A/N: Special thanks to my beta Majerus again for this chapter. M, you truly are a gem!
The last four days have been the slowest days of Harry's entire life. He was sent to France's Ministry of Magic to work on a highly confidential case along with Neville. He wasn't even the first choice for the case, Kingsley himself was going to handle it. Harry recalled how he was called into the head Auror's office at the last minute.
*****
Harry's boss looked concerned and his tone was very serious as he stated, "Harry, you are one of my best Aurors, but recently I have noticed that you are coming in late and that your mind seems to be elsewhere."
Kingsley came forward and put a hand on his shoulder, his voice gentler, "Look... I don't want to pry. I'm not asking as your superior but as a friend. Is there something bothering you?"
Harry prided himself on being very professional when it came to his work. He knew he was late for the last seven days. He also knew his mind was wandering frequently, and why. He just didn't know how to approach the beautiful girl at the café.
He shook his head and looked the older Auror in the eye as he replied, "I am sorry for my recent behavior." Harry's shoulders slumped a bit as he lowered his gaze. "You know, being single sucks!" he added with a sigh.
Kingsley laughed, "Yeah... Don't I know it. I guess we're in the same boat there."
Harry knew his boss was single, but it still made him feel better to have the older Auror share his feelings. After giving him a smile, Harry finally spoke. "Kingsley, thanks, it's just personal and I'm not sure where I'm at yet."
Kingsley seemed to think on this, then nodded, and turned to the task at hand. "As you know, the agreement that we are ready to sign with France's Auror department is very important, it will take us one step closer to rounding up the death eaters that are still at large."
Harry nodded, his attention fully focused on the job.
Kingsley continued, "I want you to go to France to represent the English Auror department."
Harry was taken aback for a second and exclaimed "Me? But…"
"I have full confidence in you and I think this trip will help you clear your head." Kingsley interrupted, before Harry could even form a reply.
"I'm not that distracted, that is, I am…" the younger man sputtered, still surprised from the important assignment.
Kingsley stopped him before he could finish. "Okay. I still think you should go. I am sending Neville along with you. As matter of fact, I don't think your single status will remain a problem considering you'll be in Paris, the 'City of Love'." Kingsley winked as he teased his famously shy friend.
*****
Shifting in his seat his mind returned to the present. Harry was far from romanced by Paris, on top of that he wasn't about to go running around the city chasing girls no matter where he was; that just wasn't who he was.
He was bored. He was ready to get out there and catch criminals, but instead he was essentially just sitting in on meetings between long winded government officials and flocks of lawyers. His famous name apparently lent some weight to his side so at least some good came of it. That was all he felt useful for.
Unfortunately the French Aurors were stiff and a bit pompous, worried about jurisdiction and other things that had nothing to do with Harry catching bad guys. Thus four days to come to some agreement or another that they all wanted to catch murderous death eater scum. When the meetings were done he didn't even know what they had accomplished. He just returned to his room and waited until the final banquet so they could go home.
He grumbled and paced, switched channels on the telly, and generally got on Neville's nerves, just like he had every night. At least he could pack... of course that was a simple wand movement, so back to pacing.
He saw how Nev watched him, not interrupting him, giving him space. Now that the conference was done he realized that he really had to thank Nev putting up with his bad moods. So he wasn't really able to brush him off when Neville asked the obvious question. "Mate, I haven't seen you this restless since the war. You were supposed to enjoy this trip. What's the matter? I know something is wrong."
Harry shrugged as he replied, "I guess I am just homesick."
"Don't lie to me mate. You suck at it. I'm your best friend, I can see it, something is bothering you."
Harry sighed, he knew Nev had him. "Yeah, you're right. I will explain to you everything once I figure things out for myself, ok?"
Their friendship had withstood much worse, and Neville remembered some of Harry's mood swings from Hogwarts, so he didn't press further.
*****
So, after five agonizing days, here he was, back at the café. Watching the clock.
8:59.
Ginny entered exactly at that moment. Seeing her face, he realized how much he was looking forward to seeing her again. Ginny greeted Susie and took her usual seat. She took out a newspaper and started reading it. Susie came out with her usual order of waffles after few minutes.
Ginny started to build her waffle house again. The door of the house kept falling and she was clearly getting annoyed. Harry thought this was the perfect time to talk to her. Feeling confident as he put his hasty plan into motion, he took a toothpick from his table before heading towards her.
"Let me help you with that." He said with a smile as he showed her the toothpick. Ginny had a confused look on her face but nodded acceptance.
Harry attached the toothpick to the waffle that was supposed to be the door. He placed it very carefully inside the walls of the house; not only was the door was standing but now it could be moved using the toothpick. Pleased by his work, he looked at Ginny, who clearly had an amused look on her face.
"Thanks, are you an engineer or something?" she asked with a smirk.
"I wish."
She smiled and held out her hand, "I am Ginny."
Confused, Harry replied, "I know who you are. We met five days ago."
Ginny's smile faltered. "Five days ago? I don't think so, I think you are mistaken."
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. How can she forget so easily? Frustrated, Harry tried to jog the woman's memory. "No, remember you ran into me and soaked my shirt and…"
"Excuse me," she interrupted, "I think I would remember if I ran into someone and ruined his shirt." The pretty red-head seemed to be getting upset.
"But..." Harry could not form words, his confusion had him tongue tied.
"I see what is going on here. You are clearly trying to flirt with me, aren't you? Is this how you make a move on girls? I must say, you suck at it. If you want some luck with girls, I suggest not pretending you already know them when you don't." Ginny's face was getting red with anger.
Taken aback, Harry tried to explain, "I am sorry, I didn't know that offering an acquaintance help building a waffle house was flirting." He wasn't even sure why that was such a bad thing. He thought she smiled so nicely at him the other day. Harry's mind was whirling with confusion.
"Is something wrong, Ginny?" Harry had forgotten they were not alone until Susie came to their table.
"This guy thinks that I met him before and is implying that I forgot when and where we first met."
"I am not trying to imply anything, you obviously forgot." He looked to the waitress, knowing she was there that rainy day and would back him up.
Susie looked at him for a moment before saying, "Sir, I think its best that you leave Ginny alone."
Harry's face hardened. "Fine." He stepped over to the door and grabbed his coat. Before leaving he looked into Ginny's eyes. His voice was a mixture of hurt and frustration as he told her "I am anything but a liar." He turned without waiting for a reply and left the café.
