Chapter 6:

"And here are the lists of the potential employees I wanted you to see. There are one or two that have remarkable CV's that I'm particularly interested in. There is one, she's done mostly PR work in the past, but she's really quite clever and keen to try something new. She has a brother who is a rehab coach, and she expressed an interest in working with the girls, one on one. She has also played football most of her life and even thought about going professional."

Harry accepted the folders Ian was handing him, glancing at the one he'd placed on the top of the pile.

"She sounds great. What's her name?" Harry asked as Ian bent down to retrieve yet more folders.

"Er, Weasley. Yeah. Ginevra Weasley. I interviewed her on Friday. She's on top there."

Harry blinked at Ian, not sure he had heard him right. "I know her. Well, I know her brother. We're best mates."

"Oh? Really? She said her brother was interested in the new center too. Said he might want to do some volunteer work for us once we got up and running."

Harry grabbed the top folder and flipped it open. Sure enough, it was Ginny Weasley's CV. Harry didn't hear the rest of what Ian was saying as his eyes gazed at the paper in front of him. It was a strong CV, and he was surprised by all the work Ginny had apparently done before her time with Arsenal. A lot of it had been with non-profit organizations, and, as Ian had said, she had listed her many years spent playing football and the various teams. Harry was impressed.

"Er, Harry?" Ian was staring at him, expectantly.

"Um, sorry, I was reading. What did I miss?"

"Oh, just that the Weasley girl, in particular, could help us out in a lot of different areas at the Dawlish Center. She expressed a desire to take some courses to help her get her degree in Sports Science, eventually. Plus, she's really likable. I think the young girls at the center would really respond to her. I'd like you to meet up with her to get your final okay, though."

"Like I said, I know her," Harry paused, frowning as a stray thought in his memory was poking at him, reminding him of something. He looked at Ian after a moment. "Go ahead and give her the job, but don't tell her I was involved."

"Er, okay. Any reason why, Harry?"

"I'm friends with her brother. I don't want her to think I did it as a favor to him, that's all. She's had a bit of a hard time of it recently, and she could probably use the morale booster. Besides, I trust your judgment, Ian."

The other man flashed a quick smile at him and took Ginny's CV back. "All right, if that's how you want it, but I think you should meet her if only to enjoy being in the same room as her. She's quite attractive. But then, I suppose you've seen that yourself. Now, about these other two…"

Ian was off again, and Harry nodded his head, half-listening. Yeah, he knew Ginny Weasley was attractive. And apparently a hard-working, giving person. With a lousy temper. Harry shook himself, reminding himself that Ginny Weasley had just had a rough time and that according to her brother, was not mad at all. Also, she really didn't seem to like him much. Harry wondered why she had applied to work at one of his centers.

After finishing up with Ian, Harry drove Sirius's Jeep back to the kennel. His godfather was just coming out of his office as Harry pulled up.

"Hello, godson. Fancy a bite?"

"Sure, where should we adventure-eat today?" Harry said, scooting over in the seat to let Sirius take over driving. Harry could drive reasonably well; he just didn't like to. Remus always said it was because of what had happened to his parents.

"Hmm, my stomach says pub food. Let's visit Hagrid, eh?"

Harry agreed, and as Sirius drove them to The Dragon's Wake, he told his godfather about his meeting and about hiring Ron's sister.

"Do you think that was wise, though?" Sirius asked.

"Sure, why not?"

"Well, what if she's rubbish, Harry? Then you'd not only have to let her go but explain to her brother why. That could get tricky."

"I don't think she is, though. I mean, true we've never held a conversation together, but all the Weasleys are pretty clever, and her CV was amazing. She really impressed Ian."

"Oh, well, we know how tough Ian is." Sirius chuckled. "How long did it take for him to tell you how pretty she was?"

"Ian's not like that," Harry said as they got out of the Jeep. The door to the pub was open, and already Harry could smell the wonderful scent of fried food in the early afternoon air. He glanced at Sirius. "And it took him at least eight minutes, maybe nine before he mentioned it."

Sirius barked out a laugh as they entered the pub.

"Harry! Sirius!" The booming voice of their friend called to them from the bar, and Harry smiled and waved at Hagrid. A large man with a long, curly beard, he looked quite intimidating until he smiled at you. As soon as that happened, it was as though he turned into a giant, sweet softy of a man. Harry had always known Hagrid, ever since he was a little boy. He had spent many an hour sitting at Hagrid's feet, listening to his tales. An avid animal tracker in his youth, he had thrilled Harry with stories of game hunts in the wilds of Africa, Russia, and even the local Forest of Dean. But now Hagrid was more of conservationist, and when not running his pub, he was out defending the earth and all of her furry inhabitants.

"What can I get yeh two?" Hagrid asked as he lumbered over too them.

"Burger for me, Hagrid," Sirius said, nodding at their friend. "And a delicious pint of that new ale you got in last week."

"Ah, the new McGonagall label, the Tartan Cat. I knew yer'd like that one, Sirius." Hagrid turned to Harry. "And what about you, 'arry? Feeling adventuresome? Norbert's special today is his Toad-in-the-Hole, served with buttered courgette. Whadya say?"

"I think I'll just have the fish and chips, Hagrid, and just some lemonade and lime, yeah?"

Hagrid nodded at them and moved towards the kitchen to put their orders in. It was a light crowd since it was still early, and they practically had the place to themselves. Choosing to sit in the corner, away from the bar, Harry and Sirius settled in as Hagrid brought their drinks over.

"So, how's your love life?" Sirius asked as they'd both enjoyed their beverages in silence for a few moments. Sirius smacked his lips unapologetically as he drank half of his ale.

Harry shook his head. "Fine."

Sirius raised his eyebrow. "Just fine? Any plans to meet soon to make it more than fine?"

"No. But we talked for a long time on Saturday. And no rumpy-pumpy happened, I might add, which just proves my point that this girl is more than just a phone friend with benefits."

"What's wrong, though?" Sirius asked after giving him a sharp look. "I can tell something is bothering you."

Harry sighed. "I was just thinking…well, me and her sort of talked about our exes and our past experiences and…what if I'm rubbish at the actual physical part, Sirius? What if…this…talking is all I can do properly?"

"Cho ever say you were rubbish?"

Harry felt his skin heat. "Er, no. But then again, I described our sex life as 'adequate.'"

"Well, it probably was. For her as well as for you. Adequate doesn't mean bad, it just means…it was what it was. Trust me, Harry, no woman is going to be with a man for as long as Cho was with you if he's bad in bed. Well, no normal woman. Cho seemed pretty normal to me."

"You said she was a cold fish," Harry said, pursing his lips. Hagrid brought their food over then before Sirius could reply, and the next few moments were spent eating. When Sirius finally put his burger down, he looked at Harry with a frank expression.

"When you were with Cho, did she er…arrive?"

Harry stared at his godfather. "Um. Arrive? Like, on a train?"

Sirius just rolled his eyes and gave him a steady look. Harry blinked at him and then understood his meaning. "Oh, you mean, did she… did she… er, well, yeah? I mean, most of the time? If not during, then I made sure afterward she did. I remember the talk you and Remus gave me. Always make sure your partner is satisfied, I believe that's what you two told me."

"Actually, I'm pretty sure I said to make sure she's forgotten her name and screamed herself hoarse, but tomato-tomahto, Harry. Look, the fact that this is something you did, means, by default, that you're at least acceptable in bed. But each partner is different, and you'll find that out. It could be this girl of yours knocks your socks off and vice versa. But if you sit here and think about it too much, then it is going to make you bad in bed only because you've worked yourself up into a knot about it."

Harry chewed his food thoughtfully. "We don't seem to have any problem with the talking part, that's for sure. And…she makes me feel super comfortable about things. I honestly can't believe how confident I felt talking to her." Harry paused and smirked at his godfather. "I bet you never once had this problem, did you?"

Sirius grinned. "I got on…I get on, very well with the ladies, you know this. But I didn't start out that way, and I put myself to the task at hand. I paid attention to every bird I was with. But each woman is different – just like each man is different. What works for some may not work for others. You just have to figure out what you both want. And just let things happen, Harry. Don't force anything."

Sirius paused and studied Harry. "Is this why you haven't pushed her for a real date? Because you've been worried about this stuff?"

"Maybe?" Harry asked frowning. "I originally didn't want to push her or scare her away, but perhaps I had my own issues to think about first."

"You have to learn to go with the flow, Harry. I believe that's the expression they use nowadays. Let your mind go, and your body will follow, yeah?"

"You're right, of course," Harry finally admitted. "But still, her last boyfriend cheated on her, and I think she's sort of gun shy."

Sirius grimaced. "Ouch. Yeah, birds don't tend to bounce back from that one very well. But you can tell her from me that eventually, she's going to have to get back out there. Get on the horse again. And that you're just the stallion to help her."

Harry snorted into his drink and shook his head. "I can't believe women actually go out with you sometimes. Speaking of, how did your date go the other night? Why haven't you mentioned anything about her?"

"As your elder, I'm supposed to bother you, not you bother me, let's get that straight, godson."

"Yeah, yeah," Harry chuckled. Sirius had a track record for keeping his lady friends to himself. Something about not wanting anyone ( meaning Harry, of course) to get too attached to her until he knew she'd be around for a while. There were not many who had made the cut through the years, admittedly.

"You know, Sirius, I am older now, and you don't have to worry about bringing someone 'round. I do understand the nature of female, male dynamics a bit better than when I was 10. You don't have to worry about me getting attached to them and being upset when they leave."

Sirius sighed as he finished his food. "I know, Harry. It's just…habit, I reckon. Remus and Dora…you look at them, and they're a set now, you know? And I want that for you, too, but…I think that for me, I'm just bound to be alone. And I'm not sad about that; I like playing the field. Too many interesting women out there for me to settle, that's all. Some of us are built for monogamy, and some of us aren't. This dog is meant to run free." He pointed his thumb at himself and grinned.

"But you can understand why that makes the rest of us a bit sad for you though, right?" Harry asked.

"I have you, and Remus, and a job I adore, a job that gets me outside, playing with the pups all day, I might add. I'm really set. Don't worry about me."

Harry sighed. This was an age-old conversation he'd been having with his godfather for so long now that it really didn't bear repeating. He knew Sirius was happy – he knew he wasn't moping or lacking for any female companionship, really. Still, Harry didn't think his parents would approve of Sirius living his life alone.

"What would my dad say if he were here, do you think?"

Sirius pushed back from the table, grabbing his wallet to pay the tab. "He'd be looking at me just like you were, shaking his head and trying to tell me that being a one-woman man is the greatest thing since chocolate was invented."

"I don't care how many women you have, Sirius," Harry said as they stood up. "Have two at a time, or even get another man in there for a threesome, er, I guess that would technically be a foursome. I just don't like the idea of you being alone."

"I am not having a threesome," Sirius snorted. "Well, not with another man, at any rate. But if I could find three ladies willing to share the exquisiteness that is me, I just might go for it. Be a bit complicated, though, I reckon. Don't know if I could really give them all the attention they deserved. Wouldn't be fair to the birds."

Harry chuckled and shook his head. They said goodbye to Hagrid and headed out into the afternoon. Sirius had more dogs to train, so he dropped Harry off at their house. Harry headed upstairs and turned on his computer, smiling when he saw Red's letter.

Harry –

I woke up with thoughts of you this morning. I had to make myself a cup of coffee, just to feel closer to you. My sister-in-law came over and couldn't believe I'd given up tea. I had to set her straight about that! You will never make me a total coffee drinker, no matter what, but I am beginning to understand why you like it. ;-)

I haven't heard back about the new job, which is okay. We've decided it's okay, at any rate. I am not worried about it. I am not. See how convincing I sound?

My friend, Luna, the one who was helped by your Center, came by today too – she's been off traveling. She writes travel guides for magazines and just got back from Sri Lanka! She's only home for a few days before she's off again, this time to Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes I envy her – she gets to leave all of this craziness behind and immerse herself into other cultures - see new sights and try new foods. I am sure it can be dreary too, or so she insists, but I don't know. I feel restless lately. Perhaps because my life isn't settled in any way currently. There's the work thing, then there's family stuff and then…there's you. And this. Whatever this is.

You are the most pleasurable thing in my life right now. And I am wary of rocking this even keel we have going, but I know we are going to have to face each other eventually. That sounds dire when I put it like that, doesn't it? I don't mean it that way. Part of me can't wait, actually. I want to touch you and see your face when I make you laugh. Or when we…do other things to each other. You know what I mean, I'm sure.

I usually am fairly confident with men – growing up with brothers toughened me up, no doubt. I figure if they don't like me for whatever reason, then it's their loss and my escape. But what happened with…my ex really smashed some core beliefs I'd had. Now, in retrospect, I can see all the little clues were there. His secretiveness, his need to continually tell me to look good while we were out so that the papers could say his girlfriend was lush, things like that. He also always wanted to open doors for me or carry everything as though I was helpless. Like I couldn't kick his arse on the field if I wanted! He treated me like porcelain. But not in a 'your so unbelievably precious to me' way, but in a 'oh, don't break, oh, delicate flower' way. I reckon I was just too much trouble in the end.

My brother tells me I don't let people in right away, that I hold all my cards close to my chest. Part of that has to do with the things in my past, I've mentioned. The things that keep me wary of sharing too much, too soon. But I want to say, Harry, before anything else happens, that you have definitely got in. You're quite simply, fantastic. And even if everything falls to shit when we meet, know that I have cherished getting to know you in this way. You are so funny and so clever and so…kind. And it has meant more to me than you'll ever know.

See what coffee has done to me? I'm practically waxing poetic here. Or I'm just an emotional headcase, perish the thought. But we'll talk soon, yeah?

-Red

Harry read her letter twice, sighing. He grabbed his mobile from the nightstand by his bed and dialed her number, hoping she was available.

"Hello?"

"Red, it's me. Er, Harry." He suddenly felt silly for calling first without making sure she was okay with it. "Listen, don't hang up, and I'm sorry for bothering you in the middle of the day like this, but I just read your letter. I was compelled to hear your voice."

There was a small silence on the line, and then he heard her sigh. "It's okay, I was actually just sitting here, hoping to see your response. I'm sorry if it was too much. I didn't mean to…go on and be all girly on you."

Her laugh sounded bitter, and Harry wanted to put her at ease. "No, the letter was great, I was mostly concerned with how you were feeling. I feel like you were beating yourself up for having emotions."

She laughed again. It was short and harsh sounding. Not at all like her usual happy laugh.

"Why are you so bloody understanding, Harry?"

"Because I get it. You hide your feelings from other people. You keep it all inside, and then you explode or crumble. I can sort of be the same way. Luckily Remus and Sirius never let me get away with it for too long as a kid. And having emotions doesn't make you girly, it makes you human."

"My brothers never wanted to deal with me having emotions, so I grew up thinking it wasn't right to let other people see me be weak. Which is ironic, as they are the biggest bunch of … they get angry and upset about things just like me, but when they do it, it's okay. When I do it…it's because I'm a girl."

"I'm sure it's not as unfair as all that," Harry said, settling on his bed.

"No, I reckon you're right. I am being unfair. But we are known for having outbursts. Oh, Harry, I'm sorry to unload on you."

"It's fine, it's why I called you. I wanted to make sure you're all right." Harry paused as he heard her sniffle quietly. "And you are, aren't you, Red? I mean, you have me, the most wonderful, understanding man in all of England to talk you off your ledge."

Harry was finally rewarded by the rich sound of her true laugh, and it warmed his insides.

"I could call you a git, but I won't," she said chuckling.

"Well, thank you for restraining yourself. I know it's hard," Harry said as she chuckled again.

"Yes, I do tend to make things…hard, don't I?"

"And you call me incorrigible." Harry laughed. "I'm supportive bloke right now, keep your innuendo to a minimal, please, Red."

"Let's meet, Harry. Today. Right now. Let's just…do it."

Harry was stunned at first and then felt his stomach drop. "Er, really? I mean…really?"

"I just…I want to see you. Touch you. Oh, except it wouldn't be like that, would it? We'd be all nerves and awkwardness and…I'm sorry. I got carried away."

"No, it's fine, I like that you get carried away," Harry said, lowering his voice. "In fact, it is one of my favorite things about you. But I want us to meet when we're both ready and not just to do it to get it over with. Does that make sense?"

She was quiet for such a long time that Harry worried he'd hurt her feelings. When she spoke, finally, he released the breath he'd been holding.

"You're right. I'm probably not prepared right now. Maybe after I hear about the job and I feel like I have my confidence back. I would hate for your…well, for your new impression of me to be of a sopping hose pipe."

"I would never think that, Red."

"See, like I said in my letter, you're awfully kind, Harry. You have a good heart."

"Remus always tells me I take after my Mum that way."

"Tell me about them…I know you don't remember them, but tell me a story that you know. Which one of them do you take after the most?"

"Hmm. Well, Sirius always tells me I look just like my Dad, and Remus always tells me I tend to act more like my Mum. I have her eyes, I know that. But I have my Dad to thank for the messy hair and bad eyesight you enjoy so much. I think my dad was a bit braver than I am? More adventuresome. I tend to let my nerves get to me and over-think things sometimes. Sirius is always here to tell me to relax."

"Which one of them was athletic?"

"My dad. Mum was into chemistry and figuring things out. That's probably where I get my love of puzzles and mysteries from. My dad didn't play football, but he really enjoyed cricket and had good reflexes, according to Sirius. Which is why it is so odd…the way they uh, died."

"You don't have to go into it, if you don't want," Red said quietly after a moment. "Just keep telling me about them. Your voice is so full of love as you talk about them. Your godfather and uncle kept their memory alive for you, didn't they?"

"Yeah," Harry said, after a moment. "Sirius really made sure I knew my folks when I was younger. He was forever telling me stories and showing me old photos. And I do feel as though I know them a bit. But I still miss them. I tend to think of them every day in one way or another. I wish I could talk to my dad about you. Or no, probably my mum would be best."

"Think she'd approve of me?"

"Oh, definitely. She was strong and full of life and had a great sense of humor. Just like you, Red."

She sighed, but it was no longer fraught with sadness. "You say the sweetest things, right when I need you to, Harry. How do you do that?"

"I'm very talented," Harry said. Red laughed.

"Thank you for calling. I really appreciate it. It was…what I needed. Just a friend talking to me. Because we are friends, right? No matter what happens romantically? I couldn't bear to think of not talking to you, Harry."

"I can honestly say I couldn't bear not talking to you either, Red. You've become a part of my daily life, really."

"When we meet again, I hope it stays that way," she said softly.

"Honestly, I can't imagine it changing. Unless you're …nope, see, I can't even come up with anything. You're stuck with me."

She chuckled. "I have to go. I have an impending visit with departing family members, but write to me, all right? Tell me about your godfather. I need to know how to impress him, I think. He holds a lot of sway over you, something tells me."

"He already likes you because he sees how happy you make me," Harry said.

"Still, a girl needs a back-up plan for impressing important father figures, you know. I'll talk to you later, Harry."

They hung up, and Harry stared at his ceiling, thinking about their conversation. He was glad he had called her. She had seemed much happier after their talk, and he was glad. Harry understood her a little bit more now. Each new conversation opened up other doors for him to enter and explore. He couldn't wait until he could know all of her.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Red-

The thing about Sirius is…he loves a good laugh. Good food, good drink, and good people around him are usually all he needs, or so he says. He is candid and forthright, as well as charming and very handsome. Women love Sirius. As he often likes to brag. ;-). But…the thing is, it's not really bragging. Women do love him – all of my life, I have watched him interact with them, trying to just, in my own way, learn to be like him. I fail, of course. I know you don't tend to believe it because of how I act with you, but I'm hopeless. I am not smooth. But Sirius? Oh, yeah.

I love him more than anything in this world, Red. Him and my uncle. I don't even want to contemplate what kind of person I would be today if not for their love, patience, and understanding. If Sirius hadn't taken me in and stepped up to fulfill his godfather duties, I'd have been stuck with my Mum's family in Surrey. I've met them once, and it was all I needed to know that I would not have done well with them. A cockroach wouldn't do well with them.

Sirius likes to tinker with things. He prefers to be outdoors rather than in, and he likes trying new dishes, not because of a love of cooking, necessarily, but because he likes whatever is new or different or exotic. He is also clever and knowledgeable about the ways of the heart. Or, at least, he understands mine. He and my dad were best mates from the first time they met. Sirius didn't like his own family, so my Dad's took him in. They were brothers in all but blood, basically.

My uncle is different than Sirius. He is more cautious and less loud, for one. He is very intelligent and loves to learn. He is currently a Professor, although he once told me he dreamed of walking on the moon when he was younger (Sirius calls him Moony). He became ill a few years back, and it ruined his plans. His illness, when it hit, was devastating. We didn't know what was wrong with him for a long while, and it was a very rough patch for Sirius and me. Remus is sort of the glue that holds us together. He was also friends with my Dad, but sometimes I think he was closer to my Mum. Sirius likes to say my uncle has a gentle soul. And he does. If I was hurt or upset or anything, he was always there for me, no matter what. Sirius cheers me up, but Remus nurtures me. Well, the emotional me. ;-) He is in a wheelchair – I mention it only because most people don't expect it – and he gets along fine, regardless. He never let his illness stop him. I saw him struggle and fight to adjust to his new way of living, and it was hard for him. But his resilience is what motivated me after my injury, and whenever I felt like giving up or not working at learning to walk again, I would think of what Remus went though and get off my arse.

There is a third person in our little group – Remus's girlfriend, Dora Tonks. She was his nurse, and I think she loved him from the start, but he put up a fight. He didn't think any woman would want him in his condition, but she is as stubborn as he is and stuck around. Now they're great together. She's perfect for him, I think. The two of us enjoy sharing books and mysteries. When they first got together, I thought it would change things, but she quickly fit into our lives. She laughs at Sirius's antics and doesn't pull any punches when my uncle gets in one of his moods. I think Remus is going to ask her to marry him soon. And I will be sad if that means he is going to move out, but happy for him, too. After all the things he's been through, he deserves some happiness.

-Harry, who now wants to hear about your brothers. How many do you have, anyway? I get the sense there are at least two. Am I wrong?

o-o-o-o-o

"Harry!" Hermione's voice echoed through the shop, and he turned to find her waving at him from two aisles away. He gave the woman who'd been shopping next to him a thin smile as she sniffed in disapproval. Hermione met him half-way and threw her arms around him in greeting.

"I thought that was you! Ron'll be happy you're here, he was just saying he missed you at dinner last night. Come, put your items in our trolley, and you can help me finish."

"Er, I was almost done," Harry started, but she shushed him.

"Ron!"

"What?"

"Look who I found over by the cereal!"

A moment later, Ron grumpily stuck his head around a corner, his arms full of pasta boxes. His face brightened when he saw Harry.

"Fancy meeting you here," Ron said as he dumped his groceries into the trolley that Hermione had pulled up next to them.

"Ron, you two go get the produce; I'll go to the meat counter." Hermione shoved a shopping list at them and pushed the trolley at her husband without waiting for a reply. Ron shook his head and smiled.

"She's a bit intense in the shops, sorry, Harry. But now we can catch up, and I can teach you how to pick the perfect melon."

Harry laughed and shook his head. "Is picking the perfect melon a talent I need?"

"No, probably not, but you never know when a melon-tastrophe will rear its ugly head in the Granger-Weasley household. Hey, grab some of those tomatoes over there for me. So, where have you been keeping yourself? You haven't been over in ages. Everything still all right?"

Harry nodded. "It is now. Remus had a bit of a relapse, and he was back in hospital for a few nights. Sorry I've been missing your calls. The new Center is underway too, and I've been running back and forth to Dawlish, when not taking care of my uncle. I'm a bit knackered, to be honest. I haven't even had a chance to talk to Red all that much."

"You still don't know her name?" Ron stopped and looked at him as though shocked.

Harry shook his head. "Let's just skip to the part where you understand and move on, Ron."

His friend didn't say anything, but Harry could tell from the pink tint of his skin that he wanted to. They finished getting the rest of the things off Hermione's list and drifted back the way they had come.

"Sorry," Ron said quietly. "I don't mean to be a prat. How is your uncle? That's the real question."

Harry smiled to let Ron know he wasn't actually angry. "He's good. Much better. One of the newer medicines he started taking interacted with something else, and it threw his system out of whack. He started having pain in his arms and hands. We didn't know what to think. But they got it sorted. Thank God."

"Well, that's good, right? He still experiencing the pain sensation?"

"No, it eventually wore off. He's been released and is at home for now. He thinks he can return to work soon. I'm just relieved that's all it was. He's in good spirits, actually. And Dora has practically moved in to take care of him. But when she's at work, I sit with him."

"That's rough," Ron said. "But at least he's in the right mindset. That's half the battle. I can always tell. When someone comes to me injured, if they're going to eventually be all right – it all depends on their outlook and their mood. If those two things are positive, it's just a question of healing and work."

Hermione joined them and slipped a few more things into the trolley. When she looked at their faces, she frowned. "What's wrong?"

Harry smiled. "Nothing, I was just telling Ron about my uncle. He's been in hospital. But he's good now, honest." Harry waved off Hermione's motion to give him another hug. She took Ron's hand instead and squeezed it.

"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry! You should have told us, we could have sat with you or something."

"Remus didn't really want anyone to know. But like I said, he's good. About half-way to great, actually. I'm just glad it seems to be over for now."

"Come to ours for dinner tonight, if you can, Harry. You looked exhausted and in need of some cheering up, "Hermione said. "I won't make anything scary. Just good, delicious food. How about some roasted chicken and potatoes?"

Harry had wanted to catch up on some reading (something he was sure Hermione would be okay with) and maybe call Red, but the pull of a nice, home-cooked meal did appeal to him. He and Sirius had barely been existing on take-away and the food from the canteen at the hospital.

"All right, let me just make sure Dora is off tonight to be with Remus, and I'll drag my hungry self over."

Hermione's eyes brightened with happiness, and they made plans for later. Harry walked home, his meager bag of supplies (mostly just coffee needs and breakfast food) wasn't too much to carry. When he entered the house, he heard music blaring from the speakers in the living room. When Harry turned the sound down, he heard the unmistakable warble of his godfather from the kitchen. Sirius came into the room, looking disgruntled.

"Hey! That was the Sex Pistols!"

"It was loud enough to wake the dead," Harry said pointedly. "How's Remus?"

"He's fine. Dora put him in the chair, and they're out for a little turn around the neighborhood. What did you get at the shops?"

"Just milk, coffee, coffee filters, more coffee, sugar, and cereal."

"Well, at least we'll be set for coffee ingredients. I'm making chocolate biscuits right now. We can eat those with all the coffee."

"I ran into Ron and Hermione, and they invited me over for dinner, so one less cup for me, thanks."

"Fine, I think Remus wants Dora to cook tonight, anyway. It seems he didn't like my Mexican Night Taco in a Crumpet idea."

Harry looked at his godfather. "None of us liked your Taco in a Crumpet idea."

"Heathens. You lot don't know a good thing when you see it."

Harry rolled his eyes and headed upstairs for a quick shower and to send off a short note to Red. They'd been missing each other the last few days – she was gone when he was around, and vice versa. But he had been keeping her updated about Remus's health, and even though they had only talked through their email, he was thankful for her presence. Red's humor and interesting way of looking at things had been a balm to his anxieties over his uncle's condition.

Red-

I decided to head over to a mate's house for dinner. I was hoping we could actually chat on the phone later, but trust me when I say I need to get out of here for the night. Tell me how late is too late to call and maybe I can ring you when I get back.

I miss our daily chats and exchanges. Hopefully, things go back to normal around here. Remus is much better – I think Sirius was super worried, and now he's going overboard with being cheerful and trying new things to keep us entertained. Remind me to tell you about the Taco in a Crumpet debacle we had for dinner the other night.

Harry – who really misses your voice and can't remember what it sounds like

o-o-o-o-o

"Come on in, Harry," Ron said, opening the door. Harry handed him the bottle of wine he'd stopped and picked up for dinner.

"I hope it goes with chicken," Harry said as Ron looked at it.

"It should. I've had this one before, it's perfect. Especially since Hermione made her apricot roasted chicken tonight, you're in for a treat. It's the best thing she makes, but don't tell her that. Or she'll just save it for special occasions."

Harry was stopped short when he saw he wasn't the only person who'd shown up for dinner.

"You remember Ginny, right, Harry?" Ron was saying, nodding at this sister. "Don't worry, I told her not to take you out again by walking into you."

"Brilliant, Ron, please tell that story again and again," Ginny said sardonically. She gave Harry a brief smile. "Hi, we've, er, never been properly introduced. I'm Ginny, this git's far nicer and more appealing sister."

Harry stared as Ginny offered him her hand. He shook it, giving her a brief smile back. He felt a nervous fluttering in his stomach for some reason. "Um, hi," Harry said, feeling stupid. "Er, we've met. Um, not really. Hi." Ginny gave him an amused glance, her cheeks turning pink, and then looked at her brother.

"Well, come on, Ron, open the wine. I think we could all use a drink."

As Ron went through to the kitchen to find a corkscrew, Harry watched Ginny as she wandered over to the other side of the table. He didn't realize he'd been staring until she looked at him, a question on her face.

"How's your uncle?"

Harry blinked at her.

"Ron told me."

"Oh. Oh, he's better, yeah. Thanks. I'm relieved, actually."

Harry felt like an idiot. He couldn't seem to shake the strange feeling he got every time Ginny Weasley looked at him or addressed him directly. Or maybe it was just Harry's curse that he always went mute in front of a beautiful girl. Because Ginny was exceptionally pretty tonight. Her hair was bright and had many different shades of red that seemed to glitter in the warm light of the room. It was down and hung loosely around her face. And she was wearing a simple blue dress that showed off the slim expanse of her shoulders, which were freckled, as were her arms and legs. Harry felt inexplicably drawn to her. And then he felt guilty because what would Red say if she knew he was ogling his best mate's sister?

Ron came back into the room with the wine bottle and glasses on a tray. "Here we are. Iron Chef Weasley in there says don't drink too much or you'll ruin your appetite."

Harry looked away, feeling himself blush and cursed at himself in his head. When he did glance back at Ginny, she had a smirk on her face that he didn't understand. He wasn't sure what was so amusing to her. He took a long drink of his wine, to help settle his nerves.

Hermione entered the room a moment later, with a few dishes in her hand. Ron helped her, and Harry sat down across from Ginny. Soon they were eating and passing the plates back and forth to each other.

"You outdid yourself, Hermione," Ginny was saying. "I love this glaze for the chicken. Did Mum teach you that?"

"No, this one is a Granger specialty. Ron still says, it's why he married me."

"I married you because you told me we had to or you were leaving me. I didn't feel like breaking in a new woman."

"Ron!"

Harry and Ginny both sniggered at the same time and then looked at each other. Ginny looked away first, a faint blush on her cheeks. Harry decided he liked it.

"So, Harry, Ginny tells me she's going to be working for one of your centers, in Dawlish, wasn't it, Gin?" Hermione asked as they continued eating.

"Oh, that's right, Ginny, why didn't you tell me you had applied? I could have had Harry put in a good word for you," Ron said, turning to his sister. Harry watched as she rolled her eyes at him.

"I wanted to get it on my own, thank you, Ron. And yeah, thanks, Harry. I spoke to Ian McDermott the other day, and he let slip you had final approval on all the new employees. Thank you for giving me a chance." Ginny nodded at him, her eyes staring at him intently.

Harry cursed Ian in his head. "Well, your CV was brilliant, so really, that's what did it. No good word from me was needed, Ron. Your sister has an impressive background. Ian was all set to hire you; going through me was just a courtesy."

"Do you always look over the people who want to work in your centers?" Ginny asked him.

"Yeah, I do. I mean, I trust Ian's judgment, but I like to know who's going to be in the centers. They're too important to me."

"I know," Ginny said, her voice taking on a soft, lilting quality that had Harry almost shivering in response, and not because there was a sudden draft in the room. He took a quick drink of his wine and turned his attention to Ron and Hermione.

"Well, I'm just glad you found something," Ron was saying to his sister. "I was getting worried, Gin."

"You just didn't want me to move in here," Ginny said, laughing.

"Well, no, not only. Not just."

"Ron!" Hermione interrupted. "Don't be rude. You know you would have taken her in in a second had it come to that. Honestly, why do you two do this? I'm glad you're here, Harry. They're usually much worse than this."

Harry chuckled, and they continued talking. He was surprised by how talkative Ron's sister was. The previous two times he'd met her, she'd never spoken where he could really hear her or said all that much to him. He found himself laughing at her impression of Percy, and they all enjoyed her story about her previous landlady's cat, who had somehow got stuck in the older woman's attic. By the end of the meal, Harry felt considerably cheered and well-fed.

"This was nice," Harry said as he and Ron sat out in the back garden. The women were in the kitchen talking, and every now and then he would hear Ginny's laughter float out across the air, doing strange things to his insides. The wine had gone straight to his head, he was pretty sure.

"Yeah, you looked like you needed a break when we ran into you at the shop."

"Hopefully, I can get back into the routine of daily life, now that Remus is good. I really want to set up a time to meet Red. I think we're ready."

Ron didn't say anything and then sighed. "Are you sure she's it? I mean, are you sure you want to peruse her?"

Harry's frowned. "Yeah, why?"

"I was just hoping you might find someone else to help take your mind off things." Harry saw Ron's eyes flick towards the kitchen window.

"You want me to date your sister?" Harry asked, feeling dumbfounded.

"No! Well, okay, yeah. I mean, she's pretty, even I know that, but more importantly you two are a lot alike, really, when I think on it. But I saw you two tonight, I think there's something there. She's always been a big fan of yours, you know. She doesn't think I knew about it, but she had a crush on you when she was younger. She modeled herself as the female version of you, I think. Plus, she had your bloody poster up in her wardrobe. One time I think I saw her kiss it, even…"

Harry felt as though his heart had stopped as Ron continued on. He felt as though someone had just thrown a bucket of ice water at him, and he gripped the stem of his wine glass.

"Ron."

"I mean, she was only twelve at the time, she doesn't do that now or anything. Not that she'd…Harry?"

"Ron. What was your sister's number when she played football?"

Ron frowned at the odd question and then scrunched his face up as though trying to recall. "Er, six, I think. Yeah, six. Because yours was seven."

"Did she have a nickname when she was on the team?"

"Yeah, um, why are you suddenly interested in –"

"DID SHE HAVE A NICKNAME?" Harry said harshly, trying to keep his voice down, but failing.

"Red er…hah, Red, that's funny considering that's what you call your bird. Redflash, yeah, that was it. Redflash6. Because she moved pretty fast and was up and down that field like a blur."

Harry stood up suddenly, the wine glass slipping out of his hand. It made an abrupt breaking noise as it hit the patio stone.

"Harry?" Ron was asking, sounding concerned. "Are you all right, mate?"

Harry glanced towards the kitchen and saw Hermione and Ginny laughing near the window, completely oblivious. As though feeling his gaze, Ginny turned to look out the window, brushing her hair out of her face. And suddenly, Harry knew. He knew it all. Why she'd kept her name from him, why she'd refused to meet him, at first. Why the first time he'd met her, she'd stayed away from her computer for days, making him worry.

Ginny Weasley had been right there.

Right there in front of him the whole time and he'd never seen her.

"I have to go, sorry, I just…I remembered something I have to get Remus from the chemist." Harry turned and moved quickly before Ron could stop him. He was through the back door and walking through the house before the women in the kitchen could see him.

All Harry knew was that he had to get out of there – he couldn't…he couldn't look at her. Couldn't face her. He wondered briefly if she'd been laughing at him the whole night. Trying to remind him of their conversations, the way her voice lifted, the way she made his body react with her shared glances, her secret smirks. The way she'd brushed her hair out of her face.

I know who you are, Harry.

I had a terrible crush on you when I was younger, Harry. I even had your poster in my wardrobe.

Tell me a story, Harry. Just let me listen to you being…you.

You're wonderful, Harry, do you know that?

Harry swore as he escaped away into the darkness of the street, his heart racing and his mind reeling.

o-o-o-o-o