A/N – This story is for all the people that were hoping my most recent story would be more like For the Love of Bones. For those of you following Magicae Effusio, or not because I upset you too much, I promise this story will be 100% Harry and Narcissa all the way through. It is meant to be a feel-good story, so there will be minimal angst and drama. You should expect lots of fluff, feels, and lemons, as well as a lovely, unexpected twist at the end.
Chapter 1 – A blind date
Harry Potter woke up as he usually did as of late, alone in the bone-chillingly cold master bedroom at Grimmauld Place. He often wondered why he still stayed here. Everything about it was cold and uninviting. Living here made him feel on edge, but it was the only thing he had left of Sirius and for some reason he had the feeling that keeping it would mean something to someone, someday.
Ginny used to be a frequent overnight guest and occupant of his bet, but over the last six months he kept finding more and more reasons to avoid her staying over. He was often relieved when she was away at a quidditch match because then he didn't have to come up with an excuse not to see her.
It had been a little over a year since the battle of Hogwarts and almost every day since Harry had thought about disappearing. Everywhere he went people stared, would call out to him, ask to shake his hand. Some people even went so far as to call fake incidents into the Aurors corps in the hope that he would be the one to show up. Kingsley ended up having to increase the penalty for making a false call to 5 years in Azkaban to get them to stop.
The week after the battle Harry received a title, a small fortune in restitution from the death eaters that were captured, and an order of Merlin First Class, along with Ron, Hermione, and Neville. Everyone else that fought received an Order of Merlin Second Class. Ginny had loved the attention, but Harry had hated it.
Harry had realized shortly after the ceremony that there many differences between him and Ginny and not all in a good way. Ginny loved being in the limelight and wanted to bask in Harry's fame as much as possible, but just like he always had done Harry just wanted to be - well Harry. Perhaps continuing his relationship with Ginny when he came to this realisation had been a mistake, perhaps he was being selfish. It would have hurt her less to walk away at that point then it would now. But he didn't want to cause any of the Weasleys any more pain and it seemed to be what everyone expected of him. They were friends and he did care for her. He figured that would grow into love eventually, but it hadn't. He never got those butterflies in his stomach that everyone talked about, his pulse didn't quicken when she walked into the room, he never had the urge to kiss her senseless when he saw her or steal longing glances while they were in company. Things were comfortable between them, but they were rarely intimate and there was definitely no passion. Harry may not have had a lot of experience with relationships, but he knew it wasn't supposed to be like that.
Harry was unhappy and after everything he had been through, he felt like he deserved a chance to find something meaningful, something that filled his heart with joy. The only problem was, he didn't know how to go about breaking up with Ginny. She seemed happy and breaking her heart would mean not only losing her but likely the rest of the Weasley family as well. Harry groaned as he sat up in bed.
'TEMPUS.' He looked at the time and realized that Ginny would be there in a few hours for lunch.
"Might as well get this over with," he said to himself as put on his glasses. As he showered, he thought about how he would broach the subject.
"It's not you it's me…..I don't fancy you like that…..getting together was a mistake." Harry sighed. It all sounded superficial, but he wasn't trying for the world's most creative break up award he just wanted to do as little damage as possible and move on. He decided to skip breakfast since he'd slept so late and instead paced in the lounge as he practiced what he was going to say. He was mumbling to himself and running his fingers through his hair nervously when Ginny walked out of the fireplace. Harry didn't notice her right away and it took her annoyed mock coughing to get his attention. Harry stopped his pacing and looked over to see her looking at him impatiently.
"Oh, hey Ginny," said Harry as he put his hands in his pockets.
"Hey Harry," she replied as she sauntered over and pulled him in for what he knew she meant to be a passionate kiss, but he felt nothing. He should feel something when they kiss shouldn't he? He could feel her tongue poke out and lick his bottom lip, but before the kiss could go any deeper, he pulled away. He could see the flash of disappointment in her eyes and realized he was being just as unfair to her by dragging her along. They both deserved better, they both deserved more.
He took her hand and led her to the kitchen where Kreacher had put together what at least looked like an edible lunch. They ate in silence for a while before Ginny started talking about her latest quidditch match. Harry tuned her out like he usually did and thought about his own problems.
'If I'm changing my relationship status, maybe I should change career as well. I'm not happy as an Auror, either. I want to do something that is less in the public eye, where I can hide away and not have to interact with anyone who knows who I am. Does that even exist?'
"... maybe we should update the decor here and then have someone from the Daily Prophet come by and take some pictures of our life together. Rita has mentioned she'd like to do a where are the hero's now sort of expose. Since the season is over and I'll be around more, now would be a good time. I think..."
"Ginny," interrupted Harry.
"What," said Ginny with a scowl.
"I can't do this anymore," said Harry in a rush.
"You can't do what anymore?" asked Ginny.
"Us? Pretending that this is working, that I'm happy. I'm not." Harry winced, that wasn't what he had planned to say.
"I know I've been gone a lot Harry. I'm sorry for that, but we can make up for it," she pleaded.
"It's not that. I don't love you," said Harry.
"You don't love me?" She asked as she put down her fork. The look on her face clearly stating that she thought her dreams were about to be shattered.
"Well I do, but not in a romantic way. You are one of my closest friends, but it doesn't go any deeper than that for me. Do you love me, in a romantic way?"
"I - I think so - but - I don't know," replied Ginny as she tried to think about his question.
"Don't you think after this long we should know?" asked Harry. Ginny sighed and tears welled in her eyes. Then her face turned to steel and she stood.
"Fine, if that's what you want. We won't be together anymore," said Ginny firmly. Harry grabbed her arm as she passed.
"I hope we can still be friends," said Harry, but even he could tell it stranded lame.
"Maybe some day, but not yet." Harry nodded.
"I understand," said Harry as he let go of her arm. Harry watched her walk out the door and then let out a relieved sigh when he heard a soft 'The Burrow' from the lounge.
"Well that definitely could have gone worse. I get the distinct impression that the conversation isn't over yet though. Guess I'll have to wait and see what happens," said Harry with a chuckle. Harry quickly finished his lunch and then floo'd to the ministry. He was on a roll with this making life changes thing, so there was no reason to stop now. Several minutes later he was knocking on Minister Shacklebolt's door.
"Come in," came the familiar baritone voice of the man that had become one of Harry's closest friends over the last year. Many people would think it was an odd friendship he knew, but war has a way of bringing people together in an unexpected way. Shacklebolt looked up with his usual smile and gave Harry a nod as he walked in.
"What can I do for you Harry?" asked Kingsley.
"I can't be an Auror anymore," said Harry as he sat down. Shacklebolt's smile turned to a frown.
"I know I am supposed to say that you're our best and we can't lose you, but I can't pretend I'm surprised we are having this conversation," responded Kingsley.
"You don't need me Kingsley, the war is over. Technically, this is when you need me the least. I need something out of the spotlight, that can be fulfilling and give me the chance to be someone other than the Boy-Who-Defeated-Voldemort," said Harry earnestly.
"That's Lord-Boy-Who-Defeated-Voldemort now," joked Kingsley. Harry winced.
"Don't remind me."
"The Auror corps will be disappointed to lose you, but I know better than anyone that war changes people's ambitions and it has been apparent to me for a while that you've been unhappy there," said Kingsley. It was quiet for a few minutes while Kingsley thought about what to say next. "The Unspeakables are looking for a new intern. It doesn't pay much, but if it ends up being a good fit, it could turn into a permanent position. Perhaps that would be better suited to you? You'd be able to wear a hooded cloak and lurk in the shadows all you want," finished Kingsley with a smirk.
"You know I don't need the money Kingsley, but will they take me even though I never took my NEWTs?" Asked Harry. Shacklebolt answered by lifting his eyebrows.
"Right, well if they will have me, I'll take it." Said Harry.
"I'll let Croaker know," responded Kingsley.
"Thanks Kingsley, I appreciate it, and I appreciate you not trying to talk me out of leaving the auror corps," said Harry as he stood.
"Of course, but if anyone asks, I gave you a hard time," responded Kingsley. Harry laughed and gave him a nod.
"Still meeting for drinks on Friday?" Asked Harry when he reached the door.
"Wouldn't miss it," said Kingsley. When Harry left the ministry, he went back to Grimmauld Place and collapsed into bed.
The next morning Harry went to visit Teddy and Andromeda, just like he did every Sunday since the night Tonks and Remus died, and like usual he was alone since Ginny was never willing to go with him. Harry found he was looking forward to his visit even more than usual. Teddy always had a way of cheering him up.
"Unca Harry!" yelled Teddy as he ran down the stairs. It sounded like a herd of elephants was running towards him and Harry couldn't help but smile. Just as a purple haired missile slammed into his leg, Andromeda came in and gave him a welcoming smile.
"Play dragons, play dragons," shouted Teddy as he jumped up and down.
"Alright buddy, lead the way," chuckled Harry as he nodded to Andromeda in greeting and followed Teddy up the stairs.
"I'll make lunch and then I'll come rescue you," whispered Andromeda as she moved towards the kitchen.
An hour later Andromeda walked into Teddy's bedroom to see him flying a dragon around the room while Harry animatedly told him the toddler version of rescuing the dragon out of Gringotts and flying it to freedom. It was Teddys favourite story, and he made Harry tell it every time he came to visit.
"Lunch is ready," said Andromeda when Harry's story was finished. She knew better than to interrupt.
"Ahhh," whined Teddy.
"Let's go have lunch and then I'll tell you the story about the Hungarian Horntail."
"Yay!" Yelled Teddy as he put his dragon down gently on his bed and then ran down the stairs to the kitchen. Teddy, of course, finished his lunch in record time, but since the adults were still eating, he knew he couldn't get his story yet. So, he excused himself and went and played in the living room until they were finished. Since Teddy was momentarily occupied Harry and Andromeda had a chance to talk.
"How are you, Harry?" asked Andromeda.
"Alright, I quit my job. Kingsley is putting my name in for an internship with the Department of Mysteries," replied Harry.
"Oh!" said Andromeda in surprise.
"And I broke up with Ginny," continued Harry.
"You did? I didn't realize you were still seeing her," said Andromeda. Harry looked at her in surprise and then laughed.
"That's probably not a sign of longevity in a relationship. Why didn't you say anything? I probably could have saved us both some misery if I'd done it sooner."
"You rarely talked about her and when you did it was always in the past sense, so I just assumed you'd broken it off. I figured you would tell me what happened when you were ready, so I didn't push," explained Andromeda.
"Past tense, really? I feel like such a git," laughed Harry. Andromeda joined in.
"You clearly did the right thing. You seem more at ease then you have in a long time Harry. You deserve the real thing. You deserve the chance to find someone that drives you crazy in all the best ways, someone you can't stop thinking about when you're apart, someone you could talk about for hours but would rather just spend time with. Love isn't always easy, it can be extremely frustrating sometimes as well, but loving the person you can't live without, the person that gives everything else meaning is worth waiting for, no matter how long it takes. I'm glad you didn't settle just because you were afraid of ending up alone," said Andromeda.
"How do you -you know- know when you've found that person?" asked Harry.
"Trust me Harry, you'll know. Maybe not instantaneously but definitely sooner than a year," said Andromeda with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes. "Just open your heart and be willing to take a chance every once and a while. You may be surprised what finds you when the time is right."
o – o – o – o – o
A year went by and Harry felt like his life was nearly perfect. He had been given a permanent position as an unspeakable, which as a job, was even better than he had thought it would be. He spent the last year fixing up Grimmauld Place. It no longer felt as cold and isolated as it had before. He didn't make a lot of changes, but it was as open and welcoming as a Black home could ever be. He had also started thinking about buying a place of his own, maybe somewhere in the country with a lot of land, or near a beach. He had only been to the ocean a couple of times, but he had liked it. It seemed like it would be a peaceful place to live.
A week after the break-up Ginny had come back and begged him to give them another chance.
"Please Harry, give us a second chance. I know I can fix this. I can even stop playing quidditch so we can spend more time together," begged Ginny.
"Ginny, you can't stop playing quidditch, you love quidditch," responded Harry.
"But I love you more," she replied softly.
"And you'll love someone else. I'm not the one for you, Ginny. I know it hurts right now, but some day you will see that," responded Harry as he gently sent her home. She returned a couple weeks later yelling and screaming at him in anger.
"How could you do this to me? How long have you known you didn't love me? Why did you wait so long to tell me?" yelled Ginny. He didn't respond, he just let her get it all out and then told her he wasn't changing his mind. She only came to Grimmauld Place a couple more times after that. Then when she realized that things were well and truly done, she stopped coming.
Harry hadn't seen Ginny in six months, but he had heard through Ron that she was back with Dean Thomas. He really did wish them the best. He wanted Ginny to be happy and was glad she seemed to finally be getting over him. Ron had been angry when Harry first told him about breaking things off with Ginny, but he had come around quicker than Harry had expected him too. Harry was pretty sure this was all due to Hermione's influence. Ron and Hermione had just gotten married and were frequent visitors at Grimmauld Place. There was still tension between Harry and the rest of the Weasley's, other than George, so it had been a while since Harry had visited the Burrow. He was glad that they at least came to visit as often as possible. The only people who came to see Harry were Neville and Luna, although he continued to meet Kingsley for drinks every Friday and visit Andromeda and Teddy on Sundays.
Overall, things were good in Harry's life. He kept busy, he saw his friends at least one or twice a week, but at the end of the day when work was done and everyone had left, he was alone. Harry didn't want to be alone anymore. He wanted what Andromeda had said 'someone to make everything else have meaning.'
One Saturday night he was over at Neville's helping him in one of the greenhouses when Neville brought up that very subject.
"Are you going to start dating again Harry or are you happy being alone?" asked Neville.
"I've been on dates Neville," said Harry with a scowl.
"Saying yes to whatever fan girl walks up and ask you out isn't what I meant," responded Neville. Harry scoffed.
"I do want to find someone to settle down with Neville, it's just- now we are out of Hogwarts there isn't really a good way to meet people. I tried the Leaky Cauldron and that was an epic failure," said Harry.
"Maybe you should try Luna's wizard matchmaking service. She modelled it after dating services that are apparently really popular in the muggle world. It's been really successful so far. More than half of single witches and wizards in Britain have signed up and it's only been a year," said Neville. Harry looked at him incredulously.
"No, I'm serious Harry. She's created it under a pseudonym, so no one would know it was her. Although I'm not sure why- I mean I feel like Lovegood is a fantastic name for a matchmaker, but anyways - the business is booming, it could be the perfect option for you. No one would know who you are until you showed up for the date, so you would at least know you were matched together based on your compatibility instead of them just being there to meet the 'defeater of the dark lord'. That's what you want right?" asked Neville.
"How does Luna know who is compatible with who?" Asked Harry.
"She has a survey that you fill out with your interests, future plans, opinions, that sort of thing and then there is some complicated arithmancy involved to determine your compatibility with potential matches. If Luna finds a match for you, she sets up a blind date and then the rest is up to you," explained Neville. Harry still felt sceptical, but it wasn't like he had much luck himself.
"Why not! All I lose is one night if it isn't a good match. Might as well let Luna have a shot at fixing my love life," responded Harry.
"Good choice Harry, I think you'll be happy with the results. Everyone else has been so far. I don't know how she does it, but she really is a miracle worker when it comes to matchmaking," said Neville fondly.
"Why don't you guys come over for dinner tomorrow night and I'll fill out the survey then," said Harry.
"Sounds good Harry," responded Neville.
The next night Luna and Neville showed up at Grimmauld place and Luna pushed a large stack of papers in Harry's arms.
"Neville says you want me to help you find love. You've come to right place, Harry. I'll find someone perfect for you, and it will be all free of charge since you are one of my closest friends," said Luna in way of greeting.
"I appreciate that Luna, but I can pay," replied Harry.
"I know you can, but I'm not going to let you. Now, Neville mentioned something about dinner, are you serving treacle tart?" asked Luna
"Of course, how could I serve anything else knowing you were coming," said Harry as he flashed his signature lopsided grin.
"Oh yum, let's eat then," she replied as she skipped into the kitchen, the two men laughing as they followed behind her. After dinner they moved into the lounge and Harry put the survey down on the table and eyed it wearily. 'I have to fill out that entire thing?' Harry sighed and began on the survey while Neville and Luna played exploding snaps.
"Everyone fills out this entire thing?" Asked Harry incredulously.
"Of course, people will do anything for a chance at love. The more thorough you are in your answers the better a match I can find for you, so it is well worth it." Harry groaned and then looked down at the first question.
'Are you seeking a relationship with a witch or a wizard?''Witch.''What age range of men/women are you seeking a relationship with?''Well, Ginny was younger than me, so I probably want to avoid that. Someone older than me would be more likely to be interested in the same things as me and want a relationship with me for more than my fame. I'll go with 20-40. Don't want to limit my options too much by being picky about age.''Do you have kids?''No.''Do you want kids/more kids?''Um maybe.''Favourite feature of your preferred gender?'
"Really Luna?" asked Harry.
"Just keep going Harry, answer honestly and I promise you won't regret it," said Luna with a dreamy smile as she played her next card.
"Fine." Harry thought about his answer for a while. 'Hmm, lips I suppose, and I do like ass. Is there a polite way to say that?'
'How often do you drink?''Once a week with Kingsley.''How comfortable would you feel dating a muggle born witch or wizard?''Um just fine.''How comfortable would you feel dating a pureblood witch or wizard?''Just fine, I don't really care about that.'
'What do you care more about money or power?''Neither? Is that an okay answer?''What is your idea of a perfect date?''Quiet dinner alone, maybe a walk, anything that is not in public.' On and on the questions went. Luna and Neville ended up leaving when he was about halfway through it. It ended up taking Harry another day to finish the survey and get it back to Luna.
"Hopefully playing 1,000 questions will be worth it," he said to himself as he left to stop by Luna's on his way home from work.
"I won't you let you down Harry, I promise. I'll owl you with the details of your first date as soon as it's arranged," said Luna as she kissed his cheek and then ran into her office with his survey. Harry went home and ate a quiet dinner alone. While he waited for an owl from Luna, he couldn't help but think about the last question in the survey.
"How would you describe your ideal partner?" He had written loyal, intelligent, witty, ambitious, capable of helping with his lord responsibilities, not interested in his fame. But in his mind, he saw icy blue eyes and full lips framed by long locks of blond hair.
o – o – o – o – o
Narcissa Black was enjoying a quiet dinner with Draco and his fiancée at Malfoy Manor. It had been two years since the downfall of Voldemort, and Lucius' imprisonment. It had been about a year and a half since their divorce was finalized. She didn't know why but the ministry had taken very little from the Malfoy fortune as restitution, and Lucius had been more generous in the divorce then she expected, easily agreeing to leave her everything and signing the papers almost immediately. She now owned Malfoy Manor and what remained of the Malfoy fortune.
"You should start dating again Narcissa, you are too young to become a spinster," said Astoria as they ate. Narcissa smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes, it rarely did these days. She would never admit it, but she was lonely, and she longed for someone to share her life with, a chance to find love of her own choosing.
"I'm quite happy on my own Astoria, but thank you for thinking of me," responded Narcissa.
"No, you're not, you're going to be my mother in-law soon, please let me help you," said Astoria eagerly.
"What is it you have in mind?" asked Narcissa as she gently wiped her mouth with a napkin and then patiently waited for Astoria's reply.
"You should try Madam Luvill Fyndu's matchmaking service, it's all the rage right now. Everyone is talking about it. She is apparently a matchmaking genius.
"You want mother to use a matchmaking service? That's – no - she is far above anything like that," interrupted Draco. Astoria glared at her fiancé.
"How else do you suggest she meet someone, Draco?" asked Astoria.
"Why does she even need to meet anyone? She just said she was happy alone," defended Draco. Astoria ignored him and turned her attention back to Narcissa.
"Please Narcissa, one date. If you don't enjoy yourself, I will leave you alone, but give Madam Fyndu one chance, for me?" begged Astoria.
"Very well, one date," said Narcissa. Her face remained stoic as ever, but she couldn't help the rush of hope she felt at the possibility of finding someone.
The next evening, Narcissa was enjoying a glass of wine by the fire in what used to be Lucius' private study, when Astoria came rushing in with a large stack of parchment.
"What is that?" asked Narcissa in surprise.
"The survey," said Astoria as if it was obvious. "How else will Madam Fundu know who your match is?"
"Right, Tilly," called Narcissa.
"Yes, mistress," said the house elf.
"I'm going to need more wine, might as well bring the whole bottle," she stated as she eyed the survey wearily. It was a bit awkward at first answering such intimate questions in front of her son's fiancée, but Astoria didn't seem to judge her answers. She just wrote down exactly what she said and moved on, so eventually Narcissa relaxed, although that may have been the wine.
"Do you want kids/more kids?" asked Astoria
"Maybe."
"Favourite feature of your preferred gender?" Narcissa's cheeks filled with a blush, Astoria looked at her expectantly.
"Um, a muscular chest and a tight bottom," replied Narcissa. Astoria giggled but wrote down her answer without comment.
"How often do you drink?" Narcissa looked down at the half empty bottle of wine.
"Occasionally?"
"How comfortable would you feel dating a muggle born witch or wizard?" asked Astoria. Narcissa winced.
"I suppose I would be willing to give them a chance, but I would rather keep it to wizards from strong, noble families. I do, however, realize that doesn't leave me many options, so perhaps write I am open to the idea," said Narcissa. Astoria nodded and wrote down what she said.
"How comfortable would you feel dating a pureblood witch or wizard?"
"I would prefer it. A lord would be a plus."
"What do you care more about money or power?" asked Astoria."Can I say both?" asked Narcissa.
"Sure," responded Astoria with a shrug. "What is your idea of a perfect date?"
"Private dinner, dancing, ending the night with a walk under the stars, maybe a kiss in the moonlight," replied Narcissa. She knew the wine was getting to her if she was being this honest. It took them two nights of meeting like this to get through all the questions. That night as Narcissa drifted off to sleep she thought about the last question, 'How would you describe your ideal partner.' She had told Astoria loyal, willing to stand up for her, witty, optimistic, rich, impeccable manners, clean, interested in trying new things. She wasn't sure why she kept picturing unruly dark hair and piercing green eyes.
Two weeks later, she received a note from Madam Luvill Fyndu.
Friday 6pm, Faerydust Bistro, ask for the gold table.
Astoria had squealed in delight and immediately started to ask her about what she was going to wear. Narcissa found herself actually looking forward to the date, despite Draco's constant scowls in her direction.
o – o – o – o – o
On Tuesday, Harry received an owl from Luna. 'That was fast.'
Friday 6pm, Faerydust Bistro, ask for the gold table.
Harry immediately sent an owl to Kingsley to ask if they could change their usual plans to Thursday since he had a date on Friday. He received some strange, animated wink in return and took that as a yes. On Wednesday night, Harry went to visit Teddy and Andromeda.
"What's up Harry?" You don't usually come by during the week. I was little worried when I got your owl asking if you could come to dinner," said Andromeda as she met him at the door.
"Nothing is wrong Andi, I just wanted to let you know that I have a date on Friday." Said Harry as he ruffled Teddy's hair and then sat down at the table.
"That's great Harry, who's the lucky lady?" asked Andromeda.
"No idea," said Harry as he took a bite of food. Andromeda raised her eyebrows at this. "My friend Luna set it up. Apparently, she owns a wizard matchmaking service that is pretty popular."
"Your friend is Madam Luvill Fyndu?" asked Andromeda in surprise. Harry spit out his pumpkin juice in shock.
"That's the name she chose? Seriously?" Harry laughed until his eyes began to tear.
"She apparently is quite good, so far she has a 98% success rate and that 2% is just because the people that filled out the survey were completely wasted and only did it as a joke," said Andromeda when Harry had stopped laughing.
"Yes well, I can understand wanting to drink while you fill it out. The survey was horrendous. But, I guess I should be encouraged that it's worked out so well for others though," said Harry.
"So, it's a blind date? Wow! I've never been on one of those," said Andromeda.
"Yah, me neither, but they'll have no idea who I am before I show up, so I feel like that's a better start then my typical dates," responded Harry with a soft laugh.
"That's true, you've certainly had bad luck when it comes to dates," teased Andromeda, but then her face became serious. "Harry, I'm glad you're giving this a chance. I hope it works out well for you."
"Thanks Andi, me too," replied Harry.
On Thursday he joined Kingsley for drinks at the Leaky Cauldron. They usually tried to stick to muggle pubs where no one would recognize either of them, but tonight they had both been running late so they had settled for what was closest.
"So you're trying out Madam Luvill Fyndu's matchmaking service," said Kingsley in surprise.
"Apparently," said Harry.
"That desperate, huh?" joked Kingsley.
"You're one to talk. Have you even been on a date in the last ten years?" replied Harry.
"I'll have you know it's only been five?" Responded Kingsley. Harry laughed.
"Well no offense Kingsley, but I'd rather not wait that long for a half decent date. If that makes me desperate then fine, I'm desperate," said Harry.
"Well, let me know how it goes. If Madam Fyndu is as good as the Daily Prophet makes her out to be maybe I'll have to try it. It'd be nice to have someone to come home to," said Kingsley.
"No one is ever as good as the Daily Prophet makes them out to be, and do you even go home?" joked Harry.
"I would if there was someone there," said Kingsley seriously.
"Yah, I know that feeling," responded Harry with a sigh.
Friday morning Harry realized he had nothing appropriate to wear to what he assumed was a fancy restaurant. He began to panic and immediately floo'd Hermione, who was getting ready for work.
"Hermione, I need you, it's an emergency." He yelled into the fireplace frantically.
"Okay Harry. I'll be right there." She yelled back. "Ron, I'm going to Harry's before work, I'll see you tonight." Harry pulled out of the fireplace and paced the lounge while he waited for Hermione.
"Where's the fire, Harry," Hermione said as she came through the fireplace. However, Harry didn't look amused, so she stopped teasing and asked how she could help.
"Have you ever been to the Faerydust Bistro?" Harry asked.
"No, but I told Ronald I wanted to go for our anniversary. He's already had to put the reservation in since the waiting list is like six months," replied Hermione.
"So I'm guessing it's a fancy place then?" said Harry.
"Yes, it is the highest end restaurant in wizarding Britain. Wait, your date is at the Faerydust? Wow, Luna has much bigger connections that I thought," said Hermione.
"You can ask her about that when you see her. Perhaps for now, we could focus on my problem," said Harry through clenched teeth.
"Alright Harry, calm down, what is the problem you're having?" asked Hermione.
"I have nothing nearly nice enough to wear to a restaurant that fancy," said Harry in a panicked whisper.
"Okay, that's easy enough to fix, we'll go to Madam Malkin's during the lunch break and I'll help you pick out something appropriate," said Hermione. Harry breathed out a sigh of relief
"Thanks Hermione."
"Now, I need to get to work, so is there anything else?" asked Hermione with a smirk.
"No," responded Harry.
When Harry got home from work, with his pockets a few hundred galleons lighter, he had the nicest set of dress robes he'd ever seen.
"They better be worth it," he grumbled as he adjusted his tie in the mirror. As the time drew nearer Harry was more nervous than he expected to be. He didn't know who his date was, but he already felt the need to make a good impression. 'It's kind of nice," he said to his reflection. "The anticipation. I wonder who my date is?"
At 5:45, Harry apparated to the restaurant and double checked his appearance before he went inside. The restaurant was housed in an old, elegant manor centred in a lush well-maintained garden. Harry walked through the double doors and up to the hostess.
"How may I help you, sir," said the young hostess kindly as she looked up at him.
"My name is Harry Potter, I was told to request the gold table," Harry said nervously.
"Of course sir, right this way. The other half of your party is already here." The hostess led him to a private table perfectly situated to overlook the garden. Sitting at the table he could see a woman's figure in an emerald dress, a dainty, perfectly manicured hand holding a glass of red wine while the over hand, held up the menu that covered her face. The woman must have sensed his presence, because the moment he approached she lowered the menu, so that Harry could get his first true look at her face. Harry's breathe caught in his throat the moment their eyes met.
"Miss Black," he whispered.