Chapter Twenty-Two - Baby's First Year

'Anyone who thinks that they know what it's like to have a newborn baby, and everything that the parents deal with, but have never actually experienced it personally, is delusional', Harry thought to himself. He now knew that he had been one of those poor, deluded people. Sure, he'd watched Andromeda, Bill and Fleur, and most recently Charlie and Nathalie whenever he was with them. He probably spent more time with all of these kids than most uncles would. Harry considered himself at least reasonably competent at changing diapers, and everything else that came with a baby or young child - or at least all of the things that any guy could learn from experience.

Harry was thinking about these things as he carried his fussy little bundle of joy around the sitting room at two-thirty in the morning, trying to let Ginny get a little sleep. Sure, he loved James completely and unconditionally - all he was asking for, though, was a few uninterrupted hours of sleep. He wondered idly if he'd been this much trouble to his Mum and Dad, and it was now payback time. If it was, they must be sitting around with Sirius, Fred and the others right about now having a good old laugh.

The baby stirred in his arms, and opened his beautiful brown eyes. Seeing his daddy, he gave him a big toothless grin. Harry smiled back. What the heck, who really needed sleep? He softly sang a lullaby to James, and his son slowly closed his eyes, listening to the soothing, velvet timbre of his father's voice as he drifted off to sleep.

Ginny was at the breakfast table having a tea and a bagel when Harry came in with James in his arms. "We're all clean and dry again mommy," he told her, speaking on his son's behalf and handing him over. He leaned down and kissed her. "Happy Anniversary, Ginny."

She smiled up at him. "Happy Anniversary, Harry." She looked down at her adorable son, and suddenly noticed that he was now deformed. There was a square bulge where there should have been only a flat tummy. Ginny started to laugh, and unbuttoned the little boy's snugly and pulled out the present that her two little boys had gotten her.

"Very cute," she told them, still laughing. Harry picked James up out of her arms again so she could open her present. When she opened the box, she saw a beautiful little ring with three coloured stones with two diamonds on each side of them.

"We thought it was time to get you your own family ring," Harry told her. He pointed out each of the stones to her, naming them. "The Alexandrite is James' birthstone, the Peridot is yours, and the Ruby is mine." He watched her as she studied the ring. "The diamonds can be replaced with other birthstones, if our little family gets bigger." When she looked up at him after he'd said that last part, she laughed again, seeing his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I love it," she said, and put the ring on her right hand. She stood and hugged and kissed Harry. "Thank-you." She took James back, and added - "And thank-you too." She gave him a kiss, and he gurgled happily.

Toward the end of July, Ginny started working at Marauders Institute again. At first she would go in for a few hours, and then some full days, while Harry and Winky took care of James. They took Neville and Luna out to dinner on Neville's birthday, really kind of a joint Neville and Harry birthday dinner. Grandma and Grandpa were watching James for the night, and the little boy's Mum and Dad were a little surprised to realize that this was their first night out since before James was born.

They had a great time with their friends, hearing all about Neville's recent expedition, and Luna's latest conquests in marketing at the Institute. Ginny had thought it was hilarious when Luna told her that her father had tried to hire her back, and she had to gently tell him that he couldn't afford her anymore. They were home before eleven o'clock, feeling a little bit like teenagers again, not wanting to stay out past curfew. Mum and Dad assured them that James survived his first evening without them with no permanent physical or psychological damage.

Throughout the rest of that summer, Harry watched James during the day while Ginny went back to her research and administrative duties at Marauders Institute. When she had been home, Harry had sent her daily Owl Posts with flowers or small treats, and when she was back at work, he continued to send her daily reminders of just how much he loved her.

These would range from flowers or special lunches to something as simple as a short love note wrapped around a chocolate. James was starting to sleep through most of the night, and once they put him to bed, they would snuggle on the sofa, where Ginny would often fall asleep and then be gently carried up to bed. Harry and James were at the Institute to take Ginny a surprise laboratory picnic lunch. Natalie was working with her, and jumped up to hug the two boys.

"Owen told me that the next time I see you I should tell you to back off on the daily love reminders for Ginny, because you're making the rest of the male half of the species look bad," she told him, and Harry laughed.

"Tell him to try it - he might like it," he suggested. Ginny distractedly gave them both hugs and kisses. Harry understood his wife well enough to know when she didn't want her train of thought derailed. "We'll let you keep working, and see you tonight, honey."

He pulled Natalie aside as they left. "Try to get her to eat something if you can," he told her, kissing her cheek.

"I will," she assured him. "Don't worry - she's just running in genius mode right now." Harry laughed, and then he and James were off to their next big adventure of the day.

Penelope and Percy announced that she was pregnant, and the baby would be joining the family sometime in April. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley made a few slight adjustments to their travel plans for next year so that she would be at work while Penelope was off with the baby. School was back in session, Ron and the Cannons roared into their season with a string of wins, and James was growing like gillyweed. Harry was able to keep up with most of his business interests from home, and Winky took care of James when he had to attend Wizengamot sessions, or he had meetings at Gringotts or at Marauders Institute.

He was currently at one of those Gringotts meetings right now, and his beautiful wife and Marauders' pre-eminent game guru, Natalie, were making the presentation for the company's next miracle device. Hermione and Luna were also attending this meeting. Natalie nervously stood up to begin their presentation. Harry smiled encouragingly at her.

"Mr. Potter, Account Managers, and Marauders Institute Senior Managers, thank-you for allowing us to present our new product investment proposal to you this morning," she began. Natalie looked around at each of them with a hesitant smile on her face.

"The GameWizard research division has developed a new breakthrough in our technology this summer, and the impact on our industry will be quite revolutionary." She pulled out what looked like one of the GameWizard Portables. "This is the prototype of the 3D GameWizard." She turned it on, and Harry was astonished to see a holographic, three-dimensional image shimmering clearly above the device. When he looked up at his favourite people from the Institute, it was obvious that this was not the first time that either Hermione or Luna had seen it.

"I'm sure you can all immediately see the benefits this system offers over it's two dimensional predecessor," Natalie continued. "However, there is also a much larger impact for Marauders Institute's media devices." Natalie had now relaxed and settled down, beginning to enjoy herself. She put a 3MP on the table and turned it on.

"We're still refining the 3D-VMP - Three-dimensional Video Music Player." Finally, she put a WWVN portable receiver beside the others. "We have also successfully tested 3D-WWVN in several different size versions." Harry stood up, walked over to Natalie, and hugged her.

"Have I told you that I love you today?" he asked with a big grin. Natalie blushed a little, and laughed.

"Not today, no, Mr. Potter," she answered. When Harry sat back down, she continued.

"We will be able to manufacture each of these products with modest additions to our existing operations. Marketing strategy will be key to successful development, and Mrs. Longbottom will be continuing our proposal by presenting an overview of her plans."

Luna stood as Natalie sat back down beside Ginny, who hugged her.

"Thank-you," she told Natalie with a smile. "I'd like to begin by congratulating Ginny and Natalie for these amazing breakthrough products. Hermione also helped them with refining these new products, and while I have your attention, I'd also like to acknowledge her specifically for her incredible research in medical, social, and defensive magic. The literally hundreds of new and improved spells, charms, and potions her teams have developed aren't grabbing all the headlines that the gaming and media divisions get. Instead, what they quietly do is change all of our lives for the better." Luna was smiling at her friend, and Hermione looked both pleased and a bit surprised about the unexpected praise for her work. Luna continued, getting back to topic.

"We are recommending a three year plan to introduce this technology into the public. Since there will be some additional development required for the 3D-WWVN systems, they will be the last to be marketed. 3D GameWizards would be in stores for Christmas shopping a year from now, followed a year after that with the video music player, and finally the 3D-WWVN receivers. Our marketing research suggests we can expect similar results with these products as those achieved with their respective first generation incarnations." Harry was still smiling broadly, and Luna nodded at him.

"The introduction of the new products will affect the existing product lines, and our proposal also details our plans to deal with the remaining life cycle of those devices, and their eventual discontinuation, which we expect will occur in between six and eight years from the initial release of their 3D replacements." Luna smiled at Ginny. "Mrs. Potter will now present our investment request and financial projections." Harry turned his high wattage smile and dancing green eyes on this redheaded little genius he was so humbly fortunate enough to call his wife.

"Thank-you, Luna," Ginny said as she passed around copies of their proposal, and as she began discussing it, Harry quickly read through the pages of parchment.

"Mr. Potter, during the next three years, these combined projects will require a total new investment of one point two billion galleons. We also recommend that our organization consider additional investment in the peripheral industries that are integrally linked to ours, since the good companies can expect to have significant new growth." Harry looked up as she paused for a moment, and saw her smiling at him.

"You will see that our financial projections are for a minimal increase in profit for this year, a slight increase next year that will be driven by the end of the year introduction of the 3D GameWizard Portable, and then another four years of very strong growth. We hope you all share our excitement about the future at Marauders Institute, and approve our proposal." Ginny returned to her seat, and Harry turned his attention to Fleur.

"Do we project that the organization will have the resources to handle this investment?" Fleur looked at Griphook, who nodded assent.

"We won't have any problems with the one point two billion over three years," she advised. "We'll have to see how much will be available for the other investments recommended, although I also agree that we should expand into the advertising and production segments of the industry if we can.

"Very well," Harry said with a nod. "I am pleased to accept the Marauders Institute proposal, and authorize the expenditures. I also propose that as we approach December first, we do more to promote your Investment Partnership among our workers. With everything that's going to be happening in the coming years, it would be nice if as many of our friends as want to could be part of all of this too." Griphook nodded his approval. Luna raised her hand, and Harry nodded for her to go ahead.

"I'll put something together with Griphook," she offered. "It's really a very good idea, Harry." To Griphook, she added - "Maybe we could show them, in percentages only, what kind of results the partnership has been having so far. That should get everyone's attention." Griphook smiled - a look that even after knowing him for years still made Harry shudder just a little. When he saw that Luna was finished, Harry continued.

"Any other new business?" he asked, and Hermione nodded, standing up once Harry acknowledged her.

"I have a request for a non-profit venture," she told Harry and the others at the table. "I have, with the help of one of my medical teams, developed a vaccine for Dragon Pox. I am requesting that we offer this vaccine to all of the children in the Wizarding World - at no cost." Harry was impressed with his friend. He noticed that Luna and Ginny apparently did not know about this.

"How much will each vaccine cost?" he asked her quietly. Hermione handed out a single sheet of parchment to each of them.

"The vaccine is safe for children over five years old. The cost per child will likely be just a little under five galleons. There are currently approximately ten million children between the ages of five and seventeen, and current projections suggest we could expect nearly one million children turning five each year for the next ten to twenty years, mostly due to an increase in birth rates since the war." She took a breath, as she handed around several photos.

"These pictures are of children who were infected with the pox. We can, in a short time, keep this from happening to any other children again." Harry looked at the photos of the poor kids for a moment.

"Can adults be vaccinated too?" Ginny had been the first one to ask this question.

"Yes they can," Hermione answered. "We will eventually have enough vaccine to offer it to adults too, and the cost would be the same for them." Harry looked around the table at his account managers.

"Would you need to review this request with your Partnership members, or do you have the authority to make a decision like this?" he asked them. Griphook answered Harry's question for them.

"We have the authority," he said, and looked around at the other account managers, who each nodded their agreement.

"Goblins believe one of our most sacred responsibilities is to our young. On behalf of the Partnership, the account managers agree to share the costs of the vaccine for every child." Harry nodded his thanks.

"Hermione, your expenditure is approved, and we'll look forward to seeing you receive your Order of Merlin first class for being the Witch responsible for eradicating Dragon Pox in our world." Hermione had tears in her eyes now.

"Thank-you," she said, overwhelmed that just like that, she had been given the financing that would soon mean that no other children would ever have to go through having Dragon Pox again. Ginny went over and hugged her tightly.

"I think we've had enough excitement for one meeting," Harry decided. "We are adjourned. Thank-you." He joined Ginny and Hermione, also giving his friend a hug.

"Let's get out of here, and I'll take seven of my favourite girls to lunch, along with any hubbies that might be able to sneak away for an hour or so."

Halloween night, Harry and Ginny were at Ron and Hermione's house, after receiving a last minute invitation to dinner. James was snoozing in Harry's arms, and they were in the sitting room after having just finished a nice meal. Ron poured drinks, and then sat beside Hermione, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"We asked you to come over tonight because we want our best friends to be the first to find out that we're expecting a baby," Hermione told them with a happy smile. Ginny jumped up, nearly spilling her wine.

"You're pregnant?" she asked excitedly, and Hermione laughed.

"Yes, and by early July, you guys should have another niece or nephew," she answered. Ginny was hugging Hermione and Ron, and congratulating them both. Harry smiled as he watched them. He felt James stirring, and looked down to see him open his eyes.

"Good timing, little man," he told his son. "I'll give you to Aunt Hermione so she can practice, and I can properly congratulate them on the upcoming arrival of your next little cousin." The girls laughed at his comments, and Hermione reached out to take James when Harry got up and walked over to her. He knelt in front of his friends, and handed James off, then hugged Hermione, and shook Ron's hand.

"Congratulations," he told his oldest and dearest friends. "Which one of you planned it for the Quidditch off-season?"

Had the Cannons known how a new father-to-be would play Quidditch, they would've suggested that Hermione get pregnant every summer! Ron only allowed five goals in the two games they played in November, and the Cannons won both games by large margins. Harry spent most of that month keeping busy with James, Teddy, and Victoire. James still needed so much of his attention that he was definitely finding it more difficult now to spend as much time with his Godson and niece as he wanted, but he did his best and hoped the little kids would understand.

There was now his son's birthday to go along with his anniversary and other favourite dates in Harry's life, but December first was still top five. He was already in the kitchen having a coffee when the Owl Posts arrived with their annual reports. Harry was already reading his when Ginny came in with James. She put him in his chair, and decided to start feeding him while Harry reviewed his report, then they could switch places, and Harry could take over the feeding process. Harry had looked up when Ginny had come in and smiled at them, then started reading Griphook's note.

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to again submit your annual financial summary, and incentive authorizations to you for review and approval. We had projected a quiet year for Marauders Institute, and that was an accurate assessment. We are pleased to report some excellent gains in other areas, though - primarily in our Property division, and our Goblin investments, resulting in another very good year for your investments, and those of the Partnership. When you have completed your review, please authorize the incentive payout forms, and return with this Owl.

Griphook

Account Manager Coordinator

Harry flipped to the next parchment, took a sip of his coffee, and continued reading.

Summary of consolidated accounts for Mr. Harry Potter

Beginning Balance: 5,436.25 million galleons

Investment Partnership: 720 million galleons

New Investment: 200 million galleons

Total Beginning Balance: 6,356.25 million galleons

Profits:

Marauders Institute: 1,600 million galleons

Property Division: 520 million galleons

Goblin Ventures: 290 million galleons

Other Investments: 70 million galleons

Total Profit: 2,480 million galleons

Less incentive: 918 million galleons * ** ***

*Thirty-seve percent. **Pending approval of projected incentives. ***Up one percent for Jr. Account Manager.

Less Non-Profit Vaccine: 5 million galleons(As of YE)

Profit after incentives: 1,557 million galleons

**Investment Partnership receives 13.04 percent of after-incentive profit.

Ending Balance: 6,790.25 million galleons

Investment Partnership

Ending Balance: 1,123 million galleons

Combined Ending Balance: 7,913.25 million galleons

"I wonder if Percy will fall off his chair when Penelope tells him about her first incentive as a Junior Account Manager?" he asked Ginny conversationally as he authorized seven incentives of over thirty-seven million galleons each, and one for just under twenty-five million galleons. He then sent them off with the Owl Post and sat back down at the table again. Ginny had smiled at him.

"I don't know. Do you want me to send her a QuillMessage and ask her to take a picture if he does?" Harry laughed, got up again and went to fill his coffee cup, and then traded places with Ginny and resumed the Hogwart's Express food train that had been chugging it's way into James' mouth. Ginny made herself a tea, and started going through her reports.

Ginny,

We had predicted a stabilizing year for Marauders Institute, and that was achieved. While there was little growth in profits, we now have everything ready for the expected growth over the next several years. There is little change in incentives over last year, but hopefully everyone realizes that these results are still incredible.

We are also pleased to advise you that your own incentive has been approved, and a transfer of sixteen million galleons has been made to your account. Please review your incentive report, and return it to us once you have approved the incentive payouts.

Fleur Weasley

Account Manager - Marauders Institute

When Ginny questioned her remembrall on the report, it advised her that there was an error in the report. Further questions led her to the error, which she corrected. She added a note to the top of the incentive report to let Fleur now about the change - a set of transposed numbers, and then sent the Owl on it's way. Harry had finished feeding James, and had cleaned up the usual mess. He was now cooking breakfast for the two of them, and Ginny stepped over to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Why don't I ask Mum to take James overnight?" she suggested. "Then you and I can go out and celebrate another amazing year tonight." Harry kissed her and smiled.

"I think that's a brilliant idea, Ginny. I'll make some reservations while you're hard at work giving away money today." She laughed, and kissed him again, then went to finish getting ready for work.

Harry and James attended the party at the Institute that afternoon, and James was quickly abducted by Natalie, Mandy, Luna, and Hermione, who passed him around, each woman regretfully relinquishing custody to the next in line to fuss over the little boy. Ginny had Mandy do the annual announcements to start off their little bonus day party. The incentives this year didn't have the big increase over the previous year that everyone had seen before, but there was certainly nobody upset with the amount they received, and the first time recipients were all very happy indeed. They enjoyed the afternoon with their friends, and then Ginny took James to the Burrow, and met Harry back at the cottage to get ready for their date.

They had enjoyed a wonderful dinner at one of their favourite restaurants in London, and then gone dancing for a few hours before heading back to the cottage. Harry poured them each a glass of wine, and they cuddled up on the sofa.

"This was a really good idea Ginny," he said quietly. "A chance to go out to dinner, do a little dancing, and the added bonus of knowing we won't get a wake-up call or two in the middle of the night." She smiled, leaned over and kissed him, a soft, teasing brush of her lips that definitely left him wanting more.

"Why don't you take me upstairs, and I'll tell you about some other good ideas I'm having right now," she suggested. Harry smiled back at her, seeing the look in her eyes, and then picked her up. He carried her upstairs, and happily helped her turn those good ideas into some really great reality.

It seemed that December had just begun when it was already almost Christmas. Harry and James did a lot of Christmas shopping. They played with Victoire and Teddy. Harry had the now annual business planning meeting with his account managers, where the highlights were a four hundred million galleon increase for the Investment Partnership and more than enough investment opportunities for all of their combined capital. The only other real 'business' work he had was one Wizengamot session the same week as the business meeting. Ginny was busy with her projects at work, but did escape to join Harry and James for a weekend at Marauders Paradise with Aunt Gabrielle and Uncle Kevin.

Harry had let Ginny sleep in, while he took care of James - washing, dressing and feeding him, and then he started making their breakfast. He and James had a big day planned. The Weasley family Christmas was going to again be on the island, and they had lots of things to get done - it was already Thursday morning, and they only had until tomorrow when Ginny finished work to do everything before going there.

Ginny's breakfast was on the table when she came downstairs. Harry immediately saw that she was pale, and didn't look well at all. Sitting down, she took one look at the plate of eggs and sausage he'd made for her, and pushed them away, going from pale to slightly green. Harry had been watching her, and had one of his rare mental leaps. He went up to her and put his arms around her.

"I love you, Ginny!" he whispered excitedly, squeezing very gently. Ginny looked into his eyes, and saw that somehow he knew. They were both smiling now, and she put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Make me some toast and a tea, Harry, and then we can sit down and decide whether this was a really unexpected extra incentive from the boss on bonus day, or a really awesome Christmas present that we got to find out about a few days early."

Harry went to make the toast, and Ginny turned her attention to James, who was happily playing with his stuffed snitch (you could throw it, and then it would zoom around a little before flying back to float in front of you).

"Well, young man," she told him, "it looks like you're going to be getting a new brother or sister late next summer sometime - earlier if they're in as big a hurry as you were." James smiled at her, and she quickly leaned to one side as he threw the snitch right at her.

"You're definitely going to be a Chaser like your mommy with an arm like that," she told him with a weak laugh. When Harry had delivered the toast and tea to Ginny, he sat down beside her.

"It's definitely an early Christmas present, and very well could also have been the other, but just to be on the safe side, I'm going to have some extra testing done on the water at Marauders Institute, just to be sure that there isn't anything going around," he told her. "This has already affected one out of three of my account managers and two out of five of the Institute's senior managers - it could be serious."

Ginny laughed at him. "Test away, dear, but I think you'd just be wasting your time. As for the other managers, you probably don't have to worry about Mum, but you might as well get used to having your senior managers expecting new little executives over the next few years, because we all want to have families to go with our amazing husbands and careers."

Thanks to the time difference, everyone had made it to the island by early afternoon on Christmas Eve Day. Harry and Ginny hadn't been the only members of the family to come to the island after work on Friday, but others, like George and Marietta, had needed to work on Saturday, and hadn't come until after their stores in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade closed. They spent the day playing on the beach, in the lagoon, and sharing the latest news and events with each other. Penelope, Hermione, and now Ginny, were in the centre of the familial spotlight, followed closely by James, Art, Victoire, and Teddy. Kreacher and Winky had prepared and served dinner for everyone, and in the evening, they were gathered at Molly and Arthur's house.

They all watched a new WWVN adaptation that had been done of the Christmas musical they'd seen last year at Marauders Paradise. When that was over, Nathalie and Ron started one of the inevitable Wizard's Chess matches that happened whenever they had the chance to get together.

Gabrielle rounded up a bunch of them to play World Cup Quidditch on the GameWizard HES. They played a girls against the guys match, and Ginny, Gabrielle, Penelope, and Marietta let the boys have a slight glimmer of hope, along with a ten point lead before brutally shutting them down, and scoring three hundred and twenty points, including Ginny ruthlessly having her Seeker distract Harry's Seeker with a kiss before snatching the snitch right out from under his little virtual Seeker's nose. They were all laughing when the game was over.

"It's a good thing none of the other House Seekers thought to try that one out on Harry when you guys were playing for Gryffindor," Charlie teased them. Ginny put her arm around her husband, and kissed him for real.

"I don't think that even if the idea had occurred to Draco that he would have actually tried it," she said with a laugh, and Harry smiled.

"I'm just glad you were on our team," he told her. "If you'd been playing Seeker for another House, you probably would have won every match." They visited with each other for a while longer, and then Harry and Ginny took a sleeping James back to their place, and the others slowly went off to their houses too, or went for moonlight walks along the beaches or paths. It wasn't very much longer until all was calm and bright on that most special of nights.

Everybody was going to be getting together after breakfast back at Mum and Dad's house. Harry and Ginny were up early with James, and sat in their bed 'helping' him open the presents they had gotten him. They had both been around enough children now to not be surprised when James was more interested in the shiny paper and colourful ribbons and bows than with the clothes and toys that were his real gifts.

When they were finished opening presents, they all got ready for the day, had a nice quiet breakfast together, and then headed out into a bright sunny morning for the walk to 'grandma's house'. Charlie, Nathalie, and Art were already at the house, along with George and Marietta. The rest of the gang joined them over the next hour or so, and gathered around in the sitting room, they exchanged gifts for most of the morning.

This year, for the first time, the adults had decided to draw names for exchanging gifts for the grown-ups, and they would all continue to get gifts for the young children. Harry had drawn Marietta's name, and she loved the watch he got her. He had the watch custom designed, and there was a picture of George on the face, and his hands, one slightly longer with a tiny little wand, marked the minutes and hours.

Ginny had drawn Percy, and had commissioned Kevin to do one of his famous portraits, this time of Penelope for her brother. George and Marietta always gave out gifts that were good for a laugh, but Gabrielle was coming in a close second. Her present for James was a shirt that said 'To speak with the world's smallest ventriloquist, talk to the dummy', with cartoon characters of Harry and James below the caption. They had Christmas dinner outdoors, followed by an afternoon of fun and relaxation at the lagoon before most of the family had to leave in the late afternoon to get back where it was late evening at home, and get some sleep before the start of another workweek.

Mum and Dad started their vacation with two weeks at Marauders Paradise in January. Molly was very proud of the resort that she and Gabrielle had developed here. There were many activities that were set up to cater to children, teens, and young adults, but she had made sure that there was also many things for the middle aged and older guests to do that she had known would be coming along with the younger ones.

Arthur was out on a boat for the day, learning to fish, and she was getting ready to enjoy a spa day, but was first going over some reports that had arrived from Penelope that morning. Her daughter-in-law was doing a good job, but was still just a little shy about trusting herself when it came to making some of the big money decisions that were a part of the job for Harry's account managers. Molly smiled as she reviewed the pages of parchment. Penelope's recommendations were very good, and so she penned a quick note of approval, sent it off, and then headed out for her day of pampering. Arthur was taking her to dinner and a show tonight, and she wanted to look her best for him. What a great way to start a whole two months off!

Ginny was busy in the lab working on the different segments of the 3D projects. Natalie was working hard on game development with her team. Hermione concentrated her efforts on medical advances with her researchers, and with working on a special secret project that she was keeping hidden even from Ginny and Luna.

Mandy was helping Ginny enormously by taking on most of the administrative duties so that her friend could concentrate on the research she loved so much. Luna was going to have a busy year in marketing, and the manufacturing division was getting ready for the new 3D products. They were all confident that this was going to be another great year for the Institute.

Harry had just finished a quick morning GameWizard match with Gabrielle, who allowed him a rare victory. James hadn't slept well during the night, and had been having a short nap. They were going to pick Teddy and Victoire up later in the morning, take them out for lunch with Aunt Ginny, and then spend an afternoon at their favourite mall, so Harry went upstairs to wake him up and get him ready for their day.

Now that Teddy and Victoire were both a little older - eight and six this year, they had much more fun playing together. Teddy still thought that girls were 'icky', and Victoire thought it was fun to sometimes make him squeal by randomly leaning in and either hugging or kissing him, then giggling as he frantically wiped away the 'girl germs'.

The four of them put on a lunch and entertainment time for Ginny, and then their shopping trip included purchasing some books, a toy dragon for Teddy's collection, a Teen Witch doll for Victoire's collection, and two Junior Skiving Snackboxes, courtesy of Aunt Marietta. When Ginny got home from work, she found a bubble bath waiting for her, and her two little boys cuddled on the sofa sound asleep from their hard day's play.

When Valentine's Day was getting closer, Harry put together a dinner and dance date night with some of their friends. The guys managed to keep it a secret that they'd be going out together, telling each of their girls that they'd be going out, but not where or with whom. When Ginny got home from work, there was a bubble bath waiting for her, and she happily had a relaxing soak before getting dressed to go out for an evening with Harry. He had a corsage for her when she met him in the sitting room. He was dressed in a very nice charcoal suit, white shirt, and matching tie.

"Ready to go, Ginny?" he asked her, smiling brightly.

"Sure. Where are we going?" Harry laughed.

"It's a surprise. You'll like it, I'm sure."

Ginny took his arm. "Then lead on and surprise me."

They were nearly the last to arrive, and so there were quite a few people in the private dining room that Harry had reserved at the restaurant where he, Ron, and Neville had taken Ginny, Hermione, and Luna to back on her seventeenth birthday. Ron and Hermione were there, with Neville and Luna, and Mandy and Terry. Owen and Natalie came in right after Harry and Ginny, and the last to arrive - a special surprise for Ginny, was Gabrielle and Kevin.

Three of the couples had proposal anniversaries, and of course, it was Neville and Luna's wedding anniversary too, so there were a few gifts, and lots of extra hugs and kisses exchanged before they all sat down at the large table and placed their orders. They had a wonderful dinner, followed by a few hours of dancing and socializing at the same club they'd gone to back on that same night.

They did not stay out late, since everyone was working the next morning, and Gabrielle and Kevin had to go back to the island where it was only late afternoon to get ready for the Valentine's Day events there. Harry and Ginny were at home later, and Winky and Kreacher had returned to Grimmauld Place after watching James for the evening. Harry came into the bedroom after checking in on James, and Ginny had already changed and climbed into bed. He smiled when he saw her, fiery hair spread over her white pillow, her eyes bright in the candle and firelight, and her face was alive with that radiance common to all pregnant women.

"What are you smiling about?" she asked him. Harry changed and climbed into bed, snuggling beside her.

"I was thinking that you look even more beautiful tonight than you did the last time we went out to that restaurant and dance club," he told her. She unconsciously put a hand over her only slightly rounding stomach, and he covered her hand with his. Looking into her eyes, he leaned forward and kissed her - a long, deep, passionate kiss. Ginny had closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she smiled at him.

"Yep, that's definitely what got us to this point last time alright," she teased. Harry smiled too, and held her close.

"Then you're in trouble, because I plan on kissing you like that on a regular basis for a very long time." Ginny snuggled closer and sighed happily.

"You'd better - I consider those kisses a very important part of your promise to make me happy for the rest of my life."

The Cannons kept rolling, led by Ron, who was now well on the way to the best Keeper record of all time. Demelza and Dennis both did their part, and they were all determined to retake the league championship this season. Victoire had her sixth birthday party on the island, and her favourite present was her very own GameWitch, which was loaded up with the new line of games that were being developed for young kids - part of Luna's plan to extend the product life of the original systems.

Teddy received the new GameWizard for his birthday the next month, and the two kids were soon playing the new games together whenever they could. Percy and Penelope became proud parents in April, when Penelope gave birth to a healthy, redheaded, freckle-faced son. Nicolas Percival Weasley was welcomed that first day by a continual stream of family members, and he quietly allowed himself to be passed around, content as long as someone was holding him and rocking him gently.

The Cannons went into the playoffs in first place, and the overwhelming favourites. They did not disappoint either the experts or their fans, and simply overpowered every team they faced on the way to winning the league championship with a decisive victory over the Arrows.

Ron, Dennis, and Demelza were all again nominated to England's World Cup Quidditch team. Ron was going to turn it down, with Hermione due so soon, but she talked him in to accepting the honour and playing for their country's team.

Ginny watched James as he played with his food at the table. He was already one year old today. Where had the time gone? She smiled, thinking about how much he'd grown. He was already taking those first steps, and starting to pick up those first few words. The first time he called her 'mama' she'd cried, and laughed, and scooped him up for a big hug and kiss.

Some of her favourite memories over the last year were of reading him bedtime stories, and then listening at the door as Harry would rock him to sleep and sing the little lullabies he'd make up for his son. Harry saw her smile when he came in, and could see the far-away look in her eyes. He snuck up behind James and surprised him with a hug and kiss that had the little boy giggling and squealing.

"Happy Birthday, James!" he told his son. "Are you being a good boy for mommy this morning?"

"Mommy!" James repeated happily. Harry leaned over and kissed Ginny.

"Good Morning again," he said with a smile. "Where were you just off to?"

Ginny smiled too. "Just thinking back - it hardly seems possible he's a year old already." Harry nodded.

"I know," he agreed. "It's probably because it's been so much fun for us. What time should we come get you for lunch today?" Ginny got up from the table carefully, holding a hand across her rounding stomach.

"Shoot for twelve-thirty today. Are you bringing Victoire and Teddy too?"

Harry nodded again. "We're going to the park after lunch to play. Kreacher and Winky will have everything ready here for the party later." Ginny kissed them both, and left for her lab at the Institute.

They had a small party after everyone was done work. Mum and Dad came over with Bill, Fleur, Victoire, Teddy, Ron, and Hermione. Winky had made a special dinner, followed by watching James open his presents. The others laughed as Harry and Ron chased James around outside on the little toy Firebolt he got from Harry and Ginny. Teddy had his broom too, and was also flying around, letting James chase him, and then chasing the little boy in return.

When it came time for some birthday cake and ice cream, James seemed to get cake just about everywhere except in his mouth. Finally, after a long day, he tired out, and fell asleep in Grandma's arms. Harry took him from her, carried the birthday boy up to bed, and then joined Ginny to thank everyone for coming to the party. When their guests had all gone home, he then sent Ginny off to bed, and took care of the after-party cleanup before going up to bed, getting changed himself, and snuggling close to Ginny, who was already sound asleep.

Before he drifted off to sleep, he pulled out the half-picture of him and his dad that he always kept close, and remembered Snape's memory of the whole picture that had included his mother as she laughed, and they'd played together. There was a smile on his face as he fell asleep, dreams of a little boy's happy birthday interposed with those of the same day from a proud father's point of view.