Seven years later- August 11

Ginny woke, thanks to little fingers prying open an eyelid. "Is she awake?"

She felt a small body crawl over her and breathe in her face. "I don't fink so."

She almost jumped out of her skin when the first someone yelled out, close to her ear. "Da-ad, I don't fink Mummy is awake."

"I'm awake, I'm awake," grumbled Ginny. She quickly grabbed a little body and pulled it close to her, smothering it with kisses. The other one squealed in surprise, and laughed until Ginny grabbed her too and started tickling.

"Haha, stop it,Mummy, stop," giggled her daughter.

"I see you got Mummy to wake up," said Harry, coming into their bedroom. "Happy Birthday, love," he said.

"Happy Birfday, Mummy," said her son, sitting on one side of her, cuddling close.

"Thank you, my darlings," said Ginny, kissing the top of two year olds, Mia and Ryan's heads. She then leaned over to kiss her husband.

"Happy Birthday, Mum," said six year old, Arthur James, or AJ, carrying a present.

"Happy Birthday, Mum," cried four year old Katherine Ginevra, carrying the family cat, Chudley. He'd been a gift to three year old Katie from Uncle Ron, who had already named him.

POP "Breakfast for Madam," announced Dobby. The little elf from Hogwarts had been happy to come and work for Harry and Ginny after their wedding and with the birth of AJ approaching. The children adored him and he, them. He placed the tray across her lap.

"Pancakes for breakfast, Mum? My teacher, Miss Arnel, says pancakes aren't for breakfast," said AJ, looking down at the tray.

"I'm sure Miss Arnel won't mind if I have them for a special occasion," said Ginny, cutting one up into small pieces.

"What's a special 'cassion?" asked Rose, taking a piece of pancake.

"Like Mummy's birthday," said Harry, sitting next to Mia on the bed.

"Or Christmas Eve," said Ginny, sharing a secret smile with her husband.

Dobby popped back with breakfast for everyone. Ginny opened her presents amid laughter and cuddles.

"We go to Burra?" asked Mia. She liked to help Grandma Molly in the kitchen.

"Later, darling. We're going to see great Gran and great Grandpa first," said Ginny.

"And Grandpa James and Grandma Lily?" asked Katie. Harry nodded, tweaking her nose.

"Uncle Siri too?" asked Ryan. He had been named Orion, for Harry's godfather, but he was called Ryan. He was close to Sirius, who doted on all of Harry and Ginny's children.

"Probably, but I don't think he'll have his motor bike there today," Ginny told him. His little face fell.

"But I'm sure he'll take you up for a fly," said Harry, quickly. This cheered Ryan up, as he loved to fly.

" Will Teddy be there?" asked Katie, who had a little crush on the older boy. In only a couple more weeks Teddy would be off to Hogwarts for the first time.

"All your cousins will be there, along with Teddy and Phoebe, Lorcan and Lysander Scamander, and Callie and Ella Longbottom," said Ginny.

"Uncle Won Won?" asked Mia.

"Yes, and his boys, Viktor and Hugo will be there too, although Aunt 'Mione is working," said Harry. Hermione was now the Minister for Magic, having replaced Amelia Bones two years earlier, when she retired. Ron had named his son after the best player he'd ever seen live-Viktor Krum. The Bulgarian Seeker had played in the World Cup against Ireland in 1994. Despite Krum catching the Snitch, Ireland still won the match. Ron managed to get Krum's autograph later, and considered him his personal hero.

"When are Grandpa James and Grandma Lily leaving?" asked AJ. He was a lot like his grandpa James in nature, very easy going and got along well with others. He was close to his cousins, Gideon and Fabian, George and Fred's sons.

"They leave for America next week. Grandma Lily is going to teach at the magical school there for year," said Harry. His own grandmother had recommended Lily for the position when they asked her to return, and the school immediately asked Lily. James was going too, to teach Defense against the Dark Arts, in collaboration with the current teacher.

"We're going to go and visit them in November. The Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, and the school will have a little holiday," said Ginny. She was looking forward to visiting America and doing some sight seeing. She had been there briefly for an assignment, but not seen many of the sights. Euphemia had made a list of must-see places to go.

"Then you can eat pancakes every day, Mummy," said Katie happily. She had been named for Monty's mother, who first wore the engagement ring Ginny now wore. It had meant a lot to him when Harry announced her name. He called her Kath, preferring that than Katie.

"Yes I can," agreed Ginny, smiling at her eldest daughter. Despite the red hair, her colouring was more Potter than Weasley. AJ and Mia had inherited Harry's hair colour, while Ryan's colouring was more ginger and he was already getting freckles.

"But I won't tell Miss Arnel," said AJ. Ginny smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Chudley come too?" asked Mia.

"And Dobby?" asked Ryan.

"Chudley will probably go to the Burrow while we're away," said Ginny, "while Dobby will stay to look after our house."

With their growing family, they had looked for a bigger house. They'd found a nice large house, with plenty of backyard space, close to Remus and Tonks. Stacey and Rose now lived in the little cottage at Godric's Hollow.

POP Dobby came to usher the children away to get dressed. They all ran off, laughing in anticipation of a fun day with their family and friends.

Harry happily scooted over to his wife in their bed. He snuck the last piece of pancake in his mouth. Ginny happily nestled against him.

"Happy Birthday, Gin," said Harry. "Ready for a big day?"

"Mmmm," murmured Ginny. "How about we send the kids to the Burrow and you and I stay here to celebrate me getting another year older," she sighed.

"You're right! I better check if you have had any wrinkles appear overnight," teased Harry, ducking under the covers.

"Mummy, where's Daddy?" asked Katie, standing in the doorway.

Harry popped his head out from under the covers. "Here I am, sweetie."

"What are you doing?" asked Katie.

"Daddy thought Chudley went under the bed covers," explained Ginny.

"He's there," said Katie, pointing to the cat who was licking himself in preparation of a nice long snooze on the chair near the window that captured the sunshine.

"Silly Daddy," laughed Ginny. "Can you go get your shoes on, please?"

Katie turned to go back to her room. Harry sighed and gave up his quest to explore Ginny's body, but pulled her close.

"Come on, we may as well get up," said Ginny, although she only snuggled closer to him.

"You know it won't take much to persuade Gran and Grandpa, or even Mum and Dad, to take the kids for the night," said Harry, wiggling his eyebrows.

"The kids will miss your parents when they're gone," agreed Ginny, "but I think they'll love America when we visit them."

"Well, if I accept the offer to teach there after Mum's time is up, we'll be moving there for a year," reminded Harry.

"I think it will be a great experience for us all," said Ginny. "Anyway, we'll get to check out the school for ourselves in November," she said.

"I'd never really considered teaching before. Both Dumbledore and Professor Mcgonagall seemed to think I'd do well. Who knows, I may end up as Potions Professor at Hogwarts," preened Harry.

"What does your boss think of it?" asked Ginny.

Harry snorted. "Severus couldn't imagine anything worse than teaching kids Potions," he said.

"Well, I have only met the man on a few occassions but I couldn't imagine him as a teacher. He's not very tolerant, is he?" asked Ginny, chuckling.

"No, not at all," agreed Harry.

"Mummy, Wyan has got my book and won't give it back," yelled Mia.

"Here, have your stupid book," they heard Ryan say.

"Ow! Dadddddyyyyyyy," cried Mia.

"Will you be quiet," yelled Katie.

"Mum, make them be quiet," yelled AJ.

"Well, this is good practice for you when you have snotty kids who don't do their homework or have no interest in Potions," grinned Ginny, as Harry climbed out of their bed.

"Why don't you get up and take a shower while I sort out our tribe," said Harry.

"Sounds good," agreed Ginny. She swung her legs out and stood. Harry quickly drew her into his arms before he left to see to their kids.

"Happy Birthday, Gin," he said, huskily. "Love you."

"Love you, too," she muttered, as he kissed her.

"Dadddddyyyyy!" called Katie.

Harry rolled his eyes and hurried out to sort out the kids. Ginny escaped to the shower.

There had to be some perks to it being her birthday. If it meant Harry dealt with the kids drama, so be it.

It was all just part of the things you did for love.

-finite-