Chapter 2: Ends and Beginnings
The next two months past as a blur for Harry Potter. After the first day of the battle Harry couldn't ignore the wizarding world any longer. Once the news got out that the most evil wizard of the century was dead, Harry was bombarded with the press. The Daily Prophet even came up with a new nickname for him: The Savior. Though Harry respectively only offered a personal interview to The Quibbler and Mr. Lovegood. He was happy he was able to boost their sales and funded their trip in search of what Luna called the Weetimorousbeastie. Internationally his fame grew as well, and as far as Harry knew, he wouldn't be able to go anywhere in the wizarding world without being recognized (which annoyed Harry more than it pleased).
Reporters also grew interested in Hermione and Ron since they accompanied "The Savior" on his perilous journey. However, after only talking about S.P.E.W. and magical creature rights in her first interview, the press quickly lost interest in Hermione. Ron, on the other hand, loved the attention. Rejected reporters from Harry soon swarmed Ron for information. Harry was happy Ron was getting the attention he deserved since he knew how much he hated being in his and his brothers' shadows. That, and the fact it eased Harry's guilt over not being able to save Ron's brother.
Fred. The mere name caused a surge of grief to fall onto Harry; even though all of the Weasleys' stressed to Harry that it wasn't his fault Fred died, he knew he would always carry some guilt with him; just like he did with all of his friends who died. Three days after the battle his funeral took place. His was a nice ceremony with only close friends and family present at the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley seemed to hold it together for the most part, at least until they buried him. Though Harry couldn't help but notice that George remained emotionless and his eyes never wavered from Fred's corpse.
The following day Harry attended Remus and Tonks' funeral. The number of people who came was smaller than the day before (the Weasley's were still mourning Fred), Harry was delighted to see some Order members, Hermione, and Tonks' parents who Harry spent most of the morning talking to. At this ceremony Harry offered to be the one to bury them, saying that like when he did it for Dobby it gave him closure on their passing (except this time he conceded on using magic). He created a hole big enough to fit two people side-by-side (no one had the heart to move the couple's hands from each other). For their tombstone Harry carved several images around the plaque like the moon, Sirius in his animagus form, and he even created an outline of Teddy's hand. On the plaque Harry carved, Here Lies Remus and Nymphadora Lupin. Proof that Every Creature Has a Heart.
Once the burial was over Harry and the Tonk's spoke about the guardianship of Teddy. Harry offered to take full care of him immediately as his Godfather, but they refused saying that he had already done things no one his age should have to do. In the end they decided that the Tonk's would have full guardianship of Teddy with frequent visits from Harry, and once they were too old or Harry was old enough the guardianship would be given to him.
Also after the war Harry knew he would have to tell all of his friends what he had been doing the past year; something that Dumbledore would never have done. So two weeks after the battle, Harry gathered all of his close friends (most of the Weasley's, members of the Order, McGonagall, Neville, and Luna) into Grimmauld Place and told his story. He told a summarized version of the horcrux hunt (leaving out Ron's abandonment), and the Deathly Hallows. Once he was finished most of his friends were pleased that Harry trusted them with this information and also awed by Harry's leadership and magical abilities. Harry saw to that all of his friends left satisfied with their questions, and exhausted from the ordeal decided to go get some rest. But before he put his first step on the stair case, he heard a soft voice say to him, "Harry?".
He turned around to face no other than Ginny Weasley. Harry then remembered that neither of them had time to talk privately since the battle. Sure they hugged and snogged a bit after (Ginny saying she needed to get ahead just in case he went and got himself killed again), but both were busy with the aftermath of it, and Fred's funeral was not an appropriate time to talk about their relationship.
Harry nodded to Ginny to continue and not knowing how to say it she hesitated slightly. "I, um, know we haven't been able to really talk since the battle. So I thought that we just needed to, you know, sit down and talk about 'us'". Harry agreed with Ginny and led her to the living room. She moved to sit on the love seat while Harry went to the seat across from her (disappointing Ginny a bit).
After a lengthy silence of each person in their own thoughts Harry said, "So..Where do you want to start?" This jerked Ginny from her thoughts and she replied, "Well, I know you technically broke up with me at Dumbledore's funeral, but we both know we haven't really been following that now have we?" Here Harry couldn't help but feel embarrassed. It was true after they 'broke up' they had kissed often. "Anyway," Ginny continued. "I think you know I still have feelings for you, and I think we should try things again now that all of this is over"
"I don't know," Harry replied honestly after some more silence, "I do care a lot about you Ginny, but if we do get back together, I need you to understand that things can't pick up from where we left off. We both are different people know, Gin. And we both have to realize things may not work out because of this." Ginny seemed to think this through a lot before saying with a sigh, "I know you are right, but I don't like it. So, do you want to give it another try?" Harry smiled and moved to sit next to his now girlfriend. He answered with a kiss, and muttered, "Only if you are."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
On a muggle airplane is where Harry found himself rethinking all that had happened since Voldemort's defeat. Finally after two months, Harry and Hermione found themselves ready to get her parents. Harry was disappointed that Ron decided not to go with them saying he had an important meeting with Kingsley, the newly appointed Minister of Magic; Harry also couldn't help but feel pity for Hermione since she was about to confront her parents and her boyfriend abandoned her (again). It was true that Hermione was overwhelmed with the different emotions she was feeling, but somehow the reassuring presence of her best friend comforted her nerves.
Finding her parents was easy, but they weren't very happy once they realized what their daughter did to them. Seeing Hermione was about to break down, Harry took the lead in telling the truth to the Granger's. He told them not only about the War, but also everything that had truly happened at Hogwarts. When he was finished he humbly offered to stop being friends with Hermione to keep her out of harm's way, but her parents said to him, "No, son. It appears that without you as Hermione's friend she would not be with us now." Hermione was relieved they forgave her and the three reunited in a teary embrace.
Both spent the next few days with the Granger's preparing to move them and their practice back to Britian. While there Harry found himself enjoying Hermione's parents. Sure he had greeted them at King's Cross before, but he never found himself staying with Hermione over the summer. The Granger's felt the same about Harry. After the first awkward day of Hermione's father, Dan, confusing Harry as his daughter's boyfriend, things seemed to go by pleasantly. They went by so well that Hermione would spend the following weeks repeatedly hugging Harry and thanking him for coming with her.
For these reasons and from the events of the past few months, Harry felt relieved he could spend his birthday in peace. Of course the Ministry of Magic was throwing him a Birthday Ball, in which Harry politely refused saying he had caught a Wizard's Cold. The Weasley's and Granger's offered to throw him a party as well, but for both Harry declined. While he loved being around his friends and their family. Part of him just wanted this birthday to be just him and the deceased.
This is why early on July 31st Harry found himself visiting the graves of his parents, Dumbledore, Dobby, Remus and Tonk's, and Fred. Some people might say this is a depressing way to celebrate his birthday, but to Harry, it was a way of thanking those who had died for him and allowed him to live another year. Once he returned from this visit Harry found his house bombarded with many Birthday Cards and presents.
Neville had sent him an International Defense Book and a thank you card for the book on Ancient Herbology he had sent him for his birthday. Members of the Order bought him the Guide to being an Auror: 1st Edition, and a note saying, "You might need this soon!-Kingsley".
Luna had sent him a photo of her holding the Weetiemorousbeastie in Scotland, and a piece of its fur saying, "It's supposed to keep the nargles away." Ginny and Ron together bought him a first line Quidditch Broom Cleaner that not only repaired a broken broom and cleaned it but also added curse and jinx repellant wax to it (Though he loved the gift Harry still had to admit the Birthday Kiss from Ginny yesterday was his favorite present so far).
George gave him a new supply of joke items from Weasley Wizard Wheezes and a note that temporarily turned his hair yellow. The Tonk's gave Harry a photo of Teddy showing of his Metamorphogus abilities and a book on how to raise a Wizard Child. Even the Grangers sent him a gift (albeit a teeth maintaining set). Just as Harry was about to try out his new Broom Cleaner another owl flew into the Kitchen. Harry wondered who that could be until he realized he still had not gotten a gift from Hermione. He placed the package off the exhausted owl and sent if off like the others. He first opened the note attached.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I know why you didn't want to have a party for your birthday, but I do hope tomorrow night you will let me and Ron take you out to celebrate. While for your past birthdays I have given you a book, I decided that since this is your first birthday free from Voldemort I would give you something special. I hope you like it!
Love,
Hermione
Harry then unwrapped the small box below the letter. Harry could barely contain a gasp. Inside was a pair of wedding rings. The rings themselves were a rusted gold, and the female ring had an iridescent diamond on it that seemed to reflect all of the colors. Still in shock Harry shaking read the note inside the box.
-Harry, I found these rings when I helped the Tonk's clean out Remus' house. I believe that these rings were your parents, Harry, and that Remus planned to give them to you today. The rings didn't just belong to your parents though, you see most noble houses have a set of wedding rings that are passed down to the Heir of their family title. If you look carefully you will see the faint outline of you family crest around the inside of the bands.-
Harry did this and could see the description of what looked like a Lion circling a large P.
-Once I found these rings I performed some simple identifying spells on them to see what they did. The pair acts as sort of portkeys to the other, so the one wearing it could meet the other almost immediately. They both also have a type of safety ward on them, and it will start to burn the wearer when their partner is in danger. The rings automatically size to fit their master, and once they do no one else can wear them until told to do so by the master. I checked the rings and they don't seem to have any loyalty yet, so I think you can use yours right away if you'd like. I do hope you like them!-Hermione
Harry could only gape at the rings. These rings had belonged to his parents. Not just his parents, but his whole family! Now he had something of theirs, not just a photo of them, not horrible memories of their screams, and not their soul from the Resurrection Stone. Now he had physical items that had belonged to his parents. And that was the best gift he could have hoped for.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The following day Harry did agree to go celebrate his birthday with Hermione and Ron, but he also brought along Ginny so he wouldn't be a third wheel among his dating friends. Harry also would only go out if it was in muggle London; for he didn't want their meal to be bombarded by fans (something everyone but Ron thought was best). So that is how Harry found himself side-along apparated along with Ron and Ginny to a restaurant Hermione used to go to with her parents.
The two couples walked in each with their date and got a table for four. Hermione and Harry seemed to be the only ones not gawking at the entire restaurant since they had been to a muggle eatery before (Harry though still was marveled because he only ever went to a restaurant with the Dursley's once, and that was because Ms. Figg couldn't babysit him).
Once the waiter left with the drink orders (Hermione and Harry ordered them all soda saying the two Weasley's should try some), Ron said, "Blimey, I never knew muggles could be this brilliant." This comment made Hermione beam and kiss Ron. Ginny nodded agreeing with Ron and commented, "Yeah, you two are lucky you grew up with muggles." Harry held back a snort and replied, "Well I believe Hermione's lucky she grew up with her parents, but I would take an angry Mrs. Weasley over the Dursley's any day." They all laughed at this and soon their drinks arrived.
It was here Ginny saw the ring on Harry's finger and asked, "What's that ring Harry? I've never seen you wear it before." Harry quickly looked down at the ring and answered nonchalantly, "Oh it belonged to my dad; it is part of the pair of wedding rings from my parents. Hermione gave it to me for my birthday." Harry didn't notice the flash of jealousy pass over Ginny face before she said to Hermione, "That is a wonderful gift! But don't you think it's more of something a girlfriend should give?"
Hermione blushed angry and embarrassed at Ginny's accusation while the boys remained clueless on what she was applying. "Well I thought about it but when I was about to suggest it to you, you said that you knew Harry perfectly well and that you and Ron had already found the perfect gift for Harry and didn't need my suggestions." Here Ron spoke with his mouth full of food, "Ye-h Gin-y. Besid-s, our gift is wae bett-r than a pair o' rings!".
Obviously Ron didn't pay attention to Harry's explanation of the rings. Before Harry could make a retort Hermione beat him to it. "Ronald Weasley! Those are just 'some rings'! They were his parents! Honestly Ron maybe if you spend less time stuffing your mouth with food you might catch some conversations. "Hey! I do too listen to what people say!" Ron muttered angrily after swallowing his food. Then an argument between the pair broke out, and they were receiving such rude stares Harry finally conceded on putting a slight silencing charm on them.
And even though Harry and Ginny weren't fighting, it wasn't much better than that. Their conversations were awkward and strained over the fight, and Harry found himself wondering how he ever talked to Ginny at all while they were dating. You didn't it's because you were snogging her the whole time. Harry couldn't be happier once their meals arrived and they ate in silence.
Harry was exhausted when he arrived back to Grimmauld Place. The whole evening for him had been strange. This was the first time since the war that the four had gone on a date as couples, and somehow it seemed different from when they would just go to the Three Broomsticks together. What confused Harry the most though was not Hermione and Ron's fight (he had seem them fight before as a couple and knew they just needed time to work it out), but his own conversation with Ginny. While on all the other dates he took Ginny on this summer, he had no problems. But then he realized why; none of those dates required a lot of talking. They were either cuddling and snogging on a couch or watching the sunset together on broomsticks, but when it came down to a deep conversation, him and Ginny didn't seem to fit.
Maybe it's something that comes in time, I mean I don't think I've always been able to talk to Hermione the way I do now. For a brief moment an image of him and Hermione cuddling on a couch surfaced; and another of them flying on a broom together, her holding on to him for dear life. Harry quickly shook these thoughts away. I don't love her in that way. Besides, she's with Ron. But Harry couldn't help but wonder if he would feel differently if she wasn't.
Harry was pulled from his musings when green soot covered him and the floor. He jumped in surprise wand in his hand in search of the intruder. But all he saw was the friendly bearded face of his giant friend in the fireplace. "Hagrid!" Harry sighed in relief. He was happy to see him; since the battle he did patch things up with Hagrid (him saying to Harry not to worry about him), but hadn't seen him since, and was starting to get worried when he didn't send him his usual birthday rock cakes (not that he was complaining).
" 'Ello 'Arry!" Hagrid beamed at him. "I know it be 'er bit late but ur birthday' pres'nt is red'y" "Ready" Harry questioned. He sincerely hoped Hagrid hadn't gotten him another book that would try to eat him. "Yesur! But don' yer worri'! It ain't gonna harm ye'" Hagrid replied. This did little to reassure him but he nodded and said, "Alright Hagrid. Do you want me to apparate to Hogsmeade and meet you?" "No that were'nt be necersary, 'Arry. Yer see this gift ain't in London." Now Harry was really scared. "So how do I get there?" "Just go through 'ere Floo network. Just'er say me name and 'de network will take ye' to where I am and 'urry." Hagrid here turned to look at his right. "it's almost redy." Before Harry could reply Hagrid's face was gone. Harry Briefly wondered if he should go or not until curiosity got the best of him. That would be ironic. The Savior survives Voldemort but is killed by magical creature. And with that thought Harry grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, said Hagrid's name clearly, and disappeared into the flames.
So I left off with a sort of cliff hanger. Even though this story will end up HHR it will take a while to get there (Hermione and Ron took 6 years to get together)! But even in this chapter you can see the wheels of the relationships turning. I had Ginny also take the most lead in her and Harry's relationship because let's face it, he's clueless there.
