(A/N: OK, I know many of you are expecting a DM/GW...Hold on. It gets there.... And even then....Well. I'll say no more on that point. I'll give cookies to whomever can tell me where I got this plot from! Anywho. Chapters are going to be short in the beginning, that's not because I'm an idiot and don't know how to write. [Er....] It's because I've planned out my chapters and I'm not just letting them wander around for a month or two. Ok? Great. I hope you like this.
Important! Read this if nothing else of my note! - This takes place about four or five years after Harry has left Hogwarts. Everything else will be revealed - Thank you. Read on, for those who don't appreciate my notes.
Thanks to: AngelTomoeHotaru for giving me insight into Ginny's middle name. I don't know it. She said she doesn't think it's stated in the books either. If it is, I'll give you cookies for telling me. Thanks again, AngelTomoeHotaru.
Forgive my spelling mistakes, as I do not have a beta and I do not have a spell check. I'll have to search for my own mistakes. So, please be patient. And if you've read my Bio, you know I hate misspellings, so pleeeeaaaaase be patient.
Remember... This will be a romance/angst. I just hope I get the definition of angst correct.
Enjoy!
-Sarra)
Chapter 1 / More of a Prolouge
Oh To Be Anywhere But Here
Harry wrung his hands, he was sweating like a dog. He unbuttoned his overcoat and felt refreshed almost immediatly in the freezing weather. He stood outside the Burrow on a cold night in late January. Tonight was the night. THE night. Harry was about to fal over he was so worried. Harry tried to shrug it off and, now feeling chilled, buttoned his coat back. He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, nervous to the very core of his being. His wand in his pocket even felt nervous.
Not even Lord Voldemort had made him this scared. Sure, he was scared, but it was a sense of destiny and fufillment that washed away that fear... There would be destiny and fufillment in this night... But Harry could not quell his anxious heart. Itching for something to do, he knocked on the door again.
This time he heard muffled voices and the light step of a woman's heeled foot. Suddenly the door opened and Harry had to blink in the sudden bright light.
"Oh good. It's you," The velvety voice sighed. "I almost had a fit waiting on you." Ginny closed the door behind her and stepped down onto the path. She had her long cloak on, and her hood pulled over her head. Soft curls of rich red hair peeped out from behind the cover. "How long have you been out here, Harry?"
"Not long," He lied. Harry's nervousness washed away in an instant, it was just Ginny after all. "Mi'lady, your carriage awaits." He bowed deeply and motioned to the road in front of the house.
Ginny's brown eyes went wide with surprise, "Oh Harry!" Harry quickly led her down to the muggle limosine. (A/N: HOW DO YOU SPELL THAT!?) He opened the door for Ginny and she slid in. Harry quickly jumped in and shut the door behind him, finally out of the cold.
"So, we're in a muggle car?" Ginny giggled as she ran her hand over the smooth wood, "Dad would have a fit if he knew it!"
Harry smiled and extracted his wand, he waved it and the car began to pull away. It crunched loudy on the gravel drive. Ginny smiled and leaned back into the soft leather seat. She pulled off her hood and gave her hair a shake, hoping it hadn't been mussed too badly.
"So, Mr. Potter," Ginny said after satisfied with her hair, "Where are we going?"
"New York City."
"New York City!?" Ginny gaped at him, "But- but that's in America!"
Harry smiled, "I know."
Ginny narrowed her eyes, "You mean to tell me this car is going to drive us through the Atlantic Ocean?"
"No," Harry smiled wider. Suddenly there was a lurch in Ginny's stomach, and any noise of gravel ceased...yet they had not stopped moving. "We're going to fly over it."
Harry rolled down the window and Ginny laughed at the sight of England sinking far below her vision to a very miniscule size.
"Harry! I don't believe this!" She laughed.
Harry smiled and leaned back into his seat, glad that all he had to do was... Well. He didn't want to think about it just yet.
Ginny kept the window open, a little breeze wouldnt hurt either of them. She sat down and leaned back into Harry's shoulder. Smiling to herself, she closed her eyes and dozed off.
"Ginny.."
Ginny blinked her eyes, and rubbed the sleep out of them.
"Ginny, we're here." Harry whispered softly.
"We're where?" Giny hadn't quite woken up, and her sleep had washed away the knowledge of where she was.
"New York City."
Ginny gasped, everything rushing back to her like a spring flood. She sat up and groped onto the edge of the window. Her eyes could barely take it all in. She'd seen it before, years ago... In the summer before her sixth year. But she'd only passed over it.. But now...
"Oh, Harry!" She exclaimed again. A light snow had falled, and the city looked frosted, ready for her taking. She smiled and she watched the Statue of Liberty salute her and welcome her to America. Ginny sighed and looked out over the city again, even though Christmas was weeks past, it seemed like the city had never fallen out of that beautiful holiday spirit. Harry smiled and let Ginny poke her head out the window. He climbed up to the driver's seat, which was open because Harry had purchased this car months ago and had it customized. Harry pulled out a muggle cell phone and quickly dialed a number in. Ginny went on raving about the lights and sights. Exclaiming when she saw something she recognized from her last passing.
Harry closed the cell phone, his business completed. "Ginny." he called back to her.
She turned her rosy face from the window, "Yes?"
"Ready for Broadway?"
Harry had procured two seats, about three rows back, and directly in the center of the broadway production "Disney's Beauty and the Beast". Ginny was bubbling by the time it was over and Harry bought her the soundtrack and one of the long, fake, Belle roses. Ginny tucked the CD into her small pouch in her cloak and smelled the flower.
Her eyes twinkled, "Oh, it smells wonderful!"
Harry was confused, "It does?"
"Yes!"
"May I smell?" Harry leaned forward to smell the rose and Ginny held it out. When Harry was an inch from the rose Ginny whacked him in the face with it. They bother laughed loudly, turning many heads and bringing on stares.
"You're evil!" Harry laughed.
Ginny curtsied, "Indeed I am, sir."
They laughed again and wandered down the streets until they came "by chance" to a small wizard resturant. Harry and Ginny decided to eat there and stopped in.
It was almost completely empty, there were a few stragglers in the corner, and a small number of waiters clearing off tables.
"Ah! Welcome to my establishment!" Shouted a tall, rotund chef from behind a high counter. "Pick a seat! What be your names?"
"Harry Potter, and this is Ginny Weasley."
The chef's eyes grew round, "Ahhhh. Mr. Potter," The chef smiled warmly, "We've been expecting you. Have a seat, please. TOMMY! GET THEIR CLOAKS!"
"Yes, yes sir!" A short fat man squeaked. He had been clearing off a table, but quickly dropped what he was doing and relinquished their over garments from them. Harry smiled and led Ginny to a table close to where they had seen the chef.
"What did he mean by he was expecting you?" Ginny whispered to Harry, as he pulled out her chair for her. Ginny sat and Harry shrugged.
Ginny narrowly watched him as he sat down, his face the picture of confidence. He saw her examining him, "What?"
Ginny shook her head, "I'm not sure yet."
Harry felt an icy hand clinch his stomach. Oh to be anywhere but here. He smiled warmly and she finally stopped glaring at him.
"Well whatever it is," Ginny smirked at him. "I'll have it all figured out by the end of tonight."
"I bet you will." Harry nodded. Ginny smiled and leaned back in her chair. Her long red hair fell over her shoulders and down her back in soft curls.
A waiter came out and asked for theier drink orders, it was ordered and he soon returned wanting their food orders. Again, he was told and dissapeared for a while.
After a few loud crashes and curses from the kitchen, Harry and Ginny were laughing when their food arrived. They ate, hungered by the excitement of the night. The food was good, and compliments to the chef were made.
"Dessert?" Harry asked, the chilly hand back with a vengence.
"Uhm...Sure." Ginny picked up the dessert menu and poured over it. "Wow, there's alot of good stuff on here. I know! The cheesecake."
Harry smiled, "I'll go tell him." He chuckled then, "That waiter might confuse the order."
Giny laughed and waited for Harry to return. Harry came back, looking relieved. That's what it was, Ginny thought to herself, He's been looking tense all night. Well, I'm guessing he's glad another night is finally over. Ginny laughed softly and shook her head.
"What?" Harry was alarmed, had she figured it out?
"Nothing. Tonight was wonderful." She smiled.
Ginny was clueless.
The cheesecake was then brought to them by the head chef himself, he gracefully laid it on the table.
"Oh, I never thought I'd call food beautiful," Ginny laughed, as she looked over the dessert, a long rose had been laid next to the cheesecake, and sugared rose petals lay on top. "But that is beaut...."
Ginny's praise caught in her throat. On the stem of the rose was a ring. Ginny picked up the rose and let the ring slide down the stem to land softly in her hand. She couldn't bring herself to look at Harry. A mixture between frustration, elation, and sorrow was pounding through her veins.
"Harry..." She said carefully. "I don't know whether to bash you, kiss you, or cry."
Harry smiled, his head feeling dizzy. He stood and walked over to her. He bent down on one knee.
Ginny knew she wasn't going to hit him... or for that matter kiss him. She cried. Silent tears stole down her cheeks. She looked into Harry's eyes as he took the ring from her.
"Virginia Marie Weasley, will you marry me?"
Ginny blinked the tears out of her eyes, "Yes." She giggled and threw her arms around Harry's neck, nearly knocking him over. Harry felt every anxious thought and feeling melt away. She hugged Ginny back and quietly handed her the ring. Ginny smiled widely as she slipped it on her finger...
Hermione Granger sat at the table of the Burrow tapping her fingers rapidly against the hard wood. She had a lead weight in the pit of her stomach that she could not get rid off. The rest of the Weasleys were milling around, minding their own business or making someone else's theirs. Hermione was about to blow up with pent up emotion. Usually she would have run outdoors and kept running, at least until she felt better, but it was too cold tonight.
Ron came in from the back kitchen door, carrying a load of wood for the fire. He noticed Hermione's agitated state.
"Mione?" he asked her softly.
Hermione's trance broke and looked up to Ron, "Yeah?"
"You all right?" Ron was worried.
Hermione cursed herself inwardly for making him worry, "Yes. I'm fine." She smiled, but her smiled was thin and stretched. Ron was not calmed and told her to follow him into the living room. She did and Ron dumped the logs by the fire. He threw a couple in and brushed off his hands. He motioned to Hermione to come closer.
"What's wrong?" He said, taking her hands.
"Harry's asking Ginny tonight." Hermione hissed.
Ron's eyes grew wide and he understood, "Oh."
(A/N: Well, there it is. Or at least how it starts off. So...Ya see that little button down in the left corner? PUSH IT!)
Important! Read this if nothing else of my note! - This takes place about four or five years after Harry has left Hogwarts. Everything else will be revealed - Thank you. Read on, for those who don't appreciate my notes.
Thanks to: AngelTomoeHotaru for giving me insight into Ginny's middle name. I don't know it. She said she doesn't think it's stated in the books either. If it is, I'll give you cookies for telling me. Thanks again, AngelTomoeHotaru.
Forgive my spelling mistakes, as I do not have a beta and I do not have a spell check. I'll have to search for my own mistakes. So, please be patient. And if you've read my Bio, you know I hate misspellings, so pleeeeaaaaase be patient.
Remember... This will be a romance/angst. I just hope I get the definition of angst correct.
Enjoy!
-Sarra)
Chapter 1 / More of a Prolouge
Oh To Be Anywhere But Here
Harry wrung his hands, he was sweating like a dog. He unbuttoned his overcoat and felt refreshed almost immediatly in the freezing weather. He stood outside the Burrow on a cold night in late January. Tonight was the night. THE night. Harry was about to fal over he was so worried. Harry tried to shrug it off and, now feeling chilled, buttoned his coat back. He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, nervous to the very core of his being. His wand in his pocket even felt nervous.
Not even Lord Voldemort had made him this scared. Sure, he was scared, but it was a sense of destiny and fufillment that washed away that fear... There would be destiny and fufillment in this night... But Harry could not quell his anxious heart. Itching for something to do, he knocked on the door again.
This time he heard muffled voices and the light step of a woman's heeled foot. Suddenly the door opened and Harry had to blink in the sudden bright light.
"Oh good. It's you," The velvety voice sighed. "I almost had a fit waiting on you." Ginny closed the door behind her and stepped down onto the path. She had her long cloak on, and her hood pulled over her head. Soft curls of rich red hair peeped out from behind the cover. "How long have you been out here, Harry?"
"Not long," He lied. Harry's nervousness washed away in an instant, it was just Ginny after all. "Mi'lady, your carriage awaits." He bowed deeply and motioned to the road in front of the house.
Ginny's brown eyes went wide with surprise, "Oh Harry!" Harry quickly led her down to the muggle limosine. (A/N: HOW DO YOU SPELL THAT!?) He opened the door for Ginny and she slid in. Harry quickly jumped in and shut the door behind him, finally out of the cold.
"So, we're in a muggle car?" Ginny giggled as she ran her hand over the smooth wood, "Dad would have a fit if he knew it!"
Harry smiled and extracted his wand, he waved it and the car began to pull away. It crunched loudy on the gravel drive. Ginny smiled and leaned back into the soft leather seat. She pulled off her hood and gave her hair a shake, hoping it hadn't been mussed too badly.
"So, Mr. Potter," Ginny said after satisfied with her hair, "Where are we going?"
"New York City."
"New York City!?" Ginny gaped at him, "But- but that's in America!"
Harry smiled, "I know."
Ginny narrowed her eyes, "You mean to tell me this car is going to drive us through the Atlantic Ocean?"
"No," Harry smiled wider. Suddenly there was a lurch in Ginny's stomach, and any noise of gravel ceased...yet they had not stopped moving. "We're going to fly over it."
Harry rolled down the window and Ginny laughed at the sight of England sinking far below her vision to a very miniscule size.
"Harry! I don't believe this!" She laughed.
Harry smiled and leaned back into his seat, glad that all he had to do was... Well. He didn't want to think about it just yet.
Ginny kept the window open, a little breeze wouldnt hurt either of them. She sat down and leaned back into Harry's shoulder. Smiling to herself, she closed her eyes and dozed off.
"Ginny.."
Ginny blinked her eyes, and rubbed the sleep out of them.
"Ginny, we're here." Harry whispered softly.
"We're where?" Giny hadn't quite woken up, and her sleep had washed away the knowledge of where she was.
"New York City."
Ginny gasped, everything rushing back to her like a spring flood. She sat up and groped onto the edge of the window. Her eyes could barely take it all in. She'd seen it before, years ago... In the summer before her sixth year. But she'd only passed over it.. But now...
"Oh, Harry!" She exclaimed again. A light snow had falled, and the city looked frosted, ready for her taking. She smiled and she watched the Statue of Liberty salute her and welcome her to America. Ginny sighed and looked out over the city again, even though Christmas was weeks past, it seemed like the city had never fallen out of that beautiful holiday spirit. Harry smiled and let Ginny poke her head out the window. He climbed up to the driver's seat, which was open because Harry had purchased this car months ago and had it customized. Harry pulled out a muggle cell phone and quickly dialed a number in. Ginny went on raving about the lights and sights. Exclaiming when she saw something she recognized from her last passing.
Harry closed the cell phone, his business completed. "Ginny." he called back to her.
She turned her rosy face from the window, "Yes?"
"Ready for Broadway?"
Harry had procured two seats, about three rows back, and directly in the center of the broadway production "Disney's Beauty and the Beast". Ginny was bubbling by the time it was over and Harry bought her the soundtrack and one of the long, fake, Belle roses. Ginny tucked the CD into her small pouch in her cloak and smelled the flower.
Her eyes twinkled, "Oh, it smells wonderful!"
Harry was confused, "It does?"
"Yes!"
"May I smell?" Harry leaned forward to smell the rose and Ginny held it out. When Harry was an inch from the rose Ginny whacked him in the face with it. They bother laughed loudly, turning many heads and bringing on stares.
"You're evil!" Harry laughed.
Ginny curtsied, "Indeed I am, sir."
They laughed again and wandered down the streets until they came "by chance" to a small wizard resturant. Harry and Ginny decided to eat there and stopped in.
It was almost completely empty, there were a few stragglers in the corner, and a small number of waiters clearing off tables.
"Ah! Welcome to my establishment!" Shouted a tall, rotund chef from behind a high counter. "Pick a seat! What be your names?"
"Harry Potter, and this is Ginny Weasley."
The chef's eyes grew round, "Ahhhh. Mr. Potter," The chef smiled warmly, "We've been expecting you. Have a seat, please. TOMMY! GET THEIR CLOAKS!"
"Yes, yes sir!" A short fat man squeaked. He had been clearing off a table, but quickly dropped what he was doing and relinquished their over garments from them. Harry smiled and led Ginny to a table close to where they had seen the chef.
"What did he mean by he was expecting you?" Ginny whispered to Harry, as he pulled out her chair for her. Ginny sat and Harry shrugged.
Ginny narrowly watched him as he sat down, his face the picture of confidence. He saw her examining him, "What?"
Ginny shook her head, "I'm not sure yet."
Harry felt an icy hand clinch his stomach. Oh to be anywhere but here. He smiled warmly and she finally stopped glaring at him.
"Well whatever it is," Ginny smirked at him. "I'll have it all figured out by the end of tonight."
"I bet you will." Harry nodded. Ginny smiled and leaned back in her chair. Her long red hair fell over her shoulders and down her back in soft curls.
A waiter came out and asked for theier drink orders, it was ordered and he soon returned wanting their food orders. Again, he was told and dissapeared for a while.
After a few loud crashes and curses from the kitchen, Harry and Ginny were laughing when their food arrived. They ate, hungered by the excitement of the night. The food was good, and compliments to the chef were made.
"Dessert?" Harry asked, the chilly hand back with a vengence.
"Uhm...Sure." Ginny picked up the dessert menu and poured over it. "Wow, there's alot of good stuff on here. I know! The cheesecake."
Harry smiled, "I'll go tell him." He chuckled then, "That waiter might confuse the order."
Giny laughed and waited for Harry to return. Harry came back, looking relieved. That's what it was, Ginny thought to herself, He's been looking tense all night. Well, I'm guessing he's glad another night is finally over. Ginny laughed softly and shook her head.
"What?" Harry was alarmed, had she figured it out?
"Nothing. Tonight was wonderful." She smiled.
Ginny was clueless.
The cheesecake was then brought to them by the head chef himself, he gracefully laid it on the table.
"Oh, I never thought I'd call food beautiful," Ginny laughed, as she looked over the dessert, a long rose had been laid next to the cheesecake, and sugared rose petals lay on top. "But that is beaut...."
Ginny's praise caught in her throat. On the stem of the rose was a ring. Ginny picked up the rose and let the ring slide down the stem to land softly in her hand. She couldn't bring herself to look at Harry. A mixture between frustration, elation, and sorrow was pounding through her veins.
"Harry..." She said carefully. "I don't know whether to bash you, kiss you, or cry."
Harry smiled, his head feeling dizzy. He stood and walked over to her. He bent down on one knee.
Ginny knew she wasn't going to hit him... or for that matter kiss him. She cried. Silent tears stole down her cheeks. She looked into Harry's eyes as he took the ring from her.
"Virginia Marie Weasley, will you marry me?"
Ginny blinked the tears out of her eyes, "Yes." She giggled and threw her arms around Harry's neck, nearly knocking him over. Harry felt every anxious thought and feeling melt away. She hugged Ginny back and quietly handed her the ring. Ginny smiled widely as she slipped it on her finger...
Hermione Granger sat at the table of the Burrow tapping her fingers rapidly against the hard wood. She had a lead weight in the pit of her stomach that she could not get rid off. The rest of the Weasleys were milling around, minding their own business or making someone else's theirs. Hermione was about to blow up with pent up emotion. Usually she would have run outdoors and kept running, at least until she felt better, but it was too cold tonight.
Ron came in from the back kitchen door, carrying a load of wood for the fire. He noticed Hermione's agitated state.
"Mione?" he asked her softly.
Hermione's trance broke and looked up to Ron, "Yeah?"
"You all right?" Ron was worried.
Hermione cursed herself inwardly for making him worry, "Yes. I'm fine." She smiled, but her smiled was thin and stretched. Ron was not calmed and told her to follow him into the living room. She did and Ron dumped the logs by the fire. He threw a couple in and brushed off his hands. He motioned to Hermione to come closer.
"What's wrong?" He said, taking her hands.
"Harry's asking Ginny tonight." Hermione hissed.
Ron's eyes grew wide and he understood, "Oh."
(A/N: Well, there it is. Or at least how it starts off. So...Ya see that little button down in the left corner? PUSH IT!)