Chapter 20

"Birds"

"I can't believe it's not done yet," Hermione commented as she Ron and Harry walked up the drive of Hogwarts towards Hagrid's Hut.

"My parents always thought Fred and George would bring the building crumbling down," smiled Ron, "but gosh Harry no one would have expected you!"

They all laughed "shut up Ron!" said Harry smiling

It was Friday night and tomorrow they would be watching Ginny in the game for the Quidditch house cup against Hufflepuff. Then later that night they would attend the Slughorn Party, Harry really didn't want to go but Hermione and Ginny were set on it. They decided to come in the night before so they wouldn't have to wake up early (Ron insisted) and they were spending the night at Hagrid's.

"I never realized how long this walk actually was." commented Ron, "Harry see any Thestrals we could hop on"

"It's not that far Ronald plus we haven't been here in so long it's kind of nice to get reacquainted with the grounds," said Hermione looking around

"You're just saying that because you don't like to fly," teased Ron

"For your information..." She began

"Will you two please not start arguing? Can we make it through one night without you two ending up in a shouting match," complained Harry

"We don't argue we may have heated discussions…" defended Ron.

"A heated discussion is an argument," stated Hermione, "I don't appreciate you agreeing with him that we are always arguing..."

"I wasn't, all I was saying..."

Harry rolled his eyes knowing he was stupid for even trying to get them to stop. They were nearing Hagrid's hut and Ron walked up to the door and banged on it. They heard things falling over as Hagrid rushed to the door…

"HARRY, RON, HERMIONE!" He shouted with such joy stepping aside to let them in.

Harry dropped his bag and immediately hugged Hagrid. He hugged him back with his usual bone crushing grip but Harry didn't care it had been so long since he had seen him.

"It's so great to see you," Harry said pulling away.

"It's been too long... How are you, Ron, Hermione," he asked beaming at them all as they took seats around the table.

"We've been really good... How are things here with your class and such?" Hermione asked politely.

"The students seem to be enjoying themselves. I'm currently trying to produce an Ashwiner for my NEWT level classes," he said with a glimmer in his eyes.

Ron's eyes widen, "I'm so glad we don't have to take that class anymore," he whispered to Harry. Harry stifled his laughter.

"Is that safe," wondered Hermione worriedly, looking over her shoulder to the green flames burning in Hagrid's fireplace hoping the Ashwiner would not be formed while they were staying there.

"It'll be fine, there a household problem they'll be good for everyone to learn about," Hagrid waved his hand dismissingly

"They could say the same things about bogrots but they turn into vicious things," commented Ron.

"Spiders aren't vicious Ron," Pointed out Hermione

"You didn't meet Argon..." Hermione elbowed him, "oh! No offense Hagrid but she told her millions of children they could eat us!" He said in realization that he was talking about Hagrid's dead pet.

"That's alright Ron... She was only being a parent even if it was wrong for her to tell her younglings it was okay to eat you," he said rising and going to fix some tea.

"So... How is Professor Wiggins doing?" Asked Hermione trying to change the subject

"Who's that," asked Harry

"Do you ever read the Prophet," Hermione asked annoyed, that Harry and Ron were not up on current events.

"Yes just not days when I'm on the cover"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "David Wiggins is the New Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher and Head of Gryffindor House."

"I wonder if the bloke will show up for a second year," laughed Ron.

"I think so, Dave is enjoying his job. He's a nice guy all the students and staff love him," said Hagrid pouring them each some tea.

"The terms not over yet," pointed out Ron

"How nice of you Ronald..."

Harry looked down at his watch as Ron and Hermione began to bicker back and forth. Curfew was at nine and it was ten minutes after. He was supposed to meet Ginny in the room of Requirement at nine, "I think I'm going to go for a walk..." he said rising from his seat.

"Are you okay," asked Hermione concerned.

"Yes I'm fine... I just want to clear my head. This place holds a lot of happy and not so happy memories," he said sincerely before he ducked out the door. He originally just wanted to make something up to get out of the house but now that he stood out in the cool spring air he realized how true it was. Hogwarts was the place where his life really began. He met everyone he loves here and he also loss people he loved here... Harry tried to push that last thought behind him as he walked towards the castle. Right now he was going to meet someone he loved more than life.

(***)

After Ginny just made it to dinner before the food disappeared she hurried to Gryffindor Tower. After her last class she went to the Library to study for her NEWTS and lost track of time. She didn't have a chance to change from her uniform. Not that Harry hadn't seen her in her uniform millions of times, it was just she hadn't seen him since Christmas she preferred that the first time she saw him she wasn't wearing a hideous gray pleaded skirt.

Practically shouting the password at the fat lady she dashed up the stairs to her room with strange looks from her classmates who started to fill the common the room since it was almost curfew. She threw her bag on her bed and began rummaging through her cabinet for something to wear. She was throwing things over her shoulder not paying attention to where they were going...

"Hey," Demelza Robins shouted as she walked into the room and one of Ginny's shirts hit her in the face. She was one of Ginny's roommates, Quidditch teammates and close friends. She had black hair that she always kept cut into a short bob, she was five foot eleven and known for wearing five inch heels. She was extremely confident and didn't care who she towered over. She had beautiful long legs and a Quidditch toned body. Ginny suggested she become a model but Demelza said she had other plans that didn't involve starving herself "What are you doing I thought you were supposed to be meeting Harry?"

"I am. I'm trying to find something to wear."

"This is cute," she said picking up a dress off the floor.

Ginny turned around to see was she was holding, "that's a sun dress. I can't wear that!"

"It's very pretty. It will give the appearance of innocence," she smirked, "although we both know yours has been long gone for months."

Ginny laughed as she took the dress from Demelza, "stop."

"Anyway, men always want what they can't have... then again Mrs. Potter, Harry's already had you," she laughed

"Shhhh!" Ginny hissed, "Someone could walk in here at any moment and hear you!"

"Sorry, but I think it's common knowledge for anyone with eyes and a brain that you're one day going to marry Harry Potter the boy wonder," Demelza said opening her trunk.

"Well I would prefer that it stay a theory until I'm ready to make it a known fact," she held up the dress, "do you really think this is alright."

"It'll be if you wear these," she said holding up a pair of strappy sandals. She waved her hand in front of her nose, "and if you take a shower. You smell like fertilizer and old books."

"I know, I had Herbology and was at the library. That's the worst thing about that class." she said placing down the dress and grabbing her towel.

"I know that's why I didn't take it... Oh and you might want to hurry it's after nine!" She shouted after Ginny rushing off to the bathroom...

(***)

Harry was standing behind a suit of armor down the corridor from the Tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. He actually found the castle deserted until he reached the seventh floor. He had to hide behind the armor because some Gryffindor students came running down the hall trying to make it back to the common room without being caught, since curfew was twenty five minutes ago. When they disappeared around the corner he looked around then crept out from behind the armor. He walked quickly three times in front of the wall opposite the tapestry thinking of a place for him and Ginny to meet and hopefully with her already inside. When the door appeared, he looked around one last time before going in. The room was empty except for a sofa in front of a fireplace that already had a fire going...

"And no Ginny," Harry said aloud to himself. He walked over and took a seat on the couch to wait for her

(***)

Long freshly curled red hair, lip gloss, a yellow flowing sundress, and Demelza's five inch strappy stilettos was the vision of Ginny hastening down the hall as quiet as possible for her date with Harry that she was now forty minutes late for. She was rounding the corner to the corridor where the room of requirement was and had to duck into a niche when she spotted a prefect in the middle of his rounds. She crept closer to the wall when he stopped in front of her hiding place. As he stood there for a moment Ginny was quickly trying to think of any possible excuse to get out of detention. He began to move and she let out a relieved breath. When he stopped walking she put her hand over her mouth hoping he wouldn't hear her breathing, he looked around again shrugged and walked off. She slowly eased out of the niche when she could no longer hear his footsteps.

With one look around she hastened down the hall and paced three times in front of the wall. When the door appeared she fixed her hair before she pushed it open...

Maybe she was stopped by a prefect, Harry thought as he heard the door opening. He looked over his shoulder and his mouth dropped open, he stood up slowly from the couch. "You... umm... look... gorgeous," he stuttered.

"Thank you," she blushed as she tucked her hair behind her ear. Her dress was form fitting at the top and flared at the bottom. Her engagement ring glittered in the soft light as it hung around her neck. It was showing enough yet hiding enough to make her seem untouchable. Demelza was right… "How are you," she asked walking towards him.

"Good, and you," he answered walking towards her

"Great..."

"You're going to beat Hufflepuff in the morning," he asked wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Bet your ass," she smiled wrapping her arms around his neck. Harry laughed and leaned in and kissed her.

(***)

"I wonder where Harry is," Ron and Hermione were sitting in the stands at the Quidditch pitch.

"Well it's only been about an hour and most likely he's in the castle with Ginny," answered Hermione.

"What do you mean with Ginny," Ron raised a questioning eyebrow.

Hermione giggled, "I just meant that he's probably just visiting with her. She's his girlfriend and they haven't seen each other since Christmas and May's almost over." Ron narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously, "relax Ron."

"I can't, Harry and my little sister off doing god knows what and you're hanging out with the amazing bouncing ferret!" Ron crossed his arms.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "grow up Ronald, he's not so bad and you're the one living with him."

"Not by choice."

"No one made you decide to move in with him and you have to admit that he's turning out to not be the ... Slimy git you claimed," she defended.

"He is a slimy git! And if..."

"If you weren't being such an ass about going home none of this would have happened," she gasped and slapped her hand over her mouth. As Ron's eyes widened, "I shouldn't have said that."

"Why not it's how you feel," he stood and began to walk away. He stopped and turned around to face her, "maybe you should stop spending time with Malfoy you're beginning to sound like him." He turned back around and walked away.

I did it again! Stupid! "Ron!" she ran after him. He stopped walking and turned around, "I am so sorry, it's just…."

"You're getting close to him and so you naturally defended him."

"Well, yes it's just I wish you two would stop acting so childish and get along!" she protested

"Perhaps you should tell that to him! Maybe if he didn't keep referring to me negatively. You should stop hanging around him, he's bad for you," Ron's ears were turning red

"Bad for me, we're just friends... if you could even call it that. You could say that you're bad for me," she crossed her arms.

"You dumped me remember"

"You were a jerk," she smiled and hit him in the arm

"I apologized," he laughed.

"I know… let's go walk around the lake," she said grabbing his hand and pulling him along. "Maybe the monsters awake." She smiled over her shoulder at him.

I love that smile, Ron thought willingly going with her, but I don't really like the monster that lives in the lake.

(***)

"Harry," Ginny moaned as Harry trailed kisses down her neck. He was lying on top of her on the couch "We can't do this," she said trying to keep her eyes from crossing.

"Why not," he said pulling away from her

"Because I need to be focused for the match tomorrow and if we do anything I'll be too busy floating on a cloud instead of catching the snitch," she explained running her fingers through his hair.

Harry thought about this, he understood the importance of wanting to win the house cup but he also understood that Ginny was lying beneath him in a strategically placed outfit to drive him crazy. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she saw the disappointment on his face, "but tomorrow after the Slug club party, I'm all yours."

He grinned and sat up and pulled her up with him, "that's what I like to hear…. Now tell me about everything."

"Everything"

"Everything, what's been going on since your last letter," he said placing his head in her lap and playing with the engagement ring hanging around her neck.

"It was last week, but if you insist. So Professor Wiggin's gave this killer DADA exam on Monday…." She began.

_QUIDDITCH PITCH_

"And there off! Gryffindor and Hufflepuff have taken flight for the game that will decide which house will win the cup!" Owen Caldwell, the game announcer a fifth year Ravenclaw said excitedly into the magical megaphone.

"So what time did you get back to Hagrid's?" Ron questioned Harry. Harry pretended to be distracted by the game. They were sitting in the visitor's box, "Harry!"

"What!" He said annoyed.

"What time did you get back?"

"Late"

"How late?"

"I don't know 3ish," he said rising from his seat a bit to get a better view of the game.

"Where did you go," he pressed

"For a walk"

"Hermione and I were out walking and we didn't…" Hermione cut off Ron

"Ron, leave it alone the grounds are huge…. looks like Gryffindor is going to win!" Hermione beamed standing with everyone else as Demelza scored from fifty yards away.

"Beautiful score by Demelza Robins, Gryffindor leads 50 to 20," Owen cheered.

"If Ginny hurries up and grabs the snitch," commented Ron. Ginny was currently drifting across the top of the stadium searching for the snitch.

Hermione hit him in the arm, "It's not like you could do any better."

"Hey, I'm a brilliant Quidditch player!" Defended Ron

"Whatever you say Weasley King," laughed Harry.

"Why is everyday pick on Ron day," complained Ron

"Because you're just so adorable," Ron swatted Harry's hand away as he tried to pinch his cheek.

_THE SLUG CLUB_

"Do we really have to go to this," Ron complained as he, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny walked towards Professor Slughorn's quarters.

"You've never even been to one of these they aren't that bad," said Hermione, "They're a great way to connect with important people." She was wearing a simple black dress with a black cardigan and her hair neatly pulled back into a bun. Ron was wearing black slacks and a royal blue button down. Hermione insisted he wear a tie and he said that if he wore one it would be tied around his head. So Hermione let the issue go.

"Who needs to connect as long as there's food?"

"I can't believe you're related to me," Ginny said shaking her head in shame. She was wearing a dark red wrap dress that she had to magically shorten because it belonged to Demelza. It was showing off her curves and Harry was trying hard not to notice.

"Ginny we all know you enjoy a good sandwich," joked Ron swinging his arm around her neck.

"Yes but I don't show up to places just for the food," she said removing his arm.

"Ron if you don't want to be here I'm sure Hagrid would love the company. I here he's going to visit Argon's children," Hermione smiled as Ron took a terrified gulp.

"I wonder if there will be anyone here with connections in the food service industry," Ron said sarcastically walking up to Slughorn's door and knocking.

They laughed as Professor Slughorn opened the door, "Good evening! Come in," he beamed excitedly stepping aside. "I'm glad our distinguished Alumni could make it Mr. Potter and Miss. Granger."

"Thank You, for inviting us," said Hermione politely, "I don't know if you remember Ronald Weasley, he has graciously offered to escort me tonight."

"Yes of course I remember Mr. Weasley. It's wonderful to see you again. Miss. Granger I hear you're working in the house elf relocation office, we'll have to change that!" He smiled

"I like it for now but I was thinking law…"

Slughorn jumped in, "Perfect! Let me find Tom Lindley," he said looking around, "he's an entertainment attorney but he can get you on the right track! Unfortunately Harry there are no Aurors here but I have heard great things about you," he said abruptly changing the subject.

"Thank you but I'm still training," he said honestly

"One step at a time… before I forget, Miss. Weasley there is someone here who is just dying to meet you," Slughorn said waving his hand excitedly for her to follow him.

"Okay," she looked over to Harry and extended her hand, "coming?"

"Yes," he took her hand and they followed Slughorn. Harry was wearing black slacks a white button down and unlike Ron a tie.

"Darren," a man with golden blonde hair and an extremely pointy nose turned around at the sound of his name, "this is Ginny Weasley, the marvelous seeker and captain of the Gryffindor house team and her friend Harry Potter. Ginny, Harry this is Darren Wilkes manager of the Holyhead Harpies."

"It's nice to meet you both," Darren said extending his hand to shake Ginny's then Harry's. "Thanks for saving us Mr. Potter."

"I didn't..." Harry was really getting tired of this hero business

"He's just being modest," Slughorn said patting him overzealously on the back, causing Harry to take a step forward. "Anyway, Darren was quite impressed by you Miss. Weasley... Tom! There's someone I want you to meet!" Slughorn called out to someone else and hurried off.

"I'm flattered but I don't recall doing anything worthy of a high impression," she said honestly.

"You fly beautifully, and your Quidditch skills are impeccable, Miss. Weasley," Darren beamed.

"Thank you but please call me Ginny," she smiled

"Ginny, I was wondering what your plans are for after school?"

"I'm not sure, I haven't thought about it much," she shrugged.

"How would you feel about playing for the Holyhead Harpies," he asked hopefully.

Ginny wasn't aware at the time but apparently she stopped breathing, "Ginny, Ginny, breathe Ginny," Harry said rubbing her back.

"Me? Play professional... Quidditch" She stammered

"You don't have to make a decision now..." Darren began

"It's not that, I think I need a drink," She said fanning herself

"Are you alright," Harry looked concerned.

"I'm fine just surprised," She said pulling her hair up.

Her neck was glistening as her new ponytail grazed her now pink skin. She ran her hand over the back of her neck and Harry suddenly wished it was time to go, "I'll go get you a drink," he said hurrying away.

"Where's the fire?" Asked Ron as Harry rushed passed him to the drinks

"In me," he said gulping down the first thing he could find.

"What's going on," he said curiously, while enjoying the shrimp platter next to the punch bowl.

"I think your sister is about to be signed by the Holyhead Harpies," he said grabbing another drink. He wasn't getting ready to tell him he was just hot for Ginny. "Where's Hermione?"

"Talking to that lawyer guy, are you serious?" Ron's eyes widened

"Yes, that tall man she's talking to," Harry indicated over to Ginny who was smiling and talking excitedly with Darren. Who was completely into her, if Harry didn't know any better he was checking her out.

"Did he just run his eyes over Ginny's body," Ron questioned heatedly

"So I wasn't imagining it," Harry grabbed a glass of wine and headed back to Ginny. "Your drink," he said placing his arm protectively around her waist and eyeing Darren sternly.

Ginny glanced down at Harry's hand on her hip and took a sip of her wine, "Next Hogsmead visit is in two weeks."

"Great, we'll have lunch and go over the papers. Have a good night and it was nice meeting you Harry," he smiled and walked off.

"That's Mr. Potter," Harry mumbled under his breath.

"I heard that," Ginny said wiggling from his grasp, "are you jealous," she tried to hold in her laughter.

"I'm not jealous I was just making it known your taken. He couldn't keep his eyes off of you!"

Ginny laughed, "You're adorable when you pout." She brushed his cheek with the back of her hand, "I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about."

"I know," he said looking down. "Can we get out of here now?"

"There's still other people here that may be of some interest..." Harry took her hand and pulled her through the crowd towards the door, Ginny giggled, "Well if you insist."

"I insist," he said once in the hall and pushing her against the wall and crushing his lips against hers.

"And I insist that you stop that this instant!"

Harry and Ginny jumped apart at the sound of Headmistress McGonagall's voice.

"Professor, I mean Headmistress..." Harry began flustered.

"Potter, Weasley my office now," she said turning on her heel and expecting them to follow. It being McGonagall and all Harry and Ginny didn't even hesitate to walk quickly behind her.

At least she can't give me detention. Harry thought to himself as they hurried along to the headmistress's office. I hope.

McGonagall muttered something and the Gargoyle jumped from its place, she began up the stairs. Never looking back to make sure that they were still behind her, she pushed open the door to her office and left it open for them. Ginny entered first and Harry second closing the door behind him.

"Have a seat," she said indicating to the chairs in front of her desk.

"Now, Mr. Potter..." McGonagall began but was cut off by the portrait of Phineas.

"Harry Potter, still getting into trouble at school, even after you leave," Phineas smirked.

"Quiet Phineas, as I was saying. I realize that you are no longer a student here and therefore free of my reign but while you are visiting this school you are expected to behave in a respectable manner."

"I apologize Headmistress, we just got carried away," he said trying not to turn red while staring nervously at his hands.

"I could see that and as for you Miss. Weasley, you're still a student here and I cannot let this little incident go unnoticed..."

"We were just kissing," defended Ginny knowing that this could not be grounds for detention.

"Public displays of affection in the halls are inappropriate..."

"Oh Minerva, it's just young love," Harry eyes quickly darted up to the portrait behind McGonagall's desk.

"Young love or not, it should not be taking place in the hallway!" McGonagall pressed

"Its spring love is in the air," he beamed, "How are you Harry?"

"I'm great professor," He smiled, "how's life in your portrait?"

"I can't complain, it's like being on a long overdue Holiday," he smiled. "I'm currently trying to convince the Headmistress she should ship me and my frame to Tahiti for the summer holiday," he laughed

"As I told you Albus that's not going to happen," McGonagall said pointedly

"She's wearing down," he chuckled

Harry looked around at the other portraits, he had been sitting there for about a minute and had yet to hear a snide comment in the particular monotone voice he hated to hear, "Professor... I mean Headmistress," Harry corrected himself, "Do all Headmasters get their portraits on the wall when they die?"

"Yes"

"Then where's the portrait of Snape?"

"It would be nice to have another Slytherin in the mix," mused Phineas

McGonagall raised an eyebrow, "he abandoned the school."

"So he doesn't get to be commemorated after everything he's done?" Harry questioned, "I know he had his horrible moments and I more than anyone probably got along with him least! But I am certainly not the only one who misunderstood him! He gave his life for the one person he loved and ended up saving many," Harry was heated and rose from his chair, Ginny and McGonagall looked at him taken aback by this declaration, "Dealing with Voldemort is a dangerous business and he pretended to be on his side while helping us! He still helped us when we thought he was a traitor! He may have abandoned the school at a crucial moment but he only did so he could finish out the plans he and Dumbledore made! If anyone deserves a portrait I hate to say it but it's Severus Snape!" He was breathing heavily hands clinched in fist.

"Bravo!" Dumbledore cheered as he and the rest of the portraits applauded.

"Yes! We should let the world know that a Slytherin, although always thought to be evil has made history, in a positive light, in the greatest battle ever!" Phineas stood with a fist in the air

"I suppose I could speak with Kingsley," McGonagall mused adjusting her glasses, "but as for the reason we're here!"

Ginny rolled her eyes, "we know, no snogging in the halls! But I highly doubt that's grounds for punishment!" Harry looked over to her surprised about her attitude, he knew she had one but to use it with McGonagall, there was something hot about it.

"Miss. Weasley, I will decide what does and does not deserve punishment! For your outburst you will report to Mr. Filch tomorrow for detention! As for you Mr. Potter you are no longer permitted to visit Hogwarts while Miss. Weasley is a student here!"

Normally Harry would have been upset about this but there were only three weeks until school was out and he wouldn't have time to come back anyway. And McGonagall didn't say he could never come back. His main concern right now was how good Ginny looked in that dress and how turned on he was. McGonagall would most likely be monitoring the castle until he left in the morning. But it was all good. They could leave the castle, because he knew how to get safely to the Shrieking Shack, where they could be alone until the sun comes up.

"Birds" Kate Nash