A/N: Yes, this took forever and yes, I know it's a bit more of a bridge than I originally intended but I've had a lot going on. Things should (famous last words) go more quickly for a while now.

The photo was on the front page of the Daily Prophet. Below the fold, yes, but impossible to miss. Harry and Ginny were deep in conversation; over and over he bent his head lower to say something in Ginny's ear while she nodded in agreement, her face serious. A 'Touching' Conversation read the caption, which promised the full story on page six. Harry stared at the picture for almost a minute, trying to understand. The fireplace flared green and Ginny stepped out, clutching her own copy of the paper.

"Did you read it yet? I waited for you." Ginny plopped into a kitchen chair. "But a photo on the front page - that has to be good . . . right?"

Harry pushed a mug of tea across the table. "What do you think she meant by 'A Touching Conversation?' he asked instead of answering. "She couldn't have overheard us, could she? And anyway, we weren't talking about anything particularly sentimental."

Ginny laid out the paper on the table. "I think she's referring to your hand," she said, pointing. "See how you keep running it down my back?"

Harry looked and saw the detail he'd missed. "I don't even remember doing that," he admitted. He peered more closely. "Could Skeeter have altered the photo?"

"No," said Ginny shortly. She pulled the paper back towards her. "We should read the article."

Harry wasn't sure what he'd done wrong. He started to ask but Ginny was noisily opening to page six and clearing her throat. "Want me to read?" she asked.

"Sure," said Harry. He'd have agreed even if he wanted to read instead.

"She's titled it 'The First Quidditch Match," but she's put a question mark at the end instead." Ginny rolled her eyes. "And I was worried she'd be too understated."

"Not Rita," said Harry. "She likes to hit her readers over the head with sensational headlines. A lot of them aren't smart enough to understand subtlety, you know."

Ginny gave a small snort. "Good point." She bent over the article again and after a beat of silence, Harry got up and pulled his chair around to Ginny's side of the table.

Smiling a bit now, she began to read.

The First Qudditch Match?

by Rita Skeeter, Sharing a Personal Glimpse Into the Secrets of High Society

Ginny's snort of laughter was louder this time. "Is that really how she describes herself?"

Harry groaned. "What secrets? That they're so concerned about blood purity they force their kids to marry their cousins?"

Ginny shuddered. "Can you imagine?" She was thoughtful for a moment. "I wonder if Sirius was supposed to end up with someone; has he ever mentioned it?"

Harry shook his head. "He basically got kicked out of his family when he was sixteen and before that, I suspect his attitude and beliefs made him considered rather ineligible as a potential mate." He was quiet for a minute. "He mentioned something once. Or someone. Said they weren't as serious as my parents, but given time maybe they would have been." Harry gave Ginny a sad smile. "I guess Pettigrew and Azkeban ruined that."

"It was probably before then," said Ginny thoughtfully. "Or else we likely would have heard about her at some point - if she was around after Sirius got out of prison. I wonder if she died during the first war?"

Harry thought for a moment, and then picked up his wand. "Accio Photo of the Order of the Phoenix!" he called out, and after a few moments, the photo Mad-Eye Moody had given him the summer before his fifth year floated into the kitchen. Harry had hated the thing but he'd not been able to destroy it. He laid it carefully on the table. Even though it had been more than three years since he'd last seen the images, Harry had no trouble remembering.

"I'd say the most likely candidates are Marlene McKinnon or Dorcas Meadowes," he said, pointing. He peered more closely at the photo. "They look about the same age as my parents and Sirius and Remus; do you think they were all friends from Hogwarts?" He realized that for all Sirius told him stories of James and Lily and the Marauders, he'd never mentioned any of their other friends. "There had to be some, right? Other girls my mum's year?"

"Of course," answered Ginny. "And I bet a lot of Order members were Gryffindors." She gave a sheepish shrug. "Don't tell Susan or Ernie or Hannah I said that."

"Your secret is safe with me," said Harry with a solemn smile. He put the photo aside, intending to ask Sirius about it soon. "What else does the article say?"

Ginny read silently for a moment and then snorted. "Oh, this is rich." Her voice took on a brightly bragging tone.

This author's instincts have always been more accurate than most, but I must admit to being surprised at just how absolutely correctly my previous prediction has come to pass.

"Absolutely correctly? Is that even English?" Harry shook his head.

"It's Skeeterish," grinned Ginny. "Says things however she wants as long as it makes her sound important and knowledgeable." She kept reading.

While it is well established that I recognize mating behaviors better than most, even those oblivious to affairs of the heart couldn't fail to notice the intense heat generating last night between one Miss Ginevra Weasley and our favorite eligible bachelor and erstwhile Savior, Harry Potter.

Ginny gave Harry an apologetic look. "It really does call you that, I'm sorry."

Harry waved his hand impatiently. "It's not anything I haven't heard before. One of Rita's favorite tropes for me is that I've disclaimed my fame because of a misplaced sense of propriety. She just can't believe that I don't want people singing my praises from the rooftops."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "And I can't believe people buy the idea that you would want that."

Harry shrugged. "Not the people who know me - the people I care about. It doesn't matter to me what anyone else thinks. Not anymore." He spoke without thinking. It was the truth of course, but Ginny's satisfied humph of approval startled him anyway.

"How long was it before you felt that way?" she asked gently.

Harry realized suddenly that Ginny would have witnessed most of the fallout from Skeeter's articles over the years. Even at . . . "The Yule Ball," he said abruptly.

Ginny looked even more pleased. "I wondered if you remembered that."

"I didn't until just now," he confessed. It had been while he and Ron still weren't talking and speculation about what kind of dark magic Harry had used to enter himself in the Tri-Wizard Tournament was running high. "You told me not to worry what any of those toe rags thought about me," he said, with a grin. "And included your brother in the lot."

Ginny shrugged. "He was, at the time," she said mildly. "Good thing he came to his senses."

Unspoken between them was the fact of what exactly had brought Ron to his senses, after the Second Task. And had stopped Harry and Ginny from talking at the same time. Harry cast about for something else to say.

"Toe rag, that's what my mum called my dad." Again, Harry spoke without thinking. "Before they were friends," he added hastily. He wasn't sure why he flushed - it wasn't like Ginny was calling him a toe rag. He pulled the paper closer. "What else does it say?"

Ginny made another sound that was almost like she was choking back a giggle, but when Harry looked at her, her head was bent low over the paper and her hair covered her face. When she started to read again, her voice was steady.

I couldn't be the only one to have noticed the intimate moments that passed between the pair during the Ministry's Quidditch Kick-Off event, but I will admit that even I was surprised at how very blatant they were. Indeed, this author counted no less than FIVE shared glances before Mr. Potter touched Miss Weasley's arm several times and then moved his hand firmly to her back.

"I didn't mean . . ." he began. Ginny kept reading.

Could we be witnessing the next stage of the Dark Magic that is rumored to have brought them together in the first place? The signs are certainly pointing in that direction. Unfortunately, I am unable to answer that question at present. While there is no question that this star-crossed pair was eager to speak to me, the urges binding them together could not be ignored. While I do not know - yet - where they went, Mr. Potter certainly looked in control as he clasped Miss Weasley to his chest and whisked her off to parts unknown. How the couple spent the remainder of the evening - and indeed, what time it ended - remains to be revealed, and you have it on my good word that answers will be forthcoming.

Ginny finished reading and carefully folded the paper. "Well." She gave him an expectant look.

"Yeah," answered Harry. "I think that . . . people will believe us, after that kind of story, won't they?" He took a deep breath and tried to get used to the feeling that he was on the Hogwarts Express, hurtling towards an accident he'd chosen to cause. "I mean, there's no going back now, right? Not after what Skeeter wrote."

"Do you want to go back?" Ginny tossed the paper into the fireplace. "You said yourself that the people who really know you wouldn't believe her. We could call the whole thing off and tell everyone Rita was exaggerating as usual. If we aren't seen together for a while all the rumors might die down."

Harry wished he could tell from Ginny's tone what it was she wanted, but he couldn't. He knew she'd get cross if he deflected the question back to her though. So instead of asking Ginny if she wanted to cancel their plan, he thought carefully for a long moment. It was a crazy idea and probably full of a million holes Harry hadn't even considered. But at least it was a plan, and one that didn't depend on the whims of the dark magic that had created the contract in the first place. He and Ginny would be in control, and that was what he focused on when he answered.

"I think we should do it." He knew he wasn't imagining the quick smile that flitted across Ginny's face and he couldn't help but smile back despite his trepidation. "So . . . how exactly are we going to do this? Get up in the middle at the next Burrow dinner and make an announcement? I'm not sure I could keep a straight face."

"I know I couldn't," said Ginny. She grimaced. "The twins would see through it right away. We're going to need to practice more before we're anywhere near them."

Personally Harry thought all the practice in the world wouldn't be enough to pull anything over on Fred and George, but that struck him as a conversation for another day. He stood up, feeling suddenly restless. "Do you want a muffin? I haven't had breakfast yet." He rummaged in the ice box. "Actually, it looks like Sirius finished the muffins. Umm, I could make toast?" He opened the bread box and contemplated the two sad pieces of bread for a minute before turning around. "Actually, why don't we go out? There's that shop near the Ministry that makes really good coffee." He gave a little shrug. "After all, aren't we supposed to be seen?"

Ginny nodded and stood up. "I like their scones," she said. She bit her lip. "How should we get there? I don't know that Side-Along . . ."

"We'll Apparate separately a block away," said Harry decisively. "And then walk there together." He quickly checked Ginny's clothing and was relieved to see that she was in fact wearing something different than her robes from the night before. "The alley behind the Spotted Pig is a good place." Briefly he wondered if real couples had as much trouble figuring out how to travel to places together; it never seemed like a big deal to Ron and Hermione.

"Sounds like a plan," Ginny agreed. "I'll see you in a moment." She whirled on the spot. Harry took a moment to put the tea things in the sink first and almost dropped one of the mugs when a gravelly voice spoke behind him.

"Was someone just here? I thought I heard a crack." Sirius was standing at the doorway to the kitchen peering around rather blearily.

"I didn't hear anything," said Harry. He grinned. "Late night, then? It's the middle of the week, you know."

Sirius grinned through a yawn. "The advantages of working for myself," he said. How was the Ministry thing? Are you ready for your first match?" He sat down at the table and reached for the Prophet. Belatedly Harry realized that Ginny had only burned her own copy.

"We're playing the infirmary staff first; they're terrible," said Harry. He considered making an excuse about why he needed the newspaper but stopped, reminding himself this wasn't supposed to be a secret. But that didn't mean he wanted to be around while Sirius read about what he and Ginny had supposedly been up to the night before. And speaking of which, she was likely wondering where he was.

"I need to go . . . early meeting," he said.

"Ummhmm," Sirius mumbled. He was reading the story above the fold, something about the discovery of cursed treasure near Wales. He waved his wand to start the teakettle. "I'll see you tonight," he said. "We can have dinner together and you can tell me more about Quidditch." He flipped the paper over

"Sounds good," said Harry quickly. Now he really had to leave. "Have a good day." He turned on the spot.

"Sorry . . . Sirius came in. Sorry," he said the moment he arrived behind the Spotted Pig. He wasn't sure if Ginny had thought he might be chickening out. The wrinkle on her forehead faded.

"Did you tell him?" she asked.

Harry shook his head. "I didn't want to get into it just then. Besides, you were waiting for me. If I'd said something Sirius never would have let me leave."

"Smart," Ginny nodded. "I hadn't thought of that."

"Would you have come back looking for me? If I hadn't shown up?"

Ginny gave him a sly look. "And hexed you immediately for blowing me off."

Harry laughed. "Would have served you right; I'd be unconscious and you'd have to explain everything to Sirius by yourself." He knocked his hip against hers. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. Saves me the chance of having to tell him."

"I'll tell Sirius if you tell my mum." Ginny dodged around the phone booth that served as the Visitor's entrance to the Ministry. "And Bill."

Harry stopped walking. "Your mum and Bill are not anywhere equal to Sirius," he protested. "You have to tell Ron and the twins too."

"Then you get to tell my dad," said Ginny with a smirk. "I know he's quieter than my mum but that just means he has more time to think things through. If anyone's going to figure out we're faking it, it'll be him." She started waling again and after a moment Harry jogged to catch up.

"Normally I'd think Hermione would guess but I suspect she'll just think I'm finally being practical about the whole thing." A sharp gust of wind blew suddenly through the street and Harry shivered. "Damn, I didn't realize how cold it was out." He was relieved to see they had almost arrived at the employee entrance to the Ministry, the one he used when he didn't Apparate or Floo directly because he . . .

"Damn, we forgot to get coffee!" He looked down at his empty hands to confirm. "How did that happen?"

"I think we were too busy figuring out who had to tell my mum about us," said Ginny dryly. "Should we go back? There might be time, if we rush."

Harry looked around. Ministry workers were streaming towards the entrance but none seemed to have noticed him and Ginny yet. He shook his head. "No time. Take my hand."

Ginny looked momentarily startled. "What?"

"My hand. Hold my hand while we walk towards the Ministry." Harry took a deep breath. In for a Galleon.

Ginny nodded. "Right." She grabbed his hand, her fingers wrapping awkwardly around the side of his palm. "Sorry," she said quickly. She shifted her grip. "Is that better?"

"It's fine." Harry just stopped himself from looking down to check. It felt okay, he supposed, although the only time he'd ever held hands with a witch was to Apparate with Hermione while they were on the Horcrux hunt. This was certainly different; Harry got the impression that both he and Ginny were afraid to grasp too firmly. He shifted his own hand and threaded his fingers though hers. "Like this, I think. More natural."

Ginny hand jerked briefly in his and then relaxed. "That's good then."

Their hands sorted, Harry realized now that he had to slow his steps to match Ginny's. His work bag was between them too, and banged against his side before sliding off his shoulder altogether, prevented from falling to the ground by their clasped hands. The stopped. "Sorry," he said, letting go of Ginny hand so he could transfer his bag to his other arm. "I don't know how to do this."

"And you think I do?" Ginny voice was light. "People are starting to look though." She grabbed his hand again, this time easily sliding her fingers between his. "Just try not to think so much."

People were starting to look, and even whisper. Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw two witches in robes from the Magical Transport Office unfold a copy of the Prophet and start to read; their eyes darting up every few words to glance at Harry and Ginny. She squeezed his hand. "Yes, like that."

Harry was about to ask what Ginny meant but he realized they were all the way to the Ministry, having walked there together without tripping. There was a small crowd of Ministry workers all huddled around the magical entrance. It looked like a waterfall but Harry knew the illusion was really a way to detect and eliminate dark spells; anyone using Polyjuice would find themselves looking back to normal after stepping through, for example. It was one of the security measures Kingsley had implemented after the war. No one was going through, though, and Harry wondered if something was wrong at the Ministry. He went to grab for his wand and realized his wand hand was holding Ginny's. "Shite," he muttered.

She let go immediately. "What's wrong?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out; why isn't anyone going in?" Harry noticed no one else had their wand out, or even seemed particularly concerned. Many of them were staring at Harry, though. He slowly lowered his wand.

"I think they were watching us," Ginny muttered under her breath, and indeed, every time Harry caught someone's eye they seemed to suddenly have somewhere else to look. Harry couldn't remember if so many people usually carried the Prophet to work with them; today it seemed like nearly everyone was holding the paper. He stowed his wand away, feeling foolish. Ginny's hand brushed against his and he grabbed it automatically.

"Aha, don't tell me Skeeter's actually got something right for once!" The voice was teasing but friendly, and moment later Lee Jordan parted the crowd and clapped Harry on the back. "Damn, this means I owe George a Galleon. At least Fred owes me two; he thought Ginny'd be wearing the same robes from last night." Lee peered at her. "You aren't, are you?"

"No, Lee, I'm not," said Ginny. She glanced at Harry, her mouth tight, and he wasn't sure if she was trying not to laugh or yell. He tugged on her hand. "We should get inside." It suddenly occurred to him that choosing to go public on a workday meant that he was going to have to sit through training with Ron and Lee and Angelina and the others likely whispering questions he wouldn't be able to answer without risking the ire of their instructors. And what if Ginny told her classmates things and later, Harry accidentally contradicted her? He was beginning to think they should have thought this out more, but it was too late now. And dammit, he wasn't going to mess this up. Clutching Ginny's hand more tightly, he tugged her with him through the waterfall.

Ron was waiting for them on the other side.

Briefly, Harry considered that he'd never seen his best mate early for anything unless Hermione was behind it. But before he could make a joking comment, Ron was speaking.

"When . . . how . . . you're holding hands?" He shook his head as if trying to clear water from his ears. "Hermione and I read the Prophet," - he waved the paper in Harry's face - "and Floo-called Grimmauld Place. Sirius said you'd already left for work. Same with Ginny at the Burrow." His face creased. "We weren't sure, but . . . you're holding hands?!" His voice took on a plaintive tone. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It happened rather quickly," answered Ginny, just as Harry said, "Where's Hermione?" There had apparently been a rush of people trying to get through the employee entrance after Harry and Ginny and now the crowd bunched up behind them. They walked further into the Atrium. Harry wondered if he was expected to keep holding Ginny's hand. He didn't want to be the first to let go, but wasn't sure what the protocol was. Surely most real couples didn't walk around constantly attached to each other, did they?

As if guessing his thoughts, Ginny squeeze his hand. "People are still watching," she muttered under her breath.

"Hermione went to get coffee," said Ron. "She thought the Skeeter article was a bunch of crap; wait until she hear she was wrong!" He still sounded rather incredulous but now there was a note of satisfaction there too. "I knew it!"

"Did you?" asked Ginny. Harry realized that Lee and Angelina were now there too. A number of others hovered nearby, not personally familiar enough with Harry or Ginny to approach. He had the feeling that none of them would be going up to their offices until he and Ginny left. He looked at his friend.

"Well, maybe I didn't know, exactly, Ron amended. "But I thought it was a good idea." He shook his head again. "You're going to have so much explaining to do."

Harry was realizing that. "What did Sirius say?" he asked weakly. He couldn't think about Mrs. Weasley just yet. His hand was sweaty in Ginny's and he resisted the urge to let go so he could wipe it on his robes.

"Just that," said Ron. "You'll have to answer a lot of questions - both of you. Mum might even plan a dinner for tonight." His face suddenly brightened. "Hermione, I was right! They're together!"

Unfortunately Ron didn't wait until his girlfriend was closer before yelling out the news. His voice echoed across the Atrium and Harry could see the exact moment the sound and meaning hit Hermione, just moments before the rest of the workers exploded in chatter quite different from the normal early-morning din.

"Skeeter was right?" She asked as soon as she got closer. Harry stared longingly at the steaming cups of coffee she was holding. "Damn, I was sure this was another of her publicity stunts." She looked at Harry's and Ginny's clasped hands. "Well, I'm glad you came to your senses at least. There's really no other way, is there?" She spoke briskly, and Harry was relieved both at the ease at which she apparently accepted the ruse as true and also that she wasn't making a big deal out of it. "You might have given us some warning though, before announcing it to the world." She shook her head, likely thinking of the reaction of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"It happened pretty quickly," said Ginny. "And it's very new." She squeezed Harry's hand and he stopped staring at the coffee and tried to focus.

"Yes . . . it's new," he stuttered, trying to remember the exact story they'd come up with. "And we're taking it slow until we figure out . . . umm . . ."

"Figure out where it's going," interrupted Ginny. "So we'd appreciate some privacy." Harry squeezed her hand in thanks.

"Should have thought of that before you marched into the Ministry on a Friday morning holding hands, after being seen by everyone rubbing my sister's back last night, right?" Ron raised his eyebrows.

Harry didn't bother pointing out that he didn't even remember touching Ginny's back; no need to upset her about that again. He looked at Hermione. "Any chance I can have some coffee?"

Hermione gave him a knowing look before saying a quick spell. The two cups turned into four floating in front of them and she pushed one in Harry's direction. "It's not as strong after you double them," she said.

"I don't care," said Harry gratefully. He was about to take a sip when a thought struck him. He grabbed another cup and held it out to Ginny. "Want one? Since I forgot this morning." The action gave him the opportunity to drop hands. Ginny took the cup with a smile.

"Thank you, Harry." She took a sip and sighed with relief. "I really needed this." She looked directly at him. "Since I didn't get much sleep last night."

Harry swallowed hard - was he supposed to agree with her? - but was saved from answering when Ron groaned and put his hands over his ears.

Lee and Angelina both cackled. "I want to be at the dinner when Molly questions you," crowed Lee. "Please say I can come; I'll tell everyone I'm dating Percy."

"Percy has a girlfriend," reminded Hermione.

Lee shrugged. "Charlie then; I just need an invite."

Harry ignored this and considered the fact of Percy having a girlfriend. It was disconcerting to think that Percy, who'd been so estranged from his family until recently, could do something as ordinary as finding himself a witch. He thoughts continued unbidden - when Harry couldn't. Not that anyone could know that, he reminded himself. As far as they were concerned, he had found himself a girlfriend, and Ginny a boyfriend. Speaking of which . . .

"I umm, better get to work," he said. He looked directly at her and gave what he hoped could be construed by the others as a rather lovesick smile. "I'll umm, talk to you later?" Should he ask her to lunch? They'd eaten together before so it shouldn't be a big deal, but Harry suddenly felt awkward about mentioning it. Did people who were dating still make plans like that? Of course they did, he counseled himself, but before he could say anything, Ginny nodded and smiled back.

"We're meeting for lunch, did you forget already?" She poked playfully at his arm but her eyes held a warning.

"Yes, NO, I didn't forget. Lunch." He made a show a taking a big sip of coffee. "I just needed this to get my brain working. I'll meet you here at noon." That was good, it would delay him having to answer too many questions from Ron. "But not that Muggle shop; I don't think I could stand another dry sandwich."

"It's because you order wrong, Harry," said Ginny with exaggerated patience. She looked across the Atrium. "Oh, I see Luna; I need to ask her about our Runes homework. See you at noon!" Without another word, Ginny waved and quickly walked away.

it was so sudden Harry wasn't sure if he'd done something wrong, although when Hermione grumbled that she could have helped Ginny with Runes, Harry realized what had happened. Luna was nearly as perceptive as the twins, in her own, odd way; the chance that she'd have figured something out was too great to risk right now. Ginny was just being smart.

"Smart," he said out loud, nodding. Hermione looked at him crossly. "I'm smart too; I could have helped her with Runes."

"Yeah but . . . I think Ginny said Luna has a new way of deciphering them. She wants to compare the two methods, I think." Yes, that was good; it sounded as if he and Ginny had been talking about ordinary things, like an ordinary couple. Hermione looked somewhat mollified.

"I hope it's not the Darvish Method; everyone knows that's useless. I'd better go find out though." She gave Harry a long look. "This was a good idea, you and Ginny," she said. "I'm happy for your both." She gave Ron a quick kiss and then rushed off, undoubtedly ready to interrogate Luna about her way with Runes. Harry let out a breath.

"Sorry you didn't get to kiss Ginny goodbye?" Lee was smirking. "Maybe you'll get lucky at lunch."

"Shut up, Lee," said Harry and Ron at the same time. They looked at each other and Harry was happy to see they both seemed to be on the same page. He was going to need support when he and Ginny told everyone the only way to make their relationship work was to be left alone; hopefully Ron would provide that.

"We have to get to work; you can question Harry at the breaks," said Angelina. "I wouldn't be surprised if the Prophet puts out a special midday edition so that Skeeter can brag some more; she's over by the fountain with a photographer, you know."

Harry looked, startled. "They've been taking pictures?" He didn't need the answer; the flash went off as soon as he looked up. He shrugged. "I guess that comes with the territory, doesn't it? Harry Potter finally finding a . . . a girlfriend?" He hoped no one noticed him stutter over the last word.

"At least she can't follow us upstairs," said Ron firmly. He seemed as eager as Harry to have people stop looking at them. And there were quite a few, Harry realized, who'd all delayed their going to work to watch him and Ginny holding hands. He sighed. More like in for an entire pile of Galleons.

"Let's go," he agreed, thankful for at least a couple of hours of work ahead of him. He'd worry about Sirius and the Weasleys and being in the paper yet again later with Ginny. Less of a chance he'd botch things up if she was there to help him think things through. He nodded to himself and followed Ron and the others, careful not to catch the eye of anyone else as they walked to the lifts. Like he'd told Ginny, the only people who mattered were the ones walking with him right now. Everyone else could whisper and speculate as much as they wanted; Harry wasn't going to let it bother him.