"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you left. Left the Burrow, left England," said Ginny, hands crossed over her chest. 'Left me', was unsaid.
"I had to," said Harry. "It was all too much. I had to get away."
"We all understood that, Harry. What hurts is that there was no note, no communication the last two and a half years," she said.
Harry shrugged. "I had nothing interesting to tell you," he said.
Ginny picked up a cushion and angrily threw it at him. He deflected it easily. "You ass, we wanted to know you were still alive! Do you know how upset Mum was, every Christmas, every birthday, she hoped for something...anything from you, you ass!" she yelled.
"You already called me that," said Harry.
Ginny picked up the other cushion and headed for him. "You damn, arrogant prat," she yelled, hitting him with the cushion as she said every word.
"If we're going to have a pillow fight, I'd rather you were in a frilly little nightie," he said, grinning.
Ginny stopped hitting him with the cushion. She looked around for her wand, finally remembering she had left it in her room when she got changed. She stormed past him.
"Looking for this?" he called to her.
She turned to see him twirling her wand in his hand. "Give it to me," she demanded.
Harry shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, Gin, do I look stupid? I'm not in the mood to have bats flying out of my nostrils, thanks very much." He tucked it into his pants pocket.
"Your nostrils weren't the orifice I was thinking of," said Ginny,
"My ass? Hmm, Hermione certainly appreciated it, didn't she?" quipped Harry, turning around to show off his tight ass.
"She didn't mention your ass, you ass," cried Ginny, trying not to look at his fine ass.
"Of course she didn't, not in front of Ron," said Harry, his eyes twinkling.
"Why are you here, Harry?" she asked once again.
"I told you. It was time for me to come home, be with you," said Harry.
"You arrogant jerk, do you think you can just come back to England after two and a half years and what, think we can just pick up where we left off back at Hogwarts?" shrieked Ginny. "Because that was the last time there was any 'you and me'."
"I had nothing to offer you after the battle," he said honestly.
"I didn't want anything, just to be with you, help you," she cried.
"I was drowning, Gin, and I didn't want to take you down with me," he said.
"Yeah well, I'm a good swimmer. I could have kept us afloat, but you never gave me a chance," said Ginny, squaring her jaw as she stared defiantly at him.
"You're the strongest witch I know," he admitted.
Ginny scoffed. "Don't try and sweet talk me. Hermione's stronger and smarter than me."
"Perhaps, but her strength is in her learning and memory. You, baby, are naturally strong. I can't wait to see which traits we pass on to our kids."
Ginny stared at him in shock. "Have you gone crazy?"
Harry settled on her sofa, his feet resting comfortably on her coffee table and his hands behind his head. "So how many kids do you want? Personally, I'm all for the more the merrier, but I concede you have to carry them. I'd like at least three."
"He's crazy. I need to call someone, who can I call?"' said Ginny, aloud to herself. She looked down at him. "How did you get in here? Were you here when Bill and the others cast the new wards?"
"Baby, I was here when you got changed in your room. I had no idea you had freckles literally everywhere. I can't wait to see them even closer," he said huskily.
"You were in there? You pervy git, didn't you see enough at Holyhead while I was in the shower?" yelled Ginny.
"The glass was muted, but I have a good imagination. It's served me well while I've been away," said Harry.
"Where were you, anyway?" asked Ginny.
"Australia. Worked my way around the country, mostly doing Muggle work," he said.
"Like what?'' asked Ginny.
"Mostly construction, but I don't really want to talk about that," said Harry. "I'm impressed that you made it to professional Quidditch, Gin."
"Thanks, but back to you. What do you-"
"And you really made the most of your opportunity when you replaced Warner as Chaser in the match against Tutshill, scoring five goals," said Harry.
Ginny sighed. "So you read my bio, congratulations."
Harry shrugged. "You don't want to talk about our future and I don't want to talk about my past. Seems like we're at an impasse."
"Don't you think we need to talk about the past. Harry, you still haven't told me about the Horcrux hunt or what happened during the final battle," said Ginny.
"I thought Ron or Hermione would have told you," he said.
Ginny looked hurt. "They said it was up to you to tell me."
Harry was surprised they hadn't said anything.
"You know what, I changed my mind. I don't want to know. What I do know is that you need to leave – now!" said Ginny, firmly.
"I don't think so. We haven't set a date for the wedding. I thought something like Bill and Fleur had, something simple at the Burrow. That should get me back in your Mum's good books," he winked.
"You're taking the piss, aren't you. Well, it's not funny, Harry. It's..." Ginny couldn't go on, it was suddenly too much. Harry was suddenly back in her life, talking about weddings and kids, like he'd never left.
"I wouldn't do that, Gin, not about this," said Harry, tenderly. "You're all I ever wanted, but it wasn't the right time for us."
"You know what, I'm sick of you deciding what's best for 'US'," she used her fingers to mimic italics. "When do I get a say in this so-called relationship?"
"I told you, you get to pick the wedding date, and how many kids we have," said Harry, easily.
Ginny growled. "OUT! Right now. Get out."
"You're so passionate, so fiery," said Harry, finally standing. "It bodes well for our love making."
"OUT!" yelled Ginny, with tears in her eyes.
"I'm going, but I'm not going far. I'll be back, Gin. We've still got a lot to discuss," he said. "And next time you talk to Bill, tell him his Apparition wards are shit. Bye, love," he said, cheerfully, before Apparating away.
"My wand," she yelled. "You ass!
Harry suddenly appeared right in front of her. "Seems I forgot something," he said.
"Yes, you did, you a-"'
Harry pulled her to him and kissed her. Kissed her like she had never been kissed before.
It was Harry who broke away. "Wow. That was the best one yet."
Ginny tried not to laugh, reminding herself she was still incredibly mad at him. "My wand?" she asked.
Harry grabbed both her hands in his. He stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You want your wand?"
Ginny nodded, unable to speak. "You know where it is," he said.
He guided her hands around to his ass, bringing her flush against him. She could feel his arousal, pressing hot and hard against her.
Ginny smacked his ass. "It's not there, you put in in your pants pocket."
"So go get it," he taunted.
She groaned internally. "Harry, I'm not in the mood for games."
"What are you in the mood for?" he asked seductively.
Ginny pulled away, grabbing her wand from his pocket. "Aha!" she declared triumphantly, then jumped as he smacked her ass.
"Tit for tat," he declared. "Speaking of ti-"
"Goodbye, Harry," she said, interrupting him.
"Till next time, baby," he said, Apparating away.
Her apartment was very quiet after that.
HGHGHG
A week later found Ginny pacing anxiously in her apartment. When her Floo lit up and Hermione and Luna stepped out, she barely waited for them to step out before she pounced on them, throwing her arms around them.
"Oh, I am so glad you're here," she sighed.
"Hello Ginny, thank you for trusting me with your address," said Luna.
"Pfft, that's just my brothers being a pain in my ass. The new wards were a total waste of time," she said, gesturing for them to sit on her sofa.
"Now Ginny, you know your brothers would do anything for your safety. Why, there's been no word on Harry since last week," said Hermione.
"Yeah, well, pity none of you thought to cast a Homenum Revellio spell when you got here. Harry was here the whole time," said Ginny, smugly.
Hermione's jaw dropped. "He was here? Why didn't he show himself? Did you know? Why-"
"Breathe, Hermione," smiled Ginny. "Yes, he was here and no, I didn't know."
"Well, what did he say?" demanded Hermione. "Have you seen him since?"
"He said a whole lot of nothing and some crazy talk. Yes, I've seen him nearly every day this week. He came and watched me train a couple of days," said Ginny.
It had been most concerting to fly past the stands and see him sitting there, watching her. Every time she'd looked over, he'd moved to a different spot, to avoid being detected.
"I didn't think Gwenog would like that," frowned Hermione.
"Yeah well, she doesn't know he's been there," said Ginny.
"How romantic," sighed Luna.
"Romantic? I think it's a bit creepy, him just turning up wherever I am," said Ginny.
"Harry's not creepy," protested Hermione.
"Not Harry himself, but his actions are. He, uh, he comes into my apartment when I'm not here and leaves me things," admitted Ginny.
"What kind of things?" asked Hermione, worriedly and Luna, excitedly.
Ginny shrugged. "My favourite chocolate from Honeydukes. The new Quidditch magazine. A candle in my favourite fragrance. A book I was going to buy but hadn't gotten around to yet."
"He's wooing you," beamed Luna.
Ginny frowned. "He doesn't have to do that. I mean, it's nice and all that, but I just want him, I mean, to talk to him."
They all jumped as Harry suddenly Apparated into her apartment. He didn't seem surprised to see the other two women there. "Hello Hermione, Luna. Ginny, my love."
"Hi," sighed Ginny, while Hermione's greeting was a bit more excitable. Luna stood and went to Harry. She ran her hands over his chest before hugging him, running her hands over his broad back and down to his ass.
"Luna!" cried Ginny.
"Ssh love, let her have her fun," said Harry, winking at her. He pulled away from Luna and kissed her cheek. "How are you?"
"Better now," grinned Luna. Hermione nodded and grinned.
Ginny spluttered behind them. Luna turned to her.
"Oh, Ginny, it's just a bit of fun. I mean, you'll get to touch it all the time, lucky girl," she said.
"Yes, she will," said Harry.
"Why are you even here?" groaned Ginny.
"Ah yes, I forgot. Ladies, here you are," he said, pulling three cards out of his pocket. He handed one each to Luna and Hermione, who read aloud.
'You are invited to attend the wedding of Harry James Potter to Ginevra Molly Weasley. Date and venue to be advised. Your presence is our present.'
"What?" gasped Ginny, snatching Luna's invitation from her hand.
"I do love weddings. Ginny, you never gave us a hint," said Luna.
"Oh, Ginny's good at keeping secrets. Which reminds me," said Harry, handing her the last one.
Ginny looked at it, then at Harry, who put his fingers to his lips. She looked at the card again. 'Harry and Ginny Potter will live at 577 Main Road, Godric's Hollow. Her mouth dropped open in shock.
"Ron and I are getting married in August, I hope our dates won't clash," said Hermione, worriedly.
Harry snorted. "Gin and I will be married long before then."
Hermione frowned. "It takes weeks and months of planning, Harry, you have no idea."
"Ah, so you want an big event," said Harry.
Hermione sat up straighter. "I've dreamed of my wedding day since I was a little girl. Haven't you, Ginny, Luna?" she asked, looking frostily at Harry.
"I dreamed of finding the Crumple Horned Snorkak when I was a little girl. Besides, Rolf and I had a beach wedding, that was nice. Water can be so soothing, don't you think," smiled Luna.
"Luna, you're married!" cried Hermione and Ginny together.
"Yes, although it was just the two of us, under the open sky. We thought it might be best, for the babies sakes," said Luna, rubbing her stomach.
"You're pregnant," shrieked Ginny and Hermione. Harry just looked amused by the whole thing.
"Congratulations on your wedding and pregnancy, Luna, although I was hoping Ginny would be the first of you to get pregnant," said Harry, kissing her cheek again.
Luna turned to Ginny. "What about you, Ginny? Didn't we play weddings sometimes at your house. I remember your mother getting cross with us when we used her clean white curtains as your wedding veil," said Luna.
Ginny flushed. "Yes, well, that was just playing. I never really thought too much about my own real wedding," she said.
"Who did you marry when you played weddings, Ginny?" asked Hermione, with a knowing look.
"Nobody...I don't know," mumbled Ginny, her face going redder and redder.
"It was Harry, of course. The Boy-who-Lived," said Luna. She peered closely at Ginny. "Maybe you've been a Seer this whole time. We were only six or seven at the time, and now, here you are, actually marrying Harry." Luna clapped her hands.
"Will you please stop saying that?"groaned Ginny, rubbing her temples.
Hermione turned back to Harry."You can't just pull together a wedding like that, you know," she said, snapping her fingers.
"Bet I can," said Harry.
"Harry, trust me, I'm going through it at the moment. There's the dresses, the flowers, the cake, the music, the food, the seating arrangements, the location, the vows, the photos, the guests...do I need to go on?" she asked, rhetorically.
Harry nodded. "That's fine, if that's what you want. Gin, do you want to go through all that?" he asked, turning to her. "Cos if you do, we will. I want you to have the wedding of your dreams."
Ginny just shook her head, unable to speak due to the thickness of her throat. Luna's idea of a beach wedding sounded perfect, and if she was perfectly honest with herself, all she needed was Harry to be there, standing next to her.
"Hell, I could make it romantic right now," said Harry, and with a wave of his arm, the room was filled with scented candles. Soft music played in the background.
Harry pulled Ginny off the sofa and into his arms. Rose petals fell from the ceiling, lending a rich fragrance to the room. Hermione and Luna sighed.
Harry brushed Ginny's hair off her face then held her tight as he swayed them both in time to the music. Ginny closed her eyes, at both the agony and the ecstasy of the moment.
"You did wandless magic," cried Hermione, breaking the mood. "How long have you been able to do that."
"Awhile," said Harry, reluctantly pulling away from Ginny. "I probably should go, leave you to your girl's night. I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of organising dinner for you." He snapped his fingers and dishes appeared on the coffee table.
"Ooh, olives, yum," said Luna, opening a small container.
"Harry, this looks and smells amazing," said Hermione, undoing some fried rice and dumplings.
Ginny jumped as Harry uncorked a bottle of champagne. "None for you, Mama Luna," he said, handing Hermione a glass.
Luna beamed as he magicked her up a glass of sparkling apple juice. "Thank you, Harry. You know, I think I should send Rolf to Australia, just to get a butt like yours. You're a lucky girl, Ginny," she toasted.
"You didn't have to do this, Harry," said Ginny weakly. She was sure she could smell her favourite butter chicken in one of those containers.
"Anything for you, my love. Now, don't forget that card I gave you. Feel free to come and visit any time," he said. "I'll be busy there, so I won't be at any more training sessions."
"How did you know Hermione and Luna were coming tonight?" asked Ginny, curiously.
"Oh, a little birdie told me," winked Harry. He picked up Ginny's hand and kissed the back of it. "Till next time, my love. Bye ladies, have a fun night. Don't talk about me too much, will you," he said, laughing as he disappeared.
"Fat chance of that," said Hermione. She looked around at all the food and wine. "He's certainly changed. I understand your concerns," she said to Ginny, who nodded as she fingered the card he'd given her.
"Is that why you invited us tonight, Ginny?" asked Luna.
Ginny sighed, running her hands through her hair. "No, I actually wanted help picking out a dress to wear tomorrow night."
"What's tomorrow night?" asked Hermione. Her memory kicked in and her eyes went wide. "No? Are you...?"
Ginny shrugged. "I guess so.
Luna looked confused. "Did I eat my olives too loudly and miss the conversation?"
Ginny shook her head. "There's a Quidditch fund raiser tomorrow night. A lot of the big sponsors will be there, it's a big deal."
Luna still looked confused. "I still don't see the problem."
Hermione looked at Ginny, who looked at Luna. "I'm going with Marcus," she said.
Luna shook her head. "I don't think Harry will like that." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Have you talked to Harry about Marcus?"' asked Hermione.
Ginny shook her head. "He never came up between us."
"You mean, all the time you've talked about your wedding, you never told Harry about your boyfriend?" asked Luna.
"There's no wedding, Luna. It's Harry, being this...new Harry. He just thinks he can pick up where he left off before he dumped me at Dumbledore's funeral. 'You pick the date, Gin, you get to decide how many kids we have', he said. No romantic proposal, no explanation of anything. He never even mentioned knowing about Marcus," said an exasperated Ginny.
"I always thought Marcus was gay," said Luna.
"Me too, the first couple of times I met him,"admitted Hermione.
"That's because he IS gay," yelled Ginny in frustration, then she clamped her hand over her mouth. "I wasn't supposed to say anything."
"Marcus is gay? But...but, you and he...but," sputtered Hermione.
"I know, all right. He wasn't ready to come out of the closet, and I was sick of being hit on by random blokes-"
"And a few witches," interrupted Luna.
Ginny nodded and continued. "So one night we got to talking and came up with the brilliant idea of pretending to date. You know, we'd each have someone to take to all the functions we go to. The fans loved it, the press loved it, it seemed like a win-win arrangement," she said.
"Did you ever have an end date to all of it?" asked Hermione.
Ginny shrugged. "I know Marcus' partner wants to come out, but Marcus is too afraid what it will mean for the Appleby sponsors and his fans," she said.
"Who is his partner, does he play Quidditch too?" asked Luna.
Ginny nodded. "He's also quite a high profile player but he plays for Puddlemere."
"Oh, like Oliver Wood – no, is it Oliver?" gasped Hermione.
"How did you-damn I wasn't supposed to say anything," said Ginny.
"And Harry said you were good at keeping secrets," sighed Luna, shaking her head.
"I just remember George and Ron went to watch Chudley play Puddlemere. I'm sure they caught up with Oliver after the match, and George said something about him being gay. I didn't take too much notice, you know I'm not a huge fan of Quidditch," said Hermione.
"Yeah, thanks for that," said Ginny, dryly.
"Oh, I didn't mean you, Ginny. I admire your determination and-"
"Yeah, yeah, come on, let's eat before the food gets cold or Luna eats it all," grumbled Ginny.
"Eating for three, you know," said Luna, happily. " Me and the two babies. You will be the babies godmother's, won't you?"
Hermione gushed. "Oh Luna, yes, thank you, what an honour," she said.
Both she and Luna looked at Ginny, who hadn't yet replied. She looked up at the silence, seeing them both looking at her. "Wha?" she mumbled, her mouth full of the best butter chicken she'd ever tasted. She swallowed.
Hermione sighed. "Such a Weasley."
"Hey, I heard that," said Ginny, as she buttered a freshly baked roll.
"You were meant to. So, you're going to this thing with Marcus tomorrow night. Are you going to tell Harry?" asked Hermione, sipping her champagne. It was so good, she made a mental note to get some for the wedding toasts.
"I wasn't planning on it," admitted Ginny, sipping her champagne. "Hey, this is good stuff, you should have it at your wedding, Hermione."
"Harry seems to think you'll be married before Ron and Hermione," reminded Luna.
"Well, what Harry thinks and what Harry gets are two completely different things," said Ginny, firmly.
"You still love him though, don't you?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know if I even know him any more," cried Ginny.
"He hasn't changed, Ginny, not really. He just seems more, I don't know," said Luna, "more at peace with himself."
"Marriages are based on trust, respect and love. Are you saying you don't feel those things from Harry?" asked Hermione in concern.
"Of course I do, but he doesn't. He doesn't trust me enough to tell me what he went through that year, and then the last two and a half years in Australia. Merlin, he doesn't need to tell me everything, but so far, nothing," cried Ginny in frustration.
"Why do you need to know. Isn't it enough that he survived and wants to be with you?" asked Luna.
"I-I-I just feel that we need that closure so we can move forward. Hermione, you remember how shut off from everybody he was after the battle. He told me it was like he was drowning, and he didn't want to take me down with him. I told him I could have kept us both afloat, but he never gave me the chance. Doesn't it mean something, if he couldn't give me that chance," cried Ginny, with tears in her eyes.
Hermione put her arm around her, hugging her to her side. Luna lay her head on Ginny's shoulders and held her hand.
"Ooh, I think the babies are kicking," she said suddenly, placing Ginny's arm on her stomach.
"How far along are you, Luna?" asked Hermione, sceptically.
"Oh, about four weeks. We just – ahhhhhhh," said Luna, letting out a long fart. "Just gas. Sorry, Ginny, maybe it will be the babies next time."
Ginny burst into laughter, and Hermione followed. Luna giggled, too.
"I think you should name one of the babies Olive," giggled Ginny.
"Oh, they're both boys," said Luna.
"How do you know?" asked Hermione.
Luna shrugged. "I know my body."
"Well, no more olives for you," said Ginny, putting a lid on the container. "But you can take them home with you, if you like." 'And let Rolf enjoy the after effects', she thought, with a grin.
"I guess I should be getting home, but please let me know when the wedding is," said Luna.
Ginny sighed. "Luna, there's not going to be a wedding."
"I don't think your mother would like you and Harry living together and having babies without being married," said Luna.
"No, I-look, never mind. You take care of my godson, and I'll see you soon," said Ginny, patting Luna's flat belly before hugging her.
Luna hugged Hermione too, before going into the fire-place to return to the Lovegood residence.
Hermione turned to Ginny. "You didn't show us any dresses for tomorrow night," she said.
"You're right, wait here," said Ginny, disappearing into her room. She quickly returned with three dresses.
"I like the black, but I think it's too formal. The blue is nice, but this is the one I really like. What do you think?" asked Ginny, holding the dress against her.
"Oh, definitely that one. Funny, you think it would clash terribly with your hair, but it doesn't. What colour is it?" asked Hermione.
Ginny looked at the tag. "Rose."