Chapter Four
"Are you going to tell me who you are or not?"
"Malfoy! What the hell is wrong with you?"
"No, Potter that's not the question that needs answering here. What is, is where the hell did your scar go? And where the hell did you go the past five years?" Harry was taken completely off guard. He hadn't expected this. Malfoy could have gone about it in a less painful way.
"I don't know what you're on about Malfoy."
'Shut up Potter. You know perfectly well what I'm talking about. There's no point in denying it anymore. I heard you talking to yourself after Cho told you that you're a star already."
"W...what? I wasn't talking to myself."
"Yes you were. You may not have realised it but you were speaking under your breath about fame always following you around and how you never ask for it. And that people will find out about who you really are."
"Damn, I'm such an idiot. Malfoy...you can't tell anyone. I wouldn't be able to take it. I can't relive the past yet, its too hard. Please, Malfoy?" Draco let go of him and backed a couple feet back.
"What happened to your scar?" he asked in a gentler tone.
"It disappeared when I killed Voldemort. Please don't tell anyone, although I know you must be bursting to go run out there and yell for everyone to hear."
"Oh please, you think you know me so well."
"Well, it is something you would have done when we were back in school so you know I just figured."
"I've changed since school. Time does that to you. It's a little thing called growing up and realising how stupid you used to be." Harry didn't really know what to say to this pronouncement.
"Er-so you....won't tell anyone? Because not even Ron and Hermione know and I don't think I want to tell them yet. Although Hermione has already guessed, I just I haven't admitted to it."
"Does anyone else know besides me?"
"Dean, Seamus, Dan Smalls, and I'm guessing some other people from the Cannons, and Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black. Sirius is the one that found me and brought me back." Draco seemed to contemplate him for a moment.
"I'll keep it a secret; on two conditions."
Harry sighed, "what?"
"You accept my apology for being nasty to you during school and then we can be civil to each other for once. Maybe even become friends if being civil comes to that." Harry's mouth dropped open in shock.
"You...you're apologising to me? Why?
Malfoy sighed.
"Because I never wanted to be your enemy in school. All I wanted was to be your friend from the beginning but you made it kind of hard by being nasty and turning down my offer of friendship. Of course, I realise that I went by it the wrong way by insulting Weasley's family but that was my father speaking. I'm my own person now Harry. I just want to make things right before things go too far again; to the point we can't look at each other without casting out rude remarks to each other. It's already started up again and I'm really tired of it all."
"But...you killed Percy and you were a Death Eater." Draco shook his head.
"I didn't kill him. That was my father. It was all part of some stupid plan to turn all your loved ones against you. He used polyjuice potion to turn into me and tell Ron and Hermione what you supposedly did. And then after you disappeared, nobody believed it anymore. So he put the blame on me. That's why I went to Azkaban. And do you even see the Mark on me?" He pulled up his left sleeve to reveal his wrist. He was clean. "I never became a Death Eater. I rebelled against whatever my father did. Its a good thing I did."
"I read in the papers when you were put into Azkaban for his murder. And then they just put in a small article on when you were released. I mean, how did you get out?
"My father was caught and given Veritaserum. I was released shortly afterward with an apology and a reward." Harry stared in shock from all that he had just taken in. He finally came to his senses after a few moments and was able to speak again.
"Mal...Draco, I'm sorry for turning down your offer. I was dumb. I would like to be civil to each other. Maybe even friends, if it comes to that." he added with a smile. "And I'm not just saying that because my current life depends on you." They smiled at each other and shook hands. "Oh and Draco, don't call me Harry or Potter anymore. It's strictly James or Newark."
"I know. I'm not completely stupid." At that moment Sirius, Remus, Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked into the locker room. Harry did a double take on Ginny and couldn't help but stare at her with a glazed look on his face. She looked amazingly beautiful with her red hair flowing down to the middle of her back in soft waves. The red wasn't as harsh as it used to be but a darker colour. She wore dark green robes that complemented her hourglass body nicely. Ron smiled.
"That's my little sister Ginny. Ginny this is James Newark." They shook hands and Harry stared at her some more making her blush to the tips of her ears.
"You were in LA a couple months ago in a bar called the Oasis weren't you?" Ginny looked surprised but then recognised him.
"Oh yeah, I remember seeing you there."
"I was going to come talk to you but my friend Steve interrupted. Like he always does."
"You wouldn't have had any luck anyway. I try not to date Muggles since I don't know how they will react to me being a witch."
"Well, what are my chances now that you know that I'm a wizard?"
"Getting higher by the minute. Keep smiling at me like you did in the bar and I'll be with you in no time." Harry smiled broadly. She wasn't the shy girl that stuck her elbows in butter dishes that he remembered. Sirius cleared his throat loudly.
"We were going to take you out for a celebration lunch. How about it?"
"Sounds good!" He remembered Draco and turned to see him hovering awkwardly behind him. "Do you guys mind if Draco comes along?" Sirius and Remus looked the most surprised since they were the only ones other than Draco who were sure of his true identify. They agreed. Ron shot a look of death towards him, but Hermione gave him the same look and he backed off. Hermione went and linked her arm with Draco's and walked over to the fireplace, talking amiably with him all the while. They all Flooed over to the Leaky Cauldron and asked for a private room.
Soon they all had food in front of them and mugs of butterbeer. Conversation was quite happy the entire time. After they were done eating, Hermione who was sitting to the left of Harry; squealed with delight.
"Oh the baby is kicking again!" She grabbed Harry's hand and laid in on her bulging stomach. He felt a kick right beneath his palm. He smiled at her.
"He's going to be quite the Beater when he grows up." Hermione beamed.
"Our little Harry James. Nothing could be better since I've got the big one back too." she whispered. Harry's smile disappeared.
"Hermione...I'm not Harry."
"Of course you aren't." she said jokingly. Draco who was sitting on the other side of Hermione helped Harry out.
"Hermione, he really isn't Harry. I've already quizzed him. The results came out negative." She looked at Draco with tears in her eyes.
"Well, if he's not, then who is? Where is he? I...we need Harry back! I miss him so much. Ron tries to help me by holding me but the only thing I want when I cry about Harry, is Harry. Only he could make me feel better. I used to love his hugs. They were so warm and inviting. A hug only my best friend Harry could give. I never appreciated him as much as I should have. He was always so great to me and Ron. I love him. He's my brother; I just hope he comes back one day." A steady stream of tears fell down her face. She got up and walked out. Nobody else had been listening except for Draco and Harry.
Harry looked down into his lap and tried to blink down tears. They came out anyway so he excused himself to the bathroom but not before Ron and Draco saw his face. Harry walked down the hallway intending to go to the bathroom but stopped when he heard Hermione crying in a room to his left. He had a moments indecision and then as quietly as he could, he opened the door and closed it softly behind him.
She had her back facing him. He quickly cast a silencing spell on the room and went and wrapped his arms around her from the back and kissed her cheek. Her breath caught in her throat and she whispered,
"Harry?"
"Yes." he whispered into her ear. A sob escaped her throat and she turned around and fell into his arms without even looking up at him.
"I've missed you so much Harry. I've needed you for so long. So, was I wrong about James Newark then?"
"Not exactly." she pulled back but since it was dark, she couldn't see his face properly. She pulled her wand out and lit a fire in the fireplace.
"I knew I wasn't wrong. You don't look anything like you used to but I could just sense that it was you. It was something in your eyes that told me." She lifted a finger and traced the exact spot where his scar used to lie. "What's happened to it? And why did you run away?" Harry began to tell her the quick story. The same one he had told everybody else before.
"I'll tell you more when I'm ready. Right now, I can't; it's too hard. 'Mione I'm so sorry for causing you so much pain and worry. That's the last thing I wanted. So, um...if the offer is still there; I'd very much like to be Harry's godfather."
"Oh of course the offer is still there! Ron will be so happy to know who you really are. And I'm sure Ginny will be too. She seems really interested in you."
"Er-'Mione, I wasn't planning on telling them quite yet. I only told you because I saw how miserable it was making you and I wanted to give you one of my hugs." He grinned devilishly at her. She hit him playfully on the arm.
"Oh shut up. I really think you should but I will keep it a secret for you. Who else knows?"
"Sirius, Remus, and Draco."
"You told Draco before you told us?"
"I didn't mean for him to find out but he heard me muttering under my breath after the game today. I couldn't deny it anymore to him."
"So, that automatically makes you friends with him now?"
"No. He's not necessarily my friend yet but he agreed to keep my secret as long as I accepted his apology for being nasty to me during school and if we would be civil to each other. And maybe friendship could come out of it. So we're trying."
"That's good I'm glad. We always totally underestimated him in school. I just wish Ron would be more accepting."
"He'll come around I'm sure. We better get back. You go first. I was on my way to the bathroom before I came in here."
"OK, Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"I uh, can I have another one of your hugs." she said sheepishly. Harry grinned at her.
"You don't need to ask, honey." They hugged each other tightly. Harry pulled back and moved her hair out of her face and quickly kissed her on the lips.
"I've missed you, 'Mione."
"I've missed you too, Harry." They hugged again and walked out of the room together and went separate ways. Harry went to the bathroom and then went back into the private parlour. Everyone gave him a concerned look as he walked in.
"Are you all right James?" asked Ron.
"Yes, of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, you seemed to have something troubling you when you left for the bathroom half and hour ago." Harry flushed.
"Oh well, I went to the bathroom and then went into the bar to get another drink but I got accosted by a bunch of women in there that had been at the game. I just got away, without my drink I might add. They nearly killed me." Hermione smiled at him. Ron accepted his story but Draco looked at him quizzically. Ginny and Hermione had switched places so that Hermione could sit by Ron. So Harry took his seat next to Ginny. They began a flirtatious conversation as Sirius, Remus and Draco conversed in low mutters and Ron and Hermione were feeling the baby kick. They ended up staying until a little after dinner. Ginny and Harry decided to go into Diagon Alley so Harry could buy her some ice cream and they would walk around and look in all the shops.
Draco, Remus, Sirius, Ron and Hermione all decided to head home. Ginny and Harry walked out of Florean Fortescue's fifteen minutes later with an ice cream cone in both their hands. They spent the next hour getting reacquainted with one another; or at least that's how it was in Harry's case. He found that she had a flat in Notting Hill and worked for the Minister of Magic.
"So, what was your last boyfriends name?"
"Oh, Neville Longbottom. That was a while ago though. I don't think I really was attracted to him. I was just trying to get over someone else that I knew would never return my feelings or come back home. Even now when I think of him, I get all light headed."
"Who was this guy?"
"You're probably sick of hearing his name but Harry Potter." Harry remained silent for a bit.
"This Harry seems like a bit of an idiot to give up his life here. I mean he had you fawning over him, Ron and Hermione. Sirius and Remus. And who knows who or what else."
"Well he obviously didn't think it so great that I was head over heels in love with him. Oh well, it doesn't matter anymore, he's gone. Probably for good; I should just forget him." Harry grabbed her hand.
"Just because he's gone doesn't mean you have to forget. If you want to be in love with him for the rest of your life than do it. Just don't forget to live your life." Ginny smiled at him.
"You know, when I saw you smiling at me in the bar, I thought that you would just be a womaniser or insensitive. More proof to not judge a book by its cover."
"Well, Gin you were more right about me than you know. I was a womaniser. I was from one woman to the next. But...I think I was just compensating for a girl that I never got to be with back in school. I loved her and I never told her. You're making me want to actually change my ways now. It's weird. I only met you this afternoon." Ginny smiled happily. Harry was the only one to ever call me Gin.
"That better not be one of your lines, Mr. Newark."
"I promise you Ms. Weasley, I've never said that to anyone in my entire life." They were headed back into the Leaky Cauldron.
"I need to be getting home, I need to go into work early in the morning."
"All right, is it all right if I get in touch with you soon Gin?"
"Yeah, I would like that." He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. "Talk to you later then."
"Bye." she whispered. With a last smile he disapparated.
~*~*~*~
The next two weeks were spent at Quidditch practice in the morning and two of those days at Quidditch games in Bulgaria and Russia. Both of which the Cannons won. Harry's fame was rising rapidly, it started to become unbearable at times. His free time in the evenings were spent with Ginny. Harry was falling fast for her again. But this time she was aware of it. He never thought it possible for him to be so completely enamoured by a woman when he hadn't even slept with her yet. Harry knew Ginny was still a virgin. She would never admit it but it was obvious. So he didn't want to push her into anything she didn't want to do until she was ready. Besides, he felt like he was being watched, every minute of every day. Everything that he did, ended up in the papers. It started the day after the match with Ireland.
That day, there had been a two page article on the game but it was focused mainly on Harry. The front page was plastered with pictures of him. The article went on about how old he was, when his birthday is, the fact that he was single. That fact was changed in a later article that divulged information on his relationship with Ginny. It was accompanied with a picture of them walking down Diagon Alley, hand in hand.
Harry wasn't allowed to go out alone anymore. The Cannons gave him two bodyguards that Harry gave two of his guest bedrooms to. He was reluctant but Dean and Seamus had been insistent. So now whenever he went out, he was flanked with the two men slightly behind him, making sure no witches got out of hand when they saw him. One witch had tried to start a fight with Ginny. That's when Harry started to appreciate the bodyguards.
October 8th came around and Harry and Ginny were heading out to dinner, flanked by their bodyguards; Greg and Brian. Greg was a massive wizard. He was a 6'5", 325lb man with a mop of blonde hair on his head. His personality was rather like Hagrid's. Caring and emotional but when people he loved were being threatened or being spoken badly about, his temper would come out full blown. He had taken to Harry and did it to anyone who made Harry angry. Brian was slightly smaller than Greg; 6'3" 290 LB and a dark complexion and dark blue eyes that gave him an eerie look. He was much gruffer than Greg but just as protective to Harry; not only because it was his job.
They were eating in a new fancy restaurant in Diagon Alley called Tanner's Fine Dining. As soon as Harry entered, a group of people surrounded Ginny and Harry. A couple of young witches were screaming hysterically and falling over themselves. Greg and Brian had to fight their way through to put some distance between the crowd and the couple. Harry graciously signed some autographs and took some pictures before being led away to a private room in back.
There was a large fireplace on one wall with a roaring fire going. On the opposite wall was a couch and some overstuffed chairs. The table that was set for two sat in the middle. Pictures of lilies decorated the walls, while a vase of the same flowers sat on the mantle.
"I like lilies. They're my favourite flowers. They are so beautiful."
"Really? Mine too. Why do you like them so much?" Harry contemplated his answer. He certainly couldn't tell her that his mother's name was Lily.
"I suppose its because they remind me of my mother. She loved them and my dad was always bringing them home for her." It was actually true. Sirius had just told him that a couple weeks beforehand when Harry had asked about his mother since he didn't know much about her.
"What happened to her?"
"Oh, uh they both died in a car crash when I was still a kid. I hardly remember them. But that's one thing I do."
"Who were you raised by then?"
"My er-grandparents." Harry was starting to get uncomfortable. He didn't like lying to her but he knew that he couldn't tell the truth about everything from his childhood. It would give away too much. Wringing his hands together, he searched for a new topic.
"So, today is Hermione's due date. Have you seen how she's doing?"
"Yes, I talked to her just before you picked me up. She is getting really irritable. I hope she goes into labour soon. Oh and she said that you're going to be the godfather...are you doing it just because she thinks you're Harry?"
"No, I think I've talked some sense into her about that. I'm doing it because I really like her and Ron and she asked me even after I told her I'm not harry. There couldn't be any harm in accepting."
"I hope not; she still looks at you like she knows something about you though. And when her and Ron asked me to be the godmother to little Harry; she asked me if I was still dating you. She went all funny. I don't even know how to explain it. She really wants us to work out because she seems to think it would make me really happy later on when I figure something out. God only knows what she meant by that." Harry shrugged.
"I don't understand 'Mione sometimes." Ginny cocked an eyebrow.
"You did it again."
"Did what?"
"You always call me Gin and you just called Hermione, 'Mione. Only one person ever called us that." Shit. I gotta stop doing stupid things like that.
"Oh let me guess; the infamous Harry Potter."
"Well yeah, sorry but you two are a lot alike in ways."
"Yes so I've heard. Well, I like giving people nicknames I guess." At that moment, a face popped up in the fireplace.
"Ginny?" It was Ron. Ginny got up and moved to the fire.
"What's up Ron?"
"Hermione. She went into labour about two hours ago. I've been trying to get a hold of you. I wouldn't ask you to come right now but here are already complications and I just...kind of want somebody here with me right now. I'm not allowed to see her right now. Oh and she wants James to come to. We're at St. Mungo's right now."
"OK, we'll be there in a couple minutes."
"Thank you." His head disappeared from the fire.
"I'll go inform Greg and Brian." Harry got up and opened the door. The two men were sitting on either side of the door in chairs. They immediately stood up when the door opened.
"Something wrong Mr. Newark?" asked Greg.
"We need to go to St. Mungo's. Ginny's sister in law went into labour and is having complications."
"OK, we'll apparate to the front door of the hospital and secure the area. Come one minute after us." They apparated and Harry walked back inside the room.
"Greg and Brian are securing the area now. Are you all right Gin?" She had tears running down her face and was taking deep steadying breaths.
"What if she's not okay James? I wouldn't know what I'd do if she died. I love her so much."
"Hey, she'll be fine. The doctors at St. Mungo's are the best you'll find. Just don't think about that all right?" he wrapped her in a tight embrace and kissed her forehead. "We need to go."
"OK, thank you James." He gave her a smile.
"No problem." They apparated and reappeared in between Greg and Brian. Greg steered Harry into the door and Brian took Ginny. Some people who were outside, screamed,
"It's James Newark!" That made everyone turn their heads and mutter in excitement. They picked up the pace and got inside the hospital. A nurse sitting behind the receptionist desk gave them directions to the maternity ward. They ran as fast as they could down the hallway to a magical elevator to the 9th floor.
Ron was waiting outside the door looking ashen face. Ginny flung her arms around his neck.
"Ron, how is she doing?"
"They don't really know right now. It's too early to tell now. She's in a lot of pain. The pain potions aren't doing much."
"Are we allowed to see her?"
"No, I'm still not allowed in. I can't even be with my wife while she's giving birth to my baby!" Ginny sensing a fit of rage coming went in a different direction.
"Let's go get you something to drink. And then we'll go into the waiting room."
"All right, might as well."
"James, do you want anything?"
"Sure some coffee would be good."
"We'll be right back." Harry started towards the waiting room with Greg and Brian close behind. They shut the door behind them and sat down in some chairs. Harry put his face in his hands.
"Mr. Potter? Ron and Hermione are your old friends from school right?" He lifted his head and nodded his head wearily at Brian. They had been informed of his identity.
" I know we're alone guys, but don't call me by my real name. It's too risky."
"Sorry Mr. Newark."
"And don't call me that. Call me James. I hate being called Mr. Newark."
"OK, Are you ever going to tell anyone who you really are?"
"Possibly the Weasley's, Hermione knows already. She guessed." he laughed, "That girl is too smart for her own good." His face immediately turned solemn. "I hope she's going to be OK." The door opened and let Ginny and Ron in, holding five Styrofoam cups of coffee.
"Here Brian, Greg, I thought you could use some as well. You've got a tiring job."
"Thank you Ms. Weasley." They chorused. She laughed at the two.
"Honestly, you can call me Ginny."
"OK," replied Greg.
"James, one of the nurses gave me this to give to you. An owl just dropped it off." Ron handed him a letter addressed in red ink. "I think they would have preferred to give it to you in person." He winked at Harry who groaned.
"I thought that that part of the job would be fun but now that I'm with Ginny, I'm starting to get kind of annoyed." Ginny blushed furiously as Harry gave her the smile she loved. He then turned his attention to the letter. Mr. James Newark was written out in neat handwriting on the front of the envelope. He opened it up and gasped as he looked at it. There was a light skull with a snake protruding from the mouth behind the writing. Much like a Muggle stationery paper would be decorated; except without the flowers.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked.
"Nothing." he looked down and read the letter.
Dear Harry Potter,
We have been looking for you for quite some time now. Luckily for us, someone has been kind enough to tell us who you are. You have made a grave mistake by re-entering the wizarding world. For you are not safe anymore. Just because our Master didn't get the chance to kill you, doesn't mean we won't get that chance.
Hoping to meet you soon, Harry Potter.
Harry's face turned pale and he swallowed hard.
"Shit." he muttered. He folded up the letter with shaking hands and then picked up his coffee and spilled it all over himself staining his red robes black. "Damn it!" he stood up and peeled his wet robes off his skin. Greg stood up.
"What's wrong James?" Harry threw the letter at him and whispered not to show anybody but Brian. He turned around to face his seat and Ginny who was staring at him concerned. Pretending not to notice her stare, he picked up the empty cup and threw it away. There was a mirror a little to the right of Ron so he went and looked in it at the damage. He stuck his hand in his pocket for his wand but it wasn't there.
"Where the hell did my wand go? I have a knack at losing it when Death Eaters are about." he muttered quietly to himself remembering the Quidditch World Cup 11 years earlier. Ron looked at him and raised an eyebrow. Harry didn't notice his stare and waved his hand over the stain and saw it disappear in the mirror. He turned to see Ron's mouth drop open.
"I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be right back. No, don't come guys. I'm capable of going by myself."
"But James.." protested Brian who had just finished the letter.
"I've had more than enough experience with these people, and I'm not about to let them ruin my life once again. It's happened too many times before. Now if you'll excuse me." He turned his back on them and left the room. When the door was closed, he leaned against it and took deep calming breaths. Ron's voice could be heard from inside the room.
"He...he just did wandless magic. Not many people can do that. You know I'm starting to wonder if Hermione was right about him. I think he is Harry. Harry could do wandless magic because he was the heir of Gryffindor."
"Oh don't be ridiculous Ron!" exclaimed Ginny. "Of course he's not Harry. Harry has a scar on his forehead and green eyes. If you haven't noticed, he has neither."
"I know that's what I keep telling myself. But they are so much alike..." Harry couldn't bear to listen, so he walked in the direction of the bathroom. When he walked by the nurses, they fell into a hushed silence. He ignored them and walked into the bathroom. When he emerged, he walked to the same nurses.
"Hi, could you tell me how Hermione Weasley is doing?" A nurse of about 26 answered,
"I could take you to see her if you like."
"Yes, I would like that. Thank you." he flashed a bright smile at her, who smiled back shyly.
"It's this way. Follow me." Harry followed her down a long hallway and turned into a room at the end. "Take your time. The doctor won't be back for a while."
"Thank you." Harry looked at Hermione; she was sitting up against a bunch of pillows. looking out the window. "How are you feeling, 'Mione?" She jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Harry, I'm so glad you're here." she whispered He sat down beside her and kissed her forehead. Her face contorted in pain and she grabbed his hand. She started taking deep breaths. He felt like his hand was going to be broken into pieces but he didn't pull away. When she pulled her hand away, her face was covered in sweat.
"That was the worse contraction yet. I'm sorry if I hurt your hand, honey."
"It's all right. I'll live, you're the one giving birth here." He grabbed a cloth and ran it under a faucet and dabbed her forehead with it. He then took a brush to brush her hair into a ponytail.
"Can you grab me those ice chips on that table?" He grabbed the cup and handed it to her. She stuck a chip in her mouth and sucked on it. "Thanks. When are you going to tell Ron who you are?"
"He already suspects. I accidentally did wandless magic to clean up a coffee spill on my robes."
"Yes, but when are you going to tell him and more importantly Ginny?" Harry sighed.
"I don't know, 'Mione. Sometime." She tutted and stuck another ice chip in her mouth.
"Do they know if you're going to be all right?"
"I don't know. They might have to do a C-section. I'm sure I'll be fine." Harry stayed throughout two more contractions and then decided to go back so that Brian and Greg didn't worry.
"I'll try to get those nurses to let Ron in."
"Oh Harry, you used your celebrity to get in here?" she said in an exasperated tone.
"I just asked how you were and they brought me here." she smiled at him.
"I'll see you later then, Harry. Thanks for coming here, to the hospital I mean."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, 'Mione." he kissed her on the forehead again and walked out. Five nurses were at the receptionist desk when he went by. He decided to stop.
"Excuse me, since you let me in to see Hermione, could her husband go?" Another nurse smiled flirtatiously and said,
"Sure but only if you give us autographs." Harry laughed good naturedly.
"Is that all? Give me something to write on and a quill. There was a rush to find things for him to sign. The nurse that had brought him to Hermione's room, had him sign her underwear. He finished signing his name for them and started to walk away when one of the nurses who was his age squealed his name.
"James! Wait!" He turned and saw her running to him while the other ladies were trying to stifle their laughter.
"Yes?" he asked mildly. She flung her arms around his neck and stuck her tongue down his throat. Of course his immediate reaction was surprise but then he kissed her back for a short moment before pulling back.
"Why did you stop James? It seems you were enjoying it." she whispered.
"I've got a girlfriend and you just caught me by surprise. I think I'll go get Ron now so he can see his wife." Her face dropped noticeably.
"Sorry." he said but not really meaning it. What did these people expect from him? To sleep with every girl that stuck their tongue down his throat? Start a long term relationship with them? It was something that Harry would never figure out. It was she who needed to apologise to him. The elevator opened up to his right and a reporter, cameraman and a large group of his most adoring fans emerged.
"Oh shit." he muttered and ran for the waiting room with the mob on his heels. He groaned when he heard that nurse telling the reporter that she kissed him. He flew into the waiting room and slammed the door shut and burst out laughing. Between gasps he managed to stutter, "My fan club has arrived. I don't know how its grown so fast." Ginny got up and led him to a couch while Brian locked the door and closed the curtains on the window where people were looking in.
"It's because you're so damned good at Quidditch and ten times sexier than you are good at Quidditch. And that's saying something." He smiled at her beaming face.
"You're the only person I care to hear that from." he leaned forward and gave her a passionate kiss.
"Oh please, get a room." Ron grimaced. Harry looked at him and grinned.
"This is a room the last time I checked. And I wouldn't be rude to me just now. The nurses are allowing you to go see Hermione right now because of me."
"What did you do?" Ginny asked.
"Well, I politely asked them that since they let me in to see her that he should be able to. So they asked me for my autograph so they could accept you." Harry rolled his eyes. "Pathetic. Well better get going. I told Hermione that I'd send her dear ickle Ronniekins on his way!" Harry snorted at the look of disgust on Ron's face.
"Did you know that that used to be a joke between Harry and Hermione? They always used to call me dear ickle Ronnikins. Funny you should say that. Did she tell you?" Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat while thinking that he should open mouth and insert foot.
"No I just said it. I really wish I would stop reminding everybody of Harry."
"Sorry"
"It's not your fault. Well, go."
"Thanks James. I owe you one."
"No problem. And no you don't. You deserve to go see your wife." They smiled at each other and Greg escorted Ron out as Harry turned back to Ginny. "I should probably tell you before you see it in the papers tomorrow."
"See what?"
"Er- well one of the nurses got a little rambunctious and stuck her tongue down my throat. I heard her telling the reporter as I ran in here." Ginny frowned.
"Well, just as long as you didn't enjoy it."
"Certainly not. I'd rather kiss a hippogriff. That's why I was so eager to kiss you again. I like kissing you." He was leaning toward her as he was speaking and kissed her again. Brian cleared his throat and they broke apart.
"Ginny? Are those your family members outside the door?" Ginny got up and looked out the window.
"Yes, let all the redheads in and Angelina. I'll show you her." Harry stood up nervously. He hadn't been with all the Weasley's in a long while. Brian opened the door and let the Weasley's in who was closely followed by Greg. A girl whom Harry didn't get the chance to see properly came flying into the room and threw herself at Harry. He grunted as she knocked the wind out of him and they fell back onto the couch. She started covering his face with kisses. He tried pushing her off but with no success. She had a very strong grip on him.
"Brian! Greg!" he yelled irritably. "Get this girl off me and get the hospital security. This is a maternity ward for goodness sake!" He felt her being lifted off of him. He sat up and rubbed his ribs. Ginny laughed.
"James, you've got lip marks all over you! Mum, do you have something to wipe him off?" Harry looked up and saw Mrs. Weasley rummaging through a purse and pulled out a handkerchief. She looked older than she used to. She had some wrinkles on her face and some grey strands of hair were starting to appear. Ginny wet the handkerchief and started rubbing his face clean. She started to work on a mark by his eye and poked his eye. He felt his contact fall out. He quickly shut his eye.
"My contact fell out."
"James...your eye was green."
"No, I think you're seeing things. My eyes are blue. I need my contact " He summoned it under his breath and it flew into his hand. He pulled out a small bottle of saline solution out of his pocket that he carried with him for moments like these.
"No...it was green." Harry pretended to rub his eye and enchanted it to look blue and opened his eye.
"Nope, blue." She looked at him suspiciously while he put his contact in.
"Gin, I know what you're thinking. Harry Potter has green eyes and you think you just saw me with a green eye. I can't tell everyone enough that the things that make us alike are just coincidences. I am not Harry Potter. No scar." He gestured to his forehead. "So will you please stop saying this? Besides right now, we've got Hermione and the baby to worry about. And you still haven't introduced me to your family."
"You're right, I'm sorry. It's just weird you know?"
"I know."
"OK, well anyway, James this is my dad Arthur and my mum Molly." They shook hands. "This is my brother Fred and his wife Angelina and that's George. This is Charlie. Where's the wife?" she asked.
"At work, she couldn't get it off on such short notice. Nice to meet you James. I've been reading about the games you've been in. You sound like you're an amazing player. I'm glad the Cannons finally have a good seeker. Malfoy sucked." Harry laughed.
"Thank you. Yes, I think he's better suited to be a chaser. He's still got some practice to do though." Harry and Ginny sat on the couch again and Harry wrapped his arm around her. Charlie and Harry continued speaking about Quidditch for a while before Mrs. Weasley engaged him in a conversation about Ron and Hermione. She seemed pretty suspicious about him as well.
Two hours after the Weasley's arrival, a knock came at the door. Brian opened it to find a nurse. She held out a letter.
"This came for James Newark a minute ago by a big black owl."
"Thank you ma'am" Brian said gruffly and took the letter, closed the door and turned to Harry.
"It's the same person."
"Just give it to me Brian." He took the envelope and tore it open..
Dear Harry Potter,
Getting reacquainted with the Weasley's I see. Do you still care enough about them to save them, by giving yourself up?
Harry let out a deep shuddering breath and closed his eyes tight. I should have never listened to Sirius. Coming back here was a mistake.
"This can't happen again. It's too much for me to handle." he handed Brian the letter as he stood up and started pacing the room completely oblivious to all the eyes on him.
"James, who are those letters from?" Harry stopped his pacing and looked at Ginny. The haunted look that his eyes held for so many years grew more intense as memories washed over him.
"What won't you be able to handle?" He shook his head.
"Nothing, it's nothing. Don't worry about it. It's my problem." He stopped to think for a moment.
"James, you've got to do something about this right away. Alert the aurors and the Minister that's there's action going on. It's gotta be stopped before it gets out of hand like times before." Harry looked up at Greg who had spoken. Harry's face clouded over with worry, doubt, anger and fear.
"I know." he paused as if in deep thought. "I'll go now to the Ministry. Ginny, contact me once it's almost time for the baby to be born. Hermione wants me here and I don't want to disappoint her." Ginny was confused but agreed. Harry walked out with Greg and Brian behind him. Once they got out the front doors of the hospital, they apparated to the Ministry.
A/N: Please review. Thanks to everyone who has already reviewed. You people are awesome!! I've never gotten such good reaction from one of my stories. It makes me so happy! yaay! Next chapter: Harry speaks with the Minister of Magic, the baby is born, the 'actual' Harry Potter will make an appearance. Does that make sense? More things happen but I don't want to give away too much!! :) You'll just have to come back!