Chapter 8:

Harry settled into the back section of the pub at about quarter to six that evening. Hagrid was off tonight and his chef, Norbert, was doing double duty as chef and bartender. But it was okay, the pub was slow during the week, something for which Harry was grateful. It meant that he and Red, no, Ginny, could have some privacy. He ordered an ale from Norbert and a few starters off the menu that he thought she might like.

Harry was nervous again. More nervous than either Remus or Sirius knew. Because neither of them had read her letter, and they didn't know how gutted Harry felt nor how worried he was that he had blown it by not reaching out to her. He hadn't realized until she said she was no longer going to write him how much he would miss it.

But she had agreed to meet him, had she not? And that had been after she'd written her letter. Harry was confused and nervous and his stomach was doing that strange swooping sensation the more he thought about it and…

"Hi, Harry." Her voice broke him out of his thoughts, and he looked up at Ginny, feeling his mouth go dry. She looked, quite simply, amazing.

She had chosen to wear a bold-print summer dress that was a soft blue and green. It was sleeveless as well, and, as Harry let his eyes travel downward, quiet slinky. It hugged her frame in all the right places and there was a long slit up one side that showed the tiniest flash of leg as she moved to sit down in front of him. Ginny had pulled her hair back – it was up and off her shoulders, showcasing the slender arch of her neck. Harry noticed that her earrings were tiny silver footballs. She regarded him with an amused look, but when she glanced away he noticed the slightly nervous gesture of her hand rubbing against the wood of the table, and he felt infinitely better inside to know that perhaps she was just as nervous as he was.

"Hi," Harry said, smiling at her as Norbert brought over his drink. Harry nodded at Ginny to order for herself, and she grinned up at Norbert.

"I'll have a Bramble," Ginny said. "Minus the lemon slice, if you please."

Norbert nodded and headed off again. Harry suddenly didn't know what to say and spit out the first thing that came to mind.

"Er, what's a Bramble?"

"Oh, it's gin, lemon juice, sugar, crème du Mure, and blackberry liqueur with two blackberries on the side. It's very fashionable," Ginny said, flashing a smile at him.

"Sounds tasty, now I feel boring that I just ordered an ale," he said, taking a sip of his drink. Norbert returned with Ginny's cocktail and the first plate of the starters Harry had ordered, the pub's version of Bubble and Squeak. "Sorry, I didn't know what you'd like to eat and I tend to want to nibble when I get nervous."

"Are you nervous?" Ginny asked, taking one of the small pieces of potato cake off the plate. She took a small bite and then after tasting it, plopped the whole thing in her mouth with delight. Harry couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"Good, isn't it?" he said, taking his own bite. Ginny nodded.

"It is. Where did you find this place? I like it. Very homey and comfortable."

"A friend of the family owns it. I've been coming here since I was able to be allowed in pubs and probably before that, actually. Not sure Hagrid or my godfather cared for those types of rules when I was a kid."

A slightly awkward silence descended over them then, and Harry realized they were both avoiding looking at each other. He thought desperately for something to say and couldn't think of anything.

"So, umm…"

"So…"

The both started and then stopped, Ginny laughing nervously as she took another sip of her drink. She indicated that he should start.

"You're probably wondering why I er, asked you to meet me," Harry said.

Ginny tilted her head to the left. "It has crossed my mind, once or twice since it happened. I honestly didn't think you liked me much."

"Me? Not liking you? I thought you where the one who didn't like me!"

"What gave you that idea?" Ginny said, looking puzzled.

Harry stared at her. "Well, the first time I visited your folks, you were sort of…well, rude, really."

"Oh, that's a fine thing to say to a girl," Ginny said, looking put out. It took Harry a moment to realize that she was kidding. He rolled his eyes at her.

"Admit it though, you did act rather strangely that day." Of course, now, in hindsight, Harry understood why she had acted that way but that didn't mean he would let her off the hook that easily.

Ginny sobered. "You're right. I was…not myself that day. It's not every day a famous footballer comes to your parents house for dinner though, is it?"

Harry didn't say anything as one of the waitresses brought over more food and another round of drinks for them. They both eyed the plate of Devils On Horseback and then looked at each other. Ginny licked her lips.

"That smells amazing."

Harry nodded. "It does. I haven't had this one yet. I don't know if he's done anything differently to it. Norbert always has something new he tries with the old favorites. You try it first."

Ginny reached forward and plucked one of the tiny bacon rolls off the plate and dropped it unceremoniously into her mouth. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, and then smiled at Harry. She finished chewing and then nodded at him.

"Delicious. Try it for yourself. It's perfect."

Harry grabbed one and did as Ginny had – his mouth exploded into a such fantastic sensation of savory and sweet that he almost felt himself swoon. The bacon was perfectly crispy and the fruit inside, which he was pretty sure was fig, not the traditional prune, melted in his mouth. Ginny smiled at him as she took another one, eating it quickly.

"Can we just eat these the rest of the night?" she asked.

"Yes, except next time I'll order two plates, one for me and one for you. Hey!" Harry said, laughing as she grabbed another one.

"You snooze, you lose, Potter," she said mischievously, and Harry's heart started beating double-time.

"Now see," Harry said, laughing. "This you, I like."

Ginny's cheeks blushed and she sat back, looking momentarily sad for a moment. Harry felt awkward again.

"Er, that is, I mean, I like this you, too," he said, feeling stupid.

Ginny shook her head at him. "Do you think…I mean, could we…start over? Could I just be Ginny Weasley, little sister of your best mate and new employee at your Sports Center that you have sort of…taken a shine to?"

Harry took a long drink of his ale and considered her words. "Well, that depends."

"On what?"

"Have you taken a shine to me too in this scenario?"

Ginny blushed, and Harry realized how pretty it made her look. "I think the light is on, but I'm not exactly sure which direction I should focus it."

"Well, let's just call this a 'getting to know' you type of thing," Harry said, shrugging. "Not a date. Take the pressure off."

Ginny nodded in agreement, and they both took long sips of their drinks. Ginny drank a little bit more than Harry, as though trying to fill herself with its liquid courage. Harry could sympathize.

"Are you seeing anyone?" Harry heard himself ask, wondering if the ale was loosening his lips much faster than usual.

Ginny bit her lip and busied herself with taking another drink and eating more. Harry was dismayed to realize she really had almost eaten the whole starter herself. He caught Norbert's eye and nodded at him to start another plate. When he turned his attention back to Ginny, she was frowning.

"Not really, no," she said after a moment.

"You seem unsure," Harry said, watching her.

"Well, I don't know how much Ron told you, but my previous boyfriend cheated on me. It's sort of…soured me on the whole idea, really."

"He may have mentioned it," Harry said.

Ginny's eyes glowed indignant in the soft light of the pub. "I'm sure he did. At first, I thought he took it more personally than I did! It took all of my persuasion to convince Ron not to knock Dean into last year. Wanker." Ginny paused. "Er, my ex, not my brother. Although he sometimes is as well." A small smile graced her countenance before she looked away. When she looked back at Harry, she seemed less angry.

"And? How about you?" she asked, gazing at him.

"I don't think Ron's much of a wanker, really, just passionate."

Ginny snorted. "No, I meant…are you? Seeing anyone?" She bit her lip, a strange light in her eyes as she waited for his answer. Harry rubbed his finger around the rim of his glass, trying to formulate what he wanted to say.

"I sort of was? But…it was…just an email thing. And a phone thing." Harry looked away at first, and then couldn't help himself, he looked back. He wanted to see her reaction.

Ginny's face was a neutral mask of indifference. "Oh? That's…interesting."

Harry frowned and didn't say anything. The conversation stalled then, and Harry didn't know how to start it again. He hadn't exactly known what he'd been meaning to accomplish by asking her about it anyway. To gage her reaction? To see if she would admit it?

"Yeah, actually it was. It is. But I haven't spoken to her in awhile. Life got in the way, you know how it is."

Ginny nodded and looked across the pub, her hand moving back and forth against the rim of table again. Harry wondered if she even knew she was doing it.

"Well, maybe I should go," she said a moment later, not looking at him. Quite frankly, she looked miserable to Harry.

"Busy work day tomorrow?" Harry asked, trying to sound light-hearted, but probably failing. He didn't want her to go while they still had this awkward unspoken thing between them.

Ginny smiled. "No, just early. Ian is going over to the site tomorrow, and wanted us new recruits to stake out which office we wanted. Although I think at this point, we'll just be staking out empty spaces."

"Actually, they're doing quite well with the new building. It should be finished soon. Maybe I'll show up there tomorrow, too."

Ginny looked pleased for a moment before her features settled into her mask again. "You'll make us nervous if you do. We're all huge fans. Well, except Padma."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, I noticed that earlier. I reckon she'll be the one I hang out with then."

Ginny smiled, shaking her head. "You really hate calling attention to your previous life, don't you?"

Harry shrugged. "It's not who I am anymore. I mean, it was a part of me. It always will be. But…I think it's good to move on and take on new challenges. Don't you?"

Harry knew his voice sounded confronting but he couldn't help it. She met his look with one of her own, and for a moment, Harry thought they understood each other completely.

"I do, Harry," she said. "Life is too short to get hung up on maybes and could haves and should haves. I tend to believe that, usually. But sometimes life can throw you for loops, too. And sometimes we get bogged down in things we shouldn't. I find myself being more cautious with my heart now. Although," Ginny paused then, a slightly bitter laugh coming out of her mouth. "I'm still rather stupid with it."

She avoided his eyes and took another drink. Harry didn't know what to say. He realized he hadn't really thought this idea of meeting for drinks through all that well. He was tempted to tell her that he knew she was Red, but something stopped him.

"But, you're here," Harry finally said, watching her. "You took a chance."

Ginny's skin turned pink as she smiled a bit wistfully at him. "Yeah, I…was curious, I suppose? You asked me so spontaneously and I answered in kind. Sometimes I can't even explain myself to myself, Harry. I just go with what feels right."

"And meeting me for drinks felt right?"

Ginny nodded. "It did. You're funny and fairly interesting."

Harry snorted despite himself. "Well, fairly interesting. High compliment, indeed."

The waitress brought more food over, and Harry asked for some water. Ginny nodded and said she'd like one too. The both reached for more food and ate in silence for a bit. It wasn't the awkward silence from before, and Harry was grateful for small miracles.

"So, this er, email friend of yours. Are you going to talk to her again? I mean, write her, I suppose."

Harry pretended to think about his answer as she watched him. "I wasn't going to, no, but I think…well, it doesn't matter. I blew it. She sent me a letter today telling me she was giving up on me. I hadn't been replying, you see. She got tired of my lack of response. I can't blame her, really."

Ginny frowned and her finger started playing with the edge of the silverware that still sat untouched at her elbow. "Maybe you could explain to her why you er, well, I mean, if you want. You could tell her why. Maybe she might appreciate that. I know I would. If I were, that is, writing someone, and they suddenly stopped communicating, I think I'd like to know why."

"This is the strangest date I've ever been on," Harry said, after a moment. "You're telling me to contact another woman that I may or may not be interested in."

Ginny smiled briefly. "Well, I thought we said it wasn't really a date, date…just a 'get to know you' sort of thing. Actually, it's not even that, it's us eating starters and drinking and talking. I think you're safe."

"So you think she'll respond, even after all of this time?"

Ginny shrugged, and he could tell she was trying for nonchalance. She gave him a wide smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "You said you liked a challenge?"

"True," Harry said. "I do. And she is definitely one of those."

Ginny took another drink quickly, but Harry had noticed the blush spreading across her cheeks. She put her glass down and looked around the pub. "Is there a WC back here?"

Harry turned and indicated the hallway behind them. "It's there past the poster of the Chinese Dragon. Gents to the right, Ladies to the left."

"Thanks, I'll just be a moment."

Harry turned and watched her walk away, unable to help himself from enjoying the way she moved. He didn't care what she had said, he knew she had dressed as though this were a date. And he had as well. Harry wondered if he were crazy to be contemplating this…whatever it was. Why wouldn't she just tell him? Did he frighten her that much?

When Ginny returned, Harry had settled their tab and was sipping at his water. He didn't feel drunk, thankfully, but still he wanted to stay hydrated. She looked as though she had combed her hair and reapplied her lipstick. Which had Harry wondering why.

"Look, Harry," she began, and then stopped, giving him a searching look. "There is probably something I should confess, and this is quite…well, hopefully you think it's funny. I mean, not terribly funny, but more isn't this –"

"Harry! Ginny!"

Ron's voice called out through the pub, and Harry saw him and Hermione making their way over to their booth. Fuck, Harry thought to himself. He glanced at Ginny, and saw a similar expression on her face.

"Did you tell them you were coming here?" Harry asked her.

Her eyes flashed at his. "No! Trust me, I didn't." Ginny turned to face her brother and his wife, and Harry saw her manner change, a smile on her face.

"Hi, you two! I thought that was you. Fancy running into my best mate and my sister out for drinks and ooh, those look fantastic! Mind if I help myself?" Ron laughed as he sat down next to Harry, grabbing one of their leftover food items. Hermione looked at both Harry and Ginny, an apologetic smile on her face.

"Sorry, I tried to stop him from barging over here," Hermione said, sitting down next to Ginny. She looked between them again. "Everything okay?"

"We're fine, we were just about to call it a night, right Harry?" Ginny said, raising her eyebrows at him.

"Um, were we?"

"'Course not," Ron said, signaling for the waitress. "It's early yet, and we just got here."

Ginny pursed her lips at her brother and sat back against the booth, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. Harry could understand her irritation; he was sure she had been about to come clean about everything. He caught Ginny's eyes, and she gave him a half-shrug. Harry supposed the moment had been broken and he could only chuckle as Ron ordered drinks and more food when the waitress returned. Ginny eventually grinned back at him, shaking her head as Ron launched into a story from work. Neither of them noticed that Hermione was watching them.

o-o-o-o-o

Red-

What can I say except I'm sorry. You may think I have been blowing you off. I haven't been. Well, okay, I will be honest and admit that maybe I was. Just a little. Suffice it to say I came across something that surprised me (i.e., made my world go topsy-turvy ) and I have been dealing with it ever since.

But you did not deserve to be forgotten. I did read every letter you sent, just so you know. I was always here, reading.

Please forgive me for not writing back. After reading your last letter I would completely understand if you never wanted to talk to me again. But there is a small part of me that is hoping you will. You strike me as being very compassionate, and here I am asking for just a little patience and a lot of mercy.

-Harry

o-o-o-o-o

The next morning Harry decided to head over to the construction site, stopping on his way to get coffee (and one very robust Earl Grey) for everyone. They were already there when he arrived, and the new hires looked sleepy and a bit bemused at finding themselves in the middle of what could only be described as orderly chaos.

Harry's eyes found Ginny immediately – he marveled to himself over how much she just stood out to him now. Her hair was like fire in the morning light, and he was pleased to see she was wearing it down. It was much longer than he'd imagined, and he liked it.

He waved after Ian spotted him, and Harry greeted the rest of the staff. He noticed Arabella had declined to join them this morning, and he saved her coffee as a second cup for himself, for later. He handed out sugars and stirrers and nodded at his coffee carrier.

"Half of them have milk and half are black. Sorry, I didn't know how everyone took it. Well, except for you, Ian. Espresso half-caf with light foam?"

Ian grinned at him. "Thank you, Harry! See, this is why having a silent boss is the best, you lot, he shows up out of the blue with coffee."

Harry noticed Ginny wasn't reaching for a cup, and smiled at her. He reached back into the Jeep and pulled out another to-go cup. He walked over to her.

"I'm not sure how long they steeped it, but the tea-lady assured me it was strong."

Ginny took the cup from him and then gave him a strange look. It took Harry a moment to realize what he'd done, and he felt his stomach drop to his knees.

"How did you know I don't drink coffee?" Ginny asked, an edge to her voice.

Harry was thankful he had his sunglasses on, and she couldn't see the panic in his eyes. "Er, I think Ron mentioned it or…at dinner, maybe, when Hermione was talking about making coffee and you asked for tea? I paid attention, I guess."

"Right," Ginny said slowly, her eyes searching his face. Harry forced himself to relax and just breathe in and out for a few beats. After a moment, he saw her shrug to herself and take a small sip, her eyes falling shut with enjoyment. When she looked at him again, she smiled. "Thanks, it's perfect."

Just then, Ian called his name, and Harry gave her a brief grin before heading over to his secretary. Bloody hell, that had been a close one, he thought, mentally kicking himself. For the rest of the time at the site, he felt Ginny glancing at him now and again, but Harry forced himself not to look in her direction.

After the offices had been sorted, the meeting broke up, with Ian taking some of them back to the Exeter Center. A couple of the others, namely Ginny, Angelina Johnson, and Jason Cooley had the rest of the day off. Harry watched the other two head off to their cars while Ginny strolled a short distance away and sat down at the end of the sidewalk. Harry got back out of Sirius's Jeep and walked over to her. He remembered then that Ron had said that Ginny didn't have a car, and wondered briefly how she'd got to the site that morning.

"Need a lift?" he asked. Ginny blinked up at him, holding her hand above her head to block the sunlight.

"Ron's supposed to be here, but I reckon he's running late. He dropped me off this morning, but mentioned he had a new patient today. He might be a little late, so I was just going to wait and read." She reached into her purse and pulled out a paperback.

"Anything good?" Harry asked sitting down next to her. Ginny shrugged.

"My Mum loaned it to me, she seems to think I need um, inspiration."

Harry looked at the cover and then understood what she meant. It was called Sinbound and featured a rather busty woman wrapped up into the arms of an even bustier male. Harry laughed. "I didn't take you for the bodice ripping type, Ginny."

She made a face. "I'm not usually. Well, okay, not at all, actually. But it's got a fairly decent plot."

"Really?" Harry asked, unable to hide his skepticism.

Ginny nodded and smiled, warming to her subject. "See, this young woman name Lucy has fallen for a member from the local constabulary, but she's from a strict Catholic family, and he's C of E and well, I guess it sounds silly, never mind."

"No, go on," Harry said, smiling at her. "Is that's why it's called Sinbound? She just can't keep her hands off him?"

Ginny snorted at him. "Yeah, they keep running into each other and snogging in the most unusual places."

"Really? Like on each other or like, on Farmer Joseph's local tractor?"

Ginny laughed at loud and shook her head at him. "No, it's not…tacky like that. It's sort of sweet, really. He gets her all excited, and then he keeps pulling away at the last moment, telling her she needs to save herself for her future husband."

"That doesn't sound sweet, more like torture for the poor girl. And him." Harry took the book from her and flipped through it. "So this isn't really a bodice ripper, it just looks like one? This is what you want me to believe?"

"Well, it is. It's just subtler than that cover would let you believe."

Harry grinned as he opened up a random page and looked at her before reading a paragraph aloud.

"Oh, Christopher, we can't, we must stop this…stop this madness!"

"But Deidre, I need you, I am going crazy without you! Let me touch your silken skin, let me run my hands through your golden hair."

Harry raised his eyebrow at Ginny. "Oh, yeah. Real subtle."

Ginny bumped him with her shoulder, as she laughed. "It was before that part. You could just give it back to me, you know. I'm not forcing you to read it."

She reached for the book and Harry held it out of her grasp, teasing her. "I don't know, I think I owe it to your brain cells to nip this in the bud right now. I don't want you rotting your brain with this drivel. I am your employer, after all. I need you to be sharp."

"Oh, I'm sharp, all right. And quicker than you." Ginny moved so fast that Harry could barely keep the book in his hands. He laughed as she reached over him, trying to make him drop it. He shifted, to get out from under her, and she lost her balance, tumbling into him. Luckily, they fell into the grassy section behind them and not the concrete. Harry laughed as Ginny pushed her hair out her eyes and looked down at him, smirking.

"I win by default!" She raised her hands in mock triumph and grabbed the book from his fingers. Harry smiled up at her, feeling dizzy and more than a little pleased. The sun caught the highlights of her hair quite brilliantly, and he felt his heart skip a beat in response. Her eyes were crinkled with mirth as she settled on top of him. They both became aware of what that was doing to him a moment later.

Ginny's face blushed beet red as she moved off of him, and Harry sat up, feeling awkward. He stared down at his body and swore at it in his head.

"Er, sorry," he said, not looking at her.

"It's fine. Don't be embarrassed. I have brothers. I get it."

Harry glanced at her. Her blush had faded to a slow burn and she was looking at her mobile with a frown.

"What is it?" Harry asked, concerned.

"Ron. He says he won't be able to make it for another hour. Can I take you up on that offer for a ride?"

"Of course," Harry said, standing up. He watched her brush herself off and felt his body still doing the thinking for him and looked away towards his Jeep. When he turned back around, she was looking at him expectantly.

"Follow me, milady, your chariot awaits," Harry said, feeling silly. But she chuckled, and they walked towards the vehicle together.

"Is this yours?" Ginny asked as he opened the door for her. She climbed in as Harry walked around to the other side.

"It's Sirius's. He lets me use it a lot. Actually with the new center being built, I've been using it more than him. I should buy myself a car but…I've never really wanted one."

Ginny nodded as she put her seatbelt on. "I can understand that. I've never wanted one either. But I think I may have to try and find one. A banger, most likely, since I don't have enough money for a new one."

Harry looked at her as he started the Jeep. "Well? Where's your flat?"

"It's off the High Street, about two over, on Chasers Lane. Newer type of flats, The Phoenix's Roost."

"Interesting name for a block of flats," Harry said as he pulled out into traffic.

"Yeah," Ginny said, laughing. "I liked it the minute I saw it in the advert. It has a gate and extra security to it, so I then I really liked it. And of course, I like the idea of a phoenix and starting over."

They chatted amicably on the short drive back to Godric's Hollow and Harry was searching for a way to keep talking to her. Before too long he was pulling into the front drive of the flats. Ginny grabbed her purse and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Harry. I appreciate the ride. It was nice talking to you, too."

"Do you think you might like talking to me over dinner later? Not as a date, of course, but you know, just two work colleagues getting together to discuss…construction. Or poor taste in literature, take your pick."

Ginny raised an eyebrow, but shook her head. "I can't tonight, but thanks. Next time?"

Harry felt disappointed but smiled anyway. "Okay. See you around, Ginny."

She waved as she closed the door. He watched her walk up to the little guard house and show something to the person in the booth. He wondered why she had opted for such a secure place to live. He knew it had to be costing her a fair bit of coin to live there. He watched her until her head disappeared behind the buildings and then turned the Jeep around, heading for home.

o-o-o-o-o

Harry was sitting at the kitchen table, later than was probably healthy, eating a sandwich. Sirius had been out on another date, (Remus and Harry still didn't know who this new woman was) and Remus and Dora were ensconced on the sitting room settee, watching something that had lots of explosions and gunfire. Harry wasn't sure he wanted to know, actually.

Sirius came into the kitchen, whistling happily. He looked as though he had dressed up, although Harry could tell he'd definitely had his shirt off at one point and maybe his trousers. His hair was definitely mussed in the back, as well. Harry opened his mouth to tease him and then didn't. He thought he might get more information out of his godfather if he didn't antagonize him.

"Good night?" Harry asked, watching as Sirius threw some of the very expensive decaf into the Moka Pot they kept on hand just for late nights. It was expensive because it was the best, according to Sirius, and if he was going to drink decaf then it was at least going to taste like a million pounds.

Sirius grinned at him. "You could say that." He grabbed a cup and fiddled with the coffee stuff while Harry finished his sandwich. Sirius offered him some coffee, but Harry shook his head.

"Same woman again?" He finally asked his godfather, resting his chin on his hand. "What is this the fourth or the fifth date? That's pretty significant for you."

Sirius raised his eyebrow at him. "And how do you deduce it's all been the same bird? Come on, impress me."

Harry grinned. "Well, you tend to go out on the same days. Around the same time. Meaning she has a schedule she has to keep due to work or some other issue. And you've been in an extremely good mood all the time lately, which means you'll probably getting some on a regular basis. Annnndddd…." Harry drew out the word, trying not to laugh at the expression on his godfather's face. "You always smell of the same unique perfume. Ergo, same woman."

Sirius narrowed his eyes at him and then laughed. "Not bad, Harry, not bad. Yes, she has a work schedule that we work around and yes, she does wear a lovely perfume. But as for the always being in a good mood part, I'm going to pretend not to be offended. I'm always in a good mood."

Harry chuckled. "Okay, fair. I should have said you're just in a much better mood. You where whistling when you came in for bloody sake!"

Sirius barked out a laugh and raised his glass in salut at Harry. "It's been six dates, counting tonight, just so you know, godson.

"My mistake. Maths was never my strong suit. So…when do we get to meet her?"

"When are you going to tell us who Red is?"

Harry frowned and didn't say anything. Sirius sighed and put his coffee down. "Things not progressing there? I wish you would talk to us."

"I will, when there are things to say. We went out for drinks and it was awkward. And not because I told her I know. It was awkward for other reasons. I'm really confused about the whole thing. Right now we're just trying to be friends, I think."

"Being friends is good. But don't let it go too long or she'll think of you only as a friend and you'll never get a chance to explore other options."

"So, tell me about your mystery woman then, go on," Harry said, wanting to deflect the attention off himself and his confusing love life.

"She's nice. Actually, she's spectacular. I met her at the dog show in Swindon; she's a zoologist, can you believe it? She's wildly clever. And funny. She can also drink me under the table, which you know always impresses me. And she's fit, Harry. Oh, god, is she fit. You would not believe what this woman can do in bed."

Harry covered his ears. "Okay, okay, I don't need to hear all the details like you do, you know. I have semi-virginal ears at this point."

Sirius snorted. "Sorry. I forget you have your mother's sensibilities. Now, see James would have wanted to hear all the details. Sometimes we even compared notes."

Harry shook his head at his godfather. "And I really don't need to hear that either. But you didn't answer my question. When are Remus and I going to meet this wonderfully athletic goddess of a woman? Why don't you invite her over for dinner? Maybe she'll enjoy your Taco in a Crumpet experiment. The rest of us can order in."

"Hah!" Sirius said. "No one understand my food genius, that's the real issue. But I will. I think I will have her over soon…I've told her about you and Remus, of course. But you know me, I like to keep things casual at first."

Harry looked skeptically at Sirius. "At first? You like to keep things casual the whole relationship."

"Okay, well, I'll invite Zee over if you invite Red, how's that?"

Harry made a face at his godfather. "I forgot how fair you don't play."

"I am older and wiser than you, Harry. Of course I don't play fair."

Sirius said goodnight and headed towards his bedroom. Harry sighed as his thoughts turned to Ginny. He wondered why she hadn't been able to go out tonight. Remembering he hadn't checked his email to see if Red had written back, he got up to head upstairs. The sitting room was now quiet and he assumed Dora and Remus had turned in for the night. Which is why he practically jumped out his skin when Dora called his name.

"Wotcher, Harry."

Shaking his head, he looked and saw Dora sitting on the settee with Remus asleep next to her. "All right?" Harry asked.

Dora nods and slipped gently out from under Remus's head, replacing her lap with one of the settee's pillows. His uncle murmured softly and then was still. Dora smiled at Harry. "One of his new meds is making him a wee bit sleepy. He fell asleep right in the middle of the movie."

"He fell asleep during all that ruckus?"

Dora chuckled. "Afraid so. He'll feel dreadful about it later. Fancy a short walk?" She bent her head towards the door and Harry shrugged, joining her. The night was clear and crisp, and to Harry it looked as thought there were a billion stars in the sky.

"So, how goes Project Red?" Dora asked after a while.

"Sirius just tried to get information out of me, so you two can just compare notes," Harry said firmly.

Dora chuckled. "I'm not trying to be a pest. I genuinely want to know. You've been through a lot these last few weeks, you know. I'm just checking on you."

Harry felt sheepish. "Sorry. I tend to get used to Sirius giving me a hard time. Things are… well, I've asked her out, but then we decided to not call it a date, but just a getting to know you type of thing. And then I saw her today and…" Harry paused and shook his head. "I don't know how to proceed with her. I want to tell her I know but another part of me is afraid to for some reason."

"It's like Schrodinger's Cat." Dora chuckled again.

Harry glanced at her. She saw the confusion on his face and offered an explanation. "Schrodinger was a scientist who was trying to solve what he saw as a problem with certain interpretations of quantum mechanics and their application to every day objects."

"I understood every word in that sentence and yet I still have no idea what you're talking about," Harry said after a moment. Dora laughed.

"It's like this…he said if you have a cat and something that can kill the cat and you put both of them in a box and seal it, you don't know if you have a dead cat or one that is alive until you re-open the box. So until you do open that box, your cat is both alive and dead at the same time. It's a paradox."

"Am I putting Red in a box?" Harry asked, thinking he understood what she meant but not quite sure.

"You're putting your relationship in a box. On one hand you have this great connection on-line, and it's everything you want it to be and now since you know who she is, you want it to go beyond that. But you still haven't told her you know, so you're keeping the two entities – the two Reds – existing in the same place and you've sealed them both up, afraid of losing one for the other."

"So…you think the reason I haven't confronted her yet is because I still want her to be Red and not…who she actually is?"Harry asked after a moment as they turned a corner.

"What do you think?" Dora asked, smiling at him.

Harry grimaced. "I think you just added to my inner angst about this whole bloody thing."

Dora giggled and wrapped her arm around his. "Oh, Harry. You have the best possible parts of your uncle and godfather in you. You are thoughtful and contemplative like Remus and yet also so…"

"Oblivious?" Harry asked as they came full circle, the house coming into view again.

"Well, no, that is your word. I was going to say single-minded. Like Sirius can be. You take after him more than you know. Although I reckon he doesn't even see it. He always sees your father in you."

They paused in front of the house as Dora rested against the front gate, giving him a considering look.

"What you need to really think about is this – is the risk of telling Red everything eventually lead to a place where you can be happy, do you think? Or is not telling her just a way for you to avoid the whole thing – a relationship, having a person you care about in your life? Could this girl be the one? Do you see a future with her or are you just…as your godfather would say, are you just looking for a good time? I think you already know the answer, but for one reason or another, you're afraid to let it out of the box."

Harry sighed. Some of what Dora said made sense to him. Other parts, not so much. He looked at her. "So what do I do next, Dora? You're a woman, tell me."

Dora laughed. "Oh, no way, kid. Not until you figure out yourself first. I owe it to women everywhere to make sure you have your head in the game first. And on the right field before I give you any sort of feminine help. It's the Women's Code of Honor. No bloke will be told before his time."

"Brilliant," Harry said as they entered the house again. Remus was still asleep on the settee, although he had now started to snore. Dora shook her head affectionately at him.

"Help me wake him up and get him to bed, Harry."

They managed to get his uncle up and into the mechanical chair lift so Dora could tuck him into bed. Harry glanced at his computer as his entered his room and decided not to bother with it for once. He got ready for bed quickly and lay down, putting his hands behind his head, staring out the small patch of his window he could see from his position. He was too tired to think and his eyes drifted closed before he knew it.

o-o-o-o-o