Connections

Chapter 7: This Kiss

It was still dark when Harry crept silently down the stairs and out the back door of the Burrow to meet Charlie and Bethany. They were to all going to run together. Charlie had told Harry that he and Bethany ran each morning and that their roommates reacted to the idea pretty much the same as his brothers. "They all think we’re nutters," Charlie had told him. Harry laughed as he remembered his expression.

As Harry walked across the wet grass, he thought about how glad he was that he had decided to step into the Dursley’s fireplace last Sunday morning. Tomorrow was his fifteenth birthday and the first that he would spend with his friends. He had already overheard the others whispering and noticed their failed attempts at secrecy, so he had guessed they were planning a surprise party. He had hoped it wouldn’t be too much, but had to admit he was excited at the prospect of having a party.

He noticed a third person with Charlie and Bethany as he approached the far side of the tent where they were to meet.

"Morning Harry," Charlie called, "Bethany talked Ginny into joining us on our run."

Harry smiled at her as he sat down to begin the warm-up routine Charlie taught him. It was difficult for him to concentrate on the routine. He kept stealing glances in Ginny’s direction while attempting to look like he wasn’t. He assumed he was failing miserably at both the routine and his attempts at covert observation of the redhead because Charlie was giggling and Bethany laughed as she playfully slapped her husband and said, "Quit teasing, Charlie."

Ginny’s cheeks were bright red and Harry figured it wasn’t caused by the mild warm-up routine as his own cheeks felt warm.

"Ready?" Charlie asked as he grabbed a backpack and put it on. They all nodded and followed Charlie out of the Burrow’s yard on to the narrow road. Charlie took them through the small village. The quartet ran in silence as they passed the cottages. Only a few were lit at the early hour. Their pace was slow and steady. Harry suspected that the slower speed was for Ginny’s benefit, but enjoyed the prospect of a longer run with his new companions.

They made their way toward the woods. Harry knew that these same woods connected to the Weasley’s property, but he and Charlie had not run this way before.

"This is one of my favorite places," he heard Charlie tell Bethany.

"What do you have up your sleeve, Charlie?" she asked as she sped up her pace and patted Charlie’s behind as she ran past him. Charlie hurried after her.

Ginny turned to Harry and rolled her eyes as she grinned and motioned towards the older couple.

"Where are we heading?" Harry asked Ginny. She just shrugged her shoulders. Ginny was holding her own on the run but the exertion winded her to much to permit a verbal reply.

Harry was about to direct his question toward Charlie when he noticed that he had slowed to a brisk walk.

"This is what I wanted to show you, Beth," he said as he waited for Harry and Ginny to catch up with them. They turned a corner and entered a place that Harry thought had to be enchanted.

"Oh, Charlie, it’s so beautiful!" Bethany exclaimed as she put her arms around Charlie and kissed his cheek.

Ginny turned around in circles as she took in the scene. A small pond was fed by a cascading waterfall. Flowers of all types and colors bloomed all around them. The rocky bank on the far side of the pond was large and flat. Charlie had moved to that area and was opening his backpack. He removed a large blanket and spread it out and motioned for the others to join him.

"Well, come on," Charlie called, "I don’t know about you, but I’m famished." Charlie pulled out four plates and cups, a tea kettle, and numerous boxes.

"Charlie Weasley, you are always hungry," Bethany teased, "When did you do this?"

"Oh, I just threw a few things together while you were dressing this morning," Charlie said as Ginny and Harry began walking toward Charlie’s picnic brunch.

"I take it that you and Charlie don’t usually take brunch in the middle of your runs," Ginny said as she carefully navigated the wet, slippery stones. She started to slip but Harry caught her around her waist to steady her. They both blushed and he pulled his hands away so quickly she nearly fell over again.

"Hey you rat!" Bethany teased, "Carlo made these."

"Yes, he did," he said as he kissed his wife’s cheek, "but I thought of it and I owe him a cleaning now."

As Ginny and Harry joined them on the large blanket, Bethany said, "You two are in for a treat. Carlo is a wonderful cook."

"Charlie, this place is great. How long have you known about it?" Ginny asked.

"Since I was a kid, Gin, but don’t go telling everyone else. I’d like to keep it just the way it is," Charlie said as he passed his sister a plate.

"You sure we won’t get into trouble being here?" Harry asked, "I mean won’t the owners get mad?"

"Nah, Harry, they won’t get mad. I know the guy. He’s a handsome chap- very friendly," Charlie said grinning.

"Who owns it?" Ginny asked with a questioning expression as she took a chocolate covered strawberry from a magically chilled box.

"I do," Charlie answered casually. Everyone looked surprised. "Hey, I know how to save money. I’ve lived rent free since I left school and I never spend much otherwise. When I found this place as a kid, I decided I would own it one day," Charlie said.

"But you never said anything," Bethany said, "I would have loaned you…"

"I know you would have, Beth. Actually, had you known I wanted it, you would have gone out and bought it long ago. The best part of this place is that it is mine, well ours, but I got it with my own money," Charlie said. Bethany smiled faintly and touched Charlie’s cheek before leaning in to kiss him.

"How much land is it?" Harry asked.

"All of it," Charlie answered again surprising the others, "I bought the forest from where we entered outside of the village back around to the Burrow.

Ginny giggled, "So Charlie, are you going to tell Mum and Dad or will Merrick?"

Charlie ruffled Ginny’s hair, "No smarty-pants, I thought I’d fill them in later."

Harry was laughing heartily. Bethany had ceased her laughter and stared at Harry, lost in her own thoughts as she did. Harry noticed and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"I know you have to get this all the time but you look so much like…" she started.

"My dad," Harry interrupted, "I know. I get that all the time from the people who knew him. Did you know him well?"

"I knew James pretty well. He was one of my brother’s best friends," she shook her head as she spoke, "but I was about to say your mother. Lily had that exact same facial expression when she would laugh at James and his friends. Outwardly, there is no denying your resemblance to James, but many of your gestures and lot of how you act is so Lily. You have more of your mother in you than just her eyes."

"You were friends with my mum?" Harry asked. His eyes wide with excitement.

"I met your mum through Remy, Remus Lupin. He’s my brother," she said as Ginny and Harry both looked at her with confused expressions until she explained further, "He’s a foster brother. I was a first year when your parents were Head Boy and Girl. Remy and the others allowed me to tag along. I suppose at Remy’s insistence but, I knew a few tricks that earned me a place as an honorary Marauder."

Harry just stared. He couldn’t believe it. This was one of the first people he had met who knew his mother and would talk about her. He had never had much information about his father from the others but he had even less about his mother. He was always told that he had her eyes but nothing more.

Then he turned to Charlie, "If she knew my mum and dad then you and Bill would have been at school at the same time too. Why didn’t you ever say anything?"

"There wasn’t all that much I could tell you, Harry. I was in the same house as your parents, unlike Beth, but I was just a first year without an older brother who was best friends with your parents," Charlie answered, "Bill may be able to tell you a little more, but you know how it is. How many seventh years did you hang out with as a first year?"

Harry laughed as he thought back over his past four years at Hogwarts. He really hadn’t known any of the seventh year Gryffindors during his first year. As a matter of fact, he couldn’t really say he knew anyone beyond the fifth years and the one’s he knew were Percy Weasley and Oliver Wood, his former Quidditch Captain.

"I see what you mean," Harry said, "I guess I just never realized that you and Bill were at school with them."

"Bethany can tell you loads more than I ever could. I never stayed in Godric’s Hollow either," Charlie said.

Harry’s head shot in Bethany’s direction, "You stayed there in their house?"

Bethany smiled, "Harry, I was in your parents wedding and I was at your house the day you were born. Yes, I think you could say I stayed many times at your house."

Harry swallowed. He had spoken to Professor Lupin and to Sirius, of course, but they both seemed to avoid the topic of his parents. They would answer his questions when he asked, but no one openly discussed his parents. He assumed it was because it hurt them to remember, but not knowing hurt him, too.

"I spent a few weeks off and on during the summer with Lily and James the year before you were born. And the summer you were born I spent the entire months of July and August at your house to help your mum. Your dad was so anxious and Lil teased him unmercifully. He didn’t want her to do anything, even the things that weren’t dangerous or stressing. He was very overprotective of her during her pregnancy," Bethany started laughing at her own memories, "We were always doing little things to unnerve him. Lily would have me do something that was a little risky then step into my place to make it look like she had just done it. Remy and Sirius were of no help to your dad either. They would tease him constantly and assisted your mother with a few of her more outrageous stunts." Harry looked at Bethany shaking his head and smiling as he tried to picture his mother doing these outrageous stunts. "You know Harry, the first time I watched you fly in a Quidditch match," she paused and answered Harry’s unasked question, "Yes, Harry, I went to watch you play in your first year. As I was saying, the first time I saw you flying I told Remy and Charlie that your skill had nothing to do with your dad. It was because you mum was flying a broom the very day you were born."

"What?" Harry asked with his eyes wide and jaw lowered, "She flew? The same day?"

Bethany nodded, "Actually, I think she was in labor while she was up there. I thought your dad was going to have a heart attack. He was yelling and panicking. It was quite funny. She landed and he hugged her like he’d never see her again. Then she called for me to help her to her room. She said as calm as can be, ‘I’m ready to have the baby now.’ Of course, this sent your dad into another wave of panic until he stopped totally and looked at her accusingly. He had to make sure she wasn’t teasing him again. She put her hands on her hips and said, ‘What are you waiting for?’ and he stared back, ‘I just wanted to make sure your weren’t teasing before I sent for everyone.’ Your mum stomped her foot and her water broke. This snapped him into action and your were born a few hours later."

Harry wore the biggest grin that Ginny had ever seen on him. She was really glad that she had decided to go running because not only was she getting to spend time with Harry without Ron around but she was getting to know Bethany, her new sister-in-law.

"Fancy a swim?" Charlie asked as he removed his running shoes, socks and t-shirt. Ginny frowned and Charlie tossed his pack to her, "You’re not the only one whose good at stealing your siblings clothes. I put yours and Beth’s suits in there." He jumped into the water wearing just his jogging shorts, "Come on in Harry."

Bethany pulled out her wand and pointed away from the pond and said, "Cabana." A small tent appeared off to the side. To avoid attention and unwanted questions, Bethany had gotten in the habit of carrying her wand even though she didn’t use it much. She wasn’t sure how much information she was prepared to share with the younger Weasleys and their friends and her proficiency at wandless magic was definitely an area she felt wise to hold back. She motioned for Ginny to join her in the cabana and they changed into their swimsuits.

Harry and Charlie had been splashing one another, but both stopped to stare at the two girls as they walked over to join the fun. When Charlie realized that Harry had been looking at his little sister the same way he had been looking at Bethany, he tapped him on the head and said, "That is my little sister you’re staring at, Potter."

Harry grinned, "Should I look at Bethany instead?" Harry tried to duck out of the way but Charlie was too quick for him and soon Harry found himself immersed in the cool water of the pond. Ginny smiled, jumped in and began furiously splashing Harry and Charlie. Bethany joined her and soon the battle lines were drawn along the sexes as the boys began chasing after the girls. The girls were both quicker in the water and it took a while before Charlie caught Bethany.

"Hah," Charlie said as he began tickling his now giggling wife, "I caught you."

Bethany was attempting to wrestle free, "Only because I let you catch me."

Charlie held her easily. Physically, Bethany was no match for him and the strength he had developed handling dragons. He laughed and said, "I know you don’t think that you will actually escape."

No sooner had he finished his statement then she whispered, "Spoutus" and a water spout sprung from the pond directly into Charlie’s face forcing him to release her to shield himself from the aqueous onslaught.

"No fair," he called as Bethany smiled and waited for him to come after her again. She lightheartedly splashed water in his direction.

Ginny still had Harry on the run. She had crippled Harry by removing his glasses from his face during the chase. With his vision blurred she had a slight advantage. Harry knew it was getting futile and changed his strategy. He decided to quit chasing and treat her like a Golden Snitch and wait for his opportunity to snatch her. He knew she wasn’t used to all the exercise and was getting tired more quickly than he was. She passed by a little too closely. Using his Seeker reflexes, Harry grabbed her and began tickling her like Charlie had tickled Bethany. He struggled and recovered his glasses. They were very close. She was wiggling to break free to play the game more when they both realized they were embracing. Their eyes met and widened. Harry grinned and they both turned a bright shade of red. They pulled apart and looked towards Charlie and Bethany who hadn’t noticed anything. The newlyweds were occupied in a rather passionate embrace. Harry smiled shyly and raised his left hand and touched her cheek. Her heart skipped a beat and her eyes looked nervously over in her older brother’s direction. Harry leaned over and quickly kissed Ginny’s cheek then whispered, "Let’s get them." She flushed again then smiled conspiratorially as they both crept toward the couple that had forgotten that they were not alone and proceeded to inundate them with a tidal wave of splashes.

"Ahhh," they screamed as they broke their embrace and turned their attention to Ginny and Harry. The battle lines were redrawn by age this time. They chased their younger opponents around splashing back with enthusiasm.

Ginny was near the base of the waterfall when she saw a snake. She froze. "Charlie! Harry!" she called softly, "There’s a snake right in front of me."

Simultaneously, Harry and Bethany both began speaking Parseltongue. The snake pushed its head out of the water, looked at Harry then at Bethany, and turned and swam to the bank. It scurried away into the woods.

"You’re a Parselmouth?" Harry asked incredulously.

"I see you are one too. There haven’t been many of us. I do have to admit it can come in handy at times," Bethany answered.

"My wife is a regular Dr. Doolittle, she can talk to almost any animal," Charlie said. Harry laughed as he nodded but Ginny just looked puzzled.

"There’s a muggle story about a man who could talk to animals. Which, more than likely, was a story of a witch or wizard who shared the same ability but let muggles find out about it," Bethany explained as Ginny nodded to indicate her understanding but her expression betrayed her continued confusion.

"I guess it’s time we start heading back to the Burrow. How about we walk back and enjoy the scenery," Bethany suggested as she walked out of the pond and conjured four fluffy blue towels. She picked one up and carried it with her to the cabana.

Ginny followed changing rapidly as Charlie cast a drying spell on his and Harry’s shorts. When Ginny emerged from the cabana, Bethany said, "Finite Incantatum." The cabana and towels disappeared. Harry noticed that Bethany had not used her wand. He tried to catch Ginny’s eye to see if she noticed too but she blushed and smiled at him. He smiled back. The wandless magic forgotten for the moment.

"Let’s go this way," Charlie said indicating a well-worn path, "it leads back to the Burrow." He picked up his backpack and walked over to Bethany who was lost in thought watching the waterfall. He kissed the back of her neck.

"Umm, I’ll have to daydream more often," she said as she turned and kissed Charlie on the lips.

Ginny was just about to make a comment about all the kissing when she remembered, "Harry kissed my cheek!" She raised her hand and touched the spot on her cheek and looked over at Harry. He had been staring at her.

Harry was watching Ginny. When he saw her touch her face in the exact same spot he had kissed her earlier, his heart began to race. "How could I ever have thought of leaving any of this behind," he thought to himself. When Ginny looked over in his direction he was smiling broadly at her.

The path took them through the forest back to the Burrow. The path was narrow but wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Charlie and Bethany led the way with their hands laced together. Harry fell into step beside Ginny and cautiously reached for her hand. They held hands until the Burrow came into view. Ginny grinned coyly before releasing Harry’s hand.

Charlie stopped to tell Harry, "We will run again in the morning, but no food or swim. Bethany needs to go to Diagon Alley."

"Diagon Alley?" Harry asked, "Do you think I could tag along?"

"Don’t tell me you forgot something for school," Charlie said.

"Not for school. Hermione and I had planned to buy something else, but when your mum found out about you two our trip was cut short," Harry explained.

"I don’t mind if you tag along. I’ll talk to Molly about it later," Bethany said as she put her arm in Charlie’s and they walked inside.

Harry and Ginny watched them leave and slowly walked toward the Burrow. They stopped outside the back door. They could hear Mrs. Weasley preparing a late breakfast for those who had slept in this morning.

"Uh Ginny," Harry started, "about earlier." Ginny’s face went pale. She was worried that he was going to take it all back. Harry saw the concern in her face and reached for her hand and continued, "I’m not sure how Ron and the others are, um, going to, um take this, but, um, I’d like us to be friends."

"Well, I can’t say I envy your position. Mum has always said that any boy that chooses me for a girlfr…" Ginny stopped, "He just said he wants us to be friends. Blast it, Ginny, you’ve gone and jinxed it all." Ginny was chewing her bottom lip as she contemplated her slip. Things had moved quickly this summer.

Her heart skipped a beat when Harry said, "Girlfriend," as he squeezed her hand.

Ginny blushed and continued, "She said that any boy who chose me as a girlfriend had to be very brave or very stupid. It’s going to be a bit embarrassing. Fred and George will tease. Bill will, too. Percy probably won’t even notice or since he thinks we are all infants, will think, ‘How cute.’ Charlie should be okay. I don’t think he would have had us both there today if he didn’t approve of our friendship. Ron. Ron is a different one. I’m not sure what he’ll say or do. He’s your best friend."

"Yeah, but you’re his little sister. It doesn’t much matter that there’s less than a year between you two. Maybe we should say something to Hermione first," Harry said as he moved closer to Ginny.

"That may be best," Ginny said, "She seems to be able to control him sometimes. And if not, well, he’s usually not mad at the both of you at the same time."

Harry nodded and winked at Ginny. He leaned in closer and kissed her. This time aiming directly for her lips. It was a short kiss, nothing like the kisses they witnessed earlier from Bethany and Charlie. But the kiss was intense for both and they had to grab hold of the garden wall to keep from falling on their weak knees.

* * * * *

"How was the picnic?" Carlo asked with a grin.

"Your food was much appreciated by all, thanks," Bethany said.

"Don’t thank me, your husband is paying in sweat," he said, giving Bethany a toothy grin and showing his deep dimples.

"So how far did you run this time?" T.J. asked as he popped the last piece of bread that Carlo had baked earlier into his mouth. Carlo smirked.

"We went through the village and to the woods. It’s probably about ten kilometers," Charlie said as he poured himself a glass of pumpkin juice.

"Did little red running hood come across any big bad wolves?" Merrick asked laughing at his own joke. "Get it - red," he said pointing to Charlie’s hair.

They all shook their heads. Merrick smirked back, "No one appreciates humor anymore. Hey, Annie, you still going to Diagon Alley tomorrow?"

She nodded as she took a drink from Charlie’s glass of pumpkin juice, " Yes, I think Harry is going to join me. Of course, I may also end up with Hermione, too. Seems they have something cooked up. It shouldn’t be a problem to take them both. Molly will need him out of the house to get ready for the party anyway."

"Pick me up more owl treats," Merrick said as he too reached for Charlie’s glass. Charlie slapped his hand away and made a face at his friend.

"What do you think they cooked up?" T.J. Asked

"He didn’t say. Said they had planned to buy something the other day but didn’t get a chance because someone made an unexpected announcement about our marriage," Bethany answered as she smirked at Merrick.

"I believe I have apologized sufficiently. I think you can all quit now," Merrick said.

"Like we are going to stop teasing you now that we know how much it upsets you," T.J. said, "Of course, we could always tease you about your lack of culinary talent." Bethany, Charlie and Carlo laughed as they all agreed that they would continue to tease Merrick.

Bill walked in stretching and yawning, "You lot fight and pick like siblings."

Carlo defended his roommates, "Well not all of us had the advantage of growing up in a house full of brothers of our own. Oh, if you’re hungry, you’ll have to cook your own or go home. The kitchen is closed this morning."

"Not a problem. Mum will have some food still going. I doubt Fred and George have even woken up yet," Bill said as he waved to the others and headed to the Burrow.

"So, Charlie, have Ginny and Harry been a couple long?" Bethany asked.

"Ginny has always liked…" Charlie stopped when he realized exactly what the question was, "What do you mean, a couple?"

"They weren’t an item before this morning?" Bethany asked.

"No, and what do you mean, before this morning?" Charlie said hoping his wife was only teasing and that there was no truth to his wife’s insinuations.

"They were kissing," Bethany said.

"They were not. I didn’t see them," Charlie replied trying to defend his sister’s honor, if only in his own mind.

"Well," she said as she put her arms around him, "you were otherwise occupied."

"I always knew she liked him. And, uh, I knew Harry had developed a new interest in her since he’s been here, but the last thing I told him was to be her friend and get to know her better," Charlie said shaking his head and becoming more than a little upset.

"Sounds like they really are getting to know each other better," T.J. Said Charlie smirked and tossed a rag in his direction.

"Charlie, why are you getting upset. You don’t really believe Harry is going to hurt your little sister?" Bethany asked.

"Well, no, but she is my little sister and I am not ready for her to grow up like that," Charlie said.

Carlo laughed, "Hate to break the news but growing up is what little girls do."

"They were really kissing?" Charlie asked with a pout.

"There was a fairly innocent kiss on the cheek at the pond and one a little more, um, friendly as we were coming in here," Bethany said.

"I missed them both obviously," Charlie said, " I sure hope they’re prepared for their fair share of ribbing from the twins. Bill will tease them, too. Oh no, I just thought, Ron, I know he and Harry are best friends but Ron babies Ginny more than all of us."

"Maybe if we respond as if it was perfectly natural in front of Ron, he’ll think he was just a prat for not noticing," Bethany suggested.

"Or you could just tease him about him and Hermione," Carlo suggested.

"What do you mean? Those two fight all the time," Charlie asked.

"I’m so glad you and I had that connection thing or you’d still be working up the nerve to hold my hand. Ron and Hermione are probably fighting because of that adolescent ‘I don’t know how to say I like you so I’ll fight with you’ thing. Three fourths of his letters mention Hermione more often than Harry. Especially after the Yule Ball that she went to with Krum," Bethany said, "I may be wrong but they do seem to be in the early stages of a romance."

* * * * *

Ginny was still flushed as she walked into her room. Hermione was sitting near the window reading a book she had gotten from the library in the tent. Hermione looked up when Ginny entered the room, "Okay, talk. What happened?"

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked trying to look innocent. She knew that she needed to talk with Hermione but wasn’t sure how.

"Now I know something is up. Spill it Virginia Weasley," Hermione said as she closed her book and moved to sit beside Ginny on the bed.

"He kissed me. Harry kissed me and called me his girlfriend," Ginny said very rapidly. Hermione responded by dropping her jaw and the book she was holding.

"Our Harry? Harry Potter kissed you?" Hermione said loudly.

"SSHH," Ginny hissed, "Harry and I are a little worried about how Ron is going to take it."

"He kissed you and you talked about it too," Hermione said, "How long has this been going on?"

"Just today, really," Ginny said as she flushed again at the thought of her brief encounter with Harry.

"Oh Ginny, I am so excited for you both. I knew he’d come around eventually. I just thought we might have to have a dragon write the message in the sky before he’d come to his senses but l knew he really liked you," Hermione said.

"I’m so glad you feel that way. I’m really worried about Ron. I mean Harry kissed me and we held hands but he didn’t corner me for a snogfest or anything, but I think Ron will over-exaggerate the whole thing and get into a fight with Harry. Harry doesn’t need that right now and frankly, Ron shouldn’t behave that way anyway," Ginny said.

"I sort have already been preparing him. I mean even I noticed that Harry had been trying to include you more. Do you know Harry spent an entire hour telling us what a great Chaser you are? Like Ron didn’t know and, no offense, but I really don’t care about Quidditch," Hermione was grinning. Ginny flushed when she heard this story.

"Well- I suggest you don’t kiss in front of Ron. At least not until he knows you two are more than just friends. Give him a chance to get used to the idea before you shock him," Hermione said.

Ginny frowned but nodded her agreement, "Will you tell him something or should Harry?"

"I definitely think I should say something first. How mad can he get at me," Hermione said seriously as both girls broke out into a fit of giggles.

* * * * *

Harry went downstairs after his shower. Fred and George were trying to coax Hermione and Ginny into eating one of their latest creations.

"They’re dreamy. Have one," Fred offered.

"You two must think we just fell off the turnip wagon or something," Ginny said shaking her head.

Hermione shook her head too, "You two really should find some new guinea pigs because no one here is crazy enough to eat anything you offer. What do they do anyway? Turn the unsuspecting eater into a duck or put them to sleep?"

"Come now, Duckie, you’ll love these," George said as he leaned towards Hermione. Hermione grinned and blushed.

"What are you up to?" Ron asked as he came down the stairs after Harry, "And why did you just call Hermione Duckie?"

"We just wanted them to try our new sweets," Fred explained.

"And Duckie is merely a friendly term of endearment," George added as he grinned, raised his right eyebrow and winked at Hermione. Ron missed this exchange but Hermione’s blush darkened.

Harry hadn’t missed the interaction between George and Hermione and sought to change the subject, "Why don’t you try Merrick? He probably has been warned about you two but, from what Charlie and Bethany have told me, he seems like the type that would try it just for laughs."

"That’s a really great idea, Harry, I bet Merrick would play along," Ginny said. Her brothers all eyed her suspiciously. They were used to her incessant chatter except when Harry was around.

This time it was Hermione who noticed and said, "I’m sure Merrick would volunteer to be a guinea pig for you. Why don’t you go ask?"

Fred and George shrugged at one another, nodded once, picked up their new yellow duck shaped treats and headed out the back door to find their latest victim.

"So, what were you to giggling about earlier?" Ron asked.

"Were we giggling earlier, Ginny?" Hermione asked trying to look innocent. Harry risked a smile in Ginny’s direction who blushed and returned the smile.

"Yeah, you were giggling. When Harry was in the shower after his run. Which by the way, you were gone much longer today. You and Charlie are insane running longer than four hours," Ron explained.

"We went a different route today and, uh Charlie brought brunch," Harry answered.

"Geez, no wonder you like going running if he feeds you to," Ron said.

"He doesn’t usually, but today Bethany and Ginny joined us and he wanted to show Bethany something, I think," Harry said very quickly trying to rush over Ginny’s name.

Ron furrowed his brow and looked at Ginny, "Since when do you run?"

"Oh since about six this morning. Bethany invited me yesterday and I’ll be going again tomorrow," Ginny said expressing more than a little attitude.

Ron looked at his little sister then at Harry, sensing something but not quite figuring out what it was.

"Oh, Gin, I won’t be joining you and Charlie tomorrow," Harry said, "Bethany is taking Hermione and me to Diagon Alley. And they said we would be leaving earlier than planned."

"Yes, your Mum just told me I would be going but," Hermione paused to exchange knowing looks with Ron and Ginny, "she said you two had too much work to do around the house and couldn’t join us."

Harry smiled and tried not to laugh out loud. "Did they think I missed that," he thought.

To be Continued