Chapter 8. Loose ends
Molly Weasley was busy preparing Lunch. She was directing a set of knives in slicing some cold cuts and cheeses while Sirius sat at the table.
"You sure you don't want any help, Molly?" he asked.
"Don't be silly, Sirius!" She chuckled. Sirius looked at her and smiled. "You know what I mean!"
"Tell you what, Molly. Let me get the drinks, okay?" he asked.
"Okay. Be sure to ice them down...looks like its going to be a warm day," she added.
"Will so." Sirius got up and headed for the back yard. "Should we make it a picnic?"
"That sounds lovely, Sirius. Ohhh, I can't wait for them to get here. I am so excited! I get to help plan two weddings!" Molly laughed.
Sirius laughed. "And I get to WATCH two weddings!" He turned and went to the back yard.
There were some popping noises from the living room. "Mum, we're home!" Ron yelled.
"I'm in here, dears," Molly called from the kitchen. "Put your things upstairs and come help!"
Molly heard them heading upstairs laughing. How happy she was to have them in the house. Just then, Harry laughed. 'What a musical laugh he has' thought Molly. 'It's a shame that he hasn't had much to laugh for. Well, we will soon make up for lost time.' She turned when she heard a noise from the hall. In walked Harry.
"Hello there, pretty lady. You must be Ginny's sister! Where's your mother?" Harry smiled.
"Oh, get on you! You sound too much like Sirius and the way he describes your father!" she laughed.
Harry laughed too. "Guilty as charged, Mrs. Weasley."
"Now Harry...how many times have I told you to call me Molly...or even Mum, if you want. And if you are serious about marrying my daughter you better pick now!"
"Yes, Mum." smiled Harry.
Molly felt her eyes tear up. "Harry, you know you are like a son to Arthur and me. We love you as much as if you were."
"And I love all of you as well. My mother would be so happy that I have someone like you and the others to care for me." said Harry.
"You know, Harry, I knew your Mother and Father. Not well, but we ran into each other occasionally. She had the loveliest personality. And your father was very charming, just like you. I know that they would both be proud of you, "said Molly.
"Aye they would," added Sirius, standing in the doorway. "James and Lily were good people. A truer friend I never had. And Lily...not only beautiful, but smart...funny...and very loving. Remus and I envied James." Sirius stopped for a second, wiping his eyes. "Lily said that even though she and James were married, she would always make Remus and me a part of the family. After all, who else would put up with us?"
Molly went to Sirius and held him as he sobbed. Harry wanted to comfort him as well, but didn't know how. Finally Sirius quieted down and pulled away from Molly. "Thanks." he said.
"Anytime." she replied.
"Well, Harry...ready to go get your girlfriend?" Sirius asked.
"I was going to apparate there," said Harry.
"Thought I might show you an...alternate means of transportation," chuckled Sirius.
"SIRIUS BLACK! You will not get him on that thing!" shouted Molly.
"Molly, the boy is of age and can do as he wants!" replied Sirius.
"Well not with my daughter he can't!"
"He won't be riding it back with her!"
"Well, okay then...but Harry, dear, please do be careful," said Molly as Sirius ushered Harry out the door.
"Why is she so upset?" asked Harry as Sirius handed him a pair of goggles. "What are we going to do, race on our brooms?"
"No, Harry...we are going to ride that!" Sirius, smiling mischievously, pointed at a motorcycle.
***
Ginny boarded the Hogwarts Express and looked for an empty compartment. Finding one, she slipped inside and took a seat near the window. She held up her hand and watched the light hit her ring. She still couldn't believe it. This was her engagement ring. Soon she would be Mrs. Harry Potter. Ginny Weasley Potter. Ginny Potter. She smiled.
"I would be smiling too if someone loved me that much," said a voice. Ginny looked up to find Luna Lovegood standing in the door. "May I come in or would you and Harry like to be alone?"
Ginny laughed. "Come on in, Luna. I was just thinking about how lucky I am."
"Harry has loved you for a long time. Took him long enough to realize it!" Luna laughed.
Ginny stared at Luna for a second. When she and Luna were in their fourth year and Harry was teaching the DA, Luna always seemed to be well, weird. But lately, Ginny had noticed, Luna didn't act the same, and people had stopped hiding her things.
"Luna, can I ask you something?" said Ginny.
"Ask away." replied Luna.
"Why did you always act so strange when you're not?"
"Why did you always act like you didn't like Harry when you did?"
Ginny laughed. "Because I didn't want people, including Harry, to know about it. I was afraid that people would laugh at me."
"Is anyone laughing at you?"
"No...I guess I was just being silly." replied Ginny.
"No, Ginny, You were just being cautious." Ginny raised an eyebrow. "So what if you were very smart but insecure...what if magic came very easy? What if your father was very rich but you didn't want friends just because of it? What if you decided to act a little bit strange to prevent that?" asked Luna.
"But, Luna...all those people making fun of you...calling you Loony...didn't that hurt?" asked Ginny.
"I think it hurt less than finding out that your friends weren't really friends...that they just liked you for your money....or your brains...or your looks..." Luna replied.
"Well, Luna, we have been friends...and Harry is your friend, isn't he?" asked Ginny.
"Yes the two of you are...or else I wouldn't be admitting this to you. You have to help me keep my secret. And I need your help." said Luna.
"No problem...what can I help you with?" asked Ginny.
"Neville Longbottom." replied Luna in a whisper.
***
Harry sat behind Sirius as they flew over Little Whinging. He could definitely understand why Sirius loved this bike. It was like riding a broom, but faster. Sirius had told him that this would not be the first time they rode together. He told Harry of a time that he had taken Harry for a short ride only to find a furious Lily waiting for them upon their return. Harry smiled. He was enjoying finding out more about his parents, and it seemed now that he was an adult, people felt more comfortable telling him about them.
Harry was unsure, however, about Sirius and his plan to visit the Dursleys on their way to Kings Cross. He knew that Ginny had about two more hours to ride, but he would rather have waited at the Leaky Cauldron or on Platform 9 ¾. Sirius had been adamant. Harry needed to talk to the Dursleys. Harry noticed the bike losing altitude and saw Privet Drive ahead.
The landed the bike near the park on Magnolia Crescent and rode along the alley where Harry and Dudley had been attacked by the dementors. Harry waved to Arabella Figg, who was on her porch while her belongings were being packed into a moving van.
"Sirius! Can we stop for a moment?" yelled Harry. Sirius nodded and stopped the bike. He turned off the engine and followed Harry to Mrs. Figg's house.
"Mrs. Figg?" said Harry. "Where are you going?"
"Oh, Harry! It's so good to see you!" she said, coming towards them. "Congratulations on the Order of Merlin!" she whispered. "Come inside so we can talk."
Harry and Sirius followed Mrs. Figg into her house. Harry at once noticed the absence of cats. "Where are all your cats?" he asked.
"They have been sent to my new home already. I was afraid that they might run out into the street and get hurt. Only Mr. Tibbles could be trusted to be careful!" she replied. She looked at Sirius nervously.
"Mrs. Figg," said Sirius, "I would like to thank you for watching out over Harry. Thanks for keeping him safe. I owe you a great deal."
"It was always a pleasure, Mr. Black," she replied. "Harry was always a pleasure to watch. His aunt and uncle, however, make me mad. They treated him very poorly and show no remorse about it. If I could curse them I would!"
Sirius laughed. "I CAN curse them. But mainly, I want to talk to them. I want them to know that even though they chose to be mean and nasty to Harry, they helped him. He knew what evil felt like, so he wasn't surprised by Voldemort."
Mrs. Figg jumped at the name. "Sor.sorry," she said. "Just a reaction."
Harry, Sirius and Mrs. Figg chatted for awhile before Sirius reminded Harry of the time. After thanking Mrs. Figg, Harry gave her a brief hug. She smiled at him and thanked him for treating her so nicely. As they headed out of the house and neared the motorcycle, Harry turned around.
"Mrs. Figg! Where are you moving to?"
"Hogwarts, dear. I am going to help Madam Pince in the library." She replied, waving as she turned back to the house.
***
"Neville Longbottom?" asked Ginny. "What about him?"
"I sort of…like him. I want to know if he likes me. I know that he and Harry are friends…do you think Harry would ask him for me?" asked Luna.
"You know…you could talk to Harry. He would be happy to talk to Neville, I am sure," replied Ginny.
"Yeah, but…what if Harry laughed at me? C'mon, Ginny. Please?" pleaded Luna.
"Okay. I will talk to Harry. You know, Luna…Harry and I will probably have a big wedding, especially since he was awarded the Order of Merlin. I will definitely need some bridesmaids. Would you possibly be interested?" asked Ginny.
"I would be honored."
***
Petunia was in the kitchen sipping her tea when the doorbell rang. "Diddykins, can you get that?" After a minute or so, there was a knock at the door. "Dudley? Now where did that boy get to? Coming, coming…"
Petunia opened the door. Standing outside was one person she recognized and one she didn't. Harry stepped forward. "Hello, Aunt Petunia. I would like to introduce my godfather…Sirius Black." At the mention of his name, Petunia fainted.
Petunia woke up on the couch. 'I must have dozed off and had a bad dream…'she thought to herself. A sound on the other side of the room caught her attention.
"Hello again, Petunia," said Sirius. "It's been a long time. I think the last time we met was when James, Lily and I came by your house to let you and your parents know that they were engaged."
"What do you want?" she asked.
"I brought Harry here to clear up a few things. Where is your husband?" Sirius asked.
"He should be home any minute," she replied. The door opened and a large silhouette stood there. Dudley walked in.
"Mum, are you alright?" asked Dudley. "And what is HE doing here?"
"Precisely what I was going to ask!" shouted Vernon from the doorway.
Sirius stood up as Harry moved beside him. "Uncle Vernon, Dudley, I would like you to meet my godfather, Sirius Black," Harry said. "I'm sure you remember him."
"Yes, of course I do, boy. Isn't he the mass murderer? But I thought you had said he had died," replied Vernon.
"I am not a mass murderer," said Sirius, "and I am not dead. Since Harry got to spend a great deal of time with you, I thought you might like the privilege of congratulating him on a number of things."
"Congratulate him?" sneered Vernon. "Why would I want to do that?"
"Harry has become a very important wizard. Along with the honor of being the youngest Quidditch player in more than a century, he also won the Tri-Wizard tournament at age 15, beat Voldemort three times, graduated at the top of his class, was Head Boy, Received the Order of Merlin, First Class AND gotten engaged. Quite an impressive record for a 17 year old, wouldn't you say?" said Sirius.
"Who'd want to marry HIM?" laughed Dudley.
Harry turned on Dudley, wand drawn. "Remember the red-headed girl you fancied, Diddykins? Ginny has consented to be my wife, after she graduates of course."
"Well, Harry. Congratulations," said Petunia, shocking everyone. "I know Lily would be proud. I loved my sister, even though we agreed on little. When we were young, we were very close. Mother took us on trips to the city and Father told us stories of his adventures in America when he was young. One story he told us was about some American Indians and a ritual they had to become blood brothers." Petunia laughed. "I suppose that's why Lily and I tried it. We cut our fingertips and put them together, saying that now we were blood sisters. I was nine, she was eight; both too young to really understand. I received quite a shock that day. After we touched fingers, I felt lightheaded. I didn't understand what happened until I was older, but when we pulled our fingers apart they were completely healed! It seems that I had gotten some of Lily's power. Not much, mind you, but that's why you were sent to me. Ever wondered what that letter said that they left with you, Harry? Let me show you." She pulled an envelope from her pocket and handed it to Harry. He opened it and began reading.
Dear Tuni,
If you are getting this letter, both James and I are dead. I loved you even though you didn't want anything to do with me, and I can think of no safer place for Harry. Remember our blood pact, dear sister. My blood runs in your veins. It will protect Harry. I know that Vernon will not like having Harry around, but you are his only hope. It is better that he not learn about us until he is of age to go to Hogwarts. We have already checked and he will be going. We have left him enough money to pay for school and start a new life.
Please care for him and teach him about us. Sirius will help, he is Harry's godfather. The only reason I am not leaving him with Sirius is because my blood will help protect him.
I believe that Albus Dumbledore or Minerva McGonagall will be bringing him to you. Please treat them well, even though you despise them. Remember, Tuni, family is more important than anything. Never forget that.
If you have any questions, ask Albus or Minerva. Thank you for caring for my son. And remember that I will always love you.
Your loving Sister,
Lily
Harry looked up with tears in his eyes. "Why didn't you ever tell me about this?"
"I told no one what was in that letter, not even Vernon. I was afraid he wouldn't want to be married to me anymore if he knew how close Lily and I had been. You see, I was always angry with Lily that she got to go to Hogwarts and I didn't. Our father was a muggle, but Mother was a witch. When I found out I was a Squib, I was heartbroken. Lily, however, was definitely a witch. I watched while she got to go to Hogwarts…while she was popular…when she got a boyfriend. My jealousy grew and grew. Then I met Vernon and he was happy with me the way I was. So Lily and I grew apart. We never stopped loving each other, but I was too jealous to get close to her again. Vernon and I were married about a year before your parents. Then we had Dudley about the time Lily found out about you."
"I heard Lily talk about you often," said Sirius. "She was always very sad about your relationship. I think she wanted to be closer. She had planned to come and see you when they were forced into hiding. Then she never got the chance. She made me promise if anything were to happen to her and James that I would bring Harry here. When I found out what happened, I went straight to their cottage. I met Hagrid there and together we found Harry, hurt but alive. I told Hagrid to bring him here and handed him that letter. Then I went to kill the man that had betrayed them…but things didn't quite work out the way I planned them."
"I was the one that got revenge for their murders, Sirius. Last winter, I was kidnapped and taken to Voldemort. They took my wand and tied me down. He pulled out a pensieve and showed me exactly how he murdered Mum and Dad. Mum died holding me in her arms. She was screaming 'No, not Harry" but Voldemort ignored her. I felt the rage building up inside of me. Do you remember that Snape had been teaching me Occlumency? Well after I finally mastered it, Professor Dumbledore taught me Legilimency. He also taught me a new skill; wandless magic.
"While Voldemort was concentrating on watching my parents die, I forced my way into his mind. I gathered all my happiest thoughts…all the ones I used when conjuring my Patronus. When I got my Hogwarts letter…meeting my friends…finding you…and finding that Ginny loved me. I used all of those memories to blast my Patronus directly into Voldemort's brain. He tried to break contact, but I was so enraged that he had no chance. I held onto him and summoned the only weapon I have ever held…Godric Gryffindor's sword. I plunged it into his heart and then my Patronus held onto his soul until his body died. Then his soul was snuffed out.
"I wasn't finished yet. One of the people that kidnapped me was Wormtail. I grabbed my wand and found him. The sword of Gryffindor found its mark. And I relished watching him die. Then I apparated back to the Hogwarts gate and made it inside the grounds before I passed out."
Petunia was in tears. Vernon even had misty eyes. Harry looked at Dudley who mouthed "Bloody Hell". Sirius stepped over and hugged Harry fiercely, then turned to Petunia.
"Petunia, whether or not Harry continues to call you his aunt is up to him. I brought him here today to tie up some loose ends. All of the evil in the wizarding world is not gone. Many of Voldemort's followers battle on. Harry here has decided to join the fight and become an Auror. For Lily's sake, pray for him. In spite of all he has been through, he has become a fine young man." He turned to Harry. "I will wait for you outside…we have 20 minutes to get to the station." He nodded to the Dursleys and walked out the door.
"Aunt Petunia, you will always be my aunt. I hope that someday we can become closer." With that, Harry left the house and rode with Sirius to King's Cross to meet his future wife.
A/N: Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. Just an FYI, I plan this to last through most of the summer after Ginny has graduated. AND I will try to update twice a week as my schedule permits.
