A/N - Here is the next chapter. All mistakes are mine, as I am still working without a beta. And hopefully I have not completely butchered the Italian language. Last but not least, I am not J.K. Rowling, but that's okay.

Chapter Thirty-Five – A Magical Evening

"So, Sirius, exactly what business were you discussing with Viktor?" Harry demanded as they swiftly made their way through the streets of Florence, dodging the thickening crowds.

"Erm, we were discussing investment opportunities," replied Sirius while attempting to avoid looking Harry in the eyes.

"Investment opportunities? What kind of investment opportunities? Are you thinking of investing in a Quidditch team? Or buying one?" asked Harry, trying to understand what it was his godfather was not saying. Sirius was sporting a rather shifty look, and Harry didn't trust him one bit.

"Erm, ah, erm, well I hadn't quite decided yet. I was hoping Viktor could offer a bit of advice as to which might be more profitable. He ought to have some knowledge of the Quidditch world," Sirius said with a wink. Then in attempt to change the subject, he asked, "So, Pup, what's on your mind?"

"Don't think I don't know what you're doing, Sirius," Harry warned laughingly. "But, I'll let you off as we haven't much time, and I need to purchase something for Ginny."

He glanced at Sirius, embarrassment covering his face. "Erm, Sirius, do you think it would presumptuous of me to present Ginny with an engagement ring? I really fancy her, and we are betrothed. I'm simply not sure if it's the right thing to do, though."

Sirius responded with a deep barking laugh. He slung his arm around Harry's shoulders and pulled him closer.

"Pup, you have a great deal to learn about women. Jewellery is almost never the wrong thing to give a woman, however, you may be correct. Perhaps it is a bit soon for an engagement ring. You might consider buying her a promise ring instead."

"What's a promise ring?" asked Harry in confusion.

"You've never heard of a promise ring?" inquired Sirius.

Harry shook his head in response.

Sirius grimaced. "I regret all the time wasted whilst you lived with those miserable relatives of yours," he said bitterly.

Taking a deep breath, Sirius worked on calming himself down. It would not do to take out his anger on Harry, who was simply a pawn in an old man's game.

"A promise ring is part of a long and noble tradition. A young man gives one to a young woman to signify that he intends to marry her, yet is not quite ready to propose to her, usually because of age. As the two of you are betrothed, and fully intend to marry, and you have not yet proposed," he raised an eyebrow at Harry, who shook his head vigorously, "it seems as if it would be the perfect choice for you."

Harry beamed at him. "Thank you, Sirius. Thank you. That sounds perfect. Now I simply have to find the right one."

Sirius grinned at Harry's enthusiasm. He heartily enjoyed seeing the happy gleam in Harry's eyes. Had he ever seen his godson this happy and enthusiastic? Not that he had spent all that much time with Harry since escaping Azkaban, but he was beginning to notice how much more cheerful Harry appeared since leaving Great Britain.

"Harry, I know just the place in mind. We will need to return to the magical part of the city. You will need to follow me closely, since the shop is down a side alley. It specialises in the unusual and the unique."

"That sounds rather intriguing," said Harry with a smile. "How did you discover it?"

"I happened to stumble upon it during my Hogwarts days. I was wandering around..."

"Looking for trouble, no doubt," broke in Harry.

Sirius scowled at him, and then broke into a mischievous smile. "No doubt. However, since I was alone, I doubt I was looking for too much trouble, probably just looking to while away some time. Back to what I was saying. I turned down this one alley, and the display in the window caught my attention. I went in simply to have a look around, and ended up befriending the woman who owns the shop. Whenever I'm in Florence, I always stop in for look. It's been years since I've visited." He paused, a look of sadness and pain crossing his face. "I do hope it's still there."

Sirius and Harry made their way swiftly through the streets. Harry was barely able to keep up with Sirius' long strides. He kept a sharp eye on him, intent on not losing him. It was not long before they reached the entrance to magical Florence and passed through the arch.

About half way down the main street, Sirius turned into a shadowed alley. A few twists and turns later, and they were standing in front of a small shop. A sign hung overhead, swinging lightly in the breeze, bearing the words Tesoro Nascosto. But it was the display in the window that caught Harry's eye, just as Sirius had said. In that instant, he knew this was where he would find what he was looking for.

Sirius led the way into the shop. As the door swung open, a little bell chimed, and, from the depths of the shop, an elderly woman emerged. Though her shoulders were stooped, she had about her an air of mystery and grace. Espying Sirius, a beatific smile crossed her face, and she hurried forth to greet him, Sirius raised both her hands to his lips and kissed them gently, then lowered his head so she could bestow a kiss on each cheek.

Harry watched in bemusement as they greeted each other, the foreign words drifting over him like a melodious wave. He tore his gaze away and proceeded further into the shop, perusing the contents of the display cases. He wasn't certain what he was looking for, but he was convinced he would know when he found it. Something relatively simple, without a gemstone would be appropriate. The time for a gemstone would come at a later date. Nothing too plain, however. Ginny was not a plain girl. She was all fire and light and magic.

So intent was he on his search, that, at first, Harry didn't hear the silence. When he did, he turned swiftly, fingers extended, ready to release his wand in an instant. A red flush stained his cheeks as he realised there was no one other than Sirius, himself, and the shop owner present.

Sirius chuckled and gestured to the woman standing beside him. "Harry, allow me the great pleasure of introducing you to one of my oldest friends, Signora Fabbri. Signora Fabbri, I present my godson, Harry Potter."

Harry bowed before the elderly woman and took her hand the way he had seen Sirius do and kissed it. When he looked up, his eyes caught hers, and he felt as if she saw right through him. Her eyes were dark, almost black, yet they contained no hint of darkness, only infinite kindness and wisdom.

"Signor Potter, it is a great honour to meet you. You are much blessed to have Signor Black as your godfather. He is a great man," remarked Signora Fabbri. She gazed intently at Harry. "You are searching for something in particular, something special, perhaps I can aid you in your search."

Harry glanced at Sirius, clearly confused. He wasn't quite certain how to respond. Was she reading his mind? And what did she mean by Sirius being a great man. It sounded as if Sirius had done more than simply window shop.

Sirius nodded to him in encouragement, so he haltingly explained he was looking for a promise ring for his betrothed.

Upon hearing this, Signora Fabbri's face became wreathed in smiles. She beckoned him towards the back counter, saying, "Vieni, vieni. I will bring something from the back. I think you will like it."

Harry approached the counter with a bit of trepidation, but kept in mind Sirius held her in high esteem. By the time he reached the rear of the shop, she had disappeared through a narrow doorway.

Sirius whispered into his ear, "Trust me. You will not be disappointed."

Harry wondered what Sirius knew that he did not, but he had faith in his godfather. It did not take long for Signora Fabbri to return, bearing a small wooden box. She set the box gently down on the counter and opened the lid. Inside sat a plain rose gold band lying on a bed of carmine velvet.

"Please, take this ring and think of your fidanzata," instructed Signora Fabbri.

Harry gingerly reached out and picked up the band. It felt warm in his hand. Hesitantly, he shut his eyes and closed his hand around the ring. Without even trying, he began thinking about Ginny. Images flowed through his mind, memories, feelings, dreams. He could practically feel the warmth that was Ginny surrounding him.

Suddenly, his eyes flew open, and he stared in amazement at his hand. The heat the ring was generating had grown so intense his hand felt like it had been burnt. He fought the urge to open his hand and drop the ring. A glow emerged from between the cracks in his fingers, then his entire hand was encompassed by a blinding white light.

As quickly as the process had begun, it ended. Sirius looked dumbfounded, however, Signora Fabbri wore a beatific smile on her face, seemingly not in the least discomposed at the strange events.

"Now, Signor Potter, open your hand. See what your love has created," she instructed quietly.

Opening his hand, Harry gasped. The ring was beautiful. The edges were rounded, and, as he looked closely, he saw runes etched on the inside of the band, along with the words, Vous et Nul Autre.

When we return to the villa, I need to remember to research the meaning of those runes. I wish I had listened to Hermione when she told me to stuff Divination and take Ancient Runes, he silently castigated himself.

The outside of the band was exquisitely chased with intertwined dragons and phoenixes. He was hard pressed to imagine a more perfect representation of his and Ginny's relationship. He couldn't wait to give it to her.

It was then that Signora Fabbri's words caught up with him. Wait, love, I don't love Ginny, do I? his mind protested. How can I tell? How does anyone know? What do I even know about love?

Harry simply stood there, clutching the ring in his hand, completely overwhelmed. Speech was impossible. He prayed he wouldn't start bawling right there in the shop. Sirius dropped a hand on his shoulder, giving him the strength to rein in his rampant emotions. Sending his godfather a silent "thank you," he hoped Sirius understood how much he appreciated his support.

Sirius turned to Signora Fabbri and inquired as to how they owed her. She tried to tell them something like this had no price, but Sirius and Harry would not be dissuaded. Signora Fabbri insisted that Harry choose something else also, and while he was searching for something suitable, Sirius happened upon a pendant he knew must buy.

Once finished with their purchases, they thanked Signora Fabbri and headed back out into the growing twilight. Moving more slowly this time, pausing every now and then when something in a passing shop caught their eye, they headed towards the rendezvous point.

As they were passing Casa di Moda Magica, a familiar voice hailed them. Looking up they spotted Carina and Procyon leaving the shop.

"Ciao, caro. You have not come to visit me today," Carina remonstrated glacially. "Had not Ginny, Fleur, and Tonks stopped by earlier, I would never have known you were here," her voice dropped a bit as she finished speaking.

The look in Carina's eyes was one of utter devastation, and it ripped through Sirius like a fiery blade. "Carina, bella..." he began.

"No, no more excuses," Carina practically shouted.

Harry and Procyon exchanged glances and, by silent accord, quietly slipped away from the pair and headed towards the rest of the group gathered near the Apparition point.

Harry whispered to Bill that he had promised Ginny to take her out for a Gelato. He pointed down the street to Sirius and Carina, who were engaged in a wild looking dispute, and asked him to let Sirius know he would return in another hour. He gallantly took Ginny's arm and led her away down the street, leaving the other's behind.

Procyon gazed around at the others and wondered what to do. He certainly didn't want to return to his mother's side, he had absolutely no interest in becoming involved in her altercation with Sirius, yet he didn't feel quite comfortable standing here with a group of people with whom he was barely acquainted.

Bill, sensing his awkwardness, drew him into conversation with Fleur, and soon the three of them were chatting away like old friends. It certainly helped that he and Fleur had known each other rather well in school, he being one of the only males at Beauxbatons able to resist Fleur's Veela allure.

Several minutes later, Bill turned to the group and informed them, "I was planning on keeping a discreet eye on Harry and Ginny. I'm not comfortable with them off on their own with suspected Death Eaters on the loose. Anyone care to join me?"

Viktor politely declined, bidding everyone farewell and heading back to his hotel. Procyon decided to accompany Bill and Fleur.

Exchanging a quick look, Remus and Tonks also declined to join them. Conjuring up a patronus, Remus whispered in its ear and sent it flying off down the street.

"I told Sirius to meet us here in an hour," he explained and grasped Tonks' hand leading her away.

Harry and Ginny strolled down the street together, laughing and smiling, talking of inconsequential things, simply enjoying their time together. Once they reached the gelato shop, Harry found them a table, ordering them each a gelato.

Ginny spent most of the time trying to weasel out of Harry what it was he had been shopping for with Sirius. Harry steadfastly refused to tell her. When she tried batting her eyelashes at him, he simply laughed at the absurdity of her behaviour.

"Harreee, can't you just give me hint?" whined Ginny, getting rather frustrated with his lack of cooperation.

"Absolutely not. You're brilliant. You're beautiful. But I am not going to tell you." Harry insisted. "You'll simply have to wait," he admonished, sticking his tongue out at her.

Ginny flicked a bit of gelato in his direction, and Harry ducked. The gelato hit the man sitting behind them, and Ginny flushed in embarrassment. She quickly proffered her napkin to the gentleman and apologised profusely in both English and Italian.

Harry was unable to hold in a snicker, earning him a very dark look indeed. It was at this point he realised that, perhaps, had not been the most politic of moves.

"I'm sorry for laughing, Ginny. But you have to admit, it was rather amusing," Harry said in an effort to appease her. "It was a move worthy of the twins, don't you think?"

Ginny attempted to maintain her sour expression, but couldn't contain her mirth. It had been rather ridiculous, and Fred and George would have heartily approved.

Finishing her gelato with a flourish, Ginny stared intently at her betrothed, foot tapping impatiently on the cobblestones, as he slowly savoured the last few bites of his gelato.

"C'mon, Harry. We still have quite a bit of time left. I want to check out that Quidditch shop we passed on the way. Did you see the broom in the window? I don't remember seeing one like that at Quality Quidditch Supplies."

Harry enthusiastically agreed, and the two headed back to the Quidditch shop. The broom in question was indeed quite impressive. It was crafted out of an unusual caramel coloured wood, Harry and Ginny were unable to identify. The colour variegations along the shaft afforded it an altogether sleek appearance.

"Hey, Gin, do you want to go in and check it out?" asked Harry, a wistful tone in his voice.

Ginny simply grabbed his hand in reply, dragging him into the shop. The interior was a bit of a surprise. Quality Quidditch Supplies was bright and spacious. This shop was much smaller and quite shadowy, yet it exuded a feel of serenity, almost awe. As the door closed behind them, a young man emerged from behind the counter, greeting them in Italian.

Harry looked apologetically at him and hesitantly asked, "Scusi, Signor, parlate inglese?"

"Ah, you are British," he responded. "Is there anything I may help you with?"

"Yes," replied Harry courteously. "We were interested in the broom in the window. What type of wood is that? I don't think I've seen it before."

"Ah, that is the cream of the crop of our brooms. It is made out of aged olive wood, which is a Mediterranean hardwood. That particular model is a prototype broom designed for Chasers. It is expected to go into production once it comes out of testing, which should be any day now."

Ginny's eye grew wide, and it appeared she would start drooling at any moment.

She leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Did you know, I've always wanted to try out for Chaser."

Harry gazed down at her with approval. "Really? I imagine you'd be brilliant."

"Harry look at the coloration on this broom. It is so rich looking. And the grain is incredibly intricate. I can't believe how sleek it is. I wager it has fantastic manoeuvrability."

"It does indeed, Signorina. It is the most manoeuvrable broom on the market. It is also lightning fast," assured the young man.

"What line of broom is it?" queried Harry. "It doesn't look like it was made by any of the broom companies I'm familiar with. The design is rather unique in appearance."

"Well marked, Signor. It is an Italian made broom, and not usually found outside of Italy. My family, the Pellegrini family, has been making brooms for centuries. Our is a small family business. Our brooms are highly prized amongst our countrymen, but we are hoping with our newest broom, la Flamma, to garner some international attention."

"Is that what it's called?" asked Ginny reverently. "The Flame?"

"Si, Signorina. That is la Flamma. An apt name, do you not think?"

"Oh, yes," breathed Ginny. "A very apt name. May I touch it?"

"Of course, Signorina. Just one moment."

The young man, walked over to the window and carefully extracted the broom from the display. He gently handed it to Ginny, who simply held it in her hands and stared at it reverently.

Harry watched her carefully. He now knew exactly what to purchase her for her birthday. Even its name was indicative of Ginny. She would be over the moon about it. He could tell she already loved it, and she'd done nothing more than hold it.

Whilst Ginny was busy admiring the broom, Harry pulled the young man aside and expressed his interest in purchasing the broom. So immersed in admiring the broom, Ginny was completely oblivious to the discussion occurring on the other side of the room.

"But, Signor, it has not come of out testing," protested Signor Pellegrini.

"Yes, but that's simply a formality at this point, isn't it?" insisted Harry.

"Well, yes, but still, I can't sell you this broom."

"If you can't sell me this one, do you have another one you can sell me?" inquired Harry, becoming rather frustrated with the man's reluctance. One would think he'd be anxious to make a sale.

"Signor, I do have a broom upstairs for sale, but it is promised to another," replied Signor Pellegrini reluctantly.

"And you have no other brooms?" asked Harry curiously.

"It takes much time to make such a broom. Each one is crafted by hand, to very demanding specifications," Signor Pellegrini began.

"Yes, yes, I understand," said Harry impatiently. "However, you have it displayed in the window. If you don't have any to sell, why bother displaying it?"

Harry was beyond frustrated now. He'd found Ginny's gift, and the man wouldn't sell it to him. Merlin's beard! This was ridiculous! He snuck a glance at his betrothed. Her fingers were caressing the wood and her face was filled with awe. He had to get her this broom.

"Signor Pellegrini, look over there," Harry gestured to Ginny. "Can you not see? It is for her birthday. Isn't there anything you can do?" He was all but begging the man at this point.

"How long are you staying here in Florence?" asked Signor Pellegrini.

"We're just here this evening. I will not be able to return prior to her birthday. This is my only chance," responded Harry desperately.

"Do you have a few minutes? I will try contacting my father. He has a broom out at the testing site. Let me see what he says," Signor Pellegrini slowly replied, as he contemplated the problem.

Whilst Signor Pellegrini stepped into the back, Harry walked over to his betrothed.

"Oh, Harry! This is the most exquisite broom I've ever seen," Ginny said ecstatically. "If it performs half as well as it looks, it will be unmatched. It's like it's out of a fairytale."

"I thought fairytales were real," Harry deadpanned.

"Stuff it, Potter." Ginny glared at him, then returned her attention to the broom.

Out of the corner of his eye, Harry noticed Signor Pellegrini had returned, and quit Ginny's side.

"I have spoken with my father. As you surmised, he has all but finished testing the broom. I can offer you the test broom for a reduced sum. It is not brand new, you understand, but it is the best I can offer you. Production on the broom will not truly begin until next month. I am so sorry for the confusion." Signor Pellegrini bowed in apology. "If you wish, my father can deliver the broom in about ten minutes."

Harry debated with himself. He really wanted to present Ginny with a new broom on her birthday, and was now faced with a dilemma. He could either tell her the broom wouldn't be ready until the following month, or he could offer her a used broom. He sighed. At least he would have the comfort of knowing it had passed its trials.

"I would like to inspect the broom first, before making a decision," Harry finally decided.

"Molto bene. If you choose to buy the broom, I will include a carrying bag and a servicing kit free of charge," offered Signor Pellegrini.

Harry nodded and smiled his thanks, before returning to Ginny. They spent the next several minutes discussing the broom's features and comparing them to the various brooms they had used. Within minutes, Harry noticed Signor Pellegrini motioning to him, and, telling Ginny he need to use to loo, crossed the room.

Going over to counter, Harry inquired as to the loo, and returned as quickly as possible. He didn't want to have to lie to Ginny.

Greeting the elder Signor Pellegrini, who bore a distinct resemblance to his son, Harry inspected the broom as circumspectly as possible. After declaring it to be in acceptable condition, they discreetly finished their business, once they had agreed upon a price. Harry informed the Pellegrinis he would have a friend pick it up later in the evening, as he wanted to keep it a surprise.

Signor Pellegrini the elder eyes widened upon noting his signature, but spoke not a word, simply tipped his head in respect. Harry had the distinct impression he would have been more vocal, had they not been attempting to avoid attracting Ginny's attention.

As they left the shop, Harry spied Bill, Fleur, and Procyon strolling along and led Ginny over to join them. As discreetly as possible, he asked Bill to fetch his present for Ginny from the Quidditch shop.