Chapter 4- Christmas
"How do you think your mother is going to take it?"
The redhead smiled, tugging on the hem of her emerald green sweater.
"It'll be fine Harry. Mum'll be thrilled."
He sighed.
"I don't know… she was… less than enthusiastic when we told her that we were getting married."
Ginny moved forward, hugging him.
"It's just because she knows how much you hurt me, and she doesn't want to see me hurt again. Plus, she hasn't been quite right since Percy died… but she'll be happy for us. I promise."
Harry sighed, his emerald green eyes studying her from behind his glasses.
"I hope so Gin."
She smiled, then pulled away from the hug and walked the rest of the path to The Burrow.
By the time they arrived at the door, the Christmas Party was in full swing. Bill and Fleur were settled comfortably on one of the couches, their two children running around the living room. Charlie and his wife were standing by the tree, looking at the ornaments, and her mother was already rushing over to them, insisting that because she was eight and half months pregnant she should go and sit down, rather than stand and admire the tree.
Fred and George were in the corner with their heads together, no doubt plotting some sort of trick. Their girlfriends were nearby chatting to each other and it even looked as though a few of the people from the ministry were there as well. Ginny grinned to Harry, loving the chaos of her house and everyone in it. They headed inside to a hailstorm of greetings and smiles just in time for her mother to announce that it was time for dinner.
So after a few extra chairs were drawn up they all sat down at the table and started eating. All around Harry and Ginny people were talking and laughing and she leaned close rot Harry.
"When do you think we should tell them?"
Her voice was soft so that no one could hear her and Harry grinned before whispering back.
"Whenever you feel like it love."
Ginny smiled and turned back to her food. She'd missed her mother's cooking.
"So Harry, Ginny, what have you guys been up to lately?"
Ginny smiled and turned to Harry.
"Actually, Harry and I have something that we'd like to tell you."
Her mother nodded.
"Well then tell us dear."
Ginny smiled.
"We're having a baby!"
All at once everyone started offering congratulations, her mother was beaming and Fleur and Charlie's girlfriend automatically began offering Ginny advice, which she listened to with an interested nod, and Bill and Charlie began offering Harry advice as well… mostly about how to handle your wife when she's pregnant.
Several hours later after many goodbyes, Harry and Ginny left, walking into the snow.
"I told you that it would all work out alright."
Harry grinned, stopping in the middle of the path and encircling his arms around her waist.
"Yes you did. I do believe that your exact words were that you promised, and you hardly ever break your promises to me. I should have known then."
She smiled at him, kissing him softly as the snow continued to fall on them.
"Yes, you should have."
He kissed her back after she spoke, grinning, and then pulled away.
"Might I suggest that we go home and have some hot chocolate in bed?"
Ginny nodded, smiling.
"It sounds like a plan to me."
He grinned, and after a second they apparated, heading back to their house.
Meanwhile, miles and miles away from Harry and Ginny and the Christmas party, a man was watching them by means of a magical mirror.
"Yes, enjoy it while you can because I can guarantee that it won't last long…"
The door to the room opened and the man whirled around to face the new arrival.
"What do you want? I'm busy!"
The man bent into a bow and then looked up again.
"We've figured out how to break through to the girl, and the potion is nearly ready."
A sneer spread across David's face.
"Good. Make sure that you will be able to get through to her at all times. I want nothing to go wrong once I am ready!"
The man nodded.
"And what about the Potter woman?"
David looked at him distastefully.
"I have been watching her myself, and when the time comes, I will take her myself... or not. You will take her. I'll go after our new target."
The man nodded.
"Yes sir, of course sir."
David was already turning back towards the enchanted mirror.
"You may go now."
The man bowed again and hurried out of the room.
"Oh, and Merry Christmas."
The door closed after his shout and he watched as Harry and Ginny got ready for bed.
"It won't be long now Ginny… it won't be long now."