- CHAPTER ONE -
The graduation ceremony had just ended and Harry found himself in front of the gargoyle that guarded the headmaster's office. He wasn't surprised when he received a note that morning requesting a meeting with the man just after the ceremony. He supposed that the headmaster wanted to know what were his plans for the future or discuss with him about the current war.
When Fudge, the minister at the time, didn't acknowledge Voldemort's return after the third task of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry's fourth year, the Dark Lord kept a low profile, until a year later Harry and his friends stopped the Death Eaters from obtaining the prophecy in the Ministry and Voldemort himself appeared in all his glory in the hall for all to see. From that day raids and killings were daily occurrence and people, magical and not, lived in fear of being the next victims.
Naturally, Fudge didn't last long after the fiasco at the Ministry and was replaced by Scrimgeour, who was the head of the Auror Department when he was elected minister. The man didn't wast time and tried his best to stop and capture the Death Eaters, shipping them to Azkaban after a long interrogation and a brief trial, since nobody wanted to repeat the mistake made with Sirius Black who was proclaimed innocent of all the crimes accused only after his death. Harry often thought that he would have gladly approved of a minister as Scrimgeour, if not for the fact that many of the people sent to Azkaban were clearly innocent. Who would believe that Tom, the barkeeper of the Leaky Cauldron, was a Death Eater? Nevertheless he was accused and found guilty, after the interrogation, of being one just because he rent a room to a man marked. Or would you prefer to talk of Florian Fortesque? Harry had met the man during his stay at the Leaky Cauldron in his third year and he was completely sure that the man was everything but a supporter of Voldemort, but the minister and the aurors thought differently and now Mr Fortesque was keeping company to Tom in the next cell.
Harry shook his head sadly at those thoughts and decided it was better to not ruin his graduation by thinking of ministers and Death Eaters, so he spoke the password, another strange sweet, to the gargoyle who let him pass. He didn't bother by knocking at the door since he knew the headmaster was already informed of his presence. As if proving him right, he had yet to enter in the office when he was welcomed by the headmaster.
"Harry, my boy. Come in and sit down. Would you like a cup of tea or better a lemon drop?"
"No, thank you, headmaster. I've just eaten at the feast", Harry replied as he sat down. "Did you need me for something?"
"Oh, yes yes. I must congratulate with you for your graduation, you did well, my boy".
"Thank you", Harry blushed, not really used to compliments because of his life with the Dursleys.
"You're welcome", Dumbledore smiled. "I called you here now because I know you've made plans for your future", he hinted.
"Yes, I thought of staying at Grimmauld Place with Tonks and Remus until I find a new and well warded place for myself. Tonks is due soon and she and Remus wanted me there when the baby arrives since they made me his godfather and I'm excited to be present".
Remus and Tonks had married the year after Sirius' death and Harry had been Remus' best man at the wedding. Two months later they announced that Tonks was pregnant and asked him to be the baby's godfather. In the beginning, Harry refused saying that he was too young to be a good parent and that he was a first target for all Death Eaters and Voldemort's himself wanted his death, but they weren't discouraged and in the end Harry accepted the role with a happy smile.
"So I heard, my boy. However I remind you of the protection given to you at your aunt's house . I must insist you return there this summer for a few weeks. The wards will go down at your next birthday. It's in your best interest. I'm sure you agree with me in this, so I already prepared a portkey for you", the headmaster announced as he motioned to Harry to take the quill transmuted in portkey on his desk.
However Harry didn't move. "Sorry, headmaster, but I won't go there again. It's awful there for me and I already made other plans for the summer", he counteracted.
The headmaster sighed in disappointment, knowing very well that now that the boy was of age he couldn't order him like before. Instead he decided to pass to other matters, hoping to have more luck there.
"Very well, my boy. I'm sad about your decision, but you're an adult now. Let's talk about something else instead", he changed the topic. Harry became more wary at his too easy victory about his summer arrangements. He had a very bad feeling about the incoming conversation.
"How are Tonks and Remus?"
"They're fine and happy, headmaster. Tonks was complaining in a letter the other day about her awful mood swings. She wants the baby already born, she said she's tired of waiting for him", Harry chuckled at the memory while he eyed suspiciously the man in front of him, waiting for the blow he was sure was coming. He was proved right a second time.
"The birth of a baby is a very happy occasion in dark times like these. It brings hope of a better future. Just like weddings do", the headmaster said with twinkling eyes and Harry felt cold shivers running down his back. "I talked with Molly recently and she was so extremely excited that it perked my curiosity and I had to ask her the reason. She confided to me, without saying names, that it was almost sure that such a happy occasion will happen soon according to her source and she was already thinking of the preparations. Do you know anything about it?", he asked but Harry was too pale and shocked to hear the question and the headmaster had to repeat it three times before Harry noticed it.
"I have no idea of what she talked about", he managed to say. "Maybe she was speaking of Bill and Fleur, they've been engaged for a long time and maybe they're taking now the next step", he continued with more decision; if to convince more himself than the headmaster he wasn't entirely sure. He didn't dare think that it could have been somebody else's wedding they were talking about.
He knew his relationship with Ginny was common knowledge and that everybody expected them to marry one day or the other, but he wasn't even eighteen for Merlin's sake! He was too young and no discussion. He deliberately forgot all the times that Ginny talked about how she wanted her wedding to be or that she didn't mind being a very young wife. However he had started having doubts about their relationship lately. She had become too clingy and insistent that he spent time with her alone, even when she knew he was concentrated on the exams. That had caused one big fight between them, but then Hermione spoke to the girl after what Ginny behaved like nothing had happened and Harry was too tired to demand an apology from her, so everything returned as before the fight.
"Yes, yes", the headmaster replied, the twinkle in his eyes dimmed. "For a moment I thought... but never mind. Just know, my boy, that weddings give hope to the few people near the couple, but that the wedding of a famous and well cared person brings hope to many".
And there the hint was not so hidden, Harry thought as he became a little paler at the idea suggested. Why couldn't he live his life without outside interference? Who decided that he had to think how other people would react to every little thing he did or said? With what rights others meddled with his life so shamelessly? When would come his turn to decide for himself?
He took a deep breath and counted from ten to zero to calm himself and not explode in anger a second time in that office.
Maybe breaking up definitely with Ginny would be the best idea after all, better her angry brothers than all the pressure from friends and strangers alike and his unwanted wedding behind the door.
"But let's not talk about this any more, my boy", the headmaster continued effectively cutting Harry's thoughts and changing the topic again. "I know for a fact that you did very well in your N.E.W.T., have you already decided on a job? Minerva said you thought of becoming an auror after school, if you need I can send a letter of recommendation to the Head auror, he has been a dear student of mine. I'm sure they would be happy to have you among them, and you will be able to help many. You always wanted to be on the line, fighting Voldemort and by being an auror you will have the training required to fight and be where you are needed the most. The minister has already agreed and he told me you can start the training already this summer skipping the entrance texts. The training will start the first of August. Isn't it wonderful? I wanted to be the one to inform you of this happy news", he announced.
For the second time that day, Harry was too shocked to reply promptly. He thanked the headmaster in a daze and almost missed the invite extended to him of being a part of the Order of the Phoenix to what he answered saying that for a decision so important he needed a little more time. The headmaster agreed even if his tone expressed his disappointment clearly. After that, Harry excused himself and left.
"A knut for your thoughts", Remus said as he entered the room.
Harry was staring out of the window with the front touching the cold glass, his eyes not seeing anything outside. He had been in that position for hours already so Remus decided to step in and help his cub.
"They're not worth it", the dark-haired boy replied.
"You more than are, so spill out. It helps saying out loud to somebody what troubles you, and I'm a good listener if I say so myself", Remus encouraged.
"Very well, then", Harry said and recounted his conversation with the headmaster voicing his doubts. "So, what do you think I must do?", he asked in the end.
"Whatever you want, cub. You are an adult and nobody can dictate your life. You are free to decide what you want to do".
"That may be so, but what about what other people expect of me? I don't want to disappoint everyone, Remy. On the other hand I can't see myself happy with marring Ginny or by being an auror when I dislike the way the Ministry is run. And let's not talk about the Order! They use only stunners, STUNNERS, against killing curses and worse! It's crazy! How can we win the war like this?", he vented.
"I agree with you, Prongslet. I'm not happy with how the Order fight the Death Eaters, it's like using a glass of water to extinguish a whole house on fire".
"Then why don't you leave? You'll be a father soon and I don't want your son to grow without his parents. I know what it's like", Harry interrupted.
"It's the only thing I can do for this war. Yesterday the Wizengamot had approved another law against dark creatures that prevent them from having a job, in the muggle world also. They said we're too dangerous to be let near 'normal' people-".
"But that's outrageous! It's not true! Why didn't Dumbledore stop this law? He has the power to do so", Harry exclaimed.
"He came here yesterday evening to talk about this. He apologized for the situation I'm in, but thinks the law has some merit. He explained that not all creatures are as me and they can endanger unknowing muggles. He said that now wizards live in constant fear and they are prone to react badly in front of danger. This law, he said, will protect both; wizard from bad tempered creatures and creatures from scared wizards".
"I can't believe it. He proclaims he want equal rights for all and then approve of such a law! It doesn't make any sense!", Harry replied. " I hope you showed him where the door is".
Remus chuckled. "Tonks beat me to it, then she threw a real tantrum and it took me a while to calm her down".
"Good", Harry smiled at the picture, only to wear a serious expression the next moment. "You know, I don't think that even if we win this war it will change something. I mean, look. The laws against creatures are proposed by light people, so they will remain even after the war. Many families have been destroyed completely, muggles are starting to notice strange things and it won't take long before they discover us and attack us for all the destruction we brought to them".
"I heard they have some powerful weapons".
"Yes", Harry confirmed. "They have things called bombs that can destroy everything, buildings and people, for meters in the blink of an eye. They're scary. I'm not so surprised purebloods and Voldemort want them gone, but killing them isn't the solution".
"This war is destroying our world. If we win it or not I don't think there will be a future for us", Remus replied. "If only we could start anew", he muttered, the begin of a plan starting to form in his head. He had to talk to his wife.
They were startled out of their thoughts by a soft pop announced the presence of Dobby in the room who told them dinner was ready, so they stood up and went eating, still thinking of that conversation.
Some days later, Harry finally had the opportunity to talk with Ginny without eavesdroppers.
"Finally some time alone. I swear, I was going mad!", Ginny complained as she clung to his arm.
"Yeah", Harry muttered while thinking of the best way to bring up the subject of breaking up. "Let's get to work".
"You know, this is such a romantic moment", Ginny trailed off minutes later and Harry stared stupidly at her wondering what was romantic about degnoming the garden of the Burrow.
"Oh, come on Harry! Don't be an idiot!", she snapped when he didn't respond. "I gave you plenty of hints already".
"Uh, hints? About what?", he asked bewildered.
"Oh, for Godric! When will you ask me to marry you? Mum has almost finished planning our wedding already and you had yet to ask me! We've been together for a long time and everyone is waiting!", she almost yelled showing a bit of the famous Weasley temper.
"And who exactly said we will marry? And so soon? you're still going to school!", Harry asked getting angry himself at the notion of others deciding his life yet again.
"E-v-e-r-y-o-n-e", she spelled, dismissing his anger with a wave of her hand as unimportant. "I won't be the first girl who marries while still at school. It's not unheard of, you're such a muggleborn at times!"
Harry sighed and counted to ten to keep his calm. "Look Ginny-", he began but was interrupted by his girlfriend who didn't like his condescending tone.
"Oh no. I don't want to hear anything other than you asking me to marry you", she almost ordered and crossed her arms over her chest.
"I won't", he replied without hesitation.
Apparently it was the wrong thing to say at the moment because she started yelling accusing him to be a cheater, a liar and more. Harry responded in kind and equally loud. It escalated from simple discussion to big fight in seconds. As if that wasn't enough, their argument was heard from the occupants of the house who went out to see what was happening.
Molly was the first to ask while she eyed her baby girl red in the face and with big tears in her eyes. "What have you done to my little baby, young man?"
"Nothing", he clipped, angry at her accusing tone. "I merely said I'm not ready to marry and refused to ask her hand. She didn't like my reply".
"You call that nothing?! She has been in love with you since she was little, the least you can do now is transform her dream in reality by marring her. Your parents would be so disappointed by your behaviour", she chided.
That last sentence was the final straw for Harry. "I wouldn't know that, would I? They died when I was one year old. However I think they would approve of my decision since I know they believed people should marry only if in love with each other. I won't make both myself and Ginny unhappy by making a hasty decision because I was pressured by others who have too many expectations on me". That said he strode out of the propriety and apparated away, but not before saying one last sentence. "To clarify, I'm breaking up with you, Ginny".
Harry landed in front of the door of Grimmauld Place, but instead of entering as it was his original intention, he decided on taking a walk to the park nearby. In the house there was a pregnant woman and he didn't want to stress her with his problems more than the strict necessary. Moreover he was still pretty angry from the discussion, and didn't want to take off his bad mood on Tonks or Remus.
He returned home an hour later, visibly calmer.
"Harry!", a shrill voice full of worry greeted him just a second before he found himself engulfed in a dead hug by a young pregnant woman with dark hair changing repeatedly to an angry red.
He glanced at Remus, who had calmly followed his wife at a more sedate pace, in a silent question.
From the look on the man's face, Harry knew he wouldn't like the answer. Remus' behaviour concealed all his fury, betrayed only by the amber colour of his eyes.
"We have received several floo calls, mostly by an irate Molly and some even by Albus, demanding to talk with you. When we told them that we haven't seen you at all today, they explained us what happened at the Burrow. They wanted us to make you see your errors and rethink about your, and here I quote, 'absurd egoistical decision'. Naturally we fully support you and told them so, so they started insulting and berating us instead, quite upsetting Dora. So I closed the floo, then you arrived".
While Remus explained what happened during his absence, they moved to the living room where they sat comfortably on the sofa, with Tonks on Harry's lap. Harry then proceeded to comforting the future mother with hushing sounds and sweet words until she finally calmed down.
"Blame it on the hormones of a pregnant woman", she excused her unusual behaviour while wiping her tears with a hand.
"Sorry to cause so many troubles. It wasn't my intention", Harry apologized bowing his head.
"Don't you dare feel guilty now!", Tonks admonished him. "If there is somebody who should apologize for their behaviour and their harsh words is that.. that woman! Merlin! She sounded like our dear Walburga, I swear", she complained and was rewarded by a wide smile from Harry at the picture. "I'll go take a nap now. This baby is driving me crazy".
The two men watched her go and talked for a while more before calling a night.
The weeks after the fight passed quietly for Harry. His friendship with Ron and Hermione didn't end as Harry had feared having broke up with Ginny, and Harry was happy to know that they understood his reasons. Even Ron agreed with him, Harry was surprised to note.
For the first time in a long while, Harry thought that life was really good.
That was true until he found himself alone with a pregnant woman in labour and her husband nowhere to be found.
"Shite! I'll kill that bastard when I see him next!", Tonks swore when another contraction hit her.
"Oh Merlin", Harry panicked. "Who do I need to call? I don't know what to do, Tonks".
"My mother! Argh!", she yelled through the pain. "She knows what to do".
"OK, you stay here and don't move". She gave him a look that said 'and where do you think I'll go in this condition?'. "Yes, right, sorry", he apologized and went to call Andromeda.
After that, things proceeded pretty quickly. Andromeda came immediately when Harry called her and assisted her daughter until Ted Tonks, Harry and Remus, who had arrived just after his mother in law, heard a baby cry some hours later.
"Well it seems you are a father now", Harry smiled at Remus.
The three men entered the room where Tonks was and watched as the new mother took the baby from Andromeda.
"He's a little boy", she said as she showed the bundle in her arms to her husband.
"He's the most beautiful baby I ever saw. Thank you. I love you", he kissed her.
"What's his name?", Harry asked curiously.
"Theodore Lupin. Teddy in short".
"It suits him".
"That's madness, Remus!", Harry exploded.
It was the day of his birthday and he was sitting in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place with the Twins, Luna and Remus. When they had asked him if they could talk, he had found it strange but brushed off the feeling and followed them. They had sat at the table and explained him a plan that they thought brilliant. For him it was only crazy at a new level.
"No, cub. Have you read the Prophet today?", the man asked.
"Uh? No, why?".
"Because, dear brother-", started a twin.
"- they had just approved another law-", continued the other.
"-against magical creatures-"
"-all magical creatures, dear brother, not only dark ones-"
"-oh yes, veelas, centaurs, merpeople, goblins and others.-"
"-The law says that they must be censured and controlled-"
"-they must register themselves as creatures at the Ministry".
Harry could only gape at them all, in total disbelief.
"Albus voted for the law", Luna added in her dreamy tone.
"Teddy also is considered a creature, we have to act quickly", Remus said with sadness.
"Oh shit! They're crazy! They provoked a new war!", Harry whispered when their words sank in.
"Yes, we went to Gringotts today for business-", Fred told him.
"-and they were in a frenzy-"
"-totally angry. They were armed with weapons from head to toe".
"Holy crap!". The twins nodded.
"So you thought of a plan to change all this. Tell me again what it was", Harry asked when he understood the gravity of the situation.
"It's simple.", Remus answered him. "The twins here have accidentally invented a new type of time-turner during one of their experiments for a new prank. You will use it to go back in time of years and change the future in better. The twins will go with you because the device can function only if used by them also".
"This is big, Remus. If I go back and change the past, what will happen to this present?"
"It will cease to exist, silly", Luna replied as if talking of the weather and not something so serious.
Harry could only blink at her.
"And you will take Teddy with you", Tonks ordered when she entered the room with the baby asleep on her arms, surprising everyone inside.
"What?"
"Are you sure, Dora?"
"I've never been so sure, Remy. Harry is Teddy's godfather and I can't think of a person more suited than him to take care of our son. I won't let our cub grow up in this world as it is now", she said without any trace of doubt. "Please, take our son with you", she pleaded.
"You will a great father for him, Harry", Luna's voice stopped him from declining and seeing as everyone seemed to agree with the idea, Harry nodded. Their present wasn't safe for Teddy to live and he as his godfather had the duty to protect him in every possible way.
However the decision of going back in the past presented other problems and Harry voiced them. "We need new names, and new looks. We are too recognizable as Weasleys and Potters, we can't rise questions about our identity. We also need money, so we must talk with the goblins and find an agreement now that they're on the warpath. We will have to find a suitable job and..."
The rest of the day was spent making plans and sharing ideas. A trip to Gringotts solved many of their problems since the goblins were agreeable to collaborate with someone who had always showed them respect.
For dinner they were ready. The goodbyes were full of tears and recommendations and hugs. Then Harry, with Teddy in his arms, and Fred and George were whisked away.