A/N: My fellow readers, I'm back! I want to apologize that my last chapter was not the best. However, I did go back and edit it as best as I could. I'm hoping that this chapter will be a little better. I hope to be able to begin to update approximately every week or every two weeks. Now I can go back to writing this story. I want to apologize ahead of time for any grammatical errors or typos that I may have accidently overlooked. Now on to Chapter 9...

Disclaimer: I do not own the wonderful world of Harry Potter. It all belongs to the great JK Rowling.

Chapter 9: The Awaited NEWTs

It was late May and Harry could hear the heavy raindrops fall on the windows of his bedroom. He had been tossing and turning the entire night. He had been thinking again night about what Ginny said a few weeks before, the best part is that he told me that he loves me and that I love him too. She loved him back. Did she really love him back the way she had once loved Harry? Harry suddenly jumped in his bed as thunder clapped loudly outside.

"What's the use staying in bed if I can't sleep. Might as well get up and go eat breakfast and then get ready to go sit my Potions NEWT" Harry said to himself. He quickly took a shower, put on his Hogwarts uniform and robes. Just as he turned around, walking out of his study, he ran into Ginny, causing her to drop the pieces of parchment that she had in her arms. They all went flying all over the place. Harry put down his school bag and quickly knelt down to help Ginny pick up her pieces of parchment.

When they were done picking them up Harry swung his school bag across his shoulder and said with a small smile, "Sorry about that. Morning Ginny, did you sleep well last night?"
Ginny smiled and said, "I had a wonderful sleep thanks. Actually, I haven't slept that well in ages."

Ginny smiled! Harry's heart fluttered as he saw her smile before him. He couldn't help himself but smile back at Ginny. For the first time, he could see that Ginny's eyes were dancing with happiness. How Harry longed to take her into his arms and feel her warm small body next to his. How he wished he was the one who would make her smile.

After a brief moment of silence, Harry looked from the floor back up at Ginny and made an effort to smile at her, "That's good, you know with NEWTs and all starting today."

"Yes, I definitely feel ready to take them today" she answered as she stood there a few feet in front of him.

Harry looked away for a moment and then Ginny smiled as she began to walk away. Harry spoke up and said, "Ginny, you don't mind terribly if we walk down to breakfast together?"

Ginny arched her eyebrows in surprise and then gave a pensive look before answering, "No, that's alright Harry" and she gave him another smile.

Harry and Ginny walked down the corridors of Hogwarts to the Great Hall in silence. There Harry sat down next to her. As usual, Ron and Hermione were sitting across from them. They were ogling eyes at each other and giggling.

Half an hour later the four of them were sitting in the Great Hall for their Potions NEWT. The officials that were giving the NEWT had cross faces. One of them stepped forward and said, "Welcome to your Potions NEWT. We trust that you have prepared adequately for the examination. You will have four hours to complete your examination. We wish you all good luck, you may now take the exam out of the envelopes and begin."

Harry began to scratch his head as he looked down at one of the questions on the parchment in front of him. He glanced over at Hermione, she was quickly writing away her answers. Ron looked confused for a moment but then he remembered something and began to write away. A couple of rows away, was Ginny, fiddling with her quill on her chin as she thought what to write down. Just as Ginny looked back in his direction, Harry quickly looked back down at the parchment in front of him before she saw him looking at her.

Four hours later, Harry was standing beside the Black Lake. He suddenly felt fingers lace with his fingers. He looked down to see that Susan was at his side.

"How did you do on your NEWT Harry?" she asked as she lay her head on his shoulder.

"I think I did alright. It is a NEWT I need in order to become an auror. It will now be nerve-wrecking that we have to wait for the results of the examination. Especially after a rough-"
Harry caught himself and just sighed in frustration.

Susan turned to look up at him. She could see that there was worry in his deep emerald eyes, "Harry, love, what is it? Something is troubling you."

Harry looked straight across the Black Lake and after a brief silence he looked at Susan and gave her a sad smile, "It's alright Suse. I just was a bit nervous about today's NEWT is all. I'll be happy and much better by the time we are done with the NEWTs."

Susan put her hand on his cheek and nodded, "I understand love. Why don't we go for a walk."

Harry nodded and he put his arm around Susan's waist and they began to walk around the Hogwarts School grounds. When they were near the green houses, he caught glimpse of a young girl in red hair. She was kissing away a young man who was holding her very closely in his arms. Harry squinted his eyes and adjusted his glasses. He realized that it was none other than Ginny and Phillip. Harry hadn't realized but he was frowning. Susan noticed that he stopped in his tracks and looked in the direction that he was looking.

"Harry? Are you alright sweetheart?" asked Susan as she slowly turned Harry's face towards hers.

Harry had a pained look in his face but then made an effort to smile and nodded, "Yes, love, I just got lost in some thoughts is all."

Susan smiled up at Harry and then they continued with their walk around the school grounds.

Phillip pulled away from his deep passionate kiss with Ginny and looked down at her. She looked flushed from their kissing and said, "Ginny, there is a reason why I asked McGonagall to let me into the school grounds today. I wanted to ask you if you would like to come to Greece this Summer after you graduate from Hogwarts with my parents and I. I have already asked your parents and they said it was alright."

Ginny jumped up and down like a little girl and with a wide smile on her face, "Oh really Phillip? How fun! I would be so happy to come to Greece with you and your parents. It's going to be amazing to meet your family. Where in Greece are we going?"

"Well, first we are going to Athens to stay with the family and then we are going to see some cousins in Mykonos. It's a beautiful island. I think you are going to like it" said Phillip.

"Oh blimey! I'm going to have to go shopping after I'm done with all these NEWTs and then there's the contract with the Harpies" said Ginny as she said had a thoughtful look on her face and was listing things on her fingers.

"When do you start with the Harpies. We can do the holiday before you go work with the Harpies" he added.

Ginny then looked back up at Phillip and put her arms around his neck, "Well, according to Gwenog I will be starting at the end of July so I suppose we will have to go before then."

Phillip then gave a big grin, "That's perfect. We were planning the holiday for when you get out of Hogwarts."

Ginny gasped in surprise, "Are you implying that we are going to stay my entire holiday in Greece with your family?"

"Naí, my beautiful Gin" answered Phillip.

"Naí? What does that mean?" asked Ginny with a look of confusion on her face.

Phillip chuckled before giving Ginny a kiss on her lips and saying, "It means yes in Greek sweetheart. I suppose we are going to have to teach you a bit of Greek before we go to Greece."

"Learn a bit of Greek? That sounds kind of fun. Why don't we start now with something... let's see... how would I say, my name is Ginny" said Ginny smiling up at Phillip.

He nodded, "Good idea. Let's try... me léne Ginny. That means my name is Ginny. Give it a go sweetheart."

Ginny then pulled back, cleared her throat and repeated, "Me léne Ginny. How was that?"

Phillip smiled, "Very good, now say hárika ya tin gnorimía. That means pleased to meet you."

Ginny concentrated and then repeated, "Hárika ya tin gnorimía. How did I do this time?"

Phillip gave her a long kiss and then said, "You did great sweetheart. Now..." said Phillip as he looked down at his watch, "I hate to say this love but I have to go home and pack up for a quidditch match."

Ginny put her hand on his cheek and said, "Be careful alright Phillip? That and please send me an owl to let me know how you are doing."

Phillip pulled her back into his arms and said, "Tell you what Ginny, I'll write you everyday. How's that?"

Ginny reached up and gave him a lingering kiss before pulling back and answering, "That would be wonderful."

"I love you Ginny. I love you with all my heart."

"And I love you Phillip"

They pulled apart and then Ginny waved as Phillip blew her a kiss while he went on his way. Hermione happened to be walking by with Ron and said, "What was that all about Ginny?"

"Phillip came to tell me that we are going on holiday to Greece with his parents when I graduate from Hogwarts. We'll be back before I sign the contract and begin working with the Harpies. He even taught me how to say a few things in greek!" said Ginny excitedly.

Hermione squealed with happiness and said, "Really? What did he teach you?"

"Naí, which means yes, then me léne Ginny, which means my name is Ginny and Hárika ya tin gnoromía which means pleased to meet you."

"Oh how exciting! You're going off to Greece."

Ron then said, "Hang on Gin, did you already ask mum and dad?"

Ginny shook her head, "No, actually Phillip already asked mum and dad and they said it was alright."

The following day Ginny was going over her book and notes for Defence Against the Dark Arts NEWT. Harry sat down next to her and looked down at what she was reading. He could see the details of her beautiful coppery hair and the scent of her hair. Oh, the scent of her hair always made Harry smile.

Ginny felt Harry sit next to her and she looked up, "Oh hello there Harry."

"Hello back" he said with a smile, "You ready for your Defence Against the Dark Arts NEWT?"

Ginny gave him a nervous smile this time, "I think I am. I mean, the stunning jinx can be used to immobilize your opponent."

Harry nodded, "That's right. I definitely have to do well in that NEWT if I'm to get a job as an auror at the Ministry."
Ginny smiled back, "That's great Harry. With your abilities as a wizard, you will make a great wizard." Ginny was truly happy with Phillip but a part of herself felt frustrated that all she could share were simple and friendly conversations with Harry. However, she had been so badly hurt by him that she found it impossible to ever go back with Harry if the opportunity ever came their way. She understood that Harry had given his life upon fighting Voldemort to save her and all those around them. However, she was shocked at how selfish Harry was when he came back and told her that he could not go back to a relationship with her. All they could do now was move on and try to make the best of whatever life put in their paths.

"Well, you know, I've always wanted to be an auror. Especially after seen so many people who lost their lives for me. I feel that now I should give back by saving lives by doing something I really like" said Harry and he took a bite of his scrambled eggs.

Ginny took a drink of her orange juice and then turned to look at Harry, "Harry, you are definitely an amazing wizard. You may not be perfect but definitely amazing and a strong one at that."

Harry smiled and nodded, "Thanks Ginny."

At that moment Ron and Hermione sat at the table across from Harry and Ginny. Hermione as usual was reviewing her notes as she proceeded to eat her breakfast.

"I have barely spent any time with Hermione. All she does is study, study, and study. Sometimes I even think she might become mental with all those books."

Hermione stopped chewing, gave Ron a cross look and slapped his arm hard, "What did you just say Ronald Weasley?"

"Erm, nothing?" said Ron as he rubbed his aching arm.

Hermione nodded with the same look on her face and said, "That's what I thought" and she went back to studying.

Harry and Ginny shared a silent giggle and went back to eating their breakfasts.

On Wednesday, Ginny had just walked out of her Charms NEWT when an owl familiar to her flew by her and dropped a letter for her. Hermione saw the letter. She stepped away from Ron and asked, "So, what does the handsome wizard have to say this time?" she said as she winked an eye at Ginny.

Ginny chuckled as she shook her head at her best friend, "It's just an owl from Phillip."
Ginny opened up the letter and read it:

Dear Ginny,

How are you my love? I miss you already and I only saw you a few days ago! I'm now getting ready for the match against the Wimbourn Wasps. I wish you were here so we could go out afterwards. Anyhow, it's going to be so much fun when we go to Greece together. Well, I better go because I have to be at the pitch in an hour. Take care sweetheart and good luck on your NEWTs! I'm sure you will do just fine.

Thinking of you,
Phillip

Ginny then said with a dreamy look on her face, "Mmm, he says he's thinking of me."

Hermione smiled widely at her, "Ginny, it's so good to see you happy. You were such a different person in December, now look at you... you've gone all lovey dovey now."

Ginny suddenly whipped her head around and gave Hermione a cross look, "That's a time that I want to forget forever. That was the old Ginny. I'm now a new Ginny, happy and in love."

Harry was just walking around the corner eating an apple from lunch when he heard Ginny. He stopped dead in his tracks. His heart sank heavier than a two ton rock. Had he heard Ginny correctly? That she wanted to forget the old Ginny? The Ginny that he had so desperately fallen in love with? That she was now in love and happier? What could he ever do to talk to Ginny? To make her change her mind so that he could show her how much he loved her? He was willing to break his engagement off with Susan for the soul purpose of trying to declare his love to her. Harry thought about waiting after graduation to have a good long talk with Ginny. At that moment Susan came up to Harry and gave him a small kiss on his cheek.

"Harry love, are you alright? You look like you've seen Voldemort or something" said Susan.

Harry shook his head and made an effort to smile at Susan, "No, I was just remembering if I answered something incorrectly on a NEWT and I think I did alright."

Susan wasn't convinced, "Harry, what is going on? You haven't been yourself the last couple of days. I don't think it's the NEWTs."

Harry turned to face Susan, "Susan, everyone is tense and stressed with NEWTs. I already told you, I need to do well in them so I can be accepted as an auror at the Ministry."

Susan slowly nodded, "Alright, but you will let me know if anything is bothering you?"

Harry again with much difficulty smiled at his fiancé, "Yes, I will." Harry was careful to make any promises he could keep. All he knew was that he was beginning to feel doubts about his love for Susan. Harry noticed that he was being unfair to Susan. Telling her that he loved her when he really loved Ginny. When NEWTs were over, Harry made a mental note to break it gently to Susan. He was going to have to break off their engagement. The timing would be perfect because then he would be heading to a secluded area in Scotland to do his auror training. There he would be able to keep himself busy.

Harry smiled once more to Susan and then they continued to walk, holding each other's hands.

It was Saturday and everyone was shouting happily about the Hogwarts corridors that they were done sitting for their final exams and their NEWTs. The 7th years were still a bit nervous about waiting for their results via owl mail to their homes. There was going to be a party in each house. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had agreed to go join their fellow gryffindors at the Gryffindor Common Room. On the other hand, after much thinking, Harry went to look for Susan in order to talk to her.

Susan was talking with another 7th year wizard, his name was Robert. He was in Ravenclaw and Harry barely talked to the boy. Harry found it odd that they were standing rather close to each other when he found them at the corner of a corridor. Susan was even covering a giggle with her hand. When Robert and Susan saw Harry, they quickly put some space in between them by taking a few steps back.

"Hey Susan, Robert" said Harry as he greeted them.

"Potter" acknowledged Robert and then he turned to Susan and said, "Talk to you later Susan."

Susan smiled and waved back at Robert, "Alright, see you later."

Harry then put his arm around Susan and walked her out to the edge of the Black Lake. When they reached the edge, Harry pulled his arm back and put his hands in his pockets. He looked into the water and saw his reflection. He then looked up at Susan and said, "Susan, there's something I've been needing to tell you."

Susan gave him a shy smile and she said, "Me too Harry. I was hoping to talk to you too."

Harry gasped in surprise, "Oh, what did you want to talk about Suse?"

Susan looked down at her hands before looking back at Harry, "Harry, I've noticed the way you look at Ginny. I just pretended to not see it."

Harry then tried to say something but Susan shook her head and she continued, "It's alright Harry. I'm not hurt. It's just that, I don't love you either and I thought that it would be unfair that you didn't know how I felt. You are a wonderful wizard and I'm sure you're going to find a witch some day who deserves your love and one that you will love as well."

Harry then finally spoke, "I- I'm so sorry Susan. It's just been difficult and when I was with you, I know that I loved you... but... now I don't. I really am sorry Susan. I did love you at some point, which is when I proposed to you."

Susan nodded, "It's alright Harry. Besides, I've become rather fond of Robert lately." Susan then pulled the engagement ring off her finger and gave it back to Harry before saying, "There's a witch somewhere out there who deserves this more than I do."

Susan walked away and there was Harry, looking down at the engagement ring that Susan had given back to him. Harry noticed that Susan would now become a distant memory of his past. He was grateful to Merlin that Susan had taken the break up so graciously. Harry went back to his bedroom to get ready for the party at the Gryffindor tower. At the party, he was going to look for Ginny and tell her that he still loved her.

"Ginny? Are you all packed up?" asked Hermione as she walked into her bedroom.

Ginny smiled widely and nodded happily, barely able to contain her joy, "I sure am. McGonagall even gave me special permission to leave Hogwarts tonight after the party. She had wanted to insist that I stay for graduation. I told her I was leaving anyhow and so she already gave me my diploma."

Hermione then gave Ginny a strong hug, "I'm going to miss you these last few days Ginny. I really am."

Ginny hugged her back, "Me too Hermione."

They pulled back from their hug and Hermione said, "Well, are you ready for the party?"

"Yes I am!" and the two of them left for the party. If Harry had walked into the portrait hole a few minutes earlier, he would have seen Ginny and Hermione.

An hour later when Harry arrived at the party, the party was in full swing. The walls were charmed and music was booming off of the walls of the Common Room. Everyone was drinking pumpkin juice and butterbeers. Some students had managed to sneak in some firewhiskey and they had charmed the bottles to look like books. When Harry saw Ginny, she was the most beautiful sight in a green silk strapless knee-length dress. She was wearing black high heels and he noticed something shiny around her neck. It appeared to look like a dragon. He hadn't seen it before. He could have sworn that Phillip had given it to her. Throughout the party, whenever Harry tried to find a time to talk with Ginny, either she would be dancing with someone or she would be talking and laughing with friends. Harry turned around for a few minutes to get himself a butterbeer. When he turned back around, Ginny had disappeared! She wasn't anymore where she was standing only moments ago. Harry started to search the whole Common Room frantically. He tried asking the others but they didn't know. Harry walked out of the portrait hole and ran into Hermione.

"Hermione, have you seen Ginny? I was hoping to talk to her" asked Harry hopefully. He was begging Merlin that Hermione would know.

"Yes, I just came back from the head student tower. That's where we went off to" replied Hermione with a small smile.

Harry started to walk towards the head student tower but Hermione held on to his arm, "Oh she's not there anymore Harry. She has left."

Harry gave a confused look, "Left? When will she get back to the head student tower?"

Hermione shook her head, "She isn't coming back Harry. She got special permission to not go to graduation Harry. She got her diploma from McGonagall and has left Hogwarts. Much to McGonagall's dismay" and this time Hermione frowned.

"No! But she couldn't have left yet! I need to talk to her urgently Hermione. Where did she go? Maybe I can send an owl" exclaimed Harry nervously.

Hermione shook her head again, "I'm afraid you can't Harry. All I know is that she has gone on holiday to Greece with Phillip and won't be back until the end of July when she begins to train with the Harpies."

Harry dropped his face in his hands, "No, this can't be, I didn't have a chance to tell her. I tried telling her tonight at the party but there wasn't a chance. Every time I thought of talking to her, something always came up."

Hermione put her hand on Harry's shoulder, "To tell her what Harry?"

When Harry looked up, there were tears streaming from his eyes, "To tell her that I have broken off my engagement with Susan to tell her that I still love her."

Hermione gasped in surprise as she brought her hands to her mouth.