A/N: Added a bunch and reworked some. Please R&R
Darkendlight74: Thank you for reviewing! I believe Ron and Hermione would think Harry unmarried. Especially after visiting his house and being very little in the way of Evelyn's mother there aside from a few pictures.
Chapter 9:
"He'll go, he will, just wait and see." Ron said. He shoveled a forkful of potatoes into his mouth. It was Friday night and Ron and Hermione decided that they would stay in and spend some time together.
After her few days off Hermione realized that Miri was right, and she did have a change of heart and renewed her energies in her work. Something about the fight regarding Evelyn the other day with Ron had sparked her back to herself. She was extra determined to get this Werewolf equal rights bill passed. And then in the future, even though it's out of her department, she would get equal treatment for Evelyn.
She had laid down all night thinking about what Ron had said and the taboo of illegitimate children. She was tired of all these backwards ways of the Wizarding world. They were behind the times with how the Muggles were and it irritated her to no end. Even though Ron insulted her by thinking like a Muggle, she really didn't think it was a terrible thing.
With all the advantages wizards had, there was really no reason they couldn't be more advanced. Whether it be something simple as updating the lighting, and quit living by candlelight, to getting rid of the horrid robes everyone seems fond of. And more importantly, equality to the citizens. She still scoffed at how most married women were basically to stay home and be housewives and mothers.
She put her foot down right away on that with Ron. Who while didn't entirely like it, thinking it would be best for the children, respected her decision. That had made her incredibly happy, and even more determined. Even though Ron had reservations about Harry and Ginny getting back together, she was determined not to let some medieval society dictate their lives.
"Did you ask him?" She replied, slight annoyance in her voice at him talking with his mouth full. No amount of training has seemed to put an end to that. Ron swallowed, looking guiltily, knowing what annoyed her.
"Not in so many words, but he seemed up for it." He took another bite and chewed slowly. Hermione rolled her eyes at him.
"Not good enough." She sighed in frustration. "It's only been a week Ronald since we've gotten back with him. You can't just expect him to hop right in." Ron glared at her.
"I think I know my best friend Hermione."
"No, you don't, not anymore." Hermione stood up and walked away. She didn't want to fight right now. Especially about this. "I'll go call him and ask him. And for now on please talk to him, don't presume."
Hermione walked into the other room and plopped down into the big comfortable chair by the couch. Her stomach tied in knots as she reached for the phone next to it to call Harry. This would be the first time she'd ever called him. She didn't know why she was nervous. Taking a deep breath, she dialed the numbers of his cell phone that she had memorized the second he wrote it down and listened to the ring.
"Hello?" A man's voice answered. Hermione smiled and let out a breath. Part of her still feared he would and felt relief at hearing his voice.
"Hello Harry, it's Hermione." She started.
"Hey, wow, phone call from the wizarding world. That's a first for me." Harry chuckled on the other end of the line. She could hear the TV in the background and some cartoons playing while Evelyn laughed. "What's up?" He asked.
"Well," She started. "As I'm sure you probably remember, or not depending on how blindsided Ron made you feel when he asked, but he convinced you to spend some time with us this weekend." She explained. Harry laughed. She could hear Evelyn in the background shout, "what you laughing at daddy?" and his reply of "nothing sweetie go back to your show."
"Ah, that's the Hermione we all know and love" He coughed out. "Well, I do remember saying I would. What would you guys like to do?" He asked. She made a huffy sound at being laughed at but couldn't make a big deal out of it. It was nice to joke so easily with him. Even at school it sometimes was few and far between, especially in the later years.
"Yes, that's the thing. He didn't exactly mention what he wanted to do, so I thought I would call and check first before making any solid plans."
"And what is it he wanted to do that would need you to check up on it?" He asked slightly teasingly.
"He wants you to come to the Burrow for Sunday lunch." She stated, thinking it was best to just be direct.
The line was quiet for a few minutes except for the cartoons playing in the background and some squealing sounds from Evelyn as she enjoyed them. Hermione couldn't begin to fathom what was running through Harry's mind at the moment, but her gut twisted in further knots as she waited for him to reply.
"Harry? Are you still there?" She asked him. She could hear him clear his throat.
"Okay." He said simply. Nothing else was said. She waited silently for a few more moments before trying to clarify.
"Okay?" She asked him. Not sure what he meant by that.
"Yeah, Okay. We'll go to the Burrow Sunday." His voice shook a little bit and it came out very softly. She could tell that he was nervous, or more accurately, terrified.
"Harry, you don't have to. If you're not ready to face everyone yet. We could just go to the park or something.
"No, I want to go." They were silent again; it was a comfortable silence considering. "Will Ginny be there?" He whispered to her.
"I don't know. I could find out for you, before we commit" She offered. Her brain was going into overdrive. She didn't want Harry to be overwhelmed and not want to come back in the future.
"No, don't. Uh, let it be a surprise to me ok."
"Ok Harry."
"Yeah, I gotta go now, sorry. I need to get Evelyn ready for bed." Hermione let out another breath.
"Ok Harry, we'll see you Sunday. Round 10:30?" She said,
"Yeah, sounds fine. See you then." And with that he hung up. She sat staring at the phone for a few more minutes, starting to think and dread about Sunday. She felt it was possibly too soon to bring Harry back into the fold. They didn't know who he was anymore, and she worried that too much too soon would cause him to withdraw from them.
She worried how much drama would ensure. The Weasley's loved Harry, but they had been just as hurt by his abandonment. She had no doubt that they would rejoice in his return, but they were known for their tempers, and she worried how Harry would react if her in-laws lost theirs. Especially Ginny, though based on Harry's inquiry about her attendance, gave her hope for both him and Ginny for the future. She knew in her heart that he still had feelings for the red head.
But more worrisome was her thoughts on Evelyn. Now, knowing the wizarding world's opinions on single parents, she worried how her extended family would receive the little girl. She felt sick to her stomach at the possibility of them rejecting the girl. Not only would that hurt Evelyn, who while only knowing just over a week now Hermione had come to care for greatly, but it would also hurt Harry. While there was no doubt in her mind that Harry still loved the Weasleys, she knew if they rejected his daughter that would be the last time he stepped foot in the wizarding world, and possibly away from all of them. And Hermione felt sick at the prospect.
It wasn't Harry's fault, entirely. He just lived his life. It's the rest of them, who couldn't move and live their lives and were stuck in backwards thinking that would cause the most problems. She rolled her eyes and set the phone down on the side table, feeling like sometimes they were a bunch of teenagers still.
Harry lowered the phone from his ear as he plopped heavily on the couch next to Evelyn feeling slightly dizzy. His heart raced as a loud buzzing in his ear rang at what he just agreed to. He felt like he was going to be sick and stood up quickly, running to the bathroom just in case.
'What have you done? Why did you agree to go?' A voice in his head asked him as he leaned against the bathroom sink.
He wasn't ready to face them. He didn't think he would ever be ready to face them. What exactly would he tell them? They were his family, Harry loved them so much and yet he had abandoned them. From just his interactions with Ron and Hermione, Harry knew he had deeply hurt them and owed them an explanation, but he wasn't exactly sure he could handle it. Handle their reactions.
His stomach knotted and Harry fell to his knees in front of the toilet and expelled his dinner into it. Placing his forehead on his arm once done, Harry closed his eyes. How does one explain to one's family that they had left in the middle of the night to some random place, ending up eventually at some looney bin after failing to kill themselves.
How does one explain the mental anguish they were in at the time that caused him to fall so completely apart? He had spent a good part of his teens with the entire wizarding world thinking he was completely mad. How does he explain that yes, they were right. Harry Potter was crazy. He was mentally unstable and had to be locked away. That he couldn't stand to be with them any longer and watch them suffer further because of him?
And what of Ginny? He owed her an explanation. She deserved it. He had begged her to let him go, something he knew would be hard for her, and he left without any word of why, or when, or how. He had kept that memory of that night close to him all these years. The memory of being held by her as they fell asleep. The memory of placing a final kiss upon her lips while she slept as he escaped into the night. It had been the last thing he had thought about with each attempt at ending his own life.
"Daddy?" The soft voice of his daughter said from the doorway. "Are you okay?"
Harry tried to smile at his daughter but then felt sick again at thoughts of possible negative reactions to Evelyn. Once again, he expelled what was left in his stomach. What if they rejected her? What if they didn't want her around? Harry knew if that were the case, he would take his daughter and leave, never to see the Weasley's again. There was no question about that. But the thought made him sick because he loved them. But his daughter came first.
Once done he closed the lid of the toilet and flushed it, sitting up from his bent over position. He startled to feel a sloppy bunched dripping wash cloth press to his forehead soaking his face and the rest of him. He smiled as his daughter, who had used her stool to wet the washcloth in the sink, tried to sooth him the way he did for her when she was sick.
His heart twinged painfully at how much he loved this little creature. Her entry into the world had not been how he wanted or with the person he wanted but he couldn't deny how much she changed his life for the better. Harry would do anything for his daughter. Even if it meant turning away from his adoptive family again.
'Perhaps you won't have to.' The voice in his head supplied. 'Maybe you're just being too negative. Ron and Hermione like her, there's no reason the rest won't.'
Everything in his being hoped for that outcome. But the dread in the pit of his stomach would not go away as he stood up after giving Evelyn a thankful hug and kiss and reached for his toothbrush. It wasn't possible for him to forget living with the Dursleys. They were his last blood relatives, and they should have loved him, but instead they hated him. He was unwanted and unloved, and they made sure he knew it and knew it well.
The Weasley's were nothing like the Dursley's, thank goodness for that, but the insecurities and abuse he had endured was hard to get over sometimes. He had vowed Evelyn would never have to experience any of that.
"What's wrong Daddy?" She asked him again. Harry smiled down at her as he set his toothbrush back into its place.
"Nothing's wrong sweetie. Time for bed."
Ron apparated to the outside of the Burrow residence Saturday afternoon. It still looked the same even after all these years and that brought a smile to his face. No matter what, it seems as though his childhood home would never change a bit. He walked up the path to the front door, looking in he saw his mother through the kitchen window put something on the stove. Probably a kettle of tea.
"Hey Mom." Ron greeted as he entered the small kitchen. She turned around and smiled at him, grabbing some cups from the cupboard, nonplussed at his presence. All the Weasley's had a habit of showing up home unannounced. They couldn't help it, it delighted their mother to no end and so they all seemed to gravitate there several times a week.
"Ronald, what brings you here?" She asked. She reached over and gave him a tight hug after putting the cups down. He hugged her back tightly too. "Well?" She prompted. She guided him towards a chair with a cup and started to pour him tea. He busily put it together the way he liked it as his mother sat down next to him with her own cup.
"Can't a son visit his Mum without a third degree?" He grumbled. She looked over at him knowingly. Ron chose to ignore the look and took a sip of his tea.
"I'm sorry Ron, of course you can. You can help me cook then. I had to start today due to the large number of people coming tomorrow" She sat back in her chair and took a sip of her own tea, quite enjoying taking a moment's break.
"Who all is coming tomorrow?" Ron asked, interest peaked. Molly smiled at him, obviously quite pleased with the answer.
"Everyone is coming. The whole family, and their children. This place will be filled again with my children, and theirs." She stated. Ron's heart sank to the bottom of his stomach at that. He was kind of hoping for a smaller gathering for Harry. But looking at his mother's happy face at the thought of the Burrow being full to the brim again he couldn't back out now. Bringing Harry would be the cherry on the top for his mother.
His father walked in at that moment from the shed. He was obviously tinkering with something as he had dirt on his face. Ron loved that despite his father's promotion after the war, the man still loved tinkering around with his muggle things. It was what made his father who he was.
"Did you repair that table I told you to fix?" Ron's mother asked his father. His father looked around sheepishly for a moment.
"Uh, no dear, but I'll get on that right after a nice cup of tea and maybe a snack." He said. Mrs. Weasley stared him down for a moment before nodding her head once. Mr. Weasley walked over to the cabinet to get his own cup while also grabbing a few biscuits.
"What brings you here today son?" He asked Ron, sitting next to his wife. Mrs. Weasley looked at Ron again, still waiting for an answer.
"Honestly, can't I just visit?" He quickly drank some more tea, grimacing as he drank too much, and it burnt his tongue.
"Yes, well. We love a visit and all, but your dear mother has been cooking up a storm…"
"Yeah, I heard everyone's coming over tomorrow." He grumbled at them. His parents shared a look with each other before both looking over at Ron curiously, not quite sure why he'd be grumbling about seeing his family. While they all saw each other frequently it was pretty rare for the entire clan to come together at one time. The Weasley's all had impeccable work ethics that sometimes kept them away from the weekly meals.
"Is there something wrong son?" Mr. Weasley asked him patiently. Ron thought for a moment. He was considering whether he should tell them or just let it be a surprise. While his mother will make more than enough food and there is always extra space, he knew his mother would be slightly stressed out in her extreme delight tomorrow if he just showed up with someone. And he didn't want to add stress to her if she knew Harry was coming. He could see that she had already begun cooking and telling her would probably have her redo the entire menu, adding more stress to her. He decided on a middle ground.
"Well, I was just wondering, if Hermione and I could bring someone along?" That piqued their interest.
"Oh? Who?" Asked Mr. Weasley.
Ron thought for a moment about what to say without giving it away. "Well, it's just someone we met in the neighborhood." He said vaguely. Again, his parents shared a look.
'Is this person a Witch or Wizard?" Mrs. Weasley asked curiously.
"Yeah, we met them last week. They live mainly as Muggles. Thought it would be nice to bring them to a Wizarding get-together."
"They? How many are there?" Mrs. Weasley asked curiously. She reached for a pad of paper sitting off to the left on a counter.
"Oh. Yeah, this person has a four year old. Is that alright Mum?" He asked again. He was hoping to get an answer quickly so he could leave before they asked too many other questions.
"Oh! Another child! How splendid. I bet living as a Muggle they haven't been around many magical children." Mrs. Weasley gushed.
"Do they live around you Ron?" Mr. Weasley asked as his wife jotted down some things.
"Er…yeah. In the area. A few blocks away actually." He said truthfully. Mr. Weasley thought for a moment before considering replying.
"Odd, Bill never mentioned any other wizard in the area. Being a curse breaker, he would definitely notice another magical signature in the area. Are they new?" He asked curiously.
Ron thought for a moment. His dad was right. Bill would have noticed. He would have to ask Hermione, or better yet Harry, how it is he's lived there for years, and he hadn't been detected yet.
"Uh yeah, no, I actually don't know dad. What's with the questions really? If you don't want me to bring them, just say so." He was going on the defensive. Always a good card to pull when he didn't want to be asked too many questions. Mrs. Weasley put her quill down and reached over to pat his hand soothingly like he was a child.
"It's fine dear, you can bring your friend. The more the merrier." She smiled.
Ron spent another half hour there with his parents, discussing the goings on in the family. Though in hindsight it was kind of pointless since he'd see them all the next day. However, he did enjoy one-on-one time with his parents. It was something that was not very often in his childhood, due to his having so many siblings. He never blamed his parents, though there were times he did feel resentful. They tried their best to give each of them the attention they needed and wanted.
Ron left the house soon after and apparated to his backyard. Stepping into the house and not finding Hermione in the living room he headed towards the other room. Hermione was in the kitchen reading the Daily Prophet and snacking on some celery.
"How'd it go?" She asked, not even looking up from her paper. He walked behind her and rubbed her shoulders. She lowered her paper a bit and leaned into his touch.
"Went alright. Apparently, the entire family will be there. All 6 kids and their little rats." He chuckled. She grabbed his hand that was on her neck and turned around to face him.
"Did you tell them about Harry?" She asked him. He made a face and looked away.
"Not directly. I asked if we could bring a friend and his kid. They asked some questions, but I dodged them. But they said yeah." With that he walked away and went upstairs, not wanting to answer anymore questions for the day.
Hermione nodded his head and turned back to her celery. He watched her for a few minutes thinking about his family and worrying about the next day. He was both excited and scared to death of how the whole thing will go. Either it will go great, or it will be a disaster. Ron would be lying if he didn't fear the latter the most. He didn't want Harry to pull away from them. No matter what, Ron was not willing to give his friend up again.
Which reminded him of his conversation with his parents. "Hermione, is there a way to hide magical signature?" He asked her.
Hermione looked up at him as he sat in the chair next to her. "It is possible to do so, yes. It's easy enough to do in the short term but it would take an exceptionally powerful person to do it in the long term. It's not really necessary to do so in the first place. While each person has their own signature, being around other people with magic and magical objects temporarily leaves traces of their own signature on you."
"Okay, but what if you live in the muggle world with no other magical person." Ron pressed.
"What is this about Ron?" She asked him, sitting up in her chair.
"Just something dad said. They asked if the person I wanted to bring was a witch or wizard and I told them yes, they live in the neighborhood. He then said that Bill never mentioned anything about another person. And he's right. Bill would have done a scan of the entire area and found out about Harry. So, I guess I'm wondering, how he missed it?"
He watched as Hermione's eyes shifted past him in thought. "I don't know Ron." She finally said. "We will need to ask Harry sometime."
Mrs. Weasley stood in her kitchen later that evening baking some cookies for the next day. It was a mindless task that she could do in her sleep, but it allowed her mind to wander. She couldn't stop thinking about Ron's friend and wondering who it was. This was the second time he mentioned this mysterious person and a kid. She remembered he had asked her to make another chocolate egg for a child and she was curious if this was who it was for.
It didn't matter, she would be making them the following week in time for easter. But still, she was curious about them. She was also just as curious as her husband on how Bill could have missed this other witch or wizard. Unless the parent was a muggle and, in that case, it would make sense. Children didn't have as strong a magical signature as an adult would.
Her mind moved from the mysterious guests to her own family. She had been delighted when Charlie had owled her to say was coming home for a short visit. She hadn't seen him in a good half year, and she had been worried. She wished he would get on with it and settle down with a family, but he was still so focused on his dragons. It made her think about Fred, and she paused in her movements as her heart twinged in pain. She tried not to think too much of the life he would never have. She often wondered if he would have settled down if by now he'd have children like George. Who would it have been with, what would his children be like? If George were any indication, they would be wonderful and mischievous.
Her mind then moved on to her other missing child. The one she hadn't born but was as good as hers. She often thought of him. She would never voice it, but every time Ron took off on a new lead, she would practically hold her breath until he came back. Inevitably with bad news, but still. Each time she would hope and wish and pray that it would be the time they found him and brought him home.
Cookies done and set aside with everything else Mrs. Weasley thought it was time to clean up and head to bed. She was tired and had a big day with an early start the next morning. But as she started to clean something inside her paused. With only a moment's thought she shook her head and began taking out ingredients again to make treacle tart. It wasn't something she made often anymore, only once a year now on her missing son's birthday, but something deep inside her told her that tomorrow would be a good day to have it.
"Oiy!" Harry shouted and he tugged the ninth shirt off of Evelyn. She screeched slightly at being roughly handled and he immediately felt bad. "I'm sorry sweetie." bringing her to his chest and hugging her tightly. He ran a hand through her hair when she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"It's ok daddy," she said. He smiled above her head. He'd been trying on outfit after outfit on Evelyn for Sunday, but nothing seemed to be the look he was going for. He was extremely annoyed. Partially because he couldn't figure out what exactly the look was, and mostly because he was annoyed he even cared.
He looked over to the left at the pile of clothes on the floor that he had picked to try on Evelyn and sighed. Realistically there was no way he was going to get his four year old daughter, no matter how much she enjoyed playing dress up, to try on all the clothes in the pile.
He sighed loudly and blew a piece of Evelyn's hair out of his face. She looked up and giggled at that. He couldn't help but smile down upon her. It startled him at times to realize how innocent she was. She had no idea what was going on and why it was so important. He sometimes couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of her at times, but generally shrugged it off. She was who she was due to how he raised her. He wasn't sure about much in life, past and present, but he knew without a doubt that he was a good father to her and that she was loved.
He picked up another shirt from the pile, it was purple with green ducks on it. He thought it was the cutest shirt ever, but Evelyn didn't seem to think so. She wore it occasionally, but only because she knew that he liked it. He wondered idly if he could get her to wear it tomorrow for him.
Harry and Evelyn walked over to Ron and Hermione's house and arrived promptly at 10:30 am just as requested. Hermione was delighted to see them when she opened the door and quickly ushered them in. Harry looked like a bundle of nerves and at any moment he would just vomit and pass out from the stress. She felt bad for her friend and wished there was something she could do to help him, but nothing really came to mind.
Evelyn on the other hand looked fine, except for the slight moody scowl she had on her face. She had to try hard not to laugh at the little girl. She looked so much like Harry in general but with the little scowl she looked even more like him than she thought was possible.
Hermione looked down at the little girl, who was holding Harry's hand loosely, or trying as Harry was holding on to it for dear life. Evelyn looked up at her and their eyes met, and Hermione smiled at her, trying to get her to smile back but the girl's scowl just deepened.
"It's no use Hermione. She's in a foul mood." Harry stated, as he looked around the house nervously.
"Oh? And why are you in a foul mood Evelyn?" She asked, crouching down to the same level as the girl. She just looked up at her father before taking her forefinger and thumb and picking at her shirt, which was purple with little green ducks.
"Oh" Hermione said in understanding. "Well, the shirt is not that bad." She tried. Harry immediately looked down at her and scowled himself.
"Of course not, it's an adorable shirt. Evelyn, stop picking at it." He said, grabbing her other hand in his. He went back to looking around the house.
Hermione looked down just in time to see Evelyn stick her tongue out in disgust. Hermione laughed, she couldn't help it. But it brightened up Evelyn. She looked up to Hermione with the biggest of smiles.
"Where's Ron?" Harry asked her.
"He's already over at his parents' house. He was too nervous to wait." She said, Harry looked disappointed. "We don't have to go, Harry. Honestly." She stated. "We can put this off for another time."
Harry nodded at her and then looked down at Evelyn. The two seemed to have some kind of silent exchange as Evelyn smiled up at her father and Harry gave a nod.
"No, I do, I need to do this. It's time." He said firmly. Hermione nodded, then turned around and walked into the living room. She stood by the fireplace and grabbed a pinch of flew powder tossing it in.
Evelyn's eyes grew wide as she saw the flames flicker from their normal red and yellows to a bright green. Harry watched her, judging her reaction to it, hoping not to see the same fear he had felt the first time he had used the floo network. He crouched down to her and held her close to get her attention, placing a gentle kiss on her crown when she looked at him.
"We are going to step into the fireplace but don't be scared ok. It won't hurt us. See the green flames?" He said and pointed towards the fireplace. She looked at it then nodded, looking back at her father. "It's magic, so it won't hurt us." She nodded again. He grinned and grabbed her close, picking her up with him and holding her tight.
They both turned towards Hermione who stepped into the fireplace slowly to show Evelyn exactly what she was doing and how it's done. Evelyn watched with wide eyes, and she stood straight up and stated clearly:
"The Burrow"
Hermione was then engulfed in the green flames as they roared up and she disappeared. Harry looked at Evelyn, her eyes wide in shock. He leaned over and gave her another kiss on the cheek and held her tighter. He walked over and stepped into the flames. He could feel her tense up in anticipation.
"Now close your eyes." He said firmly. She closed them as tight as she could and for extra measure buried her face in his shoulder. "Now hold on very tight to me and don't let go, and don't open your eyes till I tell you." She nodded in his shoulder. She could feel him straighten a bit, and then shout:
"The Burrow"
The flames rose up again and engulfed them.
The Burrow was extremely loud already when Ginny apparated in. She had come over after having a quick shower after practice, but hearing the screaming of the children and watching her brothers having a furniture fight while setting up the table for their meal, she wished she had backed out and just stayed home.
Glancing around the yard, she took count of who was there, noticing only Ron and Hermione were absent from the chaos that was her family.
As she walked by, George had shouted at her to stay out of the kitchen. Their mother had kicked everyone out in order to have a few minutes' peace before bringing out all the food. Ignoring him she headed for the door, dodging various children as they ran around the outside of the home playing tag. They shouted hello to her as they passed her, and she couldn't help but give them a smile back as the zoomed past.
Not feeling like dealing with any of it right now Ginny decided to see if her mother needed any help. She's had a rough couple of weeks. The Harpies were in the lead for the championship and as a result the trainers had enforced extra practices to ensure the team was in top shape. She was excited by the prospect of winning the championship for the first time, but she constantly felt exhausted, and her body ached.
As she entered the house she was temporarily blinded as her eyes adjusted from being outside. Blinking a few times to clear her vision she watched her mother moving back and forth between the counters, assembling foods and treats and the table where the finished products were weighing it down. Walking up to her mother from behind, Ginny reached around and gave her mother a tight hug, causing the older woman to jump slightly.
"Oh Ginny! You startled me" She scolded lightly, turning around, and giving her a proper hug. "You look a bit peaky dear. You really should sleep more." She said. Ginny just rolled her eyes and let go, looking around at the various things on the counter.
"Do you need any help with things?" She asked her, reaching to grab a knife. Mrs. Weasley, however, grabbed her hand instead and started pushing her towards the living room.
"No dear. Why don't you go relax on the couch for a bit. Lunch isn't ready for a while yet. Keep your brother company, something's got him all twisted in a bunch." With that her mother gave her a light shove out of the kitchen.
Ginny walked into the other room, slightly grateful to her mother for that, to see Ron pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. He looked extremely nervous, which, while there was no denial, Ron had a lot of secret anxiety, this was a tad noticeable even for him.
"Mums going to kill you if you wear a grove in the floor." She told him, coming fully into the room. Ron stopped his pacing and looked at her with wide eyes. She smirked at him as she passed him to lay down on the couch.
"Ginny, what are you doing here?" His voice hitched. Ginny raised her eyebrow.
"It's Sunday dork, Lunch with the family. Ring a bell?" She asked. She closed her eyes for a moment. She immediately felt relaxed. Something about this place always made her feel happy and safe.
"Why don't you go outside?" Ron suggested. She raised one eyelid to look at him, but he was staring at the fireplace. What the hell was up with him. She thought.
"It's too noisy, mom said to come in here and relax." She closed her eye again and felt the peace wash over her. They stayed like that in silence for a while. Her ears picked up on the sounds of Ron pacing again.
With all the soft sounds of the Burrow, and the outside noise muffled, along with the delicious smells of her mother's cooking, Ginny Weasley soon fell into a light sleep on the couch. She didn't know how long she had dozed but she was woken a little later by the sound of the fireplace roaring to life. Keeping her eyes closed, her brow furrowed slightly at the sound of Hermione's voice, curious on why she used the floo and not apparate like normal.
"Is he coming next?" She heard Ron whisper to whoever was there.
"Yes, he's coming. Just give him a minute." The other voice, Hermione whispered back. "Should we ask Ginny to leave?" She asked him. Ginny could practically feel Rons gaze on her and his brain turning in thought.
"Nah, it's probably best this way with her." She heard him sigh. Ginny was extremely curious now. What would be best with her there? Who was coming? If her brother were trying to set her up with a date again, she was going to hex him so hard his great grandchildren would feel it.
Ginny debated opening her eyes, or at least telling them to pipe down, and was just about to do so when she heard the fire roar up again and the sound of someone tumbling out of the fireplace and hitting the ground hard.
"Ow" A male voice said. She again debated opening her eyes to see who the mysterious visitor was.
"You alright daddy?" A little girl's voice that she didn't recognize asked.
"I'm fine sweetheart" The male voice returned. Her heart seemed to have skipped a beat at the familiar sounding tone. She was suddenly frozen. She could hear the sounds around her become still as if everything was holding its breath. After a few moments pause, Ron sat on the arm of the couch near her head and brushed a piece of hair from her face.
"I know you're awake Ginny. Open your eyes." He said in the softest voice she had ever heard from him. She did just that, but the sight in front of her made her think she was still dreaming and immediately closed them again.
"Daddy, what's wrong?" The little girl's voice asked again. Ginny opened her eyes once more and looked into the face of the man she had loved for what felt like forever. He stared at her intensely from his position on the floor where he landed after tumbling out of the fireplace. His emerald green eyes searching into her brown ones, as if searching her soul.
Her heart tightened in pain.
'This isn't real' she told herself. 'You fell asleep on the couch, and you are dreaming, and any moment, Mum will come wake you up.'
But she didn't. They stared at each other for what seemed like eternity. She didn't want to believe that after all these years he was finally in front of her. She kept telling herself she was sleeping. The tension in the room felt like it should be thicker than it was, but she felt entirely comfortable, laying on a couch, surrounded by her brother and his fiancé, her best friend, and… Harry Potter.
Ginny was about to get up when a little girl popped up in front of her, close to her face, blocking her view of Harry. She startled for a moment looking intently at the little girl in front of her. Ginny's eyes grew wide, as she looked into the almond shaped emerald eyes of a little girl, with messy inky black hair. "Who are you?" The girl simply asked.