5

After the Battle

Chapter 5: Making Plans

Ginny awoke slowly and was surprised to see how much time had passed. It was dark outside so she knew it was quite late, glancing at the clock she was shocked to see it was almost nine-thirty.

She turned and looked at Harry and was happy to see he didn't appear quite as feverish as he had been when she fell asleep, plus his breathing sounded better, though it was still slightly laboured.

She jumped a little when she heard a soft knock on the doorframe and turning her head she saw Fleur standing there with a tray in her hands.

"Ah, Mon Cherie, Eet's good to see you awake finally. You must 'ave been very tired to sleep so long," the beautiful blonde said softly with a warm smile.

"Yeah, I was pretty tired," Ginny admitted sheepishly.

"'Ow iz our patient?" Fleur asked, coming over to the bed.

"He seems a bit better," Ginny replied, glancing once more at her fiancé.

"I waz surprised when you didn't awaken when I came and gave 'im his next dose of potions," Fleur laughed softly, her eyes gleaming brightly in amusement.

She set the tray down and took a good look at Harry and she nodded in approval when she saw how much better he looked.

"I 'ate to wake 'im but 'e needs to eat and take 'is potions again," she muttered softly.

Ginny once more turned her attention back to Harry and smiled tenderly. Though there was still a touch of colour to his cheeks, it wasn't near what it had been earlier.

She sighed softly as she studied his face. With him sleeping most of the worry lines that seemed so prominent when he was awake were gone and he looked more his real age.

The other thing that struck her was how at peace he looked, something she didn't recall seeing before. She slowly reached out and ran her fingers through his hair.

"Time to wake up," she called out softly.

Harry's eyes fluttered open and as soon as his eyes found Ginny's he smiled widely, his eyes ablaze with his love.

"Hey," he breathed out quietly.

"Time for dinner," Ginny informed him with a smile.

Harry's eyes brightened. "Great, I'm starved," he replied with a grin.

With Ginny's help he sat up but as soon as he did, he began to cough, a deep hacking cough that brought up a large amount of thick mucus. Luckily he had covered his mouth but he stared at his hand in disgust as he looked at the glob.

Fleur giggled a she vanished the mess and she handed him one of his potions. When Harry eyed her unhappily, she shook her head as she smirked.

"It's the cough suppressant. It would be extremely bad for you to couch while eating as you might inhale bits of food into your lungs. Trust me, you don't want that to 'appen and risk triggering a more severe case of pneumonia," Fleur explained pointedly.

"The rest of your potions are best taken on a full stomach," she added.

Harry nodded with a frown on his face as he eyed the number of vials in Fleur's hand. With a resigned sigh he uncorked the vial she had handed him and in one quick motion, brought it up to his lips, tilted his head back and swallowed the potion in a quick gulp.

Fleur gave him a quizzical look. "But that was the good tasting one?"

"Habit," Harry replied succinctly with a shrug.

The look on his face changed in an instant when Fleur placed the tray down on his lap. His whole countenance brightened and he smiled.

"It looks delicious," he breathed out softly, his eye gazing on Fleur's offering like it was the most wonderful thing he'd ever seen.

Ginny looked down at her identical meal and while she found it enticing because of how hungry she was, she didn't have the same mesmerized look in her eyes as Harry did. There was a large bowl of roast beast stew with plenty of vegetables and potatoes, a small loaf of home-made bread with butter and a large glass of pumpkin juice.

"Men and their food," she thought to herself with a small chuckle.

Harry paid her no mind as he prepared to dig in with gusto.

"Remember to eat slowly so you don't choke," Fleur cautioned with a smirk.

Harry frowned, looking much like a five year old who had been told her couldn't play at the moment.

He gave a sigh and tucked in at a reasonable pace, though he did smile and hum appreciatively.

Ginny was surprised when she found she had to keep herself from attacking her meal. As hungry as she was she was tempted to eat fairly fast but she knew if she did so it would make Harry eat faster too. Something she wanted to avoid at all costs.

She was a little surprised when Fleur remained and chatted with them, well, her mostly but Harry did join in the conversation from time to time.

When they were just finishing eating, Bill appeared with a tray with a pot of tea, cups, saucers, plates and clean forks, along with a warm from the oven treacle tart, Harry's all time favourite dessert.

Ginny wondered about the timing. She hadn't seen Fleur send any type of message or indication that they were done eating and it just seemed to perfect to be coincidence. She vowed to herself to ask the quarter Veela later about how it had been done.

Once Fleur had banished the dirty dishes to the kitchen and served the tea, Bill cleared his throat, looking slightly hesitant.

"Tomorrow at ten is Fred's funeral," he said softly, watching Harry in particular for his reaction.

"I'm going," Harry stated forcefully, his look saying there was no way he wouldn't be there no matter what.

"We know," Fleur replied with a small smile. "But we also want to make sure you don't over do it and end up relapsing," she cautioned.

Harry's eyes darted around to the others, looking rather defiant.

Bill cleared his throat again with a pained look. "I also found out the Colin Creevey's is tomorrow afternoon, at two," he informed them softly.

Harry's eyes immediately sought out Ginny's and she could see the depth of pain and guilt he was feeling. She knew there was no way she'd be able to talk him out of attending that one either.

She knew it would probably upset her mother because she was going to be there too, no matter that the Weasley matriarch would want everyone to remain at the Burrow.

She gave him a curt nod in understanding, she just hoped it didn't tax him to much.

"Remus' and Tonks' funerals are the following day," he sighed, almost as if he was reluctant to bring it up but he knew he had to. Harry would never forgive him if he withheld that information and he missed their funerals.

Harry's eyes met his and he could see the determination in his emerald orbs that told him that Harry would be there no matter what the cost to himself physically.

"When are the others?" Harry asked tightly.

"I'm not sure on all of them yet. Some families haven't decided. There is going to be a mass funeral at Hogwarts because many have decided to bury their loved ones there. That's the day after Remus' and Tonks'. The only other one I know of is Lavender Brown's, that will be held a couple of hours after Remus' and Tonks'," Bill explained quietly.

"Please find out about as many as you can," Harry replied sadly. "I want to attend as many as I possibly can."

Bill gave him a questioning look, silently asking if he was sure.

"I have to be there to honour all those who died for me," Harry replied to the unasked question.

"Non!" Fleur snapped angrily.

When Harry stared at her in shock, she continued. "They didn't die for you, they died defending their way of life. So that they and their loved ones could live free and without the terror of Voldemort hanging over them," she said fervently, her eyes blazing.

Harry dropped his gaze, looking guilty and not believing what she had said.

"She's right you know," Ginny said softly, taking his hand.

Harry slowly looked up into her warm, sympathetic eyes and he gave her a wan smile.

"I know it here," he said, tapping his head. "But here doesn't want to accept it," he added, tapping his heart.

"Eet is what you call it, survivor's guilt," Fleur explained compassionately.

Ginny gave his hand a soft squeeze and Harry's smile grew a little.

He turned toward Bill and Fleur. "I'll need new dress robes," he said sadly.

"I'll make sure you have them," Bill replied with a small sympathetic smile.

Harry nodded his head slowly and Ginny could sense how tired he was.

"Come on, lay down," she softly urged him. "We'll have a very busy, trying day tomorrow and you need to be rested."

For a moment it appeared he was going to protest but then he sighed and nodded his head.

After Fleur removed his tray, he sighed and slid down, snuggling into the bed. He looked at Ginny imploringly, making her smile and she slid down and cuddled into his side. She was feeling just as knackered as he was and she knew she'd need all her strength to get through the next few days.

Bill and Fleur smiled, Harry was asleep before they left the room and Ginny wasn't that far behind him.

Harry and Ginny

The next morning dawned grey and overcast, fitting weather for the day to come.

Ginny awoke first and she smiled, finding Harry's arm wrapped tightly around her, keeping her tightly into his side.

She studied his face closely, pleased for the most part in what she saw. He didn't appear as feverish as he had and his breathing, though not quite normal, was much better than it had been.

She prayed that the coming day didn't over tax him, triggering a relapse. She wasn't sure how long she'd been watching him when he stirred and his eyes fluttered open.

He smiled at her. "Good morning," he whispered.

"Good morning," she replied, leaning over and giving him a tender kiss.

Harry gave her a brilliant smile. "I could definitely get used to waking up like this," he beamed.

"Me too," Ginny giggled softly.

She gave him an appraising look. "How are you feeling?

She saw him smirk and she raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a telling look.

"Pretty good," he replied, still smiling.

"Well, at least you didn't say fine," she giggled.

"I considered it but didn't want to get hexed first thing in the morning," Harry chuckled.

"Smart move," she teased with a grin.

"Come on, you need to get up and start moving around," she sighed, slightly worried about how he'd do.

Harry gave her an indulgent look but it quickly changed when he rolled over and sat up on the edge of the bed. He felt his head spin and he began to cough.

Ginny watched him worriedly, but was pleased that his coughing wasn't nearly as bad as it had been and though it brought up some phlegm, it wasn't nearly as much as before.

She handed him a tissue and he wiped his hand clean, giving the muck a disgusted look.

"How's your breathing?" she asked with concern.

Harry took a couple of deeper breaths and though he coughed lightly, he didn't bring up any more mucus.

"Not to bad," he replied. "As long as I don't have to run any races, I should be okay."

Ginny rose and went over to Harry's side of the bed. "Let's try standing, if you feel up to it," she suggested.

Harry took a deep, steadying breath and smiled when he didn't cough.

With Ginny's help he stood up. He grabbed onto her arm tightly as he felt his head spin once again but it soon passed.

Ginny wrapped an arm around his waist and began to lead him out into the hall.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked. He was glad that Ginny was holding him so close. While not exactly dizzy, he did feel a bit off kilter.

"You need a shower," Ginny explained as she led him toward the loo.

Harry bent his head to his shoulder and gave a sniff. "Yeah, I guess I do," he replied.

When he straighten his head, he felt the hall spin and he tightened his grip on Ginny. He paled slightly and it took a moment to reorient himself.

Ginny gave him a concerned look but didn't say anything.

Once in the loo, Ginny sat Harry on the commode and turned, closed and locked the door. She turned on the water for the shower and once it was set to her satisfaction, she turned back to Harry.

"Shower time," she announced with a Kneazle like grin.

Harry looked at her in confusion for a moment before he noticed her grin.

"Ah, Ginny?" he asked bewilderedly.

Ginny came over and stood directly in front of him and began to pull off his t-shirt.

Harry offered no resistance, his head spinning and it had nothing to do with his weakened state. His brain just refused to process the implication of what Ginny was doing.

Once his shirt was off, she helped him stand. Then with an impish grin, she reached down and slid his pyjama bottoms down and steadied him while he stepped out of them.

Harry couldn't believe what was happening and he shook his head lightly, not a good thing in his current state.

He felt the room spin and he knew he would have fallen if Ginny wasn't holding onto him.

Ginny felt Harry stumble and she knew she was doing the right thing. There was no way she was going to leave him alone in the shower where he would probably fall and hurt himself.

Once she was sure he wasn't going to fall, she let go and quickly stripped down.

She couldn't help but blush when she saw Harry staring at her in awe. While they had made love and he'd inspected most of her body close up, he'd never seen her standing before him in all her naked glory.

"Come on, shower time. You can ogle my body later," she teased with a huge smile.

The next ten minutes were some of the best of Harry's life. Only making love to Ginny surpassed what he experienced.

Ginny tenderly washed his body and his hair, something he'd never experienced before in his entire life. To have someone treat him so gently and pamper him like she was, totally overwhelmed him.

She clucked and frowned as she got a good look at all his new scars and injuries, something she really didn't get a chance to do when they had made love in the dorm.

Harry wanted to return the favour, but Ginny refused to let him.

"Later, when you're feeling better and I know you won't fall over," she chided him playfully.

As much as Harry hated to admit it, he had to agree with her. Falling over and hurting himself would definitely put a damper on things.

Ginny silently cursed her thoughtfulness. She had forgotten to bring fresh clothing and there was no way she was going to have Harry put on his sweaty, grimy clothing he had been wearing.

Shaking her head, she peeked out the door to make sure the coast was clear and then with a impish grin she led Harry out into the hall.

Fortunately their room was just a short distance down the hall and she sighed in relief when she got Harry and her back into their room.

The thing she didn't notice was Fleur coming up the stairs, who had to clamp her hand over her mouth so she didn't give herself away by laughing. She couldn't wait till she could tease Ginny later.

Harry sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at Ginny wide-eyed as he blushed. "I can't believe you just did that," he choked out.

Ginny just giggled. "I couldn't think of anything else to do and what harm did it do," she replied, her eyes flashing brilliantly with her mirth.

"Godric, you'll be the death of me," Harry muttered.

"You love me and you know it," Ginny countered with a grin.

Harry smiled, knowing she was right. He did love her, with all his heart. He just hoped she didn't give him a heart attack.

Ginny helped Harry put on a pair of shorts and a clean t-shirt before she put on one of his t-shirts and a pair of knickers.

Harry could only stare at the beautiful young woman before him. The t-shirt barely came down to mid thigh and he was fairly certain that her knickers would show when she sat down. Something that made his heart begin to race and he couldn't help but remember the sight of her standing before him nude.

He groaned softly as he realized his shorts were beginning to tent because of the reaction his body was having to that thought.

Ginny blushed lightly but smiled smugly as she noticed Harry's reaction. She knew that they couldn't indulge now, but once he was really feeling better, she couldn't wait to repeat what they had experienced at Hogwarts.

They were both startled out of their thoughts by the sound of a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," Ginny called out, once she had taken a deep calming breath.

Fleur opened the door and had a hard time fighting her smile as she took in the scene before her. She could feel the sexual tension that permeated the room and she felt so happy for the couple before her.

She held out the two sets of magnificent dress robes she was carrying. "Beel just brought these 'ome for you and Jinee and I wanted to get them to you two," she smirked, one that had nothing to do with the robes.

Ginny looked at the half-Veela in shock and she blushed deeply, realizing she had completely forgotten all about needing Dress Robes. "Thank Bill for me," she said embarrassingly.

Harry smiled nervously, sensing that there was more to Fleur's look than she was letting on. "Thank you and please thank Bill for me too," he replied softly.

Fleur hung the robes inside the door. "I 'ave breakfast ready if you feel up to coming down or I could bring it up 'ere," she said pleasantly, though she still had that smirk on her face.

Harry and Ginny shared a quick glance. "We'll come down," Ginny replied.

"Okay," the quarter Veela replied.

As she turned back toward the door she hesitated. "Eet's so good to see you up and moving," she chuckled, her eyes dancing merrily, enunciating the word see.

Harry and Ginny shared another glance, both blushing as they wondered just what she meant by that, hoping that she hadn't seen them in the hall naked.

Once Fleur had disappeared, Ginny helped Harry stand.

"You don't think she saw us, do you?" Harry asked worriedly.

"I don't know," Ginny replied, deciding that she wouldn't tell him that she thought it was a distinct possibility.

"Oh Godric," Harry moaned softy.

"What?" Ginny asked, curious about his reaction.

"Well, I have a vague memory of prattling on to Bill as he sat with me while I was in the tub. I think I told him quite a few things about what we did that he probably didn't want to hear," Harry sighed.

"That would explain his reaction when I began to tell Fleur and Poppy about what we did," she giggled.

"He fled the room acting all embarrassed," she added when she saw his bewildered look.

Harry moaned, wondering how he was going to be able to face Bill and Fleur again without blushing like a school girl.

"Don't worry, everything will be all right," Ginny reassured him, though she couldn't hide her smirk.

Harry gave her a thin smile, hoping what she said was true.

She helped him to his feet and wrapping an arm around his waist, they headed down to the kitchen for breakfast.

As they approached the kitchen they heard Bill and Fleur talking lowly and then chuckle. Unfortunately they couldn't hear what they were saying.

They entered the kitchen and the couple stopped talking as they glanced at Harry and Ginny with warm smiles.

Once Ginny got Harry seated she went over and hugged her brother hard. "Thanks for thinking about me and getting me the robes. I can't believe I forgot all about needing them for Fred's funeral," she muttered emotionally.

Bill hugged Ginny back just as hard. "Don't worry about it. You've been under a lot of strain and I'm not surprised that you forgot," he replied sympathetically.

Harry gave a resigned sigh when Fleur handed him his potions but he dutifully drank them, pretending he wasn't doing it because of the stern look Ginny was giving him.

They chatted lightly over breakfast but the mood was rather subdued due to the solemn day that lay before them.

Once they were pretty much done eating and sitting there enjoying their second cups of tea, Fleur glanced at Bill before turning her attention to Harry and Ginny.

Do you mind if I ask about your long term plans?" she inquired, acting a bit mysterious.

Harry and Ginny shared glances and both sighed.

"Things are pretty much on hold until Ginny's birthday," Harry replied with an exasperated frown.

Fleur got a very Weasley-ish mischievous look on her face. "Do you mind if I make a suggestion?" she asked with a wide smirk.

Bill groaned and rolled his eyes. "Do I want to be privy to this?" he asked apprehensively.

"Probably not," his wife replied, her smirk growing.

"Oh Godric," Bill moaned as he dropped his head, his forehead banging softly on the table.

Harry and Ginny looked back and forth from one another and back to Fleur.

"We're all ears," Ginny stated softly, looking like she didn't want to get her hopes up but Fleur could see how much she desperately wished that the French woman had a solution to hers and Harry's dilemma.

"Have you considered going to Gretna Green?" the part Veela asked smugly.

Harry looked at her blankly but Ginny's brow furrowed deeply as she frowned, appearing deep in thought.

"Gretna Green, I remember some of the girls at school mentioning it but I didn't really hear why," she replied thoughtfully.

"It a small village in Scotland where you can get married with very little fanfare and the best part is, you only have to be sixteen and no parental approval is needed," Fleur replied with a Kneazle like grin.

Harry and Ginny immediately looked at each other, first in surprised shock but then slowly smiles began to grow on their faces. Each were thinking about what Fleur had said and what it could mean for them.

No waiting for close to three months to be together and a way to get around Molly's desire to keep them apart.

Their heads snapped back around and they started at Bill with frowns on their faces when they heard him groan softly.

Seeing their looks, he shook his head and smiled at them. "Don't get me wrong, I think it's a brilliant idea, I was just thinking about what would happen if Mum got wind of it."

Ginny shuddered and scowled. "No, that would be a really bad thing," she fumed. Then she gave everyone a determined look. "This doesn't get mentioned outside of here," she dictated. "No one but us four needs to know and I want to keep it that way."

Everyone agreed and while Ginny and Fleur stayed at the table and discussed plans, Harry, with Bill following, headed into the parlour.

Bill looked at Harry worriedly. While he was doing much better, he still looked a little out of sorts and very tired. He was concerned on how much the day's coming events would take their toll on the young man.

He did feel somewhat better when Harry laid down on the couch, at least resting even if he wasn't sleeping.

Harry glanced at the doorway back into the kitchen to make sure the women were still occupied. Once he was satisfied that they'd have some privacy, he turned his attention to Bill.

"Is there any way you could help me get to Muggle London?" he asked quietly.

"Why?" Bill asked with a puzzled look.

Harry took another quick glance toward the kitchen before replying. "I want to get a ring for Ginny," he said wistfully. "I asked her to marry me and she said yes, but it was the other morning before everything happened. I feel bad that I haven't been able to give her what she deserves," he explained.

Bill hesitated for a moment, looking thoughtful. "When did you want to go"?" he asked evenly, hoping to get some more information before making a decision.

"I was hoping that we could go after Colin's funeral," Harry replied, giving Bill a pleading look.

Bill frowned and slowly shook his head. "I don't know, Harry. You're as weak as a Kneazle kit and I'm worried about how tired you'll be after attending Fred's and Colin's funerals," he replied unhappily.

"Please Bill, it's really important to me or I wouldn't ask. I have to do right by Ginny. I know she doesn't expect it but I need to do this. I broke up with her after Dumbledore's funeral in a misguided attempt to keep her safe and while that didn't work out like I'd hoped, at least she didn't have Voldemort looking for her even if she wasn't as safe at Hogwarts as I would have liked," Harry pleaded emotionally.

Bill sat there stunned. Obviously a lot more had gone on then he knew about. "What do you mean you broke up with her? I wasn't even aware you two had gone out and what do you mean about she wasn't safe at Hogwarts? I mean I know Snape was a snarky git and Hogwarts wouldn't have been a fun place with him as Headmaster but it sounds like you know a lot more than you're saying," he barked unhappily.

Harry winced, knowing he'd said more than he meant to, especially about Hogwarts and he hoped that Ginny wouldn't hurt him too badly.

"Look Bill, a lot of it isn't my story to tell so please don't get offended when I don't say anything. As for breaking up with her, we dated for a few weeks my sixth year. I really wish I'd asked her earlier, but hindsight is 20/20 as they say," Harry said fervently.

"Like I said, I broke up with her to try and protect her even though she meant the world to me. The thing is . . . well, I wasn't sure I was going to survive the war and I . . ." he continued, finally becoming to emotional to continue.

"It's okay, Harry. You don't have to say anything more. I get where you're coming from, I really do. I mean I felt much the same when I heard everyone was heading to Hogwarts. None of us knew if we were going to live or die and so many didn't make it," Bill muttered sadly, thinking about Fred.

"How about this," he said, returning to the topic of going to London. "Why don't we see how you're doing after Colin's funeral?"

Harry nodded slowly, figuring that was the best he could hope for.

Bill suddenly sat up with a start. "Have you looked in your Gringotts vault?" he asked questioningly.

"I've only seen money in it," Harry replied with a confused look.

"That's just your Hogwarts trust vault, I mean your family vault," Bill replied with a small smile.

"Family vault?" Harry asked in confusion.

Bill shook his head sadly. "I can't believe no one bothered to tell you about your family vault," he sad lowly.

"Yeah well, there was a ton of stuff people didn't tell me," Harry scowled darkly.

Bill felt his heart go out to the young wizard, wondering just all what he'd had to endure growing up and he doubted that he'd ever get to hear the majority of it.

"I think you should check your family vault before going out and buy anything, you'll probably be surprised at what you'll find," he said sympathetically.

"Are you sure I'll be allowed to visit it?" Harry winced.

When Bill looked at him questioningly, Harry continued. "I don't think the Goblins are all that happy with me at the moment," he added sheepishly.

Bill almost choked as he smiled, thinking that unhappy barely began to cover what the Goblins were feeling right at that moment.

"Let me talk to someone," he chortled. "I think once they know the full story it will be much easier to smooth things over though you'll probably need to offer some type of restitution."

Harry relaxed a little though he still worried about what the Goblins would want. It seemed the only thing they prized was gold or jewels and he had no idea how much money he had.

Further discussion was halted by Fleur and Ginny coming into the parlour, both had smiles on their faces and Harry wondered what they'd come up with.

Ginny came right over to Harry and laid down next to him, or more precisely, mainly on top of him as she cuddled into his side so she wouldn't fall off the couch.

Harry wrapped his arm around her to help hold her in place, sighing contentedly when he felt her warm body next to his.

Ginny leaned over and gave him a tender kiss and then smiled at him.

"We've got things pretty well set. As soon as it's feasible, the four of us will go to Gretna Green and we'll get married. Fleur said she and Bill will stand witness for us," she informed him happily.

"We'll have to see how the week pans out and how well you're feeling so there won't be any problems," she continued.

When Harry gave her an annoyed look, she stopped him with a pointed look, arching one eyebrow up, showing her displeasure.

Harry quickly backed down and gave her a small smile, letting her know that he'd follow along with whatever she wished.

Of course, Bill and Fleur noticed the exchange and they laughed lowly.

"Get used to it," Bill said to Harry with a huge smile.

Unable to help himself, Harry grinned back. "Yeah, I guess I'd better," he replied softly.

"Smart choice," Ginny teased.

"Ah, young love," Fleur sighed with a smile.

Soft laughter rippled through the room.

Harry could feel the smile on his face and he sighed contentedly, feeling very happy with the way things were going. It was tempered by the knowledge that later in the day things were going to be completely different but for now he refused to worry about that.

The funerals for Fred and Colin lay at the back of his mind and he knew it was going to be a very trying, emotional time but for the moment he wanted to concentrate on the good things and his future with the warm, wonderful woman at his side.

He yawned and his eyes began to flutter shut. He briefly fought it but then Ginny whispered into his ear, "Get some sleep, Love. We'll need our strength later."

As he drifted off to sleep he couldn't help but think about how Ginny said we and that made him happier still.

Harry and Ginny

A/N: Well, Fleur really surprised our favourite couple. Do you think they'll be able to pull it off or will Molly throw a spanner in the works.

Though they're very happy at the moment, the funerals are coming up, sure to cause them many heartaches.

As always, please review.