Chapter 52: The Sins of the Father


The new headquarters Remus had spoken to them about turned out to be a modern block of flats in London, not far from Charing Cross. It was sleek and new, and Harry could swear he could still smell wet paint in the hallway. He saw Ginny and Brogan both marveling at the full windows of the foyer, designed so that they could look out and no one could look in, according to Tonks.

"Whose place is this?" Ron asked, coming in behind them. He, too, seemed to be awestruck. Hermione narrowed her eyes at the windows. She glanced at Harry.

"It must be someone who has a lot of money, especially the Muggle-kind, don't you think, Harry?"

Harry dumbly nodded and turned to enter the next room, which was also very modern looking. There was even a television, and it dominated the far left wall. Harry could see rows of what looked like movie cases against the wall next to it.

"Woah, bloody hell, look at the size of that thing!" Ron said, coming in behind him.

"But, we can't have a telly working around all our magic!" Hermione added, also entering the room. "How on earth is it even useable!"

"Well, actually, you can make it function properly if you've got enough time to work at it and enough knowledge of magic and Muggle technology," Brogan said as he and Ginny saw what the others were talking about. "I'm assuming it's similar to how I eventually got my music player to work. But on a much grander scale."

"Oh, it is, Brogan, and it did take a long time to get it to operate. This room is also impervious to any spells, you'll find. In the end, that turned out to be the key." A voice from the other doorway got their attention. Next to him, Harry noticed Brogan's body go completely still. Harry glanced to his left and saw Brogan's hand curl up into a tight fist. Despite not understanding why or what was going on, Harry moved closer to him. He noticed Ginny had felt the tension too, and moved to stand on the other side of their friend.

The man in the doorway smiled widely at them, but his eyes narrowed as he stared at Brogan, as though expecting something. The unknown man was older – older than Lupin - with black hair that was peppered with grey streaks, which was cut short and fashionable. He had long lines around his mouth, as though it was used to smiling a lot. He was tall and thin, almost lanky, and there was something vaguely familiar about him. Harry realized a dull sense of unease had entered the room and was about to say something to break it when he saw Remus come up behind the stranger, moving around him into the room to greet them.

"Ah, Solace, I see you've greeted the rest of our group. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny… this is Solace Ward, our benefactor as of late. He owns this building as well as Thorn Rose Cottage. So you have him to thank for your recent living arrangements."

Harry frowned when he realized Remus had not introduced Brogan, as though –

"What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" Brogan's voice was brittle and harsh and was entirely unlike anything Harry had ever heard come from the other man. Each word had been spoken with such…loathing that Harry felt it break across his skin, and judging by Ginny's reaction, he knew she had also felt it. Even Ron and Hermione were nervously looking back and forth between Brogan and the other man.

"Dylan contacted me. Said I might be needed," Solace Ward said, staring at Brogan, a frown on his face.

"He shouldn't have done that," Brogan said, his voice still harsh. "We're fine. We're all doing fine, there was no need for you to rush in and save the day. Now. But then you always are two bloody Apparations away from wherever you're needed, aren't you, Father?"

Harry blinked in shock and glanced at Ginny, who had also been frowning at Solace Ward. She turned towards Brogan, her hand touching his arm as though trying to calm him down. Harry moved closer to him as well, their elbows touching. He felt a rush of anger flow through him that felt old and bitter. Harry also felt an enormous sadness and sense of loss, but then it was gone, and he knew Brogan had pulled his emotions back into himself, shielding them both from what he was feeling.

Solace Ward's face flushed with annoyance, but his voice sounded calm enough. "Just doing my bit, Brogan. Better late than never, aye?"

Remus chose that moment to intervene, stepping in between them all. His smile was tight-lipped as he nodded at them. "To the right, there is a hallway, where you'll find a stairwell up to the bedrooms. You lot will be on the third floor. Harry, Ron, Brogan, you'll be sharing the room right off the stairs to the left. Hermione and Ginny will be across the hall. Why don't you four get settled while Brogan and Solace have a chat."

"I don't need to have a chat with Mr Ward. He said all he ever needed to when I buried my mother." Brogan sneered and turned rather hastily, causing Harry and Ginny to both sway a bit unsteadily in his wake.

The rest of them looked at each other, and Harry felt Solace Ward's eyes on him and stared back at him, not sure what to say. Ward's eyes flicked to Ginny, and then he looked at the door Brogan had just gone through, frowning in contemplation.

"It's alright, Remus, let him get used to the idea of me being here," Solace Ward mused. "Let's get something to drink. I think I'm going to need a dram full of whiskey, me-self."

"Come on, Harry," Ginny whispered, moving closer to him. "He needs us."

Ron and Hermione headed up the stairs in front of them, and Harry held her hand. "What are we going to do about…" Harry nodded towards his other friends. Ginny just shrugged at him.

"I think they'll understand after that little show." She turned and headed up the stairs too, and Harry looked back to find Solace Ward watching her again, which made the hairs on the back of Harry's neck stand up. Yet, before Harry could say anything, the other man turned away. He was moving back into the room he'd come from, which Harry could only assume was the flat's kitchen area.

Harry didn't know what was going on exactly, but he knew Brogan would probably need them both to help calm down. He had never seen such an expression of anger on his friend's face before, and Harry could admit it startled him, very much.

o-o-o-o-o

After telling Ron and Hermione they'd make sure Brogan was okay, the other couple nodded and went into the girls bedroom without much complaint. Harry and Ginny stood outside the other door, looking at each other.

"Do you want to go first?" Harry asked her, knowing she would probably be better at talking to Brogan than he was.

"We should do it together," Ginny said, squeezing his hand. "He responds to your…touch more sometimes. I think he's already boxed his feelings in quite…tightly." She frowned to herself and then met his look.

"Okay," Harry said. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. When they didn't hear anything, he turned the handle, and it opened easily. Harry realized he'd been half-expecting that Brogan had locked it.

The other man was on the far side of the room, pacing. He barely glanced at them as they entered. The room was like the rest of the house – modernistic and very austere. There were two sets of beds against each wall, not unlike the Hogwarts dorms, with heavy black curtains around each bed that were held back by a sash. Harry guessed it was good that they would have at least some privacy here.

Before he or Ginny could approach him, Brogan practically glared at them. "I don't want to talk about it."

Ginny raised her eyebrow at the other man, and Harry nodded at her to try first. She walked over to Brogan, and he stopped pacing, giving her a wary look.

"How long has it been since you've seen him? And why is his name Ward and yours is Caley?" Ginny asked simply, sitting down on one of the beds. She gave Brogan a pointed look, and he rolled his eyes at her. Glancing at Harry, Brogan eventually scowled and then sat down next to her. Harry leaned against the bed across from them, watching.

Brogan sighed and looked at her, and then at Harry. Harry could tell when the other man realized they weren't going to give up when his shoulders slumped slightly. Ginny reached out and took Brogan's hand. Harry watched as the other man closed his eyes, a sorrowful look on his face. Ginny turned to Harry and held out her other hand for him to join them. Harry sat down next to her, taking it, and resting his other hand on Brogan's arm. After a few moments, Brogan sighed and then sat back against the bed. Harry could tell whatever Ginny had tried to do had helped him immensely.

"I'm supposed to be the Empath in this relationship," he said, gazing calmly at Ginny. She shook her head.

"You are. I just attempted to do what you do to Harry and me when we get worked up or worried."

Harry had to admit he was impressed she'd been able to calm him. He nodded at Brogan. "If you truly don't want to talk about it, we don't have to. I'm just happy to see you're allowing your feelings out. It worried me when I couldn't feel you, for some reason."

"Our connection has grown stronger, and now we notice when one of us does that," Ginny said, sounding surprised. She looked at both of them.

"Bloody hell," Brogan whimpered under his breath, suddenly looking miserable again. Harry felt the other man's desperation flow through him. "Why? Why did he have to show up now? And of course, he's ingratiated himself into the Order with his money. He knows we're up against it, and he swoops in to save the day."

Harry and Ginny glanced at each other and didn't say anything. Brogan took a shaky breath and then released it slowly, looking at them.

"Solace Ward is…my father, as you two just gathered. His given name is Caley – but he goes by Ward in almost all aspects of his life. My Mum always preferred Caley, so…that's why I'm a Caley. I wouldn't go by Ward if you paid me to,"Brogan said with a scowl, as though angry at the thought. "I would much rather go by O'Corra, to be honest, but there are too many conations with that name in Ireland. Especially in areas were Aine is still worshipped. So, I'm a Caley. He'd rather not be since that would just show people his poor upbringing. I'm sure it kills him to know I've taken to using it. That is, if he even thinks of me at all."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other as though astounded at the acidity in their friend's voice. Brogan had always stuck Harry as being very diplomatic and fair, and he didn't think he'd ever heard such animosity from the other man before. He watched as their friend banged his head against the wall in utter frustration. Harry knew his own feelings were getting tangled with Brogan's and took a deep breath to steady himself.

"Do you want me to ask Remus to find us another place to stay?" Harry finally asked. Brogan's eyes flashed at his, full of an emotion that Harry couldn't place.

"Oh, I'm sure that would go over well," Brogan muttered. "No one would question that move at all."

"I don't care about anyone else, Brogan. But I care about you, and I don't want you to feel upset about being in his house if you don't want to be. If you are going to be tense and angry during our stay here, you won't be a help to anyone. I understand that more than you think. Being stuck living somewhere you don't want to be a special kind of hell. I know." Harry spoke softly, his mind flashing on how living with the Dursleys for so many years had been torture. Ginny leaned against him and kissed his shoulder, pulling him closer to her in understanding.

"I can stay here. I…whatever his reasons are for pushing himself into my life here or…just finally choosing a side, I won't let him bother me," Brogan finally said, nodding at Harry. "But I appreciate that you would leave if I wanted. That mean's a lot, Harry. Thank you."

"Why do you think he's…being so generous, if that's not how he usually is?" Ginny asked, moving and laying back next to Brogan. Harry shifted and lay on his side in front of them.

Brogan sighed. "Oh, he's always been generous. But only in the sense that it is a 'what will this get me' type of generosity. He's never been a supporter of Voldemort's ideology or anything, at least he's not that opportunistic. But he tends to hang back and wait to see how the smoke will clear first. You should take this as a vote of confidence, Harry. If Solace Ward has come out of his ivory tower to support the Order, he must think you're going to win."

"There's nothing you like about him, is there?" Ginny asked Brogan, rubbing his arm gently.

"As a father, no. As a wizard, well, he once bought the Abbey a set of rare and hard to find history books and donated them, free of charge to us to use and study. Garrett was unbelievably happy for months. So I reckon he's not all bad, in that regard. But no, I don't like him."

"But you like everyone, Brogan, or you try to," Ginny soothed.

"Well, they say there's always one person. He's mine." Brogan said, sounding determined.

Harry reached out, took the other man's hand, squeezing it, and put some emotion into the gentle reminder. After a moment, Brogan met his gaze, licking his lips. Harry smirked and then glanced at Ginny knowingly. He moved upwards until he was sitting in front of them and then leaned forward, placing a light kiss on the other man's mouth. Brogan wanted more, though, and Harry felt pulled in closer.

Brogan's hands were already at the base of his neck, his fingers tugging on Harry's hair in a not-so-gentle way. Ginny moved closer to them and soon joined in, working her way around Brogan's neck with her mouth. Harry felt Brogan shudder when her mouth kissed a sensitive spot by his ear. The other man moaned in appreciation as she did it again.

When they all finally broke apart, Harry was breathing rather heavily and felt as though the temperature in the room had jumped about fifteen degrees. Ginny grinned at him and leaned in for her own kiss. Harry wrapped his hand into her hair, getting lost in the feel of her and soon felt something harden underneath him. He broke his kiss with Ginny and smirked at Brogan above them.

"Sorry, I honestly didn't mean to start this. I just wanted to comfort you."

Brogan nodded and took a deep breath. "It doesn't matter; just watching you two is enough. But maybe if you weren't laying so enticingly across me?"

Ginny and Harry laughed, and they all pulled back, settling back into their former positions. Brogan sighed, linking his hand with theirs.

"We should go downstairs," he murmured, sounding as if he honestly didn't want to.

"Get it over with, yeah?" Harry said, watching him.

"You have us," Ginny said, resting her head on Brogan's shoulder. "He'd have to be stupid indeed to upset the Harry Potter."

"And the Ginny Weasley," Harry added, nodding at her. "Your father honestly doesn't stand a chance, Brogan. I don't know what you're worried about."

Brogan laughed, and it sounded honest, and he looked and felt more like himself than before.

"Not to mention, I am sure my Mum is dying to see us all," Ginny said as they all climb off the bed, straightening their clothes. "She must either not be here or busy cooking us all a feast."

Harry smiled. "I have missed your Mum's cooking, Gin, I must admit."

"I will pretend I didn't hear that, or I'd be deeply offended since I did my fair share of cottage cooking," Brogan chuckled.

"Also, don't let Ron hear you say it either," Ginny said, shaking her head at Harry. "You know how he prides himself on cooking just like her."

"Oh, Ron's good, but he isn't your Mum-good, if you know what I mean."

Ginny tilted her head at him, considering. "I reckon you're right, but give him a few years and his own brood to cook for, and I'm sure he'll get there. Lucky Hermione. At least she'll have a spouse who can make a decent treacle."

"Hah," Harry snorted as he took her hand, Brogan falling in behind them. They knocked on the door where Ron and Hermione were and heard a muffled 'come back later!" They all raised their eyebrows at each other and then laughed.

"It's gonna be hard to get used to not being at the cottage for all of us, I reckon," Harry said as they made their way downstairs.

"Aye, truer words never spoke, Harry," Brogan said. "In so many ways."

o-o-o-o-o

It was good, Ginny supposed, to be back among her family. She had missed her brothers (except Ron, of course), and she had missed her Mum and Dad. It was also good to see Tonks and Professor Lupin, who were also staying at the flat. As she'd assumed, her Mum was thrilled to see them but had been busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. What Ginny didn't miss was having to 'behave' or act like she was okay with slipping back into the role of underaged kid sister or youngest child for all of them. She mused that she felt as though she had grown up quite a lot in the last few months, and something in her rebelled with having to go back to how things were before. Especially since there was to be an Order meeting later, and Ginny had a sinking feeling that she wasn't going to be invited.

Furthermore, their growing closeness with Brogan made it hard for her not to touch him in comfort, or to remember not to act too familiar with him. She had caught Solace, Brogan's father, watching them a few times, and it unnerved her. Thankfully, Harry had also been aware of the other man's attention and had made a show of putting his arm around Ginny or touching her. Usually, Ginny thought she might have reacted badly to such a blatant display of propriety from Harry, but in this case, she felt okay with it. Brogan's father was an unknown entity to them, and she didn't want him thinking about them at all if she could help it.

Brogan, for his part, ignored his father quite adeptly during dinner. He wouldn't even turn his head when the other spoke. Ginny could tell her family liked the elder Caley, at least, Bill and Fred seemed to enjoy talking to him, as did Remus. But she was unsure how the rest of her family felt. She noticed her father had opted to sit at the other end of the table, near them, talking to Ron and Hermione. Ginny wondered if she could ask her father some questions about Solace after dinner, to see if he knew anything.

Harry squeezed her hand under the table. "All right?" he whispered, glancing around.

Ginny nodded, coming out of her thoughts. She pushed her plate away, feeling quite full. Ginny looked across at her mother. "Wonderful meal, Mum. Harry and I missed your cooking."

Her mother blushed and smiled at her and Harry. "Thank you, dear. You two look so…different than the last time I saw you, even though it's barely been two months. Harry, I do believe you've grown quite a bit! You'll need brand new clothes soon. And Ginny, you look…" Her Mum paused, looking at Ginny closely. "You look very grown up to me now. You've become such a lovely woman. Oh, I didn't think, I mean, oh."

"Mum!" Ginny said, rising from the table. Her mother was sobbing into her napkin, suddenly. Ginny was around the table to her side even before her father noticed what was happening. She wrapped her arms around her mother, hugging her tight. "I'm sorry, Mum, I'll do something silly, so you think I'm a child again. Can I start teasing Ron about something? He thinks he knows how to cook roast chicken like you, but trust me. It's awful compared to yours."

"Oi!" Ron's voiced called out from the end of the table. "I can hear you, you know. And you had three helpings of that bloody chicken, Ginny. Awful, my arse-"

Her mother started laughing into her napkin, and Ginny breathed a sigh of relief. She hated seeing her Mum get emotional. She felt her father's presence before his hand rested lightly on her shoulder.

"Molly, why don't we let the kids clean up the dishes tonight, and we'll join Remus and Solace in the study for a nice rest with some Ogden's while we wait for the rest of the Order. No, don't worry, the lot of them will prove themselves most capable, I'm sure. They've been on their own for a while now, dear."

Her Mum sniffed again, but Ginny was amazed to see her nod her head and accept her father's suggestion. The rest of the group waved at them (with Fred looking downright cocky) and left the five of them alone. With a very messy kitchen to clean.

"Blimey," Ron said, starting to collect their plates. "What's come over Mum to leave the cleaning up to us?"

"About time, if you ask me," Hermione said primly. "Your mother takes care of a lot, handling all of you. She deserves to rest. We should all be better about helping out now…I mean, now that we know how hard it is."

"Aye," Brogan said, nodding towards the sink. "Harry, start the water, while Ginny and I find some towels. We'll be done in no time."

"Here, I know a spell for that," Hermione said, nodding at Ron's collection of plates. With a steady wave of her wand, the plates flew neatly over to the sink, where Harry was just starting the hot water. Bubbles began to appear as the plates lowered themselves down of their own accord.

"Nice one, Hermione," Harry laughed. "Got one for moving the sponge over them?"

"Yeah, Harry's too young for dishpan hands," Ginny chirped as they laughed. She stood next to Harry as Hermione came to look down into the sink, too. With another wave of her wand, the dishes started cleaning themselves, and Harry nodded appreciatively.

Ron watched a moment and then frowned at his girlfriend. "Hermione. How long have you known those two spells?"

Hermione flicked her hair over her shoulder and looked at him. "For a while now. Why?"

"Because you've been making me do it the hard way at the cottage all this time!" Ron sputtered, clearly outraged.

Harry, Brogan, and Ginny all shared a glance and laughed to themselves. Harry pushed them out of the way as Hermione took a deep breath, her hands going to her hips.

"I thought it was important you learn how to do it the Muggle way first! Do you have a problem with that, Ron?"

Ron's face had gone quite pink, and he opened his mouth as though to argue with her. To the surprise of all of them, he then quickly closed it.

"No, I reckon I don't. You're right. It was important to learn it the Muggle way."

Ginny looked at Harry to see the same look of disbelief on his face. Even Brogan looked amazed.

Hermione folded her arms and made a "hmm" sound as she looked at Ron.

"Er, are you two feeling okay? Have you been put under the Imperious? Polyjuiced? Switched around or hit on the head?" Harry asked, looking between his best friends.

"Funny, Harry," Ron said, grimacing. "Hermione's right. It's important to know how hard some things are so you can appreciate magic a bit more."

"Well, I'll be," Ginny said, staring at her brother. "I never thought I'd live to see the day. Ronald Weasley, henpecked by his girlfriend."

"Oi!" Ron glowered at his sister. "I am not henpecked. I do think she's right. It's not henpecked if you honestly agree with her."

Ginny held up her hands to satisfy her brother. "All right, Ron. All right." She turned her head so her brother wouldn't see the laughter threatening to escape out of her mouth.

"Besides, he's technically been henpecked since the three of us were 11 years old," Harry stage-whispered as he pulled her in closer. Ginny snorted and hid it by coughing against Harry's chest. When she looked back at Ron, he was ignoring them, and Hermione was smiling quite brilliantly.

o-o-o-o-o

They waited for the rest of the Order members to arrive in the same sitting room as before, the one with the large television in it. Hermione and Brogan browsed the collection of movies while Ginny, Harry, and Ron sat on the sofa. Harry was trying to assure Ginny that he would argue her case to join them in going back to the school. But she sighed and placed a hand over his.

"It's all right, Harry. I know my Mum won't let me go. Just make sure you lot don't do anything stupid. Or bold. Or noble or…"

"Heavens to Betsy, Ginny, you might as well tell us not to go as ourselves at all," her brother said, shaking his head.

Harry smirked at Ron, but he sobered as he took her hand into his. "I promise to come back to you and not to do anything stupid. Well, to the best of my ability, that is."

Ginny grinned and squeezed his hand. "I know, Harry."

"I'll come back too, you know, but I reckon I'm only your brother," Ron chimed in, making a face at her. Ginny laughed and reached out for her brother's hand.

"I want you back as well, you git. As well as Hermione and…Brogan," Ginny's voice stuttered slightly on that last name, but she was sure no one but Harry had noticed.

"Hey, Hermione, you made the grade, too," Ron said, getting up and joining his girlfriend by the shelves. Brogan soon took over his spot and looked at Harry and Ginny.

"I'll try to make sure everyone is safe too, Gin," he murmured, his eyes belying his true feelings. Brogan moved his arm next to hers, and she felt a flare of calm coming from him, even though she knew he was feeling something much deeper than that. She rested her head on Harry's shoulder, and the three sat in silence for a moment, all feeling similar things.

Sounds came from behind them, indicating that someone else had arrived at the flat, and they turned to see Tonks returning with George.

"Wotcher, gang!" Tonk smiled at them, her hair changing from mousy brown to bright, azure blue in an instant.

"As I live and breathe, my prodigal baby sister and brother have been returned!" George waved at them. "How was it, living in the lap of luxury out in Dorset, hmm? I see Ron has all his body parts still, so that means Hermione didn't get fed up with him or hex anything off. Hey, Harry, Brogan." George nodded at the other two men.

Ginny got up to give her older brother a hug and was surprised by how fiercely George hugged her back. She pulled away, about to ask him if anything was wrong when Remus Lupin cleared his throat from the other door, calling their attention to him.

"I believe that's everyone who can make it. We've set up in the study, so come on through." Ginny watched as Tonks practically skipped across the room and threw an arm around the older man with more than a causal acquaintance. Ginny glanced at Harry, who shrugged and nodded his head at her. She'd have to get the details about that little showing of affection later from Harry. She remembered Brogan telling her once that Tonks seemed to be interested in someone else. Ginny reckoned he'd been right.

Harry came over to her and hugged her, squeezing her hand. "I'll tell you all the good stuff, Gin, don't worry."

She sighed as they all got up to attend the meeting and looked at the sofa, which now seemed entirely too big and lonesome. Ginny considered going upstairs and unpacking her meager bag from the cottage, but that didn't appeal to her in any way, shape, or form. She was just considering going into the kitchen for another cup of tea to wait out the meeting when Remus Lupin's voice brought her out of her reverie.

"Aren't you coming, Ginny?"

Ginny felt her head snap up in surprise, and she stared at her old professor. "Er, what? I thought it was an Order meeting. You know, members only? I'm too young!"

"Molly and Arthur have agreed to let you sit in on this one. Plus, rumor has it you're about to turn 17 soon." Lupin gave her a gentle smile and nodded at her. Ginny felt as though a light breeze could have knocked her over. Before anyone could say ha! only kidding! Ginny propelled herself across the room and followed him, her mind buzzing with questions.

When they reached the study, Ginny saw a large desk had been placed in the center, with correspondence chairs placed around it. Books lined the shelves, and the room had a very homey, lived-in-look, unlike the rest of the flat. Harry and Brogan were sitting together. Their heads bent over something her brother Fred had just handed them. Hermione saw her first, and a small gasp came out of her mouth, causing most of the people in the room to stop their conversations. Ginny felt her skin flush and looked at her parents, raising her eyebrow at them. Were they about to yell at her to get out? She still wasn't sure she had understood Professor Lupin right. Maybe she'd gone round the twist or hit her head without realizing it. Ginny was convinced that any minute now, one of her parents was going to get up and tell her they had played an awful joke on her.

"Ginny, come sit by us," her father said, holding out a chair for her, in between them. Ginny couldn't help it and stole a glance at Harry, who was giving her a little smile. His expression appeared to be half-proud and half-worried, and Ginny almost laughed in nervousness. Harry finally tilted his head slightly, and she nodded at her father, joining her parents against the far wall. She looked at her mother, who reached out and grabbed her hand. There was a brief look of sorrow on her mother's face, but then it was gone, and Ginny relaxed between them.

"So, now that we can be together again regularly, let's first thank Solace for the use of his various properties to help house all of us while the flat was being finished. It came at a much needed time, and the Order is indebted to you." Lupin nodded at the other man, who Ginny now noticed was sitting in the corner, a small smile on his face. She watched as his eyes stared across the table at his son, but Brogan was looking steadfastly at the table in front of him, ignoring his father's regard. Ginny noticed Harry's hand was under the table, probably trying to keep their friend calm.

"As you know," Lupin continued, turning back to the table at large. "Voldemort has decided to use the children left behind at Hogwarts as a bargaining chip in his ploy to get the Ministry to bow to his will. The Ministry has asked Kingsley Shacklebolt, who is now the Head of the Auror Department, to come up with a way to rescue the children. As you all know, Kingsley is one of us, and he has been working with me and a few others on a plan. But I believe Harry has a few ideas of his own he'd like to share."

Ginny saw Harry swallow roughly and then felt a swell of pride as he stood up, to address the table at large. He looked utterly at ease and in charge. Harry nodded at Lupin and then looked at everyone who was there.

"I think the best way to get the rest of the students out would be to have two parties of attack. One for diversionary tactics and one for actually getting it done. As students, I think me, Ron, and Hermione and Ginny," Harry paused, turning towards her and her parents, a brief smile on his face. "Have the best chance of succeeding at this. We know that school. And we know more than a half-dozen ways of getting in and out of it. And we have this."

He pulled something out of his back pocket, which Ginny recognized as the Marauder's Map. She saw grins of delight on Fred and George's faces. She felt her mother stir beside her.

"I'm sorry, Harry, dear, but how will a piece of paper protect or help you?"

Harry gave her mother a benign smile. "It's a map, Mrs Weasley. And it shows you where everyone in the school is at present." He tapped the map with his wand said, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good," and then opened it, laying it flat on the table. Most of the adults, other than Lupin and her brothers, leaned forward to look it over.

"That's quite clever." She heard her father exclaim as he peered at the map.

"I'll say. Handy too, I bet," said Bill, who was gazing at the twins with a knowing look.

"Ginny," her mother said softly beside her, getting her attention. "You want to go with them when they do this, don't you?"

Ginny bit her lip and sat back, retaking her mother's hand. "Yes, Mum, I do. And I understand that you don't want me to. But we've been training hard and…"

"You can protect Harry, I know, dear. Albus told us you have so many strengths now because of…the prophecy. I…I know I can't keep you a young girl forever. I do know that. And you're not even a little girl anymore, are you? I've been blind to you growing up right in front of me. You're a woman, suddenly. And I know it's no guarantee you'll even be safe if I make you stay behind. Charlie was older than you and a fighter, and he still…" Her Mum stopped, sniffing suddenly. Ginny squeezed her hand, feeling at odds, and yet wanting to reassure her mother that she was a capable witch.

"Oh, Mum, I'm ready for this. Let me protect the people I love. You always taught me to be strong, Mum. And I am. Because of you, dad…everyone. And I want to do my part to help. Voldemort's ideas threaten me whether I stay or go, so I would much rather go and be a part of the fight than stay behind. Please tell me you understand that, Mum."

Her mother sniffed at her again, and Ginny saw the resignation in her eyes. "I know, daughter, and I can't keep you wrapped up on a shelf forever, your father told me that. And he's right. You have my blessing to go with Harry. But oh, Ginny, do be careful. I love you all so much. And I don't want to bury another child of mine."

"Oh, Mum," Ginny's voice came out in a hushed sort of half-sob. When she finished hugging her mother, she turned and saw Brogan and Harry watching her, concern mirrored on their faces. She knew they could probably feel the mishmash of emotions churning through her. Ginny shook her head, indicating that she was okay and turned her attention back to what was going on in the meeting. But her heart was still racing, and she felt her stomach fill with nerves. Ginny wanted to prove to her parents that their faith in her was not misplaced. She could and would face whatever came next to the best of her ability.

o-o-o-o-o

After the meeting dispersed, Brogan waited. He nodded his head slightly at Harry as the other man gave him a questioning look. Harry's eyes filled with comprehension, and he glanced across the table at Solace. He shifted closer to Brogan and touched his arm gently to comfort him, pretending to drop the map. Ginny came over too, and the three looked at each other. He knew they understood that he needed to do this – now – or he would never be able to rest.

"Come on, Harry," Ginny said softly, linking her hand with his. She glanced across the table, frowning, and Brogan realized his father was watching them.

After everyone had filed out, Solace Ward rested his hands on the table. Brogan waited until he felt calm enough to speak and opened his mouth, but his father cut him off.

"Aye, let's get something strong enough to knock the socks off, Brogan. I have some Glen Livet in my personal room."

Brogan didn't move at first, feeling stubborn. When his father merely raised his eyebrow at him from the doorway, he swore and stood up. His father looked amused momentarily and then turned to lead him into the other room.

Solace was already pouring two glasses as Brogan closed the door behind them, and cast a Silencing Spell. His father smirked at him.

"Don't want your friends to hear you yelling at me, eh, son?"

"I just thought you'd be able to be yourself more, knowing that you could drop the act," Brogan said, taking the proffered glass his father held out to him.

Solace shook his head but surprisingly did not say anything to that. Brogan glanced around the study and knew that this, this was the room in which his father lived. It was full of everything his father loved – books, old globes, various vintage Muggle travel posters, and a very expensive looking mini-bar, filled with many bottles of scotch. And of course, very exquisite looking leather chairs and sofas.

Brogan took a sip of his drink and felt the warmth of the alcohol fill him. It was an excellent scotch; he had to admit. Nothing but the best for his father, of course.

"You've done well, Solace," Brogan said as he sat on the leather sofa.

"So have you, son."

Brogan took another drink and then just threw the scotch back, imbibing it all. Solace raised an eyebrow at him.

"In a hurry?" his father asked him, settling in the chair behind the desk.

"I'd like to get to bed early, yeah. So let's get this over with. What do you want…Dad."

His father sighed, looking tired and suddenly, a great deal older. It was though he had released a glamour he'd cast. Although Brogan knew his father would consider casting a glamour at himself the worst sort of egotistical spell, the change that he suddenly saw did make him wonder.

Solace's hazel eyes met his. "I want…I want you to be able to say that word and not mean it as an insult, Brogan. Just once."

"We all want things. I'd like my Mum to still be alive. But…we don't often get what we want, do we?"

Solace stiffened at the mention of his mother, and he shook his head at his son. "You still blame me for her death? Really, Brogan? I would have thought you would have grown out of that by now."

"You could have been there for her."

"She sent me away."

Brogan paused, frowning. "She didn't."

Solace sighed. "She did. She wanted you all to herself. She didn't want me to take you with me. Which I wanted, you know. I thought you should see the world, not be her nursemaid."

Brogan felt his anger swell inside of him. "She was dying!"

"Aye. She was. And I am sorry for that, Brogan. Your mother…your mother was an amazing woman before she got sick. She was a free spirit. She understood things. She knew she would never get to see you grow up long before she ever told you. You didn't know that, did you? I wanted you with me, and she used her sickness to keep you with her. I don't blame her now, but I did then. The older I get, and the closer I get to my own…mortality, I understand the need. She loved you more than she loved herself. She could have got treatment, but she didn't. And she pushed me away when I offered help."

"Lies," Brogan spit out, feeling his temper growing.

Solace sighed. "Brogan, what point is there for me to lie to you now? I want us to have a relationship now. Maybe not as a proper father and son, but perhaps, eventually, as friends?"

Brogan didn't say anything – he couldn't say anything. His head and heart were swirling with irritation.

"Here, you should read these. When you have the chance." Solace stood up and pulled down a rose-colored box from the shelf. Brogan started when he recognized it. It had been his mother's.

"Where did you get that?" he asked as his father held it out to him.

"From Adaria, of course. I didn't steal it, if that's what you think. She left it to me. Here," his father handed him what appeared to be an old collection of letters. After a moment of what he knew was pure stubbornness on his part, Brogan finally accepted them. He immediately recognized his mother's handwriting. He looked at his father, questioning him with a look.

"Aye, son, we kept in touch, even after she sent me away. I didn't want…" His father paused and then gave him a determined look. "I want you to read these, and maybe then you'll see that I did indeed love your mother very much. And I loved you."

Brogan stared down at the letters, his fingers tracing over the familiar loops of his Mum's handwriting. He felt a hardness in his throat as he swallowed. Here was a part of his Mum that he had never known. It was both a tremendous gift and a scary thought both at the same time. But in the middle of those emotions, an idea became clear to him. Brogan closed his fist around the letters and looked at his father.

"Why are you giving these to me now? You had the last ten years to come back into my life, so I'll ask again, Solace. What do you want?"

A bitter silence seemed to settle between them, with neither of them looking away. His father finally did, but not before narrowing his eyes at his son.

"That Weasley girl is quite attractive, isn't she? I can see why you like her. I reckon you would have liked her regardless of whether or not she was the Heir. But since she is the Heir, you got lucky, didn't you? That Harry Potter is a force to be reckoned with too, I'd wager. The three of you seem…close."

His father's eyes then gazed speculatively at him, and Brogan felt a funny sensation in his stomach and took a deep breath as he allowed his Occlumency shields to click further into place.

"Are we done here?" he finally asked as he stood up. He placed his empty scotch glass on the desk. The letters still clutched in his other hand.

"For now," Solace said, finishing his drink. "Read the damn letters, Brogan, and maybe you'll be able to understand."

Brogan didn't say anything and turned to go, feeling nothing. If Harry and Ginny had seen him, they would have been instantly worried – there was not even a hint of the man they cared for in that instance. He felt the darkness he always kept bottled inside of him begin to grow and he let the door slam behind him. It echoed loudly in the flat, and as he stood in the bright light of the kitchen, Brogan felt completely shattered.

o-o-o-o-o