A/N: So I actually described the paternity test wrong in a previous chapter (just a small mention) and only came to realise this week that the guys don't need to get blood drawn, so I had to edit that chapter as well as make big changes in this one (already had some of it written).
This is also one of my favourite chapters up until now, I just liked exploring the dynamic between the three of them.
I often let people know when I'll update through tumblr. It is also a great way to find back all my writing. You can find me there under GinnyW-Potter.
And as the next chapter will have the results, don't hesitate to send me your final guesses for the paternity. You can go anon if you're shy!
A lot of my oneshots only get uploaded to AO3 and not on here. My username there is GinnyWPotter.
Trigger warnings: mentions of blood, needles and blood draw. This is shown in some detail.
"Harry, you know the paternity test is tomorrow..." Ginny started. She placed her wallet beside her on the bed.
Harry looked at her with a frown. "You think I'd forget?"
"No," she deadpanned. "I just realised that there is a good chance you'll see my full name... either tomorrow or in the course of the pregnancy."
"At the very least when we register the baby," Harry said. "Can I finally see it?"
"Have you never really looked?" Ginny asked him.
Harry folded up his legs and met her eyes. "I tried to sneak a look at your student ID once," he admitted.
She grinned. "Yeah, I changed it on there." She took up her wallet again and pulled her ID card out but kept it in her hand. "Couldn't you look it up through your super secret service stuff?"
Harry laughed at the name. "Could. A good way to get fired, I am sure. We can't be looking up random people with no cause. Besides, I know you choose to hide it and I wouldn't want to break your trust like that."
"Thank you." She turned to him fully, pretending it was a ceremonious occasion. "It is time, I suppose if anyone could see it... but no other boyfriend or friend has ever seen it so you must take this secret to your grave." Her two hands shot forward and offered him the card.
"I am so honoured," he told her. He took the card from her and turned it around. His eyes flitted over the name.
"Go on then, laugh," Ginny said.
Harry shook his head rapidly. "Honestly, I always assumed it was Guinevere," he told her, handing the card back to her.
"You would think," she agreed. "This is the Italian version. I am not sure what my parents were thinking to be honest. Ginevra doesn't exactly roll off the tongue." She raised her eyebrows.
Harry smiled fondly at her. "Maybe they ran out of ideas after six kids."
"I was the first girl!" she argued. Her parents had no good excuses.
"What surprises me more is that Ron never spoiled that secret," he said.
"He's got a full name too that he rather keeps secret. So we both know not to spill it," she said, though she would argue his name was still less bad than hers.
"Ah, I see. So you could tell me because he can't spoil yours back anymore?" he tried.
She smiled. "Nice try but I am not taking my chances with that one. Better keep Ron in my good graces."
"Probably for the best... Got any name ideas for the nugget yet?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I am not the type who picks out names for their hypothetical kids in the future. And I feel like at least I should see the nugget on ultrasound first. Don't you?"
Harry seemed to think about it for a moment. "I guess... I don't know. Do you even know what last name you want to give the kid?"
She sighed and shook her head. "Too complicated to figure that out I think."
"Not if you name them 'Weasley', easy," he said as if it was in fact that simple.
"Harry, if it is yours don't you want the nuggie to have your last name?" She settled in his arms and he tucked her beneath his chin.
"Maybe." He paused. "But it's perfectly valid for them to have your last name as well. Smashing the patriarchy and all that."
"Not for this one, perhaps. I also don't know what Dean would want..." It was frustrating having to consider so many people each time, but she also knew it was her own fault. "Maybe I just name them 'Potter' anyway. If it's yours then it matches, if not it's at least yours by name."
Harry chuckled. "That works. Just know whatever you decide is fine."
Ginny bit her tongue. "Can you stop that?" she snapped.
Harry stilled, his head moving to look at her. "What?"
She turned around in his arms and his hands slipped off her when he caught her expression. He waited for her to speak.
"Stop giving me so much freedom," she tried. Harry's confused look frustrated her more. "You are always 'this is fine', 'you choose', 'whatever the hell pleases you, Ginny'." She didn't know why the anger boiled over so much now. "It's driving me nuts! I don't need more space. We are in a relationship, together. This situation is already bad enough as it is, and you make it worse! I have 500 decisions to make, and it would be nice if you just tell me what you want, please!"
Harry's eyes dropped down. "What I want doesn't matter, does it? It is what it is and I am just trying to make it easier on you!"
She let out a groan. "I don't need easy. I know who you are, Harry. You don't need to prove that to me. I know if that kid isn't yours, you'll still care for it. I know if I make a final decision, you will not press on it. I don't need you to do everything to please me, that's not fair to you. Even if you will do it." She could feel tears well up and she would have to blame the hormones. She bit them back. "I want to know what you think, what you want. I want your input because I can't possibly make all these decisions by myself. I need my partner in crime." The anger was making way for relief. "Because this is very much, a little criminal, a ..."
"A stowaway?" he interjected.
"Yes. I need you to tell me if I get a crazy idea in my head. If I pick an awful name, I want you to tell me. I need you not to make it easy on me. I would like to hear your opinions on things." She finally shut up.
Harry's eyes searched hers. He nodded. "I am sorry. I thought it would help... I know you're in a difficult position right now and I didn't want to overcomplicate it." His hand came to rest on her arm. "I wish you would have just told me."
"I did... just tell you," Ginny said but she knew she had to give. "I blew this out of proportion, didn't I?" She slumped against him.
"Only a little," he replied.
"I'll blame it on the hormones," she muttered, dragging his arm back around her.
"Ah," he said. "Certainly Ginny Weasley isn't known for doing that."
"It doesn't help, I can tell you that," she said. She lifted her head and placed a kiss against his temple. "I am sorry."
"See, this is why people wait a few years to have kids. It's easier if you got a little more stuff figured out," Harry told her, mocking their situation.
"That's boring," she said. "And we wouldn't want to be one of those dull couples, right?"
He chuckled softly. "That's just not going to happen, between my job and you being... you."
"I think if the baby is yours, they're definitely getting your name," she said.
"Why?" he asked.
"I heard... this family has only three people in it. Even if people don't know it, that name is meaningful. It is to us, it is to your parents."
Harry's arms wrapped a little tighter around her. "That could be nice."
"I am pretty sure I have enough brothers to carry on the Weasley name. The Potter name lives and dies with you otherwise."
Harry's eyebrows raised. "Thank you for making me feel pressured to produce Potters. This one, or otherwise."
"Didn't your parents want grandkids?" she asked.
"They weren't too concerned, actually. They were pretty convinced I wouldn't keep up the no-dating thing." He let out an exasperated sigh.
She laughed. "They were right."
"Don't think they're expecting it soon though. They had me young, younger than we are now. They're only in their forties," he said.
"That could be us in twenty years," she said with a grin.
"Oh, good god. With grandkids?" He shook his head. "I don't know how I feel about that."
"I hope we're still together in twenty years," she let out.
"I thought you were game for that, Gin," Harry said, only sounding a little hurt.
Her hand raised and ran through his hair. "I am. Really, I am. But shit happens."
"I know. And we've been dating for like five seconds but if we can figure out this whole baby thing, I think we're pretty much set," he said. His hands teased the skin on her waist.
"I think so too. By our first anniversary there's going to be a three-month-old," she spoke.
Harry's face morphed in concern. "That sounds absolutely... unbelievable. Wouldn't that be the first time you manage to get to a first anniversary?"
Ginny's hands covered his so he would stop tickling about, slowly distracting her from the conversation. "It absolutely would be. I've never gotten to six months either, for that matter."
He removed his hands from under hers and dragged down the zipper of her sweater slowly. She quirked an eyebrow in question.
"I want to know what the makeup sex is all about," Harry clarified.
She cocked her head to the side. "I don't know if our fight was big enough for it to be makeup sex."
"Are you going to debate me on it?" he asked as he pulled her shirt over her head. His eyes landed on her bra and paused.
"Go on, say it," she teased. She had noticed the change too, she hardly fit into the bra anymore.
He shook his head. "I mean I'd like to pay my compliments, but I am more concerned." He met her eyes. "Does that hurt at all?"
"A little sore, I'll live. Get a move on," she said, pulling on his shirt.
"Say no more."
They walked to Harry's car together. Ginny was both stressed and relieved that they could finally get the test done. Then it would just be a week more and they'd know.
"Who is driving?" Harry asked as they reached the car.
"Oh, I am driving if you don't want me to throw up," Ginny said, walking to the driver's side.
Harry threw her the keys. She caught them easily. He got in on the passenger's side and Dean settled in the backseat behind Harry. Ginny started the car and drove out of the parking lot.
"You know they told me on the phone, they usually don't get the two guys tested. If it is not one, it is the other but ... I wanted to be absolutely sure." She sighed. "Unfortunately, this is like a terrible walk of shame, weeks later."
"You could just pretend to be our surrogate," Harry suggested. "And Dean and I pretend to be a couple."
"Or whatever the opposite of sister wives is," Dean added.
"Or a fun third option, I both kill you before we get there and then we don't have to find out." She shook her head at the two. "Why do you have to get along so well anyway?"
"There is no rivalry between us." Dean shrugged.
She eyed Harry. "You're not jealous or worried?"
"I mean I'd approve of Dean if I wasn't in love with you," Harry spoke. "I've heard details from you with way worse guys—"
She waved her hand at him. "Don't remind me, please. You know more than a boyfriend should ever know."
"Dean isn't the worst. And he clearly has no further interest in you. I don't feel threatened by him in that way. As for the baby, we'll see when we have results," Harry said.
"If I am not the father, can I write my master thesis about you two, your dynamic is fascinating."
Ginny glanced back quickly to glare at him. "No!" She focused on the road again. "What do you mean by that?"
"You're somewhere between two bickering kids and an old married couple. Psychologically I just find it intriguing, and it amuses me."
"Can you two idiots just... shut up for five minutes?" she asked. She needed some quiet to ease her nerves and focus on the route. "I am considering pulling over and kicking out whoever dares to speak."
Harry frowned at her. "This is my car!"
She grinned at him. "Do you want to get out?"
Dean chuckled in the backseat. "That's exactly my point."
"I think we should all enjoy the silence while we still can," Ginny tried. And it worked. It was delightfully quiet for the following few minutes.
They registered at the desk. Harry looked over her shoulder carefully. The whole process was awkward. The desk worker looked between the three of them. It appeared most women did not choose to bring multiple men to their appointments.
He made an effort to cover her name and hid it from Dean. It was a small thing but it was the little he could do. The worker handed them their papers and told them where to wait. They were about to leave when she spoke again.
"You know, you're going to be able to tell whose it is when it comes out," looking from him to Dean, which was clearly a comment on the difference in skin colour.
Harry saw Ginny's eyes read murder and she was quick to retort. "Hey lady, I don't know if you're trying to be funny, but do you think any of us want to wait that long?"
"Gin," Harry said as she opened her mouth again.
She turned to him. "Harry, it was uncalled for. I just want to hear her reply. Go on ahead."
Harry knew it was a lost battle. He nodded to Dean, and they walked around the corridor.
"What do you think the chances are she's going to get kicked out of the hospital?" Harry wondered in amusement.
Dean shook his head. "No, she is pregnant. They get a pass for almost anything. She'll be fine."
"You mean we have an unstoppable Ginny on our hands for months to come?" Harry asked.
"I think so," Dean said.
Ginny turned the corner a minute later. She took a deep breath.
"Feeling better?" Harry asked as they walked to the correct waiting room.
She smiled brightly. "Tons."
A nurse led them into an exam room and went over what else they would be testing for during the blood test. This provoked more worries for Ginny because it seemed like there could be a million things wrong with the baby. At least they would know that soon too.
"Okay, Miss Weasley, we'll draw your blood first." The nurse stood up and prepared the needle and vials as Ginny settled on the bed.
"If I am stressed, can you see that in my blood?" she asked the nurse.
The nurse smiled warmly back at her. "Yes, but they won't be looking for that. It's normal to be nervous." She took up the needle. "Small pinch."
Ginny looked away as the needle was put in. She didn't mind the pain but she didn't like to see it.
"Is either of them your boyfriend?" the nurse asked quietly enough so the two guys couldn't hear as she filled vials of blood.
"Yes, he is," Ginny pointed at Harry. She didn't mind them overhearing the conversation. "But I didn't cheat on him."
She pulled the needle out and put pressure. "Oh, I don't judge. These things happen."
"I hooked up with one, started dating the other the next day... will have to blame alcohol on that one," she said.
The nurse chuckled. "A lot of babies are the consequence of drinking." She put a band-aid on and checked the stickers on the vial.
"It was terrible timing, and that was before I found out I was pregnant..." she said, glad to be able to confide in someone that was not involved in the situation.
"They seem to get along though, that's good." She smiled at Ginny. "You'll be alright. And you're all set. Feeling fine?"
Ginny nodded. "Fine." She slipped off the bed.
"Okay, Mr Thomas, your turn," the nurse said.
Dean stood up and Ginny sat down.
"Please triple-check those stickers," Ginny asked. "I need to be sure those aren't mixed."
The nurse showed Dean. "That's you, right?"
Dean nodded. "That's me."
Ginny watched as they did the cheek swab. Harry reached out and squeezed her leg in comfort. She responded with a smile.
"Then it's now Mr Potter's turn," the nurse said.
He walked to the bed next and the nurse showed him the sticker too.
"I am sorry, I don't want to be difficult," Ginny apologised.
"If it makes you sleep easier... it's all the same to me," the nurse said.
Dean sat beside Ginny. "He's going to be a good dad either way," Dean muttered low enough so that Harry couldn't hear.
"I know," she agreed, touching her hand to her stomach subconsciously.
The nurse collected everything on the tray and brought it to the desk.
"These will be brought to the lab soon. They will call you with the results a week from now. They usually call in the early afternoon, but it can vary."
"Thank you," Ginny said.
"Good luck," the nurse said.
They walked out onto the corridor together.
Dean paused. "I am feeling a little bit woozy, can we get a bite to eat first?"
"I get blood drawn and you're woozy?" Ginny asked.
He grimaced. "I can't stand the sight of blood. I didn't look but then she brought it over to the desk."
"Dean, here's a thought. Maybe you should have said?" Harry tried, though he was eyeing him with worry.
"I just hoped it wouldn't be an issue," Dean defended himself.
"I think we passed the cafeteria on the way in. We can have lunch here," Ginny said. "I could eat. Then maybe you'll feel a bit better."
The three of them settled down in the cafeteria of the hospital.
Ginny shoved her hamburger towards Harry. "Can you check?"
Dean looked between them curiously.
"Seeing or smelling a single tomato or pickle will make her throw up." He took apart the hamburger and checked, then pushed it back towards her. "All clear. And so I can't have any either because with her newfound bloodhound skills, she can smell it on me and then I am banished."
Dean smiled. "Looks like you're really suffering, Harry."
Harry gasped. "That's not what I was saying!" Harry retorted.
"Boys." Ginny shook her head, asking them to pipe down.
"I think she's jealous," Dean teased.
Ginny glared at him. "I thought your type was slightly shorter, Dean. And I don't mean me." She knew Harry had told him he was on the cottage list, so she didn't feel bad bringing it up now.
"Excuse me," Dean said, dropping his hamburger back on his plate. "I don't know what you're getting at."
"Well, I'm sorry to say, but you are not my type," Harry told Dean.
"You're the one who called him handsome," Ginny added, biting into her hamburger gleefully.
Harry's jaw dropped. "Ginny! That was said in confidence!"
"Don't worry, Harry. You're a very handsome guy too," Dean patted his arm.
The conversation was playful and meaningless, but it eased Ginny's worries somewhat. It made her feel like they'd be alright, no matter the outcome. They would get along and they would be able to figure it out.
"Dean, how do you want to hear the news?" Ginny asked. "Since they'll be calling me."
Dean thought about it for a moment. "Well, if it is mine, I think we better talk face-to-face so we can talk further... But if it isn't mine then a text will suffice. Quicker for everyone."
Ginny nodded. "That works for me."
"Are you going to text me if it isn't mine?" Harry asked jokingly.
"No! I'll text you if it is yours. Then I'll just make a group chat, write 'Not Dean's' and be done with it." She looked at Harry. "You better fucking be there to hold my hand."
"I think I need to check my study schedule," he replied.
Dean frowned. "Don't you two study together?"
"Yes," they said in unison.
When they got back from the hospital, Ginny immediately curled up on the couch and fell asleep. She didn't look very comfortable. Harry watched her for a minute or two but then decided to move her to her bed. He carefully put his arms under her and lifted her. She stirred but didn't speak as he carried her to her bed. He put her down softly and pulled the sheet over her. She shifted onto her side.
Harry settled at the foot of the bed, unwilling to go something else while she slept. He tried to find a different perspective. Because though their situation was messy and there were questions they could not answer, when all was said and done the dearest person in his life, his best friend and partner in crime, was having a baby. He wished he could do more for her, alleviate her troubles. Yet all he could do was just be there for her. At least she looked quite peaceful as she slept. She would get tired easily these days and Harry wasn't surprised the hospital visit had tired her out.
Harry managed to watch a whole movie on his phone before she woke up. She blinked and sat up, looking a little confused about how she got there. She turned towards Harry and lay back down, her head landing on his lap.
"Can I?" he asked, his eyes on her belly.
She turned on her back, so he had better access. "Yeah." She smiled softly at him.
Harry tenderly put his hand on her belly. "I wonder what the little nugget is up to in there."
Ginny looked up at Harry, who met her eyes. "Well, their heart could start beating any day now."
"Really?" Harry said in surprise. It felt so intangible still.
Ginny nodded. "I know my temper is out of whack these days... please know I really appreciate you and how you've been handling this."
"You're my girlfriend, so of course." His other hand came to her head, carding through her hair.
"Believe me, that's not something I take for granted," she said. "I wanted more time with you, uncomplicated time."
He smiled at her. "I know. Me too"
"I just feel everything is geared towards me now," she said, her hand coming up to touch his face. "I don't want to lose sight of your needs."
He leaned into her touch as his eyes remained locked with her warm brown ones. "You're all I need."
She rolled her eyes. "Please."
"It's not a joke, Ginny. I don't need anything. I just want to spend time with you and I want to kiss you and squeeze you closer," he said, repeating the words she had said a few weeks prior. "I care about you and your well-being and you are growing a new life in there. It makes sense the focus is on you."
She sat up and Harry's arms came around her.
She glanced down at herself. "The squeezing closer will get harder really soon though."
"What do you think I got these long arms for? It's for squeezing a certain Ginny Weasley, with or without a baby." He kissed her cheek.
Ginny giggled. "If this wasn't me but some girl you were seeing, I'd tell you, you're head over heels, stupidly blindly in love. I've never seen you like that." She still seemed in disbelief that he loved her like that.
"And you'd be correct," he admitted.
She nodded her head and sighed. "Yeah."
He frowned, he thought that would make her happy. "Is that a problem?"
"No." She shook her head. "I am just going to blow up like an oversized balloon, have a baby that may or not be yours while also trying to graduate. It is severely going to cut into our making out time."
He rubbed his chin, pretending to think. "Hm, I guess we need a head start on the making out then," Harry said, pulling her close.
"Aren't you scared?" she asked before her lips could connect with his.
"Of course. Will you stop talking now? Your lips are doing a lot of this," —he moved his hand to mimic talking— "When really they should be here." He pointed to his lips. "I promise it will make things better."
She almost kissed him. "Trying to grow a person is very stressful, you know."
"Kiss me."
Finally, her lips connected with his. His arms came around her, a hand in her hair. Harry knew it was working when she sighed into the kiss. Then he felt her grip relax and her hands came up to his face to hold him closer.
"How's that?" Harry asked after several minutes. He wasn't sure when exactly they had fallen down on the bed but now they were wrapped together and Ginny's hands were up his shirt, caressing his skin.
Ginny looked rather flushed. "You were right," she admitted. "That worked for sure."
"See?" Harry smiled, satisfied with the reaction he got. He was about to sit up when Ginny stopped him, keeping him close to her. He quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Oh, we're not done here, Harry," she firmly said. Her hands snuck further up his shirt as her lips connected with his again, but this time she was taking charge.
