Sneaking out at Night (Through the Ages)

I've been working on this piece for quite sometime now. It's my longest piece of work and I feel one of the better ones. It's a four part multi-generational Harry Potter fanfiction. I really hope it ties up well and that I have done justice to these characters.

---

1996

Ginny giggled. Molly was sharing stories about her days at Hogwarts – stories about her friends, her brothers, the old gamekeeper, Ogg, ridiculous passwords the Fat Lady insisted upon and of course about Arthur. Whenever she spoke about her husband, an adoring smile was set on Molly’s face. Ginny saw her mother playfully roll her eyes when she recounted her father’s antics at school. It was very evident to the fifteen-year-old that her mother was still in love after all these years.

“Of course, your father was awkward. Couldn’t look into my eyes while talking. I suppose there was the matter of height as well. Him being so tall and me hardly reaching above his shoulders.”, Molly chuckled.

Ginny loved bonding with her mother. With Voldemort’s return and half the family being in the Order, these small moments were what kept them going.

“Well it was OWLs year and I couldn’t handle the nerves. Arthur was in the sixth year and had known Gideon. So, he offered to help me out. We’d spend every free afternoon by the lake, poring over History of Magic or Astronomy. I probably talked his ear off but he never complained.”, narrated Molly, fondly. “He was tall and handsome and so kind. I just couldn’t help it.”

A small laugh escaped her lips. Her cheeks were flushed red. Although, she had no qualms sharing her experiences with her daughter, remembering her days at Hogwarts was making Molly a tad bit giddy.

“It was the Hogsmeade weekend before Easter. I had been giving it a lot of thought. I finally worked up the courage to ask your father out to Madam Puddifoot’s. So, that Friday, in the common room, I asked him out and he said yes. Mind you, he had a stupid grin plastered on his face and a glazed look in his eyes as if he couldn’t believe what was happening. That’s how I knew that he liked me too.

We met up on High Street the next day and set off to Madam Puddifoot’s. It was crowded as usual and at least ten other couples were staring into each other’s eyes. We found ourselves a table in the farthest corner. There were butterflies in my stomach and suddenly I didn’t know what to say or do. And then Arthur said, “I am so hungry I could eat an Abraxan.” I burst out laughing. We placed orders for Butterbeers and pumpkin pies and chatted for hours. Behind those horn-rimmed glasses, his gaze never wandered. When we walked back to Hogwarts, his hand reached out to mine and held it tight. I was blushing furiously and kept my eyes glued to my feet.”

“Aww, Mum.”, teased Ginny. She knew that her father was caring and loving man but to hear it all from her mother’s perspective was quite different.

“Oh, hush, Ginny.”, said Molly with a wave of her hands. “Well then, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I had a ton of homework, but I ended up staring out of the window the entire evening. I even forgot to go down for dinner. I had to do something about it. So when Arthur came back after dinner, I was waiting for him. He squeaked out a little “Hi” whereas I blurted out, “Do you fancy a walk?”. He looked like I’d dropped a Dungbomb but nodded. We left the common room and managed to slip out into the grounds without grouchy Pringle noticing us. It was a moonlit night and there was a cool breeze. I made a beeline for our usual spot by the lake. Arthur walked up behind me, wrapped his hands around my waist and rested his chin on top of my head. I placed my hands over his and we stood there gazing at the lake for quite some time.”

Ginny could visualise everything her mum had described. Just as her thoughts started to wander as to who she would like to do similar things with, her mother started talking again.

“Aren’t you cold?”, he asked, a bit later. I nodded. So we headed back towards the castle. This time Arthur had his arms around my shoulders. Perhaps it was the nerves but I was jittery and wobbled a lot. He chuckled and called me Mollywobbles. And that name stuck.”, added Molly with a chuckle of her own. “Then, right outside the common room, your father turned around and kissed me!”

Ginny gaped at her mother and let out a little gasp. “Gulping gargoyles! Mum!!”, she shrieked.

“Oh, yes. Your father was quite the prince charming.”, replied Molly, with a twinkle in her eye.

Ginny loved hearing this story but she found it hard to believe that her own parents were involved in such romantic escapades and had broken a ton of rules. Just as she was about to probe her mother for more details, a series of explosions were heard.

“FRED! GEORGE!”, hollered Molly, running up the stairs.

Ginny laughed. Despite being fully functional adults who ran their own shop and lived in their own flat, the twins were still pranksters at heart. They were probably running some experiments for a new joke product and had triggered the explosion as well as their mother’s screams. The Burrow had seemed bereft without Fred and George and Ginny was happy that her brothers had chosen to spend Christmas at home.

“Always up to something or the other. Can’t possibly give me a minute of peace.”, mumbled Molly as she came downstairs.

“Now, Ginny what was I saying?”, said Molly turning her attention to her daughter. “Ah, yes, your father. He knew how to treat his girl right. I heard a bit from Fred and George about a Michael and a Dean. Now, I know that you are a big girl and can look after yourself but make sure they treat you right.”

“Yes, Mum, I will.”, replied Ginny, appreciating the fact that her mother did not patronise her about her love life.

They heard footsteps approaching them. They turned around to see Harry walk into the living room.

“Mrs. Weasley, I was wondering if I could help myself to one more of your pies. They are delicious.”, said Harry.

“Why, thank you, Harry, dear. They are in the kitchen. Here, let me fetch them for you”, replied Molly, as she stood up to go into the kitchen.

“Thanks, Mrs. Weasley.”, said Harry and nodded at Ginny before he followed her mother out of the room.

Ginny was glad that neither her mother nor Harry saw her blush when he entered the room. Despite the fact that she was going out with Dean Thomas, she still had feelings for Harry. Ginny sighed wistfully. She still held on to the hope that one day, perhaps, he would return her feelings.

---

1975

“Aww, come on Moony. Don’t be such a party pooper. We’ll have some fun tonight.”, said Sirius.

“It seems like you have forgotten about my affliction, Sirius. I cannot afford to have fun. My priority is to make sure that I don’t harm anyone by accident.”, replied Remus, a hint of frustration in his voice.

James got up from his bed and sat on Lupin’s.

“Nothing will happen. We got your back. Besides if you really think you can overpower both Padfoot and me, you are mental.”, said James with a laugh.

“He is right, you know?”, said Sirius as he sat on Remus’ left and put his hand around his shoulders.

“Oi! Make room for me.”, exclaimed Peter.

James shifted a bit to his right and Peter sat down between him and Remus. The three boys hugged Lupin. He couldn’t thank his stars enough to have found such good friends. He let go of his apprehensions and looked forward to the night.

…

The first signs of winter could be seen. A cold, harsh breeze stung their skins and a bit of snow settled on their heads. James, Sirius and Peter looked at each other and smirked. This was only the second time they were turning into Animagi. Adrenaline coursed in their veins.

The rat scuttled across the castle grounds to the Whomping Willow and touched the knot at the base of its trunk. The two boys then followed the rat into the secret passage, wand tips alight and held in front. When they reached the end of the passage, they heard a howl rip through the silence of the night. After a small but determined nod directed at each other, Padfoot and Prongs took centre stage.

The black dog growled. The werewolf looked around to find a stag and dog poised ready to attack. It gritted its teeth and growled in retaliation. It charged at them only to find itself caught in the antlers of the stag and was thrown to the other side of the room. It got back up on its feet and charged again. This time, the dog lunged. The two canines fought hard and long, biting and scratching one another till the werewolf was exhausted. As it lay on the floor, the stag prodded it with its antlers to check if it was actually worn out. The dog nuzzled the werewolf and coaxed it to get up. The four animals trudged back up the passage.

The grounds were covered with a thick blanket of snow. Everything was pearly white in the moonlight. The rat led the way into the Forbidden Forest, to a more secluded part that would not be visible from the castle windows. The werewolf walked behind the dog, with the stag bringing up the rear. Once they were satisfied that they couldn’t possibly be heard or seen from the school, the dog howled in delight.

The stag cantered around, relishing the chill of the night. The canines were chucking bits of snow at one another. The rat was trying to ice skate on the lake but was not able to gain momentum. The stag walked up and gave it a gentle push and the rat squeaked in excitement. As it looked around, the stag almost wore a human-like smile. That’s when the dog tackled it, playfully, from the side. The stag was quick to get to its feet and lifted the mongrel with its antlers. The dog clawed wildly at the air but to no avail. The stag then dropped the dog and it landed with a soft thud. It barked playfully and the stag scooped some snow with its antlers and dropped it on the mongrel. The canine howled in delight and chucked some snow back at it. The stag bellowed in joy.

While the stag, dog and rat were having the time of their lives, the werewolf almost slunk back into the forest unnoticed. A high-pitched squeak from the rat brought the attention of the other two to the matter at hand. At once, the stag galloped and put itself in the path of the werewolf and grunted aggressively. The dog soon caught up and bared its teeth. Realising that it could not overpower both the animals at the same time, the werewolf just whimpered weakly and walked back to the spot by the lake. From then on, even if they were having loads of fun, the stag and the dog kept a wary eye on the werewolf.

They rolled around in the snow till the wee hours of morning when the moon finally disappeared. Remus transformed back to his human self and flopped down on the ground. Immediately, he was surrounded by three concerned boys.

“I am fine.”, huffed Remus, with evident effort.

“No, you are not.”, responded Sirius, hotly.

“None of you are.”, said Peter, pulling out his wand. “Episkey.”

He pointed his wand at all of their cuts and bruises. Remus shivered as the spell healed his wounds. Sirius took off his scarves and wrapped it around Lupin.

“You need the Hospital Wing.”, insisted James.

“No, I just need some chocolate and a good night’s rest.”, replied Remus.

“Re-”

“For Merlin’s sake, James. This happens every month. I AM FINE!”, bellowed Remus.

“Whoa. Calm down. Here, have some chocolate.”, said Sirius, handing out a huge chunk of chocolate.

“Thanks.”, murmured Remus.

Lupin gulped it down in two bites. He tried to get up but his legs couldn’t support his weight. He sat down again.

“Whoa, careful there, Moony. Come, here.”, said James, lifting Remus up and supporting him. “Pads, take the other side. Wormy, lead the way and make sure it is clear.”

With Peter leading the way, James and Sirius half-dragged, half-carried Remus to the Gryffindor dormitory, making sure not to wake anyone up. As soon as they were, in the comfort of their beds, all the boys lay down on their backs and let a sigh of relief. Soon after, Sirius let out a small cackle. James, too, started laughing and so did Peter. Remus simply rolled his eyes but eventually joined in.

“You alright there, Moony?”, asked James, after some time.

“Sod off, James. I am going to sleep.”, said Remus, closing the curtain of his bed.

“Mother James.”, Sirius commented.

James made a face.

“Can I please go in the play in the snow, Mum?”, Sirius asked in a high-pitched voice, pouting.

A pillow hit Sirius on his face. Remus and Peter laughed. James closed the curtain around his bed.

“Aww, Mum.”, cooed Peter. “Tch, tch, tch.”

“Give me my pillow, Padfoot. I am going to sleep.”, said James, through the closed curtains.

“Go to bed, lads. Mother’s orders.”, chimed in, Remus.

Sirius was in stitches by this time. Peter and Remus were chortling as well.

“For Merlin’s sake. It’s six in the morning. Get some sleep.”, huffed James, walking towards Sirius’ bed and snatching back his pillow.

“Ooooh. Someone is angry.”, remarked Sirius in a teasing tone. And then he let out a long-drawn yawn and stretched his legs.

“Get some sleep, boys. Goodnight.”, said Remus firmly.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Moony.”

“Goodnight, Mum.”

“SIRIUS.”

One last chuckle and the boys did not stir till noon.

---

1978

“Hey there, Evans.”, called out James, a smirk on his face, his hand running through his tousled hair.

Lily rolled her eyes and walked off with a shake of her head.

“Looking like a lovelorn idiot, aren’t we Prongs?”, continued Sirius.

“Oi. Do I say anything when you kiss your boyfriend in the common room?”, retaliated James.

“You got me there.”, grinned Sirius with a gesture of mock resignation.

Remus blushed.

“Don’t you have Quidditch practice, Prongs?”, asked Peter.

“Galloping gorgons, will you look at the time? Catch you at the stands, boys. Got to run.”, said James and took off towards the castle grounds.

…

It was a great practice session. Though drenched in sweat, James was exhilarated. The Quidditch season was about to resume and the team was looking in great shape. James himself scored about fifteen goals that day. Everyone was beaming and flying one last lap in the air. That’s when he spotted the glint of bright, red hair in the stands. Lily, the Marauders and a couple of other Gryffindors were sitting in the stands to watch the team.

As the rest of the team flew down and walked off the pitch, James flew towards the stands. He stopped right in front of Lily.

“Enjoying the view, Evans?”, grinned James.

“You’re blocking it.”, replied Lily with a shrug.

“Aww, come on. You love watching me fly, don’t you?”, asked James.

“I have seen better fliers.”, responded Lily, coolly.

“How many of them can pull off the Wronski Feint?”, challenged James.

“You are a Chaser. How can you pull off the Wronski Feint?”, asked Lily.

“Like this.”, said James and dived steeply.

Lily leaned over the railing in awe. James really seemed to know what he was doing. Just as he was about to pull out of the dive, James lost control of his broom. He crashed into the pitch at top speed.

The Gryffindors came running down the stands. Sirius was the first one to reach James.

“Prongs? Prongs?” Sirius was shaking him, out of his mind with worry.

“Move out of the way.”, shouted Lily. “He needs the Hospital Wing.”

…

His head felt heavy. His body was tired. James slowly opened his eyes. Everything was blurred.

He reached for his glasses and put them on and realised that he was in the Hospital Wing.

There was a sudden movement in the room. And SMACK! James felt a sharp sting of pain on his left jaw.

“What in the name of Merlin was that, Potter?”, bellowed Lily.

“Ouch. I am doing great, Evans. Thanks for asking.”, replied James, massaging his face.

“Sorry. But everyone was worried sick because of you and your stupid stunts.”, said Lily, with a hint of exasperation. “You really are an idiot, Potter.”

“A charming one though.”, James smirked.

“If you call a broken bone charming, then, sure, go ahead.”

James chuckled.

“Really though. Nothing funny about today. For a second, I thought-”

“You thought what, Evans?”, cut in James, an eyebrow raised.

“-that you… Never mind what I thought.”, said Lily realising that he was pulling her leg.

“Aww, come on. You can tell me.”, teased James.

“Oh. Shut up.”, said Lily, punching his shoulder.

“Not till you go out with me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Not until you go out with me.”

“James-”

“No, listen to me. I really like you, Evans. Just one date.”

“But-”

“Lily, please. Once. Just once. I swear I won’t bother you again.”, pleaded James, sincerity and hope written all over his face.

“One date.”

“Just... What did you say?”, asked James, taken aback.

“I said, one date.”, replied Lily.

James whooped in joy.

“Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. We are in the Hospital Wing, Potter.”, reprimanded Lily.

But nothing could wipe the smile off James’ face. Looking at him, Lily couldn’t help but smile as well.

…

(Many more dates later)

Lily paced anxiously in her room. James had mentioned something about a “little night-time adventure” in his last letter. It was half past ten already. What was he going to do?

Fifteen more minutes passed. Lily heard her parents go to their bedroom. Petunia was already asleep. Where was James? What was happening?

There was a knock on her window.

“Alright there, Evans?”, grinned James, who was wearing dress robes and riding his broom.

“Nice robes, Potter. Glad that you could finally afford a dressing sense.”, retorted Lily.

There was a loud guffaw from behind. Sirius and Remus, who were also wearing dress robes, were hovering in the night sky on brooms.

“What are you boys doing here? And what is up with the robes? What is happening?”, asked Lily, slightly bewildered.

“It’s a double date, Lil. Though I admit the robes are a bit too much.”, replied Remus.

“Didn’t you tell her, Prongs?”, asked Sirius.

“I thought we could surprise her, Pads”, shrugged James.

“Well, I’d have loved a heads up because all of you are in dress robes and I’m in my pyjamas.”, said Lily, pointing to herself.

“Let me in and we can sort it out.”, offered James.

Lily opened her window and James jumped into her room.

“Shhhhhhhhhhh, Potter. My parents are only two doors away.”, scolded Lily.

“Oops, sorry. Anyway, here you go. The answer to the robes problem”, said James, handing her a package.

“What’s this?”, asked Lily, tearing it open.

“A gift of sorts.”, responded James, running a hand through his hair.

“James! This is so beautiful. I- I can’t believe you have such good taste”, teased Lily, pulling out a pretty set of plum-coloured dress robes.

“Aww, come on. I like you, don’t I?”, protested James.

“I suppose that is true.”, shrugged Lily

“Well, if only her Highness could get dressed, we can fly across the river and have our date.”, responded James, after making a face.

Lily laughed as she headed into the bathroom to change into her new dress robes. James climbed out of the window and onto his broom. A couple of minutes passed before he heard the bathroom door open. He looked up and his jaw dropped. Lily Evans was a sight to behold. Dressed in her new robes, her fiery red hair pulled into a half ponytail and small silver studs in her ears, she was simply stunning.

“You look beautiful.”, said James, not able to take his eyes off her.

Lily felt her cheeks turning red. She smiled in return and placed a small kiss on James’ cheek. He grinned and kissed her lips.

The four of them flew over Cokeworth to a much cleaner part of the river. They landed on a patch of grass on its banks. James and Sirius unloaded the picnic baskets while Lily and Remus spread the blankets and flopped down.

“So, whose idea was this, Re?”, enquired Lily.

“Surprisingly, Pads and Prongs came up with it. Who knew they were capable of anything remotely romantic?”, chuckled Remus.

“Well, I did. Allow me to demonstrate.”, said Sirius, striding up to Remus and pulling him into a kiss.

“Get a room, lads.”, called out James as Lily laughed.

The boys had packed a lot of food. There was cheese and crackers, some Butterbeer and a variety of pies and chocolates. Lily and James ate almost half of it before Sirius and Remus took a break from their snogging to grab a bite. There was a lot of banter, witty replies, laughter and even some silly dancing, courtesy of Sirius and James. Lily had tears in her eyes from all the laughing when James sat back down.

“Hey.”, he said, wrapping an arm around her.

“Hey, yourself.”, said Lily, snuggling closer to him.

Sirius pulled Remus off the ground and was slowly waltzing with him in the starlight. Lily watched them contently while James was looking at her. He sighed.

“What?”, asked Lily, looking up at James.

“What?”, asked James, looking down at Lily.

“Never mind.”, said Lily, with a shake of her head.

A few strands of hair had escaped Lily’s hair tie. James tucked it behind her ear. She looked up into his eyes. He held her face in his hands and pulled her into a kiss. As they pulled apart, Lily flushed a deep red. James simply smiled and pulled her in for another kiss.

“You ever think about the war, James?”, asked Lily, after some time.

“Yeah. Inevitable, I reckon. Let’s not talk about that and spoil tonight.”, replied James.

“I’m scared, James. I am scared about Petunia, my parents, our classmates, you. I’m scared about us.”, sniffled Lily. “I can’t bear to think about losing anyone I know.”

“Hey. Hey. We are in this together. People in the Order know what they signed up for. We will protect your family. We will get through this. Cheer up.”, said James, wiping the tears on her cheeks.

“I am still very scared, James. What if- what if something happens to Alice or Marlene? Or Frank? Or Peter? To Sirius or Remus or to you? I know that all of them can look after themselves and they know what they are getting themselves into with the Order but I just can’t help it.”, said Lily, unable to stop the flow of tears.

“I am scared too, Lil. But I know that four wonderful people have my back. And that gives me courage. It makes me believe that we will get through this. Trust me, we will. Or at least trust Dumbledore. We will get through this. Somehow or the other. We will get through this.”, responded James, his voice cracking with emotion.

Lily nodded and pulled him closer. James hugged her tight and buried his face in her shoulder. He found his solace in her and she found her comfort in him.

“What about us?”, enquired Lily, when they pulled apart.

“What about us?”, repeated James.

“How will we find time for this if we are fighting for our lives?”, asked Lily.

“Oh. Well...”, said James, finally cracking a smile.

“Well, what?”

“That was the other surprise. You see, dress robes are very handy if you want to hide something.”, drawled James.

“What are you blabbering about, Potter?”

James stood up, slid a hand into his pocket and pulled out a box. Lily did not understand what was going on till he went down on one knee.

“For the last three years, I have been crazy about you. You are the smartest, funniest, the most beautiful and the most talented witch I know. And I thank Merlin every single minute for the day you said you’d go out with me. And I know that as long as you are by my side, we can get through anything. You are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. So, I ask you, Lily Evans. Will you do me the honour of giving me your hand in marriage?”, asked James, smiling ear to ear.

“Yes, James Potter, I will definitely do you that honour.”, screamed Lily and he slid the ring onto her finger, amidst a lot of hooting and cheering from Remus and Sirius.

Lily held James’ face in her hands and stared at her fiancé. Her fiancé! She roughly pushed him into the ground and snogged the living lights out of him. Suffices to say that it was the best date ever.

---

1995

Harry was back at Grimmauld Place for Christmas. Though the circumstances weren’t particularly festive, he was happy that he would be able to spend some time with Sirius. He was walking around the house after lunch, when he heard voices coming from a room straight ahead.

“Ah James. How much did he plan before he proposed to Lily? Tough nut to crack, she was.”, said Sirius, sloppily.

“And do you remember the time he asked her out? Ended up in the Hospital Wing.”, laughed Remus.

Harry entered the room and saw that the men had drunk at least three mugs of Firewhisky each.

“Talking about dad, eh?”, asked Harry.

“Ah speak of the devil. Gulping gargoyles, is that Harry? For a moment, I thought-. You really do look like your father.”, drawled Sirius, clearly drunk.

“But I have my mother’s eyes. I have definitely heard that before.”, replied Harry with a smile. “Were you talking about your days at Hogwarts?”

“Yes. Sirius and I were just recounting the good ol’ days. Why don’t you join us and we’ll entertain you with stories of some of the few million pranks we played?”, asked Remus.

“Count me in”, replied Harry eagerly, looking forward to a wonderful afternoon with his father’s best friends.

---

1997

Ginny woke up as the first rays of the sun filtered through the curtains. It was the last match of the Quidditch season and Gryffindor had to win to retain the cup. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for the game. Adrenaline coursed through her as she leapt out of bed.

She had always loved playing Seeker. Though it meant that the team wouldn’t be featuring Harry, Ginny couldn’t help but look at the positives. She was also standing in as Captain for him and was rather excited to lead the team against Ravenclaw.

“And pluck the Snitch from under Cho’s nose once again.”, she thought to herself smugly, recollecting the events of the previous year.

After her team had changed into Quidditch robes, they looked at her for the Captain’s usual pep talk. Ginny had not exactly remembered to write a speech, so she looked around the room in what she hoped was a look of fierce determination.

“Alright, listen up. We played Ravenclaw last year without Harry and we still won the Cup. We can do it again. You know your roles. Stick to them and we can wing this.”, she said in a rather dramatic fashion.

Ron sniggered.

“Sod off, Ron.”, huffed Ginny.

As the team trooped out to the ground, Dean tapped Ginny on the shoulder.

“For the record, I thought that you were great. Really inspiring.”, said Dean, earnestly.

“Thank you, Dean.”, replied Ginny and gave him an awkward smile and curt nod.

As Madam Hooch blew her whistle, all fourteen brooms rose into the air. The game had begun. The try-outs for Ravenclaw had been excellent that year and Gryffindor were missing their star player and Captain. But Ginny was hell bent on winning the Cup.

It turned out to be a wonderful match. Gryffindor had won four hundred and fifty points to a hundred and forty. Demelza and Katie had been amazing, scoring goals through the left, right and central hoops. Just when Gryffindor had a lead of one hundred and sixty, Ginny spotted a golden flutter of wings and raced towards it. Though, Cho was hot on her tail, she managed to manoeuvre, roll and dive expertly to grab the Snitch. There was an enormous roar from the crowd clad in red and gold. The mob carried the entire team into the common room chanting and cheering.

To nobody’s surprise, a party ensued soon after. Ginny was elated. Her team had done it. She had helped them win for the second year in a row. The entire common room was jubilant, roaring and laughing in delight.

Just when she thought the noise couldn’t get any louder, she heard Ron screaming at Harry about Gryffindor winning the Cup. She turned around to see him beam with joy and pride. Without a second thought, she ran towards Harry and threw her hands around him in celebration. As she pulled back, he pulled her closer and kissed her.

In front of everyone.

For a moment, there was pin drop silence. And then, all hell broke loose. She could hear screams and shouts and wolf – whistles. Ginny looked around to see the entire house celebrating and couldn’t hold back her smile. She looked back up at Harry who was searching for Ron. From the grin that was plastered on his face, it was quite clear to Ginny that Ron had given them his approval. She looked at Hermione and gaped in amazement and the bushy-haired girl winked back. Harry gestured at her to follow him out of the portrait hole. Ginny smiled in response and climbed out of the hole with him.

…

“Harry. Come on, Harry. Wake up.”, whispered Ginny, as she struggled to wake him up.

Harry mumbled something unintelligible. Ginny prodded him hard in the ribs.

“Ouch”, Harry exclaimed, as he woke up with a start.

“Shhhhhh.”, said Ginny. “Come on.”

“Where?”, he asked as he reached for his glasses.

Ginny gave him a reproaching look. He stared at her cluelessly. Just as she rolled her eyes, realisation dawned on him.

“Oh.”, said Harry and grinned.

Sneaking past Flich or Mrs. Norris wasn’t particularly hard. It was quite easy to slip into the grounds and into the Quidditch changing rooms. They quickly changed into Quidditch robes and grab their broomsticks. As they walked into the pitch, Harry noticed the robes Ginny was wearing.

“I was wondering where my extra set of robes had disappeared to.”, remarked Harry.

“Aren’t you glad that Romilda Vane isn’t spraying Love Potion on them?”, asked Ginny.

“As long as Ron doesn’t rip my head off.”, chuckled Harry.

“I think the Bat Bogey Hex ought to stop him.”, said Ginny.

“I bet my wand it will.”, replied Harry.

“Ready?”, asked Ginny, raising her wand.

Harry raised his wand.

“Lumos Maxima”, they said in unison.

Their wand tips alighted and provided enough light to see the Quidditch pitch.

“Now, do you want to play with the Quaffle or do you think that will give me an unfair advantage?”, asked Ginny, her eyes twinkling.

“Give you an unfair advantage? Sure, it does.”, chaffed Harry.

He took out the Quaffle from the box and released it into the air. They then mounted their brooms and kicked off in pursuit of the red ball.

It was the most enjoyable forty-five minutes. Both of them displayed their competitive side, though the score suggested something else. Ginny had scored fifteen goals while Harry had managed only seven.

“Want to level the playing field, Harry?”, asked Ginny.

“What do you mean level the playing field?”, replied Harry.

“We could catch the Snitch to decide the winner.”, responded Ginny.

“That wouldn’t level the playing field. That would give me an unfair advantage.”, said Harry with a laugh.

“Get off your high hippogriff. Gryffindor haven’t lost a single match when I played Seeker.”, argued Ginny.

“And I have been playing Seeker since I was eleven. You were writing the most awful poetry when you were eleven.”, teased Harry.

“What awful poetry?”

“His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad. His hair is as dark as a blackboard. I wish he was mine, he's really divine. The hero who- ”

“For Merlin’s sake, shut up, Harry.”, groaned Ginny.

Harry guffawed.

“I was eleven!”, protested Ginny.

Harry simply continued to laugh.

“Shut up. Let’s play.”, huffed Ginny.

She released the Snitch into the air. They kicked off one more time, in search of the tiny yellow ball. There wasn’t much action for the first ten minutes and they just flew laps around the ground, keeping an eye out for a flutter of wings. Harry was the first to spot the Snitch, hovering near a hoop on the opposite end. Picking up pace, he flew towards it, Ginny right on his tail. In order to distract her, he sharply turned to his right. She fell for his bait, thinking that the Snitch had flown in that direction. Only when Harry turned around with a smug expression did she realise what had happened. She grunted in exasperation.

They resumed their laps. This time Ginny spotted the Snitch below the stands, a few metres above the ground. She dived sharply determined to catch it. Within seconds, Harry caught up with her. Using the extra speed the Firebolt provided, he was able to overtake her and wrap his fist around the golden ball. Harry roared in delight. As he looked around to face Ginny, he realised that she was hurtling towards him at top speed. She crashed into him and they toppled onto the ground.

“Oww.”, groaned Harry. “Gulping galleons, Gin. Watch where you’re flying.”

“Well, next time don’t be in my way!”, exclaimed Ginny.

“That was some serious speed, though. I wonder how you managed that on a Cleansweep.”, said Harry, clearly impressed.

“Thanks.”, muttered Ginny.

As soon as she got up, Harry pulled her back down.

“What are you doing?”, asked Ginny.

“Lie down. The stars look pretty tonight.”, said Harry.

“Never thought you were into Astronomy.”, said Ginny as she laid down close to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I dropped it last year, Gin. It’s just that… that… well”

“It’s a moment of peace and quiet. You don’t know when we will get this again. With everything that’s been happening, this sure feels like a dream.”, filled in Ginny.

Harry took her hand in his and rubbed small circles with his thumb.

“Mum’s scared, Harry. Half the family is in the Order. Ron will join this summer. She’s also scared for you. For Hermione too.”, continued Ginny.

“Are you scared?”, asked Harry, softly.

“Of course. Voldemort is out there, baying for blood. It would be stupid to not be scared.”, she replied, half-laughing.

Harry brought her hands close to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

“What about you, Harry?”

“Well, I trust Dumbledore. As long as he’s around, we have a chance. As for the Order, I can’t wait to sign up.”

“Off to save the wizarding world again?”

“Something like that.”

“I wish I could sign up. Mum would kill me though.”, said Ginny with a sigh.

“I can’t really blame her.”, replied Harry.

“If you three can sign up, so can I. Don’t forget that I fought alongside you last year. I am so tired of being the person everyone thinks they have to look out for. I can look after myself, thank you very much.”, huffed Ginny, evidently frustrated.

“We are not doubting your skills, Ginny. I think that you have a better at duelling than both Ron and me. It’s just that so many people are dying. Nobody knows what’s going to happen. I don’t think your mother would allow me to fight either if she had a choice.”, replied Harry, calmly.

“I feel stupid not being able to contribute, when everyone I know is out there, risking their lives.”, sighed Ginny.

“I know.”, said Harry, empathetically. He had been in the same situation more times than he could count.

They continued to stare at the stars.

“Figure we should go back in before someone finds us?”, asked Ginny, finally.

“Yep. Don’t fancy explaining myself to McGonagall.”, replied Harry with a chuckle.

They went back to the changing rooms to change out of their flying gear. As they walked back to the castle, Ginny laced her fingers through Harry’s hands.

“Do you really think I am better at duelling?”, asked Ginny.

“Of course. You’re a natural. Almost as good as Hermione, I reckon.”, replied Harry earnestly.

A faint blush creeped across Ginny’s face. She gave Harry a peck on his cheeks.

“I love you, Harry.”, she whispered quietly.

“I love you too, Gin.”, he whispered back, taking her lips in his.

Under the starlit sky, life came full circle.