Disclaimer I do not own Harry Potter and everything recognisable belongs to J K Rowling.
Snuffles 14's request - James and Lily talk to Harry about his behaviour with Ginny.
Too-bad-for-you's request - Harry & Ginny's first real date.
Dedicated to Snuffles14 and Too-bad-for-you. Hope you guys like it! Enjoy!
The First Date
Harry gave his clothes another look. Instead of robes, Harry opted for simple muggle clothes; jeans and a top. He ran a hand through his hair, trying one more time to make the stubborn locks somewhat settle. Like usual, it was hopeless. He stood for a moment, staring past his reflection.
It had been almost three weeks since the whole Rodolphus fiasco. Since Rodolphus' funeral, Harry had only seen Ginny twice. The memory of the first meeting made Harry grin, his cheeks colouring a little, at being found by Arthur while fooling around with Ginny on her bed. He chuckled at his own embarrassment. It had taken Arthur and Molly almost ninety solid minutes to explain to both him and Ginny, why it was unacceptable for Harry to apparate into Ginny's bedroom. Today was actually a direct result of that conversation. Arthur and Molly had insisted that they had no problems with Harry dating Ginny, but Harry should do so in the appropriate manner. So Harry had gone to the Burrow yesterday, knocked on the door and asked Ginny out on a formal date. He couldn't get Ginny's surprised expression out of his mind. She had just stood there, at her front door, gaping at him until Harry waved a hand in front of her face.
Grinning at the memory, Harry sat on his bed, pulling his shoes on, when the knock sounded on his door. A wave of Harry's hand and the door clicked open. Lily peeked in. Her eyes widened in surprise and she pushed the door wider to step in. Behind her was James.
"What are you doing?" Lily asked. "Why aren't you dressed yet?"
Harry frowned at her.
"I am dressed."
Lily looked at him from top to bottom.
"You're wearing that?" she asked, her nose wrinkled in disapproval.
"Don't start, mum," Harry said with a sigh, "I look fine."
"Well, yes, of course you do, darling," Lily smiled, "but imagine how handsome you would look in the new robes I got you last week?"
Harry managed to stifle his groan.
"I can buy my own clothes," he said, "stop shopping for me."
Lily waved a hand in dismissal.
"You don't know what looks good on you."
Harry refrained from arguing and finished pulling on his shoes.
"Is that why you've come up here? To ridicule my fashion sense?"
"Why not?" James teased, walking in. "It gives your mum another reason to shop."
Lily gave him a playful glare and sat down at Harry's side. James took a seat at Harry's other side.
"Your dad and I are so happy that you're dating Ginny," Lily started. "We've known Molly and Arthur for years and we've watched Ginny grow up," she paused, "which is why we want to talk to you."
Harry looked from his mum to his dad, lost.
"About what?"
Lily gave James a pointed look. James turned to Harry.
"About the nature of relationships."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
"I know that we're years behind with this...talk, but," James took in a breath, "when two people really like each other, they may start feeling-"
"Are you for real?" Harry cut him off, "Dad, I'm eighteen!" He stressed. "Even if no one told me, I'd have figured things out by now."
"No, no, I know that," James said, looking absolutely mortified at the idea of having the talk with his fully grown son about the 'birds and the bees'. "I want to talk to you about the proper conduct with your girlfriend."
Harry looked from his dad to his mum.
"This has you written all over it," he accused.
Lily looked rather proud.
"It's important you understand boundaries when it comes to romantic relationships," she said. "Your previous behaviour suggests you don't yet possess the understanding."
"Mum," Harry groaned, "you gotta stop with this, I get it. No apparating into Ginny's bedroom. No lying in bed to talk. No sneaking off to Hogsmeade-" he caught himself in time.
"Frank already told us," Lily said dryly. "Can't say we were surprised."
Harry shifted in his seat.
"Point is, I get it. You don't have to get involved." He got up from the bed and walked over to get his jacket.
"We won't get involved," James said, standing up, "as long as you promise us one thing."
Harry turned around with a smirk.
"Let me guess; you're going to make me take an oath of abstinence?"
James smiled this time.
"No," he replied. "I just want you to promise us that you'll never hurt Ginny."
Harry looked surprised.
"Really? That it?" he asked, looking from one parent to the other.
Both nodded.
"Of course I won't hurt her," Harry replied.
"Good," James said, "because seeing what she's gone through this last year, I don't think she could handle any more mistreatment."
Harry's mood shifted. The mirth and amusement melted from him, replaced by stunned offence.
"What?" he asked.
"You know," Lily stood up to join James, "being dumped by you, ignored for months by you and to top it all off, almost being killed by someone who was out to get you."
Harry stared at his parents, his eyes wide and filled with disbelief.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Showing you what you don't want to see," Lily said. "Honey, we're your parents. The last thing we want, is to hurt you, in any way," she paused for a moment, "but you need to see things as they are. This last year, you and Ginny both went through a lot." She struggled to keep the pain out of her eyes, but she couldn't quite manage the task. "The last thing either of you need, is more heartbreak."
James walked over to Harry, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Treat Ginny with the respect she deserves," he said. "She's your girlfriend yes, but more importantly, she's your friend." He smiled. "She's been by your side, through the ups and the downs. Respect her wishes, give her the space and time she needs and above all, Harry, listen to her. If she's not ready for a step you want to take, you can't push her."
"You think I'd do that?" Harry asked, his annoyance and hurt was quickly turning into anger.
"No, I don't," James answered with a smile, "but as your dad, I need to remind you of things you already know."
"Allowing your desires to cloud your better judgement will destroy any relationship," Lily said, walking over to Harry. "That's all your dad and I want to say." She cupped Harry's cheek. "You both are young. Don't rush into anything that will cost you not only your relationship but your friendship too."
xxx
Ginny pushed the tiny backing into her earring and sat back, studying her reflection in the mirror. She looked nice in a simple white dress with some lace work, and a shiny white belt at her waist. She had borrowed her mum's silver earrings and pendant, the most expensive items her mum owned. Ginny brushed her hair behind her shoulder and gave herself another critical look.
The door clicked open and her mum peeked in. Ginny smiled at her mum's elated look.
"Oh, Ginny," Molly hurried inside. "You look beautiful, darling!"
Ginny got up, brushing a hand down her clothes.
"Thank-you, mum," she replied.
"Are you excited for your date?" she asked, walking closer to fix the belt, threading the end into the loops at the side.
"Yeah," Ginny smiled. "It's my first proper date with Harry," she bit her lip to stop laughing at herself. She had literally frozen on the spot when Harry had asked her out.
"Any idea where he's taking you?" Molly asked, and a hint of nervousness was apparent in her voice.
"No clue," Ginny said. "I'm guessing we'll go for dinner."
Molly looked up to meet Ginny's eyes.
"I expect you to behave like a proper lady, tonight."
"As opposed to me acting like what exactly?"
Molly gave her a stern eye.
"You know what I'm hinting at, Ginevra."
Ginny barely held back her annoyed frown. She hated that tone her mum took when saying her proper name.
"Don't worry, mum," she sighed. "I'll still be a virgin when I get back tonight."
Molly jerked up to look at her with wide eyes, full of indignation.
"Ginny!"
"What?" Ginny giggled. "That's what you wanted to hear, right?"
"This isn't funny!" Molly snapped.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Ginny said, "am I making you uncomfortable?" she stressed.
Molly stepped back, still glaring at her smirking girl.
"I find it just as insulting, mum, that you think I would do anything I'm not ready for."
Molly's expression softened.
"I'm just afraid you might be...coerced into thinking otherwise," she said.
Ginny's eyes widened.
"What? You think, Harry would...?" she didn't know whether to laugh or get angry. "Mum, Harry's not like that. He would never force me to do anything I didn't want to. He would always wait for my permission first."
"He came into your room without your permission," Molly pointed out.
Ginny threw up her hands.
"For Merlin's sake! That was one time, and besides, he knew I wouldn't have a problem with him coming into my room."
Molly's eyes narrowed.
"Well, you should have a problem," she said. "I raised you to have a problem with boys apparating into your room at night."
"At night?" Ginny frowned, "It was three in the afternoon!"
"You know what I mean," Molly said, irritated. "The point is, Harry is not like normal boys and even though I feel for him and for everything he's gone through, that doesn't mean I can ignore his brash behaviour and-"
"Mum," Ginny cut across her, moving closer to hold onto her hands. "Harry is how he is, but he's not like that with his family and friends and...me." She met her mum's eyes. "He listens to me and respects what I ask of him. I've already told him that I'm not ready for anything...you know, of that nature yet and he was fine with it."
Molly stared at her.
"Really?" she asked.
Ginny smiled and nodded.
"Really. You don't have to worry. You raised me right."
Molly reached out to cup both Ginny's cheeks.
"I'm sorry, Ginny. It's just, you're my only daughter and...and the thought of you getting hurt-"
"I know," Ginny said, "I know, mum, but you don't have to worry. I'm not going to get hurt, not when I'm with Harry."
xxx
It was just a little after six in the evening when Harry arrived at the Burrow. He had barely made it half way down the path when the door opened to Ron's grinning face.
"Alright, Harry?" he beamed. "You're just in time for dinner."
Harry smiled at him.
"Very funny, Ron."
"No, seriously." Ron moved out of the way to show Harry the kitchen table set for dinner. "You're just in time."
Harry walked into the kitchen, eyeing the fully laden table with disbelief.
"When I asked Ginny out for dinner, I meant out, as in out of here."
Ron chuckled.
"I know. So does Ginny. It's my mum who has other ideas."
Mrs Weasley came into the kitchen, carrying two large bottles of wine.
"Oh, Harry dear!" she hurried over after placing the bottles down. "How are you?"
"Fine," Harry replied. "Is Ginny ready?"
"She'll be right down," Molly smiled and walked over to the oven to bring out a freshly baked pumpkin pie. "Doesn't that smell simply wonderful?" she asked.
Ron sniggered.
"She's trying her best," he whispered over to Harry.
"Oh, Harry dear, I have an idea!" she said, depositing the pie onto a serving plate. "Why don't you and Ginny stay for dinner?"
"Oh, what a great, random, clearly-not-preconceived idea, mum," Ron said. "How about it, Harry? Stay?"
Harry gave him a look.
"You're enjoying this a little too much."
"Take what you can," Ron said, with a grin.
Harry turned to face Molly.
"No, Mrs Weasley, I wouldn't want to impose."
"Oh rubbish," Molly laughed. "I have more than enough and it's a real feast."
"I can see that," Harry said, glancing at the some fifteen dishes across the scrubbed table, "but I already have dinner plans."
"These fancy restaurants don't know the first thing about good food," Molly stated.
"I'm not taking Ginny to a fancy restaurant," Harry replied.
"Oh? So where are you taking me?" Ginny asked.
Harry turned to the door, to see Ginny standing, smiling at him. For a moment, Harry did nothing but stare at her. Ginny walked over, not even looking at the table that was practically groaning under the strain of various dishes. She ignored her mum and brother, going onto her tiptoes to give Harry a light quick kiss. When she pulled away, she saw Harry's bright green eyes gleam with pleasure. She stepped back, but not too far from his arms.
"So, where are we going for our magical first date?"
Harry chuckled.
"Somewhere memorable," he said.
Ginny lifted an eyebrow.
"I'm intrigued."
"Good," Harry replied. "Just what I want."
They turned as one, back to Molly, who was smiling at them, a little teary-eyed.
"See you, mum," Ginny waved.
This time, Molly didn't put up a fight. She wiped her eyes and smiled at her daughter.
"Have her home before ten," she instructed Harry. 'Keep her safe,' went unsaid but not unheard. Harry nodded at her, agreeing to the curfew and the unspoken plea.
xxx
Harry and Ginny walked past the gate, hand in hand.
"So, where are we going?" Ginny asked.
Harry gave her a sideways glance.
"You'll see," he replied. He looked over his shoulder to see Mrs Weasley in the window, watching them. "Your mum seems weirder than usual, today."
"You're lucky dad wasn't home. He would have been...hey!" she turned to him. "Don't call my mum weird!"
"Why not?" Harry asked. "You don't think she's weird?"
"I think she's my mum," Ginny pointed out. "No matter what, you don't get to call her names."
"I wasn't," Harry laughed, "I just meant she was acting a little strange, what with the overcooking and pushing for us to stay for dinner."
"She did what?" Ginny asked, looking surprised. "When did she say that?"
"The minute I arrived to get you," Harry replied.
Ginny shook her head.
"She's just nervous about us going out."
Harry's expression changed and he nodded stiffly.
"Right, yeah. I can see her concern."
Ginny saw the guilt weigh Harry down. She hated it, how Harry so easily admitted he was the worst person around. She tightened her hand around Harry's.
"She was afraid you would steal my virtue."
Harry's head snapped up and he turned to look at her.
"What?"
Ginny giggled.
"What? Can you blame her? Every person either of us know, has found us making out. I'm surprised mum and dad even let me go out alone with you."
Harry's mischief returned and he smirked.
"I believe you were the one jumping my bones ninety percent of the time."
"Pfft, you wish, Potter," Ginny teased.
They reached the end of the road and Harry stopped, turning to face Ginny.
"I want to take you somewhere today," he said, "but after your mum's concern and seeing all that food she prepared, I don't know if this is such a good idea."
"Don't worry about that," Ginny said. "This is our first official date." She smiled. "Just do what it is you want to do."
Harry smiled and held her closer.
"All I wanna do, is this." He leaned down and kissed her.
The ground beneath Ginny's feet moved and vaguely, in some part of her mind, she knew she was apparating but she was so lost in Harry's kiss, she barely acknowledged it. When Harry ended the kiss, Ginny's eyes fluttered open to take in her surroundings. They were in a corridor, with identical doors lined down both sides. Ginny looked around at the strangely familiar place. When she met Harry's eyes, he was smiling at her.
"D'you recognise the place?" he asked.
Ginny gave it another sweeping glance.
"It is familiar," she said, "but I can't seem to place it."
"Well then," Harry reached for the handle of the door they were standing before, "maybe this will jog your memory."
He opened the door and Ginny stood still, staring at the sight with big brown eyes. Slowly, she stepped forward and into the room, the same room she had spent a whole night attending to a wounded and feverish Harry. She looked over to see the bed sitting in one corner; the very same bed she had fallen into an exhausted sleep on, next to Harry. The small refrigerator sat where it was; from which she had collected ice to help reduce Harry's dangerously high fever. She turned to look at Harry in stunned surprise. He was leaning against the door, watching her reaction.
"I spent ages, trying to figure out where to take you for our first date," he said, straightening up. "I thought about all the best restaurants and dance clubs, but somehow, they didn't seem right." He glanced over at the bed before a small smile came to his face. "I figured we should come back to the first place we slept together."
"We didn't sleep together," Ginny objected weakly, her surprise made her voice quieter, "we fell asleep together."
Harry chuckled, coming to stand before her. He reached out to brush her hair away from her forehead, just as he had done that morning, waking up and finding her lying next to him.
"I know that I was, well, a bit of a dick then."
"Why are you using past tense?" Ginny asked, then smiled at Harry rolling his eyes.
"Fine, I was an even bigger dick then. I told you to leave me alone and refused your help."
Ginny remembered that all too well. His hissed words, 'I'm not an invalid!' rang in her head.
"I remember," she said.
"But what you don't know, is that after you left, I felt so completely alone, it took even me by surprise." Harry said. "You had only gone out to get food, but I didn't know that. I told you to leave and you did. I thought you were gone for good." He held her gaze, so Ginny could see the sincerity shine in his eyes. "It's crazy, right? I had left my family, left those I thought were my family, left everyone behind but it was when you left me for a few minutes, I felt truly alone."
Ginny didn't say anything, she honestly couldn't get anything out past the lump that was growing at the back of her throat.
Harry smiled at her.
"So I thought, for our first date, I'd take you back to the place I first realised, how lonely I was without you."
Ginny let out a chocked laugh, tears welling in her eyes.
She leaned up to kiss him, her gratitude too great to put into words. When they finally pulled away, Harry walked over to the fridge and opened the door. He pulled out two items.
"Oh God," Ginny laughed, wiping at her eyes. "You actually remember that too?"
Harry walked over with the cup of soup in one hand and a packet of sandwiches in the other.
"It was the first thing I had ate in days. Of course I remember." He handed Ginny the sandwiches and waved a hand over his cup, warming the soup. "Don't worry, there's more food in the fridge and ice cream in the freezer," Harry said. "I filled it up before coming to get you. Of course, nothing in there is as fancy as what your mum made-"
"I don't care," Ginny cut him off. "I don't care what it is we're having, as long as we're having it together."
Kicking off their shoes, Harry and Ginny sat cross-legged on the bed, eating their way through all the food Harry had packed into the motel room's refrigerator. They talked about the past, when the future seemed so bleak for Harry, before coming to the topic of the future, where now nothing seemed impossible.
