Chapter 10

A Surprise Invitation

Hermione was in the middle of asking Ron to pass the orange juice the next morning when Harry and Ginny walked into the kitchen. She appeared remarkably happy to see them.

“Ron, will you please pass– Oh, hi, Harry! Hi, Ginny! How was your birthday, Harry? Anything… special happen?” She grinned innocently.

Harry felt his cheeks flush and decided it should be illegal for anyone to look that smug. He wondered for a moment if Ginny had filled her in on the previous day's events. The look on Ginny's face, though, told him otherwise. She looked positively alarmed.

Fortunately Harry recovered quickly and remembered their plan for bringing Hermione and Ron up to speed. He glanced at Ginny, giving her the smallest of winks before going to get his breakfast.

“Nothing too interesting,” he answered Hermione at long last. “We pretty much stayed around the house all day.”

“Oh? Just relaxed and napped , I suppose?”

Harry looked at her in confusion for a moment. How could she possibly have known about that? Fortunately, Ron stared at her quite bewildered, saving Harry from answering.

“So, no,” Harry said. “Nothing much really happened. Although…” he paused and looked at the ceiling for a moment. “There is something I've been wanted to get off my chest for a while and I just don't think I can wait any longer.”

He turned to Ginny, looking very solemn, and took her hands in his.

“Ginny, I just can't take it anymore. I've been holding back for too long. I love you and I can't stand to be apart from you any longer.”

With that, he grabbed her and kissed her fiercely. She went limp in his arms and allowed him to lean her back, holding her so she wouldn't fall.

When they finally broke apart, Ginny put her hand to her heart and looked at Harry with as much passion as she could muster.

“Oh, Harry. That was positively wonderful. But why did you have to wait for so long? I've always loved you. Oh, now we can get married and live together happily ever after. I just can't wait!”

Ron, who had been getting progressively redder with each passing moment, now stepped forward.

“Harry, that's my sister! What d'you think you're doing?”

“Ron–”

“No, I want to hear this, Hermione.”

“Ron,” she giggled, “you owe me a Galleon.”

He stopped in his tracks.

“I do not. It's not his birthday anymore.”

She turned to Harry and Ginny. “And when did you have your actual first kiss?”

Harry reached over and took Ginny's hand, a goofy smile on his face. “Last night,” he said shyly. Ginny grinned up at him.

Only then did Ron start to catch on. “Wait,” he said, “this… this was just putting on, then? You two got together and thought it'd be funny to take the mickey out of me by playing it up, right?”

Harry pulled Ginny closer until her head was resting on his chest. “Well, basically, yeah.”

“Some joke,” Ron mumbled, turning and walking out of the room.

“Don't mind him,” said Hermione, with authority. “He's just upset that I won the bet.”

“The bet?” Ginny asked, raising her eyebrows.

Hermione looked embarrassed for a moment. “Well, Ron and I had a bet as to whether you two would kiss on Harry's birthday. I won. Oh, and I saw you two taking a kip on the sofa yesterday. I floo'ed in to ask how things were going but it was pretty obvious you didn't need my help.”

She smiled sweetly at Ginny, who returned the smile. In a moment, the girls were giggling and hugging while Harry looked on in amusement. Hermione soon let Ginny go and came over to hug Harry.

“Oh, Harry. I'm so happy for you. You're perfect for each other. Take care of her, okay?”

“I will,” he said, feeling suddenly a little choked up.

“Well, I guess I'd better go find Ron. He'll be all right in a bit.”

When she was gone, Harry took Ginny in his arms and held her close, breathing deeply the scent of flowers from her hair. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. This was certainly how it was meant to be.

 

*****

 

The new couple spent the remainder of the weekend lounging around the house and taking long, slow walks through the woods. Ron finally came around to the idea of them as a couple, eventually claiming that he knew all along and was only pretending to be upset. Harry let him think he believed him.

When Monday morning rolled around the Teacher greeted them with more than his usual enthusiasm. He took a moment to acknowledge the new couple and told them how it could only help them in their fight.

“Happiness,” he said, “helps you to keep your focus.”

Harry just smiled. “Yeah, I'll bet.”

“Well then,” the Teacher continued, “shall we get started?”

They all nodded eagerly.

“Okay. Today we're going to start working on some rather difficult magic. Now, Harry, do you recall what happened with Voldemort when you two tried to duel?”

Harry cast his eyes to the floor and took a moment to answer. “Our wands sort of connected and neither of us could use them properly. They wouldn't do battle with each other.”

“Right. I think Dumbledore probably explained that to you, as well as what happened shortly thereafter. What I would like you to concentrate on is the actual connection. I want you to think about what it felt like when your wands met each other and when you were holding each other's magic.

“There is a powerful defensive magic that can actually capture an incoming spell. It can only be used by the most powerful of wizards. Voldemort may be aware of it but he's probably disregarded it because he believes it to be above your abilities. We, however, know that to be different, don't we?”

His comment was shared among them with appreciative smiles.

The Teacher's face became more serious. “It's a very difficult magic to work, partly because it requires such intense focus and partly because there is no incantation . It requires such a tremendous force of willpower to use and isn't particularly useful to most wizards, so few people ever learn it.

“I thought we would try working with this magic for the rest of the time you're here. Our summer is already half gone. I debated for a long time about this but finally gave in; we either start now or we don't start at all.

“The second challenge for you will be a series of spells and jinxes designed for neutralization and containment. After you've successfully disarmed the Death Eaters you will need ways to keep them contained.

“We'll keep up with the shield charms, perhaps expanding them to cover more than one person if you make good progress, and I'm bringing in a special tutor to start covering Healing magic. In the thick of battle a simple healing spell can make all the difference. I guarantee your enemy won't bother with it. Voldemort's followers are very independent, and one less of their numbers only means better chances for advancement in the ranks.”

Hermione looked curious. “Who is it?”

“Someone you all know and love,” he answered with a wry smile. “Someone that some of you are more familiar with than others. One Poppy Pomfrey.”

Harry rolled his eyes but smiled anyway. If any witch knew her Healing magic, it was that witch.

They spent the rest of the morning going over the theory and intricacies of capturing and absorbing a spell. It seemed quite complex and Harry wondered if he would actually be able to do it. By the time lunch was served they were finally ready for some action. Lunch was simple, as usual, with sandwiches and salad, and before they knew it, the time had come to put theory into practice.

As each of his friends stood to work with the Teacher, Harry carefully remained in the background. As with each new spell they tried, he was turning the possibilities over in his mind, watching them play out in the final battle against Voldemort. Would he have the focus to use this bit of magic in the face of evil? Could this spell be used against Voldemort in a way that would diminish his power or destroy him completely?

Lost in his thoughts, Harry was startled when the Teacher summoned him loudly from the center of the room. He walked forward under the gaze of his friends and couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. None of them had succeeded even in the slightest to slow down, much less capture, the jinxes and hexes the Teacher had thrown at them.

He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to calm his thoughts. It was just him in the room, he told himself. He could do this. He focused his mind on his magic and for a moment felt something powerful rise up inside of him.

The Teacher aimed his wand and Harry watched as the spell rushed forth from its tip. He extended his own wand, feeling strangely like it was more a part of his hand than something in his hand. He urged his magic just to the tip but not beyond.

When the simple spell collided with Harry's wand, a sparkle of brilliant white light enveloped the room, obscuring its occupants entirely. When all of the dying embers had cleared, Harry still stood, his wand held steadily in front of him. The first thing he noticed was the gleam in his mentor's eyes.

The room exhaled a collective breath as the Teacher slowed lowered his wand.

“Well done, Harry,” he said slowly. “Can you explain how you did that?”

“Er, well… I don't really know,” said Harry, beginning to feel the blood rush to his cheeks. He cast his gaze to the floor.

The Teacher turned toward the others with a guarded smile. “Would anyone care to tell Mr. Potter what they observed?”

“That was kind of freaky, Harry,” Ron said. “I could just tell you were going to be able to do it.”

“Yeah,” agreed Hermione, nodding her head. “Even before you started there was this look in your eyes and a feeling… in the air.”

“In the air?” Harry asked faintly, looking up at them.

Ginny took a step forward and held his gaze boldly with her eyes. “Harry, you knew you were going to be able to do it, didn't you?” She paused while he nodded slowly. “I could feel it, Harry. I could feel your magic. It was so powerful I was… I was almost afraid for you. But then it just seemed to obey you. You just needed to believe you could do it.

“I've seen you do that before, too. When you were fighting the Death Eaters in the catacombs you almost scared them off just with your look. You have something, Harry, that none of the rest of us have. It's what you're going to need to finally defeat Voldemort.”

Harry rested his eyes on her for a moment, marveling at her confidence. He hardly felt the same himself, but at least her words gave him encouragement.

 

*****

 

The next morning as Harry showed up at the Teacher's office door, he was handed a small piece of parchment as the man smiled and left the room.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The Ministry of Magic Cordially Invites You,

Hogwarts Students and Alumni,

 

To

 

The Back-to-School Ball

 

To take place on the night of 31 st August

In the Ministry's Main Ballroom.

 

For security reasons, please arrive in the

Main Atrium

by eight o'clock in the evening.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Harry read through the invitation several times and each time his feelings were different. At first he wondered how they could possible have a ball and not attract Voldemort's attention; it seemed far too reckless. Then he wondered if he should go at all; he didn't want to make himself an easy target. In the end he decided that rather than a target he would make it an opportunity. An open ball for Hogwarts students and alumni the day before start-of-term would certainly be more of a smack in the face for Voldemort than an invitation to attack. Besides, he knew there would be so much security there that an attack would be more like suicide for the Death Eaters.

The others were concerned about safety as well but were equally excited about an evening of fun with their friends. After discussing the matter for several minutes in the library with the Teacher, Harry found himself starting to look forward to the event. The smile that it brought to Ginny's face was more than enough to make him want to go. In fact, he found it almost enlightening enough that he could have faced Voldemort then and there.

They concentrated their practice once again on the magic they had started learning the previous day. Harry found himself able not only to capture and absorb the easy spells, but also to stop some of the more moderately powerful ones.

“I don't see the point,” Hermione said as she took the floor. “Harry's the only one of us powerful enough to be capable of this magic. I don't want to waste our time if we won't be able to do it, too.”

Then, as if realizing what she had said, she turned to the Teacher and smiled apologetically. “I'm sorry, John. I just get frustrated when I can't learn all of the fundamentals and have the strict guidance of a set of rules.”

John appeared thoughtful for a moment. “You know, I think you're right. Not that you're not powerful enough but that your time might be better spent on something else.” He turned to all of them. “Now, given what I've just told Hermione, I'll let you all have the choice of whether to continue. All except you, Harry.”

Harry merely shrugged and nodded his head. He could definitely see the value in this magic and he really did want to continue. Beside him, Ginny stepped carefully forward.

“I'd prefer to go with Hermione. If Madam Pomfrey is still here I think we should start learning healing charms.”

Hermione brightened at the idea and nodded her head enthusiastically. Ron scowled a bit to himself. “I want to stay here with Harry,” he said resolutely.

“Very good,” John answered them all. “Laides, you will find Poppy in the garden, I believe. She expressed an interest earlier in having a look at the healing herbs I've been growing.”

With a brief wave and a smile the girls left the room. Ron stepped forward.

“I want to have another go.”

 

*****

 

Half and hour later as Harry muttered “ finite incantatum ” for the umpteenth time, Ron got slowly to his feet looking thoroughly defeated.

“How about one more time?” Harry asked cautiously.

Ron nodded sluggishly. Harry walked over to John for a moment and they talked in quiet undertones. When they were done, Harry walked off to the side of the room.

“Ready?” asked John.

“Yeah, I guess,” replied Ron, wearily raising his wand.

“Okay. On the count of three. One. Two-“

“ Imagine that Hermione's going to be hit by this curse! ” Harry yelled.

“Three!” shouted John and launched forth his hex.

In the moment of time between Harry's voice and John's, a fiery new look came over Ron. As the hex contacted his wand there was a loud BANG! and a fiery flash of light.

Harry couldn't help but let a grin creep over his face. His friend had finally done it and Harry knew exactly why. Ron was having the same protective feelings about Hermione that Harry had about Ginny. It inspired a great deal of strength in himself every time he thought about Ginny in danger and he had suspected that the same was true for Ron.

As the reality of what had happened finally sunk in, Ron's eyes widened and a smile spread across his face.

“I did it!”

“Yes, you did,” said John. “Why were you able to do it now but not before?”

Ron's ears began to redden and his smile faltered just slightly.

“I guess… it was because of the thought of Hermione getting hurt. I would do anything to keep that from happening.”

John shook his head in amusement. “You and Harry are alike in so many ways.”

Ron shot an unusual look in Harry's direction and Harry could only grin back. They understood each other in a new way now and Harry wondered if his friend might finally be able to accept that Ginny was dating his best mate.

They continued practicing for the rest of the morning, though at a much slower pace. Now that they had mastered the method, it became time to work on the fine intricacies. Harry clearly held much more powerful and raw magical energy than Ron, but Ron's determination served him well. By the time they broke for lunch the two boys were thoroughly hungry and more than a little tired.

They met Hermione and Ginny in the kitchen of the main house and proceeded to ask as many questions as they received. It turned out that the girls had gotten straight to work with the school nurse and had already found her more enjoyable and less strict than they had ever known.

“She actually laughed and smiled,” cried Ginny with amusement.

“And she really knows her stuff,” added Hermione, who appeared to be quite in awe over the matron's abilities. “I mean, she went right into what to do for all sorts of curse and hex damage, and we already started practicing. This could make all the difference in the world, Harry! I've got so much to read, too. She's given us a whole stack of books from her personal collection. You two should read them, they're going to be so helpful.”

Ron and Harry grinned at each other while Ginny rolled her eyes. They knew there was little point in saying anything and that it was best to let Hermione get it all out.

In fact, it took most of lunch for her to stop in her happy tirade. She slowed down quickly though when she learned that Ron had finally managed to achieve what she hadn't.

“Ron, that's so great!” she said. “That could be really useful. And if you miss, why then well just come along and heal you!”

They all laughed, even Hermione, while they magically whisked their dishes away to the kitchen.

“I think we'll have a bit of a break,” said John. “Say about an hour, before starting up again this afternoon. You all deserve a bit of rest. When you come back we'll start working on containment spells.”

They all nodded happily and Apparated back to the guest house. Ron and Hermione decided to go for a walk while Harry wanted to take a nap and Ginny wanted to read a book. Harry settled down on the sofa and Ginny sat on the floor in front of him. She cast a charm on her book to make it glow faintly so as not to disturb Harry.

After what seemed like only a few minutes, Harry fell asleep. At first his dreams were normal, at least as normal as dreams can be. They were filled with laughter and images of Ginny smiling at his side. Eventually, though, the scenes became more disturbing, finally turning to downright terrifying.

Harry found himself in a room he remembered vaguely. He and Ginny were dancing to the music of a wonderful orchestra. She was so beautiful in his dream that she appeared to glow from the inside. His heart had never felt so light.

Then suddenly the music stopped and silence overcame everything. Harry felt himself looking around in panic, an all-too-familiar feeling rising into the scar on his forehead. His eyes darted back and forth as he watched the dance floor clear and the Death Eaters wash into the room, overcoming all resistance with alarming speed.

In the blink of an eye he felt himself separated from Ginny by a force he couldn't resist and watched her helplessly as she was dragged from the room. As she disappeared out the door everything went black.

“Harry!” Ginny shouted. “Harry!”

He gasped loudly as he rocketed up off the sofa, pulling his wand from his sleeve with such force that the material tore down the seam. His breath continued in great gasps as he looked around and took in the room and the obvious lack of danger. The air around them crackled with energy as he turned in a small circle.

He turned to Ginny with fire in his eyes.

“Ginny!” he whispered urgently. “I've had that dream before! Do you remember? It was the morning when I ran into you at the bottom of the girls staircase in the common room. I knocked you over and told you that I'd just had a horrible dream.

“Don't you see, I've just had it again! I dreamed that we were at the ball and it was great, but then it all went bad. The Death Eaters came and took you away and I couldn't stop them. I couldn't stop them!”

Ginny was starting to grow concerned and she grabbed Harry by the arm and pulled him down onto the sofa. He was shaking a little.

“Harry, it's okay. Take your time and tell me exactly what you remember.” She rested a hand gently on his arm and he began to calm.

He closed his eyes but found that it was already beginning to slip away.

“It was beautiful. You were stunning. We were dancing to an orchestra with everyone else and it was the most perfect evening. And then… and then the music stopped and everyone sort of went quiet. Before I knew what was happening there were so many Death Eaters we didn't have a hope of escaping. They separated us… or we got separated, and then they caught you and dragged you out.

“Ginny, we can't go. This is the second time I've dreamed the same dream. I don't want to risk us getting hurt. We just can't go.”

“Shh,” she rubbed his arm. “It's okay. It's just a dream.”

Harry continued to sit on the sofa while Ginny whispered comforting words to Harry. Eventually Ron and Hermione returned and Harry related the dream to them as well.

“You don't really think that Voldemort would risk an attack with so many Aurors around, do you?” Ron asked incredulously.

Harry just shook his head, it was all starting to get a bit fuzzy. “I don't know. It seemed like they didn't have any trouble getting in, and there were so many that they outnumbered the Aurors, I think. Arrgh! I just can't remember now.”

“Harry, maybe it was just a dream,” Hermione said comfortingly. “You know, just your mind going through all of the possibilities.”

“That's just it,” Harry said. “I don't want this to be one of the possibilities. I just want to stay away so it can't happen.”

“But, Harry, that's what Voldemort wants. He wants us to keep in our houses. He wants us to be scared of him and his followers. If we all acted like that then he would have already won, don't you see?”

Harry just closed his eyes and scrubbed his face with his hands. “I don't know. Just let me think about it for a couple of days, okay?”

They all nodded.

“It's time we got back anyway,” Hermione said. “John and Madam Pomfrey will be wondering where we are.”

“Yeah, let's do that,” Harry said with a newly determined look.

Harry and Ron spent the afternoon learning to perform the incredibly complex Anti-Disapparation jinx. As a very finicky spell, it had to be cast just right or the effects would only last a few minutes. Although they all knew how to Apparate, John insisted that they practice the spell on him. He said he was much more used to the feeling and knew how to react if something went wrong. With thoughts of splinching in their minds, they agreed quite readily.

As they usually had to wait five to ten minutes to make sure the spell had been cast correctly, it was a very slow afternoon. In the down times they practiced binding spells. Harry recalled with perfect clarity the many times he'd seen the thin cords appear around someone, binding them so tight it became hard to breathe. He found it strangely difficult to practice this particular spell on Ginny, so he worked with Ron instead. The object for the caster was to bind their opponent so effectively they couldn't use their wand, but not to suffocate them. Once bound, the Anti-Disapparation jinx could be used to keep them until help arrived.

As the afternoon waned, Harry found himself starting to miss a certain young Weasley girl and he became more eager to finish. He knew it had only been a few hours since lunch but her absence was taking its toll. His daydreaming was keeping him from concentrating properly and his work was suffering.

As they finally ended their practice, Harry felt the Teacher approach him from behind.

“Harry, could I have a moment, please?”

Harry nodded and watched as Ron walked out the door, knowing his friend would see his girlfriend in a few short minutes. And that he would just have to wait to see Ginny.

“Harry, I couldn't help but notice your focus lacking a bit this afternoon. Is there something wrong?”

Harry could feel his mentor's eyes boring into his head as the blood rushed to his cheeks.

“No. No, there's nothing wrong. I just-”

“Perhaps your thoughts were more pleasantly occupied?”

Harry felt himself nod, an uncomfortable feeling constricting in his chest. A strong hand gripped his shoulder and he looked up. The man in front of him had nothing but concern and compassion in his eyes.

“Harry, under normal circumstances I wouldn't mind your distraction. Even now, I'm not angry with you, not in the least.” He smiled, “I understand your distraction. I only ask that when you're here, you're here in whole. Think of it this way: the sooner you can defeat Voldemort, the sooner you and Ginny can truly begin your lives together. That means working with everything you've got.”

Harry was slightly taken aback by these words and he gazed ahead as if not seeing anything properly. It was a few moments before his brain ground back into action.

“So you think that she and I…” he asked.

“Yes, I do,” he said slowly. “I have no doubt that you're meant for each other. I say this from what I've observed here and from something Dumbledore said to me before you even arrived.”

As if by the flick of a switch, a memory replayed in Harry's mind.

“The four of us,” he said in with dawning comprehension. “So Ginny's the fourth.” He felt the truth in his heart before even seeing the satisfied smile on his mentor's face.

“Now,” said John, “keep in mind what I said. Keep your focus entirely on where you are and on your magic. Save your… more sensitive thoughts for other times. I know it will be difficult to do, especially just now as you're starting your relationship, but only by doing this will you be capable of mastering your skills completely. Deal?”

“Yeah, deal.”

Harry shook his head to clear it and started for the door. He felt guilty for not putting in one hundred percent that day and wanted to talk to someone about it. He knew just who that person was.

He found her a few minutes later, sitting comfortably in the sunroom with a glass of iced pumpkin juice. All of the windows were open and the cool lake breeze blew through the room from one end to the other.

“Hi!” she said brightly as he sat down beside her.

“Hi,” he answered. “How did things go with Healing?”

“Well, you know Hermione. She's already on the porch reading her books, or she was before Ron got back.”

Harry grinned at her hidden meaning.

“But seriously,” she continued, “it could be dead useful. We're not going to learn any of the sophisticated stuff like healing broken bones or internal injuries – that takes ages to learn – but we'll cover temporary charms and spells that work until help arrives.”

“That's great,” said Harry, looking out the window at the swaying grasses.

A moment later he was happily surprised by a kiss on his cheek. He turned to find a very red-faced Ginny grinning at him.

“I'm so happy you still do that,” he said, brushing his fingers across her hot cheek.

“Well,” she said quietly, “I'm still not quite used to us, you know?”

“Yeah, I do,” he sighed.

“What is it?” she asked, reaching out to grasp his hand.

“John lectured me today about keeping my focus on what I'm doing. I was… distracted, by prettier faces than his and Ron's and I just wasn't thinking.”

“Harry! Don't you dare think about Hermione like that!”

Harry's eyes widened for a moment before he smiled and chuckled. “Anyway, he had a good point. He said that the greater my focus is and the more I learn, the quicker I can defeat Voldemort and get on with my life. Or, with our lives.”

Ginny shuffled over to lay her head against his chest. “So, he lectured you?” she asked seriously.

“Well, not really. It was more like that look that Dumbledore gives you when you've done something wrong. Disappointed, I think. He wasn't upset at all but I still felt guilty.”

“So you'll just have to try harder, then.”

Harry considered the simplicity of her statement. It struck him as odd that he hadn't thought of that himself, and he laughed a little.

“You know, I hadn't looked at it like that. I was only thinking of the look he gave me and not what I was going to do about it.”

“I'm happy to be of service,” she said. He could feel her smile against his chest and suddenly his mind was occupied with other thoughts.

“The problem will be getting thoughts of that girl out of my head. After all, she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. That's a thought that's hard to beat.”

“Hey!” she said, smacking his chest with her free hand. “I told you not to talk about Hermione like that. I'm offended!”

“Oh? Would you prefer I talk about you like that, then?”

“I'd like that,” she said quietly, lifting her face to look at him.

He met her look and couldn't help but kiss her. After all, it was what he'd been dreaming about all day long.

“So, what do you think about the Ball now?” she asked, snuggling back into his shoulder.

Harry's face darkened a little, but more from hard thinking than worry. Even with the threat of Voldemort around them, he couldn't deny that the image of Ginny in a beautiful dress, dancing slowly across the floor with him, was quite convincing. They would just have to be fully prepared for all possibilities.

“I think… I think I might still want to go. I want to go with you. It'd be so much fun.”

“Good. ‘Cause we're going shopping this weekend for something to wear. You and Ron are coming, too.”

Harry was a bit surprised but decided that it really could be fun. Any excuse to spend time with Ginny was surely worth the effort, even if it meant shopping. And they hadn't left this place in a month.

 

*****

 

By the end of the week, Harry was looking forward to the weekend with no less than genuine happiness. He and Ron had discussed what they would wear and he was glad to find that Ron only planned simple, but formal, dress robes. They both determined to get their part over with as quickly as possible so they could spend the rest of the day with the girls.

First thing Saturday morning, after two pieces of toast with jam courtesy of an adorable, smiling Ginny, Harry and the others said a quick goodbye to John and apparated away. Their destination was an American Wizarding village just up the coast of the lake. A picture and an address were all they had to go on, but Harry knew it would be enough. After all, they had done the same during Apparation training.

As they arrived at the designated point, Harry looked around and was happy to see many witches and wizards walking about in proper cloaks. Although he liked Muggle clothing enough – especially on Ginny – he was starting to miss the anonymity he felt in the presence of a large magical population. Not that this village was large, but he enjoyed the sight anyway. It reminded him a little of the first time he set foot in Diagon Alley. The sights and sounds and activity of it all. He couldn't help but sigh.

“What is it?” Ginny asked close to his ear.

He smiled gently. “It reminds me so much of the first time I went to Diagon Alley with Hagrid, right after I found out I was a wizard.”

Ginny smiled and squeezed his hand. He knew she would understand.

They mulled around a bit just looking into shop windows. Harry was slightly surprised that the American shops were hardly different than the ones back home. After nearly an hour of aimless wandering they finally came across a promising-looking storefront. An elegantly carved sign over the door read “Smock's Wardrobes for All Occasions.” Upon closer inspection the shop seemed fairly neat and tidy, so they decided to go in.

“Hello!” cried a large, elderly woman as they entered. She swooped down on them so quickly Harry didn't even have time to react and nearly fell backwards over Ron's foot. After gently taking all of their hands, she escorted them to one side of the cozy shop. Two tri-fold mirrors stood on rickety old legs against the wall with two small boxes on the floor in front of them.

“Well now, why don't we start with you two, my dears?” she motioned to Hermione and Ginny.

Ron looked fearful and backed away slightly, stuttering, “We'll just go over here.” He motioned over his shoulder at some very feminine-looking gowns before turning beet red and walking quickly off. Harry muttered something very similar and followed his friend.

They mulled around the small shop for a while until joyful sounds of admiration peaked their interest. Returning to the girls, they were shocked to find them absent while the shopkeeper re-shelved various bolts of material.

“Er, excuse me?” Harry asked tentatively of the older woman.

“Oh, I'll be right with you. It'll just take me a few moments to get cleaned up from helping your friends.”

“I was just wondering… where they are,” he added.

“Why, they're changing out of their new gowns, of course.”

A sudden idea struck Harry. He smiled as kindly as he could muster and asked very politely if he might have a moment to speak with her. She followed him back to the counter.

“My friends and I…” he began, “well, we're not from around here.”

“Thank you, I gathered that much, dear,” she said and smiled.

“What I mean is… I want to pay for all of us but I don't know exactly how. All I've got is Galleons.”

“That will be fine. Gringott's will exchange just about anything. Your money is as good here as it is back home.”

“Great, then!” Harry visibly relaxed. “My friend and I need new dress robes as well.”

“Well, of course you do! Come along then.”

She led the way back through the shop until Harry could make out a head of Weasley hair standing taller than anything else. He smiled. It was always easy to recognize his friends.

“I'm sorry, dear, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. I'm Mrs. Smock.”

Harry and Ron introduced themselves and shook hands with her before being bustled up onto some small stools to begin the process. Mrs. Smock moved expertly between then taking various measurements, squinting carefully, and pulling bolts of fabric down from the walls with her wand.

Harry realized with some enjoyment that she hadn't even paused when he said his name. There were definitely some benefits to being across the ocean from his home. At the same time he also noticed that Hermione and Ginny had pulled up seats and were whispering and giggling quietly as they watched from the side.

“Hey!” Harry said. “We didn't get to watch while you were, uh, you know, trying on things.”

“Well, of course not, Harry,” Ginny said sweetly. “You don't get to watch us but we have to be here to watch you. Boys just don't know what they're looking for and we have to make sure you pick the right robes.”

Hermione nodded enthusiastically and Harry turned to Ron, who was scowling. They looked at each other and shrugged. There was nothing to be done about it now.

Mrs. Smock worked quickly, holding up various colors against their arms and faces, and talking animatedly with the two girls. Harry found himself feeling a bit put-out because his opinion hadn't been asked once. Ron appeared to be taking it better and smiled a little as Hermione's eyes took him in from head to foot.

Harry rolled his eyes and looked down at himself. He couldn't deny that he liked the look of the robes that were taking shape. They were black just like Ron's, but the look was very different and he was surprised at how comfortable they felt. It was then that he noticed the way Ginny was looking at him and his face flushed. She happened to meet his eyes for a moment and then turned away, a bright scarlet creeping up her neck.

As the elderly woman finished her work and stepped back the two girls came forward to inspect their boyfriends. Hermione took a no-nonsense tone with Ron and was busy explaining all of the magical qualities of the material in addition to its stain-fighting protection. Ron looked a little cross at the implication but smiled anyway as she fawned over him.

Ginny approached Harry with her mouth open just slightly and a light blush on her cheeks.

“They look good, Harry,” she said, looking at him nervously.

“I bet they're nothing compared to yours,” he answered.

She smiled and looked up at him for a moment before bursting out with a quick laugh.

“I'm sorry, I think I just had a first-year, Boy-Who-Lived moment, looking at you.”

“Oh,” he said, mischievously. “Going to start up the Harry Potter Fan Club again?”

WHACK!

Her hand bounced back from his arm while he grinned. They both laughed.

“All right. You boys can use the two rooms there to change back into your everyday clothes. Just leave the robes hanging up and I'll pack them up for you when you're done.”

They did just as they were told.

When Harry came out of the small changing room a few minutes later it was with surprise that he found Ginny and Hermione waiting for him. The looks on their faces told him he had done something wrong.

“Er, what did I do now?” he asked, resigned.

It was Ginny who answered while Hermione stood by looking mutinous.

“Harry, you can't just go buying everything for us! Since we found out about the ball we've been saving up for these gowns. I think Ron's even been saving up for his robes. You can't keep doing this!”

Harry felt a tinge of anger that they were so upset about such a little thing and tried to reason with them.

“Look,” he said, “I have two big stacks of gold at Gringott's – one of them shouldn't even belong to me, it should belong to Sirius. I certainly don't want it but I'm sure he'd like to have it used.” As he spoke his anger continued to increase. “You have to let me do something with it or it's never going to be used. Don't take this away from me! If I don't make it through this, it's all going to be yours anyway!”

For a moment they appeared frozen on the spot, their eyes as wide as dinner plates. Harry replayed his words in his mind and dropped his gaze quickly to the floor.

“You weren't supposed to know that,” he said quietly. A strange sadness began to creep up on him but was broken in an instant as both girls threw their arms around him, sniffling.

It was a very confused Ron who emerged from his changing room a few moments later. As the situation was explained to him his reaction was very similar to what the girls had been. This time, however, Harry found that at least they were on his side. As the final piece of information was revealed, Ron's eyes took on a distant look and he seemed very concerned.

“Ron,” Harry said, “It's okay. I made this choice a long time ago. The money was to be split evenly between Hermione, the Weasleys, and Hogwarts, for scholarships. I've never had a second thought about it because you're all my family. There isn't anyone else I'd want to have it.”

“Yes, well, you're not going anywhere!” said Ginny fiercely. “And if you think otherwise, Harry Potter, I swear I'll hex you into next week. We've already had this talk!”

Harry laughed a little, which deflated her anger and brought back her blush. He'd never seen her look prettier and the urge to kiss her nearly overcame the fact that they were in public. He decided to save it for later.

As they made their way back into the open street, it was with heavy bags, light conversation, and much laughter. While they had finally agreed to let Harry pay for their robes, they insisted on paying for lunch. They had an enjoyable meal sitting outside on a balcony overlooking the wooded river that ran through town. It was all so perfect that for a few hours Harry even forgot that he hadn't wanted to go in the first place.

 

*****

 

A few hours later after having Apparated back to their house, Harry found himself recalling the intense look on Ginny's face from earlier with some anticipation. He slyly suggested a walk in the woods and she accepted happily, even under the angry glare of her brother. Fortunately, Ron was quickly and thoroughly distracted by Hermione, who led him into the sun room for some “reading”.

Being late afternoon it was still quite light outside. A warm sun shone down on them at an angle through the trees, lighting up the path here and there with its soft touch. The scent of the forest beckoned them in and they walked together for some time, laughing and smiling. Harry wondered how he had ever thought it was better being on his own. The cares of the world seemed all but forgotten and there was only Ginny. He loved the way her eyes glittered when she laughed and the way her mouth curved up just a bit when she was being playful.

Coming across a secluded sunny spot, Harry conjured up a blanket and they sat down. He laid his head in her lap while she played gently with his hair. His eyes closed and he felt himself starting to drift off when his glasses were pulled carefully from his face.

He looked up to see Ginny's bright eyes very close to his as she kissed his forehead gently. With surprising grace he suddenly found her on the ground next to him. Her arms wrapped slowly around him and her lips planted a kiss firmly on his. She smelled so good that he wondered if there were any way to stay like this forever.

As their kiss prolonged it grew in intensity. Harry wasn't sure how he was drawing breath but it didn't seem to matter. His hands traveled over Ginny's back and neck and her kisses ran a trail across his cheek to his ear. As his lips found hers again his tongue explored her mouth hungrily and she grasped tightly at his back. He felt himself wanting more but knew he should hold back. They rolled quickly over and Ginny lay on top of him gasping for breath. Harry slipped his hand under her shirt to rest on the bare skin of her back and she smiled with her eyes closed before launching into a whole new level of kissing.

It was then that it happened. As if conjured from nowhere, buckets upon buckets of ice water appeared in the air above them, all releasing their contents simultaneously onto the unsuspecting couple below. The resulting torrent of ice water effectively stopped all movement for a second in time, before…

“AHHH!” screamed Ginny, jumping off of Harry in a leap he hadn't thought physically possible.

A moment later, after the ice water had pooled under him, Harry leapt up with the same disregard for physics, nearly materializing in air opposite Ginny.

Her hair was dripping wet and sticking to her neck and she was soaked to the bone from head to toe. He also couldn't help but notice that she looked absolutely mortified. Having received much less of the shower himself he pulled his wand and took a step toward her.

“Here, let me—“

“No!” she cried.

But she didn't stop crying. Not taking a moment to obey her wish, he pulled her into his arms. She feebly tried to push him away but he held tight and she finally gave in. It was several minutes before he got up the nerve to speak.

“So… what was that?” he asked, the confusion evident in his voice.

“Harry, I'm so sorry!” she said. Her voice was muffled as she spoke into his shirt but he understood her every word.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded silently.

“Can you… can't we? What happened just now?”

“I'm sorry,” she said, pulling away from him and sitting down on the now-wet blanket. “It was a long time ago… not that it changes how I feel… I should have told you.”

“Wait,” he said. He stepped around her and performed a powerful drying spell to the blanket and their clothes before conjuring up another blanket to wrap around them as he sat down.

She looked up at him and he could see the red in her eyes. “Harry, I should have told you this a long time ago. My mum, she taught me this spell to… well, to keep me from getting carried away with a boy.”

Her eyes held a pleading look now and Harry nodded for her to continue.

“It's really simple, just buckets of ice water that appear and dump themselves on you when you get… when you go beyond where you want to. Only, you decide where that point is at the time you cast the spell on yourself. I did it years ago, not that it changes how I feel now, but… oh, Harry. I'll do anything you want to. It's easy to reverse. Please, please don't be mad at me.”

She looked as if one word from him could crush her and so he smiled gently.

“Ginny, you mean everything to me. I've never been happier than during my time with you, both before we were going out and after. You make me want to live, so I can have the possibility of a future. What we were doing was… more intense than anything we've done before. I knew I should have stopped but I couldn't, and so I'm glad your spell worked. There are things that I believe that might seem… old-fashioned, but I think I've just been made even happier because I think you feel the same way.”

She had the beginnings of a smile on her face as she slid over to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

I love you, Harry, she thought. She didn't even notice the sight twist of his head at her words, and she couldn't see the incredible smile that appeared on his face a moment later.

 

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