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Happy Birthday, Ginny! | ||||
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Category: Post-Hogwarts Characters:Harry/Ginny Genres: Romance Warnings: None Story is Complete Rating: PG-13 Reviews: 14 Summary: Ginny's 18th birthday was a memorable one. Hitcount: Story Total: 9207 Disclaimer: Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. Note the opinions in this story are my own and in no way represent the owners of this site. This story subject to copyright law under transformative use. No compensation is made for this work. Author's Notes: I originally wrote this story last year for Ginny's birthday. I reworked it a bit, so it is a little different than the version posted on other sites. Please enjoy! |
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Harry wandered nervously around his flat waiting for his girlfriend to arrive. He smiled as he thought of Ginny. The two of them had gotten back together after the final battle at Hogwarts. Last summer, the first summer after the end of the war was very difficult for everyone, especially for the Weasleys. The loss of Fred had been very difficult for everyone. Mrs. Weasley and George had been particularly devastated, but all of the Weasleys had been affected. Harry had stayed with them for the beginning of the summer to help repair and restore the Burrow. While he and Ginny had not taken particular pains to hide their relationship, they had not advertised it either and somehow none of the Weasleys had noticed Harry and Ginny falling in love. Hermione, who Harry was sure would have noticed, had spent most of the summer with her parents. She had stayed in England for the funerals, but then she left to look for her parents in Australia. It had taken her three weeks, but she found them and brought them back to England. Harry had seen her infrequently over the summer as she was busy rebuilding her relationship with her parents. With everyone’s attention elsewhere, Harry and Ginny had spent a lot time in Muggle London. Harry introduced Ginny to the joys of going to the movies and plays. Together they explored Muggle tourist sites and done something Harry had always wanted to do, go to the Beach. They had even snuck over to Paris a few times. Harry had hated it when September 1st came around and Ginny returned to Hogwarts. By that time, Harry had already started training as an Auror so he had moved into his godfather’s old house in London. While Harry hated being separated from Ginny, at least this time they could write back and forth, something they did frequently. Harry had never been good at corresponding, but he enjoyed writing to Ginny about his day. He attended of Ginny’s Quidditch matches and of course he went to all of the Hogsmeade weekends. Harry had assumed that Ron would be eager to spend the time with Hermione, but when he asked Ron about the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year, Ron said he had to work. The next Hogsmeade weekend, just before Christmas, the four of them had all been in Hogsmeade. Ron and Hermione had spent most of their time together and had not paid attention to Harry and Ginny. Ron had even gone so far at one point to tell Harry he needed to get a girlfriend. Harry just shook his head and changed the subject. By the end of Ginny’s 7th year, it had become a kind of game with Harry and Ginny. They had a running bet on who would be the first to discover their relationship. Harry’s money was on Hermione, Ginny thought it would be her mother. Two weeks after graduating from Hogwarts, Ginny won a spot on the Holyhead Harpies and moved to Wales. Ginny finished training camp last week and after spending a week at the Burrow, she and Harry were going away to celebrate her 18th birthday. She had celebrated her birthday early with her family and then told her parents she was going away to celebrate with friends. She just hadn’t mentioned she was going with Harry. Harry smiled as he heard the crack that signaled Ginny had Apparated into his front hall. He knew it was her, because she was the only one with permission to Apparate into his house. During the first months after he had defeated Voldemort, the press had hounded him relentlessly. Harry didn’t want to subject Ginny to that level of scrutiny, so he had changed the protective wards around his house to allow Ginny to Apparate directly into his house. “Harry!” “Hi, baby, Happy birthday!” Harry pulled Ginny into his arms and greeted her with a kiss. Ginny deepened the kiss, opening her mouth and sliding her fingers into his hair. Harry happily returned the kiss and pulled her closer, molding her body against his. He lost himself in the kiss and feeling of her body against his. Harry pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “I love you,” he whispered as he ran his fingers through her hair. Ginny looked up at him, love shining in her eyes. “I love you, too. I’ve missed you so much.” Harry leaned down and captured her mouth in a bruising kiss before he stepped back. “Did you have trouble getting away?” Harry asked. “No,” she laughed her eyes sparkling. “I told Mum I wanted to celebrate with some friends.” Her eyes dimmed slightly as she reflected that before she never would have been able to sneak away so easily. Her parents and her brothers were not paying as much attention as they had previously. She looked around the hallway and saw his travel bag packed and ready to go by the front door. “So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” Harry laughed. Ginny had been trying to worm that information out of him for the past three weeks. “Nope, it’s going to be a surprise.” All he had told her was to pack for warm weather, pack a bathing suit and bring her passport. Ginny pouted playfully but replied, “Okay, Potter, have it your way. When are we leaving?” Harry laughed and picked up both of their bags, he wrapped an arm around her and Apparated them to their destination. Ginny gasped as she looked around. They were standing on a deck with white wrought-iron rail. Below them, Ginny could see lush greenery leading to a beautiful white beach. The deep blue water sparkled in the distance. Ginny could feel the breeze on her face and she could hear the sound of the waves hitting the beach. She turned to see that they were standing next to an oval pool at the back of a large two story beach house. Shocked, she turned back to see Harry watching her with a slight smile on his face, “Where are we?” “The British Virgin Islands,” Harry replied. “I wanted to go someplace we wouldn’t be recognized and were we could relax and have fun.” Holding out his hand, he led her into the house through one of several sets of French doors that opened out onto the deck. She was surprised to see a key in his hand. Harry smiled, “I came over earlier and checked in.” As they walked into a large, open, brightly lit sun room, Ginny looked around in amazement. Harry led her into the living room where he presented her with a bouquet of her favorite pink and red roses. Throwing her arms around him, Ginny hugged him tight. “Harry, this is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like this.” Harry kissed her gently. “I wanted something unique and beautiful, just like you.” Ginny felt herself melt a little. She had never dreamed that Harry could be romantic, but when they were alone together Harry seemed to look for romantic, thoughtful things he could do for her. Leaning into his arms, she said, “No, I think it is perfect for me, just like you.” Harry kissed her deeply before pulling back, “Do you want to see the rest of this place?” Ginny nodded and hand-in-hand they explored the gourmet kitchen and formal dining room. They peaked into the two upstairs bedrooms before coming to the master suite. Harry dropped their bags as they explored the spacious master suite with a Jacuzzi tub and private veranda. The whole house was light and bright with bright, tropical colours. Turning back to Harry with her eyes shining, she smiled. “This is amazing.” “Come on, change into your suit. I want to head down to the beach,” Harry said. Harry and Ginny spent the afternoon playing in the water, stopping occasionally to steal kisses. As the sun started to set, they made their way back up to the beach house. Harry paused as they entered the house, “I thought we could have dinner on the patio. I got some steaks to cook on the grill. Does that sound okay?” “Great. Let me take a quick shower and I’ll help.” Harry ducked into one of the other bathrooms to take a quick shower and change before starting the grill. He had put two potatoes on the grill and was getting the steaks ready to go on the grill when Ginny came into the kitchen. He stared as she walked closer, it still amazed him that she wanted to be with him. Not only was she beautiful and dead sexy, she was also one of the smartest witches he knew. She was funny and playful and he was amazed how she always seemed to know what he needed. Walking into the kitchen in a casual green sundress, she took his breath away. Harry smiled as she walked up to him. He pulled her close and kissed her gently, “Have I told you today how beautiful you are?” Ginny laughed, “No, I don’t think you did.” “Well you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Harry replied. Ginny ran her eyes over the tight white shirt and well worn, dark blue jeans he wore, “You aren’t so bad yourself.” He kissed her deeply before releasing her, “Would you mind fixing a salad for us?” She explored the large, well-stocked kitchen and put together a salad, “Where do you want to eat?” Looking around, Harry suggested, “How about the patio by the pool? It looked like there was a table and chairs.” Ginny went out to the patio and with a quick, “Scourgify” cleaned off the table. Quickly setting the table with the china she’d found in the kitchen, Ginny sat at the table and talked to Harry while he grilled the steaks. Harry poured each of them a glass of wine and listened to Ginny tell about her time at training camp. He was so proud of her. There were so many hopefuls that tried out for the Harpies each year, but very few ever made it. Over dinner Harry told Ginny about his training, he had completed his first year and due to his skills and hard work only had another few months until his training was complete. He hoped that he would be a fully qualified Auror by Christmas. After dinner Harry held his hand out to Ginny, “Will you walk down to the beach with me?” Ginny smiled and took his hand, “Of course.” He kept stealing glances at her as they made their way to beach. They took off their shoes and walked down to the water. “Harry, this is so beautiful,” Ginny said as the water lapped around their feet. “Ginny,” Harry began, “this past year has been the most amazing year of my life. I never thought I’d live past Voldemort so I never really gave much thought to what I would do afterwards. I never imagined anything as wonderful as having you in my life. Everything is better with you — shopping, cleaning, cooking. When I was young, I had to do all of these things for the Dursleys and it was awful. Doing these things with you…I love it. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He took a deep breath and knelt down on one knee, “Ginny Weasley, I love you and can’t imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?” Ginny felt tears stinging her eyes as she looked down at him, her thoughts racing. She had been in love with Harry for years. When she was a child she’d had a huge crush on him, but that crush had died a very painful death in the Chamber of Secrets. Instead it had been replaced by respect, and over the next few years she had gotten to know the real Harry. The moody, honorable, brave, funny and loyal Harry. When they started dating in her 5th year, it seemed like all of her dreams had come true. Harry broke her heart a few weeks later by breaking up with her. Ginny had understood how important it was to Harry to protect her and she had let him go off to fight Voldemort without complaining. Once they had gotten back together after the war was over, Ginny had fallen more in love with him every day. “Yes, yes. I will marry you,” Ginny stammered when she realized she hadn’t answered him yet. Harry stood up, swept Ginny into his arms and swung her around. Setting her down, he threaded his fingers into her hair and kissed her, pouring all of his passion and joy into the kiss. When breathing became necessary, he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. The joy in his eyes was breathtaking, Ginny smiled up at him and wiped the tear that trailed it’s way down his cheek. With shaking hands he placed the ring he’d picked out for her on her finger. Ginny gasped at the ring, it was a square cut diamond with emeralds on either side set in platinum. “Harry, it’s beautiful,” she gasped as she kissed him again. “I know we are still young and if you want to wait to get married I understand. I don’t want to stop you from don’t anything you want to do. I just love you so much and I really want to marry you.” Harry said earnestly as he smoothed her hair back behind her ear. Ginny looked up at him, his beautiful green eyes glistening in the moonlight. “Can we get married here?” He felt his heart jump as he stared down at her. “Here?” Ginny nodded. “But don’t you want to get married at the Burrow with all of your family?” Ginny grimaced, “I had always imagined getting married at the Burrow like Bill did with all of our family and friends. But the Burrow isn’t the Burrow anymore. No one laughs and there are no random explosions or pranks… I mean this summer was better than last summer. Mum wasn’t crying all the time and George has started coming out of his room, but it’s not the same.” “Don’t you think that your mum would love to plan your wedding?” Harry asked. Ginny laughed, “Can you imagine me and my mum trying to plan a wedding? She’d want it all pink and lacy, not me.” Harry had to agree as he remembered well the planning of Bill and Fleur’s wedding he had witnessed. “Are you sure?” he asked. He wanted to make sure she got whatever she wanted for her wedding. Ginny nodded emphatically. “Yes, let’s do something amazing and romantic for our wedding.” Harry blushed as he looked out at the ocean for a minute before looking down at her, “All we need to do is register tomorrow and we can be married in three days.” She looked up in surprise before she started laughing, “And just how do you know that, Mr. Potter?” Looking down at the sand, Harry could fell his cheeks were still red, “I…I checked into it on the off chance…I just thought it would be amazing to get married here. I’d love to have your family here, but…we’ve been together for over a year and no one has even noticed. I want to do this, just the two of us.” Ginny kissed him softly, “Let’s do it.” __________________________________ ________________________________________ _____ “Harry, look!” Ginny leaned out over the edge of the boat, pointing into the clear blue water. A pair of dolphins were visible playing in the wake of the boat, jumping out of the water and swimming alongside the boat. Laughing, he snapped a few pictures of both the dolphins and Ginny. They were taking the ferry over to St. Thomas for the day. They circle the deck several times during the trip trying to take in beautiful view. Ginny was amazed at the size and the number of the Muggle Cruise ships they saw pulling into the harbor. As they disembarked at Charlotte Amalie, Harry let Ginny take the lead as they explored the first the old fort and then the shopping available at the Havensight Shopping Center. Ginny smiled as she watched Harry hover around the front of the shop. The shops all had only two or three wall with one or sometimes two of the walls opened out onto a common outdoor area. She smirked slightly when she saw several young girls eyeing him up. He was tan and fit and for once he looked relaxed and happy. He looked up from the display of bracelets he was examining and smiled at her. She blew him a kiss before turning back around to examine the rack of dresses in front of her. She hoped to find a wedding dress on the island. “Can I help you?” Ginny turned at the sound of the melodious voice near her shoulder. Smiling Ginny explained, “I’m getting married in a few days and I wanted to get a nice dress.” “Excellent. My name is Maria and I will be happy to help you look for a dress.” The friendly sales clerk introduced herself. “I’m Ginny. That would be great. I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for, but I want a white or cream coloured flowing dress.” Twenty minutes later Maria had helped Ginny find a simple white cocktail dress with a halter top and flowing tiered skirt. She added a pearl and pink crystal necklace and earrings to complete the outfit. Harry grabbed her bags as she walked out of the shop. He pointed to white carriages that were rising over the island. “Do you want to try the skyride? It’s supposed to have an amazing view.” She took a moment to what the skyride. “Is it safe?” Laughing he hugged her, “Ginny, would I take you on a ride that wasn’t safe?” Tightly holding his hand, Ginny stood by the window as the carriage rose slowly over the town of Charlotte Amalie to the top of Flag Hill. After enjoying an exotic bird show, the couple shared a long lunch before heading back to the harbor to catch the ferry back to Tortola. ____________________________ ________________________________________ ____________ Taking the time to look in the mirror one more time, Ginny smiled. She had swept her hair up off her face and let the curls fall down her back. The dress she had bought set off her newly acquired light tan and she’d found a pair of low heeled sandals that set off the outfit perfectly. Grabbing the small cascading bouquet of purple and pink orchards, Ginny hurried out to the beach. She wasn’t sure how Harry had arranged to wedding ceremony in so short a period of time, right on the beach outside their beach house, but he had somehow taken care of all of the arrangements. The sun was starting to set over the water as she walked out to the white shelter Harry had erected earlier that day. The celebrant they had contracted to perform the ceremony was chatting quietly with her husband and assistant who were there to act a witnesses. Harry was standing at the edge of the shelter, looking out over the water. He was wearing a white tunic style shirt and a pair of khaki trousers. Ginny smiled when she realized he was barefoot in the sand. As if sensing her arrival, Harry turned and smiled at her. Ginny could feel the sting of tears welling up in her eyes as she walked over to her fiancée. He met her halfway across the shelter, taking her hands in his. “You look so beautiful.” He whispered as he leaned down and brushed a soft kiss again her lips. She smiled up at him, joy bubbling up inside of her. “Thank you. You look amazing.” “No doubts.” Harry asked softly searching her eyes. He wanted to marry her more than anything in the world, but he wanted to make sure she was happy. “No doubts, my love.” She whispered. “This is perfect. I love you and you love me and right now that is all that matters. I want this.” Harry couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across his face. “I love you.” Hand in hand they turned to their small audience of three. Corinne, the celebrant, stepped forward. “Come, children. Let us get you married.” With the sound of the waves softy crashing on the shore and a cool breeze blowing around them, Harry and Ginny said the vows that bound them together for life. _______________________________ ________________________________________ _______ Harry looked around the room one more time, they had packed everything. Ginny walked over and slid her arm around his waist, “I guess we have to leave.” Wrapping both of his arms around her, he kissed her softly. “I know. Part of me wants to stay here forever, but I know we need to get back.” Ginny snuggled into her husband’s chest for a few minutes before she said, “Just get us out of here before I change my mind.” With a wave of his hand, Harry sent their bags on to Grimmauld Place and tightening his arms around her he Apparated them back to London. Ginny sighed as they arrived back at Grimmauld Place. Harry hugged her tightly, “Welcome home, Mrs. Potter.” She smiled and kissed him, “ ‘Mrs. Potter.’ I love the sound of that.” “So when are we going to tell your family?” Harry asked. “Well my mum doesn’t expect me until next weekend,” Ginny replied, “Why don’t we just tell everyone then? I think everyone’s coming as an end of the summer celebration.” “That sounds good,” Harry said as he started kissing his way down her neck, “So what are we going to do for the next week?” Ginny laughed as she moved closer to him and arched her neck giving him better access, “I don’t know… I can’t think of anything in particular.” Harry swept her off her feet and carried her up to their bedroom. Over dinner that evening Harry said, “I’ve been thinking. Now that we’re married we should find a place that’s just ours.” “Really? You wouldn’t mind?” Ginny said. “No. I…I don’t know that I’m ready to sell this place, but we should find a place that is just for us. No history or family.” “Could we get a place in Wales?” Ginny asked hopefully. “When I was at training camp, I stayed near these really nice new flats. I kept thinking that I’d love to live there.” “Wales,” Harry repeated as he turned the idea over in his mind, “That sounds great. I’ve never really been there. I can Apparate into London from anywhere.” Ginny beamed, “Let’s go look tomorrow.” It was the third flat they walked into. As soon as they walked in, Harry and Ginny both agreed it was perfect for them. By Friday night, they had everything moved in. Harry and Ginny were just returning from a morning jog when it happened. Harry had turned on the WWN while they prepared breakfast. As the song ended the announcer came on, “Folks, I have big news. It appears that Britain’s Most Eligible Bachelor is no longer eligible. It has been reported that Harry Potter is now married. A marriage license was issued for Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley in the British Virgin Islands last week. Congratulations to the happy couple!” Harry looked at Ginny in shock, “How did they find out?” “Who cares about that? My mum is going to kill us if that’s how she finds out that we’re married,” Ginny replied. “So are we headed to the Burrow?” Harry asked. Ginny nodded, “Let’s finish eating and head over.” By the time Harry and Ginny arrived at the Burrow, reporters had already arrived. Harry could tell that Bill must have increased the wards around the Burrow as none of the reporters appeared to be able to get into the yard. As soon as the two of them appeared, flashbulbs started flashing and the reporters started yelling questions at them. Ginny grabbed Harry’s hand and they quickly entered the kitchen. Harry froze as he saw all of the Weasleys gathered in the kitchen. “Ginevra Molly Weasley,” Mrs. Weasley began, “Please tell me this is not true.” Ginny looked around the kitchen at all of her family. Ron and Hermione, Bill and Fleur, George, Percy, Charlie and her parents were all staring at them with varying degrees of disapproval. “Harry, how could you?” Ron almost growled, “You haven’t looked at her for almost two years and now you run off and marry her?” Ginny glared at her brother, “What do you mean he hasn’t looked at me? We’ve been dating for the past year and a half!” “What?!” her family all seemed to yell at the same time. Harry responded this time, “I love Ginny, we have been together for the past year and a half and we are married now.” Mrs. Weasley collapsed into the closest chair, “How could…but…a year and a half?” Ginny sat next to her mum, “Well really, it’s more like two and a half years. Harry broke up with me before he went on his Horcrux hunt, but we got back together right after…the war ended.” She reached out and took her mum’s hand, “I love him and he loves me.” Mrs. Weasley looked from one to the other, “Well, I had always hoped you would get together, but married?” Harry sat next to Ginny as the rest of the family sat down, “We…we went away for Ginny’s birthday and … I don’t know it just seemed right. I’m sorry that you had to find out over the WWN. We had planned to tell you tomorrow night.” Mrs. Weasley looked at the couple sitting next to her. She had been so upset when she heard the announcement on the WWN, but seeing how happy they looked she smiled. “I guess all I can say is congratulations! I love you both.” Mrs. Weasley stood and hugged both of them. Mr. Weasley and her brothers took a little longer to accept the situation. George was thrilled for them, he told Ginny that he and Fred had always thought Harry and Ginny would end up together. Ron and Hermione were shocked and a little hurt that Harry and Ginny had kept their relationship a secret, but in the end Ron was thrilled that Harry was actually his brother. As Ginny watched her husband talking to her family she decided that her 18th birthday had been her best birthday so far! |
| Reviews 14 |
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