AN: And here it is, the final instalment.
The end of the chapter is based on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 7, The Slug Club.
When Harry woke up in the night, a wave of dizziness washed over him. He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, trying to clear the fog. It took a moment for his head to become clear and the soft snoring from Ron's side of the room began to penetrate his thoughts. Curious, Harry swung his legs over the edge of his camping bed and reached for his glasses, surprised to find them sprawled haphazardly on the bedside table instead of neatly folded as he usually left them. But it wasn't the state of his glasses that made him pause – it was the realization that hit him before he even put the glasses on. Ron's snoring, a comforting but now discordant sound, clearly indicated he was in Ron's room which meant...
But that couldn't be right.
His fingers brushed through his tousled hair, searching for a grounding reality. Maybe he'd just woken from a strange dream. Not that he thought it was bad to dream about Ginny...
Ginny!
If it was a dream, Ginny wouldn't know about it. But if it wasn't…she might be waiting for him downstairs like the nights before. And if she wasn't there yet, she would surely show up soon.
There was only one way to find out.
Harry slipped into his slippers, quietly opened the door and made his way downstairs, carefully avoiding the creaky floorboards in the darkness of the stairway. After a quick stop at the loo, he felt strangely relieved by the return to his old routine.
When he finally entered the living room, Ginny was indeed waiting for him, barely visible in the dim light. Her head turned towards him as he slowly approached her. After a moment of silence, she stood up and took a step towards him. In a soft voice that sounded visibly relieved, she said, "So it wasn't a dream."
"Nope", said Harry. "It was awkward…"
"Humiliating," Ginny agreed.
"Embarrassing," Harry added.
"But I'm glad it was you and not Ron", said Ginny with a soft chuckle.
"Same here", Harry chuckled and took a step closer to her. "Good thing it's over."
"Now that I got used to the idea of being the Gryffindor Quidditch captain next year," Ginny said, giving Harry a mischievous smile.
Harry snorted. "Dream on, Weasley."
"I'll have my shot next year", Ginny said confidently. She chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully before stepping closer, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat. "Now that it's over, tell me, Harry. Did you mean it?"
It took Harry a second to comprehend the question, but he nodded immediately. "Yeah, I don't know why I didn't realize it sooner. I mean, we've become such good friends, and... I would have missed you if we went back to Hogwarts and you were hanging out with Dean all the time."
"I would certainly have had time for you, too, Harry," Ginny objected, although she didn't sound entirely convinced.
Harry shook his head slightly. "I'm still sorry I ruined things with Dean..."
"Don't Harry," Ginny interrupted. "I'm not sorry."
Harry smiled mischievously. "How about you become my girlfriend instead, as a form of compensation... Although I doubt I'm an adequate replacement."
"You're more than adequate, Harry," Ginny murmured as she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest.
A feeling of warmth flowed through Harry as he returned the hug and asked hopefully, "So may I call you my girlfriend?"
Ginny looked up at him, her eyes shining even in the darkness. "Not yet," she said with a shy smile.
"Not yet?" Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"You've got to kiss me first if you want me as your girlfriend," Ginny replied playfully, standing on her tiptoes and looking up at him expectantly.
"If I'd known it was this easy..." Harry leaned forward slightly and kissed on the lips. Ginny responded without hesitation, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer as their kiss deepened.
When they parted, Ginny grinned contentedly. "That feels right. Even if you're doing everything the wrong way around, Harry."
"Am I?" Harry raised his eyebrows.
"You should kiss your girlfriend before you see her naked," Ginny teased with a soft laugh.
"I wouldn't mind if..." Harry began, but Ginny put her hand over his mouth.
"I wouldn't mind either, let's not rush things. We have plenty of time," Ginny said, adding, "You should earn it."
"Earn it?" Harry asked curiously.
"A few more kisses would help," Ginny suggested eagerly, her hand finding its way back into his hair to pull him closer.
Their lips collided again, this time a little more violently than before. Without thinking, Harry's tongue swept across her lips, which parted, allowing access to her mouth. Their tongues began to dance around each other as they pressed their bodies together. Harry groaned as little Harry came to life, pressed tightly against Ginny's stomach, and he pulled back slightly in shock.
Ginny pulled back, giggling softly. "Poor thing," she teased, her voice laced with amusement. "Remember, I know what you're going through. I've been there."
Harry just looked at her sheepishly. "And I thought the awkward situations were over."
"It's not awkward," Ginny objected. "Rest assured, it feels good for me too, even turns me on." With a mischievous grin she added, "But if it bothers you, there is an antidote."
"There is? And how d'you know?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Oh, remember, Harry. I have six older brothers and plenty of opportunity to learn things I don't need," Ginny said smugly. "And according to Fred, thinking of kissing Snape helps against your predicament."
Harry groaned. "Oh, thanks, Ginny. The thought alone..." he paused and looked down at himself in disbelief. "But it helps."
Ginny giggled. "I'm glad I could be of help."
"But you better kiss this image out of my brain now, Weasley," Harry replied good-naturedly, pulling Ginny closer again.
Just as their lips were about to meet again, a noise interrupted them. They sprang apart, and Harry turned to see Hermione standing in the doorway, a knowing smile on her lips.
"I knew something was going on here," Hermione said, clearly pleased with herself. "I saw Harry come down here, and when Ginny wasn't in bed…"
"And are you happy now?" Harry asked, perhaps a little too sharply.
"You promised you'd tell us when you were together," Hermione said, an accusatory note in her voice.
Harry frowned in surprise. He'd never said anything like that. Unless…he gave Ginny a questioning look.
Ginny immediately spoke up. "It only happened ten minutes ago. When would he have told you?" she asked, her tone matching Hermione's.
"How did it happen?" Hermione asked, ignoring the defensiveness in Ginny's voice, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance. They both knew they weren't going to discuss the details.
"We're not saying," Harry replied firmly.
"Absolutely not," Ginny agreed.
"Why not?" asked Hermione, confused.
"It's too... private," Harry admitted as the image of Hermione undressing flashed through his mind. "Rest assured you don't want to know. That's all I'm saying."
Ginny shot him a knowing grin before she quickly added, "But don't tell Mum."
"Why shouldn't your Mum know? It's good news," Hermione asked, surprised.
"She deserves to hear it from us, don't you think?" Ginny said firmly.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "And how long are you going to wait?"
"She'll know before we go back to Hogwarts," Harry promised.
Ginny nodded in agreement. "Friday. Friday evening. I'd like a few more days with Harry without her constantly watching us."
Hermione sighed but smiled in resignation. "Alright, but don't think you can avoid it forever."
As Hermione left the room, Harry looked back at Ginny, the warmth in her eyes filling him with a sense of peace.
"We've got this," Ginny whispered, her hand finding his.
"Yeah, we do," Harry replied, squeezing her hand gently as he suddenly had to suppress a yawn. "Sorry, Gin."
"It's not easy having such an exhausting girlfriend," Ginny said sympathetically, though she couldn't hide her own sleepiness either.
"Let's go back to bed," Harry suggested and a grin spreading across his face. "Maybe I'll dream about you and count your freckles."
Ginny playfully nudged him in the ribs. "Just don't forget - you're sleeping in Ron's room again."
The next morning, Harry woke up later than usual, the lack of sleep from the previous night taking its toll. Ron's bed was already empty; his best friend had apparently gone to breakfast without him.
Not wanting to leave Ginny alone to face Hermione's scrutinizing gaze, Harry decided to skip brushing his teeth until after breakfast and headed downstairs in his pyjamas.
As he passed Ginny's room, the door creaked open slightly, and Ginny peeked through.
"Overslept?" she asked with an amused grin, opening the door a bit wider.
"Sorry," Harry replied sheepishly.
Ginny stepped out and kissed him lightly. "Don't worry. I just didn't want to go down alone. Now hurry up, or Mum will get suspicious. I'll be right behind you."
Harry couldn't resist kissing her again before pulling away, a goofy grin spreading across his face.
"Don't grin like that," Ginny teased, giggling. "You'll give us away before we even make it to breakfast."
Harry tried to look more serious, which only made Ginny giggle again. Reluctantly, he tore himself away and made his way down the rest of the stairs.
As expected, Ron was already sitting in the kitchen, and Hermione was right beside him. From the knowing looks on their faces, Harry realized Ron had already been filled in.
"Good morning," Harry said, trying to sound casual.
"Good morning, Harry," Mrs Weasley replied with a warm smile. "Sit down, dear."
Ron and Hermione also greeted him, Hermione with a triumphant "I-knew-it" expression, while Ron murmured, to Harry's surprise, "Told you."
Ginny entered the kitchen just then, and Hermione's eyes lit up, clearly aware that they'd met upstairs.
"Ginny, dear, would you mind collecting the eggs after breakfast?" Mrs Weasley asked as she served her the porridge.
"Sure, Mum," replied Ginny. "Thanks!"
"I'll help," Harry said quickly, eager to get a few more minutes alone with Ginny.
It was a while later when Mrs Weasley stepped outside to hang the washing, and as soon as she was out of earshot, Hermione leaned in with a broad smile. "Don't worry, we'll leave you two alone. I'm sure you've got plenty to talk about."
Ron clapped Harry on the back. "See? I told you, mate. You can count on me."
Harry gave his friend a puzzled look, but Ginny subtly shook her head, indicating she knew what Ron meant. Clearly, Hermione was right and there was a lot they still needed to talk about.
"But at some point, you'll have to tell us how it happened." Hermione said, her curiosity barely contained.
Harry was about to refuse when Ginny cut the subject short by replying, "Of course, Hermione."
When breakfast was finished and the dishes were cleared away, Harry and Ginny were on their way to the chicken coop when Fred and George appeared, strolling down the path from the Apparition Point.
"What happened?" Ginny asked, surprised. "Is your shop closed already? Don't tell me you've gone bankrupt?"
"We came to talk to you both," Fred, or was it George, began hesitantly.
"Have you finally got the antidote?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Well…that's why we're here," Fred stammered. "It might take another day or two."
George looked at them both closely. "Hasn't the potion worn off yet?
"You'd know if it had," Harry replied pointedly.
Ginny crossed her arms, her expression serious. "You better sort this out before we head back to Hogwarts. I'm not sleeping in the boys' dormitory. And if you don't fix it, Mum and Dad will definitely have some questions."
Fred and George exchanged a worried glance. "We'd better get back to the lab," George grumbled.
Fred nodded, and the twins hurried back toward the Apparition Point.
As soon as they were out of sight, Ginny burst into laughter. "Serves them right. Let them sweat it out a little longer."
"Yeah, let them work their tails off in the lab," Harry agreed with a grin. Half amused and half curious, he added, "I wonder if they've told Angelina yet."
Ginny giggled. "I'd be more interested in who she'd kiss - the one who looks like Fred, or the one who's actually Fred inside?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if they shared," Harry commented dryly.
Ginny groaned. "Great, now you've put this images in my head. Thanks a lot!" She took Harry by the hand and pulled him towards the chicken coop.
In companionable silence, they collected eggs until Ginny suddenly looked up, her brow furrowed. "Harry? What do you know about this prophecy Dumbledore mentioned?"
Harry froze, startled, taking a deep breath as his stomach tightened. "Oh, Merlin. The prophecy. To be honest, I'd forgotten about it the past few days."
"How could you forget a prophecy about you and Tom…uh, Voldemort?" Ginny asked, incredulous.
Harry shrugged, trying to muster a smile. "I don't know. Being you was so…distracting." He met her gaze. "So, you know about the prophecy? Hermione told you, didn't she?"
Ginny nodded. "She thought I was you, but I didn't ask what it said. Would have been a bit…to obvious?"
Harry sighed. "The gist of it? I'm the only one who can defeat Voldemort."
Ginny's expression grew more serious "Harry, that's not something to joke about!"
"Who says I'm joking?" Harry replied quietly, his eyes searching hers. "Look, Ginny... I'd understand if you didn't want to be with me. I should've told you earlier, but…these last few days with you...it was like being in a different world, and in a way it really was." He smiled sheepishly. "I completely forgot about the damn prophecy."
Ginny snorted softly. "Don't think you're getting rid of me that easily. I've waited long enough."
Harry hesitated, then recited the prophecy.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies...
"Whatever that means," he added with a resigned shrug.
"We'll figure it out, Harry," Ginny said firmly.
Harry eyed her, half cautious, half hopeful. "You're serious?"
"I've never been more serious," Ginny replied, her voice steady. "Merlin, why can't you ever have a quiet life? At least for a few weeks?"
Harry pulled her into his arms, and Ginny rested her head on his chest. "If you really want to stay with me, you can forget the idea of a quiet life. At least until Voldemort is gone."
Ginny smiled against his chest. "At least my life won't be boring with you around!"
The rest of the holidays flew by. True to their word, Ron and Hermione gave Harry and Ginny plenty of space, though the four of them spent most evenings together, often watching the sunset by the pond. All too soon, their trunks were packed, and as they headed to bed, Harry and Ginny agreed to meet for one final midnight rendezvous in the living room.
The Burrow was quiet, only the sound of the occasional creak of the old house broke into the stillness of the night. Harry sat side by side with Ginny on the worn couch, close enough that their arms brushed, but they were lost in their own thoughts.
Harry glanced at Ginny, her face barely visible in the dim light. She looked peaceful, but her silence seemed to indicate that her thoughts were elsewhere.
"What's it?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ginny shook her head. "Too much on my mind."
"Same here." Harry leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. After a moment, he added with a soft chuckle, "I was thinking about Fred and George."
Ginny turned to him, her lips twitching into a half-smile. "Let me guess. You're plotting revenge for that whole mess?"
Harry grinned but shook his head. "Actually, I was thinking... maybe we shouldn't. They did, accidentally, get us together."
Ginny raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You're letting them off the hook? Really?"
He leaned back, folding his arms. "Well, not entirely. We just won't punish them with any more pranks. Doesn't mean we have to tell them why."
Ginny laughed quietly, her eyes glinting in the dim light. "I'd never hear the end of it if they found out. Can you imagine how smug they'd be?"
"Exactly," Harry said, his smile growing. "They'd claim credit for the rest of their lives. Best if they never know."
Ginny's expression softened as she settled back into the cushions, her gaze drifting to the bright patch the moonlight painted on the floor. "It's strange to think about, isn't it? How something so chaotic... led to this." She reached out, intertwining her fingers with his. "I wouldn't change it."
Harry squeezed her hand gently. "Me neither."
They sat in silence for a while, the quiet ticking of a clock on the mantle was the only reminder that time was still passing.
After a while, Ginny let out a soft sigh. "As awkward as it was at first, being you turned out to be the best experience of my life."
"Even better than flying?" asked Harry, amused.
"Even better than flying," Ginny admitted with a small smile.
"Yeah. You're right. Awkward is definitely the word for it," Harry chuckled. "But after going through that, I don't think anything could ever be awkward between us again."
Ginny nodded thoughtfully. "Having been in your body makes me feel closer to you than anyone else. And knowing you've been in mine…it's like we've truly walked in each other's shoes. Being around you now feels a bit like coming home."
Harry smiled. "I don't know anyone else I can talk to as easily as I can with you. Even with Ron, there are some things we'd never discuss."
Ginny laughed softly, "I feel the same about my brother. But," she said with a playful glint in her eye, "when it comes to Fred and George, I'm still keeping my options open for one last curse. Just in case."
Harry chuckled, leaning his head back against the couch. "Fair enough. Just give me a heads-up before you do it, yeah?"
"Deal." Ginny's laughter was light, but it stopped abruptly when she noticed the mischievous glint in Harry's eyes.
"You know," he said, with a teasing tone, "maybe they saved me from having to see you and Dean making out in the common room all year."
Ginny's eyes widened in surprise before she burst into giggles. "Oh, that's true. I guess that's one of the perks."
Harry grinned, trying to dispel the image from his mind. "Yeah, I suppose I owe them that, if nothing else."
"Don't be too forgiving," Ginny chuckled, giving him a light pat on his arm and snuggled up to him with her head resting on his shoulder.
The next morning, Ministry cars were waiting outside the Burrow to take them to King's Cross, back to the real world. Grim-looking Aurors stood at every corner of the station, waving them impatiently through to the platform. The scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express stood waiting, puffing clouds of steam, its whistle echoing through the station. Harry glanced at his watch; they still had about ten minutes before departure.
As they made their way through the bustling platform, Harry noticed Ginny's expression tighten as if in pain. Concerned, he stopped abruptly.
"Ginny, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Ginny shook her head, trying to brush away Harry's worries. "It's nothing, really. I'm fine."
Harry wasn't convinced. "Are you sure? Is there anything I can do?"
Ginny gave him a teasing smile. "If you really want to help, find me that potion. The cramps just started, and you're welcome to experience them for a week instead."
Harry's eyes widened in alarm. "Is it really that bad that you'd trade cramps for morning wood?" he blurted out without thinking.
Ginny burst into laughter. "Honestly, I'd take the trade. At least morning wood doesn't last all day!"
Harry blinked, then smirked. "You don't know the half of it."
She laughed softly. "Don't worry, love. I wouldn't put you through that. I'd never survive a week of you whining about it."
Harry tried to smile, though he still looked uneasy. "So it's true then? These cramps come with a side of grumpiness, huh?" He reached for Ginny's trunk, lifting it with ease. "Here, let me carry this."
Ginny looked at him, amused. "Who told you that?"
"Hermione," Harry replied. "She was complaining about it a couple of weeks ago and blamed it for her mood swings." Spotting Ron and Hermione approaching, Harry grinned. "Speak of the devil..."
Ron and Hermione had made their way onto the platform, hurrying toward the train. "We've got to get to the prefects' compartment," Hermione called, slightly out of breath. "See you later!"
"Oh right, I forgot about that," Harry said.
"You'd better board, the train's about to leave," Mrs Weasley approached them, glancing at her watch. "Have a good term, all of you!"
A whistle blew, signalling the imminent departure. Almost everyone had boarded, and the train doors were closing.
"Hurry up, Harry," Mr Weasley urged as Mrs Weasley added, "Quick, dear!"
Harry scrambled to load his and Ginny's trunks onto the train with help from Mr and Mrs Weasley.
"Don't forget, Harry, you're coming to stay with us for Christmas. Dumbledore's already approved it, so we'll see you soon!" Mrs Weasley called through the window as Harry boarded the train, the doors closing behind him. The train began to move, and Mrs Weasley jogged alongside, waving.
"Take care! Be good!" she shouted as the train picked up speed, rounding a corner and taking Mr and Mrs Weasley out of sight.
Harry turned to see where the others had gone. He guessed Ron and Hermione were already in the prefects' compartment, but Ginny was down the aisle, chatting with some friends. He made his way over, dragging their trunks behind him, aware of the stares and whispers that followed him down the train. The attention, likely due to the rumours about the "Chosen One" in the Daily Prophet, made him uncomfortable.
He tapped Ginny on the shoulder. "Fancy finding a compartment with me?"
Ginny turned to him with a bright smile. "Of course, Harry. Where else would I sit?"
