A/N: My fellow readers, please excuse the extreme delay on the posting of this chapter. Thank you all for your patience. I had to work on it bits by bits in between work. Sometimes working at night. Sometimes I was really tired so I apologize ahead of time for any errors that I may have overlooked. Thank you to all of those who reviewed, followed, and favorited the story up to this point. I must warn you that it may take a while before I post the next chapter up. Now on to Chapter 8...
Disclaimer: I don't own HP or the characters. The credit goes to JK Rowling.
Chapter 8: The New Bloke
It was another day to go to Hogsmeade and Harry only wished that he could take Ginny with him but he was forced to take Susan with him since she was now his fiancé.
"Mione! Come on, we are going to be late. We have to be at the gates by 8 so we can go into Hogsmeade" yelled Ron up the stairs and Harry was popped out of his thoughts of Ginny. Ron then turned to Harry, "So Harry, are you and Susan coming with us?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah, I'm waiting for Susan to come to the portrait hole here so we can leave." At that moment, Susan walked through the portrait hole that Harry kept open for her. As soon as she walked through the portrait hole she put her arms around Harry and kissed him. Oblivious to them, Ginny had discreetly seen Susan kiss Harry and her heart fell.
Hermione was at the top landing of the stairs and followed Ginny's gaze to Harry and Susan. Hermione frowned and then tried to call Ginny, "Ginny are you coming to Hogsmeade?"
Ginny nodded her head and made her way down the stairs. The five of them reached the courtyard where Filch was checking the names of students who were allowed to go into Hogsmeade. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Susan made their way to the Three Broomsticks and Ginny pulled Hermione aside, "Hermione, the four of you go off to the Three Broomsticks. I'll be in the Hog's Head if you lot should need me."
Hermione nodded her head, "Alright, you be careful alright Ginny?"
Ginny nodded, "Yeah, I just need a firewhiskey to calm my nerves."
Ginny made her way to the Hog's Head and sat down at the bar. The barman came up to her and said, "What'll it be love?"
"A firewhiskey please" replied Ginny and she looked down at her laced fingers.
"Coming right up love" said the barman as he turned around to go get her a drink.
"Hmm, a beautiful Hogwarts student drinking firewhiskey is not something you see everyday, much less at this time of the day" said an alluring young man's voice.
Ginny looked up and there was a light brown-haired, blue-eyed and muscled young man sitting down next to her. Ginny was taken aback at how handsome he was. Ginny didn't know what had happened but suddenly all she wanted to do was jump into the young man's arms and snog him away. Apart from Harry, Ginny had never seen a more attractive young man before.
"And you are?" said Ginny trying to keep a straight face.
"Oh sorry, that's right, where are my manners, my name is Phillip Edwards. I'm a chaser for the Montrose Magpies" he said with a smile and extended his hand.
Ginny extended hers, "I'm Ginevra Weasley, 7th year Hogwarts student" she said pointing at her Hogwarts robes.
"Nice to meet you Ginevra. That's a lovely name by the way" he said still smiling at her.
"Nice to meet you to Phillip. You can call me Ginny" responded Ginny.
"Here's your drink love" said the barman as he put a glass of firewhiskey in front of Ginny.
"Hmm, interesting to see a Hogwarts student such as yourself drink a firewhiskey. What on earth has led you to drink a firewiskey if I may ask?"
"Erm, it's a long and complicated story" said Ginny and she finally took a swig of her firewhiskey. She winced as it burned going down her throat but she had been needing one real bad ever since Harry kissed her before the workout the other day in the tower. She could already feel her nerves begin to calm down, "So you are a chaser? That is interesting, so am I. It's amazing to meet someone from a successful team like the Magpies."
"Yes, I have been with the Magpies for the last 4 years after I left Hogwarts myself. I enjoy coming back just so I could see the castle on the cliffs on my days off. I miss my days at Hogwarts" he said. He then turned to the barman and said, "A firewhiskey for me as well."
"Right-o" said the barman and he went to get Phillip his drink.
"I think I may have seen you a couple of times in the corridors at Hogwarts" responded Ginny.
"Yes, I was in Ravenclaw House and four years ahead so that explains why we didn't make much acquaintance" said Phillip.
"Ah yes, Ravenclaw, you might know Cho Chang, Padma Patil, and Michael Corner"
"Yes, I remember them. They were a good lot."
"Ravenclaw, I sort of remember the sorting hat. What was it? 'or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you've a ready mind..." and then Ginny couldn't remember the lines.
" 'Where those of wit and learning, will always find their kind.' " finished Phillip for her with a smile.
Ginny finally smiled back, "That's right, 'where those of wit and learning, will always find their kind.' That is rather good memory you have after four years of being out of Hogwarts. Then again ravenclaws are known for their wit and good learning."
"I wouldn't exactly say that. I'm not one to boast" said Phillip.
"Here's your drink mate" said the barman and Phillip nodded thanks.
"What do you mean, you are smart, if I may say so, and play with one of the most successful teams we have. They are almost undefeatable" said Ginny and she took another sip of her firewhiskey.
"Well, not as smart as that old codger Dumbledore. Now that man was smart and at times downright cheeky. No one could fool the old man" said Phillip chuckling.
Ginny laughed at the thought, "You could be snogging a boyfriend or girlfriend and naturally he'd know" said Ginny trying to make an impersonation of Dumbledore with her last words.
Phillip and Ginny were laughing happily until a reporter suddenly snapped a few pictures of them and Phillip got off the stool, wrapped his arms around Ginny and disapparated on the spot. When Ginny opened up her eyes they were where the shrieking shack was, not far off from the train tracks to Hogsmeade.
Ginny gasped as she took hold of Phillip's muscled chest to try to steady herself. She was used to apparating side-along with Harry but Phillip's disapparition had taken her completely by surprise.
Phillip saw the look on Ginny's face as he noticed her ragged breathing, "Sorry about that Ginny. I've had to disappear within the moment's notice when reporters come up. It's what my manager told me to do to prevent as much rubbish on the newspapers. Sorry also that you couldn't finish your firewhiskey."
Ginny looked up and was mystified by the piercing blue eyes that looked down at her, "Phillip I- I- it's alright. I understand. I know Harry Potter and that's how it was when my friends and I were with him." Ginny was surprised that the name Harry Potter came out of her lips without thinking.
"Merlin's Beard! You know Harry Potter? The Chosen One?" asked Phillip in surprise and his eyes wide.
Ginny chuckled, "Yes, I do. Haven't talked much with him lately. I suppose he's busy snogging away with his fiancé."
"From what I remember, the two of you were not just friends but were together at some point" replied Phillip.
Ginny then realized that she was still in Phillip's arms. For the first time in a long time, since Harry had broken up with her, she hadn't felt more comfortable in a young man's arms. She gently pulled away and looked at the ground before looking back up at Phillip, "Yes, but that was just a teenage infatuation, is all."
Ginny could see that Phillip's piercing eyes had another look that she hadn't seen there before. They were not playful or friendly but a type of desire. The same that Harry had when he was about to kiss her. When Ginny least expected it, Phillip leaned down and gently kissed Ginny's lips.
"Ginny forgive me for saying this, but have I said that you are very beautiful?" asked Phillip.
While Ginny still remained speechless, Phillip leaned in to kiss Ginny again. Ginny was savoring his manly kiss on her lips. When Ginny least expected it, she found herself responding to his kiss by kissing him back and deepening it as she began to snake her arms around his neck. Realizing what was happening, Ginny pulled away gently from their kiss, "Phillip, I- I'm sorry. This shouldn't be happening at all."
Phillip shook his head, "No Ginny, you don't need to apologize. I should be the one to apologize. The truth is that you are very beautiful. When can I see you again? When's the next Hogsmeade outing?"
"It's- It's in three weeks. If you like I have a game against Slytherin next week and you can ask McGonagall to come see it if you like" said Ginny without thinking.
"Good, I'll talk to Professor McGonagall about coming to watch your game and then get permission to take you out. I will also look forward to seeing you play" said Phillip, this time putting a hand on Ginny's cheek.
With that Phillip walked with Ginny hand-in-hand back to the front gates of Hogwarts. There he leaned and gave her another soft kiss on her lips before letting her go. Hermione saw what had happened and she walked up to Ginny.
"Merlin's beard! Who was that stunning and good-looking bloke?" asked Hermine with anticipation.
Ginny giggled sheepishly, "Oh it's just a bloke I met in the Hog's Head. He's a chaser for the Montrose Magpies."
Hermione smiled and gave Ginny a friendly slap on her arm, "You don't waste any time do you Ginny Weasley?"
"I don't know. He's coming to the Slytherin game next week and he's going to ask McGonagall permission to take me out for a date" replied Ginny.
"I imagine that he's going to take you to Madam Puddifoot's tea shop for a date?" asked Hermione with curiosity.
Ginny smiled to herself, "I don't know Hermione" Ginny then looked at Hermione, "but it's the first time that I felt happy in a long time."
Hermione smiled back, "I can see that and I'm happy for you Ginny."
The following morning, Harry woke up and looked out the window. He didn't feel much like going down to the Great Hall for breakfast. He was thankful that he had the luxury of eating breakfast in bed. He called for a house elf and a few minutes later, the elf brought his breakfast to bed, along with a fresh copy of The Daily Prophet. Harry sat up and opened his copy of the newspaper. Harry gasped as he saw the front page of the newspaper.
Famous Chaser meets Chaser girl
Yesterday at the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade, the famous chaser known by the name of Phillip Edwards who is chaser for the Montrose Magpies, was seen keeping Harry Potter's former love company. It appears that she is no longer going out with Ernie MacMillan since he wasn't with her at the time. After a few sips of firewhiskey, the two appeared to look more than friendly. They were happy in conversation and the two of them disapparated before any questions could be asked. Could this be a new love relationship for Phillip Edwards and current Hogwarts student Ginny Weasley? Stay tuned to the Daily Prophet to keep up on the latest news of these two love birds.
Harry's heart dropped real hard. The knot began to tie up in his chest. He had planned to break off his engagement with Susan after the Slytherin game and then go tell Ginny that he still loved her. Ginny was very beautiful and Harry wasn't at all too surprised that another bloke had jumped at the opportunity. Harry decided to keep his engagement with Susan. He had learned to love Susan even if he didn't love her as much as he loved Ginny. Much less if he didn't love her the way he used to. Susan by his standards was a good girl and some day she would make a good wife. Suddenly Harry lost his appetite over the news and decided to send the food away. He was even more thankful that he hadn't eaten his breakfast because he knew that he would have felt nauseous.
Harry decided to get up, get dressed and go study some more for his NEWTs. He decided to study as much as possible, if only to try to get the story of Phillip Edwards and Ginny out of his head. Harry was hard at studying at his desk when he heard a sudden knock on his door. Without looking away from his books and notes he called out, "Come in!"
Ron walked in and asked, "I suppose you have read the Daily Prophet and the story about Ginny."
Harry squeezed his eyes shut and cursed under his breath, "Bloody Hell", trying to forget what he had read that morning in the newspaper. Harry opened his eyes again and said, "Yeah, I read it. Look mate, I'm sorry but I have loads of studying to do here. If you want, you can come here to study with Hermione."
"Harry, I know how you feel. What happened? Why didn't you go tell Ginny that you love her?" asked Ron.
"Because I was stupid again Ron and I let her slip through my fingers yet again" responded Harry as he let his head fall into his hands. "I was going to tell her this coming week after the game."
"Well mate, the only thing I can tell you is to not wait too long if there's a next time" responded Ron.
Harry frowned and sighed in resignation, "That's if there's a next time."
Ginny happened to walk by and asked, "A next time for what? Are you alright Harry? You don't look so good."
Ron gasped and turned to Ginny, "Just some bloke talk is all" and Ron walked out of Harry's study and walked past Ginny.
Ginny then walked in a bit and said, "I know it doesn't concern me Harry but if you don't feel good, you should go to Madam Pomfrey." With that, Ginny left Harry's study. Harry finally looked up and saw that Ginny had already disappeared, just like he felt that she had suddenly disappeared from his life.
Ron walked into Hermione's study. She was busy studying away for her NEWTs. Ron then sat down next to Hermione and gave her a kiss on her cheek. She was so busy studying that she was unaware of it. "Poor Harry, you should see him. He looks miserable Mione. He feels bad because he thinks that he let Ginny slip through his fingers again."
Hermione looked up and said, "Erm what? Did you say something Ron?"
Ron sighed, "No it's okay Mione, let's just go back to studying for our NEWTs." Hermione smiled and the two of them went back to studying.
It was finally the day of the Gryffindor versus Slytherin quidditch match. The weather couldn't have been nicer. The sun was out shining and the weather was cool but not freezing cold like the winter months. It was the ideal day with the perfect weather to have a quidditch match. Ginny woke up and yawned happily. She had gotten an owl from Phillip every day since they met in Hogsmeade and McGonagall had given Ginny permission to go out with Phillip. She didn't need her parents' permission since she was now of age. Ginny got out of bed, put on her quidditch uniform and robes. She then walked out through her study and made her way down to the Great Hall. When she got to the Great Hall, other Gryffindors went over to hug her and encourage her. Ginny finally was able to sit down and eat her breakfast after half an hour. Harry came a few minutes afterwards and sat in front of her with Ron and Hermione sat next to Ginny.
"You look happy today Ginny" said Ron.
"It's the last quidditch match and I'm going out on a date with a bloke. I already got permission from McGonagall. He's coming to watch the match and then we are going out" responded Ginny cheerfully and she took a bite out of her eggs.
"That's nice Ginny. I wish you luck" said Harry dryly.
Hermione then turned to Ginny, "You have to promise to tell me tonight about your date" added Hermione.
"Well, maybe not everything" and Ginny giggled shyly.
"Ginny Weasley!" exclaimed Hermione with disbelief as she gave Ginny a friendly smack on her arm.
"Gryffindor has to win the Quidditch Cup. We have been winning all this time" chimed Neville as he talked with Seamus while they came to eat at the table.
"I'm sure we'll win it alright. The Gryffindor quidditch team has never been stronger" said Ron and then he smiled before he went over to lean in to give Hermione a gentle kiss on the lips.
After a long time, Ginny finally felt more happy than ever and after a good game of quidditch she was going to have a date with a bloke that she found very handsome. For Merlin's sake, even Hermione wanted the details afterwards. Ginny was feeling good and hoped that her possible relationship could turn into something more serious with Phillip Edwards.
Half an hour later, the whole school was cheering and were at the quidditch pitch waiting with anticipation for the match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Ginny looked up at Harry and he looked back down at her. She gave him a small smile before she looked towards the pitch in front of them.
"Try not to get hit with a bludger Ginny. That would be a disaster for our game" said Harry as he looked back down at her.
Ginny looked back up at him and nodded, "You bet your wand on it Potter. I feel like I took a vial of felix felicis today."
Harry then turned to the rest of the team, "Look out for those cheeky bludgers and get the quaffle through the quaffle as much as possible through the hoops. Remember the strategies that we practiced. Make this match count." Harry then turned and put his hand in the center and said, "For Gryffindor House?"
The rest of the team slammed their hands on his as well as Ginny and they shouted, "For Gryffindor!
"WELCOME TO THE LAST QUIDDITCH MATCH OF THE SEASON AT HOGWARTS. AND HERE THEY ARE! THE GRYFFINDOR QUIDDITCH TEAM. THEY HAVE BEEN UNDEFEATABLE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR. WILL THEY BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THEIR VICTORY AND WIN THE QUIDDITCH CUP OR WILL THEY RUN THE RISK IF SLYTHERIN WINS? IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN. SO SIT BACK, GRAB ON TO YOUR ROBES AND ENJOY THE MATCH!" announced Robert Jordan.
Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor team flew out as they were announced and found their places at the center of the quidditch pitch. Ginny looked around and found the teacher's box. There was Phillip Edwards and he waved at Ginny. She blew him a kiss and he pretended to catch it. Harry noticed and when he looked in the direction of Ginny's gaze, he for sure knew that he had a bigger competition than quidditch.
"HERE COMES NOW THE SLYTHERIN TEAM AS THEY WAVE THEIR GREEN ROBES ABOUT AND NOW THEY COME TO THE CENTER OF THE PITCH AS THEY ALL AWAIT FOR MADAM HOOCH TO BLOW HER WHISTLE AND BEGIN THE GAME."
"MADAM HOOCH BLOWS HER WHISTLE AND THEY'RE OFF! THE SLYTHERIN TEAM BEGINS THE GAME BY HAVING POSESSION OF THE QUAFFLE. CHASERS ARE NOW FIGHTING OVER THE QUAFFLE. OH AND THE CHASER NEARLY DROPS THE QUAFFLE AS THE SLYTHERIN CHASERS GET NEARER TO THE HOOPS."
Ginny furrowed her brow, picked up speed on her broom and bumped the slytherin chaser off his broom and took possession of the quaffle, she then darted of at top speed, a few barrel rolls and then she put the quaffle through the hoop.
"GRYFFINDOR'S GINNY WEASLEY PUTS THE QUAFFLE THROUGH THE HOOP AND IT OFFICIALLY PUTS GRIFFINDOR IN THE LEAD WITH 10 - 0. THE GRYFFINDOR CHASERS KEEP POsSESSION OF THE QUAFFLE AND... OH THAT BLUDGER NEARLY HIT ONE OF THE GRYFFINDOR CHASERS. BLIMEY! THAT WAS A REAL CLOSE ONE!"
Phillip was there looking at the game and especially at Ginny with anticipation. He then muttered under his breath, "Come on Ginny! You can do it, you can do it love."
McGonagall then turned towards Phillip and responded, "Don't worry Mr. Edwards, Ms. Weasley always makes points for Gryffindor one way or another. In fact, she is one of Gryffindor's strongest chasers. It will be a shame when she graduates from Hogwarts" she said this time with a frown as she looked from Phillip and back to the quidditch match.
Phillip then turned around to question McGonagall, "So it's true what they say, she comes from a long line of quidditch players?"
McGonagall looked away from the match and nodded her head, "Yes, and they were strong quidditch players at that too."
Phillip then turned back again to face McGonagall with a smile, "Professor, thank you for giving us permission to go on a date. I promise I will bring her back by the indicated time."
McGonagall gave him a cross look, "I'm sure you will Mr. Edwards" and McGonagall turned to look back at the quidditch match.
An hour later, Gryffindor was in the lead by 140 - 100. Robert Jordan continued to make his announcements, "AN HOUR HAS GONE BY AND GRYFFINDOR IS STANDING STRONG, EVEN IF SLYTHERING IS TRAILING BEHIND. IT IS PRETTY MUCH NOW UP TO THE SEEKERS TO FIND THAT SNEAKY SNITCH TO GET THE POINTS FOR THEIR HOUSE AND TO END THE GAME. SLYTHERIN CONTINUES TO HOLD POSSESSION OF THE QUAFFLE AND THEY PUT THE QUAFFLE PAST THE KEEPER, NOW BRINGING THEM TO 110 POINTS. OH AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE GRYFFINDOR CHASERS HAVE STOLEN THE QUAFFLE, THEY ARE PREPARING TO MAKE A THROW."
Everyone was sitting at the edge of their seats as Robert continued, "AND THE SEEKERS SEEM TO HAVE SPOTTED THE SNITCH. THEY FLY OFF BEHIND THE SNITCH. MEANWHILE THE GRYFFINDOR CHASERS PUT THE QUAFFLE IN AGAIN... OH AND AGAIN THROUGH THE HOOPS. THAT BRINGS GRYFFINDOR TO 160 - 110. HARRY POTTER TAKES THE DIVE TOWARDS THE GROUND"
The spectators this time gasped and held their breaths as they waited to see. Suddenly, Harry reached out his hand and took hold of the snitch.
"AND HARRY POTTER ONCE MORE CATCHES THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS! THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING OUT TODAY AND WE HOPE YOU HAVE A PLEASANT REST OF THE YEAR!" concluded Robert Jordan.
The Gryffindor team landed down in the ground as fellow students came out to hug them and pat them on the back for a game well played. On the other hand, Phillip came down to the pitch, took Ginny into his arms and began to kiss her passionately in front of everyone, earning them catwhistles. When Phillip and Ginny heard them, they giggled as they pulled away sheepishly.
Hermione went to Ginny and gently elbowed her, "Ginny Weasley, that was quite a snog!"
Ginny was still in Phillip's arms and she turned to smile up at him before responding to Hermione, "I like him. What else can I say Hermione?"
Harry looked over Susan's shoulder as he hugged her. Harry felt again, a pang of jealousy for not being able to hold Ginny in his arms. Ginny caught him looking at her and her smile turned to a serious look on her face. For a minute, Ginny thought that she saw a familiar look in his eyes. A look that she had seen there before when they were going out. She couldn't look at Harry for long because Phillip took her back in his arms and kissed her forehead.
Later that afternoon Ginny walked out of her bedroom suite study all dressed up with a black slim skirt, white blouse, black leather jacket, and black high-heeled leather boots. Harry was sitting in his study reading a book when he saw Ginny walk by. Harry's breathing began to grow shallow at the sight that he had seen of Ginny only a few seconds ago. Harry discreetly walked over to his study door and looked downstairs as Ron and Hermione were wishing her luck on her date with Phillip Edwards.
"Ginny! You truly look stunning!" Hermione then leaned into Ginny's ear and whispered, "I think this Phillip bloke is going to want to snog you the rest of the afternoon."
Ginny pulled back and chuckled as she gave Hermione a friendly slap on the arm, "You are terrible Hermione Granger. Who would have ever imagined that?"
Up on the balcony, Harry looked longingly at Ginny. How he wished it was him that was going out with her dressed like that. Harry felt more like a fool more than ever for having broken up with Ginny and for breaking her heart. Now there was a new bloke in her life and Merlin only knew when he would have a chance again to talk to her. To tell her how much he loved her.
Ginny stepped out of the portrait hole and Harry quickly went to his desk to take out the Maurauder's Map. He muttered, "I swear that I'm up to no good." The map then revealed as Ginny made her way down the corridor away from the head student tower. A few minutes later, he could see that Ginny was making her way over to McGonagall's office. Harry thought that McGonagall had made the condition of Phillip and Ginny meeting in McGonagall's office before leaving. He saw Ginny walk into McGonagall's office and then her footsteps face Phillip's. Harry could only imagine that they had kissed. Ginny was right there in McGonagall's office for a few minutes and then he saw that Phillip and Ginny walked out of the castle and then they disappeared.
"Ginny, you truly look stunning today" said Phillip smiling at Ginny and he put his arm around her waist.
"Thanks Phillip, you look smashing yourself" and Ginny smiled shyly.
"So, I was hoping you would like to go to a really nice place that I know outside in Aberdeen. It's actually a really nice restaurant in the magical part of town" responded Phillip.
"That sounds nice Phillip. I have never been anywhere out of Hogsmeade while I was at Hogwarts" replied Ginny.
Phillip then took her into his arms, gave her a gentle kiss on her lips and he disapparated them. Their feet touched the ground and Ginny looked around. They were definitely not in Hogsmeade. Ginny slowly spun around to look at her surroundings and Phillip smiled at her before taking her hand.
"Shall we go then Ginny?" asked Phillip and she nodded in response.
They walked into the restaurant and the hostess came up, "Phillip, how are you? It has been a while since you came."
Phillip nodded, "Yes, the last time I was here was to have a meeting for a potential beater for the Magpies."
"That's right Cynthia. How are things doing around here?" asked Phillip.
"They're getting busy" Cynthia then turned to Ginny with a warm smile, "Whose your friend here?"
Phillip smiled from Ginny to Cynthia, "This is Ginny Weasley. Believe it or not, she is also a chaser."
Cynthia smiled widely, "Merlin's beard! That is incredible! Do you also play professionally?"
Ginny shook her head, "No not yet. I will be signing a contract with the Holyhead Harpies when I'm finished with my studies at Hogwarts."
Cynthia furrowed her brow, "Knowning Professor McGonagall, you shouldn't be out of the school premises."
Ginny responded, "True but Professor McGongall gave Phillip and I permission to go out on a date today" said Ginny as she smiled up at Phillip and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.
Cynthia took a couple of menus and signaled to them, "Alright, would the two of you care to follow me to your table."
A few minutes later Phillip and Ginny thanked Cynthia and then they were alone at the table.
"I have a question for you Phillip, what in Merlin's name made you sit next to me that day at the Hog's Head?" asked Ginny.
Phillip grinned, "Well, I was wondering what a beautiful girl such as yourself was doing all by herself. Surely you had to have a boyfriend or at least to be waiting for one."
"I did, I broke up with a him a few days before. I wasn't feeling my best at the time."
The waiter then came to their table, "What would the gentleman and lady care to drink this afternoon?"
Phillip look towards Ginny, "What would you like to drink? Perhaps a firewhiskey?" he asked playfully with a grin.
Ginny giggled and shook her head, "No, I think I'll have some white wine this time."
Phillip turned from Ginny to the waiter, "We'll have white wine thanks." The waiter gave a curt nod and left the table.
Phillip smiled back at Ginny and took her hand in his and kissed her fingertips before saying, "Ginny, please allow me to say that you look very beautiful today."
Ginny smiled sheepishly and looked down at the table before looking back up at Phillip with a blush across her cheeks, "Thanks Phillip. You look rather dashing yourself."
The waiter came poured their wine and took their order, "What will the lady be having this evening?" asked the waiter.
Ginny looked at the menu and said, " I will be having grilled oregano and basil chicken with steamed vegetables" as she looked up at the waiter.
"Very well" said the waiter as he noted her order on his pad and then turned towards Phillip and asked, "And what would the gentleman like?"
"I will have steamed lobster tail with vegetables in rosemary sauce" said Phillip closing his menu and giving it back to the waiter.
"Very well sir. Your meal will apparate on your plates in a few minutes" said the waiter before disapparating from the spot.
Within minutes, the meal apparated on their plates in front of them. Phillip and Ginny continued to talk, laugh, tell stories and to get to know each other better throughout their meal.
"So your twin brothers always told your mother they were the other?" asked Phillip in disbelief.
Ginny nodded as she giggled, "Yes, they even did that with teachers at Hogwarts. Sometimes they even went to the other's class. I have to admit, it was rather amusing when the school found out. Even if it got them in loads of trouble and plenty of times in detention."
"I suppose I was rather busy with Quidditch and my studies at the time. However, I do remember the one time where a friend of mine in his seventh year told me that your brothers tried using an aging potion to put their names into the Tri-Wizard competition cup" said Phillip remembering.
"Yes, that was a disaster for them. They eventually grew beards and looked just as old as Dumbledore" said Ginny and the two of them laughed at the thought.
When they were done with their meal, Phillip paid for it and they left the restaurant hand in hand.
"Would you like to go for a walk in a nearby park? I used to walk there with my parents every Saturday when I was on Summer holiday from Hogwarts" said Phillip smiling down at Ginny.
"That would be nice" answered Ginny smiling back at Phillip, "Did you go anywhere on holiday during the Summer?"
Phillip nodded, "Yes, every Summer we go to Greece. My great-grandparents were from Greece."
Ginny then looked at Phillip with curiosity as they walked into the park, "Do you speak any greek?"
Phillip smiled a bit and said, "I do, I only wish I spoke it better. My mother's side of the family is from Greece. I don't get to practice my greek very much because we only go in the Summertime. However, my mother encourages me to speak greek with my many cousins. As odd as it may seem, I'm an only child. It is common in greek families to have several children."
"Blimey! So what were your family to think if they met mine. My three older brothers are already married. Then there's my brother George and my brother Ron. Last but not least, me" said Ginny and she gave a shy smile.
Phillip grinned, "Well, how about that. You also come from a big family. I'm sure my family will like that." He suddenly took her in his arms and the next thing that Ginny knew was that they had disapparated into what she saw was a garden.
Ginny looked around in surprise and then pulled away from Phillip, "Oh, this is beautiful Phillip. What park is this?"
Phillip walked up to her and took her again in his arms, "This is not a park Ginny. This is my family's estate. It belongs to Count John Edwards."
"Who is Count John Edwards, may I inquire?" asked Ginny looking back up at Phillip.
Phillip smiled, "That's my father."
Ginny slightly pulled away and looked straight into Phillip's eyes to search for some kind of truth. She couldn't believe that she liked a handsome chaser who was to become a future count. If things worked out in a good way later on, she could possibly become the future Countess Ginny Edwards.
"The Count is your father?" asked Ginny still surprised.
Phillip nodded, "Yes, and this is one of his many homes. This is Edwards House" and Phillip nodded towards the huge and stately home.
"That looks a little bit like Windsor Castle" replied Ginny as she looked up at the house.
"You see, my father is a a distant cousin of the queen" answered Phillip looking down at Ginny.
She turned around to look back up at Phillip and said, "Merlin's beard! To add to that, you are a chaser for the Magpies."
Phillip giggled and smiled at Ginny, "That sounds about right Ginny."
Before Ginny could say anything, Phillip leaned down and gave Ginny a lingering kiss on the lips. It was a kiss that soon grew passionate. Ginny had never imagined that she would come to meet such a good-looking and successful aristocrat. For the first time since she separated from Harry, she was beginning to feel that strong burning desire towards the young man who held her in his arms. She felt his tongue lick her lips and she unconsciously opened her mouth and before she knew it, their tongues were dancing with desire. With a desire that made Ginny feel close to Phillip and she wanted more of him. She felt that she couldn't get enough of him. She was so taken by his kisses that she had never noticed that the breeze had slightly grown cooler. Ginny began to feel Phillip's warm hands begin to roam all over her back. Ginny was even surprised that she had softly moaned into their open-mouthed kisses. Her hands made their way up from his neck and into his hair, longing to hold him there, feeling his searing kisses against her lips.
Phillip then gently pulled away and they were panting. Phillip then said looking into Ginny's eyes who were now glazing with desire, "Ginny, we should go inside. It has gotten rather cooler out here. Would you care to come in for a warm cup of tea?"
Ginny responded, "I would love some, thanks" and she gave Phillip a quick kiss on the lips.
They walked inside and Ginny was surprised at the luxury of the house. Inside was renaissance furniture and there were armors and draperies of the period throughout the house. In an odd way, it reminded her of Hogwarts. If she ever married Phillip, this is where she would want to live, it would feel like being back at Hogwarts.
"Your house is very lovely" exclaimed Ginny as she looked around.
Phillip then led them into a two-story sitting room, "Thanks, this is my favourite house of them all. It reminds me of Hogwarts and it's also located here in Scotland."
Ginny smiled up at Phillip, "Really? It does look very much like Hogwarts."
"Jimpy!" called Phillip and an elf appeared.
"Master Phillip called Jimpy. How may I serve you sir?" asked the elf.
"Please bring us some tea Jimpy" ordered Phillip a calm voice.
"Yes sir" and Jimpy bowed before he disappeared.
Ginny started to look around and she found an old marble vase in a corner and looked at it.
"That vase and the one over there" said Phillip signaling to the other corner, "Were a wedding gift to my parents from one of my mother's cousins in Greece."
"They are lovely" said Ginny as she looked closely.
Just then Jimpy apparated and put the silver tea service on the coffee table. Phillip turned around and said, "Thank you Jimpy, you may go."
"Yes sir, thank you sir" and Jimpy bowed as he disappeared.
Ginny took a cup and saucer and then sat down on one of the couches. She then turned to look out one of the windows to look at the flowers in the fields in front of the house. She had never been in such a beautiful house.
"This is a very beautiful house" finally said Ginny turning back to look at Phillip before taking a sip of her tea.
"Thanks" answered Phillip before he took a sip of his tea. "Would you like to see the rest of the house?"
Ginny nervously shook her head and took another sip of tea before answering, "No, that's alright. What if the count comes home soon?"
Phillip shook his head, "This isn't his main residence. He lives in another house outside of London."
"Oh" said Ginny with a surprised expression on her face. She wasn't sure why but she quickly found out that Phillip wanted to have some time alone with her. She didn't mind it either. Having been at Hogwarts all by herself in the last week, she found herself missing Phillip and wishing that she could be with him. This surprised Ginny as well because she didn't feel like this before when she was with Ernie. She didn't mind being apart from Ernie even if she had grown fond of him. However, Ginny noticed that she felt differently around Phillip. She found herself wanting to truly be with Phillip.
Phillip smiled, put his teacup down, took Ginny's teacup and put it down as well on the table. Phillip then put his arms around her small waist and said, "I hope you don't mind much that we are here alone."
Ginny quickly shook her head as she looked into Phillip's eyes. Phillip then stood up and extended his hand out to her. She took it and got up from where she sat. "How about I show you around the house."
Ginny finally gave him a small smile and said, "Oh, alright then."
Phillip continued to show Ginny the entire house, including the kitchens and they even met some elves along the way. Phillip then continued to show Ginny the second floor where the sitting room was. Ginny noticed two huge doors and she pulled away from Phillip's hand to go open it.
"I imagine that this must be your parents' bedroom" said Ginny as she peered into the sitting room from the door.
Phillip smiled and chuckled as he walked up next to Ginny, "No Ginny, actually, this is my bedroom suite."
Ginny turned back around to look at Phillip in surprise, "Really? It's your bedroom suite?" and Ginny suddenly blushed a crimson red.
Phillip nodded, "Yes it is" as she leaned her back against the door frame and Phillip leaned in by putting his hand on the door frame's arch beside Ginny. "Did you like seeing the house Ginny?"
Ginny smiled sheepishly and looked down at the floor before looking back up at him, "Yes, it was as lovely as I imagined it. It did remind me quite a bit of Hogwarts."
Phillip leaned in to where his lips were inches from her lips and whispered, "I'm happy that you liked it beautiful."
"Beautiful?"
Phillip then said, "You don't mind if I call you beautiful do you? I mean you are truly a very beautiful young woman."
Ginny was speechless, she could feel his warm breath on her lips and it was starting to make her burn with desire for him. How she longed now that he would kiss her. Ginny quickly looked down at his lips before looking back up at his piercing blue eyes. When she looked back at them, she could see that they were dark, burning with desire for her as well. Suddenly, Phillip moved in closer and gave Ginny a soft and lingering kiss. The next thing that Ginny knew was that they were sharing a passionate kiss together and she felt his hands come around her waist as he drew her closer to him.
After what seemed like a long time, Phillip and Ginny pulled away from their passionate kiss and she said, "You truly have a lovely home Phillip."
Phillip smiled gently swayed Ginny in his arms, "Thanks beautiful. I'm happy to see that you liked the house." Phillip then asked, "Now tell me one thing beautiful, did you have a good time?"
Ginny smiled back up at Phillip and looked into his blue crystalline eyes, "I had a wonderful time and much fun handsome."
Phillip giggled, "So now I'm handsome to you."
Ginny then with arched brows asked, "You don't mind much do you?"
Phillip slowly shook his head and moved a couple of her hairs behind her ear, "No beautiful, you can call me whatever you wish." Phillip looked down at Ginny once more and gave her a lingering kiss on her soft rosy lips. There they stood until they pulled apart.
Ginny noticed then that Phillip opened his mouth but seemed uncertain of what he wanted to say so Ginny asked him, "What is it Phillip? Is everything alright?" she said as she slightly pulled back as she put her hands on his chest. Ginny was beginning to feel the heat within her body at the feel of his strong muscled chest. She often wondered what it actually looked like. One thing was for certain, she felt more than safe in Phillip's arms. How she had yearned to feel the manly arms of a young man around her to keep her warm and loved. Phillip did just that and that was one of the many things that Ginny liked about having Phillip in her life.
"Ginny? Can I tell you something?" said Phillip with a nervous tone to his voice.
Ginny slowly nodded her head and said as she put her hand on his cheek, "Yes, what is it Phillip?"
"Ginny, I know I have only seen you a couple of times but I was taken by your beauty from the first time I saw you. You are not only beautiful but smart. Not to mention, you are also funny. Ginny, what I wanted to say was that I have fallen in love with you Ginny. Ginny, I love you" said Phillip. There it was. He had finally professed his love to the lovely young girl who was in his arms. His heart was now on his sleeve and he hoped that Ginny would return his love.
Ginny sighed peacefully and smiled up at Philip, "Oh Phillip, I never thought this would happen to me. I thought that I would never find love again. My heart was so shattered that I never thought I would be able to love again. Phillip, today you showed me that it is possible to love again. Phillip, I love you too."
The entire time that Ginny was giving her response to him, Phillip had silently held his breath to see what Ginny would say and she too had admitted that she loved him too. Phillip let out a breath of relief and smiled. He couldn't resist anymore and he leaned down to kiss Ginny once more. This time he kissed her more passionately than ever. He kissed her, trying to show his love for her. He wanted to show her that he loved her very much. Phillip gently licked her lips and she submitted to him by opening her mouth. There they stood with open-mouthed kisses as their tongues soon found each other and they began to taste each other again. Phillip could taste the hint of tea and wine in her mouth. Her lips and mouth had never tasted sweeter to him.
They finally pulled away after several minutes of passionate kissing and they were panting. When Phillip finally caught his breath he said, "Oh my beautiful Ginny. How I love you with all my heart."
Ginny gave him a shy smile and nodded, "And I love you Phillip."
Phillip took a peek at his watch before saying, "My beautiful Ginny, it's about time I took you back to Hogwarts or McGonagall won't ever let me take you out again."
Ginny giggled and dug her face into Phillips chest and he kissed her head tenderly. She then looked back up at Phillip, "Oh alright, let's go. Don't want to get in trouble or expelled from Hogwarts."
Philip then said, "So I love you and you love me so I suppose that makes us boyfriend and girlfriend."
Ginny smiled widely, "Wow! I'm Phillip Edwards' girlfriend. I can't believe it."
Philip swiftly slid a finger in Ginny's nose and said, "Well, you better believe it Ms. Weasley." Then he pulled back and put his arm around Ginny's waist to walk her to the entrance hall and said, "Come on beautiful, we better go."
There he took her into his arms, gave her one last kiss and he apparated them to the front of the Hogwarts gates. When they reapparated, there was McGonagall waiting for them as she glanced down at her watch. The two of them turned around to see McGonagall before them and they pulled apart.
McGonagall took out her wand and cast the necessary spells in order to open the gate and said, "Thank you for being responsible as usual Mr. Edwards." She then turned to Ginny and said, "Come in Ms. Weasley, time to go back."
Ginny turned around and gave Phillip a kiss on his cheek before walking through the gates and then she turned around to look at him one last time before her image disappeared behind the castle gates.
McGonagall then looked down at Ginny and said, "I trust you had a pleasant outing Ms. Weasley?"
Ginny nodded her head, "I did and thank you for allowing it professor."
McGonagall then left to go back to her office while Ginny lingered along on her way up to the head student tower. Once she walked into the portrait hole, Hermione walked quickly to her and asked her a lot of questions.
"Ginny! How was your date with Phillip? What did you do? Where did you go?" asked Hermione with anticipation.
Ginny only giggled, put her arm around her shoulders and led her to her bedroom. Ginny didn't notice but Harry looked up from his NEWTs studying and caught sight of her as she walked past his door with Hermione.
Harry discreetly made his way over to Ginny's door and stood just outside of it as Ginny began to tell Hermione all about her date.
"Hermione! It was wonderful! First we went to eat in Aberdeen, then we walked in the park. Then we apparated to his parents' home here in Scotland. There we aparated to the house's garden and he kissed me. The garden was so beautiful with flowers. The house even looks like Hogwarts from the outside and inside as well!" said Ginny excitedly.
"Blimey! So he took you to his house in Scotland?" asked Hermione happily with a wide smile on her face.
"Yes, and you know what else?" said Ginny.
"What?" asked Hermione with anticipation in her voice again.
"He's a future count. His father is a distant cousin of the queen herself and his mother's side of the family is from Greece. He also speaks Greek and he goes to Greece every Summer!" replied Ginny.
"So that means that you might become a countess some day?" asked Hermione after gasping in surprise.
"Yes, and the best part is that he told me that he loves me and that I love him too" answered Ginny.
Harry felt the heavy knot of pain in his chest and he began to feel light-headed. He couldn't believe it that his beloved Ginny had fallen in love with another young man. A young man who was well off and had a family. Harry couldn't bare the pain in his chest anymore so he walked back into his study, closed the door, walked into his bedroom, sat in a chair and let his face fall into his hands in frustration. He didn't know what to do, whether to scream or cry.
Back in Ginny's study, Ginny then said, "I don't know Hermione but when the time comes and if he proposes, I will certainly marry him!"