Ginny finished her last quidditch article before winter break, Ron would be upset with her prediction that the cannons would end up in last place again this season. It sure was nice to be sitting on a beach writing her article!
George and Angie had insisted that every one join them on their new tropical island for Christmas. The children, and most of the adults would get to stay for two whole months. Unfortunately Harry and Ron would have to return to the MOM on January 3rd. Ginny would be back and forth, reporting on quidditch matches.
Kingsley had insisted Percy, Hermione and Arthur take the two months off and had set up special apparition points for Ginny, Harry and Ron so they could spend at least the weekends on the island. Two weeks before Christmas Molly, Andromeda and Arthur had shooed "the young people" off to spend a week at a nearby resort, while they spoil….um…watched the children.
The week was heavenly. Each of them had their own secluded hut on the beach. They spent the warm windswept days doing what married couples who are in love do. Each night they all met at the main lodge and feasted on fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. Charlie showed up each night with a different beautiful lady on his arm. Apparently he was the most popular bachelor on the beach. Five very contented couples and one very tired bachelor returned to the family at the end of that week and insisted that Andy, Molly and Arthur spend a week at the resort too.
Molly and Arthur enjoyed their secluded hut also, just not as often as their children had. Molly and Andromeda made full use of the island's spa. Arthur would spend the time when the two women he thought of as "his girls" were being pampered, reading sitting under the shade of a palm tree. Evenings found them dancing under the stars to the wonderful band that played after dinner. Arthur would start the night taking turns dancing with first Molly then Andy. Soon each night Andy was being whirled around the floor by a succession of handsome older men. Many a heart she broke when asked if they could come back to her hut.
Harry was enjoying a moonlight fly over George's new island. He had not been this relaxed in years. The aches and pains from his latest run in with a nasty spell had been washed away by the warm waters and soft breezes. He was thinking about George's plans for the island. George wanted to grow plants needed for potions and products for WWW on the island and decided that a family vacation was a good time to scout the island and decide the best use of the land.
He also wanted Hermione's help. He had decided that he wanted a safe place for werewolves. Remus had been a good friend to him and Fred, encouraging them to work against Voldemort and insisting to the Order that they were old enough to join. George thought that if he hired werewolves to run the island that they could make a safe place for them to transform each month. Werewolves had a hard time finding work. Here they could earn a good living and have a chance at a decent life.
He had interviewed witches and wizards that shared his enlightened view of werewolves and wanted to hire a few to work along side the werewolves and as protection for them during the full moon. George knew it would be easy for someone of evil intent to sneak on the island during a full moon and harm his workers.
Harry didn't know it, we living beings are so unaware at times, but there were two others beings looking over George's island. "Remus I do believe he will pull this off! Just think a safe place where werewolves can earn a steady wage and live without fear!"
Tonks smiled at the red head floating along between Lupin and herself, "Fred your brother is making you proud. He is living his life for two. And look how good he is with the children! Victoire has him wrapped around her finger! And he spoils Teddy worse than anyone else!"
Fred smiled his delicious crooked smile, "I like the looks of Freddy two, he looks like he might just raise as much ruckus as I did! James may be a wee one but he has that gleam in his eye! They very well could be the next terrible two to hit Hogwarts!"
Remus laughed, "Don't let Sirius or James hear you say that! They'll be down there whispering ideas in the boy's ears!"
Ron, Harry, Ginny and Charlie had to leave the next morning. Hermione had insisted that Ginny leave James with her on the island. "After all I'm his godmother! I'll take care of him and he will do so much better here where it is warm instead of back home in the wet and cold. Besides you'll both be busy." So James was staying. Ginny had a sneaking suspicion that Hermione knew that Harry, Ginny and Ron would work twice as hard to get back to the island with the baby there.
Kreacher was having a wonderful time on the island, Mo;;y and Andi would not let him do all the cooking or cleaning, just enough to let him feel useful and needed. Sitting in the warm sand as the waves lapped on to the beach, keeping a steady eye on Victoire and Teddy was his main "job". He loved this later part of his life, a master that truly cared for him, a family that thought of him as an equal member and children to watch grow, this was the life he loved.
Ron was James' godfather and had taken the role seriously. He was besotted by the baby. He would beg at least once a week for the right to watch James at his and Hermione's flat. He would sit with James on his lap and explain quidditch as they watched it on the Wizarding Cable-less Television channels. Yup Lee Jordan had finally succeeded in launching his idea. Thanks in part to money invested by every Weasley family, Harry and Ginny too. Of course quidditch network was Ron's favorite. Lee was a wonderful sports announcer.
Harry had managed to talk his boss in to Mondays off. Ron had to train on Mondays so Harry stayed on the island an extra day each weekend. He had to laugh at the amount of paperwork he was taking to and from a "vacationing" Hermione. He knew she was never truly as relaxed as when she was tackling some problem.
Ginny popped back after every quidditch match she covered. The time change was really messing her up! She was nauseated and not hungry most of the time. But to be able to spend time in the islands beautiful setting was worth the bother. But all good things must come to an end. They had one last bonfire on the beach. The children were all asleep in two hammocks.
James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, Tonks, Ted and Fred were looking down on their loved ones. "So Ted want to take a bet on when the girls will figure out they all got pregnant the same week?"
Tonks hit Fred on the arm. "You don't bet on babies! It's just wrong!"
James and Sirius laughed. Ducking out of Lily's reach James said I'll take that bet! I say two months from now."
Sirius chimed in with; " I say 5 weeks!"
Lily and Tonks just shook their heads as they all disappeared.
A couple of months later:
Sunday at the Burrow, surrounded by family and friends, what could be better. Harry settled back in the couch and shifted so he could continue to play wizard's chess and not drop James who was sleeping on his chest. Ron was beating him soundly. To be fair Harry's mind was only half on the game.
Teddy and Victoire were behind Arthur's chair in the corner They had set up one of their stadiums and were in the "playoffs" for what Victoire called the world ultimate quidditch cup! Bill said she was as smart as her mum and her Aunt Hermione put together. Harry figured the world better watch out, that much book smarts and common sense would be a force to be reckoned with!
2 year old Freddy and 18 month old Dominique were sitting beside Victoire and Teddy who were patently explaining quidditch and it's positions. The toddlers had been quietly watching for over an hour. Harry suspected that it was a combination of the inborn Weasley love of the game and the older children's obvious love for the younger ones.
Molly Weasley, Percy and Audrey's almost one year old, had been watching but had fallen asleep with her head in Teddy's lap. Teddy effortlessly continued his quidditch match without disturbing her. She looked angelic with her reddish brown curls falling over her eyes and a thumb dangling from her mouth.
Today was special, they were celebrating Arthur's birthday, tomorrow he would be 56. There had been a steady stream of visitors all afternoon. Most had brought Arthur some muggle contraption as a present and he was over the moon. Molly and Kreacher had kept a buffet of deserts on the kitchen table. For two individuals who hated each other just around a decade ago, they had grown to love and respect each other. Molly saw the undying love and devotion Kreacher had to Harry, Ginny and James, Kreacher saw a Mum who had the same devotion in her heart for all those she loved. On a deep level they understood each other.
Luna had breezed in with a carburetor from an American car as a present for Arthur. Her dad Xeno had passed away suddenly last fall and Arthur had taken her under his wing and was helping her through her grief. Rolf had asked Arthur if they could have a private talk and when the three of them had returned Luna was wearing a sparkling sapphire ring on her left hand. Molly, Ginny, Hermione and Luna were now upstairs in Ginny's old room looking over bridal dress patterns.
Neville and Hannah had stopped by. They had brought Arthur an electric can opener. The Leaky caldron was doing a booming business. Hannah had cleaned up the premises and it's reputation. Hannah knew they were having a private "family" party later so she had also brought a cauldron of her famous cock-a-leaky soup. It served with Molly's crusty warm white bread was heaven in your mouth!
Kingsley had joined them briefly, his wife was expecting any day now so he did not want to be far from her side for long. He knew Molly wanted no part of anything electric so he had arraigned for solar panels to be installed on the roof of the garage. There Arthur could tinker with his electric toys to his hearts content.
Harry loved and admired his father-in-law. Arthur was well respected and even loved by his friends and colleges. Harry thought that Arthur was the kind of man that every male should strive to be. He often caught himself thinking "what would Arthur do?" when dealing with his colleges at work. He knew that Hermione and Percy visited Arthur's office as much as he did for advice and to talk things out.
Ginny was only half listening to the conversations around her. Looking at bridal fashions had made her remember the sweet and touching moments with her Dad during her wedding. Harry often said he hoped to be half the man her dad was. In her opinion Harry was more than half! He parented James and Teddy just like her dad had parented her and her brothers. Firm when needed but preferring to guide gently.
Her dad had a heart that knew no boundaries. Look at Luna, she had been devastated when her dad had died. Arthur had stepped right in and, without being pushy, gave her a safe person to talk to. He had helped her and Rolf make all the arraignments and guided them through the legal process too. How much she thought of him and his opinion was evident today when Rolf had asked for his blessing to marry Luna. Ginny was happy for her friend. Rolf was a sturdy influence on Luna who kept her from drifting off on flights of fancy. Luna had opened up a world full of color and possibilities for Rolf. They were a perfect fit.
It was later that evening. The family was sitting around the big table in the kitchen. The littlest ones had been put to sleep, snuggled like puppies on Arthur and Molly's bed. Teddy and Victoire were trying bravely to keep their eyes open. Percy stood up with his glass of pumpkin juice. "Dad I want to say just a little bit."
George faked a moan. "Oh no somebody stop him if Percy gets started Dad will never open up his gifts from us!"
Percy, very un Percy like, turned to his younger brother and stuck his tongue out! Ron laughed so hard pumpkin juice flew out of his nose. George, who had Victoire, his god daughter, on his lap gave a mock salute to his older brother and said pompously; "Carry on dear sir!"
"Dad this is for you, but" Percy turned to include everyone in the room, "it is for all of you too. I know we don't talk about the dark times when I wasn't here for the family." Molly made a dismissive motion. Percy held up his hand to her. "No mum this is something I've needed to say for a long time, please let me. Dad I said some harsh things to you before I left. I was wrong. You are the man every one of us should strive to be. I see now, that I have Audrey and Molly why you put us, your family first. I also understand the principles that you have always lived your life for. I admire them and the fact you never strayed from them. I want that strength of conviction. I messed up in the first part of my life, thought success was measured in gold and position. You have taught me and now I know that success is this," He motioned to the family sitting around the table. "people who love you and are loved by you. Let us raise our glasses to Arthur Weasley the most successful man I know!"
"Hear! Hear!"
"Well said!"
Molly stood and hugged the man her son had become. Arthur stood and offered him his hand. Charlie, who had been the longest to forgive Percy his betrayal, hugged his little brother tight. Ginny kissed his cheek, tears streaming down her cheek. Ron slapped him on the back and George motioned for silence.
"Percy you may not know it but you are becoming the man you want to be. You have been for a while. After Fred died you never wavered. You quietly and efficiently did those things we each needed you to do. You moved back in with mum and Dad to give mum somebody to fuss over. You traveled to and from work each day with dad and gave him somebody to talk with. You would show up at the shop and make me go out and eat, you gave me back a life to live. You wrote to Charlie, even when he would not write back, you gave him a chance to forgive. You held Bill when he cried. You gave him a chance just to grieve and not be the strong big brother. You were at every game Ginny played. You gave her a chance to shine. You constantly told Ron how much you admired his work at WWW, and when he left for auror training you were the first to tell him you knew he could do it. You championed Harry at the MOM, those that would say he was only there because of his fame you set straight, you gave him a chance for as normal a life as he can have. Percy you are becoming dad. Lets raise our glasses again to Arthur Weasley and his son Percy Weasley!"
Hermione and Fleur wisely Accinoed boxes of tissues for everyone. When all had settled down Andromeda stood up.
"Arthur, since we are all being so serious, I'd like to add my thanks. If it were not for you, Teddy would not have a Grandfather to love. After that horrible year when we lost so many, you and Molly, even in your time of grief, reached out to us and made us a part of your family. To Arthur who I am proud to call my friend!"
Arthur stood, tears streaming down his cheeks, "My dear family I am a rich man. To love and be loved by such as you is wealth beyond measure. Thank you!"
Molly stood, wiping her eyes on her apron, "enough of this seriousness! Let's let him open his gifts! Teddy why don't you give Grandpa Arthur his gifts?"
Teddy jumped down and ran to the pile of gifts waiting by the fire.
"Grandpa this one is from Grandma Andy and me" Teddy had sat one day on the beach with Arthur, when they had all been on the island. While they enjoyed the breezes Teddy had sketched Arthur in his shorts and big floppy sun hat. Teddy had a wonderful talent, even at his young age and Andy had framed the sketch. "Grandpa turn it over there's a note!" in Teddy's childish scrawl was written " For my Grandpa Arthur who I love very much!"
Arthur hugged teddy and stood up. "This deserves a place of honor!" He strode over to the mantle and placed in in pride of place.
Victoire whispered in Teddy's ear and pointed to a clumsily wrapped package covered in spell-o-tape and bows. "Grandpa this is from Victoire and Dominique." Arthur opened the package to find a frame covered in sea shells and a picture of all his grandchildren on the beach.
"Well I know where this is going!" he said as he hugged Victoire. "Won't everybody be jealous when they visit my office and see what fine grandchildren I have!"
George and Angie gave him a weathered sign made of driftwood that had "Dad's Den" carved in it. Freddy had helped paint the wood in bright primary colors. "It's for the door of the garage!" Said Angie. And they gave him more stock in WWW.
Audrey had make a mold of Arthur holding little Molly's hand and had it cast in resin for his desk. Bill and Fleur had gotten him a big barrel bar-b-que like the ones he had admire on the island.
Ginny and Harry had collected an album of James and his grandpa and put "Arthur's brag book" on the front. Ginny said: Look dad it has room for pictures of all the other grandkids too!"
Ron and Hermione had gotten him a deluxe bar-b- que cooking equipment set that included an apron that said "Kiss the Cook". Arthur put the apron on immediately and ran to Molly for a kiss.
Bill stood and quieted the laughter. Dad Fleur and I have one more gift for you." Fleur stood smiling beside him.
"Papa you weel need to add zum more pages to zat album we are having a bebe!"
Molly and Arthur rushed to hug them both. Bill was a little annoyed that all his siblings except Charlie were laughing.
Percy stood up and said; "Well it may not be original but Mum, Dad, we're having a baby too!"
George fell out of his chair laughing. Angie stepped over her husband to announce "So are we!"
Ron and Hermione looked at each other and said as one "So are we!"
Ginny and Harry stood and Harry said: "I know what all you were doing on the island! That's OK we're having another one too!"
Molly had to be given a strong cup of tea. Arthur was beaming. Andi soon figured out that all the ladies were due on or near the same date. She grinned, "Wait till the Prophet hears about this! George they'll be hailing your little island as a fertility clinic!"
James Potter the first was dancing around the kitchen, unseen by the celebrants there. Fred one was laughing at his antics.
Sirius was saying: "OK, OK don't rub it in! You guessed right! Two months!"
James jumped up, fist in the air "Waa hoo I get to whisper in little Freddy's ear!"
Remus looked at his friends and shook his head. "You know if you tell him to do anything dangerous Dora and Lily will kill you all over again don't you?"