Disclaimer: Please see chapter 1
Author's Note: Thanks for all the kind words, guys. It makes it all sweeter to write this. My special gratitude to Ravenclaw(d69) for the recommendation. I'm extremely flattered after only a chapter out. I hope you all like this one also. Special thanks again to my beta The_Scribbler for the excellent beta work as always.
A/N: Sorry about the current format. I tried everything I knew to fix the annoying thing but I can't get it to accept my original format. I swear the lyrics are a lot smaller than the fic, and justified well. As soon as I get work from the mods on how to fix it, I'll upload the chappies again. For now, please bear with me.
Chapter 3 - How to Save a Life
"Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life"
- How to Save a Life, The Fray
31st July 2005
Ginny woke up smiling to sunshine that was streaming in her window. She stretched leisurely on her bed. She turned her head to look at the framed picture of her boyfriend Harry Potter prominently displayed on her bedside table.
"Good morning, Harry." She greeted his grinning photographic counterpart. She giggled when the Harry in the picture blew a kiss at her. Ginny felt a little silly as she blew one back. She was definitely having a good day.
Happily, she got out of bed to prepare. Today was Harry's nineteenth birthday and her mind was almost bursting with excitement as she thought of how she had planned his special day.
After a quick shower, she thundered downstairs to have breakfast with her family. Her smile grew wider as she spied Percy being fussed over by her mother, her Dad looking on amusedly as he turned the pages of the Prophet. Her face darkened a little as she glanced at the chair Fred usually occupied. His death had definitely changed her family and it took them a long time before they could even share a laugh. But as her father had said at the time, they were Weasleys. They were stronger together than apart and they had slowly rebuilt the one, big happy family they had, helped along immensely by the arrival of the first Weasley grandchild.
Bill and Fleur gave recently given birth to Victoire, the first female Weasley ever to have blonde hair instead of the trademark red. Her addition to the family provided to be the much needed healing salve to the wounds created by war. Ginny was smitten with her niece and hoped that soon, she'll have a little bundle of joy of her own with Harry.
"Good morning, everyone." All red heads looked up at her cheerful greeting.
"Ginny, you're bright and happy this morning," Her father said remarked.
"Well, it's a beautiful Sunday, isn't it?" She replied as she took a plate and started eating breakfast. "Mum, is everything ready for Harry's party tonight? I want everything to be absolutely perfect for him."
Her mother smiled at her indulgently. "Of course, dear. Bill and Fleur will be by later with little Victoire to help with the decorations. Charlie apparated early this morning, he's still sleeping. Ron owled all your friends, almost everybody said they were coming. Even Minerva said yes."
"George and I'll be in charge of the entertainment. You don't have to worry about anything. Just keep Harry away till 7." Percy said.
Ginny shook her head affectionately at her brother; she still can't believe how much he's changed. "Thanks, Percy. I know Harry suspects something but I've been trying so hard to keep the party as a surprise. I'm sorry I can't help more but he'll know it for sure if I said I can't spend the whole day with him today."
She finished her plate and prepared to leave. She gave both her parents a kiss and disapparated out.
*************************
Ginny apparated in an unobtrusive spot behind one of the buildings on Harrowby Street, prepared to walk the few feet to Harry's flat. She loved this area of London; in fact, she was the one who had found the absolutely adorable Westminster flat for Harry. She had wanted to move in with him then. Unfortunately, her mother would have none of it, claiming it was bad form to live with your boyfriend before one was married.
Ron was aghast at first at how pricey the area was. But Harry had fallen in love with the spacious three-bedroom flat with the balcony overlooking the Marble Arch. It was near the tube station in case he needed to travel as a Muggle for his Auror missions, in walking distance from the park, and even boasted a concierge and that delightfully muggle invention called video entry phone so Harry could screen who visits him. In other words, it was perfect. And Harry only deserved perfection.
She entered Harry's building and waved to Brian, the concierge for the day. Brian waved back a greeting as she boarded the lift. She had made a point to know the staff since, she reasoned, she dropped by fairly often to visit her boyfriend.
Humming softly to herself, she pressed the buzzer outside Harry's flat. She could hear his footsteps on the other side and she waved at where she knew the little video camera was.
The door opened and her breath, as usual, caught at her first glimpse of Harry Potter for the day. She swore, she fell more and more in love with him as each day passed. She gave him her sweetest smile and raised herself on tiptoes to give him a right good snog.
"Happy Birthday, hun." She greeted him a little breathily.
Harry loosely held her in his arms as he gave her a gentle smile. "Gin, you're a sight for sore eyes." He murmured.
She followed him inside. Her brow furrowed, however, as she took note of what he was wearing. Harry was dressed head to toe in black; from the muggle shirt bearing the Ministry seal on his left breast that hugged his slim torso to the muggle jeans that encased his long legs ending in serviceable looking combat boots. Ginny's jaw clenched as she realized that he was dressed up to go out on a mission.
One of the various changes Harry and Ron had initiated since entering the Auror academy was the now prerequisite all black muggle clothing they all wore to missions. It was more practical than the Auror robes that were now used primarily for official functions only. The approval of such muggle uniform was only one of the numerous changes Harry, Hermione, and Ron had instigated since joining the ministry a year and half ago after being given permission to take their N.E.W.T.S despite never having completed their seventh and final year at Hogwarts. The three had - and still are - considerably shaking the Ministry's very foundations with their supposed radical ideas and reforms. All three seem to be adamant that their sacrifices - and everybody else's - during the war will not be forgotten in vain.
Ginny was, of course, very proud of what her boyfriend, brother, and friend had chosen to undertake. Sometimes, however, she can't help but resent the fact that she feels a bit left out of their tightly woven lives. It was like she was in first year again, and was watching the trio have their now legendary adventures year after year.
She shook her head. Now was not the time to bring out her long-forgotten insecurities. Now was the time to confront her boyfriend why he was dressed to go out on a mission on his birthday.
Ginny followed Harry towards the bedroom and her eyes narrowed at the backpack on the bed, various items of clothing scattered for packing. She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Harry." She said sternly.
Harry turned from packing his toiletries in a small bag to give her a guilty smile. "I'm sorry, Gin."
"It's your birthday, can't they send someone else?" Ginny couldn't keep the disappointment out of her voice.
He averted his eyes. "It's important."
Ginny exhaled a breath. She went to Harry and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I know it is. You wouldn't be going if it wasn't. But it's just that…"
Harry hugged her back. "I know, Gin. But I can't give this to someone else. I don't think it's going to be long though. The backpack is just in case of an emergency."
Ginny leaned back to look at Harry. She took note of the tired lines around his mouth. His eyes had dark smudges underneath, revealing that he hasn't been getting enough sleep recently.
"I was hoping we could spend the day together in muggle London. I had it all planned out, I was going to take you out shopping. There's a really special party tonight at the Burrow, and everybody even helped prepare it." She said sadly.
Harry sighed and placed his forehead against hers. "That sounds heavenly, Ginny." He gave her a soft kiss then led her to sit beside him on the bed.
"We had a breakthrough last night. Remember the locator charm Hermione and I were working on? Well, last night we managed to make it work. We found two Death Eaters hiding out somewhere in Brighton. The Ministry sent scouts early this morning and they sent in a report saying they think it might be Travers or Rowle but we're still not sure."
Ginny turned away from him. "They're not even notorious Death Eaters, Harry."
"I know, Ginny. But we have reason to believe they might know something about the bombings last week or even the 7/07 bombing. I have to do this, Gin." He said emphatically.
Ginny looked at him. He was so very noble all the time, why can't he let some of the others pick up some of the responsibility? She thought bitterly. "Harry…"
"I know, I know. I'll make it up to you, I promise. But I can't let them get away. That bombing took out a lot of lives, innocent ones. I can't even imagine how the Death Eaters managed to get a hold of those muggle terrorists but the fact is, they had. I… I can't help but feel responsible for…"His voice cracked as he raised haunted eyes at her.
Ginny swallowed the lump in her throat. She didn't know what to say, frankly. "I…" She caressed his cheek with her hand. "I'm sorry, Harry. I understand. You go and get them."
She gave him a forced smile. "Be quick about it. We'll be waiting for you tonight at the Burrow. I'll let them know you'll be late."
Ginny then took hold of his nape and pulled his face closer. She kissed him with all the worry and love she could muster.
They parted heavily. Harry looked at his watch, the same watch that Mrs. Weasley had given him for his seventeenth birthday. "I have to go, Ginny."
He took the backpack and shrugged it on his shoulders. Harry looked at her solemnly, "Why don't you go ahead and do that shopping trip you said? I don't want to be the one to ruin your plans."
"Oh Harry, we were going to go for you."
"C'mon, Gin. I'd like whatever you'll buy for me. I'll need to be extra handsome tonight anyway, it might make Molly and Fleur more merciful towards me in case I'm late." He gave her a half-smile that somehow came out looking like a grimace.
"You're a prat, Harry Potter. Just be sure to get your arse safely back tonight or I swear I'll follow you to Brighton to hex you."
Harry gave her a last smile. "Don't forget to lock the place when you go out." Then he was gone.
Ginny sighed and sat down again in the bed. Her eyes caught the framed pictures by Harry's bed side table. One was of him and her, sitting by the lake. Right beside it, a larger frame showing Harry, Hermione, and Ron on their graduation day was prominently displayed. Ginny remembered that day. It was a graduation unlike any Hogwarts had. For one, none of the seventh years actually completed the year what with the damage done to the castle after the Final Battle. But amidst the construction, Hermione had spearheaded massive study sessions for anyone who wanted to review for their N. E. W.T. S.
Surprisingly, it was Harry and Neville who had been her most ardent supporters. In time, almost every seventh, sixth, and fifth year were holding impromptu classes in whatever classroom they could use in between helping around to fix the castle. Those impromptu classes had been a beacon of hope then. A symbol that they could actually go on despite the pain war had demanded of them. They were the reason the lot of them actually passed the O.W.L's and N.E.W.T.S that year. Graduation was attended by almost all students regardless of year; it became more of an affirmation of strength than academic completion. It was the most memorable graduation Ginny could ever remember attending, far surpassing her own the next year.
As she stared at the picture of the three infamous friends, a tear slipped down her cheek. Ginny absently wiped it, then stared at the moisture gathered by her fingers. She was happy, was she not? Angrily, she got up, locked the doors, and promptly disapparated.
******************
It was already an hour past noon, and walking round for half a day was taking a toll on Ginny. But she still needed to find the perfect shoes for Harry tonight. Spying a posh looking shoe salon, she entered lugging the various bags that were her morning's accomplishment.
Browsing though the selection, she came to a pair of brown leather moccasin loafers. She asked the attendant if she could see it. He gave it to her with a flourish and much aplomb. It must be expensive, she thought dryly.
"You have very good taste, Signorina. These are made from Moro calfskin, very high quality Italian loafers."
"Er..May I see it please?"
"Of course."
The attendant handed the pair to her and she inspected it carefully. Harry usually went for trainers or comfortable slip-ons but she wanted to get him something different. She read the label "Prada" inside but it didn't really mean anything to her. These muggles and their labels on their clothes always confused her. It didn't really matter who made your clothes, as long as they were made just right. Suffice to say, this Prada person really knew how to make shoes. It was a handsome pair and she couldn't wait to see Harry wearing them tonight.
"I'll take it." She said happily. The attendant was ecstatic with the easy sale and told her to stay put and that he'll happily finish her purchase.
As Ginny was waiting for the shoes, an old couple entered the shop browsing the same selection. They were talking in low whispers to themselves, the man had his arm wrapped around the old woman's rather rotund waist. There really was nothing extraordinary about the two but Ginny saw how loving they had looked at each other. They looked around the shop, stopping at a pair from time to time. They shared these glances sometimes, and then suddenly they'll burst out laughing. Ginny looked at them wistfully, thinking and hoping that someday, Harry and she can be like the old but obviously still in love couple.
"Signorina, your shoes." She was jolted out of her daydream by the attendant, holding out her purchase. She gave him a smile and took the shoes. Giving one last glance at the old couple, Ginny left the shop.
*******************
Flopping down tiredly on her bed, Ginny was just taking off her shoes when Pigwidgeon came zooming in with a letter for her. Recognizing Harry's scrawl, she took the note and affectionately fed Pig an owl treat from the bowl by her window. Making a mental note to buy Harry his own owl this Christmas, she tore open the letter excitedly.
Gin,
We finished early, I can meet you early, say about 6:30? Apparate directly to the flat, I'll adjust the wards for tonight.
Sorry about this morning,
Harry.
Ginny smiled. She looked at the clock, it was just a quarter past four. She still had some time to help out downstairs before preparing to meet Harry.
*****************************
Six forty-five found Ginny again in Harry's living room.
"Harry!"
"In here!" He yelled from the bedroom.
Ginny happily lugged the bags she bought that afternoon to the bedroom. She found Harry getting out of the shower with only a towel wrapped around his waist.
Ginny's mouth ran dry as her eyes took in his finely toned torso. Harry smiled at her mischievously. "Hey there, Gin".
Ginny narrowed her eyes at him playfully. She let go of the bags and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him hungrily. He was her hero, her knight-in-shining armor. She really didn't know what the heck she was thinking earlier this morning. Harry was hers.
She jumped and wrapped her legs around his waist. His Seeker trained reflexes caught her agilely and he gently rubbed himself against her. Ginny moaned, mashing her mouth harder against his. Harry walked unsteadily to the bed. They haphazardly fell on top of each other, Harry's towel slipping off completely. His hands were suddenly under her skirt, ripping off her knickers. Ginny gripped his member and positioned him as he surged forward.
She moaned at his entrance. Harry gripped her thighs and proceeded to move against her. Their harsh breathing cut the night air. Ginny gripped his hair, burying his face against the crook of her neck as she arched towards her completion. Harry thrust once, twice, thrice more before collapsing against her completely with a satiated grunt.
A short time later, they regained their breathing. Harry looked at her and blushed. Ginny was completely glowing. "Now how will I explain my flushed, knicker-less state to my mother, hmm?" She teased him.
Harry flushed a deeper shade of red. He carefully extricated himself from her and scourgified the proof of their brief frolicking. "I'm sorry, Gin." He apologized bashfully.
Ginny giggled and put her arms around his still naked waist. "You are so adorable. I really don't care what they think. We're already adults and we're been together a year and a half. What did they think we were doing all these time, playing Gobstones?"
Harry gently shook his head at her candor. "Ginny." He said fondly.
"C'mon, let's get you dolled up. I can't wait to see the ladies salivate over you tonight." She winked at him.
***************************
The party was a smash. It looked like a mini-Gryffindor reunion with a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs thrown in. McGonagall came, along with Hagrid and the rest of the Hogwarts staff. Some of Harry's Auror buddies also came, and of course, the Weasleys were in complete attendance.
There were all situated in the brightly lit backyard. Ginny was surreptitiously watching Harry from the corner of her eye while she chatted with Luna Lovegood.
A loud crack was heard and everybody turned to see Hermione Granger arrive with Teddy in her arms, holding Kreacher by the hand. Andromeda Tonks was quietly at her side.
"Harry!" The boy quickly clambered down Hermione's arms and ran towards his godfather who picked him up and then swung him around happily. Ginny saw Hermione slowly walking towards Harry, quietly talking to Mrs. Tonks. Kreacher had ran ahead trying to catch up with the toddler and upon reaching Harry, hugged his leg. Harry patted his head warmly. She saw Hermione give Harry a big hug which Harry returned. It bothered her that the hug lingered more than she would have preferred and that Harry buried his face in the nape of Hermione's neck as he held her. Then Harry, to her surprise, also put his arms around Mrs. Tonks and whispered something which made the older witch tear up immediately.
"Oy, let's get this party started now that Hermione's here!" Ron shouted near the door, holding a large cake bearing sparkling candles.
Ginny excused herself from Luna and made her way to Harry. "C'mon everyone, gather round!" She shouted.
Harry was turning a bit red with all the attention, Ginny giggled. He was so shy sometimes. Everyone was congregated around him as he still held Teddy in his arms. Ginny reached his side and gave Harry a peck on the cheek and ruffled little Teddy's hair. She laughed as the toddler ducked his head away.
Everybody joined in a hearty and rather off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday" and as Harry blew out all the candles, a rather magnificent display of fireworks lit up the night sky. They could all see Percy and George quite a distance off, lighting each like a kid in a candy store.
All fed and sated, everyone eventually drifted off into little groups in and out of the house, catching up on each other's lives. Ginny was having a particularly enjoyable conversation with Neville about his travels around the world obsessively hunting for the rarest plants when her Mum came to her looking for Harry. They needed to open the presents. Ginny looked around, not finding Harry. She waved to her mum, indicating she'll look for him and went outside. Not finding him within the vicinity, she decided to walk further out and came to hear voices near a bench that looked over their little pond. She can barely see two figures sitting; the moon had hidden herself, providing cover for the lovers and thieves of the night.
Nearing the bench, Ginny slowed her walk as she heard the unmistakable signs of someone crying.
It was grief like she hasn't heard before, a wrenching of a person's soul.
"….Shh…It's alright, I'm here…" That was Hermione's voice.
Ginny moved in a bit closer, the sobs were lessening, indicating that the person was calming down.
"I'm sorry for laying that on you, Hermione." Harry. That was Harry. Her Harry. Ginny couldn't believe her ears. Harry was crying. Harry never cried. Never. Not with her.
"It's ok, Harry. What are friends for, huh?" Ginny could still hear a bit of sniffling. She didn't want to eavesdrop but she couldn't move.
"But I know you're still not okay. I can see your eyes y'know."
"I'll deal with it when I can, Harry." Ginny heard Hermione say softly.
"You always know where I am, 'Mione." The tenderness of his voice as he said her name - the name that only he was allowed to use for her - threatened to take her breath away.
"We're a sad lot, you and I."
Hermione chuckled softly. "That we are. How many did you capture earlier at Brighton?"
"Three men and a woman. It was Rowles and Travers. We didn't count on seeing Parkinson and Nott though."
"Pansy Parkinson and Theodore Nott? What were they doing with those two?"
"Still hanging out with the wrong crowd, apparently." Ginny heard Harry sigh deeply. "They didn't know anything about the bombings, Hermione. Most likely, they'll be released."
"I'm sorry, Harry. I know how much you wanted to get those men."
"They killed muggles - and children. Children! We've given so much to that stupid war, and for what?! For those stupid bastards to murder helpless muggles."
Silence.
"I feel so tired of fighting all of them sometimes. What more can I do, Hermione? I'm just one man."
Ginny stiffened as saw Hermione touch Harry's arm. He didn't resist. He covered her hand with his. "No, you're not. You're a man of conviction, of principle. You're brave enough to stand up for what's right and you fight for it. You are not just one man, Harry. Don't ever belittle what one man can do. Most would already give up by now, given what they had already sacrificed. But you, you bring hope."
"From just one man, Harry, you brought one woman and another man. There are three of us doing this. From the three of us, there are our friends, our family, all those who love us. You are not just one man, don't ever forget that."
Ginny desperately wanted to move. She's never heard Harry sounding so vulnerable. He's always been so strong for her, protecting her from everything and everyone. This was a Harry who doubted himself. This was a Harry she never knew.
"But how can we go on, Hermione? I look at Teddy and I miss Remus. I miss Tonks. I feel so guilty every time I see Andromeda. She lost her whole family. That's why I chose not to take care of Teddy, I knew she needed him. All these people, they've given everything. I don't know how to help them."
Ginny couldn't take it anymore. She ran. Tears ran unchecked down her cheeks as she raced back to the house.
Once in sight of the Burrow, she slowed down and wiped her cheeks. She didn't know why she was crying. She knew Harry had always gone to Hermione for help. But she couldn't help the stab of pain that shot through her as she realized he never talked to her that way. Never, ever. It was like Harry shielded a whole different side of himself. A side she wasn't allowed to see or even to know about. A great sob rose in her throat and she quickly covered her mouth. There were so many things Harry didn't tell her. They've fought about it a million times and yet, he still couldn't bring himself to talk to her. God damn it! Why was it always Hermione he turned to? What more do I have to do? What else does he need from me?
Ginny desperately tried to calm herself. Now wasn't the time to break down. It was Harry's birthday.
And they still had to open the presents.