REVENGE IS SWEET, OR IS IT?.
CHAPTER 11
True to his word, Harry flooed Glen the next morning and made an appointment with the three healers who'd treated him after his awakening and during his uncertainty regarding Ginny. He would see them at 10: A.M. Healer McFarland was the Master Mind Healer at the clinic. He had sat unobtrusively in on all of Harry's appointments as well as Ginny's first one.
He only had an hour to wait, so spent it with his Mum and Ginny. The children were still playing in the nursery. A thought entered his mind as he began to wander in a fantast dream world. He zoned out from the conversation around him and entered this little world of his own. It was a world filled with the pleasant dreams showing him his hearts desires. It showed him scenes of Ginny and the children always together taking part in everyday activities. He saw them playing in the yard, actually there was no limit to what his imagination was playing for him. It was like a movie playing out in a kaleidoscope of a dream life in detail and living color. He dreamt of a home, a wife and scads of children. Would he ever have these things? He already had the home and a child, but the other. Was that within his future reach?
"Haaary! Where aaare you? Come on back dear". Far away, he could hear his Mum's voice calling out to him. It took him a few seconds to respond. He rubbed his eyes and tried to concentrate on her words. Finally, he became aware of his surroundings once more.
"Sorry Mum. I was having the most delicious daydreams. I don't know whether I should speak them aloud because you both may think I'm crazy. McFarland told me to speak freely of my feelings and to stop shutting out my family and friends, and this daydream was just so wonderful." He sighed deeply. "I guess it's just wishful thinking"
Thoughtfully Ginny spoke up. "Harry, you told me about all your worst nightmares during your last years in school, why won't you share a happy daydream with us? If you remember rightly, the good ones were rare and far between"
Harry went into thinking mode by running his hands through his hair. A few minutes later he looked into their faces, and concentrated on his Mum's face because he wanted her to understand how he felt. "Okay, I'll tell you the good one as you call it"
"It was a daydream of my making. I was dreaming that Gin and her children were living with Lily and me here in the Manor. Even though she has a long way to go, I want to stand beside her all the way. She can have her own suite of rooms. I need as well as want her. I need the children as well as I want them. Can you understand where I'm coming from?"
Wearing a solemn expression, he continued. "I lost four years of my life, which I slept through, and for those four years, I lost Ginny as well. I don't want to wait any longer. If she had some dreadful illness, I would be by her side and care for her lovingly night and day until she was well again. The way I see it, she has an illness that the Healers are working to cure. I want to be by her side during this healing process. Mum, is it wrong of me to want this.?
By this time both Molly and Ginny were feeling quite weepy. "Harry, you need to leave soon, but can we continue this when you return. I'm sure Ginny and I both need time to digest what you've just revealed to us."
Jumping up he exclaimed. "I nearly forgot. I'll be back by noon at least. We'll talk then". He then approached Ginny and gently pulled her up into his arms. He wiped her eyes and kissed her gently. "I'll be back soon sweetheart. I'll miss you", and with that he jogged to the floo entry and was gone in a swirl of flames leaving behind him two extremely bemused women. One who was ecstatic, and another who finally felt hope, which was something she hadn't had in three long years.
Looking at her Mum Ginny said. "What just happened here Mum? Was I dreaming too? What if he asks me to move in with him, do you think I should? What would people think? Would they call me a scarlet woman? What would the family think about it? Oh Mum," she cried, "What should I answer if he asks?"
It took Molly a few minutes to gather her thoughts together. She was as surprised as Ginny was at Harry's outburst. But!, and this was a big 'but'; if Harry were serious how would she feel about her daughter moving into the Manor?
"Would you like to move in here with Lily and Harry? I know the children would love it; but how about you? You know he would be satisfied with you having your own suite of rooms so that you would not feel pressed to do something you aren't comfortable with"
"He knows the treatment you received at Malfoy,s hands and that you are undergoing medical treatment with the Healers. He knows all that, and he knows you may not be mentally ready for a more intimate arrangement for a long time to come, but I honestly think he just wants the three of you near to him. I think he needs the completeness of finally forming his own little family"
"Mum I think you're right about his motives. I know he wants us to marry when I'm cured, but he seems happier when we are around him. Let's just weigh the pros and cons while he's gone, and I'm sure I'll be better able to answer him when he comes back home, okay?"
Meanwhile Harry had arrived at the clinic. The first person he saw was Serena. She smiled shyly at him and approaching she said. "Harry, I'm so sorry for my remarks that day you overheard us. I was trying to impress the older Healers with my worldliness. Will you forgive me and give me a chance to make it up to you, and maybe give 'us' another chance?"
"Miss. McTavish., there's no 'us', nor will there ever be an 'us'. I'm afraid there's nothing to forgive as I put you and your words out of my mind as soon as I left the clinic. Witches like you are a dime a dozen. They don't want just any man, they want a figure of their imagination".
As she opened her mouth to speak he continued, "The woman I have loved for years is now well on the way to being cured. We will marry as soon as she is ready for that next step. Money, position, and notoriety aren't everything. I hope you learn that some day"
Seeing that she was about to interrupt again he added. "Actually, I'm glad I overheard your conversation. I nearly made the biggest mistake of my life thinking I might be able to move on with you, or if not you, then another woman. Good day to you Miss McTavish." He turned on his heel and walked down the hall to Glen's office leaving a crestfallen young woman behind.
Despite his encounter with Serena, and still remembering his delightful daydreams, Harry entered the office with a big smile on his face. The three men sitting there looked at his face and couldn't resist answering smiles. Pleasantries exchanged, Glen opened the conversation by asking, "Well my friend, and what has you in such a brilliant mood this morning?"
"All in good time my good man. All in good time. First I want to thank you for helping Gin. She's more like my old Ginny now". Glen grinned inwardly at this 'my Ginny ' bit.
Looking at Sean he continued. "I'm afraid we've hit a snag in her treatment. Bill can only afford one more day away from his job. The Weasleys are a proud family and don't take kindly to what they call charity. I asked him how dedicated he was to Gringotts, and what he thought of becoming a Healer and Curse Breaker in a clinic such as this one, and his eyes fairly gleamed at the prospect. For many reasons, he and his wife would love it if he could achieve this goal".
With a devious look in his eyes, he stared into Sean's eyes and asked. "What are his chances of becoming your Apprentice, especially if a disgustingly large grant of money was donated and earmarked specifically to the training costs and salary of said Apprentice?"
Looking as if all of his remaining birthdays had indeed come early, Sean answered. "Harry do you even know what you are proposing and the ramifications of your proposal? This would be everything I have dreamt of for years. We have never had the money to train anyone to take over this position. You are offering us the most brilliant young Curse breaker I have ever had the privilege to work with. My answer then to you my friend is a resounding yes!!"
Beaming at the end of Sean's little speech he continued. "I honestly don't mean to brag, but I am so filthy rich it,s downright scary, what with inheriting two large fortunes and then to be told that I'll receive the 'Order of Merlin 1st. Class as well. That comes with enough Galleons to set up this fund for the clinic to hire Bill. Just the interest you could earn on the Galleons alone will keep your Apprenticeship program operating for years. Please don't think I'm bragging, as money to me is just a means to an end. I never had any growing up, so it,s not the most important thing in my world .I value my friends and family much more than wealth"
"Will you please meet with Griphook and I at Gringotts, after you meet with your financial advisors?. Bring the figures showing the amount you need for the Apprenticeship Training. I want Bill,s wages to be sufficient to keep him and his little family comfortably until he can go on full wages. I will overwrite everything. My Gin is the most important person to me, and I want nothing but the best for her. Sean, you and Bill are the best. I hope you all understand where I'm coming from?"
"Yes I'm sure we do, Harry. We will get on this immediately, and on the strength of your promise, I will offer the apprenticeship to young Bill on Friday. I take it the financial side is not to be disclosed?"
"I would rather he didn't find out I'm the backer in this offer to him. Just tell him I mentioned in passing about his wishes, and leave it at that. You can tell him whatever you want to satisfy his curiosity. Now on to the other things I need to discuss today"
The next hour passed with the account of Ron's last 8 years of Dumbledore's mind control over him. After covering the last few days' events, he ended with. "Dumbledore and Malfoy are cut from the same piece of material. Malfoy,s aim was domination over Gin for his own ends, and Dumbledore's excuse for his domination over Ron was in his words, "for the greater good of the Wizarding word". He trued the same thing with me but my mind was too strong for him to penetrate. After all it was Dumbledore who trained me in Occlumency, but I never dreamt he had gained such control over Ron."
He then asked Glen and Robert if they could come over to the Manor soon and see his Mum. He explained her condition, and the news of Ron's adoption, and wanted her assured that the love he received growing up would kill any latent dark genes in his body. I know I'm trash at explaining this, but you know what I mean. He didn't show what we think of as a dark side till fourth year. We'll discuss it in more depth when we get together. Will you do this for her?"
Seeming to be seeking answers, the two Healers gazed at one another and only seconds later, they seemed to reach an agreement. "Yes, we certainly will do this for you. Before you leave, we'll set up a time", Glen replied.
"I couldn't ask for more, except how soon can you come? As soon as the Aurors finish their investigation, they will release Ron and he intends to have a family meeting like we had for Gin."
Robert spoke up. "Glen since you're batching it till Friday, I guess you need to know when I'm free. Tonight my better half has her night out with her lady friends, so I'm free as a bird. How about tonight, gentlemen?" Agreement was reached by all three healers, as surprisingly even Sean had asked to tag along. He wanted to see Ginny in close proximity with Harry and the Manor without Malfoy,s influence. He liked and respected this young man. He'd lost four years of his life, and he would help in any way he could to help Harry have a 'happy ever after'. A time settled on, Sean and Robert took their leave.
Harry stayed, chatting with Glen about the ways in which his life was changing for the better. "Glen, I may be jumping the gun, but you remember how I told you about my love for Gin, and our plans to marry? Well I love her even more than I did back then. I can't picture any other woman in my life or in my arms. I want her and her children to move into the Manor with me. Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking her to move into my bed" And in an aside, although Glen heard him say it, "At least not yet". Louder, "I just want her and our three children together in our home when I return each day. You can only guess how my heart fills when she and our children are in the same space with me. When you see her tonight you'll understand where I'm coming from with this daydream of mine"
"Okay Harry, we'll discuss that further after our meeting tonight. By the way, Theresa returns home tomorrow night. I owled her and told her I had a big surprise for her, and she agreed to come home early. Is your week-end invitation still open?"
"You bet it is. I can't wait to meet her. Let us know when you,ll arrive and your rooms will be ready for you. We'll see you all tonight at 5:30 for a short visit with the kids and we have dinner at 6. Sorry I almost forgot.Would you please extend the invitation to Sean and Robert as well?" Harry walked with Glen to the flooing entry and they bade each other farewell until later.
With no small amount of trepidation, Harry flooed into the Manor. He wondered what sort of greeting he would get from Ginny and his Mum. Had he spoiled everything? Was all this too soon for Gin? He sincerely hoped that her Mum didn't think that all he wanted from her daughter was a sexual relationship. Never having been intimate with any one other than Gin, he knew it was the one thing he wanted to enjoy again some day, but only with her. He could and would wait, if he hadn't frightened her off that is.
He went into the kitchen first and informed Mitzi that they would have three extra guests for dinner, which made her very happy. Nothing she enjoyed more than a full table of hungry people.
Hearing voices in the dining nook, he entered and was met with cries of 'Daddy' from three little people. Lily, Narcy and Lucius were down from their chairs and wrapped around his legs as fast as their little legs could carry them to him. He grabbed them all in a tight hug, smelling in their baby smells. Replacing them in their chairs, he turned to their Mum and Grand-Mum. "Can we eat first and talk later, I'm starved", he asked them.
Laughingly they agreed and soon they were enjoying a great lunch of thick sandwiches and salad. The adults chuckled as the two older little ones took their sandwiches apart to examine the contents. They then proceeded to eat everything separately. Of course, Narcy was copying her sibling's every move. It wouldn't do to be different after all was said and done now would it?
Their happiness at his return and this scene playing out in front of them, did more to convince Ginny and her Mum that the decision they'd arrived at was the right one. Gin was hard pressed to abstain from shouting her answer aloud for the entire world to hear, because there was more to the answer than just a yes. But she'd have to wait until a bit later. Lunch and playtime with the children came first in Harry's book.
The two hours until naptime passed slowly for Ginny but all too quickly for Harry. He and Nanny took the three children to the Quiddich pitch, and he gave the children short rides on his broom and laughed in glee with them. They all loved flying, even little Narcy. He then took them to the animal paddock and they had rides on their own little ponies. Harry was pleased with Denny's choice of ponies for the children. They played with the smaller animals as well. He was adamant in his beliefs that they should learn to enjoy everything he'd never had as a child. He wouldn't spoil them, yeah not much!, but they would live a normal life.
All too soon, Nanny burst his bubble by announcing naptime for the little ones. Cries of "Just a bit longer", came of course from a disappointed Father, but Nanny wouldn't give in to his pleas. "You'll have loads of time with them later this afternoon, but for now we nap. Losing his battle to Nanny, He helped her to put the children into their cots, and kissing them all soundly, he rejoined the two women in the study, and what he hoped would be a positive conversation.
Mitzi brought tea and biscuits into the study, and after Ginny poured the tea into their cups, she looked at him with a serious expression on her face. Seeing her expression, his face fell. "Oh no', he thought."I shouldn't have spoken up so soon"
Ginny smiled at him as she began speaking. "Harry, first of all, were you serious about the three of us moving into the Manor although into our own suite of course?"
Feeling more hopeful, he replied. "Yes love. I was as serious as I've ever been in all my life. Nothing would make me happier. That said, please listen to something I must tell you both first".
He then proceeded to tell them that he'd had a very meaningful conversation regarding Ron and Molly. He held nothing back except his part in Bill's future. The three Healers will be our dinner guests tonight. There is much to decide about our plans. Healer Mitford will tell us if I am moving too fast with you Gin. You are after all his patient and he wouldn't want a setback because of my impetuousness. I hope you understand"
"Really I do Harry. Mum and I came to the same conclusion. I planned to say yes, but I wanted to wait until I could speak to Sean tomorrow, but you beat me to it. Well done, because maybe we'll have some answers tonight. She loved the smile that filled his face at her words.
Finishing their tea the trio went into the entertainment room and watched a movie. The entertainment system was, in his opinion, one of the best investments he'd ever made. Harry had chosen a flick that he knew Molly would enjoy. It was 'Phantom of the Opera', and Molly loved the music. This was her first experience with Muggle technology and she was furiously wondering how she could have a movie machine in the Burrow. Watching her face, he knew what she was thinking. That took care of their Christmas gift, he decided and so what if the Muggle Santa came early to the Burrow?
While Molly watched the movie, Harry, without thinking first, challenged Ginny to a game of chess. She agreed, albeit a bit reluctantly, as this was her first time watching movies as well, but she tried not to let on to Harry how she felt. Her heart wasn't in the game as she managed to steal glances at the screen now and then. She'd tried not to let him see her doing this, but finally he caught her at it and chuckling he said. "So you can't resist the telly either can you? I forgot this was new to you too. Why didn't you say something? Come on, we can play chess anytime, let's watch the movie with Mum" The rest of the afternoon was taken up with the long movie until he noted the time.
"It's nearly 4 o'clock and I bet the little ones are up by now. We only have an hour or so before our guests arrive and I want some playtime with them. Since we have so much to talk about, the little ones will have their tea in their nursery with Nanny. It's too hard to visit with the three of them. What do you think?" he asked Ginny."
"If you are asking my opinion Harry, they learn by doing and watching. We can't discuss serious things with our mouths full of food. They could eat with us and then go to the nursery with Nanny soon after. That leaves us the evening over drinks to talk with the Healer. Beside I love showing off our children", she said blushing a wee bit.
Wiping his brow in mock relief, he replied. "Good because I don't think I would have enjoyed my dinner knowing my angels were tucked away in their nursery. I love every minute I spend with them". Sporting puppy eyes, he begged, "Gin,can we dress them in their little dress robes I just bought them please?"
"Harry, when did you buy them more clothes. You've already bought them more than they'll ever wear before they outgrow them?"
Waggling his eyebrows in what he thought of as a rakish manner, he retorted. "Woman, we'll save them for the next babies that we have. Seriously, I love shopping for the little ones. It's hard to pick out just one new outfit when there are so many cute ones on the racks. I promise you that our children will never wear rags. Hand me downs are great when they are still neat and actually fit the child wearing them. Trust me I know all about that"
Shaking her head at his remarks and secretly thrilled with the one about 'next babies', she answered. "Maybe you'll take me shopping the next time? I'd love to go and help pick out some clothes for the kids. Okay with you love?" Harry nodded in agreement and the three adults climbed the stairs to the nursery.
Molly still bemused by Harry's nonchalant remarks regarding more babies with Ginny began mentally planning to knit a few baby sets and a couple of blankets too. She began humming as they climbed the stairs, and Ginny recognized the tune as a lullaby her Mum hummed to them while rocking them to sleep when they were ill or just out of sorts. "I guess she caught Harry's remarks too", she thought grinning happily.
The little ones were excited to see their parents and Grandma enter the room. The next hour was a noisy one as the children enjoyed their company. After playtime, they helped Nanny to bathe the children and dress them in their best little robes. Lily's was a very pretty shade of dusty rose, while Narcy,s was a shade a bit lighter than sky blue which went well with her silvery blond hair. Since Lucius,s hair was auburn like his Mums, Harry had bought him emerald green robes. They all looked 'delicious' as their Grandma told them. The adults then hurried off to their rooms to change also. Tonight's visit with the Healers promised to be a very interesting decision making evening. Harry was praying to Merlin that Glen would not find fault with his dreams of asking Ginny and her children to move in as soon as possible. He'd waited long enough.
Harry and Ginny each took the hand of their baby girl Narcy and helped her to walk slowly down the stairs. Lucius and Lily were each proudly holding onto the railing as they were taught to do, and led their Grandma down. Yes, she dearly missed her home and stubborn husband, but she loved the time she was spending with these dear little children and her daughter. Seeing how much change there was in her daughter, made her heart sing the praises of the Healers and her Bill. Tonight, she hoped that many other questions would be answered.
Harry led his little family into what he called the 'telly room', and chose a film called Bambi for the little ones to watch. He grinned at a happy Ginny and Mum as they too became engrossed in the movie. Harry quietly left the room to wait in the floo entry for their guests. Not even noticing that he had indeed left the room, the women were surprised out of their movie watching stupor to hear him greeting the Healers.
"Glen, Sean, Robert, I'm so glad you were able to join us for dinner", he called out a bit loudly. He was hoping that a bit of chatter would give the adults time to pull themselves away from the telly. Looking at Sean and Robert, he told them, "Glen has been my guest once before for a few days, and I hope you will all make yourselves as comfortable as he was made to feel"
Hearing the sounds of approaching feet, Glen looked up just in time to see three small people running for his legs. Lily, Narcy and Lucius wrapped themselves around his legs hugging them tightly. He reached down and enveloped them in a group hug. "Well and who do I have here??"
"I Lily, I Lushus, me Baby", piped up the little ones. Poor Lucius, what a mouthful his name was and he just couldn't get his tongue around the word yet. As far as Narcy was concerned, she was called baby so much that she was happy with that name.
Laughingly Glen made introductions where needed. "Sean, Robert I'd like you to meet and hug Harry and Gin's children. This is Lily, Narcy and Lucius. They are my most favorite little people in the world", he declared proudly. Sean and Robert complied happily and soon had received their share of hugs. They were quite entranced with the children.
Since Ginny knew the three Healers, Harry then introduced Molly to the three of them. Molly and Ginny shook their hands warmly and thanked them for coming. Harry asked them to follow him into the study and each of the men holding onto a little hand proceeded to do just that. As they walked, Harry had slipped his arm around Ginny's waist and was looking down at her as she spoke softly to him. This act of familiarity was not lost on the three men bringing up the rear of the little procession. The fact that she was at ease with his action, caused them to feel hopeful and they glanced and nodded meaningfully to one another. Their looks conveyed the small message, so far, so good!
Denny brought in an aperitif to each of the men and sherry for the women. The children looked up from their perches on the three Healer's laps, as much as to say where's mine? Denny hadn't forgotten them as he served them small sippy cups of apple juice.
"They can sit on the floor so you can enjoy your drinks," offered Ginny but received looks of dismay in return. Glen answered for the men as he said, "I'm sure we're all fine with these little angels on our laps."
Molly smiled at the men, and Ginny nearly choked on her drink at the word 'angels'. "You should be here when these so called angels gang up for mischief, and then you wouldn't call them angels" The men laughed at her remark and the conversation continued in this light vein until Ami entered and announced dinner.
Following dinner, the three men insisted on helping Harry up to the nursery with the three children. Molly and Ginny followed grinning at one another as they watched these three men 'cum mush in the hands of these so called angels', vying with Harry for their attention. Kissing and hugging the three little ones goodnight, the adults returned to the study and their after dinner drinks. Ginny poured the tea and when everyone settled in comfortably, Harry began to speak.
"I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say thank you all for coming here tonight. We really have a lot to talk about, and it's hard to know where to start but I would say at the beginning would be the best place. Mum, you first please. This is all about you and Ron tonight."
Molly had been gathering her thoughts, into what she hoped was some semblance of order. She then proceeded to tell the events which had led to Ron's adoption into the family and his behavior, with many examples of same, up until part way through his fourth year at Hogwarts. She looked up at Robert and asked. "Does that sound like a dark child's behavior to you?"
"Not at all Molly. It sounds like a child who had to compete first with five older brothers and then a sister. In many ways he was a middle child, born between these brothers and a sister. Let me say that a person's genes will cause certain diseases to be inherited, as well as traits such as stubbornness, temperament, and the list goes on. Environment will shape a child's life either for good or bad"
"You loved your son and taught him the same values as you taught your other children. Look to Harry as an example. He had no one to guide his formative years and yet you can see how well he turned out". Smirking he added "If he'd had you guiding him, just think of the paragon of virtue he'd have been. He'd have been insufferable to say the least".
Harry frowned at Robert for a second but didn,t rise to the bait. Instead he remarked that when growing up he'd used the Dursleys as an example of what not to do, "so yes, I too agree that environment is a huge factor in our choices, but only if we are not manipulated by outside forces".
Robert continued. "That said, I know what we need to do, and the first thing will be to speak to Ron. Molly, you and your family are not in the least to blame for the change in him. I do believe we will find other forces at work here. You relax, enjoy this visit with your little family, and we'll take it from there. Would it be presumptuous to ask to be in on the meeting with the family when Ron confronts them? I fear it will be a brutal one. He will need professional help beside him"
Molly turned to Harry and asked him what he thought of this request. "Well Mum, if it hadn't been for Glen helping Dad and I out when we were presenting Gin's facts, I don't know what I would have done. They have the Professional background for backup; I just had the report and my gut feeling. I do agree that they should be there".
"Thank you Son, I trust that you will do what's best for your brother and family. I'd expect no more or less from you."
"I will help in any way I possibly can Mum, I promise. Do you feel better now?"
"I certainly do feel much better than I did when we began speaking, but I'll be thankful when this is all behind us. I mean the problem with both Ron and Ginny as well."
Seeing that his Mum was looking a bit peaked, he said," Well gentlemen, is there anything more Mum can tell you or can she retire for the night.? She's been through a lot in the last few days, and it's beginning to tell on her.?
"Glen answered his question. "No Harry, once the rest of our little visit with you is completed, I think we'll go back to the office and brainstorm a bit. I really want to keep my weekend open so that Theresa and I can spend it here with your delightful little family. I'm praying to Merlin that it will prove to be a very happy visit with great results. We will bid both you ladies a goodnight. Ginny we'll see you tomorrow, and Theresa and I'll see you all again bright and early on Saturday morning, right Harry?"
Harry hugged his Mum goodnight, hugged and kissed Ginny gently on her lips. He wanted Robert and Sean to notice her reaction or lack thereof. The women then retired for the night.
Harry returned his attention to the men taking into account Glen's last words. "Now come on Glen, not too early. At least make it no earlier than seven o'clock, okay?"
"All joshing aside, we'll be here around nine or nine thirty. Theresa will be a bit whacked after her trip, and she'll want a lie in for a while"
Waggling his eyebrows, Harry said, "and I don't suppose you'll have anything to do with her being a bit tired, will you?"
Glen turned red and glaring at Harry replied, "You'll get yours my friend when living arrangements change here. I'll get you back if it's the last thing I do".
It was Harry's turn to blush and saying, "Touché Glen. Seriously though, did any of you notice anything remiss in Ginny when I hugged and kissed her? I did it purposely so you could watch for any sign of a reaction to our physical closeness"
In turn, the three Healers told Harry the same thing, that, at this point in her healing, she was doing very well. Sean added," With Bill's help, I hope to see more improvement after tomorrow"
"I am so thankful for your help and support through all of this. I pray that when this is all behind us, we can continue this friendship. I know that it is frowned on ethically but I do hope it is feasible"
"It is, Harry and we are proud to call you friend. Goodnight. I'll see you on Saturday." Harry shook hands and bade them all a goodnight as they entered the floo, each calling out the secret codeword as they left. It was the same as he and Ginny used.
Climbing the stairs to his room, He thought over the conversations of the evening and was heartened at the feeling of hope that was present throughout the evening's revelations. Tomorrow would be another day, and he would be as ready for it as was humanly possible.
TBC..