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SIYE Time:18:37 on 6th November 2024
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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: 33760; Chapter Total: 2432
Awards: View Trophy Room




Author's Notes:
My thanks go to GryffindorHealer, dumnonian, and KSummer for their kind support in giving the chapter a final checkover.




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Noises from the house woke Ginny up. Yawning, she rubbed her eyes before sitting up and listening.

The noises seemed to come from downstairs. Was her mother back? Deciding to do her morning business in the bathroom later, she hurriedly got up and put on her dressing gown. When she entered the kitchen, her mother was indeed standing at the stove, preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Mum," Ginny greeted.

"Good morning, my dear," her mother replied with a smile, pulling her into a hug. "I wish you a happy birthday."

"Thanks, Mum," Ginny said but pulled away from the hug, giving her mother a worried glance. "How's Dad?"

A shadow spread across her mother's face.

A few days ago, her father had been admitted to St Mungo's, and only her mother was allowed to visit him.

"Unchanged," Ginny's mother replied worriedly. "He still has a high fever and is very short of breath." She shook her head in disbelief, stroking Ginny's cheek. "The strangest thing is that they can't find a cause, even though they've tried every known Diagnosis spell. Yet, I also have good news. Your dad is allowed to get visitors, but only for half an hour each day. This afternoon, you and Ron have the permission to visit him. Arthur is looking forward to seeing you."

Ginny returned her mother's sad smile. "Poor dad. I'm also looking forward to seeing him. I'd better pack my things so I can stay in London after visiting Dad."

"I'm heading back to your dad shortly. I just came home to shower and change. And, of course, to wish you a happy birthday." Her mother gave her another warm hug and then pointed at a large box in green wrapping paper on the sideboard. "Of course, we haven't forgotten your present, but you already know what's in there."

Ginny's face lit up. "You really bought me a microwave?"

Her mother raised her hands apologetically. "You said my warming charms only last 2-3 days, and you once mentioned the Muggles have those small machines to heat meals up. I asked Ron to buy such a thing. Hermione knew what I wanted and offered to help."

Ginny thanked her mother as she put the breakfast on the table for her. "I'm sorry, dear. You have to eat your breakfast alone, even if it's your birthday. I'll grab some sandwiches and go back to the hospital. They examined your dad before I went home, and I want to know if they finally figured something out."

"It's okay," Ginny said. "Give Dad my love."

A few minutes later, her mother had just returned to St Mungo's via Floo, and Ginny focused on her breakfast. She loved her mum's fried eggs, which always came with a bit of chopped dill and diced ham.

She'd just finished cleaning the dishes and putting them back in the cupboard when there was a knock on the front door. Probably one of her brothers wanted to congratulate her, Ginny thought. But they wouldn't knock.

"Oh, Harry," Ginny called with a happy smile as she opened the door. "I'm glad to see you. Please come in."

Harry, a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a small wrapped box in the other, gave Ginny a somewhat sheepish look. "I hope I'm not early, but I...I wanted to talk to you before your whole family is around."

"Don't worry. I'm alone. The family isn't coming today," Ginny replied, stepping aside to let Harry in.

"Oh, why?" Harry asked, surprised. "And before I come in, first of all, happy birthday to you." Harry kissed her cheek and held up his gift with an apologetic expression. "I'd like to hug you, but I don't have my hands free. This is for you!"

"The flowers are beautiful," Ginny called. "Wait a moment. I just put them in some water." She took a vase out of the sideboard, filled it with water and placed the flowers on the table. "Thank you, Harry." She turned back to Harry and kissed him on the mouth. "Would you like some coffee or tea?"

"A coffee would be nice," Harry replied, looking around. "How come your family isn't here for your birthday? You promised me a loud party."

"My dad's in the hospital," Ginny said. The worries that had been eating away at her for the last few days and had just been pushed into the background because of her birthday rose up again. "We cancelled the birthday party. No one felt like celebrating."

"Oh. I'm sorry," Harry replied, the smile suddenly gone from his face. "I hope it's nothing bad."

"We don't know yet," Ginny said, preparing the coffee. "I'm permitted to visit him this afternoon."

"Do you think you can help him?" Harry asked.

"I doubt it," Ginny replied. "I don't know anything about magical healing methods." She nodded towards the kitchen table, smirking benignly. "Come on, sit down. My mother would be pretty upset if you put dents in her floor from standing around for so long."

Harry nodded and took a seat, placing the small box he brought with him on the table. "I wanted to talk to you on Thursday, but your roommate said you were already home."

"My dad was in the hospital, and my mother wanted the family home," Ginny explained.

"Is it really that bad?" Harry asked in a worried tone.

"It was bad, but fortunately, it didn't get any worse so far." Ginny sighed. "If only they would find out what's wrong with him." She put the two mugs ad a plate of biscuits on the table and sat down next to Harry. "Let's talk about something else. You said you wanted to talk to me. What's on your mind?"

"There's... there's something I need to tell you," Harry fussed. "I completely forgot about it, and..."

Ginny raised her eyebrows. "After the bombshell you dropped last time, it can't be that bad."

"It is...maybe," Harry fidgeted.

"Just tell me," Ginny offered, and added with a grin, "I promise I won't run away again."

"I'm afraid you will," Harry said with an afflicted smile. "It's about my real name."

Ginny frowned in confusion, wondering why Harry made such a fuss but also relieved because she'd feared something worse. "I thought your name was Harry Black."

Harry grimaced. "No. I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional, but I should have told you last week..."

Ginny gave Harry a blank look.

"My name is Harry Potter," Harry said, glancing at Ginny with puppy dog eyes.

Ginny looked at him and paled as she realized what Harry had just said. "Tell me you're joking," she finally squeezed out. But Harry just glanced back at her in silence, his eyes fixed on hers, almost pleading.

Suddenly, the Knut dropped. Ginny's eyes widened. "No. You're not kidding. Your parents died when you were little. The name Sirius Black sounded so familiar, but I didn't put the pieces together..." She shook her head in disbelief. That couldn't be true. She had finally fallen in love, and then that...

"Please don't tell me you don't love me anymore because I'm bloody Harry Potter," said Harry, visibly unsettled. "Being Harry Potter already caused me enough trouble in my life."

"That's not the point, Harry. Of course, I love you. But..." Ginny responded, putting her face in her palms, feeling desperate. "But if you're really Harry Potter, you can't be with a Squib."

"I don't see any reason why not," Harry said, looking irritated.

"Imagine what the Daily Prophet would write. The saviour of the wizarding world had his heart broken by a squib, or even worse."

Harry laughed. "That's how Sirius put it, but he thought it was hilarious and said he can't wait to find out what the Ministry has to say about it. Besides, I don't care what the Prophet writes about me. I'm more worried what they will write about you."
"I live in the Muggle world, so I don't care," Ginny replied, almost hotly.

Cocking his head in victory, Harry replied with a broad grin, "Fine. So neither of us cares." He shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, the Prophet rarely writes about me. Sirius and I, we both try to stay out of the public eye as much as possible."

"That's not what I mean," Ginny replied, irritated why Harry didn't get the point. "I think...Harry Potter deserves someone better than me. A real witch." Ginny looked Harry in the eyes. "You could have any witch you want. At some point, I'd bore you."

"How can I get every witch I want when I can't even get the Squib I want?" replied Harry.

Ginny stood up and went to the window to look at the backyard, trying to calm herself down. "Please don't joke, Harry. I'm serious. You shouldn't be with me. I'm far too unimportant. You're famous, and I'm nothing. At least in the wizarding world."

Ginny heard a chair move. The next thing she felt was Harry coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Just because someone is famous doesn't make them more important."

Ginny froze but then turned and returned his hug, resting her head on his chest and breathing in his scent. Feeling tears welling up, she tried to hold them back but couldn't suppress a sob escaping her lips. "Life is not fair."

"Life is what we make of it," Harry replied. "You know that best. Look at what you already achieved in your life."

"And I don't plan on giving that up," Ginny said firmly, pulling away from Harry and looking him in the eye. "It's my life."

Harry threw her a smile. "I would never expect that from you."

Ginny glanced out the window again. "I'm sorry, Harry. But I need time to think about it. I'm still a bit…confused."

"Does that mean you're sending me away?" Harry's voice sounded worried at first, but then he grinned. "I was glad we were here at your house, and you couldn't run away. I never expected you to send me away."

Ginny giggled. "Idiot. Of course, you can stay. It's just...I'm still so confused. My brain is so messed up. It's a feeling I'm not used to, and I don't know what to make of it."

"Is it okay if I give you a birthday kiss? I've actually wanted to do that the whole time."

Ginny half laughed, half sighed. "The fact that you're always so sweet doesn't make it any easier." She stood on her tiptoes and threw her arms around Harry's neck. Their kiss was gentle and tender at first until Ginny could hold back no longer and grabbed Harry's hair to pull his head closer so she could press her lips harder to his. When she felt Harry's tongue on her lips, she willingly opened her mouth and moaned as their tongues touched and fought for dominance in each other's mouths. Minutes later, as they pulled apart and gasped for air, Harry asked, looking around the room, "Are you home alone all day?"

Ginny nodded. "Yeah. I guess. At least until I visit my dad in the afternoon."

"If you don't mind, I can keep you company," Harry offered.

"And help me think about us," Ginny chuckled. "Or to make sure I come to the right conclusion."

"Why not just talk," Harry replied. "There's still so much I don't know about you."

Ginny laughed. "You can talk. I'm just a simple country girl. I'm pretty sure there's much more to tell about you."

"Oh," Harry blurted suddenly. As Ginny's eyes followed his gaze, she spotted the box Harry had brought with him, lying unnoticed on the table the whole time. "Merlin, I forgot your present because of all the talking," Harry mumbled embarrassedly. He picked up the forgotten box and handed it to Ginny. "Please open it. I hope you like it."

Ginny eyed the box wrapped in green paper in surprise. "Harry, that wasn't necessary."

Harry shook his head. "You started giving birthday presents, so I can't show up at your birthday just with flowers." A mischievous grin crossed his face. "Besides, I really wanted to know what they looked like on you. Come on. Tear it open already."

Ginny stared at Harry. "You didn't...," she complained half-heartedly but began to carefully peel off the tape to remove the wrapping. "Harry, that's... that's too much," she blurted out as she lifted the lid of the box and discovered two earrings inside.

"It's not," Harry argued. "They're made of silver, not as expensive as you might think." Harry chuckled. "I already thought you would complain loudly if I bought you something too expensive, so I didn't even dare to do it."

Ginny glanced at the earrings. They were pretty, and the green stones would definitely go well with her red hair. "I haven't worn earrings in a while," she said, a delighted smile on her lips. "Can you help me? I hope the holes in my earlobes haven't grown over yet."

Harry helped her put the earrings on and gave her a broad grin. "You look amazing".

Ginny rushed into the hallway to look in the mirror next to the coat rack. She really loved the earrings. "Thank you, Harry. They're beautiful. I love them."

"It's you who's beautiful," Harry argued playfully.

Ginny shot him a look, one eyebrow raised, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Don't think fluttery can bribe me."

When Harry's eyes met hers, he suddenly became a little more serious. "Okay, then tell me what you want to know about me?"

Ginny glanced pensively at Harry. There were so many things she wanted to know. "Just tell me about yourself. What is it like to be Harry Potter? I only know the stories from the children's books I had when I was little."

Harry looked at her, dumbstruck. "You had books about me?"

"Don't give me that stupid grin," Ginny retorted, pretending to be upset. "Every child had these books back then."

Harry stared at her in disbelief. "I didn't. I didn't even know such books existed."

Ginny chuckled. "I can lend them to you. They must still be somewhere in the house, probably in the attic." She smiled sheepishly. "I put them away when I went to the Muggle school."

Harry laughed. "I'd rather not. Sirius would tease me for the rest of my life if I came home with books like that."

Ginny joined in his laughter. "I'm looking forward to meeting your godfather. He seems to be a good bloke."

Harry looked at Ginny appraisingly. "Does this mean you don't want to get rid of me anymore just because you think it would be better for me?"

Ginny grinned. "Nice try, Harry. No diversionary tactics. You wanted to tell me something about yourself."

Harry gave her a crooked smile. "And you haven't asked me a question yet."

Ginny thought for a moment. There were so many questions. Where should she start? "Why was that Dark Lord...Voldemort after you anyway? Why you? Did you ever find out?"

Harry pressed his lips together as if contemplating how to respond, nodding briefly before answering. "Because of a prophecy."

"Really?" Ginny squeaked in surprise.

"Yeah." Harry nodded. "It said that only I or another boy could kill Voldemort."

"And why was it you and not the other boy?" Ginny asked, curious.

"Voldemort himself chose me by killing my parents and trying to kill me," Harry explained.

"Apparently, there are prophecies that come true," Ginny said, a sarcastic laugh escaping her. "Once, there even was a prophecy about me. But it will certainly never come true."

"What was the prophecy about?" Harry asked, visibly intrigued.

Ginny waved her hand. "Nothing. Just stupid stuff. Nobody knows for sure anymore." She chuckled dismissively. "Something about the Seventh of the Seven and that I will save the wizarding world from evil. Pretty confusing, but that's what prophecies always are, I'm told."

"The Seventh of the Seven?" Harry asked, astonished. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I was the first girl born into the Weasley family in seven generations and the seventh child of the family. Since seven is a magic number, that should mean something important. But look at me! Someone must have made a joke." Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Why doesn't anyone know for sure?" asked Harry, curious. "Did you ever hear the prophecy?"

Ginny sighed, already regretting bringing up this stupid prophecy. "My parents heard it once before I was born. If I remember correctly, it got lost somewhere in the Ministry. At one point, my father tried to find out what happened to the prophecy, but as it became more and more obvious that I was a squib, he gave up. My parents didn't want to attract the attention of the Ministry." Ginny laughed. "Good move, Potter. You've drawn the attention back to me again. It was actually your turn to tell me something about yourself." She grinned mischievously at Harry. "But let's talk about something more pleasant. What was it like living in Canada? I've never been abroad, except once on a family holiday in Egypt."

Harry chuckled. "Less exciting than you think. Actually, quite normal, I think. I also went to a Muggle school because Sirius didn't want to attract attention. So, I learned all about magic outside of school. Sirius hired a few teachers, who taught me everything I needed to know, and of course..." he hesitated briefly. "And, of course, they trained me so I would have a chance against Voldemort."

A few hours later, when Ginny glanced at her watch, she jumped up, startled. "Oh. It's late. I didn't even notice how the time passed by. I still need to pack my bag, or I'll be late to see my dad."

Harry looked at her, obviously having something on his mind. "Can I come with you, Ginny?" He raised his hand as Ginny wanted to reply, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Not to visit your dad, but I thought we could have a drink together afterwards...since your birthday party is cancelled."

Ginny thought for a moment. The idea of spending a few more hours with Harry sounded promising. She nodded. "Why not? But I have to take my bag home first. Otherwise, I won't have anything to wear tomorrow."

Harry cocked his head. "Why don't we pick up your bag afterwards? I could Apparate us." He raised his hands, grinning. "These are the advantages of not being a Muggle."

Ginny chuckled. "Okay, okay. But before we go, I have to pack my bag. I'll be back in a minute."

"And..." said Harry, suddenly looking a little nervous. "There's something else I wanted to ask you, but..."

Ginny gave Harry a sceptical look, her eyebrows raised. "Do you have another bomb to drop? Don't tell me you're the heir to the throne or the next Minister of Magic."

"No. None of that," Harry replied, laughing. "I actually just want to know if I can officially call you my girlfriend now."

Barely suppressing a grin, Ginny gave Harry with a reproachful look. "As often as we've already smooched, I thought I already was your girlfriend. Or do you think I would snog someone I don't consider my boyfriend?"

Harry grinned, but Ginny continued more seriously before he could say anything. "But I expect you to tell me right away if you think I'm the wrong one for you. I would understand..."

Harry interrupted her: "Ginny, I..."

Ginny shook her head. "I don't want you to stay with me out of pity." She raised her hand. "Don't answer now. I trust you. I really do. But if your mind ever changes, promise to be honest with me. One of the reasons I chose the Muggle world was that I never wanted to be pitied."

"That won't happen." Giving her a serious look, Harry raised his finger before she could reply. "But yeah, I promise."

** HG **


When Ginny and Harry emerged from the fireplace in the visitor's room at St. Mungo's, Ron was already waiting for her along with, to Ginny's surprise, Hermione.

"This is my brother Ron and his girlfriend," Ginny took over the introductions. "And this is my boyfriend, Harry."

Harry and Ron greeted each other with a nod and a warm handshake while Hermione smiled at Harry, offering her hand. "Hermione Granger."

"Harry Potter," Harry replied, shaking her hand.

Two pairs of eyebrows shot up as the two stared at Harry sceptically. "You're not the Harry Potter, are you?" Hermione asked cautiously, throwing Ginny a questioning look. "I thought you were dating a Muggle."

At Harry's sheepish look, Ginny giggled. "We're sorry to disappoint you, Hermione. But yes, it's him. I didn't know until this morning either, so he is…" Ginny patted Harrys shoulder, "more or less a birthday present for me."

Harry snorted, amused, while Ron threw Ginny a surprised look and frowned. "Are you sure that..." he started, only to be interrupted by Ginny.

"It's okay, Ron. Really." She gave her brother a reassuring smile. "We've been talking all day, and it's okay. For the both of us. Now, let's go and see Dad. That's why we're here, after all."

Ron nodded and threw a questioning look at Hermione.

"I'll wait here for you," his girlfriend assured him.

Giving Harry a quick nod, Ginny walked off with her brother. They strode down a long hallway until they found the door with the nameplate "Arthur Weasley". Ron knocked, and they entered.

Next to the bed, they found their mother sitting on a chair, holding their father's hand, her eyes moist with tears.

"Hi, Dad," Ginny said. Moving a little closer, she observed her father carefully. She leaned forward, looked worriedly into her father's fevered eyes and gently stroked his sunken cheeks. "How are you doing?"

Her father's eyes tried to focus on her, which apparently worked because he obviously recognized her. "Hello Ginny, Ron. Nice to see you," he croaked in barely audible words, gasping for breath from the exertion. Ginny moved to the other side of the bed, leaving her brother the spot next to their mother.

Watching her father in silence, Ginny knelt down and held his hand, which felt sweaty and hot. He was very weak from the fever and had lost a lot of weight since she had last seen him. Giving her mother a worried look, she asked. "What did the healers say? Did they find out what was wrong with Dad?"

"The Head Healer, Frank Korngeable, was here to talk to me earlier. We know him from Hogwarts. He was a Ravenclaw in our year," her mother replied, barely suppressing a sob. "They don't know what's wrong with him. All the magical diagnostic spells show nothing. Frank said they have a lot of cases like Arthur where they can't find the cause." A sniffle interrupted her. "Some of them have already died."

Frowning, Ginny stood up to lean over her father, placing her hand on his forehead. His fever was high. "Dad, do you have a headache?" He nodded. "Sore throat and muscle pain?"

Her father nodded again and croaked laboriously, "Throat is burning. Feel every bone in my body." A coughing fit interrupted him.

"It's okay, Dad. Try not to talk so much," Ginny said softly, looking at her mother and brother. "What if it is not a magical illness at all but a Muggle illness?"

Her mother's eyes widened. "What makes you think that?"

She glanced from her mother to her brother and back. "Of course, I'm not sure, but I've seen symptoms like this before. Especially in the last few weeks."

A man in a green Healer's Robes entered the room and apparently heard her last words. He looked at Ginny intently, his eyebrows raised. "Where have you witnessed such symptoms?"

Ginny hesitated, unsure whether she should share her suspicions with the Healer since they were pretty vague. "Could it be a Muggle disease?" she finally asked.

The healer gave her thoughtful look. "Of course, we can't rule anything out because we don't know what kind of illness it is. However, it would be very unusual. In almost all cases, the magic prevents a wizard or witch from becoming ill with Muggle diseases."

"Frank, this is our daughter, Ginny," Ginny's mother chimed in. "She works in a Muggle hospital. Maybe she's right. It certainly wouldn't hurt to investigate her suspicions."

The man gave Ginny an indecisive look but then nodded. "Of course, it wouldn't hurt. What are your suspicions, Ginny? May I call you Ginny?"

"Yeah, sure," Ginny replied and pondered for a moment. "What do you know about these cases? Are there any similarities between the patients?"

Frank screwed up his face and sighed. "As far as we know, most patients work at the ministry or have had appointments there recently."

Suddenly wide awake, Ginny eyed the man closely. "Do they work in a specific department, or are the cases spread throughout the ministry?"

Frank gave Ginny a surprised look. "We don't know. Why?"

Ginny took a deep breath. She didn't want to put the man on the wrong track, but then again... she glanced at her father. "I've seen these symptoms in patients with a rare type of bird flu. Somehow, they got infected from birds, like chickens, or turkeys, but also wild birds. My dad works in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, so he often has to deal with Muggles. Maybe he had contact with sick Muggles or poultry."

The Healer gave her a sceptical look, then shrugged his shoulders. "As I said, it wouldn't hurt to investigate your suspicion since we hardly have any other clues."

"But apparently, there are other clues," Ginny asked, giving the man a waiting look.

Taking a deep breath, the Healer looked around uncertainly before deciding to speak. "But it stays between us. I don't want any rumours to arise."

Ginny nodded, and Ron also motioned for the man to continue.

"We're going through the magical medical records, not just the patients' records, but the entire families' records, and it seems that only purebloods are affected."

"Oh," Ginny's eyebrows snapped up. "That's interesting. That means it only affects patients who don't have Muggle blood in them, and therefore no antibodies that Muggles normally have against many of their diseases."

The Healer nodded thoughtfully. "Even though the chance of it being a Muggle disease isn't very high, this suspicion is still worth pursuing."

Ginny smiled at the Healer, relieved that he took her suspicions seriously. She decided to talk to the nurses in the intensive care unit about Mrs Winterbottom to find out if the medication had helped her.

"I think it's time to give the patient some rest," the Healer announced and cast meaningful looks at Ginny and Ron. "Molly, you can stay, of course."

Gently caressing her father's sunken cheeks, Ginny looked into his eyes, a reassuring smile on her lips. "Bye, Dad. Get well soon." She nodded to her mother and waited for her brother at the door to go with him back to the visitor's room, where Harry and Hermione were waiting for them.
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