"Hey Gin, want to join me for lunch at Ron and Hermione's?" asked Harry a couple of days later.

"Sorry Harry, I'm meeting Bill. He's got something he wants to discuss with me. Probably my next assignment," said Ginny. "Then I might go get a haircut and get my nails done."

"What about lunch tomorrow? It's only a half day for me as I'm just going in to check final enrolments and make sure the new trainee packs are ready," suggested Harry.

"Sounds good, unless Bill's new assignment needs me to start straight away. I'll call you tonight," promised Ginny.

"Okay then. Have fun," said Harry.

"You too. Bye," called Ginny.

She flooed to Diagon Alley and saw harassed families doing the school run for supplies. She was glad she had done Jenna's earlier, but she still had to go shopping for THE Dress. Jenna decided on a different style and colour every day. Ginny knew it was going to be an all day shopping experience.

She by-passed WWW, although she did see George changing the window display, so she waved. She gathered it was Ron's day off as he was having Harry to his house for lunch. She made her way to Gringott's to find Bill was waiting for her.

"Hi. I know it's too early for lunch but did you want to go get coffee and cake?" asked Bill, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

"As long as it's chocolate cake and you're paying, sure," said Ginny, cheekily.

"How are the kids? Jenna looking forward to another year at Hogwarts?" he asked as they left the wizarding bank.

Ginny nodded. "She's trying out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team this year. Chaser."

"Just like her Mum," grinned Bill. "And Matt was Hufflepuff's Seeker, just like his Dad. Full circle, Gin."

"I know," sighed Ginny. "If she makes the team, I plan to go and see some of her matches."

Bill looked away, then down at his menu. "How's Teddy and Vicki's wedding plans coming along. Is she really going to have all her cousins in the wedding party?"asked Ginny.

Bill chuckled. "Yes, and they're all wearing a different colour. Vicki calls them her rainbow attendents. Let's see, Domi is her maid of honour, then Lily, Molly, Jenna, Roxie, Rose and Lucy. Fleur's sister Gabrielle's youngest one is five, and she'll be the flower girl."

"Goodness. What about Teddy? I know he has mentioned that Matt will be his best man, but what about the rest?" asked Ginny, thinking this was going to be one big wedding.

"Harry, Freddie and Hugo is all I know. He was talking about adding his Auror partner Rob, but I'm not sure. Ah, lovely," said Bill, as the waitress placed two coffees and cake in front of them.

So Gin, the reason I asked you to meet me today is that, once again, the Gringott's goblins are wanting me to pass on what a good job you're doing. Your work is top notch, and you always deliver on time. They certainly appreciate that," smiled Bill.

"Well, it's always nice to hear that I'm appreciated, but you could have fire-called me with that, so what's really going on, Bill?" asked Ginny.

"I'm formally approaching you with a job offer from Gringott's to work in Paris for one of their main clients. You know the Paris branch gets the top jobs, Ginny, and you'll be paid good money. They'll even pay your living allowances until you find somewhere to live." Bill named a substantial amount she'd be earning.

"That's not including bonuses for work done on time and other things. You'd probably get to travel more, to some of the sites where some of the scrolls or artefacts were found. Best of all, you'd be close to Matt. It's an incredible offer Ginny. If I was twenty years younger, I'd kill for that kind of offer," said Bill.

"Wow. I don't know what to say. The money is amazing, and the timing is almost too good to be true. I really don't know what to say. I'm going to need to think about this. Carefully," said Ginny.

"They've made these offers to you before, although not as good as this one, and you've always turned them down on the basis of the kids being in school. I know Jen still is, but with Matt in Paris, I guess I thought you might be a little bit more excited," said Bill.

"I think I'm a bit shocked. It is such a generous offer, but I do have other things to consider. Jenna still being at Hogwarts is only one of them," said Ginny.

And her new relationship with Harry was reason enough to stay.

"They need an answer soon, Ginny. Your name was at the top of a short list, but there is a list. They want someone there by October," warned Bill.

"I understand," said Ginny. "I promise I'll get back to them soon. Please tell them I'm grateful for the offer."

Bill nodded, wondering why Ginny wasn't jumping all over this offer. It was true the siblings didn't see each other as often as they used to, but they usually stayed in touch through their kids. The cousins were all close friends and didn't have too many outside friends. He'd have to see if Vicki or Domi knew if there was anything new in Ginny's life that would keep her in London.

HGHGHG

"Still can't believe that damn World Cup result," sighed Ron Weasley, shaking his head. "Or that I didn't get to see any of it."

Hermione and Harry exchanged a smile. Ron had been going on about it since the match.

"All ready for the new recruits, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah," said Harry, rubbing his hands together. "I love it. They're all so young and green, determined to save the world."

"Gee, I wonder what that's like?" asked Ron.

They looked at each other and laughed.

"Seriously, I love it. I try to mix things up, so I don't get stale doing the same things every year. We're incorporating Muggle Martial Art into the program this year. Depending how the trainees go, we might make it voluntary, or invitation only," mused Harry.

Hermione nodded. "Give them something to work for. Good idea. The Aurors are certainly much better trained now than they were when we were young. Kingsley is very impressed."

"Well, it's a completely different time. I don't know how you can compare," said Harry, frowning.

"I know. It's just that the Ministry was so corrupt back then, particuarly towards the end. Having to re-build so many key departments took time, and we're now seeing the rewards of that," said Hermione.

"Ron? Hey Ron, you there?"

Ron knelt down to the fire-place. "Hey Georgie, what's up?"

"Sorry, bro, I know it's your day off, but could you come in for a bit. An hour, maybe two. You can take the time off another day. Preferably one after September first."

"No worries, I'll be right there," chuckled Ron. He stood up and stretched. "Should have known it was too good to be true. A day off near the end of August? What was I thinking? Sorry, Harry. Maybe we can catch up for a drink one night? That new pub just opened and they're showing Quidditch matches on the big screen. What's it called, love?"

"The Nifty Niffler," said Hermione.

Harry nodded; he'd heard of it. "Sure, sounds good. Maybe we can make a blokes night out of it. George, Percy, Teddy. Lee."

Ron nodded happily. "Yeah, and Dean and Seamus. They're in town for a bit. In fact, Dean was asking about Ginny."

"Shouldn't you be going?" asked Hermione, pointedly.

"Yeah, you're right, as usual. Good to see you, Harry. Let's do that bloke night sometime soon, hey.

Bye love, be home as soon as I can."

Tossing a handful of floo powder into the fire, Ron called out "Weasley Wizarding Wheezes!" and wooshed away.

Harry barely noticed Ron had gone. Dean was sniffing around Ginny again? He knew Dean was divorced, like him. He'd married one of his models, but she'd left Dean for reasons unknown.

"Harry James Potter, are you listening to me?" shrieked Hermione.

Harry turned to look at her. She was turning red. "What?" he asked defensively.

Hermione took a breath now she had his attention. "I asked you, several times," she said pointedly, "how things were going with Ginny?"

"Slow," Harry admitted. "I think she's having a hard time getting past the friend thing. It took me a while to decide if I was going to give us a shot. I'm glad I did though."

"Will you tell her you've been in love with her since you were sixteen?" asked Hermione, gently.

Harry scoffed. "No. Do you want me to look like a lovesick idiot to her?"

"There shouldn't be any secrets in a relationship, Harry. Not ones of that magnitude, anyway. They always have a way of coming out, and that only adds to the problem," said Hermione.

"What good would it do? It won't change anything," said Harry.

"She'll know how deep your feelings run. It will let Ginny know that it's only ever been her, for you," said Hermione.

"Yeah, but she can't say the same, can she? She was in love with Cedric. I was there, Hermione. I saw it everyday. I'd go to their house in the morning, and I'd go to their house for dinner. I'd watch them, and I could see the way they were together. I wanted that. She was supposed to be mine. Hell!" Harry banged his fist on the counter. He took some deep breaths.

"You shouldn't have come to Australia with me, you should have stayed and talked to her," said Hermione. It was something she had said before.

Harry shook his head. "No, they were already involved by then. I should have told her what she meant to me when we were at Hogwarts. I probably still would have broken up with her to protect her, but she would have known why. Hell, we probably would have got married straight out of school and had three kids, or something," chuckled Harry, sadly.

"If this doesn't work out, will this cause you more pain? Will you stop seeing her?" asked Hermione softly. She didn't want that for her friend.

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I can't think about it not working, Hermione. She's my best friend. Our families have been through so much together. A life without Ginny in it...I just can't imagine it."

"I just want you to be happy, Harry. I know you too well, my friend. I know you haven't been happy being single, despite the press making you out be a swinging bachelor," giggled Hermione.

"I just want what you and Ron have, what Molly and Arthur have, hell, it kills me to say, even what Gin and Ced had. I'd see them so happy and at times it made me so mad. I felt like he was living the life that I was supposed to have," said Harry, bitterly.

"Harry, you need to tell Ginny this. You need to get this all out in the open," implored Hermione.

Harry shook his head. "No, it's all in the past. Cedric is dead, and I'm here. Ginny is with me. I just want to focus on that for now."

Hermione nodded, but she looked worried. Harry got up, just as the floo flared and Ron stepped out.

"Just going?" he asked Harry, who nodded. "Pity. George roped in Roxie and Jenna to help him. Good experience for them, and they're happy to have a bit extra pocket money. Oh, did you know Ginny's moving to Paris. She got an amazing job offer this morning. Oof," said Ron, as Harry paled, then brushed past him hurriedly and went into the floo.

"Guess he forgot he brought his car. What's his hurry?" asked Ron, confused.

Hermione just shook her head and put her arms around Ron. "It's not often we're both home from work during the week and there's no kids around. What do you say we-"

"Mum, hey Mum, I'm home. Can Bradley stay for tea?" called Hugo, coming in the front door.

"No," yelled Ron, nuzzling his wife's neck.

"Yes," laughed Hermione.

Ron sighed as Hermione stepped away from him. "Tonight," she promised him as she went to greet her son and his friend.

HGHGHG

Harry's frustration only grew as Estelle told him that Ginny hadn't returned home yet. He then flooed to his place, only then remembering he'd left his car at Ron and Hermione's. He'd fire-called them and accepted their offer to drive it home to his. It was only afer that he should have specified that Hermione drive. Ron's driving skills weren't the best and it was common knowledge that he got his licence under doubtful measures. He did love driving the Corvette though, like his father.

He kept trying to reach Ginny all afternoon, but had no luck. Finally she called him, looking flushed.

"Hi, Estelle said you've been looking for me," she said, smiling at him.

"You've been gone a long time," said Harry. "Your hair looks nice."

"Thanks. I had a lot chopped off. Then she styled it for me. Lucky, as I ended up going out for a late lunch with Seamus and Dean. Then Neville and Luna came along and it ended up being a bit of a reunion. Did you know Seamus has got six kids? Poor Dean was-"

Harry didn't want to hear about 'poor Dean'. "What about you moving to Paris?"

Ginny looked surprised. "How did you know about that?"

"Ron. Why would you want to move to Paris? Your family is here. Your friends are here; your work. I'm here, Ginny." Harry tried to keep the desperation out of his voice.

"I'm not picking up and leaving tomorrow, Harry. It's a generous offer that deserves careful consideration, and that's what I plan to do," said Ginny.

"Gin, we are a family," said Harry, quietly. "We may not be blood relatives, but the six of us have gone through a hell of a lot together. I hope you notice that I'm including Estelle in there, because she's certainly a good part of it. I understand that you've been worrying about added expenses Matt might come up with while he's at school, and I understand that he's a very good reason for going, but...hell, Gin, what about us?"

When Ginny didn't say anything, Harry continued. "We've started something that can be wonderful if we give it a chance. Please, Gin, give us a chance."

Ginny thought she heard something that almost sounded like fear in his voice, but then dismissed it.

"Harry, I may have been on my own for ten years, but it doesn't get any easier when it comes to worrying about my kids, and you've been a wonderful help. I don't know how I would have got through if it weren't for you," she said.

"I don't want your gratitude," said Harry, sharply.

"That's not what I mean. Harry, when Bill gave me the offer, he recited many reasons why I should go. But I can honestly tell you, the only thing I could think of...the only reason I wanted to stay...was you."

Harry's heart lurched with hope. A hope he clung to even as Ginny assured him they'd talk soon, and doused the floo.

Harry walked outside and kicked a patio chair. "Hell!" he swore.

"Mr Potter!" A scandalized voice came from the other side of the wall.

"Oh great," he muttered, slinking down onto the chair he'd just kicked.

"Mr Potter, I have always believed in allowing people their privacy, but when others can hear the profanity you are currently using, I feel I must speak up." Mrs Kravitz's cultured tones easily reached his ears without the need for her to raise her voice.

Harry took a deep breath. "I apologise, Mrs Kravitz. I'm afraid I wasn't thinking."

"Then I suggest you do so in the future before you open your mouth. After all, you have your daughter to consider, and I'm sure you'd want to set a better example for her, so she will grow into a proper young lady."

A moment later Harry heard her door open and shut. Feeling childish, he stuck out his tongue at the fence.

"Dad?"

Harry turned to see Lily coming towards him smiling. She waggled her finger at him. "Tsk, tsk."

She handed him a Butterbeer. "Thanks love. I thought you and Matt were going out tonight?"

"Teddy called, something about the wedding. We're going out tomorrow night. What I really want to know is what's going on with you and Ginny?"

"Damed if I know." He winced and ducked, waiting to be reprimanded again, but there was no sound from next door.

Lily pulled up a chair and sat down next to him. "You're dating now aren't you? Like proper dating, not like you used to do, when we'd all go out together."

"We're trying to, but it hasn't been easy. Hell, when I was younger, I thought her brothers would have been a problem with us. Funnily enough, they probably don't even know about us now."

"You wanted to date Ginny when you were younger? Like, after Cedric died?" she asked.

Harry shook his head. "When we were at Hogwarts. My sixth, her fifth."

"Wow, that long. Why didn't you? Ah, let me guess. Voldemort?"

Harry nodded. "I never started anything with her because I was worried that he would see my thoughts and know how I felt about her. I did it to protect her."

"You've loved her for that long?" asked Lily, surprised.

Harry nodded, then looked up. "You're not upset? I mean, your Mum and me-well, we-"

"Dad, it's fine. I'm perfectly aware of the sort of person my mother is. Truth be told, I used to wish Ginny had been my real Mum. I think you should tell her how you feel. I think the two of you are great together. I'd be happy for you to marry again. Just please, don't have a rainbow of attendents."

Chuckling, she slapped her dad on the back as he choked on a mouthful of his drink.

HGHGHG

Ginny woke with a headache and a desperate need for coffee. Harry's tone had worried her last night. Had that been fear in his voice, and if so, why? She lay there, as she had most of the night, thinking about what he'd said.

He was right. She hadn't really given them much of a chance. He'd taken her out and they'd had fun, and she'd never even tried to initiate anything between them. She realised she wanted to do as he said and nurture their relationhip; give themselves a real chance.

She vowed then and there she would be open and honest, and if she saw a chance, she'd take it. She'd let him know she wanted to take that next step with him.

Happy with her decision, Ginny put on her dressing gown, brushed her hair and wandered out to the kitchen. Sitting at her table with Matt was none other than Harry, enjoying a plate of bacon, eggs and pancakes.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully, waving his fork at her, as if he sat there every morning for Estelle's breakfast.

Ginny eyed him and headed for the coffee-pot. She filled a cup and sipped it, closing her eyes as it hit her bloodstream.

"She's not the best in the mornings. At least, not till she's had coffee. It's safer if you don't talk to her till then," said Estelle.

"I remember. Mornings at Hogwarts, mornings when I came by to meet Cedric. Some things never change, do they Gin?"

Jenna came into the kitchen, stopping at the sight of Harry already there. "Is there something I should know about?" she asked suspiciously, looking between her mother and Harry.

"No!" stated Ginny, blushing at the thought her daughter thought she and Harry had a sleep over. "Hey, how come he got pancakes?" she asked Estelle, who had just placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of Ginny.

"Last of the flour," shrugged Estelle. "I'm shopping today. You can have pancakes tomorrow."

"Wanted them now," said Ginny, sulkily. Harry grinned at her and slid his plate over to her, with half a pancake left on it.

She smiled a grateful smile at him, and smothered it with syrup. "May I ask why you're gracing us with your presence so early in the morning? People talk, Harry. You're lucky I don't have a Mrs Kravitz live next door to me."

Harry chuckled. "I don't know, she does make life interesting."

"I knew a woman called Kravitz once. Sweet lady," said Estelle. She left to go to the laundry room.

Harrry and Ginny shared a look. That didn't sound like their Mrs Kravitz.

"So I wondered if you'd like to go to dinner with me on Friday?" asked Harry.

Ginny beamed at him. Here was her chance to let him know what she was thinking. "Dress up, tables with waiters, candles and napkins?"

Harry smiled and nodded. "Dress up, adult time, best table manners. And I'll take you dancing!"

Ginny's face lit up. She knew Harry wasn't fond of dancing, so for him to suggest it made it an offer she couldn't refuse.

"I can't wait," she said.

"I have to go. I'm working full days again for a bit, but I'll come for you around seven."

Ginny nodded. Harry pulled her out of the chair and into his arms, kissing her as if he wasn't going to see her for a very long time. Ginny put her arms around his neck, giving as good as she got.

He reluctantly pulled away. "I might have to swing by for breakfast every morning if I get a reaction like that."

Ginny giggled and he brought his forehead to hers. "See ya Friday night. Dress sexy,"he whispered.

He pulled away from Ginny again and headed for the door. "Thanks for breakfast, Estelle," he called out. "Bye Matt, Jenna."

"Bye Harry," the three called out together, then started laughing.

"I gather he knocked your socks off," said Estelle, coming back to the kitchen to start the dishes.

"He did no such thing," said Ginny, although behind her back her kids were nodding.

"Is that why you looked so well kissed," retorted Estelle. "I just hope it wasn't too X rated. There are children present."

"Who probably know more than I do," muttered Ginny.

"Things sure are changing around here. Almost makes me wish I was going to be around to see it," teased Matt.

"Me too. I'm happy for you and Harry, Mum," said Jenna, kissing her cheek. Both her kids left the room to go and do their chores.

"Harry should join us for breakfast more often," said Estelle, as Ginny persued the Daily Prophet.

"Oh. Why?" she asked.

"He snapped you out of your morning funk, didn't he?" winked Estelle, leaving her alone in the kitchen.

Ginny just smiled as she drank her coffee.