A/N: I have really got to start working on making my stories better. I re-read the last chapter and I really felt like something was missing. I don't know why but I guess something might have actually been missing. Or was it too long? And also, I really do need suggestions for a good title from you guys.
Chapter Four: What a Knock Out!
For the past three days, he had been in constant contact with Ginny. Talking, texting and they had even met up for coffee twice. But the weekend was upon them and strangely enough, both had to get to pre-wedding parties on Saturday. They had, however, agreed to meet up on Sunday.
For the first time since Hermione had rejected him, Harry felt happy again. But he didn't let that show through. Ron definitely did not need to know. He was still scheduled for the appointment in the morning and although he had been more civil towards Ron, he didn't intend to cozy up to him.
But, nevertheless, he had gotten the idiot a gift; an expensive watch the poor guy would never have been able to afford. And just to rile Hermione up, he had gotten her some very enticing and expensive lingerie. He did have second thoughts about it but he decided to do it anyways. Just for the fun of it.
He ate his dinner in silence while watching the TV. He did not especially like his job but it was financially rewarding and that was all he wanted. He did, however, like the corporate espionage part of his job. That was the only time he felt that he was doing something with a little risk involved. Risk that would cost people not only money but, in some cases, their lives considering some of the things the corporate world engaged in. Harry didn't endorse the maiming but he didn't condemn it either. That might be cold to some but if it kept him safe, he didn't mind it. Sacrifices would be necessary was his line of thinking.
His thoughts were cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. He smiled when he saw that it was Ginny calling.
"Hello, Am I talking to a friend or someone who likes knockers?" asked Ginny.
"Well, it depends on your mood."
"I guess it does. But tell me, how often is it that pre wedding party gets postponed?"
"I don't attend them much."
"But you're going to your friend's party right?"
"Are you going to your brother's?"
"It's been postponed. So, when will you back?"
"Who said I'm going anywhere? I'm skipping the event."
"Isn't that rude?"
"Maybe, but I wouldn't feel so bad if we could get dinner together tomorrow."
"Fine Harry, we'll meet up."
"Wait! Did you just say yes?"
"It's weird but I can't bring myself to tell you no. It's like I should tell you yes to whatever you ask."
"Well, I have a request then."
"I can and will still tell you no to intercourse."
"I'll ask you tomorrow then."
"The answer will still be the same."
"But the phrasing and mood will have changed."
And with that Harry cut the phone. Somehow, after having decided against going to the pre-wedding party, he felt light headed and happy for some reason. It felt like the past was starting to lose its grip slowly.
The day went by quickly and before Harry knew it, he was sitting opposite Ginny in a 'not so bad' restaurant but one he wouldn't have gone to by himself. But it was obvious she visited the place quite often for she was familiar with the menu and the waiters and they with her. They ordered their meals and chatted for a while before Harry asked her what her job was.
"I'm the curator for an art museum."
"That's nice. You enjoy the job?"
"Well, I was the only one in my family who didn't wind up in a business of some sort. And yes, I love it."
"The way you speak, it seems like you have a few siblings."
"I don't know about that but I think six brothers are far more than what I would have wanted."
"Six? How do you survive them?"
"Oh, I do fine. It's my dates that I have to worry about."
"Should I be worried?"
"Do you know how to defend yourself against six brothers plus my dad, whose intentions are to emasculate you at any given opportunity so that you do not deflower their little princess?"
"Maybe I could. But not without a few scratches I suppose."
"Well, then you need not worry."
"What do they do?"
Ginny told him that her eldest brother, Bill, worked for the Gringotts Bank while the next brother, Charlie, owned a pet shop. Her third brother Percy worked for the Government along with her dad. She had twin brothers, Fred and George, who had their own joke shop which was fairly successful. And finally, she arrived at her final brother, Ron.
"He works at Hogwarts Corporations. I don't know how he works at that place. It's like hell over there according to him. But he says the pay is good and he saved enough to pay for his wedding himself."
"Hardworking man I assume" said Harry wondering whether he had ever met the man.
"Yes it is. I mean, his fiancée has a high paying job but Ron had too much pride to let her pay for the wedding. And I'm proud of him for that. He loves her a lot. And she loves him too."
"Well, I wish them the best in the future. What's his fiancée's name?"
"Hermione."
Harry froze in his seat as he realized who Ron was and ultimately, who Ginny was. It must have shown on his face because Ginny looked at him puzzled and snapped her fingers at him.
"You all right there? You look like you had a bad dream or something."
"I'm fine. Continue."
"I don't trust you but if you say so. The wedding will be spectacular, according to Hermione. She says the only blight will be if Ron's boss comes along."
"And what would be the problem in that? If Ron's getting good pay, the boss would be a good guy right?"
"Well, it's a long story."
"We have the entire night to talk about it."
"Well, well, are you inviting me to stay over?"
"Well, take it any way you want, but yes, I am."
"Smooth. But I can't stay. I have to get home to Mom. She's a bit sick. And she needs her medications."
"I'll come with you."
"Sorry. It's the first date. No parents." Said Ginny, laughing.
"Fine, another time perhaps."
They chatted away for some more time and had their food. Harry paid for the meal even though Ginny put up a fuss about splitting the bill. They walked towards his car and as they walked, their fingers brushed slightly a few times. Under normal circumstances, Harry would have taken her hands in his, but for some weird and unknown reason, he felt very shy, like a little boy walking with his crush.
Ultimately, Harry decided to take the plunge and when their fingers brushed again, Harry took Ginny's hand in his and held it gently. He could sense Ginny look at him and smile and his heart gave a little jump in joy.
They reached his car and Ginny looked at the Camaro in suspicion.
"Is this yours or are you a thief?" she asked in good humour.
"It's mine, from now on." Said Harry with a grin
She laughed and when she did, he could again feel his heart jump with joy. Twice in five minutes, he had become wholly happy and he hadn't even done anything out of the ordinary yet. It was a weird feeling and he knew it. She got into the car and he offered to drop her to her Mom's house.
"No, it's on the outskirts of the city."
"Well, it doesn't matter. It's not like I have to get home anytime soon."
"Fine, if you say so. But be warned, there's supposed to be rain tonight and I won't be lodging you at The Burrow."
"The Burrow?"
"It's what we call our house. It's a pretty small one and I'm the only one who has her own room."
"Perks of being an only girl, right?"
"Damn right! And I love it."
Harry smirked and they drove all the way to Ginny's house while chatting animatedly about everything possible. But whenever, the question came to his job, he changed the topic. On the way, the rain started to fall down pretty hard and it was obvious he would have a hard time driving back to London safely. But nevertheless, they reached 'The Burrow' and he ran with her to the front door. She opened the door and invited him in.
"No, I can't stay. I better go back before the rain becomes worse."
"Harry, get in before I kill you! You can go home tomorrow. I won't have your death on my conscience."
"No Ginny, I'll be fine."
"Just a second." She went in and came back with an emergency number.
"Call this if you get stuck okay?"
"Alright, good night and thanks for the date. I enjoyed it."
"As did I. Now go." She ushered him out and closed the door.
Harry turned around and walked forward. He had reached the door of his car when he felt something metallic make hard contact with his head. He fell to the ground and could feel the rain on his cheek as he blacked out.
A/N: So how is it? I had so many different ideas on how to take the story forward but I finally decided this was the direction I wanted it to go. And what direction might that be you ask? Read and find out. And yes, REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! I hand out cookies to those who review. *Makes a smiley face*
