Chapter Two--The Continuing Puzzle Of A Hero's Afterwards

Author's Note: Gosh darn it, as soon as I start to writing a fanfic, JK Rowling goes and tells what happens to Harry. If you want to know, then go and find out on But this is the nice thing about all fan fictions; you can make a "what if?" of whatever series you want. So this story, may not be the real official story, but take it as a "what if". Also, thanks to all who have read and reviewed this work, I'm sorry in advance for any changes in POV. I am used to writing the 3rd person, so to go into the 1st person is a little bit of a challenge. I'll get better writing in this style I promise!

Standard Disclaimers of the original HP characters are not mine still apply. So enjoy.

Commencement exercises ended, and the parties began. First there was the one for Ron and Hermione, which was hosted at The Burrow. Little did we all come to later find out, that it turned into an engagement party, when at the height of the party, Ron called for a toast, and asked Hermione to marry him. Of course she says yes, and the party gets even louder and ended with Ron's mother shooting fireworks at all the guests to get them to leave her house so she could get some sleep.

The next day, Ron, Hermione, and I were treated to a wonderful tea party with Luna and her father. Our first meeting was not very pleasant, of course, which ended in the destruction of their home. This one was much better than the last, with Xenophilius Lovegood, bestowing tons of gifts in forgiveness. Although Ron and Hermione tread the event with caution, I was not in worried in the slightest about him. I deduct his actions in the past down to this simple idea: if I had my daughter kidnapped, and the only way I could get her back was to produce her best friend whom everyone had a death wish on, under that kind of stress, I would have done the same thing or worse. But I must admit, when they redesigned and built the new house, they made sure to have enough room for any Crumpled Horn Snorkstack if they wished a place to stay.

A few days later, I was invited to lunch with Neville and his beloved Grandmother. Although his grandmother could do nothing but praise Neville and me for our bravery for almost three hours. When she did retire, I got news from Neville, that he would be made the new Herbology teacher at Hogwarts, and furthermore, that they would make him the new Head of Gryffindor House. I frankly am very proud and happy for Neville, who would have thought that after all these years, he would turn out the way he did. Known to the world as a brave man who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in.

He also talked about his courtship with Luna. Something Luna did not mention to me when I had tea with her. While they have many more years to talk about it, Neville had every intention on marrying Luna. He had never met a woman so eccentric, and yet so strong and courageous in his life, except his grandmother and his parents of course. Good for him was all I could think of. The shy, weak boy, whom I had first met, was no longer. He is still very soft spoken, but I know, that when the time comes, he will stand firm on his own two feet ready for whatever comes his way. I know that his parents must be proud of their son.

The following week, I had a dinner celebrated in my honor, on the anniversary of the defeat of Lord Voldemort. Yes, it has only been one year, but the level of the celebration was greater than any independence day party that I had ever been to. The entire Ministry of Magic hosted it and Kingsley Shackelbolt, who was now celebrating his formal election into the position of Minister of Magic, was magnificent in his speech to continue the peace and promote equality and harmony amongst all magical races.

Percy, who took to the position of Undersecretary of The Ministry (Dolores Umbridge's former position) under Kingsley spent most of the night talking to me about trade relations with other magical countries. It was actually quite fascinating to me about how each magical country ran their state of affairs. Later that evening, Kingsley pulled me aside, and talked to me about issuing me a position as ambassador to the United Kingdom for Wizengamot. While the idea did intrigue me plenty, I did not accept the position right away. However, I did let him know not to close the issue entirely. I just wanted some time to sit and think things through to see indeed where the next step in my life was to be. Kingsley took it in stride and let me know that I could always contact him.

So, after weeks of parties, and celebrations, tea parties, and endless arrays of dancing and food. One morning in July, I woke in my bedroom at 12 Grimmauld Place, to find my house empty and silent. Kreacher had probably gone to get food for lunch, as I looked at the clock clicking 11:30am. I shuffle downstairs and make myself a cup of coffee. After putting some sugar and crème and stirring the mug of coffee I sat down in my favorite green armchair by the window. I look outside and watch all the people walk by, unaware that I lived between the walls.

And it was in this same green chair, that I experienced a life-altering epiphany: I didn't know what to do next with my life. For a man, whose life is literally chronicled down to the very things I eat, this epiphany was not a good one. I had no idea where I wanted to go, what to do, who should I talk to. Nothing.

For the first time in my entire life, I did not have a goal or a mission to accomplish. I survived my Aunt and Uncle's house, defeated Lord Voldemort, graduated Hogwarts with honors and now I have the whole world at my disposal. Worse part was, I didn't know what to do with the world that was now laid at my feet. In my silence, I look around at the house which was still quiet, and realized, I wouldn't have to go anywhere or do anything. I sigh realizing my impending fate, nothingness. I was famous all over the wizarding world, I could go anywhere, and be anything. But what exactly?

A loud 'pop' noise goes off, ending my deep train of thought. Kreacher comes before me bags in hand. I immediately get up to greet and help him. I take three or four of the bags from Kreacher's hands as he bows before me.

"Thank you, Master Harry." He says to me as he rises and I place the items on the kitchen counter. Kreacher, now wears a blue suit with a vest and tie. He has also been very obedient to me ever since I gave him Regulus' locket three years ago. Although he still can't come to accept affection from Ron, Hermione, or Ginny, he does his best to respect them when they are in the house. There will always be things, you just can't change about a person (or in this case house-elf), regardless of how much kindness you show upon them.

"Mistress Ginerva called while you were asleep. She said that she will be coming by the house this afternoon for tea at four. And I have also collected your mail," Kreacher passes me a stack of letters bound in a rubber band from assorted places all over the world.

"If you will excuse me Master, I am going to prepare lunch and tea for Mistress Ginerva when she arrives. If you need anything just let me know."

"Yes of course, thank you Kreacher." I say smiling. Kreacher bows and heads into the kitchen to begin work. I return to my seat and begin fumbling through my letters. I received letters of course from every department head of the Ministry of Magic, BEGGING me to join their department. A letter from George who was in Ireland getting ready to open the first Weasley Wizarding Wheezes in Inisfree. A letter from Cho Chang, in China working for Gringotts, whom was planning on opening it's first branch in China. Another letter from Mrs. Weasley who was worried as to why I did not write her a reply fifteen letters ago. Although I am her adopted son, I wish she didn't write me as much; but the thought of her constant writings are always comforting.

I also received letters from Luna, Xenophilius, and Neville on their vacation in Bolivia, in which there were rumors of a Crumpled Horn Snorkstack sighting in that country. There was a thank you note from Ron and Hermione, who were now in Japan, working for the Wizengamot, with the Council of the Onmyouji, the magical community of Japan. They both wished I was there with them, as they say the Cherry Blossom trees are remarkably beautiful. They enclosed a picture of the two of them waving at me from underneath a tree.

And then the thought came upon me: I wanted to see cherry blossoms first hand. There were none here in England because the climate is much too cold for them to survive. I put down the letter from Ron and Hermione, to find a letter from the Mayor of Godric's Hollow. While the home that my parents lived in was now mine and I could do anything I want with it, I had not really thought of an idea for what to do with it now that it was in my full possession. I open it, curious as to what the mayor would want with me.

Dear Mr. Potter,

The entire village of Godric's Hollow requests your presence at the twenty annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Charity Ball. Opening ceremonies will be Friday April 1st, with the ball being later that evening. We will be having a charity auction with all the proceeds going to the Hollow's Preservation Fund, whose mission is to preserve all the history of Godric's Hollow.

Shocked at the fact that England even did have cherry blossoms, it was an even bigger shock to me that they were in Godric's Hollow, MY birthplace. Below however was a handwritten note:

You must forgive us for not extending you an invitation to the festival earlier, but you should understand the discretion that we had to take in the wake of your parents passing and your exile from the Wizarding Community. But now that everything is all set and done, we would like for you to take part in a festival that your parents help create twenty years ago.

Even though this invitation is a little early, I also needed an excuse to write you so I could get your address from the Ministry of Magic. We recently have come to find some of your parents' journals and heirlooms that the late Bathilda Bagshot had in her home when we went through it after her passing. (Our gratitude for letting us know about that as well Mr. Potter)

We have also found some remaining possessions that resided in your grandparents home, which has been inhabited for quite sometime. After research through your grandparents' estate, we have concluded that the house is also in your possession, since the you are the only remaining member of your father's line.

Furthermore, we also have a collection of the books that your mother wrote when she was alive on record here, as well as copies that we would be more than happy to give to you. Although your mother never got a chance to be published, your mother had an incredible talent with her writing and way with words. One gift, I have heard that has been passed down to you.

We look forward to your reply Mr. Potter. Thank you so much for your time..

Best regards,
Amanda Sawyer
Mayor of Godric's Hollow

I took a second look at the letter, and thought about everything that was written in that letter. So there were more remnant pieces of my parents than just the photo album that I had. There were writings, books that my mother had written. All these things, which I now had to see for myself. And there was more land in my possession. I sometimes wonder, what exactly did my parents do for a living, which would give them such luxuries. When I looked at the photo of what our house in Godric's Hollow was like, it was quite a big house. It was one story, and from the looks, it had four rooms. It sits on a ½ an acre of land, which was a just open field. All I knew now, was that I had to go and see it for myself.

I grab a pen and paper, and I write that I will be in Godric's Hollow tomorrow morning at 10am, and to meet at the statue of my parents, since it was the best place for me to apparate to. As soon as I finish, I head to Hedwig Jr. and send the letter to Godric's Hollow. When I looked at my watch, it was 2pm, and Ginny is rarely late. So after cleaning up the living room from my mailings mess, I race upstairs and get into the shower.

After ten minutes trying desperately to figure out what to wear, I finally settle on my light blue button up shirt and some black trousers, which actually fit. I know, all my pants fit because I pay for them to be the right size, but it still gets me from time to time, that I never really owned any decent clothing until after I destroyed Voldemort, and finally had the chance to buy anything without running the risk of having it utterly destroyed. And no matter how hard I tried to control my hair, it just wasn't happening for me. So I left it, and returned my glasses to my eyes, and walked downstairs, to Kreacher finishing up lunch. Turkey Sandwiches on wheat bread, with lots of tomato and pickles, favorites of Ginny and I.

The doorbell rings, as Kreacher goes and opens the door. As the door opens, I see the most beautiful woman in all of the world. Ginerva Weasley stepped into the house wearing a lovely lavender sundress. Her hair down to her shoulders and a white and lavender hat. Kreacher bowed before Ginny and ushered her in.

"Welcome Mistress Ginerva, remove your shoes and hat, mistress if you please." Ginny smiled, as she removed her lavender open-toed shoes and handed her hat to Kreacher.

"Thank you Kreacher, it is good to see you again. Are you well?" Ginny responded in her soft voice. Kreacher ushered her to me as he responded.

"Oh yes, Master Harry has always been a good master, even when I did not deserve a good one. If you excuse me, I will now tend to the laundry. Please call for me if you both need anything at all."

He turns and leaves the two of us with a faint 'pop'. When he leaves, I take a moment to embrace Ginny with a kiss. She always looked so beautiful, and I just had to have her all to myself. Ginny returns the favor with matching my passion breath for breath.

"How are you beautiful?" He says smiling. Ginny blushes a shade of scarlet red. As I usher to a seat.

"Fine, now that I can tell my mother that you are okay." Ginny says smiling. "You can't believe how much she goes on about you not replying to her letters. You should really go and have some tea with her sometime soon."
" I will this weekend I promise. I've just been really busy with all the commencement affairs and the anniversary parties and, I don't think you even really care about all that do you?" I say pouring the hot water into the teapot. After giving the tea a chance to simmer, I pour her a cup.

"So what are you up to as of late? I heard that you work now in the Wizengamot as well." I ask cheerfully. Ginny takes the teacup and takes a sip of it before answering me.

"Yes, I currently working with the country of Ireland's Wizarding Council. It's quite some work, because they don't quite always agree with our Ministry and how we go about things." Ginny says solemnly. Now I may be a man, but I'm not as oblivious as Hermione and Ron make me out to be sometimes.

"What's wrong Ginny? I've done something haven't I?" I respond to her solemn look. "I know you, so what is it?"

"Why won't you be with me after all this time?" She looked up at me, in sadness. After the fall of Lord Voldemort, I didn't renew my relationship with Ginny right away, mainly because I was too afraid of what the future was to hold for me now. I didn't want to hurt her, so we kept our distances. Until her seventeenth birthday, when she basically said, to either love her or leave her alone for the rest of her life so that she could move on. I never gave her an answer to that ultimatum. And so we left it in silence.

"Ginny," I try to explain and am instantly interrupted by her

"What is it Harry? Make me understand, while all of my friends and family marry and find the loves of their lives, why mine won't accept me. Even after I have given him everything."

"Ginny, that's not it! I just--"

"What Harry? Come on, just say it. You used me."

"For what!?" I say back enraged. I slam down my teacup absolutely appalled and offended.

"You know what." Ginny replied coldly, turning her head and looking away from me.

I knew exactly what that meant. Although we are both reasonable human beings, we are what we are, both human. On my 18th birthday, Ginny and I gave each other our virginity. Now sex, is not a joke to either of us, we took those moments seriously, and regardless of whatever was running through Ginny's mind in the past and now in this very moment. I was NOT using her. I'd rather deal with the rebirth of Voldemort than to do such thing.

"How dare you Ginny," I say to her, my words now full of shock and anger "On what good earth, would I have the right to use you?! If I wanted to use someone, I would have used one of the millions of female stockers that I have. That is not how it worked for you and I and you know that."

"Then why won't you be with me Harry?" Ginny says putting down her cup. "Why I am I still here, wondering what could be?"

"Ginny, let me tell you something." I say looking her dead in the eye. She looked at me, and knew that I was being serious.

"This morning, when I got up, I got a cup of coffee and sat down in this chair. When I sat down at this chair, I realized something. I don't know who I even am. If I knew who I was, I would know where I was going next with my life and had done so. Right now, at this very moment in time, I have not one clue as to what I want to do. Yes, I know I could be anything and nothing if I wanted to. But that is not how I live my life and you know that as well. So the reason that I am not with you, is because, I don't even know what I should do. All of my life has been dictated to me in the third person. I have no identity outside the persona of my own legend."

"Harry, you are someone. Someone wonderful who has saved lives, and changed the hearts and mines of people. You--"

"That's what I mean Ginny." I say sternly. "What you did right there, without even realizing you did it, is why I do not want to be with you right now. How can you love someone that you don't know outside of the ordinary legends and stories? I must find out for myself, who I am really. What my own faults, mistakes and even my own lineage." Ginny rose from her seat and to the door. I rise immediately to try and stop her from leaving, only to be caught off guard by a immobilize charm which bounded me back to the chair.

"Harry, I know you can hear me, and as soon as I leave this house, the charm will be released. So look straight at me, and understand every word that I am about to say. I know that you love me, and I know that what I said to you earlier was wrong, and I apologize for it. But my patience with your lack of inaction has begun to wear on me." Ginny says angrily, I try desperately to use a counter-charm, but it fails and I am re-bounded back to the chair once more.

"Harry, I will wait for one more year, because you are right and you have every reason to discover for yourself your true inner being, something that we all did long ago, but you did not get the chance to. However, on your 20th birthday, I will revisit this issue. And if you do not want me then, I will severe all ties that I have with you. And I will never speak to you again. You be sure and see my mother. And you tell her for yourself, why I will not be having tea with the two of you until the time comes. Until we meet again my beloved." She turned and opened the door. Before turning back, to grab her hat and pulling out a green box with a gold bow on top, she laid it on the table, right next to where her teacup was resting.

"Almost forgot this. Happy 19th birthday Harry." She turned away from me and slammed the door on her way out. By the time the spell faded and I got to the door, she was already gone.

I move over to where the gift now was, and opened it. It was a picture of the two of us, standing by the Black Lake at Hogwarts. It was in black and white, and it looked like a photo taken in the autumn, for the leaves were falling all around us. It was a picture of Ginny and I, looking into each other's eyes, and my hand cupping her cheek. Underneath emblazed into the frame were the words: "To love and be loved, is to feel the sun from both sides." .. And in that moment, I felt my heart grow cold, and tears filled my eyes, as ice raced through my veins. I knew then, that I had to discover everything. I had to find something, anything, which gave my life more meaning than just legends and hearsay. If for no other reason, so that I can tell Ginny, that her wait for me was not in vain whatsoever.