Chapter 15: Back to Privet Drive

Chapter 15

Back to Privet Drive

As everyone left the table and headed to the drawing-room to relax for the evening, George took Hailee's hand and directed her upstairs. She knew that he wanted to talk to her, if for no other reason than to find out what she had heard during his conversation with Fred, right after she woke up. Hailee had expected this since right after Percy's funeral.

Ron and Fred went to the drawing-room. Ron was challenging Fred to wizards chess and Fred was accepting the challenge. Remus had gone to see Tonks.

Mr and Mrs Weasley headed up to their room, giggling like school children, stopping to kiss more passionately than their children wanted to see. Parents do not kiss.

Hailee entered her room followed by George. As he closed the door he reached for Hailee. He pulled her close. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "So I was wondering how long were you awake that day?" He blushed.

Hailee wondered if she should be truthful or lie to make him more comfortable. She thought that if they were going to have a real relationship, she should be honest. She thought that she could make him more comfortable in other ways. "I heard everything. Are you sure that is how you feel? " She asked.

"Well I know all of this is so fast Hailee, but I can't help but feel what I do. Yes, there isn't a doubt in my mind I do love you."

"Oh George, I thought that I was insane, I love you too! How did this happen? Is it normal?" She admitted.

"Hailee I don't know if it is normal but do you think that we are normal?" he chuckled.

He leaned in a gave her a sweet kiss. After a few minutes ..."I better head off to my room. We don't want to get carried away here."

She smiled. He was so important. She only hoped that they would survive the war to come so that they could find out for sure where their life meant for them to go.

"I'll see you in the morning." She hugged him and kissed his cheek.

He left. She showered and got ready for bed. Her mind reeled, everything was changing so fast and she was still very tired. Since she had arrived it had been one thing after another. Was this more than she could handle? How was she going to handle things when it got crazy?

Harry took Ginny onto the three-season porch that was at the back of the house. They sat there looking out into the night cuddled into each other's arms. Ginny was breathing a bit hard. Harry thought she might be crying, but when she lifted her head her eyes were not red or swollen. They were as beautiful as Harry could ever remember them being. She reached for him, running her fingers through the back of his hair she brought his face close enough to hers that she kissed him. Harry couldn't remember love flow through his body like this before.

"Harry are you sure that you want to go back to that awful place? " Ginny asked.

"Want to? Well no, I never want to go back, but I need to. Aunt Petunia changed this summer. She has a right to meet Hailee. Hailee has a right to meet her. She never knew our parents she was taken from them right after birth. Other than me she is the only blood family that Hailee has left. " Harry explained.

"I just wanted to ask Harry, really I am not questioning your decision. I just worry about you. I have an idea of how awful it was for you there. I love you and I want you to be happy." Ginny sighed.

"We will be fine. Dumbledore will be there. Besides that with you as the love of my life how can I be anything but happy" Harry comforted.

They sat there for a while longer. Ginny yawned. Harry followed suit.

"I think we better head off to bed. I'll walk you to your room." Harry said.

Ginny took his hand and let him lead her towards her room. When they reached the stairs they stopped and turn and headed to the drawing-room. Fred was busy getting thumped by Ron in wizards chess "We just wanted to say good night ." Harry said

He noticed that his sister wasn't there nor was George. "SNOGGING MY SISTER," he thought getting a little miffed over it. This brother stuff isn't easy.

As if she read his mind. Ginny whispered, "And you were snogging his sister."

Harry laughed.

Ron and Fred mumbled without looking up at them "G'nite"

They turned and headed upstairs. At Ginny's door, Harry turned to her and took her properly into his arms and kissed her directly. She hugged him and turned to enter her room. Harry watched her until she gently closed the door. He went off to bed.

It was quiet at breakfast the next day. The jubilation from the day before had taken its toll on everyone. Hailee was nervous and ate very little. She excused herself and went back to her room to lay down. She still didn't feel quite right. There was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in." She called expecting George.

"Miss Potter, I wondered if I might have a quick word with you?" asked Dumbledore.

"Certainly Professor." Said Hailee, sitting up.

I was wondering how you were feeling? That was an extraordinary bit of magic you performed with Mrs Weasley. Have you been doing magic like that long?" Questioned Dumbledore.

"Well, I don't know. I had a hard time as a child I had to force myself to heal some of the injuries I sustained during 'training'. So yes I guess I have done it for some time." Answered Hailee.

"Do you mean that in situations of stress you can force yourself to do magic at will?"

"Sort of I guess. " Hailee replied. Hailee didn't know how she did some of the things she did she was just able when the time came.

"Ah yes, well, thank you, Miss Potter. I'm going to have to keep notes on you."Dumbledore made the jest.

"Shall we head off then?" Dumbledore asked.

Dumbledore apparated to Arabella Figg's house. He arrived with a pop just as Hailee and Harry stepped out of her fireplace.

"O'Hello, Albus, It is so good to see you. And Harry dear boy how are you? Ahhhh and this must be young Hailee. She so looks like Lily." Arabella stared at Hailee with tears in her eyes. "Welcome back dear girl welcome back. Now then a spot of tea perhaps?"

"Not today, Arabella Dear, we have business with the Dursleys that we must tend to but thank you for your generous offer." Said Dumbledore.

With that, the trio made their way to the door, and for the first time, Hailee Potter stepped out onto Privet Drive where Harry had grown up. It was a nice clean neighbourhood. Everyone had a well-manicured lawn. Nice houses on every lot. They walk a short way up the street to number 4. Harry took a deep breath. Hailee leaned forward to him and whispered, "It's ok. I'm with you."

Harry lifted his head and threw back his shoulders and marched to the door. Hailee noticed a nice car in the driveway. Harry knew that Uncle Vernon was inside. His car was in the drive.

Harry knocked then opened the door. They were greeted by Uncle Vernon, who rounded the corner looking all red-faced. He was shaking. "HOW DARE YOU DARKEN THIS DOOR!" He roared at Harry.

"I wouldn't move a step closer Vernon," Dumbledore said with authority.

Vernon looked into the face of the greatest wizard to ever live and he backed away. Aunt Petunia entered from the kitchen. She looked at Harry and smiled. "Please come in and have a seat." Aunt Petunia walked by Uncle Vernon as if he wasn't there. Dumbledore followed her, then Harry and then Hailee. Before they could take a seat, Aunt Petunia turned around to address Dumbledore but she stopped and gasped.

"Oh MY HEAVENS, Lily is that you? No, you can't be I am I seeing a ghost.." Aunt Petunia started to swoon, but Uncle Vernon, who wasn't looking much better, grabbed her.

Harry looked at Hailee who in turn looked to Dumbledore. He nodded at her. Hailee slowly and quietly began to recount the details of her birth and life since. After about a half-hour, Hailee finally stopped talking.

Aunt Petunia was the first to speak. "My dear, girl I never knew that you were born. This spell? How could this man take Lily's daughter? " Aunt Petunia stopped rambling.

"Petunia I am afraid that no one knows why. We can speculate but the answers will never be known for sure. He died years and years ago, right after taking Hailee." Dumbledore told her. " Now I want to discuss the living arrangements for Harry and Hailee."

"I WILL NOT BE TAKING ANOTHER ONE OF YOU WEIRDOS INTO MY HOME!" Bellowed Uncle Vernon.

"Vernon this is my family. They are..." Began Aunt Petunia.

"SHUT UP PETUNIA! I WILL NOT HAVE IT!" Vernon raged on further.

Hailee stood. Glaring at Uncle Vernon she said " Do not ever speak to my Aunt like that again. I warn you right now. I will either be your friend or not, you are nothing to me certainly no loss. I will do what I have to do defend my family. Trust me I would not live under your roof for anything anyway. I believe that I could buy you several times over, and can provide a home for myself!"

"Yes well, that said. Harry and Hailee will be moving from here for good. Hailee has the direct blood connection that you provided to Harry for so many years Petunia. He will be safe away from here now. There may be some dangers for you so I would like to enchant your house to be invisible to most magical people." Dumbledore informed.

"Good riddance to you all. " Vernon mumbled.

"Vernon I would suggest you take Miss Potter's warning she is a very very powerful witch and she is not afraid to show it." Chastised Dumbledore. "Petunia this I return to you " Dumbledore handed her the last will and testament of Lily.

"I think it is best if we leave now." Said Dumbledore.

"Aunt Petunia, if ever there is trouble and you need our help think hard about the name Merlin. He is a phoenix. He will get us to come and help you." Hailee told her Aunt.

Aunt Petunia rose from her seat. She took Hailee into her arms and hugged her. " I wish I had more time with you, my dear. Will you come and visit? Can I write to you and Harry somehow?"

"Well, we could send you an owl. Leave Harry's room window open she will find it." Hailee winked at Harry. She knew how Uncle Vernon felt about owls.

"Best be off." Said Dumbledore.

With that, they left number four Privet Drive. Harry hadn't said anything the whole visit. He was just glad it was all over. Now he turned his attention to the coming school year, after all, they had to get their school supplies in the next few days, then it would be off to Hogwarts. The thought of the magnificent castle made Harry smile.