Author's note: I'M BACK FROM THE DEAD! Ermm…no, not really…but I'M BACK! My exams are over, I'm already losing my head having fun, I have a big, silly grin on my face-in other words, 'God's in His heaven and all's right with the world'!

Alex: I haven't heard from you for long. How's your story going?

SummerOfFreedom:Thanks a lot! Ah, Morgan seems perfect, doesn't she?

Elphie73: Hey, there! You're absolutely right about the 'and the latter' thing-I'll be more careful from now on. I'm glad you're reading so carefully!

Cassandra Cheney: Thanks, keep reading!

yo-yo55d: Nice to see that review, thanks!

Kateya: That's really sweet of you!

Monai: I'm gonna read your story now that I'm free at last! Keep readin' and reviewin'!

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This chapter is dedicated to all my patient reviewers. Love ya!

Chapter 6: Interlude

"Soooo?" Ron's eyebrow went up suggestively, not bothering to conceal his curiosity.

"So…what?" asked Harry innocently.

"Harry, how was the girl? What's her name? Did you two kiss? Is she gorgeous?" asked Ron in one breath and in a horribly eager manner.

Harry smirked. "I'm tired, Ron. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"Harry James Potter. Spill the beans. Now," commanded the hitherto silent Hermione who had rolled her eyes at Ron's questioning but could not bear to be kept in suspense about Harry's date either.

Harry looked deliberately contemplative. "Weeell…" he drawled, then relented when he saw his friends' exasperated looks. "First of all, her name's Morgan Finley and…"

"You don't say!" interrupted Ron, looking happily surprised.

Harry and Hermione stared at the redhead.

"You know her?" asked Hermione, frowning slightly.

Ron suddenly realized that he was being scrutinized and came out of his reverie smiling sheepishly. "Um, actually she's the assistant manager in a bakery that I frequent. She's a great cook (even better than mom), has a great sense of humour and is sensitive to other people's feelings. She also has a hell of a temper-I saw her losing it at some customer who made a pass at her…er…. what?"

Harry felt a small gnaw of irrational jealousy, which subsided just as suddenly as it arose.

"Good night, 'Mione, Ron'll fill you on the rest of the details as well," he said dryly.

"Hey! I was just saying it's great that it was Finley who was your date…" said Ron placatingly.

"Ronniekins," began Hermione sweetly, "Would you shut up!" she hissed instead. "Go on, Harry, tell us about this Morgan Finley…"

Harry chuckled. Some things never changed. He cleared his throat dramatically and proceeded to give Hermione and Ron the much-awaited account of his date.

………………..

"So you didn't kiss her," said Ron disappointedly twenty minutes later.

Harry took a leaf from Hermione's book and treated Ron to a classic eye-roll.

"Ron," he said with mock-patience, "I barely know her, all right? And did you really think I would freak her out by saying 'I really enjoyed your company' and then proceed to snog her senseless?"

"No, but you could've shown you liked her at least…"

"I did! I asked her if she wanted to go somewhere tomorrow but she said she was busy and invited me to the bakery instead."

"Can I come too?"

"No."

"Please? I swear I'll keep my mouth shut and everything."

"No."

"Well, if you claim to be just friendly with her, why don't you want me to come along?"

"I dunno."

Ron changed his strategy, a skill born from being a champion at wizard chess.

"Are you sure you want to go? I mean, there'll be a whole lot of people out there, you know. You may need some moral support…"

"I never said I was going to be in the customer area, Ron."

"What? Not fair!" exclaimed Ron enviously. His face took on a sly expression as he narrowed his eyes at Harry. "Don't do anything naughty, Harry my boy."

Harry grinned at Ron's perfect rendition of 'Pompous Percy Gives Advice'.

"Ron, you pervert, how does Hermione stand you?" He glanced at the brunette, who had fallen silent and who didn't seem to be paying attention to the latter part of their conversation.

"Huh…oh, yes, Ron's always boasting about that," remarked Hermione vaguely.

"What do I always boast about, Hermy?" asked Ron teasingly, while Harry rolled about on the sofa, weak with laughter.

"Er…that you can beat Oliver Wood at Keeping? You were talking about Quidditch, weren't you?"

"You brag that you can beat the current best Keeper in the world?" asked Harry incredulously.

"Never mind that," retorted Ron, blushing a little. "Hermione, is something bothering you?" he asked shrewdly.

"No…it's just that…Harry, please don't get mad at me, but doesn't this Morgan person seem a little too perfect? I mean, don't you think you're rushing this thing a bit by meeting her again tomorrow?"

Harry frowned while Ron looked aghast.

"Hermione, you and Ron pushed me into this stupid date thing, but luckily things went okay and the girl was great. She's different from the others. And now, when I want to see her again, you're feeling uneasy. Now that's a laugh…"

"Harry, I didn't mean to discourage you. It's just…I-I don't want to see you hurt, that's all," said Hermione softly.

Harry fumed silently. Here we go again, he thought in annoyance. I appreciate that they care about me but this is ridiculous, this…His train of thought was interrupted by Ron's words.

"Hermione, look, Harry can take care of himself, okay?" he said sagely. "We just gave him a little nudge in the right direction…" he winked. "And Morgan's a good person. Let Harry have some fun with a real woman for a change."

"What d'you mean, 'real woman'?" asked Harry indignantly.

"Well, I meant one who likes Harry and not Potter," said Ron superiorly.

"Look, it's midnight, you're not making any sense, I'm going to bed," declared Harry.

"Am I forgiven, Harry?" asked Hermione in a small voice.

Harry pretended to consider the matter, ("Yeah, okay…") but looked at Hermione's crestfallen face and enveloped her in a hug instead.

"Um, mind letting go of my fiancée, Harry?" said Ron, clearing his throat theatrically.

Harry smiled, released Hermione and turned to go after muttering a 'good night'.

His two best friends watched him indulgently as he walked to his room. Then Hermione turned to Ron.

"When did you get so mature?"

Ron pretended not to hear her query. He adopted a dazed look and murmured, "Did you hear him? He said 'Good night Mr and Mrs Weasley'!"

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Sunday

"There you go, nice and hot."

"Morgan, if I eat any more I'm going to have to skip dinner."

"You sound like a witch who's trying to lose weight to impress her boyfriend, Harry," said Morgan mockingly.

Harry sighed resignedly. "All right, I'm really not complaining. How did you get to be such a good cook? Your mum teach you?"

Morgan, who'd turned away to check on her cake and banish a batch of tarts into the bakery, froze.

"Morgan?"

"Huh? Oh, actually, I find the kitchen a relaxing place to be and if you enjoy doing something, you just become good at it, I suppose."

"And your mum? She a good cook too?"

Morgan whirled round angrily. "I don't have a mum, all right? My parents are dead." To me she added to herself.

"So are mine," said Harry calmly.

"Sorry," said Morgan, immediately contrite.

"Don't worry about it. Say, Ron is just seething with jealousy 'cos I get to be here sampling all the goodies while he has to sweat it out at Hermione's parents' place," said Harry, his green eyes made brighter with mischief.

Morgan laughed and Harry was relieved when their conversation reverted to its easy self once more.

………………………………..

Naina Mathur was finished for the day. She ran a comb through her hair made unkempt by the hassle of a busy day at the bakery. She deftly braided the long dark locks as she smiled at the thought of her little son and his loving father.

Naina picked up her bag and glanced curiously at the entrance to the baking area. The door was partly open, enough for her to see that the two occupants were deeply engrossed in their conversation. Her eyes widened slightly when the young man put his hand up to his companion's cheek. Not wanting to wait and see if things went further, Naina grinned happily and walked out of the bakery.

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"Sooner."

"But you're busy through the week. At least I have the evenings off."

"Okay, Wednesday evening then."

"Um, I…"

"Please? And you can meet Ron and Hermione…" Emerald eyes pleaded with grey.

"I should be flattered. You, of all people, begging…"

"Do not make me grovel, woman," growled Harry but looked meltingly at Morgan.

"Okay."

"Please?"

"I said 'okay'."

"Oh…right. See you then?"

"Yeah."

"Good night, Morgan."

" 'Night Harry."

Harry disapparated. I practically went down on my knees to ask her out. What's wrong with me?

Morgan stared for a while at the empty spot that had previously held Harry. One blind date and I'm already going on the third this week. Is it supposed to go this fast? But his eyes were irresistible. Great. Good going Finley. Now you're dreaming about his eyes.

What the hell is wrong with me?

…………………………………….

A.N: A highly pointless chapter, but I'm just getting back into stride, so please forgive me. (That's why it's called 'Interlude') Next chapter;more interesting, I promise.