Chapter Twenty- One

Fred and George's Insanity

by Empathicallychosen

"We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered." - Tom Stoppard

Although James had once idolized Professor Dumbledore James Potter now held no qualms about his disappointment with his former role model these days. Be that as it may James had to admit Dumbledore had made great strides in redeeming himself in the past twenty minutes alone. James was ashamed to admit it but when he'd seen Harry collapsed and bleeding on the marble floor James lost it. Any common sense the man might have held was thrown out the window as his last chance at a family started slipping away.

It was all James could do to hold his son's lifeless body promising himself that if Harry somehow managed to survive this nightmare he would be the best father in the entire world. Thankfully Dumbledore was there to see that James kept his promise. Dumbledore separated Harry and James in the face of great harm to his own life. Bandaging Harry's open wound the headmaster performed a magical blood transfusion right there in the entryway using James as the donor. James only wished that Wormtail was still there to see his Lily had an affair theory go up in smoke. Once Harry was stabilized James took his little boy back muttering endless gratitude for Dumbledore as Harry's magnificent green eyes fluttered open

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"Hush now Harry, you're in no condition to speak," said James as soon as Harry opened his mouth.

Harry nodded cuddling up very close to James. the ecstatic father responded by smothering Harry in a positively shameful amount of kisses as he carefully stood up . James was well aware that Harry was out of immediate danger still James would not and could not allow himself to rest until his little boy was given a clean bill of health by the nurse. It was his desire for confirmation that put James in his current situation racing down corridor after corridor determined to get to the hospital Wing in record time. He was a man on a mission but still James was immensely grateful for Sirius who was there to correct his brother if he took off in the wrong direction. There was no doubt in James's mind that he had made the correct choice when determining who should be Harry's godfather.

When at long last they reached their destination Sirius wrenched open the double doors before James could smash headlong into them. Madam Pomfrey was already waiting for them. After hearing what had taken place the matron demanded James put Harry down at once and instructed James to get into a bed as well. Knowing it would be pointless to argue James jumped into the nearest bed cradling Harry close to him. Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes but didn't protest obviously coming to the decision that her arguments would've fallen on deaf ears. Deciding that James had the right idea Sirius transformed into his Animagus form settling himself at their feet.

Lily entered the room at that point smiling at the sight of her husband's obsessed nature and Sirius's determination not to allow James to keep Harry all to himself, Lily went to discuss Harry, Ron and Hermione's elaborate potion schedule with the nurse. James couldn't help smiling at the look of astonishment on Madam Pomfrey's face. There was no denying that Lily was an extraordinary healer. If Lily hadn't decided she would rather be a stay-at-home mother James had no doubt Lily would have excelled at her healers examination. Lily had been studying for the upcoming examination night and day when they received word that Lily was expecting.

Once everyone was up to speed Madam Pomfrey retreated into her office to retrieve necessary bandages for Ron and the Marauders were introduced to Olivia's husband Gavin. The most amusing interaction occurred when Gavin was introduced to Ron. The redheaded empath was always very protective of Olivia from the moment he met her and Ron seemed even more so following Olivia's role in freeing the boy from the presents of the dark anchor. It was no secret that if Olivia and Victoria hadn't shown up when they did Ron wouldn't be alive at the moment. Luckily for Gavin Ron's primary objective was Olivia's happiness and the two quickly became fast friends.

The door opened several minutes later to reveal Fudge, Dumbledore and Umbridge all of whom were looking extremely out of breath. Umbridge scowled at the sight of Sirius in his Animagus form and James was pleased to note a slight sense of panic at the grim-like dog. Unable to suppress a doggie grin himself Padfoot happily took this opportunity to snuggle even closer to Harry who unconsciously released a contented sigh and pulled his godfather even closer. James couldn't say he was pleased about the added weight of the Animagus notwithstanding James wasn't about to deny his son the necessary protection his godfather was providing the boy. Harry's panic stricken face at the prospect of being separated from his family was still painfully vivid in the back of James's mind outweighing any discomfort he might have felt. Instead James ignored the presence of the minister and senior undersecretary choosing instead to engage Megan and Greg who arrived only moments later in conversation about Harry, Ron and Hermione. James listened with good grace as Megan regaled tale after tale about Harry's life.

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"Yes well as amusing as these little anecdotes may be I'm afraid you've wasted far too much of our time already," Umbridge interrupted.

"Now Dolores, I doubt that particular tone is entirely necessary," said Fudge looking absolutely scandalized at the woman's abrupt outburst.

"That's right Dolores that was bad form old girl, especially considering it was your blunder that led to my missing out on these delightful occurrences," said James kissing the top of Harry's head affectionately.

"Well -- well yes," Fudge stammered nervously. "If you would come with me I'm sure we can have this whole mess cleared up in no time."

"You must be mental! I'm not going anywhere," James replied.

"Come on James, you and I both know we're not going to be able to put this behind us until we answer the minister's questions," Lily said standing up to follow Umbridge out the door.

"But what if Harry needs us," argued James.

"Well then I suppose we ought to hurry," Lily replied.

Harry groaned loudly as he regained consciousness. Sitting up Harry opened his eyes and looked around finding himself in the familiar confines of the Hospital Wing. Feeling around his neck Harry felt bandages wrapped tightly around it. wincing as pain course through his body Harry looked around. Hermione and Ron were laying in beds on either side of him and both of them were talking about the events of the past few days with their parents.

Harry's parents on the other hand were nowhere to be seen. Harry immediately began to panic. Was it possible that even with Wormtail's confession Lily, James and Sirius had been sent to Azkaban anyway? Harry had a hard time believing that was possible. Surely Mr. Weasley wouldn't allow that to happen. Even so Harry had an even harder time believing that James and Lily would willingly leave their child after what just happened to him.

Harry felt someone pushing him back down onto the bed. He looked up into the eyes of a total stranger. He was a handsome man with startlingly blue eyes, he wore faded blue jeans a Bon Jovi T-shirt and a patched up leather jacket. Harry's empathic sense made it quite clear that this person generally had a very carefree attitude although at the moment their current emotion was one of anxiety. Whoever this person was they were currently very worried about him. Harry had a distinct impression this man was a Muggle although why a Muggle would be here in the hospital wing with him Harry had no idea. It wasn't the same thing as Mr. and Mrs. Granger being here they were Hermione's parents who had every right to be with their daughter given everything she gone through in the past week alone.

"Hey, you must be Harry. It's nice to finally meet you. Olivia's told me so much about you. My name is Gavin. Speaking of my wife, Olivia is going to kill me if you don't calm down," said Gavin playfully.

Obediently Harry laid back down feeling that it wouldn't be fair to get a man he just met into trouble. Besides in spite of only knowing Gavin for a few minutes Harry already decided he liked him. The stubble on Gavin's face alone made it thoroughly clear that he was nothing like any of the businessmen Harry ever met and he was slowly getting used to the idea of Olivia being married. Olivia's scent of jasmine in a rain forest signified to Harry that his old friend was somewhere on the other side of the room.

Glancing in the direction where the smell originated Harry could see a beautiful Asian woman talking in hushed whispers with Victoria and Madam Pomfrey. Much to his surprise however Olivia's hair was dramatically shorter than the last time Harry saw it and it was refreshingly devoid of any colorful highlights. Harry supposed he shouldn't be too surprised the rebellious style of a teenage girl didn't often coincide with that of a world-famous fashion designer. Olivia caught his eye screamed happily and came running over to Harry's bedside with Victoria at her heels.

"You're awake thank Godric! Out of my way dear," said Olivia pushing Gavin teasingly away from Harry and practically landing with a huge flop on the bed next to him. "I know it's been awhile Harry, but if you ever scare me like that again I swear it will be the biggest mistake you ever make, is that clear?"

"Oh give it a rest Liv. I doubt getting his throat cut open was exactly what Harry had in mind for a good time. Budge up woman you're hogging my nephew," retorted Victoria.

Harry stared. As far as he could tell Victoria was not wearing an engagement ring at the same time her face made it quite clear that she a knew all about Harry's psychic abilities and the vision of her marriage to Remus he'd had last week. Harry had a sneaking suspicion that Hermione let something slip. Harry was distracted by just how happy his future aunt was when Hermione squealed loudly and both she and Ron raced over to his bedside. Harry couldn't suppress a laughing fit when his eyes rested on Ron. The majority of his best friends body was currently wrapped in bandages making him look remarkably like a mummy. In response to this Ron shove Harry in the arm who immediately smothered his laughter.

"All right you two that's enough of that. If you boys don't start behaving yourselves Madam Pomfrey will kick everyone out before Prongs and Lily have a chance to see you," announced Olivia trying and failing to adopt a stern tone.

"Where are they," croaked Harry in a would be casual way.

"They had to clear a few things up with the minister. I expect they'll be back any time now with Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley physically dragging Ron back to his own bed.

"Don't worry Harry, after Wormtail's lovely display I doubt if anyone will want to lock them back up," said Victoria correctly reading Harry's expression. "I thought your dad was going to lose it when Fudge made him leave right when Megan and Greg were filling your parents in on some of the stuff they missed."

Harry paled at the news that his mother and father were being told about Harry's life in Little Whinging. He desperately hoped that Mr. and Mrs. Granger hadn't inadvertently spoken of any sensitive subject matters. Harry realized his parents would have to be told about what he went through sooner or later he just preferred the latter. Judging by the fact that there didn't seem to be any permanent damage to the room around them Harry assumed that for now at least his secret was safe. Mercifully Harry received a distraction only seconds later when Aidan, Accalia and Tiramisu entered the room. Harry's grandmother burst into tears when she saw Ron's injuries and Harry was very sure his grandfather was calculating the number of tortures he could think of for what Wormtail had done to his grandson. Tiramisu on the other hand did a great job of keeping her composure considering how protective she was.

The door to the hospital wing burst open yet again and much to Harry's relief in marched James, Remus Lily and Sirius. Harry was even more relieved when he noticed that they were all smiling from ear to ear. Surely this would be good news. Mirroring Harry's emotions the Marauders looked very relieved to see that Harry was awake. Sirius immediately transformed into his Animagus form leaping onto Harry's bed. Harry however was not keen on the idea of staying in bed. As soon as he saw them Harry was out of bed and grilling his parents for information. Lily refuse to answer a single one however opting instead to push Harry back into bed and waiting for Sirius to settle himself right on top of Harry's feet growling impatiently at his godson before she said a word.

"It's not over just yet sweetheart. The minister insists upon giving us a formal trial," said Lily allowing her smiled to falter slightly.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing though," Remus interrupted. "Can you imagine how happy Rita Skeeter will be when she gets wind of this?"

It was the first time in Harry's recollection that he ever remembered his uncle speaking fondly of Rita Skeeter. Harry couldn't even bring himself to marvel over the miracle that had just taken place. he was too busy fuming about the injustice of his pantents being put through a trial. Pettigrew had confessed for Merlin's sake! What more could the minister ask for, an even better question was why Professor Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley were allowing it to happen? Noticing that his godchild was on the verge of a nervous breakdown Padfoot whimpered coming over to replace Harry's pillow. Several hours later Harry was at last calming down about the same time as more Ministry officials arrived with more questions for Lily James and Sirius.

Lily told Harry to stay put as she and the Marauders left the room much to her son's annoyance. Everyone else left as well apparently the upcoming trial left everyone with a great deal to do. Not that Harry minded he was looking forward to having a few moments to himself so he could collect his thoughts. He was just realizing how exhausted he was and contemplating going back to sleep when the door to the Hospital Wing burst open yet again. Harry groaned. Never before good healer member the hospital wing being so busy. not even the time Peeves the poltergeist slipped a magical ipecac into everyone's dinner.

"Trust me Georgey, this is bound to be a really big moneymaker, I'd imagine there are plenty of people willing to see our dear baby brother mummified," said Fred swinging a camera from his hand placidly.

"I just don't think it's a good idea to take the pictures now. Mum'll have kittens when she finds out about this. We could at least wait until she goes home," said George seriously.

"If you'd rather play it safe I reckon Percy could use some help polishing his prefect badge and for the love of Merlin don't forget to clear off the map," Fred retorted in disgust

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Harry shook is head he couldn't get over how thick the twins were. Did they honestly think Harry and Hermione would sit back and watch helplessly as Fred and George took pictures of their brothers mangled state. Thinking along the same lines Hermione bristled. Putting down her copy of Hogwarts a History she approached the twins intent upon at the very least giving them a good telling off. But before she even got a good momentum going she fell silent her eyes going over Fred's last statement. instantly her eyes fluttered to a worn-out piece of parchment in George's left hand.

Harry stared obviously thinking along the same lines the Marauders Map. How had Fred and George managed to get their hands on it? Harry knew for a fact that the Marauders Map had been confiscated by Argus Filch in the Marauders seventh year. That was part of the reason that James had been so hard on Harry when his four-year-old son decided to venture into the Forbidden Forest. Deciding to test her theory Hermione snatched the parchment out of George's hand ignoring Fred's idle threats. Walking over to Ron's bed she waited for Harry to clamor over to Ron's bed before whipping out her wand.

"I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good," she muttered breathlessly.

Harry couldn't believe his eyes. thin ink lines began to spread like a spider's web from the point that Hermione's wand had touched. They joined each other, they criss-crossed, they fanned into every corner of the parchment; then words began to blossom across the top, great, curly green words, that proclaimed:

Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers

are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP.

Fred and George were staring at Harry, Ron and Hermione in horror. They seemed flabbergasted that law-abiding bookworm Hermione Granger recognized and knew how to work the Marauders map. Harry couldn't understand their astonishment. Why wouldn't they know how to work the map? even omitting the knowledge that they had gone to the past Harry couldn't imagine the twins would think that Remus would neglect to tell his godson nephew and pseudo niece about one of his crowning achievements. Harry soon realized that Fred and George were thicker then Harry previously imagined possible. Without warning Fred lunged at Ron actually sitting on top of his little brother looking angry enough to strangle Ron. Ron winced at the new pressure that was added to his badly burned body.

"You little weasel, you've been spying on us," he spat angrily. "It took George and me ages to figure out that password. No way a little goody two shoes like you would figure that out on your own."

"What are you on? Why would I bother spying on you when I could just go directly to one of the Marauders for help," retorted Ron trying to shove Fred off of him.

"You -- you know the Marauders," asked George hardly daring to believe his ears.

This was too much for Harry to handle. Fred and George had no clue who the Marauders were. They weren't stupid, surely they would have figured it out eventually. It seemed that Harry had been giving the twins far too much credit over the years. Then again Harry supposed it wasn't all that shocking Fred and George hadn't overheard Harry, Ron and Hermione talking to Moony, Fred and George were always a little preoccupied with their own rubbish to spend too much time paying attention to other people. At the look of total hysteria on George's face not even Hermione could suppress the urge to burst into fits of giggles.

"How dense are you," demanded Ron once he had regain some semblance of his faculties. "Of course we know the Marauders it's not exactly a secret, is it?"

"WHO?! I WANT NAMES RON," Fred demanded looking positively out of his mind with excitement.

Before Ron could respond Remus, Lily, James and Sirius entered the room followed closely much to George's horror by both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. At the sight of Fred straddled on top of Ron everyone froze. Mrs. Weasley was beginning to look like a saber tooth tiger. Even though Harry was none too pleased with the twins at the moment most of the time he considered them friends. After all despite all the jokes and unscrupulous desire to make money at their expense the twins really weren't so bad when you got to know them Certainly they were loads more fun to be around then Percy. Coming to the same conclusion Ron tried one last time to shove Fred off of him before Mrs. Weasley killed him. Unfortunately the older boy seemed frozen by fear and wouldn't budge so much as a fraction of an inch.

"Oy Padfoot, a little help here please," Ron said resigned to the fact that he was going to need some assistance.

George wheeled around clearly expecting to see some kind of Greek god walk through the door. Padfoot flicked Harry's wand which he knicked from Harry's bedside before leaving the hospital wing in the direction of Fred who immediately flooded into the air hung upside down with his robes coming over his head revealing a pair of very worn-out blue jeans. Rather than objecting to one of her sons dangling in midair Mrs. Weasley rushed over to Ron's bedside. The knowledge that she had accidentally given her son a deranged mass murderer as a pet was making Mrs. Weasley annoyingly overprotective of her youngest son.

Firing about a hundred rapid questions at once to make sure that no permanent damage had been done Mrs. Weasley suddenly spotted the camera laying abandoned on the floor by Ron's bed. Rounding on George she ranted and raved for a full half an hour before stomping moodily out of the Hospital Wing in favor of a large glass of herbal ice tea. Deciding the twins had been punished enough Padfoot let Fred flutter to the floor. Rather than looking angry or at the very least embarrassed Fred appeared positively giddy at being hung upside down by one of his idols.

"Moony would you mind getting me a glass of water," asked Ron unable to suppress a large grin from forming.

Moony hurried forward adding several huge chunks of ice to the glass with his wand. Fred and George nearly collapsed as the realization dawned on them. Their role model one of the greatest pranksters Hogwarts had ever seen was actually their Defense against the Dark Arts professor. The twins stared at Ron as though he was the luckiest person in the entire world. It may well have been one of the only things Ron George and Fred all agreed on in ages. Suddenly their faces fell as Fred and George became aware that they had obviously made a bad impression on Moony in the few interactions they had with him. Moony wasn't likely to be pleased at the pranks they had pulled on Ron.

Struck by a sudden urge to see what would happen Harry introduced his father to Fred and George before they had an opportunity to ask. Harry regretted it almost instantly knowing that for the rest of the year Fred and George were likely to refer to him as the son of Mr. Prongs. Fred and George were even more stunned to realize that they had been in startlingly close quarters to Wormtail and not noticed it. Several minutes later Madam Pomfrey demanded that Fred and George leave her patients in peace and at long last Harry was allowed to get the sleep he was so desperately craving largely due to a euphoric dream potion Lily all but force down her son's throat.

Harry didn't realize that while he was sleeping his parents and grandparents intended to whisk Harry away to Potter Manor so that Harry would be out of the line of fire when the students of Hogwarts found out the story they had all grown up hearing was all wrong. He had no idea that Ron would be going to Weasley Tower as soon as his eyes were shut or that Hermione would be on her way to Italy for an impromptu family vacation with Mr. and Mrs. Granger.

Two days later the sun was shining through the window in the room set up for Harry at Potter Manor. Harry was having a wonderful dream about flying with his father. James was amazing as he soared through the sky actually standing atop his broomstick. The more amazing the trick James performed the more Harry clapped and cheered. After a while James insisted upon watching Harry. Harry blushed but complied with his father's demands. He brightened up immediately when James shouted out for the whole world to hear that his son was the best seeker in the entire world. Then everything changed Harry was very aware that his father's voice had gone from jovial to worried in a matter of seconds and birds were chirping loudly in his ears.

"Are you sure he's all right Lily," Harry heard his father say as though from far away.

"Of course I'm sure," replied his mother irritably. "There are absolutely no side effects to that potion. He probably just needed the sleep. - come on sweetie it's time to wake up. Your dad is being a pain in my behind."

Sunlight began streaming through Harry's eyelids. He groaned. Unfortunately that seemed to excite the people around him and they began making all kinds of obnoxious noises to arouse him. Why won't they just shut up, Harry thought. He wanted to tell them to leave him alone he wanted to explain that he was tired but he couldn't move his lips. Actually Harry noticed he had very little control over his body whatsoever. His arms felt like lead and he couldn't move them. The problem was solved however as a large amount of icy water was poured over him. Harry shot bolt upright and squinted around the room suddenly very aware that he was not wearing his glasses.

"JAMES ALDRIDGE POTTER WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING," shouted a woman's voice.

"Well he is awake now isn't he," retorted his father defensively reaching over to the night stand and placing Harry's glasses on his son's face.

Now that Harry could see properly he was suddenly aware that Lily, Victoria, Sirius, James, Olivia, Remus and Gavin were all huddled around his bedside. Each of them was wearing an expression of intense relief except for Harry's mother who was in a heated argument with his father. She kept shouting words like hypothermia. Harry watched the two of them transfixed he didn't want his mother and father fighting because of him. Apparently reading Harry's mind Sirius jumped in front of his godson shielding his two best friends from view while Olivia suggested sharply that the argument wait until later.

"You know Pup, you really do have excellent timing. We were worried you'd miss your sleep-over with Ron tonight," Sirius commented loudly

after assuring his mother that no permanent harm was done Harry went to go take a hot shower because the cold water was really starting to get to him. The next few hours Harry tried to be extra helpful but all of his gifts were refused. As hard as he tried Harry didn't understand then James took him aside and desperately tried to explain to his son that in a family people didn't need to give each other presents to make each other happy. Later that night around midnight when Lily demanded the boys go to bed Harry went to sleep without being given a sleeping potion for obvious reasons. This was likely the reason that Harry's powers decided to give him another vision. Thankfully this time it wasn't some horrifying vision of some terrible future. He had just witnessed Remus proposing to Victoria. The problem was that he'd proposed to her in the middle of a heated argument about Remus's upcoming trial.

Granted Harry being an eleven-year-old boy was no expert in romance but a little voice in the back of his mind which sounded remarkably like Hermione told Harry that this was probably not the best way for Remus and Victoria to start a life together. He was just thankful that fixing this problem would be a lot easier then correcting some of the other scrapes the Marauders got themselves into. Just when Harry was about to go downstairs to find out where his uncle and future aunt might be Tiramisu came in to open the window and let in some fresh air. Upon seeing the boy conscious once more she gave a loud squeal of joy which startled one of the squirrels causing the poor unsuspecting creature to fall out of the chestnut tree it was residing in.

"Oh master Harry I is so glad you is not having trouble waking up today," the elf said happily.

"That's great Tiramisu," said Harry completely unaware of a word of what she said. "Have you seen Remus or Victoria anywhere?"

Tiramisu shook her head and Harry cursed running across the hall to the guest room that Ron called home when he was at the Potters. Ignoring the elf's protests that the elemental boy needed sleep Harry shook his best friend awake. At first Ron was very annoyed but when Harry explained his vision Ron swore even more loudly than Harry and the two boys raced downstairs to find Remus before it was too late. Neither boy wanted Victoria to say no because of the way Remus proposed. They knew that if that were to happen it would be the biggest mistake in both Remus and Victoria's lives. Downstairs in the kitchen however their progress was impeded by Harry's grandparents.

"Good morning sleepy heads. You must be starving, sit down and I'll make you some breakfast," said Accalia pleasantly

"Sorry Grams, can't talk we need to find Remus," replied Harry rapidly.

"Whoa, slow down, your going to overexert yourselves if you're not careful. What's the big emergency," asked Aidan.

Harry was reluctant to tell his grandparents about his vision. It wasn't that he didn't trust them it was just that he didn't know if it was a good idea to involve everyone in Remus and Victoria's private business. By the same token he knew that if anyone could defuse the situation it was Accalia Potter, she could certainly do a better job of it than to eleven-year-old boys so slowly he began to recount the details of what he'd seen. His grandfather laughed but immediately stopped at the look his wife was giving him. It was quite apparent that Grams didn't find it amusing that one of her sons would propose marriage to a woman in such a manner. Rolling up her sleeves and throwing off her apron, she went out into the garden to break up the argument which had already started. Harry and Ron looked at one another before dashing to the window to observe the woman at work.

Accalia gently pulled Remus aside taking him to a part of the garden where they wouldn't be overheard by Victoria. Once they were a safe distance away she began shouting at him. Poor Remus looked exceptionally embarrassed as he hurried back to his girlfriend. It only took a matter of seconds for the pair to kiss and make up. There was no denying it now, Accalia Potter was the queen of Potter Manor. Harry and Ron scurried away from the window as Grams returned to the kitchen. They tried to pretend as though they hadn't been spying on the exchange but she knew better than that. Pleasantly she announced that the couple had gone on a walk and would not return for about an hour giving the two empaths plenty of time to do whatever it was they had in mind.

In all honesty the boys had no idea how to prepare a romantic setting for a wedding proposal. In the past those kinds of things were always handled by Hermione, unfortunately she was away at the moment and the boys felt as though it was their duty to create a memorable event for their anchors to share. Besides as Ron pointed out if they didn't think of something Hermione would kill them. Struck by a sudden inspiration Harry remembered overhearing Victoria telling Olivia about their first date while he was in the hospital wing. Victoria mentioned having gone on a romantic picnic. Personally Harry didn't know what was so romantic about eating outside on the ground but he asked his grandmother if she wouldn't mind preparing a picnic basket anyway. Naturally she agreed and the boys hastened out to the garden to try and create a more appropriate setting.

With Aidan's permission Harry and Ron created a makeshift pond for the two to picnic by. To set the mood they placed jars filled with fire in the lake, the fire needed to be conjured by Harry because Ron was forbidden to use his elemental powers to conjure fire for at least a month. Fortunately the ban was not extended to other elements and Ron was able to produce several beautiful miniaturized ice sculptures of roses which Harry was able to enchant so they wouldn't melt. Ordinarily the boys would have hesitated using magic outside of school. But as Ron stated there was no way they would get in trouble because the Ministry was far too afraid of Mrs. Weasley at the moment. There was however one spell that was too complicated for Harry to cast, it was the spell that would turn daytime to evening at least in the little garden. Luckily Aidan was able to perform the spell with ease.

Harry looked over the scene in satisfaction. It really wasn't bad considering the boys barely had a clue what they were doing. Harry doubted if even Hermione would find something to complain about. Harry was adjusting the placement of the picnic blanket when Victoria and Remus returned from their walk. They were both flabbergasted to say the least. something about the look on Victoria's face told Harry instantly that he and Ron were on the right page with their picnic idea. Remus looked confused at first but a moment later his eyes widened signaling to Harry that he wouldn't have to spell it out for his uncle which was lucky because Harry honestly wouldn't know where to begin.

They stared at Harry in wonderment but he said nothing as he calmly walked away and allowed the future to unfold. He didn't want to impose on such an important event. Harry suspected he would be subjected to another lecture on the fact that he didn't need to give them presents but Harry didn't care the wrath of his uncle was nothing compared to the wrath of Hermione. Harry knew that Hermione would be upset about missing the proposal. If Hermione had gone to Italy she was probably spending all of her time wishing she was back in Britain with the Marauders.

　An No revies last Chapter VERY SAD that was a very pivotal chapter... I thought for sure... oh well no use crying over spilled milk if you want to make it up to me you know what to do