Fic: Birthdays, Babies and Broomsticks
I don't know about you, but I am thrilled by the news that Jo Rowling is allowing "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" to be published for all of us to enjoy! It comes out December 4, and you can pre-order at Amazon right now. Personally, I like the British cover much better than the US cover. I'll have to pick up one of each :D
So, today is July 31st, and to celebrate the birthday of one of my favourite wizards ever, I have written a new fic. Hope you all enjoy!
Title: Birthdays, Babies and Broomsticks
Pairings: Harry/Hermione, with Draco/Ginny on the side.
Rating: PG-15 for suggestiveness and language
Summary: It's Harry's 28th birthday, so the extended Weasley clan gather to celebrate.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Notes: My thanks to my sister for the lightning fast beta - I only finished this fic a couple of hours ago. This fic incorporates certain parts of Deathly Hallows and completely ignores others. The photograph contained within was taken by me. Feedback is appreciated :-)
July 31st, 2008
Potters Cottage
Ottery St. Catchpole
“Everybody ready?”
Hermione Potter held the front door open as her family stepped out into the early afternoon summer sun. Ten-year-old Teddy led the way, dressed in his favourite Chudley Cannons t-shirt and shorts and sporting green hair. Holding his hand was three-year-old Evie, wearing a brand new green party dress adorned with white flowers. Her long, dark red hair was tied back off her face with ribbons and her feet were clad in silver shoes. Hermione smiled and kissed her kids as Harry followed them out, shutting the door and waving his hand to secure it.
“Do I get a kiss, too?” he said with a grin, leaning towards his wife.
“Only because it’s your birthday,” Hermione replied mischievously, meeting him halfway and kissing him softly.
“Let’s go, Daddy!” a little voice said, tugging on his hand. “I want to go to the Burrow!”
Harry looked down at his impatient daughter. “I suppose you’ll need a piggyback there so your legs don’t get tired and you can play with your cousins,” he said, his eyes twinkling.
He laughed as two small green eyes, the same shade as his own, lit up excitedly, and two hands reached up towards him. Harry picked up his daughter and Evie clambered around to his back, curling her arms and legs around him with a giggle. Hermione grabbed up the wicker basket she’d had sitting by her side, took Teddy’s hand in her own, and followed her husband and daughter down the road to begin the twenty minute walk that would lead them to the Burrow.
~*~
Arthur Weasley answered the door and ushered the new arrivals in. He embraced the man he loved as a son, wishing him a happy birthday, and kissed Hermione’s cheek before turning to his grandchildren. Teddy settled for giving Arthur a blink-and-you’d-miss-it hug, and then promptly headed for the kitchen in search of Molly and some food, having apparently inherited Ron’s enormous appetite by osmosis. Evie, however, wasn’t in any rush to leave her Grandpa’s side; she planted a kiss on his cheek and spoke for a good five minutes about her week.
Harry and Hermione left the two of them and headed to the kitchen, where they knew they’d find the matriarch of the Weasley clan. Molly was busy shooing Teddy out of the kitchen, but not before she’d given him a snack in each hand to tide him over.
“Harry, there you are, love,” she said as she turned around. “Happy birthday!” She threw her arms around him and he held her tightly, kissing her cheek as she pulled away.
“Thanks, Molly, for everything.” Molly had gladly taken on the responsibility of organising the party for Harry after Hermione had become too sick to organise it.
“Oh, it’s no trouble, you know that.” She moved over to Hermione, who handed her the wicker basket. “What’s this?”
“I made some slices and a trifle for dessert.”
“Lovely!” Molly waved the basket over to the table and took Hermione’s hands in hers. “How are you feeling, my dear? Did the potion help?”
“Very much so, thank you,” Hermione nodded, leaning over to kiss Molly’s cheek. “The sickness has gone, thankfully.”
Molly’s eyes travelled down to Hermione’s stomach, and she smiled. “You’re starting to show.”
Hermione smiled back at her. “I am four and a half months now, so it’s about time!”
Harry, who was leaning against the doorway, looked at his wife and his heart melted at the sight of her. She was casually dressed in comfortable jeans and a flowing white blouse, with her bushy brown hair swept up loosely off her face. The only jewellery she wore was her wedding and engagement rings, and a heart-shaped locket that Harry had given her upon Evie’s birth. Even though her make up had been kept to a minimum, Hermione looked absolutely radiant. Every time Harry thought it wasn’t possible to love his wife any more than he did, she proved him wrong.
“Now shoo, you two, while I get things done. Everyone’s out in the back yard.” Molly refused all offers of help, so Harry and Hermione went out in the garden to say hello to the extended Weasley clan.
So many familiar faces. Arthur was talking to Ron, who had Evie perched on his hip and a pastry of some sort in his spare hand. Bill and Fleur were sitting with Charlie. Percy and his wife were standing with Fred and George. The Weasley grandchildren were running around, playing together in small groups. There didn’t seem to be any sign of Ginny, but Harry was hardly surprised - Malfoy always did like to make a grand entrance.
“Uncle Harry! Uncle Harry!” Several of the children stopped what they were doing and dashed over to bestow birthday hugs and kisses. Once they were done and had gone back to play, the adults then made their way forward to greet the new arrivals and pass on birthday wishes of their own. One of the twins thrust a beer into Harry’s hand before disappearing into the crowd, and he turned to Ron, who’d just reached his side.
“Is it safe to drink this, do you think?”
“I think so. They’re saving the trick ones for Malfoy,” Ron answered with a smirk. “Happy birthday, mate.” Ron embraced him awkwardly, as he still had his goddaughter on his hip and a beer to replace the pastry.
“Thanks, Ron. Hey, Evie, why don’t you go play with the kids?”
Evie eyed her cousins for a long moment, and then leaned over to give Harry a kiss. “Okay, Daddy,” she said, squirming to be put down. Ron let her go after getting a kiss of his own, and the two friends talked for a few moments.
“She’s showing,” Ron said as he spotted Hermione talking to Bill and Charlie. “Her boobs look bigger.”
“They are,” Harry said, as his gaze mirrored Ron’s. He’d been treated to a perfect view of them that morning, and knew first hand that they had definitely gotten fuller and more sensitive. “Her tummy’s rounder, too.”
Ron glanced down for a moment, but then his eyes went back to her chest. “She looks great. How’s she feeling?”
“Better, thankfully. Molly’s potion seems to have done the trick. She hasn’t been sick for over a week now.”
The object of their discussion wandered over, a glass of fruit punch in her hand. “Hi, Ron,” she said, standing up on her tiptoes to kiss her best friend. Her lips brushed his briefly, but as she pulled away he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back, his lips lingering on hers. Ron was the only man on the planet who could kiss Hermione in such a manner and not have his balls hexed off by her husband, a fact he took blatant advantage of.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said, placing his hand on the curve of her stomach. “I see my godson is finally making himself visible.”
“And he’s finally stopped making me sick, thanks to your mother’s potion.”
“Speaking of Mum, is she still in the kitchen? I’m starving!”
“You’re always starving, Ron,” his best friends said simultaneously, causing all three to laugh.
“He’s a growing boy, don’t you know,” someone behind Hermione said.
“Wouldn’t want him to fade away to a shadow or anything,” an identical voice chimed in.
Hermione moved over to Harry and wrapped her arm around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. The twins grinned evilly at the trio, which made her frown. “I do hope you haven’t done anything stupid that will spoil this party,” she said, sounding much like their mother.
“No, Hermione,” Fred - or was it George? - said.
“Of course not, Hermione,” George - or was it Fred? - echoed. “This isn’t a party for Malfoy, after all.”
“Speaking of the arrogant git, where is he?” the first twin asked.
“He’s not-” Ron trailed off as he spotted Malfoy stepping out into the garden. “Bugger, he’s here.”
Draco Malfoy scanned the gathering, looking at the crowd of redheads uncomfortably. Harry knew Malfoy had never gotten used to being around his wife’s family, especially when they were all together as they were now. If Harry was sure of anything, though, it was of Malfoy’s love for Ginny Weasley, and it was for this reason that the trio had accepted Malfoy into the family. However, Ron didn’t miss an opportunity to taunt him, although Malfoy gave as good as he got.
Malfoy spotted Harry and made his way over, holding what was obviously a broom wrapped up with a bow in one hand, and the hand of his almost three-year-old son, Luka, in the other. Luka looked almost exactly how Harry imagined Draco had looked at his age: pale complexion and grey eyes, serious expression. His hair, however, wasn’t white-blonde like his father’s, but a strawberry blonde mix of both parents. Hermione had remarked on more than on occasion that Luka looked like a little doll. Even Ron admitted that he was a beautiful little boy, although he said that was only because Luka was half-Weasley.
Ginny, whose eight-months-pregnant belly looked even bigger than it had the previous week when the Malfoys had joined Ron and the Potters for dinner, ambled behind her husband and son, stopping to talk to her father and numerous brothers and their spouses along the way. When Draco and Luka reached the trio, Luka let go of his father’s hand and looked up at the birthday boy.
“Happy birfday, Unca Harry,” he said solemnly, holding out his hand to shake.
“Thank you, Luka.” Harry shook his outstretched hand, and then suddenly scooped him up into a hug, which caused a burst of laughter to escape from the little boy. “Did you think you were going to get away with a handshake, young man? You’re not big enough to escape hugs yet.”
Luka grinned and allowed himself to be passed to Aunt Hermione, who hugged him and kissed his cheek, and then onto Uncle Ron, whom, much to Draco’s chagrin, Luka utterly adored.
“Unca Won!” he cried out excitedly as Ron spun him around.
“Luka!” Ron said, pulling him close. “Have you been a good boy for your Mum?”
Luka nodded enthusiastically. “I’m always a good boy, you know.”
“Yes, you are.” Ron kissed his nephew and then put him down. “Why don’t you go play with your cousins?” He patted the seat of his pants and Luka lurched forward, getting swallowed in the melee of youngsters.
“Happy birthday, Potter,” Draco said, handing the broomstick over. He shook Harry’s hand for a nanosecond, then looked at Hermione. “You’re looking well, Granger,” he said, pressing his lips to her cheek. “Weasel,” he said, glancing at Ron with his distaste obvious. “Should have known you’d be here, given all the free food.”
Ron’s blue eyes narrowed dangerously, and the air around them suddenly sizzled with magic. Hermione, knowing a retort (and possibly a hex) was coming that would start yet another round in the endless bickering between the two men, placed her hand on Ron’s arm. “Do not start your nonsense, either of you,” she chastised. “You are not going to ruin Harry’s party, understand?”
Before either of them could say anything, a twin had pressed a cold beer into Draco’s hand while the other clapped his back. “Malfoy! Splendid to see you, old chap,” said the one who’d handed him the beer.
“Absolutely spiffing,” said the other.
Malfoy eyed them both suspiciously, then looked at the bottle in his hand and sniffed it cautiously. “You honestly don’t think I’m stupid enough to drink anything you two hand me, are you?”
“Come on, Malfoy, don’t be like that!” said Fred, or George.
“It’s perfectly fine to drink,” said George, or Fred.
“Really?” Ginny Malfoy sidled up to her husband and took the bottle from his hand. “If it’s okay to drink, then I’ll have a sip first, shall I?”
“Ah, Gin-”
“-you shouldn’t be drinking with the baby, should you?”
Ginny eyed one twin, and then the other. “You didn’t answer my question,” she said, her wand appearing in her hand. “If you haven’t done anything to my husband’s drink, then I can have a sip of it, right?”
Harry had to stifle a laugh at the identical looks of panic on Fred and George’s faces. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Gin,” the one closest to her said, snatching the bottle from her hand.
“Yes, it’s been out in the sun, you see,” explained the other as they both started taking a step backwards. “Might be a bit warm.” At this point, they turned and walked away hurriedly, but not before their sister had hit both of them with a hex that gave them a shock for their trouble.
Ginny rubbed her stomach absently and held out her hand, waiting until a beer flew into it. “Here you are, darling,” she said, handing it to Draco. He gave her a kiss thank you, and Ron rolled his eyes dramatically.
“Christ, do you mind? I haven’t even eaten yet.”
Harry finally burst out laughing. “What a party this is going to be,” he said, shaking his head and pulling Ginny into his arms.
~*~
Everyone settled down for an early dinner to a positively marvellous spread of food. Plates were passed around, drink flowed liberally, and good cheer was in abundance. When dinner was done, Harry’s birthday cake, which Molly had made in the shape of a Quidditch pitch, was brought out and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Harry had Evie and Teddy stand on either side of him, and they helped him blow out all twenty-eight candles. After everyone had had their fill of birthday cake and dessert, the tables were cleared and the stack of presents awaiting the birthday boy was placed in front of him.
Unable to resist his curiosity any longer, Harry took the broom that was his gift from the Malfoys in his hands. He already had several brooms, so he was genuinely puzzled as to why they were giving him another. But the puzzlement vanished as soon as the wrapping had been removed, for in Harry’s hands was a Firebolt X.
“Hang on a minute,” Ron said, his jaw dropping. “The Firebolt X hasn’t even been released yet!”
“I know,” Draco said in an unmistakably smug tone. “It’s not on the market until October. Just so happens I’m good friends with the designer, so I asked him to whip me up one for Potter’s birthday, since he’s a fairly decent flyer. But don’t worry, Weasley, I’m sure Potter will let you touch it.”
“Draco!” Ginny hissed, elbowing him sharply. Turning back to Harry, she smiled sweetly. “Seemed right to let the best Seeker Hogwarts has seen in a century have the best broom on the market first.”
Harry held the broom almost lovingly; it was the sleekest, most elegant broom he’d ever clapped eyes on. Like its predecessor, which Harry had received for Christmas when he was thirteen from his godfather, the handle was made of ash and the tail twigs of birch; and it also had a registration number etched into the side, which Harry smiled to see was HP28. But this broomstick was faster, and had more charms on it to make the handling and riding of it even easier. “This is marvellous,” he murmured. “Thanks so much, you guys.” He gave the beaming Ginny a kiss and clapped Draco’s shoulder, then hoisted the youngest Malfoy up onto his hip. “Perhaps this young man might like a ride on it with me later?”
All of a sudden, a multitude of little arms shot into the air, a chorus of voices saying, “Me too, me too!”
Harry looked at all the children and grinned. “Okay, you can all have a go with me as soon as I’m done opening my presents. Perhaps, if you’re careful, you can unwrap them with me?”
The children didn’t need to be asked twice, and in less than five minutes flat every single present had been opened. Harry was treated to a new jumper from Molly; something unidentifiable that had been made out of numerous Muggle parts by Arthur; a bottle of French cologne and biscuits from Bill and Fleur; several books from Percy and his family; and an enormous box of treats from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which the twins assured him contained some secret, yet-to-be-released products they’d been working on. There were also several homemade gifts from the kids, and Harry made much fuss over them, to the delight of the creators in question.
After the presents had been moved out of the way, Harry gave each of the children a short ride on the Firebolt X, as promised. Once they were all happy, the men grabbed broomsticks while the women settled down on the porch to watch the forthcoming Quidditch game and talk amongst themselves. Harry placed Evie in front of him, and Ron grabbed Luka. Draco made room for Teddy, while Percy and Charlie each took one of Bill’s kids, leaving the third one to sit with her Dad. That left Percy’s two little girls with Fred and George, as Arthur had agreed to referee. The players were divided into two teams, and once names were bestowed, the game was on. The women cheered enthusiastically and the children all yelled their enjoyment loudly.
As the sun finally began to set, the game was declared a draw and the equipment put away. It was as the blokes began to walk towards the back door that they all noticed the women were crowding around the rocking chair where Ginny sat.
“Gin,” Draco murmured, dashing ahead of the others to reach his wife.
“Molly?” Arthur called. By now, everyone had reached the porch, and Harry watched Ginny breathing in and out steadily. Draco helped her out of her seat and hugged her, murmuring in her ear.
“Oh, Arthur!” Molly answered. “Ginny’s having contractions.”
Arthur’s eyes widened. “Now? The baby is not due for another three weeks!”
“Apparently,” Ginny said, gritting her teeth, “the baby is ready to make an appearance now.” Despite her obvious discomfort, she smiled at Harry. “If he or she’s quick enough, they might get to share their uncle’s birthday.”
Harry took Ginny’s hand and squeezed it. “You’d better get to the hospital,” he said, kissing her temple. “You want us to take Luka?” he asked Draco, who was standing on Ginny’s left.
“Would you mind?” Draco looked a bit panicked. “We weren’t expecting the baby to come just yet.”
“Of course not.” Harry found Luka standing behind him and picked him up, perching the little boy on his hip. “Luka, how would you like to stay with us tonight?”
Luka looked at his parents. “Are you going to come too, Mummy and Daddy?”
Draco took his son as everyone was ushered inside, Ginny being supported by her parents. “Do you remember how we told you that when the baby was ready to come out of Mummy’s tummy, we’d have to go to hospital?” Luka nodded, his eyes wide. “Well, it looks like the baby is ready now, so Daddy is going to take Mummy to the hospital. But you get to stay with Uncle Harry, Aunt Hermione, Teddy and Evie, and then you’ll come and see us when you wake up. So I want you to be a good boy for them, and we’ll see you in the morning.”
“Promise?” Luka said, his pale eyes filling with tears as he tightened his grip on Draco’s neck.
Draco kissed his son’s head. “Promise. I love you.”
He then held Luka out towards Ginny, who was reaching for him but was unable to hold him due to her round belly. “I love you, my poppet,” she said, knowing he was too little to fully understand what was happening and doing her best to soothe him in between her contractions. “Just think, you’re having a slumber party with Teddy and Evie!”
Luka’s face brightened, as he loved slumber parties and adored his cousins. “See you when I’m finished sleeping, Mummy.”
“If you’re a good boy, I’m sure Uncle Harry will read you a bedtime story.”
Luka looked at Harry as he took him from his father. “I’ll even let you pick it,” Harry said, kissing his forehead. Luka smiled, finally calm about his parents leaving him, and rested his head on Harry’s shoulder as Draco and Ginny bid everyone goodbye and stepped into the floo, headed for the hospital. Molly had promised to bring Ginny’s hospital bag over later, and since the hour had grown late and all of the children were tired, the Weasleys decided to call it a night.
Charlie went home with Bill, Fleur and their kids, having accepted his brother’s invitation to stay at Shell Cottage, and the twins decided to make a night of it and go on a pub crawl, since they were child-free. Percy and his family accepted a large plate of leftovers and went home, leaving Harry, Hermione and their kids the last ones left.
Arthur and Molly refused to accept their offers to help clean up, so Hermione shrunk all of Harry’s presents into the wicker basket she’d brought the desserts in. Molly also pressed a couple of plates laden with leftovers into their hands, and they soon followed the presents into the basket. The Weasleys kissed their remaining grandchildren goodbye, making extra fuss over their youngest grandchild, who was now sucking his thumb. After thanking them both for their hospitality, Harry and Hermione led all three children out the door and down the road that would take them back to Potters Cottage.
So, today is July 31st, and to celebrate the birthday of one of my favourite wizards ever, I have written a new fic. Hope you all enjoy!
Title: Birthdays, Babies and Broomsticks
Pairings: Harry/Hermione, with Draco/Ginny on the side.
Rating: PG-15 for suggestiveness and language
Summary: It's Harry's 28th birthday, so the extended Weasley clan gather to celebrate.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Notes: My thanks to my sister for the lightning fast beta - I only finished this fic a couple of hours ago. This fic incorporates certain parts of Deathly Hallows and completely ignores others. The photograph contained within was taken by me. Feedback is appreciated :-)
July 31st, 2008
Potters Cottage
Ottery St. Catchpole
“Everybody ready?”
Hermione Potter held the front door open as her family stepped out into the early afternoon summer sun. Ten-year-old Teddy led the way, dressed in his favourite Chudley Cannons t-shirt and shorts and sporting green hair. Holding his hand was three-year-old Evie, wearing a brand new green party dress adorned with white flowers. Her long, dark red hair was tied back off her face with ribbons and her feet were clad in silver shoes. Hermione smiled and kissed her kids as Harry followed them out, shutting the door and waving his hand to secure it.
“Do I get a kiss, too?” he said with a grin, leaning towards his wife.
“Only because it’s your birthday,” Hermione replied mischievously, meeting him halfway and kissing him softly.
“Let’s go, Daddy!” a little voice said, tugging on his hand. “I want to go to the Burrow!”
Harry looked down at his impatient daughter. “I suppose you’ll need a piggyback there so your legs don’t get tired and you can play with your cousins,” he said, his eyes twinkling.
He laughed as two small green eyes, the same shade as his own, lit up excitedly, and two hands reached up towards him. Harry picked up his daughter and Evie clambered around to his back, curling her arms and legs around him with a giggle. Hermione grabbed up the wicker basket she’d had sitting by her side, took Teddy’s hand in her own, and followed her husband and daughter down the road to begin the twenty minute walk that would lead them to the Burrow.
~*~
Arthur Weasley answered the door and ushered the new arrivals in. He embraced the man he loved as a son, wishing him a happy birthday, and kissed Hermione’s cheek before turning to his grandchildren. Teddy settled for giving Arthur a blink-and-you’d-miss-it hug, and then promptly headed for the kitchen in search of Molly and some food, having apparently inherited Ron’s enormous appetite by osmosis. Evie, however, wasn’t in any rush to leave her Grandpa’s side; she planted a kiss on his cheek and spoke for a good five minutes about her week.
Harry and Hermione left the two of them and headed to the kitchen, where they knew they’d find the matriarch of the Weasley clan. Molly was busy shooing Teddy out of the kitchen, but not before she’d given him a snack in each hand to tide him over.
“Harry, there you are, love,” she said as she turned around. “Happy birthday!” She threw her arms around him and he held her tightly, kissing her cheek as she pulled away.
“Thanks, Molly, for everything.” Molly had gladly taken on the responsibility of organising the party for Harry after Hermione had become too sick to organise it.
“Oh, it’s no trouble, you know that.” She moved over to Hermione, who handed her the wicker basket. “What’s this?”
“I made some slices and a trifle for dessert.”
“Lovely!” Molly waved the basket over to the table and took Hermione’s hands in hers. “How are you feeling, my dear? Did the potion help?”
“Very much so, thank you,” Hermione nodded, leaning over to kiss Molly’s cheek. “The sickness has gone, thankfully.”
Molly’s eyes travelled down to Hermione’s stomach, and she smiled. “You’re starting to show.”
Hermione smiled back at her. “I am four and a half months now, so it’s about time!”
Harry, who was leaning against the doorway, looked at his wife and his heart melted at the sight of her. She was casually dressed in comfortable jeans and a flowing white blouse, with her bushy brown hair swept up loosely off her face. The only jewellery she wore was her wedding and engagement rings, and a heart-shaped locket that Harry had given her upon Evie’s birth. Even though her make up had been kept to a minimum, Hermione looked absolutely radiant. Every time Harry thought it wasn’t possible to love his wife any more than he did, she proved him wrong.
“Now shoo, you two, while I get things done. Everyone’s out in the back yard.” Molly refused all offers of help, so Harry and Hermione went out in the garden to say hello to the extended Weasley clan.
So many familiar faces. Arthur was talking to Ron, who had Evie perched on his hip and a pastry of some sort in his spare hand. Bill and Fleur were sitting with Charlie. Percy and his wife were standing with Fred and George. The Weasley grandchildren were running around, playing together in small groups. There didn’t seem to be any sign of Ginny, but Harry was hardly surprised - Malfoy always did like to make a grand entrance.
“Uncle Harry! Uncle Harry!” Several of the children stopped what they were doing and dashed over to bestow birthday hugs and kisses. Once they were done and had gone back to play, the adults then made their way forward to greet the new arrivals and pass on birthday wishes of their own. One of the twins thrust a beer into Harry’s hand before disappearing into the crowd, and he turned to Ron, who’d just reached his side.
“Is it safe to drink this, do you think?”
“I think so. They’re saving the trick ones for Malfoy,” Ron answered with a smirk. “Happy birthday, mate.” Ron embraced him awkwardly, as he still had his goddaughter on his hip and a beer to replace the pastry.
“Thanks, Ron. Hey, Evie, why don’t you go play with the kids?”
Evie eyed her cousins for a long moment, and then leaned over to give Harry a kiss. “Okay, Daddy,” she said, squirming to be put down. Ron let her go after getting a kiss of his own, and the two friends talked for a few moments.
“She’s showing,” Ron said as he spotted Hermione talking to Bill and Charlie. “Her boobs look bigger.”
“They are,” Harry said, as his gaze mirrored Ron’s. He’d been treated to a perfect view of them that morning, and knew first hand that they had definitely gotten fuller and more sensitive. “Her tummy’s rounder, too.”
Ron glanced down for a moment, but then his eyes went back to her chest. “She looks great. How’s she feeling?”
“Better, thankfully. Molly’s potion seems to have done the trick. She hasn’t been sick for over a week now.”
The object of their discussion wandered over, a glass of fruit punch in her hand. “Hi, Ron,” she said, standing up on her tiptoes to kiss her best friend. Her lips brushed his briefly, but as she pulled away he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back, his lips lingering on hers. Ron was the only man on the planet who could kiss Hermione in such a manner and not have his balls hexed off by her husband, a fact he took blatant advantage of.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said, placing his hand on the curve of her stomach. “I see my godson is finally making himself visible.”
“And he’s finally stopped making me sick, thanks to your mother’s potion.”
“Speaking of Mum, is she still in the kitchen? I’m starving!”
“You’re always starving, Ron,” his best friends said simultaneously, causing all three to laugh.
“He’s a growing boy, don’t you know,” someone behind Hermione said.
“Wouldn’t want him to fade away to a shadow or anything,” an identical voice chimed in.
Hermione moved over to Harry and wrapped her arm around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. The twins grinned evilly at the trio, which made her frown. “I do hope you haven’t done anything stupid that will spoil this party,” she said, sounding much like their mother.
“No, Hermione,” Fred - or was it George? - said.
“Of course not, Hermione,” George - or was it Fred? - echoed. “This isn’t a party for Malfoy, after all.”
“Speaking of the arrogant git, where is he?” the first twin asked.
“He’s not-” Ron trailed off as he spotted Malfoy stepping out into the garden. “Bugger, he’s here.”
Draco Malfoy scanned the gathering, looking at the crowd of redheads uncomfortably. Harry knew Malfoy had never gotten used to being around his wife’s family, especially when they were all together as they were now. If Harry was sure of anything, though, it was of Malfoy’s love for Ginny Weasley, and it was for this reason that the trio had accepted Malfoy into the family. However, Ron didn’t miss an opportunity to taunt him, although Malfoy gave as good as he got.
Malfoy spotted Harry and made his way over, holding what was obviously a broom wrapped up with a bow in one hand, and the hand of his almost three-year-old son, Luka, in the other. Luka looked almost exactly how Harry imagined Draco had looked at his age: pale complexion and grey eyes, serious expression. His hair, however, wasn’t white-blonde like his father’s, but a strawberry blonde mix of both parents. Hermione had remarked on more than on occasion that Luka looked like a little doll. Even Ron admitted that he was a beautiful little boy, although he said that was only because Luka was half-Weasley.
Ginny, whose eight-months-pregnant belly looked even bigger than it had the previous week when the Malfoys had joined Ron and the Potters for dinner, ambled behind her husband and son, stopping to talk to her father and numerous brothers and their spouses along the way. When Draco and Luka reached the trio, Luka let go of his father’s hand and looked up at the birthday boy.
“Happy birfday, Unca Harry,” he said solemnly, holding out his hand to shake.
“Thank you, Luka.” Harry shook his outstretched hand, and then suddenly scooped him up into a hug, which caused a burst of laughter to escape from the little boy. “Did you think you were going to get away with a handshake, young man? You’re not big enough to escape hugs yet.”
Luka grinned and allowed himself to be passed to Aunt Hermione, who hugged him and kissed his cheek, and then onto Uncle Ron, whom, much to Draco’s chagrin, Luka utterly adored.
“Unca Won!” he cried out excitedly as Ron spun him around.
“Luka!” Ron said, pulling him close. “Have you been a good boy for your Mum?”
Luka nodded enthusiastically. “I’m always a good boy, you know.”
“Yes, you are.” Ron kissed his nephew and then put him down. “Why don’t you go play with your cousins?” He patted the seat of his pants and Luka lurched forward, getting swallowed in the melee of youngsters.
“Happy birthday, Potter,” Draco said, handing the broomstick over. He shook Harry’s hand for a nanosecond, then looked at Hermione. “You’re looking well, Granger,” he said, pressing his lips to her cheek. “Weasel,” he said, glancing at Ron with his distaste obvious. “Should have known you’d be here, given all the free food.”
Ron’s blue eyes narrowed dangerously, and the air around them suddenly sizzled with magic. Hermione, knowing a retort (and possibly a hex) was coming that would start yet another round in the endless bickering between the two men, placed her hand on Ron’s arm. “Do not start your nonsense, either of you,” she chastised. “You are not going to ruin Harry’s party, understand?”
Before either of them could say anything, a twin had pressed a cold beer into Draco’s hand while the other clapped his back. “Malfoy! Splendid to see you, old chap,” said the one who’d handed him the beer.
“Absolutely spiffing,” said the other.
Malfoy eyed them both suspiciously, then looked at the bottle in his hand and sniffed it cautiously. “You honestly don’t think I’m stupid enough to drink anything you two hand me, are you?”
“Come on, Malfoy, don’t be like that!” said Fred, or George.
“It’s perfectly fine to drink,” said George, or Fred.
“Really?” Ginny Malfoy sidled up to her husband and took the bottle from his hand. “If it’s okay to drink, then I’ll have a sip first, shall I?”
“Ah, Gin-”
“-you shouldn’t be drinking with the baby, should you?”
Ginny eyed one twin, and then the other. “You didn’t answer my question,” she said, her wand appearing in her hand. “If you haven’t done anything to my husband’s drink, then I can have a sip of it, right?”
Harry had to stifle a laugh at the identical looks of panic on Fred and George’s faces. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Gin,” the one closest to her said, snatching the bottle from her hand.
“Yes, it’s been out in the sun, you see,” explained the other as they both started taking a step backwards. “Might be a bit warm.” At this point, they turned and walked away hurriedly, but not before their sister had hit both of them with a hex that gave them a shock for their trouble.
Ginny rubbed her stomach absently and held out her hand, waiting until a beer flew into it. “Here you are, darling,” she said, handing it to Draco. He gave her a kiss thank you, and Ron rolled his eyes dramatically.
“Christ, do you mind? I haven’t even eaten yet.”
Harry finally burst out laughing. “What a party this is going to be,” he said, shaking his head and pulling Ginny into his arms.
~*~
Everyone settled down for an early dinner to a positively marvellous spread of food. Plates were passed around, drink flowed liberally, and good cheer was in abundance. When dinner was done, Harry’s birthday cake, which Molly had made in the shape of a Quidditch pitch, was brought out and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Harry had Evie and Teddy stand on either side of him, and they helped him blow out all twenty-eight candles. After everyone had had their fill of birthday cake and dessert, the tables were cleared and the stack of presents awaiting the birthday boy was placed in front of him.
Unable to resist his curiosity any longer, Harry took the broom that was his gift from the Malfoys in his hands. He already had several brooms, so he was genuinely puzzled as to why they were giving him another. But the puzzlement vanished as soon as the wrapping had been removed, for in Harry’s hands was a Firebolt X.
“Hang on a minute,” Ron said, his jaw dropping. “The Firebolt X hasn’t even been released yet!”
“I know,” Draco said in an unmistakably smug tone. “It’s not on the market until October. Just so happens I’m good friends with the designer, so I asked him to whip me up one for Potter’s birthday, since he’s a fairly decent flyer. But don’t worry, Weasley, I’m sure Potter will let you touch it.”
“Draco!” Ginny hissed, elbowing him sharply. Turning back to Harry, she smiled sweetly. “Seemed right to let the best Seeker Hogwarts has seen in a century have the best broom on the market first.”
Harry held the broom almost lovingly; it was the sleekest, most elegant broom he’d ever clapped eyes on. Like its predecessor, which Harry had received for Christmas when he was thirteen from his godfather, the handle was made of ash and the tail twigs of birch; and it also had a registration number etched into the side, which Harry smiled to see was HP28. But this broomstick was faster, and had more charms on it to make the handling and riding of it even easier. “This is marvellous,” he murmured. “Thanks so much, you guys.” He gave the beaming Ginny a kiss and clapped Draco’s shoulder, then hoisted the youngest Malfoy up onto his hip. “Perhaps this young man might like a ride on it with me later?”
All of a sudden, a multitude of little arms shot into the air, a chorus of voices saying, “Me too, me too!”
Harry looked at all the children and grinned. “Okay, you can all have a go with me as soon as I’m done opening my presents. Perhaps, if you’re careful, you can unwrap them with me?”
The children didn’t need to be asked twice, and in less than five minutes flat every single present had been opened. Harry was treated to a new jumper from Molly; something unidentifiable that had been made out of numerous Muggle parts by Arthur; a bottle of French cologne and biscuits from Bill and Fleur; several books from Percy and his family; and an enormous box of treats from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which the twins assured him contained some secret, yet-to-be-released products they’d been working on. There were also several homemade gifts from the kids, and Harry made much fuss over them, to the delight of the creators in question.
After the presents had been moved out of the way, Harry gave each of the children a short ride on the Firebolt X, as promised. Once they were all happy, the men grabbed broomsticks while the women settled down on the porch to watch the forthcoming Quidditch game and talk amongst themselves. Harry placed Evie in front of him, and Ron grabbed Luka. Draco made room for Teddy, while Percy and Charlie each took one of Bill’s kids, leaving the third one to sit with her Dad. That left Percy’s two little girls with Fred and George, as Arthur had agreed to referee. The players were divided into two teams, and once names were bestowed, the game was on. The women cheered enthusiastically and the children all yelled their enjoyment loudly.
As the sun finally began to set, the game was declared a draw and the equipment put away. It was as the blokes began to walk towards the back door that they all noticed the women were crowding around the rocking chair where Ginny sat.
“Gin,” Draco murmured, dashing ahead of the others to reach his wife.
“Molly?” Arthur called. By now, everyone had reached the porch, and Harry watched Ginny breathing in and out steadily. Draco helped her out of her seat and hugged her, murmuring in her ear.
“Oh, Arthur!” Molly answered. “Ginny’s having contractions.”
Arthur’s eyes widened. “Now? The baby is not due for another three weeks!”
“Apparently,” Ginny said, gritting her teeth, “the baby is ready to make an appearance now.” Despite her obvious discomfort, she smiled at Harry. “If he or she’s quick enough, they might get to share their uncle’s birthday.”
Harry took Ginny’s hand and squeezed it. “You’d better get to the hospital,” he said, kissing her temple. “You want us to take Luka?” he asked Draco, who was standing on Ginny’s left.
“Would you mind?” Draco looked a bit panicked. “We weren’t expecting the baby to come just yet.”
“Of course not.” Harry found Luka standing behind him and picked him up, perching the little boy on his hip. “Luka, how would you like to stay with us tonight?”
Luka looked at his parents. “Are you going to come too, Mummy and Daddy?”
Draco took his son as everyone was ushered inside, Ginny being supported by her parents. “Do you remember how we told you that when the baby was ready to come out of Mummy’s tummy, we’d have to go to hospital?” Luka nodded, his eyes wide. “Well, it looks like the baby is ready now, so Daddy is going to take Mummy to the hospital. But you get to stay with Uncle Harry, Aunt Hermione, Teddy and Evie, and then you’ll come and see us when you wake up. So I want you to be a good boy for them, and we’ll see you in the morning.”
“Promise?” Luka said, his pale eyes filling with tears as he tightened his grip on Draco’s neck.
Draco kissed his son’s head. “Promise. I love you.”
He then held Luka out towards Ginny, who was reaching for him but was unable to hold him due to her round belly. “I love you, my poppet,” she said, knowing he was too little to fully understand what was happening and doing her best to soothe him in between her contractions. “Just think, you’re having a slumber party with Teddy and Evie!”
Luka’s face brightened, as he loved slumber parties and adored his cousins. “See you when I’m finished sleeping, Mummy.”
“If you’re a good boy, I’m sure Uncle Harry will read you a bedtime story.”
Luka looked at Harry as he took him from his father. “I’ll even let you pick it,” Harry said, kissing his forehead. Luka smiled, finally calm about his parents leaving him, and rested his head on Harry’s shoulder as Draco and Ginny bid everyone goodbye and stepped into the floo, headed for the hospital. Molly had promised to bring Ginny’s hospital bag over later, and since the hour had grown late and all of the children were tired, the Weasleys decided to call it a night.
Charlie went home with Bill, Fleur and their kids, having accepted his brother’s invitation to stay at Shell Cottage, and the twins decided to make a night of it and go on a pub crawl, since they were child-free. Percy and his family accepted a large plate of leftovers and went home, leaving Harry, Hermione and their kids the last ones left.
Arthur and Molly refused to accept their offers to help clean up, so Hermione shrunk all of Harry’s presents into the wicker basket she’d brought the desserts in. Molly also pressed a couple of plates laden with leftovers into their hands, and they soon followed the presents into the basket. The Weasleys kissed their remaining grandchildren goodbye, making extra fuss over their youngest grandchild, who was now sucking his thumb. After thanking them both for their hospitality, Harry and Hermione led all three children out the door and down the road that would take them back to Potters Cottage.