Chapter forty eight
'So every one of us felt the same way, but didn't say anything because we didn't want anyone else to start thinking it.' Charlie smiled at everyone.
'Neville even thought it, I could see it on his face when I saw him, but like us, never said anything. So imagine what Ginny was feeling. She couldn't feel Harry and the longer it went on the more convinced she got that Harry was never coming home, or already dead.' Hermione said and she sniffed, Ron put his arms around her.
'Yes, when Kingsley first brought Harry back, that was one of the first things she said to me. She couldn't feel him, and you could see how frightened she looked. But when she did start to feel him, and sent us the patronus, I saw her face, it was completely different, went from fear to ecstatic within a few minutes.' Charlie said.
'I saw Harry angry when they lost the baby that time, I remember seeing his face as he looked at her. He looked exactly the same as he did then. He really has got a temper, doesn't he?' Susan said looking around.
'When someone he cares about is hurt, yes he has. That's why he's damaged his hands and blown the house up so many times. It's his power, it just explodes from him when he gets angry. I think if Ron and I didn't calm him down, he would have tortured Sirius like he did with me that time. You're lucky you didn't have to feel that Sirius.'
'I haven't ruled it out yet.' Harry said as he walked in with Ginny and everyone noticed how tight he was holding her. No one said anything but they were all tense waiting to see what Harry would do.
Harry let go of Ginny making sure she was standing right next to Charlie and walked over to Sirius, never taking his eyes off him until he stood right in front of him.
'Harry,' Sirius said looking a little scared as he stood up. 'We never meant for it to happen.'
Harry concentrated on Sirius and everyone knew what he was doing, then Harry pulled Sirius into his arms and hugged him.
'I know Sirius, Ginny explained everything. She thought I was never coming home, I could feel how she thought at the time. She thought I was dead, just like you.' Sirius cried into Harry's shoulder as they held each other, then Harry pulled back. 'But this I am deadly serious about, if you ever, ever do anything like this to me again, I'll do more than hex you Sirius. I don't think I could handle another betrayal right now.'
Everyone heard how hard and fierce Harry's voice was and knew he meant it. 'I won't Harry, and I'm sorry, really sorry.' Sirius looked into Harry's eyes and he nodded, then let Sirius go and sat down pulling Ginny onto his lap again, holding her really tight.
'We all thought it Harry, we we're just talking and everyone one of us thought we'd never see you again, but never said anything to anyone else. So now we know why Ginny was the way she was. She couldn't feel you and thought you were already dead.' Charlie said putting a hand on his shoulder, squeezing tight.
'I know, I can hear all your thoughts right now. See, that's why I'm still so pissed at him, none of you were told anything or given proof that I was alive, or if I was ever coming home apart from it not taking as long as they thought.' Harry said shaking his head.
'Considering what's happened Harry, you seem pretty calm right now,' Baily said watching him.
'If Ron and Charlie hadn't calmed me down first, things would have been different Baily. You've seen what I'm like when I lose it. It took all of Ron and Charlie could do to stop that from happening again.' Harry looked at both Ron and Charlie, and Harry saw Hermione's face so he read her thoughts. He leaned into Ginny and spoke in her mind. "Gin, I need to talk to Ron and Hermione, stay with Charlie, please."
'I will Harry, don't worry.' Ginny touched his face and stood up, letting Harry stand.
'Ron, Hermione, can I talk to you both for a moment?'
'Sure Harry,' Ron said and they both got up and followed Harry into the library. He closed the door behind them and walked over and leant against the desk.
'Listen Ron, you need to start talking to Hermione about all this.'
'Harry,' Ron said raising his eyebrows at him.
'I know about this Ron, I've been doing it for a long time now and done a lot of research on it. The moment Ginny found out and we started talking, all my stress and anger eased. But when she actually wanted details and I told her what I did with everyone I was with, she was happier and I was completely stress free. You wouldn't believe how I felt at the time Ron. So you need to sit and tell Hermione things, or let Hermione ask you things about it.'
'It would just feel strange Harry,' Ron said not looking at his wife. 'I know I have to do this, I feel it, I've got no choice. But to have Hermione hear about it, I just can't.'
'Ron, I know you're uncomfortable talking about this, or anything intimate, you always have been. But I do need to know and like Harry said, it would help you as well. Look how Harry, Charlie, Ginny, and Lily are all the time. They talk about it all and are all very happy and easy going about it. That's what we need, Ron. We don't know how long you are going to go through this. You don't have to go into details if you don't want to, but if you say wanted to go now with Brian or Harry, then tell me. Don't sneak out like you did this morning.'
'Yes Ron, you need to tell Hermione you're coming to see either Brian or me, or anyone else for that matter. Even if you don't want to say what you do, just tell her when you need it and she will understand. Charlie told me he explained it to Hermione and Angelina. Ginny knows how I can't control it when it comes over me, it just hits me hard sometimes, and I tell her straight that I'm heading in the room with Charlie, or Brian. Or like last night, with nine others. So she knows I'll be gone a while, and because you've only started a few months ago, I know it still gets uncomfortable after, so sometimes you don't want to have sex with your wife. Ginny understood that with me at first. Now it doesn't affect me at all, but it used to and I felt terrible about it. Now because we've talked, she understands and I don't feel so terrible anymore.'
Harry concentrated on Ron and he could see Harry doing it. 'You reading me Harry, please don't.' Ron said lowering his head.
'You need to say it to Hermione Ron, it will make it easier the more you do. It will make you less stressed and Hermione not worry or stress herself.'
Hermione saw the look on Harry's face and heard what he said, then she looked at Ron and realised what he needed but he still couldn't say it to her, so she thought she'd say it for him.
'Ron, if you need time with Harry right now, I do understand. So go, if that's what you need.' Hermione said as she took his hand and he finally looked at her. 'I understand Ron, I would like you to say it, but I do know you need it right now. So go with Harry if that's what you want.'
Ron looked at his wife and saw she was okay with it, so he took a deep breathe, 'Alright Mione, I do need time with Harry, if you're fine with it that is?'
'I'm perfectly fine with it Ron. I'll see you out there later, alright.' Hermione kissed Ron tenderly.
Harry walked over and took Ron's hand. 'Time for some stress relief Ron, come on, and let me shag you.' and Harry started laughing at the look on Ron's face, but then Hermione started laughing which made Ron laugh as well. So the two men left the room and Hermione walked back out to the kitchen. Harry closed the door of the spare room and instantly started kissing Ron and Ron kissed him straight back and started taking Harry's clothes off. 'You really need this right now, don't you Ron?'
'Yeah I do, I've been sitting there this whole time trying to find a way without telling Hermione, now please. No more talking, I want your mouth occupied with something else.' Ron said as he stripped off and Harry pushed Ron down onto the bed, then turned himself around and over him.
Out in the kitchen, Hermione was telling everyone what they'd been talking about and where Ron and Harry were now.
'That's twice they've done that without me, I'm feeling a bit left out now.' Brian said smiling.
'What about me Brian, I used to be just me and Harry. Now I've got everyone wanting him, well not for a while after last night, but they do still want him. I'm hardly going to have time with him.'
'Did he really have nine last night Charlie?' Hermione asked.
'Yeah, he did. Me first, then Baily, John, Brian, Patrick, Draco, then it was Mark and William, then George turned up and went in there. So there was ten of us altogether, and one by one, we ended up exhausted and bloody sore. Harry was just going none stop last night.'
'See, this is what I wish Ron was like, you all talk about it as if it's nothing, but Ron just can't. It took everything he had just now to say he needed time with Harry.'
'Well, Ron was always the least comfortable talking about intimate things like sex. We've all gotten so use to it now, it's just like talking about anything else.' Charlie explained. 'But knowing Harry, he'll have him talking Hermione, he's just got a way about him. I was a bit like that at first, mainly because of Lily though.'
'How so Charlie?' Hermione asked.
'Well, I wasn't sure for one if she knew about it, and two how she would deal with me being with her son. But Harry spoke to her, found out she knew all about it from the time James went through it during the first war. So Harry told her about him, and she guessed it was with me because we always seemed to be in a pretty good mood at the same time. From then on, we've all talked a lot about it, even when Lily and Ginny take off together now. Or last night, Lily, Ginny and Karen took off.' Charlie grinned at the three women.
'Well, all you men left us three woman all alone, so we thought, why not? But Ginny wore us out.' Lily said smiling at Hermione.
'Yes, you're power being linked to Harry's would have given you a lot of energy as well Ginny.' Baily said.
'I know, but even Harry wore me out last night, and that was after he had all you blokes.'
'Ginny, there was something James and I wanted to tell Harry, but wasn't sure if it was the right time.' Lily said looking a little worried.
'Well, you can tell me then I'll let you know if I think you should wait or not.'
'Our divorce is final next week.' James said looking at his daughter-in-law.
'I think he'll be fine with hearing that. He's gotten so use to you being with Katie, and Lily being with Charlie and he knew you were going through with the divorce anyway, so I don't see a problem.'
'Alright, well, whenever he makes it back out, we'll tell him then.' Lily said.
'Charlie, I was going to ask you about that, I know we've never spoken about it.' Katie said looking at Charlie.
'No, there's been so much going on. Well we can file anytime you want Katie.' Charlie said.
Katie smiled at him. 'I think it would be better if we did it straight away, get it over with.'
'Okay, we'll go and file in the next day or two if you want?' Charlie smiled at her and she nodded.
'Ron, let me ask you something?' Harry said leaning over him.
'Anything,' Ron said running his hands down Harry's scar on his chest.
'Why can't you talk to Hermione about this, I know it's different and not normal for men like us. But it really helps, especially since she knows about it anyway.'
'I know and I do understand what you're saying. It's just that, actually saying I need to shag you to my wife, just doesn't feel right,' Ron lay back looking up at the ceiling.
'Yes I know, I was like that at first, but look. Hermione knows exactly what we are doing right now, she knows what's going on. Let me tell you something about when Ginny kept asking me about it,' Harry said and leaned over and kissed Ron tenderly.
'Okay.'
'She wanted to know about my first time, and second time. I mean really know, every detail.' Harry saw the look on Ron's face. 'I know Ron, at first I wasn't sure, but she kept urging me on. So I told her everything that happened. I told her how Baily and John stripped me and lay me on the bed. That Baily started kissing me, then I felt John's mouth, sucking me.'
'You actually said that to Ginny?' Ron said sitting up, looking surprised.
'Yeah, then she wanted to know about the first time with Charlie, so I started telling her about that.'
'She wanted to know about what you did with her brother?' Ron asked looking more amazed.
'Yeah she did, so I told her and you know what she did.' Ron shook his head. 'It turned her on, so much so she gripped me. The more I told her the more her hand moved. So we took a break from talking for a while, made love. Then she stayed sitting on top of me, I was still inside her Ron when we started talking. So I kept telling her what we did, I told her how Charlie was uncertain at first because he thought of me as a brother and I was married to his sister. So I read him found out what he was really thinking. He wanted me but couldn't say it and was worried about my size, so I pinned Charlie to the wall, undid his pants and sucked him until he was finished. Ginny was really moving, so of course we stopped talking again. Then I told her how I talked Charlie into letting me do everything, but after I finished with him, he did me and Ginny really enjoyed hearing about all that. Now I'm not saying you have to go into details with Hermione but see what she wants to know and talk to her. You just might be surprised Ron,' Harry pushed Ron back and started kissing him fiercely making sure he knew exactly what he wanted as he gripped him, so they went at it again, until Ron was satisfied.
'I need to ask you something else Ron?'
'Okay.'
'Do you think we could bring Brian in for a while? I really need more.'
Ron looked up at Harry and knew he did really need it, so he thought since he's had Brian, why not? 'Alright, let's get him in here.' Ron said and kissed Harry fiercely.
'Great,' "Brian, get your arse in here now." Shouldn't be long, three ways is great too.' Harry grinned.
Out in the kitchen, Brian stood up. 'About time,' he said and walked up the hall into the spare room.
'He's still got a lot of energy at the moment, hasn't he?' James asked then started laughing.
'It could be a couple of days before that eases, tonight's going to be the hardest on him if everyone bails on him. What about you Ginny, do you think you could keep up with him all night?' Baily asked.
'Not all night, but most of it, hopefully he might get enough now, enough to satisfier him for a while anyway. He might want Charlie again before we head to bed.'
'He might, maybe after Ron's done. He was pretty good before though. I wasn't sure Ron wanted to with me in there. But he knew Harry needed it, so he just put that aside and did what he had to for Harry.'
'So you and Ron didn't…?' Hermione asked tentatively.
Charlie laughed, 'No, we just took turns with Harry, or should I say Harry did things to us at the same time. But man Ron's just as big as me and Harry was taking us both, no problem, one after the other.'
'That will probably ease as well soon, and like I said. I'm not going anywhere near him until it does.' Baily grinned.
'No, neither am I, he bloody hurt. It might take at least another day for me and Baily to get together again.' John said shaking his head.
'So Harry's not going to believe all the bad luck's gone, until nothing happens. I was expecting that, but you can understand it though. For just over four years he's had all this happening, so it's going to take a while before he really feels it's finished.' Charlie said.
'Yes, you can understand it. When I first started to see Harry, right after I got the potion for you and Harry, then everything else started happening and kept happening. He won't believe it until it completely stops. Do you think he'll keep putting the charm around you Ginny? Or all of us?' Baily asked.
'Probably, it's a wonder he hasn't already. But I suppose his been preoccupied since he woke up. When he first found out how long he was gone, he thought about that. About not being able to put the charm on us, then he was going on about something happening to me or any of us why he was gone. That's when he started to get angry.'
'I remember reading that article you wrote about Harry James. It was the saddest thing I've ever read. I had a hard time believe it at first. But I remember a few things I'd seen or heard from friends. So I can really understand why he won't believe his bad luck is gone, at least for a long time.' Susan said looking at Harry's father.
'Yes, Kingsley came up with the idea to do the story of what Harry had been through in his life, when Harry decided to turn himself over to the Wizengamot for killing that woman. All of us tried to talk him out of it, but he just kept saying he wanted to be treated like everyone else. But he's never been like everyone else, he's always been different and special. That's why so many turned up to support him. The atrium was filled to capacity with people, some he knew, some he'd never met.'
'And when he was sentence to 10 years, I thought I was dying right there. I couldn't breathe, it's still hard remembering that I might not have seen him for that long. Kingsley was holding me up, because my legs just gave out.'
'Luckily, when Kingsley said that everyone was going to stop everything, stop teaching, stop enforcing the law, completely go on strike, they knew they had no choice but to release Harry. He still thought he should have been punished for what he did and he really got depressed for a long time, but Harry and Ginny helped him. That was the first time we'd seen them do it. Ginny felt what they were doing, it made all the difference and helped him accept it. Took a while though, not until he was in Australia with Ginny did he really come to terms with everything.' James explained.
'Yes, when we were there, he was quiet at first. But after a while he really started to come back. He told me that he finally realised why everyone turned up to support him and why he got off. That everyone thought he'd suffered enough and he'd already served his time in a way.' Ginny smiled sadly.
'He really has had a hard life, hasn't he? Like I said before, I've heard and read things but just being here for the short amount of time I have. I've heard so much more and I can't believe he actually survived. I don't think I could have survived half of what he went through.' Susan said as tears fell from her eyes and Liam put his arms around her.
'No, none of us could have, we might have known Harry for a long time, but none of us really know everything he's ever been through. He'll tell us things when he gets reminded of something. But he's never really gone into full detail.' Hermione smiled sadly.
'Details about what Hermione?' Harry said as he walked out with Brian and Ron and all three sat down.
'Nothing Harry, we've just been talking. So you feeling better, or still got a lot of energy?' Hermione said trying to change the subject.
'Not going to work Hermione, remember I can hear your thoughts. I've never really gone into details about some of the things I've gone through. No, I suppose I haven't, I don't really like to think about it all, or I try not to, if I can help it. You and Ron have known me the longest Hermione, but I know I've never told you everything, it's just something I can't do. I hope you understand that, because some things I never want to talk about, ever.'
'I do understand Harry, I really do,' Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek.
'But there's one thing that's on your mind, that's been on your mind for years, hasn't there?' Harry smiled at his friend.
'Well, yes, but it's alright Harry. You've never wanted to talk about that night.'
'No, I haven't, but what you're thinking about is something I can answer. Yes, he was going to hit me with the killing curse again, that's when our wands connected and yes he hit me with the cruciatus curse and I was already in pain from when he touched my scar. I think that hurt worse than the curse and that was right after Pettigrew cut my arm open to use my blood to restore his body. I was pinned to his father's tombstone at the time and I couldn't move, and for a fourteen year old, now that's something I don't wish on anyone, I was so bloody scared he was going to kill me right then. So now, can we drop it?' Harry said as he stood up and walked into the studio.
'I remember Dumbledore telling Harry about when their wands connected that night. Harry did the disarming charm, Voldemort did the killing curse. He tried so many times to kill Harry it's no wonder he doesn't like to talk about it all.' Sirius said looking around.
Everyone heard Harry's guitar and knew he was playing hard but the sound of it. Usually when he was upset or angry he would do that. So they all got up and walked into the studio and saw him playing. His hands moving so fast then he looked up and saw everyone.
'I'm fine, you can stop worrying now. I just don't like to think about certain things.'
'We know Harry,' Ginny said as she walked towards him. 'We've always known.' she leaned in and kissed him tenderly.
'I know love, and I'm sorry everyone. It's just, I don't know, I feel really strange at the moment, emotional and I can't work out why.' Harry turned away from everyone so they wouldn't see his face as tears started to fall down his face.
Ginny turned and jerked her head to everyone so they'd leave and waited until they did. Then she stood in front of him and help his face.
'It's alright Harry, that's all behind you now. The curse is gone, and we can finally have some peace.' Ginny wiped the tears from his face, then kissed him tenderly.
'I know love, it's not just that. When I was in the room, after we finished. I just kept getting these feelings of the pain of everything I'd been through kept invading my mind and I couldn't work out why. I was stress free, not angry anymore, but something just didn't feel right, and I just kept thinking, if only I could heal the pain of it all from my heart and my mind. So just now, while I was playing I kept thinking it, hoping one day it would finally stop.'
'It will Harry, it hasn't been that long when you think about it.' Ginny said as she felt Harry sway slightly under her hands. 'Harry, you okay, you look a little pale.'
'I don't know Gin, I feel strange,' Harry said then collapsed onto the floor.
'Baily,' Ginny shouted as she sat down next to Harry and everyone ran in.
'What happened Ginny?' Baily said as he ran in and instantly started waving his wand over Harry's body.
'I don't know, he said he kept thinking if only he could heal the pain in his heart and head, and I noticed he was pale and he swayed, then he said he felt strange right before he collapsed.' Ginny said as tears flowed down her face.
'What's wrong with him Baily?' Charlie asked as he stood behind Ginny.
'It's like he's healed someone. Completely drained of magic and strength, but that's all I can find that's wrong.'
'So he was talking about healing the pain inside him and now he's drained like he always gets after he's healed. You don't think he has, do you?' James asked.
'I don't know James, but we need to get him up into bed until he wakes up again.'
'Baily, I feel him, he feels peaceful, healthy. The pain I've always felt in him, it's gone.' Ginny touched his face. 'I can hear him, he said he feels great and will be awake very soon.'
'Why don't we put him on the couch in the sitting room then, see how long this might be. We can all eat until he wakes.' James suggested.
'Good idea James,' Charlie said and bent over and picked Harry up and carried him out into the sitting room and lay him on the couch. 'Come on Ginny, we don't know how long he'll be out for. Baily can check on him again as soon as he's finished eating.'
'Yeah, alright Charlie,' Ginny leaned over and kissed Harry tenderly, then walked into the kitchen with everyone else and they all started eating.
Ron saw Hermione glance at him a few times and thought he should just do it. 'I might be able to handle Harry a little easier, but he's still go a lot of energy at the moment. So who's next with him, when he wakes up?' Ron said and he looked at Hermione after he said this and she leaned over and kissed him fiercely.
'See Hermione, I told you Harry would get him talking eventually. There's just something about him that makes it easier to talk about.' Charlie grinned at her. 'So Ron, since you're talking, how was it three ways properly this time, since we couldn't when we were in there with Harry.'
'Harry's just so inventive, and like we all know, good at everything he does. But we did alright, didn't we Brian?'
'Yeah, we sure did. Harry would just move us around or himself and just kept going. But he's not going quite so hard anymore. Do you think that he's getting enough now Baily, that's why he's taking it a bit easier?'
'Probably, with amount of energy he would have built up over the last five months, normally it would take a couple of days to wear down. But Harry's power makes everything go faster, just like his healing. So if any of us want to go again in the next day or so, we should be able to handle him.'
'Now that's good to know,' Harry said as he walked over, with a huge smile on his face as Ginny and Charlie got up and hugged him. 'I'm fine, feel really good at the moment.' The three of them walked over and sat down, Ginny kept one hand and Charlie the other.
'What happened Harry?' James asked.
'Well, I kept getting these strange feelings. When the three of us were in the room, I felt all the pain from everything I'd ever been through and kept thinking if I could just heal the pain in my heart once and for all, I might really start to have a good life. It got stronger when I went into the studio, and that's all I could think about. Heal my heart and mind, and I felt myself going. Then I woke up over there, feeling really refreshed and the pains gone, all of it. So Baily, what was I like when you check me?'
'Like you've been healing someone, all the strength and magic was gone, but that's it. You were perfectly healthy, and from what you just said, I'd say you did heal your heart and mind Harry, just look at you right now.'
'What do you mean?' Harry said looking around at everyone.
'We can all see it Harry, you really look peaceful, happy and healthy. That's the only way to describe it.' Charlie smiled at him.
'But I can't heal myself, and I didn't have the wand.'
'Maybe now you can, it might have been the jinx that caused the problem with your eyes when you tried to heal them.' James said looking at his son.
'I wish I could find out, maybe not on myself, but if I could heal like that, without the wand. I could do it anywhere and how long was I out for?'
'Ten minutes and you're not even weak this time.' Baily smiled at him. He thought really hard and hoped Harry could read him, then he smiled.
'I want to talk to Baily for a minute.' Harry said and they both got up and walked into the library, once the door was closed, 'Really Baily?'
'Yes Harry, really. So you want to try?'
'Alright, and I'm sorry for going so hard. You out of all of them I thought could handle it. Alright, let me concentrate.' Harry closed his eyes thinking of how sore Baily was and he couldn't help grinning.
'Harry, I know what you thinking, so just stop it and see if you can heal me.' Baily smiled.
'Alright, sorry,' Harry concentrated again, then felt it, a strong feeling of being healthy. He opened his eyes and saw Baily smile and nod. 'So it work and I'm still standing.'
'Yes you are, but how are you feeling, weak at all?'
'No, not one bit. Wow, this is great, at least now I know I don't have to get the wand all the time, or I'm going to end up unconscious.'
'That still might happen Harry. You did pass out after you healed your heart and mind. That would have taken a lot of power and energy, but you were only out for ten minutes. With me, it was just basically very sore and uncomfortable. So you wouldn't have needed a lot of power to do it.'
'Yeah, I get that. What about John, is he really that sore? I could do him too, that way you and him can make love again.'
'Yes, he is Harry, and I would really appreciate it you would.'
'Anything for you Baily, I'll call him in, "John, can you come in here for a moment?" He should be right in, unless he thinks I want to go again.' Harry laughed as John opened the door, looking a little wary. 'It's fine John.' Harry laughed again. 'Now just hold still for a moment.' Harry closed his eyes for a few seconds and felt it, then opened his eyes and saw John looking stunned. 'Feel better?'
'Yeah, I do. Thanks Harry, but no more going so damn hard.'
'I won't, I think it's finally easing back to normal. Hey Baily, if this jinx is really gone and I did heal my heart. How long do you think I'll keep going for now?'
'Hard to say Harry, but if I were to guess, just from looking at you, I would say no longer than a year, maybe sooner.'
'What about Charlie then, he was easing until I disappeared. Do you think he will last as long as me, or still finish before me?'
'I think he'll still finished before you Harry.' Baily said wondering how Harry would cope with that.
'Yeah, figured, well, if that happens, is it still alright if I come back with you two, until it finishes.'
'Of course Harry as long as you don't go so bloody hard next time.' Baily said but smiled.
'I promise, I'll take it easy. Let's get back out. Oh you know what I might do, I might listen to Charlie, Ron, Brian and Patrick. See if they are really sore, and I'll just concentrate at the table. They won't know until it's done.' Harry grinned as they three men walked out to join the others and Harry had all the other men smiling in relief and the woman confused until it was Ron that explained it. He'd finally started to open up and talk about it with Hermione and everyone else. So they all enjoyed a great night with friends and family.
Over the next month everyone saw the difference in Harry. He was always happy, never got down or angry once and he was really enjoying everything about his life. He finished the N.E.W.T.'s examinations for the students of Hogwarts in defence again the dark arts. He'd spoke with the other examiners about Susan and knew what her results would be when she received them but decided not to tell her anything and just let her see for herself. Harry and Ginny celebrated their four anniversary, with a huge party with all their friends and family beside them. Harry had finally forgiven Minerva and she couldn't stop crying into Harry's arms for a long time. He'd even started to speak with Dumbledore again, though he still hadn't forgiven him for putting all his friends and family through that, but he did understand why. Harry would never have allowed himself to be away from Ginny or anyone else for that long and he would have kept putting his charm around them all , and probably exhausted himself to the point he would have ended up in St Mungo's with a damaged mind.
Brian, Susan and Liam had all moved in to one of Harry's houses and had started planning their wedding. They were going to hold it at Harry and Ginny's place as they thought since that's where they fell in love, that's where they wanted it to be. But they both wanted a white winter wedding but then go someplace warm for the honeymoon, so Harry had told them to go to the house in Australian for as long as they wanted, as long as it wasn't longer than a month as they had more concerts coming up and Susan would need to get back into training as a healer with Baily.
Three months later, Patrick, Draco, George, Seamus, James, Sirius, Karen, and Katie had finally stopped, where Ginny and Lily were easing. But Ron, Brian, Charlie and Harry were still going, so the four of them got together quite often. Harry and Charlie still had their private times together when they needed it to be just them two because Charlie told Harry he could feel it easing, so they both wanted to be alone a lot until it happened. Harry knew he'd miss Charlie, but he's always have him as a friend and a very good friend forever, just like Ron.
Harry was sitting at the table eating his breakfast when Ron stepped out of the fire. 'Hey Ron, what brings you to the Potter house this morning?'
'I think it stopping Harry, I understand what everyone was saying. You can really feel it.'
'Yeah, they said you can. So is that all you wanted to tell me, or was there something else?' Harry grinned knowing the answer already.
'Do I really need to say it Harry. You would have known what I was thinking the moment you looked at me, so just stop it and get in there.' Ron smiled.
'Now you're getting bossy, why is it with all of you men wanting to boss me around all of a sudden?' Harry smiled but didn't get up.
'Because we've been letting you tell us what to do for years, now it's our turn. So move your arse Potter, I'm going to shag it good.' Ron said and he took Harry's hand and led him up the stairs to the spare room.
When both men were panting heavily having just finished a couple of hours of sex, Ron turned to Harry, 'Man this feels good Harry and it really is easing.'
Harry leaned up on his elbow looking down at Ron. 'So, how many more times do you think Ron?'
'Two maybe, it's still there, but only just and I know what you meant the first time we were together. We will be just normal friends after this. I can feel that too, I didn't believe it until now.'
'Yeah, I know you were worried about that Ron, but like I said, it doesn't work that way, we just all go back to the way we were the moment it finishes. Sometimes it might get mentioned, but usually it doesn't. Liam only talks about it because we all do. Look at dad and Sirius, this is the second time it's happened to them and there still just good friends. Remember I told you I did a lot of research on it, everything just goes back to the way it was.'
'I get that now Harry and I'm really happy about that. We've been friends for so long, I really don't want anything to spoil that. Now I know it won't.'
'No, it won't. I'm been meaning to ask you Ron. Did you ever go into details with Hermione about all this?'
'Yeah,' Ron smiled sheepishly. 'We basically did the same thing you told me you and Ginny did. We were in bed, and she wanted to know some things. I started slowly at first, editing a bit. But she really wanted to know and it turned her on Harry, it really did. You know, this whole wanting experience had made talking about things like this easier. Hermione and I talk a lot more about things, we never use to do that, probably because of me though more than her.'
'Yeah, you were always a little uptight about sex Ron. But it's good to talk to your wife about everything. Ginny and I did from day one. Telling each other everything, from likes to dislikes, not many dislikes though.' Harry laughed.
'So how long do you think it will still go on for?' Ron asked hesitantly.
'A little while yet, it's still there and from what Albus and Baily said, it's all down to my life and because I don't want to start believing nothing is going to happen, so I'm still slightly stressed over it. I'm hoping no more than a few months though. Even though I know this has basically saved me the last year and a half, and was necessary. I'll be glad to go back to a normal relationship with Ginny and with all of you as well.'
'What about Charlie, how long do you think he'll still be going for?' Ron asked worried that Harry might still be a bit upset about Charlie finishing before him.
'Not long, maybe a little longer than you. I'd say about four, maybe five more times, depending how many times we do it. Since the needs not as strong, we don't seem to do it as often, or I think he would have finished by now.'
'I get that Harry, that's why I haven't been here in four days. Maybe Charlie might be dragging out a bit, so you can finish together.'
'Maybe, I'd like to, but if he finishes, then he does. I'll just see Baily and John if that happens.'
'What are you going to do with these rooms once it's all over? Since you turned the other rooms back into another sitting room.'
'Redo them, strip them clean, repaint, carpet the works. Then wait until we have kids and turn them into nurseries.'
'But you're still going to wait on that, aren't you Harry, even though nothing has happened to anyone in six month.'
'Yeah I know Ron. I just want to make sure, Ginny understands though. After everything that's happened just since the battle she wants to be sure as well. So we're going to give it at least another year. What about you and Hermione, have you both talked about when you want to start a family?' Harry smiled down at him already knowing the answer.
Ron grinned shaking his head at Harry. 'Why do you do that when you know the answer already? Yeah, just like you, we wanted to wait and make sure. Hermione never wanted to mention it to you, but she use to think of something happening to our kids as well just because everyone knows we were with you when we were looking for the horcruxes and because we've been friends for so long.'
'Yeah I know, it's made it hard on everyone. But I'm finally starting to believe that the jinx is gone and no more bad luck, but I still want to wait. Nothing bad or dangerous has happened to any one of us now for a while, so it's finally sinking in that we can have a happy and safe life.'
'Yes, we can Harry, all of us can. Anyway, I should get back to the shop.' Ron leaned up kissed Harry fiercely and deeply then got up and dressed while Harry just stayed where he was. 'You're not getting up Harry?' he asked when he finished dressing.
'I will in a moment, the boys will be here to rehearse soon and I'm just enjoying this feeling, safe, peaceful. It's the first time in, well forever I've felt like this and I don't want it to stop.' Harry smiled.
'I get you there mate,' Ron sat beside him and kissed him again. 'Enjoy it Harry, you deserve to be happy. I've got to go, see you, probably in a day or two.' Ron kissed him again and walked out of the room.
Harry lay there thinking over the last year, and of everything that had taken place before that year, he wanted desperately for it to be safe for him and everyone around him but he just couldn't quite let that last bit of denial go. He kept thinking he shouldn't have lied to Ron, or anyone, but he knew this wasn't going to ease any time soon and he didn't want anyone to feel guilty that their all ending before him, and he kept worrying about if what he found out might happen to him if he did keep going for too long. He slowly got up and dressed, went and had a shower before the band turned up to rehearse some new songs, because right after Liam and Susan's wedding next week then their honeymoon, concerts began again.
He walked back downstairs and saw the band and their partners all sitting at the table eating. 'Morning all,' Harry said as he sat down. He got mornings from all and still a kiss from Brian, as well as Susan, and Karen.
'Harry, I wanted to tell you that I've met this nice girl and wanted to bring her for the wedding. But you'll have to let her through the wards.' Brian said looking at him.
'No I won't Brian, since everything has settle down and everyone telling me that the jinx is gone, I changed my wards. If you're allowed in, you can bring someone through with you now. But still be careful with who you bring through though, all of you. I'm still not convinced it's all stopped yet.'
'I don't think you'll ever be convinced Harry, not even ten years from now with nothing happening. But we all do understand that mate,' Baily said smiling at him.
'Yeah, I know you all do, and Baily, you've seen more than most what's happened to all of us. So you know why I'm not ready to believe it. I am starting to, that's why I'm easing as well, even if it's slow.'
'So how long do you think Harry?' Baily asked as he studied Harry.
'Two, maybe three months, like I was saying to Ron earlier, if I was doing it more, probably quicker, but with Ron almost finished, this was the first time in four days since I've seen him. He thinks twice more and he's finished. Charlie I've only had once all week, and he thinks it's only a couple more times. Brian's the same, twice in the last week. So because it's not happening as often, I've still got a little bit more to go.'
'Well, you know were here for you as soon as they do Harry, but you know you don't have to wait if you want to go more, get it over faster.' John said.
'Yeah, I know and I appreciate that, but I'll wait until these three finish, then I will.' Harry smiled at everyone, and saw how happy and relaxed everyone way and thought he needed to keep this from them, so they could stay happy and not worry about him, 'So Liam, Susan getting nervous, one week left.'
'A little, but I still can't wait to marry Susan.' Liam grinned at his fiancé and she smiled back.
'I'm actually not nervous at all. Maybe that might change when it gets a little closer.'
'I just want to have my assistant healer back, first you needed time to plan and get everything organised for the wedding, now I have to wait a month for your honeymoon to be over.' Baily said trying to look stern but he couldn't hold it and smiled at the happy couple.
'I know Baily and you've been very patient, that's why I love you. But the moment the honeymoon's over, I'm all yours.' Susan grinned.
'Morning all,' Sirius said as he stepped into the kitchen with Nicky.
'Wow Nicky, you look like you're ready to drop any time.' John said looking at her huge stomach.
'I feel like that to, oh and does my back hurt.' she said as she sat down slowly.
'Well, I'll just finished eating and see how you're going Nicky. But you are due in two weeks, so you just might have to wait a little longer until you're back's okay again.' Baily smiled.
'It's getting so hard to wait. I'm going to be a father,' Sirius said as he grinned at everyone.
'Yes you are Sirius,' Harry said laughing, 'and you'll make a great one. I meant to tell you, I went through some of my memories from when I was a baby. Saw how you were with me, you spoiled me rotten. Never let mum or dad say no to me and you never put me down and kept buying me things.'
'You just used to be so lovable Harry, and so cute, with all that black messy hair that was always sticking up.'
'What do you mean use to be?' Harry said and everyone broke up. 'Aren't I still cute and lovable?'
'You are to me my love.' Ginny said as she sat on Harry's lap and started kissing him fiercely, letting him know exactly what she wanted.
'I'd say rehearsals are out for a while by the looks of it.' Patrick grinned and watched as Harry picked Ginny up and carried her back upstairs.
'Definitely have to wait for a while.' John said smiling around at everyone.
'Well, let's get you upstairs and check you over Nicky, see how you're doing.' Baily said as he stood up with Sirius and Nicky and they made their way upstairs and into the spare room. 'Alright Nicky lay down.'
Nicky lay down on the bed and let Baily check her over, 'Do I have to put up with this back ache until she's born Baily.'
As Baily stood up after checking Nicky over, he looked at Nicky and Sirius. 'hat might not be as long as you thought Nicky, you're in labour right now.'
'What, but it's early Baily.' Sirius said looking panicked.
'It's not that early Sirius, so calm down. You've got a while to go though Nicky and I wouldn't suggest using the floo or apparatng right now.'
'How long do you think Baily?' Nicky asked.
'After checking you, I'd say by the afternoon sometime you should be a mother. That's what the back aches are, some woman will get the first contractions as back aches. But you've only just started to dilate, so it's still going to be a while. Walking around sometimes helps, as long as you don't push it. Now the moment you feel the pressure let me know straight away. I'll check again in an hour to see how far you've dilated then, I'll be able to tell you more precisely.'
'Today, we're going to be parents, we'll have our little girl babe.' Sirius grinned.
'You still haven't told anyone what sex the baby is?'
'No, we wanted to let them see for themselves. Sirius put a charm around the nursery so no one would know. Luckily Harry never tried to look properly, he would have gotten through and knew straight away.' Nicky grinned as Sirius helped her stand up.
'Yes, he would have. Come on, I'll help you back downstairs with Sirius. Take it nice and slow Nicky and it might be an idea if we set the other sitting room up for you so you don't have to keep climbing the stairs.' Baily said as the three of them walked back downstairs.
'Good idea.' Nicky said panting as they made it back into the kitchen and they both helped her sit down.
'Checkup go alright?' John asked.
'You could say that John,' Sirius grinned. 'Nicky's in labour.'
Everyone got excited and couldn't stop congratulating both Sirius and Nicky. They knew they weren't going to get any rehearsals done today.
'Do you realise how distracting your thoughts are while I'm making love to my wife,' Harry said and he and Ginny walked back downstairs and then saw everyone looking excited and happy. 'What's going on?'
'Nicky's in labour Harry.' Sirius smiled and hugged him.
'What, how long?' Ginny asked excitedly.
'This afternoon sometime, too early to tell yet,' Baily said as he watched Harry hug his godfather then Nicky and saw the small sad smile he tried to hide from everyone.
'So in a few hours, you're going to be a daddy Sirius.' Harry smiled at him, then looked at Nicky, 'and you a mummy. Now I know why you were all excited before. So this time I can forgive you all.'
For the next couple of hours everyone watched Nicky, never taking their eyes off her once. Baily checked her a few more times and said it was getting close.
'Aaahhhh, oh, Baily,' Nicky groaned, 'The pressure, it hurts.'
'Okay, it's time, let's get her into the room Sirius.' Baily said and they both help Nicky up and walked her up the hall and into the other sitting room, which Sirius had conjured a bed. They helped her lay down and got her ready. Baily check her again, 'It's definitely time, Nicky. On the next contraction, start pushing.'
Everyone out in the other room were all pacing and watching up the hallway. Harry had let James and Katie know and they were pacing along with everyone else. For the next few hours, they all heard Nicky scream as she went through labour.
'I hope you're not going to be like that sweetheart, that's going to kill me hearing you go through that.' Harry said looking a little worried.
'Every woman's different my love, but it's all worth it in the end,' Ginny said caressing his face.
'I know but still.' Harry and started pacing again then they all spotted Baily walk out.
'James, Harry, Sirius wants you to go in.' he smiled at the both of them.
'Come on son, let's go see your godfather.' James said putting a hand on Harry's shoulder and they both walked up the hall and into the other room. 'Sirius, Nicky,' James said as they walked in.
'Meet Nicole, your goddaughter James.' Sirius said as he placed the baby girl into James arms, then Harry hugged him.
'Congratulations dad,' Harry kissed him, then leant down and kissed Nicky, 'congratulations mum.' Harry grinned at her.
Sirius had seen the look on Harry's face when he said goddaughter to James. 'You knew, didn't you Harry?' Sirius asked him.
'Yes, I knew Sirius, very hard not to when you and Nicky kept thinking about your daughter all the time. I tried to block it so I don't kept hearing everyone's thoughts, but you two, it was just coming through so strong.' Harry laughed.
'Thanks for not saying anything Harry.' Nicky said quietly.
'I wouldn't do that Nicky, i knew you both wanted to let everyone see for themselves. I didn't even tell Ginny.'
'That must have been hard, trying to keep her from feeling that from you.'
'It was, she even asked me once if I would prefer a daughter first?' he laughed. 'I had to try and block those feeling after that.'
'Here, why don't you take her out and show everyone Harry.' James said placing the baby girl into his son's arm.
'You sure you don't want to do that dad, she is your goddaughter.'
'No, you go son.' James smiled.
'Okay, well, one good thing, she looks like Nicky at least.' Harry said then laughed softly at the look on Sirius's face.
'Go before I take my daughter back Harry.' Sirius said but couldn't help laughing.
Harry walked out of the room and back to join everyone with the baby girl in his arms and placed her in his wife's arms.
'Is that why you were thinking about a daughter Harry, you knew what they were having?' Ginny asked looking down at the baby.
'Yeah, but I knew they didn't want anyone to know until she was here.' Harry grinned. 'Sorry I never told you love.'
'I understand, oh she's beautiful and she looks like Nicky.'
'Did they tell you what her name is Harry?' Karen asked looking down at the baby girl.
'Yeah, Nicole, they named dad godfather, which is hardly surprising.' Harry said as he watching his wife holding the baby and couldn't stop the feel on sadness that crept through him.
Baily was watching everyone looking at the baby, but saw the look on Harry's face and wished he would just accept that everything was safe now and just have the kids he always wanted. But he'd learned long ago, when Harry made up his mind, he wouldn't change it for anything. He was just so stubborn, but he also noticed another look on Harry's face and decided to keep an eye on him.
'What's going on?' Lily asked as she walked in with Hayden and Holly.
'Nicky had the baby mum, come look.' Harry said smiling and he took his brother and sister from his mother and Ginny placed the baby in her arms.
'Oh she's gorgeous, how's Nicky?'
'She's fine Lily, sore but fine.' Baily smiled.
'Dad's up there with them now. They named him godfather.'
'I knew Sirius would, he always said if he had a child, he would names James as the godfather. Though he never thought it would happen.'
'I take it Nicky had the baby?' Charlie said as he walked in and saw Lily holding the little baby girl.
'Yeah she did Charlie.' James said as he walked out to join everyone. 'Harry Nicky's asleep, Sirius thought he'd just leave her there if that's alright?'
'Yeah, no problem dad,' Harry watched his mother as she held the baby and saw Charlie watching her as well, and he just couldn't help himself. 'You're not, are you?' Harry said looking at his mother, then Charlie.
'I knew we couldn't keep him in the dark forever honey.' Charlie said grinning.
'What are you on about Harry?' Patrick asked.
'Mum's pregnant, again.' Harry said then looked at Baily and saw his face. 'You knew Baily?'
'Yes I knew and I tell you, it's hard trying to control my thoughts around you Harry.'
'Why didn't you say something?' Harry asked looking completely shocked.
'We wanted to wait until after Liam and Susan's wedding and Nicky to have the baby.' Lily smiled at her son.
'So Harry, you going to be brother to my children,' Charlie said grinning.
'My stress level just went way up. You better be here next time Charlie, I don't want to have to deliver them.' Harry said shaking his head.
James and Katie looked at each other and nodded. 'Ah Harry, we've got something to tell you as well.'
Harry turned and faced his father and his new wife. 'Oh, you kidding, what's with all of you getting pregnant, hang on,' Harry looked back at Charlie and his mother. 'One or two?' Charlie and Lily grinned at each other, but didn't say anything as they knew Harry would hear their thoughts, 'Triplets, bloody hell.' Harry said and he sat down heavily, then looked at his father and Katie. 'What about you?' Harry concentrated, 'Twins, again. So there's Harry, Ginny, Hayden, Holly, then three more, plus another two. Nine, nine,' Harry sat there completely shocked staring at everyone then they all started congratulating everyone else.
'Are you alright sweetheart, you're white as a ghost,' Ginny asked sitting down next to him.
'No, I don't know. Nine, is there something in the water around here love? "Gin, do you think their all trying to show me that it's safe now, they might have wanted kids anyway, I don't know, I think I'm just losing my mind." Ginny sent all her love to Harry as she watched him looking at his parents and their new partners knowing he was going to be part of a very large family very soon. Something he always wanted but never dreamed he would get
