Chapter 7 – The Test

Harry and Ginny decided they would have a lie-in on Sunday morning before they met Ron and Hermione in Hogsmeade. There was really no rush, since they didn't have to be there until 11:00. They lay in bed waking up lazily with gentle caresses and soft kisses, drifting in and out of sleep. Finally, Harry rolled over, pinned Ginny to the bed and kissed her soundly. "Good morning, my love," he said, kissing her again.

"Mmm. Morning," she smiled sleepily. "Do we have to get up now?"

"If we're going to shower and be in Hogsmeade in time to meet Ron and Hermione," he answered, coaxing her out of her half-stupor. "Come on. We can save a few minutes if we shower together."

"That sounds like fun," she grinned as he raised himself off her so she could get up. "Race you!"

Harry chased her into the bathroom, both of them leaving a trail of clothes from the bed to the shower. Ginny turned on the taps and set the right temperature mix. They stepped in together and Harry immediately took her into a tight embrace. He leaned in for a kiss, pressing their naked bodies together as the warm water flowed over them.

"Harry, we're showering together to save time, not make time," she giggled. "Here, wash my hair and maybe I'll let you brush it out."

She handed him the bottle of her favourite shampoo—the one that imparted upon her that special scent of wildflowers and strawberries. He squeezed a nominal amount into his hands and rubbed them together before he worked it into a rich lather. He worked the fragrant foam through her luxurious tresses, gently massaging her scalp. "Ooh that feels nice, love," she purred as he ran his fingers through her wet hair. That single comment woke something up that he tried to ignore.

"Rinse, Gin," he said as he helped her lean back into the spray of water. He pulled the soap from her hair until it squeaked, then picked up the bar of soap in the dish and washed her body. He ran the soap gently over his favourite parts of her until every inch of her was covered in silky bubbles and then caressed it away under the stream of water issuing from the shower head.

"Your turn," she cooed as they switched places. He handed her his bottle of shampoo with the woodsy spicy scent that drove her wild—the scent that was so completely Harry. She massaged it into his raven hair, running her nails across his scalp and then helped him rinse the lather away. She picked up the soap Harry had left in the dish and washed every square inch of his body, running the soap gently over her favourite parts of him until he was covered with silky bubbles. She caressed his chest as the water washed over him, rinsing the soap away.

The simple act of taking a shower ignited a waterproof flame between them. Try as they might, they couldn't ignore it, nor could they extinguish it. It enveloped them and drew them together like a moth to a candle. Their mouths collided in a mind-blowing kiss as their hands explored every inch of their now-clean bodies. Harry lifted Ginny up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he propped her against the tiles. He lowered her down slightly, entering her. "Harry! Oh gods..." she cried.

"Gin...that's so good," he moaned. It didn't take but a few minutes for their climax to roll over them in one huge tidal wave crashing to shore. They remained motionless as the wave continued to roll until it quieted. They were both shaking as Harry set her down carefully, making sure she didn't slip on the wet tiled floor of the shower. He held her in a warm embrace for a few moments before they rinsed themselves clean again and stepped out of the shower.

Each taking a fluffy towel in their hands, they set to drying one another off. Harry ran a brush through his messy hair, noticing how long it had grown. It reached past his shoulders now and he figured it was time to start tying it back like Bill's, since Ginny had made it clear at one point that no barber would touch his hair without her approval. He cast a quick drying charm on it and stepped out into the room to get dressed. Ginny sat in her matching bra and panties waiting for him with her brush in her hand.

"Do you mind," she asked silkily, handing him her brush.

"Sure, Gin. Just let me pull on a fresh pair of shorts first," he replied. That done, he took the brush from her. She gestured for him to sit on the bed, while she dropped a pillow to the floor and sat down between his legs. He began to brush.

He marvelled at how the simple act of brushing his beloved's thick long hair made him feel closer to her, loving her more and more with each stroke. He worked her hair in sections so as not to pull it and hurt her, and then worked it all at once until it hung in one shiny flaming sheet. He cast the drying charm over it a few times until it was only slightly damp.

"Thank you, Harry. I really enjoyed that." She struggled to get up, so Harry held out his arms for her to hold on to.

"You're welcome, Love. I enjoyed it too," he replied. "I supposed we ought to finish dressing and get going or we're going to be late. You know how Hermione is about that," he warned.

"Don't I know it. She hates to be late and she really hates others to be late," Ginny agreed. "She'll be in a right state."

They finished dressing and made for the door. The corridors were again mostly deserted as Sundays generally found the students in their common rooms hanging out or doing homework. They descended the stairs hand in hand, crossed the Entrance Hall, and walked out the door into the late-morning September sunshine. Since their shower escapade left them short on time, they had to forgo a leisurely stroll in favour of Apparition to Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes.

The clock at the post office chimed 11:00 on the nose when Harry and Ginny Apparated in front of the shop with a pop! Ron and Hermione had just stepped outside moments before.

"You here on time," Hermione laughed. "I'm surprised. I thought you'd have a lie-in and...well..."

"We did have a lie-in. So much so that we didn't even have any breakfast," Ginny replied. "Then we took a shower to..."

"I don't want to know. I do not want to know," Ron cried, clapping his hands over his ears.

"So what have you two been up to," Harry asked suggestively.

"Um...dessert," said Ron conspiratorially. "Chocolate dessert. Lots of whipped..."

"Oi! TMI, Brother-of-Mine! TMI," Ginny cried in mock horror. The four friends had a good laugh at one another's reports of their weekend escapades.

Ron and Hermione told them about the new café where they would have lunch, so they all began to walk down the street toward it. For a Sunday, the shops in Hogsmeade were quite busy. People milled about and chatted animatedly.

Harry remembered how dismal the mood of the town had been that night last May when he, Ron, and Hermione Apparated near the Hog's Head the night the Battle of Hogwarts began. They had nearly been accosted by Death Eaters. He would be ever thankful for the bravery and quick thinking of Aberforth Dumbledore. He decided he would like to stop by the Hog's Head before returning to Hogwarts that evening.

"We spent yesterday with the Munchkins. We gave them the Grand Tour of the grounds, visited Hagrid for tea and biscuits—those really yummy ones he learned from Madame Maxime—"

"Wait a minute. You're telling me that Hagrid baked yummy biscuits," Ron asked incredulously. "All I've ever tasted are his rock cakes. I nearly lost a tooth on one of those!"

"Yes, Ronald. He got the recipe from Madame Maxime and she taught him how to bake them. They're very good," Hermione told him, and since he still looked doubtful she emphasized "Really."

"And after we had tea with Hagrid, I flew them around the Quidditch pitch. I took extra time with Patricia, since she had never seen a flying broom, let alone ridden one," Harry said. "We buzzed the Astronomy tower and scared the hell out of a couple of snogging Ravenclaws!" They all burst into laughter again. "You should have seen their faces. Priceless!"

"They'll think twice before they go up there again, mate. Word gets around, nobody will meet up there ever again," Ron said with a Cheshire grin.

"Harry tried to teach them Wizard's Chess..." Ginny began before Hermione cut across her.

"Harry? Teach Wizard's Chess? That's a hoot," Hermione laughed.

"Hey, I'm not so bad," Harry retorted as though his feelings had been crushed. "My chess pieces actually voluntary appear on the chess board now. When I first started they hid in the box and complained about migraine and fractures after the previous game I played."

"So, you're not so good either," laughed Ron. "I suppose I'll have to take the Munchkins under my wing."

"Erica would be thrilled to be under your wing," Ginny giggled. "She thinks you're cute. Your Chocolate Frog card is her most-prized possession."

"She has good taste in men, then," Hermione said, defending her Ron. "He is quite the handsome devil, isn't he? Heavy on the devil," she said wickedly.

They arrived at The Hearth and went inside. It looked like an old country inn with its stone walls and rough-cut furnishings. There were picturesque paintings on the walls and oil lanterns for light. An enormous fireplace nearly took up the rear wall and there was a fire burning brightly.

They sat down at a table near it and ordered a round of Butterbeers from a plump middle-aged waitress. A few minutes later she returned and set them down in front of them. "Are you ready to order, dears," she asked, producing a parchment pad and quill. They placed their orders and continued their conversation.

"So you have to go to the Ministry tomorrow morning. Tests," Ron asked, taking a pull from his bottle.

"Yes, practical tests. I was supposed to take them Friday, but...I'm sure Hermione's told you," Harry replied.

"No. Told me what," Ron asked casting a side glance at Hermione. "What were you supposed to have told me, 'Mione?" Ron leaned back and put his arm on the back of Hermione's chair.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, placing a hand high on the inside of Ron's thigh. "I...I haven't been thinking much about Harry and Ginny since we got back here Friday night..." She blushed and took a sip of Butterbeer.

"Erm...no, I...I guess not," Ron stammered, reddening. "So what happened?" She's trying to kill me.

"Well, on Friday morning..."

Harry was about to launch into the story when the waitress reappeared. "Here you are, dears," the cheerful waitress sang. She served them their food from a large tray she had balanced on her shoulder. "More Butterbeer," she asked.

"Erm...yes, please. All around," Harry answered.

As they ate, Harry and Ginny told Ron about their experiment, the matching Patronuses they both cast non-verbally, which filled Hermione in with the details Madame Pomfrey had left out. Then they told them about how they had repeated the experiment one at a time in their room that afternoon and how much better it worked.

"So McGonagall fixed it with Kingsley so I can take them tomorrow. I have to be at the Auror Office at nine. I have no idea how long this is going to take, but it sounds like I'm in for an all-day ordeal," Harry said.

"I have the utmost faith in you and your abilities, Harry James Potter," Ginny scolded kissing his hand. "And I know you'll do just fine." And trust me, you and your abilities do more than fine.

"That's right, mate," Ron agreed. "You're bloody amazing with your..."

Hermione cut across him. "You'll be great," she said, throwing a fierce look at Ron. She leaned in toward the centre of the table, motioning for the others to do the same. "There's an old Muggle saying that goes, Loose lips sink ships. I think we need to not discuss your special abilities, Harry, or your bond with Ginny in public."

"Why," Ginny asked, shaking her head in confusion.

"Because, Ginny. Harry's training to be an Auror. His special abilities will make it possible for him to be a very successful one. If every Death Eater and petty criminal in the world is aware of his great power and the abilities to go with it, not to mention the bond you share, it could undermine his ambitions for the Auror Office and make your life together very difficult," Hermione said urgently.

"So you're saying that our bond...the connection...might make Ginny a target," Harry asked.

"Harry, she's been a target for years and for loads of reasons we don't need to go into—our whole clan are targets. We've had this discussion," Ron said. "I think what 'Mione is saying is that you—and possibly Ginny—have powers most wizards only dream of. Armed with that knowledge, the criminal element will do all it can to either hide from you or come out and challenge you in the off-hand hope that they might take down the Great Harry Potter and make a name for themselves."

Harry nodded as he considered his friends' words. He'd been a legend since he was 15 months old and now a war hero to boot. He hated that status and didn't want it to progress any further. Hermione and Ron were right, of course. If word got out into the Wizarding world that Harry Potter, Dumbledore's Apprentice, wielded the mythical power of Merlin... Bloody hell!

"Then we keep further chatter about any of this under wraps, yeah," Harry finally said and placed his hand, palm down in the centre of the table. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione covered it with their own and nodded firmly in agreement. "Done."

They finished their lunch, which Harry insisted upon springing for, and headed back out into the afternoon sunshine. They enjoyed the day together just window shopping and musing about Christmas shopping and unlikely possibility getting it done early.

"As if," Ginny giggled. The two couples walked on together arm in arm.

"Hey, let's nick over to the Hog's Head for a drink. I'd like to look in on old Aberforth," Harry said, remembering he'd wanted to see the old innkeeper.

"We saw him yesterday," Hermione said. "He's still Ab. But I'm sure he'd be glad to see you and Ginny."

They had to backtrack a little to find the side street that would lead them to the Hog's Head. It looked as dusty as grimy as ever. So much so that one couldn't see through the windows. That was the beauty of the place for the likes of lowlife thieves like Mundungus Fletcher, defiant teenagers forming upstart paramilitary fighting clubs, or young fugitives on the lam. One could be sure to find all kinds at the Hog's Head and Aberforth Dumbledore, secretly a member of the Order, could be usually be trusted to keep his mouth shut.

Just for fun, they raised their hoods to hide their faces. Harry opened the door for Ginny and Hermione to step through and Ron then held it for Harry, closing it behind him. They must have cut an impressionable, if not slightly terrifying, figure because all conversation stopped as nervous eyes rested on them.

Ron cocked his head wordlessly to a table. The nervous eyes followed as they all sat down and put their heads together, snickering like the pranksters they were. The rugged old innkeeper approached their table. "What do you lot want here," he demanded.

"Firewhiskey," Ron grunted, trying to control his laughter. The others had to hold their collective breath to keep from shaking with mirth.

"That'll be five galleons," Aberforth growled slamming the bottle down on the table with four glasses. "Hurry it up. I haven't got all day!"

Ron reached into his pocket and pulled out the gold, tossing it on the table. He looked at his companions, they all nodded and dropped their hoods, finally able to release their laughter. "Merlin's earmuffs! It's you ruddy brave bastards," Aberforth said with a huge grin. Then he cast an embarrassed look at Ginny and Hermione. "Sorry, ladies."

"We've been called worse," Hermione giggled. "Please, join us." She conjured a fifth glass and asked Ron to pour out as if the alcohol were tea.

"How are you, Ab," Harry asked, shaking the old man's hand. "It's good to see you again and under much brighter circumstances! You know Ginny..."

Aberforth pulled up a chair nicked from an empty table. "Of course I know this lovely little lass. Getting married, are you? To this reckless git," he asked Ginny, jerking his thumb at Harry. He then cast an angry eye at the other customers. "Mind yer own business ya ruddy fools, and don't even think of coming over here and bothering this boy!" The other patrons, relieved that they were not in the presence of Death Eaters—or Aurors...that they knew of anyway—returned to their own hushed conversation.

"Yes, I am and we're hoping you'll be there," she answered him, leaning into her fiancé's shoulder. Harry raised the hand he'd been holding under the table and brought it his lips and kissed it as he gazed into her eyes, if only for a moment.

"I wouldn't miss it. Al would be proud, I think," he said with a faraway look in his eyes. He and his brother hadn't been on the best of terms, but they worked well together when the situation warranted it. He hated to admit it, but Aberforth missed his brother, Albus. "How're Arthur and Molly?"

"They're well. Dad's still at the Ministry and Mum's still holding down the Burrow," Ginny said.

"Fine business, fine business. So then, what have you lot been up to since...since the recent unpleasantness," Aberforth asked haltingly. "You're with that brother of yours in that damnable joke shop, right?"

"Yeah, that's right," Ron answered with a smirk.

"And you," he said pointing at Hermione. You're finishing your studies up at the school?"

"Yes, I am. NEWT-level, so I can sit the exams and graduate."

Aberforth turned back to Ron and said pointedly, "You could take a leaf from her book, lad. There's nothing wrong with having an education. And what's this I read in the Prophet that you, Mr Boy-Who-Lived-Ruddy-Chosen-Saviour-of-the-Wizarding-World, are involved in some kind of Auror training," Aberforth asked Harry.

"That's right. A few members of the DA and I are part of a new training programme for the Auror Office," he replied. "It's the Minister's idea."

"Ah yes, Shacklebolt. Good man," Aberforth nodded. "Smart bugger, too."

Soon the bottle was empty and the four friends had quite a buzz on, as Old Ogden's was rather strong stuff. Finally, it was time to go. The four friends shook hands with their old friend and took their leave. They made their slow way back to the shop as a chill wind began to blow. They stepped inside to find George at the counter.

"Hey mates," he called. "Have a good day?"

Ginny rushed over to give her older brother a squeeze. "It was a great day, Georgie," she said brightly. "Ab Dumbledore sends his...erm...regards."

"I'm sure he does, the old goat," George laughed. The others joined in, aware of the double entendre in George's remark. There had been an incident with Aberforth, a few charms, and a goat. "So you must be about ready to head back to Hogwarts. You staying for supper, Ron?"

"Yeah, McGonagall invited me," he replied. "What are you doing for supper?"

"Oh, Katie and I will grab a quick bite at the Broomsticks. She'll be here in a tick or two," he said with a wink. "Then...who knows?"

"Well, I won't be late because I'll have to leave after supper...just so you know," Ron warned his brother with a sly twitch around his mouth.

"So noted, little bro," George said. "You'd better get going if you're walking. It's getting late."

"Ron, I need..." Hermione began.

"I'll get it for you, said Ron sprinting toward the stairs, his long legs covering the distance in half the time it would have taken his girlfriend. He returned less than a minute later with her rucksack slung over his shoulder. "We'd better get you two back to the school before McGonagall slaps you with detention and hangs Harry and me off Gryffindor Tower," he said, pointing to his girlfriend and his sister.

Ginny and Hermione hugged George goodbye, each planting a light kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for letting me stay," Hermione said.

"Anytime, love. Any girlfriend of Ron's is a girlfriend of mine," he joked.

"Oi! You've got your own," Ron called from the door. This beautiful creature belongs to me.

"Get out of here, you daft prat," George called, lofting a balled up bit of parchment at Ron. Lucky bastard. Little did Ron know that that was the second time he'd been referred to in that manner today. A lesser man would have developed a complex.

Ron opened the door to the shop and ushered the others outside. The wind had indeed picked up and clouds began to gather over Hogsmeade. The four friends cast warming charms on their cloaks and drew them up around them as they set out on their walk toward Hogwarts castle. Another lovely evening in the Scottish highlands blowing to hell in what was shaping up to be quite a storm.

Heavy raindrops began to fall as they approached the gates. They hurried the some-200 yards across the grounds to the doors just as the deluge began in earnest. Ron and Harry pushed the great door open so they could go in without being drowned. Lightning flashed followed almost immediately by the deafening crash of thunder.

"Blimey! That was a close one," Ron said shaking his cloak free of lingering raindrops. "I wonder if the lightning struck something."

"I don't know and I'm not about to stick my head out that door to find out either," Harry replied. "Let's get into the Great Hall. They'll be serving supper soon."

They strolled into the Great Hall toward the Gryffindor table, each couple hand-in-hand. All eyes were on Ron and Hermione and whispers followed them. Hermione ignored them for the most part, but Ron caught phrases like engaged, married, so in love. He blushed but smiled to himself. Soon, you ruddy gossips, soon.

They took their places at the table where the Munchkins and the boy Harry knew as Joseph from his first-year Defence Against the Dark Arts class were huddled together in deep conversation, their Chocolate Frog cards clutched in their hands.

Harry cleared his throat. "I wonder where our Munchkins could be. I haven't seen them all day," Harry said loud enough for the whole house to hear.

"Yes, I've rather missed their shiny little faces," Hermione added.

"I was so hoping to have supper with them tonight, especially one Miss Erica Prewett," Ron said, also loud enough for the whole table to hear. That did it.

"Ron," Erica squealed as she jumped up out of her seat and ran to him, hugging him around the neck. "Did you and Hermione have fun?"

You have no idea, Miss Prewett. "Yes, we did. Did you have a good weekend too?"

"Oh yes! Harry took us flying and he and Ginny played Exploding Snap and Wizard's Chess with us," she said breathlessly. "Today Emma, Pat, and I hung out with Joseph practising Expelliarmus and Wingardium Leviosa and finishing our homework. We can do Wingardium Leviosa rather well, now. Wanna see?"

"Of course we want to see! Don't we, Harry," Ginny replied, squeezing Harry's thigh under the table.

"Uh...yeah. Go ahead then," he nodded. "Let's see you levitate that bun over there."

Erica drew her wand and screwed her face up in concentration and took aim. "Wingardium Leviosa," she commanded and the bun rose into the air. "She wiggled her wand and sent it floating to Ron.

"Well done...and thanks," Ron congratulated her as he raised the bun toward her, and proceeded to eat it.

Erica beamed as Ron accepted her gift. She hadn't realized that the entire House had been watching. They all stood and applauded her success. Gryffindor House, at least, was united under a banner of friendship and support.

Patricia wandered over, stealing glances over her shoulder at Joseph. "Um...Hermione? Can I ask you something," she asked, biting her bottom lip.

"Of course, Patricia. What is it," Hermione replied.

Patricia whispered something in Hermione's ear, causing her to break in to a smile. She whispered back to Patricia, who nodded her head as if agreeing with her. Patricia whispered something back to Hermione again and Hermione nodded. "Go ahead."

"What was that all about," Ginny asked.

"You'll see. Just wait," Hermione replied with a smirk.

Patricia walked away from Hermione over to Joseph. "It's okay, Joseph. They won't bite you," she said to him quietly. "They're really nice."

Joseph slowly rose from the table with four Chocolate Frog cards in his hand. He looked at Patricia, who gave him a reassuring nod and gave him a little shove toward the quartet. "Ask Hermione first," she advised.

"Um...Miss...Miss 'Ermione," Joseph stammered in obvious London Cockney. "Um...would you mind...um...I mean, could you...erm..."

"What is it, Joseph? What can I do for you," Hermione urged him, trying to keep a straight face. Harry, Ginny, and Ron cottoned on to what was going on and did all they could to keep from laughing out loud.

"Well...I...I was wonderin' if...ifyoucouldsignmyChocolateFrogcards," he said, blushing so red he glowed.

Unable to hold it in any longer, the four of them erupted in gales good-natured laughter. "Of course we will," they all said at once. "Here, Hermione," Ginny said. "Ron, Harry." The children lent them quills so they could sign Joseph's cards.

Hermione collected the now-signed cards and handed them back to Joseph with the quills. "There you go," she said with a wink.

"Lor' Miss 'Ermione! Thank you! Thank you, Miss Ginny! Thank you Mr Weasley, sir! Thank you 'Arry," Joseph simply gushed as he stared down at his cards in wonder. "Thank you," he said backing away as if from royalty. He rejoined the Munchkins at the table, sitting down next to Emma.

"What a little cutie," Ginny said as she snuggled close to Harry. "I think he's got his eye on our Emma."

The four friends talked more about Harry's upcoming tests the next day, again giving him encouragement. Professor McGonagall approached them unnoticed.

"Mr Weasley, due to the storm blowing around out there, when you leave tonight, come to my office and you may Floo back to Hogsmeade," she offered. "That's weather fit for neither man nor beast." She shivered and seemed to draw her robes closer around her.

"I will, Professor. Thanks," Ron answered gratefully. "I appreciate that."

"Mr Potter, I assume you and Miss Weasley are well?"

"Yes, Professor. We're fine," Harry assured her.

"Very well," she said simply as she made her way back to the staff table.

"Ron, Hermione, come on up to our room and we'll chat a bit without this lot to disturb us," Harry said. "We can...uh...talk freely."

They all stood and stepped over the benches. "Good night, Munchkins. Good night, Joseph," Ron said as they made to leave.

"Night," they replied.

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione left the Great Hall and climbed the stairs toward Harry's and Ginny's room. Harry muttered, "Lawnmower," and the latch clicked to admit them.

"Lawnmower," asked Ron. "What kind of a password is that?"

"Bill told Harry about the lawnmower incident with the twins when I was little," Ginny explained. "Harry thought it was funny, so...well, there you are."

"Oh that! Mum was furious," Ron remembered with a chuckle. "Fred and George had to work in the garden for a month!"

"What are you on about," Hermione asked, looking around at her three friends. "Does anyone care to let me in on the joke?"

Harry considered trying to start the fire without his wand. He looked to make sure the others weren't watching. He concentrated and then waved his hand before it. Sure enough, fire erupted in the grate with a whoosh! When the others turned toward him at the sound, he pretended to tuck his wand into his robes. Note to self: Tell Ginny about that later.

They settled down on the rug as couples as Ron began to tell the lawnmower story from his point of view. It was much better when Ron told it, Harry thought as he listened. When he was finished, the four of them roared, clutching their sides and falling all over themselves.

A couple of hours later, Ron decided he should leave. "I need to be going, mates," he announced, standing up to his full height and stretching his muscular arms above his ginger head revealing a patch of matching hair that ran from his navel into the waistband of his jeans. It's late and Harry's got a big day ahead of him."

How did I land such a hunk? "I'll walk with you to McGonagall's office," Hermione offered.

"Oh no, Love. I will walk you to Gryffindor Tower and go on to McGonagall's office once I have you...right there on the sofa in front of that huge fireplace...safely inside," Ron said defiantly. "I won't have Filch harassing you."

Hermione didn't bother to argue. She didn't want this glorious weekend to end in bickering. "All right then," she said softly as Ron slung her rucksack over his broad shoulder. Don't start crying, Granger. Tears began to well up in her cinnamon eyes. Damn. She knew Ron didn't do well with weeping women, but she just couldn't help it. He stood right next to her, but she missed him already. "Night," she said, hugging Harry and Ginny in turn. "See you at breakfast." Her lip began to tremble.

"See you," Ron said as he slapped his best friend on the shoulder and kissed his sister's cheek.

Ron and Hermione left the room and headed for Gryffindor Tower. Hermione tried hard to stifle choke back her sobs and blink away her tears, but it was no good. Ron noticed. "'Mione, what's all this. Aw, don't cry, love. It's not so bad," he said as she burst into tears, pulling her in closer as they walked.

"Ron, I...I...just miss you already! When I'm away from you, I feel so...so empty...so alone," she sobbed. "I don't know what's the matter with me!"

Ron felt tempted to stop right there and press her against a wall to snog her senseless, but he kept walking, urging her to the portrait hole. "We have next weekend, love," Ron suggested, stroking her hair and planting gentle kisses on the top of her head. "You can come over to Hogsmeade again and we can spend some time together then."

"I know. It's just that...well, that's five whole days without your touch, without your kisses, without..."

Whatever the third item on her list was, Ron never found out because his heart swelled with so much love for this weeping angel in his arms, he couldn't hold back. He claimed her lips in a blistering kiss as a wave of desire coursed through him, setting his brain on fire. "Merlin, 'Mione! I love you," he murmured into her mouth, his tongue slipping between her pouting lips.

Hermione had been taken by surprise at Ron's ardour but responded with only a moment's hesitation as her knees turned to water. Only his strong arms kept her on her feet. She slid her hands under Ron's shirt and ran them wantonly over his broad chest and around his waist to his back. She loved the very feel of him under her hands. It felt so right. "Gods, I love you, Ronald Weasley. I need you so," she whimpered back into his lips, her tongue tangled with his in a wild fury. Finally, the realization of where they were struck her like a rogue Bludger. She tore her lips away from his. "Ron, we can't do this," she said panting, her face flush with desire.

Ron's sapphire eyes had long since gone cobalt with his passion. They glowed in the torchlight as he cast a still-blazing look at her. "I know, but you do something to me...I just lose control sometimes," he confessed. "I just can't get enough of you."

"I know, my love, but we have to try to keep ourselves under control, as least here," she reasoned. "I know it's difficult, but we haven't much choice." She began to cry again.

"Please don't cry. I'll owl you as soon as I get back," he promised. "I'll send Pig..."

"No, Ron, don't. Don't send an owl out, especially such little one, on a night like this. I know you love me and that you're thinking about me," she said, trying to convince herself as well as Ron. "That'll have to do for now. I'll carry what we shared over the weekend with me all week until I can be with you again."

Ron's heart melted as she confessed her love for him. "'Mione, I'll be practically living on it!" He took her in his arms again and kissed her tenderly. "I'd better go, now or I'll never get out of here. You get to bed and get some rest. NEWTs are tough classes and you need your wits about you. Now, turn around and don't look back. Just give the pink lady the password and climb inside. Remember...don't look back."

Hermione nodded and turned around as Ron walked away, a tear stealing down his own cheek. He ached for her almost constantly and to watch her cry like that just broke his heart. He couldn't bear to leave her side, but he couldn't stay there either. Although he'd forbidden her from looking back as he walked away, he stole a glance back over his own shoulder in time to see her pass through the portrait hole. It swung shut with a click.

Hot tears streaming down her face, Hermione whispered the password, "Excelsior." The portrait swung away allowing her to enter into the common room. She was sobbing before she got to her bed. She sadly changed into her nightgown, crawled into her bed, pulled the curtains and cried herself to sleep and dreamed.

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Harry had time for only a quick bite with Ginny before he trotted up to McGonagall's office to Floo to the Ministry. Harry stepped confidently out of one of the oversized fireplaces into the chaos of the atrium. He approached the Welcome desk and showed his form to the Wand-Checker.

"Ah, Mr Potter. No need to check your wand. Here are your credentials," he said.

Harry looked at the ID badge: Harry J. Potter, Auror Training Programme. There was a recent photo of himself smirking back with his birth date, height, weight, hair and eye colour listed below it—much like a Muggle driver's licence, only larger. It was attached to a lanyard he slipped over his head. "Thanks," Harry said and passed through to the lifts and rode to Level Two where the Auror Office was located. He was welcomed by the Head of the Auror Office, Gawain Robards himself.

"Welcome Mr Potter. As have already been told, we will conduct interviews and tests today. Our purpose is to estimate what kind of support your training programme needs to meet Auror training standards for those of you who wish to take the Auror exam. Of course, we will also have to evaluate your mental and emotional fitness to become an Auror at all. Remember Harry, from this moment on, everything we say to each other is part of the interview. You are cleared to react in any manner you find necessary, but as you probably understand, there will be no need to perform lethal spells."

"Everything is a part," Harry asked.

"Yes, so keep your eyes open and your wand ready."

"Yes, Sir. I understand, Sir," Harry answered.

Robards smiled and pointed towards a door. "Your test begins when you walk through that door."

Harry stepped through the door with his wand raised and found himself in a completely empty room. He thought for a moment about what he should do, and then decided to try a non-verbal Homenum Revelio. Harry could sense the presence of someone on his right, probably under either a disillusionment charm or an invisibility cloak. The other person was either hiding and the test was to see if Harry could find him or her, or it could be a test to fight off a surprise attack.

Harry decided to go for a stun. "Stupefy," Harry yelled and a red bolt shot away and hit its target. A man became visible and fell unconscious to the floor. He then used Incarcerous to tie the unknown man and approached him. "Ennervate," Harry said pointing his wand at the man, who opened his eyes. "I'm here for my Auror test. Why are you hiding here?"

The man blushed. "I was supposed to stay hidden, but if you discovered me, I was to attack you."

The door opened and Robards entered without his wand in hand. "What happened Harry?"

Harry felt a tingle of suspicion. This seemed too easy. "If you are Gawain Robards, what was the one thing you told me I wouldn't need for these tests," Harry asked, his eyes narrowed.

Robards stopped. "There will be no need for the Unforgivable curses."

Harry hesitated for a moment and then shot off a stunner at Robards, who fell to the ground.

"Very good Harry," Robards' voice boomed. "I told you there will be no need for lethal spells. Well done Harry. This room is finished."

Harry looked, somewhat confused, at the stunned Robards on the floor and the one standing in the doorway talking with him. "Polyjuice potion, I presume" Harry determined.

"Correct," Robards answered him.

Harry shook his head. These tests where certainly going to be demanding. Only a few minutes into the tests, he had already stunned a person who appeared to be the Head of the Auror Office. If he had been wrong, he would probably have ruined any chance of become an Auror. Next, he was led into another room. Robards followed him, and inside sat three Aurors. The only one Harry had ever seen before was John Dawlish. He nodded, respectfully acknowledging the Senior Auror. They sat in a circle and Robards presented Aurors Dawlish, Williamson and Smith, gesturing for Harry to sit. They all greeted him with nods. "Potter." Harry nodded his response.

"Now, Mr Potter. We wish to discover a little bit about your skill level to determine what, if anything, you will yet need to learn to become a fully-fledged Auror," Robards told him. "First of all, we need to ask you about your duelling experience." All four of them looked at Harry and he supposed he should say something.

"I faced Riddle for the first time when I was eleven, unless the time when I was a baby counts. But I never actually did any duelling until my second year in Professor Lockhart's duelling club at Hogwarts. In my third year, I had to disarm Professor Snape, and in my fourth year, I duelled Riddle for the first time."

"By Riddle, I suppose you mean Voldemort. How did that turn out," Williamson asked.

"Yes, Tom Riddle was his given name. I guess you could call it a draw, but I was heavily outnumbered by Riddle and his Death Eaters, so all I could do was get out of there by Portkey. In my fifth year, I trained Dumbledore's Army to duel, among other things and then duelled Death Eaters and fought Riddle in the atrium of this very building. That time, though, Professor Dumbledore intervened and fought him off." As no one interrupted him, he continued. "During my sixth year, I fought in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower the night Professor Dumbledore was killed. Last year, I duelled Death Eaters Again on several fronts, and finally Riddle himself during the Battle of Hogwarts. That time I won. Harry paused. "I guess that sums it up."

"Very impressive, Mr Potter. Next, we must ask if you have any experience defending your mind," Dawlish said.

"I was taught Occlumency and Legilimency by Professor Snape. It wasn't until last year that I was able to successfully use it against Riddle. I used Legilimency during the Battle of Hogwarts to keep track of him and his movements. I also managed to shut him out of my head to prevent him from doing the same. In my fourth year at Hogwarts, I managed to throw off the Imperius curse and in my third, Professor Lupin taught me how to produce a Patronus to defend myself against Dementors," Harry said.

By now, the room had gone silent. The very idea to successfully perform Legilimency and Occlumency against Voldemort was shocking. Auror Robards cleared his throat. "Er..well, thank you Mr Potter. It is also necessary for an Auror to be able to track his quarry, sometimes using disguise, concealment, and stealth. Have you any experience there?"

"I successfully entered Hogwarts undetected by the Death Eaters who had a stranglehold on the school. Last year before the Battle of Hogwarts, I broke into Gringotts and escaped with what I had gone there for. I have also sneaked into the Ministry twice, in fifth year and again last year. Two very heavily guarded and protective places, I must say. I have used Polyjuice potion for disguise on several occasions, and engaged in a lot tracking last year in a search for several dark objects. I was the most wanted person last year, but stayed concealed. I was captured once by Snatchers, but was still able to escape. I had managed a couple of narrow escapes before and since then."

"What about those dark objects you just told us about," Smith asked.

"They were tracked down and disposed of. That's all I can tell you," Harry replied.

"As Head of this Office, I order you to tell us about them," Robards said forcefully.

"As far as I'm concerned, I don't work for this Office, so I am not obligated to obey that order. But even if I did work for you, I am bound by orders from the Minister for Magic regarding those objects. Further questions about them should be directed to him," Harry said flatly after a moment's consideration.

Robards grinned slightly. "Very well, Mr Potter. Have you any experience with dark creatures?"

"Apart from the ones I learned about at Hogwarts, I have faced a fully-grown mountain troll, a three-headed dog, a nest of Acromantulas, a 60-foot Basilisk, a Werewolf, Tree Dragons—one a baby—Inferi, and Riddle's snake, Nagini."

Williamson looked at him, eyes glinting. "Do you have a criminal record, Mr Potter?"

That depends on what you define as a criminal record. "I performed some unintentional underage magic at my Aunt's home, although it wasn't actually me who did it. It was a house-elf. I had been accused of casting a Patronus in the presence of my cousin, who is a Muggle. I was acquitted because it was a life-threatening situation as the thing had been attempting to kiss him. I have never been prosecuted for breaking into Gringotts or the Ministry. Finally, there had been warrant issued for my arrest last year, but I think it's safe to say wasn't for any crime I committed. To answer your question, then: No, I don't have a criminal record."

Robards seemed rather amused. "Finally Mr Potter, why do you wish to become an Auror?"

"I've pretty much dedicated my life to the fight against the dark arts, and I wish to do so among the best there are. I believe I can make a difference as an Auror."

"Thank you, Mr Potter." Robards said. "That will be all."

As they stood up as if to leave, a still, small voice told Harry to stun Auror Smith. Harry felt his hand go for his wand, but quickly recognised the sensation of being Imperiused. Harry threw it off and looked at the Aurors. Dawlish appeared to cover a wand in his robes, so Harry drew his wand and cast the Protego charm, followed by an attempt at non-verbal Legilimens. He caught Dawlish off guard, receiving the image from his mind revealing that it was he who had cast the curse. Harry waved his wand and stunned him. The other three looked at him in shock and disbelief.

"Mr Robards, Dawlish cast the Imperius curse on me," Harry said indignantly. "He wanted me to stun Auror Smith."

"Calm down. How do you know it was Dawlish?"

"He was the only one using his wand and I read the actual casting from his own mind."

Dawlish got up and looked at Harry. "Good work. Did you use Legilimens non-verbally? I was taken altogether off guard by it."

"Well, yes. I did."

The four men sat down again. "Let me get this straight, Harry. You can perform Legilimency non-verbally," Robards asked him.

"Well, it was actually the first time I ever tried it. But I thought I might be able to because I can cast my Patronus non-verbally."

"Harry, I have never heard of such a thing! I thought you might be a good Legilimens and Occlumens considering you were taught by Snape, the man who outsmarted Voldemort, whom you also managed you shut out, both of whom were master Legilimens," Gawain told him. "But when did you master non-verbal magic on that level?"

Harry considered how he would keep his and Ginny's bond secret without telling an outright lie. "It was after the Battle of Hogwarts," Harry replied. "But I'm not sure how."

"Do you have a theory," Robards asked.

"All I can imagine is that very ancient magic, much like that which spared my life as a baby, came into play at the battle. Further questions must be directed to the Minister for Magic." No one else had anything more to ask or add, so they broke for lunch. Harry met Arthur in the Ministry restaurant.

"Hello Harry! I didn't know you were here," his surrogate father called.

"Hello Arthur. I'm here for an interview and tests at the Auror Office."

"Really now? How is it coming?"

"They're demanding tests, so I honestly don't know how I'm doing."

"I'm sure you're doing fine. How's our Ginny," Arthur asked.

"Right, we haven't sent you an owl yet, have we? Ginny's fine, studying hard. We have a room together; that helps us focus. On each other. I think she's planning Quidditch tryouts for next weekend."

Over lunch, the two men chatted about school, the training programme, and the visit with Ron and Hermione at Hogsmeade. He also told Arthur about the Munchkins.

"They're Prewetts, Arthur. Ginny and Ron seem to think you might be related," Harry told him.

"Prewetts, eh? If they are related, they're Molly's people. The Prewetts and the Weasleys are very old Wizarding families," Arthur told him. "Like the Potters, Harry."

After lunch Harry returned to the Auror Office where he was shown to a room were Robards awaited him. "Harry, we're going to test your duelling skill this afternoon. As before, no lethal spells will be necessary. We all want to be able to walk out of here in one piece today."

Dawlish entered and he and Harry saluted one another. "Duel," Robards commanded, and Harry and Dawlish began. Harry went easy at first, not certain how strong the magic his wand would produce might be. His shield held back Dawlish's spells, and after a few minutes Harry felt he had managed to gain control over his increased power. He ended the duel with a stun that sent Dawlish flying across the room, landing on his back on a mat placed there for safety. Robards had been taking furious notes.

Next, Smith and Williamson entered. Two against one, is it? After the proprietary salutes, the duel began. Harry felt less concerned about causing injuries, as he distracted Smith with a non-verbal Levicorpus, disarming Williamson a split-second later. He released Smith onto the mat, summoning his wand as he fell. Clutched tightly in his fist, Harry held the wands of the two defeated Aurors.

Next, three Aurors Harry didn't know entered. This time Harry felt a little nervous and decided to fight to his full capability from the off. He put up a non-verbal shield at the same time as he confunded the first wizard to buy some time. Stuns and curses flew against him. Harry Apparated to a point behind the Aurors and stunned both of them. Harry chose to disarm the one he had confunded.

"Well done, Mr Potter, "Robards complimented him, ushering him into a study. He told Harry to follow the instructions inside. Outside the room, Kingsley approached the Head Auror and sat down.

"So, how is it coming," Kingsley asked.

"Does he know this test is the actual Auror exam," Robards asked.

"Of course not. We do this in order to see what he needs to learn. So, how is he doing so far?"

"He beat the record in the first room. And he stunned my Polyjuiced double without hesitation."

Kingsley looked amused. "Impressive."

"A gross understatement, if you ask me. His record of achievement is of course outstanding. He has already faced situations most Aurors never do. He also cast off the Imperius curse and revealed who cast it. Furthermore, he used non-verbal magic not even Dumbledore was able to do—Legilimency and the Patronus. And the duelling test was unlike anything I've ever seen! First, he seemed a bit uncertain and mostly defended himself for a few minutes before taking out Dawlish with one attack."

"Uncertain or cautious, Gawain. With Harry, it's hard to tell sometimes," Kingsley said.

"Judging from what I've seen, probably cautious might be the better word. Anyway, King. Next he took out two of us in a mere flash. Finally, he defeated three Aurors in an instant and didn't even seemed to be pushed to his limits. I'm telling you, the man never broke a sweat," Gawain exclaimed. "Aurors are supposed to be good at duelling. We never stood a chance against Potter."

"He was Dumbledore's apprentice. Don't you forget that. And he defeated Voldemort."

"There were a couple of questions he refused to answer and told us to direct them your way, Minister," Gawain said.

"Yes, and I can guess which ones. I can only say that proves his loyalty. I'm sorry, Gawain, but I can't tell you what it's about either."

Inside the room, Harry had to sit a written exam and brew a complex potion at the same time. He was transported by Portkey to various rooms to face different creatures and get past, in order to retrieve ingredients for the potion, before he could Portkey back. He worked diligently until Robards entered and stopped him. Harry was escorted to Kingsley's office and waited until Robards entered and gave Kingsley a parchment.

"Harry," Kinsley finally spoke. "You are finished with your test. I will now let you know that you have taken the Auror exam. In the first room, you set a new record. Your interview clears you as fit to be an Auror. Your duelling skills have set new records, beating even Mad-Eye's. Your written test was fine except for the elements concerning Ministry organization, Magical Law, and Auror Field Manual."

Harry looked at them, stunned. Had they put him through the actual Auror exam?

"Harry you have done far better than we ever imagined you would," Robards confessed. "The parts you failed are those you possibly couldn't have had time to study. We didn't expect you to do this well on any of it."

Kingsley continued. "We have decided to appoint you an Auror Intern, which means that you are not yet a licensed Auror, but you will have only to re-take the elements of the written exam you failed as soon as Gawain decides you're ready. It will also allow you to tag along on missions, allowing you to gain some field experience; however, interns are unpaid."

Harry had a hard time believing what he heard. Except for a few written elements, I'm a ruddy Auror! "Thank you, Sir. And it's okay about the paycheck. I'm fine that way."

"Harry, I also want to inform you about an international convention," Kingsley continued. "Several of my colleagues around Europe seem eager to talk about further international law-enforcement co-operation. For that reason, the convention will be held in three weeks. On the opening night, Friday, there's an Kick-off Ball and I would really appreciate if you could come. Harry, I don't like asking you to participate in these sorts of things because I know you like to keep a low profile, but it would mean a lot if you could be there. Ginny is welcome, of course, and Ron, Hermione and Neville will be invited too."

"It's all right, Kingsley...sorry, Minister," Harry said. "Ginny and I will be there. I appreciate what you have done to give us some privacy, and I know you wouldn't ask this of us if it wasn't important. I can't escape publicity, I need to learn how to handle it and keep it at a reasonable level."

"Thank you Harry. Now I would advise you to prepare a speech, but I won't put you up as a featured speaker unless you want me to. But then again, I suppose everyone will expect a speech," Kingsley sighed. "How is the situation with owls, now that you're back at Hogwarts?"

"Fine, thank you. I don't know what you did with them, but all owls except the ones from people on my list come to Lee Jordan's team. They sort them out and respond to a lot of them. We've been giving Lee instructions as to what they can send on to us."

"If I may ask, what do you respond to personally," Gawain asked out of curiosity.

"I get a lot of requests for autographs, but I try to limit that to children who have suffered the loss of family members during the war. Others write personal letters, which Lee responds to with answers I have already given him regarding a number of frequently asked questions."

"What questions are most common," Kingsley asked.

"The most common right now is when Ginny and I are getting married. And before you ask, I promise you will know when you get the invitation. We haven't set a date yet."

Kingsley laughed. "Well, thank you Harry! Well, here's your and Ginny's official invitation to the ball, and of course, it's dress robes," Kingsley said and handed a parchment.

The meeting was over, Harry stepped into a Ministry Floo and returned to Hogwarts. It's was dinner time and the Great Hall it was already full of people. He scanned the Gryffindor table and found Ginny sitting there. He strode up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables and slid in next to her. He pulled her close and kissed her soundly. "Hey, Gorgeous Girl," he said, kissing her again.

"Hey, Gorgeous Guy. How did it go today," she asked.

"You're not going to believe this, but they put me through the actual Auror exam and I didn't know it until afterwards."

"The Auror exam, the one that takes three years of Auror training to prepare for," Ginny asked.

"That would be the one, but keep it down. The others aren't supposed to know," Harry admonished her just above a whisper.

"So how did it go?"

Harry blushed. "I sort of passed... except for Magical Law, the Auror Field Manual and Ministry Organization," Harry said "My practical results set some new records, though. Kingsley told me I'd beaten some of Mad-Eye's."

Ginny's face broke out in a huge grin. "Harry, that's wonderful!"

"And Ginny, Kingsley gave me this before I left." Harry said and handed her the invitation to the ball.

Ginny read the parchment and then at Harry again. "Are we going," Ginny asked.

"I think we should. In fact I already told Kingsley that I'll come and I would really like you to be my date, Gin. I don't want to do anything this public without you by my side. Kingsley wouldn't ask us if it wasn't important."

"Of course I will come and you wouldn't dare take another date, Mister," Ginny said. "I'd put both you and the wench in St Mungo's."

"I'd like to buy you a new dress," he said into her eyes.

"Permission granted," Ginny smiled. "Now tuck in before the food disappears!" She began to pile all the foods she knew he liked best onto his plate as he grabbed the last piece of treacle tart. Harry didn't realize how hungry he really was until he began to eat.

Hermione appeared at the table just as supper was about to be cleared.

"Where in Merlin's name have you've been," Harry asked.

"Oh, I lost time reading about the history of the Wizengamot," Hermione replied.

"Lost time, as in fell asleep out of boredom, or as in pure fascination," Harry asked sardonically.

"Ha, ha very funny, Potter. Actually there's a lot to learn from history." Hermione said grabbing some food while she still could.

"Are there anyone but you studying History of Magic at NEWT-level? I thought Professor Binns scared everyone away after fourth year," Harry grinned.

"Professor Binns is an excellent teacher, and he actually lived during many of those events." Hermione said "He even called me Miss Stranger today, it's the closest he's ever been."

"Hermione, the man is dead and an infallible cure for insomnia! It's a wonder no students have died in class and joined him," Ginny said. Hermione shook her head in mock disgust and let the subject drop. Harry told Hermione about his day and that she and Ron should expect an invitation to the ball.

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When he and Ginny were finally alone in their room, he told her in detail about the magic he had performed and the duels he had won. "I seem to be able to do everything both verbally and non-verbally. Watch this," Harry said, waving his hand across the fireplace. It instantly burst into flame.

"Wow, Harry," she cried. "That's...wow."

"I did it yesterday when Ron and Hermione were here. I just did it while none of you were looking. It's like wandless magic has become second nature," Harry said.

"I've noticed that too. Charms today was so easy. I think I could have done it non-verbally too, but that wasn't our task and far be it from me to show off," Ginny said.

"And it was almost scary that I defeated three veteran Aurors at the same time in a duel. My biggest concern was to not hurt them because I'm not sure I've quite got a handle on the power yet. It never even occurred to me that I was outnumbered by three of the best duelling wizards in Britain. I just did what I needed to do and that was it."

"Harry, don't worry. You know Dumbledore fought off the Aurors too when the DA was uncovered. I think this bond of ours somehow lets us channel greater magical powers into our spells. Professor Dumbledore knew that too. I guess that's why he was so powerful. He not only spoke of love, but he believed in its power too."

"Yeah, and guess I'm becoming a believer too," he said, leaning over to kiss her. He drew in a hissing breath as he leaned on his sore shoulder. Harry rotated that shoulder and winced. For all his excitement, he seemed tense.

"A massage, Love?"

Harry removed his robes and shirt while Ginny stripped off to her bra and knickers. She began to work that bad shoulder, gently at first, putting on more pressure as he adjusted to her ministrations. "Ohh that feels wonderful, Gin," he groaned as she worked a knot out. She climbed up and straddled the small of his back to gain a better angle at his neck, which she massaged in ever-increasing circular motions.

"Gin," Harry began.

"Yes, love."

"Could I ask you something. It's kind of important to me," Harry said.

She stopped massaging him. "Anything, my love. What is thine heart's desire?" They had taken to using courtly language with one another from time to time in their private banter.

"Milady, I find that I am sorely out of shape as thou hast seen, hence thy ministrations. I would beg a boon of thee: couldst thou find it in thine heart to allow me, a humble and devoted knight, to train with thee and the Gryffindor team?"

"Good Sir Knight, it would be our pleasure for thee to train with us; however, I must ask that thou dost not interfere with my methods lest thou find thyself face-to-face with my devoted Bat-Bogey servants." You know you could never do that to him, don't you?

"My beloved lady, I would not presume to be so bold as to impede thy progress with the team by forcing upon thee my wretched opinions, nor would I presume to bar thy way by flying like a king's fool."

"Then yes, good knight. Thou mayest train with the team in order to return thy body to top form."

"Thou art too kind. I shall remain forever in thy debt. Thy wish shall be my command." I'll dedicate the rest of my life to your heart's every desire. I love you so much.

She began to massage him again. "Merlin, that feels good, love," he moaned. She continued to knead him like bread dough, Harry groaning as each knot in his aching muscles unravelled. "That is so good, Gin." I want you now, Harry James Potter. She worked his back and shoulders until her hands ached.

"Sorry, Love, but my hands are aching and I have to stop," she apologised.

"Then it's my turn," he said as she climbed off him. "You know the drill."

Ginny lay down on her stomach in Harry's place. He unhooked her bra and turned the straps aside. He straddled her, but kept his weight mostly on his lower legs. He began to massage her, hoping that he was mimicking her technique properly. At first, she winced when he put too much pressure on her, but with a little coaching, he got the hang of it. "Not so hard, love. You're not making mud pies," she teased. Harry let up a little and she began to groan. "That's it, Harry. That's...oh my...that's wonderful." No wonder she likes to do this. It's amazing!

As Harry worked her neck and shoulders and continued down her spine, he could feel her relax under his hands. He stared at her beautiful red hair thrown over her shoulder and her milky white back, flecked with tan freckles. Her graceful neck screamed for him to kiss it. His libido kicked into overdrive. He leaned down and buried his bespectacled face in her exposed neck, breathing in the familiar scent of her that drove him mad with desire. "Ginny, I love you so much," he breathed into her ear, as he nipped at her sensitive spot right behind it.

"Harry," Ginny cried. "Harry, please stop."

"Ginny, baby, what's wrong," he asked, a little hurt, as he helped her roll onto her back.

"I... we can't tonight," she said, tears in her eyes.

"Did I hurt you? I didn't mean..." Harry took her in his arms as though she were a china doll.

"No, no, my sweet Harry. You didn't hurt me. It's just that...well, it's...um...that time of the month," she said, averting her eyes.

"Oh Gin, I'm so sorry. I... I didn't know," Harry apologised.

"Of course you didn't know. How could you know if I didn't tell you," she said as she placed a warm palm against his face.

"Um...does it hurt," Harry asked a little embarrassed at his ignorance.

"No, except for a few muscle cramps, but Madame Pomfrey gave me a potion to take care of that," she assured him.

"Can we still snog each other senseless," he asked coyly.

"That we can do! Let's get to bed, though," she said as she rose from the floor. "It's more comfortable."

Harry picked her up and carried her across the room and laid her on the bed as if she were a tiny child. It just seemed to him that a woman going through what Ginny was going through at that moment should be treated with kid gloves. It was silly, he knew, but he wanted to do it because he loved her. More than life itself.

They snuggled down into the bedclothes facing one another. Harry held Ginny's face in his hands and leaned in. A warm something that began in his chest spread through his entire being as he pressed his lips to hers. It wasn't the volcanic fire that accompanied their lovemaking, but a sort of homey feeling. A loving respect for the beauty he shared his bed with. "I love you, my Ginny, my heart, my own."

"I love you too, my sweet, noble Harry. You are my whole world, my every wish," she declared in a whisper. She snaked her arms around his neck and drew herself closer to him. She captured his lips in a sweet kiss, full of all the love and longing for him that filled her heart. Lips parted and tongues entwined, but it wasn't desperate, just kind. They fell asleep in each other's arms and dreamed.

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The week passed quickly amid a flurry of lessons, homework, and duelling practice with the DA. Harry had introduced a few new spells to the trainees and worked with them on strengthening their shields. He had hoped to be able to teach them how to put up basic wards by Christmas break. Ginny had been swamped with homework, so Harry stayed out of her way unless she approached him first. By Friday at supper, they could barely hold their heads up, so they retreated to their room and collapsed on their bed.

During the weekend, Ginny held tryouts. She needed a new Keeper and a new Seeker. Dennis Creevey made a fair tryout and became the new Seeker. He could never be as good as Harry, but he had potential. Jessica Spinnet was by far the best Keeper in the tryouts and made the team. For the rest of the positions, no one could outstrip those still left from Harry's team.

Harry had been observing from the stands. At the end of tryouts, he asked her what she thought about her team's prospects, offering no opinions of his own, as promised.

"I feel pretty good about the team," Ginny told Harry. "Both the Keeper and the Seeker work mostly alone and the rest of the team has already played together. I think we have a good chance to win the Cup."

"Milady, I harbour no doubt that the Gryffindor team hath a merry chance at the Cup. Nor have I forgotten my heart's promise to thee that I would not presume to interfere, but if thou mightest accept, I offer thee my assistance in the training of thy young Seeker. Then thou mayest work diligently with thy Chasers and thy Beaters, giving them ample opportunity to hammer Miss Spinnet into a Keeper thou mayest be proud of. After all, milady, I may not be a student, but I remain forever a Gryffindor," Harry said in their favourite courtly demeanour.

"Good Sir Knight, thine offer is bold, yet sensible. I can see that thy sincerest wish is to only aid me and the team in our quest for the Cup. I accept thine assistance with our young Mr Creevey, for professional teams often employ separate Seeker and Keeper coaches. Let me be the first to offer thee my favour, Sir Coach," she said as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately.

"And a lovely favour it is," Harry smiled broadly as he snogged her senseless right there in the Gryffindor box.