A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed the bonus post this week after this story had received its 100th review. Thanks to all my reviewers and my beta for their support. For a full disclaimer, see Chapter 1.

Chapter 25. Tea, Anyone?

Katie could tell by the young couple's faces that there was more to their surprise that the fact her name was not the same as the shop's. "Are you two okay?"

Harry was the first to recover. "Yes. I'm sorry. It's just that…well…" He looked at Ginny.

            Ginny looked at Katie. "Well, we know someone else named Black."

            Harry looked at Ginny before continuing. "You don't by any chance know Sirius, do you?"

            Katie laughed. "I hope so! You see, he's my husband…well, was my husband. How do you know him?"

            Harry brushed his hair off his forehead. "He's my godfather."

            Katie's eyes widened and then she looked at Harry and Ginny. She lost the color in her face and fell to the floor as she fainted.

***

            Ron and Hermione spent the morning showing her parents around Hogsmeade. They were amazed at the wizarding shops and enjoyed themselves immensely. The only other wizarding place they had been was Diagon Alley, but that was always so busy and they had to make sure that Hermione had what she needed that they didn't really have time to relax.

            As they walked along, Hermione and her mother talked about all manner of things. Every once in awhile, they would stop and admire something in a store window. Mrs. Granger would remark about how nice this would look, or Hermione might talk about needing that. To watch them, you would think that they didn't have a care in the world.

            Ron and Mr. Granger walked several feet behind them. Hermione's father was very interested in learning as much as he could about the world that his daughter lived in, so he would ask Ron questions about how things were enchanted, or how they functioned. Ron tried not to laugh as he realized how alike his father and Hermione's were.

            Ron had to go into Quality Quidditch to get some new goggles for refereeing and dragged his father in law along, while Hermione and her mother went to a bookstore. Ron and Mr. Granger were deep in discussion about fouls when they caught up with the females. Hermione looked at her mother and rolled her eyes. 'Men!' she mouthed as her mother giggled.

***

            Ginny propped Katie up as Harry gently woke her. "Sorry to startle you like that. I didn't know Sirius was married."

            Katie took a sip of the water that Ginny offered her. "That is, in itself, a long story."

            Harry looked at Ginny, who smiled and said, "We've some time before lunch."

            Katie got up and headed for a stool behind the counter. She summoned two other stools and motioned for them to take a seat. After they sat down, she started her story.

            "First of all, Harry, I knew your parents. We all were in the same year at Hogwarts. Lily, Emma Strous and I all shared a dorm, while James, Sirius, Remus and Peter shared another.

            "Lily and Emma were best friends from the first day. I got to know them and we became friends during our second year. It was about that time that the four boys began hanging together. Well, I am sure you know part of the story. Sirius was a prankster, Remus was the smart one, Peter the shy one, and your father was the leader. It was actually Professor McGonagall that named them the Marauders. We were in class our third year when Sirius transfigured Lily's rabbit into a Leprechaun that kept dropping his pants and mooning people. He looked at Remus and said 'Look, it's the new moon' thinking he was funny. Well, we girls had already figured out Remus and his 'condition', so we giggled. That is when McGonagall walked up and told them to quit acting like a bunch of Marauders and gave all of us detention. The name just stuck after that."

            Harry laughed. "I think Sirius forgot to tell me about that one."

            "Well, it wasn't one of his prouder moments. Lily hexed him later for getting her into trouble. She had a mean Bat-Bogey hex!"  Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. "Anyway, as time went along, Lily started dating James, Emma started dating Remus and I got stuck with Sirius. Peter liked some girl from Hufflepuff.

            "After we graduated, we all started to get jobs. My father was pretty well off, having been a racing broom distributor and having exclusive contracts with the British Quidditch League, so I didn't have to work right away. Well, James and Lily had gotten engaged before we graduated, and Sirius and I were going to be in the wedding. Well, the week before the wedding I was in a skiing accident and ended up in traction at the hospital. So I couldn't go. Well, two days before the wedding, James, Lily and Sirius came to see me at the hospital. I was upset because I had looked forward to being there when they got married.

            "When they came, Sirius brought me flowers and candy. They all were dressed like they were going out to dinner, so I didn't expect them to stay long. Sirius (who was always hungry) asked me to open my candy so he could get a piece. I unwrapped and opened the candy box slowly, watching the expression of excitement growing on his face. I looked inside. It was empty except for a small pink envelope.

            'I looked at Sirius and he was grinning mischievously. James and Lily were grinning as well. I opened the envelope and inside it a note. I unfolded the note and read it. All it said was 'Do you wanna?' I looked at Sirius and he pulled something out of his pocket and got on one knee. He proposed to me right there that night." Katie reached for a tissue and wiped her eyes.

            Ginny looked at Harry. He noticed she was tearing up too. He leaned over and handed her a tissue. "That is so sweet!" said Ginny.

            Katie giggled. "I know! Well, they weren't going out to dinner. They had brought dinner. James had called a restaurant and they sent a waiter, the food and everything! Since I had accepted his proposal, Sirius was actually true to his name that night and behaved.

            "I had never really wanted a big wedding. Sirius and I got married quietly three months after you were born, Harry. In fact, hold on a second. Be right back." She went into the back room and returned with a box. She put it on the counter and rummaged through its contents until she pulled out a small book. "Here, look at these."

            Harry took the book and opened it. It was a photo album much like the one that Hagrid had given Harry several years before. The first picture was of Sirius and Katie, evidently from the day they got married. When he turned the page, he saw Remus, Emma, James, Lily and what had to be himself--as a baby. He looked up at Katie. "So…since Sirius is my Godfather…"

            "I'm your Godmother," she finished. "When it became clear that none of us were safe from Voldemort and your parents were prime targets, Sirius came to me and wanted me to be safe. He finally convinced me to go to visit my cousin in America for a few months. It wasn't too long afterwards that your parents went into hiding. When I returned, Sirius was in Azkaban, your parents were dead and Peter supposedly murdered."

            "Wow," said Ginny. "That must have devastated you."

            "It did, even though I knew in my heart that Sirius could not do that. But I also knew that he loved your dad, your mum and you enough to make it sound plausible. When the wizarding court sent him to Azkaban they annulled our marriage. So, legally, I wasn't his wife anymore. But I kept his name. Out of respect for your parents, I have stayed out of your life. But I have followed your life in the Prophet. I knew most of what they were saying could not possibly be true. And when Sirius finally got out of Azkaban, I knew it too. He tried to find me, but he was looking for me under my maiden name.

            "He finally found me this summer, and we have been doing a lot of talking. He's even invited me to a Tea for Alice Longbottom tomorrow.  So, who knows what may happen?"

            Harry looked at Katie and smiled before he got up and gave her a hug. "I have learned to accept family no matter what. Even if you and Sirius do not get back together, you are still my Godmother." He looked at Ginny with a twinkle in his eye. "Would you like to join us for lunch at the Three Broomsticks?"

            "Are you sure?" asked Katie, smiling.

            "We're sure," replied Ginny.

            "Then I accept."

***

            Remus and Minerva had just been seated when Hermione, Ron and her parents walked into the Three Broomsticks. Remus waved them over while Madam Rosmerta started enlarging the table to accommodate them. "We're also expecting Ginny and Harry," said Hermione. Once the table was ready, chairs were summoned and they all were seated.

            "How are you, Remus?" asked Ron.

            "Quite well," he replied. "Thanks for asking."

            Ron saw Harry enter and waved him over. Harry turned and said something to someone. Harry and Ginny made their way over. "Hi everyone!" Harry said.  They all said hello.

            "We saved you seats. Hurry and sit down. I am starving!" Hermione punched Ron.

            "Looks like we are one seat short," Ginny commented.

            "Who else are you expecting?" asked Remus.

            "Me." Katie walked from behind Harry as Remus stood up and hugged her.

            "Uh, Remus…can she breathe?" laughed Hermione. Remus let go and conjured up a seat next to him while Harry and the others sat down.

            "Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Katie," he said. "She's my godmother." Remus and Minerva were the only ones that didn't look like they were in shock.

***

            Neville and Luna had gotten a late start that morning. When they reached Hogsmeade, they walked down the main street stopping and looking in windows. Neville stopped in front of a jewelry shop called Facets and was admiring a necklace. Luna stood beside him. "Do you think my mother would like that, Luna?"

            "I'm sure she would. She would like anything you picked out, I bet."

            "Maybe…you know, you never did tell me what you thought about our mothers being best friends while they were at Hogwarts."

            "I didn't know they were until you told me. But it doesn't surprise me. Sounds like it was Fate that brought us together," she said dreamily.

            "It sure was…if Fate is named Harry and Ginny!" Neville laughed and Luna smiled. "Let's go in. I am going to buy that for Mum." Luna followed Neville into the shop. While he was arranging his purchase, she looked at rings. The other shop attendant came over and pulled out the tray of rings for her to look at. There was one that was cut so that when you moved it slightly, it looked like a crescent moon. Luna absentmindedly tried it on, and then realized what she was doing. She looked around to see if Neville had noticed, but he wasn't looking. She quickly removed the ring, thanked the attendant and went outside to wait for Neville. He came out a few minutes later carrying a bag and smiling. He took Luna's hand and they resumed walking down the street. Luna was relieved he didn't see her try the ring on.

            Neville was glad that he did.

***

            The next morning, Remus headed downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. He heard Sirius in the kitchen singing to himself. He smiled as he caught the tune, remembering the time that Sirius tried to serenade Katie with it and she laughed at him; it only made him sing louder and more off-key. He didn't stop until she promised to go out with him.

            He stepped through the door into the kitchen as he coughed to announce his presence. Sirius looked up. "Are you okay, Moony?"

            "I'm fine. It sounded as someone down here was in pain, though. Should I fetch a medi-witch?"

            Sirius looked hurt, and then laughed. "Not yet. Did I tell you that Katie is coming with me today?"

            Remus acted surprised. "Really? That's great!"

            "Yes it is. I plan on introducing her to Harry and everyone. It will feel good to be standing by her again."

            "Have you two decided what to do yet?"

            "No, not yet. I am taking it slow so that she can get to know me again. I know that I have changed."

            "Maybe that's a good idea." Then, changing the subject, he added, "I'm starving. What do we have here that I can wolf down?" They both laughed.

            "Don't hound me!" replied Sirius. They both laughed harder. When they had calmed down, they sat at the table and ate their breakfast in companionable silence.

***

            Neville apparated to the front parlor of his Grandmother's house about an hour before the guests were due to arrive. The servants and house elves were busy making last minute preparations, so Neville went upstairs to find his parents. As he started down the corridor to their bedroom, he heard a door open behind him. He looked up to see his grandmother stepping out of her room.

            "Hello, Gran," he said as he walked up and hugged her. "I've missed you!"

            "And I've missed you! How is your training?"

            "Harry and I are doing well, or so we're told. We've passed the first round of testing and have a long weekend this weekend." She smiled at him. "Gran, do you know where Mum and Dad are?"

            "I believe that they are downstairs in the kitchen. Your mother wanted to make sure the flowers were what we had ordered."

            "Well, then," smiled Neville. "Would you care to escort me to the kitchen?" He proffered his arm to her and she smiled as she took it.

            "I'd be delighted!" They chatted about her garden and their mutual friends as they made their way back downstairs and to the kitchen. Frank and Alice were looking at the floral arrangements and it was easy to see that they were pleased.

            "They look lovely, Mum…just like you."

            "Neville!" His mother came and hugged him. "You are finally here! Come; tell me how you have been!" They all walked into the family parlor and sat down.

            "I've been fine, Mum. Working hard to make sure that everyone is proud of me in Auror training is hard work."

            "Son, there's something different about you," said his father. "You seem more relaxed and confident. What is it?"

            "It's a girl." Both Neville and his grandmother had said it at the same time. Everyone laughed.

            "And who is this girl?" asked his mother.

            "Ellen's daughter, Mum. Her name's Luna," he replied.

            His father smiled knowingly. "Neville, are you in love?"

            Neville nervously fingered the small box in his pocket while he contemplated his answer. "Yes, sir, I am."

***

            Harry, Ginny and Luna were some of the first to arrive. Neville's grandmother took Ginny and Luna out to show them her gardens while Neville spoke to Harry.

            "So, what do you think?" asked Neville, showing Harry the ring.

            "She will love it, mate," replied Harry. "So, when are you going to ask her?"

            "I don't know. I was thinking about maybe before Christmas."

            "Well, you know, the Yule Ball will be the week before. If you can wait that long," Harry added with a smile.

            "Wait for what?" asked Ginny as the ladies returned.

            "For Christmas break," added Harry quickly; maybe a little too quickly. Ginny looked at him with one eyebrow raised. "Neville here wants more than a long weekend break from training already." Ginny looked into Harry's eyes and smiled.

            "Luna, you must be spoiling him," said Ginny. Luna just smiled.

            The four of them went to see Neville's parents and wished them well. Ginny noticed that Frank and Alice looked at Luna a lot. She made a mental note to find out what Harry knew later that night. As they finished speaking to the guest of honor, more guests started arriving. First there was Shack and his wife, and they were soon followed by many others. It seemed everyone arrived at once.

            Alice greeted each one by name. She was so excited and Frank kept smiling. Neville watched as each person went by. For almost everyone, his mother had some story that she remembered. When she finally got to Luna's father, she got quiet.

            "Alice, I am so glad that you are well again," he said.

            "Jedediah, I was so sorry to learn about Ellen," she replied. He hugged her and they both were in tears. "And I met Luna earlier. She looks so much like her. I know Ellen would be proud of how you have raised her!"

            Mr. Lovegood smiled as he wiped his eyes. "She loved you, you know. She visited you once a week until the accident."

            "I know. I have missed so much. But you have to come around more often. Frank always loved having you visit." Once she got his confirmation, he moved on.

            Harry watched in amazement. He had heard how popular Neville's parents were, but here was proof. He guessed that there were more people here than at their wedding. He was smiling remembering that day when Ginny nudged him. He looked at her when he saw Sirius making his way toward him, followed by Katie, Emma and Remus.

            "Harry! Merlin, you look good!"

            "Thanks, Sirius. I put it down to the love of a good woman." Ginny smiled and hugged him. Behind Sirius, Katie rolled her eyes. Harry turned to Remus and Emma. "Hey there you two, how have you been?"

            After a positive response Harry nodded and smiled. He glanced at Sirius, who had a confused look on his face. That meant that everything was going as planned. The day before, when Harry had met Katie, he was a little hurt that no one had told him about her. But after hearing her story, he didn't care. He was happy to have her now. But, they hatched a plan. They would wait to tell Sirius about meeting. And Harry would pretend she was invisible when they were first introduced.

            "Hi, Sirius!" said Hermione as she and Ron walked up to join them. "Are these four giving you a hard time?" Hermione was in on the joke, so she didn't count Katie.

            Sirius now looked exasperated. "What is wrong with you people? Don't you see that I came with someone? Can't you see that she is standing right here?"

            Harry looked at Sirius. "Sirius, are you alright?"

            Sirius started getting red in the face. Finally, Harry could take no more and burst out laughing. Soon, the others joined him, including Katie. Sirius looked bewildered until Harry walked over and hugged Katie. "Glad you could come too," Harry laughed.

            Realization dawned on Sirius' face. "Okay, you guys. What is going on?"

            This brought another round of laughter until Katie spoke up. "Well, dear, I have good evidence that Harry will make an excellent Auror."

            "And what is that?"

            "Yesterday, when we went to Madam Puddifoot's for coffee, Harry and Ginny were there and they saw us. When we left, they followed us and after you left for home they came into the shop."

            Sirius grinned. "And here I was worried that you two wouldn't like each other."

            Not everyone was there to welcome Alice back from her long illness. One pair of eyes scanned the crowd, nearing one group to hear what they were saying before moving on to the next. One group in particular caught the attention of the individual; the one with Harry Potter. The woman with Black looked familiar. Getting close enough to listen would have been too difficult, so they moved away to get ready to make a full report.