The knock on the door startled Ginny. It was almost 9:30 and William had been in bed an hour. Ginny was busy preparing for her first class but not getting very far. At least, she didn't feel like she was.

"Alohomora," she called out with a quick flick of her wand.

The door opened to reveal Severus standing there, hands clasped in front of him, a halfway pleasant look on his face. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Professor Weasley," he said with the slightest smirk at the use of her title. "I wanted to discuss something regarding Mr. Longbottom."

Those were words she never thought she'd hear from him. "About Neville?" she repeated, standing up from her desk to walk over to sit on the couch. "Like what?"

With a wave of his hand, the door closed behind him as he walked over to where she sat. "May I?" he said, motioning towards the couch.

"Of course," she said, shaking her head. "Sorry." His manners still caught her off guard sometimes, often making her feel like she was eleven again.

Adjusting his robes around him, Severus sat down beside her. "I said during his funeral that I was not going to let his discoveries be forgotten and therefore would like your permission to publish his work."

Ginny blinked a couple times as she sat staring at him. Certainly he had to be kidding. This man, Neville's previous professor, couldn't wait for him to finish his required potions, often using Neville's lack of finesse in potion making as the subject of many snide comments over the years. Now he wanted to go out of his way and publish a book about his work? Her initial amusement quickly disappeared as she realized Severus was being serious. It was rare she was allowed to see a side of him that contained any compassion. "Severus, I…" she began, emotion quickly finding her and swallowing the lump forming in her throat. "Of course you have my permission." She searched the ebony eyes gazing at her. "Are you sure?" she had to ask, finding this gesture of respect hard to believe.

"I'm positive," he answered. His shoulders sunk slightly as he sighed quietly. "Ginny, I know the things I've said," he admitted, voice soft. "His potion making was atrocious, that is fact. But he made advancements in herbology that will cause great changes in the near future. I…" He stopped, pressing his lips together and lifting his shoulders. "I owe it to him."

When Ginny realized it was a compliment and apology for Neville, she smiled. "I think it would be wonderful," she said with appreciation. "Thank you, Severus. No wonder Hermione loves you."

He almost smiled but then caught himself, standing quickly. "Good evening, Professor Weasley," he said with a slight nod of his head towards her.

"Goodnight Professor," she said, watching as he opened the door with a wave of his hand again, his footsteps down the hall slowly fading as the door closed softly behind him.

She had to admit when she'd heard his statement during the ceremony that she hadn't thought much of it. The determination in his eyes tonight told her otherwise. And before she knew it, her face was wet from tears.

Two days later, Ginny was in the Great Hall during lunch when the post arrived and was surprised when a letter dropped in front of her. She quickly opened it to discover Fleur had had the baby the night before. When she read his name, her hand flew to her mouth in shock.

Hermione immediately noticed her friend's reaction. "Everything ok?" she asked quietly.

Ginny nodded, glancing at her, removing her hand and forcing a smile. "Yes," she answered. "Fleur had the baby. His name is Richard Neville Weasley."

"Beautiful name," Hermione told her. "You okay with that?"

Ginny nodded. "I am," she answered, folding the letter and tucking it into her robe pocket. "I just wasn't expecting it." It was a sweet gesture on Bill and Fleur's part and she knew Neville would have been proud.

That evening after dinner, Ginny left William with Hermione and flooed to St. Mungo's to see Fleur and the latest Weasley grandchild.

True to form, when Ginny walked in, Molly was in a chair holding Richard. Ginny shook her head with a smile and then greeted her father, brother and sister-in-law.

"How are you?" she asked Fleur, standing beside the bed.

With a slight roll of her eyes, Fleur answered, "Exhausted. Ze labor lasted almost all day. No more, I told Bill. No more." One child was enough for her. Bill could have the next one.

Ginny smiled. "I don't blame you," she agreed, remembering how agonizing labor was with William. "And thank you both so much. I couldn't believe it when I read his name."

Bill was sitting on the other edge of the bed, his arm around Fleur. "As soon as we found out it was a boy, we knew we wanted Neville as part of his name," he explained, glancing down and exchanging a smile with his wife. "We hoped you wouldn't mind."

"Of course not, Bill," Ginny said. "It's wonderful."

"Come here, Sweetheart," her mother said. "Come hold Richard. He's just so precious."

Ginny walked around the bed to where her mother was, gently lifting the wrapped bundle from her arms. Nestling the baby in her left arm, she used her right hand to move the blanket from his face. His skin was red and cheeks chubby but definitely had his mother's small nose. His bright blue eyes stared up at her while his lips moved. Probably hungry, she thought.

"He's beautiful," she said, touching his soft cheek with one finger. "Has Ron and Tess been by yet? Or the twins?"

"Ron was here a couple hours ago," Arthur answered. "Tess has been sick the past couple days."

"Morning sickness you know," Molly beamed as if it were the best thing in the world.

"Hopefully Fred and George will come by tomorrow," Arthur added.

As Ginny stared at the tiny face, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever have another child or if she'd ever want another or if she'd ever be with someone to have another with. She quickly put the thoughts out of her head, realizing she would be alone for quite some time. Taking care of William and her responsibilities at Hogwarts were her only focus now.

"So how have classes been so far?" Remus asked over dinner one night in her chambers.

Ginny laughed and shook her head while she cut up William's chicken. "Well, the first years definitely need some help with flying," she answered with a laugh. "Half of them can't steer more than a couple feet before they fall off. There are a few who can go up but not forward. I had to rescue one that got stuck on part of the castle roof. And then some others can't control their speed very well. I took five to Poppy."

Remus was laughing. "You certainly have your hands full, don't you?" he asked. "I guess that's normal though." He remembered his first year flying class produced about the same results.

"I guess," Ginny said with uncertainty. "Oh! Fleur had the baby too. Guess what the name is."

"It's part of Daddy's," William said with a smile as he pushed a piece of chicken into his spoon.

Remus glanced from the child to Ginny for confirmation.

"Richard Neville Weasley," she told him with a sad smile.

"What do you think of that?" Remus asked William.

"I like it," he answered with a nod, still chewing.

"Well I'll have to floo over in a couple days and say hello," he said. "This Weasley clan just keeps growing. Ron's wife is expecting again right?"

"Yes," Ginny answered. "She's three months."

"I bet Molly is beside herself," he said, shaking his head. "I can see it now."

"Mummy, will I get a brother or sister?" William asked suddenly. "Malachai is getting one. And so is 'Lisbeth and 'Liza."

The question took her by surprise. "Um…well…no," she answered hesitantly. "Malachai's mummy and daddy are still together and so are Uncle Ron and Aunt Tess." She glanced at Remus, not really sure what to say.

William thought for a moment. "Daddy wouldn't want you to be lonely," he said quietly.

This time when Ginny looked at Remus, he saw her silently pleading for help. "So William, how are classes going?" he asked, changing the subject. "Do you like school so far?"

Ginny inhaled slowly, listening to her son talk about his day. Something told her the subject would come up again and knew he wouldn't let her avoid the subject so easily next time.

Since Bill's birthday was November twenty-ninth, Molly decided to have a party. All the kids and their families plus Albus, Minerva, Remus, Severus, Hermione, Malachai and Harry were invited to the Burrow. And as expected, it was crazy from beginning to end.

At first, everyone was inside catching up on the latest events and passing Richard around, but soon the men ventured outside, listening as Arthur showed off his Muggle garden, explaining how the vegetables grew, while the women stayed inside, helping Molly prepare food and making sure the children were behaving. Of course, that lasted about twenty minutes before Hermione and Ginny sent their boys outside, tired of hearing the girls scream.

"I sure hope this one's a girl," Hermione said, hand on her growing stomach. She loved her son, but a husband and two sons was too much testosterone for her.

"Not me," Tess chimed in. "I'll take a boy, thank you." Her girls were beautiful but there needed to be another man in the house for her and Ron's sanity.

"I'll just keep zis vone," Fleur said shaking her head, remembering her horrible labor. "Richard is vonderful but I don't vant anymore." Nothing was changing her mind, including her mother-in-law.

Molly waved her hand. "Nonsense," she said. "You forget how it was over time. It's not that bad really." As far as she was concerned, she couldn't have enough grandchildren.

Fleur glanced at Ginny and rolled her eyes. "I have William and that will be it for me as well," Ginny added. "I'm with you, Fleur."

"Oh, Gin, come on," Tess said, spelling salad ingredients together. "You're the youngest here. You have time to have four or five." She was partially teasing and partially serious.

Ginny rolled her eyes, beginning to tire of the "more babies" conversations. "Please," she scoffed. "What man would raise another man's child that is…you know…much less want to have another with me?"

"Now, now," Minerva said as she sipped tea. "Don't be so quick to judge. Many men would open their hearts to William. He's a wonderful little boy." She hated to see Ginny close herself up completely and miss opportunities.

Hermione was looking out the window when she said, "Looks like someone already has."

The women gathered at the window to see what she was talking about, watching Remus and William on the ground, rolling around and laughing. Remus was tickling him and William would try to get him back, causing them to play wrestle, looking extremely happy doing so. Ginny felt blood rush to her face when they all turned and looked at her.

"Remus has been a dear family friend," Molly said.

"He's a wonderful man," Minerva added.

"He lost his love as well," Tess told her.

"He deals with the same situation as your son," Hermione pointed out.

"You've been close friends for years," Fleur said.

Ginny was silenced by their words, immediately understanding what they were trying to say. Her and Remus? The thought had never crossed her mind. They'd been such good friends, she'd never entertained the idea. And certainly he felt the same as she. Didn't he? Of course he did. The very idea was pure silliness.

The rest of the day seemed to pass in a blur for Ginny, lost in her thoughts, prompted by the comments about Remus. When she allowed herself the freedom, she did agree with Hermione and Tess in that he did completely understand what her son was going through as few others could and that he'd lost his love like she had. Plus with everything else they went through at Hogwarts and with the war, they did have a lot in common.

Ginny had always thought he looked towards her as an older brother would, like her own, but never more than that. He was older than her as well, however, they were the same ages as Severus and Hermione, who were very happy together. Age was never an issue with them.

She found herself watching him during the day. Ginny watched him with her son and realized he'd stepped into Neville's place. Remus played with him, as anyone would, but it didn't stop there. He talked to William, told him stories, taught him and corrected him the few times he needed it. He didn't back away and allow her to do everything. He'd stepped in of his own free will. She never asked him to do any of it.

Ginny never thought his motivation was anything other than genuine friendship and concern, and that after a few months his presence in their life would be less. Why did his smile now make her wonder? I'm just being silly, she kept telling herself. Remus and I are best friends and no more. Nothing has changed between us and I really don't want it to anyway.

Winter seemed to arrive overnight. Ginny woke up one morning to William's exclamations of, "Mummy, it's snowing! I want to go play in the snow! Can I please?"

Dragging herself from bed, Ginny walked out to the main room where her son was staring out the window.

"Look Mummy!" he exclaimed, pointing to the seemingly endless white outside. "Can I play please?"

She couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Let's get dressed and see if Malachai wants to go too," Ginny suggested, thinking she really needed some coffee.

Thirty minutes later, Hermione opened the door to greet Ginny and William.

"Good morning," she said, spelling away breakfast dishes. "We're running a little late."

"We were wondering if Malachai wanted to play outside. I'm taking William out for a bit."

"It is beautiful outside," Hermione said, looking towards the window. "We just need to change."

Ten minutes later, Ginny heard Severus and Hermione conversing. They weren't arguing, however, Hermione was telling him she and the baby would be fine while he was telling her he'd prefer it if she stayed inside.

Hermione emerged with Malachai bundled up. "Would you mind taking them both?" she asked. "I really should stay inside." She wanted to go outside but agreed with her husband regarding their unborn child.

Ginny smiled. Hermione was strong willed except when it came to her children, always listening to Severus' viewpoint and usually agreeing with him. He never told her what to do though.

"Of course I don't mind," Ginny told her. "He's a doll." She turned towards the two boys who were already talking. "You guys ready then?"

Two smiling faces nodded as they headed for the door. "Be back in a bit," Ginny called out.

"Actually, could you take them to Minerva for their reading lessons?" Hermione asked sheepishly. "I'd really appreciate it."

"Oh that's right," Ginny said. "I forgot. Will do."

"Bye Mummy," Malachai said with a small wave.

"Have fun, Baby."

Ginny had been outside with the boys about twenty minutes when she was joined by Albus.

"Good morning," he said after crunching through the snow to reach her. "Breathtaking isn't it?"

"It is, Headmaster," she agreed. "William saw it and had a fit so we gathered Malachai as well."

He smiled, watching the children roll around in the white flakes, squealing in happiness. "And classes are going well?" he asked.

Ginny couldn't help but laugh. "I wish it was a bit better," she told him truthfully. "But the first years are starting to get the hang of it so I'm feeling all right." She had been extremely worried about her competency as a teacher but felt both her and the students were improving.

"And the other?"

"I'm actually surprised at what I've been able to find about Quidditch history," she answered. "The class seems interested. I try to have them ask as many questions as possible to tailor the next class towards what they want to know, not just what I want to teach."

"Excellent tactic," Albus told her nodding. "That will keep them interested indeed."

"I'm trying," Ginny said with a smile. "And thank you again. I love being back."

Albus turned to face her then. "There is another I'd like to invite to return," he said, looking down towards her, eyes peering over the rim of his glasses.

"Who?"

"Remus."

Ginny immediately looked away. Were people mentioning him to her more or was it just her imagination? It had to be just her. Damn those 'baby-wanting' women!

"Should I not?" Albus asked, her look away not lost on him.

"Of course you should," Ginny quickly said. "I'm sorry. It's just…nothing. I think that would be great."

Albus smiled sweetly. "You know you can talk to me about anything," he reminded her, wanting to get an idea of what she was thinking without using Occlumency.

Ginny watched Malachai hit William with a snowball and smiled, remembering how Remus had been playing with her son the day of Bill's party. "It's kind of strange," she began. "I've known him for so long. We've been such good friends. He's my best friend really. I don't know what I would have done the past few months without him."

"And now?" Albus gently prompted.

"A few have made some comments that have me thinking a bit differently," she explained. "I've never looked at him like that before."

"You mean as anything other than a dear friend," Albus clarified.

"Exactly."

"Do you see Remus only as a friend?" he asked curiously.

Ginny was silenced again. Did she see him as more? Could she was more the question.

"I see you are considering it," Albus said. If she felt towards Remus as a friend only, she would have answered without hesitation. "I think that is wise."

Ginny knew she was blushing. "You do?" Was Albus encouraging her with Remus?

Nodding, Albus answered, "Yes, for many reasons that I don't think need explaining." He paused. "I'm asking him to return and teach a class on dangerous creatures and the spells to handle them. He'll work with Hagrid of course."

"He'll be here, teaching too?" she asked, noticing her heart pounded just a bit harder.

"I have not mentioned it yet," Albus told her. "But I am sensing he feels left out with so many of his closest friends at Hogwarts. And I think he could make it a very informative class."

Ginny saw the gleam in his eye. "You're such a scoundrel," she said affectionately.

"Minerva has told me that as well," he said with a shrug. "I don't see it myself." He gave her a quick wink. "Speaking of, I believe it's time for their class with her."

"Yes it is," she agreed, glancing at her watch. "William! Malachai! Time for class, come on!"

"I'm cold," William said, his bright red cheeks a stark contrast against the white backdrop as he walked beside his mother.

"Me too," Malachai said, hugging his arms to his body as they headed back towards the castle.

"I'm sure Professor McGonaghall will give you some hot chocolate," Albus told them. "If you ask her nicely." He winked at Ginny, leaving her to escort the children to class while he began his letter to Remus.

Sitting at his table, Albus' letter in hand, Remus shook his head. An offer to teach a class about dangerous creatures and the spells to handle them? Did Albus really think he would fall for that? He knew the older man well enough to know there was an ulterior motive. Based on the comments Arthur and Harry had made that day at the Weasley's, the motive had to do with Ginny, or more specifically, Ginny and him.

The comments at Bill's party had started innocently enough. He'd been playing with William, having a wonderful time laughing and carrying on as he usually did, but it was afterwards when he, Arthur and Harry were alone for a moment that the conversation began.

"Ginny is fortunate to have someone around who understands William's condition so well," Harry said. "I know it's been terribly difficult with Neville gone but you seem to have stepped into his place quite easily." He'd been concerned for Ginny and her son until he saw them at the funeral with Remus. The way he'd been with them both was wonderful.

Remus had never thought he'd stepped into Neville's place at all. "I just try to help her," he said with a shrug. "I know how hard it was when Tonks died. I couldn't imagine having a child to raise alone, one with the bite on top of that."

"I think it's wonderful that you and Ginny have grown closer," Arthur added. "She'll always be my baby girl but I trust you completely." He'd grown to love Neville but ultimately he wanted her happy, which she seemed to be with Remus.

It was this comment that caused Remus to look at Arthur as if he'd just turned into a hippogriff. "What are you saying?" he asked curiously, not wanting to assume or misunderstand.

Arthur smiled and slapped his arm. "Come now, Remus," he said with a laugh. "We're all grown men here. I know you and Ginny have been friends for years but I also know you've been much closer the past few months. I just want you to know I'm grateful for your involvement. Ginny has so much love to give and…"

"Wait," Remus said, shaking his head. "You two think we're…involved?"

"Well yeah," Harry answered. "You are, aren't you?"

Remus looked between the men and answered, "No we're not. Whatever would make you think that? I care for Ginny a great deal but we are not…we don't…she's like my little sister!"

Arthur and Harry glanced at each other. "A sister," Harry repeated with a smile. "Yeah I tried to tell myself that too."

"It's okay, Remus," Arthur said, smile matching Harry's. "You have my blessing."

And then they both walked away, leaving a stunned Remus to think on what they'd just said.

He remembered watching Ginny the rest of the afternoon; her movements, her smiles, her way with William, how she laughed with Hermione. He wondered when she became a woman. He pictured her as a scrawny, flat chested little girl when he met her and tried to figure out when she blossomed into the curvy, beautiful woman she was now.

Beautiful woman? Yes. He had to admit that when he allowed himself to look at her as a woman, and not the image of the child in his mind, he couldn't deny her beauty.