Chapter 19-Purple polka dots and stripes
~*~
(December 31st)
Harry cleared his throat.
"I know this may seem sudden, but, I'm only following my heart. I love you more than life itself, and I want to ask for the honor of your hand in marriage."
Sirius wrinkled his nose. "I don't like it."
Harry threw up his arms in frustration. "What now?"
"Too rehearsed."
"I can't do this!" sighed Harry.
"Take out the bloody, 'I love you more than life itself' line; it's overused," suggested Sirius.
"I'm an Auror, not an author!"
"Obviously," muttered Sirius.
"Okay, I'll try it again," groaned Harry.
"All right."
"Ginny, you are all I could ever hope for, all I could ever want, and more. Will you marry me?"
"That was better. But I still don't like it," smiled Sirius.
Harry raised his bright green eyes to the ceiling and sighed. "Listen, YOU try it. It's not as easy as you would think."
"Don't get your karma all out of whack," responded Sirius. "Now, try this, pretend I'm Ginny. Do the whole thing, the kneeling and everything."
"That's ridiculous, you look nothing like Ginny."
"Shut up and try it," said Sirius, batting his eyelashes in a feminine fashion.
Harry resigned himself to getting on his knee and presenting the ring to Sirius. "Ginny, you are my world. Please, give me the honor of your hand in marriage."
"Oh yes, Harry!" squeaked Remus.
Sirius and Harry swung around to see Remus standing in the doorway, clutching his stomach while laughing.
"Oh, Sirius, you look so lovely," hooted Remus, still in fits of laughter.
Harry sighed. "Hello."
"Shut up, Moony," replied Sirius. "Harry here, is having a bit of trouble."
"No kidding," said Remus. "Especially when he's proposing to you, and not Ginny."
"Thank you so much, Remus," said Harry plopping into a chair, and resting his chin in his hands.
"I'm sorry," said Remus resting a hand on Harry's shoulder, "it's just that I started thinking about what James' reaction would be. Come on, you have to admit it's funny."
"Ha," said Harry blandly.
Sirius chuckled. "Chin up, Harry. She loves you."
Remus nodded. "And I know she'll say yes."
Harry shrugged. "But these things are supposed to be...important."
"Stop worrying about it. It'll all snap together when the moment comes," said Lupin.
"Can I go wake up Chloe from her nap now?" asked Sirius.
"If you want to, although she will be up pretty late tonight because of New Years," said Harry.
"Nonsense, she doesn't need naps," said Sirius proudly.
Remus chuckled again as Sirius left the room. "Chloe has him wrapped around her little finger."
"It wasn't difficult," laughed Harry. "The moment she called him Grandfather, he turned into a big puddle of goo."
"What time does this 'party' start at Percy's?" asked Remus. "I think I used the back of my invitation for a shopping list."
"Dinner is going to be 'promptly served at 8:30'," said Harry quoting the invitation while handing it to Remus.
"I'm still getting over the fact that Percy actually printed invitations for the family," Remus grinned.
"Go figure," sighed Harry.
"So if dinner is served at 8:30, we should show up when?"
"8:45?" joked Harry.
"No, I think that's Fred and George's appearance time. How about 8:20?"
"Sounds good to me."
~*~
(8:15pm)
Harry swallowed, and straightened his tie underneath his dress robes. Chloe cocked her head curiously, and she looked down at her own robes.
"Daddy?" she began.
"Does this look crooked, Chlo?" asked Harry.
"It's got stripes," observed Chloe.
"Do you think the stripes are ugly?" asked Harry, beginning to loosen his tie.
Chloe shrugged and Harry saw her identical bright green eyes looking at him quizzically in the reflection of the mirror.
"I like polka-dots," said Chloe.
"Polka-dots?" said Harry fishing through a rack covered in ties.
"Purple polka dots," nodded Chloe.
"Purple?" laughed Harry, "I'm wearing green robes!"
"You should be colorful, Daddy," suggested Chloe dancing around behind him.
"How about this one?" asked Harry holding up a black tie, with tiny dark green dots.
Chloe stopped dancing long enough to wrinkle her nose. "It hasn't got stripes, Daddy."
"You wanted polka-dots!"
"No I didn't," said Chloe, "I said I wanted stripes AND polka-dots."
"Chloe, I don't have a tie with both on them!" explained Harry.
Chloe giggled. "So wear two ties, Daddy!" she suggested.
"Now how exactly do I plan to do that?" he laughed.
"How come you're dressing up a whole lot today?" asked Chloe.
"Because..." said Harry stalling for time to think of an appropriate answer, "because, it's the New Year, and I want to start out right with new beginnings."
"Oh. Are those new robes, Daddy?"
"No, that's not what I mean, Chloe," laughed Harry as he kneeled down to talk to her. "I mean, with the new year, we can start everything fresh. It's a time for change, and new things."
"Can we get a puppy then?" asked Chloe.
"No puppies yet," Harry grinned.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
("Promptly" 8:35)
Harry avoided Percy's stare as he and Chloe Apparated into his living room.
"Sorry we're late," he said to Penelope who greeted them warmly.
"Well, you're not the ONLY ones," sniffed Percy, tapping his watch. "The others have barely only begun to arrive."
Harry glanced around quickly for Ginny, but she wasn't in the room.
"Looking sharp, Harry!" said Charlie pumping his arm.
"Thanks," said Harry smiling. "Does the tie look okay?"
"Fantastic," nodded Charlie.
"Chloe had me on my toes. She wanted me to wear two," said Harry squeezing Chloe's hand.
She looked up at them and smiled. Harry knew she was itching to know where the rest of the children were; there was no sign on Percy's children anywhere.
"Hey, Chlo!" said Charlie, tickling Chloe's ribs, "two ties?"
"Yes," said Chloe nodding and giggling.
"Where's the other?" asked Charlie curiously.
Chloe grinned and held up her stuffed dragon.
"Norbert is wearing it. Just to hold it for Daddy," she said admiring her neck-tied companion.
"Snazzy," said Charlie approving of Norbert's added attire.
"Where's Meghan?" asked Chloe.
"Oh, they're all in the nursery," said Charlie.
Chloe looked up hopefully at her father.
"Yes, go play," grinned Harry.
Chloe, with Norbert in hand, skipped off.
"So, I heard about something you're going to try to do," grinned Charlie when he and Harry were standing by themselves.
"Yeah," said Harry, noting that his cheeks were growing warm.
"Today? Is that why you're all dressed up?" persisted Charlie.
"So you're going to ask her?" asked Sirius, brightening.
"Today!" confirmed Charlie.
"Shhhhh!!!" groaned Harry. "No! I haven't decided."
"Harry, dear!" cried Mrs. Weasley coming over, "you look so handsome!"
"Thank you," said Harry, wanting to take the tie off and forgo it all together.
"Are you going to do the you-know-what, here tonight?" bubbled Mrs. Weasley, as she adjusted his tie. She was practically glowing.
"Yes!" said Sirius and Charlie.
Harry took a deep breath. "Please. Don't say a word! I haven't decided!"
"Oh don't worry dear, your secret is safe with us, " said Mrs. Weasley patting his cheek. "Green is really your color!"
"Why, Harry, I didn't realize you were going to do that this evening," smiled Penelope as she clasped her hands to her chest. "The rear parlor has to be the prettiest room in the house. I could tell the house elves to light a fire in the fireplace for you.."
"No, thank you, Penny, now REALLY please don't make such a huge deal over this. I haven't decided if it's going to be this evening or not.."
"Nonsense, Harry," said Percy, "the quicker you ask her, the sooner you can start planning the wedding. Believe me, this sort of thing takes organization!"
The entire Weasley clan that was present, crowded around Harry, prodding him with questions. Harry had never been so flustered in his entire life.
There was a soft pop, and Harry prayed it wasn't Ginny.
"What's going on?" came Hermione's voice.
"Harry is going to propose to Ginny tonight!" shouted Bill.
The rest of the Weasleys began to applaud at this comment.
Ron's head appeared in the crowd. "Really, Harry?"
"No!" said Harry shortly.
The family fell silent, and they all looked at Harry, with shocked expressions on their faces.
"I mean, no, I haven't decided yet," added Harry hastily.
"What's going on?" said another voice.
"Ginny!" said Bill nervously.
Charlie roughly shoved Harry down into a chair. Harry had to adjust his glasses which had been knocked askew.
"OOF!" he grunted.
They all swung around and saw Ginny standing there, looking confused.
"What's wrong with Harry?" she said hurrying to his chair.
"Nothing," said Harry, quickly standing up.
"Then why is everyone standing around your chair?" asked Ginny slowly.
"Harry! Sit down!" ordered Sirius. "It's okay, Ginny, Harry was just feeling a little faint." He 'slyly' winked at Harry.
Harry's eyes widened. "What?"
"Oh no!" said Ginny gently pushing down on Harry's shoulders and making him sit down again. "What's happened to him?"
"We were all talking, and Harry was looking a bit pale," added Mrs. Weasley catching on to the ruse.
"Then he starts to wobble, and-and-and I had to catch him!" added Charlie with flourish.
Harry really was beginning to feel faint after hearing all of this. They were making him sound like some sort of nancy boy.
"The room must have been too crowded," suggested Bill.
"Oh! Is he feeling better?" asked Ginny.
"Hello? I'm right here," said Harry waving his hand.
"Oh Harry! Don't exert yourself!" said Penny, sounding horrified.
"Can we get you some tea?" said Ginny touching Harry's cheek with her hand, and feeling his forehead.
"No tea! Please, don't make a big deal out of this!" said Harry shaking his head.
"Yes, both of you can have a cup of tea, and we'll all leave the room, so it's not so stuffy for Harry!" said Molly clasping her hands together.
"What a stupendous idea, Molly," said Remus. "We'll be in the back pa-"
"No tea," repeated Harry.
The family looked disappointed. Ginny looked extremely confused.
"Daddy?" said Chloe, with her lower lip quivering, "are you sick?"
She was standing in the doorway, looking extremely alarmed, holding Meghan's hand.
"It's okay," said Ginny calmly, "your Daddy just felt sick for a little bit, but he's better now."
"Did you throw up, Uncle Harry? Like Hunter did that one time?" asked Meghan cautiously, as she peered at Harry from behind Ginny.
Chloe looked on the verge of tears again, so Sirius scooped her up.
"No, I did not throw up," sighed Harry.
"He almost fainted," explained Bill.
Meghan looked impressed. "Wow, Uncle Harry!"
"What's fainted?" asked Chloe, still upset.
Meghan was excited. "Oh, Chloe! You know! Like princesses faint when they get REALLY scared, like this!"
Meghan threw her hand dramatically to her forehead, and stumbled backwards, and swayed dangerously close to the coffee table.
Ron caught her just in time.
"Uncle Ronnnn!" said Meghan opening her eyes, "I'm supposed to have fainted!"
"Oh, sorry," said Ron lowering her to the floor.
Meghan lay on the floor, with her eyes screwed up tightly, and her hands clasped under her chin.
"You look dead," observed Chloe sadly.
"Meghan!" wailed Hunter from the same doorway.
Meghan opened one of her blue eyes. "I'm not dead," she said, lifting her head a little.
"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! There you are!" gasped the nanny, skidding into the room, carrying Henri in one arm, pulling Alexandria along behind her with the other. Catherine and Mortimer trailed behind her, Catherine holding Madeline's hand, and Mortimer keeping a firm grip on Kyle.
"Meghan, Chloe, and Hunter left the nursery," announced Catherine.
"I'm so sorry," gasped the nanny. "They were there one moment, and then they just weren't there. You know I'm only used to taking care the eight of them, then with little Chloe added.."
"Quite all right, Isabella," said Percy patting Kyle on the head. "It's nearly supper time anyway."
"Happy New Year, Isabella," smiled Penelope taking Henri from her.
"And to you, Madam."
"My Daddy fainted," announced Chloe loudly, from Sirius' arms.
Meghan, who had long since got up from the floor began another show of dramatic fainting.
"Watch me, Nanny Isabella!" she said excitedly.
"Oh, you poor little duck," gaped Isabella, staring at Harry.
There was a loud snicker from Charlie, who tried to hide it by coughing. Fortunately, Ginny didn't seem to notice this, or the rough elbow in the ribs that Charlie received from Bill. Ron caught Meghan again, who had added an earsplitting "Oh my!" to her fainting act.
"Really, that's quite enough, Meghan," said Percy picking his daughter up, and setting her back on her feet. He straightened her headband in her bright red curls.
"I hope you get to feeling better, Mr. Potter," said Isabella patting Harry's hand.
"Thank you," said Harry dully; he might as well play along now.
They all waved politely to the nanny, who bustled quickly out of the room.
"I hope Fred and George get here soon! I hope nothing has happened to them," worried Penelope.
"Darling, there is nothing wrong with Fred and George, besides their blatant rudeness- thirty minutes late! Why, I even put 'promptly' on the invitations, and most of these people were here at a reasonable ti-"
"Percy," interrupted Bill.
"What?" said Percy irritably.
"Shut up. It's a family function. The bloody queen isn't coming for dinner," said Bill.
"When is the bloody queen coming?" asked Hunter curiously.
"Hunter!" said Catherine covering her mouth in lady-like horror. "That's a horrid thing to say!"
Meghan rolled her eyes. "Uncle Bill said it," she pointed out.
Bill colored slightly as all his nieces and nephews stared at him, looking for an answer.
"Nice boys don't say words like that," said Hermione saving the day, "Uncle Bill accidentally said it."
"Oh," said Hunter.
"Dinner?" asked Harry hopefully, and also changing the subject.
"No Fred and George," reminded Lupin.
"I'm starving," sighed Bill, "Mum did you bring some of your pie too? I mean the house-elves have great pie, but your chocolate pie is my favorite."
"I made a chocolate pie for you, Bill darling, and a rhubarb for Ron, and a peach for Ginny," smiled Molly, happily.
"It's a small wonder we don't look like whales around here...the way Molly cooks," said Hermione looking down at her robes. "A pie for each of us to take home. Honestly, Molly!"
"Oh, I made you an apple-cinnamon, Hermione darling!" interrupted Molly. "You are, after all, eating for two!"
Hermione beamed. "That's true, I can eat whatever I like, can't I?"
Ron's eyes widened. The "Oh no" expression was plain.
"Yes, we want that little angel to be perfect! So you eat up!" said Molly patting Hermione's still flat belly.
"Did I get a pie?" asked Harry, already knowing the answer.
"Of course you did! I made you and Chloe a lovely winterberry pie."
POP.
TAWOOOOOOOOOOOT!
Fred had Apparated into the room.
"Happy New Year!" he shouted blowing the party horn in his mouth.
The children squealed with delight as he staggered about the room in his party hat.
" 'Ellooooooo PER-CY!" drawled Fred slapping Percy roughly on the shoulder.
Percy stumbled backward, and adjusted his glasses. "Fred! For pity's sake!"
"Eh? What's the matter? Can't take a friendly 'ello?" asked Fred loudly. "Remus!"
TAWOOT!
Fred blew the party horn at Remus, who winced and coughed.
"Fred, have you been drinking?" asked Remus fanning the air with his hand.
"Fredrick Johann Weasley!" gasped Mrs. Weasley, turning bright red.
"Drinking? I'm just having a good time!" said Fred laughing, and adjusting his party hat over his nose.
"Not-in-front-of-the-children!" huffed Percy grasping the tipsy Fred by the arm, hauling him toward the door.
"Perce! I'm fiiine!" protested Fred. "Lemme walk!"
"Fine!" said Percy releasing his grip on Fred.
WHUMP.
Fred fell flat on his face. Out like a light.
"Fred's fainted," said Harry cheerfully from his chair, glad to not be the only one with the stigma now.
"Grandmum?" asked Catherine, as the family stared at Fred, still too shocked to do anything. "Should Uncle Fred be ashamed of himself?"
"Yes!" said Molly and Percy firmly, and at the exact same time.
"Oh, lighten up!" laughed Ron, "It's New Year's, Fred was probably partying. You can't slam him for having a bit of fun!"
"But drunk!" said Molly still horrified.
"He's a bachelor," added Harry.
"Wonder why?" said Hermione softly.
"Children," lectured Percy, as he and Bill lifted Fred to a couch, "Uncle Fred is sick. Don't be frightened."
"Daddy," spoke up Meghan, "but Uncle Fred is soused, not sick!"
"Meghan Abigail Weasley!" sputtered Percy, "where on earth did you learn a word like soused?!"
"Probably from Fred," snickered Charlie.
"Charlie! Enough! My innocent five-year-old daughter knows the word soused!" said Percy, as if the world were coming to an end.
"Meghan and I like learning new words," said Chloe happily.
"Okay," said Bill, now extremely amused, "girls, next week's word is boozer!"
"BILL!" chorused half the adults loudly.
"Please contain yourself," sighed Ginny, glaring at Bill. "They're five. They remember everything."
POP.
George Apparated into the room, looking panicked. He spotted Fred on the couch and looked relieved.
"Merlin's beard!" he gasped, "I thought I'd never find him alive!"
"George!" gasped Mr. Weasley, "don't say such things."
"We were at a party," began George, "Annnd, they started playing Muggle drinking games..."
"Fred lost," observed Charlie.
George nodded toward his drooling brother. "He always loses those. I was trying to keep up with him, but after he- well, I won't tell you what he did to the swimming pool-but I lost him!"
"He didn't destroy anything did he?" worried Mrs. Weasley.
"No Mum, but he's pretty sous-"
"DON'T say it, " said Percy glancing at his wide-eyed children.
"Dinner," sighed Hermione wistfully.
"Yes, but what are we going to do with party-animal here?" asked Ron, jerking his thumb toward Fred.
"Leave 'em there," yawned Bill. "I'm starved."
~*~
Fred, in his passed out state, was propped into a dining room chair in the corner. Mrs. Weasley insisted it was a family function, and Fred had to attend dinner.
Since dinner was nearly an hour late, they were digging into the food little conversation was taking place.
After awhile, Hermione spoke first.
"What do you all think of the name Estella?" she asked.
"A-what-a?" said Ron raising his head sharply.
"Estella," said Hermione smiling. "It's a very strong name. Many great witches have had that name! Why, in fact Estella Macgi-"
"I don't like it," said Ron.
"Why?" asked Hermione.
"Because it's coming out of book you've read, I just know it."
"It's historical!"
"Exactly. Who wants to be named after someone in some dried up history book?"
"Oh please, shut up, Ron," muttered Harry, so that only he and Ginny could hear him.
Ginny's warm brown eyes showed much amusement at Harry's comment.
"Fine. You don't like Estella! I'm flexible," sighed Hermione.
"No she's not, and neither is he," whispered Ginny in Harry's ear.
Harry promptly spat out his pumpkin juice and tried to hide his laughter.
"I don't rightly like Estella either," said Charlie diplomatically.
To Hermione's disappointment, the whole table nodded in agreement.
"How about Samuel?" suggested Ron.
"No," said Hermione, "it's much too common."
"Fine," pouted Ron, "I'm flexible."
"How about Harry?" suggested Mrs. Weasley.
"No," said Harry, Ron, and Hermione immediately.
"I always thought it was a nice name," said Mrs. Weasley a little startled.
"How did you manage to name this lot? asked Charlie waving towards Percy's children.
"Very thoughtfully," said Percy. "Penelope and I waited until we saw them after they were born to decide on a proper name. We would put together a small list, and then select from those names."
"How agreeable," approved Hermione.
"How stupid," said Ron.
"It does work though," said Penelope gently. "Why, we had no idea what to call Meghan when she was born."
Meghan looked indignant.
"But, when we saw her, we knew she was a Meghan. It means strong-willed," explained Penelope.
The table chuckled a bit, and they smiled at Meghan.
"Appropriately named," said Percy, cutting up his steak calmly.
Hunter drank his milk from his sippy cup, and his cornflower blue eyes widened suddenly.
"Aunt Hermione," he said timidly.
"Yes?" said Hermione.
"I know what we can name the baby."
"What, Hunter?" **You have Kyle just above. I'm confused. asked Ron.
"Baby Jesus!" said Hunter proudly. "Then Nanny Isabella will have someone come when she says 'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!'"
"Congratulations, Hermione," sputtered Ginny. "You're giving birth to the Christ-child."
She and the rest of the family laughed appreciatively.
"Mum," said Catherine pulling on Penelope's sleeve, "can we have a baby named Mary?"
"We'll see, Catherine darling," said Penelope.
Meghan spoke up. "I want to name the baby."
"What would you name the baby, sweetheart?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Boozer."
Percy turned beet red. "MEGHAN!"
"What, Daddy?" said Meghan, not understanding.
Ginny was poking Harry. "See? I told you! They remember EVERY little thing!"
Harry smiled at her and shrugged.
"I'm sure Harry is beginning to realize this with little Chloe around," smiled Sirius.
"Actually, Harry is a fantastic dad, " Ginny admitted.
"He'd be a wonderful husband too, if he ever finds that special someone," said Mrs. Weasley raising her eyebrows at Ginny.
Ginny glared at her mother. "Mum, stop it," she said clearly.
Harry gulped. Was Ginny on to him?
"Look Molly, you've embarrassed him," chuckled Remus.
"I'm not embarrassed," said Harry defiantly. "Molly was just complimenting me."
I am such a liar, Harry thought to himself, I would really like to have the floor swallow me up.
"Aw, leave the chap alone. He hasn't found himself the right woman yet!" said George with his mouth full of parsnips."
Ginny bristled.
Harry cleared his throat and nervously pushed his glasses up his nose.
"Drink your milk please, Chloe," he said looking over at her plate.
"Andrew," said Hermione suddenly.
Everyone looked around the table, and then stared back at Hermione.
"Andrew who?" said Bill.
"The baby!" said Hermione.
"Andrew," repeated Ron.
"It's a nice name," said Mrs. Weasley.
"It can be shortened to Andy," added Charlie.
"I sort of like it," said Ron.
"You mean, you've both agreed on something this early?" said Remus slowly.
"Well, it's not permanent," shrugged Hermione.
"Andrew Ronald Weasley is a great name," said Ron happily.
Hermione frowned. "Who said we were naming him after you? I thought that we would use my dad's middle name, to remind him of his Muggle roots."
"But it's my son! You're always supposed to name the first born child after the father!" said Ron setting his fork down and turning to Hermione.
"But it's my son too!" said Hermione.
"You were saying something about agreeing, Remus?" muttered Sirius.
"Your father's first name is Lou! Andrew Lou Weasley is a horrible name!" said Ron screwing up his face.
"Then we'll change his first name!" said Hermione shortly.
"I like Andrew!" pouted Ron.
"Excuse me," said Harry.
"I don't care if you like Andrew! I like Lou as a middle name! It's my father! He's a very noble man!" shouted Hermione.
"Then can we call the kid Mister? Because he never lets me call him anything but Mr. Granger! It's always, Mr. Granger this, Mr. Granger that..." yelled Ron.
"Because you very nearly blew up his office with that charm you were trying to show him! You KNOW you can never do the cleaning charms properly!"
"Excuse me," said Harry again.
"I did the cleaning charm properly, but your father JUST had to start complaining about magic and I got distracted. It's amazing he let you go to Hogwarts at all!"
"Don't start talking about MY family being odd!" screamed Hermione, "When your fam-"
Hermione turned bright red and looked down at her plate.
"Excuse me, you two," Harry was finally able to say in the quiet. "You aren't even sure the baby will be a boy. Right?"
"Er," said Ron turning red also, "yes. That's quite right."
"Got to love our family gatherings," muttered Bill.
"I'm buying a new house," announced Ginny suddenly.
No one replied. Silverware clinked and there was a great deal of glancing over at Harry. Harry busied himself with his drink glass.
"Did everyone just hear what I said?" Ginny frowned. "Do you have a problem with me moving on?"
Mr. Weasley was the first to speak. "Ginny, a new house is a long time commitment."
"Dad!" Ginny exclaimed. "The whole lot of you have been preaching to me to move on with my life!"
"You don't know where you're going to be six months from now," said Mr. Weasley calmly.
"I have no plans to close the nursery school!"
"Ginny, it's a huge commitment! I mean, look at Harry...he waited a long time until he started building a new house," Bill added, with yet another meaningful glance at Harry.
"I have my life in the order I want it in." Ginny said confidently.
Harry surely hoped it wasn't in the exact order she wanted it in.because that could pose a few problems.
"Can't we sit down and have a dinner without announcements? Birth announcements...house announcements...we really should talk about the weather. Like a proper family," Percy huffed.
"Shut up, Percy," said Charlie.
"Harry agrees with me!" said Ginny, turning to Harry. "Don't you think I should buy a new house, Harry?"
More silence and Harry squirmed.
"Do tell her what you think, Harry," Molly added lightly.
"Well, it is a bit sudden isn't it?" Harry felt his cheeks grow warm. His voice had actually quavered!
"Harry!" said Ginny horrified, "you aren't agreeing with them! You of all people should understand what I'm going through!"
"Uh."
"I thought this meant more to you! Here I was thinking that our relationship was moving to another level, and I was trying to compensate by changing my lifestyle!"
"Ginny, don't get the wrong idea!" begged Harry, taking her hand.
Ginny snatched her hand away. "What idea am I supposed to get?"
"Ginny, I needed you every moment! For Chloe...for-" Harry was trying to keep everything in his head together and it didn't seem to be working.
"So you were using me?" Ginny said softly." For a mother replacement. Until you could find someone better?"
Harry glanced around at the family. Their eyes seemed to be saying the same thing. "Do something, Harry."
"Excuse us," Harry said, standing up from the table. "I have to clear some things up."
~*~
(December 31st)
Harry cleared his throat.
"I know this may seem sudden, but, I'm only following my heart. I love you more than life itself, and I want to ask for the honor of your hand in marriage."
Sirius wrinkled his nose. "I don't like it."
Harry threw up his arms in frustration. "What now?"
"Too rehearsed."
"I can't do this!" sighed Harry.
"Take out the bloody, 'I love you more than life itself' line; it's overused," suggested Sirius.
"I'm an Auror, not an author!"
"Obviously," muttered Sirius.
"Okay, I'll try it again," groaned Harry.
"All right."
"Ginny, you are all I could ever hope for, all I could ever want, and more. Will you marry me?"
"That was better. But I still don't like it," smiled Sirius.
Harry raised his bright green eyes to the ceiling and sighed. "Listen, YOU try it. It's not as easy as you would think."
"Don't get your karma all out of whack," responded Sirius. "Now, try this, pretend I'm Ginny. Do the whole thing, the kneeling and everything."
"That's ridiculous, you look nothing like Ginny."
"Shut up and try it," said Sirius, batting his eyelashes in a feminine fashion.
Harry resigned himself to getting on his knee and presenting the ring to Sirius. "Ginny, you are my world. Please, give me the honor of your hand in marriage."
"Oh yes, Harry!" squeaked Remus.
Sirius and Harry swung around to see Remus standing in the doorway, clutching his stomach while laughing.
"Oh, Sirius, you look so lovely," hooted Remus, still in fits of laughter.
Harry sighed. "Hello."
"Shut up, Moony," replied Sirius. "Harry here, is having a bit of trouble."
"No kidding," said Remus. "Especially when he's proposing to you, and not Ginny."
"Thank you so much, Remus," said Harry plopping into a chair, and resting his chin in his hands.
"I'm sorry," said Remus resting a hand on Harry's shoulder, "it's just that I started thinking about what James' reaction would be. Come on, you have to admit it's funny."
"Ha," said Harry blandly.
Sirius chuckled. "Chin up, Harry. She loves you."
Remus nodded. "And I know she'll say yes."
Harry shrugged. "But these things are supposed to be...important."
"Stop worrying about it. It'll all snap together when the moment comes," said Lupin.
"Can I go wake up Chloe from her nap now?" asked Sirius.
"If you want to, although she will be up pretty late tonight because of New Years," said Harry.
"Nonsense, she doesn't need naps," said Sirius proudly.
Remus chuckled again as Sirius left the room. "Chloe has him wrapped around her little finger."
"It wasn't difficult," laughed Harry. "The moment she called him Grandfather, he turned into a big puddle of goo."
"What time does this 'party' start at Percy's?" asked Remus. "I think I used the back of my invitation for a shopping list."
"Dinner is going to be 'promptly served at 8:30'," said Harry quoting the invitation while handing it to Remus.
"I'm still getting over the fact that Percy actually printed invitations for the family," Remus grinned.
"Go figure," sighed Harry.
"So if dinner is served at 8:30, we should show up when?"
"8:45?" joked Harry.
"No, I think that's Fred and George's appearance time. How about 8:20?"
"Sounds good to me."
~*~
(8:15pm)
Harry swallowed, and straightened his tie underneath his dress robes. Chloe cocked her head curiously, and she looked down at her own robes.
"Daddy?" she began.
"Does this look crooked, Chlo?" asked Harry.
"It's got stripes," observed Chloe.
"Do you think the stripes are ugly?" asked Harry, beginning to loosen his tie.
Chloe shrugged and Harry saw her identical bright green eyes looking at him quizzically in the reflection of the mirror.
"I like polka-dots," said Chloe.
"Polka-dots?" said Harry fishing through a rack covered in ties.
"Purple polka dots," nodded Chloe.
"Purple?" laughed Harry, "I'm wearing green robes!"
"You should be colorful, Daddy," suggested Chloe dancing around behind him.
"How about this one?" asked Harry holding up a black tie, with tiny dark green dots.
Chloe stopped dancing long enough to wrinkle her nose. "It hasn't got stripes, Daddy."
"You wanted polka-dots!"
"No I didn't," said Chloe, "I said I wanted stripes AND polka-dots."
"Chloe, I don't have a tie with both on them!" explained Harry.
Chloe giggled. "So wear two ties, Daddy!" she suggested.
"Now how exactly do I plan to do that?" he laughed.
"How come you're dressing up a whole lot today?" asked Chloe.
"Because..." said Harry stalling for time to think of an appropriate answer, "because, it's the New Year, and I want to start out right with new beginnings."
"Oh. Are those new robes, Daddy?"
"No, that's not what I mean, Chloe," laughed Harry as he kneeled down to talk to her. "I mean, with the new year, we can start everything fresh. It's a time for change, and new things."
"Can we get a puppy then?" asked Chloe.
"No puppies yet," Harry grinned.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
("Promptly" 8:35)
Harry avoided Percy's stare as he and Chloe Apparated into his living room.
"Sorry we're late," he said to Penelope who greeted them warmly.
"Well, you're not the ONLY ones," sniffed Percy, tapping his watch. "The others have barely only begun to arrive."
Harry glanced around quickly for Ginny, but she wasn't in the room.
"Looking sharp, Harry!" said Charlie pumping his arm.
"Thanks," said Harry smiling. "Does the tie look okay?"
"Fantastic," nodded Charlie.
"Chloe had me on my toes. She wanted me to wear two," said Harry squeezing Chloe's hand.
She looked up at them and smiled. Harry knew she was itching to know where the rest of the children were; there was no sign on Percy's children anywhere.
"Hey, Chlo!" said Charlie, tickling Chloe's ribs, "two ties?"
"Yes," said Chloe nodding and giggling.
"Where's the other?" asked Charlie curiously.
Chloe grinned and held up her stuffed dragon.
"Norbert is wearing it. Just to hold it for Daddy," she said admiring her neck-tied companion.
"Snazzy," said Charlie approving of Norbert's added attire.
"Where's Meghan?" asked Chloe.
"Oh, they're all in the nursery," said Charlie.
Chloe looked up hopefully at her father.
"Yes, go play," grinned Harry.
Chloe, with Norbert in hand, skipped off.
"So, I heard about something you're going to try to do," grinned Charlie when he and Harry were standing by themselves.
"Yeah," said Harry, noting that his cheeks were growing warm.
"Today? Is that why you're all dressed up?" persisted Charlie.
"So you're going to ask her?" asked Sirius, brightening.
"Today!" confirmed Charlie.
"Shhhhh!!!" groaned Harry. "No! I haven't decided."
"Harry, dear!" cried Mrs. Weasley coming over, "you look so handsome!"
"Thank you," said Harry, wanting to take the tie off and forgo it all together.
"Are you going to do the you-know-what, here tonight?" bubbled Mrs. Weasley, as she adjusted his tie. She was practically glowing.
"Yes!" said Sirius and Charlie.
Harry took a deep breath. "Please. Don't say a word! I haven't decided!"
"Oh don't worry dear, your secret is safe with us, " said Mrs. Weasley patting his cheek. "Green is really your color!"
"Why, Harry, I didn't realize you were going to do that this evening," smiled Penelope as she clasped her hands to her chest. "The rear parlor has to be the prettiest room in the house. I could tell the house elves to light a fire in the fireplace for you.."
"No, thank you, Penny, now REALLY please don't make such a huge deal over this. I haven't decided if it's going to be this evening or not.."
"Nonsense, Harry," said Percy, "the quicker you ask her, the sooner you can start planning the wedding. Believe me, this sort of thing takes organization!"
The entire Weasley clan that was present, crowded around Harry, prodding him with questions. Harry had never been so flustered in his entire life.
There was a soft pop, and Harry prayed it wasn't Ginny.
"What's going on?" came Hermione's voice.
"Harry is going to propose to Ginny tonight!" shouted Bill.
The rest of the Weasleys began to applaud at this comment.
Ron's head appeared in the crowd. "Really, Harry?"
"No!" said Harry shortly.
The family fell silent, and they all looked at Harry, with shocked expressions on their faces.
"I mean, no, I haven't decided yet," added Harry hastily.
"What's going on?" said another voice.
"Ginny!" said Bill nervously.
Charlie roughly shoved Harry down into a chair. Harry had to adjust his glasses which had been knocked askew.
"OOF!" he grunted.
They all swung around and saw Ginny standing there, looking confused.
"What's wrong with Harry?" she said hurrying to his chair.
"Nothing," said Harry, quickly standing up.
"Then why is everyone standing around your chair?" asked Ginny slowly.
"Harry! Sit down!" ordered Sirius. "It's okay, Ginny, Harry was just feeling a little faint." He 'slyly' winked at Harry.
Harry's eyes widened. "What?"
"Oh no!" said Ginny gently pushing down on Harry's shoulders and making him sit down again. "What's happened to him?"
"We were all talking, and Harry was looking a bit pale," added Mrs. Weasley catching on to the ruse.
"Then he starts to wobble, and-and-and I had to catch him!" added Charlie with flourish.
Harry really was beginning to feel faint after hearing all of this. They were making him sound like some sort of nancy boy.
"The room must have been too crowded," suggested Bill.
"Oh! Is he feeling better?" asked Ginny.
"Hello? I'm right here," said Harry waving his hand.
"Oh Harry! Don't exert yourself!" said Penny, sounding horrified.
"Can we get you some tea?" said Ginny touching Harry's cheek with her hand, and feeling his forehead.
"No tea! Please, don't make a big deal out of this!" said Harry shaking his head.
"Yes, both of you can have a cup of tea, and we'll all leave the room, so it's not so stuffy for Harry!" said Molly clasping her hands together.
"What a stupendous idea, Molly," said Remus. "We'll be in the back pa-"
"No tea," repeated Harry.
The family looked disappointed. Ginny looked extremely confused.
"Daddy?" said Chloe, with her lower lip quivering, "are you sick?"
She was standing in the doorway, looking extremely alarmed, holding Meghan's hand.
"It's okay," said Ginny calmly, "your Daddy just felt sick for a little bit, but he's better now."
"Did you throw up, Uncle Harry? Like Hunter did that one time?" asked Meghan cautiously, as she peered at Harry from behind Ginny.
Chloe looked on the verge of tears again, so Sirius scooped her up.
"No, I did not throw up," sighed Harry.
"He almost fainted," explained Bill.
Meghan looked impressed. "Wow, Uncle Harry!"
"What's fainted?" asked Chloe, still upset.
Meghan was excited. "Oh, Chloe! You know! Like princesses faint when they get REALLY scared, like this!"
Meghan threw her hand dramatically to her forehead, and stumbled backwards, and swayed dangerously close to the coffee table.
Ron caught her just in time.
"Uncle Ronnnn!" said Meghan opening her eyes, "I'm supposed to have fainted!"
"Oh, sorry," said Ron lowering her to the floor.
Meghan lay on the floor, with her eyes screwed up tightly, and her hands clasped under her chin.
"You look dead," observed Chloe sadly.
"Meghan!" wailed Hunter from the same doorway.
Meghan opened one of her blue eyes. "I'm not dead," she said, lifting her head a little.
"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! There you are!" gasped the nanny, skidding into the room, carrying Henri in one arm, pulling Alexandria along behind her with the other. Catherine and Mortimer trailed behind her, Catherine holding Madeline's hand, and Mortimer keeping a firm grip on Kyle.
"Meghan, Chloe, and Hunter left the nursery," announced Catherine.
"I'm so sorry," gasped the nanny. "They were there one moment, and then they just weren't there. You know I'm only used to taking care the eight of them, then with little Chloe added.."
"Quite all right, Isabella," said Percy patting Kyle on the head. "It's nearly supper time anyway."
"Happy New Year, Isabella," smiled Penelope taking Henri from her.
"And to you, Madam."
"My Daddy fainted," announced Chloe loudly, from Sirius' arms.
Meghan, who had long since got up from the floor began another show of dramatic fainting.
"Watch me, Nanny Isabella!" she said excitedly.
"Oh, you poor little duck," gaped Isabella, staring at Harry.
There was a loud snicker from Charlie, who tried to hide it by coughing. Fortunately, Ginny didn't seem to notice this, or the rough elbow in the ribs that Charlie received from Bill. Ron caught Meghan again, who had added an earsplitting "Oh my!" to her fainting act.
"Really, that's quite enough, Meghan," said Percy picking his daughter up, and setting her back on her feet. He straightened her headband in her bright red curls.
"I hope you get to feeling better, Mr. Potter," said Isabella patting Harry's hand.
"Thank you," said Harry dully; he might as well play along now.
They all waved politely to the nanny, who bustled quickly out of the room.
"I hope Fred and George get here soon! I hope nothing has happened to them," worried Penelope.
"Darling, there is nothing wrong with Fred and George, besides their blatant rudeness- thirty minutes late! Why, I even put 'promptly' on the invitations, and most of these people were here at a reasonable ti-"
"Percy," interrupted Bill.
"What?" said Percy irritably.
"Shut up. It's a family function. The bloody queen isn't coming for dinner," said Bill.
"When is the bloody queen coming?" asked Hunter curiously.
"Hunter!" said Catherine covering her mouth in lady-like horror. "That's a horrid thing to say!"
Meghan rolled her eyes. "Uncle Bill said it," she pointed out.
Bill colored slightly as all his nieces and nephews stared at him, looking for an answer.
"Nice boys don't say words like that," said Hermione saving the day, "Uncle Bill accidentally said it."
"Oh," said Hunter.
"Dinner?" asked Harry hopefully, and also changing the subject.
"No Fred and George," reminded Lupin.
"I'm starving," sighed Bill, "Mum did you bring some of your pie too? I mean the house-elves have great pie, but your chocolate pie is my favorite."
"I made a chocolate pie for you, Bill darling, and a rhubarb for Ron, and a peach for Ginny," smiled Molly, happily.
"It's a small wonder we don't look like whales around here...the way Molly cooks," said Hermione looking down at her robes. "A pie for each of us to take home. Honestly, Molly!"
"Oh, I made you an apple-cinnamon, Hermione darling!" interrupted Molly. "You are, after all, eating for two!"
Hermione beamed. "That's true, I can eat whatever I like, can't I?"
Ron's eyes widened. The "Oh no" expression was plain.
"Yes, we want that little angel to be perfect! So you eat up!" said Molly patting Hermione's still flat belly.
"Did I get a pie?" asked Harry, already knowing the answer.
"Of course you did! I made you and Chloe a lovely winterberry pie."
POP.
TAWOOOOOOOOOOOT!
Fred had Apparated into the room.
"Happy New Year!" he shouted blowing the party horn in his mouth.
The children squealed with delight as he staggered about the room in his party hat.
" 'Ellooooooo PER-CY!" drawled Fred slapping Percy roughly on the shoulder.
Percy stumbled backward, and adjusted his glasses. "Fred! For pity's sake!"
"Eh? What's the matter? Can't take a friendly 'ello?" asked Fred loudly. "Remus!"
TAWOOT!
Fred blew the party horn at Remus, who winced and coughed.
"Fred, have you been drinking?" asked Remus fanning the air with his hand.
"Fredrick Johann Weasley!" gasped Mrs. Weasley, turning bright red.
"Drinking? I'm just having a good time!" said Fred laughing, and adjusting his party hat over his nose.
"Not-in-front-of-the-children!" huffed Percy grasping the tipsy Fred by the arm, hauling him toward the door.
"Perce! I'm fiiine!" protested Fred. "Lemme walk!"
"Fine!" said Percy releasing his grip on Fred.
WHUMP.
Fred fell flat on his face. Out like a light.
"Fred's fainted," said Harry cheerfully from his chair, glad to not be the only one with the stigma now.
"Grandmum?" asked Catherine, as the family stared at Fred, still too shocked to do anything. "Should Uncle Fred be ashamed of himself?"
"Yes!" said Molly and Percy firmly, and at the exact same time.
"Oh, lighten up!" laughed Ron, "It's New Year's, Fred was probably partying. You can't slam him for having a bit of fun!"
"But drunk!" said Molly still horrified.
"He's a bachelor," added Harry.
"Wonder why?" said Hermione softly.
"Children," lectured Percy, as he and Bill lifted Fred to a couch, "Uncle Fred is sick. Don't be frightened."
"Daddy," spoke up Meghan, "but Uncle Fred is soused, not sick!"
"Meghan Abigail Weasley!" sputtered Percy, "where on earth did you learn a word like soused?!"
"Probably from Fred," snickered Charlie.
"Charlie! Enough! My innocent five-year-old daughter knows the word soused!" said Percy, as if the world were coming to an end.
"Meghan and I like learning new words," said Chloe happily.
"Okay," said Bill, now extremely amused, "girls, next week's word is boozer!"
"BILL!" chorused half the adults loudly.
"Please contain yourself," sighed Ginny, glaring at Bill. "They're five. They remember everything."
POP.
George Apparated into the room, looking panicked. He spotted Fred on the couch and looked relieved.
"Merlin's beard!" he gasped, "I thought I'd never find him alive!"
"George!" gasped Mr. Weasley, "don't say such things."
"We were at a party," began George, "Annnd, they started playing Muggle drinking games..."
"Fred lost," observed Charlie.
George nodded toward his drooling brother. "He always loses those. I was trying to keep up with him, but after he- well, I won't tell you what he did to the swimming pool-but I lost him!"
"He didn't destroy anything did he?" worried Mrs. Weasley.
"No Mum, but he's pretty sous-"
"DON'T say it, " said Percy glancing at his wide-eyed children.
"Dinner," sighed Hermione wistfully.
"Yes, but what are we going to do with party-animal here?" asked Ron, jerking his thumb toward Fred.
"Leave 'em there," yawned Bill. "I'm starved."
~*~
Fred, in his passed out state, was propped into a dining room chair in the corner. Mrs. Weasley insisted it was a family function, and Fred had to attend dinner.
Since dinner was nearly an hour late, they were digging into the food little conversation was taking place.
After awhile, Hermione spoke first.
"What do you all think of the name Estella?" she asked.
"A-what-a?" said Ron raising his head sharply.
"Estella," said Hermione smiling. "It's a very strong name. Many great witches have had that name! Why, in fact Estella Macgi-"
"I don't like it," said Ron.
"Why?" asked Hermione.
"Because it's coming out of book you've read, I just know it."
"It's historical!"
"Exactly. Who wants to be named after someone in some dried up history book?"
"Oh please, shut up, Ron," muttered Harry, so that only he and Ginny could hear him.
Ginny's warm brown eyes showed much amusement at Harry's comment.
"Fine. You don't like Estella! I'm flexible," sighed Hermione.
"No she's not, and neither is he," whispered Ginny in Harry's ear.
Harry promptly spat out his pumpkin juice and tried to hide his laughter.
"I don't rightly like Estella either," said Charlie diplomatically.
To Hermione's disappointment, the whole table nodded in agreement.
"How about Samuel?" suggested Ron.
"No," said Hermione, "it's much too common."
"Fine," pouted Ron, "I'm flexible."
"How about Harry?" suggested Mrs. Weasley.
"No," said Harry, Ron, and Hermione immediately.
"I always thought it was a nice name," said Mrs. Weasley a little startled.
"How did you manage to name this lot? asked Charlie waving towards Percy's children.
"Very thoughtfully," said Percy. "Penelope and I waited until we saw them after they were born to decide on a proper name. We would put together a small list, and then select from those names."
"How agreeable," approved Hermione.
"How stupid," said Ron.
"It does work though," said Penelope gently. "Why, we had no idea what to call Meghan when she was born."
Meghan looked indignant.
"But, when we saw her, we knew she was a Meghan. It means strong-willed," explained Penelope.
The table chuckled a bit, and they smiled at Meghan.
"Appropriately named," said Percy, cutting up his steak calmly.
Hunter drank his milk from his sippy cup, and his cornflower blue eyes widened suddenly.
"Aunt Hermione," he said timidly.
"Yes?" said Hermione.
"I know what we can name the baby."
"What, Hunter?" **You have Kyle just above. I'm confused. asked Ron.
"Baby Jesus!" said Hunter proudly. "Then Nanny Isabella will have someone come when she says 'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!'"
"Congratulations, Hermione," sputtered Ginny. "You're giving birth to the Christ-child."
She and the rest of the family laughed appreciatively.
"Mum," said Catherine pulling on Penelope's sleeve, "can we have a baby named Mary?"
"We'll see, Catherine darling," said Penelope.
Meghan spoke up. "I want to name the baby."
"What would you name the baby, sweetheart?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Boozer."
Percy turned beet red. "MEGHAN!"
"What, Daddy?" said Meghan, not understanding.
Ginny was poking Harry. "See? I told you! They remember EVERY little thing!"
Harry smiled at her and shrugged.
"I'm sure Harry is beginning to realize this with little Chloe around," smiled Sirius.
"Actually, Harry is a fantastic dad, " Ginny admitted.
"He'd be a wonderful husband too, if he ever finds that special someone," said Mrs. Weasley raising her eyebrows at Ginny.
Ginny glared at her mother. "Mum, stop it," she said clearly.
Harry gulped. Was Ginny on to him?
"Look Molly, you've embarrassed him," chuckled Remus.
"I'm not embarrassed," said Harry defiantly. "Molly was just complimenting me."
I am such a liar, Harry thought to himself, I would really like to have the floor swallow me up.
"Aw, leave the chap alone. He hasn't found himself the right woman yet!" said George with his mouth full of parsnips."
Ginny bristled.
Harry cleared his throat and nervously pushed his glasses up his nose.
"Drink your milk please, Chloe," he said looking over at her plate.
"Andrew," said Hermione suddenly.
Everyone looked around the table, and then stared back at Hermione.
"Andrew who?" said Bill.
"The baby!" said Hermione.
"Andrew," repeated Ron.
"It's a nice name," said Mrs. Weasley.
"It can be shortened to Andy," added Charlie.
"I sort of like it," said Ron.
"You mean, you've both agreed on something this early?" said Remus slowly.
"Well, it's not permanent," shrugged Hermione.
"Andrew Ronald Weasley is a great name," said Ron happily.
Hermione frowned. "Who said we were naming him after you? I thought that we would use my dad's middle name, to remind him of his Muggle roots."
"But it's my son! You're always supposed to name the first born child after the father!" said Ron setting his fork down and turning to Hermione.
"But it's my son too!" said Hermione.
"You were saying something about agreeing, Remus?" muttered Sirius.
"Your father's first name is Lou! Andrew Lou Weasley is a horrible name!" said Ron screwing up his face.
"Then we'll change his first name!" said Hermione shortly.
"I like Andrew!" pouted Ron.
"Excuse me," said Harry.
"I don't care if you like Andrew! I like Lou as a middle name! It's my father! He's a very noble man!" shouted Hermione.
"Then can we call the kid Mister? Because he never lets me call him anything but Mr. Granger! It's always, Mr. Granger this, Mr. Granger that..." yelled Ron.
"Because you very nearly blew up his office with that charm you were trying to show him! You KNOW you can never do the cleaning charms properly!"
"Excuse me," said Harry again.
"I did the cleaning charm properly, but your father JUST had to start complaining about magic and I got distracted. It's amazing he let you go to Hogwarts at all!"
"Don't start talking about MY family being odd!" screamed Hermione, "When your fam-"
Hermione turned bright red and looked down at her plate.
"Excuse me, you two," Harry was finally able to say in the quiet. "You aren't even sure the baby will be a boy. Right?"
"Er," said Ron turning red also, "yes. That's quite right."
"Got to love our family gatherings," muttered Bill.
"I'm buying a new house," announced Ginny suddenly.
No one replied. Silverware clinked and there was a great deal of glancing over at Harry. Harry busied himself with his drink glass.
"Did everyone just hear what I said?" Ginny frowned. "Do you have a problem with me moving on?"
Mr. Weasley was the first to speak. "Ginny, a new house is a long time commitment."
"Dad!" Ginny exclaimed. "The whole lot of you have been preaching to me to move on with my life!"
"You don't know where you're going to be six months from now," said Mr. Weasley calmly.
"I have no plans to close the nursery school!"
"Ginny, it's a huge commitment! I mean, look at Harry...he waited a long time until he started building a new house," Bill added, with yet another meaningful glance at Harry.
"I have my life in the order I want it in." Ginny said confidently.
Harry surely hoped it wasn't in the exact order she wanted it in.because that could pose a few problems.
"Can't we sit down and have a dinner without announcements? Birth announcements...house announcements...we really should talk about the weather. Like a proper family," Percy huffed.
"Shut up, Percy," said Charlie.
"Harry agrees with me!" said Ginny, turning to Harry. "Don't you think I should buy a new house, Harry?"
More silence and Harry squirmed.
"Do tell her what you think, Harry," Molly added lightly.
"Well, it is a bit sudden isn't it?" Harry felt his cheeks grow warm. His voice had actually quavered!
"Harry!" said Ginny horrified, "you aren't agreeing with them! You of all people should understand what I'm going through!"
"Uh."
"I thought this meant more to you! Here I was thinking that our relationship was moving to another level, and I was trying to compensate by changing my lifestyle!"
"Ginny, don't get the wrong idea!" begged Harry, taking her hand.
Ginny snatched her hand away. "What idea am I supposed to get?"
"Ginny, I needed you every moment! For Chloe...for-" Harry was trying to keep everything in his head together and it didn't seem to be working.
"So you were using me?" Ginny said softly." For a mother replacement. Until you could find someone better?"
Harry glanced around at the family. Their eyes seemed to be saying the same thing. "Do something, Harry."
"Excuse us," Harry said, standing up from the table. "I have to clear some things up."