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Author: TheGov Story: Defining the Relationship Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 20 Words: 162,112
A/N: Okay, HBP is now out, and the dust is still settling. I'm still here, however. And I will continue to publish this story without taking in the new cannon. I've struggled with whether or not to try and include new cannon, and I've determined that it would be impossible. I could almost work in the H/G angle from cannon, but as this is the sequel to Defining Moments, my R/H story doesn't match at all. I figured it was an all or nothing proposition, where I either accept all new cannon plot or none. I've chosen to go with none, for better or worse. I appreciate all the reviews that have been posted, and I hope you'll all stick with me. Anyway, Arnel is my fantastic beta, and let's give her the big ups for doing the job she does. I love my fiancée, and we're now under 5 months to being Mr. and Mrs. Gov Campbell, for those keeping score at home. Questions, comments? AdmDavis@aol.com On with the show. -- -- -- -- Harry woke up the next morning, for the first time in month, without an alarm clock. The sunlight was streaming in the window, and the Daily Prophet owl was pecking at his window. He rolled over and opened the window. The Owl dropped off the paper and flew away. Harry opened the paper Potter Resigns! By Eloise Midgen, Prophet Staff Citing personal concerns, Harry Potter, Order of Merlin First Class, the hero of the second war against Voldemort, and the Boy Who Lived, resigned from the Ministry's Corps of Aurors yesterday, shortly after returning from an assignment in America. "I've decided that I simply need some time off," Potter was quoted as saying in an exclusive statement given to the Daily Prophet. "Now that all the Death Eaters are gone, and Voldemort is a bad memory, it's time I found a new life for myself, one that doesn't involve being the Boy Who Lived. I need time to find out who Harry Potter really is, beyond the heroics and the hype." In the conclusion of his statement, Mr. Potter requested privacy in his new endeavors. Everyone knows that if anyone had ever earned time off, it is Harry Potter. Since his mysterious triumph over Voldemort as a baby in the first war, to the end of the Second War and the aftermath, few wizards have done more to secure the peace and stability of the wizarding world… The rest of the article went on to describe his career as an Auror and his defeat of Voldemort. Harry scanned down the front page. New Arrival In Weasley Family! Staff Reports Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley left the office for a family emergency that turned out to be the birth of his latest grandchild. Charles Albus Weasley was born yesterday evening around 7 o'clock to famous Auror Ronald Weasley and Hogwarts Transfiguration Professor Hermione Weasley. According to acting Weasley Family spokesman and family friend Harry Potter, mother and child are doing very well. This now makes five grandchildren for Minister Weasley. Ron and Hermione Weasley are famous for their role in the Second War with Voldemort as well as their activities following the war. We here at the Daily Prophet wish them all the best with their new arrival. Harry laughed. Eloise must have put the article together very late last night. He rolled out of bed and did his usual morning routine, showering, shaving, and the rest. He sat down with coffee and a muffin from the pantry while he worked his way through the rest of the Daily Prophet. He lingered over the Sports section, checking out Oliver Wood's progress with the Chudley Cannons. He finished that up, and then moved on to his desk. He answered McGonagall's letter with a note asking her if early next week would be good for her. He gave Hedwig an owl treat and sent her on her way. He worked through his bills, arranged payment for all of them. Living in a Muggle neighborhood was difficult sometimes on his lifestyle, but it did help keep the Daily Prophet and the autograph seekers away. He kept a Muggle bank account in his name, and used it to pay the electric bill. He also had to pay rent to a Muggle landlord. His neighbors were convinced he was some kind animal trainer, which explained the presence of Hedwig. He piled up a number of quick replies to some of the fan mail, throwing away three marriage proposals and an envelope with women's underwear in it. He grumbled as he did so. He answered Hagrid's note with a long letter describing what he'd been up to, and then sent a similar one to Neville. His desk was clean, so he moved on and cleaned out the kitchen, setting the dishes to wash themselves, and cleaning the moldy stuff out of his refrigerator. He'd never quite gotten the hang of cooling charms, an awkward prospect for the boy who defeated Voldemort. One of the most powerful wizards of his time couldn't manage to perform a basic cooling charm and had to use a Muggle refrigerator to keep his milk cold. He moved from the kitchen to the loo, and a liberal application of Scourgify had the place looking as clean as it was the day he moved in. He charmed the vacuum to run by itself while he washed the windows. By noontime, Hedwig was back with a reply from McGonagall.
By two o'clock, Harry had cleaned the entire apartment and he was sitting on the couch watching bad Muggle reruns. It was relaxing, but he was already beginning to get antsy. Harry had a hard time putting his finger on it, but realized after about the third episode of M*A*S*H, that for the first time since he'd left the Dursleys for the last time, he was bored. Can't have this, Harry thought. He opened the cupboard and pulled out his Firebolt. Drawing his wand, he concentrated and, suddenly he was standing the Weasleys' back garden. To his surprise, he found he was not the only one there. "Ginny!" he hollered. "Ginny!" He waved up at the red-haired girl flashing overhead on her broom, chasing after a charmed apple. "Harry!" She waved down at him. He mounted his broom and met her in the air. "What are you doing here?" "Well, I got up when the Prophet showed up, and spent the morning cleaning. The flat is now spotless and my bookkeeping is up to date. The kitchen's been cleaned out, and I found I was bored. So I figured no one would mind if I came out to fly for a while." "You're more than welcome, Harry." The enchanted apple flew by. "Care for a go?" Harry asked. "What's that?" Ginny looked at him as a wide grin split his face. He took off after the apple. "Ooooo! Harry I'll get you!" Harry focused on chasing down the apple like it was the snitch. He could feel Ginny only a few feet behind him, and gaining – her broom was a newer model Firebolt the twins had given her for her birthday a year ago. He rolled sharply as the apple weaved into the tree cover. Ginny was not easily fooled and hung with him. When he pulled up, he'd lost sight of the apple. He scanned around as Ginny pulled up in the air a few yards away. "Lost something, Potter?" "Not lost, just misplaced." He scanned carefully, smiling to himself. Suddenly he took off, Ginny a step behind. He suddenly dove toward the ground, and a split second before he hit the ground, pulled up. Ginny was right behind him. "No fair using the Wronski Feint, Harry. I haven't played Seeker since your fifth year!" "All's fair in love and war, Ginny." Eyes flashing, she glared at him, "I'll get you, Potter." Harry spotted the apple hovering over a tree behind Ginny. Harry spurred his broom on and blew past her. Her reflexes were up to the task however, and he felt her in his wake. The apple took off, but Harry concentrated and seemed to see it a few moves ahead of time. Harry played Quidditch like Ron played chess, five moves ahead. He spun hard to the left, cutting off Ginny, and flying straight into the path of the apple, which he caught with his body, using an arm to draw it into his chest. He pulled up and slowed to a halt. Ginny was sniffing at him. "You're just a bloody brilliant Seeker, what can I say?" "Next time we'll use it as a Quaffle," Harry said, laughing. He drew his wand. "Finite Incantem!" He took a bite out of the apple and handed it to Ginny. "Thanks," she said, taking a bite for herself. They looped lazily back down to the ground. "How was the night last night?" Harry asked. "Pretty uneventful," Ginny admitted. "Charlie slept though the night, but they tell me that won't last but a day or so. Ron and Hermione are planning to stay another night or so; Ron wants to make sure everything's ready at the Haven, but I'm headed back to my place tonight, so I guess it won't be too much of a problem." Harry nodded, as they walked down to the Burrow. As they got closer, they could hear little Charlie crying. Ginny rolled her eyes at Harry and they entered the kitchen. "Where's Hermione?" Ginny asked. "Upstairs, feeding Charlie," Mrs. Weasley replied. "Ron's in the living room." Harry went into the living room. Ron was on the couch with his eyes closed. "You asleep, mate?" Harry asked in a whisper. Ron answered without opening his eyes. "Just resting. I've got the night shift tonight," he replied. "Did he sleep thought the night last night?" Harry asked. "Yes, but the Healer says it's the only time he'll do that for about a month," Ron groaned. "You did put yourself in this position." "And I wouldn't trade it for the world," Ron said. "So, I heard you've asked my sister on a date." "Yes, you won't have to hex me." "Why won't Ron have to hex you?" Ginny asked, entering the living room. "Ron threatened to hex me, unless I got my head put on straight, and started living again. Part of that deal was asking you out on a date. It's only fair, I suppose. I threatened to hex him, unless he asked Hermione to our sixth-year Yule Ball." "All the best matches are made that way, didn't you know, Harry?" Ron asked, with his eyes still closed. Ginny laughed. "So where are we going?" she asked. "Not sure yet, I've got a couple places picked out. I do have a dress code, though." "Oh?" "Yes, well, do you know what a cocktail dress is?" Harry asked. "No, what is it?" Harry considered. "Erm…it's…." "It's a dress, more dressy than a skirt and blouse, but not as formal as a ball gown. Usually short, and sometimes provocative. Women wear them to events that are something between casual and dress formal. Like cocktail parties. Hence the name." Hermione entered the room, with Charlie on her shoulder. Hermione sounded more awake than she looked. Her hair was more frizzy than usual, and her eyes looked heavy. "I don't know if I have anything like that," Ginny admitted. "I think I do," Hermione said. "C'mon lets go have a look." She handed Charlie to Ron. "Here you go, Dad. Burp him." "Yes, dear." "You sure you're up to it?" Ginny asked. "I need to get out of this house, if only for a few minutes," Hermione replied. "I'm tired, but I'll be all right. Besides, someone needs to see if the Haven's still standing." "When are you planning to move back there?" Harry asked. "Soon," Ron replied. "Mum wants us to stay, though. I think she likes having someone back in the house. But we're probably going to head back tomorrow." Harry nodded and watched as Hermione and Ginny closed their eyes in concentration and were gone. Ron put the baby on his shoulder and began rubbing his back slowly. He was rewarded with a small burp. "Oh good," Ron said. "You managed not to spit up your whole dinner on Daddy this time." Ron passed the baby to Harry. Harry had a look at Charlie, who blinked at him, and stuck out his tongue. Harry laughed, and he and Ron grinned at each other like idiots. "Suppose it's too soon to teach him about Quidditch?" Harry asked. "Harry! It's never too early to teach him about Quidditch. I was telling him last night how good the Cannon's looked this year." "Now, Charlie," Harry began. "You have to understand, that when it comes to the Chudley Cannons, your dad's a bit daft." "Hey!" "But don't worry, your Aunt Ginny will set you straight, I'm sure." "Harry!" Ron howled, taking Charlie back, who began sucking on his thumb. "Whose side are you on?" Harry laughed, and he and Ron took turns making absurd faces at the baby. There was a soft pop as the women returned. Harry turned to look and felt his jaw hit the floor. Ginny was wearing a red cocktail dress that came barely to her knees. It sparkled and shimmered, and hugged every curve. "How do I look Harry, is this okay?" He struggled to make words, and gave up and nodded. "Shut your mouth Harry, you're catching flies," Hermione said, smirking as she settled down on the couch. "I can't believe I still had this thing. At least someone will get some use out of it now, since I'll never fit in it again." Ron was aghast. "You mean I had a chance to see you," he pointed at her. "In that," he pointed at the dress. "And I missed it?!" "I'll make it up to you some other way," Hermione assured him, patting his hand. Ron shook his head and muttered intelligibly. "You sure it looks okay Harry? Hermione says it doesn't clash with my hair." Harry thought it made her look like a fireball that he wanted to touch, badly. "You…you look great, Ginny. You'll look fine tomorrow night." "Now, Harry, I'm going to sit here on this couch and rest while Ginny and I talk about this date of yours tomorrow evening. That means you're going to take my husband and go play Quidditch, or degnome the garden, or something." "Dear, I think I'm going to go up and sleep. No offence, Harry, but I figure I'm going to need it." "None taken, Ron, I completely understand. I was going to stop by and see Remus anyway. He should be home from work now." "Sounds great, Harry." "I'll Floo you tomorrow, Ginny." "Okay, Harry. See you then!" "G'night everyone," Harry said, clearing his mind and focusing on Remus's house. And in a moment he was standing on Remus's front doorstep. He knocked. Remus answered. "Uncle Moony!" Harry exclaimed. Remus groaned. "What?" "You only call me that for one of three reasons. A. You want something. B. You're playing a prank on me. Or C, you're about to ask me a question that really should have been answered by your parents or your Godfather. So which is it?" Remus asked, leading Harry to the living room. "C." Harry admitted. Remus put a black pawn and a white pawn in his hands and switched them behind his back. Harry tapped a hand when Remus presented them and drew the black pawn. He sighed and began to set up his side. "Well, what is it then," Remus asked as they set up. "Well, I have a date tomorrow night," Harry began, as Remus made the first move. "Mmhmm." Remus watched Harry move as there was a silence. "What's an appropriate thing to do for a first date?" Harry finally asked a few moves later. "Flowers?" "Flowers are appropriate, yes," Remus said, taking Harry's pawn. There was another pause, and another set of moves. "Roses? Or a mixed flower bunch?" "Probably a mixed bunch for a first date, daisies perhaps." Remus took Harry's bishop. Another pause in the conversation as the chess pieces clinked on the board. "If the date goes well, then send roses?" Harry asked. "Yes," Remus replied. "Roses would then be appropriate. Check." More silence. More moves. "What's the protocol at the end of the evening?" Harry asked. "I mean, if you both can Apparate, how do you walk her home?" "Usually, the protocol is for the young man to offer to Apparate to the young lady's front walk, and walk her in." Remus replied, taking Harry's queen. More silence. More moves. "So how do you know if the date went well?" Harry asked. "You'll know," Remus promised. "Checkmate." Harry blinked as if seeing the board for the first time. "I don't think I was paying very good attention." Harry admitted. "I should say. That was a new record, even for you." Remus chuckled. "I don't see why you bother playing me. You should play Ron again. I remember that marathon game the two of you had at Grimmauld place over that summer before seventh year. Granted, we weren't around a lot, but it still took you over three weeks to play, as I recall." "Young Mr. Weasley is excellent at chess. He should join a club and get ranked. He has the potential to play for England," Remus said. "Why don't you join a club?" Harry asked. "Well, at the time I wanted to, I wasn't able to. Now, I probably could, but I'm still a bit bitter about the whole thing," Remus replied. "Oh," Harry said. "I'm sorry." "It's quite all right. I have a lot to be thankful for now. Arthur has given us all a miracle, to be acknowledged again. He'll go down in history as one of the greatest Ministers ever." One of Arthur Weasley's first acts as minister was to have the definition changed so that werewolves were no longer classified as Dark Creatures, but rather under the category of "wizards with disabilities" a category that also included those crippled by magic, or otherwise permanently affected. It allowed werewolves to hold jobs and be recognized by organizations. Some were taking slowly too it, but others felt it had been a long time coming. Remus had been waxing poetic about Mr. Weasley ever since. He would obviously follow the Minister to hell and back, if he only asked. "Well, let's try this again. See if I pay any better attention as white," Harry said, spinning the board around.
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