"I challenge you to a race," said Ginny, eyes steely.
"Oh?" Harry asked, raising one eyebrow in challenge.
He heard James call Al and Lily, but his attention was focused on his wife who was looking particularly wicked. A sparkle was visible in her eyes, teasing him and goading him into it.
"Yes," she answered. "It will be once around the yard; to the fence, the fountain, the swing set, and back."
"What will I get if I win?" He asked easily, putting on a show of being confident.
"… Whatever you want," she said smoothly, winking at him. He hoped none of his children had caught the look, but supposed her promise was vague enough not to disturb them too badly. "But," she said. "If I win, you have to do the laundry for a month."
He cocked his head to the side, contemplating. He was fairly sure he would win, as Auror training kept him in good shape. Then again, Ginny had Quidditch training on her side. He couldn't afford to lose, but turning down such a good challenge would be the equivalent of turning down a golden-brown, roasted turkey for some porridge. It would be a disgrace, and he'd never hear the end of it.
Eventually, his worry gave way to his pride. "Fine," he finally decided.
"Wonderful. Kids!" Ginny called to them, "Count us down."
They chanted, excited to see their parents race each other. When they finally shouted, "Go!" Harry and Ginny sprinted.
They passed the first checkpoint neck-and-neck, running as fast as they both could. And then, all of a sudden, Ginny wasn't there anymore! She had disappeared all of a sudden. He hadn't seen her fall-
Harry almost stopped running when he caught sight of a flash of bright red hair a ways ahead of him. How had she done that? Harry pushed himself to catch up with her, momentarily confused when she pulled her wand out. With a 'pop', she apparated to the third checkpoint and then back to where they'd begun the race.
Harry stared at her gloating expression from where he'd stopped running. His eyes widened when he realized what he had to do for the next month.
"And that," she said, "Is how you trick someone into doing chores. Thank you, Harry dear, your assistance will be a great help."
She turned and left, leaving a gobsmacked Harry and her giggling children in her wake, a small smile on her lips.