The Reception -
"You look beautiful tonight," Harry whispered into Ginny's ear as he spun her around the dance floor. Ginny smiled up at him, "You look rather dashing yourself." she said running her forefinger down his cheek. Harry stroked her back with his hand as he looked out across the reception hall. "I can't believe they didn't pull one prank during the ceremony," Harry said, looking over at Fred and George as they stood together in a group of guests talking animatedly about something. Ginny turned her head to look at her brothers, "Well the night isn't over yet," she said. Ginny watched as Angelina and Katie approached their new husbands looking radiant. The song slowly came to an end and Harry took her by hand leading her towards the bar. "Would you like anything?" he asked. Ginny thought for a moment while watching the crowd of people mingle around. "I think I'd like an orange juice," she said spying Hermione and Ron sitting at a table with Egwene who was sitting on Percy's lap. Penelope held Maric as he leaned forward to touch Egwene.
After receiving their drinks from the bartender, Harry led Ginny back over to their seats at the round table with the rest of the group Ginny had been watching. Ginny noticed Hermione looked rather tired; she winced slightly as she shifted in her seat. "Everything alright Hermione?" Ginny asked as she sat down next to her. "Yes," Hermione sighed, "Just a bit uncomfortable is all, been a very long day." Ron looked over at his wife and reached for her hand, "Want to call it a night?" he asked. "No not yet, I want to dance with you some more before the night is through. You still have some lost time to make up from our fourth year." Hermione grinned at Ron at his sudden uncomfortable expression. "Will I never live that down?" he asked. Hermione pretended to think for a moment,
"Probably not," she finally answered. Ron shook his head before standing up, he extended his hand to Hermione, "Then I better get started," he said with a grin. Hermione took his hand giving a slightly pained look as she slowly stood up. Ginny noticed that Penelope was watching her closely as was Percy, neither said a word but looked at each other significantly. Out of the corner of her eye Ginny saw Charlie and Melody sitting at the next table over with Bill and Fleur, each couple were watching as Hermione rose, looking at each other they silently nodded before returning their attention to their prior conversations.
Ginny watched as Ron gently guided Hermione onto the dance floor, he smiled down at her lovingly as he slowly led her in a simple circle. Ginny felt her eyes grow moist at the look of love that past between her youngest brother and his wife. It was like watching something special between two lovers and Ginny averted her eyes for feeling she was spying on a private moment.
"Good evening everyone," a very handsome man said as he approached their table. "Oliver! So wonderful to see you again, how are you these days?" Percy said, from where he sat, adjusting Egwene on his lap so he could extent his hand to shake Oliver Wood's. "I'm fairing well," Oliver said shaking Percy's hand. "Penelope, good to see you again," Oliver said, taking Penelope's hand as he leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Ginny noticed Percy's expression darken slightly. Ginny looked out the corner of her eye to see Harry watching the scene with an amused grin on his face.
"I'm wonderful Oliver. It's great to see you again." Penelope said, smiling up at him politely. "Harry, mate! It's been forever," Oliver said, moving around the table, Harry stood and the two men shook hands firmly. "It has been too long, Oliver." Harry said, smiling at his old gryffindor teammate. "And could this be little Ginny?" Oliver said, shaking his head in slight disbelief. Ginny smiled up at him warmly as he took her hand into his own and bent forward to brush the back of it with a kiss, "I knew you'd grow to be a beauty, but I never did you justice." Oliver said as he straightened again. Harry watched closely, keeping a lopsided grin on his face. Percy scowled, slightly readjusting Egwene on his lap as the toddler chewed on a pretzel. "Such the charmer," Ginny said giving Oliver a slight wink.
"Harry, dear boy, I do believe I am just going to have to steal your wife away," Oliver said looking back over his shoulder at Harry who stood smiling and shaking his head. "At least for this one dance," said Oliver. Ginny quirked an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly. Oliver looked back down, noticing Ginny's expression, "That is if you'll dance with me." he said quickly. Ginny laughed as she slowly stood up. Oliver, still holding her hand helped her to her feet. He guided her around the table as Harry took his seat once again, "Don't worry Potter, I'll return her before dawn," Oliver called back to the table before leading Ginny further out onto the dance floor.
"So I hear twins are in order," Oliver said as he wrapped one arm around to Ginny's back, holding her other hand in his own. "Word gets around," Ginny said resting her hand on Oliver's shoulder. "I'm sure they will be just as great on the field as Fred and George," he said smiling down at her. Although the thought of her girls being as great of beaters as her brothers appealed to her, the idea of them being like Fred in George in any other way gave her a shiver of fear. Oliver moved Ginny around the dance floor with natural grace that made him such a talent as quidditch keeper. "When they get old enough I'll stop by and teach them some of the great moves we used back at Hogwarts." Oliver said. "Of course, I'm sure they will love that." said Ginny, patting his shoulder.
After several moments of silence Oliver spoke again, "You know this may sound odd, but it's been in the back of my head for some time." he said looking down at Ginny as he stepped back and spun her in place before stepping back to her again. "What's that?" Ginny asked, catching Harry's eye as he sat at the table watching her and winked. "I had the oddest dream a while back and I can't seem to forget it. Funny it is, because usually I don't remember my dreams." Oliver said shaking his head slightly. Ginny looked up at him curiously but remained silent. "You were in it, in a forest wearing a lovely white gown, if I recall right, and I was on my broom." said Oliver, taking on a distant look as he remembered. Ginny's eyebrows shot, "You don't say," her lips quirked in a half smile. Oliver looked back down at her coming back to the present, "Yeah, curious isn't it how some things stick with you for no reason." He said, shaking his head again giving her a charming smile. "Yeah. . ." Ginny said with a knowing grin, "Curious."
Oliver and Ginny ended their dance next to the table where Harry sat with Percy and Penelope. Ron and Hermione had since returned. Off to the side of their table Molly stood watching the couples dance as Arthur talked to another guest with great interest about plugs. "Thank you for the dance Ginny," Oliver said, bending over her hand once more with a lingering kiss. He stood back and turned towards Molly. "Ah, Mrs. Weasley, just the young lass I have been looking for," Oliver said giving a roguish smile. "Would you do me the honor of being my partner for this next dance?" Ginny moved around the table, Harry stood up as she approached and held the chair for her as she sat next to Hermione. Molly blushed and looked over at her husband who was still engrossed in his conversation about plugs. She rolled her eyes before turning back to Oliver, "I'd love to Mr. Wood," she said taking his offered hand. "Oliver please," he said smiling. "Only if you call me Molly," she said as they stepped out onto the dance floor. Percy snorted rudely into his drink causing Harry to chuckle. Penelope glanced over at her husband, calmly raising an eyebrow at him before turning her head again to watch the dance floor.
Hermione shifted again in her chair with a pained look. "I think we should call it a night 'Mione," Ron said, standing up. Hermione sighed in defeat, "I suppose your right," she said. Ron paused as he reached to take Egwene in his arms, looking back at his wife, "What did you say?" Hermione gave him a dirty look slowly standing up with help from Harry. "You heard me Ronald Weasley, don't make me repeat myself," she said crossly. Ron pressed his lips together to hide a smile as he moved Egwene to a more comfortable position in his arms. Ron reached to the center of the table where a bowl of mixed nuts sat and popped a few in his mouth before preparing to step away from the table. "I'll see you at the office," Harry said after he had given Hermione a goodbye kiss on the cheek. Ron opened his mouth to reply, "MMMOOO" his eyes grew large in horror, instead of words a loud long cow cry came from deep within him. Ron pressed his lips shut looking around in surprise. "Ron?" Hermione said looking at her husband with uncertainty. "MMMOOO" was all that came from Ron again. By this time a majority of the people talking near them had stopped and was openly staring at their table.
A few feet away Fred and George were bent over from laughing hard. Angelina stood by the wine fountain shaking her head and rolling her eyes heavenward. Katie who was standing next to Angelina when it all happened bent her head into her hand in exasperation. Percy who had just reached for a handful of nuts after Ron and was about to put them to his mouth looked down at his hand and up at his brother before dropping the nuts back into the bowl and wiping his hand carefully on his napkin. Egwene laughed and clapped her hands excitedly looking at her father. "Cow. . . Moo!" her high baby voice squealed in delight. Harry laughed openly looking at his bewildered best friend.
Ginny sat on her chair watching everything, she couldn't help but laugh at what was going on but at the same time felt terrible that Ron was the receiver of yet another prank by the twins. Fred and George made their way over to the table wiping tears from their eyes, both men's faces red from laughing. "Bloody brilliant we are," Fred said pulling a chair out. "In top form," George said reaching for a chair. Just as the two began to sit a look of shock came over both of them. Their eyes grew large as they convulsed and stumbled, dropping hard and missing their chairs to land on the floor. Hermione looked down at the twins with her jaw slack. Ron kept his mouth tightly closed but shook with silent laughter. Penelope and Percy looked down at the twins in surprise. Harry and Ginny laughed openly as they watched the twins on the floor. At the table beside them Charlie and Bill howled with laughter as their wives looked at the twins curiously.
"Bloody hell," George panted, several seconds later, from his position on the floor. "It happened again Fred." Fred looked around to his twin, panting for breath, both men sporting a healthy flush, "No shit Sherlock," he said, gasping for breath, "We really must find out where that's coming from."
Ginny looked over by the wine fountain where the new brides stood side by side, arms crossed with smug looks on their faces. Hermione turned, looking down at Ginny; she smiled and looked over at Angelina and Katie. The brides of the two fallen men held their freshly filled wine glasses up in a salute, nodding to Ginny and Hermione, smiling wickedly. Ginny stood up slowly from her seat and took a step over to lean in towards Hermione, whispering, "So it begins." Hermione glanced over her shoulder at Ginny and smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A couple of days later Ginny stood in the kitchen, feeling rather aggravated. Clark mewed for attention as he rubbed against her leg. "I'm sorry my precious but I can't bend over to reach my own shoes lately much less pick you up." Clark rubbed against her leg once more before moving to a corner of the floor and curled up. Ginny slammed the refrigerator door shut in frustration. She quickly opened it again and looked, but nothing had changed. It was this scene that Harry walked in on. "Are you looking for something?" he asked, making his way to the cabinet for a glass. "Strawberries," Ginny grumbled as she pushed a container aside hoping to find her prize, despite the fact she had just moved it earlier. Behind Ginny's back Harry froze midway reaching for the glass and cringed. Slowly he shut the cabinet door and turned to face his wife's back. "Harry, where are the strawberries you promised to pick up for me yesterday?" she asked as she straightened up slowly, placing a hand on her sore lower back, shutting the refrigerator door. "I. . . umm. . ." Harry said, his eyes searching the room desperately. "Harry?" Ginny said, turning to face her husband, "You did get the strawberries for me like you promised, didn't you?" her eyes began to narrow seeing Harry's nervous glances. "I'm sorry love, it slipped my mind." He said apologetically.
For a moment Harry thought she hadn't heard him because she stood stock still looking at him. Ginny's lower lip began to tremble as her eyes welled with tears. "You forgot?" she said in a small voice. "Aww, Ginny. I'm so sorry," Harry implored. You could see his entire being crumble with guilt at the sadness he saw on his wife's face. "Don't cry love," he said soothingly as he took a step forward reaching out for her. "Don't you touch me Harry James Potter," Ginny hissed, all traces of sadness gone. Harry stopped in midstep looking surprised at her sudden mood change. "Forgot did you?" Ginny spat. "Well how bloody convenient, you forgot!" she yelled stepping closer to him.
"Do you know what it's like to have no ankles?" she said waving her hands around. "Do you know what it's like to carry around two heavy quaffles in your stomach that enjoy swinging from your rib cage and doing an irish gig on your bladder?" she hissed. "Not to mention on top of them doing their primal bladder dance you feel the need to pee every five minutes anyhow. Oh and did I FORGET to tell you that if you dare think of laughing or coughing it better be done on the toilet, otherwise you'll be peeing down your leg?" she yelled at him. Harry shrunk even further in size at his wife's tirade-- despite the fact that Harry stood at 5' 11" tall compared to his wife's 5' 3" frame he seemed to be looking up at her as she towered over him in a rage. "FORGET the fact that all I asked you to do was to simply pick me up some strawberries. It's not like I'm about to give birth to your CHILDREN or anything like that!" Ginny threw her arms around wildly as she made her way to the kitchen entrance. Through out Ginny's entire tirade Clark laid curled up in the far corner watching the scene play out with mild interest.
"So don't mind ME," Ginny shouted over her shoulder. "I'll just go get them myself." Harry growled in frustration as he raked his fingers through his messy black hair. "No Ginny, you stay here." Harry said before taking a few calming breaths. "I'll go get the strawberries as promised." he said following his wife out into the great room, "You shouldn't be going out by yourself anymore in your condition."
Ginny stopped walking and slowly turned around to face Harry, "My. . . Condition?" she said through narrowed eyes. "My condition, Harry?" she said hotly, "I'm bloody pregnant, not dying of some incurable disease!" she yelled, throwing her arms up into the air. "Dammit Ginny, I'm just trying to keep you safe. I said I would go get the bloody strawberries and I'm going to ruddy well get them!" Harry yelled in frustration. Ginny's jaw dropped in surprise, her lower lip began to quiver again as fat tears began to stream down her flushed cheeks. "Oh Ginny, I'm so sorry!" said Harry, rushing up to his wife and wrapping his arms around her. "Ginny sobbed into his chest while hiccupping a response, "N- no, I. . . I'm s-sorry Harry." she said between sobs, "I--I o-over reacted."
Harry gently stroked her hair while making gentle shushing noises. "It's alright love." Harry said, lightly kissing her forehead. After several minutes Ginny's crying calmed down. "Better now?" Harry asked leaning back to look at her. Ginny nodded sheepishly in response. "Good, you go put your feet up and I'll be back in a few minutes with the strawberries," he said, kissing her gently on the cheek. Ginny nodded again before slowly making her way back to the den. Once she was around the corner Harry heaved a huge sigh before tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. "Hormones mate, it's only hormones," He reassured himself. He looked back over his shoulder at the empty corner which Ginny had just disappeared around, "I think I'll go work in the shed this evening." he mumbled to himself before disapparting.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ginny?" Harry called, stepping into the house with a sack in his hand. When he received no answer he furrowed his brow, moving deeper into the house. "Ginny?" he called again. He stepped through the doorway of the den taking a breath to call again when he stopped. There laying on the sofa Ginny sleep. Harry stepped around the couch quietly as to not wake her. Ginny sleep with her legs stretched out on the sofa, slightly on her side. Her hair spilled out over her shoulder, she had a hand beneath her cheek fingers slightly curled. Harry placed the sack on the coffee table behind him before turning his attention back to his wife, squatting down close to watch her sleep. His eyes roamed over her long dark lashes stark against her pale complexion. Her lips were a deep rose color, full and slightly parted. Her breathing was steady and even as she rested peacefully.
Harry's eyes traveled down where they rested on her stomach, now heavy with pregnancy of their unborn twins. Harry marveled at how such a petite woman could carry their future with in her small frame. His eyes caught movement, he stared fixated as her stomach rolled beneath her top as the twins moved inside her. At once their was a sharp jerk as one of the twins moved quickly and Ginny gave a gasp in her sleep before snuggling her head down deeper into the arm of the couch relaxing again. Slowly Harry extended his arm and gently rest his hand over her active abdomen. As soon as his large warm hand settled onto her the twins instantly became still. He smiled to himself, leaning in so that his lips were close enough for him to feel the soft cotton of her top, he whispered, "You two be good in there for your mum." He was answered with complete stillness.
Harry lost track of time as he knelt by his wife with his hand protectively over his unborn children watching Ginny sleep. After a long while Harry reluctantly moved to get up. His knees were killing him and he still needed to get the strawberries into the fridge. He leaned over gently kissing his wife on the forehead as he let his hand slip from her. As soon as his warm hand left he saw that the twins gave a sharp kick that could be seen easily. Ginny jumped awake with a grunt grabbing her stomach. "Beater practice?" she growled looking down at her active abdomen. Harry chuckled as he extended his hand for Ginny to take to help her sit up. "Thanks Harry," said Ginny as she struggled into a sitting position. Harry looked behind him and grabbed the sack, "Here," he said handing it to her.
Harry settled down to sit next to her while she opened the bag. Ginny grinned sheepishly as she pulled a plump strawberry from the sack, "Thanks," she said giving him a hesitant smile as she put the red berry to her lips. Ginny tilted the bag in Harry's direction as she chewed. Harry reached in taking one for himself and bit into it. "You know, at least you chose something good for a craving," he said as he chewed. Ginny grinned at him as she took another bite of the sweet fruit. Harry watched her full lips move as she chewed; slowly he leaned in to kiss her. Ginny smiled into his kiss which tasted of sweet strawberries.
"Harry, Ginny!" Their kiss was interrupted by an urgent cry from the fireplace. They separated and Harry jumped up stepping over to the fire, "Molly, what's wrong?" asked Harry. Ginny noticed his entire presence changed from relaxed at one moment to alert and all business by just the tone in her mother's voice. All those years of being an Auror had trained Harry to respond to the slightest nuance. "Oh Harry, nothing's the matter," Molly said excitedly, waving her hand in front of her face as if to dismiss concern. "It's time," she said beaming a bright smile. "Time for what mum?" Ginny asked from her place on the couch.
Harry turned his head to look at Ginny before returning his attention to the fireplace, "Hermione, she's gone into labor," Molly said in glee. Ginny struggled to get up out of the couch in a rush, "What about the Grangers?" Harry asked as Ginny struggled to her feet before he could come over to help her. "Arthur is taking Egwene over to Emma and Rupert as we speak," Molly said, again waving her hand around excitedly. "We'll meet you at St. Mungo's," Harry said standing back up. "Oh I'm so excited, she's having the baby!" Molly gushed before she disappeared from the fire with a pop. Ginny walked to their master bedroom as quickly as she could to retrieve her wand from the vanity table where she had left it. Harry followed her, making sure he had everything he needed. "Ready?" he asked as Ginny grabbed her wand and her handbag that lay beside it. They walked to the bedroom door when Ginny stopped and turned around, "I almost forgot something," she said making her way over to her dresser. She rummaged around before she exclaimed, "Ah, ha, found it." Stuffing the item in her hand bag before Harry could make out what it was she walked back over to him smiling brightly, "Time to go welcome our new niece or nephew!"
"You look beautiful tonight," Harry whispered into Ginny's ear as he spun her around the dance floor. Ginny smiled up at him, "You look rather dashing yourself." she said running her forefinger down his cheek. Harry stroked her back with his hand as he looked out across the reception hall. "I can't believe they didn't pull one prank during the ceremony," Harry said, looking over at Fred and George as they stood together in a group of guests talking animatedly about something. Ginny turned her head to look at her brothers, "Well the night isn't over yet," she said. Ginny watched as Angelina and Katie approached their new husbands looking radiant. The song slowly came to an end and Harry took her by hand leading her towards the bar. "Would you like anything?" he asked. Ginny thought for a moment while watching the crowd of people mingle around. "I think I'd like an orange juice," she said spying Hermione and Ron sitting at a table with Egwene who was sitting on Percy's lap. Penelope held Maric as he leaned forward to touch Egwene.
After receiving their drinks from the bartender, Harry led Ginny back over to their seats at the round table with the rest of the group Ginny had been watching. Ginny noticed Hermione looked rather tired; she winced slightly as she shifted in her seat. "Everything alright Hermione?" Ginny asked as she sat down next to her. "Yes," Hermione sighed, "Just a bit uncomfortable is all, been a very long day." Ron looked over at his wife and reached for her hand, "Want to call it a night?" he asked. "No not yet, I want to dance with you some more before the night is through. You still have some lost time to make up from our fourth year." Hermione grinned at Ron at his sudden uncomfortable expression. "Will I never live that down?" he asked. Hermione pretended to think for a moment,
"Probably not," she finally answered. Ron shook his head before standing up, he extended his hand to Hermione, "Then I better get started," he said with a grin. Hermione took his hand giving a slightly pained look as she slowly stood up. Ginny noticed that Penelope was watching her closely as was Percy, neither said a word but looked at each other significantly. Out of the corner of her eye Ginny saw Charlie and Melody sitting at the next table over with Bill and Fleur, each couple were watching as Hermione rose, looking at each other they silently nodded before returning their attention to their prior conversations.
Ginny watched as Ron gently guided Hermione onto the dance floor, he smiled down at her lovingly as he slowly led her in a simple circle. Ginny felt her eyes grow moist at the look of love that past between her youngest brother and his wife. It was like watching something special between two lovers and Ginny averted her eyes for feeling she was spying on a private moment.
"Good evening everyone," a very handsome man said as he approached their table. "Oliver! So wonderful to see you again, how are you these days?" Percy said, from where he sat, adjusting Egwene on his lap so he could extent his hand to shake Oliver Wood's. "I'm fairing well," Oliver said shaking Percy's hand. "Penelope, good to see you again," Oliver said, taking Penelope's hand as he leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Ginny noticed Percy's expression darken slightly. Ginny looked out the corner of her eye to see Harry watching the scene with an amused grin on his face.
"I'm wonderful Oliver. It's great to see you again." Penelope said, smiling up at him politely. "Harry, mate! It's been forever," Oliver said, moving around the table, Harry stood and the two men shook hands firmly. "It has been too long, Oliver." Harry said, smiling at his old gryffindor teammate. "And could this be little Ginny?" Oliver said, shaking his head in slight disbelief. Ginny smiled up at him warmly as he took her hand into his own and bent forward to brush the back of it with a kiss, "I knew you'd grow to be a beauty, but I never did you justice." Oliver said as he straightened again. Harry watched closely, keeping a lopsided grin on his face. Percy scowled, slightly readjusting Egwene on his lap as the toddler chewed on a pretzel. "Such the charmer," Ginny said giving Oliver a slight wink.
"Harry, dear boy, I do believe I am just going to have to steal your wife away," Oliver said looking back over his shoulder at Harry who stood smiling and shaking his head. "At least for this one dance," said Oliver. Ginny quirked an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly. Oliver looked back down, noticing Ginny's expression, "That is if you'll dance with me." he said quickly. Ginny laughed as she slowly stood up. Oliver, still holding her hand helped her to her feet. He guided her around the table as Harry took his seat once again, "Don't worry Potter, I'll return her before dawn," Oliver called back to the table before leading Ginny further out onto the dance floor.
"So I hear twins are in order," Oliver said as he wrapped one arm around to Ginny's back, holding her other hand in his own. "Word gets around," Ginny said resting her hand on Oliver's shoulder. "I'm sure they will be just as great on the field as Fred and George," he said smiling down at her. Although the thought of her girls being as great of beaters as her brothers appealed to her, the idea of them being like Fred in George in any other way gave her a shiver of fear. Oliver moved Ginny around the dance floor with natural grace that made him such a talent as quidditch keeper. "When they get old enough I'll stop by and teach them some of the great moves we used back at Hogwarts." Oliver said. "Of course, I'm sure they will love that." said Ginny, patting his shoulder.
After several moments of silence Oliver spoke again, "You know this may sound odd, but it's been in the back of my head for some time." he said looking down at Ginny as he stepped back and spun her in place before stepping back to her again. "What's that?" Ginny asked, catching Harry's eye as he sat at the table watching her and winked. "I had the oddest dream a while back and I can't seem to forget it. Funny it is, because usually I don't remember my dreams." Oliver said shaking his head slightly. Ginny looked up at him curiously but remained silent. "You were in it, in a forest wearing a lovely white gown, if I recall right, and I was on my broom." said Oliver, taking on a distant look as he remembered. Ginny's eyebrows shot, "You don't say," her lips quirked in a half smile. Oliver looked back down at her coming back to the present, "Yeah, curious isn't it how some things stick with you for no reason." He said, shaking his head again giving her a charming smile. "Yeah. . ." Ginny said with a knowing grin, "Curious."
Oliver and Ginny ended their dance next to the table where Harry sat with Percy and Penelope. Ron and Hermione had since returned. Off to the side of their table Molly stood watching the couples dance as Arthur talked to another guest with great interest about plugs. "Thank you for the dance Ginny," Oliver said, bending over her hand once more with a lingering kiss. He stood back and turned towards Molly. "Ah, Mrs. Weasley, just the young lass I have been looking for," Oliver said giving a roguish smile. "Would you do me the honor of being my partner for this next dance?" Ginny moved around the table, Harry stood up as she approached and held the chair for her as she sat next to Hermione. Molly blushed and looked over at her husband who was still engrossed in his conversation about plugs. She rolled her eyes before turning back to Oliver, "I'd love to Mr. Wood," she said taking his offered hand. "Oliver please," he said smiling. "Only if you call me Molly," she said as they stepped out onto the dance floor. Percy snorted rudely into his drink causing Harry to chuckle. Penelope glanced over at her husband, calmly raising an eyebrow at him before turning her head again to watch the dance floor.
Hermione shifted again in her chair with a pained look. "I think we should call it a night 'Mione," Ron said, standing up. Hermione sighed in defeat, "I suppose your right," she said. Ron paused as he reached to take Egwene in his arms, looking back at his wife, "What did you say?" Hermione gave him a dirty look slowly standing up with help from Harry. "You heard me Ronald Weasley, don't make me repeat myself," she said crossly. Ron pressed his lips together to hide a smile as he moved Egwene to a more comfortable position in his arms. Ron reached to the center of the table where a bowl of mixed nuts sat and popped a few in his mouth before preparing to step away from the table. "I'll see you at the office," Harry said after he had given Hermione a goodbye kiss on the cheek. Ron opened his mouth to reply, "MMMOOO" his eyes grew large in horror, instead of words a loud long cow cry came from deep within him. Ron pressed his lips shut looking around in surprise. "Ron?" Hermione said looking at her husband with uncertainty. "MMMOOO" was all that came from Ron again. By this time a majority of the people talking near them had stopped and was openly staring at their table.
A few feet away Fred and George were bent over from laughing hard. Angelina stood by the wine fountain shaking her head and rolling her eyes heavenward. Katie who was standing next to Angelina when it all happened bent her head into her hand in exasperation. Percy who had just reached for a handful of nuts after Ron and was about to put them to his mouth looked down at his hand and up at his brother before dropping the nuts back into the bowl and wiping his hand carefully on his napkin. Egwene laughed and clapped her hands excitedly looking at her father. "Cow. . . Moo!" her high baby voice squealed in delight. Harry laughed openly looking at his bewildered best friend.
Ginny sat on her chair watching everything, she couldn't help but laugh at what was going on but at the same time felt terrible that Ron was the receiver of yet another prank by the twins. Fred and George made their way over to the table wiping tears from their eyes, both men's faces red from laughing. "Bloody brilliant we are," Fred said pulling a chair out. "In top form," George said reaching for a chair. Just as the two began to sit a look of shock came over both of them. Their eyes grew large as they convulsed and stumbled, dropping hard and missing their chairs to land on the floor. Hermione looked down at the twins with her jaw slack. Ron kept his mouth tightly closed but shook with silent laughter. Penelope and Percy looked down at the twins in surprise. Harry and Ginny laughed openly as they watched the twins on the floor. At the table beside them Charlie and Bill howled with laughter as their wives looked at the twins curiously.
"Bloody hell," George panted, several seconds later, from his position on the floor. "It happened again Fred." Fred looked around to his twin, panting for breath, both men sporting a healthy flush, "No shit Sherlock," he said, gasping for breath, "We really must find out where that's coming from."
Ginny looked over by the wine fountain where the new brides stood side by side, arms crossed with smug looks on their faces. Hermione turned, looking down at Ginny; she smiled and looked over at Angelina and Katie. The brides of the two fallen men held their freshly filled wine glasses up in a salute, nodding to Ginny and Hermione, smiling wickedly. Ginny stood up slowly from her seat and took a step over to lean in towards Hermione, whispering, "So it begins." Hermione glanced over her shoulder at Ginny and smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A couple of days later Ginny stood in the kitchen, feeling rather aggravated. Clark mewed for attention as he rubbed against her leg. "I'm sorry my precious but I can't bend over to reach my own shoes lately much less pick you up." Clark rubbed against her leg once more before moving to a corner of the floor and curled up. Ginny slammed the refrigerator door shut in frustration. She quickly opened it again and looked, but nothing had changed. It was this scene that Harry walked in on. "Are you looking for something?" he asked, making his way to the cabinet for a glass. "Strawberries," Ginny grumbled as she pushed a container aside hoping to find her prize, despite the fact she had just moved it earlier. Behind Ginny's back Harry froze midway reaching for the glass and cringed. Slowly he shut the cabinet door and turned to face his wife's back. "Harry, where are the strawberries you promised to pick up for me yesterday?" she asked as she straightened up slowly, placing a hand on her sore lower back, shutting the refrigerator door. "I. . . umm. . ." Harry said, his eyes searching the room desperately. "Harry?" Ginny said, turning to face her husband, "You did get the strawberries for me like you promised, didn't you?" her eyes began to narrow seeing Harry's nervous glances. "I'm sorry love, it slipped my mind." He said apologetically.
For a moment Harry thought she hadn't heard him because she stood stock still looking at him. Ginny's lower lip began to tremble as her eyes welled with tears. "You forgot?" she said in a small voice. "Aww, Ginny. I'm so sorry," Harry implored. You could see his entire being crumble with guilt at the sadness he saw on his wife's face. "Don't cry love," he said soothingly as he took a step forward reaching out for her. "Don't you touch me Harry James Potter," Ginny hissed, all traces of sadness gone. Harry stopped in midstep looking surprised at her sudden mood change. "Forgot did you?" Ginny spat. "Well how bloody convenient, you forgot!" she yelled stepping closer to him.
"Do you know what it's like to have no ankles?" she said waving her hands around. "Do you know what it's like to carry around two heavy quaffles in your stomach that enjoy swinging from your rib cage and doing an irish gig on your bladder?" she hissed. "Not to mention on top of them doing their primal bladder dance you feel the need to pee every five minutes anyhow. Oh and did I FORGET to tell you that if you dare think of laughing or coughing it better be done on the toilet, otherwise you'll be peeing down your leg?" she yelled at him. Harry shrunk even further in size at his wife's tirade-- despite the fact that Harry stood at 5' 11" tall compared to his wife's 5' 3" frame he seemed to be looking up at her as she towered over him in a rage. "FORGET the fact that all I asked you to do was to simply pick me up some strawberries. It's not like I'm about to give birth to your CHILDREN or anything like that!" Ginny threw her arms around wildly as she made her way to the kitchen entrance. Through out Ginny's entire tirade Clark laid curled up in the far corner watching the scene play out with mild interest.
"So don't mind ME," Ginny shouted over her shoulder. "I'll just go get them myself." Harry growled in frustration as he raked his fingers through his messy black hair. "No Ginny, you stay here." Harry said before taking a few calming breaths. "I'll go get the strawberries as promised." he said following his wife out into the great room, "You shouldn't be going out by yourself anymore in your condition."
Ginny stopped walking and slowly turned around to face Harry, "My. . . Condition?" she said through narrowed eyes. "My condition, Harry?" she said hotly, "I'm bloody pregnant, not dying of some incurable disease!" she yelled, throwing her arms up into the air. "Dammit Ginny, I'm just trying to keep you safe. I said I would go get the bloody strawberries and I'm going to ruddy well get them!" Harry yelled in frustration. Ginny's jaw dropped in surprise, her lower lip began to quiver again as fat tears began to stream down her flushed cheeks. "Oh Ginny, I'm so sorry!" said Harry, rushing up to his wife and wrapping his arms around her. "Ginny sobbed into his chest while hiccupping a response, "N- no, I. . . I'm s-sorry Harry." she said between sobs, "I--I o-over reacted."
Harry gently stroked her hair while making gentle shushing noises. "It's alright love." Harry said, lightly kissing her forehead. After several minutes Ginny's crying calmed down. "Better now?" Harry asked leaning back to look at her. Ginny nodded sheepishly in response. "Good, you go put your feet up and I'll be back in a few minutes with the strawberries," he said, kissing her gently on the cheek. Ginny nodded again before slowly making her way back to the den. Once she was around the corner Harry heaved a huge sigh before tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. "Hormones mate, it's only hormones," He reassured himself. He looked back over his shoulder at the empty corner which Ginny had just disappeared around, "I think I'll go work in the shed this evening." he mumbled to himself before disapparting.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ginny?" Harry called, stepping into the house with a sack in his hand. When he received no answer he furrowed his brow, moving deeper into the house. "Ginny?" he called again. He stepped through the doorway of the den taking a breath to call again when he stopped. There laying on the sofa Ginny sleep. Harry stepped around the couch quietly as to not wake her. Ginny sleep with her legs stretched out on the sofa, slightly on her side. Her hair spilled out over her shoulder, she had a hand beneath her cheek fingers slightly curled. Harry placed the sack on the coffee table behind him before turning his attention back to his wife, squatting down close to watch her sleep. His eyes roamed over her long dark lashes stark against her pale complexion. Her lips were a deep rose color, full and slightly parted. Her breathing was steady and even as she rested peacefully.
Harry's eyes traveled down where they rested on her stomach, now heavy with pregnancy of their unborn twins. Harry marveled at how such a petite woman could carry their future with in her small frame. His eyes caught movement, he stared fixated as her stomach rolled beneath her top as the twins moved inside her. At once their was a sharp jerk as one of the twins moved quickly and Ginny gave a gasp in her sleep before snuggling her head down deeper into the arm of the couch relaxing again. Slowly Harry extended his arm and gently rest his hand over her active abdomen. As soon as his large warm hand settled onto her the twins instantly became still. He smiled to himself, leaning in so that his lips were close enough for him to feel the soft cotton of her top, he whispered, "You two be good in there for your mum." He was answered with complete stillness.
Harry lost track of time as he knelt by his wife with his hand protectively over his unborn children watching Ginny sleep. After a long while Harry reluctantly moved to get up. His knees were killing him and he still needed to get the strawberries into the fridge. He leaned over gently kissing his wife on the forehead as he let his hand slip from her. As soon as his warm hand left he saw that the twins gave a sharp kick that could be seen easily. Ginny jumped awake with a grunt grabbing her stomach. "Beater practice?" she growled looking down at her active abdomen. Harry chuckled as he extended his hand for Ginny to take to help her sit up. "Thanks Harry," said Ginny as she struggled into a sitting position. Harry looked behind him and grabbed the sack, "Here," he said handing it to her.
Harry settled down to sit next to her while she opened the bag. Ginny grinned sheepishly as she pulled a plump strawberry from the sack, "Thanks," she said giving him a hesitant smile as she put the red berry to her lips. Ginny tilted the bag in Harry's direction as she chewed. Harry reached in taking one for himself and bit into it. "You know, at least you chose something good for a craving," he said as he chewed. Ginny grinned at him as she took another bite of the sweet fruit. Harry watched her full lips move as she chewed; slowly he leaned in to kiss her. Ginny smiled into his kiss which tasted of sweet strawberries.
"Harry, Ginny!" Their kiss was interrupted by an urgent cry from the fireplace. They separated and Harry jumped up stepping over to the fire, "Molly, what's wrong?" asked Harry. Ginny noticed his entire presence changed from relaxed at one moment to alert and all business by just the tone in her mother's voice. All those years of being an Auror had trained Harry to respond to the slightest nuance. "Oh Harry, nothing's the matter," Molly said excitedly, waving her hand in front of her face as if to dismiss concern. "It's time," she said beaming a bright smile. "Time for what mum?" Ginny asked from her place on the couch.
Harry turned his head to look at Ginny before returning his attention to the fireplace, "Hermione, she's gone into labor," Molly said in glee. Ginny struggled to get up out of the couch in a rush, "What about the Grangers?" Harry asked as Ginny struggled to her feet before he could come over to help her. "Arthur is taking Egwene over to Emma and Rupert as we speak," Molly said, again waving her hand around excitedly. "We'll meet you at St. Mungo's," Harry said standing back up. "Oh I'm so excited, she's having the baby!" Molly gushed before she disappeared from the fire with a pop. Ginny walked to their master bedroom as quickly as she could to retrieve her wand from the vanity table where she had left it. Harry followed her, making sure he had everything he needed. "Ready?" he asked as Ginny grabbed her wand and her handbag that lay beside it. They walked to the bedroom door when Ginny stopped and turned around, "I almost forgot something," she said making her way over to her dresser. She rummaged around before she exclaimed, "Ah, ha, found it." Stuffing the item in her hand bag before Harry could make out what it was she walked back over to him smiling brightly, "Time to go welcome our new niece or nephew!"