Romancing the Sorcerer's Stone

Chapter 18: Silver Stars

Ginny doesn't pay much attention when the owl first arrives. It's not unusual for Harry to receive an owl during dinner, after all. She does look up, though, when the owl flies off and Harry remains seated. It's not unusual for him to leave dinner abruptly after one of these missives, haring after Malfoy on some adventure. It is unusual when he stays.

She waits, fork poised halfway to her mouth, for the explanation she senses is coming. When it does...

She drops her fork with a clatter. "I'm sorry. Did you say Florence? Tomorrow?"

He looks genuinely puzzled. "Haven't I told you?"

She closes her eyes, exasperated. She'd tell him off in a heartbeat, except that she's dreamt of visiting Florence for years. She won't pass up the opportunity of a lifetime. Perhaps it's Harry's way of apologizing for all those interrupted dinners? She excuses herself hastily, making and discarding itineraries and plans as she calls Breezy to help her with her clothes. Florence!

—

They meet the Malfoys at the international floo. Of course they do.

Well, that's all right, Ginny thinks. It's just like a double date. An extended double date. And it's not like she minds the chance to spend time with Astoria.

They check into the hotel, chattering excitedly, to find they have adjoining rooms. It's certainly convenient, and Ginny can't find reason to complain.

They spend the day sightseeing, hopping from one museum to another, and Ginny starts to wonder why they're actually on this trip. It's not to see the sights of Florence, as they've skipped a handful she'd been dying to see without her opinion ever being sought.

Harry and Draco are in their own little world, peppering the gallery attendants with questions and studying the paintings carefully. Ginny hangs back with Astoria, finding herself bored of art by the time they're in their fifth gallery. Sixth? They've all blurred together.

She realizes that night, staring at the maps unfurled over every surface in their room, with Harry and Draco both bent over them, that this isn't about her at all.

She curls up on the sofa in the corner and falls into a restless doze.

The next day, she tells Harry that she'll spend the remainder of their stay in Astoria's room, and he can share with Malfoy. He doesn't even look up at her as he nods, and she thinks in for a sickle, in for a galleon, and announces that she and Astoria will be making their own itinerary as well.

She's in Florence, dammit; she's going to enjoy herself -- fiancé or no fiancé.