Finally getting back into the swing of things with this little one shot! It's a Muggle AU where Harry and Ginny have never met before. As always TheDistantDusk was the best and edited this fic for me! Also, Breanie was the best at encouraging me to push through my little writing slump! I can't thank them enough! I hope you all enjoy!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ginny's head was spinning. It was like she'd been on the spinning teacup ride twenty times in five minutes. Noises were muffled and at the same time heightened. Voices, blearing guitars, beeping, the sound of metal on metal all pounded in her head. She could see bright lights behind her eyelids. Slowly opening her eyes, Ginny's heart rocketed into her throat. The hood of her car was hanging over a rapid river fifty feet below.

A scream rose in her throat only to be released in a choking sound. Ginny couldn't remember what had happened... how she'd ended up driving halfway off a cliff? She slowly adjusted herself, feeling the car sway with her motion.

"Ma'am!" an unfamiliar voice called from behind her."You need to stay still!"

Ginny tried to turn to see who it was, but the car jerked again, so she froze. Moving slowly, she fell back against the seat, her body shaking uncontrollably.

"Ma'am?" The voice spoke again, and this time she was able to assess it as a deeper, more masculine tone. She could also tell it was somewhere near her back seat, or maybe the hatchback. "Ma'am, are you injured?"

Ginny looked down at her torso and legs. From where she was sitting, nothing seemed broken or bleeding. "I think… I think I'm alright." She paused; her head was pounding, and thinking of the right words wasn't coming easy. "Besides being stuck over a cliff that is."

The man snorted. "That's a fair assessment, I'd say."

"Do." Ginny swallowed; her mouth felt incredibly dry. "Did you see how I got here?"

There was a beat of silence. Ginny's pulse picked up at the idea that her new companion had left her, but then he said, "Some prick came around the corner too fast and clipped you. Your car flew into the guard rail and broke through it."

Ginny looked down at the sharp rocks below her and could see a long metal pole stuck between two. "Oh." She didn't know what else to say; her head was still throbbing. Ginny wasn't a doctor but she could guess that she'd hit her head against something… and hit it hard.

"He crashed into the side of a tree," the man continued. "My godfather went to go check on him."

"Your godfather?"

"Yeah, we were heading to my parents' house for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary when we witnessed the whole thing."

"Oh." Again, words failed Ginny as the ache in her head increased. A harsh soreness had started to form on her chest and Ginny was having a hard time ignoring it.

"What's your name?"

"Huh?" Ginny shook her head, hoping to clear the fog that had formed, only to instantly regret the motion when the pounding increased ten-fold.

"I asked what your name is."

"It's, erm, it's Ginny."

"Hey, Ginny. My name's Harry." He paused. "I would offer to shake your hand but it seems like your hands are full at the moment."

A shocked laugh came from her. "That's one way to put it."

Silence fell between them. Ginny focused on breathing. The pain in her chest was increasing.

"So, Ginny, where do you work?" Harry's voice was way too calm for the situation, but for some reason, it still soothed Ginny. It reminded her a bit of talking to her brother Bill. How during any problem, Bill kept a level head and tried to keep the rest of the hot-head Weasley's calm.

"I um, I write for Sky Sports. I head the premiere league column."

"Wait." Harry's tone shifted from calm to that of an excited child. "Are you Ginny Weasley?"

Ginny wanted to turn and look at him but resisted the urge. "You read my work?"

"I love it! You're so straight and unbiased, it's refreshing."

"Well, that's incredibly kind of you to say. That's what I always aim for."

"Would it be too forward of me to ask for an autograph?"

Ginny let out a merciless laugh. "Listen, Harry, if you get out of this I'll do you one better. I'll take you out for a pint and then give you an autograph."

"Well now… as if I didn't have enough of a reason before."

Again Ginny's laughter rang out oddly loud in the quiet street. It was an odd thought, but Ginny trusted this complete stranger. She wished she could look at him. Put a face to the name and sweet voice.

Before Ginny could give in to the urge to perform a spin, Harry's raised voice brought her back to reality. "Hey! We're over here! I've got someone trapped in a seat!"

It was only then that Ginny's ears picked up the sounds of other voices, loud car engines, and footsteps pounding cement. In her peripheral vision, she could see the reflection of blue lights.

"Hey, Gin, you still with me?" Harry asked, his voice lowered back to a normal level. "Responders are here."

"Huh." Ginny let out an exaggerated sigh. "And here I was just really starting to appreciate this amazing view,"

Harry snorted. "How about after you buy me that drink I show you a better view?"

"Well, well, well, was that a come on, Harry? I won't lie, this is the most unique place I've ever been flirted with. Not that I'm opposed to your offer."

There was a moment of stunned silence before Harry laughed. "Jesus, you're a cheeky one aren't you?"

Ginny couldn't help but smile. His laugh was adorable. "And don't you forget it."

"Excuse me." A female voice came from near Harry. "My name's Tonks and I'm an EMT. How many are in the car?"

"Just lonely old me," Ginny replied.

"What's your name, miss?"

"Ginny."

"Alright, Ginny, I have a tow truck just a few minutes out and they will pull you back onto the road. Before they get here can I ask you a few questions?"

"Why not. It's not like I've got anything else going on. But don't start off with anything too spicy. I'd hate to embarrass Harry."

"I'll keep that in mind." Tonks sounded amused. "Do you feel any pain?"

"My head is pounding, my chest doesn't feel great, and my back is stiffer than a tree trunk."

"Okay. Can you see any blood?

"Unless I've lost the ability to see red…" She slowly reached for a strand of her hair. "Nope, I can still see red. So no blood."

Ginny heard Harry chuckle and Tonks sigh. She lowered her arm to her chest, wanting to unbuckle the restraint. The tight band was painful on her chest. As she moved to unclick the buckle, her body jerked as the car shifted.

Her body stiffened as the vehicle swayed. She could feel her heart beating rapidly against her chest as her eyes closed.

"Ginny!" Harry's voice called loudly over the rushing blood in her ears. "Stay still."

"And here I was hoping to get a start on my new workout routine," Ginny murmured dryly. She could feel her body shaking as the sound of gusting wind picked up. Bloody English weather and its ability to flip on a dime. Up on a hillside like this, wind speed could get pretty bad… which would be extremely bad for Ginny.

"Ginny?" She recognized Harry's calm tone. "I'm going to come in and get you out. The truck is still five minutes out and I'm not waiting for that."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Ginny could hear the tremor in her words. "Won't adding more weight up to the front likely send us into a nosedive?"

"Not if I have more people sitting on the back." Before Ginny could ask what he was planning she felt the car shifting again, this time from the hatchback boot. She heard the voice of Tonks and another man, then a gentle hand touched her shoulder. She turned her neck just enough to catch a glimpse of her savior's face. His straight nose, thin face, and crooked comforting smile. "Hey, Gin."

"Hey, Harry. Lovely view, right?"

"Not bad, but I think back on the road might be a little better. Wanna see?"

Ginny tried to fire back a cheeky response but a lump had formed in her throat preventing it, so she settled on nodding."

Harry squeezed her shoulder gently. "Alright. Can you unbuckle?"

Again she nodded, her arm slowly moving back to the clicker. When her fingers touched the cool button it took a few tries for it to release. She hadn't realized how numb her hands were until that moment.

"I'm going to put my arm around your chest so you stay still," Harry announced. "Don't worry this isn't me making a move, I have more finesse than this."

Ginny felt his strong arm slowly enclose her body, keeping her back pressed to the seat. She glanced over her shoulder at him. "Oh good, I was hoping I wasn't going to have to explain how a woman likes to be touched there."

Harry leaned ever so slightly forward, allowing their eyes to meet. Ginny's heart stuttered at the bright green color. Despite his serious expression, she could see the amused glint in his eye. "I promise when I make such a move, you'll be very pleased with my knowledge on the subject."

"When, huh?" Ginny raised a brow at him. "That's some confidence."

Without realizing it, Ginny's fingers had steadied enough to hit the release on the buckle and now she was only being held in place by Harry's arm. He had slowly brought his other arm around the seat and had started guiding her body towards the center console. She scooted her legs up near the shifter.

"Yeah, well, they say fake it till you make it, right." Harry's self-deprecating tone made Ginny give a light chuckle.

"That's my motto for everything… except while in bed."

She felt Harry's choked-back laugh as he pulled her into his chest. He had somehow maneuvered her to sit on the fold-down back seat. They sat together, her still facing the front window, his body positioned directly behind her.

Ginny could still see the raging water down below but for some reason having moved from the driver seat made it all feel all the more surreal. There was something about seeing the dangerous drop while leaving the most dangerous zone that made Ginny's heart thud harder than ever against her sore chest.

"Are you — How do you feel?" Harry's voice was soft as his arms continued to hold her tight.

She swallowed a lump in her throat that had suddenly formed. "I — I would really like to get out of this car now."

"Right." Harry started to scoot backward, his hold helping to guide her. "We've only got a little bit to go, alright? I've got you."

Ginny could only nod as they moved in sync like a rowing team. She kept her gaze on the front window as the river and rocks gradually faded from view. The next thing she knew, Harry's warmth was gone from her back and she was being hoisted up by powerful arms.

"We've got you, Ginny." Tonks' steady voice was to her right. Looking around, Ginny discovered she was in Harry's arms as he carried her with ease towards a lifted cot. A pink-haired woman, who Ginny assumed was Tonks, was walking beside Harry, her hand grabbing Ginny's wrist to take a pulse.

"See." Harry smiled down at her. "Told you I had you." He gently lowered her onto the hard cot.

"Thank you, I'll take it from here." Tonks nodded gratefully at Harry before stepping sidestepping him to get to Ginny. Before being pushed away, Harry's hand found Ginny's and squeezed it, bringing a bit of life back to the numbness that had settled back into her limbs.

Ginny's eyes followed Harry as he slowly stepped backward. Their gazes locked over Tonks' shoulder and she felt a rush of heat that had nothing to do with the blanket Tonks had wrapped around her arms. Despite her head pounding and her body aching, Ginny could still recognize the strong attraction that she had for Harry. The man who had most likely saved her life. She wanted to call him back but Tonks moved and blocked him from her sight.

"Ginny, can you start by telling me what your full name is?"

Tonks asked Ginny numerous questions ranging from the date to the current prime minister. She said it was to see how conscious Ginny was. To see if she still could respond to verbal queues. Ginny answered all of the questions with precision, only stumbling a few times. While she was getting her blood pressure taken, Ginny noticed Harry had moved closer to her side. Those stunning green eyes that captivated her came back and Ginny could feel her pulse quicken.

"Everything is coming back as normal, or at least as normal as it can after such an incident," Tonks told her as she loosened the band around her arm. "I would still like to take you into the hospital for observation."

"Alright," Ginny agreed easily. She knew she likely had at least a concussion and figured it was best to get checked out.

"Great." Tonks opened up a black bag that she'd placed on the ground beside the cot. She quickly threw all her equipment into the bag before snapping it shut. "I'll go let my partner know." She glanced over her shoulder at the police officer approaching them. "He's going to be looking for a statement. If you don't feel up to it —"

Ginny shook her head, immediately regretting the action, and stopped. "It's fine."

Tonks stared at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll be back in a moment." Bag in one hand, she waved over the uniformed man. "You have five minutes before I'm taking Miss Weasley into Exeter."

"That should be more than enough." The officer had a deep rough voice that reminded Ginny of when her brother had swallowed a bunch of sand for a dare. His appearance wasn't any more comforting. He looked as if he'd been through the wringer and kept going back for more. When he smiled (or what she figured was supposed to be a smile) it had the opposite effect that most smiles had. "Hello, Miss Weasley. My name is Sergeant Moody. I have a few questions for you."

"Okay," Ginny said, stifling a yawn. She was starting to struggle to keep her eyes open.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

"Sergeant, I can give you a statement so Miss Weasley can get some rest." It was like a bolt of lightning hit Ginny, shocking her awake, when she heard Harry's voice. He had moved from the sidelines to stand by her side. His hand came to softly rub at her lower back which felt heavenly.

"And you are?" Moody asked, his lips twisting into a deep frown.

"Detective Potter of the MET. Homicide division."

That surprised Ginny so much she twisted to look at him. He didn't look how she'd expect a detective to look… well, except the kind on television.

Moody took Harry's identification and nodded. "Well, Detective Potter, as you know, I'll still need her account of the accident."

"Yes but you can get it after she settles in hospital," Harry argued. "No disrespect Sergeant Moody, but for now my testimony should be enough."

The grisly officer stared at them for a moment. He had two different colored, eyes and Ginny swore the electric blue one could see right through her. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. Miss Weasley, I will visit you after you've been cleared by your doctors. Detective Potter, as soon as you're done here, come find me." And with that he walked off, Ginny noticing a slight limp.

"He's a good guy," Harry said, making Ginny's attention fall back onto him. He was smiling at her with a sweet, adorable smile. He gave her shoulder a light squeeze. "How are you, Ginny?"

"I'm —" Ginny started to say she was fine but choked on the words. She swallowed, ready to try again but again the words wouldn't leave her mouth. Instead, a startling sob rose from her throat. Once one escaped there was nothing Ginny could do to hold back the tidal waves of emotions that coursed through her. Uncontrollably tears started leaking onto her cheeks as her body shook with her failure to suppress her sobs.

"Oh no, Gin," Harry's arms wrapped fully around her as he turned her into his chest. "Ginny, it's alright. You'll be alright."

Ginny dug her fingers into the back of his jacket, holding on for dear life. It was like he was a ring buoy and she was drowning in the ocean. He had become a sudden lifeline and Ginny wasn't sure she could let go. His hands started rubbing soothing circles on her back as he murmured words of comfort. When he pressed a kiss to the side of her head, Ginny let out a loud sob.

They stayed like that until Ginny finally gained control, her throat raw and her eyes stinging. She pulled away from his chest, words of apology forming in her head until he pulled her back to him. His hand threaded gently in her hair as he continued to hold her. "Don't you dare apologize," His tone was soothing as he lightly massaged her scalp. "I know you're a strong woman but after what you just went through… you deserve a moment to lose it."

How did he understand her so well? How could he just know what she needed? Know the right things to say? They had never met before this horrible incident and yet he seemed to know her at her core. She prided herself on being tough and independent but sometimes she just needed to lose it without judgment. And to have someone to hold her while it was all happening.

She pulled away from him again, tilting her neck so she looked up into his gorgeous eyes. "Thank you." Without thinking about it she gently pressed her lips to his in a chaste kiss. When she pulled back Ginny watched his lips curl into a goofy and completely adorable smile.

"Is that how you thank everyone, or…."

"I reserve that for special cases." Ginny could feel her own lips turning to match his. "So far this has been the first case."

"Well, you won't hear me complaining." Harry's hand slowly moved around to cup her jaw. "Does that hurt?"

"Trust me, pain is the last thing on my mind," Ginny murmured as her heart raced faster than a formula one car. When Harry started to lean in she closed her eyes, already anticipating the feel of his lips again.

"What are you doing?!" Ginny's eyes shot open as Harry jerked back from her. Tonks stood to her side, her expression reminding Ginny of a disapproving mother. "Detective Potter I allowed you a moment as a professional courtesy, but —"

"I'm sorry," Harry's hand shot to the back of his neck. "I didn't come over here too — I mean I won't lie I definitely thought about it, but I hadn't planned to —"

"I don't care about your plans." Tonks stepped forward, pushing Harry back with a hand to his chest. "I'm taking Miss Weasley to Exeter." Her expression softened as she adjusted Ginny back onto the cot. "If Miss Weasley wants, you can visit her there."

"Please." Ginny tried to sit up enough to look at Harry, but Tonks kept her down with a firm hand.

"I'll be your first visitor," Harry claimed from somewhere to her right. "I — I — get some rest, Gin."

"Oh that won't be a problem," Ginny muttered, her eyes already shutting on their own accord. Between the blanket Tonks had covered her in, the soft pillow behind her head, and the draining adrenaline in her system, Ginny's body was done.

Tonks chuckled lightly. "Alright, Girl. How about you just take a nap and we'll be at the hospital before you know it."

"I don't really sleep well in cars!" The words sounded as if they came from the far side of a tunnel, yet Ginny knew they'd come from her mouth. She heard Tonks chuckled again as the cot started to slowly roll. It was weird how peaceful the movement was. Ginny wouldn't have thought it possible to sleep while being driven in the back of an ambulance, but the moment the doors had closed behind her Ginny was out cold.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So I'd just like to keep you overnight for observation, but based on the CT scans I think you'll be just fine, Miss Weasley," Doctor Pomfrey said, her lips curled into a pleasant smile. "We'll keep the lights dimmed in here to help with the headache. You'll feel incredibly sore for the next few days and we can prescribe something for the pain. Just let one of the nurses if you need anything."

Then five seconds later the doctor was gone and Ginny was alone in the dark room. She fell back onto the lumpy pillows not sure what to do with herself. She was tired, that was for sure, but after the hour nap in the ambulance ride and the nerves of all the tests the doctors performed, Ginny felt awake.

She could hear the sound of bustling feet and many voices outside of the small room they'd placed her into after all the tests. Ginny tried to listen to one of the conversations but found it difficult to focus. Her head was pounding worse than ever and her doctor told her the concussion would slowly heal itself. As for her back… well that was going to take more than popping some pain meds.

A quiet knock on her door made Ginny's head rise quickly from the pillow. Instantly she regretted the motion and relaxed back. "Come in."

Light filtered in behind a tall shadowed figure. The visitor shut the door behind them with a soft click. It took a moment for Ginny's eyes to adjust to the dimmed room again but it only took a few seconds for her to recognize that crooked smile.

"Hi, Ginny." His soft voice was sweet as he approached the bed. "Remember me?"

Ginny squinted, forcing herself to resist the smile tugging at her lips. "No. Sorry. Concussion gave me some temporary amnesia.".

Her visitor placed an appalled hand to his chest. She could see the delighted light twinkling in his eyes. "With the wedding tomorrow? Whatever shall we tell our guests?"

Ginny chuckled. "Hi, Harry," His name rolled off her tongue with ease. The butterflies that fluttered in her stomach were the best thing she'd felt in hours.

"Hey, Gin," Harry repeated, the nickname he'd given her sounding like a perfect symphony on his tongue. "How do you feel?"

"Like I was in a car accident, but I hear that's normal after being in a car accident."

Harry chuckled. "I'd guess you're right." He grabbed a stiff wooden chair that sat against the wall and placed it on her right side. As he sat down his hand grabbed her, lacing their fingers so naturally, it sent another round of lovely butterflies through Ginny's stomach. "So, I don't want to load too much onto you after all you've been through, but… maybe once you have a chance to get yourself back on track — That is I was wondering if you'd like —"

She watched his eyes flicker around the room. His nerves were practically palpable. Ginny had a guess at what he was trying to get at, and despite wanting him to ask, she was never one to miss an opportunity to tease someone. With skills she'd developed being the youngest and only girl of a large family, Ginny made her expression overly innocent. "What was that, Harry?"

He sucked in a deep breath as his eyes came back to hers. "I was wondering if you'd… you'd like to get a drink?"

"Oh!" Ginny beamed at him. "I'd love some water. The nurse left a jug over there." She gestured with her free hand.

Harry blinked at her once, then twice in confusion before he realized where his question had gone off course. To his credit he took the misunderstanding in stride, squeezing her hand as he rose from the chair.

One part of her wanted to giggle at the little game she was playing, but the other part of Ginny wanted to swoon over how amazing Harry was being as he poured her a cup of ice-cold water. He even situated the straw in the cup to be easier for her.

"Thank you, Harry." She said as he held the cup in front of her.

"My pleasure." That damn beautiful smile he had curling his lips nearly made her give up her little game. But Ginny was a Weasley and a Weasley never gave up on a prank so easily, even if they had to resist kissing a beautiful man. So rather than focusing on the man in front of her, Ginny took his offering. After one sip Ginny couldn't stop. She hadn't realized how thirsty she actually was until that moment. Before she knew it the entire cup was empty and she was sucking at air.

Harry pulled the cup away once Ginny released the straw. "Wow, that was some impressive sucking."

Ginny could only stare at Harry. She wanted to laugh at the typical double meaning of his phrasing, but before she could decide how to react Harry visibility cringed. He put the cup down on a side table placed his head in his hand. When he spoke his words were muffled. "Oh, God. That sounded so wrong."

This time Ginny couldn't resist. Her laughter came out strong, echoing around the room. "Oh, so wrong!"

"I'm so sorry," Harry said, lifting his head. "I didn't mean to say… say something so… I'm sorry."

Ginny waved a dismissive hand at him, still laughing. "I grew up with six brothers, trust me when I say I heard worse. Hell, I know I've said much worse." She reached out a hand pulling him back to her. He came willingly, his cheeks a bright red even in the dimmed room.

He looked too adorable with his sheepish grin and bright blush that Ginny couldn't resist teasing him. "Besides, Harry, I only take the offer to suck from someone I like." Harry's jaw dropped a surprising choking sound rising from his throat. Ginny let him flounder for a few seconds before laughing so hard it made the pain in her chest worse. "You should see your face."

Harry shook his head, a smile slowly creeping onto his lips. "Jesus, Gin, I can't believe you said that."

"Well, I was just in a car accident, and teasing you is bringing me some… comfort so I couldn't pass on the opportunity."

"That's fair enough," Harry took her hand in his giving it a gentle squeeze. "I would hate to deny you of any comfort." They stared at each other with silent smiles speaking a thousand words. Those butterflies that his grin created came out in a powerful wave and Ginny's eyes lingered on his mouth.

His bottom lip tucked into his teeth as he released a deep breath. "Ginny, I was wondering… maybe once you're up and moving… what I'm asking… more hoping… was to take you out?"

Ginny quirked a brow at him. "Like on a date or with a sniper?"

And as she hoped Harry's jaw dropped in surprise before he lifted his eyes to the ceiling for a moment before meeting her gaze. "I already feel like such a prat for doing this at the worst moment of your life, but I just… I would regret it forever if I didn't ask you because… just in the little time I've spent with you… I really want to get to know you more. And I know this is the worst time but I can't help but —"

"Harry," Ginny reached up and covered his mouth with her hand effectively cutting his spirling ramble. "Harry, I'd love to go out with you."

Even in the dimmed light, she could see his shoulder relax. "Really?"

"I figured that kiss would have hinted toward my interest. Not to mention I already agreed that I was going to treat you to a pint."

She could feel his mouth curling into a grin against her palm. "I mean I hoped, but I didn't want to assume."

Ginny slid her hand away from his lips, settling on his right cheek. His crooked grin was even better than she remembered. "That's smart, Harry, because assuming leads to letting down your guard. I'm known for keeping people on their toes."

Harry leaned down so his lips hovered inches over hers. "I've noticed."

Ginny laughed. "I'm glad. I'd hate for you to discover it far down the line. At least now you now know what you're in for."

"That I do," He murmured, "And I'm very excited to see where you take me." Then he closed the gap between them.

Ginny never thought she'd be grateful to the prick who side-swiped her, but as Harry's lips met hers, she considered sending the prick a bouquet.