Chapter Text
Harry had just sat down when he heard two sharp knocks on his front door. With a sigh he stood up, making his way to the door, and was pleasantly surprised to see the people standing outside.
“Harry!” Hermione exclaimed before suffocating him with a hug. “I feel like I haven't seen you in ages!”
“Hi Harry,” Ron said, rather more sedate. “You couldn’t get Kreacher to whip up something could you? I’m starving.”
As the three headed into his cosy lounge, Harry asked Kreacher to make some food for the guests. Within no time at all the living room table was crammed with tea and snacks. The trio chatted amicably for a long, long time, catching up with everything that had happened in the time they’d been apart.
Harry had missed this. Ever since Hermione had returned to Hogwarts it had been difficult for them to have time just as the three of them. Harry was always busy running around ministry events, auror work and the occasional lectures at both Hogwarts and the Auror Academy. After having been fast tracked through the Auror programme with Ron and a few of their classmates, Harry was seen as Britain’s leading expert on Defense Against the Dark Arts. Whilst he saw Ron rather frequently at the ministry the man spent a lot of his free time with Hermione nowadays, and with George in the shop sometimes. Hermione had gone straight into the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures after leaving school and rose through the ranks very quickly. Her new laws and regulations were benefitting so many, but her dedication to her cause meant she often worked late or on weekends. Harry didn't see much of her anymore.
Three pots of tea and a lot of laughs later Hermione broached a subject which had concerned her some time.
“Harry, we think it’s time you started dating again.”
Harry choked on his biscuit.
“I’m sorry, what?”
“Well you haven’t dated since sixth year mate, and we’re getting a bit concerned about you,” Ron stated bluntly. “You don’t even put yourself out there when we’re at the Leaky after work!”
Hermione nodded, “It seems like you haven’t gotten over Ginny yet, which isn’t the best of revelations. I’m sure she has a boyfriend that we don’t know about.”
“Hermione knows a couple of people who might be a good fit for you. If you’d just give it a chance mate, you might find she’s right.”
Harry laughed; it sounded as though they’d been rehearsing the conversation for a while. If he wasn’t so amused it would’ve been downright concerning.
“Look, I know you mean the best, but trust me when I say I’m perfectly fine. I’m more than happy with my life at the moment, and the last thing I want is some blind date that you two have-”
Without warning, the fireplace burned emerald green and the flames rose up the chimney. Ginny stepped out of them, clutching muddy quidditch robes and a pair of shoes.
There was an awkward pause in which Ron and Hermione stared at her in surprise. Fortunately, Ginny recovered quickly.
“Hi you three!” Ginny greeted, as though she frequently appeared in Harry’s house spontaneously. The couple continued to stare.
“Hi!” She repeated brightly. A little too brightly.
“Ginny, what are you doing here?” Hermione asked, smiling in confusion as she stood up to hug her best friend.
“Practice was a little difficult today so I thought I'd pop in to see my favourite captain and figure out what to do.”
Harry thought the lie was brilliant. If it hadn’t been for Hermione’s ever active brain it would have fooled them.
"Practice was in Wales," Hermione stated.
"Doesn't mean I can't floo."
Hermione frowned. “How though?”
Ginny’s smile grew forced. “I threw the powder in the fire and said 12 Grimmauld Place!”
“But Harry’s wards keep people from flooing here,” Hermione said, her brain whirring. "Me and Ron tried to floo from our new flat and it didn't work."
“Oh yeah! I keep meaning to change that,” Harry remarked. It earned him swift glare from Ginny telling him to shut up. He did.
“Yes, so if Ginny just came from practice that would mean you have it set up to be able to floo from the Harpies’ headquarters.” The guilty expression on Harry’s face gave all the answers she needed. "Harry, why is Ginny’s work connected to your floo but our flat isn't?"
Harry and Ginny exchanged a look.
"Uh...well… Ginny lives here." Harry told them, eyes fixed to the rug in front of him.
"What?" blurted Ron in puzzlement.
"I, er, live here," Ginny echoed, her voice rising an octave. She cleared her throat.
"Why though? You told everyone you're staying with that girl Kirsty while you find an apartment in Wales." Ron said, puzzled.
Harry fumbled for a lie. "Well she… I-"
"Why would I slum it in Holyhead if my boyfriend has a place perfectly suited to me?" Ginny asked calmly.
Ron sat up straight and Hermione tried to hide a smirk.
"You two… are together?" Ron said with a disgusted wince.
"Yes," Harry answered uncertainly. "We're not just messing around, Ron; we're in love."
Ron sighed in defeat. “How long?”
“Since the Battle,” Ginny replied.
Ron flew out of his seat, “TWO YEARS!” He screeched. “Why the hell did it take so long to tell us?”
“Well Ronald, I happen to have five ridiculously overprotective older brothers and a mother who would have gone mental and started planning the wedding before our first Valentine's Day. Not to mention that Harry here is The-Boy-Who-Lived, The Chosen One, The-One-Who-Conquered-The-Dark-Lord-”
“The-One-Who-Hates-Hyphens-With-A-Passion, more like.” Harry interrupted grumpily.
“And I’m a quidditch player for one of the most popular teams in the country,”
"The press would probably decide Ginny’s the next Romilda Vane.” added Harry.
“Alright.” Ron acquiesced.
Harry blinked in surprise. “Really? Is that it?”
“Look, I already told you in sixth year that if there’s one person in this world who I can trust with her then it’s you. But if you hurt her again, then I’ll hex you into oblivion, mate.”
Hermione chuckled and squeezed Ron’s hand. “We should probably leave you two to it,” She said and gently tugged Ron up from the sofa.
“I’m guessing you two will keep the secret then?” Harry asked.
“Of course Harry. And let me just say how happy I am for you. You really are a lovely couple.” Hermione smiled.