Friday, August 15th 2003
Harry dipped the biscuit in his cappuccino and bit a piece off. He took a sip of his still hot drink and glanced at his watch.
It was too early. Ginny wouldn't be here for another twenty minutes.
He let his gaze wander over the crowd listening to a bald man with big black glasses shouting out crude theories about the end of the world. Most of the audience had an amused grin on their lips, while others listened with a serious expression and an occasional approving nod.
"Hi, you are early. Couldn't wait to see me?" A cheerful voice startled Harry out of his observations.
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, he looked up at Ginny and pointed at his watch. "I'm not the only one who's early." His jaw dropped, and his eyes widened when he took in Ginny's appearance.
Her long red hair fell over her shoulders and fit perfectly with her black sleeveless T-shirt. Her warm brown eyes were sparkling mischievously. The hint of lipstick she'd applied magically attracted his eyes. Unable to avert his gaze, he swallowed and felt an urgent need to kiss her.
"Is something wrong with my chin," Ginny asked puzzled and ran her hand over her mouth.
"No," Harry said in a low voice and swallowed again. Leaning forward, he gave her a soft peck on the lips. "You look great. Your hair sparkles so beautifully in the daylight - and your lips ... I just can't help it." He leaned in and kissed her again, this time a bit firmer.
"Thanks," Ginny replied when they broke apart, blushing slightly.
"Do you want a drink?" Harry asked. "I was early and got me a cappuccino to pass the time."
"No, thanks." Ginny grabbed the remains of Harry's biscuit and put it in her mouth. "I was at my parents after work, and my mother insisted on me having a cup of tea and scones."
"That's a pity." Harry pouted. "I wanted to invite you to dinner."
"Dinner sounds good," Ginny chuckled. "Don't worry, we Weasleys know how to eat." She hesitated a moment before she said, "But we don't have to have a fancy dinner - there is a nice place not far from here where they serve delicious fish and chips."
Harry laughed. "Okay, then I'll save the Italian with the delicious pizza for our next date."
Ginny reached for Harry's cup. "Come, let me help you." She took a sip and nodded approvingly. "Mmm, perfect. Next time, I'll take that too." She took another sip and moaned softly. "I usually have a Mochaccino."
"Mochaccino?" Harry pursed his lips. "That's a bit too sweet for my taste."
"Yeah, I used to like sweet." Ginny shrugged. "But that ought to change as you get older."
"Older?" Harry snorted. "You?"
"Hey, I'm not a kid anymore," Ginny protested.
"That's for sure," Harry agreed. "But you're not old."
"Prat," Ginny slapped Harry's arm, giving him an accusing look. "You know what I mean."
"I'm sorry," Harry grinned. "Prat or not, I must insist, you're not old, you're perfect." Reaching for her hand, he got up and said, "Where do they serve that delicious fish and chips, you're so keen on?"
"At the Lido," Ginny replied, amusedly shaking her head. "Right here in Hyde Park."
"Ah. That's the place where you sit so nicely by the water and watch the boats, isn't it?" asked Harry.
"Right there," Ginny confirmed, slipping under Harry's arm.
They strolled down one of the alleyways that led to The Serpentine, watching the passers-by.
"Have you often been here?" Ginny asked, looking up at Harry. "I mean, as a kid with your godfather?"
"When I was little, we sometimes went to the zoo and Regent's Park," Harry replied. "But when I got older, Sirius said it would be too dangerous, and somebody could recognize me. He was a bit paranoid, you know. No one really knew what I looked like. Who should have recognized me?" After a few moments of silence, he continued, "And you? Did you visit the zoo? I've just noticed, I've never asked you where you're from. You're not from London, are you?"
Ginny laughed. "No, I'm from Devon. I've only been to London when we were in Diagon Alley to buy school supplies, and when we rode the Hogwarts Express. As a kid, I've never been to the zoo. We always played around the house. But after I moved to London, Luna has often dragged me to the zoo. Sometimes, she helps out in the magical part of the zoo. She and her father are obsessed with magical creatures."
"Teddy and me, we often go to the zoo," Harry said. "We've been there last weekend."
When they reached Serpentine Bridge, they made a short stop to take a view over the lake. In the warm afternoon sun, numerous boats were out on the lake. Under the umbrellas on the shore, hordes of visitors were enjoying their drinks and the beautiful weather.
The Lido was pretty crowded, and the tables occupied. Fortunately, a couple and their two children were just leaving, and Harry and Ginny sat down at their table next to the water.
Harry went to the restaurant to get fish and chips for both, and two pints of bitter.
"Hmm, looks delicious," Ginny praised and lifted her glass. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Harry replied laughing. "I hope the fish and chips are as good as you promised."
"The best you've ever had," Ginny assured him. "And don't you dare to complain."
Harry took a bite of fish and some mashed peas. It was pretty good. Satisfied, he watched Ginny, who was busy polishing her plate, giving him an occasional smile.
When she'd finished her fish, she grinned at him, her mouth still full. She swallowed and pointed to Harry's plate. "Did I promise too much?"
"It was perfect." Harry nodded, shovelling the last piece of fish in his mouth. He washed it down with a sip of his beer and nodded towards the lake. "Watch out! We've got visitors."
"Yikes," Ginny yelped in surprise as a duck attacked her leg. "Merlin, what have I done to you?" Giggling, she took a chip from her plate and threw it to the duck to keep it away.
"That may have been a mistake." Harry laughed, knowing what would happen next.
"Oi, that can't be true" Ginny cried as a whole herd of ducks marched toward their table. She finished her beer and was about to leave the remaining chips to the ducks as she froze and muttered wide-eyed, "Oh, not those two. Harry, we better go now."
"Are you afraid of the ducks?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Don't ask. Just let's go. I'll explain later." Ginny got up and dragged Harry with her.
Harry looked around uncertainly but couldn't find anything suspicious. When they'd hurried around the next corner, Ginny turned and looked searchingly around. "Good. They didn't see us."
"Who didn't see us?" Harry glanced back but couldn't spot anyone he knew.
"My brother, and Hermione." Ginny waved her hand in the direction they had come from. "I didn't know they knew this place, but then, Ron always knows how to find good food."
"And why exactly are we running away from your brother?" Harry asked bewildered.
"I don't want them to see us." Ginny raised her hand as if the reason was obvious.
"Er - why?" Harry asked dumbfounded.
"I want you to be the surprise guest for my birthday party, and if Hermione sees us together, she'll ask too many questions, and aside from that, I'd like to see her face when you show up at the Burrow on Sunday."
"The Burrow?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"The house where I grew up is called the Burrow." Ginny grinned. "It's a very special house, you'll see."
Harry shook his head. "You are full of surprises. I'm glad you've told me beforehand. I just hope your surprised brothers won't tie and interrogate your surprise guest - or feed him to the chickens."
"Hahaha," laughed Ginny. "I didn't think of that, but don't worry, I'll come to your rescue."
Harry shook his head in disbelief. "I take it your previous boyfriends survived their first visit, so I don't need to be too scared."
Ginny suddenly looked serious. She glanced up at Harry and mumbled, "You're the first boyfriend I'm going to introduce to my family."
"Oh, that's...oh." Harry reached out to brush a stray piece of hair away from Ginny's face and slowly leaned in gave her a gentle kiss. "And it's the first time for me to meet the family of my girlfriend." Harry grinned. "I guess I better show up well dressed and freshly showered."
"Freshly showered sounds like a good idea." Ginny sniggered. "But there is no need to get dressed like a dandy. Just be as you are, and they'll love you."
Harry took Ginny by the hand and they strolled along the lakeside way.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?" Ginny asked. "I'll be at the Burrow tomorrow morning to help to prepare my birthday party." She sighed. "Actually, I'm supposed to sleep there tonight."
"My Saturday afternoons are reserved for Teddy," Harry said and gave her a pensive glance. "If you want, you can come along."
"Oh, I'd love to." A smile crossed Ginny's face. "Any plans what you two want to do?"
"I don't know yet." Harry shrugged. "Maybe we'll go to the London Eye. I'm sure Teddy would love to ride the Ferris wheel."
"Sounds like fun." Ginny looked up at Harry. "Did you know that you always have a happy smile on your lips when you talk about your godson?"
"I love him, he's a wonderful boy," Harry answered. "It's always fun to spend time with him."
"I'm really looking forward to meeting Teddy." Ginny bit her lower lip. "I just hope he'll like me."
"Who in Merlin's name wouldn't like you?" Harry took Ginny in his arm and kissed her on her hair.
Ginny stopped and looked up at him. "Usually I don't care if people do like me or not, but somehow I want Teddy to like me."
"Teddy will love you as much as I do," Harry said and rested his forehead on hers, looking into her eyes.
Ginny beamed and watched him closely. "So, you love me?"
"Oh," Harry said and paused to ponder what he'd just said. Though it hadn't been intentional, it certainly wasn't a coincidence either. Ever since he'd seen her for the first time, Ginny has permanently been in his thoughts - and dreams. But the latter was something he'd better not confess right now. Noticing Ginny's scrutiny, he stroked her hair and replied softly, "The more I think about it, the more I'm sure that I'm falling for you more and more every minute."
Ginny threw her arms around his neck. "It's good to know you feel the same as I do." She pulled him down and kissed him passionately.
Harry just wanted to deepen the kiss when Ginny let loose and whispered, "Come on. Let's find a secluded park bench. I still have an hour, or two before I need to head home, and I have a pretty good idea of how we can pass the time."
** Ginny & Harry **
Saturday, August 16th 2003
Ginny leaned with her back against the wall separating the Embankment from the stairs to the Westminster Pier. Lost in thought, she played with the end of her braided plait, which fell over her right shoulder while she was looking at the statue of the Boudiccan Rebellion. She liked the statue with the queen on her war chariot. The legends of the Iceni have always fascinated her.
The loud shouting of a street vendor offering a special price for a city sightseeing tour drew her out of her musings back to the reason she was waiting here. A glance at Big Ben confirmed that Harry was already 10 minutes late. It had probably taken a bit longer to collect his godson, Teddy.
Slowly, she strolled around the statue to make sure Harry didn't wait on the other side. She was just pushing her way through the crowd of tourists eyeing the display of the souvenir kiosk when she heard someone calling her name.
She looked around and saw Harry waving towards her, a boy of about five years by the hand. The boy had the same unruly black mop as Harry.
"Hi Harry," she called and waved back to him. She chuckled as the boy enthusiastically waved back to her.
After hugging Harry and giving him a short peck on the lips, she leaned down to Teddy and shook his hand. "Hey, young man. Who are you?"
"I'm Teddy." The boy looked at her with wide eyes. "And you are Jimmy, right?"
"I'm Ginny," she snorted.
Teddy looked reproachfully at Harry. "You meet a girl and don't even know her name, Unca Harry."
"Hey, young man. You have to listen properly." Harry laughed. "I said were meeting Ginny, but you had better things to do. You were busy picking your nose all the way here."
Teddy gave Ginny a brief glance and blushed. "I never pick my nose." The boy shook his head vehemently.
"Okay, you two," Ginny interrupted the banter. "What are we going to do today?"
"I have a plan," Harry replied, glancing mischievously at Teddy.
"Sounds good. What kind of plan do we have?" Ginny pursed her lips.
"He doesn't tell." Teddy pouted, giving Harry a reproachful look.
"You'll see it soon enough," Harry soothed. "Come on, let's go. It's not that far."
Teddy offered Ginny his free hand and they slowly strolled across Westminster Bridge. They stopped in the middle of the bridge and Harry picked Teddy up to let him watch the ships on the Thames. But Teddy's interest was elsewhere. Ignoring Harry's attempts to make him wave back to people in the river cruise ships, he glanced over at the Ferris wheel.
"Are we going to ride the big wheel, Unca Harry?" Teddy asked eagerly.
"That's the plan," Harry replied and ruffled Teddy's hair.
"Really?" The boy gave Harry a scrutinizing look.
"Really," Harry confirmed.
They descended the stairs to The Queens Walk and followed the steady stream of tourists passing the London Aquarium. Even from a distance, they noticed the long queue at the ticket booth.
"Unca Harry?" Teddy enquired. "When we went to the zoo, you said wizards don't have to wait in the queue."
Ginny giggled. "Are you cheating, so you don't have to pay?"
"No, I'm not cheating," Harry answered. "I'll pay, but we don't have to wait. It's quite easy. You'll see. Come on, the next free capsule is ours. Follow me!"
He muttered a Notice-Me-Not charm on the three of them and took Teddy by the hand. As they passed the ticket booth, he took a banknote from his purse, banished it to the attendant's desk and headed to the next advancing capsule.
Ginny shook her head in disbelief and slipped through the door just before it closed.
"Harry, I can't believe you did this," laughed Ginny. "Pretty sneaky, you are."
"I've learned from the best," Harry grinned. "That's how Sirius smuggled us to the zoo when the queue was too long."
Ginny looked about. The walls of the capsule were made of glass and had a circumferential handrail. With an oval bench in the centre, the cabin had enough space for more than 20 people.
"Come on, Teddy." Harry reached for the boy's hand. "Hold on to the handrail and climb on this bar, then you'll have a better view."
Teddy climbed onto the lower bar and pressed his nose against the glass. They watched how the city below became smaller and smaller. Harry pointed down to the river. "Look, Teddy, how small the ships are, you can barely see the people on it. It's much higher than you ever flew on a broom."
He fumbled with his bag and pulled out a device. Ginny looked at it suspiciously. "What's this?"
"It's a magical camera." Harry held it up. "It's a bit older, but it still works. It's an heirloom from Sirius. He got it to take pictures of me when I was little."
"Oh, that's great. You can take pictures of us," Ginny exclaimed enthusiastically.
"One moment," said Harry. He levitated the camera to the centre of the cabin. "Everyone, look at the camera and smile. You too, Teddy. Say, cheese!"
They had a great deal of fun during the half-hour ride. Harry had to take some more pictures. Teddy insisted on having a picture of him together with Ginny. Harry gladly accepted his request and shot several photos of Teddy and Ginny together.
When they got out at the end of the ride, everyone was in the best of spirits.
"And what are we going to do next, Teddy?" Ginny asked.
"I'm thirsty," the boy said with a serious face.
"Do you want lemonade?" Ginny asked. "Look, over there is a kiosk. I could also get something to drink." She looked at Harry. "And you?"
Harry flashed her a smile. "Good idea, I'm going to get us something."
"Forget it," Ginny raised her hand dismissively. "It's my turn, you already paid the Ferris wheel." She ordered three lemonades and they sat on the wall at the riverside to enjoy their drinks.
"What do you want to do next, Teddy?" Harry bent down and tied the boy's shoes. "Puppet theatre, or go flying?"
Teddy beamed, "I wanna fly, we can go to the puppet theatre when it rains because when it rains, you don't let me fly."
"Smart decision, Teddy," Ginny reached for Teddy's straw, which was about to fly away. "Here, hold it tight."
She looked at Harry. "Where do you usually go flying?"
"Regent's Park, there's a magical playground large enough for kids to fly there."
"I've never heard of it," Ginny marvelled. "Do you want to fly with me, Teddy?"
"I'm a big boy, he can fly alone." The boy looked at her reproachfully.
"I could show you some tricks I learned when I was as old as you," Ginny replied.
Teddy thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay, but I want to sit in front of you."
Ginny giggled, "Of course, big boys always sit in the front row." Her eyes landed on Harry. "And how do we get there? Can you Apparate all three of us together?"
"Sure." Harry nodded. "If you take Teddy on your arm, I'll Apparate us."
** Ginny & Harry **
As they reached their destination, Ginny looked about the tree-lined meadow, in the middle of which some cylindric cabins were floating. One of them was quickly turning around its own axis. Judging from their loud cheers, the two kids sitting inside obviously had fun. A young woman, probably their mother, sat on a bench nearby and watched her children, smiling. A deserted magic seesaw and a swing were waiting for kids to play with.
"I'll be right back, I'll just get the brooms," Harry announced before he disappeared with a faint pop noise.
A few seconds later he reappeared with a broom in each hand. He handed one to Ginny and gave her a peck on the lips.
"Oi, you are as bad as Mum and Dad," Teddy lamented.
"Okay," Harry said, ignoring his godson's allegations. "Show Teddy your flying skills."
"Why do you think I have to impress someone?" Ginny raised her eyes.
"Teddy likes you, but if he enjoys flying with you, he'll love you. He has a very special way of showing that he took someone to his heart."
Ginny gave Harry an enquiring look.
"You'll see," Harry smirked. "And no, I won't tell you."
Ginny mounted the broom and waved to Teddy. "Come on, young man."
As Teddy sat in front of her, she grabbed the broom handle with both hands. "Link your arms with mine." After Teddy had followed her direction, Ginny leapt into the air and pulled the nose of the broomstick up. They flew up to the tree line and turned a lap. Out of the corner of her eye, Ginny watched Harry hovering over the centre of the playground, observing them. "Hold on tight now, Teddy," she called and performed a Sloth Grip Roll.
"Oops," Teddy screamed enthusiastically. "Once again."
For the next twenty minutes, the two of them had their fun flying around the playground. When Ginny finally landed, Harry joined them and ruffled Teddy's hair. "Did you like it?"
Teddy nodded enthusiastically and blurted out, "Ginny can fly as good as you, Unca Harry."
"Without a doubt," Harry confirmed with an amused smile. "I'm so sorry, Teddy, but it's time to go home."
"Ginny?" Teddy looked up at her and continued as she nodded. "I want you to bring me home."
"Of course, I'll bring you home with Harry." Ginny smiled at the boy.
Teddy beamed at her, and suddenly his hair turned into a shining bright red.
Ginny gasped. "Teddy, how did you do that?"
Harry gave her an amused look. "I told you."
With a broad smile, Ginny picked Teddy up in her arm and tugged him closely to her chest. "Are you're a Metamorphmagus?"
Teddy grinned. "Mum is also a 'magus."
"I've heard of it, but never met one," Ginny said, still amazed, and kissed the boy on the cheek.
Harry put his arm around Ginny and Apparated all three of them to a backyard.
"Here we are again, Teddy," Harry announced, knocking on the backdoor.
When the door opened, Ginny's eyes widened in surprise. "Professor Lupin!"
"Miss Weasley, I'm glad to see you again." Remus looked as surprised as Ginny.
"You know each other?" Harry looked baffled from Remus to Ginny.
"Professor Lupin was my Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts," Ginny explained.
Harry's face brightened. "Ah, I remember." He looked at Remus. "You were a teacher at Hogwarts when I was - fourteen?"
A woman with pink hair appeared behind Remus. "Hello, Teddy, how was your ... Oh." She paused and gave Ginny a friendly smile. "Teddy, do you have a girlfriend, or does the young woman belong to Uncle Harry?"
"This is Ginny, Mum," Teddy rolled his eyes. "She's a really good flyer, and she's Unca Harry's girlfriend, and she's really nice when they're not kissing."
"Aw, you are such a great friend, Teddy," Ginny ruffled the boy's hair and let him down.
"Let's get inside," Remus said. "Do you want a cup of tea?"
As much as Ginny wanted to know Harry's relatives, today she had other plans. To her relief, Harry muttered contrite, "Maybe another time, Remus."
Ginny shrugged apologetically and said, "Yeah, we still have plans."
The pink-haired woman grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "Ah, I understand, probably the same plans I have for tonight."
"Dora," Remus gave her a disapproving look.
"Come on, Wolfie, do you think the young folks don't know what married couples do." She rolled her eyes and pinched her husband in the butt. Turning to Ginny, she added in a conspiratorial voice, "You have to tell me exactly how you pulled him. You know, he's never brought anyone home, and I was already afraid it would never happen."
She picked up Teddy and pointed at the door. "Anyway, you are welcome to visit us, whenever it suits you, no previous notice is needed."
"Yeah," Remus agreed. "You're welcome whenever you want."
Harry and Ginny waved goodbye and disappeared with a soft pop noise.
** Ginny & Harry **
Later that evening they sat in Harry's living room and shared the two portions of Indian takeaway they'd bought at a nearby restaurant.
With a content smile, Ginny watched as Harry mixed the last of his rice with the curry and used his finger to shove it on his spoon. She felt happy. Not that she wasn't happy with her life before; this was a special kind of happiness that felt new. She'd pondered this feeling the entire evening as she sat with Harry in front of this bar on Piccadilly Circus, sipping a cocktail and watching the crowd of the passer-by, occasionally exchanging sarcastic comments.
"Do you think we would have met if you had gone to Hogwarts?" The thought suddenly came to Ginny's mind and was spoken without thinking.
"I doubt I would have missed you." Harry chuckled. "You should have measured my heart rate the first time I saw you at Tom's Pub." A shadow crossed his face, and he suddenly became pensive. "But who knows, I had so many things on my plate as a teenager." He looked at her, grinning. "But I would've been an idiot if I hadn't noticed you at some point."
Ginny looked at the handsome man in front of her, the way he was looking at her with his emerald eyes, ruffling his jet-black hair.
It was this moment as she realized what this new feeling meant and was suddenly a bit nervous. She got up and made herself comfortable on the sofa, watching Harry banish the remains of the takeaway. With a flick of his wand, Harry sent the dishes to the sink and sat down next to her. He gently put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "What's bothering you?"
"Harry?" Ginny said softly and looked up at him.
"Yeah."
She tilted her head and gave Harry a scrutinising look. "Do I see the real Harry Potter now? I mean, apart from the scar?"
Harry chuckled. "Yeah, except for the scar, I really look like this."
"Please, take it off," Ginny whispered. "I want to see your scar. I want to see the real you."
Harry hesitated for a moment before he nodded, a smile crossing his face. He reached for his wand and tapped his forehead. The skin briefly became blurred, and a fine lightning-shaped scar faded into sight just above his right eye.
Slowly Ginny got up. Straddling his legs, she sat on Harry's lap. Never leaving eye contact, she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed the scar and rested her forehead on his. In a calm voice, she said, "I want to stay."
Suddenly it was Harry's turn to look nervous.
He heard his heart pounding in his ears. The whole evening, he had hoped Ginny would stay the night but wasn't sure how to ask her. He stiffened and arched his back as Ginny slowly started wiggling her bum in his lap, an impish smile on her lips. He suddenly felt his pants tighten.
"Are you sure?" Harry breathed.
"Pretty sure," Ginny replied. She looked him in the eye and pressed her bum against his lap. "And it feels as if that part of you that pokes my butt also fancies the idea."
"Not just this part," Harry breathed wide-eyed.
She laid her head on his shoulder, her lips lingering on the skin of his neck. Harry gasped for air when he felt Ginny's breath as she slowly trailed kisses from his neck down to the collarbone, her hands wandering over his bare back under his shirt.
He pulled her closer and gently kissed her lips. Inhaling the flowery scent of her hair, he let his tongue slowly glide over her lips. With a deep moan, she granted him access. They let their tongue tips dance around each other. A shiver ran down his spine when Ginny deepened the kiss by pushing her tongue forward to explore his mouth. He reached with his hand into her hair, holding her head to keep her lips firmly pressed against his. The lack of oxygen and Ginny's bum continuously grinding over his lap, made him gasp for air.
"Does your house have a more comfortable place?" Ginny whispered in his ear.
"Bedroom?" Harry moaned.
"Hmm, hm," Ginny moaned into his mouth.
Harry grabbed Ginny's butt with both hands and stood up. She clung her legs around his waist and giggled. "You know, I can walk by myself."
"We don't have time for such details," Harry managed to mumble and carried Ginny towards his bedroom.
** Ginny & Harry **
AN: Special thanks go to Loquacious Lotus Blossom for her marvellous beta services.
AN: If you want to know what the two of them are doing all night, you should read the outtake Let's Spend the Night Together. I'm going to post it as a one-shot in a few days. Please make sure you're of age and don't mind reading heavily M-rated stuff if you plan to read it. ;)