Baking Bread

Sixteen-year-old Ginny Weasley sighed as she kneaded the dough in front of her viciously. Ignoring the kerfuffle coming from upstairs, she pushed her flame-red hair from her face and continued with her kneading, cursing the fact that it was the school holidays and she couldn't use her wand to get the bread made. Her mother was running around frantically trying to make the Burrow spotless for Harry. Ginny had tried pointing out that Harry was pretty much one of the family and wouldn't care if the Burrow looked like a pigsty, but her mum had simply snapped at her to get back to making the bread.

Ginny didn't mind this though. She enjoyed baking. Grams had told her a long time ago, before she'd died, that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and since then every time Harry came to stay Ginny would bake for days beforehand.

Fred entered the kitchen. "Hey, Gin," he said, punching her in the arm. "How's the bread? Did Grams tell you that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, before she died?"

Ginny swatted his finger away from a pile of cooling gingerbread cookies. "Yes, as a matter of fact, she did," she snapped.

"She told me and George that too. Then she called us Cynthia and Lauren and told us to fetch the milk for the Kneazles before they hid under a porcupine's tail. I think she'd gone mad by then, Ginny," Fred said in a matter of fact manner. "C'mon Gin. You go make yourself look stunning for Harry and I'll finish the bread. It'll be easier for me. I can do magic."

Ginny stared at him suspiciously. "Like hell I'd leave my bread with you, Fred. I don't want Harry, or anyone for that matter, to turn into a peacock."

"Hmm...a peacock. What a good idea," Fred mused. He broke off at the sight of Ginny's expression. "Honest Gin, I'm not going to do anything to it. Cross my heart and spit on Grams' grave. I want you and Harry to get together as much as anyone in this family. Except Mum of course."

"Thanks Fred," Ginny said, giving him a swift hug before running upstairs to dress.

Half an hour later Ginny was set. Her red hair was long, thick and wavy and her almond brown eyes were framed by thick dark lashes. She slipped a silver necklace onto her slim, creamy neck and viewed her reflection with satisfaction. She had put on Muggle clothes, black pants and a jade tank top. No one she knew wore robes in summer. It was too hot. Rushing downstairs, she found her bread rising nicely in the oven and her mother issuing Ron with orders.

"Ginny dear. You look lovely," she said distractedly. "Now Ron, move the table outside. It's such a lovely evening."

Ginny eyed her bread with suspicion. Despite Fred's promises, she didn't entirely trust him. He'd play any trick possible if it came his way. Or, failing that, he'd get George to do it. There was a crack at the front gate. Standing beside his trunk and owl, Hedwig, was Harry. Her mother went bustling out to greet him.

"Harry, darling," she cried. "How are you?"

"I'm great Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, grinning broadly. His dark hair was its usual mess but his stature was grander since last time Ginny had seen him. He was now quite tall and broad shouldered but what attracted Ginny considerably was the aura of strength and nobility surrounding him.

"Ginny?" Harry said slightly bewildered. "You look, I mean, wow..." He trailed off.

"Thanks, Harry." Ginny said, smiling slightly. It wouldn't do him any good to let him know how happy that made her feel. "I have to go sort out my baking. See you soon."

She left Harry standing awed as she waltzed away. She levered the bread out of the pan, smelling its hot doughy aroma. Taking a large knife she cut it into slices and put a bowl of dipping sauce on the side, courtesy of Fred. It was store bought so she didn't feel too worried. She was a bit worried about the bread though but she sampled a piece and after five minutes, she hadn't turned into anything so she figured the bread was untampered with.

By the time she came out into the lounge, balancing the plate on one hand, Harry, along with her entire family, were sitting around roasting.

"Bread and dips anyone? Harry?"

"Thanks Ginny. I'm starving," Harry said, adding a generous amount of dip to the slice. He bit into it. "Mmm, goo - " He broke off and Ginny noticed Fred and George give identical evil grins.

With a pop, Harry had turned into a large chocolate heart. Well, Ginny thought, giggling, I guess the way to a man's heart is through his stomach!