This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.


Chapter 12

Molly's Plan.

Harry took Ginny to the Creevey's by side along apparition. Although Ginny had, had some lessons she was unable to take her test until after her birthday in a few weeks time. They had woken early, Ginny having thoroughly satisfied herself that Harry's bum was indeed fine before they had fallen to sleep the night before. They had shared a bath before breakfast, then set off to the Creevey's house.

They arrived in a small wooded area near a cul de sac of modern brick built semi detached houses. They walked through the low rough grass and few wild flowers of the copse floor to grassed area with children's play equipment within a fence. The couple joined a path leading past it, which led to the neat street beyond. The street was very different to Privet Drive, which was open plan to the road, the box like houses and front gardens almost uniform in appearance. This place was quite different, the couple noticed as they walked past. Each house had individual front gardens and each one was different, had a personality all its own. Every house had character, even though they were modern, no two in the street appeared the same, it was the same with the gardens which were alive with growing plants and flowers. The couple admired each as they walked along the stone flagged pavement, until they found the Creevey's house.

Like its neighbours it was individual in its surroundings, it's upper floor was white with black timber frame decoration, each window a different size, a small bay window jutted out above the canopy over the front door. The lower floor proudly displayed the regimented rows of brick, each course staggered to the one below, the bay windows glazed with small panes of diamond shaped glass, each bay roofed with the same red tiles as the roof. A chimney stack had been built on the roof, but had clearly not channelled any smoke and was decorative. Television aerial and white satellite dish were mounted on it. Having noticed similar items on other houses, Harry was explaining to Ginny what they were for as they reached the gate of the house they were headed for.

This was the place that their friend had grown up in, like them it was a bright, cheerful place, it was an optimistic place. They opened the metal, black painted front gate set in the front wall and walked through the rockery garden that had been built on either side of the path which dissected the gravel that covered the soil between the rocks. It was planted with small conifers and alpine plants which tumbled across the stones, some were flowering already, punctuating the gravel with jewels of colour. To the side of the property a concrete drive led to a garage with large wooden doors that had a room above it.

It was a quiet Sunday morning, they had seen nobody in the street, several gleaming cars were parked awaiting use in the driveways of the houses, but no one seemed keen to be out of their homes this morning. Even talking in a whisper seemed oddly loud as they had made their way her, so the sound seemed very loud when they knocked on the varnished wooden door, appearing to echo from the houses. Dennis quickly answered it, excited to see them and invited them in.

"I'm so glad you could come." He greeted them as he closed the door behind them. "Mum and Dad can't wait to meet you, Colin told them all about you Harry. Ooh is it all right to call you that Professor?"

"It's fine outside of school, Dennis, I may be a Teacher in the castle, but we have been friends since I was a student and you arrived in the castle after all. Besides, I am still getting used to being called Professor." Harry winked.

Dennis smiled and took them through into the front room, where his parents were waiting for them. It was a good sized modern room, decorated in neutral colours with pictures of the family distributed round the room, each taken in a different place, perhaps holiday destinations they had been to. All of them showed a happy family relaxing, except two, one of each of the sons of the house in school robes, wands held proudly in hand. There were two Sofas in the room with coffee tables in front of them, wooden folding chairs were also set around, clearly to accommodate the other mourners who were expected. There was an old bureau along one wall, it looked slightly out of place, much older than the rest of the furnishings, a family heirloom perhaps. A large television with video recorder and satellite receiver box was on a stand in the corner. Mr and Mrs. Creevey greeted them warmly, when Dennis introduced them, they were larger versions of their son's although Dennis looked a little more like his mum than Colin had.

"It really is so nice of you both to come, you are most welcome." Mrs. Creevey smiled as he stood, offering her hand in greeting. "Would you like a drink while we wait for the rest of the family to arrive?"

"That would be very nice, thank you, Mrs. Creevey, I'm just sorry we meet under such sad circumstances." Said Ginny as she shook the woman's offered hand after Harry had.

"It's not your fault my dear." Mr. Creevey said, shaking their hands as well." Nor yours either if I may say so Mr Potter, Dennis has told us all about that daft lot in Slytherin. Take no notice of them lad, that's my advice, they're just puddled. He told us what you did for him too, I can never thank you enough for that. Colin's death hit our Dennis hard I'm afraid, he didn't want to believe it. Stopped him mourning, then when our daft authorities stopped us having the funeral, that meant none of us could say goodbye until today. Well it was too much for him, in all honesty we were at a loss what to do for him, we were coping with our grief as well as trying to help our Dennis and it didn't work, couldn't have really. To lose one son, sadly left us incapable of helping our other. The one glimmer we had for him was that he wanted to go back to Hogwarts, we weren't so sure, but decided to let him as he wanted it so much. It has to be said, I am glad we did, the best decision we made I reckon, thanks to you. I'm grateful to you for taking the time with him, there are not that many people in this world that would have, at least not in my experience. It's good to know that he's got a teacher and a friend who cares so much."

"It was the least I could do Mr. Creevey. Colin was a good friend when I was a student, I'm just temporarily teaching, back to my studies in September." Harry told him.

"That's a pity from all that I can tell, you would make a great teacher, I have to say I did sometimes wonder at the staffing choices at that school, especially when you lot had to start teaching each other defence because the teacher was so ineffective. We could all do with more like you, please do sit down." Mr. Creevey smiled.

They sat on the sofas as Mrs. Creevey brought in some mugs of coffee and some biscuits on a tray.

"You two and Dennis will be the only wizards at the burial, but the family know, we are so proud of both of our boys and what they have achieved, so you don't need to worry too much about talking about it." Reassured Mrs. Creevey. "In fact I would think some of them might recognise the two of you."

"They've all seen Colin's photo's over the years you see, Mr. Potter." Mr. Creevey explained.

Harry nodded understanding. "Mr. Creevey, please call me Harry and this is Ginny, you as well Mrs. Creevey" He told them.

Mr. Creevey nodded. "Thank you, we will. It's a fascinating world you live in, at least from what the boy's have told us and of course what we've seen in Colin's photo's. Especially Quidditch, that looks an incredible game, he took some great pictures of that, as well as life in the castle, you both feature in a few of them."

They discussed Quidditch and the Wizarding world until the rest of the family arrived, it was clear that Mr. Creevey was as fascinated magical Britain as Mr. Weasley was with Muggles. Though it was just as clear he and his wife were struggling against the stress of the day as well.

Harry and Ginny were introduced to each member of the Creevey clan as they arrived and were made to feel most welcome amongst them. They were included in conversation amongst them all, so they could relax as they were asked questions about the Wizarding world, knowing they were free to answer without breaking the law.

Soon, perhaps too soon really, it was time to set off for the funeral and although it remained friendly, understandably the mood changed. It was insisted that Harry and Ginny joined the immediate family, Dennis, his parents and grandparents in the funeral car immediately behind the Hearse, for the short drive to the local cemetery, where Colin's body was to be interred. Everyone who lived in the street had come out to pay third respects as the cars had departed, some crossing themselves as the hearse passed them, it was a sign that Colin had touched each of his neighbours in his life and how well he was regarded by them.

The Cemetery was a large area, enclosed within the railing topped wall that surrounded it. While they drove to the centre of the graveyard, they noticed that some of the gravestones dated back almost two hundred years. The stones varied from the simple marble and sandstone inscribed variety of more recent years, to the great Victorian monuments of the wealthy of the time. There were a few mausoleums for the very wealthy families from the area, there were one or two quite ornate ones in the popular neo-gothic or, Greco-Roman mix of architectures favoured in the past. There were some people around, tending to individual graves, some had created gardens on the resting place of their loved one while others simply had vases of flowers on them. It was obviously well maintained and looked after, near the entrance gates they had passed the caretakers house which had a yard where they had seen equipment which was used to look after the grounds, there was a florist and a stone mason's shops there as well, this place was a real city of the dead.

Neither Ginny nor Harry had been to a Muggle funeral before, when Vernon's parents had died, Harry had been left alone locked in the cupboard and Ginny had simply not had the opportunity, so neither of them knew quite what to expect to happen. The cars stopped in a wide area of tarmac, they got out and stood watching the Pallbearer's slide the coffin out of the hearse before shouldering it and setting off towards the chapel. Harry and Ginny followed the family into the little chapel in the centre of the cemetery, Colin's favourite Weird Sisters song was playing as they took their seats, it was an exuberant piece, oddly fitting for the boy it was being played for. After the song had finished, Colin's uncle stood and talked about him, he told of his nephews early life and the pride the family felt at his special talents. His father spoke of Colin's interest in photography and about his son's deep care for those around him. Then Dennis stood and spoke about how his brother had died as a hero, outlining the loyalty he had shown and the freedoms he had fought to restore. A poem was read, it was one Colin had apparently written when he found out he was a wizard. Then, again to the sound of the Weird Sisters, they left the chapel to follow the coffin to the grave side further in the Cemetery.

The interment was the saddest part, as the committal was read out by a member of cemetery staff and the coffin slowly lowered into the grave. Mr. Creevey nodded to Harry as the member of staff left and as they had discussed before the extended family had arrived, Harry levitated the soil into the grave. He then conjured a wreath for Dennis to lay, whilst Ginny lay one from Hogwarts. Soon thanks to Ginny, Harry and Dennis's wands the soil in the grave was covered in flowers reflecting on the polished surface of the gravestone which had been put into place before the burial at the head of the grave. They then all returned to the cars, which were waiting nearby, for the ride back to the family home.

Back at the Creevey's house a funeral tea had been prepared by a catering company they had hired for the occasion. Members of the family chatted with Harry and Ginny like they were old friends, asking about the two brothers and their lives at Hogwarts, again the couple reminisced about their friend freely knowing his family were aware of his talents. A couple of hours later the couple needed to leave, to return to the Burrow, they also wanted to let the family have time to themselves. When Dennis and his parents saw them off, Dennis produced a photo of the D.A. Which Colin had taken. Colin was pointing at the camera with his wand to take the picture so he could be in it.

"We want you both to have this Harry." He said. "We have another copy, so it's all right, Colin would love to think you had it."

Dennis's parents nodded and thanked them again for coming, Harry and Ginny were pleased to see the three remaining Creevey's were much more relaxed than they had been this morning.

Harry was moved. "Thank you I'll treasure it, we had some great times then didn't we. We'll get this framed and put it in our lounge, with the pictures of our family and the people most important to us. I am glad we could come, it was pleasure to meet you all, I hope the next time we do, it will be for happier reasons. Thank you for asking us to come, we shall see you back at school later Dennis. "

They bid farewell to the family, who watched as the couple walked back down the road, past the play area and to the wood, from where, once they were out of sight of the houses, they Apparated to the Burrow from where they would return to Hogwarts.

The rest of the school year at Hogwarts was relatively uneventful as Staff and students settled into their routines for the few weeks remaining. True the blame culture against Harry had not completely gone away and its supporters had become a little louder as time went on, but it was not spreading beyond Slytherin house within the school itself. Those who continued to hold that view were, however, increasingly seen as crackpots who couldn't let go, amongst the rest of the student body as time since the end of the battle passed.

Class's had gone as well as the time allowed, Harry was proud of the progress his classes made, although it was limited due to the time they had, had in which to work. End of term exams showed that students had learnt much in the last few weeks, making progress towards making up a lot of ground from what had been missed in the months of occupation. Harry was especially proud of the results that the students had earned in the Practical portion of the defence exam, they had all done well over coming the fear of using spells that had been instilled in them during the first part of the year. Although the foundations for the students to build on had certainly been well laid, it was clear that the education provided during the earlier part of the year had suffered, there was still work to do. The staff had been aware this would be the case of course, Minerva had already met with the governors and heads of house to rearrange the curriculum to compensate during the next academic year, giving the opportunity for all students to make up the ground they had lost.

Because of the disruption, not to mention biased disciplinary system during most of the year, the points system could not be relied on so there was no house cup award for the first time since it had been introduced. Nor was the Quidditch cup awarded, although there had been some games early in the year. The season had been disrupted by the biased refereeing against any team that was not Slytherin, Madam Hooch had not been allowed to officiate at the matches, the Carrow's had taken it in turns to ensure their loyal students won and any other player who had upset them was attacked. At least until the championship had, had to be abandoned when the students in three of the houses refused to play, due to a combination of the amount of injuries the Carrow's allowed the Slytherin team to inflict and the goals against that house they disallowed for ridiculous reasons. That had ended the season, such as it had been, they had tried to award the cup early, stating Slytherin had won by default with no team to play, but Snape had insisted it wait until the end of the year, telling the Carrows that giving it and the house cup to Slytherin at the same time would be a stronger demonstration of the futility of opposing them. They had liked that idea, happily agreeing, confident they would see it happen. In the event the farewell feast at the end of term had neither presentation, but was still a significant event, enjoyed by all.

The Potterwatch interview had been well received both in the castle and generally across the magical community, both in Britain and in many places around the world, it seemed. At least judging by the amount of post the couple received from those who had heard it, which he, Ginny, Ron and Hermione sifted through as quickly as they could. Very little of what was written was negative, beyond complaining it was too short. Rita had, predictably, written a scathing article in the Prophet about how it had been to chatty and comfortable, she asserted that had Harry really had a free choice, it would have been her who had interviewed him. For a week afterwards, the only letters the paper received had been slamming Rita, the editor had no choice, but to fill the letters page with the views expressing support for the interview. Many were telling the paper that their reporter simply appeared to have sour grapes over not getting the interview and should not be allowed to use the paper to express her own petty frustrations. It was only when the paper published a full, unreserved apology from Rita, which the editor had forced her do according to a letter from him to Harry, that the letters stopped and they could cover other issues on that page.

Harry and Ginny had enjoyed walks by the lake and occasionally flying on Buckbeak, as promised they had contacted Andromeda regularly, although knowing she couldn't watch Teddy and use the Floo, it was always after they knew that the youngster would be settled down in his crib for the night, so she could talk with them properly. They had also joined in Quidditch practise, which Madam Hooch organised despite the lack of matches, as a way of helping students get back to normal and keep them entertained. None of the four house teams were complete, there were still students missing, along with their families, who had not attended at all that year. It could be a long time before the numbers who had attended the school before the occupation, were reached again. Even so a number of informal teams formed, including many who were not on house teams and teams with members from more than one house played against each other on the weekends. None of them survived more than a couple of matches before they split up to join other teams, so team mates for one match, may be playing against each other in their next game. It proved to be an enjoyable way of getting Quidditch back into school life, Madam Hooch was talking of having a similar scheme run alongside the inter house matches when they restarted in the new school year.

Ron had been amazed to learn about Percy and Audrey, he thought it highly amusing that she had been so like his brother and kept questioning Harry and Ginny about her. When Ron and Hermione had a weekend away from the castle, they returned with the news that Percy had taken her on several dates, as well as to the Burrow to meet his parents and the relationship was blooming, much to Mrs. Weasley's pleasure. They had not met Audrey that weekend, because the couple had taken a trip away together to stay in Cornwall for a break.

The cabinet was to meet via the Floo networks conferencing facility during the summer, to allow for meetings while staff took their Holidays, removing the need to meet together as a whole, but keeping the ministry working. Although each department had now attended the required mini cabinet meetings at Hogwarts, at least representatives from them if the heads were unable to attend, progress was slow in the ministry, because of the bureaucracy that had to be waded through, but new ideas were beginning to be implemented in small ways.

The Wizarding world was slowly adapting to the new peace won at the battle, the ministry slower than most of the rest of the society it seemed, though Hermione together with the head of creatures were making progress on their investigations and were beginning to make contact with other species. They were even looking, with the beings they were talking too, to change the departments name, though what it would change to, was yet to be thought of, let alone decided. That change may seem small, but was seen as important if the other species were to feel it was to represent them rather than attempting to regulate them.

As the school year ended there was a little under a month until Teddy's naming, though Harry and Ginny would be seeing him regularly in between times of course. Harry was also looking forward to seeing Fortescue, it turned out that when Ollivander had been kidnapped, Fortescue had got wind of a plan to kidnap him too, so had gone to his native Italy to hide. He didn't return until he was sure the rumours he heard of the battle and defeat of Voldemort were true. Harry and Ginny were planning to visit the ice cream maker the day after they reached home.

The couple had decided to travel back on Hogwarts Express with Ron and Hermione, then walk through the streets of Muggle London home from Kings Cross, rather than Flooing or Apparating from the school. Somehow it seemed a more appropriate way to return to their lives away from the castle, this year more than most. Kreacher had taken their luggage, apart from Tiberius who was asleep in his cage, but Ron and Hermione had theirs with them. They were returning to Ottery St Catchpole for the start of the holiday, Ron to the Burrow, Hermione to her new family home for the first time, they would see each other every day anyway, the Granger's garden backed onto some of the Burrows land although neither house was visible from the other. It also seemed that their parents had struck up a friendship and their mothers had coffee together every day, while their fathers met in the evenings in one or the others shed. On hearing this Hermione wondered if her father had started a long threatened project at last and started brewing his own beer in it.

Neville was on the platform at Hogsmeade, saying goodbye to Luna, whom he would see on his days off until he returned home in a months time, when Professor Sprout returned from her holiday collecting plants. He was remaining at the school to care for the greenhouses, while she was away.

They boarded the train and the five found a compartment for themselves and settled in for the journey. The train set off and Luna became engrossed in a book her father had sent her about wand lore, Hermione also had a book, but cuddled up to Ron before she opened it and Ginny cuddled up to Harry.

"It's going to be great to be back at home, just the two of us for a while." She smiled up at him.

"Hmm, nice to be able to relax together." He grinned.

"I've missed our baths together each morning." Winked Ginny.

"Not to mention sharing a bed as well." He smiled.

"Oi behave you two" Laughed Ron.

"Well it's only a couple of weeks until you two are coming to stay." Harry chuckled "Then you can have baths together again."

Hermione blushed. "Will you three stop it, who says I want to take another bath with him." She said, looking up from her book.

"You did, yesterday." Ron laughed

"Foiled again, I can have no secrets while you lot are around can I." Hermione giggled.

"You do know the four of you are sat in the same compartment as a reporter don't you?" Luna said, her eyes not leaving the pages of her book, but a wide grin on her face, before all five burst into laughter.

They had just crossed the border from Scotland into England when the chatter and banter between them died down, Luna fell asleep as they crossed the Royal Border Bridge a little later, her book resting on her lap. By the time they were ten miles further south Ginny was asleep as well, her head on Harry's lap and Ron was snoring in a corner, with Hermione asleep leant against him. Harry put an arm over Ginny and soon followed them.

He dreamed of a life with Ginny, a life with no threats against them, where they never aged. A life where they were always happy and had children. A life of peace with family and friends, content with his lot. It was a dream of a life he had never known, a good dream, rare in his life, but most welcome to him as he looked to the future in reality, yet it was simply a dream.

Harry woke suddenly as the trains wheels clattered and swerved over the points after the train had left Gasworks Tunnel and entered the throat of Kings cross station. They had slept for nearly four hours, missing the views they had enjoyed over the years of Durham, the East coast, York, Doncaster, the changing countryside and the one Harry loved every September, but did not look forward to on the return journey despite it's beauty, the view of Alexandra palace from the train. He reflected that he would have liked to see it from this direction without the dread of returning to the Dursley's for once, then quickly woke the others and they gathered their luggage to be ready when the train stopped at the platform. Perhaps he and Ginny would visit it over the summer, take a closer look.

They disembarked, but waited near the wall, to let the crowds of excited students off the platform, through the portal, first. Then Harry helped Ron with their luggage, while Ginny carried Tiberius and Hermione carried Crookshanks her cat and the cage containing Ron's owl, Pigwidgeon. Once the platform had mostly cleared, they bid farewell to each other as Ron and Hermione Apparated away with their luggage, Luna and her father had done the same as soon as they had arrived, giving Harry the impression that the man may be avoiding him for some reason. Once their friends were gone Harry took Tiberius from Ginny and they walked up the platform arm in arm to the portal, looking forward to their walk along the streets where they could be anonymous, just another couple walking past St Pancras Station and on into the city.

The moment they exited the platform and were met by Kingsley, Percy and Audrey, who all greeted them warmly they knew their plan to walk from the station to Grimmauld Place was not going to happen.

"I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you two, fear we had missed you somehow." Kingsley smiled. "Thought you might like a lift home, I have my Ministry car outside."

"That's kind of you Kingsley, we appreciate it, but we would much rather walk if that is all right?" Harry responded.

"Ah well you see that might be a problem I'm afraid." Kingsley looked embarrassed.

Harry laughed ironically. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but when I saw you here, I somehow thought it might be. Come on then, what's really going on my friend?"

Kingsley still looked apologetic, he sighed and told them."There are several reasons really, firstly since your interview interest in you seems to have grown and we don't want a repeat of Hogsmeade here, not in front of all the Muggles. Even without knowing where you live, this is probably the most predictable time to get at you Harry, we don't know who might have worked that out and be a threat. Secondly we do know that our press did work that out and are waiting just outside the concourse en masse, they are sure to attract a crowd as well, that's human nature I'm afraid, people see a gaggle of photographers and are curious to know what is going on. We stopped them getting into the station and to the platform as well as from pestering the other parents and students as they left, but they will probably create a stir when you appear. I have no doubt they will follow you as you walk, finding out the area you live in and it would make it very difficult for us to protect you en route and moving into the future as a result. It is far better if we take you, they can't follow us and it limits the access they have to you to the time we leave the doors at the front of the station, to the moment we get you into the car. Don't forget you don't have to say anything to them, just concentrate on getting safely to the car, let security deal with them for that short distance and we can escape them without them discovering where we are going or where you live. I am sorry about all this Harry, but if they found out even the street you live on, you wouldn't even be able to leave the house safely."

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "Yes, I can see that, I'm sorry we didn't Apparate from the platform now, is that still an option?" He asked, suspecting the answer.

Kingsley shook his head, not really from here, our Platform has shut down with the last person leaving it, we can't get back on to it for now, not before the next train North, at the earliest. We couldn't go down to the platform, we had to prevent that lot getting anywhere they could ambush you without warning and that took longer than we hoped, so I had the cars brought to get you out."

Harry nodded ruefully, looked to Ginny, who shrugged and nodded, he turned back to Kingsley. "Very well, lets get this over with."

Kingsley looked relieved. "Thank you, Harry, I know you are both disappointed, but its better this than you not being able to have the summer you deserve. Right are you both ready for this?"

They nodded. "As we shall ever be Kingsley." Ginny said.

"Good, now remember no matter what they ask, you don't have to answer, it's not far to the car." He looked round at those with him, who nodded back. "Keep your heads held high, just keep moving, we shall clear the way. Right, here we go!"

They turned and made for the door at the front of the station, where, sure enough there were a number of photographers and reporters from the Wizarding press waiting outside. They were being held back by a number of security wizards, including Aylwin, to create path to the car. As soon as the group emerged from the building the camera's began to flash and the noise of reporters, clamouring for a quote filled the air, attracting attention from every one in front of the station and passers by.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley. " Called the journalists, trying to get their attention, calls the couple resolutely ignored, concentrating on getting to where they were going.

The shouting was attracting more attention, so Percy and Kingsley moved in front of the couple and Aylwin with his team surrounded them, while Audrey brought up the rear, behind the couple, whilst three other ministry wizards forcibly restored the path through the waiting Paparazzi, which they had closed when they surged forward in front of them.

"Mr. Potter what are your plans for the summer?" Called one reporter.

"Why did you really give that interview?" Called another.

"When is the wedding going to be?" A third reporter shouted.

Then a fourth called. "How did it feel to return to the castle after all that happened?"

A fifth wanted to know. "What is your view of the direction the ministry is taking?"

"Miss Weasley is it true he has a Hippogriff tattooed on his chest?" A sixth shout enquired.

Ginny laughed at this question, then a far too familiar voice rang out, over the others.

"Harry, when are you going to apologise for causing all the deaths at Hogwarts?" Rita's shrill tones called out.

A crowd of Muggles had gathered, behind the press, to see what the fuss was all about and all gasped at this question.

"Bloody hell!" Said a tall man in the crowd. "He's a ruddy killer."

"He looks so young, who would have thought it, just shows you can never tell." His companion commented. "Where's Hogwarts dear?"

The tall man shrugged. "Must be up in the North, I've never heard of it, never wanted to go further than Birmingham myself, nice scenery further up, but not much else I have heard. Could barely understand the accent there, God knows how bad it is further north, have you heard the Scots?" He proclaimed haughtily.

A ministry wizard approached behind them to surreptitiously modify the entire groups memories, which he did and they began to wander away, wondering what had caught their interest outside Kings Cross.

Harry and Ginny reached the large black ministry car, the reporters trying to push their way through the security cordon firing additional questions about Rita's accusation. Kingsley opened the door and ushered the couple in, Harry was fuming as the door closed. "Where the bloody hell do they get this stuff from? I thought it was only a few of the Slytherin's who still believed that now." He hissed. "Then to shout it out in front of a load of Muggles, are they idiots for crying out loud."

Kingsley got in the drivers seat of the car. "Don't worry Harry, Aylwin's team are dealing with the Muggles and we have confiscated Rita's quill and parchment, yet again, one of these days she will have an editor with the back bone to put her on a tight leash. You both did well not answering any of the questions, Percy is giving them an official Ministry statement now. Basically he's referring them to your interview, but adding that you are both greatly looking forward to a relaxing summer after a busy few weeks at Hogwarts, but feel sad that your have not been able to return home peacefully due to their actions, after a very trying year. You plan to spend the rest of the summer quietly, both together and with friends and attending family events. That will keep most of them happy, for the time being at least. I suspect Rita is simply still annoyed about the aftermath of her article, trying to make you react and give her something to slam you with, out of revenge in all probability."

"Thanks Kingsley!" Harry said calming a little now they were safely in the car. "I wish we could get Rita off my back though, the rest of them are bad enough. I could cope with them most of the time, but she is something else entirely. Hermione lost our leverage on her, when she reluctantly registered as an Animagus."

"Harry you can't let her get to you like this love, although I know exactly what you mean." Ginny consoled. "Come on we are going to have fun this summer and forget about her."

"I know love, but what a welcome." He said only slightly frustrated in tone now. "Kingsley are we still going to need an escort in Diagon Alley when we go, do you think?"

"I'm afraid that it looks like it Harry, but I have arranged with Tom for a couple of his staff to be available if you need them. It will be a bit less obtrusive that way and they helped you a couple of times before if I remember rightly. They all check out fine, we know most of them, Tom tends to recruit from injured ex Ministry security, for his activities away from the bar, but we have still had them checked out."

"Do I want to know what he does outside the bar that he needs ex ministry security people or not?" Harry asked.

"Oh it's nothing illegal or dodgy, he operates a security company in our world, they supplement us at big events, provide private security for those who want it in both ours and Muggle worlds. The Leaky Cauldron is part of that really, it's the security barrier between us and Muggle London really, he has the contract to oversee it."

Harry nodded. "I never thought of the Cauldron like that, but it makes sense."

Percy got in the front passenger seat, next to Kingsley holding Tiberius in his cage, once Aylwin's team had cleared the road ahead of the car. Audrey was travelling in the back with Harry and Ginny, whilst Kingsley drove.

"So how are you two?" Harry asked Percy and Audrey, as the car set off towards Grimmauld place.

"We're fine." They said together, smiling at each other.

"I'll say they are." Laughed Kingsley as the car squeezed between two buses at the first junction. "Their budding romance is the talk of the ministry, it's the main topic of conversation in the canteen. I think it's the first one since the battle, at least that we all know of, so it is being closely watched. There is even a sweep stake on when they will get engaged, as is traditional in the Ministry."

They could see Percy blush, the car had reached the front of the queue at some traffic lights which changed to green as they arrived, Harry noticed Kingsley putting his wand back on the dashboard.

"Well done you two, it's about time Percy." Said Ginny "Audrey I can recommend bums, I hope you find Percy's is satisfactory?"

Audrey dropped the formality which she usually had, at least when they had seen her and grinned cheekily. "Oh it is Ginny, it is. I know exactly what you mean about them, mind you his mum tells me it was cute even when he was a baby." She giggled.

"Audrey!" Percy said sharply, obviously embarrassed as Kingsley, Harry, Ginny and Audrey laughed. "Honestly, you can tell she has spent far too much time with mother." Percy added.

Conversation continued with family news, Harry warning them about the probability of Ron walking in on them, which caused quite a bit of mirth, Audrey telling them about bonding with Molly, Fleur and even Mrs. Granger. It appeared that she had never had that many female friends and was enjoying having more than her colleagues and family to talk to. Even from behind they could tell Percy was happy for her, even though he moaned about how late their Girls nights went on, but only half heartedly. The car was soon driving into Grimmauld place, the rectangle of grass around which the houses were arranged had not changed much, the grass was liberally sprinkled with Daises, Buttercups and Dandelions now though. Four buckets had been placed as impromptu goal posts, presumably by some residents children, though there was no game being played at the moment, the children were probably at school still, the local Muggle ones would not break up for the summer for a couple more weeks. The square was deserted as they drew up at the kerb between numbers eleven and thirteen, their home revealed itself, the journey had not taken very long at all, despite the London traffic.

Percy and Audrey got out of the car with Harry and Ginny, but Kingsley refused their offer to come in for a drink politely, saying that he had to get back to his office, but promised to visit them soon, then waving he drove away. The four of them walked up the steps and in to the house where Kreacher was waiting, with drinks ready for their arrival set out in the sitting room. Harry put the sleeping Tiberius, still in his cage, on the hall table, but opened the door of it so that the Owl could fly out when he was ready, then they went to sit down. Ginny and Audrey chatted away laughing as Ginny was telling the older girl stories of growing up with Percy and how she would annoy him when he got too pompous in her opinion. Audrey was far more relaxed than the last time they had met and the two girls were getting on like a house on fire, it looked like the Girls nights might have another member.

Percy leant over to Harry. "I think I've had it you know, first mum, now Ginny giving away all my secrets." He smiled, then became serious. "Harry, there is something I really need to tell you. Audrey and I have found a flat, not far from here in fact. If it's all right with you, now you are back, we were planning to move out tomorrow, give you two your home back."

"That's fine Percy, I'm glad you have found somewhere for the two of you, not that there was any rush really. I am grateful to you for looking after the place whilst we were away, it has been good to know you were here. I am pleased for you and Audrey, you are obviously getting on well." Harry smiled.

"Oh it's been great so far Harry, I love her dearly." Percy blushed again "To be honest, after you said you didn't mind her staying over, we have almost been living together here, which is why we decided to look for a place together. I am so grateful to you coming to my aid like you did, especially after I had behaved like a fool towards you the last couple of years, you are a true friend, I shall never forget that again." He finished.

Embarrassed Harry simply said. "That's all right Percy, it was a pleasure to be able to help and I would again if you needed it."

Percy called to Audrey, who looked up at him and nodded, smiling he spoke again. "Ginny I've just told Harry that Audrey and I are moving to our own flat tomorrow. What I didn't tell him was that we have got you two something, a present which we hope you will both like, as a thank you for letting us stay in your home." Percy and Audrey stood and walked towards a tall something covered with a red and gold cloth which Harry and Ginny had not noticed until now.

Ginny moved to join Harry and cuddled up to him. "You didn't have to get us anything you know." Said Harry. "It was enough knowing you were here, we were glad to be able to help you when you needed it in the process."

"I know Harry, but you wouldn't take any rent from me, so I was saving a lot of money that would normally have gone out and we have had the use of your beautiful home, when you didn't have to let us. I hope you don't mind, we just felt we needed to thank you properly for you taking in Ginny's pompous older brother. Anyway we have got you this, it was Audrey's idea, but we both hope you like it." Percy explained.

Audrey nodded. "Besides, I wasn't part of that deal, yet as soon as you knew I was around you welcomed me and said I could stay here too if I wanted, you didn't have to, but you did. I am grateful and I know Percy is, this is a thank you, a house warming gift from us to you. I got the idea when were in Cornwall, not sure why, but it seemed the perfect idea."

They both pulled the cloth, it slid smoothly off the object, to reveal a white marble statue, about four feet tall, of Harry and Ginny in the same pose as they appeared in their portrait at the top of the first flight of stairs.

"When Audrey told me of her idea, I borrowed the copy of the picture you gave mum in order to get it done, I hope you like it." Percy looked at his sister nervously. "It's enchanted to act as a guardian of the house and of you two when you are here, just like the statues at Hogwarts are part of the protection system there, I had Bill link it into the wards of the house for you."

"Percy, Audrey, its beautiful." Ginny whispered, then leapt up and hugged her brother first and then Audrey.

"Well done Percy, it is a perfect gift." Harry shook Percy's hand then hugged Audrey. "Thank you both!"

"Now Ginny where would you like to put it?" Asked Audrey excitedly. "Bill said the wards on it would work anywhere in the house, so it can go wherever you like."

"Now that's a thought, I don't know where it will look best, lets go and work out where it should go, Audrey." Ginny grinned.

Percy and Harry looked at each other as their partners levitated the statue carefully and left the room, then sat, picked up their drinks and Harry said. "So, this sweep stake about when you ask Audrey to marry you, any advance warning you can give would be most appreciated." Harry grinned, before adding. "You do know that it will happen, don't you? Audrey has found her man, she isn't going to let go."

"So apart from the sweep stake, you and I are in the same boat in this regard." Percy Countered.

Harry nodded. "Agreed, though I am surprised about there not being a sweep stake for Ginny and I as well."

"Oh there was." Percy grinned. "The moment it was known you were one of the Ministers advisors one was started. It was cancelled straight after the broadcast though, Ginny's last comment killed it dead. Mind you all those that had put a bet on insisted the galleons went to the fund you started you know, over a thousand Galleons was added I understand."

Harry was a little taken aback at that, he had not been told about it before. "Ah well, more importantly, we are two lucky buggers aren't we." He said.

"Oh yes, the luckiest." Percy agreed and they both raised their drink to each other.

The two girls spent the next half an hour moving the statue around the house with their wands, seeing where it would look the best. They tried different rooms and places all over the house including the landings, they were more than tempted to leave it in the room Ron and Hermione used, just to spook them, especially Ginny's brother, a bit. Eventually they settled on a position in the entrance hall, next to the bottom of the stairs in front of the wood panelling, it looked perfect there against the dark polished wood where the hallway widened, mirroring the portrait it was based on, above.

The four then settled to spend the evening chatting over dinner and while relaxing afterwards, catching up with each others news, before finally retiring to their rooms.

Harry and Ginny laid in their bath the next morning, luxuriating in the water and bubbles, deciding what they were going to do that day. The morning would be taken up helping to move Percy and Audrey to their new flat together, after which the couple decided they would go to Diagon Alley to see Fortescue, before visiting Teddy and Andromeda. Plans made and having enjoyed an hour relaxing, they got out of the bath and dried each other off before walking naked, arm in arm, into the bedroom to dress.

They had barely started putting on their clothes, when there was a quiet tapping on the door.

"Hang on a minute." Ginny called, knowing it would either be her brother, who wouldn't want to see her naked, or Audrey who she thought Harry would not appreciate being naked in front of.

They finished dressing quickly and the moment they were both decent to receive which ever of the other couple it was, she opened the door.

It was Audrey. "Morning Ginny, I'm sorry to disturb you first thing, but may I have a word with you and Harry, while Percy is in the bath?" She asked nervously.

"Of course." Ginny replied. "Come on in."

They sat on the Sofa in front of the fireplace, Audrey nervously fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

"Have you met all the other Weasley's yet, Audrey?" Harry asked, in an attempt to try to set her at her ease.

"Almost, just Ron and Charlie left. I am not sure Percy looks forward to his mum and me getting together, especially." She chuckled, relaxing a little. "Your mum and I get on so well Ginny, she has shown me it's fine to enjoy myself as well as work, Fleur has as well, though I haven't seen her as often, as Percy says we have had one or two girls nights together with Mrs. Granger. I think they want one including you and Hermione soon, either at the Burrow or the Granger's, which ever we can boot the men out of." She smiled.

"I can quite see them helping you to get more fun out of life." Smiled Ginny. "Now, what can we do for you Audrey?"

Audrey looked up apprehensively."Well Percy says I shouldn't ask, that you have done enough for us and I know you have, but I can't see the harm in asking. Your mum tells me you chose the furniture for this house Ginny, could you please tell me where you got it all from, it's so lovely and my parent's have offered to buy us some. I really would appreciate it, I hope I am not being too cheeky in asking?"

"Not at all, typical Percy, why on earth would I mind being asked. I'll get you the catalogues I used, they are quick at delivering and will arrange a time that's good for you. I think we have finished with them anyway and if not I know where to come for them." Ginny got up and went to the desk and took them out. "Oh for crying out loud!" She suddenly exclaimed looking through the window.

Audrey and Harry looked at her puzzled. "What's wrong love, can't you find them all?" Harry asked

"No I have the catalogues fine, but it's not that Harry." There was a note of panic in her voice. "It's those parchments mum left us weeks ago, remember, the day we were attacked. Well they are here where I left them the next day, we haven't even looked at them yet."

"Oh yes, she mentioned she was going to ask you about them when we went to the Burrow the other day, she didn't say what they were about though." Said Audrey.

"Damn, I hoped she might have forgotten about them for now, that was my last hope." Ginny said desperately.

"Not to worry Gin, we can look at them tonight." Harry reassured her.

"We may have just a small problem with that plan Harry love." Ginny responded, panic rising a little more in her voice. "Because she is walking along the road with Dad, Ron and Hermione, all heading in this direction."

It was Audrey's turn to look shocked. "Oh no, they're early." Panic in her voice now. "They said they would help us move, but not this early, we haven't finished packing everything yet."

"All right, calm down both of you, we don't need to panic just yet." Said Harry as they heard a knock on the front door beneath them. "Kreacher will answer the door, Audrey I will tell Percy what's happened, you go look after them in the sitting room until we all come down. Ginny get the parchments out, we'll have a quick look when I get back here in a few minutes, then we can decide what to do about them, if anything right now. Audrey we will be down as soon as we can, ask Kreacher to make some drinks for everyone and a light breakfast for us four, if he hasn't started on one already that is."

"Good thinking, my love, you aren't just the possessor of a very cute bum, are you oh heroic one?" Said Ginny, she gave Audrey the catalogues and started to spread the parchments over the floor.

Audrey hurried from the room and down the stairs to greet their guests, while Harry listened to the family talking, just out of sight up the stairs, until the sitting room door closed then dashed up to the bathroom. "Percy, your parents are here. Audrey is looking after them in the sitting room, she says can you please finish the packing, then come down."

He heard a splutter then Percy's voice. "Good grief, they are early, right, will do, thanks Harry."

One crisis averted, at least for the moment, Harry went back to the master bedroom, to find Ginny laid on her stomach amongst the parchments, which were spread across the floor, around her. She turned to him as he came in through the door, he almost turned round and left the room again, the look on her face was enough to tell him she was not very pleased with her mothers ideas.

In fact, she was not displeased, that term was far too mild to cover the resting volcano that was on the verge of erupting from within her. "Harry, I'm not having this, there is no way any of this is going to happen." Anger and disappointment dripping in her tone while her arms were making a sweeping motion over the parchments. "Mum has decided on everything to do with our wedding, it isn't just ideas, it's every last detail of what she wants for our wedding and it is hideous, look at this. There is no way my bridesmaids are wearing Pink and I would rather arrive naked on roller skates than in a shocking pink fairy tale coach. There is more chance of me dancing with a ferocious purple Flobberworm called Slartibartfast the seventy fourth, from Cleckhuddersfax, than she has getting me to wear a wedding dress that makes me look like I am wearing an upturned frilly bowl of blancmange. For crying out loud, has she really got no idea of my taste, this has to be some kind of sick joke, bloody hell, we aren't even engaged yet. This is ridiculous, I've had enough, I'm going down to tell her exactly what she can do with this plan, if she thinks what she has laid out here will ever actually happen she has another think coming." She jumped up and started to head for the door.

"Hang on." Said Harry, stopping her.

He wasn't pleased either, but he was trying to get the admittedly odd image of Ginny covered in frills out of his mind so he could keep a straight face, rather than laugh out loud, which he did not think was a good idea right at this moment. Although he thought Ginny looked incredible when she was angry, she was also quite scary and he could see a major row brewing between mother and daughter, which would cast a cloud over the whole day at the very least. He spoke quickly to avoid her anger being directed at him, before he had said his piece. "Let's box a bit clever on this, not charge in like a blast ended Skrewt in a china shop. I agree there is no way any of that is you, or me for that matter, but you need to remember you are the only girl in your family and your mum has her own idea's of her dream wedding for you. We need to work around that to get it to your dream, for when the time comes. As you say it is not like this is urgent yet, so we need to put together plans of our own, that way we have something positive to counter her idea rather than simply objecting. We'll tell her we want to talk about it later, today is not appropriate given that we are helping Percy as well. That will give us chance to talk to Andromeda about how best to do this, she is the same generation as your mum so may have some insight we don't have. Then we can put together our own plans so that when we talk to your mum it's about them, instead of her ideas. I'll write to Andromeda, I wonder if Teddy is too young for ice cream?"

Ginny calmed down a little, her hand resting on the door handle, she thought for a moment then nodded. "It sounds like a better idea than rushing in and ripping into her, less fun though." She said.

"Probably, but less to regret later." Harry suggested.

Ginny sighed and her hand fell from the door handle. "Since when did you get to be the cautious one, I thought it was my job to stop you rushing in without thinking it through."

"Must be my heroic saving people thing which you love so much." He smirked.

She snorted. "Don't push it." She joked. "Well what are you waiting for, write to Andromeda, I'm dying to see if Teddy likes ice cream."

Harry laughed, then went to the desk and wrote a note to Andromeda inviting her round, briefly explaining why they needed to talk to her, while Ginny collected up the parchments, putting them back in the envelop. Tiberius had only just left with the note firmly attached to his leg, when Ginny stopped, a penny had just dropped as she thought about what Harry had said.

"Wait a minute Harry, did you just say you want us to start planning our wedding?"

He thought for a moment, was that what he had meant? It was a big step to take, was this what he wanted, to be with Ginny for the rest of his life? He tried to picture life without her, the thought was unbearable and he already knew he enjoyed living with her, he imagined that life, and knew what the answer was.

"Yes Ginny, I think we should get planning for it, not for anyone else, but for us. Not to mention that it has the added bonus, that it hopefully keeps your mum happy too, but yes lets do it for us, ready for when we need it." He smiled, as she squealed and ran into his arms.

They managed to move Percy and Audrey's things to their new flat in less than an hour, with so many of them helping. Molly, Hermione, Ron and Audrey went to the flat to receive and organise everything, while Percy Harry, Arthur and Ginny sent everything to them one package, chest or case at a time. Audrey had brought what she initially needed from her parents house the previous weekend in readiness so it was largely still packed and easy to move. Once everything had been sent they walked round to the flat, which was only a couple of streets away from Grimmauld place, to help unpack and arrange things. Percy and Audrey's new home was far enough away from Grimmauld Place so neither couple would be in each others pockets, but close enough to be handy if needed. It was a bit closer to the ministry entrance as well, meaning they could walk to work, which made it perfect for the couple. The flat itself was a reasonably sized home for them, it had two bedrooms, a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom, it was on the ground floor of a converted Georgian town house. From the living room there were a pair of double doors which led to a small private garden, that could only be accessed from their flat, a welcome and unusual feature of flats this far into the City.

They left Percy and Audrey settling in and ordering furniture from the catalogues Ginny had passed on to Audrey, whilst the rest of them returned to Grimmauld place. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley admired the statue then joined the others in the sitting room. The photo Dennis had given to the couple of the D.A. Was now framed and set in place next to the picture of Sirius. Hermione admired it, while the others were sat relaxing and chatting, before she joined them. Kreacher had just brought in drinks and a coconut cake, when Tiberius returned with a note from Andromeda.

"My dears

I understand completely (typical Molly bless her).

Will be round at lunch time to talk, then we shall go and find out if Teddy likes ice cream, I haven't had the chance to take him yet.

Love.
Andromeda."

Harry chuckled and showed the letter to Ginny who smiled as well.

"Good news?" Asked Mrs. Weasley curiously.

"Yes mum, Harry and I have been asked out for the afternoon by Teddy" Grinned Ginny.

"Oh how lovely, I have got to know Andromeda and Teddy a little while you were away, we have visited each other a few times, though I haven't managed to get her along on one of our Girls nights yet. With you home perhaps we can persuade her to leave Teddy with Harry and Ron so she can come to the next." Mrs. Weasley smiled. "We have to go soon anyway, George wants to talk to Ron about the shop, while your Dad and I are going to the Granger's."

"Are they settled in the new house now, Hermione? " Harry asked

"Oh yes, very well in fact. They seem to love village life and it is a nice house, they love having the surgery and living in a village, much easier for them than travelling to an office like they used to. They think it's great being part of both worlds as well, especially visiting the Burrow. The gate in the hedge where the two properties meet has been removed, leaving just a gap in the hedge between them, there is a well worn path through it as well. I think Dad and Mr. Weasley are inseparable at times, at least they are according to mum, she thinks they are up to something in the sheds." She smiled. "Apparently she is worried dad will blow up another shed if he is trying to make home brew again, I never knew he ever had."

"Oh he's just showing me Muggle stuff and explaining things from my collection, but he is fascinated by our things too, good man your dad, Hermione." Said Mr. Weasley with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well the two of you are up to something in that chicken shed, I'm sure of that. The amount of time you spend in there, it's like having two mischievous boy's around the place again." Said Mrs Weasley rolling her eyes. "But, we have loved getting to know your parents Hermione, they have become good friends."

The conversation didn't last much longer, but just before the Weasley's who didn't live there left with Hermione, Mr. Weasley took Harry to one side, out of earshot of the others.

"Harry." He whispered. "Can I borrow the plans for Sirius's motor bike, that's what we are up to in the chicken shed, it's nearly fixed, but we need the plans to finish it."

"Of course Mr. Weasley, hang on and I'll go and get them." Harry grinned.

By the time Harry returned, the Weasley's were in the hall getting ready to go. He carefully passed the plans to Mr. Weasley who quickly pocketed them. "Thanks Harry, don't worry I won't tell Molly where we got them lad." He winked, then began shepherding the family out.

Mrs. Weasley hadn't noticed Harry give her husband anything, but as she approached the door, she stopped and pushed Arthur ahead of her, she turned to the couple. "What a shame we didn't have chance to talk about my ideas on those parchments this morning. Oh well when we see you next I suppose, I just know you will have loved them, but I suppose we were just too busy this morning."

"I'm afraid so Mum, never mind another time as you say, we shall see you soon I am sure." Ginny said cheerfully.

"Of course we shall dear." Molly smiled, hugged and kissed them both on the cheek, then walked out the door, following her husband down the steps.

Within a couple of minutes they were out of sight and the front door was closed, Ginny sank back to the wall and let out a sigh of relief. "She may be my mother, but there are times it is difficult to cope with her." She sighed, more in sadness than anger.

Harry stepped to her and enveloped her in his arms, they stayed like that for a few minutes, before they both went back into the lounge. It was the first time they had their house to themselves, with no one else staying.

It was soon lunch time and Andromeda arrived with Teddy, just in time to join them for the meal. Teddy had grown so much in six weeks and was now sitting up on his own and nearly crawling. He sat on Harry's knee, while they ate and caught up on the news with Andromeda. Once they finished, Ginny brought down the parchments from her mother, which Andromeda read with growing amusement.

"My goodness, Molly has thought about this a lot. I expect as soon as you were born, she started planning this." Andromeda chuckled. "Certainly some of her ideas are from back then, especially the men's robes, very eighties."

"Probably!" Ginny sighed. "Problem is, none of it is me, or us, but I don't want to hurt her by just rejecting it out of hand."

"Of course you don't Ginny, she's your mum after all and while I am sure Molly did this with good intent, I can see why you don't like these ideas, good grief I wouldn't want most of this, it really is not you at all is it." She chuckled. "More like some odd new romantic fantasy, all frills and lacy cuffs, I remember a muggle group that wore this kind of thing back then, can't remember their name, but they looked very silly. Right we know the problem, lets work on a solution, lets take it a step at a time, have you two decided if and when you are getting engaged yet?"

They shook their heads. "We know it will happen, but not when." Ginny replied.

"Well think about it, you can't actually get engaged until you turn seventeen and come of age though Ginny, but that's only a few weeks away anyway. Of course, it is not at all unusual for a couple to get engaged as soon after they are of age as they can in our community." Andromeda said thoughtfully. "Molly is getting ahead of herself though, fancy thinking you would want all this when you do set it all in place, I wonder if she is over compensating for something, was her wedding like this do you know Ginny?"

"Not if the pictures are anything to go by, it looked quite a simple affair." Ginny replied

"Ah! So perhaps this is an exaggerated version of her ideal wedding, one that she couldn't have for whatever reason." Andromeda paused, thinking for a moment. "I think you are right, the best way to deal with this is to ignore those ideas and make your own, then, it is all about how you present it. Unfortunately Harry's parents are not here to help with the plans as would be customary so, when you see her to talk about them, it will be down to you two I'm afraid. You can present your plans as if her ideas prompted you both to think about what you would actually like, when the time comes, so you both built on what she had suggested. That way she shouldn't get upset and you get the wedding you want, when you want it and everyone is happy"

They spent the next hour putting ideas on parchment, ready to add details over the next days or weeks, to show Mrs. Weasley when the time came for them to do so, presenting them in a way to look like her ideas had inspired them. After the task was done, at least to a level that gave them a good base to present, Andromeda spoke to them kindly but seriously.

"Now listen both of you, this is all very well to bring Molly back down to earth about this, but I am worried about you. I don't want you pressured into getting married too soon, or before you are ready to make that step. Ginny your Mum is a wonderful person, but she is a forceful romantic, which means she gets carried away with this sort of thing, she doesn't realise she's pushing too hard, but she is. Enjoy your relationship of course, but don't feel you have to move to the next step or forward before you are ready to, I'd hate to see what you have between you ruined because of others expectations. When you do decide to set the date, I will be so pleased for you both and probably as excited as Molly, I have grown very fond of you both."

They hugged Andromeda and thanked her. "We know." Harry assured her " We were feeling a bit pressured, we want to move at our pace and I know we are living together, but there is a big difference between that and marriage. We do plan to get married one day, but in our time, I am glad to hear that is fine from someone else, it's reassuring, especially from someone who we care about too."

Ginny nodded. "We are taking it a step at a time, but we both know we want to be together and are meant to be."

"Ginny can I ask you a very personal question." Asked Andromeda.

"Yes of course, anything Andromeda." Ginny replied.

"You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, I shan't be in the least offended, but has your Patronus changed recently?"

Ginny smiled and nodded. "Yes, it has."

"And is it now the partner animal to Harry's?"

"Yes, gave me quite a surprise when we found out as well." Said Ginny. "That's why the two Deer are on our portrait. Mr. Swiftshot was going to shoo them away, but we wanted them in it."

"I did wonder about that when I spotted them there." Andromeda looked thoughtful, "In that case my dears, I am not pushing, but I think that is a sign that you two really are meant to be together. It's deeper than ordinary love that's between you, if your Patronus has changed already Ginny. It's in your very essences that the connection lies, I have no doubt about that. You two will always be drawn together, you were literally born for each other. So contrary to what some may think, there really is no rush, you have all the time you want and need. Now let's go and get that ice cream, my treat."

Florean Fortescue was delighted to see Harry again, welcoming him warmly, as an old friend, then as soon as he saw he was with Ginny he was so delighted, he prepared a special ice cream for the couple. He also prepared a special blend of the confection for Teddy, that wouldn't freeze his young stomach and make him ill, it was a recipe his grandmother had taught him, Fortescue told them. Teddy was wide eyed at the cold of the cream when he took his first mouthful, but then decided that he loved it and was soon gaping for more, much to the delight of Florean. He refused to accept payment when Andromeda offered it.

"No, no." He said as he handed her a tall Knicker Bocker glory. "These are my treat, I insist, to celebrate my return and for Harry and Ginny."

Andromeda and Ginny stayed with Teddy while Harry went to the counter to talk with Florean who nodded then Harry came back to join them smiling, as they tucked in to the ice creams. A few minutes later Florean called Harry over and handed him a small box that Harry put in his pocket then gave the ice cream maker some money.

When Harry returned Ginny questioned him. "I thought he didn't want paying?"

"He didn't, still doesn't, that was for something else that I spotted in a shop window earlier, while you two were looking at the robes in Madam Malkin's shop front."

"What is it?" Ginny was even more intrigued.

"Not telling you, not until your birthday my love." Harry teased. "That's why I asked Fortescue if he would go and collect it for me, so you didn't see it, it wouldn't do to spoil the surprise before the day itself."

"But, that's weeks away yet Harry that's so not fair." She pouted, but had a twinkle in her eye.

Andromeda laughed "Don't give in to her Harry, you are right it would spoil the surprise."

Ginny kept trying to trick Harry, half heartedly, into telling her what it was Florean had collected for him, while they shopped for a present for Teddy's naming ceremony. Andromeda advised them a miniature wand was traditional from Godparents and although they saw a few in various shops, non seemed quite right. Until eventually they found the perfect one, made of rose wood with a silver handle in Ollivander's, who wrapped it for them. It was only decorative, but somehow it felt right for Teddy.

Shopping done they returned to Grimmauld Place, from where Andromeda and her grandson would return home.


Authors Notes.

For those unfamiliar with the phrase, describing some one as "puddled" as Mr. Creevey did in this chapter is to say he considers them daft or behaving in a silly way. In this context it is used in some areas of the UK like slang, but not all.

Also, in a railway (rail road) context Points are a piece of track used to divert a train from one track to another and are called "Switches" in the U.S.A. I understand.

As always many thanks for the reviews, favs and follows, hopefully see you next time.
Tgfoy.