The next three weeks passed quickly, and Harry and Ginny resumed their close friendship as if they hadn't been apart for a year. Ginny had her interview at the Muggle Liasion office on the Thursday after Caleb's birthday party and was offered the job, to start the following Monday. Molly prepared a huge dinner to celebrate her daughter's success, so naturally Harry was invited. Caleb, who happened to be visiting the twins at WWW when Molly firecalled, was also included and accepted.
Harry took her out the next night, to a Muggle restaurant and the cinema, something the two usually did in the summer holidays, ever since Harry's mother had taken them to see some animated movie when they were little. The incident at the gazebo wasn't mentioned by either of them, although it was certainly on each other's minds.
Saturday saw them take little Teddy to Brighton to enjoy a day at the beach. Tonks was glad of the respite, for she was pregnant again, and not having an easy time. Remus was grateful to the two of them for allowing Tonks to rest, as Teddy was quite a rambunctious little boy, often encouraged by Sirius and James.
They'd been to the aquarium adjoining the fun park, then decided to go for an early lunch before a swim. Fish and chips was the obvious choice, although Teddy only ate a few chips. He seemed to find it more fun to throw his chips to the seagulls that congregated around them.
"Go chase them, Teddy," encouraged Ginny, but the boy looked doubtful. Ginny stood. "Watch me." She took off running towards the flock, waving her arms and squwacking, making the flock scatter quickly, while Harry laughed so hard. Teddy loved it, and took off after her, copying her. When they had all flown away, Ginny picked Teddy up, swinging him around and praising him for getting rid of the pesky gulls.
They raced back to Harry, with Teddy of course winning, jumping straight into Harry's waiting outstretched arms. Ginny flopped at their side, puffing and panting. Teddy then hopped onto her back and pretended to ride her like a horse.
They sat contentedly, watching Teddy scare the seagulls that dared to come back, and the other beachgoers. Soon enough Ginny decided enough time had passed and it was time for a swim. Harry just needed to remove his tee, then help Teddy get ready. He discreetly cast a sunblock charm on the boy and himself before turning to see if Ginny was ready.
She had removed her tee shirt and denim shorts and shook her hair out, before tying it up in a bun. Harry could clearly see all her new curves out on display in the yellow bikini she wore and his fingers itched to undo the ties at her neck and on each hipbone.
Teddy brought him back to his senses, eager to go for a swim. Harry and Ginny each took a hand and led him down to the water. They helped him jump over the waves and Harry took him in his arms as they walked into slightly deeper water. Ginny swam around the two, popping herself over Harry's body to play peekaboo with Teddy. Her hands were on his arms, his waist, his shoulders, then she rested her chin on his shoulders, her nearly naked body pressed against his back. He felt an reaction in his board shorts, so he hurriedly handed Teddy to Ginny then swam to deeper water.
He willed his body to relax as he swam around, enjoying the warm day and cool water. Glancing over he saw Ginny encourage Teddy into the water and to kick his legs. Teddy laughed at the splashes he was making and Ginny laughed at his enjoyment.
Watching them, Harry realised this was all he ever wanted, this here was his future. Ginny, a child, laughter...love.
They were gesturing for him to join him and as his body had returned to normal, so he swam over to them, and Teddy practically leaped into his arms.
"He loves you so much," said Ginny softly.
"The feeling is entirely mutual," admitted Harry, holding Teddy safely in the water and helping him float.
"You're going to make a great father," she said, before swimming off for a little alone time for herself.
Teddy got fussy after a few more minutes, so Harry called out to Ginny that they were going in. Ginny nodded and held up her hand, indicating five more minutes.
Harry towel dried Teddy, then himself, and put their tee shirts on. They shared an orange, then Harry looked up to see where Ginny was. To his dismay, she was chatting and laughing with some beefcake in the water. As Harry watched, Ginny handed back the inflatable ball he had come over for and he left. Harry let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. He rubbed his chest, wondering if she should go to St Mungo's to get it checked out. It seemed to bother him more and more these days.
As she walked up the beach, Teddy left Harry to run to Ginny. She picked him up and carried him back to Harry. Harry tried not to watch her towel dry herself but found it near impossible. Seeing her hands caress her own skin was making him tongue tied, but luckily Teddy wasn't after conversation.
They packed up their gear and headed home, with Teddy practically asleep in Harry's arms by the time they Flooed into the Lupin's. Ginny told Tonks about their day while Remus accompanied Harry to Teddy's room to put him down in his bed.
"Thanks for this, Harry. Tonks really needed the rest, and I didn't want to leave her," said Remus.
"Anytime, Remus," offered Harry. "Gin and I had as much fun as Teddy did." They left Teddy's door ajar as they headed back to the lounge.
Ginny was telling Tonks about her new job. Both she and Remus wished Ginny well before Harry and Ginny left.
The next couple of weeks were spent together as much as possible, although usually with their friends. They'd hung out at Longbottom Manor one night with Neville and Luna, or Ginny joined his family was dinner. Both Lily and Caleb monopolised Ginny's time, asking about her new job. She and Harry had joined Angelina, George and Katie Bell at a Quidditch match to cheer on Oliver Wood. The days were going by, happy days being together, like they used to do.
Only now Harry didn't want to say goodbye to her at the end of the night, but still didn't know how to tell her. He'd get tongue tied at the thought of telling her, and then wondered if they'd ruin their friendship if she didn't return his feelings.
They'd taken to eating lunch together when their schedules aligned. Unfortunately, this particular days was one of the days it hadn't, but Harry was passing the café they usually ate at on his way to do his errand and he looked in and saw Ginny and Caleb inside, sharing lunch. As Harry watched, Caleb laughed and Ginny reached over and grabbed his hands, leaving hers on top of his.
Had he been wrong about everything? Did Ginny have those kind of feelings for his brother? Rubbing his chest again, and not wanting to see anymore, Harry hurried away.
/*/*/*/*
"Ginny, hey, mind if i I join you?"
Ginny looked up from the Muggle newspaper she'd been reading and broke into a smile. "Caleb, hi...of course, please," she gestured to the seat opposite her.
"No Harry today?" he asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. It was hard to get her by herself these days. She and Harry were as thick as thieves, like always.
Ginny shook her head. "No, something big is happening in the Quidditch world, so he sent me a memo to say he had to work through his lunch break."
"Ah, that's too bad. Hey, I'm going to order something, can I get you anything else?" he offered.
Ginny smiled and shook her head. "No, but thanks."
She watched him walk up to the counter. Sometimes, the similarities in his and Harry's movements made her falter, and this was one of those times. Just the way he stood, waiting for his change. He saw her watching and winked at her, making her blush.
"How's your new job working out?" he asked, when he returned.
"Good, really interesting. I got to go out in the field yesterday. The Muggles are worried about this Millenium bug, and the whole department has to have some training about it. My boss even got to go with the Minister for Magic and speak to the Muggle Prime Minister, Tony Blair about it."
"Millenium bug?" asked Caleb, puzzled.
Ginny nodded excitedly. "It's to do with their computers and electronics. Something about the numbers ending in zeroes, might make the computers stop working. If it does, it could affect their shops and banks as well as their businesses."
"Right," said Caleb, still unsure, but he could stare at her for ages when her eyes lit up like that.
"Listen, I'm glad you're here. I wanted to speak to you actually," she said.
"You did?" asked Caleb, perking up.
Ginny nodded. "I wanted to talk to you about Harry's birthday. It's next week, and I want to do something special for him."
Caleb shrugged. "We'll throw him a party at the manor like mine. Friends, family, cake, fireworks, problem solved, Gin," he said. He chuckled. "You know Harry loves family."
Ginny laughed and put her hands over his folded ones. "Oh Caleb, that is so not Harry. Yes, he likes having family and friends around, but he's not really the big party type. Did you forget his seventeenth? He hated it. No, I want to do something that he'll really like. Something small, intimate. Like a dinner with his closest friends, that's what I was thinking," she confided.
Caleb stared at her. "You really know him, don't you?" he realised.
Ginny laughed self consciously and pulled her hands away. "He's my best friend, has been for most of my life," she said.
"So who would you ask?" asked Caleb. He supposed it would be good for his future wife to be good friends with his brother.
"Well, you, me, Neville and Luna. I was also thinking about that Hermione girl, his penpal from Beauxbatons. Her parents live in England, but they all usually travel during the summer holidays. I thought, perhaps, she might be able to come to his birthday."
"Harry has a penpal?" asked Caleb, surprised.
Ginny chuckled at the look of surprise on his face. "Yes, it was part of our Muggle studies class, third year. Harry wrote to her and she wrote back. They've met before, here in Diagon Alley about two years ago. It would be a wonderful surprise for Harry if she could come," she said.
"You did Muggle studies too, didn't you? Who did you get as a penpal?" asked Caleb.
"I'm penpals with Gabrielle Delacour, which is rather ironic, seeing as how my brother just became engaged to her older sister, Fleur. They met through Gringott's," explained Ginny.
"Wow, small world. So, you, me, Neville, Luna, Harry and Hermione. Sounds like a nice little group," said Caleb.
Ginny didn't like how Caleb had partnered Harry and Hermione up, but it was probably just the way he'd rattled off the names.
"Yes well, I don't know Hermione's last name, so I was wondering if you could either ask Harry about it, without giving anything away, or go snooping in Harry's room for her letters to him," suggested Ginny.
Caleb saluted Ginny. "Auror Potter is on the case, ma'am. Stealth and Tracking was one of my best classes when I was a trainee," he said.
Ginny giggled. "Now, I was thinking of going to 'Amortentia', that new fancy place. What do you think? I'll need to book soon," she said.
Caleb whistled. "You're really going all out on this, aren't you?"
Ginny nodded. "He's my best friend, and I want him to know how special he is to me...to us," she quickly corrected, blushing.
Caleb's heart dropped. "Oh. That's...that's really nice." He wished her eyes shone like that for him, he realised. Well, they would when he finally surprised her by revealing his feelings to her.
Ginny looked worried. "What-do you think it's too much?"
Caleb shook his head. "No, he'll love it. Harry's a lucky guy." A very lucky guy.
Ginny covered his hands with her own again. "Great. So, when you find out this Hermione's last name, can you owl her, ask her to come for dinner on the thirty-first. It's a Saturday night, so it will be perfect. Dress will be formal, make sure you include that in your letter to her. I'll book the restaurant and owl Neville and Luna. Oh, this is going to be great," said Ginny excitedly.
"You might want to let my mum and dad know," warned Caleb, "you know what they're like with birthdays."
Ginny looked smug. "I already have. As far as Harry knows, you and your family are having Neville and his gran over for dinner on the thirtieth, to celebrate both Nev's and Harry's birthdays. So Harry will be free for our dinner on his actual birthday," she gloated.
"You've thought of everything," chuckled Caleb.
Ginny nodded. "Look, I have to go, my lunch hour is nearly over. Will you let me know if you hear back from this Hermione, and if she can make it? If not I'll ask Ron to fill in, although we really should have another girl. Is there anyone you fancy?" she asked innocently.
"Er, no, not really. Sort of, but, I haven't told her yet," he stammered. Merlin, his heart was racing!
"Oh, that's too bad. You're a really great guy, Caleb, any witch would be lucky to have you," said Ginny sympathetically, patting his arm. "Gotta go, but we'll talk soon, yeah?"
He watched her leave. How had he not realised how great Ginny was before this? She'd always just been his younger brother's best friend, the tag-a-long, as Fred and George used to call them both. In the summer you wouldn't see Harry without Ginny, and vice versa. Same as at Hogwarts, he realised, even though they were in different years.
Caleb stood and left the café. What to do now? If he was going to pursue Ginny he needed to step up his efforts? She seemed to spend every spare moment with Harry, but maybe this Hermione could distract Harry, leaving Ginny free to spend time with him. With that idea in mind, he resolved to find this Hermione's last name and owl her as soon as possible.
/*/*/*/*
"Are you sure about this, Caleb?" asked Harry, nervously pulling at his tie. "Ginny said to dress like this?"
Caleb spread his arms wide. "Hey, I'm dressed just like you. Trust me, or better yet, trust Ginny. She's your best friend, right?"
Harry nodded. "I just don't know why she didn't say anything about this to me," he said, pulling at his tie again.
"Leave it alone, it looks fine. Hey, there it is," said Caleb, pointing.
Harry's jaw dropped open. " 'Amortenitia'? We're going to 'Amortentia's' for dinner? It's like, the hottest place in town right now. Practically impossible to get a reservation."
Caleb nodded. "Don't look at me, this was all her idea." He had spotted Ginny up ahead, talking with Luna and Neville.
She turned and her face lit up when she saw Harry. "Harry! Happy Birthday!" she cried, walking to hug him tightly.
Harry and Caleb had both started when she turned, and her face lit up. She looked stunning, with her lavender gown and wrap. She was wearing heels and her hair was styled off her face. She wore more makeup than she usually did on her night outs, and the effect was dramatic.
"You look so handsome," she said to Harry, as she fixed his tie so he could actually breathe. He couldn't take his eyes off her. "You both do," she amended, smiling conspiritually at Caleb.
"Hello, Harry. Happy day of birth. I sent a bouquet of Floriblunders to your mum this morning, to thank her for the gift of you," said Luna, hugging him.
"Yes, she was quite surprised, but said to say thank you," said Harry, exchanging an amused look with Caleb. Lily Potter had been quite bemused to get flowers from Luna, but James had agreed, their son's birthdays were also Lily's day.
"Hello again, mate. Happy Birthday," grinned Neville, whom had spent the previous evening at the Potters. "Here, it's a voucher to spend at any shop in Diagon Alley. Hope you like it," he said, handing it over.
"Thanks, Nev, I love it," said Harry enthusiastically. He was already trying to decide between Quality Quidditch Supplies and Flourish and Blott's.
"Part of your present from me and Caleb is inside," giggled Ginny. "I'll give you the rest the next time I see you."
"Gin, you've given me enough," protested Harry. "Hedwig woke me early with my nice new quill, then lunch time was the Honeydukes chocolates, all my favourites of course. Now dinner? Ginny, no more, really," he laughed.
She hugged him again, and that was all Harry really wanted – Ginny Weasley, in his arms, on his arm. "Dinner isn't what I meant, although we are paying for your meal. And it's never enough to want to spoil your best friend. Now, come on, my surprise for you is waiting."
She threaded her arm through his, letting Caleb lead the way, with Neville and Luna following them. Caleb gave her name to the maitré d, and he checked his list and lead them to a table, where a young witch was already seated.
"Harry!" She stood.
"Hermione? Is that really you?" asked Harry, dumbfounded. He rounded the table to hug her. "I can't believe you're here! How, who -?" He looked at Ginny and Caleb. "You guys did this?"
Ginny nodded and Harry came around to hug both his brother and Ginny. "This is so great, thank you."
Caleb held out his hand to Hermione. " Caleb Potter," he introduced huskily, unable to take his eyes off her. As their hands met, a spark was felt, making them both start uneasily as they looked at each other.
"Ahem, if you would all please be seated," requested the waiter, who then began to fill their drinks.
Harry found himself seated between Hermione and Ginny. The former smiled as Harry performed introductions. When it came to introducing Ginny, Hermione beamed.
"Oh, Harry always writes me about you, his best friend. This is so great of you to invite me to be here tonight, thank you so much," she gushed.
Harry took Ginny's hand and squeezed it. "Didn't I tell you Ginny is the best," he asked Hermione, rhetorically, but she nodded anyway.
"Oh, I nearly forgot. Happy Birthday," said Hermione, handing over two brightly wrapped presents.
"Hermione, you didn't have to," said Harry, opening the first. "Wow, a new broomstick servicing kit. Brilliant, I needed one," he said.
Ginny's smile wavered, for she had brought Harry one herself. Caleb put his hand over hers and patted it, smiling sympathetically. Nobody seemed to notice but Hermione.
"Oh, wow, 'The Authorised Biography of Viktor Krum', " read Harry, as he unwrapped her second gift. "This hasn't even been released in England yet!" he exclaimed.
"Yes, well, I know him, you see, and I told him you like to play Seeker, and he plays Seeker, so –"
"Hermione, Viktor Krum doesn't just play Seeker, he's the world's best Seeker," clarified Harry, flicking through the book.
Hermione shrugged. "Well, I asked him for a copy for you for your birthday. Here, look, he even signed it for you," she pointed.
Caleb, Harry and Ginny gasped as Harry held the book up to show them all. "From one Seeker to another, Happy Birthday, Harry," read Hermione, pleased that her gift was proving a winner.
"That's Viktor Krum's autograph, right there," squeaked Ginny, impressed.
Hermione nodded. "He's a bit of a messy writer, I'm afraid, but it's definitely his signature."
Harry hugged her again, overwhelmed with his gifts. "Thanks, they're both amazing."
Ginny swallowed her jealousy. The gift, both actually, were amazing, and she was happy Harry was so happy. "Shall we order?" she suggested, picking up her menu.
"Great, I'm starved," said Harry, picking up his menu. "Er, I haven't heard of some of these dishes," he said. Neville appeared to be having the same trouble, judging by the furrow in his brow.
"Here, I can help you. Some of these dishes are European," said Hermione, shifting her chair so it was closer to Harry's. She began to speak fluent French, and Caleb stared at her in admiration as she conversed with the waiter.
Caleb was mesmerised by Hermione. From what he could remember, Hermione was a year older than Harry and her parents were Muggles, so her magical abilities had been quite a surprise. Hermione had chosen to attend Beauxbatons rather than Hogwarts, but usually returned to England briefly during the summer holidays and occasionally, Christmas. She was now based at the French ministry.
"Yes, I know both Fleur and Gabrielle," said Hermione, when Ginny asked her. "Gabrielle is going into her last year, I believe."
Ginny nodded.
"Is it true that there is a herd of Heliopaths at Beauxbatons?" asked Luna.
Hermione turned confused eyes to Luna. "No, of course not. They don't even exist," she laughed.
"Oh, they do," assured Luna. "My father did an article about them."
Neville grinned at Harry as the two witches began to discuss the many creatures in the wizarding world. Hermione seemed unsure if Luna was teasing her, but the blonde witch seemed genuine.
"Okay?" whispered Ginny, leaning over to ask him as their first meals were delivered.
"Brilliant. This whole night, with my best friends, it's all I wanted," he said.
"Good," said Ginny.
"Want some?" he offered.
Ginny screwed up her nose. "Not snails, Harry."
"Snails? I thought Hermione ordered, erm, escargot?" asked Harry.
"Which is snails, Harry, cooked snails. Enjoy," toasted Ginny, grinning.
Harry smiled weakly at Ginny, then shot a look at Hermione, who had ordered the same as him. She put some in her mouth and swallowed. "Mmm, delicious."
Harry felt like he was going to be sick, and was quite aware of Caleb and Ginny watching him in amusement.
"Go on, Harry, they're cooked perfectly," prodded Hermione.
"Yes, do go on, Harry," encouraged Ginny, mischeivously. Caleb snorted. Harry shot them both dirty looks.
"I've decided to become vegan. I don't think it's right to devour any creatures," said Luna.
Most of them had their forks poised at their mouths when Luna made her comments, but it made them pause.
Ginny and Neville looked amused as Hermione and Luna discussed passionately the virtues of veganism and animals raised for slaughter to eat.
Harry sighed, pushing away his entrée, wondering what on earth Hermione had ordered for him for his main meal!
It was a lively dinner, and Harry really enjoyed himself. Hermione dominated the conversation, telling about her schooling and now her job at the French ministry. Caleb hung on her every word, the way she laughed, the way she talked, so confident, so smart. He sighed.
Finally the dinner was over. They were all walking to the Apparition point, with Luna and Hermione now discussing Nargles.
"So, can I see you tomorrow?" asked Ginny to Harry.
"Sure, I invited Hermione to lunch at the manor tomorrow. I thought mum and dad would like to meet her. You're welcome to join us," offered Harry.
"No, it's fine. Tomorrow night, then?" she asked, disappointed but hopeful.
"Oh, erm, Hermione's parents have asked me to join them for dinner at theirs. Should be interesting, she's an interesting girl, isn't she?" asked Harry.
"Yes, yes she is. So, I guess I'll see you Monday at work," she said optimistically. "Or will Hermione be there, too?" she added bitterly.
Harry looked surprised. "No, why would Hermione be there. Listen, we'll talk Monday at lunch. And Gin, thanks for all this. You're the best," he said, his heart full.
She hugged him back. "Yeah, I am," she said cheekily, regretting her jealous outburst. She kissed his cheek. "Go on, have a good day tomorrow."
"Sure you won't come over tomorrow?" he asked, wanting her there.
Ginny shook her head. "No, enjoy your time with Hermione, she'll be going back to France soon and you'll be back to being penpals."
"Come on, you two," called Neville.
They joined their friends who all agreed it had been a good night. Hermione thanked them for all making her feel so welcome to their group, then one by one, they Apparated to their homes.