"So, I have something I want to talk to you about," Harry said casually as he placed the casserole in the center of the table. His eyes flicked up to watch Emma. She'd frozen in mid-serve. Harry took the jug of iced tea from her before she allowed her cup to overflow. She looked at him, slightly nervously.

"Harry, the last time you started a conversation like that, I found out that wicked witches really do exist," she said dryly. Harry smiled at her, amused by her matter-of-fact statement.

"Well, it's nothing that traumatic this time, I promise." Emma raised an eyebrow at him expectantly. He hesitated, actually not quite sure if that was an accurate statement.

"I'd like for you to meet my family," he said finally. Emma was silent for a moment. Harry took a bite of the dinner. Emma put her fork down. He'd never spoken of the Dursley's as family, so that only left...

"The Weasley's?"

"That's right," Harry said. "They've been hearing about you for the last three months...they want to meet you."

"Is that even possible?" She asked. "Aren't they all wizards?" Harry shrugged.

"Yes, but that doesn't matter. There are ways for Muggles to travel in the Wizarding world, as long as they have the right guide."

"And you're the right guide, are you?" She asked teasingly. He raised his eyebrows.

"No one better!" Harry asserted brightly. They ate in silence for a few minutes. Harry was heartened by the fact that she didn't say no right away. He was aware of the magnitude of this request as far as she was concerned. Eventually, she broke the silence.

"Can't they come here?" Harry shook his head.

"No – there's too many of them. Even without Bill and Charlie, both of our places are way too small."

"Wait – Harry, all of them? At the same time?" He shrugged.

"It's one of their family picnics. I always go...this time they want you to come with me." Harry studied her as he ate. She was picking at her food, a tight expression on her pretty face. After watching her for a moment, he sighed. She hadn't said no, but he knew how difficult this was going to be for her. She was so introverted – she never took part in social engagements of any kind. And it would be her first full introduction to the Wizarding world, and all the magic that went with that, and she'd be meeting people she knew were very important to Harry – that was a lot of pressure. As a matter of fact, the more he thought about it, the more he felt this was unfair of him to be asking so soon.

"You know what, Emma," he said gently. "I think I'm being unreasonable. Don't worry about it. I totally understand if you don't want to do this yet—"

"No Harry," she cut him off. "It's not an unreasonable thing to ask at all. If I had family here, you probably would've already been subjected to a family dinner yourself." She paused and twisted her napkin tightly in her hands. Harry knew that gesture too well. "And it's not that I don't want to meet them," she said softly. "It's just...I, um..." She trailed off helplessly, blushing hard. "God, I hate this!" she said vehemently. "Why can't I be normal?" Harry let out a laugh and Emma looked up at him incredulously. He took one look at her face, and quickly explained.

"No – no...You just don't know how many times I've said or thought that about myself!" He reached over and took her hands, stopping their nervous motion. "You are normal, Emma. Just shy. There's nothing wrong with that." Emma pulled her hands away and picked up her fork. Harry followed her lead. They ate silently for a few minutes, both lost in their thoughts.

"When would we go?" Harry looked up in surprise, certain that she was going to take the out that he'd provided.

"Uh – this weekend," he answered. She studied her plate for a moment, and Harry could clearly see the indecision on her face.

Finally, "Okay."