Chapter 5: The Sibling Sorting

Standing in front of Harry and Ginny were the two people Harry wanted to know more than anything. Lily and James Potter.

"Mum? Dad?" Harry asked weakly.

"Harry!" Lily shouted as she ran to her son, crushing him in a hug. James was only a step behind her. Harry was crying on Lily's shoulder as she held him.

Ginny covered her mouth as happy tears stung her eyes. Sirius placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Let them have a moment," Remus smiled knowingly at her. "Harry needs this, but he won't forget you either."

James looked up as Remus spoke. He smiled as Sirius nodded to him. James leaned back down to whisper in Lily's ear. Lily looked up at Ginny with a smile. She waved her over to them without any introduction. Harry felt Ginny hug him around his back. He turned slightly to nuzzle her head with his.

Suddenly, Lily and James backed up a few steps as Harry and Ginny began to glow. Neither Harry nor Ginny noticed as he turned into her as she hugged him close. Harry took a deep breath, taking in the scent of Ginny's hair. She pulled back slightly to wipe his tears away, smiling at him. Harry returned her smile, giving her a gentle kiss, before turning back to his parents.

"Mum, dad, this is my girlfriend, Ginny Weasley," Harry beamed. "Gin, my mum and dad."

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Ginny smiled at them.

"None of that, Ginny," Lily shook her head, still in awe of the glow they had just seen. "It's Lily."

"And James."

"I still don't know how…?" Harry stammered.

"Come here, son, and we'll try to explain," James smiled as he conjured two small sofas and two armchairs. Harry and Ginny took one of the sofas across from James and Lily. Sirius and Remus sat down in the armchairs.

"You see, Harry, before you were born there was a Prophecy given to Dumbledore," Lily began. Harry and Ginny noted the disdain in her voice as she said his name. "He came to us, wanting us and the Longbottoms to go into hiding."

"Longbottoms? Neville's parents?" Harry asked quickly.

"Yes," Lily answered with a smile. "You know Neville?"

"He's one of my dormmates," Harry told her. Lily grinned more.

"It's because of that Prophecy that Voldemort was after you or Neville," James went on. "No, we don't know what it says exactly, the old man never told us."

Harry and Ginny, again, caught the disdain in James' voice at the mention of the Headmaster.

"Shortly after you were born, he come to the Manor and took our memories, and you, because we refused to leave the Manor to go into hiding," Lily growled. She started to ball her hand into a fist. "I swear I'm going to…"

"Lils," James took her hand. "In good time."

"Right," Lily breathed deeply as she closed her eyes briefly. "He sent us to the Americas to get us out of the way. He also replaced us with two people he had convinced were us and under Polyjuice Potion. They are the ones that died that night, not us."

"You see, Polyjuice Potion is a potion…" James started to explain.

"That you take hair from someone to impersonate them," Harry nodded. "Used some in second year to try to find out about the Chamber of Secrets from some Slytherins."

"When did you do that?" Ginny asked, turning to look at Harry strangely.

"Over Christmas," Harry answered.

"You were trying to find out about it then?" Ginny asked in slight disbelief. "Did you even know about…?"

"No," Harry answered. "But thinking back, when I had the diary, Tom only showed me what he wanted me to see to try to throw me off of his trail, like how he framed Hagrid."

"What are you two talking about?" Lily asked with a concerned look.

"Things that were going on during my second year, Ginny's first," Harry told her. He turned to Ginny with a gentle, questioning look. She nodded weakly. Harry put his arm around her, pulling her close before finishing his explanation. "It all led to me saving Ginny from Voldemort and his basilisk."

"Voldemort?" James hollered.

"Basilisk?" Lily shouted.

"I killed it, mum. And it was just a memory from Voldemort's school days trapped in the diary," Harry told them like it was an everyday occurrence. Harry and Ginny didn't notice the glow around them again as Harry turned to comfort Ginny as she sniffled. Lily noticed Ginny was crying slightly and trembling as Harry held her. She exchanged a quick glance with James. As soon as Harry turned into her, Ginny started to calm down, but the glow became even brighter.

Lily looked at James again with wide eyes. "I think we should tell them about that, now."

"About what, mum?" Harry looked up. He looked around startled as he noticed the bright glow in the cave. "Um…Gin?"

Ginny looked up. "What in Merlin?"

"That's the other thing we wanted to talk to you about, Harry," Sirius sighed. Harry and Ginny looked over at him. "Let me explain how Remus and I found out about all this, first." Sirius took a deep breath. "When we talked to the house-elves, they told us how Dumbledore hide your parents from everyone because they were spying on his visits to the Manor.

"Natty, the head elf of the Manor, also told me that he had added your other half to the wards when I first arrived there," Sirius continued. "He told us you were bound, Magically, to each other, but there was a block trying to stop the bond from completing."

"A block?" Harry asked slowly. His eyes flew wide open at the same time as Ginny's did. "That's what we felt break after you waited for me. And our first kiss!"

"That's why your feelings last year were so messed up," Ginny looked at Harry. "The block was causing your emotions to be confused."

"Well, the block is down now," Harry grinned at her. He kissed her softly. "This bond must be why we can feel each other's emotions and moods."

"And why we can calm each other down so easily," Ginny agreed.

"I think we need to know what kind of bond it is," Lily spoke up. "Natty."

"Yes, Mrs. Lily," the house-elf appeared with a pop. Lily gestured over to Harry and Ginny. "Master Harry! Ms. Ginny!" His eyes brimmed with tears at seeing them.

"Harry, Ginny, this is Natty, our head house-elf at Potter Manor," James introduced them.

"Hi, Natty," Harry smiled. "But, please, don't call me master."

"Of course, Harry, sir," Natty smiled. "Natty not being seeing youse since youse was a baby, sir. Natty is so happy to sees youse." Natty ran over, hugging Harry. Harry chuckled. "And Natty and all the other elves already knows about youse, Ms. Ginny."

"How?" Ginny asked.

"Youse bond with Harry, sir," Natty answered.

"Natty," Lily called. Natty turned. "What type of bond is it?"

"Ohs, it is the mostest special bond there be, Mrs. Lily," Natty gushed. "It be a soul bond."

"A soul bond?" Lily breathed with wide eyes.

Sirius let out a low whistle. Remus blinked, looking dumbfounded. James swallowed before taking a deep breath. Ginny sat in wide-eyed shock. Harry looked at everyone confused.

"What's a soul bond?" Harry finally asked.

"It's the type of bond that means you and Ginny will be together for the rest of your lives," James smiled.

"It's a very personal and special kind of bond," Remus spoke up. "It can never be broken. And you'll find you can share more than just emotions in time."

"Natty, give us about five minutes and come back as we planned earlier," James told him.

"Yes, sir," Natty nodded before popping away.

"Ginny," Lily spoke as she stood. "With this bond, you're part of our family." She smiled as she opened her arms to the younger redhead. Ginny smiled as she stood, hugging Lily.

"Welcome to the Potters," James grinned as he hugged Ginny. "And don't worry, we'll help you break the news to your parents."

"Speaking of breaking news to people," Lily grinned as she turned to Harry. "Before Natty returns, your father and I want to tell you, Harry…"

"That you have a sister," James smiled at his son.

"A sister?" Harry asked in shock. Ginny took his hand. "I have a sister?"

"Yes," Lily nodded. "Her name is Rose."

"How old is she, mum?" asked Harry still astonished.

"Thirteen," Lily sighed.

"She'll be in my year," Ginny smiled. "Don't worry, I'll watch out for her, Lily."

"Thank you, Ginny," Lily gave her a soft smile.

"Now, you two be quiet for a few minutes," James told them. "We've arranged this to be a surprise for her too. She knows about you, but not that she's meeting you today."

Harry and Ginny grinned as they nodded.

Natty appeared with a young redhead that was blindfolded.

"Where are we, Natty?" Rose asked as she waved her arms in front of her. "I thought you were taking me to where mum and dad were."

"He did," James grinned.

"We're here, sweetheart," Lily placed her hands on her shoulders.

"So are we," Sirius spoke up.

"Hi, Uncle Pads, Uncle Moony," giggled Rose. "Are you two behind this?"

"No, this was your dad's idea," Remus chuckled.

"We have a surprise for you, Rosie," James stepped forward.

"Really?" Rose asked sarcastically. "Kinda figured that out with the blindfold."

Harry and Ginny had to stifle their laughter as Lily sighed, shaking her head.

"Rose," Lily chided her. She motioned for Harry and Ginny to go behind her. When they were in position, Lily took the blindfold off her daughter.

"Oh, nice cave, dad," Rose frowned at James.

"It's not the cave," Lily smiled. "It's who is in it."

"Well, you, dad, Uncles Pads, and Moony, still no surprise," Rose frowned as she started to turn.

"Not us, Petal," Remus chuckled.

"Them," Lily grinned as she stepped aside to reveal Harry and Ginny.

Rose's mouth dropped open. "Harry!"

"Hi, sis!" Harry laughed as he hugged her.

"Who's this, then?" Rose smiled after she pulled back.

"Rose, this is my girlfriend, Ginny," Harry grinned. "Gin, my sister, Rose."

"Potter Curse got you, too, huh, big brother?" chuckled Rose.

"You could say that," Harry shared a smirk with Ginny. "And a bit more."

"Hi, Rose," Ginny grinned at her.

"Wotcher, Ginny!" Rose grinned back.

"I'm going to have a chat with Dora about that," Lily groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Who's Dora, mum?" Harry asked.

"My younger cousin," Sirius grinned impishly.

"And Uncle Moony's girlfriend!" Rose finished before Sirius could. Remus blushed as Harry and Ginny looked at him.

"And it's about time he got one, too," Lily shook her finger at Remus.

"Is Rose going to start Hogwarts soon?" Harry asked looking at Lily and James.

"She is," Lily smiled.

"Wait!" Ginny looked at Sirius. "If James and Lily are alive, that means…"

"That my name is cleared," Sirius nodded with a grin. "Just read the paper tomorrow morning," he gave her a wink.

"Just keep everything quiet until then," James told him.

"There is one of our friends that will hound us until she gets the answers," Ginny stated as she shared a look with Harry. "And I know Harry's too excited about all this not to tell her."

"Hermione can be trusted," Harry put in quickly. "That and she's like a sister to me."

"Yes, you can tell Miss Granger," Remus nodded. "She's as bright as you were in school, Lily."

"And she's a Muggleborn, mum," Harry added.

"I look forward to meeting her, then," Lily smiled.

"It's getting a bit late," Remus announced, looking at his watch.

"We'll see you tomorrow at dinner," Lily told Harry and Ginny as she gave each of them a hug.

"And Rose will be there, too," James added as he hugged Harry and Ginny.

"I can't wait," Harry smiled as he hugged Rose.

"If you get Sorted into Gryffindor, you'll be one of my roomies," Ginny grinned at Rose as she hugged her.

"I'd like that," Rose grinned back.

Harry and Ginny hugged Sirius before waving as they followed Remus back to town. Ginny was giggling at how much Harry was grinning as they made their way into town.

"I'll see you two tomorrow as well," Remus smiled as he gave each of them a hug.

"You bet, Moony," Harry waved as Remus turned back the way they had come.

Harry and Ginny headed for the Three Broomsticks hoping to spot Hermione so they could tell her the news before Harry burst. Ginny saw Hermione sitting by herself, looking lonely after they entered the pub. Harry motioned for Hermione to follow them when she looked up. Ginny giggled more at how Harry was almost frantic for Hermione to hurry up.

"Let's head back," Harry rushed out before Hermione could even greet them.

"A pleasant visit, I see," Hermione chuckled seeing the grin plastered on Harry's face.

"You could say that," Ginny giggled. "Calm down, Harry. We have to wait until we're alone to tell her."

"Tell me what?" Hermione asked as she looked around as they left the village.

Ginny glanced around to make sure they were alone. She smiled and nodded at Harry.

"My parents are alive!" Harry blurted out. Hermione stopped in shock. Her mouth was almost dragging the ground as she looked at Harry. "And I have a younger sister!"

Hermione looked like she was going to faint. Her mouth tried to move but no sound was escaping.

"We just met them," Ginny added. "Remus took us to see them and Sirius outside of town just now,"

Hermione finally recovered enough to break into a huge smile of her own. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she almost tackled Harry and Ginny in a tight hug.

"Oh, Harry!" she finally managed. "I'm so happy for you!"

"You have to keep it quiet until tomorrow," Harry implored her. "But they're coming to the school at dinner to enroll Rose."

"I can't wait to meet them, Harry," Hermione cried. She wiped her tears with a deep breath. "How is this even possible?"

"You'll have to wait for the paper tomorrow morning," Ginny told her.

Harry was so excited about the morning paper and for dinner the next night that he was barely able to sleep. Ginny met him in the Common Room with a knowing smile as she descended the stairs the next morning. She could feel his excitement. She didn't speak, just pulled him into a calming hug. Hermione joined them as they finally parted after a quick kiss. She was smiling almost as much as Harry was. Ron looked at them with a funny look as he came down the stairs.

"You'll see," was all Hermione told him.

After arriving in the Great Hall, Harry sat fidgeting as he waited for the morning post owls to arrive. He glanced around as the entire school was eating their breakfast.

"Patience," Ginny told Harry quietly as she took his hand under the table.

"Easy for you to say," Harry huffed.

"Not when I can feel your emotions," Ginny whispered as she gave him a look.

"Morning, Harry, Ginny," Neville greeted them as he sat down next to Harry.

"Hey, Neville," Harry smiled.

The screech of the owls pulled Harry's attention toward the ceiling. Hedwig swooped low, dropping a paper in front of him. Harry grinned more as he snatched it up to read the front-page article. He unrolled it quickly, holding it so Ginny could read with him. Harry shared a smile with Ginny as they saw the large picture of James, Lily, Sirius, and Remus on the front page.

ALIVE!

James and Lily Potter are alive!

Lord Sirius Black, Innocent!

By Harrison Clearspring, Editor-in-Chief

It came as quite a shock to this editor Friday morning when James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, and their friend Remus Lupin walked into our offices in Diagon Alley!

After a quick confirmation scan by an accompanying Auror and Healer, this editor almost had heart failure!

Lord and Lady Potter asked to have an interview to release a statement to the Wizarding World that this humble editor agreed to without a second thought. This is the statement Lord Potter gave me:

"We would like to announce to the Wizarding World that my wife and I have returned from an imposed exile in the Americas. Yes, we know who did this to us. Yes, that person will be hearing from us very shortly."

After seeing the look in Lady Lily Potter's eyes at the mention of knowing who did this to them, this editor offers their family early condolences. I do not envy you, sir or madam!

Lord Potter continued, "As to the matter of our doubles that were killed that Halloween night in 1981, Sirius Black was not their Secret Keeper. It was Peter Pettigrew, who turned out to be a spy for You-Know-Who. Lord Black, our friend Remus Lupin, with the help of our son Harry, and two of his friends helped flush Pettigrew out of hiding. However, Pettigrew escaped before they could bring him to Hogwarts, where this took place last June. We have just come from the Ministry of Magic and a meeting with the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Amelia Bones, where we, Lord Black, and Mr. Lupin gave testimony to that fact in the form of memories. After viewing the memories, Madam Bones has dropped all charges against Lord Black, who was not even given a trial back in 1981.

"We would also like to announce, that during our exile, we welcomed a daughter into the world, Rose Marie Potter. She will be starting Hogwarts soon. Before this statement will be released, we will be meeting with our son to let him know we are very much alive and well. We also want to make it known that he did not willingly enter the Triwizard Tournament being held at Hogwarts this year. We know this because Harry's godfather, Lord Sirius Black, has been in contact with him since June."

Lady Potter finished their statement with: "We would like to thank the efforts of Healer Andromeda Tonks and Auror Dora Tonks in helping to restore what was taken from us.

"We would also like to thank our friends in Pinot Point, Washington, where we were living, for their years of friendship and support. We would like to tell them we will visit them again soon. And finally, we would like to thank the Wizarding World for remembering us the way they have."

I believe I speak for the rest of the Wizarding World when I say:

Welcome Back, Lord and Lady Potter!

The Great Hall was silent as Harry shared a smirk with Ginny before he looked around to see everyone's reactions. Dumbledore was sitting in shock with a face as white as his beard. Snape was so white his face looked like it was bare bone. McGonagall was smiling with happy tears running down her cheeks. Hagrid had the look of shocked elation. Harry turned to look around at the students. Malfoy sat at the Slytherin table with a confused expression that rivaled how Crabbe and Goyle normally looked. The students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang all sat in utter shock. Except one.

As Harry turned back to the Gryffindor table a rush of movement caught his eye. Fleur Delacour hurried her way over to him.

"'Arry! I am zo 'appy for vous!" she gushed as she hugged him. She saw the look of anger and jealousy on Ginny's face. "I am a deestant couzin ov 'Arry's."

"What?" Harry asked as he grabbed Ginny's hand.

"Oui!" Fleur answered with a smile. "I wrote to my parents after zhe zelction. My fazher tol' me, 'e eez a couzin ov votre fazher's."

"Oh!" Harry blinked. "Fleur, this is my girlfriend, Ginny."

"Bonjour, Jinny," Fleur smiled extending her hand.

"Hello," Ginny nodded as she took Fleur's hand.

Fleur looked at them closely as she tilted her head slightly. She straightened with a wide-eyed look. "Vous are…"

"Please," Harry shook his head. "Not here."

"Ve vill talk later, zhen," Fleur nodded before she went back to her seat.

"That's great, Harry," Neville smiled at him. Harry could see a sadness in his eyes, though.

"What is it, Neville," Harry asked, concerned.

"Not here," Neville swallowed. Harry nodded.

"So that's what you two were doing yesterday," Ron guessed as Harry and Ginny turned to their plates.

"Right in one, Ron," Ginny nodded with a grin. "Not as thick as you seem."

As everyone filed into the Great Hall for dinner that night, Harry and Ginny asked the twins, Neville, Ron, and Hermione to sit close to them. The twins and Neville shrugged but did so. Ron nodded, but Hermione beamed at them, knowing what was about to happen. Fleur looked up with a wave as they sat down.

Harry and Ginny had spent the day talking with Fleur and Neville when not getting approached by other students and teachers to let Harry know they were happy for him. During their talk with Fleur, the French Champion had confirmed their suspicion of her Veela heritage on her mother's side. It was that blood in her that allowed her to see the bond between Harry and Ginny. After talking with her for a while, Harry and Ginny discovered they actually liked the French woman. With Harry being family, Fleur promised to look out for Harry during the Tournament, much to Ginny's relief.

Their conversation with Neville had not been as pleasant. Neville told them what had happened to his parents when they were attacked by Bellatrix Lestrange, one of Voldemort's top Death Eaters, and where his parents now resided. Ginny was in tears as she hugged Neville. Harry told him he was there for him any time that Neville needed to talk. Even though Harry had his parents back, he knew the pain of not having them around.

As dinner started, the doors to the Great Hall slammed open. In the doorway stood James and Lily Potter with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Rose. Harry grinned as he looked from his parents to the Head table. He saw Dumbledore gulp visibly as he turned white. McGonagall smiled as she stood with the Sorting Hat and stool. Harry and Ginny waved at them as they walked to the Head table through the silence that had fallen.

"Potter, Rose," McGonagall called as they stopped for Rose to be Sorted.

The Hat wasn't on her head for two seconds before calling out, "Gryffindor!"

Rose smiled as she ran over to Harry and Ginny to be greeted with a hug from both of them.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my sister Rose, my parents, James and Lily, and my godfather Sirius. You remember Remus," Harry grinned as he pointed to each of them. "Mum, dad, Rose, Sirius, this is Ron and Hermione, two of my best friends. Two of Ginny's other brothers, Fred and George. And this is Neville."

"Very nice to meet you," Hermione grinned.

"You and I will get on great I hear," Lily smiled at her. Hermione blushed. Lily turned to Neville. "Oh, Neville." Lily took him by surprise as she pulled him into a hug.

"Um…Hello, Mrs. Potter," Neville looked at her with wide eyes.

"Your gran didn't tell you?" Lily asked. Neville looked at her confused. "I'll have to have a talk with Augusta," she frowned. "Your mother made me your godmother when you were born. She was one of my best friends. It's Aunt Lily to you, Neville."

Neville gaped at her. Lily nodded. Neville recovered enough to hug his godmother properly.

"Dad, this is Fleur Delacour, she's a distant…" Harry started as Fleur approached.

"Cousin of ours," James nodded. "How is Jacque?"

"'E eez very vell," Fleur smiled. James nodded as he hugged her.

"I haven't seen you since you were a baby," James looked at him properly. "You've grown into quite a young lady."

"Merci," Fleur blushed.

The adults and Fleur sat down at the Gryffindor table to have dinner with the teens. Lily looked up at the Head table with a glare at Dumbledore, daring him to say anything about it.