Days later, Harry slid into the chair opposite Ginny. " Hey, sorry I'm late," he said.
"It's fine, I only just beat you here. I've already ordered my lunch though," she told him.
"All right, be right back," he said, getting up to place his order. There was a small wait and by the time he returned, Ginny's order was in front of her.
"Guess what?" asked Harry.
Ginny indicated her full mouth but gestured for him to continue. " Cedric Diggory asked for me to be on his team for the World Cup preparations!"
Ginny swallowed, her eyes big and round. " Harry, that's brilliant. About time they recognised you over there," she said indignantly.
Harry grinned, she sounded just like his mother, wondering aloud how the department couldn't recognise Harrys talent lay in more than making coffee and gathering statistics on various players and teams.
"You know what this means don't you? I'll get tickets for the World Cup. Gin, we're going to see the World Cup," he practically yelled. " In Spain!"
"Oh Merlin, YES!" cried Ginny, her eyes shining. " That-oh, wow, Harry, that's brilliant."
Harry nodded happily. " I mean, the World Cup is still a couple of years away, and I had no idea they start planning for it so soon. Right now it's mostly logistics and such, it will certainly get busier when it get's closer," he said.
"Still, it gives you a chance for you to really shine," said Ginny. " Harry, that's brilliant news. Cedric should be great to work with, we've known his family for a long time."
"He is, he's a really nice bloke. I thanked him for giving me the opportunity and he told me he remembered what it was like when he started working there, doing the same as what I'm doing – used to do," he corrected.
"He's only been with the department for what, about three years, hasn't he? And already he's part of the World Cup team. Harry, this is it, your big break," she exclaimed. " We have to celebrate."
"No," protested Harry, "we have to talk about your birthday next week."
"Oh, that," said Ginny, deflating. "Would you believe, next Wednesday is the only night Fleur's parents can come to the Burrow to discuss the engagement party! Mum's all in a dither about what to make them for dinner. I think she's actually forgotten it's my birthday that day," she said, hurt.
"Well, tell her to steer clear of the snails," grimaced Harry.
Ginny brightened. " Hey, if we can get them from the garden, they'll be free! Mum's been talking lobster bisque and the like. Merlin knows what this dinner alone will cost them."
Harry kept quiet, knowing how sensitive all the Weasleys were about money. He knew things were a lot easier now, with all but one child living away from home, but they still kept to their frugal ways.
"Well, er, she does now, because I called over there yesterday. You see, I have plans for us on Wednesday night, and I wanted to let your parents to know not to expect you," he explained.
"Plans? What sort of plans?" asked Ginny, perking up.
"How early can you get off work?" asked Harry.
"I have the day off, actually," said Ginny, " but I have to come in Saturday to make it up."
"Good, perfect. All right, so here's the first part of my present," he said, handing her an envelope.
She opened it curiously, then put it down, staring at him, her mouth agape. " A day spa?"
Harry nodded. "You can do whatever you want. Hair, nails, erm, whatever," he said, not sure what really went on in those places.
"This is for two people," she read, then looked at him over the top of the parchment.
"I thought you might like to take Luna or somebody," he shrugged.
"Thanks Harry, that's a generous gift," she said.
"Oh, that's not all. So, er, you have to get dressed up and I'll come for you at five," he said. " We have reservations at six for dinner.
"Dressed up?" asked Ginny. "Where are we going? Come on, tell me," she urged.
Harry held up his hands. "All I will say is we're going to Muggle London. So be ready, be beautiful, be prepared for a night you will never forget."
She reached over and grabbed his hand. "I'll be with you, so it's already going to be special," she said gently.
Harry put his hand over hers and they smiled goofily at each other. Others around them smiled at the obvious affection between the two, but they remained oblivious.
/*/*/*/*
"My word, Harry, don't you look nice," said Mrs Weasley, as she opened the door for him. She ushered him inside.
"Mrs Weasley, did you do something different to your hair?" he asked, stepping into the familiar lounge.
Molly patted her hair nervously. "Er yes, is it bad? Arthur hasn't seen it yet," she said.
"It looks great," he said truthfully. " Oh, you went with Ginny, didn't you?" he realised.
Molly flushed, not used to pampering herself. "Yes. Luna is away and Ginny, well, Ginny didn't want to go alone," she confided.
Harry smothered a grin, sure that was what Ginny had told her mum to get her to agree to go. " You look great."
"Thank you, dear," said Molly, moving back to familiar territory, her kitchen. "The Delacours will be here for dinner. I'm sure I've forgotten something. They're from Paris, you know," she added.
Harry grinned. "Oh, my parents asked me to give you this, to thank you for bringing so much food for my brother's party," he said, handing over two bags.
"Wine? But we don't – Merlin, we didn't get any wine for dinner," gasped Molly. She looked at Harry. "They'll expect wine, won't they?"
Harry nodded. "Probably. Well, looks like these will be used sooner rather than later," he said, gesturing to the wine bottles.
"Oh my, yes, thank you, Harry dear, and please thank James and Lily, tell them they saved the day. Oh, here comes Ginny now. I'll go put these in the cool box, shall I?" she asked him, unsure.
"Just the white, Mrs Weasley. What are – oh!" Harry saw Ginny for the first time and lost track of his thoughts.
He'd never seen her in black before, apart from their school robes, but this was entirely different. Her black halter neck maxi dress showcased her small waist before flaring over her slender hips. As she walked towards him his eyes bulged at the huge split up the side to her thigh, exposing her leg as she walked. Her bare leg. Exposed. All the way up to her-
"Is it all right? Too much?" she asked him, uncertainly, looking down. She looked back at him. "Harry?"
Her hair was pulled back off her face, and she'd done something with her eyes that made them look huge. She wore tasteful long glittery earrings, if memory served Harry right, they'd been a gift from his family to her for her seventeenth birthday. Harry didn't think she knew they were real diamond chips.
"I have never seen you look more beautiful," he told her honestly.
Ginny flushed with pleasure at his words. Molly, watching on, beamed. "Now, go on, off with you. Have a lovely evening."
"You too, Mum. Don't let the Delacours intimidate you. This is your house, they're on your turf. Oh, and open the red wine about half an hour before dinner. Harry, ready?" she asked.
Molly sniffed and hugged her daughter. " Look at you, so grown up," she cried, dabbing her eyes with the corner of her apron. "You have a job, you'll probably start thinking about moving out, you'll meet someone, get married, have children..."
Ginny laughed self consciously. "Mum, come on."
Molly simply waved them off. "Go, have a good night," he reiterated.
Harry held out his arm for her. "Mi'lady," he said.
Ginny giggled and curtsied. " Kind sir." She looped her arms through his, and with Molly opening the door for them, they regally strode to the Apparation point, then Harry Apparated them to Muggle London.
"Just a short walk," he assured her, seeing as she was wearing heels.
"It's fine," she assured him. She hugged his arm to her side. "Oh, isn't it a lovely evening."
He looked down at her. Her face was one of joy as she took in everything around her. They had always enjoyed discovering new things in the Muggle world, and he knew what he had planned tonight was something she had wanted to do for a very long time.
"Well, here we are," announced Harry.
Ginny stopped and looked up at the sign, then at the door, then back to Harry. She gulped. " The Ivy? Me...and you...at The Ivy?"
Harry grinned and nodded, then pulled her aside as a couple stepped out of a limousine. Some men with cameras came up and took photographs. " Becks, Posh, how's married life? Posh, how's the new album coming?"
Harry and Ginny exchanged curious looks, then watched as the couple stood and posed for photos.
One reporter came up to them and asked if they were accompanying the famous couple. Harry laughed and denied it. He and Ginny slipped inside while the attention was focused on the other couple.
"Good evening, sir, madam," bowed the maitr'e d.
Harry nodded. "Table for two, under Potter," he said.
The man checked his bookings. " Very good, sir. Wilson? Table 7," he said to the waiter, who gestured for them to follow him.
" 7, my lucky number," grinned Ginny, as she followed the waiter. They escaped just as the maitr'e d began to fawn over the strangley named Posh and Becks, who had just entered the restaurant.
" Mine too," said Harry, for it had been both his and his dad's Quidditch number. He hurried, but the waiter beat him to seating Ginny. He slid into the chair opposite her.
The waiter handed them both menus. "I shall return with some water for the table and to take your drink orders."
"No need, we'll have champagne," said Harry.
"Very good, sir," bowed the waiter, discreetly leaving.
"Harry-champagne? Oh, look, it's that couple. She does look quite posh, doesn't she?" asked Ginny.
Harry picked up Ginny's hand. "I didn't even notice her, why would I when I'm with the prettiest girl in England tonight."
The waiter returned with their champagne, filling their flutes and leaving the remainder in an ice bucket to the side. They took a sip. " I could get used to this," laughed Ginny.
" Could you, really?" asked Harry. He doubted he could. He was more the Shepherd's-pie-and-Butterbeer, kind of guy.
" Merlin, no! But it's nice to have a special night out like this, isn't it?" asked Ginny, and he nodded, relieved she felt the same way.
They picked up their menus. "No snails," reminded Ginny, and their eyes met over the tops of the menus.
" No snails," agreed Harry, drawn by the colours in Ginny's hair. The warm lighting made her hair shimmer and shine. It had always fascinated him.
They ordered their meals and Ginny spotted a few celebrities that she recognised from the Muggle newspapers she read. She finally worked out who the mysterious Posh and Becks were, having read about their wedding just the last month. " I knew their names sounded familiar," she told Harry.
They talked about their work, and how well everything was going. Harry was already being given more responsibility and he liked working with Cedric. Ginny was discussing her training about the Millenium bug, and the waiter, returning with their meals, heard her, and they had a small discussion on the matter. Ginny was delighted, and Harry watched her glowing face, happy she was enjoying herself.
Their meals were delicious, but Harry kept an eye on the time. As Ginny was pondering dessert, Harry stilled her. " Ginny, there is someplace else we need to go tonight. If you still feel like dessert, perhaps we could get something after, but we do need to leave here fairly soon," he said.
"But it's only just after seven," said Ginny, looking at his watch, a gift from his parents for his seventeenth birthday. "Where are we going?" she asked, the excitement creeping back.
"Not far," promised Harry.
"Then let's go," decided Ginny.
Harry smiled in relief, and stood, then went around to hold her chair for her. He quickly settled the bill while Ginny went to the ladies room. She returned. "Oh, that Posh girl just said she liked my dress," she said excitedly.
"See, even other women can see how beautiful you are," said Harry, again offering her arm.
"Where are we going?" asked Ginny.
Harry gestured to a building all lit up, close by.
"The Palace Theatre?" said Ginny, as they got closer and she was able to read the signs. " L'es Miserable's. Oh, Harry, are we- are we going inside – to the theatre?" she gasped.
Harry nodded. Ginny squealed and flung her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. " This is the best birthday ever!" she cried.
He went to the box office window and collected their tickets. The crowds were gathering, despite it being a Wednesday night. They made their way to their seats, after Harry purchased a programme for her. "Something to remember this night by," he said.
"Harry, I'll never forget this night, honestly," she said.
Three bells sounded, a signal the show was about to start. Ginny sat forward eagerly, not wanting to miss a second.
Harry spent as much time watching Ginny as he did watching the play. Her enjoyment was contagious, and even the people sitting beside her got caught up in her enthusiasm. By the end of the play, they were walking out discussing every part of the play, enthalling Ginny even more. They were encouraging her to go and see other plays currently playing around the city.
"Oh yes, you must see 'The Phantom of the Opera', over at Her Majesty's Theatre," said one lady.
"Or if you're looking for something a bit more upbeat, there's always 'Mamma Mia'," suggested another. "It's playing at the Prince Edward Theatre."
"The 'Lion King' is coming soon, that's supposed to be quite good," said a man, accompanying them.
Ginny's head was spinning, but she looked forward to researching the shows they'd mentioned. "Thank you so much, and for explaining things to me. It's been a wonderful evening, the play and meeting you all," she said.
"Would you like to join us at the pub for a drink, talk some more?" offered the first lady.
"Oh, er, thank you, but – " began Ginny, when the man interrupted her.
"Now, Sally, isn't it obvious the two are on a date? They probably want to be alone, not hang around with us."
Ginny flushed and started to say, "Actually, this isn't a da-" when this time it was Harry who cut her off.
"Actually, it's Ginny's birthday and we have plans, but thank you. It was nice meeting you," said Harry.
The trio wished her a happy birthday and they went their separate ways. Ginny sighed happily as she and Harry departed the theatre, turning for a last look at the Palace Theatre.
"What a magical night! Harry, wasn't it brilliant?" she asked.
"It was," he agreed. "We'll have to come again some time."
Ginny hugged him. "Oh yes, please."
Harry laughed and hugged her back. "I guess we should get going home."
Ginny sighed. "I suppose...but I really don't want this night to ever end."
Thoughts of him and Ginny returning home, to their own home, and ending the night together in a mutually satisfying way, made Harry's pants feel tighter and his tie felt like it was choking him. He tried to loosen it. "Me either," he struggled to say.
Ginny stopped and pulled him to face her. "What is it with you and your ties?" she teased, and adjusted it, giving him more breathing space. She looked up into his eyes and caught her breath at the look there.
Her hands lay flat against his chest, smoothing his shirt for something for her hands to do, lest they reach up and run them through his hair.
His hands came up to cover hers, then slide their intertwined hands at their sides. "Ginny," he began, swallowing hard.
She threaded her fingers through his. "Harry, I-there's something I-"
"Please Ginny, I really have to – oof!" Harry stumbled as someone behind him knocked into him. He and Ginny were parted as they both stumbled.
"Sorry mate, gotta catch a cab, the missus is in labour," huffed a man, hailing a cab desperately.
"No worries," said Harry, checking to see if Ginny was all right.
"Good luck," called Ginny, and the man gave her two thumbs up as he got into the cab.
They both seemed to realise the moment was lost. Whatever they had both been about to say would have to wait...for now. But soon, vowed Harry. He felt like he was about to burst with his feelings.
He walked her to the Burrow door, but even then, there was no chance of a private goodbye. Molly whipped the door open, her cheeks ruddy and her face flushed. "Oh, Ginny, Harry, how was the Muggle thing. We've had a simply marvellous night with the Delacours." She ushered the two inside.
"I really have to get home, Mrs Weasley. Ginny, lunch tomorrow?" he asked her, walking to the lounge and the huge fireplace.
She nodded, and reached up and kissed his cheek. "Harry, you are the best friend in the world," she said.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek too. "No, you are," he argued softly.
"Good night, Harry. Ginny love, there's a little bit of this wine left. Come have a taste," urged Molly.
"I better go. See you tomorrow," she said.
He nodded, threw the Floo powder down and called out 'Potter Manor', and then, he was gone.
A/N Immense thanks to CharmHazel for her suggestion of using the Ivy restaurant and the Palace Theatre for Ginny's birthday. Admittedly it was for another story that never saw the light of day, but it was nice to recycle it to this one. Thanks, Sarah, you're the best. PS Read her Hinny fics!