Disclaimer: Harry Potter's world and its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.
Author's Note:
I think my muse has decided to work after I threatened it with clay statues of buddhas. ^^
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Chapter Twenty: Sisterly AdviceGinny went to bed with her head filled with anxiety over the mission and Harry. She knew it did seem mean to suddenly end the relationship, but her emotions were settled. It was hard to expect that actually dating a hero would be more mind boggling than having a crush on him. Hopefully, the break wouldn't distract Harry. That's the last thing Ginny wanted to happen.
The next morning came with Mimi's squawks requesting for a morning flight while the Daily Prophet's delivery owl was hooting for his payment as well. Ginny got up and finished her usual routine in the bedroom and bathroom. On her way to breakfast, she let Mimi out and gave owl pellets to the delivery owl.
In the kitchen, Ginny got her orange juice and toast, and began sorting through her morning mail. The wizarding world's newspaper laid on the coffee table with its headline page in plain view.
IS OUR SAFETY IN DANGER AGAIN? Jordan Gillius, Daily Prophet
The famous trio of aurors had an emergency meeting with representative of the International Confederation of Wizards, Minister of Magic and Junior Defense Planner, Annabel Cardigan, concerning the case of the Latin American based radical group who publicly supports the annihilation of the muggle world. It was said the group uses magic to terrorize the muggle world as a deal with men of power in the non-magical world. The auror group consisting of the famous Boy Who Lived, the heir of the Malfoy fortune, and the only female of the group, a witch with an outstanding mix of heritage have been trailing the groups actions since muggle terrorism has been more prominent since the horrific era of He-Must-Not-Be-Named.
The meeting discussed future antics the auror department will use to end the progress of the want-to-be Death Eaters. The Trio has planned another mission to be in contact with the headquarters of the radicals to "get to the root of the problem" quoted from Miss Cardigan's debriefing.
"We hope this mission will benefit the stability so carefully built after the end of terror marked by You-Know-Who," a representative from the ICW explained. "The muggle government is already strained trying to solve the problems caused by that era, we do not need more pain inflicted on our non-magical neighbors . . ."
Rumor says two member of the trio will make a trip to Latin America to visit the muggle governments to collect clues on the whereabouts of the radicals as well as warn the governments. Aurors of representing different countries of the ICW have already informed nations in the Euro-Asia continent, Oceania, and North America. The muggle governments of Latin American have been the most difficult in trying to negotiate for instability is widespread in the region. The number of coup d'etats is making diplomacy nearly impossible.
The ICW believes this breach of the security of magic will prevent another disaster merely a few years ago with the Death Eaters . . .
The article continued to explain the legitimacy of telling muggle governments that magic exists and they cohabitate with those who are wizards and witches. Ginny didn't care why it was important. She worried over the Trio that the M.o. M has been so dependent on since the downfall of the Death Eaters and their leader.
The issue was as significant as Cardigan's tone while warning them of security. Ginny suddenly felt guilty feeling jealous of the blonde and felt foolish for allowing her emotions to make irrational actions. Although the newspaper had said only two of three would be on the mission, Ginny was quite positive all three aurors would participate. The only reason Harry had backed out of the last mission was because of the wedding business. From what she has heard from the newspaper and chats between her ministry-related family and friends, Ginny knew her fears of people getting hurt was reasonable, and expected. After all, the International Confederation of Wizards don't get involved in just anything. With the international coverage, Ginny was certain she would be afraid for her friends. Harry's magnetism for trouble doesn't comfort the redhead one bit.
Thankfully Ginny wouldn't start her job until the following Monday. She had three days to get used to her newly found freedom. The first act with this liberty was to arrange a bit of time with Harry, but obviously that was butchered.
Butchered. Ginny flinched at her own description of the event. She has seen the desperate look on Harry's face and she knew, no matter how clichéd, she needed to talk to Harry before he sets out for the ministry work across the Atlantic. The situation was becoming uncannily like a romance novel. The couple gets in an argument due to one's insecurities, and then the other must go on a perilous journey. The unsecured one would try to find his or her love, but doesn't succeed. During the search, the insecure partner's doubts on life would be fulfilled for they got kidnapped and the uncertainty of whether or not survival was probable. In the end, the other found find him or her. They kiss passionately and live happily ever after with a boy, a girl, a beautiful house with a yard, and a white picket fence.
Ginny seriously hoped she would be able to find Harry and not get abducted in the process. She didn't need another episode of her first year where Tom Riddle mesmerized her and took her to the Chamber of Secrets only to have Harry rescue her. The train of thought was broken by a shrill shout from the fireplace.
"Ginny Weasley!" Hermione's fiery head yelled strengthening the flames. "What were you thinking?" Ginny walked by the fireplace knowing Harry probably talked to Hermione about the night before.
"I don't know what I was thinking Hermione," Ginny mumbled, disgruntled.
"Exactly!" the pregnant woman shouted. She was in barely in her second trimester and Ginny hoped Hermione would have gotten used to the hormonal imbalances and was able to control her temper. Unfortunately, the wish was not possible in Hermione's case. Although the bushy haired Gryffindor had a triple digit I.Q., she could not fight the biological wars inside a woman's body. "I thought you wanted the relationship with Harry? Why did you end it? Did you know he would be leaving for another mission with Malfoy and Aurora soon? You know as well as I do that Harry doesn't perform well with a psychological burden. And what you did to him was a psychological burden!"
Ginny allowed Hermione to continue her ramblings on the pettiness of Ginny's actions. So perhaps the role of overprotective best friend outweighed the responsibility of being the role model of the younger sister-in-law.
"Yes Hermione. I knew about the mission. Harry was with me while he got his letter," Ginny answered during the break in which Hermione used to catch her breath. "When will he leave? I probably should talk to him before he goes away . . ."
"Of course you should," Hermione cut in. "You two must fix your problems. Harry mentioned how you felt insecure. Why would you feel that way? It's Harry. He won't do anything outrageous. He isn't Malfoy for goodness sake!"
"I know Hermione," Ginny said mentally telling herself to be patient with the pregnant woman. "So when does he leave?"
"He leaves early tomorrow morning. I believe he is currently in another debrief and will be home in approximately fifteen minutes." Ginny nodded. "Go talk to him Gin," Hermione said once again in a more motherly tone. "If the situation between you and Harry is as bad as what Harry exclaimed it to be, go talk to him to fix it. I didn't wait for you two to finally get together only to split up after a few weeks." A smile was on her face.
"It is rotten luck the issue with the radicals became out of hand now," Hermione added softly when Ginny merely looked downwards. "Don't worry. Harry would love to speak with you right now. I know he is a bit slow when it comes to female matters, but he will eventually get it, unlike your brother. He just nods and complain about feminine enigmas another day."
"Right." That was all Ginny could force out of her mouth coherently.
"Now go talk to Harry." The order was enough to send Ginny in a hurry to get dressed and get out of the house to catch Harry in his house.
"Bye Hermione! I'll talk to you later!" Ginny called as she exited the house. The crackling in the fireplace ended as soon as Ginny stepped out of the door. Hopefully her sister-in-law wouldn't be too offended by Ginny's momentary loss of wits.
Apparating to the front door Harry's house was the easiest task. Definitely easiest with the multitude of security spells and hex that surrounded his humble abode. Ginny had to pass various obstacles in hopes of seeing his front door. Now that she was there and the adrenaline rush dissipating, the fear and the doubts quickly replaced the effect of the epinephrine hormone.
"Ginny?" Harry exclaimed visibly surprised, or shaken when he opened the door. Ginny's hand was frozen the doorbell. She hadn't even touched it, how could he know she was there already? Harry noticed the confused expression on Ginny's face. "My security system told me someone was outside my door."
"The doorbell?" Ginny questioned not moving a muscle. He hand was still hovering near the little button.
"It's for any muggle visitors." Ginny nodded although she was still baffled. "Come on in." Harry moved out of the doorway to allow Ginny's entrance. He combed his hair with his fingers the way he acted when he was nervous or unsettled. The young Weasley pleaded for the Gryffindor courage she supposedly had to return from their vacation since she arrived at the front door of Harry Potter's house. "Would you like some tea?"
Ginny snapped out of her witlessness and straightened her frame. Slouching has been her habit of comfort when all of her courage fails her.
"Harry," Ginny began, but she continued with a series of goldfish exercises. It was probably a good thing all Harry answered was an "hmm" and continued his search for tea, hot water, teapot, and teacups.
"Ahah!" Harry shouted looking up from a bottom cabinet. "I found them!" A set of rather feminine porcelain tea set levitated out. "You don't mind tea, do you?"
"No," Ginny muttered shaking her head. "Tea is fine. Any thing is fine."
Sounds of magically boiling water and his searching for his tea leaves took up the silence that would otherwise be there for Ginny hasn't succeeded in gathering her courage, her brain, and anything else she needed to confront Harry. What she wanted to tell Harry in the first place was misplaced in her jumble of doubts and fears. The clanging of an auror exploring his kitchen was a compatible noise to Ginny's mind suddenly remembering she had forgotten her purpose of coming, or rather she was subconsciously backing out from her original resolve.
Okay Ginny, what were you thinking? Did you really want to walk over to Harry's and tell him you want him back? For one, your pride probably doesn't stand a chance. Even if Harry takes you back, my evil-half, Miss Skepticism would tell you how he took you back merely out of pity. You do seem pitiable right now, I mean, who would have their hands shake so hard while the host is trying to make tea?
Besides, the other option would be rejection. There are plenty of other women who would love be in your position before you broke off the relationship of with Harry. Yes, you only wanted a break, but do you really expect Harry, or any other men for that matter, to understand a break was a break, not breaking off the relationship completely. This is almost like a divorce and living separately for married couples.
I'll be nice to your nerves and help you decide what to talk to Harry about. How you will speak to him? That is for the verbal part of your brain to decide. First of all, you should tell him about the mission. Not really asking him whether or not he could tell you what it was about, but more of wondering about his safety as well as the safety of Aurora and unfortunately Draco. (He is getting much better though.) It is reasonable for you to worry about your friends. Besides, remember the wedding? The bride and groom, as well as the second special couple: the best man and the maid of honor are needed for the wedding go on. Who will be there for the rehearsals and the actual event if the mission drags on too long? Lastly, ask him how to keep in touch. Maybe than, you won't seem so callous about yesterday's behavior.
Ginny frowned at the last comment from her inner musings. She was not callous, just a little but confused about the overwhelming collage of feelings she felt in such a short time.
"Ginny?" Harry asked with the sugar box in his left hand. "1 cube of sugar and a cup of cream right?" Ginny nodded. The black haired auror mixed the tea and placed it on a platter to carry the set to where Ginny was. His kitchen actually shared with a larger dinning room/small drawing room. Only a counter divided the two areas.
"Here let me help." Harry's ability to balance large plate-like objects apparently did not improve with the lithe and agility training requested for the aurors. Although his footsteps could be as light as a feather when needed, the teapot and teacups were spewing out a liquid of coppery green. "I think you might have put too much tea in there," Ginny noted with a smile. The clumsy Harry was once she could handle. It was the famous Harry Potter that she couldn't deal with. The fame and the memories of the deeds he performed throughout his life made his presence quite intimidating to the youngest and only daughter of a family of seven children.
"Right," Harry mumbled with a light blush. Ginny noticed the pink tinge on his cheeks with a small boost of self-confidence. At least she was not the only one in the room that was uncomfortable, albeit the boost of self-confidence did make Ginny feel guilty.
"Harry," Ginny began again once they were seated and sipped their drinks. "I read from the Daily Prophet that you and another third of the Trio will be leaving on a diplomatic mission soon. Hermione told me you will leave tomorrow morning."
"Right," he said again. "The mission Aurora and Draco went got us more information. We realized the crisis was much bigger than anticipated. It seems as though the radicals wanted to unite all wizards and witches skeptical of cohabitation with the muggles. If the group actually succeeds in gathering support, the International Confederation of Wizards would have a tougher time settling issues."
"Why do we need to tell the muggle government anything?" Ginny questioned unable to restrain her skepticism. "We were able to defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters without notifying the muggles."
"But Sirius's escape was publicized in both worlds," Harry rebutted darkly.
"I suppose . . ."
"I know you didn't come here to talk about the bad decisions made by the ICW or the ministry," Harry commented after a brief period of silence. Ginny nearly jumped out of her seat.
"I just worry about you," Ginny said playing with her teacup. "The article made everything sound so much more dangerous than the rest of your missions with that ominous title. 'Is Our Safety in Danger' makes me wonder how much trouble the aurors involved will be in." Harry expelled a long breath.
"It actually might be as ominous as the title seems," Harry explained after another silence. "You know I can't give you the details, but all three of us are going. A representative from the ICW asked us whether or not we each have what the muggles call a life insurance policy. Basically those who are close to us get monetary assistance when we die." Ginny's face dropped. Images of dismembered parts belonging to her friends and blood all over their bodies filled her vision. Unknowingly, Ginny's eyes began to water.
"Please don't cry," Harry mumbled caressing her head much like what he did the night before. "It won't be too bad." At the sound of Harry's words, Ginny actually cried harder. She noticed Harry taking her into his arms. "No one can stand Malfoy's smirks and glares. I am sure the looks could help us persuade people forcibly. Aurora is good at being the cute angel. She probably can charm her way into people's hearts. And me, well, I suppose I could smile and puppy-eye my way around the Latin Americans." Ginny attempted to smile.
"I suppose your puppy-eyes might work. What if dueling is involved? I know you three are among the best, but you even told me dealing with criminals usually mean the opponents playing dirty."
"We are trained for that," Harry comforted with a bright smile. "And remember, I was the best in my year for Defense Against Dark Arts."
"What will you be doing exactly? There are only so many disguises you three can hide behind." Ginny wanted to know everything, or at least as much as possible so she could be reasonable when her mind wanders to all the possible bad endings.
"Well, we haven't decided yet," Ginny looked up at the same time Harry looked down. Her head made a loud contact with his jaw, which was snapped shut. Harry rubbed his chin while a grin. "We have to be in some sort of tied relationship with two men and a woman. I suppose we could have a brother-sister-boyfriend combination. Or a father-daughter-brother or –boyfriend relationship; none of us wants to endure a gender changing potion. I could be Aurora's boyfriend. That will set Malfoy on fire. That or have Aurora be the mother of Malfoy and I. At least that way, they won't be sickeningly sweet to each other. If I hadn't know them, I would have never thought Slytherins could be so touchy-feely."
"Oh I can empathize with that. Remember Aurora's birthday party? The elaborate one where Malfoy was trying to get in her good graces?" Harry laughed. They reminisced about Hogwarts and memories shortly after their graduation for the next hour.
"Anyway, I can't comfort you by telling you exactly what we will be doing," Harry sobered after a long laugh. "I can't divulge anymore information."
"Or you will have to kill me," Ginny kidded with a smile hoping to bring the laughing air back. Their eyes met and Ginny felt like she was in a romance fiction, usually, the moment would result in the couple kissing. A jingling sound from the door interrupted the staring spell.
"That must be Sirius and Remus." Harry made a face at the prospect of meeting his guardians when he was young, or the fact that his chance at kissing Ginny was interrupted. "I think I may be receiving another paternal lecture on how to remain safe and out of trouble. You know how effective that was."
"Please try to be safe though," Ginny implored softly. "I don't think I could ever deal with you getting hurt or . . . or killed doing your work . . . I-it's just so dangerous." Ginny was on the verge of tears again. Her private time with Harry was almost over and she still couldn't gather up her courage to say she really cares about him, much more than a friend, perhaps even close to love. Love was too emotionally deep, if she admitted to herself that she was falling in love with Harry, dealing with departures of missions would be so much more difficult.
But Ginny knew deep in her heart that she was quite close to being in love with Harry. Any more time spent with him would guarantee the location of her heart. Ginny's laughed wryly in her head. It was quite depressing how her time of self-discovery that should bring her joy might cause her endless pain. The uncertainty during the discovery portion made her loose her wits and request for time alone. Now that she knew she needed Harry by her side, he was sent across the Atlantic saving the world once again. It was ironic, really.
"Well, I suppose I should go." Ginny wiped the collected tears in her eyes and look down with a blush. Harry quickly got up just as Ginny rose from her seat. He walked her silently to the door. Both were emerged in their own thoughts.
"Wait," Harry said so softly Ginny could barely hear him. The redhead stopped and looked at him inquiringly. In two rapid steps, he gathered Ginny in his arms and gave a surprisingly quick, but passionate kiss. "I am not sorry," he murmured in Ginny's hair. "I know you wanted time to think, but I just couldn't resist." Ginny looked up to see a childish smile on his face.
"Good, but that isn't something Harry Potter would do." Harry now had an embarrassed grin.
"Well, Draco Malfoy decided to interfere with my private life." Ginny quirked a delicate eyebrow, how close was Harry and Draco, exactly? "And Hermione too. She actually agreed with him, otherwise I wouldn't follow the advice of a Slytherin." Ginny shook her head. It seems prejudice between the two houses would not be an easy thing to ease away. The doorbell rang signaling the two impatient adults waiting outside his door.
"Ah, reasons number two I have a doorbell. For when a certain Virginia Weasley distracts me." The cheeky comment earned him a smack on the shoulder and a beet red Ginny. Harry opened the door with a laugh. "Hello Sirius, Remus!"
"Hello Harry, Ginny," the two adults replied.
"Well, I'll be off then," Ginny declared with a happy-go-lucky skip down the doorstep. "Be safe Harry, else you might find me chasing you with a mob of crying fans at St. Mungos!"
Ginny left the Harry's house with a Sirius from comment ringing in her head. Just like your father, a smile from a redhead and you are problem-free . . .
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Omni's Note: There, another chapter done! See? I haven't been lazy . . . I am quite giddy. Took my timed writing test and I am free for the rest of the summer. Well, supposedly, but being the overachiever, I will worry about my grades until the end of time. ^^ Hopefully this was a satisfactory chapter. I had a few hard-to-write parts, but hopefully I have smoothed them over.
Notes of Thanks:
Eclipse: I have gotten you HOOKED? Okay . . . well, sorry? The vacation was planned by the family, I can't really postponed or anything. Well, if I get Internet access and I have a new chapter, I'll try to update. Deal?
Silver Witch: Goody, the jealousy and emotional instability weren't improbable. I had to wing that part. I'll have a travel journal, if it comforts you. Once I get the website thingy working, I'll post pictures and my weird commentary to share the trip. Then when you go to China, you'll know where to go. ^^ And thank you for the stars; I like them quite a lot!
HopefulTears: It still is H/G . . . now I am confused. Anyhow, the short and choppy versions would be Ginny is not too sure of the relationship. She wanted a break. The dating thing is on hold. That's about it . . . and I know I am unworthy. ^^
Hplova4eva: Somehow I get the feeling you will always be the succinct one. =P But it pleases me nonetheless. ^^
GrednForge: I know they are, hence why there is not third person. It was all Ginny's imagination. I mean, who wouldn't be intimidated by dating some international hero? I do like your name!
Rhiain: Something hard . . . that could be arranged. ^^ Thanks for the motivation. I think this must be a new record, two chapters in one week.
Avalon: Thank you. I'll try to have fun. Torturing cousins would be a wonderful pastime. And the jumpiness, I hope it is better in this chapter. Although, the little voice in my head doesn't quite agree.
Loopyloony: Is a chapter later soon enough? I know they are really back together because Harry is going to be across the ocean, but still. They kissed, isn't that sufficient?
Arkaynn: Eh . . . I knew it was evil of me, but hey. For the sake of the story! ^^ As for talking to oneself, I have been told too many time that it isn't healthy. Also, I have mastered the art of talking to my head while someone else is speaking to me, which is why Ginny has been doing it a lot. Not that she is based on me, I would never hold a crush for that long nor even have a crush.
Flute Kahlan Solo Fel: I wouldn't say James was clueless. He knew he like Lily and wasn't afraid to ask her out. But on the topic of being nice to women, I guess the father and the son is on the same tier. ^^
Aindel Druida: Well, I haven't figured that out yet, so I guess I won't be ending this story that way! ^^ Thank you for asking your dad and your welcome about the suggestions. I hope the story goes well for you. Blessed Be is an interesting idea. ^^
Ella Wood: Nope, it hasn't given me a nervous breakdown yet. I probably will get one two months into school when starting classes at 7:00 am gives a headache. ^^
The Dragon Guardian of the Sea: You got that right, only it wasn't a café. More of a restaurant that only serves desserts, kind of like Beyond Bread. Anyhow, the one about the fat, anorexic alien . . . cute oxymoron!
Well, thanks for all your comments. They have really brightened my day, especially after that horrifying timed-writing. My grade depends on what I get on it. Don't you hate it when the professors proportion assignments so that the final exam affects the overall grade?
Anyhow, love the reviews and wouldn't mind to see them often! ^^
With lots of smiles, hugs, and loves,
Omni