Chapter twelve

The following morning Harry and Charlie stepped into the great hall for breakfast. They saw Kingsley sitting next to Minerva at the staff table and even though Harry wasn't staff he needed to know what was going on. Charlie felt Harry tense slightly and realised Harry would need to hear everything, so they walked arm in arm down to the staff table.

'Once they woke up they realised they couldn't pretend anymore, but they did ask where their lord was.'

Harry noticed straight away that Kingsley smiled and looked relaxed, 'What did you tell them?'

'I told them the truth, we're not sure they believe it or not, but they have been taken straight to Azkaban without a trial and will spend the rest of their lives there.'

Charlie tightened his arms around Harry as he felt him sag, 'See, I told you it was all good.'

'Yeah, you did. But I have to tell you all this, as I was walking up here, I opened my senses, there all students, there all real staff members and some are actually scared of me. I suppose after seeing me change from Voldemort back to me, I can understand that. They are still a little concerned, there not quite sure they believe the minister or the headmistress as they knew you were both in the order of the phoenix and learned to keep things to yourself, anything Dumbledore told you.'

'Then why don't you tell them Harry, explain what happened and why we didn't want anyone to know what we had planned?' Kingsley suggested.

'I think that is a very good idea Harry. So before you go eat breakfast, how about you speak with the students of Hogwarts,' Minerva saw Harry only hesitate for a minute then he nodded, so she pointed her wand at the table clearing a space then levitated Harry up into the air.

'Wow, Professor,' Harry yelled, then he heard Charlie, Kingsley, McGonagall and a lot of students laugh, 'You could have warned me.'

'Where's the fun in that Harry. Now I'm sure the students are wondering why I am allowing you to stand on the staff table.'

Harry shook his head, glanced down at Charlie before he turned to face the students who all seemed to be staring at him with different emotions on their faces. Some expectant, some smiled, some looked awed but as he said, some looked scared.

'We're all sorry that you had to be put through that. The first night here I found out that Umbridge was using polyjuice potion. I spoke with Charlie first then we explained to Professor McGonagall, she in turn spoke with the minister while Charlie and I told Hermione and Ron. We thought about having the aurors come straight away, but my wonderful husband made sense. If she was arrested we would not have found out about the others or that the Slytherin's were being held prisoner. I know a lot of you probably have never heard this from me before, but I was scared, scared for Charlie, scared for my friends, scared for the staff and I was scared for all of you. After everything all of us have gone through over the last few years, we decided it was time to end this once and for all. So we talked and worked out some plans, the main one was using my power that no one realised I had. Yes, all of you know I killed Voldemort but you also know it was his spell that killed him, so really I didn't do much. One power I have is I can change myself or others into another person without the use of polyjuice potion,' Harry smirked then moved his hand over McGonagall, turning her into Dumbledore which made the students either laugh or gasp. Minerva on the other hand was scowling which made Kingsley and Charlie laugh, 'Sorry,' Harry changed her back, 'Like you said Professor, where's the fun.'

'Just don't do that to me again Mr. Potter or you might just see how angry I can get.'

'I think I'm in trouble,' Harry said then turned back to the students of Hogwarts, 'The moment I stepped into the great hall impersonating Voldemort, I shielded every one of you to make sure you were safe.'

'Even the Slytherin's,' a voice called from the Slytherin table.

'Yes, every one of you,' Harry smiled at the Slytherin's who all seemed to believe him so they nodded, 'Charlie, Bill, Hermione, Ron, Professor McGonagall and I all practiced over the last week to play our parts. We could not let them know we suspected them at all, we had to make them believe I was really Lord Voldemort in the hope I could get the information about the escaped death eaters,' Harry looked at Kingsley who nodded, 'The minister has allowed me to tell you this, Umbridge and the other death eaters are now locked up in Azkaban for the rest of their lives,' Harry laughed as every student including the Slytherin's all cheered, whistled, yelled and applauded, 'I feel exactly the same way. So again I am sorry that we frightened you in any way, I actually frightened myself seeing Voldemort when I looked in the mirror. I've had enough nightmares about that face, I really don't want to see it again. One more thing I will say, which I do understand, I know some of you are a little scared of me, I'm sorry you are. But let me say this, I give you my word you do not need to be, my power, my magic will only be used for the light, never for the dark. I would never intentionally hurt anyone and never use dark magic no matter what. So once more we are sorry you had to see all that last night,' Harry looked at Charlie who held his arms out and helped him off the table.

'I think that is the most I have ever heard you say Harry,' Kingsley said.

'It is, I have never said that much in my whole life. Okay, we'll I'm going to have some breakfast and I know Charlie's hungry.'

'Just before you go Harry, right after breakfast you and all the students your age are to remain in the great hall. We have something we need to discuss and before you ask, no it is nothing dangerous, everyone is safe. So go eat and know this is about your tests and nothing to do with dark witches and wizards.'

'Oh okay, it seems that's always what I think about first, especially while I'm at Hogwarts,' Harry turned to Charlie, kissed him then walked over to the Gryffindor table, but as he did, every student started to applaud. Harry realised they were applauding him which made him blush, but he gave the students a smile before sitting down and burying his face in his hands making his friends who were sitting around him laugh loudly. The powerful Harry Potter was embarrassed, something most never get to see.

Harry had asked his friends if they knew what McGonagall wanted to say, they did but they weren't saying, they wanted Harry to hear it from Professor McGonagall. Once breakfast was finished and all the other students left the eighth year students all turned in their seats to stare up at the staff table.

'After a lot of discussion with the staff of Hogwarts and the minister, we have decided to offer all of you a choice. If you wish, you can remain at Hogwarts for the year and do your newt's in the usual way, or you can take your newt's now, meaning over the next two weeks, then leave. The choice is yours. We realised that some of you already know what you need to pass your test, some of you might feel that more studying is required. I will say this though, if any student decides to take their test now and do not perform as well as expected, you can remain and do your test again at the end of the school year. Only all of you are being offered this as only all of you are over the age where you should have left by now. So if you would like to take your test over the next two weeks please come forward and write your name down,' Minerva pointed to some parchment on the table in front of her.

Harry stood instantly but noticed his friends didn't, 'You're not going to sit them now?'

'No, but you should. We'll let Charlie explain Harry, now go,' Hermione smiled, 'It's fine, go.'

Harry stared at all his friends who were all nodding and smiling, so he turned and went up to the staff table but he did see Charlie smiling hugely at him. There were about ten other students who also walked up to the staff table. Harry waited for them to write their names before he did.

'Hermione said you'll explain Charlie, what's going on?'

'In two weeks after you pass your test, which we know you will, Bill is going to take over as the charms teacher for the younger years, you and I are leaving for our holiday. We'll be gone for the year or longer if you wish, that is your choice. But we all believe the same thing Harry, you need to get right away from Hogwarts and from everything that reminds you of Voldemort. Having to change into him last night was hard on you, we saw that, but we also know it would have been more difficult that you let on. It's time to put your past to rest and heal your heart and soul, you can only do that away from here.'

Harry sagged again, 'Yeah, I do. Seeing myself as him,' Harry shook his head then he was in Charlie's arms, being held tight.

'We know Harry, so the examiners will be here first thing tomorrow. You do not have to worry either, after what you told us, Gawain checked everyone out to make sure they hadn't been subjected to the imperius curse or use any type of muggle makeup, there all good.'

'Who's idea was this?'

'Charlie and I had this idea at the same time, then Bill offered to take over for Charlie, just for the year. Now since you are going to be taking your tests, maybe you should read up on what might be involved. Charlie still has classes for two more weeks, that also lets Bill organise time off.'

'Thank you,' Harry said softly then looked up at Charlie, 'A whole year?'

'If you want, so go on, you have some studying to do and I need to get to my first class,' Charlie kissed Harry then watched as he walked away, 'I practically had to hold him up then.'

'We noticed Charlie, it is the best decision. Even though we can see how happy he is with you, when he smiles it doesn't really reach his eyes, not like it used to,' Kingsley said.

'No, it doesn't and it won't until he knows that his friends can get through a whole year at Hogwarts without anything happening. Okay, I'll get to class, talk to you later.' Charlie headed out of the great hall with the knowledge that taking Harry away is the only solution. If Harry remained he would end up in St Mungo's and if that happened Charlie wasn't sure anything would help Harry after that.

Over the next two weeks Charlie, Minerva and the examiners had been amazed at how Harry performed during his examinations. Every spell or charm he was asked to do he did instantly without a hitch or mistake. His written exams were detailed in every way so his answers filled the extra parchment students could use if necessary.

The fifteen students that took their test all stood together in the great hall a day after their last test was finished. They had been told to wait there for Professor McGonagall but they had no idea why.

'I just want to say that I was pleased with the way all of you performed. As you know, normally your test results are sent to you during the holidays, this time they are not being sent,' Minerva went to each student, handed them their results, shook their hands, congratulating them before standing back, 'You should be all proud of yourselves. I know all of you expect passable results which you all received, some more than others,' Minerva stepped back to Harry and pinned a phoenix shaped gold medal to his chest, 'Even though you did receive an O in every subject you took this is not for that. Harry James Potter, you are the first to receive The Order of the Phoenix award for your gallantry and for your bravery, for using difficult and painful methods in protecting all the students of this school, congratulations,' Minerva started applauding but then Harry turned when the deafening sound of applause filled the great hall. Every student and staff member were all there, applauding him.

'Um, thanks,' Harry blushed making everyone laugh, then he was being hugged by his friends, all his friends until Charlie forced his way through. He then had Harry bent over as they kissed passionately to more applause but naturally to more whistles and comments about taking it somewhere private. Charlie and Harry just kept kissing and the students and staff kept applauding and no one knew which would end first, the kiss or the applause, not that anyone really cared.

Over the next few months Harry and Charlie were enjoying their exciting but relaxing holiday, filled with wonderful sights and relaxing days, some spent on a beach. Charlie had taken Harry to where he used to work in Romania so he could introduce his husband to the people he used to work with. When they saw Harry Potter all of them stood in stunned silence making Harry shrug while Charlie laughed. He finally introduced Harry to everyone and even though they were a little intimidated being in Harry Potter's presence, Harry spoke with everyone trying to relay to them that he was just a normal bloke, nothing special about him at all. It wouldn't matter what Harry said or did, everyone will see him as special.

After that they travelled all over the world, staying in one country for a few weeks before heading to another. It was about three months before Charlie started to see a change in Harry, he had started to relax properly. There were days Charlie would see a very contented and peaceful look on Harry's face especially when he would doze off in the middle of the day. Charlie would lie beside Harry watching his face and he realised that Harry was slowly healing, slowly putting his past to rest. But Charlie also knew it came down to their love and what that love had finally produced.

On the last day of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall had informed all students to be in the great hall before leaving Hogwarts, some for the very last time.

'I know the last few years has been trying on all of you, for the older students more so. All of you did what you had to, what you felt was the right thing to do to help protect our way of life. Now I know the students who fought in the battle of Hogwarts has already been awarded for their bravery and applauded for doing what was right even if that meant there was a chance you could die. This is not about that, this is about putting that behind you and working through the year so you could leave Hogwarts with the best test results you could get ready to head out into the world as working adult. I congratulate all of at being able to put all the suffering behind you to do what you needed,' Minerva and all the staff started to applaud then the students from first year up to seventh year applauded the eighth year students who would be leaving Hogwarts for the very last time.

'Now I think we should head outside, for some of you there is a surprise waiting,' Minerva smiled then lead the students outside. Once everyone was gathered down on the grass Minerva nodded, 'Alright Hagrid, you can move aside now.'

Hagrid grinned then stepped away revealing Harry Potter smiling hugely at everyone, but naturally at all his friends who surged forward, hugging Harry as tight as they could.

'Where's Charlie?' Ron glanced around.

'He's here, we thought it best that none of you accidentally knocked him or hugged him too tight. Charlie love,' Harry smiled then watched as Bill, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and all the other turned to see Charlie standing next to Minerva. Harry burst out laughing as Bill, Ron and Ginny's mouths dropped open almost hitting the ground, 'Yep, I got my husband knocked up, amazing isn't it.'

'But…but…how, he's a man?' Hermione babbled seeing Charlie with a huge pregnant stomach.

'With powerful magic and a lot of love,' Charlie said as smiled, he joined Harry, they put their arm around each other, 'It seemed that Harry's power was able to work a few things, so in two months' time our children will be born, a son named James Sirius Weasley Potter and a daughter named Lily Charlene Weasley Potter.'

'I know Harry has surprised and shocked people before, but I don't think anyone is going to get over this surprise any time soon,' Minerva smiled, 'A man that was pregnant, surprising. But as Albus Dumbledore always said, love is the most powerful magic there is, we've just seen proof of that.'

'Twins, you're really having twins?' Ginny very gently put her hand on Charlie's stomach, 'They kicked, there's really babies in there, inside my brother.'

'I think your sister's in shock babe.'

Charlie chuckled, 'Sounds like it love. Yes, I'm pregnant with twins, get used to it.'

'But Harry, how?' Hermione asked again.

'We'll explain at the Burrow. So you lot, go on, get onto the carriages so you can ride the Hogwarts express for the very last time. Charlie and I will meet you at the Burrow later today.'

'Bloody hell,' Ron said still gaping at his brother, 'What is it with you Harry Potter. I go from thinking okay, so my best mate is gay and with my brother, he'll never have kids of his own, now,' Ron waved his hand at Charlie's stomach.

'I'll explain Ron, there's a lot to go into. Just know that I used some of my power and love for Charlie to achieve this miracle.'

'I'm with Ron, I can't believe this. Does the rest of the family know?' Bill asked.

'No, Harry and I wanted all of you to know first. But we're heading out to tell mum and dad before word spreads,' Charlie nodded to all the students.

'Good idea, okay, we'll see you there,' Bill hugged Charlie then Harry, finally everyone else hugged the couple before climbing into the thestral drawn carriages. Harry smiled at Minerva as she hugged him first then Charlie.

'You look wonderful Harry, this holiday was exactly the thing you needed.'

'Yeah, it was Minerva,' Harry grinned, 'We had a wonderful time.'

'We should go before mum and dad hear about this from someone else.'

'Oh yes and if that happened I think I would hear Molly from here,' Minerva hugged Harry and Charlie again then watched as they walked slowly down the long drive, still with their arms around each other, 'Truly a miracle,' she smiled then turned and headed back into the castle.

Harry and Charlie stared at the large house, they both grinned then with joined hands they stepped into the kitchen. It took a second before Molly Weasley was hugging Charlie and Arthur Weasley asking how this was possible.

Later that day Harry and Charlie were sitting with Molly and Arthur, George, Fred, Angelina, Percy, Bill and Fleur who was holding Victoire, when Ron, Hermione and Ginny raced into the house. So after a lot more hugs and something to drink, Harry explained that he had worked a charm that could change the inside of himself enough to fall pregnant and carry a child. It was Charlie's idea to be the one to get pregnant, so Harry tweaked his charm which naturally worked.

'So we have Victoire and very soon we'll have two more grandchildren, James and Lily. Was that your idea Harry, to name them after your parents?' Molly asked kindly.

Harry shook his head, 'I thought of using their names as the middle name. Charlie insisted that our first two children will be named James and Lily Potter. I agreed only if Weasley was added to their names.'

'Your parents would be honoured and I think very proud of you Harry. And you Charlie for suggesting something we all know Harry would love but he probably didn't want to ask. Am I right Harry?'

Harry shrugged, 'Yeah, but Charlie knows me so well and even though I tried to argue with him, he never gave him.'

'I had him tied to the bed and refused to release him until he agreed, then I left him tied up until he was begging.'

'I give up, you might as well tell them everything we do babe, it's impossible to stop you.'

'Nah, I just give them an image, they can imagine the rest, which I'm sure they get right every time. But now, I'm hungry, I want a banana with some chocolate sauce and Yorkshire pudding.'

Everyone gaped at Charlie as he started to ramble off all types of food, some normal, but some you wouldn't want to eat, sausages with strawberry topping, sprinkled with nuts. All Harry did was shrug letting them know that he was used to Charlie's strange and unusual cravings. Being pregnant did make most women eat unusual things. Now they were seeing men can feel the exact same thing, thanks to Harry Potter who has made it possible for all gay couples to be able to have their own children, belonging to both. He saved the magical world from Voldemort, now he was going to help populate it and everyone knew that there were going to be a lot of babies named after the saviour, Harry Potter.

The end: