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SIYE Time:5:43 on 29th March 2024
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Erasing The Future
By Moxterminator

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Category: Alternate Universe, Post-HBP
Characters:All, Harry/Ginny
Genres: Action/Adventure, Angst, Fluff, General, Humor, Romance, Tragedy
Warnings: Extreme Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Violence
Rating: PG-13
Reviews: 545
Summary: Harry goes back in time to redo his Hogwarts years after losing the war, his family, and his wife, Ginny Potter, to Voldemort. Changes need to be made, but can all changes be good? Years 1-4
Hitcount: Story Total: 396268; Chapter Total: 10452
Awards: View Trophy Room




Author's Notes:
Longest Chapter Yet ;) Hope You Guys Like




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As Christmas drew nearer, so Harry’s plan for Christmas became more important. About one week before the Christmas holidays started he got a letter from Sirius saying that his plans were all in order and should be fine. Harry smiled. He had a tradition that he did every single Christmas ever since he came back from the future. This year, he told himself, wouldn’t be any different.


It was a week before Christmas and all the students were restless as it was their last lesson on a Friday morning. So low and behold on their last day of term and also the coldest day so far of the winter they found themselves in Snape’s dungeon. Harry was sitting with his usual partner Neville, whilst Ron and Hermione were paired together. Harry was just cutting some ingredients up when he overheard Malfoy talking.


“I do feel so sorry for those who have to stay here for the holidays because they’re either too scared to go home, afraid that their guardian might murder them or their family just couldn’t afford to have them home for Christmas.” Malfoy said.


Ron instantly went berserk at these words and it took Hermione, Neville and Harry to hold him back. Harry was even tempted to use some magic to stop Ron from doing anything drastic. Harry was indeed like last time staying at Hogwarts for the Christmas holidays. However he did have something different planned for Christmas Day. Ron however managed to calm down when Snape started to walk over to them.


“Weasley, Potter, Longbottom, Granger. What the hell do you think you’re doing? Five points each from Gryffindor for fighting. Now get back to work.” Snape sneered before continuing along the isle to look at other people’s potions.


Malfoy had turned really bad ever since Harry had won the quidditch match for Gryffindor against Slytherin. Although this time there was no wide mouth tree frog jokes that Malfoy told last time around. An hour and a half later they left the dungeons and came out of the passageway into the entrance hall where they saw Hagrid pulling along a tree.


“Hey Hagrid.” Neville called out.


“Want any help Hagrid?” Ron asked.


“Nah I'll manage thanks Ron.” Hagrid replied and he lent the tree against the wall.


“Well, well well, Weasley.” Came the drawl of Malfoy’s voice behind them “Trying to earn some extra cash are we? You better watch it you great big oaf. Weasley here is after your job. I bet his hut is so cosy compared to your house Weasley. I hear that you all live in one room. Is that true?” Malfoy rambled on.


Ron tried to attack him again whilst Neville and Hermione held him back.


“Leave it Ron.” Hermione said. Harry however ignored Ron and turned to look at Malfoy.


“I don’t know what you see in them Potter. You have nothing in common. Apart from the obvious fact that you four are the most dishonourable witch and wizards I have ever known. You’ve got a mudblood, blood traitor and two squibs. Really if father had his way all four of you would be chucked out with Dumbledore to boot. I really don’t understand it. I mean they’re all poor. Why don’t you make friends with shall I say, the people who have more prestige.” Malfoy said.


“Money isn’t everything Malfoy.” Harry replied.


“People who say that are the people who are very poor.” Malfoy replied


“Yes but isn’t it weird that I'm richer than you. Not that money matters hey Malfoy.” Harry sneered.


Malfoy looked daggers at Harry. “What’s the matter Malfoy? Run out of insults?” Harry asked. “I suggest you leave us alone if you know what’s good for you. This is the last time I’m warning you.”


“What are you going to do Potter?” Malfoy asked “Shoot sparks out of your wand at me. Your threats mean nothing anymore Potter. You see unlike you I can do magic. I haven’t seen you do one spell since you arrived here.


Harry lifted his wand so it pointed straight at Malfoy’s face. “Then shall we test that theory of yours Malfoy? I'm sure I could get you to see one.”


“POTTER” Came Snapes voice from the entrance to the dungeons. Harry dropped his wand to his side as Snape came striding over to them.


“He was provoked Professor Snape.” Hagrid said defending the four of them. “Malfoy was insulting them. Malfoy insulted Ron’s family professor.”


“Be as that may, fighting and magic in the corridors is strictly forbidden.” Snape said


“But we aren’t in the corridors sir. We are in the entrance hall.” Harry corrected Snape. Harry knew he was going to pay for that remark.


Snape looked at Harry. “Twenty points from Gryffindor for your cheek Potter and if you say one more word it will be detention for a whole week with me in the dungeons. Now move along all of you. Oh and five points from Gryffindor for Weasley’s behaviour also.” With that Malfoy and Snape left.


“Why can’t Snape just leave? Hey maybe he’ll get fired for trying to steal whatever Fluffy is hiding.” Ron said.


“Yeh still on that. I told ya to drop it.” Hagrid said. Hagrid picked up the tree and walked into the great hall.


“Ah, Hagrid the last tree, put it over there would you?” McGonagall asked. Once Hagrid put it in the corner McGonagall had asked him to Hagrid turned back to Harry and the other three.


“How many days left ‘til the holiday’s now?” Hagrid asked.


“Just the one Hagrid.” Hermione said “Which reminds me we need to head toward the library.


“Library? Just before the holidays? A bit keen ain’t ya?” Hagrid asked.


“Well its not like Harry or Neville could do any harm by it.” Hermione said causing protests from the two boys. “But we’re not going there for school work. We’re trying to find out who Nicholas Flamel is.”


“Ye what!” Hagrid said nearly shouting. “Listen ’ere, I've told ya to drop it too many times. Ye got no business into what that dog is guardin’.”


“We’re just looking for Nicholas Flamel. We just want to know who he is.” Hermione said innocently.


“You know Hagrid, you could just tell us who he is and what the dog is guarding.” Harry said. “It would save us a hell lot of trouble trying to find it.”


“I wouldn’t tell no one what Fluffy is guarding and that includes you lot. I wouldn’t want to break Dumbledore’s trust in me.” Hagrid replied.


“Well then we will find out for ourselves.” Ron said.


“See ya Hagrid.” Neville said and with that the four of them headed to the library. After the half an hour of looking in the library they went to enjoy lunch in the great hall. Hermione was leaving the next morning so this afternoon would be the last afternoon the four of them were together.


Come the next morning. Hermione said goodbye to the three of them before getting into the Thestral drawn carriage. Harry looked at the Thestrals. They were the same as ever. Most people thought they were evil and if you saw them then it meant trouble for you. Harry of course knew better.


“What you looking at?” Ron asked.


“Oh, what nothing.” Harry lied. He didn’t really want to explain the thestrals at that precise moment. Plus how would he explain that he had seen someone die.


Hermione poked her head out of the door. “You three will keep looking for Flamel won’t you? Send me an owl if you find anything.”


“Sure Hermione and you could ask your parents about him. It’d be safe to ask them.” Ron said.


“Yes Ron, they’re both muggles and work as dentists, I think it would be very safe to ask them. However I just have a feeling that they might not know the answer.” Hermione said sarcastically.


“Sorry Hermione.” Ron said lowering his chin.


“Oh honestly Ron, use that brain of yours for once. And Harry you really need to get some studying done this break.” Hermione said.


“Yes ma’am!” Harry said saluting her. Hermione just shook her head before the Thestral drawn carriage took her off towards Hogsmeade station and the Hogwarts express.


Most of the holidays were spent playing chess or lounging by the fire. Harry was getting better and better at wizard chess. Truthfully he had more experience than Ron did but that didn’t mean he was as good as Ron. He had only beaten him once out of ten games. Neville was getting good at chess as well. He was close on par with Harry. Harry and Neville had a long, thought out battle which lasted nearly four hours before Harry could checkmate Neville’s king with his rook and queen.


Come Christmas Eve Harry was getting very nervous about the next day. What if it didn’t work? What if the ministry said no? Of course Sirius already said it was all okay. But Harry still felt a little nervous. He wondered what Ginny’s reaction would be. He supposed that he would just find out soon enough.


Harry went early to bed Christmas Eve. He set his magic to wake him up at three o clock in the morning and he wanted to be there for when she woke up. Harry wrote a note to Ron and Neville explaining that Dumbledore had came to collect him because Sirius wanted to spend Christmas day with him. Then after collecting Ginny’s, Mrs Weasley’s and Sirius’s presents from the pile at the end of his bed, he slipped out of the common room and along the hall until he reached the secret room in which Estelle and Simon were hidden.


“Morning Harry.” Estelle said.


“Yeah right I'm still half asleep.” Harry thought back.


“SIMON” Harry shouted in Parseltongue.


“God Harry no need to shout, I'm up I'm up.” Simon said sleepily, slithering his way over to Harry. Simon wrapped himself around Harry’s arm and Harry let his sleeve come down over Simon. No one would know he would be there without someone actually grabbing his arm.


“You know Simon, we could actually do this more often. That is of course if you could keep quiet for long enough.” Harry said “You are actually well hidden.”


“Me keep quiet, but I love talking.” Simon said with a chuckle.


“Trust me I know.” Harry said shaking his head.


“Estelle, to Potter Manor please!” Harry said out loud. Estelle flew over and Harry grabbed her tail feathers. In a flash of fire Harry found himself in the kitchen of his home. Harry looked around and noticed that it was still all dark.


“Oh please don’t tell me that Sirius is still in bed.” Harry said out loud, more to himself than to Estelle or Simon.


Harry walked out of the kitchen, into the hallway and up the stairs. Rather than turning right to go towards his own bedroom, he turned left to head towards Sirius’s. He passed the master bedroom which was Harry’s parents and to the second biggest bedroom right next to it. Both Harry and Sirius agreed that the master bedroom should be left alone and no one would use it. It was his parent’s bedroom. He didn’t think he would feel comfortable using it. Or even Sirius for that matter, even though he thought Sirius was like a father to him.


He walked into Sirius’s bedroom and saw him fast asleep. Harry took out his wand and flicked it towards Sirius. A jet of water came out of the end and splashed onto Sirius’s face causing him to wake up rather fast.


“What the hell?” Sirius exclaimed before noticing Harry.


“Just be glad I didn’t set you on fire like last time as well.” Harry said before starting to head out of the room. “Get up, I want to be there early.”


“Fine, fine I'm getting up.” Sirius mumbled before heading towards the bathroom in his PJ’s.


Half an hour later found Harry eating some bacon sandwiches whilst Sirius came into the kitchen.


“You couldn’t do me any?” Sirius asked.


“I thought you said in the last letter you were on a diet?” Harry asked.


“Up until Christmas. However early it is it is still Christmas therefore my diet over.” Sirius complained.


“You know where the bacon and bread is then. Just don’t be too long, I want to be there for seven.” Harry reminded Sirius.


“Harry the floo network is just over there it won’t take us ten minutes to get to the ministry then the portkey lasts what, ten twenty seconds?” Sirius said.


“Yes I know. I just want to be there early that’s all.” Harry said.


“You never did tell me why this is so important.” Sirius said.


“Never mind Sirius.” Harry said before changing the subject.


Come four o clock Harry and Sirius was both ready. Simon was wrapped around Harry’s arm whilst Estelle was on the perch in the kitchen. Another perch in which Harry didn’t know where she got it from. Although it might have been the same one.


“Right then Harry.” Sirius said pulling the rack sack over his shoulder. “Time to go.”


Harry walked up to the fireplace and grabbed a pinch of floo powder before stepping into the fire. “Do I really have to go this way? There’s three other ways I could get there. Estelle, Apparating, Wind Travel. I hate Floo Powder. Surely I can go a different way.” Harry moaned.


“Apparating you’re legally not allowed to do yet so you could get into trouble for it if you’re caught. Estelle I thought you wanted to keep a secret so I take it risking someone seeing her takes that out of the equation. And what’s wind travel?” Sirius asked.


“Oh err never mind. Floo powder it is.” Harry said before throwing the powder down and shouting. “MINISTRY OF MAGIC.” All of a sudden Harry felt the rather recognisable feeling of sickness as grates flew past him. Harry, with a jolt, was thrown out of the fireplace and onto the marble floor he recognised that was in the Ministry of Magic.


Suddenly there was a loud crack as Sirius apparated next to him. “You really need to learn to land on your feet mate.” Sirius said to him, helping him up. Harry turned to look around the room. It was deadly silent. Not compared to when he first came to the ministry during the summer between his fourth or fifth year. There was only one person in the hall.


“Mr Black” he said “My name is Steven. I took it upon myself to bring the portkey here rather than you two having to come down to the offices. It should activate in five minutes.”


“Thank you, that’s very kind of you. And we apologise for you having to get up so early on Christmas day.” Sirius said.


“So it’s just a one day thing this then? I notice here you’ve got a return portkey booked at eight o’clock GMT. Ten o‘clock their time.” Steven asked.


“Yeah just visiting some family over Christmas day. You know how it is.” Sirius said.


“Certainly.” Steven replied. “Okay it’s time, grab hold.”


Sirius and Harry stepped forward and grabbed hold of the Wellington boot. They waited for a minute before Harry felt the jerk behind his navel thrusting him forwards telling him the portkey was working. Just as soon as it started it stopped and Harry felt his legs give way as they hit solid ground and he toppled over to the ground.


“Welcome to Romania. The time is currently Six Fifty Five.” Harry heard a voice say.


Harry looked up to see a rather tall looking person in red crimson robes standing outside a shut gate which Harry immediately recognised as the dragon reserve.


“My name is Craig. What can I do for you?” The man said.


“We’re here to see Charlie Weasley” Sirius said.


“Ah yes Charlie I know him, a good fella. You’ll find him in the hotel just a couple of miles south of here.”


“I thought they were staying actually in the reserve.” Harry muttered.


“They…?” Craig asked. “…oh you must mean his parents and sister. Yes they are here but it is our custom for Christmas to send all our workers that aren’t working home or to the nearest hotel. Fully paid of course. Unfortunately Charlie is on duty tomorrow so we couldn’t send him home so his family has come out to see him. Rather nice of them, I think. So like I said you will find the hotel a couple of miles south of here. Can you side apparate?” he asked Sirius. Sirius just nodded as Craig handed over the address. “Apparating point is just over there.” He said pointing to a group of trees. Once hidden amongst the trees Harry looked at the parchment that had the address on it.


“You ready Harry?” Sirius asked. Harry just nodded and then before Sirius could even touch him with a loud crack Harry apparated to the address.


Harry found himself in front of a huge white building with lots of windows. It looked like a really posh hotel. There was no one around which for Harry was lucky as it looked like a muggle hotel. With a loud crack Sirius joined him.


“You know that was very foolish of you. What if someone had seen?” Sirius said reprimanding Harry.


“Ah come on Sirius lighten up, it’s Christmas.” Harry replied.


With a shake of Sirius’s head they walked into the main foyer of the hotel and over to where the receptionist was working.


“Excuse me.” Sirius said “We’re looking for the Weasleys. Could you tell us which room they are in?” The receptionist looked up at Sirius then back at her computer. “Exc..” Sirius stared again before Harry elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to stop.


“What is up with him?” The receptionist asked.


“Oh you know just stomach cramp. You should never go running just after you’ve eaten.” Harry said smiling at her.


“Going out to run in this cold weather. You’re lucky it’s not snowing yet. Apparently it should start soon. Sometime this morning I think. Their room is 1126. Fourth floor. Have a good day.” The receptionist said.


Sirius and Harry walked away and whilst Sirius headed for the stairs Harry headed to the elevator. “Sirius, over here, don’t use the stairs.” Harry called out to him.


“How else are we meant to get up there?” Sirius asked.


“Hello, elevator!” Harry said “Don’t tell me you don’t know how to use one. They actually have one in the Ministry of Magic.”


“Er well you see last time I went to the ministry, not including this morning, was for my… well I can’t say trial cause I didn’t have one. And I didn’t really use the elevator then.” Sirius said not looking too happy. Sirius very rarely said anything about the time he spent in Azkaban. Whenever it was brought up he just ignored the conversation until the subject was changed.


“Oh.” Harry said as he pressed the button for the fourth floor. “What was it like in Azkaban? You told me once last time around but not in full detail.”


“Because I don’t want you to know that’s why. It’s the most terrible place on earth. Especially when you’ve got Dementors outside your door twenty four seven. The perks of the high security cells. You get at least one Dementors by your door at all times.” Sirius explained.


Harry decided to leave it, the elevator all of a sudden made a pinging noise indicating they had reached the fourth floor and the doors opened. Harry and Sirius walked out and heard the doors close behind them.


“Which way now Harry?” Sirius asked.


Harry went to the nearest door. He saw it was number 1114, turning left he saw the next room was number 1113. He stopped and turned around almost walking into Sirius.


Harry chuckled and shrugged. “Oops wrong way. Got to go the other way.” Two minutes later they came to the room the Weasleys were staying in. Harry tried the door but it was locked.


“Knock then?” Sirius asked raising his hand. Harry grabbed his wrist so that Sirius couldn’t knock on the door.


“Are you mad, its quarter past seven in the morning.” Harry said.


“So what was the point in getting here early?” Sirius complained.


“Well after the fact that it would annoy the hell out of you, I want to be here when Ginny wakes up. That could be in ten minutes or in a couple of hours. But the fact that it’s Christmas I would think the ten minutes is more appropriate.” Harry said.


“So we have to wait out here?” Sirius moaned.


“Are you a wizard or not.” Harry asked before apparating into the room.


Harry heard Sirius apparate next to him as he looked around the room. At the moment they were standing in the kitchen area of the room. It had an oven and stove, both electric ones. ‘Mr Weasley must be having a field day with those’ Harry thought. Harry looked at the living room area and saw two couch’s which at that precise moment looked very comfortable. Sirius also thought the same thing as he dragged himself over to the nearest one and dropped down onto it, closing his eyes. His legs stretched out along the sofa so he took up all of it. Harry noticed that they had glass doors leading out onto the balcony and low and behold Harry could see little flakes of snow starting to fall. Harry instantly hummed Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ as he sat down onto the other couch. In the corner of the room there was a tree decorated and presents underneath the tree. Closing his eyes he smiled as he pictured Ginny’s face once she had woken up and come into the living room.


Harry stayed like that listening to Sirius’s snores for half an hour before he heard the door open to his left. He looked up to see Ginny heading straight to the tree and the presents, not noticing Harry or Sirius in the room.


“MUM, DAD, CHARLIE, IT’S CHRISTMAS!” she shouted as she threw herself onto the floor next the presents and started to search through them. Harry heard a chuckle come from the door Ginny had just came from and saw Charlie stop dead in his tracks when he noticed Harry and Sirius on the couches. He looked over to Ginny to see her still sifting through the presents, oblivious to the extra two people in the room. Harry got up of the sofa and headed over to Charlie.


“How long do you reckon before she notices me being here?” Harry asked Charlie in a whisper.


Charlie suddenly grinned at him “As long as it takes to find the present you got her. She said last night that was the present she was going to open first.” He whispered back so Ginny couldn’t her them.


“Well she’s going to have to search hard then. It’s still in Sirius’s rucksack.” Harry told him.


At that moment the door that must be Mr and Mrs Weasley’s room opened and Harry saw them coming out in the dressing gowns. They too stopped dead when they saw Sirius on the couch and Harry standing talking to Charlie. Surprise was clearly written on their faces. Harry just smiled at them as he walked to the bag on the floor next to Sirius.


He opened it up and dug to the bottom where Ginny’s present was, using the arm Simon wasn’t wrapped around. He felt his fingers wrap around her present and he withdrew his hand to see a rectangle shape box.


“Mummy!” Ginny said disappointed. “I can’t see Harry’s present. He said he wouldn’t forget me.”


Mrs Weasley chuckled a little before saying. “I don’t think he’s forgotten you love.”


“But where’s his present.” Ginny said hurt in her voice. Harry decided that enough was enough and he gently threw the present over to Ginny so it landed in her lap. Ginny looked at the present for a second before looking up and finally noticing Harry and Sirius in the room. Harry saw the emotion on her face go from hurt to shock then happiness all in the space of a second. She dropped Harry’s present on the floor and jumped up running straight at Harry.


“Harry!” she screamed as she put her arms around Harry’s neck and giving him a big hug. Harry got lost in the smell of Ginny’s hair as he just held onto her for all its worth. It was funny, Harry thought as he felt happiness spread through him from hugging his wife, that you never know how much you could miss someone until you finally see them again after a long absence. Of course Harry had missed Ginny. But he never knew he missed her this much.


“Merry Christmas Ginny.” Harry said softly as he broke the hug.


“What are you doing here?” Ginny asked her smile wider than Harry had ever seen it.


“Well I came to see you of course. In your last letter you said that you missed me and thought that I might forget you. Know Ginny that I could never forget you, never.” Harry replied pushing back a strand of hair that had came across her face behind her ear. “So are you going to open your present? Charlie said that was the one you wanted to open first.”


“Harry you know our custom.” Came Mrs Weasley’s voice. Harry turned to look at her and noticed that her smile was, if possible, larger than Ginny’s. “No opening presents before breakfast. Ginny love, go get dressed so we can go downstairs to have some breakfast. You can open Harry’s present after that.”


“But mum.” Ginny whined “Can’t I just open Harry’s. Just this once.” Ginny used the puppy dog eyes that Harry got accustomed to her using on him when they were older. However Mrs Weasley stood firm.


“After breakfast love. Just think of Harry being here as a present all on its own.” Mrs Weasley said gently.


Ginny sighed as she walked towards her bedroom. “Fine” she muttered before closing the door behind her.


“God she can be stubborn when she wants to be can’t she.” Charlie said.


“Tell me about it.” Mrs Weasley said before walking over to Harry and giving him a massive hug. “It’s good to see you Harry.”


“Thanks mum.” Harry said without thinking. In the future, when Harry and Ginny got engaged, Mrs Weasley told Harry that under no circumstance was he ever to call her anything else now apart from mum. Which Harry in turn was happily to oblige. Harry’s instinct was to still call her mum. How he managed to last all these years without calling her it Harry never knew. He was kicking himself for slipping up. “I mean mm I mean…” Harry tried to right it.


“Harry.” Mrs Weasley said. “If you want to call me mum call me it. I think of you as my child anyway. A Weasley through and through. Now I'm not trying to replace your mother. God knows no one can do that. You always will be your mother’s son. Your eyes tell us all that. But I do love you as though you were my own son. To us you are our son. Not trying to take anything away from Sirius or your parents. Why do you thing we gave you a hand on our clock? If you want to call me mum call me it. If you want to call Arthur dad. Call him it. We would never replace your real parents. But we love you as much has we love Ginny or Ron or the others.”


“Even Fred and George.” Harry croaked out. He was repeatedly telling himself. ‘You’re not going to cry, you’re not going to cry.”


Mrs Weasley laughed out loud. “Even them.”


Harry wiped his eyes with his hands. Sniffing a bit. “Thanks mum. You really don’t know how much this means to me.”


“Probably just as much as it means to us when we hear you call us mum or dad.” Mr Weasley said. Harry looked over to Sirius and saw that he was beaming so brightly that Harry thought that they could use him as a lighthouse. However when he looked at Ginny she wasn’t as ecstatic as Harry thought she would be. She had walked back into the room in the middle of what Mrs Weasley was saying.


“Right, breakfast I think. Then you can open your present Ginny.” Mrs Weasley said. Ginny lowered her head slightly and mumbled something. Once Mr and Mrs Weasley got dressed they left the room and headed along the corridor Harry noticed that Ginny and Mrs Weasley lagged behind a little. Harry slowed down to hear what they were saying.


“Oh dear.” Mrs Weasley said. “Of course you can still date him. Just because he sees us as his parents doesn’t necessarily mean he sees you as a sister. If you want my opinion, Harry cares for you just as much as you care for him.”


“Harry never will see me as that mum. But I want him to so much. I really like him mum.” Ginny said.


“I know you do dear and like I said, be patient. Boys can be really thick headed sometimes. You do have Ron as a brother don’t you. And it isn’t like Harry doesn’t know you care for him. He knows how you feel and he still hangs around you. He still comes to see you. Hey just think of what he is doing today.” Mrs Weasley tried to cheer up Ginny. “Don’t give up on him love. Not just yet. If I am to be honest I actually think you’re too young for these feelings. Not that they’re wrong love.” She hastily added when she saw the hurt cross Ginny’s face. “It’s just that boys don’t normally take interests in this sort of thing until they’re slightly older. I'm not saying wait forever. Just wait a little while longer. Okay love?”


“Thanks mum. You’re the best mum in the world.” Ginny said smiling at her.


When the five of them got down to the restaurant they noticed that they were the first ones down there. They sat themselves down at the nearest table and waited for the waiter. When he came they ordered five big brunches.


“So what were your plans for today?” Sirius said once they had started to eat their breakfast.


“Well dinner is at six which we will want to come to. When are you going home? Are you staying the night or rest of the week?” Mrs Weasley asked.


“Unfortunately the portkey is scheduled to take us back at eight o clock.” Sirius said.


“Mm if the dinner is at six and its Christmas dinner it might last longer than two hours.” Mrs Weasley thought. “Which means you might not be able to come.


Harry just shook his head at Sirius’s mistake. “The portkey takes us back at eight o clock England time. That is ten o clock Romanian time. Do you think dinner will be finished by then Mrs Weasley?”


“Oh yes of course it will be.” Mrs Weasley said smiling. “That’s really good. Now what do you and Ginny want to do?”


“Prezzies!” Ginny and Harry said together.


“I did mean after the presents you know.” Mrs Weasley said turning back to her breakfast.


Harry looked over to Ginny. “So what you want to do after you opened your present’s gin?”


“Don’t know, what is there to do around here?” Ginny replied.


“Tell you two what.” Charlie said speaking up. “How about a tour of the dragon reserve. I know you’ve already seen them Ginny but Harry here hasn’t.


“I get to see the little baby dragons again?” Ginny said.


Charlie chuckled. “Yes Ginny, you can see the baby dragons again.”


“Then I'm up for it.” Ginny exclaimed. “What about you Harry, up to see some dragons? Not too chicken are you.”


“Dragons sound fine. I here you’ve got a Hungarian Horntail over here.” Harry said.


“Yeah we do.” Charlie said. “Although I doubt you’ll be seeing her. They’re the most vicious type of dragons you can come across they are. We got some Peruvian Vipertooth. Some grown up. Some baby ones what Ginny was just talking about. We’ve also got a couple of Romanian Longhorns. Obviously native to this country. That should take up most of the day. You okay with that mum, dad?”


“Sure.” Mrs Weasley said. “They’ve got a nice spa here apparently.”


“With plugs!” Mr Weasley said which caused Mrs Weasley to shake her head.


“Mr Weasley, there are different kind of plugs to the ones you collect. You know electricity and water don’t mix very well.” Harry explained.


“If they’re different then why are they called the same? Muggles, they’re so fascinating. You know I want to know what the function of a rubber duck is also. No one actually knows the answer.” Mr Weasley said. “I wander if the receptionist knows.”


Harry had an image in his head then of Mr Weasley talking to the receptionist and getting her to explain the function of a rubber duck. Harry found it very hard not to laugh out loud. Once they had finished their breakfast they headed back up the stairs towards the room. Harry did try to get them to use the elevator but Mrs Weasley put her foot down.


“I do not trust that thing. If it isn’t done by magic then how is it done then?” Mrs Weasley said before dragging a protesting Ginny to the stairs.


“But Harry got to go on it mum.” Ginny whined. “He was completely safe.”


“I said no Ginny.” Mrs Weasley scolded before dragging Ginny up the stairs. “Stop moaning or you won’t be able to open your presents.”


Once they got back into the room Ginny ran over the tree and picked up Harry’s present to her and sat down ready to open it up. She sat patiently as her parents sat comfortably on one of the sofas and Harry sat in the other sofa closest to Ginny. Ginny was rocking backward and forward in anticipation of opening her present.


“Go on then Ginny, hand out the presents or are you just going to sit there and do nothing.” Mrs Weasley said once she settled down. Ginny instantly started looking for presents for everyone. Ginny grabbed one and handed it over to Harry.


“It’s from me.” Ginny said blushing. “I hope you like it.”


Harry unwrapped the present to reveal a photo in a frame of all the Weasleys standing in front of the Burrow. Scribed in the top frame was… “The Burrow, Your Home away from Home.”


Harry smiled so much after reading that. He scooted over to Ginny who was waiting to see if he liked it. He bent close to her before saying, “I love it.” And then he pecked her on the cheek. “Thank you.”


This caused Ginny to blush deep red before whispering “You’re welcome Harry.” Ginny then turned to her present and opened it up. Inside was also a photo inside a frame. The photo was a picture of Harry, Ron, Neville and Hermione with Hogwarts in the background.


“You always moaned over the summer that you wanted to come to Hogwarts. I wish I could take you there but I could get expelled if I do. This, however, is the next best thing. Just to keep you tied over until you get the real thing. The bushy hair girl you see is Hermione. Whist the tall stupid thing with red hair is your brother…” this caused Ginny to laugh out loud. “… and the other boy is Neville.” Harry explained.


Ginny looked up at him smiling wider than even he thought was possible. All of a sudden she had wrapped her arms around his neck hugging the life out of him.


“Ginny if you didn’t like it all you should have done was said so. Not try and strangle the life out of me.” Harry teased as she let go.


She playfully hit him on the arm before kissing him on the cheek just like he did her. “You really are the best Harry. You really have made this Christmas the best Christmas ever.”


“What are best friends for then Ginny, if not making each other happy?” Harry said. Harry saw Ginny sag again after him calling her his best friend. She was getting rather good at hiding it now. Harry didn’t want her to hide it though. She still too young, Harry thought over and over again as he sat by her watching her open her presents, watching her glow as she got more and more excited after opening each and every one.


After her presents were open she took them to her room and came back with the traditional Weasley jumper on. Once they made sure they got everything Charlie apparated to the entrance to the reserve. Ginny took Mr Weasley’s hand and they did the same.


“I’ll take Harry Sirius, you go on ahead.” Mrs Weasley said and Sirius apparated from the room. Harry went over to Mrs Weasley to grab hold of her arm. “Sit down Harry I would like to talk to you.”


“What’s up Mrs Weasley?” Harry said as he sat down on the couch.


“Now what happened to mum?” Mrs Weasley smiled at him causing to Harry to smile back.


“What’s up then mum?” Harry said. He had never felt so much motherly love then he did right then. Mrs Weasley last time around insisted on him calling her mum because of his and Ginny’s engagement. This time she was letting him call her mum because she really thought him as one of her own son’s.


“I want to talk to you about Ginny. Her feelings for you and your feelings for her.” Mrs Weasley said. If Harry was expecting anything this was not it.


“What you mean mum?” Harry said nervously.


“Now you might be able to fool Ginny but I know what I see. You might not even know it yourself but after today I am convinced you have some feelings for her.” Mrs Weasley said.


‘Damn damn damn.’ Harry screamed in his head. What was he going to do? “What you mean? Ginny’s my best friend so of course I care for her.”


“You kissed her Harry. It might not have been on the lips but you did kiss her. Now Ginny won’t make a big deal out of it because she’s convinced herself that she has no chance being with you. I just want to make sure you’re not stringing her along, trying to get her hopes up just to turn her down again.” Mrs Weasley said


“I am definitely not doing that Mrs Weasley.” Harry said anger in his voice. “I’d never do that to Ginny!”


“Then may I ask what you attentions with my daughter are?” Mrs Weasley said again. “Because it’s obvious you have grown some feelings towards her. For those that look anyway. Her brothers and Arthur probably won’t notice it. Sirius seems to have though because he was smiling so much after you kissed her on the cheek. I just want my daughter to be happy. And not have her heart broken.”


“I'm not just going to ignore her because my best friend has feelings for me Mrs Weasley.” Harry explained.


“I'm not asking you to Harry. I want to know what your feelings towards Ginny are exactly and make sure you have her best interests at heart.” Mrs Weasley explained again.


Harry sighed and conceded. There was no way around it. “Yes you’re right; I think I do have feelings for her.” Harry conceded and Mrs Weasley smile grew more. “But she’s too young, we’re too young you know. I don’t think we’re old enough to… well date. But if Ginny found out she would want to date now and I'm not sure if that would work or...”


“Harry I understand. I honestly didn’t think you put so much thought into it. If I am to guess the way you’re talking about it that you actually had feelings towards Ginny before she had feelings towards you. Am I right?” Mrs Weasley asked. And Harry nodded blushing nervously.


“I'm trusting you with my daughter Harry. Don’t let her down. And don’t wait too long. After all if you wait too long for you two to grow up she might have grown out of her feelings for you and direct them towards another boy. If I'm honest I think you’re both too young to have these feelings for one another. But I'm glad if its got to be someone then it is you. So now that we got that out of the way why don’t we go see some dragons?”


“Yeah I’d like that. I’d quite like to see the baby dragons Ginny was on about.” Harry said walking towards the door.


“You know we might have another dragon lover on our hands with Ginny.” Mrs Weasley said.


“I don’t know mum. She might like them now. But I'm telling you she has a temper that can rival your own and quite handy with the spell work even if she hasn’t been to Hogwarts yet.” Harry said.


“Well what ever she chooses to become I’ll support her every step of the way.” Mrs Weasley said.


“So will I.” Harry said as he stood up and let Mrs Weasley grab hold of his arm that didn’t have Simon asleep on. Harry felt the horrid sensation of being squeezed to death for a split second that accompanied apparating and then he found himself outside the reserve where Sirius, Ginny and Mr Weasley were waiting for them.


“What took you so long?” Ginny asked hands on hips. “I want to see the dragons.”


“Ginny you really don’t know how much you look like your mum when you do that you know?” Harry said.


Ginny stuck her tongue at Harry then grabbed his arm to drag him into the reserve. She suddenly withdrew her hand when she felt something squishy on it. Harry bent down so that only she could hear. “Don’t worry it’s only Simon.”


“But you haven’t talked to him at all since you got here.” She whispered back.


“You said you didn’t like me talking Parseltongue.” Harry replied.


“I didn’t say that. I just said that I wasn’t used to it.” Ginny replied “I wouldn’t think the fact that you can talk to snakes makes you evil. “


“Well only you and Sirius know about Simon and the fact that I can speak Parseltongue and I would like to keep it like that.” Harry said.


“I know Harry I kept my promise didn’t I.” Ginny said before the gates of the reserve opened and they went inside.


Ginny dragged Harry to where the baby dragons were straight away and bent down over the railings to pick one up. “Ginny are you sure you’re allowed to do that?” Harry asked as she held one close to her chest, stroking its back.


“Well technically no but Charlie lets me. Do you think mum will let me take one home?” Ginny asked.


“My god, you’re worse than Hagrid.” Harry said.


“Ginny.” Came Charlie’s voice from behind Harry. “Make sure you don’t have them out for too long, they do need there rest. If they get to restless they might get a little sensitive. Mum will kill me if one of them bites you.”


“Okay Charlie.” Ginny said back. Harry turned around to see Charlie walking around. “Come on Harry, do you want to hold one? This one here is Dixie.”


“Dixie… you named her?” Harry asked. Harry never knew she had a thing for dragons. Although he never got to know Ginny until his fifth year. She probably would have grown out of it by then.


“Yeah I named all of them.” Ginny said and then she was off explaining what she had called them and why. An hour later the dragon Ginny was holding was starting to stir so Ginny put her back in the cage and they went over to Charlie to start looking around the rest of the reserve.


Ginny shivered a little as they followed Charlie along the path to the dragons. “It’s cold isn’t it Harry?” she said as she wrapped her arms around her chest and Harry could see her teeth starting to chatter. Harry stopped Ginny from continuing after Charlie.


“Ginny take off the jacket.” Harry said as he turned to face her.


“What…” Ginny said shocked. “I said I was cold not hot.”


“I know that dimwit now take off the jacket and give it to me.” Harry replied “or don’t you trust me.”


Ginny reluctantly took her jacket off and handed it over to Harry. She wore her red and blue Weasley jumper underneath that with her red hair and made Ginny look cute in Harry’s opinion. Harry now holding Ginny’s coat took his wand out of his pocket and touched the tip of his wand to the coat muttering “Tepidus sursum.” Harry then handed the coat back to Ginny and she put it on immediately looking at Harry in surprise as she felt warmth flowing through her body.


“Better Ginny?” Harry asked as he put an arm around Ginny pulling him close to him. “Not getting cold now are you?”


“Thank you.” Ginny said as she snuggled closer to Harry.


“Yeah well we can’t let you go suffering from hypothermia out in this cold weather can we?” Harry said as they came up to the first enclosure where a Romanian longhorn was sleeping. “You know, I bet we could have used him to warm you up a bit. Although your mum might have killed me for doing it.” Harry said which caused Ginny to laugh silently into his chest.


They walked up to the board to read what it said about the native dragons asleep before them.


Romanian Longhorn


The longhorn has Dark-green scales and long, glittering golden horns with which it gores its prey before roasting it. When powdered, these horns are highly valued as potion ingredients. The native territory of the longhorn has now become the world’s most important dragon reservation, where wizards of all nationalities study a variety of dragons at close range. The longhorn has been the subject of an intensive breeding program because its numbers have fallen so low in recent years, largely because of its horns, which are now defined as a class B Tradable Material


Harry looked at the sleeping figures to see a moving figure way out into the distance in the trees. Harry pointed it out to Ginny before it disappeared from view. After a couple of minutes they moved onto the next enclosure where this time they saw a fully grown Peruvian viper tooth. Yet again Harry and Ginny went over to the sign to read it.


Peruvian Vipertooth


This is the smallest of all known dragons, and the swiftest in flight. A mere fifteen feet or so in length, the Peruvian Vipertooth is smooth scaled and copper-coloured with black ridge markings. The horns are short and the fangs are particularly venomous. The Vipertooth will feed readily on goats and cows, but has such a liking for humans that the international confederation of wizards was forced to send exterminators in the late nineteenth century to reduce the vipertooth numbers. The vipertooths are now an endangered dragon and most likely will be extinct within the next hundred years


The vipertooth was surrounded by an electric cage so that the dragons couldn’t get out and attack the people working at the reserve.


“Come on guys we got to leave the vipertooths.” Charlie said


“Why?” Ginny asked as she and Harry made their way back along the path they just came from.


“Feeding time my dear sister.” Charlie said.


“Yeah” Harry agreed. “Guess we know what happens to those employees who get on the wrong side of the employers. I bet the vipertooths never go hungry.”


“No they wouldn’t. I mean Charlie’s my brother they wouldn’t…” Ginny said as she stopped dead in her tracks a fearful look on her face as she looked between Harry and Charlie.


“Harry is just teasing you Ginny. It was just a joke. We don’t feed them humans.” Charlie explained.


“Ginny you really thought I meant that?” Harry asked her shocked that she had taken it so serious. “It was just a joke. They don’t feed them humans. They are not going to feed Charlie to the dragons. I promise.” Ginny just nodded before letting go of Harry and went over to give Charlie a hug.


Come five o’clock they were dressed smartly and making their way down to dinner. Unfortunately Harry and Sirius didn’t know this so they wore the clothes that they came in however Ginny wore a blue satin dress that made her eyes, in Harry’s view, sparkle magically. Harry smiled at Ginny and she returned the smile, mistaking it for a friendly smile when really it was a loving smile. She was so beautiful, even at ten, Harry thought as they sat down at the table they booked that morning.


Dinner consisted of the usual Christmas stuff. Turkey, lamb, vegetables and sausages wrapped in bacon. Harry spent almost two hours constantly eating, the events of the day making him hungry. They laughed and told jokes, a normal Weasley Christmas Harry thought as come nine thirty they finally left the table. Ginny was getting rather sleepy now and she had rested her head on Harry’s shoulders as he helped her up to the room.


“So you had a fun day Gin?” Harry asked as they headed to the corridor in which the room was on.


“The best Harry.” Ginny said sleepily into his shoulder. “You really are the best aren’t you?”


“I ain’t the best Ginny. But thank you for the compliment.” Harry said wiping a strand of hair away from Ginny’s face that had fallen in front of her eyes and pushed it back behind her ear causing Ginny to blush slightly.


Once in the room. Harry looked down at her smiling and she just smiled back. “Thank you Harry.” Ginny said “You really have made this the best Christmas ever. I’ll never forget it.”


“Same her Gin.” Harry said as he gave her one last hug before Mrs Weasley pulled Ginny away from Harry and led her into her room.


“You really won’t know how much this meant for Ginny Harry.” Charlie said as Sirius was packing up their stuff.


Harry looked at the door that led to Ginny’s room and smiled before saying. “Oh I think I might have some idea.”


Five minutes later found Sirius and Harry outside the dragon reserve, again meeting with Craig from the Romanian ministry.


“Hi there. Did you find Charlie and his family okay? Had a nice Christmas?” Craig said in greeting.


“Wonderful Christmas and yes, thank you for the directions. Sirius replied. “Now, do you have our return portkey for us?”


“Ten o clock to England.” Craig said before handing them an old sock. “Hope to see you again some time.”


Harry waited a further five minutes before the rushing sound of the portkey had them travelling back to England. Sirius said thank you to the ministry official in England who met them and took the used portkey before apparating Harry back to Potter Manor.


“Right it’s been a very long day and I'm off to bed.” Sirius said.


“Its eight o clock.” Harry exclaimed.


“Yes and I was up at three so excuse me whilst I catch up on my beauty sleep.” Sirius said as he headed out of the kitchen door. “You can make your own way back to Hogwarts yes?”


“You could sleep for twelve hours and you still look like you do now, sleep won’t manage to help you much.” Harry called after him. Sirius just grunted and made his way up the stairs.


“So Simon enjoyed the day?” Harry asked Simon who was still wrapped around his arm.


“Cold but it was nice to get out of Hogwarts. Thanks for taking me with you.” Simon replied.


“Estelle” Harry called out and in a burst of flames she was perched on his shoulder.


“Have fun?” she asked.


“Ginny gets more beautiful by the day.” Harry replied.


“Yes of course and you’re not biased at all are you.” Estelle said and then in a burst of flames Harry was returned to Hogwarts.


“How were things here?” Harry asked Estelle.


“I wouldn’t know, I spent all day in your room at Potter Manor. Godric was going on about how you don’t take no for an answer when it comes to Ginny?” Estelle replied.


“Meaning?” Harry asked confused.


“You do know the ministry originally turned down Sirius’s request for two portkeys today.” Estelle told him.


“No. how come we got them then” Harry asked wandering what Sirius had to do in order to get them.


“He offered to pay double the price they usually are.” Estelle said.


“But they’re five hundred galleons a portkey. That would have made today cost two thousand. That’s a rip off!” Harry exclaimed. ‘But I suppose.” Harry said as an afterthought “when it comes to Ginny she’s worth a whole a lot more.’


“Now where have you been today Mr Potter? Professor Dumbledore told your friends you were out with your godfather. Anywhere special?” The fat lady asked as he came to the portrait hole.


“Nah just hung around at home. Sirius was getting lonely without company. He wanted me home for Christmas Day so Dumbledore let me use his floo connection to floo home.”


“Very well.” she said as she swung open to let Harry in. Harry walked in to see Ron and Neville around the fire talking. Their backs were to the portrait hole so they didn’t see him come in.


“When do you think Harry is getting back?” he heard Neville say.


“Well if it’s today it’s got to be soon. It’s eight already.” Ron said looking at his watch.


“Yeah, he hasn’t even opened up his presents yet.” Neville said.


Now, Harry thought would be the best time to say he was back. “So guys have fun without me?”


“Harry!” they said before rushing over to him.


“Where you been mate?” Ron asked.


“I thought I said in my letter that I went to spend the day with Sirius.” Harry said. Well this was a half truth; Sirius was with him most of the day.


“But you haven’t opened up any of your presents yet.” Ron said.


“No I haven’t, that’s why I'm going to go do that now.” Harry replied walking towards the stairs that led up to the boys’ dormitories. Once in his dorm he jumped onto his bed and grabbed the nearest present to him and opened it. Our fell the usual Weasley jumper from Mrs Weasley. It was emerald green just like his eyes. Harry suddenly realised Ginny’s present was in his coat pocket and took it out and put it on his bedside table.


“When did you get that?” Ron asked as he looked at the picture of the Burrow and his brothers, sister, and parents.


“I took it with me this morning to open at home. Ginny’s was the first one I came across.” Ron and Neville took in the lie.


“So if you only opened one present today what did you and Sirius do all day?” Neville asked.


“Played games mostly. Exploding Snap, a little bit of chess, Which I must same I thrashed Sirius at. Had a big Christmas dinner. Your mum’s is so much better than Sirius’s Ron.” Harry said lying again which caused Ron to laugh.


Harry took a random present from the foot of his bed and out flopped Hagrid’s flute for him. Harry forgot that he received this, it would be useful for when it came to getting Fluffy to fall asleep. Next came Hermione’s present and a box of chocolate frogs and a book on how to perform simple spells. Hermione was still obviously worried by the lack of magic that Harry had shown.


Ron’s present was a picture of the current Chudley Canons squad. “You know we’re getting better now every season. And we got a new beater and chaser. They’re pretty good. I say we’ve got a chance at the playoffs. We won’t win the league but the playoffs… we might scrape in.


Fred and George’s present to him was a box of tricks from Zonko’s joke shop. He definitely won’t tell Mrs Weasley that he got these. Peeves would be very happy to use them.


Percy’s was a book on how to become the best prefect there was. He obviously was trying to stop Harry taking after his brothers. He threw that book into his trunk where it lay forgotten within five minutes.


Neville’s present was a book on Herbology. “I know I'm not very good at most stuff like Hermione but I know a hell of a lot on Herbology. If you wish we can be partners from now on and I’ll help you understand it all. Hermione would be pleased if you were getting good at a subject, even if it is Herbology. Although you know some stuff in potions. Just stupid Snape hating your guts stopping you from getting good marks there.”


“Thanks Neville. It really means a lot.” Harry said in awe. Neville was becoming more and more confident now he was hanging around himself, Ron, and Hermione. This pleased Harry to no end. Although it would mean his friend would be slightly different. But come to think of it. When the DA was going on Neville was the quickest person to pick up on the spells bar Hermione. Maybe he was just becoming the person he would have been last time around quicker.


Harry all of a sudden felt a yawn coming along and he tried to stifle it with no such luck.


“God I'm tired. Mind if I go to bed guys?” Harry asked as he felt another yawn coming on.


“Nah Harry, goodnight and see you in the morning.” Ron said as he and Neville left the room. Harry got changed into his PJ’s and got into bed. With one last look at the picture of the Burrow Ginny gave him he closed his eyes and fell into a restful sleep.
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