Recuperation - 7

Other than the group dinners, Harry's time was his own for the first time he could ever remember. He and Ginny took long, romantic strolls along the beach, and he enjoyed waking up each morning knowing that she would there. They'd formed the habit of meeting for breakfast so they could plan their day together. Harry couldn't ever remember being so carefree. Even his occasional stays at the Burrow had been marred with the threat of war or depressing thoughts about the Dursleys.

To Harry, this time at the beach was the first time he'd ever truly been free – and freedom was something he could definitely get used to having.

One of Ted Tonks' favorite leisure time activities was fishing. The village where they stayed was an active fishing community, and Ted usually partook when he visited. Both Ron and Draco had taken to the sport, as well. They'd all gone out on several occasions, but Harry found he didn't have the patience for it. He hated having to sit still for so long and instead preferred to dive off the side of the boat and take a swim. Those fishing, of course, frowned on such behavior since it scared the fish away.

Although Ginny had more patience for it, she didn't really enjoy it, either, and Hermione felt horrible for the live bait. She kept trying to convince the other fishers to switch to non-live bait to no avail. Finally giving up, she spent her time sunning on the deck while reading a book.

The odd relationship that had developed between Ron and Draco as a result of the fishing was amusing to watch. Neither was what could be considered as friendly, but they both enjoyed competing over who could catch the larger fish. Their barbs and jabs at one another were harsh and caused several passersby to stare as if expecting a fight, but the usual venom behind the words was missing. It was just old habits dying hard. Harry had seen the flask of Firewhisky that Draco kept stashed in his pocket and knew that on some days, the only thing Ron and Draco were catching was a good buzz.

Since they bypassed these outings, Harry and Ginny spent the days together on the beach. Harry was secretly glad he didn't like fishing because it gave him the opportunity to be alone with Ginny.

This was just such a day, and although he'd been awoken by the nightmare fairly early in the morning, he knew the fishing boat would have already left for the day.

"Was it a bad one?" Ginny asked, wiping the sweat from his brow with a damp cloth.

Harry shook his head, the terrifying visions rapidly dissolving. "Just scattered memories," he said. "What are we doing today?"

"I thought we could pack a picnic lunch and take it to that spot down the beach where the waves are stronger. Do you think your arm feels up for that?" Ginny asked.

He stretched it out a few times. "I think I might need a little more therapy," he said, grinning.

"Do you, now?" Ginny asked, raising her eyebrow. "Shall I go fetch a few potions or Floo a Healer?"

"No," Harry said, shaking his head and trying to keep a straight face. He waggled his eyebrows and leered at her. "I think your brand oftherapy will do the trick."

Ginny giggled and kissed him quickly on the lips. "No. We're actually going to get out of here at a decent hour today," she said, placing her hands on her hips. "Go have your shower, and I'll meet you in the kitchen."