It had been a strange couple of days at work for Harry, and the reason was one Draco Malfoy. His secretary had asked for an appointment with Harry, and he'd tentatively agreed.
He'd expected Draco to swoop into his office and start making condescending remarks, like he always did. But to his surprise, Draco came in and offered a hand. Harry half rose and shook it.
Draco then announced the reason for his visit. He was heading to Sweden soon, on trade business, and his contacts had mentioned how favourable they'd looked upon Harry when he was working for the Ministry in Australia. Could Harry offer any connections, any contacts he, Draco, could seek out to make his trip successful?
Harry had hesitated, almost unwilling to believe Draco was being sincere. Draco sensed this, and used Harry's hesitation to apologise for his actions against Ron, Hermione and Harry. Harry was even more confused when Draco said he didn't expect Harry to forgive him, at least, not straight away, but he was hoping the two could work together in the best interests of the Ministry, and be cordial for the sake of their sons.
Harry spluttered out a 'Yeah, sure," and gestured to the seat opposite his desk. They spent the next hour discussing the reason for Draco's trip and what he hoped to accomplish. They found they had mutual contacts, and Harry was able to offer some words of wisdom when it came to the Minister for Trade himself. Draco promised to pass on Harry's best wishes, both knowing it was Harry's way of vouching for Draco.
When Anne knocked on the door and told Harry his next appointment was here, Draco stood to go. He thanked Harry for his time and was about to leave. Harry blurted something out, making Draco stop and look back.
"Erm, let me know how you get on, won't you?'' asked Harry.
Draco nodded. "Sure. I should be gone for about a week, but I'll see you when I get back."
"And, er, about the other, the apology...thank you," said Harry.
Draco seemed surprised, but a small look of relief was in his ice blue eyes. "Ten years late, I know, but thanks...for accepting it."
"You're right, for the sake of our sons, it seems ridiculous to let what happened at Hogwarts between us ruin their friendship," said Harry.
"Ironic, don't you think? Yours and my sons, best friends," chuckled Draco.
"Tell me about it," said Harry, dryly.
Anne hovered in the doorway, so Draco nodded at Harry and left. Harry stood to welcome his next appointment, who happened to be Percy Weasley.
/*/*/*/*
It was Friday night, or DATE NIGHT, as Harry had come to think about it. Ginny had picked the boys up from school, as usual, then he'd called in to pick up Al and then he'd take him to Hermione's, where Albus was reluctantly spending the night. Draco had already picked Scorpius up, and Ginny was getting ready for her big night. She was in a dressing gown, but her hair and make up was done. She carefully hugged Al goodbye, and the Potter men went next door.
"Boy, Ginny smells nice tonight," said Al, dumping his school bag on the couch.
"Bedroom, please, and I need all your dirty clothes out to wash before you go to your mums," said Harry, pointing at the bag and the stairs.
"Dad, do I have to go to Mum's. You'll be all alone here," said Al.
"I think I can manage a night on my own," chuckled Harry. He then turned serious. "You need to spend this time with your Mum, Al. She misses you- a lot."
Albus looked doubtful. "That house is creepy, even you said so," he said, defiantly.
Harry sighed. "I know, but it's only temporary, till your Mum has time to look for somewhere else. Maybe you can help her, like you helped me find this place?" he suggested.
"Mum's too busy at work. She's always too busy," muttered Albus.
Harry hugged his son. "Trust me, you're the most important person in your Mum's life, just like you are mine. We love you, son."
"It's my fault, Dad, isn't it. The fights, the divorce. I-It's cos I'm not really smart like both of you, isn't it? Cos I haven't done magic since I was a baby. Cos I'm probably a Squib," spat Albus.
"Albus Sirius, no!" gasped Harry. "None of those things matter to us. Your mother is Muggleborn, and I knew nothing of magic until I was eleven," said Harry.
"But you did magic, didn't you?" asked Albus. He hesitated. "What if I don't get my Hogwart's letter?'' he asked, quietly.
"This is really bothering you, isn't it?" asked Harry.
Albus nodded. "Scor and Teddy will go to Hogwarts and forget about me," he said miserably.
Harry remembered what it was like, finally making friends and worrying what would happen if he suddenly lost them. It was that fear that stopped him confiding in the Dursley's treatment of him.
"We can probably find out, one way or the other, if you really want to know?" asked Harry, hesitantly. "How about I talk about it with your mother when I see you both tomorrow." Hermione was planning to drop Albus back to Harry mid morning.
"I guess," said Albus. He grabbed his bag and headed upstairs, his demeanor one of defeat.
Half an hour later, and after yet another plea from Albus to stay with Harry, he finally left Grimmauld Place. He'd returned home and was deciding what to do about tea when his Floo lit up. It was Hermione.
"Oh Harry, I'm glad I caught you, I wasn't sure if you had plans for tonight," said Hermione.
"I just left you, what's up," said Harry, kneeling down.
"Albus left his pyjamas at your place, and I haven't got any here. I told him he could sleep in a tee shirt and his underwear, but he insisted he needs his pyjamas. Can I come through and grab them?" she asked.
"Er, I'm about to head out, so why don't I bring them by," said Harry. He didn't know why, but he felt reluctant to let Hermione in his place. His and Al's place; their sanctuary.
"Okay," said Hermione. " He wants the Quidditch ones. Guess we'll see you in a bit." Her tone was one of hurt, but he wouldn't change his mind. Not yet. It was too soon.
She also didn't need to know he was only going out to grab some take-away for tea. Then he planned a night watching a movie, or playing computer games.
He went upstairs, hunting for the Quidditch pyjamas. He went through Al's dresser drawers, and even the dirty clothes hamper that (surprise, surprise) Al had forgotten to put out. No Quidditch pyjamas. Then he remembered Al had a sleepover at Scor's and Ginny's during the week, and he'd had them then. Scorpius had the same pair, and they liked to match.
Damn, he hoped Ginny hadn't left for her date yet. He quickly went downstairs and knocked on the door. Thankfully, Ginny opened the door, and stood aside to allow him entry.
"Hey, I'm sorry to disturb your big date night, but I think Al left his pj's here the other night," said Harry quickly.
"Yeah he did, they're over there, and you're not," sighed Ginny, kicking off her heels. "Oh, that's so much better."
Harry picked the pyjamas up, and turned to watch her open the fridge and stare inside.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"He cancelled about fifteen minutes ago," said Ginny, glumly, still peering into her nearly empty fridge.
"What? Why?" demanded Harry.
Ginny shut the fridge, finding nothing appealing in there. She shrugged. "It happens. For some reason, the coach called a lock down; maybe he wasn't happy with training or something. Still, I'd hoped for a bit more notice," she said, gesturing to her dress.
"I think you look amazing," said Harry, truthfully. "It's his loss."
Ginny grabbed a bottle of wine left over from her girls night. " Thanks, Harry," she said glumly. She poured the last of the wine into a glass and toasted him. "To Friday nights at home." She tossed the drink down.
"Hey, I was going to go get a pizza and just watch a movie at mine. Want to join me? Beats staying home," he joked.
Ginny chuckled. "Yeah, going next door is so much better than staying home. I don't know, Harry, I was just going to get into my pj's and slob around," she said.
"Fine by me. You can do that at mine as easily as you can here. Come on, Gin. I'll even get extra anchovies, just for you," he winked.
Ginny's eyes lit up. " Aw, you'd do that for me? And more wine?" When Harry nodded, she sighed happily. "Okay."
Harry's heart leaped. "Great! I'll just take these pyjamas to Al, then go get the pizza and wine. I should be about half an hour," he said.
"Fine, gives me time to get changed," said Ginny.
"Let yourself in when you're ready," said Harry, suddenly light hearted.
"I'll see you soon," said Ginny, her eyes shining. Her disappointment was suddenly gone, and she could think of nothing better than a casual night home with Harry.
/*/*/*/*
Harry dropped the pyjamas to Albus, ignoring his whispered confession that he was bored already. He then Apparated to a street near the Ministry, recommended by Anne. He ordered two large pizzas, ever mindful of a Weasley appetite, and, spying a liquor shop close by, decided to kill time while the pizza was cooking and get the wine.
Harry was no wine connoisseur, so has asked the guy at the counter for advice. He picked up a reasonably priced bottle of red and decided to get a six pack of Muggle beer as well. He liked to have one every now and then, after Al had gone to bed.
He popped back and picked up the pizzas, then eagerly walked to the Apparition site near the Ministry. His quiet Friday night had turned into a night of anticipation. He and Ginny hadn't really had any time alone, with the boys always being close by. He wanted to ask her about her marriage to Draco, but didn't relish having to share details of his own failed marriage.
He opened the door to his place, delighted to see her already there. "Honey, I'm home," he teased.
Ginny looked at him, grinning. " Mmm, smells so good. Hey, can you remember where I put your wine glasses?" she asked, opening several cupboard doors, standing on tip toes to look in the over head cupboards.
"I didn't have any when you helped me set up the kitchen, they were on my shopping list of things to get," said Harry, placing the wine, beer and pizzas on his coffee table. He went to the kitchen and opened a top cupboard, removing two glasses.
"I'm bloody starving. I barely ate all day, in anticipation of going to the restaurant tonight," she complained, grabbing the glasses while Harry hunted up some napkins. She nudged a drawer with her hip. "They're in there."
He followed her into the lounge, where she sat on the floor. She had changed into some track pants, a tee shirt that looked familiar and an old flannel shirt. Her hair was up in a messy pony tail and she had scrubbed her face clean of all the make-up. She looked sixteen again, and Harry thought she looked brilliant.
Ginny filled her glass generously with the wine, then gestured to Harry's glass. He indicated a half glass, so she poured it and put the bottle aside. Harry opened the pizza, and the smell made them both drool.
He settled on the floor next to her and they ate their first slices companionably.
"You know what this reminds me of? Those nights at Hogwarts, your sixth, my fifth. We'd tell Hermione we were working on our homework, but as soon as she left, we started talking about Quidditch plays to try," chuckled Ginny, taking another two slices.
While Harry really didn't want to talk about his ex wife, somehow this was comfortable. "Yeah, it does. Merlin, what a year. Ron and his tongue down Lavender's throat," said Harry.
Ginny nodded, mumbling something with her mouth full. She swallowed, then spoke. "I know, right. I could have sworn he and Hermione were so close to getting together. I'm sure Hermione told me she'd asked him to Slughorn's Christmas party, then, well, Rav happened!" she said.
"Rav?'' asked Harry.
"Ron and Lav-Rav," said Ginny. "I can't help but think it was something I said to him. Remember I teased him about not having kissed anyone? I mentioned Hermione had kissed Krum. Next thing, he's snogging Lav-Lav all over the bloody castle," snorted Ginny.
"Yeah, I remember," said Harry. Remembered he and Ron taking a short cut to get to Gryffindor Tower and stumbling across Dean and Ginny in a heated embrace. That had been the moment Harry realised he really liked Ginny. Like, really liked her.
"He really hurt her," said Ginny, gently.
"Yeah, she was really upset," agreed Harry, remembering the flock of birds she'd set on Ron when he and Lavender had come across Harry comforting Hermione.
"I can't imagine what it was like, being with the two of them for what, nine months, in a tent," she said.
Harry just shrugged. It seemed like a lifetime ago.
Ginny poured herself another full glass. "How's work? You settling in okay?" She took two slices of the other pizza.
Harry nodded. "I saw Percy the other day. Showed me a photo of his wife and daughter, Molly, right? He seems happy."
Ginny nodded. "He's a changed man from the Percy you'd remember," she said. "Getting married and having Molly was the final step in his Weasley re-booting."
Harry laughed. "You've been spending too much time with the boys and their computer games."
Ginny finished her drink and unsteadily stood. "Hey, I'm getting really good on that MarioKart. I even beat Al the other day. Pour me another glass, will you? I need to use the little Potter's room." She winked as she went to the bathroom.
Harry poured the last of the wine into her glass, pleased it was only a half a glass. "Hey, I'm pretty good at that game myself," he called out.
"Is that a challenge?'' she asked, cheekily.
"If you're up for it, Weasley," he taunted.
"You're going to be eating my dust, Potter," she said, skolling her drink and removing her flannel shirt.
"Hey, that shirt was mine," he said, staring at her Gryffindor Seeker tee shirt. Was it his imagination, or had her nipples just hardened?
"Yeah well, that trunk sat in Ron's room abandoned for years. The rules state after a period of time, it belongs to whoever finds it," said Ginny.
"Rules? Rules of what?" asked Harry.
"Finders Keepers, of course. You really are a hoarder, aren't you? I found every single jumper Mum made you in there. The trunk's still there, you know. At the Burrow."
Harry burst into laughter. "Merlin, I missed you, Ginny. Only you make me laugh like crazy."
Ginny smiled, pleased. She leaned over to him, and for a whole blessed second, Harry thought she may kiss him. Instead she whispered in his ear. "That's cos you ARE crazy, Potter."
Harry's heart pounded at her closeness. "Crazy like a fox," he quipped, "and about to beat your sweet ass in MarioKart."
"I'm Yoshi," she stated, as he brought the screen up.
"B-but I'm always Yoshi," said Harry. He was always Yoshi and Albus was Mario.
Ginny bit her lip and looked at him with puppy dog eyes. "Please, Harry," she said.
Damn, he couldn't deny her anything when she looked at him like that. "Fine, I'll be Mario," he said glumly, fiddling with the settings.
"Luigi would suit you better. His green hat and shirt would go well with your green eyes," she teased.
Harry growled and she laughed. The bells counted down and the game started.
/*/*/*/*
Over an hour later, the game finished. It was close, but Harry won. "Good game," he said, turning the screen off.
Ginny popped the top of a beer. "I'm going to have to practice so I can beat you," she said, stretching her legs out in front of her.
Harry put a dish of potato chips in front of her, then sat next to her. "You're good. Haven't lost that desire to win," he said.
Ginny shook her head. "Being the youngest will do that to you. I never did beat Ron at chess, did you?"
Harry shook his head, and took a swig of his beer. "No, I didn't."
There was a comfortable silence, then she asked. "Do you mind talking about him? Or Hermione? I won't bring them up if you don't want me to."
"I haven't talked about Ron for a really long time. I don't mind," he said.
"But not Hermione," surmised Ginny. "It's okay, I get it. I went though something similar when Draco and I split. Like, I had to deal with my feelings about the split, before I let other people know how I was feeling, even with my family. A failed marriage wasn't part of my plans," she said.
Harry clinked his bottle of beer with her. "I know, me either. I'm angry at her, and at myself," he said.
Ginny nodded. "You wonder if there was a defining moment that you could have said or done something different. Hell, I didn't even want to marry him in the first place."
"You didn't?" asked Harry, perking up. He definitely knew what the defining moment in his marriage was. He wasn't Ron.
"I didn't want to get married just because I was pregnant. Unfortunately, a combination of pregnancy hormones and motherly guilt persuaded me it would be the best for Scorpius. You know, the whole 'bastard' thing. Instead, he lived in a home with uncomfortable silences and parents living separate lives. So what was the better path?'' she asked bitterly.
"Yeah,"sighed Harry, "but Draco and you seem to have a good relationship now. For exes, I mean."
"You and Hermione will get there, Harry. You were best friends before you got involved romantically," said Ginny.
"He seems like a decent bloke. From what I saw at the Burrow, and around the office," said Harry, not wanting to get into his reasons for marrying Hermione.
"He is. Sometimes his Malfoy genes comes through and he can be a right prick, but he's a good dad, and that's all that matters to me right now," she said. "I just feel that we let Scor down, you know." She rested her head against his shoulder. It had always been easy to talk to Harry. Except when it came to her feelings about him.
Harry leaned his head against hers. "Yeah, I feel the same way about Al. Especially as he's not thrilled to be there tonight."
"He's not? Why?" asked Ginny, stifling a yawn.
"When our marriage started to fall apart, Al was probably too young to even notice. Hermione, being Hermione, threw herself into her work and, without meaning to, withdrew from Al, making him more clingy with me," said Harry.
"Kind of like what she's doing now. Burying herself in work to forget about a failed marriage," guessed Ginny.
"It's what she's always done. Even after the battle and Ron..." Harry stopped talking, afraid he'd said too much already. "So you and Draco went from becoming friends to lovers, how?"
Ginny laughed. "Oh, it was probably a case of delayed teenage rebellion. I mean, after I left Hogwarts I had that summer off. Hell, I was even considering coming to Australia to see you and Hermione, but in the end I stayed home. Came across Draco at a club one night and got a wee bit tipsy and we snogged."
Harry wrinkled his nose, making Ginny laugh again. "Yeah, my brothers had pretty much the same reaction. Anyway, I left to go live in Wales when I started with the Harpies, and barely gave Draco another thought," she said. Unlike a certain black haired, green eyed wizard she had never stopped thinking about.
"I was feeling really good about my life, you know. I was doing what I had always dreamed of doing for a career. Yet I'd come home at the end of the season and I'd still be íckle Ginny, baby of the family. So naturally, I rebelled. Drinking, dancing, staying out all night," she said, yawning again.
"And Draco," guessed Harry. Next to him, Ginny nodded.
"I guess they were right. We finally hooked up after my second season, and spent most of that summer together. My brothers refer to it even now as my Summer of Slytherin''," she said dryly.
Harry chuckled softly. He picked up her hand and wrapped his around it, marvelling over the softness of her skin, and how much smaller it was to his own.
"Telling my family I was pregnant was really hard, because I know they were disappointed. It took me a while to face the fact that my Quidditch career was on hold indefinitely," sighed Ginny.
He squeezed her hand.
"But from the moment I saw the sonogram, and felt him move, I just had a sense that this was right for me; being a mother. I suddenly understood my mother and her reasonings. Mind you, I was convinced I could raise him alone, but like I said, I caved in to pressure. Mum is awesome, but she can be so old fashioned about certain things. Surpisingly, so was Draco. I couldn't fight them both," she concluded.
"Have you dated much since the divorce?" he asked.
"Not really. Mostly I go out with my Hogwarts friends, or my Harpy team mates. They try and set me up, but there's been no-one I felt a spark with. I did go out a couple of times with Dean Thomas again, but nothing ever came of it," she said.
"What about this guy at Hogwarts Ron told me about? Told me he had a good feeling about you and him," said Harry.
Ginny yawned. "He said that, really? To you, of all people? Huh," she said, closing her eyes, 'just for a second'.
"Why, 'me of all people'? What happened with him?" asked Harry, shifting slightly to allow her to lean against his side more comfortably.
Ginny sighed in comfort, snuggling into his side. "He left after his sixth year, didn't come back for his last." She closed her eyes again.
"Did I know him, was he a Gryffindor? Wait, it was Dean, wasn't it?" asked Harry.
Ginny blew out a breath, close to Harry's ear, sending shivers through his body.
"Nope," she said sleepily. "Not Dean." She struggled to stay awake. "Hey, didn't you like someone too?" she asked.
Harry took a deep breath. "Yeah, I did. I really missed her when we were away. I-I kind of always wondered what would have happened if I had taken a chance with her."
"Maybe it's not too late," said Ginny, fighting to keep her eyes open. "Maybe it just wasn't your time to be together."
"Maybe," said Harry, feeling her squeeze his hand. "So you think I should give her a chance to kick my ass for not doing or saying anything back then?" he asked.
Ginny chuckled. "I like the sound of her already."
Harry took a swig of his beer, contemplating their conversation that night. He'd always found Ginny easy to talk to, she always listened carefully to his thoughts before offering an opinion.
"Those nights at Hogwarts, in the common room, meant a lot to me that year. I was off with Dumbledore, learning about Tom Riddle, trying to find a way to end him. Being with you on those nights was just so amazingly normal. You became so important to me." He took a deep breath. "In so many ways, more than even Ron and Hermione."
He looked ahead, waiting for her to question that statement. He almost cried in both relief and regret when she softly snored in his ear.
"Maybe it's still not the right time for us," he whispered softly. He used his wand to move the lounge back and he conjured up some pillows. He gently eased Ginny down and conjured a blanket to lay over her. "But I think we're getting close."
Ginny sighed and moved closer to him, her arm over his waist, her breath on his neck and one of her legs rested between his own. She had effectually pinned him down. He tried to move out from under her without waking her, but soon gave up, chuckling silently at her strength. He lay there, Ginny against him, and started to doze himself.
He didn't know how much later it was, but suddenly his Floo flared. Both he and Ginny sat up, wands immediately outstretched.
"Harry, it's me. I need to come through with Albus," said Hermione.
Harry and Ginny lowered their wands and stood. Ginny yawned and stretched, her shirt hitching up and exposing her still taut abdomen.
"Harry?" called Hermione, impatiently.
"Uh, yeah, sure," said Harry, banishing the pillows and blanket. Ginny smiled at him gratefully, then their gazes both swung to the fireplace where Albus, then Hermione came through.
"Merlin," said Ginny, her eyes widening.
"Albus, are you okay?" asked Harry, hurrying to his son's side.
"Don't feel too good," mumbled Albus.
Ginny lay a hand on his forehead. "He's very clammy. Not hot, though."
"Feel sick," groaned Albus, and he turned his head to throw up. Hermione banished it, while Harry led Albus to the sofa.
"Shall we take him to St Mungo's?" asked Hermione, worriedly. "I wanted to take him straight there, but he didn't want to go."
"How long have you been feeling like this, Albus?" asked Harry.
"Not long," said Albus, looking at his parents and Ginny.
Ginny had a strange look on her face. "Perhaps an anti-nausea potion for now?" she suggested. "Harry, do you have any?"
Harry shook his head, and Hermione started to berate him. "I have one at my place. Be back soon." She had no wish to witness a fight between Harry and Hermione.
"Harry, please tell me you at least have a basic first aid kit here," said an exasperated Hermione, walking around. He feet nudged the empty wine bottle and she bent down to pick it up. She also happened to see the empty beer bottles. "Having a party?" she asked icily.
"Don't start, Hermione," said Harry, through clenched teeth.
"Mum, Dad, please, don't," said Albus, tiredly. "Mum, now I'm home, I'll be fine."
"I'm not leaving till I know you're all right, Albus," said Hermione. "I'm sure your father won't mind me staying."
"You know what, I'm going to bed," said Albus, getting up and going upstairs.
He washed his face and brushed his teeth. He chucked his pyjamas in his hamper, vaguely recalling his dad asking him to do something with it hours earlier. He climbed into bed, glad that he couldn't hear his parents argue any more.
He looked up as he heard a knock on the door. It was Ginny and she held up a potion.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked.
"Better," he said.
"Funny that it came on so suddenly," said Ginny, moving to sit on the bed. She handed him the potion and he went to drink it.
"Just one thing. If you've ingested any WWW products lately, and then you drink that anti-nausea potion, they'll react in a really bad way," she warned.
Al lowered the potion. "Really bad way, how?" he asked, worriedly.
"Green boils over your face and body. Can be really painful, too," said Ginny cheerfully. "Drink up," she encouraged.
Al looked at the potion. "Maybe I should wait a bit, let my tummy settle," he said.
"Or maybe you could take the other half of the Puking Pastille. Should fix you up in no time," said Ginny.
Al gasped. "You knew?"
Ginny smiled. "Not at first. Just a hunch. Go on, take it."
Al pulled the other half of the pastille out from under his pillow and swallowed it. "Are you-do you have to tell my parents? My mum will go nuts," sighed Al.
"I don't know what you mean. I came up here with a potion to make you feel better. You DO feel better, don't you?" asked Ginny.
Al nodded, the pastille had done it's job.
"Good, then my job is done. I'm sure all you need is a good night sleep," said Ginny, patting his hand, "and that's what I'll tell your parents."
"Thanks, Ginny," said Al. "I just wanted to come home and be with dad. I was worried about him all alone."
"Well, he wasn't alone. We had pizza and played MarioKart. I nearly beat him, too," said Ginny, winking at him.
"Dad hates to lose," grinned Al. "You just need more practice."
Ginny nodded. "He also didn't like that I played as Yoshi."
"No way. He's always Yoshi," gasped Al.
"Your dad is a good sport. Even my brothers can't resist me when I give them this look," said Ginny, showing him her puppy dog eyes.
Al laughed.
Ginny took a deep breath. "Al, I'm not going to say anything to your parents, but I think you should. Divorce is hard on everybody, your mum, you dad and you. Your Mum is doing the best she can, but you need to meet her half way, if only to tell her how you feel."
"She won't listen to me, I'm just a kid," mumbled Al.
Ginny leaned closer. "No, you are the most important person in her life, believe me. I know she's busy, with work and all, but you mean more to her than anybody. Trust me, I'm a mum," said Ginny.
"I hate it when they fight," said Al, wanting to cry, despite being nearly eight.
"Trust me, love, neither do they. They're sad and frustrated, and they end up fighting. Scor went through the same thing with me and his dad," said Ginny.
"So, things will get better," said Al, doubtfully.
"Your Mum and Dad were best friends since they were eleven, and they've been though a lot together. I think, after some time, they'll be fine. But Al, don't keep all this inside, love. You'll only make yourself sick for real, or you'll do accidental magic and hurt yourself," said Ginny.
Al nodded.
"How about a hug?" asked Ginny, opening her arms.
Al sat up and leaned into Ginny's embrace. It felt good, almost as good as hugs from his mum when he was little. When they were still a family.
"Thanks, Ginny," he said, almost shyly as he pulled away.
"Lie back and get some sleep. I'll see you soon," she said softly, half closing his door behind her.
Ginny went downstairs. There was no more fighting, just an uncomfortable silence. Harry stood with his hands on his hips, and Hermione sat on the sofa. They both looked up as Ginny came downstairs.
"How is he?" they asked together.
"He's fine, he's feeling better and is probably already asleep," said Ginny. "I should go."
"No," said Hermione, standing. "I should be the one to go. I'm sorry about interrupting your date. Really sorry," she said, throwing a knowing look at Harry, who scowled.
"Oh, it wasn't a date. Just pizza and beer with old friends, right Harry?" asked Ginny, smiling at Hermione.
"Yeah," sighed Harry.
"Oh," said Hermione, looking between the two. "May I Floo you in the morning, see how he is?" she asked, politely.
"Sure," said Harry, running his hands through his hair.
Ginny didn't understand the atmosphere between the two of them, but she could tell Harry was getting frustrated. "I'll see you both soon," she said.
Hary nodded his thanks and she Apparated to her own bedroom.
Harry expelled the air he'd been holding in. "This has to stop, Hermione."
"What?" asked Hermione. "I said I was sorry for interrupting your-"
"Not about that. Al. You need to spend more time with Al. Your son," said Harry.
"Al-bus," she hissed. "He was sick and he wanted his dad. I don't see anything wrong with that," said Hermione, flushing.
"He was no more sick than I am. It was a bloody Puking Pastille," hissed Harry.
Hermione knew Harry must be really angry to be swearing. "Well, I'm sorry I-"
"No!" said Harry, shaking his head in anger. "I'm the one who's sorry. Sorry I'm not Ron, sorry I survived and he didn't. But you can't take your anger at me out on Al. I'm his father and wishing he was Ron's is pointless and hurtful."
Hermione gasped, tears in her eyes. "I never said that."
Harry looked her in the eye. "Not to me, you didn't, but I heard you that night in the nursery, what you said to MY son."
Hermione looked at him with pain filled eyes. "Oh Harry, I'm so sorry."
Harry pointed his finger at her. "You need to go to the Burrow. Face his parents, hell, see his grave. He's dead, Hermione. Has been for nearly ten years. When will you let him rest in peace?" he asked tiredly.
"Stop it. Just...fucking stop it," whispered Hermione harshly, the tears falling.
"No. Our son needs us, both of us. Deal with Ron's death and let him go. Then you'll be able to move on with your life, and you'll be a happier person, and a better mum for Al," said Harry. He knew his words were harsh, but they needed to be said.
"I loved him, and I never got to tell him," she said, imploring him to understand.
"He knew, Hermione, and he felt the same way. I've told you this over and over," sighed Harry. He had been caught in the middle when either one needed a sounding board for the long suppressed feelings they'd both harboured. "I'd give just about anything to have Ron back, but you know that's not possible. Let him go, Hermione. He's gone but you're still alive. So start living."
Hermione stared at him but said nothing. She slowly stood and went the fireplace. Her head was bowed as she threw the Floo powder down and called out "Twelve Grimmauld Place."
Harry almost fell on to the sofa in relief when she left. His elbows leaned on his thighs as he rested his head on his hands. Not for the first time, he wished he had made better choices in Australia. His son was the only blessing from his ill-fated marriage, yet Hermione had even tried to wish away his parentage.
He didn't think he could ever forgive her for that.