Disclaimer: Anything you recognize, the credit goes to J.K. Rowling.


There was a huge party going on at the Burrow. It seemed as though half of the wizarding world had been invited. Mrs. Weasley bustled from kitchen to the yard constantly bringing out platters piled high with food.

While everyone was enjoying one another's company there was one person who stole everyone's attention. He also happened to be the very reason everyone was gathered at the Burrow.

Hermione smiled over at Ginny. "He's so handsome! And such a little show-man!"

Ginny giggled as she sipped a butterbeer. "Just like his father."

Hermione nodded and glanced back out towards the toddler. She laughed as she saw one of the twins toss him high up in the air. As Mrs. Weasley tottered by with more platters, Hermione leapt up.

"Can I help, Molly?"

Mrs. Weasley's hair had tons of frizzy locks sticking out at all sorts of angles. "No, dear. I've got it all under control," she said absentmindedly.

Ginny shot Hermione a sideways look. "It doesn't look like we'll have much time with the birthday boy, so why don't we head into the kitchen. Mum can't shoo us out if we're already there."

Hermione nodded and the two headed off towards the house. "I wonder where Ron is," she mused.

"Probably with the rest of Aidan's adoring fans. I swear, that child is going to grow up thinking he is the most amazing thing to ever walk this planet. I almost feel bad for his cousins," Ginny commented, thinking about her older brothers' children.

"Yes, but you have to admit, if any child ever needed that extra attention it would be Aidan," Hermione said this without thinking. The minute she did she shot Ginny a worried look. "I'm sorry."

Ginny smiled tightly. "Nothing to worry about, Hermione. It's nothing my mother hasn't said time and again."

When the two entered the kitchen they were shocked to find it in various stages of disarray. Hermione began to throw away garbage, while Ginny washed the dirty dishes. Just as they had finished tidying up, Mrs. Weasley came thundering back in.

"What are you girls doing?! You should be outside, enjoying the party!"

"We're just trying to help, Mum. We thought if we cleaned up a bit it would help make things a bit easier on you. You have to admit this kitchen was a disaster area." Ginny finished putting the dishes away in the cupboards and turned to her mother. "Why don't you sit down and I'll make you a cup of tea? There can't be that much left for you to do until we bring out the cake."

Mrs. Weasley obliged her daughter, and plopped into a seat at the kitchen table. "I suppose I could just take a wee rest. What in the world was I thinking by inviting all these people?"

Hermione laughed and settled in a seat across from Mrs. Weasley. "Oh Molly, you know you love it. You miss having all your children wreaking havoc, so you just decided to multiply that number by, oh, ten."

Mrs. Weasley smiled weakly. "But all the same, maybe I went a tad bit overboard. Aidan's only turning two. Now the parties will have to get bigger and bigger as the years progress. Oh," she moaned, "why didn't I start out small?"

Ginny laughed as she handed her mother a cup of tea. "Oh Mum, don't worry. In five years' time Aidan's going to need to have his feet planted firmly back on earth. That'll be the year we just forget his birthday. It will do him some good."

Mrs. Weasley smiled and patted her only daughter's hand. "Ginny, dear, you're a wonderful mother."

Ginny looked down at Mrs. Weasley. "Only as good as the example that was set first-hand for me."

Hermione watched this scene play out before her. It was not a new scene. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny had taken to speaking like this ever since Aidan had been born. Hermione wondered if the same thing would happen to her and her mother once she had a child. But then, she reflected, perhaps it wouldn't seeing as how Hermione would have Ron by her side when they did have children, she hoped.

Ginny and Mrs. Weasley had broken apart. "Where's the cake, Mum? I want to see it!"

Mrs. Weasley started. "Oh! I haven't even decorated it yet! How could I have forgotten?"

Ginny put a hand on Mrs. Weasley's shoulder. "I'll take care of it. Just relax for once. You won't have much time to do that once Angelina has those babies and Fred is constantly bringing them here for you to watch!"

Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Actually, I can't wait. More babies is just what this place needs!" She shot a pointed look at Hermione, who ducked her head once she realized this.

"Can I give you a hand with the cake, Ginny?" Hermione was trying to disengage Mrs. Weasley's focus on her.

"No thanks, Hermione. I'd like to do this myself." Ginny busied herself at the counter with her wand and an enormous 3-layer cake.

Hermione was stuck. She knew Mrs. Weasley was still watching her. She decided to give in. "Yes, Molly?"

Mrs. Weasley quickly averted her eyes and began to stir her tea with purpose. "Nothing, dear. Just wondering whether you and Ron were possibly discussing children at all. I'm sure that seeing all of Ron's brothers have families is making you want one possibly, dear?"

Hermione sighed. If she told Mrs. Weasley that she and Ron were discussing it, that would certainly get her off of her back. However, it would open the door for Mrs. Weasley to repeatedly ask her about it. She made a decision. "No, we haven't been discussing it at all Molly. We are quite enjoying life as it is right now."

Molly looked displeased. "You know dear, you should consider it. You're what? 25 years old now? You and Ron have been married for four years, I dare say it's time. You are not getting any younger."

Hermione nodded. "I know Molly. We've got tons of nieces and nephews though, so I don't think we're in a huge rush. Plus, I don't think I could really handle seven children like you. I'd rather keep it small, if and when we do decide to go in that direction."

Mrs. Weasley looked put out, as if she imagined all her children would want large families after coming from hers. Hermione did not have the heart to tell her that more likely, most of Mrs. Weasley's children would prefer small families and be able to get some privacy, even if it was done late in life.

"Cake's done!" Ginny proclaimed triumphantly. Using her wand, she levitated the cake to the kitchen table so her mother and sister-in-law could see it.

"Oh Ginny! It's beautiful!" Mrs. Weasley's eyes began to glisten. This had happened more and more often since her only daughter had become a mother as well.

"Maybe it's time to round everyone up and get the cake over with. I know Aidan will be pleased to be able to open his gifts."

Four hours, dozens of presents, and pounds of cake later, Ginny was laying in her bedroom at the Burrow staring at the ceiling unable to fall asleep.

If she closed her eyes she would see smiling brown eyes twinkling at her. It was a problem she often encountered late at night, especially when her son was reaching a milestone in his life.

It was not that Ginny did not like thinking about her late husband. It was just that every time she did she was reminded that he was not there, that he had never met his son.

Ginny enjoyed living with her parents, if anything if offered live-in baby-sitting benefits. However, she often wished she had been able to give her son an average family life, rather than this impromptu one fate had forced on them.

Although she feigned absolute interest in the cake in the kitchen, Ginny had heard her mother's conversation with Hermione. Ginny had to admit she was not surprised at Hermione apparent disinterest in having children. Although Ginny knew Hermione wanted children, she also understood her fears. Ginny reasoned that if she had a sister-in-law who had lost a husband due to a Death Eater uprising, she would also probably be a bit unsure of having children.

Although Voldemort had been defeated seven years ago, the remnants of his handiwork still remained. His followers had fled the country, making it difficult to locate each one. As time had worn on, they had filtered back into Britain making sure they were not found, yet avenging their fallen master.

It was only a matter of time before something horrible happened. Before Voldemort there had been Grindelwald. How long it was before someone just as horrible surfaced, Ginny did not know. But she did know that there was no way one could have lived through what she had lived through and not look towards future evil.

As happened every night, Ginny's thoughts turned to someone else. It always happened as she finally drifted off to sleep. The thoughts of her fallen husband led to Voldemort, and thoughts of Voldemort could only lead to one person. Harry Potter.


Author's Note: Thanks to those of you who reviewed. The next chapter will move focus back to Harry and some questions will be answered. Sorry for making you wait!