When James got home from Johnny's that night, the apartment was quiet. He thought about knocking on Ginny's door, but didn't out of fear that she really had left.

 What if she had left while he was working? Maybe she had decided it would be best to leave while he was gone, so as to avoid any uncomfortable or awkward goodbyes. But if that was the way she left, he was disappointed. He had hoped to be able to say goodbye. It didn't even look like she left him any kind of letter or note.

 "It was her choice," he said to himself. "If she decided to leave, it's her choice. She wanted to leave."

 He took a quick shower and got into bed, still thinking about Ginny. What would everyone at Johnny's say about her just taking off like that? Everyone would probably be disappointed. It really felt like Ginny brought something new to the place, something James hadn't even known was missing. He would miss that.

 Come to think of it, he was going to miss Ginny herself. He had liked spending time with her and trying to get to know her. She was had the air of a woman with strong spirit of independence and confidence, and it had attracted him to her.

 In any case, James was going to miss Ginny, and he lay awake thinking about her for some time before he finally fell asleep.

~~~~~~

 James groaned when his alarm woke him up the next morning. He didn't know how long he actually slept for, but however long it was, it wasn't long enough.

 And then he heard something that made him become more alert. There was the sound of things clattering and someone humming happily.

 Someone was in his kitchen.

 James jumped out of bed and slowly opened his door, and then crept over to the kitchen. To his surprise, it was Ginny, making breakfast and humming to herself as if the events of the day before had never even happened.

 "Ginny." He seemed to sound as surprised as he felt. "You're still here."

 "Yes, of course I'm still here," she said. "Why wouldn't I be?"

 "Well, it's just that...you know, after yesterday, I didn't think you were going to be sticking around. It looks like you've certainly changed your mind."

 "Yes, I think I have. Look, James, I acted completely ridiculous yesterday, and I'm sorry I did. It's just that...you're the only person I really know here in the city. I like you, and I like living here with you. Why don't we sit down, hmm? I'll tell you about it over breakfast. You should get dressed, too. I'll have everything ready."

 When they were seated together at the table for breakfast, James asked, "So, what really made you decide to leave England?"

 "Well, it wasn't just one thing. I did play professional sports for a while, a wizard sport called quidditch. I played for the Holyhead Harpies for a while. Then I started writing in the sports section for the Daily Prophet. That's our newspaper. I liked it, but I think I would have been happier if I stayed with the team longer. But, you see...there was a man."

 "Oh. And, um...so, I'm just gonna guess this guy was an asshole."

 "No, no, I wouldn't say that. Harry really is a good man. We were in school together, and I watched him grow up. I always carried a torch for him, and I really began to think he liked me back."

 "But he didn't?"

 "No. That's when Declan Malfoy comes into it. The two of them met and became friends somehow, though I didn't know of Declan's existence until the year I thought Harry was starting to like me back. I really was in love with him." She sighed. "And then he told me he was in love with Declan Malfoy, and not me. I was mad at him, sure, and we haven't really talked since then, even though it was years ago. Far as I know, he and Declan are still a couple."

 "Oh. Jeez. I'm sorry you had to go through that."

 She shrugged. "It's all right. It was years ago. Anyway, I've tried dating since then, and it never seems to work out, not with anyone. And I was starting to feel tired and restless, so I thought maybe it was time I tried going somewhere else for a while."

 "And here you are, having breakfast with me," James finished. "Well, I can't say I'm not happy you're here. Like I said, this whole you being a witch thing is actually kind of weird, and I'm trying not to be freaked out, but it is nice to have you here."

 "I appreciate your honesty. Does that mean you won't mind if I stay?"

 "Of course not. Stay as long as you need to."

 Ginny smiled. "I think I might take you up on that."