A/N: You know what I've noticed? I seem to keep ending my chapters the same way…! Oh did you think I meant with cliffhangers? Muhahaha…no no no, I'm well aware of that. I meant with the word Malfoy. Well then, I'm going to have to go and strive to not do that this time. Speaking of our dear friend Mr. Malfoy, he will be making his appearance soon enough. Just a matter of time! Anyway, I do want to thank the people who are reviewing. I do read each and every one, and I do notice the familiar names. You all rock! With that, on with the show……

Harry stared at Hermione in shock. "What?" he managed to mumble.

"I wish I was kidding," Hermione said sighing. "Malfoy killed Voldemort about seven years ago."

"I thought he was one of them!" Harry said throwing his arms around in outrage.

"Oh, don't think he wasn't," Ron said watching Harry. "There's no doubt he wasn't."

"So," Harry said in shock. "The Ministry just decided to take a death eater, or a former death eater, or whatever he was, and make him Minister of Magic?"

"Well like I said," Ron said. "We believe…" He paused and looked at Hermione who was giving him and unmistakable look. "I mean we know, that Malfoy has other things planned."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Just another thing that has changed over the past few years," Hermione said. "He was expelled from Hogwarts for his antics at the ball. Never really ever fully forgave the school to be honest with you. It really is a good thing that the school is its own entity, otherwise I have no doubt that he would have shut the school down."

"Oh not super Malfoy," Ron said rolling his eyes. "Says he holds no grudges against anyone. He's so full of crap it isn't even funny. He keeps that board of governors happy and that's all that matters. Treats everyone else like complete crap."

"Doesn't surprise me," Harry said aggravated. "So what happened?"

"Well," Hermione said. "Like I said, he was expelled and no one really knew what happened to him after that. He says he was just hiding out, but everyone knows that he just became a death eater."

"I saw him out there!" Ron said jumping up. "I saw him. I should have killed him when I had the chance, but the bugger's mad! You think Voldemort was bad. Malfoy killed his own father for power."

"Ron," Hermione said. "That's not proven."

"Killed Lucius?" Harry said.

"Not proven my ass," Ron said frustrated. "He had absolutely no problem killing Seamus or anyone else out there that day. Anyone that got in his way he killed. His father was first, and Voldemort was second."

"How did he kill him?" Harry asked.

"Earned his trust," Hermione said. "Once Wormtail was killed he needed a right hand man. Lucius had earned a position as Voldemort's confidant, but he wouldn't be a servant. Voldemort didn't appreciate it…"

"And once Malfoy took the task and killed his father," Ron said loudly. "Voldemort knew that his loyalty wouldn't wane."

"Oh Ron," Hermione said glancing at him.

"Seriously!" Ron said. "He became his loyal yet completely confident right hand man. He didn't treat him like Wormtail, but rather trusted his opinion. That was his first mistake. Malfoy earned his trust and then one day, without notice…"

"He cursed him," Hermione finished. "It was a very notable day in our history. Kind of like the first time around when a baby boy went and destroyed him."

"Everyone just figured that someone who killed off Voldemort couldn't really be bad," Ron continued. "Malfoy played the, 'I really never supported him, but was in there trying to defeat him,' card. That's crap though, because Malfoy got a slight taste of the power. He realized what it felt like and he took his opportunity to get it all."

"Less than a year later," Hermione said. "The ignorant board of governors decided he would be the best choice for Minister. However, not everyone believed his story. A lot of people resigned."

"I did," Ron said rolling his eyes. "Charlie did as well."

"I worked there for awhile," Hermione said sighing. "I mean I had worked so hard to get there. Ultimately I did resign. Malfoy was out to get me. He still held that school boy hatred towards me."

"All muggle borns for that matter," Ron said.

"So where do you work now?" Harry asked.

"Gringotts," Ron said. "Bill's CEO of the Wizard's Division. He got me a pretty nice position."

"Working for the Resilience," Hermione said grinning. "It's an underground government sort thing."

"What are you planning to overthrow the Ministry?" Harry asked in shock. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"In time and yes," Hermione said confidently. Ron rolled his eyes.

"Scares the crap out of me," Ron said. "Just because you're brilliant doesn't mean you have to do something so dangerous. This was all well and fine when we were younger, but she's a mother now. She has four children who need her."

"That's mad," Harry said rubbing his head. "Wait…four children? You have another child?"

Hermione glanced at Ron. "Well…we've only had three children."

"So where's the fourth come in…" Harry began to say before the sudden realization hit him. "James…"

Ron nodded. "When you went missing Harry, he was left all alone. He's always been like a surrogate child to us, and we weren't about to let him get taking away. So we actually talked it over with McGonagall. We all felt it best, and of course we took him in."

"I can't believe that," Harry said frustrated. "What kind of moron did I become if I went and left without a trace and then stuck you two with my son?"

"He's no trouble," Hermione said. "He's brilliant. I mean he loves to learn."

"Doesn't matter," Harry said shaking his head. "I mean he was my responsibly. What kind of idiot did I really become?"

"Harry," Hermione said. "This is weird to say, but you really can't be blaming yourself for something that happens to your in future."

"Well," Harry said. "It's not really comforting to know that I've grown up to be a deadbeat dad."

"Harry it's not like that," Ron said trying to calm him down. "We've never thought for one moment that you just picked up and left your kid. You wouldn't have done that."

"So what do you think happened?" Harry asked. "I mean what happened the last time you saw me?"

"Well…" Ron said. "It was about six years ago…"

*****************

"Do you think he'll like it?" asked a small ten year old Liz.

"Of course," Hermione said as she combed her daughter's hair. "James will love anything you give him."

"Not necessarily," Liz said as she fiddled with the package in her lap. "I mean it's a rather silly shirt"

"He'll be thrilled," Hermione said smiling at her little girl. "You know he loves Quidditch."

"I know," Liz said sighing. "I just want him to like it."

"Well," Hermione said as she put the brush down. "That's really sweet of you."

"I mean my birthday is right around the corner," Liz said smiling slyly. "I want to make sure he likes my gift so that I know he'll get me a good present."

"You are just like your father," Hermione said rolling her eyes and smiling widely. "Speaking of him, he'll be back with the boys any minute and then we're going over to Harry's. So get your shoes on."

"Ok," Liz said hopping up and disappearing up the staircase.

Hermione laughed to herself as she started to tidy up the living room. She stopped when she suddenly heard the door open.

"Stop, stop, stop!" Ron said as he grabbed one of his sons around the waste and struggled to hold the other and a paper bag in the other in his arm.

"Hey," Hermione said rushing over to help him. "How'd the shopping go?"

"Muggle shopping," Ron said as he put down the kids. "With two three year old boys, is impossible. I can't even tell you how many times I just wanted to grab my wand and…"

"Oh Ron," Hermione said laughing as she kissed him on the cheek. "Did you get everything?"

"I hope so," Ron said as he pushed the strand of hair that was falling in front of his eyes away.

"Good," Hermione said as she grabbed her coat. "Tell you what, I'll take Aiden and you get Conner and we'll head over to Harry's."

"One I think I can handle," Ron said taking a deep breath. "Liz, come along. We're leaving." He paused and waited for a response, but heard nothing. "Elizabeth Marie Weasley, get your bum downstairs."

"Coming!" Liz yelled. "Just a minute."

"She's ten," Ron said looking at Hermione as he struggled to restrain his hyperactive son. "What can she possibly be doing?"

"Oh ten is when it starts," Hermione said smiling. "Wait until she's a teenager. Then we get this, plus so much more. Boys included…"

"Oh we'll get there when it comes," Ron said rolling his eyes like the protective father he was. "I think the best plan would be not to let her date until she's about thirty…" He paused when he suddenly heard a knock at the door. He walked over and opened the door to see a small dark hair boy standing there.

"Hey James," Ron said surprised. "Happy Birthday! We we're just coming over to celebrate."

"Ron!" said a voice that was approaching the house. It was Harry running up the drive. "Hey Ron."

"Harry," Hermione said stepping next to Ron in the doorway. "We were just coming down to see you."

"I know," Harry said out of breath. "I know. I'm sorry."

"It's all right," Ron said as he looked Harry up and down. "What's up?"

"Well," Harry said as he caught his breath. "I just got a phone call. I really need to run out and meet up with some of the Resilience members."

"What about?" Hermione asked concerned. "And how come I don't know about this?"

"Dunno," Harry said as he ran his hand through his trademark messy hair. "They didn't say anything except it was important."

"Well, who was it?" Hermione asked in her typical tone. "I mean who asked you to meet them."

"Hermione," Harry said laughing. "I love you, you know that? You are always looking out for me. Don't worry, I'm a big boy and Voldemort is gone. I'm sure it's fine."

"Harry," Hermione said glancing down at James. "What about…?"

"Do you think you can watch him?" Harry asked quickly. "I'll be an hour. Tops."

"What about Katie?" Ron asked. "Where's she?"

"Ummm…" Harry said thinking hurriedly. "She went to pick Mike up from his dad's. I should be back around the same time she is. So will you watch him?"

"Of course," Hermione said looking at James who was being distracted by something that Conner was doing. "Harry are you sure? I mean it's his tenth birthday?"

"I'll be right back," Harry said smiling a charming smile. "I promise."

"We've got him," Ron said grinning. "Hurry back though."

"Of course," Harry said as he got down eye level with his son. "I'll be right back Jamesy. I mean it isn't everyday your young man turns ten."

James just smiled and nodded.

Harry smiled back and then looked up at his friends. "You both are the best, but you already know that."

"An hour," Ron said as he ushered James into the house. "Or so help you Potter…"

"Harry," Hermione interrupted. "Be careful."

"Will do," Harry said smiling as he turned and walked down the drive.

"Well," Ron said.

"I have a bad feeling, Ron," Hermione said as she watched her best friend disappearing down the street. "This isn't like Harry to miss James' birthday for a work meeting."

"It's only and hour," Ron said as he walked into the house.

"I don't know," Hermione said breathing deeply as she followed him. "You can't say that Harry wasn't acting a bit strangely though?"

"Well," Ron said. "It's Harry. You know how he gets."

"I guess," Hermione said as she watched James open Liz's present.

"It's great!" James said smiling as he looked at Liz and then up at Ron and Hermione.

"You really like it?" Liz asked excitedly.

"Yeah," James said smiling as he showed Ron and Hermione his new Quidditch jersey.

***************

"Then what happened?" Harry asked.

"Well," Hermione said. "And hour turned into two, into three. Then Katie and Mike came over. The next thing we knew it was almost midnight and we still hadn't heard from you."

"That's when we got worried," Ron said.

"So I called some of my co-workers," Hermione said. "And no one had heard of any sort of meeting, and no one had heard from you."

"The next few days we're a blur," Ron said. "Reporters everywhere trying to get to James and get any information. The headlines in the Daily Prophet were ludicrous. The Ministry started acting as if they actually cared. Everyone was looking for you. No one had any information."

"I can't believe that," Harry said. "So I'm as good as dead?"

"We hate to think like that," Hermione said. "For James' sake."

"Do you really think I'm still out there?" Harry asked.

"I have hope," Ron said as Hermione nodded. "All of us who really knew you have hope."

Harry stared at the floor. "This is so much to take in. No wonder James was so somber when he saw me."

"James is a very private person," Hermione said. "Besides having the fact that you've gone missing over his head, he's also a celebrity. From the day he was born he's been the 'Boy Who Lived Son.' He's only become more of a celebrity since you've gone missing. Reporters always want to talk to him about the last thing he wants to talk about."

"Poor kid," Harry said solemnly.

"Well besides that," Ron said. "The kid's bloody brilliant. We never knew his mum, but we reckon she would of had something on Hermione. I mean you were clever, Harry, but we know he sure as hell didn't get it from you."

"Is he?" Harry asked smiling slightly.

"Yeah," Ron said as he tried to cheer Harry up. "He flies like you though. He's a chaser. Seeker didn't agree with him."

"He tries very hard to get away from your shadow," Hermione said smiling.

"And get this," Ron said laughing. "He's much more popular with girls than we ever were. Liz tells us the stories of his admirers. He denies all of it because he's shy, but I wouldn't doubt it."

"Of course he's more popular than you all," Hermione said standing up. "You two were nerds."

"Love you too, dear," Ron said as he threw a pillow at her.

"So," Hermione said dodging it. "Do you have any questions?"

"Hundreds," Harry said. "Where can I start?"

"Anywhere," Ron said. "Shoot…"

"Well," Harry said. "First of all, I'd love to know what's happened to everyone. Who else is dead and who else married an idiot?"

"Believe it or not Ron's not that bad," Hermione said laughing.

Harry laughed as Ron threw another pillow. "Actually, I wasn't talking about Ron."

"Well then who?" Ron asked laughing.

"I'll get to that in a minute," Harry said standing up. "I think I need to splash some water on my face."

"Upstairs, second door on the right." Ron said standing up.

"All right," Harry said as he walked upstairs. He noticed some more pictures hanging in the hallway as he started to examine them. He laughed as he turned and proceeded down the hallway. He open the door that he expected to be a bathroom, but turned out to be a bedroom. He turned to leave when something caught his eye. He entered the room and looked around. It obviously belonged to a teenage boy, and Harry could only assume it was James'.

He smiled as he noticed the Quidditch posters on the wall and the textbooks and magazines on the desk. It looked a lot like Harry would have pictured his own room had he had the freedom to decorate it freely without having to worry about the Dursley's. He noticed the pictures on the dresser and a small teddy bear that lay in the corner of the room.

"Wow," Harry said as he reached down a picked up one of the Quidditch magazines. He walked over to the head of the bed and sat down when he suddenly felt something hard underneath him. He stood up and saw that he was sitting on a pillow and something was underneath it. He reached under and found what he was sitting on. He pulled it out and felt tears welling in his eyes as he looked at it….