The new face of evil - 8 years out

"This is amazing! I've never seen water like that before," Ginny exclaimed. "Do they know about us? I mean we just popped into the room."

"They know what we are, but don't care. They are really nice people and treat everybody the same. It's supper time over here, so we can walk up the beach and have a light meal before trying to sleep."

The two changed into appropriate clothes and walked barefoot up the beach. Ginny seemed really happy and couldn't get enough off the soft sand between her toes. They found a small candle-lit restaurant and had a light meal under the stars before returning to their room. They were in the hammock with Ginny lying back into Harry watching the waves roll in when she asked, "Is this really how our life will be?"

Harry was confused and asked, "What do you mean Gin?"

"I mean, are we really going to be able to go places like this whenever we want? This just seems so surreal."

Harry laughed and said, "If you wanted to spend all of our time at places like this, we could do it. But, if you wanted to spend all of our time at your place in Hogsmeade, we can do that too. All I want is to make you happy, and I'll be fine wherever that is."

Ginny looked deep into his eyes and said, "How did this really happen?"

Harry thought and then sighed deeply and said, "I wanted to say this in some perfect romantic spot, but all that really matters is that you really know." Harry pulled them both out of the hammock and looking deeply into Ginny's eyes, he said, "You don't know how happy you make me. I would do anything for you. I think I've told you those things before, but what I want you to know is that I love you, Ginny Weasley. I think I have for a long time, but now I want you to know that I love you like I have never loved anything or anyone before."

Ginny was staring wide-eyed at Harry when he said this. Her insides were doing all kinds of strange things. She didn't know how long it had been since Harry had spoken his last words when she finally realized what was going on around her and she saw the look of confusion and concern in Harry's eyes. Instantly, she smiled brightly and said, "You knew about my crush, but I never dreamed I could feel so strongly about anyone, ever. I've known I loved you for years, but had no idea I could love anyone as much as I love you, Harry Potter."

Harry pulled her into a passionate hug and said, "I wanted to say this to you before the first time we made love, but I didn't want to scare you off. I knew I loved you then."

Ginny just looked at him and could barely contain her tears when she said, "Me too Harry. I could barely hold back telling you that I loved you the first night you stayed over. You kept saying we should take it slow and I didn't want you to freak out, but I wanted to tell you so bad."

"That just goes to show we should always say what we really want to each other," Harry said. "Well, at least for the rest of our vacation, it is out in the open." Harry smiled.

The next day, after sleeping in, the two walked to the beach and were greeted by the groundskeeper, Juicy who pulled two chairs down to the water for the couple. Ginny finally removed her wrap and said, "I cannot believe I'm wearing a thong in public."

Harry kissed her and said, "If I had my way, you wouldn't be wearing that much."

The two quickly fell into a routine of getting up, eating a light breakfast, going to the beach where Juicy had two chairs always waiting for them and laying around for hours. Some days, the most they moved was to cool off in the crystal clear blue water. One day however, after much pleading Harry convinced Ginny to try parasailing. She had been very nervous about this and almost asked the jet-ski driver to take them back before they got to the boat. They were able to find a parasail that held two people at a time, and this was the only way Ginny agreed to go up. Ginny was breathing very fast and kept looking at Harry while they were getting harnessed up and hooked into the parasail. Once they started to rise up, the wind caught the sail and they lurched to one side, Ginny asked, "What if we fall?"

Harry laughed and said, "Are you a witch or not? Just Apparate back to the room."

"But what if I panic and can't?" Ginny exclaimed.

"I have no doubt you can do it, but I promise that I won't let you hit the water. I've caught you before and I can do it again," Harry promised and leaned over to kiss her.

Once the parasail was fully extended, Ginny's attitude drastically changed and Harry could see the huge smile on her face. "This is great!" she exclaimed.

"I thought you were worried about falling," Harry laughed at her.

"Not anymore. Look how beautiful everything is," she said looking back towards the mountains in the distance. "And, it's so calm up here. Thank you for talking me into this," she added giving him a kiss.

"Let this be a lesson, if I suggest something, you should try it," Harry said raising his eyebrows.

"Well, I already do that with some things," she mischievously replied.

"That you do. Maybe I'll have to be more creative," Harry said playing back.

After the ride, the two went back to their drinks and chairs near the inn. Ginny ended up wanting to parasail a couple more times before the week was up.

By the end of their vacation, Ginny had become so comfortable with herself that she had started lying on the beach in her thong without her top on, like many of the other women. As exhilarating as this felt, her biggest benefit was how Harry treated her when they got back to their room in the evenings. When they would go up to get ready in the evening, with Ginny walking ahead of Harry in her thong, and topless, Harry rarely let her get into the shower before throwing her down and ravaging her in the first private area they found. Ginny had become accustomed to being topless around other people, and even other women whom she thought were much more attractive. Harry hadn't paid any attention to the other women and always made Ginny feel like she was the most beautiful woman on the beach.

Their lovemaking the night before they returned home was the most erotic. After a late meal, the two were walking back along the beach to their hotel when Harry pulled Ginny into a deep kiss. After the kiss, Ginny went to pull Harry back to the room but he resisted and quickly cast a couple of spells that Ginny didn't recognize. He turned to her and pulled her into a very passionate kiss and then laid her down onto the sand.

"Harry, we can't do this here, people will see," Ginny said but still kissed him deeply.

"Trust me, no one will come by," Harry said pulling her up so he could remove her dress. Within a few seconds, Ginny was standing totally naked on the beach in front of Harry. Turning, she could see other people walking toward them, but when they got within viewing distance, she noticed them suddenly turning around and start walking the other direction. When she turned back to Harry, she saw he had already disrobed and was standing naked in front of her.

Harry pulled her into him and kissed her deeply. He slowly sat back onto the sand and pulled her on top of him. Without much foreplay, Ginny straddled his waist and Harry quickly entered her. Ginny quickly started moving on top of him and occasionally looked to either side to see people suddenly turning and walking away from them. Ginny couldn't believe how excited she was to be grinding into her lover while she could see other people walking toward them and then suddenly turning around and walking away. It really didn't take long before Ginny was screaming Harry's name and collapsing onto him.

After this, Harry kissed her deeply and helped gather their clothes. He helped her throw her sundress on. He pulled his pants on, but she kept his shirt. The two quickly made their way back to the room and made love again in the hammock overlooking the ocean before slowly walking to the bedroom and collapsing onto the bed for a few hours of sleep. They left early the next morning so they could see Sirius and his family on Christmas Eve.

Christmas arrived with Hermione going to see her parents, and Harry going to the Burrow in the morning. When Harry arrived, Ginny greeted him at the door with a big kiss. Kissing around the family still made Harry feel nervous, but the rest of the people were in the living room opening presents. "It sounds louder than normal," Harry stated.

Ginny beamed and said, "Everyone's back this year. C'mon." She started dragging him into the living room.

"Harry's here!" Ginny exclaimed and Harry heard everyone yell their greetings.

Ron loudly said, "We couldn't wait on you mate."

Harry laughed that no matter how old Ron got, he wasn't about to wait to open presents. It looked like Ruth and Brian were taking right after their father. Looking around, Harry saw all the normal people and then saw Bill who was usually working so much that he rarely got back. Next to him was Charlie, looking as tan as ever and next to him was a pretty brunette woman who also looked as tan. Continuing around the room, Harry was shocked to see another Weasley staring back at him. Percy was standing in a corner just glaring at Harry. Penelope was sitting down in front of him not looking like she was enjoying herself.

Ginny tugged on Harry and they moved further into the room. "You both look good with a tan," Mrs. Weasley said as she hugged Harry.

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley, we were lucky not to burn," Harry replied.

"At least we can tell you left the room during the day!" George threw in drawing an evil look from his mother.

Harry saw Bill say something to Charlie and the two older brothers got up and walked to Harry. "Let's talk," Bill said before ushering a very worried looking Harry out the door. He glanced over her shoulder and saw his girlfriend just shrug her shoulders and wave.

Outside the two men stood in front of Harry with their arms crossed just looking for a minute. Finally Charlie spoke, "Do you really know what you've gotten yourself into?"

He said this so seriously that Harry didn't know how to take it and before he could reply, Bill added, "You think you've dealt with some problems in the past mate, but I'm not sure you understand how scary she can be."

Harry, still not knowing exactly how to take the two softly said, "I'm willing to take the risk."

Charlie put his hands on Harry's shoulders and said, "Normally we should say that if you ever hurt her, you'll answer to us, but in this case I don't think she'd leave enough of you around for us to deal with."

Finally Bill broke the atmosphere when he extended his hand and said, "I couldn't be happier for her mate."

Charlie added, "Same here, it's good to see her so happy, and tan!"

As soon as the three entered the back door, Ginny was there. "If you two did anything to him, you'll live to regret it!"

Charlie turned to Harry and said, "See what we mean!" Then the two brothers continued to the living room.

"What did they say?" Ginny asked.

Harry hugged her and said, "They said they were happy for us."

Ginny breathed a sigh of relief. "How is everyone getting along with Percy?" Harry asked.

Now Ginny breathed deeply and said, "Tense, very tense. He just showed up and surprised everyone. He's also being sickeningly sweet. Something's weird, but it is nice to see him again."

"He gave me a really weird stare when I came in. Probably because he doesn't like me and now we're dating."

"I don't care what he thinks, so don't let it bother you. C'mon let's watch the kids finish with their presents," Ginny said pulling him back into the room.

Later that day, Harry was able to get Ginny into a private area as he watched her open his present and saw her eyes get big, but then she turned to him with a confused look. "This is an amazing gift Harry, but why did you pick it? I had never considered a pensive before."

"Remember how you were skeptical when I told you how long I've noticed and thought about you?" Ginny nodded. "I put in all my memories of the times that I was admiring and thinking about you into it," Harry saw her eyes get big when he said this, but he continued, "Also, I put in my memories of us starting from when I came to your studio to ask you to lunch. This way, if I'm ever away you can use this to know how I really feel about you."

"You really put them all in here?" Ginny asked and Harry nodded. "Show me how to use it," she demanded.

"Ok, first I'll show you how to add a memory. Concentrate on a thought and place the tip of your wand against the top of your head. Then, slowly pull it away and you should see a silvery thread hanging, and you just drop that into the pensive. Try it."

Ginny stood in silence for a second and then seemed to be concentrating. She placed the tip of her wand against the top of her head and sure enough, when she slowly pulled it away, there was a silvery thread of the memory. She smiled brightly and dropped the memory into the pensive where it swirled around and disappeared.

"Perfect!" Harry said. "What was the memory of?"

"You telling me you loved me for the first time," Ginny replied.

"My version of that is already in there," Harry smiled as he said this.

"So, how do I see them?" she asked. Harry went on to explain that the most important thing is knowing how to get out, and then he told her exactly how to access the stored memories. Ginny wanted to try it out immediately, but Harry talked her into waiting since all the family was still at the Burrow.

"At first, I kind of thought this was a weird gift," she admitted. "But now, it's probably the most thoughtful thing I've ever received. Thank you." Ginny gave Harry a nice hug and kiss.

"I'm glad you like it. I wanted to get you something special. C'mon let's get back to the others."

A couple hours later, Hermione showed up after visiting her parents and Harry instantly felt like this was how Christmas should be. A big family all together with his best friends watching each other act stupid with their new gifts, it was perfect. Harry hadn't said anything to Percy and kept noticing him staring whenever Harry looked around. This was actually bothering him but he didn't want to say anything.

Harry was up getting another glass of juice when he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Mr. Weasley. "Can we talk a minute?" the man asked.

"Of course," Harry replied and was lead outside by Ron's dad.

Once they were a few meters out of the door, Mr. Weasley stopped and looked concerned as he asked, "What can we do about Malfoy?"

Harry knew the man was serious because he rarely asked things this directly. Harry started to reply, but a movement near the kitchen door caught his eye and he saw a tall red-head watching the two men. Harry cast a spell that encased the two men in a fog and put a silencing charm around them before he answered, "Sirius is working on something and if it works out, it should be handled totally legally."

Mr. Weasley sighed, "That's good to hear. I'm really afraid Ron will do something if he doesn't see something happen. Actually, I can't blame him too much since it's all I can do to keep myself from going after Malfoy."

"Please sir, even if Sirius' plan doesn't work, let me deal with him. I promise that if this first thing falls through, Malfoy won't cause us any more problems."

Mr. Weasley looked at Harry very seriously and said, "If that happens, you know I'll do everything I can to keep any heat off of you."

"I know sir. I just know people would be disappointed if I resorted to dealing with things that way. Sirius feels confident about his plan, so hopefully it will be over before long."

"Can you tell me about it?" Mr. Weasley asked.

Harry sighed and told the man what the plan was. "Which is worse?" Mr. Weasley questioned.

"If we keep an eye on him, I think the son is worse. He's got a personal thing against me and anyone I care about. If we watch the father, we can deal with him later. There's just no good way to handle this," Harry said sadly.

"We'll have to watch him close. You know he won't stay out of things. Let's go back in," the Minister said.

Harry cancelled the spells and the two men walked back inside to find Percy still in the kitchen. "The Minister having secret meetings could cause people to wonder what he was up to," Percy said coldly.

Harry stepped up before Mr. Weasley could say anything and said, "You know your dad is like a father to me and I had a personal problem I wanted to discuss with him. It's kind of embarrassing so I didn't want anyone to hear."

Mr. Weasley looked angry but said, "No need to say anything else Harry. Come on you two; let's get back to the others." Mr. Weasley continued into the other room leaving Harry and Percy in the kitchen.

"What prompted your sudden interest in Ginny?" Percy asked.

Harry was trying really hard to remain calm. "It wasn't sudden. I finally woke up to how great she is."

"Maybe you'll officially be part of the family before long," the redhead stated.

"Maybe, but I doubt that would make any difference to the others, they treat me like that now."

"After all you've done for them, it's no wonder," Percy said with an evil look on his face.

Just then, Ginny walked in and said, "Is everything all right in here?" She was looking between the two.

"Of course, I was just telling Harry how happy I was for you two," Percy said giving Ginny a kiss on the cheek before returning to Penelope.

Ginny gave Harry a questioning look and asked, "Is that all?"

"Pretty much, it's no big deal. Let's get back in there," Harry said not having convinced Ginny that nothing else happened.

Percy left not long after this and everyone else stayed until late in the evening. Harry and Ginny left when Hermione did. Ginny went to Harry's that night and when the three were sitting around talking; Hermione got a serious look and said, "I missed having Christmas with you all so much."

"We missed having you," Ginny replied.

"Hey, that's all in the past, we'll have many Holidays together from now on," Harry stated.

Hermione went on to tell her friends how her Holidays had been for the past few years and again, they all agreed things were better now.

Over the week, Sirius started making plans to deal with their problem, and Harry agreed to give his godfather some time to make arrangements. Harry was able to convince Ron not to do anything and to give Harry a chance to handle Malfoy.

Late one evening, Harry had taken Ginny to a quiet, romantic Muggle restaurant when she finally decided to ask why he was being so quiet. "Just thinking about work. I'm sorry I'm being such bad company," Harry said.

"You're great company; I can just tell you're worried. Is it going to be dangerous?" Ginny said getting a very concerned look.

"You're too nice if you're calling me good company." Harry took her hand and kissed it softly.

Ginny smiled back but wouldn't let her question just go away. "Is it going to be dangerous?"

Harry looked at her thoughtfully and could tell she wouldn't drop it. In fact, he had been more comfortable talking about his work with her. "This time, it's not dangerous at all, but it is something I feel really uncomfortable with. It's almost like I have to make a deal with the devil."

Ginny was worried by Harry's expression. She could read him really well by now and could see when he was worried or angry, but this time he almost looked defeated already. This was a new expression for him and one she thought didn't fit him at all. "Is it something you have to do?"

"Oh yes. This has been going on too long and we'll all be better when it's over," Harry sighed. "Now, onto a much more pleasing subject. Have I told you how amazing you look tonight?"

Ginny could see his whole expression change and just loved it when he looked longingly at her. "I seem to remember you saying that a few times, but I won't get tired of hearing it."

Harry leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. "You do know Miss Weasley that I'm hopelessly in love with you and would really like for you to stay over."

"I do know that and never get tired of hearing it since I still can't believe how happy you make me." She got a sly smile and said, "And what would you do to convince me to stay?"

Harry took this challenge in stride and leaned in to whisper something in her ear. Ginny gave a small gasp and stared at Harry with wide-open eyes and instantly turned as red as her hair. "You'd do that?" Ginny asked sounding stunned.

Still looking unfazed, Harry smiled and said, "For you, of course. Does that mean you'll stay?"

"That means I want to leave here right now and see if you can really do that or not," Ginny said expectantly.

The couple left and went back to Ginny's and true to his word; Harry did things to Ginny that night that had her screaming in ecstasy over and over. Waking the next morning Ginny had such a fulfilled look and asked, "Where do you come up with these things?"

"I have a vivid imagination where pleasing you is concerned," Harry said kissing her and then added, "and you were pretty accommodating as well."

This caused Ginny to actually blush a bit, but she said, "It was pretty wicked, wasn't it?"

"It was great, that's all I know," Harry said before they got ready and each went to work.

Harry was in his office when an owl dropped a note to him asking him to immediately come to Dr. Antoine's office. There were no other details, so Harry apparated directly to her office. "What's up?" Harry asked and immediately found himself engulfed in a tight hug from Hermione.

Hermione let go, backed up and yelled, "We did it! We actually did it!"

Harry looked confused so Dr. Antoine said, "We found the counter potion. Dr. Granger provided the key."

"Really! That's amazing," Harry said giving Hermione a tight hug.

Hermione stepped back and said, "Without all the work Dr. Antoine did before I got here, I wouldn't have gotten the idea. She was actually very close."

Harry shook Dr. Antoine's hand and said, "The two of you are an amazing team. Now what do we do?"

Dr. Antoine said, "We send this to the Ministry of Health and also to your friends who should be able to come up with a counter charm before long now that we know the ingredients.

Dr. Antoine said, "I think this calls for a little celebration. I've always wanted to cruise the Greek Islands for a few days. How about that Dr. Granger?"

Hermione answered quickly, "I think that sounds perfect, the team would love it."

Dr. Antoine turned to Harry and said, "Can you stay out of trouble for a bit? There won't be anyone here if you need anything."

"I'll be a good boy, I promise," Harry said smiling. "Send the potion to Lupin and he'll get the people working out a counter charm." Harry left leaving the team to their private celebration in the offices.

Ginny was at Harry's when Hermione arrived later. Immediately, Ginny greeted Hermione. "Congratulations! Harry told me what you did," Ginny said hugging her friend.

"Thanks. Dr. Antoine is just great to work with. She's so smart and easy to get along with. And, the rest of the team is amazing," Hermione said happily.

"You mean she's easier to work with than I was?" Harry joked.

"Everybody there is really great," Hermione stated.

"Dr. Antoine mentioned that Steve has been flirting with you," Harry said raising his eyebrows.

Hermione actually blushed a bit and said, "Dr. Harlan is just being polite and trying to make sure I fit in." Hermione hesitated and then added, "But, he is cute."

"Hermione! So, are you going to go out with him?" Ginny asked.

"He hasn't officially asked or anything," Hermione replied.

"But, they're both going on a little celebration trip," Harry added.

"Maybe they'll be some real celebrating between them," Ginny said with a smirk.

"Get off it you two. Although it would be nice to have a real date. I mean going out with you two is nice and all, but it's not the same as being on a real date," Hermione said.

"He seems like a really good guy. I always said I never met anyone who was good enough for you, but Steve is a good guy. I couldn't complain," Harry said honestly to her.

"Oooh, he must be good if Harry likes him," Ginny said.

"Well, we'll see what happens," Hermione said.

"If you'd like to go out with him, let him know. You know how us guys are," Harry told her.

"Yes, I do know how you guys are. After everything that's happened, I may have to be a bit more aggressive," Hermione said.

"Aggressive is good," Ginny said laughing.

"Hermione, you don't realize how important finding the counter is. Now, that formula isn't very important since even Muggles would be able to counteract the effects of the drug. Once there is a counter spell, terrorists couldn't use it either. This is really big," Harry said looking proudly at his friend.

"It still seems weird we're not going to make any money off of it and not being able to tell anyone what we've done is strange, but it feels good to know we did something that will really help," she replied feeling proud.

The three friends talked well into the night before they all turned in.

Harry met Sirius the next day and the two decided on the plan to deal with their Malfoy problem. Sirius had provided Harry with an exact location to Apparate to. Harry wasn't nervous, but stayed at the office until late that night. Around midnight Harry Disapparated and appeared in a corner of a large dark room. Harry looked at the two sleeping figures in the bed and silently walked to the far side before casting a charm on the closest figure causing it to remain asleep no matter what happens.

Harry confidently walked to the foot of the bed and spoke loudly, "Wake up Lucius."