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Author: BabyRuth Story: And Then There Were Twelve Rating: Young Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 11 Words: 19,672
A/N: There are a WHOLE lot of characters in this chapter. Not all of them have dialogue as it would have simply been too much. Just know that everyone had plenty to say, plenty to do, plenty to eat, and everyone had a simply smashing time!
High-pitched chatter and girlish giggles greeted Harry as he stepped into the doorway of Lily's and Molly's bedroom. All his girls were gathered there "helping" unpack the twins' trunks. The contents of said trunks were spread out all over the room. Spellbooks, quills, and parchment were scattered on the beds. Various articles of clothing spilled over the lips of the trunks and carpeted the once-clear floor. Assorted girlish accoutrements such as lotions, brushes, combs, and ribbons decorated the dressers. Hannah was wearing a set of Quidditch robes that pooled on the floor around her in a scarlet puddle as Molly recalled one of her games to the budding player. Rosie was wearing one of the girls' black school robes and waving a toy wand while holding a spell book and instructing a row of stuffed dolls. Lily was crouched in front of a giggling Bridget, tying an emerald green ribbon in her blonde curls as the matching green dress robes swamped her slight frame. "There you go, Bridget. Pretty as a princess!" Lily said. Harry cleared his throat to get their attention. Five pairs of feminine eyes in various colors turned in his direction. "Daddy! I'm playing school! I can do all sorts of spells!" exclaimed Rosie. "Excellent work, Rose! You remind me of Professor McGonagall!" he praised the beaming girl. "I really hate to break up your party, but Dobby said to tell you dinner will be in fifteen minutes, and Mum and I need Princess Bridget for a little bit. You all go on and get washed up and come downstairs." Lily helped extricate Bridget from the dress robes as the girls voiced their assent and started getting ready. Harry took the little girl by the hand and smiled at her to let her know she wasn't in trouble, and walked her to the master suite, the only place guaranteed to be fairly quiet. Entering the suite, he spied Ginny already seated in the rocking chair. He picked Bridget up and handed her to Ginny, who gave her a cuddle on her ever-limited lap. "Bridget, have you been happy here?" asked Harry anxiously, crouching beside the chair. Bridget nodded. "Do you like the other children?" asked Ginny. Again Bridget nodded. "We know you miss your mummy and da," said Harry gently. "But both Ginny and I love you very much. What would you say if we told you we wanted you to live with us forever?" "Forever?" Bridget asked. "Yes, forever and always. The other children would be your brothers and sisters and Ginny and I would be your mum and dad." "And I'd be your little girl?" "And you'd be our little girl. Hannah and Rose and Lily and Molly would be your sisters, and the boys your brothers." "Even Davey?" she asked suspiciously. Harry swallowed a chuckle and didn't dare glance at Ginny. "Even Davey," he answered. "What do you say?" "I want to be your little girl," whispered Bridget, laying her head on Ginny's breast. "Then that's what you'll be," said Ginny, kissing her soft cheek. "We didn't know we were missing you until you came along." Harry cupped Bridget's small head and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "You stay here with Mummy for a minute or two while I let the others know what's going on," he said, straightening up and leaving the room. At the doorway he turned to look back and saw Ginny rocking in the chair, holding their new daughter close. Downstairs the other children were gathering in the large dining room amid a cacophony of mixed voices and clinking cutlery. The table was groaning under the weight of platters of roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, whetting appetites. Brian sat quickly and reached for a hot roll. "Aht! Brian, did you forget all manners when you were in school?" asked Harry sharply. Brian jerked back his empty hand, trying to look innocent. "He just hoped you'd forget them, Dad," joked AJ, pulling out his own chair. "Where's Mum?" asked Kit. "She'll be along in a minute, she's with Bridget. Before they get here, there's something I need to let you all know," said Harry, ignoring Brian's exaggerated groan, and waiting a moment for all the children to be seated. "Your mum and I have made a decision that will affect all of you. We've decided to formally adopt Bridget." "So she'll be our sister?" asked Hannah. "Yes, she'll be your sister," answered Harry. "Yay!" squealed Hannah. "I need to know if anybody is unhappy with this," said Harry in a concerned tone. "I know those of you who have been in school don't know her yet, but with the party and everything tomorrow, I didn't want you to hear the news from somebody else." "We're okay, Dad. What's one more? Especially since she won't have red or black hair!" said Ian, which made the others laugh. They were still laughing when Ginny and Bridget entered the room. Giving Davey a wide berth, Bridget made her way to the vacant seat in between Hannah and James. In the Potter household, an elder child was always seated next to a younger one. It was the elder's responsibility to ensure that the younger didn't get overlooked when passing around the food platters, help cut up meat, and generally make sure that the younger ones didn't go hungry. As the food was passed around and about a hundred different conversations started up around him, Harry watched James cut up Bridget's chicken for her, and heard him say, "I'm your big brother James." Bridget gazed at him with wide eyes. Harry caught Ginny's attention and they exchanged proud smiles. * * * "James, set up another picnic table outside. I don't think we have enough places for everyone. Molly, is the croquet field set up? Get James to set the charms on the wickets. Brian, Davey, stop dueling with those croquet mallets! AJ, did you finish de-gnoming the garden? Where in the world did I put the extra forks last time? Lily, you'd really help me out here if you'd take Hannah, Rosie, and Bridget to pick flowers for the tables and get them out from under foot. Dobby, are the barbecues ready to light? I hope Mum brings her pasta salad. Has anyone seen Ian or Kit lately? If they're up in that tree house when I told them to wipe down the seats on the Quidditch pitch they're going to be sorry. I hope Fred and George don't forget the fireworks. What am I thinking? Of course they won't, and they'll bring more besides, I bet. Harry, do we have enough Butterbeer?" asked Ginny as she stacked napkins and cutlery in baskets to take outside to the garden. She had been on a tear all morning, enlisting children to fetch and carry various and sundry items out to the garden where the main party would take place. Harry resisted sighing as he answered the question his wife had already asked him three times earlier that morning. "Yes, Gin. We've got twelve cases, eight on ice and four under a Warming Charm for those odd enough to want a warm drink on a hot day, and we have more in the cellar." He picked up the filled baskets and headed toward the door, leaving a muttering Ginny behind him. Outside in the spacious back garden, five large picnic tables were arranged off to the side near the barbecues, and James was levitating a sixth one into place. Two additional tables held platters of cheeses, bowls of crisps, cucumber and other kinds of salads, apples, grapes, melons, breads, and crudité platters. Pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions filled condiment trays. Covered platters of chicken, shrimp, hamburgers, and beef waited next to the three large barbecue grills. At the far end of the food tables, platters of biscuits, brownies, and cakes, protected by Child-proof Charms, surrounded a very large old-fashioned ice cream freezer, enchanted to automatically crank the homemade strawberry ice cream. Beyond the tables was a large flat expanse of lawn. Half of the lawn was set up for the great croquet battles to come, which would be played by the non-flyers. Brian and Davey had stopped the mallet duel and were now bowling with the croquet balls. The other half of the lawn was set up with wading pools, fountains, water slides, large balls, and other brightly colored toys to entice children of all ages to cool off in the water. On either side of the lawn were park-like forests of large trees, perfect for climbing or playing hide-and-seek. Beyond the large lawn was the regulation-sized Quidditch pitch, complete with a set of spectator seats along one side about level with the treetops. In the large cutting garden surrounding the house, Lily had the three little girls picking flowers to put in wide-mouthed jars. She had a handful of lilies, de-thorned roses, ferns, and baby's breath in her fist. Hannah had a handful of bleeding hearts. Bridget was picking daisies very carefully, and Rosie had a handful of weeds. Every once in a while a squealing gnome flew overhead, pitched out of the garden by AJ. Placing the baskets of cutlery and napkins at the head of the food table, Harry heard a suspicious rustling coming from the direction of the tree house. Walking to the tree he looked up. "If anyone is in the tree house I advise you to come down before Mum finds you up there avoiding your chores." "Ah, Dad," groaned Ian's voice. "Ah, Dad," mocked Harry lightly. "I'm just helping you avoid a burst eardrum. Get to the pitch, boys. The rest of the family will be here shortly and then you can play all you want." Ian, Kit, and, to Harry's surprise, Molly, clambered down the ladder. "Molly, did you finish whatever it was Mum wanted you to do?" "Just set up the croquet field is all. I'm done. The wickets still need to be charmed, though." "I'll do it. Why don't you check out the brooms, make sure they're ready to fly?" he suggested. Molly's eyes lit up. "All right!" she shouted, running toward the broom shed. "Hey, Mol! Anybody else up the tree?" called Harry. "Nope," she called back over her shoulder. Harry walked over to the croquet field and charmed the wickets. Some would jump out of the way of an approaching ball, some would sing when a ball went through, some would shout insults at the players, some would cause the ball to disappear completely and reappear elsewhere on the field, and some would be impenetrable to certain players. After some consideration, he also charmed the balls to react in certain ways. He was casting the last charm when he heard a commotion behind him. "Grammy! Grandpop!" yelled the children, running up to receive hugs and kisses from Molly and Arthur Weasley. Grammy set the large crockery bowl she was holding onto the food table and turned back to the children. "Goodness, you've all grown so much! David, my what a handsome lad! Ian, dear, give your Grammy a kiss! Oh, it's so good to see all of you! Lily and Molly! My beautiful twin granddaughters. My, time does fly, doesn't it? Rose red, getting to be such a big girl! Kit, don't be shy, give us a squidge! AJ, I'll hug you after you wash the garden off your hands. James! All grown up and finished Hogwarts! Give us a kiss and get on with you!" Hugs and kisses were dispensed with equal measures of laughter and smiles. "Grammy! Grandpop! This is my sister Bridget!" yelled Hannah as she pulled forward Bridget, who had been watching the commotion while digging a toe in the garden soil. Both Grammy and Grandpop crouched down to the girls' level. "You remember me, don't you, Bridget?" asked Molly, smiling at her. "Well, now you can call me Grammy and this is your Grandpop. Welcome to the family!" More hugs and kisses were exchanged. As if the grandparents' arrival had started a parade, the rest of the extended Weasley family started arriving at Potter's Folly in droves. Ron and Hermione arrived bearing food and their children, Max, Jeremy, and twins, Moira and Minerva. Bill and his wife Fleur arrived with their beautiful daughters Marie, Marguerite, and Veronique. George and Alicia made a loud entrance when George set off a Whiz-Bang to grandly announce the arrival of their children Abigail, Alexis, and Andy. The arrival of Percy and Penelope also heralded the arrival of their children Paul and Patty. Fred followed shortly with his wife Angelina and their children Robbie and Melinda. Remus and Tonks arrived with their son Sean and daughter Laura, who had surprised everyone when she was born just eighteen months ago. Charlie arrived alone, the sole bachelor among the Weasleys, with pockets bulging with trinkets for his nieces and nephews. Last to arrive was Anne, whose blushing face beamed at James when she arrived amidst the general chaos of greetings. "Tonks! So good to see you; let me have that baby!" "Marie, how is work going now that you've finished school?" "Max! AJ! Come here, I've got something to show you. Don't tell anybody." "Did you catch the last Cannons game on the WWN? Great save by the Keeper, eh?" "Ginny, great spread! Where do you want my carrot salad?" "Cool! Water slides!" "When's the Quidditch game start?" "Percy, how's the leg? Is that the new prosthetic one you designed?" "Oh, I'm so glad you all were able to come. How is school going at Beauxbatons?" "Harry, got any butterbeer?" "So nice to meet you, Anne. I'd make introductions but you'll get confused keeping everyone straight. Best to take it in small doses." "Uncle Charlie! Uncle Charlie! What's in your pockets?" "Dobby, the Triple Threat are headed to the tree house. Give us a warning if you see them up to something, all right?" "What's that?!" All chattering stopped as both children and adults stared at a small circle that had appeared in mid-air over the lawn, made up of golden sparks as if an invisible person was waving an invisible wand. The circle became larger and larger, expanding outwards like a large bubble. As it expanded, the center of the circle became opaque with waves of light like the ripples on a pond. Bridget latched on to Harry's leg in fright. He looked down at her and smiled, holding a finger to his lips. "It's a surprise," he whispered, grinning. When the circle had grown to be six feet tall and five feet wide, a wizard stepped through it and bowed to the assembled crowd. He was tall and thin, with long white hair and a flowing snow-white beard. He was wearing khaki Bermuda shorts, a red and white striped polo shirt, and on his head, dark sunglasses perched on the bill of a bright orange Chudley Cannons cap. "Bumbles!" cried the children, running up to a beaming Albus Dumbledore, surrounding him with welcome. Harry bent down to Bridget. "That's Bumbles. One of our very best friends. Go on over and say hello," he encouraged. Seeing the delight on the other children's faces, Bridget went over to the crowd surrounding the old man. Bumbles bent down to Bridget, smiled widely, and said "Orchidius!" A large bouquet of flowers sprouted from the tip of his wand, which he presented to the little girl with a dramatic flourish. "You're funny!" she giggled, making the crowd roar with laughter. As if that was their cue, the children dispersed in a thousand different directions. "Everything looks great, Harry. Can't wait to dig in to that wonderful food!" exclaimed Grandpop. "I'm glad everyone could make it, Arthur. Any trouble getting away from the Ministry today?" "Are you joking? There's always trouble getting away, even if it is a weekend." Arthur smiled smugly. "But one of the benefits of the job is calling some of the shots. Unless there's a dire emergency, I gave myself the day off." "Excellent! Because you're refereeing the Quidditch match later," Harry said with a grin as he walked away to join a laughing Ron and Bill. "What?! Harry!" As the day wore on, both children and adults were kept busy with a multitude of activities. Dobby kept the grills fired up, cooking skewers of shrimp, steaks, and hamburgers for the hungry revelers. Everyone kept heading back to the food tables for seconds, thirds, and fourths, before heading back to work off the food with physical exertion. On the croquet field, the fourth game of the day was in full swing. Andy, Melinda, Rose, Hannah, Lily, and Bridget were playing. Bridget was ahead, because her wickets didn't jump out of the way, her ball whacked her opponents' balls farther down the field, and her ball jumped out of the way of everyone else's. No one noticed Bumbles standing under a tree talking with Bill, flicking his wand out from under his folded arms every once in a while. Harry remembered that it had been Hannah's turn to win last year. Bumbles clearly favored the youngest player. On the other side of the lawn, Tonks, Grammy, and Ginny sat on the edge of the wading pool cooling their feet and gossiping while watching little Laura splash in the water. Beyond them, James and Marie were giving broom rides to non-flyers. James had Moira riding in tandem on his broomstick and she was egging him on to fly higher and higher, with Anne shouting encouragement from the ground. Davey rode in front of Marie, who was teaching him the French version of Quidditch terms, and, if truth be told, a few French epithets along with them. Molly and Jeremy were racing their brooms around and around the Quidditch pitch. The Triple Threat, restricted from using the tree house since dropping a water balloon on Hermione (although their intended target was Paul), were firing water cannons at each other from behind the trees, catching unsuspecting victims in the cross fire. When Fred and George outflanked them, firing water cannons at their backs, the battle escalated to a frenzy of dodging, laughing, and drenching. "Harry!" called Ginny from the wading pool. Harry broke off his conversation with Remus and walked over to her. "What's the matter, Gin?" "I still don't think we have enough Butterbeer out. There are only three cases left. Please bring up another case so we can get it chilled." "Ginny--" Harry started, then cut himself off. It was much safer just to agree with her. He sighed. "Yes, dear." Feminine giggles followed him as he turned toward the house. Inside the cellar, Harry thought it best that if Ginny wanted one case, then he should bring up two. Levitating the two cases in front of him he climbed the steps to the kitchen. As he was reaching out to push the door open, he heard something that made him stop in his tracks. "—thought about being Minister of Magic, Hermione?" asked Ron's voice over the sound of clinking dishes. "Well, yes, I have thought about it a time or two. But every time I did I reached the conclusion that it really wasn't for me." "Really? Why? I think you'd be a brilliant Minister." Harry heard the sound of lips giving a smacking kiss. "Thanks, Ron. But the Minister really has to be the head of all the departments, including Magical Law Enforcement, the Treasury, Education, Trade and Commerce, and all that. Instead of concentrating on one thing, they have to spread their attention around. I like being able to concentrate on the regulation of magical creatures, that's where my heart is. You know who would really be an excellent Minister?" No, who? thought Harry. "Yeah, but he won't run," said Ron. "He'd just see it as another way to point the spotlight on his past rather than what good he could do in the position. I wish he'd realize he has more power with just his name than anyone else ever did or could, but he never uses it. Plus he's got the experience and service record to back it up." "That's one of the things that makes Harry, Harry." "I know. But remember that legislation Dad wanted passed a few years ago to form the fund to help war widows, no matter who their husbands were? It took him years to get that approved. When he told Harry there was a hold-up at the Wizengamot, Harry addressed them to declare his support of the measure, and it passed that day. No one else could have done that." "It's a good thing Harry is the way he is, you know, not at all power-hungry. Think of the temptation and corruption he could face!" "Come on, Hermione, this is Harry we're talking about. He's so modest it's kind of annoying. Still, if that does happen, all of us Weasleys would be very willing to puncture any big head he'd get." Ron heaved a sigh. "But it doesn't matter anyway. He won't run, and we'll get stuck with another pompous despot like we had before Dad became Minister. When will we find out who's running?" "I think candidates have to declare in August. Or is it September? I can't remember." "Oh, well. Reckon we'll just have to cope with whatever happens when it happens. Got everything we came in to get?" he asked, and Harry heard their footsteps heading back outdoors. He stood there in the dark stairwell for a long time, lost in thought. Four o'clock was the designated start time for the infamous Quidditch match. At precisely four, Harry uttered "Sonorus" and addressed all the guests who had made their way to the stands. "Attention! May I have your attention please! We are about ready to start the annual Potter, Lupin, Weasley, Weasley, ad infinitum, Quidditch match!" Loud cheers and applause greeted this announcement. "For those of you with short memories, or those of you who haven't heard the house rules before, please listen. Because there are way too many people who want to play than can actually be on a team, and there's almost enough Potters for two complete teams of our own, names of all eligible players have been put in Bumbles' cap. For our purposes, 'eligible' is defined as anyone who has finished first year at Hogwarts or Beauxbatons, and is not pregnant or otherwise incapacitated." "Guess that keeps you out, George!" yelled Fred. George shot him a rude gesture as Harry went on. "Bumbles will draw the first two names, who will then become the captains of the teams. Each captain will draw a name in turn, completing the teams. When the teams are formed, there will be fifteen minutes to assign positions and strategize. Any questions?" "Who's the referee?" shouted Bill. "Grandpop Arthur," answered Harry. "How much are the bribes this year, Dad?" called Bill. "Now, now, Bill. You know the Minister is above such things," replied Arthur officiously, but with a wide wink. "What does the winning team get?" called Brian. "Bragging rights for the rest of the year, same as always," answered Harry. "Especially if you beat the captain of the school team, eh, James?" taunted Patty, whose team had won handily the year before and provided much fodder during the school year. "Any more questions? No? All right then. Ready, Bumbles?" Harry held out the Chudley cap to Bumbles, who made quite a show of drawing the first name and handing it to Harry. "And the first team captain is…Monique Weasley!" called Harry. "Très bien, Monique! Show these Engleesh 'ow to fly, eh?" called Fleur, clapping wildly. Bumbles made an equally dramatic showing of drawing the second captain's name, handing it to Harry. "The second team captain is…Charlie Weasley!" "Way to go, Charlie! Hope you remember how to fly!" shouted George amid gales of laughter. "All right," Harry announced, "now each captain will take turns drawing out names for their players. When the last name is called, you will have fifteen minutes to pull your teams together. Also captains, don't forget to hand out your jerseys, either blue or red, stacked up right here." With that, the teams began to take shape. Monique's team consisted of herself, Angelina, George, James, Sean, Robbie, and Ron. They picked the red jerseys. Charlie's team consisted himself, Remus, Fred, Brian, Harry, Anne, and Bill. They were left with the blue jerseys. During the Blue Team's huddle, Charlie made the play assignments. Fred and Brian became the uncontested Beaters and quickly started their own strategy session. Bill took the Keeper position. Remus and Anne became Chasers. There was a bit of discussion about the Seeker post, until Harry and Charlie used "rock-paper-scissors" to determine which one would get it. Harry won with paper over rock, so Charlie assumed the last Chaser position. Harry was relieved; last year he had been forced to be a Beater. "All right team, just a couple more minutes to go," said Charlie, addressing his troops. "Best strategy is to stay on your brooms and score lots of points. Now let's see if we can beat the Red Team to the brooms," he said, and all ran toward the shed, closely followed by their opponents. When both teams had donned their jerseys and claimed their broomsticks, Arthur instructed each team to take their starting positions. "What a lovely day for the annual PLW Quidditch match, ladies and gentlemen!" came the magically magnified voice of AJ, who had assumed the role of play-by-play announcer. "Both teams have been formed and look ready to go. For the Red Team: Captain Monique is playing Chaser. Other Chasers are Angelina and Robbie. Beaters will be George and Sean. The Red Seeker will be James, who has just finished his last term as Gryffindor Seeker and House team Captain. The Keeper will be Ron (hope the other team has insurance). Welcome the Red Team!" Cheers, shouts, and cat calls were exchanged. "Now I bring you the Blue Team! Captain Charlie is playing Chaser after losing out to Dad, I mean Harry, who will be playing Seeker against his oldest. Other Chasers are Remus (how long since you've been on a broom, Moony?), and newcomer Anne Hathaway. Hope she keeps her eye on the Quaffle and not on the Red Seeker. Beaters for the Blue Team are Fred and Brian. Bill will be Keeper. Welcome the Blue Team!" More cheers, shouts, catcalls, and in Tonks' case a wolf whistle, were given and received. "All right, I want a nice clean game. I mean it, now. Or I'll set your mother and or grandmother on you!" stated Arthur. With that he released the Snitch and Bludgers, then tossed up the Quaffle. "And the play begins! Angelina makes a fast break for the Quaffle, passing it to Robbie who passes it to Monique. Back to Robbie. Robbie passes to Angelina, interception by Charlie who moves to score. No! Blocked by the former professional Keeper. He'll be hard to get by, that's for sure. Watch out for that Bludger, Bill! Quaffle picked up by Anne, brilliant pass to Remus…" As play continued, Harry circled high overhead, searching for the Snitch. He knew James had the advantage due to his playing the previous year. Harry wanted to spot the Snitch first. A fair measure of pride was at stake. "Feeling all right, old man?" taunted James as he flew past Harry in the opposite direction. "Need to review how to play?" "Hope you can keep up, Junior," retorted Harry. "Don't forget I taught you everything you know about this game." Just for the thrill of it, he went into a steep dive, with his son following close behind. "You can't fool me, old-timer. You're feinting!" yelled James. "Yeah, but you followed me anyway! Hope you used a strong Sticking Spell!" shouted Harry as he pulled up from the dive, laughing as James struggled to pull up behind him. As Harry rose, dodging a Bludger sent his way by Sean, he noticed James ascending in a spiral down the field. After an hour of play, the score was fairly close, at 110 to 80 in favor of the Red Team. Blue was unable to score against Red for a long time, until Remus discovered that if the Blue Chasers double-teamed Ron, he couldn't tell which Chaser would aim for which hoop, and they were more likely to score. Once when the Snitch was spotted, Anne batted her eyes and threw James a kiss to divert him from catching it. The distraction worked so well that Arthur awarded the Red Team a penalty shot for "shamelessly flirting with the opponent," a call that was met with both cheers and jeers. Harry finally spotted the Snitch hovering right behind the Red Team's center hoop. This would take some finesse. Trying to avoid detection, he caught Brian's eye and glanced meaningfully at Ron's end of the field. Brian glanced downfield and nodded, and turned his gaze toward Fred. Cottoning on quickly, Fred and Brian proceeded to hit the Bludger back and forth toward Ron. Flying high overhead to avoid attention, Harry waited until the Beaters had drawn Ron's attention with a well-aimed Bludger, then swooped toward the center goal. Flattening himself over his broomstick in order to fit through the hoop, and hoping that he still would, Harry stretched out a hand and snatched the Snitch. Whooping wildly, fist in the air, Harry shot straight up, joined by his teammates. James just shook his head ruefully and flew over to congratulate his dad on the win. "And the Blue Team has won the game! So ends another exciting PLW annual Quidditch match. The crowd should please remember that we are not responsible for personal articles left in the stands, and they should please re-fold their chairs until the next game. Now the charms will be removed from the sweets table and the ice cream is ready!" With shouts of excited laughter, everyone headed out of the stands, ready to dissect the game, give the players unsolicited coaching advice and criticism, and to fill up on biscuits, brownies, and strawberry ice cream. The day wound down with more fun and frolicking, a few pick-up Quidditch games played without the Snitch, one or two more croquet games, one or two naps, and one or two more water battles. Later that evening, Harry sat on the lawn cradling his wife in the circle of his arms enjoying a spectacular display of Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-Bangs. His children and closest friends were around him, and as he felt his twelfth child moving about inside Ginny's tummy, he felt truly blessed. Everyone should be so lucky, to have wonderful families and be able to live peacefully, he thought, giving Ginny a light squeeze as what he had been subconsciously considering all afternoon crystallized in his mind. "What are you thinking about, Harry?" asked Ginny softly. "I'll tell you later. Remind me I want to Floo-call Amos Diggory tomorrow." Ginny turned her head and smiled, giving her husband a kiss as a spectacular golden dragon crackled overhead, breathing shooting stars into the night sky above.
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