Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars.

Harry looked over at his parents' portrait then back at his wife. It had been a wonderful birthday so far and the only thing that could have made it better was for his parents to share it with him, in the flesh even if only for a day, not just a fake imitation. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and blew out all eighteen candles. The lights suddenly flickered and a breeze blew through the room. Within seconds, it was gone.

No one noticed Luna watching the portrait, then sliding a chair over to it.

Jane collected the cake and was in the process of cutting it when Ron exclaimed, "Bloody hell!"

"Ron we've talked about that," snapped Hermione.

"I think that... Hermione," she turned to see him pointing at the wall.

As James stepped through the canvas and on to the chair Luna had provided he held out his hand and helped his wife step through. "Merlin's beard" whispered Mr. Weasley. With a great thump, Hagrid passed out cold.

As soon as they were both on the floor two golden orbs fluttered around the room and entered the now corporeal visitors. "Happy birthday, Harry."

Paying the Piper

31 July 1998
Potter Hall
Wales

Not able to move Harry said, "Mum?"

Lily walked over to where her son was standing and pulled him into a hug. "It's not permanent, only a month, just one month, but Fate decided that you would get your wish. A hug, Harry, a real hug." She looked over at her husband who had Hermione and little Lily in his arms.

Angelina leaned over to George and asked, "Do you think that we should go so they can spend time together?"

Hermione who heard her broke out of James embrace and said, "No, please stay. We have cake and then the film. We'll have time once all of you leave tonight." The next thing she knew Lily had pulled her to her and the two women were crying softly in each other's arms.

"May I hold her? Please, may I..."

Hermione looked at her young daughter and slowly handed her over to her grandmother. As soon as Lily had hold of the child, she held her to her chest and began to smooth her hair. "You smell just like a baby should. Oh, and you are so pretty. You look just like your mum with your daddy's hair and eyes. Grandmum loves you."

Still wondering what exactly happened Hermione asked, "Lily, what is the last thing that you remember?"

She frowned and said, "I don't think that you really want me to say it aloud, Hermione."

Realizing that they might have their true memories she asked, "Who came to Harry's first birthday tea?"

"Bathilda Bagshot, she was..."

"...an old friend of Dumbledore's. Sirius gave Harry a broom, like the one little Lily has and he chased the cat with it and broke..."

"...the vase that Petunia gave me as a gift."

"Harry," Hermione whispered, "do you know what this means?"

Harry shook his head, "I take it you are going to explain it."

"She has her memories, Harry. They aren't the shadows or animated works of art; they had their souls returned to them. She remembers what was in the letter, Harry."

Harry swallowed hard and looked at his father, a man, who for all intense and purposes looked not more than a couple of years older than his son. "Do you remember the forest?"

"We were so proud of you and in the graveyard too."

Still holding tightly to her granddaughter, Lily said, "So Twiddle made cake? I haven't eaten anything in a very long time and unless Ron has finished off all the pizza, I think I will have a slice of that too."

Chuckling Ron said, "I'll get you whatever you want, Mrs. Potter, even if I have to go back to London to get it. What is your favorite? I mean that is if you've had it before."

"I'm Muggle-born Ron, I have had my share of pizza and I am sure I can make do with what is left. Give me a slice of pepperoni and a slice of ham and pineapple."

He quickly made her a plate then looked at Harry's father, "And for you, sir?"

"I'll try that one with everything, but that slice of cake had better be extra large."

Jane chuckled and put two pieces on his plate. Hermione finally noticed the group standing over Hagrid, "Madame Maxime, is he okay? Should we send for a healer?"

"'Ee will be fine," she said dismissively. "Just all of zis exzitement. I will stay with 'im."

"Let me know if you need something," said Hermione.

Lily had her granddaughter in her lap and was feeding the toddler small bites of cake. She patted the space next to her and Hermione carefully sat. "I'm not only here for Harry; it is going to be a long night for you." Hermione just nodded. Lily looked at the men checking out the gifts and she said, "How about we start that video soon so we can get you comfortable? When did it start?"

"My back has hurt all day, but I didn't think about it. As far as real labor, about three hours ago."

"So before Molly came to visit?"

"They are about five minutes apart right now."

"Do you want to go to St. Mungo's or stay here?"

"Here. There is nothing that they can really do for me and Lily was delivered at home. I've already used the pain numbing charm, so I should still be okay for a bit longer and Madam Pomfrey said she would come, so as soon as everyone leaves, I'll send for her. I don't want to do this with an audience."

"Personally, I think this is a good day to have a baby." As a contraction came upon her, Lily smoothed Hermione's hair and held her.

Watching their interaction, Ginny realized that Lily would have a great deal of influence over Harry and with Hermione already close to her, she would have to interfere. If she could get Lily on her side, then he just might leave the interloper. Confidently walking up to Harry's mother Ginny smiled and said, "I'm Ginny Weasley. Harry and I are old friends." Hermione stood and excused herself to speak with her mother.

Knowing all that the teen in front of her had done, Lily replied, "Hello, Ginny."

"They say that the two of us are very similar."

"Oh?"

"Yes," she said confidently. "With Harry so much like James and me like you, they say it was really too bad he hooked up with Hermione. Her parents are even Muggles, can you imagine?"

"Yes, just imagine a Potter marrying a Muggle-born. So you think that we are similar, what is your favorite thing to do at school?"

"Oh, playing Quidditch of course. I'm a Chaser. Occasionally, when Harry has not been able to play, I play Seeker, but he and I spend so much time together at practice. You know how it is."

"Hmmm," Lily smiled at her granddaughter who was excited to be getting sweets. "What about your classes? Which one is your favorite? Potions maybe?"

"Potions is absolutely dreadful. Our new professor is alright, he has invited me to be a member of his social club, he must have been there when you were in school. Only the best and brightest are invited, but before that, Snape was our professor and he wasn't very good. Besides, that sort of thing is more for Hermione, I mean she is a bit of a bookworm, spends so much time in the library she has her own table. It was a bit strange last year to see it vacant. It wouldn't surprise me if she wasn't already preparing for her end of year exams."

"You don't enjoy reading?"

"Why when there are so many more fun things to do outdoors. Sirius use to tell us all about the fun you would have in school, growing up together, it is just like Harry and me."

Tiring of the conversation Lily asked, "Is there something that you needed, Ginny?"

"No, it is just that with Harry and I so close, he use to talk about you all the time and it must make him happy that you are here today. If there is anything that you need to know about him, don't hesitate to ask."

"Don't worry, I know just who to go to if I need to know something about Harry." Lily stood and barely controlled her look of contempt and headed off to find her family.

"Harry, Hermione yeh alrigh'?" said Hagrid still shaky from the shock.

Harry walked over to where Hagrid was sitting and said, "Hey Hagrid, we have a bit of company just for a little while and I think they would like to see you."

"Hello Hagrid, I hear you just got married."

"Lily? James? What... Whater yeh doin' here?"

"Just for a few weeks Hagrid. We only get to spend time with our little boy for one month then we have to go back."

"Oh, well then." He blinked several times then added, "This is me wife, Olympe."

"Hermione has told us all about you," replied Lily. "She is quite upset that you are taking Hagrid all the way to France.

"I would be 'onored if she became a guest at Beauxbatons and vizited zee school. My studenz could learn much from 'er," the French headmistress replied.

"I think she will have her hands full in the near future, but it won't hurt to ask."

Richard Granger interrupted everyone by saying, "We have the film all set up, if everyone will come into the lounge, please bring your food."

The oohs and ahhs from the collected group of wizards at the opening scene brought the room to silence. Jane took little Lily gently from her other grandmother and tucked the small child into bed. Harry looked at his wife oddly when she chose to sit, not next to him, but his mother, who was constantly whispering into her ear, smoothing her hair and rubbing her arm.

Neville, who was stunned when Darth Vader killed Obi Wan, said, "This is great, Hermione. If I get one of these tubby visions for the manor will you charm it for me?"

"Umm... umm, yes Neville I will, but... but you need a permit from the Ministry. Harry or I will go with you to buy the Muggle equipment you need."

Harry frowned, there was obviously something wrong. "You okay Hermione?"

"I'm fine Harry, just tired."

He shrugged figuring that she put in a lot of work for his party and with his parents walking out of the portrait, she must have been upset at the thought of them going back in. "I just want to tell you that this is the best birthday that I've ever had, Hermione. Even without Mum and Dad."

"I'm glad that you like it, Harry."

Just as the Falcon escaped the Death Star, Lily sat up abruptly and said, "I think I hear little Lily, why don't you let me help you tuck her in Hermione."

"Umm... ummm, yes. Give me just a minute."

"Mum?"

"I want to tuck in my granddaughter, Harry. I won't have many chances."

"Oh, er, yes. Do you want me to come too?"

"No stay down with your friends, Harry, your Dad likes this next part. Study it and in the morning the two of you can take your broom out on the pitch and pretend you are in an X-wing."

Confused and knowing that little Lily was still sound asleep, Jane watched Lily and Hermione began to leave the room. As her daughter stiffened suddenly, she realized what was going on. "Ron."

"Yes, Mrs. Granger."

"Would you help me with something in the kitchen?"

"Oh, um, sure."

She led him toward the kitchen then doubled back. "I need you to come upstairs with me. I think Hermione has gone into labor."

Jane knocked on her daughter's bedroom door and stuck her head in. She found Hermione leaning on Lily who was trying to knead her back. "I ruined his party, Mummy."

"Oh Hermione, you did no such thing," placated Jane. "Are you two okay up here? I brought Ron up with me, just in case you need to have him stick his head in the fireplace."

Hermione looked toward the door and called out, "Ron."

"Blimey, Hermione are you okay?"

"Hurts, Ron, but I'll be fine." She slowly started to breath slower and her body visibly relaxed. "I need you to go fetch Madam Pomfrey. She said she would come. Just use the Floo in the kitchen and connect to McGonagall's office. Twiddle is authorized to let them in. Oh and give her a heads up that Lily and James are out of their portrait, but ask her not to spread it around. The film has about twenty minutes left, politely, but quickly, send everyone home. Tell them that Harry needs to spend some alone time with his parents or something. Please."

"Sure. You can count on me. Hopefully I will be able to get rid of Mum."

"Your mum and sister are not invited, Ron, get rid of them. Get Bill or George to help send them off, if you need to. Your mum is a bit afraid of Harry's mum, she might be able to help you, but I would rather her be up here."

"Okay, I'll get Pomfrey first."

"Oh and Ron," called Lily.

He looked back almost afraid, "Yeah?"

"Tell Poppy that they are two minutes apart."

"What is?"

"It doesn't matter, she'll know." All of a sudden, she looked down and shook her head, "And say that her water broke."

"Right." He all but ran out of the room.

"Do you need me to stay?" asked Jane.

"Will you go check on how things are going downstairs and help Ron get them all to leave?" replied Hermione.

"As soon as the credits begin to roll I will toss them out the door."

"Okay, Lily, I need to lay down now."

She helped Hermione to the bed and looked around. "You wouldn't know here my wand is would you? I know a charm that takes the edge off."

"Um downstairs in the... in the study. I... I leave it in the drawer." Hermione stuck her hand in the air and said, "Accio Lily's wand." A short minute later, a wand zoomed through the air and landed in Hermione's outstretched hand.

"That works. I was going to ask to use yours."

"Oh, didn't think about that. It's on the side table over there."

"You summoned my wand without one?"

Hermione just shrugged. "It's something we've been working on since we've both lost ours this last year. Harry can do it too." She handed over the willow wand and watched with interest to see if someone who wasn't truly alive could perform magic.

Lily's hair ruffled and a breeze swept through the room as soon as the wand was placed in her hand. She smiled then with a quick flick a goblet appeared, with another it was filled with water. "Here you go, have a sip, I know you haven't had anything for a while now and we don't want you dehydrated."

"I..." Pant. Pant. Pant. "I wasn't sure if it would work, if you could make it work."

"Yes, being dead does tend to limit one's ability to do things. Let's see if I can make this work." She muttered a few things under her breath and all of a sudden, Hermione gasped. "What's wrong?"

"So much better. I can still feel it, but this is better." Hermione looked at the far wall and said, "Do you think the baby will be alright? I've been worried."

"Worried? Why?"

"When we were captured, when Harry said the taboo and we were taken to Malfoy Manor, Bellatrix tortured me. She used the Cruciatus Curse. I didn't know I was pregnant, not until about a week after we were staying with Bill and Fleur. Not until Luna said something. I thought I hadn't had my cycle because I wasn't eating properly and was under so much stress, but she said I was pregnant. I've asked, I've checked the research. There haven't been any babies born to mothers who were tortured that lived. He feels so guilty about us getting caught, because he said it, I didn't want to worry him."

"What did the healer say?"

"I went to a Muggle one right after we won; I left the castle and went to a clinic in London, thinking that they would be used to students. She said everything sounded fine and then we went to a healer in Australia it was the same, but I was afraid to see someone here. Madam Pomfrey was out of the country until the day before yesterday and if I had gone to St. Mungo's the mediwitches or one of the healers would have sold knowledge to Witch Weekly."

"What's done is done and while I can't promise you that everything will be okay, I'll be here for you, even if it is from my frame."

"I wish you could stay."

"I wish we could too, but this is a gift and I am thankful for it. I get to be here when my grandchild is born."

A quick knock on the door and Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall stuck their heads in. "Oh, my. Mr. Weasley said you had somehow managed to leave your portrait, but I..."

"Hello Minerva," said Lily. "I hear you have been taking care of my children."

"Yes, well, Mr. Potter is..." her face softened and she finished, "it has been my pleasure."

"Mrs. Potter," came Ron's voice from the door.

"Yes"

"I'm gonna go down and send everyone on their way."

"When the door closes bring Harry up. He might want to be here this time." Ron closed the door.

"Well Mrs. Potter, it seems you won't be making our appointment tomorrow," said Madam Pomfrey.

It took a moment for Hermione to realize that Madam Pomfrey was speaking to her, "Oh, um, no. It looks like I will be at home."

"I was told that I consented to be Obliviated last time. Are you going to let me keep my memory tonight?"

"Yes, ma'am."

The door opened and James stuck him head in, "Lils, did they find my wand? I'm trying to help Harry and Ron get rid of everyone, but Molly is being Molly. I thought if I sent up some sparks... Merlin's beard. Tonight?"

"James, do you really think that this is a good time? Don't say anything to Harry until all the party guests are gone, then bring him up. You can try mine or," she looked at Hermione who pointed to the side table at hers, "take Hermione's it's not like she's going to be using it in the next hour."

He quickly walked into the room and picked up the wand. "Are you sure this isn't yours, Lils? It looks the same."

"They are the same. The only difference is that a different phoenix that gave the feather. I also have the runes carved into mine for Harry's charm."

"Right." He waved it and produced a white lily. He handed it to his daughter-in-law and left the room.

"I guess it works for him."

Back to business the healer said, "How long have you been in labor?"

"I think I have been having back labor all day, but the first noticeable contraction was at just after three."

"And you didn't let me know before because?"

"It's Harry's birthday and I planned a party for him," protested Hermione. "He's never had one before."

"I'm leaving you with several of my hairs, Hermione, and one day, you and my sister are going to have a little talk."

"'Kay, but not today."

"No, lovey, not today," said Lily as she leaned over and kissed Hermione's forehead.

Curious McGonagall asked, "Lily, Weasley was a bit vague when he explained how you came to be here. He said that you walked out of your portrait and were just visiting. All things considered that is a fairly detailed answer coming from him."

"Jane, Hermione's mum, brought out Harry's birthday cake and lit the candles. As he blew them out, Harry, Hermione, James, and I were all wishing the same thing. Fate decided that he was owed his wish for all of his sacrifices and gave us one month together. So I have hugged my son and daughter-in-law, held and rocked my granddaughter and get to witness this wonderful event. It is going to be an amazing month. Going back will be hard, but this is a great gift."

"Hermione, where did you go? Jane said I should come see you, but... Oh, hello Professor," said Harry as he walked into the room.

"Good evening Potter, and happy birthday."

Harry nodded, "Um, Hermione are you okay?"

"Yeah ,Harry," said Hermione with a bit of exasperation. "Is everyone still here?"

"Um, Neville is trying to get home, but for some reason the Floo is closed at his house and he can't Apparate. Mrs. Weasley is going off on Ron for staying here and not with his family. She threatened to cut him off and not pay for school if he doesn't go back with her."

McGonagall straightened and said, "I will go assist Weasley in his endeavor. Rest assured he will be able to attend school."

"Um professor," said Hermione, "it is because she doesn't approve of Harry being married to me, she thinks that he should be with Ginny. She's just taking it out on Ron."

"I am unfortunately aware of the situation, Mrs. Potter." As if she were looking for patience, McGonagall finished, "Molly has been in contact with me several times to discuss it."

"So what's wrong?" asked Harry looking at his wife.

"Harry are you just... Oh, I need..."

Lily took pity on her son and pulled him to the top of the bed. "Hermione is in labor, Harry, she has been most of the day."

He looked irritated, "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Party, didn't want to ruin your party."

"Still Hermione, I think that..."

"Excuse me, but do you really think that this is the right time to pick a fight with me?"

"Sorry."

"Right, ohh... aggggghhh." Pant. Pant. Pant. "I need to push, oh, I need to push."

"Shouldn't we be leaving for St. Mungo's?" asked Harry looking around at all the women in the room.

"Talked about it. Deliver at home, just like with Lily... Oh"

Lily smiled at her son and sat him on the bed next to him wife, "Poppy can do everything for her that can be done at St. Mungo's and you don't have to worry about the press until you are ready to tell them."

Jane came in and sat on the other side of her daughter. After a half hour of pushing Madam Pomfrey handed Harry his newborn son.

"He's perfect. Although," he studied the child, "is there a reason that my son has red hair?" Both Jane and Lily turned to look at him.

"Harry James Potter, I highly recommend you take a look at your son's grandmothers and rethink that kind of comment," replied a fairly indignant Hermione.

"I'm sorry Hermione, I didn't mean anything by it, you know that Witch Weekly is going to have a field day with this."

"Honestly, you're worse than Ron sometimes. Harry there is a time and place for this conversation, and this is not it!"

"Hermione, I'm sorry."

"Calm down, Mr. Potter," scolded Poppy Pomfrey, "you are upsetting her. With that kind of thinking you are lucky she doesn't regulate you to sleeping in the dog house."

Taking her baby back from Harry, Hermione mumbled, "Enough of a reason to get a dog."

Harry walked into the upstairs lounge and found his father, Richard, Ron, Luna, Neville, and Professor McGonagall all sitting talking about events in the past almost seventeen years. They stopped talking when he entered the room. "It's a boy, healthy and Hermione is great. She fed him and is taking a bit of a kip. Red hair. He has red hair."

Ron went pink to the tips of his ears once he realized what rumors would start.

"At least Rita is locked away," mumbled McGonagall looking at Ron.

"Actually he has green flecks in his eyes. Jane thinks he'll have Mum's eyes too. She said that Lily's were the same way, so that's not a bad thing. Therefore, we are going to remind the public that both our mum's have red hair and ignore anything else that it said. Ron you are going to want to have a standard comment to give when someone asks you. Maybe you can talk to Jane to get it ready. You have a bit of time; we aren't going to take him out for a few weeks, not until the week before term begins."

"What did you name him, mate?" asked Ron.

"Oh, um, Sirius Richard," said Harry looking around the room not really focusing on anything.

James slapped Richard on the back with a congratulatory pat.

"Right, so," said Harry with a shrug. He saw Neville and asked, "Not that I really mind you being here Neville, but um, why are you here?"

"Couldn't get home. Gran's got the Floo locked up for some reason and until someone is available to Side-Along me, Mr. Granger and the headmistress thought it best if I stayed here. Is that alright Harry?"

"Um sure, Neville. Why would she lock out the Floo? Did she know you were coming here?"

"Yeah, we um, had, see my birthday..."

"Is the day before mine. I'm sorry Neville. I knew that and so did Hermione. We actually have a gift for you somewhere, but I'm not in charge of things like that."

"It's not a big deal, but I was working with Professor Sprout yesterday, so Gran and I, we had birthday tea this afternoon instead and then she sent me off and told me to have a good time. She asked me to let her know when I got home."

"Well if she went to bed early then maybe she locked the Floo because she didn't want uninvited guests," stated Ron.

"No, we've got ours like Harry and Hermione have theirs. I can get in all the time and anyone can send a message into the kitchen Floo. I can't even do that."

"I can't really leave, Neville. Hermione would kill me. Um," he was looking around hopefully someone in the room would volunteer to help him.

"Do I need to leave with him from the front gate?" asked Ron.

"Yeah"

Luna fully focused on Neville for several disconcerting moments before looking away. "I'll go with you too, something's not right," she said as she pulled her wand out from behind her ear.

"I'm not doing any good sitting around here and Augusta is an old friend. Lead the way Mr. Weasley," stated McGonagall.

Harry watched the four of them leave the room and he felt guilty for not accompanying them. "Don't worry about it, son. They are all very capable. Now, why don't you introduce us to our grandson," said Richard.

They walked in to the bedroom to see Lily holding the baby. Hermione was curled into a ball, sound asleep in the bed. Jane saw only the three of them, and then asked, "Where are Ron and Luna?"

"Taking Neville home," answered Harry.

"Lils, the Longbottom Floo is locked out. I think Ron was a bit concerned."

"Is Augusta there alone?"

Harry nodded, "Her brother or maybe brother-in-law, I don't know, died a few years back, but Mrs. Longbottom is a tough old bird. Voldemort sent a few Aurors after her last year as a way to rein Neville in and she hexed the lot of them, and then went into hiding."

A sleepy voice came from beside them, "I've never seen an old woman move so fast as when she was running through the castle in May. She took out a troll singlehandedly."

"How are you feeling?" asked Harry tentatively.

"I'm tired Harry, but it's a good tired. Better than last time because I know I don't have to send him away, but I might just kill Ron."

"Why?"

"There are two of them now Harry, do you realize how crazy the year is going to be with classes and teaching, head duties and..."

"Shhh, calm down, it's okay. We're going to be okay. Hey, we've got through everything else, we'll get through this, but I'm still having trouble understanding why Ron needs to die."

"If he hadn't left..."

"You don't mean that Hermione."

She sniffed, "No, I don't, but oh Harry." She nestled into his arms.

Jane watched as Lily passed the infant to James knowing that she would have all the time she wanted with the baby boy, but his time with his paternal grandparents was severely limited.

"You better hope that Trelawney saying that you were going to have twelve children was one of her rubbish predictions," said Hermione.

"If all of her predictions came true, I would be dead a hundred times over. I'm not all that worried, besides, I don't fancy myself as Minister of Magic."

"I would lose all respect for you if you took a job with the ministry."

The family sat together quietly for well over an hour when Ron knocked gently and came into the room. "Do you have a minute?"

Hermione just nodded. She was feeding her son. Seeing Ron turn red, she threw a blanket over herself and rolled her eyes.

Trying not to laugh, Harry said, "What do you need Ron?"

"Neville's gran was attacked. We found a couple Death Eaters trying to break into the house; she managed to set the wards on defensive. We stunned them and then Neville got us inside. She was in the kitchen, a bit hurt, but had hexed that fool Dawlish. He somehow forced himself through the Floo. Don't know what to think of it. The idiot killed their elf. Neville said she was old, but…" Ron shook his head in disgust. "Anyway, I didn't know what to do, so I had Luna bring them back here and McGonagall and I went to see Kingsley. He's over at the manor now. Pomfrey is in with Neville's gran."

"Any idea what they wanted?" asked Harry.

"Naw, Neville was in the paper, so it could be retaliation. I didn't recognize anyone other than Dawlish. Hopefully MLE can give us the ID."

"Mark?" asked Harry in deep thought.

"Looked like it, but I was a bit preoccupied. She shut down the Floo in time; it was just Dawlish that got in. McGonagall examined it. She said she reckoned that Dumbledore could have forced himself through once it was closed, but none of the Death Eaters would have been powerful enough to do it. Even Bellatrix. So it's okay they're here? I just was afraid about the publicity if we went to St. Mungo's."

Hermione nodded and Harry answered, "No, you did the right thing. What did Kingsley say?"

"Not much really, just that there are about fifty Death Eaters still unaccounted for and who knows how many Snatchers and who knows how many sympathizers. With the Malfoys taken to ground, no one really knows who's in charge. I think Kingsley mentioned coming by tomorrow, or um, later today, I guess," he said as he checked his watch. "Maybe he'll know something new." He smiled at his friends and said, "Congratulations, he really... you're very lucky."

Harry looked at his parents. So far, it had been quite a day. "I wonder what the Prophet is going to say about you two in the morning," said Harry.

"No one here is going to say anything before we can make a statement tomorrow, unless Hagrid gets drunk and spills all over the Hogs Head," replied Hermione.

Ron shook his head, "Ginny might."

"I concur, Mr. Weasley," came a burr from the open doorway. "We don't want anyone to think that we have been raising the dead, that is very dark magic and considering who the two of you are," she was looking at Harry and Hermione, "and what your school records indicate, it might be prudent to call someone in from the Prophet and give an interview."

"We should have Obliviated everyone before they left," mumbled Ron

"Ron!" admonished Hermione.

"Well," he turned bright pink then said quickly, "Hermione you're showing a bit."

Harry shook his head, "Ron, that's enough. As for Ginny, if she makes the story sound like something happened, then we have twenty other witnesses to back up our story."

"Isn't the new Minister coming over tomorrow?" Ron nodded. "We can speak with him then, if he is honest that is and then Harry can give a bit of an interview. He can explain what happened," said James.

Richard closed his eyes tightly and then looked back at the elder Potters. "Nope, still here. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it and to be honest, I'm still not completely sure I believe it. Are you sure you want to say something to the general public? They seem like a fickle lot. I've had a Prophet subscription for years. Fate decided that because of his sacrifices, Harry was granted his birthday wish and his parents were able to be here for not only Harry's birthday, but also the birth of our grandson? Granted I don't know a whole lot about wizarding society, I mean I guess as much as a Muggle can, but no one is going to buy that."

Lily nodded, "No, I see your point, but Hermione's right a statement needs to be made. Eventually Hagrid will spend some time in the Hogs Head and I'd rather not be exhumed anytime in the near future for someone to see if we are still there."

"I wonder if you are still there," said Hermione. "Look at it logically. I mean how can you be here and corporeal and be buried somewhere else."

"That is a bit macabre, poppet," said Jane. "Why don't we presume that their bodies are not their originals and move on from there?"

"Now that is all settled, Jane and I have a bonding ceremony to plan before you two go back to school. I would like to be here in the flesh for that one. That is with your permission, of course, Hermione."

Snickering, Hermione nodded then said, "Okay, but you have to be the one to tell Molly Weasley that she isn't in charge of it anymore."

A wicked grin crossed Lily's face and she winked at Jane. "I don't think that Molly is going to be an issue."

"Getting back to matters at hand," said McGonagall. "Kingsley was a member of the Order, he should be trustworthy. Miss Lovegood has provided Mr. Longbottom and Mrs. Longbottom rooms adjacent to hers for the night. Poppy wanted me to tell you that she will be back to check on you and-"

"I'm here Minerva." The healer bustled into the room and carefully examined the infant.

Knowing that she needed to say something eventually and if there was something wrong the sooner it was treated the better. "Madam Pomfrey, um, is he okay, I mean, it's just that in April, back at Malfoy Manor, I was tortured. Bellatrix used the Cruciatus Curse on me and... and"

"It's okay Hermione," Harry said as he pulled her closer to him.

"I didn't know I was pregnant at the time and we got away quickly, it was only a few times, but I've been afraid that he wasn't okay."

"Are you sure it was that particular curse?"

"We could hear Hermione from the dungeon," Harry shuddered. Ron looked devastated at the memory. Both of them had nightmares about that day.

"Every documented case when a pregnant witch or Muggle has been tortured by that particular curse the result was an immediate miscarriage. The fact that he survived is nothing short of amazing." She ran her wand over the boy carefully then did it a second time.

"I…" Poppy Pomfrey looked into the anxious eyes of the young parents and said, "There appears to be damage to his magical core."

Hermione scooped her baby off the bed where he was placed for his examination and cuddled him to her.

"What does that mean?" asked Harry.

"It is a common side effect of the Cruciatus. The curse was designed that way. Magic aids the body in healing and with the destruction of the magical core; damage done by the curse is permanent. It causes the victim to feel more pain."

Hermione looked up with tears in her eyes and in a voice that was just above a whisper asked, "Is it damaged or destroyed?"

Taking a deep breath the healer said, "I'm sorry. I believe it unlikely that he will be able to perform magic. There is one way to tell for sure."

"How can we be sure?" asked Harry.

McGonagall sat up and nodded to no one in particular. "I will check the magical registry. Once you said his name aloud the first time, it should have updated itself. I will do that now and Floo back a message. Mr. Weasley if you will accompany me downstairs."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied with a pained voice.

The headmistress smiled sadly at the young parents and said, "He will show you just how much of a Gryffindor he is yet, even if we aren't lucky enough to have him as a student." She quickly left the room.

Clearing her throat Madam Pomfrey said, "I left instructions for Mrs. Longbottom's care with her grandson, but also repeated the information to a female house elf. It seemed prudent. I will be back tomorrow before lunch, I will Floo ahead." She left the room.

"I'm so sorry, Harry," whispered Hermione.

"What are you sorry for?"

"If I'd figured out that I was pregnant sooner or Apparated away then he'd be okay," the distressed teen said.

"It's not your fault. I'm the one that dragged you along with me and said the word. I… They're dead. Riddle and Bellatrix are dead. They aren't supposed to be able to hurt my family anymore." He couldn't say anything else.

"I know this seems like one more thing to happen, like they're taunting you from beyond the grave," said Richard. "This is not your fault and you need to remember that. It is that wretched woman's fault and those like her. She chose to hurt Hermione and in doing so, she did something to the baby. As neither of you were the ones holding the wand to Hermione and inflicting that curse, I don't see how you are responsible. So he plays football instead of Quidditch, I can teach Harry all he needs to know about it before the boy is old enough to play. Jane and I are very happy being Muggles."

"But it isn't supposed to be this way," said Hermione.

"No it isn't," said James, "you are absolutely right. It is not supposed to be like this, but it isn't going to change."

Jane sat next to her daughter and after several attempts to hold her grandson before giving up and realizing that Hermione was not about to turn loose anytime soon, she said, "The way I see it you really only have two options, Hermione. You can look for a Muggle family to raise him and he will never know about the magical world or-"

"Absolutely not!" she exclaimed.

"Then you will raise him and allow him to be who he is and not to think about what might have been," stated Jane.

Lily stood and stretched, "James, put Hermione's wand back on the side table. We can use mine." She looked around then asked, "Do you have something we can sleep in?"

Jane walked over to the chest of drawers that she had helped her daughter unpack just two weeks prior and handed Lily a set of pajamas and a pair of sleep pants for James.

"Do you want us over here or near Ron and Luna?" asked Lily.

Hermione's mouth opened then closed several times before she could speak. "I think we would prefer you to stay with the rest of the family, unless you would rather be over there, but this is your room isn't it."

Smiling Lily said, "James and I will take the room next to little Lily and we have no intention of asking you to leave your room, Hermione." The two of them walked out of the room.

"I have to say this has been the most interesting birthday I have ever had. We can go to sleep after Ron delivers McGonagall's message right?"

"Lily woke up every couple of hours; I imagine this one will also."

"How long does that last?"

"I don't know. She was still doing it when... Oh Harry we missed so much."

"And we would have missed more if Voldemort found her."

"As he's just eaten, why don't you change his nappy and we can try to get some sleep."

By the time the baby was changed and bundled back into bed, Ron poked his head in and said, "I'm sorry. She said that he wasn't there."

Harry nodded dumbly. "Thanks Ron, good night."

Afraid that anything he said would make it worse, he just nodded and left.

The young couple cuddled into each other and drifted off thinking about trips on the Hogwarts Express that would never be made or Quidditch games that would not be played. The last thing Harry thought of before drifting to sleep was asking his father-in-law to go shopping with him. He needed a football.