Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter characters.
Chapter Ten: He Has No Clue
Harry awoke in a small hygienic white room that made his skin crawl with it's familiarity.
Merlin I spend more time in the hospital. He thought grumpily.
Instinctively his hand went to his right side to check his wound, where he was startled to find..?
"It's gone, Harry." Susan's voice chimed in from the doorway as she entered his room.
"Your wound, I mean. Nasty business that. It took me and two other healers working together to close the thing up. It seemed to resist all our efforts for our magic to close."
At this statement, Harry twitched ever so slightly but recovered himself quickly.
Healer Susan Bones caught the action however and pressed on innocently.
"Those gouges were deep, very deep. You lost a lot of blood, Harry. We checked the wounds against our data base, but nothing seemed to match that claw pattern. I don't suppose you'd care to enlighten us as to just what caused that wound?" Susan asked with a practiced clinical interest.
"I,er, no. It's a security issue." Harry covered with genuine regret.
"Look, Harry,. I'm not trying to pry or anything, but clearly from a medical standpoint; is there a danger of similar incidents of attack by said unknown creature or creatures occurring? Because if there is, we'd obviously like to know what we're up against and how to treat it? Susan pressed emphatically.
Had her eyes always been so blue? Harry wondered half paying attention.
"Harry..?"
"What,. oh, um.. yeah, I guess there's a possibility of more attacks in the future. I'll talk to my superiors in the Ministry and at the Confederation to see if we can foreclose what information we have, alright?" Harry promised.
"I'd appreciate that." Susan accepted as she ran her wand over him diagnostically.
"Hmmm, blood levels are good." she commented to herself.
"A bit undernourished, which is odd given your rather extreme physical conditioning." Susan commented off handily, not catching the blush that suffused his cheeks as she continued with her evaluation.
"I'll prescribe a nutritional supplement. You've a great deal of scarring, also odd given your age, but then again, you have been thru the ringer a few times haven't you, Harry? What's that rather odd shaped scar from, the one on your right shoulder? It looks a bit like the 'lightning shaped' one you have on your forehead?" She asked curiously.
Harry's eyes went out of focus momentarily as he recalled the incident that caused the scar she was referring to. It was from his fifth year, the ministry,… when he took the killing curse that was meant for Ginny.
"Er, it's a curse scar from fifth year." he answered vaguely.
"Really? Most minor curses don't usually cause scaring and Madam Pomfrey can heal pretty much everything else." Susan replied skeptically.
"Not a killing curse." Harry answered blandly. His eyes focused on his hands in his lap.
"A Killing Curse? But I thought,... that is, you only had survived the one? The one from Voldemort?" Susan blurted before she considered what she'd just said.
Merlin, I'm an idiot! This is Harry bleeding Potter. He's been through more than anyone could ever guess. How could I be so insensitive? Susan berated herself silently.
Harry just sat there staring at her with emotionless eyes. One part of her wished that he would answer her. That he'd say something, anything? Another part of her wished she could take back her words, or sands that- just crawl under a rock somewhere and hide for the rest of her life.
What is he thinking? And those eyes,.. it feels like,.. He couldn't know that I ...?
"I was hit with a killing curse during the fight with the Death Eaters at the Ministry after my fifth year." he answered woodenly, then added.
"I've been hit with all of the Unforgivables, several times actually."
"But why aren't you dead? I mean, I understand what happened the first time with your mother's protection, but that can't still be it, can it?"The words had barely left her mouth and she winced blushing.
God, I'm a total idiot! I just did it again. She realized in total embarrassment.
If Harry had ever noticed her discomfiture, he was too much of a gentleman to comment on it.
"I, um, know why it didn't work sometimes, but not on every incident. It's,..er, not something I'm really all that comfortable talking about. I mean, not that I'm uncomfortable talking to you. I mean I s-sort of like it."he tried to recover.
Real smooth Potter. She must think you're a complete git.
A hint of pink suffused Susan's cheeks. If I didn't know better, I'd think that Harry Potter was just trying to flirt with me.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to pry. I've just always been naturally curious. Strange behavior coming from a Hufflepuff, I know."
"That's okay. I'm not offended or anything. It's just that I never have really talked about any of that before. Not even with Ron or.." Harry's words drifted off as he realized what he was about to say. He hadn't talked about it with 'Ron or Hermione'. He'd always thought he would after the war when there'd be time to heal. It never happened though. It probably never would, now.
"Or with Hermione? Is that what you were going to say, Harry?" Susan picked up the conversation where he'd drifted off sensing it was important for some reason.
"Yeah,... I just thought there'd be time for all that after the war. Not that I even really thought I'd survive the final battle, but if I did,.. I just always thought there'd be more time." Harry responded with an overwhelming sense of melancholy.
Her heart ached for him. What he must have suffered. What he still suffers now, and for all of us.
"Why, Harry? Why do you do it?"
"I do it because I can. If I didn't who would?" he asked facetiously
"Aren't you scared?"
"All the time." he answered honestly.
Susan just goggled at him. And still he does it.
He risks his life for people that have no clue what he goes through to protect them. She realized in complete awe.
Sue used to hear stories about him in school. They all did. She even heard one completely outrageous yarn about him defeating a Basilisk his second year! She never realized till now, till this very instant, that many, if not most of those stories were probably true. Well, not the Basilisk. I mean, come-on; a Basilisk?
In the course of her evaluation and healing, Susan had seen his body.
And what a body, yum!
Harry's body was beyond well developed. He was lean, muscular, powerfully built. But, that's not all his body is. Harry's body is a road map, a testament to years of selfless sacrifice and heroism. Each scar that marred his beautiful physique bore witness to lives he'd saved, evils he's vanquished.
"Susan?"
Susan hadn't realized that she'd been gapping at him like an idiot this whole time. When she realized it, her blush could have rivaled any Weasley.
"Oh,.. um, I'm sorry. I just phased out for a second there. Life of a Healer, I guess, always a lot of patients on my mind. I guess I never really realized, as I'm sure that most people don't, just how much you go through to protect all of us and how much we owe you for doing it."
"I'd settle for dinner sometime." Harry blurted out, then winced at her reaction.
"Dinner?" Susan asked baffled.
"Um, yeah, dinner. I mean if you're interested? I mean, if you're not seeing anyone or anything,... are you?" Harry asked sheepishly.
"No!" Susan answered too quickly, startling herself. "I mean, no. I'm not seeing anyone, and yes; I'd love to have dinner with you some evening." Susan returned with a faint blush on her cheeks . Her eyes were vibrant with anticipation.
"Great. How's next Wednesday?"Harry followed up eagerly.
"Ah, Harry, it already is next Wednesday. You've been out for almost a week." Susan oriented.
"I have? You'd think I'd be in better shape, what with all the rest I get?" Harry chuckled. "I take it that tomorrow is April fool's then?" he asked shrewdly
"Yes, but I'm afraid I have to work late and…" she began to apologize.
"No, um that's okay. I just realized I have something in the works with Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes." he answered vaguely with a churlish grin.
Realizing by the look on her face that he had yet to retain a date for them to go out he quickly added hopefully.
"Would Friday night work?" Harry asked hopefully.
Susan smirked appreciatively. She was totally flattered by the interest he was showing.
"Friday night would be perfect. Casual or formal?"
"How about semi-casual?" Harry answered with a charming smile.
"I can do that. Should I meet you somewhere, or..?" Susan began but in his excitement he cut her off.
"I'll pick you up. Say around eight?"
"Okay. My address is..."
"Don't worry, I'll find you." Harry assured confidently, despite the skeptical look she gave him.. He could sense her empathic signature now and as such, he could find her almost anywhere in the world.
"But..."
"Trust me." Harry reassured.
Later that day after Harry had been discharged; Susan was sitting in her flat sipping a cup of tea and thinking over the day's events when it finally hit her...
OH MY GOD! I've got a date with, Harry Bloody Potter!
Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes had just closed up after a busily exhausting day. April Fool's Day had always been a big seller, but today had been one for the record books. Fred and George Weasley had been so swamped with customers and call-in orders that they'd forgot their trepidation over the ominous warning that Harry had sent for them in his last letter regarding April Fool's Day.
With their long workday finally complete, both were looking forward to a cold butter beer and listening to Ginny's quidditch match on the wireless.
"What time is little Gin-Gin's game on Gred?" His brother asked checking his pocket watch.
"The pre-game's on at seven and the balls should be release by sever fifteen. If we hurry we can pop over to the Leaky Cauldron for a cold six pack of butter beer before the game starts, Forge."
"I'll go." Fred's twin volunteered. "But after the day we had, I'm buying a case."
"Better make it their gold label, then. I think we deserve their finest after the day we've had."
"Here-Here." George called winningly over his shoulder as he exited the shop.
Fred spent his time locking up the shop for the day and restocking some of the shelves. Tomorrow was not looking too promising as far as the work load was concerned. They were nearly out of several of their most popular products and would have to spend the better part of the day manufacturing a new supply. Poor Verity, (their assistant), was in for another long haul minding the shop whilst they renewed supplies.
Twenty minute later, (in the apartment that the twins shared above their store), with an ice cold beer in hand, Fred Weasley tapped the wireless with his wand while his twin relaxed on the sofa.
"George? Did something happen to the wireless? It won't turn on?" Fred asked confused as he repeatedly tapped the radio to no effect.
"No, it was working fine the other night when we listened to ickle Ronnekins game." George reminded before suggesting, "Maybe try a repairo?"
"Nothing" Fred quipped irritably.
"Here let me have a go." George suggested as he pulled himself off the couch and made his way over.
"I don't know what I'm doing wrong it just doesn't seem to be powering on." Fred complained as he repeatedly tapped his wand against the radio and fiddled with the dials.
"Maybe it's your wand, bro?" George said as he gave the radio a tap while Fred continued adjusting dials.
They realized their mistake instantaneously upon both making contact with the radio. They felt a familiar tug behind their navels and the flat disappeared in a whirl of color- Port key!
"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, tonight promises to be a solid matchup between the first place in their division, Holyhead Harpies. The Harpies are led by the stellar play of their second year chaser- Ginny Weasley. Their opponent for tonight's game is Pride of Portee coming in with a six game winning streak, bolstered by the stellar play of their rookie seeker- Robbie Callum. Many have compared Callum's play to the former Alan Brandt. As fans around the world will recall, Brandt was actually the legendary Magical Knight, Harry Potter incognito."
The announcer paused as a chorus of boos sounded over the wireless
"I can tell by the reaction of our fans that they feel about it the same way that I do; putting Callum in the same company as a Harry Potter or even Viktor Krum, is just plain ludicrous. Anyway, on to tonight's program;, brought to you by our sponsor's: Madam Malkum's Robes for All Occasions. Whatever your needs, Madam Malkum's got you covered. Also we're coming live to you tonight through the generous sponsorship of Gringott's Bank. By the knut or by the galleon, Gringott's is the secure for savin. Lastly, our final sponsor for tonight's match is the wildly popular; Weasly's Wizarding Wheezes. Not only world renowned for their hugely popular 'jokes for all occasions' but also as the co-founders, (along with the afore mentioned Magical Knight- Harry Potter) , of the Knightway Foundation .
Fans are currently enjoying a spectacular display of fireworks provided complimentarily from the WWW. Why I can see the fireworks forming words in the air as I speak. It seems to be spelling out...
Happy... April... Fool's... Compliments.. Of…"
"Odd", the announcer's voice queried, but the writing just left off with an arrow pointing down and….
Merlin's Beard!"
Raucous laughter, jeers and catcalls filled the stadium, spilling over the wireless'sound system. For at the very moment that the flaming arrow appeared in the night sky, pointing down, Fred and George Weasley appeared in the center of the pitch-Totally Starkers!
Fred goggled at his twin in alarm and George's whole body was already the color of puce from deep blush that covered him from head to toe.
In panic, Fred tried to apparate away, but found his plan foiled. The wand he had been holding, only moments ago, was instantly transformed into a rubber chicken. George was left with a feather duster. Despite the ridiculousness of the attempt, they both tried vainly to apparate away by flicking their respective rubber chicken and duster, to no avail.
The crowd only boomed louder in horrific waves of laughter in response to their panicked attempts at escaping their predicament.
Finally realizing the futility of the situation, the twins dejectedly lowered their makeshift wands and accepted their fate of abject humiliation.
As security personnel flew toward them on brooms, Fred turned to his twin brother, who appeared to be going into a state of shock, and said:
"Hero, Savior, Humanitarian, and dare I say it- Genius. But, for all of that, Harry Potter is one Sodding Bastard!"
George just nodded dumbly in agreement.
Friday morning found one, Harry Potter, enjoying a cup of coffee whilst perusing the morning edition of the Daily Prophet at his breakfast table.Harry was chuckling madly as his eyes repeated fell back to the FrontPage's headline:
Greatest prank of all time or genius marketing ploy? -You decide!
Immediately below the headline was a half page sized picture of Fred and George Weasley standing naked in the middle of the pitch at Holyhead Stadium,(some bits were blackened out for modesty sake). Each were blushing and madly waving about props as if mimicking wand movements. As security descended upon them, they gave up the futility of their attempted conjuring and proceeded to try and salvage what modesty that still remained and covered themselves as best they could with the props they held.
As amusing as the pictures and articles on the front page were, it was the sports section that had Harry howling in laughter.
Stunt delays Harpies-Portee Match!
The headline supported a wizarding picture of a madly giggling Ginny Weasley on broomstick, circling her twin brothers as they were led away naked, by security personnel. Ginny was clicking away on a disposable camera whilst the twins threw rude hand gestures in her direction.
It took Harry quite some time to get his giggles under control and it was only then that he considered in hindsight: Did I go too far? He questioned sincerely.
Nah, he came to the immediate conclusion and began laughing again in earnest.
Susan Bones had never been so nervous in her entire life. Her eyes drifted toward the clock on her kitchen wall for the tenth time in the last five minutes.
7:50 pm.
Ten minutes. He'll be here in ten minutes! What was I thinking? I wasn't thinking. Merlin, I'm an idiot. She admonished herself vehemently.
Susan ran into her bedroom and checked her appearance for the hundredth time in the past two hours.
Have I really been ready for two hours? What's wrong with me? He's just another wizard for Circe's sake. No,… he's not. He's Harry Potter. Boy Who Lived. Savior of the Wizarding World. Magical Knight . World Famous Singing Sensation, Star Quidditch Seeker and Humanitarian. And I'm just plain Susan Bones. He could have any girl in the world, witch or muggle. Why would he want to go out with me? What does he expect from me?
This notion had Susan panicking anew.
What does he expect? Am I just some sort of ...conquest? Some left over 'school boy fantasy'?
A gentle tapping on her door, pulled Susan from the downward spiral her thoughts had taken and helped her refocus.
She glanced at the kitchen clock as she passed and noticed that it was currently 7:55 pm.
He would be early.
With a trembling hand, Susan Bones opened the front door to her flat.
"Hi, Susan. I hope I'm not late." Harry greeted warmly.
Heaven help me...
Susan stared vacantly thru her doorway, drinking in Harry's appearance: Sandy brown shoulder length hair swept back on the sides, lightly touching his broad shoulders. He was wearing a forest green, button down shirt that not only brought attention to his captivating green eyes, but accentuated his well muscled physique. Black slacks that barely contained his heavily muscled thighs and greenish-black, dragon hide boots completed his ensemble. No sword. No uniform, but... wow!
"Susan?" Harry repeated in concern.
Still no answer.
She just stood there gapping at him like a fish out of water.
"Susan? Er.. did you forget we had a date tonight?" Harry began to get uncomfortable, which was an understatement as this was the first real date he gone on since- forever.
"Ah,.. no,.. I.. you look nice." Susan came out of her stupor and stammered out before realizing what she said and blushing to the roots of her hair.
If she hadn't been so embarrassed she would have noticed the pink staining Harry's own cheeks from her unwitting compliment.
"T-Thanks." He managed to get out in return. "You look very pretty as well." He complimented and meant it.
Susan Bones was average height with an athletic frame. She wore her hair much like she had in school; soft brown, short hair that bounced when she moved-cutely. She wore a blue, form fitting jumper that accentuated her delicate curves and brought out the vivid blue of her eyes. Her nose was small and pert and she had deliciously soft pink lips that she occasionally poked her tongue into nervously, (to try and keep them moist). She wore a tan skirt that swelled over her well formed hips and ended just below the knee. No nylons, just plain tan stockings and brown comfortable shoes.
Harry like what he saw, very much. Susan always had that approachable, 'girl-next-door' appearance. The fact that she was so pretty, but didn't seem aware of it, was a definite bonus.
"Shall we go?" Harry asked pleasantly motioning his hand down the hall.
"Er, Harry, before we go, and I can't believe I'm saying this?" Susan criticized herself, rolling her eyes nervously as she did so."But, um,.. j-just what are your i-intentions." she barely managed to get out thru her anxiety.
"My intentions?" Harry asked blankly without comprehending the direction of her question.
More nervous now by the vague expression on his face, but already committed to her course, Susan pressed forward.
"I mean, y-you could have any girl in the whole world,... why me?"
"Excuse me?" Harry asked in honest bewilderment.
"I asked why me, Harry? I mean, what do you see me as? A-Am I just a diversion, some conquest or something?" Susan finished incredulously.
"A.. conquest?" Harry repeated hollowly in a hurt voice."S-Susan,… I think a better question might be just what kind of man do you think I am?" Harry asked indignantly but kept any sense of irritation from entering his voice.
Susan's face blanched.
"Merlin, I knew I was going to muck this up. I, er, don't mean to be insulting, but try to see things from my perspective, Harry. I mean you're, The Magical Knight, the first such in a thousand years. The vanquisher of Voldemort. The Chosen One and a million other titles .On top of all that; you're a fantastic singer and a world class quidditch star. I mean, you're hugely popular, Harry. You could have any girl you wanted just for the asking and most of them wouldn't even require that. So,… why me?" She finished, voicing all her insecurities in one go.
Harry quirked a half smile in understanding. He'd been hoping to make it to at least sitting down at the dinner table before this inevitably came up. He shifted his view down the hall as one of Susan's neighbors's left her flat, before he returned his gaze to Susan's patiently waiting one.
"I,.. look, could we at least not do this in the hallway?" he asked feeling a bit exposed.
Susan smirked in understanding. "S-Sorry. Where are my manners? Would you like to come in for a bit?" she invited a tad reluctantly.
"I would, but, er,.. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. We could go to the restaurant and talk about this?" Harry offered in consolation.
"I'd like that, but, that's um,. kinda the whole point, Harry? I kind of need to know where I stand before we go?" she asked cautiously.
Surprising her, he nodded his head in understanding and asked.
"Is this a muggle or magical building? You're neighbors I mean?"
"Magical, why?"
Without any warning or indication of what he intended, Harry knelt on one knee before her and extended his palm outward. A shimmering glow formed in his palm that brightened and elongated until solidifying into,..A sword! His sword, the blade of the Magical Knight.
Harry drew his sword slowly so as not to alarm her. With concentration, thunder still rang out, but less dramatically so, followed by the faint trilling of phoenix song. He placed the point of his blade on the threshold of her door way. He raised glittering green eyes to startled blue ones and intoned in a gentle, but commanding voice.
"On my honor, my blade avows. No harm to you will I allow."A crack of thunder shook the outside windows as he finished his oath.
Susan stood in near shock above him. He made a knight's vow to protect me...!
A knight's vow was magically binding. Harry's own magic would break the sword he held and end his life if he should fail to protect her when she was near, even from himself.
A girl couldn't get a better guarantee from a gentleman than that!
"P-Please come in, H-Harry."
Harry rose slowly and with a flick of his hand, he vanished his sword. He thought it best to appear as benign as possible given the circumstances. Besides, his sword was a symbol of power and authority and this was no place for such a display.
He found himself leaving his sword safely at home more and more, though he did feel more secure with the feel of its weight against his hip. If needed, he could summon the blade to his hand in a split second, not that he was in anyway vulnerable without it.
Susan's apartment was both functionally comfortable and pleasantly inviting. The walls were painted a pale yellow. The furniture complimented the room well with shades of blue and green. Pictures of family, school friends and significant events dotted the walls and end tables throughout the apartment.
"Can I get you something to drink, a butter bear, tea?" Susan offered hospitably.
"Thanks, no." Harry refused with a bit of a nervous edge showing through.
"Sue, maybe you'd better sit down? This might take a bit to explain and I'm sure I'm going to sound like a total git. I must confess, I'm a bit nervous." Harry remarked sheepishly.
Susan quirked an eyebrow at his confession and a slight smile curled at the corner of her mouth. She didn't reply other than to offer, "Why don't you take a seat, Harry?" her hand indicating the chair across from her.
"Ah, no thanks, I think I'd rather stand. I'm not really sure where to begin as I don't really know what my intentions are. That is, I er, know what my intentions are, but I don't really quite know what my expectations are? Um, does that make any sense?" he asked anxiously.
Susan scrunched up her face in a puzzled, though pretty, fashion as she considered, but ended up shaking her head slowly, perplexed.
"Merlin..." Harry breathed out frustrated. He massaged the bridge of his nose between his eyes as he tried to organize his thoughts.
Susan, for her part, just watched his display with a hint of a smile on her face and her eyes glittered both sympathetically and amused.
"Susan, I-I'm just like anyone else..." Harry began to explain but paused when he noticed the incredulous look she shot him at this pronouncement.
"Alright, I get where you're coming from." he agreed emphatically. "The whole Knight thing and all that, I mean- that's what I do, but, that's not me in total. I want the same things that any other bloke brother, that didn't come out quite right?" Harry admonished himself embarrassed at the implications of his statement.
If she was offended, Susan didn't show it, he was relieved to see. If anything she looked to be enjoying herself immensely.
"Oh, and what is it that most bloke's want?" She teased him with a falsely innocent expression on her face.
Harry pursed his lips as he considered shocking her with a taunt of his own, but thought better of it. This was hardly the time.
"Well most blokes, not all blokes mind you, want a home and a family. They want someone to love and be loved by. They just want to be happy."
Susan's expression sobered. She was touched by his candor.
"And are you happy, Harry?" she asked tentatively.
Harry's eyes drifted out of focus for a split second, but she had been watching him closely and caught his reaction.
"I-I'm alright." He answered vaguely.
"Harry, 'just alright' isn't exactly happy." Susan clarified.
"Er, no, I guess it isn't, but it's about all I really have right now."
"But Harry, how can that be? You're so talented and famous. You do so much for charity and others, why you're loved and respected around the world." Susan pointed out encouragingly.
"Susan, people feel that way about the things that I do as the Knight or 'the boy who lived', not me. Not Harry Potter. I don't want the whole world to love me. I'd just rather have one person love me, for me, Harry. Not the Knight. Not the bloody ' boy who lived'. Just me- just Harry." Harry finished emotionally.
"But your friends? Surely Hermione and Ron feel that way about you?" she pointed out gently.
"I'm sure they do, or ..did. I don't know,.. it's complicated. But anyway, that's not what I mean. I'm talking about the kind of love and happiness that comes from being with the right person. You know, a girlfriend,... a wife."
Her eyes softened in understanding. "Are you looking for a wife?" Susan asked a bit mischievously to lighten the mood.
"Er,... no, at least not at the moment." Harry answered a bit uncomfortably, wringing his hand thru his hair nervously.
She found his discomfort endearing.
"Then just what are you looking for, if I may ask?" Susan flirted.
His answer tore at her heart strings and made her wish that she hadn't just been flirting harmlessly with him.
"I hadn't even realized I was looking for anything. At least, not until I woke up and found you in my room. But since you asked; I'm looking for someone to spend time with. Someone to have fun with and get to know, maybe even someone I can fall in l-love with?" Harry paused embarrassed. He hadn't meant to be so open and vulnerable. Not like this. Not this soon.
"Look, I'm sorry. I guess this was probably a mistake. Just forget I said anything." Harry began to turn away toward the door to her flat. "You don't need to get up, I'll see myself out. Take care, Susan." Harry called over his shoulder as he reached for the door knob.
A gentle hand caught his arm and he paused trembling.
"I'm still hungry, Harry. Couldn't we still go out?" Susan asked hopefully.
They ate at a little Italian Bistro that Harry found nearby. The conversation had been light, but comfortable. Susan had talked about her training and practice as a Healer. Harry had listened with rapt attention that she found refreshing. Most wizards just nodded their head politely and waited for the chance to go on about themselves.
The couple chose to walk back to Susan's flat as it wasn't too far and it was a mild, if a tad cool, spring evening. They stopped for a cup of cocoa to warm up at a little diner that was just around the corner from Susan's flat. Neither was anxious for the date to end just yet.
During a pause in their conversation, Susan's mind drifted back to one of her more heart clenching cases that day and had a sudden inspiration.
"Harry, can I ask you something?" she began sheepishly. "Something a bit personal?" she verified.
Harry's expression turned a bit wary, but he nodded his head agreeing.
"The P-Phoenix Fire, can it really heal anything?"
Harry breathed a sigh of relief in understanding that she was only curious from a professional point of view..
" I,.er,.. I really don't know, to be honest. Why do you ask?"
Susan's cheek colored slightly and at first she was going to just plead curiosity , but she decided to take a chance on the openness he had shown her all evening.
"I shouldn't have said anything, but, there's this little boy, Daniel; he was bitten by a werewolf last month. We haven't been able to do much of anything for the poor dear, the moon is going to be full this Sunday , and he's so scared..?
Harry's face paled in understanding.
"Susan," he interrupted her softly, "I can't just summon the fire. It just happens. I can't really make it happen, not that I'd want to." He added warily with a painful grimace.
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot. It's just frustrating and if there was any chance. I had to ask for Daniel's sake." she defended meekly.
Harry nodded. A shred of doubt wormed his way into his thoughts that he had to put to rest.
"Susan, y-you didn't agree to go out with me because, because of..?"
Susan goggled at him in understanding. "Certainly not!" she snapped indignantly. "I don't use people, Harry. Not for any reason"
She began to leave their table, but his hand shot out and caught her arm before she had barely moved.
"I-I didn't mean to accuse you, Sue. I guess I'm just a little insecure. It's not like anyone so pretty has shown an interest in me."
Susan shot him an incredulous look. "Right, like I'm supposed to buy that line. Witches must be throwing themselves at you?"
Harry's eyes misted over briefly before answering. "No, there's been no one. I haven't been on a date in nearly four years."
Susan starred at him completely gob smacked. How can that possibly be?
"You're not,.." she was about to disagree but his expression said otherwise. "You're serious?"
"Yeah,.." he answered a tad glumly ."After Voldemort, I pretty much had to keep a low profile, not that I could really afford to be involved with anyone at the time." he offered vaguely, before adding."As the Knight, I haven't really been all that approachable. Not that that's an entirely bad thing, but it does get pretty lonely sometimes."
Merlin above! He's absolutely serious. Susan thought in utter shock
"Harry,... there must have been someone? Some... fling?" Susan colored to the roots of her hair. She couldn't believe her forwardness.
"N-No,..I... no." Harry stuttered out dejectedly.
No one? It was beyond belief that someone so popular hadn't succumbed to the temptation to use that popularity, albeit if just a little. If it was anyone else she'd swear they were lying, but Harry...?
"I-I'm sorry, Harry. I shouldn't have asked that. You've always been a perfect gentleman and I should have known better. Forgive me?" she pleaded sincerely.
"It's alright. I guess it does sound pretty unbelievable, huh?" He sniggered at his own predicament.
Susan found it boyishly charming.
"Just a little, yeah."Her eyes crinkled on seeing his skeptical grin.
"Well alright, more than a little." she chuckled along with him.
They walked the rest of the way to Sue's flat chatting casually. Each occasionally gave the other an appraising look of interest, but did their best not to let the other catch them at it. Harry, gentleman that he is, walked Susan to her door. Each paused nervously at the threshold. Susan was the first to break the ice.
"I-I'm sorry about the rough start, but despite that, I did have a nice time tonight, Harry, really I did." she confessed honestly.
"Er,.. does that mean that you'd be willing to give me another go?" Harry asked uncertainly. Her heart caught at the hopeful tone in his voice.
Wow! He actually has no idea just how appealing he is?
"Do you really want to go out with me, again?" she hoped she was conveying to him just how much she really wanted just that, but a girl's got to protect her ego.
"Yeah. I really do." He replied without hesitation.
"Then don't you think you'd better ask then?" Susan teased gently.
Harry's eyes sparkled excitedly. "Susan, would you do me the honor of going out with this Sunday afternoon?"
"What, so soon?" A warm tingle suffused her cheeks. "Mr. Potter, would you have me believe that you can't wait for our next date? You'll turn a girl's head with a compliment like that."
"Um, does that mean no?" Harry's face fell slightly in obvious disappointment.
Merlin, he does have no clue!
"On the contrary, I should be delighted to accept your gracious invitation. When may I expect you to call?" she flirted.
Oh Susan. You are enjoying this entirely too much.
"Is three o'clock too early?" he asked hopefully.
"Three would be lovely." Susan smiled shyly.
Before she lost her nerve, she darted forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Harry. G-night" Susan ducked in her doorway barely suppressing a delighted giggle.
Harry walked out into the night with a complete gob smacked expression on his face.