Chapter 2

Soundtrack - Nelly Furtado "All Good Things"

"So, another emergency call ?" Ron asked in a bored tone, idly flipping through the Quidditch Today magazine.

Hermione answered from the next room:

"Yes, violation of article seventy-five point one. Merlin, where's that damn book?"

It was Sunday morning, and outside the window was a wonderful July day. The sun seemed to penetrate every nook and cranny of the house, clearly intending to leave no room for darkness and gloom. It was one of those days when the Weasley house most accurately conveyed the atmosphere that reigned in this close-knit family. Small, multi-storey and seemingly ridiculous, it seemed to radiate with comfort and warm light. Each piece of the interior and its details spoke for themselves: this is the well-worn furniture, exuding a light woody aroma; and the colorful rugs knitted by Mrs. Weasley herself; and slightly uneven handmade clay pots that protect various types of magical plants, as well as a wonderful clock that shows the location of each family member at any given time, the creak of floorboards that instantly detects someone's steps, and, of course, a cheerful noise of voices, which, never seemed to be silent even for a second.

Anyone who has ever been to the Burrow would like to come here again. And, as a rule, he did: the doors were always open for guests.

"What article?" Ron asked, but when he heard a fuss in the next room instead, added:"What are you looking for anyway?"

"That s it, I found it!" Hermione appeared at the doorway with a thick book in her hand. "The article seventy-five point one - Violation of the law on the restriction of use of magic in relation to Muggle electrical appliances in the presence of persons who threaten the privacy of the Wizarding World," she explained with slight irritation.

"Did you learn the whole what's-its-name code?" Ron asked in a dazed voice, without taking his eyes off the huge tome.

Hermione gave him a murderous look and answered dryly:

"This whole thing, Ron, is called the Wizarding World's Criminal Code."

"Who cares?"Ron waved her off. "I don t need it anyway."

Hermione shook her head reproachfully, but didn t pursue the topic any further. Instead, she went into the hallway where she ran into Harry who, apparently, had just woken up.

"Good morning!" Potter said with a yawn. But looking at Hermione he added - "Where are you going so early? It s only nine in the morning!"

"The emergency call from the Ministry," Hermione replied as she was putting her shoeson. "Someone planted an enchanted hairdryer in the Muggle family."

"So what, they can't cope without you?!" Harry's eyes widened. "Come on, Hermione! You re already do the work of three men, seven days a week!"

"I'm just doing my job," Hermione explained for the hundredth time and opened the front door. "That s it, I'm gone! I'll be back soon."

The door closed behind her, and there was a dull bang of the Apparition.

"Yeah, that s what she always says, but she comes back almost at night," said Ron displeased, still leafing through the magazine. "As long as I live, I m more and more convinced that people don t change."

"You'd think you're a hundred years old," Harry said with a grin as he entered the living room.

"Quite possible! You know, I ve heard somewhere that the psychological age of a person is sometimes very different from the biological one," Ron said with a smart look.

"I ll only agree if it turns out that your psychological age is no more than thirteen," Ginny said as she descended the stairs.

She deftly dodged the sofa cushion Ron threw at her, then walked over to Harry and gave him a kiss.

"Good morning to you too, sis," Ron sneered, at which Ginny made a face at him.

"Actually, to be honest, I'm worried about Hermione," Harry plopped down on the sofa, pulling his fiancee to him. "She became a little irritable."

You don t say," Ron frowned. Hermione had been giving him a hard time lately.

Of course, he had been guilty of many things himself, but Hermione had been far more tolerant before.

"In my opinion, this isn t surprising: Hermione has t had a single vacation since she started working in the Ministry four years ago," Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry. "Anyone would grow irritable, even if it's Hermione Granger with her inhuman ability to work."

"Hmmm, she could use some time off," Ron muttered. "Maybe that d make hernicer."

For a while everyone fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. The silence was broken by Harry, who looked like he had an idea.

Time off, that s right!" he slapped himself on the forehead. "I completely forgot to tell you! I have some great news!"

Potter even jumped off the sofa with excitement and turned to face his friends:

"Do you remember four years ago, when the war was over, the Ministry announced on every corner that Harry Potter and his brave friends will definitely receive a reward for saving the Wizarding World and all that stuff?"

"Yeah, that does ring a bell," said Ron thoughtfully and then slammed his fist down on the table: "What a twaddlers! They promised us mountains and performed molehills!"

"Don't get all worked up, Ron. Let Harry finish," Ginny said irritably to her brother who immediately stop talking and send her a frown.

"So," Harry continued ignoring his friend's comment. "Yesterday when I was at the Ministry Stevius Colman summoned me to his office. And guess what he said?"

"I'm afraid to guess," said Ginny, who didn t like the new Minister of Magic at all. In her opinion, he spoke too much and did too little. Stevius Colman wasn t a bad person, but, unfortunately, he had no leadership skills at all. Ginny often said that there was no better Minister than Kingsley Shacklebolt, and her friends agreed with her. They often made common attempts to persuade him to accept the post of Minister which he was repeatedly offered by the Ministry of Magic itself, but he only waved it off vaguely saying that it s not the time yet. However, there were rumors that Stevius Colman was about to leave his seat giving it up to Kingsley, and the friends were looking forward to this moment.

"Colman apologized for such a long implementation of the reward and expressed the hope that I would accept a gift from the Ministry of four trip vouchers to Italy, for a start. To the best resort in the Wizarding World, he said. What was the name of it... Mmm... La magnolia... Miabella... La bella..."

Harry wrinkled his forehead trying to remember the name, but seeing his friends strange reaction he asked:

"Is something wrong?"

Ron and Ginny looked stunned.

"Not La Bella Magnolia , by any chance?" Ginny asked quietly.

"Oh, exactly! La Bella Magnolia ! What a name!" Harry exclaimed, but grimly added, "I told Colman that I d think about it. Although I wanted to refuseat first. After the war, in which we could rely on our selves only without receiving almost any support from the Ministry, I wouldn t want to accept any handouts from the government, to put it mildly. Nevertheless, I understand that if I refuse, it will be even worse: they won t leave me alone, and Colman gently hinted at this today. He, you see, feels an urgent need to compensate the moral damage caused for such a long delay in fulfilling the promise somehow. That's how he put it."

"Doesn't he want to compensate for his lack of brains?" Ginny said crossing her arms over her chest. "Even four vouchers to the best resort in the Wizarding World are nothing compared to what we all had to go through 'thanks' the Ministry's shortsightedness."

"Ginny, you're right, of course. But on the other hand, why not take the opportunity?" Ron responded quickly trying to convince her. "Harry's not going to lose anything by accepting these vouchers anyway. He himself said that the Ministry wouldn t leave him alone in any case. So why provoke an unnecessary conflict? Am I right, Harry?"

Ron looked at his friend with hope seeking his approval. Harry said nothing and closed his eyes for a second as if trying to concentrate, but soon he spoke slowly in a completely different tone:

"Yes, Ron. I think you re right about somethings: if my consent is the best way out of this situation, it would be foolish not to take the opportunity."

Hearing his friend's words, Ron snapped his fingers triumphantly and nodded approvingly leaning forward a little. But Harry not noticing this, thoughtfully continued to reason further with a slight smile:

"And imagine how great it would be for the four of us to go somewhere for a couple of weeks and relax! Moreover, we have been planning to do something like this for so long, and, besides, everyone will soon have a vacation leave "

It seemed that Harry was already carried away into a fairy tropical world, but the everyday reality made him take a sober look at the situation. The dreamy smile instantly disappeared from his face, and a painful question appeared in his eyes.

Harry took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes wearily.

"So, it s up to you, really" he said finally. "I'd never have defeated Voldemort without you, which means that no one would have offered me these permits, no matter how silly it may sound. So I can say that their fate is rightfully in your hands. I still doubt whether it's worth accepting such a gift from the Ministry. Well, what do you think?"

Harry glanced at Ron and Ginny and for a moment got scared that he had said something wrong.

They looked at him like he was a squid that suddenly started speaking.

"Are you really still asking us what we think about it?!" Ron finally said. "Harry, are you an idiot?"

"Stop it, Ron," his sister interrupted. "Harry has obviously never heard of Magnolia . And by the way, his thoughts about the Ministry and their handouts are quite reasonable."

"Ginny, he ll have more problems if he refuses Colman s offer than if he accepts these vouchers! Besides, Harry's thoughts of a long-planned vacation are also quite reasonable ," Ron mimicked his sister.

Harry sat down on the sofa and straightened his slightly slipped glasses.

"Wait a minute. What should I've heard about this resort, and how does this relate to Colman's proposal?"

Ginny hugged her feance and after kissing him on the forehead gently,began explaining softly: "Dear, to be completely honest, these vouchers aren't just a good gift from the Ministry, it's a great gift! I know that nothing can compensate for all the losses of the war years, but this trip will at least help you to reboot and relax."

La Bella Magnolia * is considered the best resort in the Magic World, many wizards dream to visit it at least once in their life!" Ron continued enthusiastically pronouncing the name of the resort with an Italian accent and added with slight annoyance: "But not everyone succeeds in fulfilling their dream because it's incredibly expensive. Harry, I didn't even dare thinking about resting there, you see?"

"Yes, it s expensive, but it s worth it: I've heard many stories of seriously ill wizards recovering from their illnesses just by swimming in the sea on the shore where Magnolia is located," Ginny interrupted Ron. "And they also say that once in this place, you can truly get to know yourself and find your one true path in order to live your life happily. Although... These are just rumors. By the way, there are many legends about Magnolia ..."

"Generally speaking, Harry, this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. You ve got to take it, mate!" not letting his sister finish Ron said impatiently while grabbing Harry's hand, and Harry... He was still at a loss.

These two didn't even let him get a word in.

What kind of place is this, if even Ginny is inclined to accept Colman's gift?

There was aloaded silence hung in the room for a while: Harry pondered the words of his friends, as they awaited his verdict. Finally, he started: "Well, I decided ... That tomorrow I'll go to the Minister and accept those vouchers! And in August we re all going to have a vacation in this, u-u-um... La Bella Magnolia !"

"Yes! Great decision, mate!" Ron happily threw his fist in the air and briskly jump edoff the couch to give Harry a brother-like hug. Yes, Harry had no doubt that Ron would approve his decision. But now he was more interested in what Ginny had to say. It looks like she wasn't all so sure whether they made the right call or not.

"Ginny, honey, what do you think? You have the last say in this," Harry asked carefully, tilting his head to the side.

Ginny looked confused and bither lip nervously.

"Harry, this gift is too expensive... After all, these vouchers are your reward. Maybe you would like to find them a better use?"

Harry breathed out a sigh of relief and laughed softly. If only this is the case, then...
He took her chin and looked in her eyes:

"Ginny, the Minister advised me to share my well-deserved rest with loved ones. I know you think he s a fool, but I totally agree with himon this one. I have no one closer than you, Ron and Hermione. And if I decide to spend my vacation at this resort, it ll be only with all of you. But if you don t want to go there, I will understand and refuse these vouchers: after all, you are my fiancee, who I m madly in love with and whose opinion I value."

After these words, Harry pulled her closer to himself and kissed her gently. During the whole time of their relationship, there weren't even a day passed that Harry didn't thank fate for sending him Ginny. Next to her, he forgot the horror of the past, and the deep wounds left by the war seemed to heal faster. She was a friend, a mother and a beloved woman at the same time. Her ability to change her roles has always impressed Harry as well as the fact that she could feel him like no other could. She divined all his desires and always knew what s the right thing to say.

Each of their kiss was like the first. Even now he didn't want to tear himself away from her soft lips, but Ron's displeased cough made him do it.

"Of course, I understand everything, but we still have one unresolved question," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Ron, you're in your repertoire as always," Ginny said displeasedly, reluctantly pulling away from Harry. In her fourth year she noticed her brother's amazing ability to intervene at the worst possible moment.

"Surprisingly, I agree with Ron this time," Potter said with a slight smile gazing into Ginny's face. "We haven't made a final decision and everything depends only on you."

Ginny looked suspiciously from Harry to Ron who was looking imploringly at her, and she finally said with an exhale:

"Okay, I agree!" but the boys didn't have time to rejoice as she immediately added: "But there is one but ."

Guys looked at each other in confusion and at that moment everyone heard a ringing voice from the hallway:

"Alright, I m back! Fast as promised! I bet you didn't expect me back so soon."

And that's when they realized what Ginny meant.

"Hermione " all three said in unison.

July 25, 2002

London is pouring with rain. Al says that I again fell into melancholy and "we immediately have to do something about it". Her attempts to get me out of this state were always amusing, although rarely fully effective. But I must admit: this crazy Italian woman still managed to distract me. Hopefully this time she comes up with something less exotic than riding angry dragons. Now I understand what it was like for Potter and the other idiots who competed for the Goblet of fucking Fire under the nose of a crazy fire-breathing creature.

Al and I have been stay ingat my family estate for two months now. Mother likes her, which was to be expected. I even stopped drinking. Increasingly, she hints at a wedding, children and other pink stuff that I don't need at all. What does Al think about this? I don't know. I've always liked the fact that she never pushed me, never asked me to treat her in any special way and didn't hint at the "seriousness of our relationship" as Parkinson often did during the period of our stupid half-child "love"... Sweet Al. And how does she put up with me?

Mother mentioned that Lucius is returning from Azkaban, she also said that he is almost managed to settle everything. Oh, Merlin, how often have I heard those filthy words - "he ALMOST got it all settled." Damn, Lucius. He was always ready to "settle everything," but as a result, our family was just once again trampled into the mud.

"Well, what are you writing about in your diary this time, Draco? Oh, wait: I'm never meant to read this, right?"

Draco flinched in surprise and looked up from the yellowed pages. There was Al standing in the doorway, Alice Carrera, who rapidly changed the course of his life. Draco gave her an appraising look and grinned. During their year-long relationship, she became noticeably prettier, regained the once-lost gloss. Refined, with neatly styled short black hair and barefoot and in a navy blue dress, she looked gorgeous. Draco was facing a different girl,not that desperate one she once was when he first met a year ago in a cheap Italian pub.

Not a trace of the slanting bangs remained, the worn-out mantle had long been replaced by expensive clothes made of exclusive fabrics that not all even the wealthiest wizards could buy. However, Malfoy could afford a lot, and he was never stingy with Al's whims. And so, in front of him was a gorgeous woman who knew exactly what she was worth and what she deserved.

Draco put the journal down, muttering a protective spell, so no one could open it, and got up from his chair. Alice glanced at him smiling slightly from the corners of her lips. From the very first night she learned that he has a habit of writing down almost every moment of his life.

But Draco has never said why he kept diaries, nor why it was so important, and Al, fortunately, didn't pry into his confidence.

"Quite right, dear," Draco said gently, slowly closing the distance to Alice. "Unfortunately, you will never read a line from there, unless I'll want it."

"Mio caro Draco**, it's enough for me to read you ," Al purred with an Italian accent.

Malfoy grinned and gently pulled Alice closer to him.

"This must be pretty damn difficult," he whispered in her ear, sending goosebumps down Al s body.

"You can't even imagine how much," she breathed and drowned in his kiss.

* La Bella Magnolia (it.) "The Beautiful Magnolia", the name of the resort;
** Mio caro Draco (it.) My dear Draco;