Disclaimer See Ch 1

I know I said the next Chapter was supposed to be The Heir and his guardians, but it has been shifted to a later chapter.

GryffRavHuffSlythendor

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Harry Potter and Merlin's Gifts

Chapter 10: Harry's Girls I: Cho and Ginny

Harry was standing in an endless room of white that was filled with globs of silver. He touched one and saw a green eyed baby crawling in a living room that he recognized…it was a memory of himself when he was one year old. There were many Wizarding photos in the room. Harry walked up to them and saw pictures of himself with his parents, various poses of the Marauders, James and Sirius making fools of themselves while Remus stood behind them shaking his head at his friend's antics. There were also a few graduation pictures, with Remus, Peter, James and Sirius were waving to the camera, and James with his parents. The room felt nice, warm, and cozy and Harry admired his childhood home. Suddenly his parents came in the room and James picked baby Harry up from the floor. The child squealed as his daddy spun him around.

"Stop that James, you're frightening him."

"Aww come on Lily, see he likes it. Don't you Harry?" Then James whispered to Harry, "We'll go and fly later, ok?"

Baby Harry clapped and shouted "Fy!"

"Oh no you don't James Potter! He's much too young to fly."

"Fy! Fy! Fy!"

"Now see what you've done?" Lily sniffled, green eyes watering.

James put Harry down on the couch and pulled his wife into a hug. "He'll be fine Lils, we'll all be fine. We're safe here. Peter would die before he reveals where we are, right sweetheart?"

"I'm scared."

"I know…me too."

A loud bang interrupted, instantaneously followed by a loud wail. Lily pulled her wand and held it in the direction of the noise, while James searched for his. Lily smiled when she realised that nothing was wrong. She dried her eyes and comforted baby Harry. "Elementary wand safety James…don't leave your wand lying around. What would Moody say, huh? Are you okay sweetie? Don't cry Harry, Mummy will make it all better." When Harry's cries were reduced to sniffles the memory ended. Harry wanted to see more, lots more.

He did not expect all the silver globs that were floating in mid air to fly toward him. Startled Harry tripped over his shoes as he tried to run, and when he looked behind him, the 'memory globs' were still coming after him. He ran and ran but the globs still followed him. After seeing no escape, Harry turned around and faced the silver globs and seconds later he was engulfed by them. Everywhere Harry turned there was a flash of his past. Every memory he relived in microseconds added to a whirlwind of emotions until he had had enough. Frustrated Harry shouted "STOP! Let me go!" and the memories stopped their attack and moved away from him. Curious, Harry ordered all the bad memories with the Dursley's to go to one side of the room. Obediently, a small portion of the silver globs detached from the large mass. Filled with a small triumph, Harry ordered all good memories of the Dursley's to go to the opposite side of the room.

Harry went to the very, very small glob and viewed the memories it contained. Most of it was filled with Jasmine, and Harry felt guilty that he hadn't gone to see her in a while. Confident with his ability now, Harry organised his memories until he had them categorised: Pre Dursley, Dursley (bad group, good group), Post Dursley (Summer break, Hogwarts Year 1-5, and Voldemort)

Meanwhile Lily was watching her son sleeping. A sort while ago there was a happy smile on his beautiful face, but now it was a toothy grin. She began to wonder what he was dreaming.

"Lily are you there?"

"Shhh, he's asleep." James smiles and walked into the sitting room in their quarters.

"Albus needs to see us."

The look on James face made her worry. "What's wrong?"

James' hesitant smile faded and was replaced by an angry grimace. He finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fudge. He told."

"WHAT!?!?"

"Hmm? Mum? Hi Dad. Wha's goin' on?"

"Nothing Harry, go back to sleep." Harry looked at the worry on his parents' face and raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "You're spending way too much time with Sev, you know?"

"Don't change the subject, what's wrong?"

"No…oh fine. Our esteemed Minister of Magic told the Prophet that we were back from the dead." Harry dropped back on the couch and groaned, thinking 'I really should have killed him that night.' He did not say that though. "Great, so your disguise and specifically telling him to keep his trap shut, was a waste." Harry, eyes still closed, snorted. "Idiot Fudge strikes again."

Lily smiled.

"Yes, but now James and I are going to see Albus."

"I'm coming too!"

"You should get some rest dear, you look exhausted."

James shook his head. "No Lily, this involves him as much as it does us. Besides he has your temper, according to Albus at any rate, and it's twice as fierce as yours."

Harry blushed and choked, "He told!"

James ruffled Harry's hair fondly, "Yes he did, but I didn't know he was talking about you until one of the portraits discreetly mentioned you."

Harry blushed again remembering trashing the Headmaster's office. Even though all was forgiven between him and Professor Dumbledore, Harry was clearly embarrassed about the entire incident.

"Come on then, let's go." Lily turned to James and jabbed a finger at his chest while she spoke. "I" jab "don't" jab "have" jab "a" jab "tem" jab "per."

------------------------

Severus was bottling a potion for Madame Pomfrey while he reread his notes on one of his experiments. If anyone were to ask him about his happiest memories, this one would surely be the first in a very short list. Voldemort had not called since the attack on Privet Drive. Severus assumed he was licking his wounds –AGAIN–. During his 'time off' Severus was able to conduct many of his experiments, and he had competent help to brew a lot of Madame Pomfrey's required potions. Harry. 'It all came back to Harry' Severus mused as he but the stopper in the flask.

In Harry, Severus had seen a glimpse of himself, James but more so Lily, as well as Lupin and even Black. It was because of Harry he had a peace between the Marauders (bar one). If Severus were the whistling type of person, he'd whistle his content instead of happily labelling a well made potion.

----------------------------

While Harry, James and Lily were talking, a chameleon felt a burning twinge in its left appendage. His master was calling and the Animagus had a lot of good news for him regarding the precious little Potions Master. The chameleon scurried outside to the school wards where it would transform into Mulciber and apparate to Voldemort.

----------------------------

"Come in James, Harry, Lily."

"Albus, one day you will tell me how you do that." The headmaster chuckled and gestured to the Potters to sit. Harry yawned widely, and then in a sleep slurred voice said, "Next time Professor, give Fudge one of Hermione's contracts. I know he'll think twice before opening his mouth again."

"I did not think Cornelius would use you to take the focus off himself."

"Somebody should fire him…maybe I'll send him a Howler." Harry said as he drifted off into the land of nod, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Well, we know what he's dreaming about."

"James, behave. He cannot fire the Minister or send a Howler to him. So, what are we going to do about this Albus?"

"Send a Howler?" James laughed and Lily swatted his leg.

"Think about it Lily, the idea does have some merit. Harry and Fudge aren't exactly on good terms with each other."

"Yes, their relationship became a bit strained after Voldemort murdered your sister and her family."

"What does that have to do with it?"

"Cornelius showed up with a team of Aurors to arrest young Mr. Potter."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes!" James said gleefully. "And Harry told him to go to hell and make it fit for Voldemort."

"He didn't." Lily asked as she glanced at the young man in question who was lightly snoring.

"Harry told me the day he and Severus dr…er…I went to get Harry at Severus' rooms."

"There certainly will be no love lost and it would only be a harmless Howler sent for all the trouble he caused." Albus said, eyes twinkling.

"Especially as he was as Harry says 'told to keep his trap shut.'" James accidentally hit Harry's chair, and the sleeping teenager was jarred awake.

"I didn't do it!" The James laughed.

"What? Oh I was dreaming, sorry."

"You and I are going to have a nice long chat young man." Lily said.

Harry leaned over to his father and said, "What'd I do?"

"Nothing Harry, go back to sleep."

"m'k."

-------------------------

"My lord." Mulciber said, and kissed the hem on Voldemort's robes.

"Mulccciiiber, what information do you have for me."

"Snape is a traitor to our cause my lord." He said smugly, which irritated Voldemort.

"I know you imbecile." Voldemort said holding up a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Crucio." After a few minutes Voldemort took the Cruciatus Curse off and followed with "Legilimens"

Voldemort tore into Mulciber's mind to see what Severus kept from him. He saw the fight Harry, James and Severus had, and many other things that was not supposed to be known. After finding all the information he could get his hands on Voldemort exited Mulciber's mind.

He was furious.

"Filthy traitor! Wormtail! Summon my loyal servants so that I can show them what I do to traitors." Suddenly Voldemort heard a voice in his head.

"POTTER! Damn it! Crucio"

--------------

"SEVERUS NOOOOO!!! Argh!"

Harry woke up and tried to get out of the chair he was being held down on.

"No don't understand. Severus. Must get Severus."

"Calm down Harry." James said.

"No let me go Dad!"

"Calm down and I will."

"He knows damn it! He'll kill him."

"What?"

"Let him go James. Hurry Harry, catch him before he goes." Albus said.

Harry bolted out of the headmaster's office and headed down to the dungeons. James, Lily and Dumbledore were not far behind him.

Harry was running and hoping that he could reach Severus before he left the castle. Harry tripped on untied shoe laces and his glasses flew off his face. Not bothering to find them Harry continued to run almost blindly. Spying a fast moving flash of black Harry yelled. "Sev wait! Don't go! He knows! Wait! Severus!"

The mass of black headed toward him. "Harry I don't have time…"

"Mulciber…he animagus…spying on us…used Legilimency on him."

"What? Damn it Potter I don't have time for this! Start again."

"Severus, please you can't go…he knows. Mulciber is an animagus. He was spying on us. Please you can't go. He'll kill you!"

"How do you know it wasn't one of the Dark Lord's tricks? Sorry Harry, but I have to go."

"Severus. Listen to him for a minute, please?" Lily said.

"It's not a trick. He was pissed off after he realised I was in his head. My scar was hurting…he cast the Cruciatus twice. Please it was real."

"Albus?"

"I will not send you to your death Severus." The Potions Master nodded and closed his eyes. His mark was burning furiously now. "You do realise Severus, that you cannot leave the castle."

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"I'll have at death warrant on my head."

"Oh"

"Come Harry, I have something for the Cruciatus in my lab."

"Why does he need that?" James asked as they were all walking back to Severus' chambers.

"I think Harry, you need to tell your parents some things." Dumbledore said. Harry nodded. "After I drink the potion, ok? Oh and Professor? Is there some way I can send a letter to Cho?"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "I think that's possible."

"So Harry, who's Cho your girlfriend?"

"NO!" Harry reddened and rubbed his shoulders.

"If rumours hold true, you son and Ms. Chang dated." Severus said, clutching his left forearm.

"Shut up Severus!"

"Ah, so it's true then."

"No we didn't date!" And that was the truth because they had a disaster.

"Did you kiss?" James asked.

"Dad!" Harry sputtered and reddened even more.

"I think that's a yes, don't you think Lily?"

"His colour seems a bit off."

"Ever had the talk Harry?" Severus asked, desperate for something to take his mind off the burning.

Harry groaned and muttered "Why won't the earth open up and swallow me whole."

"Because my dear boy we have charms to prevent that from happening." Albus said dryly.

--------------------------------

At the break of dawn, sunlight filtered through Harry's curtains, but it did not wake him. Harry sat in his bed thinking about what he was going to say to Cho. Yesterday, Remus personally delivered his letter and received a reply from Cho, which meant that today he was meeting Cho at a café in Muggle London, and was the reason he was awake before dawn. Harry sighed and climbed out of bed.

"Harry?" A sleepy voice asked.

"Go back to sleep Nev, it's not time to get up yet. I'll wake you when it's time."

"'K."

After he was dressed, Harry went to the Common Room and paced. That was how Sirius found him an hour later.

"Harry, are you ok?"

Harry jumped. "Sirius? Merlin! You almost scared me to death!"

Sirius grinned "Sorry Harry. I was just coming to wake you guys."

"Couldn't sleep.

"So I gathered. Nervous?"

"A bit."

"Only a bit?" Sirius grinned again.

"Well, maybe more than just a bit. What am I going to tell her Padfoot? What if she starts to cry again?"

"Harry."

"How am I going to sh…"

"Harry!"

"Huh? What?"

"Calm down, it's just a girl." Harry blushed, thinking about yesterday's conversation.

--Flashback—

"Does anyone know where Harry or Neville is?" James asked as he walked into Gryffindor's Common Room.

"Actually, I haven't seen Harry all day, sir" Luna said, "but Neville is upstairs."

"Thank you Luna."

"Hmmm." When James went upstairs Harry uncovered his head.

"Thank you Luna!"

"You know Harry, it's very disconcerting to speak with your head floating in the air like that."

"My head isn't floating. It just looks that way. As far as I know, the rest of me is still…"

"There you are Harry. Invisibility cloaks are very handy when you're trying to avoid someone." James said, and then lowered his voice "but the trick behind them is to stay hidden until the person you're hiding from is gone."

"Er, hi Dad, Neville. What's going on?"

"You ran out on me earlier today, and I thought you shouldn't be alone while we have our little discussion. I'm sure Neville will benefit from this as well."

Harry blanched and Neville gulped at James' wicked smile. "Come along gentlemen."

Harry took of the cloak and fell into step behind Neville shoulders slumped.

"Do you know what we're going to do Harry?" Neville whispered.

Harry blushed again and nodded. "I have a good idea."

"Well, what is it?"

"Sorry Neville, but Harry cannot answer that. You don't want him to ruin the surprise do you?"

Neville stuttered and flushed red with embarrassment. "Sorry."

"It's ok. We're here gentlemen." James ushered the teenagers into an empty classroom. "Make yourselves at home." After a few minutes of silence, Lily walked in.

"Oh you're here! Have you been waiting long?"

"No, not at all…"

"I think you should start then."

"Yes, I should shouldn't I." It seemed to Harry that his parents were stalling for time.

"Well, er, I suppose you're wondering, um, why you're here?"

Neville nodded not trusting himself to speak.

"Does Mum have to be here for this?" The door opened again and Severus entered and Neville visibly trembled and paled. "Why are you here?"

"Your imbecile father thought you'd be more at ease having someone you're comfortable with around. However, now that Longbottom is here, I do suppose I can have some entertainment."

"Severus, behave yourself." Lily chastised.

"Um, ok, well you're here Neville because I can't imagine Agnes doing this, so forgive me if you've had the talk before."

Both teenagers turned beet red as the discussion continued as James tried to explain the birds and the bees to Harry and Neville.

--End Flashback—

"Harry, hello, anybody in there?"

"Sorry Sirius, what were you saying?"

"I said it's just a girl."

"But that's the problem!"

"What did you tell her in the letter?"

"I…I…well Hermione wrote it…she's a girl see…"

"Yea, I think I figured that one out by myself."

"You're not helping!"

"Here's a suggestion. Extract the memory and show her what Cedric said."

"That's brilliant Sirius!"

"There's only one problem with that." A new voice interrupted.

"Hermione! Ah hello?"

Hermione smiled, "Morning Harry, Sirius."

"You said there was a problem with my suggestion?"

"The flaw is quite obvious." Both Harry and Sirius stared blankly at her. "Harry is meeting Cho at a MUGGLE café. You can't just let her use a pensieve in public."

Harry visibly deflated.

"Well, perhaps it is not entirely hopeless."

"How?"

"Well, she could take the pensieve into the loo, view it and give it back when she's done. That way, you wouldn't have to explain much to her."

"Hermione! You're brilliant!" Hermione blushed.

"Sure Harry, especially since we'll be there the entire time."

"You don't have to…"

"Well think about it this way, we want to get out of the castle too. Besides Ginny and Luna are getting ready."

"What about the tears Hermione? What do you want him to do? He can't just grab the pensieve and leave!" Harry and Hermione looked at Sirius surprise evident on their faces. "What? I'm not that insensitive!"

"Right, well, you could offer her a napkin, if she's crying, tell her that you're always an owl away if she ever needs to talk, give her a hug…"

"No that won't work! She'll see that as Harry trying to get back together with her."

"No it's not!"

Harry cleared his throat "If I may comment? That sounds fine Hermione but Sirius does have a point. I don't know much about girls, fine I am virtually clueless whenever girls are concerned, so I'll have to take your word for it."

"That's fine Harry."

"Good. Can you make sure that Ron and Nev are up and ready?"

"Sure."

"Great! I'm going to get the pensieve."

Cho and Ginny

It was with a mixture of calm and fear that Harry sat sipping his Caramel Frappuccino. He was so lost in his own little world that he did not really taste the flavour of his coffee. It was not so surprising that he missed Cho's entrance and did not see her approach his table.

"Harry?"

"Oh! Cho! Er, hi, how have you been?"

"I'm okay."

"You're probably wondering what I wanted to see you about…"

"Your letter said, um, you mentioned…Cedric?"

"Oh yeah, right." Harry ran his hand through his hair and then sipped his coffee. "You know how Voldemort" Cho flinched, "Voldemort attacked my relatives?"

The girl nodded.

"Well, Voldemort and I have brother wands…um listen, can you just take this with you to the loo? Please, just look at it?"

"But Harry…"

"You'll understand everything after you look at this."

"Harry I…"

"No, please, he wanted me to tell you…"

"I…I'll be back ok?"

Harry nodded in relief.

---

Cho went inside the stall and locked it. She rested the pensieve on the toilet tank and opened the lid. Not knowing what to do, she touched the surface of the swirling silvery pool and was pulled inside.

Cho gasped. He was there, her Cedric.

"Harry! Thank you for taking my body…back to my parents."

"They're down there Cedric, say goodbye before the connection is broken."

"Tell Cho not to mourn for me anymore, Harry."

The girl in question tried to grab Cedric and tell him that she'll always love him, but when she did she fell right through.

"Tell her I love her and that she should love again…she has my blessing."

And then Cho watched as Cedric floated out of the dome to say goodbye to his parents.

---

It was at least five minutes after Harry saw a dry eyed Cho disappear around the corner that he worried. The memory was only a few seconds long. What was she doing in there?

When Cho returned, her eyes were red and filled with tears.

Harry stood handed her a napkin and took the pensieve from her trembling hand.

Cho pulled him into a hug and cried on his shoulder.

Unknown to Harry and Cho, Ginny was glaring at the girl. She was seated with Hermione and Ron on a raised platform and could see everything that was going on. When Cho grabbed Harry, Ginny let out a furious and possessive snarl. She slammed her spoon on the table and marched over to Harry.

"Harry?" Ginny interrupted and tugged on his shirt.

Harry never looked as relieved as he did when he heard Ginny's voice and felt her tug on his shirt. He turned from Cho untangled himself from her embrace.

"Oh hey Gin."

"Hello Cho." Ginny said as she moved to Harry's side and placed her hand on the small of Harry's back.

Cho looked slightly hurt when she saw Ginny standing close to Harry. Nonetheless she greeted the girl. "Hi Ginny."

"You should really hurry up here, the others are almost ready to go."

Harry looked down at her and spoke. "Sure, I'm almost done here."

Ginny didn't move.

"Well, um. We'll see each other at school right?"

The look Ginny gave Cho clearly said 'Hell no!'

"And of you ever need anything I'm always an owl away, ok?"

Ginny glared an 'Over my dead body' look at Cho.

"Yes sure Harry."

"Bye Cho."

"I'll see you later Harry."

"Cho."

"Ginny."

When Cho left Harry sighed in relief. "Thanks for the rescue Gin, I owe you one."

"No, it's okay. What are friends for right?"

"At least let me make it up to you."

"Really Harry, you don't…"

"Come on, just a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks?"

"Okay Harry, you win. A Butterbeer it is." The green-eyed teen grinned and guided Ginny to where Ron and Hermione were.

Lily, who was hidden under Harry's Invisibility Cloak smirked. 'Oh those two. He probably doesn't even realise that he likes her yet.'

Remus silently came to the same conclusion as Lily. 'If only Harry could see how he looks at her, and how he follows her every move with his eyes.'

---

When Ginny stalked over to Harry, Ron and Hermione began to plan Operation Seekers. They were still planning when the "Seekers" approached their table. When Ron saw his sister and best friend he abruptly stopped speaking. Hermione quieted as well.

"You could continue talking you know, unless it was about me." Ron blushed.

"Well, Ron here didn't think that Cho would want to get together with you after seeing the memory, and I wasn't so sure."

"Oh come on, Harry wouldn't do that, right mate?"

"No it would probably end up being a disaster."

"Yeah, see 'Mione? I told you!"

"So why did you stop talking when we reached the table?" Ginny asked suspiciously

Ron blushed again. "We uh…I mean Hermione and I, um, we…"

"We promised to stop bickering so much around Harry."

"We don't bicker!" By now, Ron was tomato red.

"Yes we do!" Hermione sighed. "We're doing it again Ron."

"Oh, guess we do, sorry."

Ginny didn't really believe them, but sat down anyway.

At a table near the exit, Neville and Luna were discussing 'mashmallows' and what it could be. Well, Neville was wondering and Luna was telling him what she thought they were.

Approximately 10 minutes later Remus ''ran into'' Harry and company. It was the signal to leave and go shopping in Muggle London.

-------

The Mall

Having gone to Gringotts Lily and James had more than enough money for an outing of nine.

"Where are we going then?" Ron asked.

"To a mall that's near here."

"What's a mall?"

Hermione went into discussion mode "A mall is a large building where many shops sell various items. There are clothing stores, shoes stores, book stores, even cinemas, restaurants and arcades."

"So it's just like Diagon Alley in a building?"

"Yes Ron, just like that."

----

Everyone was enjoying their trip into Muggle London, and none more so than Lily and James, and Harry too, to a certain extent. To him, his parents radiated in happiness. It was almost as if there was no threat, danger, or harm that was attempting to grab hold of one insecurity or fear and never let go until a person's very last breath was drawn.

This is what his life should have been like, could have been…it was the life he always wanted. Yet, now that he had it, it was so unreal that Harry could not take his eyes off his parents and could not stop cataloguing every touch, every kiss, and every embrace.

No, life for Harry Potter had never been so good. It must be a dream, he was so sure of it. Harry looked at his friends and saw Hermione and Neville discussing something, but only the sounds of his mother's musical laughter, his father's throaty laughs, filled his ears. He heard nothing but them, not even Remus' chuckles at their antics.

For once, it was not Hermione who knew what Harry was thinking. It was a surprise to them both when Ginny slipped her hand into Harry's and gently squeezed.

"It's real you know."

"It's just…"

"You know that there here, alive and happy, even though you've just realised it."

"How…?"

"Of all my brothers, I am closest to Charlie. So one day when he brought a girl home I realised that I was not the only girl in Charlie's life. I knew he had a girlfriend, Bill used to tease him about it all the time during vacations, but suddenly seeing her there in front of me…" Ginny chuckled at her memory, "just don't get too possessive of them. You'll be miserable for nothing."

"I wouldn't…"

"Oh yes you will. You want to make up for all the time you've lost, all of you, it's only natural Harry."

"When did you become so smart Ginevra Weasley?"

"I've always been Harry Potter, but to you I was invisible."

"Gin I…"

"Don't worry too much about it Harry, you're doing quite well as it is." At Harry's puzzled glanced Ginny laughed. "Well, you've only just noticed my sheer brilliance, which is, far more superior to yours!"

"Yeah, right."

"Glad to see you agree Harry."

"Hey! I didn't mean…"

"Give it up son, you'll never win."

"You Potter men are very clever."

"I'd have to agree with you Ginny, but I've spent a long time with James for him not to pick up a thing or two."

Poor Harry and James wore identical looks of confusion. Both shrugged and muttered 'Women!'

"You know Harry, perhaps you should grow your hair, ever thought about it?"

"No, not really Luna, but what does that…"

"And maybe if we coloured your hair, say hot pink?"

"But what…?"

"Hey Harry! You've got to see this!"

"What is it Ron?"

"It's called an arpaid, right Professor Lupin? You put money into this hole and then there are people in the box! It's like our pictures, 'cept it's got music. Do you think it has something to do with eclecktrikicity?"

"That's electricity, Ron" Lily said, "and yes, that does have something to do with it."

"Come on Lils, I want to go! Remember the last time we went and I played the ball game?"

"Pinball James."

"Yeah that!"

"Oh dear, we're likely to be there for a long time. Does anyone want anything to eat or drink? Perhaps we can go to the cinema…"

"Er, Mrs. Potter? They're gone."

Lily looked at the group before her. Harry, Ron, her second son James and Remus were indeed missing. She shook her head. "So what do you want to do? If you want, you could go to the arcade or stay with me and browse the stores."

"I think I'll go to the arpaid."

"Arcade."

"Right, arcade."

"What about you girls?"

"I'll go to the arcade with Neville."

"Hermione? Ginny?"

"I'll stay with you."

"Me too."

"Ok then. Here Neville, you're going to need money. I don't know if James has enough."

"Um, ok."

"Great! I'll meet you guys back here in about two hours, okay? Tell James to listen for my call."

"Yes Mrs. Potter."

----

Lily, Hermione, and Ginny went to almost all of the stores in the mall. Ginny, who had never been to a mall before wanted to see what was inside them all.

---

At the Arpaid…um Arcade

"Hey Harry, come and play this with me."

"What is it Dad?"

"It's a car racing game."

"I've never played one before, and I don't know how to drive!"

"It's alright; I haven't played it in a very long time. All you have to do is put your foot on the gas…"

"I know that! I just…"

"Oh go on Harry! I've got the winner."

Harry and James got behind the wheel. Ron stood in the middle of the games.

"Select Automatic, and then the 1st course, ok Dad?"

"Ok. Amateur, Expert, or Professional?"

"I'll go Expert."

"Hey! You just said…fine Expert it is!"

"What? You think you can beat me Dad?"

"I know I can, runt."

"Runt! I'll show you."

"Ok, guys the race starts in 5-4-3-2-1-GO!"

The Expert race was on Baha Beach. Harry and James started the race. James pulled in front of Harry, but missed a turn and drove straight into the water. Harry passed James who with Ron's help, managed to reverse out of the water. He drove around a rock and was back on course and drove like a bat out of hell…he was trailing Harry by 3.251 seconds.

Harry drove uphill and dove off. His car hit the ground hard and flipped over. James passed him again.

"Ha! See there Harry! That's how you…Damn!" James should have been watching his monitor because he crashed straight into a rock.

Harry and James were neck to neck. Harry swerved and crashed into James' car. James retaliated and crashed into Harry , sending him off course into a shallow pool of water.

"Turn right Harry! RIGHT!"

"Whose side are you on anyway?" Both James and Harry bellowed.

James was now in the lead, but lost control of his car and crashed into a rock which sent his car careening backwards. The car crashed into another rock and propelled the car forward. The wheel in James' hand lurched forward and James turned right to avoid the rock in front of him. He stepped on the gas pedal in hopes of catching up to Harry, but Harry crossed the finish line at 5th place in 2:53.584s. James later crossed the finish line at 3:02.523s, in 9th place.

"Not too bad Dad! Only number 9 out of 10 places!"

"Hey! You're only 4 places in front of me! I could have had you anytime!"

"Race you again old man! We'll see who the better of the two of us is!"

"Old! I'm only…seven years older than you, technically…"

"Oi! I'm supposed to race the winner!"

"Next round!"

"Fine! But I'm playing the winner!"

James and Harry shook their heads. Harry muttered "Nevermind" as the race began again. The results for the second game were as follows:

Harry:2:33.142 in 3rd place

James:2:55.747 in 10th place.

"I'm going to play Pinball…this game is stupid!"

"Sure Dad! Come on Ron, let's race."

-----

Ginny walked around the mall in hopes of finding something for Hermione's birthday. Spying a booth with jewellery in the distance, Ginny left Lily and Hermione in the bookstore. It was there that Ginny found the perfect present; it was an oval, red pendant with a tiny gold rim around it on a leather strap.

"Excuse me, how much for this?"

"£35.00."

"Oh, sorry to bother you then, it's a bit much you see."

"Well how about £30.00?" Ginny shook her head. "£25.00" She shook her head again. The man was getting angry. "How much do you have then?"

"I only have £19.00"

"19?"

"Yes, sorry." Ginny blushed and looked at her shoes. "Thank you anyway."

"Here. I'll give it to you for £19.00 then."

Ginny's eyes lit up, "Really, sir? You'll do that for me? Honest?"

"Um, sure! What kind of businessman do you think I am?"

"A really, really good one sir!" Ginny gushed, handed him the money and pocketed the chain. She shouted a "Thank you!" before running back into the bookstore. Ginny, very pleased with herself, browsed the aisles looking for Lily or Hermione.

"Ginny! There you are! I was wondering where you were off to?"

"I bought the perfect present for Hermione! The salesman tried to cheat me, and I ended up paying less than I would. You should have seen me, perfect acting."

"How did you know he was cheating you?"

"It was simple, you see, there was a gorgeous woman who paid only £25.00 for a pendant and leather strap, but the git tried to charge me £35.00. I guess he was trying to make up for his loss with the other girl. But, I used my adorable puppy face and pouty lips, with a few blushes here or there and he caved and offered it to me for £19.00…well he asked how much I had and I said 19 so, he charged me 19."

Lily laughed "Great job Ginny, maybe I should go and try my luck?"

"That would be £100.00 ma'am." The clerk at the bookstore said.

"Or maybe not. Are you ready Hermione? I'm going to get tickets for the cinema across the street."

"Coming Mrs. Potter!" The three ducked inside the loo and Lily shrunk their purchases.

At the movie, Lily bought Cotton Candy, Liquorice, popcorn and many soft drinks: coca cola, sprite, ginger ale, orange, and root beer. The students enjoyed their day out and Ron was going on and on about the 'expalator' or the moving stairs. 'I have got to tell Dad about this! Wonder what else Muggles can do without magic!' was the last thing said before the portkey was activated.

---

It was a proven fact for Severus that reality always made himself known. 'It was always a him, never her,' Severus mused, 'only things that were good were female. There, was Mother Earth and the Goddess of the Earth.' Severus took another sip of his fourth, or was it sixth glass of Brandy.

When Harry stopped him from going to Voldemort, a new path was created for Severus. He knew he was to die at Voldemort's hand or command. He was prepared to die a painful and gruesome death, not sit in the castle in his quarters.

"Quarters? Why are they called Quarters?"

"You are Drunk Potions Master. Only the drunk or foolish ponder such asinine questions."

"And exactly what would you know about it, eh? You're just a painting! What would you know about anything?"

All four paintings tutted their displeasure at Severus.

"You'd best mind your manners Severus Snape. We may be portraits now, but once the four of us were the greatest Wizards of our time!"

"Of course! How could I forget, gullible Hufflepuff."

"Severus Snape! You may be my Head of House, but I will not tolerate…"

"What are you going to do Slytherin? Spank me?"

"Don't take his words to heart Salazar. He's drunk!"

"Very astute Ravenclaw, but what else would you be, if it were not for your cleverness?" Sip. "Tell me Salazar, does it bother you that your loins produced sour fruit? Does it bother you little cat, that young Harry could be murdered by Slytherin's heir? Or you clever Raven? No grudges against your fellow PORTRAIT?"

Severus raised his glass in a toast. "To you, great f…"

"Severus? Why are you yelling?"

"Harry?"

"The idiot is inebriated. I trust you don't need a dictionary to figure that out?"

"I smelt it Sal. Damn Sev, you really know how to get yourself pissed. How full was the bottle when he started?"

"The bottle was bloody full, want some Harry?"

"No thank you Severus."

"You see there Severus? Manners, I tell you, MANNERS!"

"Sut…hut…shit it."

"I think you meant, shut it?"

Severus was quiet and appeared to be thinking. He refilled his glass and stood once again.

"Happiness is but a fleeting moment in time" sip "and as soon as you realise it's here," sip "you should just prepare for the worst." Sip "Why are there four of you anyway? And why are two of you dressed differentyly…difforentititly…not dressed the same."

"Dad, help!" Harry whispered.

"Dad Harry? James is dead" sip, "been that way for a long, long, long, time."

"He's not…"

"I was supposed to die Harry. I'd've told James 'bout choo."

"But Seve…"

"Tell him that I used the life debt that I owe him to save you" down the glass. Severus paused and refilled the glass. "But now, I owe you one and I don't know how I am going to repay it." Sip "You know, two of you are still wearing different clothes?" sip, "Why when you're drunk, the mind," sip, "can create anythim…abythig…anything!"

"Severus!"

"Yes Harry? Don't shout, I'm right here. I can hear you just fine if you speak at your normal level of voice."

James walked up to Severus and said "Severus!" and slapped the glass out of his hand.

"Tha was gooood Brandy Potter!"

"Damn it Snape! Don't do this to yourself! You have a purpose in life, to live! To defeat Voldemort! TO fall in love, marry and have children of your own…"

"You deserve it Sev." Harry said.

"Harry, would you please get Lily. Hurry!"

"Yes Dad."

When Harry left the room, James pushed Severus into the couch.

"What is it Severus? You're finally going to be pathetic little Snivellus? Always crying, never any good for anyone…

"Stop it!" Severus whimpered, but James continued as if he heard nothing.

"…always having a pity party or himself, everyone's punching bag, little idiot, good for nothing worthless little freak…"

"STOP IT! YOU WILL NOT CALL ME THAT! I AM NOT A FREAK!"

"Of course you're not Severus!" Harry said trying to rush to Severus' aid. Lily held him back.

"No Harry, let him cry it out a bit…"

"But Mum…"

"Only a few more minutes…"

Severus curled himself in a ball on the floor, and repeated. "I am not a freak, I am not a freak, I am not a freak."

Lily let Harry go.

"You're not a freak, Sev." Harry said as he rubbed circles on Sev's back just like he always imagined someone did for him back at Privet Drive. "You're not a freak, Sev. You're not a freak."