The Fume of Sighs
Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs;
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers eyes;
Being vex'd, a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears
Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene I
The morning of Harry's birthday started just great. A still sleepy Ginny had called him with the two-way mirror to congratulate him. She had told him she loved him and blown kisses at him, all while struggling to keep her oversized tee-shirt on her shoulders. He could definitely get used to Ginny Weasley in the morning. He prepared a letter requesting reassignment, stating the reason as romantic involvement with the mark. He then took the letter to Grimmauld Place to hand it over to Tonks. He had the day off because of his birthday. He found her just finishing a conversation with Ginny over the Floo.
"Congratulations Harry," Tonks said effusively, kissing him on the cheek, "and not just for your birthday."
"Why is that?" Sirius asked as he came into the room. He walked towards Harry and gave him a hug.
"Harry and Ginny are officially an item. I'm so happy for them," Tonks announced giddily.
"And you turned in a nice profit in the process," Remus said laughing, as he too came into the room and congratulated Harry with a hug.
"You know that's not the reason," Tonks said indignantly to Remus.
"But it doesn't hurt either," Harry added with a sly smile.
Tonks looked at Harry, and once she was sure he was just teasing, smiled back at him, "Well, yes. The Galleons don't hurt either. Ginny called for me to be her minder while she buys you a present, and insisted I spend some of my winnings on you as well."
"I'm bringing you proof, so you can collect," Harry said holding up his request for reassignment and handing it to her.
Tonks gave the letter a quick read. "Until this is approved by Shacklebolt and a new bodyguard is assigned, you're still officially her bodyguard. I don't foresee a problem with Arthur or Kingsley allowing the two of you to go out without additional Auror protection, meanwhile just use your judgement. Is that clear?"
"As day," Harry replied.
"I never expected things to move so far so fast," Remus said cautiously to Harry. "You might want to reconsider the advice I gave you a week ago."
Harry had not spared a thought to the Chamber the past week, and apparently Ginny hadn't either. She hadn't made any more comments about them knowing each other. All their thoughts had been on the present and on the future. What had happened there was special, and he had been too young to fully understand it, but he was afraid it would make Ginny feel she owed him something when she truly didn't. "I'll have to think about a way to bring it up," he replied.
After Harry and Tonks left, Remus and Sirius looked at each other nervously.
"You will have to tell him," Remus said with a gloomy expression. "It's like they are meant for each other."
Sirius got up and paced pulling at his hair. "Damn Dumbledore and his memory charms. I should have never let him talk me into it."
-0-0-0-
Harry looked at himself one last time in the mirror. The hair, as always, was hopeless, so he gave it up and put a splash of cologne on his face and neck. He was wearing khaki slacks, a white oxford shirt without a tie, gray tweed blazer, and black dress shoes. Five minutes before nine o'clock he Apparated in front of Ginny and Gaby's flat, knocked on the door and Gaby opened. She was wearing a blue dress that emphasized her more noticeable attributes. The rest of her was not bad either.
"You look fabulous, Gaby," Harry said sincerely. "Who's the lucky guy?"
"Brad is on some assignment, so tonight I'm free to prowl," she said with a twinkle in her blue eyes. "Happy birthday, Harry," she added pecking him on the cheek.
"Thanks. You'll get plenty of prey with that dress," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"So, you do find me attractive," Gaby said suggestively.
Harry had to smile at her good humoured persistence. "I'm afraid I've found more attractive metal."
"Oh, yes. Red metal, I believe."
Just then Ginny made her entrance and Harry's mind went completely blank. She had on a knee length black jersey dress that hugged her body. It was sleeveless and had two thin straps that left her delicious looking neck and shoulders fully accessible. For the first time he noticed a smattering of freckles on her shoulders and upper chest. She wore black silk tights, and high heeled shoes. She approached Harry with a radiant smile, and a now well-practiced gentle sway of the hips. Her hair was made up in a ballerina bun with wavy tendrils going down the side of her face. She pecked Harry lightly on the lips.
"Happy birthday, Harry," she said as she handed him a wrapped present. "I hope you like it. I racked my brain trying to think of something to get you, but this seemed the most significant thing I could give you."
"Thank you, Ginny. Should I open it?"
"Please."
Harry quickly tore the wrapping and took out the present. It was a framed and matted ticket of the Harpies-Harrier's game. The ticket art featured a magic picture of Ginny flying and doing a barrel roll. The date and place of the game was featured prominently; July 29, 2001, Holyhead Stadium, Wales.
"That's the date and the place where I finally realized I couldn't deny anymore that I loved you, Harry," Ginny said swallowing thickly.
Harry was speechless. He simply leaned into Ginny keeping his hands to his sides, and kissed her slowly and gently until the sniffing sounds made by Gaby brought him back to reality.
"Che bacio sottil! Che amore ardente!" Gaby said between watery sniffs.
Harry saw her mascara start to run, and he felt a wave affection for Gaby. He hugged her chastely, "Who would have thought you were such a romantic?" he said laughing. He was promptly joined in his laugh by Ginny.
"I'm Italian, remember?" she protested. "Look at what you two made me do. I'll have to do my makeup again. Give me a couple of minutes," she said as she walked to her room.
Once she was gone, Harry spoke. "Your present is brilliant, Ginny. I love it more that I can say."
"I'm so happy you liked it," she replied with a smile.
"You look... angelic, today," Harry said with emotion.
Ginny giggled. It was a most wonderful sound. "You're still coming up with adjectives, Harry?"
"It's really easy, actually... when you're around," Harry said truthfully.
Gaby returned to the living room, and after Harry shrunk and pocketed his present, the three of them apparated to the designated point outside Trismegistus. They walked around to the front, where a long queue of people was waiting to be let in by the haughty looking doorman.
"This place is packed," Harry complained, "It'll be a while before we can get in."
Ginny and Gaby laughed. "This is where it pays to be famous and well known," Ginny said.
"As opposed to just being famous," Gaby added giving Harry a piteous look, before smirking at him.
Both women confidently strode to the door with Harry in tow. Several of the people in the queue recognized Ginny and Gaby and called out their names holding out pieces of parchment asking for their autographs. There was a paparazzo by the door, who no doubt had been alerted by someone on the nightclub's staff that the Harpies' had reservations. He stepped in front of them and greeted them as if he was their best friend. "Ginny, Gaby, you both look great. A photo, please," he noticed Harry, and his eyes lit up. "Is this your new boyfriend, Ginny?"
Before she could answer, Harry spoke forcefully, "I'm the bodyguard. Out of the way." The disappointment was evident in the man's face. A photo with a new boyfriend would've been worth a lot more.
Ginny was used to being accosted by the press in public places, and the team advised to be gracious to journalist, if at all possible. "It's okay, Harry. Just a couple of photos," she added to the paparazzo.
"Move to the side, please," the man said to Harry who was only too happy to comply. He took one photo of Ginny and Gaby together, and one of each girl by themselves. After that, he stepped to the side and the girls walked to the velvet rope where the doorman stood. Harry walked slightly behind Ginny, in full bodyguard mode, scanning the crowd for wands and other threats.
"Ms Gasparini, Ms Weasley, welcome back to Trismegistus," the doorman said unhooking the red velvet rope to let them through.
Inside it was loud, dark and crowded. The ceiling had a light show that Harry was not sure if it was magical or Muggle. The lights pulsated to the electronic beat, forming geometric shapes, with an almost stroboscopic effect. Ginny and Gaby walked with the confidence that only familiarity could give, towards one extreme of the establishment. They walked around the dance floor, where dozens of couples gyrated and jumped to the beat. They headed to a section that had been cordoned off. Harry recognized Summerby and a couple of the security people from the stadium, guarding that section. They let them through with a nod. Harry realized this was a team sponsored party, otherwise there would be no team security present.
Several small tables had been set apart, and the team had a couple of waiters to themselves. All the players, training staff and some of the executives were there. They greeted the two girls enthusiastically. Most of the players had their boyfriends or spouses with them. Ginny took Harry's hand possessively as they moved in, and the introductions started. Gwenog Jones introduced her date to Ginny, a good-looking man in his thirties, named Robert Caudwell. He shook Ginny's hand and praised her match performance. He then eyed Harry curiously.
"This is my boyfriend, Harry Potter" Ginny said proudly. Several of the girls in the team squealed with surprise and approval.
"As in the Harry Potter?" the man asked raising his eyebrows.
"Yes, sir. Pleased to meet you," Harry answered shaking his hand.
"You look so young... and you're not as tall as I expected," he added almost to himself. "I'm sorry..."
"Don't worry. I get that a lot," Harry said with a sincere laugh. People expected him to be a giant.
After the introductions were done, Ginny smirked at him. "Girls, today is Harry's birthday," she announced loudly. "Several of you, who shall remain nameless, had expressed to me your desire to kiss him. Now is your chance. Cheek only!" she added warningly before getting out of the way.
Eleven Harpies surrounded Harry, with Gaby leading the pack. "You already congratulated me," Harry protested.
"Shut up, Harry," Gaby replied, as she planted a big noisy kiss on his cheek. It was a free for all after that. Harry was pulled from every side and in the confusion, he felt his bum pinched several times. He was left dizzy and dishevelled. He looked at Ginny accusingly. She was covering her mouth to stop from laughing out loud, like several of her teammates were doing. Harry's cheeks were covered with lipstick, his messy hair was a real mess now, his clothes were askew, and somehow one side of his shirt had been pulled out of his pants. He looked like he had been run over by a train.
Ginny approached him with a sly smile, "Serves you right, for denying our relationship at the entrance."
"I did not!" he protested. "I just told the partial truth," he added meekly.
"I don't mind if the whole world knows you're my boyfriend, Harry."
"Neither do I, Ginny, but I've lived in hiding and under assumed names most of my life. My first instinct is still to deny who I am," Harry answered guiltily.
Ginny felt sad at his words. The Wizarding world only had a small inkling of what this man had to endure in order for them to live safer, carefree lives. "I didn't know that, Harry. I'm sorry. Why don't you go get yourself cleaned up, so we can really start celebrating your birthday?"
"Sounds like a great idea," Harry said smiling at her. As he left, he had a quick exchange of words with Summerby.
When Harry returned from the bathroom, Ginny was talking animatedly with several of her teammates. "You came just in time," she told Harry. "We're dancing!"
She didn't give Harry any chance to protest. She grabbed his hand, and pretty much dragged him to the dance floor. Several of her teammates were doing the same thing with their respective boyfriends. The group pushed to the centre of the dance floor, and they started dancing. It should have come as no surprise to Harry that someone as full of life as Ginny would be an amazing dancer. She moved her arms and hips to the beat with gusto. Soon most of the males in attendance had their eyes glued to her beautiful form. That made the fact that Ginny had her eyes glued to him, even more special. Harry did his best to keep up and considered himself lucky not to be drawing much attention, other than the occasional jealous stare. The Harpies owned the dance floor for the next twenty minutes, but after that, some of the girls started heading back to the tables.
"Let's sit down a moment," Ginny said taking his hand.
They headed back to the tables and found Gaby and some of the other girls coming out of the reserved section with Summerby behind them. "We're going to the powder room to freshen up. Care to come with us, Ginny?"
"Yes," she answered, and turned to Harry next. "I'll be right back."
"I'll escort you there," Harry replied.
"That won't be necessary, Harry. Summerby is coming with us," Ginny said looking at the older man.
Harry leaned down and spoke in her ear so only she could hear him. "Officially I'm here as your bodyguard, not as your boyfriend. Please understand," he pleaded.
Ginny looked up at him. She realized that someone like Harry had to have a strong sense of duty. "Okay, Harry. I understand," she said smiling at him.
The group made its way to the entrance to the ladies' room, and the Harpies went in, leaving the two bodyguards behind. They engaged in small talk, until several minutes later the group of women came out. They were making their way back to the tables when a drawling voice called out.
"Ginny. Ginny Weasley!"
Ginny recognized the voice and turned around with a surprised expression. The rest of the group, including Summerby, continued to the reserved section. Harry stopped and positioned himself slightly ahead and to one side of Ginny. A blond man with pointy nose was confidently approaching her. Harry had learned that a person's eyes tell a lot more about what they are feeling than their mouths. He quickly gave a sideways glance at Ginny's eyes to try to determine what posture he should take. He was surprised at what he saw there. It was unadulterated hate. Bugger. His senses immediately went into high alert, and he looked around just in case this was just a diversion.
"I thought that was you. How are you..."
Ginny cut him off bluntly. "First of all. You don't get to call me 'Ginny' as if we're old friends," she said with a dangerous edge that would have her brothers running for cover. "Second. The fact that I helped save your sorry arse doesn't mean I've forgotten you tried to rape me, Malfoy," she spat.
Even with the beat of the music, Harry sensed some movement behind him. He stepped sideways to look back, and saw Summerby approaching, he gave Harry a look to indicate he had his back. Harry turned around and gave his full attention to the man in front of him. His mind had registered what Ginny had said, but now wasn't the time to be emotional. He coldly tried to assess the tactical situation. The man didn't appear to have associates and was outnumbered 2 to 1. His own painful experience with the redhead made him realize that they really had a 3 to 1 advantage. The way to the back exit was being kept clear by one of Summerby's men. The front exit was not practical and would require a lot of effort to get to, but could be managed. If this man was trying some sort of attack, he was a fool. He got ready for that possibility as well.
"Weasley... I was just trying to scare you..."
"Don't bother lying to me, Malfoy! I know for a fact that you raped several girls in school, but they were too ashamed to testify against you," she said with narrowed eyes. "If you know what's good for you, better get out of my sight before I Diffindo your bits, so you can't rape any other woman again."
Harry knew Ginny was being perfectly serious. He got ready to block her spell, because he couldn't let her get into that kind of legal trouble. The Malfoy bloke, though, must have been really stupid, because he sneered at her, totally oblivious at how close he was to becoming a eunuch. "You don't even have a wand," he drawled curling his upper lip.
Ginny's right leg tensed, and Harry knew he had to step in before the curses started flying. He took a step towards Malfoy. "You heard her. Get lost!" he said with an icy look in his eyes.
Malfoy gave Harry a disdainful glance. "Who are you?"
"We're the bodyguards," Summerby said, as he also took a step forward.
"I don't talk to the hired help. Don't you know who I am?" he asked looking at Harry down his long nose.
Harry's patience was at an end. "You must be the son of the convicted criminal, Lucius Malfoy, who is rotting in Azkaban prison minus his right arm. I tripped on a dead body and missed his head... a pity, really. You're the son of a has been, that never was anything himself."
Draco's eyes went wide, "Who are you?" he asked again. All the previous confidence was gone from his voice.
Ginny stepped forward to the left of Harry and took his hand. "This is my boyfriend, Harry Potter." They shared a quick smile before she continued. "You and I know you wouldn't stand a chance against me in a duel, Malfoy. What chance do you think you have against Harry?"
"Be a good boy and get lost," Harry said forcefully.
Draco took several steps back and after what he judged was a safe distance, turned around and hightailed his way out of there.
Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and they returned to the reserved section. They took a couple of Butterbeers from the tray one of the waiters offered and sat at a secluded table that had a long seat against the back wall. Ginny leaned her head sideways against Harry's shoulder and let out a contented sigh. "I usually resent being protected by a bloke, but you knew exactly the right time to step in, thanks Harry. I was ready to do it, you know."
Harry's body shook with contained laughter. "I know. Part of me wanted to let you do it." He then became deadly serious. "When did that bastard try to rape you?"
"Just a couple of weeks before the Battle of Hogwarts. He was the head of the Inquisitorial Squad in school, and he would exchange sex for a promise not to be tortured. It was rape by coercion. That's why no one wanted to testify against him. He could argue that the victims had agreed to having sex with him," she said taking a swig from her bottle.
"Are you okay," Harry asked looking into her eyes.
Ginny saw the deep love and concern he felt for her, and she smiled at him. "Yes, Harry. It was horrible and frightening, but nothing happened. It's behind me, like any other bad memory. I've had bigger traumas to conquer in my life. On my first year... I was possessed by a diary that had a piece of Voldemort's soul... several people were injured because of me." She still felt the sting of shame when she remembered the diary, but she couldn't keep that part of her life hidden from Harry.
"I would like to talk to you about that," Harry said with some trepidation.
"And we will, Harry, but not on your birthday. Today we are celebrating."
"But..."
"Ginny, Ginny! Could you come over here," one of the team executives called out.
"Oh, no!" Ginny said, leaning harder into Harry. "It's time for photos and toasts."
Ginny got up, and sure enough, photos of the entire team were taken; photos with the guests of the team's management; photos with the executives; photos with the owners and management of Trismegistus; even photos with some of the fans in the crowd. Then there was the obligatory round of toasts to the team's success; to their young star player; to getting the championship; even a toast to Harry's birthday. Ginny and Harry just drank Butterbeer, but those who had been drinking Firewhiskey, were pretty much pissed when the last photo was taken, and the last toast said. The electronic beat started pulsating, and the colourful lightshow started in earnest now. Almost all twelve Harpies made their way to the dance floor. Ginny again dragged Harry along and started dancing with incredible energy. Harry realized she was putting on a show... just for him. Her eyes were fixed on his as she moved her arms, her hips, her bum, her legs, gracefully and full of sensuality. Harry was transfixed by the sight of her, and the minutes went by without him taking notice. Suddenly the lights went down, and a slow romantic tune started playing. They drew together almost automatically. They both had been waiting for that moment.
Harry placed his right hand on her hip and the left on her back. Ginny laid her head on his shoulder, and they started swaying to the music. As Harry gained confidence, he pressed her more firmly against his body. Both his hands caressed her back and his right hand moved to the back of her neck and shoulders, which still were sweaty from the effort of the dancing. Both the perfume Ginny wore on her neck and behind the ears and the smell of her hair, drove the sense out of him. After a couple of songs, he pressed her into him until he could feel her breasts firm against his chest. Ginny raised her head and kissed his jaw, slowly moving toward his lips. Soon they were kissing passionately on the dance floor, oblivious to the looks they were drawing. Harry had to struggle to keep his hands in check, and again, found it necessary to draw his lower body away from her. The music changed again and with just a slight pull from Ginny's hand, they started moving back to the tables. Harry grabbed a couple of Butterbeers as they walked by the waiter to quench their thirst.
They sat close together; in the darkest and most secluded spot they could find. Soon they were snogging with abandon. Harry's hand first laid claim to her knee and then to her lower thigh. The silk tights were wonderfully soft and sexy, but the animal in him demanded contact with her bare skin. He kissed Ginny's shoulders and neck, eliciting the most wonderful sounds from her. His hands became familiar with her back and travelled easily over the fabric, up her sides and down to her hips, but he managed the restraint to stay away from her more sensitive, intimate parts. Her response to his touch was making that more difficult all the time. The sounds she made, the way her muscles twitched at his touch, not only encouraged him, but they also had an atavistic effect on his most primal instincts. He wanted to respect her above everything else; he wanted her to know he loved her passionately; and he also wanted her to know he desired her more than he had desired any other woman before. To accomplish those three things simultaneously seemed impossible.
The sound of a throat clearing, loudly, startled both of them. Gaby giggled. "Don't stop on my account," she said smirking at them. "Ginny, I just wanted to tell you I'm going home... with company," she added significantly. Gaby kissed both of them goodnight on the cheek, and left, leaving Ginny in a conundrum. The fire she felt inside her demanded to be put out. Thinking about it, dreaming about it, would no longer do. It was a fire deep inside her, and only a deep touch could extinguish it. She needed Harry... all of him. Only he would satisfy the need she felt at that moment. Yet, she didn't want him to think she was wanton or easy. She could probably find the strength to deny him... or rather, to deny herself. The question was, should she?
She would have to make a decision... soon.
-0-0-0-
"It was a stupid idea!" Draco screamed to his mum. "It could have gotten me killed."
"We had to try, Draco. I'm sure many girls secretly harbour a great love for you, but you seem so unattainable, so above their station, they just quietly live in misery." Narcissa Malfoy knew that appealing to her son's ego, always pacified him.
"That is true, of course," he said more calmly, "but the Weaselette enjoys wallowing in Mudblood and Half-Blood. The Weasleys will never renounce their Muggle loving ways."
"You did learn some valuable information, though. Are you sure it was Potter?"
"How should I know?" he asked looking at his mother as if was a stupid question, "Not many people have been introduced to him. He seemed too unremarkable to have beaten The Dark Lord."
"Your dad did mention to me before the trial that he had been lucky to lose just his arm, and not his head." Narcissa paced the living room of Malfoy Manor, deep in thought. "This is a piece of good luck, actually. It will make our vengeance more complete. With just one stroke, we'll liberate your father, bring down the Weasleys to size, and avenge your father's loss to Potter. Afterwards you can have the Weasley girl until she breeds. Lord Voldemort himself wanted both her life force and magical force. Now she will produce a powerful heir for the House of Malfoy. One with revitalized blood. We'll make sure no one else can get that resource afterwards."
Draco Malfoy didn't like this plan at all. He was the one with everything to lose if things went badly. The way he saw it, getting to have his way with Ginny Weasley was not worth so much risk, but he had not been raised to make decisions. He had been raised to follow orders. Even from far away Azkaban, his father, Lucius Malfoy, was controlling his destiny.
"Are you sure you have thought this through," he asked his mum. The idea of having his father back in control of the family's finances made him nervous. Sooner or later, he would discover the hundreds of thousands of Galleons he had squandered on loose witches and gambling.
"Mulciber and Rockwood will be the point men. Nobody will suspect us. I'll set up a meeting as quickly as possible."
-0-0-0-
"Should I leave you at your flat or at the Burrow?" Harry asked with a touch of sadness.
Ginny thought about her answer for just a moment. The idea of spending the night in her flat, hearing Gaby unabashedly enjoying herself, while she denied herself one more time, was just too much to bear. "Better make it the Burrow," she answered.
Harry embraced her and apparated them both to the Burrow. They stood in silence, forlornly looking at the Burrow at the end of the dark dirt path. Neither made a move or said anything. They were both fighting their own internal battles.
Ginny was reeling from the struggle two opposing sides were waging inside her mind. On one side of the balance, stood the lascivious side, that demanded satisfaction. On the other, the chaste side, that counselled to wait. What would Harry think of her? They loved each other, they had openly confessed it, why should they wait? She had already waited long enough... for years she had waited for Harry. She had not rolled into bed with the first bloke that came along... she had been chaste long enough... but what would he think? Just yesterday, she had thought of a "few days", but after just one date... one date... she was ready to give herself completely to him. What did that make her?
"I guess it's goodnight, then," Ginny said looking up at him.
They both found the answer they were looking for in each other's eyes. Harry gave her a searing kiss that made any objection fade away from her consciousness. He embraced her tightly and she could feel how hard he was. Harry didn't attempt to conceal his erection, or break contact; on the contrary, the hand on her back pressed her even more firmly into his arousal. He pulled back just enough to see straight into her eyes. His look made her feel both loved and wanted. It was a wonderful combination.
Harry talked in a low, throaty voice. "You know, you can say 'No' at any time, Ginny? Whatever you decide, I'll understand."
"Yes," she said breathlessly. "I know."
Harry leaned down and kissed her behind the ear, making Ginny close her eyes and arch her back with pleasure. He moved to kiss the rest of her neck.
"Yes."
His hands travelled down the length of her back, and over the swell of her bum. Is she wearing any knickers? He caressed it until he reached the back of her thighs, he then cupped her bum firmly. Ginny bit her lower lip and exhaled.
"Yes."
His right hand moved to her flat abdomen. As he continued to softly kiss the side of her face, his hand travelled up her torso until it found her left breast. He caressed the underside of it, and then let his palm cover it completely before pressing down on its firm roundness. It elicited a low moan from Ginny.
"Yes."
His right hand now retraced its way back to her abdomen, after a short pause, it continued going down to her upper left thigh. Harry didn't hesitate before moving his hand to her inner thigh, and up to her crotch. Even through the dress, the heat of her desire enveloped his hand. Ginny gasped, and her breathing became fast and shallow.
"Yes."
Ginny's hand was on his muscular abdomen now. She mirrored Harry's earlier movements down his left upper thigh, to the inner thigh, and up to his crotch.
"Yes," she moaned into his mouth.
"My place?"
"Yes."