Chapter 4 – Cause for Celebration

Something tickled his face and neck, followed by something warm and moist. "Harry." A sweet voice called into the mists of time. "Harry, my love," the sweet voice called again. A warm sensation filled his entire body as the warm and moist thing brushed across his lips.

"Harry, love." His eyelids fluttered open and he tried to focus, but his glasses lay on the bedside table and he didn't want to move, for he had been caught up in a vision. There was a bright light, and in that light stood a flaming goddess. The Light Goddess leaned forward and kissed him. That familiar hot molten lava coursed through his veins.

"Ginny," he moaned, as he pulled her down on top of him, taking her in his arms, returning her kiss. Her spirit and passion intoxicated him and he fell willingly under her spell. She rolled him over on top of her. She flicked her tongue against his top lip, coaxing his mouth open. She drew her tongue across the roof of his mouth. His head began to spin as if he'd been struck by a rogue Bludger.

Finally, breathless and panting, they broke the kiss. Dizzy with the heat, he raised his head and stared into her chocolate brown eyes, pure joy written all over his face. "Mmmm. Morning, you," she purred, reaching soft hands up to caress his morning stubble. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, love. That was some present," he said stroking her hair." Can we wake up like this every morning? Not just on my birthday," Harry asked huskily as he kissed her again.

"As you wish," she said. "As you wish."

The inviting smell of breakfast wafted up the stairs, beckoning them to the kitchen. Pancakes, eggs, bangers, toast—all of Harry's favourite breakfast foods covered the table as he and Ginny descended the stairs hand in hand.

"Thanks, Molly," Harry replied giving her a squeeze. "You're the best!"

"Happy birthday, Harry dear," Molly smiled warmly, kissing his cheek. "Now tuck in."

After breakfast, Arthur invited Harry to join him outside. "I'm not really finished yet, but I wanted to show you today," he said leading Harry to his workshop. Arthur removed the rusty padlock and pushed the creaky door open. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the diminished light and then Arthur crossed the floor and removed and old canvas from a pile of something in the corner.

Harry looked and didn't believe his eyes. "It's Sirius' motorcycle. I forgot it was even here."

"Yes, I've been repairing it, like new. It's my birthday present to you," Arthur said, grinning from ear to ear. "I've been having a bit of trouble with some of the Muggle parts. Perhaps you could assist me?"

"Arthur, I..." Harry stammered. "I don't know what to say! Thank you, sir." Harry gave Arthur a big hug. We'll have her up and running again, Sirius, I promise.

The two men tinkered about with the various parts Arthur had laid out on the work bench, discussing which bits might be salvaged and which others should be either rebuilt or replaced outright. Harry suggested they watch the Muggle newspapers for auctions, and perhaps visit a salvage yard for the more difficult parts to find. Harry also knew that they mustn't tell Molly about visits to Muggle salvage yards. A few hours later, Harry got ready to fetch Dudley.

"You want us to come along," Ron asked him.

"I'd like that," Harry said looking at Ron, Hermione and Ginny. "I never thought I'd ever go back there, but Dudley seemed different when they left last year, saying he's sorry... never thought he even knew the word, let alone how to use it properly."

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At noon, the four of them walked out to the Apparition spot outside the Burrow's protective wards. Harry took Ginny in his arms for a side-along and they disappeared with a pop. They landed in the spot where Harry and Dudley had been attacked by Dementors, but there was no sign of Dudley.

"I actually thought he'd be here," Harry said, a bit disappointed.

"Could there be problems with your uncle," Ron asked.

"Whenever wasn't there a problem with him," Harry asked. "Maybe we should check to make sure."

Harry led them to Privet Drive. They could hear the shouting as they approached. In fact, the entire neighbourhood could hear it. Vernon and Dudley were clearly in the middle of a thundering row.

"... and he saved my life from that Dementaled thing, and probably yours too, last year," shouted Dudley.

"He. Certainly. Did. Not. He wasted a lot of our time." Vernon shouted back. "You are not going to any freaky birthday party with his kind."

"I'm an adult, and you can no longer control what to do," Dudley replied.

Hermione decided they'd heard enough. Shaking her head, she marched up to the door with her wand raised. Making sure there were no witnesses in the street, she waved her wand with purpose. "Bombarda!"

The force of her spell tore the door from the frame, sending it crashing into the hall. She stepped over it into the house where she found the Dursleys, now in terrified silence, wide-eyed in the kitchen. Ron, Ginny and Harry hurried in after her. Vernon exploded at the sight of them.

"You lot... I'll call the police this instant" he threatened.

"You do that, and I'll report your mistreatment of Harry to the Ministry of Magic and have you packed off to Azkaban in a heartbeat," Hermione said coldly. "Besides, what are you going to say to the police," she taunted. "'Two wizards and two witches broke in,' huh? Or maybe I'll just turn you into a toad instead and save everyone the trouble." Vernon froze, vein pulsing. Petunia, who had gone unnoticed until now, laid a shaky hand on Vernon's shoulder.

"C'mon Dudley, let's go," Hermione said almost brightly.

Once outside again Ron rounded on Hermione. "You are mental, you know that don't you," eyeing Hermione. Then, he broke into a grin. "And brilliant! Remind me to be sure I'm on your side in a fight. I love you, but you're scary sometimes. But why not just use Alohomora?"

"It wouldn't have had the same effect, would it?" Hermione grinned wickedly.

The five of them made their way back to the apparition spot in the park. "This is Hermione and Ron, my best friends, and this is Ron's sister, Ginny, my girlfriend." Dudley shook hands with Ron and greeted the girls politely.

"Sorry about them," Dudley said pointing back towards Privet Drive "What now?"

"We'll Apparate to the Burrow. You'll see. That's where I live for now. You'll side-along with Hermione."

"Apparate," Dudley asked, confused.

"It's like teleportation," Harry explained. "It's a bit uncomfortable, but Hermione really is brilliant. Just relax. She won't splinch you."

"Splinch," Dudley paled.

"It's when some body parts get left behind. It can be a bit messy, but easily fixed, nothing to worry about" Ron explained.

"Yeah, now I'm relaxed," Dudley said.

"Come on, Dudley. You'll be fine, I promise." Hermione took his hand, and they all Apparated to the Burrow.

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Quite a crowd had begun to assemble at Burrow when they arrived. Harry felt a pang of guilt for having extended an open invitation. Molly had royally outdone herself. George and Katie Bell greeted them at the gate. "You made it all right then," George said rather than asked, looking around at them, as if inspecting to make sure they had arrived safe and un-splinched.

"George, this is my cousin, Dudley," Harry said.

"Welcome, Dudley, old man. A drink," George asked, ushering him toward the party. "Butterbeer?"

"Erm...sure. Harry, what's Butterbeer," Dudley asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's really good," Harry assured him. "It's my favourite—that, and pumpkin juice. You'll like it."

When George returned with six Butterbeers, Harry leaned in closer to George. "Are you two together, you and Katie?"

"Sort of, I guess," George answered.

"How are you sort oftogether," Ginny wondered.

"We go on dates, have fun, but we take it easy." Katie told them.

"Honestly, it's been a rough time after Fred and I don't know if I'm ready for a relationship," George added.

"And I respect that, so we just hang out... and there's some occasional snogging," Katie blinked.

After a while the garden at the Burrow was full to capacity. Many friends and classmates from the DA were there, along with a delegation of Hogwarts staff and members from the Order of the Phoenix. It seemed enough time had passed after the Battle of Hogwarts that the birthday of the one who defeated Voldemort was the perfect day for a real celebration after all the memorials and burials.

"I should have brought more Firewhiskey," Arthur said, looking at all of the people.

"Oi, Arthur! Maybe this'll help then," Hagrid lumbered up to him carrying an entire crate of bottles under one arm.

"Hagrid!" Harry broke into a full-face grin and ran to hug him. "I haven't seen you in weeks."

"Happy birthday, 'Arry" Hagrid said. "Yer present is along with all the others piled up o'er there".

"Hagrid, you remember my cousin, Dudley," Harry said pulling Dudley forward.

"I reckon yer being 'ere, yer learned some manners" Hagrid said and laughed. Dudley paled and shuddered slightly, remembering the pig's tail Hagrid hexed onto his posterior years ago. "Have a glass," Hagrid boomed, offering them a glass each.

"Be careful with that stuff, Big D. It's Firewhiskey," Harry warned as his cousin threw back the drink.

Dudley turned red and coughed. "It certainly is" he choked. Harry gave Dudley a couple of firm pats on his back in order to help him catch his breath.

Harry introduced his cousin around to his friends. Although he was a Muggle, they all accepted him and prodded him to tell them of his adventures in hiding. After all it was Harry Potter's cousin. He told them how he'd learned a bit about the Wizarding world during that time. "I don't understand your world, but I got it that the bad guy was a really nasty one. And that many were killed taking him down."

"Yes, we lost a lot of people in the war. Close friends. Ron and Ginny lost one of their older brothers, George's twin, Fred," Harry said and then pointed at Andromeda and Teddy. "And Teddy, there, lost both of his parents. He's my godson, by the way. Everyone here lost someone close to them; this is actually the first time we're actually celebrating something."

Although overwhelmed by the magnitude of this party, he came to realize that the Wizarding world wasn't freaky at all. Just different. He had just been discussing that with Harry and Ginny when they were interrupted by a rather imposing black man dressed in colourful robes with an earring in his left ear. "Harry, could I have a word please?"

"Sure. Excuse me, Dudley, this is Kingsley Shacklebolt the Minister for Magic, something like your Prime Minister." Harry then turned to Kingsley, "Minister, this is my cousin, Dudley Dursley."

"Pleased to meet you, Dudley," he said, shaking Dudley's hand. Only a week ago, Kingsley had been elected permanent Minister for Magic. Dudley seemed impressed that Harry knew such an apparently important man personally. Blimey, Harry's got some interesting friends, and Ginny—wow."Pleaseexcuse us, Dudley. We won't be long," the Minister promised.

Kingsley guided Harry to a quiet corner of the garden. "Harry please, on private occasions or when it's just the two of us, call me Kingsley," he admonished his young friend. "Now, I wondered if you could come to the Ministry during the week. Arthur mentioned that you wanted to see me before deciding on your future."

"Yes, I have thought about working for you, and I'd like to know what you had in mind, but I have also thought of returning to Hogwarts to finish my studies."

"Come to my office tomorrow afternoon and we'll have a chat. And while I have your attention, could you give a deposition about the Malfoys? Their trial is coming up, and with any luck, a written testimony from you should be enough...unless you prefer coming to the trial."

"Kingsley, if I won't have to be put on display as a witness, I would be glad to give you that deposition and testimony."

"Done," Kingsley laughed, shaking Harry's hand. The two of them rejoined the celebration and Harry noticed George was pulling pranks on Dudley. Further off, he saw Luna trying to socialize with the garden gnomes that sneaked about all over the Burrow.

"Luna! It's great to see you," Harry called as he pulled her into a hug.

"Oh hi, Harry. Did you know that Gnomes are very misunderstood creatures?"

"No, I didn't, but they ought to be right pleased here. They don't de-Gnome the Burrow very often."

Luna smiled as if Harry was a lost cause regarding the Lovegood truth about gnomes. "By the way, Harry, it was nice of you to clarify about our friendship in the papers. I meant to thank you in person but it got lost somewhere when I was here with Crookshanks," she said, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"No problem, Luna. So...are you joining the party, or will you enjoy the company of the Gnomes?"

"Well, I'm trying to find out if the Weasley Gnomes know ours. Their social structure is rather uncharted territory," Luna said airily and returned to the Gnomes.

A ripple of heat radiated in Harry's chest when he spied a shock of bright red hair across the lawn. He strode quickly over to Ginny, took her hand and kissed it. He had just leaned down to kiss her temple when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

Harry?" He turned and there stood Cho Chang.

"Cho," Harry answered.

"Happy birthday," she said giving him a hug. "I got a message about the party on my DA coin."

Harry felt a bit nervous facing Cho with Ginny standing next to him. He and Cho didn't break up on the best terms, but she had shown loyalty to the DA and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. She had also supported his statement to squelch further speculation about her involvement in Harry's love life. "And I also wanted to extend my best wishes to the two of you," Cho continued, "you're made for each other."

"Thanks, Cho," Ginny said looking sidelong at Harry, as Cho walked away. "Harry, are you all right? You look a bit shaken," she said softly, running a comforting hand up his arm to his shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You know I dated her, and she was the first girl I ever kissed, but after Cedric's death things always felt a bit weird with her. She cried thinking of him when she was kissing me. And she was jealous she knew I loved someone else." Harry looked into Ginny's eyes and then smiled thoughtfully. "She thought it was Hermione, though, probably because of that article in the Prophet during the Triwizard Tournament. And I didn't understand it was you I loved until sixth year. When you started dating others, I thought the anger I felt was just my being big brotherly and that I was supporting Ron."

"You are so cute," Ginny said, placing a hand on his cheek. "Not as cute as you, love." He turned his face and kissed her palm. "Not as cute as you."

They made the rounds, exchanging small talk with the guests. Harry caught Molly fussing around one of the tables. Harry let go of Ginny's hand and gave her an evil grin as he crept up from behind. He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave his surrogate mother a squeeze. She jumped and then laughed at him. "Molly, thank you so much for going to all this trouble. Only, I'm sorry I invited so many and put you through all this. I..."

"Not at all, dear, not at all. Besides, most people bring more to eat or drink than they will ever consume anyway," she said. Just then, Neville approached and Harry excused himself to greet him. Ginny stayed behind to help Molly.

"Mum, you've really outdone yourself this time," Ginny complimented, as she drew her mother into a hug. Ginny's eyes became bright. "This means so much to him, Mum. You have no idea," Ginny said, blinking back tears.

"You love him very much," Molly said just above a whisper.

"Oh Mum, I do, and I want to make him happy," she said as a stray tear stole down her cheek.

"You do make him happy, dear. He lights up like a Christmas tree every time he looks at you," Molly said, glancing over at her surrogate son.

"Today you made him happy, Mum. Thank you so much," Ginny said, as she cried softly into her mother's shoulder.

"Happy birthday Harry." Neville said, giving Harry a one-armed hug.

"Thanks, Neville. And by the way, happy birthday to you too, for yesterday," Harry replied.

Neville looked at him. "When did I ever tell you when my birthday was," he asked.

"You didn't. Look, Neville. There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Harry put a brotherly arm around Neville and guided him a little way away from the crowd. "You remember the prophecy," Harry asked.

"Yeah, how could I forget facing down Bellatrix at the Ministry and all?"

"Neville, that prophecy wasn't about me, well not specifically. It was about a wizard born at the end of July, whose parents opposed Tom Riddle three times," Harry said.

Neville looked puzzled. "Yeah..."

"It could have been about either of us, Neville. Riddle chose me."

"I don't follow."

"Don't you see, Neville? He could have chosen to believe the prophecy was about you."

"And then he would have attacked me, and killed my parents? Why are you telling me this," Neville asked.

"He could have attacked your family instead. I'm telling you because might have been as much about you as it is about me."

"Thank you, Harry, for telling me. Maybe my parents would have been killed, and me along with them," Neville said as a shudder wracked his insides.

"There's no telling, Nev. Maybe your parents would have sacrificed themselves to save you and you would have ended up with this scar. Or he might have just killed you and your parents and then went on to kill my family and me. There's no telling what might have happened, but I wanted you to know the truth about the prophecy."

"Thanks, Harry." Harry and Neville shook hands and slapped each other on the shoulder. They made to rejoin the party on the lawn. Ginny returned to Harry's side. They spent the rest of the time chatting with friends and laughing about old times, avoiding any discussion of the war. Nothing would dampen the spirits of this party.

Later that evening, the party began to break up. Harry found Dudley at a table, again regaling his audience with his adventures in hiding. As the Firewhiskey flowed, Dudley's stories got longer and funnier. He had just finished a particular tale when he looked up at his raven-haired cousin. "Hey Harry!" Dudley wavered a little in his seat. "I say, the Wizarding world is a lot better than I thought."

"Glad you had a good time, Dud. Ready to head out," Harry asked him, helping him to his feet.

"Yeah. It's...getting...uh...lather rate—I mean, rather late," Dudley chuckled drunkenly.

"And you're rather pissed, Cousin-of-Mine," Harry laughed.

"I resemble that remark," Dudley slurred.

Harry Apparated him back to Privet Drive. "Thanks again for coming, Dudley. Will you be okay with your dad, or should I curse him?"

"Nah, I can handle him. But you really could curse him, right?"

"Yeah, there are some really bad ones...and the pranks."

"I heard from one wizard at the party that you were hit by a really bad one, the same one that killed your parents."

"Yeah, there are three Unforgivable curses, the Imperius curse that let you control another person, the Cruciatus curse for torture and the Killing curse. It's the Killing curse that hit me, but I survived it...again."

"Did you ever use them?"

"Never the Killing curse. But I had to use the other two a couple of times in the war. I'm not too proud of it."

Dudley seemed to notice that Harry wasn't keen on talking about the war. But he did feel he had one question that had bugged him for quite some time. "Everyone at the party seemed really proud of you though, especially that girl of yours. Harry, can I ask you something?"

Harry nodded. "Sure, anything."

"What did that thing do to me when it attacked me here?"

"It sucked away all that was good in your life, leaving nothing but the darkest bits. If it had finished, it would have sucked out your soul."

"Harry, what I saw lying here was terrible. I saw the complete arse I'd been. And during our year in hiding, I've also been able to see what arses Mum and Dad are, especially Dad. It was actually good to see you, and I wouldn't mind keeping in touch, if I knew how. You lot don't have phones, right?"

"No, we don't. I'll ask Kreacher to look you up, though. Kreacher!" Harry called.
Crack!"Yes, Master Harry."

"What is that," Dudley asked with wide eyes, sobering a little.

"This is my house-elf, Kreacher," Harry replied turning back to Kreacher. "This is my cousin. He's a Muggle, but it's my wish you let me know if Dudley wants to get in touch with me."

Kreacher looked at Dudley as if he were a bug, but bowed again. "Yes, Master Harry. Kreacher serves Harry Potter and will do his bidding." Kreacher Disapparated with a crack!

"Dudley, if you want to deliver a message to me, call for Kreacher and he'll come and take your message. I must tell you though, he's not fond of Muggles, so don't, really do not, call on him for fun, because I didn't think to instruct him not to harm you if you annoy him."

"That little runt couldn't harm me," Dudley said with that old air of thuggish bravado.

"Big D, house-elves have their own brand of magic, and as such, he can take down a full-grown wizard."

Dudley didn't respond, but nodded, realising Harry was serious. Harry and Dudley soon bade each other goodnight and shook hands before Harry Apparated back to the Burrow. Dudley really has changed.

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Later that night, Harry had another nightmare. In the dream, Voldemort hit Ginny with the Killing curse. Harry woke up with a terrified scream, grabbing wand before realizing where he was. Ginny had been asleep next to him and jumped when Harry shouted.

"Harry, what happened?"

"Nothing, another nightmare," Harry replied shaking and panting, sweat beading on his face.

"From the look of you, this one must've been bad."

"The worst. Riddle hit you with the Killing curse," Harry whispered, wiping away tears that threatened to escape from his eyes.

Ginny wrapped herself around Harry as closely as she could, enveloping him in her love. "I'm here, my love. Voldemort is gone." She smoothed his hair and caressed his brow. She nestled her cheek into his messy locks and held him.

"Yeah I guess seeing all those people today might have dredged up memories."

"Probably so. That, and all the excitement. Let's try and get some sleep, shall we," she asked pulling him back down onto his back. She kissed him tenderly and they fell asleep together in each other's arms.

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The next day was the first of August. Arthur and Harry shut themselves in workshop after breakfast to work on Sirius' bike. Molly made her opinion clear about big boys with their toys, especially enchanted Muggle toys. Ron and Hermione left for her parents'. Ron was really nervous since he still was worried about being accepted by the Grangers.

With Arthur and Harry in the shed and Ron and Hermione out for the day, Molly and Ginny had the house to themselves. Ginny took the opportunity to talk with her mother about something she had thought of following the heart-to-heart between Harry, her parents, and herself.

"Mum, can I ask you something?"

"Anything, dear" Molly smiled.

"You know I come of age soon," she started nervously.

"Yes, I am aware of that." Molly thought she knew where this was going, but she let her daughter speak.

"Well...I want to...be with Harry," she said, biting her bottom lip.

"You are with him, dear, and I'm so happy for you."

"I meant...to go further than snogging," she added, hoping her mother would understand.

Molly clearly understood what Ginny meant and sat down, taking her daughter's hand.

"Yes, I suppose I can understand that."

"You're not going to tell me I'm too young," Ginny asked, surprised by her mother's reaction.

"I guess I'll have to accept that you are a young woman, now, and not my baby girl. I couldn't wish for a better boyfriend for you and we all love Harry, and I appreciate that you've come to me. What is your question?"

Ginny blushed and cleared her throat. "Well, it's just that...I don't want us to have a baby, not yet anyway."

"No dear, of course you don't," Molly said. She stood up and left the room for a few moments, returning with a book called, Household Magic for Witches. She opened it to the right page. "Here is the contraceptive charm that will help avoid that. It's easy to perform, but you must remember to cast it each time before... you know. Well, not if you do it two or three times in a row or something like that, because it lasts long enough to..."

Ginny looked on in mild amusement as her mother, the wise and great Molly Weasley, blushed and stammered her way through this discussion. Finally, she decided she should let her mother off the hook. "Mum... I get it. Please stop before you get into details about you and Dad. I don't want to know." Ginny realized her mother really must see her as an adult.

"Ginny, dear, what I really meant is that I appreciate that you and Harry want to be responsible, and I'm very happy for you," Molly confessed as tears began to well in her kind eyes.

"Harry was right," she said with a faint smile.

"Right about what, dear," Molly asked.

"You're the best."

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"You know what, Harry? I'm a happy father," Arthur said as he attacked a part with a screwdriver.

"Sir?"

"Watching Ginny these past weeks. Harry, she's always been very temperamental, a lot like Molly actually. But ever after the two of you got together, she seems to have found harmony...a sort of balance," he said thoughtfully.

"To be honest, Arthur, I think she feels the same way I do: Apart, we're incomplete."

"You seem to have a special bond, and a strong one at that. Have you talked about your future? You know you have a big decision to make this afternoon, son," Arthur reminded him.

"We've talked a lot. Ginny will, of course, first finish at Hogwarts. I don't really know how I would feel returning for another year, other than it would be great to be close to Ginny. But I don't know if I'm ready to work for the Ministry, either. The Ministry did put a pretty big price on my head, after all."

Arthur laughed and then his face turned serious. "Harry, I can only say that Kingsley will understand if you choose Hogwarts, so don't feel like you're letting him down if you go back to school. He will most likely need you next year, too."

"But Arthur, we've also talked about more than just the coming year. I know we're young, but I want to spend the rest of my life with Ginny. I love her."

Arthur smiled and looked back at Harry. "Are you asking for my opinion on that matter?"

"I guess I am. I wanted to talk to you. Honestly, I feel more comfortable asking you, and it just seems more appropriate than bringing it up with Molly," Harry replied.

"Yes, my wife can be a formidable woman," Arthur laughed. "I think Molly will be delighted as long as Ginny finishes school before getting married. Harry, the two of you have a bond that transcends love. There's some kind of magic beyond my immediate comprehension at work here, because you two literally glow. Knowing what I know about the two of you, though, I can just about guess what it is," he said, nodding to himself.

"What?"

"Voldemort." Arthur said.

"Voldemort? But how," Harry asked in shock.

"Voldemort had possessed each of you at some point or another. You and Ginny are the only known survivors of his possession. I think that facing that kind of evil somehow makes a bond of love stronger. The two of you understand each other in a way no one else can. Furthermore, Harry, you died for her. Since your mother's sacrifice created a magical protection over you, I'm guessing that when you took that Killing curse for Ginny, it did the same for her. The difference is that you survived, and somehow, I think the protection your death should have provided somehow created a deep magical bond between you that, by Merlin, will exist beyond the plane of mortality itself," Arthur said in awe of his own theory.

"I never thought about it like that, but it makes sense."

"Harry, please keep in mind that I'm only guessing, because this involves very strong and unknown magic. I don't think even Dumbledore himself could explain it." Neither man spoke for a while, contemplating what has just passed between them.

Gather up all your Gryffindor courage, Potter. You can do this. "Arthur, since we're sort of on the subject...about Ginny, I mean...I have something important to discuss with you. I...I want to do this properly," Harry said tentatively.

"What is it, son," Arthur asked, stifling a grin.

Go for it. "Sir, may I have your permission to ask for Ginny's hand in marriage," Harry asked hopefully.

"Proper, indeed. Since I have only one daughter, it means a lot that you asked my permission. Yes, of course, you have my permission, son."

"Thank you, sir... er... Arthur. Thank you," Harry said, releasing the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

They resumed the repairs with a new enthusiasm, sorting parts and making note of any replacements they might need. A couple of fleeting hours later, Harry excused himself and went into the house to prepare his statement concerning the Malfoys, and then got cleaned up for his appointment with Kingsley at the Ministry.

"I won't be long, Gin, I promise," he said as he kissed her soundly at the gate.

"I'll be here counting the moments," she smiled. "I love you."

"You too, Gin." He kissed her forehead, turned, and Disapparated.

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Harry Apparated into the Ministry atrium and headed over to check in his wand.

"Name," the attendant asked.

"Harry James Potter," Harry replied.

The wizard at the desk looked up at him

"Indeed you are Mr Potter. Purpose?"

"I have an appointment with the Minister," he said.

"Very well. You wand, please," the attendant asked holding out his hand. He placed it on a spot on a small podium.

"Holly and Phoenix feather," said the attendant. "Very good, Mr Potter." The attendant returned his wand and then handed Harry a VISITOR badge to pin onto his robes.

"Thank you," Harry said politely as he passed through to the bank of lifts just beyond.

Harry rode the lift the proper floor as dozens of paper air planes floated over head, and zoomed in and out when the doors opened at different floors. At last the door opened at Harry's floor and he exited and turned toward Kingsley's office.

"Harry," Kingsley greeted him warmly.

Harry shook his hand and then looked back at the Minister questioningly. "Minister. Professor."

"I'm sure you're wondering what Professor McGonagall is doing here," he said, noticing Harry's raised eyebrows.

"Well...now that you mention it..." Harry eyed him suspiciously.

"Let me explain. Tea," Kingsley offered.

"Yes, please," Harry took the cup and saucer, stealing a glance at Professor McGonagall. He leaned back and took a sip.

"As you already know, I am working to make changes here at the Ministry—necessary changes. The problem is that I don't know who I can trust. I've brought in most of the Order, because I know I trust them. Together, we are cleaning house. Anyone in the administration who demonstrates the minutest sympathy for Voldemort's fallen regime has been unceremoniously removed. The Auror Office is essentially decimated, since I've got them rounding up the Death Eaters and Snatchers still at large," Kingsley explained.

"But that's good, isn't it? I mean, isn't that what we fought for," Harry asked, still not quite understanding Kingsley's diatribe.

"Yes, Harry, of course it is. For the most part, we are moving in the right direction, but the process has been slow, leaving us still very vulnerable. There are only a handful of people at the Ministry I can trust completely, since we are still investigating those who claim they had fallen under the Imperius curse or who simply claiming they had followed Ministry orders. It's a mess trying to figure out who's lying and who isn't, since I don't approve of the use of Veritaserum on each and every employee. We can't afford to treat everyone as a suspect. I have the good fortune to know that one man I can trust is the editor for the Daily Prophet, and I have his full support," Kingsley said.
He actually trusts anyone having anything to do with the Prophet? Harry took another sip and dubiously looked at Professor McGonagall and then back at Kingsley again. "So..." Harry prodded.

"So...One task I must accomplish is to restructure the Auror Office," Kingsley replied. "The Aurors took heavy losses during the war and still are, as we flush out and pursue renegade Death Eaters. By the time we finish, I hope I'll still have enough Aurors left to educate a new generation."

"What does that have to do with..." Harry started, but Kingsley cut him off.

"We need a more stable administration and less strain on the Aurors. They are simply too busy with their Death Eater work to educate the new recruits we surely need. And that is what brings us to why you and Professor McGonagall are here." Harry looked at Professor McGonagall again but she remained silent, drinking her tea.

Kingsley continued. "I know you don't like to hear this, Harry, but during the war you were a symbol of hope for the Wizarding world, but now, like it or not, since you defeated Voldemort, you're it's hero. That being the case, you are still in danger so long as the situation at the Ministry is...shall we say...unstable? Remaining Death Eaters may target you."

Harry took another sip. "I'm sorry, Minister," Harry said, "but I don't follow."

"Harry," Professor McGonagall began. "The Minister has briefed me on the situation here at the Ministry and after discussing my problems at Hogwarts, we realized we might help each other. You see Harry, I'm having problems finding Professors for the vacant posts on my staff, especially as Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts. There's a certain fear surrounding that post because of the fates of the persons who accepted it in recent years. After the war, Kingsley has sought and hired every competent and trustworthy wizard and witch to support the Auror Office and keep the Department of Magical Law Enforcement running. For that reason, we would like to place Dumbledore's Army into an Auror Training Programme, with you as their teacher at Hogwarts, since Hogwarts is the safest place for you to be. Both Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic will back you," she told him with a note of urgency in her usually sure voice.

"Me?" Harry asked, alarmed. "But I didn't even finish school yet! How would I be able to teach at that level?"

"Harry, you've already proven yourself capable," Professor McGonagall assured him. "In the face of then-insurmountable odds, you organized a rag-tag group of students into a fine fighting force that made a valiant showing in an all-out battle against a core group of Death Eaters, sustaining a few injuries and only two losses. The DA faced greater odds than the Aurors and the Order combined and prevailed," she reminded him.

"But Professor, we..." Harry tried to argue.

"Harry, you trained them to do what they did and you trained them well. It was your influence and commitment that made them what they are. And what's even more astounding is that you taught them to conjure the Patronus. Are you aware that that is magic advanced beyond NEWT level? A silvery mist will earn a passing grade, a shaped shadow will earn a few more points, but a full corporeal Patronus such as each and every member of Dumbledore's Army can produce earns an Outstanding NEWT Mark my words, Mr Potter, you will make a very competent teacher," she said confidently.

"Harry, it is my hope that you and the members of the DA, should you accept the position, will eventually become the new Aurors we desperately need. The sense of teamwork the DA displayed in the heat of battle, as taught by you, is exemplary. Truth be told, most of you could pass the practical Auror exam today, and with a little study, you could pass the theoretical exams too," Kingsley said.

"So you want me to train Aurors without officially calling it an Auror Training Programme," Harry concluded.

"Yes, that is the basic idea," McGonagall said and then gave one of her rare smiles "You will have the full support of both the Ministry and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and I don't think being able to spend time at Hogwarts should be a problem, Mr Potter. We also hope the DA might fill in as teachers for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Another team project, if you will."

"Of course I'd love to spend time at Hogwarts. But isn't there a risk that we expose the vulnerability of the Ministry and the Auror Office as you described," Harry asked.

"No one in his right mind would ever question you, Harry. You trained the most successful group opposing Voldemort, and then, if you please, you finished him yourself," Kingsley said. "If you accept, I trust the Daily Prophet to make it look good; however, it may very likely add to your hero status," Kingsley chuckled.

"And I know of several of the Professors who would gladly assist you in any way you need," Professor McGonagall added. "And they would also give you and the DA specialized lessons in the subjects other than Defence Against the Dark Arts, so you are prepared to take the theoretical Auror exams."

"I want you to know, Harry, that I don't want to use you. You have certainly done more for the Wizarding world than anyone ever could ask of you." Kingsley said, "but you are a powerful influence in our world. You are considered a great hero, and as Dumbledore's apprentice, I dare say many expect you to might fill the void left with his death. As for me, I must have an official opinion of you as Minister for Magic. I don't like it, but I must. Should I avoid you, it might appear that I'm afraid of you, making me look weak. That could lead to speculation that you are after my job. Should I be seen too much with you, it might make me appear weak, as though I might be trying to ride on your status. Therefore, I've chosen to be seen with you publicly only to bestow on you the Order of Merlin. Don't get me wrong, because you all deserved it, but there was a political dimension to it all too," Kingsley explained.

"Oh yes. The new leader decorates the war hero, right," Harry said blandly.

"Something like that." Kingsley smiled sadly, knowing Harry disdained the attention.

"I'll never be a politician," Harry affirmed.

"But you will accept training the DA for a restored Auror Office," Professor McGonagall asked.

"Can I think about it and talk to Ginny," Harry asked. "I mean, it has as much to do with her as it does me in the long run."

"Of course, you may send an owl to me and to Minerva when you have reached a decision," Kingsley assured him.

"Fair enough, Minister,' Harry said, offering his hand. "Professor." Harry opened the door and left the office, his mind reeling.If I accept their offer, Ginny and I wouldn't have to be apart while she's at school.

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That evening, Harry and Ginny sat in their room talking. "Ginny, I need your opinion."

"I appreciate that you do," she smiled. "Or I'd curse you."

"I know you would and I'd deserve it. I promised you that I will never shut you out of my life again and I meant it," he said, gazing into her chocolate pools.

He told Ginny about the offer Kingsley and Professor McGonagall made him, and how he felt about it. "It's a great opportunity, Gin," he offered.

"I always thought you wanted to be an Auror one day, and now it seems this offer pretty much puts you in charge of the new Auror Training Programme," she said, savouring the possibilities.

"Honestly, I thought I might've fought the Dark Arts enough to last a lifetime and that maybe I should leave it for others from now on. Ginny, I want a future with you and working as Auror could put me at risk," he reminded her.

"There's an unspoken butthere. I can hear it already," she said with a sly grin.

"But...I think I'd be a good Auror and I want to do something that makes a difference. As an Auror, I could also keep my duelling skills at top level, if I ever need to fight, and..." Harry paused.

"There's an and..." she asked.

"And I could keep training you so you can better protect yourself while I'm gone on missions," he said, putting a protective arm around her.

"Well...that might be fun," she said, thoughtfully. "If you're not sure, this seems like a good chance to find out if being an Auror is what you really want. You'll be training the DA to become Aurors, but not as a part of the Auror Office, which means you don't have to make a commitment to the Ministry." Ginny observed. "It seems to me that they're saying that should any of you decide you don't want to take the Auror exams, you won't have to."

"That's true, and I can still spend a lot of time at Hogwarts with you. By the way, what do you plan to do after Hogwarts, my love," Harry asked with raised eyebrows.

"Maybe become a Healer, but I'll need top marks for that. And I also hope for a successful career raising a family," she smiled. "I've also had this crazy dream of playing professional Quidditch, but I've heard the competition for contracts is brutal."

Harry had all he could do to restrain himself from instantly proposing to Ginny with his mother's ring when she told about having a family, but he had a plan and he meant to stick with it. "Work hard with the Quidditch team. You know Oliver Wood got a contract," Harry said.

"Yeah, I guess..." she said wistfully.

"You only guess? Ginny, you are an amazing Chaser. I've seen you in action, remember. I have little doubt you could land a place on a professional team," he said to her eyes.

"You are so hot when you talk about Quidditch, did you know that," she asked him as she pulled him down into a deep kiss.

"Mmm, is that so? Well...you're pretty hot when you play Quidditch," he said, kissing her again until they found themselves engaged in a Quidditch-induced snog, after which they fell asleep in each other's arms.

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At breakfast, Harry asked Ginny to nail Pig down so he could send his reply to Kingsley. He didn't have the heart to impose on poor old Errol. He wrote only two words: We accept. As post owls go, Pigwidgeon was a bit high-strung, but he did his job and Harry knew his message would find its proper recipient.

Next, he Apparated to Hogsmeade and walked to Hogwarts castle. As he approached a strange feeling lodged in his gut. Hogwarts was one of his favourite places in the whole world, but it also reminded him of the battle. Entering the castle he saw flashes of the dead, of duelling wizards and witches, and of Voldemort pointing his wand at him. He met Sir Nicholas floating just outside the Great Hall.

"Harry, my boy," Sir Nicholas called cheerfully. "How are you?"

"Sir Nicholas! I'm well, thanks. Listen, is Professor McGonagall in her office?"

"I believe so, Harry." The Gryffindor ghost disappeared through the wall and Harry continued to the Gargoyle.

"I would like to speak with the headmistress" Harry said, not knowing the password. The gargoyle spun and revealed the stairs leading up to the office. He knocked on the door.

"Come," she said simply.

"Professor McGonagall," he greeted.

She looked up from her parchments. "Harry, this is a pleasant surprise," she replied.

"I have, after much consideration and a chat with Ginny, decided to accept your offer."

"Splendid, Harry. Welcome back to Hogwarts! I will send you anything you need that Hogwarts can provide. Rest assured that the Hogwarts staff and I are at your disposal should you need us," she said with a rare smile.

"I'd feel much more comfortable teaching here than at the Ministry. Would it be possible to have a classroom?"

"That can be arranged," Professor McGonagall promised.

"I will need a place to sleep, but I don't think the dorm would be appropriate," he reasoned.

"That can be arranged as well. Anything else, Mr Potter?"

"Not that I can think of right off hand. Thank you, Professor."

"Well then, Mr Potter, we'll see you on the first of September," she said as she took his hand in a formal farewell.

Harry arrived back at the Burrow an hour later and spent the rest of the day with Ginny. He had never been happier. He was going back to Hogwarts, sort of. He would work with the DA, but most important to him was that he would be able to stay close to Ginny.

The next day, Harry and Ginny were awoken when Molly threw that morning's edition of the Daily Prophet over them. "Harry, is this true?"

"Is what true," he asked, reaching for his glasses.

"Let me read it then," Molly said summoning the paper back into her hands.

Harry Potter Develops Dumbledore's Army
The Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts have offered Harry Potter an official teaching position to take up the training of Dumbledore's Army at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The plan is to incorporate the members into a restored Auror Office

'The Auror Office sustained losses during the war. Members of Dumbledore's Army are the most-qualified candidates to replace those lost,' Kingsley Shacklebolt stated in a press release yesterday.
The Auror Office is busy rounding up Death Eaters still at large, rendering them incapable of running an Auror Training Program this term. Harry Potter, though he's not yet an Auror himself, will train Dumbledore's Army with the assistance of the Ministry and Hogwarts staff to prepare them for the extensive battery of Auror exams.
'Short of an Auror Training Programme, this will do just as well,' Hogwarts Headmistress Minerva McGonagall commented yesterday afternoon.
Minister Shacklebolt added that 'Any members of Dumbledore's Army who wish to become Aurors must pass the compulsory battery of exams to receive their licences.' It's certain that the members of this exemplary team will indeed earn their positions with the Auror Office.

Molly laid the paper in her lap and looked at her surrogate son with beaming pride.

"It's true. Professor McGonagall and Kingsley asked me the day before yesterday. That's what my appointment with him was about," Harry told her. "I didn't want to say anything until I talked about it with Ginny." He took his love's hand and kissed it.

"The two of you! One the Quidditch captain and the other teaching future Aurors." We couldn't be prouder," Molly cried as she took them into one of her patented hugs.

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Ron and Hermione returned to the Burrow the day before Ginny's birthday, having spent some real quality time with Hermione's parents. Harry and Ginny welcomed them home with hugs and backslapping. The four of them hadn't realized how much they'd missed each other.

"Congratulations by the way, Harry! I guess you will have no problem becoming an Auror if you really want to," Hermione said.

"Thanks, Hermione. Listen, would you excuse me for a bit? I'd like to talk to Ron outside," Harry asked shunting his best friend toward the door.

"Come on, Hermione," said Ginny reaching for her bag. "Let's get you settled back in while they talk about whatever it is blokes talk about." Hermione nodded and they climbed the stairs giggling.

"It'll be really strange not having you around Hogwarts with us, mate, but I'm sure I'll be able to come by the shop for a visit," Harry said, trying to work up the nerve to tell Ron what he really needed to tell him.

"Yeah, I know. It's a bit weird, but I actually feel pretty good about working for George right now. Besides, I need a break from studies. I still might want to be an Auror one day, but not yet."

"Whenever you're ready, Ron, but that's not why I wanted to talk to you," Harry said with a serious air.

"What's up mate," Ron asked a bit concerned.

"Tomorrow morning, I'm going to ask Ginny to marry me. I want to do it when it's just the family at home. Since you're my best mate and Ginny's brother, I wanted you to know ahead of time. I have already talked to Arthur and he's given me his permission, but he doesn't know that I'm asking her tomorrow. Don't say anything, not even to Hermione," Harry said.

"Harry, that's great...and mum's the word!"

"Excellent! If she says yesI'm hoping the wedding will be next summer after school is finished."

"If she says yes? Harry, mate, do really have any doubts?"

"No, not really. And Ron, assuming there is a wedding, I'd like you to be my best man."

"It would be my honour, mate," Ron replied, slapping Harry on the back. "And my great pleasure fixing the Stag night," he said with a conspiratorial wink.

That evening after supper, the four friends gathered in Ron's room and caught up on all the news fit to print and some that wasn't. They stayed up late laughing and joking until yawns overtook them all and they bade each other goodnight. Harry and Ginny descended to their room, leaving Ron and Hermione to their own devices. They changed into their nightclothes and climbed into bed, too tired for a bedtime snog. They tenderly kissed each other goodnight with whispered wishes for sweet dreams, and fell asleep once again in one another's embrace.

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Harry awoke feeling as though he'd been hexed with a Jelly Legs jinx.Perfect, she's still asleep. He carefully slipped out of bed and retrieved the box containing his mother's emerald engagement ring. Ginny opened her eyes as Harry kissed her, wishing her a happy Coming-of-Age birthday. They shared a passionate kiss that allowed her to come fully to her senses. "I have something for you," he said as he held her face in his hands. You are so beautiful when you first wake up.

She sat up as he collected his thoughts and gulped. Easy, Potter. This is it. He gazed longingly into her eyes and began. "Ginny, I love you more than life itself. I can't imagine any kind of future without you," he said with a slight blush.

Ginny looked at him in wonder.Is he really...She didn't dare hope he was doing what she thought he was doing.

Harry paused to take a breath and then fell to one knee, taking her hand in his.

Oh my gosh, he is! Oh yes, Harry, yes!

"Ginevra Molly Weasley, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you please marry me," he asked her hopefully, tears filling his eyes. Harry held out the box in his other hand and opened it, revealing the ring.

Ginny briefly wondered if she could cast a charm to make sure this wasn't a dream. Tears streamed down her face. "Oh yes, Harry! I will! I'll marry you," she cried.

Harry gently raised Ginny's left hand a slipped the ring on her finger as he kissed her tenderly on the lips. She threw her arms around him, returning his kiss. Salt tears fell down both of their faces as their kiss deepened. They held each other and cried into one another's necks.

"Harry, I love you so much. I'd hoped for so long..." she said as she swallowed back sobs, tears still running.

"I know, Gin. I know. Thank you for saying yes," he declared as he pulled her into a desperate embrace. "You've made me so happy, my heart, my own. So unbelievably happy," he said, leaving little kisses all over her face.

Ginny looked at the ring. "Harry, this ring...it's beautiful! I've never seen anything so lovely," she breathed.

"It was my mother's," he told her.

"Then I'll cherish it all the more," she said, more tears stealing down her cheek. "Getting to know your mother through her diary, and learning how much she and your dad loved each other, I am honoured to wear it."

"She was as strong and brave as you are," Harry said cradling her tiny frame in his arms. Ginny attacked Harry with kisses again until they realized they were late for breakfast.

"Morning, all," Harry and Ginny said together, and sat down to eat. Ginny's birthday presents lay piled in the centre of the table.

Ron, Hermione, Molly, and Arthur were already in the kitchen eating. Ron raised his eyebrows at Harry, who with a nod, confirmed that he had indeed proposed. Ron smiled and mouthed, Good on ya, mate!

"Ginevra," Molly said after a few minutes, in a tone that startled everyone. They all knew there always was a very good reason for Molly to say Ginevrarather than Ginny. Immediately she smiled warmly and looked over at her devilishly handsome new fiancé.

"Let me see your hand."

Ginny stretched her right hand out and wiggled her fingers, trying to choke down a giggle.

"Your other hand, young lady," Molly demanded with mock frustration.

Ginny's face lit up as she extended her left hand showing off the ring.

"Harry, did you really..." Hermione screamed.

"He did," Ginny confirmed."And I said yes!"

"Harry!" Molly cried and looked at Ginny as tears welled up in her eyes. "My baby girl! I have ...erm... I mean... wehave a wedding to plan!" She hurried around the table and hugged both of them.

"Morning or not," Arthur declared. "This calls for a shot of Firewhiskey, and since you're now are of age, Ginny, you shall have one too, whether you like it or not!" Laughter broke out around the breakfast table.

Molly had become speechless with joy, still hugging them both at the same time as Arthur summoned glasses and a bottle of his finest Old Ogden's. Once everyone held a glass, Arthur spoke.

"Harry, you have made my daughter very happy and it's quite evident that she makes you very happy. As Ginny's father, I couldn't be happier myself." Arthur's eyes brightened with tears of pride for his daughter and soon-to-be-son-in-law.

"If I had known this when that sweet little lost boy found us at King's Cross..." Molly began, but she couldn't finish. She burst into tears.

"As Ginny's brother, I'll admit I've been somewhat overprotective..." Ron said, but paused when Ginny teased him about the somewhatpart. He blushed and snickered, but continued, "and as Harry's best friend I had to get over the nausea and an urge to hex you the first time I caught you snogging my sister. But I know you love each other, so I wish you a very well-deserved happiness."

He's so funny and sweet...and hot. "First of all I have to beg your forgiveness for my boyfriend, here, who has apparently taken too many Bludgers to the head playing Quidditch." Hermione said with a smirk. She turned to face Harry and Ginny "You are obviously meant to be together, that's all I can say," she said as she choked back a sob.

Arthur looked at them. "Harry, even though we've thought of you as a member of this family for years, let me be the first to officially welcome you. To Harry and Ginny! Sláinte!"

"Sláinte," they repeated and threw back their drinks. Molly slipped one of Ginny's presents from the pile. Her family looked at her questioningly.

"It was a clock, but now I'll just put the two of you in the clock Harry got last year," she said sheepishly. Everyone laughed.

Ginny's birthday was quieter than Harry's had been. Charlie came all the way from Romania where he'd visited his friends, Bill and Fleur, Percy, and George and Katie came to dinner that evening to celebrate Ginny's special birthday. No one mentioned the engagement. In fact, they had a bet on about who would notice first. Ron bet on Fleur and won.

"Geeny, eez zat what I sink it eez," Fleur asked her excitedly.

"Yes, it is. Harry asked me to marry him this morning," she said, proudly holding out her hand for Fleur to inspect.

Conversation stopped. Bill, who had been standing a little bit offside, looked at them, eyes wide. "What are you saying, Sis? Are you getting married?"

"Yes, after I finish school," she replied, gazing lovingly at Harry.

"Boys," Bill said matter-of-factly to his brothers, "our little sister will beat you all! Ginny and Harry, congratulations!" He gave each of them a big hug. There was no mistaking that the Weasley family were thrilled about the engagement.

"It's about time we had some happiness in this family," George said with a relieved smile.

"True, that," Ron replied as he pulled Hermione in close to his side, kissing the top of her head. And someday, lovely lady, you'll be a bride too if I have anything to say about it.

Later on in the evening, Harry found himself alone with Bill near the fireplace. "Congratulations brother," Bill said. "I can tell you make Ginny very happy. You're both glowing. And congratulations on your new job, too."

Harry felt a little shy. He liked Bill but didn't know him that well. But he didn't mind getting to know him better. "Brother," Harry asked.

"Yes, you'll be my brother-in-law," Bill reminded him.

"That's right. Wow," Harry said as a grin spread across his face.

"Harry," Bill said. "I heard you were at Gringotts earlier this summer. I must say, you handled yourself brilliantly."

"Thanks. I don't have much knowledge about Goblins but I guess previous dealings and what you taught me helped. I hope I didn't put you into trouble after breaking in. I don't know how much they actually know, but it's no secret I'm close to your family..."

"Our family Harry, you're officially part of it now. And no, I didn't get into any trouble. By the way, I talked to Mum about inviting you and Ginny to Shell Cottage. Would you like to come for a few days?"

"I'd love to. Have you said anything to Ginny yet?"

"No, you do that, and let us know. Fleur is very fond of both of you, you know."

"Bill, you are really great. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you a little better," Harry said.

"Wait until we've shared a bottle of Firewhiskey," Bill laughed. "Honestly, I'm glad to get to know you better too. You're all right, Harry."

"Oi! Ginny! Presents," called Ron as Molly placed Harry's rearranged clock with the other gifts. It was now a clock showing both Harry and Ginny on its hands. The Weasley family had bought one collective present for Ginny.

"A Firebolt," she squealed.

"You'll need that to defend the House Cup," Arthur said proudly.
Harry's present was a locket that matched the engagement ring. It was heart-shaped, and inside was room for pictures of himself and Ginny. The combined birthday and engagement party continued on until midnight when they all trooped off to bed, Molly orchestrating their movements. Harry and Ginny closed the door to their room, stripped down to tee shirts and shorts, and climbed into bed.

"Ginny, Bill asked me if we wanted to visit him and Fleur for a few days at Shell Cottage. I...I'd like to go," he said. "What do you think?"

"That'd be great." Ginny said.

"You know, Bill figured out about us back at Hogwarts, but he didn't freak out like Ron."

"I have a different relationship with each of my brothers, probably because they're each different in their own way. Bill is just that much older, almost like an extra father. Charlie, Fred and George were the ones who loved pulling pranks on their little sister. Percy was the one who told Mum if they broke the rules, or if I did at payback time. Ron, being the little brother, only had his little sister to tease, because if he did something to Fred and George they always got him back. I love my brothers, even Percy, but in a way, Bill has always been the one I felt closest to."

"He called me Brothertoday" Harry said. He held Ginny close as a few tears escaped.

"You have a family now, Harry. We are your family and I love you so much."

She raised her face to Harry's and pressed her lips to his, pouring all of her love and compassion into every precious second of it. His tongue flicked against her lips, begging for access. She opened her mouth and the kiss intensified. The familiar molten lava shot through their bodies as their desire for one another enveloped them, taking over their every thought.

This is it, Gin. Tonight's the night. Pausing for breath, Ginny looked at Harry and whispered, "Harry, I'm of age now."

"Yeah, I know," Harry replied, his breathing as ragged as hers. At the very thought, his arousal strained against fabric. He crushed her into a desperate embrace, capturing her mouth in a mind-blowing kiss.

Ginny found the hem of his shirt and slid her hands up under it to caress his chest and massage the muscles of his back. Harry moaned and tore his mouth from hers. "Merlin, Gin." They continued snogging, exploring one another's bodies, lost in their love for one another.

"Harry," Ginny breathed into his ear. He sucked in another ragged breath as she nipped his ear lobe. She traced his calf muscle with her foot as she bit at the flesh of his chest.

"Mmm hmmm," Harry moaned into her smooth shoulder. He lingered at her pulse point, biting and licking. She whimpered and almost cried out. Merlin, I'm about to explode. Why is he holding back?

"Oh gods," she gasped as she caught her breath. "Harry, I'm naked under my shirt and shorts," she purred into his ear again. "No knickers tonight," Ginny coaxed.
"Are you," he asked in an adrenaline-induced fog, his resolve beginning to crumble. Did she say 'no knickers?'Harry captured her mouth with his and slipped his tongue between her lips once again, joining hers in a wild dance. Exploring, ever exploring. Their hearts pounded in one another's ears, Harry whispered seductively. "I love you, Gin. I love you so much."

Breasts heaving and pressing into his chest, Ginny wrapped a slender leg around his waist. "I can't hold on much longer, Harry," she panted, as she took a fistful of his soft raven hair and pulled his head up, forcing him to look at her with those magnificent emerald eyes. They had turned dark with desire. Just let go, love.

"Gin..." he moaned, as his arousal throbbed painfully behind its cotton barrier.

Ginny threw off her tee shirt and kicked off her shorts."I don't want to wait any more. I want you, Harry. I need you," she growled with a blazing look that screamed undying love and unbridled passion.

Stunned, Harry stared at her in all her glory. He couldn't speak, for he was consumed with the awe of her. Merlin, she's gorgeous! She's perfect. Her hair, her lips, her...everything.

"Gin, I..." Harry stammered, still taken up in her exquisite beauty. She wants to...Harry blushed at the very thought.

"For Merlin's sake, Harry, we're getting married, we are both of age, and I want you right here and right now," she demanded, literally tearing his shirt off and throwing it across the room.

Usually shy about his own nakedness, he didn't feel compelled to fight her as she pressed her thumbs between his hips and the waistband of his boxers. Staring defiantly into his eyes, she slipped them down, down. Mesmerised, he felt himself rise up and soon she had set him free. His boxers lay forgotten in the tangle of sheets at the foot of the bed. Merlin! She really...this is it, Potter. She pulled him over on top of her into another steaming kiss. He breathed in her scent and the last bastion of his reason gave way.

The volcano that boiled with their mutual desire erupted into ecstasy as they pressed their naked bodies together. Harry's kisses travelled down her neck to her pulse point and up to the spot right behind her ear where he knew one flick of his tongue would drive her wild. "That's so good, Harry," she whimpered, as he left tiny bites back down her slender neck to her collarbone. She bit into his shoulder as her nails raked across the plain of his back.

"Ginny. My beautiful, sweet Ginny," he murmured into her hair as his hand brushed the soft globe of her breast. She arched in to him and moved naturally to receive him. "I don't want to hurt you, love," Harry said into her eyes.

"I'll be okay, I promise," Ginny assured him. "Please, Harry. Take me," she breathed. "Take me now." He crushed his lips onto hers as they become one for the first time. Their heads spun as the world melted away with the heat of their passion. Settling into a rhythm, they gazed into each other's eyes, even as they climaxed. Thoroughly spent, they lay gasping together in one another's arms basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

"I don't know how it's possible, but I love you even more," Ginny confessed in wonder, planting wet kisses all over Harry's chest.

"I was just thinking the same thing," Harry admitted. "I believe that maybe it might bear further research," he grinned, pulling her over on top of him.

"Why Professor Potter," she giggled, leaning down to kiss the corners of his smile. They made love again before falling asleep in their customary embrace.

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The next day, Ginny dragged Hermione off as Bill, Charlie, Harry and Ron played two-on-two Quidditch. Percy had already left and George had to work to do, so had left with Katie. Ginny was so overcome with emotion she just had to have some girl talk with her best friend.

"Hermione, we did it," Ginny whispered excitedly.

"Who? Did what?"

"It... me and Harry."

"As in..." Hermione seemed to get it.

"... shagging, yes! It was so incredibly and utterly wonderful," Ginny whispered.

Hermione gave Ginny a big hug. "I'm so happy for you."

"Have you and Ron..."

"... been shagging," Hermione finished, then blushed. "Well yes, and I thought I'd have to put the Imperius curse on him the first time."

"The two of you are so cute together... actually, Harry needed some...uh...encouragement too."

"What," Hermione asked.

"I kind of...ripped his clothes off," she giggled with a wicked grin.

"That's pretty much what I had to do with Ron, but the second time, it was the other way round." Hermione told her.

"Hermione," Ginny began. "I know it won't be until next summer, but will you be my Maid of Honour?"

"Ginny, I'd be happy to. After all, my two best friends are getting married...to each other!"

The next several days passed in a flurry of activity, with several visits to Diagon Alley to gather the things Ginny and Hermione would need for school. During one particular visit, Harry took Ginny into Gringotts to set up his vault as theirs.

"Harry, you don't have to do this," Ginny said, staring at all the gold.
"But I want to. This is all ours now, anyway."

Their day ended up a bit dragged out because people still wanted to talk to them and shower them with praise and thanks. They stopped for lunch, where they were able to look over a copy of the Daily Prophet someone had left on the table. The second page carried a full report of the Malfoy trial during which Narcissa Malfoy had been cleared of all charges, thanks to Harry's deposition. Draco Malfoy, who had been underage during most of the war had simply been fined 100 Galleons. Lucius Malfoy, however, took the full rap for his involvement with Voldemort as a full-fledged Death Eater. He was sentenced to 10 years in Azkaban with a lifetime ban against ever practising magic in Britain again. Since his own wand had been shattered when Voldemort had tried to use it against Harry, Malfoy had been handed a fake one simply so the Wizengamot would have something to take from him and snap.

"So Draco managed to stay out of prison," Ginny commented.

"Yes, and ten years for Lucius. I thought he'd get a life sentence, but that whole thing with the fake wand. I have to wonder if that was really necessary. It seems kind of cruel," Harry said shaking his head slowly.

"Lucius Malfoy was a cruel man. Don't forget about that damned diary," Ginny said coldly.

"Yeah, that was pretty low, wasn't it," Harry agreed. And I might have lost you because of it.

Within a week of the engagement, the Daily Prophet ran a story proclaiming it to the world. Harry and Ginny guessed someone must have seen the ring on her finger on one of their visits to Diagon Alley. Harry and Ginny didn't see any sense in keeping their happy news a secret, so they confirmed the story, saying they planned to marry the following summer after finishing school. Perhaps the editors of the Daily Prophet felt the same need for good news that the Weasley family did after all the hashing and rehashing of the war, the countless memorials, and coverage of the Death Eater trials.

The Chosen One – The Future Mrs Potter
On 11 August, Harry Potter proposed to his girlfriend, Ginny Weasley. The couple are now engaged and plan to wed next summer after Miss Weasley's final year at Hogwarts. The couple sent the Daily Prophet the following statement:
'We are happy to announce our official engagement. We wish to thank the Wizarding community for generally respecting our privacy; however, our friends have told us about some rumours that have been circulating concerning the circumstances of our engagement. We assure you that those rumours are just that. Rumours. Ginny is not pregnant, and we do not have a baby. We do, however, have a godson who was born this past spring and orphaned during the war. We try to spend time with him on a regular basis.
Harry J. Potter, OMFC Ginevra M. Weasley, OMSC

According to Lee Jordan, Press Secretary for Mr Potter and Miss Weasley, Miss Weasley wears Lily Potter's engagement ring. It is a square-cut emerald in a gold setting. He also confirms that the Weasley family are delighted to officially welcome Mr Potter into the family he already has been considered a part of for many years." The Daily Prophet congratulates Mr Potter and Miss Weasley on their upcoming nuptials.

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She read the Daily Prophet, thinking about her plan. Harry Potter would was going to marry his woman and very likely become an Auror. Maybe that gave her a rough timetable for her plan to destroy his world. Yes, soon after the marriage, when Potter would think he'd live happily ever after, that would be the time to strike. It also gave her a lot of time to perfect her plan.

At the moment, though, the hunt for Death Eaters was far too intense. If she waited, it would give her a better chance. She would have to involve others, but secrecy was important. If she were successful, no one would know what hit them until it was too late. But she needed back-up plans. A plan of this scope would only have one shot. If plan A failed, she needed a plan B, C and D. Executing maybe four coordinated plans might increase the chances of success, but also demand more people. More people meant a greater risk of exposure.

Plans had to be made and it was time to contact trustworthy people. She needed to know more about the changes at the Ministry in order to avoid detection and maximize the odds of pulling this off. Her only current sources of information were rumours and the Daily Prophet, but that was not acceptable any longer. She needed someone with a genuine knowledge of Muggles to seek out and mark possible targets and the best way and place to kill them in the Muggle world. Her own knowledge of Muggles was simply not vast enough. A maniacal grin began to twist around her mouth as she began to formulate the next steps of her ultimate plan of destruction.