Jolly Holidays -
Snow flurried to the ground in fat flakes. The Christmas holidays were only a week off, it felt as if only last week Harry had announced they were expecting. Hermione's potion had blessedly helped and Ginny noticed she was needing it less and less in the passing weeks.
Ginny stepped out of the shower, wrapping a thick purple towel around her body. Walking out of the master bathroom she picked up her wand left sitting on the vanity table. With a quick wave her hair and body were dry. She let her hair fall in straight silken threads, pulling a small section of the top of her hair into a braid to keep the auburn locks from falling in her face. She pulled various cloths out of the dresser drawer and walked over to the edge of the bed. Dropping her towel on the floor she paused, looking down at herself. She ran a hand slowly across her stomach in amazement. The soft curve of her lower abdomen made it obvious that she was now expecting. Ginny had just finished pulling on her undergarments when Harry walked into the bedroom with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in his hands. He raised the cup to his lips before stopping, his eyes fixed on Ginny's stomach. Ginny glanced over at her husband then followed his line of vision down to her abdomen. She smiled stroking her swollen stomach again. Harry sat his cup down on his dresser near the door before walking over to her.
Without saying a word he reached a tentative hand out, lightly brushing his fingers over her waist. "I think this is the first time I've really seen you in a few weeks," Harry whispered, stroking his thumb lightly over her stomach. Ginny felt tingling warmth spread from his touch, another sensation added itself deep within her. The faint feeling like a butterfly fluttering from within her stomach caused Ginny to gasp and stare down at Harry's hand. "What is it?" Harry asked looking concerned as he held his hand firm on her stomach. "I... I think she moved," Ginny said in amazement. Harry's eyes grew round, "Really?" Ginny nodded biting her lip, a look of excitement evident on her face as another feeling of the light flutter of a butterflies wings tickled her insides. "That's my boy," chuckled Harry before gently placing a kiss on Ginny's cheek. Ginny rolled her eyes as she reached for a pair of black slacks on the bed. "Harry hand me my wand please," said Ginny as she held the pants up for inspection. Harry retrieved her wand from the vanity table and gave it to her before going back to his cup of hot chocolate. Muttering a few words under her breath she tapped the slacks. "What are you doing?" Harry asked leaning against the dresser with mug in hand. "A stretching charm, that way they will fit seeing as our little girl is causing my stomach to bloat out quicker than I can keep up with," said Ginny, slipping her legs into the slacks and pulling them up. The waist of the pants adjusted easily to her growing form. "You mean our strapping little man," said Harry nodding over his drink.
Ginny paused and eyed him before pulling a lavender top over her head. She smoothed the hem of the shirt over her hips and adjusted the long sleeves. She sat down on the edge of the bed pulling on her socks and slipping her feet into her thick heeled black boots; zipping them up at the side of her foot. "Are those things safe to wear?" Harry asked eyeing her footwear. "Yes Harry," Ginny said standing back up making her way to the vanity. "They are stable shoes, no need to worry," she said, picking up the bottle of 'Personally Yours' perfume and dabbed the applicator onto her wrist. The room began to fill with the warm musky-vanilla scent. After she touched the applicator to her throat she trailed it down past her pendant to her cleavage, exposed from the V cut of her top. Harry walked up behind her wrapping an arm around her possessively. He kissed her neck as he inhaled deeply. Ginny replaced the applicator on the bottle and sat it back onto the vanity table. "What do you say we arrive at your folk's just a touch late?" Harry asked in a husky tone while nuzzling her neck. "Oh, and how would you explain our tardiness?" asked Ginny, closing her eyes enjoying Harry's affections. "You are the one who asked Dad to go over plans to create the nursery today," Ginny said, turning around wrapping her arms around Harry's neck. Harry rested his forehead against her's letting out a defeated sigh, "Yes dear."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ginny and Harry arrived outside the kitchen door of the Burrow. Stepping in after knocking the snow off of their boots, they were greeted by sight of Molly Weasley standing over a steaming pot at the stove while Hermione sliced loaves of fresh baked bread. "Harry, Ginny! What wonderful timing, we're almost done," Molly said stirring pot. A squeal and scream of laughter could be heard from the living room before a streak of tiny red curls of a bobbing head came flying into the kitchen. "Egwene!" Ron yelled from the living room. The toddler came running around the table, her little legs lifting up high in front of her causing red curls to bounce more as she brought her foot down with each step. Her bare bottom flashed as she ran to her mother clinging to Hermione's leg as naked as the day she was born. Hermione stopped what she was doing, holding her arms out and up looking down at her daughter. Harry's eyebrows shot up in amusement, chuckling. Ginny openly laughed at the site of her little niece in all her glory screaming with laughter as she tried to squeeze herself between her mother and the cabinet. "Egwene!" Ron came running into the kitchen with the toddler's clothing in his hands, looking around for her. He caught site of his naked daughter as Egwene let out a shrill scream pushing further around Hermione's legs in excitement. "Hermione, she did it again!" said Ron in an exasperated voice. "No kidding Ron," Hermione said calmly trying to hide a smile, "It's just a phase, dear; she's just exerting her independence and trying to take control of her environment."
Hermione bent forward picking her daughter up. "She bloody well had better grow out of this 'phase' before she goes to Hogwarts!" Ron said with a grin stepping forward taking the squirming child into his arms. Ginny snorted with laughter.
"She's just like her father," Molly said walking over tweaking Egwene's rosy cheek before giving a loving pat on her bare bottom. "Did I ever tell you about the time we were at my cousin Haim's wedding? You were scarcely two years old, Ron. I was one of the bridesmaids and your father was supposed to be watching you lot. The twins had just taken your father's wand and somehow caused the wedding cake to turn a bright fuchsia color when right in the middle of the ceremony you came running down the aisle with not a stitch of clothing on screaming, 'Mummy! Mummy" said Molly, smiling fondly at old memories. "Mum!" Ron cried, his face turning bright red. Harry and Ginny were now howling with laughter. Hermione couldn't have hid her smile if she wanted to, giving her husband an appreciative once over, "What I would have given to see that!" Molly clapped her hands together, "I know, I'll have your father bring home a pensive from work one evening and I'll show you!" "NO!" said Ron, looking as if he was ready to go bury himself out in the back yard from embarrassment. Molly scoffed at her son's protest, "Nonsense son, these are cherished memories to share."
"Share what dear?" said Arthur walking into the kitchen. He glanced at the squirming naked child in his son's arms and smiled but made no mention of it. "Harry, Ginny, I see you've arrived!" said Arthur walking over to shake Harry's hand and kiss his daughter on the cheek. "I was just telling them the time at Haim's wedding when Ron streaked the guests," said Molly as Ron groaned. "Mum," Ron whined. "That reminds me of a few months after that, when we were at that muggle festival. I was holding Ginny and you were getting after the twins for trying to sneak off when Ron stripped down and went running down street through the crowd. "Dad!" Ron cried out again. Ginny had to wipe tears out of her eyes from laughing so hard. "My, my Ron it sounds like you were a busy little boy," Hermione said while laughing. Ron heaved a sigh hitching his daughter up into his arms higher, "Now that I've been publicly humiliated let's go get you dressed," Ron said to Egwene. "No shooooes," Egwene said giving her father what could only be called a stern look pointing her chubby little finger at him. Ron looked at Harry before leaving the room, "She's getting to be so like her mother it's spooky."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Christmas holiday passed in a flurry of packages, food, laughter and snow. The entire family was able to make Christmas, staying between Ron's place and the Burrow. Bill announced that he would be soon transferring from the Egyptian branch of Gringotts to Diagon Alley, that way he'd be closer to the family and when the time came, years from now, Min would be able to go to Hogwarts. Charlie too announced that within the next two years he would be relocating near Hogsmeade to also be near family and Hogwarts when the time eventually came for his children to attend. Molly was so thrilled at the idea of having all of her family near that she burst into tears.
Ginny and Harry rang in the new year alone in the quiet of their home watching a fire crackle in the hearth as Clark chased an orange puff ball filled with catnip-- A Christmas present from Ginny's niece Marewin, who completely adored the fluffy black creature more like a playful kitten than a six-plus year old tom cat. As the clock chimed twelve times Harry reached out brushing a stray strand of hair behind Ginny's ear, "Happy new year love," he said gently smiling down at his wife. "Happy new year" said Ginny. Her eyes slowly closed as Harry leaned in brushing her lips with their first kiss of the New Year.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The chimes above the door of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes gave off their gently tinkling ring letting Ginny know that a potential customer had entered the shop. Ginny stepped out of the back room and glanced around the store with a look of disgust. 'Those idiots must have been visiting Lockhart in the looney ward again to come up with such a wretched idea.' Ginny mused to herself. It was valentines, Fred and George had the brilliant idea of decorating for the holiday. The walls had been transformed to a hidious shade which Hermione had promptly dubbed, 'Pepto-bismol' pink.
Hermione flat out refused to enter the shop again until after the holiday had passed, despite Ron's protests. "I swear Ron, every time I walk into that place I feel the need to throw up and it gives me an awful migraine," said Hermione arguing with Ron one evening. Harry and Ginny had been over visiting so that Harry could help put the finishing touches on the new baby's-room addition. Quiet honestly Ginny didn't blame Hermione and couldn't understand why Ron was being so insensitive. The argument had ended shortly but flared back up again when Ron asked Hermione where dessert was. He was answered with a bowl of banana pudding being unceremoniously dumped on top of Ron's head. His now very pregnant wife made her way out the swinging kitchen door, she threw her hands around wildly as she waddled down the hall angrily talking about insensitive men and a creative use for garden shears. Ginny scolded Ron severely before turning her scorching glare onto her husband who had been sitting beside her laughing his fool head off at his best mate while pudding slowly globbed down Ron's chin and onto his lap. "Well now you've done it," Ginny said heatedly looking directly at her husband. She threw her napkin down onto the table and got up out of her chair to go after her sister in law. Harry abruptly stopped laughing and looked as stunned as Ron appeared, "What did I do?" Harry asked. Even little Egwene sat in her high chair giving Ron and Harry dirty looks while squishing her dinner between her fingers as if accusing them of ruining her dessert.
Molly walked into the store and winced, taking notice of the walls. "Ginny dear, I'm happy I caught you," said Molly. Just as she was about to take another step she let out a shriek and dove down as a demented looking cherub came flying at her wearing a neon green loin cloth to match its neon green wings. "What the devil!" Molly said clutching her bag to her chest and jumped back as another cherub went flying by; this time in violent orange. "My stars Ginny what were your brothers thinking putting those things in here?" said Molly looking around before hurrying the remainder of the way to the counter. "You gave birth to them!" Ginny said as a cherub in bright yellow dive-bombed towards her. Ginny grabbed a squirt gun and shot water in the face of the demented cherub, it screamed and flew away. Ginny held the squirt gun up taking aim and yelled a warning to the other crazy cherubs flying about, "You want some of me? Come and get it!" Eyeing what looked like an addle brained, pregnant woman with a weapon the remaining dry cherubs blew raspberries at her before flying off towards the other end of the shop. Setting the squirt gun back down Ginny turned her attention back to her mother.
"So what was it you wanted?" asked Ginny giving her mother a pleasant smile as if nothing had just happened. Molly looked around to make sure the coast was clear before turning her attention back to her daughter. Molly's eyes took in her daughter's swollen form and paused for a moment. "Mum?" said Ginny watching her mother stare at her round stomach. A slow smile began to spread on her mother's face and a twinkle flashed in her hazel eyes. "I was just wondering if you wanted to go to lunch with me," said Molly, still looking at her daughter's abdomen. "Something wrong Mum?" Ginny asked at Molly's secret smile. "Oh nothing dear, when do you go to the doctor next?" Molly asked finally looking up into Ginny's golden hazel eyes. "In a few days, Harry is going to go with me this time." said Ginny as she grabbed her bag, checking to make sure her wand was in it. Molly smiled brightly, "That's lovely dear, I'm sure Harry will enjoy the visit." Ginny gave her mother a curious gaze as Molly linked arms with her daughter leading her out into the bright snowy afternoon.
Lunch with her mother was enjoyable. They went to the three broomsticks and talked the entire time about plans for the baby. Her mother told her about the recent letters she'd received from her brothers Charlie and Bill. Ginny promised that the 'girls' of the family would get together soon over tea and have a nice afternoon together. Sitting at the table Ginny caught her mother on several occasions glance down at Ginny's swollen abdomen but say nothing. Molly maintained a secret smile on her face thoughout the entire visit. Once they had finished their tea her mother insisted on walking Ginny back to the shop. Once inside they were again assaulted by the demented cherubs flying around attempting to shoot suction cupped arrows. Molly had decided enough was enough and stunned the little creatures as they flew towards the two women. After three cherubs crashed to the floor with a heavy 'thunk', the remaining took refuge behind shelves and boxes peeking out around the corners to watch.
"Now dear, perhaps you should take the day off and rest, you're looking rather peaked," said Molly, fussing over Ginny as they walked to the counter. "Fred. . . George. . . Get out here!" Molly shouted. There was the scuffling sound of chairs and the two summoned men appeared from around the back room doorway. "How did you know we were still here?" George asked. "I'm your mother, I know everything," said Molly leaving no question that she wasn't exaggerating. "I bet she doesn't know about that time you. . ." Fred began under his breath. "And yes I know it was you who charmed Percy's shampoo to turn his hair blue last week," Molly said giving her sons a stern look, "And that you sent your father a muggle radio that sang only lewd jingles loud enough for the entire office to hear." Fred and George's jaws dropped. "I'll deal with you two and the radio bit later, for now I want you to ease up on Ginny's work load," Molly said putting a hand on her ample hip pointing a finger at Fred, "She's about half way though her pregnancy now and needs to take it easy," said Molly turning her finger towards George. Ginny rolled her eyes. The twins had always been wonderful and accommodating employers. "Really Mum, I'm fine," Ginny tried to argue. If Molly heard her she chose to ignore her daughter's protests.
George turned giving his sister a once over, "You know Ginny you do look rather tired," he said in a rare moment of seriousness. Fred turned and gave his sister a slow once over also, "Damn Ginny, you're huge!" Ginny's jaw promptly dropped. "FRED!" Molly yelled swatting her son with her bag. Fred retreated away from his mother's attack. "Well Mum, he's right, Hermione never was that large at this stage." said George. Molly smacked George upside the head with her hand. "Honestly!" cried Molly throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation. Ginny was gob-smacked, she didn't know if she was more shocked at her brothers calling her huge or the fact that they had noticed what size Hermione had been at any stage of her pregnancy. Molly took Ginny by the shoulders leading her through the back of the shop and towards the door, "Come on dear, let's get you home. You don't worry a thing about what they say, you look just fine... considering." said Molly giving her sons a death glare from behind her shoulder, "I'll deal with you two later." Fred and George both winced at their mother's words. As soon as the two women stepped out the door the twins looked at each other. "Close the shop early tonight?" said Fred. "And take the girls out of town for a long weekend?" said George. Both men nodded their heads and hurried to lock up the store so they could leave before their mother returned.
Snow flurried to the ground in fat flakes. The Christmas holidays were only a week off, it felt as if only last week Harry had announced they were expecting. Hermione's potion had blessedly helped and Ginny noticed she was needing it less and less in the passing weeks.
Ginny stepped out of the shower, wrapping a thick purple towel around her body. Walking out of the master bathroom she picked up her wand left sitting on the vanity table. With a quick wave her hair and body were dry. She let her hair fall in straight silken threads, pulling a small section of the top of her hair into a braid to keep the auburn locks from falling in her face. She pulled various cloths out of the dresser drawer and walked over to the edge of the bed. Dropping her towel on the floor she paused, looking down at herself. She ran a hand slowly across her stomach in amazement. The soft curve of her lower abdomen made it obvious that she was now expecting. Ginny had just finished pulling on her undergarments when Harry walked into the bedroom with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in his hands. He raised the cup to his lips before stopping, his eyes fixed on Ginny's stomach. Ginny glanced over at her husband then followed his line of vision down to her abdomen. She smiled stroking her swollen stomach again. Harry sat his cup down on his dresser near the door before walking over to her.
Without saying a word he reached a tentative hand out, lightly brushing his fingers over her waist. "I think this is the first time I've really seen you in a few weeks," Harry whispered, stroking his thumb lightly over her stomach. Ginny felt tingling warmth spread from his touch, another sensation added itself deep within her. The faint feeling like a butterfly fluttering from within her stomach caused Ginny to gasp and stare down at Harry's hand. "What is it?" Harry asked looking concerned as he held his hand firm on her stomach. "I... I think she moved," Ginny said in amazement. Harry's eyes grew round, "Really?" Ginny nodded biting her lip, a look of excitement evident on her face as another feeling of the light flutter of a butterflies wings tickled her insides. "That's my boy," chuckled Harry before gently placing a kiss on Ginny's cheek. Ginny rolled her eyes as she reached for a pair of black slacks on the bed. "Harry hand me my wand please," said Ginny as she held the pants up for inspection. Harry retrieved her wand from the vanity table and gave it to her before going back to his cup of hot chocolate. Muttering a few words under her breath she tapped the slacks. "What are you doing?" Harry asked leaning against the dresser with mug in hand. "A stretching charm, that way they will fit seeing as our little girl is causing my stomach to bloat out quicker than I can keep up with," said Ginny, slipping her legs into the slacks and pulling them up. The waist of the pants adjusted easily to her growing form. "You mean our strapping little man," said Harry nodding over his drink.
Ginny paused and eyed him before pulling a lavender top over her head. She smoothed the hem of the shirt over her hips and adjusted the long sleeves. She sat down on the edge of the bed pulling on her socks and slipping her feet into her thick heeled black boots; zipping them up at the side of her foot. "Are those things safe to wear?" Harry asked eyeing her footwear. "Yes Harry," Ginny said standing back up making her way to the vanity. "They are stable shoes, no need to worry," she said, picking up the bottle of 'Personally Yours' perfume and dabbed the applicator onto her wrist. The room began to fill with the warm musky-vanilla scent. After she touched the applicator to her throat she trailed it down past her pendant to her cleavage, exposed from the V cut of her top. Harry walked up behind her wrapping an arm around her possessively. He kissed her neck as he inhaled deeply. Ginny replaced the applicator on the bottle and sat it back onto the vanity table. "What do you say we arrive at your folk's just a touch late?" Harry asked in a husky tone while nuzzling her neck. "Oh, and how would you explain our tardiness?" asked Ginny, closing her eyes enjoying Harry's affections. "You are the one who asked Dad to go over plans to create the nursery today," Ginny said, turning around wrapping her arms around Harry's neck. Harry rested his forehead against her's letting out a defeated sigh, "Yes dear."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ginny and Harry arrived outside the kitchen door of the Burrow. Stepping in after knocking the snow off of their boots, they were greeted by sight of Molly Weasley standing over a steaming pot at the stove while Hermione sliced loaves of fresh baked bread. "Harry, Ginny! What wonderful timing, we're almost done," Molly said stirring pot. A squeal and scream of laughter could be heard from the living room before a streak of tiny red curls of a bobbing head came flying into the kitchen. "Egwene!" Ron yelled from the living room. The toddler came running around the table, her little legs lifting up high in front of her causing red curls to bounce more as she brought her foot down with each step. Her bare bottom flashed as she ran to her mother clinging to Hermione's leg as naked as the day she was born. Hermione stopped what she was doing, holding her arms out and up looking down at her daughter. Harry's eyebrows shot up in amusement, chuckling. Ginny openly laughed at the site of her little niece in all her glory screaming with laughter as she tried to squeeze herself between her mother and the cabinet. "Egwene!" Ron came running into the kitchen with the toddler's clothing in his hands, looking around for her. He caught site of his naked daughter as Egwene let out a shrill scream pushing further around Hermione's legs in excitement. "Hermione, she did it again!" said Ron in an exasperated voice. "No kidding Ron," Hermione said calmly trying to hide a smile, "It's just a phase, dear; she's just exerting her independence and trying to take control of her environment."
Hermione bent forward picking her daughter up. "She bloody well had better grow out of this 'phase' before she goes to Hogwarts!" Ron said with a grin stepping forward taking the squirming child into his arms. Ginny snorted with laughter.
"She's just like her father," Molly said walking over tweaking Egwene's rosy cheek before giving a loving pat on her bare bottom. "Did I ever tell you about the time we were at my cousin Haim's wedding? You were scarcely two years old, Ron. I was one of the bridesmaids and your father was supposed to be watching you lot. The twins had just taken your father's wand and somehow caused the wedding cake to turn a bright fuchsia color when right in the middle of the ceremony you came running down the aisle with not a stitch of clothing on screaming, 'Mummy! Mummy" said Molly, smiling fondly at old memories. "Mum!" Ron cried, his face turning bright red. Harry and Ginny were now howling with laughter. Hermione couldn't have hid her smile if she wanted to, giving her husband an appreciative once over, "What I would have given to see that!" Molly clapped her hands together, "I know, I'll have your father bring home a pensive from work one evening and I'll show you!" "NO!" said Ron, looking as if he was ready to go bury himself out in the back yard from embarrassment. Molly scoffed at her son's protest, "Nonsense son, these are cherished memories to share."
"Share what dear?" said Arthur walking into the kitchen. He glanced at the squirming naked child in his son's arms and smiled but made no mention of it. "Harry, Ginny, I see you've arrived!" said Arthur walking over to shake Harry's hand and kiss his daughter on the cheek. "I was just telling them the time at Haim's wedding when Ron streaked the guests," said Molly as Ron groaned. "Mum," Ron whined. "That reminds me of a few months after that, when we were at that muggle festival. I was holding Ginny and you were getting after the twins for trying to sneak off when Ron stripped down and went running down street through the crowd. "Dad!" Ron cried out again. Ginny had to wipe tears out of her eyes from laughing so hard. "My, my Ron it sounds like you were a busy little boy," Hermione said while laughing. Ron heaved a sigh hitching his daughter up into his arms higher, "Now that I've been publicly humiliated let's go get you dressed," Ron said to Egwene. "No shooooes," Egwene said giving her father what could only be called a stern look pointing her chubby little finger at him. Ron looked at Harry before leaving the room, "She's getting to be so like her mother it's spooky."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Christmas holiday passed in a flurry of packages, food, laughter and snow. The entire family was able to make Christmas, staying between Ron's place and the Burrow. Bill announced that he would be soon transferring from the Egyptian branch of Gringotts to Diagon Alley, that way he'd be closer to the family and when the time came, years from now, Min would be able to go to Hogwarts. Charlie too announced that within the next two years he would be relocating near Hogsmeade to also be near family and Hogwarts when the time eventually came for his children to attend. Molly was so thrilled at the idea of having all of her family near that she burst into tears.
Ginny and Harry rang in the new year alone in the quiet of their home watching a fire crackle in the hearth as Clark chased an orange puff ball filled with catnip-- A Christmas present from Ginny's niece Marewin, who completely adored the fluffy black creature more like a playful kitten than a six-plus year old tom cat. As the clock chimed twelve times Harry reached out brushing a stray strand of hair behind Ginny's ear, "Happy new year love," he said gently smiling down at his wife. "Happy new year" said Ginny. Her eyes slowly closed as Harry leaned in brushing her lips with their first kiss of the New Year.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The chimes above the door of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes gave off their gently tinkling ring letting Ginny know that a potential customer had entered the shop. Ginny stepped out of the back room and glanced around the store with a look of disgust. 'Those idiots must have been visiting Lockhart in the looney ward again to come up with such a wretched idea.' Ginny mused to herself. It was valentines, Fred and George had the brilliant idea of decorating for the holiday. The walls had been transformed to a hidious shade which Hermione had promptly dubbed, 'Pepto-bismol' pink.
Hermione flat out refused to enter the shop again until after the holiday had passed, despite Ron's protests. "I swear Ron, every time I walk into that place I feel the need to throw up and it gives me an awful migraine," said Hermione arguing with Ron one evening. Harry and Ginny had been over visiting so that Harry could help put the finishing touches on the new baby's-room addition. Quiet honestly Ginny didn't blame Hermione and couldn't understand why Ron was being so insensitive. The argument had ended shortly but flared back up again when Ron asked Hermione where dessert was. He was answered with a bowl of banana pudding being unceremoniously dumped on top of Ron's head. His now very pregnant wife made her way out the swinging kitchen door, she threw her hands around wildly as she waddled down the hall angrily talking about insensitive men and a creative use for garden shears. Ginny scolded Ron severely before turning her scorching glare onto her husband who had been sitting beside her laughing his fool head off at his best mate while pudding slowly globbed down Ron's chin and onto his lap. "Well now you've done it," Ginny said heatedly looking directly at her husband. She threw her napkin down onto the table and got up out of her chair to go after her sister in law. Harry abruptly stopped laughing and looked as stunned as Ron appeared, "What did I do?" Harry asked. Even little Egwene sat in her high chair giving Ron and Harry dirty looks while squishing her dinner between her fingers as if accusing them of ruining her dessert.
Molly walked into the store and winced, taking notice of the walls. "Ginny dear, I'm happy I caught you," said Molly. Just as she was about to take another step she let out a shriek and dove down as a demented looking cherub came flying at her wearing a neon green loin cloth to match its neon green wings. "What the devil!" Molly said clutching her bag to her chest and jumped back as another cherub went flying by; this time in violent orange. "My stars Ginny what were your brothers thinking putting those things in here?" said Molly looking around before hurrying the remainder of the way to the counter. "You gave birth to them!" Ginny said as a cherub in bright yellow dive-bombed towards her. Ginny grabbed a squirt gun and shot water in the face of the demented cherub, it screamed and flew away. Ginny held the squirt gun up taking aim and yelled a warning to the other crazy cherubs flying about, "You want some of me? Come and get it!" Eyeing what looked like an addle brained, pregnant woman with a weapon the remaining dry cherubs blew raspberries at her before flying off towards the other end of the shop. Setting the squirt gun back down Ginny turned her attention back to her mother.
"So what was it you wanted?" asked Ginny giving her mother a pleasant smile as if nothing had just happened. Molly looked around to make sure the coast was clear before turning her attention back to her daughter. Molly's eyes took in her daughter's swollen form and paused for a moment. "Mum?" said Ginny watching her mother stare at her round stomach. A slow smile began to spread on her mother's face and a twinkle flashed in her hazel eyes. "I was just wondering if you wanted to go to lunch with me," said Molly, still looking at her daughter's abdomen. "Something wrong Mum?" Ginny asked at Molly's secret smile. "Oh nothing dear, when do you go to the doctor next?" Molly asked finally looking up into Ginny's golden hazel eyes. "In a few days, Harry is going to go with me this time." said Ginny as she grabbed her bag, checking to make sure her wand was in it. Molly smiled brightly, "That's lovely dear, I'm sure Harry will enjoy the visit." Ginny gave her mother a curious gaze as Molly linked arms with her daughter leading her out into the bright snowy afternoon.
Lunch with her mother was enjoyable. They went to the three broomsticks and talked the entire time about plans for the baby. Her mother told her about the recent letters she'd received from her brothers Charlie and Bill. Ginny promised that the 'girls' of the family would get together soon over tea and have a nice afternoon together. Sitting at the table Ginny caught her mother on several occasions glance down at Ginny's swollen abdomen but say nothing. Molly maintained a secret smile on her face thoughout the entire visit. Once they had finished their tea her mother insisted on walking Ginny back to the shop. Once inside they were again assaulted by the demented cherubs flying around attempting to shoot suction cupped arrows. Molly had decided enough was enough and stunned the little creatures as they flew towards the two women. After three cherubs crashed to the floor with a heavy 'thunk', the remaining took refuge behind shelves and boxes peeking out around the corners to watch.
"Now dear, perhaps you should take the day off and rest, you're looking rather peaked," said Molly, fussing over Ginny as they walked to the counter. "Fred. . . George. . . Get out here!" Molly shouted. There was the scuffling sound of chairs and the two summoned men appeared from around the back room doorway. "How did you know we were still here?" George asked. "I'm your mother, I know everything," said Molly leaving no question that she wasn't exaggerating. "I bet she doesn't know about that time you. . ." Fred began under his breath. "And yes I know it was you who charmed Percy's shampoo to turn his hair blue last week," Molly said giving her sons a stern look, "And that you sent your father a muggle radio that sang only lewd jingles loud enough for the entire office to hear." Fred and George's jaws dropped. "I'll deal with you two and the radio bit later, for now I want you to ease up on Ginny's work load," Molly said putting a hand on her ample hip pointing a finger at Fred, "She's about half way though her pregnancy now and needs to take it easy," said Molly turning her finger towards George. Ginny rolled her eyes. The twins had always been wonderful and accommodating employers. "Really Mum, I'm fine," Ginny tried to argue. If Molly heard her she chose to ignore her daughter's protests.
George turned giving his sister a once over, "You know Ginny you do look rather tired," he said in a rare moment of seriousness. Fred turned and gave his sister a slow once over also, "Damn Ginny, you're huge!" Ginny's jaw promptly dropped. "FRED!" Molly yelled swatting her son with her bag. Fred retreated away from his mother's attack. "Well Mum, he's right, Hermione never was that large at this stage." said George. Molly smacked George upside the head with her hand. "Honestly!" cried Molly throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation. Ginny was gob-smacked, she didn't know if she was more shocked at her brothers calling her huge or the fact that they had noticed what size Hermione had been at any stage of her pregnancy. Molly took Ginny by the shoulders leading her through the back of the shop and towards the door, "Come on dear, let's get you home. You don't worry a thing about what they say, you look just fine... considering." said Molly giving her sons a death glare from behind her shoulder, "I'll deal with you two later." Fred and George both winced at their mother's words. As soon as the two women stepped out the door the twins looked at each other. "Close the shop early tonight?" said Fred. "And take the girls out of town for a long weekend?" said George. Both men nodded their heads and hurried to lock up the store so they could leave before their mother returned.