Chapter 10 – A Very Weasley Christmas

December passed uneventfully, other than the frantic revising Ginny and Hermione had to engage in for their term finals. Harry had been drilling the DA on their reflexes and finally had to resort to using the Room of Requirement as a sort of gymnasium for weight training and tumbling exercises. When Harry wasn't training the DA, he was training himself while Ginny studied. That way he wasn't as much of a distraction to her and he could work off some of his "nervous energy." Ginny wasn't complaining—the workouts were doing him a world of good and they were looking really good on him. She loved to run her hands over his developing pectoral muscles and tight abdominals. She considered joining him after the holidays since she was to become a professional athlete.

Ginny began negotiating her contract a couple of weeks before Christmas. Salary seemed to be the Harpies' biggest concern. Money meant very little to Ginny, since Harry was comfortably well-off, and since her name had been added to his accounts, she was more concerned about just playing the game for the sheer love and fun of it. Her only real concern was time spent with the team versus time spent with Harry. When she wasn't playing or practising, she wanted as much time with Harry as she could get. In the middle of the third week, negotiations were called to a halt until after Christmas. There were no big issues left other than merely finalising the agreements and signing off on them.

Harry had never felt more relaxed this close to Christmas. There had been less than usual for him to do and the duelling practice he always had with the DA was mostly fun. The last week before Christmas break, Kingsley visited unannounced to duelling practice to observe their progress. He asked to speak with Harry privately. "Harry, how are Occlumency and Legilimency developing?"

"Improving," Harry said.

"I guess you are aware of the next task to work on," Kingsley said gravely.

Harry nodded. "The Unforgivables. I know. I don't like it, Kingsley."

"I know you don't, Harry, but knowledge, understanding and practical use of them is required. This is, of course, for Aurors only. There are extremely strict regulations governing an Auror's use of them."

"All three of them?"

"Within very specific regulations all three can be used by Aurors," Kingsley said.

You have to mean it, Potter. Harry heard Bellatrix's voice in his mind. Harry felt a shudder of despair and dislike. He had fought for seven years, and yes, he had used two of them, but he had never actually cast the killing curse. Now the Ministry would teach him how to do it.

But we don't work for vengeance or hate, we work for justice and right. "Knowledge and understanding I can appreciate, but we must learn to cast them with the intention to kill, cause pain, and exert control as well," Harry said with an empty voice.

Kingsley nodded. "Don't worry. It's not as bad as it sounds. Here's your manual concerning them. The text is under a Fidelius Charm, and since I've told you about it, you'll be able to read it. I know the concept of using the Unforgivables troubles you, but I must insist that you read that section and learn it. It may come in handy some day."

Harry looked at Kingsley and nodded. "I did use them in the war, Imperio and Crucio, but not the Killing curse... and Merlin knows I've had them cast at me," Harry said and added with a sad grin. "But those curses are cast in hatred. I don't think we could hate enough to want to hurt someone that badly, Death Eater or not. It's just not our credo, Kingsley. We'll gladly learn about them, but I don't think you could pay any of us enough to use them."

Kingsley looked at Harry almost fatherly. "Maybe this is the wrong time, but on the other hand, I don't think there's a right time. The Department of Mysteries would like you to write a report about your exact feelings and sensations getting hit by the Killing curse. They want to research the possibility that they might be able to create a counter-curse."

"Well, that's something to hope for anyway," Harry sighed, slowly shaking his head. "The thing is, a true desire and lust to kill can't be countered any other way than with unconditional and selfless love. The only way I can see someone survive being hit by the Killing curse is a total acceptance of death and unconditional love. My mum had the unconditional love, but feared dying. That killed her but protected me. It's true my mother's sacrifice still protected me in the forest, but I had also accepted death. I don't know what the Department of Mysteries can do with that, but you can tell them about it. And yes, afterwards I had a really pounding pain where I got hit."

"I'll tell them, Harry. Thank you."

"How is Draco settling in?" Harry asked.

"Very well, actually. No complaints from his colleagues, he's hard-working, performs his tasks perfectly without complaint. I'm still trying to decide whether I should be glad or worried."

Harry grinned. He felt the same way. Was there a new nameless enemy and a plot against the Ministry? Would some supporter of Riddle still be seeking revenge? His thoughts were interrupted by a crashing sound and he spun to his feet in an instant with his wand ready. Ginny entered the room with her wand raised. She seemed to relax when she saw Harry.

"Are you all right, Harry," she panted.

She must have run all the way from our room. "Of course I am. I'm just finishing a little chat with the Minister, love," Harry sighed and put his wand away.

Ginny realised she had her wand pointed at him. She put it away and threw herself into Harry's embrace. "What is it, baby," Harry asked her.

"I felt despair...from you...I was afraid something horrible had happened."

"You felt that? And knew I was still here," Harry asked.

Ginny nodded and then realised what just had happened. They had never connected to each other at a distance unintentionally before. They had ended up with Madame Pomfrey as a result of diving into each other's minds, but this was something entirely new. Harry felt so many things at once because Ginny had come running top speed to his rescue, he sent a wave of all of it to her.

"And that too," she smiled.

"You two are amazing," Kingsley smiled. "Well Harry, we're finished here anyway, so I won't keep you away from your lovely fiancée any longer."

Ginny gave Harry a kiss and whispered something into his ear. Harry turned to Kingsley. "There's one thing we want to ask you," Harry said.

"I'm listening."

"Would you cast the wedding charm for us," Ginny asked.

"I'm honoured and I would be happy to," Kingsley replied with a wide grin. He thought for a moment and then added, "in your unique case I will allow you, Harry, to share the knowledge concerning Auror usage of the Unforgivables with Ginny, but only under the strictest of confidence."

"It will go no further, Minster," Ginny said. "I promise." Ginny didn't like the sound of it and figured out that that might be the cause of Harry's despair. She knew he was going to brood tonight and it was going to take all the TLC should could muster to bring him out of it.

Harry and Ginny returned to their room talking about the new discovery with their bond. "Do you think we can learn to know each other's minds all the time," Harry asked.

"Maybe," Ginny said kissing the corners of his mouth and massaging his chest. "I'd like that."

"I love being close to you," Harry said just above a whisper and looking deep into Ginny's eyes "Emotionally, mentally, and physically."

Ginny put one of her warm hands on his cheek. "I love being close to you too, Harry, but I'm worried," Ginny said, biting her bottom lip.

"Worried about what, Love," Harry replied.

"This business with the Unforgivable curses. That's what caused you to despair when you were talking to Kingsley, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Gin, I don't like it. He just the same as told me that Aurors can use them legally under certain circumstances," Harry said, shaking his head. "I don't want my team using them at all, legal or not" Harry's eyes darkened and began to glisten.

This isn't good. "Did you tell Kingsley that," she asked. She could tell through their bond that he was headed for a first-class brood. Her chest hurt with the heaviness of it.

"Of course I did," Harry snapped. "I'm sorry, Gin. I didn't mean..."

"I know, I know," she soothed him, caressing his raven locks. "But you can't let this get to you. If it's part of the training programme..."

"It is. He gave me this book to read. It's all about the rules and regulations concerning controlled use of the Unforgivable curses." Harry slammed his fist into his own thigh. "Dammit, Ginny, I already told the DA that those curses are cast in hate. We don't hate, Gin! We just don't..."

There it was. The brood and now the tears. Harry tried to fight back the pain that transferred through their bond into Ginny. "Don't hold it back, my love. Let the frustration out. I can take it," she said as her heart broke for him again.

"Oh gods, Gin! How am I going to teach this to them," Harry cried into her shoulder. "I'm going to look like a hypocrite!"

"No, love. You're not a hypocrite and your friends all know that. The DA are your friends, Harry. They know you too well," she said. "Harry, look at me."

Harry ran his hands frantically through his hair. He couldn't bring himself to look into her loving eyes. She was so good, so kind, so loving. How could he, a man about to teach his team to cast Unforgivable curses—curses used to torture, maim, and kill—face such an angel? "Gin, I..."

"Harry, look at me," she said louder. "Torturing yourself isn't going to make this any easier or make it go away. You're going to have to face the Dragon head on and do what you know you have to do. I'll not think less of you for it and neither will they. It's part of the ruddy curriculum so there's nothing for it. You'll have to teach it. You don't have to like it—hell, you don't even have to agree with it. You..."

"Gin, I don't know if I can. I hated Bellatrix for what she did to Sirius and Hermione and Neville's parents...and Remus and Tonks. I hated Voldemort for murdering my parents. I hated Barty Crouch Jr for turning that damned trophy into a Portkey, causing Cedric's death. I hated Wormtail for his betrayal of my parents and the Order and sent Sirius to Azkaban. I hated Amycus Carrow for nearly killing Professor McGonagall in Ravenclaw tower the night of the battle. I crucioed him to keep him from killing her and torturing a lot of innocent students…and I felt good about it at the time! I even said that…that Bellatrix was right!" Harry began to sob, with the shame he harboured for that hatred coursing through the bond into Ginny.

"But they're all gone, my darling Harry," Ginny reasoned. "That part of your life is over."

"Exactly, Ginny. They're all gone and the hate's gone with them. All that's left is...regret, emptiness—emptiness that only your love can fill," he sobbed. "I can't stand the thought of you being so disgusted with me over even knowing how to use those curses that you'll walk away. Ginny, I couldn't live..."

Ginny placed her hands on either side of his face and pulled it up so she could look straight into his red and swollen eyes. "Now you listen to me, Mr Chosen Boy-Who-Lived Harry James Potter! I will never walk away from you. I will never be disgusted with you. I know you and I know your heart. You are nothing like Bellatrix or Voldemort or bloody Barty Crouch Jr. You are Harry Potter, son of James and Lily Potter. You are full of their love and bravery and goodness and I love you. The anguish you're going through right now—the anguish that I'm feeling right along with you—tells me that even though you will learn and know those horrible curses inside and out, you would never—NEVER—use them!"

"But Gin, I did use..."

"You tried to use the Cruciatus curse. Harry, I know that, but you couldn't make it work. Why is that?"

"Bellatrix said I had to mean it," Harry sniffed. "Merlin, Gin! How can anyone mean something like that? I can't imagine..."

"Exactly, Harry. And there's the answer to your dilemma. You can't perform those curses because you can't imagine hating that much, but above all...you have a conscience. Who you are won't allow you to use those curses. You're just too damned noble—and that's something I always loved about you," Ginny confessed, tears streaming down her face. "When you rescued me from the Chamber of Secrets, you became—for good and all—my Knight in Shining Armour. You could have followed school rules and left my fate in the hands of Tom Riddle. But no! You and my hard-nosed brother broke every bloody rule in the book—risking expulsion, let alone your lives—and came looking for me. You, and you alone fought off a 60-foot monster to save my life, damn near dying in the process, while Ron had to babysit Lockhart. No one with that kind of noble courage could ever cast an Unforgivable curse on another creature, human or otherwise, because it's just not who you are."

"It always sounds better than it is," Harry said darkly. "Gin, I'm not sinless. I make mistakes. Look at the whole Department of Mysteries fiasco..."

"Harry, you were led to believe that Sirius was under torture. Your love for him and your hatred for Voldemort drove you to want to save him," Ginny said forcefully. "Our decision to come with you was just that...our decision. As I remember it, you tried to talk us all into staying at Hogwarts while you went alone. I loved you so much then, I couldn't let you go alone. Ron and Hermione sure as hell weren't going to let you go alone—you'd been through too much together. Neville and Luna were firmly ensconced in the DA and they weren't going to let you go alone. Teamwork means a lot to him, Harry. We went with you because we wanted to—because we knew before you did that you needed us."

Harry and Ginny broke down together and cried until there were no tears left. "Ginny, what would I do without you? How could I get through this stuff without you there acting as my conscience and giving me your strength? I love you so much..." Harry held her in a tight embrace and buried his tear-stained face in her hair. Her scent comforted him as she wrapped him in her love. They sat there like that for what seemed like hours, but only minutes had passed.

"All right now, love. Let's get ready for bed. We've both had a very long day," Ginny cooed, rubbing his back.

"I don't want to let go," Harry mumbled. "I'm afraid, Gin."

"It'll just be long enough to get undressed and into the bed. Then you can hold on to me all night, okay?"

"Okay," Harry sniffed again, reluctantly letting go.

He's still that scared little boy looking for the platform at King's Cross Station. Ginny helped him undress and they climbed into bed together. "Come here, my raven boy," she said softly. "Rest your head, now. That's right. Just relax and go to sleep. I'm here and I'll never leave you." She sent a gentle burst of love through their bond and kissed his furrowed brow. He returned her love and wrapped his arm around her waist. They were both asleep in a matter of minutes.

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"Harry." There was that voice again, cutting through the fog. "Harry, wake up, you!" A musical laugh, a warm touch. "Harry, we're going to be late and you know how Hermione hates to be late."

Bollocks. "Okay, 'M up, 'm up," Harry protested, covered his head with his pillow and mumbled something completely incoherent.

"Harry James Pot..."

"All right, already," Harry groaned and rolled over."You spoiled a wonderful dr...dream." Harry sat up and stretched, the developing muscles of his chest and torso rippling as he reached for the ceiling while Ginny stood there smirking."There was this beautiful redhead with the most glorious chocolate brown eyes...oh wait, it's not a dream. She's right here," he laughed and pulled her onto the bed with him.

Ginny shrieked as he pulled her off balance, giggling. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she said as he pinned her to himself in his embrace. "But we don't have time right now. We're..."

"I know. We're going to be late and Hermione hates to be late," Harry said with mock disappointment. "Especially where your youngest big brother is concerned."

"C'mon then, love. Mum's liable to have kittens if we don't arrive at the exact moment she expects us. Besides, Professor McGonagall has graciously given us leave..."

"To leave...by Floo...from...her office," Harry finished between kisses. "Now get off me, woman, so I can shower and get dressed. We mustn't keep Her Anxiousness waiting."

Ginny slid off him and set to finalising the packing. "I've packed for you," she shouted over the water. "All you need to grab is your kit!"

"What?"

Ginny sighed and walked into the bathroom. "I said I've packed for you and that all you'll need to grab is your kit."

Harry finished rinsing his hair. "Oh okay, great. Did you pack my black trousers and jacket?"

"Yes. I kind of thought you might like something a little dressy...just in case. I also packed our matching nightshirt and pyjama bottoms. Mum ought to get a charge out of that on Christmas morning," Ginny said with a wicked grin.

"Oh yeah, she'll love it," Harry laughed, turning off the water. "Me, bare-chested and you in an oversized pyjama shirt and your knickers. I can hear it all now." Harry launched into a mock impersonation of his surrogate mother. "Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley! What do you mean coming down those stairs in that state! For crying out loud, cover yourselves!"

"Who knows? She might like what she sees," Ginny smirked. "I know I do!" The two of them stood there in the bathroom, laughing like hyenas when a knock came at the door. "Uh oh..." Ginny said, collecting herself. "It's Her Anxiousness."

"You better get it. I'll be ready in a tick," Harry warned.

"You're not ready yet," Hermione all but shrieked. "We're due in Professor McGonagall's office in fifteen minutes."

"Harry's just getting dressed. I'd suggest you stay right here until he gives the all clear. He's not wearing anything but a towel and that's going to have to come off. I'll be right back," Ginny said with a wicked smile as she turned back toward to bedchamber.

"Hurry up," Hermione called, bouncing on the balls of her feet. I haven't seen Ron for more than a week.

Soon, Harry and Ginny reappeared, trunks and brooms in hand. "It's about time," Hermione huffed. "We've got five minutes, so let's move it."

"Your every wish is my command, Your Anxiousness," Harry laughed.

"Stuff it, Potter. If we're late, you can deal with Molly...not to mention Professor McGonagall."

"My, my. Someone got up surly this morning," Ginny teased. "Oh wait. She hasn't seen Won-Won in over a week. I think we're more than anxious."

"Just come on," Hermione said in mock indignation. "And stop calling him that! Besides...you're right...but I wasn't surly until I had to deal with you two this morning."

The good-natured banter continued as Harry, Ginny, and Hermione made their way to the headmistress' office, dragging their trunks behind them. "Tartan," Harry said to the gargoyle. It leapt aside, revealing the steps leading to the office.

Hermione knocked on the door. "Professor?"

"Good morning, Miss Granger, Mr Potter, Miss Weasley," Professor McGonagall said once they had all come into the office. "You're ready to Floo to the Burrow, are you?"

"Yes, Professor," Ginny replied. "Mum's probably about to have kittens. We're running a bit late this morning because waking Harry is like waking the dead."

The headmistress looked at Harry and smiled. "Having a lie-in, Mr Potter?"

"Well...er...I was..." Harry stammered.

"A nice dream, was it," Professor McGonagall giggled uncharacteristically. Ginny and Hermione joined the headmistress in a good chuckle at Harry's expense. Women. Harry shot a narrow glance at his fiancée and her best friend. "Shut it, you two! Don't you think we should be off? We wouldn't want Molly to drop a litter right in the kitchen," Harry smirked.

They were all laughing as they bid the headmistress, "Happy Christmas." Harry stepped in first with the two trunks and disappeared in a whoosh of green flame. Hermione followed with her trunk, with Ginny bringing up the rear with the Firebolts. "The Burrow!"

"Welcome dears," Molly cried and squeezed the air out of their lungs with bone-shattering hugs.

Arthur welcomed them heartily, giving Ginny and Hermione hugs and shaking Harry's hand before giving him the pat-on-the-back kind of hug men are allowed to give one another.

"It's been so empty here. Of course, Ron visits every now and then, George has been here with Katie, Bill and Fleur of course too, and Percy, but you know... it's not the same as having you all here together." Molly said, dabbing at tear with her apron. "Now dears, elevensis is ready. Tuck in!"

"Mum," Ginny protested. "They do feed us at Hogwarts, you know."

"I know they do, but this is just some scones with jam, clotted cream and tea."

"Enough to feed a starving army," Ginny snickered under her breath.

Harry dragged his and Ginny's trunks toward the stairs. "I'll just take these to our room, shall I?"

"Nonsense, my boy. Eat first. The trunks can wait. In fact, I'll help you with those—and Hermione's—after we've eaten," Arthur said, steering Harry back toward the table by the shoulder. He patted his future son-in-law and made to push him down onto a seat at the table, when he squeezed the younger man's shoulder. "Harry, son. Are you putting on weight?

A grin stole across Harry's face as he looked up at Ginny and winked. "Some, sir. Yes. I've gotten a bit out of shape, so I train with the Gryffindors...with Ginny's permission, that is."

"And he's working out with the DA—weights and everything," Ginny added proudly. Growl.

"Really! And just what are you doing? I've gone a little soft..."

"Arthur Weasley, don't even think about it! All you'd need is to pick up one of those things and pull...something," Molly scolded, reddening. The others seated at the table buried their faces in their hands, shaking with silent laughter. "But Harry, dear, you really look much healthier than I've seen you in a long time," she added with an appreciative glint in her eyes.

Oh my gods, my mum's flirting. "Thanks, Molly," Harry said, stealing a glance at the woman's husband. "Um...er...I could show Arthur how to do it right so he doesn't hurt himself."

"See, Mollywobbles? I'll be fine, and when I'm through, I'll be fit and fine," Arthur boomed, flexing a slightly flabby bicep and putting on airs as if he were Mr Universe.

"Well, sir, that would take some time, you see. You have to start off slowly, a little at a time..." Harry stopped talking when thunder seemed to rumble from the staircase. "Morning, mate!"

Ron, who had arrived a few hours earlier, bounded down the stairs and strode quickly into the kitchen, having heard the noise and Harry's voice. Halfway to the scones, he stopped. Lavender and vanilla. Hermione. He turned and locked his blue eyes on the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen.

"Hey you," she said softly and shyly.

"I've missed you," he said and took her in a firm embrace. The Burrow and everyone in it disappeared as he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss.

"So I am more important than food," Hermione grinned dizzily, a bit weak in the knees.

Ron looked at her. "Harry, what do you reckon? Surely the girlfriend tops some tea and scones, but a full dinner, like the one on Christmas Day..."

"I prefer to share that dinner with Ginny," Harry said taking her hand and raising it to his lips.

"Ronald Weasley," Hermione sighed. "If your brain were as big as your appetite you'd be the smartest wizard in the world. At this point, you're just the smarmiest wizard in the world."

"Ah yes, but you love me anyway and..."

"And I wouldn't have you any other way," she finished, kissing his cheek. And I will have you, Ronald Bilius Weasley. Just you wait.

Over scones and jam, Ron told them about the Christmas specials at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. He presented a colourfully-wrapped piece of candy. "This is Carol's Candy," Ron said showing off different sorts. "Eat one and you can sing a Christmas carol with a remarkable singing voice. It took a while to make them last the entire song, though. Our first attempts were a disaster. In the middle of the song the voice died and you sang with your own voice again."

"It couldn't have been too bad for you, though, Ron," Hermione interjected. "You have a fine..."

"What's this," Harry asked, suddenly interested in his surrogate sister. "Ron sings?"

"'Mione..." Ron groaned.

"Yes, he does, and he has a beautiful voice," Hermione answered in Ron's defence.

"Is that so," Harry smirked.

"Yes, Harry. Ron can sing," Ginny said, coming to her brother's rescue. "I was sworn to secrecy, but since Hermione let the Kneazle out of the bag..."

"Ginny, no," Ron said, giving her a warning leer. "I..."

"Ron, it's all right. From all I've ever heard, women melt when men sing to them," Harry said, still snickering. He turned to Ginny, just in time to catch her ogling him. "Forget it, Love. It's horrible. I can't sing. You'll just have to settle for my dashing good looks."

"I don't settle. And I like your dashing good looks, your disarming Potter charm, your..." she smiled wickedly, walking two fingers up his arm to his shoulder.

"Uh...since Kneazles have been escaping bags," Ron began slyly, staring at his sister. "Ginny's been heard to warble a bit herself, eh Harry?"

Harry fixed his gleaming emerald eyes on his fiancée. "So that wasn't the wireless playing when you were in the shower the other night?"

Ginny's face went crimson. "I didn't know you were there! You didn't say anything..."

"Because I thought it was the wireless, Love. If I'd known that was you, I'd have had you singing me to sleep...and waking up...and every possible moment in between," he confessed looking around the table. "I had no idea until then."

"Well, I don't know what you're so embarrassed about. I'd give anything to be able to sing," Hermione said pointedly. "I have absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever."

"No, but you're only the smartest witch on the planet," Ron complimented her as he put his arm around the back of her chair. "But since you want to sing so much, try one of these out." Ron handed her a Carol's Candy and she took it. As soon as she swallowed it, she began to sing Deck the Halls as though she were born to it..

"Wow, that was beautiful," Ginny said.

"We've sold a lot of Carol's Candy," Ron said. "And this," he continued, "is one of our top-selling gift items for Christmas." He showed them a labyrinth game. It was like the Muggle hand-held game, at which the player rolls a little ball through a maze by tilting the game back and forth. But the maze changed every now and then in this version. In addition, there were spells that transfigured the ball into a cube and small monsters, like the ones in wizards chess, lurked about trying to eat the ball.

"It looks like fun, son," Arthur said, reaching for the game. "May I?"

"Go ahead, Dad. Let's see what you can do with it," Ron replied handing it over. "And it has an anti-cheating charm on it. If you try to use magic to improve your game a Weasley version of the dungbomb goes off and those little monsters will yell, Cheater! at you until you figure out how to reveal the hidden text in the instructions to reset the game."

"That thing will haunt Mr Filch's every nightmare next term," Ginny laughed.

"We can always hope," Ron grinned. "But our real masterpiece is this Funny Floo Powder." He showed them containers of something that looked like Floo powder.

"What does that do," Harry asked dubiously.

"It's just for harmless pranks. You add this to real Floo powder, so when you Floo, one of several interesting effects might...er...affect you. The tickling effect gives you or your victim the sensation of being mercilessly tickled during the trip. Somebody's laughter is guaranteed."

"Don't even think about it, Potter," Ginny warned. She could feel his impish nature through their bond, even though he tried to look innocent.

"What," Harry asked in mock surprise. "I was actually thinking about leaving some of that in Kingsley's Floo powder supply."

"Don't you dare, young man," Molly scolded good-naturedly.

"Oh I don't know, Molly," Arthur said, coming to Harry's defence. "Kingsley's a good sport and he's got an infectious laugh."

"That's what I'm afraid of. Infection," she muttered. "Go on, Ron."

"Another one is the arse kick effect. When you exit the Floo, you get a friendly kick in the pants sending you out of the Floo a little quicker than normal."

"Harry could appreciate that one," Hermione giggled.

"Thanks, Hermione. I love you too," Harry replied with mock hurt on his face.

"George's favourite is the spinning effect. Once out of the Floo, you feel quite dizzy, but the funniest by far is the clothes transfiguration effect. You enter the Floo dressed normally, but you exit with your clothes transfigured into something much more fun."

"Ron, this one wasn't inspired by..." Harry began.

"Neville, yes. Remember the Boggart lesson third year," Ron asked Harry.

"Oh yeah!" Harry was already doubled-up laughing.

"So let us in on the joke," Ginny demanded.

"Go ahead, Harry. You tell it better," Ron urged.

"Okay," Harry began, trying to collect himself. "Remus was our Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor that year and one of the first things he taught us about was Boggarts. He had managed to trap one in an old wardrobe and hid it in the staff room. One day, he took us all in there to teach us Riddikulus," Harry began to break up again. Hermione had to bury her face in Ron's shoulder as she shook with mirth. "Anyway, Remus called on Neville first. Now, you know Neville—at least then—so shy and all. He asked Neville what he was most afraid of."

"Snape," Ron said, trying to contain himself. "Neville was terrified of Professor Snape."

"So Remus told him that that's the shape the Boggart would take when it came at him out of the wardrobe. Then he asked Neville to think about his gran," Harry began to howl.

"Wait, Neville's gran...is she that old biddy with the vulture hat and the huge handbag," Ginny asked.

"That's Augusta Longbottom," Arthur cottoned on and joined in the laughter. "He didn't..." he said looking at Ron, who, by now had tears rolling down his face.

"He did!" Ron and Hermione had fallen all over one another.

"He did what," Molly demanded, looking at an equally clueless Ginny.

"Remus opened the wardrobe and..." Harry snickered again. "And...Snape climbed out. Neville looked like he was going to faint. Remus coached him about Riddikulus while the Boggart-Snape came nearer and nearer to Neville. All at once, Neville raised his wand, shaking like a leaf on the Whomping Willow, and cast the charm." Harry couldn't contain himself, he was so caught up in the gales of laughter issuing from Arthur, Ron, and Hermione.

"So what happened," Ginny cried in frustration. "Harry, tell us what's so funny!" She sent a burst of mild frustration through their bond, even though she had begun to giggle a bit at Harry's mirth as it flowed to her.

"Okay, Love, okay. Hold your Hippogriffs," Harry said, calming. "When Neville cast that charm, the Boggart-Snape spun around..." Harry choked on the laughter that he had to hold back for a few more seconds. "The Boggart-Snape spun around and found itself dressed in Mrs Longbottom's lacy old dress and that god-awful hat, holding that stupid handbag. I'd never seen Neville laugh so hard!"

Molly began to scream with laughter. "You mean to tell me that that Boggart looked like Severus Snape in Augusta Longbottom's clothes?"

Harry, Ron, and Hermione could only nod because they couldn't breathe for the laughter. "Oh. My. Gods," Ginny cried. "No way! Now every time I see that painting in McGonagall's office, I'm going to see...to see..." She collapsed on Harry's shoulder, giddy with laughter.

"I'll bet Remus got a right charge of out that," Arthur said, wiping tears from his eyes. "Eh, Molly?"

"I think Sirius would have enjoyed it immensely," she said. Then she looked apprehensively at Harry. Oops.

Harry seemed to notice Molly's embarrassed gaze. "I wish I'd thought to hell him about that," Harry said, still chuckling. "He would have loved it! Hell, he'd have tried to pin a medal on Neville just for the glory if it!" Harry broke into fits of laughter again

Way to go, my raven boy. You're going to be all right after all. "I can see it all now—Neville Longbottom, for your meritorious service against foul gits, I award you the Distinguished Pranksters' Cross," Ginny proclaimed on Sirius' behalf. Ron saluted and they broke into new gales of laughter.

Once the howls and screams of laughter faded and they'd all collected themselves, Molly's eyes went stern, but twinkling. "Let me tell you," Molly said."If one of you adds that to our Floo powder, you will see what an arse kick effect is really about."

After brunch, Arthur and the boys hauled trunks and brooms upstairs and deposited them in their proper rooms. Harry and Ginny set to moving themselves in for the couple of weeks they'd be there and then collapsed on the bed for a quick nap. The laughter had worn them out and they wanted to be alert when the rest of the family arrived.

"It always feels good to laugh," Harry said, taking Ginny in his arms. "After our discussion the other night, I feel like I can begin to let go a bit."

"I'll have to admit I was a little worried there for a moment when Mum mentioned Sirius," Ginny said, tracing circles on Harry's chest. "I thought you might break."

"I almost did, but I felt the burst you sent to me and I just..." Harry couldn't find the words. "She'd just sent him another wave of the unspoken thing.

"You handled it beautifully, my love. Sirius would want you to remember him as the sly old dog he was," she said smirking.

"Good old Snuffles," Harry said as he pulled her closer for a kiss. "Sweet dreams, my only love."

"They're the only dreams I have when I'm in your arms."

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"Ron," Hermione giggled when they were finally alone in his room. "Can a girl get settled first?"

"Let me settle you," Ron said, burying his face in her bushy brown hair. "You're all I've thought about all week. Your hair, your lips, your eyes, your..."

"I get the picture, you," Hermione giggled again. "Just let me finish putting my things away and you can...how did you say it...settle me?"

"Can I help," he asked, his sapphire eyes already turning cobalt as he gazed at her greedily. "Where does this go," he asked, holding up several pairs of her knickers.

"Prat," she said cheekily. "In the bottom drawer with yours, you loon."

Ron about collapsed on the spot. She wanted to store her lacy little knickers with his boxers. That's so hot, 'Mione. He couldn't wait until she was finished unpacking. He crossed over to his dresser and slid open the bottom drawer. Wow. He looked back at the pile of lace in his hands and then shoved his cotton boxers aside to make room for Hermione's delicates.

"Here Ron," she said breaking his reverie. "Put these in there with them."

Ron turned around to find Hermione handing him the matching bras and a couple of camisoles. He gulped. "Uh...erm...right. Sure," he said as he glanced southward. Damn, I'll bet she noticed, too. He turned to place the delicate garments into the drawer with the others, closed the drawer, and stood up straight. "'Mione, is that..."

A pair of gentle hands wrapped around his waist and a soft cheek nuzzled against his back. "I'm ready to be...settled now," Hermione purred, running her hands across his tight stomach. All that lifting and carrying has certainly paid off.

Ron growled and turned to face her, crushing her in his arms. He captured her lips and tongue in a searing kiss. "You drive me mad," he growled into her mouth. He pulled his wand from his back pocket and cast an imperturbable charm on his bedroom door. "I love you. I must have you."

"Take me, my ginger god," she moaned. "I'm yours." She wrapped her legs around Ron's waist as he lifted her lithe body off the floor and deposited her on the bed. "I love you, Ronald Bilius Weasley. I've missed you so much," she whimpered as his hands began to wander.

"'Mione," he whispered. Their passion exploded all around them and the world melted into nothingness.

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Shortly before dinner, the fireplace erupted in a whoosh of green flames as Bill stepped out. He and Fleur were the last to arrive, since George, Percy, and Charlie Flooed in at various times throughout the afternoon while their younger siblings napped.

"Bill," Molly cried, attacking her eldest son with hugs and kisses. "I haven't seen you in well over a month!" The others shouted out their greetings, some hugging, some backslapping.

Bill raised his hands to silence the din. "That's right, Mum. We have something to tell you all, but let's just wait for Fleur. I'm sure that when she does everything will explain itself."

Less than a minute of total silence later, Fleur arrived in another whoosh of green flame.

"So," Molly said looking around for the promised explanation.

Hermione had her eyes on Fleur. "Fleur, you're not..."

Now everyone looked at Fleur and noticed a hint of an expanding belly under her loose dress.

"Oui. I am," she replied, her beautiful face splitting into a toothy smile.

Molly still didn't understand and a dangerous look set into her eyes.

"Mum, you'll be a grandmother in May," Bill said, realising his mother hadn't caught on. The Weasley assemblage broke into a cacophony of cheers and congratulations.

"So when did you know," Molly asked Fleur.

"We were sure zee end of October, but we decided to keep it to ourselves until today so we could tell you all togezzer."

Arthur produced a bottle of Firewhiskey and poured everyone but Fleur a glass. Fleur accepted a cold glass of fresh pumpkin juice. "To Bill, Fleur, and my first grandchild," Arthur said beaming with pride. "Sláinte!" They all replied and drank, exhaling the mandatory aaahhh, afterward.

"We have so much to look forward to in 1999! You two becoming parents," Molly said and turned to Harry and Ginny. "And you two getting married...to each other!" Molly sighed happily.

Bill looked at his sister. "By the way, congratulations on your contract, Sis. Chaser for the Harpies! I'm so proud of you, Pumpkin."

"Thanks, Bill," Ginny said, hugging her big brother around the waist.

Arthur poured another round of Firewhiskey. "We are all very proud of you, Ginny. We know you've supported the Harpies since you were small. So now, to their new Chaser—Sláinte!" The family returned the toast and they all emptied their glasses.

"Congratulations, Gorgeous Girl," Harry whispered, kissing her temple.

Molly walked over to her husband and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "We are truly blessed, aren't we, Arty," she whispered.

"That we are, Mollywobbles. That we are," he replied as his wife took the bottle out of his hand. She banished it to its proper cabinet muttering something about it being the best thing before Arthur became toast-happy and began to invent things to drink to and have them all properly pissed on their first evening together as a family in a very long time.

Harry gazed stupidly at Ginny, as he began to feel the effects of the Firewhiskey. Yes, two toasts were definitely enough, thank you. Without paying attention, he took a piece of candy from a dish that he'd been passed. He opened it and popped it into his mouth. He no sooner than swallowed it when he burst into song, singing some Christmas carol he'd never heard before. When he finished, the entire clan stared at him in utter disbelief, except for Ron and George who were literally dying of laughter.

"Zat was amazing," Fleur said.

"I didn't know you sang, Harry" Charlie said.

Harry looked at George and Ron, his eyes telling them that he could really spill the beans if they didn't clam up. "Ask those two about it," Harry said, having made himself abundantly clear to at least Ron. "And I hope you enjoyed it, because you'll never hear it again."

George explained to his family about Carol's Candy. The love and laughter of the opening night of the annual Weasley Christmas Celebration continued well into the evening. Charlie played with the Labyrinth game and soon became hooked on it, but complained that there were no dragons.

"We did have a couple in an earlier version, but they kept setting fire to the game. Somehow we couldn't combine a fire-resisting spell with all the others, because when we cast it, it always backfired and reduced the whole thing to ashes in an instant," George explained.

Late that night, the Weasley assemblage began to feel the effects of a very long enjoyable day. Amid stretches and yawns, the family hugged one another goodnight filtered into their assigned sleeping quarters. Harry and Ginny, cuddled up in her yet-again enlarged bed, decided to read from Lily's diary again. They hadn't read from it for a while, but this night seemed the perfect night to resume their old ritual. Harry opened the diary to read the next entry.

24 June 1978

Today James did it! He proposed! Of course in a very James-esque way, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. James Apparated me to a beautiful spot for a picnic. I must remember to ask him where we were. Anyway, after lunch, he handed me a locked box. It had a jumble of letters that made no sense on top of it.

'It's a puzzle, Lils. To open it, you must arrange the letters in the proper order,' James told me. So I stared at them, hoping that if I stared long enough, the letters might rearrange themselves for me. But no. I turned the box around in my hands, thinking I might make some sense of out those blasted letters that way. No. It still made no sense to me at all. Of course, James was enjoying every minute of my frustration. But I could also tell he was dying for me to solve the puzzle.

'YLMRULIROIEMWALYY?' it said. He let me work it for an hour before I finally got it to 'WILL YOU MARRY ME LILY?' I was dumbstruck. He looked so hopeful. I took his handsome face in my hands and kissed him soundly on the mouth. "I'd love to marry you," I told him. When I said that, the tiny lock clicked and the box opened. Inside was this beautiful ring—a gold ring with a flawless deep green emerald. He picked it up and put it on my finger as he kissed me. I'm engaged to James Potter! I don't know what else to write today, I'm so happy.

Ginny sighed and studied the ring Harry had placed on her finger much the same way his father had placed it on his mother's. It was incredible to learn a little about its history. As Lily had done, she took Harry's face in her hands and kissed him passionately. "Your dad really was a prankster. He couldn't even propose without making a bit of a joke of it," Ginny smiled.

"It seems to be pretty much the way he did things," Harry said. "Let's read on."

25 June 1978

Today we broke the news to our parents. We Apparated to my parent's first. To our surprise, Petunia was there and she had a boyfriend with her. We gave them quite a scare popping into the living room out of nothing. My mum told me they had been together for a couple of months, but Petunia didn't want me to know about it until she could tell me in person. Her boyfriend is called Vernon Dursley. I must confess I didn't really like him. My dad explained to Vernon that James and I are magical people and that is why we showed up the way we did.

Mum and dad are overjoyed about our engagement. We all had lunch together before we left for James' parents'. Sirius was there too, of course, and when we told them about the engagement, they wanted to know all the details. Mr Potter was delighted to see the ring on my finger. 'You gave her my mother's ring I see,' he said to James. I looked at James and he told me the ring was an old Potter family heirloom.

Somewhere along the line of Potter men, one had given this ring to his bride. For centuries, it had stayed in the family. I couldn't begin to express what I felt then and how wearing it makes me feel now, but I'll try. I love the way James didn't make a big deal about the ring being this unique heirloom. I can't think of a better way for him to propose, even though I should curse him for letting me work that puzzle for a solid hour. Hearing his dad tell me about the ring made my knees shake. I asked James if he'd ever planned on telling me about it himself. He shrugged 'If you hadn't learned before the wedding I would have, but I knew dad would tell you.' I absolutely love James and I'll treasure this ring every day for the rest of our lives.

Sirius and James left for a few hours in the evening 'having urgent business to discuss'. That probably meant browsing the Firewhiskey assortment at the Three Broomsticks because their collective breath would wake the dead when they returned. I asked what urgent business they had discussed. 'My stag night, engagement celebration party, Sirius-being-my-best-man-party, cheering-up-Moony-and-Wormtail-not-being-my-best-man-party...' They were both obviously smashed, so I told them to shut up. And by the way, Remus and Peter would probably expect Sirius to be James' best man anyway. Both of them totally agreed, but also thought it was a good idea to throw a party. I shook my head. They are such little... boys... sometimes.

"Merlin, I didn't know the ring was that old," Harry said, his eyes fixed on Ginny's. "It just makes me value you all the more."

"I love reading this diary," Ginny said. "I'm looking forward to reading about their wedding, when Lily finds out she's expecting you, and what she writes after giving birth."

"Me too. Do you think we'll have a family one day," Harry asked, swallowing back new tears.

"I hope so Harry. I grew up in a big family. Maybe seven children is a little more than I imagine for myself, though. I'm not my mum, but I do want a couple of children."

"Me too, love. Me too," Harry whispered as they kissed each other softly and faded off to sleep.

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The next day found Harry and Ron headed for Diagon Alley. Hermione and Ginny had gone earlier to do some holiday shopping without them, which was fine with the boys because they needed to do the same.

"First stop, Gringotts," Harry told Ron as they walked up the crowded street.

"Need more money," Ron asked.

"No, but I need to go through all my stuff in the Potter vault, and since I'm here... You don't have to come with me if you don't want to, but I'd sure appreciate the company," Harry replied.

"Of course I'll come with you," Ron agreed as they ascended the white stone steps to the bank. Ron gasped when he saw the contents of Harry's vault. Harry's wealth had increased by several percent over the last six months. Peace had increased business and the goblins invested Harry's money wisely, making a tidy profit for him. It was a good business for the goblins too, since they earned a small percentage of whatever profits they made for him.

"I know, Ron. It's a ridiculous amount of money. And I make more money than I spend. But I was going to look at my estates today. I want to have some idea of exactly what buildings and what land I own."

They started to read through the deeds and contracts covering the Potter family estate. All of the Black estates were added too but lay in a different file on a different set of parchments.

"You are disgustingly rich, Harry," Ron grinned.

"Half of this is Ginny's. After our engagement, I added her name to the vault," Harry replied.

"Making her the richest ever in the Weasley family," Ron said looking over a parchment. "Bloody hell!"

"What is it Ron?"

"Did you know you own the Burrow?"

"What? Don't your parents own it," Harry asked in a near-panic.

"Well, the house is theirs, but you own the land it's on. Read the deed for yourself, along with the contract my parents signed renting the land," Ron said, handing Harry the parchment he'd been reading.

Harry read the deed and the contract. Bloody hell Ron was right. The House of Potter owned a lot of land in the Ottery-St Catchpole area. Before Bill was born, Arthur and Molly Weasley had rented a piece of land and built the Burrow on top on the cottage that already stood there. The owner of the Burrow had the right to rent the land for as long as they lived there. Harry felt ashamed. Arthur and Molly Weasley have been paying rent to me every month and I never knew. Ron seemed to read Harry's mind, but the glistening in Harry's eyes and the slight quiver of his bottom lip said it all.

"Hey there, brother, don't feel bad about it. You couldn't possibly have known you owned it," Ron said putting one of his large hands on his friend's shoulder. "And I'm sure Mum and Dad don't know either. They told us they rent the land, but they have always dealt with the goblins. All they know is that the owners of the land are a Wizarding family. They have always been happy to rent the land for a low price, and there hasn't been a raise in rent since Fred and George were born."

"About the time my grandparents died, I think. James never had any real chance to deal with family business," Harry said. "Well, it's time for some changes, my friend." Harry called the Goblin who assisted them. "Look, I want to transfer the deed to this of land to Arthur and Molly Weasley, but I'd like the transfer to occur the moment Mr and Mrs Weasley open the deed."

"Certainly, Mr Potter" the goblin said, asking Harry to sign a parchment. Harry signed it and the goblin performed a series of spells before handing an envelope to Harry. "There you go, Mr Potter. Everything is prepared. The moment Mr and Mrs Weasley open this envelope, the land is irrevocably theirs."

Ron stared at his friend in amazement. "I can't believe you just did that."

"Why not? It's not exactly like I need their rent to survive. Now that I know about this, I can't and I won't accept another Galleon from them. In fact I'd like to return all money they paid me," Harry declared. "They've...you've all been so good to me. I feel like I owe it to them."

Ron began to protest, but Harry raised his hands to silence him. "Ron, I want to do this. I have to. To me, it's only right. Please support me in this because I know there's going to be a tirade when they open that envelope," Harry said, almost pleading with his friend.

"All right, all right, Harry. And my lips are sealed. I promise," Ron said, shaking Harry's hand. "And Harry...thanks. Once the shock wears off and the tirade is over, they'll be overjoyed. It'll be the best Christmas present you could ever give them, mate." Ron hugged him like a brother and patted his back.

After the business with the Burrow, neither Harry nor Ron had any more ambition or motivation to read through any more deeds and contracts. The conclusion of the deed transfer had been too emotional for both of them. They left Gringotts and headed for the shops for Christmas presents.

On Christmas Day, Harry awoke and received his first present—a very intense snog from and with Ginny. They reluctantly got up and headed downstairs to the living room, she in the pyjama top and he in the bottoms. She had, however, slipped a pair of red shorts on under it to allay her mother's wrath. Ron and Hermione were already up, as were the elder Weasleys. The pile of presents under the tree appeared bigger this year as they splayed out from under it in all directions reaching halfway across the room to the sofa. After all, there were eleven people in the house this Christmas. When his daughter and surrogate son appeared at the bottom of the stairs, Arthur rose to pull Molly from the kitchen. "Dearest Molly, we won't die if we have breakfast an hour later. It's Christmas after all. It's time to open presents." Molly knew her husband was right. Ron volunteered to act as distributor, with Hermione as his able assistant. He and Hermione began to sort out gifts as the rest of the Weasley clan joined them.

Once all the presents had been distributed to their rightful owners, Harry plucked up his Gryffindor courage and handed an envelope to Arthur and Molly. Ginny looked at him, clearly curious and sent a burst of that curiosity through their bond. He hadn't told her about the discovery at Gringotts. "Just wait, love," he told her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Just wait and see."

Arthur opened the envelope and read the contents together with his wife. They both looked at one another stunned and read the parchments again.

"What is it, Dad," George asked, not a little concerned.

Molly looked at Harry with tears in her eyes and broke into a big smile. She grabbed him and gave him a hug. By now everyone looked at Arthur, Harry and Molly.

"Mum! Harry's going purple," Charlie said, prising Harry free so he could breathe. "Dad, what's this all about?"

Arthur, clearly emotional too, cleared his throat. "Weasleys, you all know your mother and I built the Burrow as our home. We couldn't afford to buy this land, so we rented it from an unknown Wizarding family. We'd always dealt with the goblins and never knew who the family was. Before Ron was born—right after you and Fred were born, actually, George—our rent stopped going up every year. The goblins told us everything was in order, and that there had been no oversight. The continued low rent we've paid for this land has really helped us over the years. Well, it seems Harry is the owner of the land."

All of them looked at Harry. "Was. Actually, I didn't know the Potter family owned this land until a few days ago. Anyway, the moment you opened that envelope, this deed to this land was transferred to Arthur and Molly Weasley." Harry looked at them, a huge grin stealing across his face. "It's my present to you. Happy Christmas."

"We absolutely can't accept this Harry," Molly said.

"Molly, I couldn't go on accepting rent from you. Besides, you don't have any choice. The ownership is already irrevocably transferred, so if you don't want to keep this land, you'll have to sell it and I won't buy it back."

With that, Molly had nothing more to say. Arthur gathered Harry up in a bear hug much like one a father would give a son who'd returned after a years-long absence. "Harry, I don't know how to thank you," Arthur said.

"You don't need to thank me. I'd have done this ages ago had I only known. In fact in a very small way I want you to consider my gift to you as a token of my gratitude for taking me in as a part of your family, Arthur," Harry explained. "There are no words to describe what that has meant to me over the years."

Bill read over the deed and contract. "Harry, this is a fantastic gift."

"And I'm glad your Mum and Dad accepted it before I had to threaten them with paying back every Galleon they ever paid me."

"Harry, don't you have to worry about your finances," George asked.

Harry blushed.

"Harry doesn't have to worry about money, George," Ginny said. She stole a glance at Harry, who nodded for her to continue. "He inherited both the Potter and the Black vaults. Harry is a millionaire." Everyone gasped at this revelation.

"Please don't tell anyone, but mine and Ginny's vault contain the Potter and Black fortunes. The goblins handle the investments and I learned a few days ago that our wealth has increased by nearly ten percent the last six months, and I didn't have to do anything."

"Harry, I don't mean to intrude on your privacy, and you don't have to answer if you'd rather not, but just how much money do you have in that vault," Arthur asked.

"A little over thirty million Galleons," Harry said, clearly embarrassed.

"And you added Ginny to that vault after you got engaged," Molly asked.

"Yes, of course I did. All that's mine is hers," Harry replied.

"How do you handle that kind of money," Molly said.

"Trying not to think about it. Ginny is negotiating her salary and I'm trying to become an Auror. To tell you the truth we wouldn't have to work if we didn't want to, but we don't want to live like that." We are not going to become high-class snobs like the Malfoys.

The family still hadn't recovered. They'd known for a long time that Harry had more money than the Weasley family, but the fact that he was among the wealthiest wizards in Britain was news to them. That he, without a doubt, had shared it all with Ginny was also news to everyone but Bill, though he didn't know the amount of gold involved.

"I don't want to appear... superior... but I've learned one thing becoming part of this family, and that is that we help one another. If any one of you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to come to me...us," Harry said. "I actually feel rather awkward having all that gold. I'd rather share it with you, my family." With that, the talk about gold was finished and everyone returned to their presents.

Eleven Weasleys, including Harry and Hermione, tore into their individual mountains of gifts, wrapping paper flying in all directions and thank yous filling the air. Hermione received books from everyone for which she was very happy.

Harry received a photo album from Ginny that was filled with pictures of their time together. Ron gave him a set of experimental stunning bombs. He explained that they contained a stunning spell and could be thrown at a victim. It might be handy in that Auror training. Arthur and Molly had given him a book called Household Magic For Every Wizard, by Epstein Ebenhart. It covered all kinds of repair spells for a house, Firewhiskey odour vanishing spells after a boys' night out, smell-reducing charms for nappy changes, and even a section covering Upset Wife Reducing spells, useful for forgotten anniversaries, birthdays, mood-enhancing spells against PMS and other situations an unsuspecting husband may encounter.

"It covers everything a family man needs," Arthur explained.

Harry, Ginny, and Hermione chipped in together to present Ron with an all-season ticket to the Chudley Cannons matches. He was speechless.

"So I expect you to be there when the Harpies humiliate the Cannons next season," Ginny teased.

"Of course I'll be there to see you lose, Ginny," Ron grinned.

Charlie had dragon products for everyone and Molly had knitted scarves and pullovers for the entire family. Ginny had, of course, given them all tickets for the first Harpies match next season, but the big surprise came from Percy. The pompous git maybe felt he had to do something in return after his family forgave him. He gave everyone a one-week's stay at a Hotel in Normandy next summer. Although his job at the Ministry was a rather wee paid one, he'd saved a lot of to afford this present.

"Harry and Ginny, please let me know if this interferes with your honeymoon plans."

Ginny saved her present from Harry. She opened it last. It was a dinner reservation for one of the finest Muggle restaurants in London.

"I hope this is for two." Ginny said looking at Harry, who just smiled at her.

Christmas Day continued with the extended Weasley family enjoying just being together in the same place at the same time, since it was such a rare occurrence. Molly had prepared an unhealthy amount of food that had even Ron waving the white flag of surrender. That evening Harry, Ron, George and Charlie sat in the living room over Butterbeers and man-chat.

"Harry, you need to set a date for the wedding," Ron said. "I need to plan the stag night."

The others nodded. "I wouldn't miss that for the world," George said.

"I have an idea, but I need to check with Ginny first," Harry said. "I also thought about getting all our friends together at Grimmauld Place for New Year."

"That would be great, Harry," Ron said excitedly.

"Yes, and Kreacher would have all of next term to get the place back in order," Harry grinned.

"Well then, you great prat. She's out in the kitchen. Go talk to her," Charlie said nudging Harry off the sofa.

Harry heaved himself off the sofa with a mock groan and pretended to drag himself to the kitchen as though he were going to his execution. His "brothers" urged him on. "G'on, Harry. She's waiting," George said with an impish grin.

Sure enough, Ginny stood in the kitchen, nibbling on a biscuit with a glass of milk next to her on the counter. Harry approached her, saying nothing. He stepped right up in front of her, pressed her against the counter, put his arms around her and crushed his mouth to hers in a mind-numbing kiss. Her hands stole up his chest and around his neck, twining themselves in his messy black hair, their love for one another coursing through their bond. Reluctantly, they came up for air, both of them weak in the knees and dizzy.

"Wow," Ginny breathed, dazed. "Got any more like that?"

"I do, but I'm saving them for later, love," Harry said slyly, running his fingers through her fire-red locks. "But there's something I need to talk to you about. Something we've got to decide."

"What's that," Ginny asked suspiciously.

"Love, after reading the diary the other night, I thought June twenty-fourth would be a great date for our wedding, since it was the date my dad proposed to my mum."

"It's perfect, and a sweet tribute to them," Ginny replied, her arms still wrapped around his neck. I want you now, Potter.

"You know Ron is planning a Stag night," Harry told her cautiously.

"I don't want to know what Hermione has in mind for my Hen night," Ginny replied with a smirk. "With her, you can never tell."

"They'll try to get us sloshed and embarrassed, no doubt."

Ginny nodded. "You know, there's a potion that increases your tolerance for alcohol. Maybe we should brew that one."

"Ginny, you are so brilliant. I love you for that," Harry laughed, hugging her tightly. "That puts you one step ahead of Hermione, you know."

"Yeah, it does, doesn't it? Imagine that," Ginny giggled and rested her head against his chest. She loved to listen to his heartbeat. It was like being truly home.

Harry and Ginny felt as though a weight they had no idea they were carrying had been lifted from their shoulders, having finally set a date for their wedding. On a lark, Harry picked her up in his arms and carried her back to the living room where everyone else had gathered. Harry set her down carefully and they asked for attention.

"All right, Weasleys," Ginny said. "You'd better make sure you're free on June 24th, because that's the day I marry Harry!" Christmas Day could hardly have passed on a happier note as the Weasley assemblage drank one more toast. "To June 24th," Arthur announced. "Sláinte!"

"Sláinte!" Ten glasses of Firewhiskey and one glass of pumpkin juice disappeared into the Weasleys, and they all bade each other "Sweet Dreams" as they ascended the stairs to bed.

Harry and Ginny, though completely exhausted after the events of the day, weren't quite ready to go to sleep yet. "So...what about those mind-bending kisses you've been saving for me," Ginny asked coyly.

"Ah yes, I did promise you those, didn't I," Harry answered, pulling her closer.

"Yes, you did and I'm holding you to your promises, Mr Potter."

"Never has man been so eager to keep his word to woman, Miss Weasley. Come here, Beautiful." Harry crushed his lips against hers just as he had done in the kitchen earlier that evening, only this time he rolled himself over and pinned her to the mattress, engaging her in another all-out Christmas snog-fest.

"Harry, you handsome devil," Ginny sighed, once again weak. "I want you now!" Before he knew it, she had slipped out of her pyjama top and had them both stark naked. They made love and finished just as Christmas Day passed into Boxing Day. Spent, they fell asleep once again in one another's arms, dreaming of wedding rings and Sealing charms.

The week until New Year's passed quickly. Harry and Ginny had sent out party invitations to all their friends. Molly managed to sit them down and talk about wedding plans, but with so many people at the Burrow, it was like everything happened everywhere constantly. Ron and George were working on new products, more than once creating utter chaos in the house. It was exactly the way it should be at the Burrow, and despite her outbursts, Molly loved every minute of it.

On December twenty-ninth, Harry presented Ginny with a beautiful Muggle evening dress and put on a dressy sports jacket. This was the night Harry had planned for Ginny's present. They Apparated into London and walked the short way to the restaurant. At the entrance, the Maître d' eyed the young couple with suspicion.

"Harry Potter, table for two," Harry said, slipping the Maître d' a ten-pound note.

The Maître d' looked at the guest list and found the Potters.

"Certainment, Monsieur," he bowed slightly and turned to Ginny. "Mademoiselle, please follow me."

He showed them a table and helped them get seated. With a wave of his hand, a waiter approached. Another wave and the sommelier joined them, too. The Maître d' left them and the waiter gave them the menu.

"What would you recommend tonight," Harry asked.

"We have a lovely halibut Bourgionne served with pommes château with herbs. I can recommend blue mussels boiled in white wine as a starter and our own apple ice cream with cardamom sauce for dessert."

They nodded in agreement at the suggested menu and the sommelier asked if they had any preferences. "We trust your judgement," Harry said.

"Harry, this is...it's...wow," Ginny stammered, staring deeply into her fiancé's eyes. "Thank you so much for all of this."

Harry decided it was time for courtly speech. "Ah, fair lady, it suiteth thee well. Thy beauty but enhanceth the ambiance of so plain a setting," he said as he kissed her hand.

"Good Sir, thou hast hung the moon and the stars on this magical night," she replied dreamily. "It is thy noble goodness that suiteth me well."

"If I have hung the moon and stars, it was only for thee, my love. For only thou art worthy of their glory," Harry replied, still kissing her hand and gazing into her eyes.

"Then let the sun be worthy of thine, my love. For in it thou shineth brighter than all the stars together in the heavens," she said, caressing his cheek.

Harry and Ginny were so locked up in one another's love, they didn't notice the other restaurant patrons watching them with wistful smiles on their faces. An elderly man suddenly took his wife's hand as it rested on the table, a young couple slid closer together in their booth, and a middle-aged couple looked on as they felt their love for one another rekindle.

The waiter didn't want to interrupt this beautiful scene. "Your mussels," he said as he set the dish down between them. "Bon appétit." He backed away with a wistful smile of his own. These lovely young people just made his night.

The sommelier brought their wine, a lovely white to accompany the seafood, and poured some into each of their glasses. Harry and Ginny fed one another, still gazing into one another's eyes. Soon, the waiter reappeared with the halibut and refilled their wine glasses. "I drink to thee, Milady, the most beautiful witch in all the land," Harry whispered, raising his glass to hers. "Thou takest my very breath away and givest it back with thy love." He sent his devotion through their bond and she drew in a breath.

"My own love, thy love is my very breath, the very beat of my heart which sustaineth me. For thou completest me," she replied as she sent a burst of the unspoken thing through their bond. "I so love thee, Sir Knight."

They drank to one another and then, without as second thought, joined their lips in a tender kiss. "I love thee, dear lady, more than thou couldst ever know and more that I could ever tell thee," Harry whispered again, and returned the unspoken thing through their bond.

The dinner was outstanding. The combination of flavours enhanced by the choice of wine made by the sommelier made this dinner unforgettable. Harry left a generous tip to the staff. They walked together hand-in-hand to the place where they had Apparated. Harry took her in his arms, kissed her, and turned to Disapparate to the Burrow. "You know," Harry said as they made their way to the door, "I really need to get my Apparition licence."

Ginny laughed. "That would be something, the great Harry Potter fined for illegal Apparition."

"Maybe Percy could help me out. I can't bother Kingsley with that."

"I think he would love that," Ginny said. "Ask him tomorrow. Harry, I loved my present tonight."

Harry could see how happy Ginny was and there was nothing Harry liked more than making Ginny happy. "I'm glad. I liked your present too."