A/N: Sorry about the wait for this chapter. It's not as exciting as some other chapters are/will be, but I had to get some stuff out of the way. I hope you enjoy it! Favorite, Follow, and Review!
"Wow. This looks bigger than it was in fourth year. Remember, when the Inquisitorial Squad brought us up here and Umbridge questioned us?" She turned around to face him, an amused expression on her face.
"Too well." Harry's expression did not match hers, but he gave a dark chuckle. His girlfriend didn't notice, she was too busy concentrating on the layout of the room and where she figured everything would go.
"I'm assuming the apartment is through that door," She gestured to a door on the side of the office. "Well, let's work on getting this all set up." There was a pile of furniture in the middle of the room. "Let's start in here, we haven't got all day." Two hours later, the room and the office were finally set up, after being rearranged three times. Ginny scooped Teddy up from his crib that Harry had set up first and playfully snuggled him. "I'm gonna miss you, Ted." She spoke to him in the voice that was exclusively reserved for Teddy, but Harry had a feeling it was the same voice she would use for her own kids one day.
"You'll still see him." Harry pointed out as he smoothed the bedspread.
"Yeah, every other Saturday." She held the baby's cheek to her own and Harry laughed at the two of them looking at him intently.
"You really think I'm only going to see you twice a month?"
"Ideally no, but you're going to be a teacher! McGonagall even said we weren't allowed to see each other except on Hogsmeade weekends." She came closer to him as he held out his arms to Teddy, but Teddy just snuggled deeper into the redhead's shoulder. Harry gave him a mock hurt look as Ginny giggled and swayed him side to side.
"Yeah, there are ways to work around the rules without breaking them. McGonagall doesn't have a problem with us being together, as we were together for long before I even knew I was going to be a professor, she has a problem with a professor with a student being together, for the image you know, and it's not like we're going to snog in front of your classmates."
"They all know about us anyway; I don't think any of them really give a fuck." She turned and laid Teddy down in his crib.
"Well, unless they're jealous of me. I'm sure loads of blokes would give anything to snog you."
Ginny looked into his eyes and could see his insecurity, so she grabbed him and planted a firm possessive kiss on his lips, holding Teddy between them. "We won't let that happen, will we? Besides, it's me most girls would be jealous of. Hell, even a lot of guys are jealous of me."
"They can be jealous all they want, but you are mine." His low whisper almost sounded like a growl as he pulled her close again for a more desperate kiss. The couple pulled apart when they heard a brisk knock on the door and turned to see McGonagall standing in the doorway, an amused expression on her face. "Sorry professor." Harry looked thoroughly embarrassed.
"Figured we'd get it all out of our system, so I don't go snogging him in the middle of class." Ginny gave her boyfriend a smirk.
"That would be ideal." The professor struggled to keep her stern expression. "Potter I just came to see if you were settling in alright, which I can clearly see you are, and to let you know dinner is served at six. We're going to start going over things tomorrow at nine if you choose not to come down for dinner." She noticed Teddy and walked over to the crib, glancing back at Harry. "May I?"
"Sure, yeah." Harry was slightly startled at this question coming from his former professor. She lifted him gently from the crib and held him against her chest, cooing to him softly when he started to whimper but never betraying her usual composure.
"Why didn't he stay with Andromeda again?"
"She just felt like she didn't want to completely raise another child, and she wanted Teddy to have younger guardians. I know she'd take him if there were no other options, but I don't mind. She told me she'd take him whenever I needed a break, which I'm sure will be pretty often."
"That's another thing, Potter. The daycare setup I had planned for Teddy fell through, so unless I can find someone else, I don't think Teddy has anywhere to go. Do you think Andy would mind taking him during the day?" She handed Teddy to Ginny who bounced him in her arms.
"I don't think she would, I'll check with her. I don't really see that I have another option unless your mum wants to take him, Gin."
"I'm sure she would, but ask Andromeda first, I think she'd want to. I know she wants to have Ted, just not full time."
"Just let me know. I'll see you later Potter, and Ms. Weasley, I'll see you in September."
EHC
"Looking forward to it professor." Both teens replied simultaneously. The older woman turned back around.
"Now that you are also a professor, there's really no need to call me professor. Unless you'd rather I call you professor as well."
"There's really no need, professor," Harry responded. McGonagall gave him a stern yet humored look. "I figured it would be appropriate to call you professor when we're in the presence of students." He grinned, glancing sideways at the 'student'. McGonagall's eye twinkled as she left the room.
Ginny hit her boyfriend with a book when their teacher left the room.
"Ouch." He grinned sheepishly at her. "Gin, I'm going to run by Andromeda's before dinner to see if she can take Ted during the day. By that time, it'll probably be close to when I need to be back. Want to come?"
"Yeah, let's go." The three stepped into the floo and tumbled out in Andromeda's living room. The older woman was in the kitchen making tea when they arrived.
"Andy?" Harry called when they composed themselves. "Hey, how are you?" He asked sincerely when he saw her.
"Harry, Ginny, Teddy. I'm doing alright! What brings you my way?" She motioned for Harry to hand her her grandson.
"Well, I had sort of a favor to ask." Harry began as she handed the baby to her. "McGonagall just told me the place she was going to have Teddy go while I'm teaching fell through, so he doesn't really have anywhere to go."
"I'd be happy to take him, assuming that's what you're asking." She continued at Harry's nod. "You know, I was just thinking about it yesterday and I really wouldn't mind having Ted stay here. It does get lonely by myself from time to time." She smiled at the baby in her arms. "Now, Harry. I'm not trying to take him away from you, but I love having him here. If it would be better for you, I can keep him during the week, and you can have him on weekends. I know you love having him too, but that way you can have some time during the week when you're not working. How does that sound?"
"That sounds brilliant." Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "I do love having Ted, but I was not looking forward to having him all the time, especially when I need to study and lesson plan and things. This works much better." Harry smiled at the two of them. "If there ever is a night or afternoon, you'd rather me take him I'll always be up for that, though. I'll keep all his things with me, so I'm always prepared. Do you have everything you need for him here?"
"I should. Remus and Dora left me some of his things including a crib. I don't think I have enough clothes since he's getting so big, but we can go shopping tomorrow. Can't we Teddy?" She bounced the child in her arms.
"Good. If you ever need a break during the day, I'm sure my mum would love some time with Teddy." Ginny interjected and Andromeda smiled gratefully at the younger girl.
"I'll probably take her up on that offer more than once." She handed Teddy back to Harry who snuggled him goodbye, and Ginny did the same. The baby got returned to his grandmother, and the couple left, promising to see him soon.
They tumbled back into Harry's office and Ginny helped her boyfriend up. "How are you feeling about this? Honestly." Ginny concernedly pried him.
"I'll really miss him during the week, but I think it's good for all three of us. I'll have more time, hopefully, spent with you, Andromeda won't be lonely, and Teddy won't have to be with strangers during the day. Plus, I'll get him all weekend. I honestly think this is the best-case scenario."
"I agree. Plus, you're going to have so many detentions Teddy would have had to stay with someone in the evening most nights too." She teased.
"How bad do you think my students are going to be?"
"You'd be surprised. Walk me to my apparition point, will you?" Harry nodded and the two walked hand in hand through the school they had grown up together within into the warm evening sunlight.
EHC
"Ginevra Molly Weasley! You're going to be late to your own birthday party!"
"I'm coming, Mum! Give me a second!" Ginny rushed down the stairs, her green dress robes flowing out around her. She entered the kitchen to her mother preparing too much food, as usual.
"Good. Ron and Hermione will be back any minute and everyone else is set to arrive at seven."
Ginny headed out through the garden to meet her brother and saw them walking toward the house as she did. "Did you get everything?"
"Yeah we did. Now I'll be able to have all my textbooks read before school starts."
"I would expect no less. I've got to go grab Teddy from Andromeda's before Harry gets here. Go help mum set stuff up in the kitchen Ron." She apparated away before her brother could respond.
"Mione, why don't you go put stuff upstairs and I'll help mum in the kitchen." Hermione nodded and headed upstairs, books in tow. "Hey, mum." Ron greeted his mother as he entered the kitchen. "Need help?"
"Yeah, Ron. That would be lovely. Why don't you put these on a plate?" She handed him a tray of biscuits.
"What are you going to do when we're all gone?"
"Don't even talk about that. I don't know what I'm going to do. Besides, won't you be here at night?"
"George, um, told me I could come stay with him so I think I'll do that. Anyway, won't it just be like when we were all at Hogwarts?"
"It just feels different. I don't know why or what about it, it just feels strange. When were you planning to tell me you were moving out?"
"It just never came up. I'll visit, and it'll give George an excuse to come back too. You could always have Teddy come over a lot too, I'm sure Andromeda would like that. I'm sure Harry can sneak Mione and Gin out to see us too."
Hermione came back into the kitchen just as Ginny returned with Teddy. "Hey! Teddy and I are back!" She sang. "Andromeda was lonely so I told her she could come too. She'll be here in a few minutes."
"What are you so cheerful about?" Ron eyed her suspiciously.
"Am I not allowed to be happy on my birthday?" Ron gave her a look and wandered out into the sitting room where he heard voices.
"Hey, Nev, Luna!" He greeted his friends. "How are you?" Hermione came out behind him.
"Ginny's in the kitchen, but she's being weird I wouldn't go near her."
"Ron, come off it." Hermione chuckled. "She's just happy is all." She took her friend's jackets. "When are you going back to Hogwarts, Neville?"
Neville smiled gratefully as Ginny handed them both drinks. "Happy birthday, Ginny. I go back on Sunday. I didn't need as much training as Harry did, since I'm only professor Sprout's assistant. I don't think I'll really be having anything to do with students, but I don't really have a problem with that. I much prefer plants if I'm being completely honest. How long has Harry been back?"
"He went back last weekend. It's only been a few days since he left, but it's still weird. He's really looking forward to teaching though. As a matter of fact, he should be here. I don't know when he's coming." Ginny looked around her friends to the garden but only saw Andromeda coming toward the house. "Oh, there's Andy." She hurried to greet her.
"Ron, what about training? When does that start?" Luna asked him curiously.
"I start on the sixteenth. I think I have about two years of training, and Harry is only required one, so we should become Aurors at the same time, which will be cool. I'm excited, it's been too peaceful if I'm being honest."
"Yeah, I'm wondering how Harry's going to manage not facing death for an entire year." Hermione joked.
"Who else is coming again?" Neville asked.
"Um, my dad, George, Demelza, and my boyfriend, who is late. I wanted to keep it small." Ginny shifted Teddy in her arms. "Oh, there's dad and George now." Ginny headed out into the dusk.
"Happy birthday, Ginny. Are you really 17?" Ginny hugged her dad and handed Teddy over to him as he walked inside.
"Hey, Gin." George and Ginny walked inside together to meet the rest of the party. Moments later, Ginny heard another familiar pop and Demelza appeared outside.
"It's been forever!" Ginny cried as she hugged her housemate. "I'm glad you could come."
"Me too!" Her friend replied earnestly. "I can't believe we're both 17 and seventh years. Time really has flown."
"Really. Hey, did I tell you that Harry's going to be teaching this year?" The redhead began conversationally.
"No! I don't even need to ask what he's teaching, I'm assuming."
"Yep, defense against the dark arts. He's so excited about it." The two friends walked inside, still chatting.
"Is he teaching our year?"
"Yeah, he's teaching every year. He was originally supposed to only do first through fourth, but then the other teacher fell through and McGonagall was desperate for someone." Ginny explained.
"That's going to be weird for all of us." She thought about it for a minute. "Won't that be weird for you two? I mean, assuming you're still together."
"Yeah, we are. We've talked about it and I don't think it'll be that weird. Plus, it'll be nice to not spend an entire year without seeing him, you know. McGonagall knows about us, but she gave us some really strict guidelines."
"I can imagine." The duo had reached the kitchen where her mum and dad were.
"Mum, dad. Everyone's here except for Harry, but that's to be expected." She rolled her eyes. "Oh, have you two met Demelza?"
"No, I don't think we have." Mrs. Weasley came over to the girls and handed Teddy to her daughter, shaking the hand of her guest. "I'm Ginny's mum, and welcome to our home. You two have been friends for how long?" She looked between them expectantly.
"Since third year." Ginny confirmed. "Everyone was too freaked out by me in second year to want to be friends with me."
"I'm still a little freaked out by her, but for different reasons." Demelza joked.
"Let's go back out everyone else. So are you seeing anyone?"
"Yeah, I'm seeing Michael Corner now. I know you two were a thing in fourth year, so I hope it's not awkward." Demelza looked nervous.
"Oh, no way. Michael was amazing, I was just too infatuated with Harry that it couldn't last long." She grinned. "I'm glad he's found someone though, and I'm glad it's someone as good as you. How long have you been together?"
"Since the end of May. We saw each other at a coffee shop and kind of hit it off." She giggled.
"Good for you guys. You definitely should have invited him tonight! Pretty much everyone here will have a partner, well if Harry ever decides to grace us with his presence. Well, everyone except for George. You can date him." Ginny suggested jokingly. "But seriously, if Michael is free and wants to come, he can."
"Okay, I'll send him a Patronus." Demelza excused herself to the yard and returned moments later with her boyfriend to find Ginny had joined the group.
"Demelza! How are you?" Luna greeted the girl from her year.
"Hey, Luna! I'm doing well. How have you been?"
"I've been well. A new species that my dad and I have been unable to identify has started eating the dirigible plums on the bush by our house," Luna replied sincerely. Demelza tried to hide her smile.
"I'm sorry. I hope you find the culprit."
"Hi, Michael." Ginny greeted her guest. "How are you?"
"Hey, Ginny, I'm doing well. How are you?" The boy looked extremely uncomfortable.
"I'm good, though I'd be better if my boyfriend actually showed up." She rolled her eyes for the second time that night.
"Oh," Michael looked surprised. "Are you still with Dean?"
"Dean?" She laughed. "Oh, God, no. We broke up in fifth year."
"She's with me." A voice behind her made Ginny jump and turn around to see Harry grinning behind her.
"God. You are a half hour late, Harry!"
"I know, I'm sorry. McGonagall kept me late, I tried to explain the importance of the occasion I was leaving for but she wouldn't let me go. But I'm here now, what did I miss?" He looked at the people Ginny was speaking with and returned to Ginny with a pointed questioning look.
"Michael just got here. I invited Demelza, and she told me that she and Michael were going out and I felt bad that everyone here had their partner, so I told her to invite him. You know, just another person for mum to feed."
"How are you, Demelza, Michael?" Ginny could see the subtle change in Harry's attitude as he relaxed.
The rest of the party was quite pleasant for the small group, and everyone enjoyed themselves and the cooking of the infamous Molly Weasley. Before long, Neville and Luna had to get home, and Demelza and Michael followed close behind. Andromeda had left far earlier with Teddy, leaving only family and honorable Weasley members. "Well, I should get going. It was good to see you, Harry." George stood up and shook Harry's hand. "I suppose I'll see you sometime around Christmas. If you'll even want to come back from the professor's high life."
"We'll see. I might grace you all with my presence."
"And Gin, you're coming in tomorrow, right?"
"If I must."
"Do you need me?"
"I don't think so, I've got Angelina coming in, so we should be good. You spend your time studying for the Auror entrance test. You'll need all the help you can get." He winked at his younger brother and left the house.
"Well, it's just us four. It's going to be a while before this happens again." Hermione reminded the other three. "Harry, how's it going so far?"
"It's been lots of one on one time with McGonagall. Don't really know how I feel about it."
"Have you done anything with curriculum so far? What's the seventh year curriculum like?"
"Hermione, he's been there two days. He probably hasn't done anything like that yet." Ginny reminded him with a smile.
"Yeah, she's right. We've started with discipline and rules for me and my classroom."
"Riveting stuff." Ron commented.
"What about your schedule?"
"I have two sections of seventh year DADA. Because people are returning, the houses aren't even, so it's not done by house, at least for your year. I have two sections of every year except for second and third, because so many people didn't send their kids back last year. First year is big because everyone's sending them back now. It's a mess. There are seven periods a day, so I'll probably have you every other day. Then I have a free period every other day that I share with you and Hermione, Gin. You two are supposed to help me keep up in charms and potions."
"Yeah, I'm sure a lot of studying will get done there." Ron scoffed. "Hey, Gin. Did I miss you opening your gifts?"
"Nope, I told people not to bring gifts. I don't like people making a big deal of it. I don't even think Demelza, Neville, or Michael knew it was my birthday. I'm sure Luna will give me something at school, she's stubborn like that."
"Damn. I forgot your gift at Hogwarts, I'm sorry, Gin. All I brought is your card." He handed it to her, and she opened it.
Gin. I left your gift at Hogwarts on purpose. I do have it, but I knew if I gave it to you here, it would be opened in front of people, and I'd rather it wasn't. I want it to be between just us. Besides, this gives you an excuse to come see me when you get to school.
I love you.
H