A Talk With Molly -
Ginny took a sip from her lemonade as she sat in a rocking lounger on their slag stone patio, looking out at the massive floral garden that she and Harry had worked hard to create. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply the rich fragrance of lilac, tulips, hyacinth as well as many other beautiful floral scents. The floral blend lingering in the air was almost heady and gave her a peaceful feeling. The sun filtered down through the tall trees creating a patchwork of light beams that would spotlight her floral garden. Ginny watched as a robin soared out of the branch of an oak tree to land in the grass below to forage for a worm or a berry dropped from the line of blackberries bushes which had twined their way up a fence Harry had built for them. From inside the house soft Celtic music floated out of the open windows, lulling Ginny's senses even further.
Her mother wandered around the flat stone path, carrying a large basket half filled with the various flowers in bloom. Molly's floppy hat fell repeatedly into her eyes as she bent over to clip a flower to add to the basket. Finally getting frustrated Molly pushed the hat off of her head to hang down her back by the large yellow sash tied in a bow around her neck. Ginny watched her mother push a lock of fiery red hair streaked with soft grey out of her eyes with the back of her hand. Molly smiled down at a large monarch butterfly which had fluttered close before landing on a pink tulip in the basket. "Mum would you like some help?" Ginny asked, setting her glass down hopefully. Molly looked up from the butterfly, "Nonsense child, you stay right there and let me finish this up," she said, making her way back up the stone path. With a wave of Ginny's wand, a large clear glass vase came flying out of the kitchen window to land with a soft 'clink' onto the patio table. Ginny pointed her wand at the opening of the vase as water poured out of the wand's tip. Molly returned to the table and set the partially filled basket down. With one last tap of her wand Ginny watched as several flat glass stones layered the bottom in scarlet and gold. Molly hummed along with the music as she began to arrange the bouquet of daisies, lilies, tulips and fern fronds. "This will look lovely," said Molly, placing a pink daisy into the vase.
"How did you do it Mum?" Ginny asked, studying her mother. Molly gave Ginny a quick glance before returning to her work, "Do what?" she asked mildly. "How did you raise seven of us, work with the Order and still find time to keep home and cook wonderfully?" asked Ginny, staring down into her glass of lemonade as she ran her finger along the rim. Molly paused setting the yellow tulip back onto the basket with a thoughtful expression. "I just did Ginny," Molly said with a slight shrug. "You seven were . . . are. . . my life. I could not imagine living any other way," said Molly, a wistful smile crossed her features as she became lost in memories.
Ginny could see her mother shake herself slightly as if pulling herself back to the present. "For as crazy as that house was when you lot were children, it was my own heaven", Molly said, putting another tulip into the vase. Ginny cast her eyes towards the sky, watching dark gray clouds off in the distance. Ginny took a deep breath, smelling the threat of rain in the air. "Mum, do you think I'll be able to do it?" Ginny asked, turning her eyes back onto her mother. Molly looked at her daughter for a moment and smiled softly, the edges of her hazel eyes crinkling, "You'll be wonderful, I have no doubt." Ginny bit her lip feeling nervous of the responsibility she was about to have. "I don't think I could ever be as good as you." she almost whispered. "Aww, now. . ." Molly sighed, stepping around the table to wrap her arms around her daughter. "No need to talk like that dear. I know you'll raise you children with love in a happy home." said Molly, patting Ginny's back.
Ginny laughed through a sob as tears began to pour down her cheeks. "Bloody hormones," she said, wiping the tears away. Molly reached into her pocket, handing Ginny a clean white handkerchief. "Don't worry dear, it won't be much longer." Molly said, giving Ginny's shoulder a gentle squeeze. Ginny snorted as she wiped her eyes with the hanky, "Everyone seems to be saying that lately." Off in the distance a low rumble of thunder could be heard. "We should take these in, looks as if it will rain soon," said Molly, looking up at the sky before gathering the basket of flowers and vase. Ginny slowly pushed herself up out of the chair; she let out a slight gasp as a sharp twinge of pain shot across her lower back. "Are you alright Ginny?" asked Molly, as she stopped in her path towards the house to turn and look at her daughter in concern. "I'm fine Mum, must have just gotten up wrong is all." Ginny said, with a dismissive wave of the hand. "Never the less, you should go lay down for a bit and get some rest before Harry arrives," said Molly as she held the door open with her back, balancing the vase and basket of flowers in her arms.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Mum, did you say if Bill and Charlie were going to be able to make it to Harry's birthday dinner? Ginny asked from her seat on the couch, her puffy feet and ankles propped up on a few sofa pillows on the coffee table. Molly looks up from her knitting of a baby blanket, "I know Bill said he would be here, " she said wrapping the white yarn around her needle, "But Charlie still hasn't heard back from his superiors yet." She pulled on the line of yarn coming from the ball to give her more slack, "I wouldn't worry about it. He still has two weeks yet to try and get the weekend off." said Molly. Ginny shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she felt another twinge this time across her stomach. "Ginny, are you sure you still want to host this?" asked Molly, keeping a close eye as Ginny squirmed in her seat. "It shouldn't be any trouble; Ron and dad are handling the barbeque. Even the twins have offered to help, which scares me to no end," Ginny said. Molly chuckled as she continued her knitting. Clark came sauntering into the den closely followed by Lex. Both felines jumped up onto the couch on either side of their mistress and settled against her. "Well hello my precious," Ginny said, reaching out to scratch both cats behind the ear, receiving loud purrs of contentment from each in return.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ginny cringed as she again tried to adjust herself for more comfort. Clark raised his head and watched his mistress closely. A small groan escaped from Ginny as another twinge of discomfort shot across her stomach. Lex instantly popped his head up and stood on his hind legs, paws on the side of Ginny's stomach as he looked up at her with large grey eyes. "It's alright sweetness, just a little uncomfortable is all," she reassured the kitten. Lex watched her closely with unblinking eyes. There was something about his stare that tugged on the back of Ginny's mind but quickly faded as the kitten closed his eyes and rubbed his head against her stomach and licking it before resting his head down onto his paws again.
"Did you say something dear?" Molly said, walking back into the room with a tray containing a tea service and tin of lemon cookies. Ginny gave her mother a weary smile, "I was just talking to Lex." she said, stroking the soft fluffy fur of the kitten beside her. Not to be outdone Clark rolled over onto his back sticking his feet straight up into the air inviting his mistress to stroke his belly. Molly sat the tea service on the coffee table near Ginny's feet, "And such a precious kitten you are," she said, reaching out and stroking Lex's cheek. The kitten gave a couple of licks to Molly's fingers before closing his eyes and settling himself against Ginny. Clark let out a throaty meow as Ginny scratched his stomach. "And you too Clark," Molly said, reaching across Ginny's large stomach and gave Clark's stomach a quick rub. As Molly pulled her hand away to stand up Ginny caught it and placed Molly's hand on the side of her stomach, one of the twins had taken that moment to poke out an elbow and squirm. Molly's face took on a soft wistful expression feeling her grandchildren move within her daughter.
The front door slammed shut shortly followed by, "Ginny, Molly? I'm home." Harry called from the great room. Molly leaned in, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead before answering, "We're in the den Harry," she called out, cupping Ginny's cheek in her hand for a moment before standing up straight. Harry came into the room carrying a brown sack and smiling happily, "Hello Molly," Harry said, kissing his mother in law on the cheek. "How are you feeling?" he asked Ginny as he bent down to kiss her on the forehead. "I'm alright. What smells so good?" Ginny asked, eyeing the brown sack. Lex and Clark had awoke from their brief naps and were also sniffing the air. "I brought home your favorites," Harry said proudly, hefting the bag up higher.
"Molly would you like to stay for dinner? We could floo Arthur and invite him also. I bought plenty." Harry offered, setting the bag onto the table. "Thank you but no, Arthur and I have plans tonight to have dinner with some friends," Molly said as she gathered up her knitting and placed it in a warn tartan carpet bag. "I should be going, I have to get ready," she said making her way to the den archway, "If you need us, just owl." Ginny said her goodbyes from the couch as Harry walked Molly to the front door. After a few moments Harry came back into the den, "Alright you two, out." he said to the two curious cats who had continued to sniff the air. Clark and Lex vaulted off of the couch landing gracefully on their feet. Lifting their noses and tales into the air they padded out of the room, completely insulted. It was a rather comical sight watching the larger black cat lead the tiny white kitten out of the room, identical in posture and attitude.
Harry chuckled as he reached into the brown sack pulling out white pint boxes. Opening one up and examining it he handed the carton over to Ginny along with a pair of chop sticks that he had pulled out of the bag. Ginny thanked him and pushed the contents of the container around. Harry sat down in the near by arm chair and had begun to eat when he noticed Ginny hadn't taken her first bite. "Alright there Gin?" he asked through a bite of beef and broccoli. Ginny stabbed down into the container and pulled out a piece of shrimp and looked at it before putting it back into the container. "I'm alright, just not that hungry is all," she said, setting the container on the top of her stomach. Harry couldn't help but grin, "Nice little table you have there," he said through a chuckle. Ginny looked down at her stomach before scrunching her nose in a dirty look directed at her husband.
"Seriously love, you feeling alright?" Harry asked in all sincerity. "Yes, I think I'll just go get me a drink of ice water," said Ginny, handing her pint of food to Harry before attempting to struggle to her feet. Harry sat the containers of food down and jumped to his feet giving a hand to help Ginny up. "I am so looking forward to the day when I can simply stand on my own again," she grumbled as she waddled to the den entrance. Ginny had just turned the corner when she felt her stomach clench in pain. Instantly from no where Clark and Lex were at her feet, watching her closely. "Tis nothing kitties, just the twins letting their presence be known," Ginny reassured the two watchful cats. "As if anyone could miss this." she grumbled as she patted the side of her stomach.
Ginny finally agreed to eat something after Harry repeatedly suggested she take a bite. She scrunched her nose at Harry as she chewed a bite of shrimp, "Happy now?" she asked after swallowing. "Immensely," Harry said before putting a bite of beef into his mouth, giving her a large grin as he chewed. Ginny poked her chop sticks in her pint box and surveyed the contents, "You know we should think of names for our girls," she said, picking up a bit of bamboo shoot. Harry quirked his eyebrow but continued to chew silently. "I was thinking of Liandrin and Cadsuane." she said before putting the bamboo shoot into her mouth. "Well," began Harry, "I don't right believe our boys would appreciate being named Liandrin and Cadsuane."
Ginny paused in the middle of her search through the pint container and slowly looked up at her husband with a sly grin, "Oh? I think our Girls would enjoy those names." Harry matched her grin, "I think we need strapping names for our Boys." Ginny tilted her head to his silent challenge. "Is that a fact?" Harry leaned in closer to the edge of his chair, "I'd bet my firebolt on it." Ginny broke into a huge grin, "You're hopeless." she said before going back to her dinner. "And you know I would never risk my firebolt unless it was a sure thing," Harry said, sitting back into his seat and crossing his ankle over his knee. "We shall see than, shan't we," Ginny said, bringing a fat piece of shrimp to her mouth. "That we will," Harry said, raising his chopstick holding a bite of broccoli in salute before bringing it to his mouth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thunder rumbled deep and long outside and distant flashes of lightening could be detected well of into the distance. Ginny struggled to roll onto her side of the master bed. Harry was lying on his side one arm draped protectively over her abdomen; he rolled onto his stomach and snuggled into the soft bedding as she moved away from him. He let out a deep sigh as he sleep on. Carefully she raised herself into a sitting position, wincing with the pain in her back, trying hard not to wake Harry as she got up. She had been restless for hours and couldn't seem to bring herself to fall asleep. A constant ache had settled itself into her lower back and try as she might she couldn't seem to ease it.
'One of the girls must be pushing on my spin.' she reasoned with herself. She grabbed her wand off of the night stand and rose to her feet, the dull cramp seemed to choose that moment to slowly spread across her stomach, ' I shouldn't have ate that chinese,' she thought again as she grabbed her yellow robe and made her way out of the bedroom, a nice cup of mint tea would settle her stomach. Ginny no more than stepped into the hall when out beside her padded Clark and Lex, the two cats walked ahead of Ginny to the kitchen. Every few steps one of the two cats would look back to make sure their mistress was behind them. Once in the kitchen Ginny waved her wand and the kitchen lights burned bright enough for her to see but still dim as to not hurt the eyes. She set about brewing the tea with a few waves of the wand. Clark curled up near the kitchen entrance with Lex laying against him, both cats had their eyes squeezed shut, but their ears twitched with every sound Ginny made as she moved around the room.
After tasting her brewed tea to see if it had the right amount of mint in it Ginny decided that she'd be more comfortable drinking her tea in the den. Clark and Lex jumped up as soon as Ginny took cup in saucer and made her way out of the kitchen muttering, "Nox," with a wave of her wand to extinguish the kitchen lights. The two cats followed closely and made their way quickly to the sofa. Clark vaulted to the back and draped himself lazily across it while Lex curled up onto the middle cushion. Ginny settled herself in her favorite armchair near the fireplace and reached for her novel setting on the end table beside her.
A loud crash of thunder broke the silence of the house as lightening flashes quickly across the sky. Fat droplets of rain began to beat on the bay window as an angry storm began its assault on the earth. Ginny's tea had long been gone and yet her stomach cramping continued. After a couple of hours Ginny realized that the pain she was feeling was coming on a timely basis. She felt the ache begin again in her back and slowly make its way around her stomach. Without thought she began to rub the side of her stomach to try and counter the pain. Ginny wondered to herself as to when she should contact the healer, if indeed this was the real thing. The last thing Ginny wanted to do was have a false alarm which would embarrass her to no end and make her feel as if the healer would look at her as a trigger happy person.
The pain began to subside quickly as she looked up at the antique wall clock, "Every twelve minutes," she muttered to herself. Ginny hated the idea of waking Harry for what could be nothing, from her past talks with her mother and Hermione they first child could take hours before it was born. 'Hermione, she wouldn't mind if I woke her up and asked her,' she thought to herself. Getting up she walked over to the empty fireplace, she used her wand to start a fire and grabbed a pinch of floo powder from the jar and slowly knelt down, using the stone wall for support.
Throwing the floo powder in she quietly said, "The Talisman - master bedroom." Hoping she wasn't interrupting anything. She stuck her head into the green flames, keeping her eyes tightly shut against the twisting and whirling she felt. When she felt her mind settle and the spinning stop she continued to keep her eyes closed, just in case, despite the silence that came to her ears. "Hermione?" she called out quietly. She heard a rustling of sheets, "Ginny?" she heard Hermione whisper, "You can open your eyes." Ginny opened her eyes and was greeted by the sight of Hermione walking across their master bedroom, slipping on a blue silk robe over a matching long silk gown. "Ginny is everything alright?" Ginny saw Ron roll over in the bed, adjusting the covers before settling back down. "I'm not sure," Ginny whispered loudly, "How did you know when it was time?" Hermione knelt down in front of the fireplace, pushing back her long brunette hair as it threatened to fall forward into her face. "Are your pains regular?" Hermione asked, looking back over her shoulder as Ron turned over in the bed again. "Yes, they are about every twelve minutes." Ginny said, her knees were beginning to ache already from this position on all fours with her head in the fireplace.
"I'm sorry to bother you, I really wasn't sure who to turn to and I'd hate to wake up Harry or alert the healer for a false alarm," Ginny whispered her apology, feeling the threat of tears push against her eyes. "Oh hon, don't you worry about it. I would be hurt if you hadn't thought to turn to me," Hermione smiled reassuringly. "Now, how long have them been coming?" Hermione asked. "Over two hours now," Ginny said, reaching up with a hand to wipe away her tears. "I think it's really happening," Hermione said with a smile, "I think you're officially in labor." "Labor!" Ron yelped as he sat bolt up into bed. "Ron!, Shh!", Hermione hissed, looking back over her shoulder as Ron struggled to climb out of bed. He kicked and fought his way out of the covers only to fall face first onto the bare wood floor of their bedroom. Hermione turned her head to face the fireplace covering her mouth to suppress a giggle, only to end up snorting into her hand. Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled. "Ginny's in labor?" Ron said, struggling to his feet as he twisted around to face the fireplace, his flame red hair wild and dishelved. His bare chest muscles heaved and rippled as he quickly picked the fallen blankets up off of the floor and threw them back onto the bed. He strode over quickly to sink down beside Hermione in his orange chudley cannons boxers.
"Does Harry know?" Ron asked. "No, I just figured it out myself Ron." Ginny answered a touch impatiently. "Well have you contacted your healer?" Ron pressed, looking at his sister worriedly. "No, I told you. . ." Ginny started to speak but had to stop as another contraction began. "Ginny?" Ron said, looking as if he was ready to leap through the flames of the fireplace to her. "Hang on a second," she said as the pain passed. "Ginny, owl mum, floo the healer, get Harry!" Ron said excitedly. "Ron, she's only twelve minutes apart, she has time yet." Hermione chided, putting a reassuring hand onto his arm. Hermione turned her attention back to the fireplace, "Ginny, you must contact your healer by the time they reach five minutes apart." she said. Ginny nodded her understanding. "Good, you have Harry contact us later in the morning and we'll be over," Hermione said. "We'll be there now," said Ron, jumping up to head to his dresser. "Nonsense, you go back to bed and we'll contact you later," Ginny said sternly. Ginny turned her attention back to Hermione, "I really need to go, this is a painfully uncomfortable position." Ginny noticed movement from behind her as a flash of white jumped off of the couch and raced out of the room. "Alright Ginny, we'll see you later on," Hermione said before Ginny pulled her head out of the fireplace.
Clark jumped off of the couch and walked up to Ginny's side as she sat back onto the floor. "Well I've gotten myself into a fine pickle, how am I going to get back up?" she said to herself. Clark nudged her arm with his nose and gave a throaty meow. Spotting the coffee table Ginny began to crawl towards it. In the distance she heard a yelp of pain followed by Harry's angered voice, "Bloody hell Lex, what did you do that for?" Silence followed and then she heard Harry call out again, "Ginny?" Lex came flying back into the den and stood next to her, mewing loudly. "It's alright kitty, I just need to get up," Ginny said, putting her hands on the coffee table. Harry limped into the den, looking around; he quickly spotted his wife on the floor and rushed to her, "Ginny, what happened? Are you alright? Are you hurt? Is it the twins?" Harry asked questions faster than she could respond to them.
"I'm fine Harry, I was using the floo and couldn't get back up," she said as Harry took her from behind the arms and helped her rise to her feet. "Harry, why are you limping?" she asked, noticing how he favored his left foot. "Lex, he bit me on the toe!" Harry answered, looking down at the kitten who at the moment appeared to be completely content sitting on the floor watching the two adults with a slight swish of his tale. "Lex, naughty kitty," Ginny scolded. "No, it's right I'm glad he did it." said Harry, looking down at the kitten who stared back up at him with large grey eyes. The kitten slowly blinked before opening his eyes wide again to watch his owners. "Now why were you using the floo in the middle of the night?" Harry asked.
A loud crash of thunder shook the walls of the house as rain continued to pelt down hard against the windows. "I had to talk to Hermione and make sure," Ginny said, slowly moving her way to the arm chair and lowering her self down. She made a pained face as another mild contraction began to make it's away across her stomach. She began to rub the side of her abdomen as she leaned against the arm of the chair. "Make sure of what Ginny?" asked Harry, watching his wife closely. "Well duh Harry," Ginny said with a frown through her pain, "To make sure I was actually in labor."
Ginny took a sip from her lemonade as she sat in a rocking lounger on their slag stone patio, looking out at the massive floral garden that she and Harry had worked hard to create. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply the rich fragrance of lilac, tulips, hyacinth as well as many other beautiful floral scents. The floral blend lingering in the air was almost heady and gave her a peaceful feeling. The sun filtered down through the tall trees creating a patchwork of light beams that would spotlight her floral garden. Ginny watched as a robin soared out of the branch of an oak tree to land in the grass below to forage for a worm or a berry dropped from the line of blackberries bushes which had twined their way up a fence Harry had built for them. From inside the house soft Celtic music floated out of the open windows, lulling Ginny's senses even further.
Her mother wandered around the flat stone path, carrying a large basket half filled with the various flowers in bloom. Molly's floppy hat fell repeatedly into her eyes as she bent over to clip a flower to add to the basket. Finally getting frustrated Molly pushed the hat off of her head to hang down her back by the large yellow sash tied in a bow around her neck. Ginny watched her mother push a lock of fiery red hair streaked with soft grey out of her eyes with the back of her hand. Molly smiled down at a large monarch butterfly which had fluttered close before landing on a pink tulip in the basket. "Mum would you like some help?" Ginny asked, setting her glass down hopefully. Molly looked up from the butterfly, "Nonsense child, you stay right there and let me finish this up," she said, making her way back up the stone path. With a wave of Ginny's wand, a large clear glass vase came flying out of the kitchen window to land with a soft 'clink' onto the patio table. Ginny pointed her wand at the opening of the vase as water poured out of the wand's tip. Molly returned to the table and set the partially filled basket down. With one last tap of her wand Ginny watched as several flat glass stones layered the bottom in scarlet and gold. Molly hummed along with the music as she began to arrange the bouquet of daisies, lilies, tulips and fern fronds. "This will look lovely," said Molly, placing a pink daisy into the vase.
"How did you do it Mum?" Ginny asked, studying her mother. Molly gave Ginny a quick glance before returning to her work, "Do what?" she asked mildly. "How did you raise seven of us, work with the Order and still find time to keep home and cook wonderfully?" asked Ginny, staring down into her glass of lemonade as she ran her finger along the rim. Molly paused setting the yellow tulip back onto the basket with a thoughtful expression. "I just did Ginny," Molly said with a slight shrug. "You seven were . . . are. . . my life. I could not imagine living any other way," said Molly, a wistful smile crossed her features as she became lost in memories.
Ginny could see her mother shake herself slightly as if pulling herself back to the present. "For as crazy as that house was when you lot were children, it was my own heaven", Molly said, putting another tulip into the vase. Ginny cast her eyes towards the sky, watching dark gray clouds off in the distance. Ginny took a deep breath, smelling the threat of rain in the air. "Mum, do you think I'll be able to do it?" Ginny asked, turning her eyes back onto her mother. Molly looked at her daughter for a moment and smiled softly, the edges of her hazel eyes crinkling, "You'll be wonderful, I have no doubt." Ginny bit her lip feeling nervous of the responsibility she was about to have. "I don't think I could ever be as good as you." she almost whispered. "Aww, now. . ." Molly sighed, stepping around the table to wrap her arms around her daughter. "No need to talk like that dear. I know you'll raise you children with love in a happy home." said Molly, patting Ginny's back.
Ginny laughed through a sob as tears began to pour down her cheeks. "Bloody hormones," she said, wiping the tears away. Molly reached into her pocket, handing Ginny a clean white handkerchief. "Don't worry dear, it won't be much longer." Molly said, giving Ginny's shoulder a gentle squeeze. Ginny snorted as she wiped her eyes with the hanky, "Everyone seems to be saying that lately." Off in the distance a low rumble of thunder could be heard. "We should take these in, looks as if it will rain soon," said Molly, looking up at the sky before gathering the basket of flowers and vase. Ginny slowly pushed herself up out of the chair; she let out a slight gasp as a sharp twinge of pain shot across her lower back. "Are you alright Ginny?" asked Molly, as she stopped in her path towards the house to turn and look at her daughter in concern. "I'm fine Mum, must have just gotten up wrong is all." Ginny said, with a dismissive wave of the hand. "Never the less, you should go lay down for a bit and get some rest before Harry arrives," said Molly as she held the door open with her back, balancing the vase and basket of flowers in her arms.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Mum, did you say if Bill and Charlie were going to be able to make it to Harry's birthday dinner? Ginny asked from her seat on the couch, her puffy feet and ankles propped up on a few sofa pillows on the coffee table. Molly looks up from her knitting of a baby blanket, "I know Bill said he would be here, " she said wrapping the white yarn around her needle, "But Charlie still hasn't heard back from his superiors yet." She pulled on the line of yarn coming from the ball to give her more slack, "I wouldn't worry about it. He still has two weeks yet to try and get the weekend off." said Molly. Ginny shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she felt another twinge this time across her stomach. "Ginny, are you sure you still want to host this?" asked Molly, keeping a close eye as Ginny squirmed in her seat. "It shouldn't be any trouble; Ron and dad are handling the barbeque. Even the twins have offered to help, which scares me to no end," Ginny said. Molly chuckled as she continued her knitting. Clark came sauntering into the den closely followed by Lex. Both felines jumped up onto the couch on either side of their mistress and settled against her. "Well hello my precious," Ginny said, reaching out to scratch both cats behind the ear, receiving loud purrs of contentment from each in return.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ginny cringed as she again tried to adjust herself for more comfort. Clark raised his head and watched his mistress closely. A small groan escaped from Ginny as another twinge of discomfort shot across her stomach. Lex instantly popped his head up and stood on his hind legs, paws on the side of Ginny's stomach as he looked up at her with large grey eyes. "It's alright sweetness, just a little uncomfortable is all," she reassured the kitten. Lex watched her closely with unblinking eyes. There was something about his stare that tugged on the back of Ginny's mind but quickly faded as the kitten closed his eyes and rubbed his head against her stomach and licking it before resting his head down onto his paws again.
"Did you say something dear?" Molly said, walking back into the room with a tray containing a tea service and tin of lemon cookies. Ginny gave her mother a weary smile, "I was just talking to Lex." she said, stroking the soft fluffy fur of the kitten beside her. Not to be outdone Clark rolled over onto his back sticking his feet straight up into the air inviting his mistress to stroke his belly. Molly sat the tea service on the coffee table near Ginny's feet, "And such a precious kitten you are," she said, reaching out and stroking Lex's cheek. The kitten gave a couple of licks to Molly's fingers before closing his eyes and settling himself against Ginny. Clark let out a throaty meow as Ginny scratched his stomach. "And you too Clark," Molly said, reaching across Ginny's large stomach and gave Clark's stomach a quick rub. As Molly pulled her hand away to stand up Ginny caught it and placed Molly's hand on the side of her stomach, one of the twins had taken that moment to poke out an elbow and squirm. Molly's face took on a soft wistful expression feeling her grandchildren move within her daughter.
The front door slammed shut shortly followed by, "Ginny, Molly? I'm home." Harry called from the great room. Molly leaned in, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead before answering, "We're in the den Harry," she called out, cupping Ginny's cheek in her hand for a moment before standing up straight. Harry came into the room carrying a brown sack and smiling happily, "Hello Molly," Harry said, kissing his mother in law on the cheek. "How are you feeling?" he asked Ginny as he bent down to kiss her on the forehead. "I'm alright. What smells so good?" Ginny asked, eyeing the brown sack. Lex and Clark had awoke from their brief naps and were also sniffing the air. "I brought home your favorites," Harry said proudly, hefting the bag up higher.
"Molly would you like to stay for dinner? We could floo Arthur and invite him also. I bought plenty." Harry offered, setting the bag onto the table. "Thank you but no, Arthur and I have plans tonight to have dinner with some friends," Molly said as she gathered up her knitting and placed it in a warn tartan carpet bag. "I should be going, I have to get ready," she said making her way to the den archway, "If you need us, just owl." Ginny said her goodbyes from the couch as Harry walked Molly to the front door. After a few moments Harry came back into the den, "Alright you two, out." he said to the two curious cats who had continued to sniff the air. Clark and Lex vaulted off of the couch landing gracefully on their feet. Lifting their noses and tales into the air they padded out of the room, completely insulted. It was a rather comical sight watching the larger black cat lead the tiny white kitten out of the room, identical in posture and attitude.
Harry chuckled as he reached into the brown sack pulling out white pint boxes. Opening one up and examining it he handed the carton over to Ginny along with a pair of chop sticks that he had pulled out of the bag. Ginny thanked him and pushed the contents of the container around. Harry sat down in the near by arm chair and had begun to eat when he noticed Ginny hadn't taken her first bite. "Alright there Gin?" he asked through a bite of beef and broccoli. Ginny stabbed down into the container and pulled out a piece of shrimp and looked at it before putting it back into the container. "I'm alright, just not that hungry is all," she said, setting the container on the top of her stomach. Harry couldn't help but grin, "Nice little table you have there," he said through a chuckle. Ginny looked down at her stomach before scrunching her nose in a dirty look directed at her husband.
"Seriously love, you feeling alright?" Harry asked in all sincerity. "Yes, I think I'll just go get me a drink of ice water," said Ginny, handing her pint of food to Harry before attempting to struggle to her feet. Harry sat the containers of food down and jumped to his feet giving a hand to help Ginny up. "I am so looking forward to the day when I can simply stand on my own again," she grumbled as she waddled to the den entrance. Ginny had just turned the corner when she felt her stomach clench in pain. Instantly from no where Clark and Lex were at her feet, watching her closely. "Tis nothing kitties, just the twins letting their presence be known," Ginny reassured the two watchful cats. "As if anyone could miss this." she grumbled as she patted the side of her stomach.
Ginny finally agreed to eat something after Harry repeatedly suggested she take a bite. She scrunched her nose at Harry as she chewed a bite of shrimp, "Happy now?" she asked after swallowing. "Immensely," Harry said before putting a bite of beef into his mouth, giving her a large grin as he chewed. Ginny poked her chop sticks in her pint box and surveyed the contents, "You know we should think of names for our girls," she said, picking up a bit of bamboo shoot. Harry quirked his eyebrow but continued to chew silently. "I was thinking of Liandrin and Cadsuane." she said before putting the bamboo shoot into her mouth. "Well," began Harry, "I don't right believe our boys would appreciate being named Liandrin and Cadsuane."
Ginny paused in the middle of her search through the pint container and slowly looked up at her husband with a sly grin, "Oh? I think our Girls would enjoy those names." Harry matched her grin, "I think we need strapping names for our Boys." Ginny tilted her head to his silent challenge. "Is that a fact?" Harry leaned in closer to the edge of his chair, "I'd bet my firebolt on it." Ginny broke into a huge grin, "You're hopeless." she said before going back to her dinner. "And you know I would never risk my firebolt unless it was a sure thing," Harry said, sitting back into his seat and crossing his ankle over his knee. "We shall see than, shan't we," Ginny said, bringing a fat piece of shrimp to her mouth. "That we will," Harry said, raising his chopstick holding a bite of broccoli in salute before bringing it to his mouth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thunder rumbled deep and long outside and distant flashes of lightening could be detected well of into the distance. Ginny struggled to roll onto her side of the master bed. Harry was lying on his side one arm draped protectively over her abdomen; he rolled onto his stomach and snuggled into the soft bedding as she moved away from him. He let out a deep sigh as he sleep on. Carefully she raised herself into a sitting position, wincing with the pain in her back, trying hard not to wake Harry as she got up. She had been restless for hours and couldn't seem to bring herself to fall asleep. A constant ache had settled itself into her lower back and try as she might she couldn't seem to ease it.
'One of the girls must be pushing on my spin.' she reasoned with herself. She grabbed her wand off of the night stand and rose to her feet, the dull cramp seemed to choose that moment to slowly spread across her stomach, ' I shouldn't have ate that chinese,' she thought again as she grabbed her yellow robe and made her way out of the bedroom, a nice cup of mint tea would settle her stomach. Ginny no more than stepped into the hall when out beside her padded Clark and Lex, the two cats walked ahead of Ginny to the kitchen. Every few steps one of the two cats would look back to make sure their mistress was behind them. Once in the kitchen Ginny waved her wand and the kitchen lights burned bright enough for her to see but still dim as to not hurt the eyes. She set about brewing the tea with a few waves of the wand. Clark curled up near the kitchen entrance with Lex laying against him, both cats had their eyes squeezed shut, but their ears twitched with every sound Ginny made as she moved around the room.
After tasting her brewed tea to see if it had the right amount of mint in it Ginny decided that she'd be more comfortable drinking her tea in the den. Clark and Lex jumped up as soon as Ginny took cup in saucer and made her way out of the kitchen muttering, "Nox," with a wave of her wand to extinguish the kitchen lights. The two cats followed closely and made their way quickly to the sofa. Clark vaulted to the back and draped himself lazily across it while Lex curled up onto the middle cushion. Ginny settled herself in her favorite armchair near the fireplace and reached for her novel setting on the end table beside her.
A loud crash of thunder broke the silence of the house as lightening flashes quickly across the sky. Fat droplets of rain began to beat on the bay window as an angry storm began its assault on the earth. Ginny's tea had long been gone and yet her stomach cramping continued. After a couple of hours Ginny realized that the pain she was feeling was coming on a timely basis. She felt the ache begin again in her back and slowly make its way around her stomach. Without thought she began to rub the side of her stomach to try and counter the pain. Ginny wondered to herself as to when she should contact the healer, if indeed this was the real thing. The last thing Ginny wanted to do was have a false alarm which would embarrass her to no end and make her feel as if the healer would look at her as a trigger happy person.
The pain began to subside quickly as she looked up at the antique wall clock, "Every twelve minutes," she muttered to herself. Ginny hated the idea of waking Harry for what could be nothing, from her past talks with her mother and Hermione they first child could take hours before it was born. 'Hermione, she wouldn't mind if I woke her up and asked her,' she thought to herself. Getting up she walked over to the empty fireplace, she used her wand to start a fire and grabbed a pinch of floo powder from the jar and slowly knelt down, using the stone wall for support.
Throwing the floo powder in she quietly said, "The Talisman - master bedroom." Hoping she wasn't interrupting anything. She stuck her head into the green flames, keeping her eyes tightly shut against the twisting and whirling she felt. When she felt her mind settle and the spinning stop she continued to keep her eyes closed, just in case, despite the silence that came to her ears. "Hermione?" she called out quietly. She heard a rustling of sheets, "Ginny?" she heard Hermione whisper, "You can open your eyes." Ginny opened her eyes and was greeted by the sight of Hermione walking across their master bedroom, slipping on a blue silk robe over a matching long silk gown. "Ginny is everything alright?" Ginny saw Ron roll over in the bed, adjusting the covers before settling back down. "I'm not sure," Ginny whispered loudly, "How did you know when it was time?" Hermione knelt down in front of the fireplace, pushing back her long brunette hair as it threatened to fall forward into her face. "Are your pains regular?" Hermione asked, looking back over her shoulder as Ron turned over in the bed again. "Yes, they are about every twelve minutes." Ginny said, her knees were beginning to ache already from this position on all fours with her head in the fireplace.
"I'm sorry to bother you, I really wasn't sure who to turn to and I'd hate to wake up Harry or alert the healer for a false alarm," Ginny whispered her apology, feeling the threat of tears push against her eyes. "Oh hon, don't you worry about it. I would be hurt if you hadn't thought to turn to me," Hermione smiled reassuringly. "Now, how long have them been coming?" Hermione asked. "Over two hours now," Ginny said, reaching up with a hand to wipe away her tears. "I think it's really happening," Hermione said with a smile, "I think you're officially in labor." "Labor!" Ron yelped as he sat bolt up into bed. "Ron!, Shh!", Hermione hissed, looking back over her shoulder as Ron struggled to climb out of bed. He kicked and fought his way out of the covers only to fall face first onto the bare wood floor of their bedroom. Hermione turned her head to face the fireplace covering her mouth to suppress a giggle, only to end up snorting into her hand. Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled. "Ginny's in labor?" Ron said, struggling to his feet as he twisted around to face the fireplace, his flame red hair wild and dishelved. His bare chest muscles heaved and rippled as he quickly picked the fallen blankets up off of the floor and threw them back onto the bed. He strode over quickly to sink down beside Hermione in his orange chudley cannons boxers.
"Does Harry know?" Ron asked. "No, I just figured it out myself Ron." Ginny answered a touch impatiently. "Well have you contacted your healer?" Ron pressed, looking at his sister worriedly. "No, I told you. . ." Ginny started to speak but had to stop as another contraction began. "Ginny?" Ron said, looking as if he was ready to leap through the flames of the fireplace to her. "Hang on a second," she said as the pain passed. "Ginny, owl mum, floo the healer, get Harry!" Ron said excitedly. "Ron, she's only twelve minutes apart, she has time yet." Hermione chided, putting a reassuring hand onto his arm. Hermione turned her attention back to the fireplace, "Ginny, you must contact your healer by the time they reach five minutes apart." she said. Ginny nodded her understanding. "Good, you have Harry contact us later in the morning and we'll be over," Hermione said. "We'll be there now," said Ron, jumping up to head to his dresser. "Nonsense, you go back to bed and we'll contact you later," Ginny said sternly. Ginny turned her attention back to Hermione, "I really need to go, this is a painfully uncomfortable position." Ginny noticed movement from behind her as a flash of white jumped off of the couch and raced out of the room. "Alright Ginny, we'll see you later on," Hermione said before Ginny pulled her head out of the fireplace.
Clark jumped off of the couch and walked up to Ginny's side as she sat back onto the floor. "Well I've gotten myself into a fine pickle, how am I going to get back up?" she said to herself. Clark nudged her arm with his nose and gave a throaty meow. Spotting the coffee table Ginny began to crawl towards it. In the distance she heard a yelp of pain followed by Harry's angered voice, "Bloody hell Lex, what did you do that for?" Silence followed and then she heard Harry call out again, "Ginny?" Lex came flying back into the den and stood next to her, mewing loudly. "It's alright kitty, I just need to get up," Ginny said, putting her hands on the coffee table. Harry limped into the den, looking around; he quickly spotted his wife on the floor and rushed to her, "Ginny, what happened? Are you alright? Are you hurt? Is it the twins?" Harry asked questions faster than she could respond to them.
"I'm fine Harry, I was using the floo and couldn't get back up," she said as Harry took her from behind the arms and helped her rise to her feet. "Harry, why are you limping?" she asked, noticing how he favored his left foot. "Lex, he bit me on the toe!" Harry answered, looking down at the kitten who at the moment appeared to be completely content sitting on the floor watching the two adults with a slight swish of his tale. "Lex, naughty kitty," Ginny scolded. "No, it's right I'm glad he did it." said Harry, looking down at the kitten who stared back up at him with large grey eyes. The kitten slowly blinked before opening his eyes wide again to watch his owners. "Now why were you using the floo in the middle of the night?" Harry asked.
A loud crash of thunder shook the walls of the house as rain continued to pelt down hard against the windows. "I had to talk to Hermione and make sure," Ginny said, slowly moving her way to the arm chair and lowering her self down. She made a pained face as another mild contraction began to make it's away across her stomach. She began to rub the side of her abdomen as she leaned against the arm of the chair. "Make sure of what Ginny?" asked Harry, watching his wife closely. "Well duh Harry," Ginny said with a frown through her pain, "To make sure I was actually in labor."