Harry's eyes fluttered open and he found himself laying in a hospital bed in St. Mungo's. Ginny was sitting next to the bed and was already looking at him. When she saw that he had completely regained consciousness she let out a sigh of vast relief. "Harry. . . I was so frightened that you were going to die."
Harry fumbled for his glasses and finally found them on the bedside table. He placed them on to find tables overflowing with flowers and sweets lining the room. "How bad was it this time?" Harry asked weakly. His strength had not returned and he felt extremely exhausted.
Ginny let out a small sob. "The overflow of power really damaged your heart Harry. I was able to keep your blood flowing very slowly but your heart just wouldn't pump. We got to the hospital just as the riots and Death Eater attacks ended. When people saw who you were they all couldn't do enough to help us. Then Dumbledore arrived and I've never seen him so worried. . ."
"How long was I out?" Harry asked. No one could have received so many sweets and flowers in just one day.
"It's been two weeks Harry. It was six hours before your heart resumed its normal pumping, although it was weak. You've had five minor heart attacks since then but everything was all right." Ginny answered as she regained her composure.
"I hope that I'm not crippled," Harry said dryly.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," Ginny explained. "Combined with what the wizarding world and I can do, you'll be good as new in a couple of months."
Harry winced when Ginny said 'couple of months.' "What about Ron, Hermione, Neville and Elizabeth?"
"All of them escaped for the most part un-hurt. Elizabeth was freaking out a bit though. She thought that Neville nearly died. They've all dropped by every day to see how you are. They nearly found out about us as well. It's a good thing that I disguised your breastplate and then took it off."
"We'll have to tell them sooner or later. What about school?"
"We'll be taking NEWTS here in the hospital as soon as you have the strength. As soon as you're finished with those and well enough to leave, Dumbledore and my parents have decided to set us up on another one of your properties. You'll get four months of summer to relax and recover."
"What property is that?" Harry questioned. He wished that he knew about all the property he owned.
"Phoenix Manor," Ginny replied. "It was built in the early 19th century by your family. Your late grandparents renovated it shortly before their death. Dumbledore says that it's quite the place. Lots of space and leisure for you to relax and recover."
"What about the rest of your family?" Harry asked. "Won't they be coming too?"
"After the school year ends, a month after we move in." Ginny said.
Harry sat up a bit, only a bit because anything more exhausted him. "What's with all the junk?"
Ginny laughed merrily, "You're a hero Harry! The public doesn't know much but the basic details have slipped out. You faced Voldemort and he backed down. When he backed down the riots and Death Eater attacks ended. My father, the new Minister of Magic was able to restore order and see to it that everyone was cared for. Everyone in England feels that they owe their lives to you! Therefore, they've all sent you get-well cards, sweets, and flowers."
"What get-well cards?"
Ginny stood up and pulling up two large sacks showed them to Harry. "Those get-well cards. Not only that, as soon as you recover, you'll of course be mobbed by the press and well-wishers. Then people will throw banquets for you, you'll be asked to give press conferences and interviews, someone will want to write a biography about you, and then they'll put your face on the galleon!"
"Don't tease me," Harry moaned.
"Okay, so maybe not the galleon. Then of course there's the other thing I forgot. From now on when you do an assignment for Snape, you can write the following under your name, 'Order of Merlin, 1st Class.'"
"What!"
"They gave that to you the day after we visited Tescaster, even though they thought that you were about to die. There is supposed to be some sort of banquet/ball in honor of that as soon as you recover." Ginny informed Harry.
"Can't I just be alone with you at this Phoenix Manor?" Harry pleaded.
"You'll always have me," Ginny said as she smiled lovingly. She leaned forward and tenderly kissed Harry on the lips.
"I love you," Harry mumbled incoherently. The excitement had been too much to handle and he was going back to sleep. He only hoped that Ginny would help him face what was sure to come.
TO BE CONTINUED. . . .
That's it for Seilftrist folks. One more review from you all would absolutely make my day. (hint, hint)
The sequel should be up shortly or by now. It is titled: Harry Potter and the High Lord of Hell. Check in my profile, it should be there, if not just go to the search. :)