"Are you just about ready?" Ginny leaned against the door frame, a smile playing at her lips as she watched Harry comb his hair down, only for it to spring back up.
"Yeah, I think so." He gave her a nervous smile as he tucked his shirt in. "I'm nervous."
"Well, at least he won't be able to tell you he doesn't like you." Ginny teased as she crossed the room, her arms lacing around his neck. "Don't look at me like that- I am only teasing and you know it." She gave him a quick kiss.
"What if he doesn't like me though?" Harry wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his forehead against hers.
"He's not even one yet Harry," Ginny patted his cheek. "He isn't going to care one way or the other as long as you have toys and pay attention to him."
"I guess. But what if I drop him?"
"I'll use Wingardium Leviosa."
"Ginny!" Harry groaned.
"I'm just teasing. You won't drop him."
"I'm not going to make it through the night."
"Yes you will." Ginny rolled her eyes. "Would it help if I give you something to look forward too?" She murmured, kiss his neck.
"I don't know if that'll help this time." Harry pressed a kiss to the top of her head and sighed. "Let's go then, before I have time to chicken out."
"Oh, Harry." She laughed and laced an arm through his. "Let's go."
The two of the apparated away together and appeared on Andromeda's front porch. Harry clutched Ginny's hand tightly and looked around the front porch. There was a baby bouncer off to one side next to a rocking chair, along with an array of toy blocks and stuffed animals. Ginny smiled as she looked about and gave Harry's hand a squeeze.
"You are going to love him. And he is going to love you."
"How do you know?"
"I just do." She smiled and knocked lightly on the door.
"Door!" The cry came from somewhere inside and Harry practically jumped.
"Coming!" A woman called from inside. "Come here scamp." A moment later the door opened and Andromeda stood there grinning at them, a baby in her arms. He had mousy brown hair and bright green eyes.
"Oh, look at you two! It has been too long!" She stepped out and gave them both a one-armed hug. "Your mum told me all about the proposal. I am so happy for you two! How have you been? School going alright Ginny?"
"Great, and thank you." Ginny smiled. "How have you been?"
"Trying to stay on my toes." She laughed.
"I'm sorry I haven't stopped by sooner." Harry said sheepishly.
"No worries dear." She patted his cheek. "I talked to Remus. I understand. All that matters is that you are here now." She beamed and shifted Teddy, who was peering at the young couple rather curiously.
"Hi there." Ginny smiled and waved at the little boy, but he ignored her, his eyes on Harry.
"Hi!" He squeaked suddenly, reaching his hand out towards Harry. Harry looked terrified and look at Ginny for assistance.
"He is just learning to talk." Andromeda laughed. "Here, do you want to hold him?"
"Um."
"Harry is afraid he is going to drop him." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Oh, ballocks!" The older woman laughed. "Come on in and sit down then. If he falls he will bounce, promise." She winked and led them inside. Once they were settled on the couch Andromeda sat Teddy down on the floor. The little boy pushed himself to his feet and grabbed a toy off the floor before tottering towards Harry, a determined look on his face
"I am going to go run some errands." Andromeda winked at Ginny, who nodded in approval. Harry looked up in surprise and horror.
"Sounds great. We'll keep an eye on him." She grinned and the older woman disappeared. Teddy reached Harry, who looked rather startled still, and peered up at him before tugging on his pant leg.
"Up!"
"He wants you to pick him up."
"I gathered that much." Harry hesitated, but then reached down and picked Teddy up, feeling awkward. He sat him on his lap and was sure the little boy would be uncomfortable, but Teddy grinned and clapped his hands.
"See," Ginny nudged him in the side, watching the two as a smile crept across her face.
"Hey there," Harry couldn't help but smile as Teddy waved at him. "Your name is Teddy, huh? I'm Harry."
"Airy?" The little boy repeated, titling his head.
"Yeah, Airy." He chuckled. "What do you have there?"
"Ragon!" Teddy mimicked a roar and thrust the little green dragon at Harry.
"Oh no!" Harry laughed and pretended to cower. Teddy squealed in delight and waved the little dragon through the air. Harry grinned and looked at Ginny, who had an odd expression.
"What?" He demanded, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
"I absolutely adore you." She reached over and gave him a brief kiss.
"Why?" He chuckled and she just shook her head.
"Me too!" Teddy tugged on her sleeve.
"Oh, you too?" She smiled and reached down to kiss the little boy's cheek. He giggled and squirmed as she tickled his sides, his laughter feeling the room. "You sure are cute."
"He is pretty cute, huh?" Harry chuckled.
In no time at all Harry was on the floor playing with Teddy, who was showing Harry all his various toys and possessions. Ginny watched as the nervousness vanished from Harry's body and he was left laughing and relaxed. Teddy teetered towards him with a "rawr!" and tackled Harry, who fell to the ground dramatically.
"Oh, he got me!" Harry laughed as the little boy crawled onto his chest, giggling. "You might have to help me Gin."
"Ah!" Teddy squealed and laughed harder as Ginny scooped him up, tickling him. He squirmed and squealed and Ginny couldn't help but think that the whole thing just felt right. Suddenly she could imagine herself with Harry and their own child, playing on their living room floor.
"Airy!" Teddy pleaded around his laughter.
"Don't worry, I'll save you." Harry chuckled and snagged the little boy away.
As the hour grew late Teddy began to slow down until he was yawning and rubbing at his eyes. Harry frowned and glanced at the clock, then at Ginny.
"She's been gone an awfully long time."
"I told her to go out and enjoy herself." Ginny gave him a mischievous grin. "I figured you'd be more relaxed if it was just us."
"You set me up."
"You can get me back later." She smiled and nodded towards Teddy, who was rubbing his eyes. "He is getting tired. I'm sure it is nearly time for him to head to bed. Think you can handle it? I wanted to run home and grab something for Andromeda." She saw the concern flash across Harry's face, but then he nodded.
"Yeah, I can handle it. I think." He smiled. "I'll be fine."
.
.
.
"I figured you'd want to see them before I woke Harry up." Ginny said softly as she stood beside the door with Andromeda, who was smiling widely.
"That just makes me so happy. I am so glad he finally came to his senses- as much as I love him, Teddy needs a guy around. I've been meaning to come by more, but this last year has just been so busy."
"I understand." Ginny shook her head. "We'll have to get together more often now. I have a feeling Harry will insist on it." She smiled. "Just wait until Teddy meets Padfoot."
"Oh, he'll just love that!"
Ginny grinned, then turned her attention back to the couch. Harry was propped up against the arm of the couch, sound asleep. His glasses were skewed, his shirt was untucked and wrinkled, and his hair was sticking up like it had been recently wet. Teddy was sleeping just as soundly as Harry was, his little body pressed against Harry's. His little fist was curled into a ball and was resting on Harry's chest. His hair was still damp, but was now a bright blue color.
"Harry must have given him a bath." Andromeda chuckled. "He changes the color of his hair every time I bathe him. I can't tell if he does it on purpose or not." She smiled. "I hate to wake them up."
"I was only gone for half an hour- I'm surprised Harry got that ambitious."
"He might not have had a choice. Teddy is rather persistent about his baths before bed." The older woman smiled and gave Ginny a hug. "Thank you again for watching him tonight. I love him, but it was nice to go out."
"Any time." Ginny returned her hug. "I have a feeling we will be coming around more often now. He was nervous for nothing."
"I know that is what you had said." Andromeda just shook her head. "Silly boy. Although, I suppose he isn't a boy anymore. I am happy for you two." She patted Ginny's back.
"Thanks." Ginny smiled and was sure her heart couldn't swell anymore. But at the moment Teddy shifted and Harry wrapped an arm around him protectively as he began to wake up. He blinked several times and used his free hand to adjust his glasses before focusing on the two women.
"Hey." He said softly, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"You look right and cozy." Ginny smiled.
"Something like that." Harry chuckled and shifted Teddy so that he could stand. "Guess we both fell asleep."
"Not so easy is it." Andromeda teased. "Want me to take him?"
"Nah, I've got him." Harry smiled and carried him down the hall to his room. He was about to lay the little boy in his bed when Teddy stirred, his hand gripping Harry's shirt.
"Go bye-bye?" He questioned sleepily, his fist rubbing at his eyes.
"Yeah, go bye-bye." Harry said softly. He laid the boy down and tucked his blanket around him. He was about to straighten up when he impulsively kissed the boy's forehead. "Night, Teddy."
"'ove you." Teddy mumbled, curling into a ball on his side. Harry stood there smiling at him for a long time and suddenly Ginny was there, her arm around his waist.
"Still worried?" She asked softly.
"Nah." Harry smiled and pressed a kiss to her head. "I hope Andromeda won't mind us stopping by more often."
"Pretty sure she'd love it." Ginny smiled and reached up to kiss him. "I love you."
"I love you too." He gave her a squeeze. "Can't help but wonder if I'll be doing this with one of ours one of these days." He wondered as he watched Teddy sleep. It took him a moment to realize that he had voiced his thoughts. He winced, fearing Ginny's reaction. She grabbed his arm and drug him from the room. She turned him loose long enough to shut the door before pinning Harry against the wall, her lips on his.
"Ginny, this isn't your house." He murmured, although he was hardly trying to resist her.
"Then you shouldn't go and say stuff like that." Ginny muttered, her hands on his chest. "We need to go home. Now."
"Andromeda-"
"I'll floo her tomorrow." Ginny practically growled as she grabbed his arm and apparated away. Seeing Harry in a fatherly position had sparked something inside her. Everything she never knew she wanted suddenly seemed to make sense to her. As soon as the school term ended they could get married and Ginny could have her with Harry. Then they could start in on their own happy-ever-after.
Rating is being bumped up to a M for a few later chapters. I will put a warning before any chapters that get intense. Thanks to all for reading and reviewing :) If you are still enjoying it, drop a review. Might even get another bonus chapter today!