Chapter 4

The Returning Potters

The little more than two months left until September 1st were passing so quickly it looked like a blur. The kids had been tremendous fun for Dumbledore and the other Professors, mostly because even the youngest had a lot of talent for something, not to mention they were fun just because they were great kids. Dumbledore had been wondering these past two months about strange language he had heard two of the kids talking in, when he had asked they said it was a made up language they had come up with. Dumbledore didn't believe them, the way they pronounced it and the obvious grammatical structure was far too complex for two 7 year olds to come up with. Frey and Balder had both denied any knowledge of this language their two kids; Samus and Jess were speaking, Frey and Balder's denial had been too fast for Dumbledore and all it had done had been just made him more suspicious. He still hadn't found out much about their pasts.

Flower and Jay were sitting on the ground watching the other kids swimming and laughing. "It's fun, having so many siblings," commented Jay.

"Yeah, I love watching them," replied Flower, "Did mum and dad say when they would get back?"

"Don't worry Lil, we're going to be fine," answered Jay as he looked over the hill they were sitting on down to the lake where their younger siblings were playing around.

Jay looked up at the sun, "It's almost lunch time," he commented, "You want to Lil?"

"Sure," replied Flower. She looked down, the grass under them rippled and turned into a large cloth that covered a lot of the hill and their lunch appeared in the middle.

"Come on guys!" Flower called, "Lunch time!"

All the kids came running and laughing, "Come on Jennifer!" called Robert.

"Good job Lil," whispered Jay.

"Oh shut up Jay," replied Flower laughing as she blushed slightly, "You know that's simple!"

"Yeah, I know, but sometimes you have trouble with it and I was trying to be encouraging Lil," Jay smiled.

"Thanks Jay, it was because you were patient in making me do it over and over that helped," replied Flower as she started handing out plates.

"You're more than welcome sis, I love helping you. Besides, what's a dumb brother for?" asked Jay as he and Flower started eating.

Flower snorted and nearly choked, "JAY!" she yelled at him just after she managed to swallow, "Don't do that! Besides, you're not a dumb brother!"

"Nope, that's my job!" commented Marcus with a smile at his twin sister Veronica.

Veronica followed Flower's example and snorted with laughter, "You'd better believe it!" she threw back at her twin.

Veronica turned to her sister Jess, "Brothers huh?" she asked.

Jess giggled, "Yeah, sometimes they can be morons, most of the time they're fine though," she responded.

Her twin Samus ribbed her, "Yeah, well, sisters are okay; sometimes, but most of the time they're dorks," he replied. Jess attempted to look affronted but failed as she dissolved into giggles. Jay rolled his eyes and glanced at Flower, who winked at him.

"Younger siblings are okay most of the time, but are extremely… funny for the rest of it," Flower joked.

"I agree!" replied Jay.

All their younger siblings groaned, "You two have a problem," they all chimed in, "It's actually the oldest siblings that are the problem, the younger ones have to correct it!"

Jay stood suddenly and looked around carefully… warily, "Shalme, Bethany, Brent toc tes, tash nove!(Shoot, Bethany, Brent take the others, go now!)"

"Why?" asked Linda as Bethany and Brent pulled their siblings up and started shoving them towards the castle.

"Not now, if they say something like that, just go; ask them later," snapped Bethany quickly. Jay and Flower looked at the ground for a moment and concentrated allowing their mind to search…

"Mum! Dad! Something's wrong, Jay and Flower told us to come in," called Brent.

"Okay, We'll check it out, go to your rooms, okay?" replied Balder.

Frey looked at him for a moment, "Te ta(Is it them?)?" she asked.

"I don't know, let's go find out," answered Balder as he walked out the door. Frey sighed as she caught up with her husband just before going out the door, only for them both to get railroaded by their two eldest kids.

"What happened?" asked Frey concerned, "We heard there was some trouble."

"I don't know," replied Jay uneasily, "Some thing or some person was watching us, so we thought it best to send everyone inside until he, she or whatever it was left."

"Is he still out there?" asked Balder stepping to look out and scanning the edge of the Dark Forest.

"I don't know, it was more of a feeling than actually seeing it," replied Flower,

"But I think… it is a Dark Creature of some kind, I could feel the anger… the hate… consuming it from within."

Balder started walking towards the Dark Forest when Frey stopped him, "Have you forgotten?" she asked with a wiry smile as she took his hand. Both appeared instantly by the Dark Forest, Balder and Frey reached into their cloaks and began to look around, they could both feel some thing was there too, watching them now.

Frey started to pull something out of her robes, Balder stopped her, "Don't, I'm not sure we want to alert Malitus anymore than it is," he whispered, "He still doesn't know."

"I don't know; what is it, where is it?" Frey whispered back.

"I… don't know, only that it is not currently a danger, but a spy, for Malitus," replied Balder.

"A spy!" Frey shot back, "Then we've got to get rid of it. What if it reports something back that is important?"

Balder shook his head, "Tosh neve tonl quin savu conqinda,(Don't worry I have conquered/searched his mind)" replied Balder, "Quintes tomas tentuas complea.(There is nothing important (within his mind) [or] he has found out nothing of consequence)"

"Are you absolutely certain Balder?" Frey asked.

"Yes, don't worry about it, let's go," answered Balder taking her hand and both disappeared.

"What was it?" asked Jay.

"We think a spy," replied Balder glancing at Frey.

"For Malitus?" asked Flower.

"Yes," answered Frey.

"Did you?" asked Jay.

"Get him?" finished Flower.

"No," replied Balder.

"He wasn't a danger," finished Frey.

"Why was he watching us?" asked Jay.

"I don't know, just be careful," answered Balder, "Let's go get your siblings okay?"

"Sure, we'll take care of it dad," Flower said quickly pulling her twin brother along, "You two go finish."

"Finish what?" Frey called after them.

Balder looked confused a moment, then started laughing, "Oooh, I make a bet their referring to us having a romantic lunch. I wonder where they picked that up…?" he asked.

"No idea, but sounds good to me," replied Frey.

"Well, Mrs. Shamira, let's go then," said Balder as he gave a little bow and offered her his arm.

"When can I resume my real name?" asked Frey as she took his arm and they started for their room.

Balder sighed, "I don't know, I'm guessing very soon," he replied, "You'll realize how much explaining we'll have to do?"

"Yeah, I know," answered Frey, "But I really want to take on my actual name."

Balder sighed, "Just imagine Dumbledore's response; then having to deal with the rest of the Wizarding World once they know you're alive," he commented, "I can imagine every adult male wizard going after you."

Frey hit Balder hard, "Hey, I'm married alright? Not to mention I have 18 kids and three on the way," she snapped.

Balder flinched, "Just joking Frey!" he responded quickly.

Frey rolled her eyes and smiled, "I know you are," she said as she hugged him, "I'm just playing around too!"

"Okay guys, it's been taken care of," said Jay as he opened the door for his sister.

"What was it?" asked Marcus.

"Oh, nothing for you to be concerned about," replied Flower, "Just us being careful."

"Come on guys, you don't tell us anything!" begged Veronica.

"I know, you're too young to worry about it," replied Jay.

"You always say that!" said Marcus reproachfully.

"Yep, that's because it's true," replied Flower then changed the subject quickly, "You guys want to go exploring?"

All the kids instantly forgot about the strange events, "Yeah!" they all shouted, "Where are we going?"

"Well, there're lots of hidden rooms, why don't we find some?" answered Jay following his sister's lead. The kids ran quickly past them talking excitedly.

"Great one Lil," commented Jay, "You got us out of that one."

"And don't you forget it Jay," replied Flower hitting him lightly, "Let's go keep an eye on them."

"Should we show them the Room of Requirement?" asked Jay.

"Hmm, sure I guess," replied Flower grabbing her twin brother by the arm, "Let's hurry up, we've still got to catch them."

They ran down the corridor where their siblings were disappearing up the stairs. Even if Flower and Jay hadn't seen their brothers and sisters they would have been able to hear them easily, their chatter filled the halls. "Hey guys, wait for us," called Flower.

Sam looked back, "Hurry up guys!" he yelled over his shoulder.

"Hey Lil, mind?" asked Jay.

"Yes!" snapped Flower, "That's a waste of energy."

"Ah, all in good fun sis," Jay replied eagerly.

"Fun? You? Ha!" Flower laughed, "Yeah right."

"I can have fun," whined Jay playfully, "Just in a different way than you!"

"Oh, please," Flower replied with the same playful tone, "Yeah, your way of fun usually gets us in trouble. Remember that time in second grade in the elementary school? You wrote out…"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," answered Jay with a laugh, "Do you remember the teacher's face? It was absolutely priceless!"

"Yeah, well, mum and dad got very mad," commented Flower.

"Ah, they laughed about it afterwards, the teacher chucked it up to I have A.D.D. and autism," replied Jay, "You got to love how stupid they can be."

"Jay! It's not funny, what if they had sent it to a university? They may have figured it out eventually," snapped Flower angrily, "Just make sure it doesn't happen here, get it?"

"Okay, okay Lil, don't get mad at me," answered Jay meekly, "You know I don't like it when you do."

"Then don't do anything stupid, okay?" replied a pacified Flower.

"I won't, I just like showing off my brains sometimes," commented Jay as he relaxed a little, figuring his sister's potential wrath was over.

"Well, that's assuming you have brains to show off," giggled Flower playfully, all traces of anger gone.

"And this coming from the one who nearly called the Minister of Magic a moron to his face?" asked Jay pretending to look taken aback.

Flower rolled her eyes and punched him lightly, "That's different, at least the consequences are few, and predictable," she replied, "Maybe getting arrested. The mistake you made on the other hand…"

"Oh shut up!" said Jay slapping his hand over her mouth, "You know very well that I hate it when you get on me like that!"

Jay heard her muffled giggling before Flower grabbed his hand and wrenched it off, "Why do you think I do it?" she asked between giggles.

Jay gave her a wicked smile as he put an arm around her shoulders, "Because you love your brother," he replied, then kissed her cheek.

"EWWWW, JAY!" Flower joking yelled as Jay quickly ran up the stairs after their, still, elusive siblings laughing like crazy; Flower wiped off her cheek on her sleeve before running after her brother.

"You git, you know I don't like that," Flower snapped at her brother in a somehow playful tone. Jay chuckled, "Better believe it," he replied grinning, "That was for your comment."

"Oh, really?" asked Flower in a dangerous tone.

Jay looked warily, "Please don't get mad, I was playing around," he answered.

Flower leaned over and whispered in her brother's ear, "Yep, and now it's my turn," she said, then she kissed him.

"Yuck! Eww," came Jay's equally joking response, then thinking quickly he joked, "Girl cuddies."

Flower started laughing, "Better get used to them, you'll like them in a few years," she replied.

"Ohh, you're right, I'm sorry, I meant sister cuddies," he corrected himself quickly.

Flower attempted to look affronted, "Really?" she teased, "Nice to know. For future…" she started giggling, "torturings."

"Oh thanks Lil," said Jay sarcastically, "You want to complain about cuddies? What about that guy in…OWW"

Jay was cut off by Flower kicking him hard. "You dork, don't you ever mention that again!" Flower snapped.

Jay started laughing, "I know why you don't want me to," he teased.

"Jay, those are private," Flower said in a demeaning tone, "You shouldn't pry."

"Ah, I don't tell mum and dad you know," replied Jay.

"Yeah, but you tease me with them, in front of our motor-mouthed siblings," snapped Flower in a whisper.

"Sorry Lil, I'll stop," replied Jay as he gave her a quick hug.

Flower gave him a look; then sighed, "Okay," she said as they approached the Room of Requirement.

"You want to or I?" asked Jay.

"You go ahead Jay," replied Flower as she leaned against the wall "Just remember, we have to make it short, the feast is tonight."

Flower gave herself a critical look in the mirror, there was a knock on her door, "Yes?" she asked.

"Almost ready?" asked Jay sarcastically as he came in and sat down on her bed.

"Could you do my hair?" replied Flower ignoring his comment. Jay sighed and got up.

He started tying her hair back in a practiced manner, "Why do you want me to do your hair? Mum's better at it," Jay asked.

"Because, I want you too, you know I like you too. Besides, mum is busy doing it for our younger sisters," replied Flower as she rolled her eyes in annoyance, "You do a good job anyway." Then Flower laughed, "Well, after I taught you how to."

"You almost seem like this feast is really important to you," commented Jay.

"It is!" scolded Flower quickly turning around too fast, she grabbed her head; Jay had still been busy tying her hair up. She'd turned around too fast for him to let go and he ended up pulling out a lock of hair, "Oww!" she hissed.

"Sorry Lil," said Jay quickly.

Flower smiled quickly at him; although, it was more of a grimace of pain, "That was my fault, don't worry about it, could you?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure," replied Jay as he continued to finish her hair, after finishing he held his hand over Flower's injury for less than a second, a white glow came from his hand, Flower felt the back of her head as Jay pulled his hand away.

"Thanks," said Flower as she got up and headed for her closet.

"You're more than welcome Lil," replied Jay.

Flower pulled out her best dress robes, she turned around, "Well, turn around!" she said with a stern look.

Jay rolled his eyes and turned around, "You know, we still have to get to Hogsmeade," he said impatiently, "Not to mention it's raining."

Flower sighed, "So?" she asked incredulously.

"What? You can't…" started Jay in astonishment, but Flower interrupted.

"Ohh, yes I can!" she answered, "Okay, you can turn around now."

Jay faced his twin sister, "You look great Lil! After you," he said with a slight bow and grin as he moved to open the door for her.

"Thanks Jay," replied Flower as they headed downstairs and out the big double doors.

"Well, are you?" asked Jay.

"Yes and no," replied Flower with a slight smile as she touched her robes, they shimmered and settled down to their normal color.

"Water repelling?" asked Jay.

"Yeah, it's subtle, isn't it? No one will notice," replied Flower.

"Well, just be careful," commented Jay as he gave her a hug, "I don't want anyone to get suspicious, mum did train us a lot, as well as dad and there are some things the Wizarding World should never know."

"There are some things muggles should figure out on their own," Flower shot back.

"Good point Lil, I won't do that ever again, okay?" replied Jay.

Flower rolled her eyes and nodded, "Fine, but I'll still do what I want with my appearance," she said.

"That's fine, just don't do it when the other girls are around," Jay reminded her.

"Sounds good to me," replied Flower as she pulled up the hood on her cloak against the increasing rainfall and Jay followed suit.

"Honey, you almost ready?" asked Balder as he walked in.

"Yeah, just let me do the girls' hair," came a muffled reply.

Balder walked into their bathroom, Frey had their three year old girl, Jennifer or Jen for short, on the counter and a hair pin in her mouth, 'Thus the muffledness,' Balder thought while winking at his lovely young daughter, "You look beautiful Jen."

"Thank you daddy, mummy helped me get dressed," replied Jennifer.

"And you Frey… you look absolutely, stunningly gorgeous!" commented Balder as he watched Frey start to skillfully tie Jennifer's hair into an elegant knot.

"Thank you my love, but this is how I usually look," replied Frey looking slightly red all of a sudden.

"You aren't gorgeous all the time?" asked Balder looking as though he was utterly shocked by the idea that she wasn't.

Frey turned a deeper shade of red, "Thank you Balder… Did you know you're the most loving and wonderful husband?" she replied.

Balder smiled as he watched her, "Wouldn't it be faster if you just…" asked Balder curiously.

"Yes, but I have a reason not to," came Frey's interrupting muffled reply.

"Which is…?" asked Balder.

"Because," Frey said as she continued to tie Jennifer's hair, "I don't want our kids to get in the habit of waving their hands for everything; besides, it gives me an excuse to spend more time with our wonderful daughters, it's one of those things I love to do Balder… just as you have your favorite things to do with me, like brushing my hair. Now, I just finished Bethany and Veronica's. Already took care of Jess, Linda, Kate and Rebecca. "

"What about our eldest daughter?" asked Balder with a smile.

"Oh, she had Jay do hers; she didn't want to wait," replied Frey as she took the hair pin out of her mouth and pinned Jennifer's hair back, "That look good Jen?"

"Mum… If I say no, does that mean you'll do it again and we can spend some more time together?" asked Jennifer in a pleading voice.

Frey laughed and hugged her daughter, "Not right now, but if there's something else you'd like to do after the feast, you can even stay up late. How's that?" replied Frey smiling fondly at her daughter.

Jennifer's face lit up and she hugged her mother tightly, "Thanks mum!" she said gleefully. Frey laughed again as she watched her daughter run out the door to find her siblings. Frey and Balder heard two thuds; they both looked at each other with concern before rushing to the door. They found Jennifer and Robert on the floor looking at each other in shock; then both Jen and Robert burst into laughter. Balder and Frey almost sighed in relief that neither one was hurt.

"Waiting for me?" asked Jennifer playfully.

"Yep!" replied her twin brother Robert. Jennifer giggled as Robert got up and helped her up.

"Okay, we'll meet you down at the feast!" Frey called as Jennifer and Robert ran off.

"Kids," commented Balder, "They always bounce right back."

Frey laughed and faced her husband, "Yep," she replied as she wrapped herself around him in a big hug, "Our kids are great, aren't they?"

"The best," Balder replied as he returned her hug then gave her a playful grin, "They got that from you, and all their mischief they got from me."

Frey laughed again and hugged him tighter, "Thanks, you're the best," she replied.

"It's nothing my loving Frey," answered Balder, "You are my life."

Frey and Balder sat down at the Head table, Balder slide his hand under the table and rested it on Frey's knee; she put her hand on top of his. Balder smiled quietly at her and she returned it with a glowing one. Dumbledore smiled at the pair, but he still wondered where they had come from, perhaps another result of Harry's sacrifice? Bringing back someone from long ago?

'Yet, they do not look old,' mused Dumbledore before slightly shaking his head as the students poured in as the heavy rain, bringing with them a lot of mud and water, which quickly mucked up the clean floors. Dumbledore gave a slight smile; Filtch was going to be furious. But Dumbledore had stopped caring at his age; he knew that despite and beneath Flitch's anger, was an insecure and bitter old man; one that didn't like the students or teachers, not because either one was mean to him… but because they could do something he could not, magic. Yet, it was sad, the only thing Flitch loved was his cat, a sad life, only a cat for company. It was funny how Dumbledore saw things now, so differently than when he was younger, when he had been younger, he had made a choice; a very bad choice, one that haunted him to this day, the choice to remain alone, unmarried. He looked at Frey and Balder, only now recognizing the mistake he had made; now, he wished he himself had that, a perfect union, with someone who he loved, and who loved him. Dumbledore waited until all the students were sitting before nodding at Professor McGonagall, who quickly disappeared to get the Sorting Hat. Flitch was petting his cat in the corner near the door, a distinct look of loathing was written all over his face as the children sat and he saw there was work to be done. McGonagall came in followed by the first years; apparently she had handed the Sorting Hat and stool to Flitch because he walked up and set it in front of the Head table. Dumbledore was looking forward to this sorting, more than most years; perhaps he would meet Lily and James this year… but how much of him and their previous life would they remember? Dumbledore smiled as his godson, Harry Weasley waved frantically with a huge smile on his face. Dumbledore nodded at him, luckily he was practiced at getting interrupted, but being able to continue his train of thought, he continued; especially considering they were attending Hogwarts again, Dumbledore almost sat on the edge of his seat in anticipation. Dumbledore looked among the first years for two familiar faces, Lily and James. What he saw was a crowd of first years, just as he always did, except two cloaked first years among them. They must be Lily and James, Dumbledore watched them with eagerness; both were pulling off their hoods. What Dumbledore saw, he hadn't expected; he nearly fell off his chair.

Staring back at him was a girl who looked exactly like Hermione; just with green eyes and sleek black hair, and a boy who looked exactly like Harry; except brown eyes and brown hair that was a mess. Dumbledore looked shocked and the room fell silent, it took Dumbledore a few seconds to register that the whole room wasn't shocked about two first years, but another disturbance that spawned from the back of the room. The great double doors had been thrown open, the Aurors from the Hogwarts gate stumbled in as they fired a slightly white mist behind them. The lights dimmed and went out as the room grew cold; Dumbledore finally realized what was going on… Dementors were attacking the school. The lights refused to relit; although, Dumbledore wasn't surprised. A slight glow came from his right, a small thin beam of pure white light extended towards the ceiling and expanded; Dumbledore couldn't see where it was coming from. The light extended from the point at which it had started to form a brilliant white curtain that hovered above the, now extinguished, candles. The room was flooded with light and Dumbledore saw one of the Aurors was Ronald Weasley, along with several Order of the Phoenix members. He promptly forgot about the strange light as he and the other teachers quickly pulled out their wands, all the students were now over their initial shock and screamed. They had all learned about these new Dementors, Dumbledore didn't blame them for screaming. Dumbledore glanced over at Balder; who was calmly watching the events unfold; Dumbledore noticed Frey kicked Balder hard, from his jolt, very hard. "Balder, we've got to do something," hissed Frey. Balder watched as Lily and James stood between the crowd of kids and the Dementors, James started to raise his hand, but lowered it just as quickly. Most of the Aurors had been Kissed; Ron looked up at them, "I KEPT YOUR SECRET! HELP US!" he screamed. Balder sighed quietly, but didn't move, as one approached Ron, the 12 Aurors were no match for the 6 Dementors that approached them. The Dementor leaned down to Kiss Ron as Ron unsuccessfully tried to defend himself…

Balder looked at his kids who were all watching him; Balder stood quickly and held out his palm forward, "STOP," he said in a commanding voice.

Both the Dementors and remaining Aurors looked at him as though stunned that a teacher would have this much gall to order them around. This scene of Harry holding out his palm towards them lasted a few seconds before any more action took place, because of the stunning effect of an ordinary teacher ordering them around. Almost all the Dementors backed off slightly; but almost and slightly wasn't good enough for Balder.

The one over Ron was about to Kiss him; Balder was way ahead of it; a brilliant white light flew out of his palm towards the Dementor as though it was seeking its prey automatically. It struck the Dementor squarely in the chest; it screeched in pain as the light ripped through it, shattering the darkness within.

But something changed in Balder… Dumbledore looked across the table at Frey, who looked absolutely, positively terrifiedat the look on Balder's face. It was one she hadn't seen in 13… almost 14 years, Balder was very gentle now; he only got mad at someone when he felt they put his wife or children in danger, but this look was far beyond just a look of hate, it was pure loathing for these Dark creatures who were forcing him into war… giving up their secret, one they had kept for over 13 years.

Dumbledore saw the outline of something on his forehead, but… it couldn't be… Dumbledore blinked, Balder had already pulled something out of his cloak that gave off a brilliant flash, and then disappeared just as quickly.

In a movement faster than the Dementors or Dumbledore could register, Balder was gone in a whoosh of flames that light up the already extremely bright room around the Great Hall. Another flash appeared; a whoosh of air rushed passed the Dementors neck. There was another bright flash. The Dementor stood deadly still; his head teetered on his shoulders before toppling to the floor and disappeared in a dark mist of its essence.

The Dementors formed a group as they saw their numbers diminishing, but this mattered little as something or someone was raining down its wrath so freely upon the new Dementors that in a matter of mere seconds few remained standing. All the rest had disintegrated due to the parting of their heads and what could be considered bodies…

Another disintegrated just prior to a blinding flash and tremendously loud bang rang through the castle; the dust rose and permeated the air.

The castle quaked under the power and pressure being exhorted on it, the entire island upon which Hogwarts rested groaned; the lake sloshed, some of it even hitting the highest windows. The dust took its time settling, and still no one could see … the brilliance of the light had temporarily blinded all of them as the light that had kept the Great Hall lit, had died upon the explosion and the candles returned the lights to their normal levels . Slowly people's vision started to return.

Mist filled the air, but one truth showed through the dim light; the Dementors were gone.

Balder stood with his left palm out, Prabhakar in his right… ready for more. His messy jet black hair stood out at all angles, a scar showed on his forehead, a thin lightning shaped scar, one that was from the Boy-Who-Lived-and-Not- Died Harry's eyes blazed red with anger, his skin nearly aflame; something that had not happened in nearly 14 years, every line and curve of Harry's body portrayed his voracious anger… every twitch and movement showed it all the more..

Dumbledore looked at Balder/Harry with amazement, "Harry?" he asked softly, his voice cracking.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore?" replied Harry quietly. Harry appeared right in front of the, now, withering old man.

Dumbledore enveloped him in a hug, "I thought you were dead," he said eagerly.

Harry flinched, Frey came up beside him, her figure rippled and resumed straight brown hair and a warm smile but still very much pregnant, "Hermione?" asked Dumbledore, "We have much to discuss."

Harry frowned slightly and glanced at Hermione, "Umm, Headmaster, I don't know how much I can explain though," he started.

"Don't worry about that, just tell me everything you can!" interrupted Dumbledore.

Harry smiled, "That I will do the best of my ability," he said quietly, then smiled, "But it will have to wait until the end of the feast."

"Thanks Harry," said Ron quickly, "I know you didn't want to reveal yourself; but thanks!"

"Ron! Wait, let's get together sometime, why don't you join Dumbledore, Hermione and I after the feast?" replied Harry quickly before Ron left.

"Sure," said Ron with a smile, "I'm sure you have questions for me."

Harry smiled back, "Yes, I do," he answered. Dumbledore smiled at both of them as Ron and the remaining Aurors went back to their posts at the front gate and all the teachers sat down at their respective seats at the Head table since the Dementors had been soundly defeated. The students slowly and cautiously filtered back to theirs as well, most not quite understanding what had just happened, whatever had, it had been fast.

"Harry," asked Dumbledore quietly as something finally clicked, "Are Lily and James your children?"

Harry smiled, "And proud of it!" he answered with distinct pride, "All our kids are the best, they get that from Hermione you know!"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Still the gentleman I see, you haven't changed a bit," he commented. Harry gave him a wiry smile; however, did not reply but instead turned towards Professor McGonagall as she picked up the sheet to start the sorting. Harry reminisced about the past 13 years; the last 11 had been the happiest in his life, especially after the birth of his oldest twins, Lily and James. He had been able to watch his kids grow up without having to face what he did, until this year. But at the very least, he had given them something he never had… a loving and caring family. That was his reason for abandoning the Wizarding World. He wanted be there for them unlike his parents, thanks of Voldemort, could when he was their age. They would also have a support group; all their brothers and sisters would be more than willing to help them and each other, something that they wouldn't have learned at all, if all of them were separated during the year. Harry had noticed that, especially, among the each twin 'unit', there seemed to be an extremely rare, special and close relationship between them; Lily and James had showed this from very early in their lives. Most of the twins never separated from each other, whether because of safety or they liked each other's company, Harry didn't know. Harry realized he had missed the Sorting Hat's song and if he didn't pay attention he was about to miss James' Sorting.

"James C. Potter," Professor McGonagall called. James smiled at his twin while approaching the stool. As he sat down, Professor McGonagall set the Sorting Hat on his head.

Jay winked at his twin sister; she gave him a stern look, Jay rolled his eyes and smiled quietly before closing his eyes. "You know you are different?" the Sorting Hat whispered in his ear.

"Gryffindor please," replied Jay a smile still on his face, "My sister too."

"GRYFFINDOR!" shouted the Sorting Hat. The Gryffindor table went wild as they cheered. Jay smiled and winked at his sister again, he then nodded slightly before joining the Gryffindor House table.

"Lily C. Potter," came Professor McGonagall's voice. Lily stepped up and sat down on the stool as Professor McGonagall started to put the hat on her head.

"GRYFFINDOR," called the Hat. Lily rolled her eyes at her twin brother who slyly smiled at her; she returned his smile as she sat down next to him.

"You asked him to, didn't you?" Lily asked.

"Yep," answered Jay easily, "Doesn't make much difference though, I plan on sleeping in our parents' room. I prefer that to the dorms."

"Me too," replied Lily as she shuttered, "Besides, I want to share a room with you, not strangers."

"Ha," commented Jay, "I know why too!"

Lily went slightly red, "Why would that be my dear brother?" she asked.

"Because last time you had a nightmare, mum found you floating 5 feet above your bed; not to mention that after she left your room was demolis…" Jay replied.

"Okay, okay! You've made your point," hissed Lily in a whisper, "You're right, just don't push it!"

"You asked!" protested Jay quickly and to avoid inciting his twin's wrath, added, "I won't say anything to anyone."

Lily smiled internally; she had her twin wrapped around her little finger, well, if she wanted to anyway, "I know you won't," she replied, "I'm not mad… yet…"

"Harry Weasley," called Professor McGonagall.

Harry Potter looked up in disbelief, "Harry Weasley?" he asked quietly with a bemused smile.

Dumbledore leaned over, "Yeah, Ron named his first-born after you," he quietly replied.

Harry looked both startled and thrilled at the prospect of having someone named after him, "Why didn't Ron say anything?" he asked Dumbledore.

Before Dumbledore could answer, the Sorting Hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry and Dumbledore clapped with the other teachers before Dumbledore answered, "I don't know Harry; it could be he that he thought you knew already."

Dumbledore stood to make the usual yearly announcements, "First years, please note, the Forbidden Forest is called 'Forbidden' for a reason; students are forbidden to enter it! Mr. Flitch has been… kind enough to continue to add items to the already gigantic list of banned items due to the increasing amount of wonderful items available at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes in Diagon Ally, please check this list before attempting to add another of their brilliant items to it." Dumbledore paused, "I visited Weasley Wheezes a week ago, you've got…"

Dumbledore stopped as Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, "Well, tuck in!"

Professor McGonagall leaned over, "Albus! Don't encourage the students to perform illicit acts!" she hissed, "You may not have to teach while students are bursting into birds or heaven knows what else those two have come up with over the summer! But the point is; we do!"