Summary: For the Challenge and For Jaq. Can Harry propose amidst mayhem, Christmas, and goblins? I changed the rating for a few extra innuendos in Chapter 5. Please Review!
Rating: PG-13
Categories: December Engagement Challenge (2006-6)
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 2006.12.08
Updated: 2006.12.15
Index
Chapter 1: December 21
Chapter 2: December 21 continued
Chapter 3: December 22 and 23
Chapter 4: December 24
Chapter 5: December 25
Chapter 1: December 21
Author's Notes: I dedicate this to those in love and the admirers of pure fluff.
For Jaq
December 20th
Harry let the darkness seep into his small flat. He neither bothered to light the room, nor remove his heavy formal robes from the day. For hours he sat undisturbed with his thoughts, and wasn’t pulled from his musings until he heard someone Apparating just outside his door. After a moment of clutching his wand, he sighed silently as Ginny’s tiny frame moved into the dark room and carefully reconstructed his protective wards.
Quietly she moved to the closet, hanging up the robes that matched his. Ron and Hermione had made Harry and the Weasley brothers don refined navy robes for the wedding. Ron was just happy Hermione didn’t want maroon. Ginny worked effortlessly and once each robe had been placed carefully into his closet, she pulled her wrap tight around her shoulders. She started towards his fireplace to floo back, undoubtedly to the Burrow, since she couldn’t Apparate out of his flat because of the wards in place.
Becoming slightly less morose and somewhat more playful, he Summoned her wrap. He revelled in her gasp of shock; smirking as she realized she was not alone.
“Moody would be so disappointed, my dear.” Harry mused, running his hands through the soft fabric of her wrap.
“Says a man that sits in the dark,” Ginny snorted at him, crawling into his lap in spite of herself.
Clearly something was bothering him and she had let him to his thoughts for the most of the night. Now the wedding was over, and she worriedly broached the subject. “Harry, talk to me. You have been in a far off land all day. What’s bothering you?”
“My Ginny,” he chuckled knowing she would see his troubles, “I didn’t mean to worry you. I suppose, I can’t help but think of how much they deserved to be happy. It was hard for me to not think of all the hard times we’ve shared.” He sighed again embracing her tightly before continuing, “I guess, with all this wedding stuff, I got a little lost. It used to be Harry, Ron, and Hermione: The Golden Trio. Then they became ‘Ron and Hermione’ and I was the third wheel. Finally, they were together and happy, but I felt so alone. By some miracle you agreed to be with me again after the war, and you filled that void. I suppose with all this wedding stuff, I got a little lonely for my girl. I missed you these past months. Today, it got me thinking of how we got started. Do you remember our first date after the war ended?”
Ginny nodded with a bemused smile. The twins had decided to stalk them. It was the last Hogsmeade visit in her sixth year, Harry’s seventh. They decided to try a new restaurant and had been desperate for a little privacy. They had found a new shyness that day, and when the twins showed up in matching trench coats, hats, and glasses, the tension broke.
“Remember,” Harry continued, “They were so pathetic, trying to hide behind those old Muggle newspapers? Then you decided to have a little fun?”
Ginny laughed at the memory.
They had been walking down a lane, away from the main streets of the small community in an awkward silence. Neither really knew how to begin the conversation and both were desperate for something to take away their nervousness. It was so rare that they get to be alone, much less in a situation where they might reclaim the feelings they had once had for each other.
It was just another day, Harry had stumbled through the invitation and she had blushed furiously as she mumbled her acceptance. They walked closely in search of the new restaurant Tonks had suggested, and their hands kept brushing against one another. Ginny desperately tried not to count as she hoped Harry would take her hand in his. By the sixteenth time, she was desperate for something to take her attention away from the situation. She grinned ominously as she spied two identical people, standing in an identical manner. The twins were desperately trying to be inconspicuous as they leaned against a building, reading old newspapers.
Spying on her, she was tempted to be mad, but they looked so funny. Harry quietly asked her why she was giggling to herself and she nonchalantly gestured to the twins.
“Care to have a little fun, Ginny?” Harry whispered as he picked a flower from the ground.
“I’m game, Harry, let’s get them good this time!” she hissed back.
She smiled as they stopped and Harry handed her the pretty nosegay. He kissed her hand gently before, pulling her flush against him, dropping her into a deadly dip, and passionately caressing his lips against hers. When he finally righted her, the twins were staring unabashedly as Harry dropped to his knees in the mud.
“Ginny!” Harry exclaimed, “Please, I can’t live without you! Marry me! We’ll live happily ever after!”
“Harry,” she said in a false strained voice, still dizzy from the kiss, “We can’t marry, for you see…I am in love with another!” Acting with relish she turned away from him, with the back of her hand moving to her forehead overdramatically.
“I’ll kill him!” Harry shouted fiercely, “And I’ll kill you too!” he raised his wand ominously at her.
“Oh no, don’t kill me Harry!” she squeaked in very girly voice.
Just then, the twins sprinted forward, tackling into a mud puddle. The three men wrestled for a few moments, until the twins heard Harry and Ginny laughing madly.
After the twins apologized for their spying, Harry and Ginny left them in the mud and walked hand in hand into the restaurant.
Pulling their thoughts back to the present, Harry kissed Ginny lightly on the lips.
“That was the first time you asked me to marry you, Mr. Potter. What would you have done, had I accepted?” Ginny teased.
“I believe I would have been wildly happy with a woman I love. It may have been the first time, but it won’t be the last,” he added mystically.
*******
December 21st
The next morning Ginny squinted at the light reflected off the snow. She was about to head out to Diagon Alley for last minute Christmas shopping. Just as she was about to Apparate, she heard the familiar screech of an owl. Smiling as Hedwig landed on her arm, with a wrapped package and a note, Ginny walked back into the Burrow.
She hastily tore into the note:
My Ginny,
In five days I want to show you exactly how very much I love you.
Harry
Ginny gasped as she remembered Harry’s declaration from the night before, trying not to hope. She was stunned at the beauty of the roses that had been carefully wrapped in soft paper and breathed in the intense aroma of the nosegays.
Mrs. Weasley smiled at her daughter’s delight and read the note over her shoulder.
“Oh my,” Mrs. Weasley mused. “This is going to be an interesting holiday.”
Chapter 2: December 21 continued
Author's Notes: Be warned this is dangerous fluff. I write it for the fans of fluff because they are the romantics. Please review.
Part Two
December 21st that afternoon…
Quickly, she walked through Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes. After leaving her flowers at the Burrow, and her mother laughing at her blush, Ginny Apparated into the back of the twins’ store. Soon, she would be off to find a present for Harry. George was helping a beautiful young woman, with dark brown hair as Ginny emerged from the store room. She stifled a laugh as Fred bewitched a huge mistletoe plant to float over George, and giggled as the brunette girl blanched and hastily departed.
“Hello Ginger Ginny,” Fred said as he chuckled at his twin.
“What can we do for our favourite sister?” George asked as he slapped his twin for the prank.
Ginny rolled her eyes, knowing they would never change as they began to fisticuff. Look at all this stuff, she reflected silently. Slowly she walked through the store, letting her eyes rest on the pranks they had not “tested” on her. She stopped sharply at a shelf, grimly sneering at a bright yellow box, “Baby Sister Body Guard,” it read.
It was their first anniversary. Ginny had bought a beautiful silver gown to wear to dinner. The night had been perfect and she couldn’t help but think how wonderful Harry had been. She never wanted it to end, but all too quickly, they re-entered the Burrow. Ginny would always remember the way his lips felt against hers that night; she desperately tried to let the kiss linger.
He kissed her neck softly as he helped her out of her wrap. Just as the silk fell into his hands, a parka replaced it. Confused, Harry and Ginny tried to unzip the heavy coat, but they became tangled when large rubber boots appeared over her heals, knocking them off balance. A scarf tied Harry’s hands behind his back and Ginny screamed desperately as heavy wading rubber pants materialized over her dress after she kicked off the boots.
The twins and Charlie walked in from the living room, shaking their heads at the miserable couple.
“Harry, how could you? In the kitchen, no less!” George exclaimed playfully.
“Potter, I think we need to have a word about appropriate behaviour and our sister,” Charlie snarled dangerously.
Fred, on the other hand, laughed heartily as he threw the counter curse.
Ginny stood up gracefully with Harry’s help. “Would you like to start, Harry, or may I?” Her words dripped pure venom.
Harry nodded smiling generously; he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Brothers, dear,” Ginny seethed, “I have no clue what I have ever done to make you want to embarrass me so. Let me guess…that was some pathetic excuse for a chastity charm?” A tear actually escaped her eye as the twins dipped their heads in shame.
“If you remove a piece of clothing, three more appear,” George explained in a shamed whisper.
“Oh I see!” She shrieked. “Because, Harry helped me take off my wrap, I obviously can’t keep on anything else. Am I some tart? Do you think I can’t keep a man out of my bed? Do you have such poor faith in me that you fear I would swoon at any mild attempt at seduction? I thank you for your confidence.” Her voice had turned to a deadly whisper.
“We love you, Ginny, don’t be upset. Fred and I thought it would be funny and that you would be glad we were looking out for you.” George stated defensively.
Ginny heard none of it and slapped him. “When was the last time I needed you too look after me? When I was eleven, that’s when. When I was eleven I needed saving and do you know what, Harry did a better job than you ever did.”
The twins visibly recoiled as her words stung them. They hadn’t looked after her when she was in her first year, and never fully forgave themselves for overlooking her. Harry stepped forward now pulling her face into his hands, wiping the three tears away that escaped her valiant efforts to keep them away.
“Who charmed her? Which one of you fools is responsible?” Harry barked.
The twins sheepishly admitted to making the product but Charlie proudly confessed to using Ginny as a test dummy, ignoring his sister’s reaction. With two huge strides, Harry closed the gap between himself and Charlie. In a sickening crunch, Harry punched him and smirked as he fell into the twins behind him.
“That’s for making my Ginny cry.” Harry hissed.
Never again did any of her brothers try to question Harry’s integrity.
Ginny laughed darkly as the memory faded from the forefront of her mind. George and Fred watched their sister pause at the product. Despite the fact that it had been over a year ago, they still felt guilty. They hadn’t made her cry since she was six and even then they still felt guilty. Still feeling the need to make up for their past mistakes, the twins offered to take Ginny to lunch.
Ginny smirked at their offer with an arched eyebrow, but accepted on the terms that she got to decide on the restaurant. After choosing the most expensive restaurant she could think of, she agreed to meet them for lunch at noon and swept out of the store. She giggled to herself as she walked down the street. She knew full well that the twins still felt guilty for the chastity charm prank, and whenever she came to the store, if she lingered in front of the display for it, they would always offer to buy her something.
It worked like a charm.
*****
Meanwhile, back at the Burrow, Harry and Mrs. Weasley were in a deep conspiracy. They had logged over thirty-six collective hours hunting for the perfect ring. Store after store tried to sell him something tacky, gaudy, or just plain ugly. A fat witch behind a counter in Sussex tried to convince him to buy a ghastly ruby ring with yellow topaz stones flux against the main gem. Gryffindor would be proud but Ginny would likely sick the twins on him for such a ring.
Harry simply began to pound his head lightly against the glass as the witch droned on and on. Finally, Mrs. Weasley interjected desperate to see why this woman thought a ring so ugly would suit her daughter.
“Madam,” she said politely. “Why are you trying to sell this man a ring he clearly doesn’t like and has no significance to him?”
The witch sneered at her for a moment before replying. “Mr. Potter will find that a ruby is truly significant! You were both in Gryffindor, were you not?!”
“And the ruby means…what…” Harry asked dejectedly.
“It means passion, fire, desire!” she exclaimed from behind the counter holding the ring up to the light.
Harry gagged as he tried to repress outright laughter and simply walked out of the store. He was never so relieved when Molly came out laughing harder than he was. Desperate for a new store, they Apparated to the Leaky Cauldron and moved into London. Perhaps they would have more luck in Muggle stores.
Cartier, if he couldn’t find something exquisite for her there, he would have to go back to Gringott’s and have them craft one. Not that he would mind spending so many galleons, but he rather hoped to avoid quality time with goblins.
He smirked when Mrs. Weasley struggled to withhold her opinion of a remarkable set of diamond earrings and made a mental note to buy them for her, Christmas was only four days away. Finally, he felt like he could find something worthy of Ginny. As he started onto the second row of cases, he scanned each ring critically waiting to see that perfect diamond staring back at him…and there it was. It was the exact ring Hermione had described Ginny wanted. When Ginny was helping Hermione plan her wedding to Ron, Ginny had found a ring she loved in a magazine.
He called to Mrs. Weasley and a clerk. Mrs.Weasley was shocked at the ring. It was the perfect diamond, in the perfect setting, and she could hardly contain her joy. She swayed on her feet when Harry passed the ring into her hands for her approval. She smiled when he leaned over the counter, whispering something to the clerk, and took the ring back to be packaged and bought.
Wordlessly, they left the store arm in arm, glad the search was over.
*****
Once back at the Burrow, Harry managed to sheepishly stutter through a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Though he knew he had their approval, he wanted to ask and get them actively involved in his plan for Ginny. Her Christmas would likely be one she could never forget. Together they devised ways to incorporate her brothers into the game, and soon they realized that the whole affair was coming into place.
Harry was positively giddy with the thought as Mrs. Weasley called in reinforcements.
*****
At lunch, Ginny laughed with her brothers as they explained some of their new products to her. They had apparently learned about some Muggle toy called ‘Silly String’ and it was the inspiration to a whole new line.
Once back to the shop, Ginny checked her parcels off from her Christmas lists while the twins perused through their messages their assistant gave them. Quite suddenly they began making excuses.
“Sorry Ginger Ginny,” Fred said.
“We have a problem with one of our investors. We need to have a meeting with him. Mum sent a note saying Luna Lovegood had called on you. According to the note, Luna said she hoped to meet you in Hogsmeade for a little shopping.” George continued for him.
Ginny smiled at the twins and asked them to send the packages home for her so she could meet with Luna. “I hope everything goes well with your investor, boys.” She kissed each one on the cheek before pulling her cloak tightly about herself.
“Everything should be fine, but it may take us out of the country for the next week or so. Send Mum our apologies for missing Christmas, will you?” Fred asked as casually as he could manage.
“Out of the country, but its Christmas!” Ginny yelled. “There is no way I’ll tell Mum any such thing. She is already furious that Ron and Hermione will still be on their honeymoon. Can’t you delay the trip, Christmas is only four days away?”
“We’re sorry, Ginny,” George uttered sadly, “But we really must go. Have a good holiday and we’ll see you when we get back.”
They ushered Ginny back onto the Alley, where she paused to watch them close the shop. They were acting so strangely…even for them.
Once in Hogsmeade, Ginny looked high and low for Luna, but there was no sight of her and she couldn’t help but think something very odd was going on with her friends and family.
Chapter 3: December 22 and 23
Author's Notes: Beware you enter a dangerously fluffy zone.
Part Three
December 21, that night…
That night, Ginny came home to an empty house. She had grown used to the silence ever since Ron and Hermione had gotten engaged and found their own home, but tonight, her parents weren’t even home. She knew that they had likely gone to dinner and smiled at the thought of them on a date.
After a long, hot shower, Ginny put on her favourite pair of pyjamas. With a book and a glass of wine, she curled up in the family room, by the fire and waited for her parents to return home. Sometime later, she could here her parents arguing in the kitchen.
“Don’t be angry with me, Molly!” her father begged.
“Of course not Arthur, you haven’t been bothered at all by the fact that our family is leaving us alone for Christmas. Never you mind, we’ll be alone on Christmas morning!” Molly barked.
Ginny became instantly angry and joined the fray. “Mum! I’ll be home for Christmas, what is all this yelling about?”
“Of course you’ll be here, Ginny darling.” Molly acquiesced. “But none of your brothers will be. I had a large family, my dear, and each and every one of those boys has abandoned us. I thought we raised them better. I understand that the married ones have other families to share their time with, but the twins…a business trip!” Molly was fuming.
Ginny knew not to pick this battle so she turned and headed to her room. Her mother had completely ignored the fact that she could spend some quality time with her daughter. Ginny tried to rub her headache away when she heard her mother begin to rant again. Tired and now irritable, Ginny stared out her window, resting her forehead on the cool pane. Out of the light snowfall, she could see Hedwig returning to her.
Quickly she let the beautiful white owl into her room, carefully latching the window behind her. The wind was not bad, but the air was bitter and she shivered into a blanket as she removed the new package and note from Harry.
My Ginny,
I hope you know how desperately I love you. I will see you soon.
Harry
Carefully she untied the small box and tried to figure out what they meant. She pondered why he had sent her two keys. The first was clearly a key to a Gringott’s vault. The second looked like a key as well but it was larger and had more teeth. Desperate for answer, Ginny turned the seemingly empty box upside down hoping something would fall out. Another tiny slip of paper fell from the box.
8:30 p.m. December 24, Vault 1376
She should have known she would get few answers. Trying to put her questions to rest, Ginny laid back and welcomed sleep. Smiling in her dreams as she wondered the possibilities…
*****
December 22
Ginny rose early the next morning. After her morning routine, she made her way to the fire to Floo-call Luna. The dreamy girl apologized for missing her the previous day and they arranged to meet the following day as Luna had to work.
Ginny spent the day blissfully buried under wrapping paper and bows. She always preferred wrapping her presents by hand, magic just didn’t give it that personal touch. She was lost in her gifts when the wonderful aromas of her mother’s cooking wafted into the upper layers of the Burrow.
The scent of spiced nuts and cinnamon danced on her senses and Ginny couldn’t resist the pull emanating from the kitchen. After sneaking a few goodies from the plethora of treats her mother was making, she was caught and drafted to help bake the rest of the afternoon. Ginny didn’t particularly mind, because her mother was in a much better mood today.
“Mum,” Ginny asked quietly. “Have you any idea what Harry is planning for Christmas? I haven’t seen him in two days!”
Molly smiled knowingly, “I haven’t the foggiest my dear. If I were you though, I wouldn’t try to ruin his surprises. Romance is a precious commodity in life, sweetheart.”
Ginny smirked knowing full well her mother was lying to her. If she guessed correctly her mother would get angry, if she guessed wrong her mother would simply smile it off.
“Is it jewellery?” Ginny posed sweetly.
“Ginerva, please stop. You won’t get the answer from me, Harry put the Fidelius Charm on the answer so unless you’re the Secret Keeper, I can’t talk about it. Besides do you really want to ruin it for Harry? You know how he loves to surprise you.”
Ginny smirked as she remembered her last birthday. Harry sent her on a treasure hunt. She had to find clues all over the Burrow, Hogsmeade, the twins’ shop, and Hogwarts before she could find her gift. Of course the gift had been an exquisite diamond bracelet, but it had been wrapped in a huge crate.
When she finally got the crate open, she was shocked to see Harry bound and gagged. The twins decided to give her Harry for her birthday. It was rather sweet of them, but while Harry laughed it off, she secretly plotted revenge. Harry was just happy to be out of the box and thanked her for rescuing him. She loved her bracelet from him and loved the effort of his surprises.
Later that night, while her parents cleaned up for dinner, she stood in the hallway hoping to hear clues about Harry’s surprise. She smirked when she heard them easily drop into conversation about “it.”
“Arthur, Ginny is suspicious. Do you think she knows what Harry has planned?” Molly whispered heavily.
“I’m not sure, Molly. With all of her siblings gone for the holidays, she may just be desperate for something to occupy her mind. On the other hand, Harry worked really hard for this and we need to be cautious,” her father warned as he collected the plates.
“I know, dear. Harry looked so thrilled when he found it. It truly was perfect; I just hope they send us a note or something nice, so we won’t worry. I’ve always wanted to see that. I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic.”
Ginny gasped realizing their meanings. Harry was taking her on a vacation. She let her mind reel with the implications as she tried to imagine every place she had ever mentioned she wanted to visit. She leapt away from the kitchen and dashed up the stairs, never seeing her parents holding in their laughter at their eavesdropping daughter. She could try and ruin it for herself, but they wouldn’t let her ruin it for Harry.
*****
December 23rd
The following morning, proved to be considerably more eventful. Ginny woke up late and in a foul mood. She grumpily snapped at her mother for pointing out how late she was and hurried off to find Luna in Hogsmeade.
Luna’s odd nature made her laugh and soon her attitude began to improve. They ate at the Three Broomsticks and chuckled as they saw a young couple of sixth year Hogwarts’ students sucking each other’s faces off.
Luna delighted in telling Ginny several stories about how she and Neville were doing. Though they had only been dating three weeks, the blonde was convinced that they would be married in less than a year. Of course she had fancied Neville for ages, but that was beside the point.
After they finished their butterbeers, they decided to briefly stop in the Quidditch shop so Ginny could buy Ron’s present. While on the way, Ginny spied Harry coming out of a clothing store. This particular shop specialized in fine silks and she couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to. Sneaking up carefully behind him, she got about two feet away from him as he casually strolled down the lanes. Amused, Luna followed Ginny carefully, so as not to arouse Harry’s suspicion. When he stopped to tie his shoe, Ginny raised her wand and gently laid it to the back of his head.
“Moody would be so disappointed,” she quipped, loving his face of frustration when she threw his own words back at him.
“Indeed he would, my love. So have you decided to stalk people in Hogsmeade today? Have the twins gotten to you?” He joked back.
They both laughed and embraced, ignoring the small audience they had.
“Harry,” Ginny began in her best ‘pout’ voice. “Why won’t you tell me what all the mystery is about? I realize you want to surprise me, but what could be the harm of give me a little hint?” she sighed hopefully.
“A hint, my dear?” He asked raising a sceptical eyebrow. “Well, I suppose a tiny hint couldn’t hurt…” he trailed off loving the flash of enthusiasm in her face. “You don’t need to worry about a bathing suit.”
“A bathing suit? Harry, are we going someplace?” Ginny begged excitedly, but Harry just slipped out of her arms, kissed her cheek and disappeared.
Decidedly more frustrated, Ginny and Luna finished their shopping and returned to their respective homes. As Ginny unloaded the contents of her purse and pockets, she noticed a small parcel in her pocket.
She tore into the wrapping and smirked as a smaller envelope, a shrunken wooden box, and a small note from Harry fell out of the package.
My Ginny love,
While I grant you these gifts may baffle you, I promise you I love you and will explain everything tomorrow.
Harry
Ginny enlarged the huge box and was clearly perplexed when she read the thick black letters on the side: Eight Hundred Candles.
While she pondered the meaning, she thumbed into the small envelope and was rendered speechless when a magnificent diamond necklace fell out.
Chapter 4: December 24
Author's Notes: Please review. Be warned fluff exists in many levels here.
Part Four
December 24th Christmas Eve
Ginny finished wrapping her presents in record time the next day, as she waited for the evening to arrive. She stayed in her room most of the day wrapping and trying to guess where Harry would take her on their mystery vacation. Idly she dreamed of Ireland, Alaska, or the Alps. She always wanted to see the mountains of Switzerland. Granted she would have much rather gone someplace warm and exotic, but Harry told her she shouldn’t bother with a bathing suit, so she could assume it wasn’t warm.
By four in that afternoon, she was becoming crazy with excitement. Her mother even insisted she get out of the house because she was driving her insane. Ginny stalked through Diagon Alley in search of something to take her mind off the surprise, desperate for eight-thirty to arrive. Finally, after her third sundae at Fortesque’s she spied that it was eight-twenty-five and ran into Gringotts’.
She felt a little uneasy when the goblins bowed at her expectantly. She produced the keys and followed them to a cart and was whisked away. The cart took only a few seconds to reach its destination, though it felt like days to Ginny. With a wide smile, she climbed out of the cart and nervously stepped into the vault after the goblin opened it for her.
She stood in awe as she saw a wealth of gold, watches, gems, and papers. Directly in front of her, on a stone pedestal rested a simple, tiny box with her a note addressed to her on it. With a shaking hand, she grasped the parchment and opened the note to read it but there was nothing in it. She flipped it over; curious as to why Harry hadn’t written anything in the note.
She groaned with even more frustration at this game of his. Her eyes wandered back to the fuzzy box on the pedestal. Her fingers danced lightly on the soft velvet box hoping for answers, she took it in her hands. Biting her lip, she raised the box to open it, when two masculine hands slid around waist. She yelped out in surprise, but laughed at the same time.
“Harry!” she exclaimed as he whipped her around kissing her forcefully.
He smirked at her in response. “Now who would Moody be mad at?”
She giggled at his playfulness but her attention quickly fell back to the box in her hand. “What is all this, Harry?” she asked in a hushed voice.
He smiled at her blatant nervousness and kissed her hand. “This is all ours. It isn’t as much as it looks, but it is a combination of what my parents and Sirius left me. You know whatever is mine is yours.”
Suddenly, the intensity of his words struck her and she stared at the box. She suddenly knew what was inside and that the whole vacation idea was a masterful ruse. Ginny held up the box and opened it cautiously. Tears danced in her eyes as she saw the ring.
Harry’s eyes misted as he held her tightly against him. Fear overcame him and he could hardly move. “I told you it wouldn’t be the last time I asked you,” he whispered.
Ginny gulped and giggled heavily. As if she was paralyzed, she felt Harry slide down her body as he dropped to his knees.
“Marry me, my Ginny?” Harry croaked.
In a voice that wasn’t entirely her own, she gasped, “Yes!”
He lifted her with ease as he pulled her up in a firm embrace. She could hear him swear words of love and relished in his conviction. After a moment, they collected themselves and wiped tears from each other’s eyes.
“I can’t believe you did all this!” Ginny exclaimed.
“You have no idea, in fact the surprises aren’t quite over,” he responded in an antagonizing voice.
“Harry, what else could be a bigger surprise than asking me to marry you?” She joked.
“Getting married,” he said simply as he slid the ring on her finger.
*****
Harry caught her as she fell forward. She was shocked as she realized he had made the ring a Portkey, which deposited them directly in front of the fire place at the Burrow.
Her parents were smiling at her with devious grins. They laughed at her shock and ran to embrace the newly engaged couple. After congratulations and kisses, Molly sat Ginny down to inspect the ring as it sat on her daughter’s hand. Ginny could barely move or speak for fear of fainting.
After collecting her wits and her breath, she smiled at her mother and father. “I can’t believe you helped him, you traitors!” She laughed good-naturedly.
They embraced her again and she grinned when Arthur whispered something to Harry. “More conspiracy, Mum?” Ginny asked lightly.
“I’m not aware of anything else, Arthur?” Molly replied confusedly.
“Ginny,” Harry responded for him, “Do you remember what I said when you asked what would be a bigger surprise?”
Knitting her brow, she answered, “You said, ‘getting married.’ I don’t see how we can do that without any of the family here.”
At this Arthur and Harry smiled again as the two women were lost. As if by magic, Bill and Fleur appeared with their son, Maxim. The small family was heavily clad in snow wear having only just arrived. Charlie inched his way into the room and winked at Bill. Penelope and Percy stepped through the Floo just after Charlie shook hands with his father and kissed his mother lightly. They brushed and dusted themselves before moving to give Molly a kiss as well.
Ginny began to cry again whereas her mother just began to laugh. The twins emerged from under Harry’s Invisibility Cloak and swept their mother up to dance. After a quick tango with George and a polka with Fred, she was deposited back onto the couch with Ginny.
“But…but…but…” Ginny stuttered. “What about Ron, surely you want him to be your best man and I can’t have anyone besides Hermione be my matron of honour!”
A voice from directly behind her called out, “Do you honestly think I would miss your wedding?”
Ginny spun where she sat to see Hermione walking forward with Ron following closely behind her. The girls embraced and laughed at the strange events of the day.
“I can’t believe this! You’re all here for Christmas and I’m getting married!” Ginny laughed, leaping into Harry’s arms.
“I love you, my Ginny, but its time for me to depart,” Harry said.
“Where are you going? It’s Christmas Eve!” she protested.
“I have to go, love. Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding…” he trailed off letting her catch his meaning.
Suddenly all the clues fell into place. “You said ‘five days’ it’s only been four. Oh my, I can’t believe I didn’t realize that sooner! We’re getting married tomorrow!?” She smiled as she pulled him into a deep kiss. “How can we do that? I don’t have a dress, we aren’t registered for gifts, and I think Hermione wants payback for the hen party I threw her.” Ginny didn’t want to protest but everything was happening so fast.
“I know you are worried, Ginny, but Harry took care of everything.” Hermione offered. “I registered you for gifts the same time I did mine, while you were helping me I just made note of what you wanted while we worked on my list. I found a spell that will build your dress with the fabric you picked out the day we went shopping for my dress, and you better believe that as soon as these blokes are out of here the hen party will begin! Fleur brought food, Penelope has the alcohol, and if only your brothers knew what exactly I owe you payback for….” Hermione laughed as Ginny paled slightly.
The Weasley men suddenly became very interested in what Hermione had to say, but she just shook her head and whispered something to Ron. His eyes went wide and all colour drained from his face. Ginny covered her face as Ron learned exactly how Hermione came into possession of a can of edible body paint and a black silk teddy. She blushed even deeper when he wished Harry ‘good luck’ and laughed at Harry’s confused expression. Hermione laughed and Molly ordered the men out of the Burrow. Arthur instructed all the men to Grimmauld Place where Remus was waiting for them. With hurried goodbyes and quick kisses, the party was well under way.
Ginny could hardly believe how the day had developed and knew she would never get to sleep this Christmas Eve.
Chapter 5: December 25
Author's Notes: Well this is the end, folks. Please let me know what you think. I upped the naughtiness just for Spenser, because it seemed to make him giggle. : )
Part Five
December 25, Christmas Day
Ginny had dreamt of her life, not so long ago. Harry was just a boy she still had a crush on and they had been evacuated from the Burrow to Grimmauld Place. The Order had received a last minute report that Death Eaters were coming to attack the Burrow. They left with only a few items of clothing and their wands. Ginny couldn’t remember being more frightened.
That was the day Percy returned to the family truly terrified that his family had been lost in the destruction of their home. Only a few days from Christmas, they had no presents to exchange. Trying to brighten the situation, the twins suggested everyone find a random object in the house to give to someone. The object had to come with a fabulous story of why the present made the giver thing of the receiver.
It had been a smashing success when Hermione received a dozen books and a match from Ron. Everyone was curious to see why Ron gave her a match, but he said it was because she lit the room up every time she smiled. The twins immediately began to howl and Tonks teased them mercilessly. They both blushed and Harry took the attention away from them. He had given her an old jersey that he no longer wore; claiming that she always stole it anyhow. The memories faded and soon it was once more Christmas morning.
Ginny blearily opened her eyes. She smiled as she looked out her bedroom window and gazed at the white snow dusting a little of everything. The night’s activities dawned on her as she moved from her room and into the main part of the house. Fleur and Hermione hummed Christmas tunes while putting final touches on various decorations. Tonks stumbled from an upstairs room, clearly hung-over. After demanding coffee, she sat heavily at the table looking very green.
Ginny fuzzily remembered the previous night. Immediately after Harry and the men left, the girls pulled out presents and liquor. After entirely too much Firewhiskey, Ginny remembered a disturbing fashion show of lingerie, helpful “hints” from her mother, and the eruption of laughter when Ginny opened each present. She wasn’t exactly sure why Hermione gave her pineapple rings and whipped cream, but she was too scared to ask.
Shaking her from her memories, Penelope was the first to notice Ginny and ran to her squealing at her to get in the shower. After a quick wash, Ginny dried herself carefully and tied herself into her robe. She laughed as her mother tried to force feed her. Ginny couldn’t manage a bite and let herself be primped and prodded by her friends.
Penelope carefully crafted her hair into brilliant locks, charming them into place perfectly. Hermione and Molly moved around her with the cream silk. Every so often one of them would whisper a quiet spell, magicking the fine fabric to her body in gorgeous waves. The gown was her dream. She never quite knew what she would look like on her wedding day, but when she saw herself in the mirror in that moment, she realized her fantasy had come to life.
Her mother gently placed a thin veil on her head. “Something old, given from mother to daughter for the past eight generations. Happy Christmas.” Ginny tried to push back the tears but they came anyway.
“Ginny,” Tonks stepped forward, sniffing heavily. “You may borrow this handkerchief.” The white handkerchief was soft cotton with a baby blue embroidered butterfly.”
Ginny sniffed fiercely as she took it from Tonks’ hand and tucked it carefully into her breast. Fleur emerged with a simple arrangement of lilies for her bouquet. Taking a deep breath, Ginny never imagined this was her Christmas.
The feelings of joy, excitement, and love were always common on the holiday, but she was elated, overwhelmed, and beside herself. After a few quick photos, Mr. Weasley came home and hurried to his daughter’s side. In a whirlwind of flashes and last minute instructions, Arthur Weasley escorted Ginny to the haddock. Just before they Apparated to the ceremony, he bent his head and gently kissed her on her head. His little girl was leaving him for another man.
When Ginny opened her eyes, her father pulled away, and she bit her lip at the beauty before her. They were in a field, not far from Hogwarts. She looked down the sloping hills and could see the outline of the magnificent castle. The backdrop to her wedding was spectacular and she moved silently down the aisle.
Harry hadn’t blinked since he saw her; afraid she would disappear from his sight. His breath caught in his throat and mouth dried as he extended his hand, clasping hers. Vaguely, he heard Arthur wish them the best and step away. Together, they turned from the crowd to face the man who would marry them.
Harry watched her and saw nothing but her eyes. She smiled as they repeated the words of the aging man as he invoked the exclusive bond between them. Quickly, they murmured their assents and they heard the cheers. Neither looked away and they fell into each other. Embracing the first time as husband and wife, they kissed each other deeply.
The day began to fly by…even more so than before. Ginny hardly remembered the ceremony and was currently dancing with both of the twins in a fiery jig. Once they finally released her, she stole Maxim away from his Papa and slowly rotated with him in her arms. She smiled as she felt Harry’s arms encompass her waist and giggled as he made silly faces to Maxim’s delight.
“Falling for another man, Ginny?” he asked playfully, while pecking her cheek.
“Oh, I thought I’d try out one of these younger models,” she winked roguishly at him.
Maxim gurgled happily as Ginny kissed him and held him close, while Harry ruffled his hair and tickled his feet. Fleur quickly absconded her son from his aunt and new uncle, letting the newly weds dance idly together.
The music played on for hours and it wasn’t until nearly eight that evening, did Harry suggest they leave, with a hearty blush. Sneaking away from the traps the twins set up to snag the newly wedded couple, they quietly moved away from their family and Apparated away.
Far away from the reception and their family, Harry and Ginny landed a few meters away from a white cottage covered in brown ivy and winter bulbs. She let Harry lead her to the porch and stopped just in front of the large oak doors. He pulled out his key; the same jagged Muggle key he had given her as her second gift. A few tears came to her eyes as the door clicked open.
In the main living room she could see a hundred candles burning in every direction. She quietly cooed as Harry lifted her into his arms with ease setting her down just beyond the threshold.
“Harry, it’s breathtaking.” Ginny declared happily, watching as he set wards to bar intruders.
He smiled, relieved, as she moved about the small home and began to explore. She giggled in the kitchen, smiled in the den, and bit her lip nervously, as she started up the stairs. Harry followed her; desperate to see her face when she reached the bedroom, hoping she would like his last surprise.
She turned down the hall and examined each room before moving on to the next. There were three bedrooms besides their own, Harry privately hoped that they would be filled quickly, but wisely kept his mouth shut about that for now. Finally, she turned the knob and stepped into their master suite. She fell in love with the simple elegance of the king size bed. She marvelled at the antique vanity that was tucked carefully in a corner and was awestruck at the magnificent private bathroom.
She carefully sat on the edge of the massive tub. It was filled nearly to the brim, steam sweeping upwards in scented curls. She watched as rose petals and oils floated on the waters’ surface. Her eyes drooped as she breathed in the deep aromas. Harry watched his wife, her arresting beauty. Taking her hand, he led her away from the bath and guided her to sit on the bed.
He pulled her face to him and kissed her with worship, before moving to sit beside her. From his back pocket, he produced a thick envelope and handed it to her. Curious, Ginny tore into her last Christmas present. Harry waited and smirked gleefully when a tear of joy slipped from her eye.
“You told me not to bring a bathing suit,” Ginny choked bemusedly. “How do you propose a honeymoon to the Caribbean, for a month no less, if I can’t have a bathing suit?”
Harry raised his eyebrows devilishly, earning his first (of many) slaps as a husband. He took it in the shoulder manfully and groaned dramatically, making his nervous wife laugh.
“Harry,” Ginny whispered shyly, “I didn’t know you had this planned, I’m not…prepared…for the consequences.”
Harry tried not to laugh at her, but failed. “Well, I wish I could say that I had thought to have your mother spike your morning tea with a contraceptive potion, but I didn’t.”
“Harry, it’s not funny!” Ginny exclaimed but a smile defied her. “Almost every single woman in my family has gotten pregnant on their wedding night! The only person to break that tradition was my Great Aunt Lorraine and that was because her husband died an hour after the ceremony. I don’t know if we’re ready to be parents yet and I certainly don’t want you to die now!”
“Ginny, don’t fret,” Harry whispered running a calming hand down her cheek and across her lips. “If it happens, fantastic, if it doesn’t, maybe next time. I’ve wanted you to be a part of my life for so long; I just can’t make myself care. I want a family with you. You are terrific with Maxim and you tell me I am as well.” She choked a laugh at him in spite of herself.
“So, your saying let’s just see what happens and be happy regardless, right?” She smiled lazily and relaxed into him, beginning to enjoy her first night as a married woman.
Ginny and Harry would never forget the passionate kisses they shared that night. They lost themselves in new sensations and loved each other completely. The next day, they slipped away to their honeymoon.
After a month of splashing in the surf, bathing in the sun, and spending hours in their private bungalow, Harry and Ginny Potter returned home to return to their lives, more madly in love than every before. Molly had been thrilled when they returned home, she was aching to see the pictures and souvenirs the couple brought with them.
After enjoying a long night at the Burrow, Harry and Ginny returned to Ivy Cottage, their home. Harry had missed Molly’s cooking and could not believe the stories about the twins getting caught in their own traps after their wedding reception. Glad to be home, Harry collapsed on the couch, lying down to relax. He tried to close his eyes but was distracted by Ginny’s pacing.
“Ginny,” Harry sighed tiredly, “What’s wrong?”
“What? Oh…um,” Ginny twisted her fingers nervously.
Harry decided that if she was this nervous she should sit down, so he promptly pulled her into his lap.
“What is the matter?” He asked calmly.
“Well, it’s a tradition, I guess. I just didn’t want you to be frustrated or disappointed in me,” Ginny mumbled.
Harry hugged his wife tightly to soothe her stress. “My Ginny, I want a family, someday. You weren’t even sure if you wanted a baby yet. Now, you’re stressing because we don’t have one. That’s not fair to you. It will happen…” he stopped talking as Ginny put a hand over his mouth.
“That’s not what I meant…” she whispered with a very mischievous smile.