arranged love // drarry

twenty one

Harry had woken up with a pain in his back. It was always like this. He had a bad habit of sleeping awkwardly which then led to muscle pain which irritated him all day long. It was a bright day today and the air was clear but there was something in the back of his mind. A prickling feeling that he always got when something bad was about to happen.

"You look happy," Ginny snorted, voice laced with sarcasm and flopped next to him on the bench in the garden. He pushed the prickly feeling away and brushed his thumb against his wedding band, sighing in contentment.

"I am happy," He retorted, "Just a bit tired from yesterday." Ginny hummed and leaned back into the seat, "I'm glad you found Draco, Harry. He makes you very happy."

Harry smiled at her, "Thanks Gin. He does make me happy. The happiest man on this earth."

Ginny laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it affectionately. "You are such a simp for him," She sniggered softly and he punched her shoulder weakly. She wasn't lying.

"What are you doing here though?" Harry asked through a yawn, "It's too early in the morning."

"I invited her," His father piped from behind them. "G'morning lads," James ruffled Harry's hair before settling on the seat in front of them.

"Morning, Papa," Harry smiled. Ginny greeted him too, a wide grin.

"Why did you invite her?" Harry asked.

"The job thingy, remember?"

"Oh yeah. So you're finally joining the company?" Harry nudged her with his elbow, "Took you long enough." She rolled her eyes, "Someone had to step in since you're too adamant to become a bloody teacher."

"Hey! A teacher's job is difficult. And I barely have time to study for my finals because of my marriage." He grumbled. James raised an eyebrow at him, "Do you really care, though? Ever since you've met Draco. It's all about him. Draco this. Draco that. You've barely focussed on your career, Harry."

"I know, Papa." He flushed, "That's why I told you to keep the wedding in some other month and not five days before my exams!"

James shrugged, "Lucius is one hell of a pushy bastard. He said he really wanted his son to get married soon. Acted as if  ...." He paused, frowning, "something bad would happen if the wedding wasn't to be held that day."

Harry frowned and Ginny next to him tensed. "Dunno much about him, honestly. Draco's father seems to be a very closed up kind of guy."

"He does, doesn't he?" James muttered and shook his head, "Nevermind. Ginny," He glanced at the red-head, "Are you ready to finally join Potter Corp.? I am very excited for you to be there!"

This topic had been going for a while. Ginny had been moving from one job to the other, claiming that none of them were worth her time. She was one of the smartest people Harry knew and she had the potential to work in the biggest of firms. So why not let her join the family business? Ginny, herself, had shown quite a lot of interest in joining Potter Corp.. She had always admired James, who had built this company from the ground up when he was her age. He was her role model.

It had been a tedious task, convincing his subordinates and the board members that Ginny would be the perfect candidate to work under his guidance. She had innumerable experience with working under many people all over the city and had the skill of being the CEO.

"Yes," Ginny nodded, a smile spreading over her mouth, "I can't wait."

"What position are you joining?" Harry asked.

"I'll be working directly under the CEO," She said, eyes twinkling with happiness.

"So my dad is your direct boss?" Harry snorted, "That'll be hilarious to see in person," She scowled and swatted his arm, "Shut up. At least I'm competent enough to acquire this position."

Harry rolled his eyes, "I know, Gin. I'm joking. Stop being so mad at me for everything."

She crossed her arms, "I'm not mad,"

James tapped his chin thoughtfully, "Now that I've thought about it. Ginny, lately you've been acting quite differently."

"Differently?" She tilted her head curiously, feigning indifference. Lily came into the garden as well, Jerry tailing her. She smiled and slipped into the seat next to her husband, kissing his cheek in greeting, "I agree with James."

Harry nodded along, "Yeah. Ever since she's been back from France." He narrowed his glance at her.

"F-France? What does France have to do with this?" She chuckled nervously.

"Oh I dunno," James tutted, "Maybe a certain black haired girl you cosied up with in the city of love."

Ginny felt air seep into her lungs again. "Pansy," She breathed, face coloring pink. Harry smirked at her, "Papa, you should have seen these two the day they met again. God, she couldn't stop staring at her!"

Ginny shoved Harry, "Shut up!" She flushed and shoved him, "You're the one to talk Mr. I-want-to-impress-Draco-so-I-will-send-him-chocolates."

Harry stuck his tongue out at her. Lily let out a soft laugh while James grinned at them.

"Ma'am, there is someone at the gate who wishes to meet you." A servant poked their head inside, startling all of them.

The servant looked frantic, fearful even and Harry wondered who could it be.