Albus Potter, Friends and Foes

Ch 26 Summer Vacation

Extensive revisions because of Deb and Diane, which, as usual, have made the chapter better. I am not thanking them every chapter, but they have been a constant and welcome help.

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The last Friday in July Harry called Ginny about four in the afternoon. "I have all weekend off, starting now," he told his wife. "I'd like to take some time to catch up with you on everything that happened with you and what happened in Switzerland."

"I ought to talk to you about what I've been doing the last two weeks," Ginny replied. "I can get mum to take care of the children. They are staying at Potter's New Burrow anyway. Having a little couple time would be good."

"I've just finished an interview. I will meet you at Grimmauld Place before five."

Harry was waiting in the kitchen when Ginny came in through the Closet. It was just easier than traveling by Floo, and since they had installed magical Closets in both the New Burrow and Grimmauld Place she had normally used the Closet to travel between the houses. Harry greeted her with a warm hug, which Ginny enthusiastically returned.

"Mum will take care of the children until Sunday morning, Harry," Ginny announced, leaning her head on Harry's chest and listening to his steady heartbeat. "I'm tired. Let's just eat dinner here."

"I have had more than enough meals eaten in restaurants the last month," Harry concurred. He called, "Mabel." The house elf appeared. "Please make a simple supper for Ginny and me. We will be in the drawing room and will eat it alone in the dining room when it is ready."

"I have a nice fish and some fresh vegetables from the gardens," Mabel replied. "I will make you a nice meal."

The couple walked upstairs to the drawing room and sat down on a love seat facing each other.

"It is not like we have not been together or talked," Harry started. "It just feels like it has been too long since just the two of us have talked."

"It seems we're always surrounded by loads of people at every meal we've had lately," sighed Ginny in agreement.

"And I have tried to spend some time with the children, especially Minerva, who was not with us at the ICWW."

"She did miss you," Ginny acknowledged, "and enjoyed playing with you."

Harry smiled. "I enjoyed it too. I think I am making up for not having a childhood, playing with the little children. It has taken me a while to learn how to relax and relate to them at their speed."

"You have always done a good job, Harry," Ginny retorted. "You just needed a few lessons at first, just like all parents who didn't grow up with young children."

"I love being a parent," Harry assured Ginny, "but we needed some time with just the two of us to talk. I remember the saying that the best thing you can do for your children is to love each other. What have you been doing the last two weeks?"

"I've spent half my time at the Chudley or talking about the Cannons," Ginny admitted.

"Has James actually talked Ron into buying the Cannons?" Harry asked in amazement.

"Not actually," Ginny shook her head. "If there is one thing that Ron likes more than the Chudley Cannons, it is making money. It was always harder on him us being poor than any of the rest of us. Oh, he wants to buy the Cannons, but only if we can make money owning it."

"Have you talked to Bill about it?" Harry wondered.

"Yes, and the same sports agent that negotiated my contract is involved. There were four owners, who fought. One has just died, and his family wants nothing to do with the team. Two of the others are willing to sell, and the other one would be willing to be a partner and wants to help run the team. The last one is the one who is responsible for so many of the stupid decisions the team has made the last few years, so we want nothing to do with him.