Chapter 4: A Tale for the Young
Harry and Ginny returned to the lounge with Alfred close on their heels. The Weasleys watching Ginny's face for any signs of problems but saw no change in her demeanor.
Alfred entered the room. "Lord Potter, Mrs. Potter, Sirs, Madams, Masters and Mademoiselles; Dinner is served. If you would please follow me."
The Potters and Weasleys followed the older gentleman through the house to the dining room. Alfred opened the double doors in to a room that was reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room. A dark crimson and a buttery gold were the prominent colors in the room. The walls were painted in the gold while the crown molding was in the red.
When Harry had come of age, he had been given the key to the Potter Family vault at Gringott's. He found portraits of his family and ancestors. Near his place at the head of the table was a portrait of James and Lily. It must have been painted before their deaths because they looked to be about twenty years old.
The other portraits were of Potters past. Harry's grandfather and grandmother, their parents and other members of the family graced the walls. Normally, they were instructed by Alfred and Harry not to move when muggles were in the room, but on this night they knew they could speak without ramifications.
Harry had spoken at length to them about the evening. His great grandfather had given him some advice to just tell the truth and not sugar coat it. Lily and James counseled their son as well. They had wanted to meet his wife and her family ever since he brought the portraits home to the Keep. James remembered Bill fondly and had heard of Charlie's Quidditch abilities. Harry had asked James and Lily to be absent until all was explained. They agreed and were hiding in another painting in the room.
As Ginny, Chloe, and the Weasleys entered the room, Harold Potter, Harry's great-grandfather was the first to speak. "Welcome Weasley family and Mrs. Potter!" He smiled down on the group.
His wife, Amelia had a broad grin on her face. "It's good to hear that there is another Mrs. Potter. Ginny I do hope that you and I can have a talk later."
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Potter. It's good to meet you." Ginny said demurely to the portrait.
"We can chat later."
"Well, I see that you have been greeted. They have been waiting to talk to you since we hung them last week. If you will find your seats, there are place cards on each plate." Harry stood by the head of the table. "The children have a table to themselves on my left."
The mothers in the room sat their children down first making sure that they were bibbed or had their napkins at the ready. They turned back to the table to find their seats. Nanny Charlotte stayed at the children's table to keep an eye on the group.
Harry was waiting behind Ginny's chair and pulled it out for her. She smiled at this simple courtesy. He had her sitting to his right and Hermione at his left. Arthur and Molly sat beside Hermione. Fred, Angelina, George and Katie fell into line beside them.
Mr. Potter knew that of her brothers, with the loss of Ron, Bill was Ginny's favorite brother. He had Bill and Fleur beside Ginny. Charlie and Eva next in line and in birth order. Percy and Penelope saw at the end of the right side.
"Because this is the first time we have been together since the war, the empty seat at the other end of the table is for those we have lost." Harry advised the group quietly.
Hermione and Ginny's teary eyes met Harry's and an unspoken word passed between the three of them. The chair was for Ron. Many had been lost that day, but to the three of them and the other Weasleys, none were missed more than the youngest son, Hermione's husband and Ronni and Evan's father.
"I am so glad that you agreed to join me for dinner. Later this evening, we will discuss things. My staff has prepared a wonderful meal for this evening. Though, my cook has nothing on you Molly." Harry looked at his mother-in-law as she blushed a nice shade of pink.
Alfred and two of the staff entered the dining room carrying trays with the first course. They stopped at the main table and delivered jumbo prawn cocktails. The prawns had already been shelled and waiting in ice. For the children, they had petite prawns for their smaller fingers. Hermione smiled at the appetizer. Prawn cocktail was one of her favorite foods. It was she who insisted that it was served at their reception when they were all married.
Ginny noticed the dish and stole a glance at Harry. She thought that he would be paying attention to everyone at the table, but he was looking at her. Their eyes held each other for a brief moment before a squeal was heard from the children's table.
"Oops!" Regan said out loud. The parents all turned to look at the children.
It seemed that one of the prawn had slipped out his fingers and landed on his cousin Eowyn's hair. The red cocktail sauce began to slide down her strawberry blonde hair. Fleur was the out of her seat.
"'egan Weasley, you need to keep a better grip on your food." She chastised her nephew.
"Sorry, Aunt Fleur." Regan's head dropped down. "I will try to do better."
Fleur wiped the sauce out her daughter's hair before heading back to her seat. Bill patted her arm in understanding. "Sorry about the disturbance Ha. Lord Potter."
A bemused expression crossed Harry's face. "It's fine. And please call me James."
Dinner went back to the idle chatter of the evening. Everyone in the room had questions but this was not the time to ask them.
Harry looked down the table to the twins. "Fred and George how is the joke business?"
"We just opened three more shops; Chicago, Moscow and Venice. Lee said we should have another blockbuster year. Jordan's taking care of the finances now." George replied.
"We have twenty five stores around the world now."
Harry could see the pride bursting from them. "That's wonderful. There are a couple things I have for you. I picked them up on my travels."
"Thank you Ha. James." Fred spoke this time glancing at his sister.
Harry looked at Percy who was sitting quietly with his wife Penny. "So what department are you in now at the Ministry?"
"Ah, I have Ludo Bagman's old job currently, Director of Magical Games and Sports. We had to rebuild the department after the war, but the work is back to normal now." Percy explained to his brother in law.
"Do you enjoy it?"
Penny sighed beside her husband knowing the truth. Percy answered. "There are days I wish I was still working for Crouch. I somewhat miss those cauldron bottoms."
Harry shook his head at this information filing it away in his mind. He took his wine glass in his hand sipping the vintage for a moment.
Ginny sat studying her husband for a moment. He seemed quite relaxed, but she could tell he was apprehensive about the evening. Gin was brought out of her thoughts by a small voice. "Sowwy, Ronni." Chloe squealed.
Ginny and Hermione jumped from the table to find the problem. Their daughters were spattered with cocktail sauce. Hermione asked Alfred for a washcloth to clean them up.
Ginny sighed. Of course it would be her child that would make another mess. "It's ok Chloe." She hugged her daughter. "Alfred, do you have anything else for the children to eat?"
"Yes, Mrs. Potter." He bowed slightly and left the dining room.
"James, I am sorry about that. She has never had prawns."
"Ginny, it's fine. I had chosen them for their simplicity, but it seems to be a challenge for the children." His blue eyes met her chocolate brown ones.
Alfred entered the dining room heading to Harry. The older gentleman stopped behind Harry's seat. They spoke quietly for a brief moment.
Harry stood up and addressed his guests. "If you will please excuse me, there is something that I need to attend to." He laid his napkin beside his plate and left the room.
The Weasleys chatted quietly while waiting for Harry's return. When he did return, Harry seemed disturbed about something.
Ginny noticed his eyes dart to the children before he glanced at her face. His expression was unreadable, but there was something troubling him. Harry's mask reminded her of evenings spent in the common room working on homework, as if he was trying to solve a problem.
The rest of the meal went without consequence until desert. The children had been given chocolate peanut butter ice cream while the adults dined on Crème Brule'. It seemed that the children were wearing more than eating it.
Parents dispatched themselves to their respective children to try to minimize the mess. Harry came over to help with damage control with the twins, but a little accidental magic got in the way. Evan had tried to get his napkin that had fallen to the floor. Harry had the misadventure of standing on it. With a summoning charm that he could have only learned from Hermione, his mother, Harry found himself flat on his back. Arthur and Molly rushed to him to try to help him up, but Harry was laughing too hard.
He was finally able to sit up. "You must be Hermione's son." A large grin plastered to his face.
"Yup, she's my mum." He smiled at the kind man who wasn't afraid to laugh at his misfortune.
Hermione caught Harry's eyes for a brief moment. She noticed her best friend trying his damdest not to cry as he realized that Ron would never see his children. Hermione looked away before she began to tear up as well.
When the dishes had been removed from the dining room, Harry announced that they would be retiring back to the study. Nanny Charlotte led the younger children and the others ran behind them. The adults followed behind the little ones. Ginny was near the back of the group when she heard someone call her name.
"Psst. Virginia." Ginny paused and looked around to find who was talking to her.
"Over here. in the picture." She turned to see a man with raven black hair and brown eyes motioning her closer. "Hello." Ginny said softly. A woman with dark red hair and the brightest green eyes Ginny had only seen on Harry joined the man. "Mr. & Mrs. Potter??"
"Yes." James grinned at his daughter in law. "Harry made us hide for the night, but we wanted to speak to you."
"I finally get to meet you." Lily smiled. "I do hope that when this is all over we can talk."
"I would like that, but I should join the others." Ginny began to turn from the portrait.
"Ginny, promise us one thing." James said quietly.
"Ok." She seemed a little hesitant to reply.
Lily knelt in the bottom of the painting. "Listen to what Harry has to say before you make a decision. He needs you."
"I will. It was nice to meet you." Ginny brushed away a few stray tears that threatened to fall.
"We hope to talk to you later." James said hopefully. James took Lily's hand as they watched her leave the room. Ginny walked out of the room toward the rest of the group.
"Do you think that she will stay?"
"I hope so, she looks as lost as he does." Lily replied. They moved around the portraits till they were back in their own frame.
~~ ** ~~ ** ~~
When dinner was over the Weasley's and Potters adjourned to the study. The children were sitting with their parents, very tired, and very full from their meal.
"It's nice to see that the Weasley family has grown over the past four years, might I inquire as to their names and ages?" Harry asked.
The Weasley's looked amongst each other trying to decide how to go about this. Not sure what all the fuss was about Eowyn decided to take matters into her own hands. Standing the little girl said, "My name is Eowyn Weasley and I'm five and a half years old."
Regan stood up next, puffed out his chest, introduced himself and announced he was five years old, and while he wasn't the first-born grandchild he was the first grandson in the Weasley family. Meghan and his cousins simply rolled their eyes.
The twins, Ronni & Evan Weasley, were next in introducing themselves to Lord Potter. As he looked upon them Harry's eyes began to water, a fact that was not lost upon their mother, or their Aunt Ginny. Meghan Weasley introduced herself, with less grace than her older brother, but was very polite. Harry then turned his attention to Chloe.
"And who might you be?" Harry asked the little girl.
"I'm Chloe." The little girl replied, a tad intimidated by the older man.
"A very pretty name." Harry informed her smiling.
"Chloe is my fiwst name. Grace is my middol name." She said smiling back.
"You look like your mother Chloe." Harry replied shaking her hand until the little girl suddenly pulled it away.
"Sorry Chloe, I didn't mean to shock you, must have built up too much static electricity." Harry replied with an odd look.
"It's awl wight." Chloe informed him.
Harry turned to the door anticipating someone's arrival. Alfred entered and hand the young man a rather interesting looking orb. Alfred then bowed slightly and departed.
"Ginny," Harry called to his estranged wife, "might I ask a small favor of you?"
She looked at him apprehensively, but said "what might that be?"
"Would you kindly remove the glamour spell from Chloe?" Harry asked with a straight face.
The Weasley's and Ginny gave Harry a shocked look. "Glamour spell?" Ginny replied.
"Yes. the glamour spell concealing her true appearance." Her husband replied holding the orb that Alfred brought him in his hand.
"How.."
"The castle has wards and other security measures around it to protect us from outside attacks and invaders. One of which is a magical sensor I developed to detect people using invisibility charms, cloaks or glamour spells." Harry announced.
"My security team, that is currently undermanned, upon returning to their guard post discovered that someone was using a glamour spell. I had spoken with all of you enough to know that the only people that could possibly be using the spell were Eva Weasley, because I don't know you well enough to know if you were who they say you are, or one of the children. However my team quickly narrowed it down to one of the four-year-old children. They couldn't tell which one because they were always huddled together. A quick look through their birth charts was enough to clarify who it was though." Harry announced.
"So you know." Ginny replied coldly.
"I know." Harry replied in a somber tone.
"What does he know?" Chloe asked.
"Finite Incantatem." Ginny said and with a swish and a flick of her wand Chloe's glamour spell melted away to reveal her straight black hair the flowed down to her shoulders and her striking emerald green eyes. Eyes that could only come from her father's side of the family.
Harry, still wearing his disguise walked over to the little girl and marveled at her. She still looked like her mother, only with his hair and eyes. She was definitely her mother's daughter. Harry felt his heart swell with pride, and at the same time broke with shame.
"I'm so sorry Chloe." Harry muttered under his breath. Unfortunately Chloe had heard him. "Why you sowy?" She asked her host.
"I think its time I tell you heard a story Chloe, one about your mum and dad." Harry announced shocking all but the children who were still completely oblivious to the purpose of the evening. As far as they were concerned, it was just a fancy dinner party that they kind of spoiled. Still, their host was very nice and laughed when the little "mishap occurred."
"My daddy & mummy?" She repeated excitedly.
"Yes, only instead of telling it to all of you why don't I show it to you all." He handed Chloe the orb in his hand. "This is called a visioneer. It is similar to a pensive but was made with a blend of magic and technology."
"Weally?" Chloe asked. Arthur Weasley was equally as surprised and eager to see it work.
"Tell the orb your name, age and that you want to know about the Battle of Hogwarts."
She looked at the blue eyed man for a second, pondering his instructions. "Uhhhh hello." Chloe stated to the orb.
"Greetings. Welcome to the prototype visioneer. Please state you name, age, and the vision you wish to see. "Chloe Grace Potter, four-years-old, and the Battle of Hogwarts."
The visioneer then filled a large section of the room with a holographic image of the Battle. The adults were looking at Harry with great trepidation but moments later they realized why he had given the orb to Chloe, and why she had to state her age. Ginny and Hermione had been present during the initial battle but were taken way when they received some injuries at Ron and Harry's request. The vision was accurate of that depiction with the exception that it was nowhere near as violent as the actual battle. The visioneer seemed to be downplaying the actual violence, and censoring other parts completely. Chloe and her family watched in awe as her father, Harry Potter, defeated the Dark lord. The look on her father's face was a somber one though. The visioneer then skipped ahead some to Harry leaving Hogwarts and traveling to a far off place. Ginny and the family recognized the location as Japan. Chloe's dad looked pale, and didn't speak much during the story. It was like he was asleep, but his eyes were wide open. The visioneer showed the family how Harry remained in this state for almost a year before he began to show sense of life and understanding of his surroundings.
Ginny was not quite sure what to make of this. She knew from the images present that something was definitely wrong with her husband after the battle, Hermione was sure of it as well, but saw no reason his mental state. The family watched as the visioneer showed Harry learning various muggle lessons. The Japanese language and customs, swordsmanship, some form of unarmed fighting, and the thing that shocked Ginny and Hermione in particular, art. Harry was painting. The visioneer then skipped ahead a to where Harry is receiving a haircut. He then took an odd looking substance and placed it on his forehead. When he looks up his lightning bolt-shaped scar has vanished from sight. Harry washed his hands taking a small object and touched his right eye. He then picked up another touching his left eye. When Harry turned around and opened his eyes the once emerald eyes now appear blue. Chloe turned around looking at Lord James Evan Potter. She turned back to the image from the visioneer, and back to her host.
"D. daddy?" Chloe asked.
Harry drew a case from inside his coat, and removed a set of thin wire frame glasses. Touching his eyes he removed the blue contacts and placed the glasses on his face. Harry opened his eyes so Chloe can see a similar set of emerald eyes looking at her. His eyes were tearing up as he did so. He quickly placed the contacts in his case and closed it. Harry then removed the latex skin covering his scar. There could be no mistake as to who he was in Chloe's mind.
She lowered the orb and walked over to the man she'd only seen pictures of. His face had changed a little from the pictures her mummy had shown her of him. He seemed taller, and his hair was much shorter now, but it was her father. Harry kneeled down and Chloe looked at him, trying to decide what to do. In the end she succumbed to her base desire and ran to her father, wrapped her arms around his neck in the biggest Weasley hug she could muster and cried. Harry too was crying, more from happiness than shame or guilt. He had a daughter. A very beautiful daughter with the woman he loved. A woman he had to somehow win back.
Jaquelyne's A/N: Prawn is an English or Australian way to say Shrimp.
Harry and Ginny returned to the lounge with Alfred close on their heels. The Weasleys watching Ginny's face for any signs of problems but saw no change in her demeanor.
Alfred entered the room. "Lord Potter, Mrs. Potter, Sirs, Madams, Masters and Mademoiselles; Dinner is served. If you would please follow me."
The Potters and Weasleys followed the older gentleman through the house to the dining room. Alfred opened the double doors in to a room that was reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room. A dark crimson and a buttery gold were the prominent colors in the room. The walls were painted in the gold while the crown molding was in the red.
When Harry had come of age, he had been given the key to the Potter Family vault at Gringott's. He found portraits of his family and ancestors. Near his place at the head of the table was a portrait of James and Lily. It must have been painted before their deaths because they looked to be about twenty years old.
The other portraits were of Potters past. Harry's grandfather and grandmother, their parents and other members of the family graced the walls. Normally, they were instructed by Alfred and Harry not to move when muggles were in the room, but on this night they knew they could speak without ramifications.
Harry had spoken at length to them about the evening. His great grandfather had given him some advice to just tell the truth and not sugar coat it. Lily and James counseled their son as well. They had wanted to meet his wife and her family ever since he brought the portraits home to the Keep. James remembered Bill fondly and had heard of Charlie's Quidditch abilities. Harry had asked James and Lily to be absent until all was explained. They agreed and were hiding in another painting in the room.
As Ginny, Chloe, and the Weasleys entered the room, Harold Potter, Harry's great-grandfather was the first to speak. "Welcome Weasley family and Mrs. Potter!" He smiled down on the group.
His wife, Amelia had a broad grin on her face. "It's good to hear that there is another Mrs. Potter. Ginny I do hope that you and I can have a talk later."
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Potter. It's good to meet you." Ginny said demurely to the portrait.
"We can chat later."
"Well, I see that you have been greeted. They have been waiting to talk to you since we hung them last week. If you will find your seats, there are place cards on each plate." Harry stood by the head of the table. "The children have a table to themselves on my left."
The mothers in the room sat their children down first making sure that they were bibbed or had their napkins at the ready. They turned back to the table to find their seats. Nanny Charlotte stayed at the children's table to keep an eye on the group.
Harry was waiting behind Ginny's chair and pulled it out for her. She smiled at this simple courtesy. He had her sitting to his right and Hermione at his left. Arthur and Molly sat beside Hermione. Fred, Angelina, George and Katie fell into line beside them.
Mr. Potter knew that of her brothers, with the loss of Ron, Bill was Ginny's favorite brother. He had Bill and Fleur beside Ginny. Charlie and Eva next in line and in birth order. Percy and Penelope saw at the end of the right side.
"Because this is the first time we have been together since the war, the empty seat at the other end of the table is for those we have lost." Harry advised the group quietly.
Hermione and Ginny's teary eyes met Harry's and an unspoken word passed between the three of them. The chair was for Ron. Many had been lost that day, but to the three of them and the other Weasleys, none were missed more than the youngest son, Hermione's husband and Ronni and Evan's father.
"I am so glad that you agreed to join me for dinner. Later this evening, we will discuss things. My staff has prepared a wonderful meal for this evening. Though, my cook has nothing on you Molly." Harry looked at his mother-in-law as she blushed a nice shade of pink.
Alfred and two of the staff entered the dining room carrying trays with the first course. They stopped at the main table and delivered jumbo prawn cocktails. The prawns had already been shelled and waiting in ice. For the children, they had petite prawns for their smaller fingers. Hermione smiled at the appetizer. Prawn cocktail was one of her favorite foods. It was she who insisted that it was served at their reception when they were all married.
Ginny noticed the dish and stole a glance at Harry. She thought that he would be paying attention to everyone at the table, but he was looking at her. Their eyes held each other for a brief moment before a squeal was heard from the children's table.
"Oops!" Regan said out loud. The parents all turned to look at the children.
It seemed that one of the prawn had slipped out his fingers and landed on his cousin Eowyn's hair. The red cocktail sauce began to slide down her strawberry blonde hair. Fleur was the out of her seat.
"'egan Weasley, you need to keep a better grip on your food." She chastised her nephew.
"Sorry, Aunt Fleur." Regan's head dropped down. "I will try to do better."
Fleur wiped the sauce out her daughter's hair before heading back to her seat. Bill patted her arm in understanding. "Sorry about the disturbance Ha. Lord Potter."
A bemused expression crossed Harry's face. "It's fine. And please call me James."
Dinner went back to the idle chatter of the evening. Everyone in the room had questions but this was not the time to ask them.
Harry looked down the table to the twins. "Fred and George how is the joke business?"
"We just opened three more shops; Chicago, Moscow and Venice. Lee said we should have another blockbuster year. Jordan's taking care of the finances now." George replied.
"We have twenty five stores around the world now."
Harry could see the pride bursting from them. "That's wonderful. There are a couple things I have for you. I picked them up on my travels."
"Thank you Ha. James." Fred spoke this time glancing at his sister.
Harry looked at Percy who was sitting quietly with his wife Penny. "So what department are you in now at the Ministry?"
"Ah, I have Ludo Bagman's old job currently, Director of Magical Games and Sports. We had to rebuild the department after the war, but the work is back to normal now." Percy explained to his brother in law.
"Do you enjoy it?"
Penny sighed beside her husband knowing the truth. Percy answered. "There are days I wish I was still working for Crouch. I somewhat miss those cauldron bottoms."
Harry shook his head at this information filing it away in his mind. He took his wine glass in his hand sipping the vintage for a moment.
Ginny sat studying her husband for a moment. He seemed quite relaxed, but she could tell he was apprehensive about the evening. Gin was brought out of her thoughts by a small voice. "Sowwy, Ronni." Chloe squealed.
Ginny and Hermione jumped from the table to find the problem. Their daughters were spattered with cocktail sauce. Hermione asked Alfred for a washcloth to clean them up.
Ginny sighed. Of course it would be her child that would make another mess. "It's ok Chloe." She hugged her daughter. "Alfred, do you have anything else for the children to eat?"
"Yes, Mrs. Potter." He bowed slightly and left the dining room.
"James, I am sorry about that. She has never had prawns."
"Ginny, it's fine. I had chosen them for their simplicity, but it seems to be a challenge for the children." His blue eyes met her chocolate brown ones.
Alfred entered the dining room heading to Harry. The older gentleman stopped behind Harry's seat. They spoke quietly for a brief moment.
Harry stood up and addressed his guests. "If you will please excuse me, there is something that I need to attend to." He laid his napkin beside his plate and left the room.
The Weasleys chatted quietly while waiting for Harry's return. When he did return, Harry seemed disturbed about something.
Ginny noticed his eyes dart to the children before he glanced at her face. His expression was unreadable, but there was something troubling him. Harry's mask reminded her of evenings spent in the common room working on homework, as if he was trying to solve a problem.
The rest of the meal went without consequence until desert. The children had been given chocolate peanut butter ice cream while the adults dined on Crème Brule'. It seemed that the children were wearing more than eating it.
Parents dispatched themselves to their respective children to try to minimize the mess. Harry came over to help with damage control with the twins, but a little accidental magic got in the way. Evan had tried to get his napkin that had fallen to the floor. Harry had the misadventure of standing on it. With a summoning charm that he could have only learned from Hermione, his mother, Harry found himself flat on his back. Arthur and Molly rushed to him to try to help him up, but Harry was laughing too hard.
He was finally able to sit up. "You must be Hermione's son." A large grin plastered to his face.
"Yup, she's my mum." He smiled at the kind man who wasn't afraid to laugh at his misfortune.
Hermione caught Harry's eyes for a brief moment. She noticed her best friend trying his damdest not to cry as he realized that Ron would never see his children. Hermione looked away before she began to tear up as well.
When the dishes had been removed from the dining room, Harry announced that they would be retiring back to the study. Nanny Charlotte led the younger children and the others ran behind them. The adults followed behind the little ones. Ginny was near the back of the group when she heard someone call her name.
"Psst. Virginia." Ginny paused and looked around to find who was talking to her.
"Over here. in the picture." She turned to see a man with raven black hair and brown eyes motioning her closer. "Hello." Ginny said softly. A woman with dark red hair and the brightest green eyes Ginny had only seen on Harry joined the man. "Mr. & Mrs. Potter??"
"Yes." James grinned at his daughter in law. "Harry made us hide for the night, but we wanted to speak to you."
"I finally get to meet you." Lily smiled. "I do hope that when this is all over we can talk."
"I would like that, but I should join the others." Ginny began to turn from the portrait.
"Ginny, promise us one thing." James said quietly.
"Ok." She seemed a little hesitant to reply.
Lily knelt in the bottom of the painting. "Listen to what Harry has to say before you make a decision. He needs you."
"I will. It was nice to meet you." Ginny brushed away a few stray tears that threatened to fall.
"We hope to talk to you later." James said hopefully. James took Lily's hand as they watched her leave the room. Ginny walked out of the room toward the rest of the group.
"Do you think that she will stay?"
"I hope so, she looks as lost as he does." Lily replied. They moved around the portraits till they were back in their own frame.
~~ ** ~~ ** ~~
When dinner was over the Weasley's and Potters adjourned to the study. The children were sitting with their parents, very tired, and very full from their meal.
"It's nice to see that the Weasley family has grown over the past four years, might I inquire as to their names and ages?" Harry asked.
The Weasley's looked amongst each other trying to decide how to go about this. Not sure what all the fuss was about Eowyn decided to take matters into her own hands. Standing the little girl said, "My name is Eowyn Weasley and I'm five and a half years old."
Regan stood up next, puffed out his chest, introduced himself and announced he was five years old, and while he wasn't the first-born grandchild he was the first grandson in the Weasley family. Meghan and his cousins simply rolled their eyes.
The twins, Ronni & Evan Weasley, were next in introducing themselves to Lord Potter. As he looked upon them Harry's eyes began to water, a fact that was not lost upon their mother, or their Aunt Ginny. Meghan Weasley introduced herself, with less grace than her older brother, but was very polite. Harry then turned his attention to Chloe.
"And who might you be?" Harry asked the little girl.
"I'm Chloe." The little girl replied, a tad intimidated by the older man.
"A very pretty name." Harry informed her smiling.
"Chloe is my fiwst name. Grace is my middol name." She said smiling back.
"You look like your mother Chloe." Harry replied shaking her hand until the little girl suddenly pulled it away.
"Sorry Chloe, I didn't mean to shock you, must have built up too much static electricity." Harry replied with an odd look.
"It's awl wight." Chloe informed him.
Harry turned to the door anticipating someone's arrival. Alfred entered and hand the young man a rather interesting looking orb. Alfred then bowed slightly and departed.
"Ginny," Harry called to his estranged wife, "might I ask a small favor of you?"
She looked at him apprehensively, but said "what might that be?"
"Would you kindly remove the glamour spell from Chloe?" Harry asked with a straight face.
The Weasley's and Ginny gave Harry a shocked look. "Glamour spell?" Ginny replied.
"Yes. the glamour spell concealing her true appearance." Her husband replied holding the orb that Alfred brought him in his hand.
"How.."
"The castle has wards and other security measures around it to protect us from outside attacks and invaders. One of which is a magical sensor I developed to detect people using invisibility charms, cloaks or glamour spells." Harry announced.
"My security team, that is currently undermanned, upon returning to their guard post discovered that someone was using a glamour spell. I had spoken with all of you enough to know that the only people that could possibly be using the spell were Eva Weasley, because I don't know you well enough to know if you were who they say you are, or one of the children. However my team quickly narrowed it down to one of the four-year-old children. They couldn't tell which one because they were always huddled together. A quick look through their birth charts was enough to clarify who it was though." Harry announced.
"So you know." Ginny replied coldly.
"I know." Harry replied in a somber tone.
"What does he know?" Chloe asked.
"Finite Incantatem." Ginny said and with a swish and a flick of her wand Chloe's glamour spell melted away to reveal her straight black hair the flowed down to her shoulders and her striking emerald green eyes. Eyes that could only come from her father's side of the family.
Harry, still wearing his disguise walked over to the little girl and marveled at her. She still looked like her mother, only with his hair and eyes. She was definitely her mother's daughter. Harry felt his heart swell with pride, and at the same time broke with shame.
"I'm so sorry Chloe." Harry muttered under his breath. Unfortunately Chloe had heard him. "Why you sowy?" She asked her host.
"I think its time I tell you heard a story Chloe, one about your mum and dad." Harry announced shocking all but the children who were still completely oblivious to the purpose of the evening. As far as they were concerned, it was just a fancy dinner party that they kind of spoiled. Still, their host was very nice and laughed when the little "mishap occurred."
"My daddy & mummy?" She repeated excitedly.
"Yes, only instead of telling it to all of you why don't I show it to you all." He handed Chloe the orb in his hand. "This is called a visioneer. It is similar to a pensive but was made with a blend of magic and technology."
"Weally?" Chloe asked. Arthur Weasley was equally as surprised and eager to see it work.
"Tell the orb your name, age and that you want to know about the Battle of Hogwarts."
She looked at the blue eyed man for a second, pondering his instructions. "Uhhhh hello." Chloe stated to the orb.
"Greetings. Welcome to the prototype visioneer. Please state you name, age, and the vision you wish to see. "Chloe Grace Potter, four-years-old, and the Battle of Hogwarts."
The visioneer then filled a large section of the room with a holographic image of the Battle. The adults were looking at Harry with great trepidation but moments later they realized why he had given the orb to Chloe, and why she had to state her age. Ginny and Hermione had been present during the initial battle but were taken way when they received some injuries at Ron and Harry's request. The vision was accurate of that depiction with the exception that it was nowhere near as violent as the actual battle. The visioneer seemed to be downplaying the actual violence, and censoring other parts completely. Chloe and her family watched in awe as her father, Harry Potter, defeated the Dark lord. The look on her father's face was a somber one though. The visioneer then skipped ahead some to Harry leaving Hogwarts and traveling to a far off place. Ginny and the family recognized the location as Japan. Chloe's dad looked pale, and didn't speak much during the story. It was like he was asleep, but his eyes were wide open. The visioneer showed the family how Harry remained in this state for almost a year before he began to show sense of life and understanding of his surroundings.
Ginny was not quite sure what to make of this. She knew from the images present that something was definitely wrong with her husband after the battle, Hermione was sure of it as well, but saw no reason his mental state. The family watched as the visioneer showed Harry learning various muggle lessons. The Japanese language and customs, swordsmanship, some form of unarmed fighting, and the thing that shocked Ginny and Hermione in particular, art. Harry was painting. The visioneer then skipped ahead a to where Harry is receiving a haircut. He then took an odd looking substance and placed it on his forehead. When he looks up his lightning bolt-shaped scar has vanished from sight. Harry washed his hands taking a small object and touched his right eye. He then picked up another touching his left eye. When Harry turned around and opened his eyes the once emerald eyes now appear blue. Chloe turned around looking at Lord James Evan Potter. She turned back to the image from the visioneer, and back to her host.
"D. daddy?" Chloe asked.
Harry drew a case from inside his coat, and removed a set of thin wire frame glasses. Touching his eyes he removed the blue contacts and placed the glasses on his face. Harry opened his eyes so Chloe can see a similar set of emerald eyes looking at her. His eyes were tearing up as he did so. He quickly placed the contacts in his case and closed it. Harry then removed the latex skin covering his scar. There could be no mistake as to who he was in Chloe's mind.
She lowered the orb and walked over to the man she'd only seen pictures of. His face had changed a little from the pictures her mummy had shown her of him. He seemed taller, and his hair was much shorter now, but it was her father. Harry kneeled down and Chloe looked at him, trying to decide what to do. In the end she succumbed to her base desire and ran to her father, wrapped her arms around his neck in the biggest Weasley hug she could muster and cried. Harry too was crying, more from happiness than shame or guilt. He had a daughter. A very beautiful daughter with the woman he loved. A woman he had to somehow win back.
Jaquelyne's A/N: Prawn is an English or Australian way to say Shrimp.