Harry and Ginny: A Love Story

Chapter 33: Growing Up

Harry and Ginny had spent the rest of the afternoon with being annoyed with Hermione. She had been making a great nuisance of herself, never giving Harry and Ginny a moments rest.

She was either hanging close by, asking them something or trying to get them to do something. All in all it gave them a great headache.

They had finally retired to their bedroom a good couple of hours earlier than they normally would, saying that they were tired and would appreciate it if they weren't disturbed.

Ginny was really annoyed when she saw Hermione frown when Harry had told the family.

They hurriedly got changed and snuggled down together on Ginny's bed. Harry flashed a devious smile at Ginny.

"Look what I found," he said, grinning as he pulled a book out from beneath his dressing gown.

"What is it?" Ginny asked excitedly.

"It's one of Bill's old spell books," Harry replied.

"That's great," Ginny said, smiling. "Maybe we can find something to use on Hermione so she'll leave us alone for more than five minutes."

"Yeah, but let's mark any spell we see that looks like it will be interesting to learn," Harry sent back.

Settling the book on their laps, they each took a page to skim over. Ginny had a piece of parchment and a muggle pen that she used to take note of any spells they wished to learn.

They had been working for about half an hour when Ginny gasped and smiled. Harry, look at this."

Harry looked over to her page and smiled just as widely as Ginny. "I think that's perfect." he sent.

They read the section carefully. It was a rather simple spell and it didn't look like it would be difficult to master. The spell they had found was Sominus. A spell that induced sleep. It was commonly used by parents on a child when they were fussy or reluctant to go to sleep.

Ginny turned to Harry. "So it looks like we can try this out on Hermione tomorrow."

"Yeah," Harry replied. "Sominus looks just like what we need."

Harry looked over at the parchment and took in the number of spells they had noted down. It was a good twenty to twenty five spells. Covering more advanced hexes to simple household spells. They figured why not learn all they could even if it didn't directly have to do with fighting Tom and the Death Eaters.

As the book had pointed out in the beginning, learning any spell helped with focusing and strengthening their magic.

While Harry had been reading over the list, Ginny had snuggled down into Harry, resting her head on his shoulder. Her eyes fluttered a little as if she was struggling to stay awake.

Even though it was a little earlier than normal, there efforts that morning had tired them out. Harry gently removed the book, parchment and pen, setting them aside.

"Come on Ginny," Harry said softly. "Lets just go to sleep."

Ginny gave him a tired smile and nodded her head as Harry scooted down to lay flat, gently guiding Ginny down too. She snuggled into his side, resting her head back on his shoulder and draped her hand across him.

Harry couldn't help but smile as he looked at her. She look so beautiful and he couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have someone as wonderful as her.

With a contented sigh he flicked his wand, extinguishing the lights and they drifted off to sleep.

XX HP + GW XX

The next morning started off just as the previous afternoon had been. Hermione seemed intent on following Harry and Ginny wherever they went. Ginny had made Harry spray his pumpkin juice across the table when she sent "I bet she'd even follow us to the loo."

By mid morning they had had enough.

"Ginny, keep Hermione here," Harry sent in frustration.

"Are you going to use the spell?" Ginny asked, her frustration matching Harry's.

"Yeah, I've had enough of this."

Harry rose. "I'm going to get something to drink, anyone want anything?" he asked.

Both girls declined so Harry made his way into the kitchen. Seeing no one was there, Harry waited for a few moments before he quietly crept back into the room.

Hermione was sitting in the chair with its back to the doorway. Harry had his wand at the ready and remembering how he was able to cast a spell while mind-speaking, he aimed his wand at the back of Hermione's head. "Sominus," he said.

Ginny had purposely ignored Harry as he came back into the room, not wanting to tip Hermione off. She smiled as she watched the pale blue light hit Hermione and she slumped down in her chair, fast asleep.

"How long do you think we have?" Ginny asked.

"At least till lunch," Harry replied.

"Then lets not waste any time," Ginny said, rising and walking over to Harry. She took his hand and pulled him quickly out the parlour.

They were surprised when they found Molly in the kitchen and they tempered their looks, not wanting their excitement to give anything away.

Molly smiled at them. "Where are you two off to?"

"Just out for a walk. We figured why stay inside when it's so nice out," Ginny replied.

"Well enjoy yourselves, just make sure to be back by lunch time," Molly said as she busied herself at the counter.

"Okay, mum," Ginny said as she and Harry left.

As soon as they arrived at their practice area, Arwain made her presence known. "I know we removed the trace from your wands but you should still recharge the wards."

Harry and Ginny set right to it but Ginny still asked "Why?"

"Well as you learn stronger and stronger magic we don't want to set off any of the Ministry's alarms. Even though your wands won't be traced, there is still the chance they could be curious as to why someone is using such strong spells," their mentor explained.

"That makes sense," Ginny replied with a thoughtful look.

Harry got a mischievous look on his face. "Since we learned about wards yesterday, maybe we should add a Notice-me-not charm as well."

"Good thinking," Arwain said with a humorous lilt. "I'm glad to see you taking the initiative in keeping things secret."

They spent the next hour reviewing the spells from the day before and working on some stronger defensive and offensive spells. Mainly more potent cutting and blasting hexes.

"Okay, take a little breather," Arwain said. "You're both doing splendidly. I'm surprised but pleased at how well you two are doing."

Harry and Ginny smiled but blushed under the praise.

"The next thing I'm going to teach you is the Disillusionment Charm. And I think you'll be surprised," Arwain stated with a giggle.

""Why's that?" Harry asked.

"I think I'll let you find out for yourselves," Arwain replied, with a chuckle. "Now the spell is Occultius and the wand movement is a slight flick of your wand ending with a tap on your head."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other and with shared shrugs they each cast the spell.

At first they thought nothing had happened but then they noticed that as they stared at each other there was a bit of shimmering around their outlines.

"Arwain, did we do it right?" Ginny asked, looking slightly perplexed.

"What do you see?" was Arwain's reply.

"Well I can still see Harry but he looks a little blurry around the edges," Ginny said thoughtfully.

"That's right," Arwain said. "Because of your bond, you can still see one another but you'll be invisible to everyone else. To cancel it you just use a simple Finite."

Harry and Ginny spent several minutes making sure that they could do the spell without any trouble. Ginny had even started to cast with mind-speak just as Harry had.

"The next thing I want to teach you is to silence your actions. Just because you are invisible doesn't mean you can't be heard. The incantation is Silencio. The wand movement is a simple jab of your wand. When casting it on yourself you usually aim at you feet and legs but when casting it on someone else you can aim it anywhere."

Again, they practised for several moments, casting it both on themselves and each other. As before they had little trouble in mastering the spell.

"This will make it so much easier to get away from Hermione," Ginny said with a smile.

"Yeah," agreed Harry. "This way we won't have to keep putting her to sleep."

"Yes, I think people would start to get suspicious if she suddenly started to sleep all the time," Arwain added with a chuckle. "Well, it's about lunch time again, so you'd better head back in. I'll see you this afternoon."

Arwain withdrew and Harry and Ginny headed back to the Burrow, hand in hand, sharing smiles as they walked.

XX HP + GW XX

After lunch Harry and Ginny slipped out the back door and cast their Disillusionment and Silencing Charms. They waited several moments just to see how long it would take for Hermione to follow them.

It was less than a minute when she exited the Burrow. She looked around, puzzled when she couldn't see the couple. With a frown she started to wander around, checking all the normal places where Harry and Ginny could have gotten to. It didn't take to long before she gave up, clearly frustrated that she couldn't find the pair.

"Well that was fun," Harry sent with a smile.

"I know, but we'll have to be careful. The more frustrated she gets the more annoying she'll become," Ginny replied, though her smile matched Harry's.

"Don't I know it," Harry fired back, rolling his eyes.

Ginny giggled at him and Harry smiled wider at the melodious sound. It filled him with a happiness that he found astounding. Being with Ginny was the most amazing thing and he considered himself blessed to be with her.

They made their way back to the practice area and Harry and Ginny spent a few moments casting some of the more complex wards. They reinforced the Notice-me-not Charm and added a Mild Repelling Charm as well.

They then spent the remainder of the afternoon working hard to master the spells they had learned.

"Well done you two," Arwain said as they finished up. "I think the next time we'll start with the fundamentals of Conjuring."

Both Harry and Ginny looked excited at the prospect and they exchanged big smiles.

"If you catch on as quickly as you have with everything so far, I'll be having you conjure some mannequins to practice some of the more powerful and deadly spells on."

As they made their way back toward the Burrow Harry stopped at the top of the rise where they could see both the Burrow and their practice area. Harry looked pensive for a moment and then drew his wand.

"What are you doing?" Ginny asked as Harry began casting a spell.

"I'm adding an Intruder Jinx," he replied as he finished casting the spell. "That way if someone comes too close we'll know."

"Good thought," Ginny said with a smile. "We can't be too careful if we don't want to be caught."

"I know," Harry sent as he wrapped his arm around Ginny's shoulders, hugging her close to his side.

Ginny leaned in to his comforting embrace, letting the feeling of comfort and love envelop her. Sighing contentedly, she let Harry set the pace as they made their way up to the Burrow so that they could get cleaned up before dinner.

XX HP + GW XX

George looked over at his Twin. "You know Fred, we still haven't gotten back at Ron for his rudeness the other day."

"Yeah, I know," Fred answered with a mischievous grin. "Just letting him get comfortable so we can get him when he's not expecting it."

"I like how you think," George replied, his grin matching Fred's.

"You should, seeing how we think alike," Fred said with a chuckle. "I was thinking about the Duck Bill, but . . ." he added.

"Mum will have a royal fit," George said with a grin.

"So I figured we should do the hair thing," Fred said.

George broke out into a huge smile. "Perfect!"

"I thought so," Fred replied, buffing his fingernails on his shirt.

The duo crept up the stairs to where Ron's room was at the top of the house. They could hear Ron inside moving about as if he was looking for something.

With a quick glance at his Twin, George pulled out his wand and lowly cast a spell on the door-frame.

"There, that will do it," he whispered.

Fred just nodded, all the while grinning madly at his twin. They silently descended the stairs, making their way back down into the parlour. Planning on waiting there till they were called to dinner. They exchanged glances, smiling widely, waiting for the fun to begin.

XX HP + GW XX

The family was just sitting down to dinner when Molly sent Percy up to summon Ron down.

Ginny took one look at the Twins and she knew something was up. "Harry, I bet the twins have pranked Ron," she sent, trying to hide her grin.

Harry, once Ginny had tipped him off, saw what she had seen. "Yeah, I think so too."

Percy returned, looking none to pleased that he had been the one sent up to get Ron and he had a disgruntled look upon his face.

"Where's Ron?" Molly asked as she brought the platters to the table.

"He'll be right down, mother," Percy replied with a slight frown.

"Really, Percy. Is it too much to ask for you to help?" Molly asked with a sigh.

Percy just glanced at his mother but didn't reply. Everyone present knew of Percy's attitude with anything to do with his brothers.

Harry and Ginny watched as Fred and George exchanged knowing glances and they were sure that stuck-up Percy was next on the Twins' hit list.

"Doesn't Percy realize he's just making himself a target?" Harry asked, shaking his head slightly.

"I don't think he can figure that out," Ginny sent back. "I mean as often as it has happened, you'd think he'd have done so by now."

Just then they heard footsteps pounding on the stairs and Ron came into the kitchen.

All movement stopped and a deathly silence fell.

Ron slowed as he made his way to his seat. Noticing everyone's eyes were fastened on him.

"What?" he said irritably as he pulled out his chair and sat down.

Harry noticed Mr. Weasley desperately trying to stifle a grin. He was only partially successful in his attempt.

Hermione just sat there, wide-eyed, open mouthed as she stared in shock.

Molly was frowning deeply as she stared at her youngest son. His hair was a brilliant yellow colour and standing straight up.

When Mr Weasley snorted, that was all it took for the Twins to burst out laughing.

That was all Harry and Ginny needed and they too began to howl with laughter.

Hermione finally got herself under control and though she tried hard to hide it, Harry and Ginny could see her lips curl up as she chuckled lightly into her napkin.

Ginny's eyes flitted from her mother to Harry. "Prepare yourself, Harry. Here it comes again."

Harry immediately covered his ears, his eyes alight with mirth as he stared at Ginny, watching her doing the same.

"FRED! GEORGE!" the Weasley matriarch yelled, as she sprang to her feet. "HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT PRANKING YOUR BROTHER!"

Fred smiled as he glanced at George. "Well I'm pretty sure it's only been one thousand two hundred and four. . ."

"Since we've gotten home from Hogwarts," George finished.

Molly's head dropped as she rubbed her forehead wearily.

"Boy's," Mr. Weasley said sternly, though you could tell his heart wasn't really in it. "After dinner you are to de-gnome the garden."

"Yes, dad," Fred and George said in unison.

"After that, come see me," Molly said glaring at her twin troublemakers.

"Yes Mum," they said as they started to pile food onto their plates.

XX HP + GW XX

The next several days passed pretty much the same. Harry and Ginny did what chores Molly assigned, usually finishing them very quickly. After that they'd make their way out to their practice area where they spent the time till lunch practising and learning new spells under the tutelage of Arwain.

Only once in that time did the Intruder Alarm that Harry had set go off. Harry and Ginny watched as Hermione got a slightly confused look on her face as she wandered off due to the Mild Repulsion Charm took effect.

They had finished for the morning and Arwain had withdrawn. Since they had a little time before they needed to be in for lunch, Harry and Ginny decided to have a friendly duel. Mild spells only, the worst they could cast was the Stinging Hex, but that left them with a lot of other spells to us.

They also decided that there'd be no shields, dodging only.

They both started out with Tickling Charms that they both dodged and the fight was on.

The spells were flying fast and furious, neither landing anything for several minutes.

There was much laughter and light teasing going on. Harry finally landed a Jelly Leg Jinx on Ginny but he couldn't capitalize because Ginny hit him with a Dancing Feet Jinx right after.

As they both cancelled their respective jinxes they got right back to it. Harry thought he had finally gotten Ginny as he cast Rictumsempra, the tickling jinx, and she burst into giggles, but he had actually missed by less than an inch and she was just giggling because she was having so much fun.

He was so focused on her as he cast Expelliarmus, he didn't notice her casting one of her own. So it surprised him greatly as he reached up so he could catch her wand, when his went flying from his hand too.

He watched as he caught her wand and she reached up and caught his too.

"Oh, Harry. That was so much fun," Ginny sent as she walked over to him, smiling the whole time .

Harry was smiling just as much as she was. He couldn't remember when he had had such a wonderful, fun time.

"You were amazing, Ginny," he said as they exchanged wands. I thought I had you a couple of times, but each time you managed to get away or hit me with something too."

"Yeah, same here. I can't believe you escaped a couple of times either," Ginny replied.

Both were smiling widely and Harry felt his love for Ginny shining out. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her into a kiss.

"Ummm," Ginny moaned as she felt her spine tingle. As their lips broke apart, Ginny tucked herself into Harry, resting her head on his chest.

"Oh Harry," she sighed as she snuggled into him.

Harry could feel her emotions and her love for him filled him stronger than ever before.

"Ginny, I love you so much," he whispered into her ear.

Ginny shivered as her emotions washed over her. Even though she had felt loved growing up, it was nothing compared to the love she felt from Harry.

Ginny cuddled closer into Harry and the couple stayed that way for several moments before they separated and headed in, hand in hand for lunch.

XX HP + GW XX

Sirius looked around in satisfaction, the cleaning up of Windmeer was going better than he had expected. Of course having the help of the two house elves loaned from Minerva was a big help.

"Where should I put this?" asked his best friend, Remus.

Sirius glanced at the box Remus was holding and said "Place that in the master bedroom."

Following him in from the front door, Dora came in carrying another box. Glancing at it, he instructed her toward the master bedroom too.

Remus had just set his box down in the corner when Tonks entered. "Here, let me take that," he said to the Metamorph.

Tonks smiled at him. "That's okay," she replied. "I've got it."

Remus stepped aside letting Tonks place her box on top of the growing pile. As she turned around her foot caught on the edge of the stack of boxes and she began to fall.

Seeing the young Auror stumble, Remus instinctively reached out to catch her. His arms wrapped around her torso, with her back to him, his hands ended up grasping Tonks' womanly attributes.

As they fell, somehow Remus ended up on the bottom as they slammed onto the floor, knocking the wind out of Remus. Stunned for the moment, he just lay there, not moving.

Tonks lay there for a moment, becoming aware of where Remus was holding her. She gave a small giggle. "You can let go of me now," she said humorously.

Remus was suddenly aware of where his hands rested and he quickly let go. Tonks rolled off of him and stood up. She looked at Remus, who had a stunned look on his face and he was blushing heavily.

Smiling, she reach a hand down and helped the embarrassed Remus to his feet.

"Relax, Remus," she said with a chuckle. "I'm sure you didn't plan on grabbing me there." Seeing his blush deepen she couldn't help but tease him further. "You didn't plan on it, did you?" she asked coyly.

"I. . . ah, I. . ." Remus stammered.

Smirking, Tonks could help but be amused by Remus' reaction. "Thanks for catching me," she said softly. Then on impulse, she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

Remus had a stunned look on his face and he watched as Tonks just smiled at him.

She reached up and gently touched his cheek. "I don't know what it is about you but you have this. . . I don't know, animal magnetism that I find quite appealing. I like you Remus, a lot."

"But you don't know anything about me," Remus protested.

"Well, we'll just have to do something about that, now won't we," she replied. "I think the best way to start is going to dinner."

She lightly flicked his chin with her finger, smiled at him and slowly sauntered out of the room, sashaying out of the room, swaying her hips exaggeratedly.

Remus stood there dumbfounded for several seconds, eyes wide, mouth open.

Out in the parlour, Sirius looked at Tonks as she came back into the room, a Kneazle who swallowed the Pixie look on her face.

Sirius was wondering what was happening when a stunned looking Remus followed. Sirius put two and two together and started to howl with laughter.

Tonks had the decency to blush but couldn't stop from smiling just the same. It was Remus who had a dumbfounded look upon his face.

Sirius finally got his laughter under control and turned to Remus. "You might as well give in now," he said humorously.

"W-what are you t-talking about?" stammered a confused Remus.

"When Tonks has her mind made up about something, you're better off giving in," Sirius explained with a smirk.

Remus stared at Tonks, open mouthed, his eyes wide in disbelief.

Though Tonks was a bit upset with the things Sirius had said, she couldn't help but wag her eyebrows a Remus.

"But – but," Remus stuttered. "I'm a . . .a"

Sirius laughed at him. "Don't worry, Dora knows all about your furry little problem," he said, snickering.

A shocked Remus just stared at Tonks, not knowing what to say.

Tonks looked at Sirius. "Are we about done here?" she asked, smiling at her cousin.

"Yeah, with Dinkin's and Polly's help. I should be able to handle the rest of the stuff without any problem," Sirius replied, motioning to the two house elves on loan from Minerva.

"Good," Tonks said as she went and grabbed Remus by the arm. "Remus and are going to go to dinner and talk about a few things."

Sirius just smiled and waved as Tonks led Remus toward the door, laughing as Remus looked at him with pleading eyes. Sirius just shook his head at his friend, knowing that Tonks was just the thing Remus needed in his life.

With a satisfied look around, things were coming together and Windmeer would be habitable in no time at all.

XX HP + GW XX

Hermione was starting to feel increasingly frustrated. She was sure that there were things that were happening between Harry and Ginny that didn't seem to have anything with their Bond. The problem was she couldn't pin-point what any of them were.

That, coupled with the fact that they seemed to be sneaking off together and she couldn't find any trace if them just added to her feelings of unease. Taking one last look around and sighing in frustration, she headed back inside.

On entering the kitchen she found Molly starting to throw lunch together and Ron was helping by setting the table.

Deciding to help, she went to the cold box and took out the pitchers of pumpkin juice, milk and water. Finishing that, she turned to Molly and said "Is there anything else I can do to help?"

Molly smiled at her as she placed the platters of sandwiches on the table. "No, that's okay, dear. Everything is set and as soon as Ginny and Harry come in, we'll be set."

Hermione was just about to mention that she hadn't seen either of them when they opened the back door and entered.

"Lunch is ready," the Weasley matriarch said with a smile. "Why don't you all go wash up."

Lunch was a pleasant affair, though Harry and Ginny were aware of the scrutiny that Hermione had them under.

"I see that Hermione is still frustrated in not knowing what we're doing," Ginny sent to Harry.

"I know," Harry sent back, giving his Bond-mate a smirk. "I'm just glad that we have all those wards set so she can't interfere."

"I just hope she doesn't get too frustrated and tries something else," Ginny sent thoughtfully.

Harry just shrugged. "I'm sure that she can't do anything else for now. With what we learned we're far ahead of anything she can come up with."

"That may be true, Harry, but don't underestimate her. She's pretty smart as it is," Ginny replied.

Harry nodded his head in agreement, but all in all he figured that they were safe for now.

Since they were done and the others were still eating, Harry and Ginny decided to head back out to train some more.

"Come on, Ginny," Harry said. "Let's take a walk."

Ginny smiled at Harry. "Okay, it is too nice to be spending it indoors on a day like today," she agreed.

Rising the pair headed back outside, well aware of Hermione's eyes tracking them as they left.

Hermione watched with great interest as Harry and Ginny left and was about to follow again when she was interrupted by Ron.

"Fancy a game of chess?" he asked, hopefully.

Hermione gave him a small smile. Realizing that her efforts to follow Harry and Ginny would probably be just as fruitful as before, she decided to spend some time with Ron.

"Alright," she replied. "Why don't you go set up the board while I help your Mum finish clearing the table."

Molly smiled at the young bushy-haired girl. Hoping that by spending time with Ron it would take his mind off of Harry and Ginny.

It didn't take long before she joined Ron in the parlour. As she came in, Ron extended his closed hands to her. Hermione tapped his left hand and when he opened it, it held a black pawn.

Ron smiled gleefully, being white he would have the first move.

Though Ron was very good at chess, Hermione had been studying hard and she was sure that she'd give him a well fought game.

As the game progressed, Hermione's thoughts strayed to her problem concerning Harry and Ginny. Knowing it was best to broach the subject carefully, she nonchalantly asked, "How are you doing?"

Ron hesitated for a moment before he took his eyes off the board and with a small sigh said "Okay. I mean I still have some trouble with, you know, Harry spending so much time with Ginny, but I guess there isn't anything I can really do about it."

Hermione was pleased that he was finally coming to see that Harry would from now on have his attention mainly focused on his sister and maybe he could get over his jealousy.

"I'm glad to hear that," she replied, patting him on his arm. "I know it's been tough but everyone will be happier in the long run."

Ron sighed in resignation and turned his attention back to the board. He moved his knight forward and looked at Hermione.

Hermione smiled as his hand left his piece and she moved her bishop, taking his knight. "Check," she said with a smug grin.

Ron looked at the board in surprise, eyeing Hermione closely. She sure was playing better than she had ever done before. He'd better be careful or his winning streak would be coming to an end. He hunched over the board, his eyes roaming it. He'd have to pay more attention, planning his next moves with care.

Though Hermione tried to engage him in conversation, Ron only paid half attention to what she was saying. His full attention was focused on the game and only gave half-hearted answers to her questions.

The game lasted an other hour and in the end, it came down to a fierce exchange of pieces before Hermione was able to trap Ron's king.

It was with a very satisfying "Check-mate!" from Hermione, the game came to an end.

Hermione was pleasantly surprised when Ron gave her a smile, extended his hand and shook hers. "Good game. Fancy another?"

Hermione nodded, hoping it was a sign that maybe Ron was growing up, at least a little. "Sure," she replied, helping to set the board up for the rematch.

XX HP + GW XX

A/N: Finally another update. I hope it hasn't been too long for you. Harry and Ginny are progressing with their magical education and it seems Ron is finally maturing enough to accept their Bonding and relationship. Hermione continues to be frustrated in her inability to figure things out.

Please leave a review.