Authors Note: Don't kill me guys, that's all I ask. I really appreciate all the reviews on the last chapter. As far as the length of the story goes, I would say anywhere from 100k words to 150k words, but it could be more or less. Also, I promised this won't be a Ginny bashing story. If you look at my summary, you will see that it's more so a story where two people work their way through love and adulthood.
If you look at every one of JK Rowling's books, each one got a little bit more adult-like as time went on. JK even admitted that Ron and Hermione later in life had to have counseling, so while the story is not all rainbows and gumdrops, it is still a Harry and Ginny fan-fiction. Don't worry though, it won't be like one of those awful lifetime movies, but at same time, expect the unexpected! And as always remember to review please!
Chapter 3 A Fresh Start
"Ginny Weasley and Rory Wilson having a secret love affair...?" Harry read out loud, as his voice trailed off at the end. His eyes got wider, and he adjusted his glasses to make sure he wasn't seeing things. With a wordless expression on his face, the paper dropped to the table.
His mouth was dry and he couldn't talk, his mind went hazy. Was this why she couldn't hang out and never had time? How long has she been seeing this wanker behind his back? Were they having sex? Did she even love him?
It was that last thought that made Harry snap. He reached for his wand as he saw nothing but red.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Harry really hated thinking of that day. Things weren't the same after that. It has been 3 years since he and Ginny talked civilly in person. Looking back on it, he couldn't help but feel the breakup was half his fault. There's a lot of things he'd have done differently. However, that was in the past, and he promised himself he would move on.
Every once in a while, he would see a quidditch poster of that prick Rory Wilson, and he would be brought back to the anger he felt that day.
He took a deep breath, looking at the picture with disdain. Harry remarked in his head how Wilson had a very punchable face. As he glared at the picture, it started to fizzle and then burst into flames. This combustion startled Harry a bit as he was taken aback by his own accidental magic. Harry let out a big sigh, now embarrassed by his action and feeling like a child all over again. He had to learn how to control his emotions and not let them get the best of him. Harry let the picture burn till nothing was left of it but ash on the floor.
He honestly couldn't understand why in the name of Merlin there was a poster of this guy in the loo. It was enchanted so that muggles couldn't see it but still. Harry then thought to himself, "In the fucking bathroom?"
Harry then broke his train of thought, instantly becoming aware of his unsanitary surroundings. Getting grossed out, Harry thought it was best to flush himself to the Ministry and wash his hands when he got to the closest proper loo.
As he walked through the Ministry, he couldn't help but think about how things had changed. He had changed, and a lot of people would say that he looked like his godfather Sirius Black. His hair was long now, a bit past his shoulders. In fact sometimes he wore it in a man bun much to Hermione dissatisfaction, saying he should trim it down instead. He preferred his hair that way. It even reminded him of his godfather every time he looked in the mirror.
His new look made him feel as though he was honoring his late godfather. You could say that he was a cross-version of his late godfather and his late father. Except for his eyes, he had his mother's eyes. Harry was also a bit bulkier than in the past. Not extremely bulky, but he now had a nice frame. Mrs. Weasley never said he was skin and bones anymore. He had a toned body, and in his profession, he had to be ready for anything. Some things, however, never change. He still wore his trademark glasses, and his clothes didn't change much. His basic auror robes and his tie were still kept loose at the top, and his shirt was never fully tucked into his pants.
These days he was better at getting his paperwork done. He still wasn't great, but he was better. So much so, the Ministry made him an auror captain. He took great pride in his title since he had earned it through his hard work and dedication. He put in a lot long hours and hard work, and he was on the fast track to be Vice Head Auror. He still got out and had fun as well. Ron and other aurors would go out and have a drink or two, which Harry enjoyed. He also played in a recreational quidditch league for fun on the weekends.
Harry had even taken a few women out on dates. Harry had had a couple flings here and there, but nothing that would stick. All the women he dated were nice, but they seemed to be a bit boring. There was just never any spark, which was probably best. After Ginny, Harry decided he would stay as far away from relationships as possible. When it came to attachments with others, it just never seemed to go in Harry's favor. He always convince himself that dating and he didn't quite fit. Truth be told, he was guarding himself from the pain of another heartbreak.
Harry made his way up to the auror office, determined to find the closest loo. Immediately after leaving the loo, he was hounded by his secretary Vicky. She was a sweet woman in her 50s, and she took great care of Harry. Vicky was a fairly average, brown-haired lady, standing about 5 '3" with a slim build. She always had on the sharpest power robes. Vicky had a fiery personality, which Harry respected, but she also held the intellect of Hermione. At the same time, she had quite the mothering personality. All these attributes mixed together to give Harry one hell of a secretary. She made sure that he ate and didn't stay at work too late. When an important dignitary was coming by, she always had him tuck his shirt in and straighten up his tie. She was a great person, and Harry had become quite attached to her.
"My goodness, Potter, are you going to be late every day?" Vicky asked, giving him a disapproving look.
At this accusation, Harry glanced at his watch to see that it was 9:03 AM, and he was supposed to start work at 9 o'clock on the dot.
"Goodness Vicky, can't a man use the loo before he reports to his office? You know, I saw a picture of that Rory Wilson in the bathroom on my way to the ministry. Why would there be a picture of that bloke in the bathroom? It just really grossed me out to the point that I had to wash my hands."
"My, my Harry, don't be such a baby. He's a famous Quidditch star, of course, there's advertisement for him everywhere."
"But in the bathroom?!" Harry replied as they walked to his office.
"Oh hush, now. Come on, you have a meeting with the other captains at 9:30, and I've got some briefings for you to read before you go so that you're updated on the situation," Vicky said.
"Why are they calling a meeting this early in the morning"? Harry asked.
"It's about security for the Quidditch World Cup," Vicky replied, looking at her watch to check the time as they walked.
"The World Cup, huh? Isn't Germany hosting it this year?" Harry said while he turned into his office. "Why do we need a security briefing for something that's not even being held in the country?"
"You still have so much to learn. You may be the most powerful wizard the ministry has to date, but you still need experience," Vicki said, standing in Harry's office doorway with her arms crossed. "The World Cup has a host country, but other ministries from around the world always send aurors to help with security."
"Well, that's good to know," Harry said sarcastically as he sat in his chair and started going through the briefing she placed on his desk.
"Oh, don't give me any lip, now. Hurry and read your briefing because as of right now, you have 15 minutes left," Vicki said as she walked away, looking at her watch again.
"Will do, Vick," Harry responded.
Walking down the hall towards his meeting, he saw a redheaded man he knew all too well. "Jeez, mate, you look exhausted," Harry commented.
Ron turned to look at Harry and gave a sigh. "Ever since Hermione got us that new mattress, I can't sleep right anymore. It's like she wants me to be exhausted throughout the day, so that when I go home it makes her lectures even worse."
"Merlin, why don't you two just get married already? I mean, you two already argue like a married couple. I can't even go out with you two anymore without being embarrassed," Harry said, reminiscing on their last lunch at The Leaky Cauldron.
"Hermione says that we need to see a counselor before we go any further in our relationship. She thinks that our communication skills still need work," Ron said, rolling his eyes.
"You know, I'm not in a relationship, but you could stand to listen to her more," Harry chuckled as Ron walked with him to the meeting room.
"Bloody hell, let's just drop it before I get nauseous," Ron whined as he started rubbing both his temples.
Harry laughed at Ron's actions. "Alrighty then, I will talk to you after this meeting,"
"Oh, does our captain have a secret meeting?" Ron smirked at Harry's annoyance with the meeting.
"I don't believe so. From what I read while skimming the briefing, it looks like we are helping the host country out with the World Cup this year," Harry replied.
"Oh, well let me know if I've been accepted to England's team," Ron joked, walking away.
"You're their first choice, mate," Harry laughed as he parted with Ron and entered the meeting room.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"I'm assuming everyone has read the briefing?" Calvin Donovan asked looking around at his fellow aurors.
Donovan had become Head Auror a year ago, and he was a great man for the job. Although, Harry wasn't sure if Calvin liked all the responsibility that much since Harry heard Calvin complain on multiple occasions that paperwork was going to kill him. Donovan's job also came with a lot of unneeded publicity. His name was often mentioned in the Daily Prophet. And most of the time, it was criticizing how the Auror Office failed to do something fast enough.
This was the part of the job that Harry did not envy. Calvin was the leader and figurehead for the Auror Office, meaning he got all of the press. Whereas, people like Harry could just do their jobs peacefully. Harry loved that part of his job since he was rarely ever seen in the Daily Prophet. Sure there would be the occasional gossip column about him, but for the most part, Harry lived a pretty normal private life these days.
"As you all know, the Quidditch World Cup is being held in Germany this year, and the German ministry has requested that we help with security at the Cup," Donovan said.
"With the World Cup comes a big gathering of witches and wizards, so the security force that is put in place must be sizable and effective. That being said, I am assigning a whole squadron to the German ministry."
At this, a lot of the captains began to look at one another quietly questioning why the force had to be so large. One auror squadron at the Ministry ranged between 100 to 200 witches and wizards, which was quite a sizable amount of personnel to put on an assignment that wasn't even in their home country.
Donovan looked around the room. "Yes, I know what you are thinking, but the Ministry has given this a lot of thought. After the war, we were severely weakened in our ability to protect ourselves. Not to mention that the 1994 World Cup that we hosted didn't exactly go as planned with the death eater riots at the end, so to show that our Ministry is still strong and to make up for the 1994 World Cup, we are going to supply a whole squadron," Donovan said, glancing around the room as the hawk-like stares of the captains around the room.
"And who better to lead the squadron that we send to Germany than our very own Harry Potter," Donovan smirked, knowing Harry would hate this introduction.
At this announcement, a lot of the captains began to laugh and giggle while glancing at Harry.
Harry let out a sigh and gave Calvin a very annoyed look.
"Harry is not only our most talented wizard, but also he defeated the Dark Lord, so we seemingly get to kill two birds with one stone. We show strength sending Harry Potter, and we also show dedication sending our strongest wizard to help with the Cup. This is all international magical cooperation at its best," Calvin finished, smiling and looking directly at Harry.
Harry looked up at Calvin in an irritated manner, "Does it really have to be me? I don't particularly want to go to Germany for a month and a half."
"Yes, Potter, it has to be you. This decision came at the direct request of the Minister," Calvin countered.
"Fine, but my subordinates will not be happy about this," Harry said, thinking of how he was going to give Kingsley a hard time later.
"Good, I've already left the mission briefing packets with Vicky. This meeting is adjourned for today," Calvin said as he rose from his chair and walked towards the exit.
Harry just sat there as he got a couple of snickers and pats on the back from the other captains as they left out. Harry slowly rose up and dragged himself out of the room, wishing that he could have gotten a better assignment than the World Cup.
o-o-o-o-o-o
"I don't want to go to bloody Germany for a whole month," Ron whined as he shoveled food in his mouth.
Ron became Harry's Second in command as soon as Harry was made a captain. Harry would have no one other than him watching his back. At first, the job was a bit overwhelming for Ron, who quite liked being a normal auror, and he complained that it was too much work to be a Vice Captain. He changed his tune quickly when Hermione started lecturing him, saying that he shouldn't be complacent in his career.
"Honestly, Harry, I don't see what the big deal is. Donovan makes a lot of sense in making you go."
"You're not supposed to agree with them, Hermione," Harry sighed. "That's the whole point of us venting to you."
"Oh goodness, you two are just being big babies. Plus, this will give Ronald a little time away from his beloved bed," Hermione said as she narrowed her eyes and glared at Ron.
"That's it. I'm not going to eat anymore," Ron said, crossing his arms and turning his head away from Hermione.
It didn't take long for him to change his mind as he grudgingly started eating again.
"Well, do we know who's going to play in the World Cup for England?" Hermione asked.
"I think it's in my briefing," Harry said as he took out his briefcase and searched through it. "Calvin said it would be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow."
Harry jumbled through papers in his briefcase before finding the brief packet, handing it to Hermione. At this point, she had enough clearance at the Ministry to look at whatever was in the packet.
Ron, who became slightly interested in who was playing for England, leaned over Hermione as she read over the packet.
Hermione finally found the section she was looking for and began to read out the Quidditch players for England.
"Rory Wilson-Seeker..."
At this, Harry rolled his eyes, and Hermione paused, knowing how much Harry hated Rory. Ron grumbled as well, not being too fond of the bloke that seemingly ruined Harry and his sister's relationship.
"Kevin Hertz-Keeper, Audrey Benito-Beater, Eliza Smith-Chaser, Liam Miller-Chaser..."
Ron beamed at this name as he was the top chaser for the Cannons.
"Gordon Davis-Beater, and um and...Ginny Weasley-Chaser," Hermione stuttered on this last name, glancing nervously at Harry.
"Merlin's beard, Ginny made the national team!" Ron blurted out with excitement as he slapped Harry on the back and gave both Hermione and Harry a big smile.
However, as soon as he did that, he noticed the error in his actions. Hermione immediately gave him a dirty look, and Ron quieted down. Ron and Hermione occasionally spoke to Ginny when she had time. She was always touring with the Harpies, and when she wasn't, she was usually involved in endorsement deals and a bit of modeling. Ginny wasn't just a quidditch player anymore, but rather, she had become a wizarding icon.
She had tons of endorsement deals. Women and girls modeled themselves after her. It even became a fashion to dye your hair red just to look more like her. She started her own clothing line for girls, ranging from Quidditch robes, dresses, jeans, shirts, and so much more. She often modeled a lot of her own clothing. Plus she started a feminist witch movement all about young witches being independent and doing things on their own.
Even though she had all of the endorsement deals and money that she could ever dream of, she also dominated quidditch on one of the highest levels ever seen. She was a Rookie Of The Year, and a two time League MVP. She was internationally known for her play. A lot of people said she was not only the most dominant witch that they had ever seen play quidditch but maybe the most dominant player period. Ginny wasn't without her controversy though. She had a few love interests throughout her time apart with Harry. She just seemed to bounce from guy to guy, almost like she did at Hogwarts when she was younger.
Ginny's family couldn't have been prouder of her for all of her accomplishments, but when it came to the subject of Harry and Ginny, her family just decided to stay out of it. Ron and Hermione were no exceptions to that rule. It was bad enough that when Ginny was around, Harry didn't come around and vice versa.
They saw each other about a year after they had broken up at the Burrow for Christmas dinner, and things were anything but pleasant. Both of them had to be separated into in different rooms, with Harry leaving the dinner shortly there after.
Even Ron wasn't going to touch the Harry-Ginny situation with a 10-foot pole. Harry was his best friend, and Ginny was his little sister. He was not taking a side. He almost did after seeing the Daily Prophet article on Ginny and Rory. Then Ron heard what they had both said to each other later and decided just to stay out of it. It hurt both Ron and Hermione that they couldn't hang out with the two of them together anymore. Or the fact that they couldn't bring the other's name up to either one of them without the two of them acting weird.
"I should have known that she of all people was going to make the team," Harry said with a blank stare as he set his fork down, not feeling hungry anymore. "How could I be so foolish?"
"Harry, I really don't think it's going to be that bad," Hermione said. "It's been three years. You two need to learn to be civil around each other, and if you can't be civil, at least conduct yourself in a professional manner," Hermione finished, giving Harry a sympathetic look.
"Hermione is right Harry. You're my best friend, and she's my sister. I'm not going to take sides on this, so you two need to learn how to get along," Ron added.
"Would you two stop lecturing me like you're my bloody parents? I'm a professional, and I will be just fine," Harry replied with an edge to his voice.
"As far as being friendly with her goes...well I think we're past that point," Harry said with an expression on his face that Hermione couldn't read.
"Look at it this way mate, we both get to watch a few World Cup matches, which should be a blast for the both of us, especially with Liam playing for England this year," Ron sang like a schoolgirl.
"I guess you're right. Ginny and I might not get along, but I hope that she and England do well at the cup," Harry said with a weak smile.
"I refuse to like that bloody oaf Wilson though," Harry said.
"I'll second that!" Ron replied as they both laughed and got dirty looks from Hermine.
Rory and Ginny had been seen together in the tabloids over the last couple of years. The papers always claim that they were on-again, off-again. However, no one was really ever sure because Ginny always seemed to go from one guy to the next. Rory was just a guy that was frequent. Hermione and Mrs Weasley always tried to get more information out of Ginny, but it never seemed to work.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Later that evening, Harry made it back to his flat. It had been a long day, and he needed to relax. After Harry and Ginny broke up, he got a new apartment. This one was slightly bigger. It had three bedrooms and featured a nice balcony with vines growing across the railing. There was even a small outdoor coffee table with four little chairs. A lot of times Harry liked to sit out there at night and just think. As Harry made his way into the apartment, he saw a figure in the evening light standing on the balcony. Harry threw his robes on the couch and opened the french doors to the balcony.
The woman who stood before him could only be described as an ethereal figure. She had honey-colored skin, sprinkled with freckles across her face. She had green, piercing eyes that were more subdued than his own but strikingly piercing. Her hair was curled and as naturally beautiful as any he had ever seen. She was dressed entirely in muggle clothing (Harry's favorite) with tight fitting jeans that perfectly hugged her curves and a loose, v-neck t-shirt that screamed casual comfort. Harry wasn't sure what the Americans were doing over there, but Skylar Harris was one of the most effortlessly, jaw-dropping women he had ever seen. Her beauty was only rivalled by the intellect she espoused.
Skylar worked as an auror for the American Ministry, and she had worked a few cases with Harry on international cases. She had a mind for catching criminals, and with her impressive record, the English Ministry of Magic was keen to offer her a job that she couldn't refuse. Maintaining her position with the Americans, Skylar was given the chance to live and work in London as a consult on high-level crimes that stumped the English aurors. No matter the case, Skylar's instinct and knowledge of criminality always resulted in a closed case. She had a reputation around the Ministry that came a close second to that of Harry's. Much like Harry, she ignored the praise of other aurors and Ministry officials and focused on improving her craft daily.
"Funny seeing you here. I figured you'd still be at the Ministry, head deep in paperwork," Harry said as he walked out on his balcony to join Sky. Skylar was leaning against the balcony railing with her arms spread across the railing in a manner that Harry found endearing.
Harry was quite taken with Sky, but he didn't want to get too attached to anyone. That hadn't stopped him from having the occasional fling with Sky, but every time something happened between them, Harry would feel guilty. Skylar was an incredible woman, as he felt like he was shortchanging her. Harry just couldn't commit to any woman that he came across. The funny thing was that Skylar never asked for a commitment. She just enjoy Harry's company as he did hers. Growing up in America, she had a lot more muggle customs than the English did. They would go see a movie or just walk around muggle London for hours, just talking. The quality that Harry liked most about Sky was the fact that she knew who he was, and she didn't try to treat him any differently than she'd treat anyone else.
"Well a little birdie told me that you were pouting all day because you were assigned to work the World Cup. You know I really like America's chance against you guys, except for that Ginny Weasley character you guys have. She's going to be real trouble for the American team. Well her and your seeker Wilson."
Skylar didn't know that Ginny and Harry had dated, and Harry was going to keep it that way. He didn't like talking about his past much, especially Ginny Weasley.
"Oh God, don't remind me of that blasted World Cup," Harry said, playfully whining as he slumped his arms to his side.
At this, Sky smiled and took out her wand. She conjured up a teapot with 2 cups and a few biscuits on a saucer.
"Let's talk about it over tea?" She smiled, sitting down at Harry's small table.
"Well, I can never say no to a good biscuit," Harry smiled in reply while he took a seat at the table.
Skylar laughed, "You mean cookie, Potter." She gave him a flirtatious smile.
"I mean biscuit," Harry countered back, winking.
"Agree to disagree," she shrugged.
It felt like they talked forever. That was another thing between the two of them that Harry really liked. Nothing ever seemed forced; everything just came naturally. She was in a lot of ways a perfect fit for him, but he always felt like there was something stopping him from appreciating her fully. He didn't know what that thing was yet. She wasn't clingy, she wasn't obsessed that he was Harry Potter, and she didn't want him for his money. A lot of the time, Harry would think to himself, "What does she want with a bloke like me?"
When it started to get dark on the balcony, Skylar stood up. "Well, Mr. Potter, I think it's time that I get going for the night."
"You're not going to stay the night?" Harry said, sounding a little disappointed but getting up as well.
"Unfortunately no, I have a big case in the morning, and I can't afford to be off when we bring this asshole to trial," Sky said as she walked over to Harry and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "I did want to cheer you up a little bit before I had to go home tonight." She stroked his cheek softly.
"Bye, Potter, I'll catch up with you later this week," she said as she walked to the edge of the balcony and apparated away.
As Harry re-entered his apartment, he let out a sigh of disappointment. "Merlin, that woman," he said to himself.
Just as he was about to retire for the night, a green light arose from his fireplace, and it grew in size. Out of the fireplace came Hermione Granger.
"Oh my, how did I know that I would see you before the night was over?" Harry wondered as he went to his armchair to plop down.
"Well, you should have known this was coming," Hermione replied. "Harry, how do you really feel about the World Cup coming up?"
Harry told Ron almost everything that went on in his life. There were some things, however, that Harry did not feel comfortable enough to talk with Ron about. These topics usually ranged from his sister to his sister. Sure, occasionally Harry did talk to Ron about Ginny, but it was nothing like the conversations that Hermione and Harry had.
Before Harry could even get a reply out, Hermione's keen eye found the tea cups and saucers on the balcony through Harry's big picture windows.
"I see Sky was over as well," Hermione said sitting on Harry's other couch.
At this observation, Harry smiled "Yes, she was. She came over to cheer me up about the whole World Cup news," Harry said, dragging a hand through his hair.
"You know, Harry, I've told you time and time again that if you like her, you should take her out," Hermione pressed.
"Hermione, me and relationships just don't work. And second of all, are we going to talk about Skylar or the World Cup?"
"How about both? But are you going to be okay?" Hermione asked with concern.
Harry thought long and hard about that. He then looked at Hermione with the most honest eyes that he could give her.
"I don't like her. I don't want anything to do with her, but will I protect her? Of course I will protect her and all of the other players. Will I do my best to avoid the woman I thought I was going to marry? Hell yes, I will," Harry said as he vented his feelings to Hermione.
"I just want to forget that I met her," Harry sighed.
"That's not an option, Harry. Just promise me that you won't do anything silly," Hermione said, giving him a weary look.
"I promise to try not to do anything silly," Harry said mischievously with a smile.
"So besides the World Cup and Skylar, what else did you come over here for, Miss Granger?" Harry asked, knowing that there was more to this visit than meets the eye.
Hermione let out a big sigh."It's Ronald and that blasted bed. He keeps complaining about it. I hated that old ratty bed that he got from his house. It smelled and was unbearably uncomfortable, so I got a new one. Now, he keeps complaining about how he can't sleep." She dropped her arms down to her side, resembling her boyfriend quite a lot.
At this, Harry began to smile as he got up from the chair. "You know Ron really doesn't like change. How about I make some tea, and we can talk about it?"
Harry knew that this was going to be a long night of complaining about Ron Weasley. "You two really do need counseling," Harry said, chuckling as Hermione huffed and crossed her arms.
Ending Author's Note: Thanks for reading, guys. As always, don't forget to review! I'm thinking the next chapters are going to be pretty long, but it should be out by next weekend.