'Ísn't it enough that he survived and wants to be with you?'
Ginny lay there, thinking of Luna's words over and over. She glanced at her bedside clock and groaned. Three in the morning. She turned on her side, thumping her pillow. She wondered what Harry was doing right now. Sleeping, like the rest of the world? Where was he anyway, Godric's Hollow?
She turned on her other side. She needed a good night sleep, the fund raiser started late afternoon and she needed to look her best. She was still unsure about going with Marcus, but had decided she needed to end this arrangement with him, anyway. So, by going together, they could have one last 'date' before 'splitting up'.
Ginny rolled onto her back. She looked at the clock again, then at the empty side of the bed next to her. Her hand stretched out, wondering what it would be like to share a bed with Harry. Or anyone, for that matter. It hadn't been intentional, but there had been no other men in her personal life.
She refused to believe she was waiting for Harry. True, she had always hoped he'd be her first lover, and her last. She'd encouraged no-one at Hogwarts when she'd returned for her seventh year, preferring to spend her free time with Hermione and Demelza when she wasn't out on the pitch.
The offer to try out with the Harpies had been what she needed, having zero aspirations for any kind of Ministerial work. She'd spent the summer training hard, using all that excess energy she'd hoped to be using with Harry in carnal delights, had he stayed. Her determination to succeed pushed her to train harder and longer, and she made the team.
She started out as second string, knowing she had to bide her time; pay her dues. An injury to the star Chaser about three quarters of the way through the season proved fortuitous for Ginny, but not for the injured Harpy. The injury ended her career and was the start of Ginny's.
The Harpy's were not in contention for the title, but Ginny played some solid games as they finished off their season. Glimpses of brilliance came through, but she still had a lot to learn about playing at the professional level.
With still no sign that Harry would return, Ginny devoted that summer to getting the fittest she could. She rented an apartment in Wales and moved there so she could use the Harpy facilities every day. Weights, gym equipment, running up and down stairs, running laps, flying; she did it all. When the season began, Ginny was determined to show everybody she deserved her place as starting Chaser, in the new look Harpy line up.
The Harpy's had a stellar season, narrowly missing out on playing in the final match of the year. Ginny was third in the Chaser awards and voted best newcomer by the general public. Her fans loved the way she played, knowing she gave her all.
Ginny had committed her life to Quidditch since Hogwarts. She had met a lot of people, interesting people, along the way, but no one person, man or woman held her interest the way Harry had. The weeks they'd been a couple had been the best of her life. If she found someone she could relate to like that, she knew she'd find a better balance between Quidditch and her personal life. But no-one took her fancy, and she was sick of fending off advances and lewd offers. Hence, the agreement with Marcus.
He was a great guy; her feelings were quite brotherly for him, and Oliver, too. She could hang around them and burp or swear and they couldn't give a toss. She thought they were sweet together, and tried to convince Marcus to come out, but knew he had to do it when he was ready. So the charade continued.
She had to admit, at times she was lonely. Returning to an empty, quiet apartment soon grew old, no matter how many times she told herself she enjoyed the peace after living at the Burrow and then Hogwarts.
Seeing her brothers with their partners made her think about Harry. Sometimes she was angry with him for leaving, for not letting them know he was okay. Most times though, she simply missed him.
'Isn't it enough that he survived and wants to be with you?'
Ginny rolled to her side, again looking at the empty place in her bed. Yes, it was enough that he had survived, and wanted to be with her, she decided. After all, they had the rest of their lives to talk.
She suddenly felt sleepy, now that she had set her mind at ease. She would go to the function with Marcus and explain the need to end the deception. They'd smile for the cameras and the sponsors, but that was it, no more cover ups. Then she'd be free to go to this address Harry had given her and see what was going on. Talk to him, find out what he wanted for the future. Their future, together.
With all that settled, she easily fell asleep.
Her alarm was set for six, like it was every morning. Bleary eyed she got up and got dressed in her training gear. She did this automatically, without a thought. Then she Flooed to the Holyhead grounds.
She half heartedly worked on her weights, her head all fuzzy from lack of sleep. She wondered if she'd have time for a quick nap after training and before she needed to start getting ready for the event.
"You look like shit, Weasley," grinned Simone, a muscly Harpy Beater.
"Cheers for that," groaned Ginny, her face hidden in her hands. Her other team members grinned and continued their workouts.
"Miss Ginny? Miss Ginny?"
"What is it, Amra?" asked Ginny, her voice muffled by her hands.
"Amra has something for you," said the elf.
Ginny lifted her head, sniffing the air. She looked at the elf, who was holding a steaming cup. "Is that a Hazelenut Latte Macchiato?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes, Miss Ginny. For you," she said, offering her the cup.
"You went and got this...for me?" asked Ginny, taking the cup from the elf and inhaling the scent. "Oh, I feel better already." She took a gulp and groaned appreciatively.
"It's from Mister Harry," giggled the elf.
Ginny almost spat it out in surprise. "You know Harry? Wait, so you DID see him that day in the locker room? Amra, I'm surprised at you," she said.
"Harry Potter is a good man, defeater of the evil Lord Voldemort," said Amra, proudly. "He is trusting Amra to watch over Miss Ginny, and be of any help to her Amra can be."
Ginny smiled at the little elf; she reminded Ginny of Dobby's devotion to Harry. "Thank you, Amra. I really needed this today. Erm, did you, by any chance, tell Harry that I had my two girlfriends coming over last night?"
Amra nodded, happy that Ginny wasn't mad at her or Mister Harry. "Mister Harry asked Amra to provide a delicious dinner for you all. Amra hopes it was to your liking?"
"It was, thank you, very delicious. My friend Luna particularly enjoyed the olives, and my other friend, Hermione, enjoyed the champagne," said Ginny.
"Mister Harry provided the champagne," said Amra.
"Do you know where Harry is now, Amra?" asked Ginny.
Amra nodded. "Where he is most days, Miss Ginny. At your home."
Home. Hers and Harry's home. It gave Ginny a warm feeling inside, until she realised she had been daydreaming and spilt half her coffee down her leg.
Gwenog appeared at the door. "If coffee break is over," she said, looking pointedly at Ginny, "you should have all been in the air five minutes ago. What are you waiting for, an engraved invitation?"
Ginny almost giggled, Gwenog's words reminding her of Harry's wedding invitation to Hermione and Luna.
"Weasley, you all right? You seem distracted?" asked Gwenog, worriedly.
"Didn't sleep too good last night, Coach," admitted Ginny.
"Yeah, I can see that, you look like shit. Just make sure you cover those dark spots under your eyes for tonight," said Gwenog, nudging her along.
Ginny sighed. She wondered if Amra could get a message to Fleur. By the comments from her team, she was going to need all the help she could get to make herself presentable tonight.
HGHGHG
"Ginny, wow, you look...amazing!" gushed Marcus.
Ginny smiled. "Thanks. It helps to have a great team to make me look this way." She turned to smile at Fleur and Angie, who had answered her call for help
"It was fun," said Angie, who had helped her dress after Fleur had done her make-up and hair. "Besides, it will do George the world of good to have little Freddie all by himself for a bit."
"Ginny, are you sure about zis date? If 'arry iz back..." Fleur's voice was uncertain as to how to continue.
"Who's Harry?" asked Marcus.
"We'll talk about him soon," said Ginny. She turned to Fleur. "It's fine, Fleur. I owled Harry, letting him know about the date. I intend to go and see him tomorrow," she said.
"If you are sure, ma souer," said Fleur, doubtfully. She shot Marcus a glance, then whispered to Ginny. "Most men do not like to see their women out with uzzer men."
"This is kind of a different situation, one I intend explaining to him tomorrow," said Ginny.
Fleur looked relieved. "Good. It will be good to see 'arry again, to welcome him home properly."
Marcus cleared his throat. "We really need to be going."
Ginny took a deep breath. She really couldn't wait for this night to be over.
HGHGHG
"So, we're agreed? If the press asks, we're simply here as friends, okay?" asked Ginny, for the tenth time. They were travelling in a Muggle taxi.
"Fine," sighed Marcus, "but will you say how devastated you are that our relationship is over?" he asked hopefully.
"No," said Ginny, firmly.
"How about, it will take a long time to get over losing me?" asked Marcus.
"Losing you? As in, you dumped me? I don't think so," said Ginny, shooting him a dirty look.
"How about, I'm the best you ever had," pleaded Marcus.
"Do you really think that's fair to Ollie?" asked Ginny.
Marcus sighed. "You're right. He wanted to come with me tonight. Merlin, I wanted to say yes, but I-I couldn't."
"It's a big step, and it's okay if you're not ready," said Ginny gently, "but don't make yourself into something you're not. Pretending we're a couple is only hurting Ollie, and I know you don't want to do that," she said.
"No, I don't. I love him, I really do," sighed Marcus. He looked at her fondly. "I'm an idiot, aren't I? I should be here with him tonight."
Ginny nodded. "There's still time, I don't mind going ahead alone."
Marcus shook his head. "He's probably already there, you know he's got a thing for being early. I'll find him and talk to him there," he said.
"Good. I really think it's for the best," said Ginny, "and it will make Ollie really happy."
"Looks like one of us is getting lucky tonight then," grinned Marcus.
Ginny laughed, finally looked forward to the night ahead.
HGHGHG
Marcus was worried. "I don't see him. Do you see him? Where could he be?" he said. He put his arm around Ginny's waist and they posed for the camera. There was a flash of the camera, then Ginny dropped the fake smile and took a step away. She looked around the room. "I see some of the PU team near the bar, but I don't see Ollie. Why don't you go over and ask them if he's here yet," she suggested quietly.
"Miss Weasley, a word? Pam Tamblyn from the 'Magic Mirror' newspaper."
Ginny nodded in the direction of the bar to Marcus and turned to the reporter. "Hi, it's nice to meet you," she said, shaking the reporter's hand.
"Can we get your thoughts on the season ahead? Some have said the Harpies have got a tough draw," asked the reporter.
Ginny rambled out the usual spiel which seemed to make the reporter happy.
"And you're here tonight with Marcus Welby, from the Appleby Arrows. He's been your constant companion over the last several months. Any announcements you'd like to make?" she asked coyly.
"He's a good friend, and in the past, we've helped each other out by attending many Quidditch functions together," said Ginny, pleased that someone had asked so early in the evening.
"In the past? Does that mean you won't be attending any more functions together?" Pam asked.
Ginny shrugged. "Right now, my thoughts are on the up-coming season," she said, politely.
"Of course. Thanks for your time tonight, and good luck for the season ahead," said Pam.
Ginny nodded and moved on. She headed for the bar, but there was no sign of Marcus or Oliver. She swiped a champagne off a tray, taking a sip. It wasn't as good as the one Harry had provided for them last night.
Harry. What was she doing here, when all she wanted was to be with Harry? She hoped he got her owl and wondered if there was any chance of sneaking out early. He hadn't replied, which worried her slightly.
Marcus suddenly appeared next to her. "He's not here yet. Something must be wrong, he's always early at these things. Where could he be?" he asked, wringing his hands with worry.
"Maybe we could leave and go and find him?" suggested Ginny hopefully, when there was a murmur from the crowd and people surged forward. "What's going on?" she asked, unable to see over people in front of her who were taller.
Marcus tried to see. "I don't know, I can't see either," he said.
The sound of applause and hoots, as well as gasps and murmurs sounded all around them. "What's going on, Dunkirk?" asked Marcus to one of his team-mates standing nearby.
"It's Harry Potter! Merlin, I didn't even know he was back in England," said Dunkirk in surprise.
Ginny spat out her mouthful of drink, using her napkin to wipe her mouth. "H-Harry? He's here?"
"And you should see his date!" laughed Dunkirk's girlfriend.
"Date? He brought a date?" asked Ginny. She tugged on Marcus' arm. "We need to get over there."
But Marcus had frozen. Ginny followed his gaze and gasped. Harry had arrived with Oliver Wood, who was proudly proclaiming himself to be gay, and proud of it.
"Oh. My. God!" breathed Marcus, fanning himself.
The press surrounded Harry and Oliver. "Harry, when did you return to England? Are you gay, too? Are you and Oliver a couple?"
Beside her, Marcus spat out his drink. Ginny handed him her damp napkin and he took it, not taking his eyes off Oliver and Harry.
Harry faced the reporters with ease, laughing. "Some things never change, do they? No, I'm not gay, but I am a PU fan, thanks to Oliver. He was my first captain at Hogwarts," he said, smiling at Oliver.
"Go, Gryffindor," called out a voice from the back. Ginny suspected it was Demelza.
Harry laughed again. "Oliver is a great bloke and a good friend. As I was running late tonight, he offered me a ride, which I happily accepted."
"Aren't you worried you might become gay just hanging around him?" asked a reporter tentatively. There were several gasps from the crowd.
Harry looked at the reporter, then at Oliver. They both started laughing, and Harry put his arm around Oliver.
"I think, if you do your research thoroughly for once, you'll find being gay isn't contagious," said Harry, shaking his head at her question.
"So you support the gay lifestyle?" asked another reporter.
"I support people being with the one they love, regardless of their sex. Now, if you'll excuse us, Oliver and I want to find our dates," said Harry.
"One last question, Mr Potter. As a Puddlemere supporter, do you -"
"I'm sorry, you misunderstood me," interrupted Harry. He clapped Oliver on the shoulder. "I said I was a PU fan, but I have to admit..." Harry's eyes met Ginny's. "My heart is with the Holyhead Harpies." He thumped his chest with his fist.
"Harpy's rule," called the voice from the back. Harry chuckled. No-one noticed Oliver leaving Harry's side.
"Excuse me, everyone, I believe I need to go and say hello to Demelza Robbins, one of the Harpy's great Chasers and my old Quiddich team mate," he said, waving to Demelza.
"Is she your date?" asked a reporter. Ginny felt a stab of jealousy.
"He wishes," called out Demelza, making every one laugh, inclcuding Harry.
"Harry, what will you do now you're back in England? Will you be joining the Aurors, working at the Ministry?" asked another reporter.
Harry held up his hands. "Thank you for your interest, but tonight is all about Quidditch, a sport I've missed watching. In fact..." Harry began to ramble on about Aussie Rules and cricket.
Oliver appeared in front of Marcus. "Hey," he said softly.
"I can't believe you did that," said Marcus, with tears in his eyes. "I-I'm really proud of you."
Oliver grinned. "It feels great, like a huge load has been lifted off my shoulders."
"Congratulations," said Ginny, hugging him.
"Hey, that's my man, get your own," teased Marcus. Nearby people gasped.
"Marky, I think you just outed yourself," whispered Oliver.
"Ah, screw it," said Marcus. He pulled Oliver to him and kissed him on the lips.
The gasps made the reporters turn from Harry to where Ginny, Marcus and Oliver were. "Over here," someone close to them yelled.
"That's right. We're here and we're queer," said Marcus, defiantly. His face lit up. "Hey, that rhymes!"
"You're a poet and don't even know it," said Oliver.
Marcus kissed him again, to the cheers of his team mates, who quickly surrounded them to field off the press that was bearing down on them.
Ginny was in danger of being trampled, but a hand grabbed hers and pulled her aside. "Come on, Ginny, let's move." It was Demelza.
Ginny had no idea of where Demelza was taking her. All the attention was behind them, on the happy couple.
"Can gay people even play Quidditch?"' asked one snobby lady in disapproval.
"Why don't you ask your brother and his friend, the Beater, dear," said her husband, snidely.
Demelza and Ginny giggled, as Demelza weaved them in and out of the crowd. "Come on, out here, on the balcony," gestured Demelza, opening the door for her.
Ginny turned to see Demelza about to leave her. "Hey, what about you, Mel?" she asked.
Demelza looked behind Ginny. "I think you're in good hands. You won't want me here," she said, winking at Ginny.
"Thanks, Mel," said Harry, stepping out of the shadows. Ginny whipped around to face him.
"You-you're here," said Ginny stupidly.
"I got your owl. I didn't like it," he said.
"I was coming to explain everything to you tomorrow," said Ginny defiantly, "as I said in my owl."
"In the meantime I had to imagine you out on a 'date' with another man. A man who got to see you looking like this," he said, gesturing to her dress. "You look incredible in that colour."
"You obviously know how it is with Marcus and Oliver. I may as well have been with one of my brothers, or Neville," said Ginny.
"You should have been with me," said Harry. "No brothers, no gay friends, no Neville. Me, damnit!"
"I can't believe you're jealous," said Ginny, angrily. "What did you think, I'd never date, in the hope that you'd come home?" She ignored the fact that was exactly what had happened.
Harry seemed to deflate in front of her. "No. You're right, it was stupid of me. Just because I never did, hell, never even thought about it, doesn't mean you should have waited. I mean, look at you, you're...you're so beautiful, Ginny," he said, his voice shaky.
Ginny stared at him in disbelief. "You...you never dated? At all?"
Harry shook his head.
Ginny gulped. "What about...sex?" She held her breath.
Harry looked at her, and shook his head again.
Ginny expelled the air. "I-I haven't either," she admitted.
Harry's eyes flared in hope and joy.
"I have to admit, even though I'm incredibly relieved to hear it, I was kind of hoping one of us would know what we were doing," she said.
Harry snorted, then threw his head back and laughed.
"Harry, take me home," said Ginny.
He stopped laughing and looked at her. Her eyes were blazing in a way he'd dreamed about. He nodded and drew her under his arm.
"I'll need to say goodbye to a few people," she said reluctantly.
"Five minutes, then I Apparate us out of here," said Harry, huskily. "I don't want to wait any longer to be with you," he said.
Ginny pulled his head down to kiss him. "Me either," she said, breathing hard.
Three minutes later, they were on the way home.
Marcus and Oliver made the front page, as well as the next two pages of the Daily Prophet the next morning, Marcus had a red rose between his teeth as they danced the tango.