The Start of Hinny
Summary: The beginning of Harry and Ginny's relationship. What were the early days of their newfound relationship like?
Ginny couldn't stop smiling the Monday morning after the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year. Harry had asked her to go to the village with him. They had a wonderful time on their date. When they returned to the castle under the shade of the old oak tree, Harry asked her a question, the question she had been dreaming of forever. He asked her to be his girlfriend. She said yes, and now they were dating.
A part of her felt like she was in a dream. A glorious dream, a dream she didn't want to wake up from. She had woken up Sunday morning thinking that she had dreamed it. It wasn't a dream, Harry assured her it wasn't.
She all but skipped down the stairs to the common room where, this time, her boyfriend was waiting for her.
"Good morning," She greeted.
"Good morning, Gin," Harry returned as she reached him. He pulled her into an embrace, kissing her on the lips. She sighed. They had shared their first kiss moments before Harry asked her to be his girlfriend. Their first kiss as a couple followed not long later, though, in front of Ginny's brothers and Hermione. Ron and Hermione smiled knowingly. Fred and George's jaws dropped at the news.
When they broke apart, Harry offered his hand. She took his hand, enlacing her fingers with his. Together, they walked out of the common room, stepping out of the portrait hole. They heard the Fat Lady and her friend Violet whispering about history repeating itself. It was a quiet walk downstairs to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Harry broke the silence when they reached the first floor.
"If you ever want to go somewhere more private and quieter for breakfast, we can go to Mum's quarters."
"Would that be allowed?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, I do it sometimes when I oversleep and miss breakfast. But I'll double-check with Mum if you would feel more comfortable."
As they walked into the Great Hall, they noticed Lily standing in front of Sirius and Remus, where they were sitting at the head table. James was on Sirius's right.
"I thought your Dad had to go home last night?" Ginny whispered.
"He stayed the night. He's talking to the seventh years who are interested in becoming an Auror today in Sirius and Remus's class," Harry explained.
A whistle made everyone look in James's direction. Harry sighed.
"I know that whistle. I'll be right back."
Ginny went to sit down with Ron and Hermione while Harry approached the head table.
"What?" He asked.
"Good morning to you too, son," James said. "I'm staying tonight again. I'll return home tomorrow. Mum is going to cook supper tonight in her quarters. We just wanted you to know."
"Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny are welcome to come. And extend the invitation to Luna," Lily said.
"Ginny has a class with her. I'll tell her to pass the invite on. I'll let Neville, Ron, and Hermione know," Harry assured his mother.
Lily nodded. "And since I know Ron will ask, we're having roasted chicken."
"Okay, is there anything else I need to know?" Harry inquired.
"No, we just wanted to tell you what we just did," James said.
"How are things going with Ginny?" Sirius asked.
"Good," Harry answered.
"Oh, that reminds me," Lily began. She looked at her husband and his best friends. "You owe me ten galleons."
Harry's eyes widened. "WHAT!"
"Thanks, Harry," Sirius muttered.
"Yeah, thanks a lot," James added.
"What did I do?" Harry asked.
Sirius slapped the ten galleons into Lily's waiting hand. "Could you not have waited until next year?"
"For what, Sirius," Harry prompted.
"Ask Ginny to be your girlfriend."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "Are you telling me you betted on when Ginny and I would get together?"
"Pretty much," James replied.
Harry sighed. "Alright, if you don't mind, I'm going to go and sit with my girlfriend and eat breakfast."
Shaking his head, Harry returned to Gryffindor table. Did anyone else have bets on when he and Ginny would get together? He wondered that.
He couldn't help but blurted out, "Did you place bets on when Ginny and I would get together?" He directed the question to his friends.
Ron and Hermione paused. Hermione had a goblet of juice in her hand. Ron had a sausage speared on his fork. He was about to put it in his mouth to eat it when Harry blurted out his question.
"Why?" Hermione asked her goblet near her lips.
Harry spread jam on a piece of toast. "I just found out the people I call family had a bet on when Ginny and I would get together. Mum won."
"Did you have bets on Hermione and me?" Ron asked, knowing how Harry's family was.
"Yes," Harry admitted. "Remus won that one."
"How much?" Ron asked curiously.
"Forty galleons."
Hermione snorted her juice, almost getting choked. Ron padded her on the back. "Are you okay?" He asked.
Hermione nodded, assuring him she was fine. "So you had bet on us?"
"Have you met Dad and Sirius? They've bet on everything. There was even a bet on how long Mum and Dad would last. Of course, they lost that one."
"Did you bet on us?" Ron inquired.
Harry smirked. "Who do you think set the amount?"
Ron threw a piece of crust of his toast at Harry.
The conversation shifted to the day's schedule. Hermione had brought up the topic of OWLs again, only for it to be shut down when Ron asked Harry if Sirius planned on listening to the Quidditch match Puddlemere United vs. Tutshill Tornados.
"I'll ask him."
James and Sirius walked by, reaching over to ruffle Harry's hair. He pulled the hood of his robe up before they approached.
"Don't even think about it."
"See you later, kiddo," Sirius said. James stayed for a moment. He placed his hand on Ginny's shoulder.
"Ginny, if you have any problems out of my son, please let me know."
Harry's eyes widened as he felt his face flush. "Dad," he warned.
"See you tonight, Son." With that, James and Sirius left the Great Hall.
Harry sighed. "I guess it could be worse." He looked over at Ron, who was smirking. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Yep," Ron replied, popping the p.
"I'll remember that the next time we get together with Hugh and Jane. Wonder what Hugh would think of the time you spend in a broom cupboard with his daughter."
It was Harry's turn to smirk as Ron dropped his fork.
"Harry," Hermione warned.
"I wouldn't do that," he assured her. "But I might."
Ginny changed the subject. "What's tonight?"
Harry remembered what his mother had said. "Oh, that reminds me, Mum's cooking in her quarters tonight. Roasted chicken," he said before Ron could ask. Turning to his girlfriend, he added, "Tell Luna Mum invited her."
"I will."
"Remind me to tell Neville," He intoned to Ron. He nodded.
When they finished breakfast, Harry walked Ginny to class. She had Herbology, while Harry had History of Magic. There was a little bit of time between when Herbology started and when History of Magic started. It was enough time for Harry to walk her to the Greenhouses and get to his class before the bell rang. He would have to book it to make it to History of Magic on time.
Today, they had left the Great Hall a little before the first classes started, allowing Harry to walk Ginny to the Greenhouses.
"So," Harry began. "I'll see you at lunch?"
"Yeah. Do you want to go for a walk after the classes are over?"
Harry nodded. "Sure."
"I'll see you later."
She stood on tiptoes, cupping the back of his head as she pulled in for a kiss. They hadn't done anything but kisses and quick pecks. They were going to take their time before deepening their kisses.
When they broke apart, Ginny said, "I'll see you at lunch. Have a good day."
She walked into Greenhouse Two, her friends pouncing on her once she had walked through the door. Harry turned around and began the trek to the History of Magic classroom.
"Am I going to have to get used to seeing that goofy smile on your face?"
Harry turned to Ron, still slap-happy. "You're one to talk. I remember the look on your face when you and Hermione had your first snog. Did I say anything about that?"
As Professor Williams began the lesson, Harry's mind was on later when he would see Ginny again. He was half paying attention, taking notes, highlighting what would be on the OWLs exam at the end of the year. He found himself daydreaming of Ginny and what their relationship could turn into.
They had only just gotten together, but already Harry couldn't imagine a day of his life without Ginny in it.
"Potter?"
Harry jolted back into reality. "Yes, Professor Williams."
Professor Williams smiled softly. "Turn your book to chapter four and begin to read. We're going to discuss anything we find interesting in the chapter."
Harry nodded sheepishly, turning to chapter four in his textbook, and began to read.
Meanwhile, Professor Williams sat at his desk, remembering a similar incident with Harry's father.
He shook his head. "Like father, like son."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Lily looked into the sitting area, smiling at the scene before her. She watched as Ron and Sirius played a game of chess while Hestia and Hermione talked about magical creatures and how they could make some changes for them in the Ministry. She looked over at the armchairs where Luna was talking with Remus. James was talking with Neville. Glancing around, she found Harry and Ginny in the corner, sharing the couch.
She walked over, reaching to push back hair from Harry's face. "How was dinner?" She asked.
"Dinner was good, Lily. Thanks for having me," Ginny said.
"Of course, I might make this a Friday thing," Lily commented.
"I wouldn't complain," Sirius said, not taking his eyes off the board.
"I know you wouldn't. You all are welcome to join us anytime," She directed to Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Ginny.
"Would you do something like tonight? Roast chicken with potatoes and peas?" James inquired.
"I'll do different things, such as spaghetti or something."
"So," Sirius began. "Is my godson treating you well?"
Harry snorted. "Barely dating a week, and already you're asking how I'm treating her," He murmured.
"He's treating me good, Sirius," Ginny assured him.
James got up heading to the kitchen to fix himself a cup of tea. "Sirius, Remus, do you want a cup of tea?"
As he fixed the tea, Lily got the cups together. When she was close to him, he asked, "Do they remind you of anyone?" He motioned his head to their son and his girlfriend.
Lily looked back, watching Harry and Ginny. She listened as Ginny told Harry what happened in Care of Magical Creatures that day.
"He also told me how happy he was for us," Ginny said. "I had told him we started dating."
"He said something about you telling him to me. Unlike some people," Harry looked pointedly at Sirius and his father. "He just said he was happy for us and hoped we were happy."
"I know I am, are you?"
"Very." Harry pulled her close, kissing her softly. Sirius and Remus looked at each other knowingly, while Hermione and Luna awed. Ron and Neville looked the other way, knowing they would give Harry a good ribbing over it when they returned to the dorm.
Lily smiled, watching them. "Have you ever seen him this happy?"
James looked over at his son, knowing the answer. He hadn't seen Harry this happy. The smile never seemed to leave his face. He practically glowed when he looked at Ginny.
"To answer your first question, yes, Harry and Ginny remind me of someone," James turned back to his wife, smiling. "They remind me of us. And I have never seen our son this happy. I hope it stays this way."
When the clock was approaching nine at night, Neville walked Luna back to Ravenclaw Tower as Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry headed back to Gryffindor Tower. Sirius and Remus followed behind, heading to their shared quarters near the Defense classroom.
Remus was lost in his thoughts of what he and James had discussed before the others showed up for dinner in Lily's quarters when Sirius peaked on his shoulder. Turning his head to see what Sirius wanted, the shaggy-headed man motioned with his head in front of him.
"Remind you of anyone?"
Remus looked ahead. He saw what Sirius was talking about. In front of him were Harry and Ginny holding hands. It was at that moment Remus realized something. From behind, he would have thought it was James and Lily in front of them. But the voices told him it wasn't.
"When's Quidditch practice?" Ginny asked.
"Tomorrow evening," Ron replied. "Why?"
"Just wondering. Is that okay, big brother?"
"It's okay."
When they had reached the corridor leading to their quarters, Sirius and Remus called out their goodnights.
"Good night," the teens chorused as they headed towards Gryffindor Tower.
"I feel like history is repeating itself."
"I think so too, Padfoot. I think so, too."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny walked down to the Quidditch pitch, wondering if her timing was right. Practice should be almost over by now, and she wanted to spend what remained of the afternoon with Harry. Angelina had closed practice to just the team as the match was coming up next Saturday, the first in over a year. It would be Ron's first one as Keeper. Anytime the match was brought up, Ron would turn a few shades lighter, making Hermione ask if he was coming down with something.
Harry, meanwhile, suddenly got quiet.
As she entered the pitch, she heard Angelina blow her whistle, signaling the end of practice.
"Perfect timing," she murmured.
She scanned the sky for her boyfriend, finding him on the farther end of the pitch, landing beside Ron. Ginny watched, her breath hitching when Harry lifted the hem of his shirt to wipe away sweat from his forehead. The small glimpse of Harry's flat abdomen made her mouth go dry.
God, how lucky was she to have a hot-looking boyfriend? And the hot and sweaty Harry she saw right now, was it just her, or did it make him look hotter?
She could see Ron was telling Harry something but couldn't hear what they were saying. They shouldered their brooms as they walked toward the locker room.
Ron glanced in her direction, doing a double-take before he tapped Harry's shoulder, stopping what he was saying. He pointed towards Ginny. Harry smiled.
"Hiya," She greeted when they were close.
"Hi there," Ron returned.
"What brings you down here?"
"I thought I would come and see if practice was over and to see you." She reached up, cupping the back of his head, ignoring the sweat on the back of his neck. They kissed, ignoring Fred and George's fake gagging and Ron's 'Oi! Can you not?'
"I'm going to get a quick shower. Care to wait for me?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Ginny replied. "I'll wait right here."
"Alright, five minutes." He kissed her cheek and headed to the locker room.
She watched as Harry walked towards the locker room. While she waited for Harry, she talked to Angelina and Alicia. They were dating Fred and George, respectively.
"How are things with Harry?" Alicia asked.
"Good. It's like a dream sometimes," Ginny admitted. "Like I'm going to wake up, and he's not mine, if you know what I mean."
"I do. I think the feeling is mutual," Angelina commented. "I don't think it would matter if you were here or not. Harry seems to be distracted. I called on him more today, but I think it's more than just you on his mind."
"I know." Ginny knew Harry had plenty on his mind, but what surprised her was they were still there at Quidditch practice. Flying was one of the ways Harry de-stressed.
Alicia headed into the locker room, leaving Angelina to continue to talk with Ginny.
"I don't know if Harry told you this, but unless I close practice, you are welcome to come and watch," Angelina said.
"Harry mentioned something about that last night."
Angelina smiled. Katie joined them. Angelina left her and Ginny talking to head to the locker room for a shower and change.
"It's good to see Harry happy. You, too," Katie said.
"Thanks," Ginny murmured, pushing stray hair out of her face. There was a light wind, causing the stray hair that had slipped out of her ponytail to blow in the wind.
She didn't know Harry was behind her until arms wrapped around her from behind, making her jump.
"Sorry if I scared you," Harry said.
"It's okay. I wasn't expecting you to be done so soon." Ginny turned around and couldn't help herself as she ran her fingers through Harry's damp hair. She pushed some hair out of his eyes away from his glasses.
"Angelina said you were distracted."
Harry blushed. Ginny noticed it extended down to his neck.
He shrugged. "I was thinking about a few things."
"Was I one of them?" Ginny whispered.
"Yeah," Harry admitted.
They linked hands as they made their way back to the castle. It was close to dinner. Angelina had scheduled practice in the time between the last class and dinner.
"What did you get into while I was at practice?"
"Worked on homework, caught up with Luna, wrote a letter to send to Charlie, and then when I finished, I decided to walk down here. I want to stop by the owlery before heading to dinner."
Harry nodded. "That's fine. I was going to check on Hedwig."
They walked in silence as they headed towards the owlery.
"As I was leaving the locker room, Angelina told me next week's practice would be open. You can come and watch if you want," Harry informed her.
Ginny nodded. "I might do."
As they walked into the owlery, Pig was on a perch beside Hedwig. She didn't look too thrilled about it.
"Is she okay now?" Ginny asked. She remembered Harry bought some salve for her wing while they were in Hogsmeade.
"She's okay. Dad took her to the healer at Eeylops. She said her wing would heal with the salve, but she was okay to fly, but I've been giving her a rest."
Ginny nodded. "Well, you just have your Dad to write to."
Harry nodded. "It's usually just a quick note. Like, hey, I forgot my jacket. Can you bring it when you come up next? I use the mirrors more than often. Mum sends letters to some friends like Hestia. She'll send it to Dad by Hedwig, and he'll deliver them. Unless Oscar is here."
Hedwig looked around at the mention of Oscar.
"He's not here now, Hedwig," Harry told the owl.
Ginny tied the letter to Pig's leg. "This goes to Charlie," she said. The owl flew off out the window. Hedwig hooted, looking at the spot Pig was in. She moved over to take the spot.
Harry snorted. "Is that what made you cross with Pig? He took your spot?" He asked, petting her. "He's not like Oscar, is he?"
Ginny laughed when Hedwig looked at Harry as if to say no, you don't say.
"I'll have something for you to take to Dad later this weekend if he's not coming here. You can fly to Hagrid's, stretch your wings."
Ginny offered her a treat she had in her pocket. She petted her as she munched on the treat.
"If you ever want to use Hedwig to send letters, just let me know."
Ginny nodded. "I might if I'm just writing a letter to Mum and Dad. I don't know if I would send her to Romania."
Harry petted Hedwig's head. "Before Sirius and Remus came up here, I sent letters to them all the time and Dad."
Giving Hedwig a final pet and treat, Harry and Ginny left the owlery, heading to dinner. They stopped at the loo near the Great Hall to wash their hands.
"I was wondering if you would help me with some spell work we're learning in Defense," Ginny said as they walked to the Gryffindor table.
"I can do that."
Lily came into the Great Hall as dinner was getting started. She stopped by the Gryffindor table to speak with her son.
"Come to my quarters after your last class tomorrow, and I'll cut your hair," She whispered.
"Okay. Did I leave my trainers in my room in your quarters?" Harry asked.
"The sneakers, yes. They needed a wash anyway. I also finished reading over your potions essay. When is that due?"
"Next class, I'll get it tomorrow."
"Okay."
Lily patted his shoulder. "Is my son being good to you?"
Harry refrained from rolling his eyes.
Ginny nodded. "Yes, Lily, he's been a gentleman."
"Good."
Harry sighed. When Lily headed to the head table, he said, "My family can be a bit much sometimes."
Ginny shot him a look. "Have you met mine? I think they have yours beat."
"Oi!"
George had heard Ginny's comment as he sat down across from them. "What are you implying, baby sister?"
Ginny glared at her brother, making him retract his statement. "Sorry, Ginny, but what are you implying?"
"Our family can be a bit much," Ginny said.
George thought for a second and nodded. "I can concur. Harry, is your Dad coming up this weekend?"
"I don't know yet. Dad usually lets Mum know by Wednesday if he's coming. Why?"
"Fred and I have something we wanted to talk to him about. We could talk to Sirius."
"Is it about your shop idea?" Ginny asked.
George nodded.
"Sirius and Dad talk daily on their mirrors. Talk to Sirius about it, and he can tell Dad. If Mum tells me Dad is coming this weekend, I will let you or Fred know. I could even tell Dad that you and Fred want to talk."
"Thanks, Harry," George said with a smile.
When George was gone, Ginny asked, "What does your Dad have to do with the shop idea?"
"He and Sirius are thinking about being investors. They talked with Fred and George about it over the summer."
Ginny nodded. She remembered the conversation Fred and George had with Arthur following that conversation. There was a reason they only told Arthur.
Harry leaned over and whispered. "Remember the winnings I got from the tournament."
Ginny nodded, and then her eyes widened. She remembered George saying they had a donation of money to go towards their shop.
"You gave them the money from the tournament. Do you know what you did for Fred and George?" She asked.
Harry smiled softly. "Um, Mum doesn't know that's what I did with it. Unless Dad told her."
Ginny leaned over, kissing Harry's cheek. "Did anyone ever tell you how sweet you are?"
Harry smirked. "All the time."
Ginny lightly punched his shoulder. They made small talk over the rest of dinner, discussing their classes.
From the head table, Minerva McGonagall observed Harry and Ginny at the Gryffindor table. She felt a sense of Deja view as she watched the young couple. Glancing down the table at Lily, she smiled.
Seeing Harry and Ginny reminded her of a young James and Lily.
It made her smile to see Harry, the little boy she watched grow up happy.
She just hoped it would last.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry was used to Lily cutting his hair. She had done every haircut since he could remember. Sometimes, she took the stool out to the back patio if the weather was warm outside to cut his hair and take advantage of the lovely weather.
There was a shaded area just outside the kitchen. No matter the time of day, it was in the shade. Lily sometimes cut Harry and James's hair out there. The plus side was the cleanup was a breeze. Lily would sweep the hair off the patio and into the bin outside.
At Hogwarts, Lily did it in the sitting room. She didn't need to make a fire in the fireplace yet to keep the room warm while she cut Harry's hair.
Harry came down after his last class. Sometimes, Lily had him wash his hair first, and others, he washed it after she cut it.
They would talk while Lily worked. Over the years, Harry and Lily had many good talks while Lily cut his hair.
"Mum, there's something I wanted to clear with you," Harry began.
"What is it?" Lily asked as she combed the hair on Harry's right side.
"Is it okay with me to bring Ginny down here for lunch sometime?"
Lily paused. She appreciated Harry asking for permission first. He brought Ron and Neville to her quarters for lunch and sometimes to work on homework. He had asked her for permission then. She had said yes without a second thought. Then, she immediately set the rules that they cleaned up after themselves.
"Stay only in the sitting room and the kitchen if you do."
"We would have anyway, Mum. Thanks."
Lily smiled. "You're welcome. You have my trust, and I know you don't want to lose it."
"Because I would need to put in a lot of work to get it back," Harry finished.
"Exactly." Lily tilted Harry's head forward to check the hair along his neck. "I remember when your father and I got together. We wanted to have some time alone. Even though Sirius would still find us," She sighed.
Harry chuckled.
"I was thinking," Lily began. "Dad is coming this weekend. I thought you and Ginny could come down for dinner on Saturday."
"Okay," Harry murmured.
"I would like to get to know Ginny better, even though we've known her for years. I thought I might even make treacle tart."
Harry looked up. "Vanilla ice cream?"
"Of course. I have it on the list for Dad to bring when he comes on Friday. And I'm making the pasta bake."
"The one you made over the summer?" Harry asked.
Lily nodded. She told James about her plans over the mirrors the night before. He agreed. He, too, wanted to get to know Ginny better.
Ginny was five when they first met her after Harry and Ron became friends when they were six. She had even confided in Lily about things she didn't feel comfortable talking to Molly about.
"I think you're done," Lily said, lifting Harry's head to see if she got the sides even. As usual, she had left the front a little longer for Harry to hide the scar.
"Thanks, Mum," Harry said as he stood up. Lily removed the towel from his shoulders. "Mum, you know I wouldn't have brought Ginny down here if you didn't want me to."
"I know," Lily said as she started cleaning up the hair on the floor. "Just remember what I said."
"I will."
While Harry was in the bathroom, Lily cleaned up the sitting room.
She told James about her and Harry's conversation over the mirrors later that night.
"If I had somewhere I could have taken you to be alone, I would," James admitted.
"Really?" Lily asked.
"Of course. It shows we raised Harry right that he asked permission first."
"True. But I'll still charm the bedroom. Just in case."
"I couldn't agree more," James said. "Though from what little bit I got from Harry, he just wants somewhere to take her away from..."
"Her brothers," Lily finished. "They seem to be handling this well."
"Harry said that Ron does tease him a little. He said Ron told him he would have picked him for Ginny if he had to pick anyone for his sister."
"Be honest. If you had a sister, you would trust Sirius with him?" Lily asked.
"Yes," James replied without hesitation. "I would."
Lily smiled. "I knew it."
"When did we get old Lily Flower? To have a son old enough to date?" James inquired.
"We're not old, James. We're only thirty-five."
"I found a gray hair this morning," James pouted.
"Poor you," Lily teased.
"Hey, not all of us are blessed with good genes. Although I could blame the gray hair on Harry."
"Didn't Monty say his receding hairline was because of you?" And if I remember right, Effie said you were the cause of her gray hair."
James snorted. "And to think Mum and Dad said it was because of their age."
"Can you imagine Monty and Effie allowing us to be alone?"
"Can you imagine Iris and Harold allowing that?"
Lily nodded. She remembered the one time Iris trusted them alone in the house. Iris had gone to the shop and was only gone for an hour. James and Lily were on the couch in the sitting room, where she had left them.
"Harry knows we trust him."
"And he knows how much work he would need to do to earn it back," James finished. "I think we can trust him."
"I think so, too."
It was hard to believe they were here already. Lily wondered, not for the first time, where did the time go?
It was like she blinked, and Harry was fifteen. But seeing her son happy made her happy. And that was all that mattered.
She, like everyone else, hoped it would last.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
After getting permission from Lily to bring Ginny down to her quarters for lunch, Harry invited her down the following Tuesday. They had to postpone dinner to that weekend. James's case that he had been working on got a huge lead, resulting in a major break in the case, resulting in him remaining in London over the weekend.
Harry had just finished making himself and Ginny a sandwich when Lily came in.
"Hi, you two," She greeted.
"Hi, Mum."
"Hi, Lily."
"I'm just getting my cloak. I need to transport a student to St. Mungo's."
"Are they okay?" Ginny asked, concerned.
"Yes, I suspect they have appendicitis."
"Ouch," Harry winced sympathetically. He had it last year. He had recovered in the hospital wing before moving to Lily's private quarters. While he wasn't happy at first about not returning to the tower yet, he wouldn't trade the time he got with his Mum.
"You know how it feels," Lily said.
"Yeah, painful," Harry deadpanned.
"Dad brought some crisps. They're in the cupboard. Ginny, if there's anything specific you would like to have here, James can get it when he brings my groceries."
Ginny smiled softly, nodding.
"Thanks, Lily."
"You're welcome. I'm off."
She kissed Harry's cheek as she made her way to the door.
"I just love your Mum," Ginny said.
"Everyone does," Harry chuckled. "How's the sandwich?"
"Good. What the cream called again?"
"Salad cream. Mum keeps it on hand. Dad hates it, but Mum never makes a chicken sandwich without it."
Harry opened the cupboard and pulled out a bag of salted crisps. He offered the bag to Ginny after taking a handful for himself.
Ginny took the bag and took out a handful for herself.
Harry briefly glanced up at the top of the bookcase in the sitting area. Lily had kept an owl figurine. Inside was a small camera. She had added it there to monitor when he went to her quarters during the school day. It was an addition she had made when he 'disappeared' for two hours his second year. He had been in her quarters the whole time. James had charmed her mirror to show her the sitting room, and if she murmured a spell, it would tell her if Harry was still there.
Lily still uses it now. If Harry ever went missing again, her quarters were the first place they looked.
Really, it was James's idea.
Harry knew both Lily and James trusted him. He had to earn their trust back in the past and didn't want to go through that again.
"I'm surprised your Mum is okay with us spending time down here alone," Ginny admitted.
"I told her and Dad it would give us a chance to talk," Harry said. "Without being interrupted."
Ginny didn't need to guess by whom. "The twins?"
Harry nodded. "Ron would leave us be, mainly because of Hermione."
Ginny shook her head. "I still can't believe they are finally together."
Harry opened the can of Diet Coke. "Trust me, they still argue."
"I bet they do," Ginny murmured as she took a sip of Diet Coke out of the cup Harry handed her. "Can we use magic down here?"
"Yeah. Sirius taught Ron and me how to use cleaning spells this summer. That was how we cleaned Grimmuald Place."
"You passed the Molly Weasley inspection. I say you two did a good job."
Harry snorted. "We also passed the Lily Potter dusting test. Dad swears she keeps white gloves for that purpose."
Ginny chuckled.
Harry knew the owl didn't record conversations. This way, he could speak freely without fear of it getting back to Lily.
As they ate lunch, they talked about their childhoods, sharing stories neither had heard before. The conversation then moved on to talk about the upcoming Quidditch match. It was scheduled for that weekend.
"Are you nervous?" Ginny asked.
Harry shook his head. "Not right now, but the nerves will appear on Saturday morning."
Ginny took her plate to the sink. "So, what is my job as your girlfriend, Saturday?"
"Support me, mainly."
Ginny smiled, stepping up beside Harry. "I think I can arrange that."
Harry put his plate in the sink. He waved his wand over the sink, cleaning the dishes and the knife he used to spread the salad cream. He added the cups they had their drinks, cleaning them with his wind. He rinsed them off with the water from the faucet and dried them with the dishcloth hanging on the wall.
Ginny helped him put them away, having helped Lily set the table when they ate dinner down here and knew where things went.
"Maybe tomorrow, if the weather is nice, we can do a picnic?" Ginny suggested.
"I think it's supposed to be nice tomorrow. Sure, we can do that," Harry said. "Where are you off to?"
"Astronomy," Ginny replied. "You?"
"Herbology," Harry answered. "I'll walk you to the Astronomy tower. We got about fifteen minutes."
Harry picked up Ginny's rucksack she had dropped on the floor near the door.
"Do you want to carry it, or is it okay if I carry it?"
Harry knew how independent Ginny was and didn't want to offend her. Ginny smiled, knowing why Harry asked her.
"It's okay if you want to carry it."
Harry pushed her rucksack onto his shoulder and picked up his own. He did a final sweep of the kitchen to make sure they cleaned. When he saw it was cleaned, he led Ginny to the door. Once in the corridor, he took Ginny's hand.
They walked to the Astronomy Tower in silence.
On the way to the Astronomy Tower, they passed some of Ginny's friends, who smiled happily at her.
"And this where I leave you," Harry said when they reached the stairs leading up to the tower. "I'll meet you in the Great Hall for dinner?"
"Sure, see you then."
She stood on tiptoes and kissed Harry on the lips. When they broke apart, Harry handed her her rucksack. She started up the stairs, waving to him when she walked up the first flight of the spiral stairs.
Harry waved back, knowing he looked slap-happy, as Ron put it.
He was still grinning when he walked into Greenhouse Three for Herbology.
"I swear," Ron began. "I'm still getting used to seeing that look on your face."
Neville bumped Ron's shoulder with his. "Get used to it," he whispered.
In truth, Ron and Neville were happy for their best friend. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Harry.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny feared the day she would wake up to find it was all a dream. It felt too good to be true. She was Harry's girlfriend. They were dating. She had never been happier in all her life.
If she could go back in time and tell her nine-year-old self she would be dating Harry Potter, she would have either fainted or laughed in her face. Her eleven-year-old self would have reacted the same way.
It was like a dream.
Harry was so good to her. He treated her like a princess.
He carried her rucksack for her when he walked her to class. He helped with her Defense homework, helping her with the practical work. She had shivered when he stood behind her and helped correct her spell work. She shuttered at feeling his breath on the back of her neck.
He made her happy. She looked forward to any time they spent together. Of course, they made time for their friends. They made it to a point of not neglecting their friends.
Harry asked Ron if he wanted to play a game of chess.
"Is it finally my turn?" Ron asked teasingly.
She and Hermione watched from the couch, and to no surprise, Ron had won.
The four of them, plus Neville, spend the rest of the evening sitting in the corner of the common room, talking.
When the clock struck nine, they parted for their dorms to head for bed. Hermione and Ginny were the first to head up. Ron and Harry walked them over to the stairs, kissed them good night, and watched them go upstairs.
"It's the start of Hinny," Kendall had commented as she brushed her hair after her shower.
"Hinny?" Ginny asked, pausing the hairbrush in her damp hair.
"A combination of your name with Harry's name," Kendall explained as she opened the book she was reading. "We ship it."
The 'We' were her friends.
"By the way, in case we haven't said it, we're happy for you, Ginny," Carrie said.
Ginny smiled at her. "Thanks."
They made small talk as they got ready for bed, discussing the day's events and the upcoming Quidditch match.
Ginny laid in her bed in the darkness of her dorm, sighing contently. She listened to the sounds of her friends and dormmates falling asleep. She realized as she laid there had never been happier before in her life.
She found herself chuckling at the name her friends gave her and Harry's relationship.
"Hinny," Ginny whispered. Shaking her head, she chuckled to herself. "Who would have thought it?"