Harry Potter and A New Chapter of Life

Chapter 12: Wonderful Surprises at a Birthday to Remember

Harry and the others had been released from St. Mungo’s just after dinner the night before. Harry accompanied the Weasley’s and Grangers back to the Burrow as he no longer had a home of his own. The news of Kreacher had hit Harry hard and he prayed that the house-elf would make a full recovery after being nursed by his children and other house-elves. Harry had been informed that Kreacher had been transported to Hogwarts and that his children were there with him.

“Come on Ron let’s go,” Harry called up the stairs of the Burrow. It was the day before Ginny’s birthday and Harry still had not had a chance to go to Diagon Alley. He knew he already had a birthday gift for Ginny but there was one more thing he wanted to get. Ron too had not gotten Ginny a gift yet and decided to join Harry. Harry and the Weasley men that had been injured when Grimmauld Place was attack had each recovered from the physical wounds. Kreacher with the help of his family was also regaining his strength. Harry still had not had the chance to visit with Kreacher felt guilty for his conditions as he had not ordered Kreacher to leave with Grimmauld Place was destroyed.

“I’ll be there in a bloody minute!” Ron responded down the stairs.

Harry decided to wait for Ron in the kitchen and found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sitting at the table quietly talking while holding hands. Harry was about to turn around to leave so that he wouldn’t interrupt their private moment when Mrs. Weasley seen him and called, “Harry dear come in and have a cup of tea. You know Ronald was never one to be punctual for anything.”

Harry gave a knowing grin and joined them at the table as Mrs. Weasley poured him a cup of tea. Nervously Harry took a sip of tea. He had been hoping to have a moment alone to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley before going to Diagon Alley, and now that he had it he began second guessing his confidence.

Mr. Weasley noticing Harry’s discomfort asked, “Everything alright there Harry?”

“Yes, sir,” Harry responded shifting in his chair, “I was actually hoping to talk with the two of you before I go to Diagon Alley.”

“Oh?” Mr. Weasley asked.

There was a moment of silence as the pair looked expectantly at him, “Well what is it dear?”

“I want to ask Ginny to marry me, and would like to ask your permission,” Harry stated quickly trying to mask his nervousness.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley shared a look as the trio sat in silence for several minutes. Finally the two came to a silent agreement and Mr. Weasley turned back to Harry, “Harry there is no other man I would want for my daughter. Molly and I would be proud to give our permission.”

Harry let out a loud sigh as he realized they had said yes and didn’t try to scold him or tell him to wait. Mrs. Weasley jumped from her seat and rushed to Harry with happy yet tear-filled eyes as she wrapped him in one of her famous motherly hugs.

“I need this to stay between the three of us, I was planning on asking her on her birthday tomorrow,” Harry said.

He received nods of agreement from both just as Ron came bounding into the kitchen. He curiously looked at the three as if something was amidst. When no one acknowledged him or said anything he looked at Harry, “You ready to go mate?”

Twenty minutes later Harry and Ron were strolling down the streets of Diagon Alley. Ron was looking into windows of the shops looking for an idea of what to get his only sister for her birthday. Harry who already knew what he was getting Ginny silently walked with Ron as he contemplated telling Ron about his talk with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

“Ron, you’re okay with me dating Ginny right?” Harry asked.

“Well I wasn’t at first to be honest, you know your my best mate an all but Ginny is special she’s our only sister,” Ron said as he gave Harry a curious glance, “I have gotten used to seeing the two of you together now, but don’t go and start groping her now you know because I’d have to pound you into a bloody pulp.”