Wednesday, August 13th 2003

Completely lost in thought, Harry stared out the window of the cafe. He didn't notice the hustle and bustle outside in the street.

He reached for the sugar bowl, filled a spoonful of sugar in his coffee, and began to stir.

He had to see her.

Why in the world had he been so stupid to suggest Friday as their first date? That was almost a whole week without her.

He lifted the cup and took a sip of his coffee. Damn it. The coffee was cold and way too sweet. A glance at his watch confirmed that he'd been sitting here for half an hour, stirring his coffee. Who knows how much sugar he had already put in the coffee? His sandwich was still untouched.

He looked out of the window, over to the entrance to the law company where he'd met with Ms Granger earlier in the morning. He was tempted to ask her how he could reach Ginny. But Ginny had asked him to be a surprise guest at her birthday party, and Harry had the impression that interrogating Ms Granger about Ginny would spoil the surprise.

The day before, he almost went to St Mungo's to ask where one Ginny Weasley works. But he would look like a stalker if he'd seek her out at work, wouldn't he?

But he had to see her. And not just on Friday.

The only option Harry saw, was to wait for her in the pub. She'd mentioned that she met her friends there every Thursday before they watched a movie.

Harry grinned. It had been a long time since he'd been in a cinema. He remembered the snogging couples in the last row he'd secretly observed. He'd give everything to sit in the last row with her tonight.

Frustrated, he glanced at his sandwich and the cup of cold coffee, got up and headed for the door. He simply didn't have an appetite today.

** Ginny & Harry **

Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table at the Burrow, watching her mother prepare dinner. She loved the cosy atmosphere of her childhood home and her mother's cooking and tried to visit as often as possible. But somehow, she couldn't enjoy this atmosphere today. She felt restless.

She'd spent the afternoon after class in her dorm room in St. Mungo's, trying to read a text about the treatment of dragon pox in infants. When she finally realized that she was staring at the same page for half an hour, she'd tried a practical occupation and started tidying up her wardrobe. In the end, she'd given up; she just couldn't concentrate.

She just couldn't get Harry out of her mind. She'd always rolled her eyes whenever she'd heard the saying about someone having butterflies in their stomach. Now she could feel every single butterfly. And there were plenty.

After lying on her bed for hours staring at the ceiling, she had finally fled her chamber in the halls of St. Mungo's. She'd needed a distraction, and her mother had been happy to have her over at the Burrow.

An overwhelming sense of longing came over her, causing her goose bumps, and almost brought tears to her eyes.

Ginny sighed. She couldn't deny it, she had to see him.

Why on earth had she been so stupid to accept Friday as their first date? That was almost a whole week without him.

Unfortunately, she had no idea how she could reach him. Asking Hermione about his whereabouts was out of the question.

"Ginny?" she heard her mother's concerned voice.

As Ginny looked up, her mother stood in front of her. "Yes, Mum?"

"What's the matter with you? I talk to you all the time and you don't listen. With the dreamy smile on your face, one might think you're in love."

"Mum," Ginny blushed.

"Oh," Molly chuckled. "Seems I hit a nerve."

No, Ginny thought, she couldn't tell her mother. Not yet. How would she look if Harry didn't show up on Friday and it was all over before it even began?

She had to see him.

"I'm just looking forward to my birthday party," she replied when her mother didn't stop watching her.

Ginny glanced at her watch and rolled her eyes. It was seven o'clock - still two more days until she'd met him. Impatiently she tapped her fingers on the table.

She was glad that she'd meet Luna and Demelza tomorrow afternoon. Going to the cinema would be the perfect distraction.

Spending the evening in the Burrow suddenly didn't look like a good idea. She was far too restless, and if she'd stay any longer, her mother would probably worm the news out of her.

She leapt to her feet and headed over to her mother. Giving her a hug, she stammered, "I'm sorry, Mum. We...er, I just remembered. I have to write an essay by tomorrow."

Her mother looked at her worriedly. "And what about your dinner?"

"I'm sorry." Ginny shrugged. She simply didn't have an appetite today.

** Ginny & Harry **

Thursday, August 14th 2003

Harry sat on a barstool at the end of the counter and surveyed the crowd in the pub. With a sigh, he glanced at the clock above the entrance. He'd taken his lookout post at five o'clock in the hope to meet Ginny before she'd head to the cinema. It was almost half past eight now, he'd just finished his fourth pint and was still waiting in vain.

His gaze wandered over the blackboard with the Special Offers of the day he had memorized in the last few hours. His eyes paused on the framed slogan and read it for the umpteenth time.

When Life Gives

~ You Lemons ~

Add

Gin & Tonic

~ We have Both ~

Gin. Harry sighed.

A laugh startled him from his thoughts, and Harry sent a searching glance towards the door.

False alarm. As so often this evening.

He took a deep breath and ran his hand absent-mindedly through his hair. It wouldn't hurt to wait another half hour, would it? He waved to Tom to order a new pint. "Are you sure they will show up tonight?" Harry asked not for the first time, barely hiding his frustration.

Tom grinned at Harry as he filled him another pint. "Positive, the girls meet here every Thursday, sometimes they are a bit earlier, sometimes a bit later."

He placed Harry's glass on the counter and nodded to the entrance. "Look, there they are."

Harry turned around and saw Luna enter the pub with a brunette girl in tow. They giggled over something and walked over to a free booth.

But where was Ginny?

Harry looked over to the entrance. His face fell. There was no sign of Ginny.

"I'll be right back," Harry mumbled and hesitantly walked over to the girls who were just taking their seats and stowing their handbags in the back of the booth.

Luna looked up as Harry reached the table and smiled. "Oh, Harry, it's nice to meet you again. Would you like to join us?" She pointed to the empty bench opposite her.

"Oh..." Harry started. "I was hoping to meet…"

"Ginny will be right here," Luna chuckled. "She just had to use the loo."

"That's ... great," Harry stammered and let his eyes wander over to the toilet. Remembering his drink at the bar, he muttered, " I'll be right back." He fetched his beer from the bar and sat down on the bench opposite the two women.

"Good evening," said Harry and gave Luna's friend a friendly smile. "I am Harry."

"Good evening. I'm Demelza," the brunette replied, glancing from Harry to Luna.

"Yeah, that's Harry," Luna confirmed. "He's Ginny's boyfriend."

"Ginny's boyfriend?" The brunette raised her eyebrows. "She never told us about you."

"Oh." Harry blushed. "I wouldn't call it ..."

"They met on Ginny's birthday," Luna explained.

"Harry, you're here?" A gentle voice made Harry held his breath. His jaw dropped as he turned towards the voice. There she was, standing only a few feet away from him. Wide-eyed, he gawked at her, absorbing every detail of her appearance.

Her brown eyes were beaming at him. Her red lips were giving him the loveliest smile he'd ever seen. Her radiant red hair was tied into a ponytail. She was wearing a figure-hugging green T-shirt Harry recognized the club crest of the Holyhead Harpies on, matching skin-tight blue jeans and sneakers.

When Harry finally was able to think again, he leapt up, took a few steps towards Ginny and reached for her hand. "Hi, I hope you don't mind, but I had to see you."

"I'm glad you came," Ginny whispered and gave him a bright smile.

Harry grinned from ear to ear. He desperately wanted to hug and kiss her but wasn't sure if she'd want that in front of her friends. "I...er, I just couldn't wait until tomorrow," he stammered.

Ginny solved the problem by getting up on her tiptoes and kissed him gently on the lips. "Yeah, how stupid of us to wait until Friday."

"Uh...we wouldn't mind if you sit with us." Luna chirped in.

"Of course, Luna." Ginny chuckled. "Where else would we sit?" She took Harry's hand and led him back to her friends.

Noticing the empty table, Harry looked around. "Okay girls, what do you want to drink?"

"You don't have to do that." Ginny gave Harry a stern look.

"But I want to," Harry insisted, giving her a lopsided grin.

"Blokes," Ginny muttered, shaking her head. "Okay, but I'll come with you to lend you a hand." When Harry tried to protest, she added, "You don't even know what the girls want to drink."

"Okay, then." Harry raised his hands. "Lead the way."

When they returned from the bar, Harry placed two glasses of Cider in front of the girls and sat down next to Ginny, who was holding her glass of bitter beer.

"Cheers," said Harry, raising his glass. He looked around at the girls as they clinked glasses.

"So, Ginny." Demelza leaned forward and gave Ginny and reproachful look. "Spill the beans. Why did you hide your boyfriend from us?"

"Boyfriend?" Ginny glanced at Harry.

Harry squeezed her hand and met her gaze. "If you want me..."

Ginny chuckled. "I told you, you won't get rid of me so easily."

"Sounds like a yes to me." Harry grinned.

"How long have you been together?" Demelza couldn't suppress her curiosity.

"We met on my birthday, or rather on Harry's birthday last week. If you'd been here on my birthday, you would know." Ginny smirked.

Demelza rolled her eyes. "I had the late classes on Monday, thank you very much."

"Demelza also is a trainee at St Mungo's," Ginny explained. "Her dorm room is right next to mine."

The girl gave Harry a prying look. "I take it, you are a wizard?"

Harry nodded. "Is it so obvious?"

"Otherwise, you wouldn't know about St Mungo's." Demelza gave him a smirk.

"It would be much more interesting what you are doing for your living, Harry," Luna interjected.

"Luna!" Ginny giggled. "That's not an interview." She winked at Harry. "Luna works at the Quibbler. Her father is the publisher."

"The Quibbler?" Harry looked up interested.

"You know the Quibbler?" Luna asked.

"Of course." Harry adjusted his glasses and smiled at Luna. "I read it every week." Reaching for his glass, he nodded to Luna and took a long sip.

Ginny cocked her head and gave Harry an enquiring look.

"I read a lot of newspapers," Harry shrugged. "That's part of my job."

"What's your job if I may ask?" Demelza chipped in.

"Oh." Harry lifted his hand. "Depends. All kind of investigations," he said evasively.

"For a newspaper?" Luna asked.

"Nah, it's more for..."

Ginny put her hand on his arm. "Sometimes he works for Hermione's company."

"Yeah, right." Harry nodded. "What about Ms Granger? I'd expected her to be here, too."

"Oh, sometimes she is. But she often works overtime or goes out with her beau," Luna grinned.

"Beau," Ginny sniggered, rolling her eyes. "He's my brother."

"The red-haired bloke on the picture on her desk is your brother?" Harry gave Ginny a surprised look.

"I hope so," Ginny replied with a crooked grin. "As far as I know, he's the only bloke she's dating."

** Ginny & Harry **

It was an hour later when Luna put her empty glass on the table and sighed. "It was a wonderful evening, but it's time to go home."

"I'll come with you," Demelza agreed and gave Ginny a questioning look.

Ginny hesitated. She'd hoped to spend some time alone with Harry. When her friends got up and reached for their handbags, she raised an eyebrow and glanced up to him. Nervously, she twisted a strand of her hair around her finger as she watched him adjusting his glasses, giving her a shy grin.

Harry reached for her hand and absentmindedly brushed the calluses on her palm. "If you don't mind, I'd like to walk you home."

Ginny beamed. "I'd love that." She took her handbag and accepted Harry's hand as he led her out.

When they stepped out into the street, they said goodbye to Luna and Demelza, who strolled over to a side street to Apparate home.

"So, finally alone," said Harry softly and took her in his arms.

Ginny put her arms around Harry's waist and snuggled against his chest. "Yeah, finally. Though, I had the impression you enjoyed the evening with my friends."

"Yes, your friends are really nice." Harry gently stroked her hair.

Ginny sighed, "I think we have to see each other more often."

"I like that idea," Harry laughed.

"Yeah, it's only been two days and apparently you forgot how to kiss", Ginny pouted, looking up at Harry.

A grin spread across her face as Harry slowly lowered his head. Closing her eyes, she rose on her toes until she felt his lips on hers. She moaned softly as he pulled her closer and opened her lips to grant him access.

"Oi, take a room," a voice interrupted them. "At least don't block the door."

Ginny giggled and dragged Harry with her. "Come on. Let's go."

As Harry put his arm around her shoulder, she snuggled closer to him, enjoying his closeness. Slowly they strolled along the sidewalk towards the city centre.

"So, Harry Potter," Ginny began. "How come you never went to Hogwarts and no one knows what you look like. When my brother went to Hogwarts, we all hoped you would show up there. We were all very disappointed when you never came. It took us a couple of years to realize that you'd never come."

Harry laughed. "Yeah, I remember. I almost went to Hogwarts back then, but my godfather thought it wasn't safe enough."

Ginny looked at Harry, her eyebrows raised.

"At that time, there were some rumours, and Sirius wanted me to grow up in a safe place. He thought it would be better if nobody knew where I live and how I looked like." He sighed, "Believe me, I would have loved to go to Hogwarts."

"Sirius is your godfather," Ginny asked.

"He was." Harry paused, took a deep breath and continued softly, "Sirius was like a father to me. He died that night when ..." he hesitated. "But we can talk about that another time."

"Of course," Ginny replied, pulling Harry closer and leaning her head against his shoulder.

After a few minutes of silence, Harry slowly continued, "I would have loved to go to Hogwarts to make friends. Sirius told me a lot about his time at Hogwarts. It was fun listening to his tales." Harry chuckled. "Even I'm not sure if everything he told me was true, though."

"I wouldn't have wanted to miss my time at Hogwarts," Ginny said. "It's the place where I grew up, made friends, and had fun - and Quidditch."

"Yeah, Quidditch. I'd have loved to play Quidditch and have friends." Harry took a deep breath. "On the other hand," he paused a moment to collect his thoughts. "I'd probably have the hell of a life now. Everybody would know who I am and where to find me. The press would be tailing me day and night. To be honest, I like my life the way it is now.

"The first years after Voldemort's downfall have been hard. Sirius was gone and I was alone most of the time. I avoided the public because the press hunted me. Teddy was my only distraction until everything had calmed down and no one was looking for me anymore. I slowly started to go out of the house - just for a walk, or have a beer in the pub. One night, I met someone in a pub who was looking for someone to do some investigations. I really like that job. You're mostly at your own."

Time flew by as Ginny listened to the story of Harry's life. Occasionally, she briefly glanced up to him, wondering how his life would have been if he'd attended Hogwarts - and if they would have been friends.

As they turned around the next corner, Ginny stopped and pointed to the side entrance of St. Mungo's. "Here we are, I'd like to invite you for a drink, but unfortunately, visitors are not allowed after eight."

"So, next time it's your turn to walk me home." Harry gave her a lopsided grin. "In my house, there are no visitor regulations."

"Isn't it dangerous for an innocent girl like me to be alone with a man in his house?" Ginny grinned at him mischievously.

"Oh," Harry laughed, brushing a stray piece of hair away from her face. "Last time, I had the impression that you can take good care of yourself."

She beat him playfully against the chest. "As long as you don't try to steal my bag, you're safe."

Harry grabbed her wrist and hold her tight. "Good to know," he chuckled and slowly leaned forward. "I hope kissing you is safe then."

As she slowly stretched up to him, Ginny studied Harry's emerald eyes, whose warm gaze seemed to look deep into her very soul. She suddenly felt vulnerable, but she didn't care. When she felt his lips on hers, she closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck to get closer to him.

Their bodies seemed to melt into each other as the dance of their tongues and the smell of Harry began to cloud her senses. No, was her last thought before she completely gave in. She was'nt vulnerable, she was exactly where she wanted to be.

Later, much later, when they finally broke apart, Ginny breathed in Harry's ear, "I'm really glad you came tonight. I didn't know I could miss someone so badly."

"Me neither," whispered Harry. "I wouldn't mind holding you all night." Pulling her head to his chest, he murmured, "I would have come to meet you yesterday if I'd known where to find you."

Ginny sniggered. "And I almost asked Hermione where to find you. But then I thought it wasn't a good idea. Does Hermione know who you are?" Ginny glanced up at him, her eyebrows raised.

"I'm not sure." Harry pondered aloud. "Her boss knows who I am, Ms Granger probably only knows me as Mr Potter. We get along very well, but we're not really on first-name terms."

"That will be fun." Ginny beamed.

Harry gave her a curious look. "What are you up to?"

"You just have to wait." Ginny grinned. She suddenly looked worried. "You're coming on Sunday?"

"I'd love to," Harry said. "But you have to tell me a bit more about your family before I'll enter the lion's den."

"Lion's den," sniggered Ginny. "Do I look like a lioness?"

"With your red mane you look more like a lion," Harry grinned.

"A lion, my arse." Ginny cupped her breast and weighed them. "Do I need to explain the difference between girls and boys to you?"

"Sounds like fun. How about tomorrow?"

"Brat," Ginny slapped his arm and got on her toes to kiss him. "See you tomorrow, Harry," she whispered. "At five o'clock in Hyde Park near the Speakers' Corner?"

"Yeah, five o'clock," Harry replied.

Ginny smiled as she crossed the street, knowing that Harry's eyes were following her all the time. As she opened the door, she sighed and turned to wave good-bye to Harry.

Tomorrow would be a long, dreary day until she'd finally meet him again.