Chapter four

By the time it came to Harry's birthday, he continued to help at Hogwarts. The castle was looking better than he thought it would. Harry told Mrs. Weasley he didn't want a fuss for his birthday, just a normal family dinner. She tried to argue but realised Harry really didn't want anything big or fancy. So she was only going to have the family there, along with Andromeda and Teddy because Harry loved spending time with his godson.

During this time, Ginny had tried, subtly to see if they could live in the house Dumbledore left Harry, after they both left Hogwarts that was. Ginny had a year to go after Harry left, unless a scout offered her a position at the end of this year, then she wouldn't have to return for her seventh year. But Harry never gave in, he wanted to live in Godric's Hollow and the house Dumbledore gave him would just be used for holidays. Harry even realised that Ginny had tried to get her mother and Hermione to talk Harry into living in that house, but Harry refused to change his mind. He wanted to live in Godric's Hollow where the Potters had lived for generations and if Ginny didn't want that when their Hogwarts days were over, then they might as well go their separate ways now. Ginny realised how serious Harry was, so she finally gave up all ideas to get Harry to change his mind and that was mainly because she loved Harry and wanted a future with him.

Harry knew that hurt Ginny because she did admit she loved him, but he thought she should understand how much he wanted to live in the place his parents lived, he wanted to feel close to them and it meant living there. Finally Harry had to explain that to her as she had her parents and family, she knew everything about them and didn't understand what Harry was feeling, finally she did. Harry did admit to Ginny he cared about her, but Harry only admitted to himself that he wasn't sure how strong that was or if it would last, so he never said anything or let Ginny know that his feelings might not be as strong for her as hers were for him. He just figured he needed more time to get used to this free and safe life he had now, not like the life he had been living with for years.

Harry was again standing outside one of the walls of Hogwarts, working on fixing the damage, when McGonagall stepped over to him.

'Hi professor,' he smiled, 'It's really starting to look like Hogwarts again.'

'Yes it is and we've just finished the hospital wing and the house rooms, so it's getting there. I'm getting all the letters ready to send out, you said you're returning, which I am pleased about, but I would like to know about quidditch.'

'I want to play professor, it's my last year and I might finally get a full year without something happening.'

'I was hoping you would, so you will be captain, but you will need to wait for your letter like everyone else. I needed to know in case you didn't want to play, then I would have to work on someone else.'

'Well, you've got me and if I can, you'll have that cup in your office by the end of the year.'

She smiled, 'I can only hope you play as good as you used to. Now one more thing, as you won't be here tomorrow, Albus asked me to give this too you for your birthday.' she held out a small wrapped box.

'He's already given me plenty, the pensieve and the house,' Harry took the package then opened it, 'I thought this was buried with him.'

'No, I found instructions regarding his rings, one was to go to you on your eighteenth birthday and one to Aberforth, which he already has. I will tell you Harry, this ring was given to Albus by his partner and he cherished it.'

Harry stared down at the ring, then slipped it onto his finger and felt it go warm and tighten so it fit.

'He charmed it.'

'Yes, he told me that as well and I must say it does suit you.'

'Apart from the watch Mrs. Weasley gave me last year, this is the only other piece of jewellery I own. I was thinking of getting an earring, like Charlie and Bill, but changed my mind. Being an auror is dangerous and that could just get in my way.'

'That is not something I thought you would do, but then again, having known you over the last seven years is a lot different than getting to know you now as an adult. You never had a normal upbringing or a normal year here. So you are still probably working out who you are and what you like, what type of man you are.' Minerva smiled at Harry wondering if he will ever work it out, most of the time he thinks about others, never much about himself.

'Yeah, I am actually, I never had time to think about all that before, so even though I have no idea just yet, I know one day it will happen. I thought of something the other day, I'm a work in progress,' Harry smiled hugely when Minerva sniggered, 'It felt right when I thought that. Anyway, if it's alright, I'll come see Dumbledore before heading to the Burrow?'

'My office is always open for you Harry, I know you like to speak with Albus. Now I'll get back to work, oh and happy birthday for tomorrow.'

'Thanks,' Harry smiled then looked down at the ring again.

After finishing his work for the day, Harry spoke with Dumbledore, showed him the ring before leaving. He stepped into the kitchen and again Ginny launched herself at him making Harry laugh before they started snogging.

'Harry, what's that?' Hermione pointed.

Harry walked over and showed Hermione, 'Dumbledore wanted me to have this for my birthday. The moment I put it on, it shrunk to fit my finger, his partner gave it to him, looks good doesn't it.'

'I remember him wearing that, he really must have liked you mate.'

'Yeah, but it's strange, this is the type of ring I would buy for myself, it's like Dumbledore knew,' Harry stared at the ring again, 'Anyway, good news, McGonagall told me I am quidditch captain, so there's three of us.'

'Did she say anything about our letters?' Hermione asked anxiously.

'Yes, she's doing them now, oh and I asked Sluggy, he's leaving and Snape is going to be the potions teacher again,' Harry and Ron groaned, 'My sentiments exactly Ron, the git. He still sneers at me when we see each other. You'd think that since I know he loved my mother he would give me a break.'

'He still sees the man that stole her, as far as he's concerned that is.'

'I know Mrs. Weasley, but I'm not my father no matter how much I look like him. From what Sirius and Remus said, I'm more like my mother than my father, personality wise. I just wish he'd lighten up on me and I know he's going to give me a hard time in potions because he knows I need an O to be accepted into the auror training program. Blimey I wish I had that book even if it was his.'

'So do I, you were better than me and I need an O as well. Let's do what Hermione always tells us and ignore him, well, we can try to ignore him.'

'I'm going to, I'm going to do everything I can so he can't start on me.'

'Good attitude to have and even though I don't think he could help himself. We need to ignore him and do whatever we can to pass our potions.' Hermione said but could tell Harry, Ron and Ginny looked as sceptical as she felt when it came to Snape.