"Well, not like a date. We're just having dinner, you know, no big deal." Harry answered nonchalantly. It wasn't a date was it?
Ron was smirking. "You should Owl George, he's going to be so jealous. He's asked her out for years. Gotta be twenty times." He laughed. "Although, that might be the sort of thing you'd rather tell George in person, who knows what he might send in the post via return Owl."
Harry flinched and walked over to the Black Family Tapestry still hanging on the wall. Remus claimed he was never able to remove it, but truthfully he probably never tried. Harry had noticed that Sirius's name had been returned to the wall covering. He missed Sirius terribly, he wished so much for him to be here. Sirius would have had amazing advice regarding- everything. Ginny never would have been able to get away with lying to him, he would have advice regarding Ginny and Olivia, and whether or not he should be quick to forgive Ron, Hermione and Remus.
Yes, no doubt at this venue of his life, Sirius's presence would have been critical and appreciated. Second only to his own parents. Harry wondered what it would have been like to ask his father's advice or to go to his mum with a broken heart. He quickly pushed the thoughts out of his mind, it didn't do any good to dwell on what was not there.
He was trying to remember that he wasn't seventeen anymore, he was almost twenty-three. He wasn't about to forgive and forget, but what would he have been without Ron and Hermione's constant companionship? Lost? Lonely? Dead? How many times had they forgiven him? Their years worth of friendship had meant more to him that he could put into words. Their intelligence, companionship and faith had been overwhelming.
But he would not forget what Ginny had done. Never.
"Hey," Harry said vacantly, turning away from the tapestry on the wall. "Let's keep the Olivia Ollivander thing under wraps for a while, huh?"
Ron looked defeated. Harry wasn't sure if Ron was actually happy for him or he just wanted to tell George that Harry snagged a date with Olivia.
In truth, Harry wouldn't have cared if all the Weasley boys knew about Olivia, it was the Weasley girls he was concerned about.
Molly. Hermione. Ginny.
A very real part of Harry wanted to march right over to Ginny's flat and tell her to her face that he had moved on. But that was a lie. He hadn't moved on- yet.
"You can tell Hermione if you want. I understand about keeping secrets from your loved ones." Harry offered in an icy tone as his mood darkened again.
Ron blushed from sympathy and embarrassment. He felt a bit shamed by the comment and he also knew that Harry didn't want Ginny to know about Olivia at all. He wasn't sure if he was happy for Harry either. For so long he's gotten used to Harry and Ginny, even after she got engaged to Dean. Ron and the rest of the Weasley's took to their relationship quite displeasingly. Harry and Ginny were a pair, a duo and where one had gone, so had the other. It had been a long time since Ron had thought of anyone with Harry but Ginny. Sure there had been Cho, but that was extremely brief and never really came to be. Ron had never met Olivia Ollivander, but he was sure it would time some time getting used to seeing Harry with another woman.
"So, er, mum just about had kittens over the Prophet article." Ron declared nervously, eager to change the subject any way he could.
"Me too." Harry answered, resuming his seat on the couch. "I'm sick of the Prophet, I'm sick of the post I've been getting in response to the Prophet, I just hate it all."
"Maybe you could call Luna and - "
"No. No one is getting my story. My love life - or lack thereof, is no one else's business. I'm through with the Prophet and the Quibbler- no offence to Luna, it's just not something I want to discuss."
"Right. Harry, mum is really worried about you. You know she loves you just as much as any of the rest of us. Probably more. Tomorrow's Friday, why don't you come over to the house tomorrow night? Hermione's cooking dinner for mum and dad. They'd be so happy to know you're all right, she'd rather hear it from you than from me or Hermione."
Harry accepted, providing Hermione knew ahead of time that he was coming. He owed Mr. and Mrs. Weasley an apology anyway for trashing his bedroom the night he had left. He also ought to thank them again for opening up their house to him. He'd rather be there, but that wasn't rational.
Harry forced a smile. The mention of the Prophet brought up something else. Ginny's sense of obligation.
"Was it true? The article, I mean."
Ron's eyes widened with surprise. For a moment Harry thought it must be true, but Ron clenched his teeth and shook his head. "Think about it Harry, would Ginny have spent every single day with you out of obligation? What was she indebted to you for that the rest of us weren't?" Ron paused, seeming debating whether or not he should say something. He edged to the margin of his chair and rested his elbows on his knees and cast his head downward.
"Harry, I don't think anything but love brought Gin there everyday."
Harry shook his head and avoided Ron by looking out the window.
"I'm not taking sides Harry. I'm good and pissed with Ginny, but she's my sister and I know her intentions. After all the kerfluffle at the Burrow that night Gin went spare."
Ron noticed that Harry hadn't asked him to stop talking, and even though his head was directed at the window, Harry's eyes were clearly peeking in Ron's direction. He was curious to say the least.
"When you slammed the door after you walked out we all ran upstairs to see what happened. Dean was out cold of course, I still say that was an awesome punch."
Harry saw Ron reminiscing as he thrust his fist into the air, mimicking the blow Harry had dealt to Dean.
"Anyway, Ginny was picking up a box at her feet by the time we got up there. She was bawling her eyes out when she opened the box and saw that ring. She fell to the floor and put it on her finger. Dad was trying to Ennervate Dean and Mum and Hermione were trying to help Ginny up but she went round the twist. She screamed at everyone to back off and she Disapparated out of there so fast. No one knew where she went."
"I do." Harry mumbled, ruffling up his hair.
"How do you know?"
"She told me. That night after the fight on Charing Cross Road, I walked her home, I wasn't about to leave her out in Muggle London alone, and she told me she went out looking for me."
Ron flashed a brief smile, but Harry ended it's possibilities. "There's no change in how I feel Ron." He rose from the couch and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I've got to go upstairs and get ready for dinner. I'll catch you later, OK? Give Ben and Liam a hug from me."
Harry nudged Ron with his elbow as he left the room and climbed the stairs.
Harry didn't know why, but his palms were all sweaty. He wasn't nervous, this wasn't a date it was just dinner. He'd already gone over all this in his mind. It was just dinner, with a friend, who flirted constantly- Oh Merlin.
Harry sat on a small bench outside Ollivander's. He had already waved to Olivia through the window to let her know he was there. She had smiled mysteriously at him and waved her trademark wave of just wiggling her fingers.
So now Harry sat on the bench, watching other shoppers bustling around in the shops. The sky was cloudy and overcast. Sunset was still a couple of hours away, but the clouds made evening even more apparent. Harry was hoping the Weasley twins were not working at the London location today. He didn't want to see them before his da- no, dinner with Olivia.
He didn't hear the bells jingle above the doorway at Ollivander's, he was busy watching a young witch with strawberry blond hair asking her mother if they could walk up to Fortescue's. He smiled at the witch, but his expression completely changed when he felt two soft hands blindfold his eyes.
"Guess who?" Olivia breathed quietly into Harry's ear as she leaned down over the bench to get next to him.
Harry shivered as the breath of air caressed his ear. The soft voice gave him goose bumps. The smile on his face had been replaced by a look of startled surprise. Her touch had affected Harry far more than he anticipated.
Her hands slowly slid away from his eyes and down the sides of his face. She smiled broadly and eased into the seat next to him.
"Hey." She exhaled in a loud whisper, turning to see his face.
Harry felt himself colouring warmly. He flashed her a shy smile. "Hey."
"Wanna go to dinner now? I have to be back in an hour."
"I thought you were the boss." Harry joked, rising from the bench and looking down at her, almost awaiting her witty remark.
"I am, you prat." Olivia laughed, rising and joining him on the short walk to the Leaky Cauldron. "But if I leave my brother Owen in charge any longer than that I won't have a business when I come back."
They enjoyed their brief walk down to the pub, Olivia chattered on happily that her business would be picking up with the upcoming Hogwart's letters. Under normal circumstances, most witches and wizards did not need to replace their wands. Upon entering the pub, Olivia chose the table in the darkest corner of the Leaky Cauldron. Harry couldn't help but contemplate that it probably would not have been the table Ginny would have chosen, she would have chosen the table by the fireplace or a quiet niche.
They ordered quickly so they could have as much time as possible to converse. Harry was glad that Olivia seemed to be at ease leading the conversation. Harry was just happy that she seemed to avoid all mention of Voldemort and Ginny.
"What house were you sorted into at Hogwarts?" Olivia asked interestedly, propping her elbows up on the table.
"Gryffindor. You?"
Harry thought it rather stupid after he asked. She was running Ollivanders wasn't she?
"Ravenclaw. Actually I went to school with your girl- um, Ginny's brother Charlie."
Charlie? Well that would mean that Olivia was thirty years old. Not that it was bad, but why was she showing interest in him?
"Doing the maths?" She asked, slightly apprehensive of his reaction.
Harry laughed. "You're seven years older than me, what's wrong with that?"
Olivia smiled with relief. She didn't know if Harry was aware of her age or if he would still want to see her after he knew there was a seven year age gap. Olivia was thankful that his reaction was positive, she was really beginning to like Harry. The fact that he thought of them in conjunction didn't hurt either.
Olivia had lost her parents and her grandfather in the Second War. It was only her and her brother Owen left to run Ollivander's business. Harry felt an instant kinship to her. Although she had more than 20 years with her family- she knew what it was like to be without them too.
Olivia spoke with such candour, it put Harry at an instant ease. Her eyes focussed on his, not on his scar, not on his messy hair, and not on his wallet. He imagined that Olivia and her brother were quite well off and would be in no financial jeopardy in their lives. She talked a lot with her hands, gesturing and mimicking things. She made a lot of silly noises and sound effects too. It made Harry smile.
"What?" She asked, shrugging and smiling at Harry as she dropped her hands back onto her lap. She had been telling a humorous story about her grandfather teaching her the family business.
Harry laughed gently. "I don't know how you'd talk in a dark room." This time it was Harry mimicking Olivia's wild gestures.
She pretended to be shocked and offended. Her performance was awful and a smile soon spread across her slender face.
"Are you saying you want to be with me in a dark room Mr. Potter?" Olivia raised an eyebrow and looked across the table at him expectantly.
Harry had been just about to take a bite of pudding, but his nerve had been shaken and the crumble fell back into the bowl. His eyes quickly followed the crumble down, but they soon darted back toward Olivia.
Harry's face felt flush and he noticed that his palms were beginning to sweat again. Was she serious?
Thankfully her face instantaneously broke out into a grin and laughter soon followed. "Oh Harry, you should have seen your face. It was priceless."
Harry laughed uneasily, completely and utterly embarrassed. He was glad it was almost time to leave and walk Olivia back to the shop.
Harry was completely taken by surprise when Olivia insisted on paying for dinner.
"I invited you to dinner, did I not?" She asked, snatching the bill off the table.
This was flabbergasting. He'd never even contemplated that she'd pay for dinner. This was unheard of. Cho never would have done something this selfless, and he and Ginny hadn't really had the opportunity to date as real adults. He wondered if he invited Olivia out to dinner if she would let him pay.
Diagon Alley was relatively silent as the skyline was almost completely clouded in darkness now. Harry anticipated the shop would probably be closing, but that Olivia had other things to do at closing time.
Harry could see the wide window of Ollivander's shop up ahead. It still displayed the purple velvet pillow and wand that he'd first seen on his first visit to Diagon Alley with Hagrid.
"Thanks for meeting me again." Olivia declared as she climbed the steps and peeked in the window to see her brother Levitating some wand boxes back to their proper placement on the tall, narrow shelves.
"As I see it, I owe you one." Harry answered, smirking up at her. "I'm having dinner with Ron and Hermione tomorrow, but how about I buy you dinner Saturday night?"
Olivia beamed. "That would be lovely."
Inside the shop there came a loud crash. "Oh, that'll be Owen. I'm sorry, I've got to go Harry. I'm looking forward to dinner. Same time?"
Harry nodded.
"Good. See you on Saturday." She reached her hand out and grasped Harry's. Her hand was warm and soft, as she leaned forward Harry caught the scent of her perfume. "Goodnight." She whispered giving Harry's hand a gentle squeeze and looking directly into his eyes.
"Night." He replied, squeezing her hand back and watching them separate as she turned to go back into the shop. He could hear her holler her brother's name as another crash echoed through the store. She casually looked over her shoulder and waved goodbye.
Ron frantically greeted Harry when he Apparated into the entryway of his and Hermione's home. Harry was startled by Ron's approaching presence, he couldn't seem to ascertain his mood.
"How was it?" Ron demanded, grasping Harry's shoulders, looking him directly in the eyes.
"How was what?" Harry asked naively, looking down at Ron's white knuckles, gripping his shoulders.
"How was what, he says. The date, you git? Olivia? How was it?"
Comprehension dawned on Harry's face. "Oh. It was nice. She bought me dinner and I walked her back to work."
Ron was astonished. "She bought you dinner?"
Harry smirked. "Yeah. I'm meeting her again tomorrow night. I thought maybe I'd take her somewhere nicer, you know, just to say thanks for dinner."
Ron's face illustrated his mixed emotions. Ginny was, after all, his sister and Harry was the love of her life. Harry had been betrayed by that same sister and was rebounding with someone, who although probably gorgeous, she just wasn't Ginny.
Ron was glad his parents interrupted the awkward silence.
Harry sighed. Ginny's parents. Would they automatically take their daughter's side in the matter?
"Harry!" Molly squealed delightedly, rushing past her youngest son to get nearer Harry, enveloping him into her arms.
"How are you dear? Is everything all right with Remus? We miss you so much at the Burrow."
Harry could see Mr. Weasley sitting at the dining room table with a delighted expression on his face, an open box of small objects lay in front of him.
"Hello Harry!" He shouted jovially. "Hermione's just let me put together her newest Muggle contraption, it's a gift for the babies!"
Harry forced a smile and shrugged, at least they weren't taking sides. "It's all right. As well as can be expected, I guess." He raised a hand and waved to Mr. Weasley.
They both seemed to nod in sympathy as Molly took Harry's hand. "We're so sorry dear, about everything. Ginny had no right to treat you the way she did. Arthur and I did not support her decision to delay telling you about Dean. It may seem cowardly but Arthur and I took the same view as nearly everyone else- it just wasn't our place to tell you that kind of news."
Harry's eyes cast downward. By his reaction had he turned the entire Weasley clan against her?
"And don't you go believing a thing that the Prophet said. That was all hearsay. Ginny loved you her whole life, and still does, a mother knows these things Harry. The only obligation Ginny had was to her own heart."
Harry's mind was reeling. Molly wouldn't dare lie to him, not even for her own daughter's sake. Was Ginny's love real, or was it some ghost or shadow of what they used to have? Harry knew Ginny as a teenager, not as an adult. Maybe she wasn't even the same person anymore. He was happy for Hermione's interruption.
"Dinner's almost ready everyone- Oh Harry, you're here!" Her smile was warm and sincere and Harry found himself thankful for it. He was still uneasy around all of them, they had kept secrets for weeks. But it was better than Ron's unsure glances, Molly and Arthur's sympathy, and Ginny's- no, he wouldn't think about her.
"Hey." Harry mumbled, letting her envelope him into a hug.
"I'm sorry about the Prophet Harry. It's unfair of Dean. His pride is hurt and he's trying to get back at you any way he can. Oh Harry, you don't deserve any of this and - "
"Where's the twins?" Harry interrupted, looking around the living room.
Hermione faltered for only a moment. "Um, upstairs. They're sleeping."
Harry nodded, eager to avoid another conversation about the Prophet, Ginny, Olivia, or anything else those topics regarded. He ambled past Hermione and joined Mr. Weasley at the table.
Molly quickly followed Harry into the dining room. "Arthur, clean those Muggle radios off the table. Dinner is almost ready."
Arthur's eyes widened. "Molly, they're baby monters. They're like mini radios so you can hear your baby in the other room."
"Monitors Arthur." Hermione corrected, patting her father in law on the back.
Arthur looked down at the box as comprehension dawned on his face. "Ah yes, of course Hermione, monitors."
"It's from my cousin, Tracy, she doesn't know I could do the same thing with a charm. I'm sure we'll use them. The thought is really nice."
The group pushed away from the table with full stomachs after their meal. Harry was quite impressed with Hermione's culinary skills, and when he thought he could tell her without making some rude, after dinner noise, he would. Ben and Liam had long since woken up and were being passed around the living room. Hermione and Ron were furiously cleaning the kitchen and Harry sat with Molly, Arthur and the twins. Harry was startled when Hermione called him into the kitchen.
"Harry."
"Huh?" He asked, patting Benjamin's back.
"Come here for a second." Hermione replied, hoisting a large rectangular box down from a shelf in the closet. She re-entered the dining room and set the box down on the table.
Harry followed her, taking his godson with him into the dining room, glancing down at the box he could see invitations. "What's up?"
Ron was seated at the table his hands were clasped tightly together. Harry knew Ron was nervous about something and took the seat next to him.
The words tumbled from Ron's mouth. "Are you still going to be my best man?"
Harry answered quickly before considering why Ron would dare ask the question. "Of course. Why wouldn't - "
"Ginny's my maid of honour." Hermione answered vaguely.
This revelation had never really occurred to Harry. Truthfully, the renewing of Ron and Hermione's vows hadn't graced his mind either- other things had been more pressing lately.
Hermione had a look on her face that told Harry she wouldn't be backing down and that he ought not to either. Harry's eyes shifted over to Ron, who looked crestfallen. Ron and Hermione had kept an awful secret from him, but was it right ruin their day purely out of spite? He didn't want to be a spiteful person, but he wasn't exactly sure he wanted to spend a whole day agonizing over Ginny either.
Benjamin made a tiny cooing sound, bringing Ron's eyes up to Harry's. Ron was his best mate, even if he lied to him for altruistic reasons. "I'll be there." Harry declared, hushing the baby.
Ron let out a breath that he'd obviously been holding for some time. "You're sure?"
Harry nodded. "I won't ruin your day."
"That's very considerate of you Harry. Ron and I were terrified you'd be too angry with us. You mean the world to us and our lives just wouldn't be the same without you." Hermione cautiously put her arm around Harry's shoulders and leaned her head against him, looking down at the baby.
"If I chose to, I mean, if it got to that point, could I bring someone with me?"
Ron cringed and Hermione just looked at Harry with confusion. "Like a date? Are you dating someone?"
"Not really, I mean, we've just er, had dinner a couple of times."
"Who?" She demanded, letting her hand fall from around Harry's shoulder and putting her hands out on her hips in a manner that reminded Harry of Molly Weasley.
"Er, Olivia Ollivander."
"You're dating Olivia Ollivander?" Hermione shouted, just as there was a loud crack from the living room.
"Who's dating Olivia Ollivander? She's kind of a tart, isn't she?" Ginny replied, entering the kitchen and unknowingly joining the conversation.
She froze as she saw Harry, who had recognized the voice immediately and had retreated further into the kitchen.
Ginny's lip began to quiver, and her eyes to water at the thought of the situation. "You're seeing someone else?"
Harry hurriedly handed the baby off to Hermione and stalked from the kitchen, with Ginny on his heels. "You've moved on? That was quick. Am I that easy to replace?"
Harry spun around, facing her tear stained face. "You moved on first, remember?" He quickly turned toward Ron and Hermione. "Did you set this up?"
Ginny responded as her temper flared. "Don't blame them because you can't stand to be in the same room with me. I knew Hermione was doing her invitations tonight and thought I'd help. I had no idea you'd be here. And for the record, I didn't exactly move on. I still loved you, I was still in love with you. I wasn't in love with - "
"Give it up Ginny." Harry mumbled, looking down at the platinum still encircling her finger. He looked around the room at Mr and Mrs Weasley, Ron and Hermione- they all stood with their mouths open in disbelief.
"I'm sorry, I have to go."
Ginny retorted, her voice echoing with desperation. "My flat is being bombarded with Owls carrying angry letters from subscribers to the Prophet.! I'm all the talk at work- everyone has shunned me! No one wants to hear my excuses. Harry, please, give me a chance to explain myself. You owe me that at least."
He shook his head. "No, I don't. I don't want to hear your excuses either." With a pop, he Disapparated away.
Harry had sent Olivia an Owl, asking her to meet him at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade instead of Diagon Alley. She had quickly sent return post that she would see him later that evening.
Dusk was setting in as Harry paced back and forth in front of the Three Broomsticks. Why was he nervous? It's just dinner, remember?
Olivia Apparated in front of his eyes, diminishing some of his nervousness, heightening other feelings.
"Hi." She greeted him with a smile. Her hair was twisted up into a flattering knot design. If it was possible, it made her look prettier than when her hair was down. Her neck was long and slender and Harry would have been blind not to see that she was wearing somewhat more fitting robes tonight. Her robes exposed her collarbone, which Harry suddenly found himself greatly attracted to. The spicy fragrance she seemed to wear lingered in the air.
Harry greeted her in return and chivalrously opened the door for her, gesturing for her to enter the Three Broomsticks.
The more time Harry spent with Olivia the more fascinating she became. She was a registered Animagus, she and her brother had been sent to India during the second war to protect their family's tradition, and she was a huge fan of The Weird Sisters, which Harry never would have guessed.
Harry's background wasn't nearly as exciting of course, so he entertained her with his, Ron's and Hermione's triumphs and transgressions at Hogwarts. It was a comfort not to have to tell her about his family, for he was sure Olivia had read it all in the Prophet. Everyone knew who he was, his parents tragic deaths, the awful Muggles he lived with, how he defeated Voldemort and now, how he had loved and lost Ginny Weasley. He often talked about his godsons Benjamin and Liam.
Olivia avoided all the pain without making Harry feel as though he or his life was tainted or taboo, it was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Harry liked the Three Broomsticks, it was quieter than the Leaky Cauldron with candles illuminating each table. Harry scooted his chair back for a better look at Olivia as she finished her soup and listened to his silly stories. The firelight caught her eyes and made them glow. For a moment it reminded Harry of Ginny, of so many years ago when they all awaited news from Molly regarding Arthur's snakebite. If he closed his eyes he could still picture Ginny curled up in the chair at Grimmauld Place, her eyes glowing a warmer hue than Olivia's were now.
He quickly broke free of the daze when the movement of Olivia checking her watch caught his eye.
"I'd better go." She said in a reluctant voice, looking back up at Harry.
Harry nodded and settled the bill with Madame Rosmerta, who seemed rather surprised to see him there with someone other than Ginny. She was almost condescending, which was quite out of character.
Harry and Olivia both Apparated back to Diagon Alley outside of Ollivander's shop, rain was threatening and few people were still out shopping.
"Hogwart's letters go out next week." Olivia remarked, looking up at the dark clouds hovering overhead. "New students will be coming in for wands and I'll be working a lot of overtime."
"It's my birthday next Friday, and I was, um, wondering if you'd, er like to go to a party with me?"
Olivia beamed. "Really? Where?"
Harry nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "At Ron's parents house. For all practical purposes, they're still my family."
"Do you think that's a good idea? Won't Ginny be there?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know, but I'd really like it if you were there."
Olivia smiled encouragingly at Harry and finally nodded. "All right."
There was a moment or two of awkward silence. Harry stuffed his hands into his pockets, a strange feeling brewing in his stomach. A mixture of guilt, apprehension, and temptation toward the woman in front of him. Olivia nervously traced the cracks in the sidewalk with the toe of her shoe.
"Thanks for dinner Harry." She whispered, taking a step closer. "I had a really nice time."
"Me too." Harry admitted, advancing a little closer to her.
She smiled softly and placed a gentle kiss on Harry's lips. It was nothing extravagant, but it was soft and warm.
"Thank you." She whispered as she broke the kiss and climbed the steps. With a small wave she disappeared into the shop.
The familiar feeling Harry had experience all through his childhood had returned. He hated his birthday. He wasn't sure how he'd managed to keep quiet about his kiss with Olivia Ollivander, but decided it was probably for the best. He'd already sent an Owl to Mrs. Weasley, letting her know he had a guest coming with him to the Burrow that night, but purposely neglected to mention who it was. He didn't know yet if Ginny was coming, but a part of him really wanted her to avoid him all together, but another considerable part of him wanted her to be there to see he wouldn't just sit and let life pass him by.
He and Remus Apparated into the backyard at the Burrow, which was crawling with red headed Weasley's. Remus joined all the Weasley men who were playing a Magical version of Horseshoes in the backyard. Their prospective and respective spouses sat together passing around the little Weasley twins.
A chorus of Happy Birthday echoed across the yard as Hermione and Ron quickly approached Harry, somewhat glad that he was alone.
Harry found himself looking around for Ginny as Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry, and Ron patted him on the back.
"Happy Birthday mate." Ron declared, leaning a little closer. "Where's Olivia?" He asked in a hushed whisper.
"She'll be along after work." Harry declared, feeling a slap on the back from Fred and George.
"How did you manage to snag Olivia Ollivander, you git." George asked, raising his eyebrows.
"We are sorry about Ginny though." Fred interjected quickly, his twin merely nodded.
Harry could feel himself blushing. "I didn't snag her. We're friends."
George and Fred exchanged a highly sceptical look and laughed.
"Right Harry."
"We've heard that one before."
They scuttled across the yard to heckle Percy, laughing, as Mrs. Weasley walked out of the back door into the yard.
"Harry! Happy Birthday dear."
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley. Thanks for the party, you're much too kind."
"Oh nonsense Harry, you deserve it." She looked vaguely around the yard before speaking again. "Now where's your little friend?"
Harry had to clear his throat and felt himself redden again. "She's working overtime this week due to Hogwart's letters going out. She'll be here later."
"Fine." She added stiffly.
Mrs Weasley walked over to where her husband had just flung an enchanted horseshoe onto the picnic table laden with food.
"Arthur!"
Harry smiled as he heard Mr. Weasley call out an apology, but kept right on playing.
Bill and Charlie were suddenly at his side, standing awkwardly, with their hands stuffed into their pockets and their heads cast down.
Bill began to speak, but Harry silenced him. "I don't need apologies. I've heard all the excuses and they're all the same. I don't blame anyone else for what Ginny did."
Bill and Charlie both offered their hands to Harry in a conciliatory gesture. "We are sorry Harry. We wanted Ginny to tell you the truth from the beginning. Dean never fit into this family like you did. And we gave Gin a fair amount of cheek for it too."
"When we saw her you mean." Charlie corrected his older brother. "We didn't see Ginny as much when Dean came into the picture. She knew we were all shocked and frankly, disappointed in her."
Harry had heard enough, these were things he didn't want to know. Dean. He didn't care if he ever heard his name again. He also guessed he knew what Bill and Ginny's argument was his first night back at the Burrow.
"Thanks guys." He offered half heartedly. "I don't blame you for anything."
"And what's this I hear about you and Olivia Ollivander?" Charlie asked with a certain amount of glee evident on his face. "Are you two an item now?"
"Er, no. We're just friends." Harry replied, still glancing around the yard for Ginny. "She remembers you from Hogwarts Charlie, you two will have to catch up later. Excuse me, won't you?"
Harry didn't wait for their reply, he crossed the yard and went to say hello to Angelina, Katie, Fleur, Penny and Ekaterina googling over Peyton and his godsons.
Ginny sat above all the laughter, all the good food her mother had prepared and above the family she felt estranged from. Nevertheless, her eyes never left Harry. Ginny sat alone on the window bench in the silence of her childhood bedroom, twirling the diamond ring around on her finger. As long as Harry didn't enter the house she could see him in the backyard. Olivia had yet to arrive and he too was sitting alone and silent with Benjamin in his arms.
It was so intimate to just be able to sit and stare for as long as she wished. His hair was longer than she'd seen it in 5 years, it was still untidy and unruly. His eyes were closed as he nuzzled the baby's forehead, but she was sure the vividness was still as green as they had been the first time he told her that he loved her. An almost empty plate lay on the grass next to him. The only thing remaining on it were the onions from the salad her mother made. He picked onions out of everything. He was jiggling his arm ever so slightly, keeping the fussier of his godsons pacified. He'd always been afraid of not being a good father, but it was evident he would be as wonderful as Ginny had always known he would be.
There was a sudden silence that haunted the garden below, for a moment Ginny was startled, thinking something horrible had happened. She stood for a better view of the yard and could clearly see her initial impressions were correct. Something horrible had happened. Olivia Ollivander had Apparated into her backyard. Harry had arisen very quickly and made his way over to the brunette striding across the yard. His eyes were wide now as he looked fondly at Olivia. Ginny was enraged when she, no, not she- That tart casually kissed his cheek and gently poked the nose of her nephew and godson.
"Hey." Harry said nonchalantly as Olivia kissed his cheek, causing him to blush yet again. "I was starting to think you weren't coming."
Olivia smiled and peeked at the baby snuggled up in Harry's arms and gently poked his nose. "Cute little guy. Oh, I'm sorry, Owen left the ledger a mess and I knew I should get it done."
"It's all right." Harry corrected her and grinned back. "No need to be sorry. Want to meet everybody?"
Olivia sighed nervously and tried to smile back. "I guess so."
Harry led Olivia to where Ron was talking with Katie and Angelina about the upcoming Chudley Cannons game.
"As long as Dorkins puts Gudgeon in it'll be fine. You don't put your reserve seeker in just because - Harry!"
"Ron, Katie, Angelina I'd like you all to meet my, um, friend Olivia Ollivander. Olivia, this is my best mate Ron Weasley and Fred and George's fiancées Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell."
Olivia managed to stifle her laugh. George was engaged? He still hit on her once a week! "It's nice to meet all of you. I've heard a lot about you Ron. I've heard all about your sons. Harry's really excited about being a godfather."
Ron wasn't sure what he had expected when he'd meet Olivia Ollivander, but he could see why Harry was attracted to her, she was beautiful! "Thanks. It's, um nice to meet you Olivia." Ron mumbled, extending a hand.
"You too. Angelina and Katie, I run into George and Fred quite often on Diagon Alley, you're lucky ladies."
"Thanks." The girls responded curtly.
Ron offered to take Benjamin from Harry while he finished making his introductions. Olivia quickly took advantage of Harry's free arms and slipped one of her arms through Harry's. He seemed a little nervous at first, but smiled over at her as they made their way toward Hermione, Mr and Mrs Weasley and Ekaterina.
"Um, Mr and Mrs Weasley, this is my, um, friend Olivia Ollivander, Olivia, these are Ron's parents, Molly and Arthur Weasley."
Molly and Arthur both rose hesitantly and extended their hands toward Olivia.
"Thanks, it's nice of you to let me visit Mr and Mrs Weasley." Olivia then turned to Hermione. "It's nice to see you again Hermione. Harry talks very fondly about your sons."
"Hello Olivia, nice to see you too. Yes, Harry's a great godfather, we always knew he would be."
Harry saw Charlie approaching and slung his arm around Ekaterina's shoulder.
"Charlie! It's nice to see you." Olivia declared brightly, leaning forward and gently pulling Charlie into a hug.
"You too Olivia, this is my girlfriend Ekaterina, we work together at the Dragon Camp in Romania."
"Iz nice to meet you." Ekaterina replied in her thick accent, giving Olivia a false smile.
"Er, Charlie, how do you know Miss Ollivander?" Molly finally asked, not sure if she wanted to know the answer.
Olivia spoke up immediately. "I went to school with Charlie Mrs. Weasley. He was Gryffindor ,of course, and I was Ravenclaw. I'm acquaintances of Fred and George too- I only met them recently at their shop on Diagon Alley."
"You went to school with Charlie?" Molly asked, slightly stunned. "Well that would mean that you're - " Mrs Weasley was starting to get that look upon her face like a teakettle about to steam.
Olivia laughed a little. "Yes, I'm a few years older than Harry."
Harry stretched his hand across his face and squeezed his temples between his thumb and middle finger. No, this was not going well.
"Er, c'mon Olivia, I want you to meet Remus." Harry declared, dragging her away from the awkward situation. Thankfully Remus was sitting, enjoying a quiet conversation with Bill, Fleur, Percy and Penny.
Remus stood as Harry approached with Olivia. He'd just been through a full moon and looked a bit rough. Harry was beginning to wonder if they should just leave now.
"Eh, Remus, I think you already kinda know Olivia Ollivander. Olivia, this is my friend Remus, he was best friends with my parents. For the time being I'm living with him at Grimmauld Place."
Olivia smiled warmly and took the hand that was offered to her. At least Remus seemed like he actually wanted to meet her.
"It's nice to meet you formally Ms. Ollivander."
"And you too." Olivia replied, looking him over cautiously. "Harry's told me plenty of stories about your relationship to his father and godfather."
Remus smiled fondly. "Yes, we did have some good times."
"And you must be the last of the Weasley boys that I haven't met yet." Olivia declared, directing her attention to Bill and Percy.
"Bill Weasley, nice to meet you Ms. Ollivander. I was a couple of years ahead of you at Hogwarts."
Olivia laughed. "I'm sorry I don't remember you, I spent most of my time in the library."
"Ah, like my brother Percy and my two sisters in law then. I spent a fair bit of time on the Quidditch Pitch, so we didn't necessarily travel in the same circles, no apology necessary. Allow me to introduce my wife Fleur, we work together at Gringott's Egypt branch."
"Enchante'." Fleur replied politely.
Percy waited impatiently for his brother to finish and then introduced himself and his wife. Harry couldn't help but think it odd that Percy was the only one who had not tried to offer some sort of apology for his behaviour regarding Ginny's secret.
Olivia, Penny and Fleur exchanged pleasantries while Harry looked to Remus for some sign of approval. The only expression Harry was greeted with was quizzical and speculatory.
Olivia turned to Harry and leaned in closer. "And where are the two mischievous ones? I thought for sure they'd be here."
Harry finally laughed, feeling some of tension leave him. "Oh, they're here somewhere. Probably in the shed experimenting or something. If you hear an explosion you'll know."
Ron had spent the rest of his evening at Harry and Olivia's side, under the cautious eye of his wife. Hermione wasn't watching only her husband, but her best friend as well. Olivia seemed nice enough but also seemed very intent on making progress. Her arm was linked through Harry's most of the evening as they talked or sat eating. Even though Ginny had committed grievous faults, she had to stand by her sister in law.
Fred and George had finally emerged from Arthur's tool shed with a brand new fireworks display in honour of Harry's birthday. The group reclined on the grass or sat in chairs watching the spectacular explosions above the garden.
Ginny was still torturing herself by watching the spectacle below. She heard one of the babies crying and hurried downstairs to investigate it. Percy's old room on the second floor had been remodelled as a nursery of sorts after Penny announced she was expecting Peyton.
Ginny scooped up Benjamin and gently held him to her chest, whispering softly into his faint, reddish brown hair. Her mind flashed to Harry doing the same thing earlier in the evening when she first began observing him down in the garden. She closed her eyes, breathing in the baby's scent and sealing the memory in her mind.
Harry. The sound of an explosion brought Ginny back to the present. She gently patted the baby's back as she parted the curtains and peered out the window. A purple and gold Chinese dragon illuminated the backyard and sparklers had written out 'Happy Birthday Harry' across the sky in red flames. Ginny smiled inwardly. She wondered if Harry knew what he was undertaking when he donated his one thousand galleons prize money to Fred and George and became their silent partner.
Ginny looked down onto the yard below and instantly wished she hadn't. Harry's lips were pressed firmly to Olivia Ollivander's where they leaned against the garden wall presumably watching the fireworks.
Ginny felt a deluge of emotion. Hatred…Anger… Jealousy… Sadness… Heartbreak.
How could he? How could he kiss that tart? That bit of skirt. That scarlet woman!
The tears crested over the floodgates and her body shook with sobs. She felt faint and quickly reached for the chair behind her, easing herself in and cradling the baby close to her chest. She suddenly realized that she had inflicted this pain upon herself. It was probably how Harry had felt the night he left the Burrow.
Didn't Olivia know that was her Harry? Hadn't he always promised her that, no matter what? Didn't Olivia know that it was Ginny and Harry who belonged together?
Ginny didn't want to use magic. No, she wanted to march down the stairs right now and out onto the lawn, grab that hussy by the back of her hair and drag her off of Harry and punch her in the face- just as Harry had done to Dean. Oh this was all her fault.
The baby's even and rhythmic breathing told Ginny that he had indeed fallen back to sleep, but she couldn't bear to rise from the chair and walk past the window to lay him down. She couldn't bear to see Olivia snogging her Harry. Instead, Ginny sat in the chair, cuddling the baby and slowly rocking back and forth as the tears continued to slowly fall.
Hermione entered the Burrow some time later, after the fireworks, and went upstairs to check on her sleeping sons. She'd seen enough of Harry and Olivia snogging in the Weasley's garden to last a lifetime. The door to the bedroom was ajar and she could hear a gentle voice coming from the room. She instantly recognized it as Ginny's. Truthfully she hadn't even known Ginny was here. The constant sniffling and the nasally voice told Hermione that Ginny had indeed been crying. She wished that her sister in law hadn't seen the spectacle on the lawn, but knew it was probably just wishful thinking.
Hermione crept up to the door and peeked in the crack. Ginny was sitting in the wooden rocking chair, slowly rocking one of the boys. It was almost completely dark except for Ginny's wand softly illuminating the room. She was talking to the baby inbetween sniffles.
"I love him so much, you know that don't you?"
The baby cooed softly, bringing a smile to Ginny's face.
"Yes, I do. I love him with my heart and soul, with my entire being. I would do anything for him. I would do anything to get him back."
Compassion and emotion did not often strike Hermione, but as she stood by watching Ginny she had no doubt that although her sister in law had made terrible choices, she was in love with Harry. It would never change, it would never subside, it would never falter again. A seed was planted within Hermione's brain, a seed that instantly began to grow.
She raced back down the stairs and through the kitchen. Ron was busy shoving a piece of birthday cake into his mouth as the last of the fireworks were going off. She grabbed his arm just as he was bringing the cake up to his mouth. The cake squished all over sending crumbs down the front of his shirt and smearing his face with icing.
"Hermione!" He yelled loudly showing her his frosted hands and gestured toward his attire.
"Sorry Ron, it's called soap and water, try it sometime. C'mon, I need to talk with you."
She dragged him over to where Remus was relaxing in one of the chairs on the lawn. She shot Harry a dirty look where he was still canoodling with Olivia against the wall. Unfortunately the disapproving glance went un-noticed, as Harry was too busy to see it anyway.
Hermione delicately tapped Remus on the shoulder and crouched down next to him, pulling Ron down with her.
"Remus, I need to speak with you, it's really important."
"What is it Hermione? Is everything all right?" Lupin asked nervously.
Hermione shook her head and indicated toward Olivia and Harry. "No, it isn't." she admitted, clucking her tongue in disagreement. "But I think I know how it could be."
Remus raised an eyebrow and looked expectantly from Ron to Hermione.
"C'mon inside, I've got an idea."