Chapter 14: New Arrivals.
Disclaimer: HP and all associated properties belong to JK Rowling, WB et al. The Magi belong to Universal Pictures. Any other recognisable non-HP characters belong to their respective owners and everyone else belongs to me. No profit is being made by this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I have decided to skip the actual wedding, as there are a number of excellent examples of this around and I don't think I could do it justice. If anyone would like to give it a shot, feel free. Just drop me an e-mail of your outline and let me know where you're going to post it (please post it on FF.N at least). Thanx.
When Harry, his wife and his two best friends Apparated into the living room of their London flat with a pop, four people were waiting for them: Sirius, Remus, Neville, and Mona Duquesne, an old friend of Hermione's who had also been her maid-of-honour at her wedding two weeks before.
"Hi Remus." said Harry, collapsing down onto one of the sofas. "How have you been?"
"I'm fine Harry. You?"
"Yeah. The honeymoon was great. Egypt is a fascinating and beautiful country. I can understand why Bill spent so long there." He turned to Neville and Sirius, "How are things here?"
"Everything's going fine Harry. The bedrooms on the second and third floors are all finished, including the restriction charms. A few of the rooms on the fourth floor aren't finished yet though, we were waiting for you to get back."
"Which one's?"
"The guest rooms are done and so are mine, Neville's, and Megan's. There's just yours and Ron and Hermione's to do."
"Good, we'll get started on Monday. What about the other facilities?"
"The Infirmary, kitchen, dining areas and the common rooms are done. We've not finished the conference hall yet though or the Quidditch pitch, but everything's on schedule." reported Neville.
"What about the other public rooms, like the Memorial Gallery?"
"Done. Colin, Dennis and Sonja finished it two days ago."
"Excellent." said Harry, pleased. "I'll go over and take a look tomorrow."
"'arry?"
"Yes Mona?"
"Sirius was telling me zat you still need anuzzer person to 'elp at ze Sanctuary?"
"Yeah. Neither Neville nor I know much about the security side of things. Well, running it anyway. Why?"
"My boss at ze Bureau de Fausse Information, is looking for a new job, I think 'e would like to join you. 'e worked for the Departement de Mysteres for several years too so 'e knows all about it."
"Sounds good. Could he meet us at the Sanctuary tomorrow?" She nodded. "At about two in the afternoon?"
"Certainly 'arry. I will go and tell 'im now." she replied, "Au revoir." Then she rose to leave. "Will I see you tomorrow 'er-my-own-nee?"
"Yes Mona. Have a good evening."
She nodded to the others then left, closing the door behind her. "Goodbye Professors, 'arry, Ginny, Neville."
"Bye." The others chorused. Sirius turned to the two couples, "What are you going to for the rest of the day?"
"If it's okay with you Sirius, I'd just as soon have something to eat and then get some sleep. I'm bushed." Harry told him. Ginny and Ron nodded agreement.
Sirius looked regretful for a minute and then nodded. "Okay. I'll go and make something. Neville, would you like to stay?"
Neville shook his head. "I'd like to, but I agreed to meet Megan for a dinner dance at Romero's." he replied, naming one of the more exclusive restaurants in Diagon Alley. "Tonight's the first time in seven weeks we've had the same night off, and I for one would like to make the most of it. No offence guys."
"None taken, Neville." Ginny assured him, "We understand. See you tomorrow?" Neville nodded and left.
The two couples sat gossiping with Remus for about fifteen minutes before Sirius came hurrying out of the kitchen, looking a little ruffled. "What's up Padfoot?" asked Remus. "Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem." Sirius replied hastily. "It's just Dobby and Winky've finished the unpacking, and they didn't like the idea of me doing the cooking. In fact Dobby was quite insistent."
"Don't worry about Sirius. It's their job, and house-elves don't like other people doing their jobs for them."
"That's true." Ginny told them. "I was keeping Roger company while he was doing an afternoon detention in the Trophy Room in third year." she paused then shrugged, "Can't remember what he did now. Well, one of the house- elves arrived to do the polishing. Ganty I think. Well, she got a little upset when she found a student doing her work. It took both of us until midnight to straighten up the room again."
"Are you kidding?" asked Sirius, Ginny shook her head. "You're not kidding. Whoa, I got off lightly then. Well anyway, dinner'll be ready in about forty minutes."
"I think I'll have a read of the paper while I'm waiting." decided Harry. "Accio Daily Prophet!" The newspaper flew to Harry's hand and he caught it, opening it out and beginning to read. Ginny snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his chest. "Do you mind if I have a little nap Harry?"
Harry looked down at her, "Of course not love. Are you comfortable enough?" he asked, dropping a kiss on her forehead. Ginny nodded and closed her eyes. Within a minute she was sleeping lightly.
"Ah. Young love." sighed Sirius. "It brings a tear to the eye, eh Moony?"
"That it does Padfoot old friend. That it does."
After a rather tasty roast dinner and a couple of helpings of delicious chocolate fudge cake, Ginny was even sleepier than she had been before and it was all Harry could do to keep her awake long enough to get her to their bedroom, undress her and get her into bed. Once Ginny was tucked into their bed, Harry returned to the living room to say his goodnights. Then he came back, washed, undressed and slipped into bed beside his wife, being careful not to wake her. Tired as he was, he was soon asleep too.
----
The next morning, Sirius, Remus and the four friends rose early, ate a quick breakfast of bacon and eggs, and drove to Harry's new building to meet up with Neville and the others. Harry was the first out of the car and quickly unlocked the wards with a few well-chosen words, so that Ron could drive the car through the gates and park it at the top of the huge sweeping driveway. Harry restored the wards and then ran up the driveway to join his friends. Arm in arm with Ginny, he led the way to the main doors. He muttered the password ('Leoninus Iubae!') and the doors swung open.
Harry and Ginny walked inside with Ron and Hermione just behind them and Sirius and Remus bringing up the rear. As they crossed the threshold, Harry's friends gasped with awe. "Wow." said Ron, looking all around him in amazement.
The Entrance Hall was a good fifty-feet high and the gold leaf on the woodwork set off the burgundy walls nicely. Banners of red and gold hung like drapes around the room and a huge flag-like banner hung between the wide double staircases. It was red and gold too, and depicted a tower over crossed keys, flanked by a lion and a badger and a motto: Defendere, Nutrire.
"To protect, and nurture." translated Hermione in a whisper.
"You know Latin 'Mione?" asked Harry.
Hermione nodded, "A lot of the more obscure medieval texts are written entirely in Latin, Greek or Arabic, so I taught myself to read all three in the summer before fifth year. Besides, most of the actual spells we use are in Latin, so I picked up a fair bit over the years anyway." Ron rolled his eyes at this. "It's a nice motto anyway. Did you pick it?"
Harry nodded, "I think I hear Neville in the Memorial Hall, shall we join him?" The others agreed and Harry opened the door and ushered them through into the next room. They immediately spotted the others and walked over to them. Neville, with his girlfriend, Megan at his side and Mona tagging along behind, was in the middle of showing an older man with close-cropped black hair and a stubbly salt-and-pepper beard around the vaulted room, the centre-piece of which was a slightly larger than life-size gold statue of Hagrid on a block pedestal about three feet high. Behind it on the back wall was an engraved plague, again in gold, densely filled with names.
"The Honoured Dead." Harry told them, when he noticed Hermione glancing at it. "Every English witch or wizard who died in fighting in the two wars against Voldemort. The one they have planned for Diagon Alley is even bigger, that has every known casualty in all three of the Dark Wars, even the Muggles."
He gave Ginny and his friends a moment to absorb this information and then walked briskly over to the others. The older man was looking at a large framed photo of Gryffindor victory party when they won the Quidditch Cup for the third year in a row in Harry's sixth year. "You are missing a lot of friends." he observed to Neville who nodded grimly. "Too many." He brightened when he saw Harry over the other man's shoulder. "Harry! You're here!"
Harry nodded, grinning. "Aren't you going to introduce us Neville?"
Neville blushed, "Of course, silly me. You know what my memory's like."
"Yes Neville, we know. The introductions?"
"Okay." He paused, "Harry, this is Philippe Roche. Philippe, this is Harry Potter."
Philippe nodded, "I am pleased to meet you Monsieur Potter." he said in a light French accent."
"Please, call me Harry." offered Harry, taking an instant liking to the man, "This is my wife, Ginny. My best friend Ron Weasley, and his wife Hermione. Granger, my other best friend. My godfather Sirius Black, and then last but not least Remus Lupin, he's an old friend my godfather's and like an uncle to me." Remus grinned at the complement.
"I am pleased to meet you all. Monsieur Longbottom has said much about you."
"What do you think of the place? Are you still interested in coming on board?"
"Oui. Very much so, Monsieur Longbottom told me all about your idea as 'e showed me around and I think it is much overdue. I am, as you say in this country, in."
Harry considered the grizzled wizard for a moment, and then spoke, "Well I'm sold. What you Sirius? Neville?" Both men nodded their agreement. "When then Philippe. Welcome to the Rubeus Hagrid Sanctuary for Orphans."
Harry offered his hand again, and the Frenchman shook it firmly. "I am pleased to be here 'arry."
----
A week later, everything was finished and the Weasleys along with most of their friends converged on the Eyrie to help Harry, Ginny and the others move out. Roger and Tom, characteristically preferred to do as much of the work without magic as possible, and Harry, Ron, Lee Jordan and the other Weasley boys followed their example as they Apparated the few pieces of furniture that belonged to Harry, like Ginny's writing desk and a couple of the soft chairs from the living room, to Harry and Ginny's personal quarters at the Sanctuary.
Roger had just heaved the single chest of drawers that they had bought onto one of his broad shoulders, when Ginny called Harry into the living room where she, Peter and Sonja had been wrapping up their ornaments, with a now very pregnant Hermione looking on. "What's up darling?" he asked. Ginny pointed to the fireplace that had just filled with green flames. A familiar head swam into view a second or two later, it was Megan. "What is it Megan? Is something wrong?"
Megan shook her head, "Nothing disastrous, Harry, don't worry. But we do need you to return to the Sanctuary immediately."
"Why?" Harry asked, Ginny had put down an ornament and risen to stand beside him, a hand resting on his waist.
"There's been a problem at St Florence's, a security breach. Director Hudson's sending the kids today. They arrive in ten minutes."
"Gryffindor's Mane!" Harry winced, "We weren't expecting them for another three days. Is their room ready?"
"Mostly. Dobby is just putting out the bed linen and that sort of thing now. But we need you here to greet them."
"Of course. I'll be with you in a minute." Harry told her, she nodded and her face faded from the flames. A second later, the flames themselves disappeared with a pop. "I've got to go. Ginny, can you keep a handle on things here? Molly's waiting at the Sanctuary, she knows where everything's going."
Ginny nodded and gave Harry a quick hug. "Go to work, we'll be fine."
Harry nodded and disappeared with a loud pop.
"Well you heard him!" snapped Ginny, "Let's get on with it!"
----
When Harry Apparated into the reception room at the Sanctuary, Neville, Megan and Philippe were already waiting. "You're just in time Harry." Neville told him, and turned back to the large fire that was for the moment still yellow and orange.
"Good. Is everything ready Megan?" Harry asked. She nodded. The fire flared a brilliant green. "Philippe?"
"Oui. Tres persons incoming. Talismans detected." he replied, glancing at a glowing orb in his hand. "Departure point: St Florence's 'ospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Toronto."
"Drop the scrambler wards." ordered Harry.
Philippe nodded and pressed two studs on the device. "Done. Two seconds to arrival."
Right on cue, three figures dropped onto the grate and stepped out. The two orphans, a boy and girl, were both about two years old and had a slightly elfin look to Harry's eye. Harry knew their escort, a stocky redheaded man, but he wasn't sure that Philippe did. "Philippe, do you know Wallace Lingdowski? He's a member of the Order and our contact at St Florence's."
"Non. By what war name were you known Monsieur?" The Frenchman enquired.
"Bigfoot. And you are?" replied Lingdowski,
"Philippe Roche, I am in charge of security here."
"Pleased to meet you. Harry, can we get move on? I have to get back."
"Certainly."
"This is Paul Barber." Lingdowski told them, indicating the boy, "And his sister, Marie. Paul, Marie, this is Harry, Neville, Megan and Philippe. They'll be looking after you from now on."
The two children smiled shyly at Harry and the others. Megan came forward and offered a hand to each of the twins. "Shall we get you settled? Your room's ready would you like to see it?" The twins nodded and allowed Megan to lead them out of the Reception Hall.
Neville turned to Lingdowski. "Wallace, do you have the birth certificates, guardianship papers and the rest?" The big man nodded and handed them over. Neville checked them over, signed them himself and then passed the top parchment over to Harry. "Everything's in order, we just need your signature on this." Harry nodded, took the offered quill and scribbled his own signature. Then he offered the parchment back to Wallace, who took it and tucked it into the front of his maroon researcher's robe.
"I'll see you around guys." he told them and turned back to the fireplace. He threw a pinch of Floo Powder into the flames and stepped into the flames. "St Florence's!"
"'e's clear." reported Philippe, "Re-establishing wards." he pressed the same two studs as before. Paused for a second, then turned back to Harry. "Wards re-established."
"Good." Harry told him. He narrowed his eyes for a moment, casting his magical sense outwards. "Some of the others are upstairs on the fourth floor. I'm going to go up and check on them, say hello to Molly. Carry on without me okay?"
"We'll be fine Harry." Neville assured him, Harry nodded and went out the door, dashing up the main stair three steps at a time.
----
"So what's on the agenda for today, darling?" Ginny asked Harry as they finished up their breakfast in the large dining room of the Sanctuary one morning in late November.
"Kimberly is holding trails today to determine the final line-up for our second qualifying match against Transylvania. With Charles, James, Oliver, and Julia all unavailable due to illness or injuries, the Committee decided to re-select the entire team."
"Are you worried?"
Harry shook his head. "Not really. I have a better chance than most, and even if I don't get selected, I'll still be playing Europe with the Cannons this season, so I don't mind really."
"Are you sure?" Ginny asked him, eyeing him warily.
"I'm sure. I'll give it my best shot. If it's enough, it's enough. If it's not, it's not."
"I'd love to come with you but I've got a meeting with Libby about my book later on this morning, and I can't get out of it."
"Problems?"
Ginny shook her head. "I'm pretty sure it's just routine stuff. I'll see you at home this evening for dinner?"
"Sure." Harry leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. "Bye. Keep safe."
"I will." Harry nodded at that and walked out into the hall. Seconds later, Ginny heard a pop as he disappeared. "He's starting to like Apparating." she mused, "I never thought he would, given how much he hates Port-Keys." She rang the bell for one of the House-Elves, and asked her to clear away the breakfast dishes, Vichy nodded and Ginny got up and headed upstairs to dress for her appointment.
----
When Harry Disapparated outside the gates of the England training ground he was met by a sea of reporters. "Mr Potter! Mr Potter! Do you have a statement?!" "How do you feel about losing your automatic place on the team?!" "Do you think the Chairman's decision was fair, even given the circumstances?!"
"No comment." Harry replied evenly, edging towards the gate. "I have nothing to say."
"If you were Oliver Kimberly who would you chose?!"
"I. Have. Nothing. To. Say." repeated Harry. By now he had reached the gate and he flashed his permit at the uniformed guard. She nodded and opened the gate to let him though. As the gate clanged shut, Harry leaned back against the wall for a minute to catch his breath. "How long's it been like this Kim?" he asked.
Jacana Kimberly, an athletic, bronze haired woman, paused. "Since the announcement on WWN last night. Did you hear it?"
Harry shook his head. "We had three new arrivals in last night, Tom Wane, from the Apollo Centre, and two more from St Mungo's, Rhiannon Sinclair and Douglas Ramley. It took a while to get them settled."
"How many's that now?" asked Kim.
"Twenty two. Twelve boys and ten girls. Although of course we'll only be able to take another eleven of each because of the Barber twins sharing a room." Harry told her, and stood back up to his full height again. "Well, I'd best head in."
Kim nodded and then watched as he walked down the short path to the changing room, opened the door and walked in. You're a lucky woman Ginny, she thought to herself. A very lucky woman, and so are those kids.
----
When Harry entered the function room of the complex, he was nearly overwhelmed by the amount of people inside. By Harry's count there must have been almost fifty people inside the same room that was normally used by the seven of them and a few guests. He managed to squeeze around the edge of the room to where a couple of the old team were sitting chatting to, of all people, Peter. "Hi Bird!"
Peter looked up at the sound and grinned. "So you made it through the circus outside in one piece?"
Harry nodded. "Which one are you trying out for?"
"Keeper. I'm not good enough to compete at international level as a Chaser. You're hoping to get your own spot back of course?"
Harry nodded. "What about you Carter, you signing on for another round as Chaser?"
Carter nodded. "Kimberly's said if I do make the cut, he's going to appoint me temporary captain until Charles is ready to play again. If he decides to at all."
"So the rumours are true then?" asked Peter. "Smythe really is thinking about quitting?"
"Yes, they're true. He's been playing for England for eight seasons now." Carter told her. "And he's not as fit as he used to be. According to Kimberly, it was touch and go that he accepted the spot against Norway. He very nearly didn't."
"So now he's going to drop out, retire?"
"Probably." Carter confirmed, he was about to continue when the door at the far end of the function room opened and Kimberly stepped out. Carter indicated that Peter could be quiet. She nodded and sat waiting for Kimberly to speak.
It turned out that the selection process was going to be carried out using a series of matches between teams of candidates. When Kimberly began shouting out the names of the teams, Harry thought he'd got reasonably lucky with his team: Carter, Alan Barks of the Ballycastle Bats, and Frank Jasson of the Falmouth Falcons as Chasers; Vincent Jackson of the Wanderers and Jason Peach of the Arrows as Beaters; and Julia Gatsby as Keeper, most of them hadn't played together before, but they were all top-class players.
After seven games, Harry was exhausted. Some of them had been easy, others more difficult, though Harry reckoned their hotchpotch team had done fairly well, with a tally of 170-80, 200-40, 190-90, 160-0, 180-20, 190-40, and 160-10. Just as Kimberly was about to announce the final selection a familiar voice shouted in his ear. Harry!
What is it Ginny? Kimberly's just about to make the final announcement.
It's Hermione. She's having the baby!
That's brilliant. Is she still at Hogwarts?
Yes. Get there as soon as you can.
Will do, and I'll bring Bird.
Bird was at the trails? That's great, bring her along.
With that Harry began to search frantically for her and seconds later he found her. "Bird, we have to go." he told her, grasping her arm firmly.
"What's so important Potter that it can't wait a few minutes?" Peter asked irritably.
"Hermione giving birth." Harry told her.
Peter's scowl vanished instantly, "You're right. I can wait to hear if I've been selected or not. Let's go." They dashed over to the gate of the compound to leave a message with the guard, by this time the guard had changed and it was a stocky black woman called Tania Slain that was watching the crowd of reporters that still thronged at the gates.
"Can you Apparate?" Harry asked his friend. She nodded. "Then take my hand and go on my count. Visualize the corridor outside the Infirmary." Peter nodded, took his hand and stood tense and ready. "This is not going to feel great." he warned her. "3. 2. 1. now!" With a loud pop, they both disappeared.
----
Harry could hear Hermione's screams the second they popped into the corridor outside the Hospital Wing. He dropped Peter's hand and sprinted for the door. Two strong sets of arms blocked him as he was about to grab the door handle. "Sorry Harry." George told him, grabbing hold of one arm. "Madame Pomfrey said not to let anyone in."
"And much as we ignore the rules ourselves." admitted Fred, who had hold of Harry's other arm. "The Matron's right. Ron and Mum are in there with her, and her mum, she'll be fine."
"OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
"Why don't you join the others?" suggested George. "Practically everyone's here." Harry realised they weren't going to give in and let them lead him across the corridor to another unused room.
When they opened the door of the room opposite and led Harry inside. Harry was stunned to see they were right. The entire Weasley Clan was there, plus Mona and Mrs Granger; Fleur and Gabriel; Angelina, Alicia, Katie and Lee Jordan; Seamus, Lavender, and Amanda Hooch; Tom, Sonja and Roger; and of course Sirius, Remus, Neville and Ginny. Harry went over to sit with them and put an arm around Ginny drawing her close. "Hi guys. Is Megan taking care of things at home?" Harry asked Neville.
Neville nodded. "Tom hasn't quite settled in yet but we gave him a room to himself to he can have some privacy, for a while at least, if he needs it. Rhiannon and Douglas are fine now. All settled in."
Harry nodded. "Good. Good." Then he looked down at his wife. "How did your meeting go?"
"Fine. It was just routine, she wanted to discuss the revised publishing timetable with me. Nothing to worry about." Then she asked him how the trails had gone. "Harry had trails for the England Team for the next European qualifying match today. With so many of the team unavailable, Kimberly decided to re-select the squad." she explained.
"They went pretty well. I caught the Snitch all seven times. Robert Abernathy of the Wanderers managed six and Terrence Higgs of the Catapults managed five. They'll be my rivals."
"What about Bird, did you see much of her? How did she do?" Ginny asked.
"I saw a fair bit. I reckon she's in with a. 50% chance of getting the Keeper spot. Julia Gatsby of the Cannons and Brian Bletchley of the Bats were the other good showings."
"Bletchley. Wasn't he on the Slytherin team at Hogwarts?"
Harry nodded. "Keeper, naturally. I hope he doesn't get it though. I can't stand the git." He paused at that moment. "Uh. guys. Doesn't it seem a little quieter?" They listened. Harry was right, Hermione's moans had subsided. Then a baby's loud 'Whaaaahhhh' broke the silence! Which was joined a few seconds later another loud wail. Harry and the others looked at each other, puzzled. "Two babies?!" Harry exclaimed.
There were. Mrs Weasley and Mrs Granger came out a few seconds later, each carrying a tiny blanket-wrapped bundle. Harry glanced at them long enough to notice that they both had the characteristic vivid red hair of the Weasleys and then headed for the door to the Infirmary. There would be plenty of time to see the babies later, he decided. He just wanted to check on Hermione, his best friend and as Tom often reminded him, the sister-to- his-heart. Ginny paused for a moment then followed him.
Madame Pomfrey stopped him for a second as they entered the Infirmary. "She needs her rest Mr Potter."
"But I can see her can't I?" asked Harry, a little concerned.
"Of course. But only for a few minutes, she needs to rest." Madame Pomfrey told him, stepping aside to allow them to pass. Harry quickly crossed over to Hermione's bedside, where Ron was already sitting, his hand clasped tightly in one of hers, as he wiped the sweat of her forehead with a damp cloth with the other. Hermione herself was weak and sweaty, but alert. She smiled slightly as her two friends joined her at her bedside. Ginny sat down on the spare chair, while Harry perched on the side of the bed. "Have you seen our babies?" she asked.
Harry nodded. "Only fleetingly. I was more concerned about how you were to be honest. From outside it sounded like you were being tortured or something. How are you?"
"Tired. Sore." Hermione told him. "I don't know how Molly went through that six times. I'm not sure I want to go through that ever again."
"Apparently, it's easier the second time." offered Ginny. "And it supposed to continue getting easier too. I guess your body gets used to it."
"Oh joy." Hermione said flatly. "That's something to look forward to."
At that moment, Mrs Weasley and Mrs Granger returned with the babies, giving one to Hermione and the other to Ron. Clearly deciding the new parents had enough visitors, they beat a hasty retreat out again. "Do you have names for them yet?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. "Henry and Ryan. I don't know why, but they just seem to fit."
Ginny wanted to know if it was worth it. "Oh it is Gin." Hermione assured her. "It is."
Looking at his two best friends, Harry felt a pang of sadness. They had finally grown away, into something that didn't need him. They're a family. he concluded.
Ginny edged over and took his hand in hers and squeezed it gently. You still have me remember, and Sirius, Remus, our other friends, the Sanctuary kids.
Harry nodded, he knew all that. What's missing? What is it? What am I forgetting? There's definitely something.
How about the big event in about four months time? suggested Ginny.
Harry grinned. He remembered now.
You're going to be a father too.
Finis
A/N: Well that's all folks. If you want to know more about Harry and Ginny's kid, and the adventures of all the new Weasleys, Potters, Malfoys and other friends (and enemies) both old and new, check out the first story in a three-part chronicle, also on FF.N, called Lily Potter and the New Generation, by me. As always please review, either by using the link below or by e-mailing me direct at behomuk@yahoo.co.uk. See you around!
Disclaimer: HP and all associated properties belong to JK Rowling, WB et al. The Magi belong to Universal Pictures. Any other recognisable non-HP characters belong to their respective owners and everyone else belongs to me. No profit is being made by this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I have decided to skip the actual wedding, as there are a number of excellent examples of this around and I don't think I could do it justice. If anyone would like to give it a shot, feel free. Just drop me an e-mail of your outline and let me know where you're going to post it (please post it on FF.N at least). Thanx.
When Harry, his wife and his two best friends Apparated into the living room of their London flat with a pop, four people were waiting for them: Sirius, Remus, Neville, and Mona Duquesne, an old friend of Hermione's who had also been her maid-of-honour at her wedding two weeks before.
"Hi Remus." said Harry, collapsing down onto one of the sofas. "How have you been?"
"I'm fine Harry. You?"
"Yeah. The honeymoon was great. Egypt is a fascinating and beautiful country. I can understand why Bill spent so long there." He turned to Neville and Sirius, "How are things here?"
"Everything's going fine Harry. The bedrooms on the second and third floors are all finished, including the restriction charms. A few of the rooms on the fourth floor aren't finished yet though, we were waiting for you to get back."
"Which one's?"
"The guest rooms are done and so are mine, Neville's, and Megan's. There's just yours and Ron and Hermione's to do."
"Good, we'll get started on Monday. What about the other facilities?"
"The Infirmary, kitchen, dining areas and the common rooms are done. We've not finished the conference hall yet though or the Quidditch pitch, but everything's on schedule." reported Neville.
"What about the other public rooms, like the Memorial Gallery?"
"Done. Colin, Dennis and Sonja finished it two days ago."
"Excellent." said Harry, pleased. "I'll go over and take a look tomorrow."
"'arry?"
"Yes Mona?"
"Sirius was telling me zat you still need anuzzer person to 'elp at ze Sanctuary?"
"Yeah. Neither Neville nor I know much about the security side of things. Well, running it anyway. Why?"
"My boss at ze Bureau de Fausse Information, is looking for a new job, I think 'e would like to join you. 'e worked for the Departement de Mysteres for several years too so 'e knows all about it."
"Sounds good. Could he meet us at the Sanctuary tomorrow?" She nodded. "At about two in the afternoon?"
"Certainly 'arry. I will go and tell 'im now." she replied, "Au revoir." Then she rose to leave. "Will I see you tomorrow 'er-my-own-nee?"
"Yes Mona. Have a good evening."
She nodded to the others then left, closing the door behind her. "Goodbye Professors, 'arry, Ginny, Neville."
"Bye." The others chorused. Sirius turned to the two couples, "What are you going to for the rest of the day?"
"If it's okay with you Sirius, I'd just as soon have something to eat and then get some sleep. I'm bushed." Harry told him. Ginny and Ron nodded agreement.
Sirius looked regretful for a minute and then nodded. "Okay. I'll go and make something. Neville, would you like to stay?"
Neville shook his head. "I'd like to, but I agreed to meet Megan for a dinner dance at Romero's." he replied, naming one of the more exclusive restaurants in Diagon Alley. "Tonight's the first time in seven weeks we've had the same night off, and I for one would like to make the most of it. No offence guys."
"None taken, Neville." Ginny assured him, "We understand. See you tomorrow?" Neville nodded and left.
The two couples sat gossiping with Remus for about fifteen minutes before Sirius came hurrying out of the kitchen, looking a little ruffled. "What's up Padfoot?" asked Remus. "Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem." Sirius replied hastily. "It's just Dobby and Winky've finished the unpacking, and they didn't like the idea of me doing the cooking. In fact Dobby was quite insistent."
"Don't worry about Sirius. It's their job, and house-elves don't like other people doing their jobs for them."
"That's true." Ginny told them. "I was keeping Roger company while he was doing an afternoon detention in the Trophy Room in third year." she paused then shrugged, "Can't remember what he did now. Well, one of the house- elves arrived to do the polishing. Ganty I think. Well, she got a little upset when she found a student doing her work. It took both of us until midnight to straighten up the room again."
"Are you kidding?" asked Sirius, Ginny shook her head. "You're not kidding. Whoa, I got off lightly then. Well anyway, dinner'll be ready in about forty minutes."
"I think I'll have a read of the paper while I'm waiting." decided Harry. "Accio Daily Prophet!" The newspaper flew to Harry's hand and he caught it, opening it out and beginning to read. Ginny snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his chest. "Do you mind if I have a little nap Harry?"
Harry looked down at her, "Of course not love. Are you comfortable enough?" he asked, dropping a kiss on her forehead. Ginny nodded and closed her eyes. Within a minute she was sleeping lightly.
"Ah. Young love." sighed Sirius. "It brings a tear to the eye, eh Moony?"
"That it does Padfoot old friend. That it does."
After a rather tasty roast dinner and a couple of helpings of delicious chocolate fudge cake, Ginny was even sleepier than she had been before and it was all Harry could do to keep her awake long enough to get her to their bedroom, undress her and get her into bed. Once Ginny was tucked into their bed, Harry returned to the living room to say his goodnights. Then he came back, washed, undressed and slipped into bed beside his wife, being careful not to wake her. Tired as he was, he was soon asleep too.
----
The next morning, Sirius, Remus and the four friends rose early, ate a quick breakfast of bacon and eggs, and drove to Harry's new building to meet up with Neville and the others. Harry was the first out of the car and quickly unlocked the wards with a few well-chosen words, so that Ron could drive the car through the gates and park it at the top of the huge sweeping driveway. Harry restored the wards and then ran up the driveway to join his friends. Arm in arm with Ginny, he led the way to the main doors. He muttered the password ('Leoninus Iubae!') and the doors swung open.
Harry and Ginny walked inside with Ron and Hermione just behind them and Sirius and Remus bringing up the rear. As they crossed the threshold, Harry's friends gasped with awe. "Wow." said Ron, looking all around him in amazement.
The Entrance Hall was a good fifty-feet high and the gold leaf on the woodwork set off the burgundy walls nicely. Banners of red and gold hung like drapes around the room and a huge flag-like banner hung between the wide double staircases. It was red and gold too, and depicted a tower over crossed keys, flanked by a lion and a badger and a motto: Defendere, Nutrire.
"To protect, and nurture." translated Hermione in a whisper.
"You know Latin 'Mione?" asked Harry.
Hermione nodded, "A lot of the more obscure medieval texts are written entirely in Latin, Greek or Arabic, so I taught myself to read all three in the summer before fifth year. Besides, most of the actual spells we use are in Latin, so I picked up a fair bit over the years anyway." Ron rolled his eyes at this. "It's a nice motto anyway. Did you pick it?"
Harry nodded, "I think I hear Neville in the Memorial Hall, shall we join him?" The others agreed and Harry opened the door and ushered them through into the next room. They immediately spotted the others and walked over to them. Neville, with his girlfriend, Megan at his side and Mona tagging along behind, was in the middle of showing an older man with close-cropped black hair and a stubbly salt-and-pepper beard around the vaulted room, the centre-piece of which was a slightly larger than life-size gold statue of Hagrid on a block pedestal about three feet high. Behind it on the back wall was an engraved plague, again in gold, densely filled with names.
"The Honoured Dead." Harry told them, when he noticed Hermione glancing at it. "Every English witch or wizard who died in fighting in the two wars against Voldemort. The one they have planned for Diagon Alley is even bigger, that has every known casualty in all three of the Dark Wars, even the Muggles."
He gave Ginny and his friends a moment to absorb this information and then walked briskly over to the others. The older man was looking at a large framed photo of Gryffindor victory party when they won the Quidditch Cup for the third year in a row in Harry's sixth year. "You are missing a lot of friends." he observed to Neville who nodded grimly. "Too many." He brightened when he saw Harry over the other man's shoulder. "Harry! You're here!"
Harry nodded, grinning. "Aren't you going to introduce us Neville?"
Neville blushed, "Of course, silly me. You know what my memory's like."
"Yes Neville, we know. The introductions?"
"Okay." He paused, "Harry, this is Philippe Roche. Philippe, this is Harry Potter."
Philippe nodded, "I am pleased to meet you Monsieur Potter." he said in a light French accent."
"Please, call me Harry." offered Harry, taking an instant liking to the man, "This is my wife, Ginny. My best friend Ron Weasley, and his wife Hermione. Granger, my other best friend. My godfather Sirius Black, and then last but not least Remus Lupin, he's an old friend my godfather's and like an uncle to me." Remus grinned at the complement.
"I am pleased to meet you all. Monsieur Longbottom has said much about you."
"What do you think of the place? Are you still interested in coming on board?"
"Oui. Very much so, Monsieur Longbottom told me all about your idea as 'e showed me around and I think it is much overdue. I am, as you say in this country, in."
Harry considered the grizzled wizard for a moment, and then spoke, "Well I'm sold. What you Sirius? Neville?" Both men nodded their agreement. "When then Philippe. Welcome to the Rubeus Hagrid Sanctuary for Orphans."
Harry offered his hand again, and the Frenchman shook it firmly. "I am pleased to be here 'arry."
----
A week later, everything was finished and the Weasleys along with most of their friends converged on the Eyrie to help Harry, Ginny and the others move out. Roger and Tom, characteristically preferred to do as much of the work without magic as possible, and Harry, Ron, Lee Jordan and the other Weasley boys followed their example as they Apparated the few pieces of furniture that belonged to Harry, like Ginny's writing desk and a couple of the soft chairs from the living room, to Harry and Ginny's personal quarters at the Sanctuary.
Roger had just heaved the single chest of drawers that they had bought onto one of his broad shoulders, when Ginny called Harry into the living room where she, Peter and Sonja had been wrapping up their ornaments, with a now very pregnant Hermione looking on. "What's up darling?" he asked. Ginny pointed to the fireplace that had just filled with green flames. A familiar head swam into view a second or two later, it was Megan. "What is it Megan? Is something wrong?"
Megan shook her head, "Nothing disastrous, Harry, don't worry. But we do need you to return to the Sanctuary immediately."
"Why?" Harry asked, Ginny had put down an ornament and risen to stand beside him, a hand resting on his waist.
"There's been a problem at St Florence's, a security breach. Director Hudson's sending the kids today. They arrive in ten minutes."
"Gryffindor's Mane!" Harry winced, "We weren't expecting them for another three days. Is their room ready?"
"Mostly. Dobby is just putting out the bed linen and that sort of thing now. But we need you here to greet them."
"Of course. I'll be with you in a minute." Harry told her, she nodded and her face faded from the flames. A second later, the flames themselves disappeared with a pop. "I've got to go. Ginny, can you keep a handle on things here? Molly's waiting at the Sanctuary, she knows where everything's going."
Ginny nodded and gave Harry a quick hug. "Go to work, we'll be fine."
Harry nodded and disappeared with a loud pop.
"Well you heard him!" snapped Ginny, "Let's get on with it!"
----
When Harry Apparated into the reception room at the Sanctuary, Neville, Megan and Philippe were already waiting. "You're just in time Harry." Neville told him, and turned back to the large fire that was for the moment still yellow and orange.
"Good. Is everything ready Megan?" Harry asked. She nodded. The fire flared a brilliant green. "Philippe?"
"Oui. Tres persons incoming. Talismans detected." he replied, glancing at a glowing orb in his hand. "Departure point: St Florence's 'ospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Toronto."
"Drop the scrambler wards." ordered Harry.
Philippe nodded and pressed two studs on the device. "Done. Two seconds to arrival."
Right on cue, three figures dropped onto the grate and stepped out. The two orphans, a boy and girl, were both about two years old and had a slightly elfin look to Harry's eye. Harry knew their escort, a stocky redheaded man, but he wasn't sure that Philippe did. "Philippe, do you know Wallace Lingdowski? He's a member of the Order and our contact at St Florence's."
"Non. By what war name were you known Monsieur?" The Frenchman enquired.
"Bigfoot. And you are?" replied Lingdowski,
"Philippe Roche, I am in charge of security here."
"Pleased to meet you. Harry, can we get move on? I have to get back."
"Certainly."
"This is Paul Barber." Lingdowski told them, indicating the boy, "And his sister, Marie. Paul, Marie, this is Harry, Neville, Megan and Philippe. They'll be looking after you from now on."
The two children smiled shyly at Harry and the others. Megan came forward and offered a hand to each of the twins. "Shall we get you settled? Your room's ready would you like to see it?" The twins nodded and allowed Megan to lead them out of the Reception Hall.
Neville turned to Lingdowski. "Wallace, do you have the birth certificates, guardianship papers and the rest?" The big man nodded and handed them over. Neville checked them over, signed them himself and then passed the top parchment over to Harry. "Everything's in order, we just need your signature on this." Harry nodded, took the offered quill and scribbled his own signature. Then he offered the parchment back to Wallace, who took it and tucked it into the front of his maroon researcher's robe.
"I'll see you around guys." he told them and turned back to the fireplace. He threw a pinch of Floo Powder into the flames and stepped into the flames. "St Florence's!"
"'e's clear." reported Philippe, "Re-establishing wards." he pressed the same two studs as before. Paused for a second, then turned back to Harry. "Wards re-established."
"Good." Harry told him. He narrowed his eyes for a moment, casting his magical sense outwards. "Some of the others are upstairs on the fourth floor. I'm going to go up and check on them, say hello to Molly. Carry on without me okay?"
"We'll be fine Harry." Neville assured him, Harry nodded and went out the door, dashing up the main stair three steps at a time.
----
"So what's on the agenda for today, darling?" Ginny asked Harry as they finished up their breakfast in the large dining room of the Sanctuary one morning in late November.
"Kimberly is holding trails today to determine the final line-up for our second qualifying match against Transylvania. With Charles, James, Oliver, and Julia all unavailable due to illness or injuries, the Committee decided to re-select the entire team."
"Are you worried?"
Harry shook his head. "Not really. I have a better chance than most, and even if I don't get selected, I'll still be playing Europe with the Cannons this season, so I don't mind really."
"Are you sure?" Ginny asked him, eyeing him warily.
"I'm sure. I'll give it my best shot. If it's enough, it's enough. If it's not, it's not."
"I'd love to come with you but I've got a meeting with Libby about my book later on this morning, and I can't get out of it."
"Problems?"
Ginny shook her head. "I'm pretty sure it's just routine stuff. I'll see you at home this evening for dinner?"
"Sure." Harry leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. "Bye. Keep safe."
"I will." Harry nodded at that and walked out into the hall. Seconds later, Ginny heard a pop as he disappeared. "He's starting to like Apparating." she mused, "I never thought he would, given how much he hates Port-Keys." She rang the bell for one of the House-Elves, and asked her to clear away the breakfast dishes, Vichy nodded and Ginny got up and headed upstairs to dress for her appointment.
----
When Harry Disapparated outside the gates of the England training ground he was met by a sea of reporters. "Mr Potter! Mr Potter! Do you have a statement?!" "How do you feel about losing your automatic place on the team?!" "Do you think the Chairman's decision was fair, even given the circumstances?!"
"No comment." Harry replied evenly, edging towards the gate. "I have nothing to say."
"If you were Oliver Kimberly who would you chose?!"
"I. Have. Nothing. To. Say." repeated Harry. By now he had reached the gate and he flashed his permit at the uniformed guard. She nodded and opened the gate to let him though. As the gate clanged shut, Harry leaned back against the wall for a minute to catch his breath. "How long's it been like this Kim?" he asked.
Jacana Kimberly, an athletic, bronze haired woman, paused. "Since the announcement on WWN last night. Did you hear it?"
Harry shook his head. "We had three new arrivals in last night, Tom Wane, from the Apollo Centre, and two more from St Mungo's, Rhiannon Sinclair and Douglas Ramley. It took a while to get them settled."
"How many's that now?" asked Kim.
"Twenty two. Twelve boys and ten girls. Although of course we'll only be able to take another eleven of each because of the Barber twins sharing a room." Harry told her, and stood back up to his full height again. "Well, I'd best head in."
Kim nodded and then watched as he walked down the short path to the changing room, opened the door and walked in. You're a lucky woman Ginny, she thought to herself. A very lucky woman, and so are those kids.
----
When Harry entered the function room of the complex, he was nearly overwhelmed by the amount of people inside. By Harry's count there must have been almost fifty people inside the same room that was normally used by the seven of them and a few guests. He managed to squeeze around the edge of the room to where a couple of the old team were sitting chatting to, of all people, Peter. "Hi Bird!"
Peter looked up at the sound and grinned. "So you made it through the circus outside in one piece?"
Harry nodded. "Which one are you trying out for?"
"Keeper. I'm not good enough to compete at international level as a Chaser. You're hoping to get your own spot back of course?"
Harry nodded. "What about you Carter, you signing on for another round as Chaser?"
Carter nodded. "Kimberly's said if I do make the cut, he's going to appoint me temporary captain until Charles is ready to play again. If he decides to at all."
"So the rumours are true then?" asked Peter. "Smythe really is thinking about quitting?"
"Yes, they're true. He's been playing for England for eight seasons now." Carter told her. "And he's not as fit as he used to be. According to Kimberly, it was touch and go that he accepted the spot against Norway. He very nearly didn't."
"So now he's going to drop out, retire?"
"Probably." Carter confirmed, he was about to continue when the door at the far end of the function room opened and Kimberly stepped out. Carter indicated that Peter could be quiet. She nodded and sat waiting for Kimberly to speak.
It turned out that the selection process was going to be carried out using a series of matches between teams of candidates. When Kimberly began shouting out the names of the teams, Harry thought he'd got reasonably lucky with his team: Carter, Alan Barks of the Ballycastle Bats, and Frank Jasson of the Falmouth Falcons as Chasers; Vincent Jackson of the Wanderers and Jason Peach of the Arrows as Beaters; and Julia Gatsby as Keeper, most of them hadn't played together before, but they were all top-class players.
After seven games, Harry was exhausted. Some of them had been easy, others more difficult, though Harry reckoned their hotchpotch team had done fairly well, with a tally of 170-80, 200-40, 190-90, 160-0, 180-20, 190-40, and 160-10. Just as Kimberly was about to announce the final selection a familiar voice shouted in his ear. Harry!
What is it Ginny? Kimberly's just about to make the final announcement.
It's Hermione. She's having the baby!
That's brilliant. Is she still at Hogwarts?
Yes. Get there as soon as you can.
Will do, and I'll bring Bird.
Bird was at the trails? That's great, bring her along.
With that Harry began to search frantically for her and seconds later he found her. "Bird, we have to go." he told her, grasping her arm firmly.
"What's so important Potter that it can't wait a few minutes?" Peter asked irritably.
"Hermione giving birth." Harry told her.
Peter's scowl vanished instantly, "You're right. I can wait to hear if I've been selected or not. Let's go." They dashed over to the gate of the compound to leave a message with the guard, by this time the guard had changed and it was a stocky black woman called Tania Slain that was watching the crowd of reporters that still thronged at the gates.
"Can you Apparate?" Harry asked his friend. She nodded. "Then take my hand and go on my count. Visualize the corridor outside the Infirmary." Peter nodded, took his hand and stood tense and ready. "This is not going to feel great." he warned her. "3. 2. 1. now!" With a loud pop, they both disappeared.
----
Harry could hear Hermione's screams the second they popped into the corridor outside the Hospital Wing. He dropped Peter's hand and sprinted for the door. Two strong sets of arms blocked him as he was about to grab the door handle. "Sorry Harry." George told him, grabbing hold of one arm. "Madame Pomfrey said not to let anyone in."
"And much as we ignore the rules ourselves." admitted Fred, who had hold of Harry's other arm. "The Matron's right. Ron and Mum are in there with her, and her mum, she'll be fine."
"OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
"Why don't you join the others?" suggested George. "Practically everyone's here." Harry realised they weren't going to give in and let them lead him across the corridor to another unused room.
When they opened the door of the room opposite and led Harry inside. Harry was stunned to see they were right. The entire Weasley Clan was there, plus Mona and Mrs Granger; Fleur and Gabriel; Angelina, Alicia, Katie and Lee Jordan; Seamus, Lavender, and Amanda Hooch; Tom, Sonja and Roger; and of course Sirius, Remus, Neville and Ginny. Harry went over to sit with them and put an arm around Ginny drawing her close. "Hi guys. Is Megan taking care of things at home?" Harry asked Neville.
Neville nodded. "Tom hasn't quite settled in yet but we gave him a room to himself to he can have some privacy, for a while at least, if he needs it. Rhiannon and Douglas are fine now. All settled in."
Harry nodded. "Good. Good." Then he looked down at his wife. "How did your meeting go?"
"Fine. It was just routine, she wanted to discuss the revised publishing timetable with me. Nothing to worry about." Then she asked him how the trails had gone. "Harry had trails for the England Team for the next European qualifying match today. With so many of the team unavailable, Kimberly decided to re-select the squad." she explained.
"They went pretty well. I caught the Snitch all seven times. Robert Abernathy of the Wanderers managed six and Terrence Higgs of the Catapults managed five. They'll be my rivals."
"What about Bird, did you see much of her? How did she do?" Ginny asked.
"I saw a fair bit. I reckon she's in with a. 50% chance of getting the Keeper spot. Julia Gatsby of the Cannons and Brian Bletchley of the Bats were the other good showings."
"Bletchley. Wasn't he on the Slytherin team at Hogwarts?"
Harry nodded. "Keeper, naturally. I hope he doesn't get it though. I can't stand the git." He paused at that moment. "Uh. guys. Doesn't it seem a little quieter?" They listened. Harry was right, Hermione's moans had subsided. Then a baby's loud 'Whaaaahhhh' broke the silence! Which was joined a few seconds later another loud wail. Harry and the others looked at each other, puzzled. "Two babies?!" Harry exclaimed.
There were. Mrs Weasley and Mrs Granger came out a few seconds later, each carrying a tiny blanket-wrapped bundle. Harry glanced at them long enough to notice that they both had the characteristic vivid red hair of the Weasleys and then headed for the door to the Infirmary. There would be plenty of time to see the babies later, he decided. He just wanted to check on Hermione, his best friend and as Tom often reminded him, the sister-to- his-heart. Ginny paused for a moment then followed him.
Madame Pomfrey stopped him for a second as they entered the Infirmary. "She needs her rest Mr Potter."
"But I can see her can't I?" asked Harry, a little concerned.
"Of course. But only for a few minutes, she needs to rest." Madame Pomfrey told him, stepping aside to allow them to pass. Harry quickly crossed over to Hermione's bedside, where Ron was already sitting, his hand clasped tightly in one of hers, as he wiped the sweat of her forehead with a damp cloth with the other. Hermione herself was weak and sweaty, but alert. She smiled slightly as her two friends joined her at her bedside. Ginny sat down on the spare chair, while Harry perched on the side of the bed. "Have you seen our babies?" she asked.
Harry nodded. "Only fleetingly. I was more concerned about how you were to be honest. From outside it sounded like you were being tortured or something. How are you?"
"Tired. Sore." Hermione told him. "I don't know how Molly went through that six times. I'm not sure I want to go through that ever again."
"Apparently, it's easier the second time." offered Ginny. "And it supposed to continue getting easier too. I guess your body gets used to it."
"Oh joy." Hermione said flatly. "That's something to look forward to."
At that moment, Mrs Weasley and Mrs Granger returned with the babies, giving one to Hermione and the other to Ron. Clearly deciding the new parents had enough visitors, they beat a hasty retreat out again. "Do you have names for them yet?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. "Henry and Ryan. I don't know why, but they just seem to fit."
Ginny wanted to know if it was worth it. "Oh it is Gin." Hermione assured her. "It is."
Looking at his two best friends, Harry felt a pang of sadness. They had finally grown away, into something that didn't need him. They're a family. he concluded.
Ginny edged over and took his hand in hers and squeezed it gently. You still have me remember, and Sirius, Remus, our other friends, the Sanctuary kids.
Harry nodded, he knew all that. What's missing? What is it? What am I forgetting? There's definitely something.
How about the big event in about four months time? suggested Ginny.
Harry grinned. He remembered now.
You're going to be a father too.
Finis
A/N: Well that's all folks. If you want to know more about Harry and Ginny's kid, and the adventures of all the new Weasleys, Potters, Malfoys and other friends (and enemies) both old and new, check out the first story in a three-part chronicle, also on FF.N, called Lily Potter and the New Generation, by me. As always please review, either by using the link below or by e-mailing me direct at behomuk@yahoo.co.uk. See you around!