-Chapter 12: Peaches and Summer-
Ginny received a letter from the Head of the Quidditch Reporting Department of The Daily Prophet the next week asking her if she could make time for an interview. She wrote back and agreed to come in on Thursday afternoon. Ginny made her way through Diagon Alley to the offices of The Daily Prophet. She checked in at the front desk and then made her way to the Quidditch reporting office. She was met at the door by Linus Lefthart, an old man to whom she had given several interviews over the years including her first as a professional Quidditch player.
"Miss Weasley, how do you do?" he asked as he escorted her to a red armchair in front of his desk.
"Fine Mr. Lefthart, how are you getting along?"
"Oh aches and pains here and there, just part of getting old. I'm still going strong though!"
"Good to hear, sir," Ginny said. "I am quite curious as to why you want to interview me before the season starts though, usually you come to trials to get the first interviews of the season."
"Yes, well, this isn't that kind of interview, Miss Weasley. You see, I am going to retire after this Quidditch season and I am looking for a replacement as head of the Quidditch Reporting Department. I'd like it if you considered the position."
"Why don't you promote one of your existing staff?" Ginny asked.
"While they know what it is like to be up in the stands watching none of them know what it is like to be on a broom down on the pitch. They know the mechanics but they don't know about the rush! I want someone that knows what it is like to be there. Your columns you send from matches absolutely captivate the readers and I think you would be perfect for the job."
"Mr. Lefthart, I am flattered that you would consider me for the position but I am still very early in my Quidditch career. As of right now, I don't see myself giving it up anytime soon for a desk job."
"I thought you might say that and while I am very disappointed I do understand. However, I would like you to know that if at any time you decide to change your mind I am not going to do anymore interviews until this time next year, you were my first choice for a replacement and will remain so."
"Thank you, sir. I will let you know but for the time being I have to turn your offer down."
"Well, I would love it if you still sent in your columns. Are you planning on trying out for England this year and take us to another World Cup?" Mr. Lefthart asked excitedly.
"I'm still trying to decide. I have a lot to think about before I make a solid decision."
"You will let me know, yes?"
"Of course. If that's all you have for me today, Mr. Lefthart, I am going to go visit my brother."
"Have a wonderful day, Miss Weasley!"
Ginny made her way to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. She found George in the back of the store stocking love potions.
"Hey big brother, what's happening?" Ginny walked up to George and punched him in the arm.
"Hey Gin! What are you doing around these parts? Everything alright at Harry and Luna's?"
"Oh yeah everything is great. I had an interview down at The Daily Prophet so I thought I would come visit you."
"They don't usually start all that until the season begins."
"It was for a job. Linus Lefthart wants me to take over the Quidditch reporting section of the paper at the end of this season."
"Here, smell this potion and tell me what you think," George said as he tossed Ginny one of the little bottles. "You gonna take that job?"
"You going to tell me what this is?" Ginny said before she uncorked the little bottle.
"Do I ever?"
Ginny uncorked the bottle and smelled the potion. The scent of sweet peaches and summer air filled her nose.
"Peaches and summer…" she whispered. "What is this, George?"
"It's an offshoot of Amortentia. Not as strong but it supposedly does that thing where you smell what you desire. I wanted to make sure it worked. Did it?"
"I...uh…yeah. It did." Ginny tossed the bottle back to him. "And I don't know if I am going to take that job or not. There are a lot of variables that I have to consider between now and the end of the season."
"Well everyone I hear talking says they love the articles you send in. You'd be good at it if you did decide to take it. And you would still get to go to a lot of the matches and stuff."
"I know, George. I know all of that and I have considered all of that. It just boils down to what my responsibilities are by then. If I don't have anything else to do then I'll do Quidditch but if I have something to stay here for then I'll take the job."
"Are you expecting to have something to stay here for?"
"Well no. I mean, you never know what can come up. I have a year to decide and a lot can happen so…things can happen."
"Speaking of things that can come up…how is Hermione?" George asked.
"She's great. We've been getting closer. I'll be watching her son while she's at work until I start up again for the Quidditch season."
"How close?"
"We're just friends, George."
George held up one of the bottles of potion Ginny had smelled a few minutes earlier.
"Why would you smell peaches and summer?"
"I…because…" Ginny turned red, "well you see…um. Oh fuck it. Hermione's hair, okay!?"
"Thought so," George took Ginny's arm, "come up to my office for a bit."
Ginny sat down in a bright yellow armchair in George's office. He sat in the one next to her. Ginny stared at the floor.
"Look, Mum, Dad, and Ron already gave me this lecture," Ginny said, "I don't really want to hear it from you as well. You don't want me to get hurt again blah blah blah. I've heard it. If you have something else to say then go ahead, if not I need your help with something."
"You're right. I don't want to see you get hurt but I also think that if you don't take risks in life that you'll get nowhere. Take that advice and do what you will with it."
"I don't know what to do though, George. Which risk do I take?"
"Well I can't tell you that because then you'd know about my awesome skills as a Seer!" George said jokingly.
"Thanks," Ginny said sarcastically. "I'll just have to think on it, I guess. Now, what kind of deal can you give me on some small Whiz-bangs? I want to entertain Lennox with them while I'm babysitting him."
"This is perfect, I've got a new combination package of stuff for little kids I want to try out. There is nothing dangerous, just small Whiz-bangs, some parchment that folds itself into different things and will fly around, a cup that changes color every time you drink, and pictures that kids can color that will animate when they're done." George took a box off of one of the shelves in his office. "Here, take this box and have him try out the stuff. Let me know how it goes. Bill and Fleur said that Victoire and Dominique loved it but I need more opinions before I start selling all of it."
"Thanks George, I knew I could count on you. And thanks for the advice, too. I'll definitely let you know how it all works out."
