Harry Potter and the Final Chapter
By
Lewis M. Brooks, III
Chapter 7 – The Weight of the World
The next morning, Ginny woke up early. She got dressed and headed for the kitchen to start breakfast. With thirteen people to cook for, it was going to take a while. When she walked into the living room, she saw Carly asleep in Albus's arms on the couch. Albus was slouched over to one side, and Carly was partially lying on top of him.
Ginny had to smile. They were such a cute couple, they were so right for each other, and not because some old book said they were. Carly had a look on her face of complete happiness, even while she slept.
The fire had gone out and it was chilly, so Ginny got a blanket and covered them up.
Ginny went into the kitchen and started making breakfast. A few minutes after she started, Hermione came in. "Good morning," said Hermione. "Can I help with breakfast?"
"No thanks, I've got it," said Ginny. She had spoons magically stirring bowls and pots. Breakfast was well in hand. Molly Wesley's daughter never needed help in the kitchen.
"I see that the newly engaged didn't call it a night when the rest of us did," said Hermione with a grin. "I can't say I blame them."
"No, they didn't," said Ginny with a smile. "I'm so happy for them. They are going to be so happy. What are you doing up so early?"
"Ron still snores," said Hermione and both of them laughed.
"Well, that's my brother," said Ginny. "Louder than the Hogwarts Express."
"Good morning," said Neville as he entered the kitchen and sat down.
"Good morning," both Ginny and Hermione replied.
"Hermione, I'm going back to Hogwarts this afternoon, I have some plants that need tending too," said Neville. "I'll probably stay there through start of term."
"Neville, why don't you stay with us?" asked Ginny. "Have some fun this summer. You always spend most of the summer holiday at the castle all by yourself."
"No, with everything going on, you and Harry should spend time with James, Albus, Carly, and Lily," said Neville. "I have plenty to keep me busy, and you don't need me hanging around here."
"Come on, Neville," said Ginny. She walked up behind him put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "You're family."
"And I appreciate that, Ginny, but I really have a lot to do," said Neville with a smile. "Thanks, thought." Neville could never tell any of them just how much he really did appreciate it, but he couldn't spend all his time with the Potters and Weasleys, and he did have work to do.
Ginny wasn't going to push. She knew Neville was lonely and hated to think of him all alone in that castle. Hagrid was there though, so at least he would have some company.
Neville had never had a serious relationship. Ginny thought he almost did with Hanna Abbott, but that didn't work out. Ginny wished he would find someone, but knew he was so shy, that it wasn't very likely.
"Neville, as long as you are there, some people from the Ministry will be there to make some preparations for the Triwizard Tournament, they may have some questions," said Hermione. "If you can't answer them, just let me know."
Neville nodded. "Not a problem," said Neville. "I'll take care of things."
"Good morning," said James from the doorway.
"Morning," said Danny, who came in right behind James.
"Good morning," said Ginny, Hermione, and Neville at the same time.
"Aren't you two up early?" asked Hermione. "I figured you would sleep in."
"Neither of us slept very well last night," said James. His voice left little question he was still upset about last night, and it had made sleeping difficult.
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other, they knew James was angry. Danny on the other hand looked worried and a little bit scared. They knew he was worried about Rose.
Though Ron didn't like Danny, Hermione did like him very much. She thought he was a wonderful boy and knew he was completely devoted to Rose. Hermione knew they would be very happy one day. She just needed to get Ron to come around about Danny.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Ginny, looking right at James.
"No," said James flatly. "I don't."
Ginny decided to let it drop for now, and let Harry talk to him.
Danny sat down in a chair next to Hermione. Hermione put a hand over his on the table and leaned over and whispered to him. "Don't worry Danny, she will be all right," said Hermione. "Try not to think about it, it could be years, and you don't want to spend all that time being miserable."
Danny nodded. It didn't make him feel any better about Rose's safety. "Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," said Danny softly.
"So, Hermione, is everything all set for the start of school?" asked Ginny. Any discussion would be better than the funeral atmosphere that had settled over the room with James and Danny's arrival.
"Almost," said Hermione. "Ron and I were talking last night. I think we are going to hire some security help. With all that's going on it would be helpful to have a couple of other people to help Ron keep an eye on things."
James had a sudden thought go through his mind. He gave a sideways look towards Danny, who looked up at him at the same moment. James knew they were thinking the same thing.
The rest of the family slowly trickled into the kitchen, except for Albus and Carly who were still asleep on the couch. They gathered in the dining room for breakfast, as they couldn't all fit at the kitchen table.
In the living room, it was Albus who awoke first. He could smell breakfast, and although they weren't loud, could hear the family in the dining room.
Albus looked at Carly. She was still asleep. He had never had the opportunity to watch her sleep like this. For a few moments, he just watched her. She was as beautiful asleep as she was awake.
He leaned over and began to softly kiss her lips. After a moment, she started kissing him back. After several minutes of kissing, Carly opened her eyes and smiled. "What a wonderful way to wake up," said Carly. "You'll have to wake me like that again sometime."
"Hopefully many, many times," said Albus with a smile. "Did you sleep well, love?"
"Best night's sleep I've ever had," said Carly with a smile. "How could I not? I had the word's best pillow."
Albus laughed. "Well, at least I'm good for something," said Albus. "We should probably go have some breakfast before they eat it all."
"Do I really have to move?" asked Carly with a laugh. "I really like it here."
They got up and headed for the dining room. "Good morning," they both said as they entered the dining room.
They were greeted by a chorus of 'good mornings', and sat down to breakfast. Everyone was at the table. There was a lot of discussion of the previous days events.
It was Hugo that finally asked the important question. "Uncle Harry, what are we supposed to do now?" asked Hugo. "Do we go back to school as if nothing happened next month, or are we supposed to do something to stop Voldemort?"
"Yeah," said Lily. "Should we be doing more training? We all know how to defend ourselves and to duel, but should we be doing anything else to prepare?"
Harry took a breath, and looked around at Ginny, Ron, and Hermione before answering. "The only thing to do is to go on living our lives," said Harry. "Eventually, something will happen, and we'll deal with it then. Don't obsess over it. We will continue training though."
There were nods all around the table, except notably from James. He was staring at his plate and he hadn't said a word to his father, or hardly anyone else all morning.
A little later in the morning, Ron was out in the garden. He sat on the bench in the garden and just enjoyed the warm sun for a few minutes. Yesterday had been such a stressful day that he was happy for a few peaceful minutes.
"Uncle Ron," said James as he walked into the garden, with Danny right behind him.
"Hey James," said Ron purposely ignoring Danny. "What are you up to?"
"We wanted to talk to you," said James as he and Danny came up in front of Ron. Ron stood to meet them.
"Sure, what's up," said Ron to James, still ignoring Danny.
"Aunt Hermione said you were hiring some security help for Hogwarts," said James.
Ron suddenly thought he knew where this was going. If he had thought about it a little bit, he would have seen it coming. "Yes, I think I'm going to hire two security guards," said Ron. "Why do you ask?"
"We want to apply," said James purposefully.
"Well…what about going to Auror training?" asked Ron. "You can't do both."
"We can go later, next year or the year after," said James. "It doesn't matter."
"It's best to start your training right away," said Ron. "You really shouldn't put it off."
"You didn't start right away," said James. "You worked for two years with Uncle George at the store after you graduated Hogwarts before you went to Auror training."
"True, but I needed your Dad to go learn everything so he could teach me first," said Ron with a laugh.
Danny chuckled while James face stayed determined.
"I also had my own Chocolate Frog Card for helping your Dad defeat Voldemort," said Ron seriously. "They would have taken me to Auror training no matter what. You can wait and start late, but they won't necessarily take you."
"Do you really think they would turn me down?" asked James, raising an eyebrow. "The name Potter does tend to open doors. I hate to use my name to open doors like that…but now and then…well…you do what you have to do."
Ron knew he was right. The son of Harry Potter was not going to be turned down for Auror training because he took a year or two off after school. Danny on the other hand didn't have the connections. Ron was considering whether or not he cared about that.
Ron almost asked them why they were doing this, but it would have been a stupid question so he didn't bother.
"Danny, you haven't said much," said Ron is his best, 'you're dating my daughter you better fear me' voice.
Danny opened his mouth for a moment, but said nothing. He decided to put all his cards on the table. He really thought he had nothing to lose.
"Mr. Weasley, I know you don't like me," said Danny looking Ron square in the eyes. "I'm really sorry about that, I really wish you did like me, but I can't do anything about that. It doesn't matter…I'm not going anywhere as long as Rose loves me. I don't deserve her, and she deserves better than me, but I hope to God she never realizes that. I love Rose more than anything in the world, and I want to be there if something happens. I know she doesn't need me to protect her, but I still want to be there. I'm scared for her."
That was awfully honest of Danny, thought Ron grudgingly. Worse than that, Ron was reminded of himself. Perhaps he and Danny weren't all that different.
Ron put that thought out of his mind and vowed to never to think that again. He reminded himself that this was the boy with his hands all over his daughter. Still, right at that moment, Ron was finding it awfully hard to dislike Danny. Ron thought maybe he should try being as honest with himself as Danny had been with him.
Ron knew he couldn't get two better security guards. The best he could hope for were either retired Aurors or members of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad. He was tempted to say no to Danny to keep him away from Rose, but as much as he hated to admit it, Hermione was right. He was going to have to accept Danny sooner or later.
"All right, since you both have passed the entrance tests and background checks for the Auror program, and since I personally know of your skills, I can justify hiring you both. There are two conditions. First, James, you need to tell your father."
"I'm an adult," said James angrily. "I don't need his permission." James was angry with his father already. He really didn't want to talk to him at all, let alone to ask for his permission to take a job.
"I'm not telling you to ask for his permission," said Ron calmingly. "You are quite right, you are an adult and you don't need his permission. But your father is my best friend. I'm not going to lie to him. He needs to know. I won't hire you unless he knows."
James thought a moment. He really didn't have any choice. "Fine," said James. "I'll tell him. I don't want to tell my Mum or anyone else, not until term begins."
"I have to inform Aunt Hermione, she is the Headmistress of the school," said Ron. "I know she will keep it confidential if that's what you want. Besides, your Mum is going to kick your tail from here to Surrey when she finds out. None of us want to be the one to tell her, I can guarantee you that."
James knew Ron was right. His mother was going to be livid, and Ginny Potter livid was a terrifying sight to behold. His mother would just have to live with that. Either that or she'd kill her brother for hiring him.
"What's the other condition?" asked James.
"I'll need a moment with Danny," said Ron. "Could you leave us alone, James?"
James nodded and headed back into the house.
"Have a seat, Danny," said Ron, trying to keep any loathing from his voice. To his own surprise he managed to.
Danny complied and Ron sat next to him. Danny wasn't afraid of his girlfriend's father, but he was somewhat intimidated by him.
Ron was trying to decide what he wanted to say. He knew very well, that in all probability, someday Danny would be his son in law.
"Danny, you do realize, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get back into the Auror training program," said Ron.
"I know," said Danny. "I just can't go off to training when Rose is in danger. If Auror training won't take me later, then I'll do something else. It's not as important as Rose."
Damn, thought Ron. That was just the answer he would have given in Danny's position. Ron really wasn't left with a lot of choice. Perhaps it really was time for him to be honest with himself.
"I'm sorry if I've given you the impression…that I don't like you," said Ron, forcing out the truth he never had admitted before. "You're a good man, Danny, I just don't like you dating my daughter, but then…that's my problem, not yours." Ron paused. "Really, I don't think there is anyone I'd like if they were dating Rose." Someday if you…have a daughter…you'll understand. I just wanted you to know that, but I will deny saying it if you tell anyone."
Danny chuckled. "Thanks, Mr. Weasley," said Danny. "I really appreciate it, and don't worry, I'll continue to cower in fear."
"Good man," said Ron with a grin.
"I hope someday I do know what it's like," said Danny with a smile, feeling more at ease with Ron than he ever had. "I'm sure someday Grandpa will remind me of this conversation when that day comes."
"Don't push you luck, kid," said Ron with a scowl.
"Sorry," said Danny.
Ron grinned. "I promise, when the time comes for you to reapply to the Auror program, I'll make sure they take you," said Ron. "I have a bit of pull with them you might say."
"Thank you," said Danny. "I really appreciate that. I know Rose would too…if she knew, which of course she won't."
"You're learning," said Ron with a grin.
Danny left Ron. Hermione was right. He was going to have to share Rose with Danny. Ron knew it was going to be very difficult to do so. He just couldn't let go of her being his little girl.
"Grandpa," muttered Ron. "God help me."
James went for a long flight on his broom that afternoon. He was so angry at not being told the truth these last five years. He could have helped them. If nothing else, he could have kept a closer watch on everyone, especially Albus. It was his job to protect him after all. They had already almost lost Albus once.
As James flew his anger waned and was replaced by disappointment. Was it that his father didn't trust him? James just needed to understand why they hadn't told him. Perhaps it shouldn't have mattered, but it did.
That night, Harry was sitting in the living room reading a book he had received for his birthday. He was alone. The Weasleys, Danny, and Neville had all gone home that afternoon. It had been a trying couple of days, but they had a month to rest, relax, and enjoy their summer before returning to school, and Harry was going to enjoy it as much as possible.
He did have the 'Prophecy of the Twelve' with him, and would check for new text every once in a while. Harry couldn't not keep it with him and check it, Mad-Eye Moody had taught him too well for that.
Harry was engrossed in the book and didn't notice when someone came into the living room, until they dropped down in the chair opposite where Harry was seated on the couch. Harry thought he could almost feel the temperature in the room drop about ten degrees.
Harry looked up to see James sitting in the chair. Harry had been looking for an opportunity to talk with James, but James had made himself scarce all day. James's jaw sat set, and the scowl he wore could have melted led.
Harry wasn't really sure how to approach this. He knew James was very upset, he had hardly said a word during dinner. James didn't give Harry a chance to say anything.
"Dad, why didn't you tell me about the prophecy?" asked James bluntly. There was no point in beating around the bush.
"James, we didn't tell anyone except Al," said Harry with a sigh. "It isn't like we were just keeping it from you."
"But why, Dad?" asked James. "I understand why you told Al. I do, and have no problem with that, but I still don't understand why you didn't tell me. Did you not trust me?"
"No, James, that's not it at all," said Harry. "We didn't want you to worry about this. It could have been years. It was years, before we knew anything more."
"But I could have helped, Dad," said James angrily. "The book says I'm supposed to be Al's protector. I would have made sure he was safe all this time. I had a responsibility and I didn't even know it. What if something had happened to Al?"
Harry took a breath. James had just illustrated the problem completely without even realizing it. "Albus is fine, and that is exactly why we didn't tell you," said Harry slowly.
"What does that mean?" asked James confusedly.
"James, you can't take everything in that book literally," said Harry. "We didn't tell Lily either, and she has wanted to become a Healer for years, right?"
"Yes," replied James slowly. "I still don't see the point.
"Well it happened just the way the book said it was supposed to, without us telling you all about the book," said Harry. "You say you could have made sure Al was safe all this time. I think you've done exactly that, and since before we had the book. You've always looked out for your brother, even though you used to get on each other's nerves and argue when you were younger. You didn't need a book to tell you to look out for him. You just did it."
James thought about what his father had said. He had always looked out for Albus before they went to Hogwarts. Was that really all the book meant? Was he really taking it too literally? That seemed difficult to swallow.
"Surely the book must mean more than that," said James, a note of apprehension in his voice. "I mean…it must."
"Maybe…but maybe it means exactly that," said Harry calmingly. "You can't take it too literally, James." Harry paused. "James, you are an awful lot like me. I was afraid you would find out what was in the book, and put the weight of the world on your shoulders. I just didn't want that for you. I know what that is like."
James had to admit, his father was right. He would have taken it upon himself to protect everyone he loved. That is what he was doing now. Is some ways, he had been doing that for a long time. Maybe his father was right not to tell him. Now that he knew though, he was going to do his job. He would protect Albus, whatever it took.
"I'm sorry, Dad," said James softly. "I didn't think of it like that."
"Its all right, James," said Harry sympathetically. "I don't blame you for being upset with me. This is going to be hard for all of us."
James took a breath. "There is something else, Dad," said James. "I'm not going to Auror training in the fall."
Harry was shocked. Being an Auror was all James had wanted to do since he was small. "Why, James?" asked Harry. He knew it was a stupid question as soon as it was out of his mouth. "Don't answer that. I already know."
"Uncle Ron is going to give Danny and I jobs as security guards at Hogwarts," said James. "He said the one condition was that I tell you."
"James, you don't have to do this," said Harry. "You should go to Auror training. If something happens, we will contact you."
"So I can do what?" asked James incredulously. "Identify the bodies."
Both were silent for a moment. The enormity of the statement was sinking in for both of them, and it hung in the air like thick smoke.
"Dad, I'm not twelve years old anymore," said James. "I know damn well what all of us facing Voldemort means. It means we may not all make it. When it's over, I don't want to look back on what I could have done while we bury someone. I couldn't…I couldn't live with that."
Harry just stared at him a moment. He knew James was right. He knew it all too well. James had just said what they were all thinking, and no one wanted to face. Harry couldn't argue he would do the same thing in James position. He would not turn away when the people he loved were in danger either. It wasn't in him to do it, just like it wasn't in James.
"All right, it's your choice, James," said Harry. "I can't make you go, and I won't interfere if Uncle Ron is going to hire you. I just hope you know what you are doing and have thought this through." Harry paused. "I assume Danny isn't going to Auror training either."
James nodded. "I'm going to go to bed," said James. "Please don't tell anyone we're not going to training. Mum's going to have a fit, and I would rather put that off as long as possible."
Harry nodded. James was absolutely right. Ginny was going to have a fit. That might even be putting it mildly.
James got up and left the room. Harry just sat there. It was exactly what he didn't want to happen. James was putting his life on hold because of Voldemort. It was James life though, and Harry knew he couldn't interfere.
More than anything though, he knew James was right. James had said the one thing Harry had tried not to think about, but always knew was true. They might not all make it.
Harry tried to read some more, but he couldn't concentrate. He tossed the book on the coffee table and just sat there. It was going to be a very long year at Hogwarts. Not only with the prophecy, but Harry was uneasy about the Triwizard Tournament. He knew he shouldn't be. He knew that Albus, Carly, and Rose wouldn't enter, and Lily and Hugo were too young. Something about it just gave him a bad feeling.
