Chapter 41

Valentine's Day

Monday, 10 February 1997

For the first time in recent history Draco actually kept his mouth shut and head down Monday. It was bliss.

Potion Making was better than most of the class expected. If he had any memory of his meeting with Harry and Ginny, Slughorn didn't give any indication. "There has been a slight addendum to the course material this week," he announced with a pudgy finger in the air. "Rather than have you analyze poison, this week I want to teach you how to brew a variety of antidotes…. For no particular reason, mind you." The class snickered. The incident of the cocktail party was already common hall knowledge. This was Hogwarts, nothing stays secret for long.

Later that day when they started first period A.C.T. Tonks took them to the actual real outside Hogwarts. "Let's get out of the castle," she said.

None of the Marauders objected. Luna did not continue with occlumency, her natural mindscape proved to be secure enough. Harry and Tonks pitied anyone who attempted to visit. As Tonks gathered the students around the cool early spring she led them to have a seat.

"Alright class, you've put a lot of work into this. I think it's time we tried higher testing. No matter what, try to keep me out today." She said with a cheek grin.

"Oh gods," Ron muttered as he crossed his legs.

"We have to be sadists to keep doing things." Neville said, looking over to Hannah. She simply nodded her head and patted his back in agreement.

Tonks smiled and winked. "Good luck everyone, Hopefully I won't see you on the other side. Legemens."

The Quidditch pitch of Ron's mind was encased in an opaque dome of frozen blue and white ice. Tonks approached the main gate to see the doors frozen shut and locked. She walked down to the service door. They were locked too. Gently, Tonks lifted and floated around looking for cracks. It seemed that on the other side of the stone brick the ice dome continued down and protruded to fill in cracks and gaps. "Impressive, Mr. Weasley." Tonks smiled.

Ron paced nervously in the dome on his own mind. He looked over the quidditch field and even thought about going for a flight. But he was too nervous. He'd gotten better with his text anxiety, but that didn't mean it didn't exist. Then he heard a friendly voice. "Ron?"

His ears perked up. "Hermione?" He walked over the front gate and with a wave of his hand made the ice transparent to see through. There, standing on the other side of the wall was his girlfriend of seven months now, crossing her arms and shivering. He took a very close look at her. She was wearing the standard school uniform, which was normal, and what finally sold him was the girl before him was actually wearing trousers. Ron never fantasized about Hermione in trousers.

"What are you doing here? How are you here?"

Hermione gave him an incredulous smile. "You know, I've been studying legilimency for almost 2 months now," she said in a mild offense. "Did you think I wouldn't figure it out?

Ron's shoulder's sank. "No, Mione, but you hadn't mentioned you got it down yet. Sorry."

"It's okay, but while we're waiting for Tonks to test us, I thought I'd pop 'round. You know if a girl is going to be on your mind, I would prefer it to be me." Hermine smiled coyly.

"You-" Ron cut himself off as his cheeks turned as red as his hair. "You know damn well you're on my mind damn near all the time."

Hermioine's smile warmed, but apparently that was the only part as she gave a full body shiver. "I know, so how about you let me in?" She playfully tapped at the ice.

"OH!" Ron said, registering the terrain. For security, he did look around and the coast was indeed clear. With a wave of his hand he lowered a section of wall for his girl that he met with a hug and sealed it back up as she entered.

"Really Ron, I know you didn't expect a visitor, and I know cold doesn't bother you, but could you imagine it warmer here?" Hermione said through chattering teeth.

Ron reflexively rubbed her arms and back. "Well if this is all in my head I'm sure there's something we could figure out to warm up."

Hermione giggled in his arms and looked up and he looked down and they shared smiles. Then Hermione chastely kissed him on his cheek and stopped shivering, then stepped away, still smiling. "You really are a sweet young man." Hermione said with a far more cocky grin now. Then she shook her hair loose.. which also straightened… and became bubblegum pink… And when she finished shaking her, Hermione was gone and Sergeant Tonks stood before him.

Ron stood mouth agape, "Oh gods, I'm sorry, I'm so sor-"

"Ron, don't even worry a second about it. Good defenses, human failure." she smiled. "But I think lesson learned." she smiled.

Ron signed in embarrassment. "Yes Ma'am."

"Hey, Hermione's a lucky girl." Then with a cheeky wink she popped away.

"She got me." Ron verbally said.

"I tricked him." Tonks said with a smile. "And we'll leave it at that."

Hermione's library had become a fortress. Tonks was very impressed.

Hannah's recital room had the doors and window closed and secured. But with subtle nudging Tonks was able to listen to Hannah play a beautiful piece on the piano. Technically, Tonks stayed longer than she needed too, but the song was so lovely she treated herself to stay for the entirety. When Hannah finished Tonks was leaning up against the door behind Hannah and started clapping. "I didn't expect to hear something like that today." the auror said with a smile.

"Damn it, I'm sorry Sarge," Hannah said as she started to hang her head.

"Hannah, please, that's what practice is for. Next time, more focus on security, less on music. But please don't quit the music, I want to hear more later." With another wink Tonks faded away again.

Neville's conservatory was surprisingly secure and responsive. Every time Tonks reached for a pane of glass Devils bind grew and reached out to secure the area and defend. She tried half a dozen attempts only to be pricked by thorns. "Well done Neville." she verbally congratulated.

Next Tonks mentally stepped before No 12 Grimmauld Place. Harry had been driven with occlumency lessons especially in the last few weeks. More importantly, he was proving to be clever. Tonks took a moment to look. She ignored the door, as that would have been too obvious, but rather looked to check out a window, only to be electrically shocked. "Ouch!" That was new. She tried a second and third window, each with ever increasing shocks. By the fourth one her hand in reality jolted. "Harry," Tonks verbally called. "Have you tied your occlumency walls … to your elemental magic?"

"Yep," Harry replied with his normal air of cockyness. "And I add a little extra spark with every attempt."

The class snickered.

"Are you trying to deter me with … annoyance?" Tonks half chuckled.

"I don't know, let's see if it works." Harry announced in an air of challenge.

"Oh… cadet takes out a couple of aurors, now he thinks he's hot stuff." Tonks said with a smile.

"Prove me wrong, Sarge." Harry grinned.

Tonks continued to try to gain entry to Grimmauld. Every attempt resulted in greater and greater shock. Top story window? No. Back coal shoot? Ow! No. Attic vent? Damn it! No. When the shock from the mail slot was harsh enough to completely break her concentration on the spell she cried out in pain. "Fuck!"

"You okay, Sarge? Seriously?" Harry asked in genuine concern. "I'm sor-"

"No!" Tonks was quick to cut him off. "Don't you dare apologize. That is exactly what we want in occlumency. Congratulations Harry, you pass, with flying colors, damn." She took five minutes, then seemed to be back to normal. Then T0nks looked over to the most dedicated student. "Crimson, you ready for this?"

Ginny grinned. "Bring it."

Tonks slipped back into the spell and soon stood outside Ginny's personal Burrow. Tonks walked around to the side window, and quickly moved her hand away from the heat. "You too with the elemental blend?" She called out.

"You taught me." Ginny's disembodied voice echoed around her mind.

Tonks tried three other windows, each with increasing flame to touch. Tonks found herself in about the best position a teacher could be. Proud her students were doing well, frustrated she couldn't beat them. She doubted it would be this easy but Tonks did fly up to the balcony. Very slowly she approached and reached out, only for a wall of flame to erupt surrounding the balcony. Tonks recoiled her hand to avoid the burn but definitely felt the heat. After the wall faded, Ginny walked up the stairs, in full Crimson Witch regalia, most importantly her cheshire cat smile. "How am I doing, Sarge?"

"Very impressive, Crimson. Very damn impressive." Tonks looked around, her pride and admiration clear. "More important. How are you?"

Crimson nodded as she leaned up against the stairs behind her. "You were right. The order, the discipline, the self control, it all is very internally calming. I'm a lot better than I have been in a long, long time. Thank you, Tonks, Thank you very much."

"Happy to help." Tonks said with a very heartfelt smile and took a final look around. "And congratulations, I think you pass."

Crimson smiled. "Oh, but you didn't even encounter my first defense. I let you get past that."

Tonks smirked and rested her hands on her hips as she shook her head. "Going easy on your CO? Not recommended Weasley. Bring it." Tonks smiled. "I want to see it."

"Okay," Crimson shook her head. "You asked for it. Smaug!" She called.

Outside the Burrow, a circle of fire spawned from nothing and circled the building like a great 8 feet wide and tall Chinese dragon. Chasing its own tail, the smoke dragon began swimming circles around the Burrow, but with each lap it climbed to wrap around it.

Tonks floated away impressed. "Ginny, that's Fiendfyre! Are you actually studying it?"

"Studying… Yes, I don't feel near ready to try to cast it. But here, in my mind, where I am in control and I basically am goddess here… absolutely." she purred as she leaned over the balcony of the tower that was Burrow, now surrounded by a golden and red dragon of fire coiled around it and clearly obedient to its mistress.

Tonks knew when to cut her losses. She ended the spell. Back in reality she verbally said to Ginny, "You win, hands down, nicely done Miss Weasley."

When the class broke apart most of the students headed back to the castle to connect with the rest of the squad, Ron doddled clearly nervous.

"Can I help you, Ron?" Tonks asked honestly and kindly.

Ron's embarrassment was clear, but he was trying. "I - I - I'm sorry. I swear…"

"Ron, I tricked you." Tonks reminded with a warm smile. "The worst thing you did was hug and said a mildly suggestive line to who you thought was your girlfriend in private. Hell, the keeping warm line I don't even think I would have scolded for if you said that out loud to her. You are truly fine."

"Really?" Ron said in surprise.

Tonks nodded her head. "In investigative work, do you have any idea how many full on explicit fantasies I've legilimensed in on?" She grinned wildly while she patted Ron's shoulder, "You and I are fine. You truly are a sweet young man, and Hermione is a lucky girl." Tonks finished with a wink. "Now go catch up with her."

As they were walking to the castle, Remus was walking down to meet her, with a letter in hand. Needless to say the Marauders were curious so followed along. Remus just shook his head but saw no point in discouraging them. "Owl just came into class," he said to Tonks as he handed her the letter. "I'm not part of D.M.L.E. so I didn't open it. But it doesn't take a genius to know you would want this as soon as possible."

"Thank you," she said as she accepted them. "At least I won't have to arrest you for mail fraud." The squad all shared the smile as she opened the letters. Tonks's expression soon turned to confusion… then frustration.

Remus broached first. "Tonks dear, clearly it's not good news but what is it?"

Tonks began reading the letter aloud. "Sergeant Tonks, Your request for the arrest and bodily inspection of Draco Malfoy have been denied due to lack of evidence. Additionally, we would remind you your primary focus should be on the training, not matters of school security."

"What?" Remus.

"Someone in D.M.L.E. is covering for Draco!" she screamed.

"Sarge, Remus," Harry said as he stepped forward with the team behind him looking with sincerity. "We should have a chat."

Friday, 14 February 1997

The gates of Hogwarts exploded as the students ran forth for a Hogsmeade weekend on Valentines day. Harry and Ginny stuck to the side of the road less worried about the destination, Harry having a particularly strong grin about him.

"What do you know, Harry?" Ginny asked as they laced fingers together as they walked.

"I'm halfway through my Sixth year here. I would hope I know something, else Hermione is going to be quite cross at me."

Ginny put a loving slug to Harry's arm. "You know what I mean. You only have that grin when you have a card up your sleeve. Girlfriend access rights, what's up?"

Harry laughed at the love tap. "Okay, you're about to find out. I was looking at everyone dashing to try to get a table at Three Broomsticks and was thinking, 'I'm glad I thought ahead.'"

"Oh really," Ginny asked with curiosity. "How did you do that?"

"I made a reservation." Harry replied with a full smile.

Ginny laughed. It was so stupidly simple, but it would be Harry to think about it. "Thank you, I am honored."

At their own pace they made their way to the tavern which was as predicted, filled to the point of bursting and the scent of butterbeer and laughter. It seemed as if everyone decided the war could go to hell for a weekend and they were taking this one for themselves. Harry couldn't fault them for the approach.

Rosmerta came to the counter reflexively began, "Ello, how can I help-" Then she caught herself. "Welcome back Master Potter," she smiled warmly. "You proved to be the smart one this weekend. Hello, Miss Weasley."

"I've been accused of worse." Harry shrugged. "I'm thinking you have a key and hoping you have a package for me?"

"Package?" Ginny asked with a coy smile.

"Yes, for you." Harry smiled as Rosmerta put both on "But you can wait five minutes."

"Well, I suppose." she said. As Ginny looked over she did see Luna sitting with Colin, clearly enjoying it. Luna's smile was infectious Ginny was wearing it when the two girls waved.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, after dealing with Rosmerta.

"Oh, Luna and Colin having a Valentine's Date."

Harry looked over. Luna gave him the same smile and wave. Harry nodded in respect. "She's still happy. That's all I care about." Harry looked over and did see the amalgam of friends and couples, it was a rare moment of happiness.

"Anything else, I can help with?" Rosmerta asked.

Harry grinned, he was in good spirits. "Yes. See the couple there, long haired blonde girl with the blonde boy with the camera."

"Oh, yes… Sweet couple they are." Rosmerta nodded with a smile.

"I agree. And…" Harry looked around. "The tall redheaded bloke with the brunette with curls."

"Oh, you mean the pair I won 5 Galleons on, sure."

Ginny laughed. "You had a bet on my brother?"

Rosmerta laughed, "I won 20 galleons off you two!"

All of them laughed. Harry finally composed himself and took his coin clam out and apparated a small pile. "Those two couples are on my tab tonight, anonymously. Either keep the change or let me know when we settle up later, fair enough?"

"More than. Happy to help. Have a good night." the innkeeper said as she picked up the galleons and made a note on a small pad at the counter.

Harry looked back to Ginny, who was clearly scanning the room, looking. "Watcha looking for, babe?"

Still peering through the hustle and bustle. "I was trying to see which table could be ours. They all seem full and I hate to kick anyone out."

"Who said anything about a table?" Harry grinned as he took her hand and led her up the stairs.

"Harry… you didn't... did you?" she smiled ear to ear.

"Reserve us a room so we could have a moment's privacy? Absolutely I did." He smiled as he took the key and opened the first door on the left. As they entered, Harry took his wand and lit the flames of the fireplace in the corner of the room, giving light to the hardwood floor covered with red rugs with gold accents. He laid his package and backpack on an end table near a blue sofa by the fireplace with a brown wool blanket resting on the back of it. Off to the side was a freshly made double bed with similar brown cover over it. The focal point clearly though was in front of the fireplace was a circular table already set for two with a centerpiece of a dozen roses. Next to that was a bottle of mead.

Ginny's mouth fell agape in joy. "Harry… this is …"

"Valentine's day." He simply finished with a smile, pulling out the chair.

Ginny sat with a wide smile. "I never doubted we'd have dinner or do something, but I admit I didn't expect… this." She stopped briefly and brushed her hair to the side to take in the scent of the flowers as she sat.

"Is this okay?" Harry asked honestly, gesturing to their room, "After Christmas and our room at Grimmauld-"

"Absolutely," Ginny interrupted with an expression of pure joy. "Six brothers, Privacy is unheard of and … so damn appreciated."

Harry smiled as he did a safety scry on the bottle. Then went to the door and set the standard privacy charms. "I did need to pre order dinner, so technically I ordered for you tonight, but I think you can forgive me?"

Mockingly, Ginny shook her head slightly. "I don't know. That's going to cost you." She smiled with a smolder in her eye.

Harry didn't hesitate as he happily bent down and kissed his girl. "Happy Valentines," he said when they broke apart and he finally sat down.

"Happy Valentines," Ginny replied beaming. "I admit I'm curious about several things. You're still a few months shy of seventeen."

Harry chuckled as he opened the bottle and started pouring. "A fact Madam Rosmerta was happy to overlook after hearing how I hexed the hell out of the bastard that cursed her. That and I pay in galleons and we walk the patrol here often, she was happy to make another business deal."

"And picking up the tabs for Ron and Hermione and Luna and Colin?" Ginny smiled.

"Why not? Just a couple of galleons. Small way of supporting both couples." Harry shrugged as he finally sipped his drink.

"Even for your little sister?" Ginny teased.

Harry nodded, "Hey, you tell me. Has Luna said anything about Colin being anything other than a stand up bloke? Do I need to go downstairs and rough him up." He smiled, clearly joking.

Ginny shook her head. "Nope, Colin has been sweet, kind, respectful and fun."

"Then the rest is not my business. I felt bad for her Christmas," Harry admitted with a shrug and sip. "I'm happy to see that Luna's Valentine's is better."

"Speaking of Luna. She wanted me to let you know she appreciates the sketch set."

Harry waved the thought away dismissively. "It was her birthday, no big deal."

"I have a question though," Ginny asked with curiosity. "Why that, a sketch set?"

Harry looked up thoughtfully. "You have the advantage of a few extra years of Luna than I do. I'd like to get to know her better. And if she has Mage Vision on naturally, all the time, I would love to know better how it is she sees the world."

A knock at the door sounded.

"Ah Dinner," Harry said. He did check the peephole and crack the door, before retrieving the serving tray. Ginny levitated the vase over to the mantle over the fireplace.

Harry carefully laid the plates down, "For the lady roast lamb, yorkshire pudding, and veg. The bloke went boring with steak and potato."

"Well the bloke did wonderful, thank you."

They started in on dinner, they caught up on unimportant chats. When they had gotten to finishing their meals, Harry did want to touch on one thing important. "Gin, I do want to say. I am very proud of your work with occlumency." he said with deep pride and satisfaction.

Ginny blushed but smiled. "Thank you. I never would have guessed but it helps." She took a moment to look at Harry's expression of total affection and pride. "You help more though." She watched Harry squirm for a moment as she read his body language about to try and dismiss her praise but consciously he overrode his reflexes and accepted it. "And thank you for not baulking either."

"Will you let me get away with, 'You deserve it'?"

Ginny nodded her head, then slightly changing the subject, "Well as you have presented dinner and everything, may I slip something in?"

"Please," Harry said with a wave. He took his wand and levitated the plates over to the tray out of the way. Ginny opened her purse and pulled out a red wrapped package that looked like it shouldn't fit. By now Harry was used to that. She smiled brightly when she passed it over.

Harry opened it and found a pair of black leather quidditch gloves, fingerless (his preference) with a lightning bolt emblem embossed along the forearm. Harry smiled widely. "Thanks Gin, these are great."

"Actually, they aren't average gloves." she grinned.

Harry looked at her curiously. "Charmed?"

"Nothing against regulations," she emphasized. "I want you to wear these during matches and stuff. But I had Nimbus add in their best durability charms. Thought it would help against a wolf bite, or whatever the hell gets thrown at us. And if you check the undersides, on the left you should have some transparent pockets for like a clock, compass, whatever you want. On the right, I copied you a bit. Feather fall charm and wand holster."

Harry smiled. "Because you like me and would like to keep me around for a while?"

"Yeah, kinda, it's a preference." Ginny laughed with Harry. "I know I can't stop you from getting in the fray, but I do want to help you get out of it."

Harry rose and walked over to kiss her in appreciation. "Thank you very much. Now…" he said as he disappeared behind her.

Ginny could hear him unwrapping the mystery package. Ginny sat excitedly in her chair. A moment later she could feel the warmth and weight of a wrap around and rest over shoulders. She looked down to see a black leather jacket being draped around her. "You got us all coats for Christmas, it seemed only fair I cover you now."

"Harry… that's ridiculously thoughtful." she said as she put her hands through the sleeves, which were a touch too long, but truly didn't care. She looked closer at the lapel and leatherwork. "Great choice. This reminds me of Sirius's old jacket."

Harry grinned again as he sat down. "Great eye, Gin because… that is Sirius's jacket. Or was, now it's yours"

"What?! No!" She said in disbelief and protest.

"Yes. I had some stitching redon, buttons replaced and added a warming charm and had it freshen it up for you, but yes that is his jacket." Harry asked, admiring Ginny in the coat.

"Harry… Sirius was your family."

"And you are…" Harry smiled wryly. "You two are kindred spirts of sorts. I am certain he'd be proud to see it pass on to you."

"Thank you. Thank you very much." She wrapped herself up the coat and let herself relive some of the few memories she had of Harry's godfather, but more just the appreciative feelings for her betrothed.

"I really loved hanging out with him at Grimmauld. He'd share Marauder stories or just tales in general. And he at least would keep the good bits in and not like gloss over when things got messy or… fun." Ginny smiled coyly.

"I am well aware Sirius did not scare away from details." Harry laughed with a healthy drink.

"Ohh, there is a story there," Ginny leaned forward. "Tell me more."

"Gods no, embarrassing as hell." Harry protested with a wave and a grimace.

"Even better." Ginny said with a devilish grin.

"You may regret this." Harry warned and pointed with his drink in hand.

"Meh, anything for a good story." Ginny grinned with her eyes set on her squirming boyfriend and sipping her drink.

Harry refilled his glass and rolled his eyes. "The things you get me to do."

"You love me." Ginny chimed in cheerily.

"Damn right," Harry agreed as he raised the glass and took another sip. "Christmas '95. We were all staying at Grimmauld because of your Dad's attack." Ginny nodded, showing she was tracking. 'Well, now I will cop to stealing the occasional view of you."

"I bloody knew it!" Ginny yelled in victory.

"And apparently you were checking me out?" Harry asked.

"Damn it, Potter, I was so obvious." Ginny confirmed dryly then refilled her own glass. "Please continue."

"Look, I'll take full responsibility for being thick and blind. Point of this story, Sirius was neither thick nor blind. A couple days before we head back to school, he literally grabs me by the collar and hauls me into one of the rooms and damn near throws me onto the bed. Remus followed after him. I'm panicking wondering what the hell I did to deserve this. Sirius goes" in his best impersonation, "I recognize that look in your eyes, Pup. It's time we have an overdue conversation."

Ginny covered her mouth with both hands. "No." she gasped.

"Oh yeah!" Harry confirmed returning back to his normal voice. "Hand to merlin, I tried to explain to them that muggle school already covered it but nope. Sirius and Remus took turns going into excruciating detail giving me the 'the Talk.'"

"No!" Ginny laughed hysterically, "Both of them?"

"Yes!" Harry confirmed. "Remus was the one sticking to the anatomy, including illusionary examples, and the academics in an almost clinical disconnect. Sirius ran the whole damn gambit from generally useful advice to bad lines to the damn charms."

Ginny almost made a spit take. "Like contraception charms?"

"Yep." Harry confirmed taking another drink.

"Blokes never learn those!" she said, sitting back arms wide in a mix of surprise and annoyance.

"Cite your source." Harry sassed.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Nothing first hand, you know that. But this is something that girls talk about in the dorms. Almost a tradition handed down from the elders to the younger."

Harry smiled. "Didn't know, not surprised. And I'll admit no I've not experienced that on my side so, yeah, you probably are right. But again we're talking about Sirius Black!" Returning to his Sirius impression, "It takes two to tango pup, and 11 can equal 3, if someone doesn't know one of these ."

"Oh my god, I am the reason you had the talk from Sirius. I simultaneously love and hate that." Ginny giggled as they sat.

"I tried to warn you." Harry reminded but with a smile from ear to ear.

"I suppose it's only fair." Ginny sighed as she looked off.

Harry could see her story on the horizon. "Spill, what's only fair? You're the competitive one."

Ginny smiled very brightly. "Well, seven siblings and farm life, the 'facts of life' aren't exactly hidden from Weasleys."

"The hell you say." Harry sassed. Which made Ginny laugh warmly.

"Well, I am assuming it was a plan from the old Marauders because that same Christmas break, Tonks taught me the same charms."

"Bloody hell!" Harry roared.

"I know!" Ginny agreed. "I tried to tell her that I had kissed a whole two boys in my life and nothing like that was going to happen with Michale. She was all, 'Well then we're ahead of the game, the best time to learn."

Harry looked to the ceiling. "Gods, we were such obvious idiots."

Ginny raised a glass. "To figuring it out.

Harry happily met her toast. "Absolutely, to figuring it out."

"So Gin," Harry started. Ginny gave him her full attention. "Two boys kissed? Michael and-"

Ginny smiled. "Neville."

"Yule ball!" Harry guessed with a pointed finger.

Ginny nodded. "He was a great guy all night, nervous as hell but, so was I. But he was the picture of sweet and kind. So at the end of the night, a good night peck. My first kiss. I think his too. I don't know for sure."

"Neville is a great guy, that's sweet, good on you." Harry smiled and looked on with affection.

"Neville is great and I'm glad we're all friends to this day. But there wasn't any … spark. I wasn't interested in anything more, I don't regret it at all though." Ginny paused. "I get the feeling you can't say the same about Cho?"

"Gods," Harry took another drink. "Looking back with a clearer head, and a bit of experience. I was a rebound for Cho and likely the worst possible rebound she could have chosen. We shared literally a singular kiss, and I guess it all came to a head for her, and she ran off crying."

"Oh merlin." Ginny was fighting hard to control her expression, but the alcohol was making it difficult.

Harry could see the struggle. He rolled his eyes. And waved her on. "I'm a lot better now, Gin. Go ahead and laugh." Harry even chuckled about it.

"That could only happen to you, Harry." They both enjoyed the laugh and warmth of the fire and feeling. "For the record, nothing of consequence happened with Michale. You passed what he did about … our first week."

"Gin, I really wasn't worried, but thanks for sharing." he raised a glass in respect.

Ginny's cheshire grin returned. "Harry, since we're talking about our histories here, I want to ask something."

"Babe, we've taken steps to get married." Harry said pointing to the locket Ginny wore. "Feel free."

"Why am I here? I mean, why me… instead of … Hermione?"

"Well I think Ron and you would both hex me to hell if I took Hermione to a Valentine Date." Harry replied coily.

Ginny playfully threw a loose teaspoon at him, making them both laugh. "C'mon… really. I swear this isn't jealousy or anything. It's really more of a curiosity. You both admit to being friends for years. Mathematically, she's way ahead in hours on the board, adventures and events. Was there a night you guys agree never happened or a kiss that proved it wasn't or…"

Harry was already chuckling at suggestions but held his hand out to stop her. "Alright, for you…" Harry said pointing with his glass. "I will completely level, not that there is much to tell. But I would appreciate it if we kept this between us simply because I don't want her feelings hurt, fair enough?"

Ginny was truly surprised by the response and it showed on her face with her eyes wide. "Sure, absolutely, of course."

Harry took another drink. "Again, this is for you. Now, I have never lied. Hermione honestly does feel more like a sister to me than anything else. There have been, I don't know, a handful of… like pecks on the cheek. They were… fine." Harry shrugged. "Like you said with Neville, never any sparks. I will admit that at Yule Ball, there was a mild wake up of, 'Oh wow, Hermione is really pretty.' But even that was followed up with, 'Ron was an idiot."

Ginny shared a laugh. "Okay so you admit she's pretty, but no sparks."

Harry nodded, "And you're already experienced a great example of why I could never last long in a relationship with her. Also why I have great respect for Ron. Do you remember the first week this year, when I found that advanced potion making book? The one with the handwritten notes that gave me tips to win the Liquid Luck."

"You mean the runner up for the creepiest books I've ever encountered?" Ginny actually grinned.

The fact Ginny could make a joke even partially connected to the journal actually brought a full smile to Harry's face. He chose not to mention that though, in case she didn't realize what she was doing. He moved on. "That's the one. Now you walked in on her 'discussing', " he said with finger quotes, "the matter with me."

"Harry, she was nagging you to death."

"Exactly!" Harry said with a congratulatory shake of his hand. "Hermione is brilliant, but she barely listens to anyone else. And when there is a disagreement, she rarely talks, she lectures. I get enough lectures from the teacher and … where I used to live. I've never wanted to date for more lectures. Now for further clarity, do you remember what you did?"

Ginny took a moment to think back. "Nothing special," she shook her head. "We just talked."

"Talking was what was special." Harry clarified with a smile. "You actually listened to me, like you cared about my opinion and stuff. And frankly you gave a better argument than she did."

Ginny laughed. "Of course I care about your opinion! Why would I be dating you if I didn't care?"

"Hey, I agree, but you're the one that wanted to know why you're here and not Hermione, that's a great example of why. You have no problem giving me a reality check."

"You need it sometimes." Ginny cheekily agreed with a sip.

"But you often listen to me, and believe me." Harry said very heartfelt and appreciatively.

"You deserve that too." Ginny said. She waited a moment then rose and offered a hand.

Harry rose and accepted her hand and joined her to curl up on the sofa and watch the fire crackle. "Did you ever use that Liquid Luck yet, Harry?"

He shook his head as he slipped his left arm around her shoulders. "Nah, saving that for like a legitimate, 'dear gods this could be it' type fight."

"Ah," Ginny nodded as she laid her head on his chest. Clearly teasing, she poked, "So haven't like, drank some night to try to get really lucky." she grinned.

Harry chuckled. "Nah, you're the only one I'm interested in, and while I will cop to complete inexperience, but whenever we get to it I would like to think it will be somewhat memorable."

Ginny truly was expecting more squirm, not such a direct answer. But it was great and she smiled brightly from it. She sat up and rubbed his cheek and looked him in the eyes. "I have no doubt about that Harry." She kissed him in deep appreciation. When they broke apart, she rested her head against his and continued. "I admit I was just teasing you, but it's great we can joke, and talk and … just be like this. Thank you."

"Happy to be here, Gin. Happy for the company… and everything." He pressed a kiss to her smiling cheek.

Slightly thinking of the outside world. Ginny sighed, "Harry, how long do we have this place? When do we need to get out?"

"Oh, yeah, fair question… " Harry looked up doing the mental math. "Um..Ten… AM… Sunday."

"What?!" Ginny asked.

Harry grinned. "It's Hogsmeade Weekend, so I reserved the weekend."

Ginny cackled in joy then crashed her lips to his. They stay there for the moment, each enjoying it. Finally she teased, "You brilliant bastard! You should have told me! I would have packed."

"The contents of your 'Ginny Drawer' is in my pack over there." he gestured with his thumb. "Anything else, we can go back to school if you want, or pick up tomorrow." Harry reached up and caressed her cheek. "It's my girl's first Valentine's Weekend, I wanted it to be a good one for you. I love you, Ginny Weasley."