Chapter 9
A/N Thank you Reanne Hall for the amazing drawings of Josh's, Claire's, and Jeff's faces! They are so amazing, and it was so much fun to work with you on it!
I wake up to a gentle knock on the door. "Harry, can I come in?" A shaky voice calls from outside the door. I open the door to see Hermione standing there, with puffy eyes. I nod, and she barely makes it into the door, before she collapses. "HERMIONE!" I pull her up to her feet and set her in my chair. I crouch down in front of her, searching her eyes for anything that might help me find out what is wrong. "Hermione? What's wrong?" She looks up weakly, and I see the pain that reaches her face. "It hurts Harry. Every movement I make hurts. Ever since I came back from St. Mungo's, I have felt the pain constantly." I stand up, then grab my wand from my desk. If a Cruciatus Curse caused the pain you are feeling, then a basic pain remover charm should work. I mutter the spell under my breath, and Hermione automatically sits us straighter. "The charm will wear off in an hour, go to Madame Pomfrey for something more permanent. One more thing: Why didn't you tell Ron?" She takes a deep breath before beginning. "Ever since the accident, he has been super protective of me. I didn't want him to freak out more, when he already acts like he could lose me at any moment." I hold her hand. "I feel the same way about Ginny. Even though it may seem like I am laid back, I do ANYTHING to make her happy. I put a shield spell on her evernight when I kiss her at night, so no harm will come to her in the night. You girls chose two boys, who have lost too many loved ones, or had them injured, things like that. We love you guys, and do not want any harm to come to you." She nods in understanding and gives a feeble smile. "Thank you Harry." I give her a hug and she walks down towards the hospital wing. I close the door, shower, and then dress, before I go to McGonagall's office.
"Professor?" I hear footsteps approaching the door. "Yes Potter come in." I walk in and sit in front of her desk. "I need the day today to go to the Ministry of Magic for a business reason and I was wondering if-" "Yes Potter, Miss Weasley can go with you, let me send for her." I step forward. "Actually Professor, I was wondering if Josh Riddle could come with me." "Oh," a look of shock registered on her face, "Of course, he will be in your office shortly." I thank her, then leave her office, heading down to mine. A few minutes later, Josh walks in. "Am I in trouble?" I chuckle. "No, Josh. I would like you to accompany me to the Ministry." He looks confused for a minute, then nods. I grab his wrist and apparate into the Atrium. He looks shocked for a second, then shakes it off. I walk towards the minister's office. At the door I look at Josh. "Wait here, I have to know I can trust you." He nods then leans against the wall. I walk in, and I am greeted by none other than Mr. Weasley. "Harry, what do I owe the privilege?" I sit in front of him. "I am here to do an adoption." He looks at me in surprise, but pulls out the necessary paperwork. "Name?" "Josh Tom Riddle." Mr. Weasley puts down his quill. "You want to adopt Voldemort's son?" I nod. "Very well. Sign here and here, and I hope you know what you are getting yourself into." Thank you Sir, see you at Christmas.""Bye Harry." I walk out to see Josh hasn't moved. "Do you hate the last name Riddle, I noticed the way you scrunched up your face when I said it." He nods, but looks very confused. "What about Potter, there is a last name to be proud of." I risk a glance at him. "Where are you going with this Professor?" I look into this golden eyes, that shine so brightly."I adopted you today Josh, your new name is Josh Ignitus Potter." He quickly wraps his arms around me, and starts to sob. I hold him, and comfort him, glad he is finally happy. I apparate back to Hogsmeade, then walk up to Hogwarts with my arm around Josh. I call Ginny up to my office. She walks in, and looks confused when she sees Josh in the chair. I put my arms around her waist. "I adopted Josh today." She throws her arms around my neck and hugs me tight. I pull away, making her look confused. "Only one more person to make a Potter now." Ginny gasps. "Obviously not now, because you are still in school, but next christmas, I want to get married. I will propose to you officially this Summer, but I promise I will still love you. She laughs. I kiss her, making Josh fake gag in the chair. "Get used to it kid, you will be seeing a lot more of it. Keeping one arm around Ginny, I pull Josh into a bear hug, and Ginny wraps round him too. I kiss her lips, then the top of Josh's head. I finally have a family, and I will go to the ends of the earth for them.
