Once there was a prophecy about the Potter family. Lily and James went into hiding at Godric's Hollow, trusting their best friend, Sirius Black with the location. However, he insisted they change it, as it was too obvious that either he or Remus, James' other best friend, would be the Secret Keepers.
So they trusted the rat, and the rat behaved, well, as rats do.
The wards fell and Voldemort came for them. Lily was upstairs, protecting her boys, Caleb 3 and Harry, fifteen months.
James stayed downstairs, prepared to die for his family. He put up every possible shield charm he could think of, and just as the Dark One broke through, Dumbledore arrived.
Dumbledore duelled with Voldemort, giving James enough time to send his Stag Patronus for the Order of the Phoenix, but only after sending one to Remus and Sirius.
Both his Marauder brothers arrived, prepared to face Voldemort while James fled with Lily and the boys. But in the end, there was no need.
Dumbledore triumphed. The wizarding world was saved.
James and Lily returned to James' family home, Potter Manor. They'd lived there with James' parents after their wedding, till they'd gone into hiding. Fleamont and Euphemia Potter sadly hadn't lived to see their second grandson born, but now watched them both grow from their portraits.
The two boys grew up close as close can be. They shared a room when they were little, rarely out of each others company. It was only as they grew older that their differences became obvious.
Caleb James shared his auburn hair with his mother and his hazel eyes with his father, along with James' love of mischief and easy going manner. He loved to hear stories about the Marauders, and planned to find his own group of friends to rival all that the Marauders had done at Hogwarts.
Harry James shared his green eyes with his mother, as well as her good heart, but his image was all James, right down to his dad's messy hair. While he too, loved the stories his father and uncles Sirius and Remus told him, sometimes he thought their pranks sounded a bit mean, especially to his mum's friend, Severus Snape. Harry loved to fly and planned to try out as soon as he could for his Quidditch house team.
They were both Sorted into Gryffindor – 'as if there were any doubt', scoffed James – and despite Caleb watching over his little brother, it was soon obvious that the Potter boys were taking their own paths at school. The only thing they had in common was Quidditch. Well, that wasn't entirely true. There was one other thing they had in common.
They both loved Ginny Weasley.
At first it was a different kind of love, for each of them. They'd met a pint sized three and four year old Ginny as she accompanied various brothers to the primary school they all eventually attended – Molly insisted homeschooling was good enough till the children were eight – and the cute firecracker immediately took a liking to the Potter boys. Caleb had become good friends with Fred and George, while Harry was Ron's age, although he was happy to play with Ginny before school and after, while their mums talked and organised play dates.
For Caleb, Ginny became a surrogate sister, he supposed, as she was always with Harry. He copied Fred and George, who adored their little sister and often used her to set up poor Ron in their pranks. Caleb admired little Ginny's pluck, and had she been a boy, she would definitely be a contender for his Marauder group when she was older.
She loved to fly as much as he and Harry and when he was older, sometimes he'd take her up with him when they flew at the Burrow, as none of her brothers could be bothered. But for the most part, she didn't figure hugely in his life.
It was very different for Harry. Ginny became his best friend. He supposed it should have been Ron, but Ron was always trying to hang out with their older brothers, often brushing off Harry. Harry also forged a good friendship with Neville, but it just wasn't the best friend kind of friendship, not like what he had with Ginny.
She liked to hear his thoughts, she was funny, she was a brilliant flyer and she smelled so nice and flowery. Sixteen year old Harry would articulate it much better, but for nine year, eleven year, even thirteen, fourteen year old Harry, it was one of the first things he thought about Ginny. She was kind and caring, yet ferocious and protective. When two boys were teasing Ginny's friend Luna about not having a mother, Ginny punched one boy in the nose and made the other boy cry. No-one ever bothered Luna again, and no-one dared say anything to Harry about having two girls for friends.
Ginny could outclimb, outswim and outrun him, but he didn't care. They were best friends, the ones that you'd tell a secret to, and know your best friend would keep it; would understand. Nearly every summer's day would be spent at the Burrow, doing anything outside, so were winter weekends spent at Potter Manor, playing Exploding Snap, Gobstones, listening to the Quidditch matches, or in the family library. Harry liked to read, and tell Ginny about the stories he read, about magic, and laws and their history. Ginny liked the teenage romance books, despite Caleb, Harry and Sirius teasing her.
Harry had missed her dreadfully, the year he'd started at Hogwarts. Both Ron and Neville had been Sorted into Gryffindor too, so it wasn't as if he was alone, but it just wasn't the same. His new owl Hedwig had flown many miles between Scotland and Devon that year, so much so that Harry and Ginny referred to her as 'their' owl.
Finally, it was Ginny's turn to join him and to both their relief, she was Sorted into Gryffindor, confessing the Hat considered Slytherin for her. Caleb then confessed the Hat had told him the same thing, but he welcomed her to their House.
The years would pass. Best friends would discover the secrets the castle held. Crushes, first loves and broken hearts would come and go, as would Quidditch games, balls and exams. And somewhere along the way, Harry developed a tiny crush on his best friend.
Caleb would become Head Boy. Harry would become Quidditch Captain, eventually passing the mantle on to his best friend when he departed on the Hogwarts Express for the last time.
It hit him on August 31. He wouldn't see Ginny for nearly a year. She stayed at the castle for Christmas that year, and despite coming home for Easter, the Potters were away on holidays together.
Of course they owled, trying to keep each other up to date on their lives. Harry told her about his godson, Teddy Lupin and Ginny wrote about the stress of NEWTS.
Both Potter boys were at Kings Cross, the day the train would bring Ginny home for the last time. Harry had taken a personal day from his job as a junior clerk (glorified go-fer) at the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Caleb had the day off from his job as an Auror trainee, and had decided to tag along.
The boys had much to discuss as they waited, for their dad had offered them the chance to move in to the cottage at Godric's Hollow together. Caleb, just days away from turning 21, and Harry, a month shy of turning 19, had grown closer this last year, with both working at the Ministry. Caleb was sort of keen for the move, longing for some independence, although he'd prefer to rent somewhere closer to the city centre. Harry still had some quiet doubts. He hoped talking with Ginny would give him clarity.
They stood when they heard the whistle, but allowed eager family to get to their loved ones first. As the crowds thinned, the seventh years slowly departed, hugging friends and gathering their trunks. For seven years they had dreamed of their last train ride home, but when it finally came about, they all cried it was too soon.
As if in sync, Harry and Caleb stepped forward, for it seemed as if only the seventh years must be left. They saw some familiar faces from Gryffindor, Colin Creevy and Demelza Robbins. Astoria Greengrass went past and Luna called out a greeting, letting them know that Ginny would be along any second.
They looked up in anticipation, and sure enough, Ginny Weasley stepped down from the train. SNAP. Colin took a photo the exact moment both Caleb and Harry's mouths dropped open.
She wasn't little Ginny Weasley anymore, although she barely stood five foot five. No, Ginny Weasley had grown up in all the right places. Her hair had lost the bright red like her brothers, and now gleamed reds and golds and coppers, framing her face. Her freckles, once so stark, had faded, apart from a cluster on one creamy cheek.
" Wow!"
Harry didn't think it was him that drew in a sharp breath as he continued catalogueing the changes in his best friend. A Gryffindor Quidditch captain tee-shirt showed curves in all the right places, tapering down to a trim waist before flaring out to hips that begged to be held, currently encased in tight jeans with rips in them.
"Ginny!"
No, it definitely wasn't him who had drawn the sharp breath, for now he could not even breathe. He stared stupidly as Caleb enveloped Ginny in a hug, picking her up and spinning her around. She giggled, holding on for dear life. Harry's chest hurt, so he rubbed it.
"Harry! Oh, Harry," cried Ginny, as she left Caleb and ran to him. "Oh, I've missed you so much," she whispered in his ear as she hugged him as tight as her mother was prone to do. Suddenly, his chest was on fire. It might have been the kiss on his cheek that Ginny planted that did it, but who knew?
"Ginny, you look amazing. I can't believe you're finally here," he replied softly to her, hugging her back. Yep, those new curves were something, all right, and he suspected they were indeed what was making his chest feel all funny again. Not hurting exactly, but his body felt afire, like electricity, like lightening on a hot summer night's storm.
Reluctantly he released her, and she stepped back, smiling brilliantly at them both. "I can't wait to hear all about your new lives, your jobs, your family – oh, how's Teddy? Is Sirius still dating that skanky witch? Oh, please thank your mum for the recommendation to the department, I have an interview next week."
The Potter brothers smiled at each other over her head, used to Ginny's ramblings after having been apart for awhile. She linked her arms through both of theirs as they headed for the barrier, still talking, still asking questions.
"Ginny! Welcome home!" It was Ron, running late as he came through the barrier to Platform 9 ¾. Both Potter brothers scowled, for they had hoped for more time with her.
Ron nudged their arms aside to hug his only sister. "Sorry I'm late. Mum's cooking a huge dinner for you with all the family. Bill even brought his new girlfriend," he confided. "She's part Veela and apparantly, it's serious!"
Ginny's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Ooh, sounds like there will be a lot of Bill teasing tonight."
Ron laughed and agreed. "You know it. The twins had already started when I left. So, you ready?"
Ginny nodded, but stopped and took one last long look at the big red train. She looked at Caleb, Ron and finally Harry. "Did you guys feel sad, like I do right now?"
They all shrugged, also looking at the train. "She's right," realised Caleb aloud. "We don't have any more reasons to come here every September or June."
"Well, not till Teddy starts," said Harry, then flushed when Ginny kissed his cheek.
"You're a good godfather, Harry," she said. He put his hand up to his cheek.
"This is it. Goodbye, Platform 9 ¾. Goodbye Hogwarts Express...at least, for a few years," said Ron.
"Who knows what kind of people we'll be in ten years, when Teddy starts," mused Harry.
Caleb rolled his eyes. "Here we go again, another of your deep discussions that could take all night."
Ron nodded, having heard Harry and Neville often enough in their dorms. "He's right, we really don't have time for it. Sorry, Harry, but mum's waiting. Ginny?"
Ginny hugged Caleb goodbye, thanking him for coming to see her return. His presence had surprised her, but it was a nice surprise. She then hugged Harry. "Personally, I've missed our deep discussions. Let's talk about it soon," she grinned, and damned if she didn't kiss his cheek again.
"This weekend. It's Caleb's birthday Friday and we're having a big party on Saturday," said Harry, nodding.
"Brilliant. We'll find some quiet corner and get into it, yeah?" she asked.
Caleb cut in before Harry could agree. "Promise to save me a dance, Ginny. It's only fair that the birthday boy dance with the prettiest girl there," he said.
Ginny laughed. "I'm pretty sure I've heard Sirius use that line before, Caleb, but yes, I'll dance with you."
"Brilliant," said Caleb, shooting Harry a smirk that Ginny didn't see. Both Potter brothers watched as Ron picked up her trunk and escorted her through the barrier to the Muggle side.
"Well damn," sighed Caleb. "Little Ginny Weasley is all grown up."
"She wasn't going to stay eleven forever," said Harry defensively, as they prepared to go through the barrier too.
"I know, but still. Hey, you're her best friend. You'd know if she's seeing anybody right now?" asked Caleb.
"Why do you want to know that?" asked Harry fearfully.
Caleb shrugged playfully. "Just curious. So here's my contribution to your deep discussion. In ten years, I hope to be on track to taking over as head of the Auror department. Married, with a kid, maybe two."
"You, married?" teased Harry, as they crossed the busy street outside King's Cross Station and headed for the closest Apparition point. Caleb had never been one for a long term girlfriend, at least, no more than a month. He fell in and out of love at the drop of a hat, but he hadn't dated anyone for quite a while, now Harry thought about it.
"Sure, eventually," shrugged his older brother. He shot a look at Harry. "Ginny Potter. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
With that, he Apparated home to Potter Manor.
"I've always thought so," said Harry softly, to nobody but himself.