Remus sighed and glanced at the other two faces in the room. "To be quite honest Hermione, this isn't your most clever plan to date, but I can see that if we don't intervene, it's going to be too late. I don't like the person Harry is anymore. I can't see this relationship with Olivia evolving into a positive force in his life like Ginny did. I'm a bit hesitant of this, I don't agree with what Ginny did - " Remus sighed again, rather reluctantly. "But I think she loves him."
"I think we can make it work." Ron declared, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "It can't make things worse, can it?"
Remus rose from the kitchen table in the Burrow and limped toward the window. He glimpsed Harry and Olivia stealing one last kiss from each other before Harry rose to his feet and extended a hand to Olivia. Harry brushed the grass off his jeans and grasped Olivia's hand as he made the rounds, saying thank you and goodbye to those in the garden.
"He'll be looking for you soon. The fireworks are over."
The fireworks in the sky were over, but Remus feared the fireworks between Harry and Olivia were only beginning. "If your plan doesn't work Hermione, it would ruin every inch of progress we've made with Harry since he left the Burrow. The damage would be too deteriorated to repair this time. Even if it does work, he could still be furious with us for meddling- again."
Hermione pushed herself up from the table and squeezed Ron's shoulder as she walked to the window to join Remus. "Do you have any better suggestions? I'm really willing to listen. This plan is the best thing I could come up with under duress and with the obvious time constraints. Harry and Ginny are soul mates, I've heard others talk about them. Dumbledore, McGonagall, even V-Voldemort- wizards and witches far greater than us knew it. I'm not going to let Harry throw his life away because Ginny did something stupid and regrettable. She loves him, I know she does. I can make this work. Do you trust me?"
"He's coming toward the house now." Remus said quickly, moving away from the window. He stole a fleeting look at Ron then Hermione, "Yes, I trust you. Make it work, but let me know before you try anything."
A baby's cry could be heard and the stairs creaked loudly startling the kitchen's occupants and moments later Ginny entered the kitchen with both babies in their carriers. Benjamin was fussing loudly.
"Ginny!" Hermione gasped, clutching her chest. "Merlin's beard you frightened me."
"Sorry." Ginny muttered, handing Liam's carrier to Ron. "Liam just woke up, but Benjamin's been awake for some time. He must be hungry, he's getting fussy though. He probably wants his mummy." Ginny removed him from his carrier and cuddled him closely.
Ron, Hermione and Remus all exchanged worried glances, they were all thinking the same thing. Had Ginny overheard anything? If so, she could serious corrupt their plan- the only plan they had.
"Has he been fussing long?" Ron asked, scooping Liam into his arms.
Ginny shrugged. "A few minutes, I was trying to calm him down, but I think he's just hungry."
The back door opened just as Hermione was reaching for her son.
"I just came in to say thanks and good - " The smile faded from Harry's face as he and Olivia entered the kitchen hand in hand and his eyes instantly fell upon Ginny and Benjamin. " - night." The word tumbled quickly from Harry's mouth as his eyes furled together in a scowl. "I didn't know you were here." He finished in a cool, detached voice.
"I, um, was upstairs with the boys, er Happy Birthday Harry." Ginny smiled shyly, avoiding Olivia all together and looking directly into Harry's piercing green eyes.
Their eyes locked for a brief moment as Ron, Hermione and Remus all held their breath in anticipation. Harry let go of Olivia's hand, and he looked contemplative enough for a moment to consider the smile on her face and the well wishes, unfortunately, the contemplation disappeared.
"I came in to say goodnight to Ron and Hermione and the boys."
Ginny took advantage of the situation and stepped forward, offering Ben to Harry. She easily could have diplomatically handed him to Harry but instead she just let him pull the baby away from the warmth and comfort of her chest.
There was no way to avoid physical touch. Especially if he wanted to hold the baby properly and support his fragile head and neck. Harry's hand slid in between the baby's body and Ginny's, pressing hard on Ginny's chest above her breasts. He smiled at the baby as Ginny's hands continued to rest on his little back even after he was settled onto Harry's chest. He gave her a quick, firm glance, but her hands didn't move until Olivia Ollivander stepped closer and leaned over Harry's shoulder.
Tears welled up in Ginny's eyes again and she did not want to show emotion here and now in front of Olivia. "I have to go." Ginny blurted out. "Tell mum and dad I said hello. Goodnight." She quickly exited the kitchen and the small group heard the familiar crack of Disapparation from the living room.
"Thanks for seeing me home Harry. You didn't need to."
Harry smiled and squeezed Olivia's hand. "Sure I did."
Olivia looked up at the comfortable flat above Ollivander's shop and sighed. Diagon Alley was empty, dark and quiet. "I don't normally spend weekends here, my family has an estate out of town, but since I've been so busy it's just more convenient, and frankly I like my flat better."
"I don't blame you. Your brother stays with you?" Harry looked up at the windows high above the storefront.
"Yes, but he has his own flat. We insisted on that the day we moved our stuff in, we don't always get along the best, but it's all right. I'm glad he's here all the same."
Harry swallowed with difficulty and looked Olivia in the eyes. "Thanks for coming to the party, I know it wasn't the fun evening I promised you with Ginny showing up and all, but - "
Olivia silenced him by pressing her index finger to his lips. "I had a nice time. And Ginny didn't really present any difficulties, did she? It could have been a lot worse Harry. The thing I was most concerned with was the look on poor Mrs. Weasley's face when she found out how old I was!"
Harry laughed. "You're not old, and Mrs. Weasley is just really protective of all of us. She's the closest thing to a mum that I've ever had and she's never treated me any differently than the rest of her kids. I have so much respect and love for her and Mr. Weasley."
"They seem like a nice family, oh, by the way I wanted to ask you something about Remus. Is he on the Animagus registry? I got a heavy animal vibe from him." Her question was quite nonchalant, and she seemed to be in thought or remembrance.
Harry almost choked. He coughed and sputtered right in the middle of Diagon Alley, clutching his chest out of shock. Should he tell her? Could he trust her? Would Remus mind? Olivia had asked in an innocent enough way, but Harry's reaction had obviously ridden with guilt. If he lied, she would know, and she obviously had access to the registry, didn't she? Finally, he didn't want to lie to Olivia, he liked her.
"Um, no he's not on the, er, registry." Harry stammered. "He's not an Animagus either. To be quite honest, he's a Werewolf."
Olivia's bright blue eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! That thought never occurred to me. Animagi usually react to one another and I noticed he investigated me a little bit. It would make sense if he's a dog."
Harry tried to remember that Remus had a legitimate job now and he probably had to tell people quite often about his condition, be he made a point to tell Remus about it anyway. "He works for Ministry as a Liaison from the Department of Magical Creatures."
Olivia seemed to sympathize with Lupin's condition. "Don't worry, I won't bring it up again. I was just curious, I don't know too many Animagus since the war."
The war was a topic that Harry was keen to avoid, but Animagi, he knew a few of those. "My dad was an Animagus too. Unregistered of course. So was Sirius. They had quite a few grand adventures from what I've heard."
Olivia smiled. "I'm sure they did Harry. Hold on to those memories, don't ever forget them."
Harry smiled in return, but the thought of The Marauders brought back memories of whom he'd shared the stories with. Ron, Hermione and Ginny. They had known Sirius, spent time with him, knew the look on his face when he'd snigger really hard and rest his head on the table as he barked with laughter. Moony would roll his eyes and just dismiss Sirius's brief moments of foolishness with a hand wave and usually have to finish the story. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny would laugh until their sides hurt and tears leaked from their eyes. Harry loved those times. He never realized there would be so few of them.
"Wait! I forgot to give you your present." Olivia began rummaging in the satchel slung over her shoulder and produced a small, mahogany coloured leather box.
"You didn't have to get me anything for my birthday." Harry remarked, blushing warmly, taking the box from Olivia's outstretched hand.
He gingerly opened the box, and cautiously peered inside. "Olivia, you shouldn't have." Harry declared, pulling a silver watch from the box.
"I noticed you didn't have one." she began, flashing him a smile. "It seemed kind of ironic to me. You spent so much time in a coma, but don't have a watch. I hope you like it."
"I'm touched, really I am. I had been thinking about buying a new watch, mine stopped during the final battle." Harry was flabbergasted. Thinking back he realized he'd never received such an extravagant gift.
"I'm glad you like it." Olivia admitted shyly, watching Harry slip the watch around his wrist and fasten it.
Olivia's voice brought him back to reality. "I should go upstairs, it's going to be a long day tomorrow."
Harry nodded. "Thanks again. I had a really nice time." He felt himself leaning forward as Olivia grabbed the collar of his shirt and pressed her lips to his. Her kisses were forceful, she was dominating and desperate in her urgency. Harry wasn't entirely sure if he was exhilarated or terrified.
Olivia broke the kiss with a mischievous smile. "Happy Birthday Harry."
"Er, thanks." He declared bashfully, pushing his glasses further up on his nose. "I guess I'd better go. Thanks and goodnight." Harry offered in a hoarse voice as he watched Olivia ascend the stairs and disappear into the shop.
"Merlin's beard." Harry whispered, leaning over and clutching his knees for support. He was breathing rather heavily, but he wasn't exactly sure why. Nerves? Physical attraction? Fear? He took several deep breaths and decided to just Apparate home.
"Remus!" Harry called as he entered number twelve Grimmauld Place. All the lights were still on in the old house and Harry held onto the newel post as he hollered up the stairs. There was no noise. Harry proceeded to check the living room on the way downstairs to the basement kitchen.
A narrow, side door was open letting the cool evening air into the kitchen. Harry had forgotten about the 'garden' at Grimmauld Place.
"Moony?" He questioned stepping out onto the flagstone patio.
Lupin was sitting on the stone garden wall, looking up at the sky.
"Moony?" Harry asked again tensely.
"Ah yes, Harry. I was just feeling a little queasy, I thought some fresh air might help."
Harry swallowed with difficulty. "Is everything OK?"
Remus nodded. "Fine. I just wasn't expecting such excitement over at Molly and Arthur's tonight."
Harry stepped across the fractured flagstone, disrupted by years of tree root overgrowth while Sirius was in Azkaban. The garden was actually more of a stone patio that looked to be on the edge of some tectonic plate, damaged in a backyard earthquake. The deformed stone had a character and moss and lichens grew along the cracks and ivy climbed the garden wall. Remus, who always claimed to be challenged in Herbology, had planted a small garden of magical flowers.
Harry took the seat opposite Remus on one of the stone planter boxes and looked up through the tree branches at the sky. "I miss him most on nights like this." Harry confessed.
"Me too. And your Mum and Dad. Sirius would have liked going to a party. He was the party."
Harry smiled. He wondered if Sirius would have liked Olivia. He suddenly found himself asking the question. "What did you think of Olivia? Would Dad and Sirius have liked her?"
Lupin had to smile inwardly. As calculating as it may seem, this is exactly where he wanted Harry. He needed him to speak very candidly. Remus needed Harry to get to the source of his feelings, whether Harry wanted to or not. If Hermione's plan was going to work, Harry needed to address his own emotions. It was necessary to get Harry thinking.
"Well, firstly, Sirius would have probably liked Olivia for himself instead of for you. Padfoot always liked girls who weren't afraid to be themselves, who weren't shy- especially when it came to public affection. Your dad's taste was, well, perfect. Look at your Mum. She was clever, beautiful, brave, and a great wife and mother. Very much like Ginny, you know."
Harry quit looking at the black sky and returned his gaze to Remus. "You're quick to forgive. What did you think of Olivia?"
"I forgive when I see merit, and it doesn't matter what I think of Olivia. Does she make you happy?"
Harry thought carefully before speaking. His eyes returned to the heavens, he noticed a low layer of clouds obscuring the lowest level of stars on the horizon. "She doesn't make me unhappy."
"And Ginny does?"
"Ginny - " He stopped abruptly, letting his hands fidget in a ball on his lap. "Ginny just made things too difficult. Falling in love with someone else. Can you say you could forgive someone for that?"
"Depends on my priorities for life I guess. Does Olivia make you feel the same way Ginny did? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I think you should be honest with yourself."
Harry was silent and insolent as he took in Lupin's words. He was not prepared to admit the truth out loud.
Remus began speaking again without waiting for Harry to comment. "Regardless, I think your behaviour was a little shocking and out of character this evening. I dare say Molly and Arthur were a little stunned."
"It's not my fault." Harry returned sharply. "She kissed me first."
Remus committed this to memory. OK, so she had initiated the contact, that was beneficial.
"I realize you've missed a crucial part of your adolescence. Dating. There is an etiquette involved that you flaunted horribly tonight. Arthur and Molly have a deep care for you, and although you and Ginny are no longer together, you need to respect their feelings toward her. They love her, she is their only daughter ad they are concerned for her well being. Snogging your new girlfriend in front of your old girlfriend's family is not only in bad taste, but is rude and hurtful. It might be nice to apologize to the Weasley's." Remus suggested, trying not to force the issue. "They love you and want the best for you."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I suppose that wasn't the most charming I've ever been."
"While we're speaking of apologies - "
"Forget it Moony. I'm not ready for that."
"It wouldn't hurt you to listen, would it?"
Harry had no retort.
"Before you go to bed, I have a question. Is Olivia Ollivander on the Animagus Registry?"
"How'd you know?" Harry asked, stunned.
Remus shrugged. "We just can tell."
Harry heard a rumble of thunder as he readied himself for bed that evening. He was thinking, or rather, trying not to think of what Remus had said. He was probably right on several levels, levels that Harry was not willing to descend to yet. He didn't want to hear Ginny out. He didn't want her apologies, sorry wasn't enough.
Hearing the gentle splatter of rain on his windows, Harry strode across his room and prepared to close the blinds. As he looked out, a shadowy figure was looming across the street, soaked with rain, readying to cross the street. A small parcel was clutched under the person's arm. Harry could not see the person's face, it was too dark out and the stranger wore a hood.
Harry felt his heart rate increase and it felt like a golden snitch was zooming around in his stomach. He ensured that his wand was in his back pocket as he slowly left his room and descended the stairs. The only light was the light from his bedroom and a dim light from the front hall. He could now see the shadowy figure climbing the stairs outside number twelve.
As Harry pulled his wand from his back pocket he suddenly wondered why in Merlin's name he was doing this. This transient could be a renegade Death Eater! His war training took over and abruptly he found himself yanking open the door and grabbing the person around the neck, hauling them down to the floor and pressing his wand against their back. The package flew through the air and landed several feet away with a soft plop.
Right about the same time, Harry heard a distinctly feminine squeal and heard Remus's bedroom door open upstairs. Looking down, he saw the stranger removing her hood, revealing her long, red hair.
Ginny was soaking wet, Harry too was wet since he'd tackled her to the ground, and a pool of water was puddling on the floor.
Harry rose and towered over his would be 'attacker.' "Ginny? You scared the hell out of me! What are you doing here?"
"I, er, um - "
"So everything's all right then?" Remus asked, the smirk in his voice was very evident.
Harry looked over his shoulder with a scowl. "Yeah, just fine." he replied sarcastically. He looked down at Ginny, who now laid on the wooden floor with her eyes closed and a bright red blush creeping over her face.
Remus stifled a chuckle. "I'll just go back to bed then. Goodnight."
Harry heard the door close behind him and extended a hand to help Ginny up from the floor.
A small smile teased her lips as she took Harry's hand and let him help her up. "Thanks." She whispered, rubbing a sore spot on her hip where Harry had pressed her to the floor.
"Sorry about that." He replied, quickly letting go of her hand and crossing his arms over his chest. "So are you going to tell me what it is you're doing here?"
Ginny looked down at herself, her clothes and hair were soaked with rain, despite the raincoat she was wearing. She had come in an effort to be sweet and beautiful- competition for Olivia Ollivander, but now she imagined she looked like wet mop. "I came to bring you your birthday present." She admitted, looking down at the puddle on the floor.
"Ginny." Harry whined, as if his patience were wearing very thin. With a quick spell he dried up the rainwater at her feet as she bent over and picked up the parcel wrapped in brown paper and tied with a length of red yarn.
"I knew you probably wouldn't take it from me, so I was hoping to leave it with Remus or something." Her voice was beginning to quaver as she extended her hands toward Harry, hoping with all her might that he would take the package from her arms.
Harry hesitated, but finally made to grasp the fluffy looking bundle. As he extended his hands, his cuffs on his shirt sleeves pulled, revealing the watch on his left hand.
"That's beautiful." Ginny declared, eyeing the flash of silver from his wrist. "Who gave you that?"
Harry frowned, pulling his sleeves back down over his wrist. He opened his mouth to tell her that it was Olivia, but he suddenly found his throat very dry, unable to verbalize himself.
Ginny picked up on his hesitation as tears filled her brown eyes. "It was from Olivia, wasn't it?" She suddenly felt very embarrassed. She was employed and supported herself nicely, but a wave of jealously crashed over her. She hadn't been envious of someone else's money for years- since her school days, but Olivia Ollivander's gift was shiny, beautiful, and very expensive. Ginny's gift was lumpy, achromatic and handmade. She suddenly wanted to yank the package out of Harry's hands, but it was too late.
Harry pulled on the red piece of yarn and unfolded the brown paper that surrounded an oatmeal coloured jumper. As Harry unfolded it, he noticed it was an intricate weave of cables and patterns.
"I've been working on it, since- well, since you were still at St. Mungo's. It's an Irish jumper, sometimes they're called Fisherman's Sweaters. All the cables and patterns mean something."
Harry said nothing. The lump in his throat prevented speech. He had seen Hermione knit, he had seen Mrs. Weasley knit, and knew Ginny had knit while he was in St. Mungo's to pass the time. Even with the aid of magic, he knew this was something that had been time consuming and done out of love.
Ginny stood in front of him, little droplets of water dripping from her hair, her spirit crushed that he said nothing at all. "I, just, er, wanted to drop that off. Happy Birthday Harry."
She retrieved her wand, preparing to leave but he suddenly caught her hand in his. "Thank you." He whispered, refusing to look into her eyes, looking at the jumper instead.
"It's not much, but I wanted you to know that I didn't forget your birthday." Ginny admitted, blushing again. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, press her lips to his and tell him she loved him and seeing him kiss Olivia Ollivander had been heartbreaking, but instead she squeezed his hand briefly before letting go. "Goodnight."
With a pop, she Disapparated from in front of Harry's eyes leaving him with his latest Weasley jumper.
It had taken Harry thirty minutes or more to leave the entrance hall after Ginny had left. He seated himself on the bottom step of the staircase and just sat there, clutching the sweater in one hand and the piece of red yarn in the other hand. Why he was holding that yarn, he didn't know. He didn't have any idea how long he'd been sitting there, staring at the floor where minutes ago her feet had been, until he looked down at his new watch.
Harry trudged up the stairs, extinguishing the lights in the hall with a flick of his wand. He carefully set the jumper down on his bed and removed the watch, setting it on his nightstand. Harry pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it into one corner of the room where the rest of his dirty clothes were mounting up. He made a face and continued out of his room down to the bathroom.
He rested his hands on the sink and looked into the mirror. He was 23 years old. He didn't feel it. He wondered if the feelings swarming his insides were normal for someone of his age. He instantly doubted it.
Why was Ginny being so difficult? Why did she betray him in the first place? Why did it fall on his shoulders to defeat Voldemort and lie in a coma for five years?
He sighed deeply, letting his head rest against the looking glass. Those were only some of the questions that haunted his mind. The others were much more personal. Why did he still ache to see Ginny? Why did he find her so beautiful as she stood before him tonight- dripping wet with tears welled up in her eyes? Why did he still want to take her in his arms despite all she had done?
He turned the tap water on hot, instantly fogging up the mirror and his glasses. He folded them and set them aside as he leaned over the faucet and splashed the water on his face. As he did so, he realized that the other side of the coin was weighing equally on his mind. Why was Olivia Ollivander so attractive? Why did he go out of his way to be near her? Why did he want to spend even more time with her?
He quickly dried off his face and picked up his glasses before making his way back toward his bedroom. He set his glasses on the table next to his watch and retrieved the jumper from his bed. It was unbelievably soft and not scratchy like some of the other jumpers he had. He closed his eyes and held the garment to his face. He inhaled deeply, instantly recognizing the scent. It was Ginny, there was no other way to describe it. Oranges and ginger. It was faint, but unforgettable all the same. There were so many memories immersed in that scent. So many kisses, so many 'I love you's' so much intimacy.
Harry shook his head, trying to rid the thoughts from his mind. He laid his Weasley Sweater on the chair next to the bed, turned out the lights and climbed into bed.
The jumper had come to weigh very heavily on Harry's mind. He had not moved it from the chair in his bedroom, but each time he entered the room he stared at in rather intently. He had not bothered to throw the red yarn away either. It laid like a wiggly spaghetti noodle on his nightstand. He still had no insight why he chose to keep it.
Remus had worn a distinct smirk since the night of Harry's birthday when Harry had wrestled Ginny down to the floor. Harry tried avoiding him when he saw that look on his face. However, it was becoming almost unavoidable, as Remus took to wearing that expression most of the time.
Olivia sent several Owls during the week explaining she was swamped at the shop, experiencing their busiest week since she'd taken over the position. People had renewed confidence in the Wizarding World since Harry's reawakening, and more students were attending Hogwarts than in the previous five years.
Olivia inquired as to whether Harry had plans for the upcoming Sunday evening and if he could join her for dinner at her flat. She explained that she was not the best cook, but that she considered herself somewhat of an expert at Curry Chicken.
Harry had determined this was just what he needed to forget about his birthday, about the sweater, and about Ginny. He quickly grabbed a quill from his nightstand and scrawled back his reply. Yes!
He thought Olivia would probably think him overeager, but then it occurred to him that she seemed rather eager herself. He smiled as he beckoned Hedwig down from her perch and gave her his reply to Olivia.
"To Olivia at Diagon Alley then." He replied, gently scratching the fluffy patch just above her beak. Harry felt her talons gently dig into his arm, steadying herself, as he carried her to the window. He opened the window with his free hand and invited Hedwig to leave, but she only dug her talons in deeper.
"Hey!" He retorted irritably. "You don't like her either?" Harry asked her pointedly, as if he expected a reply.
Hedwig only turned her head, refusing to look at her master.
Harry seemed affronted by her barbed gesture. "Well, you don't have to like her, just deliver the letter, all right?"
Hedwig hooted, but it seemed like more of a growl as she departed through the open window. Harry shook his head as he turned back around, catching a glimpse of Ginny's jumper again.
He tried rationalizing that it was just a piece of twisted yarn, but it was a lot more than that. It was a part of Ginny. She had spent countless hours on it, out of love, for his birthday. He plopped down on his bed and noticed the red string of yarn coiled up on his table. He picked it up, wrapped it around his wrist and tied it in a knot. At first he thought it looked rather stupid next to the silver watch that Olivia had given him, but slowly he began to realize that the silly string characterized his life more than a fancy watch ever would. But a part of him wanted so terribly to start anew.
Almost a week later, Harry stood outside the door at Olivia Ollivanders as the smell of spices filled the hallway outside her flat. In one hand Harry clutched a bottle of white wine- a Riesling which had been recommended to him and in the other hand a bouquet of orchids, supposedly an Indian variety. He felt his stomach leap with anticipation as he knocked on the door and heard Olivia's voice call out that she was in the kitchen and invite him inside.
"You shouldn't do that you know." Harry declared, stepping hesitantly into the unknown apartment.
"Do what?" Olivia asked, her voice softer this time as she stepped out of the kitchen and into the front room.
Harry was at a loss for words. Olivia could only be described as looking absolutely gorgeous. She was wearing a very short black mini-dress in a flowing fabric that revealed her long, slender legs. The dress was sleeveless and quite low cut, revealing more than Harry had seen of any other woman with the exception of Ginny. Olivia's dark brown hair was curled in ringlets that fell around her shoulders.
"Huh?" Harry mumbled, gaping openly at Olivia as she strode toward him.
"What shouldn't I do?" She reiterated, leaning in and kissing Harry's cheek.
She was close enough that he could smell that intoxicating fragrance that just seemed to follow her everywhere. "Er, letting strange blokes inside your flat. How did you know it was me?"
"Well Animagi usually have very sharp senses, I could just tell it was you."
Harry nodded. "Um, here I brought these for you, I was told they were from India." He watched as Olivia closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of the purple flowers.
She smiled brightly. "Thank you. I'll go put them in some water."
"Oh wait- this is for dinner. It's a Riesling and is supposed to go well with Indian food." Harry offered up the bottle of wine.
Olivia's smile changed to a mischievous smirk. "Why Harry Potter, are you trying to get me smashed so you can take advantage of me?"
Harry blushed and tried to laugh it off.
"Thanks for the wine too. Dinner is almost ready, make yourself comfortable."
She kissed Harry again, this time her lips barely brushed the corners of his mouth.
Harry watched her walk back toward the kitchen as he sunk down onto the couch, pulling his hair. Merlin she was sexy. She was stimulating and seductive and George was right- she was addictive like an aphrodisiac.
Harry looked around his environs and began studying the owner of this flat. She was quite neat, but not Muggle neat. The walls were wonderfully colourful and she had lots of neat knick-knacks and artefacts, that Harry could only deduce must be from India. Some of the masks, pictures, and statues Harry instantly recognized. Vishnu and Ganesha he knew were gods of the Hindu religion. The furniture appeared to be Indian antiques and looked rather posh. It was evident she was born into a wealthy family.
"Ever have Curry Chicken before?" Olivia called out from the kitchen.
"No, but I'm not a picky eater. I'm sure I'll like it."
His eyes fell upon a framed photograph on the wall of Olivia with a very dashing looking man. Was this the illusive Owen Ollivander whom she always made out to be a slob, a klutz and a bad businessman. The wizarding photo was definitely taken in India, the Taj Mahal was in the background.
"Is this your brother?" Harry called out as he rose from the couch to move closer to the photograph.
Olivia strode out into the living room and crossed her arms across her chest as she smiled in remembrance.
"No." She whispered softly, joining Harry in front of the picture. "That's my husband Jerehmy."
Harry spun around, not entirely sure he had heard Olivia correctly. "What?" He asked, bowled over with what she had just said.
"Well, before he died of course. He fought in the Second War."
Olivia's voice was hollow but susceptible. "He died right next to my Grandfather. A few witnesses said he was trying to protect him and they both got - hit. We were only married four years."
This had never occurred to Harry- at all. Olivia was 30 years old, too young to be a widow. Things were starting to make sense. No wonder Olivia seemed to eager to give her attention away. She was trying to fill a void in her life- just as Harry was. He wondered what she was like before the war.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled. "What's your married name?"
"Goldhawk." Olivia answered. "I go by Ollivander for business purposes. And don't be sorry Harry. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you. I guess I just forgot you were doing your own suffering at St. Mungo's. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spoil the mood. Jerehmy was a good man. I still miss him though. "
An awkward silence enveloped the living room before Harry saw Olivia make a quick swipe at her eyes as she began to speak. "Why don't you uncork the wine, dinner should be ready."
Harry felt awful but was happy to see Olivia's mood improving as dinner wore on. He immediately realized he loved the Curry Chicken, it was spicy and very flavourful. Harry kept his wine drinking to a minimum and had only one glass with his dinner. He did not want a repeat of what happened at the Leaky Cauldron.
Olivia quickly did the dishes with a flick of her wand and they moved into the living room to talk further.
"Dinner was amazing." Harry reprised, resting his hands across his very full stomach.
"Thank you." Olivia replied flashing Harry a smile. "I learned a few great recipes while I was there from this old Indian witch, she was wonderful. Indian cooking isn't as conducive when you're only cooking for one. We'll have to try Tandoori sometime."
Harry smiled. "I'd like that."
Olivia reached over and took his wrist, admiring his watch. "I'm really glad you're wearing it, I was afraid you wouldn't like it for some reason." She scrunched her nose when she saw the red yarn wrapped around Harry's wrist lying next to the watch. "What's this?" She laughed.
"Oh, it's nothing, just a piece of string. The watch is one of the nicest gifts I've ever received." Harry answered, noticing Olivia lacing her fingers between his. He thought briefly that the nicest gift he ever received was the Weasley jumper laying at home in the chair.
Olivia inched closer to him so their thighs were touching. She casually draped one of her legs over Harry's. "I missed having dinner with you this week. I can't wait until the kids go back to school and I get a bit of a break again."
"Mm hmm." Harry mumbled nervously, he was very aware and aroused by Olivia's close presence and the way she was stroking the inside of his palm with her middle finger.
They made eye contact briefly and Olivia let out a soft giggle as she let go of Harry's hand and brought her hand up to caress his cheek. "You're so cute and you don't even know it."
Harry knew he was blushing and let his eyes shift downward. The only other person who had ever told him that was Ginny, but he wasn't supposed to be thinking about her, especially when the woman he was with was very obvious with her intentions.
Olivia gently turned Harry's head so he was looking at her once again. She leaned in very slowly and pressed a kiss to his lips. It was soft and warm and Harry found himself wanting more. He wanted her to kiss everything away. He parted her lips with his tongue and pulled her closer to his body. She obeyed immediately, climbing onto Harry's lap and straddling his legs.
Harry looked down and immediately noticed the bottom of her dress was hiked up so high that it was almost above her hips. He pressed his eyes closed once again and slipped his arms around Olivia's waist, holding her close, wanting to forget, wanting to make new memories.
Her fingers wound tightly in his hair as she kissed him deeper. Harry quickly broke the kiss and began trailing his lips down her neck and over to her earlobe. She was making absolutely gorgeous sounds that sounded like a cat's purr as he nibbled her tender skin.
Olivia untangled her fingers from his hair and casually trailed them down over his neck to the collar of his shirt and manoeuvred so Harry's lips were near hers again. Harry's hands slid from the dip of her waist up her sides, brushing the curves of her breasts and continued up until he ensnared his hands into her long brown hair. She let out a slow hiss against Harry's lips and quickly found the top button of his shirt. Olivia opened it very skilfully and moved her nimble fingers down to the next button.
She slid her fingers in the gap between the buttonholes and gently stroked Harry's chest with her fingertip.
That one simple gesture created a very complex emotion inside Harry. His mind began reeling, flooding with feelings and memories. St. Mungo's, the night he woke up, Ginny climbing into bed with him and inserting her own slender fingers between the buttons in his hospital issue pyjamas, caressing his skin. She said she'd done it everyday.
Harry's mind flashed again to the couch in the Gryffindor Common Room where the gesture had all started. He and Ginny would lay side by side on the couch in the middle of the night and talk for hours. And one night she simply slipped her fingers in between the buttons on his shirt. It was a possessive but comforting, caring, and above all tender gesture. From that first night in the common room together the tradition had stuck. Every time Harry wore a button up shirt- without fail. Harry treasured those moments like a precious gift. Something that was given freely and could not be returned. Better than the watch Olivia gave him, better than all the Weasley jumpers in the world.
It suddenly occurred to Harry that this was wrong. This was something Olivia had no right to do- this was Ginny's. She was the only one who had any right to do this. As mad as he was with her, she still had a claim on him and probably always would. The question was, could he look past her transgressions? It was undeniable that he still loved her.
As Harry's thoughts returned to the present he Panicked and pushed Olivia off his lap. "I'm sorry, I can't do this." He replied, standing up from the couch and hurrying to re-button his shirt.
"What?" Olivia asked, clearly stunned and pained by his rejection. "What's wrong Harry?"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, I just can't. Please try and understand, it's not you, it's me. Oh that's so cliché, you're beautiful and smart and fun to be with but you're - "
"Just not Ginny?" Olivia whispered, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
Harry bowed his head down and pulled at his hair. "I don't know if things can be patched up with her and I don't know if I want them to be patched up."
Olivia nodded slowly. "She loves you, I can tell. Animagi can sense emotions very clearly." Harry shook his head again and took a step closer to her. "I don't know what tomorrow might bring but there's only one person who will give me the truth straight, without taking sides. I have to go find out, if I don't I'll regret it for the rest of my life."
Olivia sniffled and placed a very chaste kiss on Harry's lips. "Go, and if you ever decide that you want to move on, I'll be here."
"Thank you for understanding." Harry replied, grasping her hands in his own. He felt the cool metal of his watchband press against the inside of his wrist. He quickly removed the watch and gave it to Olivia.
"No," she replied, shaking her head furiously, "I want you to keep it."
"I can't." Harry remarked, stepping away from her. "If things do work out with Ginny then it will be a constant reminder to her. But if I come back here to be with you, I promise I'll take that watch back in a heartbeat. You deserve someone far better than me Olivia Ollivander Goldhawk. One day you'll find someone who loves you like Jerehmy did. He's out there, I know it."
Olivia mouthed the words "I know" but emitted no sound.
Harry offered her a smile and strode purposely to the door. He was right, there was only one person who wouldn't lie, take sides, or sway his opinion. They would diplomatically present him with the facts. In the morning he would tell Remus, Owl Ron and Hermione and be gone for a day or two. He needed to search the depths of his soul.
Author's Note: First and foremost I'd like to thank my beta, Karen, for her awesome grammatical skills and her brilliant ideas and advice. Second, to Jenorama for allowing me to borrow the 'watch' as a gift. Last, but not least to all the readers/reviewers who keep encouraging me and allowing me to use them as a sounding board (Dennis) and giving great advice. Thanks!