The canonical characters from the "Harry Potter" books and movies belong to Joanne K. Rowling, as does the Wizarding World and all associated concepts. Ms. Rowling is utterly unaware that I or my stories exist, and is probably happier for it. This story is written to serve as nothing more than an outlet for one of my hobbies. I'm doing it because I felt like it and am not planning to realize any sort of monetary award for it.
The plot for "Harry Potter & The Search For Peace" is mine.
It had taken approximately a week for the Grangers to wrap up their practice in Australia. The friends had utilised that time exploring the wizarding world in Australia. George had explored the Joke Shops, searching for ideas while Ron had to drag Hermione out of the Book Store. Harry and Ginny had just walked around, enjoying each other's company. Harry had felt a lot better after he had talked to Ginny about his nightmares.
On returning to England, George had asked all his siblings, along with Harry and Hermione, to help him reopen Weasley Wizard Wheezes. It needed cleaning, rearranging stuff and the shelves needed to be stocked. George's old employee Verity had returned and many of his friends were also helping him. Percy Weasley had decided to help with the shop for some time, "I have ignored my family for too long. Let me do this, George. I cannot think of pranks but I can help with Potions and Charms." George had readily agreed.
"He has a girlfriend, I think," George had told Harry and Ron, "And I think he has a ring also." They were excited with the news and wondered how to get Percy to tell them.
Harry settled down next to Ginny. They were in the grounds of the Burrow and Harry was afraid he had hurt her. "Are you upset?" he asked her. Ginny looked at him and smiled, "Why do you think so?" "I took Ron and Hermione with me to the Potter Manor, instead of you," Harry told her. She did not look angry at all.
Harry had finally opened the letter the Goblins had given him. It had information about the various assets the Potter family owned but two things had interested Harry the most – Potter Manor and the house in Godric's Hollow. Andromeda, as she had insisted, he should call her, had told him that his parents' portraits could be found in the Potter Manor. Godric's Hollow was the place his parents had last lived – Harry wanted to rebuild the house and live there.
"Before I came to Hogwarts, I hoped that some unknown relation would come and take me away. But no one ever did. And then suddenly, I was told that my whole life had been a lie – my parents didn't die in a car crash, there was an explanation for everything that happened around me. I was introduced to the Wizarding World one day and that was all. I was left alone for a month and then I was at Hogwarts. Ron was the first friend I ever had." Harry took a deep breath, "People often pity me for what I lost on Halloween 1981 but look at what I found on the same day ten years later."
"Those two did act like your parents," Ginny chuckled, "I know why you took them with you Harry. And I also understand why you didn't take me. The three of you have been together since your first year. I started talking to you three years ago. They are your family. I want to be your family. I know you love all of us, Harry, but I also know that no one will be able to take their place in your life."
Her words lifted a huge burden from Harry's heart. He was worried that he had hurt her. He closed his eyes and remembered the time he spent at the Potter Manor. They had met a house elf – Micky – she was the only one who had stayed back and waited, the other elves had gone to Hogwarts. Micky had been delighted to see her young master and was looking forward to work for him. But Harry had made it clear that he did not approve treating elves like slaves. He had been surprised when she told him that he was just like his ancestors.
Micky had given them a tour of the Manor, though Harry and Ron had lost all interest in the tour when they found the Quidditch Pitch. They had found some spare old brooms and were in the air before Hermione could protest. An hour later, they had found Hermione in the Library with three Portraits – James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus and Nymphadora Lupin. The latter two had given to Hermione by Andromeda Tonks. Harry knew that they were just Portraits but it felt good to talk to his parents. They told him how proud they were. He had been in good mood since then and had been smiling when Hermione scolded him and Ron for leaving her alone for Quidditch.
"I love you, Harry," he heard Ginny's voice. Harry froze, his eyes tearing up. Ginny looked at him, "What's wrong?" Harry shook his head. He loved her too but for some reason he couldn't say it. He did not know how to. No one had ever told him that he was loved.