A/N: Woohoo! Longest chapter yet. Hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 10

Telling the Parents

x-X-x

Harry and Ginny were inseparable.

An early blizzard ushered in December, leaving the grounds coated in a glistening coat of snow. Fires were lit throughout the castle to ward off the plummeting temperatures and students could be seen rushing from class to class, eager to avoid the chill of the corridors.

But none of this seemed to bother Harry and Ginny. In the week since they had gotten back together, the world had taken on a rosey glow. Sure, they had hurdles ahead, but at this moment, it seemed like they could scale Mt. Everest without breaking a sweat. Even the crush of end-of-term exams couldn't dampen their spirits.

Hermione had welcomed Harry back into their little group with open arms. Now that she didn't have to split her attention between her friends, she had begun using her newly freed time to throw herself into her studies. She had even taken to organizing all of their study schedules and lecturing them on the importance of their N.E.W.T.s. Her insanity could not be dampened, no matter how many times any of them pointed out that N.E.W.T.s weren't for another six months.

Unlike Hermione, Ron was not as quick to forgive Harry. While he had consented to hang out with Harry again, their relationship remained tense. And Harry understood. Ron may be his best mate and Harry may have finally admitted that he was a prat and was back together with Ginny, but that did not change one simple fact. Harry had gotten Ron's sister pregnant while they were still at Hogwarts and without being married to her. Hell, Harry was pretty sure Ron would be upset even if he had already been married to Ginny when she got pregnant. Harry knew Ron felt that Harry had hurt Ginny and, being the overprotective older brother, Ron was not ready to forgive Harry easily.

Harry understood. He just didn't know how to get past it.

On the final Sunday before Christmas break was set to begin, the four Gryffindors were spread around a large table near the fire in the common room, studying the properties of animagus transformations, on which they had a test in two days time.

As the clock struck eleven at night, Ginny finally put down her papers with a heavy sigh. She arched her back, stretching in her chair, trying to relieve some of the pain in her lower back. Beside her, Harry caught himself staring. Under her robes, Harry could just make out the curve of her stomach, but he was pretty sure it was only because he knew it was there.

Ginny reached across the table to grab a sugar quill. Popping it in her mouth, she said, "I think I'm done, guys. If I don't know enough to pass the test by now, I'm not going to. Plus," she added wryly, "it's not like I want to actually become an animagus. Way too much work."

Harry laughed. "I have absolutely no idea how my dad and Sirius did it. And I'm done too." He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. "I can't study anymore."

Hermione glanced up, bewildered, causing Harry to laugh again. He knew the concept of finishing a study session was foreign to Hermione. She just went nonstop. Blimey, she even studied her answers to the test after she took it!

Ron, for his part, just plugged his ears and continued reading his notes, mouthing the words as he went.

Eager to avoid disturbing their friends, Harry and Ginny moved over to a couch directly in front of the fire. There were only a handful of students left in the common room and they were on the opposite side at some tables under the windows, leaving Harry and Ginny with a measure of privacy.

Ginny cuddled into the crock of Harry's arm. He wrapped his arm around her and rested his hand on her slightly curved stomach. Despite everything Harry said, he was still a little freaked out by the whole situation and the very real evidence under his hand was both reassuring and intimidating, all at once.

Ginny weaved her hand into Harry's as it rested against her small baby bump. Without a shirt on, she was clearly showing now but the billowing Hogwarts robes hit it well and after listening to Parvati and Demelza gossip, Ginny had been very careful to hide it. Logically, she knew she couldn't keep it a secret for much longer but it wasn't going to stop her from trying. They still hadn't told her family and she wasn't eager for the news to get around Hogwarts before they knew, particularly Charlie. McGonagall had promised not to tell Charlie but, given that he was her head of house, she knew that if she didn't tell him soon, the headmistress would have no choice.

Knowing that they had to tell her family, and soon, was a black spot on the otherwise blissful period she and Harry had been enjoying recently. It had been nagging her for days.

Before her thoughts could run away from her again, she tilted her head up to look at Harry and broached the topic. Pressing his hand lightly against her stomach, she said, "Harry, you know we need to tell my family soon."

She felt his whole body tense at the thought of admitting what they had done to the only family had could remember. "I know. I mean, it's not like we can keep it a secret much longer. The whole world will know." Harry looked down into her eyes and she could see the conflict within. "As much as I don't want to disappoint your parents, I want even less for your parents to learn about this on the front page of the Daily Prophet."

"That would be bad."

"Yeah. Although, on the plus side, Charlie hasn't seemed to figure it out yet so we have a little bit of time at least. And Ron has agreed not to tell anyone."

"True. But who knows how much longer before someone notices."

"I know. We need to tell them. I'm just not looking forward to it. If Ron's right hook was any indication, your family is going to kill me."

"I won't let them."

"Good. You'll have to stand in front of me when we tell them. Because, as scary as Voldemort was, your brothers are even scarier. And your mother is truly terrifying." The slight grin at the corner of his lips let Ginny know he was joking but the fear in his eyes made it clear he was still worried about how her family would react.

"Well, we go home on Saturday and that is just a week away. I've been lucky so far and I don't seem to be showing as much as I could be. So we might be able to make it until then with no one finding out."

"It's a risk."

"I know. We could send them a post instead but I would rather tell them in person."

"Yeah. This is not really something to be delivered by owl. How about we take your parents aside as soon as we get back to the Burrow and then we can tell the rest of the family after we cross that first hurdle."

"Sounds good." Ginny relaxed further into Harry's arms, relieved to finally have a plan. Before her courage could completely dissipate, she steeled herself and asked the other thing that had been bothering her since she and Harry had gotten back together. "Harry?"

"Yeah," he responded, his voice distracted as he gazed into the fire, still caught up in their earlier discussion.

"I wanted to ask you something."

Harry turned his gaze to her, his eyes focusing. "What?"

"Well, you see, there is something I really want you to do with me tomorrow. I mean, you don't have to. But I would really like it if you did. I just, I kind of want you there – "

"Gin," Harry interrupted her rambling. "Whatever it is, just ask."

"Right. Well, I had a meeting with McGonagall a while ago. She has come up with a plan so I can finish school."

"That's good."

"Yeah. But there are some stipulations. Part of the deal for staying at Hogwarts rather than being homeschooled is going to this class that she has put together."

"What kind of class?"

"It guess it's some kind of parenting class. Seems like we aren't the only ones who ended up in this situation and there are so many of us that she has put together a class for us. I have to go. I don't have a choice. Not if I want to stay. But you don't have to come." Ginny glanced up at him, unsure of his reaction. There was still a little hesitation and tension between them when they discussed the practicalities of her pregnancy.

"Ginny, if you want me there, I'll come. I makes sense for me to be there too if it is a parenting class." Ginny released a breath she didn't know she had been holding. "But are you sure you want me there?"

"Of course."

"You know if I come, people will know I'm the father. It'll be awkward and it'll draw a lot of attention."

"I know. But they'll figure it out eventually anyway. Unless you don't want people to know the baby is yours."

Harry reached down and tilted Ginny's head up so he could look into her eyes. "I know I was a prat, Ginny, but don't ever doubt that I'm in this with you. You both are my family. I'm still scared shiteless but I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. I just know that once people find out, once they know you're carrying the baby of the 'Savior'," Harry grimaced at his nickname, "things are going to get out of hand."

"I know. I'll deal with it. It's not like my whole family isn't in the spotlight anyway. I love you, Harry. I'll deal with whatever that entails." Relaxing back into her previous position against his chest, she closed her eyes. "Plus, everyone else in the class will be in the same boat as us so I'm not that worried. They might not be eager to spread the news around right away since that would let on that they are pregnant too."

"I guess." Harry held her as her breathing evened out and she fell asleep in his arms. While she slept, he watched the flames jump and cackle in the fire. His mind was whirling and he didn't expect that he would get much sleep that night.

The next day, Harry and Ginny split off from Ron and Hermione and headed to the classroom where the parenting class would be held.

"You're awfully quiet, Harry," Ginny said as they walked hand in hand.

"Sorry. I'm just tired. Didn't sleep well last night."

"Nightmares?"

"Er, yeah. Nightmares."

"You should've woken me."

"You need your sleep." In truth, Harry didn't think Ginny would have been any help. He hadn't been kept up by nightmares but rather a brain that wouldn't shut up.

As they approached the door, Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and pulled her to a stop. "You still sure you want me to come?"

"Definitely. You still want to come?"

"Wouldn't miss it." Steeling themselves, they walked into the room.

Harry was surprised by how many people were already there. Thirteen girls sat around the room, chatting amongst themselves, along with seven guys. When they spotted Harry and Ginny in the doorway, the room quickly went silent.

Well, it was bound to be big news, Harry thought to himself as everyone stared. Harry silently begged Merlin that the news would stay quiet for at least a few more days.

Looking around, he spotted Romilda Vane, a sixth year who had once tried to slip him a love potion. It looked like she had managed to snag someone else, as she was sitting with a dark haired boy Harry recognized but didn't know. There were also two of his fellow seventh/eighth years, both from Hufflepuff, although he couldn't remember their names. One girl even looked young enough to be a fourth or fifth year, but Harry wasn't sure. Only one girl was far enough along that she could no longer hide her stomach within the folds of her robe, a Ravenclaw who, Harry thought, was in her sixth year.

Harry and Ginny grabbed two seats in the back corner of the room, trying, and failing, to stay inconspicuous. A few minutes later, Professor Sprout walked in, covered in patches of dirt, and attention turned away from the Harry and Ginny.

"Quiet down, quiet down," Sprout said as she walked to the front of the room. Once everyone was settled, she continued. "Welcome. You all know why you are here and I trust you will give this class the attention it deserves given the situation you all find yourselves in." She looked around, eyeing each student. It was strange seeing the normally disarrayed herbology professor so serious.

"Professor McGonagall has asked me to teach this class since I'm one of the few mothers on staff right now." Harry glanced at Ginny, who looked back, confused. As far as they knew, none of the professors had kids. Seeing the confusion on the students' faces, Sprout quickly explained. "My daughter is long grown and has two sons of her own now. My husband died many years ago and I took this teaching post not long after he died.

"So, now that you know my backstory, it's time to get into why you're here." She pulled out her wand and waved it briefly, causing a sheet of parchment to appear in front of each of the students. "This is your book list for the course. Unlike your other classes, we won't work from a single text. I expect you to pick up a copy of each of these books over the holidays and to read the first two before you come back next term.

"Now that we have taken care of the logistics, let's dig in. How many of you have had the pleasure of experiencing morning sickness?" Every single girl in the room raised their hand. A few of the guys smiled, causing Sprout to say, "Oh, don't worry, guys. There will be plenty of opportunities to torture you as well. Today, though, I want to get through the basics of pregnancy and what to expect."

An hour later, everyone filed out of the classroom, their heads exploding with more information on pregnancy and its many crazy and gross side effects than they had ever wanted to know. Harry and Ginny waited for everyone else to leave before heading out.

"That wasn't so bad," Harry said as he took Ginny's hand.

"Speak for yourself. I really didn't need to know…well, any of that. If I was still getting morning sickness, I would have lost my lunch on the floor in there."

"True. I love you but I never needed to know that much about your bodily functions." Harry laughed when Ginny stuck her tongue out at him. "Now we just have to hope the news doesn't leak out before we leave on Saturday."

"I'm sure everything will be fine. Nothing ever goes wrong around us."

"Very funny," Harry said dryly. "Come on, comedian, let's get back to the common room. We have a Charms essay to finish."

By some miracle, when Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express to head home for the holidays, news of Ginny's pregnancy still seemed to be under wraps. Somehow, they had finally caught a break. Ginny seemed to think it was just because the others in the class were desperate to keep their own secrets but Harry was just happy that, for once, things had gone their way.

Harry was surprised when they were able to easily find an empty compartment. Because of the Voldemort's ban against muggleborns and "blood traitors," more students than ever were attending Hogwarts but the train seemed emptier than usual as they travelled home. When he mentioned it, Hermione was quick to explain.

"The war left a lot of orphans, Harry. And other students who are missing family members and can't face going home for the holidays. I lost track of the number of students who showed up in the heads' office over this term because they had no one else to go to."

Harry hoped McGonagall pulled out all the stops for the Hogwarts Christmas party. Some of Harry's best memories from Christmas were at Hogwarts. Hogwarts could be a good place for orphans and Voldemort had created too many orphans. Harry thought of Teddy and how he wanted to make sure his godson's first Christmas was more magical than Harry's childhood Christmases.

As the train pulled out of the station, Harry laid back against the seat and shut his eyes. He hadn't slept well all week. He was too worked up about everything going on.

Today was the day they told Ginny's parents. The closer he got to London, the more nervous he became. Ron and Hermione had agreed to make themselves scarce and Charlie wasn't able to leave Hogwarts yet, so Harry and Ginny would have no more excuses.

And considering how her stomached had popped over the past week, they couldn't wait any longer.

"Harry. Harry, wake up. We're pulling into Kings Cross."

Harry jerked awake. He must have fallen asleep as they travelled south. He rubbed his eyes, the image of the shadowy woman who had plagued his dreams still lingered on his eyelids.

The four friends climbed off the train and onto Platform 9¾. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood waiting near the front of the crowd of parents. Mrs. Weasley bounced on the balls of her feet as soon as she spotted them, oblivious to the eyes following all six war heroes. She was eager to have her kids back under her roof. Even Hermione, who was staying for a few days before heading to her parent's house for Christmas and then returning to the Burrow for New Years.

As soon as the crowd parted enough for her to get through, Mrs. Weasley rushed forward and engulfed each of them in a bear hug. However, before she could begin fussing over them, Mr. Weasley quietly suggested they move the reunion to the Burrow. Harry flashed Mr. Weasley a grateful glance, eager to escape the attention they were all receiving. Taking Ginny's arm, Harry side-along apparated her home since she didn't have her license yet, and they were quickly followed by the rest of their family.

They popped into the yard just outside the Burrow's boundaries. Mrs. Weasley quickly hustled them inside for a late lunch, of which Harry and Ginny ate very little. When Ron shoved his last bite into his mouth and stood, along with Hermione, Harry's stomach dropped.

When Mrs. Weasley stood to clear the table, Harry stopped her. "Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley? Could Ginny and I talk to you?" Behind them, Ron and Hermione snuck out of the room.

"Of course, dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she quickly sat back down at the table. She and Mr. Weasley looked expectantly at Harry and Ginny.

Underneath the table, Harry took Ginny's hand and squeezed. She caught his eye and took a deep breath. Turning back to her parents, she mentally prepared herself for one of the hardest conversations of her life.

"Mum, Dad. Harry and I have something to tell you. But before we do, I want you to remember three things. First, I am legally of age and no longer a child, even if you still see me as your little girl." Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips but kept quiet. "Second, Harry and I love each other very much."

"We know that, Ginny. We watched you all summer," Mr. Weasley said quietly. "You two were really there for each other." Ginny blushed and Harry looked away, knowing what being there for each other had resulted in.

"Right," Ginny said slowly.

"What is the third thing?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Please don't overreact. Let us finish telling you before you react."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes went wide as her daughter finished. A split second later, she squealed. "You and Harry are getting married!"

Harry, who had not been expecting that reaction, quickly said, "No. No, that's not it, Mrs. Weasley. We aren't engaged."

Mrs. Weasley deflated a little. "I see. Well, did you two get married already? Did you elope?"

Ginny sighed. "No, mum, Harry and I didn't elope. We are not engaged and we didn't elope. Now, can we actually tell you or do you want to keep guessing?"

"Don't take that tone with me, young lady," Mrs. Weasley admonished.

"Sorry."

"So, Ginny," Mr. Weasley said in his typical, calm voice, "what did you want to tell us?"

Ginny took courage in the pressure as Harry squeezed her hand. "Mum, Dad, I'm pregnant."

For a moment, she wondered if her parents had heard her. They stared at her in stunned silence. Then, like a ticking time bomb which had just reached double zeroes, Mrs. Weasley exploded.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, PREGNANT? THIS HAD BETTER BE A JOKE, GINERVA MOLLY WEASLEY! IT'S NOT FUNNY! YOU BETTER NOT BE. HOW IRRESPONSIBLE CAN YOU BE? I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE AN ADULT ACCORDING TO WIZARDING LAW. YOU'RE ONLY 17! YOU'RE STILL IN HOGWARTS! YOU'RE STILL A CHILD!"

"Mum, listen –"

"OH NO! YOU LISTEN TO ME! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN! HOW COULD YOU HAVE BEEN SO STUPID! DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?"

"Mrs. Weasley, please. I'm sorry but I love Ginny and I'm – "

Mrs. Weasley turned on Harry and quivered under her fury. "AND YOU! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS, HARRY? AFTER ALL YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH! AFTER YOU FINALLY DEFEATED HIM! AFTER YOU WERE FINALLY FREE! YOU GO AND RUIN YOUR LIFE. YOU RUIN YOUR LIFE AND YOU RUINED GINNY'S LIFE! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU TWO. WHAT –" Mrs. Weasley came to an abrupt halt at the gentle touch of her husband's hand on her arm. Still seething but no longer being controlled by her temper, Mrs. Weasley lowered herself back into the chair she had so violently vacated when her tirade had begun.

While Mrs. Weasley stuggled to control herself, Mr. Weasley looked across the table at his daughter and the boy he considered a son. In a near whisper, he said, "Oh, Ginny. How could you do this? Harry, what were you thinking?" The disappointment in his voice was palpable.

Hearing the disapproval in the voice of her normally jolly father nearly broke Ginny. Her eyes filled with tears and she only managed to hold it together because Harry quickly wrapped his arms around her, trying to shield her from her parent's judgment despite the fact that they both knew he could not protect her from this.

"Oh, Daddy," Ginny said softly, losing the battle to keep the tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry."

Seeing her daughter's tears seemed to have finally calmed Mrs. Weasley. Her tone no longer had an undertone of barely controlled rage, although it was still censoring, when she said, "I'm sure you are sorry, Ginny. I'm sure you're both sorry but that doesn't change what has happened."

"I know I've disappointed you both. And I know we were irresponsible. But we can't change what's happened. And it's not fair to anyone to pretend like we can. Harry and I have come to terms with what we did. We love each other and we are going to get through this together." She looked up at her mother. "I already love this baby, Mum. I'm scared out of my mind and I know it's going to be hard because we're so young. But we'll make it work."

She paused to let her words sink in. After a few seconds had passed, she delivered what she hoped would be the message her parents took to heart. "We lost Fred, Mum. And we lost Remus, Tonks, Colin, Sirius, Moody. Their lives were cut short. I miss Fred so much, every day, and I know it's nothing compared to what you and Dad are going through. You lost your child. Mum, I love this baby so much. This is my child. Mine and Harry's. Life is too precious. I refuse to let Harry's and my irresponsibility tarnish a new life."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes had filled with tears at Ginny's speech but she refused to relinquish her indignation so easily. "But what about school, Ginerva? What about your N.E.W.T.s? You need to finish school."

"I will finish school, Mum. Professor McGonagall has set it up so I can complete the year and sit my exams. Apparently there were a lot of irresponsible teens in the aftermath of the war and McGonagall has arranged everything for all the girls in my situation."

Mrs. Weasley looked slightly mollified. "I'm still furious with you both."

"As am I, Molly, dear," Mr. Weasley said, taking his wife's hand. "But as disappointed as I am and as much as I wish they would have waited until they were out of school and married," he added with a pointed look at the two teens, "Ginny's right. Another grandchild is a gift. And we were only a year older than Harry when Bill was born."

"I guess. It just seems so long ago. And we seemed so much older."

"Molly, we were hardly older. If anything, we were younger. Our children have been aged far beyond their years by the anguish of war."

Mrs. Weasley turned her sorrowful eyes on Harry and Ginny. In a broken voice, she said, "I know. I hate it. She's my little girl."

"I know I'm your little girl, Mum. That hasn't changed."

"I'm just worried for you Ginny. I love you."

"And we love you, too, Harry," Mr. Weasley said. "As far as we are concerned, you are just as much our son as any of the others."

Harry's eyes watered slightly and he fought for control. "I appreciate that more than you guys can ever know. You all have been the family I never had. And I know Ginny and I have hurt you. But I do love her, more than anything in this world. And we will get through this together." He looked Mr. Weasley in the eye, trying to show a confidence that was still shaky.

"I know you mean that, Harry." Mr. Weasley smiled slightly at him.

Silence descended over the group. Ginny could see the battle on her mother's face and holding her breath, waiting to see which side would win. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, her expression changed and Ginny released her breath.

"Fine. You both know what you did was stupid but we will move on." A smile quickly lite Mrs. Weasley's face, causing Harry and Ginny to look at each other questioningly before turning back to their parents. "Let's move onto happier things."

"You're okay with this?" Ginny asked hesitantly.

"Not by a long shot but I'm ignoring that right now. I'm going to focus on the fact that I'm getting another grandchild." Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands together. "Three in one year. Babies to spoil."

"When are you planning to tell the family?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"We figured we would tell them the first time we got together."

"Everyone will be here for dinner tomorrow night. They want to see Hermione before she leaves for her parents and to welcome you all home. Although I don't expect Charlie yet. He didn't think he would be able to leave until Tuesday. Does he know yet?"

"No," Harry answered. "Just Ron and Hermione. We wanted to keep it quiet."

"We didn't want the Prophet to find out before we had a chance to tell everyone. I mean, who knows what Rita Skeeter will do when she finds out." Harry groaned at Ginny's observation.

"Well, we can wait until he gets home. There will be many family dinners over the holiday break."

"I would rather tell them all tomorrow. We can always tell Charlie separately. I was pushing it, waiting to tell you until I could do it in person. I don't want to wait any longer. I don't think I could hide it much longer anyway."

"Surely we can wait at least until the whole family is together. The first pregnancy is always the easiest to hide. You couldn't tell I was pregnant with Bill until I was almost four months along. When are you due?"

Ginny grimaced a little, knowing her mum wouldn't like the answer. "May 19th."

For a moment, Mrs. Weasley was quiet as she did the math. "May 19th! Ginny, how didn't you tell us earlier? You should I have told me. I could have helped. You need to see a healer. I should make you an appointment with mine. And you need to eat more. You are far too skinny. You barely touched you lunch! I'll get you another helping," Mrs. Weasley said, rising from the table, fully returned to her sometimes overbearing mothering role.

"Mum!" Ginny said in an exasperated voice as she rolled her eyes. Mrs. Weasley stopped in her tracks and turned back to her daughter. "I don't want a second helping right now." Mrs. Weasley humphed but silently returned to her seat. "Thank you. Now, first of all, Harry and I have already told you, we wanted to tell you in person so we waited until we came home on break rather than send it by owl."

"We could have come up to Hogwarts. You could have told us then."

"Mum, honestly, Harry and I both needed time to come to terms with this, time alone. So really, we didn't wait that long." When Mrs. Weasley didn't make any more objections, Ginny continued. "Second, I have already seen a healer. Madam Pomfrey is fully qualified. She has even done a full exam already and we got to see the baby." Harry shifted nervously next to Ginny, remembering the outcome of that particular appointment and the angst he had caused. Ginny, though, continued as if she didn't notice. "I have a picture in my trunk I can show you. I'll get it when I unpack.

"As for lunch, I was nervous. What did you expect? I knew we were going to tell you and I was a wreck, afraid of your response. Normally, I can't get enough food lately. I'm actually eating a little like Ron at the moment," Ginny said frowning, slightly disgusted by her own eating habits. "So trust me, I'm not. I'm 18 weeks along, just started my fifth month. I can't even button my pants anymore. I had to use a charm to keep them up. And this was the only shirt I had left that would hide my belly. Like I said, if it had been any longer, we wouldn't have been able to wait until break to tell you."

"I still say you are far too skinny."

In response, Ginny simply stood up from the table. She pulled the loose jumper she was wearing tight across her rounded stomach. "I am not skinny. I look like I swallowed a quaffle."

Seeing the tired look in his girlfriend's eyes as she sat back down and knowing the stressful conversation could not be good for her or the baby, Harry tried to lighten the tone. "Mrs. Weasley, I think you find everyone too skinny. You've been trying to fatten me up since I met you."

Mr. Weasley, sensing Harry's intentions, smiled mischievously and said, "May 19th. You two are in for some fun. Trying to take N.E.W.T.s with a month old baby under foot."

Mrs. Weasley caught her husband's eye and laughed softly. "You have no idea what you are in for. Babies are a lot of work."

"Er, actually, speaking of babies, Mrs. Weasley – "

Mr. Weasley cut Harry off, saying "Harry, call us Molly and Arthur. You're a part of our family. You're the father of our grandchild. Let's dispense the formality."

"Uh, I'll try."

"That's all we ask."

"Right. Well, I, er, have a favor to ask.

"What do you need Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"I promised Andromeda I would take Teddy for the holiday break. He's my godson and we have shared custody. He's just as much my responsibility as hers but, what with me still in school, I can't help out like I should. And this is what I can do right now. I want to be for him what Sirius should have been for me."

Mr. Weasley's grin widened. "That's right. I forgot you were already responsible for a child. Essentially the father of two young children, all before the age of 19. You are in for a difficult year. You've had some difficult years in the past but this is a challenge of a whole different kind."

Harry knew they were teasing him but he didn't believe them. How could anything possibly more difficult than being on the run from Voldemort, willingly walking to his own death, coming to grips with the fact that he would have to be a murderer? And that was just last year.

Nonetheless, Harry let the jab pass without comment. "Anyway, I was planning on taking him to Grimmauld Place since it's my only other option at the moment, unless I rented a room at the Leaky or something. I didn't want to impose Teddy on you. He's my responsibility."

"You wouldn't be imposing, Harry," Mrs. Weasley said.

"I know. I just don't want to be a burden. But now, I really think Ginny and I should take care of him together. So I wanted to ask if I could bring him here."

"You're never a burden, Harry. We've told you. You're just as much a part of this family as anyone else."

"Thanks."

"We mean it, Harry. Arthur and I consider you a son. And we wouldn't dream of making you go to Grimmauld Place. This is your home. That little boy is welcome here. He's family. As is Andromeda."

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley."

"Molly, Harry."

"Er, right."

"And you should invite Andromeda for Christmas dinner."

"I think she'd like that."

"She is welcome anytime. And I think having Teddy here will be excellent practice for you and Ginny. But I want to put some rules in place, since you seem to have broken all the old ones," Mrs. Weasley said, glancing pointedly at Ginny's stomach.

"What rules, Mum?" Ginny asked hesitantly.

"Well, first of all, we can put Teddy in Percy's old room. Percy won't be staying for the holidays, just coming for meals and such. Kingsley is keeping him very busy at the moment. Second," she said, looking straight at Harry, "you will be staying in Ron's room. All night. I mean it." He nodded quickly, not daring to argue. "And Ginny, you and Hermione will be together. I expect all four of you to stay in your respective beds. I know the old adage. You can't get pregnant again. I don't care. Under my roof, you will sleep separately unless you're married. Am I clear?"

Harry and Ginny nodded quickly.

"Good. Now, we will have a full house. I'm putting Angelina in Fred and George's old room." Mrs. Weasley paused briefly at her late son's name. "George can share with Charlie and Bill and Fleur will be in Bill's room. Why don't you go unpack so that things are in order before we get overcrowded."

Harry and Ginny quickly excused themselves from the table and headed upstairs. In the attic bedroom, they found Ron and Hermione waiting for them. Harry felt a huge weight life off his chest as he and Ginny told them how it had gone. Harry had been worried that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would throw him out or burn him alive. Instead, after a bit of yelling, their news had been accepted and harry was still welcome in the house. That was success by Harry's measure.

Now, all he had to worry about was Ginny's brothers.