The Things You do for Love by Pottermum
Summary: AU Harry is not the Boy-Who-Lived, there is no Potter prophecy. He has grandparents, parents and a sister he is very close to. When he overhears some devastating news about his grandmother, he turns to his best friend, Ginny Weasley, who offers her help.
Rating: R
Categories: Alternate Universe
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 2016.07.29
Updated: 2016.08.13
The Things You do for Love by Pottermum
Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Harry Overhears
Author's Notes:
Harry Potter woke, stretching. As much as he loved his job, he did enjoy the weekends off. Glancing at the clock on his bedside table, he saw it was nearly eight o'clock. Fighting the temptation to linger in bed, he got up and dressed and left the flat to go for a jog. Working in the Ministry as a potion developer was his dream, but he tended to spend most of days sitting, studying or stirring cauldrons. He liked to stay fit, not least to not be shown up by his little sister, Rose, Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies. So he made a concerted effort to jog on his days off.
As he went into the lounge, he noticed Ginny's duffle bag had been left on the sofa. He was happy to realise his best friend was home from Australia, and looked forward to catching up with her later. He grinned at his two golden rules for keeping Ginny happy- never wake a Weasley and always feed a Weasley. Usually she would accompany him on his jogs, and they would stop off somewhere for a hot breakfast, but she had told him often enough how draining international Portkeys were. He grabbed his wand, tucking it into his running shorts, and quietly left their flat.
There was still no sign of Ginny waking by the time he returned nearly an hour later. He showered and dressed, and decided to Floo over to Potter Manor, and see his family. His parents had raised him and Rose at Godric's Hollow, but had kept the cosy little cottage even after they'd moved into Potter manor to live with James' parents, Euphemia and Fleamont. Remus and Tonks lived there now, with their son,,Teddy. The manor was large, so James and Lily shared one wing, and Euphemia and Fleamont the other. Harry and Rose had both been invited to move in too, and although Rose lived there during the off season, Harry had chosen to share a flat with his best friend, Ginny. It worked well, as they had been best friends since they were little, and with Ginny away on curse breaker assignments, it gave Harry the place to himself for awhile. He had to admit, though, he did miss Ginny when she was away, and was always happier when she was home.
He Flooed into the main lounge, the manor opulent yet cosy. Harry didn't care about the opulent part, for him, this place was his home away from home. He and Rose were close to their grandparents, and had spent many happy times here.
He walked down the hall, heading for the kitchen. He felt sure he would find his grandmother either there, or in her garden. His grandmother was a Potion's master, and it was her early influence that lead to his current career. His mother worked in the Department of Mysteries, an Unspeakable, and his father was head of the Auror department. His grandfather dabbled in ' this and that, never explaining too much.
Harry smiled to hear his mother and grandmother talking in the kitchen, no doubt sharing an umpteenth cup of tea. He paused when he heard his name.
“-Harry and Rose settled,” he heard his grandmother say.
“Now Mum, they're both still young. Harry is only 22, and Rose, 20,” sighed Lily. Harry grinned, this was obviously an old argument, judging by his mother's tone.
“Oh pish, I knew as soon as I saw Monty, and you knew James was the man for you at 17,” scoffed Euphemia.
“But I couldn't stand the prat when I first met him when I was 11,” argued Lily.
Harry heard the two women laugh affectionately. He loved hearing it, and he missed the next part of their conversation as he wandered over to the window. He saw his father and grandfather walking and talking. It seemed serious, as both their heads were bowed. Speaking of, he wondered where his godfather, Sirius Black, was. He was as good as another son to his grandparents, and usually visited almost every day.
Harry was about to go back to the kitchen when he heard his mother gasp. “No!
Harry paused again, worried about the tone of dismay in his mother's voice. He missed the next part of his mother's question, but heard his grandmother reply.
“I'm not sure. After the holidays, mid January,” she had replied.
“At least you'll be with us for Christmas,” said Lily, sadly. “What about Dad?”
“Oh, Monty will probably follow me. I give him a month, no more than two,” said his grandmother, lovingly.
“What will we do without you,” said Lily.
“You'll go on, as always. Your children need you. I'd like to spend as much time with Harry and Rose as I can, before I go. I just wish they both had partners. My mind would rest easier if I knew they weren't alone,” said Euphemia.
Harry heard his mother half laugh, half sob. “There are worse things in the world, Mum. Like those ridiculous betrothal agreements, like the Malfoys and Greengrasses still insist on. Both Harry and Rose are happy with their lives, and they both have careers they love.”
“ Potions and Quaffles are all very well, but they don't keep you warm in bed at night,” said Euphemia, knowingly.
“I'm sure, once you explain, the kids will love to spend more time with you, before you go,” said Lily, tearfully. “Oh, I'm going to miss you so much.”
Harry was numb. His grandparents weren't that old, not by wizarding standards. His grandmother still brewed a brilliant potion, and his grandfather was still active. How could they be dying?
“Oh, I don't want the kids to know about it, not yet. I'll tell them after the holidays, just before I go,” said Euphemia.
Harry swallowed, trying to keep the tears away. Merlin, his grandmother was so brave. He vowed right then and there to spend as much time with her and his grandfather as he could over the next couple of months. It was nearly Halloween, so he only had a few weeks left with them.
Harry backed away from the kitchen, unable to face his grandmother or mother just now. He needed to go home, think about this, deal with it. He wouldn't let on to his parents or grandparents that he knew, and wouldn't even tell his sister, unless he absolutely felt like he had to. He would convince her to spend as much time with their family as she could, without letting her know why. Harry was sure she'd thank him after.
Harry quickly returned to the fireplace. As he was Flooing away, he heard his grandmother say-“Lily, is that the Floo?”
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