HLN 18 No canon characters were damaged in the writing of this story. They remain the property of JKR, who allows us to play with them.
It was late Sunday afternoon. Harry knew Ginny was back from her spa weekend. Nanny had collected little James and his belongings and gone home. There would be the required dinner at her parents' home in about an hour. It had been a beautiful weekend and was still warm and gathered up an armload of white flowers – Carnations and Roses, this time – and stepped through the Floo to Ginny's flat. The elves would have cleared the vases of any wilting ones from last week.
Ginny had settled in a lounger on her terrace, with a tall glass of ice tea and her book. She had promised she would read the chapter today, and honestly, how hard could it be? It was only Introductions and Greetings! She could understand Harry having troubles with it, because he had never been raised properly. This was surely something she would be able to help him with! Her own session wasn't this week, so she had plenty of time.
Little Puff snuffed around the flower boxes, chased a leaf that skittered on the wind, and finally flopped in a sunny spot. Baby James was snoozing happily in a basket in a shady corner, and Daisy was in the kitchen planning what to fix this week. Ginny began to read, and to giggle. This book was funny! The imaginary extended family got into the most ridiculous situations, needing to introduce (or be introduced to) exotic friends and relatives that anyone decent would keep hidden! She giggled, she laughed, she shrieked! Baby James woke with a start and set up a wail. Puff leaped up wildly and began chasing around barking, looking for danger. Daisy popped to the terrace, waving a huge meat cleaver! At this point Harry came through the Floo.
Harry dropped the flowers in his dash through the open doors, pulling out both wands without even thinking. In a golden flash it was silent. Ginny, James, Puff and Daisy were floating in mid-air, each encased in a softly glowing bubble shield. Harry checked the entire terrace, looking for danger, gradually calming down as he found none! Ginny, on her knees in her bubble, waved at him to let her out. He did, carefully dropping her back on the lounger. Daisy, with a disgusted look at Ginny, popped her own bubble and vanished back to the kitchen. James and Puff each settled back to sleep, rocking in mid-air!
Hearing this described later, as everyone enjoyed their dessert, Arthur was highly amused! "I raised seven children. They and their friends ran though the house and gardens like hooligans for years! At no point did I even consider packing them in shields!"
George agreed, "I am surprised you didn't! We deserved it!" He turned to his sister, "If that book is THAT funny, we need to get copies for us all! I'll place the book order and we can pass them out at the next dinner. We can ALL have fun playing with manners! The little girls already love to play tea-party."
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Harry's days were extremely busy, which is the way he liked it. He had never been a person to sleep late, or go to bed early. In the early mornings he gardened, and warmed up with Kata. He had work every day, but his Mind Healer would not allow him to work in the evenings. Monday nights he had the Auxiliary Auror training. Every third Tuesday evening he had joint counseling with Ginny, and on the alternate weeks either he had private sessions or Ginny would if her Harpy schedule allowed. Wednesdays included monthly business meetings at the WWW, monthly sessions with his bookkeeper at Gringott's, a college class, and evening Karate sessions, usually with Ron. Thursday afternoons were spent with Teddy, including dinner. After dinner he usually had one of his college classes, still working toward that MBA. He took one night class at London City College, and one online. Fridays were usually business meetings all day, followed by a quiet dinner date with Ginny, but once or twice a month there were required Wizagamot meetings. Saturdays Teddy had games in the mornings, he spent the afternoon doing homework in the college Library or online, and usually had a small date with Ginny. Sundays were usually reserved for reading ahead in his various textbooks, with monthly family dinners. Add in attending most Harpy games, and all of Teddy's (his were on Saturday mornings, but Ginny's could be any date or time) and you can see Harry didn't sit around!
Harry insisted this was lots of fun, with lots of variety so he never got bored. His Mind Healer despaired, telling Harry he had to slow down! He did put his foot down on the Auror ride-along sessions, insisting Harry was only allowed to do one a month.
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Now that the children had gone back to the various schools, life in general also settled down. It was still a bit early for big dinner parties, though the women were certainly beginning to plan for them! Garden parties were still happening, so Harry and Ginny received several Invitations each week. Ginny was extremely busy with the Harpy schedule (for which Harry was very grateful) but she loved parties and Harry knew he was doomed to attend some so he was diligent to stay ahead on his own obligations. By now Ron was receiving quite a few himself, as Ginny's friends were playing Matchmaker. He escorted Ginny when they received Invitations to the same events, sparing Harry having to go more than about once a month. Knowing Ginny's love for being seen in fancy restaurants, the two men also took her out to eat. Ginny was happy that she was getting back into society, with her picture in the papers every week.
They kept baby James out of the spotlight, as was quite normal for Wizards. High society Wizard children were rarely seen outside of the family until they were ready for school and wands at 11. Younger children met only family and carefully chosen children of their parents' friends. For example, a girl of about 8 who had learned embroidery might be taken to her Mother's Sewing Circle, to form a beginners Circle with the other daughters. Reading, or Gardening Circles also existed.
These Circles could endure for their entire life, and had nothing to do with whether the girls actually liked each other. If the ladies were closely related, these circles were often synonymous with their Coven, to which the daughters would be inducted at suitable ages. Outsiders, even their husbands, never knew for sure who was in a Coven. It was rumored that the Harpies were one, but Ginny had never said. Their Managers thought it was a brilliant bit of advertising to keep people guessing.
Long ago this isolation had allowed for quiet Blood Adoptions as well as equally quiet abandonment of Squibs. Things were not quite that bad now that Arthur's Department was filing paperwork, but children still wound up in the various Homes. Arthur despaired, but attitudes were not going to change in a single generation. He was doing well to keep the unwanted children alive and in safe situations. He did, however, keep a 'classified' blacklist. Any family that abandoned any child to the Orphanages found it was extremely difficult to adopt another. This even applied to in-family adoptions of children from lesser lines being adopted into main-line families, which is not illegal. Now there were papers to file, including Birth Certificates. You might say this was your own child no one had seen before, but Arthur could prove otherwise.
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(Flashback time)
At Greengrass Manor, all was not well. Astoria, who had graduated Hogwarts and entered the social whirl, was disappointing her father.
"But, you have turned down every suitable man who has offered for your hand! Isn't there anyone you might consider? Should your Mother take you to Paris, or on a Continental Tour to introduce you to more men? Surely your sister's friends have younger brothers? We thought you were seriously interested in Draco? You've been seeing him regularly since you were in Hogwarts."
Tori chewed the side of her finger as she considered. "I think I'm bored with the whole society thing. We managed to stay Neutral and avoided Betrothing me to any of the DE sons, but there aren't many Light side men close to my own age that aren't already tied down. Draco and Theo are Healer-Apprentices, which is a very intense program so he doesn't have much time for dinners and Courting.
Most of the girls who aren't married, and even some who are, are doing volunteer work or taking classes. I finished my 'A' levels, so I think I'm interested in going to University. I'd be interested in becoming a Nurse, or maybe even a full Healer. Perhaps the reason I've stuck with Draco is that we have similar interests. He talks constantly about medicine, but I happen to find that very interesting."
"Really? Permission granted! Your Mother can help you apply to the Programs and you can start after Yule!"
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Padma and Parvatti were very busy girls. They were getting married, but all of those preparations were being handled by their mother, Ashanti. Their father had finally chosen suitable husbands for them. Not that they had no say in the mater! What he had done was to go back to their family in India, and have their Grandmothers choose several young men. They all had gone to India for the Summer, and had a series of dinner parties, getting to know the men and their families.
Each young man was considered as to how well he would fit in their family. Part of the Bride's family gift to their husbands would be taking them to England and sending them to University. When they graduated they would be taken into the family Import Tea business, or helped to find suitable apprenticeships. One of the young men was interested in mundane Medicine, but since he intended to return to India to set up practice, the girls decided he was not a good choice. They wanted to stay together – but NOT marry the same man. Neither did they want to marry the set of twins their grandmother had found. The boys were cute, but had been raised inseparable. Padma and Parvati had not liked being sorted in separate Houses at Hogwarts, but had found it allowed them to stretch their own talents and develop separate sets of friends. They were twins, but individuals. Finally, Parvati found herself talking with a young man who was as interested in computers as she was. Down the table, Padma was talking to a young man about online businesses. Both decided these were a good match.
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By All Hallow's E'en, sometimes called Samhain, Harry had his life down to a routine. Again this year Ginny was going to a dance and dinner with her brother Ron. Esther was becoming very inventive in finding new women for Ron to meet, and even her husband was getting involved. He, at least, had a much better idea of just who and what Ron was, and he was introducing other young business men and women. Esther, of course, moaned with Ginny that her husband was turning her parties into business dinners, but Ron did appreciate the connections and cheerfully recruited more staff. Their parents were also going to attend.
This left the question of where Ginny was going to leave baby James. Harry volunteered, as he would have the Manor warded to the teeth for the night. He didn't mention that they wouldn't even BE at the Manor, which functioned as a huge decoy. His Security elves actually had orders to abandon the house and grounds if anyone managed to breech the protections. All of the others, including pets, were already moved. Even the Tyrannorabbit, hopping innocently on the front yard, searching out hidden frogs in the moonlit grass, was wearing one of the training collars with a shield and an Apparition charm just like Puff. Harry knew there was no way he could protect against every danger in the world. Perhaps Harry was a bit paranoid and over reacting, but he did the best he could. Once again, he was using misdirection.
James, fed and warm, tucked into a snug basket, was cooing at Harry as Ginny dropped him off in the French nursery. He was well used to wizard travel, having been popped, Floo'd, flown and Apparated almost every day of his tiny life. Ginny positively glittered in Harpy colors, with chains and loops of sparkling green gems in concentric layers covering her gold dress, even forming its sleeves. Baby James laughed and tried to grab some of the pretty chains, but she moved back quickly after kissing him, chains swinging and flashing. Harry was a bit stunned at the over-the-top outfit, more suited to a major Ball or Reception than a simple dinner dance with friends and family. He wondered who she was trying to impress?
Emotionally: I'm Done.
When Ginny left, Harry turned to the elves. "Please be sure I have everything I might need tonight. I'll be taking James to meet my parents. Nanny, you may go join the other elves until morning. Dobby will be staying here."
Nanny nodded and handed him the packed diaper bag before popping away. Dobby saluted, and began locking the elf-wards as Harry took the basket, his son, and the padded bag in his arms. He twisted, appearing directly in the living room at Godric's Hollow. There, he lit the pair of tall candles, set the things for James into neat order, and poured himself a mug of ginger tea, to which he added honey.
Across the room, a fire in the fireplace kept the room warm and the shadows moving. Settling into the upholstered chair, he waited. His parents came to him softly, twists of light and smoke thickened as they appeared almost solid, across from him on the settee. In the flickering light it was easy to believe they were really there.
Lily was delighted to see baby James! "I never thought I'd see my grandchildren! I know you brought Teddy before, and I expect to hear ALL about him later, but right now tell us about this darling!" She coo'd over the cot, and baby James coo'd right back! It was clear he could see them perfectly well! His tiny hand waved, grabbing at her fingers but could not catch them. James, SR, crowded over next to her, waving his own fingers for the baby to try to catch, and laughed when his glasses were the target!
"He's going to be a Marauder! A prankster already!" James was so proud!
Playing with the baby took quite a while, and it wasn't until Harry had fed him a last small bottle, burped and changed him, and settled him down to sleep in the firelight that their real conversations began.
Mentally: I'm Drained.
Lily began, "So, you and Ginny are estranged?"
"Well, yes, though we are seeing a mind-healer and Counselor. He is concentrating on teaching us how to work together, to be good parents. We see him together every three weeks, and he is currently teaching us how to behave politely. Neither of us was ever taught formal manners, and we have been making mistakes for years. In different ways, of course, but he decided we both needed tutoring. The lessons are fun, and the book is hilarious – George ordered copies for the whole family and even the littlest girls are having a wonderful time with tea-parties and doll weddings. The little boys enjoy role playing the outrageous relatives they have to invite.
"Ginny and I go on dates once a week, depending on her schedule. These are usually outdoors, such as picnics and touring famous places, but many are small family events. One of the largest was right before James was born, when Ginny and all of the Harpies came to the Manor for a garden party. It was quite successful.
"I see him alone on the second week visits, and he is helping me work through my abusive childhood and crappy life. On the third week, if she isn't away at a Harpy game, Ginny goes to him to work through her own problems after being possessed, and her expectations after that. Apparently her family overcompensated and spoiled her quite badly.
Spiritually: I'm Dead.
"The Mind-Healer says he is amazed neither of us became something he calls an 'Obscurial', a destructive magical force, though apparently Ginny came closer. I became something he called a 'time-bomb', which he is busy defusing. Dumbledore knew enough to know I was unstable, and may have expected me to detonate at Tom's hand instead of winning. He isn't sure how having the three Hallows in my possession affects that, though he thinks they may actually be stabilizing my core, so he encourages me to carry them at all times. Ginny thinks they are 'creepy', so I just don't tell her."
James looked at him oddly. "How has your wife been looking, behaving, since you separated?"
"Actually, she seems fine. She's back at work playing Quidditch, and going to parties – that's where she is tonight. Her brother Ron and I alternate as her escorts. She's trying to find him a wife, without realizing his heart already belongs to our friend Hermione. She's living in an apartment near her team stadium. Most of the world has not realized we are separated. I go to all of her games, we attend family events together, and of course share the care of baby James." He glanced fondly at the sleeping baby.
Lily met the eyes of her husband for a moment, and then looked back at Harry. "Let's try that one again, from a different angle. How was she dressed tonight for this dinner with friends? How does she normally dress, and has she changed any?"
Harry really had to think about that for a minute. "Well, tonight I did think she was over-dressed for a simple dinner and dance with friends and family. She was wearing a tight gold dress covered in glittering jeweled chains. It was as though she wanted to catch someone's eye, get some attention. I didn't think a great deal about it. She's always dressed in high-end fashions when she's out of her team uniform. She often changes clothes several times a day. I keep an album of the dresses she wears. She loves being photographed when we go out. I'm sure she'll be in the paper in the morning, even though the dinner is being held in a private home."
James and Lily nodded at each other. "Son, let this be a wake-up call. Your wife is trying to get YOUR attention. You've told us quite a lot about your relationship over the last few years; how she grew up a fangirl convinced she was destined to marry you, and then against all odds she did. For years you have allowed her free reign in your home, and with your money. Apparently she's decided the money and the freedom aren't what she really wanted."
Lily continued. "Ginny doesn't have a clue how to tell you that what she really wants is someone who sees her as the center of his life, who wants her AS Ginny instead of as the star player, or the arm candy. She wants you. Not the-boy-who-lived, or the man-who-won. She's finally interested in catching the eye of the real Harry. Too bad this came after she fractured everything!"
James picked up the thought. "Both of you would probably do better with simple jobs, actually living in that cute stone gatehouse. The two of you could be a team, facing the world together."
Harry sipped his tea. "Too bad. I just don't care anymore. In fact, I can't find much TO care about. Honestly, I'm a bit numb. I'm doing what I'm interested in. I'm doing what the people in my life tell me I should – my Healer, my Mind-healer, my teachers and business partners. I'm active. I'm successful."
Physically: I Smile.
"And you're Depressed, clinically depressed. I think your Mind-healer has figured this out. I saw an interesting poster, of a teddy bear carrying a big stick. The poem on it was about how the healer cared about his patients, but in the end all he could really do is pass out big sticks so his patients could fight their own battles. Your Healers are giving you big sticks, including medicines, Time and Manners, but in the end only you can use them as tools."
"First step," said Lily, "I think will be to forgive."
Harry interjected, "I've already tried to forgive Ginny. I just can't seem to care about it."
She continued as though he had not spoken, "Ginny is a small part of it, but I think you need to start with forgiving yourself. You are allowed to be human. You are allowed to hurt, to cry. I would expect that you have a great many tears packed away somewhere. The Dursleys didn't allow you to cry?"
He shook his head.
"Begin there. They lied to you about us. Have you ever been able to mourn us? You have always been hustled here and there, with not much choice in the matter. How do you feel, inside, about losing us? We know you love us, and we are blessed to be able to talk here and now, but somewhere inside you I think there is still a hurting boy hiding in a cupboard. Mourning is different for everyone, so seek inside your self. Do not let it sweep you away. Grief is a tide, it does ebb. When it does, forgive the hurting little boy who was unable to stop his world being destroyed. Love him, as we did and do. Forgive others without judgment or requirements. If they ask forgiveness, fine. If they don't, give it anyhow. This is about YOU, and getting the hurt out of your heart. You need to move on, with or without them.
When you have taken that first step, however long it takes, look for the next hurt and cry over that. Your mind-healer should be able to help you with the steps."
James took it up. "Let it go. What other people tell you isn't always important. Who they say you are isn't. Your responsibilities are only good if they are truly yours. I think I see you trying to be everything to everyone. What really matters is that you be the best version of YOU that you can be. It may hurt as you choose to drop or delegate. You may feel as though you are exposing huge sores, or exposing yourself without shields. Take it slow, but let it go."
Lily mused on, "I think you can start with your family. You have always wanted a real family. Now, you have one. Use that as your anchor."
"But, Ginny and I are estranged. Her brothers and parents have busy lives. Sure, we see each other often and we really like each other, but you want me to make them the center of my life?"
"Oh, no. I think you need to make HIM the center of your life." She pointed at the sleeping baby. "He is your true family and your future. Don't smother him, but don't leave him alone in the care of strangers or the elves. Many children barely know their parents. Get to know him as a person, just as you are with Teddy. Consider him when you make plans. If something has to go, or be delayed until after he grows up, let it go. Do you want to be an Auror, who leaves his children every night wondering if they will see him in the morning? Do you want to be a politician, traveling the world and meeting famous people, never home to read bedtime stories? Learn from Andi how to teach him yourself, and go on the adventure of education together."
James continued, "No one knows how your relationship with Ginny will go. I doubt she will Divorce you. For the sake of the child, you may mend your marriage. Don't rush anything."
"Good night – and Good Morning, Harry and James. We will see you again." His parents began to fade, and Harry realized the first traces of Dawn were on the horizon. He stayed where he was, thinking.
As the candles guttered, two soft pops happened. First was Nanny, who efficiently collected baby gear around the room. "Missy Weezy has returned to her apartment and gone to bed." She scooped up the basket and vanished, presumably to tuck James into a proper crib somewhere.
Second to appear was a slightly-singed Dobby. "Fun times at the Manor last night! The wards held, but it was a near thing! One of those flying machines tried to crash on the Manor. We used the dome shield to divert it across the river but I'm afraid it skidded into the Gate House and crushed the mailbox! It had a cargo of a case of salamanders, which broke open. We has only just put out the fire in the little woods. We put the salamanders in our furnace for safety. While we were busy with the woods fire, someone set a bonfire outside the fences on the far side. The smoke from that was thick and poisonous, but the House wards kept it out. Again this year someone released adders, but this year the Tyranorabbit thought they were more snacks for him. He ate them all before we finished with the fire. He is very fat and sleepy, now. We is still checking the fences. I suggest you plan to sleep at friend Weezy's apartment while we finish the cleanup."
Harry nodded, sleepily. "Bring what I will need to Ron's. I'll be home after lunch to see what there is to see." He turned on his pocket Floo and called Ron, who was just heading for bed, "OK if I crash in a guest room? Things got a little hot at the Manor tonight."
Sleepy, Ron said, "Sure. I'm going to bed now, but Winky will let you in. Tell me about it later."
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At the Fire Station, all the conversation was about the biplane that crashed the night before. The homeowners had been out, fortunately. Their stone house had withstood the plane sliding into the side with little damage, and had not caught fire. Their mailbox and fence had not been so lucky, and the flames had spread through the garden and into the coppice behind the house. The river had stopped the flames on the other side. The pilot had not been ejected, being so completely drunk he was only supported in his seat by his harness. He had been rescued and sent to a hospital.
"I talked to the gardener who pulled the pilot out. Brave little Welshman, wizened and almost bald. He had his sons battling the flames before we arrived, running small pumps to the river for water. They had it contained before we got there, though it took all of us to put it out. That was a surprisingly hot fire! Most of the aviation fuel was dumped over the woods before the plane hit the fence, though you can follow the burn lines to the plane. The plane is a complete loss. The Investigators won't have much to work with. The pilot must have known he was in trouble and tried to minimize it by dumping his fuel. When he wakes up he may remember something. They'll check his Flight Plan, too.
The gardener says his boss will call us later today. He had taken the baby to visit his parents and was spending the night. His wife was at a dinner with her parents."
"A young couple who can afford a gardener? What do they do? And is the guy full-time? My wife has been bugging me to get some help, but I didn't know there was anyone around. All the Service companies are ghastly expensive!"
"He's pretty old! Possibly a War Pensioner picking up a bit on the side? Like I said, his sons were doing most of the heavy work, and I never talked to them. I'm not even sure how many there were. They shot off down the lane home as soon as the fire was out. Hope they got a bit of sleep before going to work! Very useful fellows – I should ask if any are interested in joining the Department!
The young couple is named 'Potter', and according to the Tax rolls he inherited the house, land, garden and coppice. He's a businessman with the Dragon Broom Company. I looked them up, very standard brand, and didn't find any upper staff listed with that name, so he's likely a junior salesman or office help. He's registered at London City College as taking an advanced business course. The wife works for one of the women's sports teams in their publicity office, so she travels with the team. She's doing an online Journalism course."
"You actually found time to run a trace on the Potters? Any Military service in there? That could explain why they are still doing College."
"Actually, yes. I've got the station computer set to run it automatically on any call-out we get. I get Alerts straight to the site if red flags turn up, things like drug or criminal history. Sometimes that matters when you're Emergency Services. I can tell they both did some kind of Military Service, but not even what Branch! There is a Seal on their Military records, and it would require someone with quite a bit more Clearance than I have to open them. I don't know where they were or what they saw. Just that it was before they married. Doesn't matter anyhow."