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The Price of Victory | ||||
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Category: Post-OotP Characters:Draco, Malfoy, Albus, Harry/Ginny, Hermione, Granger, Luna, Lovegood, Neville, Longbottom, Ron, Weasley Genres: Action/Adventure, Angst, Comedy, Fluff, Humor Warnings: None Story is Complete Rating: PG Reviews: 8 Summary: Winning is always desirable, but at what cost. Harry learns the cost may be more than he can bear. Hitcount: Story Total: 4141 |
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The Price of Victory Gryphon Harry Potter sat in the Gryffindor Common Room listening to all of the conversations going on around him. Somehow, he didn’t feel he wanted to join any of them. Those students who would be returning the following year were making plans to stay in touch over the summer. The seventh year students were discussing post Hogwarts plans. Many, like Harry, already had plans. He and Ron would start Auror training bright and early Tuesday after the end of term. This would allow them a week day to get anything done they needed to do before starting training. They’d been told this was to help avoid people having second thoughts. Glancing at Ron and Hermione, he figured that was probably a good idea. Since Hermione had other plans, Ron would probably never make it to training if he didn’t go straight away. Auror training required total dedication. Failure to report for reasons under your control resulted in permanent disqualification. Oh well, that wasn’t a problem for him. One of his two best friends would be in training with him and he didn’t have a girlfriend so it was fairly straight forward. There were also several other friends from Dumbledore’s Army starting the class. Now there was an interesting issue, who would carry on the advanced training for DA once he was gone? As the evening wore on, a number of students came by to wish him good luck and to thank him for all he’d done for DA. Ron and Hermione came and sat with him and they were later joined by Ginny, Seamus, and Lavender. As the hour grew late, the crowd began to thin and even their crowd went up to bed. It had been an emotional evening for Harry though he’d kept it to himself. After the Burrow, he considered this his real home and now he’d probably never see it again. While everyone else appeared happy and joyous at breakfast the next morning, Harry felt somewhat somber. He was happy to be starting Auror training even though it would be a difficult course lasting over a year. With the absence of any activity from Voldemort in recent times, he had hopes he might finish training before the final battle. That still didn’t make him forget about leaving Hogwarts for the last time. As usual, he rode in a carriage to the station with Ron and Hermione and this time, Ginny. Once they arrived at the station, the heavy Auror security force was very evident. After a few parting words, Ron and Hermione went to help the younger students and Neville and Luna joined him and Ginny. One minute they were casually chatting among themselves as they delayed boarding the Hogwarts Express until the last minute and then their world came apart. Suddenly, there were Death Eaters all around the station area. Almost immediately, it was obvious the Aurors were outnumbered as a fierce battle ensued. No words were necessary; Harry and the small group of friends with him went to the rescue of an Auror who’d been isolated from the rest. The five of them made quick work of the two Death Eaters who weren’t so arrogant once the odds changed. Before they could go to the aid of anyone else, they found themselves facing Voldemort and three Death Eaters. Voldemort immediately went for Harry. After several attempts to disarm each other, Voldemort went for the throat and their wands locked as they had after the Tri-Wizard Tournament. As other DA members who’d already boarded the train ran back off and joined the fray, Harry’s group which included the rescued Auror found themselves locked in a desperate battle with the other three Death Eaters who’d appeared with Voldemort and who were trying to break free to help in Voldemort’s attack on Harry. Just as one of the Death Eaters knocked the Auror down, Neville managed to take him down. Unfortunately, the second Death Eater battling them got Neville before Ginny and Luna got him. Then, Ginny felt a moment of horror as she heard the third Death Eater hurling an especially nasty curse at Harry. She did the only thing she could think of in the split second she had to act and threw herself into the path of the curse. Seeing Ginny throw herself in front of the curse, Luna immediately put the third Death Eater out of action before he could do anything else. Then she tried every hex and spell she could think of to distract Voldemort. If any of her fellow DA members had had the time to look, they’d have seen a very different Luna that day as she savagely attacked the Death Eaters and then Voldemort. After several irritating hexes, stunning spells, and a couple of completely irrelevant charms which Voldemort seemed to ignore, one must have got through because he flinched. Harry felt his energy reserves were just about depleted. He knew this was a fight to the end for one of them and he hadn’t felt any weakening on the part of Voldemort. He was only vaguely aware of what was going on around him as it took all of his concentration and strength just to hold on to his wand. Their struggle had already gone on much longer than the previous time their wands had locked and there wasn’t likely to be any help this time. Just as he felt his strength begin to fade, Voldemort seemed to lose concentration. Harry summoned the last of his reserves and willed the deadly green ball of magical force that had been suspended between the two of them back into Voldemort’s wand, arm, and then his body. There was a fleeting look of surprise on his face and then, his body collapsed in the ball of green light he’d tried to cast onto Harry. Harry just stood still for a second as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. Then he noticed the still fierce fighting going on around him. “Harry, help me,” yelled Luna as she attempted to revive the Auror and then Neville. They both began to come around but just laid back on the ground. “What happened to Ginny?” Harry yelled back as Luna came over to her. Luna suddenly did something for which Harry was totally unprepared, she pointed her wand at Ginny and said, “Petrificus Totalis.” “What are you doing?” Harry cried aghast. “Harry,” said Luna. She didn’t get to finish her statement as they were attacked by several more Death Eaters. By now they had help from Seamus and Dean. After taking two of them down, the rest fled upon seeing Voldemort on the ground. The fighting ended pretty quickly once word spread of Voldemort’s defeat. Harry stopped and looked at Luna again and started to release Ginny from her spell. “No, Harry!” said Luna forcefully. “Don’t do that. That curse she took probably hurt her really bad and she may be bleeding inside.” “How…what happened?” asked Harry. “Harry,” said Luna with her eyes bulging out even more than usual, “the third Death Eater almost hit you with some sort of blasting spell. Ginny jumped in front of the curse and it hit her in the stomach. I’m afraid she may be badly hurt.” Harry was shocked. He’d known there’d be injuries, but he’d never been able to envision any of his friends seriously hurt. Neville had apparently been hurt but didn’t seem too bad, but Ginny? Looking around, there were a lot of people on the ground — Death Eaters, Aurors, and students. He had no idea how many were just injured and how many were dead. Knowing only Death Eaters intentionally maimed and killed, it wasn’t an encouraging sight. At that moment, Hermione arrived. “Harry,” she gasped “are you all right?” “Yeah,” said Harry still staring at Ginny. “How’s Ron?” “He’s been hurt,” said Hermione as a few tears began to stream down her face as she hugged Harry. Then she saw Ginny wasn’t moving. “Is she?” “No,” said Luna quickly. “We think she’s badly hurt,” said Harry. “Luna’s petrified her until help comes.” By now Dumbledore and other faculty members began to arrive. Dumbledore gave Voldemort’s body a cursory glance and turned his attention to Ginny. Kneeling over her, he spoke several spells too softly for Harry to hear. After a moment he stood up looking very serious indeed. “Ginny is in very grave condition,” he began. “Who ever petrified her probably saved her life…at least for now.” Looking at “Hermione, I wouldn’t tell her brother yet until we know more since I hear he’s badly hurt too.” Hermione just nodded. “I’d better go back to Ron,” she said obviously in shock. Harry felt his chest grow tight and was suddenly felt very cold all over. He was barely aware of Dumbledore summoning help for Ginny as he stood and just looked down at Ginny. Luna had said she’d shielded him from what hit her. It sounded like she knew what to expect and did it anyway. Now he knew Ron was hurt too. He’d never felt so helpless, but there was no way he could leave Ginny if she might die after protecting him. It seemed to take an eternity for help to arrive and even longer to get her up to the castle. By the time they got to the hospital wing, many of the healers from St. Mungo’s were already there. They took Ginny immediately and closely questioned Luna about exactly what had happened. They were surprised at her quick thinking to petrify Ginny to protect her from further injury. After they went in with Ginny, time crawled even slower. Hermione came and stood with them as they stood in vigilance. A short while later a very distraught Molly and Arthur arrived. After hugs and tears they again went over what had happened. When Molly heard what had happened to Ginny, she almost fainted. Arthur held her while she sobbed into his shoulder. As the parents of other injured students arrived, the scene only got worse. Harry didn’t know how much more he could take, but immediately felt guilty for that thought as he wasn’t one of the ones who was hurt. Finally, Madame Pomfrey came out and said Ron was doing OK, but that they’d knocked him out because of his pain. As injuries from evil curses were more difficult to heal than ordinary injuries, it would be several days before he could get out of bed. Harry breathed a sigh of relief as Molly and Arthur went in to sit with him after making Harry promise to come and get them if there was any word on Ginny. They all agreed not to say anything to Ron about Ginny until they knew more. After what seemed like another eternity, Dumbledore came out. Harry was surprised he’d been helping with her treatment. He immediately went and got Molly and the others. Dumbledore looked very old and tired as he began. “Ginny has sustained very grave injuries to the organs in her lower body. Luckily, she wasn’t hit directly in the chest or she wouldn’t have survived. As it is, the only reason she has any chance at all is Luna’s quick thinking. We’ve done all we can for now,” he said sadly. “She’s still in very grave condition. I think you should all stay close by — including you, Harry.” Harry looked up at that. He supposed that was because he was thought of as family by the Weasleys. Dumbledore must have noticed Harry’s look of surprise. “Harry, she keeps moaning your name. She apparently still has very strong feelings for you so it might give her hope if you’re here. Her survival is going to largely depend on her will to fight to live and heal.” This speech didn’t do much for Harry’s state of mind and left Molly and Hermione sobbing and even Arthur had tears. All of Ginny’s brothers except Charlie were there now and they were all very distraught. They let Arthur and Molly go in and sit with her. Harry was beginning to feel sick. He’d never imagined anything like this. The rest of them each went in for a minute to see her. Ginny looked very frail and shivered from time to time. They told him that was due to pain since they couldn’t completely sedate her as it would weaken her ability to fight. It really shook Harry up to think she was thinking about him while she was in this state. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. It seemed this was all due to him. Dobby brought some sandwiches and juice early in the afternoon, but no one seemed very hungry. They just sat and occasionally talked quietly among themselves. Harry couldn’t help but think it was his fault and they would somehow blame him. He spent a little time with Ron, but he was asleep. Charlie arrived later in the afternoon and was also very broken up. Late Saturday afternoon, Arthur came out and said “Harry, I think you should go in for a while.” Harry was surprised and scared. As he went in, Molly looked up and smiled through her tears. “Harry, dear, she’s delirious, but she keeps asking for you.” Harry was very torn at this. He didn’t know what to say and he could feel his own tears beginning to well up. Why would she be thinking of him at a time like this unless she really cared? He’d had no idea she felt that way about him. Hermione had said she was over him a long time ago and now this. He felt awful. As he sat on the other side of the bed from Molly and looked down into Ginny’s face, she looked so sweet and fragile. She looked so much in pain and just yesterday she was full of fun and happiness. Then she began to mumble, “Ha…rry…Harr… …y.” Harry looked from Ginny to Molly with more tears in his eyes. “I didn’t know.” The thought that Ginny felt that way and could die without ever hearing anything in return from him became overwhelming. The next time Ginny called his name he leaned forward and said softly, “I’m here Ginny. I’m here for you.” After these exchanges had gone on a few minutes, Ginny appeared to relax a little. Molly said, “Thank you Harry. If she can hear and understand you, I think that will make her very happy.” The afternoon and night passed and Ginny was still holding on. Madame Pomfrey and various combinations of other wizards worked on Ginny from time to time during the night, but there was little to learn from them. Ginny was by no means out of danger even with Magic. Ginny’s brothers were still going in for a few minutes at a time, but Harry stayed whenever Ginny was calling his name. Sunday morning found Harry still with Ginny much of the time. He continued to respond whenever she spoke and occasionally, she seemed to pause as though she had heard. Molly also spoke to her though Ginny mostly asked for Harry. Midmorning, Harry took a break and Bill sat with Ginny and Molly for a while. Arthur and her other brothers were spending time with Hermione and Ron who was awake, but hadn’t been told about Ginny yet. A while later, Bill came out and said Harry should go back in. Ginny was making more sense now and was saying broken and sometimes nearly complete sentences. Harry began talking back to her again. Seeing her hand opening and closing, her gently took it and immediately felt her squeeze his as she asked if it were really him. Looking up at Molly before looking back at Ginny, he said “Yes.” Ginny continued saying things like she loved him so much, but he never noticed her. She repeated this and similar statements over and over much of the morning. After a while, Harry was so moved he decided he’d do anything he could for her. “Ginny, I’ve always noticed you and how pretty you are,” he said. “I just wasn’t ready for that, but I love you too.” Molly looked up at Harry and said, “Harry, I appreciate what you’re trying t do, but I don’t think you should give her false expectations.” Harry looked back at Molly with tears in his eyes again. “Mrs. Weasley, how can you not love someone who loves you so much even at a time like this?” “I know, Harry. Just be careful, for both of your sakes,” she said. “And don’t forget, you’ll be leaving for Auror training in a day or so.” Harry thought about that for a moment before looking back at Molly. “Mrs. Weasley, Ginny comes first. There is no way I’m going to leave her.” “But Harry,” Molly said, “you’ll be permanently disqualified if you stay here.” “I know,” said Harry resolutely. “This is where I belong.” Since Ginny seemed to be responding favorably to Harry’s coaxing, Molly visited Ron for a while. They’d had to tell him Ginny had been hurt, but not how bad. This let others come in and sit with Harry. As another night passed, the fact that Ron and Ginny were still bed ridden emphasized just how seriously they’d been injured if magical power was taking so long to heal them. By Monday morning, Ron was feeling well enough to complain about why Harry hadn’t visited him yet. He had difficulty grasping why Harry would be spending all of his time with Ginny and not at least dropping in for a minute. After the healers had spent an hour at mid morning with Ginny, one came out and said, “There is something we can try that might help at this point. It doesn’t always work, but it won’t hurt to try.” He went on to explain that sometimes, others could aid healing by transferring some of their magical energy and well being while holding their hands against the injured person. Molly immediately thought she’d be the best candidate for this to work. Harry thought he should be the one to try first since he and Ginny already had a strong magical bond even before she saved him and everyone else from Voldemort. In the end, the healer thought Harry should try first. He explained exactly what Harry would need to do and what he would need to think while he was doing it. It would help if the two people really cared for each other. After Ginny was prepared, they took Harry in and showed him where to place his hands. At first Harry was very nervous as he’d seldom touched a girl, much less her stomach area. As he touched the first area, he could immediately feel something happening and knew it was working. Almost at once, one of the healers asked him to relax as he was giving too much too fast. It would work better to go a little slower. After 30 minutes or so, Harry was exhausted. The healer explained they’d like to do this several times a day if Harry was up to it. Harry just nodded at that. He sat back down next to Ginny and laid his head on the bed after drinking a potion Madame Pomfrey had just given him. He only vaguely remembered hearing the healer say he needed to eat and drink for himself and Ginny now that he was using Healing Hands on her. Harry just nodded as he drifted to sleep. Harry wasn’t aware of the reaction Molly and the rest of the family had when they heard how well the procedure had succeeded. While everyone was surprised, they were also relieved and very thankful. The healer explained to them that they should make sure Harry ate and drank enough since he’d essentially be living for two people for the next few days. They’d have to watch him closely during the procedure as he as he apparently wanted to give more than he should. By Tuesday, Ginny was looking better, but something was still holding her back. After consulting the healers for some time, Dumbledore said he had something to do and left them. As the sun dipped in the western sky, Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey levitated Ginny onto a stretcher. Harry had never seen Dumbledore in Muggle cloths before. Molly and Harry went too as they took her to a carriage and down to the Hogwarts Express. By now, it was dark and Harry didn’t recognize what he could see of the countryside. After a short while, they stopped and got off to find a Muggle ambulance waiting for them. After a twenty minute ride, they arrived at a clinic where they were obviously expected. Harry thought it strange that most of the workers looked away or ignored them when they passed. Before long, they arrived at what was explained as the MRI department. While getting Ginny ready, the doctor in charge could be heard to answer the question of one of his assistants who apparently was the technician who operated the machine, “I don’t understand why we’re doing this either, but then this is the first time I’ve received a personal call from the queen asking for a favor. This kind of thing always seems to happen when I want to take a short holiday. Oh, and this is also covered by the official secrets act, so you’re to forget everything that happens tonight and say absolutely nothing to anyone except me.” Harry’s eyes opened wider at that and glanced at Dumbledore. He just received a nod in return. A short while after the very noisy machine started, the doctor muttered to no one in particular, “My God! What happened to this poor girl?” After a few minutes, an image of Ginny’s abdomen became more detailed. “When did this happen?” “Saturday morning,” said Dumbledore. “Frankly, I’m amazed she’s alive at all with this many internal injuries. Am I to understand she’s only been treated by healers?” the doctor said disbelief. While shaking his head, he muttered something under his breath none of them heard. “What we mean by a healer is probably quite a bit different than what you have in mind,” said Dumbledore. “We’ve come to you because something is holding back her recovery and we can’t find it.” “You mean to say she was worse than this Saturday?” asked the doctor skeptically. “Very much so,” Madame Pomfrey spoke for the first time. “We had little hope for her until Monday.” “What have…why didn’t you get medical help for her?” asked the doctor aghast. “She’s had some of the best we have available,” snapped Madame Pomfrey. “Now, now. He doesn’t understand our ways yet,” said Dumbledore soothingly. “I see explanations and introductions are in order if we are to move on. This is Madame Pomfrey. She is our school healer and I am the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. We are what I think you would call magical people. I know that will be difficult for you to accept, but it is so. This girl, Ginny Weasley, received her injuries in a battle with an evil wizard and his followers. This is Harry Potter. Ginny sacrificed herself to protect him. And this is her mother, Molly Weasley. “Now, on to why we are here,” said Dumbledore to his now very skeptical audience. “We can use magic to do much of what you do with knives, tubes, and other devices. Since I see you are hesitant to believe me, allow me to give you a small demonstration.” Suddenly, his wand was in his hand and the technician’s stool became a very large comfortable looking chair. It took a few seconds for the Muggles to absorb what they had just seen. The doctor went over to the chair and felt and squeezed it to assure himself he wasn’t seeing things. “I…I don’t know what to say. I had no idea magic really existed, but after this… My name is Dr Alastair Maxwell and this is Mr. Gavel.” He said in a much more business like manner. “Mr. Gavel, while I’m going over these scans, get someone down here from the lab and have them do a full blood workup on this girl and tell them I want emergency priority on this. Arrange for this too,” he said writing further instructions on paper. “Also inform them this falls under the official secrets act.” After Mr. Gavel went into his office to order the work, the doctor began studying the images in earnest. As he worked, he said, “I apologize for my attitude, but I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing. She doesn’t look dehydrated. How did you give her fluids?” “Magically,” said Dumbledore. “I’ll fill you in when you’re finished if you’d like to know.” “I’d like that very much,” said Dr. Maxwell. “Since I don’t really know what I’m looking for, I’ll look for anything that looks to be in worse condition than most of what I see here. The blood work will tell us more.” This conversation wasn’t making Harry feel any better, especially when he felt Mrs. Weasley squeezing his arm. From the look on her’s face, he figured she felt the same way. A few minutes later, a nurse rushed in with a carte full of tubes and other things Harry didn’t recognize. She immediately started working on Ginny’s right arm. After filling up several tubes with blood, she started hooking up tubes to Ginny’s arm leading to bags of fluids hanging from a pole she’d installed. Molly and Harry were asked to leave the room for a moment while she installed something called a catheter. “Since I don’t know how much you’ve been able to give her, I’ve ordered several fluids,” said the doctor when they came back in. “Once I see her blood work, I’ll probably order more.” For the next hour, the doctor pored over his equipment occasionally taking what he called more pictures. During this time, Madame Pomfrey worked on various parts of Ginny the doctor mentioned. More bags of fluid were also attached as the results of the blood work began to come back. “Harry,” said Madame Pomfrey after she’d been working over Ginny for a while, “do you feel up to…giving her a little help?” “Of course,” said Harry. He placed his hands where Madame Pomfrey instructed and did as she told him. “Is that how you’ve been strengthening her?” asked Dr. Moody in surprise. “Yes,” said Dumbledore. “Harry can give her some of his magical energy along with nourishment and he is also taking away some of the wastes in her blood. It’s a magical thing.” Twenty minutes later, Harry was looking pretty drained. This time, he’d also been asked to work on the area around Ginny’s neck for some reason. “Jesus,” said Dr. Maxwell looking at Harry’s condition after he finished. “I want blood work on him too,” and he gave Mr. Gavel further instructions. Harry wasn’t exactly thrilled to have a needle stuck in his arm, but he was too fatigued to protest. Unfortunately for him, he found himself plugged into some bags of fluid a short while later. The doctor was astounded that he could give so much to Ginny. Hearing this statement from the doctor also amazed Molly. She’d never guessed the Healing Hands could do that much. By now, it was well after midnight, but Harry didn’t feel sleepy at all. The fluids they were giving him seemed to help restore his strength. He also hadn’t been called upon to give Ginny as much as usual. Finally they were ready to return to Hogwarts. “Since you don’t want to keep her here a for few days, would you mind if I accompany you to follow up on her and maintain her fluids? I’d also like to learn more about your methods.” Surprisingly, Dumbledore agreed and they left. Except for the doctor boarding the Hogwarts Express, the trip was uneventful. He was truly amazed at Hogwarts. Harry figured this was a holiday he wouldn’t forget if Dumbledore allowed him to keep his memories. Fortunately, Dumbledore had somehow arranged for help to carry all of the supplies the doctor had brought with him to the carriages and into the castle. The next morning found Harry sitting with Ginny holding her hand. Molly was taking a short break and visiting with Ron a few minutes who was now allowed out of bed. Suddenly, Ginny moved a little. This got Harry’s attention since she hadn’t moved very much at all before. Then she moaned and her eyes flickered open. “Hello Ginny,” said Harry smiling. “It’s good to have you back with us.” Ginny just blinked for a moment as she looked around. “Harry?” she said looking a little bewildered. “What happened? Where am I?” “You’re at Hogwarts in hospital,” said Harry. “You took a pretty nasty curse the other day.” Ginny was looking from the tubes in her arm to Harry now. “What’s happening to me? What are these tubes?” “You’ve been in a pretty bad way Ginny,” said Harry as he gently smoothed some hair off of her forehead. “We’ve got a Muggle doctor helping with your treatment. You’ve had a rough time of it, but you’re getting well now.” “Is Mum here?” she asked. “Yeah,” said Harry. “She’s taking a short break. Everyone’s here. I’d better get them or I’ll be in trouble.” “Wait,” Ginny said quickly holding his hand tighter. “Don’t go yet. How long have I been here?” “It’s Wednesday morning,” said Harry. “Who won the battle?” We did,” said Harry. “Now I’d really better let your family know you’re awake. Molly was ecstatic as was everyone else. She gave Ginny a kiss and took her other hand. She got kisses from Arthur and her brothers too. Harry was going to wait outside of the room, but Arthur ushered him back in saying he was part of the family too. Unfortunately, it was only a moment before Madame Pomfrey and Dr. Maxwell arrived and sent them all back out. Ten minutes later, they came back out. “This is simply amazing, Poppy,” said Dr. Maxwell. “I would never have believed she’d be conscious this soon. “You can visit two at a time for ten minutes, then I want her to rest,” said Madame Pomfrey. Arthur and Molly went first for a couple of minutes. After the rest of the family and Hermione each took a turn, Molly took Harry back in to sit with her. Before Harry thought about it, he gently took Ginny’s hand again. She looked down at her hand in his, but didn’t day anything. Molly told her to just rest because they’d have plenty of time to talk later. Ginny just lay looking around for a while and then closed her eyes. An hour later, Ginny woke up again to find her mum and dad sitting with her. “Hello, Ginny,” said her dad. “Are you feeling any better?” “Better than a while ago,” said Ginny. “Was I really hurt that badly?” “Yes you were,” said Molly. “If it weren’t for Luna’s quick thinking, you wouldn’t be with us today. But you’re going to be all right now. Thanks to Madame Pomfrey, Dr. Maxwell, and Harry, you’re expected to fully recover.” Ginny looked puzzled. “What’s Harry done? I didn’t know he knew anything about healing.” “He didn’t, Dear, but he’s been using Healing Hands on you,” said Molly smiling. Ginny looked even more puzzled. “But I didn’t know that worked very often.” “It doesn’t, but thankfully it worked very well for Harry on you,” said Arthur. “He’s been doing it several times a day since Monday morning.” Ginny thought about that a minute. “Why was Harry holding my hand,” she asked. Molly and Arthur looked at each other before Molly answered. “He’s been holding your hand and talking to you most of the time you’ve been here,” Molly answered. “I guess that means I have seven brothers now,” Ginny said looking away a little sadly. “You’ll have to ask him about that,” said Molly smiling at Ginny sympathetically. “You said a lot while you were delirious and I think he liked what he heard.” Ginny began to turn pink. “Oh, no. I didn’t make a fool of myself, did I?” Ginny didn’t get to hear an answer as Madame Pomfrey and Dr. Maxwell entered the room and sent Arthur and Molly out. “It’s time for another visit from your favorite doctors,” said Dr. Maxwell with a big smile. “We’d have been here sooner, but I had to go back and get my stethoscope out of the ice box.” Ginny made a face at him. “Now that’s encouraging. If you can make faces at my bad jokes, I know you’re getting better,” said the Muggle doctor. After poking and prodding her a while, Madame Pomfrey said it was time for more healing hands and began preparing Ginny’s gown and sheet. “You don’t mean Harry’s going to see me like this, do you?” Ginny said turning very pink. “Of course,” said Madame Pomfrey. “He has to be touching your skin for this to work. You know that. I can cover your eyes if you’d rather not watch.” Now Ginny was almost bright red. “No.” “Amazing,” said Dr. Maxwell as he brought Harry into the room. Harry knew straight away that this was going to be different with Ginny watching him. The first couple of times he touched her, she flinched. The last place he touched on her abdomen drew a gasp. “Harry! Don’t you think that’s going a little too far?” exclaimed Ginny before turning to Madame Pomfrey. “Not if you want to have normally healthy children,” said Madame Pomfrey. Now both Harry and Ginny were red. The final few touches were around Ginny’s neck. If he hadn’t been so tired by now, Harry would have really enjoyed looking into Ginny’s eyes from that close to her. When he was done, he flopped into the chair he usually sat in and started to lay his head down. But first, he had to drink the obligatory foul potion and then have a tube hooked up to his arm. Ginny just looked on in surprise during this entire event saying nothing. Finally, Harry laid his head on the edge of the bed and drifted off to sleep. “Does it always do that to him?” asked Ginny. “Yes, dear,” said Madame Pomfrey. “It really exhausts him. He’s essentially living for the two of you.” “Why doesn’t he lie down and rest?” asked Ginny. “Because he doesn’t want to leave you,” said Madame Pomfrey as they walked towards the door. Ginny was still pondering that comment when her Mum came back in. Thursday morning found Ginny feeling much better. After two more treatments from Harry, she was growing somewhat accustomed to him touching her. She still couldn’t get over how much it seemed to take out of him. The Muggle doctor had left a tube in Harry’s arm to save sticking him again. Her mum had been allowed to watch the last treatment. Late morning, Ginny was given a little juice and broth. The doctor said he wanted to be sure her system was up to food, though Madame Pomfrey scoffed at the idea. Shortly thereafter, Harry was persuaded to take a shower and clean up. While he was gone, Ginny talked to her mum. Now that she was able to think more clearly, she had some questions. “Mum, what’s really been happening?” Ginny asked. “I don’t remember very much.” Molly took a breath. She thought she knew what was coming since being saved from questions yesterday. “You took some sort of blasting spell to your abdomen that was aimed at Harry. That allowed Harry to continue fighting You Know Who. You know Harry won. Professor Dumbledore thinks it’s finished this time.” At this point tears came to Molly’s eyes. “We didn’t know if you’d live until Monday. You were hurt very badly. You kept asking for Harry and he’s been sitting with you most of the time. You saw how hard it was to get him to leave just now even though we know you’re going to get well.” Turning a little pink again, Ginny asked, “What did I say?” “Besides asking for him…you said you loved him,” said Molly smiling through tears that were forming again. “He said he didn’t know and…he cried, Ginny.” Ginny didn’t know what to think. She still didn’t know what Harry felt; though she was sure she’d heard he never cried over anything, even after Sirius’ death. Seeing her daughter deeply in thought, Molly added, “I think you should talk to Harry. You probably don’t know this, but he disqualified himself from Auror training to be here with you.” “No, Mum!” said Ginny. “That was more important to him than anything. Surely they’ll let him in when they know the circumstances.” “They might have, but he told them in no uncertain terms that you come first and always will…Oh! I shouldn’t have said that last,” said Molly. “Anyway, that ended any chance for Auror training.” “Now I feel badly that he’s given up something he wanted so badly,” said Ginny shaking her head. Ginny tried to absorb all this — she just couldn’t believe Harry would give up his dream especially after everything he went through with during his fifth year. “I hope I didn’t say anything else embarrassing. I don’t remember much of anything after the fight.” “That’s probably good since you were in a lot of pain,” said Molly. “Maybe you should ask Harry — especially what he said to you. There’s no rush though because he’s going to the Burrow with us when they let you come home.” Harry showered and cleaned up as fast as he could. He didn’t like being away from Ginny for so long even though she seemed to be much better. He still worried. He was almost back to the hospital wing when he ran into Dumbledore. Dumbledore delayed him another twenty minutes. When he got back to the room, Ginny was asleep so he sat again. Charlie was also sitting with Molly. Ginny’s other brothers had returned to work since they were close enough to visit in the evening. Ron and Hermione had Floo’d to the Leaky Cauldron early that afternoon. Ron had been very cryptic about what he was doing. Mid afternoon, Madame Pomfrey said Ginny could go home Saturday. The Hogwarts Express would take all of those students still at the school. Arrangements had been made for Ginny to get check-ups and follow-up blood work until the end of the summer. They’d also made arrangements for the trip to Ottery St. Catchpole since it would be too soon for Ginny to Floo from The Leaky Cauldron. The other good news was supper was more normal for Ginny that night. She had her first halfway decent food — a thicker broth, jello, and more fruit juice. The rest of Thursday and Friday went very slowly for Harry and Ginny in anticipation of getting to The Burrow. They were both a little disappointed to learn there would be very few students riding with them as most of those with lesser injuries had already Flooed home. However, the Muggle doctor had insisted on traveling with them. He would return to Scotland after visiting St. Mungo’s. Friday afternoon, they removed all of the tubes from Ginny. They removed Harry’s too. They also got Ginny up several times for short walks. Even with Molly and Harry helping her, these were very exhausting for her. Hagrid even coached her a little during his first visit. They learned his injuries had been especially troublesome as not much was known of giant physiology. Harry figured Dr. Maxwell had had a good time ‘probing’ him too. They all got a laugh over that. That night, Ginny got soup that actually had some meat and vegetables in it. After supper, Molly walked into Hogsmeade to Apparate home to get ready for their return. Saturday morning, Dobby brought Harry and Ginny a light breakfast. They’d packed Ginny’s things for her. Harry had taken a few minutes off Friday night to pack his things. Both of them found that a fresh change of cloths had been laid out for them. Since Ginny was still too weak to walk all of the way to the carriages, they levitated her. Even though there weren’t supposed to be many on the train, they were surprised to see how many injured students were still there and how many of them knew Dr. Maxwell. They were also saddened to hear several students had been killed. Harry repeatedly thanked God Ginny wasn’t one of them. Fortunately, they were able to have a compartment to themselves. Once Dr. Maxwell was satisfied they were settled in, he left them alone. Harry continued to cater to Ginny even though she wouldn’t let him do much. When she refused to let him fix a seat so she could lie down, he leaned back next to her and taking her hand, closed his eyes. Ginny glanced at Harry’s hand holding hers but didn’t know if she wanted to risk a rejection on the train when they had a long ride ahead. So, she followed his example and closed her eyes too for a while. A while later, Luna and Neville came by to visit. Luna had stayed with Neville while he recovered. The small talk helped the ride go more quickly and Ginny learned more about the battle. There was a small reception committee at the station when they arrived. The minister of magic welcomed them all back and thanked them all for their services. He shook every student’s hand before they went through the barrier. Since Ginny was in a wheel chair and Harry was pushing her, two Aurors helped with their trunks. Many other students got help also. Molly and a uniformed man they soon learned was to be their driver met them after they passed through the barrier. They weren’t surprised at this point to see Dr. Maxwell climb in with them and accompany them to a private clinic where they got what seemed a pretty thorough going over — including getting stuck again. Before he released them, Dr. Maxwell said he’d conferred with Madame Pomfrey and Ginny would need to build her strength up over the summer and not to over do it. They were to get weekly checkups at St. Mungo’s and blood work until the healers were satisfied with their condition. After a handshake, he left them. Their next stop was promptly at seven o’clock in an indoor parking area. They hadn’t been paying attention, so they had no idea where they were. They were very surprised to find Dumbledore with a wheel chair waiting for them. They were even more surprised to find Luna and Neville and the Auror they’d rescued. They rest of their parents were also there. An hour later, they climbed back into the car which would drive them on to the Burrow. Harry and Ginny just looked at each other for a moment. “Mum, did you know about this?” asked Ginny. “Of course,” said Molly smiling. “A lot went into setting up that meeting and having some nice snacks since we won’t get a chance to eat on the way home. You should be very honored. Not many people know the queen is aware of us.” Harry leaned his head back and said, “All I want to do is forget that day. I hope nobody I love is ever hurt again.” He reached over and took Ginny’s hand. Ginny quickly glanced at Harry, but he had his eyes closed. She then looked at her mother who just smiled and shrugged. She decided to say nothing. She did prod Harry to watch the beautiful countryside rolling past after they were out of the city as they drove towards the setting sun. Ginny was very glad to sleep in her own bed that night. She just lay for a while thinking over the day. It was surprising that Harry continued to help her with almost everything and even more so that her mum let him. She wasn’t surprised Harry didn’t care for the ceremony with the queen. The only time he seemed to like being praised was after a Quidditch win. Still, it was a very gracious gesture. The really big question in her mind concerned Harry. What had happened? He’d never shown any interest in her before other than as a friend. It was hard to believe she’d been so close to death that they’d brought Harry in to sit with her. She didn’t know if she really wanted to know how much she might have said. She turned red at the thought of some of her more intimate feelings that Harry might have heard — and that would mean her mum heard them too. Well, there was nothing she could do about it now. She’d just have to wait and see what happened. With that, she said her prayers and tried to go to sleep. The next morning, she found Harry waiting to help here down the stairs to Sunday breakfast. At first she thought he’d just waited until she got up, but then she learned he’d borrowed one of the twins’ latest versions of extendable ears to listen for her getting up. The whole family was there for breakfast except for Ron and he’d be there later in the day. They had eggs and porridge and all the trimmings. While she felt hungry enough to eat everything in sight, her stomach had shrunk so much she could only eat a small portion. While everyone seemed happy, something was missing. She couldn’t imagine her brothers - well some of them - letting Harry get away with catering to her without at least some teasing. This was one more indication of how worried everyone must have been over her. During the morning, Harry took her for several short walks. They mostly just made small talk as they walked around the yard. Harry frequently held her arm or hand when she seemed a little wobbly. She couldn’t help but notice he was always reluctant to let go once she got her balance back. After lunch, all of her brothers except Charlie departed. He planned to return to work Tuesday. Since he was talking to his parents, Harry got Ginny up for another short walk and then they sat in the swing on the porch. “I guess it must really be nice to be back home and back to normal,” said Harry. “Yeah, it sure is,” said Ginny. “It’s hard to believe so much has happened and I wasn’t even aware of most of it.” “I’m just glad you’re here,” said Harry looking into her eyes. “We were all really afraid we might lose you for a while.” “I know. It really scares me to think about it,” said Ginny looking at her lap. “I hate you had to give up Auror training over me. Are you sure they won’t let you in?” “Don’t hate it,” said Harry. “I made the right decision and I don’t intend to change it. I’m where I want to be.” Ginny looked up at Harry and then back down at her knees. “Mum said I said a lot of things. I hope I didn’t say anything too embarrassing.” “You didn’t,” said Harry softly. “I wish I had known a long time ago. I just hope you really meant all the things you said.” “You do?” said Ginny looking up at him again in surprise. “I do,” said Harry looking deeply into her eyes. “And I told you I love you, too — a lot of times.” ~~~~ While Harry and Ginny were having their conversation, Ron and Hermione arrived by Floo Powder and were immediately welcomed by his parents and Charlie. “I guess we missed everyone else,” said Ron. “Yes, they all left a short while ago,” said Arthur. “Where are Harry and Ginny?” asked Hermione. “They’re out on the porch talking,” said Molly. “I’ll get them,” said Ron. “No, give them a few more minutes,” said Molly. “I think this is an important conversation for them.” ~~~~ “I guess I don’t understand how you suddenly decided to like me,” said Ginny uncertainly. “Ginny, I’ve always liked you. You’re smart, fun, and beautiful. If I’d known you really cared that much for me, things might have been different. A friend told me you’d got over me a long time ago and I guess I probably just wasn’t ready to like anyone more than as a friend,” said Harry. “But now…” He stood and helped Ginny to her feet. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to do,” said Harry. He put his hands on her shoulders and gently pulled her to him. At first he kissed her lightly several times before giving her a long tender kiss which she gradually returned. After a moment, he pulled back and looked into her eyes before pulling her to him again. This time he just held her for a moment and enjoyed the feel of her against him and her arms as they crept around his back. After a moment of just holding each other, Harry pulled back and gave her another short kiss. “Let’s go for another walk, OK?” he said. “OK,” Ginny replied looking back at him. They hadn’t gone far when Ron and Hermione caught up with them. “How’re you feeling, Ginny?” said Ron. “A lot better now, thanks,” said Ginny squeezing Harry’s hand. “How about you?” “I’m pretty much OK,” said Ron. “Some of those curses can take a lot out of you.” “I know,” said Ginny. “When do you start Auror training?” Ron looked at Hermione before saying, “I’m not. I’ve applied for several jobs at the Ministry.” “I hear you disqualified yourself, Harry,” said Hermione. “What do you plan to do?” Harry grinned, “Dumbledore has offered to let me continue teaching ADADA as a part time faculty member and take some advanced training with him. That means I’ll start making a little money.” “Oh,” exclaimed Hermione. “When did he do that?” “After I said I wasn’t leaving Ginny,” said Harry. “I’m sorry,” said Hermione, “I know that was really important to you.” “It was, but not any more,” said Harry looking at Ginny. He couldn’t help grinning when he felt her squeeze his hand again. “Well, it’s great you’re both happy,” said Hermione. “Harry,” said Ron, “since you didn’t see fit to visit me very much last week, I don’t really know much of what’s been going on. When did all of this happen between you two?” Harry looked at Ginny. “I think it really happened sometime last Sunday. Did you know Ginny talks in her sleep?” Harry paused. “Well, she said a lot of things that nearly broke my heart and at the same time won it. I just hope she tells the truth when she’s asleep.” Ginny looked back at Harry. “I do,” she whispered hoarsely. Once again, she wished she knew what all she’d said. Grasping her courage, she did what she’d dreamed of for years and leaned over and kissed him. Thankfully, Ron and Hermione didn’t say anything. They walked a little further and sat for a while as Ginny was getting tired. The view across the river was really beautiful. Harry put an arm around Ginny and let her lean against him. I felt really nice having her that close. Ron and Hermione glanced at them and then smiled at each other. After a few moments Ron asked Ginny, “How long will it be before you’re completely well?” “They said it will probably take all summer to get my strength back,” said Ginny. “Do you think you’ll be able to play Quidditch this fall?” Ron asked. “I don’t know,” said Ginny. “I don’t know if I’ll have the strength to make a broom perform well enough to make the team.” “It won’t take as much strength on a Firebolt,” said Harry. When he noted they were all looking at him, he said, “Well, I won’t be able to use it so why shouldn’t Ginny.” Ginny didn’t know what to say so she settled for, “Thank you Harry,” and gave him another quick kiss. “I guess we’ll have to play it by ear,” said Harry. “We’ll be getting weekly checkups at St. Mungo’s until they’re satisfied.” “I hear that Muggle doctor is still checking on you,” said Ron. Harry laughed. “Yeah, he seems really interested in our methods even though he understands they won’t work on Muggles much of the time. But I think he’s more comfortable with sticking us with needles.” They all laughed at that. It was really good to hear Ginny laugh again. “Are they going to draw blood at St. Mungo’s,” asked Hermione. “We’re going to have to go to Muggle London for that,” said Harry. “I don’t know what happens to it after that. I guess Dumbledore and the doctor set it up.” “Well, I don’t guess that matters too much anyway as long as it happens,” said Ron. “I guess getting home for a good dinner Saturday night was a nice change from Hospital wing food, huh?” Ginny glanced at Harry. “Actually, we didn’t eat dinner at home.” “Oh, you stopped on the way?” asked Hermione with new interest. “Where did you eat?” “Actually, we had a light dinner with the Queen,” said Ginny. “The queen of what?” said Ron laughing. “The Queen of England,” said Ginny and she went on to fill them in on what had happened. “Wow!” exclaimed Ron when she finished, “Harry, does that mean we’re going to have to call you…” “Harry, just plain Harry,” said Harry irately. By Wednesday, Ginny’s walks were gradually getting longer and longer. While her strength was improving, she still seemed to have a hard time accepting that Harry really cared for her. Harry kissed her a lot. He said he had a lot to make up for and besides, he liked kissing her. Since Ron was staying with Hermione much of the time, they had a lot of privacy. That afternoon, they had a pleasant surprise. Luna and Neville stopped in for a visit. Harry gave Luna a big hug and repeatedly thanked her for saving Ginny. While discussing what had happened at the fight was painful at times, it was therapeutic. This was the first time Ginny had heard much of what had happened. Harry in turn reiterated that it wasn’t his victory because if it weren’t for the others with him, he would have been destroyed. Friday, they took it easy and walked into Ottery St. Catchpole. After buying cokes, they sat by the river and relaxed and talked. It was a real pleasure to have a change of scenery and watch people going about ordinary business. Sometime later, they returned to the Burrow to find Dumbledore waiting for them over a cup of tea with Molly. “How are you feeling, Ginny?” asked Dumbledore. “A little tired,” said Ginny. “Walking into town was my longest walk yet.” “That’s very good,” said Dumbledore obviously pleased, “but just don’t over do it. I thought you’d like to know that your last blood work looked good. Yours did too, Harry. Dr. Maxwell insisted I tell you to avoid any alcohol for a while.” Molly looked up at that. “He said your organs have had to do a lot of hard work lately and that alcohol would only make some of them work harder. You’re scheduled for your checkups tomorrow morning at 0800 and it should be all right to Floo by now. This is where you’ll get your blood work done.” He handed them a slip of paper. “Why so many checkups?” asked Ginny. “I thought the healers could fix things pretty quickly.” “Normally they can,” said Dumbledore, “but you were hit with a terrible curse. The healers agree with Dr. Maxwell, it’s a miracle you’re alive. Since so many vital organs were all but destroyed, we want to make sure they’re holding up. Dr. Maxwell says the blood tests will give us advanced warning if anything starts going wrong. If you should feel strange in any way, you are to report to St. Mungo’s immediately. That means you too, Harry. Dr. Maxwell says you put an enormous strain on your body when you performed the Healing Hands as many times as you did. I think it worked as well as it did because of the magical bonds that existed between the two of you. I don’t want to alarm you, but we just want to be sure.” Harry thought a moment and said, “I thought there was only one bond.” “There was, Harry, but that was before Ginny saved you during the fight and you told her you loved her,” said Dumbledore. “Next time we want to try using Healing Hands, we’ll look for someone with a magical bond. Oh, I almost forgot, you can go to the celebration later Saturday afternoon after you get your blood work if you can entertain yourselves for a few hours until it starts.” “What celebration?” asked Harry dreading what he expected to hear. “Why, Voldemort’s defeat of course,” Dumbledore said. “We wanted to wait until the wounded were reasonably healed and allow time for emotions to calm a little. There will be a salute and memorial to the dead and then some ceremonies honoring all of those who fought. The group of you who fought Voldemort will be guests of honor, of course.” Harry groaned and looked at Ginny. “Do we have to go?” “Yes. It would be unthinkable not to go,” said Dumbledore. “You might like to know many of the Death Eaters have already been tried. Most, including the ones you fought, got life sentences. I regret to say, several students joined the Death Eaters in the fight. Draco Malfoy managed to kill a second year Hufflepuff with Muggle parents and got a life sentence. Several other Slytherins got 10 years each.” Harry hadn’t heard about Draco, but then he hadn’t really been interested in anything but seeing Ginny get well. “I’ve known Draco was bad since I first met him, but I never thought he’d do anything like that,” Harry said sadly. “Harry, it would have been a lot worse if not for the students you’ve been training,” said Dumbledore sympathetically. “I heard several other students died,” said Harry. “Sadly, two third year students — another Hufflepuff and a Ravenclaw,” said Dumbledore. “They just happened to be at the wrong place. They both came from long Wizarding lines.” Dumbledore talked to Harry and Ginny a short while longer before Ginny made a comment about something that had been bothering her. “What should I wear.” “You don’t need dress robes or anything like that,” said Dumbledore. “Slacks or a dress or skirt should do nicely. It’s not going to be anything formal and I think something that doesn’t draw attention to the Wizarding side of life would be refreshing. All of the students are getting a reward for their part in the fight, so maybe you can pick something up tomorrow morning.” After Dumbledore left, Harry and Ginny talked for a while about what Dumbledore had said. Neither of them knew the students who’d died, but it was still very saddening. Neither could understand how anyone could hate someone else enough to kill them just because their parents weren’t magical. Dumbledore had said Draco might have got less than life since he was a student if he hadn’t proclaimed how proud he was of exterminating a Muggle born. A short while later, it occurred to Harry to ask Ginny, “Will you go to the celebration with me?” Ginny laughed, “Do you really think I’d go with anyone else?” Harry grinned, “I hoped not. Besides, I don’t want to take you for granted.” Saturday started early for Harry and Ginny since they had to go to St. Mungo’s. Arthur and Molly left with them since they were helping prepare for the celebration. Harry and Ginny were taken to separate rooms as soon as they arrived. Happily the checkup went pretty quickly since they were both starving. They’d have to have blood drawn before they could eat though. They’d been told they couldn’t eat or drink anything other than water after dinner the night before. After leaving St. Mungo’s, they asked for directions and since they didn’t have far to go decided to walk. Ginny had a good time looking in the store windows. There was so much more to see than in Ottery St. Catchpole. The blood samples didn’t take long either and since there was still plenty of time until lunch, they continued to walk. First chance they got, they stopped and got a bite to eat and drink. They had been walking for some time and had taken several rest stops when they came across a dress shop that really excited Ginny. “They’re so pretty,” she said. “They are,” said Harry. “Why don’t we go in?” “Harry, I don’t have any money to buy anything,” said Ginny. “You’ll have your reward money,” said Harry grinning. “I can loan you some until then or you could consider it an early birthday present.” “Mum would have a fit if you bought me cloths and I don’t know how much we’ll get for a reward,” said Ginny. “I’ll make you a deal, I’ll loan you the money and charge a kiss a day interest,” said Harry grinning even more broadly. “And if you don’t have enough from the reward, I’ll take it out in kisses.” Ginny looked like she was thinking hard about that proposition before finally saying, “I guess I can live with those terms.” After looking at several dresses, Harry asked, “What about this one? The tag says it’s on sale, too.” “Don’t you think it’s a little…” said Ginny hesitantly before Harry interrupted her. “It’s just right,” said Harry. “Why don’t you try it on?” “All right, but Mum probably wouldn’t approve,” said Ginny taking the dress and going into a dressing room. Harry was shocked when Ginny came back out. “Wow!” he exclaimed. “You look fantastic.” “Really,” said Ginny as she turned from one side to the other looking at herself in the mirror trying not to look too thrilled at his compliment. “It really is pretty on you,” said the sales lady encouragingly. “We have some heels that would go nicely with it and they’re on sale too.” She led Ginny over to the shoes and had her try on several pair until she got the size right. “Since they fit, you could wear them today,” said Harry. “I don’t know,” said Ginny. “Do you really think I should?” “Yeah,” said Harry with a big grin. “We’ll take them,” he told the sales lady. “You should have some hose too,” said the sales lady. “OK,” said Harry. When Ginny looked at him questioningly, he said, “You’ll not only be the most beautiful girl there, but you’ll have the prettiest dress too.” Ginny blushed. “Thank you, Harry.” When it was time to pay, Harry found he had just enough money. He breathed a sigh of relief that Ginny was changing and wouldn’t know it took all of his money. He’d have hated to have to come back. After that, they went straight to the Leaky Cauldron which was only a few blocks away. Tom agreed to keep Ginny’s things for her while they visited Diagon Alley. Then they went straight to Gringotts since Harry needed more money. Since he mostly wanted Muggle money, he didn’t have to go to his vault. He got enough to buy a shirt and trousers and have enough left to spend with Ginny for a few weeks. Since Ginny was tired, they ate at the Leaky Cauldron before shopping for Harry. When they got back with Harry’s new cloths, they ran into Ron and Hermione who were having a real beer. Harry and Ginny settled for glasses of ice cold pumpkin juice. Ginny was relieved to see Hermione ands several other girls were wearing dresses. While the boys talked, Hermione went with Ginny to change. Neither boy could understand why girls always needed help for some things. When they came back out, Ron’s eyes popped. “Wow, Ginny, you’re almost naked.” “No she’s not,” said Hermione rolling her eyes. “I bet you wouldn’t object to me in that dress, would you?” “That’s different,” said Ron grinning. “You’re just used to seeing us in jeans and robes,” said Hermione. “Besides, that dress is really beautiful on her isn’t it?” “Yeah, I guess so,” said Ron looking Ginny up and down again with some apparent misgivings. “I guess I’m not used to thinking of my sister as beautiful, but you are, Ginny. Harry’s a lucky guy.” “I know,” said Harry smiling into Ginny’s eyes. After finishing their drinks, they walked out into Diagon Alley. A lot had been done since they went to Gringotts. There were street vendors selling all kinds of food and drink and a platform had been set up on the steps of Gringotts. They took a seat at one of the vendors near the stage and ordered glasses of papaya juice since none of them had ever had it. It was different, but very good. Once the ceremony started, they sat as long as they could so Ginny wouldn’t have to stand too long. After ceremonies for those who died during the fight, there were words for all of those falling to Voldemort’s forces over the years. This took a while. He was pleased to hear Sirius properly remembered. Then the Aurors and other adults participating in the battle were recognized. Finally, the students who fought were brought up on the stage and individually thanked and given 50 Galleons each as a reward for helping fight and capture many Death Eaters. Without their help, Voldemort might have won. Finally, the group that actually faced Voldemort at the end was called to the stage to a vigorous round of applause. Harry helped Ginny up the steps since she wasn’t very used to her heels yet. As he and Ginny followed Luna and Neville and the Auror who fought with them, he held onto her hand. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting on the stage along with Dumbledore and many others who’d been instrumental in the fight over the years. He couldn’t help but notice that even though it was all over, the Order had still chosen not to go public. He also couldn’t help but note that Mrs. Weasley was giving Ginny a good look-over. “I see your Mum is looking at you,” whispered Harry as they approached the podium. “I know,” whispered Ginny. “I hope you have a good explanation.” “And finally,” said the Minister of Magic, “I have the honor of introducing the team that actually faced Voldemort. You see, I’m getting used to saying it, but I refuse to call him lord. Jonathan Smythe is of course an Auror. Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Ginevra Weasley, and Harry Potter are students. I should mention that Messrs. Longbottom and Potter have just finished their seventh year. “For those of you who haven’t heard,” continued the Minister pompously, “this small group had already subdued several Death Eaters when Voldemort and three more Death Eaters confronted them. The wands of Mr. Potter and Voldemort locked as we understand happened on their previous encounter and it became a duel of strength and resolve. By the time two of the Death Eaters were subdued, Messrs. Smythe and Longbottom had been injured and were out of the fight. At that point, Miss Weasley heard the third Death Eater uttering a likely deadly curse. Unable to stop it, she threw herself into its path to protect Mr. Potter. She very nearly lost her life. Help from Muggle medicine was necessary to save her. Miss Lovegood subdued the third Death Eater and proceeded to distract Voldemort with every spell she could think of. It was enough and Mr. Potter won. I’d like to express heart felt thanks to everyone involved in the fight and very especially to this small group. In recognition and appreciation of their extraordinary efforts against the greatest threat our world has known in many years, each of these students will receive a reward of 200 Galleons. Additionally, the student instructors of the so called…Dumbledore’s Army,” he said with less enthusiasm, “will each receive 50 Galleons for their effort which greatly influenced the outcome of the battle. Without their help, there would have been many more casualties and we might have lost.” This was followed by a roar of applause. “Now, I hope everyone will enjoy the food and festivities we have planned for the rest of the afternoon and evening. As everyone started leaving the stage, Arthur and Molly came over to them. “You look beautiful,” Arthur said before Molly could say anything giving Ginny a hug. Penelope and Fleur also complemented her and added their hugs as they walked up to the small group with Percy and Bill. The twins weren’t far behind. “You really do look lovely,” said Molly as she finally got to hug Ginny. “Where did you find the dress?” “In Muggle London,” Ginny said. “I didn’t think it looked like it came from Madame Malkin’s,” said Molly. “It’s very pretty. Did Harry help you find it?” “Yeah, I guess so,” said Ginny grinning. “There was this dress shop that had so many pretty things. Harry took me in to look and this one fit just right. Now I’ll be able to pay Harry back for it.” “It certainly does fit you,” said Molly looking it over again with a small frown. “Did you ask him to loan you the money?” “No, Mum, he wanted to give it to me as an early birthday gift, but I told him I didn’t think you’d approve of him buying me cloths,” said Ginny. “Mum, I hope you aren’t giving Ginny a hard time about her dress, are you,” said Bill as he turned to them from talking to Harry. “I think she looks ravishing.” “I know,” said Molly beginning to smile. “That’s what worries me.” “Mum, Ginny’s not a little girl anymore. She’ll be 17 next month and she’s a very beautiful young woman,” said Bill putting his arm around Ginny who was now blushing profusely. “That she is,” agreed Charlie who had just walked up and proceeded to give Ginny a big hug. “Hello, Ginny. It’s great to see you up and around and looking so…good.” After the greetings and hugs were done, they found the table Arthur had reserved with one of the vendors. Since Charlie had had to return to Romania as soon they knew Ginny would recover, he wanted to hear all about how she’d been doing. He seemed to find it very amusing to hear how much Harry catered to her. After the talking slowed a little, Ron said, “there’s something Hermione and I would like to tell you.” As soon as he had everyone’s attention, he continued, “Hermione and I want to get married over the Christmas holiday.” Pandemonium ensued. Both Ron and Hermione were smothered in hugs and handshakes. Harry couldn’t have been happier for his two best friends. Everyone else appeared to be very excited for them too. He was a little disappointed to hear Ron would be spending most of his time at the Grangers though. It seemed his world was really changing. Shortly afterwards, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione decided to walk for a while and look at the other vendors and displays. Before they started, Ginny removed her shoes and muttered “Impervio” at each foot. She said she didn’t want to walk too much in her heals and didn’t want to ruin her hose. “Ginny, you’re not seventeen yet,” said Ron. “Don’t worry, Ron. I don’t thing they’ll take her to trial like they did me,” said Harry chuckling. They made a loop up and down the alley before Ginny needed to rest again. They ran into a lot of classmates who inquired about Ginny’s health. All expressed dismay and sorrow over her terrible injuries. Harry holding Ginny’s hand didn’t go unnoticed and a lot of questions were raised. A number of the boys appeared disappointed to hear they were dating and that Harry would be back at Hogwarts for another year. Harry thought smugly to himself, ‘To bad, guys, I may have got here late, but I’m here now and I plan to stay.’ Arriving back at the Weasley table, they sat and rejoined the conversations. A while later, Ginny asked, “Now that you’ve got to do a lot of window shopping, have you seen anything you’d like for your birthday?” “Hmm,” Harry said smiling back into her eyes. “I think I might already have everything I could want if you’re with me.” “OK, guys,” said Charlie with a badly suppressed grin, “let’s don’t get too mushy at the table.” Harry and Ginny both grinned back. During the remaining days in July, Ginny gradually got stronger and stronger. She rode a broom, Harry’s Firebolt, for the first time on his birthday. She found it much more responsive than her broom and was pleased to find she was able to fly for over twenty minutes. During one of their walks into Ottery St. Catchpole, they noted a sign advertising a rock band would be playing in the town park every Friday and Saturday night until September. There would be refreshments and dancing. Ginny agreed to go with him after they finished celebrating his birthday. They both got a laugh out of Ron’s probable reaction when they invited him and Hermione to go with them. True to form, they got a dirty look from Ron when the band was mentioned. Hermione, of course, was all for it so Ron didn’t say anything. The twins did though. “Oi, Harry,” said Fred. “Since when did you start dancing?” “That’s right,” said George. “I seem to remember Harry complaining just as much as our little brother about how much he hated dances.” “I’ve got it,” said Fred gleefully, “Harry here just wants an excuse to hug our baby sister without sneaking off to do it.” “Brother dear, I think we should go along and chaperone the young lovers, don’t you?” said George with mock seriousness. “You took the words out of my mouth,” said Fred. Ginny rolled her eyes but said nothing. They still had a lot of fun though. In fact, Harry had such a good time, he asked Ginny to come back Saturday night. Saturday after dinner and the usual cautions to be careful, Harry and Ginny walked into town for the dance. They’d told Molly it was good exercise. Molly had just smiled knowingly. Fred and George may have been teasing them on his birthday, but Harry knew they were right on. Arriving a little before the band started, they found a table and Harry bought them cokes. They sat out the first few dances since they were fast. They got up for the first slow song. “The twins were right, you know.” said Harry as he looked into Ginny’s eyes. “Oh,” said Ginny, “about what.” “This is a good excuse to hold you without sneaking off somewhere,” said Harry. “So that’s why you’ve suddenly acquired a taste for dancing,” said Ginny teasingly. “Do you disapprove?” said Harry teasing her back. “Of course not,” Ginny replied snuggling up to Harry. Several dances later, Harry did something he’d noticed some of the other guys doing with their girls. He’d been dancing with one of his hands on her lower back, but now he slid both of them into her hip pockets. He breathed a sigh of relief when she just gave a small moan and held him more tightly. Without thinking, that inspired a squeeze which resulted in another moan and he felt her fingernails tracing the back of his neck. Later as they started walking back to the Burrow, Harry sensed Ginny seemed preoccupied and worried about something. What worried him most was that she might be unhappy about his hands in her back pockets though she’d certainly seemed enjoy it as much as he did at the time. “Is anything wrong,” he asked as they walked back towards the Burrow. Ginny paused for a moment thinking. “Harry, I’m just worried that you…fell for me because you felt guilty. I’m afraid you might want to be free at some point and feel obligated to stay with me.” That took Harry by surprise. He could see Ginny looked very forlorn at that moment. “Has this really been bothering you?” asked Harry. Ginny just nodded. “Ginny, it hurt me a lot to see you hurt so badly,” Harry said. “I want you to know, I would have done everything I did for you even if I hadn’t fallen for you. But I did. Ginny, I’ve never really known what it’s like to be loved by anyone. Ron and Hermione are my best friends, but that’s different. I already knew you were a great person — smart, talented, trustworthy, fun, and a lot more — things anyone would want, so it wasn’t completely out of the blue. Hearing you say so many things about me almost tore me apart - it made me realize what I’ve been missing all this time. You’re everything I could ever hope for and more and I almost lost you before I even knew. When I answered you that I loved you, I meant it and I still do. Even though it’s only been a month or so now, I’m sure…I love you. Ginny peered into his eyes a moment and began to smile. “I love you too.” For her birthday, Harry took her shopping in Muggle London again — back to the dress shop she liked. This time, she looked at cloths more suitable for everyday wear. “Harry, you’re going to spend all the money I paid you back and more if I get all of these things,” she said. “That’s all right,” said Harry. “It’s not like I’m completely loosing anything.” Here he turned a little pink when he thought about how that might sound. “Anyway, I’ll get to see you wear all of it.” “Well, you won’t get to see ‘all’ of it anytime soon,” quipped Ginny. Harry got even pinker. A few days later, Ginny said, “Harry, don’t you think you should at least say goodbye to your aunt and uncle?” “Why should I?” he replied. “They’re happy I’m gone.” “They probably are, but I still think you should go,” insisted Ginny. “Isn’t there anything there that’s yours that you need to get?” “Not much,” said Harry. “Just some old school things. Will you go with me? “OK,” said Ginny. “Why don’t we go tonight?” “Tonight?” groaned Harry. “Why not? We’re not doing anything else and the sooner we get it over with, the sooner you can quit worrying about it,” said Ginny. “I wasn’t worried about it before,” said Harry ruefully. “Oh, come on. We don’t have to stay long,” said Ginny. After dinner that night, Ginny put on her dress and a light wrap so it wouldn’t get dirty and they went to Mrs. Figg’s home by the Floo network. After a short visit with her, they walked to 4 Privet Drive and knocked on the door. Petunia answered and immediately took a step back. “What do you want?” Petunia asked haughtily. Harry glanced at Ginny who prodded him to answer. “I wanted to come by and tell you some things you might want to know and get any of my things that are still here.” “What could you have to say that we could possibly want to hear?” snapped Petunia. “Things that affect your future well being,” answered Ginny trying to keep the terseness she felt out of her voice. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Petunia reluctantly led them into the living room where Vernon was watching the tele. He barely acknowledged their presence. “They have something to tell us,” said Petunia. “Well, get on with it, boy,” snarled Vernon, not looking away from the tele.” “I thought you’d like to know, Voldemort is gone,” said Harry barely keeping the anger out of his voice. “That means he won’t ever be attacking your home. The magical protections will remain around the house just in case a Death Eater should want revenge, but that’s not very likely since most of the bad ones are in Azkaban. Finally, this will be the last time you hear from me unless you want to see me.” When nobody said anything, he said, “I’ll just get my things and say good bye.” “We put your things under the stairs in a box,” said Petunia. “Well, hurry up, boy, and be gone,” bellowed Vernon. Harry went to get his things leaving Ginny with his aunt and uncle. After several glances at her, it seemed to Ginny they obviously didn’t remember her from the station or maybe the dress threw them off. “What’s a nice normal looking girl doing with one of his kind?” asked Vernon disapprovingly. “What do you mean, one of his kind,” asked Ginny in feigned confusion while holding in the anger she felt. “You know what he is, don’t you,” said Petunia. “Well, if you mean do I know he’s the Wizard who defeated Voldemort, yes I know,” said Ginny. “I was with him when he did it. I was almost killed.” “Yeah,” said Harry walking back in with a box in his hands, “if she hadn’t sacrificed herself for me, we would have lost and you’d probably have a lot to worry about.” Petunia and Vernon looked back at Ginny with something like horror in their eyes. “You mean your kind can look this normal?” said Petunia. “I don’t care what they look like, I want them gone…now,” said Vernon looking back at the tele. “Goodbye,” said Harry and he and Ginny walked to the front door and left. Harry didn’t look back and neither did Ginny. “I’m sorry,” said Ginny. “No one should be treated the way they’ve treated you.” “Don’t be,” said Harry. “I’m probably happier to be gone than they are to be rid of me. “It’s too bad you didn’t get to say goodbye to Dudley,” said Ginny. “It doesn’t matter. He’s just like them,” said Harry. “Anyway, you did the right thing,” said Ginny. By then, they were back at Mrs. Figg’s home. They visited with her a while longer and chatted about Harry’s childhood, the cats, the Dursleys, and a number of other things. After an hour, they took their leave and returned to the Burrow. Several days later, their school letters arrived. Since most of the books Ginny needed were the same as they’d had last year, Harry gave her his as he hadn’t sold them back yet. They went by St. Mungo’s for their last checkup of the summer and got clean bills of health and Molly went with them. The stop for blood work went quickly as usual, though Molly didn’t watch the sticking saying she thought it was just too unnatural. They stopped and he treated them all to a Coke after having their blood drawn. Then they took her into the shop where Ginny had been buying cloths and were amused to see her reaction to some of the things Muggle girls wore these days. The trip to Diagon alley was relatively quiet since Ron and Hermione weren’t there and Malfoy wouldn’t get to provide his usual unpleasantries. Now that she had some money of her own, Ginny insisted on buying her own supplies over Molly’s protests. Harry was happy to see Ginny hadn’t got very tired with all the walking they’d done. During the last few days before the end of August, they practiced Quidditch a lot. Harry would throw old golf balls they’d found at a nearby golf course — finding them was easy with Accio - and Ginny would catch them. She was very good, but she said she still didn’t feel back to her former self. Arthur and Molly went to the last dance before school. It was a better band than usual. Ginny had got to like Muggle music quite a bit Harry observed while her parents thought it was rather wild. Unfortunately, they weren’t used to being watched and Harry’s hands went straight to Ginny’s hip pockets. “What are they doing?” said Molly sitting up very straight when she saw where Harry’s hands had gone. Arthur looked around and said, “It would seem Harry’s taken a lesson from some of the others…thankfully not too much of a lesson.” Some of the other boys were doing more than Harry. “But…” began Molly. “Now, Molly, remember when we were their age?” asked Arthur looking into her eyes before giving her a quick kiss. “I do,” said Molly. “That’s why I worry so much.” Sunday night before the first of September, the whole Weasley clan, except for Charlie, met for Sunday dinner. Hermione was there too. Molly seemed sad it was the last time one of her children would depart for Hogwarts, but she was happy for Ginny at the same time. Departing Platform 9¾ was hectic but fun. So many people were happy to see Ginny was doing well since she was just beginning to get around at the celebration. A lot of the other parents came over to speak to Arthur and Molly too. Finally they had to get on the train and it puffed out of the station. Harry and Ginny spent a lot of time talking to friends on the train too. Ginny apparently socialized with a lot more people than Harry ever did. His social life had revolved primarily around Ron and Hermione. With all of the furtive glances at him, he got the distinct impression a lot of the girls were waiting to get Ginny away from him so they could find out all about their relationship as their handholding had been widely observed by now. They didn’t get a chance though until they got to Gryffindor Tower and went to their assigned dorms. Harry found himself assigned to the Head Boy’s room since the Head Boy was a Ravenclaw. He also found his room was off limits to Ginny. He chuckled at that. McGonagall and Dumbledore weren’t dumb. He started his first morning with Dumbledore. They spent the first hour talking about how the summer had gone and how he and Ginny were feeling. Dumbledore also filled him in on a lot he didn’t know about the final battle. They had been very fortunate that only a few giants had joined the fight against them and that Hagrid, Grawp, and a small number of giants friendly to Grawp they'd secretly recruited were able to hold them off - Hagrid had been hurt. Afterwards, Dumbledore had negotiated a semblance of peace with the giants. Dumbledore ended the morning session with a list of reading materials in the restricted area of the library. I didn’t appear Dumbledore was going to make this a cake walk. Harry spent his first afternoon getting started on the reading and preparing for his first ADADA class the next morning. While his room was large, roomy, and comfortable, he preferred to spend his time in the common areas for studying. This was, in no small part, because Ginny couldn’t go to his room — she’d already tried. There were of course a lot of familiar faces in ADADA including Ginny and Luna. Once again, there were no Slytherins in the class. Dumbledore had told him the faculty discussed it at some length and decided there was still too much sympathy for Voldemort’s ideas. They spent most of the first class discussing the battle. There were still a lot of details about other parts of the fighting he hadn’t known and that Dumbledore hadn’t told him. The class was very surprised to learn the details about Ginny’s injuries and recovery. After discussing her injuries and how they’d been treated, he proposed adding some emergency care training to the class since Ginny wouldn’t be here today without Luna’s quick thinking. He wrapped up the class session by reminding them that Azkaban is no longer guarded by Dementors and that breakouts were much more likely. He further reminded them that even a former fellow student had killed another student so they needed to continue to be prepared to defend themselves. As the weeks rolled by, it became more and more apparent to Harry that Hogwarts just wasn’t the same. The biggest change of course was that Ron and Hermione weren’t there. That and the absence of some kind of threat from Voldemort or his sympathizers made for a very different atmosphere. Ginny mentioned on more than one occasion that it wasn’t the same to her either though for different reasons. Sneaking to the kitchens or to find a bit of privacy for some quality time with Ginny was about as exciting as it got. Of course, being with Ginny was very exciting and he rarely thought about anything else when he was with her. His advanced studies were also very interesting and demanding. It still wasn’t the same though. By Halloween, he was spending most of his time with Ginny when he wasn’t teaching or studying with Dumbledore or other members of the faculty. Fortunately, he didn’t have to spend much time with Snape. When they weren’t studying or partaking of quality time together, he and Ginny took long walks. Hagrid’s was a frequent stop on these treks. He was the last real connection Harry had to his former school days. The Christmas holiday was soon upon them as was the wedding. Then New Year’s Eve found Harry sitting in front of the fire at the Burrow with Ginny and her parents thinking back over the Holiday. Christmas had been fun but hectic. Traveling back and forth to Hermione’s home over the holiday had been exciting, but also fatiguing. Hermione’s parents had a lot of very nice friends though this had led to a number of awkward moments. Side-stepping some of their questions required quick thinking. Ron and Hermione’s wedding had been a very moving experience for Harry. The wedding had taken place Sunday the 27th of December. He and Ginny had been part of the wedding party and were thus heavily involved in everything. The wedding had been simple, but very nice. To avoid too many questions, there had been a separate reception at The Burrow for most of their magical friends. It all further confirmed in his mind he really wanted what he’d been planning to do. “Ron said he was really nervous about asking Hermione’s dad for permission to get married,” said Harry to no one in particular. Ginny chuckled. “Hermione said he was really funny at times he was so nervous. I don’t know why. Everyone’s known they’ve been planning to marry for ages.” Harry looked at his lap a moment realizing Ginny’s parents were looking at him. Then he looked up at Mr. Weasley and said, “I know how he felt.” Now he had everyone’s undivided attention. “You do?” breathed Ginny. Harry nodded with a brief glance at her before looking back at Mr. Weasley. “I knew Ginny pretty well before we started dating and since then, I’ve found I love her more every day. I’d like to ask Ginny if she’d marry me some time next summer if it’s alright with you and Mrs. Weasley.” He felt Ginny take his hand very tightly. Arthur looked a Molly who nodded with a growing smile. Looking back at Harry, “You have our permission if Ginny’s agreeable.” Harry didn’t have time to turn to Ginny before her arms were around him. Ginny pulled back and looked at him with a grin that spread from ear to ear. “Well?” “Well what,” said Harry himself grinning. “Aren’t you going to ask me?” said Ginny after another kiss. Harry untangled himself and knelt in front of Ginny and took her hands in his. “Will you marry me?” “Yes!” A/N: This is a variation of an idea that’s been floating around in my mind for a couple of years. I hope you enjoyed it. |
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