The Return
by S. L
Hogwarts was amazing, Hannah decided. Absolutely amazing. There was no other word for it. They had arrived only minutes ago, riding in the horseless carriages up to the front gates. They now stood in the Great Hall and she couldn't stop staring. It was amazing.
She looked over at Harry to see what he was thinking. He was unusually quiet, probably thinking about all the years he spent here, it was probably hard for him to return. She reached over for his hand, thinking he'd refuse, but he didn't. He clung to her, Hannah could tell he was a bit scared.
They walked on in silence with Sirius leading them. Harry had insisted that they go alone, but he had refused saying that they needed 'protection against Snape' whatever that meant.
Hannah couldn't take her eyes off the place. They kept roaming from the moving pictures, to the knights in armor, to the lavish decorations. It was al amazing. She even got a great surprise when the staircase they were walking up began to move. Sirius and Harry assured her it was perfectly normal and they went on their way.
Her second surprise came in the form of a tall, dark looking man with extremely greasy hair. As he walked past the strange group, trying to trip Sirius, he did a double take on Harry.
"Potter," was all he said.
Sirius stepped between the two. "Yup Snape, it is Potter isn't it? We're all so happy he's back, though we've really got to go see the headmaster now so if you'd like to get your slimy self out of our way..."
With one last loathing look at the group he obliged, sneering at Hannah as he left.
Harry smiled for the first time since their arrival. "That was Severus Snape, the potions master I told you about. You'll have to watch out for him, though surprisingly he can be trusted."
Hannah nodded, understanding a little bit. She felt extremely ignorant though, which was an unusual feeling for her. She had been a book worm through school with top grades, and always had to know everything. Now though, she felt as if she was always left in the dark. Not that Harry and Sirius didn't explain everything to her, but it wasn't the same.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, they arrived in front of a large stone gargoyle. She looked about for a door of some sort, but neither of her associates seemed to be doing the same. They were both staring fixated at the statue.
"Did he give you the password by any chance?" Sirius asked at last.
"Actually I was hoping you had it," Harry said. "Lemon drop!"
Nothing happened.
"Chocolate frogs."
Nothing.
"Erm... pumpkin pasties?"
Nothing.
"Oh- sugar quills!"
The statue flung open to reveal a stairway. Sirius gave Harry a smug look and sauntered up. Harry chuckled and turned to Hannah. "You have to be careful around her, there are a lot of secret passages and rooms that require passwords." Then he too went up the stairs pulling Hannah along gently.
A circular office, lavishly decorated came next. Behind the desk in the center of the room sat a man. A very old looking man with a long silver white beard, on his shoulder sat the phoenix.
"Ah Harry, it is good to see you," the man said in a wise voice. He didn't move, but gestured for them to take a seat in front of him. "Mr. Black, if you would be as kind as to alert the staff of an emergency meeting?" Sirius turned to go. "But you'd better have someone tell Severus other than yourself, I don't want any mischief happening where I can't keep my eyes on you!" He chuckled softly as Sirius left.
"You must be Hannah Potter then," the man said. It was unusual being called Potter, since she had been going as Black all these years, but she liked it. She wanted to be called Potter, it just felt right. "I am Albus Dumbledore and Headmaster of this school. I must say I deeply apologies for having to pull you out of your wondrous home and old life, but we really do need Harry with us for this one."
The bird Fawkes flew to Harry and nuzzled his cheek. Harry smiled slightly. "It's good to be back here, Hogwarts was always my home." He sighed. "There are so many memories."
Something had been bothering her since they entered the room, and just then Hannah realized what it was. She recognized this man. "Wait," she said staring intently at him. "I know you- you were at our wedding!"
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "I was wondering if you'd remember me or not. Though I must ask you not to repeat that."
"When I left," Harry began. "Albus was the only one I told, I needed someone to keep my secret, but I swore him to never tell."
"If anyone were to find out I knew, I'd have a very angry mob after my blood. Thinking I was hiding away the Harry Potter and not letting anyone else see him!"
Hannah nodded.
"Now Mrs. Potter- though I daresay I should call you Professor Martney- you've heard the plan?"
"Yes," she answered the headmaster. "I've agreed to it."
He smiled. "Well the new term starts in a week or two which should give you plenty of time to decide what exactly you'd like to do. The other teachers shall be told the truth- but not about you being Harry's wife of course- so you won't have to worry about that. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
Harry cleared his throat. "We told her all about the plan on our way over here," he said. "I think all we have to do is initiate it."
Dumbledore smiled. "On top as usual Harry. I assume you haven't had any dreams?"
"No, Voldermort is lying low, probably trying to regain his powers. It would be best if we strike when he is weak," Harry said gravely and Hannah knew she was now out of the conversation.
She didn't know much about Voldermort, and no one seemed to like to talk about it. Hannah laid back in her chair and waited as the two debated about tactics and information. Luckily she really didn't have to wait long before Sirius returned.
Two teachers were behind him. One was an old looking woman with a very stern outlook and the other was a tall woman with very bushy hair. Sirius smiled and stepped away.
It took a moment for the teachers to realize who stood before them, but when they did chaos broke through. The younger woman flung herself at Harry and began sobbing into his shoulder. The older one simply stood shocked, her face loosing all it's color.
Then other teachers began arriving, all as excited to see Harry. It was a long while before peace was controlled, though Sirius kept Hannah caught up.
"That's Hermoine," he said about the bushy haired woman. "She was Harry's best friend aside from Ron. Now her and Ron are married. Kept her old name though. Hermoine teaches Transfiguration. That's Minerva McGonagal, she retired as Transfiguration teacher last year, but insist on staying here to keep an eye over things."
He pointed to some other teachers. "Snape you know, he's not happy to see Harry at all, hate each other they do. That's Lavender something, I don't really know. She teachers Diviniation. Crazy woman, she used to be in the same year as Harry, loved him to pieces because Harry asked her to the Yule Ball, once in fourth year.
"That's Nevile Longbottom, he used to be one of Harry's friends too. He teaches Herbology now, though be careful. He's nice, but he's a clumsy fool. The ghost is Binns. He teachers History of Magic, always has. Really boring bloke, you would have hated his class no doubt. Everyone does.
"Oh that's Remus Lupin, he was Harry's dad and mine best friend in school. Like Harry's uncle, Harry lived with him for a couple of years, after he left the Dursleys. A werewolf, but don't let that get to you, he's the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. He taught in Harry's... third year, but left because of his reputation of being a werewolf. He came back though um... I'd say about four years ago. He's always been a favorite teacher. Teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Hannah gasped. She had heard about Remus. "A werewolf? Is there such a thing."
Sirius stared at her strangely. "Of course there is."
Hannah nodded and tried to remember everyone as they crowded around her. She herself was introduced to many, and Remus soon joined the two near the corner where they could talk. Sirius leaned over and whispered in his ear, an Hannah was pretty sure he told Remus who she really was.
"Harry always did have good taste," he said with a smile. Hannah blushed.
Finally after things had calmed down Dumbledore stood. "Now as happy as we are to have Harry returned to us, but we must be down to business. May I introduce Hannah Martney."
The teachers all smiled and nodded in her direction. "Now Mrs. Martney has a bit of a problem, for now that Voldermort has returned," some people shuddered at his name. "He is going to be after her. She also has another problem, and that is that she is a muggle."
Hannah received strange looks this time and a small mummer filed the room.
"Our Harry Potter has brought her to us with her unusual problem with a proposal." Smiles for Harry. "Mrs. Martney will be staying at Hogwarts for the year, under the guise of an assistant teacher. No one is to know she is not a witch, nor that Voldermort is after her. She is an exceptional learner, and I believe she will pick up on this life wonderfully.
"There is more news that you may take well or badly. For Sirius Black is returning." Groans and smiles, and a bow from Sirius followed. "After being kicked out as a teacher," Dumbledore shifted uncomfortably, Sirius just smiled wider. "He is returning to keep Mrs. Martney well protected. As she has no magic, he will do any magic for her. Molly Weasley, who could not join us at the moment, will also be staying with us this year. For Mrs. Martney has a darling daughter, who will need to be protected and cared for as well, Mrs. Weasley has graciously volunteered."
Dumbledore smiled at the crowd. "I'm sorry now, but I must ask all of you to return to your posts, Harry I'm sure, will be able to speak with you all at some other time, but now there are other matters to be discussed. If you have any questions about Mrs. Martney, then please ask me at another time. I will also be calling a meeting of the Order in due time. Also Remus and Hermoine, please remain behind."
He smiled again as the teachers left the room with last looks at her husband.
It took some time, but at last Harry, Sirius, Hermoine and Hannah were at last left alone with Dumbledore.
"Now assuming that Mr. Black told his old friend the news it seems as if Professor Granger is the only one left in the dark."
Hermoine was sitting quite close to Harry shooting ecstatic smiles at him. If Hannah was the jealous type she probably would have been getting angry, but she wasn't. Besides Hannah knew Harry loved her, and Hermoine was married. Besides Hermoine hadn't seen her best friend in years, she must be quite excited.
"Harry perhaps you'd like to share the news?"
Her husband detached himself from Hermoine and beckoned Hannah nearer. "Yes Hermoine, Remus, I'd like you to meet my wife Hannah- Potter," he said looking at her strangely. Perhaps he was getting used to the new name too.
Hannah smiled then jumped slightly as Hermoine squealed and embraced both her and Harry immediately. "Oh Harry that's wonderful! You've brought back all sorts of surprises!"
Then she backed away and glared menacingly at Harry. "But you said Hannah had a daughter Harry..."
Harry shifted slightly. "Yes, we do... two years old by the name of Jane."
Remus smiled widely and joined the group. "I can't wait to meet her."
Hermoine squealed with delight then flung her arms around Hannah. "Oh this is a day of surprises! We have to get Ron in here immediately, he'll be furious that you didn't contact him right away. And staying with his parents at that!"
Dumbledore nodded slowly, with a twinkle in his eye. It was that twinkle that made Hannah find him so warm. It reminded her of the protecting blanket of stars. "Only those in this room, and the Weasley's of course are to know of the true relationship between Harry and Hannah. I trust it goes without saying to keep this information to yourself."
Hermoine nodded gravely, her eyes still on Hannah and Harry, a smile playing on her lips. Hannah knew that Harry had chosen wisely for his friends. She loved them all already.
"I wasn't kidding," Dumbledore went on, his tone darkening. "When I said that we must speak of Voldermort."
Hannah didn't remember any such taunt, but nodded anyhow, maybe she had missed something.
"Harry indeed must take up his role again, and the Order must be reinstated. Professor Granger, I know that you are no doubt anxious to speak with your friend again, but I am counting on you to help me with the Order. Soon you may call Mr. Weasley to you and I will give the three of you a chance to catch up. Professor Lupin you are to alert the members, just send out a notice if you will then meet us back here. Mr. Black I would ask you to take Mrs. Potter here to your home and then her own and gather what will need to be brought. Harry, I'll give you and your wife an hour and then I expect you back here ready to work."
The room nodded, every face serious, but Hannah's. She felt tears welling up in her eyes knowing that soon she would be left in this strange world and Harry would be gone. The look in his eye told her he thought the same thing. They slipped away for their hour alone.
"This is the entrance to the Gryffindor common room," he said as they approached a portrait of a rather fat lady in a red dress. Up until then they had contented themselves with merely walking about with their hands brushing slightly, Harry pointing out interesting things, always with a story to follow. This time though his voice was chocked as if remembering something awful and wonderful at the same time.
"Harry Potter!" The fat lady said dazedly. Hannah had not quite gotten used to art talking to her, but she supposed it was fairly normal. "I thought it would be a long time indeed before you returned." She winked at them both. "Come to see your old dorm again? Or perhaps your running from an insulted potions master?"
Her husband laughed. "Yes indeed fat lady. I remember that day, called him a hoary toad. Or maybe that was Ron.."
"Yes it was, because I saw the whole thing, right over there," she pointed with her flat hand. "It was Ron who insulted him, then the old Slytherin just had to go insult you Harry dear and you turned him into a hoary toad didn't you!"
Hannah giggled at the thought of Snape as a toad. She hadn't thought you could do something like that, but she supposed if Harry could then it was standard.
"I doubt the password is still 'pigsnout,'" Harry said. "But will you let an old Gryffindor in anyways?"
"Of course," then the painting swung on it's hinges and opened the way for Harry and Hannah to stoop through.
It was magnificent. Hannah couldn't imagine being able to spend you days here, in such a wonderful place. She supposed if she had gone to boarding school she would have wished for as lovely a common room as Harry had had. It was too beautiful in her mind to explain.
"Like it?" He asked anxiously awaiting her approval.
She smiled happily and nodded, "it's beautiful!"
"Come here then," then he lead her to the corner and up a winding staircase. They passed doors with labels like 'first years' and 'seventh years' then finally they stopped at the simple door labeled 'third years.'
Harry opened the door almost cautiously and peered in. Hannah gasped again. It was all so wonderful. The four poster beds, all decked in gold and scarlet hangings. The plush carpet beneath her feet. She would have given anything, Hannah decided, to be able to have gone to a school like Hogwarts. The common room and dorm alone had been enough to prove that much. Then the school was wonderful, the teachers quite nice, and the students were probably just as wonderful. Then there was the fact that you got to learn magic! Anyone little girl dreaming of her fairy tales would pay any price for that!
"This was my bed," Harry said leading her to the farthest one. A little window overlooking the lake was just to their left.
They sat down and Hannah tore her eyes away from the sights to look at her husband. He looked sadder than she had ever seen him, though she knew, that his heart was whole again to be in this place. Though he had spoken of magic with a terrified tone just those few days ago, she had listened to his stories and seen the look in his eyes. Hogwarts was his home, magic was his life. No matter what he said, it would always be so.
"I don't want to leave you," he said painfully. "Nor Jane."
She smiled, trying to act brave, at least for him. "And I don't want you too, but we'll be fine. I promise. So will you. You have all your old friends to see again, and all sorts of news to catch up on. We'll see one another soon, I know it."
"Yes, I'll be at Hogwarts for meetings, that should be about once a week, and I'll owl you. Sirius will show you how to get in touch with me if you really need me. I can't tell you what I'll be doing for the rest of the time, but you'll be in my heart."
Those words haunted her as she said her final goodbye. Those were the words that would keep her strong, while in this strange new world. As he pressed his lips to hers in what seemed to be a last sort of kiss they echoed through her head. Then he gave her a last smile and she watched as he turned and walked up the moving staircase back into Dumbledore's office. Leaving her alone with Sirius and his words.
"You'll be in my heart."
I don't care what you think about this chapter. I find it very sweet! I always was a sucker for that mushy lovey stuff. Though I don't think I'm that bad or anything. Whatever. I really do hope you like it though, I'm just a big talker sometimes. Just ignore me. Thanks as always for reading and I hope you liked it. Don't forget to leave a review and give me your comments! I think that's all though- oh, except that I'm sorry it took so long to get out. Writers block you might say, or rather a very full schedule. Either way you want to look at it go ahead. Thanks to my reviewers!
~Sophie W.
~neesh
~Notebook Girl
~aqualaria
~Kool-aid
~Artemis-chan
~Milkyweed
~RicaSiegakaBlossom
THANKS
Don't forget to read my other stories!!!
~Potter vs. Evans (a love hate where Lily transfers to Hogwarts during her third year. It's a little different and I hope it's enjoyed.)
~A Time Out of Memory (where somehow Harry, Sirius, Ron and Hermoine end up in MWPP's time and... you can find out the rest.)
~An Unsual Journey (An idea that came to me, a bit of a change from A Time Out of Memory, where just Harry and Sirius go back in time and has to win his father's own trust to be able to save his life. It's fun and I hope everyone likes it!)
THANKS AGAIN!!!
by S. L
Hogwarts was amazing, Hannah decided. Absolutely amazing. There was no other word for it. They had arrived only minutes ago, riding in the horseless carriages up to the front gates. They now stood in the Great Hall and she couldn't stop staring. It was amazing.
She looked over at Harry to see what he was thinking. He was unusually quiet, probably thinking about all the years he spent here, it was probably hard for him to return. She reached over for his hand, thinking he'd refuse, but he didn't. He clung to her, Hannah could tell he was a bit scared.
They walked on in silence with Sirius leading them. Harry had insisted that they go alone, but he had refused saying that they needed 'protection against Snape' whatever that meant.
Hannah couldn't take her eyes off the place. They kept roaming from the moving pictures, to the knights in armor, to the lavish decorations. It was al amazing. She even got a great surprise when the staircase they were walking up began to move. Sirius and Harry assured her it was perfectly normal and they went on their way.
Her second surprise came in the form of a tall, dark looking man with extremely greasy hair. As he walked past the strange group, trying to trip Sirius, he did a double take on Harry.
"Potter," was all he said.
Sirius stepped between the two. "Yup Snape, it is Potter isn't it? We're all so happy he's back, though we've really got to go see the headmaster now so if you'd like to get your slimy self out of our way..."
With one last loathing look at the group he obliged, sneering at Hannah as he left.
Harry smiled for the first time since their arrival. "That was Severus Snape, the potions master I told you about. You'll have to watch out for him, though surprisingly he can be trusted."
Hannah nodded, understanding a little bit. She felt extremely ignorant though, which was an unusual feeling for her. She had been a book worm through school with top grades, and always had to know everything. Now though, she felt as if she was always left in the dark. Not that Harry and Sirius didn't explain everything to her, but it wasn't the same.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, they arrived in front of a large stone gargoyle. She looked about for a door of some sort, but neither of her associates seemed to be doing the same. They were both staring fixated at the statue.
"Did he give you the password by any chance?" Sirius asked at last.
"Actually I was hoping you had it," Harry said. "Lemon drop!"
Nothing happened.
"Chocolate frogs."
Nothing.
"Erm... pumpkin pasties?"
Nothing.
"Oh- sugar quills!"
The statue flung open to reveal a stairway. Sirius gave Harry a smug look and sauntered up. Harry chuckled and turned to Hannah. "You have to be careful around her, there are a lot of secret passages and rooms that require passwords." Then he too went up the stairs pulling Hannah along gently.
A circular office, lavishly decorated came next. Behind the desk in the center of the room sat a man. A very old looking man with a long silver white beard, on his shoulder sat the phoenix.
"Ah Harry, it is good to see you," the man said in a wise voice. He didn't move, but gestured for them to take a seat in front of him. "Mr. Black, if you would be as kind as to alert the staff of an emergency meeting?" Sirius turned to go. "But you'd better have someone tell Severus other than yourself, I don't want any mischief happening where I can't keep my eyes on you!" He chuckled softly as Sirius left.
"You must be Hannah Potter then," the man said. It was unusual being called Potter, since she had been going as Black all these years, but she liked it. She wanted to be called Potter, it just felt right. "I am Albus Dumbledore and Headmaster of this school. I must say I deeply apologies for having to pull you out of your wondrous home and old life, but we really do need Harry with us for this one."
The bird Fawkes flew to Harry and nuzzled his cheek. Harry smiled slightly. "It's good to be back here, Hogwarts was always my home." He sighed. "There are so many memories."
Something had been bothering her since they entered the room, and just then Hannah realized what it was. She recognized this man. "Wait," she said staring intently at him. "I know you- you were at our wedding!"
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "I was wondering if you'd remember me or not. Though I must ask you not to repeat that."
"When I left," Harry began. "Albus was the only one I told, I needed someone to keep my secret, but I swore him to never tell."
"If anyone were to find out I knew, I'd have a very angry mob after my blood. Thinking I was hiding away the Harry Potter and not letting anyone else see him!"
Hannah nodded.
"Now Mrs. Potter- though I daresay I should call you Professor Martney- you've heard the plan?"
"Yes," she answered the headmaster. "I've agreed to it."
He smiled. "Well the new term starts in a week or two which should give you plenty of time to decide what exactly you'd like to do. The other teachers shall be told the truth- but not about you being Harry's wife of course- so you won't have to worry about that. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
Harry cleared his throat. "We told her all about the plan on our way over here," he said. "I think all we have to do is initiate it."
Dumbledore smiled. "On top as usual Harry. I assume you haven't had any dreams?"
"No, Voldermort is lying low, probably trying to regain his powers. It would be best if we strike when he is weak," Harry said gravely and Hannah knew she was now out of the conversation.
She didn't know much about Voldermort, and no one seemed to like to talk about it. Hannah laid back in her chair and waited as the two debated about tactics and information. Luckily she really didn't have to wait long before Sirius returned.
Two teachers were behind him. One was an old looking woman with a very stern outlook and the other was a tall woman with very bushy hair. Sirius smiled and stepped away.
It took a moment for the teachers to realize who stood before them, but when they did chaos broke through. The younger woman flung herself at Harry and began sobbing into his shoulder. The older one simply stood shocked, her face loosing all it's color.
Then other teachers began arriving, all as excited to see Harry. It was a long while before peace was controlled, though Sirius kept Hannah caught up.
"That's Hermoine," he said about the bushy haired woman. "She was Harry's best friend aside from Ron. Now her and Ron are married. Kept her old name though. Hermoine teaches Transfiguration. That's Minerva McGonagal, she retired as Transfiguration teacher last year, but insist on staying here to keep an eye over things."
He pointed to some other teachers. "Snape you know, he's not happy to see Harry at all, hate each other they do. That's Lavender something, I don't really know. She teachers Diviniation. Crazy woman, she used to be in the same year as Harry, loved him to pieces because Harry asked her to the Yule Ball, once in fourth year.
"That's Nevile Longbottom, he used to be one of Harry's friends too. He teaches Herbology now, though be careful. He's nice, but he's a clumsy fool. The ghost is Binns. He teachers History of Magic, always has. Really boring bloke, you would have hated his class no doubt. Everyone does.
"Oh that's Remus Lupin, he was Harry's dad and mine best friend in school. Like Harry's uncle, Harry lived with him for a couple of years, after he left the Dursleys. A werewolf, but don't let that get to you, he's the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. He taught in Harry's... third year, but left because of his reputation of being a werewolf. He came back though um... I'd say about four years ago. He's always been a favorite teacher. Teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Hannah gasped. She had heard about Remus. "A werewolf? Is there such a thing."
Sirius stared at her strangely. "Of course there is."
Hannah nodded and tried to remember everyone as they crowded around her. She herself was introduced to many, and Remus soon joined the two near the corner where they could talk. Sirius leaned over and whispered in his ear, an Hannah was pretty sure he told Remus who she really was.
"Harry always did have good taste," he said with a smile. Hannah blushed.
Finally after things had calmed down Dumbledore stood. "Now as happy as we are to have Harry returned to us, but we must be down to business. May I introduce Hannah Martney."
The teachers all smiled and nodded in her direction. "Now Mrs. Martney has a bit of a problem, for now that Voldermort has returned," some people shuddered at his name. "He is going to be after her. She also has another problem, and that is that she is a muggle."
Hannah received strange looks this time and a small mummer filed the room.
"Our Harry Potter has brought her to us with her unusual problem with a proposal." Smiles for Harry. "Mrs. Martney will be staying at Hogwarts for the year, under the guise of an assistant teacher. No one is to know she is not a witch, nor that Voldermort is after her. She is an exceptional learner, and I believe she will pick up on this life wonderfully.
"There is more news that you may take well or badly. For Sirius Black is returning." Groans and smiles, and a bow from Sirius followed. "After being kicked out as a teacher," Dumbledore shifted uncomfortably, Sirius just smiled wider. "He is returning to keep Mrs. Martney well protected. As she has no magic, he will do any magic for her. Molly Weasley, who could not join us at the moment, will also be staying with us this year. For Mrs. Martney has a darling daughter, who will need to be protected and cared for as well, Mrs. Weasley has graciously volunteered."
Dumbledore smiled at the crowd. "I'm sorry now, but I must ask all of you to return to your posts, Harry I'm sure, will be able to speak with you all at some other time, but now there are other matters to be discussed. If you have any questions about Mrs. Martney, then please ask me at another time. I will also be calling a meeting of the Order in due time. Also Remus and Hermoine, please remain behind."
He smiled again as the teachers left the room with last looks at her husband.
It took some time, but at last Harry, Sirius, Hermoine and Hannah were at last left alone with Dumbledore.
"Now assuming that Mr. Black told his old friend the news it seems as if Professor Granger is the only one left in the dark."
Hermoine was sitting quite close to Harry shooting ecstatic smiles at him. If Hannah was the jealous type she probably would have been getting angry, but she wasn't. Besides Hannah knew Harry loved her, and Hermoine was married. Besides Hermoine hadn't seen her best friend in years, she must be quite excited.
"Harry perhaps you'd like to share the news?"
Her husband detached himself from Hermoine and beckoned Hannah nearer. "Yes Hermoine, Remus, I'd like you to meet my wife Hannah- Potter," he said looking at her strangely. Perhaps he was getting used to the new name too.
Hannah smiled then jumped slightly as Hermoine squealed and embraced both her and Harry immediately. "Oh Harry that's wonderful! You've brought back all sorts of surprises!"
Then she backed away and glared menacingly at Harry. "But you said Hannah had a daughter Harry..."
Harry shifted slightly. "Yes, we do... two years old by the name of Jane."
Remus smiled widely and joined the group. "I can't wait to meet her."
Hermoine squealed with delight then flung her arms around Hannah. "Oh this is a day of surprises! We have to get Ron in here immediately, he'll be furious that you didn't contact him right away. And staying with his parents at that!"
Dumbledore nodded slowly, with a twinkle in his eye. It was that twinkle that made Hannah find him so warm. It reminded her of the protecting blanket of stars. "Only those in this room, and the Weasley's of course are to know of the true relationship between Harry and Hannah. I trust it goes without saying to keep this information to yourself."
Hermoine nodded gravely, her eyes still on Hannah and Harry, a smile playing on her lips. Hannah knew that Harry had chosen wisely for his friends. She loved them all already.
"I wasn't kidding," Dumbledore went on, his tone darkening. "When I said that we must speak of Voldermort."
Hannah didn't remember any such taunt, but nodded anyhow, maybe she had missed something.
"Harry indeed must take up his role again, and the Order must be reinstated. Professor Granger, I know that you are no doubt anxious to speak with your friend again, but I am counting on you to help me with the Order. Soon you may call Mr. Weasley to you and I will give the three of you a chance to catch up. Professor Lupin you are to alert the members, just send out a notice if you will then meet us back here. Mr. Black I would ask you to take Mrs. Potter here to your home and then her own and gather what will need to be brought. Harry, I'll give you and your wife an hour and then I expect you back here ready to work."
The room nodded, every face serious, but Hannah's. She felt tears welling up in her eyes knowing that soon she would be left in this strange world and Harry would be gone. The look in his eye told her he thought the same thing. They slipped away for their hour alone.
"This is the entrance to the Gryffindor common room," he said as they approached a portrait of a rather fat lady in a red dress. Up until then they had contented themselves with merely walking about with their hands brushing slightly, Harry pointing out interesting things, always with a story to follow. This time though his voice was chocked as if remembering something awful and wonderful at the same time.
"Harry Potter!" The fat lady said dazedly. Hannah had not quite gotten used to art talking to her, but she supposed it was fairly normal. "I thought it would be a long time indeed before you returned." She winked at them both. "Come to see your old dorm again? Or perhaps your running from an insulted potions master?"
Her husband laughed. "Yes indeed fat lady. I remember that day, called him a hoary toad. Or maybe that was Ron.."
"Yes it was, because I saw the whole thing, right over there," she pointed with her flat hand. "It was Ron who insulted him, then the old Slytherin just had to go insult you Harry dear and you turned him into a hoary toad didn't you!"
Hannah giggled at the thought of Snape as a toad. She hadn't thought you could do something like that, but she supposed if Harry could then it was standard.
"I doubt the password is still 'pigsnout,'" Harry said. "But will you let an old Gryffindor in anyways?"
"Of course," then the painting swung on it's hinges and opened the way for Harry and Hannah to stoop through.
It was magnificent. Hannah couldn't imagine being able to spend you days here, in such a wonderful place. She supposed if she had gone to boarding school she would have wished for as lovely a common room as Harry had had. It was too beautiful in her mind to explain.
"Like it?" He asked anxiously awaiting her approval.
She smiled happily and nodded, "it's beautiful!"
"Come here then," then he lead her to the corner and up a winding staircase. They passed doors with labels like 'first years' and 'seventh years' then finally they stopped at the simple door labeled 'third years.'
Harry opened the door almost cautiously and peered in. Hannah gasped again. It was all so wonderful. The four poster beds, all decked in gold and scarlet hangings. The plush carpet beneath her feet. She would have given anything, Hannah decided, to be able to have gone to a school like Hogwarts. The common room and dorm alone had been enough to prove that much. Then the school was wonderful, the teachers quite nice, and the students were probably just as wonderful. Then there was the fact that you got to learn magic! Anyone little girl dreaming of her fairy tales would pay any price for that!
"This was my bed," Harry said leading her to the farthest one. A little window overlooking the lake was just to their left.
They sat down and Hannah tore her eyes away from the sights to look at her husband. He looked sadder than she had ever seen him, though she knew, that his heart was whole again to be in this place. Though he had spoken of magic with a terrified tone just those few days ago, she had listened to his stories and seen the look in his eyes. Hogwarts was his home, magic was his life. No matter what he said, it would always be so.
"I don't want to leave you," he said painfully. "Nor Jane."
She smiled, trying to act brave, at least for him. "And I don't want you too, but we'll be fine. I promise. So will you. You have all your old friends to see again, and all sorts of news to catch up on. We'll see one another soon, I know it."
"Yes, I'll be at Hogwarts for meetings, that should be about once a week, and I'll owl you. Sirius will show you how to get in touch with me if you really need me. I can't tell you what I'll be doing for the rest of the time, but you'll be in my heart."
Those words haunted her as she said her final goodbye. Those were the words that would keep her strong, while in this strange new world. As he pressed his lips to hers in what seemed to be a last sort of kiss they echoed through her head. Then he gave her a last smile and she watched as he turned and walked up the moving staircase back into Dumbledore's office. Leaving her alone with Sirius and his words.
"You'll be in my heart."
I don't care what you think about this chapter. I find it very sweet! I always was a sucker for that mushy lovey stuff. Though I don't think I'm that bad or anything. Whatever. I really do hope you like it though, I'm just a big talker sometimes. Just ignore me. Thanks as always for reading and I hope you liked it. Don't forget to leave a review and give me your comments! I think that's all though- oh, except that I'm sorry it took so long to get out. Writers block you might say, or rather a very full schedule. Either way you want to look at it go ahead. Thanks to my reviewers!
~Sophie W.
~neesh
~Notebook Girl
~aqualaria
~Kool-aid
~Artemis-chan
~Milkyweed
~RicaSiegakaBlossom
THANKS
Don't forget to read my other stories!!!
~Potter vs. Evans (a love hate where Lily transfers to Hogwarts during her third year. It's a little different and I hope it's enjoyed.)
~A Time Out of Memory (where somehow Harry, Sirius, Ron and Hermoine end up in MWPP's time and... you can find out the rest.)
~An Unsual Journey (An idea that came to me, a bit of a change from A Time Out of Memory, where just Harry and Sirius go back in time and has to win his father's own trust to be able to save his life. It's fun and I hope everyone likes it!)
THANKS AGAIN!!!