Bill started spending time every day with Harry when he was done work, now he knew where Harry was, and did not have to track him down as before. Harry had been fine with him coming, more than that, he was grateful for the company as well. Severus ended up spending late afternoons doing potions, so Harry was only alone for a bit after lunch before Bill or Draco were off work. The company was good for Harry, and knowing Hermione knew the truth, helped ease Harry.
The day before Harry's ultrasound Bill got off early and decided to come over sooner, and smiled when he saw Harry. Harry was on the swing, and with his shirt untucked, had his hand on his bare belly. Harry still had his quidditch abs, but he knew Harry was picturing in a few months, when he began to round.
Harry was surprised when he sat down and went to remove his hand. "I wasn't expecting you for another hour or so."
Bill put his hand where Harry's had been. "I thought since I was off early, I would cook for you and the little one."
When Harry smirked at him, reminding Bill he wanted his baby, Bill assured him his mother had taught them all how to cook. Well he and Percy were the only ones who had any skill for it, no where near Molly's level, but he would neither poison nor starve Harry and the baby. He had been living on his own for years, and never had elves, so it was cheaper to learn how to cook, than always eat out. When he assured Harry he had enough food for the other two, Harry agreed.
Bill summoned an apron. "I will need a sous chef of course; don't think you're going to sit pretty while I do all the work."
Harry laughed. "I do have house elves, but you never know when Kreacher will have a spell. But the other two will do the dishes."
Leading Harry inside, Bill more then agreed, though he laughed at the thought of Severus and Draco, washing dishes. Harry went to work on the salad for Bill, for he played the I don't cook card, and knowing how Harry did in potions, Bill thought it was likely safer. Bill did not cook with the aid of magic as his mom did, he found he never quite mastered the charms too well, and preferred manual. Severus and Draco had seen them, and seeing Harry relaxed, had left them in peace.
When they did come in Severus looked at the food. "Should I be concerned? I remember how well Harry did in a potions lab."
Bill shook his head as Harry tried to look hurt at the comment. "You may have some oddly shaped vegetables, nothing else. Harry made the salad."
Though the pasta dish may not have been as good as Molly, though her son did it all the muggle way, Bill was told he could cook for them again. Kreacher was loyal, he served Harry well, not like Sirius, but he did have his moments. He had gone a bit mad alone in a house with a mad painting, but with a master he now respected, he was getting better, and was happy to be here, the bad spells rare. When they were, it would not hurt to have someone who could cook.
Draco thought of something over dessert."Hey, I thought you used to have to cook for your relatives for years? You told me about the dinner parties."
Bill turned on Harry. "Excuse me, Mr I barely know how to boil water, what was that?"
Shrugging, Harry could not deny while he may not have been good at potions, he could cook. The tasks in potions were more complicated then cooking, and could be messed up easier, besides he always got nervous, Severus breathing down his neck. He had the same problem, when his Aunt had watched his every move.
As the other two took the dishes, agreeing to clean up Bill shook his head. "And you let me go on like a fool, trying to teach you."
Harry laughed and shrugged his shoulders."I actually had fun. Maybe we could cook again, properly this time, together."
Leading Harry onto the patio to get away from the other two, Bill could not deny he had fun too, and would be happy to cook with Harry again. Bill blushed when Harry asked if ever cooked for Fleur, and said he had been worried his mother would realize he could cook. He was always happy for her cooking.
Harry was growing tired so Bill took his leave but reminded him. "You'll need your rest. The twins will be here tomorrow for your ultrasound."
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Harry was excited for the exam, he had not been sure he wanted the baby before the scare, but was growing excited since then. Severus and Draco were even a bit excited, and they were taking bets, Harry out numbered three to one, in his belief it was a boy. The other three were sure it was a girl, even with the Weasley history. Harry had to laugh at the thought of Draco and Severus with pink and dolls, but he knew the would, for they considered the baby to be family.
Fred came into the exam room ahead of his twin and soon had Harry in a bear hug."We missed you little brother. You know we don't blame you."
George nodded and claimed him. "That bastard is no brother of ours. You know you can count on us for anything. You and our little niece down there."
When Harry made a comment about not them to, Draco explained Harry was the only one who thought it was a boy, the rest were sure about pink. Harry would have been happy for a little girl; he could picture one with his eyes, but reminded them Ginny was the first female Weasley in a hundred years.
George handed Harry a pink monkey. "Well then we're bound for more soon. Don't worry I know a spell to change color, but I know it won't be needed."
Fred looked at his companions. "But I am not sure of your choice of grandfather for her. I am not sure he would know one end of a dress from the other."
As the healer came in and began the test, Draco tended to agree, but he and his Uncle would learn. They knew there was a chance now the Weasleys knew, Harry would move out sooner or later, but they would continue to be a part of the baby's life. Harry had come to them, not only because of Ron, but mourning his dad, and what ever came, they had become a family. Harry was relieved when the baby was shown on the image, and he was told the baby was healthy.
The healer smiled when they asked the gender. "Paternal instinct if often right but not this time it seems. You're expecting a little girl."
Harry was in tears when he was given a copy, and his clothes returned. "A little girl."
The others smiled and laughed, assuring Harry they would not hold it over his head, and now they could really work on the nursery. Harry confirmed even with the Weasleys knowing about Ron, he was not heading home any time soon, and the nursery would be needed. The twins came to the house for lunch and to spend time wit their little brother, happy to see their gift in the nursery, and to see Harry was cared for.
George hugged him. "We promise we won't tell mum or the others till you're ready. But you know we will be coming to visit all of the time."