A year had passed since the final battle. Harry had suffered the loss of many he loved, including his best friend Ron, and Remus. Tonks had been killed as well. He had been surprised to learn Ted had survived, he had been far underground, not killed as many thought. Harry had been living with the couple for the past year. Harry had been studying some courses at the auror academy, and becoming a dad to Teddy. He had not made any final plans, but was considering teaching at the academy or school. For now he was helping Fred out at the shop, George having moved to Scotland when they opened a second. Harry had become known as their partner since the end of the war. Hermione and Harry remained close, Hermione in law school, and getting over the loss of Ron finally. Ron had died in the end protecting Percy from a falling wall.
Harry and Ginny had been dating since the end of the war. Harry had found himself drawn back to her more than any real decision. He knew in a way it was expected of him. And when she graduated in the summer, set to play for the Harpies, he knew everyone expected a new step.
Fred walked with Harry. "You plan to do it?"
Harry nodded. "I have the ring."
George was worried. "Are you sure?"
Harry nodded. "It is the next step."
Fred wasn't convinced. "You don't need to rush."
"You may need to look elsewhere."
"She is your sister."
Fred knew. "But you aren't in love."
"Maybe play the field a bit." George agreed with his twin.
Harry looked at Teddy who was asleep in his stroller. "It's not just me."
The twins shared a look and they wished Harry would come to his senses. They knew that Harry wasn't really in love with Ginny. They worried he wanted a mother for Teddy, he would look past his heart. They reminded him that Teddy had him, and his grandparents, that was enough. But Harry had always been one to do what was expected of him. They didn't think their sister was in love with Harry any more than he was. They had heard she had flirted a bit the past year. But they worried she would marry him for his title and estates.
Molly was happy to see them coming. She had thrown a party, a mix of Ginny's birthday and for her finishing school. She was living at home for now since the season didn't start till the fall. Hermione was really the only other friend who had come beyond family.
Hermione kissed Harry on the cheek. "Has been too long."
Harry agreed. "Will have to do lunch soon."
Hermione agreed. "I have news."
Harry guessed. "Viktor?"
Hermione blushed. "Not tonight, but yes."
Harry kissed her cheek. "You know I am happy."
Fred had heard. "The family will be."
George agreed. "We all love you."
Hermione smiled a bit. "I know."
Hermione was never as close as Harry but she was still welcome here always. Molly and Arthur knew she had been dating Viktor. It may have seemed quick, but Harry was not surprised at all. He didn't have to ask, it would be a long engagement, possibly another year. Harry knew Ron would have been happy that Hermione had been able to move on. He truly loved Hermione and would want her to have a future.
Ginny came to Harry's side and kissed his cheek. "Harry."
Harry smiled and handed her a gift. "Happy birthday."
Ginny saw the box. "Is this a….?"
Harry was about to kneel. "I.."
"Stop."
Harry was confused. "What?"
"No."
Harry was confused. "We can have a…."
"I am not ready to be a mother."
Harry looked at his godson. "You knew for a year."
"I am eighteen, I don't plan to raise a child."
"I promised Remus. I am not giving up my son."
Ginny shook her head. "And I am done playing second fiddle to a child."
Harry felt slapped. "You have never."
"Are you willing to leave him with his grandmother?"
Harry shook his head. "No."
"Then I guess there is no other way."
Harry sighed. "You have known….."
Ginny handed him the gift. "I will be travelling with the team. I want to play the field, have some fun."
Harry stared at her as she walked away from him. He had heard the rumors she had been flirting but he had not reacted to it. She had known he had custody of his godson since the war. He had made no secret that he planned to raise Teddy as his own. He looked at Teddy and could admit he never expected to lose her over his godson. He knew at nineteen even he was young for being a dad but never regretted it for a moment.
Harry sighed when Fred tried to comfort him. "Who was I fooling? I can't expect anyone to want to date a single father."
An: So new story. Taking a vote on Harry's possible pairing. Haven't decided yet. Draco/Lucius/ or one of Ginny's brothers? Not sure just yet.
