Betrayal

As she expected, the various friends and relatives had their own suggestions, including Harry, but Ginny was adamant regarding what the first name of their unborn child would be. However, she was open to any suggestions in regards to the middle name, although she naturally preferred her own choice. As her pregnancy progressed, of course, her Healer had been proved right. After her fourth month, the morning sickness was virtually gone--her main problems after that were swollen feet and backaches ... and the most humungous appetite she'd ever experienced.

Only her brothers seemed to have larger appetites than she--and when she asked her mother if there was something pregnancy-safe for appetite control, she was given a potion for same ... but only after her gently teasing her that she had to remember that she was "eating for two now," and should expect to have a larger appetite. Harry assured her he would love her, no matter how big she got; even as reassuring as that was, Ginny knew that he was at least a bit put off by some of her ... unusual food cravings which she craved at inopportune moments, especially when he had to be the one to obtain them for her.

The looks he must have gotten when he asked ... She couldn't help laughing upon picturing the looks which must have been on the faces of either Madam Rosmerta, Madam Puddifoot or even the proprietor of the nearest wizarding supermarket near the Burrow, which was where he usually went if he didn't go to Hogsmeade. Molly knew what to fix her if she happened to be at the Burrow and got the munchies unexpectedly, but even as she fixed them for her, admonished her not to gain too much weight. Thirty to forty pounds was the maximum a pregnant witch should gain; any more than that was unhealthy for both mother and child, which both Molly and the Healer had told her.

What was more, Harry was still searching for a proper flat, and she was only about three months away from giving birth. It was looking more and more like he would have to conjure something up for them to live in. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to ask if he had ever thought to look into the possibility of a place specifically for Potters, an ancestral home or something. The wedding day was also getting closer with every passing day and despite her and Harry's admonitions to consult them regarding their preferences, there were still occasions when she caught Molly doing things that she knew neither she nor Harry would go for. Between that and her pregnancy, Ginny had all she could do to maintain her health and her temper. Every little thing seemed to set her off; she sometimes was even tempted to hex Harry, even though he usually had done nothing to deserve it. With a part of her, Ginny was even sure he had asked her parents just what they did to get through Molly's numerous pregnancies with their marriage intact.

It also helped to have Hermione give advice on how to handle her pregnancy; of course, not all of it would apply to her, if only due to the differences in a given witch's body chemistry, particularly when carrying a child. She also made sure to be careful when casting spells or charms, because pregnancy had been known to make a witch's magic go haywire at unexpected times. So far she hadn't had too many horrendous mishaps - but just the same, she didn't take any chances, making sure Harry or someone from her family was with her, if only for safety's sake.

One thing that definitely made her happy, however, was knowing that Ron was happy again, seeing Hermione virtually every moment that he wasn't working, eating or sleeping. In fact, Harry had even told her in confidence that Ron had confessed to him that he was seriously considering proposing to her. He had even managed to bond fairly well with little Solomon, as had Ginny, although Ginny's pregnancy-induced moods made Harry think twice about pressuring her to take things further as to bonding with him. She had enough to worry about just getting through her own pregnancy, then adjusting to motherhood once their daughter had been born. It was for this reason that he had backed off and not mentioned anything regarding taking him once in a while so Ron and Hermione could be alone and give Molly and Hermione's parents a break from babysitting. If Gin specifically asked, that would be one thing--until then, he wouldn't pressure her.

* * * * *

Harry ended up having to approach the top home-building company in the Ottery St. Catchpole area, Faber Construction, with specific, specially made blueprints of the type of house he wanted. He made an appointment to speak with the head of the company, Tignarius Faber, a noted carpenter but also a very clever wizard who reminded Harry of an older, heavier version of Sirius. He told him that he had some property in Godric's Hollow he wished to build on, if that was acceptable.

The man said it was a bit out of his jurisdiction, but for the right price he was sure they could arrange something mutually beneficial. To be on the safe side, Harry used a Disguising Charm to hide his scar, changed the colour of his eyes, lightened his hair a bit and gave his potential builder the name of Harrison Evans, even opening a separate account in Gringotts under that name to be on the safe side and informing the goblin bank officials of its purpose.

If Faber knew who Harry really was, he'd likely be hounded to death, and all he wanted was peace and quiet with his wife-to-be and children. Harry also made a mental note to explain what he had done so his friends and family would understand and act accordingly.

After going over the blueprints, the master carpenter looked up and smiled, reaching to shake Harry's hand after Harry had signed the contract.

"Yes, I believe we have a deal, Mr. Evans. Two hundred thousand Galleons. Ten percent down and the rest payable upon completion. When would you like me to begin building?"

"As soon as possible. My ... wife is pregnant, and I would like us to be in residence in our new home in time for the baby."

"Well, with the size of the home you want, even with magic, it'll take considerable time, several months at least ... and that is if all goes well and I am able to get the materials I need when I need them without undue delay. Also, when the home is finished, would you like special protective wards placed on it? I can do that too, if you like. No extra charge."

I would hope not, Harry thought. It's bloody well going to cost me enough as it is! But Gin and our children are worth it. He merely smiled and shook his head. "Your offer is appreciated, sir, but I have friends I can call upon for that."

"If you say so. May we go out to the property in the near future so I may get some ideas for proper placement of the house?"

"Is Saturday acceptable? That's the one day I'm off work."

The other man smiled and nodded. "Just tell me when."

"I'll either owl you or Floo," Harry told him. "I've got to get back to where my ... wife and I are staying with her family because I don't like to leave her too long in her condition."

"I understand, sir. Is this your first child?"

"Second ... wife, second child," Harry said. "Gotta go now. Talk to you later." With that, he Disapparated.

* * * * *

Over the next few weeks Harry and company talked virtually endlessly about how their new home was going to look; he was offered virtually endless ideas about how to decorate it as well, not to mention the type of wards it was best to have. Finally it was tentatively agreed to have basically the same type of wards as the Burrow, especially since children would either be in residence or visiting the majority of the time. He also warned them if they were approached by Mr. Faber or any member of his staff to remember what his "alias" was. Ginny definitely liked the idea of Harry's having told him she was his wife already, although it would literally be true by the time the house was complete.

Until then, she and the others could spend time figuring how they wanted to decorate each of the rooms, starting with the master bedroom and living rooms, which Hermione would help her with, then Molly could help her decorate the kitchen and the baby's room ... not to mention the one which would be Solomon's while he was visiting. Harry definitely intended to decorate his personal study to his own taste and had decided early on that only he would have unrestricted access.

Everyone else--including Ginny and the children--once they were old enough, that is ... would need to knock and ask permission to enter. He had always longed for a place that would belong to him alone, where he didn't have to answer to anyone unless he chose to, yet still be close to his family. Also, the house would be big enough so that he and Ginny could have more-or-less separate bathrooms off their bedroom, decorated to their own taste. However, there would be a private spot set precisely between said bathrooms which would be set aside for trysts when they were in the mood and didn't want to be heard or found immediately ... especially if they wanted to try something new.

They received periodic updates as to how construction was going and even visited once in a while to note the progress of the work, although Faber had warned Harry to notify him so he could Muffliato his workers so they weren't disturbed while he met with Harry and Ginny to discuss their latest doings. For the time being, he had made a replica of his mother's rings and Ginny would use it so the carpenter didn't ask questions. However, the wedding day was getting closer all the time.

Harry and Ginny had already decided to have an intimate ceremony, with only their closest friends and immediate family present, whoever could make it. Molly and Hermione would help her and Ron and Bill would help him. (Fleur was too pregnant--with their daughter Victoire, as it turned out--to accompany him at this point ... but firmly admonished him that she wanted a full report upon his return. Bill smiled with a mixture of amusement and apprehension as he recalled his wife's parting admonition, "My 'usband, promise me that you will tell me all about 'arry and Geenee's wedding when you get back, or else I will 'ex you into next year!")

Molly insisted on handling the catering, of course, and Arthur planned to reinforce the protective wards around the Burrow so only the ones authorised to attend the wedding could get in. No disguised Animagi or Polyjuiced types would be able to get past them, so it was virtually impossible for the likes of Rita Skeeter or any of her ilk to get in to disrupt things.

Harry and Ginny had agreed early on that only the two of them would know where they intended to go on their honeymoon. They hadn't even told their friends anything about it and wouldn't until after they had returned--and even then, wouldn't tell them everything. After all, everyone had a right to keep certain things private, especially regarding their honeymoon.