Chapter Four: Adult Decisions and a Couple Pleasant Surprises.
The first day back at the Burrow was filled with many household chores that had been ignored due to the Weasley family having to go into hiding. Molly kept everyone so busy that when she called them all in for lunch everyone sat down at the table with a tired sigh relieved everything had been finished for the day.
"Well I am glad all that's done,' Ron stated while piling his plate with sandwiches. The others all murmured in agreement. Harry couldn't agree more as he sat down tending to the cuts on his hands which was the result of the fierce battle with the garden gnomes as he and Ginny had worked most of the morning trying to rid the Weasley's garden of the tenacious pests.
Everyone dug into the feast of sandwiches and soup prepared by Mrs. Weasley all except Bill and Fleur who sat at the end of the table deeply engaged in a hushed conversation, which did not go unnoticed by Mrs. Weasley. "Everything okay you two?"
"Yes Molly," Fleur replied in her thick French accent, then glaring at Bill she continued "Bill and I have some news to share with the family but he doesn't want to say yet."
"Well what is it?" Mr. Weasley asked anxiously.
Bill gave Fleur and small nod which caused her to grin from ear to ear; she then turned to everyone at the table and exclaimed, "We're going to have a baby!"
With a shriek of excitement the women all ran to give Fleur happy embrace while the men each gave Bill a firm handshake. Congratulations for the parents to be come from everyone. Mrs. Weasley so excited by the news began piling more food onto Fleur's plate, who was about to protest when Molly cut in "You need to eat more now dear, especially now that your eating for two that is."
"I can't finish all of this Molly!" Fleur exclaimed turning to Bill with a frown.
Bill grinned, "Just eat what you can dear."
Harry was talking with Ron and Ginny about quidditch and had just started on his second sandwich when with a small pop Kreacher appeared wearing his normal white tea cozy beside him. The house-elf had a twinkle in his eyes as he gave a deep bow to Harry. "Master Harry, Kreacher is please to see that you are in good health and have been taken care of by the Weasleys sir."
"Yes Kreacher the Weasleys have been very kind to me and I am in good health. How have you been?" Harry asked as he smiled at the house-elf as he remembered how he has sent Harry a package full of maggots for Christmas and wondered what sparked the change.
"Kreacher is well sir. The reason Kreacher is here sir is that he would like to request Master's presence for dinner tomorrow sir."
"Sure Kreacher that would be fine. Where will dinner be Kreacher?"
"Kreacher mustn't say sir. Kreacher must show Master tomorrow." Croaked Kreacher as he quickly lowered his head, and looked as if he were about to punish his self.
"Okay that sounds good. Are the Weasley family and my friends invited as well Kreacher?" asked Harry quickly to prevent Kreacher from finding a way to hurt himself. He also couldn't help giving Kreacher a curious look. He had a feeling that this once rude, and stubborn house-elf was up to something.
Kreacher's eyes darted among the Weasleys and back to Harry before responding, "Of course Master, any you wish to join us will be welcomed."
"Then it's settled we'll be here at six." Harry confirmed and then asked, "Kreacher would you like to join us for lunch? I believe Ron left some soup and a sandwich or two."
"Sorry Master but Kreacher cannot for Kreacher has a lot of work to complete before tomorrow sir. Kreacher must be going."
"Okay Kreacher thank you," Harry said as the house-elf gave him another deep bow and with another pop was gone.
"Wow Harry he has really changed." Ginny commented giving Harry a smile.
"Hmm, yes he has," Harry agreed. He looked curiously at the spot where Kreacher had been moments ago and stated, "I just wonder what he has been up to though, very curious that house-elf."
"I agree he has been acting strange lately, especially for a house-elf," Hermione joined in as Mrs. Weasley began to clear the table. Everyone rose to lend her a hand.
Once the table was cleared and the dirty dishes were busy cleaning themselves in the sink everyone moved into the sitting room. Charlie had to leave saying he as supposed to meet a friend at the Leaky Cauldron for a drink. Mrs. Weasley frowned but with a kiss and a hug sent him on his way. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Fleur sat on the couch as Bill took a seat on the arm of the couch next to Fleur. Harry took a seat in the arm chair closest to the fireplace as Ginny took a seat on the floor in front of him leaning back against his leg; Ron and Hermione did likewise.
There the women began to talk about babies. Mrs. Weasley was giving Fleur advice on what to expect throughout her pregnancy, and the exhausting job of a parent. "Rest while you can dear once they become mobile your stress free relaxing days are over mark my words." Mrs. Weasley warned, as Arthur gave a knowing chuckle.
"Don't try and scare them yet Molly or we'll never get grandchildren from this lot here," Arthur laughed as he nodded his head towards Ginny and Ron. Ron and Harry each squirmed in their seats at the mentioning of them having children. Ginny and Hermione just gave a smile.
"Yes well let's hope we don't get any from you lot until your ready," Molly said with a serious glance at Ginny and Hermione. All the talk about kids had Harry wondering what kind of father he would be. Harry wanted children and hoped to have a little girl that look just like her mother. Harry smiled at the thought of a little red-headed girl running around the house as he gazed at back of Ginny's head.
"Earth to Harry are you there?" exclaimed Bill with a grin.
"What? Oh sorry Bill I was off in my own little world there for a moment." Harry stammered as he realizes every pair of eyes was directed at him. Ginny's eyes were twinkling, and each of the women had a knowing smile upon their face. The men on the other hand looked confused. Blushing he continue, "What did I miss?"
"Well I was asking if you wanted to join me in Diagon Alley in the morning, maybe head to Gringotts. We can try and smooth things over with Goblins, as I am sure you're aware of the fact that they weren't too please about your successful break in," Bill said smirking.
"Yea that would probably be a good ideal Bill," Harry agreed, then seeing Ginny beginning to frown he asked, "Ginny would you like to come with us? Perhaps when I am finished at Gringotts we can get lunch at the Leaky Cauldron together."
Ginny's smile returned immediately and excitedly she replied, "I would love to. Mum is that okay?"
"I don't see why not Ginny," Molly responded with a genuine smile.
They spent the rest of the time until dinner playing quidditch in the orchard. Harry greatly enjoyed this as he hadn't been on a broom in quite some time. It was great to be back in the air, but he did find that he missed his firebolt. It took them all a while to get back in to their previous level of flying but it was an enjoyable time for all of them, even Hermione, who preferred other means of travel to brooms, seemed to be enjoying her time on a broom with Ron as he took her on a low and slow cruise around the burrow.
Finally Mrs. Weasley called out that dinner would be ready in five minutes and everyone was expected to be washed up. Breathlessly the bunch stampeded into the home and ran to cleanup. Once everyone was present and seated the group dug in hungrily. There wasn't much talk throughout dinner just the constant clinging of utensils.
Once everyone had eaten their fill each manage to give Mrs. Weasley a compliment or two on the food. Mrs. Weasley just smiled stating that it was a joy to cook for such hungry people.
The men had retired to the sitting room for a cup of tea and a conversation on quidditch when someone politely knocked on the front door. Mrs. Weasley looked at Mr. Weasley curiously. Mr. Weasley in returned just shrugged his shoulder and looked at the door curiously. Mrs. Weasley opened the door and greeted their unexpected guest, "Minister, how are you doing? Please come in."
"Thank you Molly and I am well. I actually came here hoping have a word with this lot here." Kingsley greeted and then indicated towards Harry, Ron and Hermione. Harry knew the Minister was there to talk about his offer just a couple days earlier.
"Well come on in and have a seat Kingsley," Mr. Weasley called. Kingsley smiled and made his way into the sitting room and took a seat beside Arthur on the couch facing the four younger witches and wizards who had assumed the same positions as earlier. Each offered a friendly smile to the obviously tired Minister.
Kingsley sat forward and the couch and stated, "If you all don't mind I would like to get directly to the point so I don't take up too much of your time. I was curious if you three had a response to my offer the other day."
Harry had made his decision and but did his best to avoid Ginny's disappointed eyes as he said, "Well I did a lot of thinking Minister and it was a difficult decision to make, but I did make one. I have decided to accept your offer to join the Auror Department."
"Excellent Harry, thank you," Kingsley said his smile growing. He then turned his attention to Ron and Hermione, "and the two of you?"
"I have decided to finish my schooling first Minister and then if you still had a position in the Ministry for me I would be more than grateful to accept." Hermione stated.
"I can appreciate that Miss Granger," answered Kingsley with another smile.
Ron seem to shift uncomfortably in his seat and without looking at his parents explained, "I haven't made a decision yet Minister I don't know if I am going to return to Hogwarts or not. I was thinking I would spend the summer helping George get his shop up and running again."
"I understand Ron it is a difficult decision to make and I am sure George could use the help. Perhaps what I say next will make the decision easier for you though," Kingsley started then turned his attention back to Harry. "Mr. Potter as you have agreed to accept my offer I would like to know that as of tomorrow morning you will be on the books as a ministry employee and will be placed on paid vacation until let's say September. Is that agreeable?
"Yes, sir," Harry agreed dumbfounded. He knew there was going to be a catch in there somewhere.
"Your only responsibility this summer will be to meet with me occasionally to discuss work related matters. I also have your first assignment if you still feel my terms are agreeable."
"Yes they are Kingsley. What's my first assignment?" asked Harry eagerly.
"Good, your first assignment is to return to Hogwarts and finish your schooling. There is no need to stress receiving all of the required NEWTs for an Auror as you are now officially one. That being said us at the Ministry will be expecting you to do your best this year. So Ron does that make your decision easier? And Miss Granger did that change your mind at all?" asked Kingsley as he looked at the three while he suppress a grin while he watched the wheels turning in their heads.
Ginny would could no longer hold in her excitement from learning Harry will be attending Hogwarts with gave a small squeal and launched herself onto Harry's lap wrapping her arms around his neck and exclaimed, "This is great Harry we'll get to see each other every day!"
Everyone let out a surprised chuckle at the scene before them and began lightly teasing the couple who in returned blushed furiously. Ron was the first to recover, "Yes that does, it means I can do both. I accept Kingsley"
Kingsley laughed, "Great that two out of three. Hermione?"
She seemed to struggle with her decision but voiced her concerns, "Well not quite Minister. You see I have had enough with fighting dark wizards and it's not a career that I am particularly interested in."
"I appreciate the honest Miss Granger, and to be honest I was hoping you would say that. Truth be told I was hoping you would accept an open position in the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creature." Kingsley smiled.
"Really! That would be great Minister but do I still get the opportunity to return to Hogwarts?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Absolutely Miss Granger, same conditions offered to Harry and Ron are being extended to you. I and those on the Council of the Wizengamot feel we have nothing to loose by allowing you three to return to Hogwarts."
"Then I too accept your conditions Kingsley," Hermione accepted with a smile.
Kingsley smiled and rose to his feet pulling out four thick books from inside of his robes. "Great now I can give you three these. As of tomorrow morning you are ministry employee and it would help if you knew the employee rules and regulations."
He handed each a book and hand only one book remaining in his hand. This book was actually twice as thick as the three he had given to Harry, Ron and Hermione. With the fourth book still in hand he turned to Arthur and stated, "This one here is for you Arthur as you have just been promoted to Deputy Minister of Magic."
"Huh?" asked a stunned and confused Arthur Weasley.
Kingsley just laughed and extended his hand towards Arthur. "I just promoted you to position of Deputy Minister, and since this is a newly created position it had been approved by the Wizengamot. Congratulations Deputy Minister Weasley."
"I don't know what to say, thank you Minister." Arthur responded as everyone came forward to congratulate him.
"You more than deserve it Arthur and I think it must be time for me to go." Kingsley stated as he headed towards the door with farewells following him.
After the Minister left they all remained in the sitting room mostly talking about the news that the Ministered had delivered. Mrs. Weasley could barely contain her excitement and repeated told everyone how proud she was of them.
Ron was excited too, not only was he going to be getting paid by the Ministry while he was on his summer vacation he would also be getting paid by George for helping him out with his store this summer. He had never had his own money before and was already thinking of the things he would be able to do.
"Well I guess we will make tomorrow a family outing. Arthur will need new robes, and Ron we must open an account for you at Gringotts," Mrs. Weasley stated as if making a to do list in her head. Ron shook his head in acknowledgement.
"Well mum we are going to go home we haven't been to the Shell Cottage for a couple days." Bill advised his mother, he then turned to Harry, "Harry I will see you at Gringotts in the morning." Harry nodded to Bill and joined everyone in wishing them a goodnight as they left.
Everyone but Harry and Ginny turned in shortly after Bill and Fleur had left. Harry and Ginny were cuddled together on the couch scanning through the book Kingsley had given Harry earlier. The book was titled Ministry Employees Book of Rules and Regulations.
"Harry I am glad you are going to be at Hogwarts next year. I was so sad when you first said that you were going to take the Ministry job instead of finishing school. I thought I would have to spend another year felling as alone as had this one." Ginny said to Harry as she snuggled into his chest.
"I am too, love," Harry agreed as he pulled her close to him kissing her lips. Ginny returned the kiss eagerly as she pulled Harry until the majority of his body was on top of her. She ran her fingers through his hair as she felt his hands caressing her body. The heat between them grew as Harry's hand lowered down pass her shorts to the bare skin of her smooth leg. Ginny curled her leg up as he began his journey back up her leg. She moaned softly into his lips encouraging him to continue to caress her leg. Ginny ran her hand up and down his back and through his hair.
"I love you Harry," Ginny said breathlessly as he broke their kiss and began planting tender arousing kisses to her neck.
Harry paused and looked into Ginny's sparkling eyes, "I love you too Ginny, more than anything."
Harry resumed his assault on her neck and received another encouraging moan. Harry let his hands explore Ginny's body. The feel of her soft smooth skin sent chills of excitement through his body and increased the heat between them. On his way back up from her leg Harry's hand accidentally slipped inside her top. Harry hesitated for a moment and when he wasn't scolded by Ginny he let it continue up until he felt the lacy material boundary line.
Ginny felt Harry's hand go inside her shirt it sent softy tingly feeling through her body. Both could sense and feel the others arousal. Ginny softly placed her hands on Harry's shoulders, he paused and look up from her neck, "We should probably stop there Mr. Potter." She said softly, "I don't think we are ready to continue along this path just yet. Plus we wouldn't want to wake the entire house up would we."
"Your right Gin, your parents would have a fit," Harry sighed in agreement as he lay besides her pulling her close to him.
"You're not mad are you?" Ginny asked looked worried at him. "I just don't think we are ready yet I think we both will know when we are."
"No love I'm not, I'm just frustrated that we almost got carried away." He replied honestly.
"Good because I would have been sad if we couldn't have more snogging session like this one," She grinned with raised eyebrows as turned her back to Harry and snuggled closer to him until their bodies were pressed together. She thought she felt something in his pocket poke her and realized what it was when he attempted to slide his hip back away from her. This revived both of their arousal as she moved back further. With a devilish grin and a small chuckle she asked, "Are you comfortable? Is there something in your pocket Harry?"
Although she couldn't see his face she knew he was blushing as he once again attempted to but some distance between their hips but was unable to because his had no where else to go. He heard her chuckle and realized that she was teasing knowing all along what she was doing, "You like to play unfairly do you Miss Weasley?" Harry whispered in her ear, grinning to himself when he felt her shiver as his warm breath touched her ear and the unconcealed area of her neck. "Two can play that game."