A Change Of Plan Keeperoliver Chapter 10
Harry sat and listened to the people that talked with him since waking up from his coma. He loved what he was hearing from each and every one of them as they told of their commitments. When Severus, Charity and Narcissa sat and talked, he heard the potion master speak civil for one of the few times in his life that Harry knew.
Charity started it off, "Hello Harry. It is so good to have you back with us. As close as we three are, we still missed you."
Severus broke in at that point, "Speak for your self Charity, I, for one, enjoyed the peace and quiet. Not listening to the boy's prattle was a god send. Although, I must say it was a little dull around here, seeing everyone moping around like they were lost. I can't believe they actually missed you." Then he smiled, "I guess there is some truth to that though, as I actually sort of missed your arrogance. Not much mind you, but missed just the same."
Then Narcissa added, "Oh for goodness sake Severus, admit it would you please. You missed him as much as any of us. Harry, one good thing did come about while you were out. Severus asked Charity and I to be his wives. Of course he wouldn't do it while he was in your presence, so he drew us out of the room. Think of it Harry, I go from a Malfoy, to a Black to a Snape in a matter for a few days. Draco is thrilled to hear that his god father is to become his father. Well, step father, but the same difference. He has always looked up to his god father, as he helped him more than Lucius ever did. Stood up for him to the Dark Lord. Lucius never would have done that. I'm not saying he didn't love Draco, but he was frightened of what Voldemort might do if he showed weakness in raising Draco."
Harry looked at the three sitting beside him. A smile drew itself across his face. "To see you together, is good. Excellent as a father you will be for Draco. Many more children in your future I see. A good man is Draco, Narcissa. He and Astoria will many grand children be bringing you." Harry laughed at the look on Severus' face. "Scared are you now Professor Snape? Surely not by children are you frightened. Handled us all so well you did, in school." This brought a round of laughs from those in the room. "Glad am I to hear that you ladies will a man of him you make. In need of guidance is he. Love also. Professor, of the love you had for my mother, I am aware. I know that in my heart feel that forgiven you she has. Happy for you she is, as is my father. Judgement is reserved for Sirius. His is one that may be hard to understand. Love for you, there was not. Friendship too, was not there. Work hard will my mother, to set him straight."
"Mr. Potter, the first part of your little speech completely asinine. Of course I will be a good father. Wasn't I your favorite teacher in school?"
Harry was laughing his head off. "With a straight face say that you did? Perceptions of your self are higher than others I see. To ask them, shattered your thoughts may become. Safer it is to your self you keep this. Disillusioned you will become if you don't."
"Really Mr. Potter I was not that bad. I may have been strict, but so was Minerva."
"Fair she was, while an arse were you. But change you have, and maybe it is these lovely ladies that this change has been brought about. What ever the cause, a much better person have you become, and this person I welcome as a friend."
Severus smiled, "And I you Harry. We have not seen eye to eye on many things, but you calling these ladies lovely is something I most humbly agree with you on. They do brighten up my day."
Both Charity and Narcissa blushed bright crimson at the words the two men spoke of them.
ACOP-}
Ginny, Luna, Hermione, Fred and George sat around Harry's bed with Ginny sitting on the bed, holding Harry's hand in a gentle squeeze. Fred had Hermione in his lap, and George was doing the same with Luna. She was talking to him, "So much has happened since the start of the year. We have lost many friends, but to think how much more could have been lost if you hadn't refused Moody's plans is mind boggling. I think back on it, and see how silly that idea was. Instead of everyone making it out that night, you all could have been killed. Seven Harry's meant seven deaths as well as their escorts. I can't imagine what he was thinking to come up with such a plan."
Fred, George and Hermione all blushed. "I'm afraid that we all thought it had a chance of succeeding. We all felt it would add a sense of confusion. But after seeing Harry's plan, I have to agree with you. We were never faced with the Death Eaters or Tom. We escaped with out a scratch, and were able to gather our forces and destroy the horcruxes before we faced our enemy. Yes, we lost many friends, but if we had gone with the original plan we may have lost Harry right from the start, and then we would have been lost."
George also added, "Not only that, but we never had to take that dreadful potion, and end up looking like you Harry. No offense, but I like the way I look. The down side to that is Hermione never got a chance to see what you looked like down below, if you know what I mean." smiling as he finished.
Hermione just humphed. "You make one small mistake in saying something to ease the tension in a morbid room, and it comes back to haunt you for the rest of your life."
Ginny looked at Hermione, "What was it you said Hermione?"
Hermione covered her face with her hands, "I would rather not say."
Fred was ready to say something when Hermione glared at him. He sat there being quiet. Not so for George, "Yes Hermione, do tell us what you said?"
Hermione mumbled something to which Luna stated, "Do speak up Hermione so that the rest of us can hear you. Take your hands away from your face, look us in the eyes, and speak. We promise not to laugh..." she paused then added, "Too hard."
Hermione let out a breath she had been holding. "I said, 'I wonder if our savior is as big down below as he is in his heart. I suppose I will get to see for my self."
Ginny laughed, "Well, sorry you were disappointed then Hermione. I am glad to see that I will be the first to see it and then I will pass it on to you."
Luna smiled, "Sorry to disappoint you both, but I beat you both to it." This brought Harry to a deep crimson color. He remember in his fifth year when he had to go to the loo real bad after mistakingly eating one of the twins prank candies causing him a brilliant boner that he had to try and hide. The only way to get rid if it was to pleasure himself. He was in the middle of doing that when Luna walked into the loo to use it herself. There was Harry holding his member trying to get rid of his problem and Luna standing there watching him. She smiled brightly at Harry, and walked out, not saying a word.
"Well, don't leave us stranded Luna, tell us." Hermione pleaded.
Ginny echoed her words, "Yes, please do, and tell us why you were looking at Harry's manhood?"
In stead of Luna answering, it was Harry. He glared at the twins the whole time he talked. Fred and George were laughing so hard they were falling all over themselves. Ginny and Hermione looked to Luna, and she held her hands up, and held them apart about thirty centimeters (9-10 inches). Hermione gulped, and Ginny got a dreamy look on her face. Then Luna held up one hand and made a circle with her fingers, but not completing the circle leaving a gap of about 30 millimeters. Ginny passed out. Hermione's eyes got as big around as the circle Luna just made. Fred and George laughed so hard they almost had an accident. The candy Harry ate was an ENGORGEMINT. They were meant for a heavy date.
Harry wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. He went to Ginny and brought her up in his arms. He held her to his chest to steady her as she was coming around. She looked up and was looking in to Harry's eyes, and backed up away from him. "Ginny, an enchantment it was. Me it was not. To fear that size would be quite wise, if what Luna saw was true, But she had no clue. A treat from the twins was how it begins. In a moment of doubt, my size grew out."
Ginny turned to Fred and George, and she saw them backing out the door to get away from their irate sister. As the door closed behind their backs they heard the curses hit against it, and the sound of hundreds of bees buzzing on the other side. They decided to keep walking just to let her cool down.
Inside the room, the three ladies and the one man were laughing at the situation as there were no bees. The sound the twins heard was a shoe hitting the door, and Luna imitating the sound of the bees. She was quite good at it. Here study of all creatures came in handy.
ACOP-}
It was as the Madam said, three days after waking up, Harry was once again speaking normally. He was released from the room he was in, and found everyone in the sitting room, including Dobby. The Elf saw Harry joining them, and went to him, "It is good to see Master Harry back with his friends. Dobby was happy to hear that Missy Ginny and Missy Luna helped you back to us all."
Harry reached down and took Dobby's hand and walked with him into the room, "Excuse me every one, I was wondering if anyone has told Dobby lately how much help he was in defeating Tom Riddle?" Harry turned to Dobby, "You were you know Dobby. A very big help. Only one from that first change is missing from this group. Two really, but Hagrid could not make this meeting. You all know who I'm talking about. Alastor Moody was a true friend and a strong ally. He will be sorely missed, as will our friends, Blaise, Susan, Colin, Lavender, Marietta, and the rest. It was a terrible loss, but, in the end it was because of them that we won. This is the first chance I have had since coming back to sit and talk with you all about that night. We won because of the conviction we all had. We knew that in the end we would be victorious. Those we lost will be missed, but they will never be forgotten."
"Here Here." rang out through out the room. Every one joined in with the toast to the fallen. Tears were being shed, and memories shared.
Then Harry changed the course of the evening when he looked around the room seeing the different couples that sat near each other. "Fred, Hermione, I am so happy that you two found each other. Hermione you are his sanity and Fred, you are her funny side. George, You and Luna are the same, though, I admit, Luna has a far greater funny side than Hermione. Luna, you have always been there for me when I needed you. To help me get my head out of my arse, so to speak. A lot of who I am is because of you. You are more than a sister to me. You are a part of me that I will always look for when I need need it pulled out once again. Ron, Daphne, I never saw that one coming, but to see you two together, I can see that Gryffindor and Slytherin can share the same chair. Now Ron, scoot over and give her some room, you're practically sitting in her lap."
"Hey mate, I don't hear her complaining."
"That's because you were cutting off her wind, and she was unable to talk. Just kidding Ron. Daphne, you got your self a good man, if you can keep his head on straight. Draco, Astoria. I believe like Ginny and I, you were meant for each other. The love I see in both of you is felt through out the room. It is a feeling of tranquility. Molly, Arthur. You have been my mum and dad for the past six years, and though I never called you that, it would be my honor if you would allow me to start."
Molly jumped up out of her seat, and rushed to Harry to pull him into the sweetest hug she ever gave. It wasn't bone crushing, but it was breath taking. Molly was crying into his shoulder as she whispered, "The honor would be ours Harry. You are our seventh son, just like Hermione is our Third daughter. I am sorry Hermione, but Fleur beat you too that second spot."
"No apology necessary Mum. Which reminds me Harry, would you and Ginny care to join Fred, George and Luna, when I go to Australia to look for my mum and dad?"
Harry looked to Ginny, and she nodded her head. He then looked to Molly and Arthur, and they nodded their head. "Hermione, it looks like you have two more traveling companions. Do you know when you are leaving?"
"In one week Harry. Kingsley said they were located in Brisbane. He set up a port key departure, and we have to set reservations for a flight back."
"We'll talk about the rest later Hermione, as there is more that needs to be done. To continue what I was doing, Bill, Fleur, I look forward to seeing the newest member of your family. I understand your having a girl?"
Fleur shined as she said, "Oui, Harree. We have chosen a name for her. It will be Victoire, in honor of the all who have shared in this battle for our freedom."
Harry smiled, "That's brilliant Fleur. It also seems that someone else is sharing in your joy. Remus, Tonks, do you have something to tell me as well?"
Remus shook his head, "Not that I can think of Harry, how about you love?"
"Nah, I can't think of anything. Unless of course your taking about Teddy?"
"Hmmm, could be."
"Well then, I guess you should know that your god son Teddy will be here in about a week or two."
"God Son? You want me to be his god father? Why?"
"Because Harry, you are a Marauder by blood. No one else could fill those shoes. Tonks and I both agree, you are the perfect choice. Since you will be in Australia when he is born, we will wait until you return to make it official. Just don't take too long."
"I hope we won't be too long. Finally, Severus, Charity, Narcissa. I have watched your love bond together. I have seen the love you all share. I see the joy you bring one another. Severus, it has been a hard road for you, and I can't think of anyone who deserves this happiness more than you. I look forward to you giving Draco a brother and a sister. Maybe more. The need for potion masters will become greater now that we are free of the evil that plagued us."
"I imagine there will be a need for more Potion Masters. Doesn't mean We will be supplying them though, Mr. Potter."
"Of course you will Severus. Look how much fun you will have supplying that demand. Both Charity and Narcissa seem to be of the same mind set."
"Like I said before My. Potter, Miss Granger seems to be Wearing off on you."
"Can you think of any one better to emulate?"
"Well spoken Mr. Potter." Charity replied.
Hermione was turning a Dursley shade of purple.
ACOP-}
The time had arrived for Hermione to go to Australia to look for her mum and dad. Some how Harry had made arrangements for them to stay in a monthly rental home, rather than a hotel. She thought that would be too expensive so she thought to look at hotel pricing. For once, Harry's thought was better than Hers by 200 quid.
They waited their turn in the Port Key Office, and passed small talk around to kill the time. Since only three could go at a time, the ladies would go first, followed by the men. When their turn came up, they were told that because of the distance, the trip would be longer than a regular Port Key. To Hermione, it seemed like it took for ever. In truth, it was five minutes. The girls stepped off the platform. And stood by to wait for the men. A minute later, they arrived, and they all processed through security.
Processing through security took longer than normal due to Harry's popularity. He was even known down under. The five all laughed at the look on Harry's face as he was asked to give autographs to all the security team. Then another traveler asked for one for her daughter, who was standing next to her staring at Harry. She was about thirteen, and she couldn't believe that she was in the presence of Harry Potter. Harry had to say no to pictures when it was brought up. It was to no avail, as the mother still got one of Harry shaking the girls hand.
When they were finally able to leave the Ministry building to head to their rental, they got out side and hailed a Taxi. Harry gave the driver the address and followed the others into the cab He and Ginny sat in front, while Fred, Hermione, George and Luna sat in back. It would have been very crowded, if Hermione and Luna weren't sitting on the other two laps. They were quite comfortable and Fred and George were quite pleased, though maybe a bit uncomfortable.
The ride took twenty minutes, and the driver let them off. Harry threw the money to the driver who thanked Harry for the generous tip. The group looked up at their home for the next month. It wasn't elaborate, but it was a far sight bigger than a hotel room. Once inside, it was even bigger. Yes, Harry had made quite a deal for their stay.
Hermione told them they would look around for the first few days, before she started her search for her mum and dad.
The arrangements were, Fred and George would share a room, as would Ginny and Luna. Harry would take one and Hermione the last bedroom.
They all broke off for the evening and headed for the rooms. Harry and Hermione had the smallest rooms, since they were the single roomers. Fred and George got the next size room, and Luna and Ginny got the largest room with their own Loo.
In the morning, Luna got up and took her turn in the loo, to shower and freshen up for the day. She left the bedroom and the first thing that hit her was the smell of breakfast cooking. She skipped down the stairs and to the kitchen where she found Harry cooking and humming a tune as he did so. She joined harry, and asked if she could help. "It would be great if you could make some toast my love. I figured everyone would be hungry, so I got up early and went to that market we passed on the way here. You'll find the bread in that closet next to the fridge."
"OK Harry. I'll make the toast, but did you happen to pick up some strawberry jam?"
"You didn't think I would forget your sweet tooth did you? It's in the same closet."
Luna kissed Harry on the cheek, and skipped to the closet for the bread, and Jam. Then she went to the fridge and got the butter. She was amazed at how full they both were, "Harry, how did you get all this stuff home without killing your self?"
Harry laughed at her thoughtfulness. "I walked to the store, and took a taxi back. It took a few trips back to the taxi to get every thing. I then put everything up and started breakfast."
"Shite Harry, how long have you been up?"
"About two hours. I have had enough sleep over the last three weeks. Besides, I love to cook. What started as a chore in my early years turned into somewhat of a passion later on. It and gardening were my favorite chores. Although she never admitted it, I think Aunt Petunia loved the garden I created. It was a mixture of flowers and herbs. She was always watching me as I went and pulled some spices for the dinner meal. I even found her in the garden on a few occasions pulling weeds and checking the spices to see what all I planted. She also loved to smell the flowers that grew there. She received quite a few compliments about the garden. She thanked everyone, but she never took the credit. She didn't give me the credit either. Everyone knew it wasn't Dudley or Vernon. It was always me they saw in the garden. They also knew not to give me any credit, as it upset Uncle Vernon. Excuse me while I finish breakfast, before it burns, sweet heart." He kissed Luna on the cheek, and returned to his cooking.
Luna finished the toast, and then went and got the rest up. She was surprised that they were already up, and looking out their doors to smell what was cooking. When they saw Luna, they assumed it was her, and thanked her for her thoughtfulness. "Don't thank me, all I did was the toast. Thank Harry as he is still down there cooking. I just came up to get you guys going."
They all made their way to the kitchen, and were surprised at the amount of food sitting on the table already, and Harry was still bringing food to the table. As they took their seats, Fred and George both grabbed a banger off the plate and began eating. They got away with it before Hermione or Ginny could slap their hands.
Harry brought the last of the food to the table, and had everyone dig in. Harry was surprised when Fred and George let the girls serve them selves first. Even Ginny was taken back by the gesture. "When the bloody hell did you guys get manners?"
"Well dear sister, we are all grown up now, and we have been away from Ron long enough to know that food will still be there after you have filled your plates. That was never the case with Ron around." George prided him self.
Every one thanked Harry for the meal, as they ate it. They were hungrier than they thought , as there were no leftovers to store. Luna had her toast with Jam, as did Hermione and Ginny. Fred and George had hot sauce for their scrambled eggs and potatoes.
The girls did the dishes for Harry, since he cooked. The twins promised to do the dinner dishes, if Harry was going to cook again. He showed them the pot roast he had in a slow cooker, with potatoes and carrots. Fred laughed, "Damn Harry, if you had Hermione's looks with your cooking skills I'd marry you today. Nothing against you love, but I have yet to see you cook."
Hermione just laughed, "And it's quite likely you won't. Mum never lets me near the kitchen when she is cooking. Too many bad memories I think."
After clean up, they all sat to ask what everyone wanted to do for the rest of the day. The girls won three to one to one to one. They all wanted to go shopping, Fred wanted to go swimming, George wanted to look for pranking ideas from the Aussie point of view. Harry wanted to see if they could find all the listings for the Wilkins. He thought of the dentist work first.
So, with the girls getting their way, off they went, with the promise they would try to do something the guys would enjoy. It was a pleasant day for them all.