Chapter 70 - One Sweet Day
Ginny awoke the next morning to the same pink and yellow room. The curtains had been pulled back slightly and there was a small sliver of sun coming through one of the windows at an angle. This was reflecting off of a full-length mirror Ginny hadn’t noticed sitting next to the washroom. She had curled up onto one side of the bed, knocking some of the pillows off. She hadn’t meant to sleep on the decorative pillows, but had felt utterly exhausted. Now, as the morning was coming, she felt rather refreshed. She sat up and noted the smell of tea wafting around her room. On the night table was a cup of tea with a cover over it.
She sat up slowly and reached for the tea. Before her fingers touched the cup, a loud crack announced the arrival of Harry’s house elf. Kreacher bowed low and Ginny took a few deep breathes upon seeing him, as he’d startled her. This was something she’d very much have to get used to.
‘Mistress, you are awake. I trust you are feeling well-rested?’ Despite his age, the house elf still had a squeaky elf voice.
She nodded. ‘Yes, thank you. Kreacher, this room looks amazing, thank you so much. I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble on my account.’
He shook his great head. ‘Not at all, Mistress. It is my pleasure to serve you. You have but to call and Kreacher will appear.’
She nodded uncomfortably. He continued, ‘I have set a cup of tea for you. Master Harry and your brother, George, are in the kitchen. I thought it safe for him to return to the house as he passed both you and Master when he arrived last night.’
Ginny suddenly recalled the last conversation she’d had with Kreacher and had indeed told him not to allow George to come to Grimmauld Place. That caution was no longer needed. She replied, ‘Yes, George is fine…better than he was. You don’t have to worry about him.’
The house elf nodded approvingly. He then spoke tentatively, “Mistress, I took the liberty of magically changing your clothes last night as I did not think it proper for you to sleep in what you had worn during the day. I also went to your room at the Burrow and brought back a few articles, which are in your wardrobe. I have drawn a warm bath for you,’ he gestured to the wash room and continued, ‘Master Harry is awaiting your arrival for breakfast, but do not feel rushed. If you need anything, please call me,’ with those final words he Disapparated out of the room. Ginny sat back, picking her cup up off of the night table. That did explain a lot of her current circumstances. She was glad it wasn’t Harry who had helped her into her bedclothes, though she did wonder if the house elf had also gotten her under the covers of the bed. It would not be beyond his power to move her.
She slowly tried to get up out of bed and felt a distant throb in her ankle. She furrowed her brow. She wondered if Kreacher’s cure would be less painful than Madame Pomfrey’s. She slid out of bed, setting the cup back down and headed to the wardrobe. Her clothes were there, a variety of choices and a bath robe she’d never seen before. It was a deep green and she pulled it out, wrapping it around her body.
The room was very warm, but Ginny didn’t expect the washroom to also be warm. She padded into the room in her bare feet and the tiles were the only cool thing in the room. Kreacher must have found a way to keep the room warm. She slipped into the bath and tried not to spend too much time in the warm, fragrant water. It had been a long time since she’d had the luxury of sitting in a bathtub for an indefinite period of time, without the constant chatter of the girls in the Gryffindor tower or one of her brothers banging on the door.
Her body felt utterly relaxed and although she loathed getting out of the bathtub, she was anxious to see Harry. She dried off and finished up in the washroom, emerging to see that the bed had been made. She shook her head. It was going to take a long time for her to get used to having a house elf.
She found something casual to dress in. It had been rather cold and she decided to go with Muggle jeans and one of her Gryffindor pullovers. She sat on the floor and started to lace her trainers up when a knock on the door stopped her. She called out uncertainly, ‘Come in.’
The door opened slowly and Harry peeked his head around the corner. He took a tentative step in the room and Ginny noticed Harry was, once again, immaculately dressed. He was wearing a pair of Muggle jeans, but the shirt was tight-fitting and revealed a well-defined chest. He gave her a warm smile, not noticing her scrutinising him. ‘How are you feeling?’
She smiled at him. He walked over to her and offered both hands to help her off the ground. She stood up slowly, resting some of her weight on Harry. ‘Better, very rested…sorry about falling asleep on you.’
He laughed. ‘No worries, love. I came back and you were passed out. Kreacher threw me out of your room and so I assumed he’d taken care of you.’
Harry ran a hand through his hair. ‘You look amazing.’
He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. She put her hand on his arm, and squeezed it gently. ‘You’re looking rather handsome yourself.’ She leaned up and kissed him quickly. ‘Be honest, is Kreacher buying you a new wardrobe?’
Harry grinned at her and wrapped an arm across her back. ‘He has taken a great deal of pleasure in getting rid of some of my older clothes. He says he won’t need to do that with you since you already dress nicely.’
Harry winked at her and she looked back across the room. ‘He does seem to be doting on me quite a bit…’
She headed towards the door and Harry followed close behind. ‘If he weren’t our house elf, I’d be a little jealous.’
Ginny laughed and walked slowly out of the room. Harry pulled her door shut and followed her down the stairs. The throb that had been in her ankle had gone away and Ginny didn’t move nearly as slowly as she had done the night before. Harry headed her off to open the door for her as they got to the kitchen and she smiled at him as she stepped through the door. George was sitting at the table and lifted his tea cup at seeing her. ‘Morning, Ginny.’
She sat down at one of the two vacant spots at the table. Harry sat down next to her and Ginny noticed Kreacher standing some ways away. He bowed low again and said, ‘Mistress, what would you like for breakfast?’
She looked down at her plate, uncertain what to say. ‘I don’t want you to go to any trouble, Kreacher.’
Harry smirked at her and cleared his throat. ‘Kreacher, just make what I’d normally eat, maybe something sweet for Ginny?’
The house elf nodded and bustled over to the stove. Ginny gave Harry a tired look. ‘Harry, we can make our own breakfasts.’
She meant to speak quietly, but Kreacher heard her, his face aghast. Harry cringed next to her. Kreacher said quietly, ‘Have I displeased you, Mistress?’
Ginny balked. ‘No, Kreacher, you’ve been perfect…I just don’t want you to be troubled by us…we’re old enough to take care of ourselves.’
Harry leaned in and whispered, ‘Watch it…just be nice…he can get offended…easily…’
Ginny looked at Harry questioningly, but Kreacher still looked heart broken. Ginny sighed, defeated. ‘Kreacher, I think you’re a wonderful house elf…I’ve just never been…waited on…I feel like I’m making you do more work than you should…you’re Harry’s house elf.’
Ginny could see George snickering across from her and she glared at him. He pulled The Daily Prophet up higher to avoid her gaze. Kreacher seemed somewhat appeased by this. ‘Mistress, it is my duty and utter pleasure to watch over you and Master Harry. It brings me great pleasure. Please do not bring yourself undue stress. I will see to it that things are taken care of for you.’
Ginny nodded feebly, fearful to say more. Harry rubbed her back soothingly and leaned in, kissing her on the side of the head. She shot him a worried look, but he only continued to smile at her. He sat up and reached across the table, pouring them both cups of tea. George rolled his eyes at them and went back to the paper.
Ginny sipped her tea quietly and Harry said, breaking the silence, ‘I thought we might go out for a bit today. How’s your ankle feeling?’
‘Better,’ Ginny replied, thankful for the change in topic.
George smirked. ‘I’m free, too.
Harry rolled his eyes and Ginny said smartly, ‘Brilliant. Why don’t you go spend that time at your shop?’
George laughed. ‘Hey, if I weren’t here you’d both be at the Burrow; with mum and dad watching like hawks.’
Ginny sighed and Harry said, ‘That may be the case, but you’re also getting out of there and have a shorter commute.’
Ginny nodded at Harry and George grumbled, ‘Fine, fine…well...’ He glanced at the clock and said, ‘I best be off anyway. The shop opens soon.’
He got up and with a crack Apparated out of Grimmauld Place. Ginny looked at the clock. It was already past nine. She was shocked they’d let her sleep so late. ‘Harry! It’s so late! How could you let me keep sleeping?’
He smiled at her. ‘It’s your holiday; I’m not going to wake you up early. And I bet Hermione doesn’t let you sleep in at all.’
Ginny laughed. ‘No, she doesn’t. But neither of us have been getting a lot of rest.’
Kreacher brought their breakfast over and Ginny was surprised to see he’d made waffles for her. She smiled. ‘Wow, this is perfect.’
The house elf beamed. Harry nodded. ‘Thank you, Kreacher.’
The house elf bowed and in a moment was gone from the room. Ginny didn’t feel overly hungry, but managed to finish most of her waffle. Harry devoured his breakfast and eyed her worriedly. ‘Ginny, you have to eat your breakfast.’
She sighed. ‘I’m not that hungry, Harry.’
He leaned back. ‘I’m not in any rush.’
He reached for the paper George had left and she looked forlornly at her breakfast. She smiled to herself and said, ‘Come on, Harry…you know you want some of my waffles.’
He arched an eyebrow at her. ‘I’m not hungry.’
She laughed loudly. ‘Liar! You’re never not hungry.’
He grinned at her. ‘Did you just accuse me of lying to you? Lying so that maybe you could have more energy and feel better? That’s low, Ginny.’
She rolled her eyes and whined playfully, ‘Harry…’
He set the paper down and leaned over. ‘You come on, Ginny…you were knackered all day yesterday and you’ve not been finishing anything….I’m getting…worried.’
Ginny leaned close to him. ‘I’m fine, Harry. I don’t know if you don’t know this…but most women don’t eat as much as men…or Ron, who’s just an aberration.’
He shook his head, kissing her on the nose. ‘Eat your breakfast.’
She pulled away from him and picked her fork and knife back up. This would be a far tougher battle than any she’d had. She slowly started trying to eat the rest of it and made her way through about half, stilling having a quarter of the waffle left.
She turned to see Harry grinning at her and he said, ‘See, was that so hard?’
‘Yes,’ she replied, reaching for her napkin.
Harry leaned close to her, setting the paper down on an empty chair. He said in a low voice, ‘You have a little something…’
She didn’t turn, but replied, ‘I know…I’m a mess…’
She had the napkin in her hand, but didn’t get it to her face. Harry reached a hand out and turned her chin gently to him. He kissed her fully, licking the excess syrup off of her lips. She couldn’t stop and giggled into his lips as he continued kissing her. The giggle fit stopped quickly and she had her arms around his shoulders. He lifted her gently into his lap and she could feel his hands, one on the small of her back, the other weaving through her hair.
They remained locked in one another’s arms for some time before they both pulled away slowly. Harry kept his arms around Ginny’s body, holding her close and she had grabbed a fistful of his shirt, which she slowly loosened her grip on. She leaned her forehead against his, her eyes shut.
He pressed his lips lightly to hers and said, ‘Sure you’re feeling alright?’
She laughed. ‘I might be flushed from all the snogging, but I’m fine.’
He grinned at her and said, ‘Your eyes are shut.’
She nodded, keeping her eyes shut. ‘I know. But I can still see you, so stop looking at me like that. I’m just enjoying…this.’
He rubbed her back and said, ‘Are you sure? You’re making me…’
‘Worry?’ she asked. ‘Harry, you’ve taken care of me much better than Hermione ever has, though I’m not sure you can rival my mum. You really shouldn’t worry.’
‘I can’t help it,’ he said quietly. ‘You’re one of a kind.’
‘So are you,’ she replied, pulling away slowly and opening her eyes.
His green eyes were bright from the snogging and he was looking at her intently. She touched his cheek lightly. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Perfect,’ he replied, grinning at her.
She laughed softly. ‘Harry, you shouldn’t be doting on me so much.’
‘Who else can I dote on?’ he asked
She rested her hands on his shoulders and tried to get up. He kept his arms around her waist tight and she sighed, resting her weight on him again. ‘I can’t be the only person in your life.’
He smiled at her and replied, ‘The only one that matters.’
She gave him a lop-sided smile and could feel her face go red. ‘You know that isn’t what I meant.’
He grinned. ‘I know, but I just like to remind you while you’re here.’
She felt a strange new warmth coming from the locket which she hadn’t really noticed since she’d gotten to Grimmauld Place. The more she thought about it the more she realised that the warmth which had always seemed foreign was now a norm. She might feel awkward if it wasn’t warm against her skin. She wrapped her arms across his shoulders and rested her head on his shoulder, her face nestled into his neck.
She said quietly, ‘I’m glad for the reminder.’
He leaned his head close to hers and whispered in a low voice, ‘I just hope you won’t need it too often.’
She touched the locket around her neck and said, ‘No, I won’t.’
He caught her hand as it moved away from the locket and he said, ‘You know…I know I’ve never told you what Gaunt has me doing, I mean, I know you know I’ve not really been sacked…it…well, it has to do with smuggling…and they’re…they’re looking for these.’
She sat up, looking at him intently. ‘The ring and locket? They’re looking for our ring and locket?’
‘Yes,’ Harry said smiling. ‘But they can’t find it.’
‘Wait, haven’t they seen you with the ring?’ she asked.
He grinned and replied, ‘Yes.’
She narrowed her eyes. ‘And?’
He continued grinning. ‘They can’t see them. They surfaced after the war, for whatever reason, and now that we have them, they’re gone. They can’t see me wearing it.’
‘That doesn’t make any sense,’ Ginny said slowly. ‘Have you told Hermione? She’d love to research this.’
Harry laughed. ‘She probably would. Why don’t you tell her when you get back to Hogwarts?’
She nodded. ‘So they’re invisible?’
‘No, not exactly,’ Harry said. ‘It’s just…once I gave it to you, and we were both wearing them, then they disappear. Something to do with the fact that once they’re empowered and accepted, then they can’t be seen until the love is lost or one of the two pass on…’
He said the last part quietly and she touched the locket again, thoughtfully. ‘Wow, you just learned this?’
‘A couple weeks ago,’ Harry replied. ‘I didn’t want to frighten you.’
Ginny laughed. ‘Especially considering we weren’t on the best of terms then.’
‘Exactly,’ Harry said.
He rested his hands on her hips and said, ‘Shall we go out then?’
She slid off of his lap, standing up. ‘Sure, that might be nice. What did you have in mind?’
‘I thought we’d just walk around London a bit,’ he said, a glint in his eye.
She gave him a disbelieving look as he stood up. ‘Are you up to something, Harry?’
He smiled at her innocently. ‘Would I do something like that?’
‘Maybe I should freshen up again before we go,’ she said nervously, uncertain of what Harry had planned.
He smirked at her. ‘You tasted fine to me.’
She rolled her eyes. ‘I’ll be right back.’
He took her hand in his and walked with her. ‘I probably should get my coat and a scarf. Did you bring anything heavy to wear?’
She remembered seeing a heavy coat in the wardrobe and laughed. ‘I didn’t, but I think Kreacher did.’
They made it up the stairs and Harry walked her to her room. She wondered how much walking would be involved, but freshened up and grabbed her coat and scarf. She opened the door to find Harry leaning on the opposite door frame. He had a wide grin on his face and she felt the urge to snog him senseless right then and there.
She took a deep breath and noticed the door to his room was slightly ajar. She didn’t say anything, but Harry saw her quick eye movement and said, ‘Did you want to see my room?’
‘You’ve seen mine, it’s only fair,’ she replied, smiling.
He grinned at her and reached a hand out to her. She took it gladly and felt comfort from him as he curled his fingers around her hand protectively. He pushed the door open and Ginny was surprised to see the room within. There was a massive bed, the decoration around it was no less detailed than in her own room, but the colours were gold and crimson; much like the Gryffindor common room colours. There were two massive bay windows that let an enormous amount of light in. Much like her room, there was a wardrobe and bureau that were on opposing walls, but much larger than hers. One thing that was very apparent upon entry were the pictures. There were frames of all different sorts, yet they all fit well together. And in each and every frame was a picture of either her or her and Harry. She walked across the sun-filled room and picked one up at random.
He was standing in the doorway, watching her, but said nothing. She looked at the picture and set it down carefully. She turned and looked at him, feeling a sense of overwhelming come over her. He smiled shyly at her and she felt her resolve embolden. She crossed the room and stood in front of him. ‘This is…well, this is a perfect room for you…’
He narrowed his eyes and she laughed. ‘I’m sorry, Harry, I like my room better.’
He grinned and took her hand in his, leading her down the hallway. ‘Well, I’d rather you like your own room better. But at least now you know where I am when you’re here.’
She nodded, the thought not once entering her mind to go to Harry’s room. They Flooed to London and Harry kept a leisurely pace as they walked around various sights. It was past midday when they finally left and Kreacher had looked disapproving at their not staying to eat lunch. Ginny had sworn she could eat no more. So it was a slight surprise that Harry took Ginny to have tea in a posh tea house near Buckingham Palace. Ginny didn’t think much on the Muggle royals, the whole concept seemed ludicrous.
They sat down at a small table and Harry began grilling her about school. It was only some ways into the conversation that she realised what he was after. ‘Harry, if you want to know about Neville, you could have just asked.’
He furrowed his brow, concentrating on his tea. ‘I’m not jealous.’
She arched her eyebrows in disbelief. ‘You aren’t?’
‘Only that he gets to be with you when I can’t,’ Harry justified.
She reached a hand across the table, placing it over his. ‘Harry, this is foolish. There is nothing, and there will never be, anything between Neville and I save friendship.’
He nodded, clearly appeased by her statement. ‘What’s he doing then?’
Ginny looked out the nearby window. ‘I’m not entirely sure. I think Hermione knows, but she has been rather close of late. I mean, take…’
Her voice trailed off as the memory started to seep back in. The image of Draco and Hermione, so close together, in a conspiratorial manner was still a strange sight. Harry tapped table near her hand. ‘What?’
She sighed and slowly went over the events. He looked incredulous. ‘She looked like what? And this is Malfoy? Are you sure someone isn’t using Polyjuice potion?’
‘To what end?’ Ginny asked. ‘I mean, who would want to be Malfoy?’
Harry nodded, laughing. ‘That’s true. But that all seems like a lot. So, you and Hermione saw someone on school grounds, sought them out, didn’t really get to the bottom of things, then got attacked by a bubble?’
‘That was the first time Malfoy came along,’ Ginny corrected. ‘The second time was after that foolish race.’
Harry shook his head. ‘You should have seen Ron after he got your Patronus. I’ve never seen him more worried.’
Ginny grimaced. ‘I can only imagine how hard that must have been for him.’
Harry nodded, intertwining his fingers with hers. ‘It isn’t easy.’
Ginny looked at their joined hands for a moment before saying, ‘And then there was that last time, a couple days ago. When Hermione used Occlumency on Malfoy…and she found out something, but she won’t tell me what. I doubt she’d tell Ron if she won’t tell me…’
Harry laughed. ‘You two have gotten really close…that makes me feel better about…well, about you going back.’
Ginny nodded, her mind wandering back to the countless hours she and Hermione had spent together. ‘You know, I really get it…why you and Ron needed her last year.’
Harry nodded. ‘I still can’t believe it took Ron this long to get around to her.’
Ginny laughed. ‘I can’t believe she’d wait for him! I mean, Merlin, Viktor Krum and she settles for Ron!’
Harry chuckled. ‘I don’t think she and Viktor had that much in common.’
Ginny sighed. ‘I think he was a little mad after her. I mean, he did go to the Yule Ball with her.’
Harry bristled at the memory. ‘Yeah, and you went with Neville.’
Ginny rolled her eyes and sipped her tea. ‘Let it go, Harry.’
She wasn’t going to let the memory bother her, but Harry seemed to be re-living it across the table. She sighed and leaned back. ‘If you must…’
He narrowed his eyes. ‘No, I’m not going to say anything.’
‘It didn’t look like that,’ Ginny commented.
He sat up straight and didn’t say anything. She tried to keep her temper in check and said, ‘If you’d had any sense, you would have asked me yourself earlier…instead of chasing after that…’
She glared at him and he smirked. ‘You win that round then.’
She shook her head, only slightly annoyed and Harry seemed pleased at the final result of the discussion. Ginny continued to sip her tea, perfectly happy to sit in silence with Harry. He was watching her with a soft expression on his face, a smile playing in his eyes. Their eyes met slowly and Harry leaned forward. ‘How’s your ankle holding up?’
She gave him a curious look. ‘It doesn’t really ache as much as it usually does.’
‘Interested in doing a little walking?’ he asked tentatively.
She reached her hand out across the table, touching his lightly. ‘Harry, it’s getting rather cold out.’
Gripping her hand, he replied smoothly, ‘I’ll keep you warm.’
She laughed despite his intense gaze and replied, ‘Fine, but if you make Kreacher angry by getting me sick…’
‘I think I can handle my own house elf,’ Harry countered, grasping her hand firmly.
He got up first, and pulled her chair out. They went to the front, where Harry paid and their coats were brought to them. Harry didn’t have any qualms about not letting Ginny even pretend to pay and she sighed dejectedly. ‘Harry, this isn’t fair.’
‘I know,’ he conceded. ‘But you’ll just have to get used to me wanting to do these sorts of things for you.’
She furrowed her brow and slipped her arm through his as they walked outside. The snow had started to fall again. And while the streets were kept clean by some Muggle machine, the thin layer of snow was still outlining everything. He pulled close to her. ‘You’re not cold, are you?’
She shook her head, leaning into him. ‘Not really.’
They walked some ways through the brightly lit city. People could be seen busy running from one direction to another. The city was alive for the holiday and the streets were rather full. Ginny let her eyes wander, taking in the sights her family normally wouldn’t partake in. Harry walked with her at a slow pace, clearly trying to avoid injuring her ankle any further. Ginny wanted to tell him the cold was doing it a lot of good, but the silence was rather pleasant.
They crossed the street edging toward the theatre district when a loud, boisterous voice called out, ‘Potter!’
Harry slowed down, his eyes scanning the crowd. Ginny watched Harry expectantly. He spotted the person who’d called his name and Ginny saw a tall man with blonde hair who was dressed not unlike Harry. She gave Harry a curious look and he looked at her pleadingly. She nodded once and looked at this new person.
The man slowed to a brisk walk and said, ‘I’ve been meaning to send you an…’ His voice trailed off as he saw Ginny with Harry, both of them standing rather close together. He grinned and took a deep breath. He then smirked and said, ‘Harry, I take back everything I ever said. She is very much worth it.’
Ginny raised her eyebrows curiously and Harry chuckled softly. ‘Ginny, this is one of my new friends, Tom. Tom, this is Ginny, my girlfriend.’
The emphasis wasn’t lost on Ginny and she reached a hand out, to which Tom kissed the back of. ‘It is a very distinct pleasure to meet the woman Harry couldn’t function without.’
Harry turned a strange shade of red and Ginny smiled at this new person. She wasn’t sure what his relationship was with Harry, but they were obviously close enough that Harry would have spoken about her. She nodded politely. ‘It’s nice to meet you. And I’m glad to see Harry has made some new friends.’
Tom’s grin broadened at this and Harry looked as if he were about to melt into the ground. Tom said with much relish, ‘Let me tell you, he had his chances. I mean, women just threw themselves at him, but he wouldn’t have any of it…he kept telling me there was just the one…I didn’t quite believe him...until now.’
He was still holding her hand and Harry cleared his throat. ‘Tom, don’t go telling stories on me.’
He shook his head. ‘Believe me, Ginny, it’s all true. There are some amazing looking women we associate with, but Harry didn’t have eyes for any of them. He just kept sulking.’
Harry was looking uneasy and Ginny was slightly amused by the discussion. She was keeping her hand firm in Tom’s, but wondered if he’d let go. She smiled at him and said, ‘Really? All those beautiful women and Harry didn’t seem interested?’
Tom nodded ruefully. ‘It was like someone had put a…’ He grinned and laughed. ‘I’m sure you’re an accomplished witch, but I’m guessing you didn’t put a spell on Harry.’
Harry shook his head and traced his hand down Ginny’s arm to her hand, forcing Tom to let go unless he wanted to hold Harry’s hand as well. He squeezed her hand possessively and said, ‘No spells, Tom. You’d be able to tell.’
Tom grinned. ‘I don’t think she needs any magical assistance. Merlin, Harry, those pictures do not do her justice.’
He wasn’t quite leering at her, but Harry was clearly not appreciating the way Tom was looking at Ginny. He gave his friend a stern look and said, ‘Tom, stop staring at Ginny.’
Ginny elbowed Harry. ‘Don’t be so rude.’
He looked at her helplessly and Tom said, ‘I’m sorry, no, he’s right…’ He pulled back and gave them a strained smile. ‘What I was going to tell you is we’re having a party in a few weeks, you should come, bring Ginny.’
Harry tottered uneasily on his feet, looking from Tom to Ginny and then back. ‘I think Ginny needs to be back at Hogwarts by then, but thanks just the same.’
Ginny could tell there was an uncertain tone to Harry’s comment. Tom didn’t seem to notice or didn’t care. He nodded. ‘I don’t want to ruin your romantic outing; it was a pleasure to meet you.’
He smiled broadly at Ginny and she smiled. ‘Thank you. I’m glad to finally meet one of Harry’s friends that isn’t one of my brothers.’
Tom’s eyes seemed to focus for a moment and then he said quickly, ‘I get it! That Weasley shop, that’s one of your brothers?’
She nodded. ‘That’s my brother George’s shop, but my other brother, Ron, is there a lot too.’
Tom nodded. ‘Right. I wonder why I haven’t met them.’
Harry laughed. ‘I’m not sure you’d all get along.’
‘Well, if Ginny is any indication, then I’m sure I would.’ There was a gleam to Tom’s eyes and Ginny could feel Harry shift next to her.
‘It’s been nice to see you, Tom,’ Harry said finally, his eyes fixed on Tom’s.
Tom nodded slowly. ‘Right, then. I hope to see you again, Ms. Ginny. And please, try not to break Harry’s heart; it seems to be rather fragile.’
Ginny leaned up and kissed Harry on the cheek, before turning back to Tom. ‘I know, I plan on keeping him for the long haul.’
Tom grinned. ‘You two and this ‘one’ thing, it’s rather foreign to me.’
‘Good night, Tom,’ Harry said flatly.
Harry started to pull Ginny away; the tension coming off of him in waves, making his muscles tighten. Ginny smiled again at Tom and let Harry lead her away from him. Tom stood there for a moment before Ginny saw him leave in the other direction. They walked in silence for a few more blocks and Ginny could see the anger in Harry’s face. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were narrow slits.
She stopped suddenly and this forced Harry to stop so he wouldn’t have to let go of her hand. He gave her a bewildered look and she tried to cross her arms, but was unsuccessful as Harry was still holding her hand. She raised her eyebrows expectantly and Harry stood there, his eyes lowered.
She sighed audibly and took a step closer to Harry, lifting his chin with her free hand. ‘What’s the matter? He seems nice enough.’
Harry shook his head, his mouth tight. She gave him a worried look. ‘Harry, you’re scaring me.’
He said quietly, ‘You know I won’t ever let anything happen to you.’
She tried to pull her hand free to use it, but he held tight, a little more tightly than she would have liked, her fingers were starting to ache. She tried to flex her hand and he realised what she was doing, letting go suddenly. ‘I’m sorry.’
He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the palm. He rubbed her hand gently with both of his. She leaned closer to him and said in a whisper, ‘What’s going on? Does this have to do with…?’
He nodded, his eyes on hers. ‘It does. And I don’t want you in any trouble because of me.’
‘Harry,’ she started, but then didn’t know what she should say. She didn’t know anything about what Harry was working on and she’d never seen him more determined to keep her away from something. She asked quietly, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’
‘I won’t let anything happen to you,’ he repeated.
She furrowed her brow. ‘That isn’t what I asked, Harry. I want to know how much danger you’ll be in.’
‘You don’t have to…’ Harry started, but stopped, seeing the look on her face. He said grimly, ‘It could be really bad…like last year…but I know Gaunt would not have sent me on this assignment if he didn’t think I was ready.’
His voice had grown very quiet and Ginny pulled close to him. Her hands were resting on his chest comfortably. ‘Harry, you’d better be sure you come back to me in one piece.’
Harry grinned at her and said solemnly, ‘On my honour, I’ll always come back to you.’
Ginny started to pull away, but Harry grabbed her arms and pulled her back into his arms. He closed his arms across her back, locking her against his body and kissed her fully. Ginny didn’t care that they were standing in a well-lit, busy street. All she could think about and all she could feel was Harry; his body warm in the cool winter air, and his lips, soft and puissant, making her stomach do flips.
She could feel his hands pressing into her back, pulling her closer. She didn’t realise it, but she had one hand touching his cheek and the other wrapped around his waist beneath his jacket. She felt like there was nothing else in the world, but the two of them, together. If there had been any doubt or worry in her mind, it was long gone. All she wanted was to have this moment etched in her mind forever.
Harry let his hands creep up her back and he gripped her face gently. His fingers were warm and comforting. He pulled away slowly, their lips still touching. She could feel him take a deep breath as he pressed his forehead to hers. He started to lean in and kiss her again, but stopped. He said in a hoarse whisper, his lips almost on hers again, ‘I love you, you know that, right?’
She didn’t hesitate now, her mind full of certainty. ‘Yes, Harry, I know, and I love you, too.’
Ginny could feel his body relax against hers and he pressed his lips softly to hers. She felt suddenly freed by the truth of what they’d said. It had been so simple, so easy, and it felt right. A strange feeling of invincibility fell on her and Ginny felt as if nothing would break apart this perfect moment.