Chapter Six
A Full Return to the World He Missed
Another few weeks passed before Harry and Adrienne had finally settled in to living in England. Harry had found her a violin teacher and she was accepted onto the local football team. For a small celebration of all this, he invited his three best friends – Ron, Hermione and Ginny – along with Elizabeth, Viktor, Sean and Lavender to eat dinner the following Friday. They expanded the table and conjured a few extra chairs with magic so everyone would fit. Before long, the subject of a job came up.
"So, Harry, do you think you'll go back to being an Auror?" Ron asked.
"Erm...I don't know..."
"What's an Auror?" Adrienne wondered aloud.
"It's like a Muggle detective only for wizards and witches. Ginny's an Auror. They track down old Death Eaters and such and take them to Azkaban," Harry explained.
"Only it's not as busy as it was before Voldemort fell. The last time I was on an excursion was in November and it was on Marcus Flint. Easy catch if you ask me," Ginny told them.
"You really should Harry. I mean, you were the best Auror since Mad-Eye Moody and I bet they'd love to have you back."
"Thanks but do you think it really wouldn't cause some ridiculous uproar if I just waltzed into the Ministry for Magic and told them I wanted my job back?" Harry asked.
"Oh no, you'd be on the front cover of Witch Weekly, the Daily Prophet, and maybe even The Quibbler by the next day but you're going to be sometime soon if you announce yourself or not. You're back in England, Harry, and the first wizard outside our family who sees you will tell and they won't hesitate," Ron explained.
"Well, dear brother, that'll persuade him!" Ginny replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Why would he be on the front of a bunch of magazines?" Adrienne asked.
"You father is probably the most famous wizard since...well...probably ever. They announced his disappearance worldwide in the wizarding community and posted missing posters up for years afterward. His return won't go unnoticed," Hermione explained.
"Honestly Harry, you know you want to. You make money and basically do next to nothing for weeks or even months at a time anymore. You really should!" Ginny was practically begging.
"I suppose you're right...it is far past time for me to return and I do miss it...I'll go into the Ministry in a few days to arrange a meeting or...whatever..." Harry agreed.
Over the weekend, he pulled things out of his old trunk. Books upon books floated from the dusty bottom; robes and cloaks returned to life; defence mechanisms brought Harry back to where he knew he belonged. He showed all of this to Adrienne, who was thrilled to see it all. He read over his old books, treasuring the memories each held. He had used most of the spells countless times and each had some special meaning.
He finally went to the Ministry on Thursday. He Apparated to London and climbed into the compact telephone box. He dialled the numbers – 6-2-4-4-2 – before a smooth voice could be heard filling the area as if the woman was right inside.
"Welcome to the Ministry for Magic. Please state your name and business," she said smoothly.
"Erm...Harry Potter and I would like to meet with Amelia Bones about returning as an Auror," Harry replied. He heard a small 'tick!' from the change slot. He grabbed the purple pin and slid it onto his robes.
"Please submit your wand at the registry desk located at the back of the Atrium and I hope you enjoy your time in the Ministry for Magic!" The box shook a little before Harry felt his stomach turn and he began to go down slowly. After a moment, the lift stopped to reveal a long hall. The floor was decorated with beautiful wood. Fireplaces were positioned against the sides. On the left, people left the Ministry while on the right, wizards and witches were crashing in. A chandelier of candles hung magically from the ceiling. Harry smiled. He had never realized how much he had missed this place.
He walked to the back of the Atrium and gave his wand to the small little wizard on the opposite side of the desk. When the wizard saw Harry's pin, his eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open in awe. He forced it shut and quickly continued the process, his hands fumbling a bit. His eyes stared at the scar still vividly visible on Harry's forehead as Harry took back his wand and slipped it back into his robes.
He walked away from the shocked man and got into the lift with several flying airplanes and a few other wizards who tried not to gawk. He quickly made his exit upon reaching the second level. He walked down the long hall and took a deep breath as he entered the office of his old boss, Amelia Bones. A cheery witch looked up to him and clamped her mouth shut at the sight of his scar. Her eyes, however, she had no control over.
"M-Mr. Potter!" she stuttered, "I-I suppose you want to talk to Amelia?"
"Please, Lucy," Harry replied, shooting her a smile. She leaped up, almost tripping over her own feet, and rushed into a door behind her. A moment later, the little woman with short grey hair fumbled out of the office. Her eyes grew wide in surprise.
"Harry!" Her mouth continued to move but sounds escaped her. "This is certainly a surprise!" she finally managed. She moved forward and shook Harry's hand before leading him into her office and closing the door.
He sat in one of the purple Ministry chairs opposite her. They were silent for just a moment before Harry began speaking. "Erm...well...I admit that my leave last time was a bit...uncertified and not too bright but I am back. I have lived in the USA for the past five years and recently moved back to England and hopefully back into the Ministry. I was hoping I could be tested again to be an Auror?" he said professionally.
"Well, of course! You were one of our top Aurors! I warn you that the work is far less demanding now but we are always in need of a good Auror.
"There would be the written exam and then the practical exam but I have no doubt that you will pass both. You do know that returning to the Ministry will alert the public, right?" Harry nodded.
"I was prepared for that so I think I'm finally ready. I've been gone far too long."
"Well, then can I schedule for the exams tomorrow?" He nodded again. "You'll need to be here about nine and you should probably finish by three or so." Harry quickly agreed. "But, off business! What have you been doing?"
"Erm...I managed a security company in New Jersey – Muggle work. Hermione owled me last April and we've been in touch since then. I met Ginny surprisingly at a beach about two hours from where I lived last August..." He was cut off.
"I knew something had changed while she was away!" burst Amelia, the second to say that. Harry gave a little laugh. "But...erm...what happened over there? Marriage? Kids?" Amelia inquired.
"No marriage, but I do have a daughter now. Her mother was a great friend of mine but she was killed in a Muggle car accident about two and a half years ago and Adrienne came to live with me. I've since realized that she is a witch and she will be attending Hogwarts in the fall."
"Well, this surely is a change for her!"
"Yeah but she's loving every minute of it. I'm surprised she hasn't started counting down the minutes until she leaves for Hogwarts; she's already started counting the days." Amelia laughed a little. He gave her permission to do an interview with the Daily Prophet on his return, knowing they would soon be in to ask her. Countless people had already seen him that day and surely the wizarding newspaper would quickly be informed. They continued to talk for a while before Harry left, promising to return the following day.
He Apparated directly to Ginny's after his meeting with Amelia. She was surprised to see him but greeted him with a friendly hug anyway.
"How did the meeting go?" she asked.
"It went well. I have the exams tomorrow and word that I've returned should be all over England by morning and that's the only thing I'm dreading," Harry joked. Ginny couldn't help but smile.
"Harry, you knew it would happen and be honest, you must admit you're happy about it. I mean, you were a manager of some Muggle company for five years and finally, the famous Harry Potter is once again the wonderful Auror everyone loves," she replied rolling her eyes. He nodded in agreement; he wasn't thrilled with fame but he did miss the old life... though the addition of Adrienne was a certain benefit to this one.
"But, I was thinking: maybe tomorrow after I get back from those terrible things the four of us could go to Diagon Alley. Adri's been begging me since we arrived and I think it'd be nice for the four of us to go. Maybe we could even catch a glance of your old flat," Harry proposed.
"We could also go today. Sean's been asking me to go as well."
"Adri's got football practice tonight and tomorrow they won't have homework to deal with," Harry reminded her.
"Yeah, that would be a bonus, wouldn't it? Well, then, we'll all meet here after you get back and have a lovely time in Diagon Alley!"
Ten minutes later, both Sean and Adrienne walked in the door: Adrienne had been told to go to Ginny's after school the next day since Harry thought it unlikely he would be home before four. Harry and Ginny travelled back to his house by Floo Powder so Adrienne could change into her practice uniform and Harry could drive her to the pitch. She practiced for an hour and a half before they grabbed some pizza and left for home. Adrienne did her homework while Harry studied some last minute spells. Adrienne was thrilled to learn she would finally be visiting Diagon Alley the next day.
Harry was awakened in the morning by Ginny ringing the doorbell. He went down in his dressing gown; it was only six in the morning. Ginny handed him the paper.
Harry Potter Returns!
After five years away from England and the Wizarding World,
Harry Potter has returned! In an interview with Head of the
Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, late
yesterday, we have learned of Mr. Potter's whereabouts during
his long leave of absence.
He was living in a Muggle town called Old Tappan in New
Jersey of the United States. He was the head manager of a
major security company in the area for the entire time.
Through his work, he met Lisa Eyre, the Muggle secretary, and
they were soon friends. Not two years later, Miss Eyre was
killed in a Muggle car accident (collision of two Muggle
transportation mechanisms) and she asked that Harry take care
of her daughter, whose name will not be released. He agreed
and the girl has been living with him ever since. "He appears
to be proud of his decision for that single reason," says
Amelia Bones. She also told us that the young girl is
actually a witch, Muggle-born apparently, and will be
attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this
coming fall.
Bones declares that Potter told her he has made a permanent
move back to the Wizarding World and to England. He is
scheduled to take the exams for a second time to be re-
qualified as an Auror. The public may remember him as a top
Auror for the Ministry before his leave and also the one to
finally defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Ginny read it to him as he made some tea and toast. Adrienne came into the kitchen to hear this but was a bit confused. Harry laughed at half the sentences as he always had and Ginny sniggered a little. They ate breakfast while Harry glared at the picture they had placed on the front page – the one taken for his ID badge at the Ministry twelve years before. He had not been in the most pleasant of moods that day and his hair was particularly messy.
Ginny left after a few minutes; she had left Sean at home still asleep. Harry left as soon as Adrienne was at school. He received a pin again and had his wand registered by the same little wizard from the previous day before he took the lift to the second floor.
The written exam was difficult and long – it took nearly three and a half hours. Harry ate lunch in the Ministry cafeteria before returning for the practical exam. He found it rather easy since he had been practicing his spells for the past week. Amelia applauded him as soon as it was over. She had not given the exam but watched it. Though the official decision had not yet been made, she reassured Harry that he would easily be re-accepted.
He awaited conformation in the small area outside Amelia's office for just a few minutes. Then three people came out: the Mistress for Magic, Adrasteia Virgo, Amelia Bones and Griselda Marchbanks, who looked even older than when Harry had last seen her – at his N.E.W.T. practical exams. They all came out looking rather happy.
"Well, Harry, the unanimous decision is you are definitely qualified to return to your previous position as an Auror," said Griselda Marchbanks. Harry sighed with relief.
"I'll show you your new office," added Amelia. They all exited into the hall. While Griselda Marchbanks and the Mistress for Magic left for the lift, Harry went into the large room where all the Aurors worked. He followed Amelia to one at the far side of the room facing the window. From the moving pictures of Sean and the Weasleys, it was easy to decipher that Ginny's office was directly next to his. He knew, though, that she only came in three days a week and only while Sean was at school but remained on call at all hours of the day.
It was nearly four-thirty when he finally left. He was required to get a new ID badge, which fortunately demanded a new photo, and sign several pieces of parchment. He agreed to be at work by nine on Monday morning.
He took the lift down one level and walked down the hall. He passed the cafeteria and a few conference rooms before reaching the room for Apparation. He walked in and Disapparated to Ginny's as they had agreed.
Adrienne, Sean and Ginny were patiently awaiting his return; ready to leave with robes donned. Adrienne wore the ones she had received from Ginny. They were a twinkling blue, making her look as if she was wearing the night sky. Sean's were shimmering silver and Ginny's were pale blue. Harry's were maroon with gold fastenings, making everyone sure he was a Gryffindor.
They took Floo Powder to Diagon Alley. Tom caught Harry's attention quickly by yelling, "Oy! It's Harry Potter!" Harry gave a laugh and shook the man's hand. Mumbles were heard throughout the bar as Harry, Ginny, Sean and Adrienne all left for the small courtyard. Ginny tapped the bricks and both children's eyes widened as they saw the bricks rearrange themselves into an arch which gave them sight of Diagon Alley.
The cobblestone street was bustling with activity. The enchanted sky brought rays of sunlight down onto the shoppers. They all walked into the long alley and looked around. Ahead was the tilted white building deemed Gringotts. As they walked, Harry remembered all the wonderful times he had come here. They first went to Gringotts to collect money from the bank. Harry had Apparated to Gringotts once in the past few days and replaced his funds in the wizarding bank. He and Ginny collected enough money for a few treats before leaving.
First, Ginny and Harry were dragged into the Magical Menagerie by both children. They both fawned over the various animals including cats, rats, toads, dogs, birds, fish, and even a few snakes. They finally escaped the loud store after about twenty-minutes.
"Harry, let's take them down Lower Lane!" Ginny requested. They all followed her down another cobblestone street that wound around. She stopped dead in front of a tilted building holding a few flats. She and Harry both smiled. She would always hold parties there at various times of the year and she often had her friends, including Harry, over for dinner. That had been the last place Harry had seen her before he fled.
"What's this, Ginny?" Adrienne asked, not finding anything extraordinary about the building.
"This is where I used to live before we moved to Alton. Sean, you lived up there for about two months before we moved," she replied, still looking dreamily at the top window. Sean didn't look extremely thrilled. "Come on! Colin lives there now, let's go up!" Ginny started toward the door.
"Colin Creevey?" Harry asked. She nodded.
"And yes, Harry, he still has his camera," Ginny added. Harry gave a look of feigned fear. "Oh, stop it!"
"You dated him! You're not supposed to be scared of him!"
"Harry..." she rolled her eyes. "Well, I suppose a guy wouldn't be thrilled with the bloke who started a fan club for him," she added through laughs.
They climbed up the rickety steps, finally stopping at the third landing. Ginny knocked on the door. Feet ran quickly toward it and it opened to reveal a man of about 170 cm with the same mousy brown hair he had during his Hogwarts years.
"Ginny! Harry!" he beamed upon recognizing them. "Come on in, all of you!" He ushered them inside. He seemed quite changed from the days when he followed Harry around constantly, trying to befriend him. Now, he was a professional photographer for the Daily Prophet, living a good life. He showed Harry and Ginny around, bringing back nice memories. Harry remembered how peaceful Ginny had looked when she slept after their defeat of Voldemort. As he recalled this, a dreamy smile formed on his face and all sounds of reality drifted from his head. His attention was finally found when Ginny waved her hand in front of his face. Colin was going the opposite direction with Sean and Adrienne, who were both interested in his photography. Ginny smiled knowingly at Harry and, unless Harry was mistaken, he could have sworn he saw her wink at him.
They left after a few minutes at Colin's and went into a few more stores including the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Of course, Adrienne refused to leave Flourish and Blott's for at least half an hour. Harry did get her a few books which she was sure to devour in no time at all.
They ate dinner at a small café before getting ice cream and then taking Floo Powder back to Ginny's. After much begging, they all sat down to watch an old movie called 'Casper'. Only half an hour had passed when Ginny and Harry realized that both Adrienne and Sean were asleep.
"I better get her home, then," Harry started but Ginny put her finger up to stop him from going further.
"Harry, why don't you both just stay here tonight? I miss the company after Sean goes to sleep!" she protested. Harry didn't have to think about it for long; he agreed. In truth, he had missed those evenings as well. So, he carried Adrienne upstairs to the room where she had slept before and after taking off her trainers and cloak, he laid her in bed, still asleep. Ginny did the same with Sean. They closed the two doors quietly and snuck downstairs.
Surprising Harry, Ginny got out two wine glasses and a bottle of wine. She poured a little in each glass before lighting a fire to warm them and sitting on the couch. Harry sat next to her, but they faced each other. All was silent for a moment. Unlike a few times before, it was not an awkward silence, just a peaceful one, where the two stared at each other. Finally, Ginny looked away from Harry's brilliant green eyes and down at the fluffy couch beneath them, biting her lip nervously.
"Erm...Harry?" she began.
"Hmm?" replied Harry, returning to reality for the second time that day.
"Do you...erm, remember Christmas?" she asked. Harry smiled and stopped staring at her. He let out a small laugh. How could he forget?
"It was the best Christmas of my life! How could I forget it?" he replied. He didn't let on but he knew exactly which part of Christmas she was talking about.
"What about the end of it?" she continued. Harry smiled and stared at her. Her head lifted and his eyes found their way to her large brown ones with the glitters of gold in them.
"Gin..." he began. She bit her lip again, obviously nervous about his response. "That was the best part."
She broke out into a smile. "You mean the kiss, right?" she clarified. He nodded. Harry set his wine down on the coffee table and reached out his hand to hers. They moved closer together. Their eyes flittered shut as their lips touched again but this time, no mistletoe hung above them.
They only parted when they heard a soft voice saying, "Yes!" from the direction of the stairs. They quickly looked, only to catch a glimpse of blonde hair floating away. They laughed a little before drawing into another kiss.
The kiss grew deeper as the moments passed. Eventually, they pulled away from one another and smiled. Harry pulled Ginny closer to him as he laid back, her head resting on his shoulder. They rested there for a while, getting lost in the fire and the aroma of the other.
They finally jumped up when the once red flames turned green and eventually formed into Hermione. She stood motionless in the fire for a moment before her husband, Viktor, appeared beside her.
"Er...if we were disturbing something, we can come back..." Hermione said, glancing at the two questioningly.
"No!" Ginny responded a little too quickly. "Erm...I mean, no, Hermione, you weren't disturbing anything. What did you need?"
"Well, it's more of a want, you see..." Hermione began, a smile forming on her face along with Viktor's. She took his hand in hers. "We've just discovered that we're pregnant!" She practically yelled the words. Ginny jumped up and hugged her friends with Harry following. Congratulations were spread to the two but they demanded to depart not long after their arrival, letting Ginny and Harry return to their position on the couch.
They kissed a little and talked a little for the next hour but mostly, they remained quiet. It was around midnight when they finally decided to head up to bed. Harry stayed with Ginny for a few minutes only. He would have liked to stay the night with her but he knew it would arise serious questioning from Sean and Adrienne. With a last kiss, he stood, still holding Ginny's hand, not wanting to leave.
"You better not go far this time, Potter," Ginny told him, smiling. He leaned back down and kissed her for a moment before separating just a little.
"Never again, Gin," he replied, placing another kiss on her lips.