The Ivy - 10 August, 1997

[twistingcharlie]

On Sunday morning, Charlie had then gone to Hogwarts, and spoken to McGonagall, explaining that they wanted to take Ginny out for her birthday, and managed to convince the Headmistress to let both Ginny and Harry leave the school. He had then gone to let them know about that night. Finally, he sent several patronus asking all of his brothers (and

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[his_own_man]

Harry saw the gates of the school just ahead and slowed his steps, squeezing Ginny's hand again and pulling her against the stone pillar for another of those dizzying kisses. "Happy birthday," he said again, rubbing his mouth along hers.

[ginevra_dark]

Ginny grinned and kissed him back. "Not for a few hours yet... but thank you." She melted against him and pulled him close to her body, letting the kiss deepen, before pulling back, flushed and gasping. "We need to go... or we may not make it." She felt herself blush again and smoothed her hair, pulling him through the gates and wrapping her arms around him. "Ready." He kissed her again as they apparated, appearing in an alley next to the restaurant. She grinned and led him around the corner to the door. The Maitre de took them directly to the table.

"Hey, guys," she said, kissing his cheek, before moving to do the same to Terence. "Harry, you remember Terence Higgs?"

[tradesecret]

Terence stood and squeezed Ginny's hand. "Hello, love. How's the birthday girl?" He smiled and brushed her hair from her face before turning to face Harry. "Potter. It's been a long time. The last time I saw you, you were solidly kicking my arse on the quidditch pitch." He smiled and held out his hand. "It's good to see you again."

[his_own_man]

Harry stared at the outstretched hand before taking it as quickly as humanly possible and releasing it. He wanted to kick this guy's arse again, but most decidely not on the Quidditch pitch. The way he just touched her hair...He squeezed Ginny's hand harder. "You too," he said not even bothering to sound sincere.

[reservekeeper]

Oliver and Fred apparated to the alleyway and walked into the restaurant. They didn't wait to be seated. By now the gathering of red hair had grown and they had no trouble spotting them. Oliver held Fred's hand as they walked to the table.

"The party can start now. We're here," he said, grinning. He tugged on Ginny's hair and jumped back as she swatted at him. "Happy Birthday, twerp."

[forgeisgeorge]

George and Katie popped into the alleyway just as Fred and Oliver walked out. George grabbed Katie's hand and they followed the other twosome into the restaurant.

"No, NOW the party can start!" George retorted with amusement.

"Happy birthday, favorite sister!" George said to Ginny as he wrapped her in a huge bear hug.

[ginevra_dark]

Ginny tried to glare at Oliver but failed as George's arms closed around her. "Hey, beautiful." She tilted her face up to kiss him. "How are you? And Katie! I'm so glad you came." She turned and knelt up on her seat to hug Katie and kiss her cheek.

[katieble]

Katie laughed softly, hugging Ginny as well. "Yeah, looks like we're a little outnumbered." She pulled out her present and offered it to Ginny, winking. "Because I was sure the boys wouldn't get you any of this."

[twistingcharlie]

Charlie looked around, smiling at the commotion they had created just by being there. The poor waitress would go insane with them.

He found a seat, figuring that it would be easier than trying to get into conversation about make up and chocolate. Soon enough someone would get bored standing and would join him.

[tradesecret]

Terence sat down beside of him and smiled. "I don't think Potter likes me," he whispered, grinning. "And my gods your family is loud. Is it always like this?" He watched the crowd move around the table, settling into their seats.

[reservekeeper]

Oliver sat on Charlie's other side. "Looks like the gang's all here. Lo, Higgs. How are you?" He leaned back in his chair. "Think we'll make it through the evening without anyone blowing anyone else up?"

[twistingcharlie]

"I'm sure we can manage. It'll be heard, but we'll manage," he said, smiling. Charlie squeezed Terence's hand. "See, I told you that my family can get overwhelming. Tuning the noise out is the only way to survive at times."

He looked at Harry. "I understand where he is coming from. Stop touching her, and I bet he'll like you, or at least not want to hex you."

[ginevra_dark]

Ginny leaned into Harry and kissed the corner of his mouth. "You all right?" she asked. "They can be a bit overwhelming, I know." She smiled at him. "I'm glad you're here, you know? You're part of this family. I couldn't imagine you not being here."

[his_own_man]

Harry resisted the urge to growl at that Higgs bloke to keep her words just for him alone. He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. "Can't imagine not being here." He nodded toward the boisterous group of brothers. "Didn't think it would be anything but overwhelming."

[ginevra_dark]

Ginny laughed softly and pressed her forehead against his. "No. But you've been around them enough, I figured you'd do fine." She followed Harry's eyes over to Terence and lowered her voice. "I didn't know you two didn't get along. I'm sorry."

[his_own_man]

Harry's gaze followed hers and he resisted the urge to growl though his eyes did narrow as if his body was getting ready to. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said airly.

[bitten_bill]

Bill walked over and found an empty chair, pushing it close to Charlie. "Oy, brother," he said. "This was a nice idea. We don't get together enough, all of us." He cocked his head to the side. "Well, most of us, anyway," he muttered as he took a long drink of mead.

[twistingcharlie]

"Then we'll have to do it more often." Charlie bumped his shoulder against Bill. "How are you doing? Was yesterday any better?" There wasn't much he could, but he would be there to listen if Bill wanted to talk.

[bitten_bill]

Nodding, Bill scooted his chair so he could face Charlie. He loved his brothers, but damn, they were loud. "Not terrible," he said. "I've sort of got a handle on what's going to happen, and I just try to stay away from people." He shrugged. "At least until I have someone I can share this with."

[twistingcharlie]

"You're stubborn, that's what you are," Charlie said affectionately. He expected nothing else from a Weasley. "I told you there are ways, and you'd even make someone happy, plenty of masochist twats around," he added softly, not because he cared what people thought of him, but because he knew Bill would flip.