Chapter 37: Harry & Ginny Finally Meet Alone

His gentle knock on the kitchen door was answered by Mr. Weasley, who welcomed him enthusiastically. “Harry, my boy, come in!” he said pumping Harry’s hand. Mrs. Weasley was behind him, glowing at the sight of him. She pushed past her husband and grabbed him in a fierce hug.

“Harry,” she said, “We’ve been wondering when you’d show up. We thought it would be days ago!”

“I had some business to attend to, and it took a few more days than I expected,” replied Harry. “Is she here?”

Molly shook her head. “Are you…” she started to say.

“Yes,” Harry answered quickly. He looked from one parent to the other. “Do I have your blessing?”

Tears sprung to Molly’s eyes as she grabbed him in another fierce hug. “Of course, you silly fool. We’ve been waiting for this!”

“But she’s not… ooof!” Arthur stammered in reaction to a hard elbow to his side.

“If she’s old enough to fight and risk her life, she’s old enough for love,” said Mrs. Weasley, with a sparkle lighting her grin. Mr. Weasley looked back and forth between Harry and his Wife and slowly nodded his agreement.

“Do you have a ring?” Molly asked.

Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out the pouch from Griphook. “It took longer than I’d like, but yes.” He handed the pouch to Molly, who opened the flap and took out the contents. It was a simple golden ring topped with a single stone gently glowing with an internal purplish fire. “It’s an Eternal Love Stone,” said Harry.

“No, it can’t be!” said Molly, her eyes widening with surprise. “Wherever did you get it?”

“I convinced Griphook that he owed me a favor when I returned the Sword of Gryffindor,” responded Harry.

“It’s a what?” asked Arthur.

Molly turned to him: “It’s an Eternal Love Stone! I’ve only ever read about them, and didn’t think they actually existed.”

“They are very rare,” said Harry. “This is only the third one created in recorded history. And they aren’t exactly transferrable, as they only last the lifetime of the owners.”

“It just looks like just a ring to me,” said Arthur.

“Oh, no,” responded Molly. “Legend has it that the stone is forged in the Goblin mines from two hairs of the loving couple, then mounted on a ring of rare Goblin gold. The fire within is a reflection of their love for each other, and never dies until they do. It’s said that the owners are blessed with a lifetime of good fortune!”

“How romantic,” said Mr. Weasley with little enthusiasm.

“Where is she?” asked Harry with a questioning look.

“She’s staying with Bill & Fleur at the Cottage, studying for her NEWTs,” responded Molly. “But I think she’s expecting you.”

Harry took the ring back, dropped it into its pouch, and returned it to his pocket. “I’ll give your regards to Bill and Fleur,” he said with a smile, walking out the kitchen door. When he reached the edge of the field, he turned on the spot and…

Crack! He appeared on the shore of the sea next to Shell Cottage. Looking around, he remembered why he thought of this as the most beautiful place he’d ever seen.