A Sirius Affair

Penny and Carole

Story Summary:
A prequel to Paradigm of Uncertainty that takes place six years before the events in that story, chronicling the lives of Sirius, Harry, Hermione during the summer and fall of 2001.

Chapter 09

Posted:
07/14/2001
Hits:
3,066

A SIRIUS AFFAIR

Chapter 9 21

Hermione and Ginny had transformed Harry and Hermione's flat into a space quite suitable for a party. Hermione had transfigured most of the living room furniture into small trees strung with twinkle lights. The end tables had been transfigured into several benches along the side of the room. This left a large space in the center of the room for dancing. Hermione sent Harry out to the roof to weed the garden and set up some tables and chairs. There were also Japanese lanterns to be hung around the edge of the roof garden and extra speakers to be put out so that they would have music outside as well.

Harry had gotten home very late the previous night and was hoping to get a bit of time to spend with Ginny on her own before the party. Hermione and Ginny had other plans; however, as they sent him out on a continuous stream of errands with large lists and difficult-to-find items. Finally it was late afternoon, and everything seemed to be set.

"Has Ginny gone?" Harry asked as Hermione was heading to the bathroom to take a shower and get dressed.

"Yes, she left about a half hour ago," Hermione called back down the hall.

"Damn. I've been trying to talk with her all day," he said distractedly.

"About what?" Hermione asked, peeking her head around the corner with a sly smile on her face.

"Oh, nothing. I'll see her later," Harry said as he wandered back into his room to change, trying to ignore the curious expression on Hermione's face.

Guests began arriving around 7:00; Neville and his new wife Amelia were the first to arrive. Harry and Hermione hadn't met Amelia before. She had gone to a wizarding school in Malaysia to be nearer her parents as her mother was the Ministry's Ambassador to Malaysia for much of her adolescence. Neville met her at a Ministry function when she and her parents returned to Britain a couple of years ago. Harry thought she seemed to be very nice person, with a serene disposition that suited Neville well. She was now working at the London-based Culinary Charms Institute. Hermione was extremely grateful to have Amelia around when she discovered that a few of the dishes Ginny had planned needed far more preparation than Hermione had counted on.

George and Lee Jordan appeared with a large suspicious box of chocolates. "Hi, Harry. These are for your guests," George said with a grin as he set them on the counter.

"Right. Well, I'll serve these only after you eat one. . . ," Harry said cautiously

"Fine. I'll eat this one. . . .," George offered, plucking one out of the box.

"Oh no. . . .I'll choose, you eat. . . .," Harry returned.

"Um, Lee, maybe you should take those chocolates up to the roof," George countered as he took the box from Harry and smiled.

"Oliver and Janine were right behind us. . . . Ah, there they are," Lee commented as he took them into the kitchen to introduce them to the rest of the guests who had crowded into the kitchen.

"Are you the Amelia Smithson?" Janine exclaimed. "I've tried some of your charms from Witch Weekly. They looked quite useful, but I managed to screw them up royally . . . What a disaster! Luckily Oliver got them sorted out and has found them most useful. I've surrendered the kitchen to him now; otherwise we'd starve."

Ginny arrived rather late, as she had to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few last minute items that Harry had either been unable to find or had confused with other useless items. Most of the other guests were either friends from Hogwarts or Hermione's friends from graduate school. Since they had invited Sirius, they had been cautious of the others included on the guest list. Most of the guests had been involved, or had had parents who were involved, with the fight against Voldemort during his second rise to power. Those who had fought Voldemort during those dark years were aware of Sirius' role in those battles. The invitation had been worded to indicate that Sirius would be in attendance and that while guests were free to bring a date, they should use discretion or memory charms might be necessary.

"Hey do you want these cauldron cakes -- on a special platter or just tossed on a plate? Rufus asked as he helped Hermione and Ginny set more of the food out.

"The platter's over there," Hermione pointed. "So. . . Mum called and said she and Dad were going on holiday to France again this year. Next week in fact, and she asked if we'd like to join them. Could you manage the time off work?" Hermione asked as she took the platter of cauldron cakes from Rufus.

"I don't think I can be gone all of next week, but I might be able to come meet you towards the latter part of the week. How long would you be there?"

"Hermione, somone else is at the door, and I think Harry's up on the roof," Ginny interjected.

"Oh, right. Where is my wand? Oh, there . . . ." Hermione directed her wand at the door to open it. Sirius and Cordelia strode in; Sirius was carrying a long wrapped package. "Good evening ladies . . . This is for Harry," Sirius said to Hermione and Ginny as he gestured toward the package he was carrying.

"Oh, hullo," Hermione said as she walked over to hug him. "You can put it on the chair there, although you know Harry is going to raise a fuss that you've brought a gift." Sirius just rolled his eyes and Hermione turned to Cordelia. "Hi, Cordelia. It's great to see you again, and I'm so glad about . . . well, everything. I hope you won't feel too out of place with all of us this evening," Hermione said.

"Ah, where are my manners? Cordelia, this is Ginny Weasley, a friend of Harry and Hermione, and you must be Rufus Frost. Hermione has talked a great deal about you. I'm Sirius Black, and this is Cordelia Hunter," Sirius said as he reached out his hand to Rufus.

Rufus looked stunned and seemingly at a loss for words. He returned the handshake, but when he withdrew his hand, he didn't seem to know what to do with it. He managed a rather tight-lipped smile and mumbled to Hermione that he needed to see her privately for a moment. Hermione suddenly realised that Rufus had never received one of the formal invitations to the party. She had simply invited him verbally.

They made their way out to the roof garden before Rufus blurted out, "What the bloody hell is HE doing here...and with a date!!!??? Shouldn't he be in Azkaban or something? And, why in hell is he this close to Harry? From what I heard, he was the bastard that..."

"Just calm down, Rufus," Hermione interrupted sharply. "It's my fault. I failed to warn you properly . . . everyone else knew from the invitation. . . ."

"Knew what? That you're all associating with a known fugitive! So, everyone's okay with that, are they?" Rufus yelled.

"Calm down Rufus! It's not that big a deal. It's not as though I've been intentionally keeping this from you. I just forgot you didn't know."

"Right. Well, I'll just add this to my list of things you lie to me about," Rufus said cynically.

"What's that supposed to mean? Look, Sirius is a very close friend. Are you sure I've never mentioned him to you?" Hermione said, distractedly pushing hair away from her face.

Harry had been rather hidden in one corner of the roof garden fixing one of the speakers while Hermione and Rufus discussed Sirius. He had heard their entire argument, but he was hoping to stay hidden until they went back to the flat. Harry was just beginning to think that Hermione had successfully placated Rufus yet again when Rufus cut her words off angrily.

"No, you just happened to fail to mention that a notorious ex-Azkaban prisoner would be in attendance at this party and that I'm supposed to just make pleasant small talk with him. Meanwhile, I'm also apparently supposed to just stand here and accept all your explanations of innocence! Why isn't someone notifying the authorities? You say he's a close friend? What kind of other friends do you have that I don't know about?" Rufus was shouting again.

Harry decided he'd had just about enough of Rufus yelling at Hermione. He straightened up and walked across the roof toward them. "Harry . . . ," Hermione began in a firm tone, but Harry ignored her and turned directly to Rufus. In a very quiet but distinct tone, Harry said, "Sirius is my godfather. He's not a dark wizard, and he most certainly does NOT belong in Azkaban. If you have a problem being in the same room with him, then you can leave now. Hermione is simply accustomed after all these years to being discreet about Sirius. She doesn't speak of him to just anyone, and yes she should have certainly told you beforehand, but she didn't. Just let it drop. Got it?" After a pause to be certain Rufus understood him, Harry continued. "I think we should all just head back to the party and our guests."

Rufus seemed to acquiesce or made no further complaint in any case. He followed Harry down the stairs and back to the party. Harry reckoned, correctly, that Rufus was less likely to take his anger out on Hermione if they were surrounded by other people. He also thought it could be helpful for Rufus to observe the other guests interacting with Sirius.

While they were gone, most of the other guests had arrived. Sirius had introduced Cordelia to most of the crowd, and she was chatting with Ginny when Harry, Hermione and Rufus came back into the room. When Sirius saw Harry had returned, he called to the crowd to pay attention for a moment. "Although we were instructed not to bring birthday presents, and as much as he hates to be fussed over, we do need to acknowledge that this is Harry's 21st birthday celebration. As the closest thing he has to a surrogate parent, I feel the need to say a few words in his honor. First, it's worth noting that it is truly amazing he has lived this long at all, given the frequency of his run-ins with assorted dark wizard types." Everyone, including Harry, laughed. "What is also amazing is the fact that he has grown into such a fine man and great wizard . . . and with very little help from me I might add. In fact, that could well be why he did grow into such a fine man." Everyone laughed again and Harry grinned at his godfather. Sirius went on, "So, I think a toast and a presentation are in order at this point." Sirius paused while everyone got a glass.

"Here's to Harry, the boy who lived and the man who is living and thriving. May he have many more birthdays and live to at least my age, which is so much greater than most of you in this room. And . . .," Sirius held up the long flat package. "This is for you, Harry. The last broomstick I gave you was thought to be cursed at first if you recall. Let me assure you that this is one is also not cursed and should . . . come in useful from time to time I would think. . . . I understand your Quidditch skills are a little rusty," he added with a smirk as he handed Harry the package. Oliver Wood gasped audibly when Harry peeled away the wrapping to reveal a Firebolt Mark III racing broom. Harry, who had been a bit embarrassed by the whole speech, shook Sirius' hand and embraced him.

Fred, who had just arrived in time to see the Firebolt opened, called out, "I get first dibs on a test ride, after Harry!" With that, the vast majority of wizards, as well as some of the witches, migrated up to the roof to try out the broom.

Once the furor over the broom subsided, Harry shepherded the crowd back down to the living room. He cleared his throat, "Right. Well, as you all know, this party is not just about me. In fact, if I'd had my way, it wouldn't have been about me at all. This party is also intended to congratulate Hermione on her successful completion of the graduate program at Stonehenge. She will be hereafter known as Dr. Granger," he grinned at her. "She's worked tremendously hard for this and deserves a rousing round of applause to honour her and her accomplishments." After the cheers and applause died down, Harry went on, "Now, one of the things that kept us both sane through these last years is the dancing we learned to do when we first moved to London. So, as this night is definitely a time to have some fun, would you join me in a dance, Hermione?" he asked and stretched out his hand to her.

Hermione had turned very red during Harry's speech but walked forward and took his hand. Harry leaned over and told George what to put on as he led Hermione to the center of the room. The music began, and it was a very fast pace that Harry knew Hermione would complain about but enjoy all the same. They began with the basic step but soon, Harry was swinging her out, back, under his arm, around behind him, and back to the basic step. All the while they never broke eye contact. They had practiced a series of set moves for the contests they had entered, but tonight they weren't following them. They had danced together enough that Hermione could tell from his slightest hand movement what was coming next. They moved from swings, spins and turns to lifts, and finally as the music reached its last crescendo, a final dip, with Hermione's head brushing the floor.

They embraced, laughing and out of breath, and collapsed in the chairs set out by the kitchen counter. It was then that Hermione looked around and noticed that Rufus was no longer in the room. Harry glanced around as well, looking for Ginny. He still hadn't found a chance to talk to her alone all evening.

A bit later, Fred and George were to be found having a grand time on the roof playing "impress the muggle" with Cordelia. She was the perfect audience for their antics. She gasped at all the right spells and laughed at all their silly pranks. Sirius just sat back, watched, and smiled at Cordelia enjoying herself amidst all the magic. Oliver was demonstrating particularly daring and impressive moves on the Firebolt, as Cordelia just shook her head in amazement at all the things she was experiencing that she never dreamed were possible. After being entertained by all of the wizards trying to show off for some time, Cordelia got up and went over to where Sirius was leaning against a table. Wrapping her arms around him, she said, "This is amazing, just amazing. . . . but, I think I need some wine. You can either magic it up to me or fetch it the old-fashioned way. I'll even go with you so I'm not abused by this crowd any longer."

"Well, come with me then, my dear. Maybe we can find a nice quiet place to do some snogging," he said with twinkling eyes as he guided her across the roof, fending off flying plants and dodging George, who had taken over the Firebolt. She just laughed as they moved downstairs again.

Later in the evening, Harry finally found Ginny sitting by the edge of the roof, quite alone for the first time. "Don't jump!" Harry said quietly as he sat down next to her.

Ginny laughed, "No, I wasn't planning on it. It's nice to find a quiet spot sometimes though, you know?" Harry nodded. "And . . . my feet are killing me! It seems like I've been running all day!"

"Yes, I imagine it does. I've been trying to catch up with you most of the day in fact."

"You have? And why would that be?" Ginny asked as she looked at him intently.

"I wanted to say thanks for doing all this, and well. . . .," Harry hesitated. "Well, you've been spending a lot of time over here, planning all this, and I hope you don't stop coming by . . . just because the party is over."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, really," Harry answered, not breaking her gaze. He was thinking at that moment that the right thing to do would be to kiss her. But unfortunately, just as he was moving his face toward her to act on that impulse, Amelia called out that she needed Ginny in the kitchen for just a moment.

Ginny broke her eyes away from his reluctantly and said, "Hold that thought, I'll be right back," as she got up and headed downstairs.

Little did Ginny know that George had asked Amelia to call her back to the flat, and he dispatched Justin to persuade Harry to come down from the roof as well. When Justin appeared with Harry in tow, George quieted the group that had been milling about eating, talking and laughing. "Everyone! I need your attention for a second. I have a special request for Harry and Ginny." Ginny looked startled as she walked out of the kitchen towards her prankster brother. She and Harry exchanged quizzical looks. George had a sly look on his face as he approached the CD player. He set the CD in the changer and programmed the fourth track. Continuing, George said, "Ever since Harry and Hermione took me out to one of their dance nights a couple of years back, I have developed a taste for nouveau swing music. This CD came into my possession, and it includes one song I've been wanting to see Harry and Ginny dance to ever since I first heard it . . . given their particular shared history. I finally have the opportunity to make this request, and I hope they'll humour me."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other and both shrugged as if to say, "Sure, why not?"

George hit the play button and the trumpets began to blare on a rather sultry swing song, the title of which Harry knew in an instant. It was called "Here Comes the Snake." He also knew the lyrics were rather suggestive, but as he turned to glare at George, George just smiled innocently.

Ginny just cocked an eyebrow at her older brother, looking as though she guessed this wasn't an entirely innocent request. She looked wary but game, and followed Harry's lead. Luckily the song was a slower swing song, so she didn't have to struggle too hard to keep up. Harry was excellent at leading and steering Ginny so that she looked like she knew what she was doing. He swung her out and back, caught her up in his arms as he stared steadily into her eyes, with a bit more intensity than when he had danced with Hermione, earlier in the evening.

Hermione was in the kitchen when they started to dance. As she glanced towards the make-shift dance floor, she had a sudden need for some fresh air. Rufus noticed Hermione leave the flat, and followed her up to the roof.

As the song progressed, it began to dawn on Ginny what the lyrics were implying, and she smiled at Harry, again with an eyebrow raised. They had been spending an increasing amount of time together. The combination of getting to know one another more over the last month, this song, and their brief encounter on the roof seemed to ignite a spark that had been previously missing in their interactions.

As the song ended, he swung her out again with his left arm, and she spun back with his arm wrapping around her waist to pull her up very close to him. As the last trumpet blared, Ginny found herself nose to nose with Harry and then suddenly lips to lips. It was a kiss that seemed to last a lot longer than the end of the song as the room and everyone in it faded to nothing. When the kiss finally did end, Harry whispered in her ear, "Let's get out of here." She smiled as he added, "You can apparate from the stair landing on the floor below. I'll meet you at your place in a few minutes. I just need to tell someone I'm leaving." She nodded and slipped quietly out of the flat.

Harry sidled quietly over to Sirius. "Ginny's feeling a bit tired, so I think I'm just going to see that she makes it home okay. Would you mind telling Hermione that I've gone? I don't see her anywhere, and I don't want her to worry or . . . wait up for me or anything." Sirius tried very hard to keep from smirking as he replied, "Oh, of course. Don't worry about that! Cordelia and I will stay and help Hermione put things right around here. You know, in case you don't make it back until . . . later. Things should be winding down soon I'd think." Harry grinned back at him. "Thanks," he muttered as he headed towards the door, hoping no one would see him leaving.

Hermione was standing at the corner of the roof, breathing in the fresh air. Although Rufus had followed her, he hadn't approached her. Finally Hermione turned to go back downstairs and found Rufus sitting off to himself near the pots of herbs. He seemed to be focused on pulling some stray weeds out of the pots and pruning the plants and didn't notice her until she sat down on a bench next to him. He looked up at her briefly and then turned back to the plants. Finally, Hermione broke the silence. "I didn't notice you were up here," she murmured quietly.

"But you couldn't help but notice how Harry was looking at Ginny, could you?" Rufus noted cynically.

"What? I just needed some fresh air. It was getting awfully hot in the kitchen."

"It had nothing to do with the fact that Harry was dancing with Ginny?"

"Was he dancing with her? That's great. . . .They've been toying with the idea of getting involved for way too long now."

"So, you don't mind?" Rufus repeated.

"Mind? Why should I mind? No, I encouraged Ginny to hang in there. . . .I thought Harry might come around eventually."

"I noticed she didn't hang around when you and Harry were having a go on the dance floor."

"Oh, you saw us dance? I thought you had fled the room already," Hermione retorted, growing a bit weary of this game.

"You noticed I was gone, then? Took you awhile it seems," he said as he pulled viciously on some weeds in the rosemary pots.

"Well, yes, I noticed," she answered in a puzzled voice. "I looked around for you right after I finished that dance with Harry, and you had just vanished."

"Ah, yes. 'That dance with Harry,'" he muttered.

Hermione stood up abruptly and began pacing amidst the herb pots. "So? We're going to have this all too familiar argument again tonight, are we? Fine! Great! I can't wait to hear what sort of wild jealous theory you've concocted about Harry and me this time. Do go on, Rufus. I can't wait to hear this."

He glared up at her, his eyes blazing. "I know you think I'm unjustifiably jealous. But, I'm not the only one who noticed the . . . .the way you and Harry and were looking at each other while you were dancing. Your friend Sirius' girlfriend sure looked as though she had the same thoughts I was. You're just too blind to see it Hermione!"

"I'm not blind! There's nothing to see Rufus...you get extra points in dance contests if you don't break eye contact. It's a habit! That's all!" Hermione had raised her voice to match his. "Harry and I are friends. Friends!! That's it!"

"Oh, you're friends all right! But, it's a hell of a lot more complicated than that, and I really don't think you'll ever acknowledge that!"

"This is insane," she retorted. "Harry is my best friend. There's nothing complicated about that Rufus."

"Oh you don't think so? So, when do you think you'll be ready to break the cord of attachment to your friend Mr. Potter and move in with me, then? You said a few weeks ago that you'd think about it."

"I said I didn't think we were ready for that yet, and I still don't think we are. But, my decision doesn't have anything to do with Harry. I just don't think our relationship is ready for that step yet."

Rufus jammed his hands in his pockets. "You know what I think? I think it has everything to do with Harry. I don't think you'll ever be ready to move forward with our relationship!" His voice was raised again.

Hermione glared back at him. "Well, I'm starting to think you'll never make any effort to understand my friendship with Harry, so maybe our relationship won't move forward!"

"It's starting to sound that way!"

She stared over at him. "So, is this it for us, then? Are we breaking off?"

He sat down on the bench and began wringing his hands together, staring down at them fixedly. At last, he looked up at her, "Yes, I think so. I just can't do this anymore Hermione. I feel in Harry's shadow constantly, whether you intend it or not. And, that's just not going to change."

She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Rufus. I don't know what there is to change about my friendship with Harry that would make you happy and less threatened. We've been over this and over it, ever since we first started seeing each other. It's the same argument over and over again. That's no way to build a relationship -- not if one of us doesn't trust the relationship for what it is." There were tears standing in her eyes. "And we can't just keep fighting all the time either."

"I know. I hate it. Fighting all the time that is," he murmured. They sat in silence for awhile, then he got up, kissed her cheek and he left her sitting in the roof garden.

Sirius exchanged a glance with Cordelia as he saw Rufus leaving the flat. Sirius had gone up to the roof to find Hermione just in time to overhear the exchange between them about Harry and the decision to break off their relationship. He'd gone back to the flat to leave them in peace. "You won't believe this," he muttered to Cordelia who was helping Amelia pack away some food in the kitchen.

Cordelia stepped to the side so they could talk, and Sirius told her what he'd overheard. "Of all nights for Harry to hook up with Ginny," she'd murmured.

"Yes, well, like I've said, Harry and Hermione will just have to work all of that out for themselves someday -- if it's meant for them to."

"I know, I know."

Sirius waited for a bit after he saw Rufus leave before he headed up to the roof again. "Hi," he said quietly as he found her still sitting on the bench. He took a seat beside her. She didn't answer but just looked up at him. "So, I take it things didn't go too well with Rufus this evening, eh?" As she looked at him in surprise, he said, "I came up here looking for you a bit ago, and I couldn't help overhearing some of what you two were saying. I'm sorry. I just saw Rufus leaving, and he looked a bit upset."

"Yeah, well, some things just aren't meant to be I guess," she muttered as she swiped at her eyes.

"That's true," he agreed. "Is there anything I can do, Hermione?"

"No, that's okay Sirius. I'll be fine." He thought she didn't look very fine though. In fact, she looked rather miserable at the moment. "Do you know where Harry is?" she asked in a small voice.

"Oh. . . . that's what I was coming up here to tell you earlier. He left with . . . a group of people from the party," he lied. "Wanted me to tell you not to worry or wait up for him. I think he might be out late."

"Oh."

"Hermione . . . Cordelia and I will stay and help you get some things put away. I think everyone is pretty much leaving at this point. Why don't I send Cordelia up here with some tea for you in a bit?"

"Oh, don't worry about me Sirius. I'll be fine. Really," she said, shaking her head. "You and Cordelia should go on home. I'll worry about the mess tomorrow. Besides, Harry can't stay gone forever; he'll have to come home eventually and help me deal with all this," she said lightly, though with a slight quaver in her voice.

"Well . . .if you're sure you don't want us to stay?"

"No. Really. I'll be fine."

"All right then. Don't sit up waiting for Harry though, okay? Go get some sleep and you'll feel better."

"Yes, Dr. Black," she teased as he leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Could you say goodbye to Cordelia for me?" He nodded and headed back down to the flat.

***********************

When Ginny apparated into her flat, she immediately slipped off her shoes, slumped onto the couch, and put her feet up. Harry apparated in a few minutes later. "Ahh . . . .that's better," he said as he sat down next to her. "I enjoy parties, but I usually reach a certain point where quiet is much more inviting."

"Me, too. . . .I feel a bit guilty about leaving Hermione with the mess to clean up though."

"Sirius and Cordelia said they would help. I told them where we were headed."

"And what did they think of that?"

"All I got was a raised eyebrow from Sirius. I told them you were tired, and I was seeing you got home safely," Harry commented innocently.

"Right! After that kiss you planted on me, you think they were buying that?" Ginny laughed.

"No, but it sounded better than "I'm going home with Ginny, hoping to finally get around to telling her I'm falling for her and hoping to . . . . maybe do some snogging if I'm lucky."

"Well, you know how I've felt about you on and off for 10 years now."

"Is this an on year or an off year?" he teased.

"Do you think I'd let you bring me home after that kiss if it was an off year?"

"I don't suppose," he said as he reached his arm around her and drew her into a tentative kiss.

Of course she responded. She'd been waiting ten years for this moment, and it really was better than she'd imagined. Their kisses became more intense as she unbuttoned his shirt. Her hands drifted lightly across his chest, "Hmmm . . . not exactly the skinny physique I remembered," she thought to herself.

Harry reached over and took the clip out of Ginny's hair. "Beautiful," he murmured as he ran his hand through her hair and tossed it over her shoulder and ran his lips down her neck. He slid his hands under her shirt and up her back. They lingered for a long moment, eyeing one another.

"Should we take this in the other room?" Ginny asked tentatively.

"So, are we talking about more than just snogging then? Oh my . . . I am lucky tonight," he commented as Ginny laughed, took his hand and led him into her bedroom.

After they had entered the bedroom, he pulled her close again, drawing her into more passionate kisses. She was aware of him unzipping her pants and sliding them down her legs. Unfortunately as she was stepping out of them, she caught a foot, and they both lost their balance, landed on the bed and burst out laughing. Once they recovered their composure, Harry commented, "I guess it's supposed to be a bit more romantic than this."

"Sometimes. But this can be fun too. I'm too comfortable with you to be disappointed by lack of the perfect romantic setting."

"Good, because I never was one for assuring those circumstances," he said as he removed his glasses and set them on the night stand. With that done, he pulled her over on top of him and began some serious exploration of her throat and shoulders. He ran his lips across her breasts as they disposed of the rest of their clothing. They kissed in a leisurely, lingering manner, as he caressed her hips and legs. She ran her hands through his hair and down over his shoulders, across his chest and down his back. They were slowly and a bit cautiously moving towards the oblivion to which new lovers typically succumb.

******************

When Harry woke up, he could see Ginny asleep next to him, lying on her stomach with her hair spread out over the pillow beside him. He lightly brushed his hand through her hair, hoping not to wake her up. He got up cautiously and slipped his pants and shirt back on. Not bothering to button his shirt, he found his glasses and went into the kitchen to make some tea. As he was waiting for the water to boil, he wandered into the living room and took a closer look at Ginny's paintings. When the teapot whistled, he made himself a cup and took it over to the sofa. As he sat down he noticed Ginny's sketch book on the table next to the couch. He sat back and began to leaf through the pages as he drank his tea.

There were sketches of people and lots of sketches of places around Hogwarts and Hogsmead. There were sketches of places around London and of the Burrow. There was a particularly dark one that looked like the Chamber of Secrets in Hogwarts, complete with a shadow of what he assumed to be himself standing to one side with a sword.

"Good morning," Ginny said brightly behind him as she entered the room.

"Good morning yourself," Harry smiled as he looked up.

Ginny looked rather radiant in her deep green terry bathrobe as she set about making herself a cup of tea. "Would you like some breakfast?"

"I'd love some, if it's not too much trouble. By the way, I really do like your drawings here."

"Oh, those? Those are my preliminary ideas. They very rarely make it onto an actual canvas."

Harry got up and crossed to the kitchen and leaned on the counter. There was a bit of a silence for what seemed to be a long moment as Ginny got the eggs and bread out of the fridge and turned the heat up on the stove. Finally Harry said, "I hope last night wasn't a one-time deal."

Ginny looked up from the eggs and smiled, "So do I." She paused and then went on, "Maybe we should go out on a real date then next time."

"Do we have to go on the date before the next time?" he grinned as he came over, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck.

"Maybe not. Um . . . we could consider breakfast our first date, couldn't we?" she offered.

"That could count, yes. But you should also be treated to a real dinner and moonlight type of date as well," he said as he stepped back and let her continue with making their breakfast.

"Well, when would your schedule permit that?"

"How about tonight?"

"That sounds fine to me. Does this mean we're dating? . . . You know, just in case anyone asks. Like my mother. She owls every Sunday and usually the first question is, "So, are you dating anyone?" Ginny said in a mock motherly type voice.

"Well, I suppose if we are going on a date, you could tell her we're dating. That was my intent when I came out to talk to you last night on the roof. To ask you for a date, that is."

"Got a bit more than that, now didn't you?" Ginny said with a smile.

Harry laughed, "Speaking of your mother. . . she should be quite pleased. Did I ever mention what the main topic of conversation was at the Quidditch match a few weeks back?"

"They didn't, did they?"

"It was a well coordinated assault, starting with your Mum and culminating with me biting Fred's head off all because he wanted my opinion on Cho's Firebolt," he said as he laughed.

Ginny went very red and said in a very forceful tone, "Please know I had no idea. Nor did I put them up to it."

"I know, I know. It's funny now actually. And, I think it helped push me a bit in your direction I suppose," he paused. "I spent a long time considering you 'off-limits' so to speak . . . because you were Ron's sister."

"I figured as much," she smiled. "So am I a woman to you now and not just someone's sister?"

"Yes, but you are still Ron's sister."

"But I guess it doesn't get in the way anymore?" Ginny asked.

"No, a snake clued me in that you weren't, in fact, my sister," Harry said with a chuckle.

"A snake, eh?" she eyed him suspiciously for a moment.

"By the way . . . going back to the subject of your family, do you have to tell your Mum we've slept together before a proper date?" Harry asked anxiously.

"Heavens no! I don't go into that sort of detail with Mum. As far as she's concerned, I'm still very much a virgin," Ginny said with a half smile. "Dad's aware of my various affairs, but Mum would get entirely too worked up."

"So, how many affairs have you had?" Harry asked as he took the plate of eggs and toast she handed him.

"Counting you? . . . Well, that would be three. I was deeply in love with a man named Grant right after I got out of Hogwarts. But, he wanted to get married, and he wanted me to quit work right away. I couldn't do it. I definitely wanted more than that. Then there was Wesley. You have no doubt heard about him. He was wonderfully sweet, but not the sharpest tack in the box and not very adventurous. That's it. You, on the other hand, are a bit of a mystery, Mr. Potter. You have never even been rumoured to be involved with anyone, except Hermione. And, that rumour is untrue. Correct?"

"Correct."

"But I am. . . well. . . . obviously not your first. So do tell."

"Hmmmm. . .," he said cautiously, avoiding her eyes at first. "No, you're right. You're not my first. My first was a rather bad experience in the end, and I'd really rather not talk about it. Not even Hermione knows anything about it, and I'd like to keep it that way if you don't mind. It's not that I don't trust you. I do," he added hurriedly. "But . . . well, if I don't talk about it, there's a better chance for me to just forget about it."

"Would you rather the world not know about us?" Ginny ventured, finishing off her breakfast.

"No, I'm not concerned at all about the world knowing about us. Actually, if you wouldn't mind, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, Hermione in particular, you can be considered my first."

"Oh! Well . . . I shan't pry then. I'll just accept your explanation and put it in my 'Harry Potter: Accept without Question' folder. And, I would be honoured to be considered your first. Your secret is safe with me," Ginny said in a rather conspiratorial tone.

"Thanks," he grinned. "So, is there a lot in that folder of yours?"

"Folder? Oh . . .the 'Harry Potter: Accept without Question' folder? Well, let's see. The mysterious occupation . . . the fame . . . the fact that you live with another woman, who happens to be your best friend. . . and now the mysterious woman in your past. That's it. I think I can handle all that." She paused before adding, "For now anyway."

"Yes, I guess there is a fair bit in that file. Am I worth all that?" he asked a bit sheepishly.

"Hmmm," Ginny made a show of considering before saying, "Um, yes, I'd say you're probably worth it. Like I said though -- for now. You'll have to prove it though."

"Right. Well, I will certainly try to prove it then," Harry said as he looked into her eyes once more.

Ginny finally broke her eyes away and said, "Well, breakfast is done. Does that mean we've had our first date?"

"I suppose we have indeed. So . . .can there be a next time now then?" he said as he drew her into his arms.

"I don't see why not," she answered as she leaned up and brought her lips to his.

******************************

Harry was smiling as he walked back home from Ginny's flat around noon that day. What a refreshing change this would be from his last relationship. He could be open with the world about his relationship with Ginny, and he knew he needn't worry that she would suddenly turn into a completely different person. No, this would be very different than his last romance, he thought to himself. It was very reassuring to have the stability of such a good friendship with Ginny as a foundation for their relationship.

He smiled even more as he thought back over the events of the previous night and this morning. Granted, things had not been as . . . well, passionate and highly-charged as before, but Harry thought that maybe that level of passion wasn't really all that necessary. After all, he thought to himself, look how things turned out with that other romance. His thoughts were interrupted as he reached their building. Hedwig had swooped out of nowhere with a note for him, which was highly unusual given that it was broad daylight on a crowded London street. He quickly took the note and sent her on her way.

Harry --

Thought you might want to know that Hermione and Rufus broke off last night after you left.

Sirius

Harry folded the note up and stuffed it into his pocket as he headed up the stairs to their flat. Sirius' note only exacerbated a growing sense of discomfort that he'd been feeling at the idea of sharing what had happened last night with Hermione. Maybe this felt strange because he'd hidden his first tryst from her, he thought. "Why else would I care about telling her?" he thought. "I share everything with her. Well, virtually everything." He sighed and shrugged off his unease, reminding himself that she was likely in low spirits and in need of his friendship right now. He found her sitting in her favourite armchair with a novel when he walked in.

"Well, good afternoon," she said a bit too brightly he thought as she was obviously observing that he was wearing the same clothes from last night.

"Hi . . . . I hope you've left plenty of party mess for me to clean up," he said as he looked around the flat. It appeared to be back in perfect order.

"Oh, I was up fairly early and decided to just tackle the job myself. It wasn't really any trouble though. Cordelia and Amelia had cleaned up most of the kitchen before they left."

"Oh, okay."

There was an awkward silence between them before she said, "So. Are you going to tell me where you've been all this time or should I start taking guesses?"

He smiled. "And what would your first guess be?"

"Hmmm . . . let's see, there's a certain redhead who has always had a special place in her heart for you and has been hanging around here quite a bit lately. And, it seems that said certain redhead engaged in a rather risque dance sequence with you last night . . . just before both of you mysteriously vanished from the party according to my sources. And . . . ."

"All right, all right," he interjected. "You win. I was at Ginny's last night.

"All night?

"Yes. All night. Who are your "sources" by the way?" Harry said as he plopped down on the couch.

"Oh, well, it seems Fred left some clothing here last night -- and no, I didn't ask too many questions about that. But, he showed up mid-morning and didn't seem in the least surprised that you weren't here. I guess I missed the Snake song that he described."

"Yes, that was good fun," Harry commented with a smile

"And, if I remember correctly, Ginny does not have a guest bedroom?" Hermione probed.

"No, she doesn't . . . ," Harry said evasively.

"I don't remember you spending the whole night and half of the next day over at a woman's flat before. . . ."

"That may be correct," Harry said, still trying to be as evasive as possible and feeling rather uncomfortable doing so, although he also figured out that that was the point of all Hermione's questions. "Ummm. So, has Fred headed back to Russia or do you think I could still catch up with him today? I wanted to . . . .,"

"Quit trying to change the subject, Harry Potter," she said in mock severity. "It sounds like you had a very interesting evening. Perhaps even some . . .er . . . things you've never experienced before?"

"Perhaps so. Would you care for the play by play, or am I allowed to be a bit more discreet?" he finally said in an exasperated voice.

"No, no. I don't need a play by play," she said with a small smile quirking about her mouth. "But, I must say, it's about time Harry."

Harry laughed "Yes, yes. I know. I know." He got up and moved to the kitchen and began making a pot of tea.

"I assume Ginny's pleased?"

"Well, she seemed to be enjoying herself."

"So, I take it you're no longer sworn off romantic entanglements. Isn't that what you said a few short weeks ago? You were claiming to be perfectly happy to be unencumbered by romantic entanglements . . . I think those were more or less your exact words, weren't they?" she called from the living room.

"More or less," he called back grudgingly.

"Hmm . . . yes, that's what I thought I recalled," she teased. "So, this could be considered a romantic entanglement and not just a one-time fling?"

A few minutes later, he came back into the room carrying a tray with tea and some biscuits. "You know I'm not that type, particularly with Ginny. Besides, her brothers know where I live, not to mention what her Mum would do to me if I took advantage of her!"

"True on all counts. Well, I'm happy for you," Hermione said, although Harry didn't think she looked all that happy.

When they'd each taken a cup of tea and settled back into their chairs, Harry peered at her over the rim of his cup. "You look a bit wrung out. Is everything all right?"

"Umm. . . not exactly. Rufus and I broke off last night. It had been coming for some time I think -- not exactly a shock. I'm sure you could have guessed that we've had some . . . disagreements of late."

"I'm sorry," Harry said quietly. He leaned toward her. "Even if you were half-expecting it though, I'm sure it's not easy. Are you sure you two can't patch things up?"

She shook her head and blinked back tears. She sipped her tea for a bit and then said, "No. I don't think so. There are some problems that are just . . . not likely to be resolved . . . not ever."

Harry didn't have to ask to know that his friendship with Hermione was likely one of those insurmountable problems. When she looked over at his concerned face again, suddenly all the emotions she'd been largely holding in check since last night flooded to the surface, and she burst into tears. He patted the couch beside him, and she gratefully moved over next to him. He embraced her and felt her tears soaking his shirt as she cried. When she at last pulled back, he summoned a box of tissues from the kitchen counter and handed them to her. He refreshed her tea cup and handed it to her as he pushed some hair out of her face. "Better?"

"Yes, thanks," she said as she took some deep breaths and then began to sip more tea. "I was thinking earlier -- before you got back. I think I may go on holiday with Mum and Dad. I've got a few weeks before I need to make any decisions about my job choices and . . . Mum rung last week to ask me. I told her I wasn't too sure, but I think I may ring her back and see about going with them. They're going to France this year, and it's been ages since I went to France." Then she added in a rather distracted voice, "They're leaving tomorrow."

"I think that sounds like a great idea. Maybe getting away is just what you need."

"Yeah. . . . Yeah, I think it might be." She sighed deeply and set down her tea cup. "I think I might just ring Mum up right now in fact. And, then . . . I'll go shopping for a few new things to wear on holiday. Yes, I think so. Thanks Harry."

"Anytime. Sure you're okay?" he asked as he kissed her on the forehead and got up to take the tea things back to the kitchen.

"I will be," she answered. "I'll go ring Mum now. Do you want to get some Indian food tonight, maybe see a movie?"

"Oh . . .well, I can't tonight actually. I already made plans with Ginny." He looked uncomfortable. "But I could ring her and see if she would mind if you came along."

"Oh . . . of course. I forgot. No, don't change your plans. Maybe I'll see if Cordelia is around. I really like her. I think Sirius said something about going in for an earlier shift than normal to make up for being off last night." She smiled at him. "Have fun tonight. I'll see you tomorrow before I leave?"

"Yes, definitely," he said firmly.

As Hermione headed back to her bedroom to ring her Mum, she was vaguely aware that she was upset about more than just her breakup with Rufus. Of course, it made perfect sense that Harry would have plans with Ginny tonight. Now that he was finally involved with someone, she couldn't very well expect that he'd be free whenever she needed him. She'd encouraged Ginny to pursue an involvement with Harry after all, she told herself. And, it really was about time that Harry had a romantic relationship. "I'm happy for them," she told herself. "Maybe I'm just feeling weird about it because I no longer have a romantic relationship. Yes, that must be it. I'll feel so much better when I get away for awhile," she thought as she dialed her parents' phone number.

*****************

After Hermione left to go shopping, Harry rang up Ginny. He had overheard Hermione talking to Cordelia. It seemed that Cordelia had plans with her Mum. He knew Hermione should not be alone tonight, and he was certain Ginny wouldn't mind.

"Ginny?"

"Hi, Harry. Good timing. I was just wondering what time for tonight?"

"Well, actually, I was wondering if you would mind terribly if we put the moonlight and romance off until tomorrow night?"

"Why? Is there no moon tonight?" Ginny teased.

"Yes, there is a moon." He laughed. "But . . . well. . . . it turns out that Hermione broke it off with Rufus last night, and I just think it would be good for her to have company tonight," Harry said cautiously.

"Oh. I see," Ginny replied, sounding a bit disappointed.

"She's leaving tomorrow to go on holiday with her parents for a few weeks though, so tomorrow night could be loads of moonlight with just the two of us though," he offered, hoping to make up for tonight's disappointment.

"I suppose that would be fine then," Ginny replied.

"I was thinking that we could still go to dinner tonight, but Hermione could come and we could add a movie. How does that sound?"

"That sounds fine Harry. That would be best for her I'm sure." There was a pause and then, "So, any chance I can entice you to come over here afterwards?"

"Why, yes, I think that could be arranged," he said softly. ". . . .once we see Hermione home of course."

"Of course."

"So . . . do you want to plan on coming by here around 6:00, or should we stop by your place?" Harry asked quickly.

"Oh, I'll just swing by your place around then. That sounds fine."

"Thanks for being a good sport about this, Gin."

"Sure. I'll see you then . . . .Bye."

"Bye."

Ginny hung up the phone, blew air through her teeth and ran her hands through her hair and thought, "Bloody good sport indeed . . . I'll show her a bloody good. . . .No, Ginny, deep breath . . . .you will not be jealous, you will not be jealous. You know how hard it is to break up with someone. Harry's right really. She shouldn't be alone tonight. And, after all, it is just one night. And, it's me he's sleeping with after all, not her . . . You will not be jealous!" She took a deep breath. "Besides," she thought, "We don't have a snowball's chance in hell if I let his attachment to her start bothering me. You will not be jealous! Just get on with it and be delightful this evening. Right . . . .off to be delightful!"