Chapter 31: disappointments and talks

Harry was standing outside the changing rooms of the Holyhead Harpies waiting for Ginny. Today was the big game against Puddlemere United, and they lost. The Harpies' seeker was injured earlier in the week during practice when a stray bludger knocked her off her broom. Their reserve was inexperienced and didn't even notice the snitch fly past her until it was too late, ending the game 280 to 260. The game was close, mostly due to the many goals scored by Ginny, but he knew she would be beating herself up about it. She had trained and played harder then Harry had ever seen her do before. He knew Ginny would be disappointed. The Harpies only needed to win this game in order to clench their spot in the World Cup. Now that spot would go to Puddlemere United and the Harpies would have to try again next year.

Harry reached his hand in his pocket and fingered the small box he had taken to carrying with him. Not tonight, he thought to himself. If he was completely honest with himself, he was kind of relieved. He'd never been this nervous about something before. The same questions kept entering his mind. What if she said no. What if she laughs at you. He knew in the back of his mind that he was being ridiculous, but he couldn't help but think of those what if's.

"Hey Harry. Are you ready to head home?" asked Ginny as she exited the changing room, pulling Harry from his thoughts.

"Er . . . sure," said Harry. He pulled his hand from his pocket and wrapped his arm around Ginny's waist, pulling her close to his side. "Don't worry about the game. You'll get em next year."

Ginny sighed. "I was just really hoping we would make it all the way this year," she said.

"It's only your first season playing," said Harry.

"I guess you're right," said Ginny.

"Are you sure you want to go home? Your mum said something about us coming over for dinner tonight," said Harry.

"Well . . . okay. I guess that would be all right," she said. Harry gripped her hand and turned on the spot, apparating them to the back garden at the Burrow.

Molly was busy stirring a pot on the stove and looked over her shoulder at the sound of the two of them entering the kitchen. "Oh, there you two are. Ginny dear, how did the game go?" she asked.

"We lost Mum," said Ginny dejectedly.

"I'm sorry dear. But there's always next year," said Molly.

"I know. It's just disappointing," said Ginny. "Do you need help with anything, Mum?" she asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"Oh . . . uh . . . you can set the table," said Molly. She knew her daughter well enough to know when not to press a subject.

"Molly, where's Arthur?" asked Harry.

"I think he's out in the tool shed tinkering with one of his silly muggle contractions," she answered.

"Thanks," said Harry. He leaned down and gave Ginny a quick kiss and without another word, turned and walked out into the back garden in the direction of the tool shed.

"What was that all about?" murmured Ginny to herself.

"What dear?" asked Molly.

"I was just wondering why Harry would want to go talk to dad all of a sudden," said Ginny.

"Hmmm. No idea," said Molly, turning back to the stove to hide her smile. There could only be one answer to that question.

************* *

Arthur was sitting in his tool shed taking apart a muggle toaster and humming along to a song on the wireless when Harry found him.

"Oh, Harry. Did Molly send you out?" he asked looking up from the disassembled toaster.

"Er . . . no. I was actually wondering if I might have a word," said Harry as he attempted to flatten his unruly hair. It was a habit he had formed long ago whenever he was nervous. Arthur looked at Harry curiously for a moment before setting down his screwdriver and turning in his chair to fully face him.

"Ah," he said. "You want to marry my daughter."

"Oh . . . er . . . I . . . y-yes sir," stuttered Harry, taken aback. "H-how did you know?"

Arthur chuckled. "Son, you're sweating bullets. I haven't seen someone this nervous since . . . well . . . since I asked Molly's father for her hand in marriage" Harry just stood there, unsure of what to say.

"Come here son. Have a seat," said Arthur, pulling out an empty stool. "You don't need mine or Molly's permission to marry Ginny. I knew this day was coming and I know you'll take care of her. I can't think of anyone else that I'd want to marry my daughter. I already think of you as a son."

"Thank you sir," said Harry, blowing out a breath of relief.

Arthur stood and clapped Harry on the back. "Lets get inside. I'm sure Molly has dinner ready," he said. "Oh, and don't forget, Ginny does have five very protective older brothers."

Harry paled. He hadn't actually thought of that. He was so wrapped up in what Ginny's parents would say that he completely forgot about her brothers.

"Don't worry about them, Harry. The only opinion that matters here is Ginny's. You just remember that," said Arthur.

Harry grunted. "Easy for you to say."

************* *

"You were quiet tonight," said Ginny once she and Harry were back at their flat. "What did you and dad talk about?"

"Nothing really," said Harry as nonchalantly as he could. He had never been a very good liar.

"Come to think of it, dad was quiet too."

"Hmm. I didn't notice," said Harry. Great. She knows something's up, he thought. "Well, I think I'm going to bed. You coming?" he said quickly in an attempt to change the subject.

"Yeah, I am pretty exhausted," said Ginny.

"Okay. I'll be there in a moment. You go ahead to bed," said Harry. Once she had disappeared into their bedroom he let out the breath he had been holding. He pulled the ring box out of his pocket and opened it. He had found the ring not long after the war had ended. He was at Gringotts going through some of his parents things when he stumbled upon it. It was a simple round cut diamond set in a gold band. He had almost forgot all about finding the ring in the busy months that had followed. When he had decided that he wanted to ask Ginny to marry him, he had searched dozens of jewelry stores both in the wizarding and muggle communities, but nothing seemed right. It wasn't until about two weeks ago that he remembered the ring. He had gone to Gringotts to make a withdrawal and was just about to leave his vault when the small black box caught his eye. He knew in that moment that he had finally found the perfect ring for Ginny. After sorting through some of the old documents, he found that the ring had actually belonged to his grandmother on his father's side.

Sighing, Harry snapped the lid closed and walked into his study. He placed the ring in his top desk drawer and tapped it with his wand to ensure it was locked. He placed a special charm on the drawer so that it would only open for him before retreating to the bedroom.

"What took you so long?" asked Ginny when he entered.

"Oh, I had to put the finishing touch on my report for Valentine on Monday. I figured I'd do it now so I wouldn't have to worry about it this weekend," he lied as he stripped down to his boxers.

"You know, I'm kind of happy the season's over. I just don't know what I'll do," said Ginny.

"I thought you still had practices to go to even in the off season?"

"We do, but they're only once a week until it gets closer to the start of the next season. I was actually thinking about asking George if he needed any help getting the new shop started since they're going to sign the paperwork for the premises in Hogsmeade next week."

"That's actually a really good idea. I'm sure they'll need the help."

"I'm really glad George decided to do this. I think it'll be good for him," said Ginny, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

"Me too. Lets get some sleep. I was thinking we could go do some sightseeing in muggle London tomorrow if you're up to it," said Harry.

"Sounds fun," said Ginny. A moment later, she was fast asleep. Harry reached over and turned off the light. It was a while before he actually fell asleep. He kept running different scenarios of how he could ask her to marry him through his mind. Each one he dismissed as quickly as he thought of them. He finally fell asleep about an hour later with a plan in mind. Now all he had to do was pull it off.

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A/N: How do you think Harry should propose? What do you think her brothers will say? Review and let me know what you think! :)