Author's Note: Hello Readers. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that has taken a chance on my story. Here is the next chapter. I'm hoping to keep at a pace of a new chapter every week and a half or so. We'll see if I can, I'm in grad school right now, and it's only going to get more hectic before it slows down!
Please read and review, I would love to hear feedback. I have such affection for these two characters. Such a tragically beautiful romance. More romance and passion to come, but we must build our way there!
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"I'm really glad you came today." Hermione said from the other side of the store aisle, as we perused through Flourish & Blotts for maroon and gold colored decorations for the wedding. Ron had insisted that they use Gryffindor theme for the wedding, much to Hermione's chagrin. They had almost come to blows, (a classic fight between the two) until they reached a compromise that more colors could be added to complement the theme. So that put us, on a rainy Friday afternoon, in Diagon Alley, scouring every store we could think of that held Hogwarts merchandise, or at the very least anything maroon or gold.
"Of course. First duty of a maid of honor has always been to ensure that the bride does not kill the groom before the wedding day," I replied with a smirk. To this she laughed and went back to filling her basket with all the maroon ribbon the shop had.
"Well I'm glad you weren't busy today. I really appreciate the help, now that your brother has decided he wants to actually be involved in the planning. You know if I didn't love him, I think I would hex him sometimes," Hermione said this with an affectionate smile. "We haven't seen much of you these past two weeks," she added with a sly look at me from the corner of her eye.
"Yes, well you have hexed him, if you recall, and Gwenog has been running us pretty hard, with the big match coming up," I answered, deflecting the obvious topic she wanted to talk about. "What do you think of adding feather's to the look? You know, they might look a bit like quills," I added picking up a few from a bin in front of me, hoping she would take the hint.
"Hmm, I actually really like that idea. Could you grab all the ones that actually resemble quills. None of those charmed to look like they came from some pygmy puff." she answered scrunching her nose at the neon green and orange feathers mixed in. "Fleur might have a good idea how to use them. For as...Fleurish as she can be, she certainly has a good eye for these occasions." Hermione relented. And I began picking out the beautiful white and gray speckled feathers.
A few minutes of silence passed as we continued to shop. I thought I was in the clear until I heard Hermione exhale deeply. "Alright Ginny, I'm just going to bring this up, and it will have to be uncomfortable. Because if I don't, I don't know who will. Are you okay now that Harry is back?" Hermione asked me as she crossed the aisle to stand by my side.
I took a long deep breath, closing my eyes. "Maybe? I've been doing my best to avoid running into him, so I could figure it out..." I answered truthfully. I could tell Hermione wanted to say something to comfort me. Before she could I continued on, "He had to go, we both know that. He was so haunted here. Always distracted with the thought that so many died for this cause, with Deatheaters and Voldemort followers still out there. And not to mention the press, never letting him breathe. Following him, watching his every move. He had to go... And two years ago I had resolved myself to that. Yes, I was upset he left. And yes, I was hurt to learn that I was the only one who didn't get owls from him. But I had moved on; let him go. I don't even think we would have argued that day if he would have just explained why he severed contact with me." I finished, feeling a bit lighter for having let it all out.
Hermione took a second to digest my words. Then replied, "Yes. It was hard on us all when he left. But if any of us have a right to be upset, it's you Ginny."
"Do I?" I asked, setting a crystal ball I hadn't realized I'd picked up, back on the shelf. My mind had been doing this over and over again for these last 2 weeks. Did Harry owe me anything?
"Looky here, Gabe. It seems we spotted ourselves our favorite Harpy," came a voice from behind us. I turned to see the Pink-haired Edie and the bearded Gabe from the night at the Gala. I shook myself out of my previous thoughts to produce a relatively believable smile.
"Hello there, Edie and ...Gabe, right?" I answered. Hermione shooting me a look of who are these people?
"That's right. What luck running into you again! We were talking about you for a while after you stopped by at the Gala. Of course we're all huge quidditch fans. Are you ready for your big match this weekend? Who am I kidding? You're Ginny Weasley. Of course you are! Oi, who's this?" Edie finally finished, looking past me to where Hermione stood. Who looked just as much amused as she did confused.
"Oh yes, this is Hermione Granger. Good friends with Harry. She's marrying my brother, Ron," I answered. Edie's face seemed to explode in delight.
"This is our lucky day! Gabe, standing before us is one of the best quidditch player of our time, and the Hermione Granger in one little shop. England is by far the most interesting place we've been," she finished giving Gabe a clap on the back. She immediately took Hermione's hand shaking it continuing, "What an honor it is to meet you, Harry has told us so much about you! It's like we're already friends. And did Ginny say you are marrying Ron Weasley? Oh, this is just so perfect! You all must come out with us tonight! Is Ron Weasley here?" Edie asked, her eyes scanning the shop, more starstruck than ever.
Hermione just shot me an amused look. The Golden Trio had experienced people like this before, but nearly four years had past since the battle of Hogwarts, and the excitement had long since died down.
"Um, no he's not, he was called into work this morning. It's nice to meet you too. You are friends of Harry's then?" Hermione asked politely.
"Oh yes, forgive my manners. I'm Edie Gosen and this is Gabe. We met Harry a few months back in Portugal when he was on a case. We've all been travelling with him ever since," Edie explained. "And here's the man of the hour," She added, as Harry and his brown haired friend approached us.
"Harry, m'boy! We have found the gems of London right here in this shop," Gabe called over his shoulder as the two men made their way towards us.
"Indeed you did," Harry answered with an affectionate smile, looking right at Hermione... I shook off my misplaced disappointment and gave a smile and a wink to Edie. She just grinned back at us.
"Hello Hermione," he greeted her as they reached the group. Harry immediately enveloped his old friend in a hug and a kiss to her cheek. Hermione was positively beaming. It struck me how deep their friendship truly is. No matter how many miles or years separated them, those three would always be able to pick right back up. No explanations needed.
He then turned to me, "Ginny, I haven't seen you in a while. I've been wondering if we were going to run into each other again," and as he said this, his right arm came around my shoulders and I was being pulled into him. Harry was hugging me.
I hadn't touched this boy in a year and a half, and suddenly I could smell him, and feel his hard body against the side of my own. "Hello Harry," I replied, confused. I decided to wrap one arm around his middle, trying to not be awkward in front of his friends. But then I feel his lips brush my forehead. For a split second I freeze.
This was how he always used to greet me before he left two and a half years ago, when we were 'Harry and Ginny'. Except then he would keep me tucked next to him, a lazy arm slung across my shoulders. No matter what the situation, he would always kept me close to his side. As possessive as it may have been,
I used to thrill in it.
I feel him stiffen about me. His eyes shoot down to mine, seeming to realize his actions. His green eyes meeting mine, and he looked just as surprised at his unintended muscle memory as I did. Immediately he removed his arm from my shoulders and turned away from me. His unease was obvious because he quickly asked the group, "What were you lot talking about before we showed up?"
"Well," began Edie. "I was just suggesting that these two and Ron join us at the Leaky Cauldron tonight. And Ginny here can bring a few of her Harpy mates. The pub wouldn't know what hit them!" she finished with such excitement it was hard to not smile with her.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Harry stiffen at the idea. I looked at the newcomers and noticed the young man that had asked me how I knew Harry at the Gala, raise an eyebrow at Harry.
"Hm," the young man spoke. "Now that is an idea," He said in a tone that was hard to decipher.
Hermione was the first to truly address the notion, "Well, you know me Harry, I'm not one for late nights." Harry's body seemed to relax at the idea of her decline.
"What do you say Harpy?" the nameless man asked me directly. His gaze was somewhat challenging.
Harry quickly interjected, "Well Ginny probably has an early practice. Wanting to be ready for her big match and all, and I'm sure there are-"
"You know," I interrupted. "A night out sounds perfect. I know me and some of the girls would love a chance to let off some steam. I'm in," I answered with a confident smile, right back at the young man.
Hermione seemed encouraged by my affirmation added, "Yes, us too. I know Ron would love to get a few drinks after work, and how often do we all get a chance to do this?"
"Terrific!" Edie cheered. "It's all settled then, we loons, the Golden Trio and the Holyhead Harpies are going to shake the Leaky Cauldron like they've never seen! I say we all go to Honeydukes and enjoy some of those chocolate frogs and fudge cakes Harry is always talking about."
"Oh, that does sound good. I am famished!" Hermione agreed. "Here let me pay, and we can all head over," she added taking my basket out of my hand, and heading to the register.
"Actually," Harry interjected, and we all turned toward him. "I won't be able to join you lot at Honeydukes. That's why I came to find you. The department has called me in for a meeting. Probably the same reason they brought Ron in this morning, I suspect. But Ron and I will meet you all at the Leaky Cauldron when we're finished."
"Always working eh? Well I'll eat an extra chocolate frog for you mate," Gabe teased from over his shoulder. Harry just smiled in response. We all began moving towards the door.
I was immediately lost in thought. It could be interesting tonight. I was glad that Edie had suggested bringing a few of my teammates with me. Then at least I would never have to stand awkwardly alone. I should probably invite Eddy too. He had practice tonight, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind coming out for a bit after.
"Ginny," I heard my name, and pulled myself out of my thoughts to see Harry in front of me. He had turned back toward me from our path towards the door. I halted, wondering what was coming next. Looking past his shoulder, I saw that the rest of our group was already waiting outside the shop.
"Is there something you need, Harry?" I asked, trying my best to sound neutral.
"Yes," He answered leaning his arm on the tall shop shelf, conveniently blocking my path. He wanted my attention alright. My eyes shot to his barricading arm, and then to him questioningly. "I wanted," he gestured with his free hand, "Well, I wanted to make sure you're feeling better, from the last time I saw you," he explained, his tone softening.
"Oh," I answered hearing the relief in my voice. My cheeks pinked, and I chuckled at the memory. Leaning my back against the same shelf, I tried to let myself feel at ease. That day had been absolutely ridiculous!
Now was the time to show him that I was not affected. "Yes, I am. Thank you. I felt much better after I slept. I was actually able to practice the next day," I finished with a genuine smile. We could be friends. We could be civil. And I could forgive him.
"Good," He affirmed with a somewhat relieved smile. He ran his free hand through his dark hair.
"And I believe I owe you a thank you," I continued. Might as well get this out of the way too. Harry just looked at me curiously.
"For catching me...twice." I explained, feeling slightly ashamed of having had given him such a hard time about it. "After I came around, Hermione told me that you carried me all the way to her room. That was really great of you. Especially after sprinting five miles. Gwenog I'm sure would like to extend her gratitude also. Can't have a first string Chaser with a head injury," I finished with a wink.
He shot me a crooked grin. It took me a second to remember to breathe. Regaining myself I smiled back in return.
"Gin," he said suddenly, breaking our first comfortable silence. His voice, quieter than before. I could feel him lean closer, my neck craning back to keep our eye contact. The smile dropped from my face. "You said something to me when I was carrying you to Hermione's room-"
"Yes," I interrupted, looking away from his piercing gaze. Apparently he hadn't forgotten like I'd hoped. I did not want this conversation going any farther. "Hermione told me about that too, and I should have made this clear earlier, but I don't remember any of it. And she said she didn't hear me either. The last thing I remember is passing out on the front step, and then waking up hours later," I finished with a nonchalant shrug.
He listened, and nodded in understanding. "You told me..."
"Harry," I interrupted again, holding my hands up to signal him to stop. He looked at first as if he might protest, but seemed to think twice of it and shut his lips. I continued on, "I truly have no idea what I said to you. I was very tired and obviously not myself. I really think it's best if we just forget it," I finished firmly. Hoping my explanation would placate his curiosity.
We stood there; eye to eye. My chin tipped up in what I hoped would look like unwavering confidence. I could tell he was trying to read me. Harry just shook his head; his gaze drifting down to his shoes. He seemed to think for a moment and then suddenly looked up. He had a hard, determined look on his face.
"What if I can't Gin?" was his reply, as he brought his other hand up to rest against the shelf behind me. I was now trapped between his strong arms, with no route of escape. I quickly straightened up, hoping this would cause him to take a step backward, so I could have some space to breathe; to have a coherent thought.
He didn't.
His eyes seemed to bore into mine. The sudden close proximity, causing my breath to come rapid and short. What did he mean, he can't forget? I shook my head, willing myself to get a grip. Harry's hand came to my cheek, stopping the movement. On their own accord tears sprung to my eyes, and I fought like hell to keep them from falling.
What did this bloody boy want from me?! I looked back at him, searching his eyes. His breath was now deep and ragged, and I gripped the shelf behind me with all I had, so my hands wouldn't do something I know I would later regret. Like reach for him. I shut my eyes against his piercing stare, and felt a lone tear escape down my cheek.
"Potter!" came a harsh voice from down the aisle. We both turned our heads towards the source, to see the young man Harry walked in with standing at the end of the aisle, with a very stern look on his face. Harry immediately moved to stand in front of me. Shielding me from this other man. I didn't mind at all, and took the moment to wipe my tear-stained eyes.
"You should probably get to the Ministry, wouldn't you say?" he reminded Harry.
I moved around Harry to see them facing off. My eyes, flicked back and forth between them. There seemed to be an understanding that I was completely unaware of between the two.
"Yes," Harry answered and turned to me and said almost hollowly, "Please enjoy the rest of the day. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it to the pub tonight. Goodbye Ginny," and with that the two men turned and left. Leaving me standing there, just as confused as when I left the Gala.
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Author's Note: This chapter has now been revised. I remember writing it initially. I wanted to send Ginny reeling after seeing Harry again. I wanted to show that the pull between the two is not something that was easily ignored by either of them. Some of my favorite parts of this chapter are the hug and kiss on the cheek that Harry gives to Ginny when they meet again, and when the young man with Harry (who we later learn is Alex), interrupts their intimate moment, and Harry moves to shield Ginny by standing in front of her.
What are your thoughts?
