Chapter 22:

Valentine Surprise

The Great Hall was turned into a pink and red room of bliss as little cupids flew around the room shooting arrows at students. Love was everywhere and people were showing each other just how much they really care by sending gifts of love and showering each other in kisses, hugs and touches.

Ginny had woken up to the single rose on her pillow again like last year with mi amour tagged to it. She hoped that Kalya liked the small animal that she had gifted her. Ginny had realized shortly that Kalya didn't have an animal at all, no cat, owl, rat or toad. She gifted Kalya a beautiful Barn Owl.

The beautiful owl had a heart shaped white face that was outlined in silvery-white and golden brown. Its chest was white with block spots. Its wings had golden brown color that faded into a black tip flecked with white spots. She really hoped she liked her, as Kalya always had to borrow school owls to write.

She had spent the night in Kalya's room, so hiding her and bring her in was difficult. She had left early for the hall while Kalya had showered. She had found out that Kalya had enlisted Dobby to place the rose on her pillow when he appeared sheepish moments after Kalya had left to go shower.

Kalya walked in with a huge smile on her face. Ginny loved being with her, but she was happy when last night she expressed her want for more affection. Kalya and her kissed in public often and held hands all the time, but they never snogged or told each other they loved each other outside of the bedroom.

"She is brilliant, Gin," Kalya said excitedly sitting down next to her, giving her a long slow kiss.

"You really like her," Ginny asked.

"She is perfect. I have been thinking about getting an owl for a while now because if we ever had to be apart, I wouldn't have anything to message you with."

"I'm glad you like her."

"Ginny gave you an owl for valentines," Colin asked.

"Pandorica is a barn owl, she is so beautiful and her eyes, they are blue which is very rare in the owl world," Kalya excitedly shared.

"What did you get Ginny," Roslyn asked.

"It's a surprise," Kalya put her finger to her lip.

"You got me more than a rose," Ginny asked.

"Of course I did, I'm not about to be cheap when it comes to you, love."

"How do you find the confidence to kiss each other in public," Blair asked nervously.

"Confidence? Honestly, I love Ginny, so I don't care what others think. I just want to be physical and kissing is a big part of a relationship. Come what may, you will get laughed at and poked fun at for a while, but it goes away and the happiness will fill in."

"Actually, we talked about it last night and what we both feel comfortable with or wanted in public. If you want public affection, you just have to talk to each other and know if that's what you both want," Ginny nodded.

"Maybe Colin and I should talk," Jade smirked at the blushing boy.

"If you really love each other, it won't matter what you do or don't do in public, but it's always good to make sure you both are on the same page," Ginny pointed out.

"Which in the past two years, we haven't really had the option to show physical affection much, but now that we know we both want more of it, it's easy for us to feel unafraid of being rejected," Kalya offered.

"You sound like shrinks," Martha pointed out.

"We just want to help?"

They all laughed. They finished eating and left excitedly for Hogsmeade. They all piled into the carriage beside Kalya who stood just outside the door. Her eyes were on the skeletal creature that pulled them; a shiver ran down her spine at the sight. She moved forward and gently petted the creature.

Its head leaned into her touch and she ignored the odd stares she was getting from younger students who had no clue that the horse like creatures even existed. Ginny peaked her head out the door and watched as Kalya placed her cheek against it.

Sitting back in her seat she had to bite her lip. She actually couldn't see the creature because she hadn't seen death itself. She had heard it all around her at the final battle, but she never actually first handedly saw any of it. The creature was still invisible for her, it was hard knowing that Kalya could see it and had been able to since she first step foot into this school.

"Sorry," Kalya blushed as she slid into the seat next to Ginny.

"Do you often spend time looking at them," Lillian asked.

"Sometimes, depends on my mood."

"Isn't it depressing to see them," Roslyn looked curious.

"Always, they remind me of all the death I've seen and all the times I have had to accept that they were actually dead."

"How many people have you seen die," Ginny whispered not sure she wanted to know the answer.

"I've seen my mom and dad die, I watched Blaine die, but nothing as bad as during my time as a Death Eater. I've seen more deaths then someone my age should have to. If I had to round the number, I've seen close to a hundred people die."

Silence filled the carriage; no one knew what to say. This girl who acted so innocent and happy go lucky had seen more death then most Aurors.

"Have you ever killed someone," Jade whispered.

Everyone went wide eyes and gasped at the horrible question that had just spilt from Jade's mouth. Ginny hadn't wanted to hear the answer to her question and she definitely didn't want to hear the answer to this one.

"I've had to kill three Death Eaters for disobeying Voldemort's orders. It was a way to break me into obeying his orders, kind of like a 'if you don't listen to me this will happen to you' type thing," Kalya looked away from everyone a frown showing on her face, "I only killed one muggle. They had tortured him to the point of insanity and they weren't done. They wouldn't leave him alone. He was so scared and he was crying and begging for them to just let him go. I knew they would never let him just leave so I gave him a quick out. I was so scared and I hid from myself for so long and cried for days, but he didn't deserve what they were doing to him and I didn't want him to suffer more then he already had."

"How did you get out of an Azkaban sentence after using the killing curse four times," Denis asked sharply.

"I save many more lives then I took. I pled my alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry. I took Viratruth serum and I told them I never wanted to kill any of them, but it was either them or me and in the case of the muggle it was either let him be tortured to the point that he went brain dead or I spared him the pain.

I hate the things I had to do. I'm not as innocent as everyone thinks I am. I'm a horrible person that is capable of killing. Killing breaks one soul every time they do so, but it can be healed if they are given the chance and Ginny healed me."

"I still trust you," Ginny smiled her eyes saddened by the thought of her fiancé having to kill someone.

"I am grateful that you still love me after all the horrible things I've done."

"I will always love you."

Kalya leaned forward and their lips melted together. Their tongues danced gently before they pulled away smiling at each other. Things were hard, but they happened and there wasn't anything they could do about it but move on with their lives and love each other.

"That was… interesting," Lillian blushed.

The girls snickered at their friends' reaction to seeing them snog. Finally the carriage stopped and they stepped out of it. Ginny gripped her fiancé's hand and they walked into the small village.

"Anything you want to do? We have a while till we will be hungry again."

"I think I want to stop and see my brother real quick."

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was packed full of students all excitedly trying to buy everything and George was yelling and trying to get people interested in buying certain things.

"Hey George, how are you," Ginny asked.

"Doing great Ginny, How are you?"

"Happy. We decided on a date."

"Have you now?"

"Yeah, we are going to wait till next fall, October ninth."

"I'm sure mum will be glad to hear that."

"George," Kalya called out.

Turning, he noticed Kalya was standing behind him a smile on her face. She had something in her hand. Pressing it into his he opened it to find an ingredient he had been trying so hard to find for a new joke of his.

"Where did you find this," George asked.

"Actually, I got it in Knock Turn Alley."

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"Don't sweat it!"

"Have you been convincing my fiancé to do your dirty work?"

"She is the only one willing to go to the 'black market'."

Ginny glared at her older brother and moved over to Kalya who was waiting at the door to leave. They waved and left the shop.

"Is it safe for you to be seen in Knock Turn Alley," Ginny asked.

"It's fine. People expect me to walk amongst them seeing as I was 'dark' and I like to dabble in the 'dark arts'."

"Do you really dabble in it?"

"Yeah, it comes in handy knowing those kinds of spells. I don't use them on people, but I play with them and try to make the lights without any effects, that is how I was able to make it look like I was using the Cruciatus curse on you when really it was just normal light."

"But you don't need to know that anymore."

"No, maybe not, but it's a hobby of mine now. Don't worry I won't ever use those spells."

"I trust you."

"Come, let's go look around," Kalya said excitedly.

They had ended up going to every shop, just mainly looking. They loaded up on school supplies and chocolates. They stopped next to a very nice restaurant.

"Isn't it expensive," Ginny asked.

"Not too bad, come on, I want to treat you."

Ginny blushed as a host brought them to their seat. She lifted up the menu and began glancing over what they had. She huffed as she tried to push back her bangs that were hanging in her face.

"If they bug you so much, why don't you just cut your hair again or buy clips."

"I keep forgetting to get a haircut."

"We can do that here before we go home if you like."

"I would like that, it's driving me crazy."

Kalya laughed and they looked over the menus. A handsome young man came over, a smile on his face as he held onto the paper he was going to write down their orders on. His smile widened even further at the sight of the two girls.

"It sure is a blessing to have some younger faces here, mostly only adults and teachers come in," his voice was soft and kind.

"Most young people can't afford places like this," Ginny laughed.

Ginny suddenly felt uncomfortable when she noticed his eyes were focused on Kalya who was completely oblivious to the boy's attention. She was lesbian and she didn't pick up on attraction from men because she just didn't think it was possible.

"What would you two like to drink?"

"Have any kind of muggle drinks," Kalya asked.

"Yeah we have all kinds of soda and teas."

"Dr. pepper then if you have."

"We do, and what would you like miss?"

"I'll try what she is having."

"I'll be back shortly with your drinks and to get your order."

"I think you will like it. It's my favorite soda ever," Kalya smiled.

"I've never tried muggle drinks before."

"Most pure-bloods don't," Kalya nodded seriously.

It wasn't but a few minutes later that the server returned and placed their drinks on the table. Pulling out the order paper again, he looked at both of them.

"Are you ready to order?"

"I am, are you?"

Ginny nodded her head, keeping her eyes on the boy who still wouldn't stop staring at Kalya. They placed their orders and enjoyed light happy talk before their food was delivered. They munched away happily just chatting about anything from school to family and friends.

"I was wondering if this summer you would like to go to America with me."

Ginny nearly dropped her fork in the suddenness of the question and the fast pace in which Kalya had practically slurred the words together.

"You want me to go to America."

"I think you would really love it there. I know all my friends are wanting to meet you and I figured I'm already hoping to go there this summer, but I don't want to be away from you if I don't have to be. Maybe your mom would let you come?"

"I'm seventeen, I don't really need her permission, but I'll ask. I really want to go. I think it would be fun!"

"I'm happy; I thought you would be upset that I wanted to go in the first place."

"No, I don't mind you going I just miss you when you do."

"That was actually one of my surprises today."

"I'm glad you want to show me off to your friends," Ginny chuckled winking at Kalya.

"I really do. Alright, I'll pay and we can go, it's getting close to having to head home."

Ginny nodded as she watched Kalya move over to their server. They talked for a minute and Kalya handed him the money. He held out some paper for a second and she took it, writing something down before passing it back to him. She smiled before moving over to Ginny.

"Alright, all done."

"What did you write on that paper?"

"Oh he wanted my name and where I could be found so he could owl me."

Ginny didn't say anything. She wasn't jealous, because she knew that Kalya would never leave her for a man, but kinda peeved that this guy would hit on her fiancé right in front of her face and even ask her to owl him. Shaking her head she moved to follow Kalya.

Kalya grabbed her hand when they got out of the building and started pulling her along. Ginny just followed, not sure where they were going. They got to the apparition point and Ginny was having a hard time controlling her confused look on her face.

"Let's go. I got special permission from Dumbledore," Kalya held out her arm.

Ginny gently placed her hand on the proffered arm and squeezing sensation started. Soundlessly they apparated somewhere Ginny hadn't seen before. Kalya led her out of the building and that's when Ginny knew they were in Ottery St. Catchpole. She smiled at all of the buildings as they passed.

She hardly ever left the burrow and came into town. It was nice seeing all the people moving about and going about their day. They started in the direction of the burrow, but quickly veered to the right. A beautiful light blue house appeared slowly as they walked toward it.

A small deck out front led to a white door. A window to the right of the door showed into an empty living room. Three windows were on the second story and Ginny couldn't see in any of them.

"It was for sale."

"Was?"

"I thought we would need someone to stay once we were ready to bond," Kalya blushed.

"You mean you bought us a house right here in Ottery St. Catchpole?"

"I thought it would be nice to stay near your family and this house has four bedrooms upstairs and two bathrooms and a half bath downstairs with a large living room, dining room and kitchen. It was perfect with a little bit of quick magic to fix the paint and clean the insides."

"It's perfect," Ginny whispered in awe.

"Want to see inside?"

"I do."

Kalya walked up her to the front door.

"Is that a garage," Ginny asked pointed to the large white door to the left of the house.

"Yeah, I know we might not have a muggle car, but for show since we live so close to the main village and not only that, I love living muggle like."

Ginny laughed as Kalya opened the front door using a key. Ginny walked in to a cream colored living room. It was huge and a beautiful brick fireplace was in the corner of the room and soft beige carpet.

"The floo network has been connected to the house so we can use it if we want. I thought since kids can't really apparate, it would be a good idea to have."

The dining room connected on the left side of the living room, just an arch way blocked the rooms apart. The kitchen was to the right of the dining room with the rooms being completely connected. Ginny wondered looking around, the kitchen hard wood floors while the dining room had the same carpet as the living room.

Leaving the dining room out the same way they came, Kalya walked her to the right of the house and Ginny took note that the fireplace was in the right bottom corner and the stairs were in the right top corner of the room. Going up the flight of stairs she looked down a long straight hallway.

"We can paint the rooms however we want," Kalya nodded.

There were three doors on the left and two on the right. Opening the first door on the left brought them in to a nice sized room with a medium size closet. The first door on the right was a room that looked just like the room before. The middle door on the left led into a nice size bathroom.

The bathtub/shower was at the very back of the room, the toilet was right there on the right next to the tub and the counter was right in front of the door on the same side as the toilet. She turned around and moved to the last door on the left finding the same room as the first two.

"So this must be our room," Ginny said before she pulled the second door on the right side open.

"Yes, it's the master bedroom."

This room was almost double the size as the other two rooms. The closet was directly to the right after walking through the door and it was a huge walk in closet with plenty of room for both of the girls to hang their clothes. She moved back into the room and walked over the sliding glass doors on the left side of the room, opening them she stepped out onto the balcony.

The railings were glass and beautiful, it was big enough for them to place a table and chairs. She looked around and smiled as she could see the top of the burrow and the village.

"It's so beautiful," Ginny smiled.

"I really thought you would like it, but you haven't checked out the master bathroom."

"We have our own bathroom," Ginny asked excitedly.

The bathroom was the second door on the same wall as the closet. Opening it she smiled. A large garden tub caught her attention against the right wall. On the left side of the room was an arch way made out of rock-like material. She moved over and walked around the small walkway and stopped when she found herself standing in an open shower.

The tile under her shoes made little noise and she was shocked to see that the slanted roof was made purely from glass letting her see the forest. She smiled as she looked up at the huge shower head. She turned around and looked at the toilet that was just to the left of the opening to the shower and the sink was next to it.

"Was this house already made like this?"

"I made the garden tube bigger and I made it so the glass in the shower was only one way, but that's it."

"Wow, it's perfect, I love it."

"I'm really glad you do. I thought we should have a place, because we can't stay with Draco and your mom forever," Kalya laughed and she led Ginny downstairs.

"I hear you," Ginny stopped at the bottom of the stairs when she noticed a door right in front of the stairs.

Opening the door she looked into the half bath. A washer and dryer were on the left side and the toilet and sink were on the right side. It wasn't small, but it wasn't big either. She shut the door and they left the house. Ginny smiled knowing that Kalya was actually excited for them to start their life together.