WHAT'S IN A NAME
Revised: September 17, 2013
The next day was not very favorable to Harry. All that day Sirius was in a foul mood, still highly angry about Harry needing braces. He blamed everyone- this time it was Harry. Harry willed himself to keep up a good composer in front of his godfather but it was getting harder and harder, especially since he was supposed to be a tiny bit better at conversations but Harry had to yet see it for himself. Once again Harry decided to stay up in his room all day, which was a good thing he found out in the end of the day. With the distractions of his godfather Harry was able to achieve something: he thought up of the baby's first name like Helena asked him to.
When Helena was saying good-night to Harry that night Harry couldn't help but tell her he thought of a name.
"Oh my goodness! You did?" Helena gasped.
"Yeah."
"Oh wow, that's terrific to hear! Really great news," she beamed.
"Don't you want to know what it is?" Harry had to ask.
"I told you I didn't."
"But you don't have to tell anyone else- I could just tell you so you could have time to get used to it and tell me if you like it or not," Harry argued.
"No, I don't want to know. Well I do but the only reason I don't want you to tell me is I can't keep a secret from anyone and if I know it I'll tell someone else sooner or later and, you know, chain reaction," Helena explained.
"That's the only reason you don't want to know?"
"Yes. Don't stress yourself dear, I'm sure it'll be fine, I'm sure I'll love it."
"I hope so. It's not weird or ordinary like you told me you didn't want."
"Well that's all I need to know. Oh, but how did you think of it? Was it a name in a book or some letters you just scrambled together?" she asked.
Harry looked at her. "A book."
"Hmm… which one?"
Harry raised a brow. "I can't tell you, you might've read it."
"I most likely haven't. I don't even know half the books you own."
"Well do you know the War of Fiona?" Harry asked.
"That I know," Helena admitted.
"Damn, see? You already know what it is!" Harry cried.
"I never said I did! I haven't read that book in years, plus, if I do recall, there are several male characters in that book so it could be anything; and a lot of them are nice names that aren't really weird. Except the griffin Gerrfli, now that's a name I don't care for," Helena said thinking.
Harry smiled. "You still already know what it is."
"I do not! Didn't I just tell you there are many names in that book?"
"Fine, you better be generally surprised when I tell you then," Harry said candidly.
"I will, believe me," Helena promised.
Harry shook his head. "I still think you're putting on a show but whatever. I really like the name I picked out, it'll be a nice name to grow up with."
"Then that's all that matters," Helena beamed.
"Oh- have either you or Sirius thought of a name yet? Since you told me you want everyone to think of a name for the kid," Harry asked.
Helena sighed. "Sirius has."
"What is it?"
Helena rubbed her tired eyes. "I cannot believe he wants it but we agreed to not argue about the middles names because they aren't as important as the first and last but I still don't like it."
"Then tell him."
"No, we agreed to agree to each other's names so I can't go back on that, especially with Sirius being the way he is," she said wearily.
"Do you want to tell me?" Harry asked.
Helena gave him a significant look. "You might already know what it is."
"How? They're a billion names out there."
"Because it's one of the few things Sirius seems to still remember- one of the few memories still kept inside Sirius' mind."
Harry was confused for a second but his eyes went wide. "Oh- don't tell me…"
"Yes, he wants one of the names to be Jarvis still," Helena said defeated.
Harry smiled. "Wow, that kind of sucks huh?"
"You're telling me! Of all the things for him to remember he remembers that ridiculous name!"
"Why do you hate it so much?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, nothing goes with Jarvis, the poor kid will have a funny full name."
"Well he's already going to have four names so one of them is bound to be a bit off."
"I know, I know."
"So, have you thought about a name yet?" Harry said.
"Not yet but I do know where to find it." She pulled from her pocket a small paper-back book titled: The Little big Book of Irish Names.
"You want an Irish name?" Harry asked, looking at the cover.
Helena nodded. "My father's side of the family is all Irish so I thought it's only fitting to have an Irish name. My sister Karen's son has an Irish name."
"What? Liam?"
"Oh- make those two names then. Yes Liam is Irish as is the baby she gave birth to a few months ago- Coahimín. Why not carry on the tradition?"
"What kind of name do you want then?" Harry asked sleepily.
"Anything that has a nice meaning. Coahimín means 'beautiful child' so I want a name with a sweet meaning too."
"Well you still have time," Harry yawned.
Helena smiled and pecked his brow. "Good-night dear."
"Night."
The next day Harry was to go over to the Granger's for tutoring with Hermione again. Daniel picked Harry up as he had been, saying he didn't mind at all that it was a Saturday and therefore his day off. Daniel couldn't help but notice the tiny smile pulling at the boy's lips as they drove back to the Granger home.
"Did something good happen or what?" Daniel asked with amusement as they stopped at a stoplight.
"Huh? Oh, not really no."
"You seem much happier than you did when I last saw you if I recall."
Harry shrugged. "Just happy to see your daughter."
"Aw, well isn't that nice? She's happy to see you too," Daniel grinned.
They went driving for another couple minutes when Harry turned to him. "Actually, something did happen but I don't know if you would call it exciting."
"Well if you want to tell me I'll be the judge of that."
"Um, I thought of a name for the baby- Helena's baby last night," Harry said quietly.
"You did what?" Daniel gasped, momentarily taking his eyes off the road and to the child instead.
"Yeah- oh- didn't you know? Helena wants me to think of the first name for her kid- something about 'bonding' and such, plus I have my own reasons," Harry said.
"Wow, she really trusts you with such an important task?" Daniel asked eyes wide.
"Yeah, I was pretty floored too but she thinks I'll come up with a good one. But she doesn't want me to tell her yet because everyone will be judgmental about it- plus she wouldn't be able to keep the name a secret even if she did know."
"Hmm, that makes some sense."
"Yeah."
As they drove Harry cast a glance at him. "I- I sort've feel strange not telling anyone though. I don't want to keep the name just to myself until August 6th."
"What are you saying? Are you going to tell Hermione?"
Harry smiled more. "I want to but I have a feeling she would find it really hard to not tell anyone else. It might be a feminine thing I don't know."
"Yeah, when my brother's twins were born she went up to Emma and I and told us the babies' names before we had a chance to guess."
Harry smiled. "I was sort of thinking about telling you…"
"Me? Why?" Daniel asked, surprised but he couldn't help but smile.
Harry shrugged. "I want to tell someone what it is and I trust you wouldn't tell anyone else. I know how you like to tease but you seem to be able to keep a secret if asked."
Daniel wore a look of pure amusement now. "I don't know, I have spilled a few in my lifetime."
Harry shook this off. "I want to tell someone because I really like the name."
"Well, I suppose I'll allow you to tell me- if you trust me that much."
Harry paused for a second then told him the name. "Promise me you won't tell anyone?" Harry said, giving him a significant eye.
"Well now that I know it….joking! Joking!" Daniel said playfully.
"You better be," Harry raised a brow.
"How did you come up with the name?"
"It's the name of a character in a book called the War of Fiona. He's this bloke who helps her- her being Fiona by the way, in the end and they fall in love and all that. I told Helena how I thought of it and she's read the book too so I think she knows what it is. But told me there are several names in the book but c'mon, you would think the name of the man who falls in love with Fiona in the end would be the first name that pops in her head," Harry explained.
"True. Well I personally think that's a real nice name that you've chosen."
"Thanks," Harry smiled.
They reached the house a few minutes later and Harry got his dose of math for almost an hour and a half before Hermione thankfully called for a break. She gave him a suspicious look but got up and took out something from the fridge and placed it in front of them. It was a platter of carrots, ranch dressing, and peanut butter over celery sticks. Even thought Harry would've rather had biscuits than veggies he knew he said the celery snack was good so he began to eat it. It was silent for a short while but Harry knew Hermione wanted to say something for she kept shooting glances at him.
"What?" Harry finally asked.
"Huh? Oh, nothing," Hermione said.
Harry raised a brow. "Really, what is it?"
Hermione looked a bit nervous. "So- how- how are you holding up? With- with things now?"
Harry could only guess one thing that she wanted to talk about. He shrugged. "I don't really know to tell you the truth."
"Dad told me you seemed to accept it pretty well."
"Yeah well that was then. I'm sure your dad was telling me the truth about everything but you still can't help but think about it even when you know the truth- you still believe just a tiny bit that something might be completely false."
"Well if you think you know my dad as well as you do then that should tell you whether or not he's telling the truth," Hermione said.
"I suppose."
"Did he tell you whether or not it'll hurt?" Hermione asked calmly, looking at Harry's face to see his reaction.
"He said it might be a little uncomfortable but the real discomfort comes later."
Hermione nodded. "I won't lie either, it does take some getting used to."
"He showed me models and all the separate components that make up braces. They look a bit discouraging but he told me if anyone would be able to go through with it, it'll be me," Harry said.
"Well that's good isn't it?"
"Maybe. The only thing I'm really looking forward to is playing Quidditch sporting red and gold elastics," Harry couldn't help but smile.
Hermione smiled too. "You will look so cute! And I'm sure there will be people who are just a tad jealous they can't support their team in such a way."
"I know. I'm sure things will be okay in the long run when I think about it."
"I'm sure it will too," Hermione said.
"No pain, no gain huh?" Harry said leaning back into his chair.
"That's exactly correct," Hermione nodded.
"Do you know much about braces?" Harry had to ask.
"I do, yes. I know a lot about what my parents do, you can't help but know a lot of your parents' jobs actually."
"That's true. Say- have you gotten any sort of start on finding an adventurous job that suits me?" Harry smirked.
"I haven't tried yet Harry but I'm certain I'll find something. I have several leaflets from school still when we had Career Advice," Hermione said determinedly.
"I'm just wondering because Remus went to Diagon Alley days ago and picked up a book on career paths for me. He knows I'm upset I can't be an Auror so he thought it would be best to let me see what else is out there," Harry said candidly.
"And did you find anything yet?"
"I didn't look through it much. Only skimmed it. But you have to make sure you find something out there for me like you promised," Harry said, waving a celery stick at her.
Hermione smiled. "I'll find something, don't you worry at all my dear."
"Looking forward to it."
Harry spent the rest of the afternoon with reading practice. It was tough to try and sound out words he had never seen before and try to spell them but Hermione gladly stated he had improved since their last lesson. Sadly at 2:30 PM Harry had to go home because Remus wanted to have him do a few chores. Hermione hugged him and kissed him before he left and said, "We really need to get together and so something fun. I love the time we've been spending together."
"Of course, my birthday is coming up so we'll see each other then," Harry told her a bit bewildered.
"I mean besides that."
"Well just ring me up any old day; I'll more than most likely be able to come over. Oh- but maybe not around the sixth of August, that's when the baby is due and well, it could pop out a couple days before or after so I know Remus will want me to stay home then."
Hermione smiled and kissed him one last time. "Well I'll be sure to ask for you to come over in a couple more days."
"Oh wait, you can't," Harry said looking extremely apologetic.
"Oh, why not?" Hermione asked trying to not look upset.
"I completely forgot but I'm going to be over at the Weasleys for a few days- starting tomorrow."
"Oh."
"Hey, maybe you should come with me!" Harry said suddenly.
"Oh no, you go ahead. You should spend time with more than one family over the holidays. Go with Ron and Ginny and everyone. I'm sure they're dying to see you."
"But why don't you come?"
Hermione sighed. "To tell you the truth, if I did come it wouldn't be the brightest idea. You know whenever we're around together we're really- well, together. We don't go anywhere or do anything without one another. And I don't want everyone- everyone being Ron by the way to see us holding hands and hugging and kissing all the time because we know how he gets whenever he sees us. I don't think it's best to be making out in his own home. I mean, if we're with the Weasleys it's to spend time with the Weasleys and not one another," she explained.
"Oh, right. Well then I suppose the next time you'll see me is on my birthday."
"I guess so."
"Do you know what you're going to be doing for your birthday?" Hermione asked him softly, pushing herself in his chest and throwing an arm over his shoulders.
"Not the slightest idea," Harry said, just as softly, pushing away a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Daniel cleared his throat at that moment. "Sorry to break it to you kids but Remus wants you home now lad."
With one last kiss Harry limped on his cane out of the house. The next day Harry was getting a bag ready for his three day stay at the Burrow. He packed into his bag an old checker board he found in the house because he wanted to teach Ron how to play it, as well as a few magazines and his dreaded O.W.L. results. Around 5 PM that evening Harry side-Apparated with Remus to go to the Burrow. When he stepped into the living room of the Burrow he was suffocated by a hug by Molly Weasley.
"Oh Harry dear- I didn't know if you were coming! I was hoping you would though, dinner is almost on and I made chicken which I know is your favorite so I hoped you were around to have it! Oh look at you dear- you're on a cane- your leg isn't getting any better is it? I still cannot believe what happened to you a month ago, with that battle at the Ministry of Magic! I hope you're doing okay. You're looking very thin my dear, you need feeding up," Molly rushed; now patting down the dust off Harry's shirt after he fell in the dirt from the Apparation.
"C'mon Mum- we want to say hi to him too," called a voice behind her. She finally let go of Harry and Ron stood there with a large smile on his face. "Hey mate."
"Hey," Harry smiled back.
"Well put his things in your room then!" Molly barked at Ron and went into the kitchen.
Ron rolled his eyes. "Don't mind her, c'mon; let's take your things upstairs."
Harry nodded and went up them. On the way he bumped into someone- someone who stood tall, with long blonde hair that seemed to shine as powerfully as the sun. Her skin was as perfect as a baby's and had the same pink flush to it. She smiled at Harry revealing perfectly straight, white teeth that shined like diamonds. Harry blinked at her stupidly for a moment then shook his head.
"'Arry!" the woman cried and hugged him and kissed his pale cheeks twice. "Eet 'as been too long!"
"F-Fleur? What- what're you doing here?" Harry choked.
Fleur smiled. "Why I am staying 'ere while Bill eez working! Why- didn't you know about Bill and I?" she frowned.
"Huh? Oh- yeah, yeah I did. Erm- congratulations."
She smiled. "That is so sweet. I am hoping we will get aquatinted again over the next few days. I 'ave meessed you vary much."
"Yeah, m-maybe we will," Harry smiled and with one last kiss on the cheek Fleur floated downstairs like an angel.
Ron shook his head and ascended the last few steps to his bedroom. The boys set Harry's things down and Harry sat on Ron's bed and looked around. "Hey- I'd like to know how you did on your O.W.L.s," Ron said with a slight smile.
Harry bit his lip. "Er- maybe after dinner."
"Why? Is it that bad?"
Harry nodded. "All that career stuff- I'll talk about it later."
"I guess, if you want."
They sat in silence for a moment. Then Ron's eyes shifted to Harry again. "Hey- guess what? My dad's been promoted!" he said suddenly.
"Really? That's great," Harry smiled.
"Yeah, he's now heading the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects."
"Really? That sounds challenging," Harry commented.
"Yeah well Dad likes it so…hey, have you heard of the new Minister of Magic?" Ron frowned.
"Yeah," Harry sighed. "I haven't been getting the prophet but Remus has been informing me of anything that I might need to know so…"
"Yeah, well it's because of him- Rufus Scrimgeour that Dad has the job. He's set up new offices and everything because of what's been going on."
"Oh, right."
"So- how is Her"- Ron was just about to ask out but at that moment his bedroom door flew open and in walked Ron's sister Ginny. "Hey- I was talking with Harry here!" he cried.
She rolled her eyes. "Mum is not too pleased downstairs so I'd warn you when dinner's on," she said ignoring what her brother told her.
"What is it now?" Ron said in a bored tone.
Ginny scoffed. "She's been complaining non-stop and it's not just me who's been driven up the wall! Mum doesn't want her in the kitchen but she doesn't listen."
"Who? Fleur? Surely she can't be that bad," Harry said in confusion.
"You don't know it Harry, Mum hates her, she feels she's rushing into things, marrying Bill and everything and Fleur seems to think she's too good for our home," Ginny said rolling her eyes.
"She's not that horrible," Ron mumbled.
Ginny let out a laugh. "Oh I forgot, you love her don't you? You can't get enough of the phlegm can you Ron?"
Harry was still confused. "I don't get it. Why are you calling her phlegm?"
"Just wait and see Harry, after being around here and around her for a few days you'll be calling her the same thing," Ginny said. "Well dinner's on soon so get down." She swept back her red hair and walked out the room.
Harry shook his head as if trying to swat away a fly.
"Sorry about her, she's just upset for no reason," Ron said.
Harry shrugged. "So- what were you going to ask?"
Ron opened his mouth again but at that moment they heard a voice cry from downstairs, "DINNER'S READY BOYS!"
"Mum," Ron muttered. "C'mon, she took careful time to prepare a nice chicken dinner for you so you'd better get down there."
"Gladly," Harry smiled and took his cane and limped down after Ron.
The family- plus Harry and Fleur were sitting outside that night for dinner for it was crowded in the kitchen. Harry didn't mind, he liked looking out in the distance and seeing the sun go down and the stars begin to appear. It was a very peaceful evening but was ruined when Fleur began making faces at the food, complaining it was 'too 'eavy' and Mrs. Weasley shouting at Fred and George who were whipping out their wands at every little thing- in the end catching a bowl of mashed potatoes on fire. Harry was grateful to go upstairs into Ron's room again with Ron and Ginny (who wanted to hear about how Harry was doing as well) after dinner was over. He sat down on the spare bed in the room that he was to sleep on for the next few days and faced the siblings who were now on Ron's bed.
"Before we do anything mate I have to see your marks," Ron said in an almost smug manner- reaching a hand out as if Harry was already about to hand it over.
"What? But- ohh, fine," Harry growled and dug into his bag and fished the parchment over.
Ron and Ginny hunched together to look at his scores. Ron tore his eyes off them a moment later. "Wow mate, you did pretty, uh…"
"Horrible? I know I did, thanks," Harry snarled.
"How did I do better than you?" Ron asked, astonished.
"I don't know if you did Ron, Harry at least received an O," Ginny pointed out.
Ron glared at his sister.
"I had a lot on my mind I suppose," Harry said. "That's why I got the marks that I did."
"What did Remus say about it?" Ron asked.
"Pff, he's putting on some show- as is Helena and even Sirius- that they're pleased with those marks. They all know I could've done a lot better. Of course Remus wants me to make sure I know what I want to do now that I can't be an Auror. He's even given me this to help me think"- Harry pulled out the book Remus had picked up from Flourish and Blotts entitled: The Many Fields and Careers for a Wizard- 1996 Edition.
Ron looked at it. "Hey, this could be beneficial on my part too!" the red head cried out, flipping through it.
"Go ahead with it, however long you want, I don't think I'm going to be reading the whole thing."
"How come?" Ginny asked.
Harry shrugged. "I already know I want to do something that helps people out; and if protecting people from dark wizards isn't what I'm cut out for then I'll do something else."
"Such as…?" Ron asked.
"Well, Hermione has sort've, well, promised me help with something," Harry mumbled.
Ron looked as if he was a bit jealous Harry had talked to Hermione about this problem before him but he didn't say anything. "And? What did she say?"
"Well, she promised she'd help find me a job that fits me. Something challenging but helpful at the same time."
"You're really convinced Hermione will be able to find you something?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, why?" Harry said in confusion.
She shrugged. "I just think that's a pretty big responsibility to put on her."
"No it isn't, she's more than happy to help. You know how she gets, anything to do with school or learning or researching gets her hyped up," Harry beamed.
Ron gave off a not-as-cheerful smile. "Yeah."
It was a bit silent for a few minutes. Finally Ron decided to break it. "So uh- how is Hermione?"
"Fine last I heard from her- which was yesterday so that wasn't long ago," Harry recalled.
"You talked on the phone then?" Ron asked.
"No, I went over to her house. Um, she's kind of been-been tutoring me…" Harry could feel his face heat.
"Tutoring you? What?" Ginny couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah, in math and reading and spelling."
"Why on earth would you need help with that?" Ron said, eyes getting wide.
"I haven't had help in that sort of thing since I was ten and I don't want to walk around with a ten-year-old's education on spelling and math that's why," Harry said.
"But you're a wizard, who cares how smart you are in that sort of thing?" Ron had to say, growing a tad irritated.
"I do. Maybe it's different growing up as a Muggle but I feel kind of dumb not knowing what others my age know about maths. It's useful for potions and things."
Ron raised his brows high on his forehead. "Fine, whatever suits you. I just find it a bit odd that's all."
" Hermione is a good teacher," Harry said with a smile.
"Really? She doesn't try to take control of things too harshly or hit you over the head with a book?" Ginny said in an amused way.
"Well, she does get a bit demanding-but no book hitting!" Harry cried.
"What? So you just, go over her house every day or something?" Ron asked.
"Maybe one or two times a week. Why do you care anyway?" Harry said suspiciously.
Ron shrugged. "I was just wondering what you've been doing this holiday so far, that's all."
"Right," Harry said a close eye on him.
Ron frowned. "Um, since you saw her yesterday, I'm guessing you told her you'd be coming over here huh?"
"Yes…"
"Did- did she want to come over, did she say?"
"She did. But she thought it was better not to."
"Why?" Ron asked shrewdly.
Harry had now opened a bag of sweets Ron had nicked from the kitchen to bring up. He popped in a mini fudge broomstick and raised a brow. "What's with the twenty questions?"
"I'm sorry, I thought we were making conversation," Ron said looking surprised.
"We are, but you're asking a lot of questions."
"Hey, she's my friend too. She's usually over here whenever you are in the summer," Ron pointed out.
"That is true," Ginny said almost dreamily.
"Well if you must know, she didn't feel it would be a good idea to come over because she knew that the both of us would be a bit all over each other. Hugging, snogging, that sort of thing. It's a bit rude to do, get it?"
Ron shrugged. "I've seen you at it before."
"School is a different environment."
"What- so the only time I get to see Hermione is September first?"
"No, you'll see her on the thirty-first, my birthday, remember?"
"Oh, right. I hope more than just that though, I'm fine with you two now but like I said, she's my friend too."
Later that night Harry set up his battered checker board to teach those who wanted to learn how to play checkers. Fred was the first to be challenged by Harry. Everyone soon found out Harry was a master of the classic Muggle game. Ron didn't enjoy the game as much, stating it wasn't as challenging as chess but that still didn't explain why he didn't beat Harry in the game. Finally, after a couple hours later- Molly announced it was time to go to bed. Harry was more than willing; his leg was acting up again so he was eager to get off it. During that night Harry and Ron stayed up in the dark, chatting as usual, but making sure they weren't caught by Molly as she patrolled the halls every so often.
The next day Harry awoke to bright sunshine in Ron's small bedroom window. He shielded his eyes as the rays burned through the thin layer of skin over them. He was then hit hard in the face with a pillow.
"Argh!" he cried, sitting up quickly.
"C'mon mate, breakfast is on and Bill and Charlie just came by earlier this morning. They want to play Quidditch after!" Ron was saying with a smile.
Harry growled, rubbed his smarting left cheek and went to get ready. Harry, Ron, Bill, Charlie, and Ginny went outside after breakfast to play Quidditch. Everyone took turns in playing the different roles of the team. Harry smiled as he swooped into the air on his Firebolt. He hadn't been on his broom all summer yet and now- it felt exhilarating. All his worries lessened significantly as he dived through the air. For a moment he stood stationary in the breeze, allowing the hot summer air to stream into his hair.
"Hey Harry! Watch out why don't you?" Charlie cried.
"Huh?" Harry spun around and saw an apple flying past his head- a makeshift bludger. Harry ducked.
"Hey! Pay attention!" Ron called.
"Sorry! Sorry!" and he put his mind into focus again.
After lunch, Charlie suggested taking a dip in the pond to cool off. Harry was more than willing but he sincerely hoped his friends wouldn't force him to try and swim because he still had troubles.
"Ahh, that's better," Ron sighed happily after jumping into the pond and soaking everyone.
Harry relaxed against a corner of the pond and rested his head on a smooth rock as he stared at everyone else doing their thing in the pond through his sunglasses. As relaxing as it was he felt really stupid- he missed Hermione. He had only seen her two days ago but he missed her. Wow, is that sad or what? I doubt she's missing you as much as you're missing her, Harry's brain told him. She's probably at home, on the computer, reading, researching, and hanging with family, whatever. Her mind is elsewhere, far away from you.
"Harry!"
"Huh? What?" Harry shook his head out of his daydream and looked around.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "I've been calling your name forever you know."
"Oh, sorry," Harry said not looking at her and flicking off a leaf that had fallen on his shoulder from a tree that loomed over his head.
Ginny smiled and floated on his way. Harry raised a brow as she smiled at him. There was something odd about that smile.
"Sorry about my big-headed brother last night, he doesn't know what he was saying," she said.
"I'm highly sure he did," Harry said seriously.
"Yes well, in a way, I suppose we both know he's still a bit lost when it comes between you and your girlfriend."
"Hermione? Well he shouldn't be surprised; we're going on our one year anniversary next month."
"He thinks he should have his first relationship by now," Ginny was saying.
Harry looked at Ron who was at the other side of the pond wrestling with Bill. "That's not my problem. I can't help it if I found a girl before he did."
Ginny shrugged, pulling her long, sodden hair over her shoulder and running her fingers through it. "I guess not. I still feel a bit bad that he was questioning you the way he was."
"It doesn't matter. I reckon a part of him feels like he should be with Hermione but after what he told me last year, I really don't feel he'd be the best pick for her," Harry said scratching his nose.
"He'll find someone eventually," Ginny said simply.
"He will." Why on earth is she talking to me like this? And why does she keep running her fingers through her hair? Harry couldn't help but wonder.
"So, do you have any plans while you're staying with us?" Ginny asked, looking at her brothers messing around in the distance.
"What? Well we've been hanging out already haven't we? It feels great to swim after walking around in the summer heat. Heh, even though I've been at Hermione's house all the time so far, we've never been swimming."
"What? Why? She has a pool?"
"Yeah. But it's okay, she's been tutoring me so we haven't had the time."
"You're learning a lot from her then?"
"Yeah, loads. Plus she's re-teaching the things I used to know so that feels nice." Either it was his imagination running wild or not but Ginny was making him feel extremely uncomfortable. She wasn't too close to him, and as he already had a girlfriend she was close enough. "Er- I should work on my swimming. I- I don't want to wait around like a git," Harry said and pushed himself away from the corner into the middle of the pond.
Ginny whipped her hair back and caught up with him. "Sorry Harry! I don't want you to leave if I'm making you uncomfortable."
"No- I just- I saw a bee. So I wanted to leave, really."
She looked at him. "Say, since you don't know how to swim very well, would you like some practice?"
"Er- sure. Maybe I'll ask Ron"-
"Um, I know how to swim a fair bit myself," she said not looking at him.
Oh god no. "No, really- I'll be fine," Harry said and went over to the Weasley brothers.
The rest of the day Harry helped Molly out with a few chores since no one else would. (Ron had told her he wanted to look into potential career paths with Harry's career book so his mother reluctantly agreed he could do that instead). Harry had a great time catching Mrs. Weasley up with things at home as he helped her prepare chops for dinner and helped her clean up after the meal was finished. Later that night Harry and Ron were up in Ron's room again talking and playing Exploding Snap. After their tenth game they called it quits when the cards exploded yet again. The boys sighed and sat back and stuffed their face with the same sweets as last night. Harry looked a bit uncomfortable and it didn't go astray with Ron.
"Er- something bothering you Harry?" he frowned.
"What makes you say that?" Harry said quickly.
Ron shrugged and popped in an array of different colored mini gummy broomsticks. "You have that look on your face."
"What look?"
"Something's up."
Harry took a careful amount of time picking toffee from a tooth. When he was finished he said softly, "Er- Ron? Is- is Ginny seeing anyone?"
Ron scrunched up his face in thought. "Not that I know of, why?"
"Oh, I dunno, she was acting a bit weird today, don't you agree?"
"Ginny's always acting weird mate."
"Really? Well I reckon I've never noticed. I don't know, but she seemed a bit, I dunno, flirtatious with me," Harry gave an unpleasant look.
Ron smiled. "She wouldn't do that to you mate, she knows you're with Hermione."
"That's the vibe I got from her anyway."
"She just wanted to know how you were like the rest of us. Believe me; she's been getting a few owls from boys all summer. I'm sure you're the last boy she'd try anything with."
"Are you sure?"
"Certain."
Harry couldn't help but feel a bit on edge about this. "She's never talked to me like that before."
"She's never talked to you period. She's finally branching out, trying new things. Not like she was never a little dare devil growing up…hey, if she is flirting with you, pay no attention to it. She's just trying a few new tactics with boys, and since you're the only one closest to her that isn't her brother, well, don't be too surprised," Ron said.
A bit of that made sense so Harry decided to drop the subject and before he knew it he was in a full-out discussion of why the Kenmare Kestrels were better than the Chudley Cannons- which went well on into the night. The next day was like any other, full of talking, swimming, Quidditch, and helping around the Burrow. Although it was very sunny outside Harry still had a great time doing everything with the family, although getting a bit annoyed whenever he heard Ginny call Fleur phlegm. As Harry got into bed around 11 PM the night of July 23rd, he tiredly hoped that Hermione, Remus, Helena, and Sirius were having a fair time back at home too. Little did he know he would find out just what was happening at home sooner than he thought…
Back in London at the same exact time, Helena was just getting out of the bathroom down the second floor hall looking very worn. She had been feeling off all day and tired as hard as she could to not let it show. Of course Remus being Remus had a feeling something was up as soon as she walked downstairs that morning and had been constantly checking over her non-stop since breakfast. She was now walking into her bedroom and gave off a great sigh as she sank into her bed. Remus walked in a moment later.
"How are you holding up 'Lena?" he asked, looking concerned.
She sighed. "You really don't have to check on me every hour Remus."
"Well Harry's not here so I have to worry about someone else," he smirked.
She smiled. "I know, I miss worrying over him too." Her smile then faded.
"You do look a bit pale though. Should I try and contact Hr. Marrenson?"
"No, no, she wouldn't want to be bothered at this time," Helena waved her hand impatiently.
"Then what should I do?"
"Stop worrying," she smiled tiredly.
"Well, all right. I just want to make sure you're doing okay," Remus said cautiously.
"I am, believe me."
However around twenty minutes later Helena had to face the fact that she was not as well as she hoped. As she tried to get comfortable in her bed, something happened. A very interesting something….she felt a splash of liquid run down her and she gasped- she knew what was coming.
"Remus! Remus!" she cried.
Terrified something had happened to the woman he hurried inside her room. "What? What is it?"
Helena was breathing hard and looked worried. She opened her mouth a few times, trying to regain herself over the idea, and of the thought that she indeed knew what was happening to her. She finally choked out- "Remus- I- I think the baby's coming!"
Exciting! Sorry but try as I might I cannot see Harry/Ginny together. I don't find her interesting enough nor as Harry's life partner so it's hard to write her at times. Ron/Hermione I like but HG not at all.
Magical love: Rose