Fic for dorotdsz - Interrupted
To: dorotdsz
Title: Interrupted
Author: mollywheezy
Pairing: Harry/Ginny (also Molly/Arthur, Percy/Audrey, Bill/Fleur, off-screen Ron/Hermione)
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~ 7400
Summary: Harry's plans for his holiday constantly change: his time with Teddy is different than expected, his time alone with Ginny is constantly interrupted, but sometimes interruptions and changes lead to better than expected outcomes . . .
Author's Notes: I had a lot of fun writing for you, dorotdsz ! Of the elements you requested, I have included (or at least tried to include ;) ) fluff, humor, romance, non-extreme angst, canon, post dh, with or without kids, Harry convincing Ginny that she's his equal, cuddling to keep warm, bitter cold, mild snow, and Harry & Ginny's wedding night interrupted by Hermione! I saw that last prompt as a challenge and HAD to include it. :D Thank you for such inspiring prompts. I hope you enjoy reading your story as much as I enjoyed writing it!
December 19, 1998
"Do you need anything else chopped Mrs Weasley?"
"No thank you, dear. You've chopped everything I'll need for the next three days at least. Why don't you sit down and have a cup of tea?"
"But maybe I could . . ."
Mrs Weasley put her hand on Harry's cheek. "Love, Ginny will be home soon. Why don't you go in the lounge and talk to Arthur?"
Harry nodded.
"Good lad." Mrs Weasley patted his cheek, and Harry left the kitchen.
Mr Weasley was reading the The Daily Prophet, but looked up when Harry entered. "Hi, Harry, would you like part of the paper?"
"Yes, please." Harry took the proffered paper and sat on the sofa. He really wasn't interested in reading, but pretended, as he didn't want to be kicked out of the lounge, too. He couldn't go into work, because Kingsley had ordered him to be on holiday until after the New Year. He'd come to The Burrow early that morning, not knowing what to do with himself at Grimmauld Place. With the redecorating completed weeks before, Kreacher keeping the place spotless, and Ron and Hermione borrowing his house to "spend the day together" before she had to run off with her parents, there really wasn't much for him to do other than pace. He knew he'd been driving Kreacher barmy, though Kreacher hadn't said as much. He couldn't even go visit Teddy today like he normally would. That would have distracted him . . .
Harry heard the whoosh of the Floo from the kitchen and jumped off the sofa, dropping the paper on the floor. He barged through the kitchen door and almost knocked Mrs Weasley flat, but she grasped his shoulders to stop him crashing into her. She chuckled quietly and left the kitchen.
Harry turned, saw the girl he had been waiting for, and smiled brightly. Ginny beamed, threw her arms around him, and kissed him passionately.
They had about a minute alone together before the back door banged open, letting in a blast of icy wind. Harry and Ginny jumped apart.
"And I thought Romania was cold!"
Mr and Mrs Weasley bustled into the kitchen. "Charlie! You're home a day early!"
Harry gave Ginny a longing look and then joined the family in heartily greeting Charlie.
December 20, 1998
Harry awoke early in his bedroom at Grimmauld Place. He quickly washed and dressed to get to The Burrow as soon as possible. Once Charlie had arrived, he had not had a second alone with Ginny the previous evening, except for a quick goodnight kiss. Maybe he could wake Ginny up . . .
Harry Apparated into the lounge. He could hear Mrs Weasley bustling about in the kitchen, but rather than greeting her, he crept upstairs to Ginny's bedroom, and quietly opened her door.
He stood in the doorway staring at Ginny, her bright hair splayed wildly across her pillow, her mouth open as she snored softly. He took a step into the room and moved to close the door behind him, when he felt a hand on his arm, pulling him backwards into the corridor.
Harry looked up, realizing the hand belonged to Charlie, who quietly closed the door to Ginny's room, and jerked his head at the stairs. Harry started down without arguing. Charlie was a lot bigger than he was.
Charlie opened the door into the kitchen allowing Harry to go ahead of him. "Good morning!" Charlie boomed. "Look who I found in Ginny's room!"
Harry blushed. "Good morning, Mr and Mrs Weasley. I just went upstairs to see if Ginny was awake."
"Harry, you can see Ginny when she comes downstairs. Would you like some tea?"
"Yes, please." Harry slumped into a chair.
Mr Weasley gave Harry a sympathetic look and whispered, "Molly had older brothers, too."
~*~
Ginny eventually came downstairs and ate breakfast with Harry, her parents, and Charlie. The five of them then spent the day decorating The Burrow for Christmas.
While Charlie and Mr Weasley went to cut down a Christmas tree, Harry, Ginny, and Mrs Weasley brought the boxes of ornaments down from the attic.
"Ginny, why don't you show Harry the ornaments from Auntie Muriel? I need to get one more thing, and I'll be right back."
Harry looked curiously at Ginny, who had immediately grabbed a box and pulled off the lid. "Even though Auntie Muriel has gotten really crotchety since Uncle Bilius died, she's always been really generous, and she's given all of us these brilliant ornaments." Harry peered into the box, as Ginny pulled out the ornament on top, carefully unwrapping it from its tissue paper. "Oh, this one's mine!" Ginny dangled the fragile ornament from its ribbon and held it out so Harry could see. It appeared to be glass, shaped into her name written in an elegant script. The colors of the glass changed from pinks to reds to rose, like a sunset.
"Auntie Muriel gave each of us our names when we were born, so Mum and Dad would have them all on the tree. Then when we turn seventeen, we get another ornament of something that represents us. I'll get mine this Christmas! All of those stay on Mum and Dad's tree until we move out, then Auntie Muriel gives us our own copies as a housewarming gift, and will give ones for our spouses if we get married. Bill and Fleur received theirs last Christmas, and Percy and Audrey will get theirs this Christmas."
"Aren’t they awfully fragile, though? What if you broke one?"
"These are merpeople blown glass. They use some secret ingredient from the sea that makes them unbreakable. And listen!"
Ginny held her ornament to her mouth and blew through the curlicue which began the "g". Beautiful music resounded throughout the room, like nothing Harry had ever heard. It refreshed him and filled him, but yet made him yearn for something he couldn't quite name.
"It's my song of the sea. The merpeople love music, and they write a song for each person who owns one of these ornaments."
"So that beautiful song is . . . you?" Harry looked deeply into Ginny's eyes.
"I guess you can say that . . . the ornament only works for me . . ."
Harry cut her off by kissing her. Ginny was what refreshed and filled him. Ginny was who he longed for. He never wanted to stop holding her and kissing her . . .
They heard very loud throat-clearing. Harry and Ginny broke apart to see Mrs Weasley standing in the room. "Played him the song, did you?" Harry blushed, but Mrs Weasley merely patted him on the shoulder without further comment.
"I have something for you, Harry. Well, technically it's from Auntie Muriel, but Arthur and I planned it with her. You should have received this last year, but better late than never." Mrs Weasley handed Harry a gift-wrapped box.
Harry took it, saying "Thank you." He opened the box as Ginny looked on. He carefully unwrapped his name in merpeople blown glass. Then another copy of the same ornament. Then he opened two identical glass golden snitches. One of each ornament sat in the box and he held the others one in each hand. He stared at how beautiful they were. Where Ginny's name was in reds, his was in greens, like an algae covered sea, or a forest rippling in the breeze. The snitches seemed to glow brightly.
"Since you weren't here last Christmas, and obviously not when you were born, and now that you're living at Grimmauld Place, we thought it best for you to have all of your ornaments at once. Two for your tree and two for ours just like the rest of our children." Mrs Weasley spoke very quickly, seeming nervous.
Harry had yet to speak, and wasn't sure he could manage it even if he tried. He handed Ginny the ornaments he was holding, threw his arms around Mrs Weasley, and hugged her tightly.
~*~
As the other Weasleys trickled in to help with the decorating, Harry discovered what ornaments each had been given by Auntie Muriel. Bill had a pyramid that constantly changed colors. On the previous Christmas, Fleur received a powder-blue beret with the Beauxbatons symbol on it. Charlie had a dragon, of course. Harry couldn't help but laugh at Percy's cauldron full of books with a glasses-wearing owl perched on the side. Fred and George had coordinating jesters, one in red with gold stripes and one in gold with red stripes. George hung both ornaments this year. Ron had a bright orange knight. Ginny affectionately called it his "Chudley Cannons chess piece". Ginny and Audrey had names on the tree but would not receive their ornaments until this Christmas.
Everyone stayed for dinner (which was prepared quite quickly thanks to all of Harry's pre-chopping of the previous day.) All in all, a wonderful day, even with Harry and Ginny's being interrupted twice.
December 21, 1998
Harry did not bother getting up early. He had a lie in, and a long shower, and arrived at The Burrow just as breakfast was being served. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast with his family, the rest of the day was set aside for holiday baking.
As Harry stood from the table to help with the washing up, he felt something tickle the top of his head. He looked up to see mistletoe above him. Before he could say anything, Ginny threw her arms around him and kissed him. He had just begun to deepen the kiss when he and Ginny were unceremoniously ripped apart by George who screamed, "Oi!" Grabbing the mistletoe from over Harry's head, George shoved it in his mouth and began to chew.
"George, stop! You'll die! Mistletoe's poisonous!" Harry frantically clutched at George, not knowing what to do short of prying the mistletoe out of his mouth.
Ginny was giggling, and as George swallowed, he started to laugh. "Why Harrikins, I didn't know you cared!" George pressed Harry's head to his chest and begun to pretend-sob into his hair.
Ginny took pity on Harry and, though her giggles, said, "Don't worry, Harry. The mistletoe's chocolate."
George released Harry, declaring proudly, "Best new wheeze this year! Not sure why it escaped from my pocket, though . . ." Harry rolled his eyes.
"George, dear? May I please have some of that mistletoe? I'm a little short on the chocolate for the biscuits . . ."
~*~
The wireless played Christmas music as Harry, Ginny, and Charlie helped Mr and Mrs Weasley bake goodies for friends and family, and the other Weasleys came to The Burrow for dinner.
After dinner, Ginny stood up and announced, "Harry and I are going for a walk." Harry stood up immediately, too, at this suggestion.
"That's not a good idea, Ginny. It's dark and freezing out there-you could catch a cold."
"We'll wear coats and use warming charms, Mum."
"I'm more worried about what you'll get up to outside, alone in the dark with your boyfriend, Ginnikins," Charlie added.
"I am of age, Charlie, and you do not need to worry about protecting my virtue."
"Ginevra!" Mrs Weasley scolded.
At the same time, Ron muttered, "It's more Harry's virtue we need to worry about protecting." George snorted. Harry blushed.
"Ronald, really!"
Mr Weasley spoke loudly, "Ginny and Harry, you two have a nice walk." Mrs Weasley glared at her husband, who only smiled at her placidly. Ginny and Harry quickly left the kitchen, collected their winter gear, and hurried outside.
Bundled in hats, coats, scarves, and gloves they hurried to get out of sight of The Burrow.
"Free at last!" Ginny exclaimed. "I can't believe it took me so long to think of going for a walk!"
"I'm just glad you thought of it . . . and that your dad seems to be on our side."
"Dad trusts you."
Harry nodded. "Do you think we're far enough from The Burrow?"
Ginny answered by kissing him. Neither of them spoke for a very long time.
~*~
Eventually they began the walk back to The Burrow, their gloved hands clasped between them, their breath making puffs of smoke in the icy air.
"So how was school, really?" Harry asked.
Ginny chuckled. "I wrote to you almost every day, Harry. I think I've answered that question."
"You told me about Quidditch, and classes, and Hermione's going insane without Ron, and Neville and his plants, but you never really mentioned how you were doing. I mean, how you were doing being back at Hogwarts, after, well, everything?"
Ginny shrugged. "I made it. I don't think Mum could have taken it if I didn't go back after Fred, George, and Ron didn't finish . . . besides, it's easier to get scouted by a professional Quidditch team if they see me playing in a game rather than having a cold try-out."
"You're a lot braver than I am, Ginny," Harry whispered.
"What? You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not. I told everyone I didn't go back because I wanted to join the Aurors and catch Death Eaters. But really, Hogwarts was my first home, and I just couldn't face it after . . . everything."
"Why are you bringing this up now, Harry?"
Harry looked into Ginny's eyes. "Because you're not everyone."
Ginny threw her arms around Harry and clung.
December 22, 1998
Harry and Ginny walked around The Burrow's frozen pond, their feet making crunching noises on the frozen, brown grass.
"I wish it would snow. It'd be a lot prettier if it did," Ginny whined.
"I don't remember it being this late before the first snow before."
"I don't think it has been, at least not in my lifetime. We always have snow for Christmas."
They returned to crunching through the cold in silence.
"Harry, may I say something really awful?"
"Of course, Ginny. You know you can say anything to me."
"I almost wish Charlie hadn't come home. I mean, I love him, but it's been forever since he's been home for Christmas, and it just makes Fred's absence worse."
"You mean, that if Charlie was in Romania, you could pretend that Fred was off visiting him instead of . . ." Harry trailed off.
"Yeah," Ginny's voice cracked.
Harry stopped, turned Ginny towards him and hugged her tightly. "Hey, don't start crying now, or your tears are going to freeze."
Ginny laughed wetly and looked up at Harry. He wiped a tear from her cheek with his glove, leaned down and kissed her. Ginny deepened their kiss.
Several minutes later when they paused to breathe, their foreheads resting against each other, Ginny sighed happily, "That's a good way to keep warm!"
Harry chuckled, "I'm surprised your mum let us out here, especially after how late we got back last night.
They started walking again, their arms around each other. "She thinks we can't get up to much with the tons of clothes we're wearing."
"We could try." Harry waggled his eyebrows, making Ginny giggle.
Harry stopped briefly, removed the glove from his right hand, took the glove off of Ginny's left hand, and clasped their hands together firmly. Holding them up, he exclaimed, "Oh, my! Bare hands!" Harry put their clasped hands into the pocket of his coat.
Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed. "I don't know if I ever told you, but Fred was really happy about us."
"Really? How do you know?"
"I wrote to him after you kissed me in the common room. Fred was always my least overprotective brother, so he was the one I asked for boy advice. He kept encouraging me that you would eventually get your head out of your arse, so he was the first one I told. Of course, I think Ron wrote everyone else . . ." Ginny and Harry both laughed.
"I'm glad Fred was happy about us. I mean, you know Ron was my first friend, but Fred was my first big brother. Well, George, too, but George told me most stuff was Fred's idea."
"Like what?"
"Like introducing me to Lee's tarantula and not staring at my forehead, stealing your dad's car to come get me from the Dursley's with Ron and George, being silly about the whole 'heir of Slytherin thing', giving me the Marauder's Map, you know, stuff like that."
Ginny cuddled up to Harry's side as they continued walking.
"I'm even gladder that none of your brothers has beaten me up."
"Harry! My brothers love you! They would never do anything to hurt you. Well, George might test Wheezes on you, but even he wouldn't intentionally hurt you."
Harry snorted. "I was a bit worried about Charlie the other morning . . ."
"He was just taking the mickey. I love you, Harry, and if any of my brothers tried to beat you up, they know I'd Bat-Bogey them. Even Charlie is afraid of my Bat-Bogey hex."
Harry smiled, "I love you, too, Ginny. From now on, I'll just make sure you're around to protect me, my princess in shining armor." Harry kissed her, and they continued kissing until Mrs. Weasley called them to come inside.
December 23, 1998
Harry and Ginny were again walking around the pond, each with one bare hand clasped together inside Harry's coat pocket. When they were out of sight of the house, they stopped walking and started snogging.
"I wonder if we're ever going to get to spend time together inside, where it's warm." Harry started walking again, pulling Ginny with him.
Ginny laughed. "Maybe, if we ever find something or someone to distract Mum."
"Andromeda and Teddy will be here tomorrow." Harry and Ginny began walking again.
"They'll distract Mum, but I want to play with Teddy, too. I haven't seen him since August! I thought they would have been over before now?"
"Andromeda is spending the week before Christmas with her sister." Harry scowled.
"Her sister . . . Narcissa Malfoy?!"
"Yes." Harry sighed. "Andromeda's been spending every Saturday with Narcissa since July when Lucius died in Azkaban. They'd had tea a couple of times before that, but I guess losing their husbands brought them together and made them put their differences behind them."
"But you watch Teddy every time, so . . ."
"This week is the first time Narcissa and Draco are meeting Teddy."
"Ah, so that's the real reason you're scowling."
"He's MY godson!"
"Oh Harry." Ginny bumped Harry's shoulder with hers. "So, what did you get Teddy for Christmas?"
"A broom."
"A broom?! Harry, he's only eight months old!"
"It's a baby broom. A 'My First Broomstick.' Anyway, Sirius got me a broom for my first birthday."
"Teddy's not one yet!"
"My godson is very advanced."
Ginny snorted. "Says the expert on babies."
"I read that book Hermione gave me."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "What are you going to do when Andromeda won't let him ride it?"
Harry blushed. "I actually bought two brooms for him, one of which will stay at Grimmauld Place, so he can ride it whenever he comes over to my house."
"You're worse than Sirius."
Harry laughed and bumped Ginny's shoulder with his. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"I hope Andromeda can spend some time with Mum while she's here. I think they’re really helping each other."
"Yeah, Andromeda and your mum talk every week when she comes to The Burrow for Sunday dinner. I get to play with Teddy."
"I can't wait to see him tomorrow!"
"I can't wait to see him open his presents."
"That's right! It's Teddy's first Christmas. That's far better than the first Christmas without Fred." Ginny's voice cracked. Harry stopped walking and hugged her. "I don't know how I keep going from laughing to crying in seconds. I've never been this emotional."
"You've never survived a war and lost a brother, either."
Harry and Ginny stood in the cold, their arms around each other, as Ginny cried into Harry's chest, and his tears dampened her hat.
December 24, 1998
Harry awoke with a brilliant idea. He washed and dressed quickly, covered himself in the flowing fabric of his invisibility cloak, and Apparated to The Burrow.
After arriving in the lounge, Harry paused, listening for any sounds from the kitchen.
"Good morning, Harry," said Mr Weasley pleasantly.
Harry whirled around so quickly, he almost fell. Mr Weasley was sitting in his armchair looking straight at him. He couldn't see through the cloak, could he? "How did you know it was me?"
Mr Weasley chuckled, "You're the only person I know who has an invisibility cloak, Harry. Well, Mad-Eye had one, but I'm not sure where his went when he died." Harry removed his cloak. "Besides, I told you before, Harry. I raised Fred and George, so not much will surprise me." Mr Weasley smiled kindly at Harry.
Harry blushed. "I . . . er . . . I just wanted to say good morning to Ginny . . ." Harry trailed off, embarrassed.
"I know, son." Mr Weasley glanced towards the kitchen and dropped his voice to a whisper. "If it were only up to me, I'd probably let you, but Molly does not want you in Ginny's room. She trusts you, but Ginny's just like Molly was at her age . . . Anyway, a bit of advice, Harry. Don't ever do anything to purposely anger your wife, especially women like Molly and Ginny. It's not worth the nights on the couch." Mr Weasley winked at Harry.
Harry grinned. Before he could say anything, there was a huge thud from above, followed by Charlie's thundering down the stairs, yelling, "It snowed! It snowed!" He pounded on Ginny's door. "Wake up Ginnikins! It snowed!"
Charlie leapt half a flight of stairs landing in the lounge, and yelled at Harry and his dad, "It snowed!" His hair was mussed and he had a huge grin on his face, and he bellowed, "Expecto Patronum!" Three silver dragons flew out of the end of Charlie's wand.
"What . . ." Mr Weasley began.
"Weasley Family Snowball Fight! I sent messages to George and Ron, Percy and Audrey, and Bill and Fleur. We need everyone here. You'll need warmer clothes, Harry." Harry Apparated back to Grimmauld Place to comply.
***
In their snowball fights at Hogwarts, they had always had teams, but the Weasley Family Snowball Fight was a complete free-for-all, and Harry was losing. He was sopping wet to his skin, freezing cold and hiding behind a tree. He peeked out from behind his tree, worried that he didn't see anybody. He heard a noise and looked up. Ginny jumped out of the tree and landed on him, knocking him flat in the snow.
"I caught you!" Ginny smiled happily.
"I didn't know catching me was the object of the Weasley Family Snowball Fight." Harry grinned up at Ginny, who had shifted so she was straddling him.
"It is now." Ginny leaned down and kissed Harry. In a very short time, he had reversed their positions so he was lying on top of her as they snogged in the snow.
"Pudendus nivosus!" Charlie yelled.
At the same time, George yelled, "Pudenda nivosa!"
Harry shrieked like a little girl as his bits seemed to freeze solid. Ginny screamed at the top of her lungs, whirled around, wand pointed, yelling, "Mucosa-"
"Expelliarmus!" Ginny's wand went flying into Bill's outstretched hand along with two others.
"Which one of you did this?!" Harry yelled, his voice higher than it had been since he was twelve.
Ginny yelled, "Give me back my wand, Bill! Those gits have it coming!"
"No hexing your siblings at Christmas." Bill lazily waved his own wand, cancelling the spell on Harry and Ginny. Harry sighed in relief.
"I just thought you needed some cooling off, Ginnikins," declared George as he doubled over laughing.
"Harry definitely needed cooling off," Charlie added.
Bill pocketed the four wands, walked over to Charlie and George and smacked them both in the backs of their heads. "The 'no-hexing-your-siblings' goes for you lot, too."
Ginny smirked mischievously at her brothers, and helped Harry off the ground. She cooed to him, twirling his hair around her finger. "Poor baby. Mean old Charlie used the snow hex on you. I'll just have to warm you up." Ginny pressed her pelvis against Harry's while kissing him passionately.
"You can warm up inside." Bill grabbed Harry's and Ginny's arms and pulled them apart.
Harry was too dazed to argue, but Ginny yelled, "Geroff, Bill!"
Once he had disentangled her from Harry, Bill let go of Ginny and returned her wand. "Please at least try to behave, okay?"
Ginny winked at Bill, "I may be small, but I won't fit in a bee-have." Bill rolled his eyes at the old joke, but Harry laughed delightedly.
Bill tossed George and Charlie their wands as well, and with his own, sent up red sparks, the Weasley's traditional signal that it was time to go inside.
~*~
Everyone came in for breakfast, laughing and joking. George joined in, and his smile reached his eyes.
Ginny placed her coat on the hook, laughing. "I'm sopping wet, thanks to you."
"I live to serve, dear sister." George's eyes sparkled as he made an elaborate bow.
Ginny stuck her tongue out at George, and pulled her jumper over her head.
"Oi! Keep your clothes on! Harry doesn't need that much encouragement." George put one hand over his own eyes and the other over Harry's eyes.
"You can open your eyes, you prat. I have clothes on." Ginny rolled her eyes, as she stood there in her pajama top.
George tentatively removed his hand from his own eyes, but kept the other over Harry's. "Why are you wearing pajamas?" George took his hand off Harry's eyes.
"Because pajamas are warm. I don't have long underwear that fits anymore."
"I wish you would have filled me in on the secret. I'm freezing." Harry shivered.
"You can have the first shower, Harry," offered Bill.
They all made their way into the kitchen which was already occupied by Percy, Ron, Audrey, Fleur, and Mr and Mrs Weasley.
"We could shower together . . ." Ginny winked at Harry.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley!" Mrs Weasley shouted.
"What? It'd save time . . ."
Mrs Weasley shook her wooden spoon at Ginny. "Young lady . . ."
"I'm just joking, Mum. Honestly."
"I'll just Apparate back to Grimmauld Place, but thanks Bill."
"Why did you lot come back so early?" George gestured to the half of the Weasleys who were already warm and dry.
"I did not want ze baby to get too cold," answered Fleur, patting her bump.
"Fleur dumped a ton of snow down my back so I needed to warm up," grumped Ron.
"Audrey wasn't feeling very well." Percy would not meet anyone's eyes and blushed. Audrey smiled into her cup of herbal tea.
Bill looked between the two of them. "Perce . . . are you? Is Audrey . . .?" Percy and Audrey nodded.
Mrs Weasley shrieked and grabbed Percy and Audrey in a huge hug. "This is so wonderful!"
Fleur beamed at them. "I am so happy for you!"
Harry looked confused. "What's wonderful?" Mr and Mrs Weasley, Bill, Fleur, Percy, and Audrey chuckled, but Ron piped up "Good on you, mate!" to which George and Charlie nodded enthusiastically.
Percy cleared his throat importantly and announced, "Audrey and I are going to have a baby." Everyone began a round of hugs and back slapping in celebration.
~*~
Harry Apparated back to The Burrow, now warm and dry.
"Love, while you were gone, Andromeda Flooed. She and Teddy will be coming tomorrow morning instead of tonight. She thought if she started early, she could have Christmas with her sister and with us." Mrs Weasley looked worriedly at Harry.
Harry just nodded, not trusting what would come out of his mouth if he spoke.
Ginny grabbed Harry's arm. "Let's go for a walk."
"I just got warm!" Harry whined.
"We're not going to roll in the snow, just come on." Ginny pulled on his arm harder, dragging him with her. Molly gave her daughter an approving nod.
After bundling up again and getting outside, Ginny said, "So. You're disappointed you won't get to see Teddy tonight?"
"It's not fair!" Harry pouted. "Teddy's my godson. I should get to spend Christmas with him!"
"And shouldn't Andromeda get to spend Christmas with her sister? I doubt she's spent a Christmas with her sister since they were teenagers."
Harry frowned.
Ginny put her arm around Harry. "You know how awful it was for everyone when Percy was estranged from our family. Andromeda's been dealing with that sort of pain longer than you and I have been alive. Nothing will take away from the fact that you are Teddy's godfather, and you love each other, but it's okay for other people to love him, too. Even if you aren't terribly fond of those 'other people.'" Ginny nudged Harry with her shoulder as they walked along.
Harry was quiet for a few minutes. He sighed and then gave her half a smile, "Why do you have to make so much sense?"
"Because I'm brilliant, of course."
"That you are." The look Harry gave Ginny made her feel very warm. Then he kissed her.
When they stopped to breathe, Harry asked, "So would you like an early Christmas present?" He winked.
"No! It's bad luck to open presents early. That's probably why Andromeda wanted to wait until tomorrow before she came to The Burrow."
"I've never heard that before . . ."
"Mum has never allowed us to open presents on Christmas Eve. I'm not going to risk it . . . Wait. You didn't get me anything . . . naughty, did you? Something that I can't open in front of my family?" Ginny gave Harry a concerned look.
"No, of course not. I just . . . you know . . . I thought . . ." Harry shrugged. "It'll wait until tomorrow, I guess."
December 25, 1998
Too excited to sleep, Harry was awake, showered, and dressed before dawn. Never before had he felt this way on Christmas morning. He checked his pockets to make sure Ginny's, Mrs Weasley's, and Andromeda's presents were secure, picked up the bag with everyone else's presents, and Apparated.
When he arrived at The Burrow, he was shocked to see Mr and Mrs Weasley, Ginny, Charlie, Ron, and George already having hot cocoa in the kitchen.
"Happy Christmas, Harry!" George boomed. "That's one more! Now as soon as Bill, Percy, Fleur, and Audrey get here, we can open presents."
"We need to wait for Teddy and Andromeda, too!" Harry stated. "We can't let Teddy miss anything on his first Christmas."
"Of course, we'll wait for Teddy, Harry." Ginny comforted. She had made her way across the kitchen, pulled Harry's head down to hers, and kissed him. "Happy Christmas, Harry."
"Happy Christmas, Ginny." Harry smiled at her, and then kissed her again. Several loud "oi's" echoed in the background, but Harry ignored them . . . at least until Mr Weasley started clearing his throat. Then Harry and Ginny pulled apart, and Harry wished each of the Weasley's present a Happy Christmas.
~*~
Harry paced the kitchen.
"I don't think we've ever waited this long to open presents before," George whined.
Harry glared at George.
"I'm sure Andromeda and Teddy will be here soon. We can wait a little longer." Ginny stood up straight, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and said in the most posh accent she could manage, "We are mature adults after all."
George rolled his eyes, but didn't complain further. Harry snorted and managed a tiny grin.
"Why don’t I make everyone some more cocoa?" Mrs Weasley asked.
Before anyone could answer, the Floo whooshed, and Andromeda and Teddy appeared.
Harry flung his arms around both of them at once, yelling "Happy Christmas!"
"Great! Now we can open presents!" George called.
"George!" Mrs Weasley hissed, but Andromeda only laughed.
~*~
Harry sat on the lounge floor with Teddy in his lap, Teddy's first gift (from Harry, of course) in front of them.
"Go on, Teddy. Open your present," Harry encouraged.
Teddy tilted his head back to look up at Harry, his hair changing from turquoise to black.
Andromeda gently prompted Harry, "You will need to show him, dear. He doesn't quite understand presents yet."
"I could give him a demonstration," George offered.
Everyone laughed, and Harry said, "Go ahead."
George grabbed one of his presents from the pile and joined Teddy and Harry on the floor.
"See Teddy, the tag says 'To: George, From: Harry'. That's how I know it's my gift." Andromeda rolled her eyes and snorted. George continued talking to Teddy, "I am well aware you can't read, mate, but it's never too early to start learning." George winked. "Now, you tear off the wrapping paper." George made short work of the paper revealing a book, The Best Practical Jokes in the World. "Brilliant, Harry! Thanks!"
Teddy reached for a piece of George's crumpled wrapping paper and put it in his mouth. He made a face when it didn't taste good. Harry wrestled it away from him and threw the paper in the bin. Harry pointed to Teddy's present. "Here, Teddy. Open this one like George showed you." Teddy looked at the present, the squirmed around in Harry's lap until he'd buried his face in Harry's chest. Harry cuddled him and looked to Andromeda for help.
"It took him an hour to open one present at Cissy's. If you want to finish presents today, you'll have to help him."
Ginny sat on the floor next to Harry. "I'll hold him, Harry, and you help him." Ginny gently took Teddy from Harry and settled him in her lap.
Harry faced them, took a corner of paper, and tore it slightly while Teddy watched. Teddy looked at him, and then pulled on the paper. Everyone cheered for him, and Teddy clapped, waving the paper wildly. Eventually, they managed to get his broom opened. Harry charmed it to hover, and set Teddy on it. Teddy sat perfectly steadily on the toy broom, while Andromeda looked on nervously. Harry showed Teddy where to put his hands, and gently began the broom moving forward very slowly. Teddy kicked his legs in glee, his hair turning pink, and the broom moved slightly faster. With a bit of help from Harry for steering, Teddy made a slow circle around the room as everyone cheered.
"There now," Andromeda said. "Let's get him off the broom, and we can open the rest of the presents."
"But he likes it!" Harry protested. "His hair even went pink . . . I cast a cushioning charm under him . . ."
Ginny suggested, "How about if Harry keeps helping Teddy fly, and the rest of us can open our presents?"
Everyone agreed, and the sounds of tearing wrapping paper and shouts of gratitude intermingled with Teddy's giggles as he continued to fly laps around the room.
Harry kept his eyes on Teddy, and only vaguely paid attention to everyone's gift-unwrapping, until he saw Ginny reach for what had to be her ornament box from Auntie Muriel. Harry's interest was piqued. Ginny pulled a broomstick wrapped in a dandelion chain out of the box.
"Why dandelions?" Harry asked.
Ginny looked delighted. "I had almost forgotten! Auntie Muriel has fields and fields of dandelions around her house, and she taught me to make dandelion chains when I was little. I used to dress everyone up in crowns and necklaces." Harry smiled. "I even made an entire dress once . . ."
A loud clunk and Teddy's screech interrupted Ginny's recounting of her childhood memory.
Andromeda and Molly shrieked, "Harry James Potter!"
Harry jumped, quickly scooping up Teddy, who had fallen from the broom, hitting his head on the shelf of the bookcase. Teddy screamed, tears streaming down his face, his hair back to brown, as Harry kissed the bump on his head and tried to comfort him.
"Give me my grandson," Andromeda said sharply. Harry handed over Teddy, looking like he might cry, too. Andromeda left the room, cooing to Teddy all the while.
The room had gone very quiet. Harry looked forlornly around and said, "I even remembered to cast cushioning charms."
Mr Weasley squeezed Harry's shoulder. "Babies find ways to hurt themselves no matter how many charms you cast, son."
Mrs Weasley walked over and ruffled Harry's hair. "Teddy will be fine, love. I'll just go help Andromeda."
Ginny stood up and hung her ornament from Auntie Muriel on the tree. "You haven't opened any of your presents yet, Harry. Here, this one's from me."
Harry took the gift from Ginny, and tore off the paper. There was a red album with a gold-embossed lion on the front. As he opened it, it contained mostly pictures of him and Ginny, but a few of him with all of the Weasleys. "This is brilliant, Ginny. Thank you." Ginny gave Harry a quick peck on the lips causing Audrey and Fleur to say, "Awwww".
Molly came back into the room, "Teddy's fine. We healed the bump on his head, and he was happy again and fell right to sleep for his nap."
Andromeda sat on an ottoman near Harry, who was still on the floor. "I apologize for being so shirty with you, Harry. Teddy's fall scared me."
"That's okay. It scared me, too." Andromeda ruffled Harry's hair, and he smiled at her.
"Teddy gets himself so tired sometimes, he just falls over."
"Well, Teddy can open the rest of his presents when he wakes up, but Harry still needs to open his. I think the rest of us are finished . . ."
"Not quite . . ." Harry blushed, removing three small gifts from his pockets. He didn't say anything, but handed one to Molly, one to Andromeda, and one to Ginny. He nervously twiddled with the hem of his jumper.
Ginny kissed Harry on the cheek as she took her gift. "Finally!"
"You're the one who didn't want to open your present early . . ."
"Harry, why don't you open your gifts?"
"I don't want Teddy to open his all by himself, so I'll wait."
Ginny tore off her paper and was first to her gift. She opened the small velvet box and removed ruby and gold earrings with a matching necklace. "Oh Harry! They're beautiful!"
As Ginny put her gift on, Molly and Andromeda finished opening theirs. Each received a necklace with three chains. The top chain had two different colored stones, the next for Andromeda had three and for Molly had ten, and the last on Andromeda's had one, while Molly's was empty.
Harry still shuffled nervously. "I arranged it with the jeweler that more stones can be added, since I knew you'd need one, Mrs Weasley, and actually it turns out you'll need two thanks to Percy and Audrey's announcement, and probably a few more when everyone else gets married . . ."
"It's a beautiful necklace, Harry. Thank you very much," Andromeda said. "And I'm glad you included your own stone, too." Andromeda hugged Harry, and he smiled shyly.
Molly counted the stones on her necklace. "Mine and Arthur's, and all of the children's birthstones, and you included Audrey and Fleur and. . ." Molly gasped and hugged Harry tightly. "I'm glad you finally realized that I've always seen you as my son." Molly hugged Harry tightly.
When Molly released Harry, he said, "I thought I'd make it official this Christmas." Molly and Arthur beamed at him. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a smaller velvet box. He knelt on one knee in front of Ginny, as everyone gasped. "Ginny, I found this in my vault. It was my mother's. My dad's is there, too, for me. I mean there are matching wedding bands, too. And I bought your necklace and earrings to match." Ginny smiled at Harry's babbling. "So . . . um . . ." Harry looked into Ginny's eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "Ginny, I love you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Ginny dropped to her knees on the floor with Harry and kissed him while her family cheered. "I think that's the first kiss since I came home from Hogwarts that hasn't been interrupted." Harry laughed as Ginny held out her hand, and Harry put the engagement ring on her finger. "It's beautiful, Harry."
"So are you." Harry smiled at her, about to kiss her, when George pulled them off the floor, hugging them both tightly.
"Welcome to the family, little brother," George said to Harry. Then George turned his head to the ceiling and yelled, "Hey Fred! The specky git's finally gotten his head out of his arse!" Everyone laughed, even though Molly teared up a bit through her laughter.
Ron pulled Harry into a bear hug and said, "You've always been my brother, glad it's official." He kissed Ginny on the cheek and said, "Hermione's going to hate that she missed this." Ginny laughed and hugged Ron.
Arthur and Molly hugged Harry and Ginny tightly, "No more of this Mr and Mrs Weasley stuff, Harry."
Harry chuckled. "Okay. . . Mum, Dad." Harry spoke tentatively. He needn't have worried. Arthur and Molly hugged him tightly. "We love you, son."
Congratulations, hugs, and slaps on the back came from Bill, Percy, Charlie, Andromeda, and Audrey. Fleur kissed both of Harry and Ginny's cheeks, while exclaiming loudly in French.
There was a bang from George's wand and mistletoe appeared above Harry and Ginny.
Harry laughed, "I guess engaged people are allowed to snog indoors." And he proceeded to do just that amidst the whistles and cat calls of his family.
July 3, 1999
"So Mrs Potter, ready for round two?" Harry nuzzled his head into Ginny's neck, her sweet-smelling hair tickling his nose.
Ginny giggled. "You make it sound like an athletic event."
"Well, if you'd like, we could probably try that . . ."
"I think what we did before worked just fine . . . for now." Ginny winked.
"Well, then." Harry pulled Ginny to him, and kissed her, one hand tangling in her hair, the other caressing her bare back, their bare chests pleasantly pressed together.
Even through their closed eyelids, they became aware of a bright silver light invading their privacy. Turning to look at what was causing the light, they saw a silver otter hovering over their bed. Hermione's voice came from the otter's mouth.
"I'm so sorry, Ginny and Harry, they told me not to bother you, but I just thought you had to know. I mean I would want to know no matter what, but, of course, Ron and I have already . . . well, never mind. Audrey's had the baby early! A little girl they've named Molly. I really think you ought to come see her before you leave on your trip. She will only be a day old once after all." The otter appeared to glare at them primly before disappearing.
A silver terrier barked. "Hermione! It. Is. Their. Wedding. Night! Bloody Hell! Leave them alone already! Harry. Ginny. Sorry about that. Patronuses can't see, can they? Good. I didn't think so. You can see the baby when you get back. She'll probably look better then anyway. She's sort of all red and scrunched up now, but don't tell Audrey, or Hermione, that I said that. Carry on. "
The terrier gave a full body wiggle and vanished as Ginny and Harry dissolved into giggles.
"Blimey. We can take the mickey out of Hermione for life for interrupting our wedding night."
"You wouldn't really do that, would you?"
"Of course I would. I'm a Weasley. Mischief is in my blood."
"I beg to differ. You're a Potter now." Ginny beamed at him. "But mischief is still in your blood. Both of our blood, actually. We'll figure out a suitable revenge together."
"I like the sound of that!" Ginny pulled Harry back down to the bed, continuing from where they were so rudely interrupted.
Title: Interrupted
Author: mollywheezy
Pairing: Harry/Ginny (also Molly/Arthur, Percy/Audrey, Bill/Fleur, off-screen Ron/Hermione)
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~ 7400
Summary: Harry's plans for his holiday constantly change: his time with Teddy is different than expected, his time alone with Ginny is constantly interrupted, but sometimes interruptions and changes lead to better than expected outcomes . . .
Author's Notes: I had a lot of fun writing for you, dorotdsz ! Of the elements you requested, I have included (or at least tried to include ;) ) fluff, humor, romance, non-extreme angst, canon, post dh, with or without kids, Harry convincing Ginny that she's his equal, cuddling to keep warm, bitter cold, mild snow, and Harry & Ginny's wedding night interrupted by Hermione! I saw that last prompt as a challenge and HAD to include it. :D Thank you for such inspiring prompts. I hope you enjoy reading your story as much as I enjoyed writing it!
December 19, 1998
"Do you need anything else chopped Mrs Weasley?"
"No thank you, dear. You've chopped everything I'll need for the next three days at least. Why don't you sit down and have a cup of tea?"
"But maybe I could . . ."
Mrs Weasley put her hand on Harry's cheek. "Love, Ginny will be home soon. Why don't you go in the lounge and talk to Arthur?"
Harry nodded.
"Good lad." Mrs Weasley patted his cheek, and Harry left the kitchen.
Mr Weasley was reading the The Daily Prophet, but looked up when Harry entered. "Hi, Harry, would you like part of the paper?"
"Yes, please." Harry took the proffered paper and sat on the sofa. He really wasn't interested in reading, but pretended, as he didn't want to be kicked out of the lounge, too. He couldn't go into work, because Kingsley had ordered him to be on holiday until after the New Year. He'd come to The Burrow early that morning, not knowing what to do with himself at Grimmauld Place. With the redecorating completed weeks before, Kreacher keeping the place spotless, and Ron and Hermione borrowing his house to "spend the day together" before she had to run off with her parents, there really wasn't much for him to do other than pace. He knew he'd been driving Kreacher barmy, though Kreacher hadn't said as much. He couldn't even go visit Teddy today like he normally would. That would have distracted him . . .
Harry heard the whoosh of the Floo from the kitchen and jumped off the sofa, dropping the paper on the floor. He barged through the kitchen door and almost knocked Mrs Weasley flat, but she grasped his shoulders to stop him crashing into her. She chuckled quietly and left the kitchen.
Harry turned, saw the girl he had been waiting for, and smiled brightly. Ginny beamed, threw her arms around him, and kissed him passionately.
They had about a minute alone together before the back door banged open, letting in a blast of icy wind. Harry and Ginny jumped apart.
"And I thought Romania was cold!"
Mr and Mrs Weasley bustled into the kitchen. "Charlie! You're home a day early!"
Harry gave Ginny a longing look and then joined the family in heartily greeting Charlie.
December 20, 1998
Harry awoke early in his bedroom at Grimmauld Place. He quickly washed and dressed to get to The Burrow as soon as possible. Once Charlie had arrived, he had not had a second alone with Ginny the previous evening, except for a quick goodnight kiss. Maybe he could wake Ginny up . . .
Harry Apparated into the lounge. He could hear Mrs Weasley bustling about in the kitchen, but rather than greeting her, he crept upstairs to Ginny's bedroom, and quietly opened her door.
He stood in the doorway staring at Ginny, her bright hair splayed wildly across her pillow, her mouth open as she snored softly. He took a step into the room and moved to close the door behind him, when he felt a hand on his arm, pulling him backwards into the corridor.
Harry looked up, realizing the hand belonged to Charlie, who quietly closed the door to Ginny's room, and jerked his head at the stairs. Harry started down without arguing. Charlie was a lot bigger than he was.
Charlie opened the door into the kitchen allowing Harry to go ahead of him. "Good morning!" Charlie boomed. "Look who I found in Ginny's room!"
Harry blushed. "Good morning, Mr and Mrs Weasley. I just went upstairs to see if Ginny was awake."
"Harry, you can see Ginny when she comes downstairs. Would you like some tea?"
"Yes, please." Harry slumped into a chair.
Mr Weasley gave Harry a sympathetic look and whispered, "Molly had older brothers, too."
~*~
Ginny eventually came downstairs and ate breakfast with Harry, her parents, and Charlie. The five of them then spent the day decorating The Burrow for Christmas.
While Charlie and Mr Weasley went to cut down a Christmas tree, Harry, Ginny, and Mrs Weasley brought the boxes of ornaments down from the attic.
"Ginny, why don't you show Harry the ornaments from Auntie Muriel? I need to get one more thing, and I'll be right back."
Harry looked curiously at Ginny, who had immediately grabbed a box and pulled off the lid. "Even though Auntie Muriel has gotten really crotchety since Uncle Bilius died, she's always been really generous, and she's given all of us these brilliant ornaments." Harry peered into the box, as Ginny pulled out the ornament on top, carefully unwrapping it from its tissue paper. "Oh, this one's mine!" Ginny dangled the fragile ornament from its ribbon and held it out so Harry could see. It appeared to be glass, shaped into her name written in an elegant script. The colors of the glass changed from pinks to reds to rose, like a sunset.
"Auntie Muriel gave each of us our names when we were born, so Mum and Dad would have them all on the tree. Then when we turn seventeen, we get another ornament of something that represents us. I'll get mine this Christmas! All of those stay on Mum and Dad's tree until we move out, then Auntie Muriel gives us our own copies as a housewarming gift, and will give ones for our spouses if we get married. Bill and Fleur received theirs last Christmas, and Percy and Audrey will get theirs this Christmas."
"Aren’t they awfully fragile, though? What if you broke one?"
"These are merpeople blown glass. They use some secret ingredient from the sea that makes them unbreakable. And listen!"
Ginny held her ornament to her mouth and blew through the curlicue which began the "g". Beautiful music resounded throughout the room, like nothing Harry had ever heard. It refreshed him and filled him, but yet made him yearn for something he couldn't quite name.
"It's my song of the sea. The merpeople love music, and they write a song for each person who owns one of these ornaments."
"So that beautiful song is . . . you?" Harry looked deeply into Ginny's eyes.
"I guess you can say that . . . the ornament only works for me . . ."
Harry cut her off by kissing her. Ginny was what refreshed and filled him. Ginny was who he longed for. He never wanted to stop holding her and kissing her . . .
They heard very loud throat-clearing. Harry and Ginny broke apart to see Mrs Weasley standing in the room. "Played him the song, did you?" Harry blushed, but Mrs Weasley merely patted him on the shoulder without further comment.
"I have something for you, Harry. Well, technically it's from Auntie Muriel, but Arthur and I planned it with her. You should have received this last year, but better late than never." Mrs Weasley handed Harry a gift-wrapped box.
Harry took it, saying "Thank you." He opened the box as Ginny looked on. He carefully unwrapped his name in merpeople blown glass. Then another copy of the same ornament. Then he opened two identical glass golden snitches. One of each ornament sat in the box and he held the others one in each hand. He stared at how beautiful they were. Where Ginny's name was in reds, his was in greens, like an algae covered sea, or a forest rippling in the breeze. The snitches seemed to glow brightly.
"Since you weren't here last Christmas, and obviously not when you were born, and now that you're living at Grimmauld Place, we thought it best for you to have all of your ornaments at once. Two for your tree and two for ours just like the rest of our children." Mrs Weasley spoke very quickly, seeming nervous.
Harry had yet to speak, and wasn't sure he could manage it even if he tried. He handed Ginny the ornaments he was holding, threw his arms around Mrs Weasley, and hugged her tightly.
~*~
As the other Weasleys trickled in to help with the decorating, Harry discovered what ornaments each had been given by Auntie Muriel. Bill had a pyramid that constantly changed colors. On the previous Christmas, Fleur received a powder-blue beret with the Beauxbatons symbol on it. Charlie had a dragon, of course. Harry couldn't help but laugh at Percy's cauldron full of books with a glasses-wearing owl perched on the side. Fred and George had coordinating jesters, one in red with gold stripes and one in gold with red stripes. George hung both ornaments this year. Ron had a bright orange knight. Ginny affectionately called it his "Chudley Cannons chess piece". Ginny and Audrey had names on the tree but would not receive their ornaments until this Christmas.
Everyone stayed for dinner (which was prepared quite quickly thanks to all of Harry's pre-chopping of the previous day.) All in all, a wonderful day, even with Harry and Ginny's being interrupted twice.
December 21, 1998
Harry did not bother getting up early. He had a lie in, and a long shower, and arrived at The Burrow just as breakfast was being served. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast with his family, the rest of the day was set aside for holiday baking.
As Harry stood from the table to help with the washing up, he felt something tickle the top of his head. He looked up to see mistletoe above him. Before he could say anything, Ginny threw her arms around him and kissed him. He had just begun to deepen the kiss when he and Ginny were unceremoniously ripped apart by George who screamed, "Oi!" Grabbing the mistletoe from over Harry's head, George shoved it in his mouth and began to chew.
"George, stop! You'll die! Mistletoe's poisonous!" Harry frantically clutched at George, not knowing what to do short of prying the mistletoe out of his mouth.
Ginny was giggling, and as George swallowed, he started to laugh. "Why Harrikins, I didn't know you cared!" George pressed Harry's head to his chest and begun to pretend-sob into his hair.
Ginny took pity on Harry and, though her giggles, said, "Don't worry, Harry. The mistletoe's chocolate."
George released Harry, declaring proudly, "Best new wheeze this year! Not sure why it escaped from my pocket, though . . ." Harry rolled his eyes.
"George, dear? May I please have some of that mistletoe? I'm a little short on the chocolate for the biscuits . . ."
~*~
The wireless played Christmas music as Harry, Ginny, and Charlie helped Mr and Mrs Weasley bake goodies for friends and family, and the other Weasleys came to The Burrow for dinner.
After dinner, Ginny stood up and announced, "Harry and I are going for a walk." Harry stood up immediately, too, at this suggestion.
"That's not a good idea, Ginny. It's dark and freezing out there-you could catch a cold."
"We'll wear coats and use warming charms, Mum."
"I'm more worried about what you'll get up to outside, alone in the dark with your boyfriend, Ginnikins," Charlie added.
"I am of age, Charlie, and you do not need to worry about protecting my virtue."
"Ginevra!" Mrs Weasley scolded.
At the same time, Ron muttered, "It's more Harry's virtue we need to worry about protecting." George snorted. Harry blushed.
"Ronald, really!"
Mr Weasley spoke loudly, "Ginny and Harry, you two have a nice walk." Mrs Weasley glared at her husband, who only smiled at her placidly. Ginny and Harry quickly left the kitchen, collected their winter gear, and hurried outside.
Bundled in hats, coats, scarves, and gloves they hurried to get out of sight of The Burrow.
"Free at last!" Ginny exclaimed. "I can't believe it took me so long to think of going for a walk!"
"I'm just glad you thought of it . . . and that your dad seems to be on our side."
"Dad trusts you."
Harry nodded. "Do you think we're far enough from The Burrow?"
Ginny answered by kissing him. Neither of them spoke for a very long time.
~*~
Eventually they began the walk back to The Burrow, their gloved hands clasped between them, their breath making puffs of smoke in the icy air.
"So how was school, really?" Harry asked.
Ginny chuckled. "I wrote to you almost every day, Harry. I think I've answered that question."
"You told me about Quidditch, and classes, and Hermione's going insane without Ron, and Neville and his plants, but you never really mentioned how you were doing. I mean, how you were doing being back at Hogwarts, after, well, everything?"
Ginny shrugged. "I made it. I don't think Mum could have taken it if I didn't go back after Fred, George, and Ron didn't finish . . . besides, it's easier to get scouted by a professional Quidditch team if they see me playing in a game rather than having a cold try-out."
"You're a lot braver than I am, Ginny," Harry whispered.
"What? You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not. I told everyone I didn't go back because I wanted to join the Aurors and catch Death Eaters. But really, Hogwarts was my first home, and I just couldn't face it after . . . everything."
"Why are you bringing this up now, Harry?"
Harry looked into Ginny's eyes. "Because you're not everyone."
Ginny threw her arms around Harry and clung.
December 22, 1998
Harry and Ginny walked around The Burrow's frozen pond, their feet making crunching noises on the frozen, brown grass.
"I wish it would snow. It'd be a lot prettier if it did," Ginny whined.
"I don't remember it being this late before the first snow before."
"I don't think it has been, at least not in my lifetime. We always have snow for Christmas."
They returned to crunching through the cold in silence.
"Harry, may I say something really awful?"
"Of course, Ginny. You know you can say anything to me."
"I almost wish Charlie hadn't come home. I mean, I love him, but it's been forever since he's been home for Christmas, and it just makes Fred's absence worse."
"You mean, that if Charlie was in Romania, you could pretend that Fred was off visiting him instead of . . ." Harry trailed off.
"Yeah," Ginny's voice cracked.
Harry stopped, turned Ginny towards him and hugged her tightly. "Hey, don't start crying now, or your tears are going to freeze."
Ginny laughed wetly and looked up at Harry. He wiped a tear from her cheek with his glove, leaned down and kissed her. Ginny deepened their kiss.
Several minutes later when they paused to breathe, their foreheads resting against each other, Ginny sighed happily, "That's a good way to keep warm!"
Harry chuckled, "I'm surprised your mum let us out here, especially after how late we got back last night.
They started walking again, their arms around each other. "She thinks we can't get up to much with the tons of clothes we're wearing."
"We could try." Harry waggled his eyebrows, making Ginny giggle.
Harry stopped briefly, removed the glove from his right hand, took the glove off of Ginny's left hand, and clasped their hands together firmly. Holding them up, he exclaimed, "Oh, my! Bare hands!" Harry put their clasped hands into the pocket of his coat.
Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed. "I don't know if I ever told you, but Fred was really happy about us."
"Really? How do you know?"
"I wrote to him after you kissed me in the common room. Fred was always my least overprotective brother, so he was the one I asked for boy advice. He kept encouraging me that you would eventually get your head out of your arse, so he was the first one I told. Of course, I think Ron wrote everyone else . . ." Ginny and Harry both laughed.
"I'm glad Fred was happy about us. I mean, you know Ron was my first friend, but Fred was my first big brother. Well, George, too, but George told me most stuff was Fred's idea."
"Like what?"
"Like introducing me to Lee's tarantula and not staring at my forehead, stealing your dad's car to come get me from the Dursley's with Ron and George, being silly about the whole 'heir of Slytherin thing', giving me the Marauder's Map, you know, stuff like that."
Ginny cuddled up to Harry's side as they continued walking.
"I'm even gladder that none of your brothers has beaten me up."
"Harry! My brothers love you! They would never do anything to hurt you. Well, George might test Wheezes on you, but even he wouldn't intentionally hurt you."
Harry snorted. "I was a bit worried about Charlie the other morning . . ."
"He was just taking the mickey. I love you, Harry, and if any of my brothers tried to beat you up, they know I'd Bat-Bogey them. Even Charlie is afraid of my Bat-Bogey hex."
Harry smiled, "I love you, too, Ginny. From now on, I'll just make sure you're around to protect me, my princess in shining armor." Harry kissed her, and they continued kissing until Mrs. Weasley called them to come inside.
December 23, 1998
Harry and Ginny were again walking around the pond, each with one bare hand clasped together inside Harry's coat pocket. When they were out of sight of the house, they stopped walking and started snogging.
"I wonder if we're ever going to get to spend time together inside, where it's warm." Harry started walking again, pulling Ginny with him.
Ginny laughed. "Maybe, if we ever find something or someone to distract Mum."
"Andromeda and Teddy will be here tomorrow." Harry and Ginny began walking again.
"They'll distract Mum, but I want to play with Teddy, too. I haven't seen him since August! I thought they would have been over before now?"
"Andromeda is spending the week before Christmas with her sister." Harry scowled.
"Her sister . . . Narcissa Malfoy?!"
"Yes." Harry sighed. "Andromeda's been spending every Saturday with Narcissa since July when Lucius died in Azkaban. They'd had tea a couple of times before that, but I guess losing their husbands brought them together and made them put their differences behind them."
"But you watch Teddy every time, so . . ."
"This week is the first time Narcissa and Draco are meeting Teddy."
"Ah, so that's the real reason you're scowling."
"He's MY godson!"
"Oh Harry." Ginny bumped Harry's shoulder with hers. "So, what did you get Teddy for Christmas?"
"A broom."
"A broom?! Harry, he's only eight months old!"
"It's a baby broom. A 'My First Broomstick.' Anyway, Sirius got me a broom for my first birthday."
"Teddy's not one yet!"
"My godson is very advanced."
Ginny snorted. "Says the expert on babies."
"I read that book Hermione gave me."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "What are you going to do when Andromeda won't let him ride it?"
Harry blushed. "I actually bought two brooms for him, one of which will stay at Grimmauld Place, so he can ride it whenever he comes over to my house."
"You're worse than Sirius."
Harry laughed and bumped Ginny's shoulder with his. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"I hope Andromeda can spend some time with Mum while she's here. I think they’re really helping each other."
"Yeah, Andromeda and your mum talk every week when she comes to The Burrow for Sunday dinner. I get to play with Teddy."
"I can't wait to see him tomorrow!"
"I can't wait to see him open his presents."
"That's right! It's Teddy's first Christmas. That's far better than the first Christmas without Fred." Ginny's voice cracked. Harry stopped walking and hugged her. "I don't know how I keep going from laughing to crying in seconds. I've never been this emotional."
"You've never survived a war and lost a brother, either."
Harry and Ginny stood in the cold, their arms around each other, as Ginny cried into Harry's chest, and his tears dampened her hat.
December 24, 1998
Harry awoke with a brilliant idea. He washed and dressed quickly, covered himself in the flowing fabric of his invisibility cloak, and Apparated to The Burrow.
After arriving in the lounge, Harry paused, listening for any sounds from the kitchen.
"Good morning, Harry," said Mr Weasley pleasantly.
Harry whirled around so quickly, he almost fell. Mr Weasley was sitting in his armchair looking straight at him. He couldn't see through the cloak, could he? "How did you know it was me?"
Mr Weasley chuckled, "You're the only person I know who has an invisibility cloak, Harry. Well, Mad-Eye had one, but I'm not sure where his went when he died." Harry removed his cloak. "Besides, I told you before, Harry. I raised Fred and George, so not much will surprise me." Mr Weasley smiled kindly at Harry.
Harry blushed. "I . . . er . . . I just wanted to say good morning to Ginny . . ." Harry trailed off, embarrassed.
"I know, son." Mr Weasley glanced towards the kitchen and dropped his voice to a whisper. "If it were only up to me, I'd probably let you, but Molly does not want you in Ginny's room. She trusts you, but Ginny's just like Molly was at her age . . . Anyway, a bit of advice, Harry. Don't ever do anything to purposely anger your wife, especially women like Molly and Ginny. It's not worth the nights on the couch." Mr Weasley winked at Harry.
Harry grinned. Before he could say anything, there was a huge thud from above, followed by Charlie's thundering down the stairs, yelling, "It snowed! It snowed!" He pounded on Ginny's door. "Wake up Ginnikins! It snowed!"
Charlie leapt half a flight of stairs landing in the lounge, and yelled at Harry and his dad, "It snowed!" His hair was mussed and he had a huge grin on his face, and he bellowed, "Expecto Patronum!" Three silver dragons flew out of the end of Charlie's wand.
"What . . ." Mr Weasley began.
"Weasley Family Snowball Fight! I sent messages to George and Ron, Percy and Audrey, and Bill and Fleur. We need everyone here. You'll need warmer clothes, Harry." Harry Apparated back to Grimmauld Place to comply.
***
In their snowball fights at Hogwarts, they had always had teams, but the Weasley Family Snowball Fight was a complete free-for-all, and Harry was losing. He was sopping wet to his skin, freezing cold and hiding behind a tree. He peeked out from behind his tree, worried that he didn't see anybody. He heard a noise and looked up. Ginny jumped out of the tree and landed on him, knocking him flat in the snow.
"I caught you!" Ginny smiled happily.
"I didn't know catching me was the object of the Weasley Family Snowball Fight." Harry grinned up at Ginny, who had shifted so she was straddling him.
"It is now." Ginny leaned down and kissed Harry. In a very short time, he had reversed their positions so he was lying on top of her as they snogged in the snow.
"Pudendus nivosus!" Charlie yelled.
At the same time, George yelled, "Pudenda nivosa!"
Harry shrieked like a little girl as his bits seemed to freeze solid. Ginny screamed at the top of her lungs, whirled around, wand pointed, yelling, "Mucosa-"
"Expelliarmus!" Ginny's wand went flying into Bill's outstretched hand along with two others.
"Which one of you did this?!" Harry yelled, his voice higher than it had been since he was twelve.
Ginny yelled, "Give me back my wand, Bill! Those gits have it coming!"
"No hexing your siblings at Christmas." Bill lazily waved his own wand, cancelling the spell on Harry and Ginny. Harry sighed in relief.
"I just thought you needed some cooling off, Ginnikins," declared George as he doubled over laughing.
"Harry definitely needed cooling off," Charlie added.
Bill pocketed the four wands, walked over to Charlie and George and smacked them both in the backs of their heads. "The 'no-hexing-your-siblings' goes for you lot, too."
Ginny smirked mischievously at her brothers, and helped Harry off the ground. She cooed to him, twirling his hair around her finger. "Poor baby. Mean old Charlie used the snow hex on you. I'll just have to warm you up." Ginny pressed her pelvis against Harry's while kissing him passionately.
"You can warm up inside." Bill grabbed Harry's and Ginny's arms and pulled them apart.
Harry was too dazed to argue, but Ginny yelled, "Geroff, Bill!"
Once he had disentangled her from Harry, Bill let go of Ginny and returned her wand. "Please at least try to behave, okay?"
Ginny winked at Bill, "I may be small, but I won't fit in a bee-have." Bill rolled his eyes at the old joke, but Harry laughed delightedly.
Bill tossed George and Charlie their wands as well, and with his own, sent up red sparks, the Weasley's traditional signal that it was time to go inside.
~*~
Everyone came in for breakfast, laughing and joking. George joined in, and his smile reached his eyes.
Ginny placed her coat on the hook, laughing. "I'm sopping wet, thanks to you."
"I live to serve, dear sister." George's eyes sparkled as he made an elaborate bow.
Ginny stuck her tongue out at George, and pulled her jumper over her head.
"Oi! Keep your clothes on! Harry doesn't need that much encouragement." George put one hand over his own eyes and the other over Harry's eyes.
"You can open your eyes, you prat. I have clothes on." Ginny rolled her eyes, as she stood there in her pajama top.
George tentatively removed his hand from his own eyes, but kept the other over Harry's. "Why are you wearing pajamas?" George took his hand off Harry's eyes.
"Because pajamas are warm. I don't have long underwear that fits anymore."
"I wish you would have filled me in on the secret. I'm freezing." Harry shivered.
"You can have the first shower, Harry," offered Bill.
They all made their way into the kitchen which was already occupied by Percy, Ron, Audrey, Fleur, and Mr and Mrs Weasley.
"We could shower together . . ." Ginny winked at Harry.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley!" Mrs Weasley shouted.
"What? It'd save time . . ."
Mrs Weasley shook her wooden spoon at Ginny. "Young lady . . ."
"I'm just joking, Mum. Honestly."
"I'll just Apparate back to Grimmauld Place, but thanks Bill."
"Why did you lot come back so early?" George gestured to the half of the Weasleys who were already warm and dry.
"I did not want ze baby to get too cold," answered Fleur, patting her bump.
"Fleur dumped a ton of snow down my back so I needed to warm up," grumped Ron.
"Audrey wasn't feeling very well." Percy would not meet anyone's eyes and blushed. Audrey smiled into her cup of herbal tea.
Bill looked between the two of them. "Perce . . . are you? Is Audrey . . .?" Percy and Audrey nodded.
Mrs Weasley shrieked and grabbed Percy and Audrey in a huge hug. "This is so wonderful!"
Fleur beamed at them. "I am so happy for you!"
Harry looked confused. "What's wonderful?" Mr and Mrs Weasley, Bill, Fleur, Percy, and Audrey chuckled, but Ron piped up "Good on you, mate!" to which George and Charlie nodded enthusiastically.
Percy cleared his throat importantly and announced, "Audrey and I are going to have a baby." Everyone began a round of hugs and back slapping in celebration.
~*~
Harry Apparated back to The Burrow, now warm and dry.
"Love, while you were gone, Andromeda Flooed. She and Teddy will be coming tomorrow morning instead of tonight. She thought if she started early, she could have Christmas with her sister and with us." Mrs Weasley looked worriedly at Harry.
Harry just nodded, not trusting what would come out of his mouth if he spoke.
Ginny grabbed Harry's arm. "Let's go for a walk."
"I just got warm!" Harry whined.
"We're not going to roll in the snow, just come on." Ginny pulled on his arm harder, dragging him with her. Molly gave her daughter an approving nod.
After bundling up again and getting outside, Ginny said, "So. You're disappointed you won't get to see Teddy tonight?"
"It's not fair!" Harry pouted. "Teddy's my godson. I should get to spend Christmas with him!"
"And shouldn't Andromeda get to spend Christmas with her sister? I doubt she's spent a Christmas with her sister since they were teenagers."
Harry frowned.
Ginny put her arm around Harry. "You know how awful it was for everyone when Percy was estranged from our family. Andromeda's been dealing with that sort of pain longer than you and I have been alive. Nothing will take away from the fact that you are Teddy's godfather, and you love each other, but it's okay for other people to love him, too. Even if you aren't terribly fond of those 'other people.'" Ginny nudged Harry with her shoulder as they walked along.
Harry was quiet for a few minutes. He sighed and then gave her half a smile, "Why do you have to make so much sense?"
"Because I'm brilliant, of course."
"That you are." The look Harry gave Ginny made her feel very warm. Then he kissed her.
When they stopped to breathe, Harry asked, "So would you like an early Christmas present?" He winked.
"No! It's bad luck to open presents early. That's probably why Andromeda wanted to wait until tomorrow before she came to The Burrow."
"I've never heard that before . . ."
"Mum has never allowed us to open presents on Christmas Eve. I'm not going to risk it . . . Wait. You didn't get me anything . . . naughty, did you? Something that I can't open in front of my family?" Ginny gave Harry a concerned look.
"No, of course not. I just . . . you know . . . I thought . . ." Harry shrugged. "It'll wait until tomorrow, I guess."
December 25, 1998
Too excited to sleep, Harry was awake, showered, and dressed before dawn. Never before had he felt this way on Christmas morning. He checked his pockets to make sure Ginny's, Mrs Weasley's, and Andromeda's presents were secure, picked up the bag with everyone else's presents, and Apparated.
When he arrived at The Burrow, he was shocked to see Mr and Mrs Weasley, Ginny, Charlie, Ron, and George already having hot cocoa in the kitchen.
"Happy Christmas, Harry!" George boomed. "That's one more! Now as soon as Bill, Percy, Fleur, and Audrey get here, we can open presents."
"We need to wait for Teddy and Andromeda, too!" Harry stated. "We can't let Teddy miss anything on his first Christmas."
"Of course, we'll wait for Teddy, Harry." Ginny comforted. She had made her way across the kitchen, pulled Harry's head down to hers, and kissed him. "Happy Christmas, Harry."
"Happy Christmas, Ginny." Harry smiled at her, and then kissed her again. Several loud "oi's" echoed in the background, but Harry ignored them . . . at least until Mr Weasley started clearing his throat. Then Harry and Ginny pulled apart, and Harry wished each of the Weasley's present a Happy Christmas.
~*~
Harry paced the kitchen.
"I don't think we've ever waited this long to open presents before," George whined.
Harry glared at George.
"I'm sure Andromeda and Teddy will be here soon. We can wait a little longer." Ginny stood up straight, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and said in the most posh accent she could manage, "We are mature adults after all."
George rolled his eyes, but didn't complain further. Harry snorted and managed a tiny grin.
"Why don’t I make everyone some more cocoa?" Mrs Weasley asked.
Before anyone could answer, the Floo whooshed, and Andromeda and Teddy appeared.
Harry flung his arms around both of them at once, yelling "Happy Christmas!"
"Great! Now we can open presents!" George called.
"George!" Mrs Weasley hissed, but Andromeda only laughed.
~*~
Harry sat on the lounge floor with Teddy in his lap, Teddy's first gift (from Harry, of course) in front of them.
"Go on, Teddy. Open your present," Harry encouraged.
Teddy tilted his head back to look up at Harry, his hair changing from turquoise to black.
Andromeda gently prompted Harry, "You will need to show him, dear. He doesn't quite understand presents yet."
"I could give him a demonstration," George offered.
Everyone laughed, and Harry said, "Go ahead."
George grabbed one of his presents from the pile and joined Teddy and Harry on the floor.
"See Teddy, the tag says 'To: George, From: Harry'. That's how I know it's my gift." Andromeda rolled her eyes and snorted. George continued talking to Teddy, "I am well aware you can't read, mate, but it's never too early to start learning." George winked. "Now, you tear off the wrapping paper." George made short work of the paper revealing a book, The Best Practical Jokes in the World. "Brilliant, Harry! Thanks!"
Teddy reached for a piece of George's crumpled wrapping paper and put it in his mouth. He made a face when it didn't taste good. Harry wrestled it away from him and threw the paper in the bin. Harry pointed to Teddy's present. "Here, Teddy. Open this one like George showed you." Teddy looked at the present, the squirmed around in Harry's lap until he'd buried his face in Harry's chest. Harry cuddled him and looked to Andromeda for help.
"It took him an hour to open one present at Cissy's. If you want to finish presents today, you'll have to help him."
Ginny sat on the floor next to Harry. "I'll hold him, Harry, and you help him." Ginny gently took Teddy from Harry and settled him in her lap.
Harry faced them, took a corner of paper, and tore it slightly while Teddy watched. Teddy looked at him, and then pulled on the paper. Everyone cheered for him, and Teddy clapped, waving the paper wildly. Eventually, they managed to get his broom opened. Harry charmed it to hover, and set Teddy on it. Teddy sat perfectly steadily on the toy broom, while Andromeda looked on nervously. Harry showed Teddy where to put his hands, and gently began the broom moving forward very slowly. Teddy kicked his legs in glee, his hair turning pink, and the broom moved slightly faster. With a bit of help from Harry for steering, Teddy made a slow circle around the room as everyone cheered.
"There now," Andromeda said. "Let's get him off the broom, and we can open the rest of the presents."
"But he likes it!" Harry protested. "His hair even went pink . . . I cast a cushioning charm under him . . ."
Ginny suggested, "How about if Harry keeps helping Teddy fly, and the rest of us can open our presents?"
Everyone agreed, and the sounds of tearing wrapping paper and shouts of gratitude intermingled with Teddy's giggles as he continued to fly laps around the room.
Harry kept his eyes on Teddy, and only vaguely paid attention to everyone's gift-unwrapping, until he saw Ginny reach for what had to be her ornament box from Auntie Muriel. Harry's interest was piqued. Ginny pulled a broomstick wrapped in a dandelion chain out of the box.
"Why dandelions?" Harry asked.
Ginny looked delighted. "I had almost forgotten! Auntie Muriel has fields and fields of dandelions around her house, and she taught me to make dandelion chains when I was little. I used to dress everyone up in crowns and necklaces." Harry smiled. "I even made an entire dress once . . ."
A loud clunk and Teddy's screech interrupted Ginny's recounting of her childhood memory.
Andromeda and Molly shrieked, "Harry James Potter!"
Harry jumped, quickly scooping up Teddy, who had fallen from the broom, hitting his head on the shelf of the bookcase. Teddy screamed, tears streaming down his face, his hair back to brown, as Harry kissed the bump on his head and tried to comfort him.
"Give me my grandson," Andromeda said sharply. Harry handed over Teddy, looking like he might cry, too. Andromeda left the room, cooing to Teddy all the while.
The room had gone very quiet. Harry looked forlornly around and said, "I even remembered to cast cushioning charms."
Mr Weasley squeezed Harry's shoulder. "Babies find ways to hurt themselves no matter how many charms you cast, son."
Mrs Weasley walked over and ruffled Harry's hair. "Teddy will be fine, love. I'll just go help Andromeda."
Ginny stood up and hung her ornament from Auntie Muriel on the tree. "You haven't opened any of your presents yet, Harry. Here, this one's from me."
Harry took the gift from Ginny, and tore off the paper. There was a red album with a gold-embossed lion on the front. As he opened it, it contained mostly pictures of him and Ginny, but a few of him with all of the Weasleys. "This is brilliant, Ginny. Thank you." Ginny gave Harry a quick peck on the lips causing Audrey and Fleur to say, "Awwww".
Molly came back into the room, "Teddy's fine. We healed the bump on his head, and he was happy again and fell right to sleep for his nap."
Andromeda sat on an ottoman near Harry, who was still on the floor. "I apologize for being so shirty with you, Harry. Teddy's fall scared me."
"That's okay. It scared me, too." Andromeda ruffled Harry's hair, and he smiled at her.
"Teddy gets himself so tired sometimes, he just falls over."
"Well, Teddy can open the rest of his presents when he wakes up, but Harry still needs to open his. I think the rest of us are finished . . ."
"Not quite . . ." Harry blushed, removing three small gifts from his pockets. He didn't say anything, but handed one to Molly, one to Andromeda, and one to Ginny. He nervously twiddled with the hem of his jumper.
Ginny kissed Harry on the cheek as she took her gift. "Finally!"
"You're the one who didn't want to open your present early . . ."
"Harry, why don't you open your gifts?"
"I don't want Teddy to open his all by himself, so I'll wait."
Ginny tore off her paper and was first to her gift. She opened the small velvet box and removed ruby and gold earrings with a matching necklace. "Oh Harry! They're beautiful!"
As Ginny put her gift on, Molly and Andromeda finished opening theirs. Each received a necklace with three chains. The top chain had two different colored stones, the next for Andromeda had three and for Molly had ten, and the last on Andromeda's had one, while Molly's was empty.
Harry still shuffled nervously. "I arranged it with the jeweler that more stones can be added, since I knew you'd need one, Mrs Weasley, and actually it turns out you'll need two thanks to Percy and Audrey's announcement, and probably a few more when everyone else gets married . . ."
"It's a beautiful necklace, Harry. Thank you very much," Andromeda said. "And I'm glad you included your own stone, too." Andromeda hugged Harry, and he smiled shyly.
Molly counted the stones on her necklace. "Mine and Arthur's, and all of the children's birthstones, and you included Audrey and Fleur and. . ." Molly gasped and hugged Harry tightly. "I'm glad you finally realized that I've always seen you as my son." Molly hugged Harry tightly.
When Molly released Harry, he said, "I thought I'd make it official this Christmas." Molly and Arthur beamed at him. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a smaller velvet box. He knelt on one knee in front of Ginny, as everyone gasped. "Ginny, I found this in my vault. It was my mother's. My dad's is there, too, for me. I mean there are matching wedding bands, too. And I bought your necklace and earrings to match." Ginny smiled at Harry's babbling. "So . . . um . . ." Harry looked into Ginny's eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "Ginny, I love you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Ginny dropped to her knees on the floor with Harry and kissed him while her family cheered. "I think that's the first kiss since I came home from Hogwarts that hasn't been interrupted." Harry laughed as Ginny held out her hand, and Harry put the engagement ring on her finger. "It's beautiful, Harry."
"So are you." Harry smiled at her, about to kiss her, when George pulled them off the floor, hugging them both tightly.
"Welcome to the family, little brother," George said to Harry. Then George turned his head to the ceiling and yelled, "Hey Fred! The specky git's finally gotten his head out of his arse!" Everyone laughed, even though Molly teared up a bit through her laughter.
Ron pulled Harry into a bear hug and said, "You've always been my brother, glad it's official." He kissed Ginny on the cheek and said, "Hermione's going to hate that she missed this." Ginny laughed and hugged Ron.
Arthur and Molly hugged Harry and Ginny tightly, "No more of this Mr and Mrs Weasley stuff, Harry."
Harry chuckled. "Okay. . . Mum, Dad." Harry spoke tentatively. He needn't have worried. Arthur and Molly hugged him tightly. "We love you, son."
Congratulations, hugs, and slaps on the back came from Bill, Percy, Charlie, Andromeda, and Audrey. Fleur kissed both of Harry and Ginny's cheeks, while exclaiming loudly in French.
There was a bang from George's wand and mistletoe appeared above Harry and Ginny.
Harry laughed, "I guess engaged people are allowed to snog indoors." And he proceeded to do just that amidst the whistles and cat calls of his family.
July 3, 1999
"So Mrs Potter, ready for round two?" Harry nuzzled his head into Ginny's neck, her sweet-smelling hair tickling his nose.
Ginny giggled. "You make it sound like an athletic event."
"Well, if you'd like, we could probably try that . . ."
"I think what we did before worked just fine . . . for now." Ginny winked.
"Well, then." Harry pulled Ginny to him, and kissed her, one hand tangling in her hair, the other caressing her bare back, their bare chests pleasantly pressed together.
Even through their closed eyelids, they became aware of a bright silver light invading their privacy. Turning to look at what was causing the light, they saw a silver otter hovering over their bed. Hermione's voice came from the otter's mouth.
"I'm so sorry, Ginny and Harry, they told me not to bother you, but I just thought you had to know. I mean I would want to know no matter what, but, of course, Ron and I have already . . . well, never mind. Audrey's had the baby early! A little girl they've named Molly. I really think you ought to come see her before you leave on your trip. She will only be a day old once after all." The otter appeared to glare at them primly before disappearing.
A silver terrier barked. "Hermione! It. Is. Their. Wedding. Night! Bloody Hell! Leave them alone already! Harry. Ginny. Sorry about that. Patronuses can't see, can they? Good. I didn't think so. You can see the baby when you get back. She'll probably look better then anyway. She's sort of all red and scrunched up now, but don't tell Audrey, or Hermione, that I said that. Carry on. "
The terrier gave a full body wiggle and vanished as Ginny and Harry dissolved into giggles.
"Blimey. We can take the mickey out of Hermione for life for interrupting our wedding night."
"You wouldn't really do that, would you?"
"Of course I would. I'm a Weasley. Mischief is in my blood."
"I beg to differ. You're a Potter now." Ginny beamed at him. "But mischief is still in your blood. Both of our blood, actually. We'll figure out a suitable revenge together."
"I like the sound of that!" Ginny pulled Harry back down to the bed, continuing from where they were so rudely interrupted.