The Scars We Bear
By the time Ginny got the Golden Trio out of their flat and onto the street of wizarding London, she was exhausted. Between Ron, Harry, and Hermione they'd gone back into the flat 7 times before even leaving the building. Also, thanks to the ridiculous amount of wards and charms cast over the flat, Ginny realized that somehow no-one in the building had any idea who the three were. To the extent that at one point the landlord had accused them of trespassing and tried to kick them out. Ron and Harry had thought it was funny, Hermione had muttered concerns about using such powerful magic on people without permission, and Ginny just wanted to get to dinner. It didn't help that none of them (even Hermione, who had suggested the bloody idea) wanted to go and they were fighting each step of the way. Ginny herself had wished no less than 36 times that she was of age and could jinx the trio until they got off of their arses and went out.
Finally, around half past 8, Ginny and the trio were solidly out of the flat and walking in the damp breeze of Wizarding London. She took a deep breath, wishing that in Harry's flat they left the window's open to allow for fresh air. Coming from the aired burrow, Ginny didn't understand how Ron dealt with it. Still, she supposed, the air in Wizarding London was different than the air back home. Lost in thoughts about the air, Ginny didn't notice when a group of girls, probably 5th or 6th years, walked up to Harry and started giggling profusely. They were the first of many, and probably the least annoying because they had been among the many that had come to Quidditch tryouts about a year or so ago. It was thanks to the groups of 'fans' and excited children that a normal hour or so meal actually took three. About halfway through Ginny had escaped to the next door owlery and post to let her mother know she'd just be staying with Hermione for the night, as to not wake her up.
It wasn't that all of the many people were rude, per se, but because they were so many. Ginny herself had had a fan or two walk up to her in the past, because the Weasley's had been 'outed' as 'the most involved family in the war' in one of many Prophet articles. So many people were showing up out of nowhere and congratulating the trio. There were few that seemed to recognize that the four of them were simply there to enjoy dinner. In fact, their waitress had completely forgotten to turn in their orders in her insistence to talk and quiz and be amazed at the wonderful Golden Trio, and Ginny. Then, when the four of them had tried to pay, the waitress had gone on and on about how they'd already sacrificed too much. Thankfully the older man who owned the restaurant insisted that they pay, and ushered them out. Hermione had pointed about that while a lot of people were coming to his restaurant while they were there, few had actually purchased anything and the hassle was clearly outweighing the excitement.
The hassle, at the end of the night, was definitely more than the excitement. The second they'd stepped foot in their flat Harry and Ron had gone straight to had also gone to her room, but she returned shortly with a light gold comforter and a pillow. Ginny, sitting on the couch that she was going to sleep on that night, smiled gratefully.
"Thanks," She said, wiping her eyes. "Is it always like that?"
Hermione sighed, clearly exhausted. In one of many trips back to the flat, Hermione had insisted on changing. She was now wearing shorts and a long sleeved gray with different color stripes sweater. Ginny realized then that she hadn't seen Hermione show her arms since the war. Before she could ask, Hermione put the blanket and pillow on the couch.
"Thank's for trying, Ginny," She said with a weak smile before leaving. She gave one last look at Ginny, who was setting the bed as she left, before heading into her room. She closed the door behind her, and took her shoes off. "Hey Ron," She smiled, happy that he was in her bed. Something about seeing Ron, plaid Hogwarts pajama pants and quidditch tee, raised her heart and her hopes. She could ignore the ever present, if irrational, fear that he was somehow hurt. She felt safe with him around, sure that the two of them could survive anything.
Ron, for his part, had been amazed when his sister hadn't noticed him go to Hermione's room after stopping in his own to change. He'd been sneaking more often than not in the past week, and he knew that if Harry noticed he probably assumed they were having sex. They weren't, though putting the two of them in a bed together had tested both of their limits. Something about sleeping in the same bed together, touching ever so slightly as they lay on opposite ends but always waking in each other's arms, made their sleep so much better. After she went into her closet to get changed into a long night-shirt he welcomed her into her bed. They both lay on their sides under the covers, facing each other but a foot away for a moment before Hermione kissed Ron. The kiss was soft, and afterwards they both grinned and cuddled close to one another.
"I know we don't usually sleep so close," Hermione said, feeling Ron's warm arms hold her close. "But we usually end up like this."
Ron nodded, kissing the back of her head to comfort her. He loved sleeping like this, and didn't say anything to avoid the risk of scaring her away. He held her tight, hoping it would keep her there, with him, safe. She didn't say anything else, feeling the tight grip of Ron and knowing what he was trying to say. She, the best way a lying figure could when held as tight as she wa,s pushed up against him and grabbed his hand with her own. I know, she thought, and hoped portrayed with her minimal actions.
Harry awoke at nearly 6 in the morning, sweaty and hoarse from what he could only assume was a myriad of screaming throughout the night. He was once again thankful for the many silencing spells on his room, and for the fact that Ron had all but moved out of his own room and into Hermione's. Feeling gross and unsure if Ginny had decided to leave for home or not, as he had rushed straight to his room, he grabbed a clean set of clothes and went into the shower.
Merlin I was such a prick last night, Harry thought as the water heated up and he brushed his teeth. He stripped down and got in the shower, not for the last time appreciating the scalding water that cleaned him. He hated looking at himself now, never recognising the man in the mirror. A man who looked lost, covered in scars, and a lightning bolt that (while it no longer possessed a small part of Lord Voldemort's soul) identified him for all to see as a public spectacle. None of that mattered when he was taking a shower, something he hadn't enjoyed even half as much with the cold showers that the tent had provided not two months ago. He enjoyed getting out and feeling clean. For a moment, as he dried off and got dressed, he was Harry. Just... Harry. Something he hadn't been since his 11th birthday, and something he missed entirely.
When he left the bathroom his stomach grumbled and he made his way to the kitchen, quieting when he noticed that Ginny was asleep on the couch. He grinned at the sight of her, happy that he hadn't been such a prick she'd decided to go home. With thoughts of Ginny - his Ginny - on his mind Harry set off for breakfast. He found that they didn't have much food, so settled for a breakfast of eggs and ham. As he began cooking, stirring the eggs the muggle way he had for years, he wondered idly how comfortable the couch had been for Ginny that night. When the eggs were done, he put them on a plate and began to cook the ham on the skillet.
It must have been the smell of the ham, because Ginny rose to look at a now seated Harry at the dining table. She grinned, he looked to be in a much better mood than the night before. She watched as he ate his food hungrily, and couldn't stop herself from nodding. He'd lost weight while he, Ron, and Hermione had been out Merlin knows where and he'd yet to gain it back. She wondered absentmindedly if he'd ever tell her about those months, and supposed she would only know with time. She got out of the couch, stretching before walking into the dining room to sit across from Harry and steal a bite of ham.
"Good morning," Ginny said with a smile. She leaned back in her chair and for a moment did nothing but admire her boyfriend. He sat there carefree, his still damp hair in every direction on his head. Though he'd lost weight, Ginny couldn't help but admire his strong physique clearly visible under his dark blue t shirt. She was brought back to attention, looking into his vivid green eyes when he spoke.
"Good morning," He said. He was happy to see her, up and beautiful. He couldn't believe that they were back together, even though he'd been dreaming of it for months. She looked to be wearing the same clothes from the day before, and he wondered why she hadn't headed home. He never got a chance to ask, though, because an owl started pecking angrily on the window. It was comedic for a moment, and he laughed. However, as two and three more owls came up he sighed. The morning post always came with tons of letters and the daily copy of the prophet. He took a look at Ginny's amused face and, with a temporarily better mood as he assessed that it was a comedic situation, went to take all of the letters. He wished he had had some treats to give the owls, but he'd long since run out of the ones he'd had for Hedwig.
"What're all of these?" Ginny asked, asking Harry as he returned to the dining table. She noticed how far off his stare was, and how quickly he settled into a pensive, brooding mood. She was worried about it, but noticed that talking seemed to take his mind off of it. So, she determined that she would talk as much as possible to bring him out of it. He'd literally saved the world, he was someone she couldn't live without, it was the least she could do.
Harry sat down, putting the letters on the table. "Not sure, probably some ministry stuff." He said, distracted by reading the letters before opening them. "I don't get the fan mail anymore, setup a redirect spell for the owls, but," He trailed when he began to read the first letter. Ginny watched as his face became more serious and focused. He read quickly and she could see all of the thoughts running through his mind, but had no idea what they were.
"Is everything alright," She asked, worried.
"Yeah," He said, but it was clear he was lying. He had finished reading the letter, and folded it up and put it in his pants pocket. "Sorry, yeah, it's fine."
"You can tell me, you know," Ginny said, looking at Harry with open eyes. She hated that he was like this. She'd hated seeing him tumble down like this. She watched him now, weigh the pros and cons, before deciding to not say a thing and continue reading his mail. he was so focused, and she wondered where the young and carefree Harry of only minutes ago went to. It was amazing to her, the different personas that Harry held. He wasn't two faced, he was always Harry, but he could be mature and strong one moment or weak and tired in another. She could see it now, plain as ever, as he went through his mail.
"Ginny," Harry said, readjusting his glasses when he looked up from a muggle stationary. He'd been surprised by the letter, but knew he needed to get it over with. Normally he would just put it off, but he couldn't help his odd can-do attitude this morning. However, he couldn't (or maybe wouldn't) take Ginny with him. So, despite the fact that they'd finally gotten together, the day had barely begun and he already needed to say goodbye. "How long were you planning to stay?"
Ginny opened and closed her mouth, unsure of a response. She hadn't made a plan one way or another, it was summer vacation and she didn't really want to be home. After her brother Fred died in the war her mother had turned sort of hollow. Sure, she still cooked and cleaned but she didn't hum music while she did, she didn't get on to Ginny for all of the things she'd always gotten on to her about, and she simply didn't have the warm and welcoming presence that she'd had before. With her father always at work in the ministry, the house (especially with all of her brothers moved out) was empty. So, she hadn't really thought of when she'd planned on leaving Harry's place. They hadn't spent any real time together in nearly a year, she'd supposed they could spend the day together. Though, she realized now, she hadn't asked Harry even though she knew he was a busy 17 year old.
"It's not that I don't want to spend time with you," Harry tried to correct when Ginny sat unsure. He ran his hand through his hair, "It's just that I've got to go to my Aunt's and I'd rather not drag you, or anyone else for that matter, along."
Ginny was surprised, but once she knew what Harry was getting at she knew she couldn't drop it. "Well I'll go with you," She said, getting up and leaning across the table to give Harry a quick kiss. "Let me see if Hermione has any clothes I can borrow." With that she walked away to go to the bathroom and get ready for her day.
Harry sighed, watching Ginny walk to the bathroom before he took his final bite of ham and went to clear off his plate (which he noticed had already been primarily done by Ginny). he grinned as he passed her in the hallway to get his shoes on. She had no idea that she was walking in on her brother and Hermione, and he was really hoping she'd walk in on them having sex. It was an amusing and positive thought, and he wondered exactly how Ginny always managed to brighten his mood. He wasn't happy to be bringing Ginny, but something about her going made the thought of seeing Aunt Petunia, Uncle Dursley, and Dudley just a little bit better.
Hermione and Ron were woken up by a loud banging on Hermione's bedroom door before Ginny walked in. "Hermione, do you have any cloth- oh for fucks sake."
When Hermione finally got her eyes open, which was about the time that Ron went back to sleep, she saw an amused Ginny with her hands on her hips. There was a knowing gleam in Ginny's eyes, her red hair in a bed-head messy braid and her general demeanor awake. Hermione yawned and looked at her clock, "To be fair," She argued with a blush on her face. "It is only half past 8."
Ginny laughed, and when Hermione sat up she realized why. At some point in the night Ron had cupped his hand on her breast. Her face finished turning Weasley red and she jumped out of bed. This only served to amuse Ginny more as Hermione was still only in her long night shirt and knickers. Hermione reached to pull it down and glared. "What are you doing in here anyway? Just barging in like that!"
Ginny laughed. While Hermione usually carried a fair bit of threat in her voice, it was hard to take her seriously when she was furiously pulling down her shirt. It didn't help that Hermione's hair was extra bushy and frizzy and her eye makeup from the night before was slightly smudged. So, no matter how mature and old she tried to look, she looked like a teenager caught in bed with her boyfriend.
"Sorry," Ginny replied, not sounding apologetic in the slightest. In fact, Ginny looked (if not overjoyed) very amused at her big brother and Hermione in bed. Her brother in question was still sleeping, somehow able to ignore the chaos and catch his valuable rest. He snored loudly before Ginny continued, which only caused her to laugh more. "I was just wondering-"
It was at that moment that Harry, assuming that with Ginny's entry the room was now decent, walked into the room. He was fully dressed now in his muggle clothing, though his wand was clearly sticking out of his pocket. His hair was brushed, but you couldn't really tell, and it was clear at looking at him that he'd known what Ginny was walking in on. However, upon seeing Hermione in her disgruntled state, Harry immediately looked down on his feet. "So, uh, did you get clothes, Ginny?"
Ginny, noticing Harry's awkward reaction with amusement, replied in turn. "I would have asked, but you just barged in. Did it not occur to you that this was a girl's room? What if Hermione slept in the nude?"
Harry opened and closed his mouth, looking at Ginny with a sense of betrayal. Watching the couple's amusing banter, Hermione snuck off to her closet to get dressed. She was more awake and less embarrassed now, but she still wanted to be dressed in front of Ginny and Harry. While she was in there she picked out an outfit that may fit Ginny, as it was becoming obvious that's what she was there for. It was a little difficult, as Hermione was more curvy and developed. Her shirt sizes were the more in the land of medium because of her breast size, where as Ginny was a small. Hermione's pants were a bit bigger as well, but in the end she found some old clothes of hers to give her. It was a pair of high waisted light blue jeans and a short sleeved black crop top. When she came back out of the closet, dressed with a stack of clothes for Ginny, the couple was still in an amusing state of teasing.
"Here Ginny," Hermione said, handing the girl the clothes. Ginny smiled happily, and Harry looked beat red and refused to look Hermione in the eye. "They should fit, they're mind from a year or so ago."
Ginny nodded appreciatively, "Thanks Hermione."
"No problem," Hermione said, grabbing a brush for her hair and talking. "Where are you two going anyway?"
Noticing that Harry wasn't answering, for whatever reason, Ginny spoke up. "Visiting his Aunt and Uncle, so I'm happy you gave me muggle clothes."
Hermione eyed Harry wearily, not sure what this meant. Harry hadn't said anything about his remaining family. Not that it was weird, he'd never talked much about his home life and had done so even less as time went on. Still, it was weird that he wasn't answering with something like this. He looked normal, but she was sure he was hiding something. What possible reason did he have for going to his Aunt's?
Harry, maybe noticing Hermione's inquisitive nature or nervously trying to get the trip to his Aunt and Uncles over with, squeezed Ginny's hand. "Hey Gin, we've got to get going."
Ginny nodded, smiling brightly at Hermione. Poor Ginny has no idea how far gone he is, Hermione smiled unconvincingly, though Ginny didn't notice. ginny kissed Harry on the cheek and headed out towards the bathroom to get dressed. Hermione felt her stomach sink when Harry ran his hand through his hair after Ginny left. It wasn't a good sign.
"Why are you going to your Aunt's?" Hermione asked, rounding on him before he could leave. She was surprised to find that he didn't appear to want to leave. In fact, he seemed rooted to the spot. Without Ginny there, his features stressed and he looked weaker.
"She's scared," Harry said, his voice cracking. When he'd gotten the letter from his cousin he'd been surprised to say the least. So many conflicting opinions, even one that terrified him - the one saying to let her rot. "Dudley wrote me, Vernon's been getting abusive. I don't know what to do, but I can't just stand by-" Harry felt his eyes water, not quite to the point of tears. "They were supposed to be safe!"
"You can't protect them from themselves!" Hermione interjected, pained that he was in so much pain. "Can't Dudley just call the police?" She didn't like Harry getting involved like this, stroking his hero complex. This couldn't end well for him. "What could you possibly do?"
"I'm not sure," Harry said honestly. "I have to try though, don't I?" He nodded, seeming to shake himself out of his fit. He couldn't break down like this. He couldn't fall apart every time Ginny was away. Every time something happened. He needed to be stronger. "It's Wednesday, Vernon will be at work, and Dudley said he's not at school now. "
Hermione would have objected, but Ginny was in the room now. She smiled brightly and Harry smiled in turn, amazed at how Ginny could warm the room. She was wearing the high waisted light blue jeans and a black t-shirt, and she looked fantastic. Instantly blown away, Harry gave her his entire attention. "Let's head out, shall we?" Ginny said, sure that Hermione had drilled Harry on their trip to his Aunt and Uncle's. She understood, but she knew that her job was to be there.
"Brilliant," Harry said, and Ginny gave a light blush in acknowledgement of his stare. She pushed her hair out of her face, putting it in a loose fit ponytail as he led her out of the room. They went out into the hallway before he grabbed her hand. "We're going to apparate there, just can't do that in the flat."
Ginny nodded, "Do you ever think you have too many wards on your flat?" She asked as she grabbed his hand, smiling at the feeling of his hand in hers. She'd missed that. "You're not a wanted wizard anymore."
Harry shrugged, he'd gotten used to the warding and he wasn't sure he'd ever sleep soundly without it. As it stood he felt uncomfortable in large groups, much less with the mobs of people wanting to meet and greet the 'Chosen One'. Without saying anything he squeezed Ginny's hand, hoping she didn't let go when they arrived, and apparated them to the home he'd moved his Aunt and Uncle to. It was a moderately sized home in a neighborhood much like their home on Privet Drive. The floorplan was similar, though there was no cupboard under the stairs. It was also a three bedroom, and he wasn't surprised that his Aunt Petunia planted the same flowers, put up the same curtains, and re-purchased the same welcome mat. She'd always been a creature of habit.
When they got there and Harry knocked on the door, Ginny squeezed his hand in an effort to provide support. She could see in all of his features, his back was rigid, his eyes were focused, though he didn't keep the steady grip on his wand that she was so accustomed to. She watched him perform a spell to identify humans in the area, and he nodded when he realized that it was only his Aunt and Dudley there only second before Dudley answered the door.
"I've got it mum," They heard him yell before he opened the door. Dudley looked nearly unrecognisable since Harry had last seen him. He still had blonde hair, but it was cut shorter and brushed without any gel. He had lot a lot of weight, and Ginny noted for a moment that though he couldn't take Harry if she didn't have magic he might be able to take her. He was dressed more casual in a pair of jeans and a tshirt with some soccer team on it. "Harry!" He said, his eyes brightening when he saw him. He smiled wide, "You cannot believe how much this means to me."
Harry nodded, and Ginny could tell how uncomfortable he was. Of course, Dudley was his childhood bully and tormentor. He was assessing him as a threat, and after a moment seemed to determine that he was safe. "Hi Dudley," He said, gesturing to Ginny and speaking defensively. Dudley looked changed, but he wasn't about to risk Ginny. She'd been through enough for him, and Dudley could not be trusted. "This is my girlfriend, Ginevra, yes she is a witch and if you say anything I will hit you with a spell so painful you never stand again."
Ginny was shocked to see this angry and protective side of Harry, but noted that while Dudley gulped he gave a quick respective nod before opening the door to let them in. Dudley looked at her, seeming to measure her up for a moment before smiling brightly. He put his hand out, "Pleasure to meet you." He said, his voice welcoming.
Ginny went to take his hand, but Harry patted Dudley's shoulder (perhaps a bit stronger than necessary) and spoke with a fake friendly tone, "Best not touch her huh, Ickle Dudleykins?"
"Course," Dudley said, jerking his hand back and smiling regardless. He seemed to think that he deserved it, and was grateful that Harry had bothered to acknowledge his presence. Ginny didn't like it, she didn't like the cold Harry that she was standing beside. He didn't let go of her hand until he had to, following Dudley into the living room of the home. She watched him from behind, wondering what these people had done to him. "Mum?" Dudley asked, leading them to sit down on the long couch in the living room.
When Petunia looked up, Ginny gasped and Harry's jaw set. She had a large bruise around her right eye and black and blue on her neck. Ginny bit her lip, dropping her initial reaction to pull out her wand and perform a diagnostic spell. She'd done the spell too many times in the past, and hadn't really realized it until this moment. Petunia didn't say anything for a moment before turning to Dudley, "Why's he here?"
Ginny was surprised, though she wasn't sure why because she'd heard tales of his childhood (however few), at Petunia's attitude. One look at Harry and she knew he wasn't, not in the slightest. Dudley looked apologetic before talking to his mother, "Mum, Harry and Ginevra are here because I asked them to. It's about dad."
Petunia glared, "Why did you think we needed his help."
"Mum," Dudley said softly, grabbing her hand and holding it. Ginny suddenly felt like an outsider. Watching a broken family work towards something. It was nothing like her own home. In fact, at least until after the war, she was sure it was the exact opposite. Still, it was impossible to ignore the love in Dudley's voice. "Please, he just wants to help."
Petunia looked at Harry for the first time in nearly a year, and she was scared. He was instantly struck with the fear and pain in her eyes. True, she had been a terrible guardian. There was no denying or getting around that, but she hadn't had to take him in all of those years ago. As much as he wished she hadn't, she had. he felt like he owed her for that, a family bond that would always be his weakness. It didn't help that his Uncle Vernon, slime that he was, was hurting her.
"What can I do?" Harry asked, not sure how Dudley thought he could help. He ran his hand through his hair, signifying his unease. "I don't really have any experience in the area of, uh, domestic disputes." Again he wondered how his experience in war and death, danger and hijinks could possibly relate to the real world. Until he started his Auror training, and even then he was much more likely to be used for warlike situations. Life or death.
Dudley looked curious, not sure what his cousin did in the magical world. He already had a plan out for his mum, but curiosity took it's hold and his newfound habit of asking questions took over. "What do you have experience in?"
Ginny watched as Harry answered, casually mentioning something about school and police training in the next couple of months. How he downplayed everything amazed her. He'd defeated the most powerful dark wizards in over a century before even graduating from Hogwarts yet here he was mumbling about school and making it seem like Aurors were nothing more than mere coppers. Not mentioning that though he'd yet to take the NEWTs he was already accepted.
Dudley nodded, noting that Harry was living a normal, albet magical, life. He could see clearly that the last year of school had changed a lot in Harry's life, just like the last year had for him. He had changed a lot, between Harry moving them to a new, safe home and him growing up he'd begun to question a lot of how his parents had raised him. He'd been taught (rather roughly, as secondary school students were prone to do) that he wasn't the center of the universe. Though she'd burnt it to a crisp, Dudley found he had his mother's kind heart. Worst of all, as far as his father was concerned, he'd begun to think for himself. When he'd told his father that he thought he'd treated Harry wrong, and that he wanted to go apologize, he'd received a terrible beating. When his father's violent tendencies switched to his wife and Dudley's mother, Dudley had started boxing and learned to defend her. Still, he wasn't always home, and so he'd written Harry for help. He knew Harry didn't owe them anything, in fact they owed him, but he was at his wits end and didn't know what to do.
"We can't go to the cops, because Dad's got too many friends there," Dudley said after a moment of awkward silence. "And mum's too scared to get a divorce because he is so violent and we don't have somewhere else to go."
"You want him to get you two another home?" Ginny asked with a tone of disbelief, how dare they ask for so much money from him. How dare they take advantage of him! "After the Order got you-"
"-What?!" Dudley asked, astounded, why would they ask Harry for a home? Harry was 17 for christ's sake, he couldn't get them a home. He looked oddly at Ginevra, she must have no idea how things worked in their world. Obviously magical homes were cheap or easy to acquire. "No, of course- Harry doesn-." Dudley had to stop speaking for a moment, amazed at the absurdity of what Harry's girlfriend was saying. He calmed himself so that he could speak properly before continuing, "Harry, can you, I dunno, magic him away or something?"
Harry was surprised, this letter from Dudley had confirmed that he would come today and had been his second. Still, he hadn't realized that Dudley was that desperate. That Dudley needed magic. He eyed his cousin wearily, almost certain that Dudley was Dudley but still concerned. What had changed that made magic appropriate? Had desperate times pushed him, or had something clicked in that tiny little brain of his?
"Magic him away?" Harry asked, lifting his right eyebrow and returning the the dry, almost angered, humor of his youth. "No, I'm not going to kill him." Harry said, shaking his head and ignoring the even more pale look on his Aunt's face. "I'm not doing it. It's murder and I don't feel like going to jail."
While Dudley rushed to specify that he didn't want Harry to commit murder, Ginny watched as Harry easily moved from wizarding to muggle terminology. He must have been forced to when he was on Privet drive, because the few times she'd been to Hermione's home or overheard her muggleborn friends with their parents she'd seen how quickly they'd be confused with wizarding terms: Azkaban, auror, portkey, apparate, or even speaking about Hogwarts tended to confuse or downright scare any muggles. Harry was avoiding those terms, skillfully avoiding any confusion with ease. Ginny found herself impressed at Harry spoke a different language than one she had ever encountered before. One without magic or playful jokes.
Harry ran his hand through his hair, getting ideas but not sure about any of them. The problem was the legality of it. He couldn't ward the house (or, rather, get Hermione to ward the house) so that Vernon couldn't get in because it was so obvious. If he called the police or had someone with them they'd clearly see that magic had been used, even if they didn't realize it. Then the Ministry of Magic would be on his ass for misuse of magic. He also wasn't going to hurt Vernon. He had no desire to callously abuse muggles and use his magic to promote fear in them. A well timed confundus charm, of course, would work but it would need to be done so frequently it was both not feasible and likely to cause long term damage. He could always perform a memory charm, removing the last 20 years or so would be excessive but it would prevent him from knowing anything about Harry and his magic. It would also prevent him from remembering Dudley, and he wasn't sure Dudley wanted that. He needed more time to think, to research and ask around, but he also couldn't just leave his Aunt here with Vernon.
He looked at Ginny, wondering what she was thinking. He wanted to talk to her freely, see what she thought, but didn't want to do it here. It wasn't the same building, but it felt the same as the old home on Privet drive. It put him on edge and brought out traits he wasn't proud to have. That's why he hadn't completely rejected Gin on the spot, she reminded him who he wanted to be. That he didn't have to turn into his circumstances. She gave him a smile, clearly wondering why he was spending so long without talking but remaining supportive none the less.
"I don't want to do anything without some research," Harry said. "Anything I can do that you two can't is going to be magic though, you know that right?"
Ginny watched the two in front of her, the older woman who raised Harry in fear and starvation and the man who bullied him throughout childhood. Petunia looked afraid, battling in her mind which scared her more; her husband or the magic she'd feared her whole life. Dudley looked set, and it was clear that he'd do anything for his mother.
"I knew that when I wrote you," Dudley said. When Harry nodded and stood up, so did Dudley. "Harry, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Harry regarded Dudley wearily, before deciding that he wasn't a threat. The real concern was that Dudley obviously wanted to talk alone, without Ginny. Harry didn't want to leave her alone somewhere he wasn't sure of her safety, especially since she didn't know how to apparate. He couldn't let anyone else die for his lack of planning or training or foresight.
"Go on," Ginny said knowing all too well what Harry was thinking. He was taking too much responsibility on his shoulders, and they didn't come all of the way out here to leave without changing a thing. "C'mon, in for a knut, in for a galleon." When Harry still didn't move Ginny gave an exaggerated groan, "I will shoot a bat boogey hex if anything happens and I'll be out in a jiff just go."
Harry tensed but nodded none the less, he had to believe that Ginny could protect herself. Besides, someone who hadn't associated with the order and had magic shouldn't be able to find or do anything at the house. Not to mention the great lengths he'd gone to to make sure the safe house they got put in hid magical signatures, so Ginny could get away with defending herself without anyone knowing. True, the trace was on her, but he could only hope that the ministry wasn't as corrupted as it had been only a year ago.
"Sure," He finally said, following an eager Dudley up the stairs to what he assumed was his bedroom. "But this had better be short."
Dudley nodded, stopping when they reached his door and opening it to lead Harry in. When Harry saw the room he was surprised. It was filled to the brim with things, just as it always had. An apple laptop, Harry assumed it was the newest model but he was mainly surprised at how small it was, a tv, sports items, a stand alone punching bag, boxing gear. What was different was the number of things that seemed to show that Dudley was a real human with emotion. Not that Harry'd thought Dudley had no emotion, but the number of soft hearted items confused him. There was a calender by his desk with events, birthday parties and study groups, a picture of him with a very pretty blonde girl who looked their age, a pet snake that looked well cared for, and books.
"I wanted to apologize," Dudley said, getting right to the point. It was clear he was nervous, but he had a look of determination on his face. "For everything I did to you as a kid, for everything mum and dad did to you." Dudley paused for a moment, and Harry didn't say a thing. "I know we can't change anything, and that an apology doesn't fix it even a tad but, I feel the need to say it. And thank you, for helping out mum."
Harry nodded, "Don't thank me yet." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, "Look, I may not like it here but I'll do what I can to help. You just keep her alive for a couple of days."
Dudley nodded, and there was silence for a moment. Harry took that as his time to leave, leaving the room without saying a thing. In truth, he didn't know what to say. What do you say when your childhood bully apologizes? What do you say when said bully is your cousin, who spent his life hating you for magic he now requested? He wasn't sure, so he decided to focus on the task at hand. When he got downstairs he wasn't all too surprised to find Ginny sitting in silence with his Aunt. He didn't imagine they'd have too much to talk about.
Ginny sat down when Harry left, looking Petunia Dursley straight in the eye. Ginny had heard more than probably anybody else about Harry's home life, simply because she'd prodded into it when they'd dated in her 5th year. She knew better than anyone, Harry included, the horrors of what Petunia Dursley had done, encouraged, and let happen. She refused to feel awkward, to show any weakness, in front of such a terrible human being. If it weren't for Harry's caring heart he would have ended up just like Lord Voldemort, a muggle hating tyrant. Did Petunia realize what she had almost caused? Probably not, but Ginny could never be sure.
"How has he been?" Petunia, surprising Ginny, asked after barely a moment of silence following Harry and Dudley's exit. Her bruises supported her weak position when she spoke, it was clear the toll that her fear had taken on her.
"He just ended a bloody war so he's been alright," Ginny snapped, narrowing her eyes on Petunia's and feeling a burst of triumph when she saw guilt in the older woman.
"A- a war?" Petunia asked, sounding honestly surprised.
"Why exactly did you think he moved your family?" Ginny asked, astounded at how stupid Petunia was. She could feel Hermione rubbing off on her, questioning how people didn't know the basic facts of their life. "Or why he kept coming home bloody, battered, and bruised?" She'd seen Ron come home, always fine but with some new look in his face. She knew Harry went home still hurt, healed perfectly, but cosmetic damage still there. When petunia still played dumb, as if she hadn't noticed, Ginny resorted again. "What about all of the nightmares? Screaming in the night, I know you bloody noticed because he told me Dudley teased him 'bout it."
Petunia looked down at her hands, looking beyond tears or words. She spoke, her voice cracking. "I've made a lot of mistakes."
"Yeah, you bloody well have," Ginny snapped, keeping her look level at Petunia and watching as she avoided her stare. They sat like that for a few moments before Harry came downstairs, smiling brightly when he saw Ginny. As if he'd thought Petunia was going to hurt her. Not bloody well likely.
"You ready to go?" He asked, taking her hand when she walked up to him. He felt so much better when his hand touched hers, and for a moment wondered how good touching other parts of her would be. She was looking at him like she always did, a mixture of value and care.
"Of course," She said, squeezing his hand. He nodded his head, and she wasn't surprised in the slightest when he apparated at that moment. They left Petunia there, the Dursley home feeling hopeful, scared, and confused.
Author's Note So many favorites, follows, and reviews - there's a serious pressure to do good. It's alright though, it's a good pressure. :) I'm trying to keep this equal for Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione but the scene with the Dursley's ended up taking longer than I anticipated. About halfway through I decided to make Dudley more of a character than just *cut* *paste* and that took more space. Regardless, before I make this note hella long, let me know what you think! I am trying to keep mostly canon, but there is a lot of 'wiggle room' with Dudley. Do we want him in or no?
Have a fantastic day everyone!