Another Marauder’s Sacrifice by Thegirlwhowrote7
Summary: The night of Halloween 1981 was when everything changed, when a good man laid down his life to save a child. Now years later the Potters return to the world they had left. For Harry Potter and his family this is only the beginning...
Rating: PG-13
Categories: Alternate Universe
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 2024.07.16
Updated: 2024.09.21
Index
Chapter 1: childhood
Chapter 2: war
Chapter 3: Aftermath
Chapter 4: Life Moves On
Chapter 5: Birthdays
Chapter 6: Sorting
Chapter 7: Date
Chapter 8: School days
Chapter 9: Christmas part one
Chapter 10: Christmas Part II
Chapter 11: Valentines
Chapter 12: Family Troubles
Chapter 13: Celebrations
Chapter 1: childhood
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 1: Childhood
“I don’t want to go,” screamed a very red faced six-year-old Harry Potter to his parents’ who were putting clothes into a trunk as a black grim changes into a human.
“You sort little prongs and little red. I will help Lily,” Sirius said taking the clothes James had in his hand as James scooped up his two oldest children, carrying them to a small rocking chair in the corner of the room, sitting them both on each knee.
“We have to,” James smiled cuddling his son and daughter. He hated the fact that his three children didn’t have a normal childhood.
“But why?” Harry cried.
“Because when you were only little and you were in mummy’s tummy,” James said tickling his children’s sides earning two small giggles from them. “You had a wonderful uncle his name was Remus, he was protecting you from a very bad man.”
“What happened to him?” Harry asked the question.
“He stopped the bad man from hurting you,” James explained. “Your mummy cast a spell to protect you and Remus used his own magic to power it.”
“So is the bad man still out there?” Harry inquired further looking a bit frightened. “Is that why we have to move again?”
“No, he’s gone,” James told them. “But his followers are still around but your Uncle Sirius, your mother and I won’t let them hurt you.”
“…Will we ever stop moving around?” little Rose asked her father.
“Hopefully this will be the last time” James answered with a smile. He looked up to see Sirius was watching him talk to Harry and Rose, that’s when he saw Lily walk back into the room with their three-year-old son Evan who had his mother bright red hair a lot like Rose but Rose was the spitting double of her mother whereas Evan looked like James and Harry but of course Harry had his mother’s eyes.
“Hey, do you two want to see some magic?” Sirius as pulled out his wand and pointed it at their father.
“Padfoot…” James warned trying to look stern.
“Wingarium Leviosa,” Sirius uttered as he waved the wand.
Harry and Rose laughed as their father was lifted into the air by the spell. He laughed himself as he held onto them.
That night the Potter family and Sirius Black moved out of the Boston apartment that they called home for the past six months landing outside of 12 Grimmauld Place. Albus Dumbledore had secured for them there was only a few that knew where the Potter family where and more to the point that the night of the thirty first of October James Potter didn’t die. Remus Lupin had used Polyjuice potion taking the place of his friend to save their lives but to the magical world James was dead and Lily was on the run with her only son Harry.
It was hard for James and Lily to watch their children grow up while they hid away from the magical world, they could go out in muggle world because they looked like any normal family. But they made sure their children still had fun memories including the time they took a break from Grimmauld Place for Rose’s birthday to a beach in Spain.
“I should be getting my letter for school, not sitting in a hotel room,” screamed Rose Potter for third time in an hour, her outburst was not helping her parents guilt.
“I know dear,” James sighed trying to open the door to the room his daughter was in. He was met by a fed-up grunt; James sighed turning back to face Lily who was holding a seven-year-old Evan on her knee who looked scared of his sister’s outburst. For being a Potter he was very timed; Harry sat beside his mother holding a wrapped up present.
“Can I try dad?” Harry asked getting up giving his dad a smile.
“Be my guest she has a temper like your mother,” James sighed before Lily give him her best death stare. “Case and point,” he laughed sitting beside his wife as Harry went over to the door sitting down beside it.
“Come on Rosy Red I have a present for you,” Harry said though the door the room stayed silent.
“I’m not Rosy Red I’m eleven,” Rose responded.
“What every Rosy Red,” Harry laughed all of a sudden, he’s lying flat on his back with his sister pouting at him and the laughter from his family. “Present?”
Rose grabs the present pulling the paper off and dropping it on Harry face. “My wand?” All of a sudden Harry is pulled to a sitting position and his sister is hugging him. “Thank you, you’re the best.”
James and Lily stared for a moment, their eyes flicking between the two of them as they hugged. Even after all these years they still had trouble trying to understand the whole dynamic between the two. Evan was straight forward and simple compared to these two when they were being utter terrors. After a few seconds of staring and wondering what just happened, they sighed and shook their heads.
They would never change…
“Come on I want to go the beach,” Evan said getting fed up of sitting around waiting he was promised a day at the beach with his siblings and parent instead his sister had sent a hour throwing a tantrum.
It wasn’t long before they finally left the hotel and made their way down to the beach. Once they arrived Lily quickly had them laying out towels on the sand and lay down. James planted a parasol next to them and sat down beside his wife. Evan had already sat down on the sand itself and was putting sand in his plastic castle. Rose was running down to the water and quickly dived in, getting a feel for it.
As for Harry…
Let’s just say there was no doubt that puberty had finally hit the Boy-Who-Lived and he definitely took notice of the opposite gender. Between the women lying around and swimming in the water all wearing bikinis he didn’t know where to look. His face burned as he found himself staring at more skin than he’d ever seen before and only snapped himself out of it when Sirius”in his Animagus form”came up beside him and with a knowing look gave him a long-wet lick across the side of his face.
“Ew!” he groaned as he pulled away. “Padfoot!”
“Don’t blame him,” James told him with a smirk. “We’ve been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes,” his smirk widened when he saw his son’s face turn almost crimson. “Your sister is going swimming and we’d rather she not be alone, so you go with her.”
“Erm okay,” Harry nodded and walked off towards the water.
“Honestly that boy sometimes,” Lily sighed and shook her head. “You’re going to have to give him the talk soon.”
“Hah,” James chuckled. “That’ll be fun.”
The family arrived back at Grimmauld Place later that night they give Rose more presents and she blow out her candles on her cake her and Evan were now in bed, but Harry was still awake. He couldn’t get to sleep after the day he’d had especially since his mind kept going back to what he’d seen on the beach. He knew that he’d liked girls, but he hadn’t been able to pull his eyes away from them. A knock on the door caught his attention and he looked up to the sight of his father sticking his head into the room.
“Hey Harry,” James said with a reassuring smile. “Had fun today?”
“Erm yeah dad,” Harry nodded.
“So,” James said as he closed the door behind him. He walked over to the bed and sat down. “I think its about time we had a talk.”
“A talk?” Harry asked suddenly feeling both nervous and frightened.
“Yes,” James nodded with a knowing look. “I know you’re getting to that age now where your body is changing and your noticing girls more.”
“Oh Merlin,” Harry uttered in mounting horror as he fled beneath his bed covers. “I think I know where this is going dad, and I don’t want to hear it.”
What followed was forty-five agonising minutes of extremely detailed information that his father supplied, mostly about women and what he could do with one. It pretty much boiled down to women are not objects so treat them right, don’t be forceful”unless they want you to be”and this goes there. After he was done explaining James left the room feeling both amused and sympathetic at the same time. Harry on the other hand was mortified and quickly decided that sleep was the best option to forget about it all. Idly James realised that he would have to do this all again when Evan eventually reached that age…
“Please tell me you didn’t scar our son that badly,” Lily spoke up from the bed.
“Oh he’ll be fine,” James waved off her concern as he got changed and climbed into bed. “Believe me, the talk I had with him was nothing compared to the one my own father gave me.”
“Dare I ask?” Lily asked half-amused.
“He thought it was a good idea to use transfiguration to better explain everything,” James winced at the memory. “I was twelve and I was that messed up afterwards I spent the summer holidays not able to look at anyone without my face turning red.”
“The horror,” Lily said completely unsympathetic. “My own talk was basically my mother telling me to always use protection.”
“I bet that was fun,” James grunted with amusement. “I could never stand those muggle bubble things you had.”
“It’s better without them,” Lily said as she suddenly rolled over and straddled his waist.
“Oh?” James mused as he stared up at her.
Her reply was to bring her lips crashing down on his…
---
The Potter family were sat around the breakfast table one morning nearing the end of October of 1994 when an owl arrived at the kitchen window it was very rare that the family got post, and it only ever brought news from Albus Dumbledore. Lily got up to receive the letter from the owl’s beak it had her name write across the front.
“I wonder what Dumbledore wants,” James said watching his wife sit back at the table opening the letter his face paled as she read thought the letter. “What is it?” he stood up walking behind the chair she sat on readding the letter over her. “Harry, can you take you brother and sister into another room,”
Harry could see the pale look on his mother’s face, so he didn’t argue he stood up leading his sibling out of the kitchen into the living room. Back in the kitchen Lily still seem shocked “I’m sorry Lil,” James said picked her up putting her on his knee tears slowly slipping down her face.
“I can’t believe they have killed my sister too,” Lily cried as James pulled her into him. “I know Petunia didn’t like me, but she was still my sister but her and Vernon didn’t deserve to be killed the same way my parents did at the hands of Death Eaters.”
“What do you want to do?” James asked a while after Lily had calmed down.
“I want my children; will you tell Harry and Rose? Also send Evan in here,” Lily answered as she stood up from James’s knee to allow him up. He disappeared into the living room; she knew she couldn’t tell her nine year old what had happened. It would scare him; Lily heard the sound of feet come running in and straight into his mothers’ arms. Ten minutes later Harry and Rose came in followed by James they all gathered around the seat Lily sat on hugging her.
“We love you mum,” Evan said as a lone tear ran down Lilys face.
---
It was midway through December of 1994 when James Potter in a burst of genius”or insanity”decided to take his two sons out shopping in the middle of Muggle London. Christmas shoppers were everywhere and yet despite it all, James still thought it was a good idea to go to a shopping centre. There was one place in particular he wanted to go to and his only regret was that Sirius wasn’t here with them.
It was time to educate his sons on the wonders of pranks…
“Dad, where are we going?” Harry asked the question after quite a bit of walking.
“Just a little further,” James replied as he pointed forward. “It’s just up ahead.”
“This better be worth it,” Evan grumbled.
It wasn’t long before they were standing in front of weird shop with clowns of all things standing outside. Personally, Harry was a bit creeped out by them and that was before he realised that he couldn’t tell if they were real or not. Evan on the other hand ignored the clowns entirely and walked right on into the shop. James chuckled to himself as he followed his youngest son inside. Once inside Evan could do nothing but stare at the muggle prank items on display ranging from guns that shot a piece of paper out of its end with the word ‘bang’ written on it to the classic woopy cushion itself.
“This is wizard,” Evan grinned widely as he looked over the stuff they had.
“What do you think?” James asked the question.
“This place is great,” Evan answered as he ran off down one of the aisles.
As for Harry…
“…This is going to be a long day,” Harry sighed as he followed his brother deeper into the shop.
It was a little over an hour later by the time they finally left the shop and Evan was struggling to carry all the things he’d bought. Harry on the other hand hadn’t gotten anything since there had been nothing there that he fancied getting for himself. After another few hours’ shopping”in which Harry bought a couple of football books”they finally Apparated back to Grimmauld Place and made their way into living room.
A couple of hours later Evan had showed his mum and sister everything he had got at the muggle joke shop.
“EVAN SIRIUS POTTER!!!!” Lilly shouted thought the house after she sat on a chair to be meet with sound of a woopy cushion and Evan, James and Sirius laughing.
“The Marauders have been reborn,” Sirius cheered.
---
It was around noon when Sirius Black made his way through the Diagon Alley towards Gringotts Bank, his disillusionment charm keeping him from being recognized. Earlier that morning as he was eating breakfast with the Potters, a lone owl had delivered a letter from the notorious goblin bankers of Gringotts. Wildfang wanted to see him and hadn’t told him anything in the letter.
It must be serious then…
He entered through the main doors and walked towards one of the tellers. “Hello, could I speak with Account Manager Wildfang?” he inquired.
“Name?” the goblin asked back.
“Sirius Black,” he replied quietly.
“…Follow me,” the goblin said after a minute and stood up.
Sirius followed him into a side room away from the main entrance, making sure he wasn’t spotted by passing wizards or witches. Once inside the goblins motioned for him to take a seat on the chair in front of a small desk, one that was familiar to the dark-haired wizard. It wasn’t long before Wildfang arrived and sat down, looking as unimpressed as ever. Sirius personally never liked dealing with goblins but he couldn’t deny that Wildfang was professional if nothing else.
“Sirius Black,” Wildfang began with a gruff. “I’ll get straight to the point, you’re an idiot.”
Blunt as always…
“Dare I ask why you think that?” Sirius groaned as he leaned back in his chair. “It’s been years, you old garden gnome and you still think that?”
“This time its true,” Wildfang shot back and slapped down a folder in front of him. “Take a look.”
Sirius blinked in confusion as he took the folder and opened it. Inside was series of bank statements and a wizarding photo, showing a little newborn baby. There was a line of words attached to the top of the folder, one that he had to check twice to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. It read ‘Heiress of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black’ and above it were the names Sirius Black and Catherine Jones.
“…Is this a joke?” Sirius asked the question.
“I wish,” Wildfang gritted out. “The paperwork I woke up to this morning seemed to have doubled overnight. Though I suppose congratulations are in order Lord Black, it’s a girl.”
“I have a daughter…” Sirius trailed off in shock. “How? When?”
“I’m sure you know damn well how,” Wildfang shot back with a glare. “Gringotts was contacted by St Mungos last night after one of their patients died in childbirth, a Muggleborn witch by the name of Catherine Jones. She didn’t even get a chance to name the baby but tests done later were able to identify the father”that’s you”and since they couldn’t find you they came to us. Now her name is on our accounts and the number of documents I have to go through every day has increased.”
“I have a daughter…” Sirius repeated as his mind seemed to be stuck in a loop.
“Black,” Wildfang hissed snapping him out of it. “I have files to sort so the sooner you go and pick up your new offspring, the soon you can fill out the rest of her folder! I have work to do and the longer you stall, the longer it’ll take me.”
“Right”yes”I’m going,” Sirius stammered unsure what to say or do.
He left the room and made his way back outside, absently casting a notice-me-not charm and disappearing into the crowd. After walking for a bit he Apparated back to Grimmauld Place and entered the house. Sirius couldn’t believe that he had a daughter, but Wildfang wouldn’t have contacted him if he wasn’t certain. He needed to talk to James and Lily before going to St Mungos, for advice if nothing else.
She didn’t even have a name yet…
Arriving back with a pop James and Lily where still sat where they were s when he left, he sat down with a thump caused the two to look at him. “What did they want?” James asked but Sirius didn’t answer James and Lily shared a look.
“Sirius what happened?” Lily asked.
“I have a ….” Sirius trailed off not still believing it “You have what?” James asked growing more confused by his best friend.
“A daughter,” Sirius half whispered James and Lily looked at him then at each other. “Did you just say daughter?” Lily screeched.
“How old is she? Did this happen during school?” James asked but got no reply. “Where is she?” again Sirius didn’t answer just stared forward.
“Answer us you scruffy mutt!” Lily shouted bring Sirius back to them.
“In St Mungos and newborn,” Sirius answered finally. “Her mother Is dead,”
“Sirius what happened?” Lily asked not believing her ears.
“Do you remember Catherine Jones from school,” Sirius said.
“Yeah, blonde year below us big …,” James trailed under stare of his wife.
“Yeah, that’s the one,” Sirius replied slowly still not really making.
“Why haven’t you gone to get her yet?” Lily asked still very much confused. “You are going to get her Sirius, aren’t you?”
“Yes of course, she doesn’t even have a name,” Sirius said they had never seen Sirius Black so silent.
“Well go,” Lily shout before Sirius stood and with a pop he was gone. Lily looked at her husband in amazement. “I didn’t think your best friend could be any more of a idiot but there you go,”
“He is a good man, but he has his faults you know him Lil,” James said with his head in his hands.
“I know we will help him,” Lily said putting her hand on her husband’s back.
A couple of hours later Sirius arrived back with a bundle in his arms James and Lily jump up as soon as he arrives as their children watch on Sirius had a wide smile as he handed Lily the baby to Lily, James could see his friends’ hands shaking pulling his friend into a hug as Lily stared down at the sleepy baby. “She’s gorgeous Sirius,” Lily said with a smile.
“What am I going to do?” Sirius questioned still looking shook up.
“Name her,” James pointed out.
“I don’t have any ideas,” Sirius said by this point Lily had sat down so her children could look at the new baby.
“Theodora,” Evan said out of nowhere. “That’s a pretty name,” Roses commented running her finger over the baby’s hand.
“Theodora Catherine Black,” Sirius said.
It looked like their weird little family had just expanded…
Chapter 2: war
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 2: War
A low beeping noise sounded through the house as Lily quickly rushed down the stairs, throwing her jacket on over herself as she entered the cellar. At the back where there had once been a mountain of dark artefacts and other assorted items now lay the familiar sight of the floating cylinder and rotating orange arrow. It was pointing north, and she had a feeling that she knew exactly where.
Ever since Sirius had inherited the Headship of the Black Family and the house that came with it, they had made sure it was completely cleared of everything dangerous. The Blacks were known for their dark magic and the house absolutely reeked of it. One of the things they had found when they moved in was a locket in the possession of the Black’s family House-elf called Kreacher. After Sirius ordered him to tell them where he got it, they soon discovered that it was Sirius’ brother Regulus Black that had not only betrayed Voldemort but also managed to bring the locket to Grimmauld Place.
According to Regulus it had been the Voldemort’s greatest secret…
Needless to say, Lily had thrown herself into researching what it was and with the Black Family Library right there for her to look through it didn’t take her long to discover its secrets. It was a Horcrux”a container for a piece of Voldemort’s soul”and as long as it existed then the Dark Lord would never truly die. It had taken time, but Lily had created an artefact to locate any other Horcruxes that Voldemort created and Sirius destroyed the Locket with Fiendfyre of all things since it seemed to be the only thing that worked. Using the Locator Beacon she had created, James and Sirius began hunting down the remaining Horcruxes one by one.
One they had found in an old shack in Little Hangleton and had to ask Albus Dumbledore’s help in retrieving it. It was a ring with another was found in a vault at Gringotts belonging to Bellatrix Lestrange, a known Death Eater sentenced to Azkaban Prison. Sirius took great pleasure in dissolving her marriage contract and seizing the contents of her vault. James and Lily nearly had a heart attack when in 1993 their eldest son Harry Potter disappeared one day only to be found by Dumbledore at Hogwarts. The Locator Beacon had somehow sent Harry to some kind of dark underground complex that Dumbledore later explained was the fabled Chamber of Secrets. Fawkes had felt him suddenly appear inside Hogwarts and flamed down into the chamber. Together with the Sorting Hat they had killed the monster inside the chamber, destroyed another Horcrux and saved the girl that it was trying to consume.
It had been Harry’s first real interaction with the monster that would one day become Voldemort…
Now the Locator Beacon was picking up another of the accursed things…
“Another one…” Lily trailed off as she examined the artefact.
“Lily?” James asked from the doorway.
“…We’re going to Hogwarts,” she told him. “Right now.”
“Why Hogwarts?” James blinked in surprise.
“Call it a hunch,” Lily replied as she walked past him.
Their eldest son had appeared at the stairs…
“Mum? Dad? What’s going on?” Harry asked them. “Is it another one?”
“Harry,” Lily smiled and pulled him into a hug. “Yes, there’s one up north so we’re going to go and find it.”
“I’m coming with you,” Harry said clearly.
“No, you’re not kiddo,” Sirius spoke up from behind them.
“I’m not a kid anymore,” the Boy-Who-Lived said back.
“No, you’re not,” James agreed with a nod. “You’re of age now but Rose and Evan aren’t. It’ll be dangerous”there’s no doubt about that”but if you come with us and the worst should happen, who will be there for them? You’re needed here son…”
“…Damn it,” Harry gritted out and nodded. “Okay.”
“…James, Sirius, let’s go,” Lily spoke up as she walked past her son.
A few moments later they had left the house and disappeared with a pop…
--
The first thing they noticed upon arriving at the gates of Hogwarts was the wards were up at full power and Dumbledore was standing there waiting for them. He looked grim as he saw them approach, their wands in hand expecting the worst. Behind him was Professor Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress of the school and their former Head of House. The night was starting to set in when they crossed onto the school grounds and stood before them.
“What are you all doing here?” McGonagall asked the question.
“We’ve found another one,” Lily answered as she looked over at the Headmaster. “Take a look,” she said as she handed the Locator Beacon over to Dumbledore.
He examined it for a moment before nodding and point it at the castle, its orange arrow changing direction slightly. “Yes, I believe you are right,” he agreed. “We must make haste.”
Just then he felt more than saw a brief impact against the wards over the castle and looked off into the distance. Though it was dark he could see movement, though it was still a fair bit away, but he knew this presence well. There was no doubt, Voldemort was coming, and he was bringing his army of darkness with him. There wasn’t much time. Especially if the Dark Lord suspected that they had been hunting down his Horcruxes and destroying them.
“Minerva, would you kindly send a message to the rest of the Order and the Ministry. It seems we are about to have company,” Dumbledore suggested. “James, Lily, Sirius, find the Horcrux and destroy it. I will lead the defences and stop Voldemort here. Go, quickly now.”
“I’ll see to it,” McGonagall confirmed.
“…Good luck Professor,” James said finally as they turned and ran towards the castle.
Albus only prayed that he could buy them time…
--
True to her word Professor McGonagall found the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, infamous Auror Alaster ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody who then contacted both the Order and the Ministry. By the time they arrived Voldemort’s servants”his Death Eaters”and creatures descended upon the castle. The wards”powerful though they were”could only take so much punishment before they fell. After being almost constantly bombarded by spells from the Death Eaters for almost an hour to seemingly little effect Voldemort himself stepped up and unleashed a blast of pure magic at the castle. The wards fell soon after and the army of darkness swarmed in like a legion of the damned.
Thankfully the defenders had not been idle and had set up defences to hopefully withstand the attack. Reinforcements from the Ministry and the Order soon arrived to bolster the defences. Inside the castle itself James, Lily and Sirius reached a door that they were pretty sure had never been there when they’d attended school here. They entered through it and found themselves inside a large room that seemed filled with an assortment of artefacts.
“What is this place?” Sirius asked in wonder.
“It looks like Hogwarts still has a few secrets left we didn’t find out about after all,” James commented.
“…This way,” Lily spoke up as she guided them deeper into the room.
They made their way through the seemingly never-ending piles of artefacts and soon found themselves turning a corner. Their wands came up as they came face to face with three Death Eaters, each of which the recognized easily. One was Peter Pettigrew, an old friend turned traitor and who had sold them out to Voldemort back in 1981. The second was Fenrir Greyback, leader of the werewolves and the monster who turned their friend Remus Lupin into one of them. The last was Severus Snape, Lily’s childhood friend and the man who effectively set her son up to die.
“Lily…” Severus trailed off in surprise only to stare in shock as the man he hated above all”James Potter”stepped between them. “Potter,” he spat the name as if it were a curse. “You’re supposed to be dead.”
“Stupefy!” Sirius called out as he threw a stunning spell at the Death Eaters.
Greyback laughed as he deflected the spell and threw a barrage of brownish curses back, each one setting fire to the bookcases behind them. James threw himself to the side, to avoid a curse from Snape as Sirius backed off and took cover. Peter tried to flee rather than face his former friends whom he betrayed but was hit in the back by a Reductor curse from James before he could take cover. Snape on the other hand had escaped out of another door that had materialized near them, but Lily was right behind him, her wand held tightly in her hand. As Greyback continued to hurl curses at James and Sirius, they quickly ducked behind an overturned set of desks.
“Lily’s gone after Snape!” James yelled over the sound of cracks as more and more of their surroundings broke apart. “We need to find that Horcrux now!”
“Where’s the Beacon?!” Sirius yelled as he pointed his wand at the desks they were using as cover.
“Right here!” James shouted as he held up the Locator Beacon. Lily had dropped it before taking off after Snape and he had grabbed it. “It’s pointing to somewhere behind Greyback!”
“Get ready to run for it!” Sirius called out as he unleashed strongest spell. “Fiendfyre!”
A torrent of fire and death sprang forth forcing him to drop his wand. Greyback was surprised as the flames engulfed him and started to spread at an alarming rate. James and Sirius didn’t stick around and wait, instead throwing themselves through the doorway and closing it behind them. The Horcrux”a Diadem once belong to Rowena Ravenclaw”was consumed and its soul fragment destroyed in a matter of seconds along with everything else in the Room of Requirement.
Elsewhere in the castle Severus Snape ran like his life depended on it, unable to face the woman he ‘loved’ and still in shock over seeing the hated James Potter alive. He was certain that his accursed childhood bully was killed in Godric’s Hollow back in 1981 but somehow he was there and so was Lily. He still remembered the day that he called Lily a Mudblood and threw his lot in with the Death Eaters. He wanted her for himself”he always had”but the next thing he knew she was in the arms of the one person he hated the most, James Potter. He was overjoyed when he found out that Voldemort had killed Potter and Lily survived because then he could finally have her all to himself. It would have been even better if Potter’s spawn had perished too but that had apparently been too much to ask.
Only James Potter was alive…
Impossible…
“Depulso!” he heard the familiar voice call out from behind him. A second later he had to throw himself to the side as several large chunks of debris smashed down on the ground where he’d been standing. Lily was there, her wand raised and glowing a fiery red. Her green eyes were ablaze with fury as she stalked towards him, a curse on her tongue. “Where are you going Sev? Aren’t you happy to see me?”
“Lily I…” Snape trailed off unsure what to say.
“I know what you did Sev,” Lily told him. “It took some digging, but we found out from Aberforth that you were the one who told Voldemort the prophecy and set us up to be murdered. What? Did you think if Voldemort killed my husband and son that I would be yours?”
“That’s not what I-” he started to deny even though he knew her words were spot on.
“Don’t lie to me,” Lily almost growled at him. “Because of you Remus died to protect my son, because of you we’ve spent the last nineteen years in hiding, and now you’re going to pay for it.”
“Protego!” Snape quickly cast a shield spell.
“Incendio,” Lily uttered as flames shot forth from her wand.
The flames struck the ground where Snape stood, striking the small almost completely unnoticeable runes carved into the debris. The small amount of blood she had splattered on it caused it to pulse once and then spring up, engulfing the Potions Master’s body. He screamed as James and Sirius appeared from the end of the corridor. The last thing he saw as his body was burned to a crisp was the sight of James wrapping his arms around Lily and holding her close while Sirius laughed.
--
Back at Grimmauld Place, Harry sat on the couch with his brother staring at the fireplace as the worry he felt started to mount the longer his parents and Sirius were away. Little Theodora Black was playing on the floor with her toys since being a four-year-old she didn’t really understand where her father and their parents had gone. He should have gone with them, after all that was why he was here. Right? The prophecy”ramblings of an old fraud though they were”clearly said that it would all come down to him or Voldemort. But Voldemort wouldn’t stay dead until after all of his Horcruxes were destroyed and that’s why they needed to be found first.
“Are mum and dad going to be okay?” Evan asked the question.
“I’m sure they’re fine,” Rose answered from beside the doorway.
Just as he was about to say something, the sudden feeling of what he could only describe as vertigo hit him. His vision swam for a moment as the living room he sat in disappeared. A second later his vision returned, and he found that he couldn’t move. He was outside in what looked like a courtyard, his wand in his hand and was in the midst of trading spells with an very familiar old man.
“You will not win here tonight, Tom,” Dumbledore spoke clearly from across the courtyard. “Reinforcements are on their way.”
“Do not call me that,” Harry felt himself sneer. “Bring all of the fools if you must, it will not make any difference to me.”
Again they clashed, throwing spell after spell at each other, each more deadly than the last. Around them other witches and wizards were duelling as metal statues with sword and shields fought all manner of dark creatures. Harry saw it all, felt it all, and yet he knew it wasn’t him that was there. Eventually he managed to break through Dumbledore’s guard and wrenched the old man’s wand out of his hand. Dumbledore fell to his knees, injured but alive and watched as he caught the wand.
“Tom…you…” Dumbledore trailed off as he stared.
“My servants will withdraw for now so you can recover your dead with dignity,” he spoke clearly as his forces started to fall back. “Bring me Harry Potter, or I will personally kill every last man, woman and child in Hogwarts. You have one hour,” he declared before turning away and started walking to where his forces were regrouping. “Come Nagini.”
No…
Suddenly Harry felt himself return to normal and looked around frantically. He was back in the living room at Grimmauld Place and his siblings were both there looking at him worriedly. Even little Theodora was looking at him worriedly. He checked himself over and found that he was back in his own body, thankfully. That was horrible, listening and watching through that thing’s eyes and ears. How could that happen though? His scar maybe? But how could it be? It’s not like it was somehow connected to Voldemort…
No way…
That was impossible…
A sudden weight settled on his stomach as he stood up sharply and he tried to breathe. The Locator Beacon used the destroyed remains of the Locket Horcrux to track down the others even though it no longer had a soul fragment inside it. So, by that logic any Horcrux would naturally be able to connect and locate others like it. Harry knew he wasn’t a Seer so visions like what he just experienced couldn’t happen, but he was a Parselmouth which he’d gotten from his scar. On top of that a couple years ago he’d had a vision of Voldemort’s snake too,
His Scar was a Horcrux…
And so was the snake he’d bet…
“Bro, are you okay?” Evan asked looking at her older brother worriedly.
“…We need to go to Hogwarts now,” Harry told them as he held out his hands. “Come on.”
Confused but unwilling to let him go alone, they all grabbed his hands and they all disappeared with a pop. Harry silently thanked his father for the lessons on Apparation as they reappeared in the courtyard he’d seen in his vision. Voldemort and his followers were long gone but some of the defenders were still there combing the debris for survivors as well as recovering the bodies of those that had already died. He heard Rose gasp at the sight as he looked around, spotting a number of people disappearing into a large building at the other side of the courtyard. It didn’t take them long to enter it and they soon found themselves a large hall that had been effectively turned into a makeshift hospital.
“Are you sure that you’re okay Fred?” a familiar girl with red hair asked from the side. Harry blinked in surprise as he recognized her, though she was admittedly a bit older and dare he say more beautiful than he remembered from his misadventures in the Chamber of Secrets.
“I’m fine Ginny,” spoke a boy with red hair and a bandage covering his head. “It’s just a scratch.”
“Just don’t overdo it,” she told him. Other people with red hair appeared around them and started talking amongst themselves with the adults fretting over their children.
It was enough for Harry to come to a decision…
He couldn’t let them all die…
“Excuse me,” Harry said as he stepped towards them.
“Yes dear?” asked Molly Weasley. “What is it?”
“Can you please look after my family?” Harry asked her. “There’s something I have to take care of, and I’d rather not leave them on their own.”
“Of course dear,” Molly nodded in agreement. “Much too young to be tangled up in this mess.”
“Thank you,” Harry said before turning to his family. “Rose, Evan, I want you to stay here, okay? I have to go and do something.”
“Do you have to go?” Evan asked the question.
“Yeah, what about mum and dad?” Rose inquired further.
“I’m sure that they’re here somewhere,” Harry responded as he hugged them for what he felt would be the last time. “I love you both,” he said before walking away.
“We love you too,” Rose whispered after him.
They would believe in him until the end…
Harry walked through the school grounds, now covered by his family’s infamous invisibility cloak, and descended towards the Forbidden Forest where he could fell Voldemort was residing. On the way he spotted a pair of familiar faces walking in the opposite direction and recognized them immediately as his parents. They looked injured and exhausted but still relatively healthy.
“Come on James,” Lily said as she half-dragged her husband towards the Great Hall. “We’re almost there.”
“Just…need…to…catch…my…breath…” James heaved in response.
Harry watched as they passed him and disappeared into the castle, the last of his reservations leaving him. He was scared of what was to come but, in the end, what he was about to do would keep his family safe. He could run away but at this point he was sick of running. That had been his life story since before he was even born. Stay hidden, run away, disappear, and stay away.
It was time to end this…
He reached the clearing and saw him for the first time properly. Voldemort, the monster that had been after him since before he was born all because of a prophecy that said Harry could defeat him. While it was true that Harry could defeat him, there was no way for him to do so without dying himself first so that the Horcrux in his scar could be destroyed. Harry bitterly glared up at the monster whose eyes suddenly shone in triumph, as if he had finally achieved his greatest desire.
“Harry Potter…the Boy-Who-Lived…have you come to die?” Voldemort uttered. “Avada Kedevra!”
The last thing he saw was a flash of green light…
A second later his eyes snapped open and all he saw was white. He was on a beach of all things and could hear splashing noises as if a stone was striking the water. Turning around he saw a man standing not too far away, skipping stones across the water again and again. Confused, Harry stood up and nearly fell over when he tripped over something. Looking down he saw what looked like a small, mutilated Voldemort lying in the sand beside him, obviously in pain.
“I wouldn’t worry about that thing,” the man spoke up. “It’s beyond saving at this point.”
“You’re Remus Lupin,” Harry said as approached him. “I recognize you from the pictures.”
“It’s been a long time Harry,” Remus smiled sadly. “Though I wished it was longer.”
“…I’m dead then huh?” Harry mused.
“Not quite,” Remus answered. “When Voldemort’s killing curse hit you, it also hit that thing over there,” he said as he gestured at the mutilated Voldemort. “If you want to, you can go back.”
“Go back?” Harry questioned. “To what? Voldemort has an army and he’s strong enough to beat Dumbledore! What can I do?”
“You can beat him,” Remus said with a smile as he pulled the boy into a hug. “Everyone believes in you, me included.”
“…Why?” Harry asked the question.
“Because when it comes down to it, you will always do what’s right instead of what’s easy,” Remus answered simply. “It was something Dumbledore used to tell me about the nature of people’s choices.”
It would be so easy to just move on and let someone else deal with Voldemort. He was tempted”sweet Merlin he was tempted”but in the end he knew that Remus was right. Harry could never imagine himself taking a step back and letting someone else deal with his problems. Voldemort had come after him, brought an army to wage war and threatened everything. After all these years hiding in the Muggle World, he wanted to experience the Wizarding World.
And for that Voldemort had to go…
“I’m going back.”
--
The moment that Lily Potter stepped into the Great Hall she knew something was wrong, she could feel it. It was as if someone had ripped her heart out and crushed it. Thankfully James was there to catch her before she fell over, and she shakily sat down on a bench. Sirius followed in after them and took a seat on the bench beside her. She took a deep breath before she caught a flash of red in the corner of her eye and turned to look. She recognized the Weasleys straight away however standing near them were two other redheads, ones she knew were not Weasleys.
“Rose! Evan! What are you doing here?!” Lily yelled startling everyone around her.
“Mum! Dad!” the two children ran over and hugged them. “Harry brought us.”
“Harry?” James asked suddenly going pale. “Where’s Harry?”
Footsteps started to echo from outside and Lily took off running. “Sirius! Keep the kids safe!” she yelled as she ran.
She stepped out into the courtyard as the familiar form of the Dark Lord strode forward, his army at his back and a large figure beside him covered in chains. It was Hagrid standing there with tears streaking down his face as he held a body in his arms, one that Lily and James recognized.
“Harry Potter is dead!” Voldemort declared to them all.
“No!” Lily screamed as she raised her wand.
“Silence!” Voldemort exclaimed as he wandlessly knocked her back. “Or you shall share his fate.”
“Monster!” James snarled in anger as he helped Lily stand back up.
“He was caught trying to flee, abandoning you all to save himself,” Voldemort proclaimed to them all. “The prophecy is fulfilled, and you have lost, old man. Surrender and I shall be merciful.”
Albus Dumbledore stepped forth slowly, his body still recovering from his wounds from his last duel. He clutched his old wand”his original wand”and sighed deeply. Despite his age and the loss of the Elder Wand, he was still a formidable wizard. With the prophecy fulfilled”though it wasn’t the outcome he desired”Voldemort could now be killed by anyone who could get a lucky spell in.
“It’s not over yet Tom,” Dumbledore told him. “Even in the darkest of times there shines a light.”
A sudden jolt of movement caught everyone’s attention as the body in Hagrid’s hands suddenly moved on its own. Harry Potter threw himself out of Hagrid’s arms and shot to his feet. He reached into his pocket and took out his wand. Voldemort could only stare in shock for a moment as did his army and those precious seconds cost them. That brief time allowed Harry’s magic to latch onto Nagini and pulled it towards him.
“Accio Nagini!” Harry called out as his free hand reached into the mokeskin pouch on his hip. In one swift motion he reached in with his free hand and pulled a familiar blade with rubies embedded in it. The Sword of Gryffindor”imbued with the venom of the Basilisk he slew five years ago”cut clean through Nagini’s head in one swing. Voldemort hissed on rage at the sight and brought his wand up. “Expelliarmus!”
“Avada Kedevra!”
The two spells collided in mid-air and clashed, locking against each other in crimson and emerald light. Shockwaves pulsed out, obliterating a pair of Death Eaters that were too closed to the Dark Lord. Dozens of Death Eaters fled, choosing to Apparate away rather than face the Boy-Who-Wouldn’t-Die or their Master who looked like he might actually lose against him. The defenders including James and Lily quickly brough their wands up and started throwing spells at the unsettled army of darkness, taking advantage of the confusion as much as they possibly could.
On one side of the battlefield Bellatrix Lestrange tried to curse Ginny in the back as the latter fought alongside her friend Hermione Granger against the slippery Lucius Malfoy. Between the two of them they were quickly able to overwhelm him and leave him crippled on the ground. Bellatrix’s curse was deflected by a vengeful Molly Weasley whom proceeded to shatter her body with a well-placed return spell.
“It’s over Tom Riddle!” Harry yelled as beam started to ‘shake’ and crack the ground around them.
“No! I am immortal!” Voldemort roared back. “I will not be beaten by a mere child!”
It was too late; the magic connected the two exploded outwards and knocked them both to the ground. The blast sent their wands spinning into the air and clattering to the ground in front of them. Harry was the first to recover and he quickly lunged for his wand. He grasped it tightly as he threw all of his magic into one single spell. Voldemort didn’t have time to rise before the most powerful spell Harry knew hit him dead center in the chest.
“Fulmen Maxima!”
Lightning flashed and thunder sounded across the battlefield as Voldemort’s body was struck by a dozen thunderbolts in a matter of seconds. His body”held together with dark magic and blood”fell apart and what remained of soul appeared to dissolve into nothingness. Finally, the lightning strikes stopped, and everything fell silent. Harry Potter stood for a moment before walking forward and picking up the Elder Wand. He raised it high and then fell back onto his bum.
A split second later was when the cheers sprang up from around him…
Chapter 3: Aftermath
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 3: Aftermath
“HARRY!” Harry heard his name being shouted as he sat on the floor in a daze. He felt people hug him, but it wasn’t until Lily said his name again that he registered where he was and that his parents were hugging him. He could feel people’s eyes on him as he felt himself being dragged until he was sat at a table with siblings and parents beside him. Other witches and wizards had arrived and were helping where they could. “Let me take a look at you.”
“I’m fine mum,” he said to reassure her. It was an hour later his mother had done nothing but fret over him. “Please mum I just need a breath of fresh air.”
“The last time I left you, you ended up dead,” Lily cried out.
“Mum I’m fine please,” Harry half begged, and all Lily could do was nod. Harry got up walking back out of the hall he was sat in, making his way out to the courtyard where he fought the Dark Lord. He walked until he got to a grassy area, he didn’t know how long he had sat there for before someone walked towards him.
“Hey, are you alright?” asked a familiar girl with red hair.
“Hey, yeah, sorry this place is amazing,” Harry said as he gazed out at the grounds.
“It looks better without the rubble,” the girl joked again. “I’m Ginny Weasley by the way,”
“I know,” Harry smiled as she sat beside him.
“What do you mean you know?” Ginny asked confused.
“I met you five years ago but you unconscious in the chamber,” Harry explained hearing gasp from beside him.
“How?” Ginny questioned.
“My mum created an artefact that could track things like the diary,” Harry told her. “It tracked it to the Chamber and decided to bring me along for the ride. I destroyed the diary and killed the Basilisk. I got you out of there and took you to Dumbledore. I’m sorry I left before you woke up, but I couldn’t stay…”
“I always wondered what happened, but no one told me,” she told him.
“How did you deal with him in your head?” Harry asked.
“I didn’t, no one knew how to help me,” Ginny told him truthfully.
“I found out earlier today I could see into his mind for the past nearly seventeen years,” Harry told her. “I thought they were nightmares.”
“Then you know what it’s like,” Ginny said, and Harry just nodded.
“It’s over now he’s gone,” Harry smiled.
“It’s embarrassing,” Ginny laughed. “I grew up with the stories of the Boy-Who-Lived now I’m talking to you.”
“I’m not that boy,” Harry said. “I’m just Harry Potter.”
“Well then just Harry Potter I hope we can be friends,” Ginny smiled.
“I would like that,” Harry smiled. “Thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for?” Ginny asked.
“Not staring at me like I’m some freakshow and talking to me. Since I got here people have done nothing but that,” Harry explained.
“Hopefully it will calm down soon,” Ginny smiled.
“I don’t think so, but I can hope,” Harry said as he leaned back to stand up “I should probably head back before my mum sends out a search party.”
“I will walk back with you case you get lost,” Ginny said, and Harry held out his hand to help her up. “I’ve met your family they seem lovely.”
“They are the best,” Harry smiled.
“Your little brother seems to like my twin brothers,” Ginny told him. “Something about him knowing they own a joke shop.”
“Yeah, that will do it, he loves anything to do with jokes and pranks,” Harry laughed as they walked back into the castle. They walked back into the Great Hall and Ginny lead them to where her family stood with his. Harry saw his dad and Sirius standing watching as he walked beside Ginny towards them.
“You two look friendly,” Sirius smiled as Theodora leant out of her dad’s arms towards Harry, Rose and Evan give him a hug now that he was on his feet.
“Shut up Sirius,” Harry said earning a smile from Sirius and James.
“It’s lovely to meet you Mister Potter,” Arthur said holding out his hand to Harry. “I’m Arthur Weasley.”
“It’s nice to meet you Mister Weasley,” Harry said shaking his hand.
“And this is my wife Molly, my sons Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, and Ron. Bill’s wife Fleur, and I have heard you’ve met my daughter Ginny,” Arthur said pointing to each person Harry gave a smile to the Weasley family.
---
The week following the war had been a strange one for the Potters, especially for Harry, Rose and Evan. For the first time in the lives, they were able to be in Wizarding World. The Daily Prophet the day after the war read ‘HARRY POTTER DEFEATS THE DARK LORD AND JAMES POTTER IS ALIVE. But no mention of the true man that give his life for the Potters to live. Albus dumbledore had left the school to get treatment at St Mungo’s but had returned after a couple of days under promise he would rest. The students had also been sent home with promise that the school would be back open on the first of September leaving only people to do with the order who had agreed to help rebuild the school.
James and Lily had pointed their son to where he could speak to the headmaster. He had knocked on the door to be met with the reply of. “Enter,” spoke Albus Dumbledore the day after the final battle. Harry walked into a large room with Albus sitting in a large chair behind a desk. “It’s been a while Mister Potter; I always imagined you would walk the halls of this castle like your parents once did.”
Harry had only met the headmaster a couple a times but the last time was when at the age of eleven Dumbledore dropped Harry’s wand off. “I thought I should return this Sir,” Harry said laying the elder wand on the desk. Dumbledore picked it up, looked at it then placed it back down.
“Keep it, I have no use for it,” the old man told him.
“Why sir? You are okay, aren’t you?” Harry asked concerned.
“I’m fine, don’t you worry for me but I’m a hundred and sixteen. I think its my time to step down,” Dumbledore explained.
“But who would replace you?” Harry asked him.
“I believe Minerva McGonagall will be a marvellous replacement,” Dumbledore smiled standing up from behind the desk picking up a small box. “Speaking Professor McGonagall I have been told she would like to speak to your parents and siblings if you could tell them.”
“I will do Sir,” Harry responded with a smile before picking up the Elder Wand. “Thank you for this sir.”
“My pleasure Mister Potter,” Dumbledore nodded before reaching into his robes. “Ah, before I forget there is something I would like to give you,” he said as he held out the box. “Tell me, have your parents ever told you the story of the Beedle and the Bard?”
“You mean about the three brothers?” Harry asked confused. “My dad used to tell me it before bed.”
“The story is true,” the soon to be former Headmaster told him. “Your ancestor was Ignotus Peverell, the youngest of the three brothers and bearer of the Cloak of Invisibility.”
“That’s…” Harry trailed off not sure what to say.
“The wand you now hold is the Elder Wand once wielded by the eldest of the three brothers,” Dumbledore explained. “I won it from Grindelwald years and lost it to Voldemort during the battle. When you bested Voldemort, you gained its allegiance and so now only you can wield it properly.”
He opened the box to reveal a small almost otherworldly stone…
“Don’t tell me this is the stone?” Harry half-asked in shock.
“Indeed,” Dumbledore confirmed as he handed him the stone. “This is the Resurrection Stone that once belonged to the last of the three brothers.”
“Where did you find it?” Harry inquired as he examined the artefact.
“Voldemort is also descended from the Peverells and was in possession of the stone though I do not believe I knew what it really was. It was attached to Slytherin’s ring which had become a Horcrux,” Dumbledore answered. “It’s said that the one who possesses all three of these ‘Deathly Hallows’ will become the ‘Master of Death’ though I do not know what that entails.”
“…It’s just another title,” Harry sighed before pocketing the stone. “Thank you Professor, I’ll safeguard them as best as I can.”
“What you do with them is up to you,” Dumbledore chuckled slightly. “The path forward is yours to decide.”
Harry couldn’t help but look forward to what the future might bring…
---
Harry was sitting in the Great Hall with some of the Weasleys plus Hermione who was Ginny’s friend. Hermione was the same age as him so would be leaving this year but was said to be coming back to do her exams. He had been told that people called her the brightest witch of her age like Lily had been at school and they both happen to be muggleborn. Sirius had joined with Theodora who was sat on Harry’s knee and every time he went to put food to his mouth, she stole it out of his hand followed by her little giggle of amusement.
“What the matter with you two?” Harry asked Rose and Evan when they came back from talking to Professor McGonagall, they slumped beside him.
“They have been offered a place at Hogwarts,” Lily told him as sat at the table with James.
“That’s good, isn’t it?” Harry asked he got a grunt from Rose and Evan just sat look scared.
“It means leaving mum, Dad and you Harry,” Evan said.
“Yeah, but you would get to come to a brilliant school, and you Rose, if I remember correctly. Rosey, you kicked and screamed on the day of your eleventh birthday because you wanted your Hogwarts letter. I would have to say I’m jealous,” Harry pointed out. Rose just sighed while Evan still didn’t look convinced.
“I could show Rose and Evan around the school. Give them an idea of what the school is like,” Ginny suggested.
“Would you like that?” Lily asked her children. Rose seemed more keen after hearing what Harry said but Evan just kept looking at Harry.
“Harry could come with use if you want,” Ginny suggested.
“Do you want me to?” Harry asked Evan just nodded.
“Okay, tomorrow morning after we get breakfast I will show you around,” Ginny nodded.
--
“You all ready to go?” Ginny asked the following morning. The Potters had left the prefect quarters they had been staying in since the end of the war they were currently in the Great Hall having breakfast. “You all don’t mind if Hermione comes along.”
“No of course not,” Rose smiled they stood up pulling on jackets since it was still cold outside.
“Enjoy guys,” Lily smiled. James and Sirius give Harry a smirk as everyone had walked out the hall Harry following behind them.
Ginny and Hermione lead them to certain part of the castle explaining certain thing and answering questions. They reached the outside though Hermione had decided to stay inside and go back to the library. “She’s a bookworm that one,” Ginny joked as they walked across the grass. “Let’s head to Hogsmeade then on the way back I will show you the best place in the school in my opinion.”
They walked to Hogsmeade, Rose and Ginny were deep in conversation as Harry and Evan walked behind. They made it to Hogsmeade, some of the stores weren’t open as they looked like they had some damage to the outside of them as they walked further. “Oh my god it’s the joke shop,” Evan said his excitement causing Rose to laugh and Harry to sigh.
“Yes, I made my brothers come open the shop for us coming,” Ginny smiled as Evan seem to finally come out of himself all of a sudden as they made there way towards the front of the shop.
“Oh, but I don’t have any money with me,” Evan face fell as Harry put his hand in his pocket pulling out money handing it him. He also hand money Rose.
“That’s yours I can’t take it off you,” Evan said trying to hand the money back.
“Evan, take it,” Harry said Evan put the money in his pocket.
“Thank you, Harry,” Evan said he raced into the shop followed by Rose.
“You may just regret asking your brother to open the shop,” Harry joked to Ginny following them.
“I don’t think so,” Ginny smiled.
“I have never seen him this excited.” Harry commented watching his brother.
Evan spent half an hour looking just looking around in amazement before coming away with a bag full of stuff and the biggest smile on his face.
“Thank you Ginny,” Evan said as they walked out of Hogsmeade after they went to Honeydukes so Rose could buy some stuff.
“You’re welcome Evan,” Ginny smiled as he walked beside Rose talking about everything he got. “You are not a fan of pranks and jokes?”
“It’s not that, it’s just I’m the big brother,” Harry told her. “I’m normally the one he pranks and my mum he pranks her a lot.”
“Yeah, I know that feeling, Fred and George are brilliant though,” Ginny laughed they continued walking back towards Hogwarts. “You won’t have been able to play Quidditch would you?”
“No, are we going to the Quidditch pitch?” Rose asked you could see the excitement in her face. They walked towards the school broom shed.
“Well, being Gryffindor’s Quidditch Captain I have these,” Ginny said holding up keys to the shed. Opening the shed pulling out a box opening it so she could take quaffle out. “Anyone up for up for a game of two against two?”
“Girls against boys,” Rose said.
After a couple hours of them playing the boys lost painfully. “No hard feelings loser,” Rose joke as they landed putting the brooms in the shed and making their way back into the castle.
“We will get you next time,” Evan retorted back as they walked into the Great Hall meet up with their families.
Harry and Ginny automatically just sat together soon tucking into food that appeared on the table. “You have barbeque on your face,” Ginny told him he picked up a tissue to wipe it off. “Here give me that,” she said taking the tissue off him. She held his face still so she could wipe his face. Harry heart was pounding, and he could feel his father’s and godfather’s eyes on him.
“Thank you,” Harry said trying to not look them in the eyes.
After food the Potters had made their way back to the prefect quarters Evan and Rose spent a good couple of hours showing their parents and Sirius what they had got and talking about their day. “Did you have fun today, Harry?” Lily asked.
“It was good,” Harry replied he was playing with a tread on his jeans.
“Just good?” Lily asked still Harry didn’t look up at his mother.
“Yeah,” Harry said. He could still hear his brother and sister chattering on about what Ginny had done. Rose and Evan soon went to bed saying they were tired.
“Ginny seems to have made an impression on your children James. A day with her and they agreed to go to Hogwarts,” Sirius joked looking at the top his godson head who still was playing with the tread on his jeans. “She has defiantly made an impression on Harry.”
“Shut it Sirius,” Harry said James just laughs. Harry shot them a glare.
“Go easy on him Sirius he’s clueless,” James laughs.
“I’m not clueless she just being friendly,” Harry commented even lily joined on the laughter this time.
“you two seem very close dear,” Lily commented.
“Oh, I give up I’m going to bed,” Harry huffed getting up.
“Good night lover boy,” Sirius smirked.
“Don’t call me that, we are friends, nothing else. I barely know her,” Harry snapped back.
Chapter 4: Life Moves On
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 4: Life Moves On
A month had passed since the Battle of Hogwarts and the castle was rebuilt now. All was left was for the members of the Order that had helped rebuild to leave and recover. Albus Dumbledore had announced to everyone that he was retiring to Godric’s Hollow to live but he seemed to already be struggling to pull himself away from the school.
“I will see four of you next term,” Professor McGonagall said to James and Lily. The Potter family had agreed that the were moving to Hogsmeade as both Lily and James had got teaching jobs at Hogwarts. “The wards are down, you can apparate from here.
“Thank you Minerva,” Lily smiled as McGonagall waked away to speak to some other people. “Come on time to leave,”
“I expect you come to the shop more when you move to Hogsmeade,” Fred said to Evan handing something that looked like it would cause some trouble.
“You may regret saying that he will probably be there every day,” James laughed.
“I hope you all to come play quidditch at the Burrow. Me and Rose need to beat you and Evan again,” Ginny smiled as Rose and Harry stood in front of her.
“Of course I can’t wait,” Rose smiled giving Ginny a quick hug before going over to stand beside her parents.
“Just because you aren’t coming to Hogwarts next term doesn’t mean you get rid of me Potter,” Ginny told Harry pulling him into a hug.
“I didn’t think I would Weasley I will see you soon,” Harry smiled walking towards his family. “Don’t even say a word,” Harry warned his father and Sirius.
“We wouldn’t dream of it,” Sirius smirked.
---
It’s been two weeks since they had left Hogwarts; the Potters were still in the middle of moving only because James decided that he wanted to paint the house the muggle way. It is the sixteenth of June and their only daughter’s sixteenth birthday.
“What would you like to do for your birthday?” Lily asked her daughter while the family sat in the kitchen of their new house.
“Nothing, its fine, we are in the middle of moving,” Rose sighed I mean they couldn’t walk around without bumping into something.
“Come on Rose you only turn sixteen once we can take a break for today,” James smiled at his only daughter she reminded James so much of her mother.
“You only turn a certain age once Dad,” Rose replied.
“You don’t even want to go shopping at Diagon alley?” Lily questioned.
“Can I get my broom today then?” Rose asked she already knew the answer, but she had to ask.
“No love we are getting all your school stuff next month including your broom,” Lily explained. Rose just sighed getting up. “Where are you going?”
“To reply to Ginny’s owl, if that’s okay. To see if I can go flying at their pitch,” Rose huffed walking away getting to the door before turning. “I said I didn’t want anything for my birthday so I could get my new broom; now I have nothing because you won’t let me get it.”
“Well, it looks like the plan is working,” James smiled.
“Is the plan to annoy Rose or the plan for her birthday?” Evan asked the question everyone was thinking.
“Come on guys it will work,” James smiled but his family didn’t seem convinced.
“I’m going to the burrow any of you coming?” Roses asked she seem less annoyed.
“No, you go enjoy yourself,” Lily smiled. Rose huffed but went to the fire stepping in getting a handful of floo powder. “The Burrow,” Lily heard her daughter say as she disappeared.
Rose stepped out at the other end a second later and saw Ginny was in front of the fire waiting for her. “Hey you happy birthday,” Ginny smiled pulling Rose into a hug.
“Hey, thank you for letting me come over,” Rose tried to smile.
“You okay for your birthday you don’t seem very cheery,” Ginny asked pulling Rose over to the kitchen.
“Yeah, just disappointed it nothing,” Rose said as molly came into the kitchen.
“Oh, Happy birthday dear,” Molly cheered pulling Rose into a bone crushing hug.
“Hey Molly thank you,” Rose smiled.
“Would you like some treacle tart and pumpkin juice?” Molly asked.
“Actually mum, me and Rose are going to flying,” Ginny said pulling Rose towards the door.
“Ah yes have fun Girls,” Molly smiled before Rose was dragged out.
“Come on cheer up flying will make it better,” Ginny said going into the broom shed picking out a broom. “Where have my brothers put the rest of the brooms?”
“Its fine, I don’t really feel like flying anyways,” Rose said.
“Oh, so you don’t want this,” someone said from behind her making her turn to the voice to see her parents and brothers standing there. Her dad holding out the broom she wanted. “Surprise.”
“No, she must not,” Evan said as Rose didn’t move from, she stood shocked. “I will just have it.”
“No way I want it,” Rose finally spoke as Evan went to grab it out of James hand.
“Happy birthday, see you only turn sixteen once,” James smiled handing.
“Thank you and I’m sorry I was moody this morning,” Rose said hugging her parents.
“We will let you off since your dad didn’t let you get your broom,” Lily laughed.
“Hey, it was your idea as well don’t make me the mean one,” James joked.
“Come on I want to try my new broom I will be nice and let Harry be on Ginny team and I will have Evan you know fair chance and all and see who wins,” Rose said.
It wasn’t long before the four of them were in the air with Rose cheering wildly as she swooped around the Burrow on her brand new Firebolt broom. Merlin it was fast, and she was loving every second of it. Since it there was only four of them playing, they couldn’t exactly play a full Quidditch match but that didn’t mean they could have a bit of fun. There were a set of hoops at either end of the yard, and they had a quaffle. That’s all they really needed as far as they were concerned.
The game started rather tame at first but eventually each of them scored, trying to outdo the other until finally one side slipped up. In the end Evan was just a bit too slow and Ginny was able to get passed him. With that Harry and Ginny quickly took the lead and won after a little under an hour.
“Sorry sis,” Harry said with a smile.
“I’ll win next time,” Rose shot back with her own smile. She didn’t mind losing the game, all she cared about was the broom she held in her hands.
The four head back towards the burrow just as they get to the door Sirius apparated in with Theodora. “What are you doing here Uncle Sirius?” Rose asked.
“Well hello to you too, happy birthday. I have been invited for food and I thought you might want a present,” Sirius said as he put Theodora down once, they get into the Burrow. Lily and Molly were busy cooking while James and Arthur were sitting at the table talking.
“Molly has offered to make use food you since we can barely move in the house,” Lily told them.
“It no problem, dears,” Molly smiled.
Sirius handed Rose a present she ripped open to see a box opening to reveal quidditch set. “Oh my god thank you Uncle Sirius,” she squealed at the sight.
“I heard you were getting a new broom I thought you would need these,” Sirius told her.
“I have got to show my dad,” Rose almost squealed as she picked up the set and darted off in search of her father. “Dad! Dad! Look what Uncle Sirius got me!” she yelled in glee when she found him.
“A Quidditch set?” James mused with a grin as he looked it over. He plucked out the quaffle and grasped it tightly, so it didn’t escape. “Nice charms work too.”
“I can’t wait to test it out,” his daughter grinned as she plucked it from his hands and put it back in its slot.
His daughter the Quidditch fanatic…
Was this pride he felt?
It wasn’t long before everyone sat down at the table and not a moment too soon either. Molly and Lily soon arrived with dinner. The smell alone was enough that Rose had to restrain herself from digging in straight away. Once all the food was out, they started eating, almost devouring the entire lot of it in under half an hour.
“Thank you for the food, Molly,” Rose thanked her once she was done. “Merlin I’m full.”
“Anytime dear,” Molly said with a smile.
“What about me?” Lily asked her. “I helped cook too; you know?”
“Thank you too mum,” Rose said as she hugged her mother. “It was perfect.”
After a few more hours it was starting to get dark, and James quickly checked the time. Sirius and Theodora were the first to leave since it was almost her bedtime. The Potters said their goodbyes to the Weasleys and Apparated back home for the night. After they were gone Ginny though it best if she grabbed a shower while she had the chance to and quickly ran upstairs. Afterwards she dried her hair with a charm and put on her pyjamas before heading back downstairs.
“Did you have fun today dear?” Molly asked her daughter after placing a cup of hot chocolate in front of her.
“Yeah, it was great,” Ginny smiled taking a sip of the drink. “Rose seemed to enjoy her birthday.”
“You seem to get a long very well with the Potters,” Molly said taking a sip of her own drink.
“I do they’re nice,” Ginny told her mother she knew what her mother was thinking. “You do realise I’m nearly seventeen? I’m over the little crush I had when I was ten…”
“I didn’t say anything dear,” Molly smirked.
“You didn’t need to mum,” Ginny shot back. “Yes, I know if you had of told me when I was ten that I would get the chance to know Harry then I wouldn’t have believed you,”
“I know dear,” Molly asked
“Come on mum just ask what you want to,” Ginny told her mum.
“Do you have feeling for Harry?” Molly asked to get a laugh return.
“No mother I don’t it was just a silly crush from years ago,” Ginny lied hoping her mother would believe her.
“Okay dear,” Molly smiled she only half believed her daughter she saw the way Ginny and Harry acted.
---
The Potter’s fireplace roared to life in front of Rose who was sitting waited for who was coming though “Ginny,” Rose said getting up hugging her. It was the first that Ginny had come to the Potter house now that James had finally finished the decoration in the house.
“Hey Rose I’m pleased you owled I was staring go mad at home,” Ginny smile as she brushed of soot from fireplace.
“How can you be bored in the Burrow?” Rose questioned pulling her to sit down on the sofa.
“Yeah well, I have lived in the Burrow all my life. It’s boring after a while when you have no one to hang around with; my other friend Hermione has gone to Australia to try and find her parents after the war,” Ginny explained.
“Yeah, I know that feeling; I’m so used having Harry and Evan around all the time but now we have freedom,” Rose half smiled all them years in hiding it was still strange being free.
“Sorry I can’t imagine being hiding away for so long Rose,” Ginny said hugging her.
“I know Evan seems quite taken with my brothers.”
“Yeah, Evan was always the silent Potter. When he met Fred and George I have never seen him so happy,” Rose smiled she was happy Evan was finally showing who he was. “Then there is Harry, me and him seemed to have the most in common. I think Evan felt a bit left out.”
“Yeah, you and Harry seem more like twins. I bet you two caused a lot of trouble together,” Ginny laughed after watching the sibling together.
“Trust me they were trouble,” Lily Potter appeared at the door. “Hey Ginny, nice to see you again.”
“Nice to you too Mrs Potter,” Ginny smiled.
“Lily please Mrs Potter makes me sound old,” Lily laughed.
“You are old mum,” Rose joked with a smirk at her mother.
“Hey, I’m only thirty-eight cheeky,” Lily said trying to look offended but laughed before leaving the room.
“Where is your brother anyway?” Ginny asked Rose she had heard that Evan was spending more time at her brothers’ shop.
“Evans at the Weasley shop where else and my ass of a big brother has gone up to Honeydukes buying me a replacement bar because he ate mine,” Rose answered causing Ginny to laugh “He should be back soon saying that he has Theodora with him so it could be another hour,”
Rose and Ginny sat talking while Rose showed Ginny the magical pictures that was around the living room of her and her family. Half hours later “Rose would you mind going up to Hogsmeade? I would send Harry but he’s not back yet?” Lily asked her daughter.
“Yeah mum I will, sorry Ginny I will be back soon,” Rose said as she took parchment with what her mother wanted leaving the house.
Ginny stood up from the couch and walked over the mantlepiece. The picture of Harry as a baby was adorable but she had trouble comparing the photo to the young man who defeated Voldemort. He was such a cute baby too…
A sudden bang from the door signified that Harry had returned, one arm holding a familiar three-year-old against his hip and the other carrying a bag filled with what gathered was chocolate. He stumbled into the living room and unceremoniously dropped the giggling little girl onto the couch, dropping his bag to the floor as he did so.
“Cheeky little bugger,” Harry grunted as he dropped to his knees in front of her. “Oi Rose, here’s you’re damn chocolate. Don’t say I never do anything for you,” he said with no small amount of annoyance and half-heartedly hurled a large bar of chocolate over his shoulder.
It his Ginny in the forehead causing her to backpedal in surprise, giving out a yelp as she did so. “Hey!” she cried out in alarm.
“Huh?” Harry blinked before turning around and spotting her. “Ginny? What are you doing here? Where’s Rose?” he asked confused before paling slightly. “Sorry! I thought you were Rose when I threw that.”
“I don’t know how Rose puts up with you, you git,” Ginny shot back with a mild glare. “You can make it up to me.”
“…Here,” he sighed in defeat and handed over another large bar of chocolate.
“Apology accepted,” Ginny spoke with a grin. “you’re still a git,”
“Git!” Theodora shouted as Lily walked pat the living room door.
“Theodora Catherine Black! I heard that!” Lily exclaimed coming into the room “Is your big naughty cousin teaching you bad words?” Lily questioned she turned to the little girl who give a big grin. That little girl could get away with anything. “Harry, I taught you better than that.”
“Hey, don’t blame me it was Ginny,” Harry said.
“You threw a chocolate bar off my head,” Ginny shot back.
“I thought you were Rose,” Harry responded quickly.
“Let’s go Theodore, before you learn more bad words,” Lily said as she took the Black Heiress away.
“No! I don’t wanna! I want big cousin hairy,” Theodora shouted while move on to Harry’s knee on the floor. Lily had learned not to argue with Sirius Black’s child, she was very strong willed. Lily laughed and walked out.
“Gin you remember my naughty pup of a Cousin Theodora?” Harry asked looking at Theodora then Ginny. “Dora, you going to say hello?” Theodora just shook her head and waved.
“I most certainly do remember her, the life and soul of Hogwarts after the war,” Ginny smiled at the little girl.
“She’s normally not this shy, aren’t you not?” Harry questioned tickling the little girl.
Ginny watching Harry tickle and tease the little girl with a packet of chocolate buttons. “Oh I see you have met my brother’s little shadow,” Rose smiled her eyes widened when she noticed a giant red mark on Ginny forehead. “What have you done to your head?”
Harry looked up to see what Rose was talking about. “Your brother threw a chocolate bar off my head because he thought I was you.”
“Harry!!” Rose yelled at her brother.
“I said sorry and giver your chocolate as an apology,” Harry smirked.
“Well, you better get yourself back to Hogsmeade get me another,” Rose told causing Ginny to laugh before Harry threw another bar from the bag.
“You’re welcome and I bought you a bigger bar because I’m a nice brother,” Harry commented.
Rose took a seat beside Ginny, “well thank you.” Rose tutted but Harry had gone back to pay attention to Theodora while Ginny watched him, and Rose watched Ginny smile at her brother. “He’s good with her, always has been.”
“Yeah,” Ginny said not really listening.
“…Did I mention that I can see your nose hairs and they’re massive?” Rose continued amused.
“Yeah…wait”what?” Ginny snapped looking at Rose who had her eyebrows raised at her trying hard not to laugh.
“Oh, so you can hear me,” Rose joked a blush was creeping up Ginny’s face
“Sorry… I zoned out,” Ginny said fast not know what to say
“I’m sure you did,” Rose laughed quietly so Harry didn’t look up. “So you weren’t watching my brother cuddling and playing with our cousin?”
“Oh ..mmm…no,” Ginny stuttered.
---
Harry felt more than a little annoyed as he glanced up at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking by slowly. Seriously, how long does it take to get ready? He’d been ready to go over an hour ago and so was his dad. Speaking of which his father was currently sitting back on the couch looking over the latest edition of the Daily Prophet, looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
Unlike him…
“Can’t they go any faster?” Harry groaned in frustration.
“Easy there son,” James said as he turned the page. “They’ll be ready when they’re ready.”
The ‘And not a moment before’ was left unsaid…
“Hold your hippogriff,” Rose spoke up from the stairs behind him. “Some of us actually care about how we look,” she said with a smirk. “Though you should probably do something with that hair of yours you know if you want to impress a certain someone,”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Harry grunted back.
“Of course you don’t Harry,” Rose smirked.
The Potters arrived at the Burrow just as Fred and George were about to leave. “Ah young Evan, would you like come to the shop? We have some new things to show you,” George said.
“Can I dad?” Evan asked his father.
“Yes, as long as you don’t mind me coming along, I like pranks to,” James said.
“So what Quidditch team do you support?” Ron asked Harry as they sat the table in the kitchen eating and drinking.
“I don’t,” Harry replied he liked quidditch yes, but he didn’t like support a certain team.
“The Chuddley Cannons are brilliant,” Ron said causing Rose to choke on the pumpkin juice she was drinking. Ginny pattered her on the back a moment later.
“You are joking, right? They are crap,” Rose gasped she couldn’t believe her ears.
“Language Rose,” Lily scolded her daughter who just kept on talking seemingly hearing her.
“Come on someone back me up,” Rose shot back ignoring her mother death glare.
“I agree, and I have told you many times Ron,” Ginny said clearly.
“Oh don’t you start, so who the best in your opinion Rose?” Ron asked
“Holyhead Harpies,” Rose spat out causing Ginny to cheer and high five her.
“Oh, not you as well this one wants to play for them after she leaves Hogwarts” Ron sighed pointing to his sister.
“The Chuddley Cannons have nothing on the Harpies that why no one in the right mind would like the Cannons” Rose said passionately.
“Rose stop being rude,” Lily barked.
“Mum It’s not my fault he supports a crap team,” Rose said.
“That’s it outside,” Lily sighed Rose got up leaving the burrow followed by Lily. Ten minutes late they came back in Rose looking more annoyed than she did before.
“Sorry I should not have been rude,” Rose sighed you could tell she didn’t mean it.
“What do you say Ron,” Molly said
“I’m not apologising I didn’t do anything wrong,” Ron said before getting up going up stairs
“Sorry about him,” Molly tried to smile. “Why don’t you kids go for a fly?” she asked breaking the tension. Harry and Ginny got up, but Rose stayed.
“Rose is grounded,” Lily said Harry looked between his sister and mother.
“Sorry can we fly another day, I think I will take my sister home,” Harry give a sad smile Ginny nodded. Harry and Rose left with a pop they were gone.
Arriving back in the living room Rose ran off to her room Harry went into his own room throwing himself on the bed with a sigh this not how he thought the day would go all he could think was that Ron was a prat. He heard a pop then his mother shout his and Rose’s names, he turned over and went to sleep.
“Hey,” James said he had just arrived back from Fred and Georges shop with Evan. “Where’s Harry and Rose?” he asked.
“In their rooms not talking to me,” Lily sighed.
“What happened? I thought you lot were at the Weasley’s?” James asked sitting down beside her Evan had gone to his room to look though his stuff. Lily explained everything to James. “I’m sorry Lil, but I agree with Rose on this. This Ron always came across as a bit rude and prat whenever we saw him at the school,” James explained making Lily sigh.
“I know, I feel guilty for grounding her because she was looking forward to going flying then this happened,” Lily sighed.
“Just leave her for a bit she will come around she’s a lot like you Lil’s got a strong head on her shoulders,” James smiled pulling his wife in for a hug.
It was a couple of hours later and a frosty meal together Rose still wouldn’t talk to anyone. Rose knocked on Harry’s door a while later. “Come in!” Harry shouted expecting it to be his mum. Rose walked in closing the door behind her
“I just wanted to say sorry,” Rose said sitting on the end of her brother’s bed.
“What you sorry for?” Harry asked confused to what she was apologizing to him for.
“I ruined your day as well, I shouldn’t have argued back against him,” Rose explained.
“You didn’t its fine,” Harry smiled at his sister.
“I did, you were looking forward to spending time with her,” Rose smirked but Harry didn’t respond. “Okay, okay I should probably go say sorry to mum,” she said standing up from the bed
“Rose…” Harry trailed off until she turned towards him. “Don’t tell anyone, and I mean anyone. Defiantly not dad and uncle Sirius.”
“I promise,” Rose smiled back.
“Yes, I like spending time with her and yes I do maybe have feeling for her” Harry half whispered.
“You should tell her,” Rose told him with a smile.
“Rose… you can say it,” Harry said with a smirk. “That you knew, and you told me so.”
“No because you deserve to be happy, and I don’t want to rub it in your face that I was right,” Rose smiled.
Chapter 5: Birthdays
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 5: Birthdays
“Rose! Evan! Owl post for you both,” Lily shouted up the stairs since her youngest two were still in bed.
For a moment there was silence and then all she could hear was a clammer of feet on the floor above as her two youngest came barrelling down the stairs. They came into the kitchen a few seconds later, rushed over to her with eager smiles on their faces.
“Is it?” Evan asked quickly.
“Yes, it is,” Lily confirmed and handed them the letters.
They tore open the envelopes and quickly read the contents of the letter as Lily watched on with a smile. She still remembered when she received her own Hogwarts letter back when she was a child and it had been one of the best moments of her life. Her only regret was that Harry hadn’t been given the same opportunity because of Voldemort and the war.
Still…
Her other children seemed happy at least…
“We’re going to Hogwarts!” Rose cheered loudly as she waved her letter around and started running off into the living room. “Dad! Harry! Our letters are here!”
“I never knew school needed so much stuff,” Evan said a second later as he stared wide-eyed at the long list of things he needed for the year.
“Oh yes,” Lily agreed wholeheartedly. “It looks like we’re going to need to get everything from Diagon Alley.”
That was going to be fun…
It was a few days later when Harry’s birthday finally came around that they had decided to visit Diagon Alley. Harry had wanted to keep his birthday low key and simple but the no one was having any of that. His siblings were especially enthusiastic about him coming along with them since they’d wanted to go to Diagon Alley straight away after receiving their Hogwarts letters.
“Everyone ready to go?” James asked them all.
“We’re all set,” Rose answered. “Come on let’s go already.”
“We’re not going by floo, are we?” Evan asked nervously.
His recent experience with that particular method of wizarding travel wasn’t something he cared to repeat if he could help it. The Potters had connected the floo at their new home in Hogsmeade with the one at Grimmauld Place and he had been the one unfortunate enough to try it out. Needless to say, after being launched across the room and landing in a pile of boxes he wasn’t very enthusiastic to try again.
“Not this time,” James answered with a smile. “We’re Apparating there instead.”
“Oh thank Merlin,” Harry whispered behind them.
He didn’t like that method of travel either…
“Hands,” Lily said as she took Rose’s hand. James took Evan’s hand while Harry stood off to the side. Harry disappeared first with a pop followed by James and Lily who pulled both Evan and Rose along with them. They reappeared near the entrance of a large alleyway just off the main street. “We’re here.”
“The Weasleys are over there,” Lily said pointing to a doorway of abandoned shop. Making their way over.
“Oh Happy birthday dear,” Molly said hugging Harry as they others said hello to the other members of each family.
“Happy birthday Harry,” Ginny said pulling him into a hug before pulling away.
“Thanks Gin,” Harry smiled as his sister caught his eye with smirk.
“First stop madam malkins for the uniforms,” James said leading them to the shop.
“I bet you enjoyed that,” Rose said into her bothers ear as they walked behind.
“Shut up don’t make me regret telling you,” Harry shot back.
“I’m sure a kiss from Gin was it you called her would lighten you up,” Rose tormented.
“I’m going to hex you,” Harry shot back as they continued walking.
“What going on?” Why are you threating to hex your little sister?” Ginny asked as she looked behind her.
“Yes Harry, why are picking on your little sister,” Rose smirked as Ginny looked between the two of them.
“I’m not I would never do that like she would never annoy me,” Harry smiled between the two of them. Thankfully they reached the shop.
“Come on Ginny you need a new skirt your old one barely covers much,” Molly said as Rose shot Harry a look.
James, Harry and Arthur decided to wait outside about half an hour later they came out with their uninform. Deciding head to Magical Menagerie they entered to see a wide range of animals. Both Rose and Evan decided they wanted an owl. Harry stood off to the side. Molly and Arthur had gone to Gringotts while Ginny stayed with the Potters.
“I think she likes you,” Ginny said to Harry as he stood in front a perch that had a snowy owl on who kept pecking him affectionately.
“Yeah, I think I would have had her if I had of been going to Hogwarts,” Harry said stroking the owl.
“You don’t need to go to Hogwarts to get her you still need to be able to owl me,” Ginny told him.
“Who said I’m owling you?” Harry joked with a smirk.
“Because you like me,” Ginny joked back Harry felt nervous all of a sudden.
“Mmm... I suppose,” Harry mused after a while.
“Prat,” Ginny said whacking him on the arm, Rose watched her brother and Ginny.
Harry went the counter before coming back to Ginny side. “My parents are buying me her birthday,” he said as the women came over to put her in a cage with two other owls.
“What you going to name her?” Ginny asked.
“I don’t know any ideas?” Harry asked he had never thought of what he would name an owl.
“Maybe Snowy or Hedwig,” Ginny suggested.
“I like the name Hedwig,” Harry told her.
“Hedwig it is,” Ginny said with a smile. “She’s beautiful.”
“She is, isn’t she Harry?” Rose asked as she nudged her brother with a smirk. Harry sent a mild glare back at his sister and then nodded.
“Yes of course,” Harry answered truthfully.
Though even he couldn’t tell who he was referring to…
In the end they all left the shop with their three new owls and continued down the alley looking in the various shops. Arthur and Molly returned a few minutes later and rejoined the group. Hours passed and by the time they all headed home for the night they’d managed to get the bulk of their school supplies.
“Hey Ginny,” Rose spoke up catching the Weasley girl’s attention. “Harry still needs to blow out the candles on his birthday cake. Do you fancy coming back with us for a bit?”
“Sure,” Ginny nodded. “Mum, Dad, I’ll be back later.”
“Be safe dear,” Molly told her. “Don’t stay out too late.”
“I won’t,” she said before stepping up beside Harry.
“Hands everyone,” Lily spoke up again as she took her daughter’s hand.
Likewise, James grasped Evan’s hand and disappeared with a pop. Lily followed a second later with Rose who threw a smirk at her older brother. It was only then that Harry realised what she’d done. Ginny couldn’t Apparate yet”or at least she hadn’t gotten her license”which meant that he had to side-along Apparate her.
That little…
“Well?” Ginny asked as she held out her hand. “What’s the hold up?”
“I just have the sudden urge to strangle my sister,” Harry responded simply. “Don’t ask.”
“…You have a weird family,” Ginny told him. “And considering what some of my brothers are like, that’s saying something.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” Harry said with a grin as he held out his hand. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” Ginny replied as she took his hand.
He’d only side-along Apparated someone once before”successfully”and that was his father so at least he knew how to do it without splinching them. That being said, when Harry Apparated them to the Potter House in Hogsmeade he was that focused on getting them there in one piece that he neglected to work on the landing.
So without warning or any kind of way to stop it, he Apparated them onto solid ground”mostly. They were about an inch or two off the ground when they appeared, and they stumbled. Ginny caught herself before she fell but Harry wasn’t so lucky and ended up sprawled on the ground.
“Shit,” he cursed as she pushed himself back up onto his feet.
“Are you okay?” Ginny asked him half-amused.
“I’m not used to Apparating with others yet,” Harry admitted. “It’ll take some getting used to.”
“About time you showed up,” Rose spoke up from the side. “What took you so long?”
“Oh shut it,” Harry shot back looking a bit ruffled.
Ginny couldn’t help but laugh at the two of them…
They entered the house and made their way into the kitchen a few minutes later. Once they were all seated at the kitchen table Lily walked in carrying a plate with a delicious looking cake on it. There was two toppers stuck in it displaying the number eighteen. A single candle was in front of them at the center of the cake, its flame waving slightly as she set the cake down.
“Happy birthday,” Lily said with a smile.
Harry grinned widely as he took a deep breath and then blew out the candle. His siblings hugged him tightly for a bit before Lily started cutting the cake into pieces, handing them off to everyone one at a time.
“Thank you,” Ginny said as she took a piece of cake.
“It’s no problem,” Lily told her. “The cake was bigger than we thought so there’s plenty to go around.”
For Harry this was the best birthday he’d ever had or at least the best one he could remember. There was no Voldemort, no Death Eaters, no war, just him, his family and Ginny.
Ginny…
He could barely keep his eyes off her the whole evening…
--
It was the eleventh of August when Harry and his family were invited to the Burrow for Ginny’s seventeenth birthday party. It was the morning of the party when Harry knocked on his sister’s bedroom door.
“Come in,” Rose shouted Harry opened the door he looked nervous. “What can I do for you?”
“Mmm..,” Harry hesitated as he sat on the chair in Roses room.
“Spit it out,” Rose said clearly putting the book down she was reading. “Let me guess Ginny?”
“How did you know?” Harry asked as Rose laughed sitting up on the end of her bed.
“Harry she’s all you ever think about,” Rose told him with a slight chuckle at the look on his face. “So go on what do you want advice on?”
“I want to buy her a present for her birthday,” Harry told her looking red in the face.
“We have a present for her,” Rose told him but she realized what he wanted. “Oh, you want to get her one from just you how romantic.”
“Are you go to help or not?” Harry snapped at her making her laugh.
“Okay, okay, keep your hair on,” Rose told him as he give a glare as if to say well help. “Well, what does she like?”
“That’s what I’m asking you,” Harry replied growing inpatient.
“I will make it easy for you, quidditch, what could you get her to do with quidditch?” Rose questioned him like it was so simple.
“…A broom?” Harry half questioned.
“When Ginny does end up dating you, she’ll not be dating you for your brains that for one,” Rose sighed in exasperation. “Come on, let’s go to Hogsmeade.”
“Okay, don’t say anything to mum and dad though,” Harry told her getting up from the chair.
“Why don’t you want mum and dad to know?” Rose questioned as she got up to follow him.
“Because they would make a big deal,” Harry answered.
“But it is a big deal,” Rose told him.
“Yes…well…” Harry trailed off
“Well come on then,” Rose said shooing him out of her room.
She followed him out of the door and grabbed his arm. Without a word he Apparated them both down into the middle of Hogsmeade, though thankfully Harry didn’t fall down this time. Rose still smiled when she saw him stumble for a second before catching himself.
“Not a word,” Harry mumbled as he straightened up.
“If you’re anything to go by then by the time Evan learns to Apparate, it’s going to be hilarious,” Rose commented with a grin. “Now come on,” she said as she dragged him towards the Quidditch shop in the village.
It took them a good hour or so but eventually they found the perfect broom for Ginny, and it was one that Rose wholeheartedly approved of. It was a Firebolt just like the one that Rose herself had gotten. It was fast and agile, perfect for a Quidditch player like Ginny. Harry made sure to shrink it down so that he could fit it in a box which he then placed in his pocket.
“Thanks for this,” Harry said to his sister.
“Don’t mention it,” Rose responded as she waved him off. “Just make sure not to make a fool of yourself, that’s my job.”
“Heh that’s true,” Harry chuckled as he Apparated them back home.
A couple of hours later after Rose insisted on helping Harry pick out some clothes and tried to sort his hair out. The family flooed to the Burrow where everyone was just arriving. Harry and Rose meet some of Ginny friends plus some family they had yet to meet. Evan was off talking to the twin about the mad inventions.
Hours pass the party was in full swing at some point Ron, Seamus and Dean had turned and were clearly drunk. “You Harry”this one had a massive crush on you when she was ten never shut up about the Boy-Who“Lived. Think you would go to Hogwarts and she would meet you. Silly little girl she was,” Ron said swaying on the spot you could tell he was drunk.
“Do you need your eyes tested, you big oaf? Ginny has met Harry, and they are friends who unlike you probably bought your little lackeys you wander around with,” Rose spat out as molly appeared after she heard Ron drunk outburst.
“I think you should leave your sister’s party; you are drunk. And take your friends with you,” Molly barked at her son who was still sway.
“It’s okay, I don’t want to be at a kids party anyway,” Ron spat at his mother leaving the Burrow.
Ginny looked around at the silent room as ran out the door. “Go after her, she needs a friend,” Rose told her brother as the party started again.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked as he sat beside her.
“I needed some air,” Ginny told him.
“Yeah, I can understand, it’s been nice meeting some of your friends,” Harry told her as he turned his head to look at her.
“Yeah, sorry about Ron before. He’s a drunk arse,” Ginny sighed you could see she was embarrassed and hurt.
“It’s fine, it’s not your fault your brother is like that,” Harry smiled at her. “I have a present for you.”
“Your family has already given me a present,” Ginny said looking at him confused.
“Well, this isn’t from my family. It’s from me,” Harry told her reaching into his pocket pulling out the small box tapping it with his wand. “Happy seventeen Gin.”
He handed the box to her she opened it and gasped. “I can’t accept this Harry,” Ginny said looking at him.
“Well, you’re taking it anyways it my present to you and I won’t take no for a answer,” Harry told her.
“Thank you,” Ginny smiled she turned and hugged him
“Your welcome Gin,” Harry smiled wishing the hug had lasted longer they sat talking outside the Burrow for a bit longer
“I got to ask how did you have a crush on me when you were ten? You didn’t know me,” Harry asked he saw her blush he wondered if he had of meet her at ten would she have done nothing but blush.
“I had a crush on the fantasy of the Boy-Who-Lived not Harry potter two different people,” Ginny said waving arms around to prove a point.
“So, Miss Weasley what did you image the Boy-Who-Lived look like,”
“I don’t know at ten I wanted a prince charming,” Ginny told him with a embarrassed laugh.
“Well, I did save you when you were eleven, does that count?” Harry pointed out.
“It’s a good job I didn’t know that at eleven, it would not have helped my crush,” Ginny chuckled.
“Well, when did you get over this crush?” Harry asked he was hoping that she would say she didn’t but there wasn’t much change of that since it was six years ago.
“I don’t know, when I knew there was chance I would never meet you I suppose,” Ginny answered never did she believe she would and end up being his friend.
“Well, you met me. Do I live up to the prince charming name you imagined?” Harry questioned with a laugh.
“More than you realise,” Ginny breathed out. It wasn’t until now that he realised he could feel Ginny’s breath on his face. He put his hand on the side of his neck pulling her closer to him their lips in touching distance until...
“…Oh sorry,” James said backing away around the corner and back to where Lily and other two kids stood with a pop they disappeared.
“I should probably go … Happy seventeenth again,” Harry awkwardly said with a pop he was gone leaving Ginny dumbstruck. Harry arrived in the living room his dad was sitting on the end of the sofa looking sheepish.
“Your brother and sister have gone to bed. And your mother is having a bath,” James said getting up from the sofa. “Are we going to talk about this?”
“There is nothing to talk about, nothing happened. It was a heat of the moment thing; we didn’t kiss, and nothing is going to happen. We don’t like each other like that,” Harry said as he shot him a look. “Goodnight dad.”
Harry ran off up the stairs as James drops back down to the couch laying back sighing. Eventually James pulled himself together turned off the light making his way up the stairs he got to the top when Harry’s door opened, he stopped still at the top.
“I’m just going to the toilet,” Harry said going into the bathroom.
James sighed headed for the bedroom he changed before Lily came out the bathroom. He was already sat in bed. “What’s the matter your acting funny?” Lily asked
“Am I a bad father?” James asked with a sigh.
“Not that, I know of what have you done?” Lily asked in joking manner before she saw James’ face. “What have you done James?”
“I accidently interrupted what was going to be our son’s first kiss,” James answered sheepishly.
“JAMES!” Lily groaned.
“They were talking I didn’t know,” James explained.
“Let me guess Ginny,” Lily said James just nodded. “Have you spoken to your son? What did he say?”
“He said nothing happened, it was heat of the moment thing. They didn’t kiss and nothing is going to happen. They don’t like each other like that,” James told her.
“But they were going to kiss, I’m confused,” lily said slumping on the bed. “He’s definitely your son.”
“Hey, I knew what I wanted at eighteen,” James smirked as Lily got into bed before swatting him on the side of the head.
“Go to sleep James,” Lily said with shack of the head.
“Nighty night dear,” James said cheekily.
The next day Harry didn’t really come out his room and when he did Rose was there. “So how did the broom work with her?” she asked.
“Brilliant she loved it,” Harry said simply trying to get away from her.
“So why do have a face like an ass?” Rose asked.
“Just leave it Rose,” Harry huffed getting annoyed.
“Come on, did you tell her you like her or at least kissed her or both?” Rose questioned.
“I told you to leave it Rose, nothing is going to happen between me and her so just shut up,” Harry snapped going back in his room slamming the door.
Chapter 6: Sorting
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 6: Sorting
It was nearing the end of August; in a little over a week Lily and James would start their teaching jobs while Rose and Evan would go to school. Before that though was the Quidditch World Cup that the Potters received tickets to earlier in the month. Of course, they knew that the Weasleys had tickets too and had organized for them all to go together though Lily opted not to go. It was being held in Malawi.
“Is this going to be awkward?” James asked as leaned against the door frame of the kitchen door watching Harry make a sandwich.
“Why would it be awkward dad I said we are fine?” Harry answered not turning to look at his dad.
“You and I know I don’t mean me and you. You haven’t seen ginny since her birthday,” James sighed.
“We will be fine dad,” Harry told walking past him to go get his bag from his room. While it was true he hadn’t seen Ginny since his father interrupted them, he didn’t think it would be that awkward when they saw each other when they next met.
“Come on guys we need to leave,” James shouted as he heard feet racing down the stair. Quickly getting hugged by lily, he turned to see their three children reach the living room. “Ready?”
“You bet,” Rose grinned widely.
“Follow me,” James said as he grabbed some powder and stepped into the fireplace. “The Burrow,” he said as he dropped the powder at his feet and he disappeared in a burst of green flames.
“I hate these things,” Evan grumbled as he watched Rose enter next.
“The Burrow!” she yelled as she too disappeared in fire.
“You aren’t the only one,” Harry agreed with his brother as he awkwardly stepped into the fireplace. “The Burrow!”
Flames encompassed his vision as the world spun before everything suddenly snapped back into place. The next thing he knew he was being launched across the living room at the Weasley home. He hit a set of wooden draws almost headfirst and collapsed to the floor with a groan. Oh how he hated floo travel…
“Hey Harry,” spoke Arthur Weasley as he approached to try and help him up. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine thanks,” Harry said as he slowly got to his feet.
He wasn’t fast enough because as soon as he stood up, Evan came flying out of the Weasley’s fireplace headfirst and collided with him. Harry landed back on his back as his little brother”who should really lay off all the beef”ended up on top of him. Evan’s bag ended up hitting Harry in the head as they fell, and Harry groaned again in pain.
“Thank you for the soft landing,” Evan said as he climbed up, using Harry’s head as leverage.
“You’re welcome,” Harry gritted back as he stood up and sent a glare at his sister and father who were standing off to the side laughing at them, he looked past them to see ginny looking amused he give her a small smile.
“Come everyone we have ten minutes before the portkey leaves,” Arthur told the room as everyone picked up their backpack. Arthur and James walked ahead as Fred, George, Harry and Evan followed behind with Rose and Ginny behind them.
“Dad why is there a table over there,” Evan asked as they saw a table in the middle of now where.
“Ah must be the portkey, come on guys,” James said making their way to the table.
“Portkey?” Evan asked warily as they approached.
“Come on Evan,” James reassured him. “They’re not that bad.”
Harry knew about portkeys but the Potters had personally never used them since Apparation and the floo network were easier, not that he enjoyed the latter. Somehow, he just knew that this wasn’t going to end well, for either him or Evan judging by their experience with the floo.
“Now everyone grab a hold, and don’t let go. It’s almost time,” Arthur spoke up as he placed his hand on one of the table’s legs.
Harry nervously grabbed one of the legs as a hand latched on above his. He looked over and saw Ginny smiling at him slightly. He sent a look at his father who was thankfully looking away before smiling back to the beauty beside him awkwardly.
“You okay?” Ginny asked him.
“Yeah, just nervous,” Harry answered. “First time using a portkey.”
“Just try to hang on,” she told him.
A second later the world started to spin as the portkey activated, dragging them off in a whirlwind of magical energy. Harry’s hair felt like it was whipping everywhere as he tried desperately to hold on for dear life. Merlin, what the hell was this?!
“Okay everyone let go!” Arthur yelled out.
As one everyone seemed to let go of the table and the next thing Harry knew he was flung away. However, his arm caught Ginny mid-flight and the next thing he knew his back hit the ground with a thud. He didn’t even have time to groan in pain when Ginny landed on top of him, disorientated.
“Ow,” Harry hissed in pain.
“Sorry,” Ginny apologized as she quickly climbed off him.
“It’s fine,” Harry strained as she helped him up. “I’m used to it at this point.”
He might as well go around wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘I am a crashmat’ written on it…
“Okay everyone we need to find a spot for the tent,” Arthur spoke up as he waved for everyone to follow him.
The two family had chosen to arrive the night before the match as to try decent spot It took a little while, but they eventually found an empty patch of earth not far from the center of the campsite. There were already dozens of tents set up and even a few stalls had been built. After about half an hour they finally finished setting up their own tent and quickly sorted out the inside.
They spent a couple of hours around a camp fire toasting marshmallows they had conjured up extendable garden chairs Arthur and James were talking ministry business, the twin and Evan were talking joke and pranks like the normal harry sat with rose and Ginny who talking quidditch plans for Hogwarts. Soon everyone started to yawn heading for the tent. Soon only James, Harry, Rose and Ginny were left.
“Come on Rose early morning tomorrow,” James said
“Okay dad,” Rose smiled getting up. “Good night you too,” she said walking into the tent.
“Well, I think I will go to,” James said half suggested. “Good night.”
“Well, that wasn’t awkward,” Harry gave a nervous laugh. “I know it’s late, but do you want to go for a walk if you’re tired? We don’t have to…”
“Harry I’m not tired I would like to,” Ginny said getting up. They left their campsite walk minutes up a small hill.
“Let’s sit,” Harry suggested Ginny nodded in response “I’m sorry about my dad on your birthday,”
“It’s fine,” Ginny smiled they stared into the distance. “It was a heat of the moment,”
“Oh yeah… I suppose,” Harry stuttered out his stomach dropped.
“You don’t think it was?” Ginny asked.
“I can I me truthful with you?” Harry asked his palms sweating.
“Yes of course,” Ginny answered looking him in confusion.
“I think I wanted to kiss you since about two weeks after you first spoke to me after the final battle,” Harry told her truthful.
“Why didn’t you?” Ginny asked.
“We barely knew each other I didn’t know if you just wanted to be friends,” Harry explained.
“I will tell you a secret I wanted the same,” Ginny told him.
“Really?” Harry asked half-surprised as he slowly leaned towards her.
Without a word she leaned in to meet him and this time there was no silly father with very bad timing to stop them. Their lips met, Ginny’s hands coming up to circle around his neck as his own wrapped around her waist. She was gorgeous and by Merlin he’d wanted to kiss her. Neither of them knew how long they stayed like that for but eventually they pulled away to get some air.
“Whoa,” Harry gasped out.
“You’re not a bad kisser Mister Potter,” Ginny commented with a smirk. “Though you could do with some improvement.”
“Again?” Harry asked the question.
“Again,” Ginny confirmed as he pulled her into another kiss.
He couldn’t get enough of her…
“By the way I’m sorry for nearly flatting you before,” Ginny smiled after they came up for air.
“Its fine I much prefer you flatting me then Evan,” Harry told her.
“Oh, you do, do you, whys that” Ginny flirted.
“Your female and hot, he’s my brother and he weighs a ton,” Harry told her truthfully.
“Oh, okay then,” she smirked back before kissing him again.
Eventually they headed back to the tent and after a kiss goodnight went their separate ways. Harry smiled as he watched her disappear into the room she shared with Rose before entering his own room. Evan was already fast asleep and snoring his head off when he came in. He quickly threw on his pyjamas, and climbed into bed, casting a mild silencing charm over his brother as he did so.
The next morning everyone woke up to the festivities outside and had breakfast. The World Cup kicked off later in the evening and Harry kept to Ginny’s side pretty much the whole time, not that she minded. He probably should have paid more attention to the games but to be honest he was just happy spending time with her, though he did get a surprise when she and Rose kept trying to outdo each other cheering the teams on.
These last couple of days had turned out better than he’d ever thought…
---
The first of September arrived there was no point in Rose and evan going all the way to kings cross to get the train just to come back. So were meeting the train when it arrived at Hogsmeade.
“Rose, Evan time to leave the train will be arriving soon,” James shouted as appeared in the kitchen dressed in there Hogwarts robs.
“Oh, my babies,” Lily cooed. Their trunks were packed and waiting beside the door.
“Oh mum don’t embarrass us on the platform,” Rose and Evan said giving their mother a annoyed look.
“We embarrass them now Lil,” Jame smirked.
“Are you coming to the platform with us Harry?” Evan asked you could tell he was nervous.
“Of course I will be there,” Harry smiled soon it was time for them all to go to the platform. They reached the platform just as the train arrived everyone started to get off the train.
“Merlin there’s more students here than I thought there’d be,” Evan commented as he looked over the crowd of disembarking the train. He’d thought that the number of wizards and witches at the Battle of Hogwarts was a lot, but he hadn’t expected the sheer number of students that would be attending this year. “The castle is going to be crowded.”
“Hey there’s Ginny,” Rose spoke up as she waved at a familiar red-haired woman just getting off the train.
Hermione and Luna followed her, dragging their trunks along with them. Harry tried not to feel self-conscious as the three of them approached and greeted them with a smile.
“Hey,” he said simply.
“Hey yourself,” Ginny responded with a smirk. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“Yeah well, I thought I’d see Rose and Evan off. We live in the village now so there was no point in sending them to London just to bring them back here,” Harry explained.
“Are you going to miss us bro?” Evan asked him.
“Are you kidding? I get the house to myself without you two there,” Harry shot back with a grin.
“Oh?” Ginny asked amused. “Will you miss me then?”
“I’m sure I’ll see you around the village sometime,” Harry waved off her question. “I’m sure Rose or Evan can tag along with you.”
“You’re an arse,” Rose commented with a sigh before turning away.
“We’d better keep moving,” Hermione piped up. “You know how Professor McGonagall gets if we’re late.”
“Okay then let’s go,” Ginny agreed.
“Bye mum! Bye dad!” Evan waved as he ran ahead.
“See you on Saturday!” Rose added as she followed after him.
They started walking off towards where the carriages were located though many of them for the first time seeing the thestrels that pulled them.
“Gin wait up” Harry said pushing through some students.
“Harry-” Ginny started but was cut off.
The next thing she knew he’d wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in. Her eyes widened as she felt his lips on hers and the sound of whistling coming from around her. After a second she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes, enjoying the kiss for as long as she could. Finally, he pulled back and she flushed a bit at his smiling face.
“I’ll see you on Saturday,” Harry said simply before walking away.
No she was not staring at his bum…
The next few minutes were a blur before she realised that she was now sitting in a carriage that was being pulled by a thestrel. Beside her sat Rose while Luna, Evan and Hermione sat opposite them.
“You will catch flies if you all keep you mouths open,” Ginny smirked as all their mouth snapped shut.
“How long have you been kissing my brother?” Rose asked.
“About a week in my defence he’s a good kisser,” Ginny told them as they stared at her in shock getting disgusted looks from Harry’s siblings.
“And I’m only finding this out now why?” Rose asked.
“It was new it happened at the World Cup,” Ginny told her trying to not laugh.
“How when we were there?” Rose asked many questions.
“Does it really matter? Ginny asked.
“I suppose not,” Rose sighed in confusion. “You do know you were his first kiss.”
“What? No, I didn’t,” Ginny said surprised.
“So, you’ve been kissing your friend’s brother,” Hermione mused with a small smile.
“What can I say?” Ginny shrugged in response. “We hit it off rather well.”
“Maybe he can help with your wrackspurt infestation?” Luna mused.
“What’s a wrackspurt?” Evan asked confused.
“It’s a Luna thing,” Hermione explained with a sigh. “You get used to it.”
“Your wrackspurt infestation seems to have cleared,” Luna commented as she turned her gaze on Hermione. “Did something happen?”
“You mean besides the whole war?” Hermione asked back avoiding the question. “I just had a lot of stuff to deal with this summer.”
Finding her parents in Australia among them…
They reached the castle Rose and Evan were took so they could get sorted with the first years while everyone sat at their house table the …
“Welcome everyone to a new and better year at Hogwarts and of course welcome to the new first years and we have a new fourth and sixth year joining us today but first we need to welcome to new two new teachers head of Gryffindor and potions professor …. Professor Lily Potter and new head of Slytherin and defence against the dark art … Professor James Potter,” Professor McGonagall declared.
Rose and Evan looked at each other as their parents appeared taking a seat at the table. “Did you know about this,” Hermione whispered to Ginny.
“Not a clue I’m going to kill harry if he knew,” Ginny whispered back.
“Right, I shall call the names and you shall sit on this chair I shall place the sort hat on your heads I shall start with the older students so Rose Potter,” McGonagall shouted Rose stepped up looking nerves she sat on the chair. She barely placed the Sorting Hat on her head before it spoke up.
“Gryffindor!” the hat yelled.
Rose smiled widely as she stood up and walked over to the Gryffindor table, her robes changing to red and gold as she did so. She sat down and immediately hugged Ginny who was cheering with the rest of their House.
“Evan Potter!” McGonagall continued after a moment.
Evan sat down on a moment later, his nerves feeling as he needed to make. Without a word he looked out at the crowd and could barely contain himself as the hat descended and blocked his view.
“You are not the Potter I thought I’d be sorting,” the Hat commented. “The more things change, the more they stay the same it seems. Where to sort you, I wonder?”
“You sent my sister straight to Gryffindor,” Evan said nervously. “I want to go there too.”
“Your sister was easy to sort,” the Hat told him. “You on the other hand are a tad more difficult.”
“I’d rather go to Gryffindor,” Evan told him honestly. “My parents went there; my sister is there and I’m not sure I’d fit in anywhere else.”
“You’re much more cunning than you realise, your loyalty to family is refreshing and you have a thirst for knowledge. It’s all here in your head,” the Hat mused.
“If you’re going to sort me anywhere just make sure it’s not Slytherin,” Evan said clearly. “I don’t think it would end well for anyone if I went there.”
“…Gryffindor!” the Hat called out.
Again, the Gryffindor table burst into cheers as Evan let out a breath that he hadn’t realised he was holding. He stood up and walked over the table before sitting down beside his sister.
“What took you so long?” Rose asked him.
“It couldn’t decide where to sort me,” Evan answered honestly. “I’m glad I ended up here at least.”
“Welcome to Gryffindor,” Ginny said to them. “Both of you.”
The sorting ceremony continued but before long McGonagall shouted. “Let the feast begin,” everyone started tucking into the food that had appeared.
“Did you both know about your parents?” Hermione asked Rose and Evan.
“We had no idea,” Evan answered before looking to the teachers table to see his parents deep in conversion. “Well, we seem to be the talk of the school already,”
“They will get sick of talking,” Hermione reassured them.
“We are not the only talk of the school,” Rose said looking at Ginny.
“Well, your brothers actions seem have people talking don’t they your parents know don’t they?” Ginny asked looking at Rose and Evan.
“Eh no they don’t I don’t think so,” Evan said.
While down at teachers table James and Lily sat beside each talking. They stopped when they heard faint mummers of ‘Potter’ and ‘Weasley’ from the House tables in front of them.
“I can understand why they’re talking about us,” James mused. “But what do the Weasleys have to do with anything?”
“It’s not you they’re talking about,” Flitwick spoke up beside them.
“You can hear them?” James inquired surprised.
“I’m half-goblin,” explained Professor Flitwick. “We have better hearing than normal humans.”
“Dare I ask what they’re saying?” Lily sighed.
It had been a long time since she had to deal with the Hogwarts rumour mill…
“Apparently your oldest was seen kissing Miss Weasley at Hogsmeade earlier,” Flitwick answered with a shrug.
“He what?” Lily blinked in surprise.
“Adda boy,” James chuckled at the news.
“Why didn’t he tell us?” Lily asked the question.
“He’s at that age Lily,” James reasoned. “And I think that’s all the confirmation we need,” he added as he nodded towards the Gryffindor table. Ginny glanced at them before turning away looking a bit red-faced…
“Before I send you all to your common rooms to prepare for lesson tomorrow as the new Headmistress, I have decided that Hogsmeade visits will be every two weeks for third years and up,” McGonagall announced to be meet with loud cheers. “Now off to bed all of you first years, your prefects for your house will show you to your common rooms.”
Hermione took the new first years up to Gryffindor Tower. Ginny on the other hand stayed behind with Rose and Evan. The rest of the students and staff left soon after. Ginny opted to wait by the doors to the Great Hall…
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Evan asked the question.
“It was a surprise,” James replied with a grin.
“Well we’re surprised Professor Dad,” Rose shot back.
“You aren’t the only ones,” Lily said. “Did you come up to the castle with Ginny by any chance?”
“Erm yeah…” Rose trailed off unsure what else to say.
“See anything interesting?” James asked with a grin. “Your brother kissing the Weasley girl maybe?”
“…Maybe?” Evan half-answered.
“They kept that quiet,” Lily commented.
“Like I said he’s at that age now,” James said with a wide grin. “That being said, Rose if I find you in a broom cupboard with a boy then detention will be the least of your worries.”
“The same applies to you Evan,” Lily added.
“As if that’s going to happen,” Evan scoffed. “Girls are weird.”
“Prat,” Rose said as she lightly wacked her brother on the arm. “Believe me the last thing on my mind right now is boys.”
“Uhuh,” Lily hummed slightly. “We’ll see,”
Rose and Evan quickly left the Great Hall after that and found Ginny waiting for them outside. She appeared a bit anxious but otherwise fine and she smiled widely when she saw them approach.
“Are you both okay?” she asked them.
“Yeah we just talked for a bit,” Rose answered with a shrug. “They know about you and Harry by the way.”
“I gathered that thanks,” Ginny sighed before turning around. “Come on and follow me. Gryffindor Tower is this way…”
Chapter 7: Date
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Happy 44th birthday Harry potter
Chapter 7: Date
“Hey sorry I’m late I got you these,” Harry smiled over Ginny shoulder she stood in the middle of Hogsmeade she turned around to see him holding flowers. “Don’t worry they will survive until you get back to school,”
“You didn’t have to you know,” Ginny smiled taking them off him smelling them.
“Yeah, well I thought you would like them,” Harry smiled.
“Thank you they are lovely,” Ginny smiled pulling him into her standing on her tiptoe to connect her lips with his all of a sudden there was the sound of a camara taking a picture breaking them apart.
“Who is this Mr Potter? Would you like to make a comment,” Rita skeeter asked from not far from them.
“Not really,” Harry snapped as she came closer to them, he quickly grabbed Ginny hand and with a pop they were gone. They appeared beside the black lake. “I’m sorry.”
Harry slumped down on the grass with a fed-up sigh as Ginny sat beside him. “It not your fault Harry,” Ginny said but he just laughed. “It’s not, believe me it’s not.”
“Thanks, you are amazing for understanding my weird life. I know you are the talk of the school I probably should not have kissed you when I did,” Harry said pulling her into his side.
“I gather Rose, or your mum told you. It doesn’t bother me I get to be with you it worth it and I really liked that kiss I don’t regret you kissing me,” Ginny smiled kissing him. “Speaking of kissing I do have a bone to pick with,”
“Oh yeah what’s that?” Harry smiled for the first time since Hogsmeade.
“I told you at the World Cup that you your kissing needed improvement as a joke not realising that was your first kiss,” Ginny said
“Yeah, I probably should have mentioned that,” Harry admitted sheepishly.
“Yes well, I want to know about you,” Ginny told him. “Like…I don’t know…what was it like being the oldest in the family? I mean I’m the youngest and I love Bill don’t get me wrong, but I don’t know what it would be like if I was the oldest.”
“Well, it would be a lot better if Evan didn’t try and prank me every chance he gets,” Harry replied with a grunt. “And Rose can be annoying at times too. Don’t get me wrong I love them and all, but they drive me nuts at times.”
“I get it,” Ginny chuckled.
“What about you?” Harry asked back. “What’s it like being the youngest?”
“Let’s just say I’ve never been more glad that I was born a girl,” Ginny replied with a sigh. “I have six brothers”six! I mean they’re all cool”mostly”but they’ve all done something worthwhile, and I know Ron hates being compared to the rest of them.”
That he could understand…
“I know Evan and Rose don’t like being compared to me. But I think they’ve gotten used to the fame at this point,” Harry mused.
They sat there by the lake talking and laughing. A few of the Mermen waved at them from the water for a bit before taking off back underwater after they waved back. After an hour Ginny finally asked the question, she’d been wondering for a while.
“So have you got any idea what you want to do now?” Ginny asked him. “I mean with Tom gone and all.”
“Well, I managed to get a job at the Hogs Head,” Harry replied with a shrug. “It’s nice and Aberforth seems to like me at least. As for what I plan to do later, I honestly don’t know at this point.”
His whole life he’d been hiding and learning as much as he could because he knew that one day Voldemort would be coming after him. Now that he was dead and the war over, he was still trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life now.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Ginny said with a smile.
It wasn’t like he didn’t have options after all, not after defeating the most feared Dark Lord of the last hundred years. Harry looked a bit sheepish for a moment before nodding, his cheeks turning a bit red.
“…Did you want to go back?” Harry asked her after a moment. “Skeeter should have left by now…”
Most reporters did when he Apparated away from them the few times they’d caught him around though thankfully they mostly kept clear of the Potter House thanks to the wards around the place.
“Oh, here they come little Gin-Gin and her little boyfriend we heard from mum ever so excited she was,” Fred said as leaned on the counter he was stood behind.
“Oh, shut Freddie,” Ginny glared as they walked further into the shop. “Where’s your twit sorry I mean twin.”
“I heard the word twit I thought you must have arrived Gin-Gin,” George said appearing out of now were.
“Don’t mind us we are just looking around,” Ginny said throwing her brothers the death glare that would have struck the nose off Voldemort if he had.
“Oh, we don’t mind and if you see anything we will give you the sister discount twenty present off,” George said sliding on the ladder.
“Sister discount huh?” Ginny deadpanned. “So, what’s the brother discount?”
“Well, if Ron comes in we’re going to make him pay extra,” Fred answered with a grin. “Hey Harry, how about a fake wand?”
“For a fair and reasonable price,” George added with a chuckle.
“In other words you’ll pay a bit extra too,” Fred told him.
“But I’m not your brother,” Harry responded confused.
“Yet,” Fred grinned back at him. “Isn’t that right, Gin-Gin?”
Ginny’s face reddened a bit as she caught the twins laughing to themselves and sent them a glare that would make Voldemort melt. Harry was blushing as well though if she was honest with herself, she wasn’t opposed to the idea. He was handsome and all, but this was their first date. Harry was a long way from becoming their brother-in-law, and she certainly wasn’t anywhere near ready to get married.
“Oh, shut it you two,” Ginny glared back at the pair of them.
“Lighten up Gin-Gin, we’re only joking,” George waved off her glare.
Right…
Time to change the subject before she started hexing her teasing brothers…
“What are those?” Harry asked as they came to little fluff ball in a glass case.
“They are Pygmy Puff I have always wanted one then my brothers got them in and I never got around to getting one,” Ginny explained standing looking In the glass case.
“What one doyou want?” Harry asked looking at them then at Ginny.
“No, it fine I didn’t mean for you to buy me one,” Ginny said with a sigh.
“Gin, what one do you want?” Harry asked again she just shook her head. “I’m not moving until you pick your puff ball.”
“The little pink one,” Ginny pointed before signal for her brother to come over telling him what she wanted.
He took it over to the till before putting it though. “That will be six gallons,” George said.
“What the full price?” Harry questioned
“It’s fine, they are knocking money off,” Ginny said
“Full price?” Harry questioned again.
“Okay ten gallons,” George said quickly. “But since she’s our favourite sister.”
“Only sister really,” Fred added with a grin.
“We’ve knocked it down to six galleons,” George finished as he winked at the pair of them.
“Here you go,” Harry said as he handed over the full money.
“This is ten galleons,” George said as he looked over the coins.
“Very observant of you,” Harry said back with a grin.
“We can’t take this,” Fred told him looking a bit unsure.
“Yes, you can, and you will,” Harry responded simply. “It’s fine.”
Ginny’s smile’s widened as she picked the Pygmy Puff off the counter and held it in her arms. It was a very bright pink and fluffy appearing to literally be a ball of fur with an even smaller body giving it the appearance of a miniature Puffskein.
“It’s perfect,” Ginny commented as she placed it on her shoulder. “I think I’ll call you Arnold.”
“Why Arnold?” Harry asked surprised.
“What’s wrong with Arnold?” Ginny asked back with a raised eyebrow.
“Nothing’s wrong with it I was just wondering,” Harry shrugged in response.
“Ginny’s got a lot of names that she’s come out with over the years,” Fred said to the lone Potter in the room. “She named our brother Ron’s owl Pidwidgeon because she thought it was cute.”
“Really?” Harry blinked in surprise.
“Come on Arnold,” Ginny said to the Puff on her shoulder. “You’re coming back with me,” she turned and headed for the door. “I’ll see you both later Fred, George. Try not to burn the village down or anything or I’ll tell mum.”
“No promises!” George called out after them.
“Have fun you two!” Fred added. “But try not to have too much fun.”
Harry’s face felt like it was on fire as they left the Weasley shop, jogging a bit to catch up with Ginny. Her own face was a bit red as she tried not too look at him too closely.
“Sorry about them,” Ginny apologised. “They mean well but they can be a little…”
“It’s fine,” Harry told her as he looked around at the street.
“…Are you thirsty?” Ginny asked him after a moment of silence.
“Yeah,” Harry nodded eagerly.
“The Broomsticks?” she mused.
“Let’s go,” he agreed.
She led him through the village, dodging the people that were milling about and entered the pub they had come to know as the Three Broomsticks. Ginny grabbed a seat in one of the booths at the back and Harry walked over to the bar. He came over to the table a few minutes later and sat down, placing down a pair of butterbeers on it.
“Thanks,” Ginny said as she took a sip from her bottle. “I needed this.”
“My legs are killing me from all that walking,” Harry agreed as he took a gulp of his own drink.
“Oh?” Ginny uttered as she glanced across at him. “So, you’re too tired to continue?” she asked as she seemed to snuggle up beside him.
“I’m not that knackered,” Harry replied as he wrapped an arm around her. “This is rather comfortable.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Ginny smirked back as she leaned in and rested her head on her shoulder. “You’re rather comfy yourself, Harry Potter.”
Harry could feel his stomach doing cartwheels at this point with her half pressed against him and it took a herculean effort to look down at his face. She was so close, and her lips were right there. What did they taste like?
He leaned down to kiss her…
“Oh, hey you two,” James Potter spoke up in surprise as he seemingly appeared beside the table.
Ginny blushed slightly as she seemed to skirt away from Harry who seemed to jump in surprise. He looked up and spotted his farther, not sure whether to curse him where he stood or not.
“Dad! What are you doing here?!” Harry yelped with a glare.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt,” James said quickly with a grin. “I just saw you two over here and thought I’d say hello.”
“Hello Professor Potter,” Ginny said with a small nod trying to appear as innocent as possible. It was something she had trouble doing since she was on a date with the man’s son and her teacher knew it.
Awkward…
“Is mum here too?” Harry asked him as he looked around the pub.
“Yeah, she’s at a table upstairs,” James answered with a grin. “I just came down get some food and drink for us.”
“Say hello to mum for me,” Harry said as he took another drink.
“I will,” James grinned back. “I’ll see you both later,” he said with a wave as he walked away.
He was going to have fun explaining to Lily about them both grabbing a booth together and almost kissing. Though he wasn’t sure if Lily will be mad that they were about to snog in the middle of Three Broomsticks or the fact that James interrupted them.
Probably both…
“…Do you want to get out of here?” Harry asked after gulping down the last of his drink.
“Yes please,” Ginny said as she too down the last of her bottle. “No offence but I see enough of your parents in class.”
“None taken,” Harry said as they got up from their seats.
They made their way back to the door and left the pub behind, walking back out into the village. Once outside Ginny grinned as she took Harry’s arm and dragged him through the streets towards Honeydukes, the local chocolate shop.
“This way,” Ginny smirked as she led them inside. “You have got to try this.”
The shop was busy, but they managed to make their way through the crowd and reach where the people could sample the chocolate. Ginny grinned as she took one of the sweet on the counter and handed it to Harry.
“Dare I ask what this is?” Harry inquired giving the sweet a look.
“Just try it,” Ginny told him.
Harry looked between her face and the sweet for a moment before eating it. One gulp and it was gone followed by a burning sensation in his ears. Steam seemed to burst out of his ears as he tried not to cough. Eventually after a few seconds it stopped but Ginny was openly laughing at him now.
“That was mean,” Harry said with a grin before grabbing another sweet. “You try one,” he said as he handed it to her.
“Fine by me,” Ginny said before she tossed it into her mouth.
She tried to speak but all that came out was a quacking noise you would expect to hear from a duck. Harry laughed as he saw her face turn slightly red. This time Ginny grabbed a sweet and threw it right into Harry’s laughing mouth. He choked for a second before swallowing it and suddenly started snorting like a pig.
“We really need to get some of these,” Ginny told him.
“I’m buying so grab whatever you fancy,” Harry said clearly as he picked up a couple of bags filled with sweets.
They grabbed a few more bags of the various sweets they wanted and left the shop after paying. Harry had swallowed another one as they made their way down the street and was roaring like a lion much to Ginny’s amusement.
“Oh yeah you definitely would have been in Gryffindor if you’d gone to Hogwarts,” she commented. “I can tell my brothers would have loved you if you came to class sounding like that.”
“Thanks,” Harry said with a smile as they came to a stop.
“I should probably be heading back,” Ginny told him. “I had a lot of fun today”though I think we could have done without Skeeter showing up…”
“Sorry about that,” Harry apologized. “Do you want to do this again next weekend?”
“Definitely,” she replied with a smirk. “But before that,” she leaned up and gave him a kiss on the lips causing him to jolt in surprise. “Strawberry huh? I wouldn’t have guess,” she commented before turning away.
“Huh what?” Harry blinked in shock. “Ginny?”
“I’ll see you later Harry,” she smirked over her shoulder as she walked away.
Harry watched her go for once utterly flabbergasted with a wide grin on his face that would simply not disappear. After she disappeared, he turned around and started walking home, his mind on the kiss. It wasn’t until he got home and collapsed on his bed that he started to chuckle to himself.
Merlin she knew how to surprise him…
Chapter 8: School days
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterHarry Potter:
Chapter 8: School Days
“You look lost,” Rose jumped when she heard a voice say from behind her, she was standing on a stone bridge looking around.
“Little bit,” Rose admitted looking at someone she had seen around the school. “You’re a Longbottom?”
“And you’re Rose Potter,” He give a smile coming to stand in front of her. “William Longbottom but my friends call me Will, you’re in my next class you were sitting beside me last week.”
“Oh yeah I think I remember,” Rose smiled as they walked towards class.
“Good to know I made a good impression” Willilam said cheekily.
“Hey, I was very flustered,” Rose told him as walked into transfiguration.
The two spent most of the class quietly talking. “Can I walk you to the Great Hall? You know in case you get lost?” William asked after class it was finally lunch.
“I know my way, but I shall allow it,” Rose laughed as they continued to walk. “Thank you for helping me before, it’s strange going from my parents teaching me everything to going to school.”
“It’s fine you will get used to It. I bet it was cool getting taught by a Marauder growing up, the Marauders’ name is legendary in this school he seems cool when he taught us,” William commented
“He’s not cool he’s my dad a nutcase,” Rose stated clearly.
“If you need help in your classes I am in all of them, I can help you?” William half asked.
“Have you not got anything better to do then to help catch up a transfer student?” Rose asked as they got close to the great hall.
“Not really my friends normally just us me for my brains,” William told her.
“Is that not what I’m doing?” Rose questioned looking at him confused.
“It’s different,” William answered.
“How so?” Rose asked.
“I offered to help you, they expected me to do,” William told her.
“Well then, that would help,” Rose smiled. “Thank you.”
---
“Isn’t it unfair Rose is already on the team?” Richard Smith shouted as they stood in the middle of the Quidditch Pitch on a cloudy day in Scotland for the Gryffindor try-outs. “Or is it because you are screwing her brother?”
“Now there’s need to be jealous just because you can’t get a girlfriend,” Ginny mocked as she stood at the front “For the record Rose is a much better player than you could ever be, and for that matter so am I.”
“Bitch,” Richard spat out beginning to storm away. “It’s not like I want to be on the team anyway.”
“Mister Smith,” James Potter shouted making Richard come to a stop as James and Lily stood not far them “Detention with me after school today, we do not use that kind of language here.”
“But she-” Richard stared but James cut him off.
“Would you like me to make it the whole week?” James questioned to the terrified seventh year.
“No sir,” Richard stammered looking back to where everyone stood.
“Good,” James with a wide smile. “Off you go.”
“Hey mum, hey dad,” Rose laughed.
“I thought we would come watch you try-out and wish you luck,” Lily smiled.
“As you were Miss Weasley,” James smiled with a nod of his head at Ginny as he and Lily went into the stands.
That day Rose became Gryffindor new seeker.
---
Ginny walked into the Great Hall seeing Rose sat halfway down at the Gryffindor table with Hermione sat over from her. Both of them were staring down into books, it was lunch time, but they didn’t look like they had ate. “Hey you two, you got plans for after classes?” she asked them sitting beside Hermione.
“I have a report due for tomorrow I haven’t finished it,” Hermione told her.
“Really? Hermione Granger not finishing a report?” Ginny teased but Hermione didn’t say anything. “I would say have you got a secret boyfriend who is distracting you but your Hermione.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hermione shot backing whipping her head up to look at her oldest friend.
“Well you don’t really date or show interest in dating,” Ginny tried to explain but she could tell she was digging her own grave. “Okay Rose, before Hermione murders me, you free for some quidditch?”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Rose replied not looking up from her book.
“Why not?” Ginny asked with a sigh pulling food towards her.
“I managed to snag a tutor to help me with my schoolwork,” Rose said packing away some of her books. “Being taught here is so different compared to what I’m used to.”
“Really? Who’d you ask?” Ginny questioned she couldn’t imagine coming into Hogwarts in her second last year. Her first year was bad enough having a young Tom Riddle in her head at the time.
“Well, I didn’t ask,” Rose told them Hermione had looked up interested all of sudden in the conversation. “He offered and I accepted.”
“Oh so it’s a he, is it?” Ginny teased with a knowing look earning a laugh from Hermione.
“Don’t give me that look,” Rose shot back as the two facing her had the same look on their faces.
“What look?” Ginny asked innocently.
“I know that look,” Rose pointed out. She may not have gone to school, but she knew that look a mile away. “I invented that look.”
“So, who is it?” Hermione asked confused and curious.
“If you must know it’s a boy in my class,” Rose answered but not really answering. “His name is William.”
“…William Longbottom?” Ginny mused.
“You know him?” Rose asked her. She knew he had an adoptive older brother that was a couple year older.
“I know his brother,” Ginny told her. “Neville Longbottom fought in the Battle of Hogwarts and even duelled two of the Lestranges by himself. I knew he had a younger brother at Hogwarts, but I’ve only seen him in passing,”
“Well, he seems nice,” Rose said with a small smile.
“Oh I bet he does,” Ginny jokes raising her eye brows with a small laugh.
“Okay I’m leaving,” Rose said packing up the rest of her books.
“A word of advice,” Ginny offered with a grin. “Third row at the back, hardly anyone goes there.”
“I’m not listening,” Rose said trying to ignore the laughing. “And don’t tell my brother anything.”
“I thought you and William were nothing?” Ginny smirked back.
“We are nothing, just shut it,” Rose huffed and waved her off as she walked out the Great Hall.
---
The student of Hogwarts had been back at school for just over a month the youngest Potter was loving being at school, but he would be the first to admit he hadn’t really made any friends. But as his father had said, if he didn’t spend so much time in the library researching pranks and in the common room thinking up pranks he might meet different people. Evan was currently sat in the middle of the library with what seem like maybe ten or twenty books around him on the table.
“Your Evan,” a voice said making him jump knocking over the ink pot that he had been using a moment before. “You’re the one that is normally in the Weasley shop in Hogsmeade.”
“I’m”yeah that’s me,” Evan said looking up at the boy with mouse brown hair who had just tapped his wand on the ink to make it disappear.
“Dennis Creevey,” the boy said sticking out his hand for Evan to shake to which he did.
“If you want my brother’s autograph I’m not getting you it,” Evan said confused to why he was suddenly talking to someone that seem to know a lot about him.
“Oh no nothing like that, now if you had of been talking to my strange older brother Colin then yes maybe but no not me,” Dennis sat taking the seat over from Evan. “How do you do it? Being famous for just being the brother of Harry Potter?”
“I hide away researching thing to do with pranks and stuff like that. Harry is my brother, I don’t see him any different. He’s cool because I can play stupid pranks on him and he really doesn’t care,” Evan explained.
“Now if you offered to get me an autograph from the Weasley Twins, that would be brilliant,” Dennis grinned back.
“…You like pranks?” Evan blinked in surprise. Other than the Weasley Twins themselves”and of course his own father”he thought that he was the only one who actually enjoyed them. “I gather that you know about my dad and his friends? The Marauders?”
“They’re kind of legendary around here,” Dennis nodded in confirmation. “I still prefer the Twin Terrors.”
Twin Terrors…
That sounded like them alright…
“Want to meet them?” Evan offered suddenly. Well, his parents did say he needed to make some friends so he might as well start somewhere.
“Really?” Dennis asked with a wide grin. “Can I?”
“Sure,” Evan replied with a nod. “We’re going to Hogsmeade this weekend, right? I’m sure we can stop by and pay a visit to their shop.”
“Thanks mate,” Dennis smiled back.
They sat there for the rest of the evening since classes had already ended for the day before finally being kicked out of the library as it drew closer to curfew. Their housemates gave them disturbed looks while their talk of the different kinds of prank items and which ones were better grew louder. Eventually they went to bed and fell asleep much to their year mate’s relief. Seriously, those two hadn’t shut up the entire time they’d been back in Gryffindor Tower.
The following morning Evan groaned as he felt a nudge against his shoulder making him roll over to get away from what touched him. The next thing he felt was a tap against his back followed by several more causing his eyes to open and turn to the boy who dared to wake him from his slumber. He’d been having a rather nice dream too, one involving himself alone on a deserted island with a dozen bikini clad women.
He was definitely a teenage boy…
“Hey Evan,” Dennis said with a rather pensive look. “You’d better get dressed or you’ll miss the visit to Hogsmeade.”
“Hogsmeade?” Evan blinked before jumping out of bed. “Crap!”
Needless to say, Evan was a whirlwind as he quickly got dressed. Dennis hadn’t bothered waiting and was already there with the rest of their year mates as the youngest Potter boy came running down the stairs.
“Slept in again, Evan?” asked the familiar voice of James Potter. “Well come on then, let’s go.”
“Again?” Dennis asked amused as the Potter boy walked alongside him. “I take it that you sleep in a lot?”
“If I had my way classes wouldn’t start until twelve,” Evan answered truthfully.
The walk to Hogsmeade was thankfully uneventful though Evan was just grateful that it wasn’t raining. They lived in Britain and don’t be fooled, it rained a lot. Finally, they arrived at the village, and everyone went their separate ways. As for Evan and Dennis, they headed for the Weasley shop in the village as fast as their legs could take them.
“Hello?” Evan called out as he entered the shop. “Fred? George?”
“Evan! You’re here!” one of the Twin spoke up though he couldn’t for the life of him figure out which one it was. “And you brought a friend?”
“This is Dennis,” Evan introduced. “He wants some advice on pranks.”
“Hello,” Dennis greeted with a smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“Polite too,” Twin-one added with a grin. “Hey Forge! We got a live one in here!” he called out the back.
What followed was the sound of a bang and then a crash, as if a dozen boxes had tumbled over. They could all hear the sound of someone cursing up a storm as smoke started to drift out from the door at the back of the shop. A few a few seconds Twin-two came stumbling out.
“What do we have here, Gred?” Twin-two asked between coughs. “A new student in the noble art of pranking?”
“A new recruit more like,” Twin-one clarified.
“Erm…” Dennis trailed off as he eyed the smoke coming out of the back. “Is that going to be alright?”
“It’ll be fine,” Twin-One waved off his concern. “It happens all the time.”
“Please, right this way,” Twin-two said as he gestured towards the first row of products.
Evan followed as the twins led Dennis through the range of prank items that they offered. After an hour and a half, the two fourth years left the shop with a couple of bags in their hands filled to the brim with magical artefacts. Say what you wanted about the Twins, they knew what they were doing.
After taking a look around the rest of the shops it was finally time to return to the castle. They met up with everyone else in the village square where James then led them back to Hogwarts. It was nearly night by the time they reached it and headed back to their respective common rooms.
All in all Evan thought it had been a good couple of days…
--
The Potter family didn’t celebrate Halloween for two years after the night Remus died. It had never seemed right, not after all they had been through together, and all of the hardships they had faced. That was until on the night of Halloween nineteen eighty-three when Evan Sirius Potter was born.
It was on the morning of the thirty-first of October when the now fifteen-year-old Evan awoke, the sun shining through the window of his dorm room. With a grin he realised that it was his birthday, and to make even better it was a Saturday meaning they didn’t have any classes for the day.
He quickly threw the covers off himself and jumped out of bed. It didn’t take him long to get dressed in his regular clothes, not bothering with his Gryffindor robes for the day especially if they were going to Hogsmeade. Idly he sent a glance at the other beds in the room and saw only Dennis was present, though judging by the snoring he was obviously still asleep.
Evan stared for a moment before a wide grin settled onto his face. He reached into his drawer and retrieved a small canister from within. He silently crept over to his dormmate and brought the canister up beside Dennis’ sleeping head, pressing down on its top.
“Ello there mate!”
The sound of the Weasley Twins echoed through the room as Dennis jumped up awake, startled at the sudden loud noise. He fell backwards and dropped down on the floor. Evan laughed at the sight as the Creevey boy sent him a glare, pushing himself back to his feet.
“Not funny Evan,” Dennis grumbled.
“I beg to differ,” Evan said with a grin. “Its Hogsmeade weekend and you’re going to be late. I’ll meet you down there,” with a wave he was out of the room and heading down to meet up with the rest of their year mates.
It wasn’t long before they reached the village proper, and everyone slip off going their separate ways. Dennis had shown up just before they’d left the castle, half-heartedly sending him a mock glare to which Evan smiled back. Evan waved before he walked off towards the Potter house at the outskirts of the village.
Home sweet home…
Evan lifted his hand to the door handle when the door flew open there stood his brother “Happy birthday little brother,” Harry said with a grin as he held out his hand.
“Thanks bro,” Evan grinned back as he grasped his hand to shake it. “Yah”fucker!” he cursed a second later as he felt an electric shock run through him from his brother’s hand. Harry pulled back a second later grinning widely and showed his hand which held a damn Weasley Buzzer in the middle of it. “Not cool bro.”
“I got you though,” Harry chuckled in response.
“Yeah, yeah, you got me,” Evan admitted. “Once a year is the best you can do I suppose.”
“What are you standing outside for? Come in,” Harry laughed not stepping out of his way to let him in.
“Your chubby arse is in my way,” Evan shot back giving him a push.
“Language Evan, Harry let your brother in the house,” Lily said from inside. Harry turned to let him in when all of sudden Evan jumped on his back resulting to him nearly knocking Harry off his feet.
“How much are they feeding you at school,” Harry asked as he tried to throw his brother off his back. “And you say I have a chubby arse.”
“Language Harry,” Lily said watch her two sons.
“Hey! After I was nice to you and found a Weasley outside that daft enough to date you, I invited her in if you would let me in,” Evan said as he pushed his brother again but Harry had moved sending Evan tumbling to the floor.
“You really are mean to your brother,” Ginny said from the door way. Harry stood on his brother foot to get over to where she is stood.
“Don’t mind me,” Evan said pick himself off the floor
“Why? You sat on the floor, it a silly place to sit,” Harry said before pulling Ginny into a hug. “Hey Gin, don’t mind my brother please come on in,” he said before waving her inside.
“Kiddo you have presents in here if want to open them before we return to Hogwarts!” James called out from the living room.
“Presents!” Evan yelled as he darted into the room and rushed over to the rather large pile of boxes next to the fireplace leaving at least three people stood in the kitchen.
He laughed as he tore into the boxes one after the other, happily examining the stuff they’d all got him. From his parents he got a thousand galleons which he planned to spend some of when he went out to the shops later. His brother had got him a Firebolt broom of all things while his sister had gotten a new set of exploding snap cards. He thanked them all for them one at a time before turning his eyes on the lone Weasley in the room.
As for Ginny…
“I gave some money to my brothers at joke shop for your birthday,” Ginny explained. “They said that if you stop by, they can give you whatever you from me and them.”
“Really? Thanks,” Evan grinned. “I’m going to go over there right now.”
“Not so fast kiddo,” James spoke up. “I think that you’re forgetting something.”
“…Cake!” Evan shouted in realisation.
Lily chuckled slightly as she walked into the living room carrying a large white cake in her hands, topped by a set of candles. On the top of it was the writing ‘Happy Birthday’ in cream. She walked around the table and set it down, making sure it didn’t fall or splatter. Evan grinned widely before taking a deep breath and blowing out the candles.
“Happy birthday son,” Lily said with a smile.
After cutting the cake up and eating a bit of it, Evan was out of the door and heading into the village proper. He spent the rest of the day wandering between shops starting from the Twins’ store and going around from there. True to their words the Twin gave him whatever caught his eye which considering the amount of stuff they actually had in there turned out to be a lot.
On a side note, Gred or Forge didn’t nearly burning the building down…
By the time he returned to the castle he had bought not only a second wand from Ollivanders just in case his original one ever broke”or in the unlikely event that it was incinerated when one of his fire spells was miscast. He was still smiling throughout the Halloween Feast though by the end of the night, he was that tired it didn’t take him long to drift off to sleep.
All in all it had been a brilliant birthday…
Chapter 9: Christmas part one
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 9: Christmas Part I
It was the first week of December when Lily collected the list of Gryffindor students who would be staying over the Christmas holidays. There weren’t many names on the list since most parents wanted their children home for the holidays, especially since the war now over. There was name on the list that Lily and James were surprised to see.
“We should invite Ginny to stay with us?” James half asked half told Lily who he could tell didn’t look sure.
“She could sleep in Rose’s room,” Lily said earning a laugh from James. “Don’t laugh at me James Potter.”
“And how long do you think that will last? I say a couple of days at the most before she sneaks out into Harrys room,” James smirked.
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with both of them staying under the same roof. You know what we were like at their age…” Lily confessed.
“Yes, I remember very much what we were like at their age Lil,” James smirked pulling her into a hug. “Come on Lil, give them the benefit of the doubt. You have the seventh years next, yes? Talk to Ginny after…”
“I suppose I have to trust them, they seem more sensible than us,” Lily said as James gives her a quick kiss leaving into the busy corridors going back his classroom.
--
“Ginny, could I have a word?” Lily asked after the class had finished.
“Yes of course professor,” Ginny said giving Hermione a worried look. “Hermione I will meet you outside.”
“Miss Grainger can stay; it’s just I noticed your name on the list for those staying over Christmas break?” Lilly inquired briefly.
“Mmm…my parents are going to go see my brother Charlie in Romania,” Ginny explained confused. “Is there a problem Professor?”
“No of course not, I just wanted you to know if you would like to stay with us? I don’t think Harry would like it if he knew you were staying in the castle,” Lily explained.
“Really? If you and Professor Potter”the other Professor Potter”are sure I will accept,” Ginny rambled as Hermione chucked from beside her. Ginny shot her a glare, but she just looked away trying to look innocent.
“Yes of course you’re welcome to stay,” Lily smiled.
“Thank you, Professor,” Ginny smiled turning to leave.
“I will let you tell Harry,” Lily told her getting nod in return. “And Ginny, please call us Lily and James when you are talking to us if we are not teaching you, you are dating our son.”
“…Thank you Lily,” Ginny smiled waling out the getting a smirk from Hermione.
--
It was the start of the holidays and Ginny couldn’t help but have mixed feelings as she watched the crowd of students head off towards the train station where the Hogwarts Express was to take them down to London. Thankfully Rose noticed and all but dragged her through the village to the Potter House.
Harry had met them as they left the school grounds and was with them, chatting with his brother Evan as they walked. Eventually they reached the front door and James hastily unlocked it so that they could enter. Evan was the first inside, plonking his bag on the floor beside the shoe shelves and dropping down onto the couch in the living room. Everyone else filed in behind him, shaking off their coats and dropping their own bags.
“Harry Ginny we would like to talk with you both Rose and Evan take your bags upstairs,” Lily said earning a sigh from their youngest two and Harry and Ginny to share a look they knew this conversation was coming.
“We know you are both of age…” James stared to say before
“Mum, dad, we know you want nothing to go on under your roof,” Harry said with a sigh.
“Okay we will set up a bed in Rose’s room,” Lily said nodding at the pair.
Rose woke up to the sound of someone coming into her room. The sun wasn’t even up yet, it was her second morning waking up at home instead of the dorms. Last night by the time she went to sleep the night before, Ginny hadn’t come into her room but she had heard her coming up the stairs with Harry. She really didn’t want to think of what they were getting up to. She heard Ginny get into the bed that they had conjured for her to sleep on.
“Lumos,” Rose spoke making Ginny jump as she illuminated the room with her wand. “Just to warn you, my mum and dad normally wake up anywhere between six and eight so make sure you get back to bed before six.”
“What do you mean? I only went to the bathroom,” Ginny lied looking over at Rose bed.
“You don’t need to lie but I’m not going to lie to my parents to cover for you screwing my brother because I don’t even want to think about it,” Rose spoke with a huff.
“Me and Harry ….” Ginny went to speak but Rose cut her off.
“I don’t want to know what you and brother get up to,” Rose waved off her words.
“Sorry,” Ginny apologized with wince.
“Nox,” Rose spoke making the room go dark.
Ginny was scared that James and Lily would find out about her sleeping in Harry’s room, and Harry could tell something was wrong but every time he asked Ginny she said it was nothing.
“Remember what I said, I’m not going to cover for you both,” Rose said as Harry and Ginny were heading upstairs to relax in his room. He gives his sister a confused look before Ginny led him away.
“What’s she on about, Gin?” Harry asked once they got to his room.
“I accidentally woke her up when I went in this morning,” Ginny explained as cuddled to his side. “She warned me about when your parents get up and she’s not going to lie for us.”
“There is nothing to lie about,” Harry said confused. “You fell asleep, that’s all.”
“She thinks something else happened; it didn’t help I lied and said I had come back from the bathroom,” Ginny told him causing Harry raised his eyebrow at her.
“Why did you lie?” Harry asked.
“I didn’t want her to tell your parents,” Ginny told him. “I don’t think they would like the fact their son is sleeping with his girlfriend under their roof.”
“Yeah, I understand that,” Harry said. “Mum would go mad.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to cross your mother if she thought her son had sex under her roof. Your dad comes across as if he would be proud you had slept with me,” Ginny laughed.
“Yeah, that’s true,” Harry agreed and bent down to kiss her.
“I suppose when we do want to do it, we will just have to find somewhere else,” Ginny told him.
“Any ideas?” Harry asked with a smirk.
“I think your parents would notice if we went away for a night,” Ginny told him with a laugh.
“So what if they do?” Harry inquired further.
“Are we really at that stage?” Ginny asked looking up at him.
“I would like to think we are,” Harry answered stroking his hand down her hair
“I don’t know?” Ginny half questioned. They’d been dating for a while, and they were both adults even if she was still in school.
“I don’t want to rush you if you are not ready,” Harry told her with a smile.
“Mmm well at this minute I think we should make out because that we are good at,” Ginny said pulling him down, so he was lying beside her before their lips joined. After a while she pulled away and commented. “You seem distracted.”
“No it’s fine,” he told her bending his head back down to kiss her but she moved her head.
“Harry you can talk to me,” Ginny told him.
“It’s just …” Harry trailed bending down to kiss her, but she moved again. “It’s nothing, I shouldn’t need to know.”
“You want to know how many boys I have dated in the past and how far I went with them, yes?” Ginny asked knowingly.
“Well…yes…but it-” Harry started to say but Ginny cut him off
“Harry, I will tell you if you want,” Ginny said Harry just nodded. “Okay well there was Micheal Connor, it never went very far. My family thought he was a creep and he did try to get handsy with me I dumped him then there was Dean, do you remember him?”
“Is that one of Ron’s friends that he goes around with?” Harry asked trying to remember and Ginny nodded. “Oh I can see how that would go, let me guess, Ron didn’t like the idea of one of his friends dating his sister.”
“Spot on, he didn’t, he caught us making out in a corridor and went mad. The next day Dean dumped me,” Ginny told him with a grunt. “So, to what you wanted to know, no I haven’t had sex before.”
“Oh erm…” Harry trailed off looking a tad relieved. “I’m actually kind of glad.”
“What about you?” Ginny asked back. “How many young maidens have you charmed?”
“Oh hundreds,” Harry replied as he puffed out his chest laughing nervously. “I’m the dashing hero, don’t you know?”
“Harry,” Ginny said with a small smile at his antics. “Be serious.”
“…None,” Harry admitted looking a tad put out. “We never really stayed anywhere for long, so I never really dated.”
“Oh,” Ginny responded quietly. “I’m sorry for asking.”
She’d never considered just what it meant for him being in hiding for so long…
“It’s fine,” Harry smiled back slightly. “Everything is better now, and I’m with you.”
“You charmer,” she teased back as she settled into his arms. “Don’t ever change.”
The next morning Lily walked past her daughter’s bedroom to see her door open she stuck her head looking at her daughter’s bed then to the camp bed that was empty, She could hear no other nose in the house and the bathroom door was open.
“Rose, where’s Ginny?” she asked to her daughter who snapped awake looked at the camp bed then to her mother in the doorway, but she didn’t get the chance to speak before Lily disappeared.
“Harry James Potter! Get dressed and open up!” Lily voice bellowed thought the silent.
“What going on Lil?” James asked rushing out of his and Lilys room putting a top on,
“Your son is in bed with his girlfriend,” Lily answered as the door open she was stood in front of Harry who stood looking like he had just woken up and passed him was Ginny.
“Mum nothing has happened,” Harry spoke quickly.
“Both of you downstairs,” Lily spoke as she went down the stairs followed by the sheepish looking Harry and Ginny as James tried to keep the smirk off his face.
“I let you stay in my house since your parents are away under strict rules,” Lily said to the pair.
“Mum, leave her alone. I have told you nothing has happened we fell asleep after talking,” Harry responded trying to remain calm.
“As if I don’t know that excuse,” Lily shot back.
“Hypocrite,” James coughed into his hand.
“What did you say?” Lily asked her husband.
“I called you a hypocrite Lil,” James smirked back.
“I think that’s our que to leave,” Harry spoke grabbing Ginny hand dragging her away.
“How dare you undermine me!” Lily shouted.
“No Lily, you would not listen to them, and you are a hypocrite. We done that at their age!” James yelled back.
Back upstairs they were in roses room as Ginny shoved her stuff in the bag. “What are you doing Gin?” Harry asked her.
“I think it’s best if I went back to the castle,” Ginny answered sadly.
“But we haven’t done anything wrong,” Harry said trying to stop her.
“You do know when I said I didn’t want to know, I still stick to that. It’s bad enough mum and dad are arguing about the same thing,” Rose sighed from her bed.
“Shut up Rose,” Harry shot back.
“Why doesn’t everyone shut up? It’s quarter past eight in the morning,” Evan shouted as the house fell silent.
“Right, you two out. I’m going to sleep,” Rose said pointing to the door. Harry and Ginny left.
“I think you need to sort your family out,” Ginny said simply. “No offence.”
“None taking but please stay,” Harry said following her down the stairs. She didn’t say anything else; she opened the front door.
“I will see you at some point Harry,” Ginny said walking away. Harry shut the door walking into the kitchen where is parent still stood.
“Is everything okay son?” James asked. “Where she is going?”
“You are joking me, you are both a bunch of hypocrites. You had me barely out of Hogwarts,” Harry snapped back running back upstairs.
“What is your real problem? Here you were, all for them getting together. What did you expect? We were their age once,” James asked his wife.
“He’s grown up,” Lily responded quietly. “This time last year we were still in hiding.”
“Oh Lily,” James said sympathetically. “You know he’s not a kid anymore, he got rid of Tom.”
“I know, but I still remember when he was born,” Lily sighed sadly.
“A lot has changed since then,” James said. “We still have two each other.”
“I know I overreacted,” Lily sighed again. “I suppose I was just shocked.”
“It’s a lot to deal with, I know but Harry is his own man now,” he told her with a smile. “Besides they seem to be doing just fine, and Harry even said that nothing happened between them. It’s better they do it under this roof than in a room in the Three Broomsticks or the Hogshead.”
“Still…” Lily trailed off looking a bit lost. “Do you think we should let Arthur and Molly know?”
“What? That their daughter was caught in our son’s room? Somehow, I don’t think they’d mind,” James reasoned. “They trust their daughter’s judgement.”
“We’ll send them an owl anyway,” Lily said as she sent him a small smile.
---
When Ginny left the Potter House, she really didn’t want to go back to the castle, so she ended up just walking around the village for a bit. There weren’t many people out at this time of the morning and for that she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was one of those nosy reporters coming near her for the ‘scoop’ on the Potters.
After about twenty minutes of wandering around she spotted the shop owned by her twin brothers Fred and George. It was great and she was happy for them since this had been their dream all throughout school. Ginny sighed as she walked up the path to the shop and knocked on the door. A bit of ruffling from inside could be heard and the next thing she knew one of the twins opened the door though she couldn’t tell which one.
“Gin-Gin?” Fred”George asked. “What are you doing here?”
“Weird morning,” Ginny answered. “Can I come in?”
“Sure,” he nodded. “Hey Fred! Look who finally decided to visit!” he called over to his brother who was on the floor above them sorting out some kind of rotating ball in a tube.
“Gin-Gin!” Fred smiled when he saw her. “Nice of you to come over!”
“Why you had a weird morning?” George asked raising an eyebrow at his sister who took a seat on the counter.
“You don’t want to know,” Ginny sighed as her brothers came to stand at each side of her.
“Trouble in potterdice?” Fred asked cheekily Ginny shock her head trying not to laugh.
“Potterdise really?” Ginny chuckled.
“Paradise, potterdise same thing. Come on then what’s the matter?” Fred asked.
“We know you have become very close to a certain part of the family,” George joked as Ginny face grew red and hot.
“Oh, is it how close you are to Harry that’s the issue?” Fred said Ginny face grow more red.
“You got caught, you’re definitely a Weasley,” laughed George as his sister hit him.
“Shut up its nothing like that,” Ginny shot back.
“So, what’s happened Gin-Gin?” Fred asked Ginny was really starting to regret coming to see them.
“Do you really want to know?” Ginny asked looking between her brothers.
“Yes, just leave out the details,” Fred said with a disgusted look on his face.
“Mmm…okay well I got caught in his bed,” Ginny cringed waiting for her reaction.
“Gin-Gin” the twins said together.
“It’s not what you think we haven’t done anything,” Ginny told them.
“We didn’t say anything,” Fred chuckled.
“But does this mean we get to give him the big brother talk?” George asked with a grin.
“Don’t you dare,” Ginny said back with a small glare. “I’ll have you know he’s been a perfect gentleman.”
“If you say so Gin-Gin,” Fred teased.
“Fred, I thought you were coming back to bed,” a voice Ginny recognised said.
“Hermione?” Ginny asked looking between her best friend and her brother. “Fred!”
“Oh dear,” George chuckled walking away and up to the next level of the shop.
“I can explain Ginny,” Hermione said as she stood in one of Fred’s t-shirts and pyjamas bottoms.
“I don’t think you need to,” Ginny said with wince. “I think I have the picture eww.”
“We were supposed to tell you,” Fred said as he stood with his arm around Hermione.
“How long has this been going on?” Ginny asked.
“About five months,” Hermione answered nervously waiting for Ginny to explode.
“I think I’m going mad,” Ginny laughed getting off the counter going over to hug her friend and brother. “How did I miss this?”
“It’s always the quiet bookworm that surprise,” George joked.
“Shut up George,” Fred shot him a look.
“Well, I’m going to get dressed and go to my parents,” Hermione smiled turning to go back to the flat above the shop. “I will see you tomorrow, Fred, bye Ginny, George,” she turned giving Fred a long kiss.
“Okay I don’t want to see that,” Ginny joked as Hermione disappeared.
“Well, that was awkward,” George pointed out. “Are you going back to the castle Ginny?”
“No, I think I will stay here for a bit if that’s fine,” Ginny answered.
“Yes, that also means you can work here,” Fred said with a nod. “Your first job is open the shop and let Evan in.”
Ginny turned around surprised to see the youngest Potter opening the door. “Hey Evan,” she smiled.
“Hey Ginny, you’re here,” Evan said surprised when he saw his brother’s girlfriend.
“Weren’t you going back to sleep?” Ginny asked she knew that Evan came to the shop every day during the Christmas holiday.
“Yeah, mum was still talking to dad when I left, something about something I don’t know,” Evan laughed.
“Yeah, your probably better off here,” Ginny nodded in understanding.
It wasn’t long before it was time to open the shop and soon enough customers were swarming in. Students that had stayed over the holidays and several that used the floo to arrive quickly spread throughout the shop. Fred and George were in their element, showcasing their newest products.
Ginny and Evan helped out where they could, but the sales were handled by the twins. For Ginny it was the first time she saw what Evan was like on his own and what he was like with the twins. She swore that with the way he acted at times he would be right at home actually running this shop.
Eventually it was time to head out…
“Would you like me to walk you back home?” Ginny offered as they were just about to leave.
“I thought you were going to the castle,” Evan said.
“I am but I thought I would walk you home first,” Ginny told him as they walked out the shop after Evan nodded.
They walked in silence for a bit, seeing the quiet village around them. “Will you come in and talk to Harry when we get there? When I left, he was ranting about double standards,” Evan asked making Ginny laugh at Harry ranting.
“Probably not, your mum doesn’t seem to be the biggest fan of me at the minute,” Ginny smiled at Evan. For the first time she realised just how much he looked like Harry and James, he had the same look on his face that Harry wore when he was trying to convince her of something. “Why can’t I say no to you Potters?”
“Please, I don’t want to hear about what you say yes or no to my brother for,” Evan joked as he laughed at the look on her face.
“I didn’t mean”you Potters are all the same,” Ginny groaned as they reached the front door that Evan opened standing aside to let her in he walked in behind her.
“Hey, guess who I found,” Evan said walking into the living room where the rest of his family sat Ginny behind him. As Harry saw he got up pulling her into a hug. “You’re welcome.”
“You planed this,” Ginny said to Evan ruffling his hair.
“Hey, I told you he was ranting,” Evan said pushing her hand off his head as Lily stood up.
“Ginny I’m sorry about the way I reacted this morning can me and James speak to you and Harry,” Lily said Ginny looked at Harry then nodded. Lily and James lead them into the kitchen.
“Why did you react like that this morning?” Harry asked the question. “I mean, I know what it looked like and everything, but we didn’t do anything.”
“I remember what it was like at your age and see you both like that made me realise you’re both at that age where you do that kind of stuff. I admit I overacted a bit much,” Lily apologized. “I’m sorry about that.”
“Professor Potter”Lily,” Ginny started. “Harry and I are new at all of this. Believe me when I say we’re taking things slow for now.”
Not that they wouldn’t enjoy it…
“You can sleep in the same room in this house if that’s what you want?” James half-asked as he glanced between them.
“Actually, I think I should probably spend the rest of the holidays at the castle,” Ginny suggested with a sigh.
“I’d rather you didn’t, it’s not been Christmas yet,” Harry spoke up suddenly. “Can’t you stay here?”
“…Are you sure?” Ginny asked him.
“I’m sure,” Harry nodded.
“Okay,” Ginny said with a smile. “But I’ll still take the bed in Rose’s room.”
Harry’s face dropped a bit at that James noticed but didn’t say anything maybe his son was ready…
“Well, that settles it then,” Lily smiled widely as she turned towards the oven. “Are you hungry? I’m making waffles…”
“I’ll take four,” Harry said quickly trying to be a bit more cheerful.
“Three for me,” Ginny added.
Let it not be said that Lily Potter skimped out on the food…
“How was your day at the shop,” James asked Evan as they sat around the table eating.
“Busy really, really busy, Fred and George just realised some new thing I had help them create,” Evan explained with a excited grin.
“Evan seems to be really helping them out they love having him around the shop right mischief maker is Evan just like my brothers,” Ginny told them.
“He a Marauder in the making, chip off the old block. Aren’t you, son?” James asked with a smile getting a smile in response.
They sat around eating talking about different things once they finished, they all retreated to the living room to continue talking.
“Were you at the shop all day Gin?” Harry asked as he cuddled up to her on sofa pleased, she didn’t go back to the castle
“Yeah, I thought I would help out instead of going to the castle got quite a surprise when I got there though,” Ginny told him.
“Dare I ask knowing your brothers,” Harry said looking at Ginny confused.
“You know my bookworm silent best friend? She’s been in a relationship with Fred for five month and I only found out this morning when she came down from the flat wearing his t-shirt and pyjama bottoms,” Ginny explained as Harry gasped and James laughed.
“Oh to be young again,” James said as Lily swatted him.
“You mean Fred and Hermione? That’s old news,” Evan said waving it off.
“You knew? How did you know?” Ginny asked Evan who laughed at her.
“She keeps showing up at the shop even at Hogsmeade visits since the beginning of school year. I thought you would know,” Evan explained as much to amusement that he knew but Ginny didn’t.
“You’re more of a Weasley than me,” Ginny laughed.
“Why thank you,” Evan said with a cheeky grin.
It was later Evan had disappeared into his room to plan more Weasley mischief. James and lily had gone to bed while Rose was laying on the couch reading a quidditch book. Harry and Ginny were curled up on the other couch talking and kissing.
“You two are so gross,” Rose said after hearing them kissing again.
“You will not be complaining when it’s you and William,” Ginny said Rose whipped her head.
“Whose William? And why would he be kissing you Rose?” Harry shot back.
“He’s Nevilles brother in Rose’s year,” Ginny told him as he looked towards his sister. “He seems to have a fancy for her.”
“He does, does he?” Harry smirked as Rose throw a cushion at him. “And does little Rosey red like him?”
“Oh shut up, and go back to snogging. I’m going to bed,” Rose said getting up.
“I will try not wake you up,” Ginny smiled.
“I think my brother wants you,” Rose said walking to the door. “Both of you try and keep it down,” she winked then went upstairs.
“Mmm…well,” Harry stammered hesitantly.
“Well Mister Potter?” Ginny smirked back at him. “Do you want me?”
“Oh stop winding me up,” Harry bit back a groan of frustration.
Ginny’s response was to pull him into a kiss, one that he certainly enjoyed if the feeling against her stomach was anything to go by. Eventually she pulled away and grinned widely at him.
“But that’s half the fun,” she said simply before turning away.
“Are you sure that you want to sleep in Rose’s room?” Harry asked after her.
“I’m sure,” she smirked over her shoulder. “Nighty night.”
No she did not deliberately sway her hips a bit as she walked away…
No she did not feel Harry’s eyes staring at her bum as she left…
Anyone who says differently is clearly lying…
Later that night as she was lying in her bed, she had to bite back a groan of frustration. No matter what she did she just couldn’t seem to drift off to sleep, and that wasn’t from a lack of trying. With a sigh she rolled over and looked towards her roommate from the night. Was she asleep? She thought about what to do for a few seconds before coming to a decision and quietly climbing out of bed.
“It took you long enough,” she heard Rose speak up.
“I-” Ginny started.
“Go already,” Rose groaned as she rolled over. “Some of us need sleep.”
Ginny blinked a few times before shaking her head and walking out of the room. She crossed the landing towards Harry’s room and quietly opened the door. As she approached his bed, she noticed that he was sleeping soundly in the middle of the bed, lightly snoring. Usually whenever she snuck in here, they spent the night talking before dozing off but this time he was already fast asleep. Slowly and quietly, she prodded him as she climbed under the covers.
“Huh”Ginny?” Harry asked still half-asleep.
“Can you move along a bit?” Ginny asked him as she lay down and pressed her back into him.
“Yeah,” he yawned as he shuffled back a bit. “Good night.”
“Good night,” she said back as she closed her eyes.
It didn’t take her long to fall asleep…
It was later that night when she felt something shift behind her followed by a muffled groan. She felt Harry shudder against her back and glanced at him over her shoulder. He was awake but looked rather dazed, like he had just run a marathon and forgot how to breath.
“Harry?” Ginny asked cautiously. “Are you okay?”
“Erm yeah,” Harry stammered. “I just…erm…had a bit of an accident.”
“Accident?” she inquired further she felt something poke into her side. “Oh.”
“Sorry,” Harry apologized as he reached over to his bedside table and picked up his wand.
“It’s okay,” Ginny reassured him. “I’m flattered really.”
“Really?” Harry questioned as he vanished the remains of his ‘accident’ from his pants.
“Really,” she said as she pressed backwards so her bum was resting on him. “Dare I ask what you were dreaming about?”
“Are you sure that you want to know?” Harry asked back as he bit back a groan.
“Yes,” Ginny answered truthfully. “But not tonight, maybe tomorrow, and who knows what else could happen?”
“…Good night Gin,” Harry said quickly.
“Good night Harry,” she responded back.
It was a bit more difficult to get back to sleep after that…
Chapter 10: Christmas Part II
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 10: Christmas Part II
The next morning Ginny was the first to wake up and she had to stop herself from stretching out when she felt an arm half-draped across her stomach. Harry still seemed fast asleep, and she couldn’t help but smile as she saw his rested face. Idly she felt the at this point familiar feeling of being poke in the lower back by him and had to stop herself from pushing back on him again.
She shifted slightly and he seemed to slide away from her, rolling onto his back. He was still sleep she noted but that didn’t mean he had gone down any. Looking down his body she saw that the quilt had fallen slightly along with his pyjama pants though nothing was showing, that pretty much meant everything was showing.
“Like what you see?” Harry suddenly spoke up.
“Maybe,” Ginny responded as she trailed her hand across his chest.
“Gin…” he trailed off.
“Later,” she told him before leaning up to kiss. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you too,” Harry said back.
“I should probably head out,” Ginny smiled as she turned away and climbed out of bed. “I need a shower anyway.”
“Leaving so soon?” Harry asked as he half rolled onto his side to stare after her.
“Of course,” she replied simply before turning back towards him. She leaned down to give him a brief kiss on the lips, her vest top lowering a bit as she did so much to Harry’s appreciation. “I’ll see you later.”
And then she was gone…
Harry flopped back onto the bed a moment later…
Ginny had to suppress the smile as she exited Harry’s bedroom and started walking back to Rose’s room. James was already on the landing and saw her come out of Harry’s room though he simply nodded to her with a smile as she passed him. Once she was back in Rose’s room, she noticed that it was empty with both beds unoccupied. Rose had probably gone to take a shower first which wasn’t surprising considering there were six people currently using it.
Good…
That would give her time to pick out what he was wearing for the day…
It was breakfast when everyone finally came downstairs all at once. Ginny had grabbed a shower just after Rose came out of it and even managed to wash her hair this time. Harry was already dressed and sitting at the kitchen table when she pulled up the chair beside him.
“Here you go everyone,” Lily said as she placed down several plates filled with pancakes on the table. “Dig in.”
Ginny took picked up a slice with her fork before reaching for her knife only to knock it off the side of her plate and onto the floor. She ducked her head under the table and reached for the fallen knife, nudging Harry’s leg out of the way slightly. Smirking to herself she swapped the knife over to her other hand and rested her left hand on his leg.
She sat back up and placed the knife back on the table. Harry sent her a look as she kept her hand in place on his leg and she merely smirked back at him. No one noticed”or at least she did think anyone noticed”as they finished their breakfast.
“Are you trying to kill me Gin?” Harry asked later that night as they walked into his bedroom.
“Maybe,” she responded with a smirk.
“You’re driving me crazy,” he told her before pulling her into a kiss.
“Oh?” Ginny mused as she pulled away. “Like last night when you drove me crazy? I believe you still owe me an explanation for that one…”
“You mean my dream?” Harry blinked in surprise.
“Tell me about it,” she said clearly.
“Well erm…” he said unsure where to start. “I don’t remember much of it.”
“Harry,” Ginny said softly. “Tell me.”
“…You showed up at my door in the middle of the night,” Harry started. “Only it wasn’t like the times where you really came over to sleep in my bed. Last night I dreamt that the only thing you were wearing was your Hogwarts robes.”
“Oh? Just my robes huh?” Ginny mused as she slowly walked back and sat down on the end of the bed. “And then what?”
“You erm, kind of asked me if you could spend the night in my bed,” Harry stammered out as he followed her over to the bed. “I said yes and then we both climbed into bed. I kind of lost my clothes then and we erm…”
“Yes?” Ginny asked the question. “What did we do?”
“Would you like me to show you?” Harry inquired back.
“Very much so,” she replied.
The next thing she knew his lips were on hers and he was on top of her. Neither had any intention of stopping, though thankfully Harry at least had the mind to cast a silencing charm on the room and a locking charm on the door. Needless to say, they were both exhausted by the time they were finished and a hour later Ginny rested her head on Harry’s chest.
Ginny woke up the next morning to the other side of the bed empty it wasn’t long before the door swing open, she pulled quilt up her chest. “Don’t panic it’s just me no one is in,” Harry smiled when he saw the panicked look on her face.
“Oh … we have the house to ourselves. Does that mean I can get a replay of last night?” Ginny smiled pulling him into her.
“Sadly not, I’m making breakfast,” Harry told her pulling away he took of his t-shirt throwing it at her. “Put that on, and I might suggest these,” passing her underwear as well.
“That’s not fair, you can’t take your shirt off,” Ginny moan putting the top and underwear on before making their way downstair. “But I also can’t say no to food.”
Harry quickly walked over to the stove and started making what Ginny later realised was pancakes. After they were finished, he set them down the table and they both dug in, their stomachs relishing the food. They’d worked up quite the appetite they realised as she finished their breakfast. Once they were done, they left the kitchen and sat down on the couch in the living room.
“Were those pancakes nice?” Harry asked her.
“They were bloody gorgeous,” Ginny replied with a content smile. “We are definitely having those again.”
“Your wish is my command,” he told her with a smile.
They talked for a while as they let their stomachs settle before Ginny lay back on the couch, eyeing him as she pulled the blanket beside her over her legs. Harry shot her a puzzled look for a moment before one of her arms slid up his arm and pulled him down on top of her.
“I believe you owe me a replay of last night Mister Potter,” Ginny whispered to him.
“Well if you insist…” Harry trailed off as lowered his head and started kissing her neck.
After a few agonising seconds of kissing along her neck and shoulders, his hands slid down her body and beneath the blanket she was using to cover her lower half. He was about to dip his hands under the t-shirt she was wearing when he heard a crackle from the fireplace. Looking up he saw a surprised Sirius Black step out of the floo with a flash of green fire.
“Oh shit,” Sirius blinked before a grin settled on his face. “Sorry lovebirds, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Sirius,” Harry said with a glare. “What are you doing here?” he questioned as a now red-faced Ginny pulled the blanket over her whole body minus her head.
“Looking for your father actually,” Sirius answered as he completely ignored his godson’s glare.
“He’s not here,” Harry told him.
“I can see that,” Sirius commented with a nod. “I suppose I should say good afternoon”or is it still morning for you two?”
“Sirius,” Harry glared back as he stood up from the couch”and Ginny.
Just then then they heard the familiar bell from the front door as it opened and the sound of footsteps from the passage. “I’m home!” they heard James’ voice call out moment before he stepped into the living room. “Oh hey.”
“I think I’m going to go upstairs for a bit,” Ginny said as she stood up from the couch and quickly darted up the staircase.
“…Was she wearing your t-shirt Harry?” James blinked in confusion as he watched her disappear.
“Yes,” Harry answered shortly as he strode passed him. “Sirius wants you for something.”
“Oh…okay…” James trailed off confused for a seconds before a grin spread across his face. “We’ll see you both later then.”
“Oh and pup?” Sirius asked with a grin. “Good going.”
He never saw the stinging hex coming…
---
“Are you alright?” Harry asked Ginny who was sitting on his bed, it was later on Christmas eve. Harry had just got out the shower and was now dressed.
“I suppose I’m just missing Christmas eve traditions with my family,” Ginny answered with a sad smile.
“Well, if you were at home what would you be doing?” Harry asked sitting beside her on the bed.
“Making Christmas cookies but it’s fine, I get to spend Christmas with you and your family,” Ginny answered with a smile.
“Come on,” Harry said holding his hand out she hesitated but took his hand as he led her down the stairs until they reached the kitchen. “Let’s make some Christmas cookies, I’m no Molly Weasley but I can try.”
“What? Do you know what you are doing? Can you even make cookies?” Ginny asked as Harry rooted thought the kitchen trying to find everything.
“I will have you know me, mum, Rose and Evan used to make cookie when we were younger,” Harry told her as they started to sort out the ingredients they need.
“We are doing everything the muggle way mind you, no whipping your wand out,” Ginny said with a laugh at Harry shock face.
“I will have you know you didn’t complain last night when I whipped out my wand,” Harry whispered in her ear earning slap on the chest.
“Prat, come on let’s make cookies,” Ginny said pushing past him to start putting the ingredients into a bowl.
After making sure everything was set, they slid them into the oven and closed the door. Quickly they set the timer and took a step back, staring at them through the oven door.
“We really made a mess,” Harry said staring at the mess in front of them.
“We, we didn’t make a mess you made a mess,” Ginny said looking at her boyfriend in shock.
“I will show you making a mess,” Harry said as he put his hand in the flour picking up a hand full.
“You dare and I will hex you,” Ginny warned as he gave her a devilish grin.
“Okay, okay I won’t,” Harry smiled putting the hand full of flour down on the countertop.
“Can I trust you?” Ginny asked as she came close to him. “Because we really need to tidy up.”
They stared to tidy up as ginny stood at the sink Harry put his arm around her kissing her neck talking her wand out of her back pocket without her noticing putting it in his own pocket. All of a sudden, he picked up a handful of flour from the table behind them and dropped down her shirt.
“HARRY JAMES POTTER!” Ginny squealed turning towards him. “This means war,” as she went to get her wand out her pocket as he held it up.
“You looking for this?” Harry said as he dodged out her way as she ran towards him “You said no magic.”
“Okay then,” Ginny said she turned away and approached the sink.
He eyed her warily for a moment before relaxing a little, after all he had her wand. She turned the tap and made a show of starting to wash things. The next thing he knew some water splashed against his top and face, making in sputter in surprise. Ginny laughed as she flicked some more water at his head.
“Oh you’re going to get it now,” Harry shot back as he wiped the water out of his eyes.
After a few seconds an evil grin spread across Harry’s lips causing Ginny to look at him warily. His hands grasped Ginny’s wand and he brought it up towards her. Silently he levitated the flour around the room and dumped it right on Ginny’s head.
“That’s not fair,” Ginny sputtered back looking rather white now that she was covered mostly in flour. “That’s it,” she said as she grabbed an egg off the counter.
“Oh shit,” Harry cursed as he tried to dodge.
Ginny was a second faster however and managed to lib it right at his head. It struck him right in the forehead and shattered, covering him in its contents. Ginny laughed at the stupefied expression on his face as he tried to shake it off.
“Have another scar, scarhead,” she said between laughing.
Harry grumbled for a second as he wiped as much off as he could. A grin spread across his face as he quickly darted over to her before she could react. She squealed as he picked her up into his arms and started tickling her, the remnants of the egg spilling onto her shoulder as he did so .
Naturally this was the scene that James and Lily walked into…
“God I love you,” Harry said between laughs.
“You what?” Ginny asked in shock.
“Sorry, is there to much blood rushing to your head you can’t hear?” Harry laughed.
Ginny wiggled herself a bit so that Harry was forced to drop her slightly and she slid her legs around him so that she could at least look at him in the eye.
“I heard you prat,” Ginny laughed. “Did you think this was the best time?”
“Sorry,” Harry sheepishly.
“I love you too” Ginny smiled before removing some egg of his face and kissed him.
“What’s going on in here?” James asked as he stared at the two of them in surprise cause the two jumped in surprise.
“Your son is being a prat,” Ginny laughed in response as she tried to get out of her boyfriend’s grip.
“I think you two need to go get changed,” Lily commented as she looked between them. “Honestly you two…”
“You’re probably right,” Harry mused as he looked down at himself. “We may have overdone it.”
“…Nah,” Ginny said shaking her head.
“Keep an eye on the cookies for us,” Harry said before he flicked Ginny’s wand once and suddenly the whole kitchen seemed to clean itself.
Once it was spotless he proceeded to walk out the door towards the stairs, Ginny still in his arms. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs Ginny gave him a kick to the bum making him yelp in surprise and look over his shoulder at her.
“I’m not a horse I don’t move if you kick me,” Harry chuckled
“You weren’t supposed to use magic,” Ginny told him. “Are you going to put me down anytime soon?”
“Nope,” Harry answered simply as he started carrying her up the stairs.
--
It was later that night that Lily entered the kitchen, making sure that everything was turned off. Everyone had enjoyed the cookies that Ginny and Harry made though for Lily, they reminded her of her the cookies her own mother used to make before she died.
She sighed at the memory before grabbing the laundry basket and leaving the kitchen. A short trek up the stairs had her entering the room she shared with her husband and father of her children. Say what you wanted about James, she’d at least trained him enough to not leave his boxers in the middle of the floor like he used to do when they first slept together. At least now he piled them next to the door so that she could easily throw them all in the basket whenever she came to get them.
Her children on the other hand…
Evan was a messy one at the best of times with socks scattered around his room while Rose’s dirty clothes were folded in the corner of her room ready to be taken away. They were expected so she wasn’t really surprised by what she found in their rooms. The surprise came when she entered Harry’s room and found something she wasn’t prepared for.
Harry usually left the clothes he needed washing down the side of his bed on the floor”he took after his father in that regard”but that wasn’t what caught her attention. No, what surprised her was when she looked down at the foot of the bed and found two pairs of lacy knickers.
She was reasonably certain that they didn’t belong to Harry…
Lily shook her head and looked around the rest of the room. There was a bra lying on the chair at the desk near the window and what she knew to be a certain Weasley’s Quidditch top lying on the radiator. She’d suspected it since this afternoon with the way that the two of them were going on, but this just confirmed it for her.
Her son wasn’t so innocent anymore…
She hastily picked up the various garments and piled them in the basket before taking it downstairs. She threw them into the washer and flicked her wand, starting it up. Afterwards she walked out of the kitchen and entered the living room where her husband was sitting on the couch readying the latest Daily Prophet.
“Our son and Ginny are sleeping together,” Lily spoke suddenly as she sat down.
“Of course they are,” James nodded as he turned the page.
“Wait?” Lily blinked in surprise “You knew?”
“Well yeah,” James confirmed before he put the newspaper down. “They haven’t exactly been subtle about it.”
“And you didn’t tell me this, why exactly?” Lily asked him with a mild glare.
“Lils, they’re both adults and they aren’t hurting anyone. What they do in their own time is their business,” James told her.
“How did you find out?” she asked him.
“Sirius and I found out earlier today. We kind of caught them,” James admitted sheepishly. “Thankfully they weren’t in the middle of doing anything at that point.”
“Sirius knows?” Lily questioned further.
“Harry hexed him,” James responded with a grin. “Cheeky dog thought he could mouth off and get away with it.”
“So that’s why he spent so much time in the bathroom…” Lily trailed off in realisation.
---
It was a couple days after Christmas when an owl appeared at the kitchen window as they sat around for breakfast, James got up to get the letter tied to it leg.
“Who’s it for love?” Lily asked as he looked at the front.
“Rose,” he answered simply holding out the letter. “That better not be from a boy.”
“Shut up and give me it,” Rose said taking it out of her father’s hand. Getting up and walking away. She returned twenty minutes later. “I’m heading up to Hogsmeade to meet William,” she didn’t wait around for a reply she left hurrying towards Hogsmeade shops.
“Hi William, I thought you were away with your family?” Rose asked as she stopped in front of him.
“Hi Rose, thank you for coming. I know it was short notice,” William said giving her a quick hug.
“It’s okay, your letter was strange, are you okay?” Rose asked worriedly.
“Can we go to the Three Broomsticks?” William asked and Rose nodded as they walked towards the pub. He ordered them a drink as they sat in the corner. “As you know, I was away with my parents and brother. Well, when we came back there was a letter from the orphanage my parents adopted me from. They had found a letter for me so we went to collect it,” he took a breath before continuing. “It was from my birth mother; it had been lost with everything because they got a lot of kids after the first war. Well, I opened the letter it and it had a picture of my birth parents. My parents knew the man on the picture, but they only knew him in passing. They suggested I talk to James Potter since they knew I was friends with his daughter,” William explained as rose sat there listen but by the end she had a confused look on her face.
“Why my dad?” Rose asked confused.
“It is believed that he knew of him,” William said as he pulled a picture out of his pocket handing it to Rose.
“I think we should head to mine, my dad is there,” Rose said William nodded before making their way out and back to the Potter House. When Rose got back they were all still sat at the table.
“Your back, is everything okay?” Lily asked before she saw Wiliam. “Oh hello William.”
“Hey Professors Potter,” William tried to smile.
“Could we get Sirius here? William would like to talk to Dad and Sirius,” Rose asked.
“Of course, I will go floo him to see if he’s home,” James said confused getting up leaving the room.
Evan left to go to the Weasley shop it was going to be crowed in the kitchen Rose and Willam sat down. The floo went flaming indicating someone had arrived. “Hawwy,” Theodora screeched as Sirius carried her into the kitchen with James beside her. Harry took Theodora of her Father. Harry and ginny left the kitchen with Theodora.
“What’s going on?” Sirius asked confused taking a seat at the table with James. William explained everything before showing them the picture as gasps came from James, Sirius and Lily. “Yeah we knew him, he was our friend in Hogwarts, Remus Lupin.”
“He was a hero, he sacrificed himself for me and my family,” James explained.
“I don’t need you hyping him up, I know what he did,” William shot back as everyone looked taken back. “Sorry, I don’t mean to sound rude Professor, I just want to know if he could have known about me.”
“Remus couldn’t have known,” Sirius told him. “If he did then he would have been there for you no matter what.”
“He would never have abandoned you,” James added. “We knew Moony”hell we became Animagi to be there for him”so we can definitely say he would have been there for you if he’d known.”
“…What was he like?” William asked them. “I mean I’ve heard what he did to protect your family, but I want to know what he was actually like?”
“Remus was…” James trailed off unsure where to start. “Complicated.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” Sirius chuckled at that.
“As a child he was bitten and turned into a werewolf. We first met him in our first year at Hogwarts,” James continued. “He was quiet and kept to himself mostly. He tried to keep us in line whenever we pulled some prank and generally made sure we didn’t go too far.”
“He was a good man,” Sirius told him. “If it wasn’t for him, I dread to think what might have happened to us all.”
“…I wish I could have met him,” William said with a sigh.
Chapter 11: Valentines
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 11: Valentines
Everyone had returned to Hogwarts at the beginning of the week after the Christmas holidays. Ginny had spent most of the week trying her hardest to avoiding have a conversation with Hermione about her and Fred, but she was currently sat in the great hall with Rose and Hermione was heading towards her.
“Can we talk?” Hermione asked Ginny as she sat Infront of her in the great hall.
“About?” Ginny asked bluntly she knew what it was about.
“You have been avoiding me,” Hermione said she tried to pull the book that the girl was reading or pretending to read away but she kept a hold of it. “You told us you were okay with it.”
“You told me to study,” Ginny told her keep reading the book she had in front of her.
“Ginny please!” Hermione said a bit too loudly causing everyone to look at them including the teachers.
“Everything alright Miss Grainger? Miss Weasley?” Professor McGonagall asked from the teacher’s table.
“Yes Professor,” Hermione smiled but Ginny didn’t move or answer.
“Miss Weasley?” McGonagall asked causing Ginny to raise her head to the teachers table and give a smile.
“Yes, sorry Professor,” Ginny sighed closing her book and putting it the side. “Hermione what would you like to talk about?”
“Are you not alright with me and Fred?” Hermione questioned she had a hurt or scared look on her face she couldn’t tell.
“Would it matter if I wasn’t? It’s not up to me who my brother falls into bed with,” Ginny told her bluntly.
“We are not just falling into bed Ginny, you know it’s been five months,” Hermione explained.
“No, I don’t know Hermione, because you didn’t tell me. You had all last term; we’ve seen each other every day. We slept in the same dorm, so I don’t know; Evan Potter knew before me. Did you bully him into not telling me?” Ginny ranted she could feel the teacher eyes on her. “You judged me for kissing her brother, but you were screwing mine.”
“It’s not like that, we didn’t bully Evan not to tell you. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you,” Hermione said looking rather guilty.
“You keep saying ‘we,’ but I expect that from Fred. I thought you would have told me,” Ginny said with a sigh.
“I’m sorry for not telling you, I don’t want this to affect our friendship,” Hermione told her.
“It won’t, but you hated the twins because of the stupid jokes and pranks,” Ginny said looking at Hermione.
“Yeah well, they grew on me, more Fred than George,” Hermione blushed.
“Ewww I don’t to hear about my brother’s sex life,” Ginny shock her head in disgust.
“I didn’t mean like that,” Hermione blushed.
“For what it’s worth I’m happy for you both,” Ginny smiled as she looked at her best friend who had brightest smile on her face. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you”
“Well do I look like the type to just sleep with him?” Hermione asked bluntly.
“I don’t even want think about it,” Ginny cringed but give a chuckle. “At least you didn’t pick Ron.”
“You really have to have no standards if you went after that twat,” Rose spoke up cause the two to laugh. “No offence Ginny, but I can’t stand your brother.”
“None taken,” Ginny chuckled.
Ron wasn’t the best of brothers that she had…
“Anyway, what’s this Fred told me about a misunderstanding?” Hermione asked.
“I bet he did,” Ginny chucked. “It’s okay now, it all sorted.”
“What was the misunderstanding?” Hermione asked raising her eyebrow.
“Well, this one decided to not follow my advice to make sure she was back in my room before my mother woke up,” Rose told Hermione as Ginny face grew red. They chanced a look to the teacher’s table. Lily was talking to another teacher, but James had just turned giving them a smile.
“Oh, and you got caught. I gather she didn’t take kindly to it?” Hermione asked.
“You could say that; I left that’s how I ended up at the shop getting a surprise I didn’t bargain for,” Ginny smirked getting another dig at Hermione.
“So, you have been back at the castle since that day?” Hermione questioned.
“Not exactly, I took Evan back home later that day,” Ginny answered looking down at the table. “We hadn’t done anything yet.”
“You said yet,” Hermione said raising her eyebrows at her friend, Rose started to laugh before realising what that meant. Ginny still sat not realising what she had implied.
“I’m leaving, I don’t want to hear this,” Rose said getting up. Ginny looked at her confused, so she bent down to her ear to let her friend in on the mistake. “You said ‘yet,’ past tense, and now I know too much.”
“Oh,” Ginny realised growing red. “Sorry Rose,” she tried to smile at her, but Rose just gave her a disgusted look.
“You’re not forgiven, but I will see you later for quidditch practice,” Rose muttered before racing off.
“So, was he any good?” Hermione smirked at this point Ginny’s face was
“I’m not telling you,” Ginny blushed.
“I can’t tell you my sex life because he’s your brother, so you have to give a girl some information,” Hermione told her.
“Okay if it gets you to stop remind me of you sleeping with my brother,” Ginny said before looking to the teachers table to see James and Lily had thankfully gone before speaking “He was amazing more than amazing,”
“So amazing that you can’t wipe that smile off your face,” Hermione nodded her head with laugh.
---
Rose and William were sat in the library. It was the first time since they had come back to school that they were alone without a lot of people around. Without even realising it, William had led Rose to the third row at the back, or as Ginny called it ‘the place no one ever goes or less they wanted privacy.’
“Thank you,” William said looking up from his parchment he was writing on.
“What for?” Rose asked confused looking at him.
“Letting me talk to your dad and Sirius. It’s what I needed,” William told her.
“You’re welcome I’m pleased it helped for what it worth I didn’t meet him either,” Rose said back with a small smile.
“If he had of been alive, I think I would have loved to meet him and get to know him, but my parent would have always been Frank and Alice,” William said as he thought about on his time with the Longbottoms.
“I understand…well I don’t…but you know what I mean,” Rose said trying to put her feelings into words.
“I’m just glad I found out something about him, and what he was like,” William added with a sigh.
At least he knew now…
“From what I have heard he seem like a great guy,” “Rose spoke quietly as she looked at him. “I’m sorry you don’t know anything about your birthmother.”
“I know as much as I need to know, that she didn’t want to give me up. She had to keep me safe, if they had of known that she knew Remus then they would be after her and that would have put my life at risk,” William continued not knowing how else to describe the situation.
“Maybe someday you might find out more,” Rose said almost hopefully.
Yeah…
Someday…
“…Would you find it strange if I kissed you?” William asked suddenly. “Knowing my father was Remus Lupin?”
“Do it and I’ll tell you,” she smirked back at him. He leaned over to her and kissed her softly. “I don’t know what you would thought I would find strange,” she told him after he pulled back.
A second later she closed the distance between them and kissed him back, much more intensely. Eventually they had to break apart again to catch their breath, their faces turning a tad red as they did so. Even so they couldn’t stop smiling at each other as Rose leaned into his arms.
“Hey Rose?” William spoke suddenly. “What are you doing this weekend?”
“I’m going to Hogsmeade,” she replied.
“Well do you want to go with me?” he asked her.
“You mean like a date?” Rose mused with a grin. “I thought you would never ask.”
“I’ll take that as a yes,” William said as he leaned back in and kissed her again.
They didn’t know how long they were like that, just wrapped up in each other but eventually they broke apart when they heard a ruffle of feet from further down the aisle.
“Oh please don’t stop on my account,” Ginny spoke up after they spotted her. “You both seem to be doing quite the bit of studying here.”
“Oh shut it,” Rose shot back half-heartedly.
“I erm”think I’ll be going,” William stammered looking a bit red faced as he stood up.
“Okay,” Rose said with a smile. “See you later?”
“Absolutely,” William grinned back almost goofily as he walked away.
“…You better have a good reason for interrupting our make out time,” Rose said clearly looking annoyed.
“I honestly didn’t know you were here,” Ginny answered with a shrug. “I guess that I can just stumble on Potters these days.”
“…If you tell Harry about this then I will come after you,” Rose promised with a look. “You’ll never see me coming.”
“I shake in fear at your terrifying form oh Dark Lady Rosey,” Ginny said with a wide grin.
If looks could kill…
“As you should,” Rose responded haughtily before descending into a fit of giggles. “Oh Merlin I can’t”I just can’t.”
“Hey, you were doing so well,” Ginny sighed as she sat down. “By the way, have you seen a book around here?”
“Yeah there’s loads,” Rose deadpanned as she gestured to the rows of shelves filled with books. “We’re a library.”
“I meant one not on the shelves,” Ginny chuckled. “I left it right here yesterday and forgot to pick it up when I left.”
“It’s probably back on the shelf somewhere,” Rose mused with a shrug. “What was it about?”
“…It’s probably best if I don’t tell you,” Ginny said after a moment.
“What are you-” she started before making a face of disgust. “No”you’re right it’s probably best if I don’t ask.”
The last thing she needed was more knowledge about her brother’s sex life…
“A-anyway,” Ginny grinned looking a bit sheepish as she stood up. “I’m going to go find it, bye Rose.”
“Bye Ginny,” Rose waved back as she watched her leave.
She wondered what she was going to wear for Hogsmeade…
--
There still little bits of snow on the ground of Hogwarts castle when the valentine day morning came around the Great Hall was packed with students opening gifts and cards from their special valentines. “Someone’s popular,” Rose commented as she took a seat with Ginny and Hermione, “Colin Creevey huh?”
“Don’t start,” Ginny huffed everyone knew she was dating Harry but she still got other cards.
“Just wait until Harry finds out that you’re here having to beat the boys back with a stick,” Rose smirked with mischief in her eyes.
“I’m sure he trusts me,” Ginny shot back with a mild glare.
“Oh I know he trusts you,” Rose said knowing her brother trusted his girlfriend “It’s them he doesn’t trust.”
“What about you?” Hermione asked her.
“Me?” Rose questioned confused.
“Yes you Rose Potter, the Girl-Who-All-The-Boys-Want-to-Date. How many cards did you get this morning?” Hermione inquired further.
“…None,” Rose answered simply.
“None?” Hermione question not believing her for a moment.
Somehow, she doubted that…
“I don’t believe that,” Ginny added with a shake of her head.
“I’m with William anyway,” Rose pointed out. “No boys can compare.”
“So disgustingly sweet you two,” Ginny commented in amusement.
“And you and my brother are not?” Rose shot back.
Just then a single owl started to descend towards them…
“Well, we don’t need to take a guess who this owl is coming for. Oh come on, it’s charmed to be bright orange with ‘W’ on its chest? What have you done to my brother?” Ginny laughed as the owl got closer. “On second thought I don’t want to know.”
The owl dropped a letter from its beak and its talons let go of a small box in front of her. Hermione blinked in surprise before looking over the card that came with it and opened the box. Inside were dozens of chocolates making her shake her head and take one out.
“Here, you eat one of these,” Hermione said as she held it out toward the lone Weasley sitting across from her. “He’s your brother.”
“So?” Ginny asked confused.
“He’s Fred Weasley,” Hermione answered simply. “That should be enough.”
“Fine,” Ginny shrugged and ate the offered chocolate. “It’s rather sweet.”
Hermione nodded before eating one of her own and then turned her attention to the letter. The second she opened it, it exploded into fireworks in front of her, taking the shape of a dancing candle set.
Be…my…date
Be my date
Be my date on this valentine
On and on it went as the voice of Fred Weasley sang a very weird valentine’s version of ‘Be Our Guest’ that she used to listen to. She remembered when she first made him watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ but never in her dreams did she think he’d pull a stunt like this.
“…I’m going to kill him,” Hermione said once it finally ended.
The whole school had heard that…
“Get in line,” Ginny said as she tried to disappear under the table.
“I would come out there is a snowy owl fly your way,” Rose spoke up in between laughing.
“Oh no,” Ginny said suddenly looking a bit pale.
Indeed the beautiful and majestic Hedwig the Owl descended from the sky like a stunning horror carrying the dreaded envelope, Hedwig gave a huff as she landed on the table and started eating the bacon on display.
She was hungry…
“What in Merlin’s name did that”that”erg,” Ginny groaned as she opened the letter. Unlike the card her friend had received, there was no fireworks or singing involved, just a simple valentines day card.
“Oh, I expected more from my brother,” Rose commented looking a tad affronted at the apparent lack of effort. “It may have been embarrassing but the Weasley brother wins, you can tell I didn’t help him with a gift this time.”
“What do you mean?” Ginny questioned confused.
“I helped the dunderhead with the broom for your seventeenth and you weren’t dating him then,” Rose told her. “Why do you even date my brother?”
“Trust me Rose I don’t think you want the answer to that question,” Hermione spoke up looking rather amused at the display.
Rose stopped for a second and looked at her before turning her attention back to Ginny. Yeah, that was probably right. The last thing she wanted was the details of her brother’s escapades with a certain ginger-haired Weasley, especially since she knew them both.
“I can tell you if want,” Ginny offered with a smirk.
It was always fun messing with her friend…
Suddenly a shadow loomed over her, and she blinked when she heard a quick cough. Ginny turned and looked up, for a moment thinking it was Harry. It wasn’t of course though in her defence Harry did look an awful lot like his father. James Potter stood there with a wide grin on his face while a light brown owl sat in a cage that he was carrying in his hands with a small box held in its beak and a letter attached to it leg.
“Present from my son,” James said as he placed the caged owl down on the table in front of the Weasley girl.
“Mmm… thank you for delivering it Professor,” Ginny smiled up at him
James turned to his daughter handing her a box full of Honeydukes sweets. “From Harry,” he said as he walked away from the table
“I take that back what I said about harry he’s best brother,” Rose said she looked down the table to see her mother hand over the box to Evan.
“He looks gorgeous,” Hermione said putting finger though the bar of the cage stroking the owl. “What does the letter say on it foot?”
Ginny opened the cage the owl stuck it leg out for her to take the letter it read.
Hi Ginny
Happy Valentine’s Day
Meet your new owl
Please send Hedwig back to me
I hate walking to Hogsmeade to get a owl to send letters to you.
Love Harry
PS I always told you Hedwig liked you more.
“Come on Hedwig back to Harry,” Ginny spoke to the snowy owl giving her a piece of bacon, Hedwig looked at her took the bacon then went to take off but not before nipping Ginny hand. “Little shit.”
“I think you upset her,” Rose commented with a laugh as they heard one last hoot from the owl as she made her way out. “I really don’t want to think what that poor owl has witnessed in Harry room.”
“I offer no comment because I would be interested to know,” Ginny blushed cause to Hermione burst out laughing.
“Still my brother Weasley,” Rose deadpanned
“Okay we will stop but I have one last comment,” Ginny laughed
“What is it?” Rose asked with a sigh dread what the comment will be.
“You’re nearly seventeen just wait until you want to know what Longbottom get up to at night when he’s missing you,” Ginny teased Rose face turn bright red.
“I...um…don’t know what you are talking about,” Rose stumbled for words as her face grew hotter. “Shut up and open your present.”
Ginny nodded opening the cage again taking the box the owl had now dropped. Pulling the ribbon she opened the box. Inside the box was a small thin chain, set against a black cover holding it in place. Connecting the chain was a small ball plated in what she assumed was gold with wing attached to it though they didn’t move. Slowly she removed it and held it up in front of her, eyeing the sphere as it glistened in the light.
A golden snitch necklace…
---
For the rest of the week Ginny couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she walked around Hogwarts wearing the necklace she’d gotten from her boyfriend. A part of her couldn’t help but enjoy the looks of envy she received from the other girls in her year but a bigger part of her was happy that Harry had put some thought into it.
She’d sent him in a message using her new owl”Rowlett she’d named him”and he going to Hogsmeade on the weekend because she had too much homework that was due on that Monday.
Of course she’d lied…
With a grin she walked up the steps leading to the Potter household, the wards barely registering her as she approached the door. She knocked twice then waited, her left hand coming up to play with the small golden snitch dangling from her necklace. Finally, Harry appeared at the door”sans a top”and blinked in surprise at the sight of her there.
“Ginny?” he asked confused. “I thought you weren’t coming over this weekend?”
“I lied,” Ginny grinned back as her eyes raked over his upper body. “I thought that I would surprise you, though I think I’m the one in for a surprise.”
“…Don’t panic I’ll go put a top on,” Harry shot back with a grin. “Come on in.”
“Oh, don’t bother on my account,” Ginny told him as she followed him inside. “I’m enjoying the view.”
She made sure to lock the door behind her before following him into the living room where she spotted a few rolls of parchment laid out on the table. A second later he abruptly turned around and kissed her right on the lips, drawing a moan out of her as he did so.
Merlin his lips tasted sweet…
“I take it you’re happy to see me,” Ginny commented when he finally pulled back.
“Very happy it seems,” she added as she could feel him pressing against her naval area. “Is that from me or just waking up?”
“Both,” he answered simply with an almost roguish grin.
“Really?” she whispered in his ear. “Maybe I should do something about that then.”
Harry didn’t bother saying anything, instead simply pulling her back into another kiss. His hands were up a second later and with a flick of his wrist, he wandlessly threw her coat to the side of the room even. Their lips never wavered as they stumbled into the kitchen, the heat between them being something that was all consuming.
“Two weeks between visits is too damn long,” Harry almost growled out as Ginny back away across the kitchen.
“Then I guess we’ll have to make up for the wait, huh?” Ginny suggested as she back up to the edge of the kitchen table.
She slipped a hand under her skirt and a second later her knickers where on the floor. She hefted herself back up onto the table as Harry approached and kissed her again. Ginny bit back a groan as she fell back against the wooden table, her hands coming up to his beck as he rained kissed down on her.
Harry reached for his own zipper when he heard a click from the back door causing them both to freeze…
“Oh ermm…sorry…,” apologized James Potter as he stood in the doorway carrying a bag of what looked like fruit. “Never mind, I’ll come back later,” he said before dropping the bag on the counter and closing the door.
Silence…
“…I’m going to kill him one of these days,” Harry spoke with no small amount of annoyance in his voice.
“Me too,” Ginny huffed in barely controlled frustration.
Two weeks damn it!
“Well, that killed the mood,” Harry chuckled sadly.
“Raincheck?” she asked him.
“Definitely,” he nodded before backing away from her. “I think these are yours,” he said as he picked her knickers off the floor and handed them to her.
Yeah…
Ginny was just glad they had the rest of the weekend…
Chapter 12: Family Troubles
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 12: Family Troubles
The first week of March rolled around quickly the day Gryffindor would be playing Hufflepuff. The game ended with Gryffindor winning four hundred and twenty to Hufflepuff’s two hundred and eighty with Rose and Gryffindor catching the snitch.
“You think you are so brilliant Weasley, because you are dating the boy-who-lived but all you are is a disgrace to the name of wizardry,” Astoria sneered at her.
“You’re one to talk,” Ginny shot back turning angry at her words. “At least I’m dating a respectable wizard unlike some people I could mention.”
“You leave my darling Draco out of this,” the Greengrass girl snarled back. “His blood is as pure as mine, unlike Potter. Honestly, what you and the rest of those fans see in him I don’t know. A Hero? That’s a laugh; he’s nothing but a half-blood with his mudblood mother, and you’re a worst of the Blood Traitors.”
Ginny’s wand was out but Astoria was faster, having already brought her own wand up. A dark brown curse was already flying out of her wand”silently cast”at the Weasley girl. Ginny barely had time to deflect it to the side with a shield charm before ducking under a second one.
“Incendio!” she called out as she unleashed a brief blast of flames from her wand.
“Expelliarmus!”
Astoria had to backpedal out of the range of fire and even then, she could feel the heat. Then suddenly her wand was out of her hand and flying through the air. Ginny caught it a second later only to feel a hand on her shoulder.
“What’s going on here?” demanded James Potter.
This was not the fun-loving and kind James Potter that she saw around school or on weekends. Nor was it the fair and just Professor Potter that enjoyed teaching classes. No, this was the strict and disciplined James Potter that few dared to cross and even fewer that could survive.
“Professor, she started it insulting Draco. She threw the first hex, I was just defending myself,” Astoria complained Ginny blood boiling.
“That not true, she was calling Harry and she called Professor…” Ginny tried to defend herself but was cut off by James.
“Miss Weasley that’s enough, it doesn’t matter. You don’t throw hexes at other students; you will both have two weekend detentions with your Heads of House. Both of you back to your common room,” James bellowed.
Ginny couldn’t believe her ears; she thought James would have listened to her. She chanced a look at Harry and saw him standing not far them. She walked towards the castle hearing Astoria still taunting her.
“Dad, do you really believe Ginny would do that? I heard Astroia, who know Ginny past with the Malfoy’s, and so do you. What they did in her first year…” Harry defended she knew that his Dad had only saw some of what happened but he didn’t understand why he dismissed Ginny
“I don’t want to hear anything from you Harry, I saw what I saw and that was your girlfriend attacking a fellow student. You are not a student here, you are not supposed to be here,” James said clearly. Harry really didn’t like this side to his father, he had never seen him like this.
“James that enough don’t talk to our son like that,” Lily shouted at her husband.
“It’s okay mum I’m going, I know where I stand with you Dad. I know where I’m not wanted, I don’t think this job is good for you dad,” Harry said walking off. He couldn’t believe this had just happened. What had happened to his dad?
---
Later on that day, Ginny sat in the Great Hall with Hermione, the party for the win over Hufflepuff was going on in common room but after today she didn’t really feel like celebrating. “Ginny, can I ask you a question?” the voice made her raise her head from her homework. She was surprised to see the youngest Potter sat in front of her.
“Mmm…Evan…” Ginny stuttered Hermione had also raised her head in concern. “Yes of course.”
“What’s a mudblood?” Evan asked Ginny and Hermione looked shocked at what the young boy was asking. “I heard the girl that you were arguing with call my mum it, it made you mad didn’t it?”
“Mmm…Evan, I think you should speak to one of your parents,” Ginny told him but the boy seemed scared. “Okay come sit round by me,” Ginny told him as he got up taking a seat beside his brother’s girlfriend. Ginny didn’t know what to say.
“Okay Astoria should not have said that today, you know both your mum and me are born to parents that are muggles,” Hermione explained after Ginny couldn’t find the words. She waited for the Potter boy to nod before continuing. “Well what you heard today, it’s a very horrible word for muggle born. It’s an insult and no one should ever use that word.”
Evan blinked a few times trying prosses what he had just heard Ginny put her arm around his shoulder. “Do you understand Evan?” Ginny asked she was concerned for Evan.
“Yeah I understand but why didn’t my Dad let you explain?” Evan asked.
“I don’t know Evan I don’t think your dad has the full story,” Ginny smiled
“Thank you both for telling me, if I had of asked my Dad I don’t think he would have told me, he said I was too young to understand,” Evan said standing up. “You’re welcome Evan,” Ginny give him a warm smile the young Potter give her a hug before leaving the Great Hall.
Evan made his way up to the first floor, walking toward his dad’s classroom and he gave a quick knock on the door. “Enter,” he heard his Dad’s voice as he walked in closing the door behind him. “Are you okay son?” James asked when he saw his son.
“Dad, you should know that Astoria Greengrass called mum a mudblood and was calling Harry as well. I was there I heard it all,” Evan told his now shocked father.
“How do you know what that means son?” James asked shocked that his fifteen-year-old son knew.
“I asked Ginny, she and Hermione explained to me because I knew you wouldn’t tell me saying it was not my business,” Evan told his dad the honest answer before turning walking out.
Deep in the dungeons of the castle sat Lily Potter at her desk, her classroom empty since it was the weekend. Not for the first time she silently cursed her old Professor, a man by the name of Horace Slughorn, for not telling her just how boring it was to grade potions papers.
Suddenly a dunderhead was in front of her…
“James?” Lily said in surprise when her husband appeared out of nowhere, he must have run or at least walked fast from the first floor.
“I screwed up,” James told her. Lily tried not to laugh at the number of times she heard James Potter tell her that since their first year at Hogwarts many years ago.
“Well, I could have told you that,” Lily responded with no small amount of satisfaction. “So come on then prongs what made you realise this time.”
“Evan told me the reason why Ginny was fighting the Greengrass girl,” James told her. “She was being nasty about Harry…”
“That’s not new information if you had of listen to Ginny when she tried to defend herself,” Lily cut him off making his bristle for a second.
“If you had of let me finish…” James said with mounting apprehension. He wasn’t just sure what her reaction was going to be when he told her, but she deserved to know at any rate.
“Like you cut ginny off go on then what is the other thing,” Lily shot back with a mild glare.
“She called you a Mudblood,” James spoke clearly through gritted teeth.
Lily froze at that for a second and sighed, shaking her head as she did so. With a heavy breath she leaned back in her chair and stared over at her husband. All these years and people still called her that it seemed.
“Typical,” she grunted in annoyance. “Even after Voldemort there are still those walking around using that stupid name.”
“…What can I do to fix this?” James asked the question almost pleadingly. “Harry won’t talk to me, and I don’t know what to do about Ginny.”
“My advice,” Lily answered simply. “Apologize.”
“…Yeah that’s probably a good place to start,” he admitted with a deep sigh. “I just hope they can both forgive me, and Evan too.”
“What did you do to Evan apart from not even realise he was stood beside Ginny he would have heard everything you could have asked him what happened instead shouting James,” Lily responded plainly and with the sigh from her husband it told that what he had done to their youngest. “He’s not a young child anymore.”
---
Nearly a week later Rose sat at the Gryffindor table chatting with Hermione whilst glancing between the teachers table where her parents sat and the Great Hall door. Ginny had been avoiding her since her fight with Astoria. Rose only found out about what happened after the Quidditch match when Evan told her. She didn’t come down to the Great Hall for meals or if she did, she had never saw her but that had finally change she saw Ginny walking in. She took one look at her and Hermione and sat together walked to the middle of the table.
Rose looked at her before standing up and walking towards her. “Why are you avoiding me?” Rose asked as she approached but Ginny made no effort to reply rose was staring to grow annoyed with each passing second “I’m telling you the least you could do is answer me,” Rose snarled the Great Hall around them fell silent as heads turned.
“Rose please calm down people are staring,” Ginny said standing up trying to calm the Potter girl.
“Oh, I’m sorry but when my friend ignores me for no reason what do you expect,” Rose shot back growing red in the face everyone still staring.
“I just think it best if we don’t talk for a while,” Ginny explained before turning and leaving not wanting to argue with Rose anymore.
Rose stomped back to where Hermione sat “what her problem?” Rose grumbled taking her seat again.
“She doesn’t know what she can say to you Rose that won’t get back to your dad and buy her another two weekends of detention for standing up for your family just give her some time,” Hermione explained quietly Rose just sighed in defeat. “I should probably go and give her some food,” Hermione suggested as she stood up collect food from the table. “I will see you later.”
“Bye,” Rose waved as she watched her friend head out.
After Hermione left, she moved the plate out of the way and plonked her head on the table, sighing deeply trying to resist the urge to send a glare at her father. The Great Hall had become rather noisy again now that the drama was over, not that she cared. After a few seconds in which she was considering just going back to the Gryffindor common room, her youngest brother sat down opposite her along with Dennis.
“I don’t need your sympathy Evan,” Rose spoke clearly.
“Don’t worry you were not getting it,” Evan joked making Dennis laugh “I was going to say dad’s a git,” Evan heard the faint sound of a laugh.
“I want old dad back when he would have a laughed and not have a broom rammed up his arse,” Rose sighed looking past Evan to where their parents sat at the table. Her mother caught her eye and gave a sad smile. “I’m going to bed,” she said as she stood up to leave. “Good night, Dennis night bro,” she spoke as she leant over to ruffle his little brother’s hair.
---
The day she was dreading finally arrived for Ginny Weasley and she soon found herself descending the stairs to the dungeons. A quick walk through the corridor had he standing outside the door to the potions classroom and with a deep sigh she knocked twice.
“Come in,” she heard Lily Potter’s muffled words a second later. Ginny sighed again before she slowly opened the door and entered, making sure to close it behind her. “Hello Ginny.”
“What do I have to do I want this over with?” Ginny asked abruptly taking a seat at a desk not looking up at Lily.
“You can tell what your side of what happened last Saturday,” Lily offered kindly trying offer reassure.
“I don’t see the point professor potter your husband seems to have made his mind up,” Ginny shot back trying to remain calm.
“Evan told James what she called me then I asked Evan for the full story,” Lily told her causing her let out a chuckle.
“So why do you need my side of the story?” Ginny asked angrily. “Do you not believe your son if you want my side.”
“Of course, I believe my son,” Lily replied simply.
“So, you don’t need my side professor Potter,” Ginny reasoned.
“I would still like to hear it,” Lily said clearly.
“Sorry Professor but we don’t get what we want because I certainly don’t want to be here in detention for defending my boyfriend’s family. I would much rather be seeing my boyfriend,” Ginny argued back. They sat I silence for what felt like forever before Ginny spoke again. “No offence, from what I have learnt is that money speaks in the wizarding world and people like me and my family are ignored. That is what Professor Potter showed last Saturday because the Malfoys and the Greengrasses are rich like the Potter name so he wouldn’t hear me out. As a muggleborn you should be able to understand where I’m coming from,” Ginny ranted angrily.
“I do understand,” Lily nodded. “I remember what it was like when I first entered the wizarding world and having to deal with rich purebloods all of the time.”
“But you don’t understand,” Ginny said again. “Because at the end of the day despite knowing what Astoria said about you”a teacher”and the Quidditch team backing me up, you haven’t even been to see Professor McGonagall about it.”
Lily didn’t know what to say to that, instead realising that she was right. She had all the facts and could have gone to McGonagall about it but between James’ mess and everything else she hadn’t done so.
“…What did you want me to do?” Ginny asked finally.
“Just…” Lily trailed off with a sigh. “Clean the cauldrons for a bit.”
In other words, die of boredom…
---
It was the following Tuesday where Ginny found herself in Defence Against the Dark Arts class, sitting near the back. It had been a normal lesson for the most part as they revised the disarming charm for the thousandth time however James had said that he’d wanted to speak with her after class. She didn’t want to deal with him today so when it was time to leave, she stood up to head out with the rest of the class.
“I asked to speak to you after class, Ginny,” James spoke up from his desk.
“No,” Ginny asked bluntly while not turning around.
The last thing she wished for was to talk to him today or ever really…
“Ginny do it for harry at least-” James called again.
“Don’t bring your son into this, I understand you have to treat me like any other student but Professor you know me,” Ginny told him as she finally turned around. “I don’t want to talk.”
“Well you have too,” James barked looking annoyed. “Now I’m not asking, I’m telling you that I would like to talk to you.”
“Still no,” Ginny denied him.
“Fine then, detention Miss Weasley,” James spoke unamused. “We need to talk.”
“James that’s enough, Ginny you’re free to go. I’ll handle this,” Lily voice echoed from the doorway. Behind her almost like a shadow stood Hermione, a wary look on her face.
Lily must have been in the area…
“Thank you Professor Potter,” Ginny muttered as she walked out.2
“…Seriously James?” Lily asked almost in astonishment at his stupidity.
“I just wanted to apologize,” James sighed in defeat.
“You really need to work on your manners then,” his wife commented harshly.
“Sorry,” James apologized wirth a wince.
Yeah…
That could have certainly gone better…
---
“Ginny, she’s been expelled and you don’t have to do your detentions,” Rose said into Ginny ear.
“Merlin’s broomstick Rose!” Ginny squeaked in surprise turning to look behind her nearly head butting Rose in meantime. “What did you say?”
“I said Greengrass has been expelled, kicked out, on the next train home,” Rose explained as best she could.
“How? What happened?” Ginny questioned shocked at the news.
“I don’t know mum told me to tell you she thought you might want to know,” Rose explained as Ginny turned to the teachers table. Lily was already looking over she gave her a smile Ginny couldn’t help but return it.
“Give me a minute Rose,” Ginny said standing up walking over to the teachers table. “Could I have a word Professor?” Ginny asked Lily who nodded standing up and moving over to the side.
“Before you ask, it wasn’t me when I got there the Headmistress already knew,” Lily explained.
“But if I wasn’t you who done it may I ask who it was,” Ginny questioned.
“I think you have my other son to thank for that Evan seems to have done the right thing like I should have done before,” Lily smiled softly. “I’m so proud of him.”
“Really?” Ginny half questioned.
“Really Ginny,” Lily smiled back. “I’m glad you have been there for all of my children too, especially Evan.”
“Thank you,” Ginny nodded before turning away.
She walked back towards the Gryffindor table where Rose sat talking to Evan and Dennis, yammering on about the fact Astoria was gone. With a smile she approached and sat down beside Rose, her eyes looking over at the Potter boy.
“Thank you Evan,” Ginny smiled making Evan look at her and Rose look confused. “Are you going to tell your sister?” but Evan shook his head. “You really should,”
“I went to the headmistress about Astoria get her expelled and Ginny out of trouble,” Evan stammered nervously.
“That brilliant I’m so proud of you little brother,” Rose cheered pulling her brother into a hug.
Without another word Ginny stood back up and walked around the Potter girl. Once his sister let him go Evan looked up as Ginny reached him. She pulled him into a hug before he could react and hesitantly hugged her back.
---
Even though Ginny didn’t have to do the second weekend detentions she still had another week before she would get to go to Hogsmeade to see Harry. The morning of the Hogsmeade visit Ginny was one of the first up out of her dorm room and down at breakfast Hermione unsurprisingly was also up early and at breakfast . Rose joined them not long later. “Remind me not to come anywhere near my house,” Rose said sitting down pointing at the Weasley who had not even noticed she was there Hermione laughed.
“What?” Ginny asked having not heard what she said causing Rose to shake her head. “Sorry, what did you say?”
“I just said to Hermione to remind me not to go anywhere near my house today going by the distance look you have on your face,” Rose told her as ginny tapped her fingers on the table.
“No comment,” Ginny said simply turning to the teachers table where James and Lily were already sat “no offence but I really hope your dad doesn’t turn up and ruin the day,”
“I’m sure he won’t,” Rose smile looking over at her dad who she had spoken to the night before asking for him not to do something stupid to ruin Harry and Ginny Hogsmeade visit.
Before long Ginny was stood outside of the Potter House she give a quick knock on the door the door swung open she launched herself into Harrys arms throwing her arms around his neck and her legs around his wais.t “Miss me?” Harry half asked even though he knew the answer.
“More then you know,” Ginny said into his neck as she released a sigh she didn’t know she was holding.
“I missed you too are you okay?” Harry asked moving into the house still holding her closing the door not getting a answer from his girlfriend. “Has my dad done something else to upset you.”
“Mmm..no I think your mum and sister had a word with him,” Ginny told him raising her head to look at him.
“What do you want to do?” Harry asked sitting down on a kitchen chair with her on his knee.
“About?” Ginny asked she knew the answer, but she really didn’t know what she wanted to do.
“My dad,” Harry answered simply rubbing her back.
“…As much as I don’t want to,” Ginny sighed leaning against him “I think we need to talk to him.”
“I’ll send Hedwig to them with a letter,” Harry told her, but she didn’t move to let him up. “You will have to move so I can send her.”
“I suppose,” Ginny huffed giving him a quick kiss before getting up.
Harry sent the letter with Hedwig he didn’t expect his parents to arrive for at least an hour so once Hedwig left he went into the kitchen getting two bottles of butterbeer. He walked into the living room handing one to Ginny sitting down beside her.
“I have sent the letter they should be here with I would a couple of hours,” Harry told her she gave a small nod but didn’t speak she was very quiet. “I can just speak to them if you want.”
“No, its fine I think we both need to,” Ginny smiled taking a sip out of the butterbeer. “Just nerves I suppose.”
“Come here, I never got a proper hello before even though that hug was very nice,” Harry smirk pulling her toward his lap she saddled his legs pulling her into a passionate kiss trying to distract her. They don’t know how long had been kissing for hand had started to wonder but they soon broke apart when they heard the door open. “I’m going to kill whoever that is.”
James and Lily walked into the living room Luckly Ginny had enough time to move off Harry taking her seat back beside him, straightening out her clothes. “Mum, dad, we weren’t expecting you until later,” Harry asked in surprise.
“We thought that we’d come here early,” Lily answered truthfully “We were already in Hogsmeade,”
“Ginny,” James started almost nervously. “…This isn’t going to be that awkward, is it?”
“No of course not,” Ginny denied with a shake of her head. She was here now the Harry, and she refused to let James’ presence change that.
“James.” Lily spoke quietly.
“Look Ginny,” James continued with a sigh. “I’m sorry for how I acted and for not listening to you at the match. It wasn’t right and I hope that I can make it up to you someday.”
“…Apology accepted,” Ginny said finally.
“There, was that difficult?” Lily asked them with a small smile.
“More than you can imagine,” James sighed in relief. “I never wanted any of this to happen.”
“But I think until I leave school, I should only call you Professor Potter,” Ginny added with a nod. “You too Lily.”
“That’s not necessary, you’re dating our son,” Lily said softly.
“I think it would be for the best,” Ginny added simply.
“If you are sure…” Lily trailed off.
“I am Professor,” Ginny confirmed.
It was then that Harry started laughing breaking the tension finally…
“What are you laughing at?” Lily asked the question.
“I still can’t believe dad is a Professor,” Harry answered truthfully. “He went from a Marauder to a Professor.”
“Not for long,” James shook his head in response. “Prongs is going back to being a auror.”
“Right well, we have all made up,” Harry said now feeling a bit agitated. “Can I now have some alone time with my girlfriend?”
“Don’t you want to see us? We haven’t seen you in three weeks…” Lily asked confused.
Harry had stood up pulling Ginny up with him before picking her up throwing her over his shoulder causing her laugh before leaving the living room away from his parents.
“I think that’s our cue to leave,” James said simply.
Chapter 13: Celebrations
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry PotterAnother Marauder’s Sacrifice
Chapter 13: Celebrations
It was the second last weekend of May; the last quidditch game of the year which also fell on her seventeenth birthday, and all she wanted was for it to be confirmed that Gryffindor had won the quidditch cup. Thankfully that came true Gryffindor won Ravenclaw to take the cup.
The Weasley parents and Ginny plus all the Potters, Hermione and William were stood to the side. Rose stood staring at the cup. “Rose, I hope you win this next year. Don’t let the side down, it’s very hard taking over from a very good captain,” Lily said to Rose who turned to her in surprise.
“Did you just say I was becoming Gryffindor’s captain next year?” Rose asked her surprise looking like she ready to burst. “Thanks Mum.”
“Don’t thank me, thank the current captain. She gets to choose who the next captain is,” Lily smiled.
“Thank you, thank you,” Rose said jumping from one foot to another before pulling Ginny into a hug.
“You’re welcome I think,” Ginny said having the life squeezed out of her.
“Miss Weasley, when Miss Potter has finished hugging you, may I have a word?” the Headmistress asked. Rose let go of her before Ginny looked around at everyone scared then followed McGonagall.
She returned ten minutes later looking like she was fit to burst…
“Gwenog Jones was in the box to watch me play, I have a try-out for the Holyhead Harpies after I leave school,” Ginny said way to fast thankfully everyone could understand her.
“Oh my Merlin, I’m so proud of you dear,” Molly Weasley pulled her very dazed looking daughter into a hug before Arthur joined. They pulled away as everyone congratulated Ginny, though Lily had known for a couple weeks that Gwenog Jones was coming to the game, but she couldn’t tell her. Everyone moved away leaving Ginny standing with the last person who had to congratulations her.
“Are you alright?” Harry asked his still very dazed girlfriend.
Ginny final snapped out of her dazed look before jumping at Harry with her arms and legs around him. “I have a try out for the Harpies,” she told him again like she couldn’t believe it.
“I know I’m so proud of you,” Harry said pulling her head towards him to passionately kiss her before pulling away. “My Girlfriend is going to be a harpy.”
“It’s only a try out, I might not...” Ginny trailed off before being cut of off.
“You are going to get it, and I’m going to be there at your very first match,” Harry told her pulling into another kiss.
Ginny hands dropped from his waist as she pulled back. “Come with me,” she told him taking his hand leading him away.
“Where are we going?” Harry asked but Ginny just kept pulling him with her.
“Don’t ask questions,” Ginny smirked as she made her way to the changing room pulling him until they walked faster once he noticed. “I need a shower.”
“Where’s Harry and Ginny? I thought they’d still be here?” Rosed asked notice both had gone from where they had left them. The Weasley had left leaving only the Potters, William and Hermione.
“They were here a second ago,” Lily said looking around not seeing them. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
“Say bye to Harry from me, I’m going up to the party in the common room,” Rose told her parents who still were looking for the miss two.
James reaching into his robe pocket pulling out his old map and taping his wand. “I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good,” he said as the map started to appear. He saw their names appear over where the changing room were before giving a small smile. “Mischief Managed.”
“Do you know where Harry is?” Lily asked thinking that he could have already left.
“With Ginny I think,” James said trying not to smirk like father like son.
“…Where?” Lily asked confused as she couldn’t see them anywhere.
“You don’t want to know,” James told her with a smile.
“Oh, James please tell me they’re not in…” Lily said but trailed of that still her son.
“It seems Harry takes after us more than we thought,” James smirked somewhat proud of his son. Even if he did have a feeling it might have been the Weasley girl’s idea.
“I don’t remember us being this bad at their age,” Lily said with a straight face making Jame chuckle.
“Really? Because I seem to remember a certain red-haired young woman in my seventh year dragging me into the Forbidden Section of the library and having her wicked way with me,” James winked pulling his wife towards him with smirk.
“I didn’t hear you complaining,” Lily flirted pulling James back toward the castle.
“And you never will,” James told plainly. “Speaking of which I think I might just patrol the Forbidden Section tonight,”
“What a coincidence Professor Potter, I’m also on patrol tonight,” Lily smiled as they walked through the door back into the castle. “Maybe we can meet up? Compare…notes…and such…”
--
The end of the school year finally came and honestly Ginny couldn’t be more excited if she tried. Her trunk was packed and ready to go but there was still one last thing to do. It didn’t take her long to reach the Great Hall and sit down at the Gryffindor table. Already she could see most of her schoolmates were seated and hanging above the tables were the familiar banners of Gryffindor, the glorious lion displayed proudly.
She’d finally made it…
After everything she’d experienced at this school, it was finally time for her to leave it all behind. Idly she noticed that Hermione was smiling at her, knowing she was thinking the same thing. It was just a shame that Rose and Evan were younger than her so they would be returning next year.
It was going to be a bit lonely not having them around all of the time…
“Thank you all for joining us this morning,” spoke Professor McGonagall from her pedestal in front of the staff table. “As you all know this year has been quite an adjustment for everyone, and I am proud to say you have all accomplished more than even I thought possible. There is however one last thing that must be done, something that I’m sure you’ve all been looking forward to. The House Cup…”
“Here we go,” Hermione whispered with a smile.
After all they’d been through the last thing on anyone’s mind had been the House Cup…
“In fourth place with three hundred and ten points. Hufflepuff,” McGonagall announced. “In third place with three hundred and fifty-seven points, Ravenclaw.”
“So, it comes down to Gryffindor or Slytherin, huh?” Rose mused with a shrug. “What do we get if we win exactly?”
“Bragging rights and the House Cup,” Ginny answered simply.
“That’s it?” Rose asked confused. “Somehow I was expecting more.”
“We all did,” Ginny responded with a sigh.
“Second place goes to Slytherin with three hundred and eighty-five points. Finally in first with three hundred and ninety-four points is Gryffindor. Congratulations Gryffindor,” McGonagall finished with a smile. “You have won the House Cup this year.”
There was a round of clapping as the Headmistress walked back to the chair and sat down. It wasn’t long after that when food appeared on the tables in front of them and Evan in particular immediately started to dig in. After the feast was over, they all left the Great Hall.
They were soon stood on the platform the trunks had been load onto the train. “Where’s Harry?” Ginny asked as she looked around.
“You missing your boyfriend that much?” Evan asked with a Potter smirk.
“No wise guy you do live in Hogsmeade,” Ginny answered him.
“Well mum couldn’t find him so she asked your parents to take us until her and Dad can leave Hogwarts,” Rose answered as everyone started to get on the train. “Oh, don’t worry am sure he’s somewhere.”
It wasn’t long before they found an empty compartment and took a seat. Moments later the train started to move, jolting slightly as it sped away from Hogsmeade. Ginny sat back against the seat and stared out of the window as the world outside seemed to just pass them by. Was this the last time she would be here? Hogwarts had been her life for the last seven years and while it was exciting to know that she was now going out into the world, she was sad to leave it all behind.
Hours passed as they journeyed down to London and by the end of it Ginny couldn’t wait to get home. Finally, they pulled into Kings Cross Station and stepped off the train onto Platform Nine and Three Quarters. It didn’t take her long to spot her father standing amidst the crowd of parents thought she couldn’t see her mother anywhere.
“Hello dad is mum not here?” Ginny asked hugging her father.
“She thought she might as well stay at home,” Arthur told his daughter looking up at the two people standing beside her.
“Hello Mr Weasley,” Rose and Evan said giving him a smile.
“Hello guys but please call me Arthur,” he said.
“I’m going to head on home,” Hermione spoke up with a sad smile. “I still need to book a flight to Australia.”
Australia…
Right…
Her parents were there after she erased their memories during the war in order to protect them…
“Good luck Hermione,” Ginny told her.
“Thanks,” her friend smiled back before disappearing with a pop.
“…Well then come on you lot,” Arthur ushered the remaining three to follow him.
Ginny, Rose and Evan followed him out of the station toward the car park. Once there they climbed into the small blue car that the Weasley’s owned and braced themselves as Arthur accelerated into the sky above London. Thankfully it was invisible to the muggles below, a feature that Ginny was grateful for at least. She doubted her father could explain a flying cover over London to the Ministry. After a few hours of flying, they finally reached the Burrow, landing in the garden not from the house. Ginny was the first one out of the car and running for the door.
“Surprise!!!!” Everyone shouted Ginny opened the door walking in to see her whole family stood in the kitchen including Hermione, James, Lily and of course Harry. She looked behind her to see Rose and Evan smiling. “You two knew about this didn’t you,” Ginny asked.
“Maybe …. Of course we did,” Rose laughed pushing Ginny into the burrow straight into the waiting arm of Molly Weasley.
“My last baby has left school,” Molly cried cause the people around to laugh at Molly over dramatic display and her squeezing her daughter.
“Mum, I need to breath,” Ginny gasped trying to get away from her mother.
“Sorry dear I’m just proud of you,” Molly cried.
“Molly let our daughter go,” Arthur said bring Ginny trunk into the house. “She has a lot of family to hug, and I’m sure her boyfriend would like to see her too,”
One by one her brothers came over and hugged her leaving only Bill holding his newborn niece. She gave her brother a hug before she looked down at the baby in his arms, the newest member of the Weasley family. Victorie Weasley was the cutest thing she had ever seen and until now she hadn’t laid eyes on her.
‘I want one,’ Ginny thought as she gazed down at the girl.
With a sideways glance she saw that her boyfriend was hugging his siblings as his parents stood talking beside them. It was still a long way yet and she was in no rush, but in that moment, she could see herself chasing kids around the Burrow as an older Harry smiled at them.
It was a nice dream…
“I approve by the way,” Bill suddenly spoke up catching her attention.
“Huh?” Ginny blinked in confusion.
“Your boyfriend,” Bill clarified with a smile. “I talked to him for a bit before you arrived and he seems to be an okay bloke, though a bit of worrywart at times from I’ve seen.”
“…Thanks,” Ginny smiled back. “I like him a lot too.”
She quietly handed her niece over to her brother and then walked over towards the Potters. Harry looked up as she approached and smiled that damned Potter smile of his. Bloody handsome arse knew damn well what reaction he caused whenever he looked at her like that too.
Well two could play at that game…
“I didn’t know you would be here Harry,” Ginny said with a smirk of her own. “And just when were you going to tell me that you were coming here?”
“Oh, you didn’t know?” Harry grinned back widely. “I’m sorry I thought I mentioned it awhile back.”
“Uhhuh,” Ginny grunted before turning her gaze on the other two Potters. “And I’m guessing you two also ‘forgot’ to mention it?”
“I’m sure it came up at some point,” Rose shrugged though judging by the grin on her own face that wasn’t saying much.
“Well then,” Ginny said before turning to her boyfriend. “So, what else did I miss?”
“Nothing else,” Harry shrugged.
She didn’t believe that for a second…
“Okay dears,” Molly spoke up from the kitchen. “The food is ready.”
After not having eaten since the End of Year Feast at Hogwarts, Ginny was naturally starving when she sat down beside Harry at the table. Molly levitated a series of plates filled with food onto the table a moment later and everyone started to dig in. It wasn’t long before they were finished and settled into conversation. When it came to do the washing up Ginny walked over to help her mother, drying the dishes.
“Mum, is it okay if Harry stays the night?” Ginny asked quietly.
“…Of course dear,” Molly answered after a moment.
“You’re sure?” she asked her mother.
While it was true that she’d spent time alone at the Potter house in Hogsmeade, Harry had never been the Burrow before. Now that she’d finished Hogwarts, she would like that to change. Her original plan was to visit the Potter house tomorrow and spend the night there with Harry but since he was here, she didn’t want to put it off for another night.
“I trust you to be careful Ginny,” Molly told her. “All I ever wanted was for you to be happy.”
Ginny nodded with a smile and finished cleaning the rest of the dishes in silence. After they were done, she walked back into the living and saw Harry talking to his family near the front door. She approached slowly, waving as Rose caught her coming over.
“Are you leaving?” Ginny asked them all.
“Yeah, we need to get going,” James confirmed with a sigh. “Thank you for having us.”
“Anytime,” Ginny told them. “Harry, would you like to stay here tonight?”
“Really?” Harry blinked in surprise. “Yeah, of course.”
“…Okay then we’d better be off,” Lily spoke up. “Rose, Evan, are you both ready?”
“No,” they answered together.
“Oh, it’s not that bad,” Lily said as she held out a hand to her youngest son. “James,” she said only to give her husband a quick whack to the arm when she saw him giving a thumbs up to her eldest son. “Oh, leave them alone.”
“Yes dear,” James uttered before taking his daughter’s hand.
“Bye Ginny, bye Harry,” Rose waved before they vanished in a pair of pops one after the other.
Harry sighed before turning towards Ginny and smiling widely. “Need any help with the trunk?” he offered as he gestured to her trunk.
“Sure,” Ginny agreed and walked towards the stairs.
Harry took hold of the handle and dragged the trunk with them. It took a bit of effort, but he was able to effectively pull it up the stairs one step at a time until they finally reached Ginny’s room and stopped. With a deep breath Ginny opened the door and entered, hoping it was clean at least.
For the most part it was clean except for the small pile of books in the corner of the room, ones that she instantly recognized. Her eyes widened before she dived for them and hurried shoved them under the bed. Harry came through the door a moment later and dragged the trunk inside.
“What was that?” Harry asked the question.
“Nothing,” Ginny replied quickly.
“…Ginny?” he asked confused.
“…I kind of forgot I had them, okay? I mean it’s not like I’ve read them in years,” Ginny explained rapidly. “I just never bothered throwing them away-”.
“Ginny,” Harry said sounding a bit amused. “You’re rambling.”
“…Here,” she sighed before pulled out the books and handing them over to him.
“…Harry Potter and the Wizard Staff,” Harry blinked in amazement. “I remember this,” he said with a grin. “Isn’t this the one where I’m beating up a pair of dragons?”
“Yes,” Ginny answered looking a bit red. “For the record, you did really well until the evil sorcerer stole it from the vault.”
“You know I still get a kick out of how much money we got when we came out of hiding and collected the royalties from these,” Harry mused with a grin. “I don’t think the publisher knew what to do with themselves when my mum threatened to sue them for it.”
“Oh, I bet they didn’t like it,” Ginny commented.
“So, Miss Weasley,” Harry spoke as he stepped closer to her. “The Dark Lord is slain, the beautiful maiden has finally been returned to her castle unharmed, and the hero stands here offering you whatever you desire. What do you want?”
“You should write your own book,” Ginny said before answering. “What do I want? I want you to kiss me, hero.”
“You’re wish is my command,” Harry said before closing the distance.
His lips were on hers a moment later…
Many years from now when Harry was old and grey, laughing as his grandchildren darted passed him, he remembered fondly this day as the moment he decided to write about his own adventures. Harry Potter and the New World they called it, both magical and muggle alike.
But that was a story for another time…