Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters you may recognize from the wonderful world of Harry Potter; they belong to J.K.Rowling.
Chapter Five
Birthday Treats
It was early Thursday morning, and Ginny Weasley was sitting up on her bed, hiding under the blankets with her wand lit. She had a small, deep purple leather-back notebook in her lap, and a small quill in her hands. The pot of black ink was resting against her legs.
Dear Journal,
This is my first entry. Today is my birthday so I thought it might be appropriate to start anew, after all, a lot of things have happened since I last owned a journal. However, all of that information is for another time.
I, Ginevra Molly Weasley, at age sixteen – well seventeen, I suppose – am pregnant. I can’t believe it! I have no idea what to do. I am so scared and nervous that I can hardly breathe sometimes. It has only been four days since I found out, but I am about a week and four days pregnant. I wonder if Mum will be able to notice any difference? After all, she has had seven kids. I wonder when other people will begin to notice a change in me – when do I start getting bigger? I wonder if there is a spell that I can use to hide my pregnancy? I wonder… wow, I say that a lot.
God, I wonder if I hadn’t slept with him, would it be all right? Maybe if I had waited one more day? What will happen when I do start to show? What will people say? What will he say?
Even though today is my birthday, we are going to have my party tomorrow. Do I want a party? I did want one…a week ago – before I found out that I had someone living inside me. I’ll be seventeen in two hours. Does that make me still underage? Does that make me underage when I got pregnant? Oh My God! What will happen if someone finds out – will he get in trouble? Will I get in trouble?
I wonder if I can hide my pregnancy? I’ll ask Hermione tomorrow. Wait! I can’t tell her – she would tell me to give it up. Or worse, tell my mum… That would go over well. Can you imagine that conversation? “Hey Mum, guess what? I know you told me to wait till I was married – but I didn’t, and I got pregnant after my first try.”
Ginny almost laughed at the prospect of her mum being happy.
What if I were to tell Hermione that I was doing some extra-curricular work, and that I needed to know if there was a spell? Would she believe me? Most likely not, but if she did find one she would never have to worry. She would not be able to tell. Or will others be able to tell that you have a spell on your body?
All right, maybe I should stop rambling, and tell you some good news. Lord Voldemort is finally dead! Harry killed him about a month ago. Harry still won’t tell anyone what happened. I can understand why he doesn’t want to – but it still does hurt – I mean I am, after all, his girlfriend. Though I can wait.
Speaking of Harry, what will he say when he finds out? Will he kill me? I would kill myself – but that would mean that I would kill the person inside of me. I couldn’t do that, as much as it does seem tempting. There I go again…sorry.
Monday, Harry and I told each other how we really feel for each other. Well at least I think I feel that way. We started to go out. Maybe because he likes me that much, he won’t mind that I’m pregnant? Wishful thinking. That night, Harry and I fell asleep outside, and when I woke up, he wasn’t there! I felt scared. I mean, he said he liked me, shouldn’t he have come back for me? But he told me that Mum got hold of him. I reckon I can believe that. Mum does love him.
I have to go, I hear people singing happy birthday.
~Ginny Weasley
Ginny snapped her journal shut and stuffed it under her mattress, just as a group of people entered the room. Her mum and dad walked straight towards her, while her brothers stood just behind them. The rest of her extended family stood at the door. She noticed that both Harry and Draco were not in the room, nor were they at the door.
‘Happy Birthday, dear Ginny, Happy Birthday to you,” the room of people sang.
‘And many more…’ her brothers sang.
Ginny couldn’t help but smile, as her mother looked sharply at her sons to cut them off before they extended the song too long.
‘Thank you,’ Ginny said happily as both her mum and dad hugged her tightly.
Her mum handed her a tray of food, before beckoning the rest of her family out of the room so she could eat in peace.
‘Ginny, make sure you get dressed nicely; we are taking you out for lunch today. When you get downstairs you may open your presents,’ her mum said, turning back from the doorframe.
Her six brothers all gave her quick hugs, before leaving the room. Everyone else wished her a Happy Birthday before leaving the room.
Hermione was the last one out.
‘Happy Birthday, Gin,’ she said.
‘Hermione, where are Draco and Harry?’ Ginny asked, sitting up in bed and placing her tray of food before her.
‘Oh, they aren’t here at the moment. Draco received a letter this morning and left without having breakfast – Molly wants to hurt him for that - and Harry also got a letter, but not from the same person. He left by broomstick. He said that he would be back for your birthday lunch. He also told me to tell you not to worry, and that he had a surprise for you,’ Hermione said, smiling, turning towards the door.
‘Did Draco say when he would return?’ Ginny asked as she picked up a glass of orange juice.
‘No. Sorry, he didn’t mention anything. When he got the letter, he swore, got up from the table and walked to the Floo network,’ Hermione said before opening the poor and walking out, closing the door behind her.
Ginny sank back onto her bed, wiping a tear from her cheek. She finished her breakfast quickly, before walking into the connecting bathroom that had been installed when she had reached her fifteenth birthday.
She turned on the taps so that hot water poured into the white bathtub. She then turned the shower on. Bending back up, she locked the door and undressed, letting the cool air assault her body. Goose-bumps arose on her shoulders and legs. She stared at herself in the mirror (trying to see if anything had changed yet – nothing had), until the mirror fogged over. She then quickly got into the shower, shivering as the hot water touched her cold body.
Twenty minutes later, Ginny exited her bathroom, drenched and wrapped in a dark red towel. She picked out the nicest outfit she owned, which included a pair of black dress pants and a black oxford shirt. After she had dried herself and her clothes were on, she picked up her wand, letting it dry her hair.
As she left her room, she turned off the light, and grabbed two hair ties.
Bounding down the stairs, she parted her hair in two and put her hair into two high ponytails, parting her fringe so that it framed her face.
Ginny entered the kitchen to find that both Fred and George were shaking her presents, obviously trying to see what she had received. Both Hermione and her mum were watching them – annoyed but a little amused. Her father was reading the paper, as was Bill and Charlie – each reading their own section of the Daily Prophet. Katie, Angelina, and Fleur were all seated at the table, talking quietly to each other.
Ron was talking to Krysten (whose name was actually Christina, but everyone called her Krysten – Ginny had no idea why), Charlie’s latest girlfriend. She noticed that both Draco and Harry were still not there.
As soon as she walked into the room, both Fred and George stopped shaking her presents and sat down quickly on either side of Hermione – who glared at the both of them. Molly ushered Ginny into the room and sat her at the head of the table, after kicking her husband out of the chair, who in return kicked Bill out of his chair. Charlie placed his paper down as soon as Ginny sat down, and placed his arm over Krysten. Ron looked away and stared over at Hermione, who was now bickering with George. The three women that had been sitting in the back stopped talking and they looked up at Ginny.
Molly piled her daughter's presents in front of her – the pile growing higher and higher. Finally Molly stopped and told Ginny to pick a present and open it.
Looking at the stack of presents, she could only guess that there were at least twenty presents in front of her.
‘I can’t, not yet anyway,’ Ginny said quietly.
‘Why not?’ her mum asked, annoyed and shocked.
‘Well, I want Harry and Draco to be here when I open them,’ Ginny replied.
Molly sighed, kicking Bill out of his chair he moved down another spot so she could sit beside her daughter.
A few moments passed in awkward silence. Arthur and Bill picked up their papers and continued to read – while the three women continued their conversation. Charlie started talking with both Ron and Krysten. Fred and George were now eyeing the presents carefully. Fred reached out for a present, but was stopped when his mother hit his hand away.
Ginny watched this, before standing up and walking into the front room to stare out the window. Molly Weasley came in shortly after.
‘Ginny, what’s wrong?’
‘Nothing, I just want the two of them here – they missed my last birthday. And, well, Harry is my boyfriend again, and I just want him here. Do you know when they are coming back?’ Ginny asked, speaking quietly.
‘Harry will be here soon, and I’m not sure when Draco will be back. He left fairly quickly this morning, something seemed to be wrong,’ Molly replied.
As soon as she finished speaking, two figures were seen walking down the walkway towards The Burrow. Ginny sat up straighter – but sank back down when she noticed it was only Lupin and Tonks.
‘Oh! They are just in time,’ her mum said before getting up and walking towards the door. Ginny heard the door swing open, even before the two outside had even reached the porch.
There were many hellos before the noise in the hall faded, and the noise in the kitchen rose.
Seconds later, but what felt like an eternity, a figure was seen landing by broom just a few feet away from the front door. Ginny jumped up and ran to the door, flung it open and ran to Harry.
‘Euf, hey, Gin,’ Harry said hugging Ginny.
‘Where were you?’ Ginny asked into his chest.
‘Out, I had some business to do,’ Harry said. He kissed the top of Ginny’s head, before moving her away from him. He wiped her tears off her face before kissing her, and then led her into the house. ‘Did you open any of your presents?’ Harry asked, opening the door.
Ginny shook her head, ‘No, I was waiting for you.’
Harry smiled. ‘Well, I’m here now, let’s go see what you got,’ he said, steering her into the kitchen, where her family awaited her.
Ginny smiled back, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes – Where was Draco?
Pretty soon, Ginny had opened all of her presents. The floor was littered with wrapping paper. Every time she had opened a present, Fred and George would either yell “yes!” or “no”.
Her presents this year had been quite unexpected – but loved immensely. They included:
Mum: two new charms for her bracelet (one had the number 17 on it, the other was a quill and parchment), and a knitted shirt (very interesting design).
Dad: an outfit.
Mum and Dad: a watch.
Fred and George: a package of their jokes, magical stickers, and a summer jacket.
Charlie: a Dragon necklace with her birthstone, Peridot, in the eyes.
Bill: a drawing set (water colours, pencils, pencil crayons, crayons, and more).
Ron: Chudley Cannons sweets, and money for ‘The Junk Shop’ (her favourite store).
Charlie and Krysten: money to visit Florish and Blotts.
Hermione: a wizards chess set, Muggle CDs.
Lupin and Tonks: Note books.
Angelina: money to visit Quality Quidditch Supplies.
Katie: a new stationary set.
Fleur: three magazine subscriptions.
Bill and Fleur: a new set of dress robes, Muggle style – in a turquoise blue.
Percy: He had sent her two plays written by Shakespeare (to add to her collection).
Ginny got up from the table and started to pack them all into a large box so she could take them upstairs. Just as she was placing the third item into the box, a loud ‘swish’ was heard and all her presents were in her room. Ginny looked up to see Bill smiling at her.
‘Oh my! Look at the time. We have to get going, or we are going to lose our reservations,’ Molly said loudly.
Ginny stood up slowly from the table, everyone staring at her. They all were thinking the same thing: Why hadn’t Harry got her anything?
‘Gin, wait up,’ Harry said.
Ginny stopped and turned around to look at Harry.
He walked up to her and whispered in her ear, ‘I have a present for you later. You’ll get it later tonight. Is that all right?’
She nodded.
Molly started to rush once more when she looked at the time. ‘Oh my! We have to go!’
Molly quickly ushered everybody out of the room and into the front room, so they could travel by Floo powder.
~*~
Ginny and her family climbed the stairs up to Firefly Cove. It was Ginny’s favourite restaurant besides The Three Broomsticks.
When they entered the restaurant, a waiter came and took them to their reserved table.
Ginny had a great time at the restaurant. She and Harry sat beside each other. Draco showed up half-way through the meal.
‘Happy Birthday, Ginny,’ he had said, walking up to her and kissing her cheek.
Ginny had blushed red, and her brothers had made fun of her. Harry then punched Draco in the arm, laughing at him.
Overall, lunch had been great. Eventually everyone left the restaurant two hours later.
~*~
‘Gin, I’ve made plans for six o’clock, is that all right?’ Harry asked her later that evening. They were both in her bedroom, both of them were lying on her bed, and Harry was twirling her hair.
‘Sure, that’s fine. Where are we going?’ she asked him, sitting up so she could look him in the face.
‘I can’t tell you that yet,’ Harry said, his eyes twinkling.
Ginny pouted, before lying back down on him. ‘Well, what am I supposed to wear? Something fancy, or what I wore
out to lunch with my family?’ she asked.
‘Well, I would suggest you wear something nice, don’t wear jeans,’ Harry said, kissing the top of her head.
‘All right.’
‘Harry! Harry, where are you?’ Ron’s voice came floating up the stairs.
Ginny sat up straight and jumped off the bed; if Ron caught her and Harry in her room, both she and Harry would be dead.
Harry got off the bed, kissed her and headed out the door, yelling as he walked down the stairs, ‘I’m coming Ron!’
Ginny looked at the clock and saw that it was only four o’clock. She decided that she would start to get ready at half past four; she needed to have a shower again; she wanted to look extra nice.
Sitting back down on her bed, she realised that she was really tired. As soon as her head touched her pillow, she fell asleep.
Thirty minutes later, there was a knock on her door. Ginny bolted up. Rubbing her eyes, she checked the time before
walking over to her bedroom door.
When she finally opened the door, Draco Malfoy stood waiting for her, wearing an amused facial expression.
‘Nice look, Weasley, is that how you are going to go out with, Potter? Now, I know that you don’t really care how you look, but I know for a fact that the restaurant won’t even allow you in the front door, looking like that,’ Draco said.
‘Shut up.’ She looked down at herself and saw that the clothes she had been wearing earlier were all wrinkled and looked as though she had slept in them, which she had, she reminded herself.
Draco smiled. ‘May I come in?’
Ginny went back to her bed as Draco walked in and closed the door behind him.
‘I got you something for your birthday. Sorry I wasn’t there earlier; I got a call from my lawyer. I have to go to court on the tenth of September,’ Draco said, taking a seat next to Ginny on her bed.
‘Why?’ Ginny asked, perplexed.
‘Someone is charging me with the murder of my father,’ he said barking out a laugh. ‘But enough about me, how do you feel as the birthday girl?’
How do I feel? God, what am I supposed to do? I have to talk to someone. But who? Harry? God no! Mum? Dad? Ron? Hermione? No, no, no, and no! Luna? Maybe, she wouldn’t mind knowing…
Suddenly she started to cry. What’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t be thinking this right now, think of something happy, she thought.
Draco looked at her before putting him arm around her. ‘Ginny what’s wrong?’
‘I don’t know?’ Ginny said, tears still falling down her face.
Think Ginny! God, don’t be so stupid. Say something funny, start laughing, anything!
‘Maybe I should come back later?’ Draco said, standing up.
‘No! Stay here for a while. Besides, I want to open my present,’ Ginny said sticking out her tongue and giggling, tears still falling down her face.
There, now it should be normal, Ginny thought, giggling.
Draco eyed her. What was that about? One second she was bawling her eyes out, and the next second she’s laughing at me.
Draco sat back down on the bed and handed a package to her.
He watched her as she tore the paper off the box.
Ginny eyed the white box with black writing on it, Odette Christiane. Odette was a famous designer. She carefully pulled the box lid off the bottom and gasped as she moved the tissue paper away from the dress that was inside.
The dress was gorgeous. It was made of velvet. It was black, but when looked at from certain angles it seemed blue.
‘I thought you could wear it tonight, seeing as you have this big date to go on,’ Draco said quietly as Ginny picked up the dress and held it up to her frame.
‘It’s amazing. How much did this cost?’
‘Not that much, it was actually quite cheap. Well, I better get going, you have to get ready,’ he said, getting up from the bed and leaving the room.
Ginny stared at the door as it was being shut. She couldn’t believe that he would buy this dress; it was absolutely amazing.
She quickly walked into her bathroom and got undressed before stepping into the shower for a second time that day.
She washed her hair before getting out of the shower. Shivering, she grabbed a towel from the floor, wrapping herself up in it.
She then walked to her door and made sure it was locked.
Next, she walked back into her room, trying to find a bra that wouldn’t be seen from the back. She couldn’t find one.
Thinking quickly, she took out her wand and whispered a spell, making sure that no one had heard her, and making sure that the spell had worked.
She dried herself off, before slipping into her underwear and bra. Then she dried her hair with her wand, making sure that every last strand was dry – her hair curled instantly. She hated when her hair curled. Ignoring her hair for the moment, she walked over to her jewellery box and took out a pair of earrings. She moved her hair out of the way before clipping the earrings on.
Walking to her bed, she picked up the dress that Draco had just given her. She unhooked the buttons on the neckpiece before stepping into the dress. She then did the back up. She walked up to her floor-length mirror that was behind her bedroom door and stared at herself. She looked beautiful – even with her hair down and curly.
Ginny walked over to her closet and got down on her hands and knees, trying to find the perfect pair of shoes. She didn’t own many pairs of nice shoes, but last Christmas her father had got her a pair of black high heels that she could actually walk in. She loved them. When she had found them, she got up and put them on, dusting off her dress.
Looking at the clock on her bedside table, she quickly looked at herself in the mirror before heading down the stairs.
When she walked into the kitchen, everyone stopped what he or she was doing, and they all stared at her.
Harry got up from the chair he had been sitting in, and walked up to her. He kissed her cheek before placing his hand on her back and leading her towards the front door.
‘We’ll be back before it’s too late,’ Harry said to Mrs. Weasley, who had followed them out of the kitchen.
‘Don’t worry, Harry. We trust you,’ she said, watching as her daughter put a cloak over her dress.
When they both had left, Molly walked back into the kitchen where everyone was whispering back and forth.
‘Where is he taking her? Where did she get that dress?’ Ron asked the room at large.
‘He’s taking her to Whiteside Manor, and I gave Ginny that dress for her birthday,’ Draco said.
Ron stared at him. ‘He’s taking her to Whiteside Manor? Why?’
Hermione swatted his arm. ‘You idiot, Harry just felt like taking her some place special. After all, she did come of age today,’ she said as Ron rubbed his arm, glaring at her.
‘So where did you get her dress from, Draco?’ Arthur said watching him closely.
‘A Muggle store that was near my lawyer’s office; it was in the window. They had the dress in red or black – I figured
I’d get it for her since I hadn’t got her a present and today is her birthday,’ Draco said, scratching the back of his head, making sure that he didn’t look anyone in the eye.
‘A Muggle store?’ Ron asked.
‘Yes, Ron, a Muggle store,’ Draco said, glaring at him. ‘I’ve got to go. I have to deal with something.’
Draco got up from his chair and walked out the front door, grabbing his cloak on the way out.
Both Hermione and Mrs. Weasley shot Ron dirty looks.
~*~
Harry led Ginny up the long, elegant staircase to Whiteside Manor.
Ginny stared up at the building as she walked up the stairs, Harry’s hand on her back. This was the largest restaurant she had ever seen in her life!
When they both walked through the front door, a man walked up to them taking both of their cloaks. Ginny looked at the ceiling and the huge chandelier that hung in the middle of the room in amazement.
Another man came up to the both of them. He was much older, he had grey hair and his eyes were a bright blue that made him look a lot younger.
‘Mr. Potter, a pleasure to see you,’ the man said nodding his head at Harry.
‘Miss, welcome to the Whiteside Manor. My name is Harrison, and I will be your waiter for the evening.’
Ginny smiled at him. ‘Please call me Ginny,’ she said. Harrison smiled at her.
People were staring at the couple; some were even taking pictures.
‘Can we please be seated now? I don’t like all these people staring at us,’ Harry said looking back at one person who was just about to take a picture.
‘Of course, will you please follow me?’ Harrison said.
Ginny and Harry followed Harrison up three sets of stairs before walking out onto a private balcony where they were both to be seated.
Harry walked up to their table, holding out Ginny’s chair for her. Ginny sat down, watching as Harry sat down opposite of her.
‘Signal to me when you are ready to order. Here is the wine list,’ Harrison said before walking over to the door and taking up a spot standing there.
‘Harry, we didn’t have to do something this fancy! We could have just gone to The Three Broomsticks,’ Ginny said quietly.
‘I wanted to spoil you. What would you like to drink? You can have anything you want,’ Harry said.
This is so typical! I become pregnant before I turn seventeen which means that I can’t have any alcohol, Ginny thought.
‘Water is fine,’ Ginny said.
‘Gin, you’re seventeen – you are allowed to drink alcohol now,’ Harry said, handing her the wine list. ‘What if I were to order a bottle of champagne?’
‘I’ve tasted champagne - I didn’t like it. I know I can have alcohol now, I just don’t want any,’ Ginny said.
Harry sighed, ‘All right. What about a Shirley Temple?’
Ginny knew he was never going to give up, so she nodded her head. ‘That sounds perfect.’
Harry then put up his left arm to signal Harrison over.
‘We’ve decided what we would like to drink. I would like to have a bottle of your champagne, and Ginny would like to have a tall Shirley Temple, with a bit of vodka in it,’ Harry said, smiling. ‘It’s her seventeenth birthday today.’
Harrison smiled and nodded his head.
‘Harrison, may I also have a tall glass of water?’ Ginny asked, trying to sound happy. She was furious with Harry – she wanted a Shirley Temple without alcohol in it!
He nodded his head. ‘Mr. Potter, the regular bottle?’ Harry nodded his head. ‘Here are your menus.’
Harrison handed both Harry and Ginny a menu each, before leaving to fulfil Harry’s wishes.
Both Harry and Ginny sat quietly at their table as they looked over the menu.
‘Harry, where’s the restroom?’ Ginny asked, getting an idea.
‘Follow the same route that Harrison took, Gin. You’ll meet up with him; he walks slow; he’ll show you the way from there,’ Harry said.
Ginny nodded and stood up. She walked at a steady pace until she turned the corner and walked a lot faster.
Sure enough, at the bottom of the second staircase, Harrison was still making his way downstairs.
‘Harrison!’ Ginny said, loud enough for him to hear – but not loud enough so that everyone else would be interrupted.
Harrison turned. ‘Yes?’
‘Harrison, I don’t want any vodka in my drinks. If at any time Harry says to get me a drink with alcohol in it – make sure it doesn’t have any, please,’ Ginny said quickly.
‘But you’re seventeen aren’t you?’ Harrison asked.
‘Yes, but I don’t want any. I’ve already tried some – and, well, I don’t like it,’ Ginny said.
‘All right,’ Harrison said turning to go back down the stairs.
‘Oh, and can you tell me where the restrooms are?’ Ginny asked.
Harrison directed her to the restrooms before walking down the rest of the way to the kitchens.
~*~
After the meal had finished, she was delighted to hear that she would be having dessert.
‘Would you like desert?’ Harrison asked.
‘Yes please, Harrison.’ As Harry was saying this, he stared intently at Harrison, who nodded in return.
‘Could I please have a cup of tea?’ Ginny asked, not noticing the interaction between the two men.
Harrison nodded. He turned around and walked to a mirror. ‘Can we have a tea too?’
A face appeared. ‘Yes.’
Just as Ginny was starting to get bored, she heard singing.
‘Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, dear Ginny – Happy Birthday to you!’ five people sang.
Ginny turned a deep red. Harrison took a bowl of candies from one of the platters that a waiter had brought up with him.
Holding it out to Ginny, she suspected she was supposed to choose one.
Ginny picked up a small red candy, then offered the bowl to Harry. Harry took a sweet from the bowl.
They both stuck the sweet into their mouths at the same time – causing Ginny’s head to turn into a strawberry and Harry’s head to turn into a lime.
There was a blinding flash of light and a picture was slowly coming out of the end of a huge camera. When the flash had gone off both Ginny’s and Harry’s head turned back to normal.
Ginny was slowly turning a deeper red as she laughed, and Harry was just red.
‘Where did you get these?’ Ginny asked.
‘They are called Fruit Gushers – they are a Muggle candy. The only difference is that there is a spell on them that actually make you turn into a fruit,’ Harrison said smiling.
‘Who brought them to the wizarding world?’ Harry asked.
‘Mr. and Mr. Weasley – they made them at their company. Your brothers I believe?’ Harrison asked, signaling that one of the other waitresses should put the two slices of cheesecake down.
‘Typical, and yes!’ Ginny said, laughing a little.
A loud noise signaled that the photo was done. Harrison picked it up from the floor and then handed it to Ginny.
Ginny laughed at the picture – they looked hilarious. Ginny handed Harry the picture; he too laughed.
The other waiters and waitress left the room and Harrison went to stand at the door.
‘This calls for a glass of champagne. I don’t want to hear anything against this, its small,’ Harry said pouring Ginny a glass of champagne.
Ginny glanced over at Harrison – but he was just standing there.
Harry sat looking at Ginny expectantly. ‘This is Whiteside’s best champagne,’ Harry said smiling.
It won’t hurt if I had a bit, will it? Ginny thought. She slowly brought the glass up to her lips and tasted a bit of the bubbly liquid. She smiled – it was a type of fizzy drink that she knew was a Muggle soft drink.
‘There, I knew that you would like it!’ Harry said happily. Ginny just nodded her head.
~*~
Half an hour later, they were getting ready to go. Harrison had summoned their cloaks and was helping Ginny put on her cloak.
Harry started to walk down the stairs to the first floor of the Manor. ‘I’m going to head down to pay – it takes a while.’
Ginny nodded her head.
Once Ginny had collected all of the food that had been packaged and the rest of the cake, and the picture, she headed to the stairs.
‘Here, let me help you,’ Harrison said, taking a few of the packages.
‘Thank you.’
‘No problem.’
‘I mean, thank you for the champagne trick,’ Ginny said, keeping her voice down as they passed a few tables.
‘Once again, it was no problem. So, how far are you along?’ Harrison asked.
Ginny stopped dead in her tracks and looked at him. Harrison also stopped.
‘Ho…How?’ Ginny asked.
‘My wife was the same way – besides, I’ve already had four children,’ Harrison said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled.
‘Oh.’ Ginny continued to walk down the stairs in silence. Ginny’s mind spinning.
If he can tell and he’s only had four children, does that mean that mum will know? How am I going to keep this a secret? Will this man tell anyone anything? The whole world will know! Oh my God! Should I tell him not to tell anyone? Or will that just make it look even more suspicious? Who cares, this can’t get out, not yet anyways.
‘Please don’t tell anyone! Not even Harry,’ Ginny whispered quickly. ‘No one can know yet.’
Harrison looked her in the eyes before saying, ‘Of course not.’
Ginny thanked him profusely before the two of them made their way down the rest of the stairs. At the landing, Ginny turned to him; she was about to speak when she felt Harry’s hand on her waist.
‘There you are. The service was fast tonight, and can you believe that the alcohol bill was so low?’ Harry asked.
Ginny shook her head.
‘Harrison, thank you for all your work tonight – you made the evening very enjoyable. Here is your tip,’ Harry said.
Harrison smiled as Harry placed the money in his hand. Ginny looked at the amount of money that was in his hand.
‘Harry, I have to use the restroom – can you check if the Portkey is ready yet?’ Ginny said, smiling at him.
‘Sure.’
Ginny walked towards the door before turning to Harrison. ‘Here, take this,’ she said, slipping Harrison a flat card.
Harrison looked at Ginny surprised. ‘I can’t take this.’
‘Yes, you can. The money in that card covers what you should be paid for tonight. You were a great help, and I can’t thank you enough,’ Ginny said.
‘Gin! It’s ready,’ Harry called.
‘Coming!’ She cringed slightly. She hated it when people called her Gin, she'd have to tell him later.
Ginny hugged Harrison once more, before making her way over to Harry. She didn’t notice Harrison slipping something into her purse.
Both Harry and Ginny took a hold of the Portkey.
~*~
‘Thank you, Harry, I had so much fun,’ Ginny said when they had landed in the front yard of The Burrow.
‘I had fun too. You looked lovely,’ Harry said, taking Ginny’s hand and leading her towards the house.
‘Harry, I think I’m going to sit outside for a while, alone,’ Ginny said quietly.
‘Come on Gin, come inside. Its cold out and you don’t want to catch a cold,’ Harry said trying to persuade Ginny.
‘No, Harry, I really want to be alone. I need to think,’ Ginny said.
‘Well, do you want me to stay with you? ‘Cause I will,’ Harry said, kissing Ginny’s temple.
Ginny moved out of the way. ‘Harry, please?’
‘Oh, all right. Yeah, sure,’ Harry said, turning around with a sigh of defeat and walking towards the house.
‘Harry, wait! I really did have a great time. I just would like to spend some time by myself, but later you can come back out here if you want. I’m either going to go to the barn or take a walk in the apple orchard,’ Ginny said, running up to him.
Harry nodded his head. Ginny reached up and kissed him.
‘Good night, Gin. Happy Birthday,’ Harry said, breaking contact and walking back into the house.
‘Good night.’
~*~
Ginny Weasley sat on the barn steps, her hair blowing in the light breeze. She shivered slightly, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders, but making sure that she was still sitting on it.
‘Hey,’ a voice behind her said.
Ginny stood up startled. ‘Hey.’
‘Are you ready to come in yet?’ he asked.
Ginny hadn’t looked at him yet. She swiped at her eyes before nodding her head and turning around.
‘Why are you crying?’ he asked, his voice full of concern.
‘It’s nothing,’ Ginny said, trying to smile.
‘This is the second time you’ve cried today. Are you sure you’re all right?’ he asked again.
‘I’m fine.’ She walked towards him.
When she had reached him, she hugged him tightly – she started to cry harder.
‘Shhh, shhh’, he said softly. He picked her up as if she were a feather and brought her into the house. His feet padded softly on the carpet that lined the stairs.
He opened her door, and placed her on her bed. He said a spell that undressed her, and then he said another spell that dressed her in a warm pair of pajamas. When she was dressed he picked her up again, pulling back the covers and placing her under them.
He was about to leave, when she spoke.
‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome, Gin,’ he responded.
‘Come here and don’t call me that - my name is Ginny,’ she said, yawning slightly.
He walked up to her. ‘Sorry.’
‘It’s all right,’ she said, pulling him closer.
He could feel her breath – she smelled like cheesecake and strawberries. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
‘I love you,’ she said softly, ‘I think.’
‘I know,’ he replied, before kissing her too on the cheek. ‘I have to leave. Someone is going to find us.’
‘All right, good night,’ Ginny said before turning over.
He pulled the covers up, before leaving her room and walking upstairs to his room.
He had had an enjoyable night.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Many thanks to my beta reader shiiki!
Also, a big thank you to all my readers! =D
~Natasha
Birthday Treats
It was early Thursday morning, and Ginny Weasley was sitting up on her bed, hiding under the blankets with her wand lit. She had a small, deep purple leather-back notebook in her lap, and a small quill in her hands. The pot of black ink was resting against her legs.
Dear Journal,
This is my first entry. Today is my birthday so I thought it might be appropriate to start anew, after all, a lot of things have happened since I last owned a journal. However, all of that information is for another time.
I, Ginevra Molly Weasley, at age sixteen – well seventeen, I suppose – am pregnant. I can’t believe it! I have no idea what to do. I am so scared and nervous that I can hardly breathe sometimes. It has only been four days since I found out, but I am about a week and four days pregnant. I wonder if Mum will be able to notice any difference? After all, she has had seven kids. I wonder when other people will begin to notice a change in me – when do I start getting bigger? I wonder if there is a spell that I can use to hide my pregnancy? I wonder… wow, I say that a lot.
God, I wonder if I hadn’t slept with him, would it be all right? Maybe if I had waited one more day? What will happen when I do start to show? What will people say? What will he say?
Even though today is my birthday, we are going to have my party tomorrow. Do I want a party? I did want one…a week ago – before I found out that I had someone living inside me. I’ll be seventeen in two hours. Does that make me still underage? Does that make me underage when I got pregnant? Oh My God! What will happen if someone finds out – will he get in trouble? Will I get in trouble?
I wonder if I can hide my pregnancy? I’ll ask Hermione tomorrow. Wait! I can’t tell her – she would tell me to give it up. Or worse, tell my mum… That would go over well. Can you imagine that conversation? “Hey Mum, guess what? I know you told me to wait till I was married – but I didn’t, and I got pregnant after my first try.”
Ginny almost laughed at the prospect of her mum being happy.
What if I were to tell Hermione that I was doing some extra-curricular work, and that I needed to know if there was a spell? Would she believe me? Most likely not, but if she did find one she would never have to worry. She would not be able to tell. Or will others be able to tell that you have a spell on your body?
All right, maybe I should stop rambling, and tell you some good news. Lord Voldemort is finally dead! Harry killed him about a month ago. Harry still won’t tell anyone what happened. I can understand why he doesn’t want to – but it still does hurt – I mean I am, after all, his girlfriend. Though I can wait.
Speaking of Harry, what will he say when he finds out? Will he kill me? I would kill myself – but that would mean that I would kill the person inside of me. I couldn’t do that, as much as it does seem tempting. There I go again…sorry.
Monday, Harry and I told each other how we really feel for each other. Well at least I think I feel that way. We started to go out. Maybe because he likes me that much, he won’t mind that I’m pregnant? Wishful thinking. That night, Harry and I fell asleep outside, and when I woke up, he wasn’t there! I felt scared. I mean, he said he liked me, shouldn’t he have come back for me? But he told me that Mum got hold of him. I reckon I can believe that. Mum does love him.
I have to go, I hear people singing happy birthday.
~Ginny Weasley
Ginny snapped her journal shut and stuffed it under her mattress, just as a group of people entered the room. Her mum and dad walked straight towards her, while her brothers stood just behind them. The rest of her extended family stood at the door. She noticed that both Harry and Draco were not in the room, nor were they at the door.
‘Happy Birthday, dear Ginny, Happy Birthday to you,” the room of people sang.
‘And many more…’ her brothers sang.
Ginny couldn’t help but smile, as her mother looked sharply at her sons to cut them off before they extended the song too long.
‘Thank you,’ Ginny said happily as both her mum and dad hugged her tightly.
Her mum handed her a tray of food, before beckoning the rest of her family out of the room so she could eat in peace.
‘Ginny, make sure you get dressed nicely; we are taking you out for lunch today. When you get downstairs you may open your presents,’ her mum said, turning back from the doorframe.
Her six brothers all gave her quick hugs, before leaving the room. Everyone else wished her a Happy Birthday before leaving the room.
Hermione was the last one out.
‘Happy Birthday, Gin,’ she said.
‘Hermione, where are Draco and Harry?’ Ginny asked, sitting up in bed and placing her tray of food before her.
‘Oh, they aren’t here at the moment. Draco received a letter this morning and left without having breakfast – Molly wants to hurt him for that - and Harry also got a letter, but not from the same person. He left by broomstick. He said that he would be back for your birthday lunch. He also told me to tell you not to worry, and that he had a surprise for you,’ Hermione said, smiling, turning towards the door.
‘Did Draco say when he would return?’ Ginny asked as she picked up a glass of orange juice.
‘No. Sorry, he didn’t mention anything. When he got the letter, he swore, got up from the table and walked to the Floo network,’ Hermione said before opening the poor and walking out, closing the door behind her.
Ginny sank back onto her bed, wiping a tear from her cheek. She finished her breakfast quickly, before walking into the connecting bathroom that had been installed when she had reached her fifteenth birthday.
She turned on the taps so that hot water poured into the white bathtub. She then turned the shower on. Bending back up, she locked the door and undressed, letting the cool air assault her body. Goose-bumps arose on her shoulders and legs. She stared at herself in the mirror (trying to see if anything had changed yet – nothing had), until the mirror fogged over. She then quickly got into the shower, shivering as the hot water touched her cold body.
Twenty minutes later, Ginny exited her bathroom, drenched and wrapped in a dark red towel. She picked out the nicest outfit she owned, which included a pair of black dress pants and a black oxford shirt. After she had dried herself and her clothes were on, she picked up her wand, letting it dry her hair.
As she left her room, she turned off the light, and grabbed two hair ties.
Bounding down the stairs, she parted her hair in two and put her hair into two high ponytails, parting her fringe so that it framed her face.
Ginny entered the kitchen to find that both Fred and George were shaking her presents, obviously trying to see what she had received. Both Hermione and her mum were watching them – annoyed but a little amused. Her father was reading the paper, as was Bill and Charlie – each reading their own section of the Daily Prophet. Katie, Angelina, and Fleur were all seated at the table, talking quietly to each other.
Ron was talking to Krysten (whose name was actually Christina, but everyone called her Krysten – Ginny had no idea why), Charlie’s latest girlfriend. She noticed that both Draco and Harry were still not there.
As soon as she walked into the room, both Fred and George stopped shaking her presents and sat down quickly on either side of Hermione – who glared at the both of them. Molly ushered Ginny into the room and sat her at the head of the table, after kicking her husband out of the chair, who in return kicked Bill out of his chair. Charlie placed his paper down as soon as Ginny sat down, and placed his arm over Krysten. Ron looked away and stared over at Hermione, who was now bickering with George. The three women that had been sitting in the back stopped talking and they looked up at Ginny.
Molly piled her daughter's presents in front of her – the pile growing higher and higher. Finally Molly stopped and told Ginny to pick a present and open it.
Looking at the stack of presents, she could only guess that there were at least twenty presents in front of her.
‘I can’t, not yet anyway,’ Ginny said quietly.
‘Why not?’ her mum asked, annoyed and shocked.
‘Well, I want Harry and Draco to be here when I open them,’ Ginny replied.
Molly sighed, kicking Bill out of his chair he moved down another spot so she could sit beside her daughter.
A few moments passed in awkward silence. Arthur and Bill picked up their papers and continued to read – while the three women continued their conversation. Charlie started talking with both Ron and Krysten. Fred and George were now eyeing the presents carefully. Fred reached out for a present, but was stopped when his mother hit his hand away.
Ginny watched this, before standing up and walking into the front room to stare out the window. Molly Weasley came in shortly after.
‘Ginny, what’s wrong?’
‘Nothing, I just want the two of them here – they missed my last birthday. And, well, Harry is my boyfriend again, and I just want him here. Do you know when they are coming back?’ Ginny asked, speaking quietly.
‘Harry will be here soon, and I’m not sure when Draco will be back. He left fairly quickly this morning, something seemed to be wrong,’ Molly replied.
As soon as she finished speaking, two figures were seen walking down the walkway towards The Burrow. Ginny sat up straighter – but sank back down when she noticed it was only Lupin and Tonks.
‘Oh! They are just in time,’ her mum said before getting up and walking towards the door. Ginny heard the door swing open, even before the two outside had even reached the porch.
There were many hellos before the noise in the hall faded, and the noise in the kitchen rose.
Seconds later, but what felt like an eternity, a figure was seen landing by broom just a few feet away from the front door. Ginny jumped up and ran to the door, flung it open and ran to Harry.
‘Euf, hey, Gin,’ Harry said hugging Ginny.
‘Where were you?’ Ginny asked into his chest.
‘Out, I had some business to do,’ Harry said. He kissed the top of Ginny’s head, before moving her away from him. He wiped her tears off her face before kissing her, and then led her into the house. ‘Did you open any of your presents?’ Harry asked, opening the door.
Ginny shook her head, ‘No, I was waiting for you.’
Harry smiled. ‘Well, I’m here now, let’s go see what you got,’ he said, steering her into the kitchen, where her family awaited her.
Ginny smiled back, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes – Where was Draco?
Pretty soon, Ginny had opened all of her presents. The floor was littered with wrapping paper. Every time she had opened a present, Fred and George would either yell “yes!” or “no”.
Her presents this year had been quite unexpected – but loved immensely. They included:
Mum: two new charms for her bracelet (one had the number 17 on it, the other was a quill and parchment), and a knitted shirt (very interesting design).
Dad: an outfit.
Mum and Dad: a watch.
Fred and George: a package of their jokes, magical stickers, and a summer jacket.
Charlie: a Dragon necklace with her birthstone, Peridot, in the eyes.
Bill: a drawing set (water colours, pencils, pencil crayons, crayons, and more).
Ron: Chudley Cannons sweets, and money for ‘The Junk Shop’ (her favourite store).
Charlie and Krysten: money to visit Florish and Blotts.
Hermione: a wizards chess set, Muggle CDs.
Lupin and Tonks: Note books.
Angelina: money to visit Quality Quidditch Supplies.
Katie: a new stationary set.
Fleur: three magazine subscriptions.
Bill and Fleur: a new set of dress robes, Muggle style – in a turquoise blue.
Percy: He had sent her two plays written by Shakespeare (to add to her collection).
Ginny got up from the table and started to pack them all into a large box so she could take them upstairs. Just as she was placing the third item into the box, a loud ‘swish’ was heard and all her presents were in her room. Ginny looked up to see Bill smiling at her.
‘Oh my! Look at the time. We have to get going, or we are going to lose our reservations,’ Molly said loudly.
Ginny stood up slowly from the table, everyone staring at her. They all were thinking the same thing: Why hadn’t Harry got her anything?
‘Gin, wait up,’ Harry said.
Ginny stopped and turned around to look at Harry.
He walked up to her and whispered in her ear, ‘I have a present for you later. You’ll get it later tonight. Is that all right?’
She nodded.
Molly started to rush once more when she looked at the time. ‘Oh my! We have to go!’
Molly quickly ushered everybody out of the room and into the front room, so they could travel by Floo powder.
~*~
Ginny and her family climbed the stairs up to Firefly Cove. It was Ginny’s favourite restaurant besides The Three Broomsticks.
When they entered the restaurant, a waiter came and took them to their reserved table.
Ginny had a great time at the restaurant. She and Harry sat beside each other. Draco showed up half-way through the meal.
‘Happy Birthday, Ginny,’ he had said, walking up to her and kissing her cheek.
Ginny had blushed red, and her brothers had made fun of her. Harry then punched Draco in the arm, laughing at him.
Overall, lunch had been great. Eventually everyone left the restaurant two hours later.
~*~
‘Gin, I’ve made plans for six o’clock, is that all right?’ Harry asked her later that evening. They were both in her bedroom, both of them were lying on her bed, and Harry was twirling her hair.
‘Sure, that’s fine. Where are we going?’ she asked him, sitting up so she could look him in the face.
‘I can’t tell you that yet,’ Harry said, his eyes twinkling.
Ginny pouted, before lying back down on him. ‘Well, what am I supposed to wear? Something fancy, or what I wore
out to lunch with my family?’ she asked.
‘Well, I would suggest you wear something nice, don’t wear jeans,’ Harry said, kissing the top of her head.
‘All right.’
‘Harry! Harry, where are you?’ Ron’s voice came floating up the stairs.
Ginny sat up straight and jumped off the bed; if Ron caught her and Harry in her room, both she and Harry would be dead.
Harry got off the bed, kissed her and headed out the door, yelling as he walked down the stairs, ‘I’m coming Ron!’
Ginny looked at the clock and saw that it was only four o’clock. She decided that she would start to get ready at half past four; she needed to have a shower again; she wanted to look extra nice.
Sitting back down on her bed, she realised that she was really tired. As soon as her head touched her pillow, she fell asleep.
Thirty minutes later, there was a knock on her door. Ginny bolted up. Rubbing her eyes, she checked the time before
walking over to her bedroom door.
When she finally opened the door, Draco Malfoy stood waiting for her, wearing an amused facial expression.
‘Nice look, Weasley, is that how you are going to go out with, Potter? Now, I know that you don’t really care how you look, but I know for a fact that the restaurant won’t even allow you in the front door, looking like that,’ Draco said.
‘Shut up.’ She looked down at herself and saw that the clothes she had been wearing earlier were all wrinkled and looked as though she had slept in them, which she had, she reminded herself.
Draco smiled. ‘May I come in?’
Ginny went back to her bed as Draco walked in and closed the door behind him.
‘I got you something for your birthday. Sorry I wasn’t there earlier; I got a call from my lawyer. I have to go to court on the tenth of September,’ Draco said, taking a seat next to Ginny on her bed.
‘Why?’ Ginny asked, perplexed.
‘Someone is charging me with the murder of my father,’ he said barking out a laugh. ‘But enough about me, how do you feel as the birthday girl?’
How do I feel? God, what am I supposed to do? I have to talk to someone. But who? Harry? God no! Mum? Dad? Ron? Hermione? No, no, no, and no! Luna? Maybe, she wouldn’t mind knowing…
Suddenly she started to cry. What’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t be thinking this right now, think of something happy, she thought.
Draco looked at her before putting him arm around her. ‘Ginny what’s wrong?’
‘I don’t know?’ Ginny said, tears still falling down her face.
Think Ginny! God, don’t be so stupid. Say something funny, start laughing, anything!
‘Maybe I should come back later?’ Draco said, standing up.
‘No! Stay here for a while. Besides, I want to open my present,’ Ginny said sticking out her tongue and giggling, tears still falling down her face.
There, now it should be normal, Ginny thought, giggling.
Draco eyed her. What was that about? One second she was bawling her eyes out, and the next second she’s laughing at me.
Draco sat back down on the bed and handed a package to her.
He watched her as she tore the paper off the box.
Ginny eyed the white box with black writing on it, Odette Christiane. Odette was a famous designer. She carefully pulled the box lid off the bottom and gasped as she moved the tissue paper away from the dress that was inside.
The dress was gorgeous. It was made of velvet. It was black, but when looked at from certain angles it seemed blue.
‘I thought you could wear it tonight, seeing as you have this big date to go on,’ Draco said quietly as Ginny picked up the dress and held it up to her frame.
‘It’s amazing. How much did this cost?’
‘Not that much, it was actually quite cheap. Well, I better get going, you have to get ready,’ he said, getting up from the bed and leaving the room.
Ginny stared at the door as it was being shut. She couldn’t believe that he would buy this dress; it was absolutely amazing.
She quickly walked into her bathroom and got undressed before stepping into the shower for a second time that day.
She washed her hair before getting out of the shower. Shivering, she grabbed a towel from the floor, wrapping herself up in it.
She then walked to her door and made sure it was locked.
Next, she walked back into her room, trying to find a bra that wouldn’t be seen from the back. She couldn’t find one.
Thinking quickly, she took out her wand and whispered a spell, making sure that no one had heard her, and making sure that the spell had worked.
She dried herself off, before slipping into her underwear and bra. Then she dried her hair with her wand, making sure that every last strand was dry – her hair curled instantly. She hated when her hair curled. Ignoring her hair for the moment, she walked over to her jewellery box and took out a pair of earrings. She moved her hair out of the way before clipping the earrings on.
Walking to her bed, she picked up the dress that Draco had just given her. She unhooked the buttons on the neckpiece before stepping into the dress. She then did the back up. She walked up to her floor-length mirror that was behind her bedroom door and stared at herself. She looked beautiful – even with her hair down and curly.
Ginny walked over to her closet and got down on her hands and knees, trying to find the perfect pair of shoes. She didn’t own many pairs of nice shoes, but last Christmas her father had got her a pair of black high heels that she could actually walk in. She loved them. When she had found them, she got up and put them on, dusting off her dress.
Looking at the clock on her bedside table, she quickly looked at herself in the mirror before heading down the stairs.
When she walked into the kitchen, everyone stopped what he or she was doing, and they all stared at her.
Harry got up from the chair he had been sitting in, and walked up to her. He kissed her cheek before placing his hand on her back and leading her towards the front door.
‘We’ll be back before it’s too late,’ Harry said to Mrs. Weasley, who had followed them out of the kitchen.
‘Don’t worry, Harry. We trust you,’ she said, watching as her daughter put a cloak over her dress.
When they both had left, Molly walked back into the kitchen where everyone was whispering back and forth.
‘Where is he taking her? Where did she get that dress?’ Ron asked the room at large.
‘He’s taking her to Whiteside Manor, and I gave Ginny that dress for her birthday,’ Draco said.
Ron stared at him. ‘He’s taking her to Whiteside Manor? Why?’
Hermione swatted his arm. ‘You idiot, Harry just felt like taking her some place special. After all, she did come of age today,’ she said as Ron rubbed his arm, glaring at her.
‘So where did you get her dress from, Draco?’ Arthur said watching him closely.
‘A Muggle store that was near my lawyer’s office; it was in the window. They had the dress in red or black – I figured
I’d get it for her since I hadn’t got her a present and today is her birthday,’ Draco said, scratching the back of his head, making sure that he didn’t look anyone in the eye.
‘A Muggle store?’ Ron asked.
‘Yes, Ron, a Muggle store,’ Draco said, glaring at him. ‘I’ve got to go. I have to deal with something.’
Draco got up from his chair and walked out the front door, grabbing his cloak on the way out.
Both Hermione and Mrs. Weasley shot Ron dirty looks.
~*~
Harry led Ginny up the long, elegant staircase to Whiteside Manor.
Ginny stared up at the building as she walked up the stairs, Harry’s hand on her back. This was the largest restaurant she had ever seen in her life!
When they both walked through the front door, a man walked up to them taking both of their cloaks. Ginny looked at the ceiling and the huge chandelier that hung in the middle of the room in amazement.
Another man came up to the both of them. He was much older, he had grey hair and his eyes were a bright blue that made him look a lot younger.
‘Mr. Potter, a pleasure to see you,’ the man said nodding his head at Harry.
‘Miss, welcome to the Whiteside Manor. My name is Harrison, and I will be your waiter for the evening.’
Ginny smiled at him. ‘Please call me Ginny,’ she said. Harrison smiled at her.
People were staring at the couple; some were even taking pictures.
‘Can we please be seated now? I don’t like all these people staring at us,’ Harry said looking back at one person who was just about to take a picture.
‘Of course, will you please follow me?’ Harrison said.
Ginny and Harry followed Harrison up three sets of stairs before walking out onto a private balcony where they were both to be seated.
Harry walked up to their table, holding out Ginny’s chair for her. Ginny sat down, watching as Harry sat down opposite of her.
‘Signal to me when you are ready to order. Here is the wine list,’ Harrison said before walking over to the door and taking up a spot standing there.
‘Harry, we didn’t have to do something this fancy! We could have just gone to The Three Broomsticks,’ Ginny said quietly.
‘I wanted to spoil you. What would you like to drink? You can have anything you want,’ Harry said.
This is so typical! I become pregnant before I turn seventeen which means that I can’t have any alcohol, Ginny thought.
‘Water is fine,’ Ginny said.
‘Gin, you’re seventeen – you are allowed to drink alcohol now,’ Harry said, handing her the wine list. ‘What if I were to order a bottle of champagne?’
‘I’ve tasted champagne - I didn’t like it. I know I can have alcohol now, I just don’t want any,’ Ginny said.
Harry sighed, ‘All right. What about a Shirley Temple?’
Ginny knew he was never going to give up, so she nodded her head. ‘That sounds perfect.’
Harry then put up his left arm to signal Harrison over.
‘We’ve decided what we would like to drink. I would like to have a bottle of your champagne, and Ginny would like to have a tall Shirley Temple, with a bit of vodka in it,’ Harry said, smiling. ‘It’s her seventeenth birthday today.’
Harrison smiled and nodded his head.
‘Harrison, may I also have a tall glass of water?’ Ginny asked, trying to sound happy. She was furious with Harry – she wanted a Shirley Temple without alcohol in it!
He nodded his head. ‘Mr. Potter, the regular bottle?’ Harry nodded his head. ‘Here are your menus.’
Harrison handed both Harry and Ginny a menu each, before leaving to fulfil Harry’s wishes.
Both Harry and Ginny sat quietly at their table as they looked over the menu.
‘Harry, where’s the restroom?’ Ginny asked, getting an idea.
‘Follow the same route that Harrison took, Gin. You’ll meet up with him; he walks slow; he’ll show you the way from there,’ Harry said.
Ginny nodded and stood up. She walked at a steady pace until she turned the corner and walked a lot faster.
Sure enough, at the bottom of the second staircase, Harrison was still making his way downstairs.
‘Harrison!’ Ginny said, loud enough for him to hear – but not loud enough so that everyone else would be interrupted.
Harrison turned. ‘Yes?’
‘Harrison, I don’t want any vodka in my drinks. If at any time Harry says to get me a drink with alcohol in it – make sure it doesn’t have any, please,’ Ginny said quickly.
‘But you’re seventeen aren’t you?’ Harrison asked.
‘Yes, but I don’t want any. I’ve already tried some – and, well, I don’t like it,’ Ginny said.
‘All right,’ Harrison said turning to go back down the stairs.
‘Oh, and can you tell me where the restrooms are?’ Ginny asked.
Harrison directed her to the restrooms before walking down the rest of the way to the kitchens.
~*~
After the meal had finished, she was delighted to hear that she would be having dessert.
‘Would you like desert?’ Harrison asked.
‘Yes please, Harrison.’ As Harry was saying this, he stared intently at Harrison, who nodded in return.
‘Could I please have a cup of tea?’ Ginny asked, not noticing the interaction between the two men.
Harrison nodded. He turned around and walked to a mirror. ‘Can we have a tea too?’
A face appeared. ‘Yes.’
Just as Ginny was starting to get bored, she heard singing.
‘Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, dear Ginny – Happy Birthday to you!’ five people sang.
Ginny turned a deep red. Harrison took a bowl of candies from one of the platters that a waiter had brought up with him.
Holding it out to Ginny, she suspected she was supposed to choose one.
Ginny picked up a small red candy, then offered the bowl to Harry. Harry took a sweet from the bowl.
They both stuck the sweet into their mouths at the same time – causing Ginny’s head to turn into a strawberry and Harry’s head to turn into a lime.
There was a blinding flash of light and a picture was slowly coming out of the end of a huge camera. When the flash had gone off both Ginny’s and Harry’s head turned back to normal.
Ginny was slowly turning a deeper red as she laughed, and Harry was just red.
‘Where did you get these?’ Ginny asked.
‘They are called Fruit Gushers – they are a Muggle candy. The only difference is that there is a spell on them that actually make you turn into a fruit,’ Harrison said smiling.
‘Who brought them to the wizarding world?’ Harry asked.
‘Mr. and Mr. Weasley – they made them at their company. Your brothers I believe?’ Harrison asked, signaling that one of the other waitresses should put the two slices of cheesecake down.
‘Typical, and yes!’ Ginny said, laughing a little.
A loud noise signaled that the photo was done. Harrison picked it up from the floor and then handed it to Ginny.
Ginny laughed at the picture – they looked hilarious. Ginny handed Harry the picture; he too laughed.
The other waiters and waitress left the room and Harrison went to stand at the door.
‘This calls for a glass of champagne. I don’t want to hear anything against this, its small,’ Harry said pouring Ginny a glass of champagne.
Ginny glanced over at Harrison – but he was just standing there.
Harry sat looking at Ginny expectantly. ‘This is Whiteside’s best champagne,’ Harry said smiling.
It won’t hurt if I had a bit, will it? Ginny thought. She slowly brought the glass up to her lips and tasted a bit of the bubbly liquid. She smiled – it was a type of fizzy drink that she knew was a Muggle soft drink.
‘There, I knew that you would like it!’ Harry said happily. Ginny just nodded her head.
~*~
Half an hour later, they were getting ready to go. Harrison had summoned their cloaks and was helping Ginny put on her cloak.
Harry started to walk down the stairs to the first floor of the Manor. ‘I’m going to head down to pay – it takes a while.’
Ginny nodded her head.
Once Ginny had collected all of the food that had been packaged and the rest of the cake, and the picture, she headed to the stairs.
‘Here, let me help you,’ Harrison said, taking a few of the packages.
‘Thank you.’
‘No problem.’
‘I mean, thank you for the champagne trick,’ Ginny said, keeping her voice down as they passed a few tables.
‘Once again, it was no problem. So, how far are you along?’ Harrison asked.
Ginny stopped dead in her tracks and looked at him. Harrison also stopped.
‘Ho…How?’ Ginny asked.
‘My wife was the same way – besides, I’ve already had four children,’ Harrison said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled.
‘Oh.’ Ginny continued to walk down the stairs in silence. Ginny’s mind spinning.
If he can tell and he’s only had four children, does that mean that mum will know? How am I going to keep this a secret? Will this man tell anyone anything? The whole world will know! Oh my God! Should I tell him not to tell anyone? Or will that just make it look even more suspicious? Who cares, this can’t get out, not yet anyways.
‘Please don’t tell anyone! Not even Harry,’ Ginny whispered quickly. ‘No one can know yet.’
Harrison looked her in the eyes before saying, ‘Of course not.’
Ginny thanked him profusely before the two of them made their way down the rest of the stairs. At the landing, Ginny turned to him; she was about to speak when she felt Harry’s hand on her waist.
‘There you are. The service was fast tonight, and can you believe that the alcohol bill was so low?’ Harry asked.
Ginny shook her head.
‘Harrison, thank you for all your work tonight – you made the evening very enjoyable. Here is your tip,’ Harry said.
Harrison smiled as Harry placed the money in his hand. Ginny looked at the amount of money that was in his hand.
‘Harry, I have to use the restroom – can you check if the Portkey is ready yet?’ Ginny said, smiling at him.
‘Sure.’
Ginny walked towards the door before turning to Harrison. ‘Here, take this,’ she said, slipping Harrison a flat card.
Harrison looked at Ginny surprised. ‘I can’t take this.’
‘Yes, you can. The money in that card covers what you should be paid for tonight. You were a great help, and I can’t thank you enough,’ Ginny said.
‘Gin! It’s ready,’ Harry called.
‘Coming!’ She cringed slightly. She hated it when people called her Gin, she'd have to tell him later.
Ginny hugged Harrison once more, before making her way over to Harry. She didn’t notice Harrison slipping something into her purse.
Both Harry and Ginny took a hold of the Portkey.
~*~
‘Thank you, Harry, I had so much fun,’ Ginny said when they had landed in the front yard of The Burrow.
‘I had fun too. You looked lovely,’ Harry said, taking Ginny’s hand and leading her towards the house.
‘Harry, I think I’m going to sit outside for a while, alone,’ Ginny said quietly.
‘Come on Gin, come inside. Its cold out and you don’t want to catch a cold,’ Harry said trying to persuade Ginny.
‘No, Harry, I really want to be alone. I need to think,’ Ginny said.
‘Well, do you want me to stay with you? ‘Cause I will,’ Harry said, kissing Ginny’s temple.
Ginny moved out of the way. ‘Harry, please?’
‘Oh, all right. Yeah, sure,’ Harry said, turning around with a sigh of defeat and walking towards the house.
‘Harry, wait! I really did have a great time. I just would like to spend some time by myself, but later you can come back out here if you want. I’m either going to go to the barn or take a walk in the apple orchard,’ Ginny said, running up to him.
Harry nodded his head. Ginny reached up and kissed him.
‘Good night, Gin. Happy Birthday,’ Harry said, breaking contact and walking back into the house.
‘Good night.’
~*~
Ginny Weasley sat on the barn steps, her hair blowing in the light breeze. She shivered slightly, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders, but making sure that she was still sitting on it.
‘Hey,’ a voice behind her said.
Ginny stood up startled. ‘Hey.’
‘Are you ready to come in yet?’ he asked.
Ginny hadn’t looked at him yet. She swiped at her eyes before nodding her head and turning around.
‘Why are you crying?’ he asked, his voice full of concern.
‘It’s nothing,’ Ginny said, trying to smile.
‘This is the second time you’ve cried today. Are you sure you’re all right?’ he asked again.
‘I’m fine.’ She walked towards him.
When she had reached him, she hugged him tightly – she started to cry harder.
‘Shhh, shhh’, he said softly. He picked her up as if she were a feather and brought her into the house. His feet padded softly on the carpet that lined the stairs.
He opened her door, and placed her on her bed. He said a spell that undressed her, and then he said another spell that dressed her in a warm pair of pajamas. When she was dressed he picked her up again, pulling back the covers and placing her under them.
He was about to leave, when she spoke.
‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome, Gin,’ he responded.
‘Come here and don’t call me that - my name is Ginny,’ she said, yawning slightly.
He walked up to her. ‘Sorry.’
‘It’s all right,’ she said, pulling him closer.
He could feel her breath – she smelled like cheesecake and strawberries. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
‘I love you,’ she said softly, ‘I think.’
‘I know,’ he replied, before kissing her too on the cheek. ‘I have to leave. Someone is going to find us.’
‘All right, good night,’ Ginny said before turning over.
He pulled the covers up, before leaving her room and walking upstairs to his room.
He had had an enjoyable night.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Many thanks to my beta reader shiiki!
Also, a big thank you to all my readers! =D
~Natasha
To Be Continued.
ronlover is the author of 2 other stories.
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