This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 7
Neville, Luna and a Late Caller
Harry was woken early the next morning, from a most pleasant dream, typical of the ones he had more frequently now than ever in his life before. Although he still had nightmares on occasion, varying between the usual ones he had always had about his parents murder, though they had become much rarer. If he had one these0 days they were usually about the events of the battle, victims coming back to life and berating him for their deaths, or where he had failed in his quest completely and he had been defeated at Hogwarts. Although he still had them, most nights since the battle had contained much more pleasant dreams. He had an increasing number of good ones which he enjoyed most nights now it seemed, most of those revolved around Ginny, of course and their futures together with a family around them.
The sound of a very persistent, sharp, tapping noise at the window, a few moments before, sounded again. It was something hard, sharply hitting glass repeatedly, then paused before resuming once more. Harry realised it had been this noise that had awoken him, he looked round the room, trying to see what was causing it. The sunlight of another bright spring day was filtering through the new curtains, so as he opened his eyes he could make out a small shadow cast on them. Reassured by its shape and size that it was highly unlikely that someone had managed to climb up to the window to attempt to and get in, as far as he could tell, he disentangled himself from Ginny carefully so as not to wake her and walked across the room to the window which the shadow was being cast through. He peeped through the curtain, Tiberius was there, Harry drew back the drapes and slid the sash up, opening the window. The owl hopped in and hooted, proudly puffing out his chest, as he offered his leg which had a letter attached. Harry grinned at the Owl's obvious show of pride, took the letter from his leg and stroked his head, "Well done, Tiberius." He said fondly, as the Owl nuzzled into his hand.
Harry collected a treat from a packet in the drawer of the table near the window and offered it up to the avian. The owl gobbled up the treat happily, then hopped away and settled on the edge of the desk, preening himself, in more ways than one. Harry chuckled as he returned to bed and climbed back in, he opened the parchment and began to read, Ginny stirred and rolled over, realising Harry was not in the bed with her, she sat up looked round, once she saw him though she settled back against the pillows.
She had seen he had a letter in his hand."What is it love?" She yawned and stretched.
He looked up as she spoke."Sorry I woke you Gin, Tiberius has brought a letter, it's from Bill and Fleur."
She sat up again, suddenly wide awake. "What do they say? Are we going to their house or are they coming here?"
"Give me a chance, Tiberius has only just arrived, he is one proud Owl though." Harry grinned and read out the letter to her.
"Dear Ginny and Harry. Many thanks for your message of congratulations, glad Ron calmed down enough to tell you. We would love to see you both, but we have already arranged to spend this morning with Fleur's family in France, then this afternoon at the Burrow with Mum and Dad. We could pop in this evening after dinner for a while, if you like though, let us know if that is good for you too.
Hope you are both enjoying your time together, has Ron burst in on the two of you yet? He did to us, several times, when he stayed here before last Christmas, really subtle is baby brother. Or at least he is when compared to a herd of stampeding giants, tip toeing past a sleeping dragon that suffers from insomnia and follows them showing displeasure. Anyway hopefully we shall see you later, if you can't do tonight then hopefully we shall see you tomorrow. Love, Bill and Fleur."
Harry looked at Ginny, she was obviously disappointed. "Tell you what, let's invite them and your parents to come for dinner this evening, that way it means you see Bill and Fleur and it will save your Mum and Dad waiting until tomorrow to see the house." He suggested.
"Well, I suppose that would work, but I don't want Mum and Dad to stay over here tonight though." Ginny said, wide eyed. "That would mean back to separate rooms, or sharing one with Hermione for me and Ron for you probably, so they mustn't stay over, or see our room, come to think of it. I don't think they need to know we share a bed, not just yet and I don't think they would react very well if they found out right now. I like our rooms and being here with you, I don't want to give that up, not if we can help it."
"I think they would probably have guessed we will be sharing you know, even before they left us here, this is your house now too after all, I don't think they are daft enough to believe leaving us here would mean otherwise. They are showing us that they trust us not to go further than either one of us is comfortable with, but it's up to you if you want them to stay over or not love. I was just thinking they could come over for dinner, our first family one in our house, with them as our guests. You write back and let them know if you want them to come, or just for Bill and Fleur to call after dinner love, I'll go through and test our bath before breakfast."
Ginny thought about what he had said for a moment then sighed. "I think we will, ask them to dinner, it would be nice to have our first party in our new home before we go back to Hogwarts. You go for your bath Harry, I'll write and invite them." She, got out of the bed and walked across the room to him, kissed him and smiled then went to the desk, picked up a Quill and drew a piece of parchment from the drawer, Tiberius watching her expectantly.
Harry walked to the bathroom to run his bath and looked round the bright, partly tiled room. The bath was a large cast iron ornate tub, with gold fish shaped taps, mouths open to allow the water to flow in, obviously antique and possibly original to the house, cleaned up if they were he thought. Two of the walls were covered with white ceramic tile to the ceiling, patterned with the images of two figures, one dark haired male and a ginger haired female, on brooms flying round them. Harry smiled as he recognised the figures as pictures of himself and Ginny flitting round the walls together. The lower part of the other walls was tiled similarly while the rest of each of them was decorated to closely resemble a wooden beach hut, sun bleached, unpainted planks stretching vertically from the top of the tiles to ceiling that was painted to resemble a summer sky. The sink was shaped like an upside down white clam shell, a mirror above it. All the porcelain glistened with freshness and all the metal fittings sparkled gold. He turned on the taps, removed his pants and stood on the warm floor tiles, placing his clothes on one of the two white chairs in the room next to the towel rail where thick fluffy towels hung ready for use.
The bath tub filled remarkably quickly, the water topped with a luxurious froth of undulating bubbles like a cloud of white candy floss on the waters surface. Turning off the taps, he climbed in and sank into the embrace of the not too hot liquid, closing his eyes and sighing as he relaxed in the comforting blanket which the water provided. After a few minutes he heard the bathroom door open, then close, he didn't open his eyes. "Hi Gin, did you sort it all out?" He asked.
"Tiberius has taken the letters to them, mum and dads first, he will wait for a reply. I told him if Bill and Fleur had gone to France he was to wait at the Burrow for them as well." Ginny told him.
She fell silent, then after a moment she added. "Mind if I join you?"
He opened his eyes; she was stood by the bath, her knickers discarded, pooled on the floor at her feet. She was smiling cheekily at him, he sat up, admiring her completely naked body for the first time. He drank in the vision before him, her beauty taking his breath away. "Wow!" He breathed, then what she had actually said registered in his mind, thinking she was joking in her offer he, still awe struck, smiled and replied. "Ok then, if you want to, come on in."
She climbed in and sat with her back to him leaning on his chest.
"Cheeky!" He said affectionately as he put his arms round her.
"It just felt like the right thing to do my love." She giggled, wiggling her bum against him.
They relaxed in the water, feeling a strange comfort in the large amount of skin contact they were enjoying for the first time.
"I never imagined I would ever be able to relax in a large bath, with the Girl of my dreams." Harry sighed.
Ginny smiled. "I never thought this could happen either, but I lived in hope, especially in the last couple of years."
Harry chuckled. "This is the life."
"It sure is." She sighed. "I could get used to this, unless you object of course."
"No chance!" Harry replied.
They fell silent, enjoying just being with each other, quietly relaxing, as the steam from the water gently rose, entwining itself around their heads above the water, caressing their skin which was above the bubbles. The water wrapping them together in a luxuriant blanket of warmth, caressing them gently as one, the perfume filling the room with scent, the bubbles kissing their skin gently.
They were enjoying what had quickly become a wonderful, intimate, start to their day. A start that, after a few minutes had passed, was suddenly and rudely interrupted by a loud knock at the door from the landing that led into their suite. Almost immediately, with all the subtlety of a herd of rampaging Blast Ended Skrewts, it was flung open with a loud thud. "Harry, Ginny." Called Ron's voice, clearly heard even through the closed door. "Wow, this is one hell of a room, where are you guys?"
Relieved that the door was closed and that Tiberius had already left, so had not been unduly startled by Ron's entry to their room. "In the bath." They both called back in unison.
"Oh right." Came the automatic reply, followed by a pause then a puzzled. "Sorry, Er, Harry where are you?"
"In the Bath."
"Oh right!" Ron repeated and sounded relieved, but then decided to probe a little deeper. "So where are you then Ginny?"
"I'm in the Bath as well." She called, trying not to laugh.
"Oh wow, that's brilliant, you have two Bathrooms." Ron called enthusiastically. "Very handy instead of waiting for each other if you want one at the same time."
"No we have just the one Bathroom." The couple responded in unison.
There was a pause as the youngest Weasley son steadily processed this information, trying to come up with a solution that he thought sensibly fitted the information they had given him."So two Baths then, that's just as good I suppose."
"Only one, large one." They replied.
Again there was a moment's silence before. "Oh ok, so a really large one, like the prefects one at Hogwarts, blimey that is great."
"Not that big, no." Harry replied.
"Large as in, maybe not quite twice the size as the one at the Burrow." Ginny added.
They were stifling giggles and hoping Ron would not burst in on them in the bath. They could almost hear Ron processing that information and not quite getting it, then he asked. "Sorry, I am not quite sure I am following what you are saying. I am sure it's me missing the point, so just in case I missed something, which one of you is actually in the bath?"
"Both of us." The couple laughed.
"Oh I didn't know you had swimming costumes with you, besides wouldn't wearing them negate the purpose of a bath." He contented himself believing that, to relieve his embarrassment.
The couple almost laughed out loud, Ginny decided to remove the illusion her brother had built for himself. "No we haven't got swimming costumes brother dear, we thought we may be safe without them in our own rooms, you know."
Ron accepted this. "Oh yes I suppose you would be." Then the penny dropped. " Hang on what are you wearing then."
Harry smothered his laughter in Ginny's shoulder, while she couldn't hold hers back, it was laughter of disbelief at just how dim Ron was being. She knew he could be slow on the uptake at times, but could not believe he had not taken the hint so far. "Er, nothing at all, oh dim witted brother dear." She replied.
There was a moments silence as Ron finally caught on, then. "Erm, oh, er right, I'd better, er, I guess, well, er I'm sorry you guys. Hey, hang on, I am not dimwitted." Ron sounded extremely embarrassed at first, then annoyed by what he had been called.
"Ron what are you doing there?" Hermione sounded even more annoyed than her boyfriend. "I told you to wait until they came down, you can't just burst in here, let them have their privacy."
Harry and Ginny were now giggling so much at the telling off that Ron was getting from his girlfriend, the water was rippling over the rim of the bath to splash on the floor, where it disappeared leaving the tiles perfectly dry.
"But Hermione, I knocked on their door first." Ron said defensively
"And then bulldozed straight in I suppose." Hermione shouted back. "You simply can't do that Ron"
"But they say they are in the bath. Er, together."
"So what? That's up to them, remember. Honestly Ron." Hermione sound exasperated. " Now come on, get out of here, let them be."
"But, but, but they say they have nothing on. Oh Hermione listen to me?" They heard him say despondently.
Harry and Ginny were now out of the bath drying each other off with their wands, which was much more fun than drying themselves with the towels, given the view they each had of the other as they did it. They were both silently laughing at the mess Ron was making of defending himself and of course taking time to admire each others nudity.
"So what Ron." Hermione's voice was getting angrier. "What has that got to do with anything? Most people take a bath naked, you know it's not unusual in the least. Come and wait for them downstairs, come on, now."
They heard the door close and the two voices fade as their friends went down stairs.
"As Bill wrote, Ron has no subtlety at all." Laughed Ginny as the pair crossed their bedroom naked, each with an arm round the other, they could just hear Hermione's voice, through the house.
They toyed with the idea of leaving Ron to dig himself deeper in the hole he was successfully putting himself in with Hermione and returning to cuddling on the bed, but decided that tempting as it was, it would be too cruel and they ought to rescue him. So reluctantly, they got dressed, slowly and made their way down the stairs to the kitchen for breakfast. As they neared the basement room they could hear Hermione, still firmly trying to re educate Ron.
"This is their house." She was saying forcefully. "We are guests here, in their home, you can't just go running into their room like that Ron. We are not at Hogwarts, not in a dormitory, you must respect their space in their own home. Have they disturbed us in the room they let us use? No! Barged into our room perhaps? No they most certainly have not. They have let us get on with whatever we wanted to do in the room they have been kind enough to let us use, in privacy, in their own home. They have respected us and the space we have in their home, which they have allowed us when they didn't have to, you must respect their house and their privacy in it. You must remember that or they won't want us here, is that what you want, is it really too much to ask?"
"I know all that Hermione, of course I don't want that, look I wasn't thinking, when I went in there. Let's face it who would after that, I mean who would Hermione? I am sure they will understand when they hear about the letter."
"What about it? It's only from Neville and Luna."
"Exactly one letter, just one that's from both of them, it looks like they are together." Ron said incredulously.
"So what?"
"Neville and Luna, Hermione, Neville and Loopy." He pleaded as if that explained everything.
Harry and Ginny decided it was time to save Ron from himself, before Hermione exploded and ripped into him further, so they entered the room.
"Morning you two." Ginny's voice was breezy, as if they hadn't walked into an argument that they had been able to hear going on in their suite and clearly tell what was being said all the way down from their landing, at all. "Did you sleep well?"
"Morning Ginny and you Harry, yes, very well thanks." Replied Hermione, instantly calming down as the couple came in and took seats at the table ready for breakfast.
"Good!" Said Harry trying not to laugh. " So what do Neville and Luna have to say?"
"What? Oh yes. They sent me an owl wondering if we could all meet up with them, but get this Harry it's one letter from both of them, not a letter from each, just one joint letter, from them both." Ron emphasised the last three words.
Ignoring Ron's emphasis with difficulty and trying to keep as straight a face as possible Harry replied. "It would be great to see them, all the members of the Order of Dumbledore together and not in the public eye, that'll be a first. I wonder if they would like to come and help us finish the decorating it is our last chance for seven weeks. Oh by the way Ron your Mum and Dad are probably coming for dinner tonight together with Bill and Fleur."
"What?" Said Ron he was horrified. "I thought they weren't coming until tomorrow morning at the earliest, what about the bedrooms, I mean where we are all sleeping? They can't see we are sharing, Mum would have a fit."
"I think they have probably guessed what the sleeping arrangements are Ron, they aren't naïve, but they know we aren't going to do anything daft." Hermione calmly told him, then after a pause to think she rapidly amended her statement. "That is, they probably know we aren't going to take things too far in that way. I expect they, like us, know you are occasionally going to do something daft. After all, Ron my love, if you didn't, we would think you were ill." She added with grin, before kissing his forehead quickly.
Ron didn't know what to say in reply to this back handed comment from the girl he loved, but, his face flushed as he did a fair impression of a gold fish as he struggled to find words. Eventually he gave up in the face of the laughter of his sister and best friend.
Ron wrote back to Neville and Luna using Pig, his own Owl, suggesting they might like to help with the decorating, if so he and Hermione would meet them at the Cauldron to bring them to Harry's house. They hadn't been here before, so didn't know where the house was or how to get past the Fidelius charm for that matter so they would need the escort. A reply arrived after only a few minutes, from it they learned that Neville and Luna were staying at the Cauldron with Luna's dad. They were thrilled to be coming to Harry's house and happy to help them decorate, but they had to be back for tea time when Neville's grandmother would be arriving.
Ron and Hermione set off to collect them, with a note from Harry to get them past the Fidelius safely in their possession, while Harry and Ginny ate breakfast. A few minutes later Tiberius arrived with an acceptance letter each from Bill and Fleur, who they had caught just before they Apparated to France, as well as the elder Weasleys, who had added a post script that was longer than the main message, to their note.
"Please don't worry about preparing us a bed for the night, we won't intrude on you this time. We shall head back to the Burrow, or get a room at the Leaky Cauldron for the night if need be. Bill and Fleur tell us they need to go back to Shell cottage anyway, so they won't need a room either. We promised you we wouldn't return until tomorrow, so we don't want to go back on that, apart from for the extent of your invitation. Looking forward to the meal and seeing you all this evening. Love, Mum and Dad."
Harry was overjoyed. "I know it's from your parents Gin, but that's the first letter, addressed to me, that I ever received which is signed Mum and Dad, wow that's such a great feeling." Ginny cuddled him; he was almost in tears of happiness.
Ginny turned to Kreacher as he entered the room with a pile of sheets. "Kreacher my parents, as well as Bill and Fleur will be here for Dinner tonight, we are celebrating, Fleur's going to have a baby. Can we have something a little special, in the dinning room please"
The Elf was delighted. "Certainly Mistress, I would suggest perhaps something that's a combination of English and French Cuisines, perhaps three courses, a cheese board and of course welcome drinks along with suitable wines at the table then coffee with after dinner drinks in the lounge or drawing room afterwards." He croaked.
"That sounds great Kreacher, thank you, none of them are planning to stay over, so you shan't need to prepare rooms for them. If you need any help with any of it let me know, but we shall try to get the decorating finished today."
"No mistress, it is your first dinner party in your own house, you should not have to worry about more than your guests, certainly not the food or dining room, I will see to it all. I have also prepared the upstairs rooms for you, I have covered the new furniture in the bedrooms ready for decorating, I hope that's all right."
"Yes, very useful, thank you Kreacher. I know neither of us are used to having an elf to help us outside school, but I am already beginning to wonder what we would do without you, you know."
Kreacher bowed. "Thank you mistress." He said before he continued his duties.
Ron and Hermione arrived a few minutes later, with Neville and Luna. Harry and Ginny greeted their friends and gave them a quick tour of the house, they were very impressed with the rooms that had already been decorated.
"It's an amazing house Harry." Neville in admiration. "The way it just appears like that, between the Muggle houses, I never knew that was how the Fidelius worked, others I have been to were not connected to any others so simply appeared, but this is really cool."
Luna liked the house as well, commenting in her usual way that it looked to be free of Nargles, but they should watch out for them.
"How's your dad Luna?" Asked Ginny
"He's fine, spending the day with Mr. Ollivander researching wand lore. They have really struck up a friendship, I'm glad they have. Dad hasn't decided what to do about The Quibbler, he might get it going again, but he doesn't know if he can salvage the press yet. So helping Mr. Ollivander to sort out the shop has given him something to do and helped them both at the same time. Ollivander's niece thinks it's good for him too, he wants her to take over the wand making when he retires, she's at Hogwarts for now though and plans to work at the ministry after that, she sends her best wishes by the way."
Soon they were ready and eager to start the task they had set themselves and made their way upstairs. There were the remaining bedrooms left to decorate plus the stairs, landings and each floors bathroom. Harry and Ginny, showed Neville and Luna the useful spells Andromeda had used the day before, then they divide into teams before they started in the bedrooms at the very top of the house. They were leaving the bathrooms, including the small separate lavatory and shower room on that floor for later, after the suites had been replaced magically, a process which was due to take place at precisely one o'clock. They had been warned not to be in the rooms when it happened, it would not be good for a bath to land on one of them, though they could see the funny side of one of the toilets disappearing whilst someone was sat on it, not that any of them wanted to try it.
Ron and Hermione elected to decorate the room they had slept in first and on their own. Neville, Luna, Harry and Ginny took care of the other rooms on the floor. Even with the help of Magic it still took time to complete each room, but by lunch time all the rooms they had planned to do by that time, were completed.
After lunch Harry and Ginny worked on the stairs and landings while the others did the last of the bedrooms. Ron and Hermione finished the rooms they were doing first, so moved on to decorate the bathrooms, the fixtures of which had, as planned, been replaced while they had lunch. Eventually they had all completed the rooms and they all joined in to complete the stairways and landings, they even got round to ensuring that the ornate wooden banisters and wall panelling were cleaned of grime and polished.
They had finished by three o'clock, leaving just enough time for it all to naturally dry before the dinner guests arrived, although there would still be a faint new paint smell left. It was far better to let it dry without magic, it gave a better finish, though if there were to be any areas that were still wet when their guests arrived, they could dry them using their wands. It had been hard work, but Kreacher had kept them all well supplied with refreshments throughout the day and it had been fun catching up properly with Neville and Luna. The Elf had, of course, been very busy himself, going by the now wonderful scent of the evenings meal cooking, which was beginning to over power the smell of the new paint as it permeated throughout the house. The building now had definitely become a home to be proud of, although it lacked the pictures, ornaments and other items that would be acquired by the couple over time. It was almost unrecognisable from when it had been unoccupied for years, apart from by the very lonely Kreacher, it was very different even from when it had been used as the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Now it was a very warm and welcoming home, it looked brighter and larger than it had. The couple were proud of what had been achieved, they knew it would not be long before they began to gather things for the house.
Neville and Luna washed off the worst of the days grime in one of the new bathrooms, while Ron and Hermione helped Harry and Ginny put everything they had used away. The two resident couples would wash after their friends had left, Harry and Ginny in their own bathroom of course, the only one in the house that had not been renewed, while Ron and Hermione would use one on the other landings.
It wasn't long before they were all settling in the sitting room, they had a drink before Neville and Luna had to leave to return to Diagon Alley to meet his grandmother. They each assured Harry that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves helping in the house as they got ready to leave and looked forward to visiting again. Harry and Ginny thanked them both on the door step and said they would ask them round for a meal in the summer. Neville promised to bring some plants for them from his own greenhouses, as Luna went skipping down the road and he watched her happily.
"I love the way she does things like that, so carefree. Wish I wasn't quite so up tight and restrained, I guess it's just how I was brought up, she's great though isn't she." He smiled as he watched for a moment longer then walked off after her while she pirouetted on the corner waiting for him.
"Well that's got the decorating done, one less thing to worry about this summer." Sighed Ginny tiredly as they closed the front door. "Well I'm going to go get a bath, you coming Harry?
Ron blushed, as she and Harry went eagerly upstairs laughing.
A very refreshed Harry and Ginny were in the sitting room, sitting in the comfort of each others arms, waiting for their guests. Ron and Hermione finally came down, just as the couple began to wonder if they would need to go and fetch them.
"Great idea that Ginny, I enjoyed sharing a bath." Ron grinned.
"Really Ron? "Ginny dead panned. "So you finally managed to get someone to be naked with you, well done, have you noticed the difference between you and Hermione now?"
Harry and Ginny laughed as Hermione blushed and Ron impersonated a fish gasping for breath trying to work out a suitable reply, then giving up, exhaling in exasperation. "I can't bloody win can I?"
"So what's new?" His sister replied, laughing.
Ron and Hermione had barely sat down, when a knock at the front door told them their guests had arrived.
Harry and Ginny went to the entrance hall to greet them, while Kreacher answered the door and let the four Weasley's in.
"I wonder what they will think of the house?" Ginny whispered concerned, but excited while they waited in the hall.
"They'll love it, not least because it's your creation, so long as they realise they are in the right house of course." Grinned Harry as Ginny slid her arm through his and they looked up towards the door, ready to receive their first guest in their new home
The paint was now dry, without the use of magic, throughout the transformed building and had a whole new feeling about it as a result it really did look like a different house to the one her parents had left when they returned home. Even so, there was still a faint smell of new paint beneath the almost overwhelming aroma of cooking meal, that had now permeated throughout their home.
Bill and Fleur led Ginny's parents in, Fleur looked round as Kreacher took her coat, before her eyes fell on the couple and she grinned happily.
"'Arry, Ginnee, ow good eet is to see you, what a wonderful 'ouse you 'ave. Honestlee, your farzzer Ginnee, I cannot believe 'e 'as tricked me once again." She told them, then, the moment she had hugged them both warmly she turned to her father in law and jokingly wagged her finger at him. "Mr. Weeslee I think you were joking wiz me again, what iz it you zay, pulling zee leg yes? Zee 'Ouse is nothing like you described."
"My goodness you have been busy." Smiled Mrs. Weasley. "What a difference a couple of days has made, I would not have believed it if I wasn't here to see it. Any chance of a tour, show us what's changed Ginny?"
"Molly give them chance, I bet the paint's still wet in places." Mr. Weasley winked.
"Maybe just dried, thanks to a trick Andromeda taught us when she was here yesterday. Get it finished in time for it not to be a problem later, it saves using a drying spell unless it really is necessary." Ginny grinned. "I'll check with Kreacher how long we have before dinner, otherwise the tour will have to be later, if you really want one."
Kreacher assured them that they had time before Dinner to show their guests round the house, so Ron and Hermione took Bill and Fleur round, starting on the top floor. Ginny and Harry escorted her parents, from the ground floor working their way up, leaving out the kitchen and Dining room for now. It was not too much later that Harry and Ginny were returning down to the first landing with Mr. And Mrs. Weasley. Bill, Fleur Ron and Hermione had already returned to the sitting room downstairs.
"Well that's about it, apart from the kitchen, but I don't want to spoil the surprise of the menu and the dining room which you'll see soon anyway so shall we go down to the sitting room." Ginny said cheerfully.
"It's all lovely dear, you have done a really fantastic job decorating, all of you. It truly is like a different house but, what about yours and Harry's room?" Asked Mrs Weasley. "You haven't shown us that yet and I should love to see what you have done with it."
"Mine and Harry's room?" Ginny tried to sound puzzled, she wore her sweet and innocent expression in full overdrive, but her parents saw straight through it.
"Ginny we are not that naive, we know you two are responsible enough not to do anything neither of you are ready for, but we also know you are sharing a bed whilst we aren't here my dear." Smiled Mr. Weasley, he winked. "After all, it is your own house, you can do as you wish, besides you can be sure your mum and I would've done the same given half a chance at your age."
"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley looked at her husband sharply, as Ginny giggled.
"Oh come on Molly, you know it's true, it's exactly what we would have done if it wasn't for your brothers and not having a house of our own."
"Perhaps it is, but why the need to say it to them Arthur? There is no need for Ginny or any of them to know what we may or may not have done in their place. "
Ginny interrupted the growing argument resigning herself to the inevitable."Oh, all right then, We'll show it to you if you really want to see it, come on." She opened the door, now more visible with the change of decoration, off the landing they were on and she lead them in.
"Oh Ginny it's beautiful!" Her mother exclaimed, she was quite obviously impressed. "Andromeda told me you had done something special between you, but this is truly fantastic, you are so lucky young lady. This is beautiful, most people could only dream of having anything like it. It has to be said as well, at least you tidy up after yourselves, which is more than your brother does, I saw it was all his things that was lying around all over their room, good on Hermione for not running round after him. Has Fleur seen this? She would absolutely love it, call her Arthur."
Rolling his eyes, but smiling. "Yes dear." Mr Weasley said meekly and went back to the landing and called to the others. "Oi Bill, Fleur, your respective mum or mother in law says you have to get your butts up here and see Harry and Ginny's Room." He bellowed.
"Arthur!" Molly shouted dangerously.
Seeing that the couple were on their way, grinning he lowered his voice and winked. "Sorry dear, obviously what I meant to say was, Oh William old chap, your beloved maternal parent requests that you might wish to kindly escort your beautiful and pregnant wife, our much loved daughter in law, the lady Fleur, up here to cast your eyes over the luxury and beauty of the decoration within the room of the owners of this property, if you please oh son of mine, that is."
"Arthur that was hardly any better, can't you just call them normally." His wife appealed, just as the couple arrived on the landing.
Arthur led them in. "Why on earth would I do that? Normally isn't what they are called dear, they are William, otherwise known as Bill and Fleur."
Molly shook her head. "He will be the death of me." She muttered as a laughing Bill and Fleur entered.
Fleur's eyes widened as she took in the room. "Oh Ginnee eet is manifique." Fleur's hands were covering her mouth. " Your 'ole 'ouse is, I can see why 'Arry fell for you, such good taste you 'ave."
Bill winked at Harry "You know this has set an all new standard for Shell Cottage now mate, especially as you have now enabled us to free up more of our income mate. I will now have to get on with all the decorating, that I have been successfully avoiding doing so far. I am going to have, to have a chat with you about letting the side down mate, I won't get a single moment's peace until I've done it now. " He smiled, knowing he would have to do the task anyway.
Once Molly and Fleur had admired everything as much as they possibly could, they all went back down to the sitting room, where Kreacher was waiting, holding a tray of glasses filled with Champagne for them all in his hands.
"Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes now Master, I shall ring the gong when it is time for you to lead your guests to the dining room, you will find I have placed name cards at your seats at the table." He croaked as Harry took his drink from the tray.
"Thank you Kreacher." He replied.
The elf went to put the finishing touches to the meal he was preparing, while they sat and chatted.
Mrs. Weasley was congratulating Hermione for not tidying up after Ron and berating her son for making such a mess in their room. Mr Weasley and Bill were filling the others in with news of what was happening in the outside world, they had not seen the daily Prophet at all since the article about Harry and Ginny had appeared. It seemed the press were still trying to track Harry down, desperate for an interview, especially Rita Skeeter. The Prophet had offered a prize for pictures of him and the other members of the Order of Dumbledore without their security. Although Neville and Luna had been seen quite regularly in Ollivander's, so they were not sought, but the highest reward was for ones of Harry of course. Harry tensed on hearing that, he wondered if anyone would try to get the reward, besides he didn't want to talk to any journalist if he could help it, especially not Rita.
The recovery was progressing slowly, but surely. It would take a long time to track down all the families and individuals who had fled, though all those imprisoned for supposedly stealing magic were being released and helped as wanted and necessary. Aid was being given to the victims, or the families, of those who had fought against the dark, while the still missing Death eaters were being hunted down. The injured continued to recover, mostly, some of those still alive were at risk of dying of their wounds, but one or two deaths were still reported occasionally.
The Ministry itself was beginning to settle, though the budget was a concern thanks to the actions of the administration under Voldemort, but was not disastrous as had been feared by some. That said the recovery was bound to be expensive and negotiations were underway with the Goblins about recovering the wealth that Riddle and those followers of his who were the last of their lines to help with it, though that in itself was hard work. The international community had also offered assistance, an offer Kingsley had accepted, gratefully, on behalf of the Wizarding world, as he had the offer of help from the Muggle Prime Minister.
All in all the news was encouraging, as the magical world recovered slowly. Yes there were still Death Eaters on the loose, but more were caught each day and the ministry was still clearing out its own workers who had been loyal to Voldemort. The signs were generally positive, it was all going to be a long task though.
"Kingsley tells me that while there are still some of Riddles sympathisers around, we are weeding them out. We still have to catch quite a few of the ones positively identified as being present at the battle, who ran when you defeated him Harry. He has already issued the instruction that anyone claiming to have acted under the Imperious curse or any other means of control are to be interviewed under Veritaserum, as a matter of course." Mr Weasley told them. "Umbridge keeps writing to Kingsley trying to get round him, but it isn't working, he's wise to her and each letter is added to the evidence against her as she tries to bribe coerce or simply threaten her way out."
Harry looked at his hand. "I must not tell lies."The slowly fading words were still legible, barely. The scar was slowly disappearing, he hoped it might even fade away completely eventually, but knowing his luck it would be something he had to explain to his children one day.
A gong rang out, loudly through the house, interrupting harry from his musings. He looked up to his guests and took Ginny's hand in his own. "That sounds like Dinner is ready." Harry said standing and helping Ginny to her feet. "If you would follow us, we shall go through to the Dinning room, please bring your drinks with you.
They all rose, glasses in hand and led by Harry and Ginny the couples processed, arm in arm across the hall to the dining room, Ron and Hermione bringing up the rear, being neither hosts nor a married couple they let the others go ahead.
The room they entered was magnificent in the flickering light of the fire in the grate and of the candles in the large candelabra. Its walls were lined with solid, chestnut brown, polished wooden panelling that reflected the light so effectively that it seemed to glow with a warm aurora. The fire blazed in what could easily be an Adam fireplace half way along one wall, a painting which had been left by the Blacks and the couple had kept, showing a large Dragon in flight over a lake was hung above the mantel shelf. The shelf supported a handsome clock at its centre and two floral decorations at either end with silvered candle sticks between, the candles here alight like all the others in the room. A well proportioned crystal chandelier was hanging from the decorative plaster ceiling, which had moulded vines depicted entwined across it, sprouting from a central rose.
As well as the fire and candles on the mantelpiece, the light in the room came from two sixteen stemmed silver candelabra, set one near each end and along the centre line of the large table, as well as several wall brackets around the room adding to the warm feel the space had. The table itself was richly decorated, with glittering silverware, crystal glasses and fine china all positioned precisely in regimented settings on a crisp, white, cloth. The centre piece was a large floral arrangement around an ice sculpture depicting a stag and doe leaping into the air side by side, spouting fountains of ice carved either side of the deer, framing them. It was a truly spectacular sight that welcomed them, which made them gasp as they entered the room. They moved inside the room, as Kreacher had said a menu card with their name neatly written on it told them where they were to sit at the table, they all admired their surroundings as they took their seats. Harry was in the seat at the head of the table, while Ginny was sat opposite him at the other end, both in the traditional host seats for a small semi formal family dinner. Kreacher held out the chair for her, then Harry as the other men seated the ladies, before taking their own places at the table. Fleur, Arthur and Hermione were sitting along one side of the table, with Bill, Molly and Ron down the other, each sat opposite their partner.
"This is wonderful Kreacher." Ginny congratulated the elf as she shook out her napkin and placed it on her lap. "I love the ice sculpture, how did you know Harry's parents had Deer for Patronus, did you meet them when they were alive?"
"Thank you mistress, but that is your Patronus. I never met them and was unaware what form the late Mr and Mrs. Potter's Patronus took." The elf croaked.
"Kreacher, I'm sorry, Harry's is a stag, but my Patronus is a Horse not a Doe." Ginny answered, puzzled.
Everyone was watching this exchange with interest.
"Try it Mistress, I am sure it is a Doe not a Horse." The elf prompted.
Ginny looked round the table everyone nodded and encouraged her to do so, so she took out her wand.
"Expecto Patronum." She called.
Immediately a silver shape came from her wand, circled the table defensively, then came to her side. They could all see that the glowing animal was clearly a Doe, before it slowly faded.
"I don't believe it. My Patronus was a horse at the D.A." Ginny was obviously amazed.
Her father smiled, " It's certainly not now love, remember how Tonk's Patronus changed when she fell in love with Remus. Well it's deep magic and we don't understand quite why, but a lady's Patronus can change to show the partner animal of the one they love. Though only if the link between the two is deep, maybe deeper even than soul mates, we don't really know. Even then we think it only happens when they both realise they love each other, although he didn't act on it Remus knew he loved Tonks for a long time, before she convinced him she was fine with his problem and he could acknowledge his feelings for her. We don't even understand why it would only affect the Patronus of a woman and not that of a man, it is a real mystery. "
Ginny nodded, but still puzzled she looked at the Elf. "But, how did you know Kreacher? You have never seen my Patronus before tonight."
Kreacher was putting plates of escargot in front of them for their starter. "I can see it in you mistress its how the house knew who you are too." He croaked smiling, as he served the first course of the meal.
Conversation returned to news from around the country while they ate, barely noticing either the wine being served, nor when the last of them had eaten the starter, that the plates were cleared. The conversation began to be focused on Hogwarts as the main course, which was individually roasted beef fillets and Yorkshire puddings with all the trimmings, was served, the meat cooked to each of their particular taste. Bill's was served very, very rare. It could not even be described accurately as cooked enough to be Blue, which was Fleur's preference. He had eaten his meat, especially beef, barely cooked ever since he had been bitten savagely by the Werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the fight in the Department of Mysteries. Thankfully the Werewolf had not been transformed at the time, it was not the full moon, although Greyback had been a rare example of a Werewolf who enjoyed attacking and killing whether he was transformed or not. This meant that Bill did not suffer from Lycanthropy himself, a liking for lightly cooked meat was, apart from scars from the bites, the only permanent effect of the attack.
Mr. Weasley told them that whilst repairs to the castle were nearly complete already, Professor McGonagall was having trouble getting teachers for the Defence Against the Dark Arts and the Muggle Studies classes. She had mentioned that she apparently had one more avenue to explore for each, before she dropped the subjects from the curriculum for the remainder of the year, but she had not revealed who it was yet, at least not to the Ministry so far as he knew.
There was a choice of Clafoutis aux Cerises or treacle tart for pudding, Ron had both of course whilst the others chose the one they most liked, both Harry and Ginny had the tart. Desert was followed by a platter of both French and English cheeses, with grapes, celery, freshly made savoury biscuits and Melba Toast. Throughout the meal Kreacher had ensured that the glasses were kept topped up with the wine that was being served with that course, as well as serving the food and clearing the used plates, cutlery and glasses. After they had finished, Harry proposed a toast to Bill, Fleur and the newly expected baby, then they all retired to the sitting room where Kreacher, brought them coffee, brandy and liqueurs, it had truly been an international meal.
"Merci, 'Arry, Ginnee and of course Kreacher that was a manifique meal." Fleur pronounced and everyone agreed.
Kreacher bowed. "Thank you Madam, should any of you require anything further please call for me, otherwise I shall be back shortly to refresh your drinks." He bowed before he walked from the room, leaving them to talk and relax.
Harry looked round the room, Ginny sat next to him, leaning against him, this must be what he had missed growing up with the Dursley's, he thought. A family sat in a room after a good meal, simply enjoying each others company. Even if he had been included with them, their way of relaxing was very different to this, he realised that the Dursley's rarely sat and chatted like this, for the pleasure of the company they were in. Usually they had made odd comments whilst watching the television after their evening meal, even when they had guests conversation had been forced, almost prescribed. When his Uncle had entertained, normally it had been clients or important colleagues, so conversation had been business like. The only regular guest had been Aunt Marge, Vernon's sister. When she had visited conversation was limited as apart from on the first evening of her visits when they talked about family news and berated the fact that Harry was still there, she simply joined in with their after dinner routine, occasionally giving an order to her dogs, praising Dudley and criticizing Harry. This was completely different. Here there was no television, he had rarely had the opportunity to watch it anyway, so he did not miss it. This was what he had always thought of as a family, simply a group of people who enjoyed each others company, chatting happily about all manner of things, it was all so natural. Harry was happy, though that could have been the wine and Brandy of course. Although he did not feel particularly drunk, which surprised him considering the amount they seemed to have drunk with the meal, he definitely felt contentedly cheerful. He settled, in his seat with Ginny by his side, happy to see a family enjoying itself, hoping this would become what he was used to, in time.
Ginny watched Harry, as he settled into what was normal to her, her family spending the evening together. This was, admittedly, only part of her family and there was none of the usual arguing from one or other of her brothers, good natured or, less often, not. She knew that Harry had known precious few evenings like this and those were with her family, not his own. She could feel his happiness, not just by looking at him, but through his emotions. Once more she could feel what he did, but did not know how and gave it no thought. It didn't matter, he was happy and so was she in his company. Her family had opened their arms to him, now she watched as they drew him slowly into their conversation, Bill teasing Ron and encouraging Harry to join in, just as Hermione did, she grinned as he slowly began to banter with her brothers, as if he had done for years, Hermione just as happy to see her friend relaxing in the company, as she was. Ginny had not been this happy for a long time, she watched as her father joined the banter, telling stories of both Ron and Bill's misdeeds as children. Her mother rolled her eyes, grinning, she beckoned the other women, they leant away from the ribald laughter. Molly, Fleur, Hermione and Ginny chatted, unnoticed for now by their men, their boys as Molly smiling described them.
An hour later, their conversations had once again joined together, the banter of the men long since died down and talk had returned to Bill and Fleur's plans in anticipation of the first of the next generation of Weasley's. When, just as Kreacher was passing round some more coffee, their conversation was interrupted by a loud knock on the front door. Conversation stopped as they all looked up and at each other in confusion.
"Who on earth can that be, at this time of night?" Exclaimed Mrs. Weasley in surprise.
They all looked at the clock on the mantle piece, it was nearly midnight.
"I'll go, Kreacher." Said Harry rising.
"Not on your own you won't " Said Mr. Weasley warningly and getting up as well, but drawing his wand, his expression serious."We don't know whether all the death eaters that knew about this place have been caught Harry. It wouldn't take much to work out you could be here, we haven't had chance to test the new wards are effective against anyone who used to have access through force and shouldn't now. A caller at this time could be anybody, we must be careful."
Bill and Ron rose too, drawing wands. "Come on, lets be ready for anything." Said Bill with grim determination.
Harry drew his wand as well and nodded to Kreacher to watch over the women, they went out into the hall and to the front door. Mr. Weasley whispering urgent instructions to them as they went. Harry unlocked the door quietly, as the person outside knocked again. Harry and Mr. Weasley were by the door, Bill and Ron were concealed further in the entrance hall all had wands out, he looked at Mr. Weasley, who nodded and Harry cautiously opened the door and looked out.
"Percy?" He called out in surprise, opening the door wider as he recognised the newly returned prodigal Weasley, looking quite dishevelled. "What are you doing here?"
"Hold it." Said Mr. Weasley, stepping next to Harry to stop anyone entering, he looked at the figure then asked. "What did we get you for your seventh birthday?"
"You got me a desk for my room because I had nattered all year for one, then the next summer you hid it to make me go outside a bit more in the holidays." Replied Percy."
"Hi Percy, sorry, but at this time of night we had to be sure that it really was you." His father told him.
Everyone in the hallway behind relaxed and came forward from where they had been positioned, putting their wands away.
Percy nodded as he saw them all, but was clearly flustered. "I understand Dad, of course you had to be sure it was me, I should have sent a message ahead or something. I'm sorry Harry, I know it's late, I was trying to find Mum and Dad they weren't at home and no one was at shell cottage so I went to see George at his flat. He told me they were here, then walked with me to the square, so I didn't get lost, I came from the Ministry the other day so wasn't sure how to get here from Diagon Alley. Neither of us had an owl to send, the Owl office on the Alley was closed and we had no Floo powder to call you, although I am not sure if I am on the allowed list for it here anyway. George apologises, but he had to get back, we saw the lights still on so he left as soon as I was on the doorstep. I must talk to Mum and Dad, may I come in please?" Percy was obviously distressed.
"Of course you can Percy, come on in. The others are all in the sitting room, well we all were until you arrived. Have you eaten by the way? We've long since had dinner, but I am sure Kreacher can rustle something up for you, if you would like anything." Harry said as he let him in.
"That would be good, thank you, Harry." Percy replied. "Don't go to a lot of trouble though, sandwiches and Butterbeer or something like that would be fine."
"No problem, I'll ask Kreacher when we get in, now lets get you settled first though." Harry said as he led the men back into the room where the women were waiting with wands ready and Kreacher in front of them. As soon as they saw all was fine, they relaxed, though Molly was looking at the tired Percy, who was in uncharacteristically disordered appearance, with concern.
"What on earth is wrong Percy?" Asked his Mother, rushing over to him as soon as they entered the room, those in the lounge had not heard his speech at the door.
Taking charge, Molly led her son to a seat and sat next to him, holding his hand comfortingly, while Harry asked Kreacher to fetch Percy a drink and something for him to eat, before the usually prim man told his story. "I got home after work at about seven this evening to find the place surrounded by Muggle Police and the Fire Brigade. The Muggles in the flat below mine had managed to set fire to their kitchen at some point during the day, I don't know how yet, I suppose I might never find out, unless the landlord tells me. Anyway they were apparently so busy watching television or something that they didn't notice the fire, not until the firemen had broken down their door with their axes at least. A passer by had reported the blaze, by which time it was well out of control and had spread into my flat. The Fire brigade did their best, but the fire had taken too strong a hold before they got there and there is only so much they can do without magic, the entire building is destroyed. I've lost everything mum, there's nothing left of my flat except the outer walls and they say they might have to pull those down tomorrow, luckily no one was hurt though. I wondered if it might be all right, if I could come back to the Burrow, at least until I can sort myself out? There is nowhere else I can think of, where I could go or would be welcome."
"Well of course you can Percy, if you want to, you are more than welcome, but we are staying at the Cauldron tonight and it's full I'm afraid. You could go to the Burrow of course, but I don't think you should be on your own after such a shock." His mother told him kindly.
"No, I don't think I would like that, I don't think I want to be alone in the house either. I don't really know what to do in that case." Percy looked quite dejected.
"Its all right Percy you can stay here, there's certainly enough rooms and most of them are far enough away so you can't hear Ron's snoring, which will be a first when you are in the same house as him." Said Ginny.
Percy looked scandalised, interrupting Ron's exclamation of indignation, he said. " Ginny, you can't do that, that's not for you to offer. I know you like Harry a lot and he may rely on you, Ron and Hermione, but that doesn't mean you can just invite me to stay in Harry's house, kind and well intentioned as that is, that's up to him. Not only that, but after the way I have been towards him since I left Hogwarts, I would not be surprised if Harry didn't want me in his house."
"Don't be daft Percy, of course I don't feel like that, you are Ginny's brother and you may get misguided or hung up on rules, but you wouldn't be you if you didn't. Anyway it's quite all right for Ginny to ask you to stay here, after all she is the lady of the house." Laughed Harry. "It would not be right for me to stop her, even if I could or wanted to.
A very puzzled Percy opened his mouth to reply, but stopped and closed it again as Kreacher came in with his drink and a plate of sandwiches, he instead thanked the Elf, but still looked very confused by what Harry had said as he tucked into his meal.
Ginny turned to Kreacher. "It's all right for my brother to stay here tonight isn't it Kreacher? Regulus old room would suit him best I think, he will need something to wear and toiletries as well, he has lost everything except what he is stood up in and that's in his brief case in a fire at his home."
"Certainly Mistress you can invite who you like, it is your house after all. I shall prepare the room with everything that is required, I shall launder his clothes while he sleeps." The elf replied then with a pop he was gone.
Percy's eyes widened. "I thought this was Harry's house?"
"It is Perc." Mr. Weasley explained "But, it is Ginny's as well."
"I don't understand."
"Oh Perc, for crying out loud. I know you have had a shock brother dear, but even so you should be sharper than that. They both own this house, little brother." Laughed Bill.
A look of sudden comprehension came across Percy's face. "But!" He pointed at Harry. "But, that means you and...?" He pointed at Ginny then looked at his parents questioningly, clearly one shock had been enough for him that night.
"It's ok Percy, we know they are together." Laughed his father.
"Relax Percy." Said Bill " If you think that's news, wait til we tell you Fleur's pregnant."
"What?" Percy shouted now looking really surprised as everyone else laughed, he then looked at the couple suspiciously. "You are having me on aren't you, trying to cheer me up."
"Non, Percy, I am expecting a little one." Fleur assured him.
Percy stammered. "But, but, but, I mean, how?"
Ron laughed. "Well Percy when two people love each other very much..."
"Ron!" Hermione admonished him.
Molly looked at her youngest son and said sternly. "Just because you know how Ronald, doesn't mean you have to young man. I hope you show more respect to Hermione than you do your brother."
"Yes mum." He muttered quietly while the others laughed at him.
"What I meant was with everything going on..." Percy's voice faded, then he shook his head. "I am just digging myself into a hole aren't I?"
A chorus of "Yes!" Rang out from the others.
Percy Grinned. "So that means you are serious, Fleur is pregnant?"
"Yes!" Rang out again.
"You aren't just saying that to cheer me up" He asked again, still grinning.
"No! They all replied.
"Just checking you could say something other than yes." He grinned.
"Bloody hell Percy, you must be in shock, making a joke." Bill grinned, then calmed looking at his brother seriously he added. "Yes Percy, we are giving Mum and Dad their first Grandchild."
"Congratulations!" Percy stood and hugged them both. "That is fantastic news, just what I needed."
"So Percy are you going to be staying or not?" Smiled Ginny, once he had sat down again.
"Yes, yes if you will still have me, thank you, Ginny and you too Harry." He said gratefully then sat and finished the food Kreacher had brought for him while the conversation turned to where he could live until he found a new flat.
