MetaFic

Ginny watched from her corner chair as Dumbledore and Sirius explained to Harry that he had a very distant relative from his mother's side of the family who had been living quietly in Canada.

She found it amusing to watch as her mother, who had obviously gotten it into her head that they were there to send Harry into exile a half a world away, became indignant and prepared to launch into a full verbal assault on Dumbledore.

Fortunately, Sirius managed to explain that this mysterious relative had agreed to move to England, and would everyone like to follow him and perhaps see Harry's new home? They all readily agreed, and Sirius led them down the bumpy road past the Burrow. After just over a half-mile of walking they turned a bend in the road and found themselves facing a modern two-story farmhouse. Remus Lupin sat outside on the porch waiting for them.

Lupin invited everyone inside for tea and introduced Harry to his distant cousin, Jeren Sawyer. Harry questioned the man closely and seemed satisfied with the answers he received. Sirius and Jeren offered to give everyone a tour of the house, which they readily agreed to. Professor Dumbledore excused himself, explaining that it was necessary he return to Hogwarts, and after everyone bid the old professor good-bye, they followed Jeren for the tour.

Mrs. Weasley pronounced the house fit enough, which caused Sirius and Lupin to laugh. In truth, Ginny mused, the place was perfect for four bachelors and was large enough to fit up to four more visitors if they liked each other enough to squeeze. Much to everyone's amusement, Harry felt that the house needed a name and had had quickly dubbed it the Den.

The adults decided that Harry should move in as soon as possible. They also quickly agreed that if he wanted guests his first night they were welcome. Ron and Harry, along with the other Weasley boys, returned to the Burrow to get Harry's things. Hermione went with them to pack an overnight bag for Ginny and herself. Ginny, who claimed she was tired, stayed behind. Arthur and Molly Weasley had begun a conversation with Sirius and Remus on the porch. Ginny looked around the spacious family room and smiled.

"So when are you going to tell him?"

Ginny turned to find Harry's "distant cousin" watching her.

"I was going to tell him tonight. But now with all this–" She waved her hand in the air.

"Tell you what. I'll get Hermione to distract Ron tonight. Harry should know."

"I just don't want to ruin this for him. And how are you going to get Hermione to distract Ron?"

"I have my ways," he said mysteriously. "I don't think you'll ruin Harry's evening. Besides, you know I'm a big fraud and a liar. You're the one carrying around Harry's real family."

"You're not a liar," she retorted. "You're just doing this to protect Harry."

"Yup, and so did you." The angel masquerading as a man smiled at her. "He loves you. I know. Believe me, I know. So tell him already!"

The evening passed with the four friends exploring the new house. Mrs. Weasley chatted amiably with Jeren, trying to get the measure of this new addition to what she already considered her extended family. Jeren, for his part, smiled politely, enjoyed himself, and seemed to expect Mrs. Weasley to suddenly grow horns and tear him to pieces should he say the wrong thing.

As the night wore on Professor Lupin excused himself, telling everyone that he had more packing to do and would be back tomorrow on a permanent basis. Sirius had finally gone upstairs to bed after Ginny and Harry caught him dozing in his chair. Ron, for his part, had to carry Hermione to the guest room the girls would be sharing after she feel asleep nose-first on a rather large tome containing the biographies of all the past Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts. Jeren, with a last wink in Ginny's direction, drifted upstairs a little later. This left only Ginny, her mother, and her boyfriend. With a sigh Ginny decided to break the news. She turned and faced Harry on the couch.

"Harry, there's something important I need to tell you."

Harry gave her his complete attention and waited patiently for her to continue.

Ginny looked at her mother for reassurance. Mrs. Weasley smiled at her daughter and nodded. Harry glanced back and forth between them, obviously confused.

"Harry, darling, I'm, well, I'm, ah--"

Harry himself provided the final word. "Pregnant?" He looked at little green, and his face had gone to stone.

All the doubts Ginny had been feeling raised up and gripped her. She looked down at her lap and nodded her head. One fat tear rolled down her cheek. In a whisper, she said, "I love you, Harry. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to mess up your life. I just–" She took a deep breath and plunged ahead. "I overheard Professor Dumbledore saying without a family they couldn't protect you anymore. I couldn't let Tom kill you, Harry, I need you too much. I love you too much. So I . . ." She trailed off and shrugged. “Please don't hate me.”

Harry was amazed at what she'd been willing to sacrifice simply because she loved him. His voice was low and a little sad when he answered her. "So you did all this to protect me?"

Ginny sniffed and whispered. "I'll understand if you don't want to see me again, but please, even if you're mad at me and hate me now, please don't turn you back on your child." Her whisper got even lower as she bit her bottom lip. "If you want when it's born I'll give the baby to you and vanish."

"Excuse me? Who said anything about you vanishing?"

She looked up to see Harry, who was less green but still shocked, looking right at her.

Harry reached over and took her hand. "I mean, okay, so we're a little young. Well, maybe a lot young. But I'm sure we can figure something out." Ginny was amazed at how quickly Harry started to rally. "Money won't be a problem; I have more than enough, so that's taken care of. I'm sure Dumbledore will help us find a way to finish school and raise our child." Harry looked up at Mrs. Weasley, who had been sitting forgotten in a rocking chair. "I fully intended to marry your daughter, Mrs. Weasley. That is, if she wants me."

Ginny threw her arms around Harry's neck, relieved at the outcome of her announcement. "Of course I want you, you silly goose! There's just one thing."

Harry looked into her brown eyes. "What's that, love?"

"I want to wait until after the baby is born."

Harry cocked his head. "Why?"

"Because I'm only going to do this once, Mr. Potter, and I want to do it right. I'm not going to waddle down the aisle pushing seven months worth of belly. And I refuse to get married quickly just to satisfy other people." She gave her mother a pointed look.

Mrs. Weasley smiled at the young couple. "Well, since that's settled, I'll tell Arthur tonight, and tomorrow you two can inform the rest of the family."

Harry visibly paled at the idea of facing all of Ginny's brothers with the news that he had gotten their sister pregnant and that they were engaged.

Mrs. Weasley laughed at the expression on his face. "Oh, don't worry, I won't let them actually kill you!" Then she gathered her things and made for the door before turning back. "Oh, Ginny darling."

"Yes, mum?"

"I suppose you'll want to stay with the baby's father now, yes?"

"Yes, mum."

"Then after the two of you have told the others we'll pack your things."

"Yes, mum."

"Oh, and one more thing, you two. Please have a talk with Ron and Hermione before I end up with even more grandchildren!"

"Yes, mum," they both answered.

Satisfied, Molly Weasley returned to the Burrow.