A/N: Hello again my fellow readers. I know that my chapters have had a lot of angst lately. I know that Harry and Ginny's feelings towards each other is driving many of you nuts. Please bare with me as the story continues to develop. I would like to thank all those who have favorited, followed, and reviewed the story. Please also accept my apologies for the delay of the posting of this chapter. I have been really busy with work and I had been focusing quite a bit on my other story. I have a little more free time for now but next week I go back to work full force. I will post up the next chapter as soon as I am able. Now on to Chapter 6...
Disclaimer: I do not own HP or its characters. They are JKR's.
Summary: in the last chapter, Harry runs into Ernie, Neville, and Seamus. They go out to the Leaky Cauldron to have a good time. Harry also finds out that he is heir to a great fortune. Ginny goes to Gringotts and finds out that an anonymous benefactor has opened a vault for her with a generous amount. Harry and Ginny run into each other on several occasions but neither realize that they still love each other, despite the fact that they are now going out with different people. Neither of them know either the feelings of jealousy that they are feeling at this moment. The Weasleys find out at the Hogwarts funeral that Ginny has accepted the post of Head Girl and they are happy for her.
Chapter 6: The Unexpected
It was now the middle of August and Ginny's birthday was not that far away. Charlie had gotten married and they had just come back from their honeymoon a week ago and they were back in Romania. Ginny still remembered the last encounter she had with Harry back at Hogwarts. Ginny had never wanted to be that cold and distant with Harry. In truth, she felt awful for treating Harry like that but it made it more difficult for her to move on every time that Harry approached her. She thought that by being distant with Harry, he would stop talking with her. She also thought that by being like that with Harry, perhaps she would eventually stop loving him.
Ginny sat on her bed in her room looking at the little dragon pendant that Charlie had sent her for her birthday. It was Peruvian Vipertooth. It was made of red crystals and it's fire was made out of white and yellow crystals. It went perfect with her Gryffindor colors. That was Charlie, always thinking of her, despite the distance between them. Now that Charlie was back in Romania, she missed him so much. She missed having someone to truly talk to with all confidence. Ginny got up and went to her floor-length mirror and tried to clasp on the little vipertooth pendant on the gold chain. At that moment there was a knock at her door.
"Come in" said Ginny.
Hermione walked in and saw that Ginny was at her mirror. She walked up closer and noticed the pendant. She took it in her fingers to take a better look at it.
"Oh wow Ginny! That is lovely!"
Ginny smiled through her reflection on the mirror, "It is isn't it? Charlie sent it to me for my birthday from Romania. He had the goblins make it for me there."
"Here, let me help you put it on" said Hermione as she took the chain in her hands and helped Ginny. "It even matches the Gryffindor colors"
"That's what I thought when I first saw it."
"So, are you ready to go to Diagon Alley to go buy our things for school?"
Ginny turned around and smiled, "Yes, I sure am."
"Well, let's go. I already told your mum that we are going with Ron."
Ginny picked up her bag, her wand and walked out the door with Hermione. When Ron, Hermione, and Ginny apparated in Diagon's Alley, not many students were around. They had wanted to get their things before the rush.
"Do you want to pay George a visit when we are done buying the things we need?" Ron asked Hermione and Ginny.
"Yeah, let's see what George is up to" said Hermione smiling from Ginny to Ron.
"Ron! How are you mate?" asked a voice behind the three.
"Ernie!" said Ron as he gave him a hug and a good pat on the back. "How are you doing? Did you have a good holiday?"
"Yes, dad, mum, and I went to Rome for our Summer holiday. We stayed within the magical community there and then we went walking around Rome. It's such a nice city. Who would have ever thought that it's so old!"
"They were also famous for world domination" added Hermione.
"Thanks for that lovely assessment Mione" said Ron and he gave her a kiss on the lips as he hugged her and she giggled.
Ernie and Ginny looked away and their eyes suddenly met.
"Hi Ginny. You look lovely today" said Ernie with a genuine smile.
"Thanks Ernie. Ron, Hermione and I were just coming to buy things for Hogwarts" responded Ginny with a shy smile.
"I'm sure Ron wouldn't mind if you and I went shopping together" said Ernie as he looked at Ron.
"No, I don't mind. You just be careful Ernie, she has brothers to protect her" said Ron with warning. After she got badly hurt by Harry, Ron was willing to be there for her if anybody hurt her as badly again.
Hermione saw the look on his face and she slapped his arm, "Ron, it's just Ernie. How could you say a thing like that?"
"Ginny how about a butterbeer when we're finished. I'll buy, how's that sound?" said Ernie with a friendly smile.
Ginny smiled back sheepishly, "That's thoughtful of you Ernie. Thanks" said Ginny.
It had officially been a year since things had ended with Harry and Ginny couldn't believe it how comfortable she felt around Ernie. He made her feel better, more happy than she had ever been. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking as they went to Flourish and Blotts and to Madam Malkin's. Later on, Ernie accompanied her to Quality Quidditch Supplies to get things for the new school year, including a broom servicing kit.
"You know Ginny, I had never had a better time. Since we are buying the things we need, why don't you let me carry those bags for you and we can go to the Leaky Cauldron for a few butterbeers" suggested Ernie.
Ginny gave him her bags and he shrunk them before he put them into his bag and then they were off to the Leaky Cauldron. There they talked for hours and laughed. Suddenly there were flashes of light and reporters were around Ginny.
"Ms. Weasley, what happened between you and Mr. Potter?"
"When did your relationship end with 'The Chosen One'?"
"Could you please tell us why things didn't work out?"
"Are you going out now with this young bloke? What's his name?"
Ernie stepped in front of Ginny and said, "Please, give Ms. Weasley some privacy." The reporters relented with reluctance and then they left the Leaky Cauldron.
Ginny chuckled, "Who would have ever thought that after... after a year they would still be following me."
Ernie shook his head, "I don't know Ginny but it looks like our picture is going to be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow."
"Why am I not surprised" said Ginny as she continued to see the reporters walk out the door.
"So tell me Ginny. What did you do this Summer holiday?"
"Not much. Just stayed at home and helped mum and celebrated Charlie and Portia's wedding."
"Oh yeah? How was it?"
"It was actually very nice but I'm going to miss having Charlie around. It's always hard for me when Charlie leaves for Romania. It's going to be harder to talk to him now that he has a wife. It's even going to be harder in a few years when he has a family of his own."
"When do you think Charlie will be back?"
"That's a little hard to tell. He's really happy working with Dragons in Romania with Portia. By the way, how are your parents doing?"
"They're doing good. As usual, they continue to play wizard's chess with the wizard's chess club that they initiated. Several of their friends have already joined."
"Well, that's nice" said Ginny and her eyes unconsciously drifted to the chocolate frogs on the shelves behind the counter.
"You like chocolate Ginny?"
"Oh yes, ever since my mum bought me my first chocolate frog, I've loved them since then. Though they are cheeky little buggers and if you are not careful, they'll hop away" and the two of them laughed at the idea.
Ernie stood there looking at Ginny. Ginny was surprised to feel butterflies in her stomach again. She never thought that she would feel them again. The only time that ever happened was when she had been with Harry. They finished their butterbeers and got up and walked back into Diagon Alley. As soon as Ginny walked out the door, she quickly turned around and there she was right in front of Ernie. Their lips were just inches from each other. Ernie then slowly brought down his lips onto Ginny's and gave her a gentle kiss. The kiss lingered on and Ginny suddenly pulled away. She was surprised at what had just happened.
Ernie saw her reaction and said, "Look Ginny, I'm sorry. I should have never done that."
Ginny shook her head and put a gentle hand on Ernie's chest, "No it's alright Ernie. I- I actually liked it" and she smiled up at him.
Ernie smiled and then he went with Ginny to go meet with Ron and Hermione who were busy snogging away in a corner.
"Uh hum" said Ginny clearing her throat.
Ron and Hermione pulled away and blushed a crimson red.
"Ready to head back to the Burrow you two?" asked Ginny.
"I suppose we are" said Hermione still blushing.
Ernie gave Ginny her bags that he had been carrying for her. Ginny then turned around and gave Ernie another quick kiss on the lips and then she disapparated with a smile for the first time in a long time on her lips.
Hermione was the first to grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her aside as Ron continued to walk back to the Burrow.
"Ginny Weasley! Did I just see you kiss Ernie MacMillan?!" asked Hermione with a huge grin on her mouth.
Ginny giggled sheepishly and she nodded her head, "Yes, I kind of find Ernie rather nice."
"Did it just happen this afternoon?" asked Hermione with curiosity as she pressed on.
"Yeah, we were talking in the Leaky Cauldron and one thing led to the next and when we walked out, he kissed me" said Ginny as she smiled to herself and put her fingers on her lips.
"Ginny, you sure know how to pick your blokes. Ernie is really nice and good looking too!" said Hermione as she gave a friendly smack on Ginny's shoulder.
"Yes, he's really nice and I like him. You're right, he's good looking too." Then the two friends smiled at each other as they made their way to the Burrow.
It was four in the afternoon and Harry apparated at the front door of his palatial flat. Creely opened the door and smiled up at Harry.
"Your lordship! How was your Summer holiday in the Canary islands?" asked the small elf.
"Oh Creely, please stop calling me that" sighed Harry with frustration.
"Lord Harry please forgive Creely, but it has been an order that was commanded and I am required to call you that sir."
"I prefer sir."
"Master Harry would like some tea?"
"Yes, in my study upstairs. Thanks Creely."
Harry was well-rested yet exhausted from travelling so much. He had stayed on the island and joined parties on the island and went to social functions in the magical community on the islands. Harry had never had so many social functions in his life.
A few hours later, Harry was done with dinner and he made his way to his suite. There he waved his wand and conjured a moving picture of Ginny. She was smiling and laughing in the picture. It was so different from what he had seen when he last saw her at Hogwarts. Harry wondered what had happened with her while he was away.
How could he tell her that when he was in the Canary Islands, he had run into Susan Bones and that now the two of them were in a steady relationship. He had not intended to go into another relationship, not after what happened with Ginny. However, he had felt pleasant around Susan and they even snogged away a couple of times. Harry giggled softly at the idea. He felt young again. That is why he liked being with Susan. Harry put on his pajamas, got into bed and went to sleep after a long day. He didn't think about Ginny but about Susan that night.
When Harry woke up the following morning, he had asked Creely to bring his breakfast to his suite's sitting room. His new owl, Perceus brought his copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry had found Perceus before he left on holiday to the Canary islands. Perceus was a white snowy owl that look just like Hedwig but his eyes were black and not blue like Hedwig's. Harry opened the Daily Prophet and gasped at what he read on the front page.
Harry's Ex With a New Bloke!
Ginny Weasley was spotted in Diagon Alley's the Leaky Cauldron with a new bloke. Rumors have it that his name is Ernie MacMillan, a fellow classmate from Hogwarts. Move over Harry Potter, the pretty lady has a new wizard! Could this be the end of the once famous couple as Ginny Weasley begins anew with this new young man? Only time will tell!
Harry gasped as he looked at the picture below the article. There was a picture of Ernie and Ginny smiling and talking over a couple of butterbeers. They sure looked happy to be spending time together. Harry frowned once more as he looked at the picture. There was nothing for sure that he could do. He had ended their relationship and now he was paying the consequences for doing that. Harry was happy with Susan but deep down, his heart truly desired to have Ginny. She was the only true love that he had ever had. He now had Susan and he would have to move on and start a new life. Harry looked down at his watch and noticed that he was going to meet Susan in Diagon Alley in an hour to go buy their things for Hogwarts.
"Harry!" called out Susan Bones as she walked up to him hugged him and then put her arms around his neck and began to kiss him.
Suddenly there were reporters around him and Susan and they pulled away from their kiss.
"Mr. Potter where did you go on Summer holiday? Did you have a good time?"
"Who is the lovely new red head? What's her name?"
"Will you be going back to Hogwarts? How about your young lady here?"
"That was such a lovely kiss. Do you plan on proposing to her some day?"
"How do you feel about Ginny Weasley now that you have a new girl?"
"Did you know that Ginny Weasley was here in Diagon Alley with a new bloke?"
Harry put his hand up and the reporters waited anxiously for his response, "Please, please, a little privacy. Yes, I do plan on going back to Hogwarts and this is my new girlfriend, Susan Bones" said Harry as he put his arm around her waist and smiled down at her. "Please, if you want any further inquiries, please send an owl to make an appointment. Thank you all" and with that Harry walked away with Susan as the reporters continued to snap pictures at them.
"I'm sorry about that Suse. I was away on holiday for such a long time that I forgot that reporters follow me for being the saviour of the wizarding world" said Harry as he looked down at Susan.
Susan shook her head, "It's okay Harry. That was expected as soon as we went to a public place like Diagon Alley."
"I'm sorry that they brought up the issue with Ginny. That was over year ago when we broke up" said Harry as he looked up ahead.
Susan stopped them, put her hand on his cheek and turned his face towards her, "Look Harry, it's alright. I know that you and Ginny had something and that's over. Don't worry about it anymore." Susan then smiled and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.
"Suse, thanks for being understanding with all of this, I know this can't all be easy on you."
"It's okay Harry, let's go buy our things and then we can go to get some ice scream at Florean Fortescue's. I'm so happy that they opened up after the Second War."
Harry smiled down at her, "Alright, we'll do that after we buy our things for Hogwarts."
When they walked into Madam Malkin's, Harry whispered into Susan's ear, "I can't wait to see you in your new robes love."
Susan giggled and gave Harry's arm a friendly smack, "You are terrible Harry Potter!"
"You just wait when we are alone at Hogwarts Ms. Bones" said Harry with a wide grin and Susan giggled.
When Susan came out of the dressing room of Madam Malkin's she turned around so Harry could see her in her yellow and black Hufflepuff colors.
Harry walked up to Susan and took her in his arms and leaned down to kiss her passionately, "Oh Suse, you look so beautiful. I hear there's going to be another Yule Ball this year. Will you come with me?"
She kissed Harry again and said, "I'll be happy to go with you Harry."
Ginny woke up as soon as she heard her mother call everyone to breakfast. Ginny went to take a quick shower and to change. She then walked down the stairs.
"I don't know Mrs. Weasley. I think it's nice to see that Ginny has someone else in her life but it's like she's pretending to be strong. I see that look in her face everyday. It's not the same with Ernie as it was with Harry. I think she still loves Harry" said Hermione.
Ginny stood there on the staircase and frowned. It was true. She was still in love with Harry but she was trying to make an effort to be strong. She thanked Merlin for Ernie because he was helping her forget about Harry. She felt less miserable ever since she met Ernie. Ginny walked into the kitchen and Hermione stopped talking and she just smiled as Ginny walked in.
"Morning Ginny, sleep well last night?"
Ginny nodded, "Yes, for the first time in a long time I was able to sleep a little more comfortably. I was just tired of having to take sleeping potions every night."
"I'm sure looking forward to going back to Hogwarts. Especially now that we are going back for our last year and that it looks like it's going to be a little more peaceful."
"Yes, I am looking forward to going to Hogsmeade with Ernie. I like the bloke. He's so nice and fun to be with" said Ginny with a small smile on her mouth.
Percy walked in and said, "Morning everyone"
"Morning" said the three women.
Mr. Weasley was followed by Percy and it was preceded by everyone saying morning again. There was a knock at the door and Hermione got up to open it.
"Good Morning. Who might you be?" asked Hermione in curiosity.
"I'm Audrey, Percy's girlfriend" she said.
Percy got up from the table and went over to give her a gentle kiss on her lips. "Good morning love. I'm happy you could come."
She smiled up at Percy as she put her arms around his neck before saying, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." It was then that Hermione saw something shiny on Audrey's finger.
Percy and Audrey made their way over to the kitchen table and Percy spoke up, "Mum, dad, this is Audrey. I have asked her to marry me and she has agreed. We are engaged to be married."
"Percy! That is lovely! I am so happy for the both of you!" said Mrs. Weasley as she went to give a bone-crunching hug to Percy and Audrey. Hugs were followed by Hermione, Ginny and Ron who had just walked into the kitchen.
"That is such wonderful news! I suppose George might be asking Angelina too" said Hermione with a big smile on her face.
"I think it's still a little too soon to tell Mione" replied Ron.
"Well, I hope some day it will be you and me Ron" and Hermione leaned up to give Ron a kiss on his cheek and he grinned widely at Hermione.
Ginny picked up the Daily Prophet and she gasped a little too loudly and everyone turned to look at Ginny.
"Ginny, is everything alright?" asked Ron looking at Ginny with concern.
"Yeah, I'm alright. Just surprised by an article in the newspaper is all."
Ginny couldn't believe her own eyes at how quickly Harry had begun to forget what they once had. She re-read the article because she still couldn't believe it. It was proof on the newspaper that Harry had truly moved on.
Harry Potter's New Girl!
Yesterday in Diagon Alley, Harry Potter was spotted with his new girlfriend Ms. Susan Bones. Rumors have it that they met while they were on Summer holiday. Apparently, Mr. Potter had Ms. Bones in his arms and was kissing her in an amorous manner when we walked up to question him. The famous wizard claims that he will go back to Hogwarts with his new girl. Consequently, he refused to answer further inquiries and said that further inquiries could be done through owls. Mr. Potter who now lives in a flat in London, had been rather close throughout the day with his girlfriend who is in Hufflepuff House at Hogwarts. Will these two be a match? Could it be that Mr. Potter prefers his new red-headed girlfriend? Will he find it in his heart to propose to her? We'll keep you posted as we continue to make further inquiries about 'The Chosen One' who saved our wizarding world!
Ginny stood up and ran back up the stairs and then the next thing that everyone heard was her bedroom door slam. Everyone in the kitchen jumped at the sound of the slamming door.
"I'll go talk to Ginny" said Hermione as she stood up from the table and walked out of the kitchen.
Hermione knocked on the door and heard no response. She grabbed the doorknob and opened the door. There was Ginny, fury embedded in her eyes as she looked out the window.
"Ginny, do you want to talk about it? I saw the article in the newspaper."
Without turning away Ginny responded, "There's nothing to talk about Hermione."
"Ginny, Harry has as much right to move on as you do."
"He didn't have to be snogging her away in front of all those reporters. Ginny turned back around to look at Hermione, Did you see the picture? He was snogging her senseless in that picture!"
Hermione sat down on Ginny's bed and patted the spot next to her. After some hesitation, Ginny went over and sat down. Hermione then said, "Ginny, could it be that you are feeling jealous?"
Ginny squirmed, "What? Me jealous? Of course not!" Ginny then got up and began to pace back and forth. "How could I be jealous after what he did to me?! That damn Harry Potter can do whatever he wants to do with Susan Bones. I don't give a bloody hippogriff's arse!"
"Ginny!" exclaimed Hermione at the use of Ginny's choice of words, "What has gotten into you? I have never heard you talk like that before."
Ginny then sat down in frustration and put her face in her hands. With a muffled voice, Ginny said, "Oh Hermione, I just want to be back with Harry but after what he did to me, I don't." Ginny didn't have anymore tears. She wanted to cry but her tears had all dried up. "That is why I'm happy with Ernie, he makes me forget Harry. It's almost like it never happened."
"You still love Harry don't you Ginny? And you think that you can fight it off by being with Ernie" commented Hermione.
"Yes Hermione, I still love Harry. I know I will be able to fight these feelings off by being with Ernie."
"Ginny, be careful. You don't want to go off and hurt Ernie's feelings."
Ginny shook her head, "No of course not. It's like I'm a different person around Ernie. He's just what I needed."
"Well, just be careful Ginny. I don't want you or Ernie getting hurt just because you still love Harry."
"That's not going to happen Hermione. I have discovered recently that I have become rather fond of Ernie."
"Alright Ginny. Just be careful alright?" said Hermione putting an arm around Ginny's shoulders and Ginny nodded in response.
Susan apparated at Harry's flat in London and from there they apparated to Platform 9 3/4.
"Oh Harry! Can you believe it? We are actually going back to Hogwarts for our last year!" exclaimed Susan with a big smile on her face. Her smile was short-lived when she saw Harry frown.
"I'm happy too but, I feel like I'm going back to my home for the last time, never to go back again."
"Harry, we'll just have to make the best of it this year" said Susan and she leaned up to give Harry a kiss.
"You are such a sweet girl Suse. I- I love you" said Harry before taking Susan into his arms and then he began to kiss her passionately has his hands lingered all over her back. Susan's hands in the mean time played around with Harry's already disheveled hair.
At that moment, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Hermione and Ginny apparated on the platform. There in front of them was Harry snogging away with Susan Bones.
Ginny gasped and turned away. Hermione noticed and she put her arm around Ginny's shoulders. At that moment, Ernie had just walked through the platform and there he was smiling at Ginny.
"Ginny" he said and then he put his arms around her waist and gave her a long lingering kiss.
Just as Harry pulled away, he saw that Ernie was kissing Ginny. He quickly turned he face and looked into Susan's eyes. "Ready to get on the train Suse?"
"It's such a shame that I won't be able to sit in the car with you."
"It's alright, I can always come looking for you" said Harry as he whispered into Susan's ear, causing her to giggle.
Minutes later Harry was being greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Along with Ron and Hermione.
"Harry, how are you? I see that you have a girl. What's her name?"
Harry smiled at the Weasleys and Hermione, "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, this is my girlfriend, Susan Bones. She's in Hufflepuff house."
"Now that's a bit of news. One would think you might find someone in Gryffindor" responded Mrs. Weasley with a smile.
Mr. Weasley looked around and said, "Ginny's here somewhere, I wonder where she has gone of to."
Hermione signaled with her head and there were Ernie and Ginny, sharing now a passionate kiss as Ernie held her close to him. It took Harry every ounce of energy to not react to what he was seeing.
"Ernie, Ginny, look, Harry's here with his girlfriend Susan" said Mr. Weasley.
Ernie and Ginny reluctantly pulled away and turned in Harry's direction. Harry and Ginny's eyes only met briefly before Ginny looked away and lay her head on Ernie's shoulder.
"Hi Ginny. It's good to see you" said Harry trying to sound normal in front of everyone.
Ginny turned away from Ernie. Her smile then changed to a serious face and said politely, "Nice to see you too Harry" Ginny then turned back around and smiled up at Ernie and he returned her smile.
Feeling the tension in the air, Hermione said, "Alright, you lot, let's get on the train. It's not going to wait for us."
Once in the Head Student car, Ron and Hermione started to snog away. Harry and Ginny just looked in opposite directions.
Harry finally spoke, "It's good to see you again Ginny. I'm happy that you found someone."
Ginny turned back around to look at Harry with the same expressionless look as always, "Thanks Harry. Good to see that you found someone else too." Ginny then stood up and said, "I'm going to go look for Ernie. Just let me know when the head student meeting begins." Harry nodded and a few minutes later he went off to look for Susan.
An hour later Harry and Ginny were back in the Head Student car with Ernie and Susan who had been assigned to the post as Prefects. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny discussd about monitoring the hallways, passwords, the tasks that were expected to be carried out and under what situations to report to a Head Student or to a professor at Hogwarts. The meeting soon finished and everyone left the head student car. Leaving Ron and Hermione alone again who continued to snog away.
Upon arriving at Hogwarts in the head student carriage, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny got down and carried their trunks to the main entrance. There Harry remained on the opposite side of the main entrance while Ginny waited on the other for Ernie.
"Harry, aren't you coming in for supper?" asked Hermione who had one of Ron's arms around her waist.
"I will, I'm just waiting for Susan. She shouldn't be too long" responded Harry with a smile, "You two go on."
Just as Harry turned back around, he saw that Ginny was looking at him and their eyes met. For a moment, Harry thought that he saw a bit of love in her eyes for him but Ernie arrived at that moment. He took Ginny in his arms and began to kiss her. Harry turned away and he began to feel the tight knot in his chest again. The tight knot disappeared when he saw Susan come up to him and put her arms around his neck.
"What were you just thinking of Harry?" she asked with smiling curiosity.
"Just thinking that it's good to be back at Hogwarts" he lied. Harry didn't want to lie to Susan but, he didn't want to spoil what they already had. Harry then put his arms around Susan and he began to kiss her passionately.
Inside in the Great Hall, Harry couldn't keep from glancing at Ginny. She was completely oblivious to his looking at her. She was deep in a happy conversation with Ernie not far away from him and Susan. He had wondered how things had become so distant in such a short amount of time. Harry then looked up at the charmed ceiling and remembered how over a year ago, he was under the same ceiling with Ginny and in love. It was the last time that the two of them had been there. Now he was back in the same room with another girl at his side. Suddenly, he felt a nudge on his robes and looked back down. There he saw a smiling Susan. He couldn't help but smile back at her.
"Wishing on a star Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"I was just remembering the last time I was here looking up at the charmed ceiling. Times were so dark back then. You know, when Voldemort was alive" said Harry.
"Times have changed again" Susan then leaned into his ear and whispered, "As soon as supper is finished, do you think we can spend some time together?"
Harry giggled at Susan, "Of course Suse. Anything to make you happy."
At that moment Ginny caught a glimpse of Harry laughing with Susan. It still hurt Ginny that she couldn't be the one there to laugh with Harry. She then looked up at the ceiling. How she remembered that last night in the Great Hall when they were still in love and together.
"I'm happy they were able to keep the charmed ceiling" suddenly replied softly Ernie in her ear.
Ginny smiled at the tickles of his breath on her ear, "Yes, it looks just the way I remembered it last time."
An hour later, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny made their way up to the head student tower. It was huge in comparison to the Gryffindor Tower. The common room was four times the size of the Gryffindor common room. From the balcony hung the four flags from the four houses, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor. There was a huge table in the middle to study and the walls were surrounded with books. The huge fireplace up front had already been arranged with the floo Network. Once authorization was provided from McGonagall, they would be able to use it. Other than that, they could only talk through the fireplace without McGonagall's authorization. The large arched windows had nearly a 180 degree view of Hogwarts, including the Black Lake. They would be allowed to eat breakfast and lunch in the tower but supper was to be eaten in the Great Hall. Breakfast could also be brought up to the bedrooms on weekends, as well as lunch. There was the exclusive service of having a personal elf to help each one of them to dress and also to keep their rooms and tower clean. Apart from walking the corridors to make sure that all students were at least in their common rooms be the required time. The common room was decorated and designed with furniture and draperies very similar to the style that was seen throughout the castle. The bedrooms had king-sized canopied beds like the ones in the Gryffindor dormitories. Each bedroom had it's own exclusive study and sitting room. There was a connecting door from the sitting room to the bedroom. Each bedroom had it's big and spacious bathroom which was similar in size to that of the prefects' bathrooms.
"Blimey! Look at this place! It is way bigger than Gryffindor tower!" said Ron as he started to walk around.
"I hope I have time to read these books" said Hermione as she started to scan the books on the surrounding bookshelves.
Harry walked over to the window and looked outside. There was the rest of the Hogwarts grounds and beyond he could see Hagrid's hut. He could see that Hagrid was in his hut because his chimney was spewing smoke into the cool night air. Harry sighed as he looked out at the Black Lake. Then, he found the tree where he and Ginny had spent some many hours together.
"I'm tired, I'm going to bed. See you all in the morning" replied Ginny as she made her way up the stairs.
Harry discreetly noticed that Ginny had taken the bedroom at the far end. He quickly made his way up the stairs and at the top landing said, "I think I'll go to bed as well. There are classes tomorrow and things to plan out for the Gryffindor quidditch team." Harry then walked into the room next to Ginny's. It felt strange but it felt good to have Ginny next door. Even if they were very distant and with different people now. Harry didn't notice but Hermione saw that Harry had walked into the bedroom next to Ginny's.
Ron was still looking around in awe as Hermione walked up to him and pulled him onto the couch with her, "Ron, did you see that?"
"See what Mione?" he asked with confusion.
"Harry took the bedroom next to Ginny's. They may be with different people right now but I think they still love each other. It appears that they refuse to let the other know that they still love each other."
"What, Harry and Ginny still in love? But you saw them Mione. Harry was rather happy with Susan Bones and Ginny looked more than content talking with Ernie MacMillan."
"Yes, but did you notice how often they looked at each other during supper? It's like they are longing to be together. If Harry didn't love Ginny, he would have taken the bedroom farthest from her over there" and Hermione pointed at the bedroom on the other side of the tower.
"Still, they don't love each other. How could they if they are with other people?" asked Ron still in confusion.
Hermione sighed in frustration, "Merlin Ron! Sometimes you can be so thick-headed. More thick-headed than Harry who doesn't appear to notice that he still loves Ginny."
"Hey, I'm not thick-headed" said Ron looking like a little boy.
Hermione chuckled and smiled at him, "I still love you just the same Ronald Weasley" she then pulled him to her and started to snog him away before going to bed.
It was mid-September and Harry had already arranged to schedule the quidditch pitch for the try-outs for the Gryffindor quidditch team. With the distance that existed between Harry and Ginny, he wasn't expecting Ginny to present herself. To his surprise, she had shown up. Harry looked at the students that showed up and just like the one year, it was chaos and they were talking.
Harry then saw Ginny walk across the quidditch pitch. Again the wind was playing with her beautiful silken red hair as her quidditch robes fluttered behind her. As she walked past him to stand behind him as co-captain of the team, he could smell the wonderful scent of her hair.
Harry turned around to look at Ginny briefly, "Ready?" She didn't say anything. She just nodded her head.
Harry then turned towards the team and yelled out "SHUT IT WILL YOU?!"
Harry didn't see but Ginny slightly jumped at his thunderous voice as did Ron. A small smile crept across her face, remembering the try-outs during her fifth year at Hogwarts.
"Alright then, I will be trying out the chasers and Ron here will be blocking the quaffle. Three of you will go up at a time. Then I will test the beaters while chasers are going around trying to get the quaffle through one of the three hoops. In the meantime, I will rotate those who are trying out for keeper to see if you let the quaffle in as the chasers make their attempt. If there are any here who wish to challenge me for seeker, they will be challenged with the use of the bludgers and beaters. Any questions?"
The rest of the students looked at each other and shook their heads before directing their gazes back at Harry.
"Very well then those trying for beaters, please wait over there, chasers there, and keepers there" said Harry pointing to different places on the ground of the pitch.
The try-outs turned out to be more interesting than he thought. Harry was observing the students from the spectator's point of view while Ginny was observing the players within the try-outs. Again Harry loved the way Ginny flew past by him as she carried the quaffle under her arm. She was really fast and the other chasers were having a hard time keeping up with her. Harry was going to have to use her with the strongest potential chasers to try out the keepers. Ginny passed by him again and he quickly took in the smell of her scented hair. Harry could feel his heart pounding with pleasure for Ginny again. As soon as he felt the pleasure, the tight knot began to squeeze his chest at the realization that Ginny wasn't his anymore but that she belonged to someone else.
A few hours later as Harry walked back into the head student tower, he already had a parchment with the potential names of some Gryffindors, he still needed to narrow down the list and for that he needed Ginny's help. Harry walked up the stairs as he continued to scan the list of names in front of him. He went to Ginny's door that led to her study and he quietly opened it. His eyes grew wide at what he saw in front of him. There was Ginny sitting on top of the table in her study as Ernie and her shared open-mouthed kisses, still wearing her quidditch uniform. His hands were roaming all over her back and they soon made their way to her stomach as he started to suckle at her neck, causing her to moan loudly.
"Oh yes Ernie... I love you..." said Ginny in between softer moans.
"Gin... you are so... beautiful..." and Ernie went back to kissing and suckling her neck as she arched her back towards him.
Harry didn't notice but he gasped a little too loudly in surprise and Ernie and Ginny quickly looked up in the direction of the door. Harry's eyes suddenly met the icy and furious look in Ginny's eyes. She jumped off the table and slapped Harry hard across the face.
"Harry Potter! Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" she said icily.
"Sorry Ginny, I just- I just wanted to go over the list with you" said Harry nervously as she continued to push him out of her study.
"Not now Potter! Later!" and Ginny slammed the door in his face. Harry stood there in shock at what had just happened. He knew that Ginny had a temper but he had never seen that part of Ginny before. A few minutes later, he could hear her muffled whimpering moans through the closed door along with Ernie's groans of pleasure. Harry lowered his head and grasped his chest as the tight knot squeezed him tightly once more across his chest. Once he entered his study, he took hold of his chest as his breathing began to grow shallow. He sat down and squeezed his eyes shut in an effort to try to breath normally again. When his breathing became normal again, he lay his head in his arms on the table. He didn't even hear Ron walk in.
"Hey mate, Harry? Are you feeling alright?" asked Ron.
Harry finally looked up at Ron, "Ron, how could I have been so stupid? How could I have broken up with Ginny? How could I have let her slip through my fingers?" said Harry with pained eyes.
Ron frowned, "Mate, it's normal. You were just protecting her back then when you went to find the horcruxes and to fight off Voldemort. You didn't want Voldemort to come after her. I would have done the same thing with Mione in your position."
"Ron, you have no idea how it feels to see Ginny in another bloke's arms. How would you feel if Hermione was in another bloke's arms?"
"Oh" said Ron in surprise.
"Exactly Ron. That's how I feel and everyday" said Harry. Harry got up and looked at the list that he had in his hand marked off all the chasers, beaters that he had decided to keep. Ron had succeeded in keeping his position as keeper and he was going to stay on as seeker.
"So have you decided who you are going to keep?" asked Ron as he walked over to Harry's desk.
"Yeah, you will be keeper, I will be seeker, Ginny, Natalie MacDonald and Dennis Creevy will be chasers. Jimmy Peakes and Peter Crawbury will be beaters" said Harry looking back at Ron.
Ron smiled and nodded in approval, "Blimey, we sure have the ideal team this year. Don't we?"
Harry made an effort to smile, "Yeah, we sure do mate."