A/N: Some of you are buttering me up and trying to get me to post before the new year because they're impatient. It's less than an hour after midnight on 1 January 2024 as I am typing this! (No, I did have New Year's plans but I ended up home earlier than expected so I may as well update.)

Happy New Year! Enjoy this early treat.

"Our first couple interview! How exciting!" Harry told her eagerly.

She looked at him, trying to discern if he was being serious. Then he smirked at her and she knew he was joking. She nodded in agreement. "Let's get this over with." She knocked on the door.

Within moments the door was opened and they were led inside and down a hallway. She made some small talk as they walked. The lady pointed towards a room. "You can change in here, the tailor will come check if any adjustments are needed and then you can go on through to make-up." She smiled and then walked off again.

"After you," Harry told her.

She rolled her eyes and stepped inside. She picked up the outfit that had her name on it. They both had received an outfit that somewhat resembled a Quidditch uniform, if you had to go to a formal event after. It was all in black and didn't show off any team colours. She pulled it on quickly and then turned around to Harry.

Harry looked great, the uniform showed off his muscles quite nicely and the dark colours really made his eyes pop. His eyes scanned her and stopped at her chest.

"What?" she asked.

"I didn't know Quidditch uniforms could have cleavage," he commented with a cheeky grin. "You should suggest that to Gwenog."

"For the whole team?" she asked, swatting the hand that reached out away.

He let his hand drop back to his side. "No no. Just you."

A few moments later, the tailor came in and adjusted the uniforms until they fit perfectly and then they were walked to the make-up room by the same lady as before.

Ginny was starting to notice she was only chatting with Harry. "What's your name?" she asked the lady.

"Katherine," she told Ginny. "But you can call me Kathy," she said with a smile towards Harry.

Ginny could feel anger brewing inside her and an urge to pull Harry away from Kathy but then Harry looked so puzzled, the heat of the anger lost its power immediately.

"Through here." Kathy pointed to the next door. "Though I guess you don't need much make-up," she told Harry, blinking up at him.

Ginny bit back a snort as the lady walked back down to the front desk, the sound of her heels echoing down the hallway.

"Is it me," Harry started. "Or was she being weird?"

Ginny turned around to him, eyes tracking over his face. "Yes, Harry."

His brow furrowed and he looked from the door back to her. "What's that tone?" he asked her.

Ginny pressed her lips together, contemplating if it was a good idea to tell Harry. She nodded to herself. "She was flirting with you."

His eyebrows shot up. "What?"

"You can call me Kathy," she imitated, making a face.

Harry let out a chuckle. He crossed his arms, looking far too amused. "Is someone a little jealous?" he teased.

"No," she snapped. "Don't be ridiculous."

Harry held up his hands immediately. "Okay. If you say so."

Then they lapsed into a mildly uncomfortable silence until the make-up artist arrived.

Harry got into the make-up chair first. He didn't need much, just enough to level out the glare of the camera flash. Then it was Ginny's turn.

The make-up artist, some guy called Steve, looked over her face for a long moment. He shook his head softly. "A lot of work, let's get started."

Harry was beside her in a moment. "What do you mean, a lot of work?" He seemed offended on her behalf.

"Very pale, a lot of freckles to hide and —"

"—Let me stop you there, pal. You will do nothing of the sort." He looked so angry that Steve leaned away a bit. "The freckles don't need hiding. And this is not a nice thing to say to one of the most beautiful women on the planet."

Steve swallowed. "No, that's not what I meant! It's just…" He nervously glanced at Ginny.

"Maybe you can go through and take a few warm-up shots already," she suggested to Harry just to diffuse the situation. "I am sure Kathy will be happy to take you."

"I'm fine here." Then he settled on a chair to the side and sat there in silence until Ginny's make-up was finished.

She turned to him. "What do you think?" she asked cautiously.

He stood up and neared her again. "Very pretty. Really enhanced your natural beauty," he said with a pointed look towards Steve.

She grinned. "Thanks."

As they followed Kathy to the set, Ginny pulled him closer to whisper in his ear. "I mean if you want to have a hot date, she'd be game."

"Ew, no." He shook his head at her.

She raised an eyebrow. "And why not?"

Harry's voice lowered further. "I don't like the kind of person who thinks it's okay to flirt with a man who is already taken… And she's really truly not my type."

"I don't think I know your type," she muttered to him.

He snorted. "Yeah, well… you would think you do."

Before Ginny got to ask what he meant by that, Kathy stopped.

"Can I get you two some drinks?" Kathy asked as she stood by the door.

"Pumpkin juice, please," Ginny told her quickly. She was worried if Harry spoke first, Kathy may not wait for her order.

Harry nodded. "Same for me."

Kathy nodded and signed for them to go inside. Ginny thanked her and then walked in. The photographer was tweaking the camera, her long blond hair wrapped up in a bun.

Ginny stalled. "Luna?!"

Luna looked up and beamed widely. "Hi Ginny!"

She quickly closed the space between them and hugged Luna tightly. She hadn't managed to keep in touch with her friend recently, but Luna was the type of person you could not speak to for ages and then when you did meet, it felt like no time had passed at all.

"Did Neville tell you about…" She nodded towards Harry. She had given Neville permission to tell Luna about the whole situation, knowing she would likely not get around to seeing Luna soon. She was a frequent traveller and getting their schedules to match up was a challenge.

Luna nodded. "Yes, I know all about it." She smiled knowingly.

"When did you become a photographer?" Ginny asked in amazement.

Luna shrugged. "Oh, you know. It kind of just happened. Wanted to be the first person to photograph a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. In the meanwhile, this is a great way to earn money."

Ginny laughed, it was a very Luna thing to do. She felt much more at ease now, knowing Luna would be photographing them. She turned to Harry and signed for him to come closer.

"Harry, this is Luna. An old classmate of mine and good friend," she introduced her.

Harry shook her hand. "Can't believe we've never met. What's a Snorkack?"

Knowing that Luna could easily talk about it for hours, she pushed Harry in front of the camera. "I'll explain later."

The photoshoot was much more fun than Ginny had anticipated. Largely because of Luna's unconventional suggestions and happy attitude. How she managed to get hired to be Quidditch Quarrel's photographer was anyone's guess.

Harry ended up recreating Ginny's sexy pose, with the quaffle under his hand, kneeling as he looked up to the camera. Ginny made Luna promise to provide her the prints. They made a few more shots with the quaffle and snitch. They lazily tossed the quaffle to each other as they chatted, it would make for a great dynamic photo.

Then they moved on to the more couple-y poses. Luna mumbled something about their height difference under her breath.

"I can pick her up if you like?" Harry suggested.

Before she had any chance to object, Harry lifted her off the ground and she laughed, swatting at him to let her go.

"Just shoot us from the waist up, they will be none the wiser," Harry told Luna, trying to keep a grasp on Ginny as she wriggled out of his grip.

She managed to get her feet back on the ground and adjusted her clothes. "Prat."

He grinned at her.

"Are you fine with doing a few kissing shots?" Luna asked them.

Ginny looked from Harry back to her, her smile faltering a bit. "Yeah, I think so?"

Harry agreed and then pulled her close.

"Hey," she told him firmly. "No funny business." She could already feel her cheeks heat up.

He put on a serious face. "I promise."

She leaned into him and kissed him slowly. It was difficult to focus as Luna mumbled adjustments so they would get the angle right. It felt strange to kiss him with a camera that close to them, but Luna being there did make it a lot better.

Three kisses later, Ginny leaned away and looked at Luna expectantly.

"You do make a cute couple," Luna commented.

"We try really hard." Harry's hand slid down her arm to hold her hand.

Luna held up her hand. "Don't move. Okay, now look at each other." She snapped another photo. "Beautiful!"

After they had changed into their regular clothes, Kathy appeared once again to lead them to the interviewer. It was the part Ginny dreaded the most, because it would be more difficult to hide her feelings, and there was no saying what Harry would reply.

"I'm not sure how to do this interview," she admitted to him.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Me too. Suppose we don't have to be the perfect couple, right? We just try to be honest where we can and we make up the rest as we go," he told her quietly.

"Like how we got together?" She met his eyes.

"As long as we don't talk at the same time and go along…" He shrugged. "I am sure it'll be fine."

The interviewer welcomed them and told them to sit down on the couch. Ginny sat down beside Harry, not sure how to act but she just focused on the interviewer in front of her and hoped for the best.

"I am Belinda, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview," she started. "We are not a gossip sheet," she continued, alluding to Witch Weekly's habit of spouting complete nonsense. "So no need to be nervous. The readers simply want to find out what it's like being a Quidditch star couple and how that works for you two." She put on a friendly smile. "Shall we start?"

They both nodded and Belinda looked down at her parchment to read her first question. "To begin with, an easy one. How did you two meet?"

Ginny glanced at Harry but he didn't seem to have a reply ready. She faced Belinda. "We met a few times before at those Quidditch parties and events, but it took us a while to really notice each other."

"Speak for yourself," Harry said. "She is one of those Quidditch players you know will make it far. I noticed her as soon as she started with the Harpies. It was a real pleasure to meet her in real life, even though, as Ginny said, we didn't immediately get close."

Belinda nodded. "And when did you get close?"

Harry continued speaking, seemingly more at ease than her. "We got closer gradually but then when she got hit by that bludger… It made us face what was really going on."

"You weren't together before then?"

"It's a little complicated," Ginny spoke now. "It happened so gradually and naturally and we didn't even speak about it. After that, he showed up at my parents' place and when they've met your parents…" She chuckled.

Harry nodded along. "At that point we decided to make it official."

"With the public so interested, it can't have been easy to figure out a new relationship?" Belinda asked.

"I think we were both determined to make it work because we could tell this was special," Ginny spoke. It wasn't a total lie—They had always known they were attracted to each other, at least on a physical level.

"And is there rivalry when it comes to games? There is a good chance you'll end up playing the League's finale against each other…"

"I think we both understand how important Quidditch is to us," Harry said with a nod. "We both want to win, and that's okay. I think a little competitiveness doesn't hurt."

"I think we have a lot of integrity when it comes to the games and if the other wins fair and square, so be it. I want to root for him too." She smiled at him and he returned her smile.

So far this interview was going rather smoothly and the Quidditch topics were easier to speak about than their actual relationship.

"Harry," Belinda asked. "Are you worried that Ginny will steal your Seeker spot in the national team?"

"Those are only rumours," Harry said firmly; they weren't supposed to confirm if they tried out. "But I would like for our national team to have the best Seeker possible. It doesn't necessarily have to me."

"And Ginny, if those rumours are true… why would they choose to put you up for Seeker—a position you have hardly played—and not your team's Seeker Cayla?"

She knew she had to be careful with what she was going to say. "I have big ambitions and I want to be on the national team. I have been a good Seeker in my Hogwarts years. I can only apply and it is up to the Captain to decide who they want to send. That is not for me to decide."

"And how do you think Cayla feels about this?" Belinda asked.

Ginny frowned, wondering if Belinda was going to press on for more details. She wasn't too surprised they were fishing for exclusive information.

"From what I've seen, Ginny has a great relationship with the whole team, including Cayla." Harry spoke calmly. "I think we as players know that those selections happen by the higher-ups, and we cannot take it out on our teammates."

"Would you say Quidditch or your relationship is more important to you personally?" Belinda asked next, constantly scribbling on her parchment as she took notes.

Ginny was about to speak when Harry squeezed her hand softly.

"It's okay, Ginny. You can say Quidditch, I won't be offended." He winked at her.

If only he knew it was almost a draw. She let out a fake laugh. "I don't know if it's a choice that needs to be made. We do try to leave the rivalry at the door most of the time."

Belinda asked Harry what he thought.

He looked over at her softly, and he seemed sincere. "Quidditch gave me a purpose in life, something to look forward to and I am grateful for that. It's just that since Ginny came into my life, I find my life more balanced. I used to hate going home after a game but now I look forward to it." He didn't take his eyes off her. "Knowing she is waiting for me."

The worst part of it all, is that she knew he meant it. She felt her throat close up a little and she swallowed, trying to keep her composure. If only it was more real, if only he meant it differently.

"And of course, she is always up for endless discussions about the game," he continued, turning back to Belinda. "For me, that's an absolute must."

"Would you say that could be a deal-breaker?" she asked.

He nodded adamantly. "For sure. I've always had an interest in it. I am so glad to have found someone who is so passionate about Quidditch." He chuckled softly, glancing at Ginny. "I dare say, even more passionate than me."

"I am glad you can admit it," she quipped, smiling towards him.

"Have you said the big 'L' word yet to each other?" Belinda tried carefully.

Ginny felt like a deer in headlights, and from then on the interview only went downhill for her.

"We are already much more public than we would have liked," Harry spoke to her relief. "Those private moments we prefer to keep between us."

Ginny was glad he had used 'we', so Belinda wouldn't feel inclined to ask her about it.

"Do you have any plans for the following season?" the interviewer continued.

Ginny was still so spooked from the last question, that she didn't really hear what she had been asked. Luckily, Harry continued to reply.

"I think this season is showing us that anything can happen." He threw her a fleeting worrying look because she hadn't moved or spoken. It was so quick Belinda didn't catch it. "I have been working towards both the National Cup and the World Cup for the most part. I don't have many plans for the following season when this one takes up so much of my attention still."

"Ginny?"

She cleared her throat and forced a smile to form. "Indeed, still many things ahead this season. I am happy to continue as things are." She thought she had handled that rather well, until Belinda asked her next question.

"And how do you see your future together on a personal level?"

Ginny's gaze dropped down. She didn't want to give anything away to Belinda, and she couldn't even bear to look at Harry.

"Our relationship has been a whirlwind from the start. It's been great and amazing, but I don't feel like we have had the opportunity to pause and look ahead." He squeezed her hand. "I think for now we both know we are enjoying our time together. We aren't too busy yet looking ahead."

Ginny dared to look up at him again. A small blush ghosted his cheeks and he glanced at her again. She squeezed his hand back to reassure him.

"So you haven't discussed children yet?" Belinda continued. "Little Quidditch stars…?"

Ginny's head snapped, looking at the interviewer in surprise. "Not really," she got past her lips.

Harry saved it once again, and Ginny took note of how he answered the question rather elegantly. "I wouldn't want to pressure them to go into Quidditch. It isn't for everyone and I would want to support them in whatever dream they have."

As Belinda followed up with a few more personal questions, she remained silent. She hadn't realised the replies would sting.

Kathy walked them back outside after the interview and then Harry turned to her, looking worried.

"Are you okay? You barely said anything the last few minutes," he asked.

She looked up at him, trying to come up with a proper excuse.

"Are you sick? You should have said," he told her firmly. His eyes darted over her face. "You look pale."

"I am fine," she insisted. Perhaps she was lovesick, she thought bitterly to herself.

"Let's go," Harry said, taking her hand to apparate.

She pulled it back. "No, I'll go to the Burrow," she said. She couldn't stand being with him right now.

"Okay," he said with a nod. "But then I am taking you. You're not apparating alone."

She nodded reluctantly and let him take her hand again.

"I'll just drop you off, come on."

"She's feeling a bit under the weather, I'm just dropping her off," Harry told her mother.

She shook her head. "I'm fine."

Molly shot her a firm look. "Go up and rest."

"Bye, Harry," she said and took off. She sat down on her bed and sighed.

A minute later, the door opened and Harry stepped in.

"I thought you left."

He shook his head. "I wanted to make sure you were fine. It wasn't anything I said, right?"

"Of course not," she told him. "I think I'm just a little overtired."

"I think Gwenog's tough love is a bit counterproductive sometimes," Harry said. "Come on, I'll tuck you in."

At least she wouldn't turn that down. She tucked her feet under the sheets and then Harry pulled them up the rest of the way.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" he asked softly as he sat at the side of her bed.

"Yeah, tomorrow." She smiled at him. "You're the best fake boyfriend I could have wished for."

He smiled softly. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Take care and rest up."

"I will," she told him.

He stood up and exited her room. She listened as he said goodbye to her mother. She stepped out of bed and watched him go from the sill of the bay window.

She remained there, fidgeting with a hangnail until her mother came inside. She could feel her mum's eyes, scrutinising her.

"What's going on?" Molly asked after she had discerned her daughter wasn't actually ill.

"Nothing," she mumbled, folding her legs up.

"Did the photoshoot go badly?" Molly tried

"No."

"Did they ask bad things?"

"Not really."

"Was it something Harry said?" she continued.

"No..."

Her mother paused there, nodding knowingly as if Ginny had just told her everything. "It's been tough, hasn't it?"

"Yes," she agreed. "It's been a lot."

Her mother patted her knee. "I'll make you some tea... Do you want to have pudding later or chocolate cake?"

"Chocolate cake," she said.

"Okay." She gave her another look and then walked towards the door. There she turned around again. "Just take a day and you'll feel better tomorrow."

"Thanks, mum," she spoke.

Not used to sitting idle, she stepped to the tiny desk in the corner and started writing Luna a letter to explain in more detail. She couldn't face Harry today, but this way she felt like she could air out a little. Maybe her heart would stop aching a little less.

It felt ridiculous and she didn't want to feel this way, but hearing Harry talk about things that would likely never be, made her realise how much she wanted it. And the ease with which Harry talked, surely indicated that he had no difficulty imagining it without any unpleasant feelings.

She sighed, putting her quill down and folding up the letter. Then she went downstairs to tie the letter to Errol's leg. The owl was ancient but it could fly the short distance up the hill, and it made the poor thing feel useful.

Lured by the smell of chocolate, she walked into the kitchen. "Can I help?"

"If you're doing more than licking the bowl clean, then yes," her mother replied.

"I promise." She walked to the counter and her mother handed her a spoon.

"Wandwork makes the mind wander," her mother clarified. "Go on."

She was glad to have something to do that wasn't Quidditch or Harry, which were the two things taking up all her time.

When they popped the cake into the oven, Molly took her wand out and set the dishes to wash themselves. Ginny only just managed to grab the empty bowl of the batter. She stuck her finger in and then sucked the chocolate batter off her finger.

"Do you think Harry would like a piece?" Molly asked.

She nodded, not bothering to look up from the bowl. "Especially if you add hot fudge."

"You've got to know him rather well, haven't you?" her mother noted.

Her finger paused halfway her mouth. "We spend a lot of time together, it's only natural."

"Yes, that's true." Molly grabbed the bowl from her hands despite her objections and chucked it into the sink for the sponge to wash. "How long do you think they'll keep up this farce?"

"Ha. I have no clue, they don't give us any information about it. They just make demands..." she said, savouring the last taste of the batter.

"That's not normal, is it?" Molly wondered out loud.

She shook her head. "My contract says I need to put in the work to encourage ticket sales and reflect well on the team. It's very dubious." She sighed. "Not that spending time with Harry is so bad but I feel like I've got no say in it. "

"It's all good and well, until it isn't."

Ginny nodded. "Precisely." She perked up. "Luna was our photographer."

"That girl..." Molly shook her head warily. "I never know what's up with her."

"She seems happy," Ginny said. "She did almost explain to Harry was a Crumple-Horned Snorkack was, but at least we avoided that."

"Do you think it exists?"

"No." She frowned. "Then again she was right about wrackspurts, so who knows?"

Ginny let herself into Harry's house. She put down the cake on the cupboard and then skipped upstairs.

"Morning!" She walked into his bedroom.

He seemed barely awake as she sat on top of his stomach. "You seem better," he noted.

She nodded. "Loads. And I brought you chocolate cake to enjoy. Mum and I baked it yesterday when I was feeling a little better."

"Thanks," he said, his hands sliding up her leg and resting on her butt. "But I was thinking of enjoying something else."

She leaned in closer to him. "They do say to leave dessert for dessert." She pulled the sheet down. "Unfortunately it doesn't seem like I'll have much to undress..."

"I can put some extra clothes on first if you'd like?" he suggested cheekily.

"No, no. It's fine. I'll give you some extra time to take my clothes off," she replied.

He pulled her in closer. "Ooh, I can agree to that." He arched his neck and kissed her, pulling her down on the bed.

A/N: Yes, sorry. I'm not done torturing Ginny just yet.