SEPTEMBER

The couple stood by the train with their arms wrapped around each other, kissing passionately, oblivious to the streams of people hurrying past them. He stood, only a couple of inches taller than she, with his right hand buried deep in her hair and his left on the small of her back. She tilted her head up slightly to meet his, her lips never leaving his mouth. They stood like this until the last possible second, and then she sprinted for the train that was just departing. Her long red hair was flying behind her, and she could hear him laughing as she ran at full speed.

From the train, she heard cheers and cat-whistles as she flew up the tracks to the open compartment door. Hermione was screaming for her to hurry up, with an anxious look on her face. Ginny was laughing as she finally caught up to the open door, grabbed Hermione's hand and jumped in. She slammed the door and in the same fluid movement, had the window open and was waving frantically to Harry as he watched her hair blowing in the wind, a huge grin on his face, as the Hogwart's Express finally turned the corner.

Ginny laughed out loud, her eyes shining as she finally sat back and faced her friends, her cheeks bright red. Hermione admonished her,

"Gin, what were you thinking? You could have missed the train!"

"Yes, but I could have also missed kissing Harry for three more minutes, and that would have been much more regrettable!" she answered, smiling broadly. "Don't you think so, Luna?"

"Oh, yes. Personally, I've never kissed Harry Potter, but I would think that it would be a most enjoyable experience."

Ginny laughed wildly. "See, Hermione? You have to live a little. Even though I don't know how much living you'll do with that nitwit brother of mine."

The girls grinned. Their compartment became the place to gather for the next hour. Everyone had heard about Harry and Ginny's engagement, and they all wanted to stop by to see her ring and congratulate her. A steady stream of friends came through, and the girls were so excited to see everyone again.

The train seemed like it was bursting at the seams. So many students who should have graduated last year were returning to Hogwarts this year to finish properly, Hermione included. Three that were sorely missed on the train this year were Harry, Ron and Neville. Neville had decided that he was more interested in beginning his career and had abandoned his final year. Ginny and Luna missed him especially; they had become very close last year while the trio was on their horcrux hunt. Neville was one of her best friends, and Ginny was so glad that he and Luna seemed to be growing closer. They were a perfect pair.

After the frenzy of friends had died down, the three girls were left alone once again. Ginny sat down across from Luna and Hermione and said,

"So guess what Harry decided that we should do this year."

"What?" Hermione and Luna said together, smiling.

"He's being very romantic and decided that since we can't be together this year, that we should write each other letters. Get to know each other better, make our plans, etc. Isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever heard?"

"Gin, he could say that he wanted to take you bowling and you would think that's romantic," said Hermione, grimacing inwardly.

"No, that would be Ron, Hermione," replied Ginny with a smile. "I'm going to start letter #1 right now. Excuse me for a while, ladies!" She reached into her bag for parchment and her quill and began her letter. Hermione and Luna continued their conversation quietly, occasionally being interrupted when someone came in to visit. Ginny, too, would stop her letter and talk to whoever came in, but mostly she focused on finishing Harry's letter. Half an hour later, she rolled and tied her bit of parchment.

Ginny reached up into the overhead compartment, took her owl from the cage and tied her letter to its leg. She gave Helena a few treats for the flight, and let her go from their compartment window. She smiled to herself as she put her things away.

It was nearing twilight as the Hogwart's Express came to a stop in the village of Hogsmeade. Ginny, Hermione and Luna changed into their robes and joined the mass of students gathering on the platform. They made their way slowly to the carriages pulled by the thestrals, and were saddened that so many of the students seemed to be able to see the unusual-looking animals this year. Nearly all of them had seen more than one person die within the past year. The students seemed to be quite stunned that the carriages weren't pulling themselves to the castle as usual. Neither Hermione nor Ginny had the heart to tell them why they could suddenly see the strange creatures this year.

For many, this was the first time that they had been back on Hogwart's grounds since the battle in May. The sound of silence that filled the air as the thestrals passed through the gates was deafening. They were all thinking about the battle, about the lives that were lost and how they all had eventually been saved. Hermione took Ginny's hand and squeezed. Ginny put her head down momentarily and wiped at her eyes. She glanced over at the white tomb where Dumbledore lay, and took a moment to silently thank him. He had given Harry the tools he needed to succeed last year, and Ginny couldn't help but be grateful to Dumbledore. Although he may not have gone about things the right way, he had loved Harry in his own way, and Ginny couldn't fault him for that. Harry was easy to love.

Ginny and Hermione stuffed themselves at the beginning of term feast, and the speech by Headmistress McGonagall was full of praise for Harry and for all of the people who fought in the battle. She glanced at Ginny and Hermione and gave them a small smile before moving on to other subjects. The students began dispersing after the speech ended and Hermione and Ginny found their way up to the dormitories to settle in for their last year.

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It was just getting dark outside as Harry was lying in his bed in Grimmauld Place reviewing for his NEWTs next month. It was then that he heard Helena tapping at his window. He smiled as he threw the book aside, leapt from the bed and opened the window, letting the little grey owl swoop in. Harry gently untied the letter and gave the little owl a treat and put her in the cage next to his new tawny owl, Hiro. His heart gave a small lurch as it always did when he looked at the owl; looking at Hiro always made him think of Hedwig. But, he was resigned to the fact that he needed another owl this year if he and Ginny were to keep in touch at all. So, when he bought Hiro last month in Diagon Alley, he had also purchased Helena for Ginny to take with her to school.

Harry crossed the room and climbed into bed, ready to enjoy his letter from Ginny.

1 September

Dear Harry:

What a fantastic idea this was – our year apart being spent getting to know each other better and making our plans in letters. When did you get so romantic?! Hermione will insist on making fun of us, but that's because she's just jealous- in a million years Ron would never think of something like this. I feel bad for her sometimes, she wants romance desperately, but as long as she's with Ron, I'm afraid she will be out of luck.

I, on the other hand, am the luckiest person alive.

Thank you, again, for Helena my little grey owl. She's so pretty! I hope that she's fast as well; I want to receive my letters from you as swiftly as possible.

I am only an hour from home, on the Hogwarts Express speeding towards my final year. I miss you already. I'm still trying to take it in that we're engaged and we're getting married next summer! I am so overwhelmed and happy and every good thing. I don't think that anything could bring me down right now – except the prospect of not seeing you everyday. I'm glad that you have your Auror training to keep you busy, and I'm sure that Ron will take up a lot of your time. But, make sure you save some to write to me, too, OK?

Hermione and Luna are here with me, and they send you their love. Hermione's not the only seventh year who is returning for their final year. This train is much more crowded than normal, but it's such a different feeling here this year. Where last year we were all apprehensive and, basically scared out of our minds, now there is such peace and, joy, really. Everyone is smiling and happy, but me most of all, I think. I can't seem to wipe the smile from my face! Everyone loves my ring, you did a great job picking it out – I love it, and I wouldn't have picked out anything different!

Good luck on your first day tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you. I'll end for now, my love. I am neglecting my friends! I love you!

Always,

Ginny

Harry leaned back and grinned, rolling the letter carefully and letting these feelings of love wash over him. He took a minute to remember how beautiful Ginny looked as she ran to catch the train this morning, her red hair flying behind her like flames. He couldn't help but laugh as she ran; she was so full of life and energy and she made him feel so amazingly happy and just good. He smiled at the memory.

How sad and empty his life was before Ginny.

He decided to wait to write to her until tomorrow night, when he could share the events of his first day of Auror training. Ron was going to meet him here at 8:45AM, and they were going to floo to the Ministry together.

Finally, Harry rolled over, placed his glasses on the nightstand and fell into a restless sleep. He alternated between dreaming about Ginny and worrying about tomorrow's training.

The next day dawned bright and early for Harry. He had been awake since 5AM, anxious for the day to begin. Kreacher made him a light breakfast, and he read Ginny's letter again as he waited for Ron to floo in from the Burrow.

Ron appeared at 8:55AM, making Harry panic a bit about being late. Ron grabbed a couple of pieces of toast leftover from Harry's breakfast and was munching happily while he pinched a bit of floo powder in his other hand. How he managed to yell "Ministry of Magic" and actually make it to the atrium there and not in another grate fifty miles away was beyond Harry.

Training began promptly at 9AM (Harry and Ron running in with ten seconds to spare) with a brief meeting with the new Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt. After that, the ten Aurors-in-Training, split up into two groups of five, and began learning advanced defensive spells. Harry liked that they began with practical lessons straight away. He didn't much enjoy the lecture-part of training.

The group had begun their physical training today as well, and Harry learned that they would be in the gym everyday for a minimum of two hours in an effort to increase their strength and stamina. Fortunately, Ron was remarkably good at the physical aspect of their training. It was going to take Harry quite a while to meet Ron's level. Ron was by nature larger and stronger than Harry, but thankfully, he and Ron had partnered up. They were going to be a good compliment for each other: Harry helping Ron with spells and problem-solving and Ron helping Harry in the gym.

He fell into bed that night exhausted. He pulled a piece of parchment and his quill from his bedside table, grabbed Ginny's letter as well and settled against his pillows, and with a smile on his face began to write.

September 2

Dear Gin:

It is romantic, isn't it? You bring out the best in me, I guess. I miss you already.

I'm glad that the atmosphere at Hogwarts is much more pleasant than last year. Give my love back to Hermione, and tell her Ron sends his as well. He said that he will be writing to her soon (yeah-that would be a first).

Yes, rest assured that your owl is very fast! Helena made it to me by nightfall last night. I'll send this one back with Hiro so that I can take care of Helena for a while and think of you! I've been sneaking looks at your picture when I should be paying attention. Ron's already caught me twice today, but has been kind enough not to laugh at me for too long. It's going to be a very difficult year being away from you, but as you said, we will both be very busy.

Today went well. The training is going to be difficult, but I'm glad that Ron is going through it with me. We started on dark magic detection, which was really interesting. I wish I had gone through this training before "the quest" last year. It probably would have helped some! It's very scary how much I don't know. I was so unprepared last year, what could Dumbledore have been thinking?!

Ron and I will be doing double studying for the next month – for training and also for our NEWTs. We'll be at Hogwarts on October 10th-11th to sit our exams, so we have that to look forward to! We'll be staying in Gryffindor Tower with you. Sound like fun?!

So, you began classes today, tell me what they were like. Who did McGonagall get to teach DADA? I want to know everything; everything that you're doing and feeling.

Know that I love you and I miss you and think about you all day long. I wish that I had the marauder's map with me and could watch you still (but then I would truly never get anything accomplished)! Write soon…

All of my love,

Harry

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The first week of classes flew for Ginny. She loved all of her classes, especially the elective that she chose to take with Madame Pomfrey. It was called Magical Maladies and Cures, and was an introductory class to becoming a Healer, and Ginny thought that she might enjoy learning about healing after all of the deaths from the past year.

The amount of homework that all of her Professors gave had increased as well. She was studying at least three hours a night, trying to not get behind so early in the semester. Thankfully, she was in quite a few of the same classes as Hermione, so they were able to study together most nights.

She got Harry's letter a couple of days after school began, and she had read it so often that it laid quite flat where it had come to her tightly rolled in Hiro's talons. She was so excited that he and Ron were coming next month to sit their NEWTs. She and Harry would have tons of time together; at least that was her plan. She couldn't wait to see Harry, and was so happy that he seemed to like his Auror training.

She and Hermione were in the common room finishing their assignments one night when the portrait hole swung open and Professor McGonagall walked in. She came over to their table and asked, "Miss Weasley, may I see you for a moment, please?"

"Of course, Professor," Ginny responded, giving Hermione a quizzical look. Hermione shrugged her shoulders. Ginny got up and followed Professor McGonagall back through the portrait hole, and they walked a few paces down the corridor. "Is everything alright, Professor?" Ginny asked.

"Oh yes, quite alright, thank you. First, I wanted to congratulate you on your engagement to Mr. Potter. I am very excited for you both."

"Oh, thank you, Professor, that's so nice. We're planning an August 1st wedding, so please save the date!"

"I would be delighted to, thank you. I brought you out here to tell you a bit of good news, actually. I am very pleased to tell you that you have been named this year's Gryffindor Quidditch Captain."

Ginny's eyes went wide, and her hands flew to her mouth. "Oh, my God!!" She began jumping up and down. "This is amazing, Professor! Thank you so much!!"

"You are quite welcome, Miss Weasley. Now, I expect great things from you this year, please don't disappoint me."

"Absolutely not! I can't wait to get started."

Ginny ran back to the common room and shouted "I got it!" as soon as she entered, startling Hermione. Ginny spent the rest of the evening coming up with tryout dates and practice schedules; her homework utterly forgotten.

The next morning, she began a letter to Harry. Throughout the day, she would add bits and pieces to it, pretending to be writing notes in class, but really adding paragraphs to his letter. She was only caught once by Madame Pomfrey, who smiled indulgently at her. Madame Pomfrey loved Harry, and the thought that he had found his true love in Ginny had warmed her heart. Ginny was able to go up to the owlery right after her last class of the day and send Hiro back to Harry with the letter. She couldn't wait to hear what he thought about her being named captain!

9 September

Dear Harry:

Just remember I'm with you, I'm always with you, just as you are always with me. I know we can't be together this year, but I'm here for you. I'm sorry I can't be there everyday (we got so spoiled over the summer, being together every minute of the day). Dumbledore knew what he was doing when he entrusted you with those tasks last year. He trusted you above all others, just like I do.

Is it possible that it's only been 8 days since I saw you? It feels like years. I can't wait to see you on October 10th! I promise to leave you alone while you sit your exams, but all bets are off once they're done! You will be all mine.

Oh, bring your broomstick with you when you come, Harry. I want to show you some new moves that I've learned since I became QUIDDITCH CAPTAIN!!

Yeah, you heard right. I've been named captain! I am so excited, and have already begun planning out our training schedules. You think Wood was tough? He's got nothing on me! I want to start tryouts next week!

Classes are going well. I am skipping over Divination completely (I think that we've heard quite enough prophesies for a while), and have given up History of Magic (I couldn't handle another year of Professor Binns-poor man). I love my Charms class (Flitwick), and am also taking Transfiguration (McGonagall), Potions (Slughorn), DADA (Professor Fidelio – a friend of Professor McGonagall that she talked into taking the post) and Magical Maladies and Cures (Madame Pomfrey!) as my elective. I'm really liking this elective, and I'm good at it (so far). We'll see where it goes. I'm enjoying them all so far, but tons of homework already!

I love you Harry, and I miss you! Write quickly…

Ginny

Harry and Ron had just finished dinner at Grimmauld Place and were just settling down in front of the TV for a while before cracking open their books for a review session. Harry, obviously, was more into studying than Ron was. Soon, Harry mind was wandering to the letter that he had received from Ginny that morning. He was so proud of her – Quidditch Captain! He knew that she would be spectacular at it. He definitely wanted to go to Hogwarts to see her play this year. He missed flying with her; she was so graceful and alive when she was flying.

She was his rock, his constant comfort. She always knew what he needed to hear, and when he needed to be alone. He loved that she wanted some space as well, not needing to be with each other constantly to feel connected. But on the other hand, he would give up just about anything to be able to spend an entire day with her, holding her in his arms.

Thoughts of him and Ginny brought to mind the fantastic summer that they had all spent at the Burrow. It was such a relief from the stress of the prior year to just relax and not have to worry about anything anymore. Ginny, Ron, Harry and George would play Quidditch nearly everyday, while Hermione watched from the ground. It was usually Ron and George paired up and Harry and Ginny. Harry and Ginny usually won, as they were lighter and faster on their broomsticks. It began to feel like they could read each other's thoughts and were able to pass the quaffle between them with lightning speed, often without having to even look at each other. They knew that it was because they spent so much time together, and knew each other's moves as well as their own.

The relationship that he had with Ginny threw Ron and Hermione's into a dark relief for him. Harry felt badly about Hermione, he didn't think that Ron appreciated her enough. She was the glue that held them together last year, and Ron was so blasé about their relationship. It really irritated Harry sometimes. She was important to Harry, and he didn't like seeing her unhappy.

Harry decided that it was as good a time as any to talk to Ron about part of Ginny's first letter.

"Hey, Ron," Harry began. "Have you written to Hermione since she's gone?"

"Hmm? No, what for?" Ron said, concentrating more on the TV program than Harry's question. Ron was watching a cricket match that had just gotten very intense.

"I just thought it might be nice for her to hear that you miss her," Harry said, cracking open his book.

"Rubbish. She knows that. What do I need to waste my time for?" Ron said.

"She might appreciate hearing it every once in a while, you know," Harry said, but it was falling on deaf ears. At least he was trying. Harry continued, "What did you get her for her birthday?"

That question took a minute to register with Ron. "What?" Ron turned to Harry with his mouth open wide. Now, Harry had his complete attention. "HER BIRTHDAY?!! Oh, my God, Harry, how could I forget that? She'll kill me for sure. What should I do? What can I get her?"

"Um, dunno, a book?" Harry laughed.

"Funny, Harry. That's a good one," Ron said sarcastically. He got up and started to pace around the room. "Oh, I'm dead. She is going to kill me."

"Go up to Hogwarts and surprise her! Take her to dinner and be a little romantic for once!" Harry said.

"Yeah, romantic, right. That'll work. I have to owl McGonagall and see if she'll let me floo to her office. Night, Harry!"

And Ron was gone, apparating back to the Burrow, mumbling to himself as he went. Hopefully, Ron would make Hermione's birthday something special, but knowing his best friend like he did, Harry doubted it. Harry had already sent Hermione her birthday present, a beautiful Chagall print that she had admired over the summer.

Over the next few days, Harry came to realize that he had never been happier. Besides being upset for Hermione, he couldn't remember a time in his life when everything was perfectly in place, as it was now. He had a great house, a woman that he loved that loved him, too, and was going to marry, he was training for his dream job, had fantastic friends, and soon to be in-laws that he loved. Life was pretty perfect.

He worked on a letter for Ginny over the next few days.

18 September

Gin:

Congratulations!!Quidditch Captain – that's fantastic news! You were the natural choice, though! A true leader and the best seeker the school's ever had – including me! I'm really happy for you, and please send me your schedule so that I can come up and catch a few of your games. I'd love to see you beat Slytherin again. How's Hagrid? Have you seen much of him?

Thanks for your comforting words. You know that I am always here for you, too, and all you have to do is say you need me, and I will be there. I miss you so much. I never realized what I was missing until I found you. I can't explain this feeling I have of knowing that there's someone out in the world that loves me. It's completely empowering, comforting and awe-inspiring all at the same time. Do you ever feel that way? I'll be sitting in class or in the gym and just feel so at ease, peaceful. Fulfilled, you know? Thank you for that. How very sad my first eleven years were, now that I look back. I'll always look upon September 1, 1991 as the day my life finally began. It's completely insane how much I love you and need you.

Only three weeks left until I can see you and kiss you again. There are tons of other things I'd like to do to you, too, but maybe I can show you rather than tell you. I am glad about our talk over the summer, though. I think that we made the right decision for us, to wait until we're married. In the meantime, it's probably a good thing that we won't get to see each other very often this year. Being close to you and not being able to touch you the way that I want to would drive me a bit mad. But, I love you, and it will be worth the wait, I promise.

Training is going well, and I am actually enjoying the work. For the time being, studying is taking up tons of my time, but after the NEWTs are over, things should calm down for me fairly quickly. Kingsley has the Ministry back on an even footing, and the place seems to be running smoothly. They've been doing a fair bit of hiring as well, filling in a lot of holes that were left after the battle. I see your Dad nearly everyday. He seems a bit peaky, and when I asked him why, he said that your Mum has been driving him mad with wedding tasks. You may want to tell her to ease off the old man a bit!! I'll drop by to see her soon and see if there's anything I can do to help.

I'll leave you now, love. I have to study a bit before bed. I am sending you lots of hugs and kisses and all of my love.

Harry

As promised, Harry went to the Burrow one night after training ended and had dinner with Ginny's parents and Ron. They had a great time at dinner, telling stories about Ginny when she was young, and talking about the wedding. Ginny's Mum had tons of questions for Harry, and he did his best to answer, but really wanted Ginny to be the one who got everything the way she wanted it for the wedding, Harry just wanted her. Harry added his opinions on the food and music, but wanted to leave the decorating ideas for Ginny.

Harry loved the Burrow. He was so happy here; it felt like a real home, not like the Dursley's where he had been miserable. Every once in a while he would think about them and wonder where they were now. But, usually those thoughts were fleeting; Harry knew that they never thought of him.

He loved the fact that things at the Burrow weren't perfect. He liked that there were clothes strewn everywhere, that dishes were always in the sink, that towels were always on the floor in the bathroom. He loved that you could walk in and tell immediately that a real family that loved each other lived here. He was so comfortable here.

The family ate their way through four enormous courses, and Mrs. Weasley's cooking was as delicious as ever. She was thrilled to be able to fuss over Harry. Harry was stuffed by the time dessert was done (treacle tart – his favorite).

Harry excused himself after dessert and stole upstairs pretending to run to the loo, but ducked inside Ginny's bedroom instead. He walked over to her bed, picked up her pillow, hugged it to himself and inhaled her scent deeply. God, he missed her. He stood in the middle of her room looking around and remembering this past summer and the times he and Ginny had shared in here. They had spent hours in here talking about their future.

It was in this room that Harry knew with absolute certainty that Ginny was the only one that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He choked up a little now thinking of it. She had been standing by the open window, leaning out a bit laughing at Ron, when the wind caught her hair and whipped it behind her. She turned to Harry, who was lying on her bed, with a huge smile still on her face, and he knew. The look on her face was of just complete joy. She was beautiful, radiant. And he had known right then and there, he needed to be with her for the rest of his life. And when she said yes, it was the most awe-inspiring moment of Harry's life. She was really going to be his wife. The thought that she chose him still touched him so deeply. How did he get so lucky?

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On the 19th, Ginny was helping Hermione to get ready for dinner. It was her birthday and Ron was coming to Hogwarts to visit Hermione. The only thing that he would tell her about his visit was that they were going to dinner to celebrate.

"Ginny, what could he be thinking? Ron never does things like this," said Hermione.

"I know, I can't make sense of it myself. But, I think it's about time he did something spontaneous and special for you! You deserve it, and it's about time he saw that," Ginny replied, scowling.

"Well, I'm not going to read too much into it, I'm just going to enjoy the evening. It's going to be a treat just to leave the grounds for a while."

"Hermione, you look beautiful," Ginny said as she finished smoothing her hair. "I love that dress on you."

"Thanks, Gin, I loved the color when I saw it. Do you think Ron will like it?"

"He'd be a git not to. It's such a beautiful deep shade of brown. It's great with your hair and eyes, and you still have a bit of a tan from the summer. Perfect."

They were just coming down the stairs from the dormitories when the portrait hole opened and Ron walked in. He looked so well put-together that Ginny had to do a double take to make sure that it was really him. He was wearing a beige muggle suit; his hair had actually been brushed and looked great.

"Wow, Ron, you clean up well, who would have known?" said Ginny, laughing.

"Shut it." he said to her. He turned to Hermione and said, "You look beautiful, Hermione. Are you ready to go?"

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Ginny was sitting in the Common Room near the fireplace and groaned as she remembered Hermione ranting and raving about her birthday dinner. The evening had started out fine, according to Hermione. Ron was acting a little strained and fidgety, but she didn't really think anything of it. They walked to the Hog's Head and sat in a quiet corner. It was a Wednesday night, so it wasn't very crowded. Ron had bought her a pair of gold earrings (that he had bought in about ten minutes during his lunch today) that were very small and pretty. Hermione was quite delighted that he had remembered to give her anything at all. They ordered dinner and they began talking about Auror training and her classes, and Hermione broached the subject of Harry and Ginny's wedding. And that was when Ron exploded and the night went to pieces.

"This dumb wedding! That's all anyone can talk about. I sit in class all day, and Harry constantly talks about it, I go home at night, and my Mum talks about it. I am so sick of it, and we still have almost a year to go before it happens!!"

Hermione looked at him with her eyes wide and mouth agape. "Ron, what's wrong with you? It natural that people would talk about it, it's a happy occasion! You're Ginny's brother, and the best man I might add, so of course Harry is going to talk to you about it. And, really, did you expect your Mum to talk about anything else? Why are you so irritable?"

He was getting redder by the minute. "I just can't stand it anymore! Now, everyone is looking to me to get moving with you. My Mum was mad that I didn't buy you a ring for your birthday. I'm sure you are, too, right?!" He glared at her almost daring her to agree with him.

Hermione stared at Ron her eyes full of fire. "Wait a minute, you obnoxious git! First of all, we've only been together for five months. What idiot would get engaged after that short amount of time? And, second, have I ever, ever pressured you into doing what you didn't want to do, Ronald? Who said that I would say yes to you anyway? Yeah, I think we're done here."

Hermione got up, grabbed her jacket and stormed out of the Hog's Head, and began walking back to Hogwarts. She looked over her shoulder when she reached the end of the block and started crying when she realized that Ron hadn't followed her. She slowed down and ran through the last twenty minutes in her mind. How dare he? How can he be so uncaring? She realized that he was under a fair bit of pressure, but did he think that her life was easy at the moment?

Her thoughts continued to torment her as Hermione made her up to the castle, and up to the Common Room. Ginny was sitting there when she walked in, and was surprised to see Hermione back so fast. It wasn't hard to see that she had been crying, so Ginny led her up to the dormitory, and Hermione told her everything that happened.

Ginny wrote Ron a hateful, scathing letter after she had calmed Hermione down. He was such a huge git, and he didn't deserve her best friend.

Harry had known something bad had happened as soon as he saw Ron the next morning at the Ministry.

"How did it go last night?" Harry asked innocently.

"I blew it." Ron said, not able to meet Harry's eye.

"What happened?" Harry asked.

"Well, you remember what a crap day I had yesterday, right? Nothing was going right. Anyway, the night started off OK, but everything was irritating me. Then, she asked about your wedding, and I don't know what happened, I just snapped. I've been getting ragged on by Mum about not getting her a ring, and then when Hermione started on about the wedding, I just couldn't take it anymore and I was a total and complete git." Ron shook his head slowly.

"What are you gonna do about it?" asked Harry.

"No idea," said Ron. "But, whatever it is, it's gonna have to be good."

Ron didn't think that he could feel any worse about the evening, but the next day when Ron received Ginny's letter, he knew that wasn't true. She had called him every name in the book, all of which he deserved. He had no idea how to make this right with Hermione. It would take a miracle.

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A few days later, Ginny trudged up to the castle, soaking wet and up to her shins in mud. The tryouts for the Quidditch team had been dreadful. Ginny had her work cut out for her trying to whip these players into shape before their first game.

She hadn't been concentrating well ever since she received Harry's last letter. She kept imagining the things that he said he wanted to do to her. It would happen at the worst times, too! Sitting in Professor McGonagall's class (she asked Ginny a question and she had no idea what the question was), reading a chapter in her textbook (staring at the same page for hours) and just now on the Quidditch pitch when she should have been paying attention to the snitch (which zoomed right past her face and she didn't even notice it). Her teammates had laughed at her then, and Ginny called a very quick end to tryouts.

The next night, she wrote to Harry.

28 September

Harry:

I bet the things you want to do to me are nothing compared to what I have in store for you for our wedding night. You, unfortunately, have only been thinking about it for only a few months, while I have had YEARS to dream about you. To dream about you touching me, and me touching you. You just think about THAT for a while!

Yes, my love, I feel the same way. Do you know how happy you made me in your last letter? I know exactly the feelings that you described. I know what you mean about feeling complete, fulfilled, happy. Isn't it amazing what love can do for a person? I mean true, deep commitment. It's something to be treasured when you find it. It's rare, Harry, and we have it. I feel so incredibly blessed to have you in my life. I can't even think of my life without you, and I don't want to try. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, and I want to make you happy for the rest of our lives.

Even though I am missing you so much, I am truly happy. Like you, it's so nice to know that we're together and I have you to count on always. We're so lucky, Harry, and I promise to never take you for granted. I will always appreciate having you in my life.

We had our tryouts for Quidditch last night, and the possibilities are pretty dismal. I miss our old team, and knowing without having to look which way the bludger was being hit when Fred whacked it, we flew as one unit. This team is going to take a fair bit of practice to get them ready for a true game. I'd love it if you flew practice with us when you come in October, and maybe give them some moves that they can use. We have two third years (both beaters), two sixth years (keeper and chaser), two seventh year chasers and me (seeker, obviously). We have age on our side and height, but only two have played before, so it should make for an interesting season…

I sent my Mum an owl asking her to ease up on Dad a little. She told me that you went and had dinner with them last week. Thank you for that, Harry. Mum has been sending me owls nearly everyday asking about fabrics and colors and flowers – so I can imagine what my Dad has to go through being with her everyday, poor man! I know that you said I can have whatever I want for our wedding, but really, do you want anything special? Any particular color or flower? This is OUR wedding, Harry, and I want you to be happy, too. I'd love some input from you. For instance, my hair up or down?

Can you believe what a complete GIT my brother is? Did he tell you about Hermione's birthday dinner? What an idiot. I know he's my brother, but you know, she should chuck him. He doesn't deserve her.

On a brighter note, Hagrid says hello! Hermione and I finally had time to go down and sit with him for a spell on Saturday. Thanks for giving me the heads up about his baking skills! We made sure to go down after lunch, so we had an easy excuse not to be hungry! The cakes he put out looked a bit hard, but the tea was wonderful! Fang slobbered all over my robes, I think he misses you, too, and I know Hagrid definitely does. He wouldn't stop talking about you and Ron. It was sweet, actually, and it was nice to be able to talk about you to someone other than Hermione! He told me stories of you and Ron when you were younger, and made me laugh for hours!

Goodnight, my love, and please write soon.

I love you,

Ginny