The next morning Harry woke early, so early that none of the guys he shared a dorm with were awake yet. He and Ginny had gotten to bed significantly earlier than they had the previous night. Additionally he had slept more soundly than he'd done in a long time. He supposed the heavy work on the grounds yesterday coupled with the lack of battle dreams was the difference. He was serious about going and talking to McGonagall as soon as possible about the possibility of doing both options. As he grabbed clothes and a towel to head to the shower Ron's opened his eyes and asked, "Where are you off to so early?"
"I need to talk to McGonagall," Harry whispered.
"I take it you made a decision then?" Ron asked.
"I think so, but I need to make a request before I'm completely certain," Harry explained.
"Are you going to tell me?" Ron asked when Harry had turned toward the bathroom.
"Not until I'm sure," Harry said, "Sorry," he added when he saw the look on Ron's face.
He turned his back on Ron and walked to the bathroom. As he showered he thought about how quickly his priorities had shifted from Ron and Hermione to Ginny. But it needed to be that way. Ginny needed his attention a lot more than Ron and Hermione did right now. She had been neglected by all of them last year and he was only beginning to understand how much that must have hurt her. If truth be told he intended to spend the rest of his life with Ginny. Ron and Hermione would always be his best friends but Ginny was more than that and he intended to start showing her now how much she meant to him. He needed to make this decision without the influence of Ron and Hermione to prove to Ginny that it was her opinion that mattered the most now, not theirs.
As he toweled off and pulled on clothes he made a mental note to talk to Ron later and explain how and why things were changing. Harry was sure that Ron would understand, after all he and Hermione seemed to be moving in a direction that indicated that the centers of their universes were shifting as well.
Harry walked quietly through the corridors enjoying their silence and emptiness at this time of the morning. When he approached the stone gargoyle that protected the headmistress' office he asked, "Is she up there?" The stone figured nodded and Harry asked, "Can I go up and talk to her?" Immediately the gargoyle slid aside and Harry stepped onto the spiral staircase. At the top of the stairs he knocked on the door and called, "Professor, it's Harry, can I speak with you?"
A moment later the door opened, she was still in her tartan dressing gown but she bustled him in anyway, "To what do I owe this very early visit? Made a decision already have you?" She asked with a twinkle in her eyes.
"I have mostly decided but wanted to make a request," Harry said.
"Let's hear it then," McGonagall said in her no-nonsense manner.
"Ginny and I were discussing my options last night…" Harry began.
"I thought Miss Weasley might have a hand in your decision," McGonagall said, her eyes looking rather soft.
Blushing Harry said, "Um, yeah…well we wondered if there might be a way that I could pursue both options. I will come back for my seventh year but maybe I could have extra lessons just for Auror training or something. Maybe the Ministry could use me as a trainee Auror; you know help out with special projects on weekends or holidays. I want to come back to school but I'm having a hard time not being tempted with the offer to become an Auror."
"Hmmmm," Professor McGonagall said, "I wonder why Kingsley and I didn't think of that ourselves. Let me send him an owl and I will let you know as soon as I hear back from him. Personally I think that is a wonderful idea. I must admit to you that I was very doubtful that you'd want to return to school at all."
"Part of me doesn't," Harry admitted, "But there are too many reasons why I know that I should to ignore them."
"Any reason that gets you back here to finish school is a good enough reason for me," Professor McGonagall said warmly, "Now, if you don't mind I'm going to kick you out so I can dress for the day."
Harry's heart felt near too bursting with joy as he wandered back to the Gryffindor common room. What a gift it would be not to have to choose between the two options. He wondered if Ginny was up yet as he climbed through the portrait hole. The common room was empty; Harry decided to go see if Ron was up. Back in the dorm Ron was pulling on his socks and sneakers, the other guys were still sleeping.
"Want to take a walk outside?" Harry whispered.
Ron looked surprised and said, "Yeah, alright."
The two walked in companionable silence until they were outside the front doors.
In that awkward way guys have of talking about something somewhat delicate Harry said, "So, good weather hey?"
"Uh, yeah," Ron responded, "I suppose."
Wanting to smack himself in the head Harry scrambled about for what to say and finally blurted, "You'll always be my best friend, you know."
"Okay…." Ron said.
Harry sighed and said, "What I mean is that I don't want you to feel like I don't need you anymore. I know that you and Hermione, but especially you, are feeling left out since I'm not talking to you about my decision over school. It's not that I don't care what you think; it's that this time I need to consider what Ginny thinks most of all. Does that make any sense?"
"Did Ginny tell you that you had to do things that way?" Ron asked, confused.
"No," Harry said, "Ginny and I are together now, it is important that she knows that my bond with her is something special and more important than what I have with you and Hermione. Ginny has been left out of our little circle for years and it is time that changed. You and Hermione are together now, right?" Ron nodded and Harry explained, "So Hermione has become more important to you than me, like Ginny has become more important to me than you. It doesn't change the fact that we're best mates it just means that now there is someone more special, like someone we could see spending the rest of our lives with."
"You want to marry Ginny someday?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, I think I do," Harry said softly.
"I think that would be amazing," Ron said, surprising Harry, who'd somewhat expected to get smacked on the back of the head.
"Me too," breathed Harry, "So you see why I'm including her but not you guys on this decision?"
"Yeah," Ron said, "I do. But once you've figured out your final decision you'll let us know, right?"
"Absolutely," Harry agreed swinging his arm about Ron's shoulders in a manly sort of half hug. He dropped his arm a moment later and they continued back into the castle to see if breakfast was ready yet.
Breakfast had started in the Great Hall, but very few people were sitting at the long tables eating. Harry and Ron sat across from one another at the Gryffindor table and began to eat in silence. Shortly after helping himself to seconds of sausages and toast Ginny settled herself into the seat next to him.
"You're up," Ginny said in surprise.
"I told you I was going to talk to McGonagall as soon as possible this morning," Harry explained.
"Was she even dressed yet?" Ginny asked with a smirk.
"No, she was still in her dressing gown, but she seemed perfectly pleased to speak with me," Harry said.
Ginny rolled her eyes and said, "It must be awfully handy sometimes to be you. What did she say?"
Noticing Ron listening intently to their conversation Harry simply said, "She couldn't believe they hadn't thought of it themselves. She said she'd contact him and she'll let me know."
"Good," Ginny said as she drew close enough to peck him on the cheek.
Harry squeezed her knee under the table and they smiled at one another. As they ate the other Weasleys and Hermione slowly trickled in and settled themselves at the table. When Harry had finished eating and was only sitting at the table to keep company with the others Professor McGonagall approached and asked, "Harry, may I talk to you for a moment?"
Harry rose from the table and followed Professor McGonagall out into the Entrance Hall. Once they had reached an empty and secluded corner of the Hall she said, "Kingsley quite agreed that between the two of us we should have come to that conclusion on our own."
"So, I can do both then?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes," Professor McGonagall confirmed, "There are details to work out but Kingsley and I have all summer to arrange it. We aren't sure if it will work better to arrange for you to have private Auror training here in the castle or if you should get permission to floo to the Ministry for lessons with the other trainees. We are also looking into getting you a time turner."
"Weren't all the time turners destroyed?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but that was two years ago, there should be a new batch of them ready before school begins in September," Professor McGonagall explained.
"What about me helping out as an Auror next year," Harry asked.
"Kingsley said that occasionally there are small Auror matters in Hogsmeade that you could assist with but outside of that there might not be much as you will be busy with school, training and Quidditch," Professor McGonagall said, "But he did say that maybe they'd put you on a case or two over the summer if you're free. That reminds me, I'm supposed to give you this."
From her pocket she pulled a small silver badge and handed it to him. On it were the words, 'Harry Potter, Auror.' Harry suspected that the badge had come with the letter from Kingsley but McGonagall was only giving it to him just now. He didn't blame her, had he seen the badge before he thought over the decision he very well might have decided to just jump right into work as an Auror and not give school a second thought.
"Shall I tell Kingsley that you'd be interested in a case or two this summer?" Professor McGonagall asked. Harry just nodded and she said, "I'll leave you, Miss Weasley looks anxious to speak with you."
Indeed Ginny was loitering by the entrance to the Great Hall. As McGonagall turned to depart, Ginny dashed across the hall toward him. "So?" She asked excitedly as her arms flew around his neck.
Harry lifted Ginny off her feet and twirled her around before saying, "They said yes!" A moment later he set her back on the floor and kissed her. Aware that they were still in the Entrance Hall they pulled away after only a moment and he said, "Let's go up to the common room and I'll tell you about it."
Settled on a couch together in the otherwise empty room Harry explained everything that McGonagall had just told him before taking the badge out of his pocket and showing it to her. Her mouth fell open as she took it from him and inspected it. With a proud smile Ginny drew closer and carefully pinned the badge to his shirt. And that was how Ron and Hermione found them.
"So, you're not coming back with the rest of us then?" Ron asked in shock.
"But he is," Ginny protested.
"Isn't that an Auror badge pinned to his shirt though?" Hermione asked, "Kingsley offered you an Auror position didn't he? That's why McGonagall saved you for last during those meetings. You had more than option for next year."
"Yes," Harry said, "I'm going to do both."
Ron and Hermione started at him in shock before asking in unison, "How?"
"I'm coming back to school and one of my classes is going to be Auror training. They aren't sure yet if I will do it in the castle or if I'll have to floo to the Ministry. They are also going to get me a time turner." Seeing Hermione about to disagree he continued, "Yes we smashed them all two years ago but a new batch of them will be ready before September. I am also going to work on a few Auror cases this summer and as I can during the school year."
"Merlin's beard," Hermione muttered, stunned into silence for once.
"Are you okay with this decision?" Ron asked Ginny.
"I'm a little nervous about him working on Auror cases, but it's what Harry wants. He needs to be happy," Ginny said, "I'm happy too. I just wanted him to come back for one more year."
With a smirk Ron asked, "So which on of you do I need to start sucking up to if I want to be the Keeper next year?"
"Why would Ginny be the captain?" Hermione asked.
"Ginny was captain last year," Ron said.
"Actually," Harry said with a grin for Ginny, "We're co-captaining the team next year."
"That's perfect," Hermione said with a snort, "When Ron is in a slump and needs some reprimanding Ginny can do it since Harry won't."
"Why do you assume I'll have a slump?" Ron asked, "Honestly, you never have any confidence in me."
The four bantered and teased one another as they made their way back to the Great Hall for some work assignments. Today was their last day at the castle, tomorrow morning they were heading home to the Burrow to prepare for Fred's funeral. Before they entered the Great Hall he removed the badge from his shirt and tucked it into his pocket, which was not missed by the other three. "I just don't want to make a big deal out of it right now," Harry explained.
Hermione and Ginny were sent to help repair the house banners which had sustained large tears during the battle. Magical means of repairing them had been tried but the results were poor and hand stitching was going to be the best option. Harry and Ron were sent down to Hagrid's cabin to feed Fang and repair what damage they could. Hagrid was not actually home. After the defeat of Voldemort, Kingsley acting as the temporary Minister of Magic, had send Hagrid and Grawp to follow the giants back to their home to ensure they didn't cause further damage. If the giants seemed at all accepting they might also try to reach a peaceful agreement with them.
As they stepped onto the lawn and made their way down to Hagrid's Ron asked, "Where did you and Ginny sneak off to last night? Mum was looking for you."
"Do I have to tell you?" Harry asked, "It's nice to have a secret spot where we can be alone together."
"I guess not," Ron said and then uncomfortably asked, "What are you doing when the two of you are hidden away?"
"Talking mostly," Harry said, "Some snogging, but mostly talking."
"Ugh," Ron said, "I didn't really want to know that, but had to ask" Harry chuckled and Ron continued, "I had no know that it wasn't a mistake for me to be sending Mum to look for you everywhere besides the astronomy tower."
"I thought you didn't know," Harry accused.
"I had my suspicions," Ron said smugly, "Besides Hermione had the same idea a couple nights ago when we got caught in our last spot. We could hear you talking and left."
"You could hear us talking?" Harry asked.
"We could hear your voices but couldn't make out any of what you were saying," Ron clarified.
"Where did you and Hermione get caught?" Harry asked, "And what were you doing?"
Ron flushed redder than Harry ever remembered seeing before admitting, "Slughorn caught us down in the Slytherin Common Room."
"Why would you go down there?" Harry asked.
"We knew it would be deserted," Ron said shrugging, "We didn't even need a password, the door had been left open."
"And what did Slughorn catch you doing?" Harry asked with a smirk.
"It would be ungentlemanly of me to elaborate, but we'll put it this way, Hermione said she's not sure how she'll do in potions next year since she'll never be able to look Slughorn in the face again," Ron said miserably.
Harry laughed uproariously for a minute before shuddering and saying, "Ugh, I did not need those images in my head."
After a minute of silence Ron changed the subject and said, "I think it is really cool that you are going to be an Auror."
"Are you disappointed that I'm doing it without you?" Harry asked, "I know you kind of expressed an interest in it for a while."
"Nah, I'm not cut out for that kind of work on a long term basis," Ron said, "It was one thing to be on the run with you and Hermione because you're my best friend and I was helping you, but to subject myself to that kind of lifestyle, sleeping in a tent, being cold and hungry, no thanks."
"I'm sure that's not what it's like all the time," Harry said.
"I know, but I think I am meant to do something else," Ron said, 'I'm just not sure what yet."
"Fair enough," Harry said as he unlocked Hagrid's cabin and let Fang out.
Meanwhile Hermione and Ginny along with most of the other women in the castle were settled at the house tables carefully sewing the banners. Together Hermione and Ginny were working on several long tears in the Hufflepuff banner.
"I'd much rather be outside with Harry and Ron," Ginny said with a huff.
"Me too," Hermione agreed, "I'm not very good at sewing. But at least it gives a chance to talk."
"I suppose," Ginny said not raising her eyes from her work, "What do you want to talk about."
"You and Harry," Hermione suggested.
A slight blush colored Ginny's cheeks and she replied, "What about me and Harry?"
"You're back together," Hermione prompted.
"Yep," Ginny said. She bowed her head low over her work to hide the smirk on her face. She wasn't sure why she was giving Hermione a hard time. She liked Hermione, she really did. But if she knew Hermione like she thought she did, this was bound to be a session in which Hermione wanted to dissect and decipher every single thing about their respective relationships. Ginny just wasn't in the mood. She had just gotten Harry back, she wasn't ready to pick everything apart for hidden meaning, and she just wanted to revel in her happiness.
Hermione tried another tactic, "Ginny, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," Ginny replied.
"Have you and Harry….you know…" Hermione trailed off and blushed furiously.
Her head shot up so fast to look at Hermione that Ginny thought she might have cricked her neck a little, "What?" She said loudly.
"Shhhhhhh," Hermione admonished, "Have you…."
"Shagged?" Ginny supplied with an evil smirk.
"Not you too," Hermione squeaked, "Why must all you Weasleys refer to it as that. Can't you call it, making love or something more appealing?" Ginny snickered at Hermione's discomfort. "Well," Hermione hissed, "Have you?"
"I'm not sure how that would be any of your business," Ginny retorted, "But since I don't want you spreading false information to my brother, the answer is no." Hermione appeared to be thinking quite hard about her answer when Ginny added, "Why?"
"No reason," Hermione said nervously.
"Have you and Ron," Ginny asked with a somewhat disgusted expression.
"Not technically," Hermione said weakly.
"Ew," Ginny squealed, "Why are we talking about this, I don't want to know that about my brother."
Hermione blushed again and said, "I just thought maybe if you and Harry had I'd feel better."
"What do you mean, better?" Ginny asked.
"Less guilty," Hermione said, "I was brought up Catholic and in the Catholic Church intimate relations before marriage are forbidden."
"But doesn't everyone kind of ignore that rule?" Ginny asked.
"It seems like it yes, but I never thought I'd be that kind of girl," Hermione admitted, "What are your family's beliefs in that area? Ron seemed unsure."
"Well, we don't really go to church," Ginny said, "Mum gave me the birds and bees talk when I turned eleven, but by then I'd learned most of it from Fred and George. Mum did say that she encouraged waiting until marriage to 'make love' but I'm not sure how strict she was about it. Bill was definitely a honeymoon baby, if not a before the honeymoon baby."
"What do you think?" Hermione asked, "About intimate relations before marriage, I mean."
"I'm not severely against it exactly, but I do like the idea of waiting and having the first time be with my husband," Ginny said wistfully.
"That's what I always thought too," Hermione said sadly, "Now I'm not sure. After the battle I think Ron and I did the things we did to escape and completely free our minds of everything that kept replaying in our minds."
"I can understand that," Ginny said, "It was like that around here last year, fooling around was one of the few things people could come up with do as an escape."
"Really?" Hermione asked, "Did you?"
"I was too busy worrying and healing people to fool around. Besides, I was still in love with Harry. I didn't want to experience that kind of stuff with anyone but him," Ginny said.
"But you've had boyfriends before Harry," Hermione pointed out.
"True, but I haven't done anything but snogging, even with Harry," Ginny reveled.
"You and Harry have only ever kissed?" Hermione asked, "Ron imagines that you two have done a lot more."
"It would be easy to go further, but you only get one first time at something and I'm not in a hurry. I'm still getting used to kissing him again, it isn't the same as it used to be back when we were together before. It is fiercer somehow and I know for me it is such a powerful emotional release. Sometimes it is hard to slow down and stop," Ginny explained.
"But you do," Hermione said, "I have to figure out how to have that kind of control."
"I'm having a hard time believing that you of all people can't find that kind of control within yourself," Ginny said,
"Shhhhhh," Hermione warned as Mrs. Weasley approached their table to see how they were doing.
Ginny reminded herself that perhaps she and Harry should have a conversation soon about fooling around and 'making love.'
After they had done all they could for Hagrid's cabin Harry went in search of Professor McGonagall again. He realized he'd forgotten to ask her about Snape. He approached the gargoyle who shook its head indicating that she wasn't up in her office. Harry went to the Great Hall where he saw Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout at the head table sewing up tears in a large banner sporting the Hogwart's crest.
"Yes, Potter," she said as he approached the table.
"I was wondering if I might talk to you about arrangements for Snape's funeral," Harry asked.
"Why would you even care, that man was a traitor," McGonagall snapped.
"He wasn't though. Did you ask Professor Dumbledore about what I told you?" Harry asked.
"Of course and he confirmed it all," She said, "I'm just not sure I understand how you of all people could forgive him so easily."
"If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here," Harry said. "We may not have liked each other but the fact remains that I owe him my life. The least I can do is make sure that he is taken care of in his death."
"Very noble," Professor Sprout commended.
"Very well," Professor McGonagall said, "I will meet with you about the matter in my office after lunch."
Harry wandered over to the table at which Hermione and Ginny were working on the Hufflepuff banner. Settling on the bench next to Ginny, Harry asked, "I noticed you both clammed up when I came over, what were you talking about?" To his surprise both girls blushed bright red and muttered, 'nothing.'
After lunch Harry made his way up to Professor McGonagall's office. The door had been left open for him. He entered and approached the empty desk wondering where she was. Dumbledore's portrait informed him, "She is back there speaking with Snape about his wishes."
Harry peered into a far removed corner of the office where indeed Professor McGonagall stood conversing with a tiny picture frame. "Why is Snape's portrait so small and why is it all the way back in the corner?"
Phineas Nigellus took this opportunity to speak up saying, "Headmaster and Headmistress portraits are larger or small depending on the amount of importance they had. Additionally where they are placed in the office signifies their popularity."
"Ahhhh," Harry said understanding immediately. Harry wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to speak with Snape or whether or not Snape would want to talk to him therefore he remained seated at the desk.
"Harry," Professor McGonagall said as she approached the desk, "Professor Snape has no living relatives to take care of his funeral. I assume you were asking about it because you were interested in taking on the responsibility for it?"
"Yes," Harry said, "What did Professor Snape have to say?"
"He didn't understand why you would want to do this and frankly, I'm baffled myself," Professor McGonagall said.
"Can I speak to him?" Harry asked.
"I can't guarantee he will talk back," McGonagall said.
Harry walked to where Snape's tiny portrait hung on the wall. Snape scowled at Harry and turned his back to him.
"You don't have to talk to me, just listen," Harry demanded. "I know that when you look at me you see my father and you hated my father. But you need to remember that I am my mother's son too. I have her eyes, remember? I understand that you dislike me because I am his son, but at the same time you protected me all those years because I am her son too. It is because of your love for her that I am alive. Thank you. Please let me repay you by giving you a funeral, it is the least I can do and I think it is what my mother would have wanted. I was thinking that I could get you a plot in Godric's Hollow; it is where she is buried. Perhaps not very close to her, but at least in the same graveyard."
Snape whirled back toward Harry in his frame and said, "I would appreciate that. Thank you." Then he walked out of his frame signaling that the conversation was over.
"Any idea who I talk to about planning a funeral?" Harry asked Professor McGonagall.
"I will get you some information," She said.
"Any more projects left that I can work on this afternoon?" Harry asked before he left the office.
"Actually, based on my list the jobs that are left need to be left to professionals. You should just enjoy the afternoon. I understand you, Miss Granger and the Weasleys are going back to the Burrow tomorrow," Professor McGonagall said.
"Yes, I think we are heading back right after breakfast," Harry said.
"You may go Potter," She replied.
Harry sprinted down to the Great Hall to find Ginny. She had gone back to sewing the tear in the Hufflepuff banner with Hermione. "You girls almost done with that?" Harry asked as he sat down next to Ginny.
"Just about," Hermione said.
"McGonagall said there are no more projects so we are free to enjoy the afternoon, so hurry up," Harry said.
Within minutes Ginny finished the last few stitches. After cutting the loose threads Hermione levitated the banner back up to the roof where it hung from over the Hufflepuff table.
"Nice work," Mrs. Weasley said as she watched Hermione rehung the banner, "You almost can't tell that it was torn in the first place."
They remained in the Great Hall long enough to watch all the rest of the house banners as well as the Hogwart's crest be rehung. It was nice to see the castle coming back together. It would make it easier coming back in September knowing that things had already come so far.
Harry led Ginny down to the lake where they settled under their favorite tree. "Can we talk about something?" Ginny asked.
"Sure," Harry said.
"Earlier when you asked Hermione and I what we were talking about and we didn't answer, she had just gotten done admitting that she and Ron have become fairly intimate," Ginny said.
"Have they…." Harry began.
"No, but nearly," Ginny said, "Hermione was telling me that she was not brought up that way and she wasn't sure how she had let it happen. She asked me what beliefs and values my bothers and I were brought up under regarding being intimate before marriage. It just got me thinking that you and I have never discussed this and maybe we should so we both know where the other stands."
"That sounds reasonable," Harry replied.
"Also, I'm sure when school starts you'll hear about how everyone was busy fooling around here last year. It was the only thing people could think of to escape. Just know that I was not one of those people," Ginny blushed and added, "I was waiting to do those sorts of things for the first time with you."
Harry lowered his face to Ginny's and kissed her with all the passion that flooded through him at her admission.
"What was that for?" Ginny asked.
Clearing his throat he said, "I just lost control for a minute there. Hearing you say that you were waiting to do those things with me is an incredible turn on. Sorry."
"That's fine," Ginny said with a smirk, "I just wanted you to know that when you hear reference to that next year you don't have to worry. The most I've done with anyone is kiss them."
"Thanks," Harry said, "For the warning."
"No problem," Ginny said, "Now, what are you thoughts about intimacy before marriage."
"I'm not really sure," Harry said, "I'm not sure what my parents thoughts were and if I'm being perfectly honest, while I've had dreams and thoughts about intimacies I guess I've never taken the time to think about what I was comfortable with. I do know that we won't ever do anything you're not comfortable with."
"Thanks Harry," Ginny said, "Well I'm okay doing some things before getting married, but I don't want to …er…you know, make love, until my wedding night."
"Let's say that from now on when we are, fooling around, either of us can say stop at any time," Harry said.
"Okay," Ginny said, "Thanks. I just didn't want to get to a point like Hermione where I wasn't sure I was comfortable but didn't think I could turn back….I would hate to feel like that."
"Permission to stop being serious now?" Harry asked.
"Sure," Ginny said.
"Did you ever think that Ron and Hermione would cover so much ground in so little time?" Harry asked.
"Not really," Ginny said, "But considering how long those two repressed their feelings, maybe it isn't so surprising."
"And I'm not trying to make fun, but 'make love?' I've only ever heard people's Grandmothers call it that," Harry said with a snort.
"Well, I called it shagging in front of Hermione earlier and she practically took offense," Ginny said, "Maybe I was trying to protect your delicate ears."
Harry felt his chest tighten a little just hearing a word like that escape her lips, "Gin, are you trying to kill me?"
"I knew you were too innocent to hear such a thing," Ginny said, shaking her head at him.
"Just for that I think I'll show you just how innocent I am," Harry growled. He pulled Ginny toward him and crushed his lips against hers. He lowered their bodies together to the grass so she was lying on top of him. He moved his mouth to her neck and she gasped in surprise. Her hands found their way under his shirt and at that moment she had a true understanding of how not innocent he was.
In response she rubbed against him and said, "Why Mr. Potter, I thought we were saving that sort of thing for later."
"What can I say, Gin," Harry said huskily, "You're irresistible."
Author's Note: Thanks for all the awesome reviews and suggestions. I also wanted to mention that while I have posted 4 chapters in as many days don't expect this pattern to continue. When I start working on a new story, especially after having this one in my head for so long, it tends to pour out at the beginning. My work is very slow right now so I have time to write at my desk, but I'm sure things will pick up eventually and my writing will have to slow down a bit. Thanks again!