Chapter 12

Look Who's Coming to Dinner

Saturday 14 September 1996

The group came to breakfast slowly, judicious use of the invisibility cloak avoiding awkwardness. Ginny claimed another one of Harry's shirts for her collection. As they gathered around the Gryffindor table they all nodded.

"How is everyone?" Harry asked.

Hermione rubbed her through her bushy brown hair. "I think Susan's right. If my head needed to hurt that bad… I want the enjoyment of drinking first. Still though, I'm already getting better."

Ron nodded in agreement. "We pull off something like that and not even a visit to Madam Pomfey? I'll call that a win."

Ginny took a breath. "I will catch Susan separately, but I really, really do thank you all."

"We're mates," Neville responded, holding up his glass ceremoniously.

"Or more." Harry smiled, and pressed a kiss into her hair.

"And Mum would have killed me if I didn't."

Hermione knew that line was coming so she just shook her head and smiled. "May I ask what our next step is?"

Harry nodded. "I think we deserve a re-cooperation weekend. It's why we knocked that out last night. I can't believe you actually named something the Harry Potter effect."

Hermione smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, but there is a pattern of history."

Harry shrugged. "Statement of fact. But no, let's give it a few days then we can talk about when and where to finish the second."

"So… a night off? Brilliant!" Ginny said.

Then showing again fate has a sense of humor Harry heard the call of the elusive potion professor. "Harry m'boy!"

Harry closed his eyes and remembered Dumbledore's last instructions. He didn't look forward to it, but he'd play along. "Hello Professor." Harry greeted.

"Ah so good to see so many of you together. I wondered what your evening plans would be tonight?"

Harry grinned. "Well Professor, Divination was never my strongest class, but somehow I think I see you in my future."

Slughorn laughed. "Well said Harry. Tonight I'm putting together a small dinner for our up and comers. You this is the time for you to meet the people you work with for years in life. I like to help make sure all of you know each other. But you, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, Master Longbottom, I would most certainly welcome. "

Still smiling, "I'll let my friends make their own decisions, but I'm certain I can find my way there, sir."

"Splendid, Seven o clock, my office. I look forward to you all." Slughorn nodded as he finally departed.

There was a collective sigh at the table. "I'm essentially under orders from Dumbledor to go. You all are welcome to skip." Harry volunteered.

"Ya, like we're going to let you go in by yourself." Neville countered, to the surprise of the others…. which he noticed. "What? You said I'm on the team."

"Cheers mate, you would be welcome." Harry nodded.

"Harry, tell me you wouldn't be more charming with a lady on your arm?" Ginny replied.

"But you hate the bloke."

"True, but if you are on a mission, you're taking a partner."

Hermione cleared her throat. "Three partners, unless Ronald objects."

"Why would I object?" he asked.

"Dinner party without you?"

Ron smiled while rubbing her back. "A stuffy upper class teacher invited you for a hobnob dinner. I think I'll be okay. Gives me a chance to log some hours at the tower."

"Tower?" Ginny asked.

"Astronomy tower. Need to get some hours of observation in for class… .but I would welcome company when you're done. "

Harry had a seat while he was waiting in the Gryffindor Commons for Ginny. He was wearing a new black suit he had picked up before the semester had started with black dress shirt and Gryffindor red tie.

"Well, someone is looking quite handsome tonight," an uncommon voice greeted.

Harry turned to the side to see Romilda Vane sitting leaning on the table leaning forward smiling brightly. "Thanks, Romilda." Harry replied confused.

Still she sat and smiled. "Um, Harry," she asked, "Do you have a moment?"

"Er, I'm waiting for Ginny… for a date… but I suppose?"

"That's cute. I wanted to apologize."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "For what?"

Romilda brushed a hair behind her ear. "Your quidditch tryout. I really shouldn't have been there. I wasted your time. I'm sorry."

Harry honestly hadn't thought of her since then. "Seriously, don't worry about it."

Romilda seemed to readjust in her chair and bit her lower lip. "You are important around her, and I would hate to have upset you."

Harry's eyebrow raised. What the hell was she going on about? "You didn't upset me. So don't worry. And all I am is team Captain. I didn't think you were a quidditch fan even."

She smiled more coily, "Oh Harry, Any girl can see you are a lot more than that and I think I could become a fan quite easily."

Harry was in a state of utter confusion, when Ginny finally came down. She descended the stairs, in her black dress and boots, Crimson's gloves, hair, and makeup. As normal Harry stood and smiled warmly to welcome her. Ginny's eyes and mind surveyed the table and was not impressed but having seen Harry's expression before greeting her she already put the pieces together. Her reaction was calculated instantly.

"You look great, Gin." Harry greeted as he bent to give his girlfriend a normal hello peck.

Ginny had other ideas. Her hand quickly ran up to Harry's neck and pulled their mouths together and very aggressively kissed him hot and heatedly bringing their tongues together and unashamedly taking Harry for a moment. Harry was surprised but certainly not upset and reciprocated.. This wasn't new territory to them, but was less visited, and certainly not in public.

When they broke apart, Ginny purred, "Yummy. Thank you, love. Ready to go?" Harry led the way as Ginny gave a set of hex eyes to Romilda who had watched the entire affair.

Once they reached the hall Ginny took Harry's arm as they walked. "So, may I ask what you and Romilda were talking about?"

Harry shrugged. "Strangest conversation. I'm sitting minding my own business waiting for you, observation, not a complaint."

Ginny smiled.

"Then she sits down and apologizes for wasting time at tryouts. Says something about not wanting to upset me. She thinks she could start getting interested in quidditch, I don't know."

Ginny smiled and stopped them to look up to Harry. "You really don't see it do you? I mean I know you missed mine but I'm starting to think you don't see it with any girl."

"See what babe?"

"Harry, Romilda was flirting with you. Or at you at the very least."

Harry's face was in utter confusion. "That doesn't make any sense. You and I are very public about being together."

Ginny giggled a bit. "She doesn't care. Harry, honey, you are honorable and noble damn near to a fault." she said, wrapping arms around him. "Just because you won't make a move on someone in a relationship, doesn't mean someone else would."

Harry shook his head, starting to get a clearer picture. "Okay, I will cop to my obliviousness, and I can understand in concept the idea hitting on someone taken… is that why we had the … extra energetic kiss?"

Ginny smiled, "Don't get me wrong, I was going to kiss you hello anyway. But when I came down to see Romilda making bedroom eyes to my boyfriend, who by the way, couldn't have looked more disinterested if you tried and thank you, I decided to send a message." She paused for a moment, then had a thought. "Remember how you said me wearing your jersey could be seen as you saying "dibs, mine, don't touch?" Harry nodded. "Well a kiss like that can be a girl's version. Claiming my territory."

Harry laughed. "Okay, I'm getting it now. Just to check, you and me, we're fine?"

"Oh ya, like I said, you clearly didn't care at all. Why should I be upset with you? Romilda has annoyed me. But we'll see if my little … demonstration sends her away."

Their pause for conversation had stalled them long enough that Hermione was now leaving and catching up with them. She had opted for a more professional peach colored suit dress. When she saw them she smiled like a cat who swallowed the canary. "You two certainly know how to make an exit."

"A girl tries." Ginny smiled, as they all continued down the hall.

"A girl succeeded. The entirety of the Commons is a buzz."

"Please, it takes so little to upset people. I kissed my boyfriend. If they can't find the … motivation to kiss like that themselves, that's not my problem."

"Oh, no one's upset… Well, Romilda is, she stormed off, muttering something about 'cursing the damn redhead'." Hermione smiled and looked over and smiled. "Ginny, you're redhead, right?"

"Well, I certainly hope so, Blonde Witch just doesn't have the same ring to it."

Harry, who was literally physically caught in between the two ladies, slipped into the conversation. "I do feel the need to at least say, Gin, you know I will be quite cross with anyone who tries to hex you, however knowing the lady you are, you will forgive me if Romilda Vane doesn't worry me."

"I take both of those as compliments, thank you." as she took Harry's left arm.

"I did miss what Romilda has to do with your kiss though?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, nothing major, she was just making moves on my boyfriend."

"I'm standing right here."

"Quiet, Harry," Hermione asked, "What?"

"She was flirting at him while he was waiting for me."

"Wait, let me guess, he didn't even notice."

"Still here." Harry said.

"Shh babe, girl talk. Exactly!"

"It's like he is completely blind sometimes!"

"'Mione, you weren't even there." Harry corrected.

"For this instance."

"Wait, what do you mean 'this instance?'"

Hermione was still focusing on Ginny. "You haven't explained to him yet."

"I literally just, but I don't think he realizes how bad he is."

"May I try?" Hermione asked.

Ginny waved her on.

"Harry,-"

"Oh, I'm finally being addressed directly now?" he joked.

"As your friend of six years who apparently is far more observant, please believe me, when I tell you, you have had flirts thrown your way since at least Fourth year."

"Fourth year? Triwizard Tournament filled with 'Potter Stinks' badges?"

"Those were the blokes, babe." Ginny smiled. "Once you killed a dragon, the girls very much had eyes on you."

Hermione nodded her head. "And saving not one but two victims out of the lake, very impressive. In fact, some of the blokes were wearing the badges because you were showing them up a bit and setting the bar too high."

"And I was screaming in the middle of it, 'What else do you expect?! He's experienced!'"

Harry was dazed again. "I swear, it's like the ladies and the boys dorms are on two separate worlds. But whatever, I like where I'm at now."

"Good answer," both of the ladies said.

"'Mione, you're good, you can have his other arm tonight."

"Oh, but what will Romilda think?" she laughed, taking Harry's right arm.

"What? I am right here, and I can make my own decisions." Harry protested, but with a grin.

"Harry," Ginny said sternly, grinned devilishly, "I'm letting you walk into an important dinner with a lady on each arm. You want to charm Sulghorn, right?"

"Relax, Harry, it's just for the mission. I assure you, I'm looking quite forward to my date with Ron later."

"Normalcy, one year of normalcy is all I wanted." Harry muttered to himself.

Both girls could barely contain their laughter.

Ginny squeezed the arm she had. "Babe, I love you, you're too good for normal."

They reached Slughorn's office, which had to be at least three times the size of any other teachers office that Harry had seen, only slightly smaller than Dumbledor's. It was richly decorated and warmly lit. The Professor was near the door to play greeter and host. "Harry m'- bo-oy?! " his tonal change and slight grin when Harry walked in double escorted. The tonal shift was enough that the majority of the guests looked and noticed. "With Miss Weasley and Miss Granger?" The statement was a question, but Harry could see the suppressed grin. He'd learn to do that too much himself.

Harry released his slightly cocky grin. "Evening professor. 'Mione, I trust this will suffice for you? If we can't feel safe in our host office, where can we."

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Absolutely, Thank you, Harry, but please save me a seat. Professor." as she drifted toward Neville.

Harry returned to the Professor. "Certainly." Then back to Slughorn. "Her boyfriend has duties at the Astronomy Tower and the three of us are long standing friends. Especially at a time of war, an escort seemed the right thing to do. Gin?"

"Love, I believe I suggested it. Evening Professor." Ginny greeted with a Crimson grin and offering her hand.

"Well aren't you a treat to behold." Slughorn greeted accepting it with a nod.

"A girl tries." she smiled devilishly.

Slughorn looked to see the attention of the other guests still on the pair. "I must say you two certainly know how to capture a room."

Harry smiled, and even reached out to the Professor's shoulder. "Come now Professor, would you have expected any less from me?"

Slughorn smiled. "No… no I would not. Please come in, both of you."

The pair walked in and this time actually noticed the eyes upon them, but their spectators quickly started to turn away. Harry paused by a column and took a look around at the assembled. Neville lightly raised a glass from across the room as he chatted with Melina Bobbin.

"I can see your mind working through your eyes dear, care to share?"

He shook his head clear for a moment. "Sorry, dear. Bit of a paranoia habit when I step into a new room with a new mix of people. Survey the lay of the land…" he trailed off.

"And sizing up the competition?" Ginny grinned wickedly.

Harry genuinely smiled. "You know me well."

"And I agree with you." she turned her back to the other rest of the room and 'fixed' Harry's tie as she glared up to him with fire. "Tactically speaking, you could take anyone in the room, and I think that includes the professor. Politically… unless something amazing has happened since the train ride in… Blaise likely is Draco's eyes and ears. The only one that seems to try to play the game would be McLaggen. Especially, after the Quidditch team, he's probably going to try to position himself here. I'd say just make sure he realizes he's still beneath you.

Harry smiled. "What would I be without you, Crimson?"

"Something you never need to find out. Come now, let's mingle"

Harry looked up to see Cormac approaching Hermione. Reflexively, Harry started to step, but Ginny calmed him down. "Relax love, 'Mione's no first year. I've no worries about her. I said let's mingle. Slughorn will want to see you doing that."

While they mingled, Cormac came around a corner with the eye of a wolf keened on a prey. He chose a moment where Hermione was between conversations and started his own. "Good to see you, Granger. Glad to see Slughorn recognizing talent."

"Cormac," Hermione nodded and greeted.

"So Weasley didn't make the cut?"

Hermione smiled. "Ronald is far more 'hands on' kind of man. This atmosphere is just not his preference."

"So what would be Weasley's preference, besides quidditch?"

"Well, his skill got him to be the starting keeper, so I'll certainly not fault him for playing to his strengths. She smiled with an edge to her eye. "And to the invitation only A.C.T program, which he's proven himself quite adept at. One might even say, dangerous."

"Well by comparison perhaps, but let's be honest. How much trouble could a Weasley stir up?"

From across the room, Harry and Ginny, could hear Hermione walk off, loudly pointing and laughing clearly at Corbin after everyone saw him apparently making a pass at Hermione.

Harry smiled with a whisper to Gin, "Right as usual, thank you."

"Isn't it great?"

The dinner passed, largely with Slughorn probing the other members of their family members. Marcus Belby displayed table manners that could put even classic Ron to shame.

"So Ginevra, what does your family do?" the professor asked. Cormac looked up expectantly.

Ginny smiled devilishly, she leaned forward as she had anticipated the question. "Well my career is well documented so far. Father was recently promoted to Head of a Ministry Office. Bill is the only member at Gringotts qualified for both field curse breaking and Executive Account management. Charlie is a Dragonoligist in Romania. Percy is an Assistant to the Minister for magic himself and the twins have been working on an exclusive contract with the Ministry for defense uniforms." Under the table Harry rubbed her knee in approval and congratulations.

Cormac's wind was clearly knocked out of his sails. Slughorn's eyes sparkled.

"Miss Granger, tell me about your parents."

Hermione blotted her lips with the napkin and took inspiration from Ginny. "Well my parents are dentists."

"Are what?" Slughorn, he may have honestly just needed clarification but the expression he made frankly annoyed Hermione. "Dentists, muggle healers focused on teeth. But that is a bit of understatement. To put it in, relative terms they own a small network of offices throughout Britain. As of late they are in discussion to cross the channel and establish a new office in France.

"Really, I had no idea."

"Just because one is not magical, doesn't make them an uninteresting, Professor."

Having been spectators for a few rounds, it was finally time for Cormac to be the center of attention. "So tell me Cormac, have you heard much of your Uncle Tiberius lately." the professor asked

"Well yes, I'm actually planning to go hunting with him and the Minister of Magic over the holidays."

"What sport?" Neville asked.

Surprised another hunter at the table, "Deer, look to gain some Christmas venison." Trying to move the light. "What about you, Harry? What kind of hunting is in your blood?"

Under the table Ginny rubbed his leg in support and could see her smile out of the corner of the eye. Her advice echoed in his mind, 'Make sure he realizes he's still beneath you."

"Well Cormac, I have no issue with general game hunting. I've just never found the time."

"Oh that's a shame, nothing gets the blood pumping like the hunt and the chase."

"The devil is in the details Cormac. I said I didn't game hunt. I'm no stranger to the hunt nor the chase. I would just say as of late I have focused on the most dangerous prey." Harry had captured the table's attention.

Even Marcus was interested as he asked, "What's the most dangerous prey?"

Harry shrugged nonchalantly, as he raised his fingers to count. "Basilisk when I was 12. Dementors at 13. Dragon at 14. I've kind of plateaued at Death Eaters right now, but they are quite numerous and quite irritating." He paused to sit back and took a drink. "It does add another level of sport when your prey can hex you back. Don't you agree?"

Again the Slughorn and the next generation of future leaders sat in stunned silence as the four of them; Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville sat and ate politely, over tales of battles. Harry would look up expectantly to ensure he wasn't excluding any of the other guests.

That awe didn't seem to wear off until it was time to depart. As the goodby mingling was going on a thought came to mind. He asked Hermione to wait with Ginny for a moment.

"Why?" she asked with a smile.

Harry slipped out of the office and quickly looked for an empty classroom. Once inside he called, "Dobby?"

With a pop the house elf leapt into the room, wearing a uniform. It was a black dress vest, with the House Potter crest over his left breast, and a pair of matching shorts. He actually looked quite respectable. "Master Harry Potter called?"

"Yes Dobby, I did, but first, I like the suit. That is perfect. Thank you."

"Dobby only wants to make Master happy."

"More than happy, you've made me proud. Thanks."

"Master Harry Potter called Dobby. What does Master Harry Potter need?"

"Frankly Dobby, I could use another stargaze picnic basket like last time."

"Master Harry Potter has another 'date'?"

"Kinda, yes."

Dobby smiled and nodded his head as he popped away. Inhumanly quickly he returned with another picnic basket. "Dobby, you are my hero." Harry said as he hugged the elf.

Dobby seemed to be almost elated by a simple hug. "Always an honor to help Master Harry Potter." he said as he popped away.

Harry nodded to Nevile as they passed each other while Harry returned to the party with a grin. Ginny had a knowing grin. He grinned as he offered the basket to Hermione. "Give Ron my best."

Smiling wide, "Harry, where did you get this?"

"Magic." he said.

"Ha, ha, seriously. "

He shook his head. "Never ask me about my business, 'Mione."

"Harry!"

"'Mione, I can give you a long boring explanation, OR you can just trust me and I can give you a nicety for your date with Ron. I can't do both. And as Ron's mate, I'm voting for Ron."

"I vote for Ron too." Ginny replied.

"You're up to something, Potter." she said with squinty eyes and pointed at him. "But I do trust you, so thank you." she said with a hug and left for the Astronomy Tower.

Harry put an elbow out for Ginny. "Slow walk back to the dorm?"

"My favorite kind." she smiled. "How's Dobby?"

"I love the fact you're smart and realistic. Obviously, we only had a moment. But well, he got himself a suit, Potter crest on it and everything. He got the picnic, I gave him a hug, and he seemed to really like that and I came back."

"That's so kind, Harry."

"Well, I'm happy Ron and 'Mione are making a go of it."

Ginny snickered. "Harry, yes, the picnic for those two is also kind, I meant hugging Dobby."

"He's helped out."

Ginny warmly and turned to hug Harry tightly. "Merlin, you don't even realize how unique you are." Still looking up to him. "Harry, he's a house elf, used to … frankly being lower than you were when you were in the cupboard. You've freed him. And now you've friended him."

"Oh!" Harry said, finally seeing a clear point of view.

"There we are, there's recognition. Babe, I totally get wanting to delay when Hermione finds out about him. But whenever she does, make sure you tell her about that too."

Harry led up to take the upper wall walk for the fresh air, night sky, and fewer eyes. Unfortunately mid September Scottish evenings were starting to create a chill for ladies in sleeveless dresses. Harry didn't even ask, but did admit, "Yep this is corny and cliche, but it's better than you being chilly," as he slipped his suit blazer around her.

Ginny smiled. "It's neither. It's… classic, caring, and noble. It's Harry Potter in a gesture. "Thank you," which further thanked with a kiss.

"Gin, can I ask you a question?"

"Harry, I'd like to think we're far enough down the line we don't need to ask permission. We just ask the questions." she smirked.

Harry paused and let that roll around in his head. "Hadn't thought about it that way. I like that. Agreed. Well, earlier today, in an instant, you had everyone in that room sussed tactically and politically."

"I remember."

"Well, first thank you, very much in fact. Second, how? Where did you pick up that skill?"

"Oh! I'm a Weasley. We're fighters and we often underdogs. Damn wizards of the world are often so damn galleon focused they like to forget about 'another Weasley'. I mean, you know how the McLaggen's and Malfoy's of the world can be. Especially as the youngest I've learned to very quickly find my angle, or edge, or whatever I need to win. I've never liked people getting rewards they didn't deserve. Especially if it is just because they are some rich house person."

Harry let the comment hang silently counting.

"Oh shit!, Harr-"

"Three seconds. Wondered when you'd catch that." Harry smiled.

"I am sorry. I-I-I don't think of you as 'rich'. You are brave, noble, selfless, devilishly handsome, brilliant… wow now I'm the babbling one. Look what you make me do, Harry."

"Is it so bad?" he smiled.

She shook her head. "No, not with you." she smiled.

"Gin, the truth is I'm still coming to terms with the inheritance. My guess is it truly won't register until we're out of class and full-time living at Grimmauld and whatever we wind up doing."

"'We' again?" she smiled.

"Yes, 'we' is so bad I want to think of us for the long term?"

"No, not at all. It's just that it sounded like you were expecting me to move in."

He shook his head. "Place isn't ready yet. That's what Fleur is for. But after graduations, why not?"

It was the warmest sensation Ginny had ever felt in her chest, almost like her heart would burst. "Why not."

They walked for a spell Ginny in a daydream of what could be. Then her thoughts came to the day before.

"Harry we should talk about last night."

"Only if you want to, Gin."

"For a third time, you came charging in to save my life. I'm starting to feel like a liability."

"Oi," Harry stopped, and wanted her attention so focused he grabbed her by her waist and sat her between two of the high points of the wall crenelations. "ALL of us were on our arses at one point last night. And your flames with the Devil's Snare were critical. And I can think of at least two situations where I know we wouldn't have been successful without you in the sky." He rubbed her cheek softly. "You are no liability. Besides I guarantee at some point in this war you'll need to save my life." He grinned for the delivery.

It didn't land well. A cold chill ran down Ginny's spine. Reflexively she wrapped around him. "Harry, please don't even make that joke."

"Whoa, whoa, okay I'm sorry babe."

Ginny took deep breaths, appreciating being wrapped both in Harry's arms and blazer, and surrounded by even the smell of him. It was soothing. "Harry, That is the singular most terrifying idea to me; That someday someone is going to need to save the world. And let's be honest it's going to be you. And someone is going to have to save you."

Harry gently lifted Ginny's chin up to look in the eyes. "And I believe in you."