Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 3: The Attack

"Kids, time for dinner!" Ginny called. "Wash your hands and sit at the table!"

"How was work today, Dad?" James asked Harry.

"It was good, " Harry said, sitting down with a plate of chicken. "How was your day, kids?"

"Fine," James and Andrew said.

"Okay," Lily said. "Daddy, when are we going to Hogwarts next?"

"Perhaps on my next day off," Harry said.

The family sat in silence as they ate. Suddenly, there was a bang. The children screamed as Harry and Ginny took out their wands.

Lucius Malfoy stood in the open front doorway. "I saw you in the Ministry today so you obviously did not heed my warning," said Mr. Malfoy with a sneer.

"You are not welcome in my house, Lucius. Leave now," Harry said coldly. "You will not hurt my family."

"Children, go! Floo to Papa!" Ginny barked.

Holding hands, the children were gone in a whoosh of green flame.

Lucius used the parents' momentary distraction to aim his wand at Ginny, "Avada Kedavra!"

Ginny's face looked shocked right before the curse hit. Harry gasped in horror, sending stunning and binding spells at Lucius. He could not save Ginny but this man would pay for his crimes. Harry sent an emergency message to the Auror Office before collapsing next to Ginny and scooping her limp body into his arms, his tears soaking her shirt. A burst of commotion followed by a loud announcement, brought Harry back to reality.

"Aurors! Drop your weapons! Do not make any sudden movements!"

"Auror Trainee Potter present. One casualty, one assassin stunned and bound. My wand is in a holster on my right forearm," said Harry, remembering to identify himself properly.

The Auror squad rushed into the room, adding additional binding spells to the still form of Lucius Malfoy and placing his wand into an evidence bag. Another Auror removed a body bag and carefully knelt beside Harry.

"Auror Trainee Potter, I take it this is your wife?"

"Yes sir. Lucius broke down the door during dinner, we sent the kids through the Floo to Hogwarts but that moment of distraction led to Lucius hitting Ginny with the Killing Curse. I was not able to bind him until just before the curse hit. Ginny didn't have any time to dodge the spell."

"You did well. You will be placed on leave for no less than one week. Do you have an alternative place to stay? This will be treated as a crime scene and guarded. I will accompany you upstairs to pack some clothing for yourself and your children, then escort you away from here."

"We will stay at Hogwarts, with Albus Dumbledore. On my first day of work, Lucius publicly threatened me, saying I should stay away from the Ministry and stay home to protect my family."

"And you didn't feel the need to report this, Auror Trainee Potter?"

"My wife and I spoke with Albus and we agreed Lucius was merely up to his normal tricks in terms of trying to scare us. Obviously we were wrong."

Harry had not noticed the Auror carefully remove Ginny from his arms and place her in the body bag. It was only when the man helped him stand that he realized her body was being transported by another Auror to St. Mungo's. He allowed the Auror to lead him upstairs where he grabbed clothing for himself and his children. The man informed him that they would be apparating to Hogwarts. The Auror, sensing Harry was not in the right frame of mind, took him by side-along to the path right outside of the castle's gates. With some prodding, the Auror got Harry moving up the path, where Albus and his children met him at the castle's entrance.

Albus looked extremely worried while the kids all had fresh tear tracks on their cheeks. Harry looked at the Auror next to him before squatting door to be eye level with his kids.

"James, Andrew, Lily, I have to tell you something that is very scary but very real and true. After we sent you through the Floo to Albus, your mother was hit with the Killing Curse. The evil man, Lucius Malfoy, is responsible for the death of your mother."

The three children burst into fresh tears and threw themselves in their father's arms. He sat down rather suddenly, not caring about the wet ground. Albus looked at the Auror standing quietly next to the scene. He could tell from the man's posture that it was the truth. Ginny was gone.

"Let's get the kids inside and to bed, Harry, come on now," said Albus, gently helping the man to his feet.

Harry swung Lily into his arms and moved slowly into the castle. Albus looked at the Auror, who was already heading back towards the gates, before following the heartbroken group into the school.

"We will be staying at Hogwarts for a little while, at least until James starts school," said Harry. "In September, James will be a student here, and you two will start at a local primary school near our home. My training will continue but you will not be left alone in the house. We will be going to Diagon Alley next week to purchase your supplies, James."

Harry managed to get all three children settled into a room with three beds before returning to the sitting room to speak with Albus.

"I don't know what to do. Ginny kept track of everything with the kids and she was my best friend," Harry said, tears streaming down his face.

"Harry, I'll help you in any way I can. You are a dedicated father and your children adore you. Plus you will also have the support of Arthur and Molly," Albus said.

"Oh no, someone needs to tell them. I should go now," said Harry, starting to stand.

"Wait until tomorrow. It is late. It would be wise to take an Auror with you when you go speak with them," said Albus as his ran a hand over Harry's hair on his way to his bedroom.

Harry sat on the sofa for a bit longer before heading for a lonely bed where he knew sleep would not come.