Chapter Twenty-Three
Moving Forward
Harry bounced on the balls of his feet and continually pulled at the collar of his bright red Auror robes. He was back at work. He was actually back at work, and he was having trouble wrapping his head around it. Both Ron and Ginny were still being monitored at home, but the rest of them had been granted their freedom. George had gone into the shop that morning, and Harry and Hermione were at the Ministry.
Harry hadn't seen her since they'd arrived, and it felt extremely strange after scarcely seeing anyone else for months. He wondered how Ron and Ginny were doing. Ron hadn't been pleased that he wasn't allowed out yet, but Ginny had taken it better. The entire Quidditch League was still on hold anyway, so it wasn't as if she'd be able to return to work yet.
Harry was currently waiting to meet with both the Minister and his Department Head about the investigation into what started this whole contagion. He paced to and fro in front of the empty secretary's desk, his steps muffled by the lush carpeting. Owen had said he'd meet him, but as of yet, he hadn't arrived, either. The entire Ministry had apparently gone to the dogs whilst he'd been away.
Harry had to admit it felt weird leaving Grimmauld Place that morning. He hadn't been outside in so long that he'd actually walked part of the way to the Ministry before Apparating just to get some fresh air. The typical London rain had dampened that desire rather quickly, although he might've persevered longer if it hadn't felt so odd to be amongst strangers again. He kept having to force himself not to shy away every time he passed another harried soul on the street. He saw many of the Muggles doing the same thing and sort of folding in on themselves if anyone happened to get too close.
It had been a very weird few months.
Hermione had pressed close to him, also feeling the oddness of it all. They'd finally looked at each other and by unspoken agreement, Apparated the rest of the way instead. They could always try again tomorrow.
Once he'd finished up at the Ministry, he planned to stop by Andromeda's place to finally visit with Teddy. The little boy hadn't wanted to come to the fireplace the last time Harry had Floo called, and he was worried his godson had forgotten him. He had been so worried about it, that he'd ignored Andromeda's warnings and purchased a toy broom for the boy. He had it inside his desk drawer and hoped Teddy would be so delighted, he'd overlook the fact that Harry had been away so long.
In the letter he'd found that his own mum had written so long ago, she'd said that Sirius had given Harry his first broom. It seemed a godfatherly thing to do.
"Potter!" a voice boomed across the room, startling him from his thoughts.
He looked up to see Owen hurrying toward him, his shaggy hair and beard seeming much redder than Harry remembered.
"Did you use a color–changing charm on your hair?" he asked incredulously.
Owen stopped, a disgusted look crossing his scarred face. "Of course I didn't. I've been ruddy working at home most of the time, haven't I? Sunshine is good for your health, but it bloody well turns my hair ginger."
Harry laughed, a deep, rolling belly laugh. It struck him that he hadn't laughed out loud like that in quite some time. Things had been so tense and serious at Grimmauld Place recently.
"Don't be a ruddy ponce," Owen said grumpily.
"It really clashes with your robes. Ginny is always complaining how hard it is to wear red when you're a ginger," Harry said, grinning broadly.
"Keep taking the piss, and I'm going to file a report that you forgot who your superior was and should probably undergo the Spattergroit testing again," Owen growled, looking extremely cross.
Harry reached out his hand. "It's good to see you, mate."
Owen shook his hand begrudgingly. "Good to see you, too, lad. It's been bloody boring here without you. How's your lovely lady friend doing?"
If possible, Harry's grin widened even further. "She's brilliant. She's a bit put out that there's still no Quidditch, so she can't get back to her team and work out some of her frustrations with the whole mess, but health-wise, she's loads better."
"That's good to hear. You know, there are other ways to work out frustrations. Reckoned you'd have worked that out by now," Owen said, leering.
"Sod off," Harry said good-naturedly.
Before Owen could get too wound up and tell Harry exactly what he ought to be doing, the door to Kingsley's office opened, and the Minister stuck his head outside. "Sorry to keep you waiting, come on inside," he said.
Harry and Owen entered the large, luxurious office to find their Department Head, Gawain Robards, already seated inside and drinking from a large coffee mug. Harry and Owen sat down in the two empty chairs opposite Kingsley's handsome desk.
"Savage, Potter," Robards said briskly, nodding at each of them. "It's good to have you back."
"Thank you, sir," Harry said. "It's good to be back."
"I understand congratulations are in order," Kingsley said, beaming, his deep voice full of warmth.
"Sir?" Harry asked, startled.
"I spoke with Molly and Arthur over the Floo network a couple days ago. Molly is quite excited. Event of the year, and I daresay she's right," Kingsley said, smiling amiably. The gold of his earring glinted off the light from the oil lamps lit around his vast office.
Harry felt wrongfooted, and he stared blankly at the Minister for Magic, puzzled. He and Ginny hadn't really made any announcements to anyone other than the Weasleys. Perhaps they should've mentioned their desire for privacy to Ginny's parents before it was too late.
"Er," he said, stumbling ineloquently.
"What's this all about?" Owen asked, looking at Harry speculatively. As per his usual, Gawain Robards kept his neutral expression. He rarely became involved in any office gossip. In fact, Harry didn't think he'd ever seen him socializing with anyone.
Kingsley had caught on to his blunder. "My apologies. I didn't realize it wasn't public information as of yet," he said contritely.
Harry waved him off. "I suppose we should've thought to tell Molly not to share quite yet," Harry said, taking a deep breath. In for a Knut, in for a Galleon, "I've asked Ginny to marry me, and she's accepted."
"No, shit!" Owen boomed, causing the Minister's eyebrows to rise and Robards to scowl at Owen, who didn't seem to care. "I can't believe she's agreed to put up with you. She is an international Quidditch star, after all."
Harry felt his face coloring. He honestly hadn't expected that this was what he would be dealing with on his first morning back to work. Fortunately, Kingsley attempted to come to his rescue. "All right, we have Ministry business to attend. Harry, when you're ready to share your plans, please let me know, and I'll connect you with someone from the Department for International Magical Cooperation. In the meantime, what do you have to report on the origins of this Spattergroit strain?" he asked.
Harry's head was spinning. Why on earth would he need anyone from the Department for International Magical Cooperation involved in his wedding plans? He must've misunderstood something. At least, that's what he chose to believe rather than the sinking feeling in his gut that Ginny had been correct in assuming both of their celebrity statuses were going to make a quiet wedding impossible. He made a mental note to send her a Patronus when his meeting wrapped up.
"The Mandrake Draught has been administered with overwhelming success, amongst both the Muggle and magical communities. We've begun lifting restrictions amongst all but those directly infected. While the Department of Mysteries will continue monitoring various medical anomalies, the focus for the Auror department is shifting towards an investigation of how this all came about," Gawain Robards said, and although he didn't say it outright, Harry had the impression he was pleased to resume working independently.
"That's a good thing, too. That will make this portion of the investigation more upfront and easier to manage," Owen said, less successful than Robards at hiding his disdain for the Department of Mysteries.
"We've been scouring the records from St. Mungo's. We found a few chronicles of potions Gethin worked on, but nothing related to this Spattergroit strain," Gawain Robards said, frowning at Owen. "We know he was working on a remedy for the scarring left by traditional Spattergroit, and that he'd been testing his discoveries on Muggles, but the trail goes cold where his laboratory was destroyed. We decided to turn our focus onto the transcripts from captured Death Eaters, concentrating mainly on anyone with potions experience or a known record for tampering with Muggle products."
"The Death Eater interviews were long and arduous, as you'll recall, but I narrowed down several names of individuals who were mentioned multiple times, some were even brought in for questioning, but we never had enough evidence for a conviction," Owen added.
"Did the name Fawley turn up anywhere?" Harry asked, forcing his mind to focus on the task at hand. He'd worry about what Kingsley had meant about his wedding plans later.
"Fawley?' Owen said, startled. "Yeah. I had the name Osbert Fawley turn up on several potions' lists. He's a large contributor to research at St. Mungo's."
"The Fawleys are a large and prestigious wizarding family. They are listed as one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight Pureblood families. Most of them have been Sorted into Hufflepuff, and Hector Fawley was Minister for Magic for a short time before the rise of Grindelwald," Gawain Robards said, his brow furrowed. "Why do you ask?"
"While I was home, I was looking over the names of some of the Pureblood families. I remembered when we were investigating poisons several years ago, that Theo Nott had received some threatening messages from several former Death Eaters looking to recruit him. At the time, he said he was staying with the Fawley family. I know the Fawleys haven't been connected with Dark magic in the past, but I also personally know of several members of a known Dark family who followed their own path. Families all seem to have their squabbles, so why couldn't it work the other way? Someone who leans more Dark in a traditionally non-Dark family.
"Osbert Fawley is not only a contributor at St. Mungo's, he's also a large contributor to the Quidditch League. He's been advocating for a change in how gold is dispersed amongst the teams for some time now," Harry said.
"And you believe the fact this disease flourished within the Quidditch League to be of more significance than anyone suspected?" Robards asked, sitting up straighter.
"It's a possibility. I find it intriguing that he's involved with both the hospital and the Quidditch League. He's chairman of several committees and is a huge contributor on both," Harry said neutrally.
Kingsley nodded at Robards. "It needs to be looked into, but do it quietly. If it's merely a coincidence, we don't want to go upsetting a powerful family unnecessarily. The Fawleys have several members who sit upon the Wizengamot, and they've done an upstanding job for years."
"And if it's more than a coincidence?" Owen asked grimly.
"Then he'll be brought in for questioning. Be sure to check all the boxes before that happens, however," Kingsley said, his expression grim. "Despite my best efforts to weed out the innate prejudices that being from a Pureblood family should mean they are beyond reproach, some people still feel this way. Anyone with a known Death Eater amongst them has been spurned, whilst others seem to have developed an even higher status. I want this Oswald Fawley looked into thoroughly, without any prejudice until we have some clear facts. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Minister," the all agreed, nodding.
While Gawain Robards stayed behind with the Minister, Harry and Owen left the office posthaste.
"Nice one, Potter," Owen said once the door was closed. "You have a good mind for connecting details."
Harry shrugged. "Well, honestly, it came from seeing the name Abbott on the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Ginny butted heads with one of them recently, and that made me think every family has a black sheep, and it just sort of bloomed from there."
"Speaking of Ginny – when were you planning on telling me you've got yourself engaged?" Owen asked, looking affronted.
"I wasn't planning on telling anybody yet," Harry said sourly.
"Don't worry lad, your secret is safe with me. You're going to break a lot of young witches' hearts when the news leaks out, and I'll do my duty to comfort each and every one of them," Owen said, waggling his eyebrows.
Harry rolled his eyes. He hoped Owen would keep his word, but he also knew his partner tended to have looser lips depending on the attractiveness of the witch in question. "Please do, at least long enough for me to give Ginny a heads up," he said, running his hand through his hair and subconsciously flattening his fringe over his scar.
"We need to document everything we know about Fawley, and I want you to see my notes on the others. Once Robards gives us the go ahead, I also want to question that dodgy little potion shop owner in Knockturn Alley," Owen said as they walked away from the Minister's office.
It didn't take long for Harry to feel like he'd never left.
/* /* /* /*
After a very long first day back at work, Harry Disapparated from the Ministry directly to Andromeda Tonks' home. It looked the same as it usually did, but with more toys in the enclosed little area on the side garden. Andromeda and Kreacher must've been desperate to find ways to tire Teddy out during the confinement. He climbed the front steps, dragging his fingers along the rough wood of the railing. He had Teddy's new broom shrunken and hidden inside an inner pocket of his Auror robes. He'd have to be certain to present it to the toddler when Andromeda wasn't in the room.
He hoped he wouldn't be in too much trouble.
She was a wonderful guardian and adored her grandson, but she could be a bit overprotective. Understandable, after losing the rest of her family, but Harry had made it his job to ensure the boy didn't become too stifled.
He knocked on the front door, which was opened nearly instantaneously by Kreacher, whose expression brightened considerably upon seeing who it was.
"Master Harry," he croaked, flinging his long, thin arms around Harry's knees. "It's so good to see you looking fine and healthy. Kreacher worried how you would manage for so long without anyone to look after you."
"I can look after myself just fine," Harry said, untangling the elf's arms so he could take a look at him. "How have you been? Is everything all right here?"
"Oh, yes, Master Harry. Kreacher has kept the house in tip-top shape, and Mistress Andromeda has ensured the food cupboards are always well-stocked. If you is outside, is it okay for Kreacher to visit the noble most ancient House of Black?" Kreacher asked eagerly.
"I'm sorry, Kreacher, but not yet. Ron and Ginny still haven't been given the all clear, but soon. I promise. I think the house misses you," Harry said, causing Kreacher's ears to rise to the top of his head.
"The house misses Kreacher?" he asked, the hint of wonder in his voice.
"Absolutely. I'm trying, but no one takes care of it like you do," Harry said solemnly, making Kreacher beam.
He bowed at Harry. "Kreacher will be there once Mister Ron and Mistress Ginny are feeling well," he said.
Teddy's voice coming from the stairway caught Harry's attention. "But I'm not finished with my picture," the boy whined.
"I thought I heard the door, and I think you're going to want to see who it might be," Andromeda said before the two of them entered the sitting room where Harry stood.
Teddy's hair was his favorite turquoise color, but it seemed to darken a shade when he saw Harry, his face going rather blank before his lower lip pouted and a very sad expression stole into his eyes.
It made Harry's throat hurt just looking at him.
"Hi, little mate. I've missed you so much," he said, crouching down to the boy's eye level, a sharp pain ripping at his heart.
Teddy remained utterly still and silent, staring at Harry with those big, soulful eyes that were tearing a piece out of Harry's own soul. He could see Remus' disappointment clearly in those betrayed amber eyes, and it made Harry feel small and insignificant. Remus had trusted Harry to look after his son when he couldn't, and Harry had failed them both. The look Teddy was giving him now was more powerful than any spell Voldemort had ever thrown at him.
Harry cleared his aching throat. "I'm sorry I've been away so long. I didn't want to be, but we all had to do our part to make certain no one else became ill, right?" he asked, feeling slightly desperate and repeating the words Andromeda had told him she'd used to explain it all to the young boy. "They said it was okay to come outside now, so here I am. Do you still want to play with me?"
Teddy continued to stare, and Harry actually felt a trickle of sweat rolling down his spine. His heart thudded in his chest, but he didn't look away from his godson.
"What d'you want to play?" Teddy finally asked, his little head tilting to the side.
Harry had to physically restrain himself from forcefully exhaling. He pressed his lips together, considering. He knew Andromeda wouldn't like it, but Harry was feeling desperate, and he was surprised to realize he wasn't above bribery. He stood up, reaching into his pocket.
"I brought something you might like," he said, holding the package out.
Teddy bounded over to him, a smile finally spreading over his face. "You brought me a present? What is it?"
"Open it and look," Harry said, grinning with relief. His knees actually felt weak. This little boy had no idea of the power he held over him.
Bouncing on his toes with excitement, Teddy ripped open the wrapping, and Harry used his wand to revert the toy broom to its original size.
"A brrrrrooooom! A real, live, racing broom just for me!" Teddy squealed, delighted. He pulled it from the wrappings and ran in circles around the sitting room, holding it in the air above his head.
"You're supposed to ride it, not carry it," Harry said, feeling his own excitement bubbling in his chest.
"Oh, Harry," Andromeda moaned, but Harry was pleased to realize she sounded more exasperated than angry. Perhaps she'd known all along that he'd buy one for his godson eventually.
Teddy enthusiastically swung his little leg over the broom, overbalanced, and crashed to the floor on his bum.
Harry roared with laughter, helping him up and snagging the broom out of reach. "Okay, I've got some ground rules," he said, fighting to keep his expression stern. "First off, you can only ride this with me or Aunt Ginny. No asking Kreacher or your grandmum, okay?"
Teddy nodded excitedly. "Deal. What's the next rule?" he asked, impatiently trying to jump to order to reach the broom that Harry still held over his head.
"Next rule is, you're not allowed to beat me when we race," Harry said, grinning.
"No way!" Teddy shrieked. "Fair is fair, and I'm going to beat you easy."
"Oh, we'll have to see about that. Come on, let's go out in the garden and try it out. What's taking you so long?" Harry asked, finally handing the broom back to the small boy.
Teddy's entire frame shook with indignation. "I'm not taking so long – you are! I'll race you," he said, running for the front door, broom in hand.
Harry turned apologetic eyes toward Andromeda. "It doesn't go higher than knee-height, and I'll watch him. I promise!" he said, pleading and feeling just as excited as his godson.
"Honestly. Go on with you, then," Andromeda said, shaking her head and pinching her lips together to avoid smiling.
Kreacher looked longingly at the front door where Teddy had just disappeared. "Shall Kreacher prepare some dinner while you're out riding Master Teddy's new broom?" he asked, sounding dejected.
"Of course not!" Harry said, stunned. "Come on outside and watch him. I bet he'll even let you take a spin if you ask him."
"Kreacher has never ridden a broom, Master Harry," Kreacher said, looking both apprehensive and intrigued.
"Oh, come on along, Kreacher. This is a battle neither you nor I were ever going to win. Let's go watch my grandson make his godfather run all over the garden chasing him. It'll serve him right for giving him the blasted thing," Andromeda said, winking at Harry.
With that, the three of them followed the over-excited toddler out the front door.
/* /* /* /*
Ginny stood in the kitchen, pulling out ingredients and various pots and pans while she tried to decide what to make for dinner. Harry, Hermione and George had all gone back to work today, and she didn't trust Ron to make anything edible.
She slammed a few cupboard doors shut and scowled at the entire kitchen. She didn't really want to cook. She wanted to storm and rage, but there was no one here to bear the brunt of her fury. Ron, wisely, was hidden up in George's workshop working on who knows what and probably just avoiding her temper.
He obviously wasn't as daft as she'd always claimed.
Harry had sent her a Patronus earlier that day warning her that Kingsley Shacklebolt had congratulated him on their wedding plans. The Minister for ruddy Magic knew about their pending nuptials before her good friends Luna and Siobhan had been told. It was just so bloody wrong, and she needed to calm down before she spoke with her parents. This was her and Harry's secret to tell, not theirs, and she'd be damned if she was going to let anyone steal any of it from them.
In her heart, she knew her parents hadn't meant any harm. They were just sharing good news with their long-time friend. She should be happy they thought it was such good news and loved her intended so much.
She just wasn't ready to be that generous.
She slammed the ice box closed and continued her pacing. Perhaps, with the mood she was in, it might be a better night for take away. The others could all pick something up since they were now allowed outside.
That was another thing irritating her. How come, if all her scans were so positive and showed the illness had finally left her system, she wasn't allowed to leave this bloody prison? She didn't want to be jealous that Harry, George, and Hermione all got to leave, but she was. There was the bald truth of it. She was exceedingly jealous, and it ticked her off. She kicked the bottom of the kitchen island in temper, then stumbled around blindly grasping for a stool while her toe throbbed.
It was at this inelegant moment that her mum stumbled out of the Floo, Bubble-Head Charm and all.
"Mum!" Ginny exclaimed, forgetting about her sore toe. "What are you doing here? Are you supposed to be here?" she asked, shocked. She was both overjoyed to finally see her and enraged that she'd dare show her face after spilling Ginny's biggest secret.
"Oh, Ginny!" Molly gushed, oblivious to her daughter's bad mood. She threw her arms around her, hugging fiercely and knocking Ginny's head against her Bubble-Head. "It's so good to finally see you. Let me take a good look at you."
Molly pulled back, still holding Ginny's arms and perusing her critically. Ginny was uncomfortably aware she was wearing the same track pants and oversized T-shirt she'd slept in. Molly, of course, wore traditional robes in a shade of midnight blue that had clearly been starched and pressed.
"You're looking pale, but I suppose that can't be helped after being cooped up so long. How are you feeling? It's lovely to see you up and about. Are you cooking something?" Molly asked, looking around the kitchen at the various supplies Ginny had tossed around.
"No," she said shortly, picking up the items and tossing them back into cupboards. She felt extremely wrong-footed. She hadn't expected her mum to just show up here before she'd had the chance to calm down. As she reached for a jar of honey, her mum grabbed her hand, pulling it closer to her own face.
"Oh, Ginny, it's lovely," her mum breathed, staring at Ginny's ring with tears in her eyes. "He must've spent a small fortune on this."
Ginny snatched her hand away. "Yes, well, the cost is between us, but it is lovely," she snapped.
Molly appeared momentarily taken aback before her eyes narrowed. "Watch that tone, young lady. What has got into you today?"
Ginny's fury, which had been licking at her insides all day, exploded. "I'll tell you what's got into me: Kingsley Shacklebolt congratulated Harry on our engagement, despite the fact we haven't gone public with that information yet. Just how many people did you tell my news to, Mum?" she asked furiously.
Molly swelled with indignation to match. "I don't recall your asking me not to share the news. Why on earth would you want to keep it secret anyway?"
"Oh, I don't know. Perhaps so we could set some of our own plans in place before the press is all over it. I haven't even shared this with my friends, never mind yours. Again, how many people did you tell?" Ginny demanded.
Two high points of color had risen on Molly's cheeks, and her eyes were flashing. "As I said, I didn't know I wasn't supposed to share. I've told quite a good number of people, actually," she admitted.
"Brilliant. Just brilliant," Ginny growled, throwing her hands in the air. "I'm surprised it's not the headline of the Daily Prophet already. You don't think!"
"I've had just about enough of your attitude, young lady. I apologize for sharing what I thought was happy news before you were ready, but again, I don't see why the need for such secrecy. I didn't tell anyone who won't be invited, anyway," Molly said, glaring.
"How do you know they'll be invited? How do you know anything about what Harry and I want for our wedding? We haven't even talked about any of it yet," Ginny said, seething.
Molly looked taken aback. "Well, of course your family will be there, and with both of your careers, it's bound to be a large gathering."
"No! That's not what we want, and that's not what we're planning. Let's get this straight, there will be no one on the guest list that Harry and I don't specifically put there. Am I making myself clear?" Ginny asked, glaring.
Molly glared right back. "What are you saying? That you don't want your family to attend your own wedding?"
"I don't know what I'm saying because we haven't had the chance to plan anything without outside interference," Ginny shouted.
"Outside interference? Is that what I am now? What could possibly make me think I'd be involved with my own daughter's wedding? My only daughter, mind," Molly said, and Ginny was dismayed to see tears sparkling unshed in her mother's eyes.
She wasn't going to be swayed by them, though.
"Please tell me you didn't mention this to Auntie Muriel," Ginny said, feeling a powerful headache building behind her temples.
Molly faltered, her color paling slightly.
"Oh, Mum, you didn't," Ginny moaned.
"I wasn't trying to upset you, or make any plans for you. I was excited, and I wanted to share it. Muriel's always going on and on about making an appropriate match for you. I'll admit, I might've been pleased to toss that back at her," Molly said contritely.
Though she was still fuming, she could appreciate the humor in Molly's words. Muriel criticized everyone, but she was perhaps even harder on members of her own family, and Molly had certainly born the brunt of her acerbic tongue on more than one occasion. "Bet that shut her up," she mumbled.
A trace of a smile crossed Molly's red face. "Momentarily, but it was a glorious moment. Then she accused me of exaggerating your relationship with him since she's never even met him."
"She has, actually. She just didn't know it at the time. Apparently, she horrified him at Bill's wedding with all her trashy opinions on Dumbledore's childhood," Ginny said, remembering Harry telling her how unkind her great aunt was.
"She's a spiteful old woman, but she's still your aunt, so you'll treat her with respect," Molly said at once.
"I will if she does the same to me," Ginny fired back.
Molly took a deep, calming breath and seated herself on one of the stools around the island. "All right. I won't speak of it again until you're ready. Do you want to tell me anything of what you are planning?" she asked brittlely.
Ginny sat on the stool beside her, aiming her wand at the teapot, which began to boil. She Summoned spoons, cups and saucers from the cabinet, and began preparing her tea. It was a few minutes before she realized Molly hadn't moved. When she looked up, Molly waved a hand at her Bubble-Head Charm. "Honestly, I think this is ridiculous, but it's the only way your father would agree to me coming over."
"He's right. I'm sorry I can't offer you anything though," Ginny said, sighing and feeling suddenly drained.
Molly petted her hand. "It's all right. You drink your tea, dear, and I'm just going to listen to what you've decided."
"We don't have any solid plans yet, but a few ideas. I'm just not ready to share them. We both agree that we want a wedding, not a circus, so it will be small, with just the people we actually care about there," Ginny said, choosing her words carefully.
Molly rubbed her fingers around the edge of her empty teacup. "A lot of people are going to want to attend your wedding, dear. Harry is everyone's hero, mind, and your Quidditch celebrity makes you two a power couple."
"A power couple?" Ginny asked, snorting. She'd never heard her mum use that expression in her life. Clearly, she'd been reading too much Witch Weekly.
Molly's cheeks turned pink. She pulled her hand away from her teacup and waved it in the air. "Well, a high-status couple, anyway. All your friends, family, co-workers – even people you haven't seen in ages are going to want to be included."
Ginny sighed, knowing her mum was right but still dreading dealing with it all. She wished there was a way for her and Harry to just be magically married. She took a sip of her own tea. She didn't really mean that. She wanted to have a wedding with Harry and have their own special day. Harry was too soft. She'd have to be the one to stand up to all those who wanted to butt in on it.
"I know, but that's not going to happen. We've talked about perhaps having a Ministry-sanctioned function after the wedding for everyone to celebrate, but we want our moment to be just that – ours," she said firmly.
Molly frowned pensively, pressing her lips together, but she kept her silence. Ginny knew how much it went against her nature to do that, so she appreciated it all the more. Still, she knew what her secret weapon was.
"You know Harry doesn't like all that fuss and attention, Mum. He never has, and I'm not going to have him feeling uncomfortable at his own wedding just to make everyone else happy," she said, raising her chin in the air.
Molly's eyes twinkled, and Ginny suddenly suspected her mother knew exactly what she was doing. "And what about you?" Molly asked.
"What about me?" Ginny asked, perplexed.
Molly reached over and tucked a strand of Ginny's hair behind her ear, cupping her face. "Well, you always did enjoy being the center of attention, and you've always been a social butterfly. You make people feel close to you all the time. What do you want for your wedding?"
Ginny blushed at her mother's words, but she beamed at her. "I do like a good party, but I'm happy with whatever the size, as long as I get to boss everyone around."
Molly laughed. "Oh, you'll excel at that – you always did. In fact, the only thing you liked more than chatting was bossing your brothers around."
Ginny grinned, knowing it was true. "We'll worry about the list later. I'm going to need to tell a few friends before this story leaks to the press," she said, biting her lip.
"I am sorry about that, Ginny," Molly said, smiling sadly.
Ginny waved her off, feeling much calmer now than she had earlier. Even though she'd never admit, she was enjoying talking out the wedding plans with her mum. "It's all right. I should've asked you to keep it in confidence. I was excited, too. I love just staring at the way my ring sparkles in the light," she said, waving it around.
"You said Harry asked you while you were still in your hospital bed?" Molly asked, her voice sounding nasal.
Ginny looked up, surprised to see Molly's eyes were shiny again. She reached out and grasped her hand. "Actually, at first I didn't let him get the question out before I said yes," she said, feeling slightly abashed.
Molly laughed. "That does sound like you."
"He was so flustered. He told me I was easier when I was unconscious," Ginny said in mock-outrage.
Molly brushed her off. "Oh, pish – he didn't mean that. He was frantic when you were so ill."
"I know that, Mum," she said softly. Everyone had told her so.
Molly cleared her throat. "When are you planning on doing this, then? If it's next summer, that gives us less than a year to get all the plans in place. It'll be tight, but we'll all help. I think we can manage it."
Ginny cringed, knowing how this was going to go over. "Actually, it might be a bit sooner than that."
"Sooner?" Molly asked blankly, then her face lost all its color inside the Bubble-Head Charm. "Oh, my word! Are you–" Molly broke off, staring avidly at Ginny's mid-section.
"I'm not pregnant, Mum," Ginny said, rolling her eyes and feeling exasperated. "Although, I suppose that's how all the papers will try to spin it. We just feel things keep getting in our way, and we simply don't want to wait anymore."
"So… how much sooner?" Molly asked cautiously.
Ginny took a deep breath and took the plunge. "We're thinking Christmas time," she said.
Molly's reaction was as expected. "Christmas time!" she shrieked. "Oh, no! There's no where near enough time for that. How can you possibly think you can pull this all together in just a few months?"
"Well, that's another good reason for keeping it small then, isn't it? We'll manage," she said, quite enjoying Molly's look of panic.
"You're not planning on having it at The Burrow then? It'll be too cold outside, and we can't accommodate so many guests indoors," Molly said, and although she tried to hide it, Ginny could see her disappointment.
"I know you're disappointed, but we have somewhere else in mind. If that doesn't work out, things might have to change again. Just give us the time to let us try, all right?" she asked, reaching out to hold her mum's hand once again. She didn't want to disappoint her, but thought it would be better to be upfront about that right away.
Molly smiled, returning the pressure on Ginny's hand. "Of course, dear. I'd do anything for you."
When Ginny considered the fact that her mother had killed Bellatrix Lestrange, one of Voldemort's most lethal supporters, in defense of Ginny, she knew it to be true. "I know you would, Mum."
"Have you thought about bridesmaids?" Molly asked, clearly looking for a new topic to keep the conversation going.
"I think just Hermione and Luna, and Harry would have Ron and George, but we haven't talked to any of them yet. Merlin, Luna doesn't even know we're engaged. I have no idea where she is at the moment," Ginny said, lost in thought of how to track down her wayward friend. She supposed Zeus could find her anywhere.
"That will be lovely. Ron and Hermione have always been like family to Harry, so it's like you have both families represented, even if untraditionally," Molly said, her eyes crinkling.
Ginny was hit with a sudden rush of affection. She knew how important wizarding customs were to her mother, but clearly her and Harry's well-being topped her list of what was important. "I think we're both fairly untraditional, anyway. And Harry likes Luna. It's impossible not to like Luna," Ginny said, feeling rather giddy and happy with everyone at the moment.
"Oh, your father will be so proud to walk you down that aisle. He's talked about it, you know. I do hope you'll consider a father-daughter dance with him, even if it is old fashioned," Molly said.
As her mother spoke, Ginny found herself hoping that her own voice would speak so lovingly about her husband after they'd been together as long as Molly and Arthur had. "Of course, I want to dance with him. I've always looked forward to it, too," Ginny said, feeling emotional.
"You'll be the most beautiful bride there ever was," Molly said, sniffling. She reached for her handkerchief in her bag before realizing she couldn't use it through her Bubble-Head Charm. "Oh, honestly. How much longer do you think we'll have to do this?" she asked, exasperated.
Ginny laughed and threw her arms around her mother's shoulders just as Ron entered the kitchen.
"Mum!" he said, startled. "What are you doing here? Did you bring Ginny more treats? Are there any for me?
Molly and Ginny both laughed, letting go of one another.
"I'm sorry, dear, not today. I came to get a good look at this ring your sister is wearing. I'll send some more things tomorrow, all right?" Molly asked, getting up to hug her son. "How are you feeling? You look healthy enough."
Ron's face fell comically once Molly let him go. "What are we going to eat?" he asked plaintively.
"I don't know. What are you cooking?" Ginny asked, smirking. Molly winked at her across the counter.
Author's Note: My apologies for the delay. My house was rather crazy yesterday, and it was during the middle of the night that I realized I hadn't posted this! Oops!
Thanks to my beta team, Sherylyn, Arnel, and Sue for their time and care in making this ready for human reading.
