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SIYE Time:11:52 on 29th March 2024
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A New Normal
By CharmHazel

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Category: Post-DH/AB
Characters:Harry/Ginny
Genres: General, Romance
Warnings: Mild Language, Mild Sexual Situations
Story is Complete
Rating: PG-13
Reviews: 129
Summary: Harry has spent much of his life being hunted by Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Now the Dark Lord is dead, it is time for Harry to live the life he has always wanted. It it time for Harry to create for himself a new normal.
Hitcount: Story Total: 70767; Chapter Total: 3703





Author's Notes:
Finally another chapter for you! And we are at the half way point in my planned outline. Enjoy!




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Chapter 12: First Home

Despite how much Harry and Ginny missed one another, neither one found themselves sinking into loneliness or depression at being separated. Between their regular letters and calls via their mirrors, both felt they were able to handle being apart from each other. It also helped that they were both kept busy. Ginny was busy dividing her time between her school work, her Head Girl duties and running quidditch practices for the Gryffindor team. Harry, on the other hand, had now officially begun his Auror training, which had become much more intense than the previous three months. His free time was spent visiting Teddy and Andromeda on a regular basis, while also organising the refurbishment of Grimmauld Place and searching for the perfect home for himself and Ginny. Time had moved along quickly for Harry and Ginny as a result. Before they both knew it, the first Hogsmeade weekend was upon them.

Early Saturday morning, unbeknownst to Ginny who was currently getting ready for the day in her dorm, Harry had flooed directly from The Burrow into the Headmistress’ office, stumbling as he did so. Professor McGonagall, who had been awaiting Harry’s arrival, failed to stifle her laughter as Harry tripped and fell into her office.

“Good Morning Mr Potter,” the usually stern professor said as she chuckled at the sight before her.

Harry grunted as he shook his head to shake off the effects of his fall before he stood up.

“If I was not so intent on surprising Ginny, I would have just apparated and met her in the village instead,” he scowled. He took a deep breath to compose himself before turning to face the Headmistress.

“Good Morning Professor McGonagall.”

“Good Morning Harry,” she said again, this time without laughter.

“Thank you for allowing me to do this. What time do I need to have Ginny back here for?”

“I thought that 6pm would be appropriate. I figured with what you plan to do, a little additional time would help you out.”

“I doubt I’ll need it, but it is much appreciated anyway,” Harry said, bowing his head slightly in thanks.

“Well, if you wish to be in the Great Hall before Miss Weasley arrives, I would advise you move along now.”

“Thank you again Professor McGonagall,” Harry replied as he turned to leave.

“You are very welcome Harry,” Professor McGonagall responded with a smile on her face. “And remember, you are welcome to stay for
the feast tonight.”

“I do. Thank you!” Harry called out as he made his way out of the office and into the corridor.

*

As Harry walked down to the Great Hall, covered by his invisibility cloak, Ginny was upstairs in her dorm finishing getting ready for the day. She had dressed warmly for the day in Hogsmeade, wearing jeans, boots and a sweater. She was currently stood in front of a mirror brushing her hair through, having decided to leave it down for Harry.

As she pulled the brush through her long red locks, her mind drifted as she thought about their time apart the last couple of months. They had regularly exchanged letters, all of which had surprised her in terms of their content. She had always known Harry was not good when it came to expressing his feelings and he had been getting so much better doing so over the summer. But his letters had still shocked her with their honesty and the romantic and heart-warming things he had included.

It was these letters and the conversations on their mirrors that had kept her going the past two months and they had also kept her sane. Being a 7th year had meant a huge increase in her workload and alongside her Head Girl and Quidditch duties, there had been days when she had just wanted to quit school and go home to Harry. But somehow the letters and the late night talks with him had calmed her immensely. She was incredibly grateful for the support that Harry was giving her.

Someone calling her name roused her from her thoughts. She focused her eyes again, looking into the mirror to see Hermione behind her.

“Are you ok Ginny?” Hermione asked cautiously. “You seem to be in your own little world there.”

“Oh, I am fine, just thinking,” Ginny replied, pushing all her thoughts aside.

“What about?” Hermione queried. She knew it had not been easy for Ginny to leave Harry to come back to school. With the busy schedule she had, Hermione was amazed by how well Ginny had been coping with it all.

“Just how busy we’ve been since we have returned to school,” Ginny replied before she put her brush down as she turned to face Hermione with a huge smile on her face. “I’m looking forward to having the day off to relax and spend time with Harry.”

“Well let’s get down to breakfast then,” Hermione said as she grabbed Ginny’s hand to pull her out of the dorm. “That way you can see Harry sooner!”

Ginny couldn’t help but laugh at Hermione’s enthusiasm.

About ten minutes or so later, Ginny stood just inside the entrance to the Great Hall, frozen in shock. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. There, in the middle of the hall, sat Harry at the Gryffindor table. Ginny shut her eyes and slowly opened them again to check she wasn’t dreaming. Harry was still there. A huge smile spread across her face at the realisation that he had come early to surprise her. It was at that moment that Harry decided to look up and towards where Ginny was stood. When he saw her standing there, he too broke out into a smile before he stood up to greet her. Ginny took this as her cue and ran the length of the hall, straight into his arms. They held on to each other tightly, revelling in their closeness that they had not been able to share the past couple of months.

“You came early,” Ginny whispered.

“The first of many surprises today,” Harry whispered, before he pressed a kiss on the side of her head. He then gently pulled away from Ginny and ushered her into a seat at the table where he had been sitting.

Hermione had sat herself opposite the couple and had taken to looking at them with an amused look. They were sat as close as they possibly could be and were in their own little world, oblivious to those around them, as they enjoyed being together again for the first time in two months. Knowing there would be no talking to them while they were like that; she turned to her breakfast and a copy of the Daily Prophet that had just been delivered.

“So…..you said this was the first of many surprises today,” Ginny queried as she began to serve herself breakfast.

Harry grabbed the two files that lay next to his plate and handed them over to Ginny without a word. Ginny took the files, looking at them and then Harry in confusion.

“This is your second surprise,” he explained. “I promised you I would not choose or buy a house without consulting you and I didn’t. Those two files have the details of the two houses that fit the description of what we wanted best. Professor McGonagall has given me permission to take you to view either or both of them today.”

Ginny squealed in delight, catching the attention of all those who currently present for breakfast in the hall. Realising everyone was staring; Ginny felt her cheeks heat up as she buried her face in the crook of Harry’s neck. She mumbled an apology before she composed herself, sat back up and kissed Harry.

“Ok, before I look at these files, is there anything I should know? Do you have a preference?” Ginny asked once she felt calm.

“The files will tell you everything you need to know. I do have a preference, but I’m not telling you as I don’t want to influence your decision.”

Harry turned back to his breakfast, leaving Ginny to browse through the information on the houses. Ginny loved both of Harry’s choices, though she did have a preference, which she suspected was the same as Harry’s. Quite honestly, she was highly impressed that he had taken the time sought out properties that matched exactly what they both wanted.

As agreed, both properties needed to be renovated and refurbished, luckily though neither needed any serious building work. Both were located on the outskirts of the nearest town or village, with plenty of land surround each property. Luckily, both were also wizarding properties which had been abandoned during the war. Therefore, neither needed converting and they would be able to start any work needed immediately.

The first property was located in Ottery St Catchpole, on the other side of the village from her parents’ house. The house itself was large with six bedrooms. While Ginny could see the potential, she could also list a number of problems. It was too close to her parents for her liking, it had too many bedrooms, it was far larger than they needed and it appeared to have the need for more work than what they originally planned for.

She closed the file and passed it back to Harry with a simple “No” without seeing his expression of relief or the patronus he quickly sent off to confirm the viewing of the second property. Hermione, however, did notice and raised a questioning eyebrow at Harry, but he just nodded his head towards Ginny. They didn’t need to wait long for Hermione to understand why.

Ginny gasped in delight. She turned to Harry with a big smile on her face. “It’s perfect!”

“Good,” he said, kissing her softly. “I’ve just sent a patronus off confirming which house we will be viewing this afternoon.”

“So what is the plan for today?” Ginny asked, feeling confused to the changes of what she had thought would be happening.

“Well seeing as I never got to take you to Hogsmeade before, I was hoping you would allow me the honour of doing so this morning?” Harry asked, flashing a cheeky smile at her.

Ginny just nodded, dumbfounded at the plans he had made.

“We are meeting up with Ron and Hermione for lunch at midday,” Harry continued. “Then we will be heading over to see the house. How long we are there will depend on whether we decide to buy it and start the paperwork. And I was…..”

“We?” Ginny interrupted, shocked at how Harry just brushed over the statement of them buying the house together.

“Yes, we,” Harry repeated, looking at Ginny. He was confused at what she was questioning.

“But I don’t have the money, anywhere near that sort of money,” Ginny said as she dropped her voice to a whisper.

“Baby, I know,” Harry responded as he pulled her into his arms. “But I want to do this for us; I don’t want us worrying about paying for the house in the years to come. Plus I was planning on having your name on the deeds alongside mine.”

Ginny knew that this was not about Harry flashing his cash; it was about securing their future. She could tell from the sincerity of his words. She looked back up at him, bringing her forehead against his and gave him a shy smile.

“Ok,” she whispered just before she kissed him.

“Good,” Harry responded with a huge smile. “Now let’s go and enjoy our day together.”

*

After spending the morning together, walking through the streets of Hogsmeade, exploring the shops before having lunch with Ron and Hermione, Harry and Ginny apparated to the village of Godric’s Hollow, where their preferred property was located.

Harry had been surprised to find a house that met their specifications that resided on the outskirts of the village. He had only looked into what properties in Godric’s Hollow were available on the off chance of finding something. The house was the perfect size, not too big for just the two of them, but not too small for when they started a family. Work was obviously needed thanks to how long it had been abandoned, but nothing too severe that could potentially delay them moving in at the end of June as they were planning.

Arriving at the boundaries of the property, they found a man of medium height who looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s, despite his greying hair. Despite the fact the man was wearing a simple black muggle suit, Ginny was uncertain to whether he was a wizard or not. So she was surprised when Harry approached him confidently.

“Mr Barnes, so good to see you again,” Harry said as he shook the other man’s hand. “Thank you for allowing us to come and view the property today.”

“No problem, Mr Potter,” Mr Barnes replied before he turned to Ginny. “And this must be Miss Weasley. Mr Potter has told me much about you. It’s nice to finally be able to put a face to the name.”

Ginny smiled and held out her hand.

“I hope it was all good, nothing too bad,” she replied jokingly as they shook hands.

The trio shared a chuckle at Ginny’s joke before they ventured up the short path to the house.

The property itself was a simple red bricked three floor house, set on extensive grounds. It was far enough from the village to guarantee their privacy, but not too far that it would make them feel isolated.

Over the next hour, Harry and Ginny wandered through the property and grounds, discussing the changes they would make if they brought it. A simple look between them when they discovered the outdoor terrace on the top floor confirmed to each other that they had found their home.

“So…..” Harry said as he turned to Mr Barnes. “What do we need to do to make this place ours?”

*

An hour later, having been to Gringotts to complete the paperwork and settle the payment, Harry and Ginny were back in Godric’s Hollow, having apparated to and walked from their newly acquired house. Harry had one more place he wished to visit before he and Ginny returned for the Halloween Feast at Hogwarts.

Even though he knew he could conjure flowers, he decided instead to pop into the local florist. Holding onto Ginny’s hand, he went in and approached the counter. An older lady who reminded Harry of Mrs Weasley, just older with grey hair, smiled as she saw the young couple enter her shop.

“Can I…..” The older lady stopped what she was saying and froze in shock at what she saw. A smile then broke out on her face. “Oh my, little Harry Potter! Haven’t you grown up into a handsome young man?!”

Ginny stifled a giggle, burying her head into Harry’s shoulder, while Harry just blushed as he attempted to flatten his fringe and cover his scar.

“Oh no, I’m sorry,” the older lady said, realising her mistake. “No, no, I did not recognise you because of your scar. It was…..well….. you look so much like your father, James. It is uncanny!”

Harry’s jaw dropped in shock as Ginny looked up to see his reaction. She squeezed his hand in support.

“Sorry, he is usually recognised due to his scar,” Ginny spoke on behalf of Harry. “Did you know Mr Potter?”

“Oh yes, I did know James and Lily,” the lady responded with a sad smile. “I remember them well. Such a lovely young couple, very proud parents as well.”

Harry couldn’t help but smile at the statement.

“I remember when you were born,” she continued. “James came in the day after. He had the biggest smile on his face as he brought some flowers for Lily. Oh I have just realised how rude I am being, not introducing myself. My name is Betty, the owner of this store. Not a witch sadly, just a squib.”

“Nice to meet you, Betty,” Harry said as he shook her hand. “And this is my girlfriend, Ginny. We were actually hoping to get some flowers, something suitable to lay on my parents’ graves.”

“Oh of course. Give me a few minutes. I know just what to put together for you.”

*

Half an hour later, Harry and Ginny had been and gone to the graveyard, having laid down a bouquet of his mum’s favourite flowers, similar to what they had been told his dad had brought when Harry had been born.

They were now walking back to their house, from where they plan to apparate back to Hogwarts from.

“I think I am going to love living here,” Harry said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Hopefully, I can find out some more about my parents and my time here when I was a baby.”

“That would be great,” Ginny excitedly responded. “I suspect Betty would be willing to tell you some stories.”

“I am so happy you chose this property. I was half convinced you would prefer the other one because it is closer to your parents.”

“That is precisely why I didn’t,” Ginny admitted. “Merlin, that sounds so bad, doesn’t it?”

Harry grabbed Ginny around the waist, pulling her close to him before kissing her soundly.

“It is not a bad thing to want your own space, but even being in a different town will not stop your mother from flooing over to see us!”

“Well, my mother will have to learn to check as to when she can come over.” Ginny paused for a moment before looking up with a mischievous look in her eye. “So will Ron for that matter, especially if he doesn’t want to be hit with my bat bogey hex!”

Harry threw his head back as he laughed; knowing full well Ginny was serious.

“Merlin, I love you, Gin!” Harry said still chuckling. “But we do need to get back to Hogwarts if we are going to make the feast.”

“I love you too by the way,” Ginny said as Harry took her arm and apparated them to Hogsmeade.
Reviews 129
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