Ethan

Ethan!” A fist banged against the bedroom door. The whole thing juddered practically shaking off it’s hinges. Ethan took a steady breath his hands gripping the blanket tightly.

“Yes Uncle?” Ethan asked innocently. His eyes glued to the chair propped underneath the handle. There was another fist, the chair slipped out and fell to the floor with a thump.

Ethan sat up straight as the door burst open, “Clean up the shit hole! I know you spend nine months of the year at that school of yours. That doesn’t mean you can let this place become a mess” His uncle raged at him, spit spraying out of his mouth. He was in his forties a layer of dark stubble across his aged cheeks, bloodshot hooded eyes peering at him. He looked weather-beaten like a leather couch left abandoned in an allotment.

“Yes Uncle, I’ll clean it now” Ethan offered quietly.

The room was clean, the only things that could be offered as mess was the chair that had been knocked over and his pyjamas from the night before.

“You better” He grabbed Ethan’s jaw in his hand and raised a fist threateningly.

Ethan knew better than to fight it. It was just easier to let it happen, a stiff upper lip.

His uncle dropped his jaw his bloodshot eyes and heavy breath that reeked of beer and cigarettes looking up and down. “Why are you wearing a suit and tie?” He pulled on the tie that it tightened.

Ethan choked slightly and shoved his hand on it. “School thing” he murmured loosening the tie.

“Your on-summer break. Ethan I’m not thick!” He said prodding Ethan’s belly, “That School is making you fat, useless you are”

“Its mandatory, its an internship thing. To help get a job after you graduate” Ethan said defensively.

“If you’re getting any money from it, It goes straight to me. You’re under my roof and your bloody expensive” His uncle swore, spit slapping against Ethan’s face.

Ethan used all his self-control not to wince.

Ethan’s Uncle left the front door slamming. He sat still as he heard his uncle muttering to himself as he passed the bedroom window. When he was certain he was gone, Ethan sighed and let out a solitary sob. Counting his blessing that at least today, his uncle had decided not to hit him.

0o0o0

Ethan had enough on his Oyster card to get him to London. He walked through Whitehall, it was brilliant walking along beside politicians and tourists. Slowly walking his way along the footpath. He pulled out the crumpled parchment out of his pocket. Hastily scribbled on it were the words.

‘Toilet block, Near Horse Guards Row’

Sure enough the toilet block had a line of wizards as it descended underground. Ethan joined the queue, waddling behind the other round fattened men as the squeezed inside toilet cubicles.

Eventually it was his turn and he stood in the toilet. His feat weren’t wet as he pulled the cord, as suddenly he was descending into the bowels of the ministry. He tumbled out of the fireplace not remotely gracefully. Picking himself up and heading through the security checkpoint.

His other instruction to himself

‘Ministry All-Purpose Room, third floor’

was straight forward.

He joined a group of about fifteen other students most of them looked like seventh years with a couple of sixth years.

“Alright. Permission slip, and then I have your assignments” a ministry employee in tweed robes said, his tanned skin and dark hair looking a rather odd combination. As he handed out sheets of parchment. “Don’t dawdle, they’ll be waiting for you” he warned firmly.

Ethan began to get excited, he couldn’t wait to see which department he had been sorted in. Eventually he was the only one left. “Ethan Millar. Permission slip?”

Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out the permission slip, the signature had been forged. But in his defence, you couldn’t forge something your uncle had taught you to sign his checks when he had the shakes and was unable to sign things himself.

The man scanned the form with his eyes and began to frown. “I thought so how unfortunate” he muttered. “Take a seat for me Ethan.”

He gestured to the couch, Ethan’s stomach fell, and all the enthusiasm began to sucked away like a dementors kiss. The sofa groaned as the fat ministry employee sat down beside him. “Now is this your correct age on here?” He pointed with a fat finger to Ethan’s birthdate.

“Yeah it is” Ethan nodded.

“Looks like there’s been some miscommunication unfortunately. So to intern you have to be at least seventeen. Being of age is important given the work” He explained. “I’m sorry for the trouble we’ve put you through making your way here.”

Ethan nodded politely, hating every word he was hearing. The two week break he was looking forward too. By spending day after day out of uncles flat, replaced by the dread of being stuck there until school returned. “It’s okay. I’m sure it happens a lot” Ethan lied trying to conceal his heartbreak.

“Let me…hmm” the employee considered and began to write up a note on a parchment before folding it into a paper aeroplane as it whizzed out of the room.

The door that it disappeared was held up open by a heavy arm. As an enormous heaving body made its way into the room. A huge prodigious belly led the way, as thick thighs jiggled and waddled barely bending as the man waddled. Not just a man, it was Harry Potter.

Ethan gasped audibly, he couldn’t believe it. Harry Potter! A war hero. Suddenly he was waddling this way, Ethan was enraptured how his chest rose and fall, with each shallow breath. “Willis. Head of the interns are you? How’s it going?” Harry asked casually

Ethan just stared blatantly. He couldn’t help it, Harry Potter was just so fat. To be that huge would be amazing.

“Yes. Unfortunately there’s been a cock up. This young man is sixteen. I don’t know how he slipped through” Willis said firmly.

Ethan’s head dropped, ashamed that this was being said infront of The Harry Potter.

“Nevermind, I’ve come to fetch my intern. My assistant is pregnant and I need a an extra pair of hands” Harry explained.

“Ah. Yes. Unfortunately I had thing young man assigned. As I said he’s underage. I’ll send one of the others up” Willis said firmly, trying to act confident.

“He has his permission slip doesn’t he?” Harry asked honestly.

Willis handed Harry the permission slip, “But he’s still…”

“He’s not going out on field. He’ll be doing paperwork. He has his guardians permission, I don’t see an issue” Harry insisted.

Ethan blinked, he was going to be working with Harry Potter.

“I’m Harry. It’s nice to meet you” He proffered his fat plump hand.

“Ethan. Ethan Miller” he smiled.

Harry smiled and patted Ethan’s belly. “I think you and I are going to get along. Come on” Harry reassured.

Ethan nodded as he got up following behind Harry. Beaming from ear to ear, he was going to be working with the Harry Potter.

0o0o0

“Tell me about yourself?” Harry asked politely as Ethan sorted out a box of paperwork.

“About me? Are you sure?” Ethan said shocked.

“Yes. I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t” Harry chuckled his belly wobbling enthusiastically.

“I’m sixteen. I’m a muggle born” Ethan said. “I live with my Uncle who’s my guardian.”

Harry visibly tensed at the reference to an uncle. “What happened to your parents?”

“A car crash” Ethan said quietly.

“Really?” Harry said curiously.

“Yeah. My mum was driving, she was t-boned in an intersection. I went to live with my uncle” Ethan explained. “It’s…what it is.”

Harry nodded slowly, “of course. You must enjoy Hogwarts then?” He guessed.

Ethan just grinned, “it’s amazing. It’s like all the stuff in movies but real. And the food, I got so fat in my first year.”

Harry chuckled, “same thing happened with my sons. But I know how it feels, Hogwarts is your home, you feel safe there.”

“Exactly!” Ethan said. “No one really gets that. And my friends don’t really know how my uncle is.”

Harry looked at his watch, “Time for lunch I think”

“It’s only eleven thirty”

“It’s my one perk, I have a very long lunch” Harry grinned. “We’ll head down to the canteen and bring food back..”

“Oh. I just have some sandwiches” Ethan said shyly.

“Don’t worry. I’ll cover you” Harry said patting Ethan’s arm.

Ethan winced in pain, it was still sensitive where his uncle had burned him when he’d been trying to cook breakfast.

“You okay there?” Harry asked concerned.

“I’m okay” Ethan said lying forcing a reassuring smile.

“Let’s get some food then” Harry smiled.

The first few days working as Harry’s assistant was great. He gave Ethan a bunch of tasks, from transcribing interviews, filing, copying, and helping Harry by taking notes in meetings.

It was great. For a start he was learning so much about how the Ministry worked.

And he loved it. It was brilliant.

Until it wasn’t.

It was a Thursday and Ethan was late in the day. He and Harry, had been collating a report about a smuggling ring that required copious photographs being copied and captions. Which had been Ethan’s job.

“Oh. It’s almost seven. We lost track of time” Harry said awkwardly. “Let’s leave it here and we’ll start tomorrow” He encouraged.

Ethan stomach lurched, although it might have been lunch still digesting. “Seven?” He said definitely feeling sick.

“Almost. Five two” Harry nodded. “Did you have plans? I’m sorry if I kept you?”

“I don’t. It’s just my uncle, he doesn’t like if I’m home late. I’m supposed to cook dinner you see” Ethan explained trying to deflect blame. Choosing each word carefully. “He’s very set in his routine.”

“Well” Harry paused. “I’ll apparate you home. That should get you back in time?” He offered.

Ethan nodded relieved, “Thankyou Mr Potter. I really appreciate that” he said relieved.

Sure enough Harry picked up his briefcase and he and Ethan made their way back upstairs. “Now what’s your address?”

“I live in at the Powell estate, it’s in Peckham” Ethan said nervously. Fear rushing through him.

“Take my arm then” Harry smiled.

Ethan gripped Harry’s arm tightly and suddenly air whipped around him. He’d never apparated before and it was the strangest sensation. Moments later they popped into the existence in an alleyway besides some bins.

“Thankyou!” Ethan said in relief. “I’ll see you tomorrow!” Ethan reassured before he set off on a run. He was terrible at running, he was far too plump and he was currently ignoring the way his thighs were aching as he ran up the stairs.

He still had time, He still had time, Ethan repeated it to himself like a mantra.

However as he sprint down the corridor he stopped dead when he saw the lights were on.

Fuck.

Ethan steeled himself and opened the door.

“Where the Fuck have you been?” His Uncle seethed.

And today had been going so well.

Chapter

Harry sighed, as he watched Ethan’s pudgy body disappear through a doorway.

He liked Ethan, he had a good work ethic, he tried hard. He still had that enthusiasm for Magic.

He reminded Harry of himself in some ways. But Ethan worried him, little things that concerned Harry deeply about the young wizard.

He followed Ethan up two levels and along a long balcony, where all the doors faced toward the square. He stopped outside Ethan’s door.

He hesitated, especially as he heard the sounds from inside.

The yelling, the one sided yells and insults.

And the pain, Ethan’s hurt. The way he suppressed his screams. The sound of fist hitting skin, the abuse.

Harry wanted to open the door and intervene to throw Ethan’s uncle against the wall. Age had taught him better, he hated that.

He went home, a little greatful that it was calm. Ginny was in the couch sipping a mug of hot chocolate.

“Your home late?” Ginny smiled patting the couch.

“Long day” he sighed.

Ginny handed him a mug of Hot Chocolate, “It’s still warn” she reassured.

“Thanks” Harry groaned as he sat down and took a large sip of hot chocolate. “You know how I have this intern? Ethan?”

“You mentioned” Ginny nodded

Harry put the mug down on the coffee table. He rubbed his face in frustration. “He’s getting abused by his muggle uncle” Harry said quietly.

“Oh Harry” Ginny said sympathetic. She hugged Harry pulling him against her belly. “Have you asked him about it?”

“I tried too” Harry murmured burying his face between Ginnys impressive bust. “He deflects. Makes excuses”

“Nothing concrete?”

“He got weird today. It was late I apparated him home and set off in a run. I followed him, I heard his uncle Abusing him.

Ginny hugged Harry tighter, rubbing his back. “Help him. I know you want too”

Harry looked up at Ginny, pulling away.

“He’s a teenager. He’s almost…”

“The key word is almost. You’ll always do the right thing. It’s one of the things I love about you.”

Harry smiled a little, “It’ll be an extra teenager under this roof” he suggested.

“My parents took in a scared boy who new nothing of the wizarding world. They gave him a family. I like the idea we can do that for someone else who needs it” Ginny reassured.

Harry smiled and kissed Ginny gently, his hand cupping her plump cheek. His heavy gut pressing against her curvy form. “So what’s for dinner?”

“James and Albus have waddled up the street to get Chinese. They’ll be home soon” Ginny said rubbing his belly.

“It’s probably good timing with Teddy moved out” Harry chuckled. Sure enough the front door opened and Albus and James waddled in hands full of plastic bags bulging with containers.

“Grubs on” James yelled. “You weren’t snogging were you?”

“And if we were?” Ginny said raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing at all,” James and Albus answered. “Just… no more babies.”

“We won’t” Harry chuckled.

“I mean it. No more babies. You’re too fat as it is” James insisted.

“Don’t worry, it’s you kids job now. I’m done” Ginny smiled.

0o0o0

“I wasn’t sure who else to ask” Harry said to Hermione as he paced his office nervously.

“Harry, I’m sure any of your Aurors would have helped” Hermione offered, “I do have meetings to attend, this is only as a favour.”

Harry nodded, “I want someone impartial. Because if it turns out to be true, I’ll need to intervene and remove him from his home.”

“Why do you need to be impartial? Oh” Hermione realised.

“I’m assuming you and Ginny have discussed this?” Hermione guessed

Harry nodded. There was a knock and Ethan opened the door. He had purple bruising around his eye. And hand a bandage on his right hand. “Sorry to disturb you, your secretary said to come straight in?”

“Ethan yes. Come in” Harry said smiling. He wanted to reassure the boy make him comfortable, ease him in. “This is Hermione Granger-Weasley.”

“I know who the Minister of Magic is Mr Potter” Ethan said politely.

“Well Hermione is one of my dearest friends” Harry said, “Ethan, when I dropped you home last night. I followed you back to your apartment.”

Ethan face flushed, and nodded nervously. “I fell up the stairs. Tripped and banged my head. It’s nothing I’m very clumsy” Ethan dismissed.

“Ethan, you don’t need to lie. Harry is worried. If it’s okay with you, an Auror and myself are going to interview you, we’re going to ask you some questions and if your comfortable take a few photographs. You aren’t in trouble here Ethan.”

“I never used my magic. I know the rules” Ethan replied. “I just let him do it. It’s easier.”

“Ethan, underage wizards don’t get in trouble if it’s self defence. You have a right to defend yourself” Harry reassured.

“What will happen?” Ethan said worried.

“Well” Hermione considered. “Let’s take it one step at a time. But we’ll make sure you have a safe home. Are you okay if we do it now?”

Ethan nodded slowly.

“I’ll bring Ethan back when we’re finished” Hermione reassured to Harry.

“I’ll be waiting” Harry answered.

An hour later Ethan was escorted back by Hermione. “Ethan have some water, I’m just going to be a moment with Harry?” Hermione reassured.

Hermione entered the office and shut the door. “The photos are getting developed”

“Right. Okay, and?” Harry said fiddling with a stack of papers.

“His uncle is abusing him. It lines up with his injuries and the behaviour you mentioned” Hermione reassured.

“I’ll see if we can get him removed today, and get him rehomed.”

“If it’s possible…”

“I know Harry” Hermione reassured. “It will mean an extra seat at your table at the wedding. But I’m sure Ron will cope” Hermione smiled.

“It was brave to let him plan” Harry smiled.

“Ron has good instincts. Although he’s being very strict with the guest list. As it’s a celebrity wedding” Hermione smiled wryly.

Harry laughed, and Hermione opened the door. “I’ll come back after my meetings when I’ve had an update” Hermione reassured.

“Ethan go in, Harry will keep you busy” She said reassuringly. “I’ll have news this afternoon and I’ll explain the next steps.”

Ethan looked uncertain, but nodded. “It’ll be okay Ethan” Harry offered.

Deciding not to admit his hope of taking Ethan in.

A few hours later, after a long lunch where Harry tried repeatedly to encourage Ethan to eat. But he didn’t quite have his usual enthusiasm.

Harry understood his world was upending, that meant everything to someone his age. Especially when what next was still unknown.

A memo flew in the moment harry arrived back in office. His belly still stuffed from lunch, he eased himself into the chair. Groaning and rubbing the swollen orb which held his rather filling lunch.

A short old woman with pin curled grey hair and a pinched face pushed open the door. She sniffed and gave a look around the office. “Mr Potter isn’t it?” She asked as she plopped herself down in a chair. “I had a very busy schedule, but apparently I have to do this rather urgent suitability interview.”

“Ah” Harry realised, “Yes, sorry about that” he said burping into his fist. “Urrrppp…excuse me. Sorry big lunch” he apologised.

The woman pulled out a notepad and a quill began making notes. Harry squinted for a second and waved his wand under the desk, “Revellio” he muttered. The notepad and quil fell to the ground. “Sorry, one of the perks of my position. There’s a hex on this office, note taking quills are prevented. Sensitive information you see” Harry said.

“Sensitive. Hmm” She said raising an eyebrow. “Nothing I haven’t heard before young man.”

“Either way, if you’d ablige. I don’t want to keep you any longer than necessary. The sooner we can do this, the sooner I can get Ethan somewhere safe.”

“Unfortunate. But it does happen, Muggles never understand. All those stories, the way they paint witches as evil. They’ve scared themselves blind” She commented.

Harry raised an eyebrow, “If we could get on with it” he said ignoring the blatant anti muggle diatribe.

“I would drop the attitude young man” She said huffing. “Boys like Ethan are bad apples, it’s always the Muggle borns who come from the worst home. You were raised by Muggles weren’t you?” She said with an innocent smile.

Harry sucked in a breath. “This was an interview yes? Your yet to ask a relevant question. Would you oblige me what department were you from?”

“Gwendolyn, head of the Office of the Welfare of Wizarding Youth. In charge of the Trace, tracking of Muggle borns, and of course the sexual suppression hex.”

“You trace Muggleborns?” Harry frowned.

“Of course. You don’t believe that nonsense of sufficient magic gets them suddenly enrolled at Hogwarts. Magic is dangerous when left unchecked Mr Potter” She flipped a few pages in her notebook.

“Right” Harry nodded and made a comment to ask Hermione to do a full audit of their department. “And the Err sexual suppression hex?”

“It’s for their safety of course. It’s been in place since 1958. Haven’t you ever noticed that that Britain hasn’t had a single underage pregnancy in over sixty years. Now enough about my work. You are Harry James Potter, born 1980. Married to Ginerva Molly Weasley, born 1981?”

“That is correct” Harry nodded making a few more concerned notes. Surely Hermione knew about a sexual suppression hex.

“And you have four children?”

“Five” Harry corrected. “I have Teddy Lupin my godson, we became guardians when his grandmother passed away.”

“And they’re all morbidly obese?”

“Is that relevant?” Harry frowned.

“It’s in relation to your suitability as a parent” She noted.

“Yes” Harry admitted. “Family curse.”

“Ah yes. Affects blood traitors, I know the one” she noted. “That explains your obesity.”

Her questions were inane, and in some cases boarderline inappropriate. But Harry indulged her. “So Gwendolyn?”

“Given he’s only a muggle born I don’t see any issue with Ethan coming under your care. Your family curse will affect him of course. He’ll become quite fat i’d imagine ” She commented. “Although he’s chubby already..”

“I’m not concerned” Harry commented.

“I’ll have the paperwork sent over, to make things official. In regards to his current guardian, you understand the procedure is to Obliviate him. Can’t have violent men breaking the statute of secrecy” Gwendolyn warned.

“My Aurors are aware” Harry confirmed heaving himself upright. “I’ll escort you out.”

“I’ll be fine. You remind me of my son you know. With all that fat, he had the same curse. His uncle a few generations back. Ruined the whole family” Gwendolyn commented. “I almost didn’t marry into it.”

“Right. Your son passed away I assume? You have my sympathies.”

“Assume? You were there I’d hope you’d remember” she said horrorstruck.

“Ma’am I have witnessed more deaths that I would like to admit. You perhaps need to be more specific.”

“Vincent Crabbe. Snuffed out in his prime” a single tear ran down Gwendolyn’s cheek.

Harry nodded solemnly, “Yes..very tragic” he said simply. Not really going to bring up that Vincent’s own stupidity had got him killed. Also feeling rather stung with the comparison that he resembled Crabbe of all people.

As the old women disappeared in a flurry of Mauve robes. Harry waddled out, Ethan was over at a desk going through a box of paperwork. “Ethan. I have some news” Harry smiled.

“Good news?” Ethan said looking shaken.

“I hope so” Harry admitted. “We’d like to remove you from your Uncles care and have you rehomed.”

“Hermione mentioned that would be the most likely outcome” Ethan said nodding melancholic. “Are they nice?”

“I’d like to think I am” Harry smiled.

Ethan blinked not really getting it. “Huh?”

“Ethan. I would like you to come home with me. There’s a bed and a family who will welcome you with open arms. If you’d have us?” Harry asked honestly.

“Harry Potter. You…you want me? To move…in your house…” Ethan said stuttering.

“Yes. Does that sound alright?” Harry asked.

“Yes! Definitely! Wait are your children going to be okay with it?” Ethan said worried. “I don’t want to make a fuss.“You’ll fit in just fine,” Harry reassured with a proud smile and a prod to Ethan’s belly that made the pudgy boy belch.

“Urrrrrrpppp…..What about my uncle?”

“Standard procedure in these sort of situations is to obliviate him, and edit his memories. You won’t exist to him, he won’t remember you at all.”

“Nothing?” Ethan frowned.

“Nothing he has a violent tendencies, and it’s not just safety that is at stake” Harry said diplomatically.

“Harry. He’s not the kind of person people will believe” Ethan insisted.

“I know. But I’ve learnt you can never be too careful” Harry admitted. “It won’t hurt..”

“I wish it did” Ethan mumbled.

“I know. I understand that feeling, but it it’s important to resist it. Because while it might feel good in the moment, you’d have to live with that guilt forever. And No one should” Harry said taking Ethan’s hand. “I see a lot myself in you, and I want to give you the family. In the same way that we’ll my wife’s family now, gave me.”

Ethan hugged Harrys big belly, “thankyou Mr Potter” Ethan said pressing against Harry.

“Your welcome Ethan.”

0o0o0o

It felt odd being inside Ethan’s Uncle’s home. It was run down, the paint chipping and the furniture smelt of cigarettes and alcohol. There was a layer of grime over everything. Ethan’s room was spartan, it felt like a flashback to his bedroom at the dursleys. That felt like an age ago, over twenty years ago…

“Well I suppose it won’t take long to pack up” Harry commented to Ethan.

“I guess not” Ethan said said nervously. “You don’t mind if I do a packing spell?” Harry suggested. “Have you got to them yet?”

Ethan shook his head, “Not really, I can pack if you want to wait for my uncle.”

“Let’s get you packed before we worry about your uncle” Harry patted Ethan’s shoulder. He pulled out his wand and waved it. Ethan’s stuff began to fly out of drawers and under the bed and into neat piles. Hogwarts equipment, worn out clothes, a few books with worn out edges and broken spines. A whole life being laid out in neat little piles.

“I thought I owned more” Ethan said walking around the piles and checking the drawers, sure enough everything was on the floor.

“You’ll have a stack of knitted jumpers as high as your waist in a week if my mother in law is true to form” Harry grinned.

“Might be two weeks, I haven’t told Mum yet” Ginny said from behind him. “Door was open and I heard no yelling. Figured it was safe.”

Ethan blinked as a curvy red-haired woman waddled in. Barely clearing the doorway as she took slow steps. “Hello Blubs” Harry smiled hugging her and groping her love handle playfully. “Ethan this my wife Ginny” Harry introduced.

“Hello Ethan, so your coming to live with us. Now I brought a couple of suitcases” Ginny explained dragging the two suitcases inside.

“You didn’t have too” Harry smiled. “And this is technically an Auror investigation and your a member of the press?”

“I’m here as the guardian of this young man. Now let’s get you packed” Ginny smiled. “We haven’t told them yet, but I decided to scare them a little. I might have left a positive pregnancy test out.”

Harry chuckled, “I see where James get it’s from.”

Ginny waddled and over and hugged Ethan against her. “Welcome to the family, I’m warning you now Harry will make you incredibly fat. Still at least we finally have another red head in the family” She smiled tousling Ethan’s hair.

“Oh…right…thanks” Ethan nodded comforted against her big pillowy body. He’d never cuddled a woman this fat.

“Ethan! Why the fuck is this door open. Who are you people!” Ethan’s Uncle seethed.

Ginny held Ethan tightly against her protectively letting her belly envelop him.

“I have knife. What are you undercover coppers? It’s illegal youse know”

Harry nodded at Ginny, and before he even left the room raised a finger to his mouth. However before he made it through the doorway a ball of “Stupefy” and the sound of a loud thump as Ethan’s uncle presumably hit the floor.

“Guys. We talked about defusing the situation with muggles. De escalate things not stupefy first” Harry sighed.

“Ginny If any of this ends up in the prophet again” Harry muttered.

Ginny smiled, “Never” She smiled innocently.

“Wait till Hermione finds out your her political leaker” Harry replied.

“She already knows. Honestly” Ginny replied. “Now let’s get you all packed. Are we stealing anything from your uncle?”

“Stealing anything?“ Ethan frowned.

“They’re going to oblivate him? If you want a Tv or anything” Ginny suggested.

“No. I don’t want anything of his” Ethan said firmly.

“Then do you want to leave any surprise for him?” Ginny suggested winking.

“Err…”

“Pranks. There are options, we can put a stink bomb in his cupboard” Ginny pointed out.

“Ohhh. Uhh no thankyou” Ethan reassured. Kneeling down to start packing his stuff into the suitcases.

“Well if you change your mind, let me know” Ginny said sitting down beside him.

“I can see why Harry took to you” Ginny commented wryly. “Your a lot like him. Although your plumper than he was. Which’ll make you fit in with our family just fine.”

“Really?” Ethan said nervously.

“You know James and Lily? They’re in your house?” Ginny asked.

“He’s in the year above me. He’s really really fat? My best mate idolises him. But we don’t really talk much” Ethan admitted.

“Yeah James is very very fat” Ginny chuckled. “He’s just like his dad in that way. So’s Albus too mind you, and our youngest Arthur. He’ll be off to Hogwarts too this year” Ginny smiled. “Now your friends are welcome around as much as you like. We want you to be comfortable” Ginny reassured. They finished packing, Ginny and Ethan tugged the luggage out of the bedroom.

Ethan’s uncle was unconscious sitting on the couch. Three Auror’s stood around him, wands pointed at his head. Harry was watching them curiously.

“Don’t worry he’ll be okay” Harry reassured.

“And he won’t remember me?”

“He’ll remember that his nephew died in the same car crash that sadly took your mother” Harry said gently.

Ethan took a deep breath. “I guess this is goodbye then Uncle. I don’t think I’ll miss you” he said honestly.

Ginny went to put her arm around Ethan but he flinched. She offered a gentle smile, “come on, I’m parked nearby. Harry will be a little bit”

“Sorry” Ethan mumbled blushing.

“You don’t have to apologise. You’ve been through a lot” Ginny reassured. “I’m married to Harry Potter, trust me when I say I understand” she offered.

Ethan nodded and smiled, dragging his luggage outside following Ginny behind.

0o0o0

“Now Ethan” Ginny said turning to him. “Give us five minutes, then come in I want to wind up the kids.”

“Ginny” Harry said turning off the car. Shaking his head as he spotted James peered out of the curtain.

“I have to keep them on their toes somehow” Ginny smiled as she heaved herself out of the car “Come on Harry,”

Ginny and Harry let themselves into the house purposely leaving the door open behind them.

Arthur, Albus and Lily were all sitting on dining chairs they dragged to face the couch and James was pacing back and forth infront of the fireplace beneath a sign that read ‘Intervention’ written in marker.

“Sit” James glared pointing at the couch. “This is an intervention.”

“Intervention!” Arthur grinned swinging his legs back and forth on the chair.

Ginny rolled her eyes and sat on the couch, Harry sat down beside her.

“Yesterday you specifically said you would not be having any more children” James insisted. “Which today we found out is a lie!”

“Are we really doing this?” Harry asked sighing.

“Lily the evidence” James insisted.

“One used pregnancy test” Lily said holding up a plastic zip lock bag. “Positive test.”

“Your evil” Harry whispered to Ginny.

“I told you it’d be fun” she smiled. “Got it off Victoire.”

“Alright. Alright you caught us” Ginny chuckled. “We half lied..”

“No you can’t admit yet. We had speeches prepared” Lily frowned.

“The point is. Your forbidden from having any more children” James insisted.

“I said they’d just ignore us” Albus admitted.

“I will find you contempt of court Albus” James warned.

“Isn’t this an intervention not a trial” Harry asked

“It can be both” James said exasperated.

“The point is no more kids!” James said firmly. “I’m too old to have a baby brother or sister.”

“Mum. How did you half lie?” Albus said finally getting a word in.

Ginny grinned, “Well I’m not pregnant. But we are having another child. Your father and I have become guardians to teenage boy”

“Huh?” James blinked confused.

“Ethan, come in” Ginny called out.

Sure enough Ethan appeared walking in uncertain. “Hello” he waved awkwardly.

“Ethan” Harry got up waddling to Ethan. “These are your siblings now. James the oldest, Albus who’s a year younger than you, and Lily who’s going into third year. And of course Arthur will starting first year this year.”

“Hello” Ethan waved awkwardly. “I’m Ethan…”

“Woah….” James stared. “Your in Gryffindor right?”

“Yeah. I just finished fifth year” Ethan nodded.

“Riiight” James nodded before grinning. “This is perfect! It makes Albus a middle child again.”

Albus sighed, “I’m not going to hold it against you?”

“So your not having a new baby?” Arthur asked frowning.

“No” Ginny explained.

“Awww” Arthur groaned.

“Who’s room is he getting?” James asked waddling over. “I’m glad your fat. Honestly If Mum and dad brought home someone skinny I dunno what we’d do” James grinned and prodded Ethan’s belly. “You can share a room with me.”

“No” Harry and Ginny said without hesitation.

“What?” James frowned.

“We’re not unleashing that on Ethan” Ginny insisted, Albus smirked.

“We‘re giving him Teddy’s old room” Harry reassured. “He deserves his own space.”

“Fine” James sighed rolling his eyes.

“What’s for dinner?”

“Take out. We want to get Ethan settled” Ginny smiled.

“Well welcome to the family” Albus smiled reassuringly.

“Thank you”