Disclaimer: I am not the great J. K. Rowling, and I do not own Harry Potter.
CRASH
Ginny Potter looked up from the empty crib before her onto the recently painted ceiling as she rubbed her growing stomach and sighed. Boys, she thought wearily. How could two four-year-olds cause so much chaos, she first questioned – then again this is the descendant of a Marauder and the other is the offspring of none other than George Weasley, her dear brother. As she slowly turned, headed towards the door of the bedroom, a flash of dark hair passed the room only to turn around and face her, sharing her same tired look.
Harry adjusted his glasses and gently beckoned his wife back into the room, towards the rocking chair.
"I'll get them, you just sit down and relax," he said gently, placing a small pillow on her lower back. He was always so gentle with her, especially in her current state when she is due to deliver any day now.
"Why did we decide to take in two additional children today, Harry, out of all the days in the world?" Ginny said with an annoyance in her tone. Her two-year-old Albus and Ron and Hermione's two year old Rose were fast asleep in the room next door, she thought, as she silently thanked Hermione for the muggle baby monitors that she bought for Harry and Ginny years ago. The thing had proved to work wonders and became a household essential since the birth of Victoire in every Weasley household. New tired parents were able to now protect their sleeping babies with the silencing charms from their rambunctious toddlers.
"Because your brother can not handle a toddler and a three-month-old infant without setting the house on fire, while Hermione has to handle a crisis at the Ministry. Conveniently, the rest of the family is 'busy' today, and your parents are on a senior-only wizarding tour to Greece. I reckon they just want to avoid the terrible-two Rose," replied Harry as he covered his wife belly-down with a knitted blanket.
They heard the thunderous laughter of two boys and their sprinting footsteps, then another CRASH and silence.
"I better go, before the Ministry sends someone over," Harry said, kissing Ginny on the forehead and turning to exit the room. "Muffliato," he mumbled as he closed the door to the nursery.
Heading up the stairs, Harry was greeted by a brown Labrador puppy they adopted from the Menagerie three months ago. He seemed as if he was running from terror, to find Harry, to report the catastrophe that James and Fred managed to create this time.
"Come on, Angus, let's see what's happened," said Harry, motioning up the stairs to the dog. Angus followed, seeming more relaxed. As Harry reached the top of the stairs, he looked to the hallway to his right and found what looked like confetti, glitter, and broken porcelain scattered on the hall rug. Rubbing his eyes, he flicked his wand to set the mess to the side of the hall, clearing way for him and Angus to enter the room on the left.
There was a bright, child-size red tent in the bedroom with four feet peeking from it. Angus went into the bedroom and headed straight for the underside of the bed in the corner of the room. Harry entered, careful not to step on the variety of children toys on the floor. He could not help but smile slightly at the sight of the two pairs of feet.
"Ah Angus, I guess a ghost must have gone through and broke the vase in the hall," said Harry mischievously to the dog. He picked up two toy wands, silently cursing "fun Uncle Charlie" for bringing back toy wands for the children last Christmas ("They're harmless, really!").
"Looks like the ghost must have nicked these wands, perhaps we better return them to Charlie," he said. Quicker than a flash, the two feet squirmed out of the tent, revealing the small bodies they belonged to. Two dark haired boys began to loudly apologize, their faces almost stark white.
"It was us, Uncle Harry! Honest!"
"Please don't return the wand, Daddy, we won't do it again! We promise!"
The two boys were now clinging at Harry, trying to grab the wands out of his hands, but Harry raised his hands to the ceiling.
"Alright, alright," quieted Harry, "Now you boys know that your Mum – your Aunt Ginny, Fred – is in a right state. She needs quiet. And the babies are still sleeping, hadn't we talked about this?" The boys slowly backed up and sat on the bed, as Harry sat on the small chair across from them. They nodded and looked down apologetically.
"Now I won't return the wand, but you have to promise me that you'll be playing quietly, understood?" He placed the toy wands on the nightstand, two boys nodded excitedly. He sighed, got up, to leave the room.
"Dad?" called James, half-nervously. Harry turned around.
"We're bored!" James exclaimed, raising his hands up to pull his face down. Harry looked down at the watch on his wrist. 4:15. The boys have been cooped up in the house since 10 am this morning, it's a miracle that they've just now managed to break something. In 45 minutes, Angelina would be by to pick up Fred anyway. Ginny's trying to sort out the nursery one last time – though she should be resting – and Albus and Rose will not be awake for another hour or two.
"Say, would we like some small scoops of ice cream before dinner?" Harry said. The two boys exclaimed happily and ran down to get their shoes. Harry smiled, shook his head, and followed them out. On the way out he poked his head into the nursery, to find Ginny folding some more baby clothes on her belly as she rocked back and forth on the chair. She looked up at him.
"No broken limbs?" she asked, smiling faintly.
"Only a broken vase. Sorry love," he said, giving her a quick peck, "I think I'll take them out to Florean Fortescue's, then by George's so that Angelina won't have to pick up Fred on her way home."
"Will you also pick up take-away from Leaky Cauldron's?"
"Of course. Just stay off your feet and relax. We'll be back in an hour's time," he said, grinning at her. She could see the exhaustion on his face. Though he's taken some time off from work to help her prepare for the baby, taking care of two boys under the age of 5 and a pregnant wife full-time can equal to two Auror missions. He wonders how Ginny does it nearly every day and still has time to write her articles for the Prophet. Let alone his mother-in-law, raising seven children, two of which were the second generations of Marauders.
"You're a gem, Mr. Potter, but this is why we have bad children. You spoil them rotten" she said, beaming at her husband. He returned her smile and exited the room to find two excited boys waiting for him at the fireplace.
The hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley on a late summer afternoon was a sight for Harry's eyes. He could still recall, from time-to-time, the desertion of the area during the war. He and along with many of the war survivors had helped the re-building and re-establishment of the wizarding world of Britain, Diagon Alley being the center of it all. With Florean Fortescue's passing, his great-nephew Kent had re-opened the store in his memory. Harry tightened his hands on the two boys, recalling their last trip as a trio to Diagon Alley – he ended up rounding his Auror squad to look for the boys through the multitude of shops, only to find them at the back of the Quidditch Supply Shop.
After they ordered their creameries, the three sit in a booth, the boys eating their ice cream as if they've never had ice cream before and it was the best thing in the world. Harry chuckled to himself as he watched them. It's the little things, he thought to himself. A little over 10 years ago, he never would have thought that he'll be sitting at Fortescue's, looking at his and Ginny's precious, handsome offspring - he just worried over Ginny's safety, wondering half the time if she's still living and breathing...Never had he thought that he'll be watching a little boy full of life and mischief, a product of George Weasley, whom he thought 10 years ago to be in constant mourning of Fred, not speaking to anyone but holed up in his childhood bedroom.
It's the little things like these that were, and still are, worth fighting for.
As they finished their ice cream, Harry left two galleons on the table and headed out, with the children singing him praises about how great of a father and uncle he is for letting them have ice cream before dinner. He laughed it off, and the three turned a corner into Weasley Wizarding Wheezes.
It was nearly impossible to spot any particular person in that shop due to the variants of colors and noise, yet from the top of the steps he can spot George with a bright smile on his face, chatting with customers as he demonstrates a new product.
"Definitely one of the best things in our inventory so far!" he exclaimed proudly, winking at a portrait of Fred nearby, who winked back. The teenagers around him cited 'whoa's and 'where can I get one's, while little Fred tugged on his father's robe.
"Daddy! Uncle Harry took us to ice cream!" exclaimed Fred happily. George turned to find Harry and his small photo-copy, clapping his back then picking up his son.
"Ginny sent an owl to Angelina's office to tell him we'd be dropping Freddie off, no need for her to make an extra trip," explained Harry, "Looks like you're busy as ever today!"
"Right you are, and thanks for taking this little scoundrel. Angie's upstairs whipping supper already! Care for some dinner? Or at least some Skivving Snackboxes?" replied George.
"Thanks, but we've placed an order with Hannah at Leaky, and Ginny's expecting us back soon," answered Harry, "we'll-"
"But we'll take some Skivving Snackboxes, Uncle George!" cut James, his hazel eyes widened with excitement. Harry shook his head as George stuffed three of the product into James's jumper pockets.
"Ginny will not thank you," continued Harry, "but we'll see you Sunday at the Burrow?"
"'Course! Give Ginny my love! See you, Jamesie!" exclaimed George, as he tugged on little Fred upstairs to their flat above the shop.
As Harry apparated into his living room with James in one arm and take-away in the other, he found his very pregnant wife lounging on the sofa with a small girl with bright red curly ponytails, and Angus laying lazily at her feet.
"Look who's back, Rosie!" said Ginny, smiling at her husband. The small girl, surprisingly calm, played with a stuffed plush Snitch, waved at Harry and flashed a toothy grin.
"Hi Rosie," said Harry, grinning at the girl. He set the food on the kitchen counter and let James down, who immediately went to bother Angus. "Has she been up for very long?"
"Not really, she's still coming out of her nap-coma. Al's still asleep, that boy can sleep through anything!"
"Must get that from Ron," replied Harry, as he took food out from the brown bag. Ginny got up slowly and lugged herself to the kitchen table.
"James, Rosie, let's have supper! Mummy should be back very soon, love," she added the last bit to Rosie as the little girl raised her arms to Ginny. Harry rushed to her side and picked up Rosie and sat her on Al's booster seat. He's been quick to notice when Ginny tries to bend down and pick up one of the children, or to reach for something up high, or to lift something. He'd rush to her quickly, seeing as his stubborn wife perhaps often forgets that she's carrying a life inside of her. James sat on his chair and the family began to dig in. The smell of the sweet apple sauce over the pork satisfied the last bit of Ginny's pregnancy cravings. James ate his steamed carrots, while Harry thanked Merlin for the delicious and healthy menu that Hannah Longbottom introduced to Leaky Cauldron ever since she and Neville bought the place from Tom. Take-away were almost quintessential these days in his household, it's a bonus that they're actually food that had a home-made quality about them.
After supper, as Rose began to pitch an attitude because she grew tired of her snitch, Albus made a fuss. As Harry headed to Albus's room, Hermione Granger-Weasley popped into their living room. Rose, as if she she could sense that her mother has arrived, turned her head and headed towards her with a bright grin on her face.
"Mama!" she exclaimed, forgetting the snitch and flinging herself to Hermione's arms. She kissed her chubby pink cheeks and hoisted her up on her hip to greet Ginny.
"Thanks so much for taking her today, especially on such short notice," greeted Hermione, exchanging cheeks with Ginny, "How was she today?"
"She's been great, haven't you Rosie?" cooed Ginny. The little girl smiled as she rested her head on her mother's neck. Hermione kissed her temple.
"Everything sorted at the Ministry today?" asked Harry, as he returned to the living room with Albus in tow. Hermione smiled, traces of exhaustion evident on her face.
"Finally, yes. You'd think that I can be gone for six weeks and the amount of work has just piled and piled – feels like no one did anything when I was on leave! Now I'm spending weekends on call – I took an office job because I didn't want to be on call!"
"Anyway, thanks again you two, for taking her today. Now I just have to make sure my house is still intact," said Hermione, as she headed towards the fireplace.
"Ah, I'm sure Ron's capable of handling a small infant and whipping up supper," kid Harry, as he bounced Albus, who was still in the process of fully waking up. Hermione raised her eyebrows slightly, and with a flash of green light, she and Rose disappeared.
At #25 Park Lane, Horton, Berkshire, Ronald Weasley stood over the sink in his kitchen, wearing an apron decorated with red tomato sauce. Hugo was 10 feet away, happily lying in his play pen, staring at the Quidditch mobile over him. He was an easy-going infant; he was perfectly content with being by himself in either his pen or his crib, cooing at anything that moves. The fact that he was usually so quiet and fuss-less, was the exact reason why Hermione worried about leaving him alone with Ron and Rosie – the last time the three were left at home alone, Ron had his hands full with the high-maintenance Rosie, that he completely forgot to give Hugo his late afternoon bottle, resulting in a very long night for himself and his wife. At the very least, with Rosie at the Potters, Ron would remember that he has an infant son who, as a result of Hermione's disciplined feeding time scheduling, will go haywire when his schedule is altered, even with the slightest change.
He heard a soft rattle from the fireplace, knowing that it was his wife and daughter. Seconds after, he was proven right with the sound of little feet heading towards him, followed by more gentle footsteps. He turned around to find his little Rosie, her red curly pigtails flinging behind her, and his tired wife following.
"Dada! Hi Dada!" greeted Rosie, her arms thrown up in the air, motioning for Ron to pick her up. He obliged, and was rewarded with a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"Hi Rosie! I missed you today!" he said, returning a peck to her cheek, making her giggle. He turned to his wife and rounded her with his other arm, kissing her forehead.
"And how are you today, love? Everything sorted?"
"At last, yes. It's so great to be home," she turned towards the playpen and picked up a happy Hugo, "and how was your day with Daddy, Hugo?" Hugo returned her smile and wiggled in her arms, reaching for her nose. She loved the scent of babies, especially her babies. She had only been gone for no less than 9 hours today, and though she knew that her babies were with their father and uncle and aunt, she missed them as if she'd been without them for days.
"He was very good, just had his bottle and he's content as a clam. I made some pasta, are you ready for supper?"
"Yes, starved," Hermione replied, hungrily. She could feel her stomach growl.
"Rosie, why don't you play some more while Mama and Daddy eat for a bit? Ginny and Harry fed her already," she added the last bit, explaining to Ron. Ron placed the hot pot of pasta on the table as Hermione put Hugo back in his pen, and Rosie already began to pull toys out of her box. The couple sat down and Hermione began to scoop helpings of food onto Ron's plate, then hers. They chatted animatedly throughout dinner, Hermione going on about the Ministry crisis, and Ron about his mishap at the market.
"I still think the charcuterie shop keeper has an eye out for you," teased Hermione, making Ron blush a bit.
"Hey now, I think it's my latest accessory that she's got an eye out for. Who knew baby carriers were such a trend this season?" he kids back.
"So are handsome red-headed Daddies who go to the market," she replied, "good thing you're stuck with me now!"
"Ah, darling, you're stuck with me," he said, getting up, picking up his plate and hers. She smiled, carried away in her thoughts, as she glanced around their house. She thought of the work that went into this house, making it livable for herself and Ron, an undertaking for when they first married. It was not large, and not small, just enough. There were photographs on the walls, on the mantle, and on shelves – of their glory days at Hogwarts, of family, friends, and loved ones. Thoughts of her own small family ran through her mind as she walks to the sink and places dishes on the counter, while Ron charms the faucet. Her eyes landed on her tall, ginger husband, who was chatting animatedly with their two-year-old. He was no Chosen One, not exactly the most desirable Wizard on last year's Witch Weekly in terms of appearance. But he was a man, her man, made and destined for her only.
She thought to Rita Skeeter's recent article, where she nastily spread words that Ron had relinquished his manhood when he quit the Auror force and helped with the joke shop, and when he cut his hours back on the shop to only twice a week to stay home with the children when Hermione was promoted to the position of Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It bothered her all the more – but Ron took it lightly.
"It's fine, love, it doesn't bother me," he said calmly, as she furiously started on a letter to the Prophet to file a complaint for the recent article.
"It's not fine, Ron, clearly she's spreading lies – less of a man…I'll tell you who'll be less of an occupation when I'm through…"
"Darling, it doesn't bother me," he laid a hand on her back, caressing it lightly, and gently picking up her quill and setting it down, "I could care less of what she, or others, for that matter, think of me. Only you".
She leaned into her chair and sighed. Her brown eyes met his blues, and she leaned on him.
"Maybe this was a bad idea…We just had Hugo, and Rosie's still so little," she began to say, but Ron had cut her off.
"It's not, Hermione. There's nothing I'd want in this world more than to be home with the children. And I could no longer stand leaving you alone for days, weeks, during those missions. Here I was, helping to protect the wizarding world, when my wife and two babies are home alone. I think I've done my part – and you and Harry too, in fact, when we hunted Horcruxes and defeated Death Eaters. It's time to take care of my own," he explained. Hermione sighed again, faintly smiling, crumbling the parchment in her hands. She threw it into the bin and turned towards him, sitting on his lap, placing her arms around his neck.
"Why, Ronald Weasley, when did you get so mature?" she coyly teased. He smiled at her.
"Always the tone of surprise," he replied, giving her a small peck on her lips.
"Besides," he continued, "that hag's just probably jealous that she's still a gossip columnist who couldn't bag such a studly husband with a sensitive side!"
As she charmed the kitchen clean, she hugged Ron from behind, standing on her tip-toes to reach his ear.
"I love you," she whispered, kissing his back through his shirt. He grinned at the dishes, and before he could turn to return the gesture to his wife, a stag patronus appeared in their kitchen.
"Ginny's in labor, boys are with Percy and Audrey. We're off to St. Mungo's," said Harry's voice, with a tinge of panic, through the patronus. In a swift movement, Hermione summoned the baby bag and Rose's small backpack full of child-goodies, and Ron strapped the baby carrier onto his chest. He picked up his wand and conjured a his patronus.
"Send word to Mum and Dad, and the rest of the family – Ginny's in labor, meet us at St. Mungo's," he ordered, and the dog ran and disappeared. He picked up Hugo and placed him on the carrier, and Hermione flung the baby bag to her shoulders and placed Rosie on her hip. The four step into the fireplace and floo'd to St. Mungo's.
A/N: Thank you for reading. I was inspired by the recent short story that Ms. Rowling posted on Pottermore. I wrote before, years ago, and just recently started again. Hope you all enjoyed it, I certainly enjoyed writing it! I will continue to add more chapters, please review and let me know if you have any ideas!