Chapter Seven

"It's Real Fun Being a Potter"

The Banshee's Broke In!

Alrick Fulton lead singer of the Screaming Banshee's was arrested in the early hours of the morning for trying to break in to the home of the Minister for Magic Harry Potter. He fled the house after setting off alarms when trying to force entry. He was picked up a few blocks away from the house. Reasons as to why he was trying to get in haven't been released but there have been rumors of a relationship between Fulton, 28 and Lily Potter 15. This wouldn't be the first older gentleman that it has been rumored of the youngest Potter canoodling with. The Law Enforcement Squad is detaining Fulton while he awaits trial.

The Tattler

Mark was in Diagon Alley at the post office picking up Ginny's fan mail that they hold for her each week. He did it every week, he picked it up took it to the ministry to be checked for curses, hexes, and other hazardous goo. But today his routine was interrupted as he exited the post office with his large sack of mail, he found he had company.

"Are the Potter's pressing charges"

"Are they going to send Alrick to prison?"

Mark was quite comfortable in the fact that no one knew who he was. He was just the guy who stood next to Ginny holding her purse at red carpet events. But with the looming fate of the Lead Singer of the Screaming Banshees up in the air, they were going to harass anyone close to the Potter's.

"Is this some sort of vendetta about the alleged affair between Lily Potter and Fulton?"

"No comment," Mark said pushing through the reporters. "Out of the way"

Stamford Jorkins tried to cross the atrium at the Ministry to get to the floo. Press surrounded him all the way.

"Will the Minister be releasing a statement?"

"Has a trial date been set?"

"At this time Minister Potter has no statement about his home invasion. He is happy just as the rest of us that his family is safe. We ask that all of you respect the privacy of the Minister and his family. Have a good day," Stamford stepped into the floo and disappeared.

Raleigh Grace is a stage and wireless actress, so when the tall golden blonde witch exited from the WWN building where she was recording the new season of the wireless soap opera she starred in fans waiting to get her autograph was not unusual. Which she always happily signed however today the ever-persistent press joined them

"Hi Raleigh"

"Hi," she really didn't want to talk to them.

"How's the new season coming?"

"It's going really well, thank you," she knew that they were trying to butter her up to ask her about Lily, she signed a young woman's playbill.

"Do you know how long Lily Potter has been in a relationship with Alrick Fulton?"

She rolled her eyes, "I am not going to discuss the personal life of my friend," she signed the arm of a teenage boy. "Thanks guys." She turned and disappeared.

One of the fireplaces lit up in the Atrium and Draco Malfoy stepped out he didn't get two steps before…

"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy," the heathens ran at him

"You've always had a poor relationship with Harry Potter do you think he's capable of sending a famed musician to jail?"

"What?" Draco couldn't believe some git was asking him his opinion on all things Potter.

"It's public knowledge that you and Minister Potter hate each other. Any comments…"

"Yes one… fuck off!" He stormed away

"Do you ever think he'll come out of there?"

"He has to eventually"

There were a couple of photographers waiting outside of the restaurant in Diagon Alley where Albus Potter was having lunch with three friends. So far all they got were photos of the back of his cap-covered head.

"His pint is almost empty, perhaps soon"

"How old is he"

"He's seventeen no underage drinking angle… I think we've got movement."

Al and his friends stood from the table and began to put their coats on, the photographers rushed to the door to prepare for his exit. A few moments later the three people he was with came out and there was no Al.

"THE ALLEY!" one of the men shouted before they charged behind the building. They got a quick glimpse of him before he disappeared into thin air.

"Fucking sods," Al said under his breath as he entered his house. "Hey Jim," he went into the sitting room, "Where are the parents." Al asked Lily who was stretched across the couch with a fashion magazine.

"Oh well let's see it's a Saturday afternoon which means Dad's at the ministry and mum is probably creeping around some muggle establishment in a trench coat and sunglasses!" Hissed Lily

"What bit you on the butt," he pushed her feet off the couch so he could sit down.

"Oh I don't know perhaps it's the fact that everyone thinks I'm some big hoe!" She sat up and slammed her magazine on the coffee table. "I have not now or ever dated Alrick Fulton!"

"What did you expect, your Harry Potter's daughter you can't just run about with famed friends and think no one would notice," he rolled his eyes. "Beside's it'll blow over"

"As soon as the world finds out whether Alrick will spend the next six months in Azkaban," spat Lily. "I'm sure they're already bothering everyone we know, did they hound you?"

"Of course not," he lied.

Lily looked at him skeptically but she didn't push it, she knew he was probably just trying to be nice. The sitting room door opened…

"Hey," said James coming in. "Is dad here?"

"No"

"Great where are his spare car keys," asked James

"You know you're not allowed to drive Dad's car. Not since that time you brought it back with that dent," said Al

"First off it was a ding not a dent. You hit one stop sign and Harry completely loses it," said James innocently

"You were parked at the time," said Lily.

"Where are you going anyway," asked Al

"I'm getting some new art stuff, a lot and I won't be able to carry it."

"What's the new inspiration?"

"I have no idea but I got a show!" He did a happy jump.

"Really," said Lily as if she couldn't believe it, "have they seen your work."

James scowled, "just because you're under lock and key doesn't mean you have to bring the rest of us down!"

"You haven't heard," Al raised an eyebrow. "Last night Alrick Fulton tried to break in and of course today it was all over the papers and on the wireless. They're calling Lily a two sickle hussy, it's alright when I say it because it comes from a place of love but when it's on the cover on the Skeeter Report it's just gone too far." Lily threw a pillow at him, "I was just being honest… you really should put your head in the wizarding world from time to time."

"Oh yeah so then I can be rampaged with questions about my little sisters love life with a rock star who also happens to be an old man"

Lily chuckled, "leave it to my brothers to join in on the Lily Potter bashing."

"Not a problem… but I'm going to be taking the car and going. If by a small chance Dad gets home at a descent hour don't tell him," James said opening drawers looking for the keys. "If he thinks the car has been stolen just let him keep thinking it."

"The keys aren't in there," said Al

"Please be a dear and tell me where they are"

Al reached in his pocket and pulled out his key ring, along with his house keys and the key to his trunk was the key to Harry's Volvo.

"You've had them the whole time you little git," James said reaching for them but Al pulled them out of his reach.

"Just for that I won't volunteer to take you"

"You don't have to give me those keys," James tackled him.

"Lily, catch," Al tossed her the keys. James got off of Al and got trapped in a game of keep away between his siblings.

"What are you three doing?" Ginny came into the living room, she removed her dark sunglasses from her trench coat and hat ensemble.

"Nothing," Al lied slipping the keys he just caught back into his pocket.

"Uh huh, that's why all three of you are red in the face from jumping about," she said removing her coat and hat.

"Well if you must know…"

"Oh Al, keep your gob shut," hiss James. "How are you Mum," he went over to hug her, "I haven't seen you since you got back. How was the tour, did you bring me anything?"

"It was fine, I didn't bring you a thing and why were you trying to get Al's keys," she crossed her arms

"I wasn't"

"You know your father doesn't want you driving his car," she said knowingly

"I had one mishap and why does he have the keys anyway. What did Dad give him the car for perfect grades?"

"He said he could drive it while he was home is all," explained Ginny. "What do you need it for?"

"I got a show…"

"Oh my god, congratulations," she cheered and pulled him into another hug. "When is it?"

"As soon as I have stuff to put in, I wanted to go get some new supplies"

"Al drive him"

"Do I have to," he whined

"Yes and take your sister with you, before she falls into a deep depression and never leaves the house again," said Ginny

"But mum I've done my goofing off for the day, I need to study or have you forgotten this is my NEWT year!"

"Just do it!"

"I'll go fetch Ben," sighed Lily.

"No need I'm sure Al will tell me if you misbehave. Also we're leaving a ten tomorrow for your grandparents and you all better be packed and ready to go!" She left the room.

(Page Break)

The Potter children crossed the street from their house, Al unlocked the car with the button and they all climbed in, well they all climbed in after James and Lily pushed and shoved for the front seat. James won and Lily swore under her breath as she climbed into the back.

"So what did you guys get Mum and Dad for Christmas," asked James as they pulled away from the curb.

"I didn't get them anything yet," said Al

"They cut me off so they screwed themselves in that way," said Lily.

"Well I suppose I'm not putting my name on any of those"

"You know you're the only one of us with a real source of income we should be putting our names on your gift," Al pointed out.

"When's the last time he sold a painting, Dad had to give him rent for his birthday," smirked Lily

"I didn't need the rent, he only did it because he forgot about my birthday but when Dad willing opens his wallet you don't say no," said James, "I sold two of the pieces from the lighting series…"

"Great then I vote you pay for the gift! All agree raise your hand," Said Al as he and Lily raised their hands.

"Oh gee, thanks for the honor"

"Majority rules bro," Al said slowing down at a red light.

"You know I have no idea what we should give them," sighed James

"I suggested lingerie to Dad but he wouldn't listen," said Lily

"Ew!" James and Al said together scrunching up their faces at the thought of their parents in that way.

Lily laughed, "It's not that bad"

"Forgive me for not wanting to picture my parents in the sack," spat Al. "I have to get this image out of my head. Sneezewort, scurvy-grass, lovage… "

"What are you on about," James looked at Al as if he lost his mind.

"It's amazing you got out of school, potions ingredients. Who can tell me the name of the potion," he asked

"It amazes me that you use school work to take your mind off things."

"It's a befuddlement draught," Al said as if it was obvious, "I figure if I say it enough I can confuse myself into forgetting, shit now I have to start all over, sneezewort, scurvy-grass, lovage…"

"You do that but you need to make a right up here," said James. Al made the turn, "it's up here on the left."

"You guys get out, I'll go find someplace to park," he said double parking and putting on the emergency lights. Lily and James got out of the car and went inside the store.

James looked giddy as if he was a kid in a candy store. Lily looked at him as if he had gone insane. "You need to get laid," she said to his expression.

"I got lucky two days ago," his grin widened as he dived in, "get a cart."

What does one wear when they're meeting Draco for dinner, why does it matter what one wears when their meeting Draco for dinner, Ginny thought removing the v-neck she decided was showing too much cleavage. Ginny was meeting Draco for an early dinner, she had to go early because she was leaving for her parents tomorrow and she always like to be in place to make sure her children were ready. He allowed her to pick the restaurant and she couldn't wait to see his face when he arrived. He was going to hate it.

The doorbell rang and as usual she didn't make moves to answer it. She missed answering the door. She continued on her search for a top, a few minutes later there was a knock on her bedroom door.

"Ginny it's me" she heard Mark call from the other side of the door.

"Come in."

"Hey"

"Hi how was your day?" she asked coming out of the closet in a sheer blousy thing.

"Fine, other than the request of my comments of the Fulton situation"

Ginny rolled her eyes, "god, this is going to be out of control."

"What happened, I woke up to the same half truths as everyone else and the only comment I made was no comment, get out of the way. Oh here's your mail," the letters that occupied his sack earlier were now neatly sorted in a box.

"Thanks, he was bringing Lily a Christmas present and decided her window to be a better option than the door."

"They're making it sound like she's been running a brothel out of her bedroom," informed Mark.

"I know…"

Mark looked her up and down, "hot date?"

"No why do you say that?"

"I can see through your shirt and it looks like you took care to straighten your hair"

"Does it," Ginny was tempted to put her hair up but the truth was she did take time and she didn't want it to go to waste.

He smirked, "yes"

"Just meeting a friend… but what do you think about this," she did a spin.

"I different top… oh and Teen Witch asked if they could put Lily on the cover again."

Ginny went back into the closet, "I don't think so, what is this every time she gets into trouble she becomes a hot commodity," she came out of the closet in the camisole she had on under her sheer blouse with a black embroidered cardigan over it.

"Much better, also Harry's office wants to know if you're going to accompany him when he makes his visits around Britain next month."

"No"

"Are you sure, you had so much fun last time," he chuckled.

"I can't take the time off from work."

Several industrial sized bottles of paint, some new brushes, a couple rolls of canvas, a few sketch pads, and an assortment of charcoal and pencils later. They were loading James crap into the car. "Are you guys in a rush to get home?"

"No"

"What did you have in mind?" Wondered Lily

"I have one idea," said James pointing behind his brother and sister. They turned around…

(Page Break)

Lily held her gun close to her chest as she hid behind a glow in the dark rock, she heard footsteps and jumped out and shot Al once in the chest. The target in his vest lit up as she dived back behind the rock. She stayed low to the ground as she went the other way; she looked around before she crept across the room and hid behind a pole. Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement, when the figure got closer she jumped out and shot James twice before doing a forward roll behind a glow and the dark painted trash can. This put her in the perfect position to get another clear shot at Al…

"I WON!" Shouted Lily bursting from the darken room out into the lobby of the laser tag center, Al and James dragging their feet out behind her, the people staring at her as she danced about hoisting her gun in the air.

James had suggested Laser tag because he was trying to keep Lily out of the house. He thought it would be nice, to get her mind off things because she was good at hiding things. And James knew his sister was no prude but he also knew that if the entire wizarding world was calling her a hoe, it was bothering her. He may have had good intentions but having her beat the crap out of him in laser tag wasn't one of them.

"No need to gloat," said Al

"Ha! When have you ever given up an opportunity to gloat?" Smirked Lily, "you're just a sore loser"

"Hey do you guys want the complimentary photo," asked the teenage boy behind the counter where they return their equipment.

"Yes," cheered Lily excitedly, "I never want to forget this day. When little ol' me beat the two of you!"

"Stand over there," he pointed to the screen, they gathered in front, Lily held her gun up to James head and smirked, he widened his eyes in terror, Al grinned like an idiot and James put bunny ears up behind his head. "Great, it will be ready in a moment."

"Thank you," said Al pulling off his vest. "You know," He turned to James, "this may be a good gift for Mum and Dad."

"Gift certificate for laser tag"

"No the photo," the young man handed it too him, "or maybe not," Al said looking at it. "What were you guys thinking?"

"We were having a good time," shrugged Lily, "you should take a note, we should give it too them just like this."

"Well not just like this," said James taking the photo. "We hit the copy store blow it up and get a frame."

"This is a great present, the complementary photo that came with our game of laser tag, ten pounds to have it blown up and what about fifteen quid for a frame. Our parents certainly are priceless," said Al.

"You're better than me, I got my parents cookie mix," said the guy behind the counter.

"See we're not that bad after all," smiled Lily.

"Yeah it was on sale for 2.99 at Tesco."

(Page Break)

When Draco appeared on the street corner, he crossed the street and the number on the building matched the address Ginny gave him. He looked up at the building and wished it was a joke and knowing Weasley it wasn't. He grunted and pulled open the door. He looked around and saw Ginny standing by the bar.

"Tell me you didn't have to make a reservation at a place with a giant sombrero on the outside," he said joining her.

"Well hello to you too"

"Hello, is this your idea of a joke?"

"I knew you'd love this place," she laughed. His face was truly the reward she hoped for. He looked so displeased with her selection of restaurant. "It may be a bit silly but the food is amazing."

Draco watched as a waitress walked pass him wearing a sombrero that had nachos in it. "A bit silly"

"Thanks for meeting me early"

"Not a problem I have a date tonight"

"Could she be the one?"

"I'm not looking for the one. I'm looking for many ones"

"You don't want a good stable healthy relationship?"

"No I just want to get laid"

She laughed, "Well they wouldn't seat me until my party was here, so come on," she said walking over to the hostess stand. "This is my party, can we be seated now?"

"Yes right this way," the hostess smiled falsely and led them through the restaurant to a table in the center of the room. The restaurant was moderately crowded. It was a Saturday evening so people were dining with their families.

"She acts as if you made her work here," Draco said once she walked away.

"Well with her attitude she wonders why she's only still hostess," Ginny opened her menu. "We should get sangria."

"Of course"

"Hola, welcome to Senor Gracias Canta, I'm Gus. I'll be your waiter. What's this I hear about sangria," said the waiter putting chips and salsa on the table.

"We'd like some," said Draco

"Glass or pitcher"

"Pitcher," they answered together.

"Are you ready to order?"

"No we need more time," smiled Ginny.

"Great, I'll be right back with your drinks?"

"You like pushing my buttons don't you," Draco asked digging into the chips and salsa.

"Oh yeah, they have sombreros for kids do you want one?"

Draco shook his head. They stared at each other for a few minutes, this was the first time this evening he actually took some time to look at her. Her hair seemed straighter than usual and there was a small hint of perfume in the air. He raised his eyebrow

"What?"

"Nothing," he hid his face behind his menu. He shrugged it off as her having plans later because that was the only logical explanation but in the off chance she didn't have plans he was sort of flattered, "what's good here?"

"I like the chicken empanadas, in fact I think that's what I'm going to get," she closed her menu and dug into the chips. "Oh, I got you something," she said reaching into her bag. She handed him a red envelope.

"What is it," he asked opening it, "it's not one of those singing cards is it. I wouldn't want a Potter fiasco"

"For the millionth time I did not send that," she defended.

"Yeah right," when he opened it, it didn't sing. All it said was to Draco happy holidays from Ginny and, "season passes to the Falmouth Falcons, you shouldn't have."

"It was the least I could do"

"No these are great thanks, I feel bad for not getting you anything"

"Its fine, like I said it was the least I could do, the team manager gave them to me. I can't stand them and I figured they were most likely your team of choice."

"Way to re-gift"

"I try"

"Here's your Sangria are you ready to order?"

(Page Break)

"How long does it take to throw clothes in a bag," Lily asked as she sat in one of the two chairs her brother owned.

"Honestly man, it's not like you have to impress anyone. We've been here for over an hour," Al sat down on James futon. "Plus I'm hungry."

James was packing for their two day trip to their grandparents. He figured he would go home with his brother and sister so he wouldn't have to wake up as early to meet them.

"I wouldn't sit there if I were you Al, James probably didn't change his sex sheets," said Lily as Al hopped up extremely quick.

"That's enough," James said coming out of the bathroom with an arm full of hair care products. "I changed my sheets and I'm ready," he said dropping the items into his bag and zipping it up.

"Great let's eat," said Al opening the door and exiting.

They went around the corner to this dive in James neighborhood. There was a no name band playing who weren't half bad. Lily told her brothers to get her a salad and she went to dance near the foot of the stage. They slid into a booth in the back and pulled the menus out of the holder.

"This place is a dump?" said Al pouring over the list of about fifty burgers

"I know but try the mushroom burger it's awesome," said James

"What can I get you?" Asked their waitress loudly over the music

"I would like the mushroom burger and a pint of whatever's on tap," said James. "Also a garden salad no dressing and do you have distilled water?"

"We have tap water"

"Well a glass of that we'll tell her it's distilled."

"And for you"

"I'll have the BBQ burger and a pint of whatever he's having."

"Great I'll be right back."

Al pulled out a book and began reading

"So how bad is it?" James asked Al seriously. Al shrugged, "Al!" James shouted

"What?" He said looking up from his book.

"How bad is this Fulton thing?"

"Oh, I got bothered this afternoon but other than that I couldn't say."

"Is she really dating him?"

Al shook his head no, "I don't think she's into him… yet. I think she needed this, she acts like nothing bothers her but you can tell the rumors get to her."

James watched his brother turn his attention back to his book. He was a bit confused Al always seemed to have his head up his butt or in a book like now. He didn't think he ever realized anything around him other than himself

"Oh my god these guys are awesome," said Lily bopping over and sliding into the seat next to James. "Oh and I got the lead guitarist number."

"You're so friendly," said Al sarcastically.

"Jealous"

"Why would I be jealous that you got the number of some guy you don't know?"

"I just mean because you're the only one at this table who's still a virgin," she smirked

"What makes you think that?"

"Well you are sort of blushing man," said James

"Oh whatever," Al turned the page of his book and returned his nose to it.

(Page Break)

It was after midnight when Harry dragged himself into his room, he had expected Ginny to be asleep but she wasn't. She was sitting up in bed working, "hi"

"Hi, you look terrible."

He smiled, "thanks, what are you doing up?"

"Waiting for the kids"

"Where are they?"

"If I said I knew I'd be lying"

"Does it have something to do with the fact that my car is no longer parked across the street and that Garth from two doors down has now parked his beat up Volkswagen bus in that spot?"

"You would think that car was the most important thing in your life."

"Oh well it is," he said sarcastically. Harry kicked off his shoes and climbed into bed. He closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm going to tell you something, I need you to promise not to hit me…"

"Why do I need to promise that," she said looking away from her papers.

"Just promise"

"I promise"

"I can't go with you tomorrow," Ginny reached over and pinched him on the arm, "Ow!" He opened his eyes, "You promised"

"I know that's why I pinched you. It's Christmas Eve Harry!"

"I know and I have to do something's in the morning, I'll be there before dinner," he explained

"Uh huh," she scowled.

"Don't do that uh huh thing with me," he rolled his eyes. "I don't want to do it but I have to"

"Fine… but we do need to discuss Alrick"

"No we don't," Harry rolled out of bed. "The man tried to break into my house let the chips fall where they may."

"Yes but there's a problem with that idea, you cannot put the lead singer of the Scream Banshee's in jail without a social upheaval. Remember what happened with Merlin…"

"That was totally justified if you're a mega rap star you shouldn't get hopped up on illegal substances in public. People got over that…"

"Yeah until you did it again…"

"Well he did it again…"

"You know the Screaming Banshees are up for artist of the year at the British Magical Music Awards, I don't think they want him to send his acceptance speech from a cell in Azkaban."

Harry sighed, "He should have thought about that before he tried to break in."

"He was just trying to see Lily not slit our throats!"

"That's just as bad!"

"Plus you haven't been Minister for a full two months yet and this will be the second high profile situation we've been in. This one is more scandalous than the LES thing. I don't know about you but I don't think this is the best way to begin your term." Ginny said flipping through her papers, "so we won't be pressing charges."

"Oh yes we are"

Ginny looked up at Harry, "no we're not," she said sternly as if that was that.

Harry grunted and stormed into the bathroom, he knew he wasn't going to get his way and he rather not argue about it anymore so he could feel like a fool.

(Page Break)

"Can I have that," Lily pointed to Al's half empty pint.

"It's not light beer?"

"So"

"I thought you were counting calories?"

"Not tonight," Al pushed the glass across to her.

They had finished eating awhile ago but Lily danced more, and then hung out with the lead guitarist after his set. When James ventured to the bar to get another drink he also managed to get the bartenders number and Al was over half way through his book, so all and all they were all having a good time.

"Don't tell mum!" He hissed.

"I won't," she downed the rest of the contents. "Let's blow this joint"

The night had been going so well as they spent the day with the muggles. They left the restaurant actually feeling pretty good. They didn't even notice when a man who was hanging about outside followed them down the street. It wasn't until he pulled a camera out from under his coat and began taking photos that they noticed.

"Evening Potter's, what have you been up to tonight…"

Lily pulled her hood up over her head and kept her face down, James wrapped his arm around her and she buried her face in him while he made sure she didn't run into anything.

"Lily how do you feel about sending a rock star to prison…"

He followed them all the way to the car. The muggles kept giving double takes thinking they were famous. Al opened the car, Lily willingly got into the back seat this time. So she could lay face down.

"Any comments on being called a hoe"

"Hey man! That's enough!" James shouted angrily before he got into the car

Al rolled down the window, "Can you move please," he hissed at the photographer who decided standing in front of the car was a good idea. He would have liked to run over him but he felt his father would frown upon that, mainly because Harry would kill him if he brought his car back with a dent in it.

"How did he find us?" Whined Lily

"Probably some other witch or wizard hanging about sent in a tip," Al said backing up so he could pull around the git.

"Lily you certainly know how to cause a stir," said James.

"Even bigger than the Mike Sloper in the Swamp incident," said Al

"What Mike Sloper in the swamp incident?" Asked James

"She pushed him into the swamp at school"

"Well the little git shouldn't have tried to grab my ass!" She sat up

"Oh well then it was totally justified," said James

"It took Mike six hours to get that smell out of his hair," informed Al.

"Serves him right"

"Hey, he's my mate"

"Well tell your mate to keep his hands to himself," said James, "although he probably likes you Lily."

"No he doesn't," defended Al, "and I quote she's too scrawny."

(Page Break)

Ginny heard commotion out in the hall. She figured it was her children. She got out of bed to go check it out…

"Where have you guys been?"

"We went to my place then dinner," shrugged James.

"It's like twelve thirty in the morning"

"It was a long dinner, have a good night," James headed up the steps at the end of the hall to the third floor where his old room was located.

"You know James, it takes him hours to pack his hair products," Al said following him upstairs.

"SHUT UP!" shouted James

"It's not my fault that you didn't get the mess of Potter hair honestly," Al yelled back

"I suppose Chevonne loves your messy red hair!"

"LILY have you been telling everybody!"

Lily smirked, "Night mum," she disappeared into her room.

Ginny didn't know if she believed them, she had a strange feeling they had some sort of secret life she didn't know about and it scared her. Not the fact that she didn't know about it but what they were getting up to. "Perhaps I should instate a curfew," she said closing her bedroom door.

"What was that," Harry asked coming out of the bathroom.

"They're home"

"How about my car"

"I didn't ask but seeing as Al wasn't carrying a steering wheel, I think we can assume it's safe," Ginny rolled her eyes.

Harry crossed the room to the window. He opened it up and craned his neck to see down the street, "he probably had to park it on the next block. Curse this invisible house and its lack of driveway!"

_Happy Holidays_

Weasley Christmas's are the best, more pastries than you can eat. Mrs. Weasley's home cooking and hand knit sweaters. Every year the entire family gathers at the burrow for some good old fashion holiday fun. It's a two-day event, Christmas Eve and day. Every red head was counted for, Arthur and Charlie got a tree too big for the house and spent half the afternoon trying to get it through the front door, and Al happily told his grandmother about school while he helped with dinner. Molly also took every possible chance to grill Victoire about why she was living with Teddy and they had no plans to marry.

Ginny was in her old bedroom preparing to go to bed it was Christmas night and every present had been unwrapped, turkey dinner finished and she was spreading out sleeping bags for her children. Harry missed all the excitement, he promised to be there before dinner on Christmas Eve and well now Christmas was over. She was acting as if nothing was wrong but she had a strange feeling her mother knew something was up.

She sighed and stared out her window she wished it would have snowed, a white Christmas would have been so nice. It was the same window she once kissed Harry in front of. The same window that the owl tapped on around one o'clock that morning with the note from Harry saying he would be here in the afternoon. Unfortunately she was correct not to believe it.

"I don't want to sleep on the floor again," Lily said coming into the room in her pajamas.

"You can sleep with me."

"I stole these from various places about the house," Al said coming in with a large stack of pillows. He assembled them on the floor and took the sleeping bag his mother had laid out for him and put it on top. "They should make for better sleep tonight. If anyone asks they were here, when we got here."

"You're going to share right," James came in and closed the door behind him

"I don't think so," James grabbed one of the pillows, "give that back." James hit him in the face with the pillow. "Fine if that's the way you want to play it."

Al picked up one of the pillows and hit him back. They began attacking each other.

"Settle down," said Ginny. James didn't mean to do it but he accidentally let his pillow slip and it went flying into his mothers face. "Oh that's it," she picked up the pillow and joined in. There were feathers flying everywhere and Lily found herself trapped in the fight as well.

The door opened and they all stopped, the last feathers slowly floating through the air to the floor. "I see you weren't missing me at all," said Harry.

"Nope," said Lily, "but you missed the sleeping arrangements so pick your favorite stop on the floor."

"I am too old to lie on the floor, if I get down there someone will have to help me up."

"We've got your back Dad," said Al.

"Well I'm going to run to the loo, while you guys clean up these feathers," Harry backed out of the room.

"How do we clean this up," asked James

"Just scour it," said Ginny she followed Harry from the room. "Hey," she called after him, "Where have you been?"

"At the Ministry, things took longer than expected."

She pulled him into the bathroom and closed the door. "You know that today is Christmas right?"

"Of course"

"Alright then tell me why everyone else at the Ministry can make it to their family table!"

"Everyone is not Minister for Magic!"

"I don't fucking care what everyone else is, I care that you're never around."

"I had to work, I sent you an owl. And I'm here now!"

"You know, it may be easy for us to pretend that we don't fight in front of complete strangers but when my mother eyes me every time I answer about your whereabouts. It's annoying, uncomfortable, and has me feeling like I'm sixteen, and I don't like it!"

"Gin I'm sorry I was late, I'll tell Molly I really was at the Ministry if that will make it better," said Harry.

"You know what will make it better, you being where you say you're going to be," she pushed pass him out of the bathroom.

(Page Break)

"5, 4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR" Willow's house exploded with cheers and confetti magically fell out of nowhere. Ginny was watching through the window, she was outside on the patio. Everyone was having a wonderful time. Willow's parties were always fun and this New Years he invited all his friends and their families to party. Everyone was decked out in their festive black and white. She was completely surprised when Draco and his son showed up, also a bit bummed she hadn't gotten a chance to talk to him.

She turned around and leaned on the railing, she was having the cigarette she barrowed from James. Willow's backyard was lovely and looked great with snow falling on it. It was too bad it wasn't sticking so it was more like fluffy rain but it was pretty nonetheless.

She had made her New Year's resolution to never ask Harry to do anything again. It's not as if she needed to be kissed at midnight. The saying about how you spend your new years sets the tone for the rest of the year is bogus. She's had crappy new years and good years and excellent new years and crappy years. Harry said he'd be there by midnight but as usual he wasn't. It didn't matter what happened tonight she knew the year was going to be bumpy she could feel it.

All she really wanted to do was get drunk and stop thinking but she was there with her children so that wasn't going to happen because she already had her two-drink minimum. She looked over her shoulder when she heard the backdoor open.

"What are you doing out here Weasel," said Draco, sliding his hands into his pockets and joining her.

"Reigning in the New Year," she smiled at him as he leaned against the railing next to her.

"Yes that magical midnight when all your sins of the old year become replaced with those awaiting to be committed in the new."

"Exactly," she laughed. "How do you know Willow?"

"I've been buying his art photos since I was seventeen."

"I didn't know you were into art."

"I can have layers"

"You certainly do… you know I've been thinking about you a lot lately."

"Really," he said causally but he was kind of curious.

"Yeah, since I read your comment on the break in at my house," she explained

"I can see how fuck off would get your brain going," he said sarcastically.

Ginny laughed, "It wasn't what you said, it's the fact that you said it. I admire your way of saying whatever you feel."

"Oh, well it's not that hard just say it"

"I can't do that, I'm a public face," she rolled her eyes. "Perhaps I should go bad, chop off my hair dye it black, dark eye make up, and wear leather."

Draco laughed, "Leather and makeup won't make you bad Weasley… but I wouldn't recommend that route"

"Why not what's the worst that can happen. Go to jail for petty crimes, learn a whole new branch of magic's particularly in the dark arts."

"I would be lying if I didn't admit there wasn't a certain rush but there are other things you must worry about…"

"Prison"

"Or being kissed by a thing in a large black cloak and end up in a violent show down with your hero crazed husband"

"I'm not worried about Harry, I can take him," she waved it off. "I've never made out with a creature so that would be new."

"Why do you want to be bad? You're so good at being good."

"I don't want to be bad," she sighed and turned around. "I want to be free."

"From what"

"Everything…"

"Only you can make that happen"

"I know," she dropped her cigarette and snuffed it out with her foot. "I should gather my posse and get out here. It's getting late."

"Oh yeah, 12:15," he said looking at his watch, "you really no how to party."

"Happy New Year Draco," Ginny leaned over and hugged him.

It was weird for Draco and he hesitated before he allowed himself to only place one arm around her. He couldn't believe she hugged him, he really couldn't believe it at all. It was as if she was his friend and that was uncharted territory for him. It was kind of nice, warm, friendly, and it was slowly becoming more comfortable. To top it off she smelled great. As she pulled away she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Happy New Year," he said slowly watching her walk away.

"It's Real Fun Being a Potter"