A/N: The text in bold and cursive taken from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" J.K. Rowling's
Valentine's Day had finally arrived, a day that had filled Ginny with eager anticipation. She had heard countless enchanting stories from her mother and her soon-to-be sisters-in-law, tales of how this day held the power to weave magic into relationships and make them even more extraordinary. It was a day that had always seemed shrouded in an aura of romance and love, and now, for the first time, Ginny was determined to put these theories to the test.
It had been nearly a week since she tearfully bid farewell to Snuffles. Each passing day seemed to deepen the void left in her heart, an ache that refused to fade. She found herself avoiding the place Harry had mentioned taking Snuffles to as if it was a plague. Deep down, she knew she lacked the strength to confront him without stealing him back.
In the afternoon Harry practically had to drag Ginny out of their flat as he wanted to prepare something for their romantic evening. She appreciated the effort, but really, couldn't she stay inside where it was warm?
When Harry finally let her return, their flat had changed so much, she barely recognised it. The dark rooms were illuminated by dozens of little candles making the ambience incredibly romantic. It was as though she had stepped into an enchanted world, where time seemed to slow down. She noted that instead of petals of roses, her boyfriend used poppies – her favourite flowers. Their crimson petals danced like flames amidst the sea of candles. It was a gesture that touched her heart, symbolising their connection and understanding.
Harry greeted her with more flowers and chocolates, his warm smile lighting up the room. She returned his affectionate gesture with a loving kiss. Their lips met in a sweet, lingering embrace. With a playful twinkle in her eye, she gently pushed him aside and dashed towards their room. she rummaged through for a beautifully wrapped package she had hidden away, eagerly anticipating the delight it would bring to Harry. The room was filled with the soft, soothing fragrance of the flowers he had brought, and the gentle glow of candles added a touch of romance to the atmosphere.
Finally, she emerged from the room, clutching the gift in her hands. She got him a handwritten journal of their relationship filled with the most cherished dates, photographs, and heartfelt memories. The effort she had poured into crafting this thoughtful present had been immense, and she was so excited to finally be able to give it to him.
He got her a beautiful little necklace with a delicate chain and a pendant. Even though she wasn't the greatest jewellery fan, she would always wear it.
After exchanging the gifts they ate a delicious dinner Harry had made and spent the rest of the day in bed making love.
"You moved in with him without introducing him to us?" Raged Ginny's mother after another family dinner. Ginny had to admit that it wasn't the greatest thing to do as her parents deserved to know the one their daughter had chosen before taking such a big step in their lives but she had her reasons. She knew for a fact that Harry had told his godfather about the whole thing but she was sure he wouldn't try to interfere, in opposition to her brothers.
"I know Mum, but I didn't want my brothers to bother him. You know how they can be. I promise I will bring him to the next family dinner," she tried to calm the situation.
Her mother pursed her lips, "I very much hope so young lady." She wasn't exactly pleased but was going to let it slide for now.
While Ginny was at her parents, Harry went to Grimmauld Place to get Teddy. He promised Remus and Tonks that he would take care of him while they went to celebrate their marriage anniversary. Andy and Sirius volunteered to look out for a little boy, but Harry decided that he hadn't spent enough time with his godson lately. Teddy would most gladly stay with him also. Besides, he wanted to introduce him to Ginny as she was now a big part of his life, and deserved to know his godson, and maybe, just maybe, her future surrogate nephew.
"Remember pal, you don't do your whole metamorphosis thing, okay? She doesn't know about these things yet. You could scare her off," Harry said to his godson, who was nodding solemnly. He looked at his watch. They had at least four hours before Ginny came back, "Now, do you want to play some football?"
They came back about three hours later so Harry made Teddy a little snack. To kill the rest of the time they played in Teddy's room. When she finally came back Harry met her at the entrance.
Harry looked at Ginny nervously as he stood before the room where Teddy was resting. They were both excited and a little apprehensive about the meeting.
Ginny took a deep breath and smiled at Harry reassuringly. "Don't worry, Harry," she said trying to reassure him and herself, "I'm sure Teddy will love me."
They walked in, hand in hand, and Teddy's laughter could be heard. As they stepped into the room, Teddy immediately stopped playing and turned towards them, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Teddy, this is Ginny," Harry said, as he knelt next to the little boy. "Ginny, meet Teddy."
Ginny crouched down to Teddy's level and offered him a warm smile, "Hi, Teddy," she said gently. "It's so nice to finally meet you."
Teddy responded by hiding behind Harry's legs, peeking out only to give Ginny a shy grin.
Harry chuckled and gave Teddy a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry, mate," he said, "Ginny is really nice. She's my girlfriend, and I'm sure she will love spending time and playing with you."
Ginny reached out her hand slowly, trying not to startle Teddy. "You know, Teddy, I've heard sooo much about you from Harry," she said softly. "He tells me that you're a really smart and funny little boy."
"Am not little!"
Ginny only chuckled, "Sure you're not!"
Teddy's curiosity got the better of him, and he took a hesitant step forward, his hand reaching out to touch Ginny's fingers. She smiled and gently held his hand, earning a small giggle from the young boy.
As the afternoon went on, Ginny and Teddy bonded over various games and their shared love of Harry. Teddy's shyness melted away, and soon he was chatting animatedly with Ginny, telling her stories about his favourite toys and imaginary adventures. Harry watched them interact with a sense of joy and relief. Seeing the connection between his girlfriend and his godson made him realize that his little family was growing stronger every day.
The next day they went shopping. When they got back, Harry had to go again as he had forgotten to buy something. That meant that Ginny had to take care of Teddy all alone. She was great with children and liked them very much, but this wasn't an average child. It was Harry's godson whom he loved dearly and Ginny feared that she could mess something up. It was unreasonable seeing that nothing ever happened to a child under her supervision, but she couldn't help having these worries. Harry would probably hate her guts, they would never marry and have babies together. Babies whom she named already, mind you. Not that she would admit it to anyone, it was her sweet little secret.
She looked up at the little boy with a contemplative face, her way of thinking very simple; Harry loved Teddy very much just like he loved her. If they did for him something that he loved, he would love it triple as much! She really was a genius!
"Listen Teddy Bear, what would you say if we did something fun for you godfather?" She asked and Teddy nodded enthusiastically. She made a face thinking about what her boyfriend loved. The answer came almost instantly; Treacle tart!
She turned to Teddy and grinned at him toothily, and the boy reciprocated. She rushed to the kitchen and searched Harry's cooking books for a recipe. Maybe, just maybe, with some luck, and Teddy as an assistant she would finally make the food edible. And if not, well, at least a girl can dream.
So now, Teddy Bear, give me some flour, please," said Ginny a while later to the little boy who was now standing on a chair. It was the only way to make him tall enough to actually reach the counter. Well, she also thought about the levitating charm, she suspected that he would really enjoy it, but it really wouldn't do if he came running to Harry or his parents shouting that she was a witch.
Teddy reached out and took a cup filled with flour, but at the same moment he sneezed strongly. In one second the contents of the cup, everything that lay on the counter and near it flew into the air making the biggest mess she had seen since leaving the Burrow.
She coughed and sneezed a few times trying to clean her nostrils and mouth from the malevolent powder. It took her minutes before she caught on to what had happened. She looked at Teddy standing awkwardly on the chair, all white from the flour beside his hair, which was now turquoise. As he noticed her staring, it automatically turned to the shade of red she always had when she was embarrassed.
The strange accident, changing the colour of his hair… Her mouth hung open and she gaped at him like a fish. It now made sense.
She had only heard about metamorphmagi and never met someone like that. She was certain though, that no muggle could change their appearance as they please. And this whole explosion had to be his accidental magic. There was only one explanation: Teddy was a wizard!
"Ah, err, well…" 'Shit,' she added in her head.
Ginny Weasley never panicked. That was an imperative, most certain thing in the world.
But she was panicking now.
Teddy was so embarrassed that he didn't say a word to her and quickly took a nap. After her initial shock, she cleaned this whole disaster of a kitchen and started overthinking.
Did Harry know Teddy was a wizard? Or was he a wizard himself? She doubted it as he acted perfectly like a muggle and never found her not-very-muggle witch-like behaviour strange, only socially awkward. She doubted that he knew about Teddy's abilities also as he never seemed stressed when Teddy was around her. Maybe his parents were wizards? It was all so confusing!
She wondered what to do. The best thing was probably telling Harry about this whole thing and that she knew what it was because she is a witch. It was as if the whole universe tried to make her confess, something she had delaying almost half a year now.
The front door opened and Harry walked in. Her heart started beating miles per second right away. She didn't know what to expect. Unconsciously, her mind was getting ready for a broken heart and Harry being disgusted with her.
"I'm back Gin! Where is the little man?" Harry asked as he put down the shopping bags he brought with him.
"He's taking his nap. Harry, we, err, we need to talk," She said trying to hide the nervousness in her voice. She did a bad job, however, because Harry walked out of the corner looking all worried.
"You alright? Is Teddy good?" He asked and Ginny silently nodded. "So what is it? You're looking rather pale," He said as he brought his hand to her forehead checking if she had a fever.
"It's… Teddy had an accident."
"Oh…" Harry said thinking that he peed himself or something, "Well, it's nothing uncommon in his age-" He said and his girlfriend snorted at the irony. Magical children have cases of accidental magic all the time after all. She is a good example of that.
"I didn't mean it like that. More like a blown-up kitchen and different hair colours." She said now looking at him seriously.
"Oh."
"Harry, I know I've seemed a bit off at times, and it's not just because I'm socially awkward. Well, I am to the extent but the truth is, I… I'm a witch," She hesitated, glancing at Harry, who was staring at her dumbly, adding to her anxiety, "I know how crazy it sounds, but it's real. There's an entirely different world, a magical one." She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her revelation. "I've been trying to keep it a secret, but it's getting harder. I didn't mean for you to find out like this, but it's the truth. There are spells, creatures, places... things most people don't know about." She searched Harry's face for any sign of understanding or acceptance, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he'd believe her despite how implausible it seemed. "And I have reasons to believe that Teddy is magical too."
Harry could only stare at her. He didn't believe what she was saying, he hoped he didn't hear her right. He hoped that it was one of his godfather's stupid pranks and that after all was over, he could take him to the vet and cut off his testicles.
But no matter how much he wanted that to be, it was very unlikely.
His girlfriend was a witch.
Shit.
It appeared that Sirius was right after all; no matter how long he would avoid the Wizarding World, it would always find a way back to his life. In this case as the love of his life. Just his bloody luck. Shit.
He planned to tell her that he was a wizard lately, but right now it would all complicate things. It was very probable that if he said that he was Harry Potter, a young witch like her would flip out. And he really didn't want to bury his girlfriend.
"Harry, love, please say something," Ginny said with a shaky voice and teary eyes, taking his hands in hers, and begging for understanding.
Lying wasn't the best thing to do, in fact, it was very shitty of him but he really couldn't help it, the coward he was.
He squeezed her hands reassuringly, "I… I really don't know what to say, Gin." The words seemed to barely come out of his mouth. Ginny thought it was because of shock.
"I know. I know it's so strange but we made it so far! We really can make it in the long run! Just please, don't hate me." The desperate look in her eyes made his heart break. He couldn't look at her in so much anguish.
"What are you talking about? I'm not leaving anywhere."
"Thank God!" She said relieved and crushed him in a strong embrace while inhaling his scent that seemed to have a calming properties on her. Harry kissed the top of her head and whispered calming words.
Harry had barely managed to convince Ginny to let him handle the talk with Teddy's parents. She wanted to be there in case it turned out they were muggles but Harry's reasoning that it would be best to leave her, some stranger talking about witchcraft and wizardry on a such sensitive topic convinced her. As much as she hated it, it was for the best.
Right now, they were on the way to the Burrow, Ginny's family home where the Weasley family dinner was hosted and Harry's grand introduction was to take place.
He still hasn't processed what his girlfriend has confessed. In fact, he really didn't want to process it. And he absolutely fretted about meeting her family, only one thing on his mind; six older blasted brothers.
Holy fuck.
For a moment he considered driving into a river so he could avoid this torture. Sure, he was Harry Potter and probably could take on six angry brothers worried about their sister's virtue, but he was also only a human, not even twenty years old. A human that just learned that his girlfriend was a witch…
The whole way Ginny couldn't stop talking excitedly about her family telling him various stories about her childhood. He knew her well enough to know that it was also a coping mechanism for her own stress.
As Harry parked his car in the driveway of the Burrow, he could almost hear his heart beating one thousand miles per second. His hands weren't better; he felt like under them would soon be a puddle of sweat.
Ginny kissed him soundly on the cheek and left the car. Taking the deepest breath in his life he exited as well. Then he saw the Burrow. He had seen many things in his lifetime, but never he was met with something like the Weasley family home. It was strange, some might even say that it was hideous, but for Harry… for Harry, it was only different, just how different he always was. It looked as though it had once been a large stone pigpen, but extra rooms had been added here and there until it was several stories high and so crooked it looked as though it were held up by magic (which, Harry reminded himself, it probably was). Four or five chimneys were perched on top of the red roof. A lopsided sign stuck in the ground near the entrance read, THE BURROW. Around the front door lay a jumble of rubber boots and a very rusty cauldron. Several fat brown chickens were pecking their way around the yard. The garden was large, and in Harry's eyes, exactly what a garden should be. The Dursleys wouldn't have liked it, he thought resentfully — there were plenty of weeds, and the grass needed cutting — but there were gnarled trees all around the walls, plants Harry had never seen spilling from every flower bed, and a big green pond full of frogs.
"I know it's nothing special and rather…" Mumbled Ginny embarrassedly, a light blush lighting her cheeks.
"I think it's fabulous!"
"Really?"
"Sure! You know me, never liked anything ordinary." Harry said and took Ginny's hand in the hope of reducing his nerves.
With every step they were closer to the front door, the closer Harry was to fainting. One would think that nothing could be more stressful than duelling Voldemort. Well, as far as Harry was concerned they were wrong. Social interactions were a nightmare, especially with his girlfriend's parents. He would most likely duel thousands of Voldemorts rather than step inside this house.
When Ginny raised her hand to knock at the door, he had a strong urge to interrupt her and apparate the two of them far away. He watched anxiously as her knuckles touched the door one, two, three times and felt his heart drop.
They didn't need to wait long for the door to open. The plump woman walked out and crushed her daughter in a hug. When the two redheads left the embrace Extended his hand to introduce himself.
"Hello, Ma'am. I am very pleased to meet yo-" His hand was totally ignored and the woman gave Harry the strongest hug he ever had. Ginny just smirked at him behind her mother's back.
"Of course dear! We were starting to get impatient when we finally meet this wonder boy our daughter completely fell for!" She said examining his appearance while her daughter blushed. He squirmed under her scrutinizing gaze.
After a while, something in her eyes told Harry that she approved and liked what she was seeing. With a hand gesture, she invited them inside.
By the looks of everything, he could only imagine how much happy had to be Ginny's childhood. Everywhere were family photos and other things made by the Weasley children. He could only wish that he had a childhood like that.
In the corridor, he met Ginny's father who shook his hand and excitedly started talking about muggle things. Then they moved to the kitchen where most of the family was located.
"You ready?" Asked Ginny before the closed door. Only one step was separating them from the disaster.
"No?"
"It's gonna be fine, love. What can go wrong?"
Harry snorted, "Oh, I don't know, what can go wrong with an overdue first meeting with my girlfriend's family?" Harry said sarcastically, "What if they don't like me, and we would have to continue dating in secret?"
"While I can't promise you that they will love you, I think they will be civil at the very least. No matter how git they can be, they know how important this whole thing is to me."
"I hope so Gin. I so very much hope so."
She opened the door and automatically groaned. How could she not predict this? The gits she calls brothers invited their 'wonderful' friends. The word had to come to them that she was bringing her boyfriend.
Every head in the room turned to the two of them and all boys glared at poor Harry. The man in question felt a strong and rather strange urge to dive under the table. The only thing that stopped him from doing this was Ginny's hand holding his own strongly.
"Hi!" Ginny greeted with a smile, which Harry noted was rather strained in this newfound circumstance, "This is my boyfriend, Harry Evans."
"…"
Harry raised his hand awkwardly in greeting but quickly lowered it when he heard one of them growl.
What the fuck?! Who in their right mind growls at people they just met?!
Initially, he didn't believe Ginny that her brothers could get mental at times, but now he was changing his mind. They were bloody lunatics.
The pair took a seat at the table in an uncomfortable silence. "I believe introductions are in order," Ginny started trying to break the awkwardness and hostility, "Harry, on your right, sits my eldest brother Bill and his wife Fleur, then there's Chalie and his boyfriend Daryl," she said with a wicked smile while Charlie and his friend spluttered. The glee at getting the chance to embarrass her brother written on her face, "Next in the line are Fred and George, then there is Ronald,"
"Oh, I believe I have met him already," He said looking at his girlfriend's youngest brother meaningfully. The redhead in question squirmed under Harry's stare and avoided his eyes.
"You did?"
"Yeah! And what a meeting it was, wasn't it Ronald?" The boy only spluttered something incoherently and turned deep red. Ginny looked at him suspiciously and then turned to Harry.
"You have to tell me that later." Harry smiled vindictively at the boy's discomfort as he paled visibly. Oh, how he loved it when his girlfriend was so protective of him. "Right, so then there are Ron's friends – Neville, Seamus and Dean. The last ones are Percy and his friend whose name I don't remember.
"It's not kind to forget people's names, Ginevra."
"Whatever."
Harry felt Ginny's hand squeezes his thigh under the table and he suddenly felt a lot more confident. He reached his hand to Bill trying to be friendly. From Ginny's tale, the Weasley children's hierarchy was simple; Bill was the eldest and coolest so Harry would have to win him over first, and the rest would eventually come after him.
But Bill ignored his attempts. He just took a newspaper and started to read it.
"Have you heard the news, Ginny?" Asked Bill tossing her the Daily Prophet, "All of the wizarding is talking about it lately."
"What happened?"
"Rita Skitter carried out a press investigation and deep down into St. Mungo's archives she found Harry Potter's birth certificate which literally means that the guy is not a myth as we all thought."
Harry had to fight with himself not to cringe.
"We must apologise to you, dear Gin-Gin," Started George,
"We didn't believe you when you said he is real,"
"But that does not matter anymore, does it?"
"It seems that you already have found your Harry!" They started to imitate kissing sounds.
"Say, Ginny, don't you want to play a detective, eh? You always dreamed about marrying him, now you can have your chance," Said Charlie casting a meaningful glance at Harry.
"Nah, I'm perfectly happy with the current ordeal," She said and gave Harry a very loud and sloppy kiss. The room almost shook with the growl of the Weasley brothers.
"Who's this whole Potter bloke anyway?" Asked Harry trying to act intrigued.
"Tsk tsk, Ginny, have you not told your boyfriend about your first crush?" One of the twins commented much to Ginny's displeasure, "She even married his doll!"
Harry only looked at her amused. He had lived through many things, but this was certainly the strangest.
He's basically the biggest hero of Wizarding World right now. Some people believe that he killed the most powerful Dark Lord twice! And the first time he did it, he was just one year old! Just imagine how powerful he must be now!"
Then Mrs Weasley called Ginny to help her with cooking. Bill and the rest weren't going to waste such an opportunity.
"Boys, I think it's perfect weather for some Quidditch. What do you say, Evans? Wanna try something new?" Asked Bill. Ginny looked at him alarmed but couldn't do much as Harry already agreed. What was a better way to gain your girlfriend's brother's trust than some flying? Besides he hadn't flown in quite some time so it'd be nice.
They left the kitchen and went to the shed where the brooms were stored. While walking, the Weasley brothers and their friends made him walk in the centre, while they surrounded him. They probably tried to intimidate him, and, truth be told they succeeded. Harry felt that Mad-Eye Moody was turning in his grave at Harry's lack of constant vigilance.
Instead of the shed, they went behind it. They positioned themselves in a circle with Harry in the middle of it.
"Shouldn't we be over there?" Harry said emotionless while pointing at the shed. He knew what was going to happen, and he didn't like it one bit.
"The thing is simple," Started Bill, "You leave Ginny alone and we let you go. If not…"
"Then what?" Asked Harry
"What?"
"What will happen when I don't break up with her?" Clarified Harry with his arms crossed. They clearly weren't expecting him to resist still.
"Then we will beat the living crap out of you!" A dark-skinned man threatened.
"You sure?"
"Of course we are!" Said Ron, "Someone with a small plonker like you is not a challenge for us!"
"Well, your sister is certainly not complaining." His words unleashed an uproar; Charlie drew out his wand and went straight to Harry but was stopped by Bill.
"I want to kill him too, but not like that," He said lowering his brother's wand, "As far as he is annoying and insolent, it's not fair for us to curse him. Remember he's a muggle. Let's do this old school."
"Yesterday night, she was very, very pleased," Harry continued to anger them further. While angry, they wouldn't think clearly.
"You're dead!" Someone shouted.
Harry sighed tiredly, "Let's get this over with."
"I must say that you chose a really dashing young man, dear."
"Mum!" Ginny almost shouted embarrassed, her face imitating a tomato, "Please, don't talk about my boyfriend this way!"
"I'm just stating a fact, dear, that's all. Are you happy?"
Ginny looked down, feeling a surge of happiness. "He makes me feel so special, Mum."
"I'm glad," Molly leaned in closer, her voice filled with motherly wisdom, "Just remember, dear, relationships are like magic. They require patience, trust, and open communication. As long as you have that, I have no doubt you'll have a bright future," She squeezed lightly Ginny's hand, "Now, let's not keep Harry waiting. I'm sure he's eager to spend more time with you."
Ginny blushed once again, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She stood up and went to save her boyfriend from her brothers. She didn't have to search for long as she stumbled upon him near the entrance to the garden.
"What happened?" She asked worriedly touching gently the bruises on his face.
"Oh, well, we had a little brothers-to-their-sisters-boyfriend talk. Nothing to worry about, Gin."
"Where are they?!" She asked slowly with a dangerously quiet voice, a glow in her eyes indicated that the blazing fury of a redhead was about to start.
"Still outside. I think they'll come back when they regain their consciousness." He said stopping her from going outside to hex her brothers and their friends' balls off.
"What?"
"Did you really think that I would let them beat me up?"
"Not really, no. But you were outnumbered eleven to one and they had magic, so I thought…"
"That doesn't matter anymore, does it? Could you heal my face, you know, magically? I don't want your parents to know what happened."
"Why? The gits deserve a good beating!"
"It'll only inflame rather an already uncertain situation even more. Let's just let it slide, please. Besides, I somewhat understand them, they just want the best for you."
"Like if I didn't know what's good for me!" The redhead scoffed.
"I know Gin, but sometimes we think we know the best when it concerns someone that we care for." She seemed to accept his words reluctantly and together they went to help Molly set the table.
About fifteen minutes later, the boys came to the kitchen. Molly chose not to comment on their beaten faces.
"Where are your friends? I thought they were staying for dinner."
"Oh, yes, they were but had an emergency and were forced to leave immediately," Said Bill sending Harry an uncertain look.
"That's a pity," Molly said a little disappointed, "Anyway, let's eat!"
Throughout the dinner, Arthur kept asking Harry about the muggle world. Ginny's brothers spent the entirety of the dinner never looking up from their plates to look at Harry or Ginny. It didn't help that Ginny kept sending them evil glances.
"So, Harry, what do you do for a living?"
"Oh, I'm a cook," Harry answered and Ron snorted. Harry gave him a warning glance.
"Really?" Molly said impressed. Maybe she would finally have someone with whom she could make the truest feast!
Under the table, Harry felt Ginny's hand squeezing his own. He decided that the whole 'meeting the family' thing wasn't as bad as he initially thought.
A/N: Sorry for the almost 2-month delay. I know I said that this story would be finished by the end of October, but, well, my lazy arse didn't want to cooperate. Also, I got caught up in writing my two other stories. Anyway, thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! As always, I encourage you to share a piece of your mind, whatever it is!