got him alone so she could have her way with him."
"I'm not defending what she did," Hermione said, making it clear that she wasn't taking sides. "All I'm saying is that she feels really bad."
"The thing is, I'm worried about when school begins." Susan said. "I mean, I know there are a lot more girls like Ginny who would probably try something with him. And I can't be with him all the time."
"Wow." Hannah said, looking at her best friend. "What's happened between the two of you since that night?"
"What do you mean?" Susan asked in confusion.
"I'm curious about that too." Hermione said. "When we last saw you two, you had only started going out. I mean, I knew you had been planning on kissing him that night before what happened..."
"But now it's like you were with Zach." Hannah finished, and Hermione shivered. The curly haired Gryffindor sometimes forgot that Harry's girlfriend had at least at one time had feelings for her current boyfriend.
"I wish I could explain it." Susan sighed. "I did kiss Harry, I mean really kissed him. About two weeks after the party. We had a long talk and then we kissed, and it was..." Susan let out a really long deep breath and her hands went to her fluttering heart. Both Hannah and Hermione could understand what she was saying, or not saying, as they had both had experiences like it.
"Unfortunately, we haven't kissed like that since. I think my Aunt saw us, and she's increased the amount of time Tonks is here training us, so we're both too exhausted to do much of anything. We've cuddled on the couch reading, but we usually end up just falling asleep."
"Your aunt's just trying to keep you pure." Hannah laughed. "If she only knew about..."
"You swore you'd never bring that up again!" Susan pointed her finger at Hannah who fell into a fit of giggles. "The point is I'm really afraid of how things are going to change."
"I don't think you have to worry too much." Hermione said.
"Why not?"
"Because Harry really likes you, and he wants to see if the two of you can get a happily ever after sort of thing. His words, not mine." Hermione smiled softly.
"How do you know that?" Susan asked, now burning with curiosity.
"He told Ron and I earlier, while you were down greeting guests." Hermione said, her smile getting just a touch bigger.
Susan stared at Hermione for a moment before she turned to look down at the stream where her boyfriend was sitting on the far bank with Ron and Neville, looking rather attractive with no shirt on. Susan was suddenly filled with a bit of optimism about the upcoming year.
"Thanks for letting me bring Parvati and Lavender." Ron said as he, Neville and Harry watched Ernie do a cannonball from the rope. "I invited her, but I think she wanted to bring Parvati because she was afraid it might be awkward or something."
"Not a problem. How are things going between you two?" Harry asked.
"We're dating now. Officially." Ron smiled sheepishly. Harry gave his friend a playful shove and the three boys laughed.
"It's kind of a strangew feeling. Not bad at all, just sort of strange." Ron said with a smile. "I just don't want to mess up."
"You're going to." Neville said. Both Ron and Harry looked at the once shy boy with questioning gazes.
"We all will." Neville said. "None of us are perfect. We're going to make them mad, or they're going to make us mad. We're going to bollocks things up at one point or another. It's how we handle it that matters."
"When did you get so brilliant?" Harry asked, making Neville blush slightly.
"My Gran sat me down and we had a long talk when I needed her advice about Hannah." Neville smiled. "I'd liked her for ages, but I didn't know how to ask her out. After the Ministry, I was just filled with an overabundance of self confidence. So I asked my Gran what I should do, and we just had this really good talk."
"Well, if I need advice, I'll ask you and you could write to your Gran for me." Ron snickered. "There's no way I'm asking my mother for advice."
"I take it things are good between you and Hannah, then?" Harry asked. "Don't think we didn't notice how often the two of you become attached at the lips."
"Jealous?" Neville tried to smirk.
"Yeah." Ron nodded.
"A bit, yeah." Harry agreed. The three boys broke into a chuckles again.
"So Snape is really going to be teaching Defense?" Ron asked, changing subjects. Harry nodded.
"He's going to use you as a practice dummy." Ron said.
"Dumbledore said that he should behave himself." Harry shrugged. "I don't really buy it, but Dumbledore also told me that I should come talk to him if I have any issues."
"You'll be seeing him a lot then." Neville said, and Ron agreed.
"I have no doubt of that." Harry agreed. But I just hope that Dumbledore doesn't try and wave it off. " Somehow, I get the feeling that he won't. It's like he's trying to correct a lot of mistakes are something. I get the feeling that he's been given some sort of glimpse of the future or something and wants to try and fix it or something, you know?"
"No." Ron shook his head.
"Who knows." Neville said.
Lavender swam over to the boys and Ron offered his hand to her. With a very wicked grin, Lavender planted her feet and took hold of her new boyfriend's hand, pulling him into the cool water.
"Guess that ends the conversation." Neville smirked.
"Sorry boys, but I'm going to steal my boyfriend from you." Lavender grinned as Ron came up, spluttering and wiping his soaked hair from his face. He turned his cool blue eyes on his girlfriend, and with a evil grin took hold of her and began to chase after her as she squealed in mock fright. Harry and Neville could do nothing more than laugh.
Slowly, in groups of two and three, the teens began to head back up to the deck behind the cottage where they loaded up plates with food once again. They all sat together and discussed the coming year and shared gossip they had all heard over the summer.
When they finished eating, the sun was beginning to descend in the sky, and the group sat around together, continuing to talk about things teenagers are interested in.
Susan pushed Harry back in his seat, and sat in his lap, wrapping his arms around her middle where she rested her hands on top of his. She was still only wearing her swimsuit, so his hands were resting on the bare flesh of her stomach and it was sending thousands of jolts of pleasure up through his fingertips. He could not stop from grinning.
He also couldn't help but notice how fantastic she smelled. Like vanilla and something fruity. Not strawberry, he was sure of that, but something else just as sweet.
Susan relaxed in Harry's embrace and softly drew small circles on the back of his hand. She smiled when she heard the first contented sigh come from her new boyfriend, and she noticed Hannah wink at her from where she sat in Neville's arms.
"Ok, I've got to admit I'm a bit jealous." Sally-Anne said, looking at the couples. "Look at how comfortable and happy you lot are."
"What are you talking about?" Wayne asked.
"Look at Hannah and Neville all cozy together." Sally-Anne pointed to the couple.
"Lavender's getting a shoulder rub from Ron. Hermione and Zach look adorable, and do not even get me started on just how cute those two are." Sally-Anne was motioning to Harry and Susan.
"So, what's stopping you from picking a guy and getting cozy as well?" Lavender asked.
"I.." Sally-Anne started.
"We happen to know that the guy you like is here." Susan blurted out, her face reddening at once. Sally-Anne threw a death glare at her housemate, but Hannah jumped in.
"Just ask him out. We all know he's not going to say no. Hell, if he doesn't know you like him after all the flirting you did today, he's hopeless."
"Wait, you like me?" Justin asked, looking up suddenly. Sally's face went crimson. "See, I told you." Hannah smirked.
"Yeah, a bit." Sally-Anne squeaked out.
Justin reached out and pulled the blushing Hufflepuff to him and kissed her tenderly. The group began catcalling and whistling and clapping, but it didn't stop Justin from kissing the girl who apparently had been crushing on him. When the kiss ended, so did the cheers.
"Ok, now I'm jealous." Parvati said with a smirk. "Hey Wayne, Ernie, would either of you mind snuggling with me?"
"I don't really want to share with him." Ernie said nodding to Wayne who looked affronted. Parvati stood and sat in Wayne's lap, smiling charmingly.
"Well then I guess Wayne's going to have to keep me warm."
"OY!" Ernie whined, causing everyone to laugh. He turned to look at Luna who was watching all the hormonal drama.
"I don't suppose you'd be interested in a cuddle?" He asked.
"No thank you." Luna smiled gently and dreamily. "I don't want to start the term with an infestation of wrackspurts. I need to keep my wits about me, you know."
Again there was a round of laughter as Ernie huffed and shook his head.
"Hey Harry," Zach said when the laughing died down. "I've been wondering all day, How do you feel about all this Chosen One rubbish in the Prophet?"
Harry looked confused. "What Chosen One Rubbish?"
"Haven't you been reading the paper?" Lavender looked appalled. "They're calling you the Chosen One. They think you lot went to the Ministry to get a prophecy that says you're the one to kill You-Know-Who."
Harry turned to Hermione who grimaced.
"Is that true?" He asked, and Hermione, who Harry knew read the paper cover to cover, nodded slowly. Harry turned to Ron, who only shrugged.
"Why did you go there?" Wayne asked interestedly.
"Not real subtle, mate." Justin shook his head. "He wouldn't tell us what happened during the third task, what makes you think he'd tell us what happened in the Ministry?"
"I don't know." Wayne shrugged.
"We had our reasons." Ron said. "Best to leave it at that."
"My mum said it's going to be worse than last time." Ernie sighed. "She says whole families were wiped out."
"My parents thought about keeping me out of Hogwarts." Wayne admitted. "McGonagall came to talk to them after they sent a letter. Luckily she was able to convince them to let me come back."
"My mum wants me to stay home too." Lavender said. "I told her I was going back, and there was nothing she could do to stop me. She threatened not to pay my tuition. So I got a job. Fortunately she came round when she saw how much I was working, and she finally agreed to let me go back, and now I've got loads of pocket money."
"My folks said a lot of families are leaving the country." Ron said. "Diagon Alley's almost a ghost town."
"My father says that the Ministry's not prepared for a full on war with You-Know-Who." Luna smiled. "He thinks that You-Know-Who will use nargles to turn a lot of Ministry people to his side."
No one spoke for a long moment, just staring at Luna who began humming to herself softly.
"It's going to be our war soon." Zach said, finally breaking the awkward silence. "We'll be out of school in just two short years, and then..."
"It's our war now." Susan said. She had notice that Harry was tensing a bit, and she kept softly running her fingertips along his arm reassuringly. "My house was burned down, and I nearly lost my Aunt, my boyfriend, and my best friend. They came after me and my family. It's our war now. It doesn't matter that we're still in school. Our families are in danger all the time now."
"But there isn't much we can do right now." Wayne pointed out.
"Yes there is." Harry said from over Susan's shoulder. "We live our lives. We study hard, we practice harder, and we take time to appreciate what we have. We're going to fight eventually, but it's important that we know what we're fighting for. We're fighting for moments like this."
Harry gave Susan's waist a soft squeeze, and kissed her bare shoulder. Her heard her take in a soft breath, and smiled.
"We're righting for our families now, and the families we'll have in the future. We're fighting for something that Voldemort will never understand if he lived a thousand lifetimes."
What's that?" Lavender asked. Ron leaned close and whispered something into her ears that made her smile brightly, her eyelids falling shut as she snuggled into his arms a bit deeper.
"Moments like that." Harry laughed.
It wasn't long after that when Amelia came out and told them it was time for them to all begin heading home. Harry and Susan walked with them all down the path to the apparition point where Amelia made them all portkeys. They said their goodbyes with promises to catch up the next day on the train.
After the last person was gone, Amelia led them back to the house, and bade them goodnight, making them promise to go to bed soon.
Alone at last, Harry and Susan sat on the sofa together. Susan situated herself in Harry's lap and he wrapped his arms around her middle again, his fingers tingling where they made contact with her bare flesh.
"That was a bit of a downer to end the night on." She sighed.
"Yeah, a bit."
"Did you mean what you said about fighting for our future families?" She asked.
"Yeah. I want to have a family one day, Susan."
Susan sat up a bit so she could look into his eyes. "A big family?"
"Sure." Harry smiled as her face began to light up.
"Would four kids be too much?" She asked.
"No, but why four?" Harry was curious.
"Auntie was the oldest of four, and she said my mother was the youngest of four. I just like the idea of four."
"I don't see a problem with that." Harry nodded. "If that's what you want, then that's what we'll have."
Again Hermione's words echoed in Susan's mind, and she leaned in close and kissed Harry. She deepened her kiss and ran her hands over his bare chest. Harry ran his own hands up her back, leaving warm trials across her skin. Susan finally broke the kiss, smiling at Harry.
"I think we should go to bed before we let things get out of hand. As much as I want a family too, I don't think I'm ready to start one just yet. I also don't fancy Aunti walking in on us out here."
Harry nodded with a smile, though Susan could see a hint of disappointment on his face. She also noticed that she clearly had a pronounced affect on Harry as he stood up. He tried to hide it by ushering her forward, but she caught a good look at his appreciation of her.
As she lay in her bed that night, she had trouble sleeping as she kept imagining what if would have been like if she hadn't stopped them. If perhaps Harry's fingers had undone the knot of her top while he'd been caressing her back. Or what she might have felt if she's let her hands wander a bit more on Harry's body.
Her entire body was tingling as she thought about what it could feel like for Harry's lips to cover her from head to toe, lingering on some of the more sensitive places on her body. She imagined Harry lying in bed with her right then, his hands sliding up her body to cup her breasts as he kissed her neck and collarbone.
Susan rolled over and punched her pillows. She pushed all of her naughty thoughts out of her mind, as she needed to get some sleep. Besides, why should she just imagine those things. Unlike when she was obsessed with Zach, and dreamt of being taken by him, her fantasies of Harry had the possibility of becoming reality, and that put a very large smile on her face.