Chapter Ten - Ginny's Letters

Three years have past since Harry Potter returned to his home at Godric's Hollow. Ginny was sitting in her room putting on the finishing touches to her letter. She re-reads it to herself again:

Dear Harry,

So you've left school finally and gone into the business. What a shame. I know you hated to leave your books, and that quiet corner of the river, which you have traded in for that corporate office downtown. Lavender simply says you're a wizard at it, if you would pardon the pun. We're all going to be rich again. Write to me soon.

Love, Ginny

Another letter soon followed.

Dear Harry,

I'm sending you a recent photograph of me. Will you put me on your desk in the study? And please, look at me sometimes.

Love, Ginny

And finally,

My Dearest Harry,

Just to remind you, I'm growing up. I have lots of beaus. I do hope you're jealous. By the way, I saw your picture on the Daily Prophet the other day. Industrial Prince of England, Mr. Harry Potter.

Love, Ginny

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Harry Potter returned to his office after an early session meeting with his executives. After closing the door, he turned around and found Ginny sitting at his desk.

"Hello nuisance," he greeted her teasingly, "Merlin!" said Harry as he noticed how she's changed since the last time they met.

Ginny, no longer sporting the outfit of the adolescent generation, was dressed in a simple black dress with her red hair shorten and curled to frame her face.

"You like it?" she asked, fishing for a compliment.

"My dear, you look adorable," Harry said sincerely.

Ginny smiled, pleased with the comment, "Well, then adore me."

He tilted his head, "Haven't I seen that hairstyle before?"

"It's not a bad style is it?" she brushed the loose strands her hair in from her face.

"It's a lovely style." Harry agreed.

"Good, then it will be a lovely lunch!" Ginny declared, seizing the opportunity.

"No, my dear, I can't possibly afford the time," he went around is desk and scooted Ginny off his chair.

"Yes, you can!" She argued, "Ms. Hansen said so. She says it'll do you good to get out of this stuffy office for an hour or two."

"Or two?" Harry pressed the intercom, "Ms. Hansen."

"Yes, Mr. Potter," responded the intercom.

"Due to the unaccountable weakness of character, I'm having lunch with Ms. Weasley," he said, "With your approval I understand."

"I definitively approve," there was a slight hint of humor in her voice.

"Oh you do?" Harry asked as if she were the boss and he a lowly assistant.

"I do." Ms. Hansen answered promptly.

"Uh, would you get me a copy of the Brown Severing Prospectus while I'm out?" he added with his manner more businesslike now.

"Yes I will."

"And have I any appointments for 2:00?"

"Yes."

"Can you postpone them?"

"Yes, I can."

"Thank you," Harry switched the intercom off.

"Alright young woman," he focused his attention back to Ginny, "I can give you precisely one hour and a half from door to door."

"Oh no," she protested, pouting her lips, "Ms. Hansen says TWO hours."

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They walked to a nearby café a block away from the office. Lunch consisted of mostly small talk, with Ginny leading the conversation.

"You're being very charming today," she observed, "You haven't looked at your watch one."

"Oh, that reminds me," said Harry, glancing at his pocket watch.

"Oh Harry, please!" she pleaded, "Can't you relax for an hour? You used to say you hated business."

"Oh did I?"

"You know you did," Ginny recalled, "Said you were just going to help Ron whip things into shape and then get out quickly."

"That was the original idea," Harry told her, "Save the family business and then get out before they needed more saving."

"In that slow and careful way of yours?" she asked.

"I began to look into things, yes," he explained, "I found that the Potters kept other families going too, little families in little homes, all over England."

"I see, Atlas Potter eh?" Ginny giggled, "But don't you ever want to get out and have fun?"

A voice from behind intruded on their conversation, "Thanks my dear fellow, But I've got another case, I have to look into."

Harry ignored it. "Well, see Ginny, the last time---"he started to say.

"It's that woman you sent me, Lady Maxine, one of the most interesting cases I have since I have been in private practice." Dr. Krum said, in deep conversation with the couple at next table.

Harry turned his head and shot a glance at him, his face full of concentration.

"Goodbye sir." Dr. Krum bowed slightly, "Goodbye, Laura, and don't forget you're dining with me on Thursday." He turned away and walked off.

Harry followed him with his eyes until he was out of sight. He focused back at the table, silent and still, with a confused expression.

"What is it?" Ginny noticed his change in behavior.

"Oh I beg your pardon, it was nothing," Harry assured, "It's just for a moment, that voice..."

"Sounds familiar?" she asked.

"No, not that exactly," he paused, still in thought, "It seems to remind me of something, something that I didn't have time to get a grip on. That happens to me sometimes," he explained, "Sort of wisps of memory that can't be caught before it fades away."

"From those lost years?" Ginny added.

"Perhaps," he apologized for the interruption, "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"That you should take a holiday" she advised him, "Merlin knows you have enough money."

"Money yes, but not the time," Harry shook his head.

"Oh that's nonsense, you can make the time," Ginny argued.

Harry sipped his tea quietly as Ginny gazed his actions intently. "You're awfully nice looking Harry," she blushed.

"Thank you," Harry gave her an awkward smile.

"Clever, interesting," she stared down at the table and muttered, "It's not fair."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because you spoil me for other men," she answered frankly as Harry avoided her gaze, "It's no secret is it? I've always been mad about you. Might be fun if you love me now." Ginny took a breath, "We're a lot alike you know. We laugh at the same things. We have marvelous times together," she stated, "Sometimes I wonder why you don't."

"In my slow and careful way," Harry admitted, still looking away, "I wonder sometimes too."

"Why don't you?" Ginny pleaded, "Just to be curious."

"I haven't said that I don't," he replied, finally meeting her gaze.

"Oh no!" Ginny cried, pleasantly surprised.

"Would it be too incredible?" he asked tentatively.

"It would be fantastic!" she told him gleefully, "I don't believe it. I don't believe you mean it. That you go on meaning it. I shall wake up and find this all a dream, it isn't real at all. Then you do want me?" Ginny grabbed his hand on the table.

"Darling, you're very sweet and dear to me," said Harry, "I'm building a great hope on you."

"I don't believe any word of it," Ginny's heart leaped, "I shall go to your office tomorrow and find you have forgotten all about it."

"I'll have Ms. Hansen remind me," he assured her with a grin.

"Harry, darling! It's too wonderful!" She exclaimed, unable to control her tears, "Take me out of here, take me out of here and kiss me!"

Please, read and review. Remember, this is definitely NOT a Harry/Ginny fic at ALL.