Crossroads 24: Family Matters
The week following Harry's birthday flew by, it seemed. Before he knew it, they were planning their weekend back to The Wayfaring Stranger, to not only visit with Kath and George but to use their free weekend from Ron. Next, the following weekend after that, it was the game between the Cannons and the Harpies, as well as Ron and Hermione's bonding. Then, school would begin and Harry would probably be the busiest – the first years would need their flying lessons. Madam Hooch had offered to sit in on them with him, to let him find his footing with the young students and Harry was grateful for that. He remembered being 11 and an unruly sort and something about getting onto the Gryffindor Quidditch team without even knowing what that was. He grinned at the memory.
It was early in the morning, and Harry had awoken completely wide awake for some reason, while Brogan and Ginny had grunted at him from their sleepy state. He was staying home from the build this morning, so he'd decided to do something helpful and started the laundry ahead of schedule so they wouldn't have to do it right before they left at the end of the week. As he put a bunch of Ginny's underthings into the washer, a piece of paper fluttered to the ground. He picked it up without thinking and glanced at it, recognizing Mrs Weasley's handwriting. Curious, Harry read the note and then frowned. Ginny had not mentioned either receiving this letter or made time to visit with her father again.
If Harry was honest with himself, Ginny's lack of motivation to talk to her father again had been bothering him, especially now since the three of them were even more official. His eyes fell to the ring that Brogan had given him, which was shining up at him like a beacon. Harry understood she was hurt and that maybe even her pride was wounded. But it was unlike her not to deal with something head-on. His Ginny was fierce and brave – why was she stumbling over this? She refused to talk about it with them, anytime Harry or Brogan had tried to bring it up. Okay, Harry conceded to himself, she refused to talk about it whenever Harry brought it up. He wasn't sure what Brogan had tried, if anything. One of Brogan's greatest strengths was his ability not to push at something. It was also one of the things that could drive you crazy, too, Harry knew.
Slipping the note into his jeans pocket, he made a note to ask her about it. It just wasn't like her to be so apprehensive. Especially since Harry knew that Ginny was aware that they would be with her family for her brother's upcoming bonding party. What did she think was going to happen then? He hated to think of how awkward things would be if Mr Weasley and Ginny hadn't come to some sort of agreement or understanding. It was like a powder keg waiting to go off.
He wandered into the kitchen where Roisin mewled at him from the floor in front of the stove, impatiently waiting to be fed. He took care of her first and then talked to Hedwig who had arrived with a fresh batch of the post. The snowy owl hooted before she took off again, most likely to settle in at Hogwarts and get some sleep.
Harry put the kettle on and started the coffee and was just wondering if he should make breakfast when Brogan sauntered in, looking adorably sleepy. Harry grinned at him as he pushed him towards the table.
"Coffee's still brewing, here's your potion," Harry said, handing him one of the small blue bottles. Brogan nodded thankfully and drank it down. He sat at the table and stretched out, his long legs taking up most of the room. Roisin meowed at him plaintively and Brogan picked her up as Harry fiddled with the beverages. Finally, everything was ready and Harry floated a tray over to the table. Brogan licked his lips as the coffee landed in front of him.
"Think it's been half an hour?"
Harry shook his head. "Try ten minutes, if that. Here, I brought water, too. Drink that instead."
Brogan muttered something that sounded like 'harsh taskmaster' under his breath, but dutifully took the glass of water, as Harry poured himself some pumpkin juice. He figured it was only fair to wait until they could both enjoy the coffee together.
Brogan scratched Roisin behind her ears and they both smirked as the kitten's loud purring filled the room.
"Someone's happy this morning," Harry said.
"She is kind of a diva," Brogan said, smiling at the kitten. "Just thrives with the attention."
Harry smiled at them, feeling a rush of tender emotions. Watching Roisin and Brogan was one of his favorite things. There was just something so…utterly adorable about it that it made Harry feel downright sentimental and maybe more than a little paternal. Pushing his silly thoughts out of his head before they went down pathways he didn't want to think about, he broached the subject he'd been thinking about before.
"Brogan, do you think it's odd Ginny hasn't made up with her parents yet?" Harry asked.
"I suspect she's just giving them some room, er, well, giving her father some room. Why?"
After hesitating for a moment, Harry decided to show Brogan the letter he'd found. He felt bad because Ginny wasn't up yet, but he wanted to know what Brogan thought about it. It did concern him too, after all.
"I found this as I was doing the laundry," Harry said, handing the letter to him.
Brogan put Roisin back down on the floor and took it from him. He frowned as he read it and met Harry's eyes.
"She's hasn't seen her parents, has she?"
"No, I don't think so."
Brogan's frown deepened. "I don't think we should…rush her."
"I know, I wasn't suggesting that we do," Harry said, sighing. He ran his hand through his hair. "But it's sort of not like her not to face something head-on. Especially as she knows we're going to see them all at Ron and Hermione's bonding. What does she think is going to happen then? That Mr Weasley will just smile and pretend everything is fine?"
Brogan sat back and tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. "Perhaps I…er, well, perhaps I shouldn't go. Just let it be you two to make things easier."
"No," Harry said immediately. "I want you there. Ron and Hermione want you there. It's not fair to ask you to not participate in important things because Ginny hasn't sorted out her bloody family yet."
Harry had not meant to sound so forceful, nor so angry, and released a low breath.
"So this is all on me, is it?" Ginny's voice startled them both. Harry felt guilty but then gave her a bold look. She leaned against the door of the kitchen, arms folded. She was probably already angry at him, so he forged ahead.
"Isn't that the way you want it? Why didn't you tell us about this? Or, better yet, why haven't you made any sort of attempt to talk to him? This just doesn't affect you, Gin. It affects us all."
Ginny raised an eyebrow and came over to the table. She nodded at Brogan to bring his legs in and then sat down on his lap. She turned towards Harry, eyes already ablaze.
"Reading my personal correspondence and thinking you know what's going on isn't a good look for you, Harry."
"I found it doing the laundry, Gin. If you wanted it private, maybe you should have stuck it someplace else."
"Um, hey, look, let's all take a deep breath," Brogan said firmly. He gave Harry a look from over Ginny's shoulder that said 'cool it' so Harry relented and sat back. He hadn't put 'have a blazing row with Ginny' on his list of things to do today, after all. He suddenly felt his anger leave him, knowing he was being a prat.
"Sorry, you're right," Harry said, sighing. He looked at Ginny. "I shouldn't have read it, but…."
"You couldn't help yourself," Ginny said, somewhat annoyed. She bit her lip and Harry noticed Brogan had put his hand on her back to soothe her. She sighed. "But you are right, I shouldn't have left it in my dressing gown pocket. To be honest, I'd forgotten about it. But maybe I wanted someone to find it and call me on it. So glad it was you, love."
Ginny gave him a chagrined sort of smile and Harry reached out to hold her hand. Brogan cleared his throat.
"I think we're both just concerned that with Ron and Hermione's bonding coming up that if things between you and your father don't…come to some sort of conclusion that it will be a difficult weekend," Brogan said eventually. "And the weekend should be about Ron and Hermione joining, not about…this other stuff."
Ginny nodded as she rested her head against his. "You're right. Of course, you're right."
"So then what is this about?" Harry asked, frowning. "Why haven't you moved ahead on it? It's not like you to…stick your head in the sand and ignore something like this. That's more my job, Gin, and you know it."
Ginny gave him a small smile and moved off of Brogan's lap, settling into his. Harry hugged her tightly. He could sense she was scared and anxious and he again felt bad for coming on so strongly. He wanted to be around the people he loved and be accepted, that's what it came down to. But he knew he could not expect Ginny to feel the same way about that or even be on the same page. Of course, it was easier for Harry, he didn't have parents to warm to the idea of him being in a three-way relationship. He suddenly felt as though he had been entirely too unfair to Ginny and said as much.
Her eyes were a bit wet when she finally looked at him. "You want to live your life in the open and here I am, threatening you with darkness, I'm sorry, Harry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for," Harry said gently. "There's no rule book for this, and I'm the one who's sorry for rushing you. I just…I just want you to be happy. Having your parents in your life makes you happy."
"Well, let's not go crazy. I'm okay if they're just on the periphery sometimes," Ginny murmured, kissing his cheek. "But, if it helps, I will send a letter first thing and hear them out. I don't know why I've been…afraid to do it. Other than my plain, regular old stubbornness."
Brogan shifted closer to them and placed his hand over them both. Harry smiled as the calming sort of feeling moved through him. Again, he thought that having an Empath around was the best thing in the world. Brogan's face broke into a wide grin.
"Can I have some bloody coffee now? It is far too early for this if you ask me." He kissed Ginny and then kissed Harry. "But I do love you two for going through all of this."
"We're doing it for ourselves," Ginny murmured, her eyes meeting Harry's. He nodded and held her tighter.
"We're also doing it for our future," Harry said as Brogan started pouring them coffee. "I want any future kids I have to know their grandparents. Something I never got to experience."
Brogan sighed as he took his first sip of coffee and then smiled at Harry. "Can you imagine Solace as a grandfather? Merlin, save us all."
Ginny took a cup of tea and sat in one of the other chairs. "He'd probably be an excellent one. Parents with troubled relationships usually end up over-compensating. Or so Hermione says."
Harry raised his eyebrow. "She does, huh? When were you two talking about this subject?"
"We do talk about things other than you men," Ginny said. "It can't be all sex tips and gossip every time we meet."
Brogan snickered. "I would imagine sex tips from Hermione could be very…clinical."
Ginny chuckled. "Well, that plus she is talking about my brother." She shuddered. "Less said the better."
"What do we want to eat?" Harry asked, standing. "My turn, so make it uncomplicated."
"Eggs and toast are fine," Brogan said, pouring himself another cup of coffee.
"Eggs sound perfect. Have you seen Hedwig yet this morning?" Ginny said looking out the window. "I should see if my parents can talk with me, er us, today."
"Yeah, she headed off to the school already, I think. But she should be back. I left the post over there by the window."
Ginny got up to sort through it as Harry went to get the ingredients together for breakfast. He was glad they'd had their discussion and felt a bit better about things. He wanted their future to have a chance, that was all he was asking for. If Ginny and her father couldn't come to some sort of understanding, then Harry reckoned it was going to be a bumpy road. But one that they could handle as long as they had each other.
Ginny dressed very simply. Pair of jeans, trainers, and a nice, comfortable shirt, one of Harry's actually, that she'd taken in a bit with her wand to fit her form better. She wore her hair back in a ponytail and even applied a bit of make-up that Hermione had given her. She felt as though it helped her look a bit older than her 17 years and it made her feel more confident. For the discussion she was about to have with her parents, she felt she needed every bit she could get.
She'd agreed to visit the Burrow for tea; Harry and Brogan were coming with her but would stay out near the apparation point unless she called for them.
She'd promised to give them fair warning if her father decided to hex them all.
Brogan kissed the side of her head after they'd arrived. He gave her a tender look. "You can do it."
Harry nodded and joined her on her other side. "You are fierce and brave and bloody brilliant, Gin. You got this."
Ginny nodded and slowly made her way to her family home. Her stomach felt as though it was churning but she felt oddly alive and emboldened. Harry and Brogan were right – she could do this. Just the fact that they were nearby calmed her. She wondered why she had originally thought she had to do this without them. The three of them were always better together.
"Ginny, dear," her mother said, calling her inside.
Her father was at the table, cup of tea already in front of him. He briefly met her gaze and tilted his head at the chair across from him, as though inviting her. Her mother wavered between the table and the kitchen as though unsure of where she was needed.
"Mum," Ginny said finally. "Sit down, please."
She waited for her mother to sit and then took her seat. Her mother floated a cup of tea over to her and Ginny gripped it in her hands, feeling its warmth start to flow through her. It was a silly ritual, but it worked and she soon was able to meet her parents' gaze. A silence soon began to grow, as she didn't know how to start. It was clear her father didn't either, although Ginny was pretty sure an apology should be his first concern, but she wasn't going to hold her breath.
"Harry and Brogan are out near the tree," Ginny eventually said, breaking the tension.
"Ginny-"
"My dear-"
Her mother and father started at the same time and then both stopped, glancing at each other. Molly eventually nodded at her husband to continue.
"First, Ginny, let me begin by offering you…my apologies," her father said, looking as though it was hard for him to say the words. He swallowed roughly. "You came to me out of trust and respect. And I dare say, you expected me to react like a rational human being, and quite frankly, I didn't."
Her father frowned and looked down into his teacup as though it held the answers. Ginny glanced at her mother who was staring at her husband fiercely, as though to help him somehow get through this by her willpower alone.
"I'm sorry for the way I reacted," Ginny said slowly. "And I should have come to you before this. But I am not sorry for what I said, nor the life choices I've made. You can shame me and look down on me all you want, Dad, but it won't change my mind or my feelings. I hope you can learn to accept that. If not for me, then for the sake of the family. I don't want to become an outcast or make things awkward by being here with Brogan or Harry. But we can stay away from family things if that is how you want it."
"I…" her father paused, his face turning pink. "Oh, Ginny, I can't even begin to claim I understand why you've chosen this, but…I know it must be because of love. Your mother assures me that it is. Please don't stay away on my account."
"I told him how Brogan let me feel his intent, Ginny, dear, I hope he doesn't mind."
Ginny shook her head. "Of course, he won't mind. Brogan's…he's so…he's very understanding, trust me, mum. He just wants us all to work through this and remain a family, if we can."
Her father reached out and took hold of Ginny's hand, where it rested on the table. "I am sorry, Ginny, if I made you feel bad. It was not my intention to hurt you, which doesn't excuse it, of course, but…I am an old man. I am set in my ways and my beliefs. I try to be open-minded, but…oh, daughter. Please forgive me for making you feel as though there is something wrong with you. You were absolutely right to get upset with me. I told you I loved you no matter what and then I was hurtful and a very bad father indeed."
Ginny blinked at her father, feeling overwhelmed. She could tell he was trying very hard to understand and not to be upset and she loved him for it.
"You're not that old," Ginny said softly. "And you're not a bad father. You never have been."
"An old fool," her father amended, wiping at his eyes. "And an okay father, at best."
"Should we invite your men in, dear? They must be worried nothing's exploded in here yet," her mother asked, straining to look out the window. "I have to say, I'm impressed with us as well. I had even money on the table getting at least partway singed." Ginny laughed and realized she was crying, too. Her father pulled her in for a hug, tentative at first, but then stronger as he realized she wasn't going to pull back.
Brogan and Harry must have felt her okay because they were at the door before anyone could even get up. Harry had a stoic look on his face as he took in her father and mother and Ginny held out her hand to him. He joined her a moment later, while Brogan lingered awkwardly at the door.
"Mr Weasley, Mrs Weasley, please…please understand that I still love Ginny to the moon and back. Nothing has changed our plans to get bonded."
Ginny realized her mother was staring at the joined hands and that she'd probably noticed their matching Claddagh rings. She watched as her mum looked at Brogan and then back at Harry and Ginny putting two and two together.
"Brogan, dear, please, join us," her mother suddenly said, standing up and offering him her seat. "Tea, dear?"
"Erm, yes, thank you," Brogan said, appearing dazed.
"I believe the young man actually prefers coffee, Molly," her father said, smiling. Ginny was pleased to note his voice was only slightly strained and his smile was almost completely genuine. "Perhaps I'll have some too and fortify it with a bit of whiskey, hmm? Do things the Irish way?" Her father stood. "I believe I have some out in the shed. Although I'm sure I don't know how it got out there."
Her mother tsked at him as she started the coffee and Harry wrapped his arm around Ginny.
"This is good, right?"
Ginny nodded, feeling emotional. She sighed as she felt Brogan rub her back and take a bit of her wibbly-wobblyness away. She smiled gratefully at him.
"I think it might be very good, eventually," Ginny said. She released a breath that felt she'd been holding for weeks now and it felt as though her entire world sighed with her.
Draco Malfoy was a lot of things - pure blood, rich and he had a taste for the finer things in life. He was also sullen and rather too eager to please his father. Being raised as the heir apparent to all things Malfoy did put a damper on one's aspirations and dreams – one must do as the family line dictated —nothing more and nothing less. As far as Draco was concerned this meant being a paragon of class and high-status and making everyone else feel inferior. He usually failed in the first two of these arenas (while excelling with the last). At least, as far as his father was concerned, that is.
Draco was well aware of his shortcomings, how could he not be? His father informed him of them on a daily, if not hourly, basis. So when it appeared that he was going to pull off their plan, Draco kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. He was quite certain he'd messed up somewhere.
But no, Diagon Alley had gone off without a hitch, as had Hogwarts. Using the squibs had been the perfect stratagem. His father had said, hadn't he? Take a group of maladjusted, petulant, could-have-beens, fire them up by promising them access to magic and they were the perfect group of trouble-makers. Draco barely had to order them around; in fact, most of them wanted to do more. But Draco stuck to the plan, not wanting to incur his father's wrath, even from a holding cell deep in the Ministry. Lucius Malfoy was a lot of things too, and understanding had never been one of them.
Their third attack, this time designed to genuinely cause a ruckus, was set to go off soon. Their previous attempts had been low-key, as far as damages were concerned. But not so this next attack. Draco grinned to himself as he thought of it. The Ministry itself would be shaken, he'd made sure of that. Just a little extra two-finger salute to those who would keep his family blacklisted and imprisoned.
He couldn't wait. Maybe, if he got lucky, Harry Potter himself would be visiting and he could take out an old-school nemesis while hurting those that had supported him. Draco Malfoy was a lot of things and being petty was definitely one of them. He'd love to hurt Saint Potter and those he loved – it would feel righteous, even. Righteous and fitting.
The visit at her parents went longer than expected and as such, her mother invited them all to dinner. Ginny could tell her mum was still feeling bad for not hosting Harry's birthday party and seemed intent to make all of his favorites. But Brogan and Ginny both pitched in and helped her, and they were soon feasting on some rather tasty offerings. Her father even listened with rapt attention as they described the various pizzas they had ordered.
After dinner, Harry and Brogan offered to do the dishes, again making her mother beam, and while the three of them were talking in the kitchen, Ginny got a little warm feeling in her heart. It felt good, being at home with the five people she loved the most in the world. She could scarcely believe how relaxing it felt nor how easy it was for them all to slip into being a family again. She felt as though the weight she'd been feeling on her shoulders had lifted.
She joined her father, who was outside twiddling with a contraption of sorts on their picnic table.
"What's that?" she asked as she sat down.
"This is a press. For sandwiches. Erm, well, Muggle invention, of course. I was trying to see if I could charm it to work by itself."
Ginny didn't say anything and raised an eyebrow. It looked like two flat sheets made of iron clamped together with odd hinges. A large handle was on top of it. She didn't think it looked very appetizing and couldn't imagine using it when she already had a wand that could toast evenly and perfectly if she needed it to. Not to mention she owned an actual toaster.
"Unfortunately, I keep ending up with bread that doesn't brown, for some reason. Ah, well. Your mother thinks it's hopeless and likes to prove me wrong by using her wand. I've been eating a lot of toasties, lately, needless to say."
Ginny smirked. "So she hasn't cottoned on yet?"
Her father grinned. "No, and don't you tell her. Her bacon sarnie is to die for and you know it. It's even better toasted."
Ginny shook her head and they enjoyed a comfortable silence. Remembering why she had come out to talk to her father to begin with she turned to face him.
"Erm, dad…do you know Nigel McFarrin?"
Her father's face lit up. "Bloke a bit older than me, sort of greying hair, dresses in tweed?"
"That's the one."
"I do. He's a bit of a mystery man. Some say he doesn't actually exist, you know."
Ginny frowned, remembering that Dumbledore's portrait had said something similar. "Why?"
"Because that's how Nigel wants it, I'm sure. Oh, he's not a bad sort. Just likes to keep out of the light, let's say that. Definitely a behind-the-scenes type of person. Why do you ask?"
"Well, he's sort of…he's approached me and Brogan for a job. He wants us to be Unspeakables, eventually."
"No! Really?"
"It, erm, has to do with what we got up to in Ireland. There are a few things we didn't tell you," Ginny paused and gave an apologetic shrug of her shoulders. "I don't know why he's interested in us, to be honest. I mean, Brogan's fairly good with a wand and I'm fairly adept at things, I reckon, but he says he's been interested in me since my first year!"
Her father gave her an odd look and then he sat back from the table. With a wave of his wand, the item he'd been working on disappeared, banished to his shed, no doubt.
"I'm not surprised you've been approached by the Department of Mysteries, to be honest. The things you've done with Harry as well as your own magical aptitude means that on parchment at least, you would be a perfect fit for the Department. Especially if Nigel is running it."
"How so?"
"He's attracted to power, but he's also attracted to witches and wizards who have a sensible bit of a head-on their shoulder. We all know you are level-headed and forward-thinking. I can see Nigel wanting to put you into his…cauldron, as it were. Since he took over the Department, no one exactly knows how many workers he has nor who they all are. The Ministers have always looked the other way when it comes to giving him what he wants, too. Or at least, that's the scuttlebutt around the tea trolley."
"Why do they give him such a free rein?" Ginny asked, feeling intrigued.
Her father shrugged. "No one knows, but McFarrin keeps all his cards close to his chest. Some speculate he's got something on every person that can stand in his way and that's why they give him what he wants. If you are considering his offer, I would give it a very long think. And make sure you read anything he gives you to sign. He works on the side of good, but he's not above pulling rank to get what he needs. Some might say he just does what he needs to get the job done."
"What would you say he is?" Ginny asked. Her father's lips thinned considerably as he gave a small smile.
"I'd say he's ruthless, and quite ruthless, at that."
Ginny sighed. She had sensed the same in McFarrin. As long as he thought you were doing what he wanted, you were protected, but step a bit out of line…she didn't trust the man, that's what it came down to. And how could she work for someone like that?
"Now, what's this about Ireland? What haven't you told us?"
Ginny sighed. "Let's go back inside and persuade someone to make some tea. It's going to be a bit of a discussion."
"I had a feeling you were going to say that," her father said, shaking his head.
The next morning Remus dropped by unexpectedly just as they were finishing breakfast, and Ginny welcomed him in, clearly embarrassed to be found still in her dressing gown. Harry smirked at her as she ran off to shower. She was the one who had said she liked to have people 'pop in'.
Remus poured himself some coffee and joined Harry and Brogan at the table. His friend fixed him with a stony expression and Harry suddenly had some idea what this was about. Before Remus could even open his mouth to complain, he tried his best to soothe the ruffled feathers.
"Look, I didn't do what you think I did, Remus. I mean, I won't lie – I was all prepared to step in and force Kingsley to do it, but he told me he'd already decided. So there."
Remus frowned and didn't say anything for a moment. He finally sighed and sat back. "Yes. He told me."
"So why did you come here looking for a row?" Harry asked, drinking his coffee.
"Because it's…you're…bah."
Remus slumped in his seat a bit, and Brogan gently reached out and tentatively rested his hand briefly on the other man's arm. Remus shook his head after a moment and Brogan sat back. Remus finally released a tense sort of breath. "That's handy, Brogan. You must need to do it daily with this one around."
Brogan's mouth twitched as he glanced at Harry. "Oh, not as much as you'd think."
"Sitting right here," Harry said, looking between them.
Remus shook his head and finished his coffee. "Well, whatever it is you did, I appreciate it, Harry. Dora…Dora warned me this might happen and I was fully prepared to turn him down, but…."
"Common sense kicked in," Harry replied, taking a guess.
Remus pursed his lips at him. "You remind me too much of James sometimes, do you know that? You both share an utter disregard for people's boundaries."
Harry raised an eyebrow and looked into his coffee. He glanced back up and met Remus's look. "If by disregarding boundaries you mean that some people have rather stupid attacks of pride that keep them from doing something they'd enjoy and be good at, then yes, I am guilty. What is the big deal, Remus? So now you have a paying job that makes it so you and Tonks can breathe a bit easier about things. Merlin, you're right, I'm a horrible person for wanting that."
"That's not what I meant, and you know it," Remus said with a stubborn air. "And I didn't call you a horrible person. You're…you're…the opposite."
Harry bit his lip as Remus seemed embarrassed. "So…you're here to tell me I'm a good person?"
"Oh, shut it, Harry," Remus said in exasperation. "I just wanted to…to say thank you."
"You're welcome, but honestly, Kingsley had already come to the same idea as me. Congratulations. When do you start?"
"I'm off to the Ministry this morning to join the newly formed task force Minister Spunk has created, as a matter of fact."
"We'll see you there later then," Brogan offered as he started stacking their empty breakfast plates.
"We're going to the Department of Mysteries," Harry explained. "The head of the department wants me to see one of the rooms of study. He's offered Ginny and Brogan jobs, by the way, so you're not the only one getting exciting new offers."
Remus looked up at Brogan. "Really? They want you and Ginny both?"
"Crazy, isn't it?" Brogan said, carrying the dishes to the sink. He used his wand to start the soap and water and then came back over to the table. "They've been interested in me since the Auror Department tried to recruit me. They wanted Ginny after her first year at Hogwarts."
Remus looked puzzled and then he glanced at Harry, who nodded. "Ah, her experience with the diary. How does she feel about that?"
"She hasn't said, really," Harry said. "But I don't think she's that impressed with the head of the Department. He's a bit of a…well, I won't use the word she did, but he's a bit of a git. Do you know him?"
"No, can't say that I do. Well, I should go, there's to be a press conference this morning, and Kingsley wanted to do a quick briefing beforehand."
"Of course, there'll be a press conference. Does Minister Spunk ever do anything without one?"
"Sometimes she does," Remus said. "At the least, I will probably be asked not to go or told to hang back, even though I'm technically in charge. Kingsley is going to be the public persona of the task force, but I get to do all the work. Don't think he didn't love telling me that."
Harry grinned. He could imagine that Kingsley had had a good laugh about it. He looked at Remus. "Are we okay?"
"Yes, Harry. You're lucky, Dora talked me down from my lofty ledge of wounded pride."
"Lucky nothing, who do you think put her up to it?"
Remus chuckled and he soon left. Ginny emerged fully dressed and ready for the day shortly afterward.
"Aw, did he leave on my account? He didn't have to."
"He had to hurry off to the Ministry, there's a press conference about the bombings."
She frowned. "Oh, bother. Should we avoid the place then? I'd hate for one of them to notice you and follow us around."
Harry paused. That honestly hadn't occurred to him.
"Why don't we go during it and sneak in while they're all preoccupied?" Brogan suggested.
"Then I reckon I should get ready too, give me a bit," Harry said. "Why am I always the last one in the shower around here?"
"Oh, that's not true and you know it," Ginny said as she tsked at him. She kissed his cheek.
Harry grinned at her. He nodded at the window. "Look, the post is here."
She turned to greet Hedwig and he made his way to the loo. He set a Tempus charm so he didn't forget himself and shower for too long and was out in ten minutes. He got dressed and when he returned to the living area, Brogan and Ginny were whispering and giggling about something. She had a book or magazine open in front of her but she closed it as soon as she saw him.
"What's that?" Harry asked, joining them.
Brogan gave him an amused look, but he let Ginny do the talking.
"Well, remember my wonderful new…bedtime outfits?"
"Erm, your sexy gear? How could one forget them? Why?"
"It appears the shop added my name to some sort of…list for naughty items. This came in the post just now."
She handed him the book and he noticed it had a plain brown cover. But as soon as he opened it, it came to life – women scantily clad were suddenly all over the place.
"Bloody hell," Harry muttered, flipping through the book. It was an entire catalog of naughty bits and then some. Where had this been when he'd first discovered wanking? Harry thought if he had known about this sort of thing, he might have died for a reason other than Voldemort. Mostly from a sore hand and an extremely sore…he gave out a low whistle. The girls in the catalog were very enthusiastic about modeling the lingerie. Very enthusiastic.
"That was my reaction too," Brogan chuckled. "Ginny, of course, the single-minded woman that she is, immediately went to the more…ahem…interesting section."
"There's something more interesting in here than THIS?" Harry asked, not bothering to look up. One of the models, a spicy redhead was doing the most interesting things with her top, which had two long, lacy ties to hold it together….
"Harry," Ginny snapped her fingers in front of him. He looked up at her, knowing his eyes were probably dazed. She smirked as she saw the one that had caught his attention. "Well, at least she's a redhead. But no, turn to the back of the catalog. There's…items of interest."
"Items of interest?" Harry repeated and flipped past the many pages of lingerie (how many sexy outfits were there in the world? Apparently, quite a fair bit) to a page simply entitled Baubles of Desire.
Harry thought he had really seen all that magic could offer. Things that appeared out of nowhere, talking portraits and ghosts, magical plants, magical chamber pots, even, but nothing…nothing prepared him for what he was seeing now. There were…toys. Some were clearly for women (was that a vibrating snitch?!) but there were also things for blokes. He swallowed roughly as he could guess what a few of those were for.
"Wow," Harry said, looking up at Ginny. "Did you know these existed?"
Ginny smirked. "Erm, well, not exactly, but…in the girl's dorm, one did hear about the usage of certain…attachments. Yes."
"I feel as though we missed out by being blokes. All we ever talked about when I was younger was pulling a fit girl and maybe she'd let you rest your hand someplace interesting. The girls were talking about attachments?" Brogan said, marveling at Ginny.
"Attachments to what, exactly?" Harry asked, looking back at the catalog.
"Never you mind," Ginny said firmly. "It's not something one talks about. But I see they have come a long way since…well, all of these appear to work independently. Interesting charm work, but here's the item I thought you'd find amusing. Well, semi-amusing. Hopefully."
She flipped the catalog to another page and handed it back to him. Harry suddenly felt sick to his stomach.
"Are you fucking…no. No, they didn't!"
Ginny bit her lip to keep from laughing, no doubt. Harry scowled at her because he didn't think it was very funny. There in full color, taking up almost half the page was his face, appropriated from some old Prophet article, no doubt. He looked downright menacing in the photo and he couldn't blame his photographic self one bit. Underneath the picture it said:
Fancy the Wizarding Savior? Do Hero types get you hot and bothered? Well, fear no more, ladies, Odwalls Toys and Trinkets has you covered! Explore your sensual side with the officially licensed Harry Potter Whatnot, guaranteed to get your charms (and your juices) running in no time! Based on the actual member of the real-life Wizarding Savior himself, let our Harry explore your secret zones with his quick-as-lightening-tongue and throbbing wand of lust. You'll be crying out his name in no time!
Harry wanted to hit something. He stared at the device that looked nothing like his "member" as it flickered between that and a grotesque-looking sort of tongue. There was a very long lightning bolt shape drawn down the middle.
"I think I might get one," Brogan said, amusement in his voice. "You know, for when you're not around, Harry."
"Oh, shut it, you," Harry snarled unhappily. Ginny and Brogan giggled. "I don't see how this is…I'm offended they think my "wand" looks like this and you should be offended too! Do you want women screaming my name when they use this thing?"
"Harry," Ginny said, taking a breath. "Calm down. It's just in good fun. I don't think anyone believes your manhood looks anything like that. Besides, they put a disclaimer on it." She pointed towards the tiny print under the photo of the toy.
"Oh, brilliant, well, that makes it all better," Harry said grumpily. He closed the catalog with snap and shoved it back towards them. "Thanks for ruining my day."
"Oh, Harry, I thought you would get a kick out of it. I don't think anyone takes it seriously. I'm sorry," Ginny said, squeezing his hand. "You're right, I suppose, it is a bit weird to think of someone using that."
"Maybe we should get a solicitor to do a cease and desist on the company," Brogan suggested.
"Then I'd have to admit I'd seen it to begin with," Harry grumbled.
"Well, you could always offer to model for them in person so they could make it more natural-looking," Ginny said, her mouth twitching.
Harry folded his arms. "I'm so happy you're taking the piss. How would you feel if they had Ginny Weasley's Tits or something in there? You wouldn't be laughing then, would you?"
Ginny seemed to consider his words and nodded. "You're right. It wouldn't be funny. Please forgive me, love."
Harry refused at first, still feeling annoyed. But then he relented and unfolded his arms. "All right. Let's forget about it. Erm, before that though there were some um…well, interesting items, weren't there?"
Ginny looked at Brogan and grinned. "What should we order first? Something for me? Or something for you two?"
Harry had a feeling he might eventually regret this decision, but then again…maybe he could persuade Ginny into buying more lingerie, too.
They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron during a slow period and were in and out on the street, halfway to the Ministry in no time. Brogan knew Harry was still bothered by the item they'd found in the catalog (although their subsequent discussion of which toy to order first had cheered him considerably) and he wondered if he could have Solace look into getting the company to remove the item. He made a mental note to bring it up at their next lunch and then promptly realized maybe that wasn't a conversation he wanted to have with his father. At least, not in public.
Ginny was walking next to him, holding his hand. Her hair shone a brilliant red in the summer sun and she looked lovely, wearing one of her new dresses. A small piece of his heart saved the image of her for a rainy day, so he could remember how happy he felt. She was entertaining them with a story about Fred and George getting caught trying on their mum's clothes when they were younger and how a scandalized Molly Weasley had tried to make sure that wasn't something they kept doing. But she claimed that Fred, to this day, could still walk around better on a pair of high-heeled court shoes better than any woman alive. Brogan was going to take her word for it, he didn't fancy asking Fred to demonstrate.
"Is that why Kath calls George, Rosie?" Harry asked, glancing at him. Brogan grinned.
"No, that's something else entirely. Apparently, the first time they were, erm, are you sure you want to hear this?" he asked Ginny. She shrugged and waved her hand.
"Nothing surprises me about those two and their predilections."
"Well, the first time they were intimate, George waxed rather poetical about a certain physical attribute of Kath's. Comparing it to a rose. He did it so much, in fact, that it sort of became a code? I dunno. Once she started explaining it to me I decided I needed to be someplace else. Someplace very far away. I'm not exactly sure why she thought I would enjoy that story," Brogan said, considering it.
"Women like to know their current partner isn't insane or daft and probably wanted to hear a similar story from you about mine," Ginny said, flashing him a smile.
"Really?" Harry asked, looking at her. "Did you do the same with Hermione?"
Ginny grinned. "Maybe. I mean, you have to admit when you're first…doing those types of things, it's nice to get reassurance. I may have asked her if it was normal for a bloke to get all worked up over breasts."
"You didn't."
"Didn't I?"
Harry narrowed his eyes at her and then shrugged. "I can check, you know."
Ginny laughed. "Oh, sure. Now that's a conversation between you and Hermione I can totally see, Harry."
"Well, at any rate, she didn't get any stories from me," Brogan said, bringing them back to the conversation at hand.
"Good man," Harry said, nodding. "Caleys and Potters do not kiss and tell. Bully for us."
Just then they heard Harry's name being called and they all turned around to see a young man of medium build and wavy blonde hair waving at them. Brogan heard Harry swear under his breath as he frowned.
"Er, you two go on, I'll catch you up in a minute."
"Who is it?" Ginny asked, frowning.
"Someone who works for Minister Spunk. He's a bit…noisy. And rather tedious. Trust me, I'm doing you a favor."
Brogan and Ginny watched as Harry headed off to greet the man, who had been running to catch up with them. Ginny smirked at Harry as a pained expression graced his face and she looked at Brogan.
"Well, you heard him, lead on, Brogan."
It was a lovely day and the city wasn't crowded, not at this time. They meandered, keen not to walk too fast in case Harry needed them. Once they had the phone booth in view (they'd decided to use the visitor entrance, assuming most of the press would be milling around the other ones) they paused and rested against the side of a building, staying out of the way of the foot traffic. Brogan squeezed Ginny's hand.
"Did I mention you look very, very pretty today?"
She blushed lightly. "Thank you. So do you."
"Brilliant. Well, at least we know why we're together. We're so fantastically good-looking."
Ginny snorted. He pulled her closer so that she was in front of him and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Think Harry would mind if I kissed you in the middle of this, not at all busy London street?"
"Probably not, but at any rate, he's not here, but my lips are and I say yes, please do." Ginny's brown eyes were full of humor. "Boyfriends must do as they're told, after all."
"Aye," Brogan murmured before lowering his mouth to hers.
"Hmm," Ginny said as they broke apart some time later. "Or should I call you my husband? No, that sounds weird. Hmm, and my partner doesn't have the same ring to it." She held up her hand and her ring sparkled in the morning light. "We're practically man and wife, er, well, wife and man and man. I always did think that was wrong though, a woman turns into a wife but a man stays a man?"
"Boyfriend is fine," Brogan chuckled. "Let's not overcomplicate things with labels."
"I think my mum noticed our rings," Ginny said thoughtfully, looking at her hand. "Do you reckon she knows what this type means?"
"She might," Brogan said, wondering what Mrs Weasley thought and decided not to worry about it. "What do you call Harry in your head?"
Ginny smiled. "He's just my Harry. Sometimes I call him my boyfriend. But mostly he's just…Harry."
"Then I'll just be your Brogan."
Ginny giggled and kissed him again. "We're awfully cheesy today, aren't we?"
"I like it." And he realized he did, by quite a bit. It almost made it feel as though all the lonely times in his life had happened to someone else. But he knew they hadn't, and, in a way, they made him more grateful for what he had now. The bad times made you appreciate the good just a little bit more, he reckoned.
Ginny sighed and looked around, frowning. They could just see Harry, still talking to the man, slowly trying to reach them.
"Anxious?"
"I sort of have to use the loo," she admitted. "Too much tea this morning."
"Go on ahead. I'll wait for him," Brogan said, pushing her towards the phone booth.
"You sure? He could be chatting to Mr Talky-Pants for a bit."
Brogan laughed. "Maybe I'll come up with a way to rescue him. We'll meet you at the desk, yeah?"
Ginny nodded and then curtsied. "My bladder thanks you, Brogan."
He watched as she crossed the street and entered the phone booth. She waved at him as she picked up the receiver and started dialing in the numbers to activate the lift. Brogan frowned at Harry and was just trying to figure out how he could get the other man free when he had the strangest sensation he was being watched. He looked around and didn't see anyone and Ginny had already disappeared from the phone booth. He was just about to walk towards Harry when a low rumble seemed to start under his feet. Brogan frowned as he stared at the sidewalk, not understanding what was happening. A moment after the rumbling started, it ceased and he thought he'd imagined it. But a split second later, all hell broke loose as the phone booth exploded, a loud booming noise rocketing through the area.
The pressure of the explosion caused Brogan to fly backward and he hit his head on something hard. For a moment he couldn't hear anything and then it was as though every single sound in the world hit him all at once. He realized he was on the ground and something was trickling into his eyes, was it raining? He tried to sit up but every bone in his body protested and he stayed down. He blinked at the grey, smoky sky above him as though in a daze – when had it become smoky? Was there a fire? He felt really confused.
Suddenly, Harry was leaning over him, and Brogan was sure he was saying something to him but he couldn't make it out. Harry waved his hand over him and he suddenly felt slightly better, some of the confusion fading to the edge of his consciousness. He forced himself to sit up, this time with better results. He only wanted to vomit a little bit this time and he swallowed roughly, his mouth dryer than parchment. His body ached all over as though he'd been slammed into a wall by a Mountain Troll. But with sudden clarity, everything came back to Brogan in one fell swoop.
"Harry! Check on Ginny! She was in the…." Brogan's voice ran off as both men turned to look at the ugly, blackened hole where the Ministry's entrance used to be. Not even a hint of the red phone box remained. Brogan felt as though not only time had stopped, but his heart as well. There was no way anyone could have survived that had they been in the lift…oh, God, he hoped she hadn't been in there when it exploded. She would have vaporized, killed instantly…Oh, God, Oh, God, Oh, God.
Harry stood up from where he'd been kneeling and took off for the entrance at a run. Brogan watched as he waved his hand at the Muggles that were nearby, who were trying to stop him from getting too close. He didn't know what spell Harry had cast, but the Muggles were suddenly walking the other direction as though they'd just decided they were late for a date. Harry stood at the edge of the crater, hands at his side curled into fists as though he could make Ginny appear by his willpower alone. The sound of sirens was getting closer, and Brogan knew they would soon be surrounded by emergency vehicles and the like. He stumbled to his feet, feeling as though he was going to faint. Nausea persisted and when he wiped at his eyes, to clear his vision again, his hand came away bloody and he realized he couldn't see because a cut on his head was bleeding rather freely.
Swearing, he clambered towards Harry but before he could reach him, Harry turned and Disapparated and Brogan could only stare at the empty space in front of him in utter confusion.
o-o-o-o-o
