Greetings Everyone! I've been HORRIBLY sick the past couple months and am just getting around to posting. Hope you like. Shoot me a review and let me know you're still around! Also, check out the poll for this story on my profile page AND a new blog post showing pictures from this chapter (link on my profile page).

April at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry proved to be a busy and hectic month for all its inhabitants. Students and faculty, having holed themselves up inside during the cold winter months, were more than ready to shed their wool coats and flee the confines of the castle walls to bask in the warm sunshine and romp freely about the lush grounds.

Spring had officially sprung.

With Fred and George's birthday approaching, the twins decided to have a party and invited the whole family. Of course, given their predisposition for pranks and the fact their actual birth date was April Fool's Day, they had prepared quite a stomach turning gag.

When everyone arrived at their house on their special day, they were greeted with a scene that looked as if it was straight from a Muggle horror movie. Fred, Tilly, George and Tiara were covered in charms that made them appear to be cut open and bleeding on the small front lawn. Molly, Fleur and Tess screamed, but most everyone else knew it was just the twins' twisted sense of humor, especially when they jumped up and yelled 'surprise' before doubling over in laughter. The two sets of twins were the only ones laughing though, as usual.

Ginny remembered to 'borrow' Malachai so William wouldn't fight with his cousins and she was relieved when it worked. Ironically enough, Elizabeth and Eliza ended up having to be separated because they couldn't play together without yelling at each other. Tess explained that ever since she'd told them of her pregnancy, they'd begun to fight more. She didn't know how to handle their change in behavior because they'd always gotten along and was concerned with how they would treat each other after Emma was born. Molly then proceeded to explain how each of her children handled her pregnancies, though Bill insisted that at age five he did not demand to wear diapers like his two brothers had been. Tilly and Tiara assured Tess that they'd spend some time with the girls, since 'twins understood twins', and try to alleviate their frustration towards each other over not being the babies in the family any longer. They had a younger brother and understood the emotional changes that took place.

Bill and Remus became engrossed in a rather lengthy conversation about their work. Bill worked in the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and, with Remus teaching Dangerous Creatures and Spells to Handle Them, they began to compare notes. Remus told him about some newly invented spells that successfully controlled acromantulas, bundimuns and dugbogs better than the old spells had (since there had been quite a few incidents involving them lately). Bill informed him about a new species of Ashwinder recently discovered that no known egg freezing spells would work on and asked Remus if they could collaborate and possibly come up with one they hadn't thought of or perhaps somehow alter an existing one.

All in all, the twins' birthday provided a beautiful, sunny day for the extended Weasley family to get together and engage in the chaos and craziness they'd grown to love.

Ron began to travel more often on the weekends as the Wimbourne Wasps were in the Quidditch playoffs. Considering they'd won eighteen League championships and two semi-finalist Cups in the European division over the years, the team was quite determined to win again, prompting the coach to request Ron's assistance for practice each Saturday before the next game. He didn't play any longer, but often worked with the coach as an assistant. It had been arranged so he could floo to each game, as not to be away from his wife for too long since she was due at any moment. If the Wasps went to the finals, however, Ron would be gone in June for two weeks.

Ginny and Hermione spent quite a bit of time in the library between classes pouring over books about lycanthropy and different phases of the moon. Ginny found a book on child development stages that she thought would be helpful while Hermione discovered one on Wicca that provided detail about moon phases, celebrations and properties for each. They thought that if they could combine the two and adjust his wolfsbane potion accordingly that maybe William's mood swings and aggression could be subdued. The young women showed their findings to Severus and Remus, both of whom were instantly interested in doing more extensive research to see if they could discover an even more effective way to control the affliction's side effects than just brewing the Wolfsbane potion.

Severus approached Ginny with a rough draft of a manuscript he'd titled "Advanced Herbology Theory, founded by Neville Longbottom and written by Severus Snape". He'd told her that when he'd met with Professor Sprout to discuss Neville's research and discoveries, she'd suggested offering a class of the same title to seventh years interested in that field so that they could take Neville's findings and further them. Of course Ginny was thrilled with both and made a special trip to the greenhouse to tell Neville's portrait of the recent developments. He'd voiced his surprise that Severus had taken such initiative, but was quite proud at the same time, thankful that his discoveries would not be lost or abandoned. If all went well, the class would be available next year and the book as well.

William's fifth birthday was the third Saturday of the month. Ginny planned to have a party for him at Hogwarts, but had originally wanted to keep the attendance to friends and family. When Albus heard of her 'low key' plans, he told her that 'children should always have big birthdays' and took it upon himself to plan the child's party.

When Saturday arrived, there were Muggle-like carnival games by the lake for everyone (including huge inflatable water slides and pools that most had never seen before), candy stands scattered about (provided by Honeydukes) and an elder unicorn that happily volunteered rides to William and the other small children in repayment to Albus for healing his family of a terminal illness earlier that year. William was the happiest Ginny had ever seen him and found herself thankful that she hadn't questioned Albus or his plans. It had undoubtedly been his best birthday ever, and William made sure to visit his father's portrait in the greenhouse before succumbing to sleep around seven that night.

When Tess went into labor the following Thursday, Ron was at home, fortunately, and able to take care of everything. He flooed the girls to the Burrow so his mum could watch them and then rushed to St. Mungo's with his wife. Seamus and Parvati were there when they arrived, quickly checking Tess in and settling her in a birthing room. Ron tried to stay with her, but he was more of a nervous wreck than she was, and it prompted her to banish him from her room. Even though she had a cesarean with the twins, Tess was told if there were no complications she could have this one normally and didn't need Ron making something already unbearable even worse. She loved him dearly, but he could be a dithery mother hen at times.

After eight hours of labor, Seamus finally called for Ron just in time for Emma Louise's birth. Ron was relieved that his wife did not need surgery this time, as the last took forever to heal and caused her a few complications, and that she was able to have the baby the traditional way. Much to Ron and Tess' surprise, Emma had a light sheen of dark hair atop her head when the wrapped bundle was placed in her mother's trembling arms. When Ron asked where she got it from, Tess had to remind him that both of her parents had dark brown hair and green eyes while she had blond hair and blue eyes. Hair and eye color genes ran amuck in her family and always had.

A couple weeks later, Ron and Tess had friends and family over to show off their new daughter. Elizabeth and Eliza stayed in their room most of the time while baby Emma made her way through the small crowd, especially fascinating William. He spent quite a bit of time sitting on the couch beside of Tess holding the newborn and asking questions about her. Ginny watched him from a distance and observed how gentle he was with the infant, impressed with his behavior. In a moment that shocked her, she found herself picturing William with a sibling. Had she finally snapped? Was she crazy? She'd always said she was content with one child. Watching her son admire the baby warmed her heart immensely and she found herself wanting to provide that baby brother or sister for him to love and play with. She'd caught Remus' meaningful gaze at one point and had noticed his lifted eyebrow towards her, instantly causing her to blush and look away. Her son was determined to get her in trouble one way or another, but the idea remained with her nonetheless.

To everyone's surprise and delight, Harry showed up to Ron and Tess' home with a blushing Cho by his side. She'd been blushing because Molly had made quick notice of the sparkling diamond on her left hand, essentially making the engagement announcement for them before they'd even had a chance to utter the words. After hands were shaken and hugs given all around, Harry explained that even though it seemed quick, they were very much in love and didn't want to wait any longer than they had to. Later, when he, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were chatting out on the porch, Harry told them of a close encounter with a misaimed and miscast Kedavra that he'd dodged on his last assignment and how it had changed his life. He told his friends that since that incident six months ago, he and Cho had been almost inseparable and that they wanted to be married and start a family as soon as possible. Hermione thought it was interesting that one assignment would change his life so much after everything he went through with Voldemort. Harry explained that somehow he'd felt invincible in school surrounded by his friends and the Order, but that now, usually alone on assignments, the awareness of his own mortality had become much more apparent. And when Harry asked Ron to be his best man, Ginny and Hermione were quite certain it was the only time other than the birth of his children that they'd seen the redhead shed tears.

After the April showers, flowers weren't all the month of May brought. It seemed as if it was nothing more than Quidditch matches and preparing for exams. Ginny spent the majority of her days standing on the field refereeing championship games and sitting at the table in her chamber, pouring over her Quidditch history exam questions. She knew that Severus would scoff that it wasn't much of a class so the exam shouldn't be terribly difficult to pull together, but she'd never done this before. In class, they'd covered quite a bit of material so she wanted to make sure the exam was challenging, but not so difficult that their final grade could be affected. It was an "elective" after all.

Ginny was extremely pleased that her relationship with Remus had progressed to him spending the night once in awhile because, some days, that's the only time she saw him. He'd also become more proactive with taking care of William instead of just 'helping' her. The three of them were quite a happy little family together. Ginny felt as if her life was finally back to some semblance of normal. For all practical purposes, Remus was 'daddy' now for William (though the child would always call him by his first name since he could visit his biological father in the greenhouse) and they got on famously, which made Ginny very happy. She and Remus knew their progressing relationship would eventually force certain issues to the surface, but all they could do was handle situations as they arose.

"Can I ask you something?" Remus said one night after they'd crawled into bed.

"Of course," Ginny replied, pulling the covers up and looking forward to the comfort of the plush mattress under her. It had been a long day.

"Does William still talk about wanting a sibling?"

Ginny sighed as she rolled to her side to face him. "Two nights ago in fact," she answered wearily. "And I keep picturing him holding Emma and how gentle he was with her. He told me that he loves her and wishes he could help take care of her. And you've heard how he goes on about Sabine."

Remus smiled at the sentiment. "Did you and…did you discuss more children after William was born?" he asked carefully. Truth be known, there was a brief time when he'd wanted a child with Tonks, but after her death, he'd been torn over if he wished they'd had one or not. He enjoyed his parental role with William tremendously, but couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have his own, though the lycanthropy always posed an unknown and rather frightening variable in his mind.

"Not really," Ginny answered truthfully. "Maybe in a couple more years we would have talked about it." She paused and remembered a conversation from years previous. "Tonks brought up the subject of children one night. She told me that you two had talked about it."

"Yeah," Remus said quietly. "We did."

Ginny bit her lip before asking, "Did you…try?"

He smirked when he noticed the pink tinge to her cheeks. "Just a couple times," he answered. "We didn't have much time unfortunately." He'd never told anyone, but he'd often wondered if she had been pregnant when she died. The morning of that awful day, Tonks had told him that she was late, but only by a day or two. In actuality, it was probably better that he didn't know for sure, as losing her had been heart wrenching enough.

"I understand," Ginny said gently.

"Do you think you'll ever want another?" he asked quietly, wondering if he should. Given their respective situations, the question begged asking. He just wasn't sure about the timing.

Ginny smiled nervously. "Are we discussing having children together, Remus?" she asked frankly. "I mean, that's quite a heavy topic for pre-slumber conversation." While she did admit to having such thoughts, she was not ready to make a final decision.

He was immediately uncomfortable with the obvious trepidation in her voice. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "It's way too soon for such talk, I know."

Reaching for his hand under the sheet, Ginny reminded him, "It's not like we have to decide tonight. We'll have time."

"I know."

Originally, Ginny had planned to curl up against him and go to sleep after a tiring day on the Quidditch field, but sensing that Remus was closing up from her forthrightness, she changed her thoughts. "Kiss me," she requested, reaching to pull him on top of her.

"I thought you said you were exhausted," he reminded her, cradling her in his arms and wishing he hadn't been so bold to bring up the subject of children.

"I'm entitled to change my mind," she pointed out, beginning to take his shirt off. "Especially when there's such a handsome man in my bed."

No more words about children or otherwise were spoken until morning.

The final championship game of the year was the last Saturday in May. Months of matches had come down to Ravenclaw and Slytherin competing for the cup. It had been years since Ravenclaw had come this far and, since they had never won a championship, they were hungry and determined. The day was sunny and warm, and all of Hogwarts was in attendance, causing the wooden stands to bulge and creak from the extra weight. All of the students were cheering, whistling and waving either Ravenclaw blue or Slytherin green.

At least, that was the last scene that Ginny remembered when she woke up in the hospital wing. When her eyes fluttered open, she slowly turned her head and noticed Remus sleeping in a chair beside the bed.

When she tried to move, searing pain shot through her like a stream of fire setting her body ablaze, causing her to cry out and subsequently wake Remus, who rushed to her side.

"Ginny," he breathed in relief, gently palming her pale freckled cheek. "You're hurt. Try not to move okay, Love?"

She cleared her throat and licked her dry lips. "What happened?" she whispered.

Remus sat on the edge of the bed and reached for her hand. "There was an accident during the match," he began, his voice barely more than a whisper in the darkness around them. "It's difficult to explain. Four of the players collided and lost control. You tried to move out of the way, but they basically landed on top of you. Albus tried to slow their fall, but his magic isn't as strong as it used to be."

Ginny nodded. "How…am I…hurt?"

"There were a few bruises and lacerations that Poppy healed," he answered. "But you also broke a wrist, ankle and a couple ribs."

"Skelegro?" Ginny asked, remembering when Harry took some after Lockhart's botched spell on his forearm years ago.

"We've been waiting for you to regain consciousness," Remus explained. "Poppy set the bones as best she could until you were able to start on the Skelegro. I'll go get her."

"William?"

"He's fine," Remus reassured her. "I'd been staying with him, but he's with Hermione now." He kissed her forehead. "I'll be right back. Don't move."

A few minutes later Remus returned with Poppy who was carrying a bottle of Skelegro. "It's good to see you awake," the elder woman said, reaching for the wrist that wasn't broken to check her pulse. "We were beginning to worry."

"What time…is it?" Ginny asked curiously.

Poppy smiled sleepily. "About three in the morning," she answered, pouring the clear liquid into a small glass. "You've been out for hours."

"Sorry," Ginny mumbled.

"It's quite all right," she assured the redhead. "I'd insisted Remus notify me if you woke before morning." She turned to him and requested,"Could you lift her so she can sit up a bit more?"

Remus slid his arms under her back and knees, carefully shifting her weight against the extra pillows placed behind her back. Poppy sat on the edge of the bed and handed Ginny the glass.

"Drink up," she instructed. "We've got quite a few bones to repair." She turned to Remus again. "Why don't you go back to sleep? She'll be fine."

Remus looked around. "I'll just nap over there," he said, pointing to an empty bed. "If that's okay."

"Of course," Poppy said with a smile, knowing he wasn't likely to leave her side for very long if he didn't have to.

It was late Sunday evening before Ginny was able to return to her chamber. Upon entering, she saw numerous cards and presents from those wishing her a speedy recovery, as well as Hermione, William, Malachai, Ron and her parents there to welcome her back.

"You all are too much," Ginny commented, a little embarrassed at the fuss made over her. "But thank you."

Remus helped her hobble to the couch where William was instantly beside her, his small face red and tearstained. He'd wanted to go see her in the hospital, but wasn't allowed and hadn't been happy about it. "Missed you, Mummy," he said quietly. "You all better now?"

Ginny pulled him into her lap carefully and held him. "I missed you too, Baby," she replied. "I'm fine. Just sore." While the Skelegro had mended her broken bones, Poppy told her it would take a couple more days before she regained full use of her ankle and wrist and before she could stop favoring her ribs.

"Is there anything I can do?" Molly asked, kneeling in front of her daughter and grandson. "Daddy and I brought some food and left it in the fridge."

"Thanks," Ginny said, as William relinquished his grip and sat on the couch beside her. "The food is more than enough."

"You took quite a hit," Ron commented. "Do you remember any of it?"

Ginny shook her head. "Not really," she answered. "I remember the start of the game and that's it."

"You're just as well," Hermione told her as she picked up Malachai, who was rubbing his eyes and yawning. "It wasn't pretty." She'd tried to put him to bed, but he'd insisted on being there with William when his mother returned.

"So I've heard," Ginny replied.

"Let's go, Mum," Arthur instructed. "She's out of hospital and I'm sure she'd like to relax in quiet. Love you, Gin. Get some rest."

"If you need anything," Molly reminded her with a pointed finger for emphasis. "You send an owl." She kissed her forehead and offered an appreciative smile to Remus. "Make sure she listens to Poppy," she whispered to him, knowing her daughter all too well.

"I'll head out, too," Ron added. "We just wanted to be sure you were all right. Enjoy the brownies. Tess and the girls made them for you."

"Thanks everyone," Ginny told them with a wave as Ron left with his parents to head to the floo in Albus' fireplace, as it was the only one currently in use at Hogwarts.

"Glad you're moving about," Hermione said, heading to the door, cradling a tired Malachai who was nearly asleep already. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Thanks for watching William," Ginny said.

"Anytime," Hermione called out. "We didn't mind a bit."

When it was finally just Remus and William, Ginny sighed and sat back against the couch. "I'm hungry," she announced as her stomach growled its proof.

"Me too," William agreed, looking happier than he had in a couple days.

"You had dinner," Remus reminded him.

"I can eat more," William insisted.

Remus shook his head and smiled, knowing the child's need for food would steadily increase as he grew. "Very well then," he acquiesced. "You two stay here and I will prepare some of the food Molly brought."

"Remus, I can…"

"No, you can't," he corrected with a stern look to tell her this was not up for debate. "Just relax. You'll be up and about soon enough anyway. At least allow me a couple days to dote on you."

Ginny smiled and was thankful he was there with her and William.

Remus made sure Ginny did little more than sit on the couch for the next couple days. Thankfully her flying classes were Tuesday and Thursday so she only missed one of those. Minerva led the Tuesday class in a friendly game of 'catch the snitch' since there was only a handful of gatherings left until the end of school. Quidditch History wasn't until Friday so she didn't have to worry about coverage for that one.

William spent most of his time with her and brought up both Sabine and Emma often. Ginny continually changed the subject, offering to read to him or play his favorite games in the hopes of swaying him from the sensitive topic. Naptimes were spent on the couch with his head in her lap while Remus and she took turns with sections of the Daily Prophet. She hadn't been allowing William naps after his birthday, but thought it would be okay while she took a little time to recuperate. It was a refreshing and peaceful time for all of them.

Wednesday, Remus took William to his class with Albus and then accompanied Ginny to the hospital before heading to his class. After a quick checkup, Poppy cleared Ginny to return to her normal routine.

With only four weeks left of classes, Ginny wasn't sure what to do with so much ample time to herself. Her first years were flying beautifully and didn't require extra assistance outside of class, as they had months ago, and she was finished with the Quidditch History final. After wandering about the quiet halls trying to decide what to do, Ginny headed for the greenhouse.

"How are you feeling, Ginny?" Neville asked when she sat in front of his portrait. "I heard what happened during the Quidditch game."

"I'm fine now," she answered. "I just find myself with absolutely nothing to do today."

Neville laughed. "And it's driving you crazy."

She nodded. "Some things never change I'm afraid."

"How's William?"

Ginny rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Persistent about wanting a sibling actually," she shared. "Little bugger."

Neville wasn't surprised. "He has mentioned that," he told her. "He goes on and on about Emma and Sabine."

"For some reason," Ginny began. "He doesn't pay much attention to Richard."

"Not to bring it up," Neville prefaced. "But I wonder if the male wolf instinct in William views Richard as a threat because he's male too."

Ginny shrugged. "It's possible I guess," she agreed.

They were quiet for a moment until he said, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Neville."

"Have you considered his request?"

Ginny sighed and looked around the greenhouse. It seemed the universe was determined for her to have another child. William's birth had not been pleasant and she hadn't forgotten that, contrary to the women that had told her she would. He hadn't been a baby in a long time either. Was she ready for endless diapers and bottles for the next couple years or so? Even though both William's and Remus' condition was under control, was it even safe for her to bring another into the mix now? It was assumed lycanthropy could not be passed genetically, but she wasn't sure if that had been proven or not. There were so many questions.

"Remus will not be getting any younger," Neville continued. "Children are to be enjoyed. If you wait too long, he won't be able to." He paused. "Does he not want a child?"

"Apparently he and Tonks started trying just before she was killed," Ginny explained. "I think he might still be open to the possibility. I'm not real sure to be quite honest."

"I see," Neville said with is usual serene smile. "And what about you, Love?"

Ginny picked a leaf off of a nearby gurdyroot plant and rubbed it between the pads of her thumb and index finger. "I don't know," she answered. "With the two of them dealing with lycanthropy and our age difference, it makes that decision a little more complicated."

"I can't argue that," he agreed. "Speaking of, William mentioned the other day that you and Hermione have been trying to find 'wolf medicine to make him feel better', as he put it."

"We thought we might be able to find something somewhere that could ease William's aggression," Ginny explained. "And we did find an herb that Muggles use to ease anxiety called chamomile. Hermione said her mother would fix chamomile tea to calm her when she was little and had a nightmare."

"My grandmother believed chamomile and lavender could fix everything," Neville added. "Did you tell Severus? He should be able to take the capitula of the flower and mix it with moonstone and hellebore syrup for an adjusted Draught of Peace. Perhaps it would be a more child friendly version that wouldn't make William feel sleepy." While it worked with little side effect for adults, it tended to make children very tired and sluggish.

Ginny was beaming. "Neville, that's a wonderful idea!" she exclaimed. "I'll mention it to Hermione and see what she says." She paused. "That's just another thing I miss about you. You were always so clever."

Neville smiled at her compliment. "Now, now," he said. "No dwelling on the past. I'm just glad my portrait is still around to toss out an idea now and then. If I think of anything else, I'll tell William to send you."

"He still visits often, doesn't he?"

"At least a couple times a week," he answered. "Minerva or Albus usually comes with him after his class."

"I'm glad to hear that," Ginny said. "Speaking of our son, I'd better go get him from Albus."

"Send my love."

"Always."

The next day, Ginny hesitantly entered Minerva's classroom just after her second year transfiguration class had exited. She momentarily thought to herself how small the children looked and remembered the room feeling bigger than it was. Time certainly altered perceptions.

"Hello, Ginny," Minerva greeted casually since no students were around. "Are you feeling better?"

The younger woman smiled. "All better," she told her former teacher. "Poppy is amazing, as always." She paused and watched as Minerva gathered items from class and organized them on her desk. "Um…can I talk to you for a minute?"

Minerva looked over the rim of her square rimmed glasses and noticed the pensive expression on Ginny's face. "Of course," she answered, forgetting about the papers from class. "What's on your mind?"

"You mentioned a few months ago that you'd had two miscarriages," Ginny said quietly. "Forgive me if this is too personal, but how did that affect you? And then learning you couldn't have children?"

Minerva sighed and took her glasses off. "I was devastated," she answered honestly. "I was married to a pureblood. I was a pureblood, for crying out loud. It was expected of us to have children and I wanted them desperately. We tried and tried. The last miscarriage was the straw that broke the centaurs back. I had multiple magical tests performed to check my fertility and the result ended my marriage."

"Did they test him as well?"

"Yes, but he was fine, of course," she answered. "He remarried less than a year after our divorce and fathered five children."

"Oh." Ginny looked down at her lap and asked, "If you could have had children, would you have regretted not trying with Albus when you came back to Hogwarts?"

Minerva eyed the young woman and suspected she knew where these questions were coming from. "Without a doubt," she answered quickly. "I love Albus. Raising children together would have been the greatest gift I could have ever asked for." She paused and smiled sweetly. "Ginny, have you and Remus been discussing having a child?"

The redhead looked into the wise green eyes offering concern and nodded.

"I assume those discussions haven't been going well."

Ginny shook her head. "No they haven't," she agreed. "We're both scared to death of what would happen. No one knows if a werewolf can even impregnate a human or if the baby will be free from lycanthropy. I suggested we let nature decide, but I don't think he's willing to try that." She shook her head. "I don't know what to do."

"Do you want to have a child with him?"

"It's so complicated," Ginny answered wearily. "He and Tonks tried before she died so at one point he was willing. After Neville's death, I didn't give it a second thought. Watching William with Emma and Sabine is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. He's loving and caring and so gentle with them. I can't help but want to watch him with his own baby brother or sister. And Remus…he's got so much love to give. After watching him with William, I know he'd make an extraordinary father." She paused. "I guess my answer is I'm willing to take the chance and try."

"And he isn't willing to take the same chance."

"No, because he's terrified of what the baby's condition will be when it's born," Ginny confirmed. "Which I understand. But it's either we take that chance or give up. There are just no other options."

"I see," Minerva said with a knowing smile, assuming one option hadn't been considered. "Have you discussed adopting?" She immediately noticed the blank expression on Ginny's face and knew it hadn't been brought up. "I know the two of you would like a child that is a part of each of you, but if you truly want to be parents, it shouldn't matter whose child it is. He or she wouldn't be either of yours biologically so, in one sense, it would place both of you on the same side and the fear of the unknown would be irrelevant."

Why hadn't Ginny thought of that before? "That option hadn't crossed our minds," she admitted. "Yes we'd like ours, of course, but I know I'd certainly be open to adopting a child that didn't have a home."

"Do you think Remus would be willing to consider it?"

Ginny shrugged. "I don't know," she answered. "But I can mention it and see what he says."

As she headed to Hermione's to pick up William, Ginny mulled over Minerva's words. She preferred to try with Remus first, but at least they could fall back on adopting if they came to an impasse about a biological child. It renewed her hope that had all but been extinguished.

"My, aren't you amorous tonight," Remus commented when the tip of Ginny's tongue darted playfully into his ear as they lay in bed. "And I like it." He had no problem being the aggressor sexually because, after all, it came naturally to him. But occasionally, being attacked was fun too.

"You'd better like it," Ginny teased and continued her assault, moving to his neck and nipping the sensitive skin there with her teeth just enough to cause his hips to grind against her in response. "Besides, how else can I get pregnant?"

Remus' eyes enlarged as his body froze for just a moment. "What?" he asked, gently pushing on her shoulders until he could see her face. "Did you just say pregnant?" Where had that come from? It had been over a month since their last conversation about children and they had not come to any kind of decision.

Ginny knew she was blushing as she gazed into his pale blue eyes. "I did," she answered, anxious as to his reaction. She hadn't been sure how to bring up the subject, but thought this way might be as good as any.

Remus sat up against the pillows and ran a scarred hand through his slightly graying, tousled hair. He wasn't sure what to say. He knew this subject had been touchy between them and that neither was completely sure of what they wanted regarding the matter. "So you've decided we should have a child?" he asked incredulously. "Just like that?"

"I know there are a lot of factors to consider," Ginny prefaced, sitting beside him. "But I also know that I love you and my son loves you. You stepped into our shattered world and somehow managed to put most of it together again. You have so much love to give, Remus, and I think it would be a horrible injustice for that love to never be given to a child of yours." She'd been doing a lot of thinking and observing lately and had come to a conclusion that they should try. She didn't want either of them to have regrets later down the road. The talk with Minerva really got her attention, as well, especially since the teacher pointed out another option to consider.

"But like you just said," he countered. "I love William. I treat him as my own."

"I know you do," Ginny agreed. "But you don't see a reflection of yourself when you look at him. It does create a different dynamic when you see your eyes staring back at you, not to mention the bond we'd share from creating a life together. There's nothing else like it."

Remus looked down at his hands resting on his lap. "What about my problem? And his?" he worried. "That could be very unsafe for a baby, assuming it won't already be affected genetically by me."

"When was the last time you transformed?"

Remus blinked and tried to think when it was. "The year Sirius escaped from Azkaban," he answered, wishing for the millionth time that he could forget about that devastating evening.

"And how many years ago was that?"

"Over ten."

"And how long before that one?"

"Maybe fifteen."

"So it doesn't happen very often," Ginny concluded.

"But it only takes one time to ruin everything," he argued. "Gin, I couldn't live if I –"

"Are you saying you don't want a child then?"

"I might not be able to impregnate you anyway since my DNA has been altered," he pointed out. "There hasn't been any definitive – "

"Good grief, Remus," Ginny exclaimed, not hiding the exasperation in her voice. "Stop using your lycanthropy as an excuse for everything!"

"I'm not using it an excuse, Ginny!" he argued, his voice rising to match hers. "It's a cruel fact that has to be taken into consideration for every single facet of my life." He paused to briefly lift his face toward the ceiling. "You've no idea the horrors, Gin. No idea."

She looked away, knowing his words were truth and hating it. He did use it as an excuse, but it was also something horribly serious that did need to be considered. It was a difficult situation; there was no doubt about it. But what else could they do? There was only one true way to get the answers they needed. "Then I guess we can let nature decide for us," she suggested, almost wishing she hadn't brought it up. "We can try and see what happens. If I don't get pregnant, then I guess we'll have our answer."

He crossed his arms and looked at her as if she'd just suggested they eat handfuls of alihotsy for the fun of it. "I think we need to discuss this a bit more at length before leaving something as risky as bringing a child into our world up to something as heartless as fate," Remus snipped, his tone bitter.

"Who said fate was heartless?" Ginny countered, alarmed by the callousness in his voice. He never spoke to her like that. Maybe they just needed to forget about it. It was beginning to be more trouble than it was worth.

"It brought me a bite from a bloody werewolf when I was just a child," Remus harshly reminded her, not bothering to hide the derision he felt. "Forgive me if I don't embrace it happily."

Ginny bit her lip to stave off tears that wanted to fill her eyes. "Fate also brought me to you," she reminded him. Shouldn't that count for something?

"Thanks to another bloody werewolf attack," he spat, wishing he could eradicate them all from existence. The world would be better off.

They sat in silence for a few moments, both lost in their thoughts and consumed by conflicting emotions. Ginny couldn't imagine what it was like to be afflicted and be forced to deal with the obvious danger associated with it, but she was tired of arguing about it. Remus had ignored his deep seated anger and fear for so long that it was becoming increasingly evident and difficult to manage.

"Fine. We won't ever try for a child then," Ginny stated, sliding under the covers and pulling them over her as she turned away from him. "But if you ever regret it, you'd be wise to keep it to yourself. Good night." She was emotionally drained by the seemingly never ending questions and excuses and was ready to give up completely. She didn't even bother to suggest adopting. He'd probably come up with a lame excuse as to why that wasn't a good idea either and, quite honestly, she didn't want to hear it.

Remus remained sitting in the dark for some time, reminiscing over the talks he'd had with Tonks about children, who'd made the same arguments Ginny was. Without someone suffering from this condition, they just couldn't fully understand the danger and concern that needed to be addressed and the immeasurable trepidation that went with it. Perhaps he just didn't have the nerve to try anymore.

It was a long time before either fell asleep.

Just FYI, let's pretend that chamomile wasn't prevalent in the wizarding world. Also just a reminder, the Wolfsbane potion prevents transformations in my story. Alihotsy; eating the leaves causes hysteria.