OOh the Christmas dinner! I hope you are all going to like it... please make sure you read my notes at the end of the chapter!
Thank you all for the reviews on the last chapter, they were great...
35. Christmas bliss
I was looking at myself in the mirror while Drooble tied the cord in my corset. The emerald green dress I bought when I was shopping with Ron fitted me like a glove. It had a build in corset and thanks to the ever helpful house-elf I was able to keep this a surprise for Harry.
"It's done, miss." Drooble said as he stepped away from me.
"It's perfect." I breathed. "Thanks Drooble."
"Drooble has to get back to the kitchen." The elf bowed and apparated.
I turned around to look at myself from all sides. I was very please with the results and started to dry and fix my hair up. I was just finishing when there was a knock on the bedroom door.
"Ginny?" I heard Hermione hiss.
"Yes, come in, Hermione."
I heard the door open as I pulled the last few hairs into place.
"Wow, you look amazing, Ginny."
"Thanks." I whispered as I turned around. I took my time to look at Hermione. To my surprise she also had chosen a witches robe to wear for tonight, it didn't hold a corset like mine but it flowed down her body like water. The bleu looked stunning on her, her make-up was done perfectly, only her hair was still bushy but that was what she was here for.
"What are you trying to do?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" she replied as she blushed.
"Are you trying to kill my brother?"
She looked at herself in my mirror and broke out in laughter.
"Maybe." She chuckled. "Do you think it looks good?"
"Good? It's perfect, Ron will have a heart attack when he sees you."
Hermione blushed and looked in the mirror again.
"Could you do my hair?" she asked.
"Of course."
It took me a good twenty minutes to get that bushy hair of her to behave but the end result was worth it. Her hair was now in a sleek braid with curly twists falling out of it.
"Perfect." I said as I put my wand down.
"Thanks, Ginny. It looks beautiful."
"Ginny! Hermione! Come on, the guests will be arriving soon." Harry called from down stairs.
"Coming!" Hermione called back.
I took an other glance at the mirror, finally realizing that tonight I was the hostess, an adult job. I hoped that I had learned enough from my mother to pulled it off, at least I had two house-elves helping me and a third if necessary.
"Ready to make the guys drool." I asked as I took a deep breath. Hermione laughed and nodded, she was holding the door open for me. I slipped on my high heeled boots and followed Hermione out.
The stairs were decorated with garlands and red glowing orbs, the hallway was lit by floating candles. It looked really festive. The smells coming from the kitchen made my stomach rumbled, Drooble and Kreacher were out showing the Hogwarts elves.
"Smells good." Hermione commented as she took a deep breath.
"Hmm."
I opened the door to the living room where Ron and Harry were discussing the latest Quidditch results. It became very quiet when we walked in. I turned to look at the sofa and I found two boys sitting, mouth wide open and drool almost coming out of it. I have to admit that the boys had almost the same effect on us. Ron was dressed in a new black festive robe and Harry was wearing the most beautiful old fashioned dark red colored wizards robe. I guessed it was one from Drooble's collection. It made him look so damn handsome that I started to worry about me being able to hold myself together and not jump on him tonight.
Harry got up and pulled me into his arms.
"You look stunning." He whispered.
"You too." I breathed as I captured his lips with mine.
When he pulled away I had a chance to look around the room, it was beautifully decorated, the huge tree was glowing radiant and the gifts were already under it. The room had some comfortable chairs added to it so it could accommodate all the guests and the massive doors to the dinning room were decorated with green and red garlands. For now Harry decided to keep the doors closed and have Kreacher open them when it was time to sit down for dinner. I had seen the decorations in there already and also the set up of the table and it looked amazing, I would really enjoy seeing mom's reaction to that.
Kreacher appeared with elf-brewed wine and some small bites to put on the table.
"Are you ready for this?" I asked Harry.
"Yeah, it's going to be an amazing night."
"Is everybody coming together?" Hermione asked.
"No, Luna is coming with Neville and his grandmother, Andromeda and Teddy will probably apparate here and the rest of the Weasleys are coming apart as well."
Harry hadn't finished talking when there was a knock on the door. A few seconds later I heard Drooble open the door.
"George." Harry whispered as we heard a voice coming from the hallway.
"He's early." Ron said as he looked at the clock.
"Master Harry, Mr. George Weasley is here." Drooble announced as he opened the door. Harry nodded and Drooble stepped aside to let George through.
"Wow, Harry, this house looks amazing." George said as he looked around.
"Thanks." Harry agreed.
George was wearing a bit more casual clothes but still he looked sharp. George took his time to look around and sat down on one of the single chairs next to Hermione. Kreacher brought him wine and soon we were all talking happily about the shop and school.
"Are you going to Angela's parents tomorrow?" Hermione asked him.
"Yeah, just for lunch." George said as he sipped the wine. "Wow, Harry this wine is really good."
With in the next ten minutes Bill and Fleur arrived, followed closely by Audrey and Percy. Fleur and Audrey were discussing Fleur's pregnancy and every second Fleur seemed to glow even more. The part Veela looked absolutely stunning being pregnant.
When Andromeda and Teddy arrived Fleur went into a mothers mode I had never seen before, she cuddled and played with the little boy as if her life depended on it.
"Hormones." Bill explained.
I nodded and continued to look at the pregnant woman and the little guy. His hair was a bright shade of yellow, according to Andromeda it meant he was happy.
"It took me a long time to figure out the meaning is his hair color but I think I got it now." Andromeda explained to Harry.
Slowly the room started to fill, as Luna, Neville and his grandmother showed up. Neville's grandmother sat down next to Andromeda and started talking about the latest gossip in the wizarding world.
"With Kingsley at the helm everything will turn back to normal slowly." Mrs. Longbottom said.
"I don't know what normal is anymore. I remember him already gaining power when I got out of school." Andromeda sighed.
"It's always like that, normal is a dark wizard trying to gain power and a hero in the wizarding world preventing that. It used to be Dumbledore, I suspect Harry will be the one they will look at for direction."
"If Harry wants to be that guy." Andromeda pointed out.
"I don't think he will have much choice, Dumbledore didn't have much choice either." Mrs. Longbottom sighed.
We were still waiting for mom, dad and Charlie when there was a knock on the door.
"Mom and dad?" I whispered to Harry. He started to nod but than the voice of Kingsley reached us. Harry got up and walked towards the door, I decided to follow him.
"Ah, Harry, Ginny." Kingsley said as he shook my hand. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks." I mumbled as I blushed.
"What can I do for you, Kingsley?" Harry asked.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your Christmas party but I have something that might cheer one of your guests up." Kingsley said as he stepped aside to reveal the door. It was still open and just outside were two people, I didn't knew personally but I immediately recognized them.
"Oh." Harry whispered as he nodded. "Come in, come in." He said to the scared and cold looking muggles standing outside.
"I'm very happy you two are here." Harry smiled as Drooble closed the door behind them. "May I introduce my girlfriend, Ginny Weasley to you. I think you have heard a lot about her."
"Yes, yes, we have." The man said as he shook my hand.
"Ginny these are Hermione's parents." Harry explained as I shook the hand of the older woman.
"I thought so, Hermione looks a lot like both of you actually." I whispered.
"Why are we whispering?" Hermione's father asked
"Because I don't want to freak out Hermione, she has had a hard time dealing with what she has done to you." Harry explained
"That sounds like our Hermione. She was probably worrying that we were angry with her or something." The man nodded.
"Yes, she was very scared, even more about the fact that you two would now be afraid of her and of what she can do." I told them.
"Typical Hermione, your minister explained everything to us and we understand that Hermione did what was necessary to keep us safe."
"Well, I have to go, Harry if you need anything let me know."
"What about Mr. and Mrs. Granger house? Or where are they staying?" Harry asked.
"Oh, I have booked a hotel room and after Christmas were are going to what we can do about their house, if we can reverse the sale."
"They can stay here as well." Harry murmured.
"That's up to you."
We said goodbye to Kingsley and thought about what to do next.
"Gin, could you get Hermione to the library, it's her comfort area I think it will be best to do this there." Harry said thoughtfully.
I nodded and returned to the living room, everybody was chatting and laughing. The main focus was on Teddy who was crawling around chasing bubbles Bill was making with his wand. I walked over to Ron and Hermione.
"Could you two come with me for a second." I whispered. They both looked up worried but I tried to smile at them and convince them that everything was alright. Ron and Hermione followed me out of the living room to the other side of the house.
"Library?" Hermione asked.
I nodded and opened the door and held it open for her. Within seconds there were loud squeals and sobs. Hermione rushed to her mother and fell into her arms. It was a very emotional scene, very private. I glanced at Harry and we both left the room to wait for my parents and Charlie to arrive. We hadn't even made it to the living room when there was a loud knock on it.
"You get that, I have to tell Kreacher to set the table for two more." Harry whispered as he turned to kitchen.
Drooble beat me to the door and let mom, dad and Charlie in the moment I came around the corner.
"Ginny!" my mom screamed. "Oh goodness, you look so beautiful, so grown up."
I was pulled in a bone crushing hug by mom. Dad quickly saved me by hugging me lightly.
"We are sorry we're late, we waited for Charlie to arrive."
"It's alright, the evening is going different than we had planned anyway."
"Hey, little sister." Charlie said as he pulled me in a other hug.
"Hey, Charlie, it's good to see you again." I smiled at him before turning to Drooble. "Could you take that upstairs, the green room is for Charlie."
"Yes, miss." Drooble nodded and apparated with Charlie's bags.
"Useful, house-elves." Charlie commented.
"Oh, you haven't seen half of it." I chuckled, as Drooble re-appeared.
"What did you mean about the evening is not going as planned?" Mom asked as she handed her coat to Drooble.
"Kingsley showed up just a few minutes ago. He had a big surprised for Hermione."
"Her parents." Mom immediately caught on.
"Yes. They are in the library talking or crying."
"library?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, I'll show you tomorrow. Come on lets get to the others or they will worry."
I showed my parents and Charlie to the living room and let them in.
"Wow, Gin, this house is amazing."
"I know, tomorrow you have time to look around, the private rooms are only accessible if you're a Potter, so you done have to worry about trespassing." I chuckled.
"So you haven't seen all of it either?" Charlie asked.
"Oh, I have seen everything, Harry arranged that I'm a part of that. The house-elves follow my order as well." I explained to Charlie as I led them into the living room.
I sat down next to Luna. I did that on purpose, it was my way to drawing Charlie's attention to Luna. I think it worked because he sat down in the chair next to her.
"Where is Harry?" Neville asked.
"In the kitchen, we have two extra guests and he went to inform Kreacher."
"Oh, who is coming?" Luna asked.
"Hermione's parents, Kingsley came by to drop them off."
"I thought they were in Australia." Neville said.
"Yeah, they were but Kingsley's men were able to track them down. It's been quite the emotional ride for Hermione. I think it will take a while before they return from the library."
Harry returned after five minutes followed by Kreacher and Drooble who were serving out some extra one bite dishes. The wine flowed freely and the sounds reached top level.
Suddenly I felt something pull at my dress, as I looked down I saw little tuffs of yellow hair.
"Hey little guy." I said as I pulled Teddy onto my lap. Slowly his hair colored purple.
"He's getting hungry." Andromeda said as she saw his hair change.
"Useful, that hair color system." I nodded. "Kreacher!" I called.
"Yes, Miss."
"This little guy is hungry, could you make a bottle for him." I asked.
"Of course." And with a pop he disappeared.
I held Teddy in my arms as I talked to Neville about his training for becoming a teacher, he was so proud of himself and really happy that everybody supported him. Every now and than I glanced at Harry, he was talking with Bill but had his eyes on me. There was something in his eyes that made me stir.
I glanced around the room to look what everybody was doing, as I expected Neville's gran and Andromeda were chatting and gossiping away, also as I hoped and a little expected Luna and Charlie were actively discussing magical creatures, Audrey, Fleur and mom were looking at me, just as strangely as Harry, while the boys all talked and drank loudly.
It was a special evening, it was nice and I hoped that Hermione and Ron would return quickly.
Kreacher returned with a bottle for Teddy and handed it to me. I wanted to pass him on to Fleur or Andromeda but they were busy talking.
"What's wrong, mistress Weasley?" kreacher asked.
"I don't know how to feed him." I whispered.
"Kreacher will show you, Kreacher fed master Regulus and master Sirius when they were little."
I nodded and the house elf climbed up the chair next to me. He showed me how to hold Teddy and hold the bottle, in a whispering voice he explained what to watch out for. It was actually really sweet of the elf to do all that.
I was so focused on what Kreacher was showing and telling that I didn't notice that the whole room had gone quiet. When Teddy finally took the bottle and I held him, I smiled down. I heard somebody sniffle and I looked up, I was met by my mothers proud eyes.
"Mom, you know that this is Teddy, right. Not my own child." I muttered and the whole room erupted in laughter.
"What's so funny?" Somebody asked from the door.
"Your mother, Ron." George laughed.
"And your sister." Charlie chuckled.
Ron looked up at my and saw Teddy in my arms, props for him to immediately catching on.
"Mom, I like to think that Ginny is still too young for even thinking about having babies." He chuckled.
"Harry?" A red eyed Hermione asked.
"Yes."
"Is it alright that…"
"Yes."
"and is there room…"
"Yes."
"Harry let the girl finish." My mom chided.
Harry smiled at her and than turned to Hermione.
"Yes, it is alright for your parents to stay here, I have already promised them that, Drooble is already preparing the last guest bedroom, and yes, Kreacher has already set the table for two extra."
Hermione swooped down and kissed Harry on his cheek.
"Thank you, that it so wonderful."
"As long as you are happy." Harry whispered to her.
Hermione´s parents settled next to my mom and dad, where my dad did his part in his hospitality and draw in John Granger into a conversation about muggles.
"Mistress Weasley, Kreacher has dinner ready, shall I take the baby upstairs and Drooble serve dinner?" Kreacher asked after I finished feeding Teddy.
"Yes, I think we are all very hungry." I nodded. The small elf lifted the drowsing Teddy in his gentle arms and took his upstairs.
"Where's he going with Teddy?" Andromeda asked.
"He's taking Teddy upstairs to sleep." I said as I got up. "Harry, Drooble is ready to serve dinner."
"About time, I'm hungry." Ron groaned.
Everybody laughed at the comment that was so typical Ron. Harry got up as well, he reached for my hand and pulled me towards the door to the dinning room.
"You look so damn beautiful, I have a hard time keeping my hands to myself." Harry whispered as we reached the door.
"You are not the only one having those kind of difficulty, mister I-look-to-handsome-for-my-own-good." I chuckled.
The rest of the guest followed us and Drooble opened the doors to a splendid decorated dinning table. I think everybody gasped and I heard my dad muttered something like 'so useful, magic' and I heard John Granger agree with him.
I turned to watch my mother, her eyes were wide and her mouth hanging slightly open.
The decorations were festive and really romantic. I felt the butterflies racing through my stomach when Harry helped me in my chair. He was turning into the perfect gentlemen when he was in this house, I had the feeling it had something to do with the house itself, it just held a sort of grown up magic. Even I felt it, it was like when you stayed here normal behavior wasn't good enough, normal dress clothes weren't good enough. It gave you a feeling of grandeur.
Once the whole group was seated I looked around, Kreacher had sat up the table perfectly and appointed places on my wish, I had only Luna and Charlie in mind and wanted them to be seated together but the whole seating plan worked out perfectly. Ron was sitting next to Harry, with Hermione beside him, her parents next to her, followed by mom and dad, than Percy and Audrey, Bill and Fleur, Andromeda and Neville's grandmother, Neville next to her, and Luna and Charlie next to George who was sitting next to me. It was perfect.
The soup and the main course were delicious and while the wine flowed freely I watched our guests being happy. It had been a very long time since we all felt happy during the Christmas holidays. Still, I saw mom glancing at George a few times, every time she did that her face fell a bit, I was sure she was missing Fred and I started to wish that we would have told her about Fred's spirit still being at the shop.
"George?" I whispered.
"Yes."
"When are you going to tell mom and dad?"
"About what?"
"About Fred?" I hissed.
"Oh that, I have invited them over tomorrow evening to have dinner with me, uhm us."
"You are going to tell her tomorrow?"
"Yes, it will be a Christmas gift. I thought that would be good."
"Just don't expect her to be happy in the beginning." Harry whispered. It was clear he had been listening to us.
"Why not?" George asked.
"Well, I think that she will be happy to be able to talk to him and everything but maybe she also hoped that he has happily moved on. I think it will be very strange for her."
George thought about this for a while, he looked worried at his mother.
"Do you think she'll be able to handle it, I mean, I was shocked the living daylights out of me when I saw him."
"Yeah, she's a strong woman." Harry nodded. I agreed with him, mom had been through a lot with out a pause, she would be able to deal with this as well.
Drooble and Kreacher took the plates away and cleared the table of the main course. I knew that they had made a beautiful Christmas desert and I couldn't wait put my teeth into that but before the house-elves returned the music was turned down. Much to my mom's annoyance as she was just starting to sing along with one of her favorite Christmas tunes. I was sure I saw Fleur sighed relieved.
I looked around to see who had turned the music down, the elves wouldn't have dared and there was no one close to the radio. From the corner of my eyes I saw Ron putting his wand back into his pocket.
I turned to look at Ron, he looked pale and a bit sweaty. Suddenly he stood up.
"May I?" He asked and everybody fell quiet. Harry grabbed my hand under the table and squeezed it, he knew. Damn Ron, couldn't keep his mouth shut while I had been bursting at the seams with keeping it in.
Everybody turned to Ron, which made him blush slightly.
"Now, I know this is Harry's and Ginny's party and as best friend and brother I should tell them thanks for the fantastic food and hospitality but they know how I feel about food so I'm not going to waste any time on that."
Everybody chuckled, while Harry nodded and smiled at his friend.
"I know I'm going about this a bit different, I'm sorry Mr. Granger, I should have asked you first but due known circumstances I couldn't and I just can't wait any longer to ask this. I have to admit that the two of you being here make this all the more perfect."
Ron stepped around his chair and Drooble hurried to get it out the way. Every eye in this house was on him, even all the inhabitants of the pictures and paintings were looking on. His hand drifted to his pocket and I saw him pull out the small dark blue box. Hermione looked up at her boyfriend very confused. Ron reached out for her hand and kissed it softly.
"Hermione, I know you are sometimes willing to kill me, I know sometimes I annoy you more than anything but I also know that you love me, you have told me so many times and I love you… more…than…any…thing." Ron took a deep breath to fight off the emotions.
"We…we have been…through…so…much together. I…don't think I can…I can ever forget the screams in the manor or the fear of losing you I felt during the battle."
He shook his head and closed his eyes for a second. Than without warning he dropped to one knee and the whole room gasped.
"Hermione, will you please be with me forever? Will you marry me?" He rushed the words out like they were burning him. Slowly he opened the box and revealed the ring. Hermione sat quivering in her chair, one hand in Ron's and the other slowly reaching out to him, tears were rolling down her face and her lips was trembling. I saw her mouth opening a few times to say something but no sound come out. I think she realized it herself and opted for just nodding.
Ron smiled and pulled her in his arms while the whole room erupted in cheers and catcalls. Sealing it with a deep kiss Hermione and Ron were apparently blissfully unaware of the commotion. After a minute or two they broke apart and Ron slid the ring over her finger.
"It fits." Hermione breathed.
"Always a hint of surprise." Ron whispered and Hermione chuckled. With in seconds my mom had her arms around the two of them and was hugging them closely. We all laughed as Ron tried to wiggled himself from her embrace. Hermione's parents followed next, her mother was crying and even her dad looked emotional.
"Never thought to see that happen, bro." George said and turned to Hermione. "Are you sure, you could have a adult version of this kid in Charlie."
Hermione just hit him on the shoulder and laughed. She looked so happy, almost as glowing as Fleur.
"Eets, great, Hermione, you are going to be my sister as well." Fleur laughed as she hugged her.
"I'm really happy for the both of you." Harry whispered as he pulled them both in a hug.
I congratulated them both, like Fleur I was excited to have Hermione as an official sister.
It took a while for the table to settle down, jokes were flying around and wedding dresses were already discussed. Luckily Hermione wasn't the one to rush into something and told my mom and her mom very clearly that she wanted to finished school and find a job first and than marry. When everybody sat down again Kreacher and Drooble appeared with desert. For everybody they made a small ice-cream filled chocolate cake which was decorated with small snowmen. In front of Ron and Hermione they placed one big plate with a cake that looked a hell of a lot like a wedding cake only very small. Written in golden letters was, Congratulations from Kreacher, Drooble and Trinkle'. It was really cute and Harry smiled with approval at the two elves. Hermione overcome with emotions got up and kissed both elves on the top of their head. I didn't think I would ever see the day a house-elf blushed.
"Our gift for her is going to be perfect." Harry hissed in my ear. I nodded, I could so see Ron and Hermione living in that house, raising bushy red heads.
When the elves cleared away the plates and cleaned the table Harry got up. Everybody fell quiet again, looking expectant.
"No, I'm not going to do that, although I can not wait for the moment I get my chance." Harry smiled as he glanced down at me, his eyes beaming wickedly. Suddenly I realized that he had a plan, that he knew exactly when he was going to pop the question.
"I want to thank you all for coming. I know we all have a very hard year, we have lost so much to gain some sort of freedom that this party could have easily been skipped and ignored and I wouldn't have blamed any one of you for doing that. Thanks to Ginny, who came up with the idea, and the help of my elves it has been a wonderful evening of memory and future. I dare say a happy future."
He smiled to Ron and Hermione and raised his glass.
"To a happy future, starting with you two getting engaged" Harry toasted.
"To a happy future." Everybody called out.
"I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Granger for agreeing to come home. I know you two must have been really confused when Kingsley showed up and I know you have a lot to work out but you can stay here as long as you need, Drooble will be very happy to take care of you. You two being here in my parents house, with pictures of Remus, Tonks and Sirius on the wall, makes this family feel complete and it makes Hermione very happy. "
Both Granger smiled thankfully at Harry.
"Now, I invite you all to join us in the living room to continue this party, for those who are ready to go home or go to sleep feel free to leave. The rooms upstairs are all magically silenced so you won't hear the sounds from downstairs."
Everybody nodded and got up to make their way to the living room where one of the elves had turned the music up a bit, everybody was chatting happily. Harry and I remained behind, watching our guests being happy.
"I could get used to this." I breathed.
"To what?"
"Being grown-up. Having a man that is grown-up and having guests over like this. Live our lives like this."
"Hmm, I know what you mean, somehow this house brings out the best in me."
"In the both of us." I nodded.
"I love you, you know that right?" Harry asked as he turned to me.
"Yeah, you only repeat it every two minutes, but why do you ask?"
His hand cupped my face and he kissed me lightly.
"It's just, when I got up it felt like everybody was expecting a re-run of Ron's scene, I saw it even flash in your eyes. I don't want you to feel like I don't love you enough to do that."
"It's okay Harry, I know you have something planned, I saw it."
He smiled and kissed me again.
"I have, I really have." He chuckled.
"And it will be grand." I moaned.
"Oh yes." He smiled and got up. He held out his hand to help me up and pulled me in a hug.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress."
"You have." I chuckled.
" Do you mind me repeating it until I pull it of your body and tell you that you look better naked?"
I laughed and kissed him. My stomach quivered in anticipation but I knew it would have to wait.
"It will be a while when you can say that."
Harry laughed and made to move to the living room when his head suddenly snapped towards the window. He looked out and squinted his eyes.
"What is it?" I asked nervously.
"I…I think you were right about Charlie and Luna." He chuckled.
I gasped and ran to the window. In the large orchard were Kreacher had put up candles and mistletoe I saw Luna and Charlie walking, holding hands and laughing happily. Suddenly I saw Charlie stop and look up, mistletoe. He leaned down and pulled Luna into a sweet looking kiss.
"Oh." I squealed.
"My little matchmaker in the making." Harry chuckled as he pulled me away from the window.
The party in the living room was already in full swing when we closed the doors behind us. George and Bill were singing along with the weird Wizards, the ladies sat gossiping in the corner while Percy, Ron and dad were discussing the newest law changes. Neville was talking to Hermione, I overheard him talking about Susan.
"So you are in love with her?" Hermione asked.
"Dunno, maybe, she's great, smart and funny but I don't think she likes the idea of me teaching at Hogwarts. It's quite a pressing job and you have to stay there for the whole school year."
"Yes, but you have to consider what you want and I don't think it's required to stay there every night."
"Maybe your right, I'll think about it but for now I'm enjoying time with Susan."
"Ginny?"
I turned around to see Fleur next to me.
"Oh, hi Fleur, are you enjoying yourself?"
"Oh yes, it's a brilliant party. This house is so pretty and the gardens are so massive."
"Yeah, I really love this house."
Fleur nodded.
"Can I asked you something?" she asked.
"Anything."
"About you and Harry,… you looked sort of disappointed when e didn't proposed."
"What? Oh no, Fleur, you got that wrong. Harry would have done that with my birthday if he got the chance but I held it off."
"You don't want…?"
"No, I want too, some day, just not yet. I like being the grown-up here and give a good party and be a good hostess but marriage is something different, besides Harry already has a plan how to pop the question."
"Does e?"
"He says so."
Fleur chuckled.
"How are you doing Fleur?"
"Good, very tired but good. You mom knew something to help me with the morning sickness."
"Were you very sick?"
"No but eet was annoying, especially when I had to work. I was always late." Fleur sighed as she shook her long hair.
"Do you know if it's going to be a boy or a girl?"
"No, my mum says eet will be a girl but Bill is hoping for a boy."
"A girl would be nice, I'm the only real Weasley girl, I need some support."
Fleur laughed freely. "I'll try." She chuckled. "You looked good with a baby in your arms, little Teddy is so cute."
I blushed but nodded. "it's a cute boy, he is Harry's godson so I take it that I will have to do some mothering in the future as well."
"Yes but I saw the house-elf doing a good job, e can do it for you."
"Nah, Kreacher is great but I want to be a part in Teddy's life. I'll become aunt Ginny. I have to get used to that anyway." I says as I nodded towards her growing belly.
Soon after that conversation the older part of the group left, Percy and Audrey were expected to arrive early at her parents next morning, mom and dad claimed to be tired and Fleur wasn't able to stay awake much longer either so Bill took her home. Very conveniently Charlie and Luna slipped into the room as Bill and Fleur left.
"Bro, where have you been." George called a bit drunk as he spotted Charlie.
"Outside, enjoying the beautiful gardens."
"And my fellow D.A. member, I guess." George chuckled. Charlie and Luna both blushed a bit but they didn't gave into George's baiting.
"Harry, I have to go as well, Teddy will need feeding soon."
"I'll ask Kreacher to get him." Harry nodded and walked towards the kitchen. It took him longer than I though to return but when the door opened Kreacher walked in, followed by Harry who was holding Teddy close to his chest. In his free hand he was holding a bottle.
"Teddy was already awake, Kreacher was feeding him." Harry explained as he sat down on the sofa. I felt my legs go weak as I watched Harry feeding the little boy. He was whispering things to Teddy, I heard Remus and Tonk's names repeated regularly. It was like Harry was telling Teddy about his parents. Andromeda got up and sat down next to Harry, she wrapped her arm around him and they both looked down at the baby.
"He will know how great his parents were." Harry whispered.
"Yes, I'm hoping you will tell him all you know about Remus." Andromeda nodded.
"I will, as much as he wants to hear it."
I laid my hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed him softly. He looked up at me, his eyes were so sad, they were full of hurt and sadness for the little guy.
"You'll be a great godfather, Harry, the only real link he has to his father. Together we will take care of him." I whispered. Harry smiled at me and turned his eyes back the Teddy. He had finished his bottle and Kreacher took it from Harry.
"I'll take him home before he falls asleep again." Andromeda said. "he gets cranky when he is woken up to early and apparating wakes him up."
Harry handed Teddy back to Andromeda and ordered Kreacher to get the coats and diaper bag.
Harry and I walked Andromeda and Teddy to the door.
"You two should come and visit over Easter, that is if you have time with studying for your NEWTS." Andromeda said as she stepped out the door.
"We will make time." Harry promised. "In the mean time, if there is anything just let us know."
"I will."
"Even if it's only so you can have a few hours off to go shopping or something. With Kreacher helping I'm sure we will be able to babysit for a few hours."
"I might take you up on that offer." Andromeda smiled. "Have a good Christmas."
She waved and walked to the apparition spot. We waved her goodbye and closed the door.
Harry and I looked at each other for a long time, passion and something unnamed burned between us. Before I could take a breath Harry's lips crashed against mine. I answered his passionate kissed with equal desire, letting my tongue begging for entrance. I felt Harry's hands roam over my body, brushing my breasts and creeping along my inner thigh.
"Harry, we still have guests." I moaned.
"I don't care." He murmured.
"Harry, we can't do this yet." I whispered again.
He groaned and pulled back. "It's not fair, you looking like this and I have to wait for hours to touch you."
"You talk about fair, what about me?"
"What about you?"
"You walk around like sex-on-legs and I have to wait until the guests are all going to bed."
Harry laughed and kissed me sweetly again.
"Lets get back to our guests." He sighed.
An hour later the clock told us rather loudly that it was mid-night. Hermione's parents had been taken up by Kreacher much earlier, Neville's grandmother had left to give us youngsters some time to chat so only the D.A. members were left. It was a comfortable group, everybody knew what we had been through and everybody knew a look was enough to convey feelings. We knew each other and had no secrets. It made talking freely all the more easy. Even Charlie was taken in as a real part of that special feeling because we all wanted Luna to be happy.
"Luna, what time do you want to go to St. Mungo's?" I asked when I sat down next to her.
"Oh, maybe after lunch. Daddy gets lunch at half past twelve."
"Shall we go at one?"
"Yes, that would be great." Luna smiled.
"Do you have any other plans for your Christmas holidays?" I asked and I didn't fail to notice that Charlie leaned forward to listen to her reply.
"No, not really, I'll be home taking care of the house and plants. Maybe I'll go to Diagon Alley and buy some books to read."
I didn't fail to miss the sadness in her voice, she was going to be alone the whole Christmas break. I wanted to help her, to be there for her but before I could think of something Luna yawned and got up.
"I think I'll go to bed, the wine is making me drowsy."
"Drooble will show you your room." I said with a smile.
Charlie followed Luna upstairs, earning himself an other cat call from George.
"I'm going as well, I'm going to St. Mungo's early, I have a meeting with my parent's healer. He requested I made some time to talk to him." Neville said as he emptied his glass.
"Oh, do you know why?" Hermione asked.
"No, but I'll come by later this week to tell you. Are you all at the Burrow?"
"Yeah, probably, but you are welcome here as well." Harry said.
"Thanks, maybe when I can get away from Gran I will visit a few times." Neville smiled and waved goodbye. Leaving the five of us sitting in silence, we all were feeling the effects of the wine.
"I think I'll go to sleep as well." George yawned.
"Yeah, lets call it a night." Harry nodded, he flashed a very sexy smile towards me. I couldn't even disagree, the smile created some boiling feeling inside my lower belly. I was more than ready to get Harry undressed, the small touches and heated kisses made me very ready to get upstairs.
Harry got up and spoke to Kreacher and Drooble for a while, probably about breakfast and the gifts for tomorrow morning and than he turned to me. He held his hand out for me and pulled me along with the other up the stairs.
"Harry, have I told you how amazing your house is?" George asked as he reached the landing.
"Yes, you have, I think I will hear it again after you have seen your bathroom." Harry chuckled. George grinned and ran towards his bedroom. We bid Ron and Hermione a good night, judging by the look in Ron's eyes it was going to be a long time before they would actually sleep. Hermione looked a little flushed but extremely happy.
"Remember that you aren't married yet!" Harry called after them as we turned to the next stair that would lead us to the master bedroom.
"Close your eyes." Harry whispered as we reached the door. His voice was deep and sensual. Without hesitation I closed my eyes, seconds later I felt something soft wrap around my head. Automatically my hands reached up to feel what was around my hand.
"A blindfold?" I breathed.
"Just let it stay on." Harry whispered. I felt him grab my hand and heard the door open. Slowly Harry guided me into the bedroom.
"Stay here for a second."
I nodded and stood perfectly still, my ears straining to hear a sound. I could hear Harry's soft footsteps on the carpet, I could hear the rustle of fabric, I was even able to place him. He was behind me, somewhere in the area of the bed.
Suddenly I felt something pull at my back, I gasped and wanted to turned around.
"Stay."
There was another pull at the back of my dress, suddenly I felt my corset being loosened.
"This dress is beautiful." Harry murmured as he slid it of my shoulders. I let my arms drop next to me, feeling the dress slide off them. I felt Harry placing soft kisses on my shoulder, his hands pushing my dress down till it fell to the ground. His fingers traced slowly over my bottom, leaving a trail of fire.
Slowly the kisses turned more wet but before I could really enjoy it he stopped. I felt his hand against mine again, his fingers wrapped around mine and he turned me around and pulled me forward. After a few steps Harry turned me and picked me up.
"What are you doing?" I chuckled.
"Helping you safely in bed."
"You could have just taken the blindfold off."
"No, just enjoy the feeling." He whispered causing a involuntary shiver running through my body. Slowly Harry laid me down and disappeared again. I heard him shuffle through the room and after a few seconds I felt the mattress move, indicating that Harry saw with me on the bed.
"turn around." Harry whispered.
I turned on my stomach and wondered what he was planning. Suddenly I felt something cold and liquid on my back. It was quickly followed by his hands. Massage oil! I moaned softly as Harry's strong hands rubbed over my back, pushing away all the stress I didn't even knew I had.
First his hands stayed on the upper part of my back, my shoulder and my neck. Sometimes his hands slipped down my sides and brushed the sides of my breast. After a while he worked his hands lower, and lower and lower until he was spreading the oil over my bottom and the back of my legs. It felt so damn good.
Sometimes he would brush my sensitive flesh, I was sure he could feel the wetness leaking out from my core. Much to my annoyance he took his time with my legs, only removing his hands further away from where I really needed his touch.
"Turn around." He whispered again.
I did as I was told, hoping Harry would take off the blindfold, I wanted to see the passion burn in his eyes, I wanted to beg him to take me with one look but instead I felt it tighten around my head.
"No watching." Harry told me as I heard him placing his wand back on the night stand. I felt more oil dripping on my stomach it was warm now, almost hot. I couldn't help but hiss in pleasure.
His hands moved over my stomach, slowly rubbing circles chasing away any kind of tension that was left in my body. Every now and than he would brush my breasts, only lightly touching the undersides of them. I never knew that it was such a sensitive spot.
My hand moved towards I thought Harry was, I want to feel him, touch him but before I could reach him his hand wrapped around my wrist.
"Blindfolds should be enough for now, I don't want to use ropes. Just enjoy." I felt Harry hiss at my ear. Holy smokes! Was he serious? I was seriously debating trying to touch him just to see if he was serious about the ropes. Although I had never seriously considered it, somehow when he said it the idea sounded very sexy.
"Don't even think about it." Harry chuckled.
"Ah, you know me so well."
"Even without seeing your eyes flash with mischief." Harry laughed.
His hands slowly explored the upper half of my body, playing with my nipples and tracing the edges of what felt good and what tickled.
With my eyes closed my skin felt more sensitive, more alive. The slightest touch had me shiver and moan. It wasn't all surprising that I let out a high pitched moan when his fingers brushed the hot flesh between my legs.
"Sensitive?" Harry asked with a soft chuckle.
"Oh…Please…" I moaned as he ran his finger over my folds again. I hated to be the one who was begging and I vowed right there and than that before next Christmas I had him begging.
I felt Harry's hand on my ankle, he slowly lifted my feet and placed it a bit higher up. He repeated the same action with my other leg. Than all the sudden I didn't hear him anymore, I didn't feel any movement around me. I waited for a minute or so wondering where he had gone but when I wasn't able to located him I wondered if I should speak.
I had just about decided that I was going to ask what was going on when I felt his lips brush mine.
"Harry?" I whispered.
No answer came. Again I felt his lips but now on a completely different location.
"Oh, god!" I whimpered as I felt his tongue run over my folds.
It was just one time and then everything became quiet again. I was fully aware that I didn't feel the mattress move and that, that made locating him very difficult. I waited in a very aroused state of excitement for his next move.
Slowly I became aware of something sliding in me, a finger, followed by two more, the feeling of his hand filling me was so intense that I moaned loudly. Like he was playing a piano his fingers moved inside me. His thumb moved through my folds, brushing the inside a few times before settling on my clit.
The movement of his fingers inside me was followed by the rubbing of his thumb over clit, it felt like my whole body was set on fire.
"Oh… uh… Harry…" I softly moaned but with every movement of his hand my moans became louder. The fire was intensifying, it felt uncontainable.
"Harry, I…I'm…almost…. Please Harry."
"What is it, sweetheart?"
"I'm…oh god. I'm going… to…" I panted.
"Tell me."
When I didn't reply with words but with a loud moan Harry picked up his pace, his fingers inside me brushing that very nice spot and his thumb starting to get rougher.
"Tell me, Ginny."
"Please, please, please." I panted. The heat was building and building, I tried to hold on to the edge but I knew I was failing. Harry pulled his fingers back a bit before thrusting them in even more deeply. Pushing me off the edge.
"I'm coming!" I screamed.
"Good girl." Harry whispered in my ear as I felt my muscles clench around his fingers.
Suddenly he pulled away his fingers, I moaned at the loss, my muscles continued to clench and my body continued to spasm as I my orgasm continued to wreak havoc with my body.
Again I didn't felt him move but suddenly I felt his hard cock enter me. In one smooth hard move he filled me completely, he made my muscles stretch when all they wanted to do was clench around something. I screamed at the feeling of contact.
"God, Gin you're tight like this." Harry moaned.
I wrapped a leg around him, making him slide in even more deeply. I felt the blindfold move and suddenly he pulled it off.
"I want to see your eyes. Keep them open."
It was hard to keep my eyes open, the pleasure he was creating was making my body almost incontrollable. My hips move up to meet his and my fingers grabbed hold of the sheets.
Slowly Harry pulled out before slamming back in with a hard motion, my hips clashed with his.
"Oh…" Harry breathed.
I knew I wouldn't last long the second time, I was still partial on my high and already climbing the orgasm mountain again. When Harry started to move in a perfect pace, the tip of his cock brushing that special spot inside me and his hands moved over my breast and his fingers playing with my nipple I was completely lost.
"Uh,uh, Ginny,…so wet…so damn tight…" Harry whispered in my ear. It made me only more insane with desire.
Harry started to pick up his pace when I felt the fire spread again, it took over my muscles, my breathing and my thoughts.
"Oh god, Gin!" Harry moaned.
"Harry!" I screamed as he slammed into me one more time. The feeling of his warm juices being released into me pushed me over the edge and into oblivion.
Went I returned to the present I noticed Harry was watching me. His eyes were bright with a tender love.
"Hey." He breathed.
"Hey, back."
He smiled at me and kissed me softly. After a few seconds he pulled back and watched me again. I waited for a while for him to say something but he just watched, his finger gently brushing my face and arms.
"What are you thinking?" I whispered.
"All sorts of things. Mainly that I love you so much it's insane."
"I know the feeling." I said with a smile. "What else was going through that busy mind of yours?"
"Uhm, while I was watching you I thought that you looked so beautiful. Like an angel."
"Stop Harry, you are making me blush." I chuckled.
"But I'm serious but I don't think can ever forget how you looked with Teddy in your arms."
"What do you mean?"
Harry took a deep breath, like he had to confess something terrible and I started to worry a bit.
"It was just that seeing you with a baby in your arms, it just brought up feelings I didn't knew I could have or even exists."
I looked at him for a while, he looked ashamed of what he just had admitted to me.
"I felt the same when I saw you with Teddy." I whispered.
"Really?"
"Yes, it was such a special sight."
Harry smiled at me but it didn't reach his eyes, there was something he was struggling with, something that needed to come out.
"Just tell me, Harry."
"I…I just… I know we are too young to even think about it but I think when I saw you with Teddy I realized that I would love to have children with you but when I held Teddy it hit me that I had no idea, no example of how to be a father or godfather. It worried me."
"Harry, I understand where those feelings come from, growing up with your aunt and uncle wouldn't have been a very good example and although I loved Sirius I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have been a good example either."
Harry chuckled at that.
"But Harry, I'm really convinced that you would be a very good dad, you are so kind and sweet but you are also able to teach them, you have Remus and Dumbledore as an example of how to teach kids, you have already done it with the D.A."
"It's not the same."
"I know it isn't but those are things what made you who you are, a good person and I'm sure that whenever there will be small red-heads with green eyes walking around here you'll be the best dad ever."
"So you do want children?" Harry asked nervously.
"Yes, but not for an other five years or so, I'd rather practice making them." I said with a sly smile. I placed my lips against his and drew him into a passionate kiss.
"I like your idea." He murmured and rolled me on top of him. Our naked bodies touching and the need for each other started to boil again.
I would really like you all to review. but I also like to know if any of you are interested in reading this chapter from Luna's or Hermione's POV. So let me know...