A/N: This story now has over 500 follow(er)s! I've never had that many and it means a lot to me. Thank you to everyone reading this fic.
Years From Now
Chapter 24
April 11, 2009
Teddy's eleventh birthday was in two days but he had already begun celebrating. He, Harry, and Ron attended a Quidditch match final the previous day and Hermione had gone as well, but only because it was the young wizard's birthday and he specifically asked for her presence. On Monday, his actual birthday, he was taking a day trip to Ireland with his grandmother and having a dinner in the evening, during which Harry planned to gift him with his own broomstick. The Auror knew Teddy would be in a state of euphoria to receive the broom and he was looking forward to the dinner for that reason. While the boy would be unable to take the broom with him to Hogwarts come September, his godfather knew he would be thrilled to have one regardless.
It was not yet Monday, however, and right now Harry was godson-less and fiancee-less at Grimmauld, as Hermione was at the Ministry for one of her innumerable meetings. He himself had had a session with Ashlyn earlier in the morning and had been rather subdued in the two hours since it finished. Conversely, Harry had not been somber while meeting with the mind Healer and had, in fact, been frustrated. The preceding night had resulted in another jarring nightmare for the dark haired wizard and, feeling helpless and discouraged, he ranted to Ashlyn about it. She, in turn, reminded him to practice patience for himself and everything he had gone through since infancy, as it continued to influence much of his current behaviors, thoughts and feelings, both conscious and subconscious.
"It won't always be like this, Harry, and you know that. Your trauma responses won't always be triggered. You're merely activated at this point in your life, as we've discussed," she had stated.
"No, they won't. Just until the next time something important happens in my life, right?" he bitterly responded.
It had not been an appointment that left him feeling content but, having done this before, Harry was well aware not every session would. There was not much to be done for it except attend the next appointment that was scheduled for the week of his induction as Head Auror. His promotion brought a smile to his face, incidentally, and provided him the motivation to start penning a brief speech for that day, figuring he could draft it until Hermione was done at the Ministry. Accordingly, Harry had just eaten a lunch prepared by Kreacher and walked into one of the studies when Ginny's Patronus found him. Surprised, he listened to the messenger ask where he was and if he had time to meet that day or the following. He revealed that he was at Grimmauld and noted she could come over now if possible for her; otherwise, he was planning to stay for hours (even once Hermione returned) and she could come later in the day. Ginny replied and remarked that she would stop by the townhome at two o'clock, and Kreacher hospitably saw her into the study Harry occupied five minutes after the hour.
"Does Master want Kreacher to take the small beast from the room?" the elf wondered as he came to a stop and Ginny walked closer to the room's desk. He was eyeing Bastet, who sat on the desk and watched the newcomer with evident interest.
"No, she's fine, Kreacher. Thank you." Harry claimed, standing up from behind the desk. Kreacher gave a terse nod then disappeared with a POP.
"I'm glad he didn't. I very much wanted to see this small beast!" Ginny said with a grin. She stopped in front of the desk and held out a hand for Bastet to investigate. The kitten only gave a few sniffs before meowing and standing up, arching her back and allowing the woman to touch her.
"Oh, and aren't you so pretty with your purple collar!" the red head praised, petting Bastet. As it were, Harry thought the witch herself looked pretty. She was wearing blue capri pants, a sleeveless white shirt, and a delicate diamond necklace that boasted her initials.
"It's new. Took an entire week of us fighting with her but she's finally accepted it," he reported of the collar. Ginny chuckled and picked up the purring feline as the wizard used his wand to Summon a chair for her.
"Thanks, Harrison," she commented, taking a seat.
"That necklace looks familiar." Harry observed before sitting as well. She peered at him then looked down to her chest with a tiny smile.
"Yes. The person who picked it out had good taste."
The necklace had been a present for her 19th birthday from the man that was situated on the other side of the desk. It had been a wonderful gift and a wonderful day. Ginny had been blown away by the piece of jewelry and felt consumed by her love for Harry, which culminated in memorable love making that night in her bed. She cherished that birthday as it had made her feel so connected to him, an admitted contrast to the persistent issues they had been having months prior. It had been the last unblemished point in their relationship before they traversed down the point of no return one month later and broke up.
Harry smiled and then posed:
"So what's brought you by, Gin?"
"Not much! Just wanted to see you, to talk... and I was already in London so I reckoned why not see what you were doing. I'm meeting with Wyatt in a few hours."
"You missed me, then. Isn't that special?"
"It is, so I expect you to feel honored," Ginny mentioned with a smile, "Where's Hermione?"
"Ministry. She should be here in an hour, if her meeting doesn't run over." Harry shared.
"Hmm. Maybe I should limit this visit to an hour, in that case."
"Why do you say that?"
"She's been driving me nutters with all her questions about next weekend! She started in Milan and hasn't let up," the witch explained, "She wants to know everything, she wants details, and I don't know why she believes I'll tell her anything!"
Harry laughed. Next weekend was when the bachelor and bachelorette parties were taking place in Berlin and Barcelona, respectively. Harry was content with letting Ron plan everything and asked no questions about the trip but it sounded like Hermione, ever curious, was the exact opposite. She had tried to get as much out of Ginny as she could, which was very little, to the red head's credit. The maid of honor had instructed her to "show up, look pretty, shut your gob, and trust me" during Hermione's last attempt.
"She's tried to get information out of Luna and Hannah as well but they're staying strong with me. We've kept everyone else who's going secret from her so she can't pester them, too." Ginny attested.
"Ron told me Parvati, Padma, Lottie, and her cousin are also going," said Harry, watching as Bastet noticed the pureblood's necklace and stood on her hind legs to inspect it.
"Yes. Angelina would've been there but-"
"She's pregnant."
"Exactly," she confirmed, "Ron told me your stag party will have one extra than us."
"Yeah," he nodded, thinking of his groomsmen, Seamus, Dean, Noah, Lee Jordan, and Mark Langston, a fellow Auror, "And besides the people who are going, I don't know a thing. Haven't asked. Haven't felt the need to. I trust Ron."
"Ugh, your fiancee needs to take notes from you!... That being said, I know exactly what you boys are doing and you'll have a roaring good time. Want to hear what we've got planned?"
"Please."
"Discos, wine tasting, the spa, brunch, and shopping for naughty pieces that I'm sure you will get to enjoy on the honeymoon." Ginny stated. A large grin overtook his countenance.
"Bless you, Ginny Weasley!" Harry remarked, causing her to laugh. Bastet then jumped from the red head's lap with a meow and both humans watched her, letting the good mood settle. When she looked at Harry again, she was still smiling but it had softened, as well as her voice.
"Are you ready for the wedding?"
He took a deep breath in and out while he gazed at her. It was just one month away, a fact that excited and unnerved him. There seemed to be an noteworthy amount to do in his life before then yet he knew the month would whiz by, and then he would be facing Hermione in front of everyone they loved and vowing marriage to her. He wanted that- desperately- but it was oh so intimidating. Harry thought of how he could phrase his answer without conveying that he was experiencing cold feet.
"Yes. But it's, it's also a bit… frightening," he revealed. Ginny cocked her head as her brow drew downward and he clenched his teeth, his own brow furrowing. He had to extrapolate.
"It's serious, Ginny. This is serious: marrying her," the wizard commenced after an extended pause, "And I… I do worry because I want to be the h-husband she deserves. I want to be good enough for her. I need to be good enough… she's done so much for me. Too much. Hermione deserves everything. I'm marrying her and I have to be able to give it to her."
The witch nodded in understanding as a ragtag assortment of emotions rushed over her. She peered at her lap and felt a yearning smile tug at her lips but not take form. The young version of Harry she had dated would not have been able to share that with her, share those feelings and thoughts that screamed of vulnerability. His seeming inability to be open with her is what had brought them to their knees as a couple, compounded by his psychological scars from the war that were still quite fresh then. It had made Ginny feel alienated from him and resentful when she realized it was not likely going to change, and she remembered a very telling remark of hers during one of their more raw arguments.
"Oh, but silly me! Why would you bother to tell me anything when you've got Hermione?," she snapped, stray tears falling down her cheeks, "How could I forget?! You've got no problem spilling everything to her! You never have! In fact, I'm sure she'll hear all about this row by tomorrow morning! Meanwhile, your own girlfriend can't even get you to tell her what fucking day of the week it is!"
It had been an insecurity of hers that was years old but had not been explicitly verbalized before, and it had not helped that Harry gave no response to it besides a rancorous scowl on his face before he left not two minutes later. Thus, that he could do this now- vocalize his personal musings and fears- was a mark of how much he had healed and grown within the past decade, and Ginny was so glad for it.
"You are everything to her, Harry, and that is enough," she soberly told him. She then gave a sad laugh, "You know, sometimes it's… it's enough to knock you over, how much you love her. And it makes it that more obvious that I never stood a chance."
Harry seemed stricken at her declaration.
"What?!," he began in a tone that conveyed his distress, "Ginny, I!... I-I loved you! You have to know that. You do, don't you? You were my first, first everything, essentially! I was mad about you!" He was red in the face now but he appeared imploring, that she find it necessary to believe him. She directed a lovely smile his way.
"I never doubted that you loved me, Harry. You weren't one to say it much but you made it clear in other ways. But there were times where I doubted that I was the most important woman- hell, person- in your life. And, truthfully… I never was. I was afraid to face that truth and maybe you were too, or you hadn't recognized it yet. It's always been Hermione."
The Auror looked bothered, like he had betrayed Ginny somehow. The red head knew she had to say more to curb any guilt he may quickly latch onto and to prove that she had zero, negative, lingering feelings. It was merely the truth.
"It doesn't hurt to say that, you know. It hasn't hurt to say that in a long time," she said in a tranquil tone. Harry gazed at her and released a noiseless sigh.
"You're right. It's always been her, long before I finally realized it," he agreed, "But I still wouldn't trade the time I had with you for the world." Ginny looked surprised and positively touched by the words before a lustrous smile made its home on her face.
"Adolescent angst and all?"
"Adolescent angst and all. Which was very warranted, considering we'd just won a war."
The witch laughed and felt her heart warm. She knew the after effects of the war (e.g., the warranted angst) had been main culprits for the cause of the deterioration of their relationship but it was affirming to hear how much being with her had meant to him in spite of that.
"You're one of my best friends, Potter." Ginny attested after a moment, peering at him fondly.
"After all we've been through, I'd better be," quipped Harry. She reached for one of his hands and he gave it, their appendages squeezing one another.
"So, we discussed your wedding," she noted, tossing her hair and sitting back, "Next up- you becoming Chief in over a week! Tell me about it. Go!"
Teddy's birthday dinner on Monday included many people and was a success, and the gift he received from his godfather 15 minutes before it started brought him utter joy. He thanked Harry profusely and half of his conversation for the remainder of the night revolved around his new broom. It was a good start to a week that went by swiftly, and before either of them knew it, it was Friday morning and Hermione and Harry prepared to separate for their individual wedding celebrations. While he had the entire day off and was leaving for Germany at 9AM, the brunette had to work half a shift before she could depart for Spain at 1PM.
"Have fun. Be safe. Be good," she ordered right before she Flooed to the Ministry. She leaned over her bed and punctuated each sentence with a kiss to his lips.
"I am always good, Mrs. Granger-Potter," Harry asserted with a smirk, "And the same goes for you! I know what those witches are really like."
Hermione laughed and kissed his cheek. She asked him to refill Hermes' water bowl before he left her apartment (Bastet already at Grimmauld for the weekend), he confirmed, and then she was off to the Ministry.
Ron rented an imposing penthouse with views of Berlin's skyline for the bachelor party. All the men except for Harry had to double with someone for a bedroom but they did not care; how could they when they saw the splendid selection of alcohol that already sat out for them in the kitchen when they arrived? After they deposited their belongings in the rooms, Ron insisted the group of nine take a collective shot to get the weekend going "properly." The consent was boisterous and immediate, and the others made Harry take two shots since he was the wizard of the hour.
"So what's the schedule?" Harry asked as he set down his shot glass and looked at his best man.
"Yes. You're allowed to know now," grinned Ron, "Today is a brewery at noon and a dinner tonight."
"A Muggle brewery!" Neville added.
"Yeah?" Harry questioned with unmistakable surprise.
"Yep! Dean helped me out with that." Ron reported. Dean smiled proudly at Harry and the Auror returned it.
"Tomorrow we're going to a Quidditch final and to the pubs at night, and on Sunday it'll be a hot spring. Have to go outside of Berlin for that, obviously," the red head continued. His best friend nodded, thinking that the hot spring sounded wonderful.
"Hope you're ready to be pissed all weekend, mate!" Lee remarked, throwing an arm around Harry's shoulders.
"I am." Seamus replied, making everyone laugh.
"And absolutely no speaking to Hermione! So I hope you didn't bring your mobile." Noah commented. His arms were crossed and he appeared smug.
"Ruddy good point! Thank you, Noah." Ron stated, pointing at the man.
"Yeah, yeah." Harry conceded with an eye roll.
"In fact, any time any of you tossers mentions your skirt back home, it'll cost you a Galleon and a shot."
"Then we'll be keeping an eye on you as well, little brother." George asserted.
"What a convenient time to be single." Mark mumbled, catching the attention of Seamus, Lee, and Dean. They were also single and grinned at his comment, although Dean, who had been exclusively dating a woman for a few weeks, was a debatable member of this club.
The retinue left the penthouse for the brewery at 12PM. Harry, Dean, Mark and Seamus were the unofficial monitors to make sure nothing obvious about their wizardry slipped from the others, but that task became harder as the hours wore on and they progressively became tipsy. The men received a personal tour of the facility and were able to try two new beers that had yet to be released, and then they relocated to a private tasting room where they consumed beer, joked, and laughed until 5PM. They had two hours to get ready before they were to leave for the dinner and half of them chose to keep drinking during that period, conversing as music poured through the dwelling. However, Harry, feeling pleasurably intoxicated after the brewery, was not one of them but he vowed to pick back up when they were at dinner.
At the start of April, Ron had told Harry to pack nice attire for one of the bachelor party activities and the Auror now knew it was for the dinner. It was apparently taking place at one of the nicest wizarding restaurants in the city and had a strict dress code. Ron was lounging in Harry's room while the latter prepared for the meal and it was just the two of them, although the door was open and they could hear the vivacious noise of the others. When Harry exited the ensuite bathroom dressed for their next outing, the red head sat up in his chair and peered at his best friend with an approving expression.
"Nice kit, Potter!," Ron claimed, nodding, "Definitely worthy of a Chief." The dark haired wizard showed half a smile and smoothed down one lapel. He was adorned in a sharp, Oxford blue suit, sharp black shoes, and a crisp, black dress shirt to match, no tie.
"Christmas gift from Hermione, though she's yet to see me wear it," came the answer.
"A shame. Even more of a shame that your Galleon count is now one and you've got to take a shot before we leave!"
Harry froze and then pursed his lips, realizing his slip up and feeling a tad annoyed. Ron laughed and stood up from the chair.
"Don't leave Germany a poor man, Harry," the pureblood advised, patting his friend's back.
The group of nine presented a striking image as they walked into the restaurant at 7 o'clock. They seemed to, effortlessly, come across as powerful yet casual, helped by their attire and the number in their party. They were ogled at as they were seen to the back of the establishment where there was more space and privacy, and four women in particular gaped at them (especially at Harry) as they walked by. The men were seated and tended to by three waitstaff who offered fine cognac before their four course service commenced. After the second course of the meal, Ron, dressed in an eye-catching charcoal grey piece, requested everyone's attention and stood up before his friends.
"It's speech time," he stated once it was quiet. Harry groaned and gave an embarrassed smile while some of them chuckled.
"This is practice for the wedding so get used to it, mate." Dean mentioned in a good natured tone.
"Not to mention your induction next week!" Noah added. The groom-to-be shook his head but kept smiling.
"You'd think he'd be used to attention after 17 years, yeah?," smirked Ron. He then clapped his hands and looked around, "Right! So- Harry. The bastard's getting married!"
There were cheers, roars and clapping, and Harry put his head in his hand while he grinned. Ron pressed on.
"He's getting married to our mutual best friend, at that. Hermione is… wonderful. She's one of the best people you'll ever meet… and Harry's okay, too," Appreciative laughs rung out, "Thanks for proposing to her, mate, because it allows us to act like stupid teenagers again for the weekend while we celebrate, and because it allows you both to have real happiness with each other. I've known you two since I was eleven- before my bollocks dropped- and you're the best friends I could ever wish for. I want nothing but happiness for you, you and Hermione. And if you're the one marrying her then I don't have to worry about threatening another bloke to do well by her!"
"Hermione will threaten him herself." George called out, warranting another round of laughter. His brother grinned.
"I'll keep this speech short because I want to save my good bits for the wedding and because I want to get back to drinking, but I'm damn glad to be a part of this stage in your life, Harry. To Captain Potter and his marriage!" Ron finished, gazing at the dark haired wizard. He held up his glass and everyone else followed suit, repeating the last sentence before taking a sip; accordingly, Harry tipped his head in gratitude before taking a sip himself.
"With that being said, let's have a fucking good time in Berlin, boys." Lee directed, causing more rowdy noise.
The wizards discussed whether or not they would go out and experience the city's nightlife after dinner while they finished their third course. There were differing opinions yet Neville and Mark insisted it was Harry's choice to make, and the senior Auror decided during dessert that they could check out one venue before returning to the penthouse. He would have been fine with wrapping up the night once the meal concluded since they had been drinking practically all day, but it was the first night of the bachelor party and he also wanted to honor the excitement of that. It was a little after 9PM when they were ready to leave the restaurant and eyes trailed them again as they made their trek out of the building. However, before they could exit entirely, they were accosted by the four witches who had watched them enter and were pulled into obvious flirtation.
They centered around Ron, Harry and Dean, who brought up the back, and Seamus quickly joined the fray thereafter, not about to miss out on the chance to chat with pretty women. The Irishman posed as the group's unspoken ambassador and gave the witches the basic rundown for their purpose in Germany, at which they cooed over Harry's wedding and one of the four stared him down like she was undressing him with her eyes. The interaction ended with the women giving them recommendations of where to go that night and Seamus providing them with the knowledge of where the men were staying, suggesting that they could meet up tomorrow after the Quidditch game. The single wizards were not at all adverse to the invitation and the taken wizards did not care, although Harry told Seamus that he planned to keep his distance from the one who had looked at him like she was starving.
The group did not bother to return to the penthouse and instead went straight out to a magical nightclub. As they got to the venue early enough, they were able to secure a section to sit and congregate where half of them chose to cease drinking until the next day, while the other half ordered two bottles of alcohol. It was a good time with good music but by half past midnight they were ready to end the day's festivities and return to the penthouse.
"The match is in 12 hours exactly. We need our sleep, lads! Need to be ready for that." Ron mentioned.
"Aye. So do our livers." Noah quipped.
Saturday dawned with nary a hangover, although the men had plenty of bottles of cure potion just in case. They ate a traditional German breakfast then arrived at the arena half an hour before the game began, where they settled in a skybox that had its own attendant to help with food and liquor. Germany was playing Latvia for the right to advance to the next round and play Norway, and the British wizards were temporarily rooting for the country that was hosting them for the weekend. The match was an arresting one; if one took their eyes off the sky for more than two minutes he or she would surely miss something important. The bachelor party was as involved and boisterous as the rest of the crowd and the Weasley men and Lee even placed bets. The game lasted three and a half hours and ended when the German Seeker caught the Snitch and annihilated the tied score.
"The pubs are going to be wild!" roared Seamus, pumping a fist in the air as they filed out of the skybox.
"Then what are we waiting for, Finnigan? Lead the way!" Neville encouraged.
"He needs me for that. He doesn't know where we're bloody well going." Ron countered with a grin.
"Then get your arse going and take us, git." Seamus retorted, cuffing the red head on both shoulders.
Their first stop of the afternoon was already packed with (mostly) celebrating Quidditch fans when they arrived, resulting in standing room only. George bought the first round of drinks and Mark bought the second round of beers, and by the time the group was finished with the beer it was ready to walk to the next bar. The second pub was full of people as well, and the nine men found themselves talking to a huddle of Dutch and German wizards and witches soon after they stepped inside. Someone had recognized Harry but had not fawned over him, which signaled to Harry that his fame would likely not be a problem and led him to feel comfortable conversing with these people.
They stayed at the second bar 30 minutes longer than the first, namely because of their new found drinking friends. Consequently, they all traveled to the third bar to continue their camaraderie and marveled that it was already night. Seamus had mentioned halfway through the Quidditch match that the restaurant witches from the previous night would likely join them that evening, and, sure enough, the quartet appeared at the third pub, bringing the total count to 18 people and forcing them to the bar's outside area. Harry was having notable fun and knew on some level that the amount of alcohol he'd consumed throughout the day was making him feel much more at ease socially than he would be sober, but it did not matter. The weekend was designed for him to have an outstanding time.
This devil may care attitude is what caused him to agree with George, Seamus, and Lee to let the other nine witches and wizards visit the penthouse to carry on their own party, incidentally. Their acquaintances readily accepted and at 15 minutes past 10 o'clock the large group was congregating in the rented apartment. The women from the restaurant became less obsequious as time passed and Harry's title of future groom was enough to deter one of his two hopefuls but it was not enough to deter the one Noah dubbed his predator. She used many chances when they were out to sidle up to Harry and he'd skillfully evaded most of them or ensured at least two others were present when he could not dodge them. And, while she had fallen back once they got to the penthouse, she still tracked where he was in the space, believing herself to be inconspicuous. Ron, however, called her out as it was nearing midnight when he saw her seated on one of the sofas next to her friend, watching Harry and biting her lip. Right as she hopped up from her seat, the pureblood strolled by her with a drink in his hand and said:
"Sweetheart, don't even bother. It's not going to happen." Ron arched an eyebrow at her and she flushed then scowled, and he shrugged without an ounce of remorse.
Seamus and the bustiest restaurant witch melted out of the crowd in favor of his (and Dean's) room before 12:30AM, while Mark and another from that group left the penthouse to go on a walk five minutes later. Harry's predator, perhaps wounded from the realization that her attempts at catching her prey were fruitless, left to go home with her unoccupied friend during this time with her nose in the air and to hardly anyone's notice. About two hours later, everyone else gave their goodbyes and appreciation to the British wizards and the gathering came to an end. Mark had returned at 2AM sans witch, grinning and sharing that he had personally seen that she got home safely, yet Seamus and his companion had not made an appearance since disappearing at half past midnight.
The eight were milling in the living area in a languid, drunken manner when Seamus emerged close to three o'clock in the morning. Music continued to play (although the volume was lower now) while Noah and Lee were asleep on a sofa and a lounge chair. He chuckled at the sight of them before joining his conscious comrades.
"So what are we talking about?" he asked, cuffing Harry's shoulder.
"He lives." Dean stated with a smirk. His eyes were red like all of theirs were.
"Thought you fell asleep, Finnigan." George remarked.
"Oh no! There was no sleeping to be had," he answered with a rakish grin, "Well, not that kind of sleeping!"
"She still here?" Neville questioned.
"Nah. She Disapparated home."
"Gonna brag to us about it?" Ron prompted.
"Only if you're good," Seamus replied with a smile, "Am I the only one who was lucky enough to have the company of a witch?"
"Mark did too." Harry revealed, jerking his head. Mark was in another lounge chair and appeared to be half asleep. Conversely, he raised his hand and nodded at the mention of his name.
"Most of us are taken and not looking to be 'lucky', arse." Neville offered, his head in his left hand.
"I know that, arse." Seamus responded.
"Seamus will never be taken," chuckled Dean.
"Not as long as I can help it! Not in me nature, boys."
"He'll be 70 years old still chatting up women in the pub." George snorted, causing laughter.
"Yes," Seamus said, smiling, "Because the idea of shagging one woman for eternity doesn't do it for me. You ready for that, Potter?"
"Well, considering that my sex life with Hermione is fantastic, I'd say I am," Harry shared with a proud grin. There were twin grins of encouragement from the others but Ron pointed out:
"That's another Galleon and a shot for mentioning her."
"Eh, the rule's suspended for this topic." Dean dismissed with a wave of his hand.
"Hermione's mostly all you've known when it comes to sex so I reckon I can't expect you to be concerned. You didn't get out enough before becoming serious, mate." Seamus attested.
"I didn't get out enough? What?" Harry inquired. There were "ooooh"s and laughter from their friends.
"Yeah! Experience different women… it was just Hermione and Ginny."
"I've been with more than two women in my life, you buggering troll."
The others' laughter kept up and Mark jumped out of his stupor, claiming "challenge!" before quieting again.
"Seamus, you were there for one of 'em!" Ron observed.
"Yes. In Muggle Dublin, a couple years ago," his best friend added.
"Ah yeah! You did it in the loo with that chit then got us thrown out the pub," the Irishman recalled with a nod of his head. Dean barked out a laugh, "I was proud of you that night, Harry."
"He dated another Auror, too, right when we finished the Academy." Neville relayed.
"Bridget," Harry supplied, remembering the blonde witch, "I was 21. We went out for five months before she transferred to New Zealand."
"I don't remember her much." George claimed, scratching his chin.
"That's because it wasn't that serious."
"And don't forget about Cho Chang," interjected Ron. There was silence and what seemed to be a collective gasp while everyone peered at Ron then Harry.
"I'm sorry… repeat that?" Neville said, appearing bewildered.
"Chang? You shagged Chang? At Hogwarts?!" Dean wondered. He sounded offended that he had not known, that it may have happened under his nose.
"No. Not during school," Harry negated, going a bit red.
"Then when?!" Seamus demanded.
"It, i-it happened when I was broken up from Hermione- it'd been three months since it ended. I ran into Cho in Diagon after not seeing her in ages, we went to lunch a few days later, she told me she was moving out of Britain soon, then…"
"Then you had her naked underneath you." George finished. More laughter rang out with Mark's loud, abrupt voice leading the herd while the dark haired wizard frowned.
"Not until the next week!" he noted, trying to defend himself.
Cho had lived in Greece for the past three years and she moved there in February of 2006 for a professional opportunity, a month after she and Harry had their dalliance. There were a number of reasons for why he had slept with his former flame but the most prominent one was he was still hurting and lonely from his breakup with Hermione.
"And you never told anyone!" Neville awed.
"Just Ron, who wasn't supposed to say anything about it to anyone. Ever," Harry stated, staring at the red head who gave a sheepish grin, "Besides, it only happened once so I didn't see the need to take out an ad in the Prophet about it."
"Chang is worth an ad! I wouldn't have kept quiet about her," whistled Seamus, "But I stand corrected, oh Chosen One! My apologies. You've had five women before getting serious instead of two! That is something of a difference."
"Prick," the senior Auror grumbled. He threw an object at his friend with a grudging smile.
A/N: A very Harry chapter with hardly any Hermione but it wasn't intentional.