Crossroads 21: Tacking Into the Wind


Brogan and Harry read for most of the afternoon. Before stopping for good, Harry was amazed they got as much done as they had. He'd found a book about past Headmasters and their links to the school that had been fascinating reading, he had to admit. He was sure that wherever she currently was, Hermione had just shivered for no reason, somehow psychically aware that Harry was reading up on something. The portrait, unfortunately, was still elsewhere, but Harry had a feeling Dumbledore would show up soon. Now, as he stretched against the wall of the small, yet comfortable nook they'd found on the ground floor, Harry grinned down at Brogan.

"Before I met you I never knew I had a library kink. Now I'll never be able to feel innocent around books again."

The other man chuckled as he stood up from where he'd been kneeling. He brushed Harry's fringe off his head tenderly. "I'm not sure you were ever that innocent, to begin with."

Harry gave him what he hoped was a wide-eyed look. "Oh, I'm sure I was, once upon a time." He let his hand drift down and grinned when he felt Brogan's body return to form. "I can see you're a lost cause, though. Just having your way with me between the stacks already has you back up."

"Yes, well, your response was quite…enthusiastic. I can't help it. I hear you get all excited and it turns me on, as you know."

"But I never get tired of hearing you say it. Lucky, lucky me," Harry said, kissing him.

He was pretty confident that he was about to do yet more acts of depravity surrounded by dusty books when the charm set on the Library for arrivals went off. Brogan groaned unhappily as they broke apart.

"Well, I'm not expecting anyone. You?" Harry said as he looked around for his boxers and jeans.

Brogan handed him his clothes and shook his head. "Not exactly, no."

They finally looked presentable and wandered out of the library. Harry frowned as he looked around; it was later than he thought, judging by the darkness of the view. His stomach gave a rumble to remind him they'd missed tea, too. The front door to the library opened and at first, he was confused because there was no one there – but then suddenly Ginny appeared, looking very wet and windswept. Both he and Brogan moved forward at the same time – even from this distance, Harry could tell she'd been crying.

Ginny threw herself into Harry's arms first and then turned towards Brogan. The other man looked over her head at him and Harry shrugged. He realized that he hadn't been able to sense Ginny since they'd left. When she moved back into his arms again for another hug he realized why – she wasn't wearing her bracelet.

"Gin, what's wrong, love?" She muffled something against his chest and Brogan moved closer, shushing her. They huddled together for a moment, both men just holding her.

Ginny finally took a deep, rattling breath and then sneezed rather boisterously. Harry stared down at her, feeling helpless. She was freezing and shaking like a leaf, and it wasn't like her not to talk to them. He suddenly realized she must be very upset indeed, and that it probably had something to do with finally telling her father about the three of them.

Brogan must have come to the same conclusion because he picked Ginny up, murmuring to her as he carried her. Harry followed them into the bedroom and then the loo. He took her from Brogan because the other man was better at getting the bathwater the right temperature, and Harry set her down on top of the counter. He kept his arms around her and let her cry for a bit. Not wanting to bother with awkwardly undressing her, he used his wandless magic to banish her clothes away. She cried louder and then looked down at herself in shock. She fixed Harry with an exasperated stare.

"You've been dying to try that one, haven't you?"

Harry bit his lip and gave her a little smile. "Perhaps. But, at least it got you to say something other than 'mphshmp'."

"Water should be good," Brogan announced. "Let's get her warmed up first."

Harry helped her down from the counter and both men waited as she stepped cautiously into the tub. After she had settled, she gazed at them with a sad frown on her face.

"Well, come on then. Get in here and join me."

They quickly undressed and Harry concentrated, making the tub wider for all three of them. Once they were all in the water, Ginny held a hand out to each of them. The connection wasn't as strong, because she wasn't wearing the bracelet, but he could at last, finally, get some semblance of meaning behind her feelings.

"Oh, Gin," Harry said, moving to hold her. The steam from the water rose slowly up around them like a protective layer of warmth. Brogan joined him and they both took turns comforting her and then tenderly washing her. It wasn't until they'd finished with her hair that she finally spoke again.

"I told dad. He…he did not react well." Ginny gave a bitter laugh that chilled Harry, despite the warm water. He kissed the back of her head as she settled in his arms. Brogan moved to the side and held her hand in the water.

"You should have let us be there with you," Brogan said softly. Harry murmured his agreement.

"I needed to do this on my own terms," Ginny said stubbornly.

"Is that why you didn't wear your bracelet?" Harry asked. She didn't answer at first and then he felt her shoulders slump slightly.

"Yes. Also…I didn't want to interrupt the two of you, in case, well, you know."

Brogan and Harry exchanged glances, suddenly both feeling guilty. Harry sighed and pulled Ginny closer.

"Gin…we are in a three-way relationship. Above all else, it means that instead of doing things alone, we have added…backup for the heavy stuff. We wanted to be there for you."

"I know, but they're MY parents, Harry. If I can't handle telling them the truth about myself, then perhaps I shouldn't be in this relationship."

"This isn't a test, Ginny," Brogan said. He gave her a thoughtful look. "Why do you feel like it is though? Like you feel the need to prove yourself, or…." Brogan stopped and looked at Harry, as though trying to silently communicate with him. Harry had to admit to feeling a bit lost and could only shrug back. It wasn't an awkward silence that fell between them, but it wasn't comfortable, either. For her part, Ginny still looked miserable.

"Let's get out, dry off, and cuddle in bed," he finally suggested, starting to feel waterlogged. The other two nodded, and after turning the big white fluffy towels into bathrobes for them all, Harry left Brogan and Ginny alone for a moment. He put the kettle on and started getting the coffee stuff together. He was hoping the other man could understand her a bit more in that way he always had. Harry honestly didn't understand why it seemed so important for Ginny to do this part by herself. As far as Harry was concerned they were a unit and should approach things as one. All three of them had strengths that helped in times like these, why shouldn't they use that?

Sighing, he started looking for something to nibble on and remembered the sandwiches Ginny had made that morning and grabbed a couple, putting them on a tray. Finding some more shortbread, this time with chocolate chips, he included those as well. By the time he had the tea and the coffee ready, his tray was already quite full and he had to use magic to float it in front of him.

Brogan and Ginny were talking softly when he re-entered the bedroom and he took that as a good sign. She looked less upset, at least.

" 'Ere is zee tea and coffee, madam and monsieur," Harry tried to joke in a bad french accent. Brogan smirked but Ginny only nodded, taking a cup from the tray. Once they were all settled, Harry grabbed one of the sandwiches and tucked in. He didn't fancy having a serious discussion on an empty stomach.

"Dad thinks…he thinks you forced me into this arrangement, by the way. I tried to assure him that it wasn't the case. That I am my own woman with my own loose morals and can think for myself, but I'm not sure he understood. You two might want to stay hidden here at the library until he calms down though," Ginny said after a bit.

Harry frowned as he chewed. "Did he threaten to come after us? I…I don't want to fight your father in a duel, Gin."

Ginny snorted at him and he was relieved to see she looked like herself again. Whatever Brogan had said to her had worked.

"No, but…he asked where you were. And…he seemed quite concerned that you did not understand what it meant when you promised to cherish me. Apparently, sharing me with another man does not fall under that heading."

The food Harry had been eating suddenly felt like dust in his mouth and he swallowed roughly. "Oh."

"What did he say about me?" Brogan asked.

Ginny looked thoughtful. "Not much, actually. He's mostly angry at me for being a scarlet whore of a woman and at Harry for allowing his daughter to be used in such a manner."

For the first time, real anger bloomed inside him and Harry put down his plate. "He did not say that. Tell me he did not call you that awful…untrue thing."

"Not in so many words, no. But I could tell he was thinking it. I tried to tell him that we're all in love and it's a good thing, but I am not sure he was hearing me. And I was too hurt to be eloquent on the subject."

"Why…why are you putting yourselves through this?" Brogan asked suddenly, looking more than a little upset. Harry realized he was so used to Brogan appearing unflappable that this rare show of emotion shook him.

"We agreed they should know," Ginny said, touching Brogan's arm. "I don't want to hide anymore, and I don't want to hide you anymore. At least now I know where I stand."

"But you've…Ginny, you love your father! You are close to your parents and have a good relationship with them. Not like me or Harry, er, I know you had no choice in that," Brogan said to him. "But I could have stayed in the background, out of sight. Not invisible, no, but you know what I mean. You didn't have to do this to prove that you care about me. I understand how it is."

"Oh? Do you?" Ginny asked rather testily. "What if we're at the Burrow someday and you put your arm around me, or you forget yourself and hold Harry's hand. How do you think that would have gone over? You shouldn't have to hide your feelings and neither should I or Harry. Not with the people we love. Ron told me we've grown all very touchy-feely with each other and he's right. We do touch each other a lot. And I don't want to hide how I feel about you, Brogan. Not after…." Ginny stopped, met Harry's gaze, and closed her mouth rather abruptly.

Harry suddenly understood in one great moment of clarity. He reached out and took Ginny's hand, squeezing it. She gave him a look that was half animal-caught-in-a-cage and half-relief that he'd immediately understood. Brogan looked between them, confused. Harry tried to use the kindest words possible.

"She, erm, doubted this." He gestured between them. "When you were still in the Well. She…"

"I wasn't sure I loved you enough to continue with our…threesome," Ginny said, voice sounding small.

At first, Brogan still looked confused, and eventually understanding crossed his features, and then, unfortunately, Harry saw the hurt settle and then move in. But to his credit, Brogan quickly cleared his features of any emotion at all, and Harry knew his age-old defense mechanism had kicked in.

"Brogan, as soon as you came back, even without your memories, I realized what an idiot I'd been. When you couldn't remember us I realized how much I do love you, and how much I had missed you. I think I was just trying to…prepare myself in case we didn't get you back." Ginny reached out and touched his face with her thumb as she met his eyes.

"It's fine," Brogan finally said, sounding as if it was anything but.

"Bollocks," Harry blurted out. Ginny widened her eyes at him, and Brogan frowned. "It's hurt your feelings, just bloody admit it. Trust me, you'll feel better later when you go over this conversation fifty times in your head."

Brogan pursed his lips at Harry. "Stop being so insightful into my dark and sullen nature."

Harry shrugged. "You said we have to have open communication skills to survive, so that includes this too. We're all going to hurt each other's feelings about some things as time goes by, right? Don't let things fester, that's what I say. I've had enough of that for a bloody lifetime."

Ginny raised her eyebrow at Harry. "You're in a brusque mood."

"I reckon I am. I just found out my fiancée's father thinks I'm a snake, and that I've exploited his daughter's body for my own nefarious pleasures. Or something equally ridiculous. And quite frankly, Gin, it's hacked me off."

Ginny's mouth fell open a bit and then she did the unthinkable – she laughed, and it was a welcome sound. Harry eventually smirked and Brogan only shook his head at him. Ginny leaned forward and kissed Harry briefly.

"I love this attitude of yours, I must say, Harry. Very fierce."

"I refuse to feel bad about the way we all feel about each other, that's all. I love your dad, Gin, he's…he's the closest thing to a father I have, I reckon. Outside of Remus, of course, but he's more…a mentor…an older friend. But your father…up until now I respected his opinion, and now I have to go have a word with him about making my girlfriend upset."

"No, you don't-"

"Don't I, though? I will not tolerate anyone, not even your own bloody father, treating you as though you are wrong. As though this is some sick thing we do. Because you know what? It fucking well isn't, and you two know it and I know it and sod everyone else."

Harry realized he'd grown more worked up as he spoke and shut his mouth before he really went off. Father or not, Harry would not allow Mr Weasley to think his daughter was bad or wrong in some way for loving. He just wouldn't.

"Let's give mum a chance to talk to him," Ginny eventually said, sounding tired. Harry nodded his head once to say he could give Mr Weasley the benefit of the doubt. For now. He realized he needed to clear another thing up as well.

"And Brogan?" Harry asked, turning to the other man. Brogan looked startled as though he'd been in deep thought. Judging by the frown lines on his face and the serious look in his eyes, Harry thought he knew the direction the other man's thoughts had taken.

"What?"

"She does love you, as do I. Don't turn this into something to feel bad about. Don't turn it into yet another reason of why you're not worthy."

Brogan paled and swallowed roughly. He didn't meet Harry's eyes. "Yes, yes. I know."

"Do you though?" Ginny asked. "It was a momentary insecurity, Brogan. You asked why I'm doing all of this – because I want you in our lives as you are meant to be. Because of love, you daft idiot. I'm not doing this for Harry or for you, but for us. You get me? I love you so much I want to be able to show that like I show it with Harry."

Brogan sighed and sat back, gazing at them. He eventually shook his head. "I honestly don't know what I did to deserve either of you. But Merlin, I hope I keep doing it."

"Well, I feel as though progress has been made here. He didn't come out and insist he wasn't worth it first thing," Harry said, leaning closer to Ginny. "Of course, this means you're on Brogan-Watch for later, so the melancholy doesn't creep back in." She smirked and they both looked at their lover expectantly.

Brogan stared in disbelief at them and then like Ginny had, he laughed, breaking whatever tension had crept in between them.

"Harry?" Brogan asked, reaching for him.

"Yeah?"

"Never change."

Ginny grinned as she moved closer to them and they all kissed, which, given that there were three pairs of lips involved was quite the accomplishment but Harry had no doubt they made it work brilliantly, as in all things they put their mind to. He was proud of them, and he knew that whatever life decided to throw at them would only end up making their bond stronger.

o-o-o-o-o

Ginny woke early, before either of the men. She smiled down at them and touched their heads, running her fingers through their hair. She still felt a sadness inside, and, despite Harry and Brogan trying their best to take her mind off things, she knew it was probably there to stay. At least, for a little while. But she wasn't going to think about either of her parents if she could help it. And just that thought alone felt alien to her.

She found her clothes neatly folded on the desk and marveled at Harry's wandless skills once more. She quickly dressed and made her way out into the kitchen. She stopped to marvel at the view from the window – the sun was just coming up over the waves, bathing everything in warm, golden light. She wondered how often Dumbledore himself had stood here and watched the day begin just as she was doing. It was a breathtaking view and it helped ease her emotions a little bit. It was difficult to remain sad when such beauty could remind you why you were alive.

She quickly started the tea and got the coffee stuff ready for Brogan. She rested her hand on her chin and sighed, thoughts going all over the place. Ginny felt as though she had crossed a bridge – one that she could never cross back. She suddenly felt much older than her 17 years. Now her parents knew. And now she knew what it felt like to disappoint them. Oh, she'd done that before, surely, but this just felt so much…more. At least her mum was on her side, or so she hoped. She wondered what her father had been like after she'd left. Realizing she was doing the thing she'd just told herself not to do, she pushed her thoughts out of her head, sighing loudly in the empty kitchen. Bloody hell, she wanted to feel something good.

"Now that was a heavy, world-weary sound," Brogan said from behind her and she only jumped slightly as his arms snaked around her waist. She tilted her head up and grinned at him, glad for the distraction.

"I was having a deep think, I'd like you to know."

"Oh? What about?"

His eyes were full of concern, even though he was smirking. Ginny knew he was worried about her and decided to ease his mind.

Ginny grinned. "Not a bloody clue."

"Hmm," Brogan took a deep breath of her hair and then kissed the side of her neck. "Couldn't sleep?"

"I feel restless," she admitted as she turned in his arms. She was so glad he had decided not to take her admission yesterday to heart. She reckoned she'd convinced him quite a few times last night that she had been telling the truth regarding her feelings. But still…Ginny suddenly didn't want tea or coffee, anymore. Instead, she wanted a tall, dark and Irish.

She stretched up and kissed him with fervor, and she soon felt herself being lifted and placed on the counter. Ginny wrapped her legs around his waist and smiled as they broke apart.

"Are we going to have more kitchen sex?" she asked playfully.

"Do you want to?"

"Did you and Harry do it in some weird place yesterday?"

Brogan chuckled. "Oh, you know us so well. We are so all about the weird and out-of-the-way places."

"Take me there," Ginny said impulsively.

Brogan looked surprised. "Really?"

Ginny nodded. "Yeah. Let's be adventuresome."

"But, the coffee."

She grinned at him. "It'll keep. Now, come on. I have needs."

Harry poked his head out of their room as they were passing by. Brogan shrugged at him.

"She said she has needs."

"Oh? Anything you need me for, Gin?"

Ginny paused and back-tracked, kissing Harry full on the mouth. "After I'm done with him. Make us some coffee, will you, love?"

"I've been reduced to a coffee boy?"

Ginny giggled, teasing him. "No. But we can explore that option later if you like. Maybe do an outfit or two?"

"I'm not sure I've ever been that turned on by coffee girls," Harry said, frowning.

"Who said the outfit would be for me?" Ginny kissed him again and then went to Brogan, joining her hand with his and telling him to lead the way.

"Have fun," Harry called, shaking his head.

Brogan soon showed her a cute little nook on the ground floor. There were soft pillows and a lovely glow of light from an unseen source. She could see why the boys had enjoyed it. She pulled him to her and pushed him back until he was sitting down on the small shelf that was there. She climbed up and straddled him, rubbing against him.

"This," Brogan said, catching his breath as they kissed and broke apart, "is quickly becoming my favorite spot in this whole bloody library."

Ginny leaned back and removed her shirt and then her bra, tossing them over her shoulder without care. His eyes traveled downward and dilated as he took in her breasts and she ran her hands through his hair, pulling his head downward.

"Oh yeah, definitely my favorite spot," Brogan muttered. His lips were soft and warm as they latched onto her skin and she shivered. She could feel him, pulsing against her center through his jeans. Ginny began to grind against him, something hot and needy moving through her. She wanted him to be inside her already and groaned in frustration. Brogan raised his head and grinned at her.

"Impatient?"

"Yes, now hurry up."

He smirked and reached in between them, first undoing her zip and then his. He chuckled darkly as he realized she hadn't put her knickers on and as his fingers found her wet, Ginny began to thrust against his fingers, their eyes meeting.

"I could come just like this, you know," she breathed out, feeling done in. "Just your fingers, deep inside me, it makes me so wet. You make me so wet, Brogan. Do you believe me? How much I love you?"

He kissed her abruptly, capturing her lips as he increased the depth and speed of his fingers. Oh, but she loved it when her men got carried away. Was this wrong of her? Ginny decided she just didn't care. They loved each other and love was never wrong.

She clung to Brogan as her body raced ahead of her; she hadn't been lying, she really could climax just like this. As if knowing how close she was, Brogan kissed her again and then moved his mouth back down to her breasts.

"Go ahead," he whispered. "Just let go, Gin."

So she did. Ginny placed her hands on his shoulders and scooted as close as she could. She reveled in the feel of his mouth on her, sucking each nipple and thrusting his fingers in time to her motion. She started saying his name, feeling so incredibly turned on and she delighted in the way he watched her. He could say so much with his eyes – with his touch. She felt her body clench around his fingers and then she moaned as she came, wrapping her hands around his head, never wanting to let go.

Ginny came back to herself bit by bit, his fingers still inside her. She shuddered as tiny waves of pleasure continued to break out across her skin. She smiled and then nodded and he removed his hand. She watched as he put his fingers near his mouth and then slowly licked them, one by one.

"That's so sexy," she said before she could stop herself. Brogan smirked.

"That's only because you don't have my vantage point."

She shifted back and lowered herself to the ground. She grinned as his body bobbed up in between them, hard and pink and oh, so needy. She leaned down and wrapped her mouth around him, just for a taste. His hand wove its way into her hair and he moaned that low, sexy sound of his, making Ginny's insides start to dance.

She reluctantly stopped herself before getting too carried away and then nodded at Brogan to switch places with her. He lifted her and placed her on the shelf and with sudden inspiration, Ginny turned around, offering her backside to him. They rarely did it from behind, the two of them, she wasn't sure why. As though aware of that fact, Brogan moved forward without waiting, and she felt his mouth deliriously close to where she wanted it but was too afraid to ask. She reached for his hand, hoping he could sense her need. She wanted his mouth everywhere. He cottoned on and slowly switched back and forth, driving her crazy. She was soon an almost sobbing mess, her second climax already on its way. But as good as his mouth felt she knew she needed more.

"Brogan, please," she murmured, yearning to feel him inside her.

He pulled back and then adjusted his height and it was absolutely perfect. He pulled on her hips and then he was sliding into her and it was as though a thousand stars blossomed behind her eyelids. Such sweet, sweet oblivion. Their bodies made sounds that she should probably be embarrassed about, but she strangely wasn't. She and Brogan had done so much to each other, but still, each time felt like something new – something exciting. He took her in a way he hardly ever did, pounding into her, her clever, clever boy, his thumb finding her other opening, and Ginny was just gone – hot white pleasure coursing through her and she grunted, sounding like an animal almost. She barely recognized herself, and still, she begged for more.

As her orgasm took her, she felt him start to go off as well, his mouth hot on her back. She clenched around him and he swore, pushing erratically into her. She urged him on and then moaned as he went off, pumping gloriously into her.

They collapsed together, Brogan stretched out over her and she saw a myriad of colors go off in her mind – so much love. She felt so much because he felt so much and she knew what a gift it was, this thing they had.

Brogan eventually withdrew and she hummed softly and turned over as he joined her on the shelf. They held each other and she saw it in his eyes – in the tender look on his face and she knew that he would never doubt her feelings for him again.

o-o-o-o-o

"Do you think there's a spell on this library?" Harry asked as Ginny shifted off of him. She lay on her side and looked thoughtful. Her body was flushed post-orgasm pink (one of his secret, favorite colors) and looked lovely to Harry's eyes.

"Do you mean because we all keep shagging like mad?"

Unable to resist, Harry leaned up and kissed her, snaking a hand around the back of her neck. His fingers played with the soft hair there. He knew she and Brogan had enjoyed themselves immensely, and as promised, she'd returned to him and given him a fierce ride that still had his heart beating fast. She'd almost been insatiable. Whatever it was at the library, it seemed to charge Ginny up the most and he definitely wasn't complaining.

Perhaps, it was simply because of all the emotions of the last few days and she was just letting off steam. Ginny always seemed to need them both the more negative the emotion. As though going out of her way to prove to herself that nothing about their threesome was wrong. Or, maybe the idea of being "bad" just excited her more on some level, he wasn't sure. But Harry knew she probably wasn't in the mood to discuss it and kept his mouth shut. Yes, he was growing. If not smarter, then at least wiser.

Brogan cleared his throat from the doorway and grinned. "You want the good news or the bad news?"

Ginny reached for him as he joined them and curled herself around him. "Hmm, is the good news you getting into bed with us?"

Brogan smirked but his eyes met Harry's and he knew the other man could sense it as well. Harry reached up and wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her back down, kissing her.

"Let's see what he has to say first, love," Harry murmured.

"Spoilsport," Ginny said, sticking her tongue out, but she nodded.

"Well, the good news is, I made breakfast. Er, at this point, it's brunch." Brogan said, sitting down. "I thought you'd be hungry."

"I'm going to pretend you're both not looking pointedly at me," Ginny said, eyes laughing. "So what's the bad news then?"

"The portrait is finally back. And, he's calling for you, Harry."

"Oh, yeah, there was a reason we came here again, wasn't there?" Harry said, having almost forgotten. Ever since Ginny had shown up, he'd been preoccupied with other things. Okay, he'd mostly been preoccupied with shagging. Merlin, maybe there was some sort of spell on the place to turn everyone into randy buggers.

"I should talk to him first," Harry said, sighing. "Reckon having trousers on would be a nice change for a few hours."

Ginny giggled and fetched their clothes. Harry wandered into the loo and tried to tame his hair and throw some water on his face. When he joined Brogan and Ginny, they were already eating. Harry looked longingly at the eggs and beans as he buttered a piece of toast and grabbed a cup of tea to wash it down with.

"Well, here goes," he said.

"Let us know when you need us," Brogan said.

Harry nodded and made his way to the portrait room. As expected, the portrait was waiting for him, although he appeared to be asleep.

"Hello, sir," Harry said, sitting down in one of the chairs. The portrait made a big show of yawning and stretching while Harry hid a smile. Best he let the portrait have his theatrics, no doubt. He munched on his toast and wished he'd grabbed another slice. Almost as though on cue, another piece floated in front of him and Harry glanced at the door to see Ginny giving him a knowing look as she turned away, her wand tucked under her arm.

"I see Miss Weasley has illustrated her fine knowledge of you, yet again. How are you Harry, my boy?"

"Fine. Much better than I was a few months ago. I'm sorry I didn't come by after…defeating Tom, sir. It was an emotional time."

The portrait's eyes sparkled at him. "I understand Mr Caley is back among us and none the worse for his experience. I was glad to hear about his safe return."

"He's one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you, actually," Harry said. "I was wondering what you could tell me about the Ophidian Armilla, sir. We…had a run-in with a man in Ireland who seems to want them. I need to know where you got them and why this person is so intent on getting them. I'd gladly give the bracelets to him if I could, but I think…." Harry paused and gazed thoughtfully at the portrait. "I think that time has passed, hasn't it? We're stuck with them for life, aren't we?"

"You've read about True Grace, Harry. What do you think?"

"I think they should come with a blatant warning label written in plain English, but it's too late for that. Where did you get them, sir?"

"They had been in my possession for a while, I must admit, Harry. Around the time of the end of your second year, I had reason to visit Egypt. The bracelets were part of a collection of things given to me by an old friend. I put them in a safe place, needless to say, and didn't think upon them very often. Later, when it became apparent to me what Voldemort had…done to remain alive, I remembered the legend of the bracelets and the power they would allow their Master. But I did not consider using them until Mr Caley and his unique abilities joined the…equation."

"You mean when you realized that Brogan had connected the three of us and it never faded," Harry said, trying to keep his voice neutral. And he felt as though he almost succeeded. Bully for him.

"I admit that knowing of Ginny's prophecy as well as knowing that Brogan had a part to play in it all, it did strike me that it could not be a coincidence that there were three of you and three bracelets." The portrait paused and gave Harry a shrewd look. "I merely wanted to give you everything I could to help you defeat him, Harry."

"And everything else, like our feelings and propriety, be damned, right?" Harry asked, still trying not to let anger seep into his voice but it was a struggle. The way Dumbledore had manipulated the three of them did not sit right with Harry. As though sensing Harry was at boiling point, the portrait steepled his fingers under his chin and gave Harry a frank look.

"Let me ask you this, Harry, and I will not…shy away, as you are now an adult. Do you regret becoming involved with Brogan?"

Harry opened his mouth and then closed it, unprepared for the honest question, even though his answer had already bloomed fully-formed in his mind. "No. Of course not. It is not…it is not something I would have actively gone after or even thought about. But…I could never regret him. I don't think Ginny would either."

"Then you have your answer," the portrait said.

Harry frowned. "I do? Could you tell it to me so I know that I have it right?"

The portrait chuckled. "Oh, Harry. Let me assure you of one thing – when I pulled the bracelets out of their container to give to Aberforth for safe-keeping, their eye colors were already set, long before anything happened between the three of you. Which, to my live counterpart, meant that it had already been decided so he felt no qualms about you using them. Regardless of my interference, Brogan joined the three of you telepathically and emotionally because that is how Aine wanted it. The bracelets responded to that. They are…almost sentient in that way. They choose only the most powerful and deeply joined individuals."

The portrait paused, a calculating look in his eye that made Harry nervous.

"It is also said that the bracelets can change their…owners. Have you noticed any such evidence?"

Harry frowned, thinking about it. They had all been through so much – how could he tell which was which? He did think Ginny was becoming more like Brogan, in a way. Not a full Empath, but more emotionally in tune, surely. He didn't think he had changed much, other than just wanting to live his life his way. Was that because of the bracelets? Harry didn't know.

"I'm not sure, sir. I feel like the answer is yes, but, I can't point to any one thing. Well, other than Ginny appears to be more like Brogan with her ability to sense feelings these days. I don't know about myself. I feel…well, it probably sounds silly, but I personally feel more, erm, balanced. More level-headed, too. But I thought that was because Voldemort is no longer in my head. Or trying to kill me every other week."

Dumbledore's portrait raised an eyebrow. "It could be, Harry. As the bracelets' Master, you are in a unique position to see the changes in your chosen triumvirate that they themselves might not even be aware of. It is said that the bracelets due tend to blend the emotional aspects of a trio into a more…cohesive whole. It has long been written into the myth of the bracelets that they choose who they belong to and not the other way around. And that they would only choose a trio strong enough to withstand such a transformation."

Harry could feel a headache start to begin in his temple as he tried to keep up. Now they were transforming into something else? "So, why does Sean O'Brian, sorry, he's the bloke that caused trouble for us in Ireland, why does he want them? I mean, if the bracelets can choose who they want and it appears that they're ours and here to stay, why does he think he's meant to have them?"

The portrait seemed startled at the mention of Sean's name. "O'Brien, did you say?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Has Miss Weasley been in contact with anyone from the Department of Mysteries?"

Harry blinked at the portrait, confused. "What? No, I don't think so. Why?"

The portrait looked thoughtful and also, a bit concerned. It made Harry feel nervous. What could make a portrait anxious?

"What I am about to tell you…but no, perhaps I should let Nigel explain. When the three of you return to England, have Miss Weasley ask her father about Nigel McFarrin. If she asks anyone else they will say he doesn't exist, but that is not the truth. But Arthur should remember him. I think it's time Nigel speaks with her."

"Erm, okay, but can't you just tell us? Ginny's not…I am not sure she and her father are speaking at the moment."

The portrait frowned. "What has happened?"

"It's personal," Harry said, and he hoped the portrait wouldn't pry.

Dumbledore's portrait stared at him for a full moment and then nodded. "I will try to explain the best I can. Perhaps Mr Caley and Miss Weasley would like to join us?"

"Okay," Harry said, but he remained sitting. "There was one other thing I wanted to bring up, sir. Well, two other things, really, but…Brogan's bracelet. It's…become a part of him. Like a tattoo around his wrist."

If it was possible for a portrait to look utterly befuddled, then Dumbledore did it well – his eyes widened behind his half-moon spectacles and he sat back in his chair as though pushed. Harry frowned, he didn't think it was that big a deal. But then he realized if mentioning it to Dumbledore – portrait or not – caused that sort of reaction, then perhaps it was a big deal and he'd been fooling himself. The portrait was silent for so long that Harry cleared his throat.

"Sir?"

"I'm afraid I am thrown for a loop, Harry, and that is a rare thing, indeed. This happened while he was in the Well of Aine?"

Harry nodded. "He thinks Aine did it, but she didn't mean to. You'll have to ask him, but…don't pressure him, he is still experiencing some memory issues. I don't want you to make him upset."

"Of course, Harry. I wouldn't dream of it."

Harry pursed his lips as the portrait gave him an amused look. "I'll just go get them then."

"What was the other thing you needed to ask me about, Harry?"

Harry who had stood up to get Brogan and Ginny, paused. "The thing with the school. It…I mean, you knew that would happen, didn't you? Am I forever linked with it now? Will I…keep sensing it?"

"I had a feeling it would happen, yes. I admit I am glad it did – the school needs a protector, Harry. Well, it does have a few already, but I think adding you into the mix will only make it stronger, in the long run. Fresh blood and all that. Blood spells may not be the norm any longer, but the old magics always last."

"Erm, right," Harry said, feeling more confused than before, but he'd had enough cryptic talk. He grabbed his empty teacup and sighed as he went to get Ginny and Brogan. He needed to eat something more than toast if he spent any more time with the portrait. As well as hurting, his head was starting to spin.

o-o-o-o-o

After talking with Dumbledore's portrait for most of the morning, by afternoon, Brogan felt as though they were all quite ready to leave the library behind them. He "borrowed" a few of the books he was allowed to remove from the premises, mostly ones about mind-healing magic and one he found on Empaths that he had never heard of before. It looked very old and profound, and he found himself looking forward to reading it.

They decided to head back home, knowing that hiding out in the rental was probably more practical than hiding out along the cold and rainy coast of Scotland. He knew Mr Weasley could show up at the house, of course, but he would not be able to see them until they wanted to be seen, which made Brogan feel slightly more secure.

Never in a million years did he think he would ever have a woman's father after him, or even upset with him. But he should have known – everyone else in their lives had been far too tolerant and accepting, hadn't they?

Brogan understood Ginny's need to be known for who she was and the woman she was growing to be. She was fiercely independent in that way. Furthermore, she was an honest person and she wanted to live her life honestly as well. Brogan could see that if she felt as though she was living two separate lives with herself, then, of course, the duplicity would bother her. He just wished he wasn't the cause for such strife.

He appreciated Ginny's desire that her family know her feelings for him, and, he appreciated Harry's openness about it as well. It was…soothing to some part of him. Not to mention it was nice to have two people care about you so much that they just wanted everyone to know it. It was more than a little flattering, too. Because he knew Harry and Ginny would not go through this for just anyone and it eased that small insecure part of him that still wondered what on earth they were doing with him. But oh, how he wished he could just wave his wand and magically make everything okay for them. He knew they would argue with him, but Brogan still had the thought that he just wasn't worth all of this.

"Hey," Ginny said as she found him in the bedroom. She paused and narrowed her eyes. "Are you back here feeling melancholy?"

Brogan snorted despite his serious thoughts and shrugged, clearing his head. "No, not really. What's up?"

"Harry's going to check in with the workers and then pop into town to get dinner. Neither of us feels like cooking. You've got more than a few letters out there from people, so why don't we look over the photographs they sent while Harry's out?"

Brogan had forgotten his little project for the collage. It seemed as though he'd talked about it ten years ago, not just the other day.

"Sure, all right. Sounds like a plan, anyway. I can sulk and pout later, surely," he said finishing the last of his unpacking. "When are you going to try and find this McFarrin person, by the way?"

"I've decided to think on it tomorrow. My brain is too tired to process anything more at the moment."

Brogan knew the feeling. Dumbledore had told them that Nigel McFarrin was in charge of the Department of Mysteries and that he had approached the still-alive Dumbledore about possible candidates for open positions that the department had. Apparently, this was a thing that happened each school year, which had boggled Brogan's mind a bit. McFarrin had been very interested in Ginny. The portrait was under the impression that she should have been approached by now with an offer to become an Unspeakable, of all things. Brogan remembered the look on her (and Harry's) face when Dumbledore had said that.

The portrait had then gone on to tell them that McFarrin believed Sean O'Brien and Taranis were the same person. But Dumbledore did not know how that was even possible. Harry had looked worried then, but Dumbledore had assured all of them that did not mean that O'Brien was a God walking among them. In fact, because he was Sean O'Brien it meant he was stuck on this plane of existence and while fairly strong magically, he was, in this form, completely non-god-like. Or something. Harry had complained of a headache after that, and Brogan was right there with him. It was a bit of a brain-bash.

Ginny handed him his letters and he was pleased to see almost everyone, minus Ron and Hermione had got back to him. He assumed the other two were taking longer on purpose, which was fine. Harry's birthday wasn't until next week, and he could always leave a small space for the other couple's contribution.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ginny stiffen, and then her hand seem to clasp the letter she was reading a bit harshly, bending it at the edge.

"Ginny?"

"It's from mum," she said, voice low. He immediately went to her.

"What's it say?"

"See for yourself," she turned away as she handed him the parchment, which only made his apprehension grow.

Ginny –

I do wish you had stayed to continue talking with us, but I understand why you felt the need to leave. I am not happy with your father at the moment, just as I am sure he is not happy with me. But that is neither here nor there. He will come around, Ginny – he is just shocked and upset. Do not take anything he may have said or even anything he implied to heart, I beg of you. He does love you, Ginny.

I hate to say this, dear, but I think it is best that we postpone Harry's birthday celebration. Please apologize to him, for me. But I do think it's the wisest road to take at this time.

I will work on your father, dear. You know how he can get.

Much love –

Mum

Brogan frowned. It wasn't a bad letter, but, Harry's birthday party being canceled was pretty demonstrative of the current state of things. He glanced at Ginny and saw the stiffness in her shoulders. He sighed and placed the letter on the counter.

"We'll have our own party, Gin, it'll be okay," Brogan said, wanting to comfort her but not knowing if she would allow him to. She seemed pretty angry.

She bowed her head for a moment and then turned, nodding. Her eyes were dry but they were full of emotion.

"It must be really bad if mum doesn't trust dad not to create a scene."

"Well, maybe he'll feel differently on the day, we do still have a week for…fences to be mended."

Ginny gave him a look that clearly said she thought he'd gone round the twist but didn't say anything. She turned and rested against the counter, her back to him, so he moved around to stand in front of her to make sure she was okay.

When she finally looked up, she looked so tired and hurt that he immediately wanted to make her smile again. An intense desire for Ginny to be happy no matter what hit him so hard that he took a deep breath – as though he'd needed another reminder of how much he loved her.

"I just thought…oh, I don't know. I just thought he might have realized what I was trying to tell him after mum had her go. I reckon I thought she would be able to fix this in that magical-mum way of hers. But I mean, Harry's birthday, Brogan. Canceled. What are we supposed to do now? He's going to be crushed. This is…this is such a rejection."

Brogan moved forward and pulled her into his arms. "Hey, don't worry about it. First of all, Harry won't be crushed. Judging from his reaction yesterday, he's got his head in the right place about all of this. Second, bah, big family party, who needs it? We have you, me, and him. Look at it this way, if we keep it to just us three we can party naked. But if we must, we'll get a bunch of food, and invite Ron and Hermione over as well as Remus and Tonks and it'll be brilliant, you'll see."

Ginny sighed in his arms and he held her tighter. He tried to reach out to Harry to tell him to hurry back as soon as he was able. He had a feeling no one would be able to convince her until the birthday boy himself did it. He needed something to distract her.

"Come on, let's look through these letters and photos and get something accomplished before he gets back, yeah?"

Ginny nodded and then smiled a bit. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"Just being you. You help more than you think, Brogan."

He kissed her gently and looked into her brown eyes. "Like I'm going to let my best girl be upset? Bah. Harry's trained me better than that."

Ginny laughed. "Just remember that when we're knee-deep in treacle and roasted chicken and whatever else he asks for."

"Maybe we should just serve dessert all day, fill him up with sugar until he passes out."

"Now that's an idea. Death by Treacle. Sounds like a murder mystery."

"Or, we could just give him one cup of coffee to destroy."

"Hah," Ginny said as they broke apart. She grabbed the envelopes off the table where he'd left them. "Come on, I can't wait to see what Luna's sent us, hers feels thicker than the others."

"Galleon says she's included a dirigible plum floating next to a Crumpled-Horn Snorkack," Brogan as they made their way to the other bedroom.

"Silly. Everyone knows Snorkack's clash next to the color purple," Ginny said, a true smile finally on her face. He knew then she would eventually be okay.

o-o-o-o-o

"Knut for your thoughts?"

Ginny looked up from her book to see Harry holding a cup of tea and smiling at her from the doorway. She nodded and moved over on the bed so he could join her. She took a sip of the tea and relished its warmth. She curled onto her side and leaned against Harry as he put his arm around her.

"You were quiet at dinner," Harry eventually said, absentmindedly playing with her hair. She smirked at him as she moved her head away. A few moments later, she felt his fingers again and laughed to herself.

"Just thoughtful. Not brooding," she said, shrugging.

"No, that's for the menfolk to do, right?"

Ginny grinned. "You said it, not me."

They sat in comfortable silence for a bit and Harry rubbed her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Gin."

"For what? You haven't done anything wrong."

"No, not exactly, but…I do feel responsible. And I am not upset about the party getting canceled, either, so put that idea out of your pretty head." Harry gave her a piercing look, and she felt her cheeks heat but nodded her head firmly.

"You know all I need in this world is you, that tall Irish bloke out in the kitchen and maybe Ron and Hermione and I'm good. Really."

"No Remus and Tonks?"

"Oh, okay, them too. But…while I love the parties your mum has thrown in the past and erm, well, all the food she makes, I do not need them to have a good birthday. Compared to the first 10 birthdays of my life, just existing in a world where people like the fact that I was born feels like a bonus, trust me."

"You know, someday soon you will have more happier times than sad times, Harry," Ginny said, seriously. She turned to face him. "I mean it."

"I can tell that you do."

"I reckon I should owl Ron and let him know what's going on. And I will tell him no gatecrashers allowed. If my dad ever pulls his head out his-"

"Gin."

"Ahem, if he ever comes around then we'll have a special dinner for the extended family. But for the actual day, Brogan and I want to have you naked and all to ourselves for at least part of it. Then the others can come and pay their respects."

"Their respects? Am I dying?"

"No, and you know what I meant."

Harry chuckled. "All right, sounds like a plan. Especially the naked part."

"Knew I lost you at that point," Ginny said, smiling.

Harry ran his thumb over her chin and turned her head towards his, a suddenly serious look in his eye.

"I love you, so much, Ginny Weasley. Just a day with you doing anything is better than 20 of the swankiest parties back to back. I never thought I'd be turning 17, let alone 18, and here I am. And it's mostly because of you and that daft sod in the kitchen. So anything you guys want to do is okay by me."

"Hmm," Ginny said, kissing him. "Maybe we could order in some of that…Muggle food Ron's always going on about. Pizza? I've never had any, but according to him, he and Hermione have it once a week. That way nobody has to cook, well, except for that rather large treacle tart we have planned."

"Now that sounds like a good idea! Ask Ron if we can do that and we'll order from their favorite place. I haven't pizza in an age. I was allowed one piece whenever Dudley ordered it. But it was always the smallest piece and it only ever had just cheese on it and half of it was pulled away so basically I was eating cold bread with sauce. It'll be nice to have a proper one."

Ginny frowned. "What else would it have on it?"

"Oh! There are loads of toppings! Pepperoni, olives, don't care for those, I don't think. Erm, mushrooms, sausage, tomatoes, anything goes really. I've always wanted to try, erm…well, pineapple." Harry stopped and gave her a look, as though expecting an outburst. When none came, he released a long breath.

"Do people not like pineapple on their pizza?" Ginny asked, confused. She could admit it did sound rather odd, but what did she know about Muggle-style foods.

"Er, well, there used to be this bloke at primary school who made fun of people that ate it but it always looked yummy to me. Do you know how Ron and Hermione take their pizza?"

"He's never said, but you know what? We'll order one of each and one especially with pineapple, just for you, love."

Harry laughed and then smiled. "I think I'm going to like this turning a year older thing."

"Good," Ginny said, hugging him. "So next Saturday we wake you up in the naughtiest way possible, eventually eat a birthday breakfast, go back to bed, lounge about, maybe open some presents and then have everyone over for pizza."

"There's presents, too?" Harry asked. "Hmm, can we move that up in the roster to just after all of us shag and before breakfast?"

"I'll talk to my co-partner and see what I can do, Harry," Ginny said dryly.

"Brilliant."

o-o-o-o-o

The next morning, Ginny woke up super early to get a head start on everything. She organized a few more of the photos and the cameras everyone had sent back, jotted off a note to Ron to stop by before heading to the build, and made everyone some oatmeal and freshly baked blueberry muffins. She was just taking them out of the oven when Harry wandered into the kitchen.

Harry grinned at her as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Are you feeling okay this morning? You were up even before me."

"I want to go into London later and get that taken care of, see if I can find this McFarrin bloke."

"You mean you want to be at the Ministry before your father shows up," Harry said as he poured a second cup. Brogan wandered in then, yawning and saving her from replying. Harry handed him the cup he'd poured but they watched as Brogan caught himself before taking a sip.

"I have to take that bloody potion first," Brogan said, yawning again. He went to the cold-pantry and emerged with a cobalt blue bottle, drinking it down quickly. Ginny set a charm for him so he'd know when he could finally drink his coffee as Harry placed it under a charm to keep it hot.

"I forgot to take it with me when we went to the Library, so, I've been a bad boy. No one tell Sid," Brogan said sitting down at the table even as he looked longingly at the coffee.

"I'm sure Sid already knows that you're bad," Ginny said lightly as she joined him.

"Hah," Brogan said. He looked at the muffin she'd brought over. "That looks good."

"Mum's old recipe," she said, smiling. Harry joined them with a bowl of oatmeal.

"You know, I kind of like this idea of all of us getting up at the same time to eat together thing," he said, smiling happily at them. Ginny smirked because sometimes Harry was just...too cute to her.

It was decided that Brogan would go with Ginny so they could do the grocery shopping after her stop at the Ministry. As they were finishing up, with Brogan blissfully, finally able to enjoy his coffee, Ron showed up.

She led him into the second bedroom so they could talk without Harry's listening ears. Ron looked around the room, clearly impressed.

"This is wicked! Harry will love it," Ron said, looking closer at the collage. He handed her a small bag."Oh, here's those camera things Brogan sent us. Whoever heard of a throwaway camera? Bloody brilliant."

Ginny took them from him, reminding herself to add them to the others. They could probably get everything developed today while in London.

"Have you talked to mum?" Ginny asked, not meeting her brother's eye as he turned back to her.

"Yeah. A bit. She told me about Harry's party being postponed, erm, canceled. How bad was…dad?" Ron asked.

"He was…." Ginny paused. A part of her was dying to tell Ron, and yet, another part of her felt as though she should keep it just between her and her father. She did not want it to turn into Weasley against Weasley, which would be degrading to all of them.

"It was bad, Ron," she finally admitted. She looked around the room awkwardly.

"Hey, it's all right, Ginny," Ron said quietly. "You should feel proud that you tried, at least. You can't change the way he feels, just like he can't change the way you feel. You were honest with him and that's all that matters. There was always the chance one of them was going to go off. At least dad is…quiet about things. And mum's got your back. She's worried about you. Or worried about deeply insulting Harry for canceling his party, one or the other. She said to remind you to not forget the ginger syrup for the treacle."

Ginny nodded and changed the subject quickly. "What did you think of the pizza idea?"

Ron's face cleared instantly. "It's brilliant. We'll take care of it, how many should we order?"

Ginny filled him in on what she and Harry had discussed, and they decided on various combinations, with Ginny making sure Ron got the pineapple one for Harry. Her brother made a face as he wrote it down.

"Harry's more adventuresome than me, most definitely. It always looks good when I see it but I never want to order it, just in case, because, well, why ruin pizza?"

Despite his protests, Ginny gave him some of the Muggle money she had and then he and Harry soon left for the build. Harry wished her luck and kissed her soundly while Ron pretended to be disgusted. She closed the door behind them, feeling bereft for some reason. Brogan came out of the loo then, dressing gown around his shoulders and he looked freshly showered.

"I'll just be a tick," he said, going to get dressed. Ginny followed him, without thinking about it and he looked at her from the wardrobe. "Now, I know you like it when I'm undressed, but now you want to watch while I'm putting clothes on?"

Ginny blinked at him, feeling her cheeks heat. "Sorry. Oh, sorry! I didn't…I mean, I wasn't, oh, shut it," she said, seeing that he was laughing at her.

"I'm just kidding," Brogan said, as he pulled his jeans on. He came over to her and hugged her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just…talking with Ron sort of…brought it all back. I'd been doing so well at blanking it out for a whole eight hours, too."

Brogan nodded and kissed her gently. She felt better when they broke apart, thankful again for both of her men. They really did help keep her sane, sometimes just by understanding her.

They soon were ready and decided to travel by Floo to the Leaky Cauldron. Ginny took a deep breath and prepared herself for the short, yet dizzying journey. The pub was fairly deserted when they arrived, in between the early morning and mid-morning rushes. They made their way to the Ministry, enjoying the short walk.

As they were checked in, the wizard at the desk asked the reason for their visit. Ginny stumbled over her words slightly, remembering Dumbledore's portrait telling them most people at the Ministry did not know who Nigel was. Brogan smoothly said they were visiting their friend, Nymphadora Lupin in the Auror Department. The wizard nodded and gave them badges that said 'Visitor' and sent them on their way.

"Thanks," Ginny said. "I should have been expecting that. As if my father hasn't worked here all his life."

"You have a lot on your mind," Brogan said simply. "Of course, I hope Tonks is either off today or already in, or that bloke may mention us."

"Are we incognito?" Ginny mused.

"Figured you didn't want them to mention seeing you to your dad."

"Good point," Ginny said, glancing around. If they did see her father, she would just raise her head high and ignore him. Or…she felt her heart clench despite her best intentions, and Brogan touched her gently on the shoulder and she felt calmer. She gave him a grateful look. They headed towards one of the lifts and stood in the back until it was emptied, and then rode the rest of the way down to the Department of Mysteries.

Dumbledore's portrait had told them which broom cupboard was the door they needed to find the department proper, or otherwise, they would just wander around until someone saw fit to acknowledge them and Ginny didn't fancy taking that action. She did want to see her 21st birthday in the daylight, eventually.

They found the door and then both looked at it and then at each other. Brogan shrugged and stepped back for her to step forward. Ginny shook her head and knocked on it. They waited a moment and nothing happened. She then just tried to open it and it was locked. Brogan held her hand back when she held her wand up to try Alohamora.

"They might have some sort of charm on it. Or jinx."

"Brilliant. Just what you like to see in action; your government working for you with deadly hexes to keep you out of their business."

"Oh, it's not quite as dire as all that, Miss Weasley," a voice said, and they both turned sharply, wands already aimed down the hallway. The older gentlemen that had spoken was just coming out of what Ginny believed was the Space room.

"It's merely a Forgetting Charm on the door," the man said as he joined them. He looked vaguely familiar to her, but she couldn't recall why. He had graying hair at the temples, although the rest of his hair was a warm chestnut. He wore a tweed, Muggle-style jacket and tan trousers, complete with dark brown loafers to finish the look. Ginny half expected to find a pipe in his jacket pocket if she looked. His appearance was like someone's grandfather, which, of course, immediately put Ginny on the defensive because innocent-looking old men were hardly ever what they seemed to be.

"We're looking for Nigel McFarrin," she said, straightening her shoulders.

"You've found him," the man said, smiling. He nodded at Brogan. "Mr Caley. How's that noggin of yours?"

"Erm, fine," Brogan said, startled at being addressed. McFarrin seemed to find that amusing and his mouth twitched.

"Well, if you'll allow me?" McFarrin said as he indicated the door and they both moved out of the way for him. He cast his wand over the knob and then the door swung open and it was just a normal hallway, like any other in the Ministry. She saw memos flying back and forth between the open doors and could smell something that was vaguely spicy, like curry. Ginny made a face. It seemed a bit early for that.

"That'll be Sid, having an early lunch. He pulled an all-nighter at Mungo's," McFarrin said, eyes laughing.

Ginny and Brogan exchanged a glance and then looked at McFarrin.

"Wait," Brogan said. "Sid? As in my healer, Sid? He works here, too?"

"Yes," McFarrin said, clearly amused now. "But he really is your healer, trust me, don't worry about that. There's not any skullduggery afoot. Well, not much, anyway. Now, come on, we'll go to my office and have a bit of a natter."

He said it in such a way that Ginny started walking before she even realized what she was doing. She had a feeling McFarrin was used to being obeyed, despite his congenial appearance. Brogan touched her shoulder and she nodded as she sensed his feelings, mostly confusion. What on earth was going on?

o-o-o-o-o