A/N Well, there you go... Not much to say here except those of you waiting for Harry/Ginny - it's on it's way but it is limited how much can happen when they're away from each other - all that will happen in due time though. Thanks everyone for the reviews!
Please bear with any minor typos - my mouse is behaving very very strangely. that's no excuse though so do throw something at me if there's any big mistake. I did proof read but it's hard to do when the mouse will not stay still. :)

Chapter 9: History and Hogwarts

Ginny looked at him adoringly as they sat under a tree and watched the sunset. She rested her head on his shoulder and put her arms around his neck. He put his arm around her waist and savoured the feeling as his hand came to rest on her flat stomach.

Ginny sighed contently and planted a kiss on his cheek. He turned his head and kissed her on the lips. She grinned against his mouth and deepened the kiss. His hand moved slowly upwards...

Suddenly Ginny dissolved into thin air and he looked around – confused. Then, before he knew it, he was dangling upside-down suspended by his leg which was being held by a troll-sized Ron!

Ron bellowed and swung his club at him and he just barely managed to curl upwards so the club passed beneath him. Ron then dropped him unceremoniously on the ground.

"My sister!" Ron yelled and lifted the club again.

He scrambled out of the way and began to run. Troll-Ron did not seem to follow and he paused after a while, catching his breath. He looked back towards Troll-Ron but he was gone. But when he turned back Fred and George were in front of him with their Beater's bats. They glared threateningly at him and he turned and ran towards a forest. Fred and George were right behind him swinging their bats madly. Then the path seemed to grow smalled and he stopped abruptly when he saw Percy leaning casually against a tree – twirling his wand between his fingers.

"Really, Harry..." Percy tutted. "One would think you had better manners around a lady."

"I do!" he exclaimed – blushing slightly..

"Ah ah! Obviously you don't. And my sister will not be seeing anyone unless their intentions are completely honourable:.."

"But they are! I want to ma..."he interrupted desperately.

"ENOUGH!" Percy bellowed and pointed his wand at him. "Crucio!"

Shocked, he leapt out of the way and ran through some bushes. But alas, Bill and Charlie blocked his way. Bill flung some weird curse at him.

"HARRY!"

His blood froze in his veins. That way Ginny! He tried to get past Bill and Charlie but they would not let him.

"HARRY!"

Then he saw her. She was sitting in Gryffindor Tower – shouting for him through the open window. Outside Hogwarts a Hungarian Horntail paced menacingly. He ran towards the castle doors and heard a sinister laugh as the dragon let loose a spray of fire directly at him.

Harry woke up and found himself bathed in sweat. He ran a hand through his hair to find it dripping wet too. Sighing heavily he closed his eyes again.

What WAS that?

The first part was rather nice though...

Shut up – she's your best mate's little sister – Ron'll pummel you!

She's so beautiful though... She'd be worth it...

Harry shook his head. Of all the girls at school he'd just have to fall for the one with 6 protective older brothers – and the one who'd gotten over her crush on him as she had gotten to know him better.

That thought resulted in a nasty pang in his stomach and he pushed it aside. Pulling off the covers, he got up, picked his robes from yesterday off the floor and put them on. He really needed a bath.

Realising he did not know where the bathroom was, he entered the hallway and looked around. Trying to decide if he should go ask someone – or just try some doors, he frowned. He knew that this was supposed to be his home but he felt like a guest. No, he'd go see if anyone was up yet. Having made his decision, he strode down the hallway, rounded the corner... and walked straight through a ghost.

He shuddered and gasped as the freezing feeling dissolved.

"Good Morrow, young James."

Harry turned around and blinked at the ghost he had just walked through. A man in his mid-twenties blinked back at him. His transparent hair was longer than Harry's but it was still characteristically messy. His transparent eyebrows lifted. "You are not James..."

"No," Said Harry. "James is my father."

"Merlin's teeth! A new heir I have not met! Pray tell, wherefore have we n'er met?" The ghost exclaimed and floated a bit closer to get a good look at Harry.

"I just came here last night." Harry explained. "The house has been shut down for many years. I did not even know it existed."

The ghost blinked sadly. "Aye, it has been verily quiet. E'er since that horrible December day when that wayward clot murdered Edward and Emily. Young James was devestated of course. I n'er saw him after that. Are you here with him?"

"Yes," Harry nodded. "And my grandma and grandpa are fine too. See, I killed that 'wayward clot' and they came back to life."

"By my wand! That is amazing!" The ghost lit up as much as a ghost can – then frowned slightly. "I did not catch you name, Heir?"

"Oh sorry! I'm Harry... Harry Potter..:" Harry said and grinned at the fact that someone did not know who he was. "And you are?"

"Cornelius... The surname you can guess, mayhap?" Cornelius grinned and ran a hand through his messy hair.

Harry grinned back and then he remembered his errand. "Er... Cornelius... do you know where the bathroom is?"

"Aye, right down there." Cornelius said and pointed to a door two doors away from Harry's room. "I shall go see Edwards then. Farewell, young Harry."

Harry thanked him and said goodbye before heading to the bathroom.

After a wonderful bath – in a bathroom that reminded him greatly of the Prefects' bathroom at Hogwarts – Harry returned to his room. Going through the wardrobe he picked some dark green robes with golden linings. That would be nice for a change since all his robes were Hogwarts ones.

A few minutes later he bounded down the stairs, glanced at a clock in the hall and noted that it was 10.15 AM and headed towards the kitchen. When he entered the kitchen his grandmother was in full swing making tea, eggs and toast.

"Good morning Grandma." He said as he relieved her of a plate of toast.

"Good morning Harry." She smiled. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, better than I have for a long time, actually." Harry confessed as he placed the plate of toast on the table and added. "The room is brilliant. This whole house is brilliant!"

His grandmother chuckled and steered him to his seat at the table before proceeding to pile eggs onto his plate.

"Didn't you have house elves?" he asked, wondering why his grandmother was cooking.

"Oh yes – but I rather enjoy cooking so when we're just family I cook myself. The house elves have plenty of other things to look after. It is a large house after all."

"Oh..."

At that moment his grandfather came in and joined the breakfast.

"I hear you met Cornelius." He said as he reached for a piece of toast.

"Yes..." Harry replied. "I didn't know you had a ghost."

"Ah well, Harry, every wizarding house has something and larger manors and castles usually have a ghost or two."

Harry nodded and thought of the ghoul in Ron's addic – and then he wondered if Grimmauld Place had a ghost. He shivered at the thought. Where Potter Manor represented the light side of magic, Grimmauld Place could not be any darker and he was sure a ghost there would fall into the same category as the Bloody Baron.

Harry's musings were interrupted when his grandfather spoke again.

"Harry, I was thinking... perhaps you would be interested to hear a bit of family history when we have finished our breakfast?" he asked.

"Really? I'd like that!" Harry grinned and hurried to finish his breakfast only to watch impatiently as his grandfather finished eating – which at the same time made him feel that he was acting like a five-year-old.

Finally his grandfather rose and Harry followed him into the formal dining room where he stopped in front of an ancient looking tapestry.

"Now... how much do you already know?" his grandfather asked and put a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Uh... well... nothing really... up until yesterday I didn't even kow this place existed." Harry stared at his feet, feeling a bit stupid.

"Well then, many wizarding families are very old. Godric Gryffindor had one child – a daughter called Gunnild. She was among the first students when Hogwarts opened. Among the students were also Herbert Potter."

Harry watched as his grandfather carefully prodded a little man on the tapestry who then looked at them and waved. Harry saw a girl come out of what he only realised was Hogwarts because it said so about the castle. She hugged the man and they disappeared into a house.

"Herbert Potter married Gunnild Gryffindor and they had a son named Gilbert."

Another man came out of the house and waved at them. Then he walked a bit and jumped onto a ship and sailed away.

"Gilbert was very adventurous and spent most of his youth travelling. Until one day he returned with an Irish wife – Aillionora." His grandfather explained as Harry watched the small embroidered ship return and Gilbert sted out followed by a redhead.

"Gilbert was the first Potter to carry the traits that still characterize our family. Although this tapestry does not show it, Gilbert is – in written sources – always described as having impossible black hair – and a liking for redheads..." His grandfather glanced at him and Harry blushed slightly and followed the older Potter into the hall.

"That's common in wizarding families. Even more so than with muggles because the magic in our blood affects our looks too. Ever since Gilbert all male Potters have had unmanagable black hair and we always marry redheads. We must like the challenge..." his grandfather chuckled as he walked over to a painting that hung at the bottom of the stairs.

"Gilbert and Aillionora had a son. That's another thing... First born Potter is always a son. Gilbert and Aillionora named him Alexander. Gilbert built this house in 1244 when Alexander was born. We've lived here ever since. Good morning Alexander." He nodded as the painting stared back at them

"Good morning Edward. So pleasant to see you back. Takes more than that to get a Potter, eh?" The painting grinned.

"My grandson, Harry here, is to thank for that." His grandfather patted him on the shoulder and the painting peered at him curiously – then shook his head in wonder, commenting that it was amazing that James was already old enough to have an almost adult son.

As they walked slowly up the stairs, Harry was introduced to the paintings and he listened happily to the stories of Edmund and Dionis Potter, father and son, who had both died while they fought side by side in a battle in France, of Dionis' son, Hugo Potter, who had taken over the role as patriarc at the age of 7 after his father's death and looked after the family's economies for more than 160 years because his offspring were more interested in travelling and therefore it was his great-grandson William who took over. About Williams son, Robert, who was killed trying to save a friend from an angry dragon and Edmund 2, Robert's at the time 3 year old son, who grew up and went to kill the dragon for revenge at age 17 and managed to do so but died himself from burns and left his pregnant wife behind. And of his great-grandfather who lost his life in the war against Grindelwald and his grandfather who had attended Hogwarts with Dumbledore and fought by his side in the final battle against Grindelwald too.

It was a little after noon when Lily and Remus appeared followed by a tired looking James and Sirius. Harry and his grandfather followed them to the kitchen where Lily helped his grandmother with lunch and the rest sat down.

"So," Harry's grandmother said." What will you all be doing today?"

"Well, I'm going to Hogwarts to have a word with Dumbledore." Lily huffed.

"Which means I'll be going too." James added.

"I think I go with you then, I shall like to see the Headmaster again." Harry's grandfather added.

Harry did not say anything. For the first time in his life he did not want to go back to Hogwarts.

"You should go too, Harry." Remus said. "Ron and Hermione will want to know where you went. And you could get your broom."

And suddenly Harry realised that he had just disappeared overnight and his friends would be worred sick. He also realised that they did not know his parents were back – nor did anyone else.

"Er... you can't very well just walk into Hogwarts. People don't know you're back."

"Well, they'll find out then..." was all his dad said.

So, half an hour later, Harry walked through the gates of Hogwarts behind his parents and grandfather. Or rather, Lily strode angrily towards the castle, James tried to keep up and calm her down a bit and Harry and his grandfather walked behind them.

As they entered the castle, Harry kept his eyes focused on his mother who had worked herself up to furious now. The other students stared at him – not that that was anything new.

"I'm going to Gryffindor Tower to get my things." Harry told his grandfather who nodded.

"We'll get you there when we're done."

And Harry ran. Ran to drain some energy such happiness apparently bottled up inside you. He did not care that the other students had to jump out of the way and yelled at him and he was thoroughly disappointed when he climbed through the portrait hole and learned that neither Ron, Hermion or Ginny were there.

Instead, he entered the dormitory and threw open his trunk. Grabbing his school cloak he spread it out on the floor and piled his photo albums, the two-way mirror plus some underwear and socks on it and gathered his cloak around it all in a bundle. Then he stuffed the Marauder's Map in a pocket – making a mental note to get his Dad and Sirius and Remus to add the Room of Requirement to it. Then he reached for his broom.

"Going somewhere?"

Startled, Harry looked up – Ron was leaning against the wall next to the door. "Ron!"

"Where did you go? Woke up and found you gone! And what are you wearing?" Ron asked wide-eyed.

"Remus picked me up last night. Ron... my parents are alive again – my grandparents too." Harry grinned barely able to stop himself from jumping up and down. "And I'm wearing robes. You should know that – you're the one who grew up in a wizarding house."

"Your parents...?" Ron blinked

"...are alive, yes." Harry still grinned.

Ron gaped for a moment longer, then his face split in a huge grin. "HARRY! THATS BLOODY BRILLIANT!"

"I KNOW!" Harry laughed though he was taken a bit by surprise when Ron hugged him.

"Hem hem."

They immediately jumped apart and turned around to find Ginny and Hermione in the doorway.

"We heard you from downstairs. What's so 'bloody brilliant'?" Ginny asked, but she did not get a reply immediately as Hermione hugged Harry.

"Harry we were SO worried!" she exclaimed. "No note or anything – you were just gone – and Dumbledore wouldn't tell us anything!"

"Sorry," Harry extricated himself from Hermione's grasp. "I didn't mean to worry you. It's just all so amazing and we had a lot to talk about and then I was so tired and..." He stopped at Hermione and Ginny's bewildered looks.

"The Potters came back to live and..." Ron started to explain but the rest could not be heard as the girls both shrieked and hugged him so all he could see was a blur of red and brown.

When the girls had calmed down, Harry told them everything that had happened since he left. He could not believe it had been less than 24 hours.

----------

"...BELIEVE YOU... MY HORRIBLE SISTER... NOT LISTEN TO HARRY... HIRING TEACHERS LIKE THAT... SENILE OLD FOOL..."

Lily's furious shrieks were still ringing in James' ears as he walked towards Gryffindor Tower. As always, Dumbledore had been annoyingly calm and had explained everything and James understood him now. He still thought some things should have been done differently but he also knew that that was easy to say in hindsight.

After Lily had calmed down, his father had discussed with Dumbledore about how to announce their return and they had had the Minister floo over. Ever since Harry had killed Voldemort, the Ministry had been very good friends with Dumbledore and there had been no problems at all being declared alive again. Lily and his father had gone with the Minister to make an announcement while James got Harry.

When he reached the Fat Lady's portrait, he flashed her his most charming smile – atleast he hoped it was.

"James Potter!" she gasped.

"Hello!" James smiled cheerfully. "It had been far too long – I had forgotten your breathtaking beauty. Do tell me you still sing? It would be such a terrible shame to waste that marvellous voice of yours!"

The Fat Lady giggled and blushed. Can't believe she's buying that... Oh well... hint what you want and a little more should do the trick.

"I haven't been here for so long. It certainly does bring back memories. It would be so nice to see Gryffindor Tower again. Did I mention how that colour robes bring out your eyes? And did you lose some weight? You look much more beautiful than I remember."

The Fat Lady giggled again. Time to strike – final trumph.

"Is there any chance you'll let me see the tower once more? It would be so nice. Being dead for 15 years is no picnic, you know." James said and looked devestatingly sad.

"Oh of course dear, do take your time." The Fat Lady wiped a tear from her face and swung open. James stepped through and grinned. Piece of cake. Prongs hasn't lost his touch. Ignoring the staring Gryffindors, he climbed the staircase to the boy's dormitories and entered the 6th year dorms.

-----------

Harry gaped as his father burst through the door.

"How did you get in?" he exclaimed.

"No door is so shut that the Potter charm cannot open it." James grinned and looked at the others.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Riight... anyway, Dad these are my friends: Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Guys, this is my Dad."

Ron stared from Harry to James for a moment. "You do look alike!" he exclaimed and James chuckled. Hermione snorted and stepped forward.

"Mr. Potter..." she said. "I'm so pleased to meet you."

"Me too." James shook her hand. "Pleased to meet all of you. I've heard a lot about you. Hermione, smartest witch of her generation?"

Hermione blushed slightly and Ron stepped forward. "I've known Harry since the Hogwarts Express first year." He said.

"Yes I've heard that story." James grinned. "You remind me a bit of Sirius. And you, Hermione, remind me of Remus."

"What would that make me then?" Ginny grinned.

"You remind me of Lily."

Harry blushed at the comment and noticed that so did Ginny. He focused on his belongings on the floor.

"Are you ready to go, Harry?" James asked.

"Where are you going?" Ron exclaimed.

Harry looked at him and grinned. "Home..."

"Harry will stay with us for the weekend. He will return when lessons resume on Monday." James told them and Harry felt slightly disappointed – that was only two days...

"Alright – see you mate." Ron grinned and Hermione and Ginny hugged him again. Ginny smelled like roses. James then took his bundle and Harry took his broom.

"Where's Mum and grandpa?" Harry asked as they walked through the castle.

"Talking to the Daily Prophet." His dad replied and explained all that had happened. "Did you just smell Ginny's hair?"

Harry's heart jumped in shock." How did you know? Er... I mean, no of course not..." Harry felt his face heat up again and was grateful that they had just stepped outside.

He heard his father chuckle. "Because I did the same with Lily. You have a head start though... this one doesn't hate you..."

"Yeah well, she has 6 older brothers." Harry commented.

"Somehow I don't think that will be a problem." James grinned as he reached for Harry's arm and apparated them home.

Sirius and Remus showered them with questions the moment they appeared. James explained everything again. Lily and James' father had still not returned when he had finished explaining, so Sirius suggested that they go for a fly.

"Should you do that Sirius? Is is safe?" Harry asked as he did not want his godfather thrown back into prison.

"This house has more wards than Grimmauld Place – they won't be able to find me here." Sirius ensured him.

James nodded. "That's true – in fact Dumbledore agreed that Sirius would be better off staying here."

"Does that mean you're staying?" Harry lit up.

Sirius grinned. "yes, Harry, I'm staying."

"And we're going to work on a way to catch Wormtail." James added.

"James..." Sirius sighed but James shook his head.

"No Padfoot... we'll set it right... if we combine forces and work on it we'll find a way to catch him." He shot Sirius a determined look and Sirius had seen it often enough before not to question it.

"We can start by checking some books – there must be a way to track him." Remus commented.

"Moony... that could be a lot of work... you shouldn't..." Sirius objected.

Remus frowned. "We'll search till we find something. You did the same for me with the animagus thing. We'll figure something out Padfoot."

James felt his heart warm when Sirius smiled and accepted the help. But he was surprised when Harry spoke up.

"I'll help too." Harry said. "And I'm sure Ron and Hermione will too. Hermione might know something."

"Harry, we'll work it out. You should focus on school." James frowned.

"I'll help." Harry repeated and shot James' determined look right back at him and James knew there would be no discussion of the matter so he changed the subject.

"Right... so how about that flying?"

Harry could not stop smiling when he went to bed that night. He'd spent the evening flying with his dad and Sirius – with Remus watching from the ground while reading. His dad had gotten a snitch from the drawer in the desk in Harry's room and they had had a competition in catching it. Harry had caught it 7 times, James 5 and Sirius 2 times. Harry suddenly realized that it was the first time he'd seen Sirius fly. He was happy for Sirius. This seemed to be just what he needed. His best friend back and a chance to get away from that horrible house and have some fun. Harry fell asleep with that thought in his head and had a lovely dream about... roses?