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Ron spent the first day of the swap at his job in the Ministry, worrying about how Pansy and the children were getting along. As soon as twelve o'clock rolled around, he leapt out of his chair, and muttered something to his colleagues about lunch, before apparating home. He appeared in the kitchen and Pansy jumped, in the middle of making sandwiches for lunch.
"Hello Ron, I wasn't expecting you! Would you like some lunch?" Ron smiled.
"That would be lovely. Sandwiches, eh? Great."
"Yes, ham and cheese. I was thinking about taking the children down to Diagon Alley after lunch, is that ok?"
"Yeah, they'll like that," Ron replied, snaking a hand around Pansy to take a piece of cheese from the unit, and popping it into his mouth. "I warn you, the little ones tend to get a bit excited though!" Pansy laughed, and sliced the last sandwich.
"That's fine, I'm used to overexcited children, I have two myself! Would you mind just taking these plates through?" Ron accepted two plates from her, and followed her into the living room, handing the plates to Joe and Aimee. Pansy made her way back into the kitchen and reappeared a second later with two more plates, handing one to Ron.
"So, how's your morning been?" he asked the room at large, before taking a large bite of his sandwich. Joe shrugged.
"Was alright." he mumbled through his sandwich. Aimee swallowed, and answered,
"I got a load of school work out of the way; I finished my potions essay and half my transfiguration."
"You're certainly your mother's daughter!" Pansy laughed.
"You going to go to Diagon Alley with Pansy and the babies then?" Ron asked his older children.
"Dad, I'm not a baby!" Ben pouted. Ron reached over to ruffle his hair.
"Sorry mate."
"I think I'll go," Aimee replied, "I'd like to pick up a new quill and some parchment."
"Could you grab me some broom polish then Ames?" Joe asked. Aimee sighed heavily, but nodded her assent.
"Cool." Joe replied, before stuffing the crusts of his sandwich into his mouth. "Dad, I'm going over to Uncle Harry's to see James, that ok?" Ron nodded.
"Is that ok with you Pansy?" he asked. Pansy smiled.
"Oh yes, of course. Is James Harry and Ginny's son?"
"Yeah, he's the same age as Joe, they've always been close, but even more so since they started Hogwarts together." Pansy looked interested.
"Are you in the same house then?" she asked Joe.
"Yup, both Gryffindor." He replied. Ron got up.
"Well, I need to get back to work. See you all later. Have fun this afternoon!" With that, he apparated back to the Ministry.
When he arrived home that evening, he found Pansy, Aimee, Ben and Kate laughing together in the living room.
"Where's Joe?" he asked by way of greeting. Kate beamed at her father.
"He's at Aunty Ginny's, he's gonna stay there tonight. Can I go and see Lily soon Daddy, can I?" Ron smiled at his little girl.
"Course you can sweetheart, we'll go on the weekend ok?" Kate bounded towards her father and hugged his knees in thanks.
Before the conversation had a chance to progress, Cassandra Capulet's head appeared in the fireplace.
"Hello Ron, Pansy! Is this a good time to have a chat?" she asked cheerfully. Ron looked towards Pansy and shrugged.
"Yes, its fine," she replied, "should I send the children upstairs or do you need to speak to them as well?" Cassandra's head disappeared, and seconds later she was stepping into the Weasley's living room.
"I'd like to speak with them too if that's ok, but after that it'd be good to speak to you two on your own."
"Fine, fine." Ron replied. "Have you spoken to Hermione and Draco yet? Is she ok? Enjoying herself?" Cassandra laughed.
"She's fine Ron; I spoke to them just a little while ago, before I came here. The first article should be out in a few days, I'll send you both a copy."
"That would be lovely." Pansy smiled.
"Can I offer you a drink?" Ron asked, "Cup of tea, coffee?"
"Some tea would be great!" Cassandra replied gratefully, "it's been a long afternoon!"