To celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone exactly 20 years ago, I decided to publish a chapter❤️
Chapter 62: Are you really?
A few months have passed and everything has been going quite well.
Harry, Teddy and I have settled in quite well in the Manor. Harry found a special room on the top floor where we placed the portrait of Sirius (and usually James and Lily) and a few other personal belongings he'd rather people wouldn't accidentally come by. Teddy loves his room and the covers we brought for his bed.
I've been having conversations with Lily and James again about what it's like to live as a Potter in the Potter Manor. They tell me that Harry is lucky to have me and the other way around. Sirius often jokes about how Potter men are always attracted to ginger-haired woman.
My team and I are doing really well in the competition and it was quite funny when the commentator in the first match had forgotten that I wasn't Ginny Weasley anymore. He had a lot of people shouting and telling him that it's Potter. I saw Harry in the crowd, holding Teddy and laughing.
At first, it was in the Daily Prophet, about how I had been chosen by Harry Potter, the Chosen One himself, to be his wife. It annoyed us at first but it's starting to wear off now after a few months.
Harry's doing rather well at the Ministry too. He gets involved in bigger and harder tasks. I'm happy for him that his work is being appreciated but he often stays at work until late. I do always have Teddy but the conversation subjects are a little different to what I'm used to with Harry.
Talking about Teddy, he's made real progress on learning how to read and write. He still writes the 'e's and the 'z's in the opposite direction but we're really proud and surprised that he's such a quick learner. We've read the cartoon book loads of times so I don't know if he can really read it yet or he's just heard us read it to him that he's memorised all of the text.
What Harry and I also have started to notice is Tonks's clumsiness in Teddy. He seems to trip over the umbrella stand in the hallway every time he passes it even though he's aware of it's presence, we've often had to fix a broken tooth because he'd have fallen down the stairs again or he would knock over his glass of milk during breakfast.
It's hard to see him grow that quick. It seems like only last week that we took him in and that in one week, he's grown from a baby who had just lost his parents to a boy who has started to read and write and has two other people who have taken him in and care about him very much.
I don't think Harry and I have to worry about Teddy not being a wizard. I don't think we ever really doubted it but he's been showing small signs of magic. I once found a book, which I had put on a high shelf the night before, next to his bed when I had told him he wasn't allowed to read anymore because it was too late.
Erin seems to be really happy to be together with Scott. We've all had the pleasure to meet him a few times. He's a nice guy and I'm glad there's someone who can accept Erin for who she is as a person and not for what she turns into once in a month.
*
It's Sunday today which means that it's the day of the weekly dinner at The Burrow. It's usually a fun event as there's always something to talk or joke about. Erin would be coming with Scott today so I'm really curious about how he'll find it, a house full of people, laughter and friendliness.
"Teddy? Are you ready?" Harry calls up the stairs, looking at his watch.
"I'm coming!" Teddy calls back, running down the stairs.
"Ted, don't run down the-" I warn before the boy trips and lands in Harry's open arms.
"Sorry Ginny," Teddy smiles guiltily, putting on his shoes.
"Well, be glad your godfather was there to catch you," I smile, tapping his nose fondly.
"Yes Mum," Teddy says, rolling his eyes, without noticing what he said. My eyes widen and Harry quickly says, "Come on, let's go or we'll be late."
"Good idea," I agree, putting on my cloak and fastening Teddy's for him.
"Do you need your gloves and scarf?" I ask the boy.
"Maybe, if we want to play outside," Teddy replies.
"I'll take them with me, just for sure," I smile, putting them in the bag of usual things we bring along. It's always full with games, Teddy's toys, Muggle puzzles and Chocolate Frog cards. We don't usually need it at The Burrow but I always bring it along.
We get ready, take the self-made cake and Apparate to The Burrow as soon as we've passed the Anti-Apparation border.
"Oeh!" Teddy looks a bit green and wobbles unstable to the door.
"You okay Ted?" Harry asks worriedly.
"I'll be fine," Teddy mumbles.
"Here, drink this, it helps for the nausea," Harry says, handing him a vial.
Teddy obeys and the green on his face clears away as soon as the liquid enters his mouth.
"Harry! Ginny! Teddy!" Mum exclaims, running towards us for a hug as soon as she's seen us.
"Mum," I smile, hugging her back.
"Mrs Weasley!" Harry says, hugging her as soon as she's let me go.
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Molly?! You're family now!" Mum scolds fondly.
"Probably a few more times Mrs We- Molly," Harry smiles.
"Grandma! I fell off the stairs again today but Harry caught me!" Teddy says as though he's proud.
"Well, I'm glad he did because otherwise you wouldn't be standing here so happy," Mum smiles, just about managing to pick him up.
"I keep telling him not to run down the stairs but he's as clumsy as his mother," I chuckle, ruffling his blue hair.
"Come in! You're the last to arrive!" Mum says, leading us to the door.
After the usual hugs and kisses from the whole family, I give Mum the cake and we take a seat around the table (which has had to be enlarged more than once).
"So Fleur," I sit next to my (at this moment) only sister-in-law," how are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm doing quite fine, zank you Ginny, zis leetle baby ees a fierce one. Eet ees kicking me a leetle beet, even though eet ees not vairy big yet," Fleur says, rubbing her more than just swollen abdomen.
"You don't know the gender?" I ask her, while putting some salad on my plate.
"Non, and I don't theenk I want to know. I like eet when eet ees a surprise. Besides, I won't like ze baby more or less when I know ze gender," Fleur smiles, eyeing the meat but taking salad instead.
"Don't you want some meat?" I ask her.
"I woold like to but I'm not allowed. Eet ees because of a pregnancy diet. I deed eet last time so ze baby and I stayed 'ealthy," Fleur says, a little grumpy.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologise, pushing the meat further away.
"Not to worry, you coold not 'ave known," Fleur says, patting my hand.
If she would have done that five years ago, I would have been annoyed but now it's nothing more than reassuring and friendly.
"You shoold come and see Victoire, she 'as been asking to see 'er godmuzzer. She loves you," Fleur says, looking at the small girl sitting on my eldest brother's lap.
"My day off is always on Thursday so tell me which one and I'll gladly come!" I tell her.
"She woold be delighted!" Fleur beams, eating her salad.
By the end of dinner, Ron and Hermione stand up.
"We would like to make an announcement," Hermione smiles.
"You're pregnant?!" George blurts, making Hermione blush.
"No!" Hermione smiles.
"Oh! I get it, Ron is the one who's pregnant! Fleur, you'll have someone to keep you company!" George smiles, causing everyone except Ron to burst out in laughter.
When everyone has wiped away their tears, Ron says," No! We're engaged!"
"Oh my little Ronniekins!" George says, faking to wipe away a tear.
I stand up and give my friend a hug.
"So the prat finally proposed?Congratulations! I can't say it came as a surprise as I already saw the ring earlier but I thought you would want to keep it quiet," I whisper so only she can hear it.
"Yes, 'the prat' did! Thank you," Hermione smiles.
"We should talk about it some time! Not this Thursday because I already have an appointment with my goddaughter to do something fun but maybe the week after?" I suggest, thinking about the fun thing I already had planned for me and Victoire.
"We should," Hermione confirms, looking at my other brothers and husband surrounding Ron.
"It's going to be a busy year with George and Angelina marrying and you and Ron! What next?" I laugh.
"You'll be my maid-of-honour, won't you? That job has never been for anyone else really," Hermione asks, looking hopeful.
"Of course I will! It's only fair!" I give her a friendly nudge.
"I think Erin wants to congratulate you too," I tell Hermione.
"Ooh! Then I can ask her to be bridesmaid too!" Hermione beams, waving at Erin.
After deciding to leave the two alone, I go and stand next to Scott.
"It's quite something, isn't it, such a big family," I remark to which he laughs.
"I grew up as an only child so it is overwhelming," Scott admits.
"It's what almost everyone says," I say, looking at my wedding ring.
"Don't get me wrong, I really love it here! It's so cosy and it has such a friendly sphere! Just like my old common room," Scott says quickly.
"In which House were you?" I ask him curiously.
"In the house of the one and only Helga Hufflepuff!" Scott says proudly.
"Now I think about it, I should have known," I says, laughing at my stupid question.
"How?" Scott asks, looking surprised.
"Well, you've been able to see past the thing Erin has and accept her for who she is. A Slytherin or a Ravenclaw wouldn't be as accepting," I answer.
"And how did you know I wasn't a Gryffindor?"
"Well, I would have seen you or vaguely recognised you in the commo- wait, weren't you the one who saved my life during the Battle?" I ask, remembering his face even though it was more that four years ago.
"Well, I didn't exactly save your life, I just-" Scott says before I give him a short hug.
"I've always been wanting to thank you but I could never seem to find you!" I tell him.
"It was nothing," Scott says, turning red.
"Well, I'm still standing here because of you," I exclaim.
"You would have done the same for me, wouldn't you?" Scott laughs.
"Of course!" I smile, patting his arm.
"Then what are we fussing about?" Scott says, not unkindly.
"I just wanted to say thank you! And now before you can say anything back, I'm going to find my husband," I laugh, seeing Harry talking to Ron.
Victoire and Teddy are playing with a few of Teddy's teddies. They're moving them around, talking in different voices and it's really sweet.
*
By the time December has arrived, everyone in the Potter-Weasley family has been looking forward to this special day, the wedding of Angelina and George.
"Harry? Do you happen to have my hair clip?" I ask while searching through my drawer.
"Do I, Harry Potter, seem like someone to wear a hair clip?" Harry asks me mockingly, his hands in his sides.
"Well.. no, I don't think so," I laugh at my own stupidity.
"Thank you," Harry thanks before getting Teddy robes to wear.
I put on my own dress with shawl for around my arms. It's December which means it's cold and I don't like the cold very much.
I usually wouldn't bother putting on a shawl but as it's in a Muggle church, it'll be cold.
The thing is, as Angelina and George only wanted it to be for family and very close friends, they didn't want to have it at Hogwarts, where it'll be packed with students who are staying there for the holiday, so they decided on the church where Fred is buried.
I get my bag and pack a few things. I put in a game for Teddy for the party afterwards and continue to look for my hairpin.
"So, are you ready to go?" Harry asks, holding Teddy's hand and watching me do my hair.
"Almost," I reply.
*
"I know it must look weird," George starts his vows, " to see a groom without a best man or groomsmen. The reason is that Fred and I had promised each other, as soon as we learnt about what a wedding was, that we would be each other's best man. I've been thinking of asking someone else to be best man but the promise kept weighing on my mind. And I also thought, why have anyone else here up front when I have Angelina. It's been hard the past four and a half years but I've had people, including Angelina, who really helped me. She helped me, mentally and physically. So thank you Angelina for being here with me and for staying with me for so long. You'll have to stay with me for even longer now. Thank you for your support when it got harder for me."
Angelina smiles and George and from what I can see, they both have tears in their eyes.
We clap when their vows have ended and when they get bonded for life.
It really makes me proud of my brother that after all he's been through, he can still step over the invisible barrier and try to find himself again.
Angelina truly looks amazing in her simple but beautiful dress. George just looks like the happiest man as the photographer takes a picture of the two of them.
"I'm proud of you and I'm sure Fred would be too," I tell him while I'm dancing with my newly married brother.
"Thank you. You know, being in that church really made me feel as if he was there too, it's what made me feel confident about talking about him," George smiles.
"Perhaps is was the bond that will never separate you or the promise you made," I say as he twirls me.
"Perhaps," George says before the song ends.
"Go and dance with your wife, she seems to be looking at you, longing for another dance," I say, pushing him towards her.
"If I don't speak to you before leaving, thank you for everything and a Merry Christmas to you all," George smiles, giving me a hug.
"Thank you and have fun! See you on New Years Eve!" I say before Harry asks me to dance with him.
"Weird isn't it, dancing, happily married, at my older brother's wedding," I say, and as Bill said at my wedding, I hadn't expected to be the second one to marry in a family in which I'm the youngest.
"It's pretty weird," Harry agrees, twirling me around.
"I'm glad Teddy's having fun too," I say, nodding in Teddy's direction.
"Yeah, me too. I'm happy that he and Victoire get on so nicely together," Harry smiles.
We dance for a little while until the song ends.
When we both have drinks, Harry starts talking.
"Hey Gin, I was thinking because I remember the letter, I received saying I'd inherited the Manor from my dad, saying that my parents had to go into hiding because a lot of Ministry members knew where the Potter Manor was because of the annual New Years Ball that was organised there. I was wondering, only if you like the idea, to have a New Years Ball there for friends, family and coworkers we're close to. The ballroom is big enough and I thought that it would liven it up a little," Harry says before taking a sip from his Firewhiskey.
"From what I've heard, it sounds like a good idea," I agree, kind of liking the sound.
"But let's first enjoy today and think about it tomorrow," Harry smiles, raising his glass.
"To George and Angelina," I say, raising my glass too.
"To George and Angelina," Harry says.
By the time we get home, Teddy has already fallen asleep again on the sofa. Harry carries him up to bed and comes back down again.
"I'm tired too. Shall we call it a day?" Harry asks when he comes back down again.
"Yeah," I say with a yawn.
By the time I get in bed, Harry is already half asleep.
"G'night Ginny," he mumbles.
"Goodnight Harry," I return, turning off the light and closing my eyes.
*
It's weird thinking that after a month of organising the Ball, it's already over.
Teddy and Victoire were the youngest there and everyone adored them. Harry and I made sure to take some pictures for them when they're older.
Personally, I really enjoyed it. I was really happy to see that even my team and our captain was here. I found it very interesting to talk with a few of Harry's coworkers about the kind of work they did and how Harry saved someone named Dave's life.
It was really nice to see the rest of the family again even though we see each other quite often.
Beforehand, Harry and I had insisted on helping Winky and Kreacher with the preparations, despite their protests.
I had had a fun time looking for dresses and getting ready with Hermione.
It feels so strange that compared to a whole month of organising, the evening and night didn't even feel like a full ten minutes.
Well, it's 2003 now and I'm looking forward to another amazing year.
*
It's a Thursday morning, in the beginning of January, and I'm sitting on the edge of the bath. Harry has already gone to work, Teddy has gone to stay with Andromeda for a few days but I don't have training today. I don't think I'll be going to training for a while either.
After being sick for more than eight days (I'm never sick) and missing my period, I had decided to get a Muggle pregnancy test yesterday when Harry was at work.
I've been sleeping in until late every weekday so I haven't been seeing Harry in the mornings so he hasn't seen me being sick. I've been waking up before Harry in the weekends and I haven't been to training either.
After throwing up this morning, I had decided to take the test.
While waiting for the results, I brush my teeth and try to get rid of the horrible taste in my mouth.
I look at the stick and see two lines. I check the box and see that two lines means positive.
I smile and throw the stick with the box in the bin.
I'm pregnant.
I'm a little sad that I won't be able to finish the Quidditch season but I'm willing to quit for this baby.
I put my hands on my abdomen, which isn't really swollen yet but it still feels special.
I'm pregnant!
I'll have to go to practice tomorrow to tell at least Gwen. I'm not sure if I'm ready for the others to know because I don't want the whole world to know. I also want the rest of our family to know before other people do.
I decide to go downstairs, still a little nauseous, and get greeted by Winky.
"Is Mistress okay? I sees that you isn't looking too good," Winky says bowing deeply.
"I'm f-" I say before putting my hand in front of my mouth and running to the toilet.
After a whole day of feeling quite nauseous, asking Winky and Kreacher to help me prepare a meal (they insisted on doing it themselves as I kept having to run to the toilet), thinking about how to keep it a secret from the Daily Prophet and thinking about how to tell Harry (and Teddy eventually), I hear the door opening and jump up.
I still haven't figured out how to tell him so I hope it just goes well. I don't think Harry will be sad or angry because we are married but he might not have wanted children at this age yet.
"Hey Gin," Harry says, greeting me with a kiss.
"Good evening!" I reply cheerfully.
"What's that lovely smell?" Harry asks, breathing in deeply.
"You're favourite desert! I tried making it today but Winky and Kreacher ended up doing it for me," I smile.
"When- oh yeah, you didn't have practice today," Harry says, hanging his cloak on the peg.
"Nope," I say, trying to contain my excitement.
"About that, I heard from a coworker, who happens to have a girlfriend who plays for the Harpies, that you haven't been to training for more than a week," Harry says, looking at me seriously.
"Yeah, well it would be hard to play with a big belly," I say, looking at my feet.
"I unders- wait, what?" Harry says. I look up and see his green eyes telling me that he's confused.
"Yep, I'm pregnant," I smile. Apparently my feet are more interesting than my husband because I keep looking at them.
"You-you're p-pregnant?!" Harry says, putting his hands on my shoulders which makes me look up.
"Yes," I say, smiling weakly but not looking at the floor.
"Are you really! How long? How long have you known? Is it a boy or a girl? Have you told anyone yet? How are you feeling now? When's the due date? What are going to do?" Harry asks, his eyes sparkling with excitement and talking really quickly.
"Hold on, I can't follow you if you're talking that quickly," I laugh.
Harry takes me into his arms and says, "You really are pregnant, I can feel you glowing."