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Author: Caitlyn Story: Lessons for Life Rating: Young Teens Setting: Pre-OotP Status: Completed Reviews: 4 Words: 87,853
Chapter Twenty: Testing Loyalties
"You're right you have some things to clear up," Ginny snapped when she and Harry had left the dining room. "I don't understand what's come over you but—" "I could say the same for you," Harry replied coolly. Ginny gave a small noise of disbelief. Harry knew she was surprised and furious that he had said that to her. "Listen," he said, by way of apology, "just please come and hear me out…." "Oh, believe me, I can't wait to hear this," Ginny snapped, quickening her strides, her dress robes swishing. "Ginny, don't…." "You have a lot of gall to think you have any say in what I do or do not do," Ginny interrupted and opened the library door. Harry saw the tears brimming in her eyes. He felt a cold sweat break out on his own forehead and he took a deep breath. "Gin, sit down, please." Ginny's brave face definitely was commendable. "No, thank you, I prefer to be insulted standing up. Some people are your equals, Harry." That stung. Harry took a calming breath. She was just being a Weasley, he reminded himself, and he knew how to deal with Weasleys. "Ginny, I would prefer to tell you this while you're sitting down." "And I would prefer—" "Sit down, for the love of God!" Harry bellowed, putting his hands on his forehead in frustration. "Please!" Harry supposed the only reason Ginny sat was because he shocked her into doing it. He felt a little shocked himself. "Before I tell you anything… I have to tell you that I love you. I love you, Ginny… I don't want to hurt you." Ginny definitely looked like she was about to start crying any moment now. "You aren't making any sense." She shook her head at him when he took her hand. "I don't understand what's wrong, Harry. We just seemed so right." Still holding her hand, Harry got down on one knee. "Ginny, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?" Ginny sat back slowly, her eyes very wide. "Harry…" she whispered. Harry swallowed, clutching her hand. "Please." "I-I-I wasn't expecting this," Ginny stuttered, tears spilling over. "Harry, I'm so sorry." Harry's stomach dropped somewhere to the vicinity of his toes. "You…you won't?" Ginny threw her arms around his neck, crying. "I'm so sorry I treated you so horribly! I love you and Chloe so much." "Then…you will?" Harry got out. "Yes!" cried Ginny. "Of course I'll marry you!" "Then…" Harry was still trying to work everything out. "Then why are you still crying?" "Because I love you more than anything," Ginny said laughing through her tears and kissing his forehead, cheeks, and lips. Harry suddenly sat back, gaping at her. "You said yes!" "Yes," nodded Ginny. Harry grinned like an idiot and then kissed her. "You said yes!" he repeated exuberantly. "I'm glad you made me sit down," Ginny admitted. "Bit of a shock for both of us," Harry smiled. "You know, I've dreamed of this since I was eleven," said Ginny as she tried to wipe her tears away and lighten the subject, "and I'll tell you what, it never looked like this." Harry was floored. "Since you were eleven!?" "Yes," she said pulling him onto the couch with her. "Girls love to think about proposals and weddings." "I dreamt about Quidditch," pondered Harry, "and you planned our wedding at eleven?" "Well, yes! You were extremely handsome." "Was?" "She kissed his cheek affectionately. "Really, Harry…I don't have to answer that, do I?" "What exactly were these proposal dreams like?" Ginny blushed. "Oh don't! Please! It's so stupid!" "Tell me," he persisted. Ginny shook her head. "No, no, and no." "Why won't you tell me?" "Because, you don't need to know. They're so embarrassing." Harry snorted. "You do realize that I was only embarrassed about twenty times this evening, and I did not faint. That was 100% Weasley falsehood. I can't believe you didn't hear your mother dropping hints like mad, and then, well, you yelled at me." Ginny put her finger to his lips, with a small giggle. "Okay! You win." Harry was satisfied. "You always had flowers with you," she remembered. "A little brook, and big shady trees and flowers on the ground...." Ginny jumped as an oak tree shot straight up next to the couch. "Harry! Percy is going to kill you!" Harry shrugged and pointed towards the highly polished bookshelves. More trees began to swell up around the bookshelves and acorns made soft plopping noises as they hit the carpet. A clear stream cut through the carpet, leaving a rivulet of flowing water. Percy's red and gold fleur-de-lis carpet started to germinate into a lush green grass. Ginny seemed impressed. "Not bad." Harry admired his work. "You're right though, I think Percy won't like this décor for his study." "It's perfect," said Ginny, plucking a flower that had sprouted by the couch. Harry squinted at the ceiling. "Daytime?" he asked as the ceiling turned a lovely shade of blue and fluffy clouds skidded onto it. "Night," said Ginny leaning back into his arms. The ceiling faded black and stars began winking into view. ~*~ "Do you hear anything?" asked Charlie, watching George press his ear against the door. "Quiet!" whispered Mrs. Weasley, wringing her hands. "Are we spying on Uncle Harry?" asked Meghan. "Shhh!" said all the adults. "We aren't spying, darling," said Penelope. "We're trying to find out the news a bit sooner." "We're spying," confirmed Sirius. "Shhhh!" "I can't hear! Quiet!" hissed George. Ron bumped heads with George. "Ouch! Would you move out of the way? I thought I heard something!" "Really boys, if you don't quiet down, we're going to be found!" warned Mr. Weasley. "If you're going to spy on someone," sighed Hermione. "Do it properly!" Ron turned and rolled his eyes, "Fine! See if you can hear anything?" "Specto subsentiam!" muttered Hermione, tapping once on the door with her wand. A small portion of the door disappeared revealing Harry and Ginny in the study. "Nice," said George, nodding his approval. "I should have thought of that one." "Well, after traipsing around with Harry, I don't know why Ron doesn't know it either," said Hermione raising her eyebrows. "My study!" exclaimed Percy loudly, as he shoved Bill out of the way. "What in the name of Merlin did Harry do to my study?" "SHHHH!" "I can't see! I can't see!" cried Kyle standing on his tiptoes. "What are they saying?" said Mr. Weasley craning his neck. "Ginny's crying!" gasped Penelope. Alarmed grunts came from each of the Weasleys as they all tried to see through the door at once. BAM. Someone accidentally elbowed Ron, which resulted in smacking his forehead into the door. "BLOODY HELL!" roared Ron, swinging around to see who the culprit was. "Now you've done it!" said Charlie dejectedly. "We're going to be found for sure!" "Sure, Charlie! I wanted to be more closely acquainted with the door!" shouted Ron, holding his forehead. "Poor Ginny! I wonder what he is saying to her!" "Bill! Kindly get off my foot!" Catherine shrieked loudly. "Meghan pinched me!" "I did not! It was Kyle!" came Meghan's retort. "Percy," choked Remus as he was kicked, "why on earth do you have such small hallways?" "Because I'm not used to spying on relatives outside my study," snapped Percy, patting the sobbing baby that someone had passed to him. "Come off it, Perce! It was half your idea!" "Chloe, sweetheart," gasped Sirius, "could you be a doll, and not put Norbert's snout into Grandfather Sirius' neck?" "What is going on?" Harry said opening the door suddenly. They all lurched back. "Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley, smiling sweetly, always composed, "Ginny! How are you? We wanted to ask if you wanted pie!" "I believe you, Molly," said Harry crossing his arms. "As for the rest of you…." "My study!" Percy pushed past Harry. "There is a river in my study!" "NEAT!" shouted Hunter running into the study, "Uncle Harry, can you do this to my room?" "Children!' cried Percy desperately as they ran forward to play at the edge of the brook. "Cease immediately! This is not a forest! Stop splashing!" He was turning bright red and Penelope cut in. "Darlings, please don't splash your father's study!" "Wow! It looks great in here!" grinned George. Percy eyes were bugging out as he looked at the moss hanging from his bookshelves. "Finite Incantatem," said Harry clearly. The room shimmered a bit, and all the trees disappeared in golden bursts and the brook vanished in a crackling trail of blue. The grass began to shrink, and Percy's carpet grew in place. Percy still looked a little huffy, and he pushed his glasses up his nose as he peered around to make sure everything was still in order. "Good as new," said Harry kindly. The children looked disappointed. In fact, Alexandria's lower lip was slightly out. "I liked the river," said Hunter sitting on the floor. Harry grinned, he covered his mouth so Percy couldn't see, and whispered loudly to the children, "Come to my house. We'll make a jungle in the living room." The children giggled to each other. "Well, dears," said Mrs. Weasley again, "we were just wondering how things were going along." "Is that so?" said Ginny, crossing her arms. "It is so," said Hunter nodding his head, answering honestly. Ginny held out her left hand slightly, and Lily's ring glinted brilliantly on her hand. "Harry and I are getting married," she said, her eyes shining. "Does this mean I can be a flower girl?" screamed Meghan, hopping up and down. "Does this mean my Daddy and Ms. Ginny are getting married like Cinderella?" shrieked Chloe from Sirius' arms. She was so excited she was beating poor Sirius on the back with Norbert. "Yes, yes!" laughed Sirius. Charlie grabbed Harry and hugged him roughly. "I knew it would be today!" Bill grabbed him and shook him so joyously, that Harry's glasses nearly fell off. "WELCOME to the family Harry! It's about time!" "You have a new cousin!" said Mr. Weasley telling Madeline excitedly. "We have so much to plan!" "I knew it! I knew since Hogwarts that you two were destined for each other!" said Hermione hugging Ginny and Harry. "Used your inner eye, did you?" said Ron innocently grinning at Hermione. "Oh shut up, Ron," laughed Ginny. "Who wants to wake up Fred and tell him everything that's happened?" asked Bill, grinning. "After pie," added Charlie, "which I propose we break into right now!" "Sounds fantastic," said Hermione. "Let's go back to the dining room. As they all left the room, Ginny gently nudged Harry and her eyes lifted briefly to the ceiling, still shining with lovely stars. Harry looked up and tried not to smile, "Oops," he whispered to her. "Leave it," she whispered back. "Give him something to be shocked about later." ~*~ (April 15th) The cathedral was coated with bright yellow and white daisies. Harry's nose twitched and his eyes watered. Between the smell of the daises and the cheerful spring sunlight streaming into the church, he could hardly see. A honking sound behind him reminded Harry that the organist was still trudging through the entrance music as people were escorted into the church. The organist hit another bad note and there was soft snicker from Ron. Harry glanced at him and tried to glare as best as he could without the congregation noticing. "I know she's bad," hissed Harry, "but you don't have to laugh!" The amusement in Ron's eyes was very apparent, and he glanced at the old blue-haired witch seated at the pipe organ and then back at Harry. "Perhaps she can make the reception too?" he said innocently, and slapped his hand over his mouth to muffle the loud guffaw when he saw the look Harry gave him. "What is so funny?" whispered Percy, furrowing his brow as he leaned forward out of the line of Weasley groomsmen to speak to them. "Nothing," said Ron flatly. "Mum is going to have a fit if she sees you laughing through the entire ceremony!" scolded Percy. The organ music swelled in volume in what Harry guessed was the organist's failed attempt of a grand finish to the entrance music. He was thankful for the reverent silence that followed the end of music. The blessed silence didn't last for long, and the back doors to the cathedral swung open with a bang. The organ began blasting a very painful version of Pachebel's Canon in D. Harry gritted his teeth and couldn't refrain from a shudder when the organist hit a particularly sour set of chords. The sun had slipped behind a small cloud and Harry was able to see down the aisle. He sucked in his breath sharply when he saw the flower girl processional. What on earth had Ginny put them in? Chloe, Meghan, Madeline, and Alexandria were wearing dresses of a horrid mustard yellow color—Harry guessed it had intended to be daisy yellow. The dresses had white pinafores bursting with ruffles and Harry was amazed the little girls could walk after he saw the skirts of the dresses exploding in froths of lace. The flower girl dresses were nothing in comparison to the concoction Hermione had been stuffed into. Harry guiltily noted that she probably literally had been stuffed into the dress because she looked all of her five months pregnant, and the dress didn't seem prepared for that. Hermione's dress was the same awful color and instead of the pinafore, it had an unflattering sweetheart bodice and enormous puffed sleeves. There was also a very strained looking sash, tied with a tiny bow, due to lack of fabric. Harry's heart also went out to Penelope who appeared at the entrance on Remus' arm. Her dress seemed entirely too short and wide or her tall, slim figure. Ruffles and puffed sleeves looked horribly out of place on practical Penelope. As soon as Penelope had made it back to her spot, the music came to an abrupt and screeching halt. The blue-haired witch turned around on her bench and beamed at everyone before she reached far above her head and slammed her hands down on the organ to play the opening chord of the Bridal march. Of course, the sun took that opportunity to come out from the cloud and blinded Harry once again. Harry squinted desperately to see Ginny walking down the aisle toward him, but he couldn't see a thing. He could only hear the skirts of her dress whispering as she walked toward them. Harry was still blinking sunspots out of his eyes when she stood next to him. He could only make out that she was wearing a veil. "Who gives this bride away?" "Her mother and I do," said Mr. Weasley's proud voice. Harry rubbed his eyes and replaced his glasses. Now that he had turned around, the sun wasn't blinding him. "Dearly beloved!" began the priest. "And by the power vested in me...." Harry snapped to. What? This was the end of the ceremony! Had he been participating?! "I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!" Harry blinked furiously, and he was thankful that he had most of his vision back now. He reached over and pulled up a corner of Ginny's veil. He closed his eyes and leaned in to kiss her. "Boo," said Neville. Harry's eyes flew open and in one horrifying second he realized that Neville was wearing Ginny's wedding gown. Harry yelled and then abruptly crashed to the floor. Harry's chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath. He swiped his hand across his forehead to keep the sweat from dripping into his eyes. Dazed, he got to his feet and stumbled over to the fireplace. Bright purple flames rose up from the ashes after he mumbled a spell. "Ginny Weasley." Ginny's face appeared in the fireplace, looking panicked. "Harry! Are you all right?" she said quickly, "Chloe! Where's Chloe?" "Chloe's fine," he interrupted, "I have to talk to you about the wedding!" Sharp relief showed on Ginny's face immediately, Then Harry's comment about the wedding sunk in. "At three in the morning?!" "Ginny, I had a horrible dream about it," said Harry, looking very ragged. "Do you want me to come over?" she said. "No," said Harry, "I-I- just wanted to make sure of a few things." Ginny yawned. "Harry, I'm coming over." ~ Ginny rested her head on his shoulder. "Okay, now that were clear on this, we aren't going to have an organist, a single daisy in the cathedral, the flower girls and bridesmaids aren't in yellow—anything else?" Harry shook his head. "I don't think so." "As for you dreaming that I was Neville, I don't know what to say about that." "I never had apprehensions about it until I dreamed about it. I'm sure it's nothing really." "Harry," said Ginny quietly, "I think you feel sort of guilty. Maybe that's why you had the nightmare." "It scared me pretty well," said Harry shuddering. "Listen to me," said Ginny, "I loved Neville. But he was taken away from me. Someone, somewhere decided to give me a second chance at love. That doesn't happen to wveryone. Harry, I love you, and you aren't a replacement for Neville." Harry was quiet for a long time. "Thank you." "Feel better?" said Ginny kissing his cheek. "Planning weddings," sighed Harry, "is a test of one's true loyalty." Ginny laughed quietly and drew her feet up onto the couch, snuggling closer to Harry. "You need to get some sleep. We have to be up early to go run errands." ~*~ "I'm merely saying, Ginny, that if Catherine is going to be in a hat, then all of the children must be in hats. It is only fair after all," said Percy, scrutinizing a white hat in his hands. "No," said Ginny, snatching the hat out of his hands. "It's my wedding, and if Catherine wants to wear a hat, Catherine may wear a hat! It does not mean that all the other children have to wear hats." Madam Malkin looked at Percy and smiled slightly as she continued pinning up Hunter's little robes. "Well, they are wearing the same color." Harry was hoping to make amends. Percy sniffed and raised his eyebrows. "When you have eight children of your own...." "Stop right there," interrupted Ginny. "There is no way I am having eight children!" "No offense, Penny," Harry added. "Oh, none taken," said Penelope smiling serenely. "You'd only need seven more, you've got Chloe." "Eeee! Eeee! Eeeee!" crowed Henri. "As I was saying," Percy drawled on, lifting up his arm so that one of the tailors could measure him. "It is simply less time-consuming, and more practical to have the children matching. Most importantly, if they are wearing the same attire, people are more likely to recognize that they are of the same family." "Percy, Mum didn't match us all up, and people still recognized us as from the same family!" argued Ginny impatiently. "Well, I know we all do have fine bone structures in our faces, but that's nothing to owl home about!" "The hair, you dummy," she said, picking up one of Alexandria's short red pigtails. "I want red hair," announced Chloe's voice from inside mounds and mounds of fabric being pulled over her head. "Catherine darling, wear the hat, you'll look lovely in it. Just like a proper lady," said Ginny, beaming at Catherine. Catherine looked pleased. "Thank you, Aunt Ginny." "I'm not coming out," came Hermione's voice from one of the curtained dressing rooms. "Yes, you are," said Harry and Ginny at the same time. Ron stuck his head out. "No she's not. It doesn't fit." "Oh no!" Ginny rushed to the dressing room. "It can't be that bad," said Harry, raising his voice enough to be heard over the usual clatter of the entire family. "Yes it can," replied Ron's voice with a tinge of amusement. "I look like Professor Sprout in a bad outfit," wailed Hermione's voice again. "She's invited to the wedding you know," said Harry. Ginny's head peeked out from Hermione's curtains and she gave Harry a keep quiet look. "It's not all that bad," she said in a soothing voice. "It's nothing that isn't fixable. We just didn't allot enough room in this dress for the baby." "Or Mummy's rear," came Ron's voice. SLAP! "OW!" "Shut up, Ron," said Harry habitually. Ron staggered out of the dressing room, clutching his cheek. "It was only a joke," he said to the room that was staring at him. The curtain next to Hermione's dressing room flew open. Sirius looked at them jauntily and began strutting in front of the curtain. "I am way too sexy for my own good," he informed them. "Sirius! Not in front of the children!" said Percy, nearly knocking over the tailor trying to fix the hem on his robes. "Sirius Black, you are one sexy beast," said Sirius admiring his reflection. Madam Malkin looked up with pins in her mouth, an expression on her face that clearly said she hardly disagreed with what Sirius was saying. Harry chuckled. "Yes, Sirius you do look sharp in your robes. Shall we work in a small number for you at the reception? "Maybe for the ladies," said Sirius, raising his eyebrows suggestively and winking at Madam Malkin. Madam Malkin giggled softly and set to pinning up Hunter's robes as if her dignity depended on it. "I'm not wearing a hat," Meghan informed Sirius, as he stood on the platform next to hers to have the last fittings on his robes adjusted. "Well, neither am I," Sirius grinned. "Ginny wouldn't let me be a flower girl." "Flower children are strictly not allowed to be flower girls, you old coot," said Remus coming out of one of the dressing rooms, looking very regal. "Let's go pick up some women, Moony," said Sirius. "I feel feisty." Remus rolled his eyes and adjusted his bowtie. "If I had a Sickle every time I heard that line…." One of Madam Malkin's assistants sighed as she pulled up a stool to begin adjusting the hem on George's robes. "How many did you say were in this wedding?" she asked, massaging her sore fingers. "Well, let's see," George said thoughtfully. "That really depends on if Hermione decides to pop before D-day. I'm sure we could work that little tyke into the wedding too, then there's always the immediate family..." "I AM NOT POPPING UNTIL AUGUST!" came Hermione's near hysterical voice from the dressing room. "Mum, Dad, Bill, Charlie," listed George. "Shhh, Hermione let's try this design. I'm sure Madam Malkin can make these up in a jiffy," Ginny consoled, still in the dressing room. "Percy, me, my twin brother Fred, I'm older you know, then Ron," continued George. "It makes me so nervous having the children in white," fretted Mrs. Weasley. "Ginny's the blushing bride of course. And then there's Penelope who is Percy's wife," George chatted away. "It's proper to have them in white, according to tradition," said Percy. "And then their children, Mortimer, Catherine, Meghan, Kyle, Hunter, Alexandria and Madeline, those are our other twins, and the baby Henri, can't forget him, he's cute as the dickens," said Fred, ticking names off on his fingers. "What tradition?" asked Bill straightening his collar. "Who cares?" answered Harry. "I don't want to have to change anything at this point." "Children are pure and innocent and to be put in white like the bride," Percy informed them. "Then there's Harry, he's near been family himself for years, and his little girl Chloe. She's not his little girl biologically; he adopted her from his Muggle cousin who he used to live with before he came back into the wizarding world. But Chloe's a doll, we love her to pieces." "Innocent? Are you talking about Weasleys?" Ron laughed as he tied his shoe. "Then there's Remus Lupin, an old friend and used to be our Professor a long time ago, and Sirius Black, Harry's godfather." "They are perfectly innocent," defended Ginny. "They just have a tendency to be a little over curious." "Then there's Hermione," continued George. "That's my brother Ron's wife. They were practically married when they were at Hogwarts. They're just now having a baby, and they're going to name him Fredrick George after Fred and I.…" "I am most certainly not naming him Fredrick George!" Ron protested loudly. "I think that's it." George looked thoughtful as he tried to remember another relative. "Sorry I asked," muttered the assistant. "What do your wedding robes look like, Harry?" asked Bill. "Why can't we see them?" Harry sighed. "I can't wear wedding robes like all of you." "What?! How are you getting out of this? It's your wedding!" Bill, Charlie, the twins, and Ron appeared to be annoyed at this new information. "Trust me, I'm not getting out of anything." Harry smiled at them good-naturedly. "He's not, and he's going to look very handsome in what he's going to wear," said Ginny coming out of Hermione's dressing room, and placing her hands on his shoulders affectionately. "Since I'm Commander in Chief of the Confederation and it is a military organization, I'm going to be wearing a dress uniform." "With great power comes stupid outfits," teased Bill. Ginny glared at him. "It isn't! Harry looks extremely nice in his dress uniform." "A dress, Uncle Harry?!" said Kyle, looking utterly horrified. "Like the giiiiiirls?" "Dress uniform," corrected Ginny. "They are very fancy robes." "It wasn't my first choice," shrugged Harry. "My advisor insisted upon it, due to this probably being slightly…publicized." Madam Malkin spoke up at the words publicized. "We've been working on these clothes day and night. I must say that it has been wonderful for business." Harry smiled. "Well, we wanted to keep all wedding preparations in most of the local businesses, rather than offend our friends. Besides, I don't know anyone else who can sew clothing better than you, Madam." "How come the girls wear dresses instead of wearing robes?" piped up Chloe. "It used to not be this way," Madam Malkin said, "in fact, weddings used to not be such a grand affair in the wizarding world. But then witches began to see some of the Muggle traditions gradually cross over due to the Muggle-borns, and not surprisingly, we now nearly have the same wedding ceremonies as Muggles. It seems to happen that way with quite a few things, actually." Baby Henri, who had recently conquered the world of crawling, finally got his mother to let him out of her lap after much squirming. He took off quickly the moment Penny set him on the floor. "Oh, can't we see your dress, Aunt Ginny," begged Catherine, "just for a moment?" Ginny shook her head. "No, it's a surprise. Madam Malkin made it so beautifully." "I like my dress!" said Chloe spinning around, to make her skirt flare out. The tailor gave Ginny a pained look. "I like it too, Chloe, but hold still so they can finish making sure everything is perfect," said Ginny. "Are Chloe and I the only ones from our nursery school that get to be in the wedding?" asked Meghan. "Yes," said Harry looking up from a long parchment. "We've already got lots and lots of people in the wedding." "But they get to come don't they?" asked Chloe. "Yes, I believe they are all coming." "Is it a field trip?" Harry laughed at Meghan. "Excellent question. I think there should be a test on it." "I don't want Mrs. Jetsam to teach for us all the time," said Meghan sadly. "She never gives us enough time with the clay. She's very unsharing with it." "Meghan, Mrs. Jetsam is very nice! She's been helping out in our classroom since January." Ginny's tone of voice suggested that this discussion had been resurrected many times. "But you've been there forever," Chloe said darkly. "Hardly forever," smiled Ginny, "and you like Mrs. Jetsam! Remember when I had to take a few days off from school? Mrs. Jetsam was your teacher then." "And she didn't have a good story at story time. She read Herbert the Hufflelump to us even after we told her you had already read it!" said Meghan. "You did Herbert's voice much better," added Chloe. "It really sounded like a Hufflelump." "Girls, I'm not giving up on teaching forever. I'm only finishing this year early. Besides, after Uncle Harry and I get back from our honeymoon, I'll be visiting the classroom every so often." "Only to visit?" asked Chloe unhappily. "You forget, Angel," interrupted Harry, "Ms. Ginny is going to be at home when you get home from school, being your mummy." Chloe thought about this. "Well, okay. But you will be doing that for the whole year?" Ginny laughed gleefully. "Much longer than a year, I expect." "I should hope so!" said Harry looking alarmed. "Accio!" said Percy suddenly. Henri zoomed out from under a tablecloth and into Percy's arms. His blue eyes widened and he began to wail loudly. "Darling, I wish you wouldn't use summoning spells on the baby," said Penelope. "Ordinarily I wouldn't, but this one is an exceptionally fast crawler," said Percy setting Henri back down. "I think I fixed your bridesmaid's gown," said one to the assistants displaying the dress to Ginny. "Oh that's wonderful!" said Ginny taking the dress, and hurrying over to Hermione's dressing room. "Everything is finally pulling together," Harry smiled wearily, "the florist, the cathedral, the band, the caterer, the whatever! And I have to say...I'm exhausted." "You should have hired a wedding coordinator," said Mrs. Weasley. "We'll be sure and do that next time," said Ginny poking her head out of the dressing room and smiling at Harry. "This wedding is going to go down as the wedding of the century," grinned Charlie. "Well, I would think so, since we're inviting half the wizarding world," said Harry. ~*~ "Daddy?" "Hmm?" said Harry, taking a bite of potatoes. "I don't understand." "Neither do I, unless you tell me what it is you don't understand." "I'm going to call Ms. Ginny, Mum? Chloe asked slowly. "Well, yes, don't you want to?" said Harry, studying her carefully. "Yes, Daddy. I do want to." "Then what's bothering you?" "Well, you're my Daddy, cause you 'dopted me. Right?" "Exactly right. And because I love you very much." "So, I have to 'dopt Ms. Ginny to be my mum?" "Uh. No. It doesn't exactly work like that," Harry grinned. "But she's going to be your wife. So I have to 'dopt her to be my mum." "No. She's my wife, and that makes her your mother also." "But they aren't the same things, Daddy. How is she my mum without 'dopting me?" Harry paused. And to think these were supposed to be the easy questions. What on earth was he going to do when Chloe got older? "Because, I married her to become your mummy and because I loved her very, very, much too," said Harry feeling quite proud of his answer. "So you're really 'dopting Ms. Ginny to be your wife, but you call it marrying?" said Chloe thoughtfully. "Chloe?" sighed Harry. "Yes, Daddy?" she asked, pushing a lima bean into her potatoes. "Are you quite sure you're five-years old?" "Yes, Daddy," she nodded, "I'm quite sure. My birthday isn't until May 26th. So you are 'dopting Ms. Ginny?" Harry grinned. He'd let Ginny sort this one out later. "Yes Chloe, we are a-dopting Ms. Ginny," he said, making sure to enunciate the 'a'. "Then can we 'dopt Meghan too? I want her to be my sister!" "She's your cousin, Chlo," corrected Harry. "But, how can she be my cousin already? We never 'dopted h--" "Chloe," sighed Harry. "Yes?" she answered cheerfully. "Eat your dinner." "Yes, Daddy." ~*~ (April 20th) Tick-tick-tick-tick-tick CLICK. "Debates were hashing out at the Ministry of Magic this week, owing to the fact that Minister Percival Weasley is advocating for the regulation of cauldron bottoms. This is causing quite a stir among the foreign marketers, who call it unjust and a move by Weasley to nudge the foreign exports out of business." Ginny opened her eyes, blinked slowly, and began to realize what day it was. She gazed at her ceiling for a while, and let the news reporter drone on while she let her thoughts collect. Ginny glanced at the clock. 6:05. She had a million things to do and here she was lying in bed. Ginny opened the door to Webster's cage and tapped the water dish with her wand. "Mrs. Virginia Potter," she said to Webster. Webster opened one yellow eye and looked at her. "Mrs. Virginia Potter, cordially invites you to her afternoon luncheon in the rose garden at her estate, Havenwood," said Ginny in an exaggerated posh voice. She giggled softly as Webster opened his other eye and looked at her curiously. She felt 15-years old again. Ginny sighed dreamily. "Webster, I'm marrying him!" Webster blinked and hooted softly. "Just think, picnics with pink lemonade, birthday parties for Chloe in the garden with ice cream and children playing!" DING! DING! DING! DING! "Doorbell," sang Ginny, making a kissy face at her owl. "Webster, you darling owl, I'll get the door!" Webster opened one eye again and stared. Ginny walked down the stairs humming to herself. DING! DING! "Wedding bells!" said Ginny happily as she flung open the front door. Hermione stood on her doorstep, still looking a little bleary from sleep. "My," she yawned, "aren't we in a cheery mood?" "I'm getting married," said Ginny, more to herself than Hermione. She opened the door a little wider and let Hermione in. "Goodness," said Hermione rubbing her eyes, "is that today?" "Don't make fun," laughed Ginny, "I'm so happy I could burst." Hermione hugged her. "It's lovely that you're so excited." "YOO-HOO!" called Mrs. Weasley, coming up the walk, "I'm here! Shall I make you breakfast?" ~*~ (10:00 AM) Harry stared at the mirror. "In other news today, the popular candy Fizzing Whizbees has been banned from all store shelves and discontinued. Consumers should note, while not dangerous, these candies have been pulled due to more questionable ingredients and should be advis--" "Married," Harry muttered to himself, "I'm going to be a married man." His hand shook a bit as he lifted the razor towards his face. Harry dropped it in the basin full of hot, steaming water. Shaving at the moment was probably not a good idea. "Get a hold of yourself, Potter," he said to his reflection. "You won't be getting married with that stubbly face," the mirror chided. "Shut up," said Harry, wiping the shaving cream off his face with a towel. "Haaarry, are you drowning yourself in your sink?" sang Ron through the door. "Ron, I'm about to climb the walls. I'm nervous as it is and you aren't helping!" Ron threw open the door. "Drink this!" Harry took a sip of the prune colored whatever and gagged at the glass. "What is it?" Harry broke into a fit of coughing and beat his fist against his chest, eyes watering. "Hangover concoction. My very own specialty, you'll feel much better," said Sirius cheerfully. "You better drink all of it." "I'm going to be married," said Harry, holding his nose before taking another drink. "And you bloody look like hell," said Ron helpfully. Harry set the glass down, his face screwed up. "And who's fault is that?" Ron shrugged innocently. Sirius began laughing and walked out of the room. "I don't know what you're talking about," said Ron. "It's-the-last-day-you're-single-so-drink-up-while-the-night-is-young," quoted Harry, finishing the glass and getting it out of his sight. "It was a Stag Party," Ron protested, "and you loved it. Especially when—" "Don't tell Ginny about that," groaned Harry. "I won't tell your wife, if you won't tell mine," grinned Ron. "Oy," said Harry, leaning against the doorjamb, "you said wife. I'm going to have one of those." Ron smiled as he grabbed Harry's face with his hands. "And if you stand my sister up at the altar, I will kill you. Are we clear on this?" Harry tried to smile with his face scrunched up between Ron's hands. "Perfectly clear," he managed to get out. Ron nodded. "Good," he said, roughly patting Harry's cheek. "Besides," Harry continued, "I'm scared to death of what stupid thing I might do during the ceremony." Sirius appeared in the room again, carrying a tray teetering with breakfast foods. "Thanks, Sirius," said Ron, swiping a muffin. "You know, Harry, it's really not the wedding you have to be worried about. It's the wedding night!" Sirius lifted his shaggy head from his coffee and grinned. "Talk about having to set a standard, Harry." Harry glowered and turned back to the sink. "There's nothing wrong with us waiting!" Ron began laughing loudly. "But-but...wait a minute...you've...you've..." Ron glanced at Sirius and the both of them erupted into raucous laughter. "Ginny's the experienced one," hooted Ron. Harry refused to look at either of them. "I was busy! Defeating the Dark lord and all!" "Don't worry, Harry," gasped Sirius, wiping tears from his eyes. "She'll be gentle." "Really," spluttered Ron, "It's quite noble of you to hold out this long. Quidditch REALLY must be an outlet." "She can't help that she was married before," defended Harry. "Really, Harry, you might be the boy who lived, but are you the boy who lasted?" Harry slammed the door shut on their faces. "YOU AREN'T HELPING!" "Now you've set him off," said Sirius. Ron broke into more laughter. "Bad choice of words," said Sirius hastily. "Aw, Harry come on out, we were only joking!" said Ron, tapping on the door. "It is very noble of you to have waited," added Sirius. "SOME OF US HAVE MORALS!" shouted Harry. "It was JUST a joke," said Ron biting his tongue to avoid another hoot of laughter. "We're not questioning your morals!" The bathroom door opened again and Harry glared at them as he wiped his face with a towel. "That's better," said Sirius nodding at him. "Clean shaven." "No more jokes," said Harry gloomily. "No more jokes, you big baby," confirmed Ron. "In celebrity news...It's wedding bells for the Boy-who-lived! Twenty-five year old Harry James Potter is finally getting married. Potter will be marrying, interestingly enough, the sister of the Minister of Magic. Twenty-four year old Virginia Weasley is the lucky witch who bagged Potter and his millions of Galleons! This won't be Virginia's first husband; she is the widow of the late Neville Longbottom. The Potters will have their hands full with Harry's newly adopted daughter, Chloe Grace Potter. We'd like to offer our congratulations to the Potters, and wish good luck in the years to come." Harry and Ron made a face at the Wireless and Harry switched it off. "Well bully for Harry Potter," said Ron jokingly. Harry grinned. ~*~ Author note: I'm so in debt to Anne, who totally rox…she betaed this WHILE her computer was ill. I'm so impressed! You are wonderful, Anne! "Have you hugged your stuffed dragon today?" Join
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