Chapter 9
Kiss Goodbye
Monday, 11 August 1997
-Paris, France
At some point the sun rose and the brightness stirred Harry. For some reason he had been too distracted to set his alarm last night. He looked down to the distraction, a beautiful redhead completely naked and pressed against him as close as they could be with only a silk sheet converting them. As her head rested on his bicep though, she still wore the brightest smile. Morning workouts had been postponed for the stay in Paris. He could tell by the sun it was far too early to worry about Ron and Hermione, who he was certain were in their room anyway. So he was content to lay and watch and memorize the copper colored constellations of freckles on Ginny's exposed but ravishingly beautiful skin. Eventually the redhead stirred and her eyes fluttered open.
"Hey," Harry gently welcomed.
Ginny frowned. It was clearly a fake teasing frown, but she still frowned. "Hey? The morning after and you start with 'Hey'?"
Harry grinned, "What? I thought I was doing good staying the night."
"Oh I'd hex you if you tried not to." Ginny giggled. "Full body bind, you're going nowhere." They both laughed at the idea.
Harry started again. "Good morning Gin. Honestly, how are you?"
Ginny sighed in contentment. She stretched which gave both of them the sensation of contact again, which they enjoyed. "I'm good." she smiled. "I feel loved, and protected and … I don't know… It's not like I feel anything new, we both have been open with our feelings for a while now… thank you for that by the way."
Harry smiled, "You're welcome, but please continue. You are literally my day today, Gin."
She snickered. "I guess… things feel deeper now."
"Finally got some place we both were wanting?" Harry clarified.
Ginny nodded in agreement and wrapped up around him.
"Part of me is amazed that something so great, was so simple." Harry explained pulling close. "Part of me feels like there should be some big, long conversation or something."
"I'm glad it's simple." Ginny shrugged. "And if you have something you need to say, I'm listening, but we took things very slow by comparison. I feel we already did the talking. We both know how we feel. We're already engaged. We have as good of a plan for the next few weeks and, hell, even years, as we can." She turned to look at him and smiled. "And this wasn't our first intimate moment, just our best. So it's not like we need to figure out how to be around the others. I think we're fine, you?"
Harry kindly reached to hold the back of her head. "I think we're great Gin, really great." Then he pulled her close to kiss her good morning.
Eventually, nature called Ginny to the loo. But Harry wasn't surprised when she reached over and grabbed his jersey from her bag.
"I still can't believe that was one of the things you packed." Harry smiled.
"Expansion charm." Ginny shrugged. "It has a lot of feeling to me. It was the first thing you gave me that like, really showed you wanted me, and like wanted people to know we were together. That meant … so much to me then. It still means a lot now."
Sitting up right, he nodded. "How did I land you again?" Harry smiled.
"Magic." Ginny replied, then reacted as she clearly had a thought come to mind as she put her brush down and reached to her backpack. "I hate living out of a backpack." she groused.
"Still the safest play." Harry reminded. "If we stay prepared we can pop away faster."
"I know, I know," she said as sat near to him, and started undoing his right translation earring. "Your left side will cover your French and stuff. I want you to wear this one."she said flashing her second diamond earring.
"Didn't I get you that for our anniversary?" Harry protested.
"Then don't lose it." Ginny replied simply with a smirk. "But while we are in the middle of all of this, there's no sense in leaving a charm in a pack. This way we both have a moving silence charm. Besides, splitting the set between a couple, kinda sweet." She finished as she swapped out the earrings. "There, you have both charms now, just like me." Ginny smiled at her handywork.
"And two weeks ago, I didn't even have my ears pierced." Harry laughed.
"Things change love."
Eventually the pair of them accepted the need to rejoin reality so they showered and changed, but into far more comfortable clothes for the day. Harry got into jeans, grey tshirt, and his tactical boots. His eyes were feeling the contacts from the day before so today would be glasses day. He made a mental note to put the shades charm on when they left. Ginny put on jeans, a red tank top, and for the sake of going outside in public did forgo the Jersey with 'Potter' written on the back, swapping it out with Harry's dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Harry smiled and shook his head as he buckled his tactical belt, then finally exited their room.
"About time you two." Hermione said with a smile looking up one of the Beauxbatons books with her glasses on.
Harry checked his watch. "It's not even eight, we agreed not to worry about each other till ten."
"But you're usually early birds running and training."
Ginny followed behind Harry, "Claimed Boyfriend and Birthday privilege, so good morning."
A knock at the door sounded, "Room service." Harry's hands immediately went to his wand but looked to Hermione.
Hermione sighed with slight annoyance. "Yes, I took the liberty of ordering breakfast. Sweet breads and drinks."
"Still." Harry whispered. He gestured for Ginny to stand behind the door who did with her hand hovering over her wand ready.
"Oh honestly Harry," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Just have her leave it by the door if you're that worried."
Harry and Ginny flashed looks of agreement as Harry's hands moved from his wand to his wallet. He grabbed a few francs as he came to the door, but left the chain on. "Sorry, my lady's not decent at this moment. Can you leave it by the door?" Ginny shrugged but nodded. She had never claimed to be a decent lady.
The delivery girl seemed completely unphased. "Certainly sir, but I do need a signature." she said holding a clipboard.
"That I can do," Harry smiled, as he wrote down his alias. He clipped the francs to the board and returned it to the young lady who smiled and then promptly walked away. Harry watched through the peep hole until she had turned a corner down the hall and was out of sight. Then he opened the door, took the silver serving tray and brought it to the table.
"Really Harry? We were just walking around in muggle Paris yesterday."
"And we were in crowds of people and easier to run and hide." Harry replied. "I -we- sleep here. I'd like to keep it safe."
Hermione surrendered, "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I was trying to be kind to our birthday girl." Hermione deflected looking at Ginny approaching from the door.
Ginny shook her head. "Sorry Harry, I know I should be upset, but she kinda wins my vote with breakfast," Ginny explained as she poured a cup of coffee.
Hermione saw her angle and played it. "Harry, I already apologized. I promise I will ask about room service orders in the future, okay? Can we have the day we came here for now?" Hermione smirked.
Ginny smirked.
Harry sighed. "Alright, I'm not going to make a mountain out of molehill." He looked at Ginny, "and I suppose this is Happy Birthday Gin. And save me some coffee"
The soon started breakfast as Hermione started mixing a clear drink in with her orange juice. Out of curiosity, Harry picked up the bottle when Hermione was done. "Vodka? Isn't it a bit early?"
"It's called a screwdriver and it's France." Hermione waved dismissively. "Relax."
With the smell of food and coffee in the air, Ron finally emerged from his room throwing a blue tshirt on. "Hey, someone start breakfast and not tell me?" he smiled as joined the table with a red box in his hand.
"I was about to get you Ron." Hermione welcomed. "I would never want to tell Molly I let you miss a meal." A joke understood and enjoyed by all of them.
As Ron grabbed a few rolls and a cup of tea he did sit the box in front of Ginny. "Happy Birthday sis."
Ginny smiled with honest surprise. "I thought this whole trip was my gift. You guys really didn't have to."
"Meh," Hermione waved away. "We both had the same idea separately, so we knew it was good."
"Less yacking, more unpacking." Ron summarized as he sat down.
Ginny opened the box to see a four inch tall cast metal replica of the Eiffel Tower.
"We wanted you to have a good souvenir." Ron explained.
"And I added a charm." Hermione said with a small touch of pride, as she took a drink.
"Okay, so what's the charm?" Ginny asked with a bright expression.
"Portkey," Hermione replied. "Paris is one of those cities I'm sure you'll want to return to. Now it's easy."
Harry shook his head as he smiled. "When I asked about portkeys from Apolline, I was thinking of more emergency uses." He caught sour glances from all three of them. "But she did tell us to appreciate the simple things." The smiles returned. Harry sipped his coffee and smiled. "Alright, Gin, It's your day. What do you want to do?
Ginny took a deep breath. "I want to live. I want to see more."
"Carpe diem." Harry smiled in agreement.
Hermoine took some of the tourist guides and maps from the hotel and created a battle plan worthy of Captain Moody. They took care of their primary target, the Eiffel Tower first. Admittedly there were lines, but that gave them an opportunity to finish their drinks and more fully wake up.
The tower was beautiful and though this visit was daylit the ability to see how truly large Paris was was a revelation to the Weasleys. "Nine million people all live here?" Ron stammered out in shock.
"There's about seven million in London." Hermione tried to comfort, rubbing his back. "You've been there."
"I've rode or walked around it. I never … climbed bloody Big Ben and took a look!" Hermione wrapped up around his arm as he processed. "This is mental."
"Well, technically Big Ben is the bell housed within. The tower itself is the Elizabeth Tower."
"Nobody calls it that Hermione." Harry smiled and shook his head in disbelief.
"Well just because everybody else is wrong doesn't mean that we have to be!" Hermione smiled.
Frankly though he was happy to see his friend a lot better. He was certain part of this was still an act, but he had the feeling it was less of a brave face today than it had been a few days ago.
Ginny seemed to be processing better, but only slightly. "This is why," she whispered.
"Why what?" Harry asked, taking her hand.
Ginny looked around for a moment, Harry gave a courtesy charge of silence around them for her to speak. "Thanks. I understand now, why we have the Secrecy. I mean, I remember the lessons Mum and Dad taught. But I never quite understood, like if we have magic, and muggles by definition don't, why we had to be so careful and hide. We could just, magically defend ourselves. But now, seeing the buildings, seeing the people… wow. I mean, I know I flew over London, but that was night and I was distracted. And we were here last night, but actually here now seeing it… I get it. They're really are just so many of them aren't there? Magic is one thing but so many people… wow."
With a view like this the camera had to come out, but when it came time for the group photo, Ginny could see the angle. She wanted to just hover the camera, but they were in the muggle world… and not alone. Ron, jack of all trades, came to the rescue. After seeing several of the other tourists use collapsible tripods. He quickly grabbed his magical multitool. It grew and spread out very similar to muggle versions and when the camera rested upon it, blended it perfectly.
"Thank you Ron," Ginny said as the camera flashed
The day was sunny and fair. Ginny soon became a bit of a shutterbug, taking pictures commonly along the way. They began their journey down All Adrienne Lecouvreur, which was a lovely foot path with green trees on both sides and and ran along the Champ-de-Mars, which Hermione pointed out a grove of trees that created a blind spot perfect for apparating, so that's where she and Ron had charmed their portkeys to.
"Keys?" Harry clarified.
"Busted." Ron said with a smile.
"Alright I may have made a second one for me too."
Ginny smiled. "Good."
Hermione shook her head at the silliness. "It just felt like you two's style to have a link to where the French used to train their soldiers and with the trees, it was a decent option."
"It's perfect Mione, thanks." Ginny said as she hugged her.
They meandered through the Army Museum. Ginny was neutral on that location, but she got a kick out of Ron's eyes looking at the sculptures and painting. Hermoine played the translator of the many signs, starting to feel a bit like a tour guide, but she was still smiling so they continued on.
As they walked past the statue of Le Penseur, Ron couldn't help himself. "Hey Hermione, whatcha thinking?" Truly a groaner from all of them.
They took their time talking as they walked down the street line with local shops of everything muggle they could imagine. They found a bookstore, which Hermione had to venture into, and other teased about. And though yes she did find a few books to put in her pack, Ron actually grabbed a muggle atlas of Europe. "Let's be honest, it is likely going to be more current than the books I got the other day." Remembering that their potions text was published in the 50's and they didn't want to guess at the others, they all nodded in agreement.
Seeing the sun get overhead, Harry started thinking ahead. At a bakery they passed he picked up a few baguettes. His thought was to pick up some cheese and wine. He was aware that there were many types of cheeses. None of them were aware of the myriad of tastes and smells there were. Working their way through samples was truly and experience with highs, lows, but more importantly laughs for them and finally Harry walked away with a disk shaped container of Camembert.
Harry threw himself at the mercy of the merchant at the next wine shop letting him know of their picnic plans, who said they had the right idea. He accepted the recommendation of a Cabernet Sauvignon.
When they made it to the Luxembourg Gardens all of them decided that regardless of their watches, it was lunch time. They found a soft batch of green grass under one of the trees. They each pulled out their two camp cups and Hermione poured the wine while Harry took out his knife and started slicing the bread. Somewhere in the distance some local musicians were making a go of it. Which made all four of them snicker. So with wine, woman, and song, the quartet took a respite.
After their feet and stomachs all said they were ready they resumed their stroll through the city. They walked down Rue Soufflot on the way to the Pantheon. With the high concrete dome and the columns Harry could definitely see the roman designs. It rivaled the size of Hogwarts, and that he realized this building was done without magic.
The interior of Notre Dame was beautiful. The height of the ceiling and the multitude of candles reminded them of the Great Hall, but with the grandeur and beauty of the stained glass it felt more open and airy. Ginny leaned over to Harry, "Are we sure there is no way for me to take a few laps on a broom in here?" she teased.
Harry smiled, "I would love to see it but you and I know you'd fly so fast you'd break the glass. And I don't know if I could even afford to pay for that." That made Ginny laugh hysterically.
After another round of walking their stomachs said it was time for another treat. And Ginny wanted chocolate. Which was ridiculously easy to find and better than they hoped. Each of them found at least a box or two they struck their fancy but also found what was called hot chocolate from a far different creature than what any of them had had had Hogwarts or elsewhere. This was something on the level of actual milk chocolate candy in a warm liquid form. Ginny's taste buds were in heaven.
"Alright sis, you've given us a hell of a day so far," Ron asked. "What do you want as we get to the evening?"
She sat back with her chocolate in hand. "I think I've gotten enough sights for a day," she said, then the cheshire grin grew full out. "I think I want some music."
The other three nodded, sure that was fine.
"And I think I'd like some dancing with a certain bloke I know," she teased looking at Harry.
"I feel like I should be objecting here, but I will respect birthday rules." Harry said as he watched Ginny carefully.
She pulled out her fake ID. "And I know I feel like I just haven used this enough."
Hermione smiled as she understood what Ginny was suggesting. "I think I like what you're suggesting."
"Why am I very concerned?" Ron asked.
"Me too." Harry agreed.
"She wants to go clubbing you two!" Hermione explained, "Frankly, so do I!"
"I really don't know about this." Harry said with great reservation.
"What?!" Ron said, "Are you mental?"
Ginny shrugged. "Maybe, but is this such a bad idea?" she pouted.
Hermione defended. "It will be dark, and loud, and crowded. We can disappear easily."
"And you feel these are good things?" Harry asked.
"Yes!" both ladies replied together.
Ginny took Harry's hand and smiled. "Harry, I promise you. Give me this and I will make it worth your while."
Harry took a look. He knew when Ginny had her heels dug in. "Ron, I don't think we have much choice mate."
Ron sighed. "Alright… we're going clubbing."
-The Burrow
"Mum, you know I can help." Bill offered from the table again.
"Oh nonsense," Molly replied. "You and your father had a long day at the office. Fleur already helped me in the garden. Besides..." Molly cut herself short. No one even had to guess what the sentence would have been. They all understood dinner for four was indeed far easier than seven, eight, or more that it should be, and that was just fundamentally wrong.
When they arrived Bill did go about refreshing the wards and checking for any scrying charms. Thus far the Burrow seemed to be safe. Molly hadn't said a word about the date when she invited the couple over, but she didn't need to either. Bill was aware. Obviously this wasn't the first sibling's birthday where they were separated, the reason for the separation put a whole new and uncomfortable light on everything.
As they continued with dinner, conversation was light and, truly more of a distraction than anything else. Bill and Authur spoke of their day. Finally Arthur asked Molly of hers.
"Well," she began. "The market has gone peculiar with all this AAA rubbish."
"Now what?" Arthur asked.
"The front till, you know the normal place we alway pay, that has been reserved now for the 'Pure and Half Blood' mages."
"And what of the others?" Fleur asked in surprise. "Not allowed to shop? For groceries?!"
"Oh they're still welcome, in the back. They set up a second till by the back door for the 'muggle and other ravel'."
Arthur smiled as he already knew what happened but he asked anyway. "And what did you do?"
"Got in line in the back. I've never cared about my status before. I'm sure not going to start now."
Bill grinned. "You're going to start trouble Mum."
"No, They started it. All this blood focus. The only blood I have ever cared about was when I saw one of my children blee-" Molly stopped herself, letting a tear fall. Arthur kindly reached out to her hand. "I'm sorry, this was a bad idea."
Finally Bill, "Mum this is fine. We miss them too." He took a breath and steadied himself. "They contacted me yesterday. They are all fine." The relief clearly relaxed both Molly and Arthur.
"Did they say anything?" Arthur asked.
Bill nodded. "They're being careful. They said they moved, for a supply run. They didn't say where. To their credit, they even put an illusion of some sort behind them to avoid revealing anything."
"You don't think … they don't trust you now?" Molly asked, confused.
Arthur caressed her hand. "I'm sure it was just a precaution."
"I agree," Bill nodded. "I think Harry is taking their safety as their first concern. He's had personal experience with mind control, mind reading, scrying. He knows they exist and he's planning accordingly. It's actually fairly impressive he's thought that deep."
"More importantly," Arthur asked. "How are they?"
"Especially Hermione, that poor child." Molly added.
Bill took Fleur's hand. "They all look well, healthy. I saw some smiles I think were real. Hermione did seem to be the roughest, but that looked more like sleepless nights and stress than anything."
There was an obvious silence. Then Molly's face showed a mix of concern and determination. "Bill… I know you don't contact Harry often."
"Frankly, I'm trying to let him reach out to me."
"Regardless, then next time you do speak, or whatever, please let Hermione know, regardless, she comes home here. She doesn't worry about that for a moment." She flashed a look to Arthur who nodded in agreement.
Bill and Fleur smiled at each other for a moment. "Mum, I rather think Ron has the same idea."
"Good." Arthur replied "Nice to see it when your children grow up."
"I just hope wherever they are, whatever they're doing, they're safe and together."
"I'm absolutely sure they are Mum."
"And hopefully… maybe… they can squeeze out a happy birthday for Ginny."
The Quartet found a concealed corner in an alley and apparated back to the hotel. They reset their concealments and obviously changed their clothes. Hermione pulled out a white sleeveless top and a black mini skirt. Ginny donned a black dress with spaghetti straps. Which left Harry looking at his pack asking the question. "What the hell does a bloke wear to a club?"
Ginny laughed hysterically.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Well it's not like I've bloody gone before."
"Well first, all you need to do is make me happy, right?"
Harry shook his head. "Of course, what do you want me to do?"
"Just throw on a dress shirt over jeans, skip the tie, grab a black blazer. You'll blend in well enough and I promise you won't be alone on the dancefloor."
Grabbing the clothes from his bag, Harry continued,"I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
Ginny offered a fake pout. "Harry, let me have this. I'll be good for the rest of the trip. 'Sides, I'm sure you'll have fun too."
"Just to clarify, you realize I have truly enjoyed our normal quiet dates and such this entire year, right?"
Ginny smiled and wrapped around him. "Never doubted, and I'm not suggesting otherwise." Then she gestured out the window. "But how often do we have a chance like this? I'm not suggesting blow off the war. I'm just saying tonight let's live, and save the world tomorrow. "
"I get you and I know I said a large point of this trip was to get our heads on right, blow off steam… I just … never planned this."
Ginny pretended to pout again.
Harry rolled his eyes. "But I understand I'm not the only one here. So if the team needs a night out… I won't be the kill joy."
"Thank you!" she said with excitement and ran out the door.
When Harry joined the rest, he found Ron wasn't too far different with a white dress shirt and jeans, and a very unsure look on his face. As the girls seemed to be giddy, he confessed in a harsh whisper, "Harry, I have no idea what I'm doing here."
Harry patted his back. "Neither do I mate." He looked over to the ladies. "I suggest we just follow the pretty half of this team and hold on for dear life."
Paris was large enough, everynight had a nightlife. So as they left the hotel walking in the opposite direction away from the Siene headed for a club called Club L'Arc, in the heart of the city, with yet another tourist flyer as their guide. Ginny and Hermione were absolutely glowing. Ron was clearly nervous, but to his credit he was proceeding forward bravely. Harry settled in on, 'If he was being hexed at, he wasn't going to worry about it'. It was still Ginny's birthday, the war could wait, she was getting her day.
As they approached the final few blocks to the club, it finally registered to Harry where the club took its name. It was across the street and literally in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe.
Harry pointed, and playfully teased, "Hey Gin, looks like we squeezed in one more tourist site."
Ginny laughed. "Yes, that's exactly why we're here! Drinks and dancing are just …"
"Fringe benefits." Hermione finished when Ginny paused.
They stopped long enough for the obligatory photograph. Then they dashed the rest of the way to the club, the ladies leading the way smiling like cats who caught the canary. There was an obligatory queue; they had to wait in line for a bouncer at the door dismissing out the clearly poor liars in line. The wait was amateurish by British standards. And if their ID's stood up to customs Harry had no fear of a local club check…. which turned out to be correct.
A moderate cover charge later they slipped into a dimly lit, extremely loud and very packed dance floor. Ginny looked at him with the brightest smile, and took his hand. "Just stick close, loosen up, have fun for one night." The music was loud enough Harry didn't bother with a verbal reply. He smiled and nodded his head but more importantly, followed along. The music was powerful enough, he didn't just hear it. He was surprised when he could literally feel the power of it pressing against him with the beat of bass.
Ginny and Hermione seemed to be naturals on the dance floor. Harry guessed that it had to be a girl thing. Ron with years of being the class clown embraced the moment and joined in the thrawl with abandon. Harry could truly feel his self consciousness, blessedly whenever it rose, Ginny flashed him another smile meant only for him or slipped up close and … self consciousness somehow faded away. Harry could tell by the look in her eyes she could read him like an open book. He loved her for that.
Harry could see the attraction… of the club. This was nothing like Yule Ball, and far better than listening to the stereo Bill got him for Christmas. The sound and lighting was like an exterior pulse that pumped energy into the crowd. This felt … more primal, almost primitive but in a satisfying way. These weren't orchestrated dance moves. This was feeling and emotion and release and celebration. This was an all muggle place so Harry knew there wasn't any magic here, but there was definitely power here and he was hard pressed to tell the difference.
Harry didn't need realization to see the attraction of Ginny. She danced and shook and moved with the music like art. She stayed close to always commonly hold his arm around her torso, which Harry was slow to move anyway. Their dancing filled the air with, currently blonde hair, but still smelled of apple blossoms, as well as the perfume the Delacours had gifted to her during their stay. So with the light, and sound, and smell, and touch, Harry was already feeling intoxicated.
So he was rather surprised when Ron tapped him on the shoulder and yelled, "Drinks." They followed along, with Hermione leading the way. The bar seemed to be a few decibels quieter than the floor they came by so mild conversation was possible. Of course the first words out of her mouth were, "Gin and tonic please."
The barkeep looked at Ron, who stumbled for a moment. "Er, not a beer. Harry, what were you having the other day?"
"He'll have a hard cider." Harry clarified. "I'll have a water, and this lady's with me." Harry said with a nod to Ginny.
"Babe," she replied. "I don't care if you drink tonight. I want you to have a good time too."
Harry grinned at her. "You planning on breaking up with me or something?"
"Never!" Ginny replied with a wild smile.
"Then trust me. I'm having a great time. And I'll actually be more relaxed, sober and watching out for you three."
Ginny kissed him and turned back to the bar. "Celebrating my birthday, what do you recommend?"
The barkeep smiled and pointed to Harry. "Sober guy your boyfriend?"
Ginny flashed her ring, "Even better."
The barkeep nodded. He took a glass and mixed gin, lemon juice, some sort of simple syrup, and topped with champagne. "French 75, happy birthday, have a good one." Ginny took a test sip. Her eyes lit up with approval and then took a proper drink of still swaying to music next to Harry.
Harry settled the tab but was surprised when the barkeep passed a few francs back. "Don't worry about the water. I like ones who actually look out for their mates." Harry nodded and tipped his bottle in respect.
The four of them finished their drinks, the girls in record time, then returned to the floor. Thus setting the cycle for the night of dancing, grab a drink, and repeat. Somewhere around the fourth or fifth cycle, Ron came with a smiling but rather wobbly Hermione on his arm. "Hey, I'm taking Mione back to the hotel while she's still standing."
Harry looked down to Ginny who was smiling equally wide and leaning very heavily on Harry's chest. "Probably the smart play, mate. Let's find a corner outside and take the shortcut."
Tuesday, 12 August 1997
-Paris, France
Ginny awoke the next morning comfortable, content, and rested, but with a splitting headache. Then when she lifted her head she noticed she was alone in bed for the first time in over a week. "Harry?" she asked.
"Over here, Gin," he replied calmly, standing on the balcony with his potion brewing kit on the table.
She sat up and pulled the jersey over herself again. "Whatcha up too?"
Harry gave the caudron a stir and then looked at his watch, then came to join her on the bed with a kiss and a rub to her back. "Morning beautiful, you three were hitting the drinks hard last night. When I was doing the homework for my headache potion, I picked up a hangover potion recipe or two. So I thought I'd brew some up for you all. Better to brew out here and not trigger the fire alarm. I set up a mild illusion so no one can see us."
"My hero," Ginny thanked.
More slowly today, but surely all of them gathered around the sitting room table the three patients sipping their recovery potions. As they slowly nursed themselves to health, Ron smiled as he asked the question. "Did you have a good birthday at least?"
Ginny smiled at them all. "I had a great birthday, thank you all."
"Suggestions for today then?" Harry asked.
She left a moment of silence for anyone else but Hermione did venture a suggestion. "You want Viktor to try to play olive branch to Durmstrang, right Harry?"
"Seems logical to me, at least." He nodded in agreement.
"Then I would suggest we send him an owl. Confirm he's okay. Let him know we're okay. If we're going to be in Paris for a few more days it would give him a response."
"You're finally going to buy an owl?" Ron teased.
"Well, we left Hedwig at the Burrow, it makes sense." Harry shrugged.
Hermione shook her head in protest, then regretted it. It was still too early for that. "No, not even that much. Back at Place Cachée I'm sure I saw a public owlery with rates posted for deliveries."
"Forward progress on the plan," Harry agreed. "I like it."
The Weasleys both nodded and all of them figured if that was the next step, they might as well head out sooner rather than later and catch breakfast there too. They donned their disguises again and by then the cauldron had cooled so they returned to the dreaded packing up and living out of backpacks.
By the time the cab delivered them back to the statue, the hangover potions took full effect and they were for the most part back to their normal selves. They tried to look casual as they waited for the cab to pull away and for the statue to wave them in. Then Ginny had a realization. "Wow," she muttered.
"You okay Gin?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, fine just being silly again." she said dismissively
"C'mon sis, Whatcha thinking?"
"It's just… these last three days, this is the longest I've been … on this side of the Cauldron."
The comment registered with Ron who shook his head in understanding. "Wow… you're right."
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks and shook their heads and said together, "Pure bloods." Then each led their Weasley back through the base of the living statue into the Wizard World.
The Place Cachée was much the same as it was a few days earlier, with mages coming and going about their lives. They made their way to the cafe they had been at earlier and grabbed four rounds of mocha and croissant. Hermione took out pen and paper. "So logic assumes we don't want to simply sign our names to it, but we do want to let him know who we are."
"So we're cryptic, but he's not dumb." Ginny replied.
Harry swallowed a piece of bread and nodded. "I agree. He was at the wedding so he knows what happened. Drop a few details he'll figure out."
"Handwrite it." Ron said simply as if that was the answer to everything then he took a drink of coffee as the other three looked at him. "What?"
"Of course we're going to write it, Ron," Harry explained, "But tell me what you're thinking."
"She's helped us study for six years of class, and saying you can recognize her hand writing just on sight?" He turned to Hermione, "You've been quill mates for how long?"
Ginny laughed, "He's got us there."
Hermione shook her head. "And common sense wins the day, yes Ron, I'm sure Viktor will recognize my handwriting. What do we want to say?"
Harry thought aloud, "Viktor, apologies for my quick departure. I'm safe with…" he paused for a moment… then smiled, "your swimming and quidditch partner."
The four of them laughed, but Hemione took the notes. Ginny continued. "Speaking of sports, I was thinking the other day of getting a match together. I'd love to talk to your alma mater about bringing one of your teams over here."
"Hey guys…" Ron interrupted.
"What's up mate?" Harry asked.
"We may have a problem." Ron replied. "Four tables over, bloke in black robes and a purple turtleneck, not him but the paper he's reading.
Harry looked over to see he was actually reading a copy of Daily Prophet. Harry watched him closer… turtleneck wasn't even reading. He was holding it as kept looking around. Realization triggered Harry to look around, then he saw at least four other Death Eaters trying to blend in… and doing it poorly.
Harry dropped his gaze to the table. "Everyone … stay … calm, but we've got Eaters around here. I count five." As subtle as he could, while keeping his hands on the table he pointed them out to the others.
"Bollox," Ginny swore.
"Well so far they haven't made us." Hermione replied, "Or rather doubt we'd still be sitting here enjoying our coffee."
"Plan?" Harry asked, keeping his head low, taking a sip.
Ron followed suit. "Mione's right, they haven't seen us yet, so we casually get up, leave, find a covered corner and portkey."
"Right," they agreed and began to rise.
"Hold it!" Ginny snapped as she nodded towards Bonnetvolant Chapellerie. Two more Death Eaters followed behind her a tall, thin wizard with a crown of bushy grey hair, a long sharp nose, then a second, an equally tall, but powerfully built man with a black beard, but Harry was focused on what Ginny was. Staff in hand, silver hair with blue tips and a dark red cloak wrapped around her… it was Delphini Lestrange.
Harry hand drifted to his wand until Hermione reached out to stop him. "Civilians," she whispered. "We start a fight here, how many hurt or worse?"
Harry clenched his jaw in frustration, he looked over to see Ginny similarly frustrated.
Ron tried to coach, "Look, every tactical situation has three options. You can run, fight, or hide. We can't fight with this kind of collateral damage around. We're trying to run. Can we portkey right here, Mione?"
Hermione shrugged. "Technically, yes. But realistically I wouldn't recommend it. She'd see our departure and the two magics look different… if she knows what spell we used and where we left from, it would be a lot easier for her to scry where we went."
Their placing at the table couldn't be worse. Ron and Hermione at least had their backs mostly to the street. Harry specifically took the seat closest to the wall so he could keep an eye on the situation and so he and Ginny were now facing straight out to the lane Delphini was walking. Her eyes squinted like a hunter tracking prey as she looked from one person to the next.
Harry's hand wrapped around his wand. Hermione reached over to cover it. "Please... don't," she begged. "Trust the charms. Play the part, James."
"It was a good plan last week mate," Ron reminded. "Gotta trust it now."
Harry stared daggers into the table trying to keep at least his eyes out of sight. His left hand slipping to the edge of the table planning to hurl it if needs be. He started planning angles and shots. Too close quarters for a witch bolt. Too many civis for the whip. A smoke cloud could conceal-
"Trust me," Ginny whispered, though it felt more like an order, but Harry didn't even have time to breathe before her lips crashed to his. Now, kissing Ginny was not something he was ever going to complain about. But the time and place here… made no sense to him. Ginny was smarter than this… unless this was some sort of… kiss goodbye?
No… Ginny wasn't crazy enough to do some sort of sacrifice play. She was the one that came up with Rule 5. And she sure as hell wasn't a quitter. This didn't make any sense.
Ginny sensed Harry's confusion so broke the kiss briefly but stayed close enough to press their foreheads together and whispered, "Hide in plain sight."
Then Harry understood! The kiss hid both their faces. With the charms up all Delphini would see is the back of some blonde girl clearly enamored with someone. Certainly not the token Weasley red she was looking for. He finally released his wand and caressed her cheek both to further the kiss and further cover their faces. Ginny raises her hand to lace their fingers to further the ruse. Harry could hear some of Hermione's snickers as they continued. And frankly, he didn't care. Harry would never have guessed snogging as an option for hiding, he added that to the things he loved about Gin.
Sometime later, again no one looked at a watch, Ron coughed… uncomfortably. "They're gone."
Ginny broke away with a cheshire grin. "Who's gone?"
Harry sat back with the stupidest grin. "Quick thinking… Jen, sharp."
"What are you talking about? I just fancied a snog." she shrugged unashamed.
Hermione was trying diligently to keep from laughing. "That was brilliant, she… or anyone… really didn't want to take too close a look at you. And Rob, I think your discomfort really sold it."
"Oh… I thought you liked my boyfriend." Ginny teased.
"I'm fine with you two together. I don't even mind seeing normal affection. I just still don't want to be in the front row seat to one of your snog fests."
Harry and Ginny shared an expression and shrugged. "Fair enough," they said together.
"We probably should pop though." Harry said as his senses started to return.
"Agreed," Hermione said, "I had an idea. Follow me."
Hermione led them to Maison Capenoir, a clothing shop. "Everyone grab something off the rack that you want to 'try on'." she said, stressing the final two words.
"So we use the necklaces in the changing rooms?" Ginny asked to confirm.
"Exactly… just hang your clothes up over the door or something first." Hermione confirmed. "We're not thieves."
With a wild spin and pop, each of them soon returned to Delacour Manor, with Sebastian seeming waiting for them. He approached with the stoic expression Harry had noticed common among many security personnel. "We wondered if you would be returning early." From under his arm he held out a copy of the Daily Prophet, but yesterday's edition. UNDESIRABLES AT LARGE with two large photos dominating the front page. On the left was Harry's picture with a note of 10,000 galleons. On the right was Ginny's, for 7,000.
"What the hell!" Ginny cried out.
Harry grabbed the paper and started reading. "In the continuing rebuilding and purification of the wizarding world, Ministry officials have determined certain rogue elements resistant to progress. As all are welcome in this brave new wizard word, those not wise enough to voluntarily find their place must be managed and counseled accordingly in the interest of public safety. Therefore it is with deep regret that the Ministry seeks assistance of its people in the reporting of Undesirable NO 1, half-blood Harry Potter and NO 2 pure-blood Ginevra 'Crimson Witch' Weasley for charges of disturbing the peace, inciting of riot and rebellion, sedition, and subversive activities. As both mages are known to be extremely dangerous, citizens are urged to have no contact with Potter or Weasley. Rewards of 10,000 and 7,000 galleons respectively have been announced for information leading to the capture of these dangerous rogue elements. The Ministry urges you, if you see something, say something."
"I don't believe this." Ron stammered out.
"I know!" Ginny continued. "I don't mind Harry taking top billing but I'm worth at least 9,000!"
COMING SOON:
"I am the law!" Delphini roared as she walked along and looked each of them in the eye. "Now this is your last chance before things become truly … uncomfortable. Where are Ginevra Weasley and Harry Potter?"