Harry walked aimlessly into the living room. It was the Christmas holidays and thick heavy snow was falling outside The Burrow. Unfortunately, the sight inside the house - on the sofa to be exact - was far less appealing than the pretty snowstorm.
He walked over to the window seat and grabbed his new Quidditch book, a present from Hagrid, (even though he left Hogwarts a while ago, he still kept in contact with his old friend) and slowly turned back around.
He sighed while tripping over a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans on his escape out of the room. The small noise caused the couple snogging on the sofa to fly to separate ends.
Ron and Hermione had been an item for about three years now - since the Battle of Hogwarts- but Harry still had issues stomaching their enthusiastic displays of affection.
Hermione started fiddling with a strand of her long, bushy hair in embarrassment and Ron’s face turned as red as his hair.
–Sorry, I didn’t mean to…disturb, you,†Harry mumbled awkwardly, before turning and disappearing back into the, much safer, kitchen.
–I should have warned you about them, but it’s much funnier watching your reaction when you catch them in the act,†Ginny chuckled, flicking through the pages of Witch Weekly before turning to face him. His horrified expression slowly shifted to one of annoyance now that his vision no longer contained his two best friends sharing saliva.
–Thanks for that,†he muttered back, trying to get rid of the image in his head.
–You’re welcome,†she said, grinning at the fact that it was Harry’s turn to walk in on them, not hers.
–When I think back to how much they used to fight, I never imagined them being like this years later,†he uttered .He waked over to the sink and leant against the counter, not taking his eyes off of Ginny, who was sitting at the table watching him just as carefully.
–Do you remember when they didn’t stop arguing for the whole summer when we were all hiding in Grimmauld Place?†she recalled.
–I know what you mean. Their disagreements varied from the correct way to make tea to how to climb a tree,†he laughed quietly to himself, thinking about how in the end neither of them could get past the first branch anyway, whereas he and Ginny had both managed to get about three quarters of the way up.
–I must admit, I think I might have preferred that to what we have to handle now,†Ginny sighed, leaning back and closing her eyes.
–Agreed,†Harry replied weakly, –I know they have every right to do…that sort of stuff. But if I walk in on them again—â€
–I know! Eurgh!â€
They smiled at each other for a few seconds before Ginny pulled open the chair next to her and signalled for Harry to sit down, which he did immediately.
–Butterbeer?†she asked, as he flopped into the seat.
–That would be great, thanks,†he answered. She smiled and summoned two bottles from the open cupboard at the other end of the room. They uncorked them at the same time.
–To a Christmas that we’ll never forget,†Ginny toasted. Harry touched his bottle to hers and they each took a large swig.
–So…how’s Dean?†Harry asked carelessly, putting his bottle down on the table.
Ginny and her ex-boyfriend had recently gotten back together, after they had both been signed to the same pro Quidditch team, the same one that Harry had been part of for almost a year. Harry had his suspicions as to how Dean managed to make the team, but couldn’t help but notice the way the manager paid special attention to him . He could have sworn that he saw them both sat in a café together the other week, but he was probably just imagining it. If it was anything important, Ginny would have told him about it.
Puddlemere United had been advertising for two new Chasers and Harry - knowing that Ginny wanted to turn pro - had suggested to her that she should come and try out. She did, making the squad almost instantly. Dean joined after her, and pretty soon they were a couple again.
–Dean’s fine…†she said slowly, her face dropping slightly.
–What’s wrong?†he asked, not forcefully, but assertively.
–Nothing, nothing…it’s just that…I can’t help but feel like he’s becoming quite distant. I seem to be spending more and more time with you - not that that’s a bad thing - and less and less time with him. It’s not even my fault! I just feel like he’s trying to push me away,†she admitted.
–Gin, I’m sure everything’s fine and he’s just worried about the upcoming match at the beginning of the season.â€
–I guess. I’m just wondering how much longer we’re going to last. I haven’t heard from him since the last practice, and that was weeks ago because of the weather.â€
–I’m sure it’s nothing,†Harry assured. He had never really liked the idea of Ginny and Dean together, but if it made her happy, he would just have to deal with it and be pleased for her.
–You’re probably right, Harry.â€
–It was bound to happen eventually,†he smiled.
–Shut up!†she grinned, her mood quickly improving again.
Harry and Ginny had been close for the last few years now, especially this year, as they were on the same Quidditch team. She valued his friendship and opinions and was highly dependent on him . He was almost like another brother, not that she needed any more, six was more than enough. They had a close bond and shared most things with each other. It was nice to have that with someone who was not actually biological related.
–So, what do you think about Cho’s new boyfriend?†Ginny asked gently.
Harry and Cho had had various attempts at a relationship, all of which had failed. Regardless, Ginny was sure that he still liked her a lot.
–Even more mind-boggling than the last,†he grinned, fine with the question.
–I like the statement, ‘mind-boggling’,†she laughed. –But seriously, what do you think of him?â€
He thought about it for a minute and then sighed. –She really does have bad taste in men, doesn’t she?†he mumbled.
–She dated you. About five times actually,†Ginny pointed out.
–Attempted to,†he corrected, –and I am happy to be able to say that I am excused from the list of the seriously strange men she’s dated over the years.â€
–So, you don’t really care?†she questioned, giving him a sceptical look.
–No, if you remember correctly, I broke up with her the last time. I have no feelings for her anymore. She does have a funny taste in boyfriends these days. I hope I haven’t messed with her brain permanently. She used to be fine before we started crazy ‘dating’ each other.â€
–Well I’m glad you’ve moved on, but you really do need to get yourself a girlfriend. You’re an international Quidditch star, the boy who defeated Voldemort, and Witch Weekly’s most eligible bachelor of the year! I’m sure that there are thousands of girls who’d want you as a boyfriend,†she said, as he rolled his eyes and sighed in annoyance. Ginny had been trying to set him up on dates for months, trying to make him to ‘get himself out there’ and meet some nice girls. According to her, he had a very lax dating history, and that needed to change.
–For the last time, I don’t want to date at the moment! I am trying to focus on my Quidditch, and having a girlfriend in the mist of that would not be helpful. I don’t want to date someone who only knows me as the Boy-Who-Lived. Also, as you know, I hate all of the talk about me being the most eligible bachelor of the year. It’s all a load of rubbish!†he defended, taking a deep swig of Butterbeer to calm himself down. Nothing irritated him more than false statements made by the press.
–Jeez! You need to relax a little. You are really tense at the moment. Anyway, having a relationship is not a bad thing. It might make you feel less pressured.â€
–I doubt it.â€
–Alright, fine, but just you wait, someday there are going to be suspicions floating around that you’d prefer to date other guys instead of girls.â€
–Ginny! You know for a fact that I’m not gay!†he exclaimed, surprised that she’d say something like that.
–Yes, I know that but Witch Weekly doesn’t, does it?†she said, craftily.
–Look, I don’t want a girlfriend right now. So…what did you got me for Christmas?†he asked, changing the subject.
–Ah, well you’re just going to have to wait and see,†she grinned mischievously.
–Can’t you just give me a little hint? Please?â€
–No! Christmas is two days away, you can wait until then.â€
–Fine,†he said, giving her a sulky look by sticking his bottom lip out, like a moody child.
–Don’t give me that look!†she laughed, hitting his arm playfully. –The rest of us have to wait too.â€
–I know, but I don’t like waiting,†he smiled, getting over his little tantrum.
–I know!†she giggled, just as the food alarm went off next to them, nearly sending Harry flying out of his chair in shock.
–Dinner!!!†Mrs Weasley’s voice rang loud and clear. Even though they were all adults at work, she still treated them as little children when they were in her house.
Ginny helped Harry back into his seat, biting down on her tongue to stop herself from laughing hysterically at him. Molly walked briskly through the door just as they were both seated properly.
–Well, aren’t you two enthusiastic!†she smiled, when she saw them already sat at the table waiting. –Are you hungry?â€
–Starving, Mum.†Ginny rolled her eyes. No one could ever be starving living off of Mrs Weasley’s cooking! –Are you trying to fatten us up?â€
–You don’t need fattening up, sis,†Fred announced, walking briskly up to the table.
–Harry’s doing an excellent job of that himself,†George added helpfully.
Since she had left Hogwarts, Ginny wanted to start living off her own devices and not depending on her parents to sort her out all of the time, so she began looking for a place to live just as Harry bought his two-bedroom apartment. After several weeks of living on his own, Harry got bored of the lack of company, so he persuaded Ginny to take the spare bedroom in his flat.
The arrangement suited them both, as they could go to practice together and then take turns on who would do the cooking, cleaning, and shopping. The only thing they argued about was the cleaning, so they got a maid to do that for them once it got so bad that the carpet seemed to have disappeared.
The only person who was not completely in love with the situation was Ron. He did not want his little sister living with his best mate, especially as the rooms were across the hall from each other. Eventually they were able to convince him that late night bedroom visits were probably not going to be a constant thing, and he agreed as long as they ‘behaved’. This statement made Ginny and Harry laugh, and supplied them with plenty of things to talk about.
–Harry, am I fat?†Ginny asked, turning to him demandingly.
–Of course you’re not, Gin!†he smiled fondly at her. This was one of her favourite conversations, and it frequently surfaced after a trip to The Burrow, where the twins would tease her.
–Remember the agreement,†Ron warned, emerging from the living room with Hermione hovering behind him nervously.
–I’m allowed to tell her she’s not fat, aren’t I?†Harry replied with his eyebrows raised.
–Well, yes, but you’ve been warned,†he said sitting down.
–Oh. So…Ron? What were you and Hermione doing in there on your own for so long? I couldn‘t hear very much talking going on,†Ginny accused, unimpressed with the way that he always treated Harry regarding their relationship. He was supposed to be his best friend, he should have a little trust for Christ sakes!
At her question, Ron and Hermione looked at each other in alarm before deciding to ignore her comment altogether, and stared down at the table, pretending not to be there.
Fred and George however, found that little remark absolutely hilarious.
–Ohhh! Has ickle Ronniekins been having a very interesting intellectual conversation with his girlfriend?†Fred asked, sarcastically.
–Aww! It’s nice to know that maybe Hermione’s brains will transfer to you through spit!â€
–George!†Molly exclaimed, swiping him over the head with the whisk that was in her hand at the time.
–Sorry Mum, it was only a joke. We can still hope that their kids get Hermione’s brains, if they don’t…poor unfortunate buggers!â€
–So close, but yet so far,†Fred finished, dramatically.
–Oi! I got more O.W.L.’s than both of you put together!†Ron snapped, his ears turning red.
–Yes, but are you a creator of one of the most promising joke shops in the whole of the Wizarding world? No, you are not,†George informed him.
–Sod off,†Ron scowled, muttering under his breath, but apparently he was not quiet enough.
–Ronald Billius Weasley! Don’t you ever let me hear you using that disgusting tone at my dinner table!â€
–Sorry Mum,†he gave in, defeated.
Ginny rolled her eyes and winked at Harry. He sniggered into his hand, changing it into a choking fit at the last minute, after meeting Ron’s icy glare from across the table, and receiving a sharp kick from under the table in Hermione’s direction.
–Ow! Merlin, Hermione! That hurt!†he exclaimed, turning to scowl at her. She just smiled innocently.
–So, are you two thinking about a wedding yet?†Molly pressed, setting down plates of roast dinner in front of the twins, who started eating it like wild animals. –Fred! George! Manners!â€
–Oryum!†they chorused, smiling at her with their mouths full of various vegetables, beef and Yorkshire pudding.
–Mum, for the last time. There is not going to be a wedding. At least not yet anyway,†Ron said, uncomfortably.
–Why not?! You have been together for years! Surely it’s time to make things official!â€
–No! That is for me and Hermione to decide. We’re not ready yet,†he replied, seriously.
–Fine! Fine…George! Close your mouth this instant and swallow that food!†she snapped, at seeing him showing Ginny the inside of his mouth, whilst she squealed and tried to back away from him, causing her to practically sit on top of Harry.
Harry put his cutlery down and held his hands up, rolling his eyes at Ron who was glaring at him because Ginny was now sitting on his knee.
After dinner, Fred and George went back home to flat above the shop while everyone else stayed to had a few drinks around the fire. It wasn’t long before Harry and Ginny decided that they better get home themselves.
–You’re coming back tomorrow morning?†Molly asked, standing up as they did.
–Of course, Mum,†Ginny assured, giving her a hug.
–I’d better be off too,†Hermione announced, grabbing her wand from the bookshelf, –I’ve got to be in the office early first thing tomorrow to drop some files off.â€
Hermione now worked at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, in the Improper Use of Magic Office. Much to Ron’s dismay, she had her own flat near the Ministry, and no longer needed to crash at the Burrow. It also bugged him because he was still living at home with his parents, unable to move out because of the fact that there weren’t many affordable properties available in London near Gringotts, where he now worked.
–Why don’t you stay a little longer?†Ron asked Hermione, dropping subtle hints that only Harry and Ginny could understand, and which made them want to vomit
–Sorry, we’ve got a date with the TV. Isn’t that right, Harry?†Ginny smiled, trying to pretend that Ron had been talking to them too, so his motives were not completely obvious.
–Yep, Angelina Jolie calls,†Harry grinned back, receiving a playful swat from Ginny.
–Who?†Ron asked, confused.
–A Muggle actress,†Ginny informed him.
–A rather good one at that,†Hermione added. –Oh, and I can’t stay, because it’s late and I want to get some sleep.â€
He sighed in defeat, –I guess I’ll see you tomorrow sometime then?â€
–Sure. I will come around later when I can.†Hermione pulled Ginny into a hug, Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek, and she bent down for Ron to give her a passionate kiss before walking into the fireplace and disappearing in the emerald green flames.
Molly gave Harry a hug and smiled at Ginny. The smile she used was not one that either Ginny or Harry understood, but they did not mention anything.
–See ya, mate,†Ron said hauling himself off of the sofa, slapping Harry on the back, –Ginny, be careful,†he added to his sister, warningly.
–Jeez, Ron! If Harry and I were going to fall in bed together, I’m sure it would have happened before now. We have been sharing our small apartment for nearly a year; I’d hoped that you’d kind of moved on from that ridiculous speculation!†Ginny sighed in irritation.
Harry chuckled at Ron’s quickly reddening face before turning to her, –Let’s go, shall we? Our chamber awaits,†he laughed, bowing low and holding out his arm.
She giggled in amusement, –Certainly, sir, that sounds very inviting,†she replied taking the offered arm in an over exaggerated fashion.
–OK, OK! No need to milk it. I’ll see you guys tomorrow,†Ron gave in, sighing.
–Goodbye, dear brother. I shall think of your kind words of concern, when Harry and I are in bed together tonight,†Ginny smirked as they stepped into the fire, giving Ron no time to respond.
They arrived at their apartment, laughing rather loudly and hysterically.
Ginny emerged from under the hearth first, Harry following and then turned on the lights as they both walked into the kitchen, still laughing. They both jumped up onto the island in the middle, and sighed.
Overall, their ‘small’ apartment was anything but small. It was a very posh, expensive, and very messy looking place that rightly belonged to two exceptional young international pro Quidditch stars.
There were two large sized bedrooms, a gigantic bathroom, an open living and dining area, with the kitchen just around the corner. It suited their needs perfectly.
–I still can’t believe Ron!†Ginny giggled.
–I know! He genuinely thinks that we’re having a romantic relationship behind everyone’s backs,†Harry agreed, shaking his head in disbelief. –Merlin, Ron is going to slaughter us tomorrow after everything we said as we left.â€
–Probably.â€
–Oh well, just seeing the look on his face was worth it.â€
–I think you’re right,†Ginny grinned.
–Do you want a hot chocolate?†Harry asked after a few seconds of comfortable silence as he slid off of the surface.
–Yes please,†she smiled back, –with marshmallows and cream?â€
–Of course,†he rolled his eyes, before filling and boiling the kettle.
Ginny watched Harry whizz around the kitchen for a while, before deciding that her presence wasn’t needed. –I’m going to go change,†she announced, hopping down off of her perch.
–Alright,†he replied turning to smile quickly at her, before the kettle started whistling and he turned to attend to it.
Ginny couldn’t help but grin at the fact that she was somehow sharing a flat with one of the only men in the world who could cook and navigate himself around the kitchen. Talk about striking gold! Especially since she couldn’t cook herself; he was quite useful to have around .
She turned down the hall towards her room, wondering if Dean could cook; and whether or not they’d live off of Muggle takeaways if they chose to live with each other.
Ginny’s bedroom was the lightest room in the whole apartment in the middle of the day. The walls were painted a silvery purple colour and the carpet was crème. There was a large double bed against the farthest wall with a pretty white duvet with small lilac butterflies scattered daintily across it.
When she walked in the first thing she did was spend five minutes hoping around the room in an attempt to pull off her tight brown boots.
Harry heard her clattering as he walked past the bedroom door and cautiously knocked. –Gin? Are you alright in there?â€
–Yes…I’m…I’m fine…dang it!†she muttered.
–Are you sure?†he checked, unsure, due to the sudden noise of a loud bang.
–Yeah, nothing’s wrong…OWW!†she cried irritably, as she hit her back on the dressing table.
–Can I come in?†he asked, nervously .
–Sure,†she replied, just before falling onto her bed. She sighed and flopped back against the pillows in exhaustion, dropping her ankle, and blowing her red hair out of her eyes.
–What’s wrong?†Harry asked, moving over to her.
–Um…could you possibly help me take these off?†she asked, pointing to her feet. –I think they’re stuck.â€
–Oh,†he chuckled. He grabbed hold of her right ankle and tugged lightly, then harder and harder.
Yep, she was right. They’re stuck fast! Harry thought in amusement.
–Okay, Ginny. Hold onto the edge of the bed tightly so I can pull them off,†he said after a minute or two of pointless yanking.
–In theory,†she added, doing as she was told and gripping the metal bar behind her.
–Ready? One, two, three!†Harry pulled as hard as he could, but the boot didn’t budge, though he did manage to pull Ginny’s bed slightly away from the wall. Refusing to believe that a shoe could beat him, he tried again. Nothing happened. He sighed, –Merlin! Have you glued these to your feet or something?â€
–No. They just won’t come off!†she wailed, –What if we never get them off and I have to wear the same pair of shoes for the rest of my life!â€
–It won’t come to that,†Harry comforted her. –If the worst comes to the worst we’ll just have to sever them off of your feet.â€
–But I like these boots!â€
–Right, well, I’ve just had an idea. Hold still,†he said, pulling his wand out of his pocket. –Carpe Retractum!†he announced pointing at her shoes.
Magical ropes shot out of the end of the wand, wrapped themselves around both of Ginny’s ankles, and began to forcefully remove the boots.
Ginny muttered a string of swear words as she clung onto her bed frame as if her life depended on it. Eventually the boots slid off of her feet with such strength that the ropes flew backwards and one of the boots smacked Harry in the face, knocking him over.
–Damn!†he exclaimed clambering up, clenching his nose. It was wonky and he could feel warm blood trickling down his chin.
–It’s broken,†Ginny said, moving closer to examine it, carefully removing his hand so she could see the extent of the damage. She drew her own wand and pronounced clearly, –Episkey!â€
Harry’s nose clicked back into place and they both flinched at the sound.
–Sorry,†she apologized, smiling timidly.
–Don’t worry about it, Cookie,†he said distantly. His tone suggested that his mind was elsewhere.
–Cookie?†Ginny asked in confusion.
–What?†he replied, his face snapping back into reality.
–Cookie? You called me, Cookie,†she grinned mischievously.
–I did?†he asked in surprise. –Well, I have no idea where that came from!†he laughed.
–Yeah, me either. You must be hungry,†she giggled, –but thank you for your help.â€
–Oh, don’t mention it, Cookie,†he smirked. –I’ll leave you to get changed now. See you in the living room,†he said on his way to the door.
–OK, sure thing,†she smiled back, watching him leave before throwing the boots into the bottom of her wardrobe, forcefully, and slamming the doors shut.
Nothing Is Ever Easy. by Ginny_x_Weasley
Story Notes:
This story takes place a few years after the battle, but with a few changes. Fred didn't die, and the Harry/Ginny previous relationship never happened. It's painly Harry/Ginny, but with Ron and Hermione's relationship in the background. Oh, and the warning is for later chapters :)
Chapter Notes: A big thanks to my beta Maple_and_PheonixFeather! Maybe with some luck, you'll be able to drill the magical rules of punctuation into my head!
Chapter Endnotes: Can you see that sad little box below? Can you hear it crying because it's lonely? Please fill it with words so it stops crying, because all of the noise is distracting me from writing! xxx