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SIYE Time:13:18 on 29th March 2024
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Lord Potter's Own Will
By Mutt N Feathers

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Category: Post-OotP
Characters:Harry/Ginny
Genres: Action/Adventure
Warnings: Violence/Physical Abuse
Story is Complete
Rating: R
Reviews: 26
Summary: REPOSTED
Harry is now Lord Potter, and he decides to use his new found Independence to set the course of his life.
Hitcount: Story Total: 26062; Chapter Total: 1768







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Chapter 8:
Cychwyn (Welsh)/
To Begin (Modern English)
December 31:
9:48 p.m.
Grimmauld Place

"You look very beautiful," Harry told Ginny as she walked down the stairs and into the grand hallway. "Very, very beautiful." The last bit was said a tad to enthusiastically, and the twins chose to glare at Harry.

"The dress is just stunning, Harry. You shouldn't have spent so much gold on it. I could have worn my dress from the Yule Ball last year," Ginny replied, taking a step closer to him. Molly immediately set to fussing with her daughter's outfit, fixing things which didn't require any tinkering.

"To see you smile like that, I'd pay a million galleons," Harry told her, taking the final step toward her and taking her hand. "I'm glad it fits alright. Do you like the colours?"

"Yes, how could I not," Ginny answered. The strapless dress was an ivory colour, with a fine overlay of tulle embellished with golden polka dots of various sizes. The wide satin belt was a vibrant pink hue. Crinolines made the dress full and it fell to just above her ankles. Ginny wore a pair of bright pink low heeled shoes and some gold earrings. There was a jacket made of the tulle to cover her shoulders. "Where did you find it?"

"Tonks and I went shopping in Dublin. I took her along, since she knew about what size you are and what would go with her hair and eyes and make you look pretty and fit you and-" Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him. "I guess I'm rambling, sorry."

"It's okay, Harry. It's sort of cute," Ginny said with a blush, making Harry do so as well.

"Remus, you're going to be there all night, correct?" Molly inquired, sounding every bit the overprotective mother she was.

"Yes, Molly," Remus replied in a collected voice practiced by years of dealing with the woman. "I am going strictly as their chaperone and Sirius and Maggie will be there as well." Molly snorted and muttered something which sounded like: At least there will be one grown up there, which visibly irritated Harry. Having heard his wife and seen the reaction of Harry and his daughter to her words, Arthur spoke up.

"Well then, you should be off," he said, coming between his wife and the young couple. "What time does your Portkey leave for the O'Lachlan's?"

"Ten sharp," Remus replied, walking to the front door and opening it. "And given that's only seven minutes from now, I believe we should be off." Harry nodded and lead Ginny outside, where they each took hold of one of Remus' arms so he could Disapparate them to the Potter house in Killarney.

"Have a good time," Molly said. "Don't drink any Firewhisky and do send me an owl when you've gotten back to the Potter's house. We'll see you for supper tomorrow. Oh, and keep warm, and watch your shoes and -"

"Dear, she's going to a ball, not going off to slay a leviathan," Arthur said, reaching up to take her hand. "She'll be fine."

"I know," Molly relented as the trio turned and were gone. "I just feel like she's too young for all of this. She's my baby." Molly closed the door, noticing the hallway was now empty.

"She always will be, Mollywobbles, she always will be," Arthur calmed her even as he felt a pang of sadness at his daughters growing up.

LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW

"Harry, why is there a maze made from...are those old cornstalks?" Ginny asked, looking down at her dress and making a distressed furrow of her brows.

"Yes, fair Miss Ginevra, those are indeed cornstalks," Sirius replied, placing his hand on her back, simultaneously calming her and innocuously flirting with the girl. "As for why, I'm not certain Harry has covered this particular matter in his studies. Can you answer her, or shall I?"

"I think I can," Harry answered, picking up Sirius' hand and removing it from Ginny's bare shoulders and replacing it with his own. His godfather quirked his eyebrow and smiled in an appreciative way. "Tomorrow is the thirteenth day of Yule, the cornstalk day. As it's the end of the festival and the start of a new calendar year, my great-grandfather taught me that you must bring something old from the past year into the new one. It should be something which will bear a gift for the goddess. There are dried out ears of corn still on the stalks, which when planted in the spring will bear new corn.

"As for the maze, it is to teach self-reliance and responsibility. Although the god and goddess are always with us and will help us along the way, we must make our own futures. If we leave every choice to chance, it is very easy to be pulled or pushed into a future you don't desire," Harry explained. "Everyone deserves the chance to make their own destiny." The last sentence was said with much more emphasis. Sirius and Remus both reacted to Harry's words; Sirius grabbing his shoulder and Remus giving him a reassuring nod.

"I like that idea," Ginny said and Harry turned to her, smiled and then lightly kissed her lips. The two looked at each other when their lips parted, causing Sirius to groan.

"You are far too smitten," he muttered, causing Remus to snigger. "So, do we tackle this challenge as a group, or do we split off?"

"While a group is fine," a familiar voice said behind Sirius, "I tink I prefer a pair." Sirius turned around to find Maggie standing behind him. She was wearing a gorgeous navy blue gown, the blue silk of the bodice sweeping to one side across her body, revealing a black skirt beneath. He excitedly spun around and captured her in his arms. He lifted her up and swung her back and forth, making the skirt of her gown resemble a bell ringing.

"If you're my partner, then I definitely agree," he said before kissing her. Remembering his groan from only moments ago, Harry returned the sound. Maggie broke off the kiss, wondering what exactly Harry's utterance meant, but paying it no mind.

"Well, then, er, I'll just head over to the house, and er," Remus sputtered, not wanting to be a fifth wheel.

"Remus, since you're alone, I was wondering if you could help a friend of mine through the maze. They wouldn't be able to do it on their own," Maggie explained. Remus, being the consummate gentleman, quickly nodded in agreement. Maggie turned back to where she'd come from, and took a few steps before she tapped on the shoulder of a man. He moved aside to reveal Klytië. Maggie looped her friends hand into her arm and they joined the group. It all happened so quickly, Remus didn't have a chance to run away. Klytië looked around the circle, before her gaze stopped at Remus'.

"Remus, is that you?" Still utterly tongue-tied, Remus was incapable of answering. He just stood there, looking at the only girl he'd ever truly cared about. "Maggie told me there'd be a surprise here. I never expected it to be you."

She looked ethereal in her pale purple dress. Layers of gossamer fabric hung over her body. The bodice was shaped as a raven, its head making up the left side, while the wing created the right. The entire bird was embroidered and sequinned, the body dissolved into the body of the dress. The colour of the diaphanous material got darker near the hem, and within the layers, other ravens had been embroidered as well. It appeared the birds were in flight as she moved.

"I'm sure he'd be delighted, Klytië, love," Sirius responded, taking her in his arms and kissing both her cheeks.

"Always the flirt," she blonde responded. "I believe I can see young Lord Potter as well. Harry, are you here?"

Harry smiled before answering. "I'm here Ms. Dawnsla. It's nice to see you again."

"Please, call me Klytië," she reminded him, reaching for his hand. Holding it for a moment, she smiled at him, then reaching to run her hand along his cheek. "The decision you have made is bold, but will serve you well. I can see happiness in your future. There is one thing I must caution you about; remember to always act out of a sense of justice. To do anything else will damage your future happiness."

"I understand, Klytië." She pulled her hand away from his face, and then turned so she appeared to be looking at Ginny.

"Ah, so you are the one who has captured his heart," the seer stated. "You will be good for him, if you are courageous enough to follow him on his path." Ginny's breath caught in her chest, and she was suddenly worried. "Do not fret, child, I did not mean to worry you, I only meant to prepare you. I have been so rude, neglecting to greet you properly before rambling on so. My name is Klytië Dawnsla and I was a friend of James and Lily's." Klytië put her hand out for the girl to shake.

"I'm Ginny Weasley, it's nice to meet you." Ginny had returned the gesture, taking Klytië's hand in her own and giving it a shake.

"The pleasure is all mine. It isn't often I meet one with your gifts." Ginny looked at Sirius, perplexed and concerned. Maggie caught the exchange and hastily moved the activity on.

"Well, now dat de introductions are over, I say we do pairs and meet on de odder side. Everyone agreed?" Maggie asked, and before anyone could possibly object, she spoke again. "Excellent. Remus, dear, if ya'd be so kind as ta take Klytië by de arm," Maggie moved the blind woman next to Remus placing her hand on his arm. "Well, they seem all set. Off you two go." Maggie sort of pushed Klytië while Sirius did the same with Remus. When they were out of sight, Sirius laughed.

"I'm quite certain we'll get an ear full at home," Sirius said to Harry.

"Probably, but it was worth it. Ginny, shall we?" She looked a bit confused by what had just happened, but happily took Harry's hand and entered the maze. When they were well gone, Sirius pulled Maggie behind a large oak tree and snogged her resoundingly.

"You taste divine," Sirius remarked when his lips moved from hers to nibbling on her neck. "It's unfortunate we can't leave and celebrate in private."

"Who says we can't?" Maggie asked. "I just need ta be back at quarter ta midnight ta be part of de ceremony. Dat gives us one and 'alf 'ours ta...well whatever we can get up ta in dat amount of time."

Sirius pulled away and looked at her earnestly. "We talked about this, I mean, you know that what they did to me...well it made it so I...I'm not sure what you're expecting and the healers say there's hope, but I don't know if -"

"Sirius Black, you and I are old enough ta know dere are many tings between a snog and a shag. I know what dose healers said, or at least what ya were willing ta share. Let's just see what happens, okay?"

"Maggie O'Lachlan, this is why I fell in love with you at fourteen, and why I still love you today," Sirius said with a smile. A thought of her room and a slight turn, and the couple were gone.

LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW

"That was exhilarating," Ginny proclaimed as they emerged from the maze. They were let out into a large garden, others milling around and talking. Oddly, there were random small firecracker-like displays pocking the night sky.

Harry pulled Ginny to him, his arms around her back and holding her to his chest. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, one hand immediately into his hair.
"Was it the maze that exhilarated you, or was it what we got up to in the maze?" Harry asked, sounding very much like his godfather as he did.

"Hmm," Ginny hummed, cocking her head to one side and looking up as if she had to consider the question. "Definitely the maze," she deadpanned.

"The maze! You enjoyed the maze more?" he replied, mock indignation peppering his words. "I'll show you enjoyed the maze more." With that, he pulled her around the corner of the maze, away from the bonfires and the garden and resoundingly kissed her. Ginny hand planted in Harry's hair massaged and gripped him harder, causing him to moan in her mouth. Her other hand trailed down his neck and stopped over his heart.

For his part, both of Harry's hands were moving up and down her back. She tasted so sweet, and he wanted to do this forever if he could. Unfortunately, that pesky breathing thing got in the way. He held her to his chest, her head resting perfectly on his shoulder, her face nuzzled into his neck as they both panted.

"You know, we've been dating for a week and you've just snogged the breath out of me on our first date. At the rate we're going, we'll be shagging before the summer solstice," Ginny said plainly and the comment shocked Harry.

"Er, uh, I, er," Harry stuttered. As much as he liked Ginny, he wasn't sure he could handle doing more than what they'd just did. "I didn't mean to imply anything, if that's what you're thinking. I, er, respect you, Ginny. If you think I am treating you poorly or something, it's not what I meant and I'm so sorry. Please don't tell your brothers and I wouldn't blame you if you were to break up with me -"

Ginny kissed him again, making him stop his stammering. "You really need to learn to take a joke better. I know you don't think any of those things about me. I promise, Harry, if I'm uncomfortable with what we're doing, I will let you know and you won't misunderstand me," she concluded with a knowing smile and a laugh.

"Good. Let's get back to the party. I need to find Remus; he's supposed to be watching us," Harry said and the pair untangled their arms and Ginny slid her hand into Harry's. The couple went back around the outside of the maze, and very quickly saw Remus and Klytië. The older couple were still together, both smiling, her hand still looped through his arm. Ginny stopped walking, making Harry do the same.

"Before we go over there, who is Klytië? What's her story?" Ginny asked.

"She went to Hogwarts with my parents and their lot. She's a year younger, but Sirius has known her since he was a little kid. She was blinded by the sun when she was six or seven, but she is gifted with a 'third eye' as Sirius puts it. She's not like Trelawney, she actually sees the future, people's auras and stuff. She went with Remus until his seventh year, and then he pushed her away because of his furry little problem. By the looks of it, they're having a good time. That's about all I know."

"Okay," Ginny said with a nod. "One last question, Harry. Do you think she's beautiful?"

Harry pondered the question for a moment, knowing this was one of those trick questions girls asked boys to get them all confused. After a quick moment of thought, he answered. "She is very beautiful," he started and Ginny's smile fell. "However Sirius told me it's an enchantment of some sort, like a veela. Now that I've met her, I find her intriguing and lovely" Ginny's face fell at the proclamation, and looked away from Harry. "However, I've never been one for blondes. Didn't you know, Potter men have always had a thing for redheads." Ginny perked up at the rest of his answer. "Besides, you're the most beautiful woman here. There isn't anyone who comes close to your beauty, my Ginevra." He punctuated his words with a tender kiss.

"Good answer, Mister Potter." Her words capped-off with a more passionate kiss. When they were done, Harry knew he needed to get them back around people, lest he tempted even more.

The young couple were soon standing next to Remus and Klytië. The more mature couple recounting their tale of repeatedly getting lost inside the maze. It was finally she who got them out, by Disapparating to the garden.

A waiter came by and offered them all a glass of what looked a little like milk, except it was frothy and full of ice. Each took the offered beverage, but Ginny was reluctant to partake in something she didn't recognize. Before she ate, drank, entered or wrote in anything, she wanted to know what it was and if it could do anything magical. She'd learned her lesson in her first year.

"What is this?" Ginny asked, giving it a sniff and being pleasantly surprised by the citrus odour.

"It's a Firecracker Fizz," Remus answered. "There's cream and egg whites and sugar and citrus in it. When you've finished the drink, you place the glass on the ground and you'll find a surprise." Ginny looked at him perplexed, until she put his words together with the bursts she'd been seeing since they'd emerged from the maze.

"The fireworks, they're coming from the drink?" she asked gleefully.

"Yes, they are. Go ahead, give it a sip," the werewolf suggested. The quartet had a sip, and Harry looked at his former teacher with concern in his eyes.

"Is there liquor in here? Mrs. Weasley said we couldn't drink. If she smells it on Ginny's breath, I'm a dead man. There's no way she'll let me date her!" Remus laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Harry, relax, breathe. There's a little gin in here, so you're only going to get one. Anyway, I'm your chaperone this evening, and I will take responsibility should Ginny have any alcohol on her breath when her parents arrive at four tomorrow afternoon," Remus tried not to laugh at his young charge, but it was very hard. He'd never seen Harry as tongue-tied as he was around Ginny. It made him reflect back to when he'd first started dating Klytië in school. He was just as flustered and enchanted as Harry. Remus had been surprised, earlier in the maze, when the same feelings had fluttered awake inside him.

The quartet enjoyed their magical beverages, Remus watching carefully for signs of either teen not handling the small amount of alcohol in their drinks. He saw none. They each put their glasses down in turn, enjoying the different colours and shapes of the fireworks created.

A bell was rung at ten to twelve, announcing everyone should make their way into the house. Harry and Remus realised they'd seen none of their friend, and even as they were following the cobblestone path toward the dwelling, they still saw none of them. While they both suspected where he was, their inability to find Maggie as well confirmed their idea. Remus silently lifted a prayer to whomever might listen that things went well for the old dog and his true love.

As they passed through the hedgerow gate, Ginny stopped, staring at the O'Lachlan family home. "Harry, this isn't a house, this is a castle."

"Yes, I suppose it is," Harry agreed. "They're an old, ancient family, they have an old and ancient castle."

"Do the Potters have a castle?"

"No, we have a house," he answered and she calmed a little. "Although, I think our house might be bigger than this place, now that we've repaired the North wing."

"You family house has wings?" Ginny looked close to tears, Harry guessed at the reasoning.

"Ginny, do you think there's something wrong with the Burrow? Do you somehow think having a big house makes Maggie or me better than anyone?" Ginny shrugged. Harry took both her hands and bent down so her could look her in the eye. "Where you live doesn't make someone's life better. The Dursleys live in a very nice house, and they were very bad people. I own all these houses, but I don't have my parents to live there with me. The Burrow might not look like a castle or have wings, but there is love and kindness and comfort there. I don't ever want you to think that you're less than perfect because of where you grew up or who your family is. I think you're the most amazing girl ever. I don't like anyone picking on my girlfriend, even herself. Got it?"

Ginny lifted her head, so Harry stood straight. "Got it," she whispered before kissing him. "I think you're the most perfect boyfriend ever." The couple quickly rejoined the party inside the ballroom. As they were dashing in from the outside, Harry noticed Maggie and Sirius coming in from a somewhat concealed staircase just outside the ballroom. Maggie looked distracted and Sirius looked sad. As Remus saw the faces of his friends, he knew things hadn't gone well between them.

The guests had formed a circle, and Harry was surprised to see Patrick and Alvena Cumberbrandt, the current Merlin and his wife, standing with all eight members of the McMurray/O'Lachlan clan. Maggie was quite obviously avoiding looking at Sirius, or any of our group. It worried Harry.

"Blessed be the season of Yule," a burly man who had hair resembling Maggie's said. It was her father, Bran O'Lachlan. "Blessed be the young Virgin. Goddess who gives to her people a new born child." Bran pulled forth a large sword from its scabbard and sliced through the air, making an 'x' shape.

The assembled group replied; "Blessed be."

"Farewell Old Year. Farewell to the Holly King," Spoke the woman next to him, his wife Ríona McMurray O'Lachlan said. She then lifted her wand, levitated a branch from near her feet. When it was high in the air, she then aimed at the Holly and broke it in two. The remnants fell silently back to the floor.

"Blessed be," echoed through the large room in response.

"Welcome the New Year. Welcome the Oak King," a man who looked near in age to Maggie said. This was her younger brother, Stiofán. He levitated high a branch of oak from near his feet. With a flourish of his wand, the branch was engorged and floated above the dance floor.

"Blessed be."

"Blessed be the King of the Waxing year," the eldest man proclaimed. Liam McMurray might not be the master of this castle, but he was their distinguished elder. "I pray you will guide your children safely through this night." Liam raised his wand and conjured candles which settled themselves upon the log.

"Blessed be," the mass replied.

"Tonight one king dies so another king may live. The Goddess and God, the Holly and the Oak, the Dark and the Light, all preside side by side," Timothy O'Lachlan said in a resounding voice. He raised his wand and the candles were lit.

"Blessed be."

"Blessed be the Virgin, innocent and fresh," Maggie and her grandmother, Finnguala, said together. "Blessed be the Mother, fertile and loving. Blessed be the Crone, powerful and wise. Blessed be the Triple Goddess." Maggie lifted her wand and three huge scarves flew from the walls and hovered over the guests. One in white, one in green and the last in purple.

"Blessed be," was vowed again, this time with awe and wonder.

"All hail the Goddess as the moments mark down," Lorccan McMurray said. "May they bless us as the New Year comes." Lorccan removed his wand and a glass filled with sand. With a few flicks of his wrist, the sand turned to golden flecks, and soon flew from the glass, up to the fabric. When they reached the correct altitude, the gold transfigured again to strands and began to create intricate patterns on the scarves. All had their heads titled back, even Klytië, as they watched the golden swirls and designs. When no one spoke, Lorccan prompted them, "And the circle responds-"

"Blessed be," was muttered by a few.

"May we fondly remember the Holly King," the Merlin, Patrick, said. "May we embrace the Oak King. We now open our circle, but it is never broken. Blessed be."

"Blessed be," was said more fervently than the last time. The family broke from the middle, Timothy and Stiofán going to their wives and children, while Maggie walked over and took Sirius' hands in hers. She gave him an understanding smile and pulled their clasped hands up and rested them on her chest. Sirius leaned down and kissed her forehead.


The number ten formed on the fabric, and the golden ribbons counted down to the year 1996. The reunited pair shared in a passionate kiss to ring in the year. When they parted, Sirius laid his forehead against hers.

"I'm sorry -"

"Ya have nothing ta be sorry for," Maggie responded. "Do ya remember our fit year? Going slow is our pace. I'm happy ta have ya back, Sirius. De rest is superfluous."

"Ah, using those Galleon words again," Sirius teased and Maggie flipped her hair back. "Thank you for not running."

"Got no place I'd rader be, love." He kissed her again.

Next to them, Remus turned to face Klytië, blushing as he did, and leaned over and kissed her cheek at the clock struck twelve. She returned the gesture, whispering in his ear as well. "Thank you for showing me a lovely night. I do hope you'll stay with me to dawn."

"It would be my pleasure."

Lastly, there were the youngsters, who kissed languidly as the new year began. Remus gently nudging Harry made them break apart when they'd been at it for a good two minutes. Remus chuckled when they stopped, turning his back to them, to ask his impromptu date to dance.

"Here's to a new year and my new boyfriend," Ginny said, pulling her bottom lip with her top row of teeth.

"And to my new girlfriend and taking charge of my life." Harry quickly kissed her, rescuing her now swollen lip from its toothy torture.

"You keep talking about that, taking charge, being in control. Harry, what do you have planned?" Ginny asked, concerned she might not be part of his plans.

"If I tell you, you cannot tell anyone, or talk about it with anyone after the second. If you don't think you can stand up to Ron or Hermione or your Mum pestering you, I won't tell you."

"Harry, I have six brother who all confide in me, I can keep a secret, even under duress. I want to know, I want to help you if I can," she pleaded.

"Then come dance with me, Miss Weasley, and I shall tell you what is next for Lord Potter."


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