Traitorous Behavior
The next two weeks ran together into one big blur for Harry and Ginny. Harry was off early in the mornings, getting all the paperwork and supplies needed for Auror training. Ginny was practicing tirelessly, in an all out effort to regain her starting position with the Harpies. Every day, after their official work or training was completed,the couple would help each other. Harry flew with Ginny every night. Ginny dueled with Harry to keep his reflexes sharp.
Sam Westin's appointment as Senior Auror was well received, especially once Harry and Ginny stated how much they trusted the man. Each of the men involved in the plot to kill Harry was found guilty of all charges. Smeltz was placed in a regular security Ministry prison for his minor offenses. Dawlish, Puzin, and Everett were sentenced to Azkaban. Dawlish's sentence was set to begin as soon as he was discharged from St. Mungo's, where his mental stability was still being considered.
The goblin issue was more delicate to handle since the goblins did not necessarily abide by wizarding law. Kingsley assured Harry he was working towards a meeting with the leaders of the goblin government, but the situation required a great amount of tact and diplomacy. Which was political speak for 'trying not to piss off the goblins' as far as Harry was concerned.
In a small, quiet bedroom in Wales a boy was reading the sports section of The Daily Prophet. The boy always stole that section of the paper before his father ever saw it, and every morning he would devour the quidditch news for the day before heading off to school. His eyes welled with tears, he began to cry as he finished the article.
The Best to Never Play the Game Again
As stated in a press release from his agent, Harry Potter has retired from professional quidditch. Potter, whose record for snitch catches is by far the best the league has seen in over one hundred years, has officially called it quits; taking a job in The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, within the Ministry of Magic. His incredible catch record of 74-3 may well stand untouched for centuries. However, many people agree it was Potter's leadership that transformed the ever-struggling Cannons franchise from league laughingstock to league champions. Once the best-friend duo of Harry Potter and keeper Ronald Weasley joined the team, the franchise set records for margin of victory, wins per season, snitches caught and of course two consecutive QWC titles.
Potter was quoted recently as saying, "I have confidence that Ron, Wade and the other team members will continue to win and make their fans proud. I'll miss each team member and coach tremendously. Coach Grey was not just my coach, but was a friend as well."
When asked about the change in career he said the following. "I have to do this. There are more important duties for me to fulfill than simply playing quidditch. I'm confident that I'm making the right decision. I would be lying if I said I won't miss It, I will. Quidditch was the first thing I ever excelled at and I will cherish the memories of playing for the rest of my life. I won't really miss all the time spent in the emergency ward after crashing with Viktor."
When asked about his fans, Mr. Potter's mood became somber before saying, "I am sorry if I've disappointed my fans, it is a feeling I continue to struggle with. I can only hope that if my fans saw me as a hero, or role model, that I can continue in those roles with my new profession. While I may not be playing any longer, I'd like to think I can still exude the qualities people will find acceptable. As for everyone wearing those snitch shirts, or 'Future Mrs. Potter' sweats, I will still allow the merchandise to be marketed. All proceeds from the sale of Harry Potter merchandise will be donated to Sister Elizabeth's Hospital in Wales, more specifically, to the Experimental Cures and Research Foundation. The team there is doing incredible work that I take a personal interest in."
And so quidditch fans, the career of possibly the greatest seeker in history came to a premature close yesterday. While some in the league continue to feel Mr. Potter's contract issues with the Cannons management and the QWC league caused his exit, he has vehemently denied such claims, saying, "… in the end, the contracts offered were indeed acceptable…", but that he wanted to make a lifestyle change.
Good luck Harry Potter, we all hope your catch record for dark wizards rivals that of the golden snitch.
The boy's father stepped into the room and ruffled the boy's hair. "Why the long face son?"
The boy sniffed. "Harry quit dad, he just quit."
"I see, does it say why?" Ralph Warrington asked.
"He's going to work for the Ministry of Magic." Daniel pushed the paper over to his father. "Dad, he promised me he'd play again, and that he'd send me tickets. And he promised to see me play this year too. And he didn't do any of it. He lied to me!" Daniel spouted off.
"Son, being a grownup is hard, and sometimes things don't go according to plan, I don't know…"
Daniel's Mum entered the room. "Excuse me, Daniel, you have some visitors. You'll have to make it quick; we need to leave for your game in about thirty minutes." She handed the boy his neon green jersey. "Here you go, freshly laundered. Now, put it on and go meet your friends in the sitting room."
Daniel led his parents to the sitting room. Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron waited patiently.
"Hi Daniel," Harry and Ginny said simultaneously. Harry continued on alone noting the boy's red eyes. "Daniel, I wanted to come by to see you. I take it you read the newspaper article about me retiring?"
"Yes." Daniel gazed at the floor before looking back at Harry. "You told me you'd play-and I'd get tickets-and you'd come see one of my games-and you're not!" he said in a rush.
"I know Daniel. We're here to go to your game today. You know Ginny and me. This…" he motioned towards his friends, "is the Cannons keeper Ron Weasley, and his wife Hermione." Daniel's mood lightened.
Harry continued, "Daniel, as much as I love to play quidditch, I have more important things to do. The Minister of Magic asked me personally to help fight crime and dark wizards, and I've told him I will. While it might be disappointing for you, it is better for everyone if I do this. An old friend of mine told me we have to make decisions based on what is right, not what is easy. Quidditch was the easy choice, but not the right choice."
"So you're going to capture bad guys and villains?" the boy asked.
"Yes I am." Harry smiled.
"And werewolves?" he questioned quietly in a voice so small it was hardly heard at all.
"Yes… there is one I very much want to see put away," Harry said confidently, passing the unsaid promise to the scarred boy before him. "Now I say we fly to the game, who's in?"
"ME!" Lynette and Daniel both screamed.
"Oh no," Hermione protested
"Aw come on 'Mione, I haven't dropped you yet have I?" Ron joked.
Everyone hurried from the house to the back yard. "See you at the game!" Harry shouted out as he and Daniel shot off into the sky followed closely by Ginny and Lynette. Ron and Hermione lifted off third, followed by Ralph and Imelda Warrington.
Upon arriving at the Dragon League pitch Harry and Daniel were quickly mobbed by enthusiastic team mates and children. Unfortunately the commotion brought the game in progress to a halt.
"Daniel! You really do know Harry Potter!" one boy shouted.
"Hey that's Ginny Weasley! She plays for the Harpies!" A slight blond girl gushed. She flipped her hair to show one of Ginny's clip-on ponytails. Other children and a few adults crowded around the group of stars.
"Mr. Weasley can I get an autograph?" a large boy with dark hair called out.
"Whoa, whoa, let's all settle down alright?" Harry held out his arms in an effort to get everyone's attention. He turned to the referee. "I'm sorry for the interruption," Harry apologized. The group of fans continued on in a boisterous fashion.
"Hey, hey…" Harry tried to calm the children.
A loud whistle silenced the crowd. Harry turned to see Ginny pulling her fingers from her lips. "Look, everyone. As much as Ron, Harry and I love the attention, you all have games to play. Let's go off to the side and get this game going again," Ginny commanded. Everyone obeyed the order, some grumbled.
"Hey guys, don't worry we'll be here for a while. Anyone that wants an autograph or picture will get one, just form a line," Harry explained. The smiles returned to the children's faces.
The rest of the morning was spent at the Dragon League quidditch field watching young children play the game three of them loved, and Hermione tolerated. After the games Harry, Ginny and Ron sat with each team for pictures.
Harry stood from the last photo to face the large group of children still assembled. "You know what? I'm getting pretty hungry…" Harry teased the children. "I say…ice cream for everyone!" The kids all cheered.
"Daniel's buying!" Harry hollered. Daniel's mouth fell open in disbelief, his face flushed in response. Lynnette laughed and squealed at her brother's predicament.
"Just kidding, Ron's buying!" Harry grinned. "Let's go!" The lot of children cheered. He led the kids down the street with Ron protesting in the background.
The crowd packed the ice cream parlor to capacity and overflowed onto the sidewalk out front. Harry brought a second tray of desserts to the table, doling out various flavors, indulging in a bit of chocolate, raspberry swirl himself.
He smiled, watching Daniel flick different colored sprinkles at his team mates, and his team mates flick them back, in a small scale food fight. He'd made peace with his number one fan, and to Harry, that was important.
The next Tuesday Harry returned to the loft after his first full day of Auror training feeling physically drained and emotionally tired. Ginny was waiting and dragged him into the flat as soon as he unlatched the door.
"Tell me! What was it like?" she squealed with excitement and pulled him over to the sofa.
"Hard, I'm in pretty good shape, but I'm beat," he said. "They wanted to get a feel for how well I duel, so first thing we did was start dueling against the instructors. I battled Kroane, he's my mentor in the program, for two hours straight before it was called a draw."
"Is that good?" Ginny asked, eyes sparkling and alive with happiness.
"Well, I wasn't sure. Then, after the lunch break, we went again and it was called another draw. He had two other Auror's come over and I was able to best both of them after about a half-hour each." He caught a breath. "Afterward I met the others in my class; there are six of us total. The only one I knew was Michael Corner. One of the other recruits asked me how I did, and I told them, the best any of them did was half an hour before being defeated. They were pretty impressed. We'll see if it stays that way after we get into potions."
His recap of the day ended when Ginny's lips took control of his for a series of very long kisses. "I'm so proud of you."
"How about you? What'd you do on your day off?" he asked.
"Well, Wendy and Sandy came over to fly with me. They like me more than Caitlin. After that, Hermione and I apparated to Milan for my dress fitting with Serefina. Oh Harry, my dress is so beautiful, even though it's not all done yet. Hermione was all but drooling over it. Oh, in two weeks, after we do the final details and fittings, I want you to take me to the vaults so we can pick out some jewelry for me to wear during the wedding."
"That is still something I need to find out about. You aren't going anywhere near Gringotts until the thing with the goblins is resolved. Kingsley cornered me today before I left. We're to meet with the goblin's Council Head to discuss matters. I'm supposed to meet them on Friday in Kingsley's office," Harry explained.
"Now the part you won't like at all," he said.
"What?" Ginny eyed him.
"Well, you know how you thought you might move back to the Burrow for few weeks before the wedding to give us some space? Well, you don't need to do that." He drew a breath. "I'll-be-sequestered-in-training-for-six-weeks-starting-in-the-last-week-of-November," rushed out in one long string. "I don't get out till the second of January."
"What about Christmas and New Years?" she said softly.
"We can have visitors on those two days. We're kind of being rushed along so we can catch up to the class that started in September." Harry reached for her hand and she let him take it.
"So did they assign your partner yet?" Ginny asked hopefully.
"Yes, her name is.."
"Ahem, her?" Ginny's arched an eyebrow at the admission.
"Yes, her. Her name is Sydney Buchanan."
"Is she cute?" Ginny pushed.
"Hey, what's with the jealous girlfriend thing all of a sudden?" he asked.
"Harry, I see women ogle you all the time, I…I guess I just want you to make sure she knows you're off limits. As partners you two will be spending lots of days, and probably nights together. I'm protecting my turf I guess," Ginny offered her excuse.
"Okay, well at least you're being honest. Gin, for all the women who ogle me, have I ever paid attention to them? No. Now, she's nice. Not ugly, not beautiful. I don't know maybe better than average?" Harry smiled at his fiancée's possessiveness. "Besides, she's engaged. She and I need to become friends. I thought we could all meet at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner one night."
"Fine, now if I go upstairs and play damsel in distress will you come rescue me?" her eyes gleamed as she teased him.
"Sure, in a bit. Sam warned me today that reporters from The Daily Prophet are trying to get information about the wedding date and time. He suggested we might need extra security." Harry brought the conversation back to a serious tone. "He can assign a team of Aurors to us, but he didn't know if a team of six was enough."
"Well, we'll have to figure that out pretty quick won't we? I know some of the guards for the Harpies do freelance work as private security for the girls. Maybe we can use them?" Ginny pondered.
"Good idea, check into it. Be careful, it would be easy to get sold out by someone we don't know," Harry cautioned.
The cold winds of November chilled the loft despite the hearty flames in the fireplace. Ginny reclined on the sofa, snuggled under a heavy blanket, diagramming a new play she wanted to try. She checked the clock, it was half seven. Harry was late again. She knew his Auror training would be inconvenient but this was the third time in three days he'd missed dinner.
The flames melted from blazing yellow and orange, to light green and with a whoosh Harry exited the floo. "Hi Gin."
"Hi, if you're going to be late please let me know. Your dinner's on the table with a warming charm on it," she said in a voice that wasn't cross, but wasn't friendly either.
"I'm sorry, I'll do better. I got held up with Kingsley. He and I were discussing the meeting on Friday with the goblins," Harry said as he walked to the table to retrieve his warmed over dinner. "I can't wait to hear their excuses and I'd like an explanation."
"Will it be dangerous?" Ginny eyed him.
"I don't think so...I mean Kingsley will be there…This is good, thanks," Harry answered between mouthfuls of chicken pot pie. "Practice go fine?"
"Uh uhh…" Ginny mumbled as she studied the play she was fine tuning.
Harry smiled at her distraction. He stood, banished his fork and dish to the sink and headed to the spare room to study.
Harry met Kingsley in the Minister's outer office about twenty minutes before the goblins were to arrive.
"How's training going Harry?" the minister inquired.
"Pretty good I think. My potion work is a little weak, but Sydney, my partner, is really good with it so she's helping me. I'm helping her with some of her defensive spell work, so it's evening out. Sam's idea to balance skill sets is panning out so far."
"Glad to hear it." Kingsley led Harry into his office and each took a chair at a large table.
"Minister if we both sit at this end," Harry pointed to the head of the table "then it will force the goblins to turn their necks to look at us. Makes them more uncomfortable the longer the meeting goes." Harry remembered the tactic from his meetings with Bernard.
Kingsley shook his head. "I hadn't thought of that... Wait, is that why you, and Ginny, took the end seats during the meeting in my office?"
Harry smiled.
"My neck was sore for two days after having to keep turned like that all day." Kingsley smiled. "You don't miss much."
The friends' conversation halted when the Minister's assistant let him know the goblins were in the lobby. Kingsley and Harry both stood when the goblins entered the room.
"Jedral, Ropnick, Ushter, welcome have a seat." The greeting was polite, but stiff. The goblins nodded and took seats down the side of the table. Each goblin shifted in an effort to keep from craning his neck.
Once all the parties settled into their chairs, Kingsley began the proceedings. "Jedral, Ropnick, Ushter, I'd like you to meet Harry Potter. Harry, this is Jedral, Ropnick and Ushter. Harry nodded to the goblins. "Jedral is here as Head of Special Collections for Gringotts. Ropnick is here as Manager of Gringotts. Ushter is present as Head of the Goblin Tribunal."
Everyone at the table looked to the minister to lead the meeting. "Ushter, as I am merely the facilitator of this meeting I'll turn the floor over to you. Please inform Harry as to the goings on from yourperspective."
"Very well Minister Shacklebolt." The goblin nodded slightly towards the minister in deference to the man's authority. Ushter turned his head a little and addressed Harry. "Mr. Potter, in the interest of inter-species relations, your minister has asked the Goblin Tribunal to look into matters concerning Gringotts. More precisely, if the actions of Jedral and Ropnick may, or may not, have violated goblin law."
"Okay," Harry replied hesitantly.
"I and the tribunal have investigated the situation and have found that neither Jedral nor Ropnick have violated any goblin law. As trustees bound to protect the interests of Gringotts they have and will assert their rights to protect that which is deemed to be owed to Gringotts. After you, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger broke in and subsequently escaped, it was determined in the best interest of the bank to pursue restitution."
"If that's the case why wasn't I notified about an amount owed?" Harry asked.
"It was determined that monetary compensation would not be sufficient," Jedral said venomously.
"I see… So in a sense, they've done nothing wrong. They were just protecting the image of the bank?" Harry offered with a calculating smile.
"Yes, we are happy you see our side of the matter." Ropnick gave Harry an uneasy smile in return.
"Well then, I'll need to hold a press conference. Kingsley can I use the Ministry press room?" Harry glanced at Kingsley.
"Press conference?" Ushter asked with a bit of alarm. "There isn't really cause for a press conference is there. We goblins try to avoid the spotlight."
"With the way you run the bank, I'm sure you do. But I don't. In fact, I've been accused in the recent past of using the media to pressure officials into doing my bidding. So, I'll be calling a press conference for this afternoon; the three of you may want to be there. The subject of the press conference will be a complete listing of all the 'debt clearing' contracts that I'm aware of. If my memory is correct, between Puzin, Tenney and Everett there were thirty-seven active contracts. Is that number close to correct Jedral?" Harry questioned the goblin on his left.
"Approximately," replied the goblin gruffly.
"I'm sure the wizards doing business with the bank will be interested in those numbers, and I know of at least seven more contracts that were completed by Puzin and Tenney in the recent past."
Harry stared at the trio of goblins and continued outlining the plan, "Then, I'll go public with the incidents regarding my adventure, and how they were brought on by a murder plot financed by the bank. After that, I'll make a very public show of canceling my accounts and withdrawing not only my own fortune, but those of the Potter family and Black family as well. I also have promises that all the Weasley and Granger accounts will be closed," Harry explained and paused in his speech for effect.
"While the last two accounts are not in the same value range as the vaults I control, they are high profile accounts. When it becomes public knowledge that we as a group no longer trust the bank, I'm sure other account holders will find suitable alternatives for their banking needs." Harry finished.
"Mr. Potter, as goblins we pride ourselves of keeping our business separate from our personal lives. There is no need to make this a personal vendetta when the officers of Gringotts were merely trying to protect the bank's interests," Ushter defended the goblins actions.
"I'm sorry, that's idiocy. It became personal the moment you placed a price on my head," Harry said firmly, staring directly into the goblins beady eyes. "Oh, one more thing. As I understand goblin law, a contract is considered a life debt of sorts, correct? In Puzin's memory I watched Jedral state as such, is this indeed true?"
"Yes, goblins as a race hold people to their word," Ushter said with an air of importance.
"Good." Harry smiled "Because the thirty-four active contracts, not including the contract on me and my friends, have a value of just under one million Galleons. Once each of those went unfulfilled the value was doubled, as per Jedral's word, backed by goblin law. Add to that amount, double the contract on me and double the contracts of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and as I figure it the bank owes me in excess of nine million Galleons," Harry concluded after doing the quick math in his head.
All three goblins went a bit paler than their normally chalky complexions. All three remained silent.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear a response. Do I have that right?" Harry prodded the goblins.
"No, you have used faulty logic, no such agreement exists, not exactly as you have described it." With a wave of his small thin hand, Ushter dismissed Harry's claim.
"Really? Let me tell you now that I have seen Nicholas Puzin's memories, and know the specific agreement terms." Harry kept his gaze focused on the three nervous goblins facing him. "Here's what I know…" and Harry began to describe Puzin's memory.
"…the terms are as follows," Jedral croaked. "Each of you three are responsible for the entirety of the contracts. Until the contract is completed, each of you is responsible for the proper execution of the contract."
Each wizard nodded.
Jedral continued, "There are no exceptions. If the contract is taken and falls incomplete the recoupment fee is double the price of the original contract. That fee is due by any of the original signatory's of the contract that survive, upon demand, regardless of the current state of the contract."
Each wizard nodded again.
"Please note, the recoupment fee is transferred to any wizard that may gain ownership of the contracts by besting any, or all of the participants in this agreement." Jedral clarified. "In case any of you might be looking to double-cross the others." The goblin grinned evilly…
"So, it seems to me that since I bested your associates, I now own the contracts. All of them." Harry's scowl became even fiercer.
"But that provision wasn't meant for you, it was meant for those in our employ…" Ropnick blurted out in a scratchy voice.
"I don't see where that matters. It is not my fault you failed to recognize the possibility that the subject of the contract might defeat the owners of the contract. And, the deal refers to anyone who swore the oath and was bound to the contract." Harry dismissed the goblin's excuse with a wave of his hand.
Harry took a deep breath and continued to speak slowly and clearly, "Now, I'll say it again. I own the contracts…all of them…don't I? And the contract amounts are now double the original value? And it is due upon my demand?"
"Yes," Ropnick grumbled in an angry whisper.
"So then, the bank will need to have my gold ready immediately after this meeting. Which will be in about two minutes." Harry stared at the goblins, daring them to disagree.
"Mr. Potter, we cannot have such a large amount of gold ready in such a short amount of time!" Ropnick said with alarm.
"Excuse me, the amounts have been promised as we all know." Harry stared through the Goblin Tribunal leader. "What is the penalty for not paying a debt on time?"
"The amount is doubled, and the creditor may seek alternate means of satisfying the debt," Ushter admitted lowly.
"So if the demand is not met, the amount owed will increase to over eighteen million Galleons and I can claim property or lives until I feel the debt has been paid? Including seizing ownership of the bank?" Harry asked. Ushter and the two bank officers shifted in their chairs. "AM I CORRECT?" Harry bellowed, startling everyone at the table.
"You are correct," Ushter muttered in defeat.
Harry waited before speaking again, leaving the room in an uneasy silence. He cast Kingsley a warning look that let the man know not to break the silence. After the debilitating silence grew to a stifling pressure, Harry spoke again in a calm slow voice. "I'll assume from your lack of response that you would like to seek a compromise?"
"Here is my proposal. The business of murdering those with debts will end immediately. Each of you will take a blood oath to ensure it. The contracts on me, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, now Hermione Weasley are now in my possession. As owner of those contracts it is my right to collect on them as I see fit. As a compromise, I will not call the debt owed to me by the bank, at this time. I will not hold the press conference or remove my fortunes from Gringotts. Each of you will swear an oath promising to abide by my wishes." Harry kept his gaze focused on the goblins.
"I honestly have no urge to run a bank or determine bank policy. Nor do I want to see the downfall of the great institution that is Gringotts. My only concern is the lawlessness of the past, future attempts to rectify debts, and the safety and welfare of my friends and family." Harry paused.
"Mr. Potter, you are stating that you will not call in the debt owed, for the time being, if we abide by the following agreement?" Ushter asked. "The goblins will cease allowing the extermination of debtors for all debts past, present and future. The goblins and Gringotts will ensure the safety of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger/Weasley and any other Potter or Weasley family members, as it pertains to bank business. In consideration of these allowances, Harry Potter assures the bank and the goblins that he will not call his debt in the near future. He will not make public his current distrust of the bank and he will not remove any of his gold or valuables from the bank," Ushter restated the terms.
The goblins reached across to shake hands.
"Not so fast," Harry warned. "First, the terms ensuring the safety of me and my friends and family last for their natural lives, not merely the time frame until the debt is repaid to me. Second, I'll give you the term of one calendar year to pay the debt owed to me. Third, the promise involving removing gold from the vaults is not accurate as you've stated it. I have not promised not to make withdrawals. I have promised not to close the accounts or move the entirety of my fortunes," He finished clarifying his proposal.
"Understood," the head of the Goblin Tribunal agreed.
"Agreed," Ropnick and Jedral replied in unison.
"Kingsley, do you have any comments or concerns?" Harry asked the minister, who had remained silent for most of the meeting.
"I think you've reached an equitable agreement," Kingsley appraised.
"I agree," Harry said.
Harry and the goblins took the oaths and the agreement became binding. The group stood and shook hands ending the meeting. The three goblins left, leaving Harry alone with the Minister of Magic. Kingsley thumped Harry on the back in congratulations, Harry smiled back at him.
"Think they'll hold up their end Kingsley?"
"Without a doubt, to a goblin their word is the same as an unbreakable vow to us wizards. I'm surprised they agreed." The minister smiled.
"Well, it was either agree or hand me the keys to Gringotts." Harry grinned in satisfaction.
"Harry, why don't you become Minister of Magic, and I'll go back to being an Auror." Kingsley suggested in jest.
"How 'bout you take me to lunch for fish and chips at the muggle pub down on the corner?" Harry returned.
"Deal." Kingsley escorted Harry from his office.
Family dinner at the Burrow that Sunday night was a rambunctious affair. Most all the family was there. Charlie was present with Jaclyn at his side. Bill and Fleur were also there. Victoire was playing in the study with Harry and Teddy. When Ginny found him he was 'trapped' by the two children and howling in supposed 'pain' as Teddy and Victoire took turns twisting his arms and lying across his chest. Harry's screams for help went unheeded.
George and Ron concentrated on their chess match, it appeared Ron's streak was about to become 387-0 against family members. Harry knew at least a third of those losses were his.
"Are you done acting like you're five yet?" Ginny smiled down at her future husband.
"Not really." He grinned back. With a quick flip he lifted his niece in the air and tickled her until she squealed in delight. This caused Teddy to come to her rescue by tickling Harry's ribs.
"Help! Two on one, help me Gin!" he begged though a laugh.
"Oh, I'll help…" Ginny smirked and dove to the floor to help Teddy tickle Harry.
The three of them tickled Harry until he retaliated. With a sweep of his arms all three antagonists floated into the air, suspended by his non-verbal, wandless levitation spells.
"Papa Harry, that's cheating… no magic!" Teddy claimed.
"Hmmm, I don't remember that rule." He grinned at his godson. Slowly he turned each of them so they were upside down.
"Dinner!" Molly called from the kitchen.
"Put me down Potter!" Ginny hissed.
"For your traitorous behavior you get put down last," he informed his fiancée. He turned Victoire right side up and settled her to the floor. "Go get cleaned up for dinner sweetie." She nodded and raced to the bathroom.
"Alright Mister Lupin, you too, upstairs and wash hands for dinner." He softly set the boy down on his back. Teddy jumped up and he too ran for the bathroom.
"Now Miss Weasley, what have you got to say for yourself? Aiding the enemy in a vicious attack on your very own fiancé?" Harry got up from the floor. Ginny was still hanging upside down before him. Her feet brushed the ceiling; her head was at a level just below his, her long hair was nearly to his waist.
"I'll get you for this! That's what I have to say," she growled.
"Do we need to work on your temper?" Harry chuckled. "Hmmm... Have I ever kissed you upside down?" He took her head in his hands and supported it gently. Slowly he leaned down to kiss her. At first she resisted, but then he felt her smile into the kiss, and soon she was kissing him back.
Teddy yanked them back to reality. "Gramma! Harry is hanging Ginny upside down! And…ewwww…he's making her kiss him!" he hollered from the door to the study.
"Harry, please let my daughter down so she can come eat!" Arthur laughingly shouted.
Harry stopped the kissing. "Go to the table Teddy," he grumbled. The child scooted away. Harry kissed a very flushed, still upside down Ginny, one last time before turning her over and guiding her to the floor. She stepped unsteadily; he pulled her into a hug. "I love you."
"Upside down was nice, I might have to repay you." She smiled. "Let's eat."
The next morning the mood was more somber as Harry readied his trunk in anticipation of leaving for training. Ginny brooded around the kitchen as she wiped the counter. Harry stuffed a few last items into the trunk and performed a shrinking charm on it.
"All set then?" she questioned softly while she walked over to him and hugged him tightly.
"Yeah, all set… Hey it won't be too long before we'll be back together, and take care of that little wedding thing." He smiled.
"I'll miss you." She kissed his neck and hugged him tighter.
"I know, I'll write when I can. I don't know what's going to happen, or how often I'll be able to write," Harry consoled her. "You keep your head in your flying. You outflew Caitlin by a ton last week. There's no way Gwenog can keep you out of the starting lineup for much longer."
"Be careful, I know training will be dangerous." She kissed him hard and he returned the kiss with passion. She broke the kiss. "I love you Harry...bye."
"Love you too." And after one more brief kiss he picked up the reduced in size trunk, put it in his rucksack and stepped into the floo.
Ginny sighed. "Five weeks until Christmas. Six weeks, four days until the wedding," she said aloud to the empty flat. She tread up the stairs to the loft and saw his old practice jersey folded neatly on the bed. A single rose and a note lay on top of it. She picked up the flower and inhaled its sweet fragrance before setting the flower back on the bed. Then she picked up the note and the jersey. The smell of his cologne caught her attention; he'd scented the jersey like she'd done when she left for school two years ago. Quickly, Ginny pulled off her jumper and pulled on the worn oversize jersey, relishing in the scent. She opened the note.
Dear Ginny,
I know six weeks seems like forever right now, it does for me too. I'll miss you, of course, but that's no excuse for either of us to mope around. Go out with Wendy and the girls, have fun and fly hard. Win your spot back! I'm not marrying some second string wannabe quidditch star. I'm Harry Potter and I deserve the best! (Which is you by the way!)
Hey, after all we've been through, we can do six weeks. No problem. Keep the jersey close, it might help.
Fly fast Chaser Girl.
All my love,
Harry.