When Harry woke Cindy on the morning of New Years Eve, he was more nervous than he could ever remember being in his life. He had spent the week slowly showing Cindy the wizarding world. He first showed her magical pictures, and then went on to books depicting magical creatures, and eventually to magic itself. She was a five-year-old sponge. She couldn't stop asking questions, and Harry couldn't stop teaching. It was what he was meant to do. She had even managed to perform some wandless magic on her own; Harry could not be prouder.
Today was not only the day he would finally show her his animagus form, but it would be the first time she would meet Ginny, and more importantly, it would be the first time Ginny met Cindy.
Harry had managed to see Ginny late at night by apparating to the Burrow, but he could never manage to tell her about Cindy. He so wanted them to love each other. Harry knew that above all, Cindy's happiness was all he cared about. And she was already aching to meet Ginny.
After breakfast, Harry took Cindy into the ball room, which was the largest room in the house.
"Ok Cindy, remember how I told you some witches and wizards can turn into animals?" He asked her quietly.
"Yes daddy." She answered lovingly.
"Well, I'm one of those wizards." He announced.
"Really," she perked up. "What kind of animal?" She asked excitedly.
"I'm a griffin. A griffin is half lion and half eagle. But I look exactly like a lion, except I have wings." He explained.
"Wings, can you fly daddy?" She asked getting even more excited.
"Yes Cindy, I can." He answered.
"Can I see? Can I see?" She asked quickly.
"All right now, don't be scared, it's just me." Harry warned her.
Harry took two steps back, and in an instant he was a griffin. Cindy walked up to him fearlessly, and began to pet him, Harry purred, it was a noise he had never made. He spread his wings wide to give her a good look. One quick moment later, he was back.
"Can I have a ride?" She asked expectantly.
"Not while it's still daylight, we can't let the locals see us do magic, remember?" He half scolded her.
"Yes daddy." She said quietly.
"But I'll tell you what, when it gets really dark out tonight, I'll take you for a ride." Harry conceded.
"Goodie," she exclaimed.
They spent the rest of the day working on magic. Harry noticed that because she, like Harry, had no preconceived notions on what could or could not be done; she could do almost anything.
They were primarily working on elemental magic. Harry was teaching her how to control water. He felt that was the easiest thing to master using wandless magic.
Cindy had been able to make large ripples in the water almost every time she tried, Harry was pleased, but Cindy was ecstatic.
When the time finally arose for Harry to pick Ginny up at the Burrow, he told Cindy to help Dobby and Winky clean her room, which he knew they never would allow, and that he'd be back in a short while.
Harry and Ginny had made arrangements to meet just outside of the Burrow. Ginny had told her parents that she would be bringing in the New Year with some muggle friends from town. They reluctantly agreed. It had been the point that she was wearing Harry's ring that clinched a victory for her.
Harry apparated his entire car to the Weasley house, being that it was night, and the vehicle was moving at the time, nobody noticed. Harry stopped just outside the Weasley property, and blew the horn.
Ginny had informed her parents that the muggle father of her friend would be doing just as Harry had done. When Molly looked out of the door, Harry instinctively tapped the horn informing Molly that the driver had seen her. She eased, and waved back.
Ginny went around to the passenger side, and got in the car. Harry immediately pulled away, so as not to give Ginny the opportunity to keep him longer than expected. When they were several kilometers away, Harry smiled at Ginny.
"You look beautiful." He said simply, driving the car.
"Thanks. Nice car." She answered.
"Oh sure, I compliment your beauty, and you just compliment my car." Harry joked. Her self-control disappeared.
She immediately took Harry in a loving embrace, and kissed him deeply, Harry almost crashed.
"Ginny! I'm driving." He said exasperatedly.
"Sure, you're a powerful wizard, but you can't kiss and drive at the same time." She joked, they both laughed.
"Harry, where are we?" She asked, now realizing she had never seen the area.
"That's a secret." Harry answered.
They pulled into the drive of his home, which he was now calling Cindyland. Harry parked the car in the garage, and shut it down.
"Ginny, I have to tell you something serious." Harry said nervously.
She immediately feared the worst. "You're not breaking up with me Harry, are you?" She asked with tears in her eyes, and fear in her voice.
Harry couldn't help but laugh. "No. I love you, why would I even consider such a stupid idea? Besides, your brother and Hermione would kill me." Harry said laughing.
"Then why are you so nervous?" She asked.
"I have news. Either it's good news, or it's bad news, depending on how you feel." Harry answered.
"Ok, spill it." She demanded.
"First I need to know, do you want children?" Harry asked.
She immediately feared the worst again; she thought Harry was going to tell her he couldn't have children. She debated whether or not to answer honestly.
"Yes." She finally answered honestly.
"Do you like kids?" Harry asked tentatively.
"Of course, what are you playing at?" She asked exasperatedly.
"I adopted a child." He said quickly.
"What?" She demanded.
"I adopted a child." He repeated.
"Why would you do such a thing at your age?" She asked angrily.
"Because I couldn't leave her in that muggle orphanage, she's a witch." Harry explained.
Ginny softened. "You do know what having a child means?" Ginny asked seriously.
"Yes, she's been living with me for the last week." Harry said.
"She's here already?" Ginny said, sounding angry again.
"Ginny please, she, just like you, means everything to me. I don't mean to sound callous, but you're not an orphan, you don't know how I feel. She's exactly like me, an orphan, magical around a bunch of muggles, and ridiculed. I couldn't leave her there." Harry explained himself.
Ginny immediately understood. "I'm sorry Harry, you're right, I don't know, but I'm willing to understand. I trust you Harry Potter; I know you will always do the right thing, no matter how difficult. That's why I love you; you're one of a kind." Ginny said, kissing Harry deeply.
When they finally broke, Ginny had a nervous look on her face. "What if she doesn't like me? What if she's jealous?" She asked.
"Let's find out." Harry said, opening his car door.
"I'm not ready. I need a new dress, I need my hair done, I need…"
"You're perfect." Harry interrupted.
Harry went around to the passenger side, and opened the door. When they reached the entrance, Harry turned back to Ginny.
"Are you ready?" Harry asked her.
"No." She said honestly. Harry laughed.
He opened the front door, and stepped inside. Ginny was amazed about the size of the house. She had seen magically enlarged homes before, but this one was one of a kind. The moment the front door closed, they were greeted by a loud screech.
"Daddy, is that you!" Cindy yelled from her room.
"Yes Cindy. Can you come down here, please?" He yelled back.
She immediately ran down the stairs.
"Daddy, look at the new dress Winky…" She stopped in mid sentence. "Mommy, is that you?" She asked with tears in her eyes.
Ginny broke down crying hysterically. She hugged Cindy like she had never hugged anyone before. She was filled with so much love; she couldn't control herself. Harry stood there amazed. He expected a pleasant greeting, but not love at first sight.
"You're my future mommy, daddy told me." Cindy said when they broke the hug.
"And you're my baby." Ginny said, still crying. Ginny did not understand all the emotions she was feeling, but she did understand that Cindy was now, and would always be her daughter.
"Well, I think that went well. I guess I should make the introductions. Ginny, this is Cindy, Cindy; this is Ginny, your future mum." Harry said with a giggle.
"Can I call you mommy?" Cindy asked.
Ginny began crying again. "Of course you can sweetheart, of course you can." Ginny said, hugging her again.
"Did Winky make you a new dress?" Harry asked Cindy.
"Oh yeah daddy, do you like it?" Cindy asked happily.
"I think it's beautiful." Harry told her.
"Winky? So Dobby and Winky did go with you," Ginny said knowingly to Harry.
"Yes miss." Dobby's voice came from behind her.
She turned to see Dobby and Winky smiling at her.
"Is the house complete sir?" Winky asked.
"Yes Winky, I do believe it is." Harry said with a smile.
They all sat for dinner, Harry looked around the table, he had never been happier. Harry and Ginny discussed the various goings on at Hogwarts, and the Weasley household. They carefully danced around the subject of the ministry and Voldemort. Ginny glowed like never before. She was perfect.
"Daddy's going to take my flying later." Cindy announced.
"Oh really, on a broom," Ginny asked her.
"No on his back." Cindy answered. Harry hung his head.
"Is there something you want to tell me Mr. Potter?" Ginny asked.
"Actually Ginny, no, but I have no choice now. I'm an animagus." Harry declared.
"A what, Harry James Potter, what do you think you were doing studying animagus training by yourself?" Ginny bellowed.
"Actually Ginny, McGonagall trained me." Harry said calmly.
"When," Ginny asked astounded.
"That I can't tell you, but she did." Harry explained.
"What kind of animal can fly a small child on its back?" She asked him.
"I'm a griffin." Harry answered plainly.
"Can I see?" Ginny asked excitedly.
"I think it's time for Cindy's first flight. Dobby," Harry called. Dobby appeared and bowed. "Open the large window in the ball room. Keep the lights off. I'm taking Cindy for a flight." Harry instructed.
"A flight sir," Dobby asked.
"Yes Dobby, I'm a griffin animagus. Now please open the window." Harry said.
"Yes sir." Dobby said vanishing.
Harry immediately changed into his griffin form. Ginny helped Cindy onto his back, and then jumped on herself. Harry purred his approval. With only three steps, he took off for the window, and out.
They went soaring along the Scottish shoreline. Higher and faster he flew as Cindy kept requesting. Even Ginny loved the flight, after about an hour, Harry headed home, and into the ballroom.
Dobby and Winky were waiting when they arrived. The elves closed the window, and turned the lights back on.
When Harry changed back, Dobby approached him.
"Dobby and Winky has never seen griffin Harry Potter sir. We is pleased." Dobby informed Harry.
"I'm sorry I never mentioned Dobby, but it just never came up." Harry apologized to Dobby, who bowed, and took his leave from them.
"Someone has to get to bed." Harry announced.
"Oh daddy, please, can I stay up with mommy." Cindy pleaded.
"I'm sorry Cindy, but she has to go home soon, she'll be back before you know it." Harry explained.
"Ok." She said sadly. She ran up to Ginny and hugged and kissed her. "I'll miss you mommy." She said.
"I'll miss you too." Ginny said crying.
After Cindy had her lullaby, Harry showed Ginny around the house.
"She looks just like you." Ginny said as she closed Cindy's bedroom door.
"Really, I thought she looked like a Weasley." Harry joked.
"Not with those eyes, so which one is your bedroom," she asked slyly.
"This one," Harry said, opening the door to his bedroom.
Ginny was amazed. It contained an oversized bed, several dressers, a piano, a harp, and a large screen television.
"Now that bed looks really comfortable." Ginny said, removing her shirt.
Harry stood in awe. She removed her shoes, socks, jeans, bra, followed finally by her panties. She lay naked on Harry's bed, waiting for his arrival. Harry wasted no time. Before he made it to the bed, he was as naked as Ginny.
The last two hours of the year, Ginny spent in ecstasy, Harry had a God given talent for pleasing her, and she loved it. She never thought it could be that good. He pleased her several times before the New Year began.
When Harry and Ginny heard the old grandfather clock in the foyer, they kissed again.
"Happy New Year," Harry whispered in Ginny's ear.
"It is now." Ginny said slyly. Harry laughed.
"What time is your mother expecting you home?" Harry asked, getting back to reality.
"One," Ginny said sadly.
"Then I think we should shower, and get dressed." Harry said.
"Shower, I don't think I need a shower." She told him.
"No, you don't need one, but trust me; it will be worth your while." Harry promised.
After the shower, which included another sexual encounter, Harry drove Ginny home. They kissed quickly goodnight, and she walked into the Burrow.
When Ginny entered the house, she went around hugging and kissing her family, wishing them a Happy New Year. When she reached her, Peggy whispered in Ginny's ear.
"We have to talk." Peggy said.
Ginny and Peggy went to the empty kitchen. They both sat at the table.
"Something you want to tell me?" Peggy asked sternly.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked indignantly.
"Harry? You went to meet him tonight." Peggy declared.
"How do you know that?" Ginny asked shocked.
"I used to be a fortuneteller, remember. I saw a vision of the two of you kissing, and saying Happy New Year." Peggy said.
Ginny blushed. "What else did you see?" She asked shyly.
"If you're asking if I noticed neither one of you wearing clothes, than yes, I did." Peggy said; sounding a little amused.
"You're not going to say anything, are you?" Ginny asked.
"No, I don't watch and tell." Peggy said laughing.
"No I didn't mean about Harry and I making love, I meant about Harry at all." Ginny clarified.
"Oh, is he still hiding?" She asked knowingly.
"Yes, no one is supposed to know I see and talk to him. He's worried for me." Ginny explained.
"Ok, I won't say a word to anyone, but promise me you'll be careful, if you know what I mean." Peggy said, giving Ginny a knowing look.
"I've already taken care of that. Unexpected pregnancy won't be a problem. My problems are much bigger." Ginny said, hanging her head.
"Yeah, I know. Worrying whether your fiancé will be alive or dead the next time you see him, is a problem I would not wish on my worst enemy." Peggy said, looking downhearted.
"Can I confide in you?" Ginny asked, looking helpless.
"You know you can, I would never violate your trust." Peggy answered immediately.
"Harry adopted a child." Ginny whispered.
"He what," Peggy whispered back.
"He adopted a five year old witch that was living in a muggle orphanage." Ginny clarified.
"Oh, I see, someone just like him. That sounds like Harry, thinks of everyone but himself. Have you met her?" Peggy asked, realizing the potential problem.
"Yes, tonight, it was love at first sight." Ginny said.
"She doesn't see you as a threat?" Peggy asked amazed.
"Actually, she sees me as her mother." Ginny answered.
The news shocked Peggy. "Wow. This is a fairytale. You find the man of your dreams at fifteen, you love him, he loves you, and he has a daughter who wants you as her mother. What else, a big house? Fancy car, servants?" Peggy joked.
"Um, actually, all of the above," Ginny said, trying not to laugh. Peggy, on the other hand, lost control.
"I don't know what you did to deserve such a life, but I'm jealous." Peggy said laughing.
Ginny suddenly looked sad. "You don't think I'm going to loose him, do you?" Ginny asked nervously.
Peggy grew serious as well. "Annie and I have tried to see Harry's future, but we just can't. We can't explain it; it's never been a problem for either one of us." Peggy answered.
Ginny was about to speak, but Peggy cut her off. "Actually, it gets worse, we can't see yours either. We can't tell if you'll live to be two hundred, or die tomorrow, it scares us." Peggy finished.
Ginny looked at her watch. "I'm meeting Harry in exactly 48 hours. I want you to accidentally walk in on us here in the kitchen. I need someone to talk to in front of Harry." Ginny told her.
"I will, just make sure your clothes are on." Peggy joked.
"Why, I'm not shy around you, and Harry's very well endowed, so he won't mind." Ginny joked back.
"Oh, you've seen that many to make comparisons to." Peggy continued the joke.
"Yeah actually, six brothers and only two bathrooms," Ginny said. They both laughed.
Two nights later, Ginny was sitting in the kitchen, it was about ten minutes to one, and Harry was due any minute. She began to pace, knowing Peggy was going to walk in on them, which made her slightly nervous. Would she be able to keep Harry under control, would she be able to keep herself under control? She didn't know.
Making love to Harry had been the single most pleasurable experience of her life. She wanted it more and more.
The moment the clock turned one; Harry appeared next to Ginny. She hugged and kissed him like never before. Their love was obvious.
I've missed you." Harry said softly.
"I've missed you too." Ginny said.
"Cindy misses you too." Harry said nervously.
"And I miss her too. I can't stop thinking about the two of you. I can't believe how quickly I fell for that little girl." Ginny explained.
"I can't believe the way I fell for her too. I can't wait until you're out of Hogwarts, so we can get married." Harry said with a hint of remorse.
Ginny looked over Harry's shoulder. "Uh, Harry." She said pointing towards the doorway.
Harry did not need to turn to see Peggy standing there, he just knew.
"Hello Peggy." Harry said, turning to face her.
She had a look of victory on her face. Ginny was impressed at the way she carried herself.
"I'm glad I decided to get a glass of water." Peggy declared.
"So am I." Harry said, walking over to hug her. "I've missed you Peggy." Harry said, staring into her eyes.
"Then you should have come back. In the daylight," she added.
"If you understood what happened, you probably wouldn't want me here." Harry said sadly.
"I do know, and more importantly, dad knows. He knew before he gave permission for you to marry his youngest daughter." She said with a bark in her voice.
"I'm sorry. I just find it hard just living with myself, so I don't expect any of you to." Harry explained.
"You're welcome here anytime." Peggy said.
"Even at one in the morning," Harry joked.
"Not if you're going to be alone with my baby sister." She said smiling.
"Peggy!" Ginny exclaimed.
The three sat down and started talking about their lives; Harry had, several times, started to mention Cindy, but stopped himself. Peggy was starting to get annoyed.
"Spill it Potter, what are you hiding?" Peggy asked annoyed.
"I adopted a child." Harry conceded.
"I already know Harry, I had a vision." She lied.
"Did you know I was coming tonight?" He asked.
"Yes, actually I did." She answered.
Harry nodded, he should have guessed, she was a seer.
They talked for another hour, before Harry decided to go home. He kissed Ginny deeply, then turned and gave Peggy a small peck on the cheek.
"Be careful." He said apparating back home.
The ride back to platform 9 ¾ was a quiet one. None of the Weasley's spoke of Harry, or his absence. Ginny was especially downhearted. She would have to go long periods of time without seeing the man she loved, or the child she came to call daughter.
After the prefects meeting on the train, Ron, Hermione and Ginny went to find a compartment for themselves. The only thing they could find was Neville in a compartment by himself. They entered.
"Hey mate." Ron greeted Neville warmly.
"Hey Ron, Hermione, Ginny, how was your holiday?" He asked happily.
"Not great, yours," Ginny answered honestly.
"Mine was. My parents and I spent Christmas in the Bahamas, it was great." Neville explained.
Neville noticed the look on everyone's face. "What happened?" He asked concernedly.
"Harry." Ron said simply.
"Did you see him?" He asked excitedly.
"Well, yes and no. We saw a projection of him, not him personally." Hermione explained.
"He gave us all personal messages." Ginny clarified.
"How," Neville asked.
Ginny reached into her pocket. "This." She said, handing the box to Neville.
He read the directions, and followed them.
"I don't think it will work for you." Ron said, just before an image of Harry projected in front of them.
"Hey Neville, I'm glad to see your curiosity got the best of you." Neville laughed. "I wanted to apologize to you personally, you were starting to really develop as a wizard, and I abandoned you. I'm sorry. I hope having your parents back has helped in some way, I know what it's like not to have parents. Since the night we freed them," Neville gasped. "You've been a force to be reckoned with, and I'm glad I helped. I want you to know, even though we weren't the best of friends in the beginning, I count you as one of my very best friends now. The morning after you arrive in the castle after the holiday, you will receive a gift from me; it is a ring. Please wear it always; it instantly warns me if you are in any danger. I will never let anything happen to the people I love, I promise. Well mate; take care of yourself. Bye."
The image vanished.
"Something you care to share with the class?" Ron asked knowingly.
"It was supposed to be a secret; Harry saved my mum and dad." Neville answered.
"I knew it!" Hermione exclaimed. "Only Harry could have the magic powers strong enough to overcome madness." She added.
Ginny looked like she was ready to burst. "I can't keep this secret!" She yelled. They all looked at her like she was crazy.
"What secret?" Hermione asked.
"Harry, he has a daughter." Ginny said.
"What? Did you say Harry has a daughter?" Hermione asked disbelievingly.
"Yes, an adopted daughter." Ginny clarified.
"When did this happen? And come to think about it, how do you know? Hermione asked quickly.
"Well, the day after boxing day, the 27th, was when he adopted her, and I know because I've been seeing Harry, and Cindy." Ginny said nervously. She knew the others were going to be upset.
"He has a daughter? Harry? I can't believe it. He's always afraid about loosing one of us; I'd think he'd go crazy worrying about a daughter." Ron said flabbergasted.
"It's a long story; just understand she was a witch in a muggle orphanage." Ginny said.
"Ah, that explains it." Hermione said. "He felt a connection." She added.
"Ginny, what are you wearing?" Neville asked.
"What? Oh, the engagement ring, Harry proposed over the holidays." She answered matter-of-factly.
"Did you tell your father?" Neville asked surprised.
"Actually he asked my father for my hand, my father agreed." She explained.
Neville was floored. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, Harry was engaged to be married and he had a daughter. "Wow, that's some holiday." He said simply.
"Have you ever seen her?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, New Years Eve." Ginny answered.
"You were supposed to be with muggles." Ron said angrily.
"I know Ron, I lied." She said.
"How did she react to you?" Hermione pressed.
"She calls me mommy." Ginny said proudly.
"She calls you mummy?" Ron asked.
"No, I said mommy, she calls me mommy." Ginny clarified.
"Same thing," Ron said exasperatedly.
"Not when it's coming from the cutest five year old you've ever seen." Ginny explained.
"How do you feel about it?" Hermione asked, feeling out Ginny.
"I call her my daughter, I love her." Ginny answered honestly.
"Do you know what you're getting into?" Hermione asked.
"Yes I do. I can't explain the feelings of having a child love you like that, it's, it's, wonderful." Ginny said smiling.
"I'm so jealous." Hermione said.
Ron was about to speak, but Hermione cut him off. "Not a word." She commanded.
They spent the rest of the train ride discussing the DA, and their plans. Ron took it upon himself to promote Hermione and Neville to majors. They were both thrilled.
Ron still had Harry's lesson plan, and they had managed to figure out how to teach the rest of the year.
The train pulled into Hogsmeade station, and they all headed for the carriages, and back to the castle.
A new term began.