For seventeen years I have been able to live a quiet life. I could hardly remember needing to use my wand since I defeated Tom Riddle all those years ago, except to practise, of course. I have been privileged to stand on the sidelines of history. My two children have grown in a quiet world. The remnant of Voldemort s followers had caused the occasional bit of havoc, but their numbers dwindled as the years progressed.
The crunch of my feet on the pebble path was loud in the quiet night . The slight breeze barely whispered a sound but brought with it a piercing cold. I pulled my cloak tightly around myself in an attempt to ward myself not only against nature but the questions troubling my mind. I could not remember the path being this long. Every step seemed a struggle. My breathing became laboured and I began to hear my heart beating in my ears. The meeting with Dumbledore had taken more out of me than I thought possible.
Only once before had I been this tired while I was on the grounds of Hogwarts. I could still remember creeping out the doors of the school during my duel with Voldemort. He had disappeared out into the wide expanse of the grounds around Hogwarts and I followed. The ice-cold wind and snow had attacked my face as I left the warmth of the school. The steps were covered in a fresh layer of snow. My feet crushed the snow beneath them with every step that I took.
It had been dark outside that night, my eyes were barely able to see what was in front of me. The pale light from the moon barely illuminated the world around me. Fear invaded my body. I clutched my wand firmly in my hand, not wanting a sudden disarming spell to remove it. My head kept turning from side to side as I walked further and further away from the warmth and safety of the school. The only sounds that reached my ears were the sound of my feet and my heavy breathing.
Where was the man, what games was Riddle playing with me? I halted after what felt like hours of walking, though it could only have been a few minutes. I spun around on the spot, but could not see any visible landmarks. I had cursed the abnormal weather that was hanging over the school that fateful night.
I shook my head free from my reverie. It would not help me to dwell on my past nightmares. I needed to get home. My body called out for Ginny's warm embrace. Her brown eyes and soft hands in mine were all that I desired. I had everything, I was satisfied and now Dumbledore comes to me. Using my loyalty against me. Those bright blue eyes of his, hidden behind his half-moon spectacles, how they infuriate me.
I eventually reached the iron gate that marked the end of the Hogwarts wards and stepped through. With a last glance at the enormous castle, I closed my eyes and Apparated back to my home. When my eyes opened I smiled in relief. Silhouetted by the same pale moon stood my house. The warmth and love enclosed within radiated through the lighted windows and out towards me. I sighed as the feeling enveloped my body.
I leaned my shoulder against a tree and observed my family inside. Ginny was pacing around the house. Lily was sitting writing a letter at her desk in her room. Albus, with his vibrant red hair, sat in the dining room cleaning his broom. My attention returned to Ginny. She suddenly stopped as her head turned to the front door. The bond we shared always amazed me. She cleaned her hands and strode towards the door and opened it.
Her head emerged and scanned the area outside. It did not take her eyes long to lock onto mine. I could feel her concern, no doubt she had been feeling mine for the past hour or so. I pushed myself away from the tree and closed the remaining distance between us.
"You seem concerned, Harry," Ginny stated. Her face was slightly downcast.
I frowned before I caressed her face with the back of my hand and leaned forwards to place a tender kiss on her lips. "We will talk later tonight," I replied after I broke the kiss. She did not seem very pleased, "I promise."
She nodded her head, but her expression clearly said that the conversation was not over, "I'll hold you to that."
I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. I sighed in relief, reassurance flowed between us.
"We better get inside before the kids start getting worried," Ginny said, pulling slightly away from me.
I laughed softly, since when has Lily or Albus ever been concerned about us?
I duly followed her long red hair inside. The cool air outside was replaced by the warmth of the house. My spirits lifted somewhat, perhaps it was time to move out from the shadows where I have been hiding.
"Dad!" I heard Albus shout from the dining room. I turned and entered the room to see him still busy trying to service his broom. His hair was messy and stood up at odd angles, much like mine. Apart from being red, his mop of hair was identical to mine.
"Yes, son?" I asked. The poor boy looked completed distressed and he barely looked up to greet me. I inhaled deeply, refocusing my mind on my son s troubles and not mine.
"I can't seem to get these twigs aligned," his voice was laced with frustration and impatience. His movements were far too rapid and jerky to be able to align the twigs. I laughed inwardly at the dual facets of my life. Here I was concerned about the safety of my family and Dumbledore's request while my son was nearly beside himself about a few twigs on his broom. The innocence of youth. The laugh within disappeared, youth and innocence were things that I had never known.
"Let me see," I said kindly, settling my rapidly tiring body next to his at the dining room table. I carefully took his broom and studied the twigs before handing it back to him. "See, the problem is that you are trying to fix this large twig over here," I said pointing my finger a large twig that was clearly out of place.
"Yeah, I can't get that one to budge. What am I doing wrong?" Albus replied despondently.
"Okay, the first thing to do is grab the small pair of pliers."
Albus looked confused but complied retrieving the small pair.
"Now look carefully at the broom," I began gently. What do you see that seems odd?"
His dark brown eyes studied the twigs carefully. I could see the frustration beginning to grow again.
"Look carefully inside, and tell me what you see."
Albus stopped glancing at the surface and I watched as his eyes bore into the centre of the twigs. "There... umm... it seems that there is something wrapped around the base," he spoke carefully, unsure of himself.
I nodded my head when he looked at me for confirmation.
"And... I should... remove it before I can fix the more apparent problem," he continued.
"Excellent, I knew you would get there," I replied with a smile. My pride must have been radiating from me as I watched his face light up.
He quickly turned his attention back to the twigs and carefully began to unwind the small obstruction.
Why could Dumbledore not leave me alone? I loved my life as it was now. I could walk around in anonymity. Few people knew who I was and no one knew what the Chosen One looked like. It had been one of the best decisions of my life to keep my identity hidden from the wizarding world. Yet, here at this very moment I had to decide if that is what I wanted. Could I destroy the carefully constructed world we had created and be exposed to the world at large?
Lily and Albus deserved to know who I was. I hated not telling them, but the less they knew of my past the less they could tell other people. No matter how much they trusted someone people eventually let something slip. I did not even want to think about Leglimency. No, Dumbledore, Ginny, the Weasley s and myself had all decided together that ignorance was the safest and best option.
"All done," Albus beamed up at me.
I was startled slightly before returning back to reality. I took the broom and inspected it thoroughly. "I can safely say that this is a job well done," I said trying my best to smile, but my mind was too distant to really put any emotion behind it.
"Thanks for the advice, dad," Albus said, jumping to his feet and rushing off to his room.
I stared at his retreating figure wondering what his reaction would be like when he learned the truth.
"You really are great with kids, my wife's voice came softly from behind me. She meant it as a compliment, but those were the last words that I needed to hear. My guilt began to rise. How could I refuse Dumbledore s request? I had few reasons left to deny the man. My head came down and rested on my arms on the table.
Ginny must have stood there for a while before she opened her mouth again. "You want to talk about it?"
I nodded my head, not bothering to lift it. Eventually, I wearily sat upright again and waited for my mouth to catch up with my mind. "When the kids are asleep," I said tiredly. A dull headache was beginning to form and my eyes felt heavy.
"Okay, Harry," she said before gratefully returning to whatever she was doing around the house. Ginny had learned over the years when it was best to push me to talk and when to leave me.
I stood slowly while deciding that I needed a long warm shower to help clear my mind and organise my thoughts. My feet felt like lead as I left the kitchen and ascended the stairs. I paused when I reached the first floor. Lily's door was slightly open. Without thinking, I knocked.
"Come in," her pleasant voice said. I pushed the door open and entered her room. "Oh, hi, dad, how was your meeting with your old friend?" I had to smile at the sound of her voice.
"Oh, fine," I replied. "He made an interesting proposition," I continued as I seated myself next to her on the bed. Her bright blue eyes turned up to mine. I was surprised to find her slightly distraught. Her normally neat long black hair was slightly messy.
"Bad day?" I asked.
"Not really, just confusing," she replied averting her gaze from my eyes.
"Boy?" I asked slightly mischievously. I knew I was walking on thin ice, but Lily and I had always been very close. She was my little blue-eyed girl.
She stared at me trying to give me the coldest look possible.
I laughed which infuriated her, but after Voldemort and Ginny, few people could intimidate me. Let alone my favourite daughter.
"You really want to talk about my boyfriends," she stated exasperated.
Boyfriends, I laughed internally. I knew from Lily s insinuations and the constant teasing by Albus, behind her back, that she has never been kissed by a boy. She has always been as fussy and hard headed as her mother. Not to mention extremely hot tempered when she wanted to be. Well I guess she got the temper from both Ginny and myself. I quirked my eyebrow.
"Agghh..." she cried in frustration. Okay, you know I don t have a list of boyfriends..."
I cut her off. "But there is someone that you like," I stated. It was not a question.
She nodded her head slowly as she looked down at her fingers that were fidgeting shyly.
I really could not give advice on the natural development of relationships. Considering my relationship with Ginny was something strange and extremely rare. Only once or twice every thousand years would two people bond magically.
"Dad, how did you meet mum?"
I choked slightly. Not really the question that I wanted to answer.
"You never really told us," she complained.
"Um... perhaps now is not the time for that. It is rather a long and complicated story and involves the war against Voldemort." I replied with what I thought was a reasonable answer. "Look, if this guy hasn't noticed what a wonderful witch you are by now then he is probably not the guy for you. I paused slightly, That is not to say that I am right," I stopped and gathered my thoughts.
We sat in a comfortable silence for a while. Both our minds were occupied. Lily no doubt was thinking about this mystery man in her life. My thoughts however were fully occupied with the image of a young freckled face hidden behind an emerald green mask. Those eyes had pierced my soul eighteen years ago and ever since have been part of me.
Yet, what could I say to Lily? What advice could I give the young woman sitting next to me? "Talk or write to him, show him what you feel in your heart. If it is meant to be then it will work out in the end."
Lily sat quietly barely moving as she listened.
When I finished I wrapped my arm around her and hugged her. "I love you," I said kissing the top of her head.
"I love you too, dad," Lily replied as she held onto me.
I finally bid her goodnight before I tucked her in for the night. I watched her make herself comfortable underneath her covers and unseen by Lily I dimmed the room with a wave of my hand. I felt myself glued to the floor mesmerised by the gift that life had given me. "Night, Lily," I whispered before I left the room.
A little way down the hall, the music from Albus' room attacked my ears. Teenagers and their music, I cringed. I knocked loudly on his door and was answered with the sweet sound of silence. I opened the door only to see a complete mess of a room with Albus sitting on his bed reading one of his multiple Quidditch subscriptions.
"Just wanted to ask you to turn the music down a bit," I said. Albus nodded his head.
"Sorry, didn't realise that it was loud," he responded. His eyes falling back down to what looked like a broom review. He was just like his uncle Ron. The two of them together were a sight to behold. A few minutes with them together and even Ginny got tired of hearing about Quidditch. His aunt Hermione had told me once that Albus was just like her husband and that she reckoned that he would only see girls for what they were in his seventh year, if not later.
It was useless to attempt a conversation with him if he had a Quidditch magazine in front of him. "Well, good night, Albus," I said, closing the door and continuing down the corridor to the master bedroom. When I entered the room I found Ginny already lying in bed waiting for me. Deciding to skip the shower I just removed my robes pulled on the pair of boxers that I slept in and slid into bed alongside her.
"So," Ginny began.
I closed my eyes. "Dumbledore would like me to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year," I sighed, waiting for Ginny s usual cry of 'no' at Dumbledore s request. I was surprised to find Ginny looking at me nodding her head.
"I thought that he might ask again this year," she said softly, her hand settled on my chest. Her chocolate brown eyes were distant as she concentrated. After a while she whispered softly, "I think you should take the job.
"You think I should?" the words barely audible. "But..."
"But what, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"All of this, do you want to risk all of this so that I could teach?" I continued my previous thought.
Ginny pulled herself closer, "We would have had to tell the kids at some point."
I nodded my head.
"They are old enough to understand," she paused, "I hope."
"What if... what if they hate us for lying to them?" I asked with concern. "Would they ever forgive us?" I said more to myself. The last thing that I wanted was to distance myself from Lily and Albus.
"They will probably be angry, but they love us and I am sure that they will forgive us," Ginny answered. I could tell that her voice was not completely confident, it was laced with fear. "It is just... it needs to be done, Harry. They have a right to know."
I gave a slight nod, not really wanting to believe her words. "Dumbledore assured me that all the Death Eaters have been captured," I said.
Ginny seemed to find the news comforting. I could feel her body relax against mine. Even though she wanted me to accept the offer she was still not completely comfortable with the idea.
"Let me think about this," I muttered to Ginny. My mind was too jumbled to make any sense of what I thought.
Okay, remember we are going my parents tomorrow, Ginny replied. I could tell by the sound of her voice that she would soon be asleep.
Perhaps they can help, I said more to myself than to Ginny. I heard her muffled agreement before her breathing eased signalling that she was asleep.
Dawn arrived much too quickly for me. The night was spent tossing and turning. Even though she fell asleep easily, Ginny too slept fitfully. When the sun emerged I stood and crossed our room and sat down by the dressing table. I removed a piece of parchment, a quill and some ink and began my reply to Dumbledore. I had decided to refuse his offer.
I stopped writing halfway through. I could not deny the man so quickly. Honestly, I had done little of note with my life for the past seventeen years. I needed some sort of challenge. My family, however, was my only concern. What would happen to them when the world began to dig deeper into who Harry Potter really was? Could Dumbledore hide my past for the inquisitive minds of the wizarding world?
I stood and stared out of the bedroom window. The morning sun was just beginning to bathe the valley below with its warm light. Morn Harry, came Ginny s sleepy voice from behind me. I closed my eyes and tried to relax in the sound of her voice.
Morning, Ginny, I replied. I wanted to turn towards her and talk to her. My feet, however, remained cemented to the ground, forcing me to keep my vigil of the morning sky.
So, did you reply? Ginny said softly.
I shook my head. I barely heard two feather light feet touch the ground before a pair of arms wrapped around me. Her touch finally broke the curse that had plagued my body. Able to turn I glanced down at her face and gave her what I hoped was a reassuring kiss.
I guess this is going to be an interesting morning, I stated. My gaze fixed firmly on her brown eyes.
Ginny snorted, You think? I laughed. Well, it was going to be more than interesting.
An hour later we found ourselves outside the Burrow having driven there in my Range Rover. I preferred to drive the few kilometres to the Burrow. The time in the car driving allowed my mind to settle. Lily and Albus would always complain about how long it took and that it would be much easier to Apparate or to fly.
I switched off the car and got out. Immediately I found myself being embraced in a smothering hug from my mother in-law. Harry, Mrs Weasley cried, full of joy.
Mum, it's good to see you, I replied when I was eventually able to pull myself free from her embrace. I truly admired and loved Ginny s mother. The first few months were a bit rocky. How could I blame her for disliking me back then? I had married and gotten her daughter pregnant in one night. When everything settled we learned to live with each other, and by the time Albus was born, she had seen for herself how much Ginny and I loved each other. From then on I was part of the family in her eyes.
After she greeted me Molly quickly ran around the car and embraced Ginny. Lily and Albus were attacked next by the overwhelming embrace of their loving grandmother. They cringed slightly, but returned the hug nevertheless.
It has been a while, Harry, came the voice of Mr Weasley. I nodded my head turning around to greet him.
Hi, Dad, I replied, extending my hand to shake his. My eyes returned to Ginny. She was smiling broadly. Seeing her happy always made me feel good. I could not tell if it was the sight of her smile or her happiness floating through our bond that pleased me, but it felt good.
I turned back to my father in-law with a smile. It has only been a week, Dad, I laughed.
Mr Weasley was beaming as he walked towards Ginny and the kids. Like I said, too long. I watched as he greeted Ginny in a fatherly hug. Missed you, Ginny.
Missed you too, Dad, Ginny replied.
Lily hugged him and Albus shook his hand, both looked slightly tense. I barely contained my grin at their usual uncomfortable states when greeting family.
Let s get inside. I am sure that you are all starving, Mrs Weasley said while pushing us all towards the house, more specifically the kitchen.
After enjoying a large breakfast, Lily and her grandmother went for a quiet walk in the garden. Albus retrieved his broom from the car and went flying. Ginny, her father and I wandered into the living room with cups of tea.
Arthur, I began, feeling slightly nervous once we had entered the living room. He turned to face me, his eyes reflected his curiosity. Um I stuttered, unsure of how to begin this conversation.
Ginny took my hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. The simple touch alone allowed my mind to settle slightly.
Dumbledore has offered me a position at Hogwarts, I started, keeping my eyes locked on Mr Weasley s.
Again, has he? he replied, nodding slightly. And you are wondering whether or not you should accept this position.
Yes, Ginny replied in a low voice. I think that Harry should accept the offer and whatever consequences that comes with the position, her voice grew firmer with each word she spoke.
I sighed quietly. I could see by the look on Arthur s face that he agreed with my wife. To a certain extent, I agreed. The problem being that I would never be able to live with myself if something were to happen to my family because of my decision.
Harry, what do you think? Arthur asked me. I jerked my head towards him. My eyes focused on his face while my mind pondered my reaction.
I would love to teach, I began. But, I do not want to place my family in any unnecessary danger. Why was this so difficult for them to understand? Couldn t they just let me live my life in peace and quiet allowing my family to remain safe?
Harry, we understand the danger. We Ginny paused glancing at her father who nodded his head ever so slightly. we believe that it is time for you to do something more active in your life. Apart from working with me.
Her words struck a cord in me. My life had been quite monotonous these last few years. Most of my time was spent at home helping Ginny or going to watch a Quidditch game or two while the children were at school.
It is time for you to start living your life instead of just hiding from the world. It is not good for you, Arthur said firmly.
I sat in silence. Was my life truly slipping away from me? The reality of it all struck me hard. I knew his words to be true. While Lily and Albus were at home my life had meaning. Supporting Ginny, while they were away, had become my main focus, though my heart yearned to do more. I could not, in all honesty, deny that I my life needed meaning again.
I focused on Ginny. She sat quietly, studying me carefully. I could tell that her mind was probably racing more than mine. Her brown eyes were searching mine, trying desperately to find the answers to her questions. I gave her a weak smile, Are you sure that you think this is for the best? As the words escaped my lips I knew what her answer would be. The answer was sure to seal my family's fate from now on.
Yes, Harry, she said with conviction. It is time for you to do something with all your knowledge. Her brown eyes were filled with fire. It pleased me to see her so worked up about something that she believed in. The passion in her voice and fire in her eyes did more to convince me than the words she spoke. Words could be lies, the intensity in her eyes could not. Well, not to me.
I found my head moving up and down by its own accord before I replied, I will write to Dumbledore when we get home. Immediately a flash of red caught my eye before I was overwhelmed by Ginny who had thrown herself onto my lap.
I faintly heard Mr Weasley say something about not being needed any more.
Thank you, Harry, Ginny said. My vision was filled with her bright brown eyes. I could hear the relief in her voice and see it in her eyes. I cannot tell you how much you need this job.
Was I really that bad? I asked as I pulled her closer towards me. Her head rested against my shoulder. I could feel her head move head moving in agreement. Sorry, I said in all honesty.
So, a voice echoed from the doorway. Ginny did not notice the voice or chose to ignore it. The voice could only belong to one person.
Dumbledore, I replied. I was not expecting you here today. I did not turn to face him instead I waited for him to cross the room. He obliged and settled himself in the chair in front of Ginny and myself.
Ginny sent an owl to me this morning asking whether I would be kind enough to drop by for some tea, Dumbledore said, his bright blue eyes sparkling. I also wanted to be properly introduced to my namesake. I have only ever met him at Hogwarts and then only in passing.
I gave Ginny a mock glare which she returned with a soft smile before she slipped from my lap and settled down next to me. Thank you for coming, Albus, she said kindly.
The pleasure's all mine, especially now that I know that Harry has finally accepted my offer, Dumbledore replied easily. His voice seemed light and full of joy.
Yes, but before I commit fully I need to ask a few final questions. Firstly, are you sure that it is safe for my family? I asked in a firm voice. Dumbledore s eyes dimmed slightly.
As far as I believe, it is safe. The last remaining death eaters have been rounded up and placed in Azkaban. Even though he had told me as much the previous night his confirmation still managed to make me feel better.
And Harry s introduction to the wizarding world? Ginny asked in my place.
Ah, the million galleon question, Dumbledore smiled mischievously. I considered this carefully last night after you left.
And? I prompted him to continue. I had little desire left to listen to his long stories.
I have come to the conclusion, as you no doubt already have, that we do not need to tell the wizarding world who you are. As far as they need be concerned, you are just a highly qualified wizard whom I have hired, he finished with a smirk.
And if people start digging? Ginny asked leaning slightly forward.
Dumbledore remained quiet for a few moments, studying the two of us. They will find that the Harry Potter sitting across from me was privately tutored by Remus Lupin. Since Harry is wealthy, people would accept that this was true. He paused to take a deep breath. This story should hold if no one learns that Remus is a werewolf.
So you believe that I would be able to teach without anyone being the wiser as to who I am. Assuming that Remus condition remains undiscovered. I stated more than asked. Dumbledore s eyes twinkled and I laughed. The laugh was more to expel the heavy weight that was weighing down on my chest.
I leaned back against the backrest of the sofa. Dumbledore never failed to surprise me. He finally had me cornered. I had nothing left to defend myself with.
Ginny s hand rested upon my back. Her face was turned towards me. You alright with this?
I could do nothing more than nod. I guess it s time to call everyone in for a little talk, I replied with a genuine smile. I could already feel the weight bearing down on me lighten. It was a relief to know that I was finally going to do something more with my life.
Thank you, Ginny whispered. My eyes closed after I watched her get to her feet and stride out the back door. I could hear her pause at the back door and I imagine she turned to face me, You really are a great teacher.
Dumbledore snorted and I laughed nervously. She turned back again mesmerising me with her long red hair. A few moments later I heard her voice echo throughout the house as she called everyone inside. All too soon the sound of the back door opening could be heard. The vibrations of many feet on the floor moved through my body. The time had finally arrived to tell Lily and Albus who I really was. I took a deep steadying breath before I stood.
Headmaster! I heard Lily gasp softly causing Dumbledore to chuckle.
iA/N I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
If you are wondering about Ginny, more about her life will be revealed soon, and its a bit different from what I have seen before./i