A/N: Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy. :) Thanks as always to my beta, Jonelle and the group of friends on LJ who comment and help me make this better.

Chapter Two--Receptive and Original

December 24, 1999- Receptive

Ginny Weasley flopped back onto her freshly made bed, staring at the ceiling. Drawing a deep breath to calm the jittery feeling in her stomach, she couldn't help but wonder how the day would unfold. After much coaxing, she finally convinced her boyfriend to take the next seven days off to spend time with her. For once their schedules had had a shot of coinciding. But now she was fighting her compulsion to run into the loo to relieve herself of her stomach contents.

Running her hands through her hair, she tried to reassure herself that Harry would understand that her idea was not one meant to make him feel like she thought he was lacking or that she was trying to change him. This thought, of course, led her to think about not even bothering to tell him about her idea. It was a silly idea anyway, but she had already paid for the activity she had planned for that day. As it was Christmas Eve, it had cost a little extra.

A knock sounded through her little flat. Knowing it had to be Harry, she stood up and gave herself a once-over in the full length mirror that hung on the door to her wardrobe. Deciding that her hair looked as good as it would get in a ponytail, she exited her bedroom to travel down the hall to her door. Taking one final deep breath, she opened the door to see Harry, leaning his left arm on the door frame, smiling his traditional grin.

"Hi," she said a little breathlessly, taking his appearance in. She was delighted to see him dressed in his green Weasley jumper and white turtleneck coupled with a pair of well-fitting black jeans exactly like she asked. It made some of her jitters about how the day would go with him, be replaced with ones concerning things she wanted to do to him.

"Hi," he responded. She gestured for him to come in.

"Have you had breakfast?" she asked him, leading him into the kitchen.

"No, you said, and I quote, 'Come over for breakfast wearing warm clothes so we can spend as much time together as possible.' So here I am, ready for breakfast," he retorted, settling himself at the small table in her kitchen. They shared small things that had happened to them since they last saw each other while she prepared a full English breakfast for them.

After they ate, she waved her wand to start the clean up process. Harry just shook his head. "You don't know how I wish I could have done that growing up. Wait, how is it that you can perform magic in here and still have your electricity work?"

"Harry, you've been here how many times since I've moved in and are just now asking about that?" She chuckled before answering him. "I only use my wand very sparingly. I don't think there's enough magic done in here to affect a change."

He grinned sheepishly at her before pulling her over to the couch in her living room. "So what else are we planning to do today beside the absolutely fabulous breakfast we just had?"

Ginny's nerves resurfaced. Looking around the room, she thought about how to broach the idea to Harry. She picked at her nails before looking at Harry. "Harry, you love me, right?"

"You know I do. Now what is it? The suspense is killing me, but I guess that's better than when Voldemort did."

"That's not funny, Harry," Ginny remarked, slightly upset that he would try to make a joke about that time. Her heart still ached when she thought of his body lying in Hagrid's arms appearing lifeless. Trying to dispel the memory, she shook her head before focusing on Harry's hand that had grabbed hers. "Well, I got this idea while on my last trip with the Quidditch team." She stopped, slipped her hand from his and stood up to pace in front of the couch. Glancing over at Harry, she saw a nervous look overtake his countenance. "Harry, I love you. I want to show you exactly how much over the next seven days if you'll let me."

"But Ginny…" Harry started before pausing to scratch his neck. "I don't get a say in anything that happens for the next seven days? You have everything planned out?"

"Yep, each day has a different word attached to it and the plans for that day. Please, Harry, say you'll do this for me. This can be my Christmas present. Please?" Ginny pleaded. She could see the reluctance in his eyes warring with his love for her. She sat down beside him, running her fingers up his arm. "Please?"

He inhaled sharply before nodding to her. "I can't say no to you." The smile that spread across her face threatened to reach all the way to her ears. The blush that accompanied it made her duck her head. She looked over at the time.

"Since you've agreed, let me tell you that you're already fulfilling the word of the day, which is receptive. Thank you for being open to new ideas," Ginny said, smiling. She grabbed her boots and slid them on before grabbing his hand. She led him out of her apartment and down to the closest Tube station.

"We're using the Tube? Ginny, what have you got planned?" Harry asked her.

"Uh, uh, uh!" Ginny said, wiggling her finger under his nose. "I'm not telling. Remember the word for today is receptive!"

"It seems like the word is more for me to act out than you," Harry mumbled under his breath. Ginny didn't want to say anything in response for fear that Harry would back out, so she just grabbed his hand with one of hers. Pulling out her Travelcard with her free hand, she marvelled over the fact that she could get around London the Muggle way and the fact that it was due largely to George. After all, he had bet her that she couldn't live a Muggle part of London for a year without going running back to their parents when it got too hard. Almost six months in, she had only returned to the Burrow for family dinners.

Once they were on the platform, Harry turned to Ginny. "Please, tell me where we are going. Please?" He tried to use the puppy dog look that Ron used on Hermione, but Ginny couldn't help but laugh at him.

"Harry, I'm the youngest and the only girl. Do you honestly think a look can manipulate me? I've learned how to turn on the tears without pulling out an onion. Puppy dog looks don't work on me," Ginny replied, feeling carefree and light. Harry was with her and willing to try to her idea. Admittedly she wasn't completely honest when explaining her idea, but she wasn't lying when she said she wanted to show him just how much she loved him.

The train came rumbling into the station and the ever present voice reminded the passengers to 'Mind the gap" repeatedly. Ginny and Harry boarded the southbound train.

"Can you at least tell me what stop we're getting off at?" Harry asked plaintively.

"Paddington. It's only two stops away, so relax. We're going to do something today that I've always wanted to do," Ginny retorted. They were both quiet for the rest of the way. Ginny enjoyed the fact that Harry didn't always feel the need to fill up the silence. Leaving the station, she led the way to the stables. She felt Harry's hand go slack in hers when he saw the sign for their destination.

"Hyde Park Stables. Ginny, what are we doing here?" Harry asked with his forehead wrinkled in just the way that she loved to see.

"We are going to have a riding lesson," Ginny said before pulling on his hand.

"Do you not get enough riding with your job?" Harry questioned.

"But that's different. Please, Harry. This has been something I've dreamt about since I was a little girl. Horses have always seemed so majestic to me. I've longed to run my fingers through their manes. Then, when you taught about," here her words turned into a whisper. "The Patronus charm and I discovered mine was a horse, it just increased my longing. Please, say you'll do this with me."

"It can't be that much different than riding a thestral, right?" Harry responded.

"Thank you. Oh, thank you," Ginny said, throwing her arms around his neck. They went into the stables and were fitted with helmets and riding boots for their lesson. Ginny had arranged for them to have a private lesson in the arena.

For the next hour, she couldn't help but smile. Watching Harry tentatively mount his horse after she had finally been allowed to mount hers made her realize just how special Harry was to her. He made certain to smile at her every time she trotted past him while he was still making sure he understood the motions of the walk. The fact that he was willing to try something new to him simply to make her happy made her question whether or not she really needed to go through with this plan of hers. Still, if the next six days could provide experiences like the feeling she had when trotting around the ring on the back of a horse, then she wouldn't change a thing.

December 25, 1999- Original

The early morning rays of sunlight danced across her face causing her to wake disoriented. Her flat didn't face east so she knew she must not be there. It was then she remembered exactly where she was—home. Her heart seeped down to her toes as she recalled what had led her to come to the Burrow in tears last night. It wasn't that she couldn't handle living in a Muggle area, but the fact that she and Harry had a disagreement.

The lesson had gone well. Harry had told her that he really enjoyed it since it was another way to feel like you were flying, but with less chance of injury. But he did say that he preferred to ride his motorbike as he could be in complete control of it. After they were finished with the lesson, they had strolled hand-in-hand around Hyde Park. Of course, Harry had to explain what the statues in the park were of and their relevance to her, but Ginny had just relished their closeness.

It was on their walk back to her flat that it had happened. A communication Patronus arrived in front of Harry, demanding that he report to the Ministry for a mission. She slipped into the memory of what exactly had happened.

Ginny pulled her hand away from Harry when the communication Patronus arrived. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around herself. Once the Patronus dissipated, she looked up to see Harry with a look of regret on his face.

"I'm sorry," he said. She knew that he was telling her the truth, but it still didn't explain why they called him in. She had thought that he was on vacation for the week and she told him that.

"Gin, it's extremely difficult to get time off right now, so I was put on call," Harry explained, dragging a hand through his hair, knocking his glasses slightly askew.

"Was it really that hard getting time off work?" Ginny asked in a small voice.

"Well, this time of year isn't the easiest, especially since I'm one of the few in the department with no family to go visit for the holidays," Harry responded.

Ginny's heart shattered when Harry uttered the words 'no family'. Does he really think so little of me and my family?, she thought. She turned her back to him before responding, "You know, I always thought you had a family—mine."

"That's not what I meant, Ginny," Harry said adamantly.

"But that's what you said, Harry," Ginny whispered almost so low that Harry couldn't hear it. It was then that a second communication Patronus arrived. As usual, Ginny couldn't hear it, but knew it meant that Harry had to leave before they even got the chance to exchange gifts.

"Ginny, I…" Harry started before Ginny interrupted him.

"Go, Harry. I know you have to. Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow at the Burrow," Ginny said, resigned to spending the rest of the night alone. She watched him look for the nearest alleyway or cover for him to Apparate from, before turning back to trudge toward her flat. All the uplifting emotions that she had felt during the lesson and the walk after scattered like leaves in the wind, blown away by the fact that her boyfriend had to leave her on Christmas Eve.

Tears welled in her eyes, remembering how she thought that maybe her idea wasn't such a good one now that she didn't even know if they would be able to follow it. Who knew how long Harry's mission might last?

A hand pounded on her door before footsteps could be heard stomping down the stairs. She knew it was either Ron or George who pounded. Actually it must have been George as Ron would have being screaming "Presents!". As if cued, Ron's voice floated up the stairs.

"Ginevra! Get down here. Presents!"

Wiping at her eyes, she tugged a dressing gown on over her pyjama trousers and cami top before running a brush through her hair once. Hearing her brother call once more, she called back. "Hold your horses! I'm coming!"

"You're the only one who can hold a horse around here, Gin!" George retorted as she came stumbling down the stairs. She looked to find George only to see the most wonderful sight—Harry! In her shock, she missed the last step and started to fall. Harry raced to catch her.

"You're lucky I wasn't that far away. It's not like I'm on my broomstick," Harry said with a smirk on his face.

"Thank you," she whispered, almost scared to speak for fear this was a dream.

"You're welcome," he responded. She took in his appearance. His eyes were shadowed with fatigue and his hair was rumpled like he had run his fingers through it one too many times in frustration. His clothes were almost a replica of what he wore yesterday, except it was a different Weasley jumper and blue jeans this time.

"You didn't tell me what to wear for today," he whispered to her, his arms still encircling her holding her close.

"Well, we really didn't get to chat about today yesterday anyway, but what you're wearing is fine. I didn't have too much planned for today anyway. Besides I didn't know if you would be able to be here."

"Hey, you two lovebirds. How about joining us so we can finally open these presents?" George complained.

Harry turned her in his arms so that she could walk with his arms still wrapped around her from behind. She started to say that she could walk on her own, but Harry leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"I want to make sure that you're safe. No more stumbling for you, Miss Weasley." With that, he pulled her down with him onto the floor beside the couch. As usual, Ron was so excited that he played Father Christmas handing out the gifts to everyone. Before Ginny or Harry opened any of theirs, Ginny leaned over to Harry.

"Just so you know, the word for today is original," Ginny stated with a grin. Harry raised an eyebrow at that before attacking his pile of presents. When he came upon Ginny's gift, she noticed that he set it to the side to open later.

Ginny then attacked her own stack. She made sure to thank everyone for each gift. She was especially thankful for the new Chaser gloves that Bill and Fleur had gotten her as her current ones were worn out from the two and a half seasons that she had used them. Having saved Harry's for last, she lifted the package wrapped in green paper that matched Harry's eyes. Feeling the weight of it, she despaired that he had bought her something so unromantic as a Quidditch book. Of course, she wasn't expecting jewellery or anything, but really she wasn't Hermione. She gently pulled off one corner, trying to prolong this as much as possible while she tried to drum up enthusiasm for a book. Yet, when the paper was finally pulled from the cover of the book, she noticed that there was no title. Puzzled, she opened the cover to see an inscription.

For my love, my Gin. I hope to add many more to this. Harry

Flipping over the next page, she saw a picture of herself at the age of ten running alongside the train on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. "But how? You didn't have a camera on the train, did you?" Ginny asked Harry, whom she now noticed was watching her rather intently.

"No, I didn't. I found this interesting little shop in Diagon Alley that specialises in taking memories from a Pensieve and turning them into pictures. So this book has the pictures of my best memories of you," Harry explained. Looking on the page adjacent to the picture, she read the vignette that Harry wrote for her about what that memory meant to him. Turning each page led to another memory and discovery about what each one meant to Harry. She had thought she had needed to teach him how to show her romance. This book was the epitome of romance.

"Oh, Harry…" Ginny murmured when she came across the picture of her running toward Harry across the common room. Seeing their first kiss from his perspective was astonishing. She couldn't understand what he had seen in her that day. Her hair had been falling out of her hastily tied up ponytail. At least her school uniform had been clean, but still it was her uniform.

Reading what he had written about that kiss, what he had been thinking and what it meant to him was giving her insights to him that she had never had before. She wondered if he had ever opened up to anyone this much. Considering how very original his gift was, especially in comparison with hers, made her cheeks burn. Today he was portraying the word infinitely better than she was.

Hearing paper crinkle, she turned her head to see Harry removing the paper from her gift. She closed her eyes, wishing, hoping that her gift would somehow become so much more spectacular than it actually was. Ginny had taken Harry's picture of his parents at their wedding and had the picture enlarged without Harry's knowledge. She had been very devious about slipping into Harry's flat and retrieving and returning the picture. Not hearing anything from Harry, she lifted her eyes to see wonderment on his face.

"How? How did you know I wanted to do this? I wanted this very picture to put up in my flat. I just hadn't had time to go get it done yet," Harry murmured. Ginny could feel herself start to glow. He did like it. Whew! Harry grabbed her hand and pulled her over to sit on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, "Thank you, love."

Just then, Ginny's mum called everyone in for breakfast. Walking there, Ginny wondered how Harry had gotten to the Burrow that day. She shrugged, thinking that if they had to, they could return to Grimmauld Place to retrieve Harry's motorbike.

After breakfast, she mentioned to her mum that she was going to take Harry out for a few hours, but that they would be back before tea. Molly just patted her hand and told her to take as much time as they needed. Discovering that Harry had brought his bike with him, she ran upstairs to change so they could head over to Otterton. She and Harry spent the next three hours or so just walking along the River Otter estuary and the coast. Ginny loved being able to spend time with Harry like this, just taking in the sights. This definitely qualified as an original day in her mind.