Chapter 33

Things Change

Percy could feel the eyes of everyone on him as he sat down, next to Molly. He was strangely relieved when Harry and Ginny returned. As the food was passed around, Percy tried to use the universal Weasley language. "Harry, has anyone mentioned…you can be truly terrifying when you want to be?" The joke didn't land quite as well as he hoped, with seemingly the entire table pausing to see Harry's reaction.

Harry washed his turkey down with a drink and grinned. "Oh that? That's Tonk's fault. She trained me."

A few snickers came out but Tonks replied pointedly. "Hardly Harry, I have mostly taught you procedures of the job and pointed you all towards your elemental studies. You could already be quite frightening before I started teaching."

"What?" he asked seemingly genuinely surprised.

Ginny smirked, and fake coughed, "McLaggen, McLaggen."

"Oi, he deserved it." Harry smiled.

"I'm going to have to agree with Sarge." Ron agreed.

"My best mate!" Harry smiled.

"Around the table sure… but you're also my quidditch captain. You can be quite aggressive out there." Ron smiled.

Hermione was nodding in agreement. "From the stands I would have to agree, which I dare say is largely why Professor McGonagall gave you the team this year."

Harry shook his head. "That's different. That's quidditch. That's important."

That broke the entire quidditch loving family out into laughter, from which the meal progressed essentially normally. For one meal for one day the war and politics were laid down and a family simply stole an afternoon.

After a respectable attempt to make a dent in the food at the table, the guests started to break away from the table. Percy left under much better sentiment this time. Harry, never wanting to be in the way, gathered his gifts from the morning and brought them down to his room.

Tonks came to Hermione, "Have a moment?"

Hermione nodded, "Of course."

"I have one more gift that I want you to consider," the auror said, handing what was clearly a wrapped book.

Hermione opened it to read the cover. "Legilimency?" Hermione looked up with a very questionable expression. "I don't know how I feel about reading people's thoughts, Sergeant."

"That's part of what makes you a good candidate. You are less likely to abuse it. But you must realize that there are evil people out there who will not voluntarily share information and that costs lives." Hermione nodded. "You have a brilliant mind, you have a strong ethical core, and you have the backbone to defend your beliefs. You are the type of person we like to see with the skill because you have the judgment to wisely choose when and how far."

"I-I will need to think about this."

Tonks smiled. "I would have expected nothing less, Granger."

Harry laid his gifts on his desk for a moment then turned to see Ginny smiling beside him.

"Damn, you can be quiet when you want to be," he smiled.

Ginny nodded. "Six elder brothers, necessary skill to develop." She hopped up and sat on Harry's dresser and smirked. "So… you wanted to talk privately about charms?" she asked toying with the locket around her neck.

Harry smiled coyly. "Oh! You want to know about that!" Harry drew his wand and looked to the door. It was closed and with a flick of his wrist he locked it. Then he let himself enjoy a caress of her waist as he took a moment to look at his girl and just appreciate everything about her from her blazing hair, warm eyes, playful freckles and loving smile.

"Susan, Neville, and Hannah have tossed a few books over to me over the last few months to give me a crash course of noble traditions, house law, all that stuff that neither of us needed to be bothered with but apparently is now very relevant. Especially with hindsight being 20/20, your feelings were obvious for a while. I don't want to repeat history or ever leave you wondering again."

"Us?" Ginny caught and repeated with a smile.

"I'm getting there, I promise, and don't worry, this isn't like a full proposal or anything."

"I don't know if I should be happy or sad about that Harry," she replied with a clearly fake and over performed pout.

Harry reached up and cupped both of her cheeks in his hands. "Just give me a minute here, babe. Do I want us to stay together and get married and everything? Yes, absolutely." Ginny did smile very warmly hearing that. Harry continued. "But I also want you to finish school, get your N.E.W.T.s, take your pick of careers and stuff too."

Harry traced her arms with his finger tips to take her hands. "You're aware, before marriage is engagement with a ring and everything, even Bill and Fleur show that's the same on this side of the cauldron. But on the other side there is a tradition, a real one," he smiled and clarified, "especially for a couple like us, still technically a bit young, called a promise ring. Which always confused me a bit because it's another ring…" he shook his head. "I'm getting off track."

It was taking every ounce of her will power for Ginny to keep herself quiet. But her face was positively beaming. "You are doing fine, Harry," she encouraged.

He warmed immensely from her gaze. He also reminded himself to breathe. "Thanks. Well… I've been doing my reading on traditions on this side. A promise ring isn't so much a thing, but… betrothal is."

Ginny recognized that, and her eyes shot wide.

Harry reached up and rubbed the jewelry. "So much of both of our lives have been so damn public. I wanted you to have the option of privacy when you want. So I thought the necklace would be slightly more subtle than a ring. And if all you ever want this to be is just a locket, I swear to you that's fine. But I want you to know, there is already a betrothal charm already stored in it, not active, but it is there, waiting, when you're ready for it. I will let you know it's slightly intimate activation, but nothing major. I love you, Ginny." Showing he was finished he kissed her forehead.

Without hesitation Ginny replied, "Yes."

Harry smiled brighter than Ginny had ever seen and gently rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs as he held them. "Babe, the entire point… is… to let you know I'm not going anywhere here. Especially after this last term with… everything. I wanted to give you some level of comfort, reassurance,... confidence in us."

Ginny nodded listening closely, her cheeks started to feel the burn of smiling so strongly. "Then do it. Do it now."

Harry smiled with red in his cheeks, "Somehow I knew you'd react like this."

"Yeah? Don't act surprised then." she grinned back. "Harry, why did you have this made and charmed?"

Harry took a deep breath and smiled. "Because I wanted you to know. I wanted you to have something real you could hold so you would know my feelings are real."

"Then in the same way with the same feelings, why can't I accept it? You wanted me to have a choice? Well, like always, I choose this. I will always choose this. Because I am Ginny Weasley, and you are Harry Potter, and I am not afraid."

Both of them snickered at the rephrasing of the war motto. Harry caressed her cheek which she leaned into. "I really do love you."

"I know, and I love you too. And if you would like to make this feel a little more like us, I will add one condition to this."

Harry smiled. "There's my Ginny."

"Harry, do you know why Romilda's damn love potion didn't work on you?" He shook his head and shrugged. "Slughorn told me privately. Mostly, because you love me before yourself; so much… you would die for me."

Harry opened his mouth, but Ginny put her finger over it to stop him. "I can't say I'm surprised. It is incredibly romantic and I'm aware it's likely the definition of love. But Harry, I'm no princess and don't want a Prince Charming, and we do not live in a fairy tale. I like my hero with enough edge that he's not going to sacrifice himself for nobility sake. I like him with enough attitude that you don't lay yourself down, but you keep fighting your way back to me. Because I will be honest. Yes, I too like those thoughts of marriage, and kids, and family, and life and stuff…but we can't have that unless you're alive and with me."

Harry smiled. "I think that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me, Gin." They both chuckled. Then with his right hand he grabbed the locket firmly. "Agreed, Rule Five: always fight my way back."

Ginny smiled widely and nodded letting a single tear fall. "Then nothing would make me happier than to be betrothed to you…please."

Harry smiled as he nodded his head in agreement. "Bill warned you might feel this a little." Ginny nodded her understanding, then Harry laid the locket over Ginny's heart, and smirked a bit when he laid his hand over it and much of her breast. Ginny smiled and showed it didn't bother her in the slightest by laying her hands over pressing his hand down. With his other hand he wrapped around and held her as close as possible. "Ginevra Weasley, as Lord and Master of House Potter, I welcome you to my side. I betroth you and name you my Lady in Waiting to House Potter, with all privileges and responsibilities that entails. I look forward to your companionship and counsel. I thank you for your love." As he spoke, Ginny could feel a spark of electricity from Harry's hand, through the locket, to her chest to her entire being. It was surprising, creating a hitch in her breath. It wasn't painful, it was stimulating if anything, actually feeling Harry's magic seemed to touch her very soul.

But in a moment, it passed. Harry sealed the moment with a press to her lips then looked deeply into her eyes. "A while back you all brought me into your family. Now, you're part of mine."

Feeling like she was waking from a pleasant dream she nodded in agreement and softly spoke. "Thank you. Um, can I ask… 'Lady in Waiting' ?"

Harry took both of her hands in his. "It's your title, at least until marriage, then you're Lady Potter." Ginny looked at him in disbelief for a moment. "I'm sorry, after dinner at Neville's and meeting with Hannah's dad I thought you saw this coming. You're nobility now, Lady Weasley."

"W-w-what!?" Ginny asked, shooting off the dresser and pacing off nervous energy. "Harry, I'm no fucking lady!"

Harry crossed his arms and leaned back. "I know what you're doing with that language. I don't care," he smiled. "You absolutely are. You've seen my House ring. You knew this was going to happen."

"At marriage maybe!" she said, throwing her hands to the side.

"I checked the books and current law, Bill did too. Betrothal counts, my lady."

"Harry… this is crazy. I can't be some noble princess for you."

Ginny was starting to work herself up, the opposite of what Harry wanted to happen. He came over and wrapped her up again. "Gin, who said anything about a princess? Last I knew I betrothed the Crimson Witch. One of the fiercely independent women I have ever met. Confident enough to fly into battle and rain fire from the sky. Someone self assured enough that she doesn't take crap from anyone. Someone who when the law failed, personally served justice with her own wand."

Ginny wanted to protest more, but in a rare occurrence, words failed her.

"Few months back when this all started, why did you think I belong in the middle of all this nobility stuff?"

She turned in his arms and looked up to him. "With you, it's obvious. You have the instincts and the heart. You speak and people listen."

Harry smiled and brushed a few stray hairs out of the way. "I will never understand why you see all that in me, but miss how awesome you are, Crimson. All I am suggesting is occasionally you reign with fire between bouts of you raining fire."

That finally got a giggle out of her. "Okay, Harry, okay. I still think it is crazy but if you want it, you got it… Lady Weasley."

"Thank you." He pressed a kiss into her hair.

"Serious question. Who knows? Fred, George, and Bill?"

"Actually the Twins only know the locket exists. They make so many items at the shop that they were happy to make up the physical locket. They have no idea about the charm. Bill and Fleur are the house stewards, they had to know."

"And they're okay with this?"

"Actually yes, especially when I explained this as a slow approach. Fleur called it romantic. Bill thought it was 'extremely reasonable, all things considering."

"Considering?" Ginny repeated.

"Frankly, I think Bill's happy every day I stay in school and don't drop out to just live off the vault."

"Oh gods, the vault!" Ginny's eyes shot open. "Harry, no please,-"

"You do not have vault access yet. For the record, I asked because I'd be fine with it, but the Goblins insist on full marriage."

"Harry, please, do not push that."

Harry cocked his head to the side. "Ok Gin, I won't… but… I do trust you."

"Harry, I know you do. I just want to be very clear here. Every feeling I have ever had about you was about who you are, what you do. Hell, I'll be honest enough to say, sometimes how you look, but never ever have I cared about your fortune. Most of the time I forget you have it."

Harry smiled warmly and filled with compassion. "I know. I know that. Part of the reasons I trust you… but I also hear you. You're not comfortable with the vault yet, okay. Just tell me one thing. Did I push too far? With this.?" he asked, gently rubbing the necklace. "I mean to me, I wanted to show commitment, take one step, directly letting you know I'm serious. I'm not trying to set a date or anything. I am aware there are a couple of birthdays and a ton of N.E.W.T.s we need to get through. I plan on a nice long courtship, but I do want to marry you, Ginny Weasley. And I want you to know that."

Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him dearly as he held her off the ground. "Harry, please don't ever worry about commitment. We were both too young when Riddle fucked with our lives. We're too young to apparate, or to fight in the war. But here we are. If fate keeps pushing us places early, then why can we have this one early too? You know, something fantastic to balance out the crap. I love you. Thank you."

Thursday, 26 December 1996

After breakfast and helping with chores, Harry warned Molly he might be making some noise this morning.

"Harry," Molly replied, "I raised Fred and George, I would be surprised if Merlin himself could be louder than them."

He put on his fathers's, now his, bomber jacket and smiled as found his way up to the balcony of the Burrow, carrying with him both his new tactical belt and the box of joke shop supplies. It occurred to Harry, he had never really played around with the Twins equipment. Today, he sought to rectify that oversight.

Harry started with something he knew, a Wildfire Wizbang. He tossed it out, quickly shot it with his wand, and watched it blow. He couldn't help but smile. That alone earned it one of his belt pouches. Next he tried Thor's Thunder Cracker. When that exploded the noise was literally deafening. He smiled as his ears rang. He waited a few minutes for his hearing to return. As he did Ginny soon joined him.

"Since when are you up to property destruction without inviting me," she said with a smile. She joined Harry on the balcony with a hug. She wore a red hoodie that would normally never do for winter, but had her warming broach pinned on.

"Hi," Harry welcomed. "This isn't property destruction. This is equipment testing. Figured it would be smart to carry some of this stuff in my belt. Distractions, tactical use. We have the inside connection with the Twins. They do make some awesome stuff. It would be a pity to waste it."

Ginny smiled in mischief. "That is a great point. Um, Harry-"

"Go get your belt, I'm happy to share. I'll charge you a kiss."

Ginny left and returned quickly. She happily paid the price and they spent the morning blowing craters in the snow, flashing lights in the backyard, and getting acquainted with Weasley Wizarding Wheezes weapons for war. They laughed as they had a hell of a time doing it.

Ron slipped into the joke shop with his quiver over his shoulder. "Fred, George, where are you at?" he called.

"Oi, in the back." Fred called.

Ron smiled as he looked around at the spectacle and displays the joke shop always seemed to be. Ron couldn't help but smile whenever he stepped in here. He made his way to the backroom workshop and found his brothers looking over several schematics and less detailed drawings of several future items.

"Hello Ronniekins." George welcomed.

"Hey guys, thanks for this. I need your help." Ron said, dropping his quiver on the table.

Fred raised an eyebrow, "Ron, I realize we've been out of school a few years but, there are spells you can throw considerable distances. We could even teach you and wouldn't tease you too horribly." he grinned.

Ron nodded his head. "I'm aware, guys. But this has a specific purpose. Do you remember last Christmas, Riddle sent his snake after Dad?"

The Twins shared an expression. "Vividly," they said in unison.

"Harry, I, and the rest of us are going after her. A spell isn't going to do it. I don't want to bore you with long stories, but I need your help to build the gear to kill her."

Fred and George looked at each other, and smiled. George asked, "What do you have in mind?"

Ron pulled out an arrow. "Shooting these." He pulled out a silver container and flipped it upside down to empty out the shortest and smallest teeth he had salvaged months earlier. "Watch yourself with these, they are basilisk fangs. But I need these to be the new arrow heads for as many arrows as you can make."

Ron's brothers looked at him in dismay. Fred asked for clarity. "Are you saying you want to go to war shooting bloody basilisk fang arrows?"

George continued. "That would be… some of the most dangerous artillery in the history of the wizarding world. Are you serious?"

Ron grinned. "After Ginny, after Dad, after the Burrow… you're goddamn right I am."

Fred and George looked at each other… the Twins looked at Ron, this time with new respect. Fred reached out. "George, look at our little brother, all grown up."

"I'll fetch the dragon skin gloves, you get the masks."

It was mid afternoon when Harry and Ginny flamed into Grimmauld place. They were taken aback when they arrived. The kitchen and dining room were all newly painted fresh white, with light blue accent colors. Fleur de leah's decorated crown molding circled the top edge of the wall beneath them, wall candelabra held candles burning brightly. A long dark oak table with a navy table runner sat in the dining area. Christmas music filled the air coming from a wireless radio that sat on the mantel between a mirror and a picture of Fleur and her family in front of her home back in France.

Fleur was in the kitchen with the kettle on. "Hello, welcome 'ome Master Potter," she greeted with a smile to both of them."

"Fleur, this is … amazing."

"This is 'ow I show gratitude to a friend, soon to be family. You asked for it to be a nice place to live when you graduate." She waved her hand around, "Voila. Bill will be down in a moment. Tea?"

Both of them nodded in appreciation and Fleur started pouring. "We have taken the approach of focusing on the lived in rooms first. Here, the bathroom, our bedroom and then as your request, Sirius's and Remus's are already done."

"Wait, Sirius's? I've got a year and a half of class left. You got my room done this soon?" Harry asked as they sat around one end of the table.

Fleur smiled as she stirred in a spot of cream and sugar to her cup. "This is your house. You are already being too kind, giving Bill and I the Master Bedroom. The least we could do is ensure you have your own room. That was Bill's focus actually."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me one bit," Ginny smiled.

"Kreacher and Dobby have been a great help. Thank you for bringing them in." Fleur nodded. "I know you said you would be 'appy to 'ave this done by your graduation 'arry. But Bill and l would like to be done by our wedding."

Harry cocked his head to the side. "Don't you need to plan that too? Get your wedding done first please."

Fleur shared a knowing smile with Ginny. "The wedding plans are coming along fine 'arry. Molly is ensuring that." The two girls snickered. "But after the wedding, Bill planned to more or less 'lunch' here to still keep an eye on it but we are looking at what we would like for our home too. There is a charming cottage over in Cornwall by the beach that… well the ocean view is lovely."

"Any way I can help?" Harry predictably offered.

Fleur smiled. "You already are my friend. Bill and I were planning based on our original earnings. You've helped get him promoted with a raise and you doubled my wages when I took this steward position. Please rest assured you have our gratitude."

Harry smiled happy he was succeeding in helping someone. "Okay, good, again thanks you for everything here." Then realizing it he added. "And if I may, Fleur, your English has come a long way."

Fluer smiled brightly and bowed her head. "Thank you! That is a large part of the reason I came here, no? And it 'as been almost six months."

"Don't worry," a deep male voice said as he came down the stairs. "If you want to hear French, just make Fleur angry. She still swears in her native tongue." Bill smiled cheekily as came over and took the extra cup Fleur had made.

"You would know," his fiance replied as welcomed him and hug and peck.

"Welcome to the new Grimmauld Place." Bill gestured with arms wide. "Fleur deserves most of the credit. But we both agree you deserve to have a nice place to rest your wands."

"This is brilliant, thank you." Harry said, still feeling like words not doing it justice.

Ginny seemed to make up some of the difference. "Agreed, things like this really make a case for you being my favorite brother."

"Well that is the highest praise." Bill replied, raising his cup to his sister in respect. Bill took a breath and took the seat next to Fleur. "I suppose we should talk about the House business, which largely is attuning your secret keeper. Harry, are you sure you want me? You have a full team of skilled soldiers to choose from."

Harry looked over to Ginny who was already smiling and nodding in agreement. "Well, if you can believe it, Gin and I have both talked about this. I want to learn from my parents' mistakes. In my opinion, the truth is Remus, Sirius, or Peter, it wouldn't really have mattered much as all of them were well known to be all friends. There already are photos of our Marauders together. It makes sense to us to have someone we trust outside them and preferably someone in our generation, not our parents. When you look through all that, Gin and I both put you at that top of the list."

Ginny continued. "Not to mention how supportive and helpful you were this summer."

"All right, Harry, as you wish then." Bill smiled as he took a sip and shook his head. "I trust you read over my notes on the spell. Any questions?"

"A couple actually," Harry answered. "My understanding is Dumbledore is the current secret keeper?" Bill nodded. "How do we get around that? Will he know?"

"Frankly Harry, there's nothing to get around. When you signed acceptance of the Black estate, the house magic fell under your own to control. Dumbledore may have established the fidelius, but it has been the house magic that has supported it over the years. Especially at times of changes of the head of house it is common for the secret keeper to change. There is a rather simple ceremony similar to when you made us stewards. Provided everyone is honest, which I don't foresee as a problem, the house will recognize me and my will as the new secret keeper. If it were any other wizard, they wouldn't even notice until they tried to share the secret and found themselves unable. The Professor may notice the change in his connection to the fidelius, but has no say or control over it. Your house, your rules Harry."

"Things change." Harry muttered to himself. Ginny affectionately rubbed his arm, understanding what he meant. "We might as well then."

The ladies followed and stood by their respective partners as Bill led Harry over to the floo. "Grimmauld is new enough in construction they made the mantlepiece the arcane lodestone for the building. Far more convenient than some of the ancient constructions when you go do the dungeon foundation stone." He drew his wand and gestured for Harry to do the same. They both attuned in. Then they clasped their right hands. When they crossed wands against each other they both started to glow blue, notably Harry's arced with lightning. Bill raised an eyebrow. Harry shrugged and grinned. Finally the elder nodded to begin.

Harry straightened up and took it seriously. "William Weasley, do you solemnly swear to protect and defend the secrets and magic of House Potter."

"I do." Bill replied.

"Do you swear to defend and support the safety and security of the men and women of this house?"

Bill looked over to Ginny and smiled. "I happily do."

"Finally, do you swear to make no other oaths that conflict or interfere with your oath to House Potter?"

"I do."

"William Weasley, I happily bond you my House Secret Keeper." the blue light shot from their wand to their arms and bodies, signally the ritual was successful. Smiling and far more relaxed, Harry said, "Thanks Bill."

Rather than let his hand go Bill pulled Harry over into a hug. "Anything for family." Over Harry's shoulder and gave his sister a wink. When they broke apart Bill reached over to a circular mirror on the mantle. "Harry, one question. Did Sirius ever give you a mirror?"

Harry squirmed uncomfortably. "Yes…but…I didn't realize what it was till after… and in typical Harry Potter fashion I broke it in a fit of grief." Ginny reflexively hugged his arm and laid her head on his shoulder.

Bill nodded his head. "Happen to have the pieces?"

Now Harry was confused. "Technically speaking. Shards in the bottom of my trunk."

"Did you throw some sort of dispellment or jinxing on it?" Bill asked without missing a beat.

"No, just good old fashioned heart broken threw it down. Why?"

"As long as you've worn glasses I would have thought you knew," Bill smiled. "Broken things can often be repaired, especially with magic."

Harry shook his head with disbelief. "If I knew that, I wouldn't have put Hermione up to the two way letters."

"No, that was a good idea too harry. Often it is easier and better to just write a brief letter. But bring me the mirror shards tomorrow, let me do a little charm and transfiguration work, likely send you back to Hogwarts with a working pair of mirrors." Bill took his mirror and offered it to Ginny.

Ginny smiled. "Actually, Harry and I don't have any problem talking to each other at school. Unless Harry thinks there is a better person-"

Harry shook his head and smiled now. "Bill, you're my account manager, my steward, my secret keeper… screw it, you're my brother. I think it makes sense for you to have it."

Bill nodded, and returned the mirror to the mantel. "Alright, Harry, as you wish. While you are here, why do you go check out your bedroom? I consider that my present to you."

Harry smirked and nodded his head but led the way with Ginny quickly in tow. He didn't know what to expect, but he was blown away simply with the concept, his own room of his own house. He imagined it felt similar to Ginny's earlier experience of the reality of people watching her. He was now in the experience of their being his place in the world.

The walls were sunset orange. There was cherry wood double sized four poster bed with Gryffindor colored covers on, a nightstand on either side and padded storage trunk at the foot. A dresser on the wall with the door and on top was what Harry was certain was a muggle stereo. Opposite of the door was a full size armoire. On the opposite side of the bed was a lovely oak desk with red and gold ink blotter under it, then a pair of loveseats (that looked straight out of the Gryffindor tower) around a coffee table.

Then something curious caught Ginny's eye. On the wall opposite the desk… was a vanity. That made her take a closer look. Over the desk next to a framed poster of an Auror's badge was a calendar, but looking closer she noticed it was a Holyhead Harpies calendar. For decoration over the head of the bed were two crossed brooms, but when she looked closer she recognized them as a Firebolt and a Reign of Fire. "Harry, I'll be right back." she said to excuse herself.

Ginny ran down the stairs to the kitchen where Fleur and Bill had returned to their teas. "That's not Harry's room." she stated pointing behind her.

"Fourth floor? The one with a lot of Gryffindor color? I assure you it is Ginny." Bill replied.

"Why does Harry need a vanity?"

"OH!" Bill asked, finally registering her questions. "I'm sorry, I just assumed he wouldn't have delayed. He and Fleur shared a warm smile. "Why don't you go ask Harry about your locket?"

"He already told me about it. I already accepted the charm."

Fleur now smiled like a cheshire cat. Bill now seemed confused. "Um, alright I admit I didn't explicitly ask Harry but after he approached me about the betrothal charm and Hogsmead last fall I assumed you had… cohabitated to som-

"Bill, it's me. Blunt is fine, and not that I planned this talk, but what the hell. No, we're not having sex, but yes we've shared a bed a few times. More for emotional support during nightmares and crap."

Bill returned to his normal smiling self. "Well there you go. It's yours, for both of you."

Ginny was shocked in disbelief and took a seat at the table. "How can you be so relaxed about this?"

Bill smiled. "Dear sister, if it were anyone else I likely wouldn't. If it were Michael, I wouldn't. But it's not."

"It's 'Arry." Fleur stated in support.

"Exactly, it's Harry. He's family already. He's saved how many lives?" Ginny rolled her eyes at the honest question. "You two clearly honestly care for each other and are good for each other. Frankly, he's a better man than I was at his age."

That statement had both of the ladies turn and look at Bill with incredulous expressions. Fleur rested her chin on her hand. "I feel I want to 'ear this story."

"Me too," Ginny said, pulling up a chair.

Bill eyed both of them and shook his head. "Well, it's impossible to make Fleur blush, and, Ginny you are no child any more. If you hadn't looked at the hair and fang earring, I was no saint when I was at Hogwarts. I won't say I was necessarily a 'player', but I was far shallower in my early dating days, focused more on physical than emotional."

"Meh," Fleur teased with a shrug and a smile. "You've straightened out quite nicely."

"Thank you, but if I'm average, then you, Ginny, have connected with someone of the highest quality of Harry. And this is his house, and he's already said he wants to marry you, yes I'm going to be pretty supportive of the two of you. Your team literally saved our lives, again, in battle this fall. You're not average students. Fleur and I, we're willing to respect that. Merlin knows what this war is going to bring. Go steal your happiness while you can."

Surprised, and finally understanding, Ginny smiled and ran back up to their room. Harry was looking through the collection of tapes and newer discs apparently called CD's. "Hey," he welcomed with a smile. "You okay?"

Ginny couldn't stop smiling. "Tell me you noticed."

"What? That your brother did a full wireless conversion on this stereo?" he teased. He waited to see her face just start to rile before he followed up with, "Or that they made this our bedroom? I figured that out from the crossed brooms."

"And you're okay with it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.

"Gin, I just asked you to marry me yesterday." he said, grabbing her waist and lifting her up. "I call it bloody perfect." He couldn't resist nipping at her neck as he turned both of them and fell onto the bed. For a few moments the war went away. No damn Death Eaters, no horcruxes, no prophecies. They were able to hide a way and steal a few moments drifting between kissing, talking, and just being together. That itself would make it Christmas. Ginny found a moment looking into those emerald eyes she dreamed about. Then she briefly thought about the last few weeks with the training and control from occlumency. Ginny wanted to be brave.

She rolled over and sat up straddling her boyfriend and looked down at him in pure affection. She took a deep breath and was actually surprised how calm she felt. She turned and flicked her wand and the door then looked back to him.

"Harry," she said. "I want to try something."

Harry looked up with dumb grin of joy, but honestly replied. "Set the pace, Gin."

She took another breath, still feeling completely awash in love and warmth and comfort. "My comfort line…" Harry nodded, watching with admiration and complete attention. "Just keep it above the belt." She smiled as she lifted her shirt off and dropped it to the side. Her bra followed after.

"Holy… hallelujah-" Harry managed to utter before their lips crashed together again.