The Perfect Opportunity.

Chapter 9: Permission??

'Professor McGonagall, I was wondering if I could have a word...'

'Yes, Potter, what is it?' she replied.

'Well, it's about Ginny. I've been thinking for a while, about proposing to Ginny, and I was wondering if you could give me some help. I would like to go to my family vault, at Gringotts, to get my mother's ring and also to Hogsmeade, to get some supplies.'

'How were you thinking about doing the proposing?' 

' I have my eye on a little clearing by the black lake. I want to prepare a picnic and have a blanket with candles... I just need to get permission from you, and Mr Weasley, of course.' Harry said.

'I would be delighted to give you permission to propose to Miss Weasley.' the old lady smiled. 'Do you know, Potter, you are the first person to ask about proposing, and I think you might also be the first to propose...'

'Thank you, professor. I will come to you again when I need the time to set up the picnic spot.' Harry said. and with that, he walked out of the room with a smile on his face. 

School was over for the day, so Harry walked back to their common room to find his friends. He walked through the portrait hole, and went to sit with Ginny by the fire.

'Hey, babe.' Harry said, putting his arm around Ginny, who snuggled into him.

The four spent the evening like they used to, before the war, when they were just innocent children. They laughed, and, in the case of Hermione, cried (out of laughter). 

'Hey, remember the time in 5th year, when Hermione said that you had an emotional range of a teaspoon.' Harry laughed.

They continued their casual banter, until Hermione looked at the clock and noticed that it was 11 o'clock at night.

'Guys, look at the time! We need to go to bed it we want to get to classes on time tomorrow.' she said, standing up, and tugging Ginny to her feet and towards to the girl's dormitory. Ginny stumbled after her, looking a bit startled.

Once the girls had disappeared up the stairs, Harry and Ron looked at each other, and shrugged.

'Might as well go up now as well.' Harry said.

The next morning, it was a Saturday, and Harry woke up really early. Seeing as he had permission from Professor McGonagall, he only needed to get permission from Mr Weasley. He set about writing the letter:

Dear Mr Weasley,

As you know, there has been a new Marriage law enforced. We have to be engaged , married and parents by a certain time. I am writing to ask you for Ginny's hand in marriage. You know that I love your daughter very much, and I sincerely hope that you let me marry your daughter.

Yours,

Harry Potter

He rolled up the parchment, and held out his arm for his new owl, Midnight, to perch on. The bird flew over, and held out its leg. Harry attached the letter to the leg and said, 'To the burrow.' The owl flew off and Harry went down to breakfast.

At the Burrow.

'Honey, come here!' Mr Weasley shouted.

'What is it, dear?'

'Read this letter from Harry..' he said, waving the letter. Mrs Weasley grabbed it and started to read.

'Oh my gosh! Arthur, we have to say yes!' Mrs Weasley screamed, running to the draw and getting a quill and paper. She scribbled a reply, rolled it up and gave it to Midnight.

Back at Hogwarts.

Harry looked up from his bacon and eggs to see his owl coming towards him, and thought I hope this is the reply from Mr Weasley... He retrieved the paper from the owl and sent it off to recover in the owlery.

With trembling fingers, he opened the letter. He held his breath as his eyes skimmed over the letter, which didn't take very long as the letter consisted of one word: YES. He gave a sigh of relief, his heart beat slowed down and, to his surprise, he let out a loud whoop, causing the students near by to turn around and stare at him.

Harry blushed, and sat down before starting to scoff the rest of his breakfast so he could get out of the hall as quickly as possible. 

After what seemed to be an eternity, breakfast was over and Harry hurried out of the Great Hall after Ron and pulled him aside.

'Hey, mate, can I have a word?' Harry said.

'Yeah, sure.' Ron said as they sat don on a bench.

'Well, I've been thinking about proposing to Ginny for a while now, and I have permission fro McGonagall, and your dad also just said I could, so I think I will do it tonight. But, I think I will need your help to set up the clearing...' 

'YOU'RE PRO- Actually, I don't mind. It was bound to happen at some point and I'm just glad that you decided to ask me about it first.' Ron said, clapping Harry on the back.

'Right, then. We need to go to McGonagall's office to tell her we need to set up today. Just one thing tough, mate. You can't tell anyone, not even - I mean - definitely Hermione.'

'Ok.' And with that, the two boys set off to McGonagall's office.