Rating:
R
House:
Schnoogle
Characters:
Draco Malfoy
Genres:
General Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix
Stats:
Published: 12/31/2003
Updated: 04/18/2004
Words: 181,191
Chapters: 46
Hits: 99,765

Harry Potter and Unexpected Beginnings

dan's girl62

Story Summary:
The summer after OoTP, Harry discovers he has control of his connection with Voldemort, and uses it to his advantage. With the help of his friends, and an unexpected joining of their team, Harry and the gang return to school for their 6th year and go in search of a way to defeat Voldemort. However, when teenage hormones set in, can Harry find room in his heart to love, or will he reject her based on fear of a prophecy that dictates his future...or lack thereof. Rated R for future chapters.

Chapter 23

Chapter Summary:
The summer after OoTP, Harry discovers he has control of his connection with Voldemort and uses it to his advantage. With the help of his friends, and an unexpected joining of their team, Harry and the gang return to school for their sixth year and go in search of a way to defeat Voldemort. However, when teenage hormones set in, can Harry find room in his heart to love, or will he reject her based on fear of a prophecy that dictates his future...or lack thereof. Rated R for future chapters.
Posted:
02/23/2004
Hits:
2,054


Chapter twenty-three

Harry lay in bed, in the room his shared with Ron, staring at the ceiling. It was nearly dawn, and he had yet to find a way to sleep. He couldn't help but think about all Dumbledore had said to him. He knew he and Ginny were meant to be together; he just had no idea that it was predicted before either of them was even born. He also knew others would join in their fight, most of the students of Hogwart's were already preparing for the new D.A. club, but he couldn't comprehend that there was one among them, prophecized to join their side in the battle, or that the other one could possibly be Draco Malfoy. How was he to ever convince the one person they had spent the past six years thinking of as their worst enemy, into turning sides against his very own father? Harry sighed and rolled over to his stomach, burying his head beneath his pillow. His head hurt, his eyes burned with fatigue and his jaw throbbed in pain from where he'd been clenching it. Then a thought came to his mind. Maybe it wasn't Malfoy at all; maybe it was Neville who was destined to join them. He had just lost his mother, as Malfoy had, and although Harry felt very sympathetic for the boy, he knew it would be much easier to convince him to fight against Voldemort than Ferret-Face Malfoy, as Ron would call him.

As if on cue, the bed next to him creaked and the boy in it stirred. Harry knew it was Christmas, and just as every holiday for the past six years, Ron was eager to see what presents awaited him. He fought back a yawn, as he heard his name whispered in the stillness. Harry contemplated for several minutes whether or not to answer, but knew from previous experience; Ron Weasley wouldn't give up that easily. Harry sat up, tossing his pillow aside.

"Happy Christmas," Ron said softly glancing down to the foot of their bed, where a stack of presents sat.

"Happy Christmas," Harry answered sluggishly, following Ron's lead and reaching for the presents and tearing at the wrapping. There were the usual books from Hermione, Berttie Botts Every Flavor Beans from Seamus, drawings of each of them with their girls from Dean and socks from Dobby. Misty had managed to make them a stack of small fruit tarts, while Hagrid sent along a large supply of his homemade fudge (which neither were eager to eat) and Mrs. Weasley had once again knitted them their matching jumpers.

"You look awful mate," Ron said, stuffing his mouth full of fruit tarts.

"I didn't sleep much," Harry said, picking at the crust of his own fruit tart.

"What happened with mum? You were gone so long, I fell asleep. Did she really give you grief?" Harry frowned.

"Not really. She was pretty cool about Ginny and I, but Dumbledore joined us and told us about more of the prophecy, he neglected to tell me last year." Harry spent the next several minutes telling his friend what was said the night before, watching the shocked expression cross his face when he told him about the fifth point of the star, and who it may mean.

"Malfoy! Are you mental? There's no way that...Ferret-Face would ever turn tail against his father. It has to be Neville."

"Let's hope so, because Dumbledore said all would be lost if he was persuaded by Voldemort."

"I wonder how Neville is holding up," Ron said after a moment. "It can't be easy for him. Remember how he acted last year, when his mum gave him the gum wrapper? I can't imagine how it must be having your parents like that, but then to loose one. It has to be horrible."

"Sometimes I think I'm lucky, to never have known my parents. At least I was too young to grieve their deaths."

"Who are you trying to kid? You grieve your parents' loss every day. I think the only time you don't mourn them is when you're snogging with Ginny."

"My parents aren't exactly the first thought that comes to mind, when I've got your sister in my arms."

"Bloody hell, I should hope not. That would be really sick."

"You're really okay about me and Ginny now, aren't you?" Harry asked after a few moments. Ron blushed, as he stuffed another tart in his mouth.

"Once I stopped thinking of you as a suitor who wanted to date my sister, and saw how happy you guys were together, I guess I just stopped worrying. I know you won't hurt her. Besides, now she's your problem, that gives me more time with Hermione."

"Speaking of which," Harry said with a sly smile. "What happened on the train? I take it from the way you were kissing her on the platform, things are better with you two."

"Yeah they are," Ron said blushing deeper than before. "You should have seen how she acted when I gave her the ring. You'd think I just gave her a new copy of Hogwart's A History, or something."

"So you asked her to be your girl?" Ron blushed deeper than Harry had ever seen.

"Not exactly," he said softly, looking up from beneath his long pale lashes. "I asked her to marry me."

"You did what? Are you mental? You're only sixteen."

"I know, but it just sort of happened. I mean, I went to find her after she yelled at me, just to give her the ring and ask her to be mine, but once she opened it the words just sort of jumped out of my mouth. I didn't even know for sure what I was saying; it was like my tongue had a mind of its own. But once I asked her, it just felt so right, I didn't try to take it back or even explain why I asked her. But we're not going to do it, or tell anyone about it until next year. We've decided to wait until after graduation to make it official. I mean, I've never really heard of Hogwart's allowing married students to go to classes, or share the same dormatory. But if it means getting out of Potions, I may consider eloping."

"I can't believe it," Harry said in a stunned tone. "It's one thing to get around the fact that you two fight just to have an excuse to make up, but to be getting married? It's unreal. There are times I could swear you can't stand each other, and then I find you hiding in a corner or a closet somewhere snogging. There's even been bets going around, of which one of you will do the other off first. Dean and Seamus insist you fight, just because you enjoy seeing how angry the other one gets. Are you sure about this? It's a really big step you know?"

"Have you ever wanted something so badly, that once you have it you realize you don't ever want to let it go?" Ron asked, a serious mature look on his freckled face. Harry thought for barely a second, when the image of a beautiful read head filtered before his eyes. He nodded silently, allowing his friend to continue. "That's how it was when Hermione first agreed to go out with me. Then when she let me kiss her the first time, it was like a door to heaven had opened up. And even though it was unplanned and completely unexpected, the first time I made love to her, it was surreal. I can still feel her beneath me, when I close my eyes. I know it sounds weird, Harry, but I really love her, and not the same way you do, not as a friend or even a girl, but I'm truly in love with her. I have a hard time breathing if I'm not with her, and when I am, I can't stop looking at her. I can't imagine life without her."

"I know you love her, Ron. And I'm really happy for you."

"When the time comes, would you consider standing as my witness? I mean, you're closer to me than any of my own brothers are and I could use a little support to make it that far."

"I'd be honored, Ron. But let's wait and see what happens by that time. You never know what life has in store for you. I mean, look at the prophecy about the fifth point to the star. Who would imagine Malfoy would be willing to change sides?"

"I still don't believe it. There's no way that pale faced snake is ever going to turn against his father. He's just too evil and black hearted."

"Maybe. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

"Don't you ever get tired of this?" Ron asked, leaning back against the wall and pulling his legs up to his chin.

"Tired of what?" Harry asked.

"Every year, something else happens and every year, we end up having to battle someone evil and sinister. Is it too much to ask, for just one normal year?" Harry smiled. It could only take the illogical mind of Ronald Weasley to make the obvious seem so simple.

Breakfast was a flurry of utensils, while everyone ate at a hasty pace. Presents weren't allowed until everyone ate, which meant whether you were hungry or not, you had to clean your plate and wait patiently for the others. Not an easy task for Ron, who finished first and spent the next half hour shifting in his seat or tapping his fingers on the table. Mrs. Weasley became so irritated with her son's noise that she threatened to put a tear proof charm on all of the wrappings if he didn't sit still.

Harry sat next to Ginny, fighting the urge to tell her about her gift. He was anxious for her to see the bracelet Hermione insisted that she had fallen in love with, over the summer holidays. The excitement of Christmas was a new and overwhelming experience for him. Never had he imagined growing up, that one day he would be a part of a family that loved him, or that he would have presents with his name on them, under the tree.

"Now can we open presents?" Ron grumbled, as his father - the last to finish eating, pushed his plate aside and reached for his coffee mug. Mr. Weasley looked from his son to his wife, who began to gather the empty dishes.

"Very well," Mrs. Weasley agreed, then had to stand aside as the table's occupants suddenly seemed to explode out of their seats and hurry into the next room. Ron was first to the door, but it was the twins who made it into the sitting room first, having tripped their younger brother in the hallway, sending him spiraling into the closet across the hall. Harry and Ginny took a slower pace of walking, yet were anxiously among those who found seats on the old worn carpet around the massive tree, Lupin had brought home the night before.

Ron opened his presents with the zest of a child, smiling at the new wizard chess set from Lupin and Tonks, a package of wizard treats from the twins (which he carefully put aside, afraid of them blowing up in his face), and a book of Quiddich plays from Harry that actually had miniature players who zoomed around a replica of a Quiddich pitch while each play was explained in detail. Charlie had bought him a new school bag with his initials embossed in gold letters, while Bill had given him a new white shirt and navy blue tie. Percy and Penelope smiled at the look on his face when he opened up a penknife they had given to him; similar to the one Sirius had given Harry the year before. Hermione's parents had given him a tan leather jacket, embossed with the Chudley Cannons logo, two black Cs and a speeding cannonball. He was so excited about the jacket, he began penning a thank you note for Pig to take to the Grangers, immediately.

Harry opened his gifts, with a renewed excitement he hadn't felt in months. Lupin had given him a new set of dress robes, while Tonks gave him a book on the Dark Arts; a gift he promised mentally to read before the first D.A. meeting. The twins favored him with a matching box of wizard treats - which he too carefully put aside. Charlie gave him a replica of a Hippogriff that remarkably resembled Buckbeak. Bill gave him a dragon skin wallet, and Percy and Penelope gave him a gift that made his throat become dry and his eyes sting. Inside a small cherry wood box was nestled a small golden spoon shaped hand for Mrs. Weasley's magical clock, that told where her family was at all times. On the spoon face was a picture of him, and on the thin handle were the words. 'Our brother'. Harry tried to speak, but couldn't find words that would form around the tightening in his throat. Instead he gently placed the spoon back into the box, nodding to the couple and wrapping his arms around the girl who was suddenly hanging around his neck.

Conversation continued as the rest of the group opened their presents. Harry got Bill a dragon skin belt and Charlie a new pair of boots, since his had burns and bite marks taken out of them. Percy and Penelope received a book for New Magical Parents, and Harry teased them about it being an owner's manual, while he gave Mr. and Mrs. Weasley two tickets to the Wizard's New Year's Eve Ball. The twins were given a package of assorted Muggle candies, which they had been nagging him for so they could duplicate them as wizard treats. Harry was about to give Ginny her gift when Misty suddenly appeared with drinks and cakes. She quietly sat a tray of eggnog on a nearby table, and smiled at the young man. Harry reached beneath the tree, retrieving a small red package and handing it to her. Reluctantly the little elf took the package and quietly unwrapped it. Inside was a small picture of Harry and his parents; a duplicate one from his photo album Hagrid had given him after his first year at Hogwart's. Misty smiled, her eyes clouded over with tears and she happily hugged Harry before disappearing from the room with a snap of her fingers.

"That was very nice, Harry," Ginny whispered to him, kissing his cheek gently. Harry smiled. Now was the time for her to have her present. He pulled the last box out from under the tree, handing the gold wrapped package to her and smiled as she looked at him.

"Happy Christmas," he told her, awkwardly aware of the lag in conversation and the eyes that watched the girl, while she quickly and carefully removed the wrapping to reveal Tonks' old jewelry box. With large wide eyes, she looked to Harry and then to the green and red haired woman sitting next to Lupin.

"But, this belongs to Tonks," she said.

"I knew how much you loved it, and Harry wanted something special for you. I decided a new muff and scarf were better for me to give to you anyway," Tonks explained.

"The box is still from Tonks," Harry insisted, watching the woman frown as he turned back to Ginny. "But what's inside is from me." Ginny opened the lid and looked at the small package, with its matching gold wrapping. She slowly removed it, setting the jewelry box aside. With hands that shook slightly, she unwrapped the package and pulled the cherry wood lid off the small box. Inside was a glistening silver bracelet with several tiny charms dangling from the delicate chain. Ginny gasped, looking to Harry with wide eyes.

"Hermione told me how much you loved it," he said in answer to her unasked question. "I wanted to give you something you really wanted." Harry frowned as tears began to slip from the girl's eyes. "I thought you'd be happy?" He was devastated. He had hoped she would like the gift, he'd planned it for days and envisioned her reaction in a hundred ways, but never had he anticipated that she would cry.

"I do like it," Ginny sniffed, smiling at him. "Oh, Harry, I love it. It's just like you, to take my breath away and give me something so precious." Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck, ignoring the eyes that followed their actions, as she kissed his lips passionately. Several silent moments passed before they pulled apart, this time Harry could see the pleasure on her face.

"So you really like it?" he asked skeptically.

"I love it, and I love you. Thank you Harry."

"Anything for you my love," he whispered against her cheek when he leaned in to kiss it. Mr. Weasley passed out the mugs of eggnog and lifted his in the air.

"A toast," the elder man said, watching as everyone followed suit. "To the love of Christmas, and of family. We are once again, all together."

"To family," they cheered, sipping the sweet liquid. Harry sat his mug aside and helped Ginny slip the bracelet on her wrist. There were a number of charms dangling against her tender flesh, one was a tiny heart that perfectly matched the necklace he had given her last summer, there was a tiny silver wand, a hat much like the sorting hat, a cat and a deep blue tear drop shaped stone of azurite, much like the one Dumbledore had given Harry of his mother's. There was also a tiny lightening bolt-shaped charm, which Ginny lifted on her finger and caressed with her thumb.

"This is just like your scar," she told him. Harry frowned, seeing the identical shape of the tiny silver charm everyday in the mirror. "It makes me feel like you're with me, no matter what." Harry lifted her chin and kissed her forehead gently.

"I am with you always, you know that."

"But this is proof, not just knowledge or a feeling. I have real proof now, that we belong together." Harry gently lifted the star shaped charm next to the one she played with, caressing it in a similar fashion.

"The one you were born with that matches this, is all the proof you need," he told her, then smiled and gently kissed the shoulder of her jumper, where he knew the birthmark was hidden.

"I think I am the luckiest girl alive," she told him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"It would match me, I suppose. Because I'm the luckiest guy alive." Harry smiled at Ginny, pulling her tighter in his arms, leaning his forehead against hers and whispering so only she could hear him. "Do you remember my birthday present?" he asked her, watching the color creep up her cheeks. She nodded silently, allowing him to smile seductively as he continued in hushed tones. "Maybe we can repeat the gift later, in private?"

"Maybe we can go further than just the one gift?" she asked hopefully, watching the color of his eyes darkened slightly. Harry smiled, leaning closer to her, his lips a breath away from hers.

"I can't think of a better Christmas gift for us to give each other," he told her, kissing her lips with a promise and a secret, they alone shared.

Christmas for Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley was definitely promising to be an unforgettable experience. With the luck of the stars and the blessings of the Gods, Ginny knew she would soon find her way into Harry's arms and his bed. Soon, she would not only be Harry Potter's girl, but his woman.


Author notes: Thank you everyone who has been reading and reviewing. I have recently learned that my fic has been plagerized, and I am unsure if I want to submit any more chapters. Please let me know what you think, and if I should continue submitting. This has been very upsetting to me, and I am extremely distressed about my story being stolen, and used word for word. I love writing and have had a lot of fun with this story, but not if it's going to be used for other people's gain.