One Year of Loving You
Summary: Harry and Ginny's first anniversary as a couple is approaching. What will Harry do to make the day special?
For those curious, in my universe, Harry and Ginny's anniversary is October 14th.
Set in Half-Blood Prince.
Harry walked the corridors of Hogwarts with Ron and Neville, his best friends. Like James, Sirius, and Remus, they were close like brothers. It had been that way since they were six. If they weren't with their respective girlfriends, they were together. As they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, they made small talk about the events of the day.
"Harry, what are you planning for Monday?" Neville asked, suddenly changing the subject.
"What are you talking about?" Harry inquired, confused.
"Isn't it yours and Ginny's first anniversary?"
Harry stopped. It was almost like his world came to a screeching halt. He whipped out his planner, turning it to October.
"Crap," Harry muttered. "I'll see you guys later." Without another word, he took off at a run.
He ran to the defense classroom, hoping Sirius and Remus still had their free period. As he ran, he was cursing and berating himself.
He almost forgot their anniversary. How could he forget one of the best days of his life?
He had put in a lot of effort to make Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Ginny's birthday special. The first anniversary was even more special. It's been a year since Ginny became his girlfriend. He became her boyfriend.
How could he forget? And would Ginny forgive him for forgetting?
Lily wouldn't take the mickey out of him. She would, however, wonder how he could be so forgetful. Sirius and Remus would take the mickey out of him. James would bring it up every chance he got.
He skidded to stop before he ran into the door. He threw it open to find Remus sitting at his desk, grading papers. He looked up as the door flew open.
"Where's Sirius?" Harry panted.
"In the office," Remus replied, watching as Harry rushed in.
Harry all but ran to the stairs leading up to the office, taking them two at a time. He threw the door open, making Sirius jump up.
"I need help!"
"What is it, Prongslet?"
"First of all, not a word to anyone. Not to Dad, Mum, and especially Ginny, do you understand?"
Sirius nodded.
"Why?"
"What's Monday?" Harry countered.
"The 14th….." Sirius trailed off, smirking. "Harry, did you…?"
"It slipped my mind. If Neville hadn't asked what my plans were, I would have made a fool of myself. It's the first anniversary. You only get one."
"Until you're married," Sirius noted. "What do you need?"
"I need an idea of what to do for her on Monday. Hogsmeade weekend is next weekend. Otherwise, I'd plan something around that."
"Do you know what you want to do?"
"No," Harry said. "I made Christmas special. I made Valentine's Day special. I made her birthday special. Here I am. First anniversary and I got nothing."
"And you don't want to go to your Dad about this. Because he'll take the mickey out of you."
Harry nodded.
"How about we do this, we'll go to Hogsmeade Saturday so you can get a gift for her. I'll get permission from James to take you. I'll tell him I need you for something."
"There is something I know she wants."
Harry's mind went back to Ginny looking at a catalog for the jewelry store in Hogsmeade. It was a white gold heart-shaped locket. Ginny kept coming back to it, looking at it longingly. Hermione had commented how beautiful it was. Ginny mentioned how she would like to have one and inside the locket would be Harry's picture.
He planned on owl ordering it, paying extra for the rush delivery. Now he wouldn't need to if he was going to the store himself.
"I'll tell you about it on Saturday," Harry added.
"Alright then, we'll go to Hogsmeade on Saturday together."
"Sounds like a plan to me. Thanks, Sirius." Harry approached his godfather, pulling him in for a rare hug.
Sirius smiled. "You're welcome."
Harry left the office to find Remus watching him.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, everything's fine."
Harry left the defense classroom, beginning to make a plan in his head. Ginny's schedule was identical to Harry's from the previous year. Only she had a free period when he would have had Ancient Runes. Last Monday, they had spent their free period together soaking in the sun under their tree, enjoying what's left of the nice weather before it turned cold. They ate lunch in Lily's quarters, deciding to eat lunch there for peace and privacy.
Lily didn't mind. She trusted them to be in her quarters alone. Neither Harry nor Ginny wasn't going to betray that trust.
He turned the corner. All he saw was a blur of red. Lips crashed into his. He recognized those lips.
When he broke apart from the lips, he looked into the eyes of his girlfriend.
"Hello, my love."
"Hi, babe. How was your day?"
"Good, now it's wonderful that I've seen you."
Harry smirked. "That is one of the cheesiest things I've heard you say."
"I've heard worse from you," She countered, slipping her hand into his. He laced their fingers together.
"How was your day?"
"Good," Harry replied. "It's gotten better now that I've seen you."
"Prat."
"Your prat."
Ginny smiled at her boyfriend, happy to call him hers. "Yes, you are."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"Where did you go earlier?" Ron asked, coming out of the shower. Neville paused his shaving as he and Ron looked over at Harry.
"Wha?" Harry mumbled around the toothbrush in his mouth.
"You took off like someone was chasing you when we mentioned your and Ginny's anniversary. Where did you go?"
Harry spit out the foam, rinsing his mouth with water before answering. "I went to Sirius's office. I needed his help for Ginny's present."
"Do you know what you're going to get her?" Neville inquired.
"Yeah, remember that locket she was looking at in that catalog for the shop in the village?" Harry directed the question to Ron.
Ron nodded. "Yeah. Hermione saw a pair of earrings she liked. I'm going to get them when we go to Hogsmeade and save them for Christmas."
"Well, I was thinking about getting that for Ginny, but…..."
"Mate, she'll love whatever you get her," Ron reminded him. "Because it came from you."
Harry nodded. Ginny had loved every gift he had given her since they got together. Lily had told him the same thing when they went shopping for Ginny's Christmas present last year. But Harry second-guessed himself when it came to picking out gifts for Ginny. He was afraid of getting her something she wouldn't like.
"I know what you're thinking. Just stop it. Ginny will love what you get her. She's easy to shop for, trust me," Ron said.
"Thanks, Ron."
Harry followed him back into the dorm, climbing into his bed.
"What book are you reading now, Dean?" Seamus asked.
"Cather in the Rye," Dean replied.
"I read that over the summer, well Mum and I read it together. She had a copy. I had bought my own. She finished it before I did," Harry explained.
"What did you think?" Dean inquired.
"I thought it was good. Mum liked it."
Neville fluffed his pillow before putting it behind his head. "Do you have a plan for Monday?"
"I'm going with Sirius to Hogsmeade on Saturday. I'll get the locket then. I'll need to ask Mum if I can bring Ginny to her quarters for lunch. Otherwise, we'll go to the Room of Requirement. Other than that, I don't know what else I'll do."
"What about having dinner in the Room of Requirement and lunch in Lily's quarters? It would give you two opportunities to have time alone with Ginny for a meal. I know she loved it when you made dinner in Lily's quarters," Ron added.
"Wait a minute," Seamus interjected. "You can cook?"
"Yeah, Mum taught me to how to last summer. Well, some things. She covered more over the past summer."
"If you did have lunch in Lily's quarters, what would you have?"
"Depends on what I can get Dad to bring, though he'll bring whatever I ask." Then it dawned on Harry. He remembered the chicken sandwich he shared with Ginny while they were at the coast over the summer. Lily had invited Ginny along so Harry would have company. For lunch one day, Lily had made chicken sandwiches. He and Ginny had split a sandwich as he wasn't that hungry.
"I know what we're going to do. Thanks, Ron."
"You're welcome."
The boys turned out their lamps and went to sleep. In Harry's case, he tried to. His mind was running wild with ideas of what he could do with Ginny. While they did have classes on Monday, he would still try to make the best of it.
He fell asleep, dreaming of the future with Ginny he hoped to have.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
James walked into Lily's quarters, having flooed there straight from the house. He had planned on flooing straight from work. But Harry had mirror called him the night before to ask him to pick up some things at the shop for him. He filled James in on what he was planning, deciding to get the supplies even though he hadn't cleared it with Lily. James put the bread in the bin, the chicken, salad cream, and tomatoes in the cold box. He put the crisps in the cupboard with the ingredients for a chocolate cake. Lily had been the one to add the last part, stating she thought about making a cake. She had called him not long after he had hung up with Harry.
"What is the occasion?" James asked.
"Harry and Ginny's anniversary," Lily replied. "I'm waiting for Harry to ask me if he and Ginny could come down to my quarters for lunch. He should know I won't say no."
"We trust him, trust them. Monday is a busy day for both of them. They'll have lunch and relax a little bit before heading back to class," James noted.
"Although there are plenty of places Harry and Ginny could spend time alone at, they pick my quarters."
"It's the food. Where else could Harry and Ginny go where no one would question where the Coke and crisps came from."
Lily knew that was true.
Harry had stopped by the hospital wing the next day to ask Lily if he could bring Ginny for lunch on Monday.
"I already know what you are going to ask. The answer is yes. I thought I told you it was an indefinite answer," Lily said.
"You did. I wanted to make sure it was okay."
"It's okay."
He left Lily's quarters, heading to Sirius and Remus's shared office. Sirius had called him asking for permission to bring Harry with him to Hogsmeade that weekend. James didn't need to think twice to say yes. Although at first, he did question why he didn't ask Lily.
As he climbed the stairs to Sirius and Remus's office, he heard Harry's voice on the other side. He walked in to see Sirius and Harry looking over a catalog. He cleared his throat to get their attention.
They both looked up.
"Prongs!"
"Hi, Dad."
"What's going on?" He asked.
"I'm showing Sirius something. One thing I was going to do with Sirius in Hogsmeade tomorrow is to pick up Ginny's present." He pushed the catalog towards James. "What do you think?"
James looked down at the picture of a white gold heart-shaped locket with hearts edged into it.
"Do you know what picture you're going to use?"
"I'm going to let Ginny pick," Harry said.
"Smart," James murmured. "Do you have enough money?"
"Yeah, I double-checked this morning. I was going to ask Mum if I didn't."
James reached into his pocket, pulling out a money pouch. "Here, I was bringing this to you for this weekend. I won't be coming next weekend due to work, so I thought I would bring this to you this weekend. I added extra in case you needed it. I brought the stuff you asked for too. It's in your Mum's quarters in the kitchen."
"Thanks, Dad."
"You're welcome."
They talked, catching each other up with what was going on in their life.
Harry left to go in search of Ginny. She was in the library working on her homework with her friends. Harry had told her he would meet her in the library when he finished with Sirius. He told Ginny, Sirius had asked to speak with him about tutoring a few first years. It was not a total lie. But it was not the main conversation Harry was having with Sirius.
Harry entered the library in search of his girlfriend. He found her at one of the study tables with her friends.
"Too bad Hogsmeade got pushed back," Kendall commented.
"I know. Harry would have planned on doing something special then. I can't imagine he would wait until the weekend to do something for our anniversary."
"It's the first one. Harry is not going to let it pass without acknowledging it. Look at what he did for Valentine's Day."
"And Ginny's birthday," Carrie added.
"Wait, what did he do for your birthday?" Sarah inquired.
Ginny smiled. "He took me on a date to Muggle London, bought me a book, and he got me, Arnold. He drew that picture I have framed by my bed and."
"What! And! There's an and!" Kendall exclaimed, keeping her voice low as they were in the library.
"He took me to a Holyhead Harpies match. His godmother Hestia is related to Gwenog Jones. I don't know if Hestia arranged it or Harry asked her too, but I got to meet her."
"Ginny, I'm jealous," Kendall said.
"I know," Ginny sighed happily.
Harry chose that moment to make his presence known.
"Hello, ladies," he greeted.
"Hi, Harry," Kendall, Sarah, and Carrie chorused. Ginny smiled at her boyfriend. "Bye Ginny," they chorused again as they left the couple alone.
Ginny waved before pulling Harry closer to her, her lips meeting his. When they broke apart, Harry was panting for breath.
"What was that for?" He asked breathlessly.
"Because I can," Ginny smirked at her boyfriend.
Harry took her rucksack, putting it on his shoulder. He offered her hand, which she took with a smile. As they walked to the Great Hall, they made small talk about their day. Ginny asked about the tutoring. Harry told her about the four first-years who were struggling in defense.
As they approached the Great Hall, Harry decided to tell Ginny the plans for Saturday.
"Sirius asked me to go into Hogsmeade with him tomorrow. He has some errands he needs to run. He asked Dad if I could come with him."
"Bonding time?" Ginny guessed as they sat down at their usual spot.
"I guess you can say that."
James and Lily watched Harry and Ginny from the Head Table. They watched them fix their plates, passing platters back and forth without asking the other. James was amused when Ginny added a spoonful of sprouts onto Harry's plate. He chuckled when Harry rolled his eyes and when Harry vanished them when she wasn't looking.
Lily smiled as Harry handed Ginny a roll before taking one for himself.
Minerva watched the exchange before turning back to James and Lily. It felt like she was transported back in time watching Harry and Ginny together. They reminded her so much of James and Lily.
So much that if she didn't look for the older couple, she would have thought it was them. She smiled before turning back to her dinner, happy to see Harry happy.
It had been almost a year since he and Ginny got together. It seemed like the smile never left his face. She hoped it never would.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry walked in step with Sirius heading down to the village of Hogsmeade. He had the catalog in his pocket. It was helpful that Lily had the same one, so Harry did not need to steal Ginny's. He had stolen Lily's instead. He would return it when they got back to the castle.
"Jewelry store first?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
They walked towards the jewelry store. It was one of the shops farther down the lane. Reaching the door, Harry opened it, holding it open for Sirius.
"Since I'm here, I might look for something for Hessie."
"What's the occasion?" Harry asked. "It's not her birthday, is it?"
"No occasion, just because."
While Sirius looked around, Harry looked for the locket. In his search, he noticed a pair of heart-shaped hooped earrings. He could imagine Ginny wearing them.
If Harry got her these, they would be her first nice pair of earrings. They were affordable. He had enough to cover the cost of the locket and the earrings, plus the other stuff he planned on getting.
"I could save them for Christmas, put them in the trunk in my room in Mum's quarters," Harry murmured to himself.
"May I help you?"
Harry looked up as the shopkeeper approached.
"I was looking at these earrings, is that how much they are?" He pointed to the tag.
"Yes, sir."
"I'll take them. I was looking for this." Harry pulled out the catalog opened to the page the locket was on. The shopkeeper nodded, leading Harry to the display.
"This is what you're looking for," He said, pulling down a display with the locket. Harry selected the white gold one, holding the chain in one hand and resting the locket in his other.
"It's more beautiful than the picture," Sirius commented from behind Harry. "She's going to love it."
Harry took the locket and the earrings to the till. As he paid, Sirius looked at a pair of double gold hoop earrings.
"We can put a picture in the locket. Do you wish to do that today?"
"I was going to have my girlfriend pick the picture she wants in it. Can we bring it in next Saturday?"
"Yes. It will take an hour."
Harry waited by the door as Sirius purchased the earrings for Hestia. They thanked the shopkeeper and headed on to continue their errands.
The next stop was the florist. Harry picked a dozen white roses to be owl delivered on Monday. He chose the morning delivery so the flowers would start their anniversary celebration.
"Your girlfriend is a lucky girl," The florist, Violet, commented. "You might hear this often, but you remind me so much of your father."
"I hear it all the time, mainly from Mum," Harry replied as he finished the card to go with the flowers. Violet chuckled.
After paying for the flowers, Harry and Sirius headed on to Honeydukes. Ginny had requested chocolate truffles and chocolate bars. Harry always got her some when he went to the village with Lily. He had purchased a selection box for her before, knowing how much she loved chocolate. She did, much to Harry's pleasure, share with him. He picked up some Drooble's and sugar quills for Ron and Hermione and a handful of chocolate frogs and Acid Pops. He would split them between him, Ron, and Neville.
The last thing he added was raspberry truffles and chocolate balls for Lily and James.
As they left the sweet shop, Sirius asked, "Do you need anything from the book shop?"
"Not today, no."
"Are you hungry?"
"I can eat."
Sirius chuckled. "Not surprised." He opened the door to the pub, holding it open for Harry behind him.
Madam Rosmerta greeted them as they found a place to sit. She came over to take their drink orders, quickly chatting with Sirius before she headed off to the kitchen.
"So, what are plans for Monday?"
"Flowers are being delivered with the morning post. Lunch in Mum's quarters. Dad brought the stuff I need for that."
"What are you making?"
"Remember those chicken sandwiches Mum made when we were at the coast?"
Sirius nodded. "Those were good."
"I'm making those. Then we'll have dinner in the Room of Requirement. I haven't told Mum about that detail yet."
"She knows you want to make this special for Ginny," Sirius said. The conversation paused when Rosmerta brought their Butterbeer to the table. After a quick chat, they placed their food order. Once Madam Rosmerta returned to the kitchen, Sirius continued. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
"Dobby is doing the cooking. He insisted. It's the least…."
"I could do for Harry Potter and his Wheezy," Sirius said in an impression of the elf's voice. "How does Ginny feel about being called that?"
"I don't think she knows like she doesn't you call her Red," Harry said, smirking. "I hope I'm around when she hears you call her that."
"I called your Mum that for years, though she hated it," Sirius noted.
Their conversation paused when their food arrived.
As they ate, Sirius couldn't help but notice how much Harry glowed when he talked about Ginny. He was glad to see his godson so happy.
He, like the others, often was reminded of James and Lily when he saw the young couple together. He even told James so not long after they had gotten together last year.
"They remind me of you and Lily. It's uncanny."
He even remembers what he told James not long after that conversation.
"He's happy, Prongs. I've never seen the kid smile so much. She makes him happy."
That much was true. Harry was happy. Sirius just hoped, with everyone else, it lasted.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny woke up Monday morning with a smile on her face. She stretched as she headed to the loo to splash cool water on her face before heading into the toilet stall. She realized as she washed her hands what today was.
Today was her and Harry's anniversary. How could it possibly be a year already?
She skipped down, yes skipped, the steps once she was ready for the day. Waiting for her near the portrait hole was her boyfriend of one year.
"Hello darling," She greeted.
"Hello, my love, happy anniversary." He leaned to kiss her. His lips met hers, she contently sighed. When they broke apart, she sighed happily.
"Happy anniversary, baby," she murmured.
"Shall we head to breakfast?" Harry offered his hand.
"Let's go."
They walked into the Great Hall, passing Professor McGonagall on her way out. She nodded to them, wishing them a happy anniversary. They met Ron and Hermione at their usual spot at Gryffindor table.
"Happy anniversary," Hermione said.
"Happy anniversary, guys," Ron added. "What do you have planned for the day?"
"Harry hasn't told me anything yet." Ginny glanced at her boyfriend.
"We are having lunch in Mum's quarters. I'll surprise you with the menu. Then we are having dinner in the Room of Requirement, compliments of Dobby. He insisted. But the rest is a surprise."
The morning post arrived moments later as they started eating their breakfast. Harry scanned the ceiling noticing immediately the flowers he had ordered. They were beautiful. Ginny was going to love them.
The owl delivering the flowers landed in front of Ginny. She looked at her boyfriend.
"You didn't."
Harry offered the owl some bacon. "I did."
Ginny took the flowers, smelling them. She picked up the card opening it.
Happy Anniversary
I love you more,
Harry
She leaned over, kissing Harry in gratitude.
"Thanks, babe."
"You're welcome."
"The flowers are beautiful," Lily commented as she passed. She whispered in Harry's ear. "I have a surprise of my own in my quarters. You'll see when you go to get ready for lunch."
"Thanks, Mum."
Ginny took the flowers back to her dorm, putting them in a vase before heading to her first class. Harry walked with her. He always tried to walk her to class even if he had to run to make on-time for his own.
"See you later?" She asked.
"Of course," Harry assured her.
She kissed him before heading into class. Professor Williams nodded to him when he passed him.
"Nice flowers, what's the occasion?"
"It's mine and Ginny's first anniversary."
"Happy anniversary."
"Thanks."
Harry headed on to his first class of the day. Hermione was waiting for him outside the Ancient Runes classroom.
"Professor Babbling is out sick. She has a cold. Class is canceled today."
Harry smiled. "This gives me time to get put together Ginny's present."
"Did you get her the locket?"
Harry nodded. "We're going to have a picture put in it during the Hogsmeade weekend. I wanted Ginny to pick the picture."
"She'll love it."
They met up with Ron on their way to Lily's quarters.
As they walked in, Harry noticed Lily had decorated the table with a table cloth, place settings, and candles. On the table was a cake with a note.
Just a little something to make your special day even more special. Enjoy!
Love,
Mum
"Thanks, Mum," Harry murmured before heading to his room to collect the locket. He brought it out to the sitting room where Ron and Hermione were waiting with a bag and tissue paper.
Harry opened the box to show Ron and Hermione.
"It's more beautiful in person than the picture in the catalog," Hermione commented.
"She'll love it, mate."
Harry wrapped the box in tissue paper before putting it in the bag. "All I need to do is give it to her at dinner."
He just hoped everything went well today.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry walked down to the dungeons to meet Ginny for lunch. He had just reached the door to the Potions classroom when it opened. He stepped aside as students began leaving the classroom.
"Hi, Harry," Carrie, Sarah, and Kendall chorused when they passed him.
Colin was the next to leave the classroom. "Ginny is right behind me. She needed to speak with Professor Slughorn about something."
"Thanks, Colin."
Harry turned his attention to the door as Ginny stepped out. She smiled upon seeing her boyfriend. Without warning, she pulled him down for a kiss.
"Hi," Ginny breathed.
"Hi," Harry replied, slightly dazed.
"Shall we go to lunch?"
"Let's go."
"Are you going to tell me what we are having?"
"Remember those chicken sandwiches Mum made at the coast. We are having those."
As they walked to Lily's quarters, they talked about their morning so far. Harry told her about what they talked about in Defense. When he was leaving, Sirius asked if he was meeting Ginny.
"He said to have a good time. I don't know if I should be worried or not. I've heard about the pranks he pulled on Mum and Dad when they were dating. He hasn't pulled one on us."
"I think it's because you have to retaliate only you take it a step further." Ginny swung their linked hands. "Lily might have threatened him."
"Mum or Hestia one probably did."
When they reached the portrait of Helga the Nurse, Harry said the password. She opened, allowing them access like always.
"Who made the cake?" Ginny asked, sitting down her bag on the floor by the door.
"Mum did."
"That was sweet of her."
Harry got to work making lunch. Ginny got some drinks out of the cold box while Harry assembled the sandwiches.
Once the sandwiches were ready, Harry added a pickle and a handful of crisps. He handed Ginny her plate before taking his plate, joining her at the table.
"So is there anything I should expect today?" She asked.
"We're having dinner in the Room of Requirement, provided by Dobby. Then this weekend in Hogsmeade, we'll go on a proper date. Had it been this past weekend, we would have done something early."
"I'll need to go the apothecary for potion supplies. I'm running low. I also need to go to the shop. I need my supplies. If you know what I mean."
Harry nodded. "I need to get different treats for Hedwig. She doesn't like the ones I brought anymore. I'll save the ones I have for Oscar. He's not picky."
They talked about their plans for the weekend as they finished lunch. When they finished, Harry cut the cake. He served a slice to Ginny before taking one for himself."
"This is good," Ginny sighed.
"Mum is a pretty good baker."
"She's a good cook too. She and Mum both."
After they finished with the cake, Harry started to clean up. It was more of a courtesy for Lily.
They left Lily's quarters, hand in hand, deciding to go outside for a walk before going back to class.
"It's beautiful out today, isn't it?" Ginny asked.
"It is. Maybe we'll make time this week and go flying," Harry suggested.
"I would love that." Ginny swung their linked hands as they walked along the path, heading towards the lake.
The wind blew softly at first before it picked up a little, blowing Ginny's hair in her face. She stopped when the wind calmed enough for her to pull her hair back into a ponytail.
"Need help?" Harry asked.
"Hold this," She said, handing him a hair tie. She pulled her hair back, making sure she had every strain. Harry gave her the hair tie, pushing back a piece near her face behind her ear. "Thanks, baby."
"You're welcome."
"Well, should we start walking to the Muggle Studies classroom?"
"We can," Harry said. "Any projects I should know about?"
"One we're working on right now is music. We pick a Muggle band or a song and write about it. I picked a band called Queen."
"Well, you're in luck. Sirius has everything you would need for that. He has a book on them, every record and tape. He can tell you anything you want to know."
"Did he get into it just to annoy his parents?" Ginny asked.
"He did. He introduced Dad to them. Mum wants to curse him for it due to Dad replaying that one song over and over and over again."
"Which one?"
"Bohemian Rhapsody," Harry replied. "Hermione also hates it."
"We will have an assignment over Christmas Break. We have to watch a Christmas movie and write about it."
"I can help you with that one. Just let me know which movie you pick."
"I will."
They stopped outside the Muggle Studies classroom. "Where are we meeting?"
"I thought we would meet in the common room. Then we'll go to the Room of Requirement."
"Alright, I'll see you then."
Ginny stood on her tiptoes to press a kiss to Harry's lips, only for him to cup the back of her head to deepen the kiss.
When they broke apart, Ginny swore she could see stars. It wasn't the first time thought.
"See you later," She breathed. "I love you."
"Love you too, see you later."
Ginny walked into the classroom, a goofy smile spreading on her face.
"Do I want to know?" Kendall asked as Ginny sat down beside her.
"Do you want to hear about what an excellent kisser that man of mine is?"
Kendall snorted. "You don't need to tell me. I can tell. You have this goofy smile on your face after you ..."
Kendall didn't finish her sentence. Professor Burbage had come in and started the day's lesson.
Meanwhile, Harry headed down to the dungeons for Potions. He sat down beside Ron and Hermione without them noticing.
Everything was going smoothly. Harry hoped it would continue.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny knew she was back to Gryffindor tower before Harry. She remembered he had potions on Mondays. Harry sometimes couldn't get away from Professor Slughorn. The professor wanted to chat and see if Harry was coming to a Slug Club meeting. He had attended the first one but had 'missed' the second one. Knowing she would have some extra time, she headed up to her dorm to get ready for her date with Harry that night, starting with a shower.
"Do you know what you're going to wear?" Kendall asked. She came into the bathroom moments after Ginny stepped into the shower.
"I don't know. I thought about….."
"Ginny, did you lay out a dress for tonight?" Sarah asked.
"No, why?"
"There's one lying on your bed."
Ginny couldn't remember laying out a dress for tonight.
She didn't know Harry's plan until lunch and she hadn't been back to her dorm since that morning.
She washed her hair, bathed, shaved, and moisturized before she stepped out of the shower and into the bathroom. She slipped on a bra and knickers set she laid out. She wrapped her hair in a towel and put on her ruffled dressing gown, tying it as she left the bathroom.
"Where did that come from?"
On her bed was a dress she didn't remember owning. She walked over to her bed, picking up the dress. The tags were gone, but it was clear it came from The Witch's Closet, a clothing store in Hogsmeade.
"Ginny, is that the dress you had seen in the catalog?" Sarah asked.
"It is," Ginny confirmed. The dress was black with red bell sleeves. Ginny had looked at the dress when she got the catalog a month ago. She considered getting it when she went to the shop but changed her mind when she saw the price.
"There's a note," Kendall said, picking up the folded piece of parchment.
Ginny took it, unfolding it. She sighed, chuckling. "Of course."
Sarah and Kendall read the note over Ginny's shoulder.
Wear me
She knew the handwriting from anywhere.
Ginny raised her hand to silence her friends as she left her dorm. She marched down the stairs, ignoring Ron and Hermione at the bottom. She walked on up to the sixth-year boy's dorm, throwing the door open. Seamus jumped. He thought it was Lavender, who was currently mad at him over something he said.
"Where is he?" She asked sweetly.
Neville peeked into the bathroom. "Harry, Ginny's here."
Harry's head poked out of the bathroom. "I take it you found….."
Whatever Harry was going to say was cut off when Ginny ran over, crashing her lips to his.
"Thank you," she breathed. "I know I should be mad you bought me that dress."
"I wanted to. Consider it part of your anniversary present." Harry tightened the grip on the towel he had wrapped around his waist.
"Okay, but that better be it." Ginny knew it wasn't even when the words left her mouth.
She turned around, leaving the dorm. Harry watched her go.
"I swear she can be scary sometimes," Seamus murmured.
"Oh, I know," Harry admitted. "I've never been on the receiving end of her hex. You know the one."
Seamus's eyes widened as he nodded. Neville winced.
Harry returned to the bathroom to finish getting ready. He had stopped into the shop with Sirius while they were in Hogsmeade. He found the dress. Luckily he knew Ginny's size and they had it. He bought it, knowing Ginny wanted it.
He found he liked doing things for her. He was like James in that regard. They both wanted their women happy, no matter the cost.
As he got dressed, Harry reviewed the plans in his head. He hoped tonight would be a night Ginny would remember forever.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry led Ginny to the Room of Requirement after everyone had gone down to the Great Hall for dinner. He had left a note for Lily to remind her he and Ginny were having dinner in the Room of Requirement. Lily had found him before he headed to Gryffindor tower to tell him she had seen the note and told him to have a good time.
"Have I told you, you look beautiful tonight?" Harry asked.
"Yes, you have. I have I mentioned even though we're Gryffindors, I like you in green."
The green shirt Harry wore brought out his eyes. He had paired the shirt with a pair of his dark jeans and boots. Ginny put on a little bit of makeup, pulled her hair up in a bun, and had picked her black flats to wear with her dress.
Upon entering the Room of Requirement, Ginny stopped to take in the scene in front of her.
It was like something out of one of her romance books. The candles, a table for two with the white tablecloth, music playing softly. It was more than what she expected.
"This is…." She trailed off.
They walked over to the table. Dobby had set it with two plates, glasses, silverware, and a basket of rolls. A bottle of Diet Coke was in a wine bucket on ice.
"I had made a list for Dad. He got all of the stuff I needed for lunch today, but I asked him to get the drinks for tonight. He said this was on offer."
Ginny smiled. "It's alright. I liked it when I had it at your house."
Harry pulled Ginny's chair out, helping her push it in before taking his seat across from her. Dobby appeared with a tray. On the tray was their dinner.
"Good evening Harry Potter and his Wheezy. Tonight's menu is roasted chicken with potatoes, peas, carrots, and roasted tomatoes. Bon appétit."
"Thank you, Dobby. You did a good job," Harry told the elf.
"Thank you, Harry." Then with a pop, Dobby left to return to the kitchen.
"This looks good," Ginny commented.
"Shall we?" Harry asked, picking up the bottle of diet Coke.
Ginny nodded. Harry poured the soda into her glass before pouring some into his. Once they had their drinks, they began to eat.
The meal was delicious. Ginny commented on how tender the chicken was and how she was sure it had beaten Molly's roasted chicken. Harry agreed.
As they ate, they made small talk, deciding beforehand the topics of OWLs, Dumbledore's lessons, and school, in general, were off-limits. But Quidditch was not.
"Do you think we'll be ready for the first match?" Ginny asked, popping a potato in her mouth.
Harry shrugged as he cut off a piece of chicken. "I don't know. Ask me again after practice Thursday. I might have a different answer. I found out something the other day. Malfoy isn't playing anymore."
"Really?" Ginny paused a carrot on her fork. "Do you know whose replacing him?"
Harry shook his head, mouthful of chicken and potato. He swallowed, taking a drink. "No, I haven't heard."
They were quiet for a second before Ginny switched the subject. "When is your Dad coming to speak with those who are interested in becoming an Auror?"
Harry picked up a roll, breaking it in half. He popped the one half into his mouth.
"I think Dad said he'll be up for that sometime this month. I might hear it from Sirius before I hear it from Dad. I wouldn't put it past him to not tell me and then show up announcing that is why he's here and not to visit."
"I was going to ask you how was your bonding time with Sirius this weekend?"
"It was fun. Sirius got earrings for Hestia. It's not her birthday or their anniversary. He said he was giving them to her just because."
Ginny pointed her fork at him before spearing a carrot. "You do that too, you know."
"Well, I get it. Doing something for your girl just because you can. I don't hear you complaining."
Ginny didn't have a comment on that as Harry was right.
As the meal wine down, they switched the conversation to how they see their future. Harry had moments where he wondered if he would get the future they planned. He shook those thoughts aside, trying to be more positive.
"So…" Harry began.
"What else is there, dessert?" Ginny asked.
"I'm stuffed. I don't think I have room for dessert," Harry admitted.
"Alright, so what's next?"
Harry pulled out his wand, summoning a small gift bag. He set it down on the table in front of Ginny.
"Harry, what is this?"
"Happy anniversary," he said.
Ginny picked up the gift bag. "I told you the dress should be…." She stopped when she reached down. Her hand closed around a box. She pulled out the tissue-wrapped box. She unwrapped the tissue, pausing when she saw the box.
"Open it," Harry encouraged.
Ginny opened it, gasping when she saw it was the locket she had been eyeing for months.
"Harry," her voice was above a whisper. "Is this what I think it is?"
"We can take it back to the jewelry store and put the picture you want inside. I didn't know if you wanted one of us or just me, so I thought I would leave that for you to decide."
Ginny stood up, laying her napkin down on the table. She crossed over to her boyfriend, sitting down in his lap. She smashed her lips to his.
When they broke apart, she breathed, "I love it. Thank you, baby."
"You're welcome."
"Alright, I guess I should give you your present."
Ginny summoned a gift bag.
"I had some help with this," She admitted. She handed it to Harry.
Harry opened the bag. There was a framed picture of him and her from her birthday over the summer. Along with the picture was Harry's favorite wizarding candy. Chocolate frogs, Sugar Quills, and Honeydukes chocolate bars, the giant ones. To his surprise, there was Cadbury Flake, M&M's, and Smarties, Harry's favorite Muggle candy.
"How did you get the…?"
"Your Dad. I wrote him about two weeks ago now, asking for help. He brought me the goods when he was here last."
"Which would have been this weekend," Harry noted. He looked into the bag.
"I ordered the other candy a week ago. Remember that box I asked you to carry for me?"
"Was that what it was?"
Ginny nodded. "There's more."
There were two envelopes at the bottom of the bag. Harry opened the first envelope.
Happy Anniversary
Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world.
I love you.
Your girl,
Gin
Harry pulled Ginny closer for a kiss. "Thanks, Babe." He held up the other envelope.
"What is this?"
"These are coupons. You can use them, for example." She pulled out one. "One Get out of trouble card."
Harry threw his head back, laughing. "Is there more than one of those?"
"There's two," Ginny replied. She picked up the next one. "This one is redeemable for one hour of flying." She pulled out the next one. "I think you're going to love this one."
"Full body massage, can I reuse them?"
"Only good for one time, but if you ask nicely, I'll do it after you redeemed it. There are two of each coupon."
"I love this idea. Thank you, babe."
"You're welcome."
"Well, we got a couple of hours until curfew. What do you want to do?"
"I don't care, as long as I'm with you."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
They spend the rest of the evening before curfew in the Room of Requirement. They moved to the sofa in front of a fireplace. They were cuddling, enjoying the peace of not being interrupted by her friends or Hermione.
"The last time we did this was..." Ginny trailed off.
"The day you spent at the house, we watched movies in the family room all day. We started with Beauty and the Beast and ended with Mum's copy of Grease."
Ginny smiled. She remembered the rainy day they spent in the Potter's family room. Molly didn't know they had spent the whole day alone as James and Lily were both gone to work. James and Lily knew. They trusted Harry and Ginny, and the teens knew that. Harry didn't want to do anything that would break that trust.
James and Lily had done the same when they were teenagers. They spent hours at Lily's house watching movies or listening to music. They would be hypocrites to say Harry and Ginny couldn't.
"Is it crazy that's it's been a year?"
Ginny's question made Harry pause. It had felt longer than a year.
It felt like it had been a lifetime or several sunlit days.
But then Harry realized this was the happiest he had ever been in his whole life.
"I don't know about you, but for me, this has been the happiest year of my life."
Harry pulled her close, kissing the side of her head, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. "It was for me too."
"I hope we have more happy years like this in the future." Ginny's words made Harry stop. They did not know what the future held. Harry did not know if he would have one. He did not want to get Ginny's hopes up for the time being.
Harry pulled her close.
"I think we will." He just hoped he wasn't telling a lie.
A half-hour before curfew, Harry and Ginny made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. They made plans to come back for lunch sometime in the coming weeks.
When they approached the Fat Lady, Ginny pulled Harry down for a kiss.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening," she said.
"The pleasures all mine. Happy anniversary, Gin."
"Happy Anniversary, baby."
They leaned in for a kiss. Ginny sighed when Harry deepened it.
"Are you coming in or not?"
They broke apart, composing themselves. "Sorry," Harry murmured and said the password. The Fat Lady opened, allowing them entry. Harry let Ginny go in first. The portrait closed behind them as they walked into the common room.
Ron and Hermione were sitting on the sofa in front of the fire.
"Hey, have a good time?" Hermione asked as they approached.
"We did," Ginny confirmed. "The best time."
They chatted for a bit before they decided to head off to bed. Ron and Hermione headed upstairs first. Harry and Ginny were left alone before they headed up to bed.
"I realized something."
"What's that, babe?" Harry asked.
"I've loved you for one year, so I guess you can say it's been one year of loving you."
Harry pulled her close, kissing her softly. "I love you, too."
They kissed good night, whispering one final I love you and parted for bed, heading up to their respective dorms. It was a night they would remember for years to come. It had marked one year, one year of loving the other, more than they did before. Neither Harry nor Ginny had ever been happier.
Seven years ago today (March 6th), I published the first chapter of Harry's Life with Parents. Here we are fifty-one chapters later. There will be, hopefully, more updates for this series this year. Thank you to everyone who has read this series, if you added it to your favorites, alerts, or even your community, and especially, thank you for the reviews. We're currently at over three hundred reviews. Thank you. I hope you enjoy reading this series as there is more to come.