Telling Harry -
Ginny opened her eyes and noticed light filling the room. 'Why is it light out? It should be dark-- I only laid down for a few minutes to nap.' Ginny thought to herself. Sitting up she noticed she was without her cloths. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion scanning the room where she noticed them at the top of the dirty cloths hamper. Turning her head she looked at the alarm clock on the night stand, it read 8:45am - You slept in. "Bugger!" Ginny said jumping out of bed and grabbing a long, burgundy robe of silk from the foot of her bed and shrugging it on. She walked down the hall tying a knot in the belt of the robe as she made her way to the kitchen, "Harry?" she called out. She received no answer in return as she walked into the kitchen where a piece of parchment hovered over the table. Ginny snatched the note out of the air and read it.
Ginny,
Went to Ron's for a bit. Tried to wake you up, to see if you wanted to join me. I also tried to get you to wake up for dinner last night but you were dead to the world. I played the good husband and put you to bed. You'll have to thank me later, considering the state you left me in after I had to undress you, I'd say you owe me. Are you feeling well?
I'll see you this afternoon,
Harry
Laying the note on the table Ginny walked over to the cabinet, reaching in she grabbed a glass. After pouring herself some pineapple juice from the refrigerator, Ginny sat at the table slowly sipping it, trying to soothe the terrible rolling she felt in her stomach. Her need for sleep last night must be yet another joy of pregnancy, she reasoned. "I guess I better get things ready if I'm going to tell him." Picking up her glass she walked back towards the master bedroom, pausing at a mirror in the hall Ginny took note of her messy hair. Sticking out her tongue, she was happy to see it had returned to its healthy pink state. "First things first Mrs. Potter," she said to her reflection, "You have to take a shower." "I couldn't agree with you more," the mirror said as Ginny walked away.
After a long refreshing shower, Ginny was back in her bedroom standing in a matching black bra and thong set. Her pale skin had taken on a rosy glow from the heat of the shower. She had charmed her hair to fall in a layered mass of curls that reached her shoulder blades. At her dresser Ginny pulled out a pair of blue denim jeans that were soft with age, wondering to herself how much longer she'd be able to enjoy wearing them. She slipped on a large sweater that looked like it had been splashed with muted autumn colors; Ginny ran her hands over the thick softness of the sweater as she straightened it. She sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on matching socks before lacing up tan hiking boots. One thing she and Harry had always agreed on was comfort in relaxed cloths. They only dressed up when necessary, which sadly was often, because of important dinner parties for the ministry, so she relished in wearing comfortable everyday wear.
Ginny walked back to the great room. Getting her cloak from the closet, she rooted though the pockets to find the box which held the clock arms. Putting her cloak away again she got her wand out of the drawer where she typically kept it. Setting the box on the table she took out one of the ornate bronze hands and looked it over carefully. A large blank oval running part of the length of the hand was where their child's name would be written one day. Holding the bronze hand up, she tapped it with her wand while muttering a spell under her breath-- with a small shower of glittering sparks the hand disappeared into a pearl white box wrapped in dark blue ribbon. "Perfect," said Ginny, picking up the store box containing the other two hands to put away in her bedroom dresser.
Ginny looked at the clock on the wall of the kitchen, it was now 2:30 in the afternoon, preparations for the food were well on their way. She had sent a message to Hermione with Hedwig not to feed Harry any lunch, that way he'd be starving when he came home. In the open fireplace baby back ribs were cooking in barbeque sauce on a rack over the fire. She had baby carrots stewing in an apricot honey glaze on the stove top. Ginny stood at the chopping board with her wand preparing a baby spinach, beet and toasted walnut salad, and wondered if Harry would catch on to the theme of the meal. If he didn't catch it by dessert he would have to be just plain thick, considering she had made white chocolate pudding that she tinted with pink and blue swirls.
"Ginny!" she heard called from the great room as the front door slammed shut. Harry came briskly into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around his wife from behind and placed a kiss on the back of her head. "Missed you today," Harry said through her hair. "Missed you too, so what were you up to at Ron's today?" Harry reached around her stealing a slice of beet, dodging a swat of her hand. "I was helping them begin to expand and add another room for the new baby," said Harry taking a bite, "I'm hungry, 'Mione was busy and forgot to make lunch," Harry grumbled making his way to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. "It smells wonderful in here, how did you know I would be hungry?" he asked drying his hands. "I told Hermione I would feed you," Ginny threw over her shoulder as she finished the salad and put it on the table. With a wave of her wand the rest of the food flew to the table as Harry sat down. He dug into his food as if he hadn't eaten in a week. "You like the Baby back ribs and Baby carrots and Baby spinach salad?" Ginny asked accentuating the word Baby before putting bite of carrot to her mouth.
"Mmwuffmmtt," said Harry through a bite of rib. Ginny sighed. Obviously that attempt flew over his head, but she wasn't done yet. Soon dessert came, Harry glanced at the dish of pink and blue swirled pudding and quirked his eyebrow, "In a colorful mood today?" 'Strike two', Ginny thought.
After the early supper Ginny decided it was time to just pull out the big guns. She walked back to the master bedroom looking around, "Harry!" she called out, "Harry could you come here please!" Harry walked into the bedroom, "Time for the thank you?" he asked giving her a suggestive grin.
Ginny suppressed a smile and put on an attempt at a frown, "This won't do Harry," she said, crossing her arms. Harry's face instantly changed into confusion, "What won't do?" he asked. Ginny raised her arms out, "This, all this won't do, this house isn't right." If Harry looked confused before, he looked lost outright at this last statement. His eyebrows furrowed down and the corners of his mouth dropped into a frown. "What do you mean Ginny?" he asked again, looking around the large master bedroom in confusion. "It's just too small, we need to add another bedroom onto it," Ginny said enjoying her little game.
Harry looked a bit relieved with this bit of information, "But we already have two extra bedrooms upstairs that we don't use," he tried to reason. "They aren't the same," said Ginny. Walking over to her dresser and leaning against it, she picked up the gift she had left in a drawer that was slightly open, and hid it behind her back. "I want a small one right off of that wall," she pointed with her free hand to an outside wall. "Now why would you want a small bedroom there?" Harry asked now getting annoyed. "For this," Ginny said walking over to Harry holding out the small package.
Harry's face took on the prior look of confusion taking the box from her hand looking up at her. Ginny beamed a smile waiting for him to open it. Pulling off the dark blue ribbon and lifting the lid he took out the clock hand and looked at her. "What is this and what does it have to do with a bedroom?" He asked. Deep in Ginny's brain she wondered if Harry wasn't secretly a Weasley. Considering how dense he was at the moment, perhaps all those years sharing a room with Ron did more mental damage than she originally thought.
"A nursery," she corrected. "Nursery?" said Harry still looking confused. Ginny waited for it kick in. Confusion slowly slid away from his handsome features as a glimmer of understanding began to show in his emerald green eyes. Ginny watched Harry look back down at the blank clock hand and slowly back up to Ginny's face. His eyes flashed disbelief and hope as they scanned her face looking for confirmation of what he was thinking before scanning down to stare at her stomach. "Ginny?" whispered Harry, his voice sounded as if he was struggling with himself to not get his hopes up. "Harry," she said softly causing his eyes to travel back to her face. Her eyes brimmed with tears, her lips forming a reassuring smile, "I'm pregnant," Ginny whispered.
Harry stared at her dumbfounded with eyes huge in surprise. He took the side of her face into his large calloused hand, stroking her cheek bone with his thumb, looking at her with amazement; "Ginny" was all he could say. He was visibly shaking, searching her from top to bottom with his eyes. Tears slipped down Ginny's face-- she felt so happy she could burst that moment. "Ginny!. . . Oh Ginny!" Harry cried out, laughing with joy as he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her roughly against him into a fierce hug. Ginny laughed wrapping her arms around Harry's middle. Harry pulled back quickly looking frightened, "I . . .I'm sorry. I didn't hurt you did I?" He said looking fearfully at her and then to her stomach where he placed a protective hand over her abdomen, "I didn't hurt the baby did I?" he said worriedly. Ginny laughed through her tears of happiness placing her hand over Harry's, "No love, you didn't hurt us." Harry wrapped his arms around her gently pulling her against him. He rained gentle kisses on top of her head, cheeks and forehead.
"You're pregnant," he said in awe. "I'm going to be a daddy." Harry said, shaking his head in disbelief. Ginny held tight to him, nodding into his broad chest. Harry bent his head low, capturing her lips in the sweetest kiss. Ginny's heart fluttered in her chest. They slowly broke apart looking at each other, "You know I was serious about the nursery." said Ginny quietly brushing a strand of untidy black hair away from Harry's forehead. "Anything you want love," said Harry looking down at his beautiful wife.
Hours later the couple was stretched out together on the sofa of the den watching the fire crackle in the hearth. Ginny snuggled down further with her back pressed against Harry's chest, leaning the back of her head into the crook of his neck. She turned her head back to kiss him on the jaw. Harry stroked her arm staring off into the distance, the shock of finding out he was going to be a father not fully worn off yet. "We're going to have a son," Harry said out of no where. Ginny turned to look at him grinning, "And what if it's a girl?" she said in a teasing manner. Harry shook his head sounding certain, "It's a boy." Ginny placed a loving kiss in the hollow of his neck, "As his majesty wishes," she said. Harry chuckled continuing to stroke her arm, "How far along are you?" Ginny gently nipped at the tender flesh of his neck, feeling him shudder. "I'm seven weeks, roughly." said Ginny into his neck.
Harry sat quiet for a moment in thought. "You think he'll be born on my birthday?" Ginny chuckled, "She might." Harry snorted, "Well, HE will be the greatest seeker in Gryffindor history since his old man," he said fondly. Ginny grinned, "I don't want to find out." Harry looked down at her with his eyebrows furrowed, "Find out what?" "Find out the gender, I want it to be a surprise," said Ginny, slowly trailing her finger tip along his jaw line. Harry looked disappointed, "Are you sure?" Ginny grinned again, "Some surprises are nice, and yes I'm sure." Harry let out a sigh, "Well I suppose I can wait to find out, but it will still be a boy." he said with a nod of his head. Ginny shook her head smiling. "When can we tell the family?" Harry asked looking excited again. "As soon as you wish, love." Ginny said getting up and walking towards the doorway. "Where are you going?" Harry asked sitting up watching his wife. "To the kitchen, for some reason I'm hungry for strawberries." Harry laughed, "Cravings have started already? Lord help me when the mood swings start." "Oh hush you!" said Ginny as she left the room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A couple of days later Ginny was sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea laced with honey. A package of saltines sat beside her mug as she slowly chewed on the bland cracker. Her morning sickness was strong when she woke up that morning. Thankfully it was her day off because she didn't think she could handle a day at the twin's shop. The clock on the kitchen wall chimed the morning hour, Ginny took another tentative sip of tea, hoping that it would stay down. She heard a thud come from the den, "Ginny dear!" her mother called.
Ginny closed her eyes for a moment cringing, she had totally forgotten that she had agreed to go shopping with her mother and Hermione today. She kept her mouth closed, feeling bile slowly rise again in her throat as the back of her jaws began to tingle with the familiar warning signs that she was going to be sick. Hermione stepped into the kitchen with Egwene in her arms followed by Molly. "Good morning Ginny dear," her mother said. "Are you ready. . . "Hermione began to say when Ginny's eyes bulged, she raced out of the kitchen with her hand clamped firmly over her mouth. "Ginny?" her mother called out with worry in her voice. Ginny didn't pause in her haste to make it to the hall bath. "Well good morning to you too," Molly said quietly.
Several minutes later Ginny returned looking slightly pale, but stomach thankfully settled again and teeth brushed. 'At least I don't have to worry about plaque build up with the amount of times I have to brush my teeth a day,' Ginny thought wryly. She noticed Hermione and her mother were sitting at the table talking quietly, Molly must have made tea while Ginny was otherwise occupied paying homage to the porcelain gods since there were steaming mugs in front of both of them. Egwene happily sat on the floor playing with a wooden spoon and an upside down pot that Hermione had handed her. Both women looked up as Ginny entered the room with curious expressions. "Ginny, are you feeling well?" asked Molly. Did Ginny just see a flash of amusement in her eyes? "Ah yes, tea and crackers. The breakfast of champions," Hermione said grinning.
Ginny sat down in her chair glancing back and forth between the two women. "So. . . Ginny. . ." her mother said, "Anything new?" Hermione took a sip from her mug trying to hide a giggle. "Uh, well," Ginny began. She hadn't intended to tell anyone until Harry was with her but it appeared that they had figured it out for themselves. Ginny smiled, she should have known her mother would know right away, being she'd been through it enough times. As for Hermione, that witch was just too smart for her own good. Ginny looked at Hermione, "I guess we'll be going through this together." Hermione and Molly squealed at the same time. Molly jumped up grabbing her daughter and pulling her into a bone crushing hug, "Oh my baby girl!" She exclaimed. Hermione jumped up throwing her arms around Ginny as soon as Molly released her. "Ginny this is wonderful news! They will be the best of friends and be in the same year of Hogwarts and of course do everything together!" Hermione gushed pulling back to look at Ginny before pulling her into another embrace. Ginny laughed.
Not to be left out of the excitement, Egwene stood up pulling on Ginny's pant leg, "Meee, meeee," Egwene said in her sweet baby voice. Ginny scooped the toddler up in her arms, "You want a new little cousin?" Ginny said rubbing her nose against Egwene's. The toddler leaned in with her mouth wide open placing it on Ginny's lips. "Aww she's giving me kisses! Thank you for the kisses, precious." said Ginny giving the toddler a gentle squeeze. "Now," Molly said clasping her hands together, "Does Harry know?" The three women sat back down at the table, Ginny turning Egwene around to face forward on her lap, "Yes, he already says it's a boy," said Ginny handing Egwene a cracker. Hermione snorted, "Typical male, Ron did the same thing." "How far along are you dear?" asked Molly beaming with joy over the idea of becoming a grandmother yet again. "About 7 1/2 weeks now," said Ginny while fingering the wild curls on Egwene's head. "Well this is wonderful news, does anyone else know?" Hermione asked. "Besides you two, no." said Ginny. "Will you be telling them soon?" Molly asked hopefully. Ginny smiled at her mother. She knew her mother was excellent at holding secrets, but this would be an impossible one to keep. "How about we have dinner here tonight and Harry and I break the news?" Ginny suggested. "I think that's a great idea," Hermione said nodding. Ginny stood handing Egwene to her grandmother, "Let me owl Harry before we go and tell him of our plans," she said heading to a small room off of the kitchen.
Hedwig sat on her perch with her head resting beneath a wing when Ginny entered the owl's room. She walked over to a small desk, opening the drawer to pull out a piece of parchment and quill. Hedwig raised her head from her wing watching Ginny closely, knowing she was about to be sent on an errand. Ginny dipped the quill into the ink well before scratching off a quick note to Harry telling him about the new dinner plans and to invite Ron, Percy and her father when he saw them in the office. Blowing on the ink to quickly dry it, Ginny rolled up the parchment. Hedwig stuck out her leg while Ginny to tied it to her. "Hedwig, I need you to take this to Harry please," Ginny said scratching the owl behind the ear. Hedwig gave a soft hoot before flapping her wings and taking off through a large glass barrier that allowed delivery owls to pass though magically but otherwise acted as a normal window. Ginny waked back into the kitchen to find Molly and Hermione standing with their cloaks on. Hermione held Egwene in her arms facing out while Molly fastened the clasp on the toddler's cloak.
"All set?" Hermione asked. "Yep," Ginny nodded. After retrieving her cloak from the closet and making sure her wand was in her handbag they made their way back to the den fireplace. "We've got a big day ahead of us, and a most enlightening evening to come!" Molly said excitedly taking a pinch of floo powder from the marble pot fastened to the side of the stone fireplace wall. Ginny watched her mother floo away. Hermione stepped up with Egwene securely in her arms. Turning to face Ginny after she threw the powder into the flames causing them to yet again to cast everything in a green light, Hermione gave Ginny a wink, "This should be fun," she said before stepping into the emerald fire and calling out their destination. After she was gone Ginny took her own pinch of powder throwing it into the fire, "It certainly will be," she said smiling before stepping into the fireplace and calling out, "Diagon Alley!"
Ginny opened her eyes and noticed light filling the room. 'Why is it light out? It should be dark-- I only laid down for a few minutes to nap.' Ginny thought to herself. Sitting up she noticed she was without her cloths. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion scanning the room where she noticed them at the top of the dirty cloths hamper. Turning her head she looked at the alarm clock on the night stand, it read 8:45am - You slept in. "Bugger!" Ginny said jumping out of bed and grabbing a long, burgundy robe of silk from the foot of her bed and shrugging it on. She walked down the hall tying a knot in the belt of the robe as she made her way to the kitchen, "Harry?" she called out. She received no answer in return as she walked into the kitchen where a piece of parchment hovered over the table. Ginny snatched the note out of the air and read it.
Ginny,
Went to Ron's for a bit. Tried to wake you up, to see if you wanted to join me. I also tried to get you to wake up for dinner last night but you were dead to the world. I played the good husband and put you to bed. You'll have to thank me later, considering the state you left me in after I had to undress you, I'd say you owe me. Are you feeling well?
I'll see you this afternoon,
Harry
Laying the note on the table Ginny walked over to the cabinet, reaching in she grabbed a glass. After pouring herself some pineapple juice from the refrigerator, Ginny sat at the table slowly sipping it, trying to soothe the terrible rolling she felt in her stomach. Her need for sleep last night must be yet another joy of pregnancy, she reasoned. "I guess I better get things ready if I'm going to tell him." Picking up her glass she walked back towards the master bedroom, pausing at a mirror in the hall Ginny took note of her messy hair. Sticking out her tongue, she was happy to see it had returned to its healthy pink state. "First things first Mrs. Potter," she said to her reflection, "You have to take a shower." "I couldn't agree with you more," the mirror said as Ginny walked away.
After a long refreshing shower, Ginny was back in her bedroom standing in a matching black bra and thong set. Her pale skin had taken on a rosy glow from the heat of the shower. She had charmed her hair to fall in a layered mass of curls that reached her shoulder blades. At her dresser Ginny pulled out a pair of blue denim jeans that were soft with age, wondering to herself how much longer she'd be able to enjoy wearing them. She slipped on a large sweater that looked like it had been splashed with muted autumn colors; Ginny ran her hands over the thick softness of the sweater as she straightened it. She sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on matching socks before lacing up tan hiking boots. One thing she and Harry had always agreed on was comfort in relaxed cloths. They only dressed up when necessary, which sadly was often, because of important dinner parties for the ministry, so she relished in wearing comfortable everyday wear.
Ginny walked back to the great room. Getting her cloak from the closet, she rooted though the pockets to find the box which held the clock arms. Putting her cloak away again she got her wand out of the drawer where she typically kept it. Setting the box on the table she took out one of the ornate bronze hands and looked it over carefully. A large blank oval running part of the length of the hand was where their child's name would be written one day. Holding the bronze hand up, she tapped it with her wand while muttering a spell under her breath-- with a small shower of glittering sparks the hand disappeared into a pearl white box wrapped in dark blue ribbon. "Perfect," said Ginny, picking up the store box containing the other two hands to put away in her bedroom dresser.
Ginny looked at the clock on the wall of the kitchen, it was now 2:30 in the afternoon, preparations for the food were well on their way. She had sent a message to Hermione with Hedwig not to feed Harry any lunch, that way he'd be starving when he came home. In the open fireplace baby back ribs were cooking in barbeque sauce on a rack over the fire. She had baby carrots stewing in an apricot honey glaze on the stove top. Ginny stood at the chopping board with her wand preparing a baby spinach, beet and toasted walnut salad, and wondered if Harry would catch on to the theme of the meal. If he didn't catch it by dessert he would have to be just plain thick, considering she had made white chocolate pudding that she tinted with pink and blue swirls.
"Ginny!" she heard called from the great room as the front door slammed shut. Harry came briskly into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around his wife from behind and placed a kiss on the back of her head. "Missed you today," Harry said through her hair. "Missed you too, so what were you up to at Ron's today?" Harry reached around her stealing a slice of beet, dodging a swat of her hand. "I was helping them begin to expand and add another room for the new baby," said Harry taking a bite, "I'm hungry, 'Mione was busy and forgot to make lunch," Harry grumbled making his way to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. "It smells wonderful in here, how did you know I would be hungry?" he asked drying his hands. "I told Hermione I would feed you," Ginny threw over her shoulder as she finished the salad and put it on the table. With a wave of her wand the rest of the food flew to the table as Harry sat down. He dug into his food as if he hadn't eaten in a week. "You like the Baby back ribs and Baby carrots and Baby spinach salad?" Ginny asked accentuating the word Baby before putting bite of carrot to her mouth.
"Mmwuffmmtt," said Harry through a bite of rib. Ginny sighed. Obviously that attempt flew over his head, but she wasn't done yet. Soon dessert came, Harry glanced at the dish of pink and blue swirled pudding and quirked his eyebrow, "In a colorful mood today?" 'Strike two', Ginny thought.
After the early supper Ginny decided it was time to just pull out the big guns. She walked back to the master bedroom looking around, "Harry!" she called out, "Harry could you come here please!" Harry walked into the bedroom, "Time for the thank you?" he asked giving her a suggestive grin.
Ginny suppressed a smile and put on an attempt at a frown, "This won't do Harry," she said, crossing her arms. Harry's face instantly changed into confusion, "What won't do?" he asked. Ginny raised her arms out, "This, all this won't do, this house isn't right." If Harry looked confused before, he looked lost outright at this last statement. His eyebrows furrowed down and the corners of his mouth dropped into a frown. "What do you mean Ginny?" he asked again, looking around the large master bedroom in confusion. "It's just too small, we need to add another bedroom onto it," Ginny said enjoying her little game.
Harry looked a bit relieved with this bit of information, "But we already have two extra bedrooms upstairs that we don't use," he tried to reason. "They aren't the same," said Ginny. Walking over to her dresser and leaning against it, she picked up the gift she had left in a drawer that was slightly open, and hid it behind her back. "I want a small one right off of that wall," she pointed with her free hand to an outside wall. "Now why would you want a small bedroom there?" Harry asked now getting annoyed. "For this," Ginny said walking over to Harry holding out the small package.
Harry's face took on the prior look of confusion taking the box from her hand looking up at her. Ginny beamed a smile waiting for him to open it. Pulling off the dark blue ribbon and lifting the lid he took out the clock hand and looked at her. "What is this and what does it have to do with a bedroom?" He asked. Deep in Ginny's brain she wondered if Harry wasn't secretly a Weasley. Considering how dense he was at the moment, perhaps all those years sharing a room with Ron did more mental damage than she originally thought.
"A nursery," she corrected. "Nursery?" said Harry still looking confused. Ginny waited for it kick in. Confusion slowly slid away from his handsome features as a glimmer of understanding began to show in his emerald green eyes. Ginny watched Harry look back down at the blank clock hand and slowly back up to Ginny's face. His eyes flashed disbelief and hope as they scanned her face looking for confirmation of what he was thinking before scanning down to stare at her stomach. "Ginny?" whispered Harry, his voice sounded as if he was struggling with himself to not get his hopes up. "Harry," she said softly causing his eyes to travel back to her face. Her eyes brimmed with tears, her lips forming a reassuring smile, "I'm pregnant," Ginny whispered.
Harry stared at her dumbfounded with eyes huge in surprise. He took the side of her face into his large calloused hand, stroking her cheek bone with his thumb, looking at her with amazement; "Ginny" was all he could say. He was visibly shaking, searching her from top to bottom with his eyes. Tears slipped down Ginny's face-- she felt so happy she could burst that moment. "Ginny!. . . Oh Ginny!" Harry cried out, laughing with joy as he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her roughly against him into a fierce hug. Ginny laughed wrapping her arms around Harry's middle. Harry pulled back quickly looking frightened, "I . . .I'm sorry. I didn't hurt you did I?" He said looking fearfully at her and then to her stomach where he placed a protective hand over her abdomen, "I didn't hurt the baby did I?" he said worriedly. Ginny laughed through her tears of happiness placing her hand over Harry's, "No love, you didn't hurt us." Harry wrapped his arms around her gently pulling her against him. He rained gentle kisses on top of her head, cheeks and forehead.
"You're pregnant," he said in awe. "I'm going to be a daddy." Harry said, shaking his head in disbelief. Ginny held tight to him, nodding into his broad chest. Harry bent his head low, capturing her lips in the sweetest kiss. Ginny's heart fluttered in her chest. They slowly broke apart looking at each other, "You know I was serious about the nursery." said Ginny quietly brushing a strand of untidy black hair away from Harry's forehead. "Anything you want love," said Harry looking down at his beautiful wife.
Hours later the couple was stretched out together on the sofa of the den watching the fire crackle in the hearth. Ginny snuggled down further with her back pressed against Harry's chest, leaning the back of her head into the crook of his neck. She turned her head back to kiss him on the jaw. Harry stroked her arm staring off into the distance, the shock of finding out he was going to be a father not fully worn off yet. "We're going to have a son," Harry said out of no where. Ginny turned to look at him grinning, "And what if it's a girl?" she said in a teasing manner. Harry shook his head sounding certain, "It's a boy." Ginny placed a loving kiss in the hollow of his neck, "As his majesty wishes," she said. Harry chuckled continuing to stroke her arm, "How far along are you?" Ginny gently nipped at the tender flesh of his neck, feeling him shudder. "I'm seven weeks, roughly." said Ginny into his neck.
Harry sat quiet for a moment in thought. "You think he'll be born on my birthday?" Ginny chuckled, "She might." Harry snorted, "Well, HE will be the greatest seeker in Gryffindor history since his old man," he said fondly. Ginny grinned, "I don't want to find out." Harry looked down at her with his eyebrows furrowed, "Find out what?" "Find out the gender, I want it to be a surprise," said Ginny, slowly trailing her finger tip along his jaw line. Harry looked disappointed, "Are you sure?" Ginny grinned again, "Some surprises are nice, and yes I'm sure." Harry let out a sigh, "Well I suppose I can wait to find out, but it will still be a boy." he said with a nod of his head. Ginny shook her head smiling. "When can we tell the family?" Harry asked looking excited again. "As soon as you wish, love." Ginny said getting up and walking towards the doorway. "Where are you going?" Harry asked sitting up watching his wife. "To the kitchen, for some reason I'm hungry for strawberries." Harry laughed, "Cravings have started already? Lord help me when the mood swings start." "Oh hush you!" said Ginny as she left the room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A couple of days later Ginny was sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea laced with honey. A package of saltines sat beside her mug as she slowly chewed on the bland cracker. Her morning sickness was strong when she woke up that morning. Thankfully it was her day off because she didn't think she could handle a day at the twin's shop. The clock on the kitchen wall chimed the morning hour, Ginny took another tentative sip of tea, hoping that it would stay down. She heard a thud come from the den, "Ginny dear!" her mother called.
Ginny closed her eyes for a moment cringing, she had totally forgotten that she had agreed to go shopping with her mother and Hermione today. She kept her mouth closed, feeling bile slowly rise again in her throat as the back of her jaws began to tingle with the familiar warning signs that she was going to be sick. Hermione stepped into the kitchen with Egwene in her arms followed by Molly. "Good morning Ginny dear," her mother said. "Are you ready. . . "Hermione began to say when Ginny's eyes bulged, she raced out of the kitchen with her hand clamped firmly over her mouth. "Ginny?" her mother called out with worry in her voice. Ginny didn't pause in her haste to make it to the hall bath. "Well good morning to you too," Molly said quietly.
Several minutes later Ginny returned looking slightly pale, but stomach thankfully settled again and teeth brushed. 'At least I don't have to worry about plaque build up with the amount of times I have to brush my teeth a day,' Ginny thought wryly. She noticed Hermione and her mother were sitting at the table talking quietly, Molly must have made tea while Ginny was otherwise occupied paying homage to the porcelain gods since there were steaming mugs in front of both of them. Egwene happily sat on the floor playing with a wooden spoon and an upside down pot that Hermione had handed her. Both women looked up as Ginny entered the room with curious expressions. "Ginny, are you feeling well?" asked Molly. Did Ginny just see a flash of amusement in her eyes? "Ah yes, tea and crackers. The breakfast of champions," Hermione said grinning.
Ginny sat down in her chair glancing back and forth between the two women. "So. . . Ginny. . ." her mother said, "Anything new?" Hermione took a sip from her mug trying to hide a giggle. "Uh, well," Ginny began. She hadn't intended to tell anyone until Harry was with her but it appeared that they had figured it out for themselves. Ginny smiled, she should have known her mother would know right away, being she'd been through it enough times. As for Hermione, that witch was just too smart for her own good. Ginny looked at Hermione, "I guess we'll be going through this together." Hermione and Molly squealed at the same time. Molly jumped up grabbing her daughter and pulling her into a bone crushing hug, "Oh my baby girl!" She exclaimed. Hermione jumped up throwing her arms around Ginny as soon as Molly released her. "Ginny this is wonderful news! They will be the best of friends and be in the same year of Hogwarts and of course do everything together!" Hermione gushed pulling back to look at Ginny before pulling her into another embrace. Ginny laughed.
Not to be left out of the excitement, Egwene stood up pulling on Ginny's pant leg, "Meee, meeee," Egwene said in her sweet baby voice. Ginny scooped the toddler up in her arms, "You want a new little cousin?" Ginny said rubbing her nose against Egwene's. The toddler leaned in with her mouth wide open placing it on Ginny's lips. "Aww she's giving me kisses! Thank you for the kisses, precious." said Ginny giving the toddler a gentle squeeze. "Now," Molly said clasping her hands together, "Does Harry know?" The three women sat back down at the table, Ginny turning Egwene around to face forward on her lap, "Yes, he already says it's a boy," said Ginny handing Egwene a cracker. Hermione snorted, "Typical male, Ron did the same thing." "How far along are you dear?" asked Molly beaming with joy over the idea of becoming a grandmother yet again. "About 7 1/2 weeks now," said Ginny while fingering the wild curls on Egwene's head. "Well this is wonderful news, does anyone else know?" Hermione asked. "Besides you two, no." said Ginny. "Will you be telling them soon?" Molly asked hopefully. Ginny smiled at her mother. She knew her mother was excellent at holding secrets, but this would be an impossible one to keep. "How about we have dinner here tonight and Harry and I break the news?" Ginny suggested. "I think that's a great idea," Hermione said nodding. Ginny stood handing Egwene to her grandmother, "Let me owl Harry before we go and tell him of our plans," she said heading to a small room off of the kitchen.
Hedwig sat on her perch with her head resting beneath a wing when Ginny entered the owl's room. She walked over to a small desk, opening the drawer to pull out a piece of parchment and quill. Hedwig raised her head from her wing watching Ginny closely, knowing she was about to be sent on an errand. Ginny dipped the quill into the ink well before scratching off a quick note to Harry telling him about the new dinner plans and to invite Ron, Percy and her father when he saw them in the office. Blowing on the ink to quickly dry it, Ginny rolled up the parchment. Hedwig stuck out her leg while Ginny to tied it to her. "Hedwig, I need you to take this to Harry please," Ginny said scratching the owl behind the ear. Hedwig gave a soft hoot before flapping her wings and taking off through a large glass barrier that allowed delivery owls to pass though magically but otherwise acted as a normal window. Ginny waked back into the kitchen to find Molly and Hermione standing with their cloaks on. Hermione held Egwene in her arms facing out while Molly fastened the clasp on the toddler's cloak.
"All set?" Hermione asked. "Yep," Ginny nodded. After retrieving her cloak from the closet and making sure her wand was in her handbag they made their way back to the den fireplace. "We've got a big day ahead of us, and a most enlightening evening to come!" Molly said excitedly taking a pinch of floo powder from the marble pot fastened to the side of the stone fireplace wall. Ginny watched her mother floo away. Hermione stepped up with Egwene securely in her arms. Turning to face Ginny after she threw the powder into the flames causing them to yet again to cast everything in a green light, Hermione gave Ginny a wink, "This should be fun," she said before stepping into the emerald fire and calling out their destination. After she was gone Ginny took her own pinch of powder throwing it into the fire, "It certainly will be," she said smiling before stepping into the fireplace and calling out, "Diagon Alley!"