Chapter Six
For Ginny, Luna and Hermione there was no excuse needed to shop. Ginny and Luna steered Hermione away from WhizzHard Books, instead opting to try on dress robes at Madam Malkin's and Twilfitt and Tatting's. Ginny had settled for traditional Muggle couture for her wedding rather than dress robes.

"Miss Weasley. Are you fitting dress robes for your big day?" Madam Malkin asked interestedly. She hovered around the three women, armed with her magical tape measure. Ginny knew she'd love to make the robes for her wedding. It was too bad she wasn't having robes because Madam Malkin would probably cut her a deal.

"No, we already have the outfits," said Ginny as she inspected a plain black robe similar to the one Hermione always wore. Madam Malkin disappeared into the stock room, obviously disappointed that she was out of an order.

They went to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch and ran into Neville, who was slumped over a glass of Firewhisky at the bar.

"Neville, are you okay?" Luna asked concernedly.

"Me fine, good tree," Neville mumbled, patted Luna on the head. Luna dropped her bags and grabbed Neville's upper arm. She pulled Neville to his feet and dragged him outside while Hermione and Ginny found a table.

***

"What do you think she'll like?" Ron asked as he walked down the street in Diagon Alley. He'd gotten off work early so he and Harry could go shopping, but so far it was only window.

"What?" Harry asked, still deep in thought about the date he was planning for Ginny. He was supposed to be at the Forest of Dean but Ron had kept him to help shop for a gift for Hermione. Harry had struggled to contain his laughter at first when Ron had told him he wanted to do something romantic for Hermione, but he understood where his best friend was coming from.

Harry was about to tell Ron he had to go when he got dragged into the Magical Menagerie. It was pets galore with owls, fire-breathing dogs, birds, cats and toads. Harry dodged a snake that was hanging down from the ceiling and walked inside.

"What about a cat?" Harry suggested with his mind elsewhere. Hermione's cat Crookshanks had died last year and she'd been saying she'd get a new one for a while now.

While Ron went over to look at the cats Harry ducked out of the store. He had to get to the Forest of Dean right now or he wouldn't have time to set up.

***

Hermione, Luna and Ginny tumbled out of Florean Fortescue's with their shopping bags hovering behind them. They ate their hot fudge as they walked down the high street, speculating over Ginny's big date with Harry.

"I think he'll serenade you in the clearing with a rose in his mouth and ask you to dance," Luna offered. The image of Harry in a tux, holding out his arm set the three of them into giggles. Ginny and Luna turned to Hermione for her guess.

"He could light up the clearing and set up a blanket so you could lie and look at the stars together," said Hermione, forever the creative one. That image sent Ginny's head spinning. She'd never pictured Harry to be the suave, romantic type.

"Speaking of which, you better go," Luna reminded. Ginny looked at her watch and almost dropped her sundae. The note had said eight and it was only a few minutes to. She handed her sundae to Luna and turned on the spot.

"I guess we'll just take her things home then," Hermione said dubiously. Luna waved her wand and Ginny's bags flew into her hand. She pored over the contents excitedly.

"I needed a new pair of work robes," she said brightly. Hermione snatched the bag off her before she could start trying them on in the street and the two continued walking until they rounded a corner.

***

George was just about to close up the shop when he heard the bell above the door ring. He turned around to tell whoever it was to clear out.

"We're closed," he called over his shoulder.

"I'll only be a second," said a familiar voice. George turned to look into the grinning face of his old school friend, Lee Jordan.

"Lee! I haven't seen you in ages, how've you been?" said George.

"I've been good, just travelling a bit. Say, you've really set up a good business over here haven't you?" said Lee, inspecting the colourful displays and racks of products still visible in the light from the lamp post outside.

"Yeah, jokes are a profitable market," George laughed. He waved his wand so a few products behind him soared into a bag.

"How are things with the ladies? I bet the chicks are lining up for you," Lee said with a wink.

"Only one lady; Luna's my girl," George said happily. Just the mention of Luna's name made him smile. She truly was a special girl.

"Luna. Is she the crazy one?" Lee asked in confusion.

"She's not so crazy anymore. We should catch up sometime. Are you seeing anyone at the moment?" George asked.

"Parvati Patil. We're pretty steady, about two months now," Lee replied. George picked up the bag that had landed on the counter and handed it to Lee.

"Great. I'll catch up with you soon, okay?"

Lee took the bag and clapped hands with George. "Great. It was good seeing you again." He grinned as he walked towards the door, the bell overhead clanging as it slammed shut. George waved his wand to lock the door; another wave and the lights went out.

***

Ginny Apparated into the clearing, a little nervous about what was to come. She hadn't had that much experience with dating, well certainly not as serious as things were between her and Harry. They were getting married after all.

She didn't have to walk far to find him. He stepped out of the darkness, his hand outstretched. She thanked the lord he wasn't wearing a tux and took his hand. He pulled her towards him and kissed her. She hadn't been expecting it and almost fell over backwards. He caught her gracefully, his hand at the small of her back.

"I think that proves the phrase 'knocked off your feet' correct, no?" Harry said smoothly. Ginny giggled as she nestled her head against Harry's chest. Just standing there with him made her feel on top of the world.

He eventually spoke and she lifted her head up to listen.

"I'd love to stand here all night, but I actually have something organized," Harry pointed out. He took Ginny's hand and lead her through the trees.