12th August 1995
While Harry was at the Ministry undergoing what was his second trial, the occupants of 12, Grimmauld Place were gathered into groups under the watchful of eye of Molly Weasley in an effort to clean up the living room. Funnily enough the owner of the house Sirius Black was also roped in by the Weasley matriarch to observe and watch over the cleaners. He was not doing a good job, if one may say so, as the twins were goofing around, Ron was complaining about forcing him to do the chores every single day since they got here and how some were totally discounted from the cleaning - such as his elder brothers, Bill and Charlie. In fact, Hermione was the only one meticulous in her work, tuning out whatever that was going on in the background, having years of experience in the same.
A bang sounded and Molly bustled into the room to take an overview whether her instructions were carried out to the word. She was however disgruntled that they were not. She then proceeded on to berate her twin sons and her youngest son to stop fooling around and do the cleaning properly. Sirius too was not saved from her admonishment, as he was chastised for not making the others behave properly. She was about to continue with her cooking, when she caught her daughter, oblivious to everyone, using magic to clean the room.
"You can't just keep waving your wand around!" Molly exclaimed as she stood over the form of her daughter. "In case you haven't forgotten, young lady, you are still underage and shouldn't be doing magic! Now stop being lazy and use some elbow grease, for goodness sake!"
Ginny placed her hands on her hips in a mirror image of her mother. The rest of the room's occupants - Fred, George, Ron, Hermione and Sirius - watched wearily as the two Weasley women squared off against one another.
When Ginny spoke, her words came out in a clipped way, "For one thing, mother, I may be underage physically, but I am actually much older than that!"
"I do not care how old you are in your head, Ginevra! The fact of the matter is that at the moment you are not of age, especially in the eyes of the Ministry! I do not care about your mind, you are physically underage and you will stop using that as an excuse!" She scolded Ginny as she narrowed her eyes. It seemed that her daughter and Harry were keen to point out that they were mentally older than they seemed, and Molly for one was sick of it being used as a get out of jail card. If they were as adult as they said they were, then they should accept that they have to get used to the fact that they were still children for the time being and have to abide by the rules.
"It's not like the Ministry is going to find out anyway!" Ginny scoffed. "In case you had forgotten, this house is under the Fidelius charm! That means that the Ministry cannot track the magic that happens here. Plus, I am living in a house that is constantly full of fully qualified wizards! And as for the fact that I should use elbow grease and shouldn't be so lazy, I am pregnant mother! I know that doesn't mean I can use my wand for every little thing, but I'd rather use my wand to clean than to hurt my back scrubbing and inhaling possibly harmful fumes that could affect my baby!" she argued back to her mother before she turned around and went on with her work.
Nobody said anything for a moment as they all watched Molly's mouth open and close like a fish. She wouldn't admit it aloud, but Molly was actually quite proud that her daughter was consciously thinking about the things that could potentially harm her child and so she decided that she would let the issue slide... for now.
"Excellent!" Fred said with a grin as he fished his wand out of the back pocket of his jeans. "Now we can just wave our wands and -"
"Don't even think about it Frederick Weasley!" Molly snarled at her son.
"What? Ginny can -" He and George immediately began to protest, outrage etched on their faces. However, mother Weasley was not quite finished with her anger yet.
"Just because you are of age doesn't mean you have to whip out your wands for every little thing!" Her voice steadily rose as she waggled her finger at her children. "A bit of hard work never hurt anyone, so I'm sure you'll live! Besides, Ginny is pregnant and we need to make sure she is as healthy and comfortable as possible!"
She fixed them all with a stern look. Hermione quietly got back to work scrubbing a skirting board as the boys all gaped at each other.
The doorbell rang, which was the cue for Sirius's mother to start shrieking again, and the visitor revealed himself to be Remus Lupin, who shuffled into the room looking haggard and tired. He greeted the others and sank onto the sofa in the living room. Questions about his appearance were waved off, as Molly brought him a cup of tea, which he gulped down.
"It's taking ages to decontaminate this room," moaned Ron.
"It took the four of us," Ginny pointed at herself, Ron and Hermione, "including Harry and then a hired decorator to renovate the house from top to bottom. Kreacher was a bit reluctant at first. But he came around." She recollected the days spent by the four of them labouring away to make the house inherited by Harry to make it habitable.
"You don't still live here in the future, do you?" asked the current owner of the house, unable to keep his disdain out of his tone. This Noble and Most Ancient House of Black was certainly not a good place for married couples.
"No. But we did live here until we got married. When we got engaged, Harry and I bought a house in Canterbury," came the nonchalant answer. The Weasleys, including Molly, showcased their reactions by raising their eyebrows.
"I didn't know there was a wizarding community in Canterbury," said Sirius.
"Oh, there isn't. We live just outside a Muggle town."
"Don't tell Dad. He will talk your ear off by asking weird questions," said Ron, being well aware of how the topic would go if his father caught word of them living among the Muggles.
His sister gave a laugh, "He already does. I had to take lessons from Harry on how to be a Muggle." She explained further, "Harry and I spend most of our time in the Muggle world."
"Can't we take a break?" Ron finally snapped and without waiting for a response, he plopped himself down on the sofa.
"Alright, alright. You can take a break now. It's almost time for lunch anyway," relented Molly. The others joined him.
"Harry's still at the Ministry?" Remus asked. He furrowed his eyebrows when the reply came as yes.
Hermione turned to Ginny, who had made herself comfortable on the armchair near the fireplace. "Ginny, is everything going to be alright?"
"Yeah," spoke Sirius in concern, "Please tell me he isn't going to be set up like I was."
Ginny assured all that that was not going to be the case, "I think that is Fudge's plan. But don't worry, Harry knows what's going to happen. The evidence lies on his side."
"We know dear," said her mum. "However, that being known, we can't help but worry. Now with the baby - " she trailed off.
"Mum," Ginny said, "You are alright with this, aren't you? Meaning have you accepted me being married and pregnant?" It was better to have a clear communication now than a explosion of opinions later.
Her mum took a deep breath before she answered, "To be honest Ginny, I am still adjusting to the fact that you and Harry are from the future. I mean, I am so overjoyed that you two found each other. I have seen the way Harry looks at you and it's clear as day that you make him happy. He was practically family anyway and now it's official. As for the baby, I know it's not an ideal situation, with your body being so young. I guess we will have to wait for Madam Pomfrey's diagnosis. But, you have my word and your father's, you both have our support."
Ginny felt tears in her eyes. She hugged her mother. "Thanks mum."
Molly patted her daughter's cheek, "Oh, I just can't believe it, my baby's having a baby!"
"Oh mum, soon you will have a literal baby to dote on!" said Ginny. "Grandma."
Molly Weasley gave a shriek of delight and embraced her daughter again, as if she had just worked out that she was going be a grandma.
"You know, we always thought that the first sibling among us to have a baby out of wedlock would be either Charlie or Percy," remarked George.
"Charlie, I get it, he's a free spirit. But Percy?" asked Ron.
"Well, you know what they say -" answered George.
"It's always the quiet ones," finished Fred.
"Hey," admonished Ginny, "I am not having a baby out of wedlock. I am married, just not yet in this time."
"My only daughter married and I wasn't even there," Molly lamented.
"You were there mum." Suddenly she had an idea, "Ooh, we could have a second wedding! I hope Harry agrees." Ginny could see it in her mind, all of them (with their baby) at the wedding - even those who weren't there the first time and then a second honeymoon. Honestly, with what lay ahead of them, they would have earned it.
Sirius gave a chuckle and said, "If what I have seen until now, Harry will agree just to anything if you ask." He continued speaking with a fond look on his face, "I am thrilled that everything goes right for Harry. He deserves it."
Sounds of agreement came from all.
"Harry's changed," commented Hermione. "In a good way, I mean."
"He even eats properly for his age," said Molly, who always had made it her mission to feed the boy in order to fatten him up.
"Harry's made a great choice in choosing you," Remus said to Ginny, catching her unaware. "James and Lily would have been very happy that their son found his perfect partner."
Ginny blushed. "Really? I mean, I never had the chance... I hoped they approve of me."
"Of course!" replied Sirius. "Are you kidding? Lily would have loved you. You remind me of her - headstrong, confident, charming but cheeky. As for James, you are a redhead and a Weasley to boot. Not to mention, he would be bloody proud to have a Quidditch player as daughter-in-law."
Ginny felt heat rising to her cheeks. She was thrilled to hear the compliments, especially from Sirius and Remus, who were Harry's last living links to his parents.
"I never knew James, but Lily, bless her, had sent me a nice letter with sympathies when... when Gideon and Fabian died," Molly recalled sadly. "I understand it must be difficult for you both - the memories of them. But Arthur and I were already well out of Hogwarts when Harry's parents started their education. How did they get together?" she asked curiously.
The two Marauders laughed, a flash of remembrance passing between them.
"James was - well he was determined in his pursuit to ask out Lily. But she turned him down repeatedly. She said that she would never go out with someone like him - a toerag she called him. You remember Moony?"
Remus snorted, nodding, "There was some truth it - we were, especially James and Sirius, a bunch of arrogant fools. That still didn't dampen James' spirits. He continued, she rejected. That was when the war was happening outside in the real world. We were forced to grow up quickly. James thought it was his duty to fight - so we all joined the Order immediately after Hogwarts. I think something happened between our sixth and seventh year, because when we came back for our last year, James and Lily were a thing, no one knew how. It seemed that Lily had finally relented - I think she liked that James had stopped his 'toeraging' and had become a bit serious about the future. James had matured to the point that he lost the more mischievous aspects of his personality. But he was always a loyal, caring and brave person."
"Who does Harry take the most after, you think?" Molly asked quietly.
"Everyone says that Harry's like James. Even I first saw him like that, it's hard not to - what with the whole black messy hair and the glasses," admitted Sirius. "But the more I get to know him, the more it is clear that he is just like Lily and not only in her eyes."
Remus clapped Sirius on the shoulder, "I think James would be grateful that Harry turned out more like his mother than his father. Uncommonly kind, passionate, forgiving, all with a fierce personality."
Ginny felt a rush of affection course through her body, totally recognizing all the attributes that had been given to Harry - her dear sweet Harry. She hoped that their baby would take after Harry. After all, she could do well without the fiery Weasley temper.
"Ugh," said Ron, bringing Ginny out of her thoughts, "Will you stop making that face! I can see who are you thinking about."
"Ron!" said Hermione sternly.
"What! It's still awkward and uncomfortable for me. My sister and my best friend," Ron scowled. "As long as you two keep the snogging and whatever to yourselves -"
"Well then you better get used to it," retorted Ginny. "I don't interrupt your romantic lives -" she bit her tongue. 'You are in the past, Ginny. You don't have sisters-in-law yet'.
"What romantic lives?"
Fred snapped his fingers, "Of course! If you are married, then we must be married too!"
"Nice conclusion."
Her mum was looking at her expectantly. Sirius and Remus were enjoying the scene playing out in front of them. Fred and George were grinning. Ron face was red and Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes, cringing at the way Ron and Hermione were not so subtly making eyes at each other - hoping they would get their act together earlier. She sighed, "I am not telling who your wives are."
"Oh come on," groaned George, "It would make the dating so much easier."
"Yeah, like that will go over well. Imagine walking up to a girl and telling her you are her husband of the future," said Ginny.
"Is every child of mine married? Are there any grandchildren?" asked her mum.
"Yes, everyone has settled down, except Charlie," answered Ginny, leaving out Fred's future. "And do you really think that this was going to be your first grandchild," she said caressing her stomach. "Baby Potter was originally going to be your sixth or seventh grandchild, depending upon Bill and George's wives. They were pregnant as the same time as me."
Ginny laughed as everyone's eyes widened.
"What about my daughters-in-law?"
"You like them, if that's what you are asking. They certainly help us keep these idiots in line," she knew her mother had high expectations for her sons' wives. Poor Fleur had to bear the brunt since she was the first to take up the challenge of marrying perfect Bill. Percy's Audrey had too taken time to get used to. By the time George married Angelina, who was the last one, Molly Weasley had mellowed out considerably. Hermione, on the other hand, was locked in ages ago as the future wife of Ron. Of course, it was fortunate for her too as she had married a boy who was already a part of her family. Who else could withstand the Weasley madness?
"And," Molly hesitated, "What about Percy?" ignoring her daughter's dig of her brothers.
"He will come back mum. He's just lost his way."
Ron and the twins made a noise of disbelief.
"I know, he is in the wrong. But thinking back, I can understand him somewhat. Percy's always been different than the rest of us - quiet, studious. We made fun of him for it. So when there came a time, he was being appreciated somewhere else, he naturally took it - except it was from the wrong people. He needs to know he belongs with us even if he's not like the rest of us, outward, easygoing," Ginny explained.
"It's true," agreed Remus. "From what I have seen, in times of uncertainty, people tend to gravitate towards what seems to them a stable side. It doesn't matter whether it's right or wrong. Which is what exactly Fudge is doing - creating a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, that makes the job harder for us."
"What is Harry waiting for?" Hermione questioned. "I mean, we now had our heads wrapped around the whole time-travel thing." She ignored Ron's quip of 'speak for yourself', "We should really devise what future steps we have to take."
Ginny let the bushy-haired girl speak up her mind. It was easier that way.
"You know Ginny," began Sirius, becoming serious all of a sudden, "I think you and Harry should just lay it out what happens in the future at the next Order meeting. We are going to need everyone's help."
"Sirius is right. We must plan accordingly," said Remus. "Has Harry said anything?"
"He hasn't," confessed Ginny. "But I know for certain he must have made plan of how to proceed further." She had known Harry for fourteen years and she could bet her Firebolt (her future broom) that he had started putting strategies in place - he was an Auror after all.
"You have to allow us now in the Order meetings," Ron turned to his mother.
Molly looked ready to argue, but decided to hold back until the moment came, she instead pursed her lips. Remus cleared his throat not to let the topic stray away.
"I think it's better if we let Professor Dumbledore take charge on these things," said Molly firmly. She wanted her children far away from these talks of war. She knew exactly firsthand of what a war entailed - she had lived through one. She would even now get shivers thinking back when You-Know-Who was in power, her husband going to work, while she stayed at home with her brood.
"Molly, with all due respect, it's unfair to let an old man bear all the burden," voiced Sirius. "Dumbledore has best interests in his heart, but let's agree that he plays the cards too close to his chest. Until now, any decision regarding Harry has been taken by him. While some may be good, I don't agree with them all. He doesn't give a straight answer. Sly codger."
"Sirius Black!"
"What? So we just blindly follow Dumbledore. As far as I am concerned, Harry's calling the shots now. He knows how to kill the noseless bastard."
"Sirius," said Remus heavily.
"What would have happened if Harry and Ginny hadn't come back in time? They have been pretty quiet about the whole thing. Don't tell me you are not itching to find out. This is war Molly. As much as you don't want, it doesn't stop touching everyone. There are going to be heavy losses."
Before Molly could say something, Ginny spoke up, not wanting to discuss the fates of those who were dead in the future. She didn't want to, not now, not without Harry. "He's right mum. No matter how much you want to, you can't keep your children away. As long as we are opposing Tom and his minions, we are all a target. He won't stop until Harry's ... until he defeats him."
"But why?" she wailed, tears springing to her eyes. "He has endured so much, at his age -"
"Exactly why Harry needs us. Damn Dumbledore -"
"Good Morning."
Heads turned towards the door, as Dumbledore swept into the room, his purple cloak billowing out behind him. Greetings rang out and with a flick of his wand, Dumbledore conjured a squishy armchair for himself.
"Now, I am sure you have a good reason to be annoyed at me Sirius," he said, "I do rub the people the wrong way sometimes."
"We were just talking," interjected Remus, glaring at his friend to let the subject drop for the time being. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement as Sirius grumbled.
"How did it go?" Everyone leaned forward in anticipation, foregoing the previous discussion.
"As well as could be expected," Dumbledore answered calmly. "Harry was found innocent of all charges."
"Where's Harry?" asked Molly. "Weren't you bringing him?" She swivelled her head around.
Dumbledore's reply caught them all unawares. "Hasn't he arrived yet?"
Sirius stood up in alarm, "Arrived? He was coming back on his own?"
"I had to go and take care of some business in the ministry. Besides, it would look odd if I escorted him back home. As far as every is concerned, our relationship is merely a teacher-student one," the professor explained.
"Albus, we don't care about that!" the mother of seven said.
"Arthur was going to bring him back. But he was called to Fudge's office. He assured me Harry would take the tube," Dumbledore said, deep in thought.
The occupants rested their gaze on Ginny, who replied, "No, this didn't happen last time. Dad brought him back."
"Perhaps there was delay with the train. It happens," said Hermione logically. But she was also getting anxious.
Sirius was getting agitated, Molly kept wringing her hands glancing at the clock. Remus finally said, "Dumbledore, we should go look out for him. I can contact Dora and Moody."
"I will come with you too," said Ron. Hermione was behind him, nodding.
Ginny's mind kept going in different directions, this wasn't like Harry. What could have kept him? Did something happen? If that was the case, then she couldn't help but think that it was recklessness on Harry's part. She felt comforted by the fact that her husband was an Auror, with plethora of spells up his sleeve. He also had his trusty invisibility cloak on hand.
A loud crack echoed through the living room and Kreacher appeared. "Mistress, Kreacher has a message from M-Master Harry."
Everyone started speaking at once, demanding the house-elf to tell his master's whereabouts. Ginny silenced them all. "What did Harry say Kreacher?"
"The master called Kreacher a few minutes ago. In a Mud-," he stopped himself. "Muggle establishment," he corrected, in distaste, "Master told Kreacher to tell his Mistress that he was meeting someone. It was important. Master told me to assure his Mistress not to worry and he will return soon."
Ginny was going to kill him.
