SIYE Time:19:07 on 6th November 2024 SIYE Login: no | | |
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A Taste of Honey By Gin110881
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Category: Alternate Universe
Characters:Harry/Ginny
Genres: Drama, Fluff, Romance
Warnings: None
Story is Complete
Rating: PG-13
Reviews: 37
Summary: After three weeks of working without a day off, Ginny rewards herself with a latte and a chocolate sprinkle before spending the weekend with her family. Little did she know that she would meet someone in her favourite café who would change her entire life.
Probably the most AU I've ever written.
Hitcount: Story Total: 33764; Chapter Total: 2568
Awards: View Trophy Room
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Walking down Charing Cross Road, Ginny turned into a side street, choosing to avoid the Leaky Cauldron. She looked around to make sure no one was following her. This was one of her usual habits. She didn't think that Harry had followed her, but she hadn't been able to push thoughts of him out of her head and that damn sexy crooked smile he'd given her most of the time.
But had it really been such a good idea to give him her phone number?
Forcing the thoughts of her incidental acquaintance out of her head, she walked through a small side door and followed the stairs up to the second floor, where she knocked on the apartment door, a broad grin on her lips as the door opened.
"Hello, Firefly. Nice to see you," her brother Bill called with an equally broad grin and hugged her. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"Yes, three whole weeks," Ginny replied, chuckling.
"We should revive our tradition and meet up for an occasional drink. I have to make sure you don't work too much," her brother said. "Come in. I've already packed my things. We can go home straight away if you want."
"If that's the only reason you want to meet me, I'm happy to forego it," Ginny replied cheekily as she stepped through the door and closed it behind her. "I don't need a minder." Glancing at Bill's large rucksack, she teased, "Are you taking your dirty laundry to mum again?"
"I don't have the opportunity to wash here," Bill replied, shrugging his shoulders apologetically as he handed her the jar of floo powder. "After you," he said, indicating towards the fireplace.
"Why do I get the feeling you're hungry?" Ginny laughed. "Usually, you're not in such a hurry." She took a pinch of the powder, threw it into the flames and called, "The Burrow."
Moments later, Ginny stepped out of the fireplace into the living room of her parents' house and looked about. "Yoo-hoo!" she called. "Is anyone at home?"
"Ginny, my dear," her mother's excited voice came from the kitchen. "Come on in! I'm in the kitchen preparing dinner."
"Hi, Mum," Ginny said with a broad smile, returning her mother's bone-crushing hug.
"I missed you, my dear," her mother said, barely suppressing a tear of joy. "You should come home more often."
"I'm here at least twice a week. Isn't that enough for you?" Bill called, laughing as he joined them.
"I wasn't complaining about you," his mother replied good-naturedly. "But look at Fred and George. They're around almost every other day."
"If you ask me, they're just too lazy to cook," Ginny interjected, amused.
"Do you really think my good cooking is the only reason they love their mother?" her mother exclaimed with mock disbelief that turned into a chuckle. "Then why do they always bring their dirty laundry with them?"
"Isn't Dad home yet?" Bill asked.
"Arthur is coming home a little later today. He called on the Floo earlier and mentioned something about an emergency," his mother replied, glancing over at the family clock. When Bill stomach grumbled audibly, she added. "He said we should start eating without him."
Bill breathed a sigh of relief. "I was already worried we would wait for him for dinner. I'm starving."
"Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes. We'll have lamb stew," his mother announced. "On Sunday, when everyone is coming, we'll have a big Weasley dinner."
"Everyone, really?" Ginny asked cheerily, giving her mother a surprised look.
"Well, of course, Charlie won't make it, and unfortunately, Percy can't come either," her mother replied and added mysteriously. "I'd even convinced him to bring his girlfriend, but his girlfriend's mother's birthday is on Sunday, and he's invited."
"Girlfriend?" Ginny raised her eyebrows. "Is she a new one or the same one he's been hiding from us for months?"
Her mother chuckled. "As far as I know, she's still the same. You know that Percy doesn't like changes in his life if he can avoid it."
Ginny laughed. "It could also have been his girlfriend who was looking for someone more exciting, couldn't it?"
"Then Percy wouldn't have chosen her in the first place," her mother stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I know my Percy."
When they finished dinner, Bill cleared his throat. "I'll go check the wards on the chicken coops. Dad mentioned he'd spotted a fox a lot lately."
"Thank you, Bill. That's really kind of you," his mother replied with an appreciative smile. "Just last night, Arthur said two of the hens were missing."
"Damn," Bill swore. "I should have checked last week when Dad mentioned it." With these words, he strolled out the door.
Ginny stood up and began putting the dishes in the sink.
"That's not necessary, dear," her mother called. "I can take care of it."
"But I can do that too," Ginny tried to protest, but without success.
"You visit so rarely, you don't have to do my housework, too," her mother insisted. "Just go to the living room. I'll sit with you as soon as I'm done here."
With a grateful smile, Ginny went into the sitting room and turned on the wireless. As her eyes fell on the comfortable sofa, she sat down and leaned back comfortably, listening to the music, her eyes closed.
It didn't take long for her thoughts to somehow inevitably wander back to the chance meeting that afternoon. She couldn't help but smile as she remembered her heart suddenly pounding louder when she'd looked into those emerald green eyes. This Harry had really been a nice guy. But would he really call her? She couldn't deny that she would be happy to see him again, even if her brain said... She sighed.
"What's wrong, dear?" her mother asked as she sat down at her favourite armchair with a curious smile. "You have such a dreamy look on your face."
"Oh, nothing. Really," Ginny replied, chuckling, averting her eyes to gaze at her hands with a faked interest when she realized she was blushing.
"Really? Nothing?" her mother asked, and Ginny felt her eyes resting on her, waiting for more answers.
"It's really nothing. At least nothing important," Ginny replied and sighed when her mother silently waited for her to continue. "I met someone this afternoon. Totally by chance. And... I don't know." She shrugged her shoulders.
"A young man?" her mother asked.
"Yes, of course." She gave her mother a confused look. "Oh, mum. I'm not into girls if that's what you mean." She rolled her eyes.
"I didn't mean anything, dear. I'm just asking what's bothering you." Her mother gave her an encouraging look. "Why do I get the impression that you seem to like him."
Ginny took a deep breath. "It's a bit complicated. I hardly know him. We happened to be sitting at the same table in a cafe, drinking coffee. That's it."
"And you don't know how to see him again?"
"He has my phone number from work," Ginny admitted. "Who knows if he'll really get in touch with me again?"
"Seeing that dreamy look on your face, I take it you'd like to see him again."
"Oh, mum," Ginny groaned, scratching her head absently. "I'm not sure." She grimaced. "It's just complicated. He's a Muggle," she said as if this explained everything.
"And?" her mother asked.
"What if we really get to know each other?" Ginny asked, staring defiantly at her mother. Did she really not understand? "I have no problem living in the Muggle world, Mum. I've gotten used to it. But I would have to give up on you, my family. I can't bring a Muggle here to the Burrow, can I?"
Her mother chuckled. "Oh, Ginny, dear. Why don't you just go out with him a few times and do all the things Muggles do. Go to the movies, go out to eat. Arthur said the Muggles have all these outlandish restaurants, Chinese, Indian and who knows what all."
Ginny chuckled. "I've already had Indian and Chinese takeaway. It's really good." A shadow crossed her face, and she frowned. "But tell me, why should I start something with someone when it's clear right from the start that if we really like each other, I have to break up? It's like running into a knife with your eyes open. It hurts. Not sure if I want that."
"You never know, my dear. You have always listened to your brain. Your whole life. Maybe you should learn to follow your heart. At least, every once in a while," her mother replied pensively and jumped to her feet as the flames in the fireplace flared up. "I think Arthur is coming home. He'll be hungry, I'm sure."
"Hello, Dad," Ginny called as her father emerged from the flames and went to meet him and take him into her arms.
"Hello, my girl. How are you? It's nice to see you again," her father greeted her, returning the hug. He kissed her on the cheek and took a step back. "Let me have a proper look at you. It's been a while."
Ginny snorted. "It's been three weeks, Dad. No longer than usual."
"Ah, it always seems like ages. I miss the times when you were home every night."
"That's been ages, Dad. Three, almost four years." Ginny chuckled.
"How time flies." Her father shook his head in disbelief, sighed and put his briefcase down at the coat rack. "Is Molly home?"
"She's in the kitchen, probably putting dinner for you on the table," Ginny replied.
"Ah, sounds good. That means you left me something to eat. Let's see what delicious food Molly cooked today."
"There's lamb stew, and there's enough left to feed three more guests." Ginny laughed and made herself comfortable on the sofa again, enjoying being at home.
** HG **
The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains, warming Ginny's shoulder and chest, making the freckles stand out even more. A fly, bathing in the first sunrays, wandered along her arm, waking Ginny from her slumber. With a short, impulsive twitch, she scared away the annoying insect. Yawning, she sat up and stretched herself, and finally fully awake, collapsed back onto her bed. She took a deep breath and looked around her former childhood room, which always brought back many memories of her childhood. The colourful walls with the unicorn and Quidditch posters she once loved so much had long given way to a pastel coat of paint, with a large picture above the dresser from which her entire family waved at her.
Suddenly remembering that it was Sunday morning and she wanted to pack her things before the first of her siblings arrived for dinner, she sat up with a flourish and walked over to her closet to pick out her clothes for the day. As her eyes briefly fell on the mirror, she paused and took a step closer. 'Damn,' she thought. She should have been more careful the day before when she went swimming and sunbathing at the pond. Her face was slightly flushed, and she grimaced as she took off her nightgown. There was a slight sunburn all over her body, except for the areas that had been covered by her bathing costume. Sighing, she searched her bag for the sunscreen spray she had stupidly forgotten when she had packed her beach bag. She decided to have a shower before applying the sunscreen and grabbed a towel to wrap around herself.
Half an hour later, when Ginny went downstairs, her mother's favourite radio show was playing on the wireless while she was preparing breakfast, singing along.
"Good morning, my dear. Do you want a full cooked breakfast or just cereal?" her mother greeted her.
"Oh. I'd better stick to the cereal, or I'll be still full when you treat us with one of your world famous feasts." Ginny chuckled and opened the cupboard. "I'll set the table. Where is Dad?"
"Arthur lets the chickens out of the coop. Oh, and please set the table for Bill, too," replied her mother. "He was called in to work last night, but he said he'd be back for breakfast." Shaking her head, her mother added in a reproachful voice, "Who knows what the goblins wanted from him in the middle of the night?"
"Someone must have gotten caught in their own wards and Bill was called in to free them. The goblins suspect that someone tried to tinker with the wards," Ginny's father explained, closing the back door behind him.
Ginny served the tea and took her usual seat. After pouring milk over her cereal, she gave her parents a content smile. "Enjoy your breakfast."
"You too, my dear," her mother replied with a brief nod. Piling some baked beans on her fork, she paused. "Ginny, my dear. I almost forgot to ask. I know there still are four weeks, but what are your plans for your birthday?" she asked cautiously.
"Oh. I don't know." Ginny gave her mother a surprised look. "I haven't even thought about my birthday yet."
"Your birthday is falling on a Monday this year. We could have a nice birthday party the following Saturday," her mother suggested enthusiastically.
"Oh, I don't know," Ginny replied hesitantly. "We could also have a smaller party on that Monday with everyone who has time to come. It's just my 22nd birthday, nothing special." Suddenly, she had an idea but immediately dismissed it. "We could also have a party at my place, but I don't have that much room." With an amused snort, she added, "Besides, I don't want to subject the Muggles to the ruckus Fred and George usually cause."
"Nonsense. We have enough room here. Think about it again, my dear," her mother insisted. "I just wanted to start planning ahead of time." Her eyebrows shot up. "You're coming to visit again before your birthday, aren't you?"
Ginny sighed. If she was honest, she had completely forgotten about her birthday. She briefly went over her shift schedule in her head and nodded. "I will be back in three weeks, August 2nd and 3rd. Is this early enough for your planning?"
"That should work." Her mother nodded and turned her gaze to the back door that was just opening. "Ah, there you are, Bill. Your breakfast is over there on the cupboard. I put a warming charm on it. And the tea is already on the table."
"Thank you, mum," Bill called with a tired smile, picking up his plate and taking the cutlery out of the drawer. With a heavy sigh he collapsed into the chair. "I think I need a nap before lunch."
"You were out all night?" Ginny's father asked worriedly.
"Yeah." Bill nodded. "We had to completely take down the wards and rebuild them. Someone thought it would be a super smart idea to save a few Galleons by modifying the wards without Gringotts. In the end it turned out to be super expensive."
"Who was it?" Ginny's mother asked, not able to contain her curiosity.
"I'm not allowed to tell you," Bill replied with an apologetic look.
"Someone we know?"
Bill chuckled at his mother persistence. "Yeah, I think so. But no one you like."
Somewhat upset that she couldn't find out more, her mother stood up. "I'll put the kettle on again."
Soon afterwards, the first guests started arriving. Surprisingly, Ginny's brother Ron was the first to step through the back door into the kitchen, even before his usual time.
"Not seen you for a while, Ginny," he said, hugging her after his mother had released him. "Am I the first?"
"Bill and Dad are in the sitting room," replied Ginny, surprised that her brother showed up alone. "How is Lavender?" she asked curiously.
"Apparently, it's really been a while since we've seen each other," Ron said, shrugging his shoulders with a half-smile. "She found someone with a bigger wallet and moved out. That was two months ago."
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Ginny replied, really meaning it. Even though the girl had been a bit too clingy for her taste, she'd enjoyed talking to her.
"You don't have to be sorry," said Ron with a smug smile. "I'm now with a Ravenclaw girl from my year. She can be a bit bossy, but I like her."
"And why don't you introduce her to us?" his mother chimed in.
"Oh, mum." Ron rolled his eyes. "We've been together for what...three weeks. Give us some time." He chuckled. "It might take me a few more weeks to cajole her into believing I'm worthy of her sitting in the same room as the twins. The three probably had a few...now, let's call it misunderstandings at school. She was a Prefect."
"It's rude to talk about people who aren't there, brother of mine," George called when he stormed through the door with Fred and Angelina in tow.
"What are you talking about? You're here, aren't you?" Ron replied with an innocent expression, indicating at his brother.
Looked down at himself and back at Ron, Fred raised his eyebrows. "Silly me." He shrugged and motioned for Ron to continue, grinning. "Just keep talking, bro. I'd also like to know if you're talking about me."
Ginny laughed, amused about her brothers' antics and began setting the table for dinner.
"Wait, I'll help you," Angelina called as she rose from Fred's lap. "Let me put the plates on the table. You can take care of the cutlery. You know better where to find it."
"Oh. Thanks, Ange." Ginny gave the girl a grateful smile and went to the cupboard to get the cutlery tray.
"How are your Muggles doing? Are they all safe and sound?" Angelina asked as she laid the plates around the table.
"I'm working on it," Ginny snorted, arranging the forks, knives and spoons next to the plates.
"By the way, congratulations. I heard you passed your exams. That's amazing," Angelina enthused.
"Yes, I got my Bachelor's degree. That's something like the OWLs. In two years, I want to do my Master's degree," Ginny explained.
"That's like the NEWTs then, right?"
Ginny laughed. "Yes something like that."
"Isn't it funny how Muggles call the degree Bachelor? Are you really not allowed to get the degree if you have a boyfriend?" the girl asked, bewildered.
Ginny laughed. "I don't know why it's called bachelor, but it has nothing to do with whether you have a boyfriend."
"The most important thing is that you enjoy it," Angelina stated.
"Yeah, I enjoy helping people," Ginny replied firmly. "Even though it's hard to let go when you know you can no longer help someone."
When her mother levitated the bowls and plates into the living room and called everyone to the table, Ginny took a seat, nodding a thank you to her father, who went around pouring red wine.
The noise level in the room initially decreased as everyone was focused on their food, but a few minutes later, it turned into the Weasley dinner Ginny had known since early childhood. Everyone was chatting to everyone else while the bowls and plates were being passed around the table. Ginny smiled. As much as she loved her life in the Muggle world, she also loved being with her family.
After the pudding was served and eaten, Ginny helped her mother clear up before she got her bag from her room.
"Hey, sis. Do you really have to leave? Stay a little longer!" her brother, Fred, called out to her as she came down the stairs.
"I'm sorry, my brother dear," Ginny replied, raising her hands apologetically. "But I can't. I still have to wash my work clothes and check if my shift schedule has changed. And then, I have to go to bed early. For me, the night is over at five, at the latest."
"You can't go before you've told us what you want for your birthday," George interposed. "We have a few things you could use to scare the Muggles. And before you ask, it's completely safe. No one can get hurt."
Ginny snorted, amused. "Better not. Ask mum. She knows what I need. Knowing her, she probably already has everything, well-hidden somewhere in her wardrobe. If you beg a little, mum might actually give you something."
"What shall I give whom, dear?" her mother asked as she emerged from the kitchen, a large bag in her hand.
Ginny laughed. "Ask Fred. He plans to give me something for my birthday, but doesn't know what. Be so kind and make sure he doesn't choose any of the things he brings from Zonko's. My colleague was scared to death when the pen George gave me last time exploded."
"Don't worry, my dear. I'll give them a ticking-off," her mother said, briefly scowling at the twins before she turned her attention back to Ginny. "I made you two pots with the leftover roast and potatoes. The warming charm should last for two days," she said. As she hugged her goodbye, her mother whispered into Ginny's ear, "I can't wait to find out if you'll see the mysterious young man again."
Ginny chuckled quietly. "Let's cross that bridge when I get there. Who knows if he'll even get in touch with me again?"
"Come on, firefly. Let me help you," Bill said as he noticed she was getting ready to leave and stood up to take the bag with food from her.
Ginny gave her brother a grateful nod, and the two waved their goodbyes and headed home.
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